Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Elmo TMX for Christmas

Ho Ho Ho! Charles Dickens had conceived the idea of writing a Christmas story less than three months earlier. The idea was partially a response to his urgent need to produce some additional income.

Tickle Me Elmo was one of the most difficult to find toys during the 1996 Christmas shopping season and it appears that Tickle Me X-treme Elmo, Fisher-Price's Twenty-First Century version of the furry red preschooler, has quickly surpassed the original in popularity.

Using sophisticated engineering, Fisher-Price has created a 14-inch laughing dynamo. This Elmo represents the best in toy technology with an astounding ability to replicate the way it looks when uncontrollable laughter shakes your belly and causes you to drop hysterically to your knees. Adults and children alike are mesmerized by this Muppet's capabilities.

In fact, since the Elmo TMX debut on Good Morning America in September, parents have hounded retailers to re-stock their shelves with more of what Toys 'R Us experts have dubbed the "Hot Toy" of 2006. Although it retails for $39.99, collectors are selling it on Amazon.com and eBay for as much as $535.

Elmo TMX (the X stands for X-treme) is all about action! Consumers want to laugh with Sesame Street's giggling fun fellow. Sit TMX Elmo down and hit one of his three "tickle" spots. There's one under his chin, one on his belly, and one on top of his foot. This Elmo wiggles as he did 10 years ago, but then Elmo grabs his belly, falls forward, stands back up again only to fall over backwards, kicks his legs over his stomach, and then stands right back up, all while laughing hysterically.

Ho Ho Ho! The specialist companies that can provide a bespoke service and luxury Christmas Hamper ranges online can ensure a polished end result with a luxurious gift that reflects the valued relationship between the hamper giver and the recipient. These companies can source high quality and hand crafted local products to make a truly special Christmas hamper.

This year's Elmo TMX will surely be one of the hottest toys of the Christmas shopping season.

More information and Elmo TMX reviews can be found at www.shoppingnexus.com. Shopping Nexus compares prices for all your Christmas shopping. Find the TMX Elmo and the Elmo TMX Giveaway this holiday season. Compare prices and products at ShoppingNexus.com today.

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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Last Minute Christmas Shopping Pros & Cons

Ho Ho Ho! Creating or purchasing a bespoke Christmas hamper will provide the giver with the control to ensure that the recipient gets exactly the gift that is required, and as well as being able to determine the content and the overall price.

Are you one of those people who leaves their Christmas shopping to the very last minute? What do you do when it gets to the 22nd of December and you still haven't done your Christmas shopping? The town is packed, and once in the shops the shelves are empty making it difficult to find suitable gifts.

Anyway, who wants to spend the last Saturday before Christmas stuck in a check out queue, listening to Christmas carols blaring out whilst your nursing a hangover form the night before? Not only that, but then you are faced with the prospect of getting your shopping home and gift wrapping it and then distributing it to the family - Phew, if only Santa were real!

But did you know that even as last as the 22nd of December isn't too late to shop online for Christmas gifts?

The obvious advantages of doing your last minute Christmas shopping online is that you don't have to battle around the shops, scrambling tot he last few items on the shelves. Just casually browse at your leisure whilst listening to your favourite CD at a volume of your choosing. Of course there is never a queue at the check out, you just sail through freeing up more time for other interesting activities. Some stores will even gift wrap your presents for a small charge. Who needs Santa when online stores are happy to send your Christmas presents to any address of your choosing in the UK, for no extra cost?

The latest date for orders of last minute Christmas shopping for products this Christmas will be 21st December, at most online stores. If you want to buy gifts online after this date you could buy gift vouchers and still secure them in time for Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho! Women of all ages enjoy receiving a new purse any time of the year, and Christmas is as good a time as any! So, if you are wondering what to give this Christmas to the women in your life, give a new authentic designer handbag or purse. The designers are creating some of the most fabulous styles you've ever seen.

Enjoy your last minute Christmas shopping experience, content in the knowledge that you kept Christmas at Christmas time, you didn't waste any more time than needs be doing laborious Christmas shopping and yet you still made your loved ones feel special and over flowing with Christmas cheer. A job well done!

S. Roberts writes for http://www.bigboystoyz.com and online gift shop packed to the rafters with toys, games, gadgets and essential technology. Gift ideas for everyone. Please visit http://www.bigboystoyz.com in association with http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk

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Sunday, January 28, 2007

A Christmas Carol: Why Did Dickens Call It A Carol?

Ho Ho Ho! Dickens called his story A Christmas Carol because he expected the story to be repeated and shared and to bring people together just as the singing of Christmas carols spread joy and brought families together each season throughout London. His carol was a song of praise of the Christmas season and of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge.

In early December of 1843, Charles Dickens completed the manuscript for a little ghost story about Christmas. He called it A Christmas Carol and the publisher printed the first copies a week before Christmas. By Christmas Eve all 6000 printed copies were sold. The story was overwhelmingly received, being read and repeated in homes throughout London.

Charles Dickens had conceived the idea of writing a Christmas story less than three months earlier. The idea was partially a response to his urgent need to produce some additional income. His publisher had informed Dickens that sales of his novels were not as great as expected and that he would have to reduce the advance income due Dickens until sales increased.

Dickens described his writing plan as "a little scheme," but as the writing of the story progressed, Dickens was overwhelmed by the story's joyful message. He said that during the writing he "wept, and laughed, and wept again." The little ghost story became a special project that Dickens became passionate about and finished quickly.

Ho Ho Ho! Start crossing names off your Christmas list as you purchase Christmas gift baskets that are suitable for everyone. If you want your Christmas gift baskets this year to be unique, uncommon Christmas gift baskets are available too.

Charles Dickens insisted that the book contain numerous woodcuts and etchings and be well-bound. Then he also insisted that it should sell for the small price of five shillings to make it affordable to a wide audience. The book was no longer part of a personal economic plan but was a gift from Dickens to the imaginations of families everywhere and a blessing to everyone.

Dickens called his story A Christmas Carol because he expected the story to be repeated and shared and to bring people together just as the singing of Christmas carols spread joy and brought families together each season throughout London. His carol was a song of praise of the Christmas season and of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Cleverly, Dickens called the five chapters of the book "staves." A musical stave is a stanza with a consistent theme and mood. Each stave in the story delivers a different message and each has a definite mood. As in a carol each stave can stand alone but each contributes to the carol's overall theme.

Ho Ho Ho! Charles Dickens had conceived the idea of writing a Christmas story less than three months earlier. The idea was partially a response to his urgent need to produce some additional income.

A good carol also contains a memorable refrain, repeated at appropriate times throughout. In Dickens' A Christmas Carol the refrain is no doubt the blessing from Tiny Tim, "God bless us every one!" It's a refrain that has been repeated countless times since the publishing of A Christmas Carol.

The story sings the praises of the sentiments of the Christmas season in a memorable way and will be repeated as long as carols and the Christmas season endure.

******************** Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.

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Thursday, January 25, 2007

Leftover Turkey Recipes: 5 Delicious Ways to Make the Most of Your Festive Bird

Tip! Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water every time you go to the toilet and any time you handle live birds, raw poultry or uncooked eggs.

Roast turkey is a great family favourite, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But after the feast, comes the question - how to use the leftovers? Here are five ways to make the most of your festive bird.

  1. Leftover turkey sandwich recipes Use thick slices of turkey breast and add a little of the dark meat for flavour. Use different breads, like ciabatta rolls, baguettes, wholemeal bread, or toasted white bread. Add other ingredients, such as:
    • salad leaves like lettuce or spinach
    • sliced avocado
    • cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced beetroot
    • wafer-thin cooked ham
    • crumbled crispy bacon
    • sliced hard-boiled egg
    • soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert
    • mustard, cranberry sauce, leftover turkey stuffing, pickles, mayonnaise, sliced gherkins, or radishes.
    Tip! Examine the bird cage for protruding parts and objects that can hurt the birds.
  2. Leftover turkey salad recipes Use both white and dark meat. Cube or shred the leftover turkey.
    • Toss with toasted almonds, thin slices of fresh mango and soft salad leaves. Dress with a light vinaigrette.
    • Mix with cubed avocado, slivered yellow and red pepper, sweetcorn and halved cherry tomatoes. Dress with olive oil, whisked with lime juice and chilli.
    • Stir shredded turkey breast meat through cooled cooked thin rice noodles. Add shredded lettuce, matchstick slices of carrot and cucumber, and dress with a well-blended mixture of 2 parts light soy sauce to 1 part sweet chilli sauce.
  3. Leftover turkey soup recipes
    • Add diced turkey to a basic vegetable soup recipe. Try it with celery and apple, in a chowder with sweetcorn, or as part of a spicy oriental soup, with noodles and shredded leaves.
    • Liven up turkey soup with herbs and spices. Try thyme and oregano, ground coriander, smoked paprika.
    Tip! It is also necessary that your birds get small stones and sand in a separate container, which contributes to the good digestion and food assimilation.
  4. Leftover turkey and pasta recipes
    • Mix diced turkey into tomato and sweet pepper sauce and serve with rice or pasta.
    • Stir pesto through chopped leftover turkey for an instant pasta sauce.
  5. Leftover turkey curry recipes
    • Turkey makes a great curry. Soften a chopped onion, add cubed turkey and curry paste. Cook for a few minutes, add stock. Stir well, simmer until turkey is heated throught. Serve with rice and naan bread.
    • Cook as above, but try red or green Thai curry paste, and use liquid made with creamed coconut grated into boiling water, or use canned coconut milk.

If you have more leftover turkey than you can use straight away, carve off slices on the same day that the turkey was cooked, interleave with cling wrap, overwrap with foil, pack in airtight plastic bags, and freeze. Keeps well in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Tip! There should be enough foreign aid to the receipt of useful information about the progress of avian flu. This will be especially useful in some Asian countries where the avian bird flu epidemic is rampant.

Elizabeth Martyn is webmaster at http://healthy-eating-made-easy.com, where she provides information, tips and recipes on using seasonal, fresh ingredients to feed the family healthily and without hassle.

Visit the site for more leftover turkey recipes and ideas for great family meals.

This article may be published electronically or in print in its entirety as long as the author by-lines in the resource box are included and urls kept live.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

It Is Not Too Early To Start Planning Your Christmas Shopping

Ho Ho Ho! Women of all ages enjoy receiving a new purse any time of the year, and Christmas is as good a time as any! So, if you are wondering what to give this Christmas to the women in your life, give a new authentic designer handbag or purse. The designers are creating some of the most fabulous styles you've ever seen.

As we enter into another holiday season now is the best time to plan out gifts for family and friends. A person can generally tell when you have spent time searching for the perfect gift as opposed to stopping by your local department store and grabbing the first gift you see. A little time an effort put into researching the perfect gift for your loved ones will ensure a happy recipient.

Family and friends are those you treasure the most in your life and the holiday giving season is a great way to show them that. Taking your time is one of the most important aspects of locating the gift they will love.

Start your gift hunting by examining your relationship and bonds with the intended person you are shopping for. Think about the time you have spent together and the adventures you have shared. In thinking of past experiences with the person consider the times when happiness was especially difficult to conceal. For example, maybe you and a friend went on a camping trip several years ago and stayed at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, a great gift for that person may be a framed picture from a geyser in the park or a visitors pass to the park for a year if they live nearby.

Ho Ho Ho! Buying a Christmas gift for a man can take extra effort but be very pleasing to both you and him. Taking the time to think of gifts based on his likes is a way to ensure he will be overjoyed when opening his gift.

This memory of you time spent together can lead to many gift ideas that will surely bring back a flood of enjoyable memories. When someone receives a gift based on bonds they have in their life, then you are guaranteed to make the gift recipient smile. Showing your love to one another in this fashion will out shine any impersonal, expensive gift you find.

If the latter was not really your style than there is other ways to find great gifts that will be cherished. The first thing you need to do is to research the gift recipient for the things they enjoy most. Looking for a gift that allows the recipient to enjoy it in their daily life may come from a bit of research. When you think of the person you want to buy for think about hobbies and interests that may have been moved back in their lives. Possibly they have been so busy with work and family obligations they rarely paint those beautiful flowers they enjoyed doing earlier in their life. Finding a canvas, paintbrushes and paints along with a coupon for your free babysitting may be the gift they never knew they wanted until now.

Taking the time to examine the people in your life before you shop for holiday gifts this year will show them you care for them and that they are a cherished part of your life.

Ho Ho Ho! One of the best ways to choose a gift that will please a recipient, is to consider their greatest interests and loves. Whether it is for Christmas or a birthday, a hobby or interest related gift is likely to be particularly well received, especially if you choose with care, and do your homework.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as how to find gifts online at http://www.findgiftsplusmore.com

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Monday, January 22, 2007

Christmas: Should a Paralegal Buy Gifts for Co-workers?

Ho Ho Ho! For those of us adults who love chocolates and sweets, you will find chocolate Christmas gift baskets beautifully designed and deliciously presented. These Christmas gift baskets include gourmet chocolates, truffles, turtles, chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate oranges and much, much more.

With Christmas peeking around the corner, it's time for paralegals to start thinking about their shopping list for office gifts. Bigger law firms may adopt the Secret Santa method. Names of participants are written on strips of paper and dropped in a hat. Each person draws one name and shops for that lucky recipient. Typically a spending limit is set.

This method may cut down on how many people are on your gift list. A word of advice, if you participate in a Secret Santa drawing, do everyone a favor by adhering to the spending limit. There's nothing more irritating than one or two people getting awesome, expensive gifts while others who followed the rules sit there feeling oddly embarrassed that they DID follow the rules.

That said, yes, you should buy gifts for your attorney, secretary, other paralegals, and most especially support staff - the receptionist and clerks whose help is oh-so-necessary.

You do not have to spend an arm and a leg to show your yuletide appreciation for co-workers. If you have an inside track on types of things those on your list would like, great. If you don't, this list may be helpful.

Ho Ho Ho! The latest date for orders of last minute Christmas shopping for products this Christmas will be 21st December, at most online stores. If you want to buy gifts online after this date you could buy gift vouchers and still secure them in time for Christmas.

1. Baked goods (homemade or store bought) 2. Bath and body products 3. A paperweight 4. Gift certificate (to a restaurant, mall or movie theater) 5. Pen set 6. Lapel pin 7. Scarf 8. Chocolates 9. Plant 10. Gloves 11. Potpourri 12. Candles 13. Ornament 14. Stress ball 15. Photo frame 16. Coffee cup warmer

To cover bigger groups likes clerks/runners, your best bet is baked goods. Prepare the goodies on a festive plate and wrap with red or green cellophane. Finish with a ribbon.

Gifts for your boss - do not choose gifts that are too personal. It is inappropriate particularly if your boss is of the opposite sex. However, if you are aware of a hobby or pastime that your boss enjoys, you can find something that compliments it.

Gaily wrapped packaging makes a "small" gift more special. Take time to attractively wrap and beribbon your office gifts.

Are you fascinated by trials? Do you like helping people? A career as a Paralegal is challenging, rewarding, and NEVER boring. Sign up for free newsletters that show you how to step into this exciting career. Adventures await you....

Ho Ho Ho! A good carol also contains a memorable refrain, repeated at appropriate times throughout. In Dickens' A Christmas Carol the refrain is no doubt the blessing from Tiny Tim, 'God bless us every one!' It's a refrain that has been repeated countless times since the publishing of A Christmas Carol.

http://www.paralegalsecretary.bravehost.com

Laura McDonald is a paralegal, employed by Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C. She is a member of NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations). Laura is experienced in the areas of personal injury, civil litigation, family, environmental and corporate law, estate planning and bankruptcy.

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Sunday, January 21, 2007

Christmas Shopping - Tips and Advice

Ho Ho Ho! The obvious advantages of doing your last minute Christmas shopping online is that you don't have to battle around the shops, scrambling tot he last few items on the shelves. Just casually browse at your leisure whilst listening to your favourite CD at a volume of your choosing.

Its that time of year again when everyone hits the high street to do their Christmas shopping. There are a few Christmas shopping strategies.

Start in June This saves you panicking in a number of ways You don't get into debt because you are spreading the cost of Christmas over 7 months. You get to buy presents at bargain prices and take advantage of all the summer sales. There are not Christmas queues and the weather is dry fine and warm, making your Christmas shopping a more enjoyable experience.

Leave it until Christmas Eve! The shops are desperate by this time and slash they prices incredibly. It is a bit of mad dash but all the Christmas stress is confined to a single 24 hours.

Buy online. Quick and convenient, no queuing, no trying to find car parking, no terrible weather. Plus many retailers offer discounts for online orders, which means you save money too!

Many people are worried about security and credit card fraud when buying online. Of course this is a worry, nobody wants to be the victim of credit card fraud. However, there are some steps you can take to keep your online shopping experience as safer transaction as possible.

Ho Ho Ho! Sexy Santa Costumes are a great addition to the holidays, and for sexy couples that want to spice up more than just their X-Mas lattes, you can obtain some great sexy Christmas costumes in many seductive styles, and festive colors.

When buying online, only use reputable retailers. This maybe a high street retailer who have an online shopping facilities or a large online store. Maybe a friend has recommended a particular website that they have purchased goods from in the past. Some online shops state how long they have been trading. If a store has been trading online for a number of years, and is well established, this is a good indicator of a reputable store.

When shopping online you inevitably end up at the ‘check out'. This is the point where the store will ask you for your name, postal address and credit or debit card details. This is the time when credit card fraud is a danger.

To protect yourself look for a padlock icon in the status bar at the bottom of the window on the actual ‘check out' page, where the website is asking you to submit your details. This padlock mean that this page of the website has a secure connection, so any information that you submit on this page will not be decipherable to anyone else, it will be encrypted. If there is not a padlock, it is not a secure connection despite what the actual web page content may say.

You can still submit your details, However, you do significantly increase the risk of becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

Ho Ho Ho! Many of us are also wary following the close of Farepack, a Christmas hamper company that has gone into administration leaving its customers without their hampers at Christmas and little chance of getting their money back. This is devastating news for families who have made regular year-round payments as a way of saving for Christmas.

Our advice would be to contact the website and ask them to provide you with a secure payment page, or shop elsewhere.

However you do your Christmas shopping this year, Enjoy your experience and keep your card details safe.

S. Roberts writes for http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk a website offering Christmas information, education and tips and advice to help your Christmas be the greatest ever. Plus correspond with Santa for FREE http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/your-letter-from-santa.php In association with http://www.bigboystoyz.com

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Friday, January 19, 2007

Christmas Gift Baskets - What Beautiful Christmas Gifts To Give

Ho Ho Ho! Start in June This saves you panicking in a number of ways You don't get into debt because you are spreading the cost of Christmas over 7 months. You get to buy presents at bargain prices and take advantage of all the summer sales.

There are baby gift baskets and kids gift baskets, professional Christmas gift baskets and more—there is a gift basket out there on the market that is suitable for everyone on your Christmas list. The Christmas gift baskets you purchase , whether a close friend or family member, girlfriend or boyfriend, spouse or lover, or just something to bring to the annual Christmas office party.

The high quality Christmas gift baskets you find will probably be composed in such an artistic way that because of the presentation of the Christmas gift basket, it seems almost too beautiful to open! This is a sure sign that you have found a great Christmas gift basket, wonderful, well made, and custom developed.

Start crossing names off your Christmas list as you purchase Christmas gift baskets that are suitable for everyone. If you want your Christmas gift baskets this year to be unique, uncommon Christmas gift baskets are available too. I know you will love the great selections you can find online, and make this year as easy as it ever has been to find great Christmas gift baskets for everyone on your list. And I know that you want to be sure that everyone loves their gift baskets, so be certain you'll get grins and giggles this year with gift baskets for Christmas.

Ho Ho Ho! Free Shipping � Many online retailers will ship Christmas and other seasonal gifts out for free. Generally, a minimum purchase total is required � typically $50 or more � but that amount isn't hard to reach for most purchases.

You will be surprised at what types of Christmas gift baskets you will find. From adult Christmas gift baskets to gourmet Christmas gift baskets, it seems as almost any gift has potential to become an item in someone's gift basket this Christmas. So this is good news! You can be extra picky! Often you can even find stores online that will custom design your gift baskets too!

Some Christmas gift baskets that are made especially for children will come filled with any assortments of toys, and sweets. Particularly merchandise such as stuffed animals, toy cars and trucks, little books, and Christmas candies such as candy canes will be included.

For those of us adults who love chocolates and sweets, you will find chocolate Christmas gift baskets beautifully designed and deliciously presented. These Christmas gift baskets include gourmet chocolates, truffles, turtles, chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate oranges and much, much more.

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas and happy handbag hunting! I find the best prices online and do almost all my shopping online nowadays. Don't be afraid to buy online, just be smart.

And some Christmas gift baskets are designed exclusively for adults. These include sexy lingerie, special grown-up toys and other naughty adult items for your girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse or lover. The very best part of these kinds of Christmas gift baskets is that you can enjoy them too!

Other great Christmas gift baskets contain, for example, an array of many different sets of scarves and gloves and hats for the coming winter. Or purchase a gift basket for your loved one that includes teas and cakes, or trinkets and jewelry. The possibilities for Christmas gift baskets are virtually endless.

Ho Ho Ho! This year's Elmo TMX will surely be one of the hottest toys of the Christmas shopping season.

You really will feel like Santa when you can make it so that everyone on your Christmas list gets exactly what he or she wants.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, recreation, education and décor. Her background includes teaching and gardening. For more of her articles about holiday gifts, please visit Christmas Gift Baskets.

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

How To Find The Perfect Christmas Gift For The Man On Your List

Ho Ho Ho! So there they are, the 5 hot Christmas gifts for ages 4 to 7. Start shopping for them now so that you and your little ones aren't disappointed on Christmas.

As the Christmas season draws near, now is a good time to start thinking, preparing and shopping for gifts. Shopping for a gift for a man doesn't have to be difficult when you plan ahead.

Buying a gift for a man can be a lot of fun when you consider what he would really likes, wants or needs. The first thing to do is to make a list of his likes. Does he enjoy sports; does he have a favorite team? You may want to consider the amount of sports memorabilia he currently has and think about whether he really wants more of the same. Another thing to think about is what kind of hobbies he enjoys. If he spends a lot of time working on things he has to do and little time on a hobby he has had for years, then renewing the ability for him to enjoy his hobby again can be a rewarding gift.

Another thing to think about when shopping for a gift for a man is what he wants. Men are so busy working and doing projects around the house that they forget about themselves. When you consider what he may want you should take your time. Try thinking about his wants and desires, not from your point of view but from his. What kind of things did he enjoy before life got so busy? Are the things he does regularly the things he enjoys most and how can you work them into a great gift? Finding a gift for a man based on his desires will make him smile every time.

Ho Ho Ho! Now that the women have the attention of their loved ones with their naughty Christmas costumes, remember that Santa doesn't sleep until all the gifts are completely delivered. So it's time to pull out the naughty list, and go through all the bad things you have done this year, and make passionate amends.

After you have thought of his likes and wants try to consider what he could use or needs. Try to solely consider his needs when thinking of a Christmas gift based on needs. Maybe he spends every weekend doing yard work and enjoys doing so, then instead of having to spend the next season raking the leaves a powered leaf blower may be a perfect gift. Try to consider a gift for enjoyable use or even ones that will save him time or effort.

Buying a Christmas gift for a man can take extra effort but be very pleasing to both you and him. Taking the time to think of gifts based on his likes is a way to ensure he will be overjoyed when opening his gift. Trying to consider the things he wants and desires as apposed to others ideas will make him feel special and aware that you listen to him well. Considering what he needs may help locate gifts that will help him finish tasks easier and have more leisure time for the things he truly enjoys.

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas and happy handbag hunting! I find the best prices online and do almost all my shopping online nowadays. Don't be afraid to buy online, just be smart.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as how to find gifts online at http://www.findgiftsplusmore.com

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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Choosing Birthday and Christmas Gifts for Horse Lovers

Ho Ho Ho! Overall, you should be able to find a good choice of horse gifts from which to choose something special as a birthday or Christmas gift.

One of the best ways to choose a gift that will please a recipient, is to consider their greatest interests and loves. Whether it is for Christmas or a birthday, a hobby or interest related gift is likely to be particularly well received, especially if you choose with care, and do your homework.

Often, though, the person you are buying for will have an interest you know absolutely nothing about. For example, they may adore horses and go riding every weekend, while you only know about cars. So, what sort of thing can you buy as a horse lover gift and how do you go about it?

The first thing to do is to think about the person you are buying the gift for. Are they just a person who loves horses and anything to do with them? Are they a keen, or even serious, horse rider? Do they love animals in general, including horses? Once you are clear, then you can think more about the actual Christmas or birthday gift you can buy them.

Ho Ho Ho! Start crossing names off your Christmas list as you purchase Christmas gift baskets that are suitable for everyone. If you want your Christmas gift baskets this year to be unique, uncommon Christmas gift baskets are available too.

Gifts for horse lovers can be broken down into three main groups, as discussed below

Gifts For Horse Riders

Horse riding is an activity that requires a fair bit of equipment. That means, a wide variety of gift possibilities for the horse rider. There are riding gloves, saddles, saddle bags, bridles and stirrups, all of which are needed by the keen horseman or horsewoman. The you can find books and videos on many aspects of riding horses.

Ho Ho Ho! However you do your Christmas shopping this year, Enjoy your experience and keep your card details safe.

Much of the equipment, though, can be expensive, so you may have to concentrate on the books and videos, plus the other horse lover gift options below. However, if it is a special friend or relative you are buying for, and you want to add to their horse riding gear, then you should first find out what they already have and need, or what may need replacing.You can then check out some prices in the local riding store or online.

Gifts For Non-Riding Horse Lovers

Not everyone who likes horses goes riding; some may never even go near a horse, but just like pictures of horses. There is no doubting the popularity of horses even amongst non-riders. Horse racing helps to feed that interest in horses, though many animal lovers do not like horse racing.

There is a wide range of possible gifts for people who love horses. Apart from the books and videos, there is much in the way of home and garden décor which has a horse theme. Indoor and outdoor horse statues are quite easily found, in all sizes. Then there are place mats, coasters and candlesticks for the dining table which feature a horse picture or carving. In fact, many of the items you see around the house probably have a version featuring horses: towels, plates, napkins, candles, tapestries, and pictures, all are quite easily found with a horse theme.

Ho Ho Ho! For those of us adults who love chocolates and sweets, you will find chocolate Christmas gift baskets beautifully designed and deliciously presented. These Christmas gift baskets include gourmet chocolates, truffles, turtles, chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate oranges and much, much more.

Horse Toy Gifts

When it comes to younger horse lovers, then horse related toys are a popular gift. In fact, some of the miniature horses and accessories are popular with older horse enthusiasts too, especially collectors items such as hand carved, high quality stables, with model horses and miniature tack. Of course, younger children love cuddly soft toys and soft horse toys are readily available online or maybe in your local store.

Overall, you should be able to find a good choice of horse gifts from which to choose something special as a birthday or Christmas gift.

This horse lover gift article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Gifts For Xmas website, where you will find gifts featured for Christmas and many other occasions.

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Book Review: Christmas in Dairyland

Ho Ho Ho! However you do your Christmas shopping this year, Enjoy your experience and keep your card details safe.

Author/Publisher Christmas in Dairyland by LeAnn R. Ralph Published by LeAnn R. Ralph E6689 970th Ave. Colfax, WI 54730 Printed by Booklocker.com ISBN 1-59113-366-1 $13.95, 2003, 153 pages

Reviewer Boyd Sutton Siren, Wisconsin maxdude@centurytel.net

Description of the Book

Christmas in Dairyland is a collection of short, true stories about a little girl growing up on a small dairy farm in Wisconsin in the early 1960s. The book tells of life for a young girl and her family—her father, who did the farming; her mother who, despite being disabled by polio, took care of the house and cooking; and a much older brother and sister, both of whom worked and contributed their incomes to the family.

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The stories recall preparations for Christmas at home, school, and church, how LeAnn learned about her Norwegian heritage and, most important, the love that pervaded this close-knit mid-20th century American family. As a bonus, Christmas in Dairyland includes tried and true recipes for many of the Norwegian heritage foods featured in the stories, including lefse (wafer-thin potato bread), Julekake (a rich Christmas bread), fattigman (a deep-fried sweet cookie), and a variety of traditional Christmas cookies. For the more adventurous, there is a recipe for lutefisk (cod that has been preserved in lye). Finally, the book includes instructions for making colorful candles using old crayons, paraffin, ice cubes, and milk cartons.

About the Book

This is a heartwarming book about a vanishing way of life. Small dairy farms, with around 30 milking cows, were plentiful when the author was growing up and they provided a warm and loving home for hundreds of thousands of families back then. There are few left today, as small farms have been abandoned, sold for development, or gobbled up by industrial-scale farming operations. Small dairy farms can no longer provide for a family's financial needs. Even then it was a real struggle. But, though such families were often well below the poverty level in strictly financial terms, they were usually wealthy in love and family relationships, as these stories show.

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One or more members of the family—the wife, a son, or daughter—usually had an outside job that contributed to the family income. And the farm usually provided sustenance—milk, beef, pork, chicken, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and other produce, while mothers and daughters sewed and knitted to supplement clothing needs.. Most important, farm life developed close-knit, loving families that were strong on self-reliance, responsibility, and respect for hard work. My own wife grew up on such a farm and I have often heard her stories about the joys and difficulties—mostly joys—of growing up that way.

LeAnn R. Ralph's stories tell of the excitement of making ornaments and decorating the Christmas tree in her school room each year (another bygone era) and at home. The annual expedition with her father to select the "just right" tree from the stand of red pine on their farm was one of many experiences that built a strong bond between father and daughter. Then there was the year that she and her older sister climbed a large pine to cut off the very top for their tree because all the other pines had grown so much.

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LeAnn learned to make lefse from her mother and tells of the mouth-watering aroma of the freshly made, thin Norwegian bread as she came home from school. "By itself, lefse didn't really taste like much, but once it was spread with butter, sprinkled with sugar and rolled into a log, I would have happily eaten nothing but lefse for breakfast, dinner and supper." It made my mouth water just to read about it and I was happy to find LeAnn's recipe for lefse (and other goodies) at the end of the book.

This is a good book for all ages, from pre-teens through octogenarian. The writing is clear, simple, and direct, easily read by young children, but not so simple as to put off adult readers. Children will connect with

LeAnn's description of a young girl's life on the farm, helping Dad with the chores, helping Mom wrap Christmas presents, yearning for a toboggan, and being surprised by her brother's purchase of a saddle for her pony, Dusty. They'll understand her attempts to get out of wearing boots, heavy coats, and mittens on warm winter days, "just because it might get cold." And some will relate to LeAnn's stark fear of having to stand up in front of all the people at church to sing a solo—memorized in Norwegian—of an old-country Christmas carol. Older folks will feast on the nostalgia, and may get tears in their eyes as they learn how that Norwegian carol affected one old woman in the congregation. People from all generations will enjoy the depiction of a close, loving family as it prepares for and enjoys Christmas in Dairyland.

Ho Ho Ho! But our natural enthusiasm for Christmas hamper gifts is dampened by higher costs and lower quality goods. Some companies that provide a hamper service at Christmas are under increased pressure to raise costs.

About the reviewer: Boyd Sutton is president of Northwest Regional Writers and a member of the Yarnspinners critique group. He served for 11 years in the U.S. Army Infantry and Intelligence and wrote professionally as an analyst and manager with CIA for 27 years. He enjoys writing essays, fiction, and humor and has been published in local papers and magazines. Boyd won the Wisconsin Regional Writers' Assoc. Florence Lindemann Humor Contest in 2003. He is working on a spy novel and a nonfiction book addressing how Christian denominational doctrine ("Churchianity") sometimes interferes with Christianity.

About The Author

LeAnn R. Ralph is the author of the books: "Christmas in Dairyland (True Stories from a Wisconsin Farm) and "Give Me a Home Where the Dairy Cows Roam." For more information, visit: http://ruralroute2.com; bigpines@ruralroute2.com

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Monday, January 15, 2007

5 Hot Christmas Toys For Ages 8 To 11

Ho Ho Ho! Leave it until Christmas Eve! The shops are desperate by this time and slash they prices incredibly. It is a bit of mad dash but all the Christmas stress is confined to a single 24 hours.

Will there be smiles and looks of excitement on the faces of your children or grandchildren when they open their Christmas gifts? There will be lots of smiles if you take a look at these Christmas gift suggestions.

According to Amazon, these will be some of the hot Christmas toys for 2006. Start shopping for these toys now and you will get them in time for Christmas and probably at a good price. Wait and you either won't be able to find them or you will pay higher prices.

Number 1 - Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses: Interactive Princess Genevieve "Let's Dance™" Doll Barbie dances and interacts in three different ways, including two interactive modes. In "Performance" mode, she performs multiple dance routines to her own recorded music. In "Teach Me" mode, she actually shows and tells you how to perform each dance movement ("Arms overhead", "Now, spin"), one at a time. She then has you imitate the movements. And finally, in "Play With Me" mode, Genevieve will move her arms and left leg in direct response to your movements when you wear the included wrist and foot controllers.

Ho Ho Ho! For those of us adults who love chocolates and sweets, you will find chocolate Christmas gift baskets beautifully designed and deliciously presented. These Christmas gift baskets include gourmet chocolates, truffles, turtles, chocolate Christmas trees, chocolate oranges and much, much more.

Number 2 - Leapster L-Max Handheld Learning Game System This is part of the award-winning LeapFrog Leapster products. Players interact on the handheld screen and see the results on their TV. There are multiple skill levels, learning tutorials, and unlimited educational fun. Your children won't even know that they're learning. Turns your TV into a super learning machine. Just pop in one of Leapster's many software games and let them learn as they play.

Number 3 - LEGO Mindstorms NXT With the Quick-Start Guide you can probably have a robot built in about 30 minutes. The drag-and-drop programming interface uses pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects build and program robots that do what you want. The NXT also has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology so your robots could be truly wireless. A really great learning tool.

Number 4 - Twister Dance DVD - Milton Bradley Interactive Games This really a simple concept: Put the DVD in the machine, place the 2.5-foot square mat in front of the TV, and dance following the onscreen prompts. In Learn mode, an animated choreographer shows you the dance moves step by step. There are 40 dance lessons that start slow and simple and gently add complexity as you go along. Dance mode increases the tempo and strings the individual dance moves into a dance routine. This is fun. Show off your dance moves and learn some new ones.

Ho Ho Ho! The specialist companies that can provide a bespoke service and luxury Christmas Hamper ranges online can ensure a polished end result with a luxurious gift that reflects the valued relationship between the hamper giver and the recipient. These companies can source high quality and hand crafted local products to make a truly special Christmas hamper.

Number 5 - Here & Now Edition Monopoly Board Game This is an updated version of the original board game with a new twist on the classic property trading game. There are new tokens including the Toyota Prius, New Balance Shoe, McDonald's French Fries, Labradoodle, Motorola RAZR Mobile Headset, and a Laptop Computer. As far as properties, new additions include Boston's Fenway Park, Las Vegas Blvd., Houston's Johnson Space Center, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, and Minneapolis' Mall of America. You'll love the new Here & Now Edition.

So there they are, 5 hot Christmas gifts for ages 8 to 11. Don't let your children or grandchildren be disappointed at Christmas. Start shopping for these Christmas gifts now!

Lewis Leake loves the Christmas season and Classic Christmas Stories. He has also uncoverd some of the best Christmas Gifts for kids of all ages


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Sunday, January 14, 2007

5 Hot Christmas Toys For Ages 4 To 7

Ho Ho Ho! After you have thought of his likes and wants try to consider what he could use or needs. Try to solely consider his needs when thinking of a Christmas gift based on needs.

There's nothing quite like the smiles and excitement on the faces of your children or grandchildren when they open their Christmas gifts. So to make sure that you get the presents that they really want, here are some Christmas gift suggestions.

According to Amazon, these will be some of the hot Christmas toys for ages 4 to 7. Start shopping for these toys now and you will get them in time for Christmas and probably at a good price. Wait and you either won't be able to find them or you will pay higher prices.

Number 1 - TMX Tickle Me Elmo

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Elmo has three tickle spots that create rounds of laughter and movement. Amidst all of the laughter, Elmo slaps his belly, then he falls forward with his butt sticking up, he then stands up, topples backwards, then kicks his legs over his belly and stands straight up. Giggling and laughing all the while.

Number 2 - Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera

These are real digital cameras that are durable with a Kid-Tough design. It has dual hand grips and large buttons that make it easy for kids to use. Its built-in memory will store over 60 pictures. Also comes with software so that you can download and store the pictures. A boy's and a girl's version is available.

Number 3 - Mack Truck Bachelor Pad Playset - Disney Cars

This toy was inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie, CARS. The playset expresses the racy personality of Lightning McQueen, leading car in the film. The Mack Truck playset opens to reveal a truck bed pad packed with play features where you can hang with Lightning McQueen after a long day of racing. Lightning McQueen vehicle sold separately.

Ho Ho Ho! According to Amazon, these will be some of the hot Christmas toys for ages 4 to 7. Start shopping for these toys now and you will get them in time for Christmas and probably at a good price.

Number 4 - Leapster L-Max Handheld Learning Game System

This is part of the award-winning LeapFrog Leapster products. Players interact on the handheld screen and see the results on their TV. There are multiple skill levels, learning tutorials, and unlimited educational fun. Your children won't even know that they're learning. Turns your TV into a super learning machine. Just pop in one of Leapster's many software games and let them learn as they play.

Number 5 - Barbie 3 - Story Dream House Playset

This is a large, 3-story doll house with lots of decorative touches and realistic details. There is a grand entrance with a winding staircase that opens up to a lot of other rooms. The doorbell rings, the stove "sizzles" and two songs play over the home intercom system. It comes completely furnished with over 60 pieces of furniture and accessories. Just the perfect doll house for a little girl's dreams.

Ho Ho Ho! And some Christmas gift baskets are designed exclusively for adults. These include sexy lingerie, special grown-up toys and other naughty adult items for your girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse or lover.

So there they are, the 5 hot Christmas gifts for ages 4 to 7. Start shopping for them now so that you and your little ones aren't disappointed on Christmas.

============================================ Lewis Leake loves the Christmas season and Classic Christmas Stories. He has also uncoverd some of the best Christmas Gifts for kids of all ages. ============================================

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