Christmas Tree Decorating

Ok, so I really love Christmas which is why I am alway on the lookout for my next perfect tree ornament. Yes you read that correctly, my NEXT perfect ornament, because every one has special meaning and memories of a specific time in my life (single, dating, married, children, vacations, etc) that they are all perfect. So what exactly is the perfect Christmas ornament.

For some (not me) it may be a gold trimmed and jewel studded crystal, for others a delicate hand painted glass ornament, and others simple hand carved wooden reindeer. Perhaps it’s simply a small glass snowman that’s been passed down through the generations. Honestly, the perfect ornament, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder (or in this case – the owner of the Christmas tree).

At some point in our lives we move out to live on our own, or with a significant other, and start having to decorate our own apartment/home for the Holidays. The first time this happens it’s usually a bit of a shock, since we’re so used to just unpacking all the same decorations we used last year. But once you’re out on your own, the decorating is all up to you (in addition to the fact that you’ll probably also need to buy your own tree, but that’s another discussion). So what ornaments should you get?

Typically, we’ll start with ornaments that are familiar to us, similar to those that we’ve seen on Christmas trees of years gone by. To me, these are simply filler ornaments as they just take up space and provide some background color. The decorations that make the tree yours, are the ones that have special meaning for you. You’re first perfect ornament might be from a gift shop at a National Park where you and your significant other first vacationed together. Or maybe it’s from the tropical island (or European city) where you got engaged to be married.

So as you can see, the perfect ornament not only depends on who you are (and what you like) but also what stage of life you’re in. I’m fairly sure that most parents have a perfect decoration that has a picture and/or name of the first child (and everyone thereafter). As your life takes you on your unique journey, you’ll soon find that if you’ve taken a moment to pick up a small keepsake at special moments, that your Christmas tree is no longer decorated with filler ornaments, it is completely perfect. As a matter of fact, it’s very possible that once your children get a little older and they start collecting ornaments from their favorite places, you may end up needing more than one tree.

So as you can see, it doesn’t really matter what the ornament is actually made of, it’s the memories it brings that make it perfect.

Bob Marley Blacklight Poster

Posters are a simple way to decorate your dorm room or first apartment, and bring along some memories of things you love.

Although we all look forward to moving out into our very first apartment, more often than not, that apartment turns out to be our college dorm room. While it’s a great feeling to be out on your own, there’s always a small part of you that is looking for the comfort of something familiar. This is what makes posters such a popular wall decoration.

Available depicting everything from landscapes to still life, movie scenes and musicians, you’re sure to find a poster that suits your tastes. Some of my favorite posters types of posters are;

• Star Wars Posters
• Bob Marley Posters
• Framed Movie Posters
• Vintage Ski Posters

Star Wars - The Phantom Menace

Each subject has a very wide variety of individual posters to choose from.

Bob Marley Posters celebrate the man who spread the poetry and rhythms of reggae music throughout the world. From simple profiles to in concert images, help Bob Marley to spread aome love in the world.

I think Star Wars Posters are simply awesome. How often do you get a chance to bring heroes and villians from a galaxy far, far away right into your home. Add in some incredible space ships, a Jedi Master or two, and som eexotic planets, and you’ve got some of the most awesome posters this side of the Galactic Empire.

Framed Movie Posters are a little more upscale than your basic poster, since they are already matted and framed. So instead of putting a few thumbtacks in the corners of some paper stock, you’ll actually have a framed piece of artwork that you can take with you, without constantly damaging it. This is an especially terrific way to showcase some truly great cinematic classics such as Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, and The Wizard of Oz or your favorite new blockbuster like Twilight.

Ski Italy Poster

Vintage Ski Posters remind us that no matter where we are, or what the weather is like outside, somewhere in the world there is a winter wonderland waiting just for you. This was especially useful for me since in my 4 years of college at Georgia Tech, I saw only 2 inches of snow.

So whatever your reason, dorm room or new apartment, and whatever your passion, there is a poster that’s right for you.

Plump & Juicy Grilled Sausages

Summer is the time to fire up the barbecue and start grilling. But how many times have you purchased some thick , plump sausages only to have them shrivel up on the grill resembling something more like jerky.

The problem with grilling thicker sausages is that they need to be cooked completely through, especially pork sausages, to kill any bacteria (and prevent any possibility of trichinosis). So the longer you grill the sausages, the more they will dry out. The easiest way keep your sausages juicy is to cook the inside first, then grill them to get the outside nice and crispy. But how do you cook the inside of a sausage without drying it out?

NO YOU DO NOT MICROWAVE IT!!

The technique you will use is called parboiling. Parboiling is a technique of partially cooking a protein in boiling water, then completing the cooking process at a later time.

For 2 lbs of pork sausages (spicy or mild it really doesn’t matter), bring ~6qts of water to a boil. Add the sausages, return to boil, reduce heat and simmer for ~20 minutes. Remove the sausages from the simmering water, then grill until the outsides are browned and crisp. You can also parboil the sausages ahead of time, set the sausages in a bowl, then transfer to the grill when ready.

Not only will parboiling reduce your grilling time, but the sausage won’t dry out, remaining plump and juicy, like they should. If this tip works for you, get more at Home Chef Cooking Tips.

Keen Oregon PCT Mid-weight Hiking Boot

Did you know that Keen hiking boots are made with the same care and attention to detail that have made their sandals so immensely popular.

Instantly recognizable by their thick black toe bumper (officially called the Keen.Protect), Keen boots are designed to protect your feet and perform on any type of terrain, while remaining the most eco-friendly boot available.

In addition to designing their hiking boots for all types of ourdoor activities, Keen has pioneered the use of renewable resources in the manufacture of their boots. For example, Keen hiking boots are designed with a specially molded cork heel that both supports and reduces stress, while improving comfort, with every step.

Although probably more widely known for their water shoes, Keen is also aware of the importance of keeping your feet dry, especially inside of hiking boots. This is why all Keen hiking bootsare manufactured with Keen’s proprietary Keen.Dry membrane. Keen.dry functions in much the same way as goretex, by keeping liquid moisture out (fully waterproof), while allowing water vapor (perspiration) to pass through , keeping your feet cool and dry.

Keen hiking boots and trail shoes are available for both men and women, so if you think Keen is the right boot for you, stop by Keen Hiking Boots and  buy the boots you’ve been looking for.

Garmin GPSmap 540s

Garmin marine GPSunits include both simple gps units and more advanced chartplotters. Deciding which is best for you, naturally depends on your needs.

Marine gpsunits are identical in use to the gps units that are in your car. Using satellites to detect your position (and direction of motion), and then projecting that position onto a map, in this case a nautical map and not a road map, you can see exactly where you are. The view from the middle of a large lake or in the coastal waters may all look the same on the surface (pretty much nothing but water from horizon to horizon), but nautical charts are more valuable for their detailed bottom information, especially water depth. For avid anglers, knowing the habitat of your favorite sport fish makes them much easier to locate when you actually see where you are in relation to where they live. Depending on the model of marine gps unit you purchase, it will come preloaded with nautical maps of either the interior US Lakes or US coastal waters. SDmicro card slots allow you to load additional maps at minimal cost.

You should also be aware that there are also handheld gps units that perform the same functions as the more expensive, larger display versions, that are perfect for smaller crafts where space is at a premium.

chartplottersare the next step in gps marine navigation technology. Not only do chartplotters display your position onto a nautical map, but they will also plot your course in the same way your car’s gps plots your course to whatever address you enter. Of course on the open water you can’t ask to plot a course to the nearest school of blue fin tuna (that would be too easy), but you can plot a course to a well known fishing location, then turn on your fishfinder and go from there. The best feature of the chartplotters is their ability to store waypoints.

Waypoint are simply favorite locations that you record and store in your chartplotters memory. This is the electronic equivalent of dropping a buoy overboard to mark a location in the ocean that you want to return to. The best part is that the electronic waypoint records your exact gps location (based on satellite positioning) so it will never vary (unlike the buoy which will drift with the tides). Now, the next time your going out for blue fin tuna, all you need to do is call up the waypoint you labeled ‘250lb tuna’ and have your Garmin 5015 chartplotter set your course. It’s not quite the same a shooting fish in a barrel, but it makes finding the barrel a whole lot easier.

Still looking for more information on marine gps systems? check out Garmin Marine GPS.Org. You can thank me later.

Don’t think that just because Eagle fishfinders are affordable, that they skimp on features. Eagle’s entry level Cuda fishfinders have a powerful transducer that is capable of detecting fish at depths of up to 600 feet, and at boat speeds of up to 70 mph.

Advanced models, like the Fishmark, have more powerful transducers that can not only detect fish as deep as 800 feet, but they are also capable of detecting fish hiding among surface clutter, weed beds, and other underwater cover. Their patented technology also separates fish from the bottom, displays different size fish with different symbols and displays their depth above their symbol.

Moving up to the SeaFinder series, you’ll find a powerful transducer capable of both freshwater and saltwater operation, with an increased sensitivity and a wider detection angle (allowing you to see not only what is below your boat, but also slightly to the sides).

Also, the displays have more color and better resolution than other manufacturer’s fishfinder displays of a comparable size.

On a cost per feature basis, Eagle fishfindersmay be the best overall value of all fishfinder manufacturers today.

Indiana Youth Basketball Jersey

Youth basketball uniformsare a great way to turn your child’s interest in basketball into a lifelong passion. What is more exciting for a youngster than to be able to wear the same uniform as their favorite player.

Only a short time ago, the only replica basketball uniforms available were from the NBA. If you wanted a collegiate uniform you either has to go to, or know someone who attended the university who’s uniform you wanted to get. Today, however, it doesn’t matter if you live in the heart of Tobacco Road and your favorite team is UCLA, you can still get whatever adult or youth size jersey and shorts you need.

Also, you don’t need to be the fan of a perennial national powerhouse like Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina or Kansas to find their gear online. Whether your child’s favorite team is anywhere from the Air Force Academy to Youngstown College, the basketball apparel they want is available.

Who knows, dressing like their favorite player might even inspire them to practice harder and play better. So the next time your kid asks to play a little one on one in the driveway, and he’s wearing his uniform, you’d better look out. So while you’re cheering for your Alma mater or favorite hometown team, and your child is next to you yelling just as loud, support their enthusiasm and it may develop into a lifelong passion. If their love is basketball, let them dress the part with their own youth basketball uniform.

The Cameron Crazies

Duke basktball jerseys are a terrific way to show your support of one of the top collegiate basketball programs in the nation.

Sure, you can go out and get some blue and white body paint and cover yourself from head to toe, but once you leave Cameron Indoor Stadium, unless you’re going to audition for the Blue Man Group, the body paint just isn’t an everyday look for around the campus (or house). A basketball jersey, however, with its predominant D U K E across the chest, leaves no doubt who your favorite team is. The best part is that it’s comfortable enough to wear any time of the year, you don’t have to shower to take it off, and once clean you can put it back on in seconds (without having to ask someone to paint your back).

Available in the home white, away blue, and alternate black styles, Duke basketball jerseys can be mixed and matched or simply worn whenever you feel like it. Of course during basketball season you’ll probably feel like wearing one every single day so you might want to consider getting at least one jersey in each color. Of course when it gets too worn to wear, you can always retire it and hang it from the ceiling of your dormroom/bedroom.

What is a Healthy Diet?

What exactly should I eat?

Written by Antonio Valladares, a certified fitness trainer and nutritionist, rated New York City’s ‘best personal trainer’ and featured in the New York Times, Sports Illustrated and a bunch of other magazines has created the Ultimate Healthy Eating Guide and Recipe Book that shows you the secrets for Healthy Cooking Made Ultra Simple for Busy People, including:

What to Eat
When to Eat
How Much to Eat
How to Simplify Shopping
How to Cook – even if you are super busy and you’re not a fan of cooking
How to turn healthy recipes into delicious meals that reduce fat and help you lose weight

And it does NOT involve Dieting, Counting Calories, Low Carb or Low Fat Foods.