Simply Amazing

Interview with God

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 03:10:00 +0000

I just finished watching an inspirational video called "The Interview With God" and it was amazing. The images and timeless poem that are shown in this video are sure to uplift your spirit and bring a smile to your face.

You can view this wonderful video at: Interview With God

This video has been seen by over 10 million people worldwide and is one of the most viral videos on the net. After you watch it, please consider referring this site to your friends.

Hope you enjoy! It is SIMPLY AMAZING!

Extreme Scrabble- Playing Scrabble in Scariest Places

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:39:00 +0000

Have you ever heard of anyone playing scrabble in the weirdest places and hair raising conditions on or above the earth? Check this out, and be simply amazed!

UNTIL now, the word “extreme” was simply a great score in Scrabble – now it’s a whole new way to play the word game that is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

For as these daredevils show, Extreme Scrabble involves playing the game in the scariest places on – and above – Earth.

The name Scrabble comes from the Dutch word Schrabbelan, meaning to claw or to scrape, and over 150million sets have been produced in the game’s 60-year history.

An estimated 30,000 games begin every hour, and there are over 400 Scrabble clubs around the world. The game is produced in over 29 languages, the latest of which is Welsh.

Below are some extreme vanues to play the Scrabble, however it’s not for ordinary people.

Dangerous game … two people risk life and limb to play Scrabble near alligators in Florida, USA

Shark-ing score … two deep sea divers play scrabble on a sunken ship off the coast of the Bahamas surrounded by Caribbean Reef Sharks.

Game couple … gamekeepers Kevin Richard and Helga van der Merwe play Scrabble in the company of lionesses Meg and Amy in South Africa.

Highest score wins … climbers Jon Ratcliffe and Steve Franklin play on a ledge over the sea-cliff of Castell Helen in Anglesey, North Wales.

Ice one, girls … models Nicola Graham (left) and Bim Hargreaves play Scrabble in an ice cave in New Zealand.

Freezy does it … Extreme Scrabble near Mt Cook, New Zealand.

Some people have nerves of steel, I wonder how they do it? Simply Amazing, isn't it?

Oh Christmas List, What a Headache!

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 02:36:00 +0000

It's that season once again, time to go through that list that you made way back for the people who have made your lives better and more worth living. However, the thought of going to the mall and browsing amid the crowd of over zealous shoppers is enough to keep me glued to my seat in front of my loyal laptop.

Anyway, on my numerous trips to the internet highway, I came across some very interesting finds. I have put together a list of cool toys and gadgets for all the significant people in your life that should make you popular with the gift giving community come Christmas.

The best part? All these can be bought on line, so you can do it in the comfort of your own homes, or better yet, while twiddling your thumbs at work! Just don't let your boss catch you. Happy Shopping!

http://www.jonathanadler.com First and foremost on my cyberspace map . Mon dieu, I simply adore this site, darlings! They have one of a kind finds that are simply amazing! The owner is a superbly talented artist who decided to spread his wings and show the world what he has to offer.

For your pharmacist, pill popping friend or dysfunctional sister. Need a break from your friend/sister's tendencies to over think anything? While browsing the Jonathan Adler website, I came across these humorous canisters. The blurb by them says "beyond denial. Stash in style." Ha! I don't think I would display them in my house, but they just might be perfect for that eclectic someone in your life. You could keep pretty much anything in them; Prozac, pennies, Quaaludes or candy. Give her this adorable kitsch container and maybe, she'll take a hint and quit the melodramatic histrionics. Who knows? Miracles are known to happen at Christmas time!

For your dysfunctional not to mention obssessive-compulsive/manic depressive friend. While you're at it, give this book as a self help guide. This delightful book celebrates the creative genius of today’s top talent with each chapter a different tenet of Adler’s hilarious style manifesto. As added bonus it boasts of pages & pages of gorgeous interiors, finding itself mentioned on some of the world's most famous magazine pages, including Better Homes and Gardens, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and other equally famous soft cover subscriptions. She can keep herself amused by perusing Jonathan’s funny personal stories. This book is so inspiring that your friend will be turning over a new leaf by New Year's Eve! Hey, that's an idea!

Next stop - http://aplusrstore.com. This is another cyberstore that piqued my interest with its plethora of amazing gadgets . From clocks to carafes, slippers to stuffed toys, and baubles to bright lights, the constant is design that charms, functions and inspires. You can give these gifts with good design and be twice the hero: Your loved ones will praise your genius, and in the process you support innovative and fledgling designers.

For that significant person in your life who parties until dawn, help him keep his job by getting to work on time with this handy robo clock. Sorry, it does not make you coffee nor punch you in the face to wake you up. This fancy gadget rolls away and hides when you won't wake up. Snooze, and Clocky jumps off of your nightstand (up to 3 feet!) and wheels around your room, regardless of carpet or wood, looking for a place to hide while blasting the kind of sleep-proof noise that forces you to get out of bed. This one of a kind gadget was apparently invented and manufactured by Gauri Nanda, an MIT "Marquis-de-grad,” who wanted to go into business for herself because, well, she likes to sleep in late.

For your couch potato DAD or to be politically correct, your movement challenged father or husband/significant other. The man responsible for the knock-off Burberry pins designed this nifty gadget and made it a whole lot more stylish than clapping. It can control any light fixture or electrical device up to 100 feet away.You'll never hear another "where's the remote" question from hereon. Instead of moaning from the couch and refusing to move an inch to look for the remote, give him this control device (no, not for TV) light switch. Lights On! Lights Off! Changing the lighting in a room is now as easy as flicking the switch by remote. To save yourself the energy of lecturing the man in your life on the merits of exercise next time he asks you to switch off the light, smugly hand him this technology.

For your spoiled, puttin' on the ritz friend. Does he still wax nostalgic about the good old college days when he'd wake up in the morning with a bigger than life migraine and engage in a no holds barr barfing session with the toilet? Or has he changed his scenario and moans about his high finance woes instead? Next time he starts bitching or moaning, hit him on the head with style with these wine glasses. Maxim Velčovský—a fast-rising star in the design world—converts everyday, throwaway objects into art made of porcelain or glass. With the Fast Cup, the Czech designer created a Dixie-style cup of glass—each one is hand blown from borosilicate, so each is slightly different. Maxim explained that this was a deliberate choice - he wanted to take the form as far away from its plastic, mass-produced origins as possible. The lightness of this glass makes it a pleasure to drink from. These are sure to amuse your ritzy friend back to the real world.

Moving along we get to www.fredflare.com. I love this site, being a goofy gadget geek myself. Lo and behold, check out this outrageous finds!

For that cool teenager/young one/single friend in your life. This gadget is sure to put a smile on her face. This rockin' coin purse is life-changing and is hilariously divine! How many coin purses are there that you know of that comes with a 1400 milliwatt stereo amplifier that easily connects to any iPod, phone or MP3 player? None, Nada, Zilch! All the gorgeous hunks out there will be following you like the Pied Piper! What are you waiting for? Grab one for yourself and be the talk of the town for weeks to come. But please don't get me one for Christmas, it wont match my wardrobe at all unless I decide to go for the Cindy Lauper look come 2009! Kidding!

For your "DJ wanna be friend". He will finally able to archive his parents' or grandparents'? vinyl music collection with this USB output. It is a simple way to convert those vinyl records of long ago with your PC or MAC. This "EZ Vinyl Converter" will automatically import all your songs into your iTunes library. It comes with an RCA line output for connecting to a stereo & a free Audacity software to record & edit tracks. Plus it enables you to convert 78 RPM records! Your friend will forever be indebted to you. Just make sure you have your earplugs ready each time he drops by with this gadget.

For you goofy but lovable funny friend.
Picture this scenario: "Helloooooo, can you hold on for a second? I'm on my hamburger phone." You need to have a stash of mylanta to give out everytime you use this phone. Why? Everyone will be rolling in laughter and suffering from a bellyache when they catch your friend using this cool gizmo. Can you see yourself making calls on the same phone as Juno? This is something you probably would have sold your soul for in grade school. What a perfect way to be the life of the party! Open it up to make and receive calls.

For the icing on the cake, buy this one as well, it goes with the cheeseburger phone.
Surprise, surprise, you can use this french fries purse while your friend cheerfully gabs on the cheeseburger phone! Would you like a side of fries with that? Talk about "value meal" bric a bracs. Too bad they haven't come up with a soda widget yet. Yo, people from fredflare, are you listening?

What an awesome ice breaker or conversation piece, hmmm?

Don't forget your diva friend, the one who wont wear or use anything that does not scream "signature". She'd love to get some shut-eye in this uproarious satin lined sleep mask with elegant trim and terry backing. You'll have her purring Darling! in no time. Better yet ladies, get one for yourself to wear on one of those red eye flights. You're sure to elicit a few chuckles from the passengers and crew.

Oops, we've come to the end of the line. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
That's all folks!

If you need help in finding anything else, just send me a buzz and I will have my my fingers do the walking and pound that keyboard in no time! Hope you enjoyed shopping my Simply Amazing way!

THE BETTER BANANA - THIS IS VERY GOOD INFORMATION

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:07:00 +0000

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas.

He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again. Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?

Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads
to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital
patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in
high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food
cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high
carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without
distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces
irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS:
Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time!

I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth.

Amazing fruit isn't it? Simply Amazing!!!

Ornate Architecture of Some of the Most Beautiful Temples in the World

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:33:00 +0000

Ornate. Sublime. Breathtaking. These words came to mind when I saw these one of a kind architectural wonders. They are absolutely superb works of art. Simply amazing!

Feast your eyes and marvel at some of the most beautiful temples of the World! The list includes the Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Taktshang in Bhutan, Wat Rong Khun in Thailand, Prambanan in Indonesia, Shwedagon Pagoda in Burma, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Chion-in in Japan, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu & the Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Taktshang

Taktshang is the most famous of monasteries in Bhutan. It hangs on a cliff at 3,120 meters (10,200 feet), some 700 meters (2,300 feet) above the bottom of Paro valley, some 10 km from the district town of Paro. Famous visitors include Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century and Milarepa. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked nation in South Asia. It is located amid the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and is bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.

The name Taktshang means "Tiger's nest", the legend being that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew there on the back of a tiger. The monastery includes seven temples which can all be visited. The monastery suffered several blazes and is a recent restoration. Climbing to the monastery is on foot or mule.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is a contemporary unconventional buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Construction began in 1998 and is expected to end in 2008.

Wat Rong Khun is different from any other temple in Thailand, as its ubosot (Pali: uposatha; consecrated assembly hall) is designed in white color with some use of white glass. The white color stands for Lord Buddha’s purity; the white glass stands for Lord Buddha’s wisdom that "shines brightly all over the Earth and the Universe."

Prambanan

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Central Java in Indonesia, located approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda also known as the Golden Pagoda, is a 98-metre (approx. 321.5 feet) gilded stupa located in Yangon, Burma. The pagoda lies to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, on Singuttara Hill, thus dominating the skyline of the city. It is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese with relics of the past four Buddhas enshrined within, namely the staff of Kakusandha, the water filter of Konagamana, a piece of the robe of Kassapa and eight hairs of Gautama, the historical Buddha.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, literally the Altar of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in southeastern urban Beijing, in Xuanwu District. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It is regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese Heaven worship, especially by the reigning monarch of the day, pre-dates Taoism.

Chion-in

Chion'in Temple in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan is the headquarters of the Jodo Shu (Pure Land Sect) founded by Honen (1133-1212), who proclaimed that sentient beings are reborn in Amida Buddha's Western Paradise (Pure Land) by reciting the nembutsu, Amida Buddha's name.

The vast compounds of Chion-in include the site where Honen settled to disseminate his teachings and the site where he died.

Harmandir Sahib

Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib, informally referred to as The Golden Temple or Temple of God, is culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. It is located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and the city that it was built in, is also due to the shrine, known as "Guru Di Nagri" meaning city of the Sikh Guru.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple(Srirangam)

The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (6,31,000 m²) with a perimeter of 1,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. In fact, Srirangam temple can be easily termed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world (Angkor Wat being the largest non-functioning temple). The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams (Towers). Among the marvels of the temple is a "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953).

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat (or Angkor Vat), is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple is the epitome of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

Swimming with Tigers

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:41:00 +0000

Like probably most of my fellow bloggers, I am an animal lover. Fact is, I have a menagerie of dogs and cats, all adopted from the streets. We are one big happy family, and I love each of them equally. I love to devour any reading material I can get my hands on that pertains to animals.

Two days ago, I came across some information regarding the Institute of Greatly Endangered Species also known as TIGERS. What interesting and amazing facts!

Did you know that these big, beautiful animals, the tigers are known as the best swimmers of all the big cats? Did you know that they have modified webbing between their toes to make their feet more like flippers? They can swim, and they love to swim!

Sadly, humans cannot swim with these beautiful creatures because of the danger involved. Traditionally, even animal trainers have struggled to build an attachment with the largest of the big cats because the sheer bulk of the animals limits the potential for physical interaction. However, the Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species, or Tigers, near Miami, claims to have overcome the problem by encouraging both tigers and humans to swim together in a specially adapted pool. Despite the apparent danger, the trainers are never at risk. They have found that in the water people and tigers are on a more equal footing. The hand-reared tigers are introduced to the water a few months after birth and the trainers then give one-on-one lessons to each of the animals while they are in the water.

Although a number of wildlife parks have encouraged the animals to
swim for exercise, the routine has usually consisted of little more than
trainers throwing lumps of meat into the water for the tigers to collect.

The center's director said he wanted to give the 200lb,
two meter long creatures an opportunity to exercise properly

The Institute for Greatly Endangered and Rare Species claim that
the animals love to play in the water

With a potential to grow to over 500 lbs and eight feet in length, it is often considered that handlers will only swim with the tigers when they are no more than a year old

Filled with 100,00 gallons of water, one side of the TIGERS pool
is made of glass, so the public can see
the handlers and the animals up close swimming together

Simply amazing, isn't it?

Amazing Colored Sandy Beaches on Earth

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Ever seen beaches with black, green, white, red or multicolor sand? See this amazing nature phenomenon below!

Punalu'u Beach

Punalu'u Beach is the most visited of the few black sand beaches on Hawaii's Big Island and the stunningly black sand is actually volcanic rock, deposited as lava and subsequently cooled when met by the ocean. Apparently to take any of the sand home would result in you being cursed by a volcano goddess by the name of Pele.

Papakolea Beach

One of only 2 green sand beaches in the world, the truly magnificent sight of Papakolea Beach can be experienced by travelling to Hawaii's Ka'u district. Again, the unique colour of its sand can be attributed to volcanic activity - specifically, the green hue belongs to the abundance of olivine crystals which have been produced as a result of a nearby cinder cone erupting and eroding.

Hyams Beach

You may need to wear your shades when visiting Hyams Beach in New South Wales, Australia, but not just due to the sun. It's not surprising after looking at photos but this sublime stretch of beach is home to the whitest sand in the world, an honor awarded by the Guinness Book of Records.

Pfeiffer Beach

The hills surrounding Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California, are rich in Manganese Garnet. A result of this being washed down onto the beach is the colour scheme you can see above - the entire stretch of sand has become a shifting, pink and purple canvas. Although it's probably inedible, I can't help picturing a bowl of Raspberry Ripple ice-cream every time I see it.

Kaihalulu

You won't find many beaches elsewhere in the world with sand as red as this one. Kaihalulu, or Red Sand Beach, is situated on the island of Maui and can thank the neighboring cindercone hill for its intensely deep red appearance.

10 Ways to Save Money this Holiday Season

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:37:00 +0000

Shop smart for the holidays—without going into debt

We'll spare you the Scrooge jokes and get right to the point: Given that you're already buying off-brand groceries and going out less frequently, holiday shopping is going to be harder than ever this year. But don't head to the dollar store. You can give something meaningful to those who matter to you by following this wallet-friendly, 10-step plan.

1. Set a Budget
First, be realistic about how much the holidays will cost. It's not just gifts you'll be buying—there's the extra traveling, eating out, and attending or hosting parties. Set a budget, and stick to it.

"Even the office party isn't free if you have to buy new clothes," says Sally Herigstad, a CPA in Kent, Washington, and author of Help! I Can't Pay My Bills. (And good luck convincing the woman in your life she doesn't need a new outfit.) "Make a budget that includes all your holiday expenses before you decide how much you can spend on gifts."

2. Write a Naughty/Nice List
Make a list of "A" and "B" people to whom you want to give gifts. Be careful you're not including people because they gave gifts to you last year—don't get guilt-tripped into giving a reciprocal gift.

"It's usually better to spend your time and energy on a smaller group of people than to try to please everyone," Herigstad says. If you have funds left over after taking care of your A-listers, reconsider those in the second tier.

3. Pay with Cash
Start setting aside funds for Christmas gifts early so you can pay with green instead of plastic. "Over a 2-year period, because of interest rates and any other penalties and fees, you can end up paying 30 percent more for something you charged than if you had paid cash for it," says Greg Womack, CFP, president of Womack Investment Advisers in Edmond, Oklahoma. If you do use credit, pay off the bill as soon as possible.

4. Start Now
Don't wait until the last minute. "Shopping early gives you more time to find the best price," Womack says. "This should be a tough holiday year for retailers, so look for some bargains—the best discounts might be available earlier when stores have a surplus of items in stock."

5. Be Selfless
You've been shopping for others all day. You're looking for a gift for your mom and, wow, flat-screen TVs are on sale. But before you try to figure out how big of a TV your wall can handle, remember: If you want to stay on budget, you must resist the urge to buy for yourself. Instead, add the item to your wish list.

6. Think Outside the Box
When searching for "the perfect gift," go for something personal, not high-priced. The best gifts don't cost a lot of money. Offer your services to those who you know could use them: Whether you're good with cars, carpentry, or photography, your skills will be appreciated. Or tell your friend you'll provide the beer for the Super Bowl party you know he's planning.

7. Take Stock in Your Presents
"There is a big sale now in the stock market with stocks trading at historic lows," Womack says. "Depreciated stock that has the potential to rebound down the road can be a great gift that has long-term value, but can cost much less than it has in recent history."

He recommends looking for major brands or consumer staple goods, such as Kraft, Walmart, and Johnson & Johnson. "Look at goods that people have to have," Womack says. "Hopefully these companies will be around for years to come, and now these stocks are on sale."

8. Join the Local Movement
Don't limit yourself to shopping centers. Your local farmer's market likely has homemade treats—salsa, honey, maybe even wine—that out-of-state giftees could never find. Or go the music route: "If you hear a good local musician, consider buying their CD," Herigstad suggests. "The work of local artists is more interesting and usually costs less than something from the mall."

9. Forget the Gift Card
Dollar signs are pretty hard to disguise when it comes to gift cards, meaning the pressure's on to not look cheap. But don't bother—they're usually a waste of money. "The receiver will probably either have to spend additional money to get what he wants, or he'll throw away part of it. What are the chances of finding something that costs exactly $25 with tax?" Herigstad says.

Think about it: How many unused cards do you have? But in this situation, it's your wasted money.

10. If You Can't Afford It, Say It
If a person on your list requests something you just can't afford, tell them tough luck—in a nice way. "Given the pervasive coverage of the economic downturn, most people know that many are affected by it," says Richard Shadick, Ph.D., adjunct professor of psychology at Pace University. "Level with them, and if they are persistent, then it is time to re-evaluate the relationship." And whether they deserve a gift.

Healthy Holiday Survival

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:42:00 +0000

Vitamins can help get you through the holiday season with your health, sanity and waistline intact!

Parties, gifts and chocolate Santas--the temptations of the holidays can be hard to resist. Although too much alcohol, too much rich food and too little sleep can be very hard on your body, some extra vitamins and supplements may help ease the effects of over indulgence this holiday season. Remember to pace yourself, get enough sleep, and drink only moderately to make it through this time of good cheer with ease.

Here are some of Santa`s secret little vitamin helpers:

Vitamin C: Not only does this super antioxidant help combat oxidative stress in the body, it also helps boost immunity during the winter months. Also, another key to enjoying the holiday season is maintaining a healthy stress level. Stress can deplete vitamin C in the body, so extra vitamin C can keep you healthy during this sometimes stressful season.

Zinc: Zinc helps the body’s natural defense system. In particular, the immune system needs zinc to function properly. Maintain winter wellness with additional zinc.

Vitamin E: Another super anti-oxidant, vitamin E protects the cardiovascular system and the immune system and lessens the effects of stress and over indulgence on the body.

Acidophilus: Indulged at the buffet table a bit too much? Add Acidophilus to your diet to help maintain a healthy, well-functioning intestinal tract.

Super B-Complex: Folic acid, a key ingredient in a B-complex vitamin, helps maintain a healthy heart. If you`re feeling tired and run down from all the holiday business, B vitamins can help maintain your energy levels to keep up with the whirlwind.

SAM-e: If you find your mood could use a boost, try SAM-e. A natural supplement, SAM-e is found throughout the body and can help maintain a sense of well being over the holidays. It also has the added benefit of helping maintain liver health, for when you might drink a bit too much.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips

noreply@blogger.com (betchie728) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:03:00 +0000

Last Minute Tips! Thanksgiving is only a few days away so try some of these holiday ideas to help you with the last-minute details. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

This turkey roast blends light and dark meat -- but it's compact and carves easily into neat slices. Grill the meat to free up oven space for the turkey trimmings.

Maple Orange-Glazed Turkey Roast

Makes: 10 to 12 servings
Prep: 20 min. Grill: 2 to 2-1/2 hours

Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon snipped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 pound boneless turkey roast
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
1. In a small bowl combine garlic, marjoram, salt, and pepper; set aside. For glaze, in a small saucepan stir together the orange juice and cornstarch; add half of the seasoning mixture. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Stir in maple syrup and orange peel; set aside.
2. Brush the turkey roast with melted butter and rub with remaining seasoning mixture. Insert a meat thermometer near the center of the roast.
3. For a charcoal grill, arrange medium-hot coals around a drip pan. Test for medium heat above the pan. Place the turkey roast directly on the grill rack over the pan. Cover; grill for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until thermometer registers 165F. Add coals to maintain heat every 30 minutes. Brush with glaze the last 30 minutes of grilling. Remove meat from grill. Cover with foil; let stand for 15 minutes before carving. (The meat's temperature will rise 5F during standing.) Bring any remaining glaze to boiling; pass with turkey. (For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Adjust for indirect cooking. Grill as above.)

Try this simple-to-make glaze for a turkey that looks beautiful and glossy. It's effortless and delicious.

Currant Glaze for Turkey
Prep: 5 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup red currant or plum jelly
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. pepper
Directions
1. In small saucepan combine red currant jelly, lemon juice, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until jelly is melted and dry mustard is incorporated.
2. About 15 minutes before turkey is scheduled to be done; brush turkey twice with the glaze about 5 minutes apart. Makes 1/2 cup glaze.

No-Fuss Sweet Potato Casserole
Raisins and a buttery pecan topping dress up sweet potatoes. Use real butter in this recipe to avoid sogginess.

Ingredients
2 beaten eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups mashed, cooked sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl stir together the eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir in the cooked sweet potatoes and raisins. Spread the mixture evenly in an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish.
2. For topping, in a small bowl, combine brown sugar and flour. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle over sweet potato mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Orange-Apple Waldorf Salad
For a festive touch, make this salad in a fancy mold. Or you can prepare it in a baking dish and cut it into squares before serving.

Ingredients
1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained (juice pack)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 3-ounce package orange-flavor gelatin
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened and cut up
1 medium apple, cored and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 of an 8-ounce carton frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed
Orange sections and green grapes (optional)
Directions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine undrained pineapple and sugar; heat to boiling. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Stir in cream cheese until melted and well combined. Remove from heat. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Chill about 1 hour or until mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in chopped apple and nuts. Fold in dessert topping. Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish or 1-1/2-quart bowl or mold. Cover and chill at least 4 hours. To serve, cut into squares, serve in bowl, or unmold onto serving plate. If desired, garnish individual servings with orange sections and grapes. Makes 9 to 12 side-dish servings.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Pie

This fresh dessert combines the main ingredients of two tried-and-true pie favorites for a luscious holiday treat.

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup half-and-half or light cream
1 14.5-oz. pkg. gingerbread mix
1 Whipped cream (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 10-inch deep-dish pie plate or an 8x8x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside. In a small mixing bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Add egg. Beat lightly with a rotary beater or fork just until combined. Gradually stir in half-and-half; mix well.
2. Prepare gingerbread mix according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pie plate or dish. Lightly spoon pumpkin mixture over gingerbread batter; swirl gently using a table knife. Bake for 50 minutes for pie plate or 60 minutes for baking dish or until a pick inserted in gingerbread portion comes out clean. Cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream. Makes 8 servings.