Thanksgiving How To Be Grateful

Writen by Jeff Herring

Good - It is so easy to focus on the negative. In most situations, there is something good to be found, even if the only good thing is the situation cannot last forever. Practice asking "what is good about this situation that I might have missed?"

Reach Out - Take a look around, there are people less fortunate than you that you could help in some way. You can even do it for selfish reasons, as reaching out makes you feel good.

Attitude - Do you have a gratitude attitude? Do you ever slow down enough to notice all your blessings? One of the clear advantages of a gratitude attitude is that this attitude opens you up to more abundance.

Time - A friend of mine was diagnosed with acute adult leukemia this year. Time took on an entirely different meaning to him this year. Value your time.

Enthusiasm - Where is your zest for life? Getting excited about your day is a powerful way in which to be grateful.

Fun - When was the last time you had fun? It's a privilge many people in the world never have. Schedule some fun.

Unusual - Do you do the same old same old each and every day? Life has many cool things available, so why die the daily death of "I've always done it this way before?"

Live full out - Want to feel very grateful this time next year and most days in between? Then live full out.

Visit The Article Guy for more leading edge tips and tools for writing articles that bring you prospects, publicity and profits. You can also subscirbe to our monthly Article Empire Tips Newsletter. You are also invited to visit my Express-Start Article Writing Program for more information on the next article writing tele-seminar.

Finding The Perfect Mothers Day Gift A Daily Connection

Writen by James Zeller

A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ...Tenneva Jordan

There is a name that often has the same effect as soothing balm on a tender wound. Many can go through life saying she doesn't matter, but it is the wounds of life that require the ministrations that only a mother can provide.

Surely you've had those moments when you desire the closeness of mom although you might indicate you'd rather not see her. We can all be grateful that moms see through our inner turmoil and willingly stand with us when the need is greatest.

The most selfless individuals on the planet are mothers. They are often the first ones up and the last to bed. They serve your needs without asking anything in return. They suffer through the abuse of adolescent children and willingly welcome us home when we come to our senses.

When the second Sunday in May rolls around it is the true essence of gratitude that brings us to the doorstep of mom's house with gifts in hand, from hearts that have begun to catch a glimpse of thankfulness.

Mother's Day gifts come in all sizes, fragrances, colors and styles. Most often these gifts are simple flower arrangements and gift cards. Moms will never respond unkindly, but perhaps it is time to consider a gift that is a thoughtful indicator of the love and appreciation you have for your mother. A gift of considerate choosing that takes your gratitude to a level that will surprise and delight the very one who gave you life.

Mothers spend a great deal of time in the kitchen and a unique kitchen gift or a gourmet gift of elegance and style will be remembered long after flowers fade, wither, and are summarily discarded.

Imagine a time in the future; your mother sits down for a cup of tea and traces her finger across the top of the European Glass Teapot she received as a gift from you. She remembers special long ago moments she was certain she had forgotten. A thoughtful, daily used gift can provide a personal ongoing connection between you and your mother. Best of all - her thoughts will be toward you – not the gift.

This in no way diminishes the effectiveness of the gift; it actually enhances the overall gift giving experience. You see, a well thought out Mother's Day gift is as much for you as it is for her; useful and appreciated – with memories attached.

When the second Sunday in May rolls around, consider a kitchen gift or a gourmet gift that conveys to your mom that you believe Mother's Day is more than a special occasion – the day is a moment of insistence that she be held in the highest esteem. It may even be a moment when strained relationships can be mended and old offenses forgotten.

The second Monday in May will find your mom back in her daily routine. Why not give her another reason to think of you each day.

She will, you know.

James Zeller writes for gift related websites and blogs. Here is a selection of unique gifts that he found, and a creative collection of culinary gourmet gifts.

Read This Article If You Like To Say Merry Christmas

Writen by Lance Winslow

Christmas Time is a very special time of the year; it is a festive time. It is a time fro random acts of kindness and time for reconciliation. It is a time for loving, caring and a time for sharing. It is time to say thank, exchange gifts and offer a smile to everyone you meet. Not because they are Christians but because they are human beings, on a planet we share; it is way to say, hi there; "Merry Christmas!"

Some in the media are creating a controversy over nothing in the attack on the words Merry Christmas. They tell us it is not politically correct, that you cannot say that? Why not? Would you rather people come up to you and say "Paper or Plastic? Thank you for shopping here now Go to Happy Hell!" Why is the "C" word becoming a bad word? It is far too many letters to be a bad word? If we can celebrate Halloween, which is the celebration of Evil Spirits, which is kind of silly, well then what is wrong with celebrating Positive influences?

If you like to say Merry Christmas, then say it; say it like you mean it. If you don't say something else and give it a real smile from the heart; we are all in this together and it is just silly to thrust a debate on the words "Merry Christmas" surely we have enough other things to argue over in our daily fix of sound and fury. Think on this.

Lance Winslow

Keepsake Christmas Album

Writen by Rachel Paxton

Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year as much as I do? This year I decided to try to come up with some way to preserve our Christmas cards, as well as find a way to organize all the Christmas letters I've been faithfully filing away for the past six years. I decided to make an album for our Christmas letters using decoupage to decorate the covers with this year's Christmas cards.

I love decoupage. It's so easy to do and so versatile. It's really hard to get it wrong. I started by finding something to paste the Christmas cards on. I had some dark red card stock (next to the paper at the office supply store) that seemed heavy enough to withstand all the gluing. Next I cut our Christmas cards into all different shapes and sizes. I cut out little characters, scenes, holiday greetings, and even signatures of loved ones who had sent the cards. I next arranged the cutouts, overlapping one another, on the card stock, and started applying them one by one with the decoupage finish.

There are several kinds of decoupage finish available. You can find a variety at your local craft store. I have two different kinds: Plaid Royal Coat Antique Decoupage Finish, and Mod Podge Gloss-Lustre. The first one gives an antique-like appearance. The paste yellows when it dries, making your collage look aged. The more you apply, the yellower it gets. The Mod Podge dries clear. I used the antique finish and was quite happy with the result. You use the finish to actually glue the individual pieces on with a paintbrush, and then when you're finished (adding scraps here and there to fill in the blank spots), you brush a coat over the entire page. After it dries for about 10 minutes, you can apply another coat. I found that adding several coats made the pages sturdier–more like a album cover, like I wanted. I had just enough Christmas card cutouts to cover two pages, one for the front cover, and one for the back cover.

After the pages were dry, I used a three-hole punch to punch holes in the covers. I decided I would use wide fabric holiday ribbon to tie the covers together. That way every year I could untie the bows and add new letters to my album. I used 2 1/2 -inch-wide wire satin ribbon (dark red). I liked the wire ribbon. It was easier to adjust the bows and looked really nice. It was also leftover from my holiday gift making this year, so I didn't have to buy any extra.

When the covers were ready, I arranged our Christmas letters from oldest to most recent, and punched holes in all of them. I then placed them between the covers and inserted the ribbon through the holes and tied big red bows to hold them together. I chose not to string ribbon through all three holes–just the top and the bottom.

I was really happy with how my keepsake Christmas album turned out. It was easy, took only about two hours to make, and I didn't have to buy anything extra to make it. After you buy the decoupage finish (about $5 a bottle), the uses for it are almost limitless. You can apply it to almost any surface, giving you the opportunity to create timeless keepsakes in a variety of ways.

Originally published at Suite 101. Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of four. For scrapbooking, card making, gift-giving ideas, and more family memory-making activities, visit http://www.crafty-moms.com

Want Amazing Kid Birthday Cakes Without Baking

Writen by Mike Dougherty

Do you just want to pick up a birthday cake for your child at your favorite bakery and be done with it?

How would you like to learn a quick and easy way to make any cake you get at your local bakery fit your child's birthday theme perfectly?

If you're like a lot of busy moms out there, it's getting harder and harder for you to find the time in your busy schedule to do a lot of things you'd like to do around your home, and that includes making kid birthday cakes from scratch.

Or, you might be one of many moms that just don't like to bake, and that's OK too. Hey, we all have different interests.

In a survey conducted as part of an article I wrote about decorating cakes for children's birthday parties, a whopping 41 percent of those who responded said they would rather just pick up a cake at the bakery and be done with it.

With that in mind, what you need is a fast and easy way to turn that standard, off the shelf cake into a fun, yummy looking attention grabber that fits your child's birthday party theme.

So if you could find a decoration you can easily add to your "store bought cake" that would really make your cake look great for your child, would you? Of course you would... It's YOUR CHILD's birthday!

Ever heard of Cake Toppers?

Cake toppers are available in two handy forms. Non-edible and edible.

Non-edible cake toppers are colorful, theme related decorations that are cute, sometimes animated and most can be used as fun toys or collectibles by you child after the cake is long gone.

Non-edible toppers are available for just about any theme and all you have to do is set your topper down anywhere you want to on your kid birthday cakes. It's just that easy and cake toppers will turn your standard cake into a fun 3D presentation your child will love.

Edible cake toppers are tasty treats made out of sugar and are used to enhance the look of your cake, even if you're using a non edible topper as well. Edible toppers are also available for just about any theme and your child and their party guests will all want an edible topper on their slice of cake.

Very interesting - So Where Can You Find Cake Toppers?

You're going to love this... You can order the cake toppers of your choice and have them delivered right to your home. And you don't even have to get out of your house, drive around in your car or go to a store. Talk about saving your precious time.

Cake toppers are available conveniently at online party stores that carry birthday cake supplies. Just follow the link at the end of this article and you'll learn more about where you can find wonderful cake toppers online.

Now you can pick up kid birthday cakes at your favorite bakery, put your cake toppers in place and there you have it... An instant original, attention getting cake your child will love.

So if you're like a lot of busy moms out there, you can "have your cake and eat it too" by turning ordinary off the shelf kid birthday cakes into great cakes quickly and easily.

Have fun

Mike Dougherty "Grandpa Mike" has lots of experience putting together successful birthday parties for his children and grandchildren. To learn more from Grandpa Mike about cake toppers, visit http://fun-kid-birthday-cakes.com/cake-toppers.html

Taking The Guess Work Out Of Valentines Day For Men

Writen by Barbara Wright Abernathy

Millions of men anxiously dread the approach of Valentine's Day, reluctant to shop because they haven't a clue about what will really please their woman. Many women believe that it takes the romance away if you tell him exactly what you want. Then she becomes disappointed and resentful when he fails to read her mind and turns up with a last minute less-than-perfect gift offering.

"Men are results-oriented," explains Barbara Wright Abernathy, founder of the Venus On Top Society, the social network for take-charge women and supportive men. "They love having a specific mission to fulfill and they feel happy and successful when they accomplish their mission." Abernathy says a woman should think like a queen sending her knight on a quest. What's more romantic than that?

As more women become better educated and out-earn their husbands, some couples are making a conscious decision for the woman to be the leader in the household and the man her helpmate. Few women and men are aware that the female led relationship is a viable alternative for those whose temperaments don't fit traditional marriage roles. The Venus on Top Society is there to discuss and explore this lifestyle option.

Women who want to have a happy Valentine's Day can take a cue from the way Society members celebrate Venus On Top Week every year, February 7 – 13, the week before Valentine's Day. The Venus on Top Society offers a free Venus On Top Week Celebration Kit, a customizable Gift Checklist Certificate and Instruction Sheet, which can be downloaded at http://www.VenusOnTop.com

The Celebration Kit includes the official Venus On Top Society Gift Checklist Certificate to print out on parchment or colored paper. It has a list of suggested activities, such as a shopping trip or a foot massage, along with blanks where the woman writes in her own most desired gifts or tasks. The accompanying Instruction Sheet gives helpful tips for each partner on how to use the Checklist to get the most fun out of Venus On Top Week.

Does filling out the Gift Checklist take away the element of surprise that most women desire? Not at all. The Instruction Sheet suggests that the woman check off three to seven choices. She won't know which one he picks, so she will still be surprised. And he can surprise her even more by doing more than one item.

By presenting his sweetheart with the Gift Checklist Certificate, a man can avoid the headache of not knowing what she wants. A smart woman sets the stage for a wonderful Valentine's Day by making sure he knows just what will please her, then showering her knight with appreciation for fulfilling his mission.

Barbara Wright Abernathy
America's authority on female led relationships, author of "Venus On Top: Women Who Are Born to Lead and the Men Who Love Them." Barbara is founder and CEG (Chief Executive Goddess) of the Venus On Top Society, the social network for take-charge women and supportive men who enjoy female led relationships. Get your free Venus On Top Week Celebration Kit at http://www.VenusOnTop.com

Valentines Day Gifts What Married Women Wish Men Knew

Writen by Stephanie Gallagher

If Valentines Day were a contact sport, the flower companies would be in big trouble. That's because men would start planning for Valentines Day some time in early January, and they'd almost certainly venture beyond the usual flowers and candy when choosing Valentines Day gifts.

The secret is you don't have to spend a ton of money on Valentines Day gifts to please her. You just have to show you put some time and thought into choosing something special.

Here's what married women wish the men in their lives knew about choosing Valentines Day gifts:

• You can never go wrong with jewelry. And while some women will be satisfied with mall store jewelry, just about all women will be impressed by a gift from Tiffany. It could be an inexpensive silver keychain or a pair of diamond earrings. It doesn't matter. If it comes in that signature blue box, she's almost guaranteed to love it.

  Or better yet, give her the whole store. Buy her shares of Tiffany stock, and she can legitimately say she owns the place.

• What you think is sappy, she might think is really sweet. Think custom poems, custom fortune cookies or custom M&Ms with your own special message on them. It may seem silly to you, but she'll think it's thoughtful and creative.

  Personal Creations (personalcreations.com) and 1-800-Flowers.com both offer giant custom fortune cookies.

• If you're giving candy, make it chocolate, and make it the good stuff. New York-based Jacques Torres not only makes good-quality chocolate; it's popular among the uber-trendy set, too.

• If you want to show her how much you value your memories together, give her a memory book (similar to a baby book) of the year you first met. Nostalgia Publishing does custom-printed books that detail all the current events -- news, sports, movies, popular songs and more --that happened during the year you met.

  You can even customize the book with your names, the date you met, a special message and a poem. ($45 at whenwefirstmet.com).

Stephanie Gallagher, a.k.a, 'The Shopping Mom,' has written 4 books. For more Valentines Day gift ideas, including where to buy framed shares of Tiffany stock for less than $150, see her web site, Super Creative Valentines Day Gifts for New (and Not so New) Moms

10 Tips For Stressfree Holidays

Writen by Maria Grace

If you are looking forward to the Holidays but dread the stress that comes with them, here a list of 10 tips for stress-free holidays. Go over them daily and apply at least one a day. You will not only have wonderful holidays, but you will also avoid the post-holiday blues that most often happen as a reaction to holiday-induced stress.

1. Go over last year's holidays and write down 3 things, incidents, or issues around holidays that stressed you out—that's your lesson not to repeat them or avoid them this year.

2. Write down 3 things you want to enjoy these holidays that involve your family, your relatives, and yourself. No more than 3, please. Keeping it to 3 items, keeps your expectations realistic. Some examples: I want to go skiing with my husband and children and not cook for 28 people. I want to spend Christmas' Eve at church with my family and not at my cousin's house. I want to spend only one day on Christmas shopping, instead of four weekends in a row.

3. Write these wishes on a piece of paper and put in on a visible spot. It will be your reminder of what you truly need from these holidays.

4. Under each one of your 3 wishes, write in detail what you must do to make them true. For example: "I want to spend only one day on Christmas shopping." List what you absolutely need to buy in stores. List what you can buy online. Calculate the time you need. Consider purchasing gift certificates if buying gifts stresses you out.

5. Engage family members in helping you out. Assign specific chores and promise them a reward.

6. Keep your expectations realistic and stay focused on what's important. Read often items 1, 2, and 3 of this list, to remind yourself of your promises.

7. Say 'no' to guilt-driven behaviors. They are the ultimate cause of stress during holidays. For example, if you can't be around X relative opening gifts under the Christmas tree, be honest to yourself and spend as little time as possible around that person.

8. Watch "Family Man" and "It's A Wonderful Life" in bed with your family instead of running around, if you are all tired.

9. Spend quiet time and pray.

10. Remember, this too, shall pass. So, make sure to create only good, stress-free memories.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maria Grace, Ph.D., is an expert at teaching people how to learn lessons from popular movies to find the job, home, relationship, and healthy body and mind they want. She is a Fulbright scholar, licensed psychotherapist, sought-after public speaker and coach, and the author of "Reel Fulfillment: A 12-Step Plan for Transforming Your Life through Movies" (McGraw-Hill, 2005). "Reel Fulfillment" was praised by Publisher's Weekly as one of the top "self help books out of the self-help box" for 2005-2006.

For more information visit http://www.mariagrace.com and http://www.reelfulfillment.com

7 Popular Character Costumes For Boys This Halloween

Writen by Nicola Kennedy

When it comes to boys, there are some standard costumes that you will see year after year at Halloween time. With many of them, they wear the costume year round in creative play. Some of them are not the best color-wise for use at dusk, so make sure you add reflective tape at the wrists, at the ankles and around the waist when possible.

Batman – This popular super-hero makes an appearance every year. No matter how old this franchise is, young boys still find the character appealing. Comic books and movies starring Batman are still being created, and several cartoon variations are in syndication.

Superman – Another old super-hero that I see at least a half dozen of each Halloween. With the new movie in theaters this past Summer, I'm sure a whole new generation of youngsters were introduced to the "Man Of Steel".

Army Man – With the war in Iraq still sending troops overseas, many young boys are seeing news clips with men in fatigues. The past couple of years I have seen a big jump in boys dressing as soldiers at Halloween time.

Sponge Bob Squarepants – This cartoon character from Nick has made a big impact on boys of various ages. He is silly and not too smart, but he makes a great costume on Halloween.

Mickey Mouse – With the reintroduction of the new "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" on the Disney Channel, Mickey is sure to make a big comeback.

Diego – This will be an easy costume, though only popular in warmer climates. Diego is Dora the Explorer's cousin and has branched out into his very own show. With outdoor boots, shorts and a cool red rescue pack, I believe this will be a costume I see much more this year.

Power Ranger – Although the show is geared more toward much older children, Power Rangers are popular with kids of all ages. Every year, I am absolutely amazed at how many Blue, Red and Green Rangers still knock on my door.

My best advice when costuming your child at Halloween is let them choose what they want. Don't make big plans and create a costume, only to turn around and see they want to buy something "cool" from the store. They are not going to have fun in a costume you force them to wear, which will ultimately ruin your night, too.

Nicola always enjoys Halloween parties with her family. Visit her Halloween site for tips and information about Kids Halloween Costume Ideas at http://Childrens-Halloween-Costumes.Best-Halloween.com This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Best-Halloween.com

Food Gift Baskets The Perfect Office Gift

Writen by Christopher Luck

What is a quick and easy, yet thoughtful gift you can give out during the holiday season? I know I work with a lot of people and to give each of them gifts can be expensive. In addition, I just don't know what everyone is into. The answer, for both keeping cost under control and taking into account taste is to give a food gift basket. A food gift basket can still be customized if you want to do that, but it will also keep your cost under control and allow you to stay sort of generic for those co workers you don't know as well.

When it comes to buying gifts or a little something for your co workers during the holidays, a food gift basket can be a life saver of sorts. To really make them cost effective, consider making the food gift baskets yourself even. Either buy or make an assortment of cookies, candies, and even instant cocoas or coffees. Once those are gathered, go to your local craft store and buy either baskets or canisters that you can easily decorate simply with ribbon or other holiday cheer. Then, just put the foods together in the baskets, decorate them and you are ready to hand out food gift baskets. Your other option is to head into a local specialty shop and check prices for pre-made food gift baskets. It's up to you and your budget which will work best.

If you do feel like you want to customize the food gift baskets you are giving out, you can certainly do that too. If you know the types of snacks of foods, or even the lifestyles of the people who will be getting the food gift baskets, then you can arrange it to meet those characteristics. For instance, coffee lovers can receive a gift basket full of coffees, mugs, and flavored creamers. If you know a health food nut, then think about filling a basket with granola and organic snacks. No matter what other things people may like, you can always get creative and put something together for each particular person. No matter who the person is or what he or she likes, you can always put together a food gift basket that will mean something to them.

Giving gifts around the office can get expensive and complex if you aren't careful. You, however, may feel like you really enjoy your co-workers so that you want to give them something for the holiday season. A food gift basket can certainly be a great choice for those office gifts. You can customize them easily if you like and you can also save a lot of money. You can build them yourself to save extra money or even find a service that will make the baskets for you.

If you would like the latest information on gift basket ideas , or find more of my personal articles like the one you just read, visit my basket site!

Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers Amp Their Dogs

Writen by Adriana Copaceanu

If you have dog lovers in your family, it's time to think of some unique gifts you can give them this Christmas. They will remember this gift for a long time if you not only give them a gift form themselves, but include something for their dog or puppy.

To get your ideas flowing, here are some gifts you can get for the dog lover: of course, if you can take some pictures of their dog in advance, many of the following ideas will be even more special.

• a T-shirt/sweatshirt that says "My Dog Loves Me" - they'll be proud to wear it.
• a picture of their dog framed in a paw picture frame - there is no better way to let them know you love them: every time they walk past this picture, they'll be reminded of your kind gesture, and that you took the time to give them something special.
• a collectible figurine featuring their dog breed - this will become part of the room décor.
• a dog lover's calendar - excellent gift that keeps on giving: every month they'll have a new beautiful dog to look at and enjoy.
• a nice, fuzzy, personalized throw to keep them and their dog warm on chilly evenings.
• a cooking book with dog recipes
• dog lover screen saver

Now that you picked a nice gift for the dog lover, it's time to find some gifts for the dog. Here are just a few ideas to get your started:

• a plush toy: be it a ball, a bone, or some other shape, dogs really enjoy these fluffy toys. Some come with a noise maker, but be careful that this toy won't become annoying for the owner
• doggy clothing: you may get something pretty, or, if you like practical, get something warm for the winter, so when they take a talk the dog stays warm.
• doggy treats are very popular these days, and you can find them in pet stores everywhere. But, if you have the time, cook some treats yourself, and make a new friend
• treat machine, similar to the candy machines, where you press a handle and get a piece of candy. This will entertain the dog for hours and get him a treat every time he presses the handle. What fun!
• pampering items, like doggie shampoo, a nice brush, and even a nice bandana.

So, as you see, there are lots of ways to spoil your dog lover friends and family and their pet.

Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don't blow the bank. Find many Unique Gift Ideas at her site. And if you love dogs, visit her Dog Care Resource website.

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

Writen by Jennifer Shircel

It can be very hard to find that one perfect gift for someone. How many times have you pondered over what to buy for a 36th birthday or an 18th anniversary?

Chances are, that you've been thinking way too hard!

Go to any local retail store and start browsing. What you're looking for is some type of a cup, bowl or canister. Something that is deep enough and round enough to have a plant potted inside. Now start being creative—have you thought of anything yet?

This is such a neat way to make a simple gift into a very creative and meaningful one. For example, for a birthday, you could find a mug that says "happy birthday grandma" on it and plant grandma's favorite flower inside. Other ideas would be to find a cute canister of some sort or to find a small, rubber, child sized boot. Look for any original object that isn't a pot that could hold a flower.

Then, head to your local florist (or certain retail stores) and choose a plant or flowers that will fit inside your new "pot". Now plant the flowers and add a bow and voila!! This thoughtful gift will be enjoyed by the recipient and everyone else at the party!

For more great gift giving ideas and money saving tips, visit us at www.MomOnABudget.com

Jennifer is the owner of http://www.MomOnABudget.com. MomOnABudget is an excellent resource for money saving tips, work at home ideas, how to deorate on a budget and so much more.

Three Steps To Reduce Holiday Stress For Your Kitty

Writen by Nancy E. Wigal

The annual holidays can be a very stressful time for your cat. This is the time of the year when that strange tree goes up, bright trinkets are hung (but all your cat hears is "No, no, bad kitty!" when she tries to explore them), delicious food is prepared (cats need not apply to eat it!), and lots of strange people come tramping into the house.

Some cats are in their glory, being in the middle of the tree decoration tradition, while others react to differences in the household by cowering in fear. Plus, if the holidays stress you out (raise your hand if they don't; the rest of us would like to know your secret), it'll be communicated to kitty, and she may react in kind. And sometimes that fear and stress manifests itself in your cat urinating outside her litter box.

Here are three steps you can do to reduce holiday stress for your cat.

First, keep the household changes to a minimum. Think about where you might put the Christmas tree. If you put the tree in a place that normally belongs to kitty, she could be mighty upset with you. Her reaction could range from hiding for days to urinating underneath the tree, if not trying to pull it down. Look for a location that pleases both the human and animal population in your house. If that's not possible, and knowing how cats can be, you'll have to settle for pleasing one or the other. My bet is it's whoever pays the bills.

My cat Scout thinks the Christmas tree is a new litter box location. She'll urinate on the tree cover. That's a treat to clean! I have to keep a plastic liner under the tree to facilitate the clean up. I make double certain to keep all the litter boxes clean, but she feels a need to express herself creatively at this time of the year. It's her way to contributing to the tree decorating tradition.

Next, if you own a scaredy kitty, confine her to a safe room when hosting holiday events in your home. If possible, confine your kitty in a place that guests won't stumble in. Put her food, water, and a clean litter box in the room. Stop in from time to time to reassure her that it's alright. If there aren't adequate hiding spots in her room, think about putting a box or large paper bag in with her, and encourage her to burrow in it.

Finally, purchase some natural flower essence compounds to put in her food or water all during the holiday season. There are several good remedies that are recommended for situational stress. Add a few drops in kitty's food or water twice a day, and you'll see results within 24 hours. Flowering essences are also safe for human consumption, so if you're contemplating a fall into insanity, take a few drops yourself!

You can also purchase synthetic hormone substances that come pre-packaged in a bottle that plugs into any electrical outlet in your home. This remedy lasts approximately a month.

Good luck, and happy holidays to you and your family – humans and animals!

About The Author

Nancy E. Wigal

www.cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

nancy@cat-urine-odor-advisor.com

I'm a cat lover who has had cats since childhood. Quite a few of these wonderful creatures are available for adoption because they don't use the litter box, and the previous owner has grown frustrated trying to solve the inappropriate elimination problem.

I have one of those cats, and I've successfully discovered the reasons why she wouldn't use her box. I created the Cat Urine Odor Advisor to help cat owners understand the materials, solutions, and resources that work together to eliminate cat urine odor from their homes.

Memorial Day Flowers

Writen by Tenley McDonald

Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day. Your local florist can provide fresh or silk flowers for honoring the memory of your loved ones. There are many options available when taking flowers to a gravesite. Many people choose a cone arrangement, which can be placed into the ground.

Here are some things to keep in mind when taking loose fresh flowers to a gravesite. If you will be placing them in a cone, you should take a couple of supplies with you. A pair of scissors and a jug of water. When you arrive at the gravesite, place the cone in the ground. If you have floral preservative add this to the cone first. Fill the cone with water 3/4 full. Remove the leaves that fall below the water line from the stems. Finally clip off an inch or so from the bottom of the stems and place the flowers into the cone. You can then arrange the flowers to fill in the cone.

Silk floral designs can also be created. Ask your local florist for silk floral suggestions and design options for memorial pieces. Bouquets, Wreaths and Custom Memorial Design forms are all popular choices in silk flowers. You can even customize the design to reflect military service (red, white & blue flowers, flag design, etc.) to honor your loved one's service.

Memorial Day has also become a popular time for Family Reunions and Get Togethers. Consider having your local florist create centerpieces for your weekend celebration.

We suggest ordering your memorial flowers a few days ahead of time to ensure the best selection. Remember to ensure your floral order is filled to value, order direct from a local florist. No middleman, No extra fees!

Tenley McDonald- Former Florist- Now Co-Owner of http://www.flowerpowernetwork.com (Online Directory of Real Local Florists) Ms. McDonald has over 14 years experience in ~Consumer Relations/Marketing ~Customer Service Management ~Floral Design.

Christmas Coloring Pages A Way To Help Kids Learn

Writen by Kevin Ryan

Christmas coloring pages can help kids learn about the subject matter depicted on the page while they develop their hand and eye coordination. By coloring, children can work on developing their fine motor skills that are crucial, especially to preschoolers.

When children enter school, some of them have more trouble than others with simple tasks like writing and cutting with scissors. Children who have developed their fine motor skills tend to perform much better throughout their academic lives.

Holiday coloring sheets offer a young person the opportunity to gain a positive and independent attitude they'll use later in life; it gives them an outlet for expressing the way they perceive the world that surrounds them. When they see the blank figures come to life as they complete their coloring, it'll stimulate their minds and teach them about colors and shapes.

When a child sits down for a coloring session they should be given free rein to express their own personal concepts, allowing their personality and attitudes to shine through. It is fine to help the child learn how to used coloring tools, but when you step aside and let them apply their own special touch to a coloring page, they'll discover a sense of who they are and it will jump start their appetite for knowledge.

Show a genuine interest in their "masterpieces" and set aside some time to discuss their work. Christmas coloring pages can instill a confidence in a child that they'll carry with them as they enter school and begin their journey into adulthood.

Article provided by http://www.letters-from-santa.net

A place where you can get free letters from Santa, coloring & activity pages, lyrics to your favorite Christmas music, and even purchase a piece of the northpole!

Buying Artificial Christmas Trees

Writen by Rachel Johnson

Artificial Christmas trees have become quite popular in recent years because they are being made to look more and more realistic. Artificial trees have been around for a long time, but they were often expensive and just not very attractive. Now, artificial Christmas trees can be very realistic looking but they are also affordable and for the person who just doesn't have the time or desire to put up a real tree they are perfect. Artificial trees give a room the look and feel of a Christmas tree without the mess associated with a real tree so it really is a good deal for a lot of people.

Artificial Christmas trees have come along way from the cheesy trees that were sold just fifteen years ago. Now, the trees come in a variety of types and they have been patterned after real trees so that they aren't perfect, but they look like real trees. You can buy very full artificial Christmas trees, but you can also buy the tall skinny ones, too. You have as much variety with artificial Christmas trees as you do with real ones, which is nice because you can pick the type of artificial tree that appeals to you the most. Artificial Christmas trees have come such a long way that a lot of people don't know that they aren't real until they actually touch them, which is awesome!

Artificial Christmas trees appeal to a lot of people because they aren't so messy. With an artificial tree there isn't any chance of the needles falling all over the floor to torment your vacuum. There also isn't any need to water so you don't have to worry about spilling water all over your floor under the Christmas tree. There is no maintenance involved with an artificial Christmas tree, you simply put it up in your living room or wherever you want it and enjoy it!

Many people with allergies are also drawn to artificial Christmas trees because there is no scent or any pollen distributed into the air from the artificial trees. So, if you've been suffering from Christmas tree allergies for years you can enjoy a tree again, and you don't have to compromise it's beauty, which is great! Now, even people with the worst allergies can have a beautiful tree to help celebrate the holiday season!

Artificial Christmas trees are also ideal for people who are busy and just don't have the time to find a real Christmas tree and tend to it. Artificial trees are nice when you are busy because you simply take it out of its box, snap it together, adjust the branches a little bit, and you're done! You can decorate when you have the time, but the Christmas tree is done being messed with and now you can enjoy it! You can even get artificial Christmas tress that are prelit so that you do not have to mess with strands of Christmas lights, either! Artificial trees are truly the way to go if you find that you are constantly in a time crunch around the holidays.

Artificial Christmas trees can be purchased for just about every home, so if you are considering it go out and look and prepare to be impressed. The quality and beauty of these artificial trees rival that of the real ones they're just easier!

Rachel Johnson, a freelance writer, is part of a Christmas family! Christmas is a highly anticipated time of year in her home and every year new decorations are purchased and made, crafting is in full swing, and cookies are a staple! Learn more about Rachel at http://www.rachelanna.net She is a regular contributor to http://www.Christmas-Decorating-Ideas.com