HAPPY HALLOWEEN

1-800-Flowers Makes Everyone Smile

Everyone loves receiving flowers especially when it's not a special occasion. With 1-800 Flowers.com you can bring a smile to a loved one's face with their same day delivery. A new addition to their services and products is their 1-800-Baskets.com website where you can shop for 40 gifts under $40.00.

An new line of fresh flowers, plants and gifts is the addition of the Martha Stewart collection which offers upscale flower arrangements, baskets full of treats, snack trays, baby gift sets and bath sets.

Flowers and gift sets can also be ordered for a special occasion such as anniversary, birthday, get well, thank you and new baby. Live plants including house plants, roses, gardenias and hydrangea plants are also available. With their wide price range, there is something for everyone.

"I Want & Need ..."

My existence as a cat requires many things. Oh, by the way, my name is Earline Q. I want and need many things out of life such as a steady food supply, fresh water, catnip, a clean litter box and soft places to sleep. When I go outside, it's especially essential that I have comfortable outdoor patio furniture to sleep on in order to get my beauty rest. I have been on some furniture that is so lumpy, hard, rusted and mildewed that I have had to set standards (will have to pass them on to my owner). There is nothing worse than waking up cranky after my cat nap or sleeping on furniture that leaves "sleep marks" on my body. Sad but true, this has happened many times in the past.

Outdoor patio furniture should be designed for style, durability and most important of all, comfort. Beautiful design, craftsmanship, top quality and price should be the main criteria when selecting new furniture. My owner should be looking for exceptional value all the way around. As I don't like going into the pool (no point being in water unless there are fish for me to catch), I would like the luxury of lounging on conversation sets and poolside chairs. If there's a dinner party, there should be an extra chair for me so that I can be an inactive observer (please: no food scraps: I need to maintain my weight and shiny coat at all times).

Whether the outdoor patio furniture that you choose is aluminum, wrought iron, wicker, wood or high-density plastic, comfort for lounging and dining is a top prerequisite. If you like an eclectic style of decorating, mixing and matching materials and styles is just the thing for you.

Invest In Gold For Your Future

Much has been said lately both in the news and in print about the rising price and value of gold. Whether you're a seasoned gold investor or are new to this precious metal, you'll be able to get information by filling out the form for your free gold buyer's guide from Aurum Advisers at their website "goldcoinsgain.com".

Gold coins are available in fantastic designs and motifs (see above picture that shows the $2.5 Liberty Quarter Eagle). This coin holds the distinction of keeping the same design for the longest time in American history: 33 years.

Another beautiful gold coin is the Gold South African Krugerrand which was the first gold coin minted for investment. It's believed that this is the most widely owned bullion coin in the world. There is also the Canadian Maple Leaf coin that has set the standard for gold purity.

The gold trading market never closes so you can by and sell gold in any country at any time. The Chinese Gold Panda bullion coin (seen at the right) was one of the most successful gold bullion coins of the 1980's especially in the United States. There has always been a steady demand for this bullion regardless of the market price of gold. The design was changed every year and Gold Pandas are often used in necklaces and bracelets.

Online Sales Tax?

Online shopping many soon be more costly. Laws in New York, Rhode Island and North Carolina will force retailers to collect state sales tax on purchases from Internet retailers.

With state revenues decreasing, many states are considering the so-called "Amazon Laws" which require Internet retailers to collect sales tax even if there are based in another state.

The Supreme Court ruled that companies need to collect sales tax only if they maintain a "physical presence" (store or warehouse) in the same state as the customer. New laws get around this Supreme Court ruling by treating "in-state-hosted affiliate websites" as the legal equivalent of a physical presence.

States loose approximately $20 billion dollars a year in tax revenue due to online shopping.

source: PARADE

Calling All Cooks

Are you someone who likes to cook on a grill? Do you have a friend who is always inviting you over for "a little something I'll throw together on the grill"? You can cook like a gourmet chef with your Fire Magic Grill. Using charcoal, propane, natural gas, you can amaze your friends with your gastronomic delights. Another option is their electric grill. These grills can be built in or free standing and may have side burners and rotisserie kits.

If beef is your speciality for grilling or rotisserie grilling, here are a few tips to help you with your preparation of the meat. Whether you're using Fire Magic Grills or you like to cook over an open flame, here are a few ideas for preparation. If your using a rotisserie, you have to preheat the grill before cooking. For best results, sear the beef at a high temperature for the first few minutes with a low to medium low heat for the balance of the cooking time. Beef cuts that have a basic cylindrical shape are best to use (see the the tenderloin roast picture). If you aren't using the rotisserie method, then you'll be grilling on direct heat. When grilling steaks, slash the fat at 1" intervals around the steak. This helps reduce the steak's tendency to curl while grilling. Some roasts may require tying before grilling.

Here's a delightful recipe for grilling beef to get you started.

*Cajun Grilled Beef

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

-1 pound beef top sirloin, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 each red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 each large yellow onions, cut into 1 inch chunks
- 4 each metal skewers

Directions Place steak pieces in a large bowl. Add all ingredients into bowl except, red bell pepper and onion. Mix well and cover. Place in refrigerator and allow to marinate for 1-4 hours. Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread beef, red bell pepper, and onion pieces alternately onto skewers. Place on your Fire Magic Grill and cook approximately 10-15 minutes.

*source: recipetips.com

Household Items = Beauty Enhancers

Are you spending your children's inheritance on expensive beauty and cosmetic products? There's lots of thing in your house that you can use that are as effective as the high price items. For example, baking soda not only deodorizes your refrigerator but can be used as a body scrub or toothpaste.

Lemon juice minimizes pores and whitens polish-stained nails. Coconut oil is a fabulous moisturizer or make-up remover. Orange peels aid in exfoliating skin when mixed with salt or sugar. Castor oil is great for growing eyelashes and can also remove artificial nails. Olive oil can be used on your skin as a moisturizer or to help you get a tan and Source: cucumber slices or tea bags can refresh tired, swollen eyes. Beaten egg whites make an great facial mask

Source: Flint Journal

Live GREEN Like Leonardo DiCaprio

Two very recognizable symbols are the ones for recycling and composting. But what is the difference between the 2 processes? The composting process refers only to what can be "composted" which is the bio-degradation of organic matter, such as yard waste and food. This process, usually done by a garden composter is performed by micro-organisms, mostly bacteria, but also yeasts and fungi. There are many contributors to the different phases of decomposition including earthworms and fruit flies. Composting is usually not considered as recycling according to several sources.

Recycling involves processing used materials into new products to prevent waste, reduce pollution (both air and water) and to reduce the need for conventional waste disposal. Recyclable materials include glass, paper, metal, textiles and electronics. For the processing of these materials neither garden composters or recycling bins are used. The materials are either brought to a collection center or picked up curbside and sorted and reprocessed into new materials.

How does Leonardo DiCaprio figure into all of this? He has been an avid supporter of the "green movement" and the environment for many years and practices what he preaches. He recently moved into a $9M environmentally correct apartment in New York City. His apartment has rotating solar panels that provide 10% of his power. Leonardo says that he lives in the "green manner" and has released a feature length documentary "11th Hour" which focuses on the problems facing the planet's life systems. This film was done with the help of over 50 of the most prominent thinkers and activists including Mikhail Gorbachev and physicist Stephen Hawking. Global warming, deforestation, species extinction and depletion of ocean habitats are addressed. The feature offers hope and solutions. The "11th Hour" calls for a healthier future and this includes garden composters.

Do Lie Detectors Lie?

Polygraph tests are not cheap to administer. Forensic Polygraph Center in Simsbury, CT says the going rate is about $900.00. Commonly known as a lie detector, it's not only used for criminals. Private citizens use it as a tool to help settle domestic disputes. For many polygraph testing companies, more than 50% of their income, comes from family disputes.

John Grogan, Executive Director of Polygraph Examiners of America says that the machines are very accurate. "With the modern computerized polygraph and a trained examiner, it's about 98% accurate" Grogan stated.

George Maschke, co-founder of "Anti-polygraph.org" says that "It can measure your breathing rate, change in palm sweating and change in heart rate, but none of these are correlated in any consistent way with deceptions in human beings."

Polygraph (lie detector) testing has greatly increased due to crime shows, judge shows and game shows.

Source: The Hartford Courant

Where Am I?

Where Am I? That's a question I often ask myself when I'm driving to a new destination. I'm "directionally dysfunctional". There: I've said it out loud! If there were an organization for people like me, say for example Directionally Dysfunctional Anonymous, I would be president (or at least vice president). Thank heaven for GPS navigational systems and address plaques. Without them I would truly be lost. My husband I didn't argue often but one of the things that would really set him off, was my lack of directional sense. If he made a wrong turn while driving, he knew how to compensate for the error. Not me! When he'd try and give me directions, he'd get very frustrated because I couldn't relate to what he was telling me. He had to tell me in terms of left turn, right turn, how many lights, what businesses were along the way etc. We finally agreed that he wouldn't give me directions early in the morning or late at night. (and hopefully never on his part).

Before a lot of homes and businesses had address plaques that were noticeable, I would spend a lot of time stopping and asking for directions especially in a business area, as I find those are the ones who don't have their address clearly visible for the most part. I like it when they are illuminated or are the reflecting kind as they can be seen in the dark.

To me, an address plaque is very important. If it's for a house, then I know that I've I reached the right place especially in areas where homes are far apart or in a very rural area late at night. Even though my GPS will get me where I want to go, I still like to find a visible sign that it is definitely the right place.

Seniors Social Security Surprise

If you are currently collecting Social Security, there's a big surprise that's not happening in January. The usual 2%-3% increase in benefits just won't be there. Benefits for 2010 won't shrink but the lack of increase will affect many senior citizens.

For the first time in 3 decades, there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA). Social Security benefits are adjusted up each year to keep pace with inflation. These adjustments are based on the consumer-price index for urban wage earners between the 3rd quarter of the current year and the 3rd quarter of the previous year.

For some, their benefit could be lower factoring in premiums for Medicare Part B which are deducted from the monthly benefits. In the past the COLA has been enough to offset the increase in Part B premiums.

Medicare beneficiaries are protected by a provision that ensures that their Medicare premiums don't increase more than the increase in Social Security benefits (COLA).

Source: SMARTMONEY.COM

Eyeglasses: The Better To See You

If you've ever had to squint to see or read something, then you know the importance of wearing eyeglasses. Headaches from eyestrain affect a person's entire outlook. Students have seen their grades improve when is wasn't known previously that there was problem with their vision. In this economy, price and product quality are of prime importance especially in eye wear.

Shopping online at eyeglasses.com for glasses and sunglasses is a new approach to meeting your optical needs. If you're looking for prescription eyeglasses, you'll get professional advice every step of the way. Their selection includes designer, contemporary, retro, men's and women's frames at very affordable prices. It's easy to order from their selection of over 200,000 frame styles. Rimless and big eyeglasses can also be found at this site.

At eyeglasses.com, all your questions about eyeglasses, current styles, trends and prescriptions will be answered. They can be contacted at their website or by telephone. Special services are also available. Ask about custom lenses with polarization for example. Sports lenses are also available. If you're looking for something unusual or a hard to find style, this is definitely the place to shop.

Gina Penzarella: Lady of Fashion

A native New Yorker, Gina Penzarella is a women on the go. As the owner and manager of Footlights Boutique in Easton, PA (where she loves having her store in the Leigh Valley) her goal is for women to have bridal fashions and special occasion outfits at affordable prices. From her bridal collections to her bridesmaid gowns and mother's dresses, fashion is key. Some styles are ready for immediate delivery or gowns can also be "made-to-order".

Gina Penzarella and her Boutique offer a high level of personal service. Following the latest trends, she is on top of the fashion world so that each client can have the "perfect dress" for their special occasion. At Prom Season, Gina will only sell one type of dress to each school so that no one will have the embarrassment of showing up in the same dress as someone else.

Not only is Gina Penzarella a lady of fashion, she is also an avid gardener. She has written articles on her battle against weeds. In her articles, she passes on tips about gardening products and her insight on gardening tools. She explains the uses and purposes of many tools including lawnmowers, garden shredders, cultivators, leaf sweepers and spading forks.

Gina is definitely a lady on the go.

Bigger Than Big

Growing up, one of the Christmas season's traditions for my family was driving through our local park to see the lighted holiday displays. Then we'd drive around in the surrounding residential areas to see who had outdone everyone else. My mother enjoyed decorating our house for the holidays as this was her favorite time of the year. Every year, the decorations and displays got bigger and better. As a child, I thought I was seeing large Christmas decorations.

My family moved to Michigan over 30 years ago (from the East Coast). We learned that there was a huge "all year round" Christmas store about 30 miles away in Frankenmuth, MI. They are open 361 days a year and are a worldwide tourist attraction. They carry every imaginable ornament and decoration. My husband and I would take our 2 daughters up there at least once a year because the store kept growing and growing. It was especially fun to go in the summer when the temperatures were high. Large Christmas decorations were every where. Trains ran on tracks close to the ceiling, dolls were swinging on swings, animated animals and characters were moving about and some were singing. I thought we had seen everything in the way of holiday decorations.

Recently, I found a web site that has large Christmas decorations. Actually, these are larger than large. Looking at the two pictures above, you can see that they tower over the people standing next to them. These ornaments and decorations are HUGE! Besides the 2 pictured above, I couldn't believe the size of some of the other holiday decorations shown on this web site. What a fantastic selection to choose from including: hot air balloons, snowman families, carousel horses, light sticks, toy soldiers and holiday elves made of weather resistant fiber glass.

Herbalife For Your Health

Are you always trying to loose weight? Has your weight gone up and down for years? Constantly not fitting into your clothes? Have a lack of energy?There's any easy way to loose weight that's also healthy. Herbal Nutrition is the answer. Have two meal-replacement shakes a day with their Formula 1 Nutrition Shake Mix which helps boost your daily protein intake also.

You can buy Herbalife through a distributor who is close to your home. Click on the blue link to their web site. Once you're on their home page, you'll be able to enter the city and state you live in. I centered on "Farmington, MI" and 6 distributors names and sites came up with their distance from Farmington. Then you can click on the 6 individual web sites for further information about the distributor and their products.

Herbalife International is another option. On the home page, I entered "London England" and again 6 distributor sites were listed. On the home page also, you can register to become a Herbalife Distributor so that you can work from home.

Blowing In The Wind

Wind, as defined by Wikipedia, is "the flow of air or other gases that compose an atmosphere." It plays a very important part in our existence. Without it, we'd all fry from the heat of the sun as it makes up the bulk of movement of the air. Adversely, too much wind is equally dangerous with surging tides engulfing whole towns and cities. Weathervanes show the direction of the wind. The word "vane" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "fane" meaning "flag". In my post of 7/2/09, I raised the question of whether wind turbines are slowing down or not. As stated, there has been an increase in the number of low or no wind days in the Midwest and wind measurements show wind speeds falling along parts of the Northern Plains. Wind, a power source of the green energy movement, is dying down.

People have watched and tested wind changes for centuries as it is important to know for both work and play. Occasionally, you'll see a person stick their wet finger in the air as a cost effect weathervane. My grandfather used to do that. I remember going to visit my grandparents on their farm. It was a typical one with the red paint chipping off the barn, the pig pen (they were really prickly to touch), the cows and other animals. I loved to watch their weathervane turn. I don't remember if it had a design , but knowing them, it was more utilitarian than decorative.

Weathervanes now come in fabulous designs and are made of different materials such as the two shown. Those made out of stained glass catch the sun's rays to make it seem like you're looking at a rainbow. The ones made of polished copper add elegance whether mounted on a roof or standing in a garden. The selection of styles and designs is huge and can be matched to hobbies or collections. Animals, mythical objects and creatures, sports, transportation, lighthouses and celestial are all represented in weathervane designs. The sky's almost the limit when it comes to choosing one to fit your style and personality.

Jersey Shore High-End Properties

When you think of a man on the move, Bruce Germinsky is that person. As Executive Vice President of RH Dembling Realty Services, LLC, he is moving the company forward. Offering commercial, retail and high-end residential real estate, the company is reaching large segments of the population.

Located in the heart of Monmouth County (NJ), Bruce and his team focus on customer service and satisfaction. From private residences that include condominiums and townhouses, to Class A commercial properties that are suitable for office buildings, the company's scope is extensive.

Selling commercial land and investment properties is only one facet of the business. Luxurious ocean front condominiums and bayfront townhouses can be viewed by clicking on their virtual tour link and seeing for yourself all that the company has to offer. Retail leasing and site development are also options. Bruce Germinsky offers one-stop shopping for your personal and profession real estate needs.

SGS Asset Management = Performance

Located in Nevis and Saint Kitts, SGS Asset Management is a company on the move. Their mission is: To continue to provide above average returns to our clients regardless of the market condition. Increase our investor's bottom line and safeguard their investment. In the end all that matters are the results."

As we have seen for the past year to year and a half, the economic stability of the world is a wild roller coaster ride. Companies like SGS Asset Management help people to get poised for the long haul. For people who have an investment plan in place, it's important that assets are safe and secure, with a reliable financial program in place. Increasing operating costs can make this difficult and people's financial resources are decreasing due to lay offs, closing, the famous "downsizing" of companies and the lethargic world economy in general.

SGS Asset Management knows that a program has to be coordinated for optimal management of assets. The asset management system should guide activities towards the goal of correct asset use.

Andrew Wilshire: Investing Expert

We all know that money doesn't grow on trees. Andrew Wilshire is a financial adviser, entrepreneur and business executive with words of wisdom on not only investing but protecting your investments. For coin collectors, no matter how large or small the collection is, don't spend any of the coins; hold onto them for a gain in value.

Andrew Wilshire, an expert on investing in bullion and precious metals publishes a blog to offer advice and marketing comments to clients and interested investors. One of the tips he offers is that coins etc. be safely secured. If you have a safe at home, it should be built into the wall . If the safe is sitting on the floor, it needs to be taller than you so it's size and bulk will prevent robbers from removing it. Bank safe deposit boxes are another secure option.

With years of experience starting up and directing growth-oriented companies, Andrew Wilshire uses his financial skills including raising capital and creating long and short term financial strategies to make his mark on the financial world.

Frank J. Hanna lll and his 3 "T's"

Use your TIME, TALENT and TREASURE! Those are the thoughts and principles that Frank J. Hanna lll lives by. He knows that financial planning has always been a necessity. Now, more than ever with the economy on a daily roller coaster ride, goals need to be set, budgets need to be kept and controlling the flow of your assets is mandatory.

Careful planning and execution of that plan in a person's early life will be a project that ensures full use of both time and energy. Frank J. Hanna lll knows that this is the time in a person's life where there should be the acquisition of money, properties and other pursuits. In later years, the amount of time and energy dwindles. The middle years see an individual whose main focus is on his family and involvement with society.

A merchant banker in Atlanta (GA), Frank J. Hanna lll has not only started and backed successful businesses but is very involved in promoting educational liberty. He has helped with the start-up of three new Catholic schools in Atlanta and has been a leader in efforts for school reform.