Review: Ornaments With Love

Among my holiday Christmas traditions is getting a new ornament each year from www.ornamentswithlove.com.

When we put the old ornaments each year, they have a unique memory associated with the ornament and the year we have gotten it. With arrival of our dog Jake this year, it only made sense to get a personalized family with dog ornament which included his name. 

These ornaments are truly beautiful and you can use them to mark specific passages of time such as a new baby, and travel or honor a family member with a personalized ornament. There are hundreds of unique ornaments featuring animals, sports, pro teams, angels, family and even occupations, as well as many more. Kids will love a Christmas ornament inscribed with their name and many people make it a family affair and a tradition of choosing a new decoration that best represents them with each passing year.

A Peace of Mind with Life Insurance

As much as we hate to admit it, we are not going to live forever. Your or your spouse’s death will be a devastating emotionally time for your family. Do not let it become a financial catastrophe as well.Gerry and I both have life insurance.

Life insurance can add a great peace of mind to your family in the event of your death. There are many types of insurance that is available and it can be challenging to find one that suits your age and the stage of your life.

Many life insurance come with terminal illness cover, which means that the payout occurs at the time the terminal illness is diagnosed and not at the time of death, making that difficult time a little easier financially. None of us believe that we will be critically ill, yet it happens to millions of people every day, therefore many choose to add a critical illness cover to their insurance. The insurance will pay out a predetermined amount if you get diagnosed with a specific illness listed in the policy. This is wonderful as it allows you to take the time you need to get better, as opposed to being constantly worried about the bills, and it can even pay for any extra medical help that you may desire. Many peoples main worry is what would happen to their home in the event of their death. 

Today’s homeowners are usually saddled with pretty hefty mortgages that will need to be paid off, if the policy holder passes on. Mortgage term assurance is a relatively inexpensive solution designed to help you pay of your mortgage in case of death. Alternatively mortgage decreasing term assurance is meant to protect a repayment mortgage so that the amount that is covered decreases as you mortgage decreases. Don’t let your age deter you from purchasing life insurance. There are over 50's plans that are designed to be affordable and helpful to the older population. Increasing plan allows for a cash sum pay out without any medical or health examinations, and is reviewed every year, to keep up with inflation etc. A fixed plan is great for those on a budget, and the monthly premiums are also fixed. As your life changes so do your life insurance needs, and a good provider will help you adjust your terms.

Remember, the game of life is filled with surprises, so it is best to come prepared.

If you want to read more interesting articles and up to date information on life insurance in UK, i would recommend reading this blog.

Drinking and (Not) Driving

Many of us know someone or have been in a situation in which we have been drinking and are now faced with the prospect of driving. Depending on various factors it may take different people different amounts of alcohol to reach the blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, which makes it illegal to drive in the 50 U.S. states.

According to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) an estimated one million people are convicted of drunk driving every year. Of these about 279 000 are getting interlocks installed in their cars. Interlocks save thousands of lives every year. Before the vehicle can be started the driver must exhale into the device.

A blood alcohol level higher than the pre-programmed concentration would make the vehicle inoperable by the driver. According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, ignition interlocks reduced repeat drunk driving offenses by 67%. Even the very first drunk driving offense can have serious consequences.

A first offense DUI California carries with it the penalty of completing a DUI program and a restricted driver’s license. The driver may only be able to operate the vehicle within restricted hours and for specific purposes such as work or school. According to legal expert Darren Kavinoky who has been featured on television shows such as ‘The Insider’discussing celebrity cases “in California you can lose your license in your first offense.”

Having a DUI on your driving record has serious consequences which may affect your insurance premiums or show up during a background check for work. The best way to deal with a DUI is to prevent it in the first place. When going out please limit yourself when drinking, find a designated driver who isn’t drinking, or simply call a cab. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Discover the Himalayas Through Walking

Many travelers dream of seeing the incredibly majestic Himalayan Mountains, walking this terrain can be a great and even a little bit exciting experience.

Himalayan walking experiences such as village walks and day walks at Kumon, Ladakh, Sikkim can take you through some wonderful paths in this hidden and remote mountain region.

Kumaon offers stunning mountain scenery that is likely unsurpassed by an region on earth with the characteristics snow capped mountains.

Ladakh is often referred to as “little Tibet” it contains one of the most Tantric Buddhist societies left on earth. River rafting can be included in the program and is not an activity to miss.

Sikkim, has a stunning and practically untouched landscape overlooked by the world’s third highest mountain, Kanchenjunga (8598m). The clans inhabiting this region live a very Spartan Buddhist way of life. During your walk you visit some of the local villages and local shops. The walks can vary in length from 1-5 hours and can be catered to suit the interest and fitness level of the groups. Since walking is sure to make you hungry, a lovely breakfast or lunch is offered under an awning on part of the route.

Do not let the Himalayan Mountains scare you. These are considered walks and are not considered climbs or treks so they are suitable for all types of people with various fitness levels.

One of the best ways to observe local culture is to take the time to experience it. As you journey through the Himalayas the goal is to get away from the hustle and the bustle and discover the road less traveled that will immerse you in local culture and tradition. As you take shatki Himalayan walking experience you will finally understand the age old says “It’s about the journey and about the destination”.  

A Well Made Bed

 It’s a well known fact that many people are very passionate about their bed. From the frame, to the perfect duvet and the softest pillows there are many steps to make the ideal bed. The final touch, the so called cherry on top is bed linen. 

 The right linen can make a bed look put together and very inviting. Some of the most beautiful beds, the ones that we see in home decor magazines often feature white bed linen, for that crisp and stylish look. Warm, white bed linen as opposed to bright can be complemented with many different colors of throws and pillows and can fit the decor of any room.

 Some great pillow cases feature an oxford edge and a frame of diamond and hem stitch drawn needlework. This diamond stitch can be also maintained in the top sheet of your bed as well as through the duvet cover, so that perfect cozy look. An alternative look could be the hem stitch, which features more visible lines along the edge of the betting. These types of linens are often associated with swank city hotels as well as cute and cozy bed and breakfasts in the country.

 Crushed linen is one of the newest fads in the bedding; it is great for those of us who loathe ironing. The bed linen looks soft and crisp without every coming in contact with an ironing board. Crushed linen can come in a variety of colors including Prussian blue, slate grey and ivory white.

 The final addition to the bed could be a small pillow case. These look wonderful on a beautiful bed, and can be monogrammed with initials for that more personalized feel. 

 There are many ways to make a bed great, just be careful otherwise you may never want to leave it.

Review:Francesca's Signature Collection

Review By: Cynthia ( my mom ,who loves her perfume!)

This year custom fragrance development company Tru Fragrance launched one of the first branded fragrances from Francesca’s Collections, one of the fastest-growing women’s fashion retailers in the country. Tru Fragrance – a custom fragrance development company – creates, manufactures and markets private brand fragrances for niche and specialty retailers worldwide.

Francesca's Signature Collection perfume is one of a kind, in a class by itself. I love trying out different perfumes and was pleased to add this one to my own personal collection. 

Francesca's box has Moroccan artwork, the bottle is clear glass with a gold cap. When you first spray it on it smells strong but as it dries it turns into a soft, feminine, sexy finish. I found it had a hint of several scents, earthy, fruity, and spice. It reminded me of a sophisticated woman. It would be perfect for a date, travel, work or after a shower. In my opinion it would be the perfect perfume for all seasons. 

• 
  Brand: Private label women’s fine fragrance
  Targets: Women 18-40
  Packaging: Inspired by the intricate patterns of artwork found in Morocco. Francesca’s Collection Signature reinforces women’s sophisticated taste and worldly desires.
  Top Notes: Fresh Bergamot, Orange Segments
  Mid Notes: Sensual Jasmine, Exotic Rose
  Base Notes: White Patchouli, Vetiver, Creamy Vanilla
  Price: $28.00
  
  This perfume is available for purchase exclusively at Francesca’s Collections stores.

5 Keys to Successful Investing

In these tight economic times, for young Generation X and Y, the idea of investing money is a relatively jarring one. For many, actually considering where to put their money and choosing certain investments is a whole new ballgame, that requires a great deal of thought and preparation. Investing money can be an extremely beneficial; however the hard part is figuring out how to do it on your own.

Here we offer :5 keys to successful investing from Folio Investing 

• Diversify: As the saying goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. The problem is that buying different baskets may be an expensive proposition, especially if you are working with a small amount of investable assets to start. Fees add up as you begin to buy and trade stocks. Folio Investing, for example, is the only brokerage built with a model for cost effective investment diversification that allows you to increase returns with less risk.

• Personalize: One size does not fit all — yet that is what many investments, like funds currently offer. Would it really make sense to invest in the same fund as someone who is retired, or someone who is just starting their career? You need to invest in what makes sense for you.

• Invest Consistently:This is where investors of all ages fail. Emotional investing – jumping in when markets are good and jumping out during a down turn – is where most portfolios do not succeed. This can be overcome by a platform that keeps fees low so you can stay active all year long.

• Minimize Taxes: One mistake even the most skilled of investors is underestimating the impact of taxes on investment returns. So they ignore capital gains taxes until they have to pay them. This is where you see those huge end-of-year sell offs, and that can hurt your portfolio. Tools found in the Folio Investing platform can help control your capital gains and losses to minimize taxes and maximize investment returns every day.

• Reduce Costs: Most young investors do not realize fees can start to add up and soon might outweigh your gains. Over time, expenses and fees can really make a difference. Consider a commission-free or low-fee models such as the one offered by Folio to keep your cost low and manageable.

By way of background, since 1999, Folio Investing has promoted smarter investing by enabling cost-effective and easy customization and diversification and tax efficiency, and by offering highly unique products and services.

Choosing A Care Home

Choosing care homes for a relative can be a very difficult decision even at the best of times. You want to make sure that the patient has the best quality of life possible, while at the same time receiving the care and nurture that they may need.

Patients of varying ages and varying conditions can look for different things when searching for a care home. For example young people can often find themselves looking for help when they have been diagnosed with an eating disorder or become physically disabled. Older patients may seek aid due to dementia or stroke rehabilitation. In truth, people of all ages and conditions may search for extra care, whether you are recovering from surgery or require neurological care there are many factors to consider when looking for help.

The treatments available may be based on building a sense of self-esteem, ability to cope or communication. Alternatively, they can be more physical such as rehabilitation therapy or even help with day to day tasks that could be becoming a problem for the patient.

 During your initial visit to a potential home be sure to ask plenty of questions, to a variety of people so that you can get a sense if this is the right place for you or a family member. Determine the types and quality nursing and health services that are available at the facility, are good enough to suit your needs. That being said, living in a care home is not only about nursing and solutions for health issues. Recreational activities are a vital component in our lives. On your visit see what kinds of activities are offered and whether the residents are encouraged to partake. 

This decision is never easy but by looking at the key factors you can make a decisions that both you and your family are comfortable with.

Today's Quick Tips

-Frugal living is making the most of what you have. Some may have more than others but do what you can with the money you do have. Be happy to have each other.

- Barter for services.

-Learn to fix things yourself. My hubby is a great fix it guy- I don't think there isn't anything he can't fix.My daughter, Ria, will attempt to fix things on her by watching U-tube videos, if she doesn't get Gerry to fix it for her.

Win a Trip to an NFL Game in London!

As football season kicks off, I wanted to let you know of the most recent London Fan-Tastic Family Adventure Sweepstakes surrounding the NFL International Series Game at Wembley Stadium. This grand prize contest, sponsored by Exergen Corporation, is worth over $22,000 and offers contestants the opportunity to win a 5 day, 4 night trip that includes tickets to the game for the family.

To enter:

- Visit http://adventuretolondon.com/

- Complete entry form for the opportunity to win one of 100 available $25 Visa gift cards or a Grand Prize giveaway that includes:

· Round Trip Airfare to London, England for a family of 4

· 4 night hotel stay

· $ 1000 Spending money to experience the sights and sounds of London and all its glory

· 4 tickets to the NFL International Series Game at London’s Wembley Stadium where the Patriots take on the Rams on October 28th, 2012. Experience royal treatment with great seats, VIP passes, souvenir gift packs, and more!

Last day to enter is: October 14th.