Frugal repast will aid plants

The saying that you can kill with kindness is never so true as with certain houseplants, which you insist on cosseting, watering too often and feeding regularly when they'd really rather be left alone.

I remember having a Christmas cactus which flowered its head off on my kitchen windowsill during the festive season year after year, when I showed it little affection, often leaving it dry as a bone and seemingly pot-bound.

But actually, Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) can flower from November to March, as long as they have been given a cool, dry resting period in February and March. Don't move them when their buds have formed as they don't take kindly to a change in atmosphere.

Many plants you buy at Christmas for taking indoors need to be kept cool in the house and away from radiators, draughts which create temperature fluctuations and shouldn't be overwatered.

Cyclamen, for example, can be left to virtually dry out before watering and you should water from below, pouring the water into the saucer or bowl in which they stand. Also, once the soil is fairly moist, empty the excess water from the container.

An ideal position is on an east or west-facing windowsill, porch or conservatory, as they need reasonable light.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) should be protected from cold and draughts and need a light position and a temperature of 55-60AF (16-18AC) but not above a radiator.

Allow compost to dry out between watering, as over-watering will lead to loss of colour and possible leaf drop. If the leaves look limp because the plant is too dry, it can be revived by watering from beneath.

Orchids, the must-have indoor plant of recent years, were once thought of as fragile and difficult, but in fact they don't like too much TLC, but most hybrids need to be kept in an atmosphere of a minimum of 16C (61F).

Phil Griffiths, conservatories co-ordinator at Kew, says: "Most of them are pretty tough and they are getting easier to grow as nurseries bring out new varieties. Orchids don't like to be pampered and it is generally overwatering which kills them."

He says it's a myth that they must be shaded. They will do well on a windowsill and flower more freely if you give them some sun. And they don't need misting.

"They don't want fussing. They can be left without water for a week then submerse the pot in a bowl of tepid water until moist."

Fall is no time for a break from working in the yard

The fall housekeeping in the garden continues in October, and cooler temperatures should make chores more pleasant.

The calendar for October reflects timely gardening and landscape maintenance activities. The specific date selected for each activity should fall within the optimum time frame for performing the suggested task. Because many procedures can be accomplished during a wide "window" and, because weather affects certain operations, these dates aren't absolute and are flexible enough to accommodate adjustments.

Oct. 1: To "re-bloom" your poinsettia or Christmas cactus, put the plant in complete darkness (a closet or a box) from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night. Provide good light conditions the rest of the day.

Oct. 2: If houseplants out-grew their containers during the summer, repot into the next larger size at this time.

Oct. 3: You may notice the inner needles on your pine tree simultaneously turning clear yellow and dropping off; this is most likely a normal shedding.

Oct. 4: Plant garlic cloves (pointed end up) at a spacing of 3 inches apart and 1 to 2 inches deep. Harvest next summer when most of the foliage has browned.

Oct. 5: Gradually remove shading compound from greenhouse covering. Disinfect benches, flats, pots and tools with a 10 percent chlorine bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts of water).

Oct. 6: Harvest persimmons when they lose their "pucker power." Frost is not required for persimmon ripening. Use for pudding, cookies, cakes and custard.

Oct. 7: Bring your amaryllis plant inside before frost threatens - then withhold water to allow the bulb to enter dormancy; pot up and revive about two months later.

Oct. 8: Harvest green tomatoes when frost threatens, wrap individually in newspaper, and store in a dark location at 55 to 60 degrees. (Ripen as needed at 70 degrees.)

Oct. 9: Let popcorn mature on the stalk, then remove the husk and cure for 2 to 3 weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area. Store shelled kernels in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator.

Oct. 10: If fall foliage coloration is an important criteria for selecting trees and shrubs, select plants as they display their colors in the nursery.

Oct. 11: Clean out your martin house and prepare bird feeders for the winter season.

Oct. 12: Use a cold frame to overwinter pansies and small perennial plants.

Oct. 13: Today is the average date of our first 32-degree freeze in the fall (based on data from 1948 to 2004). Be prepared with tarpaulins/blankets/row covers to protect tender crops when frost threatens (or accept the end of the growing season and let nature run its course.)

Oct. 14: Harvest peanuts after a heavy frost completely destroys the tops.

Oct. 15: Mid-October is generally considered the cutoff for reliable seeding of cool season lawn grasses (bluegrass/fescue/ ryegrass) - but bluegrass or tall fescue sod can be reliably planted later (perhaps into early or mid-November).

Oct. 16: Dig cannas, dahlias, tuberose, calla lilies and gladioli for winter storage after they are nipped by frost - pack in dry sphagnum peat moss and store in a cool basement.

Oct. 17: Fertilize new lawns at one-half rate about a month after the grass comes up.

Oct. 18: Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs; start to plant tulips. Try a less common type like flowering onion (Allium) or Fritillaria.

Oct. 19: Spade or plow garden areas as crops are removed. Mix in lime or phosphate fertilizer if need is indicated by a soil test. Also turn under organic matter, such as compost.

Oct. 20: Pot up bulbs for "forcing" into bloom indoors (call the Shawnee County Extension Office at 232-0062 for more details).

Oct. 21: Mark and label your perennial flowers so you will know what is coming up where next spring.

Oct. 22: Clean up fallen fruit from beneath fruit trees to reduce disease potential - also remove shriveled "mummies" that are hanging in the trees.

Oct. 23: Wash windows to improve light conditions for indoor plants. It also helps to remove screens during the winter to let in more light.

Oct. 24: If you don't have a good place for houseplants near a window, rig up artificial light fixtures for this purpose. Cool white fluorescent tubes are adequate for most plants.

Oct. 25: Add fallen leaves to your compost pile. Note: A light layer of fallen leaves can be chopped up with a mulching mower and allowed to fall back onto established lawns, but keep fallen leaves off of new grass).

Oct. 26: Spray winter annual weeds like chickweed and henbit in established lawns.

Oct. 27: Plant seed of trees you wish to propagate in a nursery row in the garden. Cover with wire mesh to discourage pilfering by squirrels.

Oct. 28: Remove asparagus ferns after they have been killed by a hard freeze.

Oct. 29: Pull mulch away from the base of tree trunks to discourage basal decay. Also eliminate tufts of weeds and grass at the base of trees to discourage rodent feeding on the lower bark.

Oct. 30: Apply a light colored wrap around the trunk of young trees to reduce "sunscald" (white spiral perforated plastic works well) - remove after the danger of freezing temperature is past in the spring.

Oct. 31: Show off your creative talent with a custom carved, painted, or etched pumpkin. Roast pumpkin seeds for a tasty, nutritious snack (call the extension office for a recipe).

Phil Sell is a horticulturist

with K-State Research and Extension

in Shawnee County.

Top 10 Most Popular Theme Party Ideas For Adults

Who mentioned concept functions are just for young children?

I've picked out the most favored celebration themes for adults, guaranteed to bring out the "child" in you.

If you are hunting to host a bash that is sure to go over effectively, check out out the experimented with-and-correct celebration strategies under.

Hawaiian Luau Get together

Welcome each and every guest with an "aloha" and a kiss on the cheek. Hand a lei to all visitors, and a silk flower for the girls to put in their hair.

Believe balmy and exotic! Vibrant and colorful is certain to set a tropical ambiance.

The recommended drinks involve Margaritas, Mai Tais, Pina Coladas, Bahama Mamas, and Frozen Daiquiris. Be sure to have Hawaiian punch on hand for the non-alcoholic set as effectively as h2o for all.

Be convinced to have a limbo contest to see "how low can you go" and a hula contest for ideal enjoyable.

Wine Tasting Get together

A wine tasting get together does not have to be reserved for the clearly-versed wine connoisseur. Get your friends jointly for an informal potluck party, with each guest bringing his/her preferred wine. Food should preferably be common appetizers as effectively as cheese and bread. Furnish index cards for friends to price their favorites.

Bunco Bash Concept

Bunco is a great sport is quickly taking in excess of in our living rooms. It is really not your grandmother's canasta video game! Bunco allows for typical get-togethers with spouse and children, acquaintances, and neighbors as you can meet on a regular foundation, whereas rotating hosts. It is quick paced and gets you mixing with all players (ordinarily twelve) as you rotate from table to table.

Fortune Telling Theme

I see a exciting theme social gathering in your foreseeable future...

A gypsy choice garb is suitable for a fortune telling get together. Full your outfit with scarves, lots of bangle kind bracelets, and hoop earrings.

Have a least an individual table with a crystal ball. If you can't unearth just one, you can commonly use a vast snow world of some variety.

Other remarkable video games comprise of a Ouija board and Magic 8 ball.

Mexican Fiesta

Go "South of the border" for a festive concept celebration. Quality decorations comprise inflatable cactus, chili peppers, boots, and sombreros.

The signature drinks for a fiesta get together are margaritas and Corona beer.

Be sure to play lots of fiesta music as you shake your maracas!

Casino/Las Vegas Night time

The central theme is friendly gambling- either for prizes or just for exciting.

The most well-known games tend to be blackjack and poker. For the non-gambling variety, can include relatively easy games like bingo and other widespread card video games.

Give each and every visitor poker chips, play cash flow, and dice when they arrive. Excellent decorations encompass hanging fuzzy dice and lots of black and red balloons. For a Las Vegas type nightlife impact, create loads of glow merchandise.

Decade Social gathering (50�s, 60�s, 70�s, 80�s)

Decade concept parties are extraordinarily well-liked and can be also be applied for themed birthday parties as effectively. Visitors have lots of pleasurable dressing in outfits from their substantial school and college days.

Flowered pants, peace signs, and John Lennon glasses are first class for a 60's theme.

Bell-bottom Levi's or Wranglers are ideal for that 70's celebration- or go all out with your leisure match.

Punk wigs, mezpahs, and jelly bracelets are super for a retro 80's appearance.

Dinner Get together

There are most alternatives for placing together a fine dinner bash. Depending on your individual design, the dinner celebration can vary from casual and entertaining, to gourmet and polished.

The a few most trendy styles of dinner events have a tendency to be dessert, cocktail, or international food themed.

For a greater informal social gathering, use a potluck design. Guest can provide along a dish of their alternative. This can be a complete program American meal or worldwide cuisine. You can opt for to be dessert or cocktail celebration targeted.

Magic Theme Bash

Organizing a magic get together isn't going to have to be "difficult" right after all. Go all out with your black leading hat and magic wand as you get your friends to study straight forward card methods. Methods can range from trouble-free to extra unique effects.

Incredible decorations comprise hanging black major hats and loads of black and red balloons. For a magical influence, create a good deal of glow merchandise.

Western Theme Party

Suppose rustic and hearty!

Old lanterns, jugs, and bales of hay make impressive decorations. You can also use kerosene lamps and washtubs as accents.

A video game of horseshoes following to a roaring bonfire is a good exercise for socializing. Sing-along western songs can liven up the bunch, and karaoke usually requires cowboy tunes to a new dimension.

Game titles to play can can include competitions in roping, or utilizing a lasso to catch an object.

I hope these options helped spark some thoughts for your approaching concept bash. Have a sensational celebration!

Writer: Dee Schrock

What to do in your garden: December

Shopping

Gifts from the nursery To bypass the hectic mall and give a present that will live on after the holidays, head for a garden center. For an edible surprise, pot up a dwarf citrus or cool-season greens such as arugula or butterhead lettuce. Or buy a blooming camellia, Christmas cactus, or orchid. For the promise of spring flowers, pick out a bare-root rose in a box.

[GRAPHIC OMITTED]

Live Christmas trees San Francisco residents can have living trees such as Brisbane box, small leaf tristania, and strawberry tree delivered from Friends of the Urban Forest's Green Christmas program. Decorate and enjoy the trees through the holidays; they'll be picked up after Christmas and later planted throughout the city. Order by Dec 14; $90 per tree; fuf.net or 415/561-6890.

Planting

Bare-root plants Sunset climate zones 7-9,14-17: Late this month, nurseries begin selling bare-root cane berries, fruit trees, grapes, and roses. You'll also find perennial vegetables such as asparagus, horseradish, and rhubarb. Plant as soon as possible after bringing them home. If garden soil is too wet to plant, temporarily place each plant in an empty bucket or pot and cover roots with moistened mulch.

Instant color Zones 7-9, 14-17: To quickly perk up containers in entryways and on patios, cluster blooming plants in large containers. Choose from azaleas, calendula, Christmas cactus, cyclamen, English and fairy primroses, kalanchoe, pansies, Primula obconica, and snapdragons in 4- and 6-inch pots. Mix in dwarf conifers. Protect tender Christmas cactus and kalanchoe from frost by setting them beneath an overhang or displaying them indoors.

Poinsettias Nurseries are overflowing with a colorful selection this month, with bracts in shades of salmon and lemon yellow to traditional red. Buy plants with healthy-looking leaves; avoid ones that have been stored for more than a day in paper sleeves (which block out light and reduce air circulation, causing leaves to drop off). Indoors, place plants away from heater vents in a location with bright, indirect light. Outdoors, display plants under an overhang next to the house, since temperatures below 45[degrees] to 50[degrees] can damage them. Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch (never let the soil go completely dry).

Maintenance

Feed annuals Zones 7-9, 14-17: Even in cool weather, winter annuals need nutrients for root development. Feed them every two weeks with fish emulsion or once a month with a commercial fertilizer that's higher in nitrogen.

Keep cut Christmas trees fresh Trees that have been stored with their stem ends in water are your best choices because they're freshest. To prolong freshness after bringing a tree home, saw an inch off the bottom of the trunk, place the trunk in a bucket of water, then store the tree outdoors in a shaded area until you're ready to bring it indoors for decorating. Before setting the tree in a stand, saw another inch off the bottom of the trunk (you may need to remove some of the lowest branches). Use a stand that has a deep reservoir for water, and keep the reservoir full (check daily the first week). Keep the tree away from heaters.

YOUR GUIDE TO HOLIDAY GIFT PLANTS

sunset.com/giftplants

RELATED ARTICLE: Tip from the test garden

CUT GREENS FOR BOUGHS AND SWAGS Your garden may contain all the foliage you need for holiday decorations. Long-lasting choices include Douglas fir, evergreen magnolia, fir, holly, holly-leaf osmanthus, juniper, pine, and redwood. When you cut greens for decorating, use sharp shears and keep proper pruning principles in mind so you don't harm or disfigure plants.

TO FORCE UPWARD GROWTH, cut the branch just beyond an upward-facing shoot.

TO FOSTER SPREADING GROWTH, cut the branch just beyond a downward-facing shoot.

Author: Julie Chai

GARDENING: Most beneficial of the Bunch Helianthemum-Rock Rose Notebook

Tradition dictates that I really should tell you all about poinsettias, Christmas cactus, hollies, ivies, Xmas trees and mistletoe at this time of yr but common viewers will know that I have penned about all of these more than modern many years and so, at the shortest day, the Winter Solstice, I thought that I would search at a plant for the reverse finish of the yr, the Summer season Solstice, that flowers all around the longest day.

Just remember that as of tomorrow early morning the days get started with to get extended, whilst we almost certainly won't recognize it a lot until mid-January!!!

The literal translation of the botanical name helianthemum is Sun Flower, the very same as helianthus, but of program these vegetation are pretty varying. An individual grows in alpine meadows and scrub land in Mediterranean areas and the other grows as a vigorous, tall, yearly, making copious quantities of seed for the seed and oil trades.

The rock rose or sun rose, can be grown in British gardens on open, sunny rockeries, gravel gardens or as a pavement plant on a very hot, sunny patios and will give you two flushes of flowers in the red, orange, yellow and pink ranges. They will need no feeding, notably in our prosperous, moisture retentive soils and ought to be provided as significantly drainage as feasible when planting.

There are very a quantity of named cultivars to find from and most of them will only reach 150 - 200 mm (six-8") in height, spreading out to about 200 - 300 mm (eight-twelve").

A Great Motorcycle Ride in Mexico: Queretaro.

A beautiful ride across cities and places named World Heritage by the Unesco, through an splendid protected natural area and ending in a surrealistic garden by artist Sir Edward James. Just keep reading...

The ride starts in Queretaro City at 5,970 ft above sea level.

Queretaro is a colonial city founded more than 500 years ago and named World Heritage by the Unesco in 1996 . It's located in the center of the country two hours North Mexico City. Nowadays it has become one of the most dynamic cities in Mexico due to the surrounding industrial parks where many international companies are located.

The first stop is just 45 minutes away: "La Pe�a de Bernal" (The "Rock of Bernal"). We are talking about the third biggest rock in the world and the highest in Mexico. At its feet a quaint little town were you can stop for a soda, lunch or spend the night. You can also find nice little souvenirs. Whatever you decide to do, this place is a must.

If you like rock climbing, you are in the right place too!

The road to Bernal doesn't present any major challenge, most of the road is straight with just a few extended curves... but just after passing Bernal it starts to get fun!

Surrounded by an arid landscape due the high content of lime in the soil, you start with a very interesting section of twisties, one after another, up and down, a technical road between the mountains for about 30 miles. The landscape changes a bit as you advance and a few miles later you are in the middle of a semidesert.

After this twisty section you then continue on a straight part of the road. A few more miles down the route and you find a military checkpoint... Don't worry about it, they are normally courteous people just looking for arm and drug smugglers.

After the control point the curves and the fun start again. As you get to "Pe�a Blanca" ("White Rock" in English) - by the way if you need gas, this is the place to stop and fill it up - you start climbing the mountains twist after twist.

I love this part: most of the ride you can clearly see three or four turns in front of you, and as it is a low traffic road, you can enjoy yourself taking the best lines (always keeping it in the safe side if you know what I mean!).

After climbing for a while you notice how things start to change and suddenly what were rocks, sand and cactus are now pine trees. It's beautiful.. You feel the change of temperature and then you reach "La Puerta del Cielo" (The Door of Heavens") the highest point in this ride.

We are now at about 9200 feet above sea level... The turns continue but now you are going downhill. Remember to adjust your riding to that fact. Unfortunately I have seen more than one forgetting about it that and paying the consequences.

As you start descending you ride through a small town called Pinal the Amoles... descend, turn turn, descend turn turn, descend turn turn... I love it! About 10 miles after Pinal de Amoles, the weather starts to change again and gets warmer. The vegetation also suffers a sudden transformation.

You keep devouring the road and you cannot help but getting marveled of the landscape around you... Just remember to keep your eyes on the road! Turn, turn... You are in the middle of the Sierra Gorda protected area and home of multiple plants and animals.

You continue descending till you reach Jalpan de Serra the most important town in the Sierra Gorda and place where Father Junipero Serra built one of his most important missions in the area before heading north to build the Missions in California. These missions were also named World Heritage by the Unesco in 2003.

In Jalpan you can find a couple of simple but nice hotels and some restaurants. Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a few more miles west to a place called Conca where you 'll find a hotel with Spa to relax from the day's ride and get ready for the rest of the trip.

After Jalpan our next stop and final destination is Xilitla, so you head north-east till you reach the state of San Luis Potosi.

A few miles after crossing the state limits in the middle of the mountains, at about 3,300 ft asl, in a rain forest of incredible vegetation you get to Xilitla.

This town was chosen by Sir Edward James, a surrealistic British artist - also noble and rich -, to spend the rest of his life. It is in this place he built a huge garden, a private zoo and a meditation place in the middle of the jungle. Its very difficult to describe it with words... Maybe the photos in this site can help: http://www.junglegossip.com/.

In Xilitla you can stay in the Castillo "The Castle" the house of former Sir Edward James' right hand and friend: Plutarco Gastelum. This exclusive Bed and Breakfast is unique in its kind and you can see, feel and breath the influence of the artist everywhere.

Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a bit more to the north and stay in Ciudad Valles an important city of San Luis Potosi state where you will find all kind of hotels and restaurants, night life etc.

My recommendation... stay at the Castillo, forget about your ride and enjoy for a whole day this Mexican Shangri La.

After spending the whole day in Xilitla prepare for a long ride back to Queretaro. For this one I like to leave early in the morning and keep, if possible, a fast pace. Turn, turn...

We are talking about many miles and literally hundreds of twisties... Once my wife counted them... She stopped when she was at the 500th and we hadn't arrived back to Queretaro City yet!

It's so fun that the time flies and suddenly you realize it's all over and you would like to turn around and do it again...

You know the feeling right?

Another possibility from Xilitla is to head to the famous Huasteca Potosina a zone of exuberant rivers, waterfalls and springs... But that area deserves a whole article by itself. I will be writing it in the future.

If you liked the trip I described and want more information about great motorcycle rides in Mexico and/or to contact me for any other issue please visit my site at www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com.

Enjoy the ride!

Daniel Levy

P.S. Below you will find a few facts about this ride.

Facts about the ride:

Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
Recommended time to enjoy the trip: 3-4 days
Total length of the ride: about 600 miles
Checkpoints:
Queretaro-Bernal
Bernal-Military Checkpoint
Military Checkpoint-Pinal de Amoles
Pinal de Amoles-Jalpan de Serra
Jalpan de Serra-Xilitla

Weather: normally clear and dry with the exception of the rainy season from July to September where you can find some heavy rain.

Recommended Map: Guia Roji Mexico Tourist Road Atlas. You can find it at Amazon.

Author: Daniel Levy

Making Your Own Flower Arrangements

Flowers have long been used to symbolize life�s important events and emotions. Roses are symbols of love, lilies, the flowers of death and renewal, and carnations a sign of appreciation. We use flowers as wedding decorations, Valentine�s Day presents and Christmas ornaments. No matter what the occasion is, a beautiful flower arrangement is a wonderful way to celebrate life through vibrant colors and rich floral scents.

Florists provide customers with a variety of arrangements made specifically for certain occasions and events. However, if you are on a budget, flower arrangements can be fairly pricey. Professional florists charge exorbitant amounts for their expertise, and the flowers themselves can be extremely expensive. Making your own arrangements can be a fun and creative alternative to ordering pieces from a florist. By purchasing flowers individually, you can choose the exact colors and scents you need to say exactly what you want to communicate.

When making your own flower arrangement, you should first consider its purpose. If you are making arrangements for a wedding, white is typically the presiding color. You should start with basic white flowers and add a few accents that match the bridesmaids� dresses. Large leafy green pieces add a nice contrast to delicate buds for table centerpieces, and sometimes simplicity is the best aesthetic tactic. If you are making centerpieces for several tables, you can purchase your flowers in bulk and use one design over and over again, or you can make each piece an individual work of art.

For vase arrangements, choose your container first, and pick flowers that are the correct height for the vase. When you cut your flowers, be sure to cut the stems at an angle so they can absorb water correctly and stay fresh for a long time. Vase arrangements require a focal point, and this can be one large flower or a grouping of several. It is important to choose a color scheme and to stick with it. For instance, you would not want to mix red and pink roses, or to combine yellow daisies with died green carnations. Make sure you choose flowers that look and smell good in combination with each other, and fill in the gaps with baby�s breath and leafy greenery.

When you are making larger potted flower arrangements, an aesthetically pleasing plant is a great base for your design. However, you might not want to combine a spiky cactus with soft blooming roses. If you are using only flowers, you will need a piece of arranging foam to provide a structure for the piece. Green foam can be purchased at most craft stores, and it can be cut to fit any shape you need. Before you start sticking in your stems, you might sketch out an idea of the final product. If the arrangement is to be large, pick a few large flowers to act as focal points rather than picking a multitude of tiny blooms. Too many small flowers distract the eye and make the arrangement seem busy rather than soothing.

Once you have chosen all of your flowers and greenery, begin arranging them in the container. It will take several tries and lot of adjusting before your create a finished product, but be confident and do what looks best. Arranging flowers is an intuitive art, and if you have chosen a good color scheme and a variety of shapes and sizes, the correct eye-pleasing concoction will often fall into place with little effort. When you are finished, you will have a beautiful, natural decoration to perk up even the gloomiest of environments, and you will have the satisfaction of having created a wonderful work of art.

Author: Sintilia Miecevole

Did You Overeat On Turkey Day??

Lose weight before Christmas!

It�s that time of year again when most of us (myself included) forget about the gym, our diets, and fitness routines and start to let ourselves go. Yes, us men even though many won�t admit it publicly care about what we look like and yes even a few of us go on fad diets. The number of men who are getting plastic surgery is at an all time high. Forget about hair transplants men are going under the knife for a little lipo just as fast as women.

With Thanksgiving over I know I regret just a little all of the food that I ate! Just like many of you I was thinking oh well, I will just start getting back into shape with the turn of the new year, but something came over me. When shaving the other day I noticed that I have a small double chin starting to form. I didn�t like that. That day when I went to work I say that on December 22nd the annual work Christmas party was scheduled and then there was going to be a New Years Party at the local bar, then the dreaded family get together scheduled for the 25th. I started to think I want to look good at the X-mas party and New Years Eve party. Shoot, I even want to look good at the family dinner. I am tired of being the butt of the joke when my family gets together. You all know what I�m talking about boy, it looks like someone hasn�t missed any meals lately. Family doesn�t let off either, they just keep going and going. They stick the knife in you and start twisting it deeper and deeper. I care about what they think but I really want the attention of the opposite sex. I am not embarrassed to say it but I want some of the ladies to be looking at me at my work parties before I have the chance to look at them! It would be great if I asked them to dance (especially a slow dance) and they said yes instead of I�m a little full or I don�t like this song. Hey women aren�t the only ones that want some attention! So instead of buying a new outfit to cover up my fat abs I am making a commitment to lose weight and get in shape during the next few weeks. When I walk into my office party I WILL be turning some heads! I�m not vain just confident that I will be able to get this extra weight off.

So why do I have this extra boost of confidence? Well I received an weight loss e-mail offer that I just couldn�t refuse! A friend of mine Peter (you may have read some of the advice articles that I have published on my site from him) tried a new weight loss supplement and he lost over 100 pounds!

A little about Peter he also works in the computer field working long hours and sitting all day snacking on whatever was put in front of him. The turning point for Peter was when we attended a mutual friend�s wedding (of course we went together and sat and drank alone) and many people that we grew up with him hardly recognized him. Just then and there he asked me if he really looked that different and when I didn�t respond fast enough he knew that he had to do something. He went home that night and starting making changes in his life. He did some research on weight loss products and decided to give Proactol� a try in addition to changing his diet and incorporating some exercise. You can see from the pictures on my site, that he looks like a completely different person and he says he has more energy then he ever had. (If you want to read more about his success, you can visit my site by clicking the link at the end of this weight loss article.) He was so happy with his results that he has submitted his photos and testimonials online at the manufactures website!!

Now back to me, I am going to give Proactol� a try and thanks to Peter I hope I am on a road to a better body. If it wasn�t for him and his success I would have been a little skeptical about this product and would not have even considered taking a weight loss supplement. I would have waited until New Years and bought another gym membership or something. In his e-mail he told me of his success and sent me some pictures. He also told me that I needed to get off my butt and get in shape and that now was the best time to do it because the makers of Proactol� are offering a 180 day money back guarantee if I don�t lose weight! Plus they are having a 50 natural and 100 natural, 100% organic fat binder made from the nutritious cactus �Opuntia ficus-indica�. Proactols� natural fiber, complex consists of two fibers a non-soluble fiber and a soluble fiber that both work in different ways to help you manage you weight and improve your overall health.

I am not going to spend much time explaining what it is made of, so if you want more information on Proactol� and its ingredients you can find the link on my site. I will tell you that all you need to do is take the weight loss supplement after each meal, which doesn�t seem that hard to do or remember. I like this because with other supplements I know you take them before you eat and have to wait at least an hour before your meal. I always hated that because with my schedule I never know the exact time I�ll eat and you can believe that if I take the supplemment at 12 and hope to eat by 12:30, something will happen and I won�t go to lunch until 3!

Since Peter is my friend he has also arranged for my readers to get a FREE toning belt (worth $80.00) if they order Proactol� through my special link on my website. Also if you order today through my links, you�ll be able to get a discount on some great exercise videos, and get some free weight loss books!

I know with the help of Proactol� I will be ready for the Holiday season, will you?

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Author: Simon Jones

ten Man Xmas Present Suggestions

Getting the precise reward for my dad, fathers-in-legislation, brothers and brothers-in-law is commonly a very little difficult for me. These guys don't inquire for a lot of. As a group, they are very articles. They effort tough and if they get an notion for a thing they want, they figure out a way to get it. When I finally think I've acquired their designs down, they transform their full search. I am major! And if I even dared to venture into the world of gadgets, I am sure to pick out the ones they will rarely use.

Perfectly right here are ten gentleman vacation present tips I have located that just about any man would like. Very a several are humorous, perhaps due to the fact my popular issue to do for all these hard functioning men, is lighten them up.

one. T-shirt With a Humorous Declaring - Search on the net for a corporation that specializes in outstanding shirts or make your unique with fabric paints or markers. You can place a joke with the primary line on the entrance of the t-shirt and the punch line on the back again OR you can choose humorous estimates from a person of this man's preferred authors, politicians or celebrities. One thought is to get a solid coloured t-shirt and put a enormous gold star on it that states, "Tv Sheriff" with the phrases "REMOTE Management" on the pocket. Whatever saying you go for, make him more blissful by obtaining the ideal size t-shirt. My husband is a smaller guy who undoubtedly appreciates a shirt that fits him the right way, after receiving a multitude of that could healthy two of him! Never forget that a hundred% cotton will shrink some the first of all time it is cleaned.

2. Uncommon Indoor Plant - In which I see caring for crops as a chore, a multitude of guys I know search at it as an art kind. My brother-in-law collects bonsai trees, very carefully working them into the form he strategies. He exhibits us photographs of miniature oaks and maples with the button sized leaves turning gold and red in the fall. My husband enjoys miniature cactus and has stored an individual increasing in a little cup of sand considering the fact that we received married close to 10 ages ago. Read through up on plants that would match with your guy's way of living, decor or interests. Look at a plant from his favorite place or a single described in a book or motion picture he likes.

three. Memory Film - Collect slides, pics or video clip footage of him as a baby on one video clip or DVD. Place it together yourself implementing a property editing method, order a bundle deal from a respectable editing service or retain someone you know to do it for you. Add his favourite music as the track record audio.

4. Remedy for Memory Reduction - If there is an product he is nearly always shedding, get him 1 for each room of the dwelling...and the automobile, if really want be! For instance, guitar picks (that would be for my husband), pairs of scissors, nail clippers, slippers, tools, nutritional vitamins, ...you get the idea.

six. Night of Laughs - Order him a new or put to use DVD of his favourite comedian undertaking a stand up routine. Give him tickets to a regional comedy club. Download hilarious clips from the world wide web, designing your personal collection. What ever you do, make him chuckle.

seven. Survival Bag - Set jointly a kit for no matter what hobby or exercise he likes most reliable. A person lady I heard of did this particularly creatively for all the hunters in her loved ones. She took cotton camouflage cloth and sewed terribly easy to understand smallish bags, implementing jute twine to make a drawstring. At a price reduction retailer she discovered products to fill the bags with such as: utensils, matches, canned meat or jerky, snacks, tooth brush, comb, soap, washcloth, tissues, to begin with support supplies. Seeing as she purchased these merchandise in bulk, the cost was totally acceptable per bag. I would add a distinct sheet of jokes for every guy, printed off the world wide web, to give them enjoyment for the very long hours of sitting. She painted just about every hunter's title on his bag so they could inform them apart. The guys loved them!

eight. Rest at Its Most suitable - There isn't a guy I know who would not want a seriously comfortable recliner. You can unearth product sales on new ones all the time or if you surely really want to conserve, look at out the labeled advertisements in your newspaper or some fine area put to use furniture outlets. The ones I like to head over to often have good recliners at exceedingly discounted charges. No matter what you do, sit in the chair earlier than you pay for it. Some are a great deal more snug than other folks.

9. Special Delivery - Get hold of a toy truck he would like - dumptruck, lower rider, antique pickup - at a toy retailer or antique retail outlet. Fill the mattress of the truck with all his popular goodies this sort of as candy bars, homemade cookies, caramels, and many others. If you in reality want to surprise him, hide a present certificate beneath all the treats.

10. Just one Man's Treasure - What does this man obtain and treasure? Make him a show or collage to set up in his business office, garage or area. You will must have a shelf to maintain factors, a board to pin products to, a scrapbook, or a closed cabinet to guard his assortment. If you are unable to feel of nearly anything he collects, it could perhaps be that he is like my dad, who treasures his close friends a lot more than any of his "stuff". He would love a framed collage with photos of his hundreds of mates.

Author: Melanie Farkas

Thanksgiving Gift Ideas

Most people I know don't expect a gift in the fall. That's what makes a Thanksgiving gift idea so much fun. I don't have to get anything expensive. I don't have to search for the "perfect" gift. I simply have fun putting together a hostess gift or fall holiday gift basket. Its a way I like to say thank you to my friends and family and celebrate the coming cold weather - we've got to celebrate it or else we'll mourn it!

With all the other holiday expenses on the way, I don't want to spend more than ten or twenty dollars on a Thanksgiving gift idea. Better yet, I like free gifts I can make or put together myself. These are all my favorites:

If you are invited to dinner, bring a quick and easy gift for the cook or the other guests:

Jar of Gourmet Cranberry Relish or Apple Butter

Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix

Seasonal Cookbook

An Apron - There are pretty aprons, funny aprons, white chef aprons. Take your pick.

Ceramic Pumpkin Dish (with lid) OR Fall Themed Tin Filled with Dried Cranberries

Nutcracker and Bag of Nuts

Couple Dozen Fresh or Mail Ordered Tamales OR Other Prepared Ethnic Food for a Day After Thanksgiving Feast

Plan ahead for an activity Thanksgiving gift idea to draw family and friends together and create your own traditions:

Fall Scene Puzzle to Work on After Dinner

Board Game for Those Uninterested in Sports (like me!)

Supplies For a Letter Box Hunt Including Stamp, Ink Pad, Notepad and Directions for a Local Hunt (Find out more about letterboxing at www.letterboxing.org . My children love this treasure hunt activity. I love the exercise we get while doing it.)

A Scavenger Hunt List with a prize for the Winning Team or Person

Small Booklet or Scrapbook Titled "Things I Love About My Family" - Pass it around for everyone to write in.

Light Solid Colored Table Cloth and Fabric Markers - Have family and friends write on the tablecloth what they are thankful for, along with a signature and date. Make it a yearly tradition to add thank-you's to the tablecloth.

Use these personal Thanksgiving gift ideas for friends and co-workers who need to know that you are thankful to be apart of their lives:

Framed Fall Themed Photo of You or Your Family - Years ago, my mom and dad got all seven of my siblings and me to dress in jeans and flannel shirts and took us to the Oklahoma Ouchita mountains for a photo shoot. The photographer? My future husband! And boy, did he take some nice pictures. You might also use a photo from a past Thanksgiving gathering.

Holiday Organizer Notebook - You can buy one or put it together yourself with an ordinary spiral notebook, scrapbook or wrapping paper, stickers and headings like: Winter Calandar, Work/School Gift List, Family Gift List, Friends Gift List, Holiday Meal Planning, Events/Parties

Wreath for Door OR Table Center Piece

Party Music - Buy new OR create a custom mixture tape or CD at home.

Thanksgiving Cactus (which blooms in November, not to be confused with the Christmas Cactus which blooms in December)

Memory Jar - Cut colored paper into small pieces. Using just a few words, write on each one a memory of an experience you had with the recipient that you are thankful for. Keep your memories short so you have time to think of dozens.

Sample of One of Your Favorite Holiday Dishes plus a Hand Written Copy of the Recipe - When I give a recipe as a Gift, I like to include a little story or memory about that recipe.

New Ornament, Lights, or Other Holiday Decoration plus a Commitment that You Will Come Help Decorate for an Hour or Two

Book That Tells the Story of the Pilgrims such as "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford or "Pilgrim Voices: Our First Year in the New World" Edited by Connie and Peter Roop

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

Author: Melanie Farkas

Notebook Do it this full week …Best of the Bunch Xmas cactus

1 A person rotten apple in a basket - Have you saved away tons of fruit and veggies around current months?

Now is a awesome time to check out them through for any rotting specimens.

Saved apples, potatoes and onions are mainly prone to soft rots if the storage region is a very little cold and damp.

By checking by means of these sometimes you can eliminate rotting ones right before they infect other people in the keep.

two Muck and magic - If you have not received your winter digging undertaken still you might consider to get it finished prior to Christmas so the soil can advantage from cold winter months temperatures that break down major soils.

Integrate well-rotted compost or animal manures, but verify that the base straw has not been treated with chemical substances previous to you have a load delivered.

There are still examples displaying up of plants getting broken by a specific herbicide utilised by farmers that is carried thru animals and is still affective even after remaining composted.

Take into account that the digging system is also effective for you as it is 100 % free activity unlike the gymnasium!

The turned soil is also visited by birds, who aid to eliminate weed seeds and pests for you.

All in all, the winter digging is fantastic for all people.

I Don't know about your Christmas cactus, but in current years my windowsill specimen has started out to flower from early November rather of its traditionally anticipated December/January.

I suspect minimal light levels created by the wetter summers would probably have been an impact, but I really don't head it flowering early.

Schlumbergera, as they are further appropriately recognized, originated from the tropical rain forests of south-east Brazil, residing as epiphytes in the branches of tree or as lithophytes on rocks. Over the years, as their introduction to western society, a good deal of hybridisation has been carried out to make the plant a more attractive industrial opportunity.

From the first cross between S.truncata, the Crab Cactus, and S. russelliana we have experienced most named hybrids, broadly grouped as Schlumbergera x buckleyi.

Flower colours array from the deepest reds through to soft pinks and even yellow. Component of the achievement of these strange vegetation is not to be above-generous with meals and water as this will inspire loads of soft expansion that does not flower clearly. Soon after flowering, permit the plant have a handful of weeks on a lower watering regime right before re-potting, if it is felt crucial, implementing equal areas peat or peat substitute compost and a John Innes Potting Compost. All the way through the summer months the plants can be set in the backyard in ideal light but away from direct sunlight, with 3 or 4 high potash feeds. They need to be brought indoors in September and it is most useful to location them on a west-going through windowsill exactly where they do not get as well very much direct sunlight but will benefit from the progressively shortening days and longer nights.

My diary ... Huddersfield Flower Club is in its golden anniversary year and is staging its Xmas Indicate from 11am to four.30pm up coming Wednesday at the YMCA sports complex at Laund Hill, Salendine Nook.

For pounds 3 entry visitors can see the splendid entries in the levels of competition and also a flower arranging demonstration by Margaret Kingswood, of the Nationwide Association of Flower Arrangement Society. The club meets at 2pm on the 3rd Wednesday in the month in the Methodist Mission, Lord Street, when there is definitely a visitor arranger. Further more details on 01484 311044.

Worth for cash flow: Are you curious about what to shop for the gardener in your lifetime for Xmas? If you are wanting for appeal for dough, start looking no further more than RHS Membership - lbs 49 a year for a gift membership, which include a bag of goodies. Many advantages encompass cost-free entry for you and a colleague to any of the four RHS gardens in addition entry to 140 RHS Recommended gardens across the United kingdom. You will be ready to entry the advisory service absolutely free and get diminished price tag attendance at any of the RHS workshops. You can also get diminished selling price and privileged tickets to RHS displays and you will receive twelve copies of The Garden magazine, whole of practical and helpful information. Phone 0845 062 1111, e mail membership@rhs.org.uk or check out the internet site at www.rhs.org.united kingdom for all these first-rate causes to join the RHS and added besides.

CAPTION(S):

Winter season Retail outlet: Hold a examine and get rid of any unhealthy apples

Deserts and limitations: lessons from prehistoric desert dwellers

Living in the desert is challenging. We spent the week after Christmas in Baja, California, camping on the beach. Fortunately, our tents were comfortable and meals were cooked for us. But Pedro, a Baja native, gave us a glimpse into a very different past.

The afternoon was cool with sun shining through broken clouds and a rare rain in the offing. As we climbed up the steep, rock-strewn path we were careful to watch our step. Although vegetation is sparse, most of the plants wear spines or thorns for protection. A little stumble could result in a painful jab. Despite their armor, many desert plants are edible. Pedro assured us that the common prickly-pear cactus fruit tastes good, and even the pads are edible--after removing the spines.

We reached a cave that had been the winter home for a band of Pericu people, the extinct indigenous tribe of southern Baja. A small red ochre pictograph decorated the cave. We imagined a dozen people huddled in the chill admonishing their toddlers to stay away from the edge. A pile of shells lay below, showing that the Pericu enjoyed the ocean's bounty.

On top of the mesa we found their summer home. There was little to mark it except for another heap of shells and four round depressions in the rock. Grinding holes, Pedro commented. He then explained that there is a type of manna--the pitahaya fruit--that ripens in late summer. It grows on the organ pipe cactus (pitahaya dulce) that resembles a clump of spiny fingers pointing skyward. The size of a tennis ball, pitahaya fruit has the color and a bit of the flavor of watermelon. Although rich in energy, the tiny seeds pass through without being digested.

European missionaries recorded that the indigenous peoples were hungry except during the brief pitahaya season--perhaps wishful thinking on the Europeans' part. Lacking any means of preserving fruit, how could people prolong this short season of plenty? Baja natives came up with an unlikely solution.

The indigenous people developed a system to harvest the nutrition in pitahaya seeds that disgusted missionaries. While enjoying the abundance of the harvest, people collected their poop in special places. When it had dried, the seeds were separated, washed, and then pulverized in those circular rock depressions. After grinding they make an edible paste high in fat. Their "recycling" of calorie-rich pitahaya seeds illustrates how desperate they must have been to get enough nutrition.

Baja, California is a desert peninsula: the sun is brilliant, the growing season long and vacant land plentiful. What is lacking is enough fresh water. Not much grows with only five inches of rain a year. Without plentiful seafood this place could not support humans.

Every living system has limits to the number of plants or animals it can sustain. Biologists call it "carrying capacity"--the number of plants, animals or people that an area can support given the quality of the natural environment. Ingenuity can extend the environment's ability to support people, but not forever. We are subject to biological and other limits.

When a habitat's carrying capacity is exceeded, it becomes degraded and the population will be forced to decrease. Carrying capacity in the desert is dictated by the supply of water. Many people think that the ultimate limitation here in the arid Southwest will be water, just as it was for the Pericu.

We have exploited the resources of our planet for so long, and found so many ingenious ways to increase its productivity, that we often forget about limits. The desert reminds us of the finiteness of biological systems.

Humans are cleverer than most animals in cultivating nature. There is no evidence that the Pericu had formal agriculture. Nevertheless, some seeds must have escaped from the pitahaya gatherers and landed near their habitations, thus increasing future harvests. Accidental seeding may have been one of the ways that agriculture got started in other parts of the world.

Planting seeds and controlling water are two of the first steps to growing crops. Agriculture freed people from spending so much time producing food, and eventually led to our abundant lives. We must not lose track of our dependence on water, however, nor forget that the earth can support only a finite number of people.

RICHARD GROSSMAN is an obstetrician-gynecologist who has been helping women plan their families for over 30 years. He chose this medical specialty because of concern about human population growth, and can be reached at richard@population-matters.org.

Author: Richard Grossman

Ideal Of The Bunch

Christmas cactus They present a burst of vivid colour and a touch of the tropics to windowsills throughout the worst of the winter climate, with flowers emerging from their branching and a rc h i n g stems. Depart them on your own, watering occasionally, don''t turn the plants on your windowsill or the buds may well drop. Also, sidestep placing them in draughts or cold temperatures - trying to keep hybrids above 15C (59F) to hold their color.

The Schlumbergera truncata, its technical title, comes in shades of white, pink, red and purple and is ordinarily acquired from backyard centres in bud and blooms around mid November and late January - dependent on the assortment. For very good flowering present prolonged nights of uninterrupted darkness - which would mean no synthetic light - in autumn. Just prior to flowering, the plants would be wise to be kept awesome and dryish until eventually the flower buds kind.

The Hoodia Plant Might possibly Be The Most excellent Present To Prevent Vacation Excess fat Acquire

Is Hoodia the present you needs to inquire Santa for? It is the getaway period and a exciting time for celebrating with pals and family members. It is also a time that tends to wreak havoc on our waistline. The sugar plum fairies are not so form when it arrives to assisting us with our excess fat loss targets. This time of year brings in front us all the temptations of pumpkin pie, cookies, mashed potatoes, stuffing and other assorted goodies. Grandma�s intentions are high quality with building confident we have every single likely foods enticement beneath the sun but she is not the 1 who will have to stay with that excess ten pounds future 12 months.

The gift that could give you the most joy this time of yr could come to you immediate from South Africa. It�s a gift from the Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert to the customers in the relaxation of the globe that are attempting to shed weight. It is described as the Hoodia Gordonii Succulent and if you haven�t herd of it, this would probably be what will help you stay away from individuals holiday temptations. Hoodia grows in the South African desert and can seem like an common cactus but this cactus seem alike has exceptional results that no other cactus has the Hoodia plant will quit you from staying hungry.

What would it be like this Xmas to appear a platter of sugar coated munchies and not be effected by them? How about becoming in a position to try to eat just what you desired and not be tempted to try to eat details you know are going pack on the pounds. Wouldn�t this be the perfect sort of handle, the joy of staying the same bodyweight soon after the holidays that you have been in advance of them? Hoodia has been found in scientific studies to greatly reduce caloric ingestion by 1,000 calories a day for women and men employing it. A one thousand calorie reduction in ones holiday getaway eating habits regime is a significant advantage for almost everyone not seeking to pick up those excess lbs. Leading of all Hoodia is a healthy plant and Hoodia has no side outcomes like other food regimen tablets on the sector. You definitely don�t want to be incorporating the further nervousness that most standard weight loss plan supplements give you at Christmas time, this time of 12 months can be stressful ample to start off with.

If you are wanting Hoodia for the first time about the vacations there are a couple details to retain in mind. Foremost, Hoodia quite often usually takes a very few weeks to build up up in your technique earlier than you get the appetite suppressing advantages from it. So if shopping for assist Xmas time temptations it would be most appropriate to begin the process of taking Hoodia all around the foremost of December or sooner. The second necessary factor is that you might know that not all Hoodia is the identical. There are some makes that are not as useful as many others due to irregularities in the exportation technique form South Africa. You want to make certain the brand you choose has been tested and licensed authentic Hoodia Gordonii.

A latest report that is giving some dieters assurance in which Hoodia makes they can trust to be valuable was undertaken by Truth of the matter Publishing and Alkemist Pharmaceuticals found at: naturalhealthreport.com/A-Hoodia-Gordonii-uncovered.html. This research indicated that 11 out of 17 Hoodia weight loss plan supplements they tested failed a laboratory analysis of authenticity. The six Hoodia Brand names that handed their testing approach are: Desert Burn ZA 750, Hoodoba Brand, Dr. Wheeler's Afrigetics, King Hoodia, Ethno Africa and the Hoodia Max Brand. Hoodia is heading to make it easy for the majority of everyone preserve the pounds off in excess of the holidays and benefit with people new many years bodyweight loss resolutions. Make positive you are shopping for genuine hoodia and you could be one the lucky dieters that is in a position to say no to a 2nd glass of eggnog and keep with their bodyweight reduction program this getaway time. For much more detail about Hoodia explore http://hoodiagordonii.totalink.com

Writer: Andrew Aitaken