Home - It's More Than a Holiday Feeling

We all have our own sense of originality, our own sense of creativity. The key is to embrace those qualities in ourselves and express them freely. When we honor ourselves and pay attention to what really resonates with us, we're able to create a home that's not only a reflection of our ideal environment, it's also a reflection of who we really are. And a home that reflects who you are is a home that embraces you with comfort and warmth year round, not just on the holidays!

Step #1

Upon entering your home, do you feel like you belong there?
How do you feel when you step into your home?

Does your energy rise, fall or stay the same?

Do you feel a sense of comfort and welcome, an overriding sense of this as your home - not just the house you live in? Or do you find yourself going through the house noticing everything that's wrong, taking notes on what needs improvement or change?

If you find yourself overwhelmed with things that need to be done, take a step back, breathe and focus on prioritizing your projects. It's OK to do things in phases, in fact, I recommend it! Don't lose hope, tackling your projects a step at a time makes visualizing the entire project easier and when it's easier we're far more likely to do it.

Step #2

Does your home's layout, the way the rooms are placed in relationship to one another, move you gently from room to room, flowing naturally and easily? Or do you find yourself hesitating before moving from one area to the next?

When our homes are configured to allow gentle movement from one area to the next, we feel more comfortable, more at ease. When we have to think about how to get from one area to the next, or find that we wind up somewhere other than where we intended, our home is not configured in a way that honors the natural traffic flow.

To correct this, we can position our furnishings so that they open up to us as we enter each room, creating the feeling of someone opening their arms to you in greeting. Another suggestion would be to change the use of your rooms so that they accommodate your needs rather than the meanings given to them at time of building.

For example: my 'living room' is actually my entertainment room and it is where I have my dining room table. This placement makes full use of the dramatic aspects of this room and positions it so that those dining have full view of the kitchen. This usage makes much more sense than the area the builder has designated as the dining room.

Step #3

When incorporating the principles of Feng Shui into your home evaluations, some important questions to ask yourself are:

Is there a sense of warmth and comfort when I think of my home?

Am I comfortable in this space?

Am I experiencing a sense of abundance in my life?

Am I satisfied with the quality of my life?

Are my relationships nurturing, loving and supportive?

If you can answer 'yes' to each of those questions, your home is probably pretty comfortable. It may be in need of some adjustments and improvements, but overall things are going well for you. If this is your situation, reinforce what's working and enhance those areas that can use improvement.

Our homes are so much more than four walls. Our homes are living, breathing, vibrant places. They can be places of nurture and support if we allow it. If you'd like your house to be a home, invest in yourself and your living space. Your results are a direct reflection of your efforts, embrace your desires.

Create a home for your soul - not just a home for the holidays.

Feng Shui Tips

1. Review your holiday decorations.This year, instead of putting out everything, put out only those items that you really love, items that truly create a sense of comfort for you. The beauty of collections is truly experienced when we view them selectively. When we view our collections in small arrangements, or in phases, we are better able to really appreciate each item.

2. View your belongings and rooms with a fresh perspective. Look past current and previous usage to how your rooms and things can be adapted to suit your actual needs, now. Allow yourself the freedom to create living spaces that support your needs and desires.

3. Be creative, mix things up. We tend to view our belongings in groups, items we've always placed together remain together. Unleash your creativity, separate the dining room table from the china cabinet, move one of your matching chairs out of the living room and into your study or bedroom! Don't limit yourself to the way it's always been. Explore the possibilities.

Copyright 2008 Harmony Life, LLC. All rights reserved.

Feng Shui Teacher and Entrepreneur Laurie Bornstein, "The Feng Shui Marketing Queen" is the author and creator of 'Simple Feng Shui Series', her FREE monthly ezine filled with articles and tips on how to live and work in balance, visit http://www.fengshuimarketingqueen.com to learn more.

Buffalo Steak Try Something New

When looking for something altogether new and unusual to put on the grill, buffalo steak has a familiar flavor that is just unusual enough to make itself memorable. Very similar to beef it has a comforting familiarity. However, it also has a certain something that people notice and will look forward to having again. Which explains why buffalo steak is becoming a popular alternative to beef.

Buffalo steak is usually described as having a sweeter flavor than beef, giving it an enjoyably distinctive taste. It is flavorful without being gamey, it is tender without being greasy, and it can be prepared just like steak. In fact, because buffalos and cows have essentially the same muscle groups, the cuts of meat are the same as you would find with beef. So, when you select a buffalo steak, you will know exactly what to expect from your meal.

However, the flavor is not the only reason to try buffalo steak. In fact, one of the best reasons to try buffalo steak is the fact that it is actually very good for you. Because buffalo is much lower in fat than beef or pork, buffalo steak is much easier on your body than other forms of red meat. Buffalo is remarkably lean for red meat, allowing people to feel much better about their selection of meat. So even the healthy crowd can feel good about choosing buffalo.

In fact, buffalo is so lean that you have to be careful with it when you cook it. Because fat is an insulator, it makes beef cook slowly. But, since buffalo is a very lean animal, the meat is very low in fat and, therefore, much healthier. Which also means that you need to be careful cooking a buffalo steak, since it will cook much faster than beef. So you should always be careful with buffalo on the grill or in the oven.

While the low fat and low cholesterol of buffalo steak is attractive, modern concerns about meat make buffalo even more attractive. Because buffalo graze on the free range, they are not as susceptible to mad cow disease as, lets say, cows. This is because buffalo are allowed to go out onto the prairies and eat grass like normal herbivores, rather than eat cow renderings, such as regular cattle. And buffalo do not defecate in the streams and ponds where they drink, making them that much more sanitary. And, even more, they dont require the steroids and antibiotics that cattle require, since buffalo tend to grow much larger than cows and are much more resistant to disease. Thus, buffalo are permitted to grow on their own and dont require as many chemicals to stay healthy. Which means that buffalo steak is not as filled with chemicals as beef, making it a meat that is almost untainted by modern science.

Admittedly, buffalo steak is not the least expensive meat available. But, when you consider the fact that buffalo is a very healthy, very tasty alternative to beef, it is clearly an alternative worth exploring. So, if you are in the mood to stretch out and try something new, exciting, and well worth the effort, give a buffalo steak a try and see what a difference it can make.

http://steaki.com/
Everything about steaks from cooking steaks, ordering them by mail, preparing steaks and much more including favorite recipes.

Wedding Cookies

A wedding is probably one of the most important times in ones lifetime, coming together with someone very special, it is also the responsibility of the bride and groom to make sure that everyone at their wedding has a wonderful time and a wonderful meal.

In years past and in years to come the wedding cake is the focal point second to the bride of course at a wedding, it is displayed for everyone to see and knowing that they were going to get a piece of this magnificent masterpiece brings excitement to a persons taste buds.

People have almost forgotten the importance of the wedding cookie, sure a piece of cake is quite wonderful but you only get a tiny piece of it and then its done but a wedding cookie you can have several. At one time a wedding cookie was a cookie in no particular shape or form as long as it was good, today people want something more, something different, something that most people dont think of, now we come to the real wedding cookie, a cookie in the shape of a wedding cake and decorated to look a such, each cookie is wrapped and tied with a beautiful bow.

Each person at the wedding will receive one of these wonderful and delicious cookies, some of these magnificent pieces are even monogrammed with the brides and grooms initials, this is a true wedding cookies.

Ann Marie Krause has been making cookies for over 30 years, at persent I am retired, for over 23 years I owned a Gourmet Bakery called The Cheese Confectioner.You can visit my site at http://www.annsgoodies.com.

NOTE: You are welcome to reprint this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the about the author info at the end).

Ackee and Saltfish - Jamaica's National Dish

Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica; ackee and saltfish is the national dish. The ackee tree grows in various places in the world where it has many non-edible uses but it appears to be used for food only in Jamaica.

Ackee trees originated from West Africa in the 1700s aboard slave ships. Its botanical name is Blighia sapida, named for Captain William Bligh who introduced this strange plant to England in the 18th century. The whole ackee fruit is not edible because the unripe fruit contains toxins. The outer skin of an ackee starts off as a yellowish-green color and turns red as it ripens. When ripe, the ackee breaks open naturally while still on the tree. Inside this unusual fruit are three very large shiny black seeds, each surrounded by a creamy yellow "aril" (almost like a fleshy bag covering each seed). These fleshy arils are the only part of the fruit you can eat.

Once ripe, the big shiny seeds are thrown away along with the outer part of the ackee. The remaining golden arils are then carefully cleaned, boiled and cooked properly. Usually you will find it sauteed with onions, tomatoes and dried, salted codfish to create Jamaica's delicious national dish, ackee and saltfish. This is a Sunday breakfast favorite, often served with roasted breadfruit and, if you didn't know better, looks almost like scrambled eggs on your plate!

If eaten before it's ripe, ackee is poisonous. It contains Hypoglycins A & B which can cause what is known as Jamaican Vomiting Sickness, a type of fatal hypoglycemia which triggers vomiting and seizures. This is quite rare, however, because Jamaicans know how to properly harvest and prepare ackee! And, in fact, ackee is very nutritious. It contains a lot of protein, unsaturated fats, and is rich in essential fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A.

If you just can't get to Jamaica to enjoy this beloved delicacy, canned ackee is a major export of Jamaica, at more than US$10 million in value, and remains popular in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and wherever there are large communities of Jamaicans. While U.S. imports were banned for many years, the FDA now certifies ackee processors and carefully inspects their final product. Jamaica's processing plants vigilantly monitor the quality, ripeness and hypoglycin levels of the fruit they purchase from growers. Today, Jamaica has competition from Mexico, Costa Rica, Florida, and other Caribbean islands that have recognized the nutritional value of the fruit as well as its mounting value as an export product.

Visit http://www.keepitjiggy.com for loads of information about Jamaica, its history, its food, travel information reggae music, its artists, and resources for locating those hard-to-find collectibles in the genre.

Feng Shui Tips For Your Home Office

According to the US Census, about half of all business in the United States are run from the home. Since so many people are working from home at least part of the time, it makes sense to try and keep things running smoothly and harmoniously. To that end, here are some Feng Shui Tips for your home office.

Youll need your compass for some of these tips. Placing items and rooms properly is one of the keys to proper Feng Shui.

If you are able to choose the location of your home office, the best place for it to be is in the North end of your home. The North Sector is often called the Career Sector. If that is unavailable, the Southwest corner is the Wealth Sector, the Northeast is the Skills and Talent Sector, and finally the South is the Fame and Recognition Sector. Do your best to locate your home office in one of those sectors, with the North being the most desirable, and the South being the least.

Some other general Feng Shui Tips for objects within your home office are:

1) Always sit so that there is a solid wall behind your back. This ensures you have support in your life. Never sit with your back to the window.

2) Always place the fax machine, telephone, computers, and cash registers in the southeast wealth sector to attract more prospective business.

3) Arrange your desk to have a clear view of the door, preferably facing the door. If it is impossible to arrange, hang a small mirror so that you can see the doors reflection.

4) Never put a shelf over your desk. The shelf symbolizes the burdens of the world coming down upon you.

5) Try and keep sharp items such as paper cutters, scissors, or the sharp corner of a machine away from your desk. Make sure they are not pointing at the desk. Keep as many sharp objects as possible hidden from view in a drawer or closet. The sharp edges symbolize the cutting of a knife which is a disapproving finger pointing at you.

6) Make sure that you can walk completely around your desk so that your workmates and workload do not cramp you.

7) Avoid clutter at all times and at all costs! Do not have an in or out tray on your desk. Keep only on your desk what is necessary for what you are doing at the moment.

8) Dont keep cactus plants in your office. The needles of the cactus plants are thought to create negative energy flow.

9) Never arrange your desk in such a way that if the door swings open it will open into your desk. This will cause you to be faced with unexpected situations. If the door jams against your desk, it can block your prosperity.

10) If there are two doors in your office, dont place your desk between them. The good Chi will pass right by you and out the other door.

As one final Feng Shui tip for your home office, a tabletop fountain made of bamboo or flat round stones is always good in the southeast corner to increase prosperity. If your company has a sign or logo, place it in the southeast corner of the office as well. Make good use of these Feng Shui tips and may you be showered with many blessings.

Charles Chang is a Feng Shui enthusiast and author. He enjoys helping others with feng shui tips through his articles and website.

Stairways And Feng Shui

If you are looking for a new home, you may be thinking of the usual aspects of feng shui when evaluating potential homes - the shape of the home, where the various rooms are located, the prominence of your front door and entryway etc. However, one element that people often overlook is the stairway.

What does a stairway have to do with feng shui? Well, stairways are conduits of energy - that is, the energy you have created inside your living space travels along stairways. You will want to try to avoid homes with a couple of different stairway scenarios:

First, try to avoid homes that have stairways opposite the front door. In this scenario, the positive energy within your home will be flowing right out your front door, which can create a draining feeling in your home.

Second, a home with a spiral staircase can create energy challenges in a home. Energy moves along a spiral staircase in corkscrew fashion - this translates to a feeling of chaos in your living space.

However, if you find a home you like that has either of these features, all is not lost. There are ways that you can deal with either of these situations. If you have a staircase opposite a front door, you can place a mirror on the inside of your front door - a bagua mirror (an octagonal mirror with a painted frame) works especially well for this. A mirror will help to reflect the energy and keep it from flowing out of your home. You can also hang a crystal at the top of the stairs, which will help to retain the positive energy and keep it from flowing down the stairway.

If you are looking at a home with a spiral staircase, you can also use a hanging crystal to help calm the energy in this space. Also, try placing potted plants underneath the staircase - this will bring in the grounding element of earth and help to make the energy in that area more peaceful.

So while you don't have to let a challenging stairway situation keep you from buying a particular home, it is a good idea to keep feng shui solutions for this in mind while you are shopping for your next home, so that you will be able to deal with a stairway challenge if you find that a home is otherwise perfect for you.

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Linda Binns shows you how to be more successful in all areas of your life by working with your environment. She is giving away FREE Feng Shui Success Secrets. To get access to these powerful and practical secrets that can help you transform your life go to http://www.fengshuiexplained.com now.

Linda Binns is author of Feng Shui for Your Relationships: Changing Your Environment to Create Better Relationships. She has been a Feng Shui Practitioner, Author, Speaker and teacher for over 10 years. She has appeared internationally on television and radio and in local publications. Linda is also the founder of The Feng Shui Success Institute which teaches in-depth Feng Shui training and practitioner certification.

Food and Cooking

We can never live without food. Some peoples have much food and some others have only some food, but it is always around when one needs it. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the main squares, are what we always have daily. We can also have them in restaurants if we want to.
There are fancy restaurants which serve expensive and not-so-big dishes and wines. They remind me of a movie about a cartoon rat who loves cooking all the time. There are also bars that obviously serve liquor and appetizers. Foreign restaurants, like Mexican, Chinese, and Italian, that serve their own dishes people love all the time. Finally there are fast food restaurants that serve famously named food and people love it all their lives.

Dishes and meals can take a lot of know-how, work, and time to prepare. The quality of a dish depends on the recipe, ingredients chosen, and precise timing so if it is done wrong, the dish is considered a bad one by the taste and appearance. For some eateries, the look may not matter, the costly ones focus on both look and taste. The fancy restaurants want to make their dishes perfect and flawless, which is kind of snobby in my opinion.

There are also cookbooks which allow families to prepare mostly dinners. These cookbooks would have more or less than one hundred recipes by chapter alphabetically. There is spaghetti, pizza, hamburgers, steak, and many more. Each person has dishes of his or her own to enjoy. There are those for the children as well.

If you want to know mor about food, then go to http://www.bill-findyourdream.blogspot.com

Confessions of a School-Supply Junkie

I have to confess it - I am an office supply store junkie. When my children were in elementary school and it was late August, other parents were looking forward to getting their kids back to school. Most of them were busy shopping for back-to-school clothing, or doing the last minute rounds of dentist appointments, hair cuts etc. Meanwhile I was happily drifting round the stationery store, three class lists in hand.

I loved those crisp, fresh notebooks, some with wide lines, some with regular lines, some with half the page blank for drawings. Oh, who could resist those beautiful colors, crayons for the little ones, pencil crayons for the older kids. I would pick out boxes of shiny new pencils and lovingly sharpen them all once home.

Well, time goes by, and even though I insisted on shopping for supplies through high school and even into college years, the sad time came when no-one in the family needed me to buy school supplies any longer.

At last came new hope. My grandchildren reached school age. My school teacher daughter thought I was crazy when I pleaded to be allowed to do the school supply shopping - no luck there, my granddaughter's school sells pre-packed kits. My other, still-a-student-herself daughter was delighted to let me buy the school supplies for my grandson and I was in business once more.

However, for all you school supply lovers out there (surely I can't be the only one!), let me give you some advice. Never take a six year old with you when shopping for school supplies. I thought my grandson would have a ball, shopping for his Grade 2 kit. I didn't bargain for all the bright shiny things the middle and high school students need. After many "no"s - "no you don't need a geometry set, it is not on your list. No, you only need crayons, not color markers. No, there is no calculator on your list......." I had a rather disappointed little boy on my hands. A quick trip to his favorite burger joint soon fixed that - wonderful how easy it is to distract a six year old!

Well, last year he started Grade 3 in a new school. This time I went to an office supply store that prides itself on great customer service. I asked for the Grade 3 list for his new school. "Here we are" said the helpful girl, "Just wait here a moment." In about three minutes she was back with everything on the list. Sigh!

Dear grandson's school has now also gone to the pre-order system, but I still need my fix occasionally, which explains why our home is full of half used notebooks, packets of pens, pencils, rulers.....

There is hope on the horizon for me. In another five years my new little grandson will be starting school. I can hardly wait!

Gillian is the proud grandmother of two 9 year olds and a new grandbaby boy.

For grandparenting ideas, you can visit her website: http://www.grandparentscafe.com

This site offers information on grandparent's rights, distance grandparenting, as well as photos, stories, games, recipes, travel hints and more.

Grand Parents Rights - Child Custody

The world has changed dramatically in the last decade and we are now seeing more divorce cases than ever before but what about the Grandparents rights? Some may say it's a good thing that we should be able to move on from a relationship where we are not happy and we should be pleased that the process has been made easier for the couple concerned, but what about everyone else who is involved in this relationship?

Everything becomes more difficult and very messy for both the children involved and the grandparents. It seems all too easy to forget that grandparents will have their worlds knocked upside down if they have enjoyed a close relationship and it would appear that things are made even more difficult to ascertain Grandparent's rights as each state has its own precedents.

It is a stressful time for everyone. As a Grandparent you may have your own worries about your grand child's welfare and how you are going to obtain visiting rights. Or, you may even have a worry about the children being abused or their welfare being pushed to one side because of parental custody battles.

We all search into the dark side, especially if we think our relationship is at risk. We ask ourselves:

1) Are we going to be allowed visitation rights if the children are taken by the 'in-law' parent?

2) Are the children being neglected because of the divorce issues?

3) What options do you have as a Grandparent regarding their welfare?

4) What Grandparent rights do you have?

Well the good news is that it would appear that Judges are now listening more to the children concerns and what is in their best interest. As a Grandparent that has had a cherished relationship with a grandchild it is natural to experience fear as to what the future holds for your loved ones. The 'in-law' may have won custody and you have fears for never seeing them again or the fact that they are being disciplined by a stranger and expected to change a lifestyle. The other Grandparents are allowed access but you are having problems making contact. The kids themselves, confused as they, are may even think you have abandoned them!

As a Grandparent, maybe the dirty washing wasn't aired in public in your day but thank goodness for Grandparents and the children concerned that judges are now willing to listen to all sides of the emotional roller coaster. Grandparent rights are being looked at seriously as a positive step towards helping children come to terms with their changed circumstances.

If you are worried about your present situation and you require advice, you can learn more about grandparents rights from a site that is designed to let Grandparents know their legal rights and covers specific state regulations for all fifty states.

Child Custody: Grandparents Rights: 2008

Chinese Cooking Utensils

There are quite a few traditional utensils that have been used in cooking for thousands of years in China. Some of them are still seen in most of families, some can only be seen in rural areas, or may be disappearing in the modern world. But to cook authentic Chinese food that always tastes like grandma's, some of the utensils simply cannot be replaced by what you see in American stores.

Chinese Wok

Deep pan with round bottom used in several ways. Comes in iron, stainless and stainless with layer of copper on the bottom. Iron heats most evenly, but should be seasoned before using or food will stick.

To season: Fill pan with water. Add soap and soda and bring to boil. Pour off water, wipe dry. Place pan over strong heat. Add oil and rotate till pan is coated. Pour off excess oil. Place pan over weak fire and wipe with dry cloth.

To clean: After using pan, wash while still hot. Wipe and place over heat to dry completely.

Knife

Heavy and wide. All purpose - for paring, cutting, slicing, chopping and carving.

Iron Palette

Comes in square or round front. Rounded ones are easier to use with Chinese wok. Use for frying, sauting and basting.

Iron Spoon

Use back side for mixing food with minimum breakage.

Steamer

Used for steaming buns, chicken, meat, fish. Place over Chinese wok filled with boiling water. Buy one size smaller than wok. There are new styles of steamers on the market made of different materials. But Chinese believe that the traditional steamer works the best.

Slotted Spoon

Used for deep frying and boiling to get rid of excess oil or water.

Wire Sieve

With handle. Used for boiling noodles, dumplings, etc.

Steamers for Pastries

Small in size - about 15cm (6") in diameter. Used in same method as large steamer. Serve hot pastries in steamers. Typical foods served are small meat buns (small steamer meat buns, or Xiao Long Bao Zi), steamed meat dumplings (Shao Mai), etc.

Moulds for cookies

Made from wood with various carved designs. No longer popular in the modern society since people tend to buy cookies off the shelf. Some may still use the moulds for major holidays, or just Chinese New Year.

Bamboo Brush

Used for washing hot wok. Guess only people in some rural areas still use this type of brush. More people use regular washing cloth found on market.

Rolling Pin

Used for preparing noodles, dumpling skins, Chinese pancakes, and more. With the busy daily life nowadays, most of time people choose to buy ready to cook fresh noodles and dumpling skins from the small vendors seen on the street to save us time. Choose ones made from sturdy wood.

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Jacklyn Chen - Webmaster of news-blogs.com, satellite info, and emobile-news.com. She is a full time mom who works very hard to make living with multiple web sites. She is seeking for success in singing career in China.

2009 Earth Ox in a Fire Year

2009 is the year of the earth ox from a Chinese astrology perspective. The element that cycles every two years is known as the heavenly stem; so there are fire, earth, metal, water, and wood oxen. Variations in the heavenly stem influence one's personality, which explains why not all ox (people or years) are the same.

The earthly branch is the animal-one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. Ox is considered 2nd in the hierarchy, following the rat. 2009 is based on the Gregorian calendar, whereas the Chinese calendar is 4707. The ox is sometimes also called the cow or buffalo.

Ox years typically represent hard work. Think of the animal in its natural surroundings. It works alone or with one other and stays true to its course. The ox is conservative, focused, and serious. Their mottos is "I will," which literally may result in a test of wills.

The stubborn ox challenges the Feng Shui fire year (normally brings out a more social, gregarious, and ambitious side). On the surface, Feng Shui earth and fire elements compliment each other; however, earth reduces fire (think of your Scouting days - dirt over the fire to put it out). In addition, the ox's true nature is earth so this year is a double-earth over fire year. Earth, in of itself, can resist change but come around after there's time to process. Double earth will adamantly resist.

I can't help but equate it to the presidential election here in the U.S. Obama, whose slogan has long been "Change We Can Believe In," has altered his slogan to "Change We Need." I think most people agree we can't survive more of the same, and that the economy would be more stable had there been more accountability and oversight. Will we learn from the past? Will there be a struggle of wills? I think so, regardless of who wins the election. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, and the new President has his hands full. The ox year will command a methodical approach and quantifiable results.

"Earth" businesses will do fairly well. They include real estate, recruiting, the food industry, farming, household products, and practical clothing. The energy implies business consolidation, which is normally met with layoffs. Next months' article, 2009 Feng Shui and the Fire Year, will reveal another layer of complexity. Earth years can also produce an earnest search for spirit and more focus on family. It's fun to validate this theory by looking at history. The Chinese astrology calendar has a 60-year cycle, so the last time we experienced earth ox energy was 1949.

Events that happened in 1949: Mao Tse Tung's army marches into Nanking; a bill is introduced to relocate African-Americans "equitably" throughout the country; Truman institutes policy of aid to underdeveloped countries; flight records are made; NATO begins; Republic of Ireland is created; Siam becomes Thailand; Chinese Communists take Shanghai; Orwell's 1984 is published; Supreme Court rules that evidence gathered through illegal search and seizure may still be used in prosecution; apartheid begins by law in South Africa; Willie Mayes debuts; Vatican excommunicates Communists; seven UFOs in three pairs with one trailing are tracked for ten minutes; Ingrid Bergman divorces and quits Hollywood; Truman announces Russia has The Bomb; Mao Tse Tung becomes Chairman of China; and Chiang Kai-shek's government flees to Taiwan.

All the King's Men won best picture. Let's look at some of the births that year. Some believe we need to see where we came from to see where we're going (i.e., lessons turned to opportunities). How have these people lived their lives? Think objectively about the impact they've had: George Forman, Robert Palmer, Steve Perry, Erik Estrada, Patrick Duffy, Jessica Lange, Billy Joel, Hank Williams, Jr., Lionel Richie, Meryl Streep, Lindsay Wagner, Maureen McGovern, Richard Gere, Joe Theisman, Ed Begley, Jr., Twiggy, Bruce Springsteen, Sigourney Weaver, Bruce Jenner, Richard Dreyfuss, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Shaffer, Garry Shandling, Jeff Bridges, Tom Waits, Maurice and Robin Gibb, Susan Lucci, and Sissy Spacek. When you think of oxen, these people are famous but keep to themselves for the most part.

Each Chinese astrology animal has an opposing animal. For the ox this is the ram (or sheep). These are both earth-related animals which implies severe earth-related symptoms such as earthquakes. With underlying yin fire, a volcano may also erupt. Other earth-related animals are dragon and dog. Dogs, dragons, ox, and sheep need to avoid strong earth settings such as mountains and deserts during earth and fire months (Feb. 5-Mar. 6, May 6-Jun 6, Jul 7-Sep. 8, Nov. 7-Dec. 7 ), and when their astrology sign is vulnerable (we provide this information as part of our monthly tip).

Does life come to a stand still because it's not particularly a good year? No, of course not. This is helpful information that enables success. If your energy is low this year, postpone strategic decisions and major purchases for a better time. You can be sure I check energy patterns and other conditions in my planning process.

This ox earth influence also brings health cautions such as cancer and liver issues. If you're a drinker, do it in moderation. You'll find the DUI (driving under the influence) will be met with stricter punishment. Purge your body of free radicals. Explore anti-oxidant agents such as vitamins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and tea. Earth also represents the abdomen, stomach, immune system, spleen, joints, hands, and shoulders. Take care of your stomach, and stretch your body to help with joint and shoulder pain.

Timing is always an important factor. If you want to improve your chances of success, consider a personal analysis. It's a custom report that details your personal energy, health vulnerabilities, energy balance, career suggestions, compatibility analysis, and calendar for this year. Also, our date analysis is helpful for all important decisions (contracts, engagements, medical appointments, travel, etc.). Call us for a free telephone consultation today!

By Diana Garber, The Feng Shui Results Lady

http://www.IntuitiveConcepts.com

Diana Garber is a classic Feng Shui practitioner with nearly 30 years experience in energy and risk management. Her extensive corporate background and work with Fortune 100 companies sets her apart as an international consultant, speaker, author, and seasoned program manager. She utilizes over a dozen sciences to evaluate influences such as electromagnetic currents, geopathic stress, and other factors internal and external to one's living or work environments to improve clients' lives. Please visit our Web site at http://www.intuitiveconcepts.com for information, testimonies, and much more.

The History and Making of Liquorice

The confection called Liquorice is very popular and is enjoyed by many people around the western world. Unknown to most consumers though, liquorice has been around in one form or another for a very, very long time. Liquorice has endured a rich and long history. There is evidence to prove that liquorice was consumed by the people of ancient civilizations, especially the Egyptians, although not in the form that we know of today. In ancient Egypt, liquorice was not eaten as strips or ropes of candy we know today but as a sweet liquid. The extract of the plant called the Glycyrrhiza, which means 'sweet root' in Greek, was indulged upon by many prophets and pharaohs. Also documented was the use of this extract that came in handy in the battlefields and the dessert where soldiers and travelers drank to relieve their thirst on long marches.

It would not be until the Middle Ages when the liquorice plant and its extracts were brought to England by the Crusaders who came home from the East. A certain monastery in Pontefract, England began using the extract and turned it into liquorice candy and it became well-known throughout the country. In time, liquorice recipes were brought to America by the early settlers. The US has been producing and importing liquorice products ever since.

The process of manufacturing liquorice candy has two methods. The use of which method depends on the scale the company is to produce. This means that candy companies that operate on a small production scale use the Corn Starch Molding Process, which is the same process used to make candy corns. The company with a larger production scale manufactures using the Liquorice Rope Extrusion Process and is quite different.

For smaller-scale production companies that use the Corn Starch Molding Process, the process starts with trays that contain long rows of molds for the product which are filled with corn starch. The corn starch is vital because it prevents the liquorice from sticking to the mold and makes it easier to remove. Ingredients like sugar, corn syrup and liquorice extract are cooked together until they become hot syrup. It is important that the cooking of the syrup is given a lot of attention because this step determines the texture of the product. The candy could by soft, chewy, or tough because of this step. The syrup is then poured onto the trays and the molds are filled. The trays are then set aside to cool. When the liquorice is cool, they are dumped into a surface. Because of the corn starch, the liquorice just falls off the tray easily. On the surface, the liquorice is given a glaze that creates its glossy appearance. They are then packed, labeled and prepared to be shipped.

The other way to make liquorice candy is used in large-scale productions and is called the Liquorice Rope Extrusion Process. Production starts in the boiling room where a mixture of licorice root extract is boiled to an exact temperature. When it gets hot enough, the desired colors and flavors are added to the mix and cooked slowly until it achieves a dough-like consistency. The dough mix is then passed through an extruder where the dough is forced out of tiny holes. These holes form the dough into ropes of liquorice. When the liquorice ropes are formed, they are either allowed to cool and set directly or twisted to form a more 'rope' texture and are then cut into pieces. When set, these are glazed to give the sheen they are known for and then packaged and shipped to candy stores around the country.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Candy.

Feng Shui Independent of Zi Wei Dou Shu (ZWDS) And Ba Zi (4 Pillars)? Part I

Chinese Metaphysics consist of many individual fields which can be classified into broad categories of Astrology, Feng Shui, Divination and Strategy.One of the common misconceptions is that these are stand-alone fields and that practicing one does not require knowledge and streamlining with other fields of knowledge.In addition, many held the belief that Astrology subjects like Ba Zi (4 Pillars) and Zi Wei Dou Shu (ZWDS) are merely tools to foretell our fixed-capacity destiny and fortune and Feng Shui solely holds the key to betterment of one's outcome and luck.

In actual fact, destiny is not entirely fixed. If destiny is entirely fixed, what is the use of consulting a doctor or surgeon for one's illness? Geomancy tools are effective only up to the extent it complements one's destiny and the key to betterment of one's outcome and luck lies in using holistically using Geomancy, Divination and Strategy to support one's destiny. A simple way to view this is to look at human as the object and Fengshui, Divination and Strategy as the tool.Astrology is tool to decipher human's well-being and hence takes precedence over Fengshui, Divination and Strategy in the scheme towards improvement of one's outcome.

Providing Feng Shui solution to client without considering their Ba Zi & Zi Wei Dou Shu charts is like a doctor prescribing medicine to patient without his own diagnosis.A Geomancer prescribing Feng Shui tools to improve wealth for his client upon request is like a doctor who prescribes aspirin to his patients because he relied on his patient to tell him the symptom of headache but did not investigate or is incapable of investigating if the headache is a symptom to other underlying illness.

It may cure the symptoms in the short run but problems may surface in the long term.For example, clients usually engage a Geomancer to improve their wealth.If this consultant did not consider the ramifications of the client's birth data, he may hastenthe windfall his client had asked, but in the long term this client may lose his health or life.Or he may get the career advancements he asked for but end up losing his wife to divorce.The various aspects of one's life are intricately linked and you seldom can improve one aspect without losing out on other aspects.Destiny is also a zero-sum game.

How important are knowledge of 4 Pillars and ZWDS towards the execution of Geomancy? Stay tuned for the answer in my next article.

I am a Fengshui Practitioner in private practice and I specialise in Ba Zi, Zi Wei Dou Shu ZWDS, Feng Shui, I-Ching, Qi Men Dun Jia QMDJ and other Chinese Metaphysics tools. My blog site is at: http://fengshuiforward.com and http://fengshuiforward.com/forum

Feng Shui Your Home

The principals of Feng Shui can be used to create a harmonic environment within your home, increase wealth and prosperity and increase the happiness that occurs within the four walls of your home. How do you begin the feng shui process? What rooms do you start with? Use these tips to increase the positive energy flow through the use of feng shui in your home.

Increase the positive flow in the bedroom by placing the bed with the headboard facing against the door. It is important to have the door in view at all times. There should be no electronics in the bedroom, as these can decrease the flow the positive energy levels. Electronics should be avoided in most main parts of the home, but are most important to avoid placing in the bedroom. The energy that comes from having electronics is negative and can disrupt the flow of the positive energy.

The bed should be placed in an area where it can be accessed from either side. Placing the bed against a wall or other blockage could cause an energy stoppage. Bedside tables should be placed on each side of the bed to avoid clutter that comes with a bedroom. Once this clutter is reduced within the home, the energy will be able to flow positive and naturally. Although the headboard should be able to view the door, it is important to place the bed in an area that is not in a direct line with the door. The bed is the most important place within the home where the individual is able to regain the energy lost throughout the day.

Natural light placed within certain areas in the home create a positive energy flow. We are the energy that presides within our home and natural light. Light is the second most important way that positive energy is created within the home. Using natural light, the home can be basked in the creation of positive energy. Candles without toxins are one of the chief ways that positive energy can be created within the home, especially in the bedroom. Clean burning candles are available at a variety of retail shops and specialty and health food stores.

Creating a positive energy flow in the home with the natural creation of flowing, green plants is important. Green plants have the ability to improve the air in which we breathe into our body. The air that we breathe into the body is a direct interaction with our environment. This way, it can improve our natural health and wellness within the home environment.

There are five elements of feng shui that should be present within the home. These elements are; wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each of these elements can be used in combination with each other, in different parts of the home to create a positive energy flow.

Using air flow in combination with natural light provides a positive environment, especially in the bedroom. Allowing open windows in the home allows for positive energy to flow into the home. The same goes for negative energy, negative energy is able to flow out of open windows.

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A Jerky Gun - Do You Need One?

A jerky gun is a great easy to use tool that simplifies creating beef jerky. Using one of these tools can save you time and hassle. They eliminate lot of clean up because when you're done you just simply drop the gun in the water to soak. While beef jerky can be made by hand we want to show you why it will save time. I mean it's simple enough to roll out your own meat dehydrate it on trays and serve right? This begs the question, do you need a beef jerky gun?

Most people are scared of using tools like this. However, keep in mind how simple using something like this really is. First, you mix up your meat mixture into a large bowl and add herbs, spices and anything else. Most jerky kits come with a ready to use mixture so it makes making the actual jerky much easier. Then you load the mixture into the jerky gun and then pull the trigger and it instantly pumps out the jerky into the desired strip length.

After you've made the jerky then you just put it into the food dehydrator to be dehydrated. After the jerky becomes tender and dehydrated you can then pull it from the dehydrator and lay it on a cooling tray, wax paper or baking sheet. Clean up the jerky gun and store away. Now you have fresh home made jerky that you can snack on. At this point you can add pepper or any other type of additional spice to it and go from there. The nice neat strips the jerky will come out in make it easy to serve to guests, family or friends.

In closing I don't think a jerky gun is a priority but it can be a good addition to your kitchen. Since they are so easy to use my question for you is "why not own one?" You are not just limited to beef either you can make lamb, turkey, pork and any other type of jerky meat you can think of. So, this may be the one thing your kitchen has been missing.

Michael S Brown

http://www.food-dehydrator-pro.com is designed to help people find the perfect food dehydrator for their homes. Jerky Guns can be found and are reviewed here.

Buying Fruit and Vegetables For Juicing

Once you start juicing and you feel the benefits of raw living juices you may well find yourself buying rather a lot of fruit and vegetables! This is a GOOD THING!! But it can add up so here is the easy guide to economy fruit and vegetable buying.

Farmers Markets: These are great local produce often at bargain prices and low food miles!! Fresh as it comes! Remember that food picked and sent in from abroad is slowly losing its nutrient delivering POWER! This is why farmers markets are idea, cheap, plentiful produce that is direct from grower to you! No freezing and no time delay, the next best thing to plucking things from the tree yourself.

GO wholesale check out your local distribution center, in London we have New Covent Garden market and Spitalfield market. These operate nocturnally opening around midnight and finishing by 6am to supply the fresh fruit and vegetable trade, but you can go along and buy a fair amount then take it home and freeze it.

Negotiate show loyalty to a local green grocer and negotiate for larger amounts, a simple one this but it works everyone is excited by a good deal but don't go trying this at your local supermarket will you!!

Fruit and Vegetable Co-operatives these excellent community spirited projects buy fruit and veggies in bulk then pass on the savings to local people via a volunteer workforce. A great way to do your bit, help out and get your juice supplies.

Grown your own! The real ideal, if you don't have a garden then equip yourself with some pots, grow bags or trays and some seeds and start your own home farm. I always say, fresh is best, and what could be better than popping outside and picking a green salad straight from the garden.

Well there are a few ideas for healthy and cheap ways to keep your fridge or garden full of fresh natural produce ready for your juicer.

Mark experiments a great deal with his juicer and blender in a quest to be as healthy as possible.

Feng Shui Tips For Your Home and Garden

The entry to a home or the doorway into rooms is where your first view is encountered. Doorways and entrances to anything should feel welcoming. They should be clear and the pathway should allow ease of movement.

The Chi, (or energy flow), should never be made stagnant at this point. Pictures and ornamental decorations in this area should be pleasing and round leafed plants in pots attract prosperity into the home. Another tip to remember is that if you have doorways from front to back that are visible, the flowing of energy should be stopped from escape.

A Feng Shui cure for this problem, can be by placing a plant as suggested to the side of the entry: thus creating an environment to capture the Chi flow. The essence of creating good flow and attracting harmony, involves placement.

Feng Shui recognizes that small problems can have a major effect on your life, and that a well kept home will always have better chi than one where maintenance tasks have been allowed to pile up. The minor problems and inconveniences that plague a poorly maintained home can restrict your freedom of movement, cloud your ability to understand a situation, make it difficult to take advantage of opportunities, and waste your resources.

Think of Chi as an important guest you wish to welcome to your home, and make your formal entry - and the access to it from the street - as inviting as possible.

The principles of Feng Shui can be applied to your garden as well. By applying Feng Shui principles to your garden you can attract positive energy, wealth and good fortune. Given below are a few tips and ideas on how to Feng Shui your garden.

The most important principles of Feng Shui in the garden are curves and proportion. Your house is the Yin energy and your garden is the Yang energy. The Yang aspect in Feng Shui is about light and space. Try to incorporate all the five elements of Feng Shui in your garden as much as possible.

- Use a pond, birdbath or fountain to represent the water element.
- Use a sundial or bronze statue in the garden for metal.
- Use trees and shrubs for wood.
- Use plants or flowers that are red and orange in color to represent fire.
- Use earth to represent the earth element.

Water features such as pools, ponds and fountains are beautiful and encourage beneficial chi. They also symbolize prosperity and create yin (feminine) energy.

You can create more Yang (masculine) energy by using garden lights to add light to the garden's dark areas. Remember balance and harmony is the key to a Feng Shui Garden.

Please take the time to visit our site - http://www.GardenandHomeDecorSite.com - to help with creating beneficial Chi in your environment.

We offer beautiful stone water fountains, wall fountains, garden planters, bird houses and feeders, garden furniture and hammocks, garden statues and plaques.

In addition, we offer home decor such as an array of different types of candles, glass sculptures, vases, and table-top fountains. Turn your garden, patio, deck, or home into the oasis you have always dreamed of.

Types of Vegetarians

Omnivores or those just starting out in this life style get confused about the different types of vegetarians. We are categorized and labeled by our food choices. Sometimes our choices are grouped under the title "veg*n" which is a shorter way to type "vegetarian and/or vegan". That seems to throw people off too. It's just a short cut, nothing censored. To help clear things up, I'll give you the run down from "light" to "hard core" types of vegetarians out there.

Flexitarian ~ This group are people that choose to eat vegetarian most of the time but still have no issues eating meat when options are limited. I find that most of this group do it for health or monetary reasons rather then ethical. Or they are easing their way into the vegetarian life style.

Pescetarians ~ A pescetarian eats fish and other sea food, but no other meat product. Again, usually motivated by health reasons rather then ethical. These also usually fit into the next group...

Lacto-Ovo vegetarians ~ Vegetarians that consume diary products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc) and eggs. This is the most common vegetarian group and what most people consider when they encounter a vegetarian. On the same note there are just lacto vegetarians or ovo vegetarians. Usually ovo vegetarians are lactose intolerant.

There is debate on whether one can eat eggs and still be considered a true vegetarian. It really depends on how you think of it. Some consider eggs a diary type product, other's consider it meat. In a sense, when you eat an egg you are eating a chicken's ovulation.

Small science lesson: Like a human woman, a hen will ovulate. Unlike the human woman, that egg will not be absorbed by her body when not fertilized. An egg will be laid whether it's fertilized or not. So while the egg is technically a meat product, an unfertilized egg (like the ones in your grocery store) would not be capable of life even if they were left alone. It is a mass of useless tissue. It's that reason that many vegetarians will still eat eggs.

Vegan ~ Vegans will not consume any animal product, whether is it a part of the animal itself or something it produced. No meat, diary, eggs, honey. If it came from an animal or it is made with something that came from an animal. it is a no go.

There are also vegans that take it further and refuse to own, use or wear animal products, like leather, fur, snake skin or feathers and as well as anything that uses animal products, for example milk or honey in facial masks and other beauty products. Some even refuse to spend money where animals are used as entertainment, like zoos and the circus.

Raw vegans ~ The hard core group. They are similar to plain vegans but their diet consists of unprocessed vegan foods that have not been heated above 115 F (46 C). They believe that foods cooked above this temperature have lost a significant amount of their nutritional value and are harmful to the body.

Tammi Cornett is a self proclaimed domestic eco-goddess. She is dangerously optimistic and loves her life with her wonderful husband and three young boys. Wisdom of a Goddess

What Makes a Good Waiter?

Info: Good Waiters(article)

Definition of good wait staff

Most of us frequently encounter waiting staff in restaurants. Our experiences will be varied for sure. We might be left gnashing our teeth at the rudeness of someone behind the counter at a fast food outlet or might come away feeling better about our day as a result of a pleasant interaction with the serving staff in an establishment.

The best possible reaction however, is feeling that the person who has taken our order understands what we want and will deliver it (in the not too distant future - but more on that a little later in this article).

Training

Training in the art of waiting is akin to the almost lost art of the butler.

There must be friendly interaction and trust generated by the staff at your function or restaurant, but the invisible boundary that separates the staff and the guests at an event must be tangible - good waiting staff know their place within the structure of the event and are competent in their duties.

Preferences for male or female waiting staff

A commonly asked question is whether male or female waiters (waiters and waitresses) are better?

The answer to this question lies not so much in the gender of the serving staff but rather in their sensitivity. If it is true that women are generally more sensitive to their environment and the feelings and wants of those around them - then perhaps it is generally true that women make better waiting staff - however clearly some men are better in the client/staff domain than some women - and thus it is far better to estimate a persons skills in the hospitality domain than to make generalisations.

Team Work

No man is an island and nowhere is this more evident than in the hospitality business. Your wait staff need to be backed up in the kitchen, at the bar, at the till if there is one and of course in the delivery of all fine foods (catering) and alcohol - it all has to work seamlessly for the waiting ('front of house') staff to deliver to you the customer.

Where to find good waiting staff

All good hospitality staff provider should be able to provide your event of function with good wait staff - if you are not sure ask if they have the following qualifications:

• 5 years service in the industry
• Intimate knowledge of all major function types (dinners, corporate functions, cocktail parties etc.)
• Team work and punctuality credentials that meeta high standard

Sam Moore.
For all forms of hospitality staffing in Sydney, Australia visit http://www.whoswaiting.com.au

Feng Shui - Creating Balance Using Yin and Yang

Do you feel uncomfortable in your home and can't pinpoint what it is? Well, in order for your environment to nourish you, there needs to be a balance of yin and yang energy throughout your living and working spaces. Although considered artistic looking to some, dramatic architecture and design using an abundance of angular shapes can result in a Feng Shui nightmare. The more extreme the yin or yang is in a design, the more uncomfortable it will be for the people living or working there.

Now just think about balancing the two extremes. In your environment, you don't want things to be too hot or too cold, too dark or too light, too high or too low, too small or too large. For instance, a home that has very high ceilings, all white walls, big picture windows, and plain light-colored furniture would be too yang and the people living there would miss the cozy, comfortable feeling of home. On the other hand, if a room was very dark, had low ceilings, floral fabrics and furniture with all curved, rounded edges the room will feel cave-like and too yin.

Some Yin qualities are feminine, dark, soft, curved, rounded, small, low, floral, and ornate. Some Yang characteristics are masculine, light, hard, straight, angular, large, high, geometrical, and plain. Here's an exercise. Go through your home and/or office and use this yin/yang list to determine whether there are any dominant qualities. If so, decide what you need to add or eliminate from the space to create a feeling of more balance.

2008 Energy In Motion LLC. All Rights Reserved.

If you enjoyed this article, you'll love "Feng Shui Made Simple: Room By Room" ebook. Since your home mirrors your life it's important to create an environment that supports your goals and dreams. You have the power to create your best life yet and this book will give you the tools. Click this link to read more about this book: http://tinyurl.com/98rtkb

Lawn Care For Winter Preparation

Preparing the lawn in the fall for the snow and ice to come in the winter is an important part of lawn and yard maintenance. It is important to provide the lawn with a protective environment throughout the year to ensure that it will survive the ice that is to come through the winter season. The winter season full of snow and ice can allow mould to flourish within the lawn, creating a terrible environment for the new and regrowth of green and lush grass in the spring.

There are some lawn caretakers that choose to allow the leaves that fall on to the lawn to remain to provide the nutrients to the lawn that is requires through the winter months. This allows a layer of nutrients that the grass is able to live from during the cold months of winter.

There are many lawn caretakers that choose to remove these leaves from the lawn. Removing the leaves from the lawn will further discourage mould from growing on the lawn.

The lawn needs to be weeded before the winter. Weeds take away the valuable nutrients that the lawn needs throughout the winter months. Well before the first snowfall, the weeds should be removed from the lawn as the use the valuable water and light that can are given to the lawn. The best time to attempt weed removal is after the rain, when the soil is moist. The weeds should be removed entirely, including the root of the plant. This will ensure that the weed is unable to grow back. If you choose to remove the weeds through the use of chemicals, it is important to avoid repercussions that this may have on the lawn by ensuring that the lawn is properly filled with nutrients.

Composting is not only a great way to avoid soil erosion, but it can provide the nutrients to the lawn throughout the winter. It allows the lawn to become prepared for the winter by providing the valuable nutrients that will be required to keep the lawn alive. Many lawn caretakers are unaware that the lawn only hibernates throughout the winter season, it does not die. For this reason, providing nutrients through the winter season is an essential way to maintain the health of your lawn.

Aerating the lawn provides a welcome and healthy environment for grass to grow in the fall and be prepared for the frost, snow and ice that comes with the winter months. These air pockets allow for moisture to become present within the soil and therefore moisturize the lawn throughout the long winter months.

Avoid cutting the lawn when it comes close to frost. Cutting the tips from the lawn can create a harsh environment and leave the grass susceptible to disease and other disorders that may come from the lack of nutrients. When cutting the lawn, it is important to leave at least two thirds of the blade of grass. This will ensure that the grass has enough nutrients within the blades to recover itself. At least two to four weeks before the frost, the cutting of the lawn should be avoided.

Medical Residents Durham

Custom Homes Raleigh

Essential Oils - Cajeput - An Oil Held in High Regard in the East

Cajeput (Melaleuca cajeputi) is in the myrtle family. The oil is one of the melaleuca trees that grow wild in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Java, Australia and southeastern Asia. The oil today comes from Australia where steam distillation is used on the fresh leaves and twigs. This is a tall evergreen tree that grows up to 98 feet in height. It has thick pointed leaves and white flowers. It uniquely has a flexible trunk with whitish, spongy bark that flakes off easily. Traditionally cajeput in the East is was used for colds, headaches, throat infections, toothache, sore and aching muscles, fever, rheumatism and various skin disease. It was used in the herbal tradition to produce a sensation of warmth and quickening of the pulse. Native peoples used it for chronic laryngitis and bronchitis, cystitis, rheumatism and to expel roundworms.

How Can We Benefit from Cajeput Essential Oil Today?

Today we observe cajeput to have antibacterial, antiparasitic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is used for throat, lung, and sinus infections, for urinary tract infections, coughs, and intestinal problems. Cajeput can be taken internally by diluting it 50-50 with a vegetable oil, it can be diluted 50-50 and applied on location, on the chakras/vita flex points, it can be directly inhaled, or diffused. Cajeput mixes well with wintergreen, eucalyptus radiata, juniper and peppermint. As for safety, cajeput is non-toxic, non-sensitizing but it may irritate the skin in high concentrations. Caution is advised to make sure you do not have synthetic cajeput since it may cause blistering and skin eruption.

Want to learn more about the healing properties of cajeput and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit. The Institute of Spiritual Healing & Aromatherapy teaches courses throughout the United States on aromatherapy and energy healing.

BONUS GIFT

By Going to my web site: http://www.ISHAhealing.com and signing up for our free monthly newsletter, you can receive a free gift: 5 Monographs on Biblical Oils.

These oils include Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Spikenard and Balsam Fir. While you are at our web site, check out our aromatherapy program and our program in Christian energy healing.

From Linda L. Smith, director of the Institute of Spiritual Ministry and Aromatherapy, Inc.

What's in a Grandparent Name?

No matter how long you've been a parent, or how much you've been looking forward to having grandchildren, it takes some adjustment to think of yourself as anyone's "grandma" or "grandpa." So, what's in a name? While it's true that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, there is nothing sweet about hearing yourself called by a name that you just can't warm up to.

With millions of Baby Boomers welcoming their first grandchild each year, this bulging demographic is changing the face of grandparenting as they have altered the look of every other phase of their heavily-documented lives. Boomer grandparents are younger looking and younger acting than their own grandparents were. They are more likely to be found rocking on the waves in an ocean kayak than on a front porch. And that same sense of vigor and adventure spills into their interactions with their children's children. Many new grandparents see this next generation as a fresh opportunity to make up for what they missed out on when their own children were little. They may also be motivated by a desire to have a different kind of relationship than their own grandparents had with them.

"All I really remember about my dad's father was that he was a sort of shrunken looking little guy who rarely went outside due to a lung disorder," recalls one modern grandfather. "We called him "grandpa," and he taught me to play checkers, but I knew that wasn't the kind of grandfather I wanted to be. When my daughter asked what I wanted to be called, I said 'How about Poppo?' I'm not sure how I came up with it, but it felt right."

Similarly, a new grandmother found that none of the traditional grandmother names suited her. She recalled a friend of German descent who had taken the German word for 'mom' as her grandparenting name. "I liked the way it sounded, which was kind of playful and not too old," she says, "Now even my grown-up-grandchildren's friends know me as "Mutti."

Since the odds are good that the name you take as your grandparenting name will be with you for the rest of your life, it's important to choose wisely. One that sounds adorable coming from a tot may be just plain embarrassing when called out across a crowded mall.

Another consideration is whether the other set of grandparents (and these days there could be more than one set) already have established grandparent names. You would not want to ask a small child to differentiate between confusingly similar names. If Nana and Gramps are taken, perhaps Mimi and Poppy, or Grammi and Pawpaw would be appropriate alternatives.

Another source of grandparent name ideas can be found in foreign translations. America is such a melting pot that most family trees will offer up many different cultures and languages that can be explored. It might make a meaningful nod to your roots to take an American Indian word for Grandfather as your name, or to adopt a Polish translation that honors a distant progenitor.

Hobbies, interests, and even personality traits can also yield more ideas for potential names. A fisherman named Robert decided to have his grandchildren call him "Bobber," while another avid outdoorsman chose to be called "Campaw." It's been reported that Hollywood star Goldie Hawn is known as "Glamma" to her grandchildren!

"The thing is that most people never get a chance to name themselves anything," says Skye Pifer, co-author of The New Grandparents Name Book. "Deciding what you want your grandchildren to call you can be a source of satisfaction and creativity."

But, she warns, be aware that the name you choose may not 'take.' "Sometimes kids will mispronounce or otherwise mangle the name that you so carefully picked out for yourself, and that version could end up being the one that everyone uses."

A case in point was the grandfather who, inspired by time spent in Hawaii, decided he wanted to be called Tutu Kane (pronounced "TooToo Khanni.") While the name worked for a while, over time it morphed into "Tutu" and eventually was shorted even more to become "Toot." "It's not the name I thought I was getting, but, you know, it suits me. I'd never change it now," he concedes with a grin. President Barack Obama also called his late grandmother, another resident of Hawaii, "Toot."

That names sometimes morph highlights the over-arching importance of flexibility when it comes to picking your name. Understand that there is a possibility that you may not end up being called by that clever, carefully chosen name you selected and then lobbied so hard for. Your grandchild may invent an alternative that captures everyone's fancy, and that you will come to love as much (or more) as any name you might have picked for yourself.

Regardless of whether you end up with your name by intention, mispronunciation or pure chance, it is up to you to ensure that your grandchildren come to think of it as just another word for love.

Lin Wellford is the author of a popular series of books on the art of painting on rocks. Her work has appeared in numerous national publications, including Women's Day, Birds & Blooms, Grit, I Love Cats, National Geographic's World magazine and many more. She appears regularly on HGTV's The Carol Duvall Show. Her newest book is The New Grandparents Name Book: A lighthearted guide to picking the perfect grandparent name. With more than 700 names and name combination, it is the most comprehensive book on grandparent names available. Preview the name list on grandparents.com Wellford lives in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, and is known as Mimi to her grandchildren.

Chinese Zodiac - Tiger

The Tiger just like the animal counterpart is fierce less and known for bravery. They are very competitive and can get very aggressive when challenged. They are also very charismatic so people generally find it hard to say no to them. Because of this reason watch out, when you are up against a Tiger personality.

Tigers are very restless. They are constantly looking for the next mountain cross and when they cannot cross the mountain they can get very depressed, isolated and miserable. Tigers have good leadership abilities and they may excel in managing and leading positions. They can be very proud and charismatic leaders, good strategists and always work with a hidden agenda.

Tigers are like magnets. Friends love to surround them because of the confidence they exude. Tigers are very passionate and romantic. They enjoy sex and life.

Because Tigers have a very restless nature it is very hard to tie them to a routine.

Tigers make excellent pilots, race car drivers, artists, actors and writers.

On the positive side Tiger is independent, brave, confident, dynamic, intense, energetic, sacrificing, and faithful.

On the negative side Tiger is reckless, moody, hot-headed, selfish, impatient, impulsive, opinionated, and rebellious.

The gemstone of Tiger is Sapphire.

Find out your compatibility with the other Chinese signs. The strengths and weaknesses of Chinese Zodiac may vary based on their element sign. The five different elements in the order of productive cycle include Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. It would help to know the element of your Chinese zodiac sign.

Veda Singam offers quality articles, short snippets on Feng Shui and Astrology. Moreover she also offers astrology horoscope content. Her work is published in Astrojasta.com, a free online resource for astrology horoscopes. Visit the Zodiac Zone of that website for free monthly and daily horoscopes, astrology, numerology, feng shui and kua number resources.

2009 Feng Shui & the Fire Year

Energy patterns are determined each year by the star that migrates to the center of a 3x3 grid.The grid represents each direction (North, NE, East, SE, South, SW, West, NW, and the center). This year the number nine floats to the middle, and from there a formula determines where the rest of the numbers (one through nine) go.

The star that appears in the middle has a great influence on how we experience the world, our offices, and our homes. As an example, in 2008, the one water star was in the center. One water dominates the center's five earth energy; thus resulting in earthquakes and hurricanes; the effects of Hurricane Ike were felt from thousands of miles away. So what is in store for us this year?

Fire typically represents success and growth. By all accounts, it should have a productive relationship with the center (five star) which represents our overall health and harmony. However, since five is the disaster and pain star, nine (fire) gives it energy...we are in for a bumpy ride.In this case, the world may see explosions (volcanoes, bombs, and gun fire), fires, earthquakes, tempers, and drought. This 9:5 combination can also produce money troubles (investing and gambling), which our economy is already experiencing.

This flying-star relationship can also cause or exacerbate eye, heart, and circulation problems. In addition to the literal translation, the eyes can imply lack of vision and heart can imply 'not getting to the heart of the matter.' That means we need to make decisions with long-term goals in mind. Quick fixes are not the way to go! Negotiations will be challenging as both sides will hold fast on their views, and flexibility and adaptability is called for.

Increase your water intake and decrease sugar (alcohol). This is especially important because the combination of fire and earth (dry heat) dominate the water element. Water affects blood and kidneys. Our bodies will easily dehydrate this year so drink plenty of pure water. Fall in love with the unadulterated beverage and your hair, nails, and skin (blood and kidneys) will thank you.

The last time we experienced fire energy was in 2000 except this was during a 20-year period of seven (soft metal) so a direct correlation cannot be drawn. To do so, we need to visit the Gregorian calendar MDCCCXXIX for 1829 (period eight, fire year, Chinese astrology of earth ox); Buddhist calendar for 2373, Chinese calendar 4465-4466, Hebrew calendar 5589-5590, Japanese Bunsei 12, Korean calendar 4162, Thai solar calendar 2372, various Hindu calendars, and so on.

A few world events during 1829: Madman sets York Cathedral afire; Andrew Jackson inaugurated; crowd mobs White House; Greece receives autonomy from Ottoman Empire; Vicente Guerrero becomes the president of Mexico; Danzig (Gdansk) dike breaks, flood kills 1,200; The Swan River Colony (later to become the cities of Perth and Fremantle) is founded in Western Australia; London Metropolitan Police founded; Russo-Turkish War; 1st U.S. mint building started; "typographer" (typewriter) patent; "Stourbridge Lion" locomotive goes into service; offer to buy Texas refused by Mexican government; failed assassination attempt on Simon Bolivar; Walker's Appeal (racial antislavery pamphlet) published; Scotland Yard active; Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay Canal formally open; Jews expelled from Nikolayev and Sevastopol Russia; and Britain-abolished "suttee" in India (widow burning herself to death on her husband's funeral pyre).

Birthdays during 1829 include Levi Strauss (Levi jeans founder), Carl Schurz (German revolutionary and American statesman), Sully Prudhomme (Nobel Prize laureate and French author), William Booth (founder of The Salvation Army), and Geronimo (Apache leader).

As was mentioned in our article, 2009 Earth Ox in a Fire Year, the heavenly branch and stem are both earth. Earth depletes fire's energy. This negatively affects businesses in public relations, fashion, advertising, chemicals, oil, and law. Public relations and public opinion will likely be poor.

While 2009's outlook is rocky, there's no use in sulking or giving up. You've heard these are the end of times (several calendars say 2012 is when this culminates)? For what it's worth, I don't believe the world is coming to an end. I do believe we have to change our ways. We have to learn from the past and manifest a different future.

Unfortunately, the world needs a big incentive to come together and do so. A global crisis is that incentive (and wake-up call). Someone wise once said, "character is not defined by what happens to us, but how we respond." Author Unknown

For futurists and future thinkers, the next time 2009's energy will surface is 2189, so 2009 events provide a glimpse into the future. Let's return to the present and discover ways to be proactive.

When we evaluate 2009's fire energy with the current 20-year period of eight (earth), they are compatible. This combination shows joyful occasions so savor those intensity breaks. Review the article, 2009 Chinese Astrology Earth Ox in the Fire Year, for an additional perspective. There are common themes that affirm what we've covered here. Also, because nine represents one of the 'youth' directions and five earth brings trouble, problems may surface regarding children's self esteem, concentration, and emotions.

Each building has a unique energy blueprint (determined by when it was constructed and how this applies to magnetic energies). You'd be wise to have a Feng Shui analysis performed by a classic experienced practitioner this year, especially if your home or office is South sitting (has South at its back).

It is wise to be aware of the ruling animal's location in terms of its compass direction within any property. This position is known as the Grand Duke, and in 2009's year of the ox, the Grand Duke is in NE-1. It is unwise to undertake or initiate any construction in this section of your building or property during the year of the ox. If any construction or renovation is planned, it's still possible to proceed but first initiate construction somewhere else on the property before demolishing or rebuilding in the NE sector.

In terms of flying stars and 2009, East is an inauspicious direction this year (known as three sha or three killings). Therefore, it is not recommended that you have East at your back (also known as the sitting position).

The five yellow disaster star is in the North. If your bedroom or main entrance is in the North, you want to drain this negative energy. Metal is recommended, but your home or office may need something stronger.

In conclusion, this is a year to be patient and methodical. It is a good time for youthful, talented leaders. There aren't quick fixes for Earth changes, war, business challenges, unemployment, the economy, communication breakdowns, children's adversity, and closure. Therefore, we should not seek a time commitment for the sake of having something to measure against. Instead, we need to do it right the first time. Long-term strategies are called for. Begin with the end in mind.

On a more tactical level, perform a thorough inspection of your home and office. The risk of fires is high this year. Clean your dryer lint traps and vents. Spread the load with electrical outlets, or better yet hire an electrician to add more outlets. Ensure children understand that matches and lighters are not toys. Replace smoke-alarm batteries, whether they need it or not. Practice your fire evacuation plan and ensure everyone knows where they are to meet (somewhere close but safe). Talk with your local fire department about other ways to minimize your risk factors.

Let us help you build your plan. Several consultation options are available. We prioritize your efforts and provide a customized action plan. Call for your free telephone consultation today! For maximum effect, remedies should be in place by February, 2009.

Diana Garber is a classic Feng Shui practitioner with nearly 30 years experience in energy and risk management. Her extensive corporate background and work with Fortune 100 companies sets her apart as an international consultant, speaker, author, and seasoned program manager. She utilizes over a dozen sciences to evaluate influences such as electromagnetic currents, geopathic stress, and other factors internal and external to one's living or work environments to improve clients' lives. Please visit our Web site at http://www.intuitiveconcepts.com for information, testimonies, and much more.

Five Reasons Why Solar Power is Right For Your Water Fountain

A solar water fountain could become the highlight of your entire landscape. Some people plant bedding flowers and flowering shrubs and perennials to beautify their gardens. A solar fountain will make an interesting feature to your garden or patio dcor simply, easily and inexpensively.

If you have hesitated about buying a garden water fountain before, the benefits of solar power will quickly change your mind.

• There are no running costs - No mains electricity or batteries to buy
• No installation costs - Are easy to install for all skill levels
• Eco-friendly - do not use non-renewable fossil fuels
• Can be placed anywhere - user-friendly and easy to set up
• Inexpensive and last for years

When you purchase your solar water fountain, it will be a self-contained unit. You may buy a direct power kit but you will probably want to go with the power pack. The power pack has the advantage of absorbing the suns rays then storing that energy for continued usage, day or night. You can take advantage of the fountain even when the sun goes down for those evening garden parties or poolside parties.

Because you are not using mains power, you are not contributing to the depletion of the Earth's resources. There are no holes to dig, no electric cables to install and no dry cell batteries to buy. You do not have to worry about hooking them up to a power source to make them run. Solar fountains and solar water pumps require no power source and so can be installed anywhere. Find a nice spot in your garden where your fountain will have maximum impact

Setting up a solar water fountain is an easy project even for the most novice DIY person and you will have your fountain up and running in no time. Just add water.

Solar powered water fountains are comparatively inexpensive and will last for years. Even when you redesign your landscape, the fountain can be incorporated in a different area of the garden and continue to run effortlessly.

Solar water fountains will enhance the beauty of your garden or patio.

Solar fountains run off the energy of the sun and are quickly becoming very popular.

Solar fountains are extremely friendly to the environment. They don't require any external power source so they don't increase the demand for electricity from polluting coal or natural gas electric plants. Solar fountains are the organic way to enhance the ambience of your garden. Few sounds are as pleasing as the slow murmur of cascading water.

Outdoor water fountains come in all sorts of designs, from those with cascading waterfalls to those that include a birdbath pool, to those that spout jets of water into the air, to decorative wall fountains. serenityhealth.com has a great selection of solar water fountains available in many different styles for use landscapes and in ponds.

There is a large range to choose from, depending on the style you're after for your garden's new image. Make the solar fountain the centerpiece of your garden or simply use them as accents, to increase your gardens overall beauty.

Solar fountains are a great addition to a water feature. Take advantage of their benefits.

Now emerging from the mist of a colorful and varied career, Ian Patterson was born early in is life somewhere in a long forgotten postal code. The mantra that he learned from his parents, while growing up on their farm was "if you want it done right, then do it yourself".

That's just what he did.

Ian Patterson is someone who's been there, done that, printed the T shirt and wrote the book. A firefighter, soldier, yachtsman, skier, climber, mechanic, plumber, electrician, data technician, business continuity planner, and web writer are just some of the things he's been.

He was a pescaterian before it was fashionable and is an avid animal lover and a longtime dog handler. He has traveled to most countries around the world. Set up home in three of them and learned their language and culture.

Now he is the founder and CEO of Write Research Office since 2004.

A Guide to Choosing Sports Drinks

We are all aware of the importance of hydration when it comes to sport and improving performance. Exercise scientists and dieticians have invested extensive research into this area. Sports drinks are designed to provide both fluid and carbohydrate that is readily absorbed from the small intestine.

Sports drinks typically contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, flavour and other ingredients.

Carbohydrates provide fuel for the muscles. When carbohydrate is present in the sports drink at a concentration below 8%, it is rapidly absorbed by the body. If the concentration is greater than 8%, water absorption is slowed. Carbohydrates may be added to sports drinks in glucose, glucose polymer, sucrose or fructose form.

Sodium, potassium and sometimes magnesium are added to sports drinks and are referred to as electrolytes. The addition of sodium is said to stimulate the absorption of carbohydrates and water from the small intestine. Most sports drinks contain 10-25mmol/L of sodium which makes you thirstier to encourage you to drink more.

Most athletes only replace half the fluid they lose during sport, so it's important that sports drinks are tasty to encourage the athlete to drink more.

Some manufacturers of sports drinks also add vitamins, minerals, protein, herbs and sometimes even caffeine. Be wary of big promises.

The best sports drink for you depends on your personal preference. Most manufacturers tend to follow the basic formula, so it really comes down to taste. The more you like the taste of your sports drink, the more you will drink and the more you will replace important fluids.

For more information about sports drinks and to compare sports drinks available in Australia visit http://www.healthycomparisons.com.au/Sports_Drinks.aspx

Kristy Lee 2008. You are welcome to reproduce this article as long as URLs are active and no changes are made to the text.

American Dessert Banana Ice Cream

Ice cream is often called The Great American Dessert. Find out the history behind ice cream - sundaes and cones. Ice cream structure is both fascinating and confusing. The way we perceive the texture of ice cream when we consume it (smooth, coarse, etc.) is based on its structure, and thus structure is probably one of its most important attributes.

Fried Banana ice cream has been so hot recently that my thoughts have turned to ice cream. Ice cream is about the simplest recipe I know for a cool desert. Smooth, creamy cherry ice cream with heart-shaped chocolate covered cherry candies and a thick chocolate sundae sauce swirl. I have served baked bananas as dessert many times. Slit bananas sprinkled with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, baked till soft, served with or without ice cream. That sugary lemony sauce looks and tastes divine, full of the ripeness of bananas. But banana in ice cream sounded intriguing.

The banana ice cream really should be unsweetened. Find high quality chocolate if possible. The result was an ice cream we all allowed ourselves to like. The taste of bananas in ice cream was new to us all, and the garden lemon added an interesting and fragrantly refreshing note. It was concluded a winner!

The banana Ice creams are very taste, however, was quite good. A cheap and easy ice cream recipe without cream: just evaporated milk, skim milk and sugar. I flavored the basic ice cream recipe with vanilla and banana puree to get rid of the evaporated milk taste but feel free to improvise! The pure banana ice creams in a blender or food processor with the lemon juice and the sugar. Please purchase online www.indomunch.com in NewYork city.

Representing the website http://www.indomunch.com

Transcendental Meditation

Transcendental meditation is a movement founded by Maharishi (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi) in 1957. It started with an organization named Spiritual Regeneration Movement. Maharishi aimed to establish a teaching center of transcendental meditation for every million people of the world's population.

The whole process takes fifteen to twenty minutes everyday. During the meditation, the person focuses his or her mind on a simple statement that is called a mantra. The ultimate goal, as practitioners say, is to achieve pure consciousness. The exact procedures of transcendental meditation cannot be simply learned by reading available materials. They have to be taught by a transcendental meditation expert.

However, there have been studies that say transcendental meditation has negative effects. A scientist in an American institute said that the whole process of such meditation could be hazardous to the mental health of a certain person. The weight of the impact depends on how long the person has been practicing transcendental meditation.

Transcendental meditation has also been criticized because of the exorbitant fees that go with learning them. As of the year 2000, fees have been reported to reach as much as $2,500. Other critics even point that the fee does not make sense because the founder, Maharishi, even stated that such meditation is a birthright.

Aside from these, transcendental meditation also earned the ire of a number of people because of its strict policies, particularly those that relate to building structures. Maharishi declared that all buildings should be constructed based on an Indian philosophy that can be compared to Feng Shui. In this belief, the main entrance of the structure must face the east and the rooms should be arranged in a circular fashion. The rooms should revolve around a central area called the seat of divinity. Because of their strict adherence to this belief, there was even a time when a Catholic church situated in a Maharishian university was demolished because it did not abide by the rules of this Indian philosophy.

While there may be criticisms on the practice of transcendental meditation, there have also been studies that say the process is helpful in improving blood flow. In the end, the decision to practice transcendental meditation, or any kind of meditation for that matter, still lies on the convictions of an individual.

Meditation provides detailed information on Meditation, Meditation Techniques, Transcendental Meditation, Guided Meditation and more. Meditation is affiliated with Tai Chi Videos.

Fire, Earth, Wood, Water, Metal - Feng Shui in the Bedroom

We spend a third of our lives in the bedroom, so it's important that we get it right when it comes to the layout of our bedrooms - creating a peaceful, relaxing sleeping space - When it comes to Feng Shui, this means achieving the proper balance of yin and yang. Yin (masculine) and Yang (feminine) are best described as opposite forces that are deeply interconnected, and must be balanced to achieve well-being and harmony.

Feng shui in bedroom promotes positive and sensual energy. Feng shui in bedroom invites you, lures you in, excites and calms at the same time. A good feng shui bedroom in bedroom is fun and pleasurable to be in, either you are there for a quick nap, a good night sleep or to make passionate love!

For having good feng shui in bedroom there is variety of ways like:

• The best position for the bed is too placed against the wall.
• All the doors of bedroom should open 90 degree.
• Having different level of lights in bedroom.
• Bedroom color should be soothing like light blue or pale to maintain the balance.
• Keep all the doors in bedroom closed in night.
• Don't sleep facing your legs facing the door.
• Put something interesting on the wall opposite to you so that when you wake you fell good and fresh.
• Put some flowers in the corner to make livelier.
• Don't put mirror opposite to you when you sleep.
• Put accessories in pairs.
• Don't put any electrical instruments like TV in the room as it beams brings negative energy in the room.

Elements of feng shui

Feng Shui elements can help us to have proper control over our lives and boost our creativity. The Feng Shui elements have a strong role to play for balancing a space or home. According to the Chinese everything's in this world belongs to one of the five Feng Shui elements: Fire, Earth, Wood, Water and Metal.

Fire
Fire is the most powerful of all the elements and represents energy, expansion and transformation.

• Fire can be represented by candle.
• Color that represents fire is red, orange and yellow.
• Direction associated with fire is south.
• Seasons which symbolizes is summer.

Wood
Wood helps to develop creative energies like inspiration, motivation and passion. It helps in personal growth and renewal. Wood can be represented by tress or anything green in color like green pillow.

• Color associated with wood are green, purple.
• Season that symbolizes wood is spring.
• Directions for element wood are east and south east.

Water
Water element of feng shui is related to the flow of money and career. Some of the studies shoes that flowing water helps us to let go of things and still water helps the surrounding energies to be calm.

• The water element can be represented by a fish tank or pond.
• Color represents water is blue.
• Seasons which represents is winter.
• Direction of water element is north.

Metal
Metal helps in mental strength and intellectual abilities, making it easier to focus and think clearly.

• Color which represents element water is white, silver, gray and black.
• Season represents metal is fall.
• Direction associate with element metal are northwest and west.

Earth
Element earth represents stability and home, giving a sense of security and grounding support. Rock features, thick Color that represents earth is brown, beige, sierra and other muted colors.

• Season is end of summer.
• Direction associated are centre, northeast and south west.

Jake produces a publication on a various holistic healing and well-being approaches including: Feng Shui, Meditation, Massage Therapy, Yoga, Pilates and holistic treatments for various health conditions.

Read his latest article now on Feng Shui For Beginners

Landscape Gardening - Feng Shui With Foliage

Landscaping your garden can make a vast difference not only to its appearance but also to the value of your property if you are putting it on the market.

There are some very gifted gardeners out there but generally landscaping work would need to be carried out by specialist contractors. Not only do they bring their years of experience to the project but perhaps even more importantly all their expensive equipment, not to mention their discounts at all the local gardening retailers.

What features might you include in your newly fashioned garden?

Water landscaping or water features are very popular, whether it is a pond, fountain or something else of that ilk. Obviously with ponds and other such water features a degree of excavation work is normally involved and this is best handled by expert professionals.

Gates, trellises and arches are also amongst some of the more popular features in a well landscaped garden. Even fencing may be found under this category. Design is important to make your garden look balanced and beautiful. Why not discuss your own design ideas with a landscaping professional to see just what is possible and perhaps discover what unseen potential your garden may have.

Every garden is different but especially here in the United Kingdom, usually the predominant colour is green. Trees, shrubs and lawns for that matter form such a large part in British gardens and the planting and arranging of these trees and shrubs is yet another vital ingredient in the landscaper's arsenal.

Perhaps you will have concrete patios or block paving in amongst the lawns and foliage or pathways winding through some trees or leading to a garden pond teeming with wildlife.

The experts will be able to tell you which trees will suit your particular garden and whether your ground is suitable for certain species of shrubs and trees. Knowing how quickly the plants and trees grow, which nutrients they need and how much light they need are all considerations that the landscaping experts will be able to advise you with.

Quality landscaping professionals should be able to show you examples or a portfolio of their work to date. Where do you get your own ideas from? Well unless you have your plans already, magazines, books and even online searches can assist you in making your choices for that dream garden.

It is only when you have your ideas and plans in place and have discussed them with your chosen landscaping company that you can assess the cost and most efficient ways of achieving your gardening goals.

Producing a beautiful garden involves hard work and planning, landscaping experts can offer a wealth of information and guidance. Jules researches and writes for website SEO company sigma web.