Special Bridal Celebrations With A Party Bus Rental Atlanta

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Reaching a destination is never difficult in the modern age. From hailing a cab to taking your own ride or booking an Uber, the choices are numerous and remarkable, but for a bridal celebration, the transport should be especially top-notch. For a bachelorette party in Atlanta, Party Bus Rental Atlanta will improve and facilitate this significant life experience.

Efficient Enjoyment for Plans

Regardless of your particular plans for the bride, an Atlanta Party Bus Near Me will make sure that the schedule is kept. Your reservations and invitations will be timely appropriate because our drivers have the knowledge of the area and can transport the entire party with requisite ability and awareness in addition to the use of a currently updated GPS. Your booking will be the highest priority of the driver, whom we make sure is investigated for background or substance abuse problems. Well ensure that the chauffeur has the instruction and demonstrated expertise needed to provide confidence in the ability to properly facilitate this bachelorette fun.

Reliability Is Key

Being sure of transportation is necessary and entirely possible with a booking for a limo or bus in Atlanta or Party Bus Rental DC. With us, youll know that your provided driving will be timely and that the ride will progress without performance issues. Our efforts to seamlessly facilitate the bachelorette party requires that we use multiple processes to ensure quality. Our fleet of machines is comprehensively newer, insured, kept, and cleaned. Our rigorous requirements ensure that your bachelorette service is affordable and highly beneficial to the experience. No matter the style needed, allow our reliable machines to carry your day.

The chauffeurs who deal with traffic and do the actual driving according to your instructions will be the best of the best when you book a Party Bus DC with a company like ours. We comprehensively screen for background and substance abuse issues as mandated requirements of being part of our driving pool. Punctual, secure, and dependable transport from curb to curb comes via competent and prepared chauffeurs. For this reason, we demand a consistent performance while on the job. Your party will remain great fun with continued momentum while we take care of the driving. The pre-wedding celebration will continue with the liberty to engage, dance, and enjoy. Give us your plans, and well make sure that your party arrives accordingly.

Celebrations Created Conveniently

Getting the right vehicle for a bachelorette celebration in Atlanta for your Atlanta Limo Rates that wont break your budget demands that you consider your plans. Vehicles that feature worry-free facilitation of fun include party buses or limos while road trips will be better facilitated by a charter bus. Further, a limo will service elegant or sophisticated bachelorette adventures. Our staff will heighten your day, and you can personalize the ride easily. Our customer support agents will help with obstacles to fun or requests for inclusions, and online reservations will go far to ease the bachelorette celebration plan.

Celebrating the bride is a significant part of a wedding. Plan for your friends bachelorette extravaganza to include transportation for efficient, reliable, and convenient party experiences regardless of the type of celebration planned.

Spa Samoa Misiluki Day Spa

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Gifted with a rich natural scenic beauty and inherited culture Samoa is the ideal place to get rid of all your worries. Most people when asked about their trip to Samoa; talked about the luxurious Samoa resorts, their hospitality, beautiful beaches, Samoa spas, life in the rain forest and more.

A relaxing holiday and a peaceful environment, what else could one ask for to feel better? What about a spa Samoa treatment? Misiluki Day Spa is a natural skin and body care salon in Apia, gives you just that in a very traditional yet a professional way. There is a whole list of spas in Samoa that offer variety of spa treatments, but what makes Misiluki Day Spa worth a visit is its range of products that rejuvenates you when using their local inherited plants, oils and extracts as a part of all their treatments. This spa Samoa is surrounded by many well known Samoan resorts allowing all their dwellers to conveniently reach and relax in a beautiful environment.

They offer a wide range of treatments to indulge into:

Pampering Facial Treatment comprises of numerous facial therapies to refresh, brighten and enhance your facial skin condition and leave you shining bright and vibrant.

- The Misiluki Deluxe Facial includes a foot wash with a light hands & legs massage followed by a deep facial cleansing with a clay pack.

- The Samoan Honey Cucumber Facial is ideal for sensitive skin to keep it nourished and moisturised.

The Therapeutic Massages includes a variety of massages to relax your burdened mind and tired body.

- Aromatic Back Massage focuses on loosening up your stressed back, neck, scalp and shoulder muscles through a combination of techniques.

- Misiluki Body Massage combines the sense of smell and touch, the right aromatic oils massaged at the right places that its effect can be felt deep down to the tissues.

- Massage for two, to choose your own oils and get pampered.

Happy Hands and Feet or the Deluxe Manicure and Deluxe Pedicure Packs that care for your hands, feet, nails and their well being.

Tropical Body Treatments

- The Volcanic Clay Body Scrub for Cellulite.

- Coconut Body Scrub for Sensitive Skin.

- Coffee Body Scrub for Rough Skin is ideal for men.

- Papaya Body Polish.

- Cucumber Wrap for Sunburnt skin.

Beauty Treatments have everything from waxing, eyebrow shaping, eyelash tinting to makeup, hairstyling and more.

The Manaia Pampering Pack surely pampers you to the best with exfoliating scrubs and aromatic massages.

The Faafetai Indulgence Pack is a complete treatment kit with facial treatments, body massages, manicure and pedicure for deep relaxation.

Misiluki Day Spa also provides its services to some Samoa resort for special occasions such as wedding. For all visitors; Making a prior appointment is advisable.

Spa Holidays in Germany - Do as the Romans Did!

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With its long history of spas and health-giving hot springs, Germany is the place to go for a short break to unwind and pamper body and mind. The Romans made full use of the hot mineral springs at Baden-Baden, and down the ages these great natural resources have been synonymous with health and wellness. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the royalty and aristocratic classes of Europe would meet at the great German spa resort towns - and these days business is booming for great spa regions such as Baden-Wuerttemburg. Germany has nearly 900 spa resorts, including mineral and mud spas, climatic health resorts (known for fresh air), sea resorts, and hydrotherapy spa resorts.

Some of the best spas in Germany are located in Baden-Wuerttemburg. This state in the south-west of Germany has a large number of hot mineral springs, making it Germany's leading destination for spa holidays. And because Baden-Wuettemburg borders on France it enjoys the same tradition for great food and excellent restaurants - and so you can eat really well here.

Of course the great highlight for spa-lovers in Baden-Wuerttemburg is Baden-Baden, the famous historic spa town. Set in the foothills of the picturesque Black Forest, the elegant spa resort of Baden-Baden is an idyllic haven of peace and tranquillity. There are the classic hotel locations for those with extra money to spend and the desire for total luxury is paramount, but it is also easy to get exceptional value superior 3-star hotels such as for example the Hotel Merkur which has been recently renovated and blends a sleek and stylish finish with a warm, welcoming ambiance. It's modern Caracalla Spa is the perfect place to relax, offering unique wellness opportunities and many spa treatments.

Other excellent resort spas here are the Hotel Bareis, Traube-Tonbach, and the extraordinary Bad Duerrheim which is known for its salt water, fango treatments and a fantasyland "sauna world". (Igloo rooms, open fires, chamomile steam rooms a Finnish sauna). The capital city of the region - Stuttgart - also boast many hotels with spa facilities which make full use of the Canstatter spring complex. Hotels such as Le Meridien, Mo Hotel and Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin all feature excellent wellness centres.

For city breaks in other parts of Germany, spa facilities also abound. Excellent examples are Hamburg's Furst Bismarck or the 5-star Grand Elysee with its redesigned and expanded 1000 sqm wellness area with pool, whirlpool, sauna village with steam bath, bright resting area, roof terrace all included in an affordable daily room rate. Or Berlin, the city so revitalised in the past 2 decades where an example of a superb spa facility is Centrovital, a stylish 4-star hotel set close to Spandau Lake, just outside Berlin's city centre. The hotel, with 4 restaurants, an indulgent wellness centre and fully-equipped gym, provides a welcome respite from the buzzing capital. Here you can treat yourself to a revitalising Thalasso massage and, before heading out for a night on the town, or try out some of the spa's pampering beauty treatments, such as facials, manicures and pedicures.

The promise of Germany's spas is to let you leave your hectic pace behind you and improve your quality of life. With the range of traditional treatments on offer and easily accessible, tension is relieved and you have a chance to restore your general health. Far away from the day's stress you can completely relax and let your imagination take over - which after all, is what a short break is all about.

Sometimes Lighting Chanukah Candles Leaves Us in the Dark

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Despite the fact that the observance of Chanukah revolves around the lighting of candles in the menorah, often Jews find themselves in the dark when it comes to making this holiday meaningful and spiritual. Much like Christmas, Chanukah has become a holiday about consumerism rather than about God, miracles and struggles for religious freedom.

Just as the Maccabi's fought back against the Syrians desire to assimilate them into their way of life and their religious practices, Jews today must continue struggling to retain their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. At no time is this more apparent than during the holiday season, when everywhere Jews turn they are bombarded by the consumerism of Christmas, which seems to far outweigh its spiritual or religious meaning and context. Yet, it is possible to instill the lighting of the Chanukah candles with meaning and to make this a spiritual ritual for the whole family.

In fact, Chanukah was never about giving gifts. Traditionally, teachers received "gelt," or money, at this time of year to show appreciation for their contribution to children's education. Occassionally students also received gelt. This explains why many Jews give gold-foil covered chocolate "coins" on this holiday.

To make your Chanukah ritual meaningful, prior to the first night of Chanukah research why this holiday is observed and what it really is about. Try to find some aspect of the holiday that has personal meaning for you. Also, know exactly how to light the candles and say the prescribed blessings. Then, when you light the candles and say the blessings, keep this meaning in mind.

To make the experience spiritual, create a sacred space within which to set your chanukiah, the special menorah used on this holiday. This can be as simple as placing a special table cloth on the table, burning incense in the room, or saying a prayer invoking the Divine Presence to join you for this ritual.

Also, spend some time with your family in the light of the candles. The light is said to have a spiritual quality all its own, so basking in it can be quite a spiritual experience all its own. Many people like to meditate on the flames, which seem to be reaching up to God.

Also, Chanukah, a time when we commemorate the miracle of a small jug of oil burning not for just one day but for eight and a small army defeating a large one, supposedly is a time when we can access the energy of miracles. If we sit in the light of the candles and meditate on the miracles we would like to create in our lives, as well as in the world, we have a higher likelihood of actually manifesting them.

So don't spend another Chanukah lighting candles every night in an empty and meaningless manner. Take the time to put some thought and preparation into the ritual. Instead of getting caught up in the buying frenzy of other winter holidays, spend time contemplating how to make your holiday meaningful and spiritual. By utilizing some of these techniques, tools and activities, this Chanukah, you can transform your holiday observance into a meaning-full and spirit-full one.

Some Ways To Make Children Believe That Santa Clause Exists

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Part of the fun of Christmas is seeing the excitement of your children when they think that Santa Clause is going to come down chimneys and give all children wonderful gifts in the night. It is magic and kindness and it always makes children happy. It will be a sad time if some day children start to doubt that Santa exists or even no longer believe in Santa Clause and the magic of Christmas.

The Spirit of Christmas

If your older children start telling the younger that Santa doesn't exist, talk to them. It might be that your older children have outgrown the belief in Santa, but you should explain to them the history behind Santa Clause. Talk to them about Saint Nicholas who existed once and was a kind man that gave at Christmas to those who were less fortunate. Explain to the children that Christmas is the season of giving, and remind them that Santa Clause always gives freely from his heart. Also do not let your younger children see or hear you talk about Santa Clause as though he doesn't exist. Children learn from their parents and if you make it clear that you believe he exists, then they will believe in Santa Clause.

Together with your children set out cookies and milk for Santa Clause. Children enjoy putting out milk and cookies as well as making cookies with Mom or Dad. Making cookies for Santa Clause is half of the fun for children. Tell your children to leave out not only milk and cookies for Santa but also some carrots for the reindeers. This gives your children something fun to look forward to. You can even bake some cookies with your children to get them into the Christmas spirit.

Make sure there is at least one gift from Santa Clause. Also make sure you use a wrapping paper different from the other gifts. If you miss this, your children, even really young children, are likely to start believing that Santa Clause does not exist. Tell them that only nice children can get a toy from Santa Clause. So getting a gift from Santa Clause gives children something to look forward to in Christmas.

A Secret Phone Call from Santa Clause

On Christmas Eve, send the children to bed early. Tell them that Santa Clause can not come if they are still awake. If your children ask if Santa Clause is really going to come, go ahead and tell them yes. To make it more persuasive, you can make a secret call named "a phone call from Santa Clause" to your children. Tell them that Santa Clause will call them at twelve o'clock before they go to bed. Then, when the clock strikes twelve, use your computer and some voice changing software to call them - of course don't let your children know - and talk to them in the voice of Santa Clause from some movie about Santa Clause that your children ever watched. On the phone, tell them that they must be nice and go to bed early; also promise if they do so, they will see their gifts in the morning.

You can find some helpful voice changing software programs from the Internet or you can try a program I am using named Voice Changer Software Diamond (http://www.audio4fun.com/voice-over.htm). Use the program to change your voice and combine it with some VOIP program such as Google Talk (http://mp3-player.audio4fun.com/tutorials/voice-changer-tutorial28.htm), AIM (http://mp3-player.audio4fun.com/tutorials/voice-changer-tutorial32.htm) or MSN (http://mp3-player.audio4fun.com/tutorials/voice-changer-tutorial27.htm) to make the phone call. Although they can not meet Santa Clause, the call and the gifts they receive will make them believe that Santa Clause really exists. So sometime, to children, believing does not require seeing.

There is no harm in letting your children believe in Santa. After all, Santa Clause is a representation of the spirit of giving away. Christmas is the season to give, so it is not a bad thing to let your children believe in Santa Clause.

Be Happy and Merry Christmas!

E.M.

Some Unique Places To Spend Your Tropical Vacations

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Picture yourself enjoying the sun, sand and sea of the Bahamas and you will surely conjure up visions of a tropical vacation full of excitement and adventure. Close to Florida, there are over seven hundred islands that make up the Bahamas and it is an ideal tropical vacation destination replete with sparkling turquoise waters, plenty of sandy white beaches, good tropical weather and elegant resorts that provide world class luxury. The more popular destinations of this tropical vacation destination include Nassau and Freeport.

For those who wish for solitary peace and quiet, a visit to the Out Islands will provide never-ending beaches that attract many scuba divers, snorkelers as well as those who wish to relax in calm Caribbean surroundings. There is much diversity available with underwater adventures, swimming, golf and some of the islands are ideal for spending a memorable romantic getaway.

A Unique Manmade Garden Of Eden

A very unique tropical vacation destination that not many may have heard of is the Ocean Dome, which is Japan's one-of-a-kind, surrealistic updated version of the Garden of Eden. The Japanese have certainly been able to prove to the world that Paradise can indeed be created inside a Dome that is big enough to house six football pitches, where artificial sea washes over the biggest indoor beach that also has imitation palm trees and other innovations to make this a plastic version of Mother Nature - something to remember for the rest of one's life. By the hour, surf is up and every afternoon is a carnival that even includes mechanical parrots that squawk from rain forest trees and it is possible to relax here for hours on end without being bothered by bugs, vendors or sun burn.

Without a doubt, one of the world's finest beaches is the Copacabana located to the south of Rio de Janeiro. This is a place most frequented around New Year's Eve with everyone dancing in the sand and having cool breeze blowing through their hair. The golden colored sandy beaches here are often filled with players engaged in volleyball or barefoot soccer as well as surfers or people who are just relaxing on the beach sipping cool icy Acai mixed with cereal and frozen fruits. Sundays are ideal for shopping for souvenirs, which may be followed by eating at the Rodizio, where after paying an entrance fee, you can eat as much as you want.

Hawaii is also world famous for its tropical vacation attractions that include beaches ideally suited for body surfing, picnicking with the family or escaping to a private, sun-kissed oasis. Places such as Big Island and Maui, Oahu and Kauai provide visitors with some of the best in beaches and conditions are suited for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, picnicking and more. Maui has over thirty miles of beaches; Big Island has a rugged coastline with green sand, black sand and salt-and-pepper sand beaches. Kauai has a density of beaches more than for any other Hawaiian island, and even Hollywood directors are well acquainted with these tropical splendors.

There are many tropical vacation destinations which are ideally suited for escaping the harsh winters of home. Indulge yourself in the warm rays of a winter vacation in the tropics, where it is possible to frolic on white sand beaches and swim the warm waters. The Pacific's more popular island of Fiji provides excellent tropical vacationing during the cold seasons in Europe and America as does the Seychelles that was once referred to as the site of the Garden of Eden by British General Charles Gordon. Here, there can be found pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters and much exotic flora and fauna that will surely convince visitors that they are in a Garden of Eden.

Even Europe has a wonderful tropical vacation hotspot which is Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands. This "tropical haven"' has also been called Europe's winter playground and the island of eternal spring. With nudist beaches, art and natural history museums and the Guimar Pyramids, this is indeed a fun place to visit for a tropical vacation.

Australia, too, provides some exciting places such as Fraser Island that is a stone's throw from the Great Barrier Reef. It is full of wildlife and rainforests. It also has pristine beaches and is the world's largest sand island where activities of interest include, wilderness safaris, rainforest treks, dolphin watching as well as camping and fishing.

Some Great Ideas For A Memorable Family Holiday In Gold Coast

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Gold Coast is a great destination for family holidays. It offers ample opportunities for everyone in the family to relax and have fun. Gold Coast has everything that can make your family holidays an event to remember for the lifetime. The sun, sand, beaches, surf, and the beautiful weather makes Gold coast a preferred family holiday destination. You can participate in innumerable activities with your family, visit so many places, and admire the picturesque surroundings.

There is so much to do in Gold Coast that you can fall short of time. So, it is always better to seek the services of a holiday planner who can offer you a family holiday package depending on your preferences, budget, and time in hand. When you are planning your family holidays in Gold Coast, try giving your family a new and offbeat experience.

Horse riding Gold Coast holidays is a great way to try something new and adventurous with your loved ones. You can give your family a firsthand experience of the farm life by planning a farm stay vacation, where you get to stay close to nature, spend some time learning horse riding Gold Coast, and go for trail rides Gold Coast. The kids would certainly love staying close to animals, collecting eggs and feeding friendly farm animals.

Another great way to make your family holidays memorable is to shun the maddening hustle bustle of urban life, and spend a few days in the countryside. Take some horse riding Gold Coast lessons, explore the pristine hinterland, and spend some relaxed moments with your loved ones. If you are a water animal then Gold Coast is a heaven for you. You can spend fun filled moments on the beach, take walks on the sand under the sun, take surfing lessons and then relax with trail rides Gold Coast through the hinterland.

For the adventure seeking families, Gold Coast offers innumerable activities. You can try out jet boating, snorkelling, quad biking, and several other adventure activities with your family. You can request your holiday planner to tailor the package based on your preferences. Try to get a package that lets your family explore everything interesting that Gold coast has to offer including horse riding Gold Coast; trail rides Gold Coast, adventure activities, water sports, bush walks, and many more.

If Gold Coast seems like a distant option to you then you can go for horse riding Brisbane holidays, horse riding Sydney holidays, horse riding, and horse riding Melbourne holidays depending on your preference and convenience.

Horse Riding Australia caters to all ages, from children on through older adults. Your ride should be a happy environment, one that feels welcoming and warm, which is why we strive to make sure everyone who rides with us feels like a part of our extended barn-family. If you are friends with horses, you are friends with us!

Most importantly though are the 4-leged heroes that make any stable possible. In gratitude of their kindness, we treat our horses with the best possible care, stressing the moral fibers behind horseback riding just as much as proper riding form, because in reality it is all connected. If you have a healthy, happy horse, you are destined for a much more pleasant rideand in terms of safety, that means everyone wins.

We provide an assortment of horse related services, all of which can be catered to fit your specific wants and needs.

Multi-Disciplinary Riding Lessons
Regardless of your riding experience or discipline preference, we will create a riding lesson suited to your needs. We offer onsite and portable-riding lessons for a variety of skill levels and disciplines. Learn how to sail over a course of fences, nail the art of dressage, or partake in the fast-paced world of polo.

Trail Rides
If you want to enjoy the thrill of the great outdoors while riding a horse, it no longer has to remain a distant dream! We offer leisurely trail rides for anyone interested in a relaxing adventure, even if you have never ridden a horse before!

Soak Up More SunSunlights Benefits!

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You may be wondering what I am talking about since you hear everywhere that you must protect yourself from the sun. You are right! The widespread message demonizes the sun and demands that you to avoid it!

Nevertheless, the current pervasive message to stay away from the sun has negative effects on the population. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, depression, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and other major health conditions are associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency has been raising, with now 3 out of 4 American lacking adequate levels.

Did you know that Sunlight is essential for optimal health??

Benefits of Sunlight

Your body needs sun exposure in order to function at its best. Here are some benefits related to sun exposure:

Sunlight assist in the production of Vitamin D.
Increases oxygen content, translating into higher stamina and fitness ability.
It increases your endorphins, allowing you to feel those positive vibes like elation, joy, as well as serenity.
It positively affects mood disorders, such as depression.
Helps to kill bad bacteria, even disinfecting and healing wounds.
Boosts the immune system.
Positively affects the skin, dealing with acne, psoriasis, eczema and fungal infections.
Enhances anti-inflammatory activity.
Cleanses the blood and blood vessels.
Suns rays lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Sunbathing (along with implementing a whole food and supplement protocol) has been used to treat cancer patients (Dr. Zane Kime has researched and practiced for years emphasizing the necessity of sunlight).

Heart.

You may be wondering what I am talking about since you hear everywhere that you must protect yourself from the sun. You are right! The widespread message demonizes the sun and demands that you to avoid it!

Nevertheless, the current pervasive message to stay away from the sun has negative effects on the population. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, depression, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and other major health conditions are associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency has been raising, with now 3 out of 4 American lacking adequate levels.

Did you know that Sunlight is essential for optimal health??

Benefits of Sunlight

Your body needs sun exposure in order to function at its best. Here are some benefits related to sun exposure:

Sunlight assist in the production of Vitamin D.
Increases oxygen content, translating into higher stamina and fitness ability.
It increases your endorphins, allowing you to feel those positive vibes like elation, joy, as well as serenity.
It positively affects mood disorders, such as depression.
Helps to kill bad bacteria, even disinfecting and healing wounds.
Boosts the immune system.
Positively affects the skin, dealing with acne, psoriasis, eczema and fungal infections.
Enhances anti-inflammatory activity.
Cleanses the blood and blood vessels.
Suns rays lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Sunbathing (along with implementing a whole food and supplement protocol) has been used to treat cancer patients (Dr. Zane Kime has researched and practiced for years emphasizing the necessity of sunlight).

Heart.

You may be wondering what I am talking about since you hear everywhere that you must protect yourself from the sun. You are right! The widespread message demonizes the sun and demands that you to avoid it!

Nevertheless, the current pervasive message to stay away from the sun has negative effects on the population. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma, depression, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and other major health conditions are associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency has been raising, with now 3 out of 4 American lacking adequate levels.

Did you know that Sunlight is essential for optimal health??

Benefits of Sunlight

Your body needs sun exposure in order to function at its best. Here are some benefits related to sun exposure:

Sunlight assist in the production of Vitamin D.
Increases oxygen content, translating into higher stamina and fitness ability.
It increases your endorphins, allowing you to feel those positive vibes like elation, joy, as well as serenity.
It positively affects mood disorders, such as depression.
Helps to kill bad bacteria, even disinfecting and healing wounds.
Boosts the immune system.
Positively affects the skin, dealing with acne, psoriasis, eczema and fungal infections.
Enhances anti-inflammatory activity.
Cleanses the blood and blood vessels.
Suns rays lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Sunbathing (along with implementing a whole food and supplement protocol) has been used to treat cancer patients (Dr. Zane Kime has researched and practiced for years emphasizing the necessity of sunlight).

Heart.

Snowy Shenanigans in Courchevel A Resort Guide

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The 600km of skiable domain in the Three Valleys make the area a unique and world-class ski destination. With pistes for skiers of all abilities, fantastic snow conditions, well-connected ski areas and a huge variety of slopes, the Three Valleys has something for everyone. And if theres one resort which exemplifies all of these qualities, its Courchevel. Famous for having the most varied skiing in the Three Valleys, some of the best snow and fantastic self-catered and catered ski chalets, Courchevel is the perfect resort for activities both on and off the piste.
Courchevel 1300

Also known as Le Praz, this village is the lowest in altitude in Courchevel. Its also the oldest with many of its rustic buildings dating back to the nineteenth century. Traditional, quiet and friendly, it offers scenic tree-lined runs when the snow is good. But youll need to time your stay for those good conditions when the warm weather comes, you run the risk of sparse snow and slopes scattered with stones. On the other hand, the village is perfect for those who want a peaceful, traditional break in a real alpine community. A stay in 1300 can also serve as a lower-cost way to access the higher resorts.

Courchevel 1550

This is a satellite village for Courchevel 1850, which sits above it. Two lifts provide easy access to the higher town, but dont worry about getting stuck the runs back down are gentle blues. For any serious kind of nightlife, youll need to travel up the valley to 1850, as its a quiet kind of place. However, for those looking for access to all that 1850 has to offer at a much better price, 1550 is the ideal choice.

Courchevel 1650

Arguably the best option out of all of the villages in the resort, 1650 is popular for its fantastic skiing, relatively reasonable prices and varied aprs activities. Divided by the road that leads up the mountain, the village offers apartment blocks on one side and self-catered and catered ski chalets on the other. Just above the village, theres an expanse of easy slopes for beginners to find their feet. For more experienced skiers, there are plenty of challenges in the winding reds and blues that lead off from the Signal chairlift.

Courchevel 1850

Renowned for its glitz and glamour, 1850 is where the worlds rich and famous come to ski. To put this into perspective, this small section of the resort alone offers nine 5-star hotels... Whats more, the skiing promises not to disappoint. At the highest altitude, 1850 offers the best access to all the other villages, as well as to the neighbouring valley of Mribel. There are extensive zones right above the village exclusively reserved for beginners, whilst further up the mountain youll find some serious red and black runs. Only the most experienced skiers should attempt the black run Grand Couloir its labelled vertical on the piste map for a reason

Making Your Choice

Whichever village you choose, all have the added benefit of boasting a fantastic selection of accommodation, such as self-catered and catered ski chalets. With your accommodation sorted and the snow all but guaranteed to be good, the scene is set for a perfect winter break.

Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for the best catered ski chalet accommodation in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.

Skiing into 2018 4 Marvellous Events in Morzine

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With a transfer time of under an hour and a half from Geneva to Morzine, the French resort is the perfect place to head if youre looking for easily accessible, fantastic skiing action no matter your level of experience. Morzine, the capital of the vast Portes du Soleil skiing area, gives you access to the slopes of Avoriaz above it and a network of French and Swiss ski resorts in the nearby area.
The town itself will come as a refreshing change to those who are tired of overpriced, purpose-built resorts with no real atmosphere. Morzine is a thriving year-round Alpine town with its own population beyond the tourist industry. Cafs and restaurants are plentiful and welcoming, and there is always plenty to do, even if you dont want to ski.

Heres a round-up of just some of the events planned for the winter/spring 2018 season.

Ladies Night

If the Winter Olympics in South Korea have given you a taste for the fast-paced action of slalom skiing, then the Ladies Night Tour on 27 February will be a must see event for you. In an attempt to promote female skiers, the French Ski Federation is holding a womens parallel slalom event on the Stade du Pleney at night under floodlights. It all kicks off at 5pm and runs until 11.30pm. Expect a party atmosphere with live DJs, fireworks, and, of course, some fantastic racing.

Kids Kingdom

Just in time for the Easter holidays, the town will lay on a week of activities for its youngest guests which will include everything from face painting and creative workshops to inflatables and outdoor games. There will also be a kids ski competition organised by ESF. Kids Kingdom will run from 4-7 April and will be free for children.

Slushy Social

Snowboarders might want to book up their transport from Geneva to Morzine now to avoid missing one of the highlights of the seasons calendar. From the 8-15 April More Mountain will be giving boarders the chance to try out the new boards and equipment for next years season. Brands including Roxy, Salomon, Burton, Gnu, Capita and 32 will all provide their most cutting-edge equipment for sampling by keen boarders. This is as much a social event as a sports event, featuring a lot of boarding with equal amounts of fun.

Rock the Piste

A music festival which takes place on stages set up on the mountain what more could you ask for! Rock the Piste runs from 18-24 March and, while this years line-up hasnt been announced yet, it has in the past attracted big names including Rag n Bone Man and Basement Jaxx.

Getting There

Just less than an hour and halfs drive from Geneva to Morzine, this is a relatively easy resort to reach. Flights from the UK take an hour and a half and are offered by a good range of airlines from British Airways to easyJet. Make your journey as seamless as possible by booking an airport transfer from Geneva to Morzine with Shuttle Direct online before you leave home. That way one of our drivers will be waiting for you when you land.

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Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If youre looking for an affordable Geneva to Morzine transfer, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Ski Touring Valley Style

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The Mont Blanc Massif, and Chamonix in particular, are simply wonderful locations to embark on a ski de randonne (ski tour). Ski touring is the perfect way to get up close to the stunning nature of this area, and the excellent lift facilities provide easy access to the magnificent mountain wilderness that this region is so renowned for. With a bit of exertion and the help of specialist equipment and experienced local guides, ski tourers will manage to get away from the crowded slopes and experience some truly spectacular skiing.
Safety First: Get a Guide!

This is not a family-friendly activity, so it would be better to find a babysitter or to leave the little ones with grandma and grandpa so you can fully experience and enjoy the thrill of ski touring. A High Mountain Guide is not merely a guide, but also a learned teacher who can impart essential skiing wisdom. In Chamonix all guides are members of the UIAGM, so you know youre in good hands before you embark on this exciting new adventure. You can choose to join a group, hire a guide privately or if you are part of a party then you can choose a guide to suit your party. Highly professional and, with a mountain of mountaineering knowledge, these guides are the best way to get the most from your ski touring holiday.

Some of the Best Routes

The Aiguilles Rouges massif is nothing short of spectacular, and it is well known for having some of the best ski touring route options in the Chamonix area.

The Crouches-Brard traverse is a classic Chamonix ski-tour route, with easy access from la Flgre only 3km from the town. It passes through the gorgeous Aiguilles Rouge and youll end up in Le Buet village centre in time for a vin chaud! Its a comfortable and not too difficult descent, known for always having very good snow. Youll ski through a little forest, along a stream and into a beautiful valley along the way. Its best to visit between January and April, and you should expect to spend 4 to 6 hours en route, so bring something to eat and drink.

Another Chamonix ski touring classic is the Col du Belvedere, and on a clear and warm spring day its not unheard of to find untracked snow on the Northern descent! The views looking over the Brad valley are unmissable, and you will be spoilt with beautiful vistas containing the peaks of Le Dru and Les Grandes Jorasses, too. This is a trickier descent definitely more suited to those skiers who are more advanced, and its remoteness means you should not attempt it without a guide. Open from January until May, you should factor in 4-5 hours for this magnificent ski tour.

How to Get There

Getting to Geneva from the UK wont be a problem, as many airlines including easyJet and British Airways fly from different UK airports into the Swiss city every day. For the next stage, Shuttle Direct can meet you in Arrivals, help with your baggage and take you from Geneva to Chamonix in a quick and comfortable private shuttle. From the UK to Geneva to Chamonix and the slopes, all in a matter of hours!

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Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If youre looking for an affordable transfer from Geneva to Chamonix, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Six of the Best European Walking Holidays

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Europe is blessed with some of the finest walking country in the world, and millions of people travel to the great valleys and mountain ranges on the continent every year. Of course, great trekking isnt confined to the continent - theres plenty of outstanding walking to be done in the UK, with the Scottish Highlands, Snowdonia, the Lake District and the Peak District offering spectacular peaks to climb and routes to traverse. But if you are itching to leave the familiar behind and experience some of Europes finest scenery, here are six of the best routes and destinations for walking holidays in Continental Europe...

Le Tour Du Mont Blanc

Le Tour Du Mont Blanc is a truly stunning walking holiday, an epic 100 mile circumnavigation of the Mont Blanc Massif. It is one of the most famous and popular walks in Europe, taking in high mountain passes, dramatic valley walking and some truly stunning vistas of the major peaks whilst enjoying the hospitality of the Alpine huts along the way. It typically takes two weeks to walk, and while not technically challenging it does demand a good level of fitness and mountain walking experience.

The Haute Route

The other classic route through the Alps, The Haute Route (or High Route), stretches from Chamonix to Zermatt, beginning in the shadow on Mont Blanc and ending at the foot of the Matterhorn. With many climbs to high passes it isnt for the fainthearted or inexperienced, but it is one of the most challenging and exciting European trekking holidays. Alternate routes that avoid the glacier crossings are also available.

The Lycian Way

For those who prefer coasts and culture to high mountain adventure, the Lycian Way in Turkey is the perfect walking holiday. This coastal route runs from Fethiye to Antalya, and offers a splendid mixture of beautiful landscapes (cedar forests, pasturelands, and rocky mountain routes) and ancient archaeological sites, including the sunken city at Kekova.

The Dordogne Valley

Located in the South West of France, the Dordogne valley is one of Frances national treasures, and is home to one of the countrys great walking holidays. The valley is rich in natural splendour, with forests, limestone cliffs and the great river of the Dordogne itself, and the region is peppered with charming traditional towns and medieval castles. There are also many old cave paintings and prehistoric sites in the Dordogne, along with an excellent museum in Les Eyzies.

The Dolomites

While the Alps may be the most famous mountain range for walking holidays, the Dolomites offer a completely different experience - dramatic limestone pillars, glaciers and lunar plateaux stand above rolling meadows filled with wild flowers, and the many routes in and around the Dolomites provide some of the best unspoilt walking to be had in Europe.

The Mountains of Sardinia

Known as the land of silence, the Italian island of Sardinia offers some of the most remote and peaceful routes for a European walking holiday. The ancient mountain ranges in the north of the island offer visitors stunning walking through the gorges and ridges, as well as the chance to see prehistoric monuments of the Nuraghi people. The perfect weather, friendly island culture, and stunning scenery make Sardinia an ideal destination for a relaxing walking holiday.

Six Board Games that Develop Language Skills

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Are you looking for a unique gift this holiday season for the board game lover on your list? Whether it is for a child or an adult, a native English speaker or non-native English speaker, building language skills is important for anybody at any level. How about a game that promotes language skill development or vocabulary building and promises hours of fun and laughter with your friends, family or colleagues!

Like anything else, practicing healthy habits and developing new speech and language skills can escalate self-confidence, improve memory and cognition. If you were told that this process could be accomplished by playing games and having fun, would it sound too good to be true? Well, it is true. Here are a few games that will really bring joy this holiday season and build language and cognitive skills!

- Mad Gab-an excellent game for learning the importance of stress in words.

- Taboo-learn to describe an action, idea, or thing using different words.

- Cranium-develops word finding, spelling, unscrambling, and vocabulary skills.

- Scattergories-a game that requires you to express yourself quickly.

- Balderdash-learn to use creative word expression.

- Scrabble-an all time classic that builds vocabulary and spelling.

Do you fumble when trying to pronounce new words? Mad Gab gives you the opportunity to explore how stress on words changes the meaning completely. Try reading this combination of words until you are stressing the correct syllables and producing a common saying: Twin Tea Twin Tea Heinz Height OR Thirst Aim Awning. Can you figure it out? This game proves that stressing the right syllables is important to figure out words and it shows you how we link words together to form thoughts. The slogan for this game is: It's not what you SAY, It's what you HEAR!

Have you ever fumbled looking for the right words to use? Learning to describe actions and ideas coherently is an important skill. Most ideas can be expressed in multiple ways. We can say the same thing using different words. Since most of us experience moments of forgetting words, Taboo is a great way to practice describing ideas using different words. In this game, you must describe something without using specific words that are listed on your card. For example, try describing sugar without saying the words sweet, white, brown, coffee or candy! The game further develops speaking with clarity. When someone doesn't understand what you say, being able to describe what you want to say in another way is important to help your listener understand.

Improving your vocabulary will reap benefits throughout your life. New vocabulary helps build knowledge while ensuring brain activity for the aging brain. When you can use and speak new words, you'll produce a message that is clear and intentional. By playing with new words, you may also be able to access them more readily and decrease the number of times that you experience word finding problems. Both Scrabble and Cranium help develop vocabulary skills.

Having difficulty thinking quickly? How about a game that promotes quick responses. Sometimes when we want to express ourselves quickly, we need the skill of saying things concisely. Scattergories helps develop quick thinking. In this game, you match categories using words that start with the same letter. The catch? You only have three minutes to come up with the words to fit the categories.

Balderdash is a game of bluffing! Ok, maybe that's not such a good thing in real life but it sure is a lot of fun in a game. You will have to display a lot of confidence to hide your bluff. In this game you provide silly or serious descriptions of events and your team decides if you are telling the truth or bluffing.

If you are someone who likes to play games by yourself, there are plenty of language developing games available to play alone. Crossword puzzles, JUMBLE puzzles and word searches are all excellent games for vocabulary building. You can extend the learning by looking up unfamiliar words in the dictionary and writing them down in a small notebook. Then, try using them in conversation. Review them frequently to assure that they become part of your vocabulary bank.

Working on developing your language skills is fun and entertaining with any of these award winning games for all ages. Whether you are looking for something to do at a party, reunion, or during a vacation, you can't go wrong with these educational games! Don't forget to add them to your holiday list this year!

Sip, Swirl, Swallow A Sommelier's Guide to Croatian Wine

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The excitement about Croatian wine has taken some time to reach our blustery shores here in the UK. However, Croatians have been perfecting their craft for thousands of years, from the sandy soils of Korcula to the red clay of Istria. Recently, Croatia has become the holiday destination for everyone, from wine lovers to partying teens to families seeking out the sun. So, if youre a connoisseur of fine wines who enjoys experiencing a little culture alongside a dry white or rich red, read on to find out where to go (and what to drink!) to get the most out of the countrys outstanding winemaking heritage.
Korcula

If you visit the island of Korcula, make sure to take a trip to one of its family-run wineries. Easily accessible on two wheels or four, these vineyards contain grape varieties which have been growing on Korcula for thousands of years. Here are two of the best.

Grk: A perfect accompaniment to seafood, Grk is a dry white that grows exclusively on Korcula. Poip: This Croatian wine is a full-bodied and crisp white with just a hint of almonds. Native to Korcula, the grape can also be found on other islands like Hvar and Brac. To get an authentic tasting experience, enjoy it with a local sheeps cheese from Pag called Paki sir.

Dalmatia

This stunning coastal region includes the popular holiday destinations of Split and Dubrovnik cities packed full of fascinating culture and excellent cuisine. Its a little-know fact outside of the wine world, but the popular American grape Zinfandel originated in this area of Croatia! Take time out from a days exploring to sample some of the wine the region has to offer today.

Plavac Mali: This Croatian wine makes a wonderful accompaniment to a traditional evening meal of veal cooked in red wine with tomatoes and dried plums. Youve probably tried this famous red at home; with its fruity aroma and peppery notes its a firm favourite all over the world.

Istria

Istria is a fascinating area of Croatia as it once belonged to Italy. The influence of Italian culture can be seen everywhere in this region, from its cooking to its architecture. Make sure you devote some time to exploring the Roman ruins and hill top villages before getting down to some serious Croatian wine tasting.

Malvazija Istarska: Enjoy this refreshing dry white on a hot summers day whilst eating a meal of freshly prepared, locally caught fish. This is the classic white of the region and varies distinctly in taste from the Italian Malvasia. Teran: Visit a vineyard which grows the Teran grape and youll spot the large, closely-packed bunches easily enough. This full-bodied red loves the mineral-rich red clay soil of the Istrian peninsula. Drink whilst sampling local cheeses and prosciutto before your evening meal.

If Ive inspired you to fly off to Croatia for your next holiday, then ivjeli! or Cheers! Book your plane tickets and get ready to relax by the sea, a glass of delicious Croatian wine in hand.

Author Plate

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays all over the Mediterranean, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and as a result is an expert on topics as diverse as Croatian wine and Moroccan culture. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts and history.

Significance of the Holidays

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I think those of us with kids believe that the holidays is extra-special with little ones around. They make you appreciate life and what it means to be alive. You experience the joy of the little things alongside them as they discover snow for the first time or the excitement of the Christmas tree. Thanksgiving is extra meaningful as you are most grateful for your familythe one thing that never changes in this fleeting world.

You can lose your home, cars, toys, or any other material good but your family is always there. It gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning, a reason to go to work every day, and a reason to come home every night. Children make you realize that you are not the only person in the world. You are truly needed and loved for who you are despite all of your shortcomings or idiosyncrasies.

No matter what opinion you have of yourself or others have of you, children see your heart. They look past everything society deems is important and allow you to remember what life and the holiday season is all about: helping others, giving of your heart, and loving unconditionally.

Children are Gods best gift. They bring out the best in us and show us what we were like when we were that cute. We are reminded of what is really important in life when we look into their eyes and all of our other concerns vanish like the whispering wind when you fall asleep. We forget about how much money is in our bank account, what our co-worker said about us, or what our boss thinks about us. We ignore how much weight we may have gained or what color to dye our hair this year.

To remember how blessed we truly are, all we have to do is try to imagine how empty our lives would be without our kids. The lights on the tree would shine a little less bright and the wrapping on the presents would be a little duller. Our house would be quieter but we would miss the sounds of giggling little girls and the sonorous babblings of babies.

The holidays are a time when most of us take a break from the hum-drum of our daily lives, reflect on the past year, plan for the forthcoming year, and express gratitude for our blessings. We remember our reason for living and give thanks. We also strive to be a better person than we were the past year. We make resolutions to give more, lose weight, stop gossiping, or any other number of changes we wish to make.

Despite all that we imagine our life to be or everything that we believe is wrong with our lives, kids will bring you back to the present moment with a simple, Mommy, look at what I can do! as they tie their shoes for the first time or stand on their heads. You smile and think, This is what life is all about. You give your kids a hug and kiss and at that moment, you dont want to be anywhere else or doing anything else.

Life and this moment are magical and who could ask for more?

Show Your Gratitude With A Bridal Thank You Party And A Cheap Party Bus

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Arranging for a celebration out on the town with your friends is always fun, but when its also an attempt to display your gratitude for the support of friends as youve planned your wedding, it must be spectacular. Incorporate a cheap party bus to facilitate your plans in a luxurious, secure, and personalized fashion.

Luxurious and Safe Vehicles

Make reservations for any ride from within our fleet, and youll be provided luxury. The entire collection of vehicles that we have are flawlessly clean and luxuriously comfortable and glamorous. Indeed, we have comprehensive insurance coverage, bonds, and licenses. This fleet is large and diverse, able to accommodate all preferences of style and rider capacity. The travel transitions during your party through DC limo bus will be uniquely experienced, and your girl friends will know that you consider this night of thanks as important.

In Washington DC party bus will make celebrating friendship before your wedding easy. We realize that youve been planning your big day and dont relish the prospect of planning this event as well or spending a great deal of money on it either. With our service, you can arrange for a celebration of gratitude with a fast Internet reservation to incorporate curbside travel transitions that can be individualized and focused.

The Driving Should Deliver Appropriately

Offering provided driving services is something that always accompanies a booking for a cheap party bus rental. Accepting the schedule as their own, the driver that we provide will be the leader of the night, and he or she must respect your party intentions. Instead of risking experiencing a chauffeur who isnt considerate or timely, book with us. Our drivers drug screened, background investigated, and thoroughly instructed to begin and end the experience with substantial safety and professionalism. Avoid risking ruining the night by using taxis or driving after drinking; well let you party in as safe a manner as possible.

Security and safety are necessary elements of your Atlanta Party Bus. If the brides experience becomes unsafe, it will truly be a tragedy. This experience should be the happiest of her life, not one that is negative. Our whole group of vehicles is comprehensively insured, bonded, and licensed, reflective of dependability and security. In addition, our company strives to assure that the drivers offered for service are substance abuse monitored, background verified, and comprehensively tested. By providing the bride with a safe and secure trip, youll be able to participate in the journey while the chauffeured service provider handles the driving.

Personalized Accommodations for Full Satisfaction

When you purchase a service, a method of issuing complaints or requests should be clear. Any need is welcome, and well do everything possible to resolve problems and answer requests. Those responsible for this satisfaction reaching service are our customer service agents, professionals who are available around the clock. Personalize your wedding party thank you effortlessly by booking a Washington party bus.

In Washington DC party bus will make celebrating friendship before your wedding easy. We realize that youve been planning your big day and dont relish the prospect of planning this event as well or spending a great deal of money on it either. With our service, you can arrange for a celebration of gratitude with a fast Internet reservation to incorporate curbside travel transitions that can be individualized and focused.

Should The Christmas Barbie 2010 Be On Your Holiday Shopping List

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Christmas time must be one of the most anticipated times of the year mainly because of the gifts that come pouring in from family and friends. When you were a little girl, one of the most desirable gifts on your wish list must have been the Barbie Christmas doll and for good reasons, too.

Well, your little girl now also wants her own Barbie holiday doll for 2010. You may think of it as an intergenerational thing since Barbie has been around for 50 years and, by the looks of it, appears to stay for another century. As a parent, you will want to make your kid happy with such a gift, not to mention that it brings back good memories of your own childhood playing with your own Barbie dolls.

You have the choice of a Caucasian or an African-American version of the Barbie holiday doll. You need not worry too much about choosing the better gown because both wear the same gowns with the main difference being their skin color and facial features.

While the Caucasian Barbie Holiday doll has the typical blue eyes and blond hair of the race, the African-American version leans on the exotic side with her light brown eyes and black hair. In company parlance, the Caucasian version gas the Mackie face sculpt while its African-American version features the Goddess face sculpt.

You will also observe that the makeup of each version differs slightly with the main aim being to accentuate the features of each doll. The Caucasian version has black eyeliner, black eyelashes, light brown eye shadow and light mauve lipstick, which makes for an All-American look. The African-American version features silver eye shadow, deep mauve lipstick and black eye liner, all of which draw attention to her exotic features.

The hairstyles are similar, however, with both accented by the same striking tiara-like headpiece positioned ever so daintily to accentuate the beauty of the hair. Even the similar red chandelier earrings draw attention to the graceful neck, the elegant shoulders and the beautiful face of the Barbie Christmas doll.

But what really makes the Barbie holiday doll stand out is the gown! You will rave about its elegant simplicity, its striking colors, and its whimsical touches that blends well together to form a gown worthy of any modern princess as Barbie is herself.

To put it simply, the skirt is made from a white fabric, layered to form a full shape and then accentuated with a red ribbon cascading from the waist. The bodice is patterned in rich gold and red embroidery, cinched at the waist with V-shaped embellishments and then flowing out into the full skirt. The wrap reaches to the floor, caresses the shoulders and provides a splash of vivid color against the white fabric of the skirt.

In short, the Barbie Christmas doll has all the makings of a collector's item. If you are one of the thousands of serious collectors of all things Barbie, this is one doll you cannot miss. Even the box is a treasure unto itself with its red trimmings and Christmas backdrop. When it reaches your hands, Christmas is truly here.

Shaver Lake is popular California vacation lake

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California is well known for its beaches and theme parks, but equally impressive are the many mountain getaways that span from the Oregon border all the way down to Big Bear Lake, just a couple of hours drive from Los Angeles. If a "cabin-in-the-woods" is in your vacation plans this summer, there are vacation rentals within an easy drive from most California cities.

One of our most recent discoveries is Shaver Lake, a little more than an hour's drive northeast from Fresno and an ideal spot to include in a Northern California vacation. The change in scenery during that short trip is dramatic, taking you from the flat farmlands near Fresno through wooded, rolling foothills and then up nearly 6,000 feet into the pine forests that surround this idyllic lake. Central Valley residents have long known that Shaver Lake is a great spot to experience the Sierras; now - judging from the area's real estate boom - people from all over California have started to catch on.

Shaver Lake is tucked between Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and hints at the same natural beauty found in the parks. The difference is that Shaver remains largely undiscovered and therefore not quite as prone to seasonal traffic congestion. Shaver is still "off the beaten path" for vacationers who want the experience of visiting a small mountain village with just a couple of general stores and a handful of restaurants serving home-style grub. Only about 3,000 people live in the entire area.

All of this is exactly what we wanted as we set out on our own "cabin-in-the-woods" getaway. We contacted Vacation Rental Specialties to reserve a cabin meeting our specifications. With pictures to study on the internet, we were able to see exactly what kind of place we were renting, both inside and out. We wanted a true log cabin experience, but with modern conveniences - and that's exactly what we got.

We use the word "cabin" here a little loosely - our rental was really a complete vacation home built like a cabin. Almost everything was constructed of logs, all right, but the home's amenities are more modern than most people have in their primary residence. We learned that this particular "cabin" is owned by a Monterey family who uses it part of the time themselves and puts it into the Vacation Rental Specialties rental pool for much of the year.

Our rental, the "Whalen Log Cabin," was a million-dollar home with two bedrooms, a loft, 1.75 baths, dishwasher, cable TV, DVD and a washer and dryer. A 1,750-square-foot deck is the perfect place to barbecue or watch the sun set over the mountains. Out back cabin near Shaver Lakethere are plenty of pine trees reminding guests that, yes, this is the mountains and, in fact, the edge of the wilderness. These aren't exactly cheap vacations but when you consider the cost of premium hotel rooms nowadays, the rental fee of $225 a night plus a cleaning and booking fee is one of the best travel deals around.

Our family of three was swimming in extra space and, according to Bill Wingo, owner of Vacation Rental Specialties, many guests are bring another couple or family and stay for a week at a time. It's a new trend called "togethering" - sharing vacations with other family members or friends and thereby reducing rental costs while at the same time getting the chance to visit and experience new places and activities together.

According to Wingo, there also is a trend in vacation rentals now toward high-end properties such as the Whalen Log Cabin. In the business for nine years, Wingo says it was not long ago that people were just looking for a rustic getaway in the mountains - a simple cabin with few amenities but located in the wilderness. Today, guests are looking for all the extras and willing to pay extra to make their home away from home both relaxing and luxurious.

Also, guests are starting to expect the property rental firm to be more service-oriented, Wingo explained. Instead of just handing over a set of keys, property managers today also have to put on a concierge hat and do such things as make reservations for boat rentals, dinner or whatever else the guests may have planned for their stay. It used to be that guests were responsible for taking out garbage and providing bedding - nowadays, those often are among the services provided by the rental firm, although sometimes at an extra cost.

Equally important is the location of the vacation rental, and the Shaver Lake area is proving popular with active vacationers. With 23 miles of shoreline, Shaver Lake has plenty of activities to choose from including fishing, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, hiking and, in winter, all the winter sports including downhill skiing at a nearby ski area. The lake actually is part of a hydroelectric project owned and operated by California Edison. Shaver Lake was first constructed and filled in 1927 as part of the Big Creek Hydroelectric project. It was named for pioneer lumberman C.B. Shaver, who logged in the area during the late 1890s.

For many visitors, Shaver Lake actually is a jumping off point for treks further into the Sierra National trading post near Shaver LakeForest and two other lakes, Huntington and Edison, are nearby. Eighteen small lakes are located in the Kaiser Wilderness, just north of Huntington Lake.

In our case, we were just looking for a quiet few days "away from it all" where we could do a little hiking and soak up the local culture down in Shaver Lake's stores and restaurants. We enjoyed our steak dinner down at the Trading Post - the floor is tilted downhill in a few areas, but the big rock fireplace sets the mood perfectly.

The fireplace back at our vacation home also helped set the mood for this "cabin-in-the-woods" experience - instead of watching television like we might normally do at home, we put some games on the spacious floor in front of the crackling fire and thoroughly enjoyed a family respite from everyday life in the city.

If you're planning a Northern California vacation, you can get more information on cabin rentals at Shaver Lake by contacting Vacation Rental Specialties at (800) 730-8688 or visiting www.goshaverlake.com. Nightly rental fees are about 15 percent lower when properties are rented a week at a time. Ask about Vacation Rental Specialties' special vacation packagesthey can arrange to have boats, restaurant reservations, horseback riding and many other activities scheduled for you before you arrive. Even if you have last minute travel plans, call for availabilitysurprisingly, there sometimes is a last-minute opening.

SELF-REFLECTION & FENG SHUI TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR

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New Year is a time for making resolutions to transform your life. Do a self-reflection analysis and see how you can enhance each of the nine areas of your life to improve your emotional, mental and spiritual status for living in harmony and balance.

1. Journey:
Set yourself a goal. Visualise your next step. Constantly look forward to something better in life. Choose to do what you can do well and do well whatever you do.

Every job is a self portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.

2. Relationships:
Make a resolution to be compassionate and loving towards everyone to gain love, respect and admiration from others.

Give the best you have and the best will come back to you.

3. Elders:
Always respect your elders. Although they relate to your past, their blessings play a significant role in clearing the obstacles from your future. Your children normally grow up to mirror the love and affection you have given to your parents.

As you sow, so you reap.

4.Fortunate Blessings:
Think big. Aim high and remove limiting barriers to your capacity of getting what you want in life. Life responds to your outlook and showers fortunate blessings accordingly.

Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

5. Unity:
Good health is your real wealth. Examine your input in terms of what you eat, drink and breathe. Make a resolution to incorporate healthy eating, moderate drinking,
no smoking and regular exercising in your life style.

6. Helpful Friends:
Resolve to be a helpful friend.

You shall pass through this world but once. If therefore, there be any kindness you can show, or any good thing you can do, do it now for you shall not pass this way again.

7. Creativity:
Decide to be more creative in everything you do. Be it cooking, sewing, writing, speaking, music, photography or anything you love doing. Love your children. They are your creations.
Every artist was once an amateur(Emerson)

8. Wisdom:
Contemplation improves the understanding of your own self and provides you with stillness of mind. Introduce a practice of brief meditation in your daily routine.

He who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakes(Carl Jung).

9. Illumination:
Be illuminated to become a guiding light for others and enhance your feeling of being rewarded in life. Learn to be a light and warmth for everyone around you. Knowledge does not pay. It is what you do with the knowledge that pays.

Aroon Ajmera-a consultant, teacher and an author is an executive committee member of the Feng Shui Society of the UK and can be contacted on aajmera999@aol.com or www.fengshuidesigns.co.uk

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Self Care over the holidays

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Did you have a green smoothie today?

Did you workout today?

Did you meditate today?

no I thought not you were too busy?

The holidays can be a very challenging time. You may have concerns about weight gain, family members, work, money, and all kinds of other things. The good news is that, even with all these concerns, you can keep your Self Care routine strong and vibrant during the holidays.

You can have great joy during the busiest of times with some positive choices. Joy comes from within, and taking control of your life brings you both confidence and joy. During the holiday season, though, it can seem like your life gets out of control very easily. Theres always so much to do, and people are generally more demanding of your time and energy.

Follow these steps to protect and preserve your Self Care routine during the holidays:

Remember the value of quiet time. One of the biggest stressors you may have to deal with when the holidays are in full swing is the lack of personal time. Its easy to get wrapped up in everyone elses drama and not take any time for yourself. Take time for yourself so you have the energy to pour into others.
Take a few minutes each day to unwind and relax. Youll be happier and more interested in doing things with others.
Find time to pursue your inner peace. You can pray, meditate, exercise, or just sit and read a book. No matter what you do in your downtime, remember that having that time is vital.

The Busy Holiday Season is Only Temporary

The holidays require more of your time and effort, but the season will soon pass. Keep your head up when youre doing all the extra things you have to do. Those extras will only be required for a few weeks. Things will be back to normal and your lifes balance will be more easily restored.

If youre having trouble coping with the holiday season, keep your normal routine! at all costs really. That way, youll feel more focused and calmed.

For example, consider:

Exercising each day to stay fit and work off accumulated stress
Getting your work done on time, so youre not frustrated and overly busy at home
Eating right to provide your body with the fuel it needs for energy
Planning something special so you can relax after the holidays are over

There are plenty of ways you can keep your Self Care routine strong. You can even say affirmations to yourself each day in order to help maintain a positive attitude. You may feel silly at first, but youll soon see the benefits of incorporating positive thinking into your daily routine. Take a few minutes each morning when you get up and before you go to bed to compliment yourself.

Your Self Care and strength is very important to you and the people who rely on you. Because of that, you must keep yourself fresh and energized during the holidays. Focusing on what matters to you and paying attention to whats really important go a long way toward keeping you mentally healthy.

Secured Loans And Remortgages On Your Own Property Can Buy A Holiday Home Here Or Abroad.

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A dream common to many people is that of owning a second property either in their own country and sometimes abroad.

There is not many things more pleasurable than having a second comfortable little nest to call your own.

However it is very wise, before taking the plunge, to think if you really do want to own a second home, or is as a result of the happy holiday that you have only just returned from and the affects of the sun, good food and especially simply too much of the cheap wine and spirits you enjoyed so very much. when you were there.?

How many people, particularly when we are talking about Spain, have holidays there year after year, and when they retire they cannot wait to buy a property and live there for the rest of thier lives to only a few months later, apparently having managed to achieve their dream, start complaining bitterly that their Spanish neighbours in the idyllic village do not speak English? Many complain about the food when they cannot find the chips and deep fried battered fish, and chips with egg, etc. that was so much part of their daily diet in Benidorm and similar resorts. Then where are the Irish bars and the morning noon and night karaoke?

Life in the real Spain, France and Italy, etc.may well be very different from the country you enjoyed so much on holiday, when the hotel owners, waiters, bar staff and so on did all have a very good grasp of English, but when you go to the places that do not have many tourists, it is like being in great Britain where not many ordinary waiters, shop assistants, etc. speak any other European language, or at least not at all fluently.

The average restaurant in a remote little town in these countries is not going to serve up sausage and mash, pies and beans and fish and chips, as these are only available in the resorts flooded by The Brits .

However for those wanting to own a second home in the real Italy, Spain, etc. there is nothing much better in life, and if you are one of these people, the first important step is to think of the ways of financing the purchase before even looking for a property.

It is possible to obtain a foreign mortgage, but you will be required to put down a deposit of at least 30%.

Therefore, a better way for those with equity in their British properties is to take out a remortgage or secured loan.

If someone has lived at their property for some time, they should have a fair amount of equity to use as collateral for a secured loan or a remortgage.

The maximum secured loan is normally 100,000, but that can buy a nice beach front flat for example in Calabria in Southern Italy or for that amount there are a number of areas in France where a little three bedroom house can be yours for that amount.

Remortgages have no maximum as such because as long as there is sufficient equity in a property, and the borrower has enough income to meet the payments, remortgages have no restriction.

With secured loans available with interest rates from 7.9% ,and remortgages from under 2%, they are low cost ways of paying 100% of the purchase price for your home in the sun.

Secrets for Holiday Promotions & Gifting

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Is your business holiday friendly? Do you get busier during the holidays or are you slower due to the fact that people are not interested in purchasing your products and/or services at this time of year.

Holiday promotions can be a useful tool for any type of business. However, you will still want to be creative. For example, if you send your clients holiday cards around Christmas or other December holiday, your card will most likely be one of 25 (or more) cards that your client receives. For this reason, I challenge you to set yourself apart from your competitors by being more creative than this year!

6 Simple Secrets to help your business stand out from your competition:

1. Send a Halloween, Thanksgiving or New Year's card instead of a December holiday card.

2. Consider sending a gift instead of a card. There are many gifting services/businesses that can handle this for you, some of which can be very affordable.

3. Stop by to visit your contact and bring them a card, mug, or other personal gift item that they would appreciate receiving.

4. Hold a client appreciation event. This is typically best when held in November or January and not when your clients are busy in December.

5. Ensure that whatever you send stands out. If you do decide to send a card, be sure to just buy the cheapest ones. Instead, put some thought into it. For example, send a card that opens up into a calendar or that has a place for a photo of your staff. Remember, you will need to plan ahead for ordering/shipping time.

6. Most of all, enjoy the holidays yourself by having someone else assemble and send cards/items to your contacts (that is, if you are doing a mailing). However, make sure you personally sign all the cards and include a note. People like to know you thought enough of them to write something personally and did not just rely on the preprinted name or logo.

Proper Ways to Give Gifts to Employees & Clients

It is very important for business owners to remember his/her employees during the holidays. Likewise, businesses should also take care to remember clients and referral sources during the holidays. Whether your client celebrates Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah or other December holiday, you can do something to thank them for their support, business and/or their loyalty. This can also be done during the Thanksgiving and New Year's holiday time

Recently, a few small business people have asked me "What should I send out for the holidays?" They explained that they either send calendars or King's (basketball team) magnets. Those are great items, so continue to send them if your business does well sending them. However, if you gave a little more thought, you and/or a few friends could identify something that is a lot more creative and that may not cost any more to do.

Where do you go to look for new ideas and items?

9 places to get ideas to make your business stand out from your competitors:

1. Call and/or visit your local promotional products companies. You can find them in the local chamber, leads group or phone book.

2. Consider using gift basket companies. You can be much more creative with a gift basket that you used to be with the help of one of these companies.

3. Try your hand at making your own personalized gift baskets with items from your business, food and wine from the local gourmet food store, or other items your clients would like receiving. Be careful thought; this route can be more costly if you are not careful where you make your purchases.

4. Search online with your favorite search engine with keyword "gifts". There are many different companies that will show up in your search results. There will be a variety, which will help you find a gift within your budget and style.

5. Consider working with local gift incentive companies. You provide them with the amount that you wish to spend and they will send the recipient a catalog of items in that price range. This allows the recipient to choose the gift that they want.

6. Purchase a gift card from a store like Sam's Club or Wal-Mart. They offer gift cards in any denomination and will upload your company logo or any photo you want to the front of it. Then you can send gift cards valid for Sam's and Wal-Mart branded with your company logo/photo on it.

7. Consider co-promoting. I talk about this a lot. Arrange for a local service business such as a car wash, massage therapist or any other retail business to provide you with free gift certificates to their business that you can send to your database. The company gets exposure to your entire database (free marketing) and you get to "give" a free gift to your contacts.

8. Give gift cards that are pertinent to each recipient. For example, give cards to Starbucks for the caffeine freaks, Jamba Juice for the health nuts, REI for the sports enthusiasts and Bath & Body Works for the divas.

9. By sending hand-made gifts and/or thank you cards, you can make a huge impression and save some money in doing so.

Scrapbooking - How To Display Your Holiday Memories

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If your family is like most, you have special holiday celebrations and traditions that you do every year. To display these holiday memories, create a scrapbook to show past years' celebrations. Whether your traditions include Trick-or-Treating, going to the mall to sit on Santa's lap for a picture, or preparing a special holiday meal, you'll have fun looking back to see how your family has changed from year to year while the traditions have stayed the same.

First, decide whether you want to place all of the holiday memories for one year into their own scrapbook album, or keep each holiday in a separate album that shows the change from year to year. You can start with your earliest photos and work forward, or start with recent years and work backwards. It's completely up to you; there is no one right way to make a scrapbook.

Now, gather all of your photos. If you're like most people, you've got boxes of them hiding somewhere. Bring them out, and look through them to pick out the best photos. Don't just pick out the portraits of your kids sitting on Santa's lap or smiling in their cute Halloween costumes. Choose the less formal ones of your family gathered together, too. These will be the memories you'll cherish for years to come. Pick the best photos from each holiday to include in your scrapbook.

Don't just include photos in your scrapbook. Gather together loved family recipes for the food and cookies you make for the holidays. If you have young children, include holiday-themed art that they've made at school, like turkeys made from handprints. Collect your holiday cards and programs from holiday events. Clip out advertisements for the toys your children want for Christmas. Anything related to your family's holiday traditions will be a great addition to your holiday scrapbook!

Once you've picked out the photos and other memorabilia you want to use, find background pages and embellishments. You can use holiday-colored cardstock for your backgrounds, or be creative and use scraps of wrapping paper or pieces of Halloween costume fabric for unique backgrounds. Layer different colors and textures to make a unique page. For a handmade Christmas background, try cutting out a green tree and painting on ornaments. Cut out a paper Jack-o-Lantern for a Halloween themed page, or draw a black spider web behind the photos.

Embellish your pages with everything from holiday-themed cutouts and paper punches. You can even find special paste that dries into 3-dimensional glittery snow. Decorating your holiday scrapbook doesn't have to break the bank. You can make your own embellishments, or choose from a whole array of ready-made decorations at your local craft store. Be creative! No two families celebrate the holidays in the same way, and your scrapbook should reflect your unique traditions. Add to your holiday traditions by bringing out your new scrapbook each year, looking through past years' celebrations together. It can be quite a treat to see past years' celebrations and watch your family grow from year to year. Once the holidays have passed, set aside time as a family to choose photographs to represent that holiday in your scrapbook.

Savour Italy's Favourite 'Buonissimo' Regional Delicacies

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In these winter months, its nice to daydream about your next holiday. If warm weather and delicious food is what comes to mind, then a getaway in Italy might be just what you need. After all, who can resist al dente pasta, freshly baked pizzas or cured hams?
About Italian Cuisine

The Basics

The foundation of almost all Italian cooking lies in one ingredient: olive oil. Used to braise, fry, cook and drizzle, its an absolute essential. You can even enjoy it on its own with just a little bit of dipping bread. Other foods often listed in recipes include onions, parmesan and garlic.

Pasta

We cant talk about Italian food without mentioning pasta! Served as a small first course, pasta comes in all shapes, colours and sizes. Though a classic dish, flavour combinations are constantly renewed to create exciting vegetable, meat and seafood-based sauces.

Meat & Fish

The antipasto is always followed by a fish or meat dish. From braised beef and roasted lamb to swordfish and sardines, Italian food is bursting with flavour.

Vegetables

Rooted in the countrys gastronomic culture, outdoor markets are at the heart of Italian cooking. Here youll find the mouthwatering array of colourful vegetables that bring their dishes to life. From tomatoes, olives and peppers to greens packed with flavour, youll find all the local staples.

Where to Eat

Now that youre an expert in Italian gastronomy, its time to sample the countrys favourite dishes and plan your culinary tour. Heres a quick rundown of some of my favourite foodie destinations.

Lombardy

The northwest is another great region of Italy to explore. Though globally acclaimed for its fashion capital Milan, it also offers a superb standard of Italian food. From unrivalled saffron risottos to Grana Padana cheese to light panettone cake, youll want to sample every Lombardian recipe!

Sicily

If you like Italian food with powerful flavour, then Sicily is the place to be. This region is best known for its delicious wines, fruit and nuts, though it offers many treats for your taste buds. To start Id recommend the caponata, a combination of seafood and vegetables, or the arancini, rice balls stuffed with peas, meat and mozzarella. To finish off, treat yourself to the deliciously sweet cannoli and cassata.

Puglia

Famous for its succulent vegetables, meat, fish and pasta, this southern region does Italian food at its best. Though youll be tempted to fill up on bread soaked in the delicious olive oil (a speciality of the area), youll also want to savour a few local delicacies. For your antipasto, Id recommend the maccheroni al forno or the orecchiette. Follow that up with roasted lamb or beef. Or if youre in the mood for seafood, Puglia is renowned for its mussels, sea bass and red mullet.

Hopefully Ive whet your appetite and youre ready to rush off on your culinary adventure!

Author Plate

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays all over the Mediterranean, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and as a result is an expert on topics as diverse as Italian food and Moroccan culture. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts and history.

Santa's Top 10 Elementary School Teacher Edible Christmas Gift Ideas

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Running out of good ideas for Christmas gifts for your son or daughter's elementary school teacher? Feel like your running out of time? Ho', ho', ho' my friends fret and worry no longer Santa Claus is here to bring you my best list of edible gifts for the holidays. Why edible gift ideas you ask?

Edible gifts are enjoyed by everyone, especially desserts, candy and sweets of all different kinds. Plus with the economy the way it is my elves and I had to come up with other ideas to get by this holiday season. I hope you all understand. And we can't afford to let big, expensive gifts go to waste in the event the teachers don't like them. And who doesn't like sweets? Sweets are synonymous with the holidays, right? So that's another reason I am suggesting sweets and candy gifts. So without further delay here is the list, right here. Wait one second. I thought I had it. Oh, excuse me one second. I have to call my head assistant elf on my cell phone to bring it to me. Be right back!

(5 minutes later)

I can be so absent-minded during this time of year. You know I've got a lot of things on my mind. And right now elementary teacher gifts are on my mind so here's my list. Just be prepared it might make you hungry. Ah let's see here.

1. Chocolate Covered Popcorn in a decorative tin: so the teachers can snack on something yummy while grading your little ones' papers or they can sneak it in to the theater so they don't have to pay the high prices. I mean (clearing throat and coughing) wait 'til they get home from the theater.

2. Chocolate Covered Apples and Caramel Apples: Oh, it reminds me of my summer vacation to Coney Island out on the boardwalk.

3. Cookies in a decorative cookie jar: that way he or she will always see it on their desk and will remember all year round who gave them this great gift. Then maybe they will give your child a better grade. I mean (clearing throat and coughing again) one of his or her delicious cookies.

4. Rice Krispies Treats decorated into different shapes: these can be chocolate covered and frosted as well. I can see me gaining a few extra pounds already. Maybe there are diet rice krispies treats.

5. A Desktop Gumball Machine or M&M Machine: NOT for the classroom of course, rather for home enjoyment.

6. A Cookie Bouquet (cookie pops): they come decorated in different shapes and styles. They are delicious and play a twist on the normal flower bouquets. I once tried one at a house I dropped off some presents to. Ok, I didn't eat it, I just looked at it. Maybe I took a nibble. Ok I ate the whole thing. How else am I supposed to keep my Santa form?

7. Message Candy in a holiday mug: you can create your own customized message on chocolate candy pops and then choose the mug for them so they can drink coffee in order to stay awake to grade tests and reports.

8. Giant Holiday Decorated Fortune Cookie with holiday fortune: I think I saw this idea while working in China I don't remember, but either way these are some of the coolest cookies you'll find. It's very unique and different and that's why I like it.

9. Chocolate Covered Pretzels in a decorative mug: sweet and salty together doused with icing and yummy toppings. You know sometimes I feel salty when I don't eat something sweet for a long time.

10. Lollipop Bouquet: maybe he or she can reward students for making good marks or grades.

Well there you have it folks . It may be hard to find some of these at stores so I recommend you search for them online. That's what I may need to do this year with all the work I have left to do. Then my reindeer won't have to work so hard. Merry Christmas everyone!