Guest Post: Prepare Your Home for the Holiday Season

The Christmas season is fast approaching, so it makes sense to think about getting your home ready in good time, especially if you are expecting guests. Many people have relatives to stay over the Christmas period, and proper preparation ensures that things will run a lot more smoothly.

When you are expecting people to stay in your home for a couple of days at Christmas, it’s a good idea to undertake a maintenance check well in advance. Things like neglected bath repairs may not bother the immediate family, but you may want things to be right for your guests. Very often people will live with a dripping shower or cracked tray for months but if guests are coming to stay then shower repairs may be in order. Replace any loose or worn tap washers before there’s a problem.

Cleaning the House

You may want to make a list of all the jobs that you haven’t got around to this year such as kitchen repairs and any bath repairs that might be needed. Clean and defrost the freezer a few days before you shop for Christmas food so there’s plenty of room for any extras. Clean all the rooms and make sure that the beds are changed and well aired before your guests arrive.

Replace any missing curtain hooks and if you have nets or voile at the bedroom windows give them a wash as this will brighten the room considerably. A vase of flowers in the bedroom shows you care about your guests, and often means that they will care less about any jobs you may have missed.

Christmas Decorations

If you are like many other busy people the task of decorating the tree and hanging the garlands often gets left until Christmas Eve. Your guests may want to arrive the day before Christmas Eve to avoid any traffic problems or train and bus cancellations. When you are expecting company for Christmas it’s best to make time to put up festive decorations a day or two before people are due to arrive.

Make sure that any cards you have received from your expected guests are in a prominent position and that presents are wrapped and labelled before people arrive. If you normally have a real tree that should have been ordered well in advance and delivered a few days before Christmas.

Food and Drink

Make comprehensive lists of all the things you think you will need, including any special dietary requirements your guests might have. Despite what people tell you they always eat more food than you could possibly imagine, so have a good stock of all the breakfast basics. You should have checked that you have more than enough crockery well before the event when you undertook any necessary kitchen repairs.

Use a thermometer to make sure that your turkey has reached the right temperature before you turn the oven down. Keep a list of any likes and dislikes your guests may have expressed so that dishing up the Christmas dinner runs as smoothly as possible. After dinner you can sit back and relax, for a while at least.

This post was written by James Harper on behalf of Hometech who provide bath and shower repairs which are a great alternative to replacing damaged fixtures as it reduces the amount of waste going to landfill.

Guest Post: Celebrate the Holidays Without Wasting Your Cash

If you are wondering how you are ever going to get through the holidays without spending too much money, you are not alone. It seems like all we do during the holiday season is spend money on stuff. Whether it be gifts, food, or a plane ticket home, there are no shortages of ways to spend tons of money. However, there are ways you can cut back on those expenses.

Create spending limits

One way to spend less money is to have a budget for your gifts this year. Establish a spending limit between yourself and your loved ones so that everyone is on the same page. As long as everyone knows that you are not going to spend more than a certain amount on a gift, they won’t feel compelled to buy anything overly expensive on you either.

Make your own gifts

The real spirit of the holiday is to show thought, so a great gift can be homemade. Give homemade cookies and fudge to people in the office; learn to knit scarves, sew aprons, or put together dolls for the children on your list. It may take more time and some effort to learn how to make things, but there are hundreds of possibilities explained on the Internet and it will only cost you a few dollars to give your friend or loved one a thoughtful gift.

Don’t overspend on the Christmas party

Instead of traveling to many parties, and spending a lot of money on food and wine, why not just have one party that everyone can come to? Have everyone bring a dish and see what everyone can come up with. If you don’t have time, or money, to commit to a big party, a small gathering with friends and nearby family should suffice.

Again, the meaning of the holiday is to be with your close friends and family, so don’t worry about having to go all out. If people really demand refreshments, or you want to get into the holiday spirit, you can bake your own cookies, or buy an inexpensive bottle of wine.

Stay home for the holiday

You might be tempted to go home to mom and dad’s for Christmas, but it might be better to just stay home and enjoy the holiday by yourself. If you have gotten a gift, you can always ship it to wherever it needs to go, and you can phone home, or use Skype, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Your family will understand that it might not be worth it to pay for gas, or to purchase a plane ticket, to visit. If you don’t have much time off from work, you might not have a choice anyway.

This holiday season, don’t worry about spending so much of your hard-earned money. Instead, focus on just being with your friends and family and enjoying each other’s company. The memories made are what people will remember, not how much you spend on gifts or food for the holiday party. Don’t stress out. Just have fun and be jolly, and everything will turn out for the best.

Photo credit: Christmas tree by Jim Winstead/flickr

Finding the best deal on the web can be difficult, but it is well worth the search. Tom Blanchard makes a living out of searching for the best deals on the web, so he can save you time. Next time you need to take a vacation, check out the vacation deals on Coupon Croc first. You will be glad you did.

Guest Post: Creative Handbags to Show Support

Here is a post by Lisa Bergeron-Carter and her unique handbag creations:

It’s a real honor to have the opportunity to be featured in Mihosuzuki blog! First, a little about me: I am a former Army wife and currently a proud military mom. When my hubby was serving in the US Army, we were stationed in quite a few different places so, as you can imagine, home was wherever we were at the time. Having been an Army wife for many years, and now a Navy and Marine Corps mom, I can relate to other military wives and mothers. I understand what they are going through as well as the lives they are living. I am a huge supporter of all military branches and I believe each one of them plays a part in our daily freedom.

After my sons joined the military I was desperate to find something to help me cope. It’s one thing to send your husband off but sending off the child you nursed and cared for is much harder and much different. While sitting in my living room crying because I missed my babies, my hubby asked me if he could do anything to help. He couldn’t, of course, but for some reason it reminded me of when he deployed to Desert Storm and how much I worried and prayed he would come back to me safe. I was also reminded of a purse I had made for myself while he was gone — made out of one of his uniforms (BDUs).

That very day I went to the fabric store to find Marine (woodland) and Navy (NWU) fabric because I didn’t have uniforms from my boys just yet, and then rushed home to work on a new design. My first purse was a double sided one: Navy on one side and Marine Corps on the other and each side had a photo frame where I put my boys’ pictures. I carried that purse everywhere I went, and almost everywhere I would go a mom or wife would come up and ask where I got my purse, and I would tell her I made it.

One day a woman came up to me in a shoe store and asked me where I got my purse, and when I told her I made it and she asked “How much do you want for it?” She took me by surprise and I didn’t know what to say because I had never thought about selling my purses. As I stood there with a shoe in one hand and my purse in the other she said, “I have a boy in the Navy and one in the Marines also, and I will give you one hundred bucks right now for your purse!” Needless to say I was shocked! I could not sell this purse because it was my way of having my boys with me all the time but told her I would make a purse just for her and she could buy that one. She agreed to the deal and once her purse was ready we decided to meet at a local restaurant for a cup of coffee; when I walked in with her purse she started crying and told me how much it meant to her to be able to carry something that would remind her of her boys and also allow her to show off her pride.

That was the moment when I knew what I wanted to do … I wanted to help other military moms, wives, and girlfriends have a way to show their support and love for their heroes, be it sons, daughters, husbands, uncles, boyfriends, brothers, or sisters. It didn’t take very long for word to spread and I was getting orders from all over the country. Every time I take an order we chat a bit so I can get a feel for who she is and I try to create a purse that fits her. No two purses are alike; each is made for someone special and has little touches to show that. I do not mass produce my purses or make the same one every time, each is a creation all its own and unique so there is often a wait but I have been told it is worth the wait!

I have been lucky enough that I am now getting ready to partner with Wounded Warrior Project and offer my bags for raffles to help raise money for those who have given so much for all of us.

It takes me about 8 hours to complete one purse, longer if the person wants to add options. I am careful to use only the best material and notions so each purse will last a long time. I double stitch all my purses.

First I lay out the fabric and other items I will need to make the purse.

Then I cut the fabric, interfacing and other notions. I lay them out to start the design and get a feel for the way the purse will look.

Once this is done I start to put it all together.

I love to add little extras like matching key chains.

Here are some pictures of the purses I have done through the years.

If you would like to see more of my work or information on my purses please go to http://www.lisabcarter.com you can also check me out on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/militarypursesusa

Guest Post: Alternative Snowsports

These days the snowsports world doesn’t begin and end with skiing and snowboarding.

There are plenty of other fun and active winter sports to get involved with.

Here are just a few of the possibilities:

Snowshoeing

Going for a walk with a pair of snowshoes on your feet does call for some skill but it doesn’t take long for most people to get the hang of it, and snowshoeing is definitely less scary than downhill skiing. The idea is that the wide, lightweight snowshoe distributes your weight over a greater area so you don’t break the crust and sink into the snow.

A good pair of snowshoes will let you walk easy hiking trails even when they’re covered in deep snow. They can take you to your favourite summer beauty spots and let you see them in a whole new light. Smaller kids models are available too, so the whole family can get out and go snowshoeing.

Winter Hiking

Most of us like to take a walk in the snowy streets from time to time. Going up into the hills or the mountains in winter may seem like a very different proposition and it really is. However, with the right equipment and the right instruction it can be tremendously rewarding. There is nothing like reaching the summit of your first snowy peak and seeing a winter mountain panorama laid out beneath you. It’s worth the hard work- the usual crowds vanish from the peaks in the winter and the extra difficulties only add to the sense of achievement.

Winter hiking is a lot more dangerous than summer hiking- that’s very true- but it’s also a lot more accessible than many people imagine. Qualified guides operate in almost every mountain area and they’re usually more than happy to take beginners with a basic level of fitness. You’ll almost certainly learn a great deal on your first outing with a guide, and you’ll probably also see sights most people only dream of.

Tobogganing

This one is for all the family. All you need is a gentle snowy slope and a plastic sled or toboggan. The best hills are big enough to get a good run in but also have a safe landing place at the bottom. Look for a curve that evens out towards the end and then rises slightly so the sled will slow down of its own accord. Sometimes you don’t need to go further than the local park. Now is the time to start spotting potential tobogganing spots, so keep an eye out before the snow starts in earnest. And remember, when the time does come to go sledding, don’t let the kids have all the fun!

Cross Country Skiing

Although it’s less glamorous than downhill skiing, the cross country variety has plenty of advantages. It’s slower and more controlled (which means fewer knee injuries and serious falls), there are almost always fewer people around, and the whole family can stay together far more easily than they could on a groomed slope. Children and nervous adults run less chance of collision with other skiers too. It’s also quiet, and cross country or XC skiers are far more likely to run into all kinds of winter wildlife.

Many of the popular ski and snowboard resorts also have waymarked XC trails for those who feel like taking the less adrenaline-packed route. It’s a good idea to hire special cross country skis and there are a few extra techniques to learn but whether you can downhill ski already or not, it’s always worth spending at least one day of a snowy vacation going cross country.

Jess Spate is an outdoor sports enthusiast at any time of year. She writes for Appalachian Outdoors, a leading provider of ski gear and other snowsports equipment.

Recipe: Green Beans with Breadcrumbs

Here’s a great little recipe for topping vegetables like cooked green beans or steamed carrots. Also work well with broccoli and cauliflower -it’s especially good for anyone who doesn’t like cooked cauliflower.

It adds a nice little crunch to softer veggie dishes and makes it visually appealing.

Ingredients:

2-4 cups green beans, snap peas, snow peas -it works with virtually any vegetable!

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 tablespoons butter ( you can add more if looks too dry)

Salt to taste

optional: whole sesames

Procedure:

In a fry pan, add olive oil and melt butter over medium heat.

Add breadcrumbs and salt.

Mix for approximately 30 seconds.

Pour over vegetables while still hot.

Serve and enjoy!

Guest Post: How Updating Fixtures Can Spice Up a Bathroom

So your bathroom is too dark and you want to brighten it up. Your first thought may be a new window. Go ahead; knock a hole in that wall! But before you swing away with the sledgehammer, are you ready for the repair work that comes with it? You’ll have to work around wires, piping and studs. Well, how about new lighting instead? Just by changing the fixtures in your bathroom, you can give the room a whole new look.

Task Lighting

Your bathroom lighting is more important than you probably realize. First, how are you using your “task lighting?” Task lighting is the most important type of lighting in your bathroom. These lights do the job of illuminating your head and face. This lighting is necessary for day-to-day grooming. But you have to be careful how you install these fixtures. By recessing or angling the light downward, you can create unnecessary shadows on your face, making it harder to properly see yourself for that quick trim or makeup application. By using sidelights, in addition to top lights, you can fully illuminate the face. Be sure to mount lights on the sides of the mirror as well – in order to get rid of shadows under the eyes, nose, chin and cheeks.

Shower Lighting

The second area of lighting is the shower. A recessed light with a glass cover will provide a good amount of light for your showing needs. Be sure the cover is glass and not plastic. Plastic fixtures turn yellow and cast a haze on the room that can turn warmth into drudge. This style fixture also works well over free-standing sinks and toilets.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting is the rest of your lighting. It fills in any of the gaps left from the task and shower lighting. You can either let natural light do the job or use a central ceiling light. If you really want to get creative, a chandelier works wonders for this job. Another suggestion is a cove light. By using rope lights and covering them with drop-down molding, you can create a warm atmosphere to fill in any lighting gaps.

Accent Lighting

Finally, there is accent lighting. Find a nice painting or section of tile work and focus a light on that. It will give the room another layer of light. Nothing says the bathroom cannot be as beautifully decorated as the rest of the home.

Always remember that water and electricity do not mix. Be sure to properly install all lighting fixtures or, if you don’t know how, hire someone who does. By hiring someone you’ve researched and trust, you can be confident that your bathroom is safe and up to date with the latest codes.

This guest blog post was written by Tracy Tesmer, founder of Tracy Tesmer Design • Build • Remodel • Repair, a Gainesville, GA kitchen remodeling company specializing in kitchen renovations. Tracy has over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry and hosts a weekly home improvement radio show on WDUN in North Georgia.

Guest Post: “Green” Gifts For Pooches and Their Owners

Do you have a dog owner on your Christmas list?

Does he or she prefer green or environmentally friendly products?

Surprise and delight him or her with green pet gifts this year.

To get some great eco-friendly gift ideas that your pet would simply adore, consider the following:

Toys

Dogs love their toys. Rubber and plastic toys satisfy a dog’s need to chew and keep him occupied when he’s alone. Squeaky toys and treat-dispensing toys are available that are made from recyclable materials, which is important because heavy chewers can demolish a lot of toys. These toys are also non-toxic and many are made in the United States. Special chew toys are available for older dogs who may have dental issues or simply don’t have the jaw strength that they used to.

Plush toys stuffed with recycled materials will please the pup that prefers something softer to play with. From bones
to lifelike stuffed animals, there’s a soft, cuddly toy for every dog. Many of these toys are fair-trade and made with only natural products and dyes.

For the dog who loves to play tug-of-war, there are sturdy cotton rope toys dyed with vegetable dyes. These toys even
help clean the dog’s teeth while she’s playing.

Beds

After a vigorous play session, a dog needs a good long nap, preferably in an organic cotton bed stuffed with materials made from recycled plastic bottles. For dogs who like to chew their beds and drag them around, there are tough beds covered with faux suede, but filled with the same comfy recycled materials as the lighter-weight beds. Beds with one open side make it easier for puppies and senior dogs to tuck themselves in for the night. Some companies offer to recycle their beds after they’ve been worn out by their enthusiastic canine owners, so that’s one less thing to go into a local landfill.

Leashes and Collars

There’s little more that a dog enjoys more than a walk, and environmentally friendly collars and leashes can keep him safe and secure in style. Collars made of bamboo fiber help save trees and are biodegradable. Hemp is another popular alternative fiber and is used to make sturdy collars and leashes. Collars made from recycled materials are also available and are themselves recyclable.

Bowls and Treats

Over time, plastic dog bowls can deteriorate, contaminating food and water with chemicals and absorbing stains and odors. Crafters in the U.S. and other countries are hand-making ceramic bowls that are non-toxic, lead-free and sturdy. Older dogs and big dogs will appreciate a raised bowl. Dogs on the go need collapsible fabric bowls so they can eat and drink in comfort while they travel. Bowls specially designed for travel reduce the waste that results when plastic travel bowls are used and then thrown away.

Treats

Environmentally-conscious dog owners want only the healthiest goodies for their pets. Locally produced, organic ingredients are used to make treats. Many dogs suffer from food allergies. Gluten-free and wheat-free products make it possible for every good dog to have a good treat. Dogs who love rawhide will appreciate snacks that come from free-range cattle and are free of hormones, steroids and antibiotic.

This is just a small sampling of the environmentally-friendly products available for man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Give a good dog a great holiday with green gifts!

About the Author: Jessica is a blogger for OMDS, the high end dog supplies store focused on providing high quality oh my dog supplies clothes and other sweet gear for your dog.

Guest Post: How to Pose Well While Taking a Cosplay Picture

In short, cosplayers will expect to look cool, pretty, graceful or sexy while being taken a picture. Besides, they want to highlight the cartoon characters’ features. Then, how to pose while photographing becomes a crucial aspect. Below, some helpful tips are shared.

Photo courtesy of The Tokyo Fashion Guide

Tip 1: Look Up

You will seem much more imposing if being shot over the head. But make sure your sight line is under the horizontal line of light.

Tip 2: Tilt your Face

People who look directly to the lens will often seem unnatural, and even rigid. So you can tilt your face upward, downward, towards the left or right. Anyway, once your face doesn’t keep parallel to the lens, you will seem much better.

Tip 3: Lift your Hips

Referring to the side where you will be photographed, it’s nothing but from the front, side and back face. To show your curve from the front side, just raise your hips.

Tip 4: Look back with half of your face tilted.

Posture of looking back is eternally popular for being photographed. It’s nothing strange in daily life, which is frequently used by people while being photographed. Plus, with a titled half face, you will look much better, especially when you imitate a female cartoon character with a backless costume.

Tip 5: Raise one Shoulder

While raising one shoulder, keep your both hands relaxed on the side. Meanwhile, tilt your head to one side. This makes you seem confident and also sexy.

Tip 6: Stand with Arms Akimbo

This gesture makes you feel mature, confident and also a little nifty. If your head is slightly raised, you will seem more graceful. For girls who want to accent their coquettish appeal, they can use one hand to hook the sash or to lift the skirt.

Tip 7: Hide Your Face

Naturally, that doesn’t mean to fully hide your face. On the contrary, you will draw the most attention from the audience to the exposed parts of your face. You can really emphasize the most beautiful features on your face in this manner.

Tip 8: Place Your Hands on the Back of Your Hip

This posture is unusual and a little difficult to be shown but it often makes the photographed subject incredibly charming. Yes, just put your hands on the back of your hip. In this case, the slim curves on your waist and back are made more flattering.

Tip 9: Keep legs separate.

To keep your legs close together with each other is absolutely not a good idea for great cosplay pictures. Just keep them separate and place the weight of your whole body on the left leg. The right leg splits forward. Turn your upper body slightly to the back. Finally, raise your right shoulder.

Tip 10: Lean Against a Wall

While taking a full-length portrait, a slant angle of 45° should work best. The leg that holds the body’s weight goes forward, then crossed with the other leg that’s positioned to the back. Raise the back knee slightly. A natural rise of the crotch is a finishing touch for the perfect posture. Another additional touch is to keep arms akimbo.

Here are two simple rules for best photograph positioning:

Tip 1: Stand at the Diagonal of the Frame

If your whole body is shot, you should stand at the diagonal of the scene that will appear in the picture. In this case, you will seem more slender. When the field of vision on the frame is wide, you will also seem much taller. Certainly communicate with the photographer before doing this.

Tip 2: Don’t Stand with Your Back to the Light

Backlight feels nice but sometimes it just adds noise to the picture, making it seem unclean. Avoid standing with your back to the light, unless you would like to achieve two particular looks that do you favor.

If you want to stand with your back to the light, you should let the backlight fully cover you. So, only the outline of your body can be seen. This will bring out a great picture. Besides, you can stand at a backlit place where any other scenery except you can be clearly seen. You will look great if taking this photo during a sunrise or sunset.

There are many aspects that contribute to a great cosplay picture. Hopefully you have gotten some inspiration from these tips.

Author bio:

Mic Costume is an author in a cosplay store where you can find first-grade costumes, wigs and shoes. Information about interesting events or splendid cosplay shows can be seen on its blog.

Recipe: Chicken Spinach Pasta with Mozzarella

Once again, a recipe slapped together with whatever we had at home. I hope you enjoy it!

It’s a healthy choice for anyone wanting to get high amounts of vitamins and minerals into their meals. The spinach and garlic have many health benefits and all of these ingredients have a beautiful mix of flavours in the end.

Ingredients:

1 bunch spinach

2 cups pasta (adjust according to servings)

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

1-2 lean chicken breasts (cubed)

1 cup black olives

1 cup cubed mozzarella

Olive oil

1 tablespoon dried basil

Salt & Pepper to taste

Optional: pinch of paprika or small dried red pepper rings

Procedure:

In a large pot, bring water to boil and add a pinch of salt, followed by pasta.

Cook pasta to desired tenderness, remove from water and rinse under cool water to stop cooking process. *Make sure to keep pasta water in pot over heat*

Set pasta aside in a large bowl and proceed to thoroughly wash spinach.

Place in boiling water and cook until bright green, drain and place in bowl with pasta.

Drain the remaining water and add some olive oil (2-4 tablespoons) with the garlic over medium high heat.

Mix garlic for a few seconds and add chicken.

Sprinkle dried basil along with a little salt and pepper.

When the chicken is cooked through, pour over the pasta and spinach in the bowl, mix a few times and top with black olives and/or mozzarella.

Serve and enjoy!

or just keep the pasta cheese free (also very good):

Guest Post: 5 Simple Shopping Habits to Save You Thousands

Today, everyone is trying to save money wherever and whenever they can. With the upcoming holiday season just around the corner, it’s more important than ever to try and save while shopping – whether you’re in the market for holiday gifts or just for your everyday necessities.

Location, Location, Location

Location may be important in real estate, but it is often a big factor in how much you spend – or save – on items you are shopping for. In fact, in many cases, the very same item can end up costing double or more at one location over another.

By purchasing your items at certain retailers, you can really tend to stretch your dollar – allowing you to purchase, or save – even more. For instance, a case of soda that is purchased at a large warehouse store will typically cost much less than buying the very same thing at the corner convenience store.

Watch for Sales

It may sound cliché, but watching for items to go on sale can make a huge difference in the price that you pay. However, this is only the case if the item is something that you truly need. Watching for sales on items that will only be impulse purchases will be counterproductive and end up costing you more in the long run.

Likewise, you can also oftentimes find even further discounts on “open box” items such as electronics. Often these items have been returned by other customers undamaged, and many will even still carry the regular manufacturer’s warranty.

Use Coupons

Coupons are almost like getting free money – or at least free or highly discounted items. Not only can you purchase physical items such as food or toiletries using coupons, but you can also enjoy meals in restaurants and services for your home this way.

In today’s tough economy, product and service providers are hoping to bring in new and repeat customers by offering discounts with coupons. So, take advantage of these deals. Even saving an average of $20 per week on products and services that you regularly use will add up to a savings of over $1,000 per year.

Time Your Purchases

Whether you are searching for a new car or a gallon of milk, timing your purchases can make a big difference. It is a sure bet that if you need something immediately, you are much less likely to comparison shop and will often buy the first or most convenient items you can find – and this is rarely, if ever, the most cost effective way to go.

Think about the last time you were in a hurry and needed an item. It’s likely that you were pressured into purchasing the first one that came along, regardless of price. Therefore, try not to get into situations where items that you need – especially regular needs like food and toiletries – run out and put you in a bind.

Really Know What You Are Shopping For

Using a shopping list may seem old fashioned, but making a list – and sticking to it – is one of the most effective ways that you can save money by avoiding impulse and other unnecessary purchases.

More than half the battle of saving money comes in saying no to yourself at the checkout counter. Make it a habit to write down the things that you are shopping for – and then not to veer from that list. It will be much more cost effective in both the short and long term.

Sandra Harris is a writer for all things family-oriented. She also helps seniors find Houstonassisted living to help others live comfortably.