What Is Required For Indoor Bonsai Care?

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The term Bonsai is used for the description of a number of trees that have the capability of being miniaturized. To create little trees, trees, repeated pruning of the crown and roots is necessary. It is also essential to confine the plant to a reasonably small pot or container. Bonsai trees were first created in ancient China; and, the practice spread to Japan and, eventually, to other locations in the world. This is a method of turning out plants that are small but would normally grow quite large. The final product is a tree that looks old but really isn’t, at first.



Indoor Bonsai Care is Often Necessary



For successful indoor bonsai care, they will need to live in an environment similar to their origins. This means that plants from the tropics or subtropics will probably not survive outside during the harsh and freezing winter months. It is imperative to be fully aware of the plants’ needs prior to bringing them inside your home or office. Following are some critical tips for optimal indoor Bonsai care.

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It is necessary to mimic the sunlight these trees are used to when they are outside. This can be accomplished by providing natural and artificial lighting. Although all plants need some amount of sunlight, there are some trees that do not require very much light. Consequently, you need to know just what variety of plant you have to work with. To get some light, bonsai can be placed near a window; but, this is not going to be the complete answer, because this may not yield enough light for some varieties of bonsai. As an alternative or supplement, lighting that comes from fluorescent lamps can provide adequate indoor bonsai care for at least twelve hours a day.



Species which are miniaturized into bonsai and come from colder regions will require more indoor bonsai care than tropical species that do not need as much care. Because tropical forms of vegetation are used to humid temperatures, they can usually live with our house temperatures, even in the colder months. However, to thrive successfully, tropical bonsai trees will need a humid environment.



For the best indoor Bonsai care, you should not place a tropical bonsai tree near a window during a cold night, even if the window remains shut. Moreover, in the winter months, you should keep the bonsai away from radiators or heating vents and continually mist the leaves to produce the effect of humidity. It is also a good idea to place the bonsai container on a water-filled tray with small pebbles. The pebbles will protect the bonsai from getting wet and the water will evaporate through the branches, yielding much-needed humidity.



For even the most caring bonsai hobbyist indoor bonsai care can become tiresome, since the bonsai does best if it is taken outside when the weather is good. Due to business events and work schedules, some bonsai hobbyists may simply forget to tend their trees properly. These plants are not normally supposed to live indoors; but, if doing so is a must for their survival, then good indoor bonsai care can be accomplished by following the aforementioned tips.


Herb Daniels is an amateur gardener living on the East Coast of Florida puttering around in his garden as time and weather allows. Herb has a web site where he posts a few articles and other information about Indoor Bonsai Care

Newborn Gift Idea with Class That Will Save You Time?

by Brian F Connors

There are certain events in life during which it seems that time stands still. One of these is the miraculous birth of a new child in the world within our circle of friends, co-workers, and family members. Is there a brilliant newborn gift idea that we can send to the parents in celebration signifying our joy in an efficient and timely way? Absolutely!



Baby Gift Baskets are the solution that could provide the parents much needed supplies for the infant’s care and save you valuable shopping time. This, therefore, is a win-win situation for both the gift giver and recipient. Let’s first discuss the contents of the gifts and how they can benefit both the baby and the proud parents.



This newborn gift idea can contain practical items such as layette essentials including one piece outfits, infant gowns, baby caps, bibs, booties, lined fleece blankets and more for the little prince or princess. Some have within them baby-soft washcloths, bath mats, hooded towels and other tub favorites. Each of the Baby Gift Baskets has a different style that will provide top quality merchandise. In addition, the contents are within a uniquely designed container for the family to keep in remembrance of your generosity.



This newborn gift idea certainly will make quite a positive impact on the life of the baby and parents but how will it make your life easier? Baby Gift Baskets simply will save you valuable time in your efforts to shop around for the right gift to give. The work of finding matching gifts for either boy or girl has already been accomplished for you and placed within an impressive container ready to go. But how do you get it into your hands or the parents?



That’s the easy part thanks to technology. Just go to the internet and your favorite search engine and type in various keyword phrases that relate to the type of baby gift basket that you seek. Click on some of the results until you find the one that speaks to you that’s in your price range from a worthy vendor. Fill in the shipping, billing, safe credit card info as well as a thoughtful message and you have completed your mission without wasteful mall shopping and gas expenditures. How nice is that?



Take the advice of aGiftBasketParadise.com and use this newborn gift idea strategy when the situation requires it. Make your mark in the little one’s life with a kindly deed that time will not forget.


Brian is the owner of Gift Basket Paradise and wishes to share his thoughts about a newborn gift idea. He invites you to visit his website at http://www.agiftbasketparadise.com/baby_gift_baskets.html for Baby Gift Baskets to go to anyone, anywhere throughout the continental USA.

How to Survive Grocery Shopping with Kids in Tow

by Elena Neitlich

“Before kids I used to happily peruse the supermarket aisles, slowly selecting interesting new items, scrutinizing labels and creating a few evening meals in my head as I shopped. Now I have two small kids and my creative shopping days are over. I run through the store and I am lucky if I get half of the essentials that I need to get through the week,” writes a frustrated mom when asked about her biggest daily stressors.



With small children in tow, visits to the supermarket can be unproductive and filled with anxiety. An extra twenty minutes of indecision, waiting at the deli, or traveling unneeded aisles, is just enough time for kids to lose their marbles and cause the parent to flee the store, shopping incomplete.



Supermarket shopping must get done, and bringing the children, for the majority of parents, is the only viable option.



Survival Tips



Create a weekly menu.

On Sunday, find 7 simple dinner recipes made with basic, healthy ingredients. Include an easy lunch menu for 7 days and then decide breakfast choices for the week. The Food Network website yields hundreds of tasty, easy to prepare meal ideas like beef stroganoff and tacos. Writing a weekly menu will relieve the stress that families feel each evening when deciding what’s for dinner, leaving more time and energy for family time.



Make a list.

Using the weekly menu, make a shopping list on the front of a plain envelope (reason for envelope in next tip) of all of the items needed to prepare the week’s breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. The food list complete, go through the house and add to the list, beverages, paper, cleaning, and bath and beauty products running low. A pad of paper and pen in an accessible area lets family members jot down items they need.



Study the floor plan of the grocery store.

It is really helpful to know the layout of the grocery store when creating a grocery list because the list can be made to correlate to the store. For example, if the deli is the first place passed and the dairy is next and then meat, deli items should be grouped at the top of the list followed by all of the dairy items and then meat. Although seemingly obsessive-compulsive, correlating the list to the store layout eliminates doubling back and can save enormous amounts of time.



Clip coupons.

After the list is created, find coupons that match items on the list. Only use coupons for those items regularly used, or those items the family might enjoy trying. Put the coupons needed for the current shopping list into the envelope with the grocery list printed on it. Place a check next to those items on the list that have a coupon. Don’t add extra items to the list just to use a coupon. Compare prices, sometimes another brand might be cheaper than the brand with the coupon.



Do be creative with the weekly menu to incorporate coupons, for example make chicken instead of pork chops if there is a chicken coupon. Don’t compromise on health to use a coupon; don’t buy a 10% juice beverage with a coupon instead of 100% juice without a coupon or settle for high sugar cereal with a coupon in place of a healthy cereal without.



Choose off-peak hours.

It is much more efficient and pleasant to schedule supermarket visits when the store is empty. Mornings, after people are at work and older children are in school, are quiet in grocery stores and lines are short or non-existent. Later evening for working parents, or early mornings on weekends are typically light. Take note when visiting or just call and ask a store manager, “When is the store is at its most quiet?” Schedule visits during off-peak hours. Workers are much more pleasant and helpful on a whole when not facing hoards of impatient customers.



Hug the perimeter.

The healthiest items in the supermarket are found along the perimeter of the store. Fresh produce, meats and seafood, and the dairy cases all sit along the outer edges. The majority of cart time should be spent along the perimeter. Fresh foods are, more often than not, healthier than the ready-to-eat foods found in the middle aisles. The amount of sodium and fat added to fresh foods while cooking is up to the cook, not the manufacturer.
Ask for help and bring a pen.

Supermarket workers are knowledgeable and generally willing to help. Instead of wandering the aisles in search of a product, ask. Staff will often go out of their way to locate a hard to find item. The butcher can slice cuts of meat and chicken exactly as recipes call for, saving prep time at home. It is perfectly reasonable and a good use of time to alert the butcher or deli clerk, and shop while they are preparing the order.



Bring a pen and cross items off of the list as you put them in the cart, or you will waste time checking and rechecking your list.



Finally, accept the bagger’s offer to bring bundles to the car. Let the bagger push the cart, load the groceries into the car, and return the cart. The parent can keep the kids safe in the parking lot and buckle car seats and seat belts. Safer and a time saver – and baggers often like to get out of the store.



Elena Neitlich is owner of Moms On Edge at http://www.momsonedge.com. If you would like to buy everything on the grocery list before your kids lose their marbles, try her ingenious Supermarket Bingo. If you are tired of battling time outs, tricky bedtimes or potty training find many clever parenting tools and products proven to quickly help solve the most common parenting challenges in creative, fun ways.



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In Ground Bullet Lights

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Lighting the exterior of your home or business might come as an afterthought, but the landscape outside of your home or business should not be neglected. There are many different ways in which people choose to accent parts of their land and building. If you are looking to spotlight a certain feature, you will want a light that can be directed accordingly and focuses just on what you want to showcase. In ground bullet lights or well lights are ideal for uplighting an area, particularly to bring out a bit of drama from an otherwise drab shrub or tree. Depending upon the type of inground bullet lights you choose, installation of them can be as simple as a weekend project for an amateur. You also could opt for a more elaborate, professionally installed display for a commercial property. The choices are up to you and what will work best with your landscape.



There are many things to consider if you are looking to install in ground bullet lights outside your home or business. For home applications, you will likely want to use low voltage lights. There are many benefits to low voltage in-ground bullet lights for homeowners. First of all, low voltage lights require less electricity. This means that they are cheaper to operate than high voltage in ground fixtures. Another boon to low voltage lights is that the electricity is at a low enough power to allow a weekend handyman to install the lights him (or her) self. If you have a basic knowledge of electrical installation, then you should be able to put these lights in your yard. Be aware, though, that if you intend to install low voltage grade level lights in your yard, you will need to get a transformer to convert the 120 volts from a household outlet to the typical 12 to 24 volts required by low voltage lights. These low voltage options are typically the choice for homeowners due to their ease of installation and low operation costs, but if you own a commercial business, you might find that you need something with a bit more power.



If your business has a large area to be lit, you will probably want to have a set of professionally installed high voltage brass inground bullet lights. The difference between low and high voltage lights is the amount of electricity that they require and the brightness they put out. For the ultimate in brightness and a professional look, you will need to consult with a professional electrician to determine the number and type of in ground directional bullet lights you need. These lights will help you to direct light beams from the ground level in any direction you want. Many business owners choose to have these illuminate signs, facades or architectural features of their exterior. You will be able to get more light from high voltage lights, but due to their nature, they are too dangerous to install by an amateur. You will need to hire a professional contractor.



If you still have questions about the type or number of inground bullet lights you might need, the truly professional experts will guide you toward the best choices for your project, not just what they can sell to you. With their expertise and advice, selecting and installing your in-ground bullet lights can be easy.


To learn more visit our in ground bullet lights section or read more about in-ground bullet lights.



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Landscaping Without Breaking the Bank

by Lani Francisco

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As you make your way around the block for your morning jog, a beautiful landscape often stops you on your tracks, right? With the colorful foliage and the brilliantly arranged cobble stone walks---wow! One may assume that this landscaping design costs a lot. Looking at your own yard (and pocket), you were discouraged.

Everybody wants to have a prized lawn, however, only a few can really afford a decent contractor that will dress up their yards. The question now is, ‘How can one transform a bare land into a breathtaking wonder on a budget?’ The materials alone may prove expensive, what more the labor and the expertise?

Simple. Here are a few tips. Not only will you save money, but time as well.

Planning. Identify what you want to do with and what you need for your outdoor space. Landscaping construction need not be a detailed blueprint, but one must have at least an idea, a rough draft of what will be installed, planted and severed. This is a must whether you’re going to hire a contractor or DIY. Within the planning stage, there exists a handful of topics. One would be the budget. This is one of the factors that will set the perimeters of your project. Actually, the whole budget would likely depend on the size of your budget. Make sure you note the figure that you’re willing to part with. Hundreds? Thousands? May be a couple hundred less or a couple thousand more. Be faithful and stick to your budget. Another would be choosing the right flora for the right area. I advise that you scour your local library for gardening topics and ‘how to’ books regarding landscaping plants or landscaping trees. I’m certain you’ll find the ideal landscaping, be it an herb garden, a rock garden, a vegetable or flower garden. Take note that each possesses different growing patterns. Others grow well in a specific season, while some strive on shade instead of full sunlight. Accessories. Would you need to rejuvenate your patio? Then visit your nearest hardware store and purchase the high-quality latex sealer. Believe me, though this is a little expensive, it will serve its purpose in the long run. Not only will your patio look good, it will be protected as well. A slide and swing for the kids? A few seats beneath the shade? Some water works, perhaps? How about a couple of lightings? But before going overboard, remember, stick within you budget. Start with those under the priority column. If you still have some spare cash, then go crazy by adding a little something-something.

Use what you have. This I got from my granma. She uses blocks and tiles (excess from when she had new flooring installed) to elevate some of the plants to create a dimensional feel. The usual plastic containers transformed into flower pots are ever present in her backyard. Crocked gardening materials, keep it. It’s not broken, right? The rule with my granma is that when something is shattered beyond repair, then that’s the only time it'll take a trip to the trash bin. Speaking of trash bin, I think she turned a pail (with broken handle) into a makeshift trash bin. Trust me, these items don’t seem damaged when arranged properly and showcasing Nature’s beauty.

Start small. If you’re really tightening your belt, start purchasing small plants. This doesn’t cost as much as buying huge ones. Plus you can buy a lot of small ones, preferably perennials like asters, iris, phlox and day lilies; or annual plants like sunflowers, blue poppy, geranium, African and Signet marigold. I prefer the latter for you can change the look of your garden every year. These small plants may be used to fill the gaps in between shrubs and trees that have yet to reach maturity. Remember, your yard will fill in all through the next season, don't overdo it during the first season.

Swap (or just ask). What’s a little swap between friends? You can even ask them for cuttings and seedlings. Again, my grandma is a pro with swapping, well, actually in giving. Whether small or otherwise, she gives them to friends and neighbors alike. A couple of times I saw her giving birds of paradise as a gift, sometimes it’s orchids. Probably, she gives whatever plant is in season.

The effort you put into the initial planning will pay you back big time in the end. And knowing that you did everything with a limited budget makes it more rewarding. Imagine being able to stretch the value of a dollar. Give yourself a pat on the back, good job!

For more information, check out this site for the ideal landscaping plants.

Lani Francisco is a web copywriter for a web design company associated with a California-based company providing the ideal landscaping plants.



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Invitro Fertilization - The Male Point Of View

by Claude Smoot

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For many couples, the introduction of children into a relationship is the ultimate fulfillment and goal of the relationship. Unfortunately for some of the couples, medical conditions may exist that will prevent natural fertilization. In those cases, the affected couple may opt to conceive via Invitro Fertilization. For those couples of decide to pursue Invitro fertilization, the time leading up to the fertilization will be very process orientated - there will be consultations, evaluations, forms, literature and a lot of listening. At times it may seem overwhelming and frightening.



As the male participant in the process, your involvement will be largely in a support role, as most of the work that will need to be done will be with the female partner. To help make the process as easy for her, there are a number of facts to keep in mind and a number of actions you can take to help keep your partner's spirits up and to help her in the necessary steps to achieve a successful fertilization.



- You and your partner may struggle with the fact that you are unable to conceive by natural means. However, keep in mind - although it may not be a natural form of conception, the end result and the end goal of the process is the same - a healthy child. The two of you are merely trying to maximize the possibility of a healthy & successful pregnancy. Talk through this point and be open to her feelings.



- There will be a lot of absorb about the process, so take notes and do your research.



- Some of the medications required for the process will need to be administered via injection. Offer to administer the shots if your partner is not comfortable doing so, and keep in mind that she will most likely be very sore in the injection spots because of repeated shots. A little tender loving care will help keep her confident and comfortable. Also, a heating pad may help during periods where her abdomen is very tender.



- Your partner will be asked to take very specific medications, at very specific times and she will



need to consult with the doctor on a somewhat frequent basis, often times on very short notice. Make sure to keep your schedule as free as possible so you can assist in transportation and medicine administration as needed.



- Your partner may experience emotional mood swing because of some of the meds. One minute she might be sitting at the table reading the newspaper, the next she is crying about something unrelated. Be prepared, be supportive and remember that her mood will return to normal in time.



- Always remember - you have the easy part of the process!



Invitro is not an easy process, especially compared to natural fertilization. But with care, cooperation and a willingness to help out where needed, you can be active and helpful throughout the fertilization period.



The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or medical services. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor promptly.


Claude Smoot is a freelance author who is currently going through the Invitro process with his wife. He enjoys reading and writing on all topics health & wellness.

To read his daily journal of the process, visit the RollerNurse Invitro Blog at http://invitroblog.rollernurse.com

For a library of articles on the topics of health and wellness, visit the RollerNurse Article Index at http://www.rollernurse.com



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Where to Buy Mace Brand Pepper Spray Online

by Jack Krohn

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Self defense products like pepper sprays are available from approximately seven different manufacturers. Mace brand leads the pack when it comes to quality, price and guarantee. They have been in business for nearly 20 years selling to the general public and many more years selling to the military and law enforcement prior to that.



Other manufacturers like Pepper Shot, Security Plus, Heat Wave, Eliminator and Street Wise have good selections as well.



Since 1987 Jon Goodrich and Bob Gould of Mace Brand have worked developing the civilian market. They believed there was a great need for humane personal protection products in the civilian world. They embarked upon a business venture with two major goals: to make Mace brand defense spray the most effective and safest on the market and to make it available to everyone.



Pepper sprays are legal in all 50 states. Some states and cities do have restrictions on them so check with your local sheriff for legality. For the most part it is up to the manufacturer to establish safety and quality standards. Once those standards have been met they require Hazleton Laboratories, one of the world's leading consumer product testing organizations, to verify results. There are no shortcuts on quality or safety here.



Did you know Mace Brand does all this?



1. STATE OF THE ART FILLING PROCESS. This assures proper mixture, volume and pressurization.

2. HOT WATER TESTS. A hot water immersion test for 5 minutes at 130degrees to enable detection of leaking units and assurance of proper canister crimping and sealing.

3. HAND ASSEMBLED. This process allows for a step-by-step inspection program that assures every component meets MSI standards for quality and workmanship. Any product that does not meet standards is rejected.

4. TEST SPRAYED. Once the controlled filling and assembly process is completed, every unit is test-sprayed before it is packaged for shipment.



This assures that every Mace Brand pepper spray is the very best it can be-ready to protect the user with 100% certainty.



But where do you find the best Mace Brand pepper sprays online?



In the state of Colorado where there are no restrictions on any self defense products, like in some other states, there are only 4 stores that have a limited selection of pepper sprays and stun guns with decidedly higher prices than I have. Not much of a choice!



So when you are in the market for a pepper spray or any self defense product let your mouse do the walking. Do a Google search for 'self defense products' and click on the link to 'SELF DEFENSE SUPPLY' usually listed on the first or second page. They will take good care of you for sure.



"WHEN YOU CARE ENOUGH TO SPRAY THE VERY WORST"



Jack Krohn is the #1 author of Home Security Articles in the country. He owns SECURITY SOLUTIONS a one stop resource that provides solutions and answers for all your self defense and home security problems.


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