Youthful Memories of My Grandfather Clock

By Johnathan Livingston

When I was young we visited my grandparents regularly. I remember visiting them on the weekends. I liked their house because it was stately and very comfortable. Most of all, I remember the Grandfather Clock they had in the corner of the family room. It was impressive and everyone really liked it. It was the focal point of the room.

We used to sit in the family room and discuss world affairs, political events an all of the key issues of the day especially those that impacted our daily lives. It was very pleasant to be in the family room and listen to the melodic chimes flowing through the house.

My Grandparents house played a key role in my growing up. Every major event of my young life happened in their home. I remember celebrating my birthdays, religious events, school graduations and sports victories. And through it all the Grandfather Clock was there. It chimed accurately and melodically. It was as much a part of my family as the rest of us.

I recently visited an antique shop that carried many different types of Clocks. I immediately recalled my grandparents grandfather clock and decided that I should get one for my family. There are currently many models available. There are inexpensive key wound models that quite affordable.

Grandfather Clocks typically have an Oak or Cherry finish. They also chime on the hour and the half hour.

I am looking at recreating some of my childhood memories. I am looking to purchase an affordable grandfather clock that I can also share with my family and pass down to the next generation just as my grandparents did.

About the Author:

You will find an large variety of Quality Grandfather Clocks for your home or office.

You can be an Arab Belly Dancer

By Charlie Reese

Why Are People Biased Against Arabian Belly Dancing?

There seems to be a false assumption in western nations that Arabian belly dancing is scandalous and inappropriate. Generally intelligent people make negative comments when they hear of teenagers and young girls practicing this ancient dance form. What causes Arabian belly dancing to conjure up such negative images in peoples minds? Arabian Belly Dancing Costumes.

Perhaps it is the attire worn when performing belly dance that makes people think of sex. While some dancers in different areas may wear gowns that cover the entire body, the general image of a belly dancer involves a bra, skirt and various decorative items such as belts. In some countries, such as Egypt, it is still taboo for women to show bare skin. Therefore, dancers there wear flesh-colored body suits under the rest of their costume.

Even without that extra layer of clothing, one needs to look at Arabian belly dancing costumes in a realistic light. Even the most risqu costumes consist of a bra that covers the breasts and a skirt which, at the very least, covers the pelvic region. All of a womans sex organs are covered, and often in a much more thorough fashion than one can see at their local beach. If bikinis arent considered to be indecent, belly dancing costumes that usually consist of much more fabric shouldnt be a problem either.

History of Belly Dancing.

So if it isnt the clothing that inspires the disdain for Arabian belly dancing, what is it? Perhaps looking at the origins of belly dancing could offer a clue. Unfortunately, historians have failed to pinpoint a starting place or timeframe for belly dancing. What is known is that it was a womens dance, traditionally passed down from mother to daughter. It was such a gender-specific dance that in the past the only way for men to view anything approaching it was to have other men performing the dance. Arabian belly dancing was also considered somewhat sacred, being closely linked with goddess worship.

Perhaps these are the factors that truly make Arabian belly dancing so controversial. First, in many parts of the world, goddess worship is frowned upon, so anything associated with it would be considered immoral. Additionally, since belly dancing remains a fairly gender-exclusive practice, it could be viewed as being anti-male. This is compounded by the fact that Arabian belly dancing celebrates both womens bodies as well as their inherent strength. In many parts of the world, including the west, there is a push for all things feminine to be suppressed. Women are encouraged to dress like men, talk like men, and generally act like men. An art like Arabian belly dancing that emphasizes women through their bodies and, historically, through worship of the divine feminine is a stark contrast to the currently accepted masculinity of society. Women need to embrace being female and stop looking at Arabian belly dancing as something wicked. Rather it should be seen as the beautiful feminine form of artistic expression that it is.

About the Author:

Charlie Reese likes educating people how to belly dance. He also likes giving psychic readings and free psychic advice from astrologers and horoscope advisors.

Ginseng-For Pleasure And Healing

By Zul Rahman

Ginseng is the most common herbal supplements on the market nowadays, compared to all the other herbal supplements. In the olden days it is also known as "man root" since it it resemble human body. Till this day many people believed that ginseng has the mystical and curing power. The ancient Chinese considered that a plant that look similar to human body parts would have a healing effect on that body part. For example if the plant resemble a hand, then it has the power to heal hands. Ginseng is believed to bring a balance and well being to the whole body since it's root contains the shape of a human body.

Ginseng are also known for creating energy. That's why most of the energy drinks contain ginseng. The Chinese are the one that learned about this.

Americans utilized ginseng to treat mental clarity and stress. Ginseng has always been associated with its power to tone up physical as well as mental therefore maintaining good body balance.

The Asians have discovered that Ginseng facilitates mental betterments, eradicates anemia and helps prevent diabetes, neurosis, coughs, asthma, and T.B. They also believed that it is good to the well being of liver and can significantly reduce the effects of hangover.

There are a lot of research done on Ginseng compared to other herbal supplements. One of the concern that people have nowadays is that they don't get the genuine Ginseng anymore because of the chemically factory processed..

The only way to be sure that you get the authentic Ginseng is to buy the Ginseng root. Despite of all the research and studies carried on Ginseng, it is still yet to be endorsed by the FDA.

Be warned that if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, clotting and bleeding disorder, do not use Ginseng unless with the approval of your health care professional or doctors.

Ginseng served both as medicinal herbs as well as goodies in cooking. This is pretty common in Asian cooking particularly in Korean and Chinese dishes. Ginseng are also put in tea for curing and pleasure purposes.

It is commonly chopped, mashed and added into boiling soups. Sometimes it is also added to stir fry dishes and during the cooking of steam rice. Normally Ginseng is used together with the preparation of chicken and mushroom dishes.

Aside from regular cooking, Ginseng is also used in the preparation of dessert, salads and even jellies. Usually people who love cooking with Ginseng are the vegetarians. Today as more and more people learn about the benefits of Ginseng, it is becoming more of a household kitchen ingredients.

About the Author:

Before you buy Ginseng or want to know the power of Ginseng read our article on Ginseng Supplements also visit us at herbal alternatives medicine for a life changing information on herbal supplements and home remedy stuffs

Weight Loss and Acai Berry

By Kathy O. Steiner

Acai berries have long been used to treat all sorts of maladies. With a whole host of essential vitamins, nutrients, and anti-oxidants, it is easy to see why they enjoy a reputation as being a miracle supplement. Even so, the most popular use for the acai berry these days is weight loss.

The acai berry has been known to help suppress appetite and reduce overeating. That means that people who take this often eat less, and yet feel more satisfied than they usually do. Losing weight and getting fit still require putting in time at the gym and eating a healty diet, but everyone gets cravings. Using the acai berry for weight loss can help with managing that.

Acai berries back a powerful punch, and while they can help relieve the symptoms of many uncomfortable conditions, they can also provide you with a burst of energy. With this increase in energy you are able to exercise more often for longer periods of time, which will lead to more effective weight loss.

Your metabolism speeds up when you regularly take the acai berry to lose weight. When this occurs, you are able to burn through the food you eat more quickly, and less of it is stored in the body as fat, which can lead to rapid weight loss. Acai berries also act as a natural colon cleanser, which can remove harmful toxins from your body and help you to drop water weight quickly.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to stress, which can lead to gaining weight. The acai berry helps you get a better night's rest. Acai berries have also been shown to help with depression, which can also lead to weight gain. When you take acai berries to help with weight loss, they also help regulate hormones in your body, leading to a more tranquil mental state. With additional sleep and greater energy , you're in a better state of mind in which to shed weight.

There are often various medical conditions which can keep us from exercising to lose weight. When you take the acai berry for weight loss, you are able to relieve many of those conditions or symptoms and thus promote weight loss through exercise. Arthritis can often be a debilitating condition that can keep you from working out. When the acai berry is taken however, it can relieve the pain associated with arthritis, and allow you to resume your regular workout routine.

There are a lot of reasons to take acai berry for weight loss, and more people are coming to realize the health benefits of acai. Not only will the acai berry help you drop some extra weight, but will also strengthen different systems of the body, maintain a clear mental state, and promote a healthier lifestyle in general too.

About the Author:

Acai berry weight loss has been on tvlately and there is much discussion about its merits. Kathy O. Steiner has been writing about health issues and specifically weight loss, she can be found at Acai Berry Lose Weight or Weight Loss with Acai Berry

Would Brad Be With Angelina Knowing The K1 Visa Process?

By Art Saborio

[I:0:J] The title says Brad and Angelina, but this is not really about them. But who is to say that if Brad knew how easy it was to submit a K1 Fiance Visa Application be might be bringing a beautiful fiance home with him as well? Now let us put the joking aside and get into what this article is all about.

There are a few things that you must know about the documents that go along with the K1 Fiance Visa Application. All required K1 Visa Documents must be submitted with the application. If you omit even one document, you will be either denied or at best held up until you submit the right stuff.

This is a high level overview of what you will need to submit along with your application packet. Now if you go about this alone, it is good to follow someone that has gone through the process and has helped others do the same.

Enjoy the article and get a good idea of the K1 Fiance Visa Application Process .

Ok here is the entire submittal process in a nutshell. Remember this is high level.

I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance: Fill this document out completely. A document used to petition to bring your fiance and children to the USA for the intention of marriage. Meeting your fiance within the last two years before submitting your application is required. The instructions can be a bit tricky, but read them fully and comply with all requested information.

G-325 Biographic Information Form: Complete this entire document. The document will ask you to complete all biographical information. The instructions are clear and easy to follow.

I-134 Affidavit of Support: This is the most important document of the bunch. This will tell the USCIS officers who is supporting the fiance when she arrives. The instructions for this document can get a bit confusing. Read everything very carefully.

Submit birth certificates for both yourself and fiance. It is best to have certified copies or originals. If you or your fiance were married, be prepared to show proof of the divorce.

The last bit of documentation concerns the on-going relationship. It is important that you keep everything from your travels and submit that with your application. Do as much as possible with the supporting documents. The more you submit the better. Make copies of everything you send.

Now that you have everything completed, you are going to want to wrap it all up and send it out for USCIS approval. Don't forget to make copies for yourself and for your fiance. She will need these documents for her embassy interview.

Embassy officers may request all or none of the documents from your fiance. If they do request the documents, your fiance will be ready. Talk to your fiance and make sure she has a complete understanding of all the documentation in your packet. It is better for her to be prepared than not.

About the Author:

Art Saborio specializes in K1 Fiance Visas. His very practical "Do it yourself step by step method to K1 Visa Success is now available on his website. While you are there, grab a free copy of his latest e book How I Met My Fiance

Wind turbines : Can they power your home?

By James Erwin

With the existing state of our environment, now more than ever do we need to turn to using such renewable energies. In areas like farmlands and other open fields unobstructed by trees and hills, a large number of residential homes have in homes with their own wind turbines, some of which had no outside power lines at all.

The first thing to consider in installing a wind turbine generator in your homes would obviously be the wind source. Your area should be nowhere near tall buildings and structures, as it will have a distinct effect on the wind turbines' efficiency to produce electricity. American Wind Energy Association states that it is best if the home is located on one acre or more due to the size of a small wind turbine. It should rise high enough above objects on the ground to lower wind turbulence. With an average home requirement of 9,400 kilowatt-hours per year, a turbine should be rated 5 to 15 kilowatts.

Wind turbines vary in size and power output from a few hundred watts to two or three megawatt, the typical domestic system would be 1 - 6 kilowatts. It can be installed into any homes without the need for re-wiring. There are two basic types of wind turbines: the horizontal and vertical axis. The horizontal axis needs to be directed towards the wind. The vertical axis, although it can face any direction the wind is blowing requires more ground space than horizontal axis turbines.

Neighbours must also be considered when installing a wind turbine. Let them know of your plan and keep the turbine away from neighbouring houses as much as possible to avoid arguments.

As any other products, wind turbine generators have its advantages as well as disadvantages. Other than providing a clean, limitless energy source, other advantages include low expenses. After equipment and installation expenses, wind turbines will last for about 20 years and requires very little maintenance. This typically lowers electricity bill by 50 to 90 percent. A disadvantage however, is that the electricity generated at any one time by a wind turbine is highly dependent on the speed and direction of the wind. Wind energy cannot be stored with the use of batteries, thus may not meet timely electric needs. Users also listed that the noise produced by the motors as a disadvantage and that it interferes with TV receptions, but modern technology today enables home turbines to make less noise than an average washing machine, and does not, in fact, affect TV signals.

About the Author:

For more information on building a wind powered home visit www.windpoweredhomefacts.com

Is Paternity Testing Accurate

By PTC Labs

I CAN'T BE THIS CHILD'S FATHER!!!

My childs paternity test has to be wrong. How is this possible?

There are no government regulations for performing paternity testing. One company issues tests that say my baby, yes or my baby, no. There is no genetic information provided and no indication that they actually performed testing. Heads he is yours and tales he isnt. Who knows how they determine paternity. You cant tell from their report if a DNA test was performed.

Another laboratory makes outrageous claims about prenatal testing from the mothers blood. It routinely issues reports with incorrect answers, and has even lost some major lawsuits when sued for incorrect test results. That laboratory is still in business and still routinely issues incorrect paternity tests after more than 6 years. In fact, that particular laboratory can not even seem to get a standard paternity test correct. We recently dealt with a paternity test issued by them that included a mother, child and alleged father and they still issued an incorrect answer.

The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) accredits paternity laboratories. Accreditation is voluntary. A laboratory does not have to be accredited. The only way to determine if a laboratory is accredited is to check with AABB at their website www.aabb.org. A list of accredited laboratories is available on their site. If a laboratory is not listed on AABB then it is not accredited. It does not matter what the website claims. It is not an accredited laboratory unless it is listed.

Even using an AABB accredited laboratory does not guarantee correct results. All AABB accredited laboratories must follow accepted procedures and test to minimum levels of discrimination. Each individual laboratory must decide what level of testing is acceptable in their laboratory and what additional precautions they will take.

If you have a DNA test with an unaccredited laboratory there is no guarantee that the test was performed correctly or that it was performed at all. Testing with an AABB accredited laboratory gives you assurance that a minimum level of testing was performed and that it was performed using correct procedures. Testing with an AABB accredited laboratory that has high level guarantees helps to ensure that you will receive a correct answer.

If you search the internet, it may appear that there are hundreds of AABB accredited DNA laboratories. When you check the AABB website you will find approximately 40 accredited laboratories. If a laboratory is not on the AABB website it is not an accredited laboratory. If it is not on the AABB website, then it is likely that it is not a laboratory at all. It is probably someone that created a website and is selling tests. They are probably sending your test to the least expensive place they can find if they are testing it at all.

An incorrect paternity test may be the result of fraud, poor laboratory procedures, or inadequate amounts of testing. DNA test results are only as reliable as the laboratory performing the test.

The best way to protect against an incorrect test is to utilize an AABB accredited laboratory that guarantees high levels of discrimination. If you have received what you believe to be an incorrect results, you should have a second test. The test should be performed by an AABB accredited laboratory that guarantees results.

About the Author:

If you require a reliable DNA test go to PTC Labs for all of your DNA Testing requires.

How flooring can alter the look of your home

By Adam Peters

Flooring is a very important aspect in the designing of a house. It can change the entire look of your home and you can create the effect that you desire solely by changing the flooring of your home.

What many people tend to forget is that flooring is dependent on where your house is situated. This is because climactic factors play a definitive role in determining the suitability of different floors. If your house is by the seaside, then you should most probably go for tiles as they help in taking away some of the heat and providing a pleasant and cool feel to the house. On the other hand, if you are staying in a hill station or cold place, then wooden flooring is ideal as it brings about a cozy and warm feel to the house.

Apart from the location, another factor you need to consider is the monetary angle. If you have a restricted budget, you have relatively lesser choices in choosing flooring. This need not disappoint you. There are so many options available both in retail stores and online that you will not have to settle for an inferior quality flooring to accommodate your budget. You also need to remember that opting for very low quality stuff will have more negative consequences in the long run in terms of maintenance. A small amount of research will help you here.

You also need to do some study on whether the flooring matches the furniture and overall look of your house. Depending on your personality type, you can select the color of your flooring. If you are the vibrant types, then you can go for colorful or bold flooring. If you are the introspective person, then something more sober and elegant might suit you better. If you cannot make up your mind about this, then it is better to take the help of an interior designer.

All in all, it would be advisable to ponder over the points mentioned above before choosing on the flooring of your house. There will be cases when you have to disregard the sensible course and follow the desires of your heart. For example, if you have a passion for wooden flooring then it makes sense to go for it, irrespective of where you stay. All you need to do in this scenario is to pay more attention to the maintenance of the flooring.

Generally, people have a preference for wooden flooring. The only detriments here are the cost and amount of maintenance required. If the wooden look is what you aspire, then you could also consider laminate flooring like Brazilian walnut hardwood flooring or bamboo flooring. Both these flooring are becoming increasing popular and they provide a great look without being too costly. You could also opt for ceramic, marble, linoleum or other tiles based on your style preference. All you need to be sure about is that you get good quality and a good price.

About the Author:

Have you enjoyed this article on flooring??, Adam Peters is the author of more resources published online . Keep reading about brazilian walnut hardwood flooring and floor care at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/blog/45/exotic-hardwood-floors .

Las Vegas Real Estate Forecast for 2009

By Montgomery Q Gilletiaz

For Consumers looking to buy a home in Las Vegas for 2009, now is the perfect time to plunge your hard earned money into residential property. The downturn in the economy has reared its ugly head. There are a lot of industries that are suffering under the economic strain which means that both house prices and also interest rates are lower than normal. Due to falling interest rates this is the perfect timing for first time home buyers.

The Las Vegas real estate outlook for the coming year has been mixed dependant on the sources you rely on. One thing that seems to stand out is that things are going to get better. The time scale is the only thing that has been argued about. Everyone agrees that although the prices are down and jobs are low at the moment. The economy will reach a complete overhaul within a short time frame. Right now there is a lot of houses empty and such a low demand. There is only a small number of buyers looking to purchase them. Las Vegas was one of the relatively less hit of all the places within America. Things still got pretty bad and the real estate market still dried up.

A huge number of people were out of work between 2005 and 2008 and there were not enough jobs to fill the demand. Therefore there were less people looking to buy homes. These job shortages have come to an end. There have been more and more building developments of hotels, resorts and casinos. These developments reach staggering amounts of cash to build them. This has opened up the way for job seekers and brought much more to the area than just sleezy jobs and part time work.

These new resorts that are being built have started somewhat of a trend in Las Vegas. There is a lot of then opened to the public in 2008. More are expected to open in 2009 and also 2010. The amount of jobs that are becoming available are higher than what they have been for a few years. The unemployment levels that had recently hit Las Vegas were said to be the reasoning behind the real estate market hitting a meltdown. The newer jobs can only mean one thing and that more investment and more opportunities within the real estate market.

Las Vegas is suffering heavy from nose diving residential real estate prices and interest rates. This is proving to make things much simpler for investors and those looking to put their hard earned cash into the real estate market in Las Vegas. Ready sources of houses and other such properties are a great relief right now. The land prices hit the roof alongside the construction costs. For home buyers this means that if you are looking to invest in homes in Las Vegas, now may be your time.

With 6,000 new residents moving to Las Vegas per month and more jobs to accommodate them, the real estate market is starting to head towards. A complete overhaul with the house prices being said to rise steadily until the crisis is over. It has been reported that the real estate market will have returned to normal by the later end of 2009. There are some critics that claim this to be far too optimistic. These critics feel that in actual fact it can take much longer for this for the turn of events to change the real estate market outlook for Las Vegas.

Bank owned property are of course the thing to look out for with regards to the real estate market these will always be considered a wild card in this industry. If the amount of foreclosure filings continues to rise then the market will have little chance of improving this year. With the number of jobs increasing in the area and the house prices still in a downward spiral, people are now investing in Las Vegas real estate while the getting is good.

About the Author:

If you're planning on visiting Las Vegas anytime soon, be sure to take a guided tour of the new Las Vegas Condo's on the Strip. There are a lot more things to do in Vegas than just gamble and take in a show. Just make sure you're prepared ahead of time and get your tickets to Las Vegas shows ahead of time.

Baby Shower Prizes Make the Baby Shower Games Fun and Exciting

By Edie Mindell

Baby shower games can be very entertaining and exciting for both the expectant mother and the guests. Choosing or making prizes should be equally enjoyable for the host of the baby shower. Prizes are pretty much up to the host to decide on, and can range from homemade, personalized gifts to store-bought presents. When it comes to selecting the types of prizes that you will use for the baby shower, keep in mind that creativity is key.

A sweet-and-simple idea for prizes that will suit anyones budget is a candy baby bottle. For this, all you will need are empty baby bottles, candy, and ribbon. Fill empty baby bottles with candies and chocolates, close the baby bottle with the top, and add your own decorative touch with ribbon or other accessories, if desired. Dont be hesitate to add your own style to the bottles and personalize them"unique gifts are the best ones!

T-shirts can also be personalized and used as gifts and/or prizes. You can design your own T-shirts and have them made for your shower. This makes for a cute gift and is a wonderful keepsake. T-shirts have recently become very popular for events like baby showers.

Candles and bath treats are amongst the most popular prizes for women. Women seem to love anything and everything that has to do with spa treatments and that relates to pampering themselves. Most women love aromatic candles, gift soaps, lotions, and body splashes. These will definitely be a hit at your baby shower.

Another thing most women cannot live without is chocolate. A beautiful box of fine and exquisite chocolates makes an excellent gift that all your guests will definitely enjoy.

Gift cards and gift certificates are a recent trend that is a crowd favorite! General, broad department stores like Macys, Target, and JC Penney are good choices for gift cards. Restaurants and coffee shops like Olive Garden, T.G.I. Fridays, and Starbucks are great picks, too. Dont forget about video rental stores and electronic stores like Blockbuster Video and Best Buy; they are top picks among young adults today.

Coffee mugs filled with candy, picture frames, and other household items are a favorite among housewives and people interested in interior design. Stationary kits and personalized journals are cute and simple, and make wonderful gifts. Another favorite for women of all ages is a flower arrangement or bouquet.

If you enjoy baking scrumptious desserts, make homemade cookies or brownies and decorate them according to your showers colors and theme. Wrap them in a clever and unique way, and dont forget to personalize them. This idea is simple, convenient, and easy on your pocket.

Prizes make the games and activities more fun and exciting by adding an adequate amount of competition, along with motivation and enthusiasm. Gifts and prizes make everyone feel special and proud. Whether you choose to make your gifts or buy them, personalize them and add your special touch. Be fun, be creative, and most importantly, be you!

About the Author:

Never before has baby presents been this quick and easy! Emjoy free shipping on all your shopping at http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com for your new born baby gifts. You will love the unique baby gift idea.

Check Out The Facts Before Buying A Car Warranty

By Dave Bern

Whether buying a new or used car you should always invest in a car warranty as this will save you a considerable sum of money if the vehicle breaks down or new parts are needed. There are several things that you need to take into consideration before you sign the warranty on any new or used vehicle that you buy.

In order to find the most suitable car warranty plan for you we offer a few tips below to help you.

1. In you are intending to buy a used vehicle then first check to see if the manufacturer's warranty is still valid or if you are able to purchase an extended warranty for it. Normally such vehicles when purchased from dealers come with a limited short term warranty and which will certainly help to save you some money in the long term. However, if the used vehicle you are buying is only a couple of years old then the manufacturer's warranty may well still be valid.

2. Ask to see a copy of the owner's manual as this will tell you everything you need to know about the general warranty conditions for the vehicle. The general warranty provided by the manufacturer will either cover the owner of the vehicle for a three year period or 36,000 miles depending on which is reached sooner. Normally the warranty will list the parts of the vehicle which are covered by it.

3. Look into finding out more about extended or power train warranties which normally provide cover for either 60 months or 60,000 miles. Although they will save you money in the long run you need to be aware that these may not take effect until after the original car warranty has expired.

4. If you do intend to go for an extended warranty on a new or used vehicle then make sure you go with a reputable company. Look for those who have a history of providing such like Carchex auto warranty, Wynn's auto warranty or CNA auto warranty and who have a number of different car warranty plans for you to select from and who will provide you with their terms and conditions in writing before you sign up to one. Also look for those companies who offer a money back guarantee and will cover your vehicle no matter where you are.

5. You need to read through the warranty plans carefully before you do sign anything. Along with looking how long the car warranty will be valid for you need to make sure that there are not any limitations on making claims. This is quite a considerable investment you are going to be making when you buy a car so you need to know that the warranty will protect it.

You need to remember that any car warranty you get is not going to provide a guarantee of how long the car will last for, but is to assure that you that the car was in good condition when purchased. So you need to be aware that there are certain limitations on the kinds of claims that can be made under such warranties and if you mishandle or abuse the vehicle these may well not be covered by it. So this is another reason why you need to read through the document carefully before agreeing to it.

About the Author:

Choosing the right car warranty for you can take a little elbow grease. For the right information visit http://www.carwarrantyez.com.

5 Top Mistakes for Affiliate Marketers

By Anson Hall

When you want to make money with affiliate marketing, it is very important for you to work hard. You should also learn different tactics to promote the affiliate products otherwise it will be difficult for you to make money.

There is no doubt that when internet marketing is concerned, affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money. Yet, a lot of people will give up easily. This is mainly because they cannot make money. As mentioned, this may probably be due to the fact that they do not know the ways to work.

In this article, we will discuss all the top mistakes that affiliate marketers will commonly make. You will need to discover all these mistakes and try your best to avoid making them.

#1 You will need to promote your affiliate site after you have built it. However, there are affiliate marketers who will never try to promote the website. You will get no visitors to your site if you do not try to promote it. You will not make money if no one visits your website.

#2 Some newbies in the field of affiliate marketing will fail to adapt various techniques to generate traffic to their sites. Of course you should try to drive targeted traffic to your affiliate website otherwise the conversion rate will probably be very low. Yet, forum posting on related forum will certainly be one of the ways to get targeted traffic.

#3 Another mistake marketers will make is that they do not try to build their own email list. You will need to use some methods such as giving away free reports on your website. If you have a wedding site, you may try to give away a free wedding planning guide so that you can use it to build your email list.

#4 There are some affiliate marketers who will never try to optimize their websites for search engines. In fact, SEO is one of the best ways to generate traffic to your site. You should try to learn some basic SEO so that you can enjoy free traffic from search engines.

#5 You should never just put all the banners to your affiliate website. You will need to make your website useful. Putting all the banners on one page will not make your site useful.

One last point is that, you will need to keep learning new tactics in order to promote your affiliate site and make more money. You will certainly need to think out of the box. This will be the ultimate method for you to make money in this field.

About the Author:

Discover how to Make Money Online from http://making-easy-money-online.info/ NOW! Be sure to check Anson Hall's Affiliate Marketing Guides.

The Importance Of Good Kitchen Lighting

By Alix Montoya

If you're planning on giving your old kitchen a new look, there are literally hundreds of options that you can choose from to find that fresh bold appearance you are looking for. You can change the drapes or the furniture. You can even install new flooring. Or you can change the lighting fixtures of your kitchen.

Not a lot of people see how important lighting is. You can use it to brighten up a dark corner and make your kitchen a little bit happier. You don't have to buy powerful lamps and stuff like that. The idea is to put up lighting strategically around the place to draw attention to certain things that would have otherwise been unnoticed.

There are a lot of ideas that you can play around with on having different lighting fixtures in the kitchen. Perhaps you have a very unique and beautiful set of china that you want your parents to notice the next time you visit. You can install a small light bulb to act as a spotlight to draw their attention to the shelf where you are keeping them.

Lighting is important if you are planning to give a new feel to your old kitchen. You don't even have to buy new furniture or paint the walls a new color, light bulbs installed at strategic places can enhance the overall appearance of an otherwise dark and dreary kitchen.

It's also very easy to install that you can do it yourself. You can save yourself a world of trouble if you just buy a couple of low voltage bulbs and install the lights inside your home yourself.

About the Author:

Alix Montoya does concrete like nobody ever does concrete before . Find out more about polished concrete floors and experience the beauty of polished concrete floors for yourself.

Driving Traffic To Your Blog Made Easy For Dummies

By Jenni Snook

If you are keen on driving traffic to your blog, it's vital that you read this article carefully so that you can learn the right techniques that other successful bloggers use to get large amounts of traffic to their blogs. It's likely that you already have a blog about something you are very interested in, have set up affiliate program and adsense on this blog and are patiently waiting for money to arrive through the mail.

Nevertheless, it's not as simple as it may seem. In addition to setting up a blog, adding affiliates and other things, you must start getting traffic to your blog. Currently, you can find literally thousands upon thousands of blog online and therefore it is vital that you make your blog stand out for the crowd to attract a lot of traffic and then earn a healthy income.

There are plenty of ways to drive traffic to your blogspot or your blog page. It takes work, of course, there really isn't anything for free in this world, and if you want to make money via your blogging, you're going to have to sit down at your computer and work.

One of the best and easiest ways to start driving traffic to your website is by visiting a links website where you leave a link to your blog for the goal of driving traffic to it. These are usually in the form of a business site, such as an information site or directory, but you have to be sure that the site itself is already getting a good amount of traffic before adding a link to your blog there.

Another place to use your head and writing skills is within different forums. Most forums allow you to have a signature and a link at the bottom of your post. Find forums that are pertinent to what you're writing about, something that you're passionate about, or something you're interested in and begin making posts or comments. The more posts and comments you make, the more people see your link to your blogspot, the more people visit your site.

It's highly advisable that you add some sort of notebook for your visitors as well as encourage them to participate more in your blog via comments or responses. There are many visitors who will adore your blog and will be hoping to return in the near future. For this to occur, you must make it simple for visitors to bookmark your site. Remember that repeat visitors simply mean more income for you.

It's essential that whenever you are adding links to your blog on other sites such as forums or directories, that you don't appear to be simply advertising your blog. Simply promoting your blog constitutes spam for many of these sites and you will most likely see your posts and comments get deleted and you might get banned yourself. This would be disastrous for you and your blog especially when you need traffic to your blog.

The most important thing is to assure that everything on your blog makes sense and is genuinely interested to read if you wish to be driving traffic to your blog.

About the Author:

Jenni Snook is the chief columnist of http://www.NicheMarketingSite.com/, a website dedicated to giving people recommendations and resources on driving traffic to your blog to enjoy the wonderful benefits the Internet can provide.

You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

By Steve Gibberton-roberts

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you cant afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

A final decision needs to be made as to what kind of system you would like to use to supply your home solar electricity. There are generally three types of solar panel systems used to supply home solar electricity. The first type is a grid-tied system in which your solar panels are tied into your current power meter. You are using both electricity supplied by your panels and your supply is then backed by electricity from your electric company. The second available solar panel system for supplying home solar electricity is a grid-tie with battery backup. With this system you are collecting electricity from you panels, filling your batteries for emergencies and then the excess is sent back to the electric company through your meter. The final system is a stand-alone system. Very similar to the grid-tied system with battery backup except that you are completely disconnected or maybe never connected to a major utility provider for your area.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

About the Author:

Making your own DIY solar panels is a great investment for your future and the worlds future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.

Cleaning Your Surface Tiles and Grout

By Qandishah Brown

If you live in Austin then there is a great chance that you own a swimming pool. The hot weather certainly makes taking a dip a very refreshing idea. However owning a pool can be difficult in terms of maintenance. You will need to make sure that your pool is safe, clean and useable at all times. If you don't take care of your pool in the end what you will have is a headache.

The best way that you can maintain your pool is by cleaning it regularly. Surface cleaning can make a huge difference since it is easier to take out dirt when it is floating on top as compared to when it is at the bottom. You may also cover your pool to avoid having surface dirt such as insects and leaves fall in.

Tiles are one of the things that you can't avoid from getting dirty in your pool. Vacuuming and scrubbing are good ways to make sure that it stays clean. If there is not much dirt then you can just scrub away; but if it is much dirtier than you may need to vacuum it. Make use of tile soap to help you remove dirt.

If you are cleaning the tiles of your swimming pool make sure that you use a brush that is made especially for the job. Using just any brush can scratch the tiles since it may be too abrasive. Finding the right tools for cleaning can make the job easier. You can also use special equipment to facilitate your cleaning.

The grouts in between the tiles of your pool can also something that gets stained and dirty over time. These can be the hardest areas to clean since the crevices are very fine. If you find that cleaning the grout in between pool tiles is hard to do then you can always hire an expert to do it for you.

About the Author:

There are numerous grout cleaning Austin who can get the grout in between your tiles looking like new once again. tile cleaners Austin saves you a whole lot of trouble and you wont need to worry about getting down and dirty to do it yourself.

What Expensive Video Production Companies Don't Want You to Know

By Terry Stanfield

Video marketing has forged into the Internet and revolutionized the way people practice their marketing efforts. This means success for many people and a downfall for others. The biggest companies suffering are the expensive video companies because people have realized they can find what they offer elsewhere or even make it themselves.

Video production companies want you to think they are the only ones out there who can provide what you need when it comes to video marketing. There are many things they try hard not to share with the customer so the customer doesn't go elsewhere. Here are six things that an expensive video production company does not want you to know.

1. Video production companies don't want you to know about hosting companies who can store these large files online for you. They like to be the holder of videos and charge for making any additional copies being made and more.

2. A video ad marketing campaign requires a good camera to do the job. These cameras are not required or only held by expensive companies but can be rented at local camera shops for a small percentage of what you would pay the company.

3. There are cheap editing packages out there you can find to edit your videos for free or even at a very low cost. Most production companies will tell you their editing software for video marketing is the only software that can be used for the best results in quality and to increase website traffic.

4. They also don't want you to know that your video is compatible with other platforms and sites. You can make your own videos that will have the same compatibilities as a production company for your video marketing needs.

5. One of the major costs of a video marketing production company is usually the costs of marketing. They do not want you to know about all of the free ways you can market your videos online yourself.

6. The number one thing a video marketing or production company that is expensive does not want you to know is how easy it really is to make your own videos. These companies are suffering now because of all of the people practicing making their own videos and they need as many people who don't know how to make them not to find out.

There are many reasons why video marketing companies want to withhold information about videos. Many of these businesses have been put out of business with people making their own videos today. The things a business doesn't want you to know about video ad marketing include how easy it is, camera rentals, cheap editing and marketing, and more.

About the Author:

Before you start an Video Marketing campaign, go to Terry Stanfield's site for information on Search Engine Marketing Services and more on Video Ad Marketing.

3 Quick Tips on Cooking for Your Date

By Stylelife Coaches

Presentation is the main thing to focus on when making dinner for your date. It is no different than a magician executing jaw dropping illusions. The way the meal looks often times is more significant than the actual food.

First, make it appear effortless.

Although you might have slaved in the kitchen all day, don't let her know that. Pretend this is something you just whipped up off the top of your head. Can you imagine James Bond walking out of his kitchen, flustered, sweating, covered with mess as smoke billows out the door behind him? Nope. He would casually stroll out with a martini in one hand and an elegant plate in the other. Smooth. In control. Calm. That's how she should see you in the kitchen.

Second, present your gastronomical creation in the best possible light.

You're not in elementary school anymore, so throw away those plastic sporks. Try being a grown up and use heavy silver ware and good, solid plates. Bonus points if they match!

Third, no matter how many times she offers, do not let her clean up or do the dishes.

They'll be there in the morning. For now, let's focus on you're date...

About the Author:

Neil Strauss and his Stylelife experts have the skills to teach you how to be better with women. For more information, check out his pick up artist Stylelife Academy program to get the girl.

What Is The Right Material For A Wilmington Roofing Project?

By Jim Carpenter

In order to protect your home you need solid walls and a good roof. On older homes there are going to be times when the roof is going to have to be repaired or replaced. In this article we offer some advice for a Wilmington roofing project or anywhere that you live to help you determine which material will be best for your home.

The first thing one should be doing is to get a roofing contractor to come and have a look at your home and see exactly what needs to be done. It is best if you arrange for a couple of contractors to come and have a look and get each of them to give you a quotation for how much the work is going to cost.

After this has been done now you can decide which material it is you want to use on your Wilmington roofing project whether the roof is to be repaired or replaced. If the roof is just needing repairs to make it sound once more then the same materials as what is currently on the roof should be used. But if the roof needs to be replaced completely then you can either choose to stay with the same as what is on it currently or opt to go for something different instead. But you need to be aware that the various materials used for roofing are not only different in characteristics but also in cost as well.

Below we take a look at the types of materials used in many roofing projects across the USA and not just Wilmington and what their characteristics are.

1. The most commonly used material for repairing or replacing roofs on properties today is asphalt and which comes in non-organic or organic forms. The other roofing materials in this article may be more natural but unfortunately they don't last as long as asphalt which you can expect to last on a property for between 25 and 50 years, it also comes in a wide range of colors as well.

2. Wood Shingles are often made from Western Red Cedar as it is very resistant to both corrosion and decay. Generally there are three types of wood shingles one can get for repairing or replacing a roof on a property and they are classed as being 1, 2 or 3. Generally because 1 is far more durable than 2 or 3 this is used for the main part of the roofing project whilst 2 and 3 are used for the sidings.

3. A material that is favored by many for roofing projects although it costs more but gives a roof a more natural look is wood shakes. The reason for this particular roofing costing so much more is that each piece needs to be sawed or hand split by the contractor so the time it takes to carry out the work correctly is much longer as well.

After you have chosen which material it is you are going to be using for y our Wilmington roofing project now you need to spend time finding a contractor to complete the work for you. It is crucial that the roofing contractor you choose for the project is one who specializes in the materials that you have chosen so you know the work carried out is going to be of the highest standard which will ensure that the roof lasts for years to come.

About the Author:

Do you think you may have some roofing problems, and would like to learn more about how to rectify them. Then please visit Roofing Wilmington by clicking on the link here or you can contact us directly by phone on 302 654 7663 and we will offer you some free impartial advice.

Deadly Cocktails - Energy Drinks

By Dr. Jones

Energy drinks and health in the same sentence? They are usually loaded with caffeine, artificial sweeteners (Aspartame Controversy, Taurine and to make everything seem OK, artificial vitamins. This cocktail is toxic and has already started to cause serious health problems.

Many of today's youth consume energy drinks regularly. Some are starting to suffer from intestinal, kidney and heart problems. Additionally, these chemical cocktails affect one's liver, skin and reproductive organs.

This generation is graduating into adulthood without the previous generations' coffee addiction, but with a more potent daily stimulant: the energy drink. Many spend hours surfing the net or watching TV, instead of playing sports, which compounds the problem with soft drinks, increasing the incidence of diabetes and other diet-related diseases.

Why should we be concerned about this new variety of mental stimulant? A cup or two of coffee every day has never caused serious health effects. The big difference relates to where the buzz comes from: natural coffee beans vs. laboratory produced synthetic caffeine.

Like with other natural products, the caffeine in the coffee beans includes many other substances which are not easily separated from the caffeine. It comes with fibrous and other materials, which actually reduce the speed of absorption of the caffeine stimulant.

With these new drinks, the caffeine is produced in a laboratory, usually in Eastern Europe or Asia. This chemical has one big plus over natural caffeine: it is extremely powerful, perhaps too much so. All of the natural elements that come within the coffee beans or Guarana seeds or tea leaves are eliminated in factory produced caffeine. Synthetic caffeine is also easier to produce than natural caffeine, another advantage from the producer's point of view. Unfortunately, for us consumers, this potent and purely chemical caffeine shot is absorbed into our circulatory system as soon as it hits the first part of the intestine.

Natural products like the actual coffee from coffee beans, Guarana seeds or tea leaves, are absorbed more gradually by the body. They are also not as concentrated and therefore less toxic than the chemical caffeine in most energy drinks. Here are some advantages of natural caffeine (whether it be in coffee, tea or Guarana). Firstly, the increased mental alertness is longer. Instead of the instant high you get from most energy drinks and then the subsequent downfall, you get a sustained feeling of mental clarity for a few hours and the effect eventually wears off more naturally and gradually.

Secondly, continuous exposure to synthetic caffeine over saturates our nervous system. If this excessive exposure continues, our nerves go haywire. This is Mother Nature's way of telling us to be careful. Our hands may quiver, nervous habits develop; our body starts to show signs of stress not different from those related to anxiety or depression. Not recommended for anyone.

With guaranine or tea or natural coffee beans, our digestive and circulatory system can easily eliminate the excess quantities without unduly affecting the nervous system. But even with natural stimulants, they must be used carefully and not in excessive amounts. It is best to stick with one cup per day; of coffee (not the grande which is really like 6 coffees) or one 12 oz can of a natural energy drink or unsweetened cold tea.

Organic coffees are your best alternative if you choose to drink coffee. Whole Foods Markets has a wide variety of these.

Some natural energy drinks that I like are GURU Energy Drinks and Syzmo. They are both made with natural caffeine from Guarana and/or coffee. What I like about GURU is that it is entirely natural, has not artificial sweeteners or vitamins. Sysmo is made from good ingredients but is more costly, and is not a usual taste. GURU has a low-calorie drink sweetened with Stevia called (GURU Lite), which is also a favorite of mine (see my post on Benefits of Stevia: (ref: For Dollars (will) Authorize (FDA)). Both of these are available on the respective companies' website and at Whole Foods Markets.

With cold teas; naturally brewed products provide anti-oxidants in addition to the natural caffeine. A brand I like is ITOEN. They have some unsweetened products with a unique taste that grows on you after a while. Teas Teas.

About the Author:

Dr. Jones is an expert in matters of financial matters and physical and emotional well-being. He writes and consults with a variety of organizations with a presence in the Natural Foods sector. For more, read his blog on Squidoo at Natural Foods & Drinks

About Flights to St Moritz

By Tom Martens

St. Moritz is the epitome of a traditional ski resort city. Skiers flock there by the thousands to savor the glitz and glamour which is as important as the skiing. Flights from the UK and Ireland hover in the 200-300 with Swiss International Airlines offering the best prices. You can also check with Lufthansa, but their rates are usually higher. Flights depart from London, Heathrow, Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham and Glascow.

International Travelers travel to St. Moritz via Zurich, which is located about 150 miles from the resort. From there, catch a train from the airport to Church and then transfer for train to St. Moritz. Those, who have money to spare, can chose to take a plane from Zurich to Samden, a local airport near St. Moritz.

St. Moritz is amongst worlds the most famous winter resorts and also one of the oldest. St. Moritz has to be visited during the ski-season of November to April. With its fantastic year-round sunshine you will have a most pleasant holiday, especially if you go at Christmas for the best possible snow. Why not check out St. Moritz reputation as a spa town, it has been famous for it since the Middle Ages.

There are 80 kilometers of piste length, or 88 slopes, at St. Moritz for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Roughly 40 percent of these slopes are utilized for advanced level skiers with the remainder geared toward beginner and intermediate ski levels. St. Moritz is also adjacent to two additional ski areas, granting the resort access to an additional 270 kilometers outside of their area, and feature 56 lifts connecting them all. They also feature a snowboard park, and Crest Run, a sled racing run over 1,200 meters long and cross-country ski paths with the extensive ski slopes.

If you tire of the slopes, St. Moritz offers plenty of options. Mountain climbing, paragliding, bob sledding, horse races and snow cricket are some of the additional outdoor alternatives. You can also ice skate on the resort lake or snuggle up on a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Venture indoors to select from casinos, high end restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and concert spaces. The chic boutiques offer shopping adventures, or explore the art and folklore museums for a taste of culture. A train ride on the high end Glacier Express or Berninina Express allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

About the Author:

Tom Martens is the content coordinator for bestukflights.co.uk the UK's premier flight and travel comparison portal which includes a detailed section on Travel to Switzerland and Flights to St Moritz.

Webmasters - All About Auto Responders

By Carlo Bauer

Throughout an Internet, auto responders have for a glorious promotional tool. Nonetheless a technical name is an auto responder, alternative good known names embody automobile email, mailbox, as good as email responder. An auto responder is a good approach to save time, as it responds to any summary with an involuntary response.

Autoresponders can vary from messages that go through email to scripts that are programed to run on servers. All types of autoresponders work the same, as they will automatically send a message out when a message is received. Depending on the message they receive, they will send out the correct return message. This can be determined by the script or the email address.

Although they are great for promotional reasons, they are also widely abused all across the Internet. Autoresponders are great to use for your daily tasks, as they will basically do all of the work for you. On the other hand, they can also be quite disastrous on those who happen to come in contact with them.

When you submit your website to search engines, directories, or classifieds, you should never attempt to use an autoresponder address. Most of these website types use autoresponders themselves, when they send out their messages. If their autoresponder happens to send a message out to your autoresponder, they will continue responding - which can be very annoying.

When you decide to subscribe to an email or ezine you should always use your valid email address and never use the address for your autoresponder. If you use your autoresponder to subscribe, chances are you'll have your subscription revoked. It can be very annoying if a group sends out emails, only to find that your autoresponder keeps sending return messages. For that very reason, you should never use your autoresponder address to subscribe to anything.

Autoresponders can be great to use, although they can also be a hazard as well. Often times, with subscriptions groups or ezines, it can be very hard to locate someone who is using an autoresponder. In most cases, those who use an autoresponder don't have the same reply or from address as they did when they signed up. In cases such as this it can take quite a lot of time and effort to locate the address.

If you take care of your autoresponder and don't use it to annoy others or sing up for email subscriptions, it should treat you well. An autoresponder can do a world of good for your business, saving you a lot of time and effort. Autoresponders are easy to set up and easy to use, which is great news for anyone who isn't technical with the Internet. For the price they cost and how easy they are to operate ? autoresponders can make your Internet business easier than ever before.

About the Author:

Klick here for information on webmaster affiliates program ? webmaster affiliates Read more : Webmasters-xxl.com

Startup Business Can Thrive With Six Sigma

By Craig Calvin

Many people believe that Six Sigma is only appropriate for large, multinational corporations, but immediate cost-saving results can be achieved by implementing six sigma in a startup company. For years, the most massive businesses on the planet have utilized Six Sigma to save billions of dollars through both cutting costs and increasing profit. Many believe that the implementation of Six Sigma strategies should be confined to large, public companies that employ thousands of employees and whose projects costs millions or billions of dollars to undertake. But the startup industry is a prime candidate for Six Sigma implementation, and start-up company managers especially can benefit from Six Sigma Certification. Six Sigma, at its core, forces managers to take an analytical, quantitative approach toward justifying new projects -- and no industry should be more cautious of wasting capital than the startup industry.

Considering employees, new startup managers who earn Six Sigma Black Belt certificates while at new companies with just a few employees will continue to grow as their careers progress and they eventually move on to larger companies. Six Sigma is a method of teaching how to increase profits by controlling costs, certainly two things that will never go out of style. The advantage of a startup company having managers with Six Sigma certification gives the employer the comfort of knowing that the manager is dedicated to running the company with a sharp eye toward the bottom line.

Startup companies are notorious for having lack of organized procedures with which to optimize their operations. A Six Sigma training certificate can hone those skills and can teach managers what to look for in their businesses processes and how to control their success. Implementing Six Sigma in a new startup business can be especially effective in increasing cash flow and guiding the company to profitability. Small companies can benefit from the Six Sigma influence just as much as large ones can.

Good startup managers have a good rapport with their employees, but they sometimes become so distracted by the socialization that they overlook the processes that are becoming money losers for the company. Six Sigma training trains the manager to focus on the operations with an eye toward the profitability of the project. More than managers of any other segment, startup managers need to be focused in this way, because it can literally make or break a young company's ability to become successful.

Another advantage for the manager having Six Sigma training is that as the company grows from a small one to a medium sized one, he will have the skills to manage the company at its new size. Often when a company grows, management is replaced and new, more experienced professionals with impressive backgrounds are hired on. Six Sigma certification will give the startup manager the skills to grow the small company into a larger one, while helping him to retain his job at the same time.

About the Author:

If you are beginning a startup company and are looking for managers and employees, you would be wise to choose those with 6 Sigma certificates. The internet's highest regarded source for Six Sigma training is www.SixSigmaOnline.org. They specialize in the lauded Six Sigma Black Belt training.

Six Effective Parenting Skills That Lead to Accountability

By Matt Hellstrom

Our primary job as an effective parent is to make sure our kids are able to function successfully on their own when they leave the house. Every decision we make should be made with that goal in mind. This knowledge and single-minded focus should help us to navigate the waters of parenting much easier, because we have a definite destination in mind.

So how do we accomplish this daunting task? By teaching our kids two skills - problem-solving and accountability. If you've got a disrespectful, belligerent child, you've probably got a child with a problem he doesn't know how to solve. As a effective parent, we need to step them through the process of solving that problem, and being accountable for their actions.

1. Start problem solving at a young age. It is much easier to teach them the basics when they are younger, like what to do if there are no clean socks in their drawer, and add to their arsenal as the problems become larger. This is helpful because it is easier to tackle the harder problems as they get older if they are not viewed as larger than life. It is important that we parents do not solve their problems for them.

2. Life Trainer. In order to point them towards being successful, responsible adults, we must patiently and unemotionally as possible, point them towards the goal. Support and encouragement are vital tools as effective parents. Still remembering to let the outcome of this learning process to be owned by the child.

3. Teach by example. Remember - monkey see, monkey do. If they see you calmly approaching the problems that you encounter in your life, they will learn to do the same. Also use life situations to teach. Have them pay for their item at the store, or order and pay for their food at a fast food restaurant. These are little things to us, but not to kids. As they become comfortable with these small tasks, they'll be more able to handle the bigger ones as they grow older.

4. Provide strategic help and solutions. Only give them things they can handle. Offer supportive assistance along the way, don't criticize them, and most importantly of all, don't do it for them. As tempting as this may be, you need to let them succeed or fail on their own. We all know it's easier to load the dishwasher or make the kids bed than to try to get them to do it, but what does that teach them?

5. Encourage exploration and experimentation. As they get to be a teen, you need to let them try out their own ideas for problem-solving and encourage and praise their resourcefulness.

6. Mistakes are opportunities waiting to happen. Life is a series of successes and setbacks. Both present wonderful opportunities, each with the goal of training up successful, responsible adults. Remember, failures are not the end of the world. Just a flag that more training is possibly needed.

Parenting is a daunting task, especially when it comes to teenagers. Hopefully, these tips will help you to have the most effective parenting skills possible.

About the Author:

Put a halt to your child's out-of-control, defiant behavior RIGHT NOW! Regain control of your house today. Now's the time to learn how to parent challenging kids at Julie and Matt's parenting blog.