The Market Outfit

Do you ever think about when to pinpoint best friend gifts and refresh or recharge your relationship? Friends are not always best friends and as much as you show them how much you care, on occasion it really is smart to give a best friend
gift to your object of friendship just to say, “You are worth a little extra.”

Do you ever need to have your batteries “renewed”, or you may need a boost to your self-confidence. You might be facing a very frightening situation–like turning another year older with a BIG zero behind the number–and need a powerful and dependable presence.
How about having a strong shoulders to vent your stress to and get feedback, but only if it is required. On a pleasant tone, you may want to take a fun filled vacation and spend countless hours talking, watching the birds and catching up on life. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to find–and then hold on to–a close friend, the one that fits these needs, plus much more!

If you had your second cup of coffee, we’re speaking about best friends! It is all so important to recognize and value one of the best unique gifts on our earth–best friends! They are truly rare and can save you literally hundreds of dollars in doctor’s bills. Once identified, this person can serve as “mentor” on everything from kids, spouses, religion and social issues.

Now, it is also important to realize that these best friends are a valuable tool and resource, and not to be taken for granted. You have a responsibility to guard and protect them.

Make sure to value not only their efforts, but also their firm standpoint when you ask for their opinion. Treat your best friends like the priceless gem they are, and insure their safety. After all, it’s difficult enough to find and keep good friends–much less best friends.

Finding a great best friend gift is always a great notion. Best friends are fantastic to confide with during a life-stressor. Just a text message away your best friend is an remarkable resource to call upon. It is like they say, “A best friend does not bail you out of the slammer, they are sitting on the chair in the cell next to you.” Click Here for all your “best friend gifts”.

The World Poker Tour or WPT has hit the television and media like an all in bet and a two ace flop. And of course with all that popularity there will be products. There are playing cards, hats, shirts and a never ending list of other trinkets. What I want to talk about is the WPT poker chips set.

I do a lot of writing about poker chips, sets and the like and my clients know that. It’s a hobby I enjoy. The other day I was surprised to find out that one of my best clients went online and ordered me a set of WPT poker chips, the 500 piece set. These chips are sweet!

I saw the deluxe metal carrying case and got excited right away. It has the WPT logo embossed right on the front, locks and it looks incredible. With baited breath I opened it up and was happy to find that unlike some cheaper poker chip sets, there were small blind, big blind and dealer buttons included and with their own black velour holding slot.

Now here is the big thing. Having the WPT on the 500 piece chip set was one thing but these are a special Bellagio Las Vegas set. I was to Las Vegas a couple of months ago so this made my poker chip set feel even more special. Each green, blue, red and brown poker chip has the WPT logo on one side and a nice Bellagio logo on the other. The edges were also nicely rounded so I could blunder through my best attempts at some poker chip tricks.

Does any of this make you play poker any better? Of course not, but when my girlfriends Dad and friends came over I couldn’t wait to ask them if they wanted a game. I had to show off my chips. Childish maybe, so what. There were two Bellagio card decks that were in there and another neat and helpful thing was a cheat sheet of card hand rankings so that the newer folks could tell if they should fold or bet.

We all threw in 20 dollars and had a great time sitting around the kitchen table laughing, bluffing and the worst of us blushing. I can’t wait for a couple of weeks when we will all be in Mexico together, having a few drinks and laughing while we throw a few chips into the center.

Ray Burton isn’t great at poker but loves to write about the different styles of poker chip sets and other poker supplies and accessories that make the game so fun.

The holidays are quickly approaching and that means you need to come up with Christmas gifts for her. Instead of stressing out, consider the following approach.

Christmas Gifts for Her - Gift Ideas

As the holidays approach, we are all subjected to a frustrating phenomenon. What the heck should I get for my wife, sister, mother, daughter and so on? We each arrive at the answer differently, but it usually comes in one of the following forms.

1. You see something while browsing a web site or moving with the herds at the mall,

2. You buy something you like, which of course means she will like it [lingerie?], or

3. You give up and buy soothing oils and such for the bath.

Entire industries have been set up around mans inability to think of good gift ideas for women. Next time you are the mall, take a look at the “bubble bath” stores. While you agonize of whether to go with the peach fragrances or the lavender skin restorer, you should try to keep in mind what such gifts say to her. When she opens the gift, she’ll think that you really didn’t put much thought into and react accordingly. This, of course, means there better be a little box somewhere under the tree containing a rare precious gem or car keys!

A Better Way

The best method for coming up with Christmas gifts for her is to consider what she really likes. Importantly, this does not mean considering what you think she SHOULD really like. Put another way, tickets to the next football game are not going to cut it. Instead, really give some thought to what she does when she has some spare time.

If she likes to go antique shopping, then buy her something related to antiques. Preferably, this should be a book or something discussing antiques, not actual antiques. Men have no taste, so don’t risk buying an antique she hates. Trust me on this one.

If your wife or daughter likes to get out into nature, you should consider something along those lines. If she likes to go for walks to get away from the chaos of the home, consider getting her something related to hiking. This could include things such as a book detailing the local hikes in your area or a Nomad Hiking Journal that will let her keep a diary of where she hiked and with who. Regardless, the point is you should give her something related to his passion.

The biggest key to coming up with Christmas gift ideas for her is to think about her. What does SHE like to do in her down time? Figure out the answer to that and you are well on your way to finding gifts that will go over big.

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals for outdoor activities. Writing journals make great Christmas gifts for him or her. Visit http://www.nomadjournals.com/journals.cfm to see journals for fly fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, travel and more.

When you choose to sell your home on your own, you want all the help you can get. Though you can save thousands by skipping the commissions of a realtor, you put yourself at a marketing disadvantage. That is why you need to get your property listed on the multiple listing service (MLS) for realtors. There are many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing. A look at them will show you that paying a flat fee to get a “for sale by owner” listing on MLS is well worth the money and effort.

The first of many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing is that it is the key to sales success. Did you know that about four of every five home buyers get to the property they want through the MLS? By being listed on MLS, you will have most every real estate sales person in the region working for you. Most flat fee MLS listing services will keep you on for as long as 6 months, but in most cases you wont need that long with exposure to so many realtors, brokers, and customers.

The second of the advantages of joining a MLS real estate listing is that you are saving as much as 2% to 3% on yrou sale. Though that does not sound like a lot, it is actually $2000 per thousand you sell meaning you could end up saving as much as $20,000 or $30,000 on the sale if you skip the realtor and pay the flat fee to list on MLS.

Thirdly, one of the advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing is that you will be seen. If you are selling as a for sale by owner, then you have to hope someone “accidentally” drives by your home or sees it in the newspaper by chance. Also, even if a realtor drives by, they will likely not show a home that is not MLS listed. If you are on MLS, though, you will come up in searches and have your house shown with much more frequency. It works much better when luck is taken out of the equation.

Finally, it is just good sales and business sense to list on MLS. Far and away, MLS is the best way to sell your property fast and for a price you like. Since the internet is considered the second best value and power versus reasonable cost for property, listing on MLS gives you the exposure you need.

There are many many advantages in joining a MLS real estate listing service. You will find that your home is better marketed, that you don’t have to rely on the luck of a drive by, that you save a great deal of money, and that you are linked in with thousands of realtors who essentially end up working for you. So if you are going to sell your home yourself, you should find a flat fee or free MLS listing service so that you have the best possible chance of selling your home quickly and at a price you want.

Vitamins are a major necessity for a healthy life. Vitamin D may reduce the risk of injuries from falls by more than 20 percent in otherwise healthy men and women age 60 and over. Vitamin D has long been known to strengthen bones but new studies indicate it also improves muscle strength. The combination makes injuries less likely when people fall. Vitamin D is helpful whether it is consumed in fortified foods, dairy products, or supplements.

There are 13 known vitamins and each have different roles within the body.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A occurs in two principal forms in nature: retinol, which is found only in animal sources, and certain carotenoids, the best known of which is ‘beta-carotene’ found in carrots and other yellow to red plants. Beta-carotene can be converted to retinol in the body, and it may have a role in protecting against heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin A is essential for vision and adequate growth. Deficiency symptoms include night blindness, hyperkeratinosis of the skin, and xerophthalmia - an eye condition, which if untreated can lead to permanent blindness. Vitamin A deficiency is still widespread in many developing countries.

Vitamin A is found in pumpkins, kumara (sweet potato), apricots, squash, nectarines, peaches, and mangos. It is also found in spinach, broccoli, watercress, asparagus and peas.

The B Group Vitamins

The B group vitamins work as a team to convert food to energy. Vitamin B1 is vital for releasing energy from starchy and sugary foods, while vitamins B2, B6, and niacin help release energy from foods including protein and fats.

If you increase your energy intake, particularly by eating more carbohydrates, your body may need extra vitamin B.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid, together with iron and vitamin C are of major importance to sportsmen and women as they are used in the formation of red blood cells which transport oxygen to the muscles.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

Vitamin B1 is essential for the release of energy especially from carbohydrates, functioning of nerves, brain and muscles.

The best source of this is vitamin is from dried brewers yeast. Other good sources include pork, poultry, cereals, nuts and beans.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B2 is found in all plant and animal cells. It is necessary for the release of energy from food and for healthy vision and skin.

Yeast and liver contain the highest amount of this vitamin. It is also found in other meat, eggs and dairy food.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

This vitamin is required for protein and fat metabolism, red blood cell formation, and the nervous system.

The best sources of this vitamin are liver of beef, pork and chicken. Other sources include cereals, fish, nuts, bananas and wheatgerm.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, a healthy nervous system, and is essential for growth.

This vitamin is stored efficiently by the body so a deficiency can take years to develop. Since it is found primarily in animal products, vegetarians are at risk from deficiency unless they take supplements. In its most extreme form, deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and irreversible degeneration of the spinal cord.

Vitamin E is found in animal meat, particularly liver, kidney, heart and brain. It is also present in yeast extract.

Biotin

This is needed for the manufacture of fatty acid and glycogen, protein metabolism and growth. It is found in egg yolk, liver, wholegrain cereals, and nuts.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Vitamin C is required for the production of collagen, the ‘cement’ substance that gives structure to muscles, vascular tissues, bones and cartilage. Deficiency causes a weakening of these tissues (scurvy), resulting in capillary bleeding.

Together with beta-carotene and vitamin E, vitamin C forms the trio of antioxidant vitamins now believed to help prevent degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Vitamin C is also commonly used as a natural antioxidant, i.e. it is added to foodstuffs to protect colour, aroma or nutrient content, not for its action as a vitamin.

It is essential for the immune system and there is some evidence to show that extra vitamin C may reduce the severity of respiratory infections.

Vitamin C helps iron absorption. Its role in red blood cell formation also helps to transport essential oxygen to exercising muscles.

It promotes healthy body cells, blood vessels, bones and tissues (e.g. tendons and ligaments). It is also necessary for the manufacture of adrenaline.

Vitamin C is not stored within the body so make sure your diet contains a regular supply. It is found naturally in citrus fruits, blackcurrants, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, mango, sweet peppers, parsley, broccoli, kumara, and cauliflower.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is required for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet, and is needed for healthy bone growth. It also plays an important role in the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.

Vitamin D is produced by the action of sunlight on the skin. It is found in wholemilk, margarine, oily fish, and fortified cereals.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is vital to the formation and normal function of red blood cells and muscles.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps to protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Polyunsaturated fats in our diets are protected from damage by vitamin E. Polyunsaturated fats, which are found in vegetable and fish oils, are essential for the normal function of cells in the body.

Together with beta-carotene and vitamin C , vitamin E forms the trio of antioxidant vitamins now believed to have a preventive effect on degenerative diseases such as heart disease or cancer.

The largest sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils including peanut, soya, palm, sunflower etc. Other sources include nuts, seeds, whole grains and leafy green vegetables.

Folic acid

Folic acid plays an important role in the metabolism of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), the carriers of genetic information in all living things. It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and regulating growth cells.

Severe folic acid deficiency in humans results in megaloblastic anaemia. Folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube birth defects when consumed in adequate amounts by women before and during early pregnancy. For this reason, the enrichment of cereal products with folic acid is compulsory in the USA.

Folates are found in a wide variety of foods. The richest sources are liver, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, wheat germ and yeast. Other sources are egg yolk, fortified cereal, milk and dairy products.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is needed primarily for the blood-clotting mechanism which prevents bleeding to death from cuts and wounds or internal bleeding.

The best plant sources of vitamin K are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce. Other sources include tomatoes, potatoes, oats, egg yolk, asparagus, butter and cheese.

Niacin

In the body, niacin is responsible for using the energy provided by food. Niacin is essential for growth and is involved in the production of hormones in the body.

Yeast, liver, poultry, lean meats, nuts and legumes contribute the largest amounts of niacin in food. Milk and green leafy vegetables contain smaller amounts.

Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid belongs to the group of B vitamins. It plays a key role in the maintenance and repair of all cells and tissues, the metabolism of fats and carbohydrate, and healthy skin and hair growth.

Pantothenic acid requires vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folic acid and biotin in order to function properly.

It is found in vegetables, liver, yeast extract, kidney, eggs, nuts and bread.

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