Gingerbread and cranberry muffins

Make the batter a day or two ahead, then simply scoop them out in the morning and bake. The deep ginger and molasses flavor sings of Christmas and the tart, sweet cranberries add to the festive flavor.

By Perre Coleman Magness,?The Runaway Spoon / December 24, 2012

The deep ginger and molasses flavor sings of Christmas and the tart, sweet cranberries add to the festive flavor. Smooth the warm muffins with a bit of egg nog butter.

The Runaway Spoon

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Everyone is up earlier than any other day of the year to see what?s under the tree. Wrapping paper ripping, bows flying, boxes everywhere. And somewhere in there, folks get hungry. Just a nibble before the big celebration. Something special, but simple. There?s just too much going on to whip up a gourmet feast. And the cookies Santa left behind just won?t do.

Skip to next paragraph Perre Coleman Magness

The Runaway Spoon

Perre Magness has studied food and cooking around the world, mostly by eating, but also through serious study. Coursework at Le Cordon Bleu London and intensive courses in Morocco, Thailand and France has broadened her own culinary skill and palate. The kitchen of choice is at home, cooking like most people, experimenting with unique but practical ideas.

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I?ve been making versions of this type of muffin for years, and decided it was finally time to work out a Christmas version. Because these are the perfect treat for a crazy, busy morning. Make the batter a day or two ahead, then simply scoop them out in the morning and bake. The deep ginger and molasses flavor sings of Christmas and the tart, sweet cranberries add to the festive flavor. I love the added hit of candied ginger, but feel free to leave them out or substitute raisins or nuts.

These muffins are delicious straight up, spread with a little plain butter or some cranberry jam if you happen to have any around. But add this nutmeg-y butter with the flavor of eggnog to add to the holiday spirit. Make it ahead, too, even a double batch for toast or waffles.

Merry Morning Muffins with Eggnog Butter (Overnight Gingerbread and Cranberry Muffins)

Makes 12 muffins

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs

1-3/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon warm water

1 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup crystallized ginger pieces

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.? Beat in the molasses, then add the eggs one at a time, beating until combined.

Sift the flour and spices together and beat into the batter, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the batter is just mixed. Dissolve the baking soda in the warm water in a small dish, then mix into the batter.? Stir in the cranberries and ginger until they are distributed throughout.

At this point, the batter can be refrigerated for up to two days, tightly covered.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 12 muffin cups and divide the batter among them equally.? Bake for 15 ? 20 minutes until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.? Cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out on to a wire rack to cool.

For the Butter:

Makes 1/2 cup

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

2 tablespoons confectioners? sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Beat the butter and confectioners? sugar together until light and fluffy.? Beat in the vanilla and nutmeg until combined and smooth.? Scoop into a small bowl, cover and refrigerate until firm.

The butter can be made up to a week ahead.

Related post on The Runaway Spoon: Oatmeal Get Up and Go Muffins

The Christian Science Monitor has assembled a diverse group of food bloggers. Our guest bloggers are not employed or directed by The Monitor and the views expressed are the bloggers' own and they are responsible for the content of their blogs and their recipes. All readers are free to make ingredient substitutions to satisfy their dietary preferences, including not using wine (or substituting cooking wine) when a recipe calls for it. To contact us about a blogger, click here.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/csm/~3/cbralBC-Z3g/Gingerbread-and-cranberry-muffins

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Study: Blood transfusion associated with increased risk of death for patients with heart attack

[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 24-Dec-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: David Orenstein
David_Orenstein@brown.edu
401-863-1862
JAMA and Archives Journals

CHICAGO A meta-analysis of 10 studies suggests that receipt of a blood transfusion among patients with myocardial infarction (heart attack) was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared with not receiving a blood transfusion during heart attack, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.

Therapeutic measures including anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs have "revolutionized" the approach to acute coronary syndrome and improved clinical outcomes. However, some of these therapies may also increase the risk for bleeding, which can lead to patients developing anemia during their hospital stay and requiring blood transfusion, according to the study background.

Saurav Chatterjee, M.D., of Brown University and Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Rhode Island, and colleagues conducted a review of studies published between January 1966 and March 2012. Ten studies, including 203,665 participants, were selected for analysis. Only one study was a randomized trial, while the others were observational studies.

"Analyses of blood transfusion in myocardial infarction revealed increased all-cause mortality associated with a strategy of blood transfusion vs. no blood transfusion during myocardial infarction (18.2 percent vs. 10.2 percent), with a weighted absolute risk increase of 12 percent," the authors comment.

Other statistical analyses suggest that blood transfusion was associated with a higher risk for mortality independent of baseline hemoglobin level, nadir hemoglobin level and change in hemoglobin level during the hospital stay. Blood transfusion also appeared to be associated with a higher risk for subsequent myocardial infarction (risk ratio, 2.04), according to the study results.

"In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that rates of all-cause mortality and subsequent myocardial infarction are significantly higher in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving blood transfusion. Additional outcomes data are needed from randomized clinical trials that investigate important outcomes with adequate sample size and with low risk for bias," the authors conclude. (Arch Intern Med. Published online December 24, 2012. doi:10.1001/2013.jamainternmed.1001. Available pre-embargo to the media at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Commentary: Blood Transfusions, Death and Heart Attack

In a related commentary, Jeffrey L. Carson, M.D., of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, and Paul C. Hbert, M.D., of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada, write: "Do blood transfusions kill more patients with an acute myocardial infarction than anemia? Chatterjee and colleagues would have you believe that they do. We remain unconvinced."

"What might we take away from this systematic review? The authors remind us that patients with an acute myocardial infarction are often anemic and receive red blood cell transfusion. However, because of its many limitations, as physicians, we should not use the results of this review to justify or limit the use of red blood cells," they continue.

"For researchers and decision makers, we can now appreciate how little reliable information is available to inform clinical and policy decisions involving red blood cell transfusions in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Given that real risks and potential benefits exist as to how we choose to use the valuable resource of blood transfusion, we believe that high-quality research is long overdue," they conclude. (Arch Intern Med. Published online December 24, 2012. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2855. Available pre-embargo to the media at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor's Note: Both authors made conflict of interest disclosures because they have applied for research funding to support a trial to evaluate transfusion thresholds in patients with acute coronary syndrome. One author also disclosed grant support to his institution and his work as a consultant. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

###

For more information, contact JAMA Network Media Relations at 312-464-JAMA (5262) or email mediarelations@jamanetwork.org.



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?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 24-Dec-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: David Orenstein
David_Orenstein@brown.edu
401-863-1862
JAMA and Archives Journals

CHICAGO A meta-analysis of 10 studies suggests that receipt of a blood transfusion among patients with myocardial infarction (heart attack) was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared with not receiving a blood transfusion during heart attack, according to a report published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.

Therapeutic measures including anticoagulation and antiplatelet drugs have "revolutionized" the approach to acute coronary syndrome and improved clinical outcomes. However, some of these therapies may also increase the risk for bleeding, which can lead to patients developing anemia during their hospital stay and requiring blood transfusion, according to the study background.

Saurav Chatterjee, M.D., of Brown University and Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Rhode Island, and colleagues conducted a review of studies published between January 1966 and March 2012. Ten studies, including 203,665 participants, were selected for analysis. Only one study was a randomized trial, while the others were observational studies.

"Analyses of blood transfusion in myocardial infarction revealed increased all-cause mortality associated with a strategy of blood transfusion vs. no blood transfusion during myocardial infarction (18.2 percent vs. 10.2 percent), with a weighted absolute risk increase of 12 percent," the authors comment.

Other statistical analyses suggest that blood transfusion was associated with a higher risk for mortality independent of baseline hemoglobin level, nadir hemoglobin level and change in hemoglobin level during the hospital stay. Blood transfusion also appeared to be associated with a higher risk for subsequent myocardial infarction (risk ratio, 2.04), according to the study results.

"In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence that rates of all-cause mortality and subsequent myocardial infarction are significantly higher in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving blood transfusion. Additional outcomes data are needed from randomized clinical trials that investigate important outcomes with adequate sample size and with low risk for bias," the authors conclude. (Arch Intern Med. Published online December 24, 2012. doi:10.1001/2013.jamainternmed.1001. Available pre-embargo to the media at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Commentary: Blood Transfusions, Death and Heart Attack

In a related commentary, Jeffrey L. Carson, M.D., of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, and Paul C. Hbert, M.D., of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada, write: "Do blood transfusions kill more patients with an acute myocardial infarction than anemia? Chatterjee and colleagues would have you believe that they do. We remain unconvinced."

"What might we take away from this systematic review? The authors remind us that patients with an acute myocardial infarction are often anemic and receive red blood cell transfusion. However, because of its many limitations, as physicians, we should not use the results of this review to justify or limit the use of red blood cells," they continue.

"For researchers and decision makers, we can now appreciate how little reliable information is available to inform clinical and policy decisions involving red blood cell transfusions in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Given that real risks and potential benefits exist as to how we choose to use the valuable resource of blood transfusion, we believe that high-quality research is long overdue," they conclude. (Arch Intern Med. Published online December 24, 2012. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.2855. Available pre-embargo to the media at http://media.jamanetwork.com.)

Editor's Note: Both authors made conflict of interest disclosures because they have applied for research funding to support a trial to evaluate transfusion thresholds in patients with acute coronary syndrome. One author also disclosed grant support to his institution and his work as a consultant. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

###

For more information, contact JAMA Network Media Relations at 312-464-JAMA (5262) or email mediarelations@jamanetwork.org.



[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-12/jaaj-sbt122012.php

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Global Finance School Learning Center 1.0 free download ...

GLOBAL FINANCE SCHOOL LEARNING CENTER OVERVIEW

Learn finance the easy way, with Global Finance School's Learning Center.

Global Finance School, an upcoming dominant provider of financial education for beginners, launches a brand new digital platform for self-learning of investments, economics and finance, for a free download:
http://gfs.am/free.

Global Finance School's new platform enables students and individuals seeking self- or job-improvement easy and fast access to a rich database of interactive courses in finance. These courses, until recently only available by streaming, are suitable for beginners in the field - each new term is carefully defined using straightforward language, examples and illustrations. They're also self-paced, giving the students the flexibility to learn whenever they please, flip back and forth, or even stop mid-lesson to continue later. The learning experience is enhanced by entertaining videos and weblinks to relevant real-life events. Learn more here: http://gfs.am/interactive-courses.

The new application makes learning finance simpler than ever. After a short login at start up, the user gets immediate access to purchased courses, which are available even when not connected to the internet - therefore perfect to study while traveling. The app includes individual completion rates per course, even per lesson, to help keep track of progress; as well as graded quizzes and a total mark for each course. It features in-app purchase of additional courses using a PayPal account - the purchased courses will be immediately downloaded and become available with no time limit, even offline.

About Global Finance School
Global Finance School's goal is to provide straightforward, accessible financial education for people of any age or background. Teams of dedicated professionals break down complicated financial subjects and bring them to life, using simple explanations, interactive elements and links to real-life events. Learn more at GlobalFinanceSchool.com.

Source: http://www.freshshare.com/Home-Education/Teaching-Tools/global-finance-school-learning-center-download-52777.htm

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Memory Box Christmas Tags - Society of Stampaholics

I like to make my own Christmas tags, and we save them from year to year, so it's reaching the point where we have some real variety when we pick and choose which tag we want for the gift we're wrapping. But you can never have too many tags, in my opinion!

When I first saw Memory Box's Eyelet Stocking die (98416), my brain immediately screamed, "Gift Tag! Gift Tag!"

It was really easy to make these tags while watching holiday classics like Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone. If you've got this die and are planning on watching some films, go ahead and turn it into a family craft project - we had a blast!

I didn't even stamp on these (with the exception of the first tag); The focus her is on patterned paper, accents, and ribbon. I apologize for the poorly lit photos ?- just haven't been able to get any decent light lately.

Blue-Snowflakes

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: Water, Grey cardstock; Martha Stewart ribbon; Memento ink; snowflake stamp ?

Stars
All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: Wassail cardstock; Tinsel patterned paper; Martha Stewart ribbon; Recollections stars

Orange-Gigi

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: Ivory cardstock; Yuletide patterned paper; American Craft ribbon; Mark Richards gems; Ranger Liquid Pearls; Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type stickers

Snowflake-2

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: Wassail cardstock; Tinsel patterned paper; American Craft velevet rickrack ribbon; Paper Studio snowflake brad; Hero Arts gem

Rose-2

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: white cardstock; Yuletide patterned paper; K&I ribbon;?Recollections flower, Paper Studio silver rosette sticker ?

Candy-Canes-2

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: peapod cardstock; Yuletide patterened paper; Ranger Tinsel Twine; Making Memories brads; gems?

? Red-Pearls

All supplies are from Memory Box unless otherwise noted: white cardstock; Yuletide patterned paper; Martha Stewart, Offray ribbon; Paper Studio rosette sticker; red pearls

B A S I C ? I N S T R U C T I O N S

  1. Cut stocking from patterned paper (1) and matching cardstock (2). (Blue and gray tag requires 2 water cardstock stockings and 1 grey cardstock stocking.)?
  2. Horizontally score one of the cardstock stockings about .5" from the top of the stocking and bend it back on the fold. Write your TO and FROM info on the front, then?adhere the cardstocking stocking beneath the patterned paper stocking. (Keep your adhesive above the score line.)?
  3. Use a 1 3/8" circle punch to cut the toe and heel from the second cardstock stocking.
  4. (For blue and grey stocking, stamp snowflakes on stocking.)
  5. Adhere toe and heel "patches" to the patterned paper stocking.
  6. Cut eyelet stocking topper from cardstock.
  7. (Where applicable, wrap ribbon around stocking topper and adhere to stocking.)?
  8. Adhere accents, brads, etc to stocking and topper.
  9. (For dark snowflake stocking, dot liquid pearls in center of each snowflake.)

T I P

Once you cut the heel and tip from the stocking, line it up on your work surface with the stockign from which it was cut. This helps you to know which way to glue the bits on to the patterned paper.

Sock-Bits

Thanks for stopping and have a blessed day!

Source: http://dominodebi.typepad.com/sos/2012/12/memory-box-christmas-tags.html

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Syria activists: Several die after Assad's forces use 'poisonous gases ...

By Ayman Mohyeldin, NBC News

CAIRO -- Several Syrians have died after inhaling poisonous gas released by government forces in rebel-held districts of Homs, local eyewitnesses and activists claimed Monday.

Civilians were admitted to hospital with serious breathing problems after Sunday?s attack, according to doctors and groups who posted what they said was video of the aftermath to YouTube.

The gas is thought to have been a concentrated irritant, but not one of the deadly chemical weapons stockpiled by the regime of Syria president Bashar Assad.

Claims by either side in Syria?s bitter civil war are almost impossible to independently verify because journalists are rarely allowed access to the country.

Pesticide poisoning?
Mousab Azzawi, chairman of the London-based Syrian Network for Human Rights and a doctor, told NBC News that his organization had received reports from three eyewitnesses on Sunday.

He said field doctors in Homs were seeing patients ?losing consciousness, experiencing severe shortness of breath and vomiting.?

?To our understanding, this is similar to poisoning with pesticide,? he said, although he was not aware of any pesticide that could take the form of a gas.

Airstrike kills dozens of Syrians trying to buy bread, activists say

Azzawi added that they were ?very concerned and deeply worried? that the attack might be a sign that Assad?s regime might use chemical weapons ?on a very small scale.?

Walid Fares, spokesman for the Homs Revolutionary Council -- part of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, the umbrella organization recognized by more than 100 countries including the United States -- issued a statement to NBC News on Monday.

It said ?poisonous gases? came from shells fired by government tanks in the districts of Al Bayada and Al Khalideya.

In Syria's Aleppo, 'We're starving. I can bear it but what about my children?'

?The shells did not explode but rather emitted a cloud of white smoke and it landed in residential areas? where revolutionaries had gathered and which led to tens being injured,? the statement said.

It said symptoms included ?complete absence of vision? as well as nausea, lost consciousness and severe breathing difficulty.

?The initial analysis of the doctors in the hospital confirmed that it is a poisonous gas that contains banned substances,? the statement added, citing videos that claimed to show patients being treated.

'This isn't the first time'
It said there were seven deaths as of early Monday - naming six of the victims - and close to 50 injured.

A third group, the Local Coordination Committees - a network of local opposition councils across Syria - told NBC News: "The LCC has not yet confirmed what the substance was, but doctors in Homs are confirming the use of toxic gases. This isn't the first time; residents of Homs and Zabadani were reporting the use (confirmed) of white phosphorus months ago.?

Two YouTube videos showed patients being treated in hospital for the symptoms of a gas attack. In one, a doctor says in Arabic that the gas is ?definitely not Sarin? but is ?definitely? poisonous.

US officials:?Syria loads chemical weapons into bombs; military awaits Assad's order

Earlier this month, President Barack Obama warned Assad that the use of chemical weapons by his regime would be "totally unacceptable." "If you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons there will be consequences and you will be held accountable," he said.

The alleged gas attack came hours after a senior Israeli defense official said he believed Syria's chemical weapons were still secure despite the civil war.

Watch World News videos on NBCNews.com

Amos Gilad told Army Radio that the both sides had become deadlocked but there was no sign of Assad heeding international calls to step down, according to a Reuters report.

"Suppose he does leave, there could be chaos ... in the Middle East you never know who will come instead. We need to stay level-headed; the entire world is dealing with this. At the moment, chemical weapons are under control," Gilad said.

Reuters contributed to this report.

More world stories from NBC News:

Follow World News from NBCNews.com on Twitter and Facebook

Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/24/16127090-syria-activists-several-die-after-assads-forces-use-poisonous-gases

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Self-Compassion is More Important to Success than Self-Esteem

Self-Compassion is More Important to Success than Self-Esteem Being proud of your work and showing some self-esteem and confidence will get you a long way in life, but at the office, sometimes it's the ability to forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes that's more valuable than pure ego. Self-compassion can help you learn and grow, which is key to succeeding in any career.

Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson, of the Columbia University Business School, explains in a post at The Harvard Business Review that self-esteem is less valuable to your career or professional success than the ability to really learn from your mistakes and forgive yourself for making them:

A growing body of research, including new studies by Berkeley's Juliana Breines and Serena Chen, suggest that self-compassion, rather than self-esteem, may be the key to unlocking your true potential for greatness.

Now, I know that some of you are already skeptical about a term like "self-compassion." But this is a scientific, data-driven argument - not feel-good pop psychology. So hang in there and keep an open mind.

Self-compassion is a willingness to look at your own mistakes and shortcomings with kindness and understanding - it's embracing the fact that to err is indeed human. When you are self-compassionate in the face of difficulty, you neither judge yourself harshly, nor feel the need to defensively focus on all your awesome qualities to protect your ego. It's not surprising that self-compassion leads, as many studies show, to higher levels of personal well-being, optimism and happiness, and to less anxiety and depression.

Ultimately, her point is that you're more likely to succeed if you're willing to see your own weaknesses as changeable things you can correct, understand when you're making a mistake or when you're told you're in error, and move on committed to learning and improving. Everyone makes mistakes, Dr. Halvorson explains, but the truly successful people learn and move on precisely because they know how to forgive themselves first.

To Succeed, Forget Self-Esteem | Harvard Business Review via The Mistake Bank

Photo by Neil T.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/AdK98fhlUuU/self+compassion-is-more-important-to-success-than-self+esteem

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Pocket Warmers That Make An Easy And Inexpensive Stocking Stuffer

  • Leather Pouch

    A one-of-a-kind gift that only costs $15 to make.

  • Collegiate Scarf

    Forget the college bookstore -- you won't even need to leave home to make this spirited gift.

  • Shower Curtain

    This hand-embroidered shower curtain will turn any bathroom into a fun and relaxing oasis.

  • Instagram Cards

    Bring memories to life by turning Instagram photos into a very personal greeting card set.

  • Fabric Scrap Keychains

    These keychains make inexpensive stocking stuffers.

  • Animal Bookends

    Brighten up a bookshelf with these fun and colorful bookends.

  • Wool Throw Blankets

    A great way to stay warm and cozy this winter!

  • Typographic Coasters

    A great gift for anyone who has an opinion on Helvetica vs Times New Roman.

  • Altoid Tin Toolbox

    This mini toolbox is the perfect place to store nails, screws and other small hardware.

  • Heart-Shaped Potholders

    The perfect gift for the hostess with the mostess.

  • iPhone Book Dock

    A decorative way to hold and charge your smartphone.

  • Neckties For Men

    Give him something he will actually use.

  • Monogrammed Mugs

    A great way to personalize a practical item.

  • Icy Treat Cell Phone Holders

    These cute popsicles and ice cream sandwiches will help you stay organized.

  • Pantone Chip Magnets

    A colorful gift any artsy friend would love.

  • Confetti-Sprinkled Napkins

    A great gift to give the frequent entertainer on your list.

  • Paint-Splattered Umbrella

    Brighten up a rainy day with a neon umbrella.

  • Knitted Coasters

    Practice knitting squares make for a perfect set of coasters.

  • Washi Tape Journals

    The perfect gift for the writer on your list.

  • Monogrammed Soaps

    This gift is really easy to personalize.

  • Paper Doll Kit

    Give a gift that any creative and crafty kid would adore!

  • His And Hers Pillowcases

    These his and hers pillowcases are perfect for any couple sharing an apartment or moving into their first home together!

  • Kindle Case

    Any e-reader owner will love this one-of-a-kind case.

  • Neon Coiled Bowls

    Fill these bowls with something they love to make this the ultimate gift.

  • Chic Luggage Tag

    This personalized fabric tag is perfect for the jet-setter on your list.

  • Placemat Clutch

    Turn a funky-patterned placemat into a one-of-a-kind fashion accessory for the fashionista on your list.

  • Wristlet Key Fobs

    A cute and customized ribbon key fob to carry their keys.

  • Make Embellished Dishtowels

    Their kitchen will look brighter with these pretty, embellished dish towels.

  • Photo Collage Star

    Make a decorative photo collage with meaningful photos for the recipient.

  • DIY Cocktail Ring

    Use an old costume earring or button to create a fancy (and inexpensive!) ring. Perfect for someone who loves fun and unique jewelry.

  • Paint Swirl Vases

    Give the gift of funky home decor with these swirled vases.

  • Keyboard Message

    Use old keys from a keyboard to create a personalized gift with a meaningful message.

  • Marbled Drinking Glasses

    Use nail polish to give plain glassware a pop of color. Perfect for a friend with a new home or apartment.

  • Reversible Apron

    Give your favorite hostess a new kitchen accessory: this cute reversible apron.

  • Coffee Cozy

    Help the coffee fiend on your list go green with a reusable coffee sleeve.

  • Felt Phone Case

    This pretty felt case is a personalized way to keep their phone safe.

  • Pet Dishes

    Know someone with a new pet? Create these personalized pet dishes by using a simple wood burning tool.

  • Canvas Portrait

    Turn a photo into beautiful canvas wall art that doubles as a very meaningful gift.

  • Tablet Case

    Create this case for any of your techie friends.

  • Instagram Calendar

    This personalized calendar is an awesome way to display some of the recipient's most memorable moments.

  • Emergency Zippered Pouch

    This zippered pouch is both cute and useful. The perfect stocking stuffer!

  • Geode Bottle Stoppers

    These pretty bottle stoppers are a great gift for anyone on your list who loves to entertain.

  • Floppy Disk Planters

    Repurpose old floppy disks into a fun planter to make an awesome green gift.

  • Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/23/homemade-gift-idea-pocket-warmer_n_2346749.html

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    Best Games Consoles For Children | Computer and Gadgets Review

    You cannot be too early to start Christmas shopping, especially with children at home. Adults like to have the latest electronic gadgets and children are the same. This is a review of the best children games consoles for Christmas 2012.

    LeapPad: Leap Frog LeapPads resemble large smartphones or computer tablets. They?re built tough and should hold up to most drops and spills, but they aren?t so big that children can?t get a good grasp on them. This toy has a touch screen and more than 300 game cartridges and downloadable apps are available. Each game and app has an additional cost (one of the downsides), but kids will be limited to a small amount of games and the console itself should keep up with a growing child. The recommended ages are 3 years to 9 years.

    Leapster 2: The Leapster 2 looks more like a video game but still has most of the same features as a LeapPad. It?s less advanced and mostly uses cartridge games, but is ideal for younger children who also want to have a hand held video game system. These are less expensive units, costing about $50, and are ideal for toddler and even older children up to about age 8.

    Nintendo 3DS: The Nintendo 3DS resembles the older DS Lite, but with new console colors and the awesome 3D screen. The best thing about this little game is that you do not need 3D glasses to see the 3D images and most DS games will work in the new console, even if they do not display 3D images. The level of 3D display can be changed or turned off and there is also a lock to prevent children from altering the settings. This game is perfect for children aged 5 to adult.

    Nintendo Wii: The Nintendo Wii has been out for a few years now and has quite a few accessories that kids can use to feel as if they are inside the game. Along with the controllers there are nun-chucks, steering wheels, sports equipment and balance boards. One of the new games, Skylanders, incorporates tiny figurines that are placed on a magic portal and magically appear in the game. The main drawback to this console is that it cannot play DVDs or music CDs. This console is best for ages 7 and up.

    Nintendo Wii U: The Wii U is the most up and coming video game console accessory, and it will be in hot demand come Christmas. The device basically looks like a computer tablet and allows you to play Wii games on the screen instead of on your TV and get different views and game play choices with existing Wii games. It is believed that it will come out in November and the price will be about $250.

    PS Vita: The Vita is like combination tablet and video game console. It has 3G service, WiFi, cameras, touch screen, front and back control pad and the ability to link the Vita to your PS3. You can start a game on your PS3, then start it up again on the portable PS Vita. The screen and resolution quality are very good, much like a mini LED TV. The console costs $250 and up, and the games cost about $40 to $50 each. Because the game and accessories are costly, and the game is a little bit more delicate, this gift is ideal for ages 14 to adult.

    PS3: The PS3 has great graphics and is really geared toward older children and adults who really like to make the most of their gaming experience. With Playstation Move, you can also play motion sensor games and take advantage of more interactive play. Not only are you able to play games, the PS3 can also be used to play CDs, DVDs and Blu Ray discs. ?The console, games and accessories are generally more expensive than those of the Wii or Xbox Kinect, but you also get better picture quality and more versatility. This is a perfect gift for people 12 years and up.

    Xbox 360 with Kinect: The Kinect offers numerous games that children can play, completely controlled by motion and not requiring a controller. For adults, there are fitness games and virtual personal trainers. Just like the Wii, the Xbox 360 with Kinect is perfect for the whole family, but it also caters to hardcore gamers too.

    Now that you have read about the best games consoles for Christmas 2012, you can keep your eyes out for sales and package bundles for this holiday season. It?s never to early to start Christmas shopping for your children, or any other video game lover on your list, especially when it comes to the hottest new releases (like the LeapPad 2 or Wii U) that may even sell out.

    Source: http://pentassoft.com/best-games-consoles-for-children.html

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    Buying a Condo - Zillow Real Estate Advice

    I am assuming you live in Chartsworth, Californa. California has a boat load of disclosuers that the Seller needs to?give the Buyer including but not limited to?Earthquake Book, Lead Book, Lead Disclosuer, Zone Disclosuers, etc. A Realtor will have these forms,?disclosuer items, and more that the Seller will fill out and give to the buyer. They will also be up on the current?smoke detector. water heater bracing,?and CO detector information.?

    Good Luck on the transaction from San Diego, CA DRE 01135464

    Source: http://www.zillow.com/advice-thread/Buying-a-Condo/472030/

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