The Holidays are a wonderful time for most people. A time to get together with family and friends. However, for some people this Holiday is going to be a little less fun as they have no family near and all their friends will be with their families during the holidays. Whether it is a young couple who are spending their first Christmas away from home, an older person who is all alone for the holiday or a mother whose last child has left the nest, the holidays especially Christmas can be tinged with a bit of sadness. If you know someone whose Christmas will be less than bright why not help them chase the blues away by sending them a holiday gift basket.

Holiday gift baskets are more than a gift, they are a way of saying I love you, I’m thinking about you and I want to share the holidays with you. They are a way of telling those people who live far away that while there may be a thousand miles between you they are still in your heart and mind. Simply put they remind these people that although you are not together for the holidays they are still an important part of your life an unforgettable part.

Imagine that single young person or that just married couple who had to move miles away from family in order to find jobs working through the holiday season just to make ends meet. Then coming home at the end of the long day to their apartment and thoughts of other more cheery holidays surrounded by family and friends. They know that there will be another Christmas when they can make it home for the holidays but, this Christmas they are all on their own and feeling a little lonely and forgotten. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door and when they answer it they are presented with a beautiful Holiday gift basket of cookies and candy, fresh fruit or even a games basket to give them something to do on Christmas day. They suddenly feel special again and a part of the family they miss so much. They also feel a little less lonely and a little more like celebrating Christmas.

Just remember though someone doesn’t have to live far away in order to need cheering up. A holiday gift basket could help to chase the blues away for that elderly neighbor who lives next door or someone who has to work on Christmas. Think how much holiday gift baskets filled with great snacks would be appreciated by the nurses at the local hospital or those firefighters who are spending their Christmas on call at the firehouse. Not only is it a nice way to say thank you to them for being there for all who need them but, it can brighten their holiday and bring a little holiday cheer to their work place.

So Many To Choose From

There are so many holiday gift baskets to choose from it is actually quite simple to find the right gift basket for the right person or group of people to help brighten their holidays. With so many online sites to choose gift baskets from, you can easily find just about anything you want at a price you can afford. There are baskets that are filled with great snacks like sausages, cheese, spreads, fudge, popcorn and cookies. Fruit and nut baskets, baskets that include cider or baskets filled with assorted coffees and other favorites.

For singles and couples there are candle baskets, games baskets, movie lover baskets and book lover baskets and so much more.

What is even better is that by shopping on line you can comparison shop and get exactly the basket you want for the price you can afford. Some of these online shops even allow you to customize your own holiday gift baskets to ensure that you can give the exact gift basket you want to send and that the receiver will enjoy the most. Best of all, these gift baskets will be delivered right to their door or their place of work.

So, why not brighten the holidays for someone you love or want to thank and send them a beautiful and thoughtful holiday gift basket to help chase their blues away. It will help to make your own holidays brighter as well.

The LDS Youth live their lives of honor, trying daily to choose the right.  This they do because they believe.  This is reflected in the LDS Youth theme for 2011, “We believe.   They choose to stand in holy places like the LDS Temples, LDS Youth Acctivities and together.  In a Liahona article written in November of 2009, Micheal T. Ringwood wrote:

As I read this scripture during my personal study, it touched my heart deeply and caused me to reflect upon it for several weeks. I began to question if I found it easy to believe the word of God. And why was it easy for these Lamanite converts to believe? What happened to cause a people full of hatred and disbelief to have an easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God

We learn about the cause of this change during a most remarkable year. During the 62nd year of the reign of the judges, 8,000 Lamanites in Zarahemla were converted as Nephi and Lehi taught with power and authority and had what they should teach given unto them ). Three hundred others were converted through a miraculous experience in which they heard a voice that did pierce them to the very soul ). These 300 had gone forth to kill Nephi and Lehi as they sat in prison, but the 300 found themselves calling upon God when Aminadab, who was a former Nephite and dissenter from the Church, remembered and knew they should pray till they had faith in Christ ). Many more Lamanites were converted through the testimony of the 300 as they ministered unto the people, declaring what they had seen and heard ).

The account of the 62nd year ends with this statement: “All these things had happened and the Lamanites had become, the more part of them, a righteous people”

The quality of their conversion led these Lamanites to lay down their hatred for the Nephites and their weapons of war they were firm and steadfast in their faith ); they kept the commandments and walked in truth and uprightness (); and they grew in their knowledge of God ().

Yet most impressive to me was their easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God. This easiness and willingness to believe brought them the Spirit in great abundance and aided them to endure in faith to the end (

Sadly, during this same period of time, the more part of the Nephites became “hardened, impenitent, and grossly wicked”  see also ). The opposite of what the Lamanites were experiencing was happening to the Nephites. The hardness of their hearts led to a withdrawal of the Spirit ), while the softness of the hearts of the Lamanites led to an outpouring of the Spirit.

As I pondered what caused this mighty change in the hearts of these Lamanites, I came to realize this easiness and willingness to believe in the word of God comes from a softness of heart. It comes from having a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Ghost. It comes from having a heart that can love. It comes from having a heart that will make and keep sacred covenants. It comes from a soft heart that can feel the power of the Atonement of Christ. (Liahona, Nov. 2009)

Just like these men and women from the Book of Mormon, the youth of today have that same willingness to believe in the word of God.  They stand in holy places as they attend their local temples, go to church and improve their communities.  One youth when asked what it meant to stand in holy places commented to me,” I hope that when people stand by me they feel they are.”

Claddagh rings are regarded as some of the most beautiful, meaningful, and iconic jewelry designs in the entire world. The story behind the Claddagh design is what makes the ring the ultimate symbol of true love and friendship.

The Claddagh is a design with a raised design of two hands clasping a crowned heart, usually given as a token of love or friendship. Two hands to represent friendship, the crown signifies loyalty and lasting fidelity, and the sign of the heart symbolizes eternal love. While traditionally designed in rings, you can also find the design in pendants, pins, and even Claddagh earrings.

According to legend, Richard Joyce, a young man from Claddagh, Galway, was kidnapped while sailing to the West Indies. He was sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith who taught Joyce the skills of a master craftsman over many years. In 1689, King William III negotiated for the return of the slaves of the West Indies, and among those returned was Joyce. With him he brought a ring that he molded out of gold flecks he collected over the years. This ring, depicting two hands holding a crowned heart, was designed and crafted to be presented to Joyce’s true love, who had remained faithful to him over the years of separation. They were married and remained faithful to eachother for the rest of their lives.

Tradition states that the Claddagh ring is to be passed down from mother to daughter, symbolizing the ties between the past and present. Many emigrants who left Ireland departed with the clothes on their back and what little savings they had. The Claddagh ring became a symbol of Ireland and Irish ancestry. It is also tradition that a person must receive a claddagh ring as a gift, rather than purchasing it themself.

A Claddagh ring can be given as a sign of friendship, but it is also a popular design for Celtic engagement rings. Gold is commonly used, but silver, sterling silver, and white gold are also popular choices. The beauty of claddagh rings is that they complement other Celtic ring designs, such as knots and spirals, creating a singular look for engagement and wedding pairings.

The story of the Claddagh ring is one that continues to inspire lovers. It has become an iconic symbol of love and fidelity. Purchasing a claddagh ring or pendant from an Irish jeweler will help continue the legacy of the Royal Claddagh, and will ensure the heritage and legacy of this Irish tradition lasts.

LDS Temples have been constructed through out the earth and are now being built.  President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that those who have no access to the blessings of the LDS Temple are only in possesion of half of the gospel.  Now, with the increased presence of the Temples through out the earth these blessings are now more readily available to saints all over the earth. 

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught that Relief Society grew out of sisters’ desire to worship in temples:

“During the construction of the Kirtland Temple the women were called upon to grind their china into small particles to be mixed with the plaster used on the walls of the temple, which would catch the light of the sun and the moon and reflect that light to beautify the appearance of the building.

“In those times, when there was very little of money but an abundance of faith, the workmen gave of their strength and resources to the construction of the Lord’s house. The women supplied them with food, the best they could prepare. Edward W. Tullidge reported that while the women were sewing the temple veils, Joseph Smith, observing them, said, ‘Well, sisters, you are always on hand. The sisters are always first and foremost in all good works. Mary was first at the resurrection; and the sisters now are the first to work on the inside of the temple.’ …

“Again in Nauvoo, when the temple was under construction, a few women joined together to make shirts for the workmen. It was out of these circumstances that twenty of them gathered on Thursday, 17 March 1842, in the upper room of the Prophet’s store.”  In that space they formed the LDS Relief Socity that they might support the work of building the Nauvoo Temple.

The service that is given in the LDS Temples begins with the sacrifice that it takes to build them.  Donated funds support the building of LDS Temples and their maintenance.  But, the service being offered to our kindred dead is the ultimate service given.  There are those who have waited and are still waiting for their work to be done.  

“Through His prophets, the Lord invites those who have not yet received the blessings of the temple to do whatever may be necessary to qualify to receive them. He invites those who have already received these blessings to return as often as possible to enjoy again the experience, to increase their vision and understanding of His eternal plan.

“Let us be worthy to have a current temple recommend. Let us go to the temple to seal our families eternally. Let us return to the temple as often as our circumstances will permit. Let us give our kindred dead the opportunity to receive the ordinances of exaltation. Let us enjoy the spiritual strength and the revelation we receive as we attend the temple regularly. Let us be faithful and make and keep temple covenants to receive the full blessings of the Atonement.”1

Silvia H. Allred, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

Every LDS Family should be working together as hard as they can to serve the purposes of the LDS Temple. 

Busy, busy, busy that is the life of a physician with so many patients to monitor.  As a physician’s practice grows there are more and more patients with different needs to be looked after.  A phone recording device will become a necessary tool to help you keep track of each patient’s needs.  Do you want to be the best physician with a thriving practice? Do you want to be able to help your patients? But at the same time protect yourself from malpractice suits?

Monitoring and Communicating

In today’s electronic world, there is the EMR or the electronic medical records as one tool of protection from malpractice.  The EMR helps you by making it easier to check what medications the patient is currently taking and what had been taken in the past.  But for you to be able to check the EMR you would need a computer to do it.  Even with today’s new computers or internet connections you might still not be able to access the EMR as soon as you need or want it.  Take for example if you are driving on your way home and you are in a traffic jam, then your hospital calls you to ask for clarifications on medications that you had prescribed.  It will be difficult for you to open your laptop, find an internet connection and browse while driving at the same time.  This is where the phone recording device comes in handy.  It fits easily in your hand and you can operate it with one hand touch.  Its best feature yet is that you can review what instructions you have already given to the nursing staff of the hospital and add more information on it without destroying the original message.
 
Great communications with patients is the second protection.  According to lawyers, judges and insurance companies a physician who can communicate fully with his patient will help keep them out of malpractice suits.  Their willingness to take the time to talk to patients in simple easy to understand words will be a big help.  Most of us have already experienced what it is like to be sick and not be able to determine what to do next.  Being in the company of a physician who takes the time to explain to you what is happening, why you are having these symptoms and what can you do to improve your condition is like someone who has your back all the time.

According to research, breakdown in communication, combined with failure to consult or to do enough research are the two areas with the most malpractice suits. Jerry I Meyes, who specializes in medical malpractice cases, said that the failure to communicate — between doctors and patients, doctors and other doctors and doctors and nurses – leads to diagnostic errors and a lot of patient dissatisfaction. In Pennsylvania the #1 reason doctors were sued is because of failure to communicate during the initial interview or in the evaluation of patients. 

Lori Bartholomew, acting director of governmental relations and research for the Pennsylvania Medical Society Liability Insurance Co. said that one of the best example of a communication problem is the “take two aspirin and call me in the morning.”  This is an advice from some physicians, given over the telephone without really listening to what a patient is calling about.

Malpractice Protection

Using these two tools properly will help you from being sued for malpractice.  First, use the EMR when you are in the office will be a big help in monitoring your patients charts.  Second, use the phone recording device with the conversations with your patients and it will later help save you from malpractice suits.  Another great feature of the phone recorder is that it can also be used to dictate notes to yourself since it gives the highest quality digital sound. The knowledge that you yourself will need to give it your best to discover how to help your patient every time the phone rings is a necessary too for you. In the end, having great communications skills and the phone recorder will help you save lives and your life as well.

Women’s scarves and how to clean. A silk scarf is a fashion accessory to make a different fashion statement everyday. It not only makes you look trendy, but it is also pocket-friendly. But do you know how to care for these beautiful and adorable pieces of silk women’s scarves? After all, wearing them to market or office or just anywhere will make them greasy and dirty. So, let’s see what you should do to keep your silk scarfs clean and shining.

The common method of cleaning any silk garment is to give it to the nearest dry cleaning shop.

(Which we recommend highly if there is ANY doubt to the outcome of your cleaning efforts!)  However, if that is too expensive for you, you can consider other options too. Moreover, getting your silk pieces dry cleaned every now and then might make it lose its sheen and grace. So, to preserve its color and shine, you might like to go for exploring other cleaning options.   For cleaning your women’s scarves, you will need almost half a cup of while vinegar along with one tablespoon of table salt and any good quality dishwashing detergent. An important thing worth consideration is that before you proceed towards cleaning your precious silk pieces, you must test the detergent on a small corner of the fabric to ensure that the color does not fade.

Washing such an accessory might prove to be a challenging task for you as the fabric is really delicate and soft. So, it might get damaged in the process. So, if you see any change in the color, then it is better to go for some delicate washing detergent especially meant for silks or delicate clothing.  After this, you need to make a watery solution using one cap of any good quality washing detergent and one tablespoon of table salt (common salt). Mix these well and dip it in this solution for nearly 2-3 minutes. Salt will help to prevent the color from fading and your silk scarf will maintain its original colors after the wash.

Drain the excess water from the fabric and thoroughly rinse it in cold water several times till you it is free from detergent solution.

Then follow the procedure of maintaining shine of your silk scarfs. After all, washing is going to take away some of its original grace. So, to help your fabulous accessory regain its shine, rinse the garment in half a bucket of water to which half cup of white vinegar has been added.   Follow with a rinse in cold water. You will be delighted to see that your silk scarf is brightening like never before. Do not use any bleach on it as it can be really damaging for this delicate piece of clothing. Bleach can result in bleeding of the color of scarfs and weaken the fabric. White vinegar is a best alternative for cleaning the scarf.  During the cleaning of your silk women’s scarves, you might find that the color of the fabric at some places runs into other parts causing stains on it. Stay cool and spread the fabric on a smooth surface. Then, pour some boiling water on the stained portion of the garment. You will see that all the stains will go away.

Avoid using this technique if any color overlaps with other colors in the scarf.

Now, you need a clean towel to squeeze extra water from the item. Be gentle while rolling it in the towel. After this, unroll the garment and spread it on another towel to let it dry. By following the above tips, you can easily clean your silk scarfs and use them to add color and zest to any of your outfit.

Finding the perfect women’s scarves! A women’s scarf will never go out of fashion. It is a well-loved accessory especially by women. It makes a wardrobe more eye-catching, and a simple outfit into a stunning and upbeat fashion statement. If you are fond of watching fashion shows you will observe the different styles and ways of using scarves.  Whether it is long or short women’s scarves, made of silk or wool, it plays a big role in making an outfit fabulous. Each wardrobe can be matched with a perfect scarf. In order to be a part of the in crowd, one has to know the latest styles of scarves. Here are a few women’s scarf styles and types that made it big in the fashion world.

The aviator women’s scarf is a long scarf made of silk. It is said to possess a romantic and luxurious image. This is popular among race car drivers and motorists. This was popularized by flying legend Amelia Earhart. Hand-knitted wool women’s scarves are also one of the must-haves scarves because of the warm and comfort that its texture can bring.

Asian countries like China and Indonesia are big manufacturers of this product. They usually produce silks, wool, cashmere, pashmina and fleece types. Most runway models use silk scarves as belt, head wrap and sash. Before, silk scarves were only used in countries having warm climate. Later on, a big number of silk designs led scarves into the fashion arena.

Silk from China and Thailand are considered to be the best quality. That is why they were easily recognized by top fashion houses all over the world. This and cashmere types are widely used today because they look nice along with leather jacket, denim jacket, suit, coat or sweater. Even men are fan of these scarves.  Cotton types of scarf are also perfect because of their breathable nature. It is also hypoallergenic and soft even for the most delicate skin. Because of its durability, it is suitable for various garments. Lace women’s scarves which are made of silk, linen, gold and silver threads also make a perfect women’s scarf.  Chenille types are made from cotton but can include acrylic, rayon and olefin fibers. This is produced by the cored texture. This is usually used for knitwear, scarves, gloves and hats. This can give warmth and coziness. Its natural iridescence creates rich and shimmering colors that add brightness to any outfit.

Chiffon women’s scarf and drapes are also popular due to the light floating characteristic of the fabric. Chiffon is made of silk. However, it can also be produced from cotton, rayon and various blended fibers. This is a sheer fabric, plain woven from high twist crepe yarns. Chiffon types are ideal with evening wear and blouses.

The cashmere scarf is a perfect accessory for traveling because of the warmth that it can give. The Oriental silk or cashmere scarves are made of 100% silk or cashmere that is why they possess this soft and smooth feel. Aside from its unique Oriental calligraphy, they are double-sided, that’s why they can be worn either with the front-side or reverse-side whichever way you see matches your wardrobe.  Though a women’s scarf can be versatile and usable at any time you want, know what you are buying, what you need and what makes you beautiful.

Why do sweethearts or lovers need telephone recorders? Well it is definitely not only for romance but it is also to keep those precious moments eternally recorded in digital format as well as save marriages from unnecessary arguments.  Are you getting married? Are you celebrating your 25th wedding anniversary in a few months or years? Do you want to keep records of the special words and beautiful romantic moments in your courtship? Well then look no further for the tools that you can use because telephone recorders are just the tool that you need.

He said and She said
Remembering who said what and when can be tricky.  Sometimes we only hear what we want to hear and remember what we want to remember.  With phone recorders it will not be necessary to rack your brains to know who said what.  You just replay the recorder and presto you have the answer.  You can even call your wife and give her a detailed instruction on how to fix a light bulb and she will not be calling you back every five (5) minutes to ask what’s next.   This will be a great help especially for stay at home moms.  It will also be a great help when the wife asks the husband to buy something from the store on his way home.  The phone recorders can help eliminate many arguments about having the husband buy the wrong thing.

It Keeps the Romance Alive
In all relationships it is not only filled with happiness but with troubles as well.  As many experts in the field of relationship would say, the best way to forget your troubles is to remember the happy moments.  Build as many happy moments so that when the time trouble and sadness comes you will have enough memory of better moments that it will help you get through the sad ones.  Keeping records of your precious moments in digital format will help you keep the love alive. 

Records precious moments
Telephone recorders can help you keep tract of the sweet things you have said and received.  You can play it back without having to worry about loosing any data.  It is also easy to download into your computer and it can even easily be converted into wav files.  You can later convert it into mp3 or mp4 and burn it into a CD so that you can listen to it in your car while driving.  When you save your files you can even add more recordings to the original file without affecting it.  It is easy to use and you can listen to the recording while at the same time searching for the next message.  Best of all it can record up to 133 hours of talk time.

Something to Share with Your Future Family
When I was still a child, one of my assignments in school was to interview my parents on how they met and what led them to get married.  My parents’ courtship was both interesting and funny and my Mom was happy to share it with me.  This year on December my parents will celebrate their 45th year wedding anniversary.  It would have been nice to have had a recording of their romance.  In this day and age when divorce is almost considered a norm and not the exception, we always wonder what relationship secrets these people who were able to maintain their romance even after 40 years or more have.  When you look at my parents today, you can still see the love and respect that they have for each other.  If they are away from each other, they would call each other everyday.  If only they had telephone recorders 40 years ago, I am sure that my Dad would have bought it because keeping records of family history is the best legacy that he can give to his children and grandchildren.  After all without the romance between them I would not be around today.

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!