The Persian Oriental Rug You Buy May Not Be Able to Fly, But They Look Stunning in Any Home

For anyone who wants to have an oriental style rug in their home then they cannot do better than opt for a Persian oriental rug, considered by those who know these things, to be the best you can buy.

When production was first started, actually as far back as the fifth century, the country was called Persia, now it is Iran. They still out-produce all the other rug and carpet producing countries added together.

If you are thinking that you can get a 'cheap' Persian rug then you need to think again, but having said that, if you shop around you could find yourself a bargain.

Obviously if you are thinking 'cheap' then you are not thinking about an antique Persian oriental rug. We are talking here about hand produced as against machine produced. Obviously hand made rugs take a long time to produce, each knot being tightened by hand,this goes to make the rug a lot harder and longer wearing.

Density of the carpet is another consideration, the number of knots per inch determines the density, i.e. this can be anywhere from 40 to 1,000 knots per square inch. Therefore you would expect to pay much more for a rug with 1,000 knots per square inch, especially if these have all been tightened by hand.

Traditionally, Persian oriental rugs were made from wool because it is soft and hard wearing. They also used to mix sheeps wool with cotton, or wool with silk, but today synthetic materials are blended with wool to make these beautiful rugs affordable to more people.

There are some manufacturers outside of Iran who have perfected a technique for manufacturing Persian style rugs so that they look like the original, i.e. the design is shown on the back of the rug as well as on the pile. This is how the traditional made rugs would look.

With the huge range of designs you can find one which would suit any room or decor. If your room is a bit bland then one of these style rugs would liven it up beautifully.

You can have these Persian oriental rugs in different sizes and shapes, rectangular, oval or round. It all depends upon the room where it is to be used. You could break up a room that has furniture that is quite angular, a round or oval one in this location would soften the look of the room.

Think about where the rug is to be placed, don't choose one with a beautiful central design if you are going to put it under a table where it won't be seen so well because this would be such a waste.

Wherever you buy your rug, be it hand made and exported from Iran or be it of domestic make with a wool and synthetic fiber mixture, you can be sure that it will make your room look very special.

Do you want the very best floor covering money can buy?
Click Here For More Free Information on Persian Oriental Rugs

Some Guidelines For Proper Care of Your Cat's Fur

You wouldn't think that a cat needs any help in taking care of its fur coat as they spend lots of time cleaning themselves everyday. They do a decent job on their own (certainly better than dogs) but your cat can always use some help from you to keep its coat in a healthy condition.

The main thing you can do is make sure to brush your cat every day, especially if it's a long haired breed. If your cat hasn't been brushed before, it could take a few times to get used to the idea, but a lot of times cats end up enjoying the process, and this could prove to be some nice bonding time for you and your pet. You will be helping your cat to avoid so many hairballs by removing all the hair that they would normally ingest while cleaning themselves.

Besides removing loose hair, brushing your cat can also clear any dandruff, which is actually a pretty common problem with cats. This also helps to untangle any matted hair, plus it helps with circulation and muscle tone

You should use both a brush and a comb for grooming your cat. A course brush will help remove all the loose hair and particles, while the comb will help with untangling and smooth out its coat. Sometimes hair can get matted up so much that it can't be combed out, in which case you might need to resort to snipping the knots out with scissors. Always make sure your cat is in a relaxed mood however when you do this. If your cat is nervous and struggles, you don't want to cut your cat (or yourself) with the scissors.

Brandy has been an avid writer and blogger for the past 2 years. Some of her hobbies include bowling, hiking, and singing in a choir. In addition, she builds informational websites. check out one of her latest sites at http://www.antiquesideboard.org where she provides some great information on antique sideboard, buffet tables, cabinets, and hutches.

Celebrity Style: Forget the Bling, Bring Back Old Hollywood Glamour with Pearls

Call me old fashioned, but I'll take glamorous stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor over spoiled pseudo-celebs like Paris Hilton, Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Ritchie and their ilk any day of the week. Whereas Old Hollywood oozed class, sophistication and mystery, today's overexposed starlets lack grace--and sometimes even talent! Take the way they present themselves: Today's stars walk the red carpet barely clothed, dripping in outrageous, tacky bling, yammering on about their personal lives. Yesterday's icons--Jackie O and Lady Diana also come to mind--projected a glamorous elegance one would actually strive to emulate. They dressed with flair, accessorized with style and kept their private lives private. What's more, many of the Old Hollywood elite wore my favorite gem, the pearl, whose ladylike, demure reputation is so fitting for these elegant women. Luckily for me, and the rest of the world, pearls are making a big comeback. Let's hope Hollywood revives old-style ladylike behavior along with the ladylike gem. As an homage to Old Hollywood glamour, let's take a look at the pearl jewelry made famous by some of our most beloved female icons.

Elizabeth Taylor

Perhaps the most famous jewelry collector of our time, legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor also owns the most famous pearl, La Peregrina. Given to her in 1969 by then-husband Richard Burton (yep, he's the one Liz married twice), La Peregrina, an enormous, pear-shaped white pearl, was found by a slave in the early 1500s in the Gulf of Panama. First given as a wedding gift to Mary Tudor, the daughter of King Henry VIII, the rare and extraordinary gem was owned by a succession of royalty before being purchased at auction by Burton for Taylor as a Valentine's Day gift. (Why she divorced him I don't know. Why she divorced him twice is even more of a mystery. Any man who gave me jewels like that would be a keeper.) After receiving the huge pearl, which was hanging from a thin chain, Taylor instructed famous jewelry designer Cartier to create a ruby and diamond necklace incorporating the gem. The breathtaking result is absolutely stunning. (Search online for a photo; the necklace is truly special.) Trivia: Taylor once lost the famous La Peregrina pearl in her home. A frantic search turned up the enormous white gem...in her dog's mouth! Thank goodness Taylor found it before it was scratched!

Marilyn Monroe

You wouldn't think luscious Marilyn, emulated by every modern day celebrity from Madonna to Lindsay Lohan and Christina Aguilera, would sport a demure single strand of pearls. With her blonde locks, eye-popping cleavage and breathy voice, the Marilyn Monroe we love is more over the top than that--but a single strand of pearls is exactly what she wore. Marilyn received the luminous saltwater pearl strand from baseball slugger Joe Dimaggio, her second husband. Joltin' Joe presented Marilyn with the gorgeous 16-inch Mikimoto necklace made from forty-four matched round white Japanese akoyas while they were on their honeymoon. Perhaps Dimaggio, in giving luscious Marilyn the gorgeous pearl strand, was trying to turn the sexy star into the perfect 1950s housewife? They were known as Mr. and Mrs. America, after all. Alas, their marriage lasted but a year.

Audrey Hepburn

Breakfast at Tiffany's is a classic film not only because it's a wonderful romantic comedy that stars beloved screen legend Audrey Hepburn, but because it showcased the waiflike Ms. Hepburn's elegant and effortless style. The dress she wore in the film, her now-famous simple black sleeveless style, was the perfect backdrop for the six-strand pearl and rhinestone necklace she sported as adorable Holly Golightly. (In the film, the beguiling but penniless Golightly would endearingly stare in the renowned jeweler Tiffany's window, daydreaming of owning the treasures within.) Trivia: Hepburn's necklace in the film is faux, made from marquise-shaped rhinestones (not diamonds!) that cascade gorgeously from the imitation pearls. Faux or not, the ornate pearl necklace looks just gorgeous on Hepburn's graceful neck.

Jackie O: Surprisingly, Jackie O's famous and much-photographed triple strand pearl choker is also simulated. The gorgeous pearl choker she's known for featured round white "pearls" on strands of graduated lengths, and typified Jackie's signature crisp, elegant style. The necklace's popularity went through the roof when Jackie was photographed holding her son John-John while he played with her pearls. Trivia: Jackie's triple-strand faux pearl necklace went up for auction in 1996. The simulated pearls, nearly valueless were it not for their association with Jackie, were expected to fetch $500-$700. The Franklin Mint bought the piece for $211,500!

Princess Diana

Another beloved icon of style, wealth and class, Princess Diana's most famous pearl piece is probably her dangling pearl and diamond tiara. Dubbed the Cambridge Love Knot, this gorgeous tiara was given to the princess by her mother-in-law, the Queen of England. Copies of Lady Di's pearl tiara are now worn by brides the world over on their wedding day. But Lady Di wore the Spencer family tiara on her wedding day, not the Cambridge Love Knot, and paired it with a sapphire and pearl choker she received as a wedding gift from her husband-to-be, Prince Charles. Over the top? Not when you consider the dress this jewelry was meant to accessorize: Princess Diana's ivory silk gown had a 25-foot long train and was decorated with 10,000 pearls and sequins. Fit for a princess, indeed.

Other famous pearl admirers

When dishing about celebrity pearl jewelry, no article would be complete without mentioning fashion maven Coco Chanel, the scrappy French designer who made pearls her signature look in the 1920s. Wearing pearl ropes as easily as other women wear jeans, Coco's House of Chanel used pearls in many jewelry pieces, and put out such gorgeous jewelry as a bracelet made of 105 akoya pearls surrounded by diamonds and gold. Recently, the Paris-based fashion house premiered its annual jewel collection, which features one-of-a-kind pearl pieces priced from $29,000 to $450,000.

When talking about celebrity pearl jewelry, we must also mention Sarah Jessica Parker, the actress and modern day style icon who made layered oversize pearl necklaces chic in her memorable Gap ads from last year. Nor can we neglect Rene Russo. The necklace the model- turned-actress wore throughout the movie Tin Cup, which featured white pearls evenly spaced on fine chain, received almost as much attention as the Golden Globe-nominated romantic comedy. Rene's Tin Cup necklace, now a jewelry staple, sparked a new trend in modern, sophisticated pearl jewelry. Today, several stunning variations of this simple and elegant Tin Cup necklace can be found in jewelry stores worldwide.

Speaking of modern chic, Kiera Knightly rocked pearls at the premier of her movie The Black Pearl by sporting a black baroque pearl choker made with different shades of Tahitian pearls. (Lucky girl not only gets to wear gorgeous jewelry, she also gets to work alongside Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp.) Life isn't fair! And we can't forget style icon Kate Moss; the fashionable model is also frequently seen in pearl strands.

So how about it young Hollywood? Why not drop the outrageous bling, daring dresses and outlandish behavior in favor of the ladylike glamour, sophistication and enigma that surrounded the screen legends of the past? America is sorely lacking screen icons that we admire, much less want to emulate. Let's bring back style, class, and pearls.

A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America’s Graduate Pearls program, Amy Drescher is a fashion writer and accessories buyer for http://www.moonriverpearls.com She welcomes your questions. Reach her at adrescher@moonriverpearls.com

Wreath Christmas Tree

Do you live in an apartment or small house? Chances are, you don't have a lot of floor space on which to put a Christmas tree. On the other hand, there is often unused wall space. This is a fun and novel project to solve your tree dilemma.

Items needed:

9 artificial holiday wreaths

Green florist's wire

1 box of Christmas bulbs

Hooks

12 inches of ribbon

Lights or any other decoration that you fancy

Directions:

Cut lengths of the wire and wire three of the wreaths together in a line. Then wire two together. Now center the two on the three and wire them together, pyramid style. Then wire the remaining wreath centered on the two. You now have your tree.

Loop the ribbon through the single wreath and tie it in a strong knot. Make a bow if you wish. This will be what you will use to hang your "tree."

If you wish to wrap lights or tinsel around your tree, do this now, before you hang it.

Hang your tree. Place the bulbs on the hooks and hang one inside each wreath and the remainder along the bottom.

Now, sit back and enjoy your new tree!

Some options:

Be creative when choosing your wreaths! You are not limited to plain green. What about some that already have pinecones and flocking on them? For a rustic look, choose grapevine wreaths and rusty metal decorations. For a country look, pick straw wreaths.

You aren't limited to ribbon. Raffia, rope, a bandana and baling wire are just a few different looks you could use. Just make sure it will be strong enough to hold your tree.

In place of traditional bulbs, try clove studded oranges, collection of small Santas or even sports figures!

Your imagination is your only limit!

Nikola Marshall lives with her two dogs in Oklahoma. She is active in her local police volunteer program among other oppotunities. Nikola is an author on a site for Creative Writing ( http://www.Writing.Com/ )

Things to Remember When Running a Race

You may think running a race it simple. Just stand at the starting line and wait for the gun, then run. But there are a lot of other things to consider when running a race. Remember to wear your silicone bracelet or silicone wristbands to support the cause. Here are a few things to remember when running a race.

Make sure you are going at your own pace. Don't try to catch up to someone in front of you. This will mess up your pacing, leave you exhausted for the rest of the race. Also, you will probably get in someone else's way, and could injure yourself if your not used to the pace your running at. Don't try to sprint past someone to beat them. Most 5k races are charity events anyway, not competition. Everyone is there for the same cause and just trying to compete against themselves to finish the race.

Many of these races can get very crowded, especially at the starting line. Be patient and don't try to get to the front. If you're a walker, try starting farther back in the pack. Most people will probably be passing you anyway, and it is difficult for runners to run by a slower person in such a big pack, especially if there is a large group of walkers.

If you do bring pets, make sure you're allowed to. A dog can be a great companion on a long run, but it's important to keep them under control. Make sure the leash is short, as many times runners can trip over long leashes. Also make sure your dog will behave himself in public and wont disturb or distract other runners.

Another thing that can be distracting to other runners is noise. Talking is a great way to pass the time on a long race, but it is good to remember that not everyone wants to hear your conversation about your bodily functions. Keep your music low, try not to slap your feet on the pavement, and keep keys and heart monitors or pacers quiet. Respect for other runners is one of the most important things you can bring to a race.

Be careful at aid stations too. Remember that other runners will be trying to get some water too. If you jump right in front of someone you can mess up their pace, trip them, or cause serious injury. Just step off to the side if you need to take a water break. When you finally get your water, watch where you aim it. Many runners tell horror stories about being hit with a careless runner's water, spit, or snot.

Dress is important too. While you don't want to be running in heavy clothes, try to avoid anything too skimpy or see-through. Remember that many of these races are family events and no one wants to have to cover their child's eyes when you race by in your drenched short shorts.

The key to running any race with a lot of other people is courtesy. It's not about winning. Just remember that others are running and they want to be treated just as well as you would want them to treat you.

Chuck R. Stewart has noticed that wearing a customized silicone bracelet makes someone feel a part of the group. He purchased a case of customized silicone wristbands for his basketball team to sell as a fund raiser.

Simple Woodworking Projects - Selecting the Right Kind of Wood

Selecting the right kind of wood is probably the most important part of starting simple woodworking projects. Simple woodworking projects are great for beginners as they allow them to grasp the basics of woodworking quickly and easily.

Although woodworking is incredible fun you must remember that you are going to be working with very sharp tools and hence you need to be careful. Also it must be kept in mind that the right kind of wood for the project has to be sought and selected by you. When you are looking for lumber, you basically want to look for a stock without many defects in it. Defects can come in a lot of different shapes and sizes. Typically, these defects are easy to spot because they do not look right. Next time when you are scanning some lumber for your simple woodworking projects look on all six sides of it for any bumps, burns, knots, fungus, or any holes left from previous nails.

This is not to say that defects are entirely bad or not useful. Many defects are seen to add character to the final assembly and it is entirely at the discretion of the woodworker decide what kind of defects he wants in his particular project.

Typically, errors and effects come in the following formats:

Twists: these are twisting down the length of the stock. They are also the most difficult to deal with and lumber with twists should be avoided for this reason.

Bow: a stock is set to have a bow when one side of it is disproportionately warping against the other side. You can look for about by pulling out a stock and looking down the spine from one end. If you find that two ends of the stock are not (more or less) the same then you can conclude that the stock has a bow.

Cupping: A cupping is a dent along the width of the board and generally speaking pretty hard to find. Cupping is very common in boards over 1 inch in thickness.

Cracks: cracks can come in all shapes and sizes and are extremely common in lumber. You might either want your stock to be completely free from cracks or you may tolerate a few small ones.

Tired of trying to get started into woodworking and not getting anywhere? It always helps to start by procuring plans that you can refer to, especially when getting started. Click here to go through over 14000 plans on various woodworking projects.

Tips on Pomeranian Grooming

The Pomeranian dog is a very small little dog that is largely composed of a very thick and doubled coat of hair. There are actually several layers to the Pomeranian hair, which gives some people the impression that Pomeranian grooming would be extremely difficult due to the amount of hair they have however, Pomeranian grooming is not that, terribly difficult at all. The only notable difference is that some short haired dogs don't need to be combed every single day however the Pomeranian is one that does require daily brushings due to the thickness and constant shedding.

In order to understand how to properly perform Pomeranian grooming on your puppy, it is really important that you realize that this breed of dog can knot and form tangles very easily. It is also an imperative issue to understand because of the double coat that the Pomeranian dogs have and they tend to shed those undercoats a couple of times a year. The Pomeranian grooming on a regular basis also immensely helps the coat grow and form on these little spunky dogs.

The Pomeranian Touch

There is likely no other dog that is more frequently seen in the dog shows as the Pomeranian. These little things are extremely popular and unlike a lot of breeds that can be disqualified by certain markings, it is widely accepted that most if not all Pomeranians are show dogs. It is for this very reason that there is so much focus and concentration paid to Pomeranian grooming as well as the fact that the Pomeranian coat is very coarse and thick. If it isn't regularly maintained, groomed, washed and brushed the coat of the Pomeranian will suffer and turn very ratty, matted and full of knots and this doesn't look very attractive on the little critters.

There are many owners that take part in regular Pomeranian grooming and are highly rewarded by happy little dogs, as they generally adore the attention and doting of being groomed. There are many tips and tricks you can learn to help you with your own Pomeranian grooming needs and can even help you with purchasing products that are necessary to maintain a nice coat for you dog. There are many sprays and products that can remove urine stains and grass stains as well as many other stains that your Pomeranian may have gotten into. Before you begin a Pomeranian grooming regime for you dog, be sure to find out all the helpful useful information from your local Pomeranian breeder.

If you want to learn more about Pomeranian Rescue please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with Pomeranian

The Problem of Dog Poop

It happens when you are least expecting it, usually on the way to an important meeting, or whilst wearing a new pair of shoes, or during a leisurely walk. It is one of the most unpleasant moments and unfortunately most of us have experienced it. That's right; I am talking about stepping in dog poop, something that would not happen if all dog owners undertook their duty of cleaning up after their pets.

Whilst this experience if very unpleasant, the knock on health effects can be extreme. In the process of trying to remove the poop we will inevitably transfer traces of it onto our hands and clothes. This poop contains a variety of germs, parasites and bacteria, which can put you, your children and pets at risk of illness. A single dog poop can contain over a million worms; the eggs from these worms can cause blindness which cannot be cured. Children can be particularly at risk from coming into contact with the dog poop when careless owners let their dog's foul children's play parks.

The littering also has a knock on effect on the cleanliness of our environment as storm water carries dog waste and pollutants directly into our waterways.

So what do we do to clean up our streets and stop this foul form of littering? Obviously if you have your own dog always be prepared for those number two moments. Have a plastic bag to hand, turn it inside out place your hand inside it, pick up the poop and tie a knot in the top. Discard in a bin. Do not leave the plastic bag with your dog poop beside the road or in the hedge, it is your responsibility to find a bin to put it in. There are a variety of pet poop scoops on the market which now make this process easy so there is no excuse being an irresponsible dog owner.

This is a simple process yet we still see owners gazing off into the distance pretending nothing is happening when their dog is fouling the streets. In recent years it has been made illegal to let your dogs foul the streets and not clean up after them. You can be given a £80 fixed penalty notice and if you are taken to the local courts you can get a maximum fine of £1000. If someone is consistently fouling a local area contact your council to find out their system for reporting dog fouling.

Other ideas to help clean up your neighborhood include placing friendly notices in your local park or at the start of a walkway asking owners to clean up after their dogs. Encourage neighbors to put up posters in their windows, for example: 'We love your dogs, we hate their poop, pick it up.' Talk to the council about adding more dog waste bins making it easier for the dog owner. If you see someone walking away from their dog poop politely ask them to clean it up, you could offer them one of your dog bags if you have one to hand.

With the advent of some innovative pooper scoopers on the market the dog poop problem should be a thing of the past, let's all encourage all dog owners to take on their responsibilities and hopefully we will never again have to experience that sickening squelch we all hate.

Anna Barrington writes for pet poop scoops the innovators of the latest and best way to dispose of your dog poo. To order please visit dog hand held poop scoop.

Easy Dog Necklace

Enjoy making this simple dog necklace! This is a great project for adults to do together with kids at home or in a group setting.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS NEEDED:

• Dental floss, string or strong yarn = "the thread"


• An empty container to hold things in


• Beads (or buttons) with holes large enough for your thread*


• A metal hook and eye, or a round bead, or findings, or 2 paper clips for fastening


• An empty container to keep the beads and fasteners in


• Newspaper or cardboard to use as a work surface


• Masking or other kind of tape
  


• Needle with a large eye that fits inside the holes on your beads or buttons, or a straight pin with a small head


• A piece of blank paper and something to write with

*Ask a friend or relative for their buttons and beads or buy some cheap ones at thrift stores, dollar stores and yard sales

GETTING READY:

1. Measure your dog's neck


2. Write down how many inches or millimeters it is


3. Pull out a strip of tape two inches (50 mm) longer than your dog's neck


4. Fasten a 1-inch (25 mm) end to your work surface. This will be End A


5. Flip the tape over, sticky side up. Fasten End B the same as End A


6. Stick beads or buttons on the tape trying out patterns till you find one you like

THREADING THE BEADS:

Cut a piece of thread 8 inches (200 mm) longer than your dog's neck

Thread End One onto the needle or push a pin through it

Pick up the first bead in your pattern and thread it

Move the bead down to 4 inches (100 mm) from End Two

Tape End Two onto that bead to make a stop

Go back to End One and start threading the other beads

If you like, you can make a big knot between each bead or between every two or three beads but remember this will take more thread (add about an inch per knot)

Keep going till all the beads are threaded

You should have about 4 inches (100 mm) of thread left

ADDING THE FASTENERS:

1. Thread End One through the hole of the eye, or one half of the finding, or one paper clip twice
   


2. Pull it through the loop you made to form a tight knot


3. Do Step 1 a bunch of times, then cut your thread


4. Untape End Two from the end bead and thread the needle or pin it


5. Fasten End Two in the same way - through the hole of the hook, the other half of the finding or second paper clip


6. Cut your thread neatly

Now for the fun part - go and try it out on your dog!

CAUTION:

• If the dog doesn't like wearing it, take it off!


• Make sure that the dog only wears his or her necklace when there are people supervising


• Be especially careful around puppies and other dogs who may grab at the necklace with their teeth


• The necklace is not a collar, do NOT tie a leash to it!

For photos and other dog accessories to make, see Make and Build Dog Stuff: Dog Accessories

Jo Soliday has been a dog lover and crafter since childhood. For more ideas for making things for dogs, check out her website at http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com

Pewter Jewelry - An Ancient Metal For Beautiful Designs

Pewter jewelry has gained in popularity as the price of silver jewelry has gone up. They do have a slightly similar look at first glance.

Pewter is mostly tin, a soft metal. It is alloyed in jewelry making and other uses with antimony or bismuth, hard and brittle metals. Earlier pewter making used lead as one of the alloys, but thankfully this practice is becoming rare, at least in the USA.

In earlier times pewter utensils were what people ate with. Plates and mugs in the Middle Ages all the way up to the 18th and 19th centuries were primarily pewter, before porcelain came into its own. I imagine this early pewter was full of lead- but I haven't heard much about difficulties due to that.

Was pewter jewelry made in earlier times? I believe it was, but due to the softness of the metal, and the ease with which it could be melted and put to other uses, not as much of it has survived. It's possible the Celtic people made their famous knot designs in pewter.

But what about modern Pewter jewelry, and what would be its advantages over silver? Well, here are a few:

o    It is less costly than sterling silver

o    It has less likelihood of tarnishing (especially the pewter which is cast lead free)

o    It has a warm, hand crafted look

These are all good reasons. I would add to that the fact that pewter can be every bit as detailed as the finest silver jewelry, and when properly cast and finished, is almost indistinguishable from it. That is, unless you take a really good look. But if you're just going for the general silvery look, and you aren't a jewelry snob, why not own and wear some pewter jewelry too?

Some people may have a difficult time getting over the upset recently broadcast via newspaper and internet over the pewter containing a high lead content that was shipped to us by suppliers in China. I agree that is something to pay attention to when purchasing pewter jewelry. You must make sure the pewter comes from a reputable source and was cast lead free. Such jewelry is available, and I would venture to guess that most jewelers dealing with pewter jewelry are very careful about the lead content these days. Children especially are vulnerable, since they tend to stick things in their mouths without thinking.

But despite the fact that pewter jewelry has a questionable reputation in some circles, it seems to have mostly bounced back in popularity. I'm glad, because not every one can afford sterling silver jewelry, and this can be a wonderful substitute for many of us.

Artist Merry Rosenfield casts jewelry in many metals, but her lead free pewter jewelry designs are especially sought after. Most of her unique pewter designs involve animals of every description, from dogs to dragonflies. It seems quality pewter jewelry is regaining in popularity as silver prices rise.

FURminator - Helping You Eliminate the Shedding Mess Before it Starts

If your dog has a thick coat and tends to shed a lot, then chances are you've had to deal with trying to comb that coat in order to get rid of some of the dead hair before it ended up on your floor, carpet, or just about any other surface in your home. You've probably struggled with different types of brushes and combs only to find that you spend more time pulling hair by hand because the brush or comb simply does not do the trick. The truth is, there is one solution that you may not yet have discovered that could save you a ton of time.

Most of us have busy lifestyles and cannot afford to spend hours on end trying to brush our dog's coat in order to get rid of all of the knots and excess undercoat that is being shed. Yet, we want to be able to take care of it in a short period of time so that we can go about the rest of our day. Brushing a dog's goat can create mess, which is usually what takes the most time out of the entire process.

One way to maintain your dog's coat without a lot of effort is with a great product known as the FURminator. This brush works with you, not against you, in your efforts of maintaining your dogs coat and removing the dead hair that would normally end up on your floor or other surfaces throughout your house. This is made possible because the FURminator removes hair from the undercoat, and not the healthy overcoat. It's the hair in the undercoat that typically ends up causing the biggest mess in your home. The FURminator is available in a number of different sizes which you'll select based on the size of the dog that you'll be using it on. If you've been struggling with cleaning up after your shedding dog and would like to take care of the problem before it starts, then the FURminator is the perfect solution for you.

Purchase dog supplies at FarmMedley.com.

The Age Old Process of Bathing Your Dog

It has become a much talked about concern in the dog care business that dogs are persistently not given the proper care. An ever growing number of people who have decided to take a dog into their home usually find themselves not being able to care for them properly. It is a common scenario in which the pet owner is unable to afford a professional groomer, and thus takes it upon himself to care and groom his dog. This wouldn't be a problem at all, if in fact the pet owner would learn the basics in regards to hygiene and proper grooming techniques. An example of a technique often used by groomers, but usually dismissed by pet owners at home, is the use of cotton balls to close the ear canal and prevent soap water to enter. If this were to happen, is probable that the dirty water will produce an ear infection, which would lead to unfortunate medical expenses.

Another issue regarding the proper grooming of dogs relates to the time span between each session. While some pet owners may consider it adequate to bathe their dog once a year because he looks fine, this does not mean the dog is not at risk. It all really depends on the physical qualities of the breed of dog in question. Long haired breeds like the Cocker Spaniel need proper grooming much more often than their short haired counterparts. If you where to submit a short haired dog to the grooming frequency of a Cocker Spaniel, he would likely suffer from dry skin, and the removal of essential oils necessary to maintain proper health. In some unfortunate and extraordinary circumstances, where the dog has made a mess of himself due to diarrhea, the owner would be considered exempt from the bathing schedule and groom as often as needed.

The use of adequate grooming tools and cleaning products, such as dog shampoo and conditioner are also of great importance. Avoid the use of shampoo made for people to be used on your pet, these products can produce negative results on your dog's skin by removing essential oils your dog needs to survive. Furthermore, shampoo made for people contain many additional ingredients not suitable for dogs. The use of conditioner for dogs is not a mandatory product for proper grooming, but it will yield positive results in your dog's coat, providing softer and more manageable hair. A wide angle brush is a good tool to use while bathing. Take the opportunity while the hair is still wet to remove unwanted hair, knots and mats from your dog's coat.

A plan of action always provides for best results. Locate the bathing spot and place all the required items alongside the water source. Dogs in general are usually not afraid of water; in fact, they are inclined to have a great time with it. Grooming your dog is not all dog games, but it need not be a gruesome chore either.

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Why Are Poodles Clipped in Fancy Ways?

We are all familiar with seeing poodles that have been clipped and groomed in a number of weird and wonderful ways. In fact, when it comes to showing poodles, specified clips are stated in all kennel clubs' breed standards. It should come as no surprise that the clipping of poodles is not a new phenomenon. Actually, there are paintings that contain poodles sporting the popular Continental clip as far back as 1533. But where on Earth did this strange tradition come from?

The poodle became a 'must have' fashion accessory in France, when French noblewomen became fascinated with the breed and began to style their dogs' fur in ever increasingly outrageous and flamboyant styles. The breed subsequently became known as the national dog of France and, today, is sometimes called the French poodle. However, the origins of the poodle began in Germany and their bizarre hair cuts were born out of practical necessity.

Working Dogs

The poodle did not begin life as a play thing of wealthy French women with a penchant for decorating animals. Instead, the breed was designed as a retrieving dog. Their name stems from the German word 'pudel', which translates as 'splashes in water' and, perhaps unsurprisingly, is also the source of the English word 'puddle'.

However, the Germans who needed a dog to retrieve water fowl had a problem, because the poodle required a thick coat to survive the harsh German winters, but when left to grow naturally a poodle's fur forms long cords that absorb water like a big sponge. Subsequently, the dog's agility was constrained and their speed of retrieval was greatly effected.

Therefore, poodle owners would clip their dogs' fur to reduce the amount of water being absorbed and allow the dog to remain light and agile. However, it was necessary to leave the dog with patches of fur unclipped to keep his, or her, internal organs, chest and joints warm in cold weather. Allegedly, a poodle's top knot was also first used while still working as a retriever. It is believed that the purpose of the top knot was to identify the dog from a distance. Owners would tie a colored ribbon to the dog's head so that when it was retrieving from the water it was still visible.

And so began the tradition of clipping and grooming poodles, which, as discussed above, really took off in France when the dog became part of Parisian fashion.

Today, there are three varieties of poodle: standard, miniature and toy. All of which are known to model numerous trims from simple maintenance clips to extravagant styles. Some of the more popular poodle styles include the sporting cut, Dutch trim, summer trim, English Saddle, Continental cuts and lamb trim, to name but a few.

Just Eye Candy?

Due to their immaculate appearance, poodles are often regarded as merely a froufrou animal. However, poodles are so much more than just eye candy or an extension of their owners' fashion sense. On the contrary, the poodle is one of the most intelligent breeds of dog, coming second only to the Border Collie in studies to assess dog intelligence. In fact, the poodle still proves its usefulness as a working dog, as it displays particular talents as a sniffer dog and is used by customs officers to locate contraband. Additionally, poodles are effective hearing dogs, guide dogs and therapy dogs.

Moreover, the poodle is an excellent family pet. Not only are these dogs extremely intelligent, but they are also sweet natured, patient, eager to please and are known to be good with children and other animals.

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer. She is writing on behalf of Remeer.com, a high-quality online supplier of pet supplies and gifts, such as Poodle dog breed gifts and dog lover handbags & wallets.

The Different Types of Dog Beds

You must consider the size and the individual needs of your pet. He or she may be more content with a pillow, a plain rug, or something in between the two. Does your dog like to sleep stretched out or curled in a tight dog knot? No matter. There is a bed that will accommodate any style sleeper. Of the many different types to choose from, all come in different colors or patterns to fit your decorating. They even make designer beds if you really want to spoil your pet. Would you believe they even have a water bed made for pets?

Pillow beds

Pillow top types of beds have a cushion top with a firmer base. They come in several shapes from rectangular to oval. They are soft and are usually filled with foam. A plus is that they can be filled with cedar chips to help with odor and help repel fleas.

Bolster beds

The bolster type of dog bed has a soft cushion that is surrounded by bolsters on all sides. If your dog likes to sleep in a knot or with something under his head, this is an ideal solution.

Orthopedic beds

Is your pet advancing in years? The age of a pet has a lot of bearing on what type of bed you buy. Puppies, for the most part, will crash wherever they run out of energy and are comfortable. But if your pet is gaining in years, or is having some arthritis or joint problems, there are beds that can help ease their aches and pains.

Designer type beds

There are also designer types of beds for your spoiled pet. They can look like a miniature version of your bed, even if it is a water bed! You can even find dog dressers to keep all their accessories and clothes in. Furniture in the designer series style comes in a variety of colors and fabric that are sure to match your decorating tastes.

Travel beds

Do you take Buddy or Maggie on vacation with you? Then travel beds are another avenue for you to consider. They provide a place for your pet to sleep after a long drive. Most are portable, easy to fold (some almost completely flat), and store easily if you have limited space when traveling.

Dog couches

Imagine having a smaller version of your sofa at home for your pet. This may help train that sneaky one who leaves the warm spot on your couch, even though there has been no one home since this morning. Here is a solution. They come in many colors (like designer beds) to match your existing sofa so the change won't traumatize your loved one. This is our "beloved pet" and not a spouse we are discussing right?
Heating and cooling beds

These beds are perfect for your aging pet that struggles with climate control. He can't reach the thermostat (you probably don't want him to anyway), so the next best thing is to heat and cool his bed. This bed is recommended by veterinarians for puppies and recovering dogs as well, and works for all climates and seasons.

This is a summary of the types of beds that are available for your pet. With all the choices, you should have no problem finding one that will satisfy your pet's personality and needs.

Tim has been involved in the small animal business for more than 15 years. He has been a dog lover since a kid. He is the owner T&R Bell Enterprises LLC which has a website to help teach about the care of animals.

CratesKennels.com

T&R Bell Enterprises LLC

Latest Jennifer Lopez Dresses

Have you ever noticed the impact celebrities have on modern-day society? Was it like this 50 years ago? I really don't think

It was. From the way my parents and grandparents talk, they could have cared less what celebrities were doing. The only thing

Anyone cared about back in the day was viewing the films for entertainment purposes. Now days we have psychotic individuals

Stalking Britney Spears, and guys having plastic surgery done to look like Brat Pitt. This is utterly pathetic. Oh, and watch out if some popular celebrity comes out with a fashion line or fragrance. Everyone and their dog have to get in on this. However, I don't understand the appeal. What do girls see in Paris Hilton handbags or Jennifer Lopez dresses? Are they really that wonderful or are folks just following the leader?

Take a gander at the fashion industry these days. You will see tons of clothing lines with the names of actresses and models on them. Now why do you think this is? Hey, I'll tell you why. These celebrities know that they can earn some serious capital off of them. It's just another way to make cash. They're totally aware that all you celebrity worshipers out there will dart to the nearest department store and buy it up. That's what folks do now days. Oh, there's a new Britney Spears perfume? Pleas let me get some so that I can smell like Britney does! Give me a break! We've got to stop buying into the hype of Jennifer Lopez dresses and shoes designed by actresses. It's time to get your own life. I am profoundly happy that my teenage daughter does not buy into all the celebrity attire and fragrance lines. She wouldn't be caught dead in any Jennifer Lopez dresses [http://www.TIPTOPHEALTHGUIDE.COM]. Just the other day she was telling me that Jennifer Lopez spends thousands of dollars just to have her eyebrows waxed. Now there's a stellar individual with priorities. How can one even spend so much money on a simple grooming procedure while millions of people are suffering around the globe? Not too classy!

So, if you are one of the followers who must purchase Jennifer Lopez dresses and pop star perfume, then go right ahead. Maybe

These people truly are your idols in life. However, I do encourage you to take a minute and ponder the ways they make the

World a better place. Oh and, not just for themselves.

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The Lake Tahoe Marathon

The Lake Tahoe Marathon is a fall event that takes place in and around the area, offering a variety of choices for partaking in the event. In addition to the marathon, the 20 miler, and the half marathon, there is so much more that goes on during this five day event in Lake Tahoe that you can even make it a family vacation destination that everyone will enjoy. Every one who finishes the race gets a medal, no matter which race they're in, and all contestants are given a long sleeve wind shirt that isn't covered in logos and sponsor ads.

Race watchers will find plenty of beer and hot dogs to keep them entertained while the racers are away, and probably the best part is that all finishers will get to cross the finish line on one of the most attractive beaches in the entire Tahoe basin area.

The 10K offers a spectacular downhill run, and the 5K allows you to loop around Valhalla, which begins and finishes at the finish line. There is also a 3-day triathlon, a triple marathon, and the 72 mile ultra marathon, all for your choosing pleasure. You can bike, kayak, swim, run, or walk in this event, depending on the events that you sign up for. It doesn't matter if you're a professional marathon runner or if you're just looking for a fun trip to enjoy some beautiful scenery and an adventurous event with millions of other people. The Lake Tahoe Marathon has something for everyone.

The marathon runs for five days, and is not an event for which you can just show up and leave. You'll be easily pulled into the crowd and intrigued by all of the events so that you will want to stay until the party is over. With speed golf, kayaking clinics, dinner buffets, and kids' activities, there is plenty going on at the Lake Tahoe marathon to keep you and your family busy for the entire time that you're here.

You'll also enjoy a sunset pasta cruise, finish line brunch, spectator buses to transport onlookers around the lake, and a guided tour around the lake and the race courses. All visitors are welcome to come early and check out the courses and the events before they begin, and children are welcome to attend, as there is plenty of child-friendly activity taking place. All in all, whether you want a good marathon to run or just a fun trip, the Lake Tahoe marathon can offer exactly what you need.

Alan LeStourgeon runs a cabin rentals website where he writes about great vacation destinations and accommodations, including beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Long Term Impact of Running

The long term impact of running is a commonly debated issue. Running is widely recognised as being beneficial in minimising the effect of the aging process, reducing stress and strengthening the body. This article will seek to discuss these issues and evaluate the overall benefits running can have in the long term. 

Several studies have researched the effect which running can have to minimising the effect of the aging process. Michael Pollock (1971) conducted a study of 27 elite runners at Wake University in North Carolina. 

Over the following 30 years, 21 of these runners were still active and it was found that their body fat percentage had only increased marginally, their muscle mass had improved, their oxygen uptake remained considerably higher than average and they had experienced only a 5% drop in heart rate per decade, compared to a drop of 10% in non runners. The study concluded that long term running had managed to halt or even reverse the aging process in some aspects of the runner's bodies, showing significant long term benefits of sustained exercise.

Although a commonly cited disadvantage of running is the damage which it could potentially do to joints, this issue is often raised by non runners and not the health professionals who advise on it. In realty, if a runner is careful with injuries and wears adequate running shoes, the benefits to joints can be considerable. The reduction in body fat which runners enjoy reduces the subsequent strain which is placed on knees. A loss of 10 pounds is equal to a 45 pound reduction in the strain on knees. 

Running has also been proved to strengthen the muscles and ligaments which support knees leading to them being stronger and more stable. The overall impact of running long term will therefore be reflected in the stronger joint and skeletal foundation. The mental side effects of the running have also been noted. The long term impact of experiencing a deeper and more restful sleep have been noted for mental health. The significant stress relieving impact of running has also been commonly suggested as a tool for relaxing. When these two factors are combined, the mental benefits of running in the long term become apparent. Overall, running can be seen to have considerable mental and physical benefits to the runner in the long term.

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Color Coordinating Silk Knots

Silk knots are a clean stylish alternative to hard cufflinks. They allow you to create a modern minimalist silhouette and are incredibly versatile allowing you to dress up or tone down your look. Have fun with silk knots, play around, but here are some tips to help you on your way.

When you want to de-emphasize the silk knot, make sure you choose silk cufflinks that match the color of your shirt or are a neutral color like black or white. This makes the silk knot cuff link blends into the shirt and draws attention to other elements of your style.

When you want to emphasize the silk knots, make them a contrast color. For example pair a white French cuff shirt with blue silk knots to draw the eye to the silk knot cuff link as a feature. If you are wearing other featured elements like a tie or bow-tie, coordinate with these by matching one of the colors in this element.

To dress up an outfit, or make it more formal, choose colors that are more conservative like black, white and a dark blue. Also choose colors that de-emphasize the cufflink rather than make them stand out. So try and coordinate as much as possible with other parts of you outfit. Very sharp contrasts are also good because they also channel a formal spirit. For example the black cufflinks on a white shirt are the epitome of formality.

For a more casual look, you want to do the opposite. Pick brighter colors and pastels, and try and make the silk knots a focal point rather than hiding them away. Blend colors and tones from other elements of your style. And remember the most important thing is to have fun!

For more tips on how to wear silk knots with French cuffed shirts, examples of good color combination and a history of the silk knot cufflinks. Check out our site at http://www.silk-knot-cufflinks.com You will also find here a great selection of handmade silk knot cuff links are more.

Discover the Easiest Way to Walk Multiple Dogs

I love walking my dogs and it's a great exercise for all of us. It's difficult at times to walk multiple dogs but I have found the easiest way to have an enjoyable walk. There are a few different styles of leads to walk more than one dog, some will work better than others for different reasons. I have two dogs, Prince the Dalmatian and Anya a standard Schnauzer. Both have very different personalities which at times makes its hard to walk them together.

The Knot a Coupler Lead

This style of lead has two short leads connected together joined with a swivel. The setup with a stretchable cord doesn't really allow the dogs enough length for them to do their own investigative walk. The dominate dog tends to pull the other over to their side. Having two dogs there is always a leader and follower.

The nature of the pack leader wants to be out in front of the other dog and at least level with the walker. The follower dog is happy to follow but sometimes wants to walk behind, so you end up being caught in the middle. For this to happen the leads need to be longer and not under any real stretch to make it comfortable for both dogs. I think this type of lead would be suitable for runners where the dogs are running straight ahead with minimal distances between each other. It wouldn't work well for a casual walk.

Dog Belts

Another device that is handy but not for big dogs with little people (children). The biggest feature is to allow your hands to remain free but that is where it ends. I find well behaved small dogs are good for this, for larger ones that pull ahead forget it, you'll need to go back to dog training before using a belt. Having dogs from medium to large breeds just wouldn't be easy to walk. For sure you'll end up holding the leads.

Traditional Separate Leads

My favorite. The dogs have plenty of length. They can go their separate ways, so to speak. You can alternate the lengths easy enough for independence. Some dogs love their own lead. In fact my Dalmatian carries his lead to me when we are ready to go for a walk. If they are well disciplined on the standard lead then its a pleasure to walk with them. They enjoy their restricted freedom and so will you. I have found using the plain old leads the simplest and easiest way to go for a walk. No gimmicks needed.

Leads to Avoid

There are other harness like the Halti. Don't like these I have seen the lead ride up the dog's head pulling on the face and eyes very harshly and the owner didn't even realize. Body harnesses! Well forget it if your dog thinks it's a husky in training. Again it's another lead relying on force to control the dog.

I believe a dog can walk with conventional leads as long as the owner has learned how to train themselves and the dog properly. Physical force to control walking should be a rare occurrence.

I hope this helps with choosing the best way to walk your doggies.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

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