writerrighter

Best Buy Coupons

2008-09-30T19:22:19Z

Best Buy Coupons

Thinking of shopping. Think no farther than Best Buy with BIG refrigerators, washers and dryers, BIG screen tv’s and Great BIG memory (120GB) in small packages such as the Microsoft Zune. They carry a wide range of products for you to watch, such as tv’s and audio, and to hear, such as audio and car audio. Using Best Buy coupons saves you with cash back and free shipping offers that add up when you make a BIG purchase! So here you have a wide range of electronics with little prices.

Everything For Everyone

They have cameras and camcorders for you to keep memories of events. They have up to 12.8 megapixels these days! Take memorable photos with the Canon Powershot 10.0 megapixel camera. It’s a point-and-shoot model with a nice slim design for $350. Ideal for the casual shutterbug that we’ve all been at one time or another! Or record live with the Logitech deluxe PC Webcam with microphone. This one’s got good reviews from customers who like its motion sensing capabilities and sound and image quality. Click here for Best Buy coupons where you can easily go to sale events Getting down to business is easier when you have computing via desktops, laptops, pda’s, networking and high-speed internet. Best Buy keeps your communications open with cell phones, VOIP and 2-way radios!

They keep you on-the-go and entertained with fun mobile content. Personalize your smart phone with cool apps. Find ringtones, fun applications and games such as Poker, Sudoku and BrainTeaser. When you are on-the-go out in the backcountry they’ve got you covered. Did you know that GPS receivers come in a variety of types for different users?

Here’s the rundown:
Handheld GPS for hikers is weather resistant.
Portable GPS goes with you in any situation.
InDash GPS for security for drivers.
Marine GPS guides boaters navigating waters…and pinpoints good fishing spots!
Fitness GPS for joggers and bikers who wear it on their wrist.

When it's time to get down with music downloads or arm yourself with musical instruments to round out your musical aspirations they are the one-stop store. Check out new releases of DVD’s. Goof around in your free time with Xbox, PlayStation, Wii and Nintendo. Create your happy home with all the standard kitchen appliances, air conditioners and home automation. Humidifiers are just the cure for that indoor dry air that ails you in upcoming winter months. Honeywell has a new Hydrapure Air Washer. It humidifies and purifies your air for $300. Go to Best Buy to see all your options.

Gear up for football season with a complete HD system. You will see the games and players like never before from a tv set—crisp, lifelike images for realism—supported by surround sound that adds the dimension of sound that would immerse you from all directions if you were at the game. Try the riveting 1200W 5.1 channel Dolby Digital surround sound home theater system by Samsung that encircles you. You can read its outstanding reviews! Then sign up with Directv with its special offers for new customers through Best Buy.

Accessorize with other electronics such as remote controls, batteries, antennas, cables and connectors for picture and sound performance. Headphones now fit you in a variety of ways. They fit you in-ear, clip-on, behind-the-neck and over-the-head. Don’t get in over your head wondering what accessories to get. Best Buy makes it easy by organizing and describing them all. I’ll mention that you can save on select tv stands as well with free coupons.

Strong On Service

Best Buy is strong on technology and just as strong on customer service! They offer affordable installation and computer upgrades you can access online. They have teamed up with Geek Squad Black Tie Protection. These pros are ready to take the hassle out of your computer or network solution. Online you can take advantage of their Recommendation Center to helps you make a smart, economical choice for the right digital camera or home theater or computer and PC components. That way you buy electronics with the features you really need! I’ll bet you didn’t know Best Buy can do what’s called Digital Copy. It’s free and provides you a specially formatted digital version of your DVD, so you can transfer to a portable device at your convenience.

The Near Future of Broadcasting

The plans have already been laid and legislated by the powers that be. What am I talking about?? The day, February 17 of next year when analog broadcasting will cease to exist. So get ready for the transition to DTV broadcasting! It’s inevitable. But Best Buy even helps you determine if you can transition by an online quiz. Installation help is also provided for a Converter Box for DTV if your set will need one.

Specials

	Best Buy See this week's sale events at BestBuy.com Expires: 12/31/2008
	Best Buy Hot Deals Wednesday at BestBuy.com. Offer only active on Wednesdays. Expires: 12/31/2008

Video For Electronics Buffs

Is Garmin GPS King? - 2008 GPS Navigation Comparison Video	Tom Tom One XL GPS Navigation System	Building of a Home Theater
How to Set Up a Home Theater System : Guide to Speakers for a Home Theater

Topiary

2008-09-30T17:34:24Z

Topiary

Topiary is a longstanding art of creating sculptures out of live greenery. Keep the tradition alive by acquiring some skill and making it one of your own hobbies! It's fairly easy to perform and rewards handsomely those with an innate knack for gardening to begin with. Your labors will be rewarded many seasons over with enchanting plants, trees and shrubs.

Puttin On The Ritz!

Envision twin tall obelisks carved out of evergreens marking the entrance to your private estate,or...er, humble bungalow facing a quiet city street. Many centuries back topiary was part of classical design for the privileged set. Sculpted shrubbery and trees added to the outdoor garden environment in much the same way as fountains and sculpture added beauty. Italian gardens would show off a parade of sorts--all sorts of animal shapes like bears, sheep and peacocks all motionless but grand in scale. A more subdued application of topiary techniques included circular holes cut through a hedge to allow in sunlight, moonlight, or to frame a prized view of the landscape and architecture surrounding. Shrubs clipped according to straight horizontal and vertical lines were considered elegant.

It's A Classic!

Green Thumb Topics...

	Why Do Container Gardening? by writerrighter
	floriography: symbolic flowers by CUbuff11
	How to Grow Vegetables in a Garden by marcb

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Your garden should grow according to plan--your plan. Don't allow a disparate display of greenery to grow unchecked. Impose some order to reflect a conscious pattern etched into your landscape or in container-grown plants. Then watch your green thumb show right through! Geometric shapes are heavily involved here. A quick geometry review features spheres, cubes, rounded pyramids, 3-sided pyramids and spirals; but, thankfully, no Pythagorean theorum to comprehend. Comprende??

Topiary comes in as a handy solution if your front or backyards are a little out of shape or some bushes have simply become too massive to fit in your size space. So get them in shape! Whatever shape you have in mind and are willing to tackle, Edward Scissorhands-style, in pursuit of perfection.

The tools you'll need are few: Garden Scissors and quality Pruning Shears. Garden scissors are more general-purpose and cut twine and fabric as well as floral stems and leaves. The shears are strong enough to cut hard branches of trees and shrubs. A larger version of pruning shears called Loppers require you to use both hands.

Wire forms are required if you are shaping your creation into a whimsical character. These are available at a topiary supplier or good garden supplier. A purpose-made wire frame is the structure that your plant will be trained on. It also serves as a frame for the art you will create,er....grow and clip. Understand that in topiary a frame will end up inside the leafy form, rather than framing around it like a frame holds a painting. Comprende?? It's best to get one of simple construction. I emphasize simple to lessen any frustration you may experience when training your plant to keep its shape. Now the good part....some common animal forms used successfully range from a hen, squirrel, dog or teddy bear to open hearts and open circles. All these can thrive in large or small sizes. Fun, huh?

Topiary Friendly Plants

Pick your plants wisely--as you pick your friends--because you want them to last year to year; even as you mold their growth! Low maintenance plants are a smart choice since their likelihood of survival is greater. And you Control Freaks out there get to take command of the shape of your garden as your plants morph into a predefined shape over time. If you take advantage of containers for smaller, more manageable topiary, go with a showy or tasteful pot since the branches won't be allowed to grow over the sides of it to hide it at all. A simple shape that harmonizes with your formal topiary is important too. Traditionally, the finished size of your lovely topiary creation measures about 1/3 of the height of the pot. The flexibility you have to turn the pot occasionally gives you the edge over topiary rooted in the ground--as shoots growing toward the sun threaten to compromise your vision.

You can raise cuttings from a parent plant. Box is a fine example that generally prospers easily after cutting. See the close-up photo above. Gardeners have trained shrubs and trees into a variety of symmetrical shapes and creative shapes with funky names.....this is where I get to tell you about my favorite one, deadheading. Do you dig it like I do?? It's the end result of a tree's close encounter with pruning shears! The gardener takes those pruning shears and removes unwanted branches on the lower part, leaving only the longest branches at the top or crown of the poor, unsuspecting sapling.

It can prove to be a time-consuming pasttime as some larger specimens are slow growing. So any lack in virtuoso talent can be counteracted with the virtue of patience, thank you very much! Engineered forms that are fabricated into whimsical live characters are the reward for sculpting evergreens that have many, many small leaves. For a simpler shape try a topiary cube. It requires precise trimming and dense foliage achieved by maintenance over a few seasons to flesh out the plant and hide inner stems.

A spiral is an elaborate variaton on the basic pyramid or cone shape. Start with a healthy plant with even growth all around. Trim with shears twice yearly. It needs one strong central stem. When it has reached the right height nip the topmost shoot to prevent further growth. A pom-pom can be cut from an established topiary cone. Make 2-3 tiers with the largest at the base. It's a showstopper! Ideally an evergreen with neat, small leaves is your subject here.

An animal shape such as a peacock can be created with a surprisingly effective, realistic look if you follow the normal growth pattern of that particular plant. If you must train elongated stems it will take much longer. A purpose made wire frame is a must, along with a well-grown plant with a number of good branches to form the fanned-out tail.

A standard is a neat ball of foliage, wonderful flowers or even tasty fruit topping a center stem. Happily, many plants are god candidates for a standard. It adds height to a group of potted plants. As matched pairs they beautify a front entry. Garnish them further with an underplanting of low-growing seasonal flowers. Take care to echo its simplicity of form to harmonize the design. Plants most agreeable to this type of treatment include floriferous shrubs such as Roses and Fuschia. Small-leaved evergreens with glossy foliage can be clipped to a precise ball for you Perfectionistas out there! Members of this exclusive list are: Bay, Myrtle and Viburnum with its scented flowers. Not to exclude Common Box with its fancy Latin name, B. sempervirens. It is easy to grow; reaching about 4 feet, and sports small, evergreen leaves.

Representing the west coast is the California Lilac. It is fairly hardy and ascends to 10 feet tall. Not to be outdone is the Leyland Cypress with needlelike, glossy greenery standing up to 10 feet. Let me introduce Laurel, known for its dense long and narrow leaves with little red fruit. It looks its best styled as a mop-head standard, since this charmer has droopy stems that dangle down. And meet Creeping Willow, S. repens. It appears rather dwarf-like with attractive slender branches. If it doesn't have a very straight,strong stem then you can graft a stem onto it. Rounding out this list is Rosemary. An aromatic evergreen shrub that I like to keep close. This little gem with pale blue blooms fits right on my windowsill. But would do just as well lining a well-used path where you can breath in its strong scent frequently....aahhhh!

You know I want to make mention of quick-growing climbers such as Ivies. They can be trained to cover wire forms. In a single season they can blanket a wire form in a mass of leaves. Of the different species and cultivars, one of the most vigorous is Erecta and Oro di Bogliasco. It even thrives under shade and roots readily whenever it touches soil.

An eye-catching display along a windowsill or making good use of a long rectangular planter might be a small-size, manicured topiary shape taking center stage, flanked by a supporting cast of 1or 2 identical plants on each side. All the while retaining the essential symmetry and balance that is so characteristic of topiary. Freshen up your scheme from time to time by changing out the flanking plants each season with those of another color.

Try this atop a pair of gateposts--false topiary globes. It begins with a globe frame made up of 2 circles of wire. Place young Ivy plants around the perimeter of the pot. Suitable Ivies would be Pedata, Conglomerata or Goldheart--which produces an attractive effect. As the stems on these small plants grow, twist them around the wire supports until they are entirely concealed. An alternative to a globe would be an open heart shape as it is most appropriate for small pots. Endearing I say!

An offshoot of classical topiary originates from the Orient--bonsai. These fussed-over trained trees and shrubs are kept forever miniature by ensuring their roots don't grow. A respected art form in Japan that's evident in these inimitable displays on tabletops and balconies in many traditional homes of their culture.

Lots of Luck....I'm rooting for you!!

Gardening Stores

	Greenfingers Greenfingers is one of the UK's leading internet and mail order garden companies, offering a broad range of inspiring products and gifts for garden lovers. Greenfingers provides gardeners with information, advice and the products they need, to help them achieve inspiration in their gardens. Greenfingers features a vast selection of products some of which include: water butts, garden sheds, garden & indoor furniture, garden lighting, water features, gardening tools, fencing and much more. Greenfi...
	Wayside Gardens Wayside Gardens is an online nursery offering a large and diverse selection of products to help you create a legacy of garden beauty. Create a beautiful outdoor living space by choosing from a selection of plants, bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs or unique ironwork and ceramic pieces. Visit waysidegardens.com for quality products, true to type, shipped properly, and to perform as advertised. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Wayside Gardens, simply click on our SHOP NOW b...
	Gardener's Supply Company Gardener's Supply Company serves millions of gardeners nationwide, offering everything from seedstarting supplies and garden furniture to flower supports and greenhouses. Gardener’s Supply Company is committed to providing garden-tested, earth-friendly products that will help their customers have more fun and success in their gardens. Gardener’s Supply has designed and introduced dozens of innovative, exclusive gardening products, including self-watering planters, a complete line of flower suppo...

Circuit City Coupons

2008-09-30T17:13:02Z

Circuit City Coupons

Are you a high-tech aficionado or does high-tech scare you?? Maybe you are somewhere in-between, taking advantage of the ease it brings to your working life and new experiences it brings to your life of leisure. Circuit City eases the transition on your way to becoming an aficionado. Don’t be afraid to buy high-tech gadgets online. Circuit City brings it all to you in one store made for the masses—the teeming masses of those in need of electronics. You can’t do without them! They stock items from home entertainment to home office. Shop Circuit City; they make it simple and offer great prices! Plus, when you use Circuit City coupons you know you are getting the best deals around.

Tips On Tech

Circuit City has familiar categories: video gaming, movies, music, DVD players, stereo systems and satellite radio. They carry the latest in take-it-with-you electronics, including cameras and their fancy counterparts--camcorders, MP-3 players, GPS and car electronics. Office goes high-tech with many thanks to the sleek laptops that seem to be lowering in price steadily. The free coupons page at ShopAtHome.com is a useful source for getting special deal on one of these hard-working desktops, reliable printers, the latest software, phones, shredders and other staples of any functioning office. For current Circuit City coupons, look on the internet regularly!

A much-debated topic at dinner parties has been about the newer flat screen televisions—which is better, an LCD or plasma television? The upside to both of these is that they each have bright, crystal-clear images and super color-filled pictures inside a space-saving flat screen. With NFL season and colder temps arriving soon you'll likely be spending more sofa time in front of your tv set—am I right about that??

The plasma screen is the best for viewing video games that have intense light and dark images. It also gives a fast playback for moving video with no lag. If it is viewed from the side it has a wider angle than does the LCD screen—including if you are viewing up at it or down on it. An LCD screen cannot show blacks as black as a plasma can, but displays a brighter picture suited for a room with rather bright outdoor ambient lighting. LCD screens used for a computer monitor display nicely with no flicker and no screen burn-in.

DVD Players are advancing technologically since high definition Blu-ray players for all you happy HDTV owners have arrived on-scene! Blu-ray players can also play standard DVD discs so your existing collection is still playable. I hear a collective “wheww!” It will cost you more $$, of course, but it is the wave of the future. And well, the future is now. One tip: it must be hooked up to a compatible HDTV to get the full benefit here. Circuit City has some popular models online now. Sony PlayStation 3 gets the highest marks for its abilities as a Blu-ray player and as a gaming console. On the other hand, the Phillips DVP3140/37 gets nods from users who like its performance and ease-of-use in the low-price range. See these now at Circuit City!

Hot Picks You Can Get Now!

I checked out some interesting items that can be yours for a price—a low price. A very timely product I like is the Atomic Digital Clock by Sangean for under $60. Customers have rated it 5 out of 5 stars! Kudos! It’s loaded with features in addition to giving you accurate time. If time and temperature are important to you than add the Oregon Scientific Public Alert Weather Station to your shopping cart. It gives up-to-the-minute forecasts and invaluable weather alerts for severe weather in your area. What with all the hurricane and flooding in North America recently it could be an important addition to your household. I spotted a retro music player—the Sony Xplod CD Boombox. This looker also sports a cassette deck. If you don’t know what a cassette is then you were born well after my generation!! This boombox rings up the register at about $100 right now at Circuit City. Don't forget to save more on shipping by visiting by using the Circuit City coupons you can find.

Speaking of ringing up the register. By the way, that’s how sales used to happen in the olden days before silent store registers with digital displays! Online at Circuit City you can “Buy here, pay here!” or “Buy here, pickup there!” That’s my smooth sales pitch for a handy feature that Circuit City offers where you can purchase online and get your ShopAtHome 2% cash back and save money by going to your local store to pick up your merchandise. The best part, you can pick it up within 24 minutes…yes, minutes not hours!

They also will beat any competitor's price on merchandise you bought from Circuit City. They do this by refunding the difference if you find a lower price within 30 days of your purchase at a local competitor store. Your next stop is at your local Circuit City store where you get this refund. That’s how sure they are of their competitive pricing. And the free coupons you can find on sites like ShopAtHome.com help ensure you are getting the absolute best deals around.

Watch These

The Gadget Show - The Critical List: Mp3 Players

Cool laptops!

HDTV 101

Current Savings!

Circuit City

Shop their online outlet!

Expires: 12/31/2008

Create A Costume

2008-09-30T15:17:19Z

Create A Costume

Halloween Party Costumes

Later this month you’ll likely be sporting a very different persona for a day or a long night of partying. Consider these ideas I’ve conjured up for your next Halloween party get-up. These costumes can be worn by adults (who are acting like kids!). Part of the fun is gathering up the pieces and parts to make an outfit. Instead of a store-bought get-up that usually contains too many plastic parts for my taste. That’s just grotesque!

(Un) Creepy Costumes

I have just the costume for you if you wish to remain invisible at the next party. First off—know that in this costume you will find it nearly impossible to eat or drink. This one is called the Invisible Man. I like it because it’s very clever. This one you will have to purchase unless you are a costume engineer of sorts. You wear a tall overcoat with a white mesh dress shirt underneath. These fit all the way over your head so you see and talk through the mesh-front shirt. They are fitted on a harness. A clear inflatable ball sits on the shirt collar. The ball wears sunglasses and a men’s hat. The sleeves of the overcoat extend over your hands so the hands are invisible too. This costume works best for a short person since much of the costume is overhead. On the other hand, you may want to flaunt yourself in the Billionaire costume. Suit up in a conservative suit and accessorize with a big, replica Rolex. You're rich, so wear one on each wrist! Stuff play money in all your pockets. Master your Donald Trump expressions and top it all in his oversized strawberry blond rug (wig).

You can dress up 50’s style to give yourself an excuse to tote around the pink poodle purse—handles attach to its back. Wear a tight striped knit top with a wide poodle skirt. Wrap around a shiny, colorful vinyl belt. Put black and white saddle shoes on and horn-rimmed rhinestone glasses. You’ve got to see the oversized bob woman’s wig. It looks like it could hold a soccer ball underneath! Finish off with red lipstick and chomp away on bubble gum all night. Greasers will take notice.

Flash forward to the 70’s. Guys can dream big as Elvis. Practice some dance moves and carry a plastic microphone. If you’re brave you can karaoke like this. Select a black greaser wig. Fit it on tight as it could sail off when you perform those karaoke stage moves. Then you stick rock and roll sideburns on your cheeks. You know, the wide, long ones in the spirit of The King—God rest his soul. Get celebrity sunglasses with heavy gold frames. You’ll need to buy a white jumpsuit with rhinestones. Get some white boots as well…surely you don’t own a pair like that. Viva Las Vegas!

“Greetings earthlings.” is your script for Halloween night as you morph into a martian man or martian woman. Maybe martians are unisex. I don’t know. This is a simple costume to put together. Wear a gray or green bodysuit unitard. You can wear a camo canvas belt, military web belt or marine pistol belt. Wrap some green duct tape around your legs and arms. Wear a glow-necklace and gray or green greasepaint and wiggly martian antennas on your head. Moonboots would be good footwear. Take along an alien inflatable.

Try On These Looks!

Take a look...right here!

	Ladies White Swashbuckler Costume Pirate Shirt (Apparel) Makes a great Halloween costume Costume comes with character white long sleeved pirate shirt Also lace up V-neck with exaggerated collar Over sized baggy sleeves and black viny...more List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $31.99 (as of 10/10/2008@8:35 PM)
	Complete Body Unitard - 8999 (Apparel) Bal Togs complete body unitard is the perfect costume for stage, screen or TV. Unitard features an attached hood, full foot and fingers, and back zipper. Perfect for men too! U...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: N/A
	Casual Canine Dog Tuxedo - Dog Costume - Small (Kitchen) Perfect for the holidays, parties, and special occasions. Made of 100% polyester satin, the tux features double-breasted styling, detailed lapels, a bow tie and tails. Velcro® clo...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $8.99 (as of 10/10/2008@8:35 PM)
	Stainless Steel Silver X-Claw w/ Stand (Sports) Hey bub, I go where I wanna go, and Get outta my way, are all things you'll be able to say just like Wolverine when your wielding a Silver X-Claw. We don't recommend you take on a...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $35.00

Pair Up

As a couple—a couple of what I can’t imagine—you can carry off a mini-theme with your costumes. Heck, take it on the road and become an act! Portray superheroes as Superman and Wonder Woman. Go as Spiderman and Catwoman. Okay, they may not exactly be pairs but they all wear tights or capes don’t they??

As a woman you could be a Hula Girl. Bring some extra leis to hand out. Also, in Hawaii Hakus (headband lei) and anklet leis are popular. They are commonly made of orchids or fresh ti leaves. Add a Hibiscus flower hair clip above your ear. You can purchase real Hawaiian leis delivered to you. Bust a move in a coconut bra or soft foam seashell bra. Get an inexpensive, natural raffia hula skirt—please, not the plastic variety. All this gives you an excuse to accessorize with frozen Blue Hawaiian cocktails! Ukulele is optional.

As a man, you too can create a pretext for sipping lots of tropical drinks. Your pretext is in the form of the Macho Maui Man. He is the middle-aged tourist who loves to sport the attire of the locals, yet still retains his touristy demeanor. Break out your flip-flops and dress in a matching tropical print shirt and shorts. Spray on too much dark spray tan and smear red rouge on your face as your sunburn…I’m laughing already! Wear some dark shades and a men’s straw shade hat, or worse, a beachcomber hat. Wrap a Hibiscus print bandana around your head and carry an inflatable flamingo or beach ball. This should attract—or repel—the Honolulu honeys!

Who doesn’t love a Pirate? You have the opportunity to go all out to perfect this costume. If you already have gold-plated teeth you’re ahead of the game. You must have a tri-corner hat to pull this off. It is a black hat edged in gold or with red fur. Underneath it you wear a red pirate scarf along with long, dark hair. Don’t forget your eye patch if you are a particularly tough buccaneer. Wear a white satin lace-up shirt with ruffles. Over this goes a black vest with gold embroidery or the knee-length frock coat. Either way you’ll look like Captain Jack; and the ladies love him! Striped breeches that fit loose and flowy are worn with brown or black pirate boots. Wear a suede pirate belt, which will hold your fancy Corsair sword with a basket hilt. Carry a pistol in a holster too. Adorn it all with Davy Jones skeleton keys and gold rings. Attach a bag for booty filled with gold coins and allow your stuffed parrot to sit proud on your shoulder.

Who loves Galley Wenches? Those swashbuckling sea dogs that’s who! A proper wench always has a head full of thick hair in tight curls. It’s called a tavern wench wig. The skirt is just over knee-length and made of two independent layers hanging full and uneven at the bottom. You can wear a beautiful, velour lady pirate jacket in rich jewel colors. It has long sleeves and a formal, fitted style to it. Instead, you can wear a corset with boning for shape or a bodice with a ruffled chemise shirt or peasant blouse. Add a satin sash or head bandana. Black high-heeled boots with brass buckles would look authentic. Last, carry around a pewter tankard full of brew. I said it was okay!

Costume Shops on The Web

Costumes from spooky to scandalous at these shops.

	Costume Supercenter If you're searching for a great costume idea visit CostumeSuperCenter.com. CostumeSuperCenter.com provides costumes and accessories for adults, children, babies, and toddlers. CostumeSuperCenter.com offers a fun and exciting selection of costumes, some of which include Halloween, Easter, Mardi Gras, Historical, Valentines, Mascot and much more. Visit CostumeSuperCenter.com, for a great selection of costumes that fit your taste and budget. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Costum...
	Costume Craze Costume Craze is one of the world's largest online costume retailers. CostumeCraze.com offers a huge selection featuring animal costumes, baby costumes, cartoon character costumes, child playtime outfits, couples costumes, famous people costumes, history costumes, holiday costumes, movie costumes, superhero costumes, teen costumes, theater costumes, traditional costumes, and many more. Costume Craze will bring you thousands of costumes and millions of smiles. To receive your automatic cas...
	Costumes by ShindigZ

Ready To Party

I don't care what time of year it is ...these are pretty funny !!

Exhibit C : Hula Girl Shows You How It's Done.

Exhibit B : Macho Maui Man / Hula Girl

Exhibit A : Macho Maui Man

Costuming on Video ...

Halloween Animal Costumes	Halloween Costumes
Oh My God! Dogs in Halloween Costumes. Get Your Puppy Website.

Save Yourself at Halloween

	CostumeKindgom.com Free shipping with $60 purchase. Expires: 10/20/2008
	Disneyshopping.com Halloween Boootique! Purchase fun costumes and decorations. Expires: 10/29/2008
	Frederick's of Hollywood Fall's Sexy costumes, Plus save up to $40. Expires: 10/31/2008
	Halloween Express Costumes Save 10% on purchases of $35 or more with coupon code bfe0d8. Expires: 11/01/2008
	Halloween Express Costumes Free Shipping on orders over $65! Expires: 11/01/2008
	Playboy Select Costumes Now 20% Off! Expires: 10/20/2008
	Star Costumes Delivery is worldwide! Expires: 12/31/2008

Art Appreciation

2008-09-02T16:26:12Z

Art Appreciation

Is it time for you to decorate? Redecorate? Renew your environment this spring with fine taste. Like a fine wine, great art seems to only get better with time. All the rooms in your home as well as your office walls will thank you for the added touch of class. Remember to save on art and art supplies at ShopAtHome!

A New Style Emerges!

Back in the 19th century a loosely based association of artists based in Paris, led by painter Claude Monet, began an art movement. We call it Impressionism This name was derived from the title of a Monet piece, Impression: Sunrise. Impressionists were the rule breakers of academic painting. At least the style dictated by the French Academy of Fine Arts. The Academy placed esteem on portraits dedicated to both historical and religious themes. These works intensely mimicked reality while adding some drama. The Impressionists innovated and perfected clashing techniques. These included visible brushstrokes and open air composition called still today by its French term—en plein aire. The emphasis on the play of natural light made it notably different as well. The now-famous members of this prestigious group are Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassat.

In Impressionist painting short, thick strokes of paint capture the principle of the subject, on canvas rather than honing in on intricate details. Colors are applied side-by-side, and intermingled with soft edges. This is accomplished by placing wet paint onto wet paint. The use of sea sponges because of their variegated form and texture and various artist brushes along with vibrant and unmixed paint enhances texture and effect. Some of these methods had been used previously, the Impressionists were used many of them all together to create a distinct style of art.

As a ShopAtHome shopper you can begin a decorating project with your end vision as a distinct style. Purchasing just the right objects is vital. Equally as vital is saving on them by going to our coupon page at ShopAtHome...it's impressive!

Objects Reflecting Beauty!

	Impressionist Paintings: 16 Art Stickers (Dover Fine Art Stickers) (Book) Among the best-loved paintings are those by the Impressionists. This collection of beautiful art stickers evokes that period with 16 lovely reproductions of masterpieces by Degas,...more List Price: $1.50 Lowest Used Price: $1.46 (as of 10/8/2008@11:16 PM) Lowest New Price: $1.39 (as of 10/8/2008@11:16 PM)
	Breakfast in Bed by Mary Cassatt (Kitchen) mfr: ArtSelect Born into a wealthy family, American artist Mary Cassatt traveled to Europe to study art after attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia. Gre...more List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $59.99 (as of 10/8/2008@11:16 PM)
	The Bath by Mary Cassat - 37.5x21.5" (Kitchen) Tender, intimate portrait from renowned Impressionist of the 19th century Sweet and simple adornment for the bedroom hallway or bath Reproduction on sturdy canvas 3'' classic m...more List Price: $339.99 Lowest New Price: $339.99 (as of 10/8/2008@11:16 PM)

Evolving Art, Evolving Technology

It was a technological invention that, during the Industrial Revolution, singlehandedly influenced Impressionism. Portable cameras enabled artists to capture spontaneity in composition and the natural and changing sunlight falling on landscapes.

Monet observed that light alone has the power of unifying a figure with the landscape. So he experimented by painting Women in the Garden outdoors when the sun was shining through the trees. This was the first picture to faithfully record the effect of outdoor light on the figure in sparkling color and deft brush work; something art aficionados take for granted in the 21st century! ArtSelect carries prints like this of his art. He was particularly talented at catching the reflection of the sun’s rays reflected on the surface of water and snow. He noticed that shadows always carried color in them—they were not in fact brown or gray. He wanted to convey the feeling of moving or quivering light, so his technique of handling paints became very free and loose.

So unconventional compositions were created that looked at nature and people in normal, everyday situations without the frills and structure dictated of academic painting. Imagine the main subject of a painting not necessarily commanding the viewer's eye, but instead blurring into a sometimes candidly larger reality. Does this not evoke a subdued image of a simple moment in someone’s life? The innovation of photography was accepted by the masses to undermine the importance of painting in modern society. Taking a family photograph was, and still is, of course, faster and more cost-effective than having a family portrait commissioned. The face of art is always changing and unpredictable, and always exciting to follow the trends.

A Portrait of 2 Artists

A famous Frenchman, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, painted impressionistic art that is likely the most reproduced images in the history of art. He had a predilection for light-hearted themes and flowers and later in his career painted many portraits of lovely women. Many of his works present a vision of a forgotten (or maybe more accurately, imagined) world, full of sparkling color and light. The general air of delight and gaiety that surrounds much Impressionist painting is due in large measure to Renoir. Allposters and Overstock.Com are great stores that have prints or books about Renoir.

An interesting life story about Renoir involves the tragic arthritis that nearly struck him down in his later days. His hampered his movement forced him to paint by strapping a brush to his arm, and creating sculptures by directing an assistant who worked the clay. In all, his painting was always beautiful and optimistic like his view of life and his painful condition. His words were "The pain passes, but the beauty remains".

Mary Cassat is another great talent to note. Her subjects inclined toward the domestic and the intimate rather than the social and the urban of other famous artists. She supported the movement by promoting the works of Impressionists and encouraging friends to build their collections with it in the USA. Since her art was largely favorably received by critics she is credited with her contributions. Her earlier works were marked by gentle, golden lighting. But as a consequence of an exhibition of Japanese prints, her draftsmanship became more emphatic, her colors clearer and more boldly defined. Such is the way of the life of art! An unique aspect of her commitment print-making techniques that allowed her to become expert at it.

She admired the talent of Edgar Degas. Although he painted many other subjects, it was the ballet dancers, in both oil and pastel, that Degas would devote himself to. He appreciated the gracefulness of the female form. He enjoyed painting historical subjects and faithfully copied the old masters in the Louvre—yes, there were masters that dated back even before him! Throughout his life he would make over 700 copies of famous classical paintings. He took pride in his ability to work in a number of styles, including classical and realist styles, as well as romanticism. Being labeled as an Impressionist, as he often was, may not have been considered by him to be the highest compliment!

View This Twist!

Creating Murals For A Baby Or Child's Room

This is a how-to for you to get your feet wet...and your paintbrush too in painting.

Purchase Your Favorite Pieces

Add some color to your environment.

Why Do Container Gardening?

2008-09-02T16:12:54Z

Why Do Container Gardening?

You can dote on a fussy specimen with container planting. Practically speaking, you can move plants indoors in cold weather. But there is a lot to know to keep your thumb green with this type of gardening!

The Ground Rules Explained

Container planting allows you to decorate--liven up--your open patio, front porch and poolside concrete expanses and window boxes. An advantage of this variety of gardening is your ability to move these containers around as weather dictates. Bury them in the ground, put them in a greenhouse or even gift some for you givers out there. Get creative with sources of containers--everything from small buckets to old wooden rowboats! You can go formal with manicured topiary or casual with a dense mix of annuals and grasses in a whiskey barrel half. Lifting a container off the ground with a stand allows for eye level viewing for more shallow pots. Water flows more freely out if over watering could be an issue. Smaller pots can be hung from the ceiling or attached to a wall as a half-basket. This way you keep them out from underfoot. Handy and eye-catching!

You should take a look at the Easter gift baskets at BloomingBulb. These holiday baskets are pre-planted with bulbs primed to grow upon arrival! There are porous and non-porous containers. Porous containers like terra cotta and wood will dry faster and cool by evaporation and allow roots to breath. Mulch is useful on top of the soil to slow evaporation on hot days. Non-porous pots like glazed pottery and metal boxes retain water. They can smother roots; so make sure there is a drain hole in a pot like this. Low containers that are lightweight are for shallow rooted plants such as azaleas, bulbs and bonsai. Awww, cute little bonsai! Use a large pot for permanent plants like a Japanese maple or conifer, as they need room for 2 years of growth.

Year-round container planting is common for mild climates. Only plants that can tolerate the warmest temperatures your climate dishes out should you grow. In cold climates you will have more success (and a greener thumb) if you pot up annuals for the summer and over winter perennials. On freezing days you can always move them in if there is enough sun or artificial light. You need to do this because the small amount of soil in a pot does not insulate the plant very well. Mantis has a no-crack rubber 4" pot. Get several to have longlasting pots on hand. You get to have 100% control with the soil mix, unlike with traditional ground planting. So, get happy control freaks! This allows you to provide precise conditions for specific plants and better pest managment since different bugs attack different species. The science of soil mixes get pretty involved. In short, you can buy good packaged soil or sterile soil-less mixes. You cannot dig up the same from the ground, as there may be harmful organisms in it. When caring for plants you ought to play it safe submit to their demands for shade, sun, temperature, water, and soil type.

Gardens Are For Viewing

Be creative with containers and decorating ideas.	Small plants in a large pot.
Decorating with container plants.	Tree in a container.
Tomatoes grown in containers.	Healthy herb garden in a low container.

From the Pots to the Plants

Annuals are suited well to containers as they can be crowded in and seedlings can be started inside to extend the growing season. They tolerate a small pot chock-full of plants for a season. Here's a general rule: Plant in container 6 to 8" apart if ground planting specifies 10 to 12" apart. For an annual that will grow 3 feet tall get a pot 24" in diameter. For an annual that will grow up to 1 foot tall get a pot 8" in diameter. To keep your working hands clean try these hi-tech Nitrile Gloves that make your hobby easier! They're from Gardener's Supply.

Perennials can be grown in containers despite the fact they tend to grow slower and larger. If they outgrow the pot then remove them when they are most dormant. Some bulbs can be dug up in the fall and stored till planted for an early spring bloom. These plants can be relegated to an insulated garage before cold weather hits. Generally, you prune a plant when it goes dormant and cover its roots since they are still alive. Wrap chicken wire loosely around the pot and pack in straw for insulation and water some in the winter. Plants in this category that bloom for a long time include Lily of the Nile, Peruvian Lily, Asparagus Fern, Coral Bell, Coreopsis, Primrose species and Delphiniums.

Trees, shrubs and vines make you think big, in terms of deep containers, and take on a commitment. These are not a short-term love affair like an annual. They don't need the heavy watering that an annual does. Consider the climate you live in as these plants will have to weather it. The payoff--a small terrace is fashioned with a comfy chair in the shade of a blossoming potted tree. How about those winter berries too? They don't require a lot of feeding, but require the right kind of pruning and watering. Here are a few hardy candidates.

Boxwood: Evergreens that you trim into geometric shapes or use as a backdrop to other plantings. Its roots are shallow and it grows to up to 10 feet.

Camellia: These ornamental trees sprout big, bodacious flowers. They thrive in western and southern states and grow slowly up to 7 feet.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick: Its height is 4 to 6 feet and needs soil that drains. Its trademark contorted branches can be pruned if you are going after a specific shape. But who would want to interfere with its own creative branching?

Redwood: Yes, I said redwood to prove to you that growing trees in pots is more than you would think! It will grow in a large box of 24" wide for a few years "leaving the nest". Prune it to control its height and make it bushier.

English Laurel: This make a dense screen of big leaves pretty quickly. It grows very tall and wide. A longtime favorite often seen as hedges.

Clematis: These vines really like containers but must be moved to a well-protected spot in a frigid winter. It needs a deep pot, but those spectacular blue and purple blooms make its demands worthwhile.

You can harvest many varieties of vegetables and herbs from a large wooden trough as they grow well together. They tend to be sun worshippers. Some herbs put off potent scents; so locating them by doorways and in window boxes would maximize their value to your home.

Dig Up Some Savings!

Plants & Garden Supply Stores

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	Gardens Alive At Gardens alive you will find all your lawn care & gardening needs. Gardens alive offers lawn care, soil care, plant care, insect pest control, animal pest control, disease control & weed control. At Gardens alive learn about vegetable & flower gardening, home orchard, backyard birding, organic pot care & tools needed. Garden’s alive also has tips on water conservation, pest control for deer & gophers & insect control for slugs, snails & mosquitoes. . To receive your automatic cash reba...
	Dutch Gardens For nearly a century, Dutch Gardens has been supplying Holland's finest bulbs and plants to beautify gardens throughout the U.S. Their gardening experts come from families who have long been leading Dutch horticulturists. When you order from Dutch Gardens, you'll receive the best quality bulbs and plants at great prices. All orders are individually packed in climate-controlled warehouses and shipped to the States in climate-controlled containers. This assures you receive the freshest, healthiest...
	Wayside Gardens Wayside Gardens is an online nursery offering a large and diverse selection of products to help you create a legacy of garden beauty. Create a beautiful outdoor living space by choosing from a selection of plants, bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs or unique ironwork and ceramic pieces. Visit waysidegardens.com for quality products, true to type, shipped properly, and to perform as advertised. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Wayside Gardens, simply click on our SHOP NOW b...
	Mantis Garden Products Mantis brings high quality, innovative and dependable products to the home and garden marketplace. Mantis has built their reputation through lasting products, highly responsive customer service and industry-leading warranties and guarantees. Mantis provides millions of customers worldwide with quality products such as the Tiller/Cultivator, Swift Split, Compost-Twin, Mantis E-System, Loadumper6 Cart, OXO Garden Tools and much more. Mantis makes gardening easier and enjoyable with quality product...

Beautify with Plants.

Starting herbs in a container.

Many interesting containers and pots to choose from.

Tips for planting in pots.

Products To Make Your Hobby More Fun

	Meyer Lemon Tree One Gallon (Kitchen) Fragrant flowers produce thin skinned, juicy lemons year round. Different than conventional lemons in that the taste is more sweeter, and less acid. Rind is thinner and more orang...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $32.98 Lowest New Price: $32.98 (as of 10/9/2008@8:46 PM)
	Metal Planter - Glamour the Cat Planter - Great Mother's Day Gift! (Kitchen) These planters were created from a love of nature and whimsy. The designers 25 years of experience producing consumer products and 30 years experience as an arborist and naturali...more Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $45.00 Lowest New Price: $33.99 (as of 10/9/2008@8:46 PM)
	Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter (Lawn & Patio) Topsy-Turvy Planter makes it easy to grow tomatoes and vegetables because it eliminates the need for a backyard garden plot, stakes or cages, weeding, soil prep, hole digging, cut...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $20.00 Lowest New Price: $8.88 (as of 10/9/2008@8:46 PM)
	MOSS PEAT 1 CU FT SUNSHINE (Home Improvement) List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $8.43 (as of 10/9/2008@8:46 PM)

Springtime Twist!

How to: Water Your Lawn Efficiently by LordZuzza