Archive for May 3rd, 2008

Meaning of Pink Roses

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
by Elizabeth Crosthon

Flowers communicate an eternal language. They can express emotions that are difficult to put into words. A flower arrangement sent to a friend in need tells them just how much we care. With the delivery of flowers available almost all of the world you can use flowers to celebrate life’s victories as well as sympathize with the sorrows of life.

Expressing emotions through flowers has been a tradition as far back as ancient Greece and Rome. The popularity of selecting flowers not just for their beauty, and fragrance, but also for the message associated with them really “blossomed” in Victorian times

During England’s formal Victorian age, things could be said with a bunch of posies that could not be properly said aloud or even be written in a letter. There were complicated lists of meanings of individual blossoms both singly and in combination with others. We still use many of those various meanings today.

Almost anyone will recognize red roses are nature’s symbolic manifestation of genuine love but what do other colors mean? Having pink roses delivered early in a relationship can mean romance and or genuine infatuation while not seeming inappropriate. Pink roses also convey friendship and kinship with most people especially if they are your elder in age.

Ever since the early days of man-made cross pollinating flowers, rose growers has been interested in producing alternative varieties of roses. One of the most successful hybirds is the cross between red and white, yielding pink blooms. Varieties now exist covering the entire spectrum of pink from light to dark. The lighter, cream colored pink hues are frequently thought of as symbols of youth and childlike innocence.

Roses of other colors also have particular meanings also. Yellow rose bouquets can indicate a friendship, get well wishes, thoughts of brighter days, or perhaps an apology for an argument. Although originally yellow roses had the negative connotations of infidelity or cheating. This is a far cry from what we think of them today.

Most people enjoy giving and receiving flowers, whether it’s red roses for your true love or pink roses from a friend, neighbor or co-worker. Ask your florist to review the list of flowers, colors and the meanings associated with each of them. This way you will be sure to convey your true feeling to your recipient. A copy of the flower guide can be included with your flower gift so the receiver knows exactly what you are trying to communicate to them.

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Tools for Basic Lawn Care

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
by Rebecca Gardener

There were once very basic tools for lawn care. For once upon a time grass grew wild. Imagine going out into your yard with a hand scythe to cut it. That was a mere 150 years ago. So your dads grand dad really had only minor lawn care headaches back then, it would seem. But not you. There are now dozens of tools that need to be considered when thinking about keeping your lawn green and in tip top shape.

Your most basic lawn care tool would be the lawnmower. Look at cutting your lawn along the same lines as cutting your hair. It needs to be cut to stay healthy and look good, at least to domesticated society at any rate. d So you can either call in a pro or you can do it your self with the help of a good lawnmower.While it will be one of your largest yard care investments, if it is properly maintained, it will last a long, long time.

Keep the blade sharp, the spark plug clean and (if it has one) the air filter changed. Change the oil as you would on a car, every season.

Keeping the lawn neat is almost always a matter that can’t be completely carried out just by mowing, though. A trimmer or edger is needed. The two basic types are the old-fashioned two blade model with a long handle. Running the blade alongside patio bricks, steps and other edges keeps the lawn trim and looking good.

The other trimmer/edger style is an electric or gas powered spinning device. The head on the bottom whirls around a plastic string that sticks out a few inches. This string then cuts off grass and other plants that come within its range. While they are lightweight they can be a bit cumbersome if you are short. They are usually under $150, but you will find that the gas powered ones are more expensive than the electric plug in ones. They should last for years with not much maintenance. You will need to replace the plastic coil of string every few months depending on your use.

Next on your list of basic lawn care tools is a spreader. It is important so that you can evenly lay down your weed killer, fertilizer, or other spreadable compounds that assist you with keeping your lawn weed free. One type of spreader looks like miniature lawnmower but without the blade. It is more like a tub that has some small holes along with a roller that will spread the material. You can adjust them for use for a variety of compound applications.

The second type of spreader is a hand-held unit, usually plastic with a rotary handle. They’re perfect for specialized applications of seed for patching small lawn areas, distributing dry fertilizer beads and so forth.

One of the most basic lawn care tools will be your rake. It is handy for many projects not just raking leaves in the fall. You want to rake your leaves because if they are left on the ground they will cause your grass to overheat and prohibit moisture from getting to the blades, as well as blocking out the sunshine. If you live in an area that gets substantial winter snow than at the end of winter you will need to do some power raking as the grass will be thatched and bound up.

This means that your grass blades are overlaying one another as on a thatched roof. This will prevent air circulation needed to keep the lawn healthy. So it is helpful to de-thatch the lawn using a special power tool, but really, if you have the back for it than your rake will work fine.

A long fork or narrow blade, long-handled shovel spade is great for spot removal of weeds. The larger square or rounded shovel will also be needed though for post hole-digging, transferring soil and plants and a dozen other tasks around the yard.

Stock up on your basic lawn care tools, keep them in good shape and all your lawn care jobs will be easier. Well, easier than cutting with a scythe, that’s for sure.

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Healthy Dog Food For A Healthy Fido

Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
by Jolie Mitchel

It is a wonder how we can over look the health of man’s best friend while we are so concerned with our own. Our pets are important members of our family and deserve the benifit of a healthy diet, just as we do. This article will provide you with the best tips on how to provide Fido with a healthy and nutrional diet.

40%-40%-20% is the magical proportion. a good dog food will be aproximatly 40% meat, 40% vegetable, and 20% complex carbohydrates or grains.The only way to select a dog food to match these pecentages is to check the lable. Here you will also find good information about moisture and other things. The contest listed on the lable should be close to the percentages above, but do not have to match exactly.

Deciding whether or not your dog food ingredients are healthy is very simple. The top ingredient on the lable should be a meat protien. If the lable describes a meat by-product the product does not have as much nutritional value. The same is true for \”fillers\”. These items do not have a great nutrional value. Things like rice and oats (grains) are good any where on the lable except the top.

The best way to avoid dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides, is to go organic.Most of the ingredients in organic dog foods will be the same as regular food, but with less of the dangerous stuff. Organic dog food producers are more humane to their chickens and cows as well.

All dogs have special dietary needs. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the best information on what blends of protiens, carbs., and fats your Fido needs. They can also let you know if Fido has any special vitimin or mineral needs. Follow your veterinanry’s advice on the best food for your dog.

Once you determine if your dog needs to switch to a healthier food, make the transition slowly. Your dog may have a hard time ajusting to the change. To help Fido in his transition, add the new dog food to the old dog food over a week or two, increasing the proportion of new food to old food daily. It is easier for Fido’s digestive system to gradually swith. If your dog does not respond well to the change, stop where you are and give him time to adjust. Once he seems to have adjusted fully, continue the process until the old food is completly removed from his diet. This type of gradual transition will also help Fido accept the change easier.

If you want to go all the way, you should consider making your own home made dog food. Although this takes more time than buying ready-to-eat food for your dog, it’s really not that hard. Making your own can be economical as well. You can search the Internet for recipes and meal plans, and there are also books available that are basically cookbooks for dog food. It is important to remember, though: you should have your veterinarian examine and approve any food or plan before you start feeding it to your pet.

In conclusion, experct to see results in a few wweeks or months. Our diet results do not show up over night either. Also take into consideration that an older dog may have more needs for extra veterinanry care and it may take longer to see results. Regardless of the effects however, remember that a healthier diet is the best thing you can give Fido.

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