Keeping weight gain to a minimum

Thanksgiving is behind us, some of us more than others, if you get my meaning. With all the rich foods that are served at the Thanksgiving dinner table, I'm sure many of us overindulged at least a little and now need to trim up before the Christmas season hits. there are loads of cookies, cakes, candies and rich desserts associated with Christmas dinners and gifts.

Many people look after New Years Day for the best weight loss supplement, buy my thought is to assess your eating habits now and cut back before Christmas so you won't be pushing so hard after the first of the year to drop unwanted pounds.

• Choose healthful meals and snacks
• Park further away from shopping malls and walk the distance into the stores
• Resist the urge to eat samples that confectioners have laid out
• Keep drinking lots of water
• Take a snack prepared at home with you on long trips. You can control the fat, calories, and salt of homemade snacks
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat more whole grains, nuts, and seeds

Maybe after the holidays are over, you will not have gained so much weight this year!

Technorati Tags: health

Free room

Son is moving out. Well, he's actually already out. He's staying with a friend in town until he gets his own place. He's been looking around and I think he's found an apartment he likes.

This gives me an entire bedroom to do whatever I want with, so I think I'm going to convert part of it into a small office. I'd have a place then to put my office supplies, a computer desk, some shelves for storing movies, books, and other resources, and a dedicated place to work from when I'm working online.

The other part of the room can be home to my craft supplies and out-of-season clothing. Then my bedroom could have some free space to it, which translates into better decorating and more comfort.

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After Christmas and truck repairs

Once I get my truck fixed, I'm going to be in the market for some truck accessories. For instance, I'd love to have a way to mount my laptop inside so when I'm on the road and stop someplace, all I have to do is turn it on and use it.

I'd also like to have a storage bin of some kind in the back that is bolted into place so it doesn't slide all over when I make a turn. Another thing that would be nice would be a way to mount my spare tire either on the back or inside the back end so it's not underneath the truck. It's really hard to get out of there when it's needed.

Of course, first I've got to get my truck fixed, right?

Technorati Tags: truck repair

Catching a ride

If you live in the country, as I do, then you realize the importance of having reliable, economic transportation available to you at all times. Here, there is no such thing as public transportation anywhere but in the largest cities of the state.

In the country, it's up to the individual to provide a way to get to and from work and shopping. Recently, I've had to really deal with this issue. Son got aggravated with me and took the keys to both of his vehicles, leaving me without a ride. The stress this caused me worked as a sleep and appetite suppressant, making me barely fit for work even when I got a ride there.

Things are getting worked out now, though. Son has handed the keys to one vehicle over to me for the time being. Once my truck is operational, I'll give them back to him. Hopefully by then, we'll have ironed out a few more of our problems, too.

Technorati Tags: transportation,truck repair

Gift giving

It's almost Thanksgiving, yet I'm seeing Christmas decorations on display at various stores. I really think they put those out too early, considering we just passed Halloween. I like Christmas - I just tire of seeing the decorations so early in the year.

However, it is a reminder to at least begin shopping, if you haven't already begun. I have a couple of things for folks on my list already, but I'm not really very far along on shopping. Yes, I will be doing some Christmas shopping, but each thing will be carefully chosen for the intended recipient. Nothing will be extravagant. The spirit of the season isn't how much you spend, but if the gift suits the person you're giving it to, don't you think?

For instance, I shop for some things online at places that offer some coupon codes, like Amazon books, or places that offer deep discounts over the regular retail prices. This allows me to give nice things without going into debt well into the following year. When Christmas is over, I don't find myself owing money. That's a lot more satisfying than trying to outdo others who are giving to the person.

• What are the recipients hobbies? I can give items that will help them in their hobbies. Some craft supplies, a gift card to a hobby or collections shop.
• What are their activities? If they love to play music or sports, I can give something to add to that enjoyment. Small sports equipment, guitar strings, reeds, etc. are examples of things that can be a good gift.
• I can give a dinner out or a ticket to an upcoming movie or concert, if that's where their interests lie.
• Do they love to cook? A subscription to a cooking magazine or an interesting kitchen gadget from a kitchen specialty store would work.
• Do they have children? Passes to a local child-oriented movie or play place for the whole family, or offer to babysit for the parents to have an evening out.

You get the idea. Really putting some thought into gift giving makes the gift much more special and appreciated. Again, it's not the amount of money you spend. It really is the thought that goes into the gift.

Technorati Tags: Christmas,gift