Shopping for Christmas gifts can either be pleasurable or stressful and the deciding factor is most often centered on knowing what to get for your loved ones, or if you are just meander pointlessly in a quest for inspiration. Hence, to shun yourself from stress, a so-called “prior gift planning” pays dividends and assts in the reduction of the holiday stress that you must cope with.

It certainly helps to begin your Christmas shopping conquest by preparing a detailed list of those people you want to buy presents for. It fixates the mind and will also benefit you in terms of budgeting. As soon as you know the number of your recipients, you can then apportion the funds accordingly. At this point, you will have a better idea of the type of presents you should be looking for. Moreover, you will have a rough estimation or price range for each item on your list. It isn’t acquisitive at all to consider this. Besides, it is rational and practical measure, as that joy that radiates from Christmas can even make the most penny-wise person lose control of his/her finances festive months.

Once the budget is settled, it is wiser to not set off to buy the presents until you have a few ideas for each recipient. Even if you are planning to complete your shopping offline, utilize the internet to search Christmas gift sites to have an idea of what can be purchased and just what the price ranges are. If you feel comfortable with online shopping, you can save a large amount of time and at the same time open up a world of gifts that you may not have given notice. To minimize postage fees, check out items for the entire gift list before making orders because some of these presents may be ordered from the same company.

To determine what gifts to check out, do a careful analysis of each recipient and what you know about their personalities. An important rule to remember is to get them gifts that they are sure to appreciate, rather than something you like yourself!

Begin your thoughts on those you know well. This will be much easier and the ideas that spark may aid you in thinking of things for those you find it harder to buy gifts for. If you happen to know someone very well, avoid gifts for the home, as personal fondness vary a lot in this area. A lavish treat or ‘occasion’ present can be an awesome choice though, as they don’t demand the recipient to put them on display for a long time months to avoiding hurting your feelings. Say you know someone who likes to cook, a gift basket of exotic spices and cooking oils will likely be well received, plus your recipient need not be a chocoholic to admire a the beauty of a handmade Belgian chocolates, so these kinds of make gift ideas make great choices.

In spite of our digital awareness, traditional pastimes such as board games still provide great pleasure whenever received as a Christmas present and fit well for friends and relatives. In addition, these make fabulous shared presents for a couple or family.

Lastly, still part of your gift planning, whenever there is a possibility that you might perhaps be invited to visit friends over the holidays that you haven’t seen for some time, consider buying small token gift items such as books, wine, or tree decors. Have these wrapped with a blank gift tag. In this way, you will always be prepared to offer a little gift if you need it unexpectedly.

Looking for restaurant serving tips? You’re certainly not the only one. Having been in the business of serving people in high scale restaurants and country clubs for many years now, I know that there are some things that you must know to be successful and wine presentation is definitely one that you must master.

Here are the 3 basic steps to a wine presentation

1. The customer has picked the wine that they desire. You bring the wine back to the table and present it to the person who ordered it. The person will then look to see if it’s the bottle that they ordered. He/she will then check the vineyard, style, and vintage.

2. Assuming everything is to their liking, you then proceed to open it. Using a corkscrew, of course, you use the little knife to take off the foil. Always cut under the lip and always keep the bottle with the name facing them. Put in the corkscrew and turn until there is one turn left. This is so you don’t break the cork by going all the way through and pushing out the bottom.

Now take the corkscrew out and put it away. Pull out the cork and place it beside the person. What they should be looking for is a cork that is wet on one end and dry on the other. Preferably wet on the inside, because if it were to be wet on the outside, you’ll know that the bottle has leaked and air has most likely entered the bottle causing it to turn to vinegar.

3. Next, you pour just a little wine into the glass. The person will then swirl it around, smell it, and taste it. This process is done to make sure that the wine is indeed good. When they look at you and give you the okay to proceed, you fill up there glass about halfway.

You then go around the table clockwise, pouring for the ladies first. All glasses are filled halfway up. If it’s a bigger party and they only ordered one bottle of wine, you will pour less, assuring that everyone will receive the same amount. Place the bottle in the middle of the table near the host if it’s red and use an ice bucket for white wine and again place it near the host. Keep an eye on the table and their wine glasses so that you can fill them if need be.

This whole procedure is one of many important restaurant serving tips. Knowing and executing this will definitely make you appear more like a professional, which is what you want to be, right? The more professional, the better the chance for a higher gratuity.

One of the responsibilities of the groom is to find gifts for his groomsmen. Giving gifts for groomsmen is not mandatory, however, it is the least way to give thanks and show appreciation towards buddies who have been very helpful and supportive all throughout the wedding process. As a new groom, finding the best groomsmen gifts may seem a bit challenging, in a sense that there is an endless selection of gift ideas to choose from and above all, shopping is usually not the thing that interest men. That, however, shouldn’t hinder you to give thank you gifts to your beloved buddies, whom you share sad and happy moments with.

So, what ideal gift should be given anyway? The answer is personalized gifts. Personalized groomsmen gifts are far excellent than other gifts that you can easily buy and wrap in no time. Personalizing the gifts simply means including thought onto the items. Any recipient would love the idea of receiving something that was made specially for him. Personalized groomsmen gifts will remind them of you, and are something that they will always cherish and treasure.

Depending on your choice, groomsmen gifts may be the same or individualize. Perhaps you can buy them neck ties, in their favorite color or your wedding colors, with their embroidered initials. They would not only appreciate their tie being personalized, but they would also enjoy using your gift for years! Other embroidered gifts your consider are personalized gym bags, caps, robes and towels.

Another great gift idea you can give to each of your groomsmen is a personalized pocket knife. Pocket knives are tools that can be utilized anywhere they would like to go to, especially outdoor. If your buddies enjoy fishing or hunting, personalized pocket knives would be very useful to them. You can have each knife engraved with name or initials of each groomsman.

Barware! Beer mugs, shot glasses, flasks, wine glasses, bottle openers, wine stoppers, cocktail shakers and the likes are a few barware choices you may consider buying for your buddies. Let’s face it, men love beers, wines and other alcoholic drinks, so why not support it even just for once? Whichever barware you’d like to buy for your buddies, have them personalized with their engraved names or initials. Most of these barware gifts are available for personalization, just check out the Internet to find so many choices of those.

Personalized groomsmen gifts, however, doesn’t only mean engraving or embroidering names or initials, but they can also be something that reflects interests or relationship with them. Choose gifts according to their personal preferences, and that will also be considered as personalized groomsmen gifts. Think outside the box and be creative! For example, you can buy them tickets to a major league game, if they are all sports fanatics. Or, you can send them to a spa where they will enjoy a pampering and relaxing gift from you.

Check out the Net to find online stores that specializes on groomsmen gifts. From embroidered attendant gifts to engraved gifts, you are sure to find the best presents for your buddies!

When I was single I’d heard it 1000 times. “Make a list of the qualities you’re looking for in a man.” First of all, it will help you recognize him when you finally do meet him. Secondly, it will set in motion the law of attraction to draw him to you. A couple of times I’d made lists. However, to be frank, I made the list I thought I should make, not the list of things I really wanted.

After my last ill fated relationship, something dawned on me and I finally got it. With a bottle of wine as my assistant, and my best friend at my side, I sat down and wrote the list of things I really wanted and I’ll be honest, it was selfish. I think I listed wealthy, good in bed, and really sexy, as the top three. I of course also listed things like compassionate, spiritual, and good with my kid and dogs. When my friends read my list they would often get hung up on it. I had one question me about the validity of listing “well dressed”. I laughed and held firm to my wish to attract the perfect man. So, when I got bone crushing honest about what I wanted, making this list of qualities in my potential new mate was like waiving a magic wand. Not only did I meet him. I married him and he is still everything on my original list and more.

So, how do you go about writing your magic wand? First of all, like I said before, honesty was the key to my success. Nothing took off for me until I was willing to admit I wanted hot sex with any man I was going to share my life with. When I allowed myself to really acknowledge what I really, really, wanted, my juices got flowing and law of attraction started moving Mr. Right my way, quickly, as in within weeks. I made my list on Valentines Day and met my Mr. Right on April 7.

Secondly, let your list be a work in progress because things will come to you over a few days. I started out with fewer then ten things. However, as I began really thinking about it and started observing men and couples in the real world for the purpose of noticing what I really wanted, my list grew. In the end, it took me ten days and I had about 30 items on my list.

I have friends who have written pages and pages. For me I was able to build not just Mr. Right, but Mr. Perfect on one page. I liked it that way because it was easy to carry my list with me.

Last, but certainly not least, this probably being the most important step. Look at your list and start becoming it. If compassion is on the list be it. If humor is on the list, have it. It sexy is on the list, sex it up!!! Start the work of becoming the person you want to attract. This might make sense to you, it might sound ridiculous, however, it’s the master key to getting what you want, especially in a life partner.

On a side note, when I made my list I was working with my best friend, who also made a list. That would be Valentines Day almost two years ago. She is also happily married today. Her list was very different then mine, however, if you ask her, she’ll tell you she got exactly what she wanted. So, get busy. Start investigating what really turns you on and place your order for Mr. or Ms. Right with the Universe now.

During Prohibition in the 1920′s homebrewing became greatly popular and illegal. When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, home beer brewing to a odd turn. The constitutional amendment repealing Prohibition allowed the production of wine at home but failed to add beer in its wording keeping homebrewing illegal. This ended up making homebrewers no different than back woods moonshine runners. It also made getting supplies much more difficult. President Carter changed this in 1979 when he signed the Cranston Act which removed federal prohibitions on homebrewing. This opened up the hobby to Americans and started a new generation of home brewers.

Many people, in their search for good beer, have turned to homebrewing. It’s easy to make a beer that is better than commercial brews in many parts of the world. Others homebrew simply because it is cheap. Today there are more than 600,000 home brewers across the country and the quality of ingredients and advice for homebrewers has improved. Today it is easier than ever to create your favorite brew right in your own home, home brewing kits have come a long way over the years and with little time and allot of patience you can enjoy your own fine hop creations.

Most kits come with everything you need from a Brew Keg Fermenter, hopped malt extracts (beer mix) and reusable plastic bottles, and the process takes about 2 weeks “that’s where the patience comes in”. You can make just about any style beer that you find at the local distributor and many recipes are available online.

Beer Brewing Tips:

Try different things in your beer. Add some spices. I’ve read of people using syrups. There are no hard and fast rules. Some of the greatest beers I have tried broke the rules. Just because it sounds sick doesn’t mean it will be.

Always keep brew logs! Even if you are using a kit. I once made an excellent hefeweizen, but didn’t take any notes. A went back to the brew shop but didn’t know what yeast I used. With notes, if you make a mistake, you will know what to change.

Buy bulk hops as much as possible. You might not need a full pound of cascade or hallatauer hops, but quantity is always best. Buying hops online is usually cheaper, even with shipping. The night before you are going to bottle your beer, set all needed bottles on your kitchen counter top and fill each bottle with water and Star San solution. Let these bottles soak overnight.

Dry hopping can add floral character to the beer. The dry hop can be added in the secondary or in the keg. To add the dry hop, add about a quarter to one ounce of the hop in a grain bag and leave them in the beer for a week. This only adds a nice flower aroma to the beer and does not change the taste in any manner.

Distilled water should not be used as it lacks minerals and nutrients that are required for proper yeast fermentation. On the other hand city (chlorinated) water can ruin the taste of the beer completely. The best kind of water is well water or spring water.

They say that Anniversary parties should get more and more elaborate as you gain more and more years in your marriage. Though who says you have to stay with convention? You’re young, newly married and have survived to the one year or even five year mark. In today’s world with rising divorce rates that can be a big accomplishment. So go ahead and throw yourselves a lavish wedding anniversary party. This can be even more special if you didn’t get to have much of a wedding celebration. Why you might even consider renewing your vows.

Since you are newlyweds you can take advantage of your youthful energy to plan an unusual anniversary. Maybe you can invite your guests to come on a river rafting trip or take the plunge and go bungee jumping? If you do decide to do one or the other or both make sure someone have a camera going to record these memories forever.

After everyone is done risking their lives, feed them and feed them lots of good foods. Anniversary themed paper supplies can make the party very easy to clean up after a hectic day, so look into getting some classy silver or gold colored plates, cups, napkins and a tablecloth. To make the anniversary even more fun, you can toast everyone with LED light up wine glasses. They’ll light up the night when the sun goes down and your guests are still celebrating. Later, you can just let the guests take them home as special party favors.

If you do want to give out something more to the guests for anniversary party favors nothing beats small trinkets. They are easy to carry and can fit into a small bag. Candles are probably the least expensive and personalized items like card decks, key chains and pens the more expensive gifts.

Gift baskets will always be popular and a great idea to give as a gift. People love to receive gift baskets. Making your own chocolate lover’s gift basket is cheap and easy.

You can fill it with a variety of inexpensive items and there are lots of choices.ou can easily customize each chocolate theme gift basket to your recipient.

I’ve put together a few great ideas for making a chocolate lover’s gift basket, complete with instructions on how to make them. You can make inexpensive gift baskets or expensive gift baskets depending on your budget.

First make a list of your recipient’s hobbies and interests. List everything you can think of.

Suggestions: sports, books, television shows, in-house hobbies, outdoor recreation, camping, workshop, enjoy working with tools, golf, fishing, computer-related, environment friendly, golf, and tennis.

Also relaxation, food, wine, spa, bath and body, fruit, cookie, crafts, gardening, etc. You can tie in any interests into your chocolate theme. These are just a few ideas.

You can find many inexpensive items for use in making your gift baskets or filling your gift baskets, at ‘dollar’ stores, craft stores, party stores, discount outlets, flea markets, close-out stores, etc.

For gift containers you can use: any type of basket, wicker basket, straw basket, bucket, laundry basket, plastic container, toy dump truck or other large toy truck, purse, tin, Christmas tin, seasonal container, large tea pot, large upside-down hat, or plastic storage container-put lid underneath.

Other items might be: extra-large coffee mug, boot, potted plant holder, wire basket, large pasta bowl, large popcorn bowl, cooking pot, clay pot, tackle box, colander, small wagon, skillet, antique trunk, champagne bucket, hamper, Asian-style trunk or picnic basket.

For gift basket liner you can use: tissue paper, shredded paper, shredded newspaper, tea towels, dish towels, hand towels, kitchen towels, colored towels, colored napkins, placemats, diapers, baby blankets or fabric pieces.

For gift basket filler you can use: shredded colored paper, straw, Easter basket grass, crumpled newspaper comics, a bed of wrapped chocolates or other wrapped candy.

For items in the container it’ll depend on the specialty or theme of the gift basket – in this case Chocolate! With chocolate it’s best not to include any fragrant items, unless they are wrapped in such a way that they don’t give off any fragrance. Here’s a small random sampling to give you some good ideas:

Gift certificate for massage or spa visit, gift certificate to favorite store, gift certificate for restaurant, loofah, CD of nature sounds, favorite artist CD, DVD of newer release movie, how-to video or CD, handwritten poem, watch, framed photo, inspirational book, spa pillows, bath pillows, spa supplies, or a small fluffy towel.

Also flavored teas, green tea, specialty tea, herbal tea, biscotti, tea infuser, healthy snacks, fancy chocolates, boxed chocolates, chocolate bars, hot chocolate mix, specialty coffee mix, homemade chocolate chip cookies, homemade brownies, chocolate fudge, and Ghirardelli chocolates.

Or chocolate covered raisins, chocolate covered strawberries, Hershey chocolates, dark chocolates, white chocolates, chocolate bars, chocolate covered cherries, Belgian chocolates, chocolate mints, and chocolate covered pretzels.

How about miniature or giant-size chocolate animals, gourmet chocolate candies, Tootsie Rolls, nuts, homemade chocolate-based cookies, pre-packaged chocolate food items, brownie mixes,and chocolate chip cookie mixes.

And wooden spoons, your best chocolate chip cookie recipe, your favorite hand-written chocolate recipes, chocolate dessert recipes, chocolate fudge recipes, hot chocolate or cocoa mixes in fancy packets, coffee mug for cocoa, movie tickets and cinnamon sticks.

You can use as many chocolate items as you like. You can make your basket with all chocolate items or mix in a few non-chocolate items.

For gift basket wrapping you can use tulle netting or I like to use cellophane wrap. You can buy it in large rolls. Look for specialty packaging outlets where you can buy it wholesale.

Tie off the wrapped basket with ribbon. Wired fabric ribbon is best if you have it. For bows: You can use pre-packaged bows but making your own bows is easy and the best if you can do it. Use a large or huge bow.

Assemble all your gift basket items, tools you need, etc. Now line your selected gift container. Now stuff the selected filler into the gift basket to give added height to your items. Place, layer and arrange your selected items on the filler in the gift container. Put the larger items in the back, the smaller items in front.

Fill in the holes or prop up with more filler (shredded paper, Easter basket grass, wrapped chocolates, napkins or holiday napkins etc. Also you can use ‘picks’ of artificial flowers to fill in space.

Place your cellophane or other wrap under the gift basket. Center the gift basket on the wrap. Bring the cellophane or other wrap over the top of the gift basket and tie it with ribbon and or a beautiful bow! Use ribbon and bows to match your theme colors. Tuck a card in the ribbon and that’s it!

You can find fabric or wired ribbon cheaply at Costco– especially in the fall prior to Christmas but often throughout the year in some stores. You can shred paper in a paper shredder. If you’re going to need a lot of cellophane you can purchase it wholesale through the packaging specialty stores throughout the U.S. but should be easily found in craft stores.

General tips: Try to use non-perishable items. Use freshly packaged food items, because even packaged crackers and cookies can go stale in a couple of months. You can find filler flower ‘picks’ at garage sales for pennies. If you buy wholesale they are usually around a dollar each.

Also there’s nothing like learning how to make gift baskets from a video or DVD for making cheap and easy gift baskets. You can view it over and over again and share with your children, other family members and friends.

You can even charge for classes with your new-found knowledge and/or start a home based business if you so desire. In any event, making a chocolate lover’s gift basket is cheap and easy and will be thoroughly appreciated by the chocolate lover recipient.

Television is a seemingly harmless marvel. It wakes us, entertains us, shouts at us in surround sound during commercials and puts us to sleep after a long day.

Somewhere in between viewing its contents, we wind up watching television news. While it’s natural to want to know what’s going on in the world, the effects of what we see on television often leave our mental TiVo on pause.

Have you ever watched the evening news and felt like your insides have been completely drained? That’s what I call, ‘TNS’ or the Television News Syndrome.

We watch it to be informed and end up being infused with fear, doubt, negativity and everything that is bad about life – and that’s not good.

I’ve come up with 14 reasons why bad news is bad for us in hopes to make you more aware of what you are taking into your consciousness when you surrender your mind to television news.

1. Instillation – not to be confused with installation. To instill is to introduce gradually through persistent efforts as in to instill goodness, conscience, etc. Installation applies to machinery placed in position for connection.

My biggest problem with television news is the instillation of fear. The more fear that it instills, the more fear that is installed on our spiritual hard drive, taking up unnecessary room and making our thought system run slower.

2. Perpetuation Of Fear – it’s not enough to instill fear, they have to keep hammering it into our skulls, drilling it into our heads, plastering it all over our Souls.

3. Fear Specifics Or,”The Crisis-Crisis” – to television news reporters, the word, “crisis” is gold. Off the top of my head, there is a housing crisis, economy crisis, wall street crisis, oil crisis, water crisis, electricity crisis, health care crisis, food crisis, blood crisis, budget crisis and the crisis-crisis. For crisis sake – - enough about crises.

4. Possibilities – I have been hearing the story of Africanized killer bees for at least 20 years. When can I remove my bee keeper outfit? It’s getting really itchy under here.

I want to know if there is a recall on the food that I am consuming, food I would feed a child or animal, cars that I drive, medication, children’s toys, furniture and clothing; real dangers, not “possibilities of fatalities” because a bee may chase me one day in the future and jam its stinger into my skin.

5. Probabilities – people don’t hear the word “possible” they hear probable which translates into doom.

6. Strike That From The Record – when news is reported erroneously, (often times) it is standard to have a retraction. In print, the retraction is always on the last page – in the corner – at the bottom – where people won’t see it. On television news, a retraction is almost said in passing (by that time our mind has already stored the information it gathered when the story was first reported.)

7. The Old Sleight Of Hand – now you see it, now you don’t. Red wine is good for us and red wine is bad for us. Chocolate is beneficial to our health and chocolate can kill us. Which is it? That which gives life also gives death. What are we to believe?

8. In Between The Lies – the first glass of wine relaxes blood vessels, reducing the heart’s work, thus lowering the risk of heart disease. Here’s the kicker. Researchers found that more than one glass of wine increased heart rate, the risk of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and heart failure.

9. What They Don’t Tell You – Certain types of wine are much better than other wines. Researchers studied exactly what substances in wine could change blood vessel function and studies are funded by the red wine industry.

They studied areas where people were living longer and drinking wine and discovered that wines in those areas were richer in procyanidin, which is a flavanoid polyphenol, otherwise known as antioxidants.

You see, the study only takes in a small portion of people and the results don’t apply to everyone. Some of the nutritional advice being pushed on the general public is actually not based on fact.

The notion that red wine keeps us healthy comes from something called the French Paradox. Scientists noticed that despite a diet loaded with saturated fat, very few French people actually die from heart attacks, but that is based on the region where they reside.

Studies have shown that people who drink without food are more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and it increases the risk of a stroke.

10. The Drain And Fill – drains you of all of your positive images and fills you with negative images that permeate your mind, body and Soul in a C.S.I. (Crime Scene Investigation) way.

11. Visual Anesthesiology – puts us out of touch with our sensitivity and genuine compassion for others. An anesthetic is an agent that causes loss of sensation with or without the loss of consciousness. From the Greek word, anaisth-e-tos, meaning without feeling. A visual anesthetic causes a total loss of consciousness. You are force fed something that’s difficult to digest and thus it sits there on your consciousness.

12. Breaking And Entering – what we watch on television news robs us of any faith and hope we have in humanity. It breaks our spirits, enters our hearts and overwhelms us. It repeatedly tells us everything that is wrong with life and how we are doomed.

13. Robs Us Blind – it robs us of our ability to think for ourselves and and to see further into to how to improve our human condition. We watch as the blind lead the blind until we are all blind.

14. Lack Of The Feel-good Factor – when was the last time you watched the news and felt good? The television news is not in the business to make you feel good, it is up to you. I want you to feel good about life, people, experiences. I can’t ask you to stop watching the news, but I can suggest the portion. My rule of thumb is to skip the first ten minutes of any newscast. That’s where they usually serve the worst parts. While bad news is bad for you, if you find enough good pieces, you can rewrite the news and that’s what can enhance your life.

Here are some of the stuff I did when I started playing years ago, most of which mostly happened to me along the way unintentionally. As a matter of fact, it’s only now that I was able put them into words.

1. Always give time to play guitar daily

Constant playing will make the player more accustomed to their instrument of choice. For the ardent guitarist however, one does not even make a conscious effort to put in the mileage on their guitar. It just happens. In my case, it’s the most natural thing, almost instinctive, to go to my room and pick up the guitar.

2. Complete songs from the beginning to the end

It would be a memory practice and the same time, every completed song would be an addition to your repertoire whenever the need to play presents itself.

3. Learn to sing while playing guitar

An aspiring guitarist may not have the pipes that could be considered gifted, but that is a moot point. Being able to sing while playing is almost like a default function for a guitar player. It’s definitely a desirable skill to acquire specially if your goal is to be in a band, but even if you desire only to play by your lonesome, singing along with your guitar playing can be an enjoyable experience as well.

4. Use a metronome

I’ve heard many play the guitar without correct timing. It may be a bit acceptable when you’re playing solo with a free form kind of music but when your objective is play in a band, then you’re in for a rough sailing. It is imperative for band members to play in synchronous fashion. Otherwise it will be a sonic disaster. Practicing with a metronome early on will aid in the development of getting the proper timing.

5. Hang out with like-minded and guitar(or musically)-inclined people

Even if you’re not in a band with musician friends, just being with them is extremely helpful. You guys could be discussing theory, practice routines, exercises or just about your favorites bands, either way you’re totally immersing yourself into guitar and music.

6. Try mentally dissecting songs

This might also be considered a part of “ear” training. Try hearing the segregation of the different musical instruments playing in a given song. It’s fun once you get the hang of it!

7. Learn from the masters

Most of the stuff we hear are just recycled music from an older period, but given a touch of individuality by players considered as legends. Page, EVH, Satriani, Vai, Lukather, Hendrix, May, Clapton, these are all guitar heroes depending on which genre one is inclined to listen to. Hear what they have to offer, it’s a lot for mere mortals like us.

8. Make small goals, one at a time, to cover a bigger goal

Sometimes a song you’re practicing or a technique you’re trying to learn may look daunting. But if you cut it into smaller bits, then focus on each small part, it won’t look and feel as difficult. Each small target accomplished will get you one step closer to the bigger overall objective.

9. Keep listening to music

When you always listen to music, you tend to have more musical inputs in your mind. This broadens you tastes and makes you want to learn more styles and genres.

10. Join a band

There’s no better way to practice while having a good time! No amount of backing tracks, even though how accurate and life-like it may sound, can measure up to the energy that a live jam session with a band generates. If you haven’t tried it yet, then you’re missing a lot!

I’m not saying all of these will work for everyone, as one man’s wine could be another one’s poison, but it worked for me in terms of my personal goals concerning guitar-playing. I’m still learning up to now, there’s no end to learning stuff because as they say, the more you know, the more you know that you don’t know!

Moving is hard work, stressful and filled with adventure. These do’s and don’ts can help you position the new home adventure you or someone you know is having a positive one. It makes sense to know what’s proper and what’s not in your or your relatives, friends or neighbors new home and hood. Mark Nash author of 1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home shares some do’s and don’ts on new homeowner etiquette.

Do’s

-Host your own housewarming party, if your a new homeowner invite friends and family over to see the new place.

-Deliver your sets of keys to your new neighbors home that the previous homeowners gave to you.

-Introduce yourself, your partner and children to your neighbors before they seek you out. New homeowners, young and old love to be welcomed to the hood.

-Offer to introduce you new neighbors and their dog(s) to other dogs they might run into on neighborhood walks.
Don’t forget to warn new homeowners with pets about which dog-owners allow their dogs to go off-leash.

-Offer advice on your favorite bakery, hair stylist, babysitters and dog groomers.

-Alert them to the locations of 24-hour stores, in case your new neighbors have an emergency in the middle of the night.

-Offer to help family members who are new homeowners get unpacked or clean.

-Offer to take mountains of packing and moving boxes to the local recycling center for new homeowners.

-Offer to host an informal neighborhood get-together for your new neighbors to meet the current ones.

-Know when it’s time to go home, don’t wear out your welcome with the new homeowners.

-Bring your new neighbors bottles of chilled spring water on moving day and offer to catch up with them once they get settled.

-Deliver your name, address and phone number with a list of emergency numbers to your new neighbor.

-Offer to clear recently moved-in new neighbors sidewalks after a snowfall, especially if they moved from a non-snow climate.

-Suggest that packages your new neighbors are expecting can be left at your home while they are at work.

-Wave to your new neighbors if you don’t have the time to talk.

-Ask your neighbors who they would recommend for repairs and remodeling projects in your new home.

-Do learn from neighbors with different cultural backgrounds.

Don’t

Register for gifts if your hosting a housewarming party in your new home.

-Expect housewarming guests to bring gifts and if you do receive gifts, open after the party.

-Drop in on new homeowners, call first.

-Offer decorating advice to a new homeowner unless asked.

-Don’t ask how much they paid or imply that the new homeowner over or under paid. People consider financial information private.

-Gossip about the previous homeowners, you might not know if the new owners still talk with them.

-Gossip about others in the neighborhood. Let new make their own decisions.

-Attach ribbons, signs or flags to the new homeowners property without asking permission.

-Ask your new neighbor to trim trees or hedges on your first meeting, they probably know what needs to be done, in time.

-Expect new homeowners to have free time. Moving, working and setting up a household is at the minimum a part-time endeavor.

Housewarming Gift Suggestions

For everyone.

Artist rendering of the new house.

Personalized stationary with the new homeowners address.

How-to home repair book.

Homemade baked goods.

Fresh-picked vegetables and fruit from your garden.

Blooming or foliage houseplants.

Watering can for inside plants.

Specialty Coffee and Teas.

Fun and funky kitchen towels.

Exotic spices.

Gift certificates for home improvement stores, house cleaners, dog walkers, landscapers, local restaurants, spa, window washers.

Bar Accessories, corkscrew, cocktail shaker, wine and drink coasters.

Everyday wine glasses.

Champagne to toast the new homeowners.

Picture frames.

Candles.

Bar accessories: bottle opener, corkscrew, swizzle sticks, and cocktail shakers.

For those with a yard.

Garden tools, or potted perennials from your yard.

Bird feeder or house.

American Flag.