Consolidate Your Credit Card Debt

Consolidating your credit card debt is actually one of the smartest decision you could ever make.  Credit card consolidation is ideal for anyone who is looking to have better credit now, and in the future.  Consolidation is very common these days, and it is actually a sure way to combine your debt and make sure that you never get yourself too far in credit card debt.

Even though there are many reasons why to consolidate your debt, one of the better reasons is to get a better rate.  If there is a way to get lower rates on a current consolidation, then you’ll have no reason to consolidate your debt.  Anytime you are able to consolidate your debt and save yourself a bit of money - you should never hesitate to do so.

Consolidating your credit card debt will also save you a lot of money as well.  If you have managed to get yourself in debt, chances are that you owe a lot of money on your credit card, or possibly several different credit cards.  Consolidation will put everything into one bill, making it easier for you to pay.  Paying just one bill can help you save a lot of time, as well as prevent stress.

Although consolidation will put your credit card payments into one bill, you should never do it for that reason alone.  The last thing you want, is to pay more money to avoid getting more than one bill a month.  Credit card debt consolidation is a wise investment though, as it may give you lower monthly payments over an extended period of time.  It will also close out other accounts as well, which could help you to improve your credit.

If you are looking to consolidate your credit card debt, you shouldn’t hesitate to let the professionals help you.  There are a lot of companies and banks that specialize in consolidation, and would be more than willing to help you.  Before you make your decision though, you should always research your options available and find the best one for your needs.  You should also make sure that there are no hidden fees or other problems as well.  If you take the time to research, you’ll save a lot of money in the future.

A lot of people who turn to credit card debt consolidation, let their credit cards get the best of them.  A credit card can be great to have, although it can be easy to abuse as well.  If you aren’t careful in your spending, you can rack up debt before you know it.  Once you get yourself in credit card debt, it can be really hard and very stressful to get out of it.  Normally, it will take you months and possibly even years to get out of debt.

If you’ve made the decision to turn to credit card debt consolidation, the first thing to do is to look at your debt, and see exactly how much you owe.  If you know what you owe and who all you owe it to, it will be much easier to contact the professionals and get them to help you.  When you contact them to help you, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them any questions, as you should always be looking for the best deal possible.  Although credit card debt consolidation is a great thing, you should always do yourself a favor and wait until you find the best deal possible.

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Choosing Your Reward Card

When you are in the market for a new credit card, the features you have to choose from may draw you to the card.  Low interest rates and the types of rewards you can get, are what draw many to reward credit cards.  Those of you who have good credit, will more than likely be able to get reward cards that boast 0% APR.  This does have an introductory period, normally 1 year, that goes along with your new reward card.

You’ll also need to think about the type of card that best fits your lifestyle.  The credit card field is very competitive, meaning that you always have a lot of offers to choose from.  Reward cards and becoming very popular, with more and more coming out all the time.  If you look for your reward credit card on the Internet, you’ll be able to compare hundreds and hundreds of offers - and decide which one is indeed the best for you.

Those of you who travel on a frequent basis, may find frequent flyer reward cards to be very beneficial.  These credit cards will accumulate either points or miles for every dollar that you spend.  You can then use the accumulated points or miles and redeem them for airline travel, hotel reservations, car rentals, and even cruises.  These credit cards can also help you with discounts as well, which can make a vacation or business trip more affordable than ever.

If you like to pay your full balance at the end of every month, then you may find a reward credit card with a cash back feature to be the most enticing.  There are some cards that offer cash rewards of up to 5%, which can equal quite a bit at the end of the year.  All you need to do with cash back reward credit cards is make a purchase, and you’ll get money back for everything you buy.

Other types of reward credit cards include discounts on gas purchases, contributions to your savings account, and points that you can redeem for great items and things of that nature.  No matter what your lifestyle may be, you can almost always find a reward credit card that fits your needs and interests.  Reward credit cards are great to have, as you can buy the things you need and earn points, flyer miles, and even cash back.

If the sound of rewards with your credit card purchases sounds enticing, you should look into getting a reward credit card.  These cards are great to have, as most include low APR with great reward incentives.  They can save you money as well, which is great for those on a budget.  With a reward credit card - no matter what you choose you’ll come out a winner.

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Credit Cards With Cash Rebate

Credit cards with cash rebate incentives give you cash rewards each and every time you make a purchase with your credit card.  Although there are many types of reward credit cards out there, more and more companies are leaning towards cash back incentives, as most people prefer to receive cash back over any other type of reward.

For many, getting cash back is far preferred over air miles, items, or any other reward.  If you like to use your credit card often, then you’ll find that cash rebate credit cards will give you a lot of money in return.

Normally, these types of credit cards entail higher fees and APR.  You don’t want to carry a high balance on these cards at any time, as it normally ends up very costly.  If you can off your balance at the end of the month, then your APR won’t affect you.  Paying off your bill will also allow you to take full advantage of the cash rebate reward.

The percentage of cash back will vary, although most normally have 1%, with 5% being applied with certain purchases.  For every purchase you make using your cash rebate credit card, you’ll get a small amount of cash back.  Using your credit card on a frequent basis will give you a lot of cash back at the end of the year.

If you make big purchases, you can get a lot of cash back by using your credit card, although some may have a limit on just how much of a rebate you get back.  If you plan to purchase large items such as furniture, you should check into your cash rebate credit card and find out what the rebate is on these types of purchases.  The better rebate cards will normally send a lot of rebate cash your way just for purchasing some of the larger items.

Before you get a cash rebate credit card, you should always find out how much of a reward you will be getting with each purchase, and what the limit may be.  Once you have reached the limit, some banks will either send you a check, deposit the reward into your bank account, or simply add the reward to your credit card.  All three are wise options, although most prefer to have the money added to their bank account - so it can help draw some interest.

If you research the rebate card and find out what other features are included, you’ll normally come out a winner.  Make sure you inquire about the credit limit, fees, and other things that you feel you should find out.  Once you have researched and found out what you need to know - you can get a cash rebate credit card and begin living life knowing you will be getting cash back for just about anything you purchase.

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Protecting Your Personal Information

We all know that criminals are out there, waiting to steal our credit card information.  These very criminals want credit card information so they can run up the charges then leave you holding the bags - with nothing to show for it.  Even though some are local, most credit card criminals are in far away lands.  Worse than that, they like to hide or go by other names so it’s virtually impossible to track them down.

The most common way for criminals to get credit card information is through phishing, which involves a fake email that appears to be sent from your credit card company.  Normally, this fake email states that there was an error with your account, or that it was accessed by unauthorized personnel and needs your attention.

Spotting fake emails isn’t hard to do - as long as you know what to look for.  The most obvious hint for most, is the fact that they don’t even have a credit card from the company that has sent the email.  For others, the link is what gives the fake email away.  Anytime you get an email from a credit card that you believe to be fake, you should always hover your mouse over the link, then “right click” the link with the mouse and select “view source”.  If the link is indeed fake, the website address that comes up will be something other than that of a credit card company.

The criminals don’t want you to look at the source for their website, as they simply want you to click on the link before you look at anything else.  Once you have clicked on the link, you’ll arrive at a website that is usually an exact copy of a credit card website.  Fake sites normally include everything that the actual site does, including the logos and banners.  Even for the most amateur of credit card criminals, web pages like this are very easy to create.

Those of you who have fell victim to this scam, probably realized what you have done little too late.  Once you have entered in your credit card information, you have done exactly what the criminals wanted and put yourself in violation of credit card fraud and identity theft.  Once the criminal has your social security number and credit card information, he is more than likely to use that information to go on a shopping spree - stealing your money and running up your account.

If you receive an email such as this, you should always delete it.  Even if you just click on the fake website to investigate, you may do more harm than good.  Even though you may not enter any information at all, your computer may get infected with viruses or spyware simply because you clicked on the link.  To avoid this altogether, you should never click on a link that you believe to be a fake credit card company website.

If you do your part and protect your credit card information, you won’t have anything at all to worry about.  Your personal information is very important, as you never want it to fall in the wrong hands.  As long as you protect it, you won’t have anything to worry about.  There are always criminals out there, which is why you should always be on guard.  Criminals want your personal information and your credit card numbers - it’s up to you to ensure that they don’t get it.  A criminal will do anything to get what they want, which is why protecting yourself is so very important these days.

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Credit Card Fraud

This day and age, credit card fraud is very common.  Victims of credit card fraud often experience a lot of hassle and stress.  If you have a credit card, you should always be aware of the security features that is included with the card.  If you are looking to get a credit card, you should always make sure that it offers plenty of security.

With credit card companies all over the United States, credit card fraud is becoming more and more common.  Consumers are becoming more and more aware of the situation, and always look for ways to protect themselves.  Many companies that offer credit cards are looking into other methods of security, to prevent credit card fraud from happening.

The best way to protect yourself against fraud is to check the monthly credit card statements you receive.  By looking at your statements, you’ll easily be able to tell if your account has suffered any type of fraud.  If you notice any type of fraudulent charges, you should instantly contact your credit card company and inform them.  This way, they look into it and try to retrieve the money that was illegally stolen from you.

Another way that you protect yourself from fraud is to never reply to emails that may appear to be sent by your bank or credit card company.  There are a lot of fake emails going around, that will steal your information should you enter it in.  You should always use caution with emails, and reply only if you know that the email was indeed sent from your bank or credit card provider.

You can also protect yourself from fraud by keeping your credit card around you at all times.  When you hand it to someone to make a payment, ensure that it is given back to you promptly. You should also keep it safe from others so they can’t view your information.  When you carry your credit card with you, you should always keep it in a safe place, such as your wallet.  This way, you don’t have to worry about it falling out.

There are always steps that you can take, to avoid falling into the trap of thieves and criminals.  Criminals are always out there, looking for ways that they can steal your credit card information.  Therefore, it’s up to you to protect yourself.  Credit card fraud happens quite frequently these days, normally as a result of credit card holders not being aware of how to protect themselves.  Anytime you suspect credit card fraud, you should contact your bank or company.  This way, you can let them know what happened - and take the necessary steps in stopping fraud before it goes on any farther.

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Student Credit Cards

In today’s world, having a credit card is a luxury.  Credit cards are a great convenience, meaning that you don’t need to worry about cash when making a purchase.  Although some credit cards have strict requirements, there are a lot of manufacturers that are giving both high school and college students the chance to get their own credit cards.  Student credit cards can be used the same way as a traditional credit card, although they do come with certain restrictions and limitations that other credit cards don’t normally have.

A lot of companies and banks that offer student credit cards will normally need a co-signer as a form of insurance or collateral.  This person will sign on the loan with the student, and will be the person the company falls back on if the student is unable to pay the bill.  Normally a parent or guardian, the co-signer is considered to be back up and a peace of mind for the issuer of the student credit card, as they can always count on the co-signer with good credit to pay if the student can’t.

Normally, the APR or interest rate is higher with student credit cards, which helps to minimize the risk for the company.  The spending limit is also different with these credit cards, as most are between 250 - 800 dollars.  The reason for this, is because most students have established any credit, and therefore won’t have a great credit rating.  Although the spending limit is obviously lower with these cards than other credit cards, they will still help students establish credit.

Students who plan to make a large purchase, can greatly benefit from using student credit cards.  To make large purchases, you’ll need good credit - which is where a student credit card can really help out.  You can use these credit cards as a stepping stone to building credit, and establishing a good credit rating.  If you can get your credit rating high with your credit card, you’ll then be able to be approved for much higher loans in the future.

Student credit cards can also help students gain a sense of responsibility.  The card works just like any other credit card, although the spending limit is much lower.  Once the student has mastered usage of the card, he or she can manage money much better later on in life.  These cards are great for students to have, and can teach them money skills that will last a lifetime.

Just like traditional credit cards, students should also know that student credits cards can be dangerous.  Although they are great to have, there are pitfalls such as overspending.  If students spend more money than they having coming in, they will be unable to pay their credit card bill, which will then affect their credit.  If the company goes after the co-signer to pay the bill, it could also affect their credit as well.  Therefore, students should always have a budget in mind before they start using their credit cards.

All in all, student credit cards are great to have.  For high school students or college students, these credit cards are a means of freedom, and a way to teach responsibility.  They can come in handy during emergencies, which is reason enough to invest in them.  If your son or daughter is in school right now, you should look into student credit cards.  They can help your child to establish credit - which will take them farther wherever they go in life.

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Small Business Credit Cards

In today’s economy, small businesses play an important role.  These days, it is easier than it ever has been to start a new small business.  There are all kinds of new businesses popping up all over the United States, from department stores to gas stations.  With new businesses on the rise, the owners should be looking into small business credit cards - for numerous reasons.

The best reason to get a small business credit card is for separating your personal finances from any business related finances.  Once you have a small business credit card, you can start making all of your purchases via Internet, phone, or in person.  Business credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, which is great for those who need equipment or supplies in a hurry.

If you own a small business, you’ve probably experimented with using your personal cash for company purposes.  This can get ugly in a hurry, which is why you should invest in a credit card for your small business.  You can make purchases without having to worry about cash, then pay it back later.  You won’t need to keep track of everything either - as you statement will be mailed to you at the end of the month, letting you know exactly how much you spent.

A small business credit card is also a great way to establish some credibility with your business as well.  When you pay with your credit card, it looks a lot more professional than using cash to make your purchases.  It will gain the respect of financial companies, and help your business build some credit as well.  After you have had a credit card in good standing for a few months, you’ll be able to apply for a small business loan and get the best rates - along with the higher amounts.

Even though your business may not have a 6 figure income or budget, small business credit cards can still help your business grow and prosper.  Credit cards are always great to have, simply for the fact that you never know when you need money.  Your office equipment may crash and need replacing, or another emergency may come up.  If you don’t have a credit card for your business, the financing alone could shatter your daily operations.

Small business credit cards will also give you plenty of rewards as well.  Most cards will give you cash aback and certain rewards on just about anything you purchase.  From gas to equipment, you can get rewards simply for using your credit card.  You can increase your profit margin as well, which is always a great thing.  If you have other workers who are authorized to use your credit card, you’ll get more rewards - and much faster as well.  This is also easier on your business, as your workers will be able to get what they need, when they need it.

All in all, small business credit cards are always great to have around.  They will provide your business with rewards and convenience, eliminating the need to use cash with each purchase you make.  These cards will also protect the future of your business, and allow it to grow.  If you own a small business, you shouldn’t hesitate to look into these credit cards.  Once you have found the best credit card for your company, you shouldn’t hesitate to apply.  Credit cards are always great to have around - even if your business is just getting started.  Before you know it, your small business credit cards will more than pay for themselves.

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The Cost Of Credit Cards

Although some choose to rush into getting a credit card, they normally do so without being aware of the costs.  A lot of credit cards out there come with hidden costs and charges, and you should always be aware of this before you apply.  In most cases, these fees and charges won’t get noticed by the user until it is too late.

Credit card holders who aren’t aware of any hidden costs could easily end up paying possibly thousands of dollars at the end of the year - and not even realize it.  If you have a reward credit card, your rewards could easily be destroyed by these hidden costs.  Although some credit card users may realize it, there are many out there who aren’t aware of these costs at all.

The first factor for hidden costs is found in the grace period.  The grace period is the extra time you have to pay your bill without having extra fees added to your bill.  Even though this can be great for paying your bill, it can quickly lead to a pitfall if you let it.  To avoid any type of costs or hidden fees, you should pay your bill as soon as it arrives.  This way, you won’t have to worry about your grace period or the interest that can accrue from letting your bill get later and later.

The late fee is another factor with credit cards that is often overlooked by credit card users.  Late fees are common with credit cards, although their potential for costs is often overlooked.  Some people choose to pay it and be done with it, unaware of the fact that these costs can indeed add up in no time at all.  To be on the safe side, you should always know what the late charges are and how fast they can add up.

The easiest way to avoid any type of hidden fees or costs is to pay your bill on time - as soon as you receive your bill.  You should also pay more than the minimum, as this helps to pay your bill off faster and ensure that you pay the bill and not just the interest.  Paying your bill late is never a good thing, as it can easily destroy your credit report.  If you continue to make late payments, your company or bank can increase your interest rates.

No matter what you do, you should always pay your credit card bill on time.  Hidden fees and costs are out there - it’s up to you to avoid them.  Credit card companies and banks won’t tell you what the hidden fees are, unless you ask them.  To protect yourself and your credit - you should always be aware of the costs - and how to prevent them from happening to you.

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Cruise Ship Gambling: Everything You Need and Want to Know

Gambling is a popular pastime of many American citizens.  Despite the popularity of gambling, it is illegal in many areas of the Untied States.  Currently, casinos are only allowed on Indian reservations, in Las Vegas, and in Atlantic City.  What does this mean for those that love to gamble?  It often means long trips and large amounts of money spent.  That is unless you want to incorporate gambling into your vacation.

Aside from the casinos offered on land, cruise ship casinos are some of the most popular casinos in the Untied States.  If you are interested in gambling on a cruise ship, you can also enjoy a vacation at the same time. That is if you intend on booking an extended cruise.  Extended cruises are cruises that tend to last more than three days.  In addition to extended cruises, it is possible to visit stationary casino cruise ships along the coast.

When it comes to cruise ship gambling, there are many passengers who are concerned with the legal aspect of gambling.  It is true that gambling is illegal in most of the United States, but different rules apply when you are on international waters.  As soon as your cruise ship leaves the port, the casino is likely to open.  To stay on the safe side, a number of cruise ships wait until they are a few miles away from the coast.

Gambling aboard a cruise ship casino is similar to gambling on land. Traditional casino rules should apply.  If a cruise ship’s gambling rules differ, you will likely see signs or rules posted somewhere within the casino.  If you are ever in doubt it is advised that you speak to a casino employee or a cruise ship representative.

In addition to seeking guidance or clarification from cruise ship employees, it is also likely that they may teach you how to play a particular game.  Similar to dance lessons, you could easily learn how to play a number of popular casino games with the assistance of an experienced gambler.  Many of these onboard casino game lessons are free; however, not all are. On some cruise ships, you may be required to pay a small fee to participate in a gambling lesson.

The casino games offered aboard a cruise ship are likely to vary. Many popular games include blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines.  The casinos games found onboard a cruise will all depend on the cruise ship in question. Certain casino games may be available on one ship, but not on another.  If you are interested in playing a particular casino game, you may want to check to see if that game is available before booking your cruise ship reservation.

As previously mentioned, cruise ship casinos are most often found on extended cruises. These are classified as cruises that stay over the water for a period of time. These cruises also travel from one destination to another.  Extended cruise ships often have a large number of activities, aside from gambling.  Cruise ship reservations and cabin rentals are often compared to the hotel rooms found at most casino resorts. When compared, an extend cruise is often the better value.

Despite their popularity, not everyone is able to take an extended cruise.  If you still want to experience gambling aboard a cruise ship, but you don’t want to stay overnight, you can visit a coastal casino or a river casino.  Along the Untied States coast and a number of popular river banks, casinos are legal. These casinos were often legalized by local governments.  Stationary cruise casinos are similar to legalized land casinos. The only difference between the two is that they are located on the water.

To gamble aboard a casino, whether it is a vacation cruise, a river casino, or a costal casino, you will have to make plans. River casinos and costal casinos do not require reservations, but vacation cruises do.  If you are interested in spending your vacation at a cruise ship’s casino, you must first make a reservation.  Once you have made those reservations, you can make plans to enjoy gambling on your vacation until you wish to gamble no longer.

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Cruising With a Celebrity: Are Celebrity Cruises Worth the Money?

You may have seen advertisements on the television, the radio, or online.  Your celebrity is vacationing aboard a cruise ship and they want you to join them.  The advertisement you heard is for a celebrity cruise.  Celebrity cruises are gaining popularity in the Untied States and all around the world. The question that many want answered is, are they worth the money?

Celebrity cruises are not to be confused with the popular Celebrity Cruise Lines.  Celebrity cruises are cruises that are offered by a wide range of different cruise line companies.  The intention of a celebrity cruise is to attract travelers. To do this, celebrity cruises are booked with well-known television stars, movie stars, and musicians.  For some reason, and they are right, cruises lines know that fans follow their idols.

If you are interested in determining whether or not a celebrity cruise is worth the money, there are a number of factors that you should first consider. One of the most important factors is the purpose of the cruise.  A number of well-known musicians, television stars, and movie stars are compensated for their appearance.  While this may not have a direct impact your reservation, it may be in your best interest to know.

In addition to being compensated for their appearance, a large number of movie stars, television stars, and musicians use a celebrity cruise to promote one of their upcoming shows, movies, or music albums.  It is not guaranteed, but you may be granted behind the scenes information and footage. To many fans, this information makes a celebrity cruise worth it.

Promoting a charity or another good cause is another reason why a number of well-know celebrities make the decision to participate in a cruise ship voyage.  If you are interested in promoting a specific charity or cause, you may find it beneficial, in more ways than one, to attend the cruise.  In addition to being able to meet one of your favorite celebrities, you could be helping to bring awareness to one of the many world charities that need assistance.

Another important factor to consider when deciding on a celebrity cruise is the amount of time the celebrity will be onboard.  Due to busy schedules, celebrities may be unable to stay onboard for the whole length of the cruise.  To determine whether or not a celebrity cruise is worth the money, you will want to know how long each celebrity will be on board. If they will only be onboard one or two days, you may find that the cruise is not worth your time or money.

In addition to the length of a celebrity’s stay, you will want to know when certain promotional events are scheduled. These events should be established ahead of time.  To determine when you may be able to dine with, meet, or get an autograph from your favorite movie star, musician, or television star, you should check the ship’s itinerary.  This will enable you to determine if you will even get a chance to meet the celebrity onboard.

It is also important to estimate how many passengers will be the celebrity cruise you wish to take. The number of onboard passengers may have an impact on how much time you get to spend with the cruise ship celebrity.  If there are a large number of onboard passengers and the celebrity will only be on the ship for a short period of time you may be unable to meet with them. This is something that should be closely examined when determining if a celebrity cruise is worth any value to you or your family.

Finally, the cost of the celebrity cruise should be closely examined.  The cost of a celebrity cruise is often higher than other traditional cruises.  This is because you are often paying to meet the person who is onboard. That is why it is important to take the above mentioned factors into consideration.

Celebrity cruises are nice, but a celebrity is not the only reason why you should plan a vacation on a cruise ship.  You can still enjoy a cruise, with or without a celebrity.

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Cruise Ship Activities for Children under Twelve

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to take a cruise.  Cruise ships are a great location to have your next vacation. If given the opportunity, many parents would choose to take a cruise alone. This isn’t because of a lack of love, but because of a common misconception among parents and cruise ships. Many individuals, including parents, believe that cruise ships are not designed for children, but that is simply not true.

If you are the parent of a child under the age of twelve, you may be wondering whether or not they should accompany you on your next cruise.  If you are able to financially afford an additional ticket, you are encouraged to consider bring your child along.  Not only will a cruise be memorable to your child, but it will be exciting. That is because a large number of cruise lines have tailored their cruise ships to children of all ages, including those under the age of twelve.

If you have yet to book your cruise ship reservations, you are encouraged to keep cruise ship activities in mind. The activities for children, under the age of twelve, will vary from ship to ship. That is why it is important that you examine each ship before making a final decision.  Despite the fact that activities will vary from ship to ship, there are many activities geared towards children, under the age of twelve, which can be found on almost all cruise ships.

One of the many popular activities found aboard a cruise ship is a gaming.  Arcade rooms are common on most cruise ships.  They offer children, under the age of twelve, a safe place to have fun and be a child.  Many cruise ship arcade rooms are staffed with cruise ship employees, but this should not deter you from keeping an eye on your child. When leaving them alone in an arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment.

Another fun activity for children, under the age of twelve, includes swimming.  All vacation cruise ships are equipped with a swimming pool.  In addition to an adult sized swimming pool, wading pools can often be found aboard a number of popular family themed cruises.  As with the arcade room, you are encouraged to use your best judgment when allowing your children to swim unattended.  Lifeguards will be on duty; however, they cannot always guarantee the safety of your child.

In addition to a swimming pool and an arcade room, most cruise ships have an onboard movie theater or a performance stage.  A large number of cruise lines offer family friendly movies, plays, and other performances.  Children, under the age of twelve, may find these performances and movie showings fun and exciting. To determine if movie showing and performances are targeted to those under twelve, you are encouraged to check a cruise ship’s itinerary. A ship’s itinerary can be viewed with or without previously booked reservations.

Cruise ship restaurants and other dining facilities are likely to cater to children, under the age of twelve.  Many restaurants offer children’s menus.  These menus are likely to include tasty, but kid sized meals. The cost of your kid’s meals will vary from ship to ship; however, many cruise ships offer discounts on meals for children under the age of twelve.

Cruise ship childcare centers are facilities that benefit both parents and their children.  While on a family vacation, even you need a break. For free or a small fee, you should be able to leave your children in the care of a trained and experienced childcare worker.  Since a cruise ship is likely to have passengers of all different ages, many childcare facilities are grouped together by ages. As with most other services, you will find that a cruise ship’s childcare policy may vary form another’s.

The above mentioned activities, services, and facilities are just a few of the many that are targeted to children, aged twelve and under. If you are satisfied with the above mentioned services, facilities, and activities, you may want to consider scheduling your next family vacation aboard a cruise ship.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of All-Inclusive Cruise Ships

Vacationing is a pastime that is enjoyed by many.  While vacations are nice, needed, and important, they can become costly. This cost is often associated with additional expenses such as food, beverages, and entertainment.  If you are interested in vacationing aboard a cruise ship, but you are worried about the cost, you don’t necessarily have to be.  

All-inclusive cruise ships are cruise ships where just about everything is included.  The cost of your drinks, food, and entertainment are often taken care of.  If you are wondering whether or not you should book reservations aboard a traditional cruise ship or an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are not alone.  A large number of travels wonder the same thing.

When it comes in all-inclusive cruise ships, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages. To determine whether you could benefit from an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are encouraged to weight the advantages and disadvantages each.  After you have considered each, you are encouraged to make a decision.  If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages then an all-inclusive cruise ship may be just what you need and visa versa.

The biggest advantage of all-inclusive cruise ships is that most of your needs are taken care of.  As previously mentioned, most all-inclusive cruises cover food, drinks, and entertainment.  If you are interested in drinking a large amount of alcohol or feasting on the amazing onboard food, you may be able to do so free of charge. You may also be granted exclusive admittance into movie theatres and video arcades.

To many, having foods, drinks, and entertainment provided free of charge sounds too good to be true.  In some cases, it may be.  While many of your food and drinks are included in an all-inclusive package, not all are.  It is possible that you may be required to pay for your alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise ships where alcohol beverages are included in the package, but on others it is not.

When it comes to food, your food at a sit-down restaurant may be provided free of charge, but your snacks are typically not covered. This often includes snacks or small meals purchased at onboard specialty shops and vending machines.  If your snacks and small meals are not covered, you can prevent the extra expenses by eating a large meal.  You may also be able to save money by brining your own snacks onboard, if the cruise ship allows it.

As mentioned above, entertainment is often included in an all-inclusive cruise ship package.  As with food and drinks, the entertainment is often limited.  It is likely that you will gain free admission into a dance or ball, but you will not be able to gamble free of charge.  If you are interested in gambling aboard the ship’s casino, you will have to come up with your own funds.

When it comes to the cost of an all-inclusive cruise, there are many travelers who get confused.  The cost of an all-inclusive cruise may seem high, but it is often that way to cover the cruise line’s expenses.  For many individuals, the cost of an all-inclusive cruise is a great value.  To determine whether or not you will save money aboard an all-inclusive cruise, you need to estimate your cost of food, drinks, and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise.  Simply by comparing the two, you can easily determine which cruise package offers the better deal.

The advantages and disadvantages of all-inclusive cruise ship vacations are important.  By examining each and comparing them to what you want and need out of your cruise, you can easily determine which cruise ship vacation package is right for you.

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Protecting Your Health While Aboard a Cruise Ship

When it comes to cruise ship safety, there are many individuals who are concerned with their physical safety.  Physically staying safe aboard a cruise ship is important, but so is staying healthy.  Due to a large number of individuals in a fairly small space, cruise ships have a number of health concerns.

The health problems and concerns found on cruise ships are often highly publicized.  Despite this publicity, most cruise ships are fun, safe, and clean.  Being concerned with your health aboard a cruise ship is one thing, but you should not let it prevent you from enjoying your vacation.  Rather than letting the fear of getting sick ruin your vacation, you should take a few simple steps to ensure that your health will be the same as, if not better, when you first boarded.

Before your cruise ship is scheduled to set sail, you are urged to schedule a visit with your family physician.  Be sure to inform him or her that you are planning a vacation aboard a cruise ship.  Your physician will likely check your health to make sure you are fit for travel.  In addition to examining your general health, it is possible that your physician may require a number of immunizations.  These immunizations may offer you extra protection; therefore, you are urged to obtain them.

If you are taking multiple medications at the time of your cruise, you will want to make sure that you have an adequate supply.  If you are running low on your medication, you may want to obtain a refill before you leave for your cruise.  It is also likely that your doctor may request that you bring along extra medication.  This request is often made to individuals who must take their medications to survive.  In the event that you misplace your medication, you will have an extra supply to fall back on.

Taking health precautions before you board the cruise ship is important.  However, it is also important to take precautionary measures after you board.  These measures are simple; however, they may be vital to your health.  One of the first things that you should do is familiarize yourself with the layout of your ship.  Determining whether or not there is a doctor onboard and where they are located is important.

Since germs and illnesses spread easily aboard cruise ships, you will need to protect yourself.  This protection involves washing your hands on a regular basis. When most individuals are at home, they wash their hands after completing certain activities.  In addition to eating and using the restrooms, you should wash your hands after using all public facilities.  If you find it difficult to wash your hands regularly, you may want to obtain a package of disinfecting wipes.  If used properly, disinfecting wipes can be just as effective as soap and water.

Cruise ships are popular for their relaxing atmosphere.  This relaxation may include lounging.  When lounging or taking a stroll, it is advised that you keep your shoes on at all times.  As previously mentioned germs can easily spread aboard a cruise ship.  Keeping your feet covered at all times will not only protect you from contagious illnesses, but it will prevent you from stepping on harmful objects.

In addition to cruising along water, most cruise ships dock in a port. It is likely that you will be visiting a foreign country.  In the event that you end up on foreign land, it is important that you carefully monitor what you eat and drink.  If you notice drinking advisories, you are urged to follow them.  Instead of drinking tap water, you may want to opt for bottled water or another bottled beverage.  Many individuals are concerned only with the drinking water, but you should also be concerned with ice cubes and water in uncooked foods.

As you can see, the above mentioned precautionary measures are simple and easy to follow.  Why put yourself at risk for illness; especially when it requires little or no effort to keep your health in good standing.

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Researching Your Cruise Ship Options

Each year, a large number of individuals make the decision to book a cruise ship getaway.  When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, you are presented with an unlimited number of options.  There are a large number of cruise lines that operate numerous cruise ships.  In fact, there are so many cruise ships available that many individuals, maybe even yourself included, do not know where to start.

The first step in planning a cruise ship vacation is making the decision to take one.  Traveling aboard a cruise ship can be a fun and exciting experience, but it is not for everyone.  Cruises ships often require residing in close corridors for an extend period of time.  If you have a difficult time dealing with crowds or you are looking for an overnight vacation, you may want to reexamine your decision to schedule a cruise ship vacation.

If you have already decided that a cruise ship vacation is what you want, you will need to find a cruise ship that interests you. This is where many individuals develop a problem.  As previously mentioned, there are a number of different cruise lines. Each of these cruises lines operates a number of different cruise ships.  Each cruise ship is likely to travel to different destinations and offer different activities, services, and facilities.

When searching for the perfect cruise ship, you have numerous options.  Many travelers automatically start searching for the cruise ship of their dreams. Searching for a cruise ship is, in a way, different than searching for a cruise line.  If you do not have a preference as to which cruise ship line you’d like to travel with, it may be easier to search for cruises based on themes, destinations, or onboard activities.  A standard internet search is a great way to educate yourself on the cruise ships available.

If you prefer to travel with a specific cruise line, you will want to research that particular cruise line.  You can visit the cruise line’s online website to further educate yourself or else you can perform a standard internet search.  If you are unaware of the cruise line selection you have, you can easily familiarize yourself.  There are a number of travel websites that offer information and links to the websites of popular cruise lines.  Performing an internet search with the keywords “cruise lines,” is likely to produce a large number of results.

In your search, it is likely that you will come up with popular cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruse Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, and much more.  Once you are able to view the online website of each cruise line, you can begin to search for cruise ships with reservations still available.  When browsing through each cruise ship, you will likely be presented with standard information. This information may outline the activities available onboard, destinations, travel stops, and the cost of reserving a cabin.

The Disney Cruise Line is one of the most well-known and sought after cruise lines for individuals vacationing with a family.  If you are interested in scheduling a Disney cruise, you will see that the two cruise ships used are named Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.  Each ship has onboard Disney characters and beautiful décor.  The main differences between the two ships are the character statues found onboard.

Carnival Cruise Lines is well-known among frequent travelers.  They offer a wide range of cruises; however, their main focus seems to be on “fun” cruises.  When researching Carnival Cruise Lines, you will see that they have over 20 “fun” ships.  These ships target cruise goers who are interested in socializing, partying, and having an adventure over the water.  Popular cruise ships include, but are not limited to Fantasy, Ecstasy, Celebration Fascination, and Sensation.

Royal Caribbean is another one of the many well-known cruise lines in the world. They are famous for their international cruises.  Just a few of their many cruise ships include Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, and Navigator of the Seas.  With twenty-one cruise ships, you are sure to find what you are looking for with Royal Caribbean

Researching each cruise line and cruise ships, individually, may take time.  If you are pressed for time you can seek the assistance of a travel agent.  Whichever method of research you select, research is important. It is the best way to find the perfect cruise ship for you and your family

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Celebrating Spring Break aboard a Cruise Ship

Are you a hardworking college student?  If so, are you looking forward to spring break?  Spring break is an extended break that all college students in the United States are granted.  Unlike holiday breaks, spring break is often a time to vacation, let loose, and have fun with your friends.

Selecting a bring break destination is a fairly easy process. There are a large number of college students who flock to the most popular spring break destinations.  These destinations include Cancun, South Beach, the Bahamas, or Panama City.  Each of these destinations is famous for their sunny weather and amazing nightlife.  Despite their popularity, these beaches often become overcrowded during spring break.  If you are interested in swaying away from the norm, you may want to consider spending your spring break aboard a cruise ship.

When it comes to cruise ships, many individuals mistakenly believe they are only for family vacations or romantic getaways.  The truth is that you can take a cruise at just about any point in your life and go just about anywhere you want. That includes spring break.  If you are interested in spending your break partying and enjoying life, you do not have to worry. There are a number of cruise lines that have cruise ships that are just for you.

To find a cruise ship that allows adventure, partying, and all-around fun, you will need to do a little bit of research.  This research involves familiarizing yourself with popular cruise lines and the ships they offer.  If you are looking to examine popular cruise lines, you are encouraged to learn more about Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, or Costa Cruises.  In addition to these well-know cruise lines, it is likely that you will come across additional cruise lines offering fun filled cruises, all around the world.

When you are searching for a cruise ship that offers excitement and adventure, you are encouraged to stay away from ships that target families.  Family cruises are often limited on the amount of gambling or alcohol assumption that goes on.  If gambling and alcohol consumption is allowed, excess amounts are often frowned upon. To avoid confrontation, you are encouraged to stay away from these family cruise lines. That is unless you plan on spending your spring break with your family.

In addition to family cruises, you may want to avoid cruise ships that target couples.  These romantic cruises are often geared towards couples that are interested in experiencing a romantic and relaxing cruise.  If you are traveling with your partner, a romantic cruise may be acceptable for your needs.  Gambling and alcohol consumption is allowed aboard most romantic cruises, but excessive amounts are also often frowned upon.

To find the perfect cruise ship for your summer vacation, you are encouraged to find a cruise ship that targets those seeking adventures.  In addition to offering exciting onboard activities, you are likely to find that the land adventures are just as fun.  Many party cruises or adventure cruises dock in well-known ports.  These ports may have activities that are just what you are looking for.

Spending your vacation aboard a cruise ship is the perfect way to enjoy your break.  This unique vacation experience will often eliminate overcrowded beaches and unsafe adventures.  Aboard a cruise ship you can safely enjoy your break, while having fun at the same time.

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Cruise Ships: Preparing For Your Voyage

When it comes to vacationing aboard a cruise ship, many individuals consider preparation to be the luggage that they plan to bring with them.  Packing for your cruise ship vacation is important; however, it is not the only preparation that should occur.  Preparation shouldn’t wait until the week before your trip.  Rather, it should begin as soon as you book your cruise ship reservation.

The type of cruise that you will be taking is vital to preparation.  A large number of cruise ships travel on international waters.  In addition to being on international waters, many dock at international ports.  Before begin able to board your ship, you may have to show proper identification. With international cruises, this identification often includes a drivers licenses and a passport.

Unfortunately, when it comes to obtaining a passport, there are many individuals who wait until the last minute.  Last minute passports can be obtained in the event of an emergency, but most require at least a week or more to process.  You will not be automatically granted a passport; instead you are required to apply for one.  Almost all individuals that apply for a passport are granted one, but planning ahead is the best option. If error is made on the information you supplied, you will have enough time to fix it before your cruise ship departs.

The proper identification is needed to board a cruise ship.  Your passport and your driver’s license are not the only forms of documentation that you should bring onboard.  If you are covered under a health insurance plan, you are encouraged to bring your health insurance cards.  In the event you fall ill while on vacation, your insurance cards will allow you to obtain the needed medical attention.

In addition to your medical insurance cards, it is advised that you bring along all of your needed medications. You may even want to consider brining along extra medication. Many physicians will write extra prescriptions for their patients that are traveling on a cruise ship.  Should your medication become lost or misplaced, the extra prescriptions can be used until you return home.  While requesting extra medication from your healthcare provider, you may want to question them on safety precautions aboard a cruise ship.

To pay for onboard and port activities, you will need to bring along extra money.  Vacationing aboard a cruise ship is similar to vacationing anywhere else in the world.  You are encouraged not to carry large sums of cash with you.  If you must bring cash along, you are encouraged to divide your money up and place it in safe locations.  Almost all cruise ships and popular cruise ship ports accept credit cards, cashiers checks, money orders, or traveler’s checks.  These forms of payments are great alternatives to carrying cash.

When traveling aboard a cruise ship, you are urged to give a copy of the cruise ship’s itinerary to multiple friends and family members.  This will make it possible for you to be contacted in the event of an emergency.  When registering for a cruise ship, you may also be required to give the contact information of someone that should be contacted in an emergency.  Your first thought may be to give the contact information of your spouse, children, or a close friend.  When doing so, it is important to make sure that they will be on land and accessible.

Once you have made the above mentioned preparations, you can begin focusing on other preparations, such as packing your luggage.  When packing, you are urged to keep the climate of your cruise in mind.  At the same time, you should be prepared for unexpected weather. Making the proper cruise ship preparations will ensure that your vacation will be a success.

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Cruise Ships: Activities for Seniors

Increasing in age does not mean what it used to mean in the past. In many cases, the popular stereotype of senior citizens relaxing in a nursing home is thrown right out the window.  As medical developments have helped to increase life expectancy, more and more senior citizens are making the decision to get out and enjoy life.

If you are a senior citizen, you are likely to know that there are a number of fun and exciting activities that await you.  One of those activities includes travel.  Each year, a large number of senior citizens are take a vacation getaway.  These getaways may include guided tours, traveling with friends, or vacationing solo.  If you are looking for extra excitement, you may want to consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship.

All around the world, there are a large number of cruise lines.  These cruises lines often operate multiple ships.  With a large number of cruise ships, you are sure to find a number of cruise ships that will fit your needs.  When selecting a cruise ship, you are encouraged to examine the services, facilities, and activities that can be found onboard.  Many of theses activates are geared to senior citizens.

One of the many activities for seniors, found on most cruise ships, includes fine dining.  Fine dinning halls and restaurants are often elegant in design, décor, and food. Many of the fine dining restaurants found on cruise ships have a dress code. This dress code may not require elegant evening wear, but jeans and t-shirts may not be allowed.  If you enjoy dining with touch of class, you many enjoy the elegant dinning restaurants found on most cruise ships.

While gambling and drinking alcohol are often viewed as activities appreciated by the young, they are both popular senior activities. Many cruise ships are able to note the difference between partying and social drinking. That is why a large number of cruise ships have multiple bars and restaurants.  On many cruises ships, you may find an upscale cocktail party. These parties will enable you to socialize with other guests and cruise ship employees.

When it comes to gambling, you may or may not enjoy playing traditional casino games.  Cruise ship casinos are often filled with roulette tables, blackjack tables, poker tables, and slot machines.  You may find a number of these gaming activities exciting.  In addition to traditional casino gambling, a large number of cruise ships are targeting bingo lovers. Bingo halls and other similar gaming halls are increasing in popularity aboard cruise ships.

Dancing is another cruise ship activity that may offer you and other seniors some enjoyment.  Almost all cruises come equipped with a dance hall.  In fact, many cruise ships have multiple dancing facilities. You may be able to receive dance lessons with a trained professional or spend the night dancing away with your friends and family. Themed dances are exciting.  On extended cruises, you may find that the crew designates a specific type of dancing for the night.

A spa visit may put the finishing touches on your cruise ship vacation.  Almost all cruise ships come equipped with a spa. Cruise spas are similar to the day spas that can be found in or around your hometown.  At an onboard spa, you could get a haircut, have your hair styled for an elegant event, or get a massage.  Spa visits are enjoyed by individuals of all ages. If you book a cruise and you are interested in visiting the cruise’s spa, you are encouraged to make a reservation ahead of time. Your reservation will ensure that you are able to enjoy this popular cruise ship activity.

Cruise ship activities, services, and facilities are important, but so are the destinations you will be visiting.  Depending on the length of the cruise, most cruise ships stop at numerous ports along the way.  At these ports, you are usually granted time away from the ship.  Selecting a cruise ship with beautiful, relaxing weather is a great way for you to enjoy your trip.  If the right cruise ship is selected, you could spend your time away from the ship walking along the beach or visiting with local residents.

Cruise ships are one of the safest places to vacation in the entire world.  Whether you vacationing alone or with someone you know, you are sure to have a fun and memorable experience aboard the cruise ship of your choice.

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Honeymooning on a Cruise Ship

Each year, thousands of couples make the decision to get married.  If you are planning on becoming one of those individuals, then it is likely that you and your new spouse will plan a honeymoon.  When it comes to selecting a honeymoon destination, you have a number of options to choose from.

Honeymoons are often thought of as vacations.  In a way, the only difference between a family vacation and a honeymoon is romance and the lack of children.  Honeymoons are supposed to a fun, exciting, memorable, but private time.  Instead of vacationing with the whole family, a honeymoon often only involves the bride and groom.

As previously mentioned, you have a number of different options when it comes to planning your honeymoon.  Many newlyweds schedule their honeymoons at popular beaches, ski resorts, or other secluded areas.  Did you know that you can also have a honeymoon aboard a cruise ship?  Cruise ships are increasing in popularity, but still many individuals do not consider them as a vacation option.

One of the reasons why cruise ships are rarely thought about when selecting a vacation destination, let alone a honeymoon, is because of their cost.  It is no secret that cruise ship tickets are expensive, but this cost should not prevent you from having the perfect honeymoon to go along with the wedding of your dreams.  If you are concerned with the cost, you may want to try obtaining discount cruise ship tickets.

Most discount cruise ship tickets can easily be found online or with the assistance of a travel agent.  Discount cruise ship tickets are nice, but they are often hard to come by.  Discount cruise tickets are sought after by many newlyweds and other vacationers.  If by chance you do come across discounted tickets, you are urged to purchase them while you still have the chance.

Even if you must pay full price for the cruise of your dreams, it is likely that you will still receive a good deal.  Despite the large cost of tickets, it is important to examine the activities available onboard and the length of the cruise.  The longer the cruise and the more services available, the more expensive tickets are likely to be. If you take the time to figure out all the services that are included and the cost of overnight accommodations, you may see that cruises aren’t all that expensive after all.

Once you have made the decision to spend your honeymoon aboard a cruise ship, you will have to book reservations.  As mentioned above, if you are looking to save money on your honeymoon, you are encouraged to search for discounted cruise ship tickets.  If money is not an option, you may want to search for cruise ships that have romantic settings and romantic destinations.

When examining cruise ship destinations, you may want to take into consideration the possibility for romance at each destination.  Since your honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic and relaxing time, you will want to select an environment that will keep those feelings alive.  Cruise ship destinations are located all around the world.  Popular destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico.  To find the perfect honeymoon cruise, you are encouraged to select a cruise that offers stops at destinations of your choice.

In addition to taking cruise ship destinations into consideration, you are also encouraged to examine the type of cruise that you wish to set sail on.  Multiple cruise lines have ships that are targeted to specific groups of individuals.  These cruises often include cruises for adventure lovers, the whole family, or couples.  As a couple, you should be welcome on any cruise.  If you are looking for a private, romantic, and intimate setting, you may want to avoided cruises that are targeted for family vacations.

Before booking your honeymoon trip on a particular cruise ship, you are urged to examine want you want and need out of your trip.  Doing so will enable you to select the perfect cruise ship for you and your new spouse.

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Herb Gardening

Herbs have been around since time immemorial and served different kinds of purposes. They have been used to treat illness and flavour cooking; they were even believed to have magical powers.  Do you want to have your own herb garden?  Here are a few ideas on how to establish an herb garden.

Plan your garden.

Consider the herbs you want to plant.  Think about their types.  Would you like annuals, biennials or perennials?

How much space will they occupy in your garden?  If you want, you can purchase a book that can give you the right information on what specific plants you are planning to grow.

List or draw your garden on paper first.  Separate the annuals from the perennials so when the time comes that you have to pull out the annuals, you won't be disturbing the perennials.  Perennials can be planted on the edge of your garden so when it is time to till your garden they won't be in danger of getting dug up.

Another thing to remember is that you have to plant the tall ones at the back and the shorter ones in front.  Also, provide your plants with enough space to grow. Proper position shall help you in this area.

If you would rather keep herbs out of your garden (and some are quite invasive) you could have herb pots. These are large containers with three or more outlets for the herbs. Fill the pot up to the first outlet and plant it before continuing on with the filling and planting process. Usually, the herb that requires the most water is planted in the bottom hole, while the variety that requires the least, goes in the highest hole.

Some Design Ideas

You can consider having a square herb bed.  You can have your square bed divided into four by two paths crossing at mid point measuring 3 feet.  You can border it with stone or brick.  A wooden ladder may also do the trick.  You can lay it down on your garden and plant your herbs between its rungs.  You can also choose to have a wagon wheel bed.  Planting here is like planting with the wooden ladders.  Plant your herbs in between the wagon wheel's wedges.

Get Your Plants Growing

Of course, different plants have different needs, but many of them require alkaline soil.  This is the reason why you have to determine the herbs you want to plant in the planning stage.  This can more or less help you find out how you should care for your plants.  If you germinate your herbs from seeds, remember to follow the directions on the packet for soil, watering and temperature.

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. You just have to provide them with an effective drainage, sunlight, enough humidity or moisture and fertile soil.  Even with just minimally meeting these requirements they will be bound produce a good harvest.

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More About Butterly Gardening

When creating a butterfly garden, the possibilities of what to include in your butterfly garden design are endless. Below are some suggestions to help get you started. They are designed to spark the creative process of your mind and get you started on your way to creating a lovely butterfly garden.

Before you even begin your butterfly garden, find out which species of butterflies are in your area. Consider taking an exploratory hike around your location with a butterfly identification book. This may take a little extra time and effort, but the results will be worth it. After you have compiled your list of local butterfly species, be sure to write down in your butterfly garden plan what these particular species of butterflies use for nectar and food plants.

Be sure that your garden is in a location that provides at least six hours of sunlight per day. Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures and therefore do better where they are warm and sheltered.

Wind can be a butterfly's worst enemy so be sure to have plenty of wind protection in your design. You can plant tall shrubs and other plants in order to create a wind break, but a location that avoids heavy winds is even better.

The best of all would be a butterfly garden placed on the sunny side of your home with windbreaks on both the west and east sides, or wherever the prevailing wonds come from in your area. Try and locate your garden close to a window so you can view the butterflies from indoors. Provide seating outside too.

If possible, you could excavate an area and build a stone wall around it. This would create the ideal windbreak for your butterflies. Mmake gravel pathways around your garden to save walking in mud.

There are many creative ways for constructing a butterfly garden. Take your time to design a garden that you will enjoy and be proud of.

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Gardening Gifts for All Occasion

There is nothing nicer than receiving a gift relating to one's passion. If your loved one's passion is gardening, then show your thoughtfulness by giving a gift that will be truly appreciated.
There are so many great gardening gifts that the only constraint is your own budget.

If your budget is small, go for things like gloves, kneepads or even a shady hat. A pretty pot (or a watering-can) filled with a small bag of potting mix, a packet of bulbs, some gloves and a small trowel or other tool will be received with delight by most gardeners. There are many hand tools at hardware stores that are reasonably priced.

If you feel that is too ordinary, how about a subscription to a gardening magazine? A tiny bit more expensive perhaps, but it will give twelve full months of delight. A book on gardening is another idea, but make sure your recipient does not already have the one you choose. Books are often heavily discounted at Christmas time, so you may get a bargain.

On the other hand, a pot that contains a flowering plant is usually a welcomed gift. Be sure to choose a plant that is suited to your climate. Sometimes plants are sent from tropical to temperate zones and kept in artificial conditions in the store. These plants will not do well once taken from their environment. Shrub roses are hardy and attractive and grow in many climates. Tulips do best in the cooler climate.

If your budget is strong, a more expensive tool may be appropriate. A pull-trolley is easier to use than a wheelbarrow and, like some electric tools, is still not terribly expensive. Small electric tools such as whipper-snippers can retail for as little as $20.00. Or if your friend has a hose but not a hose reel, then that would be a more useful gift that he would truly appreciate.

Automatic lawn mowers, electric cultivators, hedge trimmers and brush cutters are in the more expensive price range and you are the only one who can decide whether that is an appropriate gift. However, when the recipient realizes you have given a gift that complements his passion, expensive or not, it will certainly become the best gift your friend has ever received.

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Six Ticks For Organic Gardening

Organic gardening is the way of growing vegetables and fruits with the use of things only found in nature.

Why would one want to indulge in organic gardening?

1.One can easily make compost from garden and kitchen waste. Though this is a bit more time-consuming than buying prepared chemical pesticides and fertilizers, it certainly helps to put garbage to good use and so saves the environment.

2. Organic farming does not use chemicals that may have an adverse affect on your health. This is especially important when growing vegetables. Chemical companies tell us that the chemicals we use are safe if used according to direction, but research shows that even tiny amounts of poisons absorbed through the skin can cause such things as cancer, especially in children.

On the average, a child ingests four to five times more cancer-causing pesticides from foods than an adult. This can lead to various diseases later on in the child's life. With organic gardening, these incidents are lessened.

Remember, pesticides contain toxins that have only one purpose - to kill living things.

3. Less harm to the environment. Poisons are often washed into our waterways, causing death to the native fish and polluting their habitat.

4.Organic farming practices help prevent the loss of topsoil through erosion.
The Soil Conservation Service says that an estimated 30 - 32 billion tons of soil erodes from United States farmlands every year.

4. Cost savings. One does not need to buy costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides with organic gardening. Many organic recipes for the control of pest and disease come straight from the kitchen cupboard. Sometimes other plants can be grown as companions to the main crop. An example of this is the marigold, which helps to repel aphids from vegetables.

Mixing 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and 1 cup of cooking oil can make a cheap garden pest spray. Put 3 tablespoons of this mixture in 1 quart of water and spray on plants.

5.A simple mulch of pine needles will help to suppress the growth of weeds as well as keeping the moisture in.

6. Organic gardening practices help to keep the environment safe for future generations.

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How to Do Indoor Gardening

Plants are just as popular as furniture when one is deciding on furniture and soft furnishings.
Aside from the aesthetic value plants provide your home with, there are also health benefits - grade school science class tells us that plants cleanse the air through utilizing the carbon dioxide and producing more oxygen. Here is some important information on how to care for your indoor plants to gain the optimum health and aesthetic benefits.

Lighting

Most indoor plants need good lighting. You can provide this through natural lighting in the room of your choice or there must be electric lighting. Darker leaved plants usually don't need as much light as others.

Here are the varieties of plants (usually those that only require medium to low light) that are known to be suitable for indoor gardening:

a. Philodendrons
b. Boston ferns
c. African violets
d. Cyclamens
e. Creeping Fig

Watering

A common mistake most people make in indoor gardening is they tend to over-water the plants, which may lead to rotting roots.  Make sure to research the type of plant you have, because each kind of plant varies on their watering needs.

Potting

Choose good quality and attractive container for your indoor plants. Make sure that the pot is clean before placing your new plant into it to prevent infection and to encourage healthy growth.

Humidity

In indoor gardening, humidity is a big issue.  The amount of moisture in the air has effect on the growth of the plants. During mornings, you could spray the plants with water for their much-needed moisture. Make sure the leaves don't get covered in dust.

Fertilization

Just like watering, fertilizing depends on the type of plant.  If you have managed to supply your indoor garden with the right amount of light, water and humidity, fertilization may not need much attention. A good indoor fertilizer can be bought from most home depot or hardware stores. Orchids need the special fertilizer available.

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Hot Weather Fun: Summer Crafts for Kids

When boredom looms and the weather's hot, get everyone involved in summer crafts for kids.  Kids are always excited to be free from the school routine when they are let out for summer break, but it isn't long until they start wondering what to do.  Summer crafts for kids will keep them occupied and maybe even teach them a thing or two.

In summer, crafts for kids can involve found objects, like seed pods, grasses, and similar objects.  Let kids create nature collection collages by gluing these items to a stiff piece of cardboard.   Help them spray paint some of the findings with silver or gold paint.  Alternatively, they might like to glue glitter to some of the findings.  Perhaps they would also enjoy collecting wild flower seed heads and creating dried flower arrangements.   Arrange the bouquet in a homemade vase. 

A vase for summer bouquets, fresh or dried, is another craft that naturally fits into the summer crafts for kids category.  A simple vase can be made from a tin can.  Soup cans work particularly well because they are smooth on the outside and rather narrow.  Be sure to file off any sharp spurs on the inside opening.  Start the work of art by cutting a piece of construction paper or other colored paper to fit around the sides of the can.  This will be glued to the outside of the can, but first it needs to be decorated.

The vase cover can be decorated in many ways.  The child can draw a summer scene on the paper and then decorate it with glued on glitter or small stickers of summer things.  Another idea is for the child to write their name in large letters, and glue beans, seeds, or glitter to the letters.  Let all glue dry before attaching the paper to the outside of the can.  Add water and fresh flowers or leave dry for dry flowers. 

You can also use the can for a trinket container or a place to put pens, pencils, and markers.  To make them real summer crafts for kids, glue grass seed heads and found seed pods to the paper in a decorative way.

Jar vases make good summer crafts for kids, too.  Canning jars make particularly cute vases, but any cast off mayonnaise, pickle, or other jar, even plastic ones, can work, too.  To make a jar into a vase it first needs to be sparkling clean.  Kids love getting wet in the summer, so let them roll up their sleeves (or put on a bathing suit!) and have fun splashing at the sink while "washing dishes."  When the jar is clean and dry, tie an attractive ribbon around the opening.  If desired, decorate the outside of the jar with glued on beads and buttons.

Summer crafts for kids will provide some cute decorations around the home and keep the kids from being bored.  This summer, crafts for kids should be at the top of every parent's To Do list!

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Have a Toy Game Hobby Night at Your House!

Build family communication and togetherness by having a weekly toy game hobby night.  It is so easy these days to let work, school, and the business of life rule the day, that we can easily lose touch with each other.  If we get together one night each week for a toy game hobby night, we can rekindle those family ties.

Those families with small children will probably focus more on the toy aspect of the toy game hobby night.  Take the time to get down on the floor and play with those youngsters.  Cuddle those dollies and call yourself "grandma" or "grandpa."  Push those trucks around and pretend right along with the kids.  If your back can take it, let them take turns riding you like a horse while you crawl around and neigh.  Every kid loves that!

On summer evenings, try toy game hobby night in the sand box at the park.  Using an old mesh produce bag, collect a variety of suitable sand toys to take along.  These toys include various containers, a few wheeled vehicles, toy garden tools, and cast-off kitchen utensils.  In the sandbox with your kids, you can create towns with roads, castles, or just about anything.

Modeling dough is also a great activity for toy game hobby night.  Collect some small cookie cutters and old jar lids (for pans) and create fancy cookies and desserts - inedible and calorie-free, of course!  The kids can turn a large box on it's side for a counter and place the goodies on display to sell.  Of course, you'll pretend to buy, eat, and enjoy!

Some fun games for family night include card games like Uno, board games like Candy Land or Life, and dominoes.  When choosing games to play there are several things to consider.  Is Scrabble, for instance, fun for everyone, or does all the spelling and thinking feel like work to some of the
players?  Does the game take forever to play, so that some players' attention spans play out? 

Does the game encourage merciless competition, like Monopoly, leaving losers feeling left out?  It's important for kids to learn how to lose and still have fun.  Don't "throw" the game, intentionally letting them win all the time, but don't mercilessly beat them every time either.  Make it fun.  If losing is a problem for some of the kids, check out some of the new cooperative games where everyone is on the same team.

Hobbies are also great to share as a family.  Maybe your family would be interested in pursuing musical skills together.  Families make great singing groups because their voices match well.  If that's not for you, maybe you'd all enjoy fishing.  Square dancing is fun for some families, while others enjoy playing badminton or other active games and sports.  The important thing is to have fun together.

Having a toy game hobby night every week will help you stay close to your kids as they grow up.  It will keep the bond of love fresh and the lines of communication open.  Plan a toy game hobby night this week!

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Beach Holidays for Fun in the Sun

Everyone loves beach holidays!  The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves.  The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax.  The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood.  The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative.  Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well.  Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.

In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it's always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage.  Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids. 

Don't forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat.  Get an oil change if it's getting close.  Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns.  And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.
Travelling with kids is always a challenge.  They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays.  Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch.  Try a simple car game to make the time pass.  Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs.  If several people get involved it can be quite fun.

With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety.  Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel.  The towel you choose can make a difference too.  Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand.  You may find you like thin towels at the beach.  Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.

With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free.  When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going.  It won't belong until the kids will be shouting, "When can we go on beach holidays again?"

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Island Holidays: Salt Spray Getaways

There is just something about the ocean breeze and salt spray that makes a holiday on an island something you won't soon forget.  Because islands can be found in every ocean and near every continent, island holidays can vary widely.  You can lay on a beach or watch whales, study botany or shop native craft stalls.  It's all up to you when you plan your island holidays.

North American islands include the Canadian east coast islands of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Island holidays to these areas will be filled with unspoiled natural beauty, cool, comfortable temperatures, and whale watching expeditions.

South of these regions is the little island of Bermuda off the eastern U.S. coast.  Bermuda is surrounded with hundreds of square miles of reef formations, making snorkeling an interesting activity there.  For the less adventurous, you can ride around in a glass bottom boat and view the beautiful undersea world.

Heading on south, we find the Carribean islands.  These have long been popular spots for tourists.  Here the beaches are white and sandy and the weather is very warm.  Up in the interior of these islands, you can find a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.  Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and many other spots make lovely island holidays.  Each island has it's own unique flavor and feel.

Europe has islands of all types nearby which make great spots for island holidays.  Visit the isles of Greece and you will see clear seas, quiet beaches, olive groves, and the simple life.  Corfu is the choice of those who like up-to-date restaurants and shopping, while Lefkas is popular with wind-surfers and sailors.  The Portuguese island of Madeira boasts beautiful weather and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.  The Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, are a popular tourist spot for Europeans.

A new trend in island holidays is eco-tourism.  This is traveling in such a way that neither the earth nor the local people you are visiting is harmed in any way.  People who are drawn to eco-tourism may enjoy bird-watching, hiking, and other island activities that do not leave an impact on the area.
Everybody dreams of taking island holidays.  There are islands all over the world, each offering it's own cultural experience and natural wonders.  Many spots for island holidays are still unspoiled and secluded, while others are lively and exciting.  Island holidays offer a real diversion from your everyday life.

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Sports Recreation: Relieve Stress and Have Fun

The world we live in is growing increasingly fast-paced, stressful, and filled with responsibility.  Because of this, everyone needs some time to relax and have some recreation.  Our modern way of life also tends to be sedentary, and the meals we eat are often not very healthy.  Exercise is a very important component in renewing us.  For these reasons, sports recreation activities are some of the best recreation we can choose.  There are many options for hobbies to provide sports recreation.  You may even want to learn some new recreational sports skills.

Courses to learn new sports recreation skills can be found online and in larger cities.  You can learn and participate in team sports through the local Y and other organizations.  Team sports recreation activities you might like to participate in include softball, baseball, basketball, and sometimes soccer for younger people.  Another team sport you might enjoy is bowling.  Regardless of your skill level you can find a bowling team to have fun with.

Individual sports recreation activities you can learn and participate in include golf, tennis, running, aerobic dance, gymnastics, and horseback riding.  Don't overlook bicycling and weight training too.  Many of these sports can be learned at the local Y as well.  For some of these, you'll want to have a friend to play against or share the exerience with.  Many runners, for instance, like to run with a friend.  And games like tennis and handball really need cooperation for best results.

If you'd rather, you can learn about sports recreation skills online.  You can find courses to teach almost any sport or activity you can think of including underwater hockey, fly-fishing, and para-gliding in the Alps!  Of course, unless you can get some hands-on experience you'll only have the theories of the sport.  Still, online courses are a good way to get a taste of different sports and recreational activities you might someday want to try out.

A really fun sports recreation game you might get a chance to play is ping pong.  Ping pong, or table tennis as it is sometimes called, is played on a table with rubber coated paddles and extremely lightweight plastic balls.  You must hit the ball with your paddle so that it strikes the table and clears the net before your opponent strikes it and bounces it back to you.  One way to become more adept at ping pong and increase your chance of winning is to sometimes hit the ball harder than at other times.  This keeps your opponent guessing what you will do next.

Sports recreation activities are a great way to get exercise and relieve stress.  They are also a lot of fun.  Whether with friends or alone, everyone needs a favorite sports recreation to take part in.

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Paper Crafts: Scrapbook and Greeting Card Basics

Paper crafts are a popular pastime right now.  Scrapbooking is a fun way to display pictures and chronicle family history.  Other paper crafts include making greeting cards and even making hand made papers.

When getting started at paper crafts, it is easy to spend a lot of money!  Go easy at first until you know what sort of paper craft products you are likely to use.  For instance, you may find that you love using stickers in scrapbooks, but rarely use your rubber stamps.  If this is the case, you would be better off spending more on stickers and less on rubber stamps for your paper crafts.

Almost everyone has at least some of their photographs stored somewhere in a shoe box.  Scrapbooks are a great way to get those photos out where people can enjoy them.  You will need a loose leaf binder, some plastic page protectors, and some colored cardstock for starters.  Many paper crafts experts insist on only archival quality materials.  Check the labels as you buy.  Most paper products, even the cheaper ones, are labeled "acid-free," which means that it shouldn't fade or otherwise deteriorate if stored for a long time.  Sunlight will bleach almost anything, but your paper crafts should not be out in the sunlight very often.

To start a scrapbook you have several options.  You can select photos that all relate to one event, such as a trip or a child's participation in sports.  This type of scrapbook will be short, but can be designed around a theme.  This is a good choice if your photos are not in a jumble.  If they are, then you may wish to choose 3 or 4 photos around a general theme, and change the theme for each page.  You may want to include some 2 page spreads in your scrapbook.

Attach your photos to the cardstock with double-sided tape squares or a gluestick.  Then it's time to decorate the page with stickers, paper shapes, or rubber stamped designs.  In addition, you can use a colored gel pen to write dates, names, and other highlights about the activities in the pictures.
Other items are available in paper crafts stores.  These includes die cuts, which are pieces of paper already cut into shapes and objects.  There are also special scissors that cut paper with an interesting edge.  A pair of the type called "deckle" scissors is very useful for making elegant looking scrapbook pages, greeting cards, and other paper crafts.  If you also have an old pair of pinking shears that are too dull to cut fabric, you can use those for cutting out shapes and photos.

Many paper crafts enthusiasts begin with scrapbooking, but then branch out to making their own greeting cards.  Greeting cards may or may not have an original poem written on the inside.  A simple "Happy Birthday," "Get Well Soon," or even just "Hi!" is enough to brighten someone's day, so don't worry about not being a good enough writer to make your own greeting cards.  Rubber stamps often make beautiful greeting cards.  You can even attach small ribbons, beads, and other items to hand made cards.  A handmade card is sure to please anyone, whether they are interested in paper crafts or not.

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Collect and Play: Have Fun With a Toy Hobby

Some adults never seem to grow up.  They seem to retain their childlike wonder at the world around them.  These are the adults who have started a toy hobby. Kids like to hang around with these adults because they seem more like kids.  Sometimes having a child or a grandchild can spark an interest in toys.  Be that as it may, a toy hobby will keep a person young at heart.

Many women love dolls and never outgrow them.  Some prefer baby dolls, some fashion dolls, and still others go for antique or decorative dolls.  Often an interest in dolls will spill over into a craft interest, as the doll lover begins to craft clothing and accessories for favorite dolls.  Sometimes the hobbyist becomes skilled at crafting the dolls themselves.  Some types of dolls that are often hand-crafted are rag dolls and cloth bodied dolls with ceramic heads.  It is not uncommon to find older women who have an entire room of their homes filled with special dolls on display.

Older men, on the other hand, (and sometimes women, too) often like cars and trucks.  Antique metal cars are hot collectibles, with some older ones being quite valuable.  Matchbox cars have always been loved, but so have the large Tonka dumptruck, road grader, and bulldozer.  You can bet the grandkids will want to play with your trucks and cars.

A toy hobby that is extremely popular is collecting Beanie Babies.  These small velour animals, made by the Ty company, each have a personality all its own.  You can find Beanie Babies in every type of animal you can think of.  A similar hobby is collecting teddy bears.  There are many Beanie Baby teddy bears, but a teddy bear collector will probably want to branch out to collect other types of bears.  In fact, many bear collectors have figurines and other items collected in addition to their teddy bears.

Wooden toys are popular among adults, both to craft and to collect.  There is something quaint and pleasant about a child playing with a handcrafted wooden toy.  Wooden toys make attractive home accents wherever they get dropped, which is not something you can say about the latest plastic gizmo.  People who like country decorating often prefer wooden toys for their kids.

You don't have to outgrow toys!  A toy hobby will keep you young at heart and make you a favorite among the kids in your neighborhood.  Whether you collect toys or craft them, a toy hobby is something you can play around with!

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Wedding Crafts Ideas for Saving Money

Weddings are a joyous occasion but can get expensive in a hurry.  With wedding crafts you can insert a personal touch and hold the price down as well.  Here are a few ideas for wedding crafts to add sparkle and creativity to your big day.

It is not that hard to create your own wedding veil.  To make this wedding craft, you will need a length of bridal illusion in the desired length.  You will also need a comb to attach it to your hair and a hat or headpiece to cover the comb.  Sew large running stitches about an inch from the end of the illusion and gather it tightly.  Now  sew the veil to the comb.  Top with hat or headpiece.   As an alternative, you can decorate a wide-brimmed straw hat with silk flowers, ribbon, and pearls.

The bouquets and floral arrangements can also be personally crafted.  For a simple outdoor wedding, consider wild flowers.  They are free and have a charm all their own.  Bouquets can be arranged in large clear vases, with a bow tied elegantly around.

Favors for the guests are particularly appropriate wedding crafts.  Refrigerator magnets are a simple and well-received favor.  A really nice idea is to make a magnetic picture frame and include a picture of the couple.  You could cut a frame out of craft foam in one of the wedding colors, arrange over the photo, and glue all onto a cardboard backing.  Place self-adhesive magnet tape on the back of the cardboard.  Decorate the front of the frame with foil heart stickers and a monogram of the couple's last name. 

Bows for the ends of the pews or rows make simple wedding crafts.  Wide velvet ribbons are nice for fall and winter weddings, while satin is more appropriate for spring and summer weddings.  Loop some flat lace in with the ribbons.  In the center of the completed bow, attach some silk flowers and pearl sprays with a hot glue gun.

Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at decorating your own cake.  Check the craft section of the department store for pans and gadgets of all types to help you create a cake to remember.  Do remember, though, that it takes a steady hand.  Be sure to practice before starting on the real cake.

Preparing for a wedding can be expensive, but with wedding crafts, you can take some of the sting out. Plan early, however, because it will take a little while to make favors for everyone and all the other little details you will want to take care of.  Maybe creating wedding crafts will even relieve some of those wedding jitters.  In any event, crafting your own wedding items is a way to have a personal, beautiful, and less expensive wedding.

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