Ticks

Whether you are traveling, practising a sport or simply strolling through your back yard, spending time outdoors may not always end up being as healthy as you think. Dangers are lurking everywhere and I am not talking about the ones you can see, but the ones you don't see.

Ticks can be found all over the world and are so small, most times people don't even notice when a tick latched on to them until it is swollen up several times it size during the course of its meal. That meal is your blood!

If the bite only causes a little itch and pain for a few days and then disappears, no problem. When the rash lasts longer, a red ring appears on the skin around the bite and flu like symptoms go with it, you better see a doctor because that is a sign of Lyme Disease.

Don't take this lightly; Lyme Disease can be the culprit of many severe physical conditions when it is not treated. Severe joint pain and neurological problems are the result and can manifest themselves months or even years later.

It is mainly the black legged tick (also referred to as deer tick) which is the carrier of this and several other transmittable diseases. The spider-like creature feeds on rodent-, deer-, dog- and human blood. They are most commonly found in woody and grassy areas where they can hide up to three feet high on leaves of bushes, waiting for a warm blooded victim to brush up against it.

Once they are on you, they do not attach to the skin right away for a feeding frenzy; it takes a while. Therefore it is good to check yourself and others carefully after being out and about. Taking a shower and using a wash cloth could be enough to rid yourself of them as well.

Always wear socks and shoes, long pants tucked in your socks and long sleeves. Even wearing gloves is recommended. Light colored clothes makes it easier to spot ticks so they can be removed early.

Should a tick have attached itself to your skin then use tweezers to remove it. Grab it as close the skin as possible and pull steadily but carefully until it comes off. Don't crush it; this increases the chance of more infection. Make sure no parts are left in the skin and desinfect the bite area well.

Keep an eye on it and if developping any of the symptoms mentioned or in doubt, see a doctor. You would want to be able to enjoy the outdoors for a long time to come!

Safety First

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Safety Magnets. All opinions are 100% mine.

February is American Heart Month and even though many hardly ever think about it, including Yours Truly, a heart attack can happen to each one of us. It occurred to me how little knowledge I had concerning CPR and how devastating that could be in case my loved ones or someone around me would have one.

It would be easy to download and print the guidelines and advice on what to do, but I know exactly how that goes; the papers would end up where no one could find them in time of need and that is why I love the idea of Safety Magnets. There is always a place on the fridge for those.


Our refrigerator would be covered up by the many useless magnets sent to us from all kinds of businesses. They each found their way to the trashcan, but a magnet with directions on CPR, heart attacks, strokes or chocking would find a visible spot on it. I don't understand why any self respecting business would not take advantage of the Safety Magnets Offer; it would benefit everyone.

There is space to put a business card on top of the magnet simply by peeling back the adhesive layer and adding the card. With a minimal order of 100 safety magnets, 50 more come for free, but that is only a temporary offer. The Safety Magnets store offers different sizes as well as directions for different medical emergencies which can even be ordered in Spanish.

A small magnet would do nicely for me; it can stick to anything metallic and since it requires little space, can easily fit in a backpack, pocket or suitcase when traveling. Yeah, no matter where you go: safety first!

The World's Most Dangerous Destinations???

When I stumbled upon this headline I had to check it out. The article lists the 5 most dangerous countries/places, but that is the author's perspective and opinion. I would not call them the world's most dangerous destinations; any destination presents its own dangers.

Even venturing out in your own yard can be a hazardous enterprise; you can step in fire ant beds, run in to snakes in the grass, dead limbs can suddenly come crashing down, you can slip over fresh dog feces or be struck by lightning which came out of the blue.

Either way, I will share the list with you, accompanied with the reasons why the author came to his/hers conclusion:

Indonesia:
Earthquakes and unstable seasonal undercurrents in coastal waters.
Divers and surfers are warned for explosives sometimes used by fishermen and hikers are recommended to use reputable companies to book hikes.

Montserrat:
Active volcanoes

Mexico:
Strong undertow and rough surf are common along beaches, active Colima volcano and dangerous conditions climbing Pico de Orizaba with its Jamapa Glacier. Due to drought the last is melting fast presenting more dangers.

Vanuatu:
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and cyclones.

Northeastern Arizona:
Severe snow and rainstorms in the northeastern part of the state.

All the dangers listed are natural disasters which can occur anywhere. I do want to emphasize on the advice given in the same article researching local conditions ahead of time and traveling with a guide.

What is most dangerous to one could be considered normal, a challenge or a thrill to someone else. I would rather classify these as 'higher risk' destinations!

Tech Giveaway from Tony's

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Tony's Pizza. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am frustrated to no end; I signed up to receive coupons for sampling Tony's Pizza for free, but I haven't received them yet. I would love to sink my teeth in that crispy crust, loaded with toppings and I know that our oldest daughter would so enjoy the one overflowing with cheese.

Even now it makes my mouth water and I may not wait any longer for the coupons; I will simply buy them in the store, pop them in the oven and please my taste buds with this savory, nutritious treat. Yes, nutritious as well because every Tony's Pizza is rich in calcium, iron and protein which makes it a healthy snack on top of taste.

To top things off, Tony's Pizza is also running a great contest where participants can win an Entertainment Prize Pack. The total ARV of all prizes is $500.00, so make sure to enter and take this opportunity; there is a great possibility you will end up with a slice of the pie!

To get to the bottom of the rules, ways to enter and the duration of the contest, check out http://izea.com/contest-rules-regulations/tech-tonys-contest-official-rules/ or go to http://izea.com/contest-rules-regulations/tonys-entertain-contest-official-rules/.

No matter how you slice it; you don't have to travel all the way to Italy for a great tasting, healthy pizza!

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival

The International Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin is in full swing. This yearly reoccurring event takes place in the capital of China's Hellongiang Province and there is still some time left to admire all the beautiful creations.

The Hellongiang Province is situated in the north-east of China and borders Russia which means it is subject to the cold of the Siberian winter, so warm apparel is a necessity when you visit.

The festival is one of four largest in the world and starts January 5th and usually lasts for about a month, unless the weather permits for an earlier start and a later end.

Other activities included in the festival are activities in the festival are alpine skiing, ice-sliding, fireworks, winter-swimming and an ice-lantern exhibition in the Zhaolin Garden.

Coming back on the ice and snow festival, many artists create gorgeous sculptures. Some use modern techniques and tools, while others stick to the old school. Usage of colored lights in and around the sculptures results in a breath taking spectacle at night.

All in all; an excellent attraction worthy of paying a visit and likely one you will not easily forget.

CSN Stores Facebook Fans Reap Benefits

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of CSNStores. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am constantly on the look out for great bargains and money saving deals because I can not justify paying a lot more money in one store then I would in another for the same item.

Under the normal circumstances it would mean though that I would constantly have to watch the stores advertisements, clearances and deals and I just don't have the time for that.

I don't even have the time right now opening and maintaining a Facebook account and that is my loss. I would be one of the first knowing about all the exclusive promotions, giveaways and other great news from the CSNStores simply by becoming their fan.

The CSN Stores have practically everything under the sun and online shopping has never been this cheap. It is also very easy to find what you need; the items are categorized and even the search box gives you options to narrow down the products after typing in the keyword.

I subscribed to their CSN Stores News, but receiving e-mails is not the same as instantly being updated as a Facebook fan. I would strongly urge you not to pass up the opportunity adding yourself as their fan and taking advantage of being one.

As soon as I have the time I will do the same!

Cheap Gas

It does not really matter whether you use a lot of gas to travel or to commute; the tank has to be filled up anyway. What does matter is that you don't pay more then you have to and it will be lucrative to look around in your area and find the gas station with the lowest price per gallon.

If it was only a difference of a couple of pennies then I would advice you not to bother with it; it would not be worth the time nor the (gas) money. It often concerns a couple of dimes these days though and that can save you a substantial amount of money.

When you have access to a computer it will not cost but a few minutes of your time. Simply do a search for 'find cheapest gas prices' and several sites will pop up which will allow you to do a search in your city and/or area. A list with the gas stations offering the cheapest gas prices will pop up on your screen.

That is the route to go!

Go Fish!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of HealthyTuna.com. All opinions are 100% mine.

Among all the outdoor activities the one which jumps out to be the most favorite is fishing. Whether it be salt or sweet water; catching fish presents a challenge as well as rest and relaxation and it can be practiced as either a sport or a hobby.

Throwing the catch back is very noble, but I don't know if you realize what a health booster you would let slip through the net, especially when it is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids like salmon, sardines or tuna.

The protein and fish oils in these delicacies have scientifically been proven to benefit heart, joints, overall health, growth and development of young children and unborn babies.

Yes, the last category whose moms ate at least 2 ounces of healthy tuna per day scored higher concerning brain and eye development, motor, social and communication skills compared to other babies in their age group whose mothers' fish intake was next to nothing.

Pregnant women are also more likely to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and good weight by eating fish. The Omega 3s can also prevent or help with post partum depression. In other words: fish is good for everyone!

I love fish and our favorite dish is tuna fish salad. It's quick, simple, easy and delicious. Drain one can of tuna and empty in a bowl. Add a dash of salt, two table spoons of sweet relish and two table spoons of mayonnaise. Dice two hard boiled eggs, mix it in and you are done. Serve the salad on bread or on crackers.

You don't even have to get out your fishing gear; you can catch it in the stores!

Take a Rest in a Nest Hotel

It seems like the tourist industry in Spain is stepping it up a notch and appealing to the inner-child in every one of us by offering accommodations in the form of tree houses. At the moment there are only two available, but the owners intend to build several more.

Don't expect to find any luxury in them; it really is back to basics without any running water, electricity and other utilities. Yeah, it is more like the Tarzan and/or the Robinson family concept with the same life-style and a really pretty bird's-eye view.

It does bring out the quest for adventure which is lurking in each of us and these 'nests' present the opportunity to spread your wings and satisfy that urge. You may even get a sense of living dangerously having to climb up to your resting place or crossing the hanging bridge from one tree house to the other.

I tried to find the location of these lodgings, but was rather unsuccessful in it, at the moment. I will keep my eye on it though and as soon as a little bird tells me then I will share, simply because I find this a rather unique way of spending your vacation.

Unless you suffer from Vertigo. Then these accommodations are for the birds!

Living Where You Want Made Appealing

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Coldwell Banker. All opinions are 100% mine.

Sometimes you visit a place which is so appealing that you would love to live there. Well, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to buy a new abode!

The real estate market is overflowing with houses which give you a greater option to pick and choose and you can take advantage of the 2010 Homebuyer Tax Credits at the same time. You can kill two birds with one stone if you have a written, binding contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.

The tax credits are nothing to sneeze at. As a first-time homebuyer, or in case you have not owned a house in the past three years, the tax credit can run up to as much as $8,000. In case you are the proud owner of a home and have resided there for 5 out of the past 8 years, the amount can equate to a $6,500 tax credit when buying another one.


To qualify the limited income for singles is now $125,000 and $225,000 for married couples with a $20,000 phase-out of the credit for both. Even though the already existing first-time tax credit has been proven to work well, 47% in the past year which was recorded to be the highest since 1981, a benefit for the buyers who wanted to move up a step was in order.

Watch the video, find out yourself and even take the new home search on the site. Don't wait too long; this tax credit may not last!