Diabetic Gift Baskets - Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones

Have you ever wondered what to give your diabetic friends as gifts for Christmas, birthdays, Easter and other much-awaited holidays? Knowing that some of your friends have diabetes you would usually limit yourself to clothes, kitchen items, tools, toys, and other non-edible effects. But for some people the joys of giving food is truly immeasurable.

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In reality, you need not really worry too much about giving food to your diabetic loved ones. You can actually give diabetic gift baskets filled with goodies that are not harmful for their restricted diet if you choose the right items. Here are some ideas on what to fill your diabetic gift baskets with:

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1. Include diabetes-safe sweeteners in the basket. Your diabetic friend will always need the staple products that most diabetic people would use, so it would be wise to add to the basket things that your friend might use, even for everyday. Natural sugar substitute such as Stevia powder, agave syrup, brazzein, curculin, erythritol, fructose, glycyrrhizin, glycerol, mabinlin, maltitol, miraculin, monellin, pentadin, sorbitol, tagatose, thaumatin and xylitol are definitely welcome gifts so that your friend would not have to buy them anymore.

You may also consider putting some artificial sweeteners such as AceK (Acesulfame potassium), Alitame, Aspartame, Aspartame-Acesulfame salt, Cyclamate, Dulcin, Neohesperidine dihydrochalcone, Neotame, P-4000, Saccharin, Sucralose and Isomalt - but be aware that there is some controversy as to whether these actually result in other serious health problems.

2. Add some diabetes-safe treats and sweets. Thanks to the no-carb, lo-carb, and sugar-free mania, diabetic people no need to just drool at sweets and other treats, they can actually take part in the indulgence, with much control of course. You can fill your gift basket with sugar-free cookies, biscuits, brownies, pies, tarts, cakes, pastries, candies, chocolates, taffy, lemon bars, macaroons, pudding, gelatin, and other desserts and treats that diabetics usually have to shun. You can also include diabetes-safe drinks like sugar free juices, sodas, sparkling drinks, ale, and the like. These are things that your diabetic friends may partake instead of the usual sugar-laden desserts and drinks.

3. Gift basket foods do not really have to be sweet. Holiday food is definitely not limited to sweets and desserts only, people do like to feast on savory treats as well so you definitely may include non-sweet foods in your diabetic gift baskets. You can give luscious foods such as cheeses, unsweetened ham, foie gras patés, caviar, smoked salmon, nuts, uncooked pasta, pasta sauces, canned soups, gravy mixes, crackers, imported/gourmet sardines, herbal tea and other delectable foodstuffs that your diabetic friends will appreciate. This can help make the holiday celebrations really sumptuous and truly memorable.

4. Gift baskets are not all about food. Who says you can only fill a gift basket with food? You can definitely put in your diabetic gift basket other items that your diabetic friend will be able to treasure and use. How about including a sugar-free, carb-less cookbook? A good cookbook is worth hundreds of meals more than actual food itself. You can also put there some tools used for food such as can openers, decorative cork screws, wine glasses, cheese cutters, silverware, china, and other things that accompany eating. To show your care, you can also include books about diabetes management, lifestyle, diabetic magazines, and other great publications you think your diabetic friends would enjoy.

Filling a diabetic gift basket is not really that much of a difficult task. If you know things that your diabetic friends can use, enjoy, and treasure, you can really put a lot in the basket and be sure to give something that your friends will truly appreciate. You really do not have to boggle your mind about what to put in the basket but of course you have to make sure that whatever is there is safe for diabetes or else your friends might not be able to use them, or worse, you might endanger your friends' health. Most important of all is to fill the basket with love, because this is truly what giving is all about. Now all you have to do is to wrap the basket in decorative plastic, tie nice, pretty ribbon, and you are all set.

Diabetic Gift Baskets - Gift Ideas for Your Loved Ones

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French Doors vs. Lanai Doors - What Fits Your Home Best

If you were looking to make a unique statement or enhance the attractiveness of a home's exterior appearance then French doors would be the popular way to go. Some homeowners elect to install French doors in the interior of their home and use them to provide access to a formal dining or living area. French doors installed for exterior access usually overlook a garden or yard/deck area. In home and garden magazines, it's common to see French doors overlooking a colorful garden populated by wildflowers, exotic plants and garden furniture.

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Lanai doors utilize a similar approach, which is designed to bring the outdoors in. This provides a sense of artistic loveliness that one might associate with a picture. Lanai door craftsmanship is a reflection of the care put into handcrafted materials. The doors can be shaped, cut and measured to fit any opening, which include the corner of a house.

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French doors cannot compete with the unique ability of a wrap around Lanai door. Glance at your breakfast nook; imagine the rare experience of a wrap around glass door that fits right into that nook. Lanai doors have the added benefit of their bi-folding application. Opening the Lanai doors can meld the patio and dining area into one. The transition from interior to exterior is seamless.

Fill Your Home with Light

Unlike French Doors, Lanai doors are not limited by the space availability or thickness of the walls. Installation is reasonable in most areas of wall space including around corners. Therefore, Lanai Doors are much more versatile than traditional French doors.

Typical exterior access on the rear of the home often comes from the dining or kitchen areas. Most exterior rear entrances look out over a backyard, a deck or a garden. Because typical French doors swing inwards or outwards, they create a usable space reduction. In the dining area, for example, a set of French doors may inhibit the placement of a dining table and other dining area furniture.

Lanai doors are not similarly inhibited by such special requirements. The bi-folding aspect of the doors allows them to be opened without sacrificing interior or exterior space.

Modern Elegance

Lanai doors offer all the modern elegance of the French door with the unique space considerations that will not limit their decorative options. This becomes even more important in the rapid spread of housing developments, which often feature cookie cutter houses. Lanai doors will make a house stand out in contrast to the details of the surrounding neighbors. French doors are considered an upgrade in most housing developments - the Lanai doors will be an upgrade above and beyond what the French door can offer.

Ultimately, French doors cannot compete with the Lanai doors. This does not make the Lanai door better than the French door - because this is a subjective choice that must be made by the homeowner. Lanai doors offer more in the way of flexibility for both interior and exterior space requirements. They also offer a look that is different and unique. Mixing exterior beauty with interior design is part of the Lanai door.

Homeowner's Choice

Which door is the best choice for the modern home? Only the modern homeowner can answer that question. Efficient use of space that provides a seamless transition from the inside to the outside is one of the design features of the Lanai doors. A standout home is one that the homeowner invests time and energy into - Lanai doors provide an ideal investment for the homeowner that wants to make their home stand out.

French Doors vs. Lanai Doors - What Fits Your Home Best

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Explore Your Artistic Side in Las Vegas High Rise Condos

Living in the suburbs can be dull and drain your imagination, but Las Vegas high-rise condos have the potential to feed your need for artistry.

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From the earliest sketches to final construction, art has been at the forefront of many of our Las Vegas high-rises. These art-inspired communities, a few of which are listed below, are jewels of the city. They add uniqueness and variety to Las Vegas and give investors the opportunity to explore their creativity.

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The Ultra Modern Veer Towers
When most investors think of blending art with real estate, they visualize City Center. It's no wonder when you consider the stunning architecture of Veer Towers. The towers, rising like magic from the Las Vegas Strip, angle toward each other in an attitude reminiscent of glittering geodes.

Boasting natural lighting, this property is one of the LEED gold certified buildings in Las Vegas. This means that living here is not only good for your spirit, it's good for the environment. Combined with the urban surroundings, City Center's art infused parks, and the rooftop infinity pool, living in a Veer Tower is like living in an oasis of creativity.

More Urban Living at the Newport Lofts: Las Vegas Arts District
The modern residences of Newport Lofts are located within walking distance of Las Vegas' vibrant art scene. The architecture is sophisticated and homes feature open floor plans with staggering views.

At the top of the property, experience a 360 degree view of the Las Vegas valley and surrounding mountains. If the view fails to inspire you, the property has various installations of public art.

Metropolis and Art Deco Inspired Elegance
This 19-story property is located on Desert Inn Road, just across from the Wynn's verdant golf course. Sweeping and symmetrical lines, rich woods, metal and glass create an air of Art Deco elegance.

But don't be fooled by the apparent historic look of the property. Metropolis Las Vegas was built in 2005 and features modern conveniences. Granted, some of the conveniences, like the private wine room, are inspired by old-fashioned charm, but everything is designed with regard for comfort.

With the hardwood floors, terraces, a beautiful landscaped pool, and architecture that feels like it came from a 1920s movie, you'll never want to leave home.

Live Like Royalty at One Queensridge Place
If the modern feel of Art Deco isn't to your liking, the residences at One Queensridge Place might be more suitable. Inspired by the organic forms of the Art Nouveau movement, Queensridge Place is a study of intricate detail.

Of particular note is the floor of the grand lobby. The lobby floor is decorated using Pietre Dure - an inlay of marble and polished semi-precious stones. The effect is amazing and it feels almost shameful to walk on such an astounding work of art.

Not Your Average Condo
It is clear that Las Vegas High-rise condos are not exactly average. In fact, many of them are absolutely extraordinary. Don't be taken in by promises of style and luxury inside cookie-cutter models. Explore your tastes and discover an investment that is truly unique.

Explore Your Artistic Side in Las Vegas High Rise Condos

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How to Have a Candyland Sweet 16 For (Way) Less

Can we blame it all on MTV's My Super Sweet 16, like writers like to do? Not really, but the truth is that this formerly modest party has morphed into something bigger. Maybe you're like me and can hardly remember your 16th -- mine sure wasn't a big deal -- but look around today and it's not out of the question to spend thousands on this event, not even counting the Mary-Kate & Ashley ideal of the car in a big, bright bow.

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You may think the pricey event I'm describing is over-the-top, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Many parents are amping up their daughter's sweet 16 with an event rental, a DJ, and a couture-style cake. Once you splash out for all these, you need a photographer to capture them. And you can't have a ballroom party without linens ... or florals. And on and on.

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If this ,000 specter doesn't match up with your current economic reality, but your daughter wants a memorable Candyland Sweet 16, not to worry -- you can still have a cute one at home, for much, much less. Here's how to get in scads of sugary sweetness for very little cash.

The Personalized Invitations.

Pricey: A high-style Candyland invite starts with something sweet -- and personalized -- in a box. Have these made, and you're looking at or minimum each, mailed.

Cheap: If you do it yourself, you can order personalized wrappers off eBay, wrap chocolate bars yourself, and package in cute little boxes or bags from Papermart. (Have the wrappers pre-printed with all the party info.) Or, hand out Whirlypops personalized with handsome card stock rounds. Make these yourself on a printer, and cut into perfect discs with a craft-store circle cutter. Save even more by handing these out to friends, skipping the post office. Savings: an invite.

The Super-Sweet Decor.

Pricey: Hire a venue and a four-hour DJ. Rent linens with candy-colored sashes and overlays. The tables need a focal point, so hire a florist to dye roses in bright candy colors and arrange in high-flying trumpet vases (no, I am not making this up).

Cheap: Turn your home and entryway into a virtual Candyland with clever decorations that play with scale. Your secret weapons: foam board, cellophane, balloons and paper lanterns. Even the craft-impaired, like me, can make great garlands out of giant "candies": two paper plates glued together and covered with a cellophane wrapper. Check the web for more inflatable candy, and eBay for candy-themed balloons (they're legion). With foam board and dowels, you can easily pull together a great lollipop forest to spiff up the lawn. Amazing "cotton candy" centerpieces are simple to craft. Savings: 00 and up.

The Main Meal.

Pricey: Catered. It's not like you can serve your guests veggie trays in a ballroom -- you've got to at least give them passed hors d'oeuvres.

Cheap: Pizza. Believe it or not, your guests will eventually get a little sugared-out. Recharge their taste buds with lots of salty, fatty, tomato-y pizza. Savings: per person and up, plus, get it delivered and save yourself the hassle.

The Dazzling Dessert.

Pricey: A three-tier Candyland dream cake with brightly fondant icing.

Cheap: Cupcakes are hot! And they don't call for a degree in structural engineering, unlike the cakes. Make them yourself with super-bright frosting in different colors (use gel coloring). For that high-end look, just pipe on the frosting with a large star tip. Then prop a pretty piece of stick candy (lollipop, swizzle stick, rock candy) into each completed creation. Done? Now place all your lovely cuppies on a tiered pastry stand. If you don't have a stand, make one with thrifted plates you've glued together with sturdy wine glasses or candleholders in between (use Plumber's Goop to cement). Savings: 0 and up.

The Proof of the Great Time Had by All.

Pricey: A professional photographer to capture the Queen of the Day, and a photo booth to amuse her minions.

Cheap: Maybe you really do want a photographer to memorialize your lovely daughter. Scan Craig's List for talented snappers who want to pad their portfolio, and who'll shoot some pics ahead of time for cheap. As for your guests, create a simple backdrop (sheets), provide some props (boas, pink wigs and giant lollis), get out your digital camera and go to town. A photo printer and some gift frames to display the goods will thrill your girls. Savings: 00 and up.

How to Have a Candyland Sweet 16 For (Way) Less

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How to Design a Luxury Kitchen: Granite Countertops, Melon Ballers and More

If you want a luxury kitchen, you probably have a good idea of what you need. A luxury kitchen remodel can easily cost upwards of 0,000. But the kitchen is where the heart is, or at least where most families spend a majority of their time. If you want to remodel and have the money, get the very best. Whether you're doing research, planning or are already working on your kitchen and want to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, this article can help.

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1. Countertops: Granite varieties can be expensive, but they are much better than granite tile overlays. Marble countertops are another beautiful option, but typically granite countertops are much more popular than all other kitchen countertop stones. Granite varieties cannot be scratched unless you have a diamond saw handy, and they can bear heat very well. Be careful though, if you try to cut directly on the granite countertop, you may damage your knives. You still need to chop on a wooden butcher block. 2. Floors: If you have marble countertops, they could pair well with marble floors. Or if you decide on granite varieties for your kitchen countertop, it's a good idea to have marble or other fine stone for your floors. If you prefer something warmer, wood works well. Bamboo is especially modern and popular these days.

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3. Cabinets: Beautiful cabinets are made of solid wood, have custom metal finishes, and match with the rest of your kitchen. Some custom cabinets have sliding shelves to remove hard to reach appliances and bowls. Drawers can be customized according to what you want to store - whether it's spoons and knives or sauces and vinegars.

4. Appliances and Tools: If you want to have a first-rate kitchen, it's important to have all the different gadgets any accomplished chef needs. A salad dryer, melon baller, garlic press, and fine knives are just some of the items you need. A top of the line refrigerator, gas cooking range, and dishwasher also help. Even a wine refrigerator underneath your granite countertops adds a lot to your kitchen. And depending on what you like to cook - home style fried chicken, artisan pizza, or grilled salmon - you can customize your appliances to your needs.

5. That Something Extra: Your kitchen wouldn't be complete without a special touch. Maybe it's your favorite artwork, maybe it's custom drawer pulls. You can look into stained glass, custom lighting or even a mosaic for your tile backsplash. These touches make your kitchen look more like yours and less like an expensive cookie cutter.

Once you've designed your dream kitchen, choosing exactly what you want should be easy. Keep in mind that this is going to be the center of your home, a notion that should be reflected in everything from your spoons to your granite countertops.

How to Design a Luxury Kitchen: Granite Countertops, Melon Ballers and More

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Gothic Weddings - Planning The Wedding of Your Darkest Dreams

A Gothic wedding doesn't necessarily have the bride dressed in black, black makeup, skulls and all other types of gruesome items everywhere - despite popular belief. Now, if that's what you want, go for it, but that doesn't necessarily fit the "Gothic" theme. The bride could easily get away with a white gown if that is what she would like to wear. The bride could walk down the isle to Metallica, but she could also easily walk down the aisle to the typical wedding theme. The choice is up to the Gothic bride.

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As our Gothic bride enters the room, her dress isn't the typical "Gothic" standard, by any means, but it suits her none the less. Her dress is white, with lace draped along the neck line. Our bride's hair is pulled back into a simple bun. The first difference between her Gothic wedding and any other wedding is our bride is not walking down the aisle to any typical love song, but instead our couple is loudly playing a Metallica song. How bizarre? Not exactly.

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Weddings are meant to express ourselves and our partner as we accept each other into our lives. Some brides prefer the traditional wedding, but not all do. Our Gothic bride prefers anything but the traditional. Her music of choice? Metallica. Her wedding of choice? More of a romantic gothic theme. Her wedding ceremony will not be held in a traditional church. Instead her wedding ceremony is at the center of a cathedral. Draped along the walls is heavy velvet fabric, and along the aisle are scattered petals of roses in red, white, and black. Both the ceremony and the reception will be celebrated in this room. The guests are all sitting around tables draped in deep red cloth. Atop each of these tables are 4 small black boxes, with surprise wedding favors inside. Black velvet photo frames displaying our couple are set in the center of the tables as well. Burgundy and black satin pillow sachets displaying the guests' names are set around the table as seat assignments later to be taken with as a party gift.

The wedding, even though it is meant to be "gothic", doesn't have to be dark and dreary and the wedding favors chosen can be any type that the Gothic couple likes. One Gothic couple decided to hand out heart shaped cookie cutters as wedding day favors. Another couple chose candle wedding favors with XOXO printed in black across them.

Other items ideal for favors for guests can be heart shaped silver corkscrews for those that enjoy a good glass of wine from time to time. Or perhaps a deck of cards in the shape of a heart, or with a wedding couple printed on the front that is actually two dogs. If you're a little nervous on handing out an item to someone that they might not like, small leather picture key chains are an item that is just about perfect for any guest, a neutral item that any one can enjoy! Just because we're going gothic doesn't mean you can't have a little fun in the process!

Remember, a wedding above all else is a celebration, have fun no matter what wedding theme you choose!

Gothic Weddings - Planning The Wedding of Your Darkest Dreams

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How Much Drinking Is Too Much? Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

You will read article after article on alcoholism and alcohol abuse that will tell you how many drinks or pints you can have a day - how much drinking is normal and how much drinking is too much and would be considered problem drinking.

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The reason that information could never be completely accurate is there is no "cookie cutter" amount every single person can drink a day, normal range or not. This alleged information about what is an acceptable amount of drinking generally does break it down by men and women, but each man and each woman is an individual with their own body chemistry and therefore the tolerance for alcohol will be lower for some than others. There is no set amount a man or woman can drink that fits these neatly described categories.

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For example, in the case of one woman, she discussed her daily routine of coming home from work and having approximately 3 to 4 glasses of wine a day. To some, that amount sounds like she may be taking it to far or to others may sound to like something that would be considered in the norm, but she did end up needing a liver transplant much to her shock and dismay.

One form of compass you can use to gauge if you are drinking too much alcohol is how it is affecting your life. If it's affecting your life in an adverse way you may be developing a problem or you may have already developed one. Also, if you are feeling guilty about your drinking, a flag should go up because that is definitely a sign that you know that you are drinking too much.

How Much Drinking Is Too Much? Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse

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