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Funerals - Funeral Packages

In this article we're going to discuss something that is becoming more and more popular with families of the deceased. Funeral packages.

Death is something we try not to think about. It isn't a pleasant subject. Unfortunately, it is also inevitable. Also unfortunately, we tend to think about these things at the last minute. Very few people really prepare for the death of a loved one.

One of the reasons, and possibly the main reason, is because there is more involved with what comes after someone dies than most people realize. It is because of the number of things that need to be taken care of that today many corporations, and yes, that's what they are, specialize in what are called "Funeral Packages."

A funeral package is just that. It's a one stop shop for all your funeral needs.

Just what are those needs? More than most people realize.

For starters, there's how you want the deceased to be buried, if at all. There are a number of options to choose from. You can have a standard casket, and even that isn't so standard anymore as there are many casket styles to choose from.

Then there is where you want the deceased buried. You can request a traditional funeral where the deceased is buried in the ground in a cemetery. There is also the option of having the deceased buried in a mausoleum or tomb. And then of course there is always the option of cremation, where there is no burial at all.

Then there is the matter of the funeral service. This all depends on the religion of the deceased. Some form of clergy is going to need to be secured for performing the service itself. That brings us to the matter of where the service is going to take place, a temple or church or even at the funeral parlor itself.

There is also the matter of flowers or other adornments that the deceased family wishes to have at the service. The deceased may belong to a special organization that either requires or allows them to have certain items at the service, such as a Mason who is buried with his white lambskin apron.

All of these things, and a lot more, are usually taken care of separately. But today with the existence of these funeral packages, one company can take care of all the arrangements, from casket to service for you.

The only laws, which are usually state laws, governing the sale of funeral packages is that the cost of each item of the package must be clearly marked in the sales agreement. Nothing is allowed to be left out, not even the flowers. Also, when purchasing a funeral package, if paying it off over time, any interest charges that the deceased family is going to be hit with have to also be clearly itemized on the agreement.

Funeral packages are big business, and while they save the deceased family a lot of time, they can be very costly if the family is not aware of all the costs they are going to be hit with.

Funeral packages are big business and most certainly here to stay. Buyer beware.

posted by aasdas38493 @ 11:49 PM 0 comments

The Top Ten Antique Categories On eBay!

Knowledge is Power! And this statement could not be more true when it comes to selling on eBay. As explained in my book "eBay Marketing Wholesale SourcePak", being successful on eBay all depends on being in the right place, at the right time, with the right product. For example, did you know one of the most popular categories on eBay for buying and selling is the Antiques Category. That's right! People flock to eBay to locate treasures from the past. But what if we could know exactly what they are looking for? Just what kind of Antiques? Well I can help! Below you will find the Top Ten Picks of Antique Categories (at the time of this writing) as per eBay.

10 - Lace and Crochet Trim

9 - Medical Antiques

8 - Wood Picture Frames

7 - Knobs and Handles

6 - Linen Samplers

5 - Mixed Material: Picture Frames

4 - Roman Antiquities

3 - Silver Napkin Rings

2 - Locks and Keys

And the Number 1 Antique Category for "Hot Items" is...

Weathervanes and Lightning Rods.

There you have it! The Top Ten Picks of Antique Categories where potential bidders are surfing to find all those treasures from times gone by. If you sell Antiques on eBay, finding items that fit into one or more of the above categories will see your number of bids increase substantially. Always remember to do your research before listing any item for auction. Know what categories are "Hot!" Do a price analysis of your product. Know what the item costs you and what you can potentially sell it for. Then sit back and watch the bidding heat up!

Happy Selling!

Joe Clare

posted by aasdas38493 @ 8:30 PM 0 comments

Go Nuts

Back when we hunted and gathered for our food, nuts and seeds were part of our daily diet. They gave us energy, soft healthy skin, fertility, immunity, healthy joints, strong hearts, and sharp balanced minds. Many of us have avoided nuts and seeds to keep our diet low in fat, so its no coincidence that we may lack these qualities in our health.

Nuts and seeds are chock full of heart healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats. They contain little artery clogging saturated fat. They also contain essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are easily destroyed by heat, light and oxygen. So to get their health benefits, nuts and seeds must be eaten raw. Beyond fat, nuts are a good source of all the nutrients we need: protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals. This is how they can do so much for us.

A serving size is the eaters handful. Those on weight loss diets may find that a handful of nuts give a feeling of fullness without weight gain.

Try a homemade trail mix made with raw nuts. Most commercial trail mixes use roasted nuts. Mix cup each of raw almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, or any of your favorite raw nuts or seeds, raisins, dried cherries or any of your favorite dried fruits and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bag. Close the bag and shake to mix. Pour into plastic sandwich bags for easy snacks to-go.

Walnuts and flax seeds are special because they contain omega-3 fatty acids. Our diets tend to be low in them, yet they are essential for healthy brain and nervous system functioning. Its easy to toss a handful of raw walnuts or flax seeds on a salad or vegetables for added crunch and nutrition. Refrigerate walnuts and flax seeds to keep the omega-3 fatty acids fresh.

Peanuts and peanut butter should be a treat, not a regular part of our diets. They contain a protein known to cause hardening of the arteries. Most commercial peanut butters are full of sugar and disease causing trans-fat. Use raw almond butter instead.

Sesame seeds are particularly high in calcium and flavor. They are used by many cultures. Sesame paste, called tahini in Arabic countries, is the essential ingredient in hummus. In China, its used to make a sesame sauce served over noodles. This sesame sauce recipe is adapted from Annemarie Colbins cookbook The Natural Gourmet and is a staple in my home:

2 4 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon brown rice or apple cider vinegar

cup raw sesame tahini

cup green tea

2 teaspoons maple syrup

Pinch of cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons shoyu or tamari (natural soy sauce available at health food stores)

Place the tahini, shoyu, maple syrup, garlic and vinegar into a 2 quart mixing bowl. Blend carefully with a spoon. The mixture will thicken.

Add tea several spoonfuls at a time until you get a smooth consistency. Add cayenne to taste. Serve over vegetables, whole grain noodles or your favorite protein. Great hot or cold. Serves 6.

posted by aasdas38493 @ 5:12 PM 0 comments

Relationships: Five Little Things You Can Do to Cultivate a Peaceful and Happy Home Life

Today's typical couple is busier than ever. Whether you're working overtime, shlepping the kids around, traveling or fulfilling social obligations, life at home can be a chaotic scene. But is this any excuse to let good-old-fashioned manners and consideration go out the window? Of course not. A peaceful and loving home starts by showing respect and courtesy to your spouse and children. Here are five little reminders to keep you on good behavior!

1. Remember your manners.

Kindness and consideration go a long way. Don't interrupt when another family member is speaking. Make please, thank you, may I, and excuse me part of your daily repetoire. Apologize if you've accidentally hurt someone's feelings. Give others the benefit of the doubt.

2. Eat meals together.

Sure, life on the run has everyone grabbing a quick meal when they can, but quality time is the key ingredient to a happy family life. Even if it's just once a week, schedule a day when everyone can sit down together at the table and enjoy a home-cooked dinner and some good conversation.

3. Be a unified parental front.

If Mom and Dad can't agree on what the rules are, let alone enforce them, you can be sure that your kids will have the upper hand and the two of you will be left feeling ineffective and resentful of each other. Lay down the law and present yourselves as a Unified Parental Front!

4. Listen to each other.

Sure, Moms and Dads often know best, but that doesn't mean shutting your mind to what your children have to say. Listen to each other with open hearts and minds, and start your children on the path to positive communication and great relationships.

5. Never go to bed angry.

Sure, disagreements happen from time to time, but there is no better indicator of a secure and loving home than agreeing to put differences aside when the lights go out each night. Explain to your children that even though you and your spouse don't always see eye to eye, it doesn't mean you don't love each other. Same goes for the kids!

Now more than ever before, we must instill solid family values in our children. The best way to teach them to respect others is to show respect for each other in our own homes.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

posted by aasdas38493 @ 1:55 PM 0 comments