Doctors generally encourage moms-to-be to abide by general rules for eating healthier. A pregnant woman’s nutrition in pregnancy should consist of the essential dietary factors required to sustain the demands of the growing baby. However, junk food, such as chips, sugary sodas, candy bars and other similar kinds of food should be avoided, for those foods offer very little nourishment to mom or her baby. They are considered empty-calories sources of nutrition.

For females who generally do not abide by a nutritional food regimen, pregnancy is definitely a great incentive to eat better. Healthy eating contributes to the newborn’s  birth weight and overall health.

Eating healthier reduces the chances of premature births and helps build up fat and fluids necessary for moms considering breastfeeding. Additionally, it lowers the chance of complications that could occur during pregnancy.

Gaining Weight Throughout a Pregnancy

It is not necessary to restrict diets too much during this time, although consumption of junk food isn’t recommended. Each woman is diverse, contingent on weight as well as body type prior to her pregnancy. However, moms who have healthy infants at childbirth gain on average around twenty-five to thirty-five pounds, sometimes more, throughout the nine months. Females who are thin before they become pregnant ought to gain a bit more, and women who plumper should gain less weight.

Mothers-to-be who do not gain sufficient weight have an additional chance of delivering infants with low birth weight, like around five pounds, for example. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), low birth weight is a large public health issue across the US. Lower birth weight is a serious reason for newborn death, in addition to several infant and juvenile physical, mental or developmental issues.

Even though deaths regarding newborns have decreased within the past twenty years or so, it remains a substantial public medical issue. Statistics via the NIH and their research reveal that about thirteen percent of newborn babies are born with low birth weight in African Americans, six to nine percent among Hispanics, five to eight percent among Asian Americans and around six percent among Caucasians.

Newborns with low birth weight could encounter mental health and physical issues at birth or later in life, problems such as asthma, ear infections, respiratory tract infections, Cerebral Palsy in babies weighing two pounds or less and developmental problems.

When a woman gains too much weight during pregnancy, she might experience more backaches, leg pain, develop varicose veins and feel overly tired. It might even lead to high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. Additional weight might also be tough to lose after childbirth, and gaining too much weight in one month could harm the unborn child.

Overweight babies make delivery harder, and moms might need to deliver their baby via a cesarean section rather than naturally. In addition, infants that weigh more when they are born could develop health issues later, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and obesity.

Throughout the pregnancy, it is recommended that moms-to-be eat at least 2,200 calories per day during the first trimester, 2,500 calories daily during the second trimester and around 2,700 calories daily during the final trimester.

Save Money During and After Pregnancy

Saving money is important to everybody; even the rich love to save, but parents-to-be often worry about it more, especially when the delivery day draws nearer. The future is uncertain for many people, but pregnant moms have enough to worry about, with eating healthier and getting proper exercise and medical care for her and her unborn baby. Some tips to help save money might include buying used baby clothes, maternity clothes and furniture. Use cloth diapers for the new baby instead of store bought diapers. Breastfeed if possible; if not, look for healthy but discounted formula and baby food. Choose physicians astutely; some excellent physicians offer discounts for people with limited income. Ask practitioners what they charge for treatment, delivery and medicine, and find out if you health-care insurance covers all of these aspects and more.

Following these tiny tips will help pregnant women reduce bills, and these methods will not affect their lifestyle standards too much. In addition to having good pregnancy nutrition, moms-to-be can save money and use discounts and other methods, so they can enjoy an exciting nine months and have healthy newborns.

This article’s author is Holly Miller, who writes for Coupon Croc. Are you expecting? Shop online for everything you need, from supplements to baby clothes and more; enjoy more savings when you use a John Lewis voucher.

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Chopard Blue

Chopard Blue Diamond Ring

When it comes to the most expensive ring in the world (of any kind), that esteemed title clearly belongs to the Chopard Blue Diamond Ring. This stunning creation of Man and Nature boasts a magnificent 9-carat flawless blue diamond, set atop an 18k gold band studded with diamond shoulders.

The Chopard Blue was sold in 2007 to an anonymous collector of colored diamonds for USD $16,260,000. The Chopard company estimates its 2011 market value at approximately $18.5 million dollars. (Oh, how we long to become a “collector of colored diamonds” some day!)

However, we have no evidence to indicate that this ring has ever been used specifically as an engagement ring. Perhaps there is an anonymous bride-to-be somewhere (a collector of rich husbands?) sporting a dazzling 9-carat blue diamond on her finger. But if that’s the case, you would think that somebody somewhere would have noticed by now! Therefore, we must designate the Chopard Blue as only potentially the most expensive engagement ring in the world.

True Engagement Rings

So what about a real engagement ring? One that has actually witnessed a genuine proposal of marriage?

Well, after considerable pondering, we settled upon two contenders:

• The Lesotho III Diamond Ring given to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1968
• The diamond ring bestowed upon Beyoncé Knowles in 2008

Lesotho III

The Lesotho III Ring

We’ll start first with one of the classic expensive engagement rings – Jackie’s spectacular Lesotho III. Weighing in at a whopping 40 carats, this marquise diamond ring was given to her in 1968 by Aristotle Onassis when she finally said “yes”.

This diamond has quite a pedigree. It was one of eighteen diamonds cut from the famous 601-carat Lesotho uncut diamond, the largest ever discovered by a woman. The original Lesotho was displayed at the Museum of Natural History in New York and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, before being famously partitioned on live national television later in the year.

It appears that Jackie wore the ring in public only twice, before (sensibly) locking it away in a New York bank vault. The Lesotho III was sold in 1996 for USD $2.59 million, when her estate was auctioned off. The original sales estimate was less than $600,000, but two anonymous bidders quickly drove up the final selling price.

The Beyoncé Ring

The Beyonce Ring

On the other hand, Beyoncé’s ring, an 8-carat flawless diamond set in a diamond-studded platinum (by jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz), is estimated to be worth around $5 million. We can’t seem to find out much information about this particular diamond – it’s not even old enough to have a name yet! Although in the future, it will surely become known as the Beyoncé Diamond.

Weighing the Evidence

So which is it? Should the Beyoncé Diamond claim the throne as the World’s Most Expensive Engagement Ring, or should the title go to the Lesotho III?

An actual dollar terms, the title would probably go to the Beyoncé ring, even though the estimated figure of $5M (which comes from the jeweler herself) is likely to be a a bit exaggerated. But once you convert the Lesotho III’s 1996 auction price into inflation-adjusted 2011 dollars, its proven value jumps to around $4 million — and matters become less clear.

We believe the only fair way to settle this matter is to decide which ring would fetch more at an auction today. Looking at it this way, we are obliged to compare the following factors:

• 40 carats -versus- 8 carats
• 45 year pedigree -versus- new stone
• Proven auction value -versus- estimated value
• Jackie -versus- Beyoncé

The Winner?

There’s no way to know for sure, but we would put our money on Jackie’s elegant Lesotho III Diamond Ring to reign supreme.  This ring has a proven track record, a stellar pedigree, and a previous owner who, even after death, remains as famous as Beyoncé herself. We are guessing that it would sell for considerably more than $5M today. We are also guessing that Beyoncé herself would buy it if she could.

Of course, either ring would get instantly blown out of the water the moment some lucky bride walks down the aisle wearing the Chopard Blue!

Leave a comment – what do you think?

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But beyond aesthetics, there are many practical reasons for installing landscape bed edging:

• Holds the mulch inside the landscaped bed, keeping it from scattering all over the lawn
• Helps to block grass stolons (roots) from spreading into your landscaped beds
• Certain types of edging (e.g. brick landscape edging) create a mowing path for your lawn  mower, eliminating the need for trimmers

Here we examine three simple yet  attractive landscape edging ideas that will keep unwanted lawn grass from invading your landscaping. and also eliminate your edge trimming chores.

Plastic And Metal Landscape Edging

The most unobtrusive kinds of landscape edging products are plastic and metal, such as steel or aluminum. You can buy them in rolled-up strips of various lengths that are approximately 4 inches (10 cm) deep. You can easily bend them into any shape of curve, and they are particularly effective at keeping grass roots out.

Aesthetically speaking, painted steel and aluminum are the most pleasing because they blend in to the environment most easily, nearly disappearing into the grassy background. Plastic or vinyl landscape edging has a wide bulge all along the top of the strip. All of these varieties perform best if your yard has a flat contour. If there are many dips or rises, then you should consider using edging made out of brick or concrete pavers (see below).

Aluminum and steel landscape edging cost roughly the same as one another, but aluminum has a much lighter weight at about 40 pounds per 100 feet (19kg /30m)  as opposed to steel at 230 pounds (103kg) for the same length.  Both present a very professional image, but if weight is a concern for you, then go with the aluminum.

When installing these kinds of landscape edging borders, you should set the top edge at least 1/2 inch (125cm) above the level of the soil to prevent the grass roots from creeping over the top. At this height, the border is nearly invisible yet you can still mow over the top of it with no problem. Keep in mind, though, that metal has a very thin top edge that can hurt bare feet. After you make the cuts and install the strips, use a file to smooth any sharp edges that might be sticking out.

There’s a trick to installing this kind of edging. Using a square garden spade, cut out a clean vertical edge along the grass, so that you are able to install the edging strip very tightly against the grass while you stick it. Making a curved edge, however,  is not tricky at all. Simply follow along the edge of the lawn in a gradual curve. If you do need to make a sharp curve, then bend the edging with a circular form.

Purchasing Rolls Of Edging

Steel is the most widely used type of metal when edging landscape, but sometimes you can’t find it at your local nursery. Try looking at large garden centers or maybe landscape supply houses. Steel edging rolls usually come in strips that are 10 feet long (3m) by 4 inches wide (10 cm) and it is available in a wide selection of colors. Even though it is quite durable, eventually it will rust, especially if you live near the ocean. You need to give it full support when moving it, because of its heavy weight.

Aluminum landscape edging is both lighter and stiffer than steel, and it also is sold in a wide choice of colors. It has one big advantage over steel however because it does not rust. You may have to place a special order for aluminum, or buy it online, because sometimes it is hard to find. You will need stakes for this kind of edging, so make sure your order includes them.

The ubiquitous plastic landscape edging can be found in almost every home and garden center. Normally it is sold in two different thicknesses: regular and heavy-duty. The regular is lighter and cheaper, but  you are better off choosing the heavy-duty landscape edging plastic, because it stands up better to lawnmower collisions, which are inevitable.

Concrete Landscape Edging (Pavers)

Pavers can be made out of stone, brick or concrete. They are simple to install and very attractive as well. If you are looking for a wider border that allows more space for bushes and flowers to hang over without covering the lawn, then pavers are a perfect choice. That way, you won’t chop up the flowers with a lawnmower.

The best paver designs create a nice flat surface that the lawnmower wheels can roll on top of, creating a sharp clean cut that eliminates any need for edge trimming. To install papers, you must first create a bed of sand that allows you to place them in the correct position and make them level. If you lay the sand overa strip of  landscape fabric, it will prevent most grass stolons from creeping under the edging into your landscape beds.

Pavers work well for gardens with straight edges, but even better for yards with slopes and gradual curves. It’s easy to adjust the pavers to follow the uneven contours of a yard. But they don’t work as well on tight curves unless you are willing to cut them into smaller pieces.

Landscaping pavers work well for yards with just about any contour, especially those with gentle curves or slopes. You can easily adjust the  landscape edging brick to fit the uneven yard contours. However, they don’t work quite as well with tight curves, because then you have to cut them into smaller pieces to avoid having large gaps between them.

Stone Landscape Edging

There’s nothing like a raised border to add charm and texture to your garden. There are so many beautiful varieties of landscape edging stones to choose from!  A stone border for your garden creates a handsome and practical feature that adds great depth to a flat and featureless yard, especially when you illuminate it with solar outdoor string lights.

If you are unfortunate enough to have poor soil, all you have to do is add topsoil and compost to make an incredible planting bed. A raised bed also creates excellent drainage that makes it perfect for soggy spots in your yard. If your yard has a slope, then you can use raised beds to create nice, flat terraced gardens.

One way to reduce maintenance is to add a 4-inch (10 cm) deep trench filled with mulch and lined with plastic garden edging. The edging prevents grassroots from encroaching into the stone wall, and the mulch makes a track for the lawnmower wheels to follow. This allows you to mow right over the top of the plastic edge and eliminates the need to trim the grass.

A good way to cut down on maintenance is to create a trench in front of the stones, about 4 inches deep (10cm), filling it with mulch and lining it with plastic edging.  (See photo) The mulch provides a track for your lawnmower wheels, and the edging keeps the grass from growing into the stone wall. This design lets you mow right over the edging and eliminates the need for trimming entirely.

We hope that these landscape edging options have given you some inspiration to get out there and create the perfect landscaped beds. Happy gardening!

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How does a small corner sofa bed actually transform itself into something you can sleep on? In contrast to a regular sofa bed where the entire sofa opens up, with a corner sofa only the larger-sized portion of the L-shape opens up. You then have the rest of the L-shape available to spread out on. That’s why a corner sleeper works so well — because it creates a larger surface area to sleep on than you might first expect. Depending on the space you have available in your room’s sofa bed corner, you can select either a twin or double bed model.

Footstool Style

Another style of corner sofabed works a little bit differently. Instead of having a mechanism that folds open to form a bed, this style comes with a footstool that’s just the right size to slide into the “L”-shape and form a rectangular sleeping area. For a footstool-style model, you will want some method to attach the footstool to the rest of the sofa so that it does not separate during the night.

Left or Right?

One of your first decisions is whether you want the sleeper to fold open on the right or left side. This depends entirely on how you want the furniture arranged in your room, so make your measurements carefully and decide whether a left or right-opening model will work best for the corner you have in mind.

Middle Range Offers Best Value

With any type of sleeper sofa, though, the best value for money falls in the middle price range. A cheap sofa bed must be avoided at all costs, because the mattress quality will be so poor that a good night’s sleep will be impossible. And that’s no way to treat guests – unless, of course, you never want them to come back again.

On the other hand, spending thousands on a fancy leather corner sofa bed won’t necessarily result in greater comfort or a better nights sleep. But undoubtedly the style and aesthetics will be a lot more appealing.

Springs Superior to Foam

Mattress foam, no matter the thickness, will begin to sag and compress after a certain amount of time. Springs are much better at supporting your body weight and are therefore much more comfortable to sleep on. For the best quality, you should look for mattresses that have eight-way springs that are hand tied.

Choose Quality Fabric

Don’t pick a fabric just because it looks good. You want the surface to be durable and easy to clean as well. A light colored soft fabric will stain easily and wear out sooner. As a measure of durability, selected fabrics tested for double rubs. A higher double rub number means higher durability.

Storage Space

Do need additional storage space in the room? If so, then consider a corner sofa bed with storage space. On these types of models, one of the cushions will lift up to reveal a storage compartment underneath. however, if you don’t need the extra space, then there’s no reason to spend the extra money.

Leading Manufacturers

Wondering where to shop? Check out these leading manufacturers in North America.

• Kiira Designs – Canadian based, all North American materials and leather
• American Furniture Alliance – Trendy ultra-modern design
• Furniture FX – High quality and European design
• Wholesale Interiors – Large selection and lower cost
• Handy Living – Innovative futon-like fold-back design with upscale look

Corner sofa beds can pack a lot of style, comfort, and functionality into a very small space. But don’t get distracted by all the extra features and styles that you might see in the furniture store. Remember – the whole point of buying a sofa bed is to provide a comfortable place where your guests can actually sleep, without hating you the next morning!

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Rather than sift through all the details of a hundred different models, it’s much simpler to start your search by looking at the three types of refrigerator styles they offer. You can think of a style as a group of models, all sharing some common features. That way you are tackling only three topics instead of a hundred! Here are the three styles you can choose from:

Next we examine the advantages and disadvantages of each style, to help you decide which one is best for you.

French Door

The Samsung French Door style is the flagship of the Samsung refrigerator lineup. This style is incredibly popular, and for good reason! There are over 60 French Door models to choose from.

The most distinctive feature of the French Door style is that the refrigeration compartment (located on the top) has double doors that open outward from the center. The freezer compartment a single door that slides out from the bottom like a drawer.  Some top-of-the-line models have two separate freezer drawers – a great energy-saving feature!

One advantage of the French Door design is that you only need to open a single door instead of two doors, depending on the location of the item you need. This design feature not only saves effort, it also saves energy because you open up only half of the refrigeration compartment instead of the whole thing, which helps to keep the cold air inside the refrigerator where it belongs. The fridge does less work, and so do you.

But be prepared to pay more for this popular style. The Samsung refrigerator price for French Door models starts at about $1,400 (for 18 cu. ft.) and goes up to a pricy $3,500 for the 28 cu. ft. 4-door model.

Side-by-Side

The Side-by-Side style has the largest capacity of all the styles, ranging from 26 cu.ft. all the way up to a whopping 30 cu. ft! As the name suggests, this style has only two doors – one for the refrigeration compartment (on the right) and one for the freezer (on the left). The doors run from the top of the refrigerator all the way to the bottom, and they swing outward from the center.

Prices for Side-by-Side models range from about $1,300 to $2,700. This is a great choice for larger families that need a greater fridge capacity, or those with small children that might have difficulty reaching the higher refrigeration compartment of the French Door models.

Bottom Freezer

The Samsung Bottom Freezer style is the least expensive of the three Samsung refrigerator styles. You still get most of the same great Samsung features – you just pay less! Prices range from about $999 to $1,200.

The Bottom Freezer style is similar to the French Door style in that it places the refrigeration compartment on the top and a slide-out freezer drawer on the bottom. The main difference is that the refrigeration compartment has only a single door that opens to one side (either right or left) whereas the French Door style has double doors that open from the center.

Another difference is that the Samsung refrigerator’s Bottom Freezer style has a smaller capacity than the others, with available sizes ranging from 18 to 20 cubic feet. This is the best option for people who love the fantastic Samsung style and features, but need to buy a refrigerator on a budget.

Samsung Refrigerator Reviews

Now that you have a better idea of which style of Samsung refrigerators might best suit your needs, you are ready to start looking at a specific model – try searching for a good Samsung refrigerator review website. But that’s a topic for a whole different article!

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But once blackheads have already formed, there are still safe options available for you to remove them. If used gently and safely, home remedies for blackhead removal can have your skin glowing with health sooner than you might imagine! (Pictured: Panasonic Rechargable Pore Cleanser with Micro-fine Mist )

Squeezing is a Big No-No

We all know how frustrating nose blackhead removal can be when nothing seems to be working. The immediate temptation is to remove a black head by squeezing it with your fingertips. However, all dermatologists seem to agree that picking or squeezing a blackhead is a big no-no. Pressure applied to blackheads can damage the skin if done incorrectly, because it introduces a risk of swelling, inflammation, infection and broken blood vessels.

That is why you should never remove blackheads with your fingernails. Squeezing can push the waste material clogging up the pores deeper into the skin, where it can become inflamed and infected. It’s simply not worth the risk of developing permanent scars or enlarged pores.

However, if done correctly with the proper blackhead removal tool, gentle extraction can really improve the appearance of your skin. Good blackhead removal tools include comedone extractors, pore strips, and sterilized tweezers. For best results, you should visit a dermatologist or aesthetician for professional blackhead removal treatment, who is specially trained to extract blackheads safely.

The Best Blackhead Removal Method

The following four-step regimen is simple enough to be used by anybody as a blackhead removal home remedy, yet is powerfully effective at eliminating black heads and preventing their future formation. Many people swear that it is the best way to remove blackheads from your life for good.

Step 1 – Steam Facial
It can’t be stressed strongly enough how important steam facials are in your fight against blackheads. By bathing your face in warm moisture, you open up the clogged pores and loosen the toxins and debris trapped inside. Other benefits of steaming include improving blood circulation to the skin, opening clogged nasal passages, and better skin hydration. It is gentle enough to be done daily.
Step 2 – Exfoliation
The exfoliation process removes dead skin cells and helps to remove debris that can clog pores. You should choose an all-natural exfoliation product that will not irritate your skin. Oatmeal and baking soda is a great example of an effective natural exfoliation combo.
Step 3 – Skin Cleansing
The main purpose of skin cleansing is to prevent and remove the buildup of oil on your skin. It is recommended to cleanse your skin twice each day, once in the morning and again in the evening. The best cleansers to use are free of soap and alcohol which can damage your skin. Clay-based skin cleansers are especially useful for those with oily skin, because they are very effective at drawing out and absorbing excess oil.
Step 4 – Closing the Pores
After steaming and cleansing, you must close the pores that have been opened up. The simplest way is to use cold water for a final rinse. Optionally, you may follow up with a good skin toner.

Natural Blackhead Removal

If you prefer a more natural approach to avoid using commercial blackhead removal products or tools on your skin, then try enlisting the help of Mother Nature by trying these natural blackhead removal remedies:

• Witch Hazel – Witch hazel is a natural skin toner that balances your skin’s oil production. Cleanse the affected areas with a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel, once or twice a day. This approach helps for acne, too.
• Iodine and Epsom Salt – Mix 3 drops of iodine and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt in ½ cup boiling water. A pply solution with a cotton ball. This loosens the blackheads and opens the pores, so you can remove the blackheads with a gentle scrub.
• Oatmeal and Rosewater – Creating a blackhead removal mask with these two ingredients will rid you of blackheads and prevent future breakouts as well. Combine ground-up oatmeal powder with rose water into a paste, and apply to the affected areas. Leave the mask in place for 15 minutes, then remove with cold water.
• Fenugreek Leaves – Make a paste by mixing crushed fenugreek leaves in water, and apply to the face as a mask for at least 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
• Cilantro Leaves And Turmeric -  Mix 2 tsp of crushed fresh coriander leaves with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and a little water. Apply the paste to your face and leave on for 10 or 15 minutes. Wash off with cold water, but be very careful when removing, as the turmeric powder will stain a dark yellow onto anything it touches. Remove any remaining yellow tinge on the skin with a paste of chickpea flour and water.

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So, can you take CNA classes online and still be successful? The answer is most definitely yes! Online CNA classes can provide a convenient and affordable alternative to the traditional campus experience. They allow you the option of studying from the comfort of home, or the calm atmosphere of the library if your home life is chaotic.

The objective of an online CNA class is exactly the same as a traditional one – to prepare the student to pass a state exam. Of course, CNA educational requirements differ substantially from state to state. Some states require several months of theoretical and clinical training, while others stipulate only a two-week course with very little formal education. However, all states do require a Certified Nursing Assistant to demonstrate mastery of a basic set of skills, including vital sign measurement, patient communication and documentation, how to move patients, and some knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology.

So how can you decide whether or not online CNA courses are right for you? Let’s take a good look at some of the advantages as well as the disadvantages.

Advantages of Online Classes

Flexible Schedule – Since you are not tied to a fixed classroom schedule, you are free to pursue your studies anytime of the day or night. If you are an early-bird type of person, you can schedule your study time for first thing in the mornings while the day is still fresh. On the other hand, if you are a night owl, then you are free to study into the wee hours of the night.

Flexible Learning Environment – Learning from home lets you tailor your learning environment to your individual needs. If you know that listening to music helps you learn better, then you are free to listen to whichever style of music you please without worrying about disturbing other students. On the other hand, if you require total silence to concentrate on your studies, then you don’t have to worry about the distraction of a noisy classroom environment.

Learn At Your Own Pace – As long as you can keep up with the syllabus, you can progress in your studies as quickly or slowly as you like. Some people naturally learn at a slower pace than others, which makes an online learning environment perfect for their needs. Life events and emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and it’s nice to have the option of suspending your studies for a few days rather than worrying about falling behind the rest of the class.

Variety of Course Material – There are many different websites that offer CNA courses online, so you have a greater variety of courses to choose from, as compared to the limited number of classes available at the local community college. Take extra care, however, to make sure the online course you select is legitimate – check with your state authorities to make sure that the online course is authentic and meets the requirements of your state.

Save Money and Time – Compared to traditional classroom courses, the tuition for online classes for CNA are generally somewhat cheaper. There are even some free CNA classes online. But on top of tuition costs, consider the cost of commuting to and from class, both in terms of time and money. Who needs the aggravation of fighting rush-hour traffic, when it’s so much easier and faster to commute to your desk and sit down in front of the computer?

Continuing Education – If you currently work as a Certified Nursing Assistant, then there is no better way to gain the continuing education credits that are required to renew your license. Since you probably already work all day long, you don’t want to take extra time off just to sit in a classroom. Receiving your CNA continuing education online is a great way to balance the conflicting demands of work, family and education. it also makes an excellent refresher course for anyone who may be working in private duty, or who may be a home caregiver for a loved one.

Disadvantages of Online Classes

There are a great many advantages to taking a CNA class online, but it’s not a perfect solution for everyone. There are several drawbacks that must be considered as well. Ultimately, you are the only person that can decide whether the advantages of studying online outweigh the disadvantages, given your unique set of circumstances.

Lack of Teacher Interaction – Online courses lack the live interaction with other students, trainers, and professionals. Therefore, if you have a question about your coursework, or if you find a particular topic to be confusing, there is no one to immediately answer your questions. Online courses will often have a question and answer forums where you can receive clarification, but getting an answer takes time, and the answer may not always be as reliable as if it came directly from a teacher.

Lack of Clinical Experience – In a traditional classroom setting, you may receive hands-on clinical experience and practice with procedures and equipment. You will often have the opportunity to interact with actual patients as well. This is a critical drawback of the online learning experience. At some point in your learning program, you will need to make arrangements for gaining experience in a real medical environment such as a hospital or clinic. There is simply no substitute for real live clinical experience.

Extra Discipline Required – When you are learning in a home environment, there is no teacher and no classroom routine to keep you automatically on track. It’s up to you to muster the discipline needed  to stick with your studies. Your two greatest challenges will be distractions and procrastination. You must take an honest look at yourself and your study habits in order to decide whether or not a home study program will really work for you.

Course Quality – There is a tremendous variation in the quality of CNA classes you can find online. Just because there are CNA classes online for free doesn’t mean that they are worth your valuable study time. Make sure you invest your time in an authentic and reputable course provider.

Online Study Tips For Success

Create a Routine – Set aside two hours for each day that you are scheduled to work on your course materials. A two-hour study period is optimal for most people, because it allows enough time to get into the study groove and make some real progress, yet it’s not so long that you began to tire and lose concentration. Treat your scheduled study time the same as you would a job obligation – be your own boss and make sure you stick to the schedule.

Set Goals for the Week – Each weekend, review the progress you’ve made the previous week and decide which study goals you would like to accomplish in the coming week. Don’t try to make a grand schedule for three months in advance – take it one week at a time. If you failed to accomplish all of your goals from last week, it’s no big deal. Simply put it on the list of things to do for the coming week and adjust your goals accordingly.

Eliminate Distractions – You must do whatever it takes to eliminate all distractions from your scheduled study time. Turn off the phone, lock the bedroom door, or even escape to the local library or coffee shop where they have WiFi access. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish when you are able to focus two hours of concentrated study with no distractions. Taking your CNA classes online can be a breeze if you apply hard work and discipline to your efforts.

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Why should I learn about all these different kinds of commercial insurance when I don’t even need most of them? Well, as your successful business grows and expands, you will probably find that your insurance needs expand as well. Learning about various types of commercial insurance now will help you to decide whether or not you might need them later – even if you don’t need them right away.

Commercial Insurance Categories

The first step in understanding commercial insurance is learning its three main categories:

• Commercial Property Insurance
• Commercial Liability Insurance
• Workers Compensation Insurance

Property insurance covers the physical or intellectual assets owned by your business, such as buildings , equipment or income. Liability insurance covers damages or injuries to third parties that are caused by your business or employees. Workers compensation covers injuries to your employees while on the job. In general, there is insurance available for just about any type of business situation that you can imagine. The simplest way to become familiar with the many different types of commercial insurance is to look at examples within each category.

Commercial Property Insurance

Commercial property insurance is designed to protect against loss, damage, theft or breakdown of just about any item owned by your company.

• Boiler and Machinery Insurance – Also known as mechanical breakdown coverage or equipment breakdown insurance. This coverage provides protection against accidental breakdown or failure of machinery or equipment. It normally provides reimbursement for repairs or the purchase of new equipment. Examples: Failure of air conditioning system; damage to computers by fire.
• Glass Insurance – Most basic property policies exclude coverage for broken glass. Glass insurance extends your basic policy to include plate glass windows or store windows. Example: Vandals break your front display window.
• Business Interruption Insurance – Provides coverage for lost income and reimbursement for operating expenses that result from damage or loss of business property. Example: If a fire shuts down your business for three month, coverage would pay for employee salaries, rent, taxes, and net profits that would have been earned.
• Tenant’s Insurance – Many commercial leases require that tenants carry insurance that covers damages made it to improvements in the rental space, as well as damages caused to the building by accident or negligence.
• Crime Insurance – Protects against burglary, theft and robbery against your business. Examples: There is a break-in overnight and your computer equipment is stolen; Your store is robbed at gunpoint and money is stolen from the cash register and also from customers in your store.

Commercial Liability Insurance

Commercial liability insurance is designed to protect you in case of lawsuits filed by other parties. If you or your business is sued for personal injuries or for damages to property owned by others, your policy would cover the cost of defending the lawsuit and the cost of the any damages awarded. A general liability policy provides coverage against common risks, including injuries to customers on the premises. Here are some examples of more specialized types of liability insurance:

Malpractice Insurance – Also known as professional liability insurance. This is designed to cover situations where the conduct of a professional falls below normal professional standards. Malpractice insurance is commonly taken by doctors, accountants, real estate agents, dentists, architects and other professionals. Example: A doctor mis-diagnoses a patient’s condition and it is sued. Coverage would include payment for court costs and any resulting settlement or judgment.

Automobile Insurance – Commercial auto policies provide coverage for the vehicles used in the course of your business, including cars, trucks, vans and trailers. Coverage includes stolen or damaged vehicles, or injuries caused to another person or property belonging to another person. Example: While making deliveries, your driver hits and injures a pedestrian.

Errors and Omissions Insurance – Also known as E&O insurance, this policy is designed to protect against accidental mistakes or omissions that injure a third party. Such actions must be inadvertent, and not a result of poor judgment or deliberate intent. Example: A real estate agent fails to discover and important material fact regarding a house purchase that causes financial damage to the buyer.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This type of insurance policy is similar to liability insurance, but it covers your own employees instead of outside third parties. It is designed to provide coverage in case you or your employees are injured in the course of performing their job duties. Most businesses with employees are required to carry this type of insurance. Workers compensation laws are specific to the state in which you are located, so the exact provisions and requirements will vary depending upon where you do business.

Commercial Insurance Quotes

Every business is unique and therefore requires a unique combination of insurance features. This article provides only a very basic introduction to the world of commercial insurance. There are many specific and individual types of insurance available – the best way to be sure that you’re getting what you really need is to obtain a commercial insurance quote from several different commercial insurance brokers.

Most commercial insurance companies offer insurance packages designed to meet the needs of particular businesses. A package policy might be the best way for you to secure cheap commercial insurance, but it’s important to check the provisions carefully because you might also be paying for coverage that you don’t actually need.

Explore Other Types Of Commercial Insurance

• Ordinance Insurance
• Debris Removal Insurance
• Inland Marine Insurance
• Umbrella Insurance
• Directors and Officers Insurance
• Key Man Insurance
• Fidelity Bonds
• Employment Practice Insurance
• Destroyed and Damaged Records Insurance
• Builder’s Risk Insurance

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Food substances can affect weight loss in several different ways. But the most influential characteristics in regards to weight loss are:

• Suppression of appetite
• Increase of metabolism

Green tea has been demonstrated to have both effects. It contains special anti-oxidant agents called catechins. Catechins (pron. kat‘-i-chins or kat‘-i-kins) are a type of flavonoid present in high concentrations in green tea leaves. They are very powerful antioxidants (more powerful than vitamin C) and are known for their ability to fight disease.

In terms of green tea weight loss, the most potent catechin found in Camellia sinensis is named EGCG. It is said to to increase metabolism and reduce bad cholesterol levels. Furthermore, EGCG might also help to regulate blood sugar levels, since it can potentially inhibit carbohydrate absorption. Because it possesses such characteristics, green tea has gained a wide reputation as an effective and safe weight-loss supplement.

This reputation is backed up by clinical studies, albeit on a limited basis. There are several studies indicating that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of caffeine and green tea positively affected the ability of overweight subjects to lose weight and also to keep it off. Some researchers propose is is the catechins that account for green tea’s observed fat-burning effect. (Source: University of Maryland)

How Does the Green Tea Diet Work?

The short answer is that nobody knows for sure. Some researchers attribute green tea’s weight loss properties to its high levels of EGCG while others find that its caffeine content is primarily responsible (because it raises the metabolism). These are also plenty of experts who claim that green tea is not particularly effective as a diet supplement.

But one thing that nearly everyone agrees on is that more research is needed. The clinical benefits of the green tea diet are largely unexplored on a scientific level because not enough controlled studies have been done to draw any definitive conclusions. Nevertheless, anecdotal evidence and the personal experience of thousands of people support its effectiveness, even though scientists still debate the exact mechanisms of how it works.

How Do I Use the Green Tea Diet?

It’s very simple. There are only two basic concepts behind the Green Tea Diet plan.

• Drink green tea in place of water
• Take green tea diet supplements

Both methods of consuming green tea are effective, and it’s probably best to combine both of them. It’s always best to take a balanced approach to any weight loss program. .

Note to Pregnant or Nursing Mothers:

Since regular green tea contains caffeine – about 50 milligrams per cup — it should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Drinking Green Tea

It depends on the brand, but the typical cup of green tea contains between 50 – 150 mg catechins (antioxidants). Drinking three cups of green tea daily will provide about 300 mg of catechins, which many experts recommend as a daily minimum. Caffeine-free tea is also available, but since caffeine by itself has also been associated with weight loss, you might prefer to drink the caffeinated variety instead (except pregnant or breast-feeding mothers).

Drinking hot tea stimulates the metabolism more than drinking iced tea. If you want to maximize the weight-loss properties of green tea, you should drink it hot or warm whenever possible.

Green Tea Supplements

The majority of green tea diet pills are marketed in the form of capsules containing dried tea leaf. You can also find liquid extracts prepared from the leaves and buds. There are several different types of green tea diet supplements available:

• Capsules and pills
• Liquid extracts
• Green tea patches

Some capsules contain 100% green tea leaf extract. These pills are essentially highly-concentrated pure tea leaf. However, most manufacturers combine green tea with other appetite suppressants such as chromium or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Some people find the combined form to be more effective; others prefer the leaf concentrate in its pure form.

Whichever form of green tea diet supplement you prefer, the most important attribute to look for is the level of catechins contained in each dose. As a rule of thumb, you can count 100 mg of catechins as roughly equivalent to one cup of green tea. There is no scientifically established daily minimum dose, but many people see good results with a dosage in the range of 300-500 mgs per day.

Beware of diet pills that contain diuretics, which promote the loss of body fluids and can lead to dehydration. It does not make much sense to be drinking green tea and taking diuretics at the same time!

Take A Balanced Approach

Of course, we are not talking about some kind of magical Super Green Tea Diet Pill here. We are talking about using common sense and taking a balanced approach. Following the Green Tea Diet, by itself, is not nearly enough to lose weight permanently. You need to combine it with a healthy, low-fat diet, and regular physical activity. But there is plenty of evidence to indicate that green tea can be a powerful ally in your quest against excess weight.

Sources:

University of Maryland Medical Center: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm

Mayo Clinic http://mayoclinic.com

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Goulash

This tasty goulash dish is one of our favorite recipes for ground beef. Preparation takes about an hour, but you only need to look after it once after you set it cooking, so it gives you plenty of time in between to tend to other chores. A family favorite!  (serves 4)

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• salt and pepper

Brown ground beef in a skillet, add onions, garlic, basil, and green pepper. Cook over medium low heat for 5 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Simmer 1/2 hour. Addmacaroni, salt and pepper to taste. Cook another 20-25 minutes. Serve.

Salisbury Steak

Another one of our favorite recipes with ground beef is this scrumptious one for Salisbury Steak. Salisbury steak was invented by an American physician, Dr. J. H. Salisbury, around 1897 – and here we always thought it was British! (serves 6)

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 1/2 tsp butter

Saute garlic and onions in butter until translucent and set aside to cool.

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 4 oz bread crumbs
• 2 tsp chopped parsley, fresh

Prepare patty mixture by combining beef, eggs, bread crumbs, and parsley together in bowl. Add cooled onion mixture to patty mixture. Divide into 6 patties and saute in pan with butter until golden brown on both sides. Set aside in a casserole dish. Patties should still be pink inside.

• 1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced

Add  mushrooms to pan and quickly saute about 4 minutes. Set aside.

• 2 tsp butter
• 3 tsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth

Melt  butter in pan and add  flour. Cook 1 minute and whisk in beef broth. Add mushrooms and pour over patties in casserole. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Serve.

Beef Mulligan Stew

Mulligan Stew is an improvised dish said to have been invented by American hobos in camps in the early 1900s. You make it by throwing together whatever you can find, right into the pot. One of the very best easy ground beef recipes for dinner! (serves 6)

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef, lean
• 1 green pepper, chopped (any leftover vegetable is OK)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 can (19 oz) tomatoes
• 1 can (16 oz) tomato paste
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp wine vinegar
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 tsp salt

Cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lightly brown beef in large saucepan. Drain off excess fat. Add green pepper, onion and garlic. Saute until onion is transparent. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.

Ground Beef Storage

Store well-wrapped ground beef in the coldest part of the refrigerator (36-40 degrees F. / 2-4 degrees C.). Freeze unless you use it within 2 days.  Ground beef can be frozen for up to two weeks in its original plastic wrap packaging . For longer storage, wrap ground beef tightly in  freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or plastic freezer bags and store up to 4 months at 0°F. or colder.

Find ground beef recipes quick at One Great Earth!

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