Saturday, November 29, 2008

Holiday Shopping

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now the final, long awaited countdown to the big holiday season is here. It’s ironic that this peaceful time of year has become so crazy, with everyone scrambling to get all their holiday shopping done for the few, last minute people on their list. If you have some folks left to shop for, consider doing your shopping online to make everything that much easier and more enjoyable.

Who wants to go fight the holiday mob scene at the local retail shopping mall, or comb store after store in busy downtown rush hour traffic to find that one last item for a friend at work, or a family member you didn’t know was going to show up in town that week. Shopping online for holiday gifts is easy and simple, and can be done while wearing pajamas and sipping morning coffee from the comfort of you own home.

Perhaps a nice set of scented candles or a special potpourri item for Grandma or a beloved aunt or uncle. Make anyone’s house more enjoyable and pleasant with the fresh, healthy and warm scents from one of these fine gift items. Any bathroom, kitchen or living room will benefit from the cleansing aromas of a lovely candle or floral scented potpourri mixture.

Change up a room or office with some lovely handmade reproduction antique furniture. Unique items that will lend a down home feel to anyone’s sacred space, or dress up an office or den with something new to create positive changes in the environment are ideal holiday gifts. New dinnerware or household decorations are just the thing to fend off the winter blues, and many items to choose from are available to you.

Anyone on your shopping list will find something he or she will love whether it be a wonderful coffee table book with big bright pictures, or a lovely notepad or journal to record all the holiday festivities in. Make lasting memories with a beautiful handbag or a special set of finely crafted lotion or soaps will make any special family member feel clean and refreshed throughout the winter. They will think of you every time they use these wonderful gifts

Let’s face facts; the holiday season is challenging enough without going crazy finding one hundred different gifts for one hundred different people throughout the city. Peruse this wonderful online country store and find something for everyone on your list with just one stop shopping. Friendly customer service and an extensive supply of beautiful, one of a kind gifts for every personality and taste is to be found at this wonderful little gem of an online holiday gift store.

Elegant home accents for home interior decoration, dinner sets, vases and a whole array of beautiful pottery are one of the most popular items, with a spectrum of styles and colors sure to please even the most design conscious person on your holiday shopping list. Pottery for every function and purpose is available, rendered in amazingly bright or earthy muted colors. Multiple forms and styles are executed with quality craftsmanship.

Let some of the stress off of yourself, and do your holiday shopping from a wonderful store with a fantastic selection of holiday treats and gifts available. You will thank yourself and so will all the lucky people on your holiday shopping list. With more than just bargain gifts, this site is a savior for all your last minute shopping needs, designed to make online shopping fun, easy and enjoyable.

Networking as an Artist

One of the biggest challenges facing any artist in these times is how to promote your artwork when you are finished with it. Being an artist is fun and exciting, fulfilling and rewarding, but also very stressful if there is no place to show and sell your artwork once it is finished. Marketing yourself is one of the things that keep many talented artists working as hobbyists instead of becoming the professional artists they have the potential to be. A social network with other artists to show work, make professional relationships and stay aware of the current trends in the galleries and art world are crucial.

There are so many wonderful and practicing creative artists in the world, and it can be very challenging and frustrating to know how to connect with other creative personalities, or get your artworks shown to any kind of audience. Finding a gallery, or putting yourself out there for custom work can all be daunting, especially to the artist or craftsperson who is new to the marketing end of things. With so many social networking sites on the World Wide Web today, it may seem logical to use one of these, but wouldn’t it be nice if there was one that was completely dedicated to online artists?

Well now there is a new and wonderful networking site designed to help artists show their work, connect with other working artist in a variety of fields, get custom orders and commissions and in general stay networked and connected to all the other people out there trying make a living as a professional artist or craftsperson. Imagine being able to set up a profile, that functions as an online promo page, like having your own gallery to choose what to display. Easily and conveniently see what other artists are working on, and get inspired by other creative resources all from the convenience of you keyboard.

Why not give yourself every edge in competitive world of marketing creative talent. These days it seems that it it’s tougher and tougher to make a decent living as an artist, but resources like these make it easier and more enjoyable to do what you love without having to make as many sacrifices. This can be a way to keep afloat during the in between times, when you do not have a gallery show, or a weekend craft fair.

Show your work, speak with other painters, sculptors, illustrators, designers and anyone else you can find and get inside information of events, shows and offers from within the art world. Bring your studio that much closer to the general population as you showcase your amazing work along with a profile to get people to know you better. Social networking sites are everywhere these day, and it’s nice to find one that caters to the specific needs and desires of professional, working artists, artisans and craftspeople. This is a wonderful artist directory.

Getting out there is one of the crucial steps in becoming a paid, professional artist or craftsperson, and every opportunity should be seized when it presents itself. Share yourself with the world, and see what a network such as this has to offer. Arts organizations with artists coming together to support each other are one of the things that makes being an artist so enjoyable, and feeling like you are part of that community can be inspiring and helpful.

Handmade Urns and Vases as Holiday Gifts

Looking for a truly unique gift idea for that hard to buy for friend or family member on you holiday shopping list? How about a beautiful, one of a kind, handmade urn or vase? Choosing a beautiful piece of artwork that is also functional and attractive is a great way to surprise the person that has everything.

One of the best places to find artisan hand crafted urns, vases, receptacles and other types of functional art is right here in North Carolina. Funeral urns, pet urns, decorative urns and a whole lot more are all available from this reputable source of incredible and fascinating artworks.

No need to wait until the unfortunate instance of a loved one passing away to enjoy the wide selection of art, because a lovely art urn or container from this amazing little company is just the thing for any occasion. Collecting artwork from some of the best and most skilled artisans and craftspeople from all over western North Carolina and beyond, they offers the widest selection of incredible hand crafted urns, jewelry, glass keepsakes and other unique artworks available of the web.

Why spend your precious and valuable holiday time fighting the mobs and masses at the local retail shopping mall or crawling all over the stores of any city to find all the gifts for all the people on you extensive holiday shopping list. Wouldn’t it be easier and more pleasant to do the shopping from the comfort of you own home? Holiday season shopping has never been so easy or hassle free.

Urns and vases, jars and containers, custom made holiday keepsakes, memorial artwork or jewelry and more are available from the these wonderful folks. Reputable and knowledgeable, the kind folks at this wonderful organization take very seriously the immense responsibility of offering unique, one of a kind works of art for many occasions. Cremation urns, pet urns and funeral urns are not the only thing these beautiful works of art are good for. A nice addition to the décor of any fine household, these artisan pieces are breathtaking works of wonder, hand crafted in professional studios and made with all the love and care you would expect such an important gift to have been made with.

Textile are and jewelry are available, as well as wood, metal, ceramic and glass works to please very sense and taste, every style and flavor. The artisans that craft these lovely vessels are some of the best in their fields, with years of practice at their chosen art form. Rest easy knowing that the gift you have chosen for that very special someone is a one of a kind, an original made to order with all the love and pride that a craftsman can infuse into his or her special creation.

Easy ordering and excellent customer service go hand-in-hand, as a representative for the company walks you through everything you need in the ordering and selection process. Don’t settle for a boring run of the mill gift when you can truly give a gift that will last a lifetime and show how much you really care. A one of a kind, handmade decorative object of art is the ideal gift for anyone this holiday season. Make the holidays a one of a kind experience for you and everyone on your list.

Shopping for Shoes Online for the Holidays

With the ever important holidays right around the next corner, it is time to do all your last minute shopping for all the hard to buy for people on you holiday shopping list. What to but for Grandma who doesn’t need anything, or little cousins or nephews and nieces who are growing so fast. The friend at work who is into sports or the relative who seems to have everything and requires a more practical gift are easy to shop for when choosing to buy shoes online. Holiday shopping has never been easier since the advent of internet shoe shopping.

One of the simplest and easiest gifts to choose for any member of your family or friends is quality, discount shoes. Everyone needs shoes and finding quality, discount footwear at affordable prices from a reputable online dealer is a sure fire hit for any holiday gift. Running shoes for the athletic health conscious friend or family member, aerobic shoes for the young dancer in the house, hiking boots for the outdoor adventure type, or just a nice pair of dress or business shoe is perfect for anybody.

Choosing the right shoe for the right person is easy when the selection is broad, and finding quality footwear for any friend or family member is just the thing to wrap and surprise someone with for any holiday present. With school sports programs under way, and a son or daughter going off to try a new athletic pursuit, a good pair of sneakers or athletic shoes is a most important consideration. If there are any problems for fit or size, there is no need to face the rush of seasonal retail store crowds, just pack them up and exchange them with ease through the mail.

Finding an online discount shoe store to fulfill all of your Yule time gift giving needs is no problem, and making sure the return policy or customer service guidelines is important when shopping online. When shopping for shoes online, make sure you have an idea of the styles and colors available, to make sure that the item you choose is a perfect match for the recipient.

Everybody wears shoes, and most people use several different shoes for several purposes, such as running shoes, basketball shoes, casual shoes or dance shoes. Work boots for the hard working member of you household or tennis shoes for those weekend matches at the park are all good choices for any friend or family member. Why waste valuable holiday time messing with multiple stores at the shopping mall or running all over town for products for a long list of neighbors, friends and relatives when you can just point and click your way to successful gifts and presents for everyone on your list?

Discount footwear from an online store can often be the best, at the best prices because an online store will not have nearly as much overhead and can offer savings that is passed on directly to the customer. Easy selection and a wide variety of offerings from a reputable online shoe store are other benefits that make shopping from the comfort of home enjoyable and rewarding. Excellent customer service and a gift for even the most difficult to buy for person will seal the deal when it comes to how you wish to do your holiday shopping.

Asheville Vacation

There are very many good reasons so many people around the country and around the world are flocking to magnificent Asheville, North Carolina as a vacation and travel destination for any time of the year. With so much rich American history, a pristine wilderness and naturally breathtaking surrounding mountains, a rich artistic craft and creative culture and a warm reception by an amazingly genuine population, Asheville is one of the premier destinations for travelers and tourists from all over and every walk of life.

A whole spectrum of options awaits the traveler who chooses to make scenic Asheville, North Carolina their next vacation destination. Rent a lovely mountain cottage and experience the quiet elegance of living amongst the myriad plant and animal life that inhabit the ancient and magical Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy and contemporary yet rustic retreat in a plush Appalachian bed and breakfast, enjoying home cooked hearty meals and natural splendor alike along with warm, southern hospitality.

Whether it be a quick, enjoyable weekend getaway or a longer business or vacation adventure in the highly attractive Appalachian mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina, accommodations in a comfortable, beautiful environment are available to the wise traveler who enjoys access to the rich and thriving community of downtown Asheville but wish to experience the comfort of a quiet getaway at the end of a day of shopping at the local boutiques and galleries of local artisans, or exploring the restaurants and pubs that make the downtown Asheville personality so diverse.

Asheville is in one of the most bio-diverse regions of the United States and its surrounding country-side is full of national forest and miles and miles of hiking trails just waiting to be explored from you home-base in one of Asheville’s premier bed and breakfasts or tucked away in a mountain cottage in the beautiful Appalachian woods.

Asheville is home to one of the most thriving art scenes in the country, and the richly diverse downtown culture is nothing short of amazing. Galleries dot the streets between quaint cafes and fabulous restaurants, art from all over the world is represented alongside incredible offerings from Asheville’s local art scene. Local musicians showcase talent from every spectrum daily at various venues and pubs around town, as well as a thriving open mic scene where some of the best flavor is to be found by far.

Often likened to a European city, Asheville offers the same culture and sophistication as any larger, creative city in the world, while being tucked away in one of the most pristine parts of the United States. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which lazily winds its way through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is full of hiking, overlooks and beautiful countryside and is a short trip from the heart of downtown Asheville. This is a mountain vacation at its best.

An ideal city for corporate retreats, Asheville offers a great combination of downtown nightlife and convenience with easily accessible natural environments for day-trips and team-building adventures. Set up am organized plan of activities to do throughout the day, or let the city lead you on an adventure among the many wonderful sights, sounds and tastes that whimsical downtown Asheville has to offer. Weekend or week long retreats are both an option in this fantastic mountain town. So pack you bags and come to Asheville, NC and enjoy this gorgeous and friendly mountain town in all its splendor.

African Travel

For as long as I can remember, I have always been attracted to the beautiful, mysterious and enchanting continent of Africa. From the fascinating array of wild, exotic creatures who roam its lovely and thriving wildernesses to the interesting and curious practices and lifestyles of its rich native history and heritage, Africa has been at the very top of my long list of destinations anywhere in the world. With almost trepidation I imagine myself on an African safari in the unpredictable alien landscape of the African world.

Exotic locations like alluring Botswana, wild Tanzania, beautiful Kenya, enchanting Namibia, exotic Zambia, lovely South Africa, and breathtaking Victoria Falls call to me to come and explore them in all their robust detail. The sights, smells, tastes and experiences undreamed of before setting foot in such a life changing environment.

Luxury travel in Africa to these incredibly far-off and thrilling places is not as difficult as it once might have been. The days of hacking your way through dangerous jungles or risking your life on unguided expeditions is long since past, and we can now benefit from the experience and expertise of those who have bravely gone before us. Imagine being able to see Africa’s wild and diverse population of animals up close and personal. To actually immerse oneself completely in a different environment is a truly miraculous thing. And having a trustworthy guide is invaluable to anyone wishing to partake in such an important adventure.

One way to experience the wonders of Africa is through a reputable organization that has a wide list of destinations and resources, and who will be truly enthusiastic about helping you to fully benefit from a hands-on, true exploration of the immense treasures an African traveling experience can offer. Activities such as African safari, sea kayaking, whale watching, walking safaris, animal watching, and other adventures in such places as Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, South Africa, and Victoria Falls. African travel has never been easier and more enjoyable than it is now, and it is no longer necessary to deny yourself that trip you have long dreamed of any longer.

These days vacation time is precious and when you are planning that all-important trip that you only get to do once a year, why not make sure it really counts? Few opportunities will present themselves that allow you to indulge in one of the most amazing adventures of your entire life while feeling secure in knowing that expert traveling aficionados are assisting in the preparations and guiding you along the path as you soak in the very essence of the region you are traveling in. When an opportunity like this comes it is time to take it and see what the world beyond the ocean has in store for you.

Wonderful places like the Tarangire National Park, incredible Lake Manyara National Park, magnificent Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Coservation Area, wild and beautiful Serengeti National Park and Selous Game Reserve await you in Tanzania on your African vacation. Many Safari adventures are seen only from the viewpoint of the 4x4 vehicle, but if you wish to see the bush up close and personal is another thing. For the intrepid explorer who wishes to experience the bush with all senses, there are companies who will help you realize that level of interaction with the environment.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Asheville, NC comes to Seattle


Seattle has a nc waterfall downtown in their UPS building. To see the real thing book a vacation with www.vacationinasheville.com There you will find the best cabin rentals, b&b, family reunion houses, and small business meeting and retreat venues.