To reduce fire danger in your home during the holiday season, keep the Christmas tree well watered.

Two years ago I found this tree watering system at my local garden center, and it has been such a pleasure to use, I want to share it with Preparation Nation readers.

The Ever-Green Tree Watering System, disguised as a red and green gift, consists of a plastic drum with a lid and flexible plastic tubing. The drum has a fitting near the bottom which attaches to the tubing. The other end of the plastic tubing goes into your tree’s water reservoir. The package directions explain how to set the water level in the drum and begin the siphoning action. Then just refill the plastic drum whenever its water level drops by an inch or so.

Rather than watering the tree’s stand directly twice a day (and hoping as I grope under the tree that I’m watering the tree and not the floor), I’ve found that I need to refill the drum much less often . I have been able to leave home for a few days without worrying about keeping the tree watered. And at the end of the season, the tree leaves behind, not a shower of brown needles, but a tablespoon or two.

Several online sites have instructions for making your own siphon system. Take a look at one from Instructables.com, which is simple and clear. However, because the tubing goes over the top of the bucket in the homemade system, the siphon is much harder to start. If you have to buy the brass fittings and the bucket, you may have spent more than the cost of the ready-made system.

I am now using my purchased system for the third year. It has been efficient and reliable. This is one case where the ready-made option may be superior to the homemade in function, ease, AND price.

My only complaint is that I don’t love the designs of the “gifts”. This year I’ll be giving mine a quick coat of spray paint.

Do you have any favorite tools for safer holidays? Please share them by leaving a comment here.

I thought I knew what I wanted my Entertainment to be based on. There was a story I loved as a little kid called “Ever Green.” It was a story about a little blue bird that broken its wing and needed a tree to stay in for the winter. All the trees were cruel to this little bird, except for three trees. These three trees were rewarded by Jack Frost for their kindness. While all the other trees in the forest would lose their leaves and stand naked all winter long, the kind three trees would bloom and bloom and bloom and stay green forever.

Great story right? The problem was that this story didn’t fit well with any of my memories. So I thought a little more, and that is when I thought of my love for mermaids. When did that obsession begin? Having grown-up near the water, I would always “play” mermaid…in the springs, in the river, in a pool, the tub. I preferred the Hans Christian Andersen version of The Little Mermaid to the Disney version, which is interesting.

Once I got a clear idea of what I wanted my entertainment to be, the memories came easy.

Eine Sorge hatte ich nie und werde ich nie haben: dass diesem Blog die Themen ausgehen (vielmehr: das Thema ausgeht, weil ja monothematisch). Auch Deutschland, die Nation der unlustigen Funshirts beherbergt genug T-Shirt-Freaks mit Geschmack, Idealismus und Ideenreichtum, die neue Labels an den Start bringen. Meine Damen und Herren, ich stelle vor: Ever-Green aus D-dorf.

Eine hübsch retrogestylte Collage begrüßt den Besucher auf der Seite. Im Shop dann meist typographische T-Shirts. Allesamt ebenso liebevoll ausgeführt und nur in kleinen Auflagen erhältlich – also keine Massenware.

Ich hatte das Angebot, ein Shirt zu testen, gerne angenommen und mich für das Motiv “Campfire Songs” entschieden. Schließlich hab ich so viele Bandshirts, und von Lagerfeuermusikmachen bin ich ja auch irgendwo Fan. (Frage zwischendurch: was gibt es in diesem Jahrzehnt für Songs, die man am Lagerfeuer klampfen kann? Außer ein paar Weakerthans-Stücken fällt mir wenig ein, was sich zu den Beatles-Klassikern einreihen kann. Auf nackte Gitarre reduziert offenbaren die meisten Songs, auf die die Jugend gerade so abgeht, ihre erschreckende Substanzlosigkeit. Meine Meinung).

Das Design erinnert wahrscheinlich nicht zufällig an das Woodstock-Festival-Logo. Zwei Rottöne wurden hier auf ein weißes T-Shirt gedruckt. Der Druck ist sauber und scharf. Das weiße T-Shirt kommt von den von mir überaus geschätzten Continental Clothing, sprich: anziehen, wohlfühlen und auch noch ein reines Gewissen haben.

Den Vogel schießt allerdings das Gesamtpaket ab. Ich glaube, ich habe noch nie so ein üppiges Beiwerk mit einer T-Shirt-Lieferung erhalten. Die Pizzaschachtel als Versandkarton ist schon der erste Knüller und nach der letzten Ärzte-LP vielleicht die zweitbeste Nutzungsidee für die Teile (nicht dass Pizza schlecht wäre…). Beim Auspacken kam dann zuerst eine Küchenschürze zu Tage, mit einem dreiarmigen Pizzabäcker, der den hot stuff von Evergreen serviert. In derselben Restaurant-Aufmachung dann auch die “Menükarte” (Katalog), dazu noch Buttons und ein Bügelsticker. Zu sehen/ erahnen auf dem sehr schlechten Handy-Foto oben.

Wow.

Die Shirts gibt’s ab 19,95 €, und schon allein angesichts des großartigen Beiwerks ist das auch ein lohnender Preis. Außerdem wird auf deren Seite gerade ein Shirt unter den registrierten Kunden verlost.

***********************************
Another day has gone
I’m still all alone
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

But you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
But you are not alone

‘Lone, ‘lone
Why, ‘lone

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
For you are not alone

Whisper three words and I’ll come runnin’
And girl you know that I’ll be there
I’ll be there

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you’re far away
I am here to stay

For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart

For you are not alone…
************************************

A premium clamshell phone from LG modeled LG-SV710 for businesspersons, has been in the display during World IT Show 2009 in Korea.
It has a 14.7MM thickness high gloss blue body and it can display a clock with LED light in its front panel. Moreover, you can have useful functions like account diary and car diary for businesspersons.

Click to know about LG GM730 Smartphone

Besides other features of this Suit are, a 3megapixel camera, video recording and latest and new five mobile games. It is available at suggested price of 400,000(KRW) and 500,000(KRW).

[ More ]

***********************************
See the tree, how big it’s grown
But friend it hasn’t been too long
It wasn’t big
I laughed at her and she got mad
The first day that she planted it, was just a twig
Then the first snow came
And she ran out to brush the snow away
So it wouldn’t die
Came runnin’ in all excited
Slipped and almost hurt herself
And I laughed till I cried
She was always young at heart
Kinda dumb and kinda smart and I loved her so
And I surprised her with a puppy
Kept me up all Christmas Eve two years ago
And it would sure embarrass her
When I came in from workin’ late
‘Cause I would know
That she’d been sittin’ there and cryin’
Over some sad and silly late, late show

And honey, I miss you
And I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you
If only I could

She wrecked the car and she was sad
And so afraid that I’d be mad
But what the heck
Though I pretended hard to be
Guess you could say she saw through me
And hugged my neck
I came home unexpectedly
And caught her cryin’ needlessly
In the middle of the day
And it was in the early Spring
When flowers bloom and robins sing
She went away

And honey, I miss you
And I’m bein’ good
And I’d love to be with you
If only I could

One day while I was not at home
While she was there and all alone
The angels came
Now all I have is memories of Honey
And I wake up nights and call her name
Now my life’s an empty stage
Where Honey lived and Honey played
And love grew up
And a small cloud passes overhead
And cries down on the flower bed
That Honey loved

And see the tree how big it’s grown
But friend it hasn’t been too long
It wasn’t big
And I laughed at her and she got mad
The first day that she planted it, was just a twig
**********************************

********************************
Rain and Tears
Rain and tears are the same
But in the sun you’ve got
To play the game
When you cry in winter time
You can pretend
It’s nothing but the rain

How many times I’ve seen
Tears running from your blue eyes

Rain and tears are the same
But in the sun you’ve got
To play the game

Give me an answer Love
I need an answer Love

Rain and tears in the sun
But in your heart
You feel the rainbow waves

Rain or tears both are shown
For in my heart there’ll never be a sun
Rain and tears are the same
But in the sun you’ve got
To play the game
*********************************

*************************************

(words & music by Howard – Blaikly)

Lying by your side I watch you sleeping
And in your face the sweetness of a child
Murmuring the dreams you won’t recapture
Though it will haunt the corners of your mind

I’ve Lost though you’re near me
And your body’s still this kind
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or when

Who can tell when summer turns to autumn
And who can point the moment love grows cold
Softly without pain the joy is over
Though why it’s gone we neither of us know

Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh   

Six o’clock the baby will be crying
And you will stumble, sleeping to the door
In the chill and solemn gray of morning
We play the parts that we have learned too well

Oh I’ve lost you, oh, I’ve lost you
Oh, You won’t admit it so
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or when no more

Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh

Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh

********************************

****************************************************************

Where do I begin

Where do I begin
To tell the story of how great a love can be
The sweet love story that is older than the sea
The simple truth about the love she brings to me
Where do I start

With her first hello
She gave new meaning to this empty world of mine
Therell never be another love, another time
She came into my life and made the living fine
She fills my heart

She fills my heart with very special things
With angels songs , with wild imaginings
She fills my soul with so much love
That everywhere I go Im never lonely
With you my love, who could be lonely
I reach for her hand-its always there

How long does it last
Can love be measured by the hours in a day
I have no answers now but this much I can say
I know Ill need her till the stars all burn away
And shell be there

********************************************************

*********************************************

This magic moment, so different and so new
Was like any other until I kissed you
And then it happened, it took me by surprise
I knew that you felt it too, by the look in your eyes

Sweeter than wine
Softer than the summer night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

This magic moment while your lips are close to mine
Will last forever, forever till the end of time

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm

Sweeter than wine
Softer than the summer night
Everything I want, I have
Whenever I hold you tight

This magic moment while your lips are close to mine
Will last forever, forever till the end of time

Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh
Magic moment
Magic moment
Magic moment

*******************************************

I try to be aware of what I throw away in our landfills, the reality being, I create very little garbage, about a grocery bag’s worth a week. I recycle what I can given New York City’s limitations, compost food scraps, and try not to buy things that will create excess trash, i.e. snack packs. I use my own bags, drink out of a BPA-free bottle, and fully support Home Depot’s compact fluorescent bulb recycling program. But I have never thought about recycling my Brita filter.

As reported in the New York Times yesterday, TakeBacktheFilter.org has started an online petition to persuade Clorox, who owns Brita, to recycle used filters. Apparently a practice in some European countries, where filters can be sent back to the manufacturer or dropped off at stores for recycling, the petition is an effort to start a similar program in the US. A great idea, considering that filters are supposed to be changed every 2-3 months, sending 4-6 plastic filters to that great burial in the ground every year, per pitcher. Still small in comparison to the number of water bottles that get used every day, but still significant.

Mourir D’ Aimer… pour toi…
****************************************
Les parois de ma vie sont lisses
Je m’y accroche mais je glisse
Lentement vers ma destinée
Mourir d’aimer

Tandis que le monde me juge
Je ne vois pour moi qu’un refuge
Toute issue m’étant condamnée
Mourir d’aimer

Mourir d’aimer
De plein gré s’enfoncer dans la nuit
Payer l’amour au prix de sa vie
Pécher contre le corps mais non contre l’esprit

Laissons le monde à ses problèmes
Les gens haineux face à eux-memes
Avec leurs petites idées
Mourir d’aimer

Puisque notre amour ne peut vivre
Mieux vaut en refermer le livre
Et plutot que de le brûler
Mourir d’aimer

Partir en redressant la tete
Sortir vainqueur d’une défaite
Renverser toutes les données
Mourir d’aimer

Mourir d’aimer
Comme on le peut de n’importe quoi
Abandonner tout derrière soi
Pour n’emporter que ce qui fut nous, qui fut toi

Tu es le printemps, moi l’automne
Ton coeur se prend, le mien se donne
Et ma route est déjà tracée
Mourir d’aimer
Mourir d’aimer
Mourir d’aimer
***************************************

********************************************
Time, it needs time
To win back your love again.
I will be there, I will be there.

Love, only love
Can bring back your love someday.
I will be there, I will be there.

Fight, babe, I’ll fight
To win back your love again.
I will be there, I will be there.

Love, only love
Can break down the walls someday.
I will be there, I will be there.

If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.

Your pride has build a wall, so strong
That I can’t get through.
Is there really no chance
To start once again?
I’m loving you.

Try, baby try
To trust in my love again.
I will be there, I will be there.

Love, your love
Just shouldn’t be thrown away.
I will be there, I will be there.

If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.

Your pride has build a wall, so strong
That I can’t get through.
Is there really no chance
To start once again?

If we’d go again
All the way from the start,
I would try to change
The things that killed our love.

Yes I’ve hurt your pride, and I know
What you’ve been through.
You should give me a chance
This can’t be the end.

I’m still loving you.
I’m still loving you,
I need your love.
I’m still loving you.
Still loving you, baby…
*****************************************

*************************************************
Feelings, nothing more than feelings,
Trying to forget my feelings of love.
Teardrops rolling down on my face,
Trying to forget my feelings of love.

Feelings, for all my life I’ll feel it.
I wish I’ve never met you, girl;
You’ll never come again.

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,
wo-o-o, feel you again in my arms.

Feelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my heart.

Feelings, for all my life I’ll feel it.
I wish I’ve never met you, girl;
You’ll never come again.

Feelings, feelings like I’ve never lost you
And feelings like I’ve never have you again in my life.

Feelings, wo-o-o feelings,
wo-o-o, feelings again in my arms.
Feelings…(repeat & fade)
***********************************************

Not only have a longed to wash dishes in my kitchen sink for the past few months, I have been dying to wash my dishes California style. Raised during a drought in California (“If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down”), I was used to this eco-friendly way of sudsing and then rinsing a batch of dishes, rather than letting the water run. This had not been a possibility in The Littlest Kitchen until now, since I never quite had the space to spread out the soapy dishes, so I’d let the water run. By buying an extra drain board to place over the burners while I suds up, I am able to create extra space. The thin-ish tray fits under the sink neatly when not be used for its five minutes of the day. I had forgotten that we did this in my first apartment in New York, a nifty trick devised by the Organizing Olympian.

After seven months, I finally got myself a better bottle, the CamelBak Better Bottle. It’s been on the back burner of my mind to replace my Nalgene bottle ever since it was reported that it leaches an endocrine altering chemical, bisphenol-A. Supposedly, this CamelBak bottle is BPA and phthalate free, assuring me with every sip, I am doing a healthful thing, and not causing harm to my future children. Now, what do I do with my Brita pitcher?

*******************************************
When I need you
I just close my eyes and Im with you
And all that I so want to give you
Its only a heartbeat away

When I need love
I hold out my hands and I touch love
I never knew there was so much love
Keeping me warm night and day

Miles and miles of empty space in between us
The telephone cant take the place of your smile
But you know I wont be travelin forever
Its cold out, but hold out, and do I like I do
When I need you
I just close my eyes and Im with you
And all that I so wanna give you babe
Its only a heartbeat away

Its not easy when the road is your driver
Honey thats a heavy load that we bear
But you know I wont be traveling a lifetime
Its cold out but hold out and do like I do
Oh, I need you

When I need love
I hold out my hands and I touch love
I never knew there was so much love
Keeping me warm night and day

When I need you
I just close my eyes
And youre right here by my side
Keeping me warm night and day

I just hold out my hands
I just hold out my hand
And Im with you darlin
Yes, Im with you darlin
All I wanna give you
Its only a heartbeat away
Oh I need you darling
*******************************************

My stone cold heart has finally thawed and I have renewed feelings for Home Depot now that it’s offering a recycling program for compact fluorescent bulbs. Always a bit of a green conundrum, compact fluorescents are more energy efficient, but its disposal can be toxic because of its mercury content. HD’s recycling program tips the scale in its favor.

Since the city doesn’t offer recycling for light bulbs, it’s a good to see someone take responsibility, even if it’s a big box store. Much like how most cellphone retailers offer recycling for old phones and batteries, this specialized in-store recycling is one solution to the ever complex attempt at green living. It’s only fair that if the store giveth, they should taketh away.

****************************************
I don’t wanna talk
About the things we’ve gone through
Though it’s hurting me
Now it’s history
I’ve played all my cards
And that’s what you’ve done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
That’s her destiny

I was in your arms
Thinking I belonged there
I figured it made sense
Building me a fence
Building me a home
Thinking I’d be strong there
But I was a fool
Playing by the rules

The gods may throw a dice
Their minds as cold as ice
And someone way down here
Loses someone dear
The winner takes it all
The loser has to fall
It’s simple and it’s plain
Why should I complain.

But tell me does she kiss
Like I used to kiss you?
Does it feel the same
When she calls your name?
Somewhere deep inside
You must know I miss you
But what can I say
Rules must be obeyed

The judges will decide
The likes of me abide
Spectators of the show
Always staying low
The game is on again
A lover or a friend
A big thing or a small
The winner takes it all

I don’t wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You’ve come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all……
*******************************************

You are probably looking at these photos, thinking that I must be a crazy hoarder bag lady.  I can’t deny that there isn’t a small grain of truth to this, but the bigger question is why do I have all these bags?  I’m pretty conscientious about bringing my own bag when I shop so that I don’t take one.  Sometimes it’s unavoidable – spontaneous purchases, doggie bags from restaurants, etc. The sad fact of the matter is that this collection of bags mostly came to my front door – over a year’s worth of bags from the New York Times.  Yup, every day, I get one or two bags, free with my paper.  Not that I don’t use them – I bring my lunch, I bring back the empties, and then I dispose of cat litter – a three stage life cycle before it hits the trash.  I also use them for produce in the fridge, to hold shoes when I travel, wet umbrellas, but I still can’t put a bag in the 365+ bags.  So now I have to use another big plastic bag to throw out more bags.  Now that’s crazy.