Merry Christmas Everyone!

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Tips for a safe Christmas for your pets

Christmas festivities can expose your dog or cat to many hazards, but being aware of them can reduce the chances of an emergency visit to your veterinarian.

Dangers:
*Plants such as poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and Christmas Cactus are poisonous.
*Chocolate, artificial snow, and flocking are all poisonous.
*Gift wrapping materials such as ribbons, rubber bands, string, tape, glue and staples are all dangerous if swallowed by the dog or cat.
*Tinsel, if swallowed, can get caught in the pet's intestines.
*Burning candles can attract a curious puppy or kitten.
*A burning fireplace can cause bronchial irritation for your pet.
*A dog or cat can get entangled in Christmas tree light strands. They are also a temptation for a puppy or kitten to chew, and can be coated with Bitter Apple or hot sauce to deter chewing.
*Toothpicks can drop to the floor, and can damage a pet's intestines if swallowed.
*Cooked turkey bones should never be given to your pet, or left where they can get at them, as they can splinter and puncture their intestines.

Here's some suggestions:
*The Christmas tree - Don't place it in your pet's favorite window - chances are it will topple over when the dog or cat tries to look out. You might also consider anchoring it to the wall or ceiling with a hook. If you have a live tree, change the water often, as it contains pine tar, and that is poisonous for your pet. Also, avoid putting breakable ornaments on the lower branches of the tree. You might also try putting a pen around the tree to keep your pet from snooping under the tree.
*Make time for your dog or cat during all the excitement so that he doesn't feel neglected.
*Try to stick as closely as possible to the normal routine, feeding and walking schedule.
*If having guests - If your pet isn't sociable, it's best to put him in a closed room with his bed, food, water, litter box for cats, toys and play soft music to drown out the noises. If your pet will be part of the festivities, ask guests not to feed them or give them alcohol. Watch your dog around small children, even if he's never bitten anyone previously.
*Christmas isn't the best time to bring a new pet into your home. It's better to wait until things have returned to normal, as all the Holiday festivities can be overwhelming for a new pet. If you definitely want to give a pet as a gift, why not wrap up a collar and leash, or dog or cat book to be opened on Christmas, with the promise of getting the pet after the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. It will be easier and less stressful for you as well as the new family member.
*New Years Eve - It's best to keep your pet inside in case of fireworks or other noisy celebrations by your neighbors. If that's not possible, make sure his I.D. tags are up to date and on his collar in case he gets scared and runs off.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday season.

The 5 Main Weight Loss Fallacies

Eating fewer calories than what you burn is the key to basic level weight loss. Figuring out a way to do it comfortably is important as well. However, today is all about the amount of issues that can make the process more complicated.

1. Eating the exact amount of calories

This is a good example of what many people do:

We'll say your BMR or basal metabolic rate is 1,500 calories.  If you add in daily exercise, the amount of calories you burn is around 2,200.

You've also found that eating 500 less calories per day is considered a weight loss regimen as well.  Doing this everyday should garner a 1lb. weight loss reduction.

Both of these avenues will make you count calories meticulously.  Unfortunately you don't see any weight loss.  This creates frustration and the questions about why they aren't working begin to surface.

Well, we have all those answers.

Over the past year you have been consuming almost 2,900 calories a day.  It's one of the main reasons why you are trying to lose weight.  Even if you drop 500 calories a day you are still consuming 2,400 calories.  This means you're overeating by 200 calories.

Even though you're dieting, you're still overeating.

The goal is to burn 500 fewer calories than you burn.  This is a requirement that should be used every day. In fact, most people realize it's not as difficult as they might think.

2. Boosting your Metabolism to New Heights

There are several ways to boost your metabolism, but probably not as much as you would like.

Scientific studies have shown us that an elevated metabolic rate has plenty of symptoms.  Whether its fatigue, heavy breathing, increased heart rate, perspiration, or thirst, all of them are usually present.

In order to increase metabolism, bodybuilders and fitness models will use Clenbuterol.  This drug causes all the previous symptoms, but could also create heart palpitations.

Sometimes a dramatically heightened metabolic rate will be present. This will definitely burn the calories, but it also means you could have a high fever. The point is; you could be sick.

If you use stimulant supplements that are marketed as metabolic boosters, there is only a gain of 75 to125 calories you're going to burn a day.  Think of it as having an extra cup of coffee, with some cream and sugar.  Even if you do this there would still need to be a calorie deficit to see positive weight loss results.

For more on this fallacy, you can read here and here.

3. Calorie Burning Overestimation

We all know that exercising will help burn calories.  Do you know how many you're burning?

Well, let's say you're an average weight individual.  In order to burn an extra 500 calories a day, you need to walk 5 miles. It takes about 1 hour to walk 5 miles if you're working at a faster pace.  Don't you think that's a lot of work just to burn 500 calories?

Now, if you keep your calorie consumption around the name number next week (every day), it's possible to burn 1lb. over a 7 day period.  Granted, you have to do the 5-mile walk each day as well.  Unfortunately, those who over eat end up wasting their time.  While you might see weight loss, it won't be nearly as much as the person who sticks to a certain calorie intake. 

Most people would agree that 7 hours of work for 1lb. of fat loss isn't very efficient.  Plus, no one really likes going outdoors and walking 5 miles a day in 30 or 40 degree weather.

We aren't saying you should quit exercising during the winter. Exercise can still be used to shape your muscles, improve cardio, and make you a healthier person. This is why your diet should be used to burn the excess fat.

4. Building more muscle to burn more calories.

There is so much confusion about building muscle and burning calories. In fact, most people believe if a kilogram of muscle burns 21.6 calories over a two hour period, then 10 calories will be burned if a pound of muscle is working hard.

Why is there confusion?

Calculating metabolic rates.

When you look at the Katch-McCardle Formula it will show an individual's daily metabolic rate.  They are calculated a: 370 + (21.6 X LBM(kg)) = calories burned within 24 hours.  However, this isn't true.  One pound of lean body mass isn't the same as one pound of muscle.

Everything that isn't fat in your body is considered lean body mass. This means the calculation will include tissues that are considered highly metabolic. Some examples would include the liver, heart, and viscera.  Those who add lean body mass through resistance training will add muscle mass.  Remember; you're not adding mass to your organs in this scenario.

Just expect to burn an extra 5 calories in 24 hours for each pound of muscle you gain working out.  The benefit here is burning while you rest.

5. Overlapping on Eating Healthy

Just like junk food, it's very easy to over eat healthy food.  Then again; if you have a bunch of raw fruit and veggies it's probably not going to happen.  Whatever the case may be, overeating causes weight gain, this includes the good foods.

This means you have to eat the right foods first.  Once you're able stick to a regimen you will see benefits involving your weight loss.

In the end, eating fewer calories than you burn is going to create weight loss.  Just leave the "healthy eating" debate for later on down the road.  Right now, focus on what weight loss regimens work.

This post is created by Will from Health Blog. He also writes about

new alternative healing methods.

The Friday Funny - a Little Misunderstanding

Mother Superior called all the Nuns together and said to them, "I must tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent".

"Thank God," said an elderly Nun at the back. "I'm so tired of Chardonay."

contributed by Ron Heisler

Is a home remodel in your future?

With the housing market in its present state, it can be difficult to sell your home, and once sold equally as difficult to find financing for your new home. Because of this, many homeowners have decided to turn their existing home into their dream home by remodeling instead of moving.

But where do you start if you aren't skilled in home design and don't have a plan for your renovation? Home remodeling shows on TV can be helpful but only go so far with instructions in their 30 to 60 minute time frames.

I recently discovered a site called Houzz.com that can be very helpful for anyone planning a home remodel project. To start, you can browse their categories to determine which style best fits your lifestyle from Asian, Contemporary, Eclectic, Mediterranean, Modern, Traditional or Tropical. Once you know what style you like, you can select the room or rooms you want to renovate. You'll see beautiful photographs of completed rooms with examples of products to help you achieve the look of your perfect room. Create your own idea book for your next remodel right on their site.

Houzz.com has been called "the Wikipedia of exterior and interior design" by CNN, and featured in publications such as The Washington Post, InStyle, and The Wall Street Journal just to name a few. Homeowners can join their online community and professionals can create a free portfolio to inspire clients. All in all, it is a useful site for anyone thinking of starting a home remodel.

Getting ready for Holiday entertaining

The Holidays will soon be here, bringing together family and friends. If you are hosting the event in your home, you're probably taking a good hard look around to see what needs sprucing up and a good cleaning.

Carpeting and upholstery can hold a lot of dirt without really showing it, and that dirt causes odors and bacteria to reside there. Steam is a natural bacteria killing cleaning method that can be used without any chemical cleaners, especially important if you have small children and pets in residence. Steam cleaning is a great way to remove stains and odors lurking in upholstery and carpeting. Do-it-yourself machines are available but most people prefer to let the experts handle carpet and upholstery cleaning. Depending how dirty your carpeting and upholsery is and what type of stains are present, traditional chemical treatment may be needed. However many carpets and furniture can be cleaned quite well with natural green cleaning products which are more environmentally friendly and safer for your family and pets.

In your cleaning efforts, consider The Steam Team carpet cleaning Lakeway for all of your cleaning needs. The Steam Team specializes in wall to wall carpeting, oriental rugs, hardwoods, natural stone and ceramic tile, as well as upholstery and draperies. They also do air duct cleaning, and if your home is damaged by fire or water, they can take care of that type of cleanup too. Their green services are 100% biodegradable, non toxic and most products are made from all natural ingredients.

The Steam Team has numerous locations throughout Texas and all locations offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are registered with the Better Business Bureau so you can use them with confidence. Visit http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-carpet-cleaning for your cleaning needs.

(brought to you by The Steam Team)