Health Watch: Olive Oils Having Issues

People who have had heart conditions due to high blood pressure & high cholesterol levels, people who are recovering from stroke or heart surgeries are usually instructed to only use Olive Oil when cooking their food. Olive Oils are high in mono saturated and poly saturated fats which are good for your heart. They reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol). It is a very natural way of reducing your cholesterol levels and to keep your heart in good shape.

The problem however today is that there are current studies that found that the quality of the Olive Oils distributed & sold to the consumer that we buy at the supermarkets are below the standards where it should be. That might create more bad than good to those people I just indicated above or for us who just want to stay healthy. Below, you will find the list of famous name brands that are below those standards.

A recent report from the University of California Davis (UC Davis) Olive Center suggests just that. A team of scientists led by Edwin N. Frankel found that 69% of imported olive oil samples and 10% of California olive oil samples labeled as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) failed international chemical and sensory (organoleptic) standards for EVOO. The research team tested 52 samples of 19 brands-14 imported brands and five California brands-purchased in three geographical locations to reach their conclusions. The UC Davis Olive Oil Chemistry Laboratory, which has not yet been accredited by IOC, and the Australian Oils Research Laboratory (Wagga Wagga, New South Wales), which is fully accredited by IOC, conducted the laboratory work.

The laboratory tests also indicated that the International Olive Council (IOC; Madrid, Spain) and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) chemistry standards "often do not detect defective olive oils that fail extra virgin sensory standards," the UC Davis team said. The group suggested that IOC/USDA standards would be made "more effective" by including German/Australian 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and pyropheophytins (PPP) standards.

"A reduced level of DAG indicates that the samples were oxidized, or poor quality, and/or adulterated with cheaper refined oils, while an elevated level of PPP indicates that the samples were oxidized and/or adulterated with cheaper refined oils," the report suggested.

Even more astonishing are the names of the defendants in this case; they include some of the most well known olive oil brands sold in California, including, Bertolli, Filippo Berio, Carapelli, Star, Colavita, Mezzetta, Pompeian, Rachael Ray, Mazola, and Safeway Select. The Defendants also include the retailers and supermarkets that sell these products to the California consumers without testing and verifying the quality of the products sold, including, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s Markets, Vons/Pavilions, Ralphs, Stater Brothers, Albertson’s Market, Target, Wal‑mart, K Mart, and Nob Hill Foods.

A Sunday Night Prayer

Heavenly Father, before I lay down to rest tonight , I thank you for all the blessings you have showered me and my family this week. Your Divine Protection that keeps me safe. Your Hand that directs my path. Your Eyes that watches over me. Your Ears that hears my cries and needs. Your Words that gives me hope & wisdom. Your Spirit that breathes life into me & sets me free. And your Heart that Loves me unconditionally & endlessly. Forgive me my Savior for all my shortcomings & my pride. For the times when I lack compassion, when I loose my temper, become overly critical and judgmental. Forgive me...

This moment with you is so wonderful and peaceful... I give you all that I am. The thoughts in my mind and the things deep in my heart I give to You. Purify them and sanctify them my God for You are Holy. Let your angels watch closely over me and my family in our sleep...

And if this be my last prayer before I lay down to rest,...may your Grace & Mercy find me worthy to be with You in Heaven forever, Amen.

Best Internet Browser for 2011

Before we start I would like to tell you about this website that is so awesome. It is toptenreviews.com
Their motto is "we do the research so you don't have to"

It researches, reviews, analyzes and rates the following: Electronics of any kind, Appliances, Mobile, Web Services, Auto Tech, Science Tech, Careers, Entertainment & Small Business. So remember to bookmark their website at www.toptenreviews.com

So here you go. Your 2011 Best Web Browser.

1. Firefox

2. Google Chrome

3. Internet Explorer

4. Opera

5. Safari

6. Maxthon

7. Avant Browser

8. PhaseOut

9. Deepnet Explorer

10. SpaceTime

For an in depth review & analysis with actual dta and great graphics please go to: http://internet-browser-review.toptenreviews.com/

Why Internet Browsers?

An Internet browser is your window to the web, where you can find almost anything from the comfort of your own living room. Today, the Internet is widely used for media, research, communication, shopping and entertainment. The better your browser, the more you will see and experience.

Be sure to read the reviews on Firefox, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer, the Internet browsers our reviewers ranked at the top.

Up–to–date web browsers are equipped with the latest features and technology to simplify, accelerate and enhance your Internet experience. The newest features include tabbed browsing, RSS feeds and voice interaction. Browsers are also more customizable and entertaining with skins, informative and fun widgets and additional add–ons.

Safety is a common concern among web surfers, and for good reasons. The number of hazards seems to grow every day. Viruses, spyware, phishing schemes and identity theft are some of the concerns. Other worries come from the threat of online predators and the appropriateness of material for children. Modern Internet browsers shield against all of these factors to keep you, your family and your PC safe.

In this site, you’ll find articles about the Internet, news stories and comprehensive reviews on Internet browser software that will help you make an informed decision on which browser is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS We Do the Research So You Don’t Have To.™

What to Look for in Internet Browsers

Internet browsers should have three main objectives: simplicity, security and helping you get the most from the web. Because all of the browsers in this review are free, after reading the reviews you may want to download and consider a couple of browsers. You might even decide to use more than one browser—for example, one for fun and one for research.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Internet browsers.

Feature Set
Top–ranked Internet browsers offer many practical features that make surfing the web faster, easier and more convenient. A few of these features are tabbed browsing, thumbnail previews and an integrated search engine.

Ease of Use
Internet browsers ought to be simple to use so anyone, regardless of their knowledge of computers or the Internet, will feel comfortable using the web.

Security
Security is one of the most important aspects of browsing the web. Internet browsers should protect against pop–ups, viruses and phishing frauds and allow you to clear personal information so you can feel confident while online.

Speed & Compatibility
Your internet browser should help you surf fast and efficiently. While the speed of your computer and internet connection account for most of the speed, not all browsers are created equal in regards to how fast they startup, process HTML and JavaScript. Likewise, not all internet browsers will open all pages correctly. The best browsers will open websites quickly and properly.

Help/Support
Although most internet browsers are free, quality customer support helps if you run into problems. Developers provide support through email, phone, FAQs, manuals and tutorials.

Have You Been Lacking Motivation Lately?

Here's a great article about motivation from pickthebrain.com

Before I share that with you here are are great motivational quotes each of us can appreciate.

“Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.” - James Dean

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to to dance better than myself.” - Mikhail Baryshnikov

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
- Brian Littrell

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
- Mark Victor Hansen

“You are the embodiment of the information you choose to accept and act upon. To change your circumstances you need to change your thinking and subsequent actions.”
- Adlin Sinclair quotes

“Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity.”
- Bo Bennett

Enjoy the article

Staying motivated is a struggle — our drive is constantly assaulted by negative thoughts and anxiety about the future. Everyone faces doubt and depression. What separates the highly successful is the ability to keep moving forward.

There is no simple solution for a lack of motivation. Even after beating it, the problem reappears at the first sign of failure. The key is understanding your thoughts and how they drive your emotions. By learning how to nurture motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the task at hand, you can pull yourself out of a slump before it gains momentum.

Reasons We Lose Motivation

There are 3 primary reasons we lose motivation.

Lack of confidence – If you don’t believe you can succeed, what’s the point in trying?
Lack of focus – If you don’t know what you want, do you really want anything?
Lack of direction – If you don’t know what to do, how can you be motivated to do it?

How to Boost Confidence
The first motivation killer is a lack of confidence. When this happens to me, it’s usually because I’m focusing entirely on what I want and neglecting what I already have. When you only think about what you want, your mind creates explanations for why you aren’t getting it. This creates negative thoughts. Past failures, bad breaks, and personal weaknesses dominate your mind. You become jealous of your competitors and start making excuses for why you can’t succeed. In this state, you tend to make a bad impression, assume the worst about others, and lose self confidence.

The way to get out of this thought pattern is to focus on gratitude. Set aside time to focus on everything positive in your life. Make a mental list of your strengths, past successes, and current advantages. We tend to take our strengths for granted and dwell on our failures. By making an effort to feel grateful, you’ll realize how competent and successful you already are. This will rejuvenate your confidence and get you motivated to build on your current success.
It might sound strange that repeating things you already know can improve your mindset, but it’s amazingly effective. The mind distorts reality to confirm what it wants to believe. The more negatively you think, the more examples your mind will discover to confirm that belief. When you truly believe that you deserve success, your mind will generate ways to achieve it. The best way to bring success to yourself is to genuinely desire to create value for the rest of the world.

Developing Tangible Focus
The second motivation killer is a lack of focus. How often do you focus on what you don’t want, rather than on a concrete goal? We normally think in terms of fear. I’m afraid of being poor. I’m afraid no one will respect me. I’m afraid of being alone. The problem with this type of thinking is that fear alone isn’t actionable. Instead of doing something about our fear, it feeds on itself and drains our motivation.
If you’re caught up in fear based thinking, the first step is focusing that energy on a well defined goal. By defining a goal, you automatically define a set of actions. If you have a fear of poverty, create a plan to increase your income. It could be going back to school, obtaining a higher paying job, or developing a profitable website. The key is moving from an intangible desire to concrete, measurable steps.
By focusing your mind on a positive goal instead of an ambiguous fear, you put your brain to work. It instantly begins devising a plan for success. Instead of worrying about the future you start to do something about it. This is the first step in motivating yourself to take action. When know what you want, you become motivated to take action.

Iron Planet Motors Auctions Rolls Out New App for iPhone and Android

Yes. Iron Planet Auctions Rolls Out New App for iPhone and Android a few months ago.

IronPlanet Motors, an online auction site for used autos, trucks, powersports, motorcycles, RVs, aircrafts & more announced the release of its new mobile app for iPhone and Android smartphones. The free app gives users the ability to find and bid on vehicles in IronPlanet Motors auctions from their phones.

"We are very excited to bring IronPlanet Motors to the hands of car, truck and motorcycle buyers,” said Steve Kendrick, managing director for IronPlanet Motors. “IronPlanet’s app provides buyers mobile access to IronPlanet Motors’ auctions, inventory and exclusive IronClad Assurance.”

The IronPlanet mobile app allows users to search inventory by category or auction date from their mobile devices. Users can review inspection reports, add items to their “Watch List” and place bids. Users can also view live auctions and real-time bidding activity all from their phones.

“IronPlanet pioneered online equipment auctions over a decade ago,” said Jeff Barca-Hall, chief technology officer for IronPlanet. “We have now transformed our innovative technology into a mobile app with additional functionality – all resulting in a better bidder experience at IronPlanet auctions.”

IronPlanet’s mobile app provides instant alerts to the buyer when they have either won the item or been outbid. IronPlanet’s dedicated customer service team is also readily available with a one-touch dialing function.

Check them out..... news courtesy of M P N

2011 #1 Killer Disease in the US.

Here's a great and very informative article from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) published the early part of 2011 regarding the #1 killer disease in the US.

Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death

About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.

Diseases and Conditions That Put Your Heart at Risk

Other conditions that affect your heart or increase your risk of death or disability include arrhythmia, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and secondhand smoke are also risk factors associated with heart disease. For a full list of diseases and conditions along with risk factors and other health information associated with heart disease, visit the American Heart Association.

Know Your Signs and Symptoms

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; however, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness.
The American Heart Association, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the American Red Cross, and the National Council on Aging have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms.

Healthy Lifestyle: Diet and Nutrition, Exercise and Fitness

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Many people make it harder than it is. It is important to remember that it is the overall pattern of the choices you make that counts. As you make daily food choices, read nutrition labels and base your eating pattern on these recommendations:

Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat.
Select fat-free, 1% fat, and low-fat dairy products.
Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet.
Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Aim to eat less than 300 mg of cholesterol each day.
Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars.
Select and purchase foods lower in salt/sodium.
If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. That means no more than one drink per day if you're a woman and two drinks per day if you're a man.
Keep an eye on your portion sizes.
See CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Web site for more tips on nutrition.

Physical activity in your daily life is an important step to preventing heart disease. You can take a few simple steps at home, at work, and at play to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. See CDC's physical activity Web site for tips and more information.

Women and Heart Disease: Quick Facts

Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths.

In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 306,246 females.3

Heart disease is often perceived as an "older woman's disease," and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. However, heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years. Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented! 4

For more information and facts on women and heart disease, see the Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.
Screening for chronic disease risk factors.
Dietary, physical activity, and smoking cessation interventions.
Referral and follow-up as appropriate.
For more information on how you can take advantage of these services, visit WISEWOMAN and click on program locations.

Women and Heart Disease Campaigns

Men and Heart Disease: Quick Facts
In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 309,821 American men.3
The average age for a first heart attack for men is 66 years.1
Almost half of men who have a heart attack under age 65 die within 8 years.1
Between 70% and 89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.1
For more information and facts about men and heart disease, visit the Men and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.

Interactive Tools to Help Guide Your Everyday Choices

Know your heart numbers. Find out what you can do to improve and maintain these numbers—and live a longer, stronger life.
Learn and Live Quiz. Take our quiz to learn your risk for heart disease. Register after the quiz and we'll send you a free cookbook.
Where’s the Salt?. Take the salt intake quiz to discover how much is in your food and its effect on your health.
Interactive Menu Planner

30 Christmas Gift Ideas Under $25

Every year most people struggle on what to give for Christmas. Thanks to Philip of PT Money who offers some simple but great ideas for this coming holiday season.

Thanks Philip for this article.

Are you looking for a few Christmas gift ideas to help complete your list? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Every Christmas season I wait too long and end up having trouble deciding what gifts to get my family, friends, and co-workers. This year I thought I would be pro-active and make a huge list of several, reasonably-priced ideas to choose from before I do my shopping.

I’m a big fan of the consumable gifts that don’t add to the endless junk we Americans have, so I’ve included many in this list. Hopefully you’re able to find a few Christmas gift ideas from this list that will bring joy to those around you.

1. Bottle of Wine / Unique Selection of Beers – This consumable (always a plus) gift is a great idea if you are spending the evening with the recipient. You may even be invited to partake. Many different varieties of wine can be had for under $25 a bottle. As for beer, I like the idea of visiting a place like World Market, who will let you create a mix of foreign beers to purchase by the six pack. Slap on a bow and you are good to go. Always drink responsibly. Want a wine accessory instead? Try this Electric Wine Opener with Chiller by Oster [$24.97].

2. Book – Most books will easily fall under the $25 level. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, guides, cookbooks, etc. When all else fails, go for a coffee table book. I like this highly-rated coffee table book, Planet Earth: As You’ve Never Seen it Before [$24.06].

3. Hat/Gloves/Scarf – Since the Holiday season usually means cold weather, get your friend or loved one some combination of a hat, gloves, or scarf. This is usually a safe buy because they are often easy to fit without knowing the exact size. This year the animal hat/scarf combos are very popular. Here’s one that actually has mittens too: Husky Animal Hat with Mittens [$24.99].

4. 529 Plan Starter – Have someone in your life that could use a college savings plan? Help them get started by contributing $25 in their name. This is a great gift for grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Be sure to run it by their parents so you don’t step on any toes. The College Advantage plan will contribute an additional $50 to help you get started as well. That’s a total of $75 towards someone’s future education costs.

5. Multi-Tool – Guys love gadgets. The ultimate gadget is the multi-tool or Swiss army knife. These are perfect for the kitchen drawer, glove box, toolbox, tackle box, garage, etc. Everyone could use a multi-tool to help them make quick repairs on the fly. Entry level tools and knives can be had for around $25. Check out the Suspension Opening Butterfly Multi-Plier with Sheath by Gerber [$22.36].

6. T-Shirt – A t-shirt makes a great gift because it can be personalized for the recipient. And who couldn’t use another t-shirt in their collection? Create an original t-shirt at a place like ShirtCity.com.

7. Board Game – Games bring the whole family together. They are perfect for the Holidays when family members may have a lot of free time to hang out. Check out the very popular Quirkle from Mindware [$17.95].

8. Soap and Lotion Bundles – This is another favorite of mine to give. Who doesn’t need soap and lotion? It’s another consumable gift too. Leaves no clutter. Places like Bath and Body Works create several different gift packages under or around $25. Check out the Bath & Body Works Twilight Gift Basket [$14.90] which includes lotion, body mist, shower gel, and lip gloss.

9. Gift Card – I love gift cards because they allow the recipient to have some say in the specific gift that they receive. Instead of a specific DVD, give a movie theater gift card so the recipient can see the movie they want. Instead of a piece of clothing, give a department store gift card so the recipient can buy what they want. I love gifts cards for: restaurants (I like to eat!), movie theaters, and electronic stores. Check out a place like PlasticJungle.com where you can buy unwanted gift cards at up to 30% discounts. Be careful with gift cards though: they can be perceived as impersonal, and they can also have expiration dates or fees affecting their usability.

10. Annual Magazine Subscription – If your friend or loved one has a hobby or interest, odds are there is a magazine geared towards that particular subject. It might be a good idea to also purchase one from the news stand so that you have something physical to wrap and give them along with the annual subscription. Magazine subscriptions can be found online for very cheap. Here’s a subscription to Real Simple [$23.88].

11. Earbuds – Just about everyone has an iPhone, iPod, or some other hand held digital device. Apple and other manufacturers don’t spend their time designing the best pairs of stock earbuds. In fact, I think they are really uncomfortable. Save someone’s ears this holiday season by giving them a nice pair of earbuds or headphones. Check out these stylish Noise-Isolating Earphones from Ultimate Ears [$19.99].

12. Key/Luggage Finder – This is probably the most unique Christmas gift idea on my list. They now have a device that fits on your key ring that, when active, will emit a sound when you are near your luggage tags. With this device you will never have trouble locating your luggage in the airport again. And it also works in the opposite direction, so you can find your keys when you lose them. Buy the Soren Luggage Locator [$6.97].

13. Poster or Print Art – A great gift for kids would be a poster. Who doesn’t want a life size image of Justin Beiber on their wall? For the grown-ups, look for art that you think they might find interesting. There is even a nice service by some online print shops where you can create a collage of pictures and print it out poster size. Try this Japanese Vinyl Wall Art Decal from The Custom Vinyl Shop [$22.99].

14. Photo Book – Upload digital photos to a place like ShutterFly.com and create a photo book. The books are printed and mailed to you or your recipient. Easy and creative.

15. Candy or Specialty Food – At a loss for gift ideas? Get them some food! Treat your family or friends to a nice box of chocolates (e.g. See’s Candies), or pick up a specialty food basket from Hickory Farms or Harry & David. Here’s a See’s Candy 1lb. Chocolate & Variety [$16.50].

16. Christmas Ornament – Start a tradition within your family. Give an ornament to a family member for their Christmas tree. Something with a personal note or picture would be ideal. Here’s a nice one: Angels Embrace Ornament from Willow Tree [$15.96].

17. Thermos or BPA Free Water Bottle – There are a ton of new, healthy, environmentally-safe food and water storage products on the market today. Odds are your friends or loved-ones might need an upgrade. Get a coffee or soup thermos, or invest in a new water bottle. My friend really likes this Sky Blue Better Bottle from Camelbak [$11.95].

18. Theme Baskets – Along the same lines as the subscription option above, if you know what interests those on your gift list have, it will be easy to design a gift to suit them. Why not create a gift basket of sorts around a theme. For the fitness junkie, throw together a gym bags worth of workout gear and equipment. For the aspiring cook, get a set of mixing bowls, some utensils and maybe even cookbook (try Half Priced Books). This gift says you respect them for their interests and want to encourage their efforts.

19. Picture Frame – This is an ideal Christmas gift idea if you know the person well enough to put a picture in it (i.e. picture of the grand kids for your parents). If you are simply giving the frame itself, make sure it’s exceptional or unique in some way. Most can be had for under $25. Here’s a Linear Wood 8×10 Matted Black Frame from Malden [$17.38].

20. Toiletry Bag – Let the frequent traveler in your life know you want them to travel in style. A nice bag can make life on the road a bit easier to bear. Check out the Ogio Doppler Shave Kit [$19.30].

21. Slippers – Don’t let the feet get cold this winter. Invest a few dollars towards keeping your loved one’s feet warm and cozy all season long. Check out these Sand-Colored Venus Shearling Women’s Slippers from Tamarac by Slippers International [$20.78].

22. Journal – If you can’t think of a specific book to purchase, why not go for a journal instead and let your friend or family member do the writing. A good writer will work through several journals throughout the year, so have a spare around will come in handy. Here’s a XL Soft Cover Ruled Notebook from Moleskine [$13.57].

23. Holga Camera – Here’s another unique gift. Know any aspiring photographers? Holga cameras are a specialty camera that many people want to have in their arsenal of cameras. And lucky for you, they cost no where near the price of today’s high end digital SLRs. This one comes in a bit higher than $25, but it’s the cheapest Holga I could find: Holga Camera [$29.99].

24. Coffee Beans – Adventurous coffee drinkers will appreciate this gesture. With thousands of coffee varieties, manufacturers, and flavors on the market, you’re sure to find something interesting and new. Here’s a 32oz bag of Cameron’s Organic French Roast Whole Bean Coffee [$18.84].

25. Blanket – The great thing about a blanket is that it’s practical and it’s one size fits all. Keep your family or friends warm this holiday season with a nice blanket. If you are feeling a bit silly, give them a Snuggie or Slanket instead. Here’s a nice Grey/Green All-Purpose Blanket from JJ Cole Collections [$25.71].

26. DVD Sets – Know someone who loves movies? There are a million DVD titles on Amazon.com to choose from, increasing the chances that you’ll find something valuable for your recipient. There are actually quite a few movie and TV sets for less than $25. I want the Peanuts Holiday Series DVD Set [$20.49] which includes Charlie Brown Christmas.

27. Golf Balls – Have an avid golfer in the family? Get them more of what they need to help improve their game. As an occasional golfer myself, I can tell you I appreciate having plenty of golf balls handy for my next round. I’m not sure these are legal, but I like the looks of the Self-Correcting Golf Balls by Polara [$24.9

28. Gadget Case – Everyone has some type of smart mobile device these days, but they don’t all have a nice case or cover to properly protect it. There are all kinds of accessories for the people in your life with an iPhone, Droid, Kindle, or iPad. Check out this Pink Leather Folio Case Cover for the Amazon Kindle Fire [$17.58].

29. Flowers and Vase – I like this gift because it combines a temporary item with a permanent one. The flowers will fade, but the vase or planter will be around for whatever the recipient has in mind.

30. Handmade Jewelry or Box – Instead of picking out something from a big box jewelry store or some piece that everyone has, find a nice handmade, unique piece of jewelry to give as a gift. There are some nice handmade jewelry boxes out there as well. Here’s a nice one: Wooden Jewelry Box with Brass Metal Inlay [$16.00].