Don't Hurry Down The Chimney With A Vacuum In Tow

If your lady love is waiting for her Santa Baby to hurry down the chimney, you had best not disappoint! Unfortunately, if you show up with the wrong gift in hand, you might find the temperatures at the bottom are colder than expected. Or worse, she might light the fire to "break your fall!"

Guys being guys are not always blessed with the best gift giving skills in the world. Sure, some of us are real Casanovas. This type of guy can make even Santa look like a clod, wrapping up just the right ring or necklace; bringing flowers at the perfect times and so on. The rest of us sit on the sidelines in wonderment.

Many of us, carrying that unusually strong practical gene that must come from caveman days or something, often think we have found the "perfect gift," because she can use it! Think again, fellas. Practicality and presents do not go together.

I am not a gift giving natural, but I have learned a thing or two along the way. There are some things to watch out for on the present buying front. This advice goes out to all of you guys who are not Casanovas by nature. My personal list of the Top 5 worst gifts to buy a lady (honed with hard hitting, first hand experience) includes:

Vacuums and cleaning appliances.

If it means "work" for her or even you, do NOT buy it. Even if you really, really need it, get it the day after the holidays. Do not hurry down the chimney with a vacuum in tow. You might just find out how flexible those hoses really are!

Kitchen items.

Unless she is a five-star chef who has personally asked you for a $500 hand mixer, do not buy things for the kitchen. Here and again it means "work" and this could mean a very blue Christmas for you!

Flannel anything.

Even if it is really cold and the nightshirt looks really warm and comfy, do not do it! She will think you think she is frumpy, dumpy or old. If clothing is on your list, think sexy, youthful or fun. Better yet, get her a gift certificate and pick out something else to wrap up!

Romantic gifts!

They are a wonderful idea, but if they only serve your purposes, think again. Consider items she would enjoy. Think romantic music CDs, a cord of firewood and a bottle of champagne, sensual massage oils. Do not think a striper costume and wrap it up with her name on it! (Maybe for her birthday, but not the holidays!)

Anything impersonal and/or generic.

If you would give it to a client or a perfect stranger, DO NOT BUY IT for her! While a chocolate and teddy bear gift basket is ideal for her, a fruit basket with a card filled out by a stranger will earn you a night on the couch. The same goes for anything that can be picked up at a convenience store.

Finding the perfect gift for a lady requires a little planning and preparation. If all else fails, ask her friends for advice, but whatever you do, do not buy any of the Top 5 things to avoid as the "big" or "only" gift during the holidays.

Randy Gardner is Romeo-Your Romance Resource and is the exclusive writer for Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations. Visit Ask Romeo Blog to read more of Romeo’s articles about dating, romance, relationships and romantic and holiday gifts.

To find that perfect unique romantic gift for that special someone, go to Got To Have It Romantic Gift Creations Christmas Gifts

Easy Tips For Cleaning Your BBQ Chimney

Cleaning your BBQ grill chimney is probably the bit that people like the least about barbecues - scraping up dirt and grease is never fun, but if you want to enjoy another barbecue and have the food taste good and be safe to eat, then it is a job that needs to be done.

A greasy, dirty grill is a haven for germs and bacteria, so you should clean your grill and BBQ chimney every time you use it, otherwise your next BBQ could make your friends and family very ill! This article will give you some tips to make the cleaning task that little bit easier.

Top Tips For Cleaning Your Grill Grate

When you are done cooking, you will need to let the coals die out. The grill must cool down before you start cleaning. You simply let it all sit while you eat your dinner with your whole family. Take your time and enjoy your barbecue. By the time dinner is done, the grill should be cool and ready for cleaning.

Start by using a stiff brush to remove any food residue from the grill grate. Next, coat ti with a thin film of oil and heat the grill for a few minutes to get rid of any remaining traces of food. Then allow the grill to cool before you put it away in a dry place until it is time for the next barbecue.

This will quickly clean the grill, leaving it ready to use, and ensuring that the grill is totally dry when you come to store it. Keeping the grill dry is very important, as excess moisture could cause the grill to rust. Heating the grill for a few minutes is the easiest way to ensure that it is dry when it is put into storage.

When To Clean a BBQ Chimney

The good news is you do not need to clean your BBQ chimney after every barbecue. The grease that accumulates in the chimney should not affect the taste of the food, and won't contaminate your food. You should still clean it periodically, however - check the inside of the chimney, and if it you notice a lot of dark soot, it is time to brush the inside of the chimney down.

Keep your home clean and happy with good schedules for cleaning house. Sign up for our FREE newsletter and make home cleaning advice and organization a priority in your family.

Easy Tips For Cleaning Your BBQ Chimney

Cleaning your BBQ grill chimney is probably the bit that people like the least about barbecues - scraping up dirt and grease is never fun, but if you want to enjoy another barbecue and have the food taste good and be safe to eat, then it is a job that needs to be done.

A greasy, dirty grill is a haven for germs and bacteria, so you should clean your grill and BBQ chimney every time you use it, otherwise your next BBQ could make your friends and family very ill! This article will give you some tips to make the cleaning task that little bit easier.

Top Tips For Cleaning Your Grill Grate

When you are done cooking, you will need to let the coals die out. The grill must cool down before you start cleaning. You simply let it all sit while you eat your dinner with your whole family. Take your time and enjoy your barbecue. By the time dinner is done, the grill should be cool and ready for cleaning.

Start by using a stiff brush to remove any food residue from the grill grate. Next, coat ti with a thin film of oil and heat the grill for a few minutes to get rid of any remaining traces of food. Then allow the grill to cool before you put it away in a dry place until it is time for the next barbecue.

This will quickly clean the grill, leaving it ready to use, and ensuring that the grill is totally dry when you come to store it. Keeping the grill dry is very important, as excess moisture could cause the grill to rust. Heating the grill for a few minutes is the easiest way to ensure that it is dry when it is put into storage.

When To Clean a BBQ Chimney

The good news is you do not need to clean your BBQ chimney after every barbecue. The grease that accumulates in the chimney should not affect the taste of the food, and won't contaminate your food. You should still clean it periodically, however - check the inside of the chimney, and if it you notice a lot of dark soot, it is time to brush the inside of the chimney down.

Keep your home clean and happy with good schedules for cleaning house. Sign up for our FREE newsletter and make home cleaning advice and organization a priority in your family.