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Each Halloween I always tell myself that I'm going to try something new with my pumpkin carvings and not resort to the standard Jack-o-Lantern pattern. After collecting the following Geeky carved pumpkin pictures, I'm now inspired to get creative with my carving knife. This Mario pumpkin is definitely my favorite. I also really like the Halo 3 ones because they are so full of detail! Check out the rest below!

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After a long or difficult day at work, I like to come home and totally forget about it all. Sometimes that's not easy, and I need a little help de-stressing.

Chamomile always does the trick. Its relaxing properties have been used for hundreds of years. A study conducted in 2005 also shows that drinking chamomile tea can alleviate cold symptoms and menstrual cramps. Drinking the tea also increases levels of glycine. Glycine is an amino acid that's been shown to act as a nerve relaxant, which is why it seems to act as a mild sedative.

There are tons of wonderful products that incorporate the taste and smell of chamomile. Here are some of my favorites.

I am a fan of Kirtan, aka chanting using Sanskrit mantras. It is great way to meditate, relax your body and mind, and uplift your mood by opening your heart. I know that sounds a bit "wop-woo," but it is true. People have been feeling its benefits for centuries since Kirtan is one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world.

Many yoga studios offer monthly or weekly Kirtan sessions with musicians playing the sitar, harmonium, and tabla. Performed in a call-and-response fashion, you don't have to know the words but just repeat the phrase the leader sings. If you can't find Kirtan in your area, these CDs are the next best thing. Pilgrim Heart is my absolute favorite.

A girl's got to do what a girl's got to do, and when it comes to protecting herself against STIs and pregnancy, condoms are essential. The thing is, you can't always expect the guy to be in charge of supplying the condoms, so keeping them in your purse or in your bathroom cabinet is a great idea.

Although it's easy to throw them in a drawer or drop them into your bag, you don't just want them to be loose. They could get damaged, which would defeat the purpose entirely, not to mention how embarrassing it would be if your purse accidentally fell. You don't need everyone knowing that you're a fan of Trojan Supras! Luckily there is a cute way to solve the loose condom problem, so check out these cute and discreet condom holders.

I love technology geared toward kids. It's always so colorful, easy to use, affordable and most importantly, makes me feel like I'm ten again.

Case in point: This cell phone by Firefly, which was featured in this week's issue of Life & Style's "hottest new gadgets" section. With parental management of incoming and outgoing calls, easy activation and customized ring tones, animations and colors, this phone is a hit with both parents and kids — no wonder Reese loves it for Ava! Prices range from $50-$60. For kids ages 5 to 8.

From mp3 players to cameras and televisions, check out more tech toys for kids below!

Get instant updates on all latest travel news with the new travel widget from USA Today. With three widgets to choose from including: Top Travel Stories, Travel Deals and Destinations and Today in the Sky with Ben Mutzabaugh, you'll be able to click on headlines for top travel stories that link to the main USATODAY website.

Rumor has it that more widgets for other topics are in the making. To get started, click on the travel widget link above and then "put this widget on your page" for whichever one you want. Each widget has been designed to work with a variety of social networks, blogs, personalized pages and websites.

via mashable

Microwave my tea? No way! Having a cup of tea isn't just about drinking the hot, soothing liquid, it's about the whole experience of actually making your tea.

Tea time is about taking some time for yourself, choosing the perfect aroma of tea to suit your senses while you wait for your kettle to quietly whistle as it warms. I love to cup the warm mug between my hands and smell the sweet steam as my tea bag steeps. Having friends over for tea is a great way to entertain or you can enjoy it by yourself while curling up with a good movie or book.

Here are some of my favorite tea kettles.

If you haven't had the chance to get away for a weekend of camping, now is your chance. Most campgrounds require that you call ahead to reserve a campsite, so make your reservations now. Ask friends where they've camped to get recommendations. I love to get sites that are right on the water, so when you wake up in the morning you can take a quick dip.

Planning ahead for your trip will ensure that you don't forget anything. Make a list and be sure to get all your gear ahead of time. Pack for all kinds of weather, not just the weather you're hoping for. Also remember that you're in the woods, which means it may be a bit colder and much buggier, so don't forget the jeans, sweatshirt and bug spray. Also, don't forget the ingredients to make S'mores!

Here's what I like to pack:

I am a huge fan of using blocks when practicing yoga. They are often used by beginners and those with injuries to help them modify certain postures, but they are also used by experienced and flexible yogis as tools to get deeper into poses.

Blocks come in many shapes, sizes, and they can be made out of many different materials including cork, foam and bamboo. If you're not sure where to begin, get a 4 inch yoga block and start with that. Once you learn ways to use it, you can figure out of you need to add more blocks to your home studio.

Here's a basic list of the different kinds you can get.

Taking care of yourself, watching what you eat and exercising, you might be a little more sensitive about what you put on your body. While the myth that aluminum in deodorant causes breast cancer has been debunked, you might not feel comfortable with using antiperspirants that contain aluminum since they actually prevent you from sweating.

The aluminum in antiperspirants is drawn into the cells of your dermis (the middle layer of your skin), and it squeezes your sweat gland ducts closed, trapping sweat, preventing you from perspiring. It is not the sweat that creates odor, but the bacteria on your skin and the sweat combined. There are some important days when I can't avoid antiperspirants, but other days I like to just use deodorant. It seems more natural.

I have tried many aluminum-free deodorants and here are some that I have liked.

Is there an aluminum free deodorant out there that you like? Let me know in the comment section below.