LIVING QUARTERS Disclaimer: The views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Employees of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED are expressly required not to make defamatory statements and not to infringe or authorize any infringement of copyright or any other legal right. Any such article is contrary to company policy and is outside the scope of the employment of the individual writer concerned. The company will not accept any liability in respect of such article, and the employee responsible will be personally liable for any damages or other liability arising.
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esolutions… resolutions… These can be a tricky proposition especially as humans seldom make sensible goals that they are likely to stick to. They keys to making successful resolutions are to set achievable objectives that are not too far from what you normally do and to make them as easy as possible. When it comes to cleaning, god knows we need the easiest possible solutions. Here are some cleaning resolutions for around the house. De-clutter Probably the most important thing you can do to maintain a clutter-free home is to remain on alert after you’re done decluttering. How does clutter accumulate in your life? Are you a compulsive buyer? Do you have well-intentioned relatives who are over-givers? Do you struggle to say “no” when a friend offers you a bag of hand-me-downs, not wanting to be impolite? Remember, it’s your life, and your home. It’s okay to say no, even to Grandma! It might not be a comfortable conversation, but it will be better for you and your family in the long run. And next time you feel compelled to buy something that you’ll probably only use once and then shove in the back of the closet, never to see the light of day, remember what a chore it was to declutter the house, and leave the item at the store! Manage the mail Even in our e-mail age, most people still get plenty of snail
House Cleaning
Resolutions To Consider mail. Open it over a wastebasket or recycle bin so that anything unwanted quickly disappears.
Double up A full set of cleaning supplies on each floor of the home keeps them in easy reach for spot cleaning. Be wary of waste Be sure there’s a wastebasket in every room. Empty them as part of your nightly sweep.
Better your bed Replace fussy bedspreads with a duvet and duvet cover. The duvet itself makes bed-making easier. For cleaning, just pop off the cover and launder. It’s faster and easier than washing a bulky comforter. Tuck things away nightly Just before bedtime, do a walkthrough. Put newspapers in the recycle bin, toss out the junk mail, put dishes in the dishwasher, hang up coats, sweaters, towels, etc. and put away anything that wandered out during the day.
the surfaces immediately after they shower, while the walls are still wet and warm.
Storage solutions Speaking of baskets, storage containers in varying sizes are great repositories for toys, magazines, keys, remote controls, unopened mail and other everyday items that tend to take over countertops and tabletops. Remove shower scum as you go A daily shower cleaner will keep shower and tub surfaces free of soap scum, mildew stains and hard-water deposits. Enlist everyone in the household to mist w w w . a m g tt. c o m
Vacuum on the run A small, hand-held cordless vacuum makes quick pick up a snap. Consider multiples – one in the basement, one in the garage, one on each floor in the house.
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LIVING QUARTERS
It’s Raining Now
But What Will Happen To Your
Lawn When The Rain Stops?
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iving in the Caribbean has its perks: natural woods, sea front homes and luscious sprawling greens. For those with the space there’s a lot be said for a well-kept lawn. A really nice lawn can be a great
focal point for a yard, but not if it is ill-tended, full of weeds, moss and discolored grass. One of the worst things you can do to a lawn is to let it get too dry. Every dry season we are threatened by WASA to conserve water or be punished and so we watch, hearts aflutter, as green turns to yellow and then to a dismal brown. None too soon the rains will be here and with them the opportunity to don the gloves and get those greens back into impressive form. Chances are you will have to replant so suck it up and let’s get to it. To turn your lawn green and vibrant again, focus on the elements important to a thriving lawn: water, fertilizer, soil and aeration. Depending on the degree of destruction you may need to reseed the en-
tire lawn or just some parts. For entire lawns use a core aerator to loosen compacted soil in your yard. This penetrates up to 3 inches deep and serves your goal which should be to restore healthy soil conditions that will nurture the lawn. Next the power rake is equipped with vertical fixed tines to cut the soil and prepare a thinned-out lawn for reseeding. If you intend to reseed in areas: water the lawn thoroughly to help loosen and soften the soil. This is critical. You can’t work with a freshly wet lawn so try to water it the night before or, just wait for the rain to get it first. Now for reseeding: Pour the soil and fertilizer mixture into a large tub and mix according to instructions. Spread the mix-
ture over the areas to be revived. Shake thoroughly over the grass, making sure to break up any remaining chunks. Till all areas of the lawn that you've covered, with fertilizer and soil. You should go over the same section to sufficiently turn the soil and mix in the fertilizer. Don't be afraid of tearing up or hurting the grass that's already there. Your main concern is the mixture. Water thoroughly, making sure you cover not only the areas you've tilled but any and all areas of the lawn that are still healthy. Monitor and water until it looks like the lawn you fell in love with. Revitalize compacted soils once or twice a year. Run a power core aerator over the lawn creating voids to provide space for and stimulate new root growth. The slashing action of the power rake slits the soil’s surface where seed, nutrients and water can combine to regenerate the lawn.
Quick Ways To Tidy Up For Guests
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ver got a call from a friend or some family member saying that they are dropping by because they are in the area? You suddenly find yourself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. Well here are some quick ways to organize your home. To make a great first impression, start with the entryway and then follow the path your guests will take. Think porch, living area, kitchen and bathroom. Close doors and keep guests in designated areas. An uncluttered entryway is also warm and inviting. Do a quick lap around your entryway and living area with a laundry basket tossing all items in to be organized later. Microfiber picks up dirt better than anything else. Keep a microfiber cleaner for a quick dusting of your bookshelves,
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lamp shades and coffee tables. When you want to impress guests, nothing freshens up a room like clean carpet and rugs,
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and an ergonomically designed vacuum can make spontaneous carpet cleaning easier. In the bath room, lightly wet
a microfiber cloth and squeeze it dry to clean mirrors and glass surfaces. Take just a few minutes to fluff sofa cushions and pillows to breathe a little freshness into your living room. Spray kitchen and bathroom counters with a freshly scented all-purpose cleaner and quickly wipe away spots and everyday grime. When time is of the essence, divide and conquer. While one family member is vacuuming, a younger one can follow behind, doing the wiping. While one is taking out the garbage, another can clean the dishes. It is even easier when you're prepared, so get your supplies in order now. Keep a caddy of cleaning products ready to go, and you can save precious seconds when guests are en route. Master this fast and furious cleaning routine and you'll always be ready to take on any last minute guests.
LIVING QUARTERS
Real Estate Advice For Land Buyers
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veryone in Trinidad wants land ownership; even the folks who already own vast amounts. Too many people get into old age regretting the parcel of land they did not buy when it was cheap. However, acquiring land is not as easy as paying the required price. There are other things to consider. Elevation If the land is located near hills, how likely is the land to move? Some slab foundations can crack if the land is unstable. Find out if your parcel lies within the path of a potential landslide. For construction near bodies of water, you might want to consider building a raised foundation and make sure to buy flood insurance. If the land was once a swamp, ask neighbors about the condition of their foundations. Road Access It's impossible to overemphasize how terribly important access
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Just think: what sense will it be to have land if you can’t even get trucks and tractors to the location for building. Water Sources Water availability is essential and is often desired for aesthetics as well as drinking, bathing, washing, cooking, cleaning, toilet facilities and watering vegetation. We also enjoy ponds, rivers and streams for recreation. Others enjoy the tranquil sounds that our streams, rivers and oceans can provide. Without a doubt, water availability is a major concern.
rights are. Be certain beyond the shadow of a doubt that permanent, legal, transferable access is specified in the deed. Never buy any piece of property without it.
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Waste disposal This goes for both solid and septic. How far is the landfill? Is there a collection service? You can’t burn everything; how will you get rid of it? If you don’t have access to public utilities, will your land support a septic system as well as the water to operate it?
Smells and Sounds Realize that you might be trading exhaust fumes from city buses for the lovely odors produced by pig farms. Some farm animals such as geese and donkeys produce squawks and brays that travel for miles. Horses along country roads drop steaming piles of waste. It's not like anybody carries along a plastic bag and picks up after their horses. Market Research Research market prices in the area before going into a deal and agreeing on a price. Get a real estate appraisal. This way you can ensure that you are paying a reasonable price. It is better to pay for the land in cash directly, instead of going for real estate loans. Land buying loans can be very costly and can put a lot of financial burden on the borrower. Saving money and buying your land within that budget is a better option!
LIVING QUARTERS
Six Quick Steps to Fixing Wall Cracks
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t some point a crack or two is going to show up in the walls of your home. These cracks can be the result of several things, with house settling being the main culprit. No matter the cause of the fissure, the emergence of this crevice can be mended with six simple steps. It should be noted that the ways to fix cracks vary according to the composition of the wall. Here, we show how to fix cracks on drywall.
Cover the crack with drywall tape. You need to cut the tape into strips long and wide enough to be placed over the entire area.
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Sand down the area. This gets rid of any lumps and makes the surface smooth and ready for paint. Repeat the process of spackling and sanding as necessary until the area is smooth.
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Put more spackle over the cracked wall. Once again, use a putty knife to place a thin layer over the wall. The knife should be wiped down throughout the application in order to keep the spackle from becoming lumpy.
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Clean out the crack. Use a knife to remove as much of the debris inside of the crack as you can. Vacuuming the crack can also help you remove the cracked pieces.
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Paint the area. Find the matching wall color and paint the crack, or the entire room.
Fill the crack with spackle. You can use a putty knife to apply it, and remove any excess by hand.
Eliminate Garbage Odours In The Home
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et’s face it. Trash cans are dirty and where anything dirty resides, odours are not far behind. These tips will help you to deal with trash can odour. Empty Quickly Instead of keeping a large can in your kitchen, try a smaller one instead. A smaller one means that you'll be emptying the trash more frequently so that odor doesn't have a chance to develop. Use Dryer Sheets Dryer sheets make another great anti-odor tool for your trash. Toss a dryer sheet into the trash can and stinky odors will be a thing of the past. It doesn't even need to be a new dryer sheet. Used dryer sheets still have plenty of ability to block odors in your trash. 6
Baking Soda Conquers Most Scents Baking soda can work wonders at preventing odors in your trash cans. Baking soda can be sprinkled in the bottom of a trash can or directly into the trash to help absorb stinky odors. As an added bonus, baking soda is great for scrubbing out your trash can to remove odors that may have
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seeped into the trash can. These additional tips can help prevent odours from emanating in the first place. • Clean up food and drink spills inside and outside of your trash can as soon as possible. • Every once in awhile, take
your trash can outdoors, squirt in a bit of dish soap, and fill the trash can with water from your garden hose. Allow the soapy water to sit for awhile before emptying it out. Once it's emptied, leave it outside in the sun to dry. • Always rinse and clean any materials you're disposing of before throwing them into your recycling bin. • Vinegar is also great for getting rid of nasty stains. Combine vinegar with baking soda for extra cleaning. A little lemon juice can help get rid of both the trash smell and the vinegar smell afterwards. • Most of all, separate food waste and non-food waste. Purchase a compost pail or a similarly airtight container for food waste, and take it out to a trash can in your garage when it's full.
HOME OFFICE
New Year Resolution Number One: Managing My Finances
“I
’ll try to save more this year”. “I’ll put my priorities in order”. These words have been uttered by many persons over the years as they try to curb some of the financial troubles that linger every year. The line between wants and needs often gets confusing and persons tend to spend their money on trivial items rather than necessities. Difficult financial times have caused many persons to economize and be thriftier with their spending. For the New Year, why not try some useful tips that would assist in keeping extra money in your pocket? Try these tips below.
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Set a budget and stick to it. A budget is useful as it helps to estimate your income and expenses. Careful budget planning means that you must know all the sources of income and all decided expenses. Budgets can either be done monthly or quarterly or as often as needed. But the hardest thing about a budget is sticking to it; ensuring that only the expenses accounted for receive priority.
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Set one financial goal at a time. Because of monetary constraints, it is suggested
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ment, the accountant at your firm can help with this. It is better to pay them than have your funds seized to cover a lump sum that is owed to the Government.
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that you set one financial goal at a time, either quarterly or yearly. A common mistake is to set unattainable financial goals and then get frustrated when they are not reached. Be realistic: how much do you want to save for the year? Enough to pay for a new car? Decide what is needed and when it should be done.
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Be debt-free. Easier said than done but if careful budgeting is employed, it is possible. Understand that if something is not needed, it can be purchased another time. Borrowing is always easy but the payback can be difficult, which can cause bills (especially credit card bills) to increase because of late fees. Be careful when using your credit card too; try using it only in emergencies: grocery shopping or even medical supplies. Try turning a blind eye to that new shoe in the showcase,
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especially when your credit card is available.
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Automate your finances. If it is difficult for you to physically go to the bank to deposit your savings, have an automatic payment plan (usually done by your bank) so that a standard amount can be debited from your account each month and placed in a savings account. This ensures that, if un-touched, a substantial amount of savings is guaranteed after several months.
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Though our Government’s policy pertaining to taxes is more lenient than that of the American Government, always do your taxes. Remember, persons making more than $60,000 a year are expected to fill out a tax return form. These forms are distributed by your company and, if you are not familiar with the docu-
Investments are risky, simply because of the amount of uncertainty that they present. But when the economy is good, the returns on the investments are even better. For the amateur investor, be sure to talk to an investment banker, who will suggest the right investment for your money and needs. Apart from investments, it is safer to have many sources of income, so that all expenses can be taken care of, and to safeguard against debt.
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Learn from your mistakes. Take time to reflect on what was done and what could have been done to prevent any wrong financial decisions. If a second insurance plan is not needed, then stick to one. How about not taking that loan with the high interest rates or refinancing a loan? Should that have been done? It all comes back to the basic rules of prioritizing, needs versus wants. If these lines are clearly defined then 2011 should be a great year!
ELEGANT IDEAS
Mixed And Matched
A mixture of colours and tile patterns add uniqueness to this patriotic half bath.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Wallpaper, tiles and wood combine to bridge the gap between vintage and modern in this kitchen/dining space. The Blue accents help kill the monotony.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A silver chest and blue cushions add a modern flair to a basic room. The wooden floors tie everything together. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
JANUARY 2015
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KITCHEN
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Christmas Leftovers
he week between Christmas and New Year's is filled with bargain hunting at after-Christmas sales, gift exchanges and returns, parties - and leftovers! Most of us have turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, roast beef, or cranberry sauce sitting in the refrigerator, covered with foil and plastic wrap and lots of candy canes on the tree. Big chunks of meat are too good to waste, and boring if not treated with imagination. Casseroles, soups, stratas, and stuffed pastas are some of my favorite ways to transform meats into delicious meals and leftovers should be used quickly, for food safety reasons. Turkey should be eaten within two to three days. Ham lasts a little longer - four or five days. Roast beef should also be used within a few days. Freezing these ingredients will keep them safe and delicious for about a month. You don't have to spend this week making ham or turkey sandwiches. Cranberry sauce is a wonderful dessert ingredient. Mashed potatoes can be an elegant filling for beef rolls. And ham is delicious in pasta, soups, and a crispy, savory filo roll. I love turkey in a rich cheese sauce, layered over toasted English muffins and broiled until bubbly. Roast beef is excellent in manicotti, and in a delicious spinach salad. And leftover Christmas cookies aren't leftover - they're meant to be eaten! Try these delicious recipes using the remains of your Christmas feast to make wonderful meals and treats. They are, of course, good enough to serve to company. But also treat your family to a warm, comforting meal on one of the days after Christmas. SUGGESTIONS FOR USING LEFTOVERS: • BREAD (loaf ends, slices starting to dry): bread pudding, French toast, meat loaf 16
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•
• • •
extender, croutons, stuffing, bread crumbs EGGS (hard-cooked): casseroles, salads, sandwiches FRUIT (fresh, canned or frozen): smoothies, milk shakes, gelatin desserts, cobblers, fruit bread, muffins, jam, freezer pops MEAT, POULTRY or FISH (cooked): soups, stew, salad, quiche, enchiladas, stir fry, sandwiches, pot pies POTATOES (cooked): meat pie, salads, soups, stew RICE, PASTA (cooked): casseroles, soups VEGETABLES (cooked): casseroles, quiche, salads, soups, over a baked potato, pot pies
TURKEY MORNAY This easy and elegant recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey at Christmas. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup butter 1 onion, finely chopped 3 Tbsp. flour 1 cup chicken broth or turkey broth 1/2 cup cream 2 egg yolks, beaten 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese 2 cups cooked turkey or chicken, sliced 4 English muffins, split with fork and toasted PREPARATION: Heat butter in heavy saucepan. Add onion and cook, stirring until tender. Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, until mixture bubbles. Cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and cream and stir well with wire whisk. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir a small amount of sauce into the egg yolks to heat and temper. Stir tempered egg yolk mixture into the rest of the sauce and
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return saucepan to heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. remove from heat and stir in cheeses. Stir until smooth and melted. Place sliced turkey or chicken on each split, toasted English muffin and pour sauce over each. Sprinkle with more cheese, if desired, and broil 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and bubbly. Watch this carefully while broiling! 4 servings
BBQ HAM CAESAR SALAD 250g carved leg ham 1 cos lettuce, torn 1 cup croutons 1/2 cup shaved parmesan 1/2 bunch parsley leaves 4 boiled eggs, quartered 2 anchovies, chopped 2 tbsp mayonnaise PREPARATION: Barbecue the ham, then toss the lettuce, croutons, parmesan and parsley into the mayonnaise and dress with eggs, anchovies and ham. Serves four
HAM FILO ROLL This is an elegant and beautiful main dish entree recipe for left over ham INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup rice, uncooked 2 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 cup cubed cooked ham 10 sheets frozen filo dough, thawed 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese PREPARATION: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add rice and stir to coat. Add chicken broth, cover pan and simmer for 15-20 min-
utes until rice is tender. Stir in ham. Set aside. Place one filo sheet on a cookie sheet and brush with butter. Layer remaining filo over the first sheet, brushing each with butter. Spread the rice and ham mixture over the stacked filo, leaving a 2 inch border all the way around. Cover with the cheese. Begin to roll up the filo, starting with the short end. After you have rolled once, fold in the ends and continue rolling until the filling is completely contained. Place on cookie sheet. Brush with butter and cut a few slits in the filo roll. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the roll is brown and crisp. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4
FROZEN CHRISTMAS PUDDING 4 meringues, halved 2 cups vanilla ice cream 2 slices Christmas pudding 1 tbsp brandy berries, to serve Pour the brandy over the pudding, and mix. Add the pudding to the ice cream. Sandwich the mixture between meringue halves and decorate with the berries to serve. Serves four
TRIPLE CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE KISSES 4 3-oz. chocolate bars, 2 semisweet, 1 milk & 1 white chocolate 1/2 cup Crushed candy canes Melt the 3 kinds of chocolate in 3 separate bowls. Stir half of the crushed candy into the semisweet chocolate. Reserve a bit for sprinkling; stir the remainder into the milk and white chocolates. Drop teaspoons of the semisweet onto a parchment-lined tray. Top with 1 dollop each of the milk and white chocolates. Sprinkle with crushed candy. Let harden.
RECIPES
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New Year’s Recipes
irst of all, a Happy New Year to each and every one of you. Now that those pleasantries are out of the way, let’s gather up last season’s leftovers and grab some new ingredients and create some tasty new treats for the entire family.
SHRIMPCARGOT Ingredients 1/4 cup butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 peeled and deveined large shrimp (21 to 25 per lb) 6 mushrooms, stems removed 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Heat the butter and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the butter begins to bubble. Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they just turn pink, about 3 minutes. Place one shrimp into each mushroom cap, and place into a small baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter into the mushroom caps, and sprinkle each with a pinch of mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly, 10 to 15 minutes.
1/2 onion, diced 1 clove garlic, sliced 3 ounces cream cheese 3 ounces blue cheese 1/3 cup bread crumbs Directions Cook bacon strips in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy; drain on paper towels. While the bacon is cooking, remove stems from mushrooms. Set caps aside, and chop stems. Add butter to skillet with bacon grease. When melted, stir in mushroom stems, onion, and garlic. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions caramelize. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a small baking dish with cooking spray. Once the onion mixture has
BLUE BACON STUFFED MUSHROOMS Ingredients 3 strips bacon 6 large mushrooms 1 tablespoon butter 18 ABSTRACT HOME
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reached a deep, rich brown color, place into a blender along with bacon, cream cheese, blue cheese, and bread crumbs. Blend on low until ingredients are roughly chopped and evenly combined. Stuff cheese mixture into mushroom caps and place into prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven until bubbly and lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes.
SWEET LEFTOVER TURKEY SALAD Ingredients 4 cups cooked turkey, cut into bite-size pieces 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seed kernels 1/2 cup raisins 2 small apples, cored and diced 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 lemon, juiced Directions In a salad bowl, combine the turkey, sunflower seeds, raisins, apples, mayonnaise, salt, and lemon juice; mix well. Refrigerate at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
LEFTOVER HAM-NPOTATO CASSEROLE Ingredients 6 small potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 tablespoons butter 2 cups cubed fully cooked ham 1 small onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 cup bread crumbs Directions Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the ham and onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir potatoes into ham mixture; transfer to the prepared baking dish. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir flour into melted butter until smooth. Gradually whisk milk into flour mixture; season with salt and black pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir Cheddar cheese into the white sauce until melted. Pour sauce over ham and potatoes. Sprinkle bread crumbs atop casserole. Bake in the preheated oven until sauce is bubbly and browned, 25 to 30 minutes.
BRIDAL
Enduring The Early Years Of Marriage
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arriage experts and spouses have agreed that the first 2 years of marriage are the hardest. No shock there, as each person needs the time to adjust their life to include a second person, especially if they were not living together before the wedding. It’s not an easy task but it can get better with time if each partner is willing to compromise and work together to ensure a successful union. Time spent with each other can strengthen a marriage even before two people walk down the aisle, but there are several other things that spouses can do to ensure a happy marriage. There is no ‘I’ in Team. Both couples should start thinking about the relationship as ‘we’ instead of ‘I’. After all, you made a commitment to that person to share your life with them until death. Ensure that your decisions are made only after carefully considering your partner’s feelings, even discussing a decision with them before you make it. There will be conflict. This is a union between 2 different people who possess different
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opinions. Realize that there will be conflict but that it’s important to find ways of dealing with it, where both parties will benefit from the result. Practice patience, retain a sense of humour and always attack the problem not your spouse. Maintain the romance. Remember what you did to keep the romance alive while dating, even before you proposed; things such as flowers, a romantic dinner or shared activities that made that person fall in love with you. These and other activities should be done to keep the fire in your marriage. Be a good listener. We all have bad days and sometimes we just need someone to give us an ear so that we can vent our feelings. Be that person for your spouse; listen to what they have to say, giving eye contact so that the person knows that they are being heard. Give them your full attention. Don’t do chores while they are talking and never interrupt. Allow them to finish speaking before giving advice and clarifying points. Discuss finances. Many marital problems occur because of a
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disagreement over money. Make a budget and abide by it as much as possible. Assign roles so that one person can be the bookkeeper while the other pays the bills. You don’t have to limit yourself, but spend wisely and maintain a joint savings account. Learn to compromise. Learn to come to a mutual agreement where both partners are satisfied. Understand that you may not always get what you want and that you may have to sacrifice your wants for your spouse’s happiness. Ideally both parties should benefit from a mutual agreement but it doesn’t always work that way. Discuss the expectations of your marriage. Understand that these may change over time as some needs are met while some are not. If you don’t clearly state your needs, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment and you might blame your spouse for your sadness, rather than yourself for not voicing your opinions. Don’t read minds or look at actions as a sign; each person must verbally indicate their expectations and find ways of pleasing their spouse.
Set boundaries for the inlaws. Some spouses, especially women, have admitted that they feel as if they have married their husband’s mother, since the mother is always around or always giving relationship advice. This should not be; a marriage is the coming together of two people, not the family. Establish boundaries for in-laws; your loyalty should be towards your partner. Learn about your spouse. Maybe there are things that had not been discussed prior to the engagement or wedding. Although no marriage is ideal, certain things should be discussed beforehand as a way of getting to know your spouse. Discuss their childhood, any important events, about ancestors, anything. Sex. Although the focus should be on love, companionship and caring for each other, sex is a very important element in any relationship. Ensure that your needs are being met and voice them if they aren’t. Ask your partner if you are satisfying them sexually and encourage them to tell you what you can do to ensure their satisfaction.
FAMILY
Resolutions That Include The Family
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t’s a new near and it should be a new you too. 2014 is now over and it is the beginning of 2015 a new year for new resolutions. Too many of us make resolutions and before three months have passed we are back to our same old selves. Resolutions help keep us in control of who and what we become. Without them we would just be going through the pages of a boring book. Make life exciting and challenging by going for something that would help you along the way. The world has become a place where technology and work seem to have taken over our lives. We spend more hours on the road and at work than with our families. This year make resolutions that incorporate not only you but your family as well. Make a resolution to dedicate one day a week to spend with the family. Take the day to go to a park or somewhere 22
where the whole family can have fun. Do this preferably on a weekend so that you can take your mind off of work and enjoy the quality time that you spend with your family. An economical solution would be to rent some movies, pop some corn and just have some pure
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family fun in front the television. Children really do enjoy the time that they get to spend with their parents. These times are often embedded in the child’s memories and come back to them when they have their own families. A twist to an old saying is
that the family that eats together stays together. Get home early at least one day in the week to have a meal with the family, set the table and cook them something nice. Research shows that children who eat at least once a week with their parents are more open to talking about challenges that they might be having. You can be your child’s best friend and give them the advice that is best for them instead of them taking it to their peers who might give wrong information. This year incorporate the family more into what you have to do. I know that deadlines and schedules can be pressing and extremely stressful. Take the time out to relax and spend it with the family. Add the family to your New Year’s resolution. They will be more appreciative of what you do when they see that you are making an effort.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Home Beauty Recipes
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ollowing up on a good beauty regime can be quite costly. Maintaining the desired look may also be a lot of hassle because of the shopping that needs to be done to acquire all the necessary products. There is an alternative to this though. One can try homemade beauty recipes using the finest natural products from around the house. Here are some ideas to get you on your way. Lavender- Honey Milk Bath • 3 T dried Lavender flowers* • 1 1/2 cups whole milk, cream, or combination • 1/3 cup honey Process lavender flowers in a blender until they become a powder, turning off the blender and scraping down the sides as necessary. Whisk together lavender powder, milk and honey in a glass bowl, then pour into a jar. Before each use, shake the jar and pour half of the mixture into the bath. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Makes enough for 2 baths. *Dried lavender flowers can be found in the spice section of gourmet and specialty stores. Lemon Mint Elbow Bleach • 1/2 cup Mint Water • 1/2 lemon, squeezed To Make: Make a thick infusion of Peppermint, strain out the herb and to 1/2 cup of the liquid add the lemon juice. Mix together. To Use: While studying or working, apply this liquid with cotton pads to the elbows; let it dry and make another application. Repeat applications 3 or 4 times. Do not remove.
Why: The lemon juice acts as bleach, the Mint as a soothing aromatic astringent. Avocado Carrot Cream Mask This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots. • • • • •
1 avocado, mashed 1 carrot, cooked and mashed 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 egg, beaten 3 tablespoons honey
Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner. Kiwi Facial Cleanser (for dry or oily skin) • 1 kiwi fruit • 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt • 1 tablespoon orange water • 1 tablespoon apricot or almond oil • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 teaspoon finely ground almonds • 2 drops orange (or your favorite citrus) essential oil Puree the kiwi fruit in a food processor until liquid. During process, add yogurt, orange water, almond or apricot oil, and ground almonds. Process until thick and creamy. Add essential oil and stir to mix. To apply, massage gently over neck, face and décolleté to cleanse. Rinse well. Makes one application.
Finding The Right Dress To Bring In The New Year
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inding the right cocktail dress is all about knowing what suits you best. Not everything that looks good on a mannequin will look good on you. One has to pay attention to the body shape in order to find something that fits perfectly. For the Christmas season a lot of parties are on and the dress code is glam all the way. New Year’s Eve is one of the especially glam nights as people come out in their best to bring in the New Year. Cocktail dresses are the rave for this night coupled with a great pair of shoes. It is necessary that you purchase your gown before deciding on accessories such as shoes, jewelry or a handbag. To get the entire look you have to start with the basics. Find something that will look great on you. You are your best judge of what you think looks great. Here are some pointers on finding the perfect cocktail dress. If you are pear shaped: hips are set low, thighs seem out of proportion to your upper body, smaller bust size. Avoid anything that attracts extra attention to the hips. Shift attention to your bust with dresses that have a fitted bust line while the bottom part of the dress flows. Empire waist gowns and w w w . a m g tt. c o m
wrap styles look lovely. To accessorize, avoid wearing belts, wear necklaces and short hanging bags to bring more attention to your upper body. Two piece corset gowns are perfect for your figure. Full hips and bust in proportion with a small waistline is the hourglass figure. Flaunt your curves wearing fashions that skim your body. Buy dresses that are not too tight and not too loose. Flatter your form and make the most of your body, you can accessorize with belts. Most designs are created for this body type so the most important thing to consider, when it comes to choosing a cocktail dress, is how you feel in it. If you have an undefined waist and a straight body shape, try to show some skin. Show off slender legs and highlight the best aspects of your body. Go for dresses that lengthen the appearance of your torso. A fashionable A-line dress works great for this body type. V-neck necklines with a low collar will elongate your neck and draw attention to your bust line. Avoid belts and anything that gathers thickly at the waist. Use details like flowers, ruffles, beading or embroidery to draw attention to features that you want to enhance.
JANUARY 2015
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HOME GYM
Health Resolutions
veryone seems to be making some sort of resolution or the other. Few will be kept and some are so frivolous, it really doesn’t matter. If you are considering making resolutions, try these health resolutions. Increase Your Activity Level One habit naturally slim people share is their ability to stay in motion. Try to inject each day with more activity. Thirty minutes a day is a good number for adults. It doesn’t have to be a ridiculously strenuous professional workout. The main thing is keeping the heart rate up and keeping those joints and muscles in action. The opportunities are endless once you've developed the right mindset. Don’t Indulge In Fad Dieting Losing weight is a staple resolution...which could explain why so many diets fail. It's fine to have weight loss as a goal, but instead of following the latest diet craze, focus your efforts on eating healthfully. Though that’s not to say fad diets get everything wrong. Steering clear of empty calories and loading up on whole food and healthy fats are steps in the right weight loss direction. Don’t Skip Important Meals While we are on the topic of dieting, be sure to always eat breakfast. Skipping breakfast
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Exercise Isn’t For Muscles Alone
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may increase coronary heart disease risk. It is an important meal that will improve concentration and also help maintain weight. While you are eating, take into consideration that it is always better to eat organic foods. Refrain From Smoking/ Excessive Drinking It’s already illegal to smoke indoors in public places. Try to take the same approach to smoking in private spaces and you will potentially add several years to your life. If you are not a smoker, but are considering it, don’t. In addition to causing lung diseases and cancer, smoking acts as an accelerator for any disease that you may have. Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and can also interfere with medications used to treat high blood pressure, reducing their effectiveness. While moderate alcohol consumption (a beer or glass of red wine a day) is good, be careful with alcohol intake. It can be just as dangerous as smoking if not controlled.
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hose two hundred plus lovely bones in our bodies deserve a little more attention. Our bones play a significant function in the mechanics of the body and since Osteoporosis is so unwanted, yet so prevalent, we should do something about the state of our skeletal system. All exercise benefits your general fitness. However, weight-bearing exercise is best for strengthening bones. Here are some examples. • Running and jogging • Gymnastics • Aerobics class -- step, dance and pump aerobics • Weight lifting -- dumbbells, barbells, machines, body weight exercises • Team sports involving running and throwing -- basketball, football, baseball, softball, volleyball • Individual sports involving running -- racket sports • Walking (but less effective than running or jogging) • Cycling IF you can increase the resistance - as some gym machines allow. It is best to use a recumbent bike so your spine is supported. • Dancing - especially contra dancing, tap dancing, polka
and other folk dances that involve stomping, hopping etc. • Gardening • Jumping rope or doing jumping jacks • Stair climbing - actually going down stairs is best Though almost every form of physical exercise is good for the body in general, some exercises do benefit certain groups more than others. The least effective exercises for bones are: • Swimming or water aerobics • Cycling • Parachuting and base jumping • Other minimal weightbearing exercise activities Please note that if you have Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, be sure to check with a medical practitioner before doing any of the exercises that involve jumping, hopping or other activities where you 'come down hard'. If your bones are weak, you could create a stress fracture by applying too much sudden force. Please, do check with your health care provider! A phone call may be all you need.
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Three Travel Booking Mistakes
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he travel experience should ultimately be memorable. Don’t let those memories be bad ones. Do what is necessary to ensure you enjoy your holiday time from booking to return fight. Avoiding these three common mistakes will help you on your way to enjoyment. Know the distance When planning your activities, make sure you understand how far away everything is from each other and how you will get there. You don't want to book something only to later learn that you can't make it in time, a road is closed that season of the year, or you've scheduled many of your activities far away from your home base. Always do your own comparisons When comparing prices, don't believe any internet service or site that claims they have the lowest or best priced packages until you have visited the competition's sites, and when possible, the ultimate service provider's internet site. 26
Pet Grooming Mistakes
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on’t start off the year with bad pet grooming habits. Read this article and learn how to nip it in the bud.
Read the fine print Many travelers have lived to rue the day that they booked a trip without first reading the fine print. From rental cars stipulations on mileage, insurance, and interstate travel to airline ticket changes or cancellations, not knowing the transaction's regulations (both clear-cut and those less so) can cost a lot later. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is. Break out the magnifying glass and comb over the teeny-tiny text at the bottom of that seemingly great deal. From there, you can determine caveats, regulations, and the actual cost, including taxes, fees, and any "hidden" charges that can drive up the total price.
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Incomplete Grooming Never underestimate the importance of being thorough. Many dog owners concentrate their brushing efforts on their dog’s back, missing other areas that need grooming just as much. It’s important not to forget about those trickier areas like faces, ears, tails, bellies, bums and legs when grooming at home. Also, don’t feel that grooming is only for longer-haired dogs. For shorter-haired dogs, it’s still important to brush all areas to promote healthy skin, oil production and fur growth. Inconsistent Grooming Once your dog gets used to grooming procedures, don’t give him a chance to forget what he’s learned. Get in a routine of brushing your dog’s coat daily, whether he needs it or not. For long-haired dogs, consistency is
the key to keeping matted fur in check. We know that it gets slightly colder in T&T at the end of the year, but that does not mean you should just leave your dog’s hair to grow extra-long and thick. Don’t skip the brushings. This choice may lead to tangles and mats that get so tight they’re painful and must be cut out. When that happens, your dog’s good insulating coat is compromised. Improper Nail-Cutting Technique One of the more common grooming mistakes home groomers accidentally do is cutting into the “quick” when trimming their dog’s nails. You can be assured your dog will let you know if you trim too far back hitting this area. The secret to this task is going slowly and never taking large cuts. Most dogs are going to put up a fuss while their nails are trimmed so get a helper if needed. Use only quality dog nail trimming tools that are very sharp.
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GARAGE
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Bad Driving Habits To Abandon This Year
nce that driver’s permit is finally in your hands you think you’ve made it. You have been certified as a driver and in your mind you are also one of the best the world has ever seen. This overconfidence may be contributing to your poor driving habits. Try to eliminate these habits in 2015. Neglecting To Use Signals Failing to use your turn signals to indicate that you are going to change lanes or make a turn may seem like a minor thing, but this an all too common habit of drivers that can cause major problems. When other drivers are not anticipating what you are going to do, accidents can happen. Signaling is one of the simplest things to do and yet failing to signal is one of the most prevalent bad habits. Being a Road Hog So you think you’re the only person who matters on the road? Think again. Too many drivers are inconsiderate at the very least and that leads to danger and even death at the very worst. What’s wrong with letting someone overtake you? Drivers regularly speed up when someone is passing them on the highway. I’m sure you have experienced this: You’re midway through passing the slower car when its driver 28
member that it's always a gamble.
suddenly decides to speed up. This can be problematic if you are unable to get back in lane and you are caught in oncoming traffic. Being a road hog also applies to those who think they are doing the right thing by driving extremely slowly. While it is essential that one stays within the speed limit, it does not mean that you should drive so slowly that you keep back everyone else and contribute to traffic pileups. Road hogs do this in the fast lane without care for others. Tailgating Driving too close to the car in front of you is a dangerous habit that is all too common on roads in Trinidad and Tobago. It’s important to remember that in any situation where you strike another car from the rear you will likely be found at fault; allowing
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some stopping distance can avoid accidents. Personal Grooming While Driving There's even a conveniently placed "vanity mirror" in the folddown visor right above the windscreen to facilitate this morning ritual. As usual, the blamed culprit is shortage of time. With our schedules more compressed than ever, the car or SUV might seem like the perfect place to take care of less mentally taxing tasks such as personal grooming. But there's little arguing with the science on distracted driving. All but a small percentage of the world’s driving population experience a noticeable decline in performance when they try to do two or more things at once. With that said, you may have got away with eyebrow plucking on the highway up until now, but just re-
Accelerating Through Ambers Sure, it might be exhilarating to speed up in order to beat the light, but often you don’t quite make it, and you end up holding up other drivers who actually have the green light. This is a bad habit to have, as it could lead to major collisions. Some lights are longer than others, so you may think that you have time to make it when you really don’t. Do the responsible thing and slow down when the light turns amber if you’ve got room to stop. Riding the brakes downhill It never feels completely safe when diving down an incline. However, constantly hitting the brakes while going downhill is a bad habit that leads to total brake failure. After all, when you cling to them coming down a steep mountain or hill, you could be grinding the brake pads for minutes at a time. This makes them very hot, which can literally boil the brake fluid and rob your car of its stopping power. Instead, use the engine, not the brakes, to control your speed. Downshift when you want to go slower — even in an automatic (usually "L" or "2" on the shift panel will work). It will also save you some gas.
Abstract Home Is Published By Abstract Media Group, Premium Commercial Complex, San Juan, Trinidad, W.I. • Tel: (868) 638 1156/9 • Fax: (868) 638 1160. Printed By The Office Authority - Printing Division And Distributed By AMG