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.
S
ince the Chinese introduced the idea of feng shui and the benefits of maintaining a room filled with positive energy, many homeowners have been incorporating the notion into their home décor. Feng shui helps to improve one’s life by promoting positive qi. A good feng shui bedroom is a bedroom that invites you, lures you in, excites and calms at the same time. Getting a feng shui bedroom is a very simple process and can be achieved through a series of very simple steps.
1
Remove the television, computer and exercise equipment from the room. The good feng shui energy in your room is hidden when these objects are present.
2
Open the windows or keep a humidifier in the room, to keep the air fresh and full of oxygen. Ensure that you always have good air in the room as this promotes good feng shui. Although plants provide clean oxygen as they remove carbon dioxide from the air, this does not promote good feng shui unless the room is big and the plants are far from the bed.
3
Lighting is very important to promote good feng shui as light is one of the strongest manifestations of good energy. Natural or artificial lighting can be provided by either pulling blinds and lifting curtains or using a dimmer switch to alternate between
How To Get Your
Feng Shui Bedroom high and low level intensities of lighting.
4
Use soothing colours to get good feng shui in the bedroom. Feng shui colours can be described as ‘skintone’ colours and these range from a pale white to a rich chocolate brown.
5
Choose art and images that promote good feng shui; images that you would want to look at and are happy to see. Don’t choose sad or angry pictures unless you want to be sad and angry. Remember images carry powerful feng shui energy so choose wisely.
6
Close all doors at night before you sleep. This includes the bedroom door, bathroom doors and the closet door. This will allow for the best
and most nourishing flow of energy to strengthen your health, as well as the health of your relationship.
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Ensure that your bed is sturdy, mattress firm, that it is furnished with soft pillows and sheets made w w w . a m g tt. c o m
with natural fibers. Additionally follow the basic feng shui guidelines for your bed: i) have your bed easily approachable from both sides, ii) have two bedside tables (one on each side), and, iii) avoid having the bed in a direct line with the door.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Christmas Landscaping Décor Tips
H
ome-owners are no longer concerned with only beautifying the inside of their homes; they wish to show-off their decorating skills to neighbours and passer-bys. Some say that persons no longer decorate their yards like they used to but some persons actually spend more time decorating their yards, than decorating the inside of their homes. Some home-owners are often lost as to what decorations can be used to make their lawn more attractive, especially at Christmastime. Try these tips below if you are unsure about how to decorate your yard.
1
Lights- the easiest choice when decorating, lights can be draped around trees or hung under roofs or along staircases and walkways. Some persons drape lights in different shapes and designs so that when
plugged in and lit, the beauty of the artwork is shown.
2
Hang garlands or wreaths along patio chairs and tie bows on outside trees to make them appear more festive - Purchase the plastic ones rather than those that have the velvet covering as they can be damaged if it rains.
3
Adorn your lawn with any of the inflatable Santa Claus or Reindeer collections - These can be placed on the roof or on the front lawn, giving the area a very festive feel and they can be definite eye candy for children in the neighbourhood.
4
Trim trees in the shape of Christmas paraphernaliaSome landscapers have the ability to carve and trim trees to look like reindeer or Santa Claus. If this is too difficult, trim trees so
that they can take the shape of candy canes, bells or even Santa’s sleigh.
5
Have an outdoor Christmas tree- Some homeowners have pine trees on their property that look like Christmas trees. These can be decorated with lights, bells and other decorations to become an outdoor Christmas tree. If you do not have one of these on your property, still decorate the ones that you have as they can have the same effect. Outdoor decorating is all about flexing your creative muscle. There should be no limits to how far you can go when beautifying your lawns. Always remember to use safety and caution especially where lights are concerned as electrical fires are easily started and happen regularly during the Christmas season.
Garbage Disposal Maintenance Tips
N
ot that many homes in Trinidad and Tobago have garbage disposals in their kitchens. In fact, when the term “garbage disposal” comes up a roaring truck dripping unsanitary juices onto the street is probably the first thing that comes to the mind of many locals. Yet, the popularity of garbage disposals is growing in T&T and since a lot more people will have them in the near future, it is important to know exactly how to use them. Here are ten tips:
1
Operate the garbage disposal every time food is put in it to prevent food buildup and bacteria growth.
2
Use cold water when running the disposal to prevent the melting and hardening of 2
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the shredder ring.
5
Avoid uncooked or liquid fat to prevent build up on drain pipes.
6
Avoid inserting a large quantity of food in to prevent jamming of the disposal. oils that could build up and clog the drain.
3
Let the cold water continue to run about 30 seconds after the garbage disposal is turned off to ensure all food particles have cleared the disposal.
4
Avoid gritty or fibrous items such as coffee grounds (in large quantity), corn husks, potatoes, etc. Also avoid egg shells and onion skins since the membranes can stick to the sides of the disposal and wrap around
7
Grind a few ice cubes occasionally to knock off debris from the sharp blades and other hard to clean areas.
8
Pour vinegar down the drain and let it sit for about an hour to remove scale. Follow with hot water.
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Combine the two and use vinegar ice cubes.
Grind citrus peels to remove odors and freshen the garbage disposal.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Is Your Contractor The Right Guy For The Job?
L
et’s be frank: Home builders don’t always have a great reputation with the general public. That’s why so many people view the idea of having their own home built with trepidation, if not outright fear. However, despite these popular perceptions, many builders are quite reputable. In fact, most are honest and forthright in their business practices. The choice of a builder may be the most important decision in the homebuilding process. Choosing a builder early in the process— ideally before you’ve settled on a site or design for your home— can set the stage for a successful home-building experience. Choose Early, Choose Wisely Why might you prefer to choose a builder early on? Builders say the process is so complex that most owners need professional guidance from the beginning to avoid mistakes in site selection, home design and written specifications. Builders say your budget probably shouldn’t be among the top criteria in selecting a builder. No builder can quote an accurate price for a home until he or she knows the type, style, finishes and fea4
tures of the home, the site conditions, and the type of contract you want to use for construction. Rather than focusing on cost, you may well want to base your decision on the builder’s competence, reputation, professionalism, warranty coverage, and experience. Reputation Look for an established builder with an extensive client list. Area of operation Choose a builder who is familiar with the area where you want your home to be built. Local knowledge is important because residential construction is very regional in nature. An out-of-the-area builder might not be prepared to handle variations in local building codes, subcontracting practices, inclement weather patterns, or other factors. Type of home Select a builder who has extensive experience constructing homes in your price range and general design style. Compatibility Building a home is a highly personal and emotional experience. That’s why you’ll want
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to choose a builder with whom you’ll feel comfortable. Warranty The builder should be willing and able to offer you a comprehensive written warranty on your new home. Financial stability Some builders run their businesses better than other builders do. Make sure the building company you select is financially viable. Financial strength Success in the home-building business is earned by building a quality product at a fair price. A builder who is financially successful would be likely to still be in business during the warranty period for your new home. Further, successful builders are in the best position to contract for the services of top subcontractors and suppliers—the people who will actually build your home. Beyond these factors, the most important consideration is the quality of the builder’s homes. Cost is not a direct measure of quality. Rather, good quality is the merging of good design with appropriate products and
materials that are installed with superior workmanship. The most expensive window might not look or perform any better than a substantially less expensive window. But improper installation of that window will diminish its quality, regardless of its cost. Generally, costly finishes and fixtures won’t offset shoddy application or installation. Some home buyers locate a builder through a real estate agent. Certainly, no group of people has better knowledge of the local real estate market than the real estate agents who work in that market on a daily basis. Whether an individual real estate agent is well versed in home construction is another matter. Some agents are very savvy about builders and home construction while others aren’t at all knowledgeable about local builders or the new home design and building process. Many real estate agents shy away from marketing and selling brand-new homes while others prosper in this specialty. If you decide to ask a real estate agent to help you select a builder, be sure to consult an agent who understands the realities of new home construction.
LIVING QUARTERS
Create A Christmas Vibe With Plants
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ne of the many decorations used around the home, especially at Christmas-time is plants. Some are chosen strictly for their decorative purposes such as the poinsettias as their red petals help illuminate any dinner table. The mistletoe however, is hung under doorways inviting lovers or admirers to share in a special kiss. Whatever the reason, these plants add to the festivity of the season and are the most commonly seen around Christmas. Poinsettias- Also known as the Christmas Star, this plant actually has its own holiday in the U.S on December 12th. Recently, some growers have begun to grow pink, white and variegated colours but the red petals are preferred around this time of year. They can be put in pots or in a decorative jar and placed on tables, window sills; basically anywhere in the house that needs rich, vibrant colours. 6
Another poisonous plant, these are a favourite around Christmas and can be hung in doorways or put in clusters to adorn tables or window sills.
Mistletoes- Also known as “the amulet of good luck�, it is said that people who purchase just one stem of this plant would have good luck for the upcoming year. It’s also been a tradition that if a couple is found to be standing under the mistletoe, they have to kiss and for this reason they are usually hung in doorways. They are adorned with white berries which come in a cluster of 6 or 10 but these
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are said to be poisonous. It is advised that artificial flowers be used in the house to prevent accidental ingestion of these plants. Holly- These have a similar shape to the mistletoes but this plant is laced with red berries instead of white berries. Their petals are a bright green but their zesty red berries truly display the beauty of this plant.
Anthuriums- Available in red and white petals, anthuriums are a single oval shaped petal with a long, cream stalk protruding from the centre. They are surrounded by green plants which are overshadowed by the beauty of the single petal. In clusters, they make a beautiful decoration and can add beauty to any dining table at lunch time. Christmas Cactus- This is the ideal plant to hang from the ceiling at Christmas time as the cactus plants often cascade out of the pots, leaving its red petals at the end to make a beautiful decoration. The surface of the plant is similar to any cactus but the petals add an explosive decoration to any room.
HOME OFFICE
A
Understanding Corporate Communication
s social animals, communication is fundamental to our existence, and it is very often taken for granted, but this process is extremely complex, and even more so when one must navigate the nuances of the business world. An organization cannot operate without communication between levels, departments and employees. Effective communication must ensure that the intended message is delivered, through an appropriate medium; received by the intended audience, and decoded accurately; and then FEEDBACK should also be provided, to verify and ensure that the intended message has been received. In business, it is a key function of management. Despite the complexities of the communication process, it is VITAL to business success. From the simple delegation of tasks, to the need for complete organization-wide integration, mastering the art of communication will unlock a competitive advantage like no other. In today’s dynamic and fast-paced society this means capitalizing on all the technology at our disposal. Gone are the days of noticeboards and circulating memos, which may take forever to travel through the organization, and the message to be communicated may change while it is mak8
ing the rounds. Today, managers need to embrace email, Twitter and other forms of instant messaging, as this will increase the rate of communication and thereby reduce delays throughout the organization, and we all know time is money. Despite the effectiveness of the communication within the organization, ultimately the customers make or break the organization. This raises the need for effective EXTERNAL communication.
There are four ways, and only four ways, in which we have contact with the world. We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts: what we do, how we look, what we say, and how we say it – Dale Carnegie
A business may create the ideal product, exactly what the consumers want, and at the right price too (you know how we dislike overpaying), yet if the public has no knowledge of the offerings of the business, it will sit on shelves, in storerooms, and never receive its due glory, not to mention, never generate income for the business itself, which was the point of the product in the first place. External communication can take many forms, be it letters, newspaper articles/ print media, television and ra-
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dio advertisements, and online communication; the choice of which is largely determined by the intended audience and the message to be communicated. Personally, my preference would be for the online presence. By creating a web presence, using primarily the same methods used for internal communication, a business can develop an effective public relations strategy. This can include a website, company blogs, mailing lists and newsletters, and of course social media, which is very popular in Trinidad and Tobago: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+, Pinterest, and the list and possibilities (read e-commerce) could go on and on. The web provides companies with cheap, widespread access to markets that traditional media might not offer them. Using these tools effectively can inform the public about your company, new products and provide them with a forum for feedback; essentially all that the most important party to your corporate success may ever need to know can be put on display. As Carnegie stated, aside from what the business is all about, how the business looks, both in person, and on the web, the message that is communicated, and how it is said will be the basis for evaluation and can make the difference between captur-
ing a customer’s attention, or simply being overlooked. So too, having an established rapport with your market through various channels can help the business to respond in times of crisis. Damage control is very important in today’s business arena, especially with the increased usage of the internet, as people are always connected and always sharing information. If a business is marginalized through the Internet its customers may not be aware of a brewing, or even full-blown crisis that could cripple the organization until it is too late. If the business has a culture of open communication with the customers, the hearsay/wordof-mouth exchange of information that takes place will not be as damaging to the corporate image as consumers will be more inclined to wait for the business to release an official statement before arriving at any premature conclusions. At the end of the day, the effectiveness of our communication marks the difference between success and failure, and if we recognize the importance of this tool, and invest in mastering it, both in interpersonal and corporate situations, we will be one step closer to realizing our true potential. Communication is the key that can unlock every door.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Create Christmas Appeal The use of silver adds sparkle and luster to this space. Plus, check out the creative Christmas clock.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Add extra illumination to a cozy Christmas corner with a luminescent accessory.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Go off with garlands and change your living room from the entryway and beyond.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Gold accents on the furniture, tree and mantelpiece take this room to the next level.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
The use of personal items gives this dĂŠcor-scape a homey feel while adding texture.
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KITCHEN
The Most Filling Health Foods
T
rini cuisine is arguably the best in the world. That is why locals have a tendency to gorge on all sorts of stuff at mealtime. However, the more health conscious of us may want options that are just as filling with fewer effects on the waistline than our favourite dishes provide. Here are some choices to consider. Oatmeal The joys of Oatmeal! Oatmeal serves as a great comfort food on those cold days and it is extra good because you can let your creativity run wild and you can top your oatmeal with pretty much anything! Oatmeal is a great super food because it's low in sugar, high in fiber and it’s so quick to prepare. It’s only takes 16
5-10 minutes to prepare your oatmeal and you’ll be full for hours after eating a bowl. Eggs As long as you’re not eating 12 of them in one week, eggs are good for you. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and protein is the “real diet secret” because foods high in protein will
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keep you full longer. In fact, in a published study it showed that eating two eggs for breakfast helped women lose 65% more weight and decreased their waistlines 83% more than women who didn't!
The fact is; he’s no quack. Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and protein. Just one handful of almonds will keep you full for a long time because they are great at suppressing appetite.
Banana What a great fruit! Not only are bananas available year-round, they are fairly inexpensive. If you reach out for a banana when you feel hungry instead of an empty calorie snack, you’ll nourish your body and you’ll be ingesting way less fat and sugar than with many snacks.
Avocados Many people avoid avocadoes because they think they are fattening. Including half an avocado at lunch time is a good choice because it contains good fats and it contains protein that will fill you up nicely. That means you will eat less of the other food. Not only can you add avocados to salads, but they have become popular in sandwiches. Many Trinis may not agree, but they are equally great when added to a smoothie!
Almonds Oprah’s Dr. Oz popularized the idea that nuts and almonds are such important snack foods.
RECIPES
Pep Up Your Pork Platters
A
round this time of year Trinidad and Tobago just seems to go pork crazy. Just ask calypsonian Scrunter. Many people would opt for the traditional pork fare such as stewed or geera pork, but we’re giving you a couple of other options.
GRILLED BACON JALAPENO WRAPS Ingredients 6 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 12 slices bacon Directions Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Spread cream cheese to fill jalapeno halves. Wrap with bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Place on the grill, and cook until bacon is crispy.
PORK CHOPS WITH APPLE CURRY SAUCE Ingredients 4 (1 inch thick) boneless pork chops Vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 large onion, diced 1 large apple, cored and diced 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce 2 cups apple juice 1/4 cup margarine 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 1 clove garlic, crushed 3 tablespoons ground curry powder Salt and pepper to taste 18
Directions Season pork chops with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown pork chops in a small amount of oil, flipping once to brown both sides. Arrange chops in a 9x13 inch baking dish. In the same skillet, melt margarine over medium heat. Cook and stir onions and apples in margarine until caramelized. Stir in applesauce, apple juice, chicken bouillon, garlic, and curry powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over chops, and cover dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 40 minutes, or until pork chops are cooked through.
SWEET AND SOUR PORK Ingredients 1 pound pork butt, cut into 1 inch cubes 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white sugar 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 egg white 2 green onions, chopped 1 quart vegetable oil for frying 1/2 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 3 stalks celery, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 medium onion, cut into wedges White sugar to taste Salt to taste 1 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup white sugar 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup ketchup
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1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, undrained 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 cup water Directions Place cubed pork in a medium bowl, and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Mix in the egg white and green onions. Cover, and place in the refrigerator at least 1 hour. Heat 1 quart oil to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C) in a large, heavy saucepan or deep fryer. Coat the pork with 1/2 cup cornstarch, and fry in the heated oil about 10 minutes, until evenly browned. Drain on paper towels. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir in the celery, green bell pepper, and onion, and cook until tender. Season with salt and sugar. Remove from heat, and set aside. In a large saucepan, mix 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 cup sugar, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce. Bring to a boil, and stir in the cooked pork, celery mixture, and the pineapple chunks with juice. Return to boil, and mix in 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup water to thicken. Cook until well blended.
HONEY GLAZED HAM Ingredients 1 (5 pound) ready-to-eat ham 1/4 cup whole cloves 1/4 cup dark corn syrup 2 cups honey 2/3 cup butter
Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Score ham, and stud with the whole cloves. Place ham in foil lined pan. In the top half of a double boiler, heat the corn syrup, honey and butter. Keep glaze warm while baking ham. Brush glaze over ham, and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Baste ham every 10 to 15 minutes with the honey glaze. During the last 4 to 5 minutes of baking, turn on broiler to caramelize the glaze. Remove from oven, and let sit a few minutes before serving.
BOILED/BAKED BBQ RIBS Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds country style pork ribs Pork Flat Spare Ribs 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons salt 1 cup barbeque sauce Directions Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Remove ribs from pot, and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbeque sauce over ribs. Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
BRIDAL
Who Should I Invite To My Wedding?
T
his is one of the hardest decisions to make as a couple: who will be the lucky persons that I select to experience my big day? Outside influences such as friends and family may get in the way, but this decision should be made by the bride and groom-to-be. Remember, you need to decide if you prefer an intimate setting or a big wedding with everyone invited. Also, what’s the cost of a big wedding versus a smaller one? If or when you find yourself in a situation like this, ask yourself these questions.
such a situation; true friends will understand your decision.
1
They invited us to their wedding; do we have to invite them to ours? The answer is no but you may want to consider a couple of things: the size of their wedding in comparison to yours, whether they invited more friends than relatives or the status of your relationship. Are you still close friends with the person? If your wedding is soon after the person’s, then to show courtesy you can but don’t obsess over the decision.
Our parents want to choose who we should invite, what should we do? Parents see the wedding as their party, and often invite their friends to your big day. If this is happening, you could tell them that only close family members and you and your spouse’s friends will be invited. Another option is to allocate a certain number of invitations to parents, equally so that both parties receive a fair deal. 20
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Do we let single guests bring a date? There’s no ‘yes or no’ answer to this question. It depends on the size of your wedding and the familiarity of the guests with other invited guests. If you are inviting a big group of co-workers then you can produce single invites but if it’s a friend who may not be familiar with anyone at the wedding, then you can allow him/her to bring a guest.
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2
Can I invite work colleagues or distant relatives? This is always a problem as you have to decide if second cousins should be neglected for first. The rule is simple: all or none at all. For colleagues, you could invite just
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your boss if you wish or a colleague that you highly consider.
3
How do you tell people that they’re not invited? Most persons would expect to be invited but being honest is the best solution to
FAMILY
5 Tips For An Enjoyable Christmas
C
hristmas, though officially a Christian holiday is celebrated by numerous religious sects worldwide. Many use the season to spend time with close family; others use it to simply relax, reflect and catch up on good times with distant friends. This season was made for celebration; see to it by inspiring others and shaking things up in your life. After all you deserve to be happy… Here are some simple helpful tips that will ensure that you will increase your yuletide pleasures:
1
Plan well in advance: Ensure that you do your Christmas shopping early in the year. Most times the adrenalin rush is anticipated by most holiday shoppers. However, if you want to get in on the big bargains the best time to reel in the savings is during a slow season like just after the Christmas rush in January or February. In doing this you can be sure to catch new products at the lowest prices. Simply hold on to them until the holidays come back around again, you will have extra cash in hand and your wallet won’t regret it! 22
2
Keep get-togethers simple: Celebrators love to go all out by extending their workload in preparing for the perfect gathering. For party planners this can be very tiresome, so cut down on your entertainment time. A Christmas dinner will give you more time to make the occasion exquisite, short and sweet! Guests will enjoy the cool evening, forget the luncheons. Family members especially tend to appreciate each other’s time at a laid back dinner. For drinkers, be careful to incorporate a moderate amount of alcohol! This will help to keep persons who may have any hidden grievances in check.
3
Make a vacation date: The preparations can be overwhelming for most persons who have heavy workloads. This is the best time of the year to take a vacation and reflect on how you are going to face the workplace and relationships in the New Year ahead. You will have plenty of time to plan your self elevation methods and de-stressing will be at its peak because the only work on your mind will be Christmas gatherings. Visit the spa, relax
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and wind down totally with a massage that will keep you rejuvenated for all those activities you will have time to partake in. Enjoy the festivities and keep smiling.
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Try something new; create new traditions: Take the monotony out of your season and keep an eye out in the newspapers for new recipes to try out. The worst thing that can hamper any Christmas meet is when guests cringe at doing the same old thing every year. Keep your guests wondering…? “What will they do next? Or I can’t wait to see” That will make them really appreciate your time and effort. For those with a significant other in your life, this will be fun. Spouses are sure to be very anxious to see how you are going to spruce up the holiday. Do this and you can look out for an eventful time and an even longer-lasting relationship.
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Surround yourself with people who light up your life: Christmas must not be spent alone, get up and create some excitement in your life. Your closest friends
look forward to the annual gift exchange; it’s nice to share with those you love. If you don’t get what you expect however, don’t hold them at arm’s length unless they do something really dreadful like re-gifting you and are careless enough for you to notice. They will be sure to lose points with even their closest friends so don’t attempt it if you have not done so before. The smiles and gossip you catch up on during this time is even more amazing. Stay in the know and bump to some smooth music with your gals or guys. Don’t think about moping if you think you have a reason to. Friends are sure to make you smile even during the worst times, keep them close for the holiday and all year round. Follow these tips and be sure to make your life and season very fulfilling. Moderation is the key to making these tips work, so put a measure on it. The right balance must be sought to keep everyone smiling through the season of togetherness. Most importantly, everyone should avoid the Mr. Scrooge reincarnates at all costs to see the light of enjoyment. Have a Happy Holiday!
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Makeup Tips For The Beauty Conscious
T
hey say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. However, more girls keep a makeup kit closer than a pricey rock any day. In fact, makeup is often a pivotal tool a female would use in order to get a guy to purchase their beloved diamonds. With that said, the application of makeup needs to be on point or its better to go bare-faced. Here are some quick tips for applying makeup and some advice on preparing your face before it is applied.
mascara.
Here are some steps that can be used when applying makeup:
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Remember to cleanse, tone and moisturize your face before you start to put your make up on.
2
Use foundation that blends into your skin tone. Don’t forget to blend it into your neck as well to avoid embarrassing streak lines.
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Use neutral tones if the event is taking place in the day. You can add more color if you are going out at night.
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Use an eyelash curler to make your eyelashes appear longer.
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To prevent clumping of eyelashes, do not use old
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Waterproof eyeliner and mascara are a must. You don’t want them to start running when your eyes water or sweat runs down unto your eyelids.
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Avoid having a shiny face by powdering your face with loose translucent powder after you apply your foundation. Take along pressed powder with you for touch ups. Stay away from crème eye shadows. You need them to stay on so use powder eye shadows.
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Apply lip liner under matte lipstick and then add some lip gloss.
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Keep your foundation light to avoid streaking and when you are finished check it outdoors or in bright light. Following these makeup tips and skin care techniques will allow you to have a picture perfect face on any day you choose to take your swank factor to a next level. The local paparazzi will be glad to take plenty of photographs of you when you make your movements through the entertainment circuit.
Choosing The Right Bra
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e’ve seen the advertisements, heard the life-changing stories and before you know it we’re in the store searching for the same ‘one’ we saw on television. Sure it’s a perfect fit when we’re in the changing rooms but after a few times wearing it, the straps continuously fall off the shoulder, the back straps are no longer snug and we have a little “droop” action happening at the front of our blouse. We’ve all been there, holding an ill-fitting brassiere (bra) and wondering where we went wrong. Shopping for comfortable yet supportive bras shouldn’t be a task; be on the lookout for these when selecting a bra.
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Ensure that the straps are tight. One sales girl told me that I should buy a bra that’s back straps are tight even on the first hook. This way, when the strap starts to stretch- as they do eventually when they form to the shape of your body- you get more use from your bra by using the other two unused available hooks. Similarly, look for adjustable shoulder straps and buy straps that are wider, so that they fit more snugly over your shoulders. One style does not fit all. The brand or style that your girlfriend raves about may not give the same lift and support to you. Every woman’s body is different therefore your choice in bras will be different; try on
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brassieres to ensure that they give the desired look. Try on a shirt with the bra to see the shape of your breast with clothing on. Know your cup size- It’s no longer as simple as A, B, C or double D’s. Depending on the manufacturer of the bra, one brand’s cup size B will fit while another brand’s cup B will be too small. Always try on the bra to ensure optimal support. Wires are good for you. Some women complain about the under wires of the bras cutting into their skin. This may occur if the brand of bra is made from the poor quality material that most department stores tend to carry. The wires in the bra give good support and lift to the breasts to fight off any signs of “sags” or “droopage”. Support not flatten. Some athletic sport bras tend to flatten the breast rather than keep them stable. For athletes or active women, choose bras with seams, shape and cup depth: these will prevent jiggling while jogging. Get fitted regularly. Statistics show that a woman’s bust size can change at least 6 times throughout her life; don’t be surprised if in two years you jumped from a B to a C cup. It doesn’t necessarily mean that your breasts have grown but more so that a C cup gives the desired support and ensures comfort.
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ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Why You Should Do A Colon Cleanse
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here are several benefits to following a regular colon cleansing regime. A healthy colon leads to problem free skin as well as increased immunity and resistance to diseases. Most people also end up losing weight as a result of better digestion and lower rate of water and waste retention. Here are some more benefits. Overall Cleansing and Detoxification Our bodies are bombarded with toxins acquired from the environment and from food that is processed or grown in soil that is already polluted by toxic waste. Due to the large amount of toxin intake, our body is generally unable to get rid of all these harmful materials while performing its normal functioning and this leads to an accumulation of toxic waste in our organs, especially in the liver, lungs, skin, lymph nodes, kidney and colon. Some major side effects of toxin accumulation are lowered immunity, gastro intestinal problems, bad looking skin, headaches and sluggishness and irregular bowel movements or constipation. Internal cleansing of these organs (especially the colon) gets rid of toxins and their side effects. Freedom from Digestive Tract Problems The most common and easily identifiable symptom of an
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unhealthy colon is constipation and irregular bowel movements. Stomach pains, heartburn, acidity, gastritis, flatulence and bloating are other major symptoms that point towards an unhealthy and clogged up colon. When you clean up your colon using natural methods, then all the waste and toxins clogging up the colon are flushed out, which helps your digestive system resume its normal functioning, thus making you healthy and free from all gastrointestinal tract related problems. Greater Energy and Vitality While your organs which are already weakened by all the trash that you consume and expose yourself to fail in performing their tasks properly, more and more energy is diverted towards getting rid of all the waste that is clogging them. As a result, you start feeling drained and sluggish right from the moment you wake up till the end of the day. When you clean your colon and other internal organs, then you will feel a considerable increase in your energy levels for two reasons. Firstly, your gastrointestinal tract starts performing better, leading to better digestion and absorption of the energy from your food. Secondly, less energy is involved in digesting food, thus leaving more energy to be spent on external tasks.
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Fitness FAQ’s
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hinking about improving your fitness? How about general maintenance of your current health? Maybe you have asked these questions before. At last, you have the answers you were looking for. I’m healthy now. Why do I need to be active? Research shows that exercise and physical activity can maintain and even improve your health. For example, exercise and physical activity can help you manage and even prevent diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. How long do I need to be active before I see results? Once you start being physically active, you’ll begin to see results in just a few weeks. You may feel stronger and more energetic than before. You may notice that you can do things more easily, faster, or for longer than before. As you become fit, you may need to make your activities more challenging to see additional results. I get tired easily. What is the best physical activity for me? Once you become active, you’re likely to have more energy than before. As you do more, you also may notice that you can do
things more easily, faster, and for longer than before. Regular, moderate physical activity can help reduce fatigue and even help you manage stress. I’m not particularly active, and I haven’t exercised in years. Is it safe for me to start now? If you haven’t been active for a long time, it’s important to start out at a low level of effort and work your way up slowly. Beginning slowly will help you become more fit without straining your body. For example, you may want to start with walking, biking, or swimming at a comfortable pace and then gradually do more, or start strengthening exercises with 1or 2-pound weights and gradually add heavier weights. You may want to talk with your doctor if you decide to start a vigorous exercise program or significantly increase your physical activity.
GARAGE
PETS
Get Rid Of The Gunk Keeping Your Garage Floor Clean
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epending on the type of floors in your home, it can often be very hard to maintain them. Apart from inside the house, the driveway and garage floors to tend to look untidy if left dirty for too long. Compared to cleaning a dirty floor inside, where high-priced detergents are used, outside floors can be a bit more difficult to clean. See tips below on how to get and maintain clean, shiny garage and driveway floors. Concrete floors- When dealing with the garage floors, where oil and grease is frequently seen, muriatic acid is the ideal cleaner for this type of residue as it ‘eats up’ all the oil and grease from the floor. Be careful; always wear gloves when using this solution and keep the area well ventilated. It is said that the acid gives off a very foul odor so as soon as the liquid has been applied to the area, quickly use a broom to scrub away the dirt and quickly rinse the area. For better results, leave the acid for about 5 minutes, then scrub away the dirt or use a garden hose when rinsing off the acid so that the water pressure from the hose will help lift away any remaining residue.
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Ceramic tiles- Some houses have ceramic tile floors along their driveways and these can get dirty easily and very quickly. Never use bleach; this tends to erode the tiles’ natural shine. Instead mix a solution of warm water with vinegar and mop from side to side, up and down in between gouts. Then rinse with water and allow the tiles to dry. If grout or anywhere on the tile has a stubborn stain, mix a solution of baking soda and warm water and, using a small brush, scrub until clean. Then rinse with water and allow the tiles to dry. Clay tiles- These often give a yard a very European feel but when it’s dirty the sophistication is gone. As with ceramic tiles, a solution of warm water and vinegar should be used, but baking soda and dish-washing liquid should also be added to the mix. Not much about a 1 cup of baking soda: this works as a nonabrasive cleaning agent that will clean and eliminate odours, and ¼ cup dishwashing liquid as this cleanses the area without harming the clay’s surface. Wring out excess water from the mop and apply to floors in a sweeping motion. Repeat as necessary.
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Rabbit Care FAQ’s
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re you new to the rabbit care experience? If so, you may probably be looking for the answer to one of these questions.
WHERE SHOULD I PUT MY RABBIT? Every rabbit owner should know that the safest place for a rabbit to live is indoors. Rabbits should never be kept outdoors! Domestic rabbits are different from their wild relatives—they do not tolerate extreme temperatures well, especially in the hot summer months. Even in a safe enclosure, rabbits are at risk from predators. Merely the sight or sound of a nearby wild animal can cause rabbits so much stress that they can suffer a heart attack and literally die of fear.
SHOULD I CLIP ITS NAILS? Make sure you trim your rabbit's nails often. House rabbits, especially, get nails that grow very fast as they aren't able to wear them down. This is very unhealthy for a rabbit as it can cause paw problems, so make sure you check your rabbit's nails at least once a month and
snip them slightly with small nail clippers if they're getting too long.
HOW DO I FEED IT? Taking care of your pet rabbit correctly means being concerned with how well your rabbit eats. An average sized rabbit should eat three quarters of a cup of rabbit pellets every day, plus at least 5 or 6 types of chopped up vegetables. The selection may include kale, carrots, cilantro, celery (especially the leaves, which they love), basil, parsley etc. You can also add treats to the rabbit’s diet. Try giving it a couple pieces of banana every other day. Just make sure you don't give them too much of it as they will get fat and be less healthy.
TRAVEL
Six Super Christmas Destinations
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t’s the most wonderful time of the year and it brings with it the joy of travel. Apart from the July-August or ‘Summer’ vacation, the most travel is done during the Christmas season. This is the time where friends and family get the chance to rekindle old relationships that may have been lost during the year. Others may see this time as one to travel and visit new places, in the hope of getting a first-hand look at Christmas being celebrated in different countries. If you are tired of spending your Christmas in your home-town or country, visit any of these cities for the Christmas of a lifetime. Rio de Janiero- During the season, the Brazilians celebrate Christmas with a series of festivals and parades in which everyone, including children, actively participates. They dance through the streets and sing as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you’re a busy-body 28
anything in Paris, and affordable gifts can be purchased for those on your Christmas list.
who enjoys excitement, Rio de Janiero is for you. Sydney- The largest city in Australia, Sydney offers beaches, great food, beautiful plush countryside and a relaxed atmosphere. Get your cameras ready because the Christmas decorations will completely blow you away. There are also various parties that occur around this time that can have you rocking and partying around the Christmas tree. Rome- This is the country of traditions. The churches are
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beautifully decorated and special prayers are held throughout the season to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you want to visit a foreign country but still attend Mass on Christmas morning, Rome is the place. Paris- If Paris is already considered the ‘city of love’ during the year; imagine the city in its entire splendor during the Christmas season. Definitely the place to take your loved one, you can sit under the lights and drink champagne while fireworks illuminate the night sky. A definitive visual treat, you can shop for
New York- This city is not for the faint of heart. After visiting New York for Christmas, you may need a vacation from this vacation. One of the main tourist attractions, Times Square, attracts thousands of visitors each year as people gather to see the beautifully decorated Christmas tree located at Rockefeller Center. Coupled with various shopping deals in and in the vicinity of New York, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most sought after cities for spending Christmas, in the world. Las Vegas- This is another city where your camera should always be at your side. Las Vegas has been known to appear ‘larger than life’ in all its depictions and for Christmas the citizens pull out all the stops. From fireworks to parties, be ready to have the merriest Christmas yet.
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