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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hores are usually just that… chores. It’s hard work and nobody likes doing it. If you do like chores, you can come to my place, I’m sure I can find something for you to do. However, when you are doing chores, there is nothing like getting chores done in a timely manner. These shortcuts will help you get the job done quickly and effectively. Embrace kitchen simplicity Not only are simple foods generally healthier, the fewer pots you get dirty, the fewer you have to clean. Salmon cooked in the oven, plus broccoli cooked on the stove, and rice microwaved in a pouch produces a good dinner for the price of two dirty pans, total. Pasta cooked in one pot and veggies and shrimp sautéed in another likewise produces two dirty dishes. If people want additional sides, they can cut up fruits or veggies. Dessert equals pieces of chocolate. All you lose is time spent scrubbing. Filing Paperwork Make filing time coincide with a favorite show that you feel guilty for taking time to watch. Most filing can be done with little thinking, and you'll get to watch your favorite show in the process. Sort the papers into categories based on your file names. Don't forget to include trash. You'll be surprised how much of the pile you won't need to keep. Create less laundry I’m not advocating bad hygiene. But playing offense on
House Chore Shortcuts Find the right tools Find go-to tools to help you speed through a variety of duties while affording you the satisfaction of a job well done. For instance, a handheld steamer is great for cleaning bathroom grout, polishing the stovetop and oven and blasting fuzz and grime out of crevices between the floors and molding. With the right kit, you can whiz through your routine.
the laundry is often more smart than smelly. Towels can be reused, jeans and pajamas can be re-worn, kids can wear sandals (without socks) in the summer. Exercise clothes may not smell proportionally worse after two workouts than after one, but rewearing them during a solo jog will cut your laundry burden a lot.
Become A time Jumbie Each room takes about 20 minutes, on average, to clean. So how much can you realistically cover in the interval you've got? If you're short on time, prioritize. For instance, target the public rooms this go-round (especially if you're expecting guests!), and save the rest for later. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
Plan Meals Meal planning may seem overwhelming at first but as you are planning your weekly meals, you can make a list of things you need to buy at the store. Don’t forget to check the weekly circulars to find ways to create meals using the items in your sale ad. When utilizing a list at the grocery store, it will help curb unnecessary spending and save time at the store.
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ABSTRACT HOME
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LIVING QUARTERS
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ole crickets are no strangers to Trinidad and Tobago as we possess their ideal climate type. Apart from climate, these insects are often attracted to lawns that have an abundance of thatch—a thick, spongy mat
Mole Cricket Control of runners and undecomposed grass clippings on the soil surface. Improper mowing and excessive water or fertilizer can lead to this condition. Some people have to alter their entire landscape due to mole cricket damage. If you don’t want to be one of those people, read this advice on how to eliminate these pests from your lawn and garden. Getting rid of Mole Crickets chemically is quite easy. Pesticides are used that are either sprayed on the affected areas or are spread in a granular form. These methods are relatively effective, however it is worthwhile to not rush in with poisons and look for alternatives instead. The environment may be polluted and the members of your family are endangered with pesticide use. Also, the pesticides may directly or indirectly poi-
son the natural predators of the mole cricket, which means their populations are also reduced. The next generation of pest operates in a habitat less hostile to itself because the natural pest control that occurred has been disturbed. There is a more environmentally friendly way of pest control. It might be more arduous, but it avoids the pitfalls that accompany the chemical route. • Prepare a soapy solution in a bucket with non-detergent, soap-like product. This solution should be a low concentration – you don’t want to damage the plants or lawn. • Pour the solution into the entrance of the mole cricket’s burrow. Wait a few minutes – the crickets should start to come up to the surface as
they gasp for air. Collect the crickets and kill them.
Another more humane alternative is to use an organic garlic mixture to chase them away. The ingredients are as follows:• Mix 4 oz. of fresh, finely diced or pulverized garlic, 1 qt. of water, & 1 tbsp. of liquid dish detergent in a large glass container. • Let this sit & rest together after mixing for about an hour. • Strain through a fine sieve or a bit of cheesecloth into a tightly lidded glass jar. • Keep this in your refrigerator. It will keep for up to 6 weeks. • To apply to your yard, mix 1 part of this garlic solution to 10 parts water & spray on affected areas.
Strange House Cleaning Tips away even when you use those expensive products you see on the TV all day. Well there are some common but weird alternatives which can be used to help you spruce up your abode. These strange tips can save you time, money and your sanity.
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Use rice to clean inside vases, bottles or hard to reach areas by mixing rice with a water/vinegar solution, shaking vigorously and rinse out (rice is also good for putting into your salt pot to protect from moisture)
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Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream, then wipe with a soft cloth. It helps defog the mirror after showers.
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Shine small copper items by rubbing gently with a cotton swab dipped in ketchup. Rub off with a cotton cloth and they'll gleam.
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To remove mineral stains from glass built up by dishwashers or hard water areas rub with freshly peeled potato skins and buff
WD-40, can serve double duty as a cleaner, as well. It can be used it to remove the pesky glue that's so hard to get off when you peel labels or price tags off of plastic items. Just spray it on and rub it back off. It works like a charm, without harming the plastic itself.
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ousecleaning can be difficult especially with tough stains and uncomfortable scents that don’t go
stale white bread. We told you these tips were weird.
Banish children’s finger tip marks from your wall by rubbing with slightly moist,
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Remove old wax from a glass candle holder, put it in the freezer for a few hours.
Then take the candle holder out and turn it upside down. The wax will fall out.
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Spray a bit of perfume on the light bulb in any room to create a lovely a light scent in each room when the light is turned on. Be sure light bulb is cool before spraying it.
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Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar. Wait a few minutes, and then run the hot water. Saves loads on plumbing costs.
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Baby wipes are great for quickly cleaning phones, sticky purse linings, and dirty hands. Also, for a Sink touch-up, use baby wipes for spiffing up faucets and sinks (but they're not safe for marble or granite).
LIVING QUARTERS
Stop Leaks… Save Water And Money
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ne of the most common house problems is a leaky pipe. A small leak in a pipe under the kitchen or bathroom sink could grow into a larger headache including flooding and a hefty WASA bill. Before we pay a similar amount to an expensive plumber, knowing how to repair a small pipe leak serves at least as a temporary stoppage of the wastage, until the pros schedule you in. There are some common pipe problems that you can fix on your own. We go through the steps in this Do It Yourself editorial Materials: Eating soup with a fork, driving without music, using wrong tools to fix a leak, all of these make no sense. So make a list of the materials you will need to fix the leaky pipe. • • • • •
wrench screwdriver epoxy or putty duct tape or electrical tape hose clamps
Disassemble and drain. Next, use the wrench to disassemble the pipes to drain the water left inside: all the water must be removed from inside the pipes before you can start repairs. You can use the hose clamps if there are any problems in the pipe valves, make sure the hose clamps secure the pipes.
times the threaded joints that connect one piece of pipe to another can develop a leak because the joint loosens over the course of time. Once you’ve located the leak, close the main water valve; if you close it before, you won’t see the leaking water, will you? Take some cloth towels and completely mop up any spilled or standing water on the floor or on the plumbing fixtures. This way, once you're repaired the leak and turn the water back on, you will notice immediately if your repair didn't hold or if another leak has sprung because you'll see water seeping onto dry piping and flooring.
Find the leak. Next locate exactly where the leak is. It can be from a hole on the pipe or on one of the pipe connections. SomeABSTRACT HOME FEBRUARY 2015 4
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Possible Quick fixes. If the cause of the leak is not that big, you can fix it with epoxy or duct tape. If you are going to use duct tape, make sure to wrap multiple layers to ensure that the pipe will no longer leak. For pipe joints that you can’t use a clamp on, you can use epoxy instead. Although some brands of epoxy can be used even on wet surfaces, it is better to make sure that the pipe is clean and dry before applying epoxy. Place a good amount of epoxy on the leak and mold it properly. Another quick fix idea: If you notice there is a small hole in the pipe that is causing the leak, insert the tip of a lead pencil, then break it off as a filler for the hole, and wrap that section of pipe using electrical or duct tape. Put-
ting epoxy into any small holes, letting dry, then wrapping with electrical or duct tape often does the trick as well. Some of these will, trust us, look crude but when patching up a crack or hole in a pipe, aesthetics aren't as important as your success in sealing the damaged area to avoid water loss or damage.. Pipe Joints. Check that the threaded joints are tightened and you'll need a small wrench to accomplish that. Be careful not to tighten the joint with too much force or you may find yourself breaking the pipe completely if the material is already old and worn. You can also try getting a tighter fit for the joint by coating it with epoxy or plumber's putty before tightening the joint. Check your work. When you’ve completed your task, open the main valve of water to check whether the leak is actually fixed. Make sure there are no leaks anywhere by looking at the entire length of the pipe and not just the area that you repaired.
LIVING QUARTERS
Tips To Literally Weather Any Storm
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s much as we would not like to hear it, God is not a West Indian, nor an American or any other nationality for that matter. Therefore, it is up to us to look out for ourselves and not hope for miracles in times of disaster. The dry season can lull us into a false sense of security. Recent climate change can lead to a bad storm showing up at almost any time of year. With that said, Abstract Home is offering some information that should help to prepare you for the worst-case scenario of a bad storm. Should your city or town be in imminent danger of a big storm or hurricane, chances are evacuation measures would have been put in place by relative authorities. These evacuation announcements should at all times be taken seriously and not treated with the “don’t care’ attitude we Caribbean people have been known for: Here is a checklist to consider before you leave for an evacuation centre or home:
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Don’t Lose Your Identity: We know the fear of an impending hurricane may cause you to act strangely, but that’s not what we are talking about. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and timeconsuming to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates, high school diplomas or GED certificates, ti6
tles or deeds to property. Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so including these is important as well.
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Think Ahead for the Storm after the Storm: Think ahead and take video or photos of your property before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance checklist claims for damage that may need to be filed. You don’t need any more drama.
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Get A Place to stay: If staying with relatives is not an option, consider booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or state. Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary hurricane shelters. Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the hurricane will provide these for people in need.
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Don’t Forget Your Pet: Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind and try to find alternate housing for your loved one until it is safe to return, or check out pet-friendly hotels in your area.
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Keep a ‘clothes’ mind: Do not let the gravity of the situation cause your
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mind to wander off. Keep focused on the basics such as clothing. Designate a spot to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.
does wonders for morale.
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Stay Downwind: If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home. If the wind is hitting one window, go to the room opposite that window.
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Along with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Emergency Kit with the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small children - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food and the like should always be considered as well.. Count on the power being out for at least a day or two: Remember that ATM's will be nonoperating, so have at least some hard cash in your Emergency Kit to see you through the storm. When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids - so make sure you've stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car trunk. You may wonder why you should pack games at a time like that, but it
Stock up on Plywood: Plywood is a 'hot' commodity for those of who decide to stay through the storm. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the wind and rain is the wisest decision. If board is not available, protect your windows from the wind by criss-crossing them with layers of duct or packing tape. This will be enough protection for light-tomedium winds, but learning how to build and install plywood hurricane shutters is your safest bet. If you can afford it, have the plywood installed by a professional.
At All Costs, STAY INSIDE: However tempting it may be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from indoors - where it's safe, and dry! Hurricanes and the like are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of weather updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases storms are concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.
HOME OFFICE
Getting The Right Gadgets For Your Business
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adget envy is an epidemic among small business owners. But before you plunk down a big chunk of money for today's hottest gadget, think about whether you really need it and whether it will actually benefit your business. Put a dozen business professionals in a room and before long, they'll be talking about the latest trends in business gadgetry. Gadgets have quickly become a requirement for doing business. Without access to their electronic devices, many business leaders would struggle to stay on top of their daily routines and would find themselves frighteningly out of touch with their company's vital data. Today's technology clearly has benefits for business. But the question business professionals need to ask themselves is, "How much is too much?" At some point, technology crosses the line between a necessary 8
• Be rational. Gadget envy is often fueled by the hype that surrounds the release of a new product. When you're a gadget addict, it can feel like everyone else has bought the new product and you're going to fall behind if you don't become an early adopter. Resist the hype and take a rational approach to the decision making process.
tool and a luxury. And when you combine the cost of the hardware with the cost of monthly subscription rates, buying the latest gadget can become a drain on your business' bottom line. Gadget envy is powerful stuff. But it's important to make sure you're buying for the right reasons before you spend big bucks on a new device. With that in mind, here's our advice for avoiding unnecessary gadget purchases.
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• Evaluate value. Right away, you need to begin to evaluate the value the device has for your business. Does it help you do your job more productively? Great – but if the improvement is only marginal and the cost is exceptional, it might not be a wise investment. • Separate the device from the lifestyle. Early adopters of new technologies gain a certain amount of style points from being seen with
a hip, new device. But style points will only get you so far in business. Try to objectively distinguish the actual benefits of the device from your desire to participate in the lifestyle that surrounds cool, new technologies. • Identify key features. There's a good chance that not every feature of the new gadget will have a business benefit. So make a list of the device's key business features and then do a cost analysis based on the value of those features alone. In many cases, you'll find that you're buying a device that only has one or two legitimate business applications. • Wait. The best advice for techno-gadgeteers is to wait. New technologies almost always come down in price when competitors introduce similar devices to the marketplace.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Fluff It Up
This mood of this home library is significantly lightened by the colourful accents and creative lights while the pillows add a softer texture. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A soft center table and the addition of pillows to the sofa set make this space that much cozier. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A couch set replete with accent pillows goes a long way to bringing this large space together.
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ABSTRACT HOME
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KITCHEN
Rules For Waiting On The Table
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any people claim to be good hosts, but are they really? They may have loads of personality and be very responsive to all of their guests’ requests, yet after all is said and done they leave a bad impression because of a lack of knowledge of basic etiquette. A big part of hosting guests is supplying refreshments. You can be the best chef in the world, but if your presentation is poor, you may not get your intended results. With that in mind, Home has decided to give you some tips for waiting on tables, to boost your hosting capabilities and keep you from offending the prudes. Prudishness aside, it is only right to serve your honoured guests first. This adds esteem to the dinner and it shows appreciation for the honoured person. Warmth should resonate throughout a dining experience. This does not mean all the host has to do is give a warm smile. It means one should make sure to always heat the dishes in which
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warm food is served. Similarly, keep cold dishes in cold vessels and containers. Never fill the glasses and cups more than three-quarters full. Drinking a beverage should not be a balancing act. Be considerate enough to keep the glass from being so full that its contents spill. Also remember to fill the glasses before every course. When passing a plate, hold it so that the thumb will not rest on the upper surface. The thumb should run parallel to the edge of the plate, or the entire hand should be below the plate. We know your hands are supposed to be clean around dinner time, but all the same
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who knows where your hands have been? Whenever a refill has been requested, hold the glasses near the bottom and draw them to the edge of the table. When they are at the edge, you may remove them from the table. Pass dishes from the left side if passing to a person who is going to help themselves to a portion. In this way they can take the dish with the right hand. The dish should ideally be placed in a tray and held low and near to the person who is being served. When passing a dish to an individual who does not help himself, set it down slowly and gently from the right hand side. This is usually practiced when passing coffee and the like. When the dishes are being served by a person at the table, stand at the left hand of that person, hold your tray low and near the table, and put one plate at a time on the tray and place it before the person for whom it is intended, setting it down from the right side.
All too often people remove plates and utensils by stacking them one on top of the other. Instead, remove the plate and small dishes one at a time after you have removed the spoons, knives and forks. This should be done after each course by taking the tray in the left hand and standing on the left of each person. Before the dessert is served, remove the crumbs from the cloth, either with a brush or a crumb knife. Structure is key to keeping a good setting. Do not let the table become disordered during the meal. Order helps keep the ambiance as well as it makes life easier for you the host. Being a host does not mean that you have to wait on the guests hand and foot and serve everything. When visiting guests are involved, the hostess should serve the soup, salad, dessert and coffee, and, at a family dinner, the vegetables and entrees. The host should serve the fish and meat in nonvegetarian settings.
RECIPES
Italian Recipes
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hat most people think of as Italian cooking, featuring pasta and tomato sauces, is really the cuisine of Southern Italy, suitably modified to suit our Caribbean tastes. Spaghetti and meatballs, for example, is Italian-American, since in Italy, pasta is a side dish and not an entree.
ASPARAGUS, ITALIAN STYLE Ingredients • 2 bunches of asparagus • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted shortening • lemon juice • red pepper • salt Instructions 1. Cut tender parts of asparagus into short lengths and set to boil till quite tender. 2. Take up, drain, and put into saucepan with oil, few drops lemon juice, sprinkling of red pepper and salt. 3. Let get thoroughly hot, and serve on slices of fried bread.
VEAL OR PORK CHOPS, ITALIAN Ingredients • 6 good sized veal or pork chops • 2 cups canned or fresh mushrooms • 2 tablespoons vinegar • 1-½ cups water • 2 cloves • Few grains mace • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 tablespoons corn oil • 1 teaspoon corn syrup • 1 tablespoon Argo or Kingsford's Cornstarch • ½ cup canned tomato • ½ tablespoon lemon juice Instructions 1. Italian Recipe, Broil the chops as usual. 18
2. In the meantime cook the mushrooms five minutes in the vinegar and water with the cloves, mace and salt. 3. Then slice, put in a saucepan with the corn oil and corn syrup, cook five minutes, add the cornstarch, the tomato, lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. 4. Put the chops on a platter, pour the sauce over and serve with boiled rice.
ITALIAN DRESSING Instructions 1. Put in a bowl 1/2 teaspoon of salt, a dash of cayenne, or 1/2 saltspoonful of paprika, and one tablespoon of tomato catsup; add gradually, stirring constantly, 4 tablespoons of olive-oil. 2. Add-1 clove of garlic mashed to a pulp, and 1 tablespoon of tarragon vinegar, and stir until well blended.
ITALIAN SANDWICHES Instructions 1. Beat up the yolk of an egg with nearly a quarter of a pint of cold water, and make with it into a stiff paste a quarter of a pound of flour, into which 2 ounces of good butter have been rubbed, 1 1/2 ounces of sifted sugar, and a little cinnamon. 2. Put this paste on a board and roll it out very thin (it should not be quite a quarter of an inch thick), divide it into strips an inch in width, and from 3 to 4 inches in length. 3. These strips must be first hardened. 4. Put them in a cool, well-ventilated place. 5. In the meantime prepare the following mixture: Beat the whites of 3 eggs to a froth, with 2 ounces of powdered loaf sugar. 6. Blanch and pound 2 ounces of sweet and 12 bitter almonds, mix them with the egg-froth until it is a soft, smooth paste,
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when spread half the strips of paste with the mixture, and cover with the other half. 7. Bake a pale brown. 8. Time, eighteen minutes to bake.
ITALIAN STEAK Instructions 1. Take 2 or 3 pounds of steak from the rump or fillet--let it be quite an inch and a half in thickness. 2. Brown it in a stewpan with 2 or 3 ounces of butter, turning it frequently over a quick fire. 3. When brown alike on both sides, remove the steak to a baking-pan, with a tight-fitting lid. 4. Fry 2 medium-sized onions, sliced, a shallot, minced, and a bunch of parsley in the same butter. 5. Throw this over the steak in the pan. 6. Add 2 large wineglassfuls of port, and 2 breakfast-cups of stock, with a root of celery cut into pieces, 2 pickled gherkins, 4 or 5 cloves, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. 7. Cover down the lid tight, that no steam may escape, and let it bake in the oven nearly an hour and a half, when put in a turnip and a carrot, whole, and close as before. 8. If the roots are young they will be done in half an hour. 9. Cut them into dice, and lay them over the top of the steak, which should be placed on a hot dish. 10. Send to table with the gravy strained over.
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2 teaspoons fresh oregano) 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 large can tomato sauce + 1 medium can tomato sauce (approximately 4 1/2 - 5 cups of tomato sauce) 12 dry lasagna noodles 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons dried parsley 1 teaspoon salt 1 pound grated mozzarella cheese 2 additional tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
LASAGNA
Instructions 1. In a large saucepan, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat; drain fat. Mix in garlic, basil, oregano, and salt. Stir in tomato sauce. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain. 3. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, Parmesan cheese, parsley and 1 teaspoon salt. 4. Cover the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a layer of lasagna noodles. Cover noodles with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture, 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the sauce. Repeat with another layer of noodles, then ricotta, mozzarella and sauce. Top with remaining noodles and sauce. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and the remaining mozzarella over the top. 5. Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients • 1 pound of lean ground beef • 1 finely chopped shallot • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil) • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or
Notes • You may also add lightly cooked zucchini or eggplant or raw spinach for a vegetable-filled lasagne • Lasagne can be prepared ahead and reheated the next day; often, it tastes even better.
BRIDAL
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Do You Need Counseling?
elationships often end for minor reasons. This can leave a sour taste in the mouths of those who split. However, counseling can help couples get past issues and forge greater ties. Do you think you need counseling? This quiz can help. 1. When you casually mention a friend of the opposite sex, your partner reacts by: A: Engaging in a polite conver sation about the person B: Acting uninterested C: Freaking out in a jealous rage 2. Which TV character’s personality reminds you most of your partner? A: Dr. Gregory House from “House” (nasty and abrupt tone) B: George Costanza from “Seinfeld” (immature and unmotivated) C: Alex P. Keaton from “Family Ties” (conservative) 20
3. When we have a disagreement, big or small, here’s how it usually goes down: A: I do most of the talking B: He or she does most of the talking C: We talk at each other
you and your partner like to do? A: We veg on the couch together B: We do our own thing, usually partying with friends C: We go to a quiet place for dinner so we can play catch-up
4. Your sexual connection seems most like the following couple’s: A: Tom and Katie B: Angelina and Brad C: Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Answers 1. The person who chose C is in serious conflict with their mate. Counseling is the best bet. 2. C is the only acceptable answer here. This doesn’t mean A & B signal doom. It means
5. In your free time, what do
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you should work it out with a mediator. 3. Relationships are a give and take. No one should be taking at the other, nor should anyone be dictating the conversation. Counseling is required once no real resolution is derived. 4. This was pretty much a trick question. No celebrity couple should be able to dictate your connection. However, whether spicy, freaky or quiet, it is important to do what is comfortable for you. 5. B can set a dangerous precedent. A & C can work depending on the personalities of both parties. What is important is that you both feel fulfilled at the end of it all. There is no set rule for any particular relationship except, that both parties should be fully committed and trust each other with love and understanding at the fulcrum of it all.
FAMILY
Teen Dating From The Parents Side
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o your daughter thinks she has found the young man of her dreams and she wants to start dating. Many parents become nervous and uneasy when their teenager approaches them about dating and I guess it’s because the first concern that pops into their head is “Oh my God he/she wants to become sexually active”. In today’s world it’s important for parents to be involved in their children’s social lives. Once you have done the necessary ground work- and ground work means once you are comfortable with the morals and values you have instilled in your teenagers-having an open and honest conversation will not seem all that daunting. If you haven’t done much ground work don’t be discouraged, I’ll guide you. Also it’s worth mentioning here that before you are even approached by your teen about the subject, you should already be taking note of academic performance, interpersonal skills, their strengths, weaknesses, sense of self and how they cope with disappointment. Ask your teen what his or her concept of dating is, use this opportunity to listen attentively taking note of any misconceptions your teen may be presenting so that you can address them later. Find out what they hope to achieve in the relationship and what they believe they have to offer. Explain to your teen that his/her purpose for dating will determine the eventual outcome of the relationship; for example if they tell you “everyone in my class is doing it” or “I’m old enough,” these are are not solid enough reasons to engage in dating. Dating should be a spring 22
board to help enhance certain personality and character traits and to understand and relate to the opposite sex. Dating is a great way to learn how to treat other people and allows your teen to discover how he/she wants to be treated by others. Through the experience your teen should expect to become more confident and self-sufficient. There are stages of dating. Maybe there are no hard and fast rules, especially since human sexuality and interaction has changed somewhat in the 21st century, but there are good guidelines for people who are wondering “So we’re going out, what next?” As a parent it is also important to understand the phases so that you can give guidance and advice accordingly. • Friendship is the first and logical stage. If healthy friendships aren’t maintained easily then the second stage is a non-issue. • The friendship then moves into dating itself, but it gets more complicated, dating has three phases- the casual, special, and steady. The first step is necessary and allows the opportunity for young adults to get acquainted with members of the opposite sex and understand how they react to life. Steady dating has a limited degree of emotional involvement and is where all the serious stuff happens. The teens decide to go out exclusively and emotions also run a lot deeper. If all goes well it will take your teen to the final stages, the engaged, –to-be-engaged, formal engagement, and finally marriage. If you feel that your teen is not ready for a relationship, do
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not just dismiss them without an explanation, voice your concerns or fears. Say if you feel they are immature, if religious convictions do not permit it or if the person to whom they are attracted is questionable. Once you’ve decided you are okay with your son or daughter having a boyfriend or girlfriend, it is wise to also discuss sexual behaviour. What you say to your teen will depend largely on your family values, spirituality and your knowledge of critical health issues. But discussing this is important. If you don’t they may take this to mean, you are okay with whatever choice they make and really you shouldn’t be. To kiss or not to kiss on a first date is a great way to start a conversation about sexual behaviour. It is also very appropriate to enquire about the parents of the individual your child might be dating. Let’s face it the Brady bunch or Cosby show type families are few. A telephone call goes a long way. It says that you are interested in your teen’s affairs and that it is very important to you to know who they associate with. If you sense a lack of interest on the other parent’s side then it just means you need to play closer attention to that imminent relationship. To exercise a bit of control without seeming nosy as teenagers see it, offer to be the chauffeur, (that is drop off and pick up). This is also a subtle way of enforcing a curfew. Encourage them to double date if you are really nervous. I find it also helpful if parents casually toss ideas as to great places to go, and do encourage participation dates. These are dates that call for an investment of conversation by both parties. Be sure to invite that new
boyfriend or girlfriend to your family’s outings and gatherings. It is a wonderful time to observe personalities because we all tend to become very relaxed when we are in a homey situation and unless you are a secret agent your true colours will show. Ensure that your teen is learning all the important things that a healthy relationship can teach, such as honesty, trust and respect, and see that their values are being enhanced and their emotions are in check. Many unpleasant situations like date rape, physical abuse, mental abuse, drug use, could be avoided if parents took the time out to research and become involved in their children’s social activities. Yes, they will call you miserable, old and all the mean names they can think of, but wouldn’t you rather be unpopular than sorry you tried to be cool and failed to protect your child? Preparing a son/ daughter to date is exciting for them and may be a bit so for you, but also make sure they are in touch with reality and understand that romances aren’t always predictable. This is really a time when they will be growing mentally and understanding their likes and dislikes in the opposite sex and while it is okay to feel hurt when a relationship ends, it’s not the end of the world. How they handle a break up though, depends quite a bit on your parenting and the quality of guidance you gave during the whole dating process. Look for signs of dependence, obsession or fantastic visions of a “happily ever after”. Dating should be an enriching and wonderful time for all involved so do what you think is necessary and reasonable to make so.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Short Hair Tricks And Tips
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f you have short hair, don’t despair. There are ways to make your short hair stand out. Try this twists to spruce up your look. Perfect Parts - Create a hot new side part or experiment with your existing part to create new movement and hair flow. Play with very high or extremely low partings to add different dimensions to your current style. Bang It - Add or alter existing bangs to provide an instant new look to your current style. Try a super short Cleopatra fringe or longer asymmetric bangs. Create Contrast - Mix textures to dramatize the do. If you have super straight bangs try a halo of crimped locks, tousled curls or loose waves (you know where to buy them) at the back. Or use a range of hot irons to crimp, curl or smooth strands can work, if you’ve got the time… we’re always late as is. Play with asymmetrical partings and uneven sides to create a completely different look to suit those completely different moods. Go Bold - Match a zigzag parting hair do with bold contrasting streaks of color for a over the top finish. Try a messy center parting with alternating shades of highlights to create a choppy look.
Rough It Up - Use a blow dryer and roughdry hair with fingers to create an up-to-the-minute turbo-tousled style (This is my everyday look, aka the no-comb girl!) If you’ve got the length, you can pin the ruffled hair loosely around the top of the crown for a look of fullness. Random Crimping - Use a crimping iron to create random textures and edgy movement. Experiment until you find the ultimate random look… and don’t raise your eyebrows now, you’re the one shaved half your head to draw a star. Have hair extensions randomly added to create instant fullness and added mayhem Double Dip - Tip the ends of your strands in a much darker or lighter hue. Color rocks right? Go easy on the shock value though. Dreads - Add a generous amount of gel and twist random sections into faux dreads, best for days close to hairdresser appointment, to wash out that goo. Gel It Back – Slick it all back, think Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct *tsssss hot!* Add a bucket load of gel to hair and brush it back off the forehead and behind ears into a super sleek look. This I’ve always loved with a plain vest, large earrings, stilettos and my purple Nine West bag, but I digress.
Mature Fashion Mistakes
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ome women just give up on style when they cross age 50. It doesn’t have to be like that. Just wear the right clothing without too much effort and you will be surprised at what you can pull off. Here are some examples of people who don’t take our advice. The first mistake is one that is way too commonly seen in the Caribbean. While something may have been the biggest fashion craze in the 80’s it does not mean that you should bring it forward into ought’s. Don’t hold on to outdated styles. This goes for hair as well. Style is seasonal. Another mistake that is commonly made is when women ruin their outfits with shoes that are obviously geared only for comfort. Of course it makes sense to dress comfortably. After all, style should be functional as well. We often see college girls follow the trend of wearing sweaters around their waist. It has become a bit of a fashion statement and it certainly is handy when students have to attend classes in air-condiw w w . a m g tt. c o m
tioned spaces. However, older women who no longer have college bodies can find themselves going afoul of fashion with that choice. While convenient, tying a sweater around your waist can add inches to that part of your body. Our dear Prime Minister would have recently warned us about the dangers of wearing leggings wrong. However, her mistake is not the only mistake with leggings. Some choose to wear them as pants. Leggings are too sheer and clingy to be worn as pants. Try pairing them with a longer shirt or tunic to cover your behind. However, don’t pair them with a business suit and space boots.
FEBRUARY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Facts About Fibromyalgia
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ibromyalgia is a disorder that causes muscle pain and fatigue (feeling tired). People with fibromyalgia have “tender points” on the body. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them. What Are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia? People with fibromyalgia may also have other symptoms, such as: • Trouble sleeping • Morning stiffness • Headaches • Painful menstrual periods • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet • Problems with thinking and memory (sometimes called “fibro fog”). What Causes Fibromyalgia? The causes of fibromyalgia are unknown. There may be a number of factors involved. Fibromyalgia has been linked to: • Stressful or traumatic events, such as car accidents • Repetitive injuries • Illness • Certain diseases. Fibromyalgia can also occur on its own. Some scientists think that a gene or genes might be involved in fibromyalgia. The genes could make a person react strongly to things that other people would not find painful. Who Is Affected by Fibromyalgia? Between 80 and 90 percent of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women. However, men and children also can have the disorder. Most people are diagnosed during middle age. People with certain other diseases may be more likely to have fibromyalgia. These diseases include: • Rheumatoid arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus (commonly called lupus) • Ankylosing spondylitis (spinal arthritis). 24
Women who have a family member with fibromyalgia may be more likely to have fibromyalgia themselves. How Is Fibromyalgia Treated? Fibromyalgia can be hard to treat. It's important to find a doctor who is familiar with the disorder and its treatment. Many family physicians, general internists, or rheumatologists can treat fibromyalgia. Rheumatologists are doctors who specialize in arthritis and other conditions that affect the joints or soft tissues. Fibromyalgia treatment often requires a team approach. The team may include your doctor, a physical therapist, and possibly other health care providers. A pain or rheumatology clinic can be a good place to get treatment. What Can I Do to Try to Feel Better? There are many things you can do to feel better, including: • Taking medicines as prescribed • Getting enough sleep • Exercising • Eating well • Making work changes if necessary. What Research is Being Done on Fibromyalgia? Around the globe, researchers are currently studying: • Why people with fibromyalgia have increased sensitivity to pain. • Medicines and behavioral treatments. • Whether there is a gene or genes that make a person more likely to have fibromyalgia. • The use of imaging methods, such as magnetic resonate imaging (MRI), to better understand fibromyalgia. • Inflammation in the body and its relationship to fibromyalgia. • Nondrug therapies to help reduce pain. • Methods to improve sleep in people with fibromyalgia.
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Get Into Shape And Look Sexy Doing It
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here are many ways to get fit, but few as provocative and liberating as strippercise. Yes people, s-t-r-i-p-pe-r-c-i-s-e! Pole workers have become all the rage as women seek the highly sought after bodies of strippers. Here are some benefits.
sidered a form of cardiovascular exercise. Because you’re moving about, an understatement, during most of the stripping and pole dance tutorial your body burns calories at an impressive rate, almost as impressive as that running spin you’re imagining right now.
Keeps Women Motivated One of the best things about strippercise and pole dancing is that it helps keep women interested. Anyone trying to lose weight should try finding an activity they actually enjoy. Since strippercise fitness classes are designed to be a lot of fun, women who are really interested in pole dancing and stripping are likely to enjoy it… you know you secretly are/wish your girl would.
Pole Dancing makes the Body Flexible There are a few ways in which strippercise classes can make your body more flexible. Prior to beginning your stripping and pole dance class, everyone will need to do some warmup stretches, which are usually similar to yoga and Pilates – at the end you’ll be a pro. A Strippercise class also gets you into dance positions that you might not normally try or be able to maneuver without trained assistance.
For Women Only Other than the awkwardness of exercising in gyms alongside men in general, ok sure you’re there to do your do, your focus is on your upper thigh and you are unaware of either left right up or down… sweating just ain’t cute, unless you’re SUPER cute, but back on the point: gyrating and climbing that pole upside down will probably see 99% males signing up to watch the 1% slide. Burn Calories Well of course it does. And burning calories is one of the key essentials to losing weight. Since strippercise incorporates pole dance and stripping, it is con-
Strip tease to please This might be a bit of a duh but, remember you went into this for the exercise. Now look at you already thinking you’re a pro stripper. Strippercise classes equal new sexy strip/dance moves plus an enthusiastic partner which totals amazing sex life. Come to think of it, you can do it totally for this reason versus exercise, though you’re going to be stuck burning calories and getting fit in the process. I’m asking the same question as the rest of you, where do I sign up!
GARAGE
PETS
Things You Should Not Store In Your Garage
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ome people see their garage as a room to facilitate wanton hoarding. While it is true that garages are no longer just for parking cars, there are limits to what should be stored in your garage. Clothing and Bedding Rodents would just love to nest in your extra duvet. Let them find a B&B farther down the block. Plus, it is usually way too damp for storing clothing; as the items will mildew. Fresh Foods Some of you may be thinking we are crazy for even mentioning this while others may be saying, “but I always keep my food there.” For those of you in the latter, you need to stop. In theory, a nice cool room would be a great place to keep extra potatoes, carrots, onions, and etcetera. However, ants, mice, and rats think so, too. Plus, car exhaust fumes and toxic chemicals also stored in the garage can pose health risks for you if they contaminate your food. Wine Because this room is not insulated, the temperature fluctuates 26
too much to make it a good spot to keep the fruits of the vine. Paintings People often see the garage as the perfect place to store art. However, we think you shouldn’t stow your art away anyway. It needs to be seen. In any event, seasonal décor changes may require art storage. But don’t put your paintings in the garage as temperature and humidity changes can make paint flake and crack and cause the canvas to expand and contract. Hazardous Materials You may think hazardous materials are better kept stored outside of the living quarters. However, once properly sealed and child-proofed they pose much less of a threat than storing it in your garage. Why? If it is toxic, you should not hold on to it beyond usage time. It should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. This extends to highly flammable and dangerous content. Propane tanks should be stored outside the garage. Set cylinders on a flat surface outdoors, away from your house to prevent the danger of ignition.
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Would You Rather A Reptile For A Pet?
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ot many Trinbagonians are keen on the idea of having pet snakes or any exotic pet for that matter. Locally, people would prefer to eat reptiles (iguana comes to mind) than take care of them. Yet, there are instances where you will find pet snakes being bred in some households. If you are thinking about joining that rare fraternity, these tips should help to prepare you. Some snakes do much better in captivity than others, so you'll want to choose a species that is known for health and hardiness in captivity. Some snakes have wilder, aggressive temperaments than others. You'll want a type of snake that is easy to tame and is known for its good temperament. Some snakes are not inclined to eat frozen, thawed rodents. Most people, especially novice owners, won't want to feed live prey to their snake, so a species of snake known to be a good eater – one that will be content with frozen/thawed rodents – is the way to go. Some snakes grow very large as adults, and most people don't have unlimited space to keep a
snake. A snake cage about four feet in length is a good size for most homes, and a snake that grows to between four and five feet will be comfortable in a habitat that size. Please do not buy a snake that you will not be able to house when it becomes an adult. Captive-bred snakes are generally healthier than wild snakes. The stress of captivity on wild snakes makes them more susceptible to illness; wild snakes also typically carry a lot of parasites. Captive-bred snakes are generally easier to handle and more willing to eat frozen, thawed prey. I do not recommend purchasing wild-caught snakes for several reasons, the most important one being you are removing them from their natural habitat where, in my opinion, they deserve to be.
TRAVEL
Avoiding Jet Lag
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et lag is inevitable when you are traveling long distances by plane, and it can leave you feeling completely wrecked for several days to a week after you arrive at your destination. It is caused when you cross multiple time zones (which tend to disrupt your circadian rhythms, confusing your natural 24-hour body clock). These rhythms regulate your waking and sleeping hours and keeps you aligned with your environment. Symptoms of jet lag may include: Fatigue, Insomnia, Disorientation, Swollen hands and feet, Headaches, Digestive problems and lightheadedness. For people who simply cannot afford the few days to completely recover from the physical and mental exhaustion of jet lag, there are a number of simple preparatory steps you can do before, during and after your long flight to minimize your jet lag fatigue. Get Your Mind Right If you want to get more out of the start of your holiday, it's important to be well rested before you embark. It's best to leave the airport in a calm state of mind; otherwise you pay at the other end.
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drink lots of water before, during, and after your flight. Experts recommend that you drink at least two 8-ounce glasses just before departure and 1 liter for every hour you spend in the air -- in addition to beverages you drink with meals. Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink up. Thirst doesn't necessarily precede the symptoms of dehydration, which can set in without warning. More than fifty per cent of prominent jet lag is psychological. If you think you're going to suffer badly, then you will. Monitor Your Hydration For 12 hours before, as well as during, your flight, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Although caffeine can help keep you awake longer, it makes you wake up more often once you do fall asleep and so reduces total sleep time. It also dehydrates you. Cabin air dehydrates passengers, and altitude changes can quicken the effects of alcohol (the rule of thumb is one drink in the air is the same as two or three on the ground). A cocktail may relax you, but it's also apt to dry you out, and even worsen symptoms of jet lag. With that said, be sure to
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Eat carefully Pressurized cabins can have odd effects on your gastro intestinal system. Avoid gas producing foods preflight, such as apples, apricots, beans, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower - even milk if you’re lactose intolerant. And pack high fiber snacks in your carry-on, such as dried fruit, nuts and whole grain granola bars. Dehydration and lack of activity can also often result in post-flight constipation, even among those who never experience it at home. If you often have irregularity, bring your favorite remedy - it may not be available in foreign pharmacies. If you plan ahead and follow a pre-flight diet that alternates high-protein meals with high-carb meals, you may
significantly reduce jetlag. Do Mini Workouts Exercising on a long flight will help alleviate such common discomforts as backaches, swollen legs and feet and general fatigue. Stretch at regular intervals and walk up and down the aisles of the plane from time to time to prevent dangerous blood clots from forming. See if melatonin is for you Consider taking the nonprescription drug melatonin. Research suggests that the body uses this hormone to set its time clock. Because melatonin seems to control when we go to sleep and when we wake up, a number of scientists advocate supplements to alleviate jet lag. Some (but not all) studies suggest that taking 3 milligrams of fastrelease melatonin prior to bedtime for several days after arrival in a new time zone can ease the transition. Keep Up With the Times If you're travelling west over four or more time zones make sure you get bright natural light in the early evening. This will help you to adapt to the new time.
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