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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t takes an extraordinary type of sourpuss to dislike flowers. Not only are flowering plants vital to our environment, but they add immense curb appeal once planted properly. If you want a flower garden and you want it to look good, here are some tips. Create a Plan A major part of the planning process for your flower garden is determining what sort of light conditions your plant requires. You have to decide whether a fully sunlit, shady, or combination location will work the best. Considering the types of flowers intended for the bed is the best way to locate it appropriately. Some flowers need full sunlight to thrive. Many of these are drought resistant. Others prefer shade, withering in direct sunlight, and still other varieties like both. Some of the flowers which thrive in full sunlight are Geraniums, Lavender, Petunia and Sunflowers. Begonia, Hydrangea and snapdragon favour shady locations while Violet, Pansies, Christmas Roses and Trillium favour a mixture of conditions. Border your Bed Once you know which flowers you want to plant, you have to prepare the bed. Many will use a lawn or bare ground as the backdrop for the garden, but a flower bed must possess some type of garden border that defines it while holding in the soil and containing plant and weed
Fancy A Flower Garden? growth. Experts have posited that rock or masonry borders provide an added advantage to seedlings and young bedding plants. That is because they absorb the sun's warmth during the daylight. When the soil cools after sundown, they release that warmth into the soil, keeping tender shoots warm and promoting plant growth.
potassium. The pH level for neutrality is around 7. After the testing is completed, you have the option of proceeding with your gardening or enriching the soil if needed. This process does not have to be difficult or costly. You can purchase topsoil, manure or compost the soil till it tests positively for sufficient nutrient content.
Check the Soil Once you have the designated area mapped out, then comes the science. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science, but it is vital to the success of your garden. Soil testing is commonly regarded as the most important factor to the success of the flower garden. Get a soil pH kit at your garden center and check for acidity and alkalinity levels. A neutral pH is one that fosters the availability of vital nutrients such as nitrogen and
Get the Right Tools Never overlook the importance of using the right tools when gardening. New bedding plants require delicate handling, and a set of gardening tools affords gardeners greater dexterity. Planting tools include a trowel for digging small planting holes, a claw for aerating soil and mixing seeds with soil, and a spike for digging out roots and rocks that hinder planting. A larger gardening spade is great to have on hand for planting or transw w w . a m g tt. c o m
planting larger plants. Weeding Weeding is necessary to ensure the health of your garden. Weeds compete for space, water and nutrients with your flowers. Be very vigilant when it comes to weed removal. Plus, consider that prevention is always better than cure. Try discouraging weeds from the start by lining the flower bed with weed-proof landscape fabric. The fabric comes in rolls that are easy to spread out at the base of the bed prior to adding soil and compost. Made of water permeable material, landscape fabric allows the bed to drain naturally but blocks ingress of weeds that try to invade from beneath the bed. If these measures are put in place, the likelihood of having a stronger, prettier flower garden will increase.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Working With White Bedroom Furniture
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hite furniture is generally a theme for a bedroom. This is mostly used by interior decorators and other designers who work on contract basis for any company or on an individual basis. White bedroom furniture is very classy. Bedrooms that are decorated in white can have wooden as well as metal furniture. As the background is white in colour all types of furniture look elegant and classy, but if you a particular theme in mind then I guess contrasting colour on the furniture might be good. White furniture usually is of wood with stylish designs on it. A common theme for furniture for a white bedroom is dark coloured wooden furniture. This makes the room look very trendy and stylish. One can have a nice double bed made of tough mahogany
wood with dark coloured stripes on it. The colour of the furniture can be a little on the brighter side so that the contrast would not be too great. Bedroom furniture always should be on the lighter side so that not too many shades will be incorporated into the design making the whole
bedroom a dull place. White makes the space look very roomy and large, so you need to think about the space too while designing the interior of the particular bedroom. You also need to keep the light factor in mind as it makes the bedroom brighter thus making the
room look brighter and spacious too. Children tend to like white bedroom furniture and white bedrooms bring in a lot of freshness. If you get good furniture that suits the colour of the bedroom then it will really be very attractive. Colours like brown, black, polished grey and polished brown should be used on the furniture. Also nice glossy looking sun-mica can be applied to the furniture giving it a nice warm feeling. A white bedroom is really a good canvas for all interior decorators as they can apply the theme of woods in the bedroom making it a whole new experience for those who live in that house. Such bedroom furniture is a bit on the expensive side. Also, the furniture should be stylized by applying polish so that it resists all the external factors like termites etc.
DIY Furniture Fixes
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urniture often becomes part of the family. After all, good furniture is as much a part of our family landscape, traditions and memories as the individuals themselves. That’s why people tend to want to fix furniture before deciding to get rid of it. If you need a furniture fix, but you are unsure of how to go about it, this may help you out.
To cover up scratches, gouges, and nicks in a finish, use a like colored crayon, filler stick, or touch up marker to hide the blemish. If you're a real go-getter, consider re-finishing old furniture all together. For sticky drawers that run on wood slides, apply a paste wax to the drawer and the slide in order to solve the problem. If your steel framed bed is squeaky, try applying a little lu2
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bricating oil to the rivets to quiet things down. If it's a wood frame, you're probably going to have to re-glue the joints.
Bringing in the Big Dogs Of course, not all furniture is to be trusted with a DIY quick fix, and not all fixes are within your average Joe's ability to perform. In such cases, your best bet is to contact an experienced furniture-repair company to take care of your job for you. A good furniture repairman can work wonders, including, but not limited to: repairing broken wooden legs and feet, fabricating missing parts, refinishing, repairing water damage, repairing burns, reupholstering, repairing and tuning pianos and securing loose joints.
For wobbly chairs, use a rubber mallet to knock loose all joints that aren't tight. Once you've got them apart, wrap all exposed spindles with thread before regluing the joints. You'll get a tighter fit and hopefully fix the problem.
Whether your furniture was damaged in a move, has simply worn down with daily use, or you just want to touch it up and get it looking and working like new, there is an answer. Talk to a qualified furniture-repair specialist for all your repair needs
LIVING QUARTERS
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Using The Right Home Theater Furniture
oday's life is a modern life. Many people are investing in the latest things like home theater systems and multi-channel surround sound. Whether you place your home theater system in your living room or bedroom or in a separate room, it is incomplete without home theater furniture. So there is need of good home theater furniture and it has been increasing steadily now. The furniture for your home theater is very important and you cannot do anything without it. We may get furniture of various shapes, sizes and designs. There are various items of home theater furniture such as television stands, theater seating, DVD storage racks, home theater tables and many more. On your list of home theater furniture an entertainment stand should be first, because it provides a single space for your entertainment systems. This is very useful for those persons who have limited space in their home. Home theater furniture is made up of different types of wood. Cherry and Maple wood is most often used for it. Oak is
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also used for making this furniture. When you are shopping for home furniture you have to keep your budget in mind. You can get good furniture even if you have a small budget. However, there are many choices if your budget is large. If you have a large budget then you can go for cabinets, which come with various advantages. It comes with doors that we can close when the television is not in use. These cabinets are suitable for flat screen televisions. If you have a small budget then you can get television stands instead of cabinets. They are good but do not have doors. There are places in this type of furniture where you can put decorative items. You may need some place for audio equipment,
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because it is also an important part of your home theater system. There has to be a place to store DVD's and CD's. You may find various types of DVD and CD racks on the market. They are available in different sizes and shapes. You can select according to the size and style of your room. The correct home theater furniture will provide you all the entertainment storage space that you need. Seats are also very important in home theater furniture. Seats should be comfortable, because you and your family will sit on them for hours to watch movies or other programmes. There are many options for sofas and chairs. You select them according to your budget, size
of your room, number of people you want to accommodate and comfort. Plush recliners are comfortable and a popular seating option that is ideal for home theater furniture. They have a cup holder so that you can enjoy your favorite movie with your favorite coffee. You can buy small side tables in case your recliner does not have a cup holder. These tables have wooden or glass tops. People mostly prefer glass tops. If you have a separate room just for home theater then you can choose furniture like the furniture in movie theaters with beverage holders, which are also comfortable. If you have a large budget then you can go for cabinets and seating, that will increase the value of your home movie watching experience. Today home theater furniture is very popular and so that manufacturers offer various options to customers. Home theater furniture is important to those who really want to enjoy movie theater experience at their home. Therefore your furniture must be stylish and comfortable. Poor choice of furniture could spoil the enjoyment.
LIVING QUARTERS
Get Excited About Your Windows
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inally, the living room is almost complete! Months of plastering and molding, along with the awesome hues have ended as splendidly as it looks in the pages you clipped out of the Home magazine. The windows do look somewhat mundane don’t they? The room’s windows are the portal of light, natural light that is, much different to and cheaper than your fanciful ambience light. Other than its practical use of fresh air, hopefully, it’s an immediate attention grabber, the larger the better. You can instantly transform the look of your living room with new window treatments. Find the one that best complements your taste and the style of your space. There are regular curtain styles such as the ‘swag window treatment’ - a semicircular piece of pleated fabric attached above a window, usually paired with a cascade and jabot. The swag fits best in traditional, timeless rooms. There are also the billowing balloon shades which give the effect of graceful, flowing draperies while remaining enclosed in the window frame. Kick it up a notch. Illuminating Curtain Rods. While traditional rods and fini6
window treatment to new heights. Ceiling-Mount Hardware is an unexpected way to hang a window treatment that gives great results. The eye is drawn upward, making squat windows appear taller, and the finishes (bronze or pewter) are completely modern
als have been around for years, new twists on old favorites can instantly light up a lackluster window. This couldn't be more literal than with the "LED" curtain rod collection. The rods come with built-in lights that are lit from an external source, illuminating draperies from above. Energy efficient LED lighting is definitely an eco-friendly option and your windows will shine no matter the time of day Extraordinary Curtains. Window trends today mix the traditional with the unexpected. Dressing up your window with unusual hardware takes your
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Modern Tension Rods. This is industrial design giving way to futuristic convenience in cozy living spaces—that means clean lines and high-tech metals mixing with fabrics and textures that make you feel comfortable. The sleek tension rod comes in three lengths, three colors (antique gold, black and pewter) and it almost invisibly holds up a window covering. Tension rods can also be used outdoors because of their rust-proof steel. Decorative Window Decals. Seen on cars but never in your wildest dreams have you considered them for your living room! Window decals and adhesives are a quick fix for a window that requires privacy, but still needs to let light through. These films can be cut to fit any window shape and are easily removed, plus all you need for ‘application’ is water to apply these translucent patterns: Moroccan tile, flowers
& lace, pixels and clover. Panel for Windows. Putting a panel meant for a wall inside your window is crazy talk; it also happens to be an extremely easy way to accessorize a window. Wall panels ideal for windows are those that are transparent or translucent, have some sort of graphic element or pattern and, most importantly, fit inside the window frame. Adding an urban edge to any window, the panel lets light through while slightly obscuring the view Hands Free Control. Dusk rolls around and the daily "closing of the window blinds" ritual has begun. Manually closing certain window treatments can cause wear and tear to the strings, eventually ending in frustration or new blinds. Enter the collection of electrical-powered motorized shades and blinds. The options are vast for size and the kind of window treatment you choose to motorize. These are operated via remote or light switch, the window treatments are set to open to a predetermined length. A sensor prevents the window treatment from folding up past its height; let’s not hope the power doesn’t go off!
HOME OFFICE
Budgeting In Single Income Homes
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ingle parenthood is no easy task. Apart from having to do daily chores and raise your children with a sound educational and moral background on your own, the majority of the financial burden also lies with you. In fact, managing money between two parents is extremely tough so it would be even tougher alone. However, by following a few simple tips, you can save money for your future as well take care of all your financial responsibilities while on a single income. Set a budget and goals for your finances: This helps give clarity to what you want to achieve and the best way to accomplish it. Write down your expenses: Having a visible list of what you owe will help you decide where the money can come from and when you will be able to pay that bill. Separate your “needs” from your “wants”: Decide what is essential to smoothly run your household. Then, as you are 8
able, develop a savings plan for those items that are “wants”. Communicate with Debtors: Communication with debtors will let them know that you are interested in taking care of your obligations. If you are unable to pay the full amount of your bill, ask for payment plans or extended due dates. Hold off on shopping sprees until you can afford to spend extra money: A shopping spree will be a much more enjoyable experience when you can buy the things that you want without the stresses of spending money that is designated for other budgeted items. Clip coupons from local sales papers: Coupons can help you purchase things at discounted prices that will make your final price surprisingly less than you anticipated. Shop for store or generic brands: Store brands can give you the same satisfaction at less expensive prices. Store leftovers in the freezer: Freezing dinners can elimi-
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nate wasting food, saves you time in the kitchen, and can eliminate the added expense of fast food. Conserve Energy: Keep thermostats at a consistent temperature that is comfortable for everyone in the home, avoid changing your heating/cooling temperature often, make sure that all filters are clean and turn off unused lights or appliances. Always make a shopping list to cut down on impulse shopping: Shopping lists can keep
you focused on your set budget, and keep you from spending money on things that you don’t really need. Monitor all actions in your checking account so that you have an accurate balance of your available money: Keeping track of exactly what amount you have to spend will eliminate overspending and additional fees from banks and other agencies. Enroll in online banking so that you can track the most recent transactions that have been made. Start a Savings account: Saving a little money from each paycheck can provide a safety net for unexpected expenses. The most important tip for managing your budget is to take care of yourself. Be sure to get the proper amount of rest and eat healthy. Your financial situation may not improve overnight, but with a few cut backs and a little determination, you can eliminate debts and feel good about how you spend your money!
The first steam boat passes through the Panama Canal and World War I breaks out in Europe, the population of Trinidad and Tobago is just 350,000 and Port-Of-Spain had just been named a “City”. Change is in the air, and Trinidad is well on its way to financial growth, but even though it’s been almost a century since the emancipation of slavery; sugar and cheap labour are the still the mainstays of the national economy. Equal opportunity and access to services are still a long way off for the working class.
With the competition for homeownership at an all-time high, the National Commercial Bank of Trinidad & Tobago and the Workers’ Bank - the second and third indigenous institutions in Trinidad - entered the local bank scape.
But this is about to change. On July 22nd, 1914, the working-man woke up and found that for the first time, there was a bank that would do business with him. Where he couldn’t afford the shilling to open a bank account before, the Trinidad Cooperative Bank - affectionately known as the Penny Bank - opened its doors by asking for just one penny. Thus began the Trinidad Cooperative Bank’s relationship with the citizens of its country. Made by the people, for the people, the Trinidad Cooperative Bank quickly became an aggressive pioneer of affordable housing in Trinidad.
The NCB became the first bank to lend 75% of property value and subsequently rose their percentage to 90% when they partnered with an insurance company to insure 15% of the value of a mortgage for their clients. Hence, the 90% financing claim was born - a promise that banks continue to offer today. In 1993, to ensure the survival of the legacy and vision that each of these three banks worked tirelessly to establish, the National Commercial Bank, the Workers’ Bank and the Trinidad Cooperative Bank all merged to form First Citizens Bank.
In 1929, TCB acquired land in Belmont on which they built and rented 30 low-cost houses which were eventually sold to their tenants on a rent-to-buy basis.
During World War II, as Trinidad and Tobago became a key location in the war effort and a society under a strong cultural influence of the US, our booming oil economy gave rise to construction and manufacturing. From this, Independence became possible in 1962, and Trinidad propelled into the “Black Power” movement of the 70’s with a population approaching 900,000.
The rest, as they say, is both history and our future. As we celebrate 100 years of indigenous banking, we celebrate all the benefits, unique perspectives and evolutions it continues to bring to our society; and First Citizens bank continues creating its legacy of equal service and opportunity for all its citizens.
This is only part of the story of indigenous banking.
Visit www.firstcitizensstory.com for more.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Working With Wood
This gazebo is brought to life with matching wooden furniture. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Rich, dark, wooden floors are paired with white wood cabinetry in this modern kitchen.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This wooden bungalow features a real log staircase.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Wood doesn’t have to dominate. This functional cabinet is very effective in this bathroom. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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KITCHEN
Easy And Amazing Kitchen Tips
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he most important thing to consider when operating in the kitchen is getting the job done. Too often we try to be too grand about how we operate and end up wasting valuable time while still falling short of the mark. When things are easier for you, the results are usually better. These tips will help remove some of the stress that comes with extra work. Frying: Avoid deep frying. Substitute deep frying with stir frying or oven bake. Don't pour the oil, but make a habit of spraying the oil in the utensil for cooking. Heat the utensil first, then add oil. This way oil spreads well. You will use less oil this way. Milk: Moisten the base of the vessel with water to reduce the chances of milk sticking at the bottom. Keeping a spoon in the vessel while boiling milk at medium heat will also help to keep the milk from sticking to 16
ing lentils. When it comes to storage, 5 grams of dried powdered mint leaves to 1kg of rice will keep insects at bay. Bay leaves also work well in this regard. Tamarind: Tamarind is an excellent polish for brass and copper items. Rub a slab of wet tamarind with some salt sprinkled on it on the object to be polished. Tamarind is also good for your oral health. Gargling with tamarind water is recommended for a sore throat. Celery: To keep celery fresh for long time, wrap it in aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator. the bottom of the vessel. Here’s a bonus milk tip. Adding half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate to milk while boiling it will not spoil the milk even if you don't put it in the fridge. Rice: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the water before boiling
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the rice to make rice whiter. Just a teaspoon of canola oil added to the water before boiling will help the rice grains to remain separate after cooking. Rice water can be used to fortify other dishes. Don't throw away the rice water after cooking. Use it to make soup or add it in mak-
Garlic: Garlic skin comes off easily if the garlic cloves are slightly warmed before peeling. These are just a few not-so-fancy tips that you can utilize in the kitchen. Keep reading Abstract Home for more.
RECIPES
Four Fantastic Fish Recipes
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t’s Lent in many parts of the the world and fish seems to be the most popular fare in kitchens these days. Fish prices have skyrocketed, yet the demand is still high. If you are one of those who are spending the extra bucks for fish, you may want to try one of these recipes.
style salad dressing. Bake 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until fish is easily flaked with a fork.
FANTASTIC FISH TACOS
Ingredients 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 2 teaspoons lemon pepper 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons pepper 1 pound catfish fillets 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
Ingredients 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons lime juice Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 jalapeno pepper, halved lengthwise 2 1/2 cups shredded red cabbage 4 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into strips 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas 1/2 cup chopped fresh Shadon beni
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish. In a shallow, medium bowl, mix cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Brush both sides of catfish fillets with butter. Rub fillets with the cayenne pepper mixture on both sides. Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until really hot. Add fillets, and fry approximately 2 minutes on each side, until slightly blackened. Arrange blackened fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, and coat with Italian-
Directions Mix sour cream and lime juice together in a large bowl; season with salt and black pepper. Reserve half the mixture in another bowl for serving. Mince half the jalapeno pepper; save other half for later. Toss cabbage, green onions, and minced jalapeno half in remaining sour cream mixture until slaw is well mixed. Heat olive oil and remaining jalapeno half in a large skillet over medium heat; swirl oil to coat skillet evenly. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Pan-fry fish strips in the skillet in 2 batches until fish is golden
BEAUTIFUL BLACKENED CATFISH
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brown and easily flaked with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes. Discard jalapeno half. Heat the tortillas in the microwave on high until warm, 20 to 30 seconds. Serve fish in warmed tortillas topped with cabbage slaw, reserved sour cream mixture, and cilantro.
the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil it for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
TASTY TILAPIA PARMESAN
Ingredients 1/4 cup butter, melted 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 1/2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans 4 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley 4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon Salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, for garnish
Ingredients 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup butter, softened 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon celery salt 2 pounds tilapia fillets Directions Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil. In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season it with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside. Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from
DELICIOUS BAKED DIJON SALMON
Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard, and honey. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, pecans, and parsley. Brush each salmon fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture, and sprinkle the tops of the fillets with the bread crumb mixture. Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with a wedge of lemon.
BRIDAL
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Signs It’s Time To Move On
houghts of relationships and marriage usually go hand in hand with visions of fairytale endings and happily ever afters. However, not all relationships end that way. In fact, breakups are a pivotal step toward unearthing love for some people. This doesn’t mean you should end your imperfect relationship now and go seek Mr./Mrs. Right. However, if you are in a bad relationship and think you really need to be free of the emotional bonds, this article may help you. Here are some signs you may need to move on. Your relationship is characterized by arguments: Difference of opinion is normal and arguing over stuff to fix issues is also fine. But these this should occur once in a while and not always. If you find yourself always engaged in an argument, for some or no reason, with your partner, it sure is time to end. You are being abused: Abuse can be of any type, phys-
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cation expert in a relationship, but some basic manners and common sense should be demonstrated in a relationship. If this is missing on the long run, you need to quit.
ical, mental, emotional and nowadays even financial. Abuse cannot and need not be tolerated in a relationship, since relationships are not meant for that. You feel that you have had it: Sometimes you have the feeling that you have had enough. There is nothing more interesting or 'wanting for' in this relationship. If you feel so, you are there. Communication is always ineffective: A successful relationship is characterized by effective communication with each other. You need not be a communi-
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Spending time apart feels good: Well if the reverse is true, you are in a happy relationship. You always want to be together. But when things go different, you don't want to be together. You find reasons to skip meetings with your partner. And, you feel good when doing so. Yes, you are there. Boredom lasts longer in the relationship There are several reasons for the occurrence of boredom in a relationship. Everyone gets bored from time to time and there are several ways to deal with it. In fact, it is fine if boredom comes and goes once in a while. However, if boredom is prolonged, it is time to think. You often imagine your life without your partner and
feel it is better This happens if your inner mind is already prepared to go. Yes, you are just together for name sake in a relationship, but your mind has already ended it. If you are not into the relationship with your entire mind you need to end the relationship. There is no intimacy This can be a real relationship killer, but don’t judge this on its own. Don't take only this as a sign to end your relationship. If this sign appears with some other signs too, then you need to seriously consider quitting. The main thing to note is that intimacy is important. There are too many criticisms This is irritating isn't it. There is no reason why you should not quit even after this. You are frustrated about the relationship If the very thought of the relationship frustrates you, there needs to be an end. Frustration is the beginning of the end.
FAMILY
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Dealing With Child Tantrums
f you have kids, (depending on their age) you have either experienced or are going to experience them throwing a tantrum. We know how embarrassing these experiences can be, but the fact is every child does it. It does not make you a bad parent. What is important to note is how to treat with these situations as they occur. Here are ten tips for dealing with tantrums. Develop a strategy Have a clear plan for how you will handle a tantrum for a range of situations, ie; at home, out shopping, playing at friend's houses. If a tantrum then occurs, remember to focus on your plan rather than the tantrum. This will help keep you calm and in control. Remind the child of what happened last time they misbehaved If your child is old enough to understand, you can remind them of past experiences and the consequences of misbehaving. Distract your child Refocus their attention by calm22
Stay Strong If a tantrum does happen you need to be strong. If you are out shopping, for example, leave the shopping basket where it is and take your child out to the car or somewhere quiet until the tantrum is over. They need to see they can't hold you hostage to a situation.
ly offering something else to do, see, eat or play with.
positive goal.
Big tantrums often develop from little tantrums The faster you can intervene or distract your child from a tantrum the better.
When a preschool child throws a tantrum Stay within the child's sight but carry on normal activities without talking to him or acknowledging the tantrum.
Acknowledge their feelings This aligns you with them and sets the stage for him/her to begin to work through his own problems. For example, setting up a chart for positive behaviour they need to work towards helps your child to focus on a
Start a clean slate Once a tantrum is over, the child is entitled to start over with a clean slate. Comfort may be given, but any original demands the child had should not be fulfilled. Otherwise, tantrums will become a way of life.
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Keep a diary For a few days - when the tantrums happen - note what time of day, what you are doing and what your child is doing, when it happens. If it always happens around dinner, try letting your child have her dinner earlier, giving her a bath before dinner, letting her help you prepare the meal, or having some special time with her at this time of day. If you are unable to stay near If you are unable to stay near because you feel yourself losing control and are worried about what you may do, tell your child that you will be leaving for a short time but will be back soon to look after him. Make sure he is safe and have someone else stay with him if you can.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Protecting The Skin You’re In
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ome of you may say that you have tried everything and that nothing seems to work for you, but you have to be patient. Skin care products usually take at least six weeks for results to be seen. Stick to the product for at least eight weeks, if no change is seen then you can decide to change the product. However you must pay close attention to your diet, because what you put in is what you get out. Eat healthy foods and drink the recommended amount of water, which is at least eight glasses a day. Water helps cleanse the system and gets rid of excess waste in the body. To get beautiful clear skin you must remember that if it is not clean it can never be clear. Keep your skin as clean as possible; always wash hands before touching your face especially if it is prone to breakouts. If you have acne prone skin always carry facial wipes to keep the skin clean. For the first few weeks avoid wearing makeup and keep your hair out of your face. Hair products like hair spray aggravate the skin, and even clog your pores. Do not wash your face more than two times for the day. Over
washing your face stimulates your pores and causes them to produce more oil. Use your finger tips or a washcloth to wash your face; do not scrub it. Use an antibacterial soap on your face to remove any bacteria that may build up. Try to visit the spa for a facial at least once for the month. After washing apply an SPF moisturizer to keep the skin soft as well as to protect it from the sun. If you have oily skin you should still use a moisturizer. Some people have the perception that if you apply moisturizer to oily skin it will get oilier, however this is not true. There are moisturizers available for people with oily skin. Always use products that say non-comedogenic, which means that it will not clog your pores. The most important tip to remember if you have pimples is not to squeeze them. Squeezing pimples only makes them worse and they take longer to heal, not to mention the scars that they leave behind. Squeezing also spreads bacteria and causes more pimples to form on the skin. So no matter how tempting it may seem please do not squeeze them.
Appropriate Dry Season Attire For Little Girls
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ite Flying, packed beaches (despite rough seas) and cricket in almost every savannah are regular fixtures of the dry season in Trinidad and Tobago. These long expanses of hot, rainless days encourage us to venture outdoors, but our dress codes need to allow for this. Seasonally appropriate clothing for children is a must if you are going to send the kids out. Furthermore, age appropriateness is also key. Here are some clothing options for young girls. Choose light colors when making clothing purchases for Easter, as they will be cooler when the weather is hot. Pastels make great warm weather colors – think about cool lime green, aqua blue and cotton candy pink. Think about dresses or jumpers this season. You may be able to utilize jumpers that you already have – just pair them with short sleeved blouses or tee’s to instantly update. Shorts and Capri pants w w w . a m g tt. c o m
are a must for girls during hot months. Shorts come in many lengths – very short or mini length, Bermuda, and regular, mid-thigh length. Capri pants reach anywhere between the knee and mid-calf. Shorts and Capri pants come in every color imaginable. Pair them with a light tee or tank top. Sandals, flip-flops or Crocs are great shoe choices for girls. These types of shoes are open enough to ventilate their feet and keep them cool.
MARCH 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Cholesterol Quiz
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ow much do you know about cholesterol? Mark each of the following statements as either True or False. Questions Nothing I do can lower my cholesterol.
1 2 3 4
All cholesterol in my blood is bad. Exercise can’t help me control my cholesterol.
I don’t have to worry if my cholesterol is just a little high.
5
To lower my cholesterol, I just need to stop eating eggs. Answers 1. FALSE. Your eating and exercise habits play a big role in controlling cholesterol. If you smoke, quitting can also help you get cholesterol under control. And your doctor can prescribe medication if you need extra help. 24
2. FALSE. Some cholesterol is needed for your body to work. And some types of cholesterol are better for your body than others. 3. FALSE. Exercise increases the amount of HDL (“good”) cholesterol in your bloodstream. This is good for your body and your health. 4. FALSE. Even if your cholesterol is just a little high, you are at increased risk for a heart attack or stroke. 5. FALSE. Egg yolks are high in cholesterol, but all animal products contain cholesterol. Eating foods high in cholesterol or saturated fat can raise your cholesterol level.
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A
Four Great Fitness Tips
chieving fitness is not as hard as it may seem. It is not easy either. Maintaining a regular regime is crucial and these four tips can get you started. An often overlooked issue when it comes to getting yourself gym ready is to make sure to create a healthy environment around you. Clean up your fridge of "prohibited" foods and stuff it with fruits, vegetables, and yogurts! Stop smoking, or hanging out in places where a lot of people smoke. Ask your spouse or significant other to smoke outside - or preferably not at all! It's healthy for both of you. Don't drink too much, and don't sleep too little. Fitness is not just about working out; it's about living healthy, in a healthy environment. Variety is a must. It is important to keep switching up your routines in order to achieve the best results. A change of scenery can add value to your exercise routine so head outside. Going to the gym day after day can start to feel monotonous, and the last thing you want is to dread your workouts. Instead,
get some fresh air with a walk, run or bike ride. Another great tip to maximize your results is to chart your progress. Stay motivated using a fitness report card. Jot down these subjects: Cardio, Muscle Conditioning, Flexibility and Attitude. Set goals (for example, doing 10 "boy" push-ups) and grade yourself A through F at least four times a year. When you see how much you improve, you'll want to stay in great shape. The last tip should have probably been the first. This tip is finding professional help. It is suggested that you have a professional assessment to determine what types of exercise you need most. For some people, attention to flexibility or to balance and agility may be more important than resistance training or aerobics. By getting a professional assessment, you can determine your weakest links and focus on them. This will improve your overall fitness balance. Plus, it can help you hone in on the proper ways to do exercise without injuring yourself.
GARAGE
PETS
Motorcycle Safety
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nyone who has ever owned a motorbike knows the reaction they get from loved ones when they first say they are getting one. Those reactions aren’t caused by hate or jealousy. It’s almost always concern. That is because motorcycles are some of the most unsafe vehicles you can own. However, adhering to strict guidelines can make your biking experience safer and better. WATCH THE NO-ZONES Never hang out in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone." Trucks have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, which allows for a greater chance of a crash. The front blind spot is particularly dangerous if you need to stop quickly. Because of their light weight and braking system, motorcycles can stop much faster than trucks. A truck may not be able to stop as quickly as you do, so you need to take special precautions to avoid crashes before they happen. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET Make sure to always wear a helmet. A helmets is the most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of protection in a serious crash. DRIVE TO SURVIVE Motorcycles are the smallest ve26
hicles on the road. Unfortunately they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks. However, you still need to be prepared in the event their signals or lights don't work. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. Don't instigate aggressive driving with other motorists; you will only increase your chance of a crash. CHECK YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help reduce your chance of a crash or the severity of injury if you are involved in a crash, especially with a large truck or bus. WATCH YOUR SPEED Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the back of a truck will end your riding days.
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Signs Your Dog May Have Worms
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orms are one of the most common health problems for dogs, but, fortunately, it's also very treatable. Therefore, it is important for you to learn how to tell if your dog has worms and obtain the appropriate medication. Below are some common symptoms of worms in dogs. • Visible worms or eggs in fecal matter - This is the most common way to confirm that your dog has worms. However, not all kinds of worms are visible in fecal matter to the naked eye. • Visible worms in fur, or area around dog's rear - Tapeworms, in particular, may appear as small moving segments, which later dry out to resemble grains of rice. • Scratching or rubbing of rear on the ground or against furniture - if your dog shows signs of itchiness around the rear, it may be irritated by worms in the area. However, this could also be due to problems with glands unrelated to worms.
• Vomiting with visible worms - if your dog has worms, you may also see them in your dog's vomit. • Bloated stomach or belly - This is another common symptom of worms, often seen in puppies who receive worms from their mother. • Weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger, weight loss - If your dog has worms, the worms are stealing your dog's nutrition. Your dog may be weak or constantly hungry, and in severe cases, may be losing weight. • Diarrhea, particularly with blood in it.
TRAVEL
Considerations For Cold Weather Travel
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hether it is for business or leisure we all travel or want to travel to a foreign country at some point in our lives. The mention of winter evokes images of sparkling snowflakes and skaters gracefully gliding across the ice. The wintry climate provides a plethora of new activities to keep you occupied during your visit. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice-skating are just a few of the wonderful activities you can carry out during winter. However as thrilling as winter may be, being ill-equipped for the harsh winter winds and cold temperatures can take a major toll on your health and make your stay in the cold climate one of grievance and illness such as runny noses, sore throat, headache, chest congestion and frost bite. It is therefore wise to take precautions. Some parts of the US are experiencing the coldest winter in several decades. Being unprepared in the extremely low temperatures can significantly affect your trip. However with proper planning, you can ensure a safe winter vacation. So take precautions and follow these six (6) steps that 28
can be used while in the cold climate: Enhance Immunity Prevention is better than cure. Cold and flu preparations are available in all pharmacies. Vitamin C and zinc can be used to prevent the chances of becoming infected with the cold by boosting the immune system. It can also be used as a way of reducing the symptoms of an existing cold such as runny nose and fevers. Foods that are particularly high in Vitamin C include oranges, mangoes and grapefruits. Garlic does more than scare off vampires - it scares off colds too. Garlic, just like Vitamin C, boosts the immune system and helps protect from viruses. Dress Appropriately with Warm Clothing Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing such as mittens wool hats and nylon jackets to keep the body insulated Increase Water Intake The motto "water, water, water..."
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is echoed in every health article, that is because drinking ample amounts of water all day long especially before and after leaving the house or hotel significantly prevents Dehydration. You need lots of water to perform well in the summertime and the same applies when the weather turns cold. Six to Eight Cups of Water daily is just enough to resist dehydration. Beverages such as tea and coffee often dehydrate the body during the snowy season.
the appropriate diet and lifestyle, you might just get away with spoiling yourself from time to time. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. A diet that consists of lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and soups is great for cold winter days. This type of diet provides the aid the immune system needs to be efficient. A daily vitamin and mineral supplement is a good idea, but it's no substitute for those obtained in fresh foods.
Purchase Skin Care Products Dry skin, chapped lips and cracked hands are common problems as the temperature decreases. Applying water (especially hot water) alone to your dry skin and chapped lips would not help control the problem, but can actually worsen it by removing the normal skin. However the purchase of the right lip balm and lotion can prevent these symptoms and save the texture of your skin.
Exercise Although the thought of exercising may not be an appetizing one when the weather is cold and whilst you’re on vacation, don't turn into a couch potato just because the temperature drops a few degrees. Exercise kick-starts the metabolism, so that important nutrients provided by food can be absorbed into the blood stream. Even five minutes per day is better than no exercise at all.
Eat Healthy Ingesting too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol and fatty meat has bad implications for the immune system. But if you balance out your guilty pleasures with
Once all the precautions for the winter listed above are taken into consideration during your stay in a foreign country, your trip will be one filled with blissful and exciting memories.
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