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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o you have finally found the one. However, since one has become two it’s much harder making decisions. Especially when it comes to how you will decorate your living space. When couples decide to move in together, it’s only obvious things will change. Alas, there are ways to overcome the decorating issues couples face.
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Take an inventory Before you go shopping or decide on a collective “look,” it’s a good idea to know exactly what you’re working with and what you might want to get rid of. Part of this inventory process means making the new space yours. Understand that despite your varying tastes, the designer or past inhabitants may have already left their mark and it may not suit either of you. Take time to think about what makes you and your partner unique and incorporate decor that represents who you are. For example, take pictures of your favorite people, places and things to create a portrait gallery wall, or try a DIY art project that incorporates the date you first met. It can even be as easy as painting a room in your favorite color. Adding personalized touches throughout your home will remind you of the journey you've taken, and encourage you for the one that's yet to come!
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Don’t be scared to double up If you were both living in your own places prior to moving in together, it’s likely you have
Six First Time Decorating Tips For Couples
multiple side tables, lounge chairs, dining chairs, and the like. Before going to battle to see whose table will reign supreme, see about utilizing both to create a different look. Mix dining chairs around your table or use two differing side tables in place of a coffee table.
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Understand Differences Once you have a sense of your different styles, embrace those differences. The best interior spaces are all about combining many looks and styles into one cool, funky space. The most successful design seamlessly features a great mix of styles, furniture, art and accessories. Be open to finding the best aspects of your varying styles to create a cohesive look that reflects who you uniquely are as a couple. Don't be afraid to take risks and try things in unconventional combinations. That is in fact, where the magic happens.
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Explore Functionality What do you want to do
as a couple in each space? For example, the bedroom is only meant for two things: sleeping and, well, you know. Some people want a bedroom where they can read. Some people want to watch TV. Some people want to have a space for meditation or spiritual practice. As a couple, talk through your expectations of what will occur in each space. Let the function guide your design process. A space that works well for you both is always the best result.
it to spaces like your offices, guest rooms, foyers, hallways, bathrooms.
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Make Statements Sparingly Keeping things neutral in the main living areas is important if you don’t want to cause conflict during the process. Neutrality on walls etcetera makes it easy to blend opposing themes. Two different decorating styles can seem ridiculously out of sorts if they are just placed together with nothing to properly bind them. If you’re dying to go bold with your accent colors — be it bright green or hot pink — keep w w w . a m g tt. c o m
Zoning You are not always going to agree on décor. For times when you can’t even agree to disagree, create a separate space for each of you. It doesn’t have to be anything too grand or work intensive. A basic floor screen can be used to separate a shared office space. For those where space is not an issue, divide the space in the house or apartment equally to suit your tastes and leave the main living area and kitchen neutral territory. JUNE 2015
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LIVING QUARTERS
Keeping Your Tech In Check are six tips to maintaining your pc properly.
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Be certain to have good antivirus software installed in your computer and make sure that it is always updated. Viruses are among the primary reasons behind computer failure. A complete virus scan should be performed frequently. Avoid visiting websites that are thought to be plagued with malicious software. Do not open e-mails from senders that look shady, they could contain lethal malicious software that can put your system at risk.
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veryone and their grandmother’s mother has a personal computer these days. While it says a lot for the technological literacy of mankind, most know very little about the general upkeep of their treasured devices. Here
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Regularly get updates for your operating system and other critical software. Some types of software do not offer automatic updates so it is recommended to regularly check with their site and download and install updates by hand.
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Uninstall programs that you do not use. These programs occupy space in your hard disk. The more space you have in your hard disk the speedier your computer runs.
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Always run your computer on a UPS. Sudden power surges are dangerous to your personal computer. If you are familiar with the interior of the tower case, physically clean your computer. Remove dust that may gather in the housing with fabric or vacuum. Take care not to hurt any part though.
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Defragment your disk continually. Defragmenting your disk once in every 2 or 3 months is a good way to make certain that your
personal computer stays in first-class condition. Fragmentation occurs when your computer’s operating system fails to allocate enough contiguous space to store a total file as a unit and instead places parts of it in gaps between other files. To explain this, let us compare it to a library where some users don’t return the books to the proper place after they read them. The books in the library are prepared in a way that would make it straightforward to locate any book simply. If many books are now not in their correct places it would most likely take longer to find them. Windows XP and Vista have their own built in defragmenting software but they are terribly slow. There is good defragmentation software that may do the job in a fraction of the time it would most likely take for the Windows default defragmenter to finish.
Managing Bathroom Mold Tip #1: Keep Your Bathroom Dry Why does mold grow in bathrooms? While mold is always present both indoors and outdoors, it usually stays dormant until humidity rises. Then, mold spores bloom and settle into cracks and crevices. Some indoors places, like bathrooms, are especially prone to mould due to moisture from leaky house windows, showers, and sinks. Methods to keep your bathroom dry include:
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he prevalence of mold in a bath is both unsightly and potentially dangerous to the inhabitants of the home which houses it. Therefore managing mold buildup is important. These quick steps should help you manage your mold problem.
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• Adding a dehumidifier • Leaving doors open when your bathroom is not in use • Fixing insulation leaks Tip #2: Maintain Your Bathroom's Windows Condensation on your home's bathroom windows can also nurture mold. To prevent mold
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accumulation, occasionally open your home's windows and turn on exhaust fans to air out your bathroom. Because increased air circulation can stop mold buildup, you might also remove your home's window coverings, especially during winter or at night. Condensation can be especially heavy on house windows with shutters or wooden blinds. Lastly, you can
remove moisture by periodically wiping down your house's windows with a cloth. Remember, you should never use harsh chemicals to clean up mold. Not only can caustic elements harm your body, they can harm bathroom tiles, sinks, and metal fixtures as well. Instead, gently scrub away mold with detergent and a sponge.
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*Up to 2% of your mortgage value in closing costs (Attorney’s Fees, Stamp Duty, Mortgage Indemnity Premium) covered by us (not exceeding $30,000) - Campaign runs from May 18th, 2015 to July 31st, 2015 - All persons who get approved during the campaign period for residential/ land financing will be eligible for a chance to win the grand prize of $100,000 - Prize money must be used towards household items, education or RBC investment - Special conditions apply. Subject to normal lending criteria - The cost of borrowing will be made available upon application - Promotion approved by NLCB. ®/TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.
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LIVING QUARTERS
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Rainy Season Preparations For The Flood Prone
nfortunately flooding has become synonymous with rain in Trinidad and Tobago. Even a slight drizzle is enough to make home and farm owners cringe and cause panic at the nation’s major transportation hubs. The reality of the situation is that flooding does exist and as such, there are measures which should be taken to prepare for them especially at our homes. Here are five tips to help you prepare.
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Keep important documents - including insurance policies, birth certificates and passports - in a waterproof box where you can easily access them. Be sure to keep them high above ground as well.
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If your water heater or electricity panel is on the first floor of your home,
consider having it moved upstairs, where it is less likely to be damaged by floodwater.
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Understand the damage that floods can cause, such as rolling boulders, trees ripped out of the ground, buildings and bridges destroyed and debris slides. Remove any objects which lie in an area that threatens your home’s safety.
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Update flood procedures for your family, farm or business (every year). In other words, make sure everyone knows the emergency phone numbers, and when to call them. Learn the safest route from your home or business to high ground. Make arrangements for housing in the event you need to evacuate your home. Establish meeting places
and phone numbers in case family members are separated by rising flood waters. Also, be sure to teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water lines.
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Make sure you have flood insurance, since most home owners' insurance will not reimburse you for flood damage. Talk to your insurance provider and ask about flood coverage.
LIVING QUARTERS
Clean Your Brass F or some, brass is merely a Carnival fete that used to be. For others it is a beautiful metal which can add shine to the accent pieces throughout your home. The operative word of course is shine. Many brass products need to be cleaned and polished to provide the desired look whereas some antique brass pieces develop a patina and weathered finish which works well. If you want to clean your brass pieces, this article can help. Before getting too elaborate, try cleaning the piece with a lint-free cloth. One of the best types for this is a microfiber cloth. Some effort is required in terms of elbow grease, but you might be amazed that you don’t have to do anything further! Another option is to wash your brass in soapy water. This can be done by immersion or wiping, depending on the nature
brass and bring back shine. After cleaning with lemon juice, wipe with damp cloth and buff dry.
of the piece. Proper drying and buffing is essential to the final finish. There are also some natural alternatives for cleaning brass… • Ketchup: Squirt some ketchup on a clean cloth and rub over tarnished brass. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and buff dry. • Lemon Juice: Straight lemon juice can be used to clean
• Vinegar, Salt and Flour: These versatile home staples can be combined to make a paste to clean tarnished brass. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Rub into the brass, leave for about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water and buff dry. • Water: Heat a pint of water, and add 2 tablespoons each of salt and white vinegar to create another natural recipe for polishing tarnished brass. Rub the mixture onto the brass and then dry with a clean rag.
How To Deodorize Your Carpet
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aving a clean carpet is important. Not only does it help maintain a fresh, clean scent throughout the room, but a dirty carpet can make any room look untidy, even when objects are in their correct place. Additionally, a dirty carpet can cause many health and respiratory problems as dirt and other allergens can live within its fibers. Once you’ve got the right tools, it's easy to see how cheap and affordable maintaining carpet can be. Check these tips below on how easy it is to deodorize your carpet. You will need baking soda, a wash cloth, a scrubbing brush, vacuum and carpet deodorizer.
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Begin at one corner of the carpet and sprinkle baking soda lightly across the area you wish to deodorize. If it’s the whole carpet, do each corner at a time. Ensure that the layer 6
Using the scrubbing brush, scrub the carpet deodorizer into the carpet to ensure that it gets fully into the fibers of the carpet.
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Vacuum again and keep scrubbing the area to ensure that all the remaining particles have been brought to the surface of the carpet. Vacuum again.
of baking soda is spread thin; a thick layer can cause a heavier build-up of dust and dirt.
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Rub the baking soda into the carpet with the wash cloth or rag. If the area is heavily soiled, mix a paste of baking soda and water and rub the cloth over the area until the stain is removed.
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Move the vacuum over the area with the baking soda, ensuring that the setting on the vacuum is lowered. Move the vacuum around the area several times so that the baking soda can spread around the area, before it is removed. After the baking soda is removed, apply a thin layer of carpet deodorizer to the area.
There are several leave-in carpet deodorizers on the market and there are also some that can be sprayed onto the carpet’s surface. These can be used depending on your family’s household (if there are children or persons with allergies living in the house) and which room of the house the carpet is located. Choose the one which is most affordable and can be used throughout the year.
HOME OFFICE
Financial Mistakes Couples Make
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robably the biggest mistake a married couple will make regarding money is to keep their finances secret from their spouse. However, there are other issues which may trigger serious problems for a new couple. Read on and see what they are. Ignoring conflicting spending habits Disparity in spending can be manageable, but if issues aren’t addressed, this could increase your likelihood of divorce. Individuals who feel their spouses spend money foolishly report lower levels of marital happiness. Individuals gravitate toward spouses who look, sound, and act as they do – except when it comes to money. Penny pinchers and reckless spenders tend to marry each other, but these couples report unhappier marriages than those in which both spouses had similar spending habits. Not having a budget Establishing a budget not only enables couples to talk honestly about the state of their finances, it facilitates discussions surrounding future financial goals and the joint planning required 8
to get there. This planning will be beneficial if you are looking to get a mortgage loan or to make a significant purchase in the future. Not Making the Time to Talk about Money Not setting aside time each week to talk about spending decisions can be damaging to your relationship. It can also result in talking about money at the most inconvenient times, such as at the dinner table or on a date. Try to set aside a few minutes every week to discuss the budget. Consider any overspending and plan for new expenses you didn’t think of when creating your budget for the month. This helps to prevent you from having surprises to deal with later. Dealing with Debt Debt in a marriage is dangerous. Debt holds couples hostage to the nerve-wracking decision of whether to pay debt together or separately, especially if it’s a one-sided financial burden. Figuring out finances after marriage ultimately means compromise, so you and your spouse have to work together to determine a payment plan that
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avoids late payments and takes a chunk out of the debt as soon as possible. Leaving the breadwinner to be responsible for the finances This mistake applies to housewives in particular even though some working partners are guilty of this. Don’t let your spouse manage all of the finances. It does show how much you trust each other, but you could be setting yourself up for risky business in the future. If you divorce after several years, financial matters may not get resolved that easily. It is imperative that you know how to be financially responsible and talk about your finances right from the beginning. Separating your Funds No more what's yours is yours and what's mine is mine. Divvying up bills to be paid by your individual bank accounts makes you more roommates than committed partners. Splitting household costs can breed resentment in a marriage when one spouse makes a lot more money than the other. It also can foster a sense that the person who pays more should
have more say in financial matters. While separate finances may work at the start of your marriage, once children are involved it gets increasingly difficult to separate expenses and maintain financial equality. In short, learn how to manage money as a couple from the start of your marriage to avoid big problems later. Living in the now The furthest thing from a young couple’s collective mind is retirement and future planning. It’s all about the here and now. Too many young brides and grooms do not plan for future investments. They are of the opinion that they should not care too much about their personal finance from the beginning of their married life. If their spouse also has careless spending habits, then it can result in financial problems in the future. Do your homework. Go over the credit score of your new spouse, it will help you determine how well your spouse has been managing his finances. These finances include credit cards, loans and car installments. If there is a need for improvement, both partners should discuss it in detail.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Lovely Lighting Accessories
Despite the natural light this room receives, this artsy chandelier provides functionality and style to this dining space.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Funky, colourful lights can add specified character and personality to a space. Just look at how this room is transformed.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This room’s palette provides a particular mood and hue. The lighting accessory overhead gives it a complementary modern twist.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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KITCHEN
Bad Kitchen Habits ently scratch the surface of the pan, which could lead you to ingest the PFCs in the nonstick lining. Use wooden or heat-safe rubber utensils when using nonstick pans.
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eing a smooth operator in the kitchen is no easy task. It takes a bit of knowhow, and some innovation to get really good results. However, that does not mean you necessarily have to suck in the kitchen without the smarts. Just avoid some really bad habits and there will always be hope. Using Metal Utensils on Nonstick Pans - Using metal utensils in a nonstick pan is not a good idea. You can inadvert-
Stirring Your Food Too Much - It’s tempting to stir your food constantly to prevent burning, but stirring too much can be a bad thing. It prevents browning—a flavor boost you get by letting your food sit on a hot surface—and it breaks food apart, making your meal mushy. Resist the urge to stir constantly unless the recipe specifically tells you to do so. Over mixing Batter - When you’re making batter for baking (or anything with large amounts of flour) you want everything to be well combined. And to com-
bine, you mix. But too much mixing isn’t good. The mechanical action of the mixing causes gluten to form in the flour, making baked goods tough. So gently mix until the batter is uniform, and then put down your mixer.
Heating Oil Until It Smokes - Most recipes start with heating oil in a pan. It usually takes a little time for the stove to warm up, so we pour the oil and then turn our backs on the pan to do something else while it heats. Before you know it, you see wisps of smoke, which means the pan is hot and ready for cooking, right? Wrong! Not only do many oils taste bad once they have been heated to or past their smoke point, but when oils are heated to their smoke point or reheated repeatedly, they start to break down, destroying the
oil’s beneficial antioxidants and forming harmful compounds. However, an oil’s smoke point is really a temperature range (olive oil’s is between 365° and 420°F), not an absolute number, because many factors affect the chemical properties of oil. You can safely and healthfully cook with any oil by not heating it until it’s smoking. To get your oil hot enough to cook with, just heat it until it shimmers. Using Nonstick Pans on High Heat - Turn down the heat when using nonstick pans. High temperatures can cause the nonstick lining to release PFCs (perfluorocarbons) in the form of fumes. PFCs are linked to liver damage and developmental problems. Check with your pan manufacturer to see what temperatures they recommend.
Save Your Skin In The Kitchen
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very year you wind your little waists like mechanical turbines and stomp through the streets in scorching sun with gay abandon. No doubt your skin feels the brunt of your debauched actions post-Carnival. Why wait till your skin is sapped and needs reviving? Start saving your skin from suffering now with these diet options to take you through all the Carnivals you will attend for the next year. Hot water and lemon – to boost hydration Drunk in the morning, hot water and lemon aids digestion and helps eliminate toxins. Lemon stimulates the liver and gall bladder; water helps hydrate the gut and skin.
Leafy green vegetables – to provide ultra protection Veggies such as spinach, broccoli and celery contain high levels of antioxidants (vitamins that help 16
slow ageing and environmental damage), as well as vitamin C, which helps keep skin elastic, vitamin A, which aids in woundhealing, and vitamin E, which helps cells utilize oxygen. Beetroot – to reduce capillaries This lush, red vegetable helps cleanse the liver and gut, taking pressure off the skin to eliminate waste. The best vegetable source of manganese, it’s also high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen
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the capillary walls in the skin. Carrots – to beat acne and fight wrinkles High in vitamin A, carrots are a great acne remedy and gut cleanser; they also contain phosphorus, essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and nerves. Omega-3-rich fish – to reduce inflammation Essential fatty acids (omega 3s) found in oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, play a vital role
in skin health by helping prevent inflammation and promoting immune function. Eating three servings of oily fish a week helps maintain a clear complexion, reducing dryness and inflammation. Organic brown rice – to stop the signs of ageing Very high in B vitamins and proteins, rice helps prevent premature skin ageing, and supports skin structure by aiding effective cellular metabolism and digestion.
RECIPES
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Glorious Gourmet Recipes
he recipe to enjoying life lies in the ability to appreciate the little things. Each tiny variable we encounter is a vital ingredient which when added to the pot can create sheer ecstasy. This is demonstrated in the following recipes where simple ingredients come together to create culinary masterpieces that are reflective of our very lives.
BROCCOLI SALAD Ingredients 1 head broccoli 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup raisins, optional 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Instructions Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.
BROILED PORTOBELLOS WITH CORN RELISH Ingredients 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 4 large Portobello mushrooms, 18
de-stemmed 1 cup fresh sweet corn 1 large tomato, seeded, chopped ½ cup chopped fresh basil ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Instructions 1. Preheat broiler. 2. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, oil, sugar, and salt. Brush mushrooms liberally with sauce and place on baking sheet. Broil 2 minutes, turn mushrooms over, and brush with additional sauce. Broil another 2 minutes, or until softened. Remove and cool. 3. Meanwhile, combine corn, tomato, and basil in a medium bowl. Pour remaining sauce over and toss to coat. Spoon over mushroom caps and top with grated cheese.
LAMB WITH BLACKBERRY SAUCE Ingredients 1 ½ teaspoon of chopped shallots. 1 clove garlic. 1 teaspoon of olive oil. 2 cups of blackberry pulp. 2 teaspoons of honey. 1 whole clove. 1 teaspoon of cardamom. 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and diced. 1 ½ cups of Port wine. 4 lamb chops. Instructions 1. Sauté the chopped shallots and garlic in hot olive oil until translucent. 2. Mix the blackberry pulp, honey, clove, cardamom, and jalapeño; then add the port. 3. Reduce to half, and then add remaining ingredients. 4. Grill the lamb chops for about 4 minutes each side for medium. Serve with sauce.
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SEA BASS CUBAN STYLE Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 1/2 cups thinly sliced white onions 2 tablespoons minced garlic 4 cups seeded, chopped plum tomatoes 1 1/2 cups dry white wine 2/3 cup sliced stuffed green olives 1/4 cup drained capers 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 4 (6 ounce) fillets sea bass 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Instructions 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until soft. Stir in garlic, and sauté about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, and cook until they begin to soften. Stir in wine, olives, capers, and red pepper flakes. Heat to a simmer. 2. Place sea bass into sauce. Cover, and gently simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Transfer fish to a serving plate, and keep warm. 3. Increase the heat, and add butter to sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in cilantro. Serve sauce over fish.
BAILEY’S TRUFFLE FUDGE Ingredients 3 c semisweet chocolate chips 1 c white chocolate chips 3 c powdered sugar 1/4 c butter 1 c Bailey's Irish Cream 1 1/2 c nuts, chopped -- optional Truffle Topping: 1 c semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 c white chocolate chips 4 tbsp Bailey's Irish Cream 2 tbsp butter -- cut in pieces
Instructions Melt chocolates with butter until chocolates are soft enough to stir smoothly. Do not overheat. Add chocolate/butter mixture to powdered sugar and Baileys. Stir until smooth, add nuts and mix well. Place fudge in an 8" X 8" pan, oiled. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on top and gently press to smooth fudge. Truffle Topping: Melt chocolates until soft. Remove from heat. With a fork, beat in butter and Baileys until smooth. Spread topping over fudge with knife. If a very smooth top is desired, place plastic wrap over top as in above. Refrigerate until firm; 1-2 hours. Can be frozen. Using all semi-sweet chips (instead of white chocolate) will yield a deeper, darker fudge.
PEAR CRUMB PIE Ingredients One 9-inch unbaked pie shell. 6 medium pears peeled and cored. 1 cup of raisins. 1 cup of flour. ½ cup of brown sugar, packed. ¼ cup of sugar. 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Whipped cream to garnish. Instructions 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). 2. Place the pears in a bowl, then add the raisins, ¼ cup of sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon. 3. Mix thoroughly, then pour into the unbaked pie shell. 4. Combine the flour and brown sugar, then sprinkle over pie. 5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the fruit is tender. Garnish with whipped cream and serve.
BRIDAL
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Awesome Anniversary Ideas
veryone loves a wedding but the actual ceremony is not the be all and end all of a marriage. A lot of work has to go into making the love last. Keeping up with anniversaries is one way to make sure your spouse knows you are on his/her mind. Here are some anniversary ideas. Watch Your Wedding Video Few people actually ever watch their wedding videos. Some don’t even know where to find it. But what’s the point of having a video made if you are not going to watch it? Your anniversary is a great opportunity to remember that special day, so dust off that wedding DVD and watch highlights together. If you don’t have one, perhaps you have a video of a vacation you took or another memorable occasion. If not, look through your wedding album or pictures that you have taken throughout your years together. Have Your Own Personal Photo Shoot Make a list of some of your favorite places around town, load 20
up your camera, and have your own photo shoot! Go to places that hold special meaning to you and your significant other. Perhaps you could stop at the place you had your first kiss or the church where you were married. Ask a passerby to take a couple shots of you. Another idea is to simply take a photo of you together each year on your anniversary. Keep an anniversary album for these special memories. Make a Restaurant Tradition It is a great idea to pick a restaurant that you both love, and frequent it every year on your anniversary. It reminds you of the good times you have had together, as well as gives you something to look forward to each year. This is even better if the restaurant is the first place you met or went on our first date. Publish Your Love Write what is in your heart. Want to be practical? Anniversary cards are fine, even if expected. Just expand the thoughts on the card. If you would like to try a crazy poem, write one.
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Even the corny poems will be kept forever. Or find the words to a favorite song, write them out, and personalize it with your lover's name. Just Add Flowers No matter what you have planned, adding flowers is usually a good idea. Flowers are usually first on the list of romantic tips for men, but women can take advantage of them as well. A bouquet is a quiet way of saying that just the small joy their beauty may bring is worth the money. However, make sure the flowers are in good condition. Cheap flowers suggest that it wasn't worth the time, effort or money to bring that special smile to your partner's face. Breakfast in Bed A sweet, easy and very romantic way to treat your spouse is breakfast in bed. Take time to make a favourite dish -- try scrambled eggs on lightly toasted crumpets with smoked salmon on the side -- and serve with a flower and anniversary card. Eat together at your leisure as you rejoice in
a year of waking up married together. Break the Monotony Never have the same kind of celebrations for anniversaries. This is an important anniversary tip. A dinner and drinks has been long overdone. Try something different every time. Indulge in activities you will enjoy together as a couple. If you are adventure junkies go on a hike together. If you are always “busy” and finding time for each other has become difficult, go for a relaxing couples massage together. If you want to throw a party, make it exciting. Choose a location close to nature or just have a picnic with a hearty meal in the park. Spending spree An anniversary is a time to forget your everyday troubles. Forget the bills and throw caution to the wind with a shopping spree. Treat each other to new clothes, CDs or whatever you both want! Enjoy a smart lunch during the day and enjoy the high life, even if it is just for one day.
pen A
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FAMILY
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Facilitating Family Prayer
raying as a family is a wonderful, rewarding activity. Finding the opportunity, time, and courage however, is not always so easy. That’s the thing about prayer. It rarely comes easily, especially in front of others. In fact, most would rather give a speech before 100 than pray before 10. There is so much insecurity about opening up to God among others (especially people you know). This article shares tips, and prayer opportunities to help bring your family together in prayer. Start by choosing natural times of the day to pray. Stick with the basics and make it a part of your family’s routine before adding anything else. Grace before meals and bedtime prayers are usual opportunities. Saying grace is both an act of gratitude and an acknowledgment of our dependence on forces that are greater than we are. While it may be logical or comfortable for a parent to say the grace, we believe that children ought to be given regular opportunities to pray in their own voices and in their own words. 22
While you may have a routine of fixed prayers you know, sometimes time may still be an issue. One of the biggest hindrances to family prayer time is simply finding the time when you can all be together to pray. If your family is constantly on the go, hold quick prayer sessions before someone leaves or when someone gets home. For longer or regular prayer times; simply mark it on the schedule at a time when everyone can be present. Don't feel silly or weird about scheduling a prayer. What is important is that you get together with your family to share this time, and scheduling it does not minimize its importance or value. Support is another factor that is needed for family prayer to flourish. It's natural for some family members to be uncomfortable praying in front of others. Be sensitive to this and avoid becoming agitated or judgmental if a family member is scared to pray out loud. At the same time, offer encouragement and advice for getting over the fear of prayer. Remind your child
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that prayer is an important part of developing a stronger faith. Advise your child to try praying just a short, simple prayer and gradually work her way up to a longer prayer. Another tip for family prayer is to visit a prayer room together. Many churches and ministries offer prayer rooms—sacred spaces where you can experience different aspects of praying. These are often are highly creative, allowing for musical expression, artistic response, a global view of the church, and ways to repent and intercede. It is important to be prepared for challenges. The single most challenging thing about petitionary prayer is not the asking, but the more compli-
cated process of waiting for an answer. A child does not come equipped with explanations about why God might not give him or her what was asked for. Summon your courage and venture out into the realm of Ad Hoc Theology. Though we may feel uncomfortable offering answers that sound hollow in our ears, it is important that we be willing to think out loud about these matters. The simplest explanation we can think of is that God's responses to our prayers are like the colors of a stoplight: Sometimes God replies with green for "Yes," sometimes with red for "No," and often with yellow, which means that we have to slow down and wait for the answer. Finally, learn to embrace technology. In this digital age, maximize the value of technology in praying with, and for, one another—using e-mail, text messaging, and even social networking sites. Choose specific prayers for various members of your family and encourage each other to reply and create their own.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
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Beauty Q&A
ou’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. That’s our pledge and we are sticking to it. You posted your beauty questions to us and we tried our best to come up with suitably satisfying answers. Check it out.
People have been raving about facial masks for a while now. I have never used one myself. What am I missing? Carolyn 26 Receptionist Facial masks give your skin a deeper cleansing than ordinary face soap can. This is particularly important for us in the tropics as sweat can cause dirt to collect on the skin's surface and clog pores. Adding a facial mask to your daily beauty regime can help to rejuvenate your look and add youth. If you have normal to dry skin, try this homemade recipe. In a small bowl, combine the yolk of one egg with half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Mix well and gently smear the mixture on your face with your fingers. Make sure to remove make-up first. Leave the mixture on your face for twenty odd minutes then rinse off the mask with warm water. For oily skin, combine the white of one egg with half a teaspoon of lemon juice. Follow directions above for applying the mask, then wait ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. Ouch! I lay out in the sun the other day, and now I'm really feeling the burn. How can I soothe my aching skin? Madelyn 31 Sales Rep
To ease the discomfort from sunburn, take an aspirin and a cool bath. Try to stay away from washing with scented soaps or bath oils as they can irritate sensitive skin. If the discomfort remains, dilute two cups of vinegar in a sinkful of cool water. Apply the mixture to sunburned areas with a washcloth. Skin should also be kept moisturized to prevent it from peeling. If blisters appear or the stinging persists after a few days, consult a physician. One bad sunburn may double your risk of skin cancer in the future. So avoid sunburn by using an SPF 15 sunscreen and avoid staying in the sun for prolonged hours during peak sun times. How can I keep my feet looking great and feeling cool this season? Stacy Ann 30 Teacher Keep your feet healthy by smoothing a body lotion on your feet after showering. Make sure to work the lotion in well, because moisture can lead to fungal infections. Sprinkle on a foot powder to minimize perspiration throughout the day. If you have been on your feet a lot treat them by soaking them in warm water and baby oil. Keep feet cool and comfortable by wearing cotton socks and scented insoles inside shoes. Try to resist going barefoot as hot pavement and sand can burn your feet; wet surfaces can trigger a case of athlete's foot. Be sure to keep your toenails clipped by cutting straight across. This is so as to avoid ingrown toenails.
Beat The Fashion Bug With Black
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lack is the new black. It will always be in your wardrobe; its rightful place. It reeks of elegance and who doesn’t like a whiff of that? In 2015, black is back with a rocking uplift. Black metallics are unstoppable in leggings, leathers or accessories. Outfits are full of lots of black and white, severe cuts and little joys, like not always hugging curves which gives us less curvy girls a break from your showing off. Time to bust out the black leather jacket you’ve been storing in the “When will this come in style?” section of the closet, the biker babe look is on again. Whether you’re aiming for glamorous, seductive, powerful, or rocker, black is to the go-to hue. It’s easy enough to get; we’ve been consumed by the mountain of black garb occupying the display windows in the mall so, there are only a few hard and fast rules that you should observe Brighten it up - 101 of black fashion: mix it with a bright colour to lift the look. Balance the colour throughout the outfit- if you wear a colourful top, pick up that colour in the shoes and accessories. Easy with the rainbow look, it’s a bit primary-school Barbie doll. Black Lace - Wearing black lace effectively makes an area of the body look smaller. If you are fuller figured in the bust or hips, black lace will break up the expanse by drawing lines through the body. Little Black Dress - You must w w w . a m g tt. c o m
own this dress. From wholesome-good-girl, mini, strapless to knee length or one shouldered the options are there. Are you going sleek, one piece, or riddled with detailed accents like puckered sleeves and darling asymmetrical hems even one that perhaps ends with a side ribbon bow? Additional Tips Accessorize accordingly: It’s easy to look too Halloween-ish in black with the wrong accessories. Smarten black up with classic gold and silver jewelry, nothing overtly trendy or shockingly medieval. Go for a patterned scarf perhaps? Try for girly stilettos, ballet flats, or stylish sandals. Choose shoes in another color: Black shoes are too easy. For a funky look think along the lines of gray boots. For the clubs red or even purple stilettos are awesome eye-poppers. But black shoes do have their rightful place, don’t they? Avoid heavy make-up: Keep your face subtle. Choose to accentuate either the mouth or eyes but not both. Bright eye shadow should be paired with neutral lipstick; big red lips should accompany light mascara. Most importantly, avoid wearing too much dark make-up and avoid black lipstick altogether when in an all black get up. Black nail polish is only appropriate with lighter make-up in the face, like brown eyeliner only… unless of course, you’re going for the ‘gothic look’ after all. JUNE 2015
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Four Important Facts About High Cholesterol
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e often hear about high cholesterol and its supposed dangers. Why is it so dangerous? Is everything we have heard about it true? This article shares some interesting facts about high cholesterol. Not all cholesterol is bad The “cholesterol” molecule we know is a combination of fat and protein that is found in the blood stream. Different combinations of protein and fat make the molecule either healthy or harmful. Total cholesterol (TC) is the sum of all forms of cholesterol in the blood, with healthy TC typically being below 200mg/dl. Although TC is important, it only indicates the amount, not the type, of cholesterol. “Bad” cholesterol is classified as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and is a small molecule rich in fat and low in protein. LDL-C is the primary cholesterol form that causes atherosclerosis and eventual artery blockage, resulting in heart disease over time. Healthy values for LDL-C are stated as being below 100mg/dl. High cholesterol can be hereditary – Genetic factors are
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the most common cause for high levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides. Rarely, a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia results in very high cholesterol that requires aggressive treatments. In women, cholesterol levels often rise after menopause – Before menopause, most women have total cholesterol levels that are lower than men of the same age. But after menopause, hormone changes can cause LDL to rise and HDL to decline. You can see high cholesterol – Normally, you only know you have high cholesterol levels if a doctor tells you so. But it is possible for high cholesterol to be as plain as the nose on your face, showing up on the skin as reddish-yellowish bumps known as xanthomas. The patches vary in size and can be found all over the body, including on the joints, hands, and eyelids (though not all eyelid xanthomas are caused by high cholesterol). They tend to occur in older people and in those with diabetes or other health problems.
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Gym Etiquette
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he gym is the perfect place to be if you want to get fit, but it can be a nightmare experience for those who have to deal with people who don’t practice proper gym etiquette. Read on to see what we mean. Always have a towel with you while you’re training – ‘Where’s your towel? Oh, it’s back at your house? Then that’s where you should be too.’ You need to bring a towel to the gym, and you need to wipe your benches down after you’re done with them. Allow people who are lifting to have some space to get it done – the last thing that a guy who’s grinding out his 15th rep under the squat bar needs to have messing up his concentration, is you squeezing past his moving bar in order to get some plates. Wait for him to finish. Don’t ogle other members – both men and women. Guys, particularly younger guys, are just as guilty of ogling that big dude with an amazing body,
as they are for ogling that hot chick wearing yoga pants. I know, those pants are amazing, but generally people aren’t comfortable with you staring at their backside. Learn to share – Don’t hog the equipment for yourself. If you’re in the middle of a circuit but taking a short break, let others slip in between sets to save time. Don’t leave your towel on the machine and walk away expecting the machine to still be available when you return. Everyone has a right to use the equipment, not just you. If you take something out, put it away – Have you just finished using a set of free weights? Then put them away. Leaving dumbbells, bands, exercise balls and other equipment on the floor is a tripping hazard and makes it difficult for other members to find the equipment they need. Don’t drop the weights when you’re done either—it’s loud and very distracting for others around you.
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Reduce The Gas-Guzzling Effects Of Your Car
bstract Home has done some research and we have found ways to help you improve your gas mileage. Here are some tips for making your car more fuel efficient. Monitor and regulate your car’s tire pressure. Ensure that tires are maintained as per manufacturer specifications. Under-inflated tires promote better handling, but force the car to struggle so that more gas is needed. Over inflated tyres do increase mileage, but reduce the life of your tyre. When adjusting tyre pressure, do so when the tire is hot (or has driven over 10 miles). Hot air expands if the tire is regulated. Excess air is usually stored in the tyres when cold. Another tip is to try to keep fuel tanks above half in City driving so as to maintain proper pressure. A full tank keeps the fuel lines clean from the gummy residue formed by slow-flowing fuel or rust. Also, try to use
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recommended fuel treatments in the recommended ways to keep your fuel system functioning correctly. As an added tip, fill fuel tanks at morning time when specific gravity of fuel is high. It cannot be overemphasized that fuel efficiency is dependant on how well the car functions in general. When one part of a car fails, numerous other parts are affected. Always get your vehicles serviced at regular intervals from authorized technicians and mechanics at service centers. In other
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words, make sure that your vehicle is well tuned. Many people do not use the right octane of fuel in their vehicles and are paying extra as a result. Higher octane fuels such as Premium (91 octane), Speed 93 and Power 93 (93 octane) are made for cars whose engines have a high compression ratio-C segment and up. These fuels result in better performance and mileage in the right cars. No additives are needed for these fuels. Driving more efficiently also saves gas. Driving efficiently means avoiding speeding or excessive braking. Anticipating stops to avoid braking is a plus for any economizing driver, since it not only saves gas, but brake pads. Rapid acceleration and braking lowers your gas mileage by 30 percent on highways and 5 percent in towns. Shifting gears at lower speeds also help minimize mileage. Once past 55km your car should
be in fifth gear (or the highest gear available). The cruise control option in cars helps you to maintain a constant speed and in most cases will save gas. For those without that option; when driving at high speeds take your foot off the gas pedal slightly. This will enable you to keep your speed while saving a little gas as well. Also, avoid clutch-riding at all costs. This will extend your clutch life and your mileage. Utilize your car’s overdrive option. This reduces engine speed and lengthens your car’s engine life. Excess weight can do damage to your car in more ways than one. Suspension suffers, your engine suffers and gas mileage suffers. An extra 100 pounds in your ride can increase your miles per gallon by 2%. These results are all relative to the car’s size, with small cars feeling the brunt more than vans or SUV’s.
INTRODUCING
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LIFE’S MORE COLORFUL WHEN YOU MIX IT UP. ™ Mix It Up Responsibly. | © 2012 Kobrand Corporation, New York, NY | Alizé COCO Liqueur 20% Alcohol by Volume | www.alizecoco.com
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Envision A Trip To Europe
uropean travel is once again becoming increasingly popular for Trinis. If you are one of those who are thinking about European travel, here are some must-see attractions to consider visiting.
Colosseum, Rome The 50,000-seat amphitheatre in Rome was inaugurated in 80 A.D. by Emperor Titus, and served as the backdrop for gladiator duels, battle re-creations and dramas. The word "arena" comes from the Latin word for sand, which always covered the colosseum floor. Stonehenge, England How and why this circular monument of massive rocks was cre28
Eiffel Tower, Paris Built in 1889 for the International Exposition, the Eiffel Tower is the most iconic symbol of Paris and is on every visitor’s must-see list. The open-lattice iron tower is the City of Light's tallest structure, standing at 985 feet. The Parthenon on the Acropolis, Greece Work began on the temple to the goddess Athena in 447 B.C., and the result was to become one of the world’s most famous examples of Classical Greek architecture. This set-in-stone wonder attracts millions of visitors each year, though restoration efforts are trying to stem the tide of time and pollution on the marble statues and friezes.
ated between 3000 and 1600 B.C. is unknown, but some experts say the stones were aligned as part of a sun-worshipping culture or astronomical calendar. Recently scientists have determined that the structure also served as a burial ground.
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St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City St. Peter's is one of the most recognizable churches in all of Italy. During the 16th century, Michelangelo worked extensively on the building; in December 2007, a red chalk drawing for the basilica’s dome, Michelangelo’s last known sketch, was discovered in the Vatican archives.
Buckingham Palace When the British royals stay in London they get cozy at their 775-room "home," the official residence of the sovereigns since the early 1800s. Each August and September, the State Rooms – filled with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Vermeer, among others – are opened to the public. The Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy This landmark is another world famous site, but did you know that the Tower was originally the bell tower for the Pisa Cathedral? The tower took 177 years to build and was finally completed in 1372. Recent restorations have helped straighten the building which now only leans at a 3.99-degree angle.
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