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.
W
e are now fully into the rainy season in Trinidad and Tobago. The rains are often considered blessings (especially after the arid dry season we just had). However, these blessed rains also come in the form of torrential storms over extended periods. It is important to monitor your garden and landscape during these times as rainy weather can often have adverse effects on your greenery. Here are some measures for maintaining your garden greens in the height of the rains. Look out for any leaf or stem damage that may have occurred. If there is minimal damage to leaves, you may be able to just remove them. Keep an eye on plants that have received moderate or heavy damage, over the next couple days, the plant might be able to recuperate. Try to stake up plants that are now leaning. If the main stem of a plant has snapped then more than likely it is a loss. You can try grafting the stem back together. There is no guarantee the plant will survive, but you can try to salvage it. Tread Lightly. If soil has become waterlogged, walking on it can make it worse, as the soil becomes compacted. Avoid walking on very wet soil as there is a chance that doing so could damage the roots of your plants. Replenish nutrients. Rain and flooding can carry much-
Tips For Rainy Weather Gardening needed nutrients away from your vegetable plants. After severe storms, it is a good idea to replace those nutrients by adding compost or an organic fertilizer to your soil. Keep an eye on emerging weeds. Weeds love to pop up soon after a storm. The sudden charge of moisture to the soil will encourage weeds to spring up almost overnight. Put down some type of mulch to prevent
weeds and to help ease soil erosion. Be vigilant with vegetables. Tomatoes, peppers, basil and melongene prefer hot, dry weather. Expect fewer flowers, and for vegetables to develop and ripen more slowly. If squash and cucumbers are hit by powdery mildew disease, they will die out sooner than usual. In that case, take a photo of the affected plants and ask your local w w w . a m g tt. c o m
garden center for help. Never underestimate the need for watering. If you have really good drainage, don’t let this time go by thinking that you don’t need to water just because we have had a lot of rain. Temperatures may soon go past 30 degrees and plants are going to dry out fairly quickly, so you really need to pay attention to watering needs in the garden and landscape. JULY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
1
LIVING QUARTERS
Four Tips To Prevent Plumbing Problems
P
lumbing costs are high and can be largely inconvenient to the family as well. This article deals with some great ways to prevent plumbing problems from spouting up. Employ these simple procedures and kiss clogged drains, leaky faucets, and backups goodbye. Don't pour cooking grease into drains. It stops them up as it cools and hardens. Leading, of course, to a very clogged drain. Instead, chill cooking grease in an empty milk or juice carton in the refrigerator and dispose of it in the regular garbage. (Remember also to regularly maintain your garbage disposal to prevent plumbing problems.) Use inexpensive drain screens (made of either plastic or metal) in the kitchen sink, the bathtub, and the shower
to prevent food particles, hair, or small items like jewelry and toothpaste caps from entering the drain. You can also use inexpensive plastic drain screens that can be placed over bathroom sink drains, right over the builtin stoppers. These screens will catch and hold hair, soap slivers, and other potential drain-clog-
gers and make it easy for you to lift out the obstructions and toss them in the trash before they cause costly backups. Sprinkle baking soda into sink and tub drains monthly. Rather than relying on expensive and usually toxic drain openers, every month or so sprinkle about 1/4 cup (60ml)
of baking soda into your sink and tub drains, followed with just enough warm water to get the powder well into the drain. Then pour in 1 cup (240ml) of white vinegar. Let the clumpy mixture stand a few hours or overnight to dissolve scum and bacteria buildup in the pipe bends beneath the sink or tub drains, then flush the drains with hot water. Following this procedure regularly will keep your drains working freely without harming any of your fixtures or the environment. Don’t tightly close faucet handles. To make faucet washers last longer and to prevent leaks, turn the faucet off but don't tighten the handle any more than is needed to stop the water. Cranking handles forcefully into the off position wears down the washers faster.
Bathroom Sanitation Mistakes
T
oday, there are a lot more OCD people around than there ever were. Yet, the process of cleaning and sanitizing both public and home spaces has not considerably improved. There may be new technological advances, but the practices remain poor in many cases. Here are some sanitation mistakes you may be making in your home. Over-sanitizing Experts in the sanitation field will tell you that it is possible to over sanitize. We think going overboard helps, but you shouldn’t worry so much about disinfecting areas people don’t even touch, like the floor for instance. Instead, it’s better to focus on disinfecting high-touch areas, such as door handles, toilet bowl flush levers, faucets, and so on. You should still disinfect 2
or twice per week when the rest of the house is being cleaned. The number of times these rooms should be disinfected need to increase. The more they are sanitized, the lower the risk of spreading germs and crosscontamination.
the floor, just not as frequently as those other areas. Insufficient disinfecting The high-touch areas in your restroom need to be disinfected repeatedly. Bathrooms are used at multiple times by different people. However, they are seldom disinfected more than once per day. In fact, in homes, bathrooms are cleaned closer to once
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
Not allowing disinfectant to sit long enough Most disinfectants require up to 10 minutes on a surface in order to kill germs and bacteria. However, most people are rushing to get their job done and do not allow disinfectant to sit. It’s important to make sure you spray enough product to cover a surface and then let it sit, otherwise your cleaning efforts will be in vain. Using the inappropriate product Different products perform
differently depending on the use. Certain products are designed to be used in bathrooms, and others work better in kitchens, dining areas or other parts of your abode. Make sure that the products you use will work in your toilet area and won’t be used anywhere else. This way, you’ll keep your bathrooms cleaner, and you’ll also prevent crosscontamination.
Deficient hand hygiene You should know that all your cleaning efforts will make no difference if people don’t wash their hands correctly. So, be sure to make sure all soap and paper towel dispensers are fully stocked. It’s also a good idea to post reminder signs regarding hand washing and showcasing proper technique (Especially if there are kids in the home).
Iw almo ill meet st an you ywh ere!
Some banks don’t let you choose where to meet them
At RBC Royal Bank ™ we will meet you almost anywhere
Face the mortgage monster… or meet an RBC mobile mortgage specialist. Get a c to w hance Gran in a of $ d Prize 100 ,000
help you through the process with reduced turnaround times. You’ll also get: Competitive interest rates Cash back on closing costs At RBC we are making access to mortgage financing easy. It’s All About You!
Call an RBC mobile mortgage specialist, visit any RBC Royal Bank branch or go online at rbc.com/caribbean. We’ll meet you almost anywhere!
Central/Tobago
East
North
Andel Ramnath 727-2790
Alloysius Gonzales 776-0927
Tige Gilalta 795-9228
Corey Roopnarine 467-3336
Dwayne Hunte 795-9469
Carlene Joseph-Seerattan 795-9218
*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.
South Rodney Patterson 467-2825
Terrence Dhoray 795-9211
Schonnel Dev Persad 702-9809
Marisa Manbodh-Piggot 467-3367
Avalene Lee Foon 788-7630
LIVING QUARTERS
I
Proper Houseplant Care
t would be hard to imagine a home without indoor plants. Plants help improve the look of the entire room and often help brighten it. Plants can add color as well as life to a home. They are used to help create the background as well as to be the center piece of the room. There are some things, however, that must be known when choosing indoor plants. The first thing to note when choosing a plant is how much maintenance it will need. Once this is established you will be able to know if you have the time to take care of it. Maintaining a plant includes trimming, repotting, watering, cleaning and fertilizing. All of these things must be done in order for the plant to be nice and healthy. Trimming involve the cutting of the plant when it has branched out too much. This allows the plant to rejuvenate and encourages flowering. It gives new life to sick and dying plants. Another maintenance routine would be the repotting 4
of plants. Some plants get too big for their pots and need to be moved to new ones or some pots are too big for their plants. Repotting helps plants make good use of the soil and pots in which they live. Indoor plants must also be watered everyday. Water is the second life source for plants after the sun. Make sure that the soil is always moist. You can check how moist the soil is by checking the bottom of the
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
plant. Always keep plants moist. The amount of times you water a plant depends on the climate and weather conditions. In order to grow well plants need to be clean. So try wiping the leaves of plants often. Dead leaves should be removed immediately so as not to encourage insects. Fertilizing is a big part of indoor plant life. Over time the soil will lose it richness and need to be nourished. This can be done with the help of fertilizers. Most plants need to be fertilized only twice a year. Fertilizing ensures that the plant gets sufficient nutrients and helps it to grow better. Most fertilizers are water soluble so they get act faster than the others. When fertilizing always make sure that the plant is moist. The second thing to note when choosing an indoor plant is the lighting of the room. Sunlight is a plant’s first source of life so for a plant to grow well there must be good lighting in the room. Some plants prefer direct sunlight while some pre-
fer the shade so it is good to start off with an optimum amount of light. Too much light causes a plant to yellow and burn marks to appear. Too little light causes falling leaves and buds as well as stunted growth. So these symptoms can be used to determine whether a plant is getting too much or too little. Location of the indoor plant is also important. Try to find a place where there is not much human traffic. Heavy traffic would result in people hitting the plant when they go by. If this happens continuously the leaves of the plant will begin to fall off making it look less appealing. To make a wise and informed decision as to which indoor plants to buy make a visit to your local plant shop. Finding out about which plants suit your geographic location can help you to pick the right plant for indoors. Remember to get something that goes with your home dĂŠcor. Now that you have your newfound information have fun enhancing your home.
LIVING QUARTERS
Work Wonders With Floor Wax
E
ver go to a museum, hotel or even supermarket and marvel at how incredibly the floors shine? That didn’t happen by chance. Hard work goes into getting floors to look that way. It is more than likely those shiny floors are the result of a good wax job. Here is how to do it at home.
a wax, make sure to check the label to ensure that the wax is good for your type of flooring.
4
Apply a thin coating of wax to a clean rug and begin from the far corner to the centre of the room. Do this two to three times, with a 30-minute to an hour interval in between applications.
1
First up, make sure that your floor is clean. Remember that you can only wax a floor effectively if the dust and dirt on it are removed entirely. Use a broom to sweep the floor or for quicker cleaning, use a vacuum cleaner.
2
Before putting on new wax, make sure that you have stripped off the old wax completely. For a more effective and comprehensive treatment, remove the old wax coating which has already
5 6
When your wax has dried, carefully move the furniture back into its position in the room.
trapped dirt and dust particles over the last weeks. To do this, you can either buy a wax stripper or prepare a mixture of bleach and detergent. Continuously mop the floor until the old coat leaves the surface of the floor.
3
When the floor has dried, it’s now time to apply the new wax. There are many types of wax available in your local hardware store, and each can be applied only to a particular type of flooring. Before you buy
Find time to wax your floor every week or two to keep it clean, shiny, and attractive at all times. When you have a waxed and shiny floor, you’ll realize just how fun it is to stay indoors and enjoy the comfort of your clean home.
Monthly Home Maintenance:
Fire Safety Devices
S
mall monthly maintenance for your safety devices is important and doesn't take much time, at all. Even a small amount of fire damage can be extremely costly to repair, so keeping up with your monthly maintenance on these devices is an investment
6
in your property as well as in your family's safety! Here are some things to include in your monthly maintenance checklist.
will help your kitchen and bathroom drains running smoothly.
Fire extinguisher - Check that it's fully charged and recharge if necessary, especially if you have used it recently. Be sure you have an adequate number located in kitchen, garage and basement. Fire extinguisher placement is also important. If it is in an inconvenient spot, it won't be much use when it is needed.
Garbage disposal - Check safety valve and steam pressure gauge and replace if necessary; check water level gauge and add water if needed; drain water until clear of sediment.
Smoke detector - Another one of those items that it is easy to forget about, but which can play a huge role in an emergency. Test your battery every month and replace if necessary.
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
Sink and tub stoppers - Flush with hot water and baking soda.
Kitchen and Bathroom Monthly Maintenance- Sink and shower drains often go unnoticed until there's a problem. Taking these steps every month
HVAC Monthly Maintenance - Cooling is probably the most pleasant of modern conveniences. Unfortunately, when something goes wrong, it can be very costly to repair (and very uncomfortable to go without). Make sure your monthly home maintenance includes a quick check of your cooling systems by a professional!
HOME OFFICE
Eliminating Bad Work Habits
A
bad habit is a bad habit and will hardly ever have a good consequence. Therefore, it is important to nip bad-habits in the bud (Especially those that relate to work/ office productivity). Here are some common bad habits and how to eliminate them. Procrastinating As much as we would like to believe we are the ultimate go-getters, everyone procrastinates. Some just tend to do it way more than others. No matter your procrastination level, one thing is certain: It is a habit that is damaging to both you and your business. Being proactive is a must for any results-oriented individual and this is reflected in the company at large. Being proactive is especially important in group projects or assignments that impact others on your team or the greater population of your company. Procrastination also goes hand in hand with people who suffer from being slow 8
responders. If a client, coworker or manager sends you an email, leaves a voicemail or any other form of communication, respond as quickly as you can. Your response time affects their productivity, so try to be respectful of their time by responding in a timely manner. A self-imposed 24-hour deadline is a great timeframe to work with. However, be sure to skim from time to time to ensure the situation is not more urgent. Answering Unscreened Calls You think our moral compass is off because you don’t answer every single call? Well here’s the rationale. A blocked number call will obviously interrupt your concentration just like any other call would. However, depending on what the call is about, you could end up in a spot of bother. Depending on the client you may end up in a poor negotiating position where you are scrambling to formulate your thoughts when the caller is already well prepared.
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
Bad Grammar Or should we say poor grammar? We know this is Trinidad and Tobago and colloquialism and dialect are a part of us. However, there is a time and place for everything. When you hear someone using poor grammar, slang, or profanity, it translates into believing that person to be uneducated. You definitely don’t want to project that image to your clients or even fellow staff members. When speaking, always assume that your boss is in earshot. You never know, a coworker might be closing a deal and you can be heard speaking badly or cursing in the background. Too bad. Be wary of meetings If there is no agenda or defined topics of discussion you could end up wasting time and brainpower by attending. Meetings should be clearly defined. Any such meeting should not run over a half hour. Be sure to request an agenda in advance so you can be prepared and make
the best use of your and everyone else’s time. Tardiness Constant late coming and poor punctuality as a whole reflect badly on the type of worker you are. It doesn’t matter if you complete more work than the rest of the team in less time. This is especially bad at meetings. That is a direct show of complacency and carelessness. So be prompt or even a bit early to show that you are time conscious and that you do care about your job and other people’s time, as well. Poor Preparation Do you spend your first hour at work wondering what you should work on today? That hour is usually when the office is teeming and busy with important early morning tasks to complete. Your failure to plan in advance could cost you big efficiency points. The best bet is to plan your next day in the final few minutes before you leave work.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Operating With Open Floor Plans
A high ceiling creates a more open look. Carefully positioned furniture can still provide comfort and coziness. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
JULY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
11
ELEGANT IDEAS
This open floor plan merges the kitchen, dining room and library seamlessly.
12
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
ELEGANT IDEAS
w w w . a m g tt. c o m
JULY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
13
ELEGANT IDEAS
This spacious area allows for live entertainment options in the living room.
14
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
ELEGANT IDEAS
w w w . a m g tt. c o m
JULY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
15
KITCHEN
Seafood Purchasing Tips
S
ome buy frozen fish at the grocery and others can’t help but buy it at a fish depot close to our local shore. Frozen or fresh you should pay attention to some aspects when buying seafood. Below you can see some tips on how to select fish or seafood. Frozen Seafood Buying Tips • Frozen fish and shellfish should be packaged in a close-fitting, moistureproof package. Don't buy frozen seafood if its package is open, torn or crushed on the edges. • Select packages from below the load line of the freezer case in the store's freezer. • Avoid the package defrosting during transportation. You can transport seafood in an ice-packed cooler from the store to your home. Fresh Seafood Buying Tips The first aspect you should consider when buying fresh fish or seafood has to do with the seafood seller/store. Pay attention to the cleanliness, appearance and smell (strong fishy odor is 16
a sign of spoilage) of the local. As a general rule, fresh fish and seafood should be stored at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be maintained by refrigeration or ice. Besides that when selecting fresh fish or seafood pay attention to the following characteristics which indicate the freshness of the product, in order to safely enjoy fine taste and good nutrition. Fresh Fish Guidelines: • Fish should smell fresh and mild, not fishy or ammonialike. • The eyes of a fresh fish should be clear, bright and a little protruding. Cloudy, pink and sunken eyes indicate the fish has lost its freshness. • The gills of the fish should be bright red or pink and free from slime. • Fresh fish should have firm and elastic flesh. Test it by pressing the flesh delicately with the finger. It should spring back. • Fish with shiny skin and scales that adhere tightly is
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
another indicator of freshness. • Fish fillets should have firm and elastic flesh, a fresh-cut, moist appearance, displaying no darkening or drying around the edges. There should be little evidence of bruising or reddening of the flesh from retention of blood. In addition, prepackaged fish fillets should contain a minimum of liquid because when seafood is stored in liquid it deteriorates quickly. Fresh Shellfish Guidelines: • Fresh mussels, oysters, clams are sold live because when they die, their internal organs start to deteriorate. This way fresh shellfish should have unbroken shells and should be closed. If the shells gape slightly, tap them: the shells should close up. If they do not close up, throw them away. • The shells of fresh, live shellfish should be shiny and moist. It should smell sweet and mild, like a fresh sea breeze.
• Fresh lobster and crabs are also sold alive, because they spoil quickly when they die. Thus when selecting them they should show leg movement (they will not be very active if they have been refrigerated, but they should move at least a little bit). • Raw shrimp meat should be firm and should smell mild. The shells should not have blackened edges, black spots or other dark areas, because this indicates loss of freshness. • When buying fresh squid, select those with clear and full eyes, the skin should be cream-colored with reddish brown spots (when they start losing freshness the skin turns pinkish) and the meat should be very firm. • Fresh shucked oysters should have a fresh smell. A clear slightly milky or light grey liquid should surround freshly shucked oysters. • And last but not least, when shopping buy your fresh fish or seafood last and then take them home straight away to store them appropriately
RECIPES
Sumptuous Sushi
I
t’s no secret that sushi has become the world’s most recent “in” food. Sales are soaring at restaurants and there is even ready to eat sushi being sold at supermarkets. If you are down with sushi, try one of these recipes.
SUSHI RICE Ingredients 2 cups sushi or short grain rice 2 cups water, plus extra for rinsing rice 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon kosher salt Directions Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear. Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi. 18
TURKEY AND CHEDDAR SUSHI PINWHEELS Ingredients Three 1/2-inch-thick slices whole-grain bread, about 3 by 5 inches, crusts removed 2 tablespoons mascarpone cheese, at room temperature 3 deli-style slices roast turkey One 2-ounce piece white Cheddar, cut into 1 1/2-inch-long 1/2-inch-thick sticks 3 cooked green beans, ends trimmed Directions For the turkey and cheddar sushi: Place the bread slices on a work surface. Using a rolling pin, roll the bread until 1/4-inch thick. Spread one side of each slice with 1 teaspoon of the mascarpone cheese and top with 1 slice of turkey. Trim the turkey to fit the bread using scissors. Spread each slice of turkey with 1 more teaspoon mascarpone cheese. Place 2 cheese sticks, end-toend, along the narrow edge of the bread. Place a string bean on top of the cheese. Place a carrot stick alongside the string bean. Starting at the narrow end, roll up the bread like a jelly roll and press lightly to stick. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 3 pieces. Place the sushi on a platter and serve.
VEGGIE SUSHI Ingredients 1 1/2 cups uncooked short-grain white rice 1 1/2 cups water 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
2 teaspoons white sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 avocado - peeled, pitted, and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/4 cup sesame seeds, or as needed 1/2 cucumber - peeled, seeded, and cut into matchsticks 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into matchsticks 1/2 zucchini, cut into matchsticks Directions Place rice and water in a saucepan over high heat, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to very low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer rice until water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove rice from heat and allow to stand covered for 10 minutes. Mix red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl until sugar has dissolved. Fluff rice with a fork and transfer into a large bowl; pour vinegar mixture into the rice and stir to coat rice. Spread rice out onto a large piece of parchment paper and fan the rice until cool. Cover rice with damp paper towels. Sprinkle avocado slices with lemon juice in a bowl. Spread a thin layer of sesame seeds onto a sushi mat. Pick up about half a cup of cooled rice and place onto sushi mat in an even layer. Place 1/4 of the cucumber, avocado slices, bell pepper, and zucchini in a line down the middle of the rice. Pick up the edge of the sushi mat, fold the bottom edge of the sheet up, enclosing the filling, and tightly roll the sushi into a thick cylinder. Once the sushi is rolled, wrap it in the mat and gently squeeze
to compact it tightly. Repeat with remaining ingredients to made 4 rolls. Place rolls on a serving plate, slice into 6 or 8 pieces per roll, and cover with damp paper towels until serving time.
CANDY SUSHI Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter, cut into pieces 12 regular marshmallows 2 cups puffed rice cereal (Rice Krispies) 4 fruit roll-ups (pressed dried fruit rounds, 8 inches) any brand, any flavor 8 strips licorice candy (Twizzler's) pieces should be 6 to 7 inches long, trim to match width of roll-ups Directions Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and add marshmallows. Stir marshmallows until completely melted. Remove mixture from heat and add cereal. Stir to coat cereal evenly in melted marshmallows. Roll out the fruit roll-ups. Place 1/4 of the coated cereal onto each fruit roll up and spread and gather toward 1 side of roll up. Place 2 licorice twists onto the center of the spread out cereal mix. Wrap and roll the candy and fruit, maneuvering the licorice to the center of the roll, so that the finished product resembles a sushi roll. Repeat with remaining rolls. Place a sharp knife into a bowl of very warm water. Cut candy sushi with warm knife and arrange on a plate then serve.
BRIDAL
T
How About Getting Hitched At the Beach
he sound of the ocean, the grains of sand between your toes, the cool breeze brushing against your skin and your soul mate waiting for you at the end of the lane are just some of the things you can experience if having a beach wedding. However like most things, if not well thought out, they can turn into a total disaster. Here are some tips when planning the ultimate beach wedding!
1
Guest List - It is important to decide on this from the beginning, as it will help guide other important factors such as location and budget. Beach weddings are usually small and intimate and while as planning a larger wedding is not impossible, those with fewer guests tend to have a bit more flexibility.
2
No need for artificial additions - The beach setting is already gorgeous and does not need many decorative pieces. “A beach wedding can be about shells and starfish, but it can also take inspiration from the harmonious color palette of sand, dune grasses, stones and water,” says Karen Bussen of Simple Stunning in New York. Another piece of advice, add some color. To make your setup really pop, Sasha Souza of Sasha Souza Events suggests, “Choose colors that contrast the sand and the surf rather than blend in, like corals, greens and other vibrant tones.” 20
3
Scout various locations - An excellent and efficient way of doing this would be to create a table to compare and contrast the locations. Keep in mind if its not easily accessible, some of your guests may not be able to attend.
4
Do your research Make sure to find out about permits, license, noise ordinance and any other fees that will need to be paid to the relevant authorities. The registrar's office should be contacted for specific rules regarding planning a beach wedding in Trinidad & Tobago. They will also provide information regarding marriage licenses and marriage certificates. The contact information for this is: Trinidad Registrar General's Office Registrar House 72 - 74 South Quay Port of Spain Tel: 868 623 7163 Tobago Warden's Office Inland Revenue Building Sangster's Hill Scarborough Tel: 868 639 2410.
5
Plan for the environment - Analyze the environment. The imagery it provides may be beautiful but a lot of things can work against you in this type of setting. The sound of the waves crashing against its bank may be known for its soothing effects but think about how your guests will feel if they can’t hear the couple making their vows. Renting a small
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
PA system may be the solution. The breeze is also another factor to think about. Keep in mind that anything that can blow away will! Kelly McWilliams of Weddings by Socialites in Cape Coral, Florida says “if you’re using ceremony programs, weigh them down with shells, tie them to chairs with ribbon or print them on fans, which perform double duty. Also if you envision a perfectly petal-lined aisle, do not toss them until the absolute last moment, right before the guests arrive.” Lastly, don’t forget about the not so loving bugs: Mosquitoes! Providing odorless repellent for your guest is a good idea; just make sure it’s a brand that won’t stain. Another suggestion is to include citronella candles in your décor.
6
Restrooms - If the ceremony is held at a hotel or beach resort, be sure to inform all guests of the exact location of the bathrooms. If it takes place on a private/public beach, consider renting portable toilets.
7
Dress the part - Big dresses are not ideal for a beach wedding “you may be able to get down the aisle in a full dress and long train but walking on the beach and taking photos won’t be easy. If a large dress is a must, make sure it can bustle easily” says Paulette Davis of Bahamas Wedding Planner. Experts advise that brides should choose a lightweight fabric like chiffon or charmeuse
so the gown flows in the ocean breeze.” Forget about the heels! No bride wants to be remembered as the ‘bride that fell in sand on her wedding day!’ To prevent that nightmare from happening, consider wearing flat-sole sandals, espadrilles or wedges… shoes that won’t sink into the sand.
8
Seats - Tara Guerard destination wedding planner recommends wooden benches, folding chairs and waterproof ottomans, as they are heavy enough to withstand the ocean breeze.
9
Time of the Day -when picturing their beach wedding, many brides dream of saying "I do" just as the sun sets in the background. Mornings are wonderful as well especially if using a public beach. The beaches tend to be empty at that time and the lighting is perfect for photography. Not to mention, it is also the coolest time of the day.
10
Have a backup plan - Since the weather can be unpredictable, celebrity-wedding planner Colin Cowie recommends “to keep the party on the beach, have a canopy or tent ready or find a space indoors where everything can take place.”
11
Have Fun - After all it’s your wedding you’re planning NOT your funeral!
FAMILY
Fun Page Anagrams Microwave = Warm Voice Eleven plus two = Twelve plus one The Country Side = No City Dust Here Shades Kings Us = Hugs and Kisses A Crafty Bone = Bean Factory Faucet Photo = Hot cup of tea Alarming Dusk = Sugar and Milk Riddles 1. What can go up and come down without moving? Answer: The Temperature 2. Can you read the following? Yy u r yy u b I c u r yy 4 me. Answer: Too wise you are, too wise you be, I see you are too wise for me. 3. I am weightless, but you can see me. Put me in a bucket, and I'll make it lighter. What am I? Answer: A hole. Jokes The young Businessman A young businessman had just started his own firm. He rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques. Sitting there, he saw a man come into 22
the outer office. Wishing to appear the hot shot, the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally he hung up and asked the visitor, "Can I help you?" The man said, "Yeah, I've come to activate your phone lines." Waking Up People ask me if I wake up grumpy in the morning....... I reply----No, I just bring her some coffee!!!
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
A Lucky Break A completely inebriated man was stumbling down the street with one foot on the curb and one foot in the gutter. A cop pulled up and said, "I've got to take you in, pal. You're obviously drunk." Our wasted friend asked, "Officer, are yer absolutely sure I'm drunk?" "Yeah, buddy, I'm sure," said the cop. "Let's go." Breathing a sigh of relief, the wino said, "Thank God for that, I thought I was crippled."
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
How Make-Up And Spa Treatment Can Enhance Your Beauty Image
I
n the cosmetics market today, there are thousands of product lines advertising the natural look to men and women alike. However, some of these product lines use harmful chemicals that cause clogged pores and blemishes on the skin. We spoke with Steven Mawer, owner of a local spa and distributor of a skincare and make-up line and he shared some vital insight on how the right use of certain products can enhance your look. Steven noted that the right make-up could boost your image. He said, “the right makeup helps to do this by blending in with your skin and softening your image.” He also noted that make-up should not be used to make you beautiful but to enhance your natural beauty to give you a finished look. The wrong make-up can cause severe damage to your skin and so women and men should be cautious when experimenting with new product lines. A day at the spa is everyone’s dream. Frequent spa treatment can also be used to enhance natural beauty. Spa treatment services range from facials and face treatments to carotene treatment and full body massages. Frequent spa treatment
is recommended for everyone who wears make-up daily since facials can be used to open and cleanse the pores. Steven also expressed his views on spa treatment saying, “Facials can help reduce and remove blemishes thus providing the perfect canvas for any make-up artiste.” He also said that skin treatment often saves the skin from developing wrinkles and gives the skin a more youthful and vibrant image. As everyone also knows, the spa is the best place to relax and be pampered and according to Steven, “the less stressed you are, the more your inner beauty shines.” On that note, nothing beats a person with a beautiful personality. It doesn’t matter how much foundation you apply and how perfect your skin may look, if your personality doesn’t shine, then your beauty image is ruined. The packaging outside wouldn’t matter it's the product inside is of no good quality. Therefore, along with your facials and make-up sessions, take some classes or time out for character development. Personal development is also a major aspect of beauty that should never be over-looked. The most confident and self-assured person can pull off any outfit.
Shoe Shopping Mistakes
W
hen it comes to clothing, shoes are by far the most popular item women obsess over. While it is good to capitalize on the numerous shoe sales around, you should also be wary of making these mistakes. Buying Solely for Looks The main motivating factor behind most shoe buyers is aesthetics. It’s all about satisfying a need to wear a particular style. However, you shouldn’t be too concerned with fashion. Simplicity often serves best. People may get a shoe that looks cool, but end up returning saying the shoe hurts. Not Trying Them on First Fit is everything. So always make sure you try on the pair and that you can wear them comfortably. Walk around the store in them. Check if your feet aren’t slipping, toes aren’t feeling cramped, and that the shoe is not too loose. Do not rely on the shoe size label alone. Shoe manufacturers have different measurement references. Rew w w . a m g tt. c o m
member, you’ll end up suffering future injury (blisters and sore feet) when you’re wearing the wrong shoe size. Constantly Switching Brands If you find a brand that works for you, stick with them. Most companies are consistent in the way they make their shoes, so you can usually count on them selling one or two pairs that will work for your foot. Unless the design drastically changes, it will be better for you in the long run to always buy a brand you really like. JULY 2015
ABSTRACT HOME
23
MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Keep An Eye On Picking The Right These Cardio Myths
T
Toothbrush
he importance of good oral hygiene cannot be overstated. This not only applies for dental health, but for your overall wellbeing. In fact, gum disease is a major risk factor for the development of serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. With that said, having the right toothbrush can be extremely beneficial to your health. How do you know if you have chosen the right toothbrush? These are some of the things to look for. Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Smallheaded brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth When it comes to the type of handle (such as non-slip grip or flexible neck), shape of the head (tapered or rectangular) and style of bristles (such as rippled, flat or trimmed to a dome shape), pick whatever is most comfortable for you. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily 24
For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. In some ways, it's actually easier to pick a child's toothbrush. Picking a child's toothbrush that's age-appropriate is the first place to start. Fortunately, most toothbrush manufacturers designate specific age groups right on the packaging, making it easy to know which brushes you should consider. Other things to look for are soft, nylon bristles and consumer affairs Seal of Approval. Your dentist will also have recommendations, so be sure to ask!
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
C
ardio is a very important part of fitness. With a good mix of cardio, strength training and the right dietary choices, you will feel and look better than ever. However, there are some popular myths regarding cardio that you should be aware of.
Lots of Cardio Will Make You Lose All The Weight You Want Your body is a highly efficient machine. Simply put, if you do a lot of cardio, you will get really good at doing cardio. You will use less energy to get more done. This is great if you're training for an endurance event, but if your goal is weight loss you need to add strength training. Even when you’re not exercising, your muscles burn calories— the stronger they are the more calories they consume. A combination of strength training and cardio equals greater caloric expenditure and will get you to your weight loss goals faster. A Run or a Bike Ride, Can Substitute For Legs' Strength Workout Unless you're doing full-on sprints uphill or cranking the bike's resistance to the point where you can barely push the
pedals (and yet you push), you ain't getting much muscle-building benefit from your workout. So while you feel like your legs and glutes did some work, in order to get the awesome metabolic gains of building up those largest muscles in your body, you have to incorporate strength moves like squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Not only that, strength workouts will make you a better runner and cyclist. It’s better to do cardio before a weight workout If you’re hitting the treadmill for an intense cardio session and then plan to hit the weights afterward, you’ll have little left in your tank to make your resistance training count. When it comes to doing a full, highintensity cardio session and an entire resistance training workout, perform each on separate days, so you can give both your all and burn more calories in the process.
GARAGE
PETS
Three Common But Deadly Doggy Diseases
Get The Most Out Of Your Car Battery
B
elieve it or not, your car battery is integral to the performance of your vehicle. Sure we know a car won’t run without a battery, but a poorly maintained battery can affect your car as well. It is important to take care of your battery properly in order to extend battery life. Here are some tips that will help you to maximize your car’s battery life. Secure your car battery Check that your battery is secure at all times, as vibrations can damage the battery plates. Inspect battery terminals regularly; loose connections can cause breakdowns. Keep the car battery case clean Dirt and damp can damage your battery case and may cause your battery to lose charge. Ensure the case and terminals are checked and cleaned during every major service. Drive your vehicle regularly Leaving your vehicle stationary for an extended period affects your battery’s charge. To maintain the required level of charge 26
in your battery make sure you regularly drive your vehicle. Avoid draining Avoid leaving vehicle accessories on regularly as this will discharge the battery and it will then require a recharge. Constant recharging may shorten the life of your battery. Check the battery charging rate Have the charging rate checked at every major service. Both under and over-charging will reduce car battery life and void the warranty.
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
D
ogs get diseases too. Too many people forget that and as a result treat their pet with less care than they should. However, illness prevention and care in dogs is crucial in order to prevent death from one of these afflictions. Heartworms Heartworms are a serious and potentially deadly disease in which parasites infect a dog’s heart and arteries. Dogs are exposed to larvae through a mosquito bite and, if unchecked, the larvae can develop into large worms. Symptoms of heartworm disease range from coughing to lethargy, collapsing, and depression (moping or not greeting you at the door). A heartworm infestation can progress to heart failure and death. Though not always successful, treatment options include medications to kill the parasites and, in advanced cases, surgery. Fortunately, heartworms are easily prevented. Options include daily oral medications, topicals, injections, and a simple, once-a-month pill. Distemper Distemper is a tragic, often fatal disease of dogs and puppies. While the distemper virus is part of the typical puppy vac-
cine series, puppies too young for vaccination and dogs who were never vaccinated are most vulnerable. The virus typically comes along with neurological symptoms, nasal discharge, and high fevers. It also has a high mortality rate, and the rare dogs who survive infection often bear long-term effects, such as seizures and hardened paw pads. Parvo The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia). The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. Parvovirus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's feces. Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors.
TRAVEL
W
Shopping Tips For Travelers
hen we haggle in Trinidad, we call it “breaking down” the sales clerk. No matter what you call it, getting a discount can be a great blessing. After all, everyone loves a good deal. It does not matter where you are. In fact, a lot more people are more willing to ask for discounts and negotiate prices abroad than at home. However, there are some things you should know about this art before you travel to a foreign country and think you’re going to come back with a bunch of extra bucks. These people can spot a tourist from miles away and they see tourists as walking piggy banks. These tips will help you flip the script. Know Your Price Point And Know When To Walk Away It’s incredibly important to set the price you’re willing to pay before you head out shopping. It is important to do your research so you can know the prices you will encounter overseas. That will assist you in making informed decisions about how much discounts you are entitled to. Other factors should be 28
considered as well. Juggling the price will be dependent on the item in question, your lifestyle, your income, and your value system. Obviously, if the widget in question is a couple of bucks, perhaps some soul-searching isn’t warranted. Setting a price you’re willing to pay also allows you to back away when you can’t find the right price. Those of us who have frequent buyer’s remorse will probably be well aware of how important it is to be able to walk away from a “deal.” Ask But Not Demand Attitude matters and being courteous and polite will never hurt. It doesn’t take a master negotiator to know that your attitude and approach will matter greatly when you’re trying to make a deal. You should always ask for a discount instead of demanding it. “Is there any flexibility in the price?” comes out much nicer than “I need you to give me a better deal.” Besides keeping with common bargaining etiquette by only asking, you’re also leaving the door open for future discounts.
ABSTRACT HOME JULY 2015 w w w . a mg t t . co m
going out of season, out of style or out of model year. If you can help the seller reduce unwanted inventory, you can increase the value of any offer you make.
Don't Be Desperate Don't allow yourself to fall in love with an item before you begin to haggle. A desperate buyer has few tools to motivate the seller.
Know Who Has The Power There’s no point in trying to negotiate with someone who doesn’t have the authority to cut you a deal. That’s why a traditional bargaining tactic is to go higher up the corporate food chain, to a supervisor or manager, when seeking a discount. One caveat: Don’t assume your first contact has no power. More and more major retailers have been empowering their frontline employees, to keep you happy and cut you a better deal. Times are tough with the economy and they want the business.
Timing Is Everything The calendar can be your friend. Sometimes salespeople or stores have monthly sales quotas. And there may be additional financial advantages for them to complete a sale, so deals may be a little easier to snag near a deadline. Plus, most sellers are more willing to deal when an item is
Learn The Lingo There can be no negotiation without communication. If you are overseas, even if you speak the same general language, there will be some inflections, slang and terms native to that particular province. Learn the terminology and stay atop of your game.
Abstract Home Is Published By Abstract Media Group, Premium Commercial Complex, San Juan, Trinidad, W.I. • Tel: (868) 638 1156/9 • Fax: (868) 638 1160. Printed By The Office Authority - Printing Division And Distributed By AMG