HYDRATION
the key to skin that glows from within Introducing Neutrogena@ Hydro Boost Water Gel. Has your skin started to lose its get up and glow? Dehydration is a common culprit. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, new Hydro Boost is clinically proven to quench skin instantly and release continuous hydration all day. Skin is plump, deeply hydrated, and back to its glowing self. • Lightweight gel texture WHAT IS
• Oil free
HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in skin, is a powerful hydrator that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It plays a critical role in keeping skin cells* hydrated and “plumped,” resulting in supple, youthful-looking skin. We lose Hyaluronic acid over time, but the added HA in Hydro Boost works to help keep skin hydrated and smooth, with a healthy-looking glow.
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*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
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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he sun is beautiful. It gives us warmth and provides the earth with light and energy. Without it we would cease to exist. However, too much of any good thing can be bad. When we expose ourselves to too much sunlight we run the risk of getting skin cancer or at the very least bad sunburn. Similarly, inanimate objects in, on and around the home can be adversely affected by harsh sunlight (especially during these extreme dry weather times). Sunlight degrades many materials. Untreated wood literally falls apart, blackens or is bleached under the sun. Plastics fade and become brittle. The heat created on the eastern and western sides of buildings by the sun can cause buckling of asphalt shingles in unvented roofs. It’s a good thing so few of us use asphalt shingles in T&T anyway. In any event, if your home's design ignores the sun, you will suffer. Most stock plans do not consider the sun's path across the site they happen to be built upon, but many designers find the sun an inspiration in custom designs for new homes and for renovating those stock, sunignoring designs. If you have skylights, large windows or furniture pieces in direct view of the sun, it’s time to take precautions. Here are some options. Window Treatment Options: Modern films are among the best ways to deal with sun and light issues in your home. We aren’t talking about what just won the Oscars in the last
Preventing Your Home Interior
From Sun Damage
year. Good-quality solar window films, like those by Vista, 3M or Lumor, reject 99.9 percent of the sun’s harmful rays. Still confused? When we say window films we’re talking tints. Sheesh! Solar window film can reduce 50 to 87 percent of the sun’s glare, while allowing you to enjoy the outside views. Reducing glare by using these tints
actually enhances views while easing eye strain. In addition, window tints can significantly reduce heat and save on energy bills without changing the look of existing windows or doors. Furniture Options: Lighter upholstery fabrics will generally show less fading, and some leather finishes are more faderesistant than others. So it’s w w w . a m g tt. c o m
worth asking about colorfastness when you’re buying a new piece, especially one you expect to get a lot of sun. Leather can also be re-dyed and restored, though obviously it’s cheaper to prevent the damage in the first place. Art Options: UV-blocking “glass,” which is often actually acrylic, can filter out harmful rays. Hanging artwork out of direct sunlight is also smart. For anything valuable or irreplaceable, consider having a good copy made and hang that instead. You can always bring out the original for display on special occasions. While, your interior is indoors, it is never completely safe from the sun and its UV rays. Therefore, the aforementioned tips should help your to save your treasured possessions and money. APRIL 2016
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LIVING QUARTERS
Laundry Must-Haves Washing basket liner Especially useful with wicker baskets, a liner protects clothes from snagging on the sharp edging. Fabric softener It makes fibers softer and ironing easier. However, avoid using it when washing towels as it will make them less absorbent.
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aundry Day... Just the thought of this particular chore can give you chills. However, you don’t have to panic just yet. The right tools make things much easier for you. Oh, you don’t have a list of laundry must-haves? Well you’re in luck. We have one for you.
Detergent Eco-friendly is expensive, but all ingredients are natural plantbased, biodegradable, safe on skin and they won't fade colours. The packaging is also recyclable. Dye grabber Stop your whites becoming pinks by using a dye grabber cloth. It prevents colours running by holding and absorbing any loose dye during the wash.
Pegs For hard-wearing garments like jeans, standard pegs are fine. But, for delicate items, use these soft-grip designs that won't leave hard-to-iron-out marks on your clothes. Delicates bag Keep more fragile items, such as tights, snag-free with a simple
net bag. It prevents items from being ruined by being twisted around in the machine. Stain removers For individual stains use spray-on stain remover before you put in the wash. Or add a stain remover to the wash to keep whites white and tackle tricky stains such as grass stains and red wine.
Tips For Using Chlorine Bleach
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hen people hear about the magical cleaning power of bleach their first instinct is to use it every time they wash. However, bleach should not be used all of the time. Caution must be observed when using bleach in laundry to ensure that clothes last longer.
1. Check the Tags. Review the clothing care suggestions before using any type of bleach. It's also a good idea to test the clothing to make sure it is colorfast before using any type of bleach. 2. Dilute the Bleach. Never pour bleach directly onto fabric. If you don't have a bleach dispenser on your washing machine, allow water to filll up partially in the washer tub before adding bleach and then clothing. This will protect your clothing from damage. 2
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3. Don't Mix Bleach. Never mix bleach with ammonia or any product containing ammonia. The fumes are toxic and can make you very sick in a very short period of time. If you're in doubt, don't mix. 4. Know your Fabric. Some fabrics should not be bleached including flame retardant clothing, silk, acetate, spandex, rubber, and elastic. Even bleach safe fabric can be weakened over time with extensive bleach use.
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LIVING QUARTERS
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Caring For Your Fine China
hether you received your fine china dinnerware as a wedding gift or it was handed down to you by a family member, it is indeed precious and you should do all you can to prolong its life and beauty. Unlike other more durable dinnerware, fine china needs extra care to keep it looking good. If you have fine china dinnerware and are afraid to use it because you don’t even know how to begin to take care of it, here are some tips to help you wash and care for your fine china dinnerware, so you won’t be afraid to use it. Because after all, what good is fine china dinnerware if you can’t use it? Preparing Your China For Cleaning After dinner, you should refrain from scraping off food with anything metal. Instead use something soft that won’t scratch the finish, like a rubber spatula. You should then rinse the dinnerware of any excess food shortly after eating. Acidic foods like 4
water to allow time for the temperature to evenly distribute. Quick temperature changes can cause china to crack and break.
spaghetti sauce can stain your fine china if left on for long periods of time. You should then prepare your sink for the fragile fine china by lining it with a soft towel or rubber mat. Doing this will keep your fine china from getting dings and scratches. You should remember to never stack your fine china dinnerware in the sink as they could hit one another and break. Washing Fine China Dinnerware In terms of cleansing agents, you should stick to mild detergents.
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It is best to stay away from abrasive or harsh cleansing agents as they can really cause the finish to fade over time. You should also only use a sponge or soft dish cloth. Anything scratchy or rough shouldn’t be used as it will definitely be harmful to the glossy finish of the china. Another key thing to remember when washing fine china dinnerware with a metal rim or metal detailing is to not use hot water. Hot water usage can cause the metal to fade and chip. When washing each piece, you should slide the china into the
China Care Tips You should always hand dry your fine china dinnerware to avoid water spots. When you’re putting the china away, you should use extreme caution when stacking. If you want to be extra careful, place doilies or rubber jar rings between each plate. Fine china cups are easily broken as well, so don’t stack them or hand them from hooks. You should simply dedicate a shelf for them and line them up in a row. In addition, you should keep your fine china dinnerware at moderate temperatures, as extreme temperatures can be very harmful. If you do start to notice fine, spidery cracks in the surface of your china you can sometimes repair these by placing the item in a pan of warm milk for around 30 minutes. If the cracks are indeed on the surface they should vanish.
LIVING QUARTERS
A Guide To Proper Lawn Cutting
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awns are one of the most intensive and time consuming areas of maintenance in a garden, but the rewards of a well-kept lawn are great. In the rainy months healthy grass grows vigorously and will need cutting at least once a week, and care must be taken not to cut the length too short. Following the simple rules below can help bring out the best in your lawn and help keep work to a minimum. Cut regularly Cut the grass as often as you are able to. Mowing encourages thicker growth and the development of fine grasses. It eliminates coarse grasses, and deters flowering and seeding of weeds. Adjust the height Never give the lawn a close shave. It should be long enough to re-
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At other times use long-handled edging shears to maintain a neat appearance every time you mow.
main healthy, but short enough to be visually pleasing. Take into consideration that there are different optimum heights for different lawn types. Do not mow more than a third of the height of the grass in one cut.
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Trim the edges Trimming around the lawn gives a sharp edge that is very pleasing to the eye. You can buy a half moon edging iron that should only be used once or twice a year.
Sharpen the blades Have the blades of your mower sharpened at least once a year. Blunt mower blades are very damaging to your lawn because they rip the grass instead of cutting it. This results in blades of grass that turn white at the tips and become more prone to lawn diseases.
Guardian Asset Management
HOME OFFICE
Four Detrimental Office Habits You Shouldn’t Ignore
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ou have a job. Great! Thank the Lord! If you want to keep the job, just make sure that you do your part in addition to thanking the Lord. Doing your part entails making sure that you do not engage in these bad office habits. 1. Phones: It is a bad habit to always leave your office door open and use your speaker phone. Close your door and do not disturb your colleagues. As well, using a speaker phone at full volume to go through your voice mailbox is the definition of annoying. If you are in an open office, do not use a speaker phone; instead, book an office for your meetings. It’s also bad habit to always leave your personal mobile phone to ring on loud volume in an open office. Checking your personal phone during a chat with anyone is another bad habit. 8
you are better off eating where the noise emanating from your mouth isn’t going to irritate anyone. Also, if you have to constantly belch loudly after drinking your can of Coke, find somewhere else to do this.
2. Eating: It’s ok to bring your lunch in and eat in the office, but remember not to bring in any smelly food. You really don’t want to stink up the office especially if the windows aren’t opened. If you have to, then find a separate office or a free area to eat it. Don’t microwave smelly food in the lunch room either. In addition, if you can’t close your mouth when you chew,
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3. Music: If you are in an office where you are allowed to listen to music while you work, then using your Mp3 player or iPod with a pair of cheap, leaky ear bud plugs is not cool! Why? Those near you might not be fans of your old Spice Girls’ tracks. Your pirated bass-less tin tunes might be disturbing your colleagues sitting near your desk. It is best to always turn the volume down or ask your colleagues if your ear bud plugs are leaking. 4. Poor Hygiene: This is a major bad habit in the workplace. If you are not a fan of morning
showers, baths, shower gels or soap, when you notice that your colleagues are constantly stepping away or moving away from you, it might be time for you to hit the shower hard! People are super polite so they might not tell you outright that you smell. Perhaps you may want to consider visiting the shower daily. In addition, constantly picking your nose in front of everyone is off putting, don’t make it a habit. If you wear the best and most expensive suit, but have a terrible case of unkempt hair oozing dandruff flakes onto your shoulders or flying everywhere, you’ll give a bad impression. It’s also not a great look if your shirt is soaking wet in your armpit areas, trust me, people see these things. As crazy as it sounds, everything on the grooming list – smell, clean teeth, facial hair, fingernails, haircuts and oral hygiene do matter.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Be At One With The Sun
This spectacular skylight makes this spacious room look even larger. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Comfortable chairs and calming colours make this solarium a perfect place to chill.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Large windows and a tinted glass ceiling add light to this solarium, while a ceiling fan circulates natural air. 14
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This sun room was turned into an ornate dining space that is worthy of any occasion. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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KITCHEN
Maximize The Use Of Your Utensils
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ome people develop an overreliance on some things when it comes to the kitchen. Others have a bounty of products that they seldom use. While some kitchen appliances and utensils are quite unnecessary, others are great, but end up being underutilized. Here’s a list of those gadgets chefs of all levels should know and use. Some gadgets are a bit lesser known while others have no place in the kitchen… ever. Underused: Microplane Everyone has used a grater to shred cheese over food, but how many have used the grater’s more intricate cousin, the microplane? Appearing in many forms; stand-up, hand-held and somewhere in between… the mi16
croplane is used to more finely shred, or zest, anything from nutmeg and cheese to the rind of any citrus fruit. Meat tenderizer No one wants to wait overnight
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for steaks to marinate. For great meats fast, use a meat tenderizer. There are two kinds. The first is the mallet, which looks like it sounds. Simply pound a piece of meat while pulling outward on its edges.
Eventually, the meat will become softer and cook up nice and juicy. The second is a tenderizer with sharpened columns that act as little needles, puncturing the meat and allowing for marinades to soak in. The device looks like a hand-held stamp used on postal or legal documents. On the other hand, some products are downright unnecessary such as Dash Pinch Smidgen measuring spoons. These novelty spoons are ridiculous. Dashes, pinches and smidgens are negligible measurements that are better made by feel, sight and taste. And while the three spoons aren’t really expensive, your money would be better spent on something else.
RECIPES
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Supreme Sandwiches
here’s nothing simpler than slapping something between two slices of bread to create a quick meal. The sandwich is a staple in almost any diet globally. Here, we share some simple twists to add to your sandwich arsenal.
PEANUT BUTTER AND APPLE Ingredients 2 slices whole wheat bread 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or to taste 1 small apple - peeled, cored and shredded Directions Spread a thin layer of peanut butter onto one side of each slice of bread. Place shredded apple onto the peanut butter, and place the other peanut buttered side of bread on top. Serve immediately.
SPEEDY TUNA MELT Ingredients 1 (6 ounce) can chunk light tuna, drained 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 bagel, split and toasted 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Directions Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Combine the tuna, mayonnaise, and mustard in a medium bowl, using a fork to mash the ingredients together. Top each bagel half with half of the tuna mixture. Sprinkle the tops with shredded Cheddar 18
cheese. Place bagel halves on a baking sheet. Bake the bagel halves in preheated oven until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
SPICY GRILLED CHEESE Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter or margarine 4 slices white bread 2 slices American cheese 1 plum tomato, thinly sliced 1/4 small onion, chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped Directions Heat a large skillet over low heat. Spread butter or margarine onto one side of two slices of bread. Place both pieces buttered side down in the skillet. Lay a slice of cheese on each one, and top with slices of tomato, onion and jalapeno. Butter one side of the remaining slices of bread, and place on top buttered side up. When the bottom of the sandwiches is toasted, flip and fry until brown on the other side.
NOT SO SLOPPY JOES Ingredients 2 pounds lean ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped celery 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 8 hamburger buns
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Directions Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until evenly browned, stirring to crumble. I like to use a potato masher to even out the lumps. Add onion and celery, cover the pan, and cook until tender and transparent, about 5 minutes. Drain off any grease. Stir the tomato soup (undiluted), ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and garlic powder. Heat to a simmer over low heat, and cook until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning on the bottom. Spoon the hot beef mixture onto buns, which may be toasted first, and serve.
GOURMET MELONGENE AND BELL PEPPER Ingredients 1 eggplant (melongene), seeded and cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch slices 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips Salt and pepper to taste 1 French baguette 2 ounces soft goat cheese 1/4 cup tapenade (olive spread) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Directions Preheat the oven broiler. Place the eggplant and red bell pepper on a medium baking sheet, and season with salt and pepper. Broil 5 to 10 minutes, until tender and slightly browned.
Cut baguette in half lengthwise. Spread bottom half with goat cheese, followed by tapenade. Layer with eggplant and red pepper, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with top half of baguette. Cut into 4 pieces. Serve hot or cold.
VIETNAMESE SANDWICH Ingredients 4 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4 inch thick 4 (7 inch) French bread baguettes, split lengthwise 4 teaspoons mayonnaise, or to taste 1 ounce chili sauce with garlic 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 small red onion, sliced into rings 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced lengthwise 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Salt and pepper to taste Directions Preheat the oven's broiler. Place the pork chops on a broiling pan and set under the broiler. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, or until browned on each side. Open the French rolls and spread mayonnaise on the insides. Place one of the cooked pork chops into each roll. Spread chili sauce directly on the meat. Sprinkle with a little lime juice and top with slices of onion, cucumber, cilantro, salt and pepper. Finish with another quick drizzle of lime juice.
BRIDAL
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How To Increase Honeymoon Intimacy
oneymoons can be hectic. It sounds bad, but it is the truth. A honeymoon can be just as busy as the lead up to your wedding date. This does not have to be so. One can actually enjoy one’s postwedding day vacay in a relaxed state and actually accomplish those well-publicized bedroom duties. Though expectations of sex on the honeymoon can be overblown, it is very possible to be incredibly intimate during this period. Here’s how… Pack with love in mind You need to pack for the occasion. Packing for going on tours and the like will only promote going on tours. Yes, you will need clothes for whenever you do venture out of your rooms. However, it is important to pack things that will help promote intimacy. Your luggage should be filled with lingerie, lubricant, condoms, and whatever else you and your spouse need to get in the mood for love. If you like certain music to play while 20
you're making love, bring the CD. Prefer a certain bubble bath when you're bathing together? Pack it. You get the idea. Prioritize intimacy Vacation is one of those rare times where you have the opportunity to decide exactly how you want to schedule your days. You may be tempted to do a lot of sightseeing and exploring on your honeymoon, but try to make time for relaxation. You’re going to be exhausted after your wedding, so schedule at least a couple of days to de-stress. You also want to make sure to leave plenty of space open for the two of you to have quality intimate time. Bonding after this huge milestone in your life is way more important than visiting another museum! Be a tease The best part of being able to do nothing (for once) is the chance to do something to your partner all the time. Foreplay doesn't have to be a five minute
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try out some new things in the bedroom. Most people are so excited to be on this vacation that some of their inhibitions naturally fade away. As part of your pre-honeymoon discussions, choose one or two new things to try out, like enacting a fantasy or wearing more revealing lingerie. But don’t go overboard and change every aspect of your usual routine! You’re not trying to qualify for the sexual Olympics here. fumble - you've got 24 hours a day, right next to each other to turn it on! So why not start with a bit of inappropriate (not too inappropriate) touching on the beach when you're lying next to each other or when you take a dip in the sea? You don't need to wait until you're actually away, why not start the teasing in the taxi to the airport or even on the plane? Nobody needs to know what goes on under that blanket - just make sure you're discreet. Experiment A honeymoon is a great time to
Get wet Hotels usually have massive bathrooms. That’s great for couples. Our advice is to get in it and enjoy it. Sex in the shower or bath can be incredibly hard to maneuver if you’re living in a tiny flat or are still flat sharing. So instead of just swanning around in a granite wet room make sure you grab hold of those fixtures and start getting freaky. Just remember your after care - if you have sex in the bath, your chance of infections can be increased!
FAMILY
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When His And Hers Meet
oving in together for newlyweds is meant to be a happy experience. It means that you both have more time to spend with each other, and you would be able to see each other everyday. This happy time could however be short lived, especially if you both have different tastes when it comes to decorating ideas. His look could be casual and laid back and hers could be elegant and sophisticated. Now the first thing that needs to be decided on before moving in with each other is getting a place to stay. Whether it is going to be a condo, apartment or a house must be decided by you both. This decision can be made according to your budget. You must keep in mind that this would be the place in which you would be spending most of your new life if not the rest of your life. This is the place that your children will grow up in so the location and size of the place is important. The next thing to do is to get your ideas to complement each other. Getting two totally different individual styles to complement each other can be a hard task. It can be as hard as trying to fit a square fixture into a round hole. Some items of furniture were just never meant to be placed together. Therefore some of his things will have to go as well as some of hers. This is where the compromising comes in between partners. Both partners need to sit and decide which items of furni22
ture must go and which can stay. Deciding on what stays and what goes calls for patience and understanding. Some of your partners’ items would be of sentimental value. Items such as the first piece of furniture that was ever bought, or a chair that was passed down from a family member can be hard to part with. These items of sentimental value can be kept in some cases. Try finding an alternate use for them so that their memories can live on. An old sofa can be placed in room that is set aside for relaxation such as a den. Or a new life can be given to the item by giving it to someone who is going to appreciate it as much as you did. After you have decided what stays and what goes, it’s time to redecorate. Some new pieces can be bought to replace the old ones. Talk about what color scheme you both like and try to see how the different ideas work. Many people are now experimenting with different colors around the home. Rooms are no longer just one color, there are different blends and mixes that look great together. Each room can have a different personality. One partner can decide on the theme of one room while the other can decide on the theme of another. Cooperating with each other can make the decorating easier. Respecting each other is also an important part in decision making. Listen to your partner’s suggestions and don’t dismiss your partner’s ideas because you
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don’t like them. Try to find out what is the reason why they like it and then tell them what your reason for not liking it is. Listening can be a great tool in relationships as well as everyday lives. Listening and talking things out can help alleviate problems that might occur. Couples should budget how much money they will be spending on furniture. Think about how long the furniture will be used for. Ask yourself if it will be a piece that will be used for a long time or will it be a temporary thing that will be changed when moving into a new house. Consideration of this will determine how much will be spent on a specific piece. Think about where the piece would be located, is it going to be in a high traffic area or will it be used for special occasions only. If you both have not considered having kids yet now would be the time. Thinking about the future can help you both decide on a few things. What would happen to the spare room should a child come into the picture? Would this room be used for a nursery? Thinking about this lets you know how much effort to put into the decorating of this room. If a child is being considered the room would have to be repainted and redecorated when the reality of the baby comes. This saves you both the time of decorating and furnishing a room that will have to be redone in a short space of time.
Remember furniture is not the only thing that must be decided on when moving in together. There is also the deciding of the general look of the place. If the couple is renovating their new home, there would be decisions to make as to what style the house should be in. Should a new bathroom be added or should the tiles and cupboards be changed in the kitchen? These are questions that you need to ask each other. These questions help decide how the house is going to look. Window treatments, pictures, ornaments and basic kitchen accessories such as plates, help add to the overall look of the home. Colors must be coordinated and the choice of style must show a bit of each person. Be sure that the pieces compliment each other you don’t want half of a room looking like something from a storybook and the other half looking as if it was taken from a scene in a jungle movie. Don’t cluster a room with ornaments; remember less is more. Make the rooms comfortable enough so that you as well as your visitors can enjoy being in them. Remember to enjoy what you are doing, have fun decorating and create some memories about your new home. Your new home is there for you both to enjoy. So after you have finished sit back, relax and enjoy. I hope these ideas help you in getting both of your ideas to complement each other.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Top Ten Essentials Oils Of Aromatherapy And Their Uses
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romatherapy is as simple as walking through your garden and smelling the flowers. When you light a scented candle and revel in its scent, or when you drink a cup of tea and breathe in the wonderful aroma, that is aromatherapy. We choose our home cleaning products by their scent as well as our bath and skin care products. These little things are our way of practicing aromatherapy. Although it has been practiced for many years, aromatherapy has only recently become popular in our culture. It is easy to practice, readily available and effective as therapy. Here are the top ten essential oils of aromatherapy and some of their uses: 1. Chamomile, which is calming, is useful for premenstrual pain, tension and indigestion. It is mildly antiallergenic and can be used for acne, eczema, and other sensitive skin conditions. 2. Lavender is calming and mildly astringent. It is useful for headaches, wounds, bruises, as an antiseptic and for insect bites, oily skin, acne, swelling, insomnia and mild depression. 3. Marjoram is mildly analgesic. It is useful for menstrual pain, headache, sore throat, insomnia, warming, improving circulation, acne and it is a mild sedative. 4. Neroli is mildly sedative and mildly warming. It is useful for insomnia, anxiety, nervous depression, acne, premenstrual tension, pain, backache and improving circulation.
5. Eucalyptus is an antiseptic which is useful for coughs, and colds, bronchitis, viral infections, muscular aches and rheumatic conditions. 6. Geranium is mildly astringent which is useful for cuts, sores, fungal infection, as an insect repellant, for soothing skin problems, eczema and bruises. It is a mild diuretic and an anti-depressant. 7. Rose is an antiseptic which is useful for sore throat and sinus, congestion, puffiness, insomnia, premenstrual tension/pain, menopause and reduced libido. It is mildly sedative. 8. Rosemary is a mild stimulant which is useful for physical and mental fatigue, forgetfulness, respiratory problems, asthma and rheumatic aches and pains. 9. Sandalwood is an antiseptic which is useful for dry, cracked or chapped skin, acne, calming, relaxation during meditation and as an aphrodisiac. 10. Jasmine is an antidepressant which is useful for depression, postnatal depression, strengthening contractions during labour and as an aphrodisiac. These oils can be found at any pharmacy or any beauty counter nearby. You can also get the scents of these oils in your favourite soap, household cleaner, potpourri or candle. Start purchasing them and begin to enjoy the serenity it brings to not only you but to your whole family as well.
How To Choose Eyewear
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hoosing and buying eyewear including glasses can be quite a task. Whatever your face shape and lifestyle, Abstract Home will give you some tips on how to choose the right pair of glasses to suit your face. The key to getting the glasses that make you feel and look your best is in selecting the right style of frames to suit your personality and lifestyle. So before you even get to the opticians think about what your glasses are for. Are they just for reading at home, are they for driving, are they to wear at work or when you are socializing, or are they to be worn at all times? If you need to wear glasses all the time then you may benefit from having two pairs, such as a conservative pair for work and a more daring pair to wear in the evenings and when socializing. Once you’ve decided when you will be wearing your glasses it is time to decide on the best style to suit your face. Round face A round face has curvilinear lines and the width and length of the face are in the same proportions with no angles. It is best to choose eyeglasses that make a round face look longer and thinner, and you can do this by choosing angular, narrow frames with high or mid-height w w w . a m g tt. c o m
temples and a clear bridge that will make the face appear longer and the eyes wider. Square face Square faces tend to have a strong jaw line and a broad forehead, and the width and length are in the same proportions. When choosing spectacles go for ones that are going to soften your angles and make your face look longer, so curved, narrow styles that are wider than the widest part of the face are usually best. Oval face If you have an oval face then you are considered to have the ideal shaped face due to its balanced proportions. When buying eyeglasses you want to keep the natural balance of the face so go for glasses that are as wide or wider than the widest part of the face that have almond or walnut-shaped frames. Oblong face An oblong face tends to be longer than it is wide and so you will probably have a long, straight cheek line and perhaps a longer nose. To make your face look shorter and more balanced look for frames that have top-to-bottom depth such as rounder P-3 shapes, decorative or contrasting temples that will add width to the face, and a low bridge to shorten the nose. APRIL 2016
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HOME GYM
Simple But Effective Ways To Ensure Eye Health
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hen it comes to general health our eyes are often overlooked (Forgive the pun). We are likely to visit a general practitioner or dentist, but would rarely check an optometrist unless things are already going south. We at Abstract Home hope that you would take your eyes more seriously. These basic tips will help set you on your way to great eye health. See your eye care provider regularly Eye exam recommendations vary with age and risk for eye and vision problems. Generally, adults should have their eyes checked every 2 years until the age of 60, and yearly after that. Children and adults at increased risk for eye problems should have exams more frequently. Rest your eyes Follow the 20-20-20 rule if you regularly spend long hours reading or in front of a computer screen. Every 20 minutes, look away from your book or screen and focus on something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Blink often to refresh your eyes and help reduce eyestrain. Quit Smoking Smoking makes you more like24
Pre Workout Meals To Avoid
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iet is essential to your exercise results. Indeed diet and exercise go hand in hand. It should be noted that just because a particular option may be “healthy,” it may not be perfect for you if taken at the wrong time. These are some foods to avoid having before you exercise. ly to get cataracts, optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you've tried to quit smoking before and started smoking again, keep trying. The more times you try to quit smoking, the more likely you are to succeed. Consume A Vision-Friendly Diet Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts, as well as dark berries, like blueberries and blackberries, are rich in lutein, a type of carotenoid that protects against macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60. Foods rich in omega-3s, like walnuts and fresh cold-water fish, have been found to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels of the eye.
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Fatty Foods Have you ever tried to workout after eating a high-fat meal? Chances are your workout felt especially long and tiring. Converting fats into energy is a much lengthier process than turning carbohydrates into energy. As a result, pre-workout meals and snacks high in fat tend to sit in the stomach resulting in lethargy or sluggishness as the body works to break down those fats. Good fats are a must for an effective nutrition program, but even those in high amounts before a workout are a bad strategy for readily available energy. Light Salads A light, veggie-piled salad probably sounds like a great pre-
workout meal. Not so much. Lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and other high-fiber vegetables, are common sources of gastrointestinal discomfort, as are nuts and seeds. This fiber bomb can cause real discomfort mid-workout (especially during an activity like biking or running). Besides being difficult to digest, veggies are mostly fiber, and nuts and seeds are high in fat and protein, so neither provides sufficient carbs for energy. Salty Foods Avoid super salty foods before exercising, or if you do eat them, just be sure they're paired with a tall glass of H20. Dehydration can cause headaches and cramps. We’re sure you don’t want either when working out. Dairy While low-fat dairy may be part of a healthy diet, consuming it before a workout could slow you down. Most athletes have issues consuming dairy 2 hours before and after exercise. Limit the use of dairy if you feel lethargic, acidic, or experience excessive burping.
GARAGE
PETS
Three Your Healthy Misconceptions Pet Checklist About Diesel K Vehicles eeping your pets healthy is as important as keeping yourself healthy. Pets do not live as long as we do so when they are alive, we should do our best to maintain their well-being. Regular check-ups by a veterinarian can ward off sickness and disease and can treat worms and ticks. See below a list of check-ups that each pet should have done.
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iesel engines have been getting a lot of bad press in Trinidad, but that is really through little fault of theirs. The quality of the diesel that is available locally is horrible and that causes adverse effects on vehicles. However, there are a bunch of myths that need to be dispelled about diesel engines. Here are three of them. They Are Harder To Start In Cold Weather People who live in Trinidad and Tobago are unlikely to experience these problems in any event. However, there are some who insist that cold weather affects how diesel cars start. Diesels ignite with compression rather than with a spark, which can be affected by cold temps. However, glow plugs, injector heater grids, and block heaters compensate for the cold. They Are Sluggish This was indeed true a few decades ago. Nobody would dare to race a diesel vehicle. But modern diesel-powered vehicles get more horsepower from diesel fuel than a gas engine can get from burning gas. There’s more energy in a gallon of diesel than in a gallon of gasoline. It is com26
mon for diesel engines nowadays to reach over 350 horsepower. Those who think they are sluggish need to rethink. Diesels Are Noisy I’d be inclined to say yes to this, but it would not be entirely true. They are noisier than gas engines, but not as noisy as they used to be. Engine design has evolved and modern diesel engines are quiet. The difference in sound is due to the combustion cycle. A gasoline engine burns the fuel from a spark point and gradually increases the burn by igniting the fuel over time. Diesel, on the other hand, ignites with heat generated from compression and has an instant explosion within the cylinder. The increased cylinder pressure and combustion is what makes the clattering noise.
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Dental visits- Pets need to visit the dentist as they too may have tartar buildup on their teeth and gingivitis on their gums. If you notice a brownish, yellowish colour on your dog’s teeth this can signal a buildup of tartar and bloody gums can be a sign of gingivitis. What about the odor from your dog’s mouth? A dog’s breath is determined by what it eats but if the odor is too offensive, this may signal an underlying health problem. Vaccinations- These help protect your dogs and cats from diseases. Your pet's annual vaccination is an important part of ensuring your best friend's longterm health and wellbeing. Be sure to visit a vet practice that does more than vaccinations and please, be sure you and your pet get the most out of the consultation. To meet the Kennel Association requirements, your pet should have at least the follow-
ing annual vaccinations: 1) Dogs C5 - protects your dog from distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, bordatella and parainfluenza 2) Cats- Cats F3 - protects your cat from feline enteritis, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis General check-up- Check your dogs ears for signs of infection. If the ear is clean it will be pale pink without any odor. If the dog has an infection, a liquid will ooze out of its ears and the dog will shake its head violently. If this happens, dip a cotton ball into warm water and use it to clean around the area until you can carry the dog to the vet. If its eyes are glassy or too glazed, ensure that it is not an early onset of glaucoma and carry the dog to the vet to get its eyes checked. De-worming- Although nearly all dogs are infested with parasites at one time or another, most develop an immunity that keeps the parasite population in check. Dog worming products are used to free the dog of parasites. It is normal to see whole worms or pieces of worms in the dog's stools for a short period after worming. A new fecal exam should be done two weeks after the first treatment to ensure that all of the worms have been eliminated.
TRAVEL
Travel Tips For A Brazilian Olympic Trip
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hinking of going to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil? If so, then this article may be right up your alley. Read on. The Events The biggest concentration of events will be in Barra. The new subway line connecting the centre and tourist zones of Rio with this western zone of Barra will make the commute considerably easier. Travelers can stay in Barra and move easily to the south and centre of the city for sightseeing and other Olympic events. However, it is worth spending part of the trip in the Zona Sul, closer to the action and attractions of the Marvelous City. While the historic games are undoubtedly the biggest attraction at this time of the year, don’t miss the opportunity to discover Rio’s many places of interest. Some attractions can be easily combined with the games. The beach volleyball will be played on the iconic Copacabana beach, the marathon is ending in the Sambadrome, the home of Carnival, and the opening ceremony, as well as the soccer matches, will 28
take place in the famous Maracanã Stadium. The Alternatives Anyone who winds up in Rio without tickets to all the events on their bucket list can join the locals and watch the games at Madureira Park in the city's north. The park will have a giant screen for public viewing of the events. There also will be giant screens at the seafront in the port area and at the Miécimo da Silva Sports Complex. The Dress Code It is called the summer Olympics, but it will actually be winter in Brazil. Okay, it’s not actually the snowy type of winter you may be accustomed to, but the average temperatures will likely range from the mid-60s to mid-70s. This will usually be accompanied by rain. This isn’t the perfect beach weather you see on television. However, if you’re still determined to hit the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, feel free to do so and don’t be afraid to wear those extra skimpy swimsuits. Of course you should dress in a manner that will preserve your self-re-
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spect. Especially, if you are older and/or wider, but you will be surprised to see that Brazilian beaches aren’t like a screenshot of Baywatch. Everyone, of every size, lets it all hang out in Rio. With that said, dress lightly, but cover up during evening periods (especially as mosquitoes are likely to show up – we don’t want you to get Zika). In fact, it isn’t a bad idea to travel with almost nothing and buy clothing when you get there. The Language When travelling, it is always recommended that you learn the language of the country you are visiting. Just think about it. A Trini can go to certain parts of Tobago and not understand some of the things being said and it’s pretty much English being spoken. Of course, you may not be able to learn the entire language, but you should at the very least learn a handful of phrases such as asking for directions, ordering food, please and thank you. It is rewarding to learn a new language and the locals will respect you more for trying. Please note that Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish.
The Safety While most of the residents of the city’s favelas are hard-working people, these areas still harbor small-time criminals, drug lords and even street-smart youngsters who have turned to petty theft as their primary source of income. And wideeyed tourists can become prime targets if they aren’t careful. It’s important to be just as cautious and responsible as you would in any large urban area. Knowing where you are is imperative to safety. Before you arrive in Rio, try to locate your hotel or apartment online or on a physical map of the city. Locate key points of interest and research ways to get around. Plot your route before heading out the door, but don’t stand in the middle of the sidewalk consulting your map. Duck into a coffee shop or lunch counter if you need to confirm your coordinates. Try to avoid deserted streets and order taxicabs by telephone whenever possible. We hope these tips helped you in your quest for Olympic adventure. Have a safe and enjoyable event.
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