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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ome design is no easy task. Making functionality and appeal merge smoothly at a junction takes talent or at least discipline. If you don’t have an artistic eye, it is important to follow the basic rules of décor before embarking on a home design project. Design for You If the trend is toward gray walls but you just can’t get on board with gray? Don’t try to make yourself like it. Just let go. It’s not for you, and that’s cool. If your favorite bloggers are wrapping their world in chevron but you just don’t get it? This is your official invitation to ignore those trends. And if you’re finding that no one is using red in their homes but you LOVE red, you always wear red and it makes you happy? Please, PLEASE decorate with red. It doesn’t make sense designing for the neighbours. You can’t please everybody. If your goal is to wow others, you might get a few people who really dig the decisions you make, but most people probably don’t have the same style you do. You just can’t make a room that everyone likes. Even if you could design a room that would impress your neighbors, you still have to live there. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you’ll be home with no one to impress and only your family, living in the space. Don’t give up comfort and joy for that 99 percent just so you can have 1 percent of feeling like you impressed someone.
Basic Home Design Rules Accessorize For a home to be inviting and comfortable for friends and family it has to be properly accessorized. Paintings, flowers pots, decorative bowls, and books are simple ideas you can use to bring your personal space to life and make things work. They say rules were made to be broken. While that might be true, in home décor rules are necessary to create balance and make a space appear modern and comfortable. Play with colors, use accessories to create drama and make your home look fabulous without investing a lot of money. Spend where it counts It’s tempting to gussy up a formal room, but what’s the point if you never use it? Put the ‘good’ money into the rooms you use
spend the good money on high quality furnishings for the family room that is used every day. You won’t be sorry.
the most. Many people mistakenly spend a lot on living room furniture that only gets used twice a year. Instead of blowing that dough unnecessarily, get inexpensive furnishings that look nice in those rooms. Then, w w w . a m g tt. c o m
Choose your paint color last Paint colors are endless! By selecting paint swatches before anything else in your room, you are possibly limiting yourself on finding that perfect fabric or artwork for your space! When decorating a room, begin with a print you love whether it be a rug, a piece of art, or the fabric on an accent chair or pillow. Then pull your paint colors from it! This helps create a cohesive room that is a true representation of you! Paint is supposed to help support your furniture and fabric selections. It lets your accents shine and remain the focal point of your room! JUNE 2016 ABSTRACT HOME 1
LIVING QUARTERS
Four Modern Interior Colours For Any Home
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any interior decorators are encouraging home owners to get a bit risqué when designing their home. Furniture and colours can help to make a room appear more modern and sophisticated. Who doesn’t want to show off a fancy living room adorned with all the trimmings when entertaining guests? And the best part is it’s pretty inexpensive. The right colours can go a long way. So the next time you visit the paint shop, purchase that peach you’ve always wanted or that bright purple you thought was too ostentatious. Now is the time to be edgy. Cool blue. Blue provides a clean look to any room but the right shade, similar to the colour of the sky with a grey undertone, provides a calming and modern atmosphere. When this colour is used in a room with
white windows and white flooring, the true essence of the blue comes alive. Add dark-coloured furniture with apple-green throw pillows and turn a boring living-room into a modern, enjoyable space. 1) Spice tones. These include different shades of green, red and brown. They add a modern flair as they help portray an earthy look. Try painting the walls olive green, with celery green trimmings. One decorator suggested the use of white paint as an accent on the doors. Red furniture would complement this look perfectly together with light, wood-coloured or wooden furniture to fully accentuate the room. 2) Peach. Most home-owners tend to stay away from peach and orange as they appear too
ture and baskets, adorned with over-stuffed throw pillows on the couch. These can be either green or tan-coloured. Green vases, flowers or candles will add to this room’s classy decor and give it a warm and welcoming vibe.
bright and may draw excess heat. But finding the right shade can give any dull room a boost. Paint walls a bright orange similar to the inside of a cantaloupe, matched with tan-coloured window coverings and flooring. To get the modern look, accentuate room with rattan furni-
3) Purple. Yes purple, but look for one that’s similar to the colour periwinkle. Purple sends a strong visual statement and your walls should speak a language of their own. The furniture colour should match the strength of purple, so there is no better colour to match purple than black. But choose leather furniture; remember the idea is to keep it modern. Silver framed mirrors can be used to add some light if the room seems too dark or brooding and candlesticks and vases can help add a little warmth to the space.
Housefly Control have ”hole free” screens & seal all cracks or holes in walls & around window & door frames with caulking.
PLAN A REGULAR CLEANING ROUTINE Kitchens require the most attention. Yet, the entire house needs this routine cleaning.
Trap Them Use do-it-yourself fly traps or store bought fly traps in discrete locations around the house including Carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap, sun dew, & pitcher plants.
• Pick up and dispose of all food crumbs, leave no food lying around, trash it or store it and don’t forget behind the stove & fridge! • Use indoor trash bins that have a cover and when disposing of food in them, seal it first in an old plastic grocery bag, or used sandwich bag.
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ouseflies are some uninvited guests that pose a threat to your sanity and health. Don’t let them bug you. Here are some tips to getting the better of them. 2
• Rinse cleaning sponges & rags with soap & water, then wring out and hang to dry. • Immediately clean all liquid food spills on counters & floors.
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Run your kitchen sink’s garbage disposal one last time before bedtime and once it is clear of all food particles, pour a water/ bleach mixture (1 tablespoon of bleach to 2 cups of water) into the drain opening. Seal Your Home Check that all windows & doors
Use natural fly repellent Try citronella candles and citrus pomander balls. Hang up ground cloves placed in a small fabric bag and keep several potted basil plants in the house. Reduce flies outside your home Place traps around your garbage cans and keep the trash can lids securely closed; clean up pet waste.
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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! Alloysius Gonzales 776-0927
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- Special conditions apply. Subject to normal lending criteria - The cost of borrowing will be made available upon application. ® Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.
LIVING QUARTERS
Tips To Fireproof Your Home
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ou’ve studied, worked hard and have been able to afford a home of your own. It feels great to know that you enjoy family life in your own space. However, tragically losing that space to a fire can be as heart wrenching a period as ever to endure. That is why it is important to take all of the necessary precautions available in protecting your home from the threat of fire. Here are some things to consider. Cooking and heating equipment These two always top the list when it comes to home fires. Fortunately, they’re also the easiest to control. Make sure to keep all cooking appliances clean, and check the pipes regularly for leaks. Try not to wear loose-fitting clothes in front of the stove and keep it away from room fabrics, such as curtains and tablecloths. Keep your 4
their wiring under ceiling and floor boards, so you don’t exactly keep track of your wires’ condition. But it pays to check them once in a while and catch potential fires before they occur. If you notice a frayed cord, change it immediately—don’t wait for the problem to spread. Keep your wires hidden but easily accessible. Wool area rugs and carpets are great for hiding wires, as they are thick enough to prevent bumps and have natural insulating properties.
heating devices such as microwaves and space heaters out of children’s reach. If possible, invest in a self-regulating system that alerts you when the heat reaches alarming levels. Electrical wiring Also a leading culprit is electrical wiring. Most homes hide
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Paper and fabrics They don’t start fires on their own, but paper and fabrics are the fastest ways to spread it. If you have a lot of paper files lying around, put them all in one place. Consider getting a fireproof file cabinet to keep them in, or better yet, digitize your files and get rid of paper altogether. Whenever possible, get flame-resistant area rugs, car-
pets, and curtains. Bamboo and seagrass area rugs are usually treated for fire resistance, but check the labels to make sure they’re safe. Cigarettes A good number of home fires are also caused by stray cigarettes. Needless to say, the best way to stay safe is to quit smoking. If you can’t kick the habit, at least try to smoke wisely— put out your cigarettes before walking away, and avoid smoking where there are obvious fire hazards (such as paper, wood, and area rugs). Finally, invest in a good alarm system. If you have a big house, you may need to have two or more smoke alarms on each floor, or even one in every room. Make sure they are industryapproved and check them regularly to make sure they’re up to the task.
TOP 10 HITS! NATURAL, AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE BEAUTY SOLUTIONS
Exfoliate your skin, jumpstart your home pedicure, rid your hair of product buildup, and freshen your breath!
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Facial Scrub & Body Exfoliant Give yourself more radiant skin with an ARM & HAMMER™ face exfoliation and body scrub recipe.
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Hair Care
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Home Pedicure Foot Soak
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Hand Cleanser
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Natural Deodorant
Find an easy solution for oily hair, and to remove the residue that styling products can leave behind, with an ARM & HAMMER™ at-home baking soda remedy.
Create your own inexpensive foot bath with an ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda recipe, and pamper your feet with a soak and gentle scrub.
Clean and soften your hands with an ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda homemade exfoliating hand scrub.
Use ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda as a natural deodorant that absorbs odors and keeps you smelling fresh all day.
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Exfoliating Pedicure Trust the ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda homemade pedicure recipe to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin.
Brightening Manicure Soften your hands with an ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda homemade manicure soak recipe.
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Soathing Bath Soak
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Pearly Whites
Turn your bathtub into a home spa by adding ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda to your bath water. It will soften your skin and leave you feeling refreshed.
Follow the ARM & HAMMER™ homemade mouth rinse recipe to freshen your breath, and add Baking Soda to your toothpaste for a powerful cleaning.
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Clean Brushes and Combs Keep your hair shiny and lustrous by cleaning your brushes and combs with an ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda solution.
COUNTLESS USES FOR PENNIES A DAY Always read the directions on each package for proper use.
LIVING QUARTERS
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Tool Shed Must-Haves
t is time for an upgrade: toss out all the old stuff in the tool shed. Quality is what you should be on the hunt for; Trinidad grass, dirt and trees seem to require some extra umfff! In general, higher-priced tools are better tools because they're made of heavier and more durable materials. When shopping for garden tools keep these marks of quality in mind: Heavy-gauge steel blades hold their cutting edge better and will last the longest; wooden handles should be sealed with either varnish or other finish to prevent moisture damage and provide a smooth gripping surface; and long-handled tools with heads that fit over the end of the handle shaft forming a socket are stronger and will resist breaking. CUTTING, TRIMMING AND PRUNING TOOLS Pruning shears are hand-held snippers that easily fit in a back pocket. Loppers are a heavy-duty version of pruning shears. They have two arm-length handles 6
that allow you to generate high cutting force at the blades.
and forth when you push it through the soil.
Hedge shears look like a giant pair of scissors and are suitable for trimming branches of hedges. Because of their long reach and quick, straight cuts they are useful garden tools.
Leaf rakes are for raking leaves, grass clippings, pine needles and other debris from your lawn and garden beds. Thatching rakes have crescent-shaped blades that you push and pull through a lawn to remove dead and matted grass, also known as thatch.
Bow saws have a steel blade stretched tight between a Ushaped handle, resembling a bow. Lawn mowers are either gas or electrically powered. A manpowered or push mower is ideal for small grass areas or for anyone with a large lawn who wants to work out while cutting the grass. RAKING, PLANTING AND CULTIVATING TOOLS Spades are squared-off shovels used for digging and moving soil. They are especially good for breaking through tough roots buried beneath the soil and for edging a garden bed. Shovels can be small or large, round or square, scooped or
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flat—but basically they are designed for digging up the soil and moving it around. Trowels are hand-held scoops on a handle used for planting and transplanting. Garden forks have four tines and are designed for cultivating the soil before planting. Oscillating stirrup hoes have long handles and a stirrup-like hinged blade that moves back
Cultivators are hand-held tools with three prongs that are used to amend the soil with fertilizer or to weed in small, confined areas like a container or raised garden bed. You'll also find cultivators with a long handle for working the soil while you're standing. OTHER NECESSARY TOOLS Garden hoses, hose sprayers, utility knives, kneeling pads, tool totes or buckets, wheelbarrows or utility carts, sprinkling cans and hand-held broadcast spreaders which are smaller versions of the drop spreader, usually filled with fertilizer or seeds.
HOME OFFICE
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Leadership Traits To Boost Your Business
ome are born to be great leaders others are trained to do so. Good leaders always lead from the front and not from the back. Being a manager is a leadership role that must be taken seriously. Learning how to become a good manager will enable you to motivate others. One of the first things to remember when managing others is to listen to what they have to say. The job of a manager is not just about talking and ordering others around. It is more about listening to what the workers have to say. When workers see that you take an interest to what they say, they feel like a part of the company. When a worker feels this way, he makes an even greater impact on the production level of the company. As a Leader you must understand the different personalities of the people you work with. Doing this helps you to better deal with crisis situations which sometimes arise. You would know how to ap8
proach the person and what to say to them to calm them down. Knowing each of your worker’s personality makes your work easier. This allows you to group them with people that they will respond to better, therefore speeding up the production time. It would not make work easier if two workers don’t like each other and have to work on the same project. The communication would break down and therefore production would slow down. Find out what your workers consider to be important to them and take the necessary steps to help them. If family is of great importance, respect the time that they may need to pick their kids up from school or to drop them off. Once they realize that you respect what is important to them they will do the same for you. What is important to you would be the company, so the workers would make the extra effort when it comes to their work. Celebrating the successes
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of your workers is a great way to show them your appreciation. It doesn’t have to be in the form of a big award ceremony; it could be as simple as taking the office out for lunch. Compliment the workers. Tell them what a great job they are doing. Ask workers what they think they did that made that specific operation a success. Listen to their answers and try to implement it when there are other tasks to be done. As a manager you need to be part of the team. Take time to do what they do, if you are in a construction company help pound a nail. This shows them that you have an idea of what they do on a daily basis. It also gives you time to network with the workers so if there is a problem they would not be afraid to come and tell you about it. Creating a friendly environment is a great way to be a good leader, but you must set limits and boundaries. The workers must respect your position and what your job entails. They
should not take what you say for granted. Let your team know exactly where you stand on areas concerning the work place. Have correctional methods in place to deal with workers who don’t comply with the rules. These could be in the form of warning letters or suspension notes. Always state your position and stick to it. Great leaders always know when to admit that they were wrong. Everyone makes mistakes, so it is not something that you should be afraid of. Admitting that you were wrong shows that you are human and workers will relate to that. They see that you are willing to admit that you are not perfect so they do the same. Always set a good example for workers to follow. When you are a good leader it shows. Your workers respect you and what you have to say. Let them see in you the qualities that you would want them to display. Once you lead by example your workers are sure to follow suit.
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.
neutrogena.com/hydroboost
*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
ELEGANT IDEAS
Amazing Accessory Ideas
A variety of art pieces give this earthy room some extra richness. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
JUNE 2016
ABSTRACT HOME
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A faux fruit basket remains a simple way to add homely charm to a kitchen.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Origami-styled lantern fixtures add artistic flair to this open living room.
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JUNE 2016
ABSTRACT HOME
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ELEGANT IDEAS
The chandelier, skylight and bedside lamps are all accessories which make this bedroom with vaulted ceiling special.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A his and hers bathroom is outfitted with just the right accessories including large mirrors and recessed down lighting. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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KITCHEN
The Wonders Of Foil
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oil sure does come in handy from time to time. It is great for wrapping up leftovers and has even been used to generate extra power to old-school television antennae. However, the list of great things foil can do doesn’t stop there. Here are some additional tips you may or may not know. Soften brown sugar: Brown sugar! It tastes so good. But it's not always the easiest sugar to work with, because it gets clumpy and lumpy after a while. With some aluminum foil, however, you can soften brown sugar in the oven! Wrap your brick of brown sugar in aluminum foil, and then pop it into the oven for five minutes at 300F. Soon you will have softened brown sugar for all of your sugary needs. Pie crust protector: Some aluminum foil folded over the crust of a pie will keep the crust from browning and blackening and eventually falling off before the rest of the pie has cooked sufficiently. This use: useful but 16
not unusual. Its usefulness far outweighs its ordinariness. Oven cleaner: You can protect your oven from thrills and spills by placing a few sections of aluminum foil beneath something that might bubble, bubble, toil, and trouble all over the floor of your oven. Don't foil the actual floor of the oven, as that could cause a build-up of heat to warp the bottom of your expensive appliance. Instead, lay some foil over the rack just beneath whatever it is that might erupt and create a mess. Instead of scrubbing until your elbows run out of grease, you can just ball up the soiled foil and recycle it. Reheat crispy things: I enjoy the occasional pizza delivered to my door, but I can't always finish the pizza in one sitting, and I need to reheat the delicious cheesiness. I'll microwave when I'm in a rush, but if I want ideal flavor I go to the oven with some aluminum foil. I set the slice directly on the foil and fold an edge over the crust to protect it from the heat. Bake at
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350F for five or so minutes (or broil on high for two) and bam! Fresh-ish pizza. This method has the added advantage of instilling false olfactory hope in a roommate. Scrubber: Ball up some aluminum foil and use it to scrub off the nasty, stuck-on messes that get left behind on your non-non-stick pots and pans. This is great for those times when you cook, say, a casserole with some foil on top. You can use the same foil for clean up and then recycle it.
Protect soap bottoms: I haven't used bar soap in forever. Not because I'm averse to washing, but because my soap dissolves into a damp, squishy mess before I get the chance to use it all up. But with a little bit of aluminum foil, I might be able to keep my bars of soap alive long enough to actually use them. To protect your bars of Ivory, just put a layer of aluminum foil on the bottom of your soap. It will protect your soap from melting slowly like the Wicked Witch of the West getting waterboarded at Guantanamo. And it looks nice next to a stainless steel basin. Very modern. Scare birds: Some birds are scared of shiny things. If you dangle some aluminum foil from your fruit tree (especially with scary eyes drawn on), the more skittish marauders will move past your scrumptious feast that's festooned with terror in favor of someplace a little less dangerously delicious. Light-sensitive pests will stay away from your be-tinseled tree.
RECIPES
HIGH PROTEIN CINNAMON & RAISIN FRENCH TOAST
Healthy Morning Meals
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itness coach Annalisa Smith took a little time out of her busy schedule to share some of her beautiful breakfast recipes with us. They’re fantastically tasty and are healthy as well. Follow her on facebook for more great recipes and wellness tips.
MOCHA PICK-ME-UP PROTEIN SMOOTHIE Ingredients 1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder\1/2 cup coffee or 1 shot espresso 1/2 cup almond milk (use 2/3 cup almond milk if using a shot of espresso) 1 tbsp cashew butter 1/4 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 frozen banana Directions Place all ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth. Enjoy immediately! Yields 1 serving. 18
Ingredients 2 slices Cinnamon and Raisin Ezekiel bread 3 egg whites 1 tsp cinnamon 1 scoop Vanilla Protein powder Directions Combine all ingredients except the bread in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Soak each slice individually until saturated and completely covered by the mixture then transfer into a greased pan on low to medium heat and cook thoroughly without burning. Repeat with second slice. Top with your choice of nuts, a dollop of cashew butter and a dash of cinnamon, then drizzle with honey. This recipe is absolutely delicious and packs a whopping 45 grams of protein and is the perfect pre-workout brekkie. Yields 1 serving (2 slices).
BANANA BREAD BREAKFAST QUINOA Ingredients 1 very ripe banana – mashed ¼ cup dry quinoa ¼ cup unsweetened Vanilla almond milk (or milk of your choice, preferably non dairy) 2 tbsp. Walnuts ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract ¼ tsp. cinnamon Cocoa nibs Blueberries Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
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Directions Prepare the quinoa according to package instructions. After the quinoa has finished cooking (while over low heat), stir in the almond milk, mashed banana, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix the walnuts into the quinoa or add on top, along with the cocoa nibs and blueberries. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Add a dash of cinnamon on top. Yields 1 serving. Enjoy warm!
REFRESHING MANGO AND PAPAYA SMOOTHIE BOWL Ingredients 3/4 cup frozen mango 1/2 cup frozen papaya 1 cup cold coconut water For an extra zing, add 1 tsp. lemon juice or 1 tsp. grated ginger! Directions Toss all ingredients into a blender and let it rip. It should be an icy slushy consistency. Garnish with fresh fruit such as bananas and berries, chia seeds and mint leaves. Enjoy as a healthy snack or delightful guilt-free dessert! Yields 2 servings.
POST WORKOUT BANANA BREAD SMOOTHIE Ingredients: 1 frozen banana ¼ cup rolled quick oats 1 cup Almond milk 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 tbsp. Ground flaxeed meal 1tbsp. Honey 2 tbsp. Chopped walnuts Directions Place all ingredients in a blender and combine until smooth. Pour into a glass or mason jar and enjoy immediately!
BRIDAL
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veryone tends to focus on what they are going to do for their big day. It should be noted that what they should not do is equally important. Check out these wedding Don’ts. FOR THE GUEST Don’t assume you can bring a date Unless it says “and guest” on the invitation, only you should be attending. And no, DON’T call the bride and ask if you can bring a date, either. If it were in their budget, the bride and groom would’ve extended the extra invitation. Don’t wear white This one should go without saying, but just in case, we’ll repeat: Who wants to be that girl? You’ve got a million color combinations to choose from; you don’t need to wear white. Oh, and stay away from the light ivories, too. Don’t talk forever Make a point of saying hello to the bride and groom, but keep your conversation short, so they can make their rounds and maybe even have time to get a bite or two of all that food they picked out! Oh, and speaking of chatting, refrain from complaining
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Wedding Don’ts about how long it took you to get to the wedding or how awful the weather was during the ceremony; they don’t need to hear it. Don't get drunk Drunks are always a kick to observe. However, while memorable, they often don’t mix well with weddings. So don’t get so excited that you end up drinking before the ceremony (especially if you are part of the bridal party). During the reception feel free to enjoy a drink or two, but don’t abuse the bar. Be considerate. Don’t attend with your hands swinging You’ve been invited to the wedding of the century. Food and drinks galore right? Well there is a cost attached. It’s called your wedding gift. Make sure to bring one or contribute to the registry. The wedding is all about the bride and groom. They were kind enough to invite you, but that doesn’t meant they are getting married to entertain you. Be a good friend and give them something they’ll cherish. FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM Don't go overboard Don’t put yourself into debt to throw a blowout wedding. Too
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undyed, heads uncounted and more.
many couples think they need to wow everyone with a fancy affair and spend money they don't have to create this ideal 'fairy-tale' wedding. Don't lose sight of what's really important in all of the planning: Your commitment to each other and declaring that promise in front of all of your loved ones. An icecream sundae bar, extravagant favors, and full orchestra are not the things that make a successful marriage. Don't be a Superbride You're smart, you're focused and you're energetic. But you're still one woman. Superbrides— those engaged gals who devote every waking hour to wedding planning, brushing aside all offers of help—eventually run out of steam and end up near the big day with favors unassembled, invitations unstamped, shoes
Don’t tune out Some brides are so overwhelmed by wedding anxiety that they turn to over-the-counter sedatives, prescription tranquilizers, or alcohol to calm nerves on the big day. And then they have to wait and watch the wedding video in order to find out what happened. Resist the temptation to medicate yourself through the nerve-wracking final hours. You’ll want to remember this day. Don’t be late This rule applies to the bride, the groom, and everyone else involved in the wedding. Try to start your wedding on time. If you don’t, everything will run behind schedule, and that can create real problems at your reception location, especially if there is another event scheduled following yours. If locations or service people (waiters, bartenders, musicians, etc.) end up working later than originally scheduled, you may find unpleasant overtime charges added to your final bill. If you must delay the start of your ceremony -- perhaps because guests are still arriving -- do so by no more than 10 minutes.
Celebrate New Traditions With First Citizens The First Citizens “Forever After” account offers newlyweds a solid start to their future. Your guest can offer a monetary contribution to the Abercrombie TTD Fixed Income Fund. Free Forever After Gift Cards provided with every account. Let’s help you embark on your new life journey with Returns calculated daily and credited monthly
No withdrawal and penalty fees
Collateral for loans
The option to reinvest or receive earnings
Investments in the funds are not deposits and accordingly are not insured by the Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor guaranteed by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, First Citizens, any of its subsidiaries or any person or corporation. The Prospectus should be read in its entirety before investing and is available upon request at all First Citizens branches. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.
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FAMILY
Questions Every New Couple Should Answer Before Having Kids
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or most couples, the next stage of any marriage is to start a family; to procreate. Although some make the transition to this stage pretty easily, others may struggle to cope with the challenges of maintaining a marriage and a family. Proper planning is the key to making this work and both partners must come together to decide on the best possible solution. As a newlymarried couple you may want to consider a couple things before you make such a decision. Remember, having children is a lifelong commitment and one that can be enjoyed as long as there is co-operation and an understanding of what is expected and what needs to be done.
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Have you experienced life enough to sacrifice the next 18 years? Most persons think about sacrificing parties or having to reach home early, but there are other things to consider. What about shopping trips with your friends or dinner dates? These would all be affected.
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Have you experienced taking care of children before? If you grew up as the eldest in a household with younger brothers and sisters, then chances are you are very 22
think that you can do it on your own, but it s always wise to get the advice from parents who have been married with children for years. They give the best advice, helping when necessary and providing support.
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Am I living in a ‘good’ area? ‘Good’ is subjective but it basically means if you’re living in a community that has daycares or is close to a daycare, a school, a hospital or even a park for recreation.
experienced in child-rearing. If not, you may want to do some research on raising a child and what it entails. For women, their maternal instincts kick in but knowledge is power.
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Have you considered the possibility of twins or having a child with disabilities? Most couples are excited for twins, but what about the cost of having 2 or more children at the same time. Also, what would happen if the child is born with a disability? Have plans in place for unknown situations like these.
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Do you have the support of family and friends? As a new couple, you may
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How will they fit into my career plans? For men, this may not be a grave concern as no time-off from work is needed if your wife is pregnant. But for mothers, how will this affect your job? Your education? Your plans to return to school? Will you be able to study and maintain a family, better yet to provide a stable home? Really think about this before making such a decision.
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Do you both agree on the right ways to raise a child? Communication is one of the most important factors in maintaining a strong marriage and a family. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about this issue and if any disagreements arise, find fair solutions that suit both parents and the child.
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Have you had enough time to develop a strong foundation? Most couples give themselves at least 3 years before making the big-step into parenthood. Some take even longer as they seek to develop a strong bond. Remember children demand a lot of attention and sometimes either spouse can feel neglected. By creating a bond it ensures that both spouses are able to ‘stand on their own’, having the assurance that the love and companionship is still there.
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Can you afford the advantages in life such as college or car? Many people often admit that they do not want their child to live the type of life that they lived. But, easier said than done. Before having kids, ensure that you have enough money saved or can have enough saved by the time your children get older, to help them live a full, happy life.
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How many kids do you want and at what age? Most people leave it up to chance but family planning should be discussed especially as a new couple. This can make decisionmaking easier as you can plan your life around having kids and not the other way around.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Beauty Tips For Dark Skin
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e are usually inundated with ads that force new beauty products on us. However, these products are not necessarily tailored for dark-skinned Caribbean people. Here are some beauty tips for treating with dark skin. Reduce Exposure to sun/heat This beauty tip for dark skinned girls is actually good for all of us – stay away from the sun ladies! You never want to lie out in the sun without at least a little protection, for it can be completely damaging to your skin in the long run. So bulk up on the sunblock girls before heading to the beach! Use Cocoa Butter Cocoa butter is a natural moisturizer. It is ideal for dark skin as it reduces the appearance of stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. It also smoothes rough elbows and knees. Use cocoa butter twice a day for best results. Products formulated with cocoa butter can be purchased at discount or drug
stores, and pure cocoa butter can be found at health food and organic stores. Avoid Heavy Powder The final beauty tip for dark skinned girls that we’re going to talk about is avoiding heavy powder. Heavy powder can make your face look cakey and like you are wearing makeup, which we all want to avoid! So ladies, keep it light and airy. Use the Right Lip Colour The right lip colour is integral to the overall appearance of the face. Frost finish lipsticks should be avoided. Instead, choose matte finish ones. Shades like browns, burgundy, plums, beige, soft pink and gold are great. There are many lip colors like chocolate and coffee colors that look great on dark skin tones. Stay away from orange on dark toned lips. Prepare a base by using a lip balancer. See to it that your lip color is matching with your eye makeup. Do not make the mistake of clashing your eye color with your lipstick.
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Choosing A Handbag
andbags have the potential to flatter your figure and complete a favourite outfit. You might end up carrying your handbag every day for months on end so it is essential that you choose one that is right for you! The tips below explain an easy to remember process for choosing the right handbag every time. Length There is one easy rule to remember here. The part of your body where the bottom of the bag sits will be accentuated. So, if you have small, boy hips, having a bag which sits on your hips will make your shape look more feminine. If you have large hips, try a bag which sits at your waist line, accentuating the tapering of your waist and making you look slimmer. Handbags that sit at waist level will flatter most shapes in fact, so it is always good to have a bag of this type in your collection. Size Don’t be tempted just to follow the fashion here, very small bags on very tall girls will get lost, and alternatively if you w w w . a m g tt. c o m
are on the short side, you will be swamped with a large or oversized bag! Shape Try to choose a handbag which compliments your own shape. To do this, think about your overall shape and buy handbags with opposite features. If you are tall and slim, choose a handbag which is rounded and slouchy. If you are short and curvy, handbags with strong angles will look great on you. Style Think about your general style. If you usually wear casual clothes, going for a very formal handbag is not a good idea! This can be tricky, so make sure you do a bit of research. Look in fashion magazines for models wearing similar style clothes to you, then make a note of the types of handbags that they have been dressed with. You may not like that particular handbag, but note the style, and think about whether you would like it in a different colour, a different material, or if it were slightly bigger or smaller. The main thing is to note the style, i.e. if it is a tote, a clutch, or a slouch shoulder bag. JUNE 2016
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Starter Supplements For Fitness Freaks
Four Easy Eye Care Tips
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e keep hearing that our eyes are the windows to our souls. In that case, we should pay attention to our eyes and care for them accordingly. (That is unless we consider ourselves to be soulless beings just traversing the earth and we don’t need windows anyway). Here are some tips to protect those ‘soul portals.’ Manage light. Wear shades when in the sun to protects against the sun’s dangerous UV rays. When indoors consider your lighting. Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your colour, contrast and brightness levels to suit you. Also note that positioning is everything. Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm’s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Get enough sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is not only 24
good for the eyes, but for the entire body. Sleep allows your tired eyes to get much needed rest. Overworking the eyes can cause them to malfunction or lead to a more serious eye problem. Get regular eye exams. Everyone should get annual eye exams from the age of forty. Have your eye doctor look for signs of glaucoma and retinal damage, even if you're a healthy adult with no vision problems. Those who have certain medical conditions that increase the risk of eye disorders, such as diabetes, or those who have vision problems should see an eye care professional earlier than 40. Your optometrist will advise the regularity of screenings henceforth. Keep eyes lubricated. There are various lubricating eye drops available on the market. Ideally, the drops should be preservative free. Plus, they have active ingredients which help protect the eye from dust damage and disease. Drinking the right amount of water is great for keeping the body cool and refreshed. Your eyes are mostly made up of water so it is important to regulate your general moisture level.
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re you trying to build muscle with little to no results? Perhaps supplementation is a good option for you. If you are going to use supplements, just note that the following three are the most important and that is the first place you should start. Creatine Creatine is one of the most researched supplements for muscle gain in the fitness industry. The effects of creatine are quickly felt (usually just after a few days/week) mainly in terms of strength gains. Creatine is naturally produced in our bodies, primarily in the liver, and is stored in the form of creatine phosphate, mostly inside the skeletal muscle where it’s used to replenish our primary fuel system which is ATP. ATP or adenosine triphosphate is the body’s principal fuel source in all tissues. ATP can be converted from carbohydrates, fat and oxidation of leucine. It’s the primary fuel source for all energy requirements in the body. Protein As you likely already learned in Biology, proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms. They participate in virtually every process within cells. If there’s only one supplement on this list that you choose
to take, and building muscle is your primary goal, then protein is it. You absolutely cannot grow without it. To build muscle, most research suggests taking between 0.5 and 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. The two most popular forms of protein supplements are Whey protein and Casein protein. Whey is a faster acting form which is good for consumption right after workouts, while casein is slow digesting and is better when taken just before bed. Omega-3 Fish Oil I know what you’re probably thinking. “Fish oil is a HEALTH supplement… it won’t help me build muscle!” If that’s the case, you really need to reexamine your program. How can you expect to make great, consistent gains in the gym if you’re not meeting your basic needs? Adding new muscle tissue is an extremely taxing process, and your body won’t cooperate unless you give it everything it needs to grow – and then some. Plus, Omega-3’s aren’t only important for cardiovascular health. The right balance of fatty acids is critical for the production of testosterone, growth hormone, and other critical muscle-building molecules. A steady supply of fish oil can also help to reduce inflammation and keep your joints and tendons ready to rock on your heaviest exercises.
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Three Underrated Cat-Grooming Tips European E Destinations
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hen one thinks of a European sojourn, the first things that come to mind are images of the Eiffel Tower or Venetian boat tours. However, there is much more to Europe than the media regularly opens you up to. Here are three underrated destinations to consider. Turkey This country bridges the Middle-East with Europe and in all honesty brings you the best of both worlds from a sight-seeing standpoint. The country is suffused in history and culture and offers the variety needed for the perfect itinerary. Travelers can enjoy the food and feel of the capital Istanbul’s cultivated cafÊs or experience desert-style adventures in other parts of the country. There are several ways to spend your time and money and feel fulfilled. Explore Ephesus and get a taste of ancient times where monolithic ruins dot the land and people still live in homes carved out of rock. Or, you can explore the moonscape of Cappadocia in a hot-air balloon ride that is simply magical. There’s something for everyone in this fascinating country.
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Portugal Portugal is a Mediterranean paradise. Lisbon in particular makes this place extra special. Many people flock to Madrid in Spain, but Lisbon offers the same big city appeal with intimate touches the artistic adventurist would love. The port-based neighbourhood of Barrio Alto is filled with cobblestones and charm and has an almost unrivaled nocturnal culture. There is impressive art access, stylish streets and an experimental culinary scene that pulls from several European and African cuisine styles. Scotland Edinburgh to be exact is a vastly underrated travel locale (especially for people from the Caribbean). When we think of visiting the UK, we automatically think of London. However, Edinburgh has it all. Rich culture and heritage, ancient architecture and its proximity to the Scottish Highlands have made it the secondlargest tourist destination in the UK. What makes it superior to some is its more laid back settings? If you want to visit London from there it is also easy. The Virgin train is a cheap and scenic alternative for getting there.
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ver wonder why some cats always look sleek and beautiful and others look like...well, like something the cat drug in? While it's true that some cats (like some people) are just born with "good hair," a lot of it has to do with grooming. Cats are fastidious critters. They tend to take care of themselves pretty well, always licking their fur to keep it clean and in its proper place. But any cat can go from Fluffy to Scruffy without a little help from her human pals. Here are a few tips for home grooming:
Make it fun. Most cats love being stroked and enjoy the feeling of light grooming. It's good social behavior -- cats who get along well will blissfully groom each other for long periods of time. When it's time to do some grooming, approach your cat in a friendly way, and intersperse the grooming strokes with some regular petting. Use restraint. It's okay to restrain your cat (gently!) as long as she doesn't start to panic, but be sure to restrain yourself, too. Don't try to force your cat to sit still or stay in an awkward or uncomfortable position for too long. And be careful not to get
too exuberant in your grooming strokes. Think about how much you don't like having your hair pulled, then imagine what it's like to have hair getting pulled all over your body. Know when to quit. You may not be able to groom your cat completely in one session. That's okay. If you get her back and tail, and then she starts to fight you, give up and try finishing in a day or two. It's better to have a half-dozen five-minute grooming sessions spread out over a week and a happy cat than one 25-minute battle and a cat that runs and hides at the sight of the brush. Get professional help. If your cat has a bad mat or tangle -- or gets something nasty on her fur -- put a call in to your veterinarian or professional groomer. If your cat just doesn't seem to be cooperating with home grooming, schedule an appointment with a professional. While you're there, ask for some tips and a demonstration of basic techniques. Groomers are usually happy to do this for clients; there's nothing more annoying for a groomer than having to constantly shave out and untangle bad mats. The cat suffers, and the groomer is more likely to get bitten or scratched.
GARAGE
Starting An Automotive Toolkit
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here's a tool for everything, but you don't need every tool under the sun to take care of your car. You can do 75% of the repairs your car will need with about 10% of the tools out there. Knowing which tool you'll need for a task, what it does, and where to buy it can save you a lot of time and money during maintenance and repairs. Below is a brief description of the basic hand tools that should start your tools collection. Spanners / Wrenches Spanners and wrenches are available in different sizes and come in standard and metric. It's advisable to have both in your tool collection. Standard imperial spanner sizes are: 10 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22mm Standard metric spanner sizes are: 1/4" - 5/16" - 11/32" - 3/8" - 7/16" 28
- 1/2" - 9/16" - 5/8" - 11/16" - 3/4" - 13/16" - 7/8" Many more sizes are available but you should buy a good set of the standard sizes and if extra sizes are needed buy them separately. Sockets Sockets are probable the most widely used tool by mechanics and come in two forms, either standard or deep. Used to undo and tighten bolts, sockets are usually sold in sets of verifying sizes and are available in both metric and imperial. It is advis-
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able to have both sizes available as cars do not have standardised bolts and you never know what size of bolt you will find next. Sockets are categorised by the fitting size for ratchets, torque wrenches etc. and are available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1". The most popular are 1/4" and 1/2" but there are many multi drive socket sets available that will give you a range of sizes and fittings that are ideal if you are starting out. Screwdrivers There are many types of screwdriver available including spe-
cialist drivers such as Tri-wing, Torq-set and Hexalobular however you are unlikely to come across most of the specialist drives unless you are working in very specific industries. The two standard screwdrivers are Philips and flat or straight head. It's advisable when buying screwdrivers to go for "impact screwdrivers"; they have the shaft running all the way through the handle and allow much more torque to be applied. Tool Box/Cabinets What about keeping your tools? Tools can last a lifetime if you buy quality and look after them. And the biggest reason for having to re-buy tools is misplacing them. To start with a tool box or case will suffice and most tool sets come in storage cases but once your collection begins to grow it’s advisable to invest in a tool cabinet. They can become quite costly but if you buy quality screwdrivers they will last your career.
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