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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ne of the most dreaded home repair problems is plumbing. These issues may not always be obvious, but they would more than likely cost you a lot of money in long-term damage to your home if not spotted right away. Be extremely vigilant with your plumbing and if there are any warning signs do not hesitate to call a professional plumber. If you are not sure what warning signs to look out for, the information detailed herein should help you. • Faucets make a screeching sound when turned on. This happens when there is air in the pipes, which could possibly indicate that the air "bleed-off" system is not working correctly. • You notice low water pressure. This can be caused by factors such as clogged pipes, a leak elsewhere in the plumbing or incorrectly sized pipes that are inadequate to provide sufficient water pressure. • Pinging, rattling or other noises from the plumbing can indicate that air has become trapped in the pipes. • Enclosed spaces in your home such as crawl spaces should be inspected for wet spots or mold, which can indicate a leak. • Poke your head under the sinks in your kitchen and
Identifying Plumbing
Problems bath. Look for wet spots either along the pipes or underneath them. • If a sink has not been used for a while, you may notice the drain smells bad. The P-trap (the portion of the pipes under the sink that prevents smells from coming back up the drain) may have dried up. Simply run the sink for a minute to refill the Ptrap with water and see if that eliminates the smell. • If your drains gurgle, this is a sign that there is a blockage in the pipe that is trapping air. Once the blockage is removed, the gurgling should stop. • If the toilet frequently backs up and you need to plunge it, this may be a sign that the septic tank needs to be emptied or that tree roots have grown into the pipes and are causing a blockage.
• The water heater should be inspected for any signs of rust or corrosion on the tank or the pipes. If you have a gas-powered water heater, check the gas lines by putting soapy water on them and watching for bubbles, which could indicate a gas leak. • If you notice brown or discolored water coming out of your faucets, you may have an old water heater that needs to be replaced. • When the faucets are turned on, they leak water. This generally indicates that the O-rings or washers need to be replaced. If the faucets drip when not turned on, they may have a mineral build-up or need to be replaced altogether. • A drain that is slow is generally a sign of a blockage in the pipe. You might be able to remedy this by using a w w w . a m g tt. c o m
commercially available drain cleaning solution to dissolve the blockage, or you can try using a plumber's "snake" tool to break up and dislodge the blockage. • If possible, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn off the water to your home. When the water is turned off, check the meter to see if it is still running. If it is running with the water turned off, this may indicate a leak. JULY 2016
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LIVING QUARTERS
Cleaning Fingerprints On Walls
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reasy fingerprints can do real damage to your pristine home décor. A thorough cleaning or touch up can help you get your home back in gear. Paint Finishes If at all possible, determine what sort of paint finish covers your wall. Walls painted with a semigloss finish can be scrubbed and are relatively easy to clean. Another very easy-care paint finish is satin, which tolerates light scrubbing and can be wiped clean. Eggshell finishes are somewhat resistant to stains and scuffs, while flat or matte paint finishes hold dirt and are more difficult to clean. Cleaning any painted surface with too much force or too harsh a cleaner can damage the paint. Always start cleaning with the least possible
mop from side to side across the walls, starting at the ceiling and working your way down. By doing this, you’ll avoid getting dust and debris in your cleaning water, which can make the walls look worse than before you started.
pressure, and test any cleaner first by applying it to an inconspicuous area to see if it causes a change in the paint’s color. Preparation Place a piece of plastic beneath the area you’ll be cleaning to protect your floor or carpet from any water spills. Before you start cleaning fingerprints, it’s a good idea to remove dust from the walls. Swish a longhandled feather duster or dust
Cleaning Begin by gently wiping the fingerprints with a damp microfiber cloth wet with a small amount of mild detergent or a generalpurpose cleaner. Avoid spraying cleaner directly on the wall. If the paint finish is flat or matte, be sure to keep your scrubbing gentle to avoid damaging the paint. If gentle pressure is not enough to remove the fingerprints, you may need to scrub harder. If the wall still appears dirty, or if the paint finish is noticeably affected by clean-
ing, you may have no choice but to touch up the area with fresh paint. It’s a good practice to save and label paint when you finish painting a room. This way, you have a reference as to the color and finish used, and you also have some extra paint available for touching up dirty or scuffed areas. Other Cleaning Options Besides an all-purpose cleaner, another possible cleaning solution for fingerprints on painted walls is a mixture of ammonia and water. You can also try wiping off fingerprints with a commercial water-activated microscrubber, a baby wipe or even a piece of white bread. As with any type of cleaner, first test these methods in an inconspicuous spot on the wall to see how the paint reacts.
Choosing The Right Colour Paint
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hen it comes to decorating your home, choosing paint colour can really be a challenge. There are so many colour choices to choose from it’s quite unbelievable. Colours can even be made from a sample that you bring in. The key to choosing the right colour is to be patient. You must have an idea as to what you would like the colour of the room to convey. Keep in mind that paint sets the tone for the room. When you go shopping for paint, you'll need to refer to the general colour scheme of the room. This includes your furniture, curtains, tiles and rugs. Take a picture of all the different colours that would be in the room. This would help you in choosing a colour that coordinates with everything. You'll find surprising underlying tones of different shades of a colour. Even if you're 2
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not considering using a darker or lighter tone, look at all the colours carefully. Decide if the family of colours is aimed in the direction you're headed with your colour selection. More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or offwhite for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of colour to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright colour for trims. This will help bring out details of the moldings and trims. The type of paint that is used also makes a big impact. A matte or flat paint hides wall imperfections, while glossier paints reflect more light. So as the home owner you would know what type of paint finish is necessary for your home. Use the right colour to accentuate your home and your style.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Get Rid Of That Lingering
Scent In Your Bathroom cleanings and air-fresheners may assist in temporarily removing the scent but a quick fix never solves the problem. In addition to regular cleanings, try either one of these methods to get rid of unpleasant washroom odors.
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E
ver walked into a bathroom stall and walked right out because of an unpleasant scent? This is often a common reaction when using a public restroom but what if that scent was present in your home? How do you get rid of that lingering urine scent? Regular
Flush with the cover down- When you flush the toilet, the swirl created causes a mist to rise into the air and this mist often contains particles of what was left behind. Offbeat Home Magazine reports that Charles Gerba, PhD, a professor of microbiology at University of Arizona in Tucson said "Polluted water vapor erupts out of the flushing toilet bowl and it can take several hours for these particles to finally settle — not to mention where." The safest practice
is to shut the lid when flushing or flush while sitting on the seat, using your body as a shield.
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Light a match- Have you ever gone into a bathroom and saw a matchbox and wondered “what are those doing there?’ ‘Those’ are actually there to get rid of the scent after someone ‘uses’ the bathroom. When you light a match, the smoke absorbs the scent of the bathroom and leaves a neutral, fresh scent in the air.
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Bathroom accessories- These can include scented candles, aroma beads or potpourri. Some are especially packaged for use in the bathroom and can be placed on shelves or on toilet tanks. The lavender fragrance has been
known to keep scents at bay and a potpourri mix that contains lavender and baby powder helps to get rid of remaining odors.
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Baby powder- Baby powder placed in socks and positioned at each corner of the bathroom can also do the trick. Overtime, the powder evaporates and lingers in the air, giving a fresh, clean scent. Remember that in addition to trying some of these methods, regular cleaning is also advised around the toilet area and bathrooms, especially if the room is carpeted. If the bathroom and toilet is in one room, regular cleanings of the bathroom must also occur to prevent unpleasant drain odors from mixing with the other scents.
What You Need To Know About Steaming
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ometimes usual cleaning methods are not enough and a bit more is needed to get the job done. In many cases, steam cleaning is the answer. There are basically two types of steam cleaners. The difference is based on how the steam is created in the apparatus.
A High Humidity Steamer This type will generate the steam without actually boiling water. This means that the steam will not be as hot as real steam but a bit cooler. On the other hand it will hold more water and therefore the steam will be more humid/contain more water. Hot and Dry Steam Cleaner The second type is a system that boils the water and thus creates a very hot steam, above 260 degrees Celsius usually. A boilerfed system creates a very low 4
ter for those suffering from allergies. • No chemicals needed.
humidity steam, a so-called dry steam. These steam cleaners are therefore sometimes referred to as dry steam cleaners. What kind of vapor steam cleaner should I choose? The boiler-fed system is likely best • The steam leaves less moisture on the surface. This means that the surfaces you clean dry much faster. • Boiler-fed systems create
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much more heat than the non-boiler steam cleaner – steam temperatures over 300 degrees. Due to this excessive heat you need to scrub less and the heat will sanitize as the high temperatures effectively kill germs and bacteria. • A little water goes a long way with a boiler-fed system; one quart of water produces about a thousand gallons of steam. • Less moisture is left in the indoor environment, far bet-
Portable steam cleaners (hand held steam cleaners) Portable steam cleaners are smaller and handier devices. The hand-held steam cleaners are less powerful than the regular steam cleaners but also cheaper. The applications vary, but they are generally used for smaller jobs such as cleaning a stove for example. There are many options for steam cleaning systems on the market today, truthfully I am not convinced it is worth the expense overall. It seems like it just adds a piece of complicated machinery to your cleaning kit when the cleaning really can be done using tried and true cleaning methods. But no doubt steam cleaning is an environmentally friendly way to clean.
LIVING QUARTERS
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The Ideal Garden Pond
ew things add serenity and elegant outdoor style to a backyard like a pond. This will make the landscape of any garden appear more tranquil and beautiful while providing you with the capacity to keep aquatic pets. However, there is a lot more to the ideal pond than digging a hole and putting water and fish in it. Here are some considerations. Ensure The Right Depth A mix of shallow and deep water provides a variety of habitats for plants and animals but a pond need not be too deep. For a small pond, 1ft deep is enough for wildlife to flourish. The edges should also be gently shelving. Don’t Be Too Tidy A good wildlife pond has a mixture of different habitats for animals to live and hide in so don't over-manage it. A mixture of mud, leaves, twigs, stones and lots of plants provides plenty of places for wildlife to live in.
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targets for waterborne bacteria and algae. Over time, this can lead to blooms of algae that rob the water of oxygen and create havens for anaerobic bacteria which are harmful to plants.
Situate Your Pond Correctly Try not to have your pond at the lowest point of the garden, as rain from the garden will not only overflow the pond, it will also pollute the water with garden rubble and dirt. And don't install a new garden pond directly under a large tree as falling debris will make it tricky to keep the pond clean. It's useful to line the pond’s edge with rocks to stop dirt and plants accidentally falling into the water, and if your garden pond is built in direct sunlight, have some
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taller plants around the edge of the pond to help keep the water cooler and a bit shaded during warm and sunny weather. Monitor Fertilizer Use Fertilizer is often a necessity for lawns and landscapes but it can, when used to excess, cause problems for nearby water sources including backyard ponds. When excess ammonia, nitrogen and other elements found in man-made fertilizers is washed into ponds with rain runoff, they can make tempting
Pumps and Filters are a must A good water pump and filtration system is important for any pond, particularly if you're going to keep fish and for the wellbeing of pond plants. The pond pump basically keeps the water moving, circulating oxygen, while the filter's job is to act as a mini-sewage system for the pond. The components in the filter offer a vast surface area which becomes home to lots of helpful bacteria produced. When waste (such as fish excretion and left-over food) starts breaking down and releasing toxins into the water, the same water will eventually pass through the filter, with the helpful bacteria breaking down the invisible toxins trapped in the filter.
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HOME OFFICE
Here’s How To Become A Better Coworker
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he majority of us who are employed know what it is to have co workers who absolutely suck (For lack of a better word). We feel disdain when they enter the office or job site because we know it won’t be long before they start to do the thing or things that bother us. Have you ever wondered if you are that person in the eyes of your co-workers? Here are ten tips for becoming a more impressive co worker.
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Silence It: Office noise is a major problem when working for businesses that have open air cubicles. If you know that you have a strong or loud voice, you will need to pay special attention to your speaking volume. Otherwise, rules to remember include attempting to hold meetings in conference rooms whenever possible and talking on the phone at a low volume level. Abiding by these easy rules will help you to avoid any unnecessary noise and will keep your fellow coworkers happy. Also, be aware of cell phone ringtones, desk radios, noisy desk drawers and other such annoyances.
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Gossip Is for the Market Place: We all seem to love rumours yet we cannot stand the people who spread them. Do not be the person to start or spread a rumour at the office. Those salacious remarks may one day come back to hurt you. People who spread gossip love bacchanal and as such cannot be trusted. They normally tell you a rumour to see your reaction and spread a new rumour based on the reaction. The only time you should hear 8
anything through the grapevine is when you are working at a wine distillery.
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Watch Your Ego: Superstars do not have everyday jobs. Therefore, you have no reason to be trying to make everyone feel you are God’s gift to the world. Bragging may be fine at a game of “Wappee”, but your coworkers do not want to hear about any of that (At least not from your mouth). Whether you scored a hat-trick at a soccer match or you sealed a deal with a big client, wait to earn the compliments. Self praise is no praise.
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Office Language: People are generally bad communicators no matter where they come from. This is because there are so many identities which cross each other as we speak. The office should have one identity as all workers should be seeking one main goal (success for the company). Slang and other forms of informal language should be avoided in the workplace. Instead stick to formal business language at all times even when speaking with peers. In other words, when a coworker asks if you can complete a task do not answer “Fo sheezee my Neezee”. This will help you to break the bad habit of using inappropriate language that sometimes rears its ugly head. In the same vein, profanity and vulgarity in speech should be omitted from the workplace.
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Be Your Own Maid: Just because poor old Darcy comes in and empties the garbage three times a week that does not mean you should leave the
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office in a mess. Clean up after yourself. Make sure you clear the lunchroom table after eating and do not leave food rotting in the fridge. If you know you have garbage at your cubicle that cannot wait until the cleaners come, dispose of it yourself.
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Don’t Make Cubicles Too Cute: Cubicles tend to make some people feel a tad claustrophobic. Hence, people tend to decorate their cubicles by sticking up pictures and posters to make their space feel homier. Make sure your desktop plant does not outgrow your desktop. Do not stick posters all around so your cubicle looks like a memorabilia shop. From the other side of the cubicle that just isn’t cute. Even though you would like to feel homier, your space is just temporary and it belongs to an organization…not you.
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Office Politics is not Office Policy: Unless you work in the parliament, keep away from the politics. Today's politically polarized environment makes discussing even the most innocuous issue a potential touchstone for office controversy. Touchy subjects such as abortion and divorce should not be discussed in the office either. Everyone has their political ideas and opinions, but unless you are asked to share them by your boss, keep them in your head.
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Check Your Temper: We all have bad days. Sometimes you wake up and wonder why you even got out of bed. On your way to work you get short-changed by a taxi driver or the breeze messes
up the new do you got the evening before. Whatever the reason, do not bring the attitude to work. It is ok to be down at times, but sulk internally at the office. You do not want to seem like an emotional wrecking ball nor do you want to scare your colleagues away with a mean disposition.
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The Smaller the Small Talk the Better: Funny as it may sound, work isn’t all about work. The main goal is getting the job done. However, it’s about bonding with coworkers as well. Everyday there is bound to be small talk. People want to know how you spent your night or you may want to tell them about a movie you saw over the weekend. Share a quick story that will cheer up the office, but don’t pull a chair or squeeze into someone’s cubicle to give a speech.
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Look Good, Smell Good, Feel Great: Working eight hours or more a day means you are at work more than any other place throughout the course of the day. Co-workers become almost like family. This does not mean what your real family will let slide, the people at the office will. You have an obligation to look presentable at work. Observe company dress codes at all times. Do not become complacent in your grooming. A little shampoo, deodorant and soap goes a long way. A little cologne helps as well, but not too much or the saying “too much of a good thing…” applies. The compliments you will get for taking time to look good will in turn make you feel great and work better.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Be Creative with Colour Bold paint choices can separate the mundane from the majestic. The bougainvillea adds an extra colour accent.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A combination of like colours gives this bedroom real appeal.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This simple work space comes alive with simple yellow mix and match accessories.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A variety of foliage can create a beautiful natural colourscape for your home’s outdoor setting. 14
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Make your home stand out in beautiful hues of blue. w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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KITCHEN
Keeping Your Kitchen Germ Free
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he kitchen for most is a place of creation. It is, a place where you can put together a meal and share with love ones. It is a place where ideas are formed and pots and pans are immediately pulled out of cabinets and your inner chef emerges. However what some of us may not know is that bacteria can take up permanent residence in the kitchen. The following are some tips to avoid unwanted germs and bacteria in your kitchen. Countertops - This is where most of the prepping takes places so it is highly important to always keep here as bacteria and germ free as possible. The trick is to use a disinfecting spray/wipe as soon as the prepping stage is over. This will help to eliminate the spreading of bacteria unto other parts of the kitchen/household. The disinfectant label should read “kills 99.9% germs.” Cutting board - Each household should have at least two cutting boards. One dedicated to vegetables and the other to meat. Plastics are usually considered to be better than the wooden cut-
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time each meal should remain at room temperature is two hours. Don’t let dirty dishes or appliances sit overnight - By doing this you are inviting bacteria, germs, flies ants, cockroaches and even rodents into your kitchen.
ting boards since it is less porous. However if the board has numerous cutting indentations, it is time to replace it as these spaces can trap bacteria.
Sponges - Use different sponges for each task to avoid cross contamination. To clean them soak them in hot water with a teaspoon of bleach.
Dish towel - When handling raw meat, use paper towels and discard them immediately after. Dish towels are all well and good, but, raw meat can carry various germs and can even lead to salmonella poising.
Frozen Food - Do not thaw frozen food under hot water as this can cause the bacteria to multiply.
Knife Block - Always ensure that once a knife is used, it is thoroughly washed with warm water and soap and properly dried. By doing this you can prevent the risk of mold growing in the knife block.
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Kitchen Sink - Each time meat is placed in the sink, it can leave behind bacteria. Make sure to disinfect the sink with bleach after each interval. Soap dispensers - Invest in a soap dispenser, it would prevent contaminating the pump. Cooked meals - The average
Take the trash out frequently - Rotten food is not a pleasant aroma, especially one for your kitchen. Prevent the spread of germs and horrid smells out of your kitchen by removing the garbage. We suggest every night. Organize your fridge - Keep meat and seafood away from fruits and vegetables to avoid cross contamination. Make sure to wash fruits before consuming. Throw away any leftovers after three days of storing them in the refrigerator. Go green - Let’s admit it; cleaning products can be expensive. However, there are alternatives. Products such as baking soda, vinegar, distilled water and lemon juice can be substituted for cleaning products. This can be a less expensive route, without the harsh chemicals.
RECIPES
Asian Inspiration
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sian cuisine is a favourite among many Trinidad and Tobago nationals. Chinese food restaurants are ubiquitous, yet command high customer turnover. However, few of us have mastered the art of preparing these dishes for ourselves. Here are a few simple recipes to start with.
THAI PEANUT PORK Ingredients 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 boneless pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick 1/3 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper 1/4 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro Directions On a plate, combine the flour, cumin, cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir to distribute the spices. Coat the pork chops with the flour mixture, and shake off any excess. Heat the oil in a large skillet 18
over medium-high heat. Place the pork chops in the hot skillet, and fry for about 4 minutes per side, until cooked through. While the pork chops cook, stir together the chicken broth, coconut milk, peanut butter, honey, ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Remove the pork chops to a serving platter, and keep warm. Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes, or until thickened. Pour peanut sauce over the chops, and garnish with green onion, bell pepper, peanuts and cilantro.
SHOYU CHICKEN Ingredients 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup water 1-3/4 cloves minced garlic 3/8 onion, chopped 1-1/4 teaspoons grated fresh ginger root 1-1/4 teaspoons ground black pepper 1-1/4 teaspoons dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional) 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika (optional) 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs Directions Whisk together the soy sauce,
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brown sugar, water, garlic, onion, ginger, black pepper, oregano, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and paprika in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the chicken thighs, and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken thighs on the preheated grill until cooked through, about 15 minutes per side.
HOT AND SOUR CHINESE EGGPLANT Ingredients 2 medium eggplants, cubed 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon white sugar 1 green chili pepper, chopped 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon chili oil, or to taste 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Directions Place the eggplant cubes into a large bowl, and sprinkle with salt. Fill with enough water to cover, and let stand for 30 minutes. Rinse well, and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, chili pepper, cornstarch and chili oil. Set the sauce aside. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over mediumhigh heat. Fry the eggplant until it is tender and begins to brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Pour in the sauce, and cook and stir until the sauce is thick and the eggplant is evenly coated. Serve immediately.
KOREAN CUCUMBER SALAD Ingredients 1/4 cup white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1/2 green onion, sliced 1/2 carrot, julienned Directions In a medium bowl, stir together vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in sesame seeds, and reduce heat to medium. Cook until seeds are brown, about 5 minutes. Remove seeds with a slotted spoon, and stir into vinegar mixture. Mix in cucumber, green onions, and carrot. Cover, and refrigerate at least 5 minutes.
BRIDAL
Are You The Best Husband You Can Be?
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hen marriages fail, people often look at the “we” and “us” in the marriage to find answers. However, there is a real need to look internally. If you cheat, it wasn’t because your spouse didn’t satisfy or nurture you. It is because you wanted to cheat. Otherwise, you would have just left. Instead of looking at technicalities, look at the things that will make you a better person within your marriage. This article is for the guys. What makes you a better husband? Be Deliberate about Being Positive: Take a look at your interactions with your wife: What percentage is confrontational? How often are you fighting? Do you tell one another jokes? What’s the ratio of purely informational dialogue to talking that advances the relationship? Now make a concerted effort to initiate positive, intimate, redemptive conversations. Learn a new joke every day if you have to; the point is to be proactive, not reactive. Listening is the Key To Her Heart: Few people – men or 20
women – feel that anyone truly listens to them. If you wish to change the way your wife perceives you, increase her sexual satisfaction, and become in her mind the best man on earth, listen to her. That means that you do not interrupt her with your stories, your thoughts on what she just said, or by changing the subject. Listen to her heart as well as her words. As she talks ask yourself, “What is she feeling as she tells me this?” Even more importantly, ask yourself, “What is the message she really wants me to hear?” Once she knows that you are genuinely interested in her views, thoughts, and feelings, you can actually ask her those questions. However, do NOT ask them until you know that she knows that you are trying to understand her, not correct her. Try counseling: This may sound intense, but think of it as necessary maintenance (just as you would regularly tune up your car. Tell your wife you’re looking for ways to be a better husband, and that you want to work on moving forward, all the time. This could involve a few weekly appointments, a
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marriage enrichment seminar, a couples group at your faithcommunity, or any number of other intentional interventions. Always choose affection: We know guys don’t like being cuddly. Being affectionate after sex takes time and it doesn’t make men feel manly, but women need affection sometimes. If you only give them that stuff to get into bed, your wife is going to notice and think it’s insincere. Of course, this goes beyond the bedroom. If you show your wife spontaneous affection occasionally, it reassures her of the love bond. Continue to Grow: No husband or wife reaches perfection in his or her roles. There will be plenty of times throughout your marriage when you will make mistakes, say the wrong thing, or leave your dirty underwear lying on the bedroom floor. It happens to the best of husbands. But it is important to not let those moments of blunders define your marriage. Use every opportunity you can to continue to grow closer to
your wife and learn more about her wants, needs, desires, and aspirations. Keep learning and growing. Just like a fine wine or aged cheese, marriage gets better over the years. Don’t judge: Put down the gavel, Joe Brown. When you live with someone every day, it’s hard not to build up resentments and overanalyze your partner’s every move. But no one is going to stand up to that level of scrutiny. Try not to sweat the little stuff, because it has a way of becoming big rather quickly. If you judge every action or opinion your wife has, that’s going to come through in your words and actions. Your wife is different from you. Of course she isn’t going to perceive things the way you do. She’s had different life experiences from you, not the least of which is the general experience of living life as a woman. She won’t always like what you like. She won’t behave like a man does. Apart from sexual needs and having children, that’s one of the reasons men get into a relationship. We feel the need for a woman’s companionship.
FAMILY
How To Make A Schedule For Your Child
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aking a schedule for your child helps ensure structure in their lives and yours. A schedule is easy enough to follow but not too routine to cause boredom on the child’s part. It is perfect in that it teaches your child the importance of time management as their day is divided into different time blocks, showing the times and their respective activities. Below is a step by step guide that can help you set up a schedule for your children. Remember, the schedule is influenced by the age of the child and in order for the schedule to work, accurate times must be entered. Step 1- Divide the page into rows and columns, with narrow columns representing the times of the day and the bigger columns representing the activities. It is easier to have this done on a programme such as Microsoft
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extra-curricular activities. Step 6- Set aside a specific time for home-work so that it reduces the chances of your child not completing it. Step 7- Leave time in the schedule for quiet-time and play time for your child. This ensures that he/she doesn’t realize that they are following a schedule and become bored or resistant to following a structure. Excel as adding and subtracting columns will be easier.
should be approximately 8-10 hours.
Step 2- Write the time your child wakes up in the first row and exactly what is done immediately after that such as taking a bath or eating breakfast.
Step 4- Write in meal times in the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As hectic as everyone’s day might be, try to eat together as a family allowing for more bonding time.
Step 3- Write in your child’s sleep time in the last row of the table, allowing enough time for a full night’s rest which ideally,
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Step 5- Fill in recurring commitments for your child such as after-school classes, sports or
Remember that the schedule allows you to manage your child’s time and give yourself some spare time in between. Be careful not to over-schedule or over-book your child for too many activities that may tire or bore them. If done correctly and strictly followed a schedule can assist in managing everyone’s time and assist in keeping you abreast of your child’s whereabouts at all times.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Lingerie Mistakes To Look Out For Five Tips For A When Purchasing
Healthy Scalp
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f you want strong healthy hair, it is important to have a strong foundation. Keeping your scalp healthy is not a difficult task; just follow these simple tips. Don’t Over-Wash If you shampoo your hair daily, use professional shampoos that are specially designed with softening agents and moisturizers. As shampoos are designed for your scalp rather than your hair, be sure to concentrate rubbing on your scalp for better results. Massage Regularly Besides promoting blood flow to the scalp and hair growth, a good scalp massage also soothes nerves and relaxes the muscles in your brain. Use the balls of your fingertips in a circular motion with firm pressure and upward strokes for an effective massage. Avoid Sources of Extreme Heat The heated air from blow-dryers and hooded dryers is a major moisture depleter for the scalp. Be sure to direct blow-dryer heat down the hair shaft and not
directly toward the scalp. This also prevents roughing of the cuticles from improper air direction flow. Avoid exposing the scalp to temperature extremes. Stay Clutter Free The scalp is an extension of the face. Just as pores can become clogged on the face, the follicles of the hair can experience the same type of obstruction if products are placed directly on them. This is especially true of heavy oils and greases. However, many women of color in particular are known for religiously slathering heavy oils upon the scalp. When products are allowed to build up on the scalp and hair, moisture conditions become unfavorable and problems with dryness and growth will arise. Eat Right Diet plays an important part in the health of your scalp. A wellbalanced diet with Vitamin A and E is vital to your hair and scalp’s health. Carrots and tomatoes are especially beneficial as well as an array of green vegetables and fruits.
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uying sexy lingerie as a gift for your partner is a wonderful idea. However, taking things as guaranteed can make your plan get just the opposite. Gentlemen, if you are a green hand in sexy lingerie buying, please pay attention to these three commonly seen mistakes to make sure you bring her the right gift! GUESSING THE SIZE You’re forgiven if you don’t know her bra size (chances are, neither does she!), but you might be in trouble if you think you can chance a guess. Thanks to infinite variations of brands, styles, shapes and measurements, it’s pretty likely that holding up your hands to the sales lady and saying “about this big?” isn’t going to yield a good bra. If you don’t know her bra size, try heading for familiar territory in chemises, robes, and nightgowns, where everything is sized in S-M-L. There’s a fantastic variety of styles for every woman in these pieces, and you can be confident that size won’t be an issue. BUYING FOR YOU, NOT HER In the end, it’s not you who will be wearing this gift, it’s her. We w w w . a m g tt. c o m
know you really want that fantastic-looking red see-through baby doll, but if she normally wears white cotton bras, that probably isn’t an ideal gift. Similarly, lovely trappings like suspender straps might seem fantastic, but when she’s still trying to get them on after half an hour it won’t seem like such a good idea. It’s great to indulge in the fantasy of sexy lingerie, but the reality of finding something she feels confident in is far sexier — if she’s not worrying over fussy straps and see-through cups, she can concentrate on showing her appreciation for your thoughtful gift. NEGLECTING HER PERSONALITY When choosing their clothes, women tend to spend hours. Their lingerie is no exception. Tastes in lingerie are different from woman to woman. Before you buy anything, please have her favorite outfit in your mind — is she elegant, introverted, extroverted, sophisticated, feminine or athletic. If you’re finding it too hard to make a wise choice, try going to her wardrobe because it can tell you her favorite colors, prints and general styles.
JULY 2016
ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Home’s Certified Fine Fitness Tips To Follow
Women’s Herbal Health
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hile we are all human, both men and women’s bodies operate differently and require different types of care. Herbal medicine has become increasingly popular again in recent times and with good reason. If you are a woman who is considering herbal treatment, here are four options for you. Dandelion helps eliminate excess water weight associated with PMS and relieves that uncomfortable balloon feeling. Due to its detoxifying effects on the liver, Dandelion can help treat the root cause of the bloating rather than just masking symptoms. Red Clover helps promote fertility and aids in the treatment of hormonal imbalances, PMS, ovulation, lack of menstruation and painful menstruation. Women who are trying to conceive can utilize red clover for its alkalinizing effects, as it balances vaginal pH in favor of conception. 24
Licorice contains estrogenic compounds and is useful in the treatment of depression. Licorice also reduces stress levels by preventing the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol, the body’s main stressfighting hormone, making them more available to the body. Aloe Vera is a smooth muscle relaxant that specifically targets the pelvic area and Apana Vayu. It soothes cramps by relaxing muscle tension and spasms.
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A
chieving the right body can seem like quite an undertaking for those who don’t regularly work out… or as Bane prefers to call them “The uninitiated.” However, a few simple tips can go a long way toward carrying you in the right direction. The first tip should not be overlooked especially if you're just getting started. This tip is finding professional help. It is suggested that you have a professional assessment to determine what types of exercise you need most. For some people, attention to flexibility or to balance and agility may be more important than resistance training or aerobics. By getting a professional assessment, you can determine your weakest links and focus on them. This will improve your overall fitness balance. Plus, it can help you hone in on the proper ways to do exercise without injuring yourself. Working out while you have the most energy will yield the best results. Therefore, it is important to watch your body clock. Figure out which time best suits you. If you're a morning person, schedule your fitness activities early in the day; if you perk up as the day goes along; plan your activities in the
afternoon or evening. Another great tip to maximize your results is to chart your progress. Stay motivated using a fitness report card. Jot down these subjects: Cardio, Muscle Conditioning, Flexibility and Attitude. Set goals (for example, doing 10 "boy" push-ups) and grade yourself A through F at least four times a year. When you see how much you improve, you'll want to stay in great shape. Similarly, you should focus on setting proper goals. Set exercise goals you can meet. Otherwise, you'll stop working out all together. Try to work out on two weekdays and one weekend day for 30 minutes to start. If you can only do 20, that's okay too. The point is to get moving and keep moving. Variety is a must. It is important to keep switching up your routines in order to achieve the best results. A change of scenery can add value to your exercise routine so head outside. Going to the gym day after day can start to feel monotonous, and the last thing you want is to dread your workouts. Instead, get some fresh air with a walk, run or bike ride. Try out these tips for fitness fast.
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TRAVEL
You’re Using It Wrong Alternate Uses For Your Garage Puppy Training
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arages aren’t just for cars anymore. In fact, many people hardly even have cars in their garages. It doubles as a tool shed or storage room most times. However, a garage can be used for other things as well. Here are some ways to maximize your garage’s worth. Bring the Gym Home People today are making an honest effort to lead healthier lifestyles. Unfortunately, a membership at a gym is not always within the budget. So why not convert the garage into a private gym? If you have an open garage like most Trinis, consider enclosing it. You can even use see through screens so you can jog in the privacy of a home gym while enjoying the great outdoors. The Man Cave There is no place better for the ideal “Man Cave” than the garage. After all, it gives the man a place he and his friends can get together and have fun without worrying about making messes or bothering anyone else. More to the point, a “Man Cave” is a place a man can retreat to and
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have his version of that all-important “me” time. The Home Office For those who are self-employed, a garage makes for the ideal home office since it's somewhat apart from the living area and the home atmosphere will not enter the workplace. Just make sure you have access to your home necessities including wifi, a printer, and a desk. A mini fridge with drinks can also help relieve some stress while trying to make deadlines. Teenager hang out It’s nice to be the house where the teens hang around, because you can keep half an eye on what’s going on. On the other hand, having a bunch of rowdy guys and gals in your house can give you a headache. Have your kids set up an extra television and a video game console in the garage and let them use one of your garage cabinets for bags of chips and bottles of soda. If your teens enjoy making music, you could store the drum set and speakers out there, too. This allows them to have their fun without making too much noise in the living areas of the house.
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A
Mistakes
new dog provides security, comfort and lots more to a household. However, it takes some work to get that terrier obedient. The key is making sure the work is done well. Mistakes during training can be calamitous. Here are some to look out for. Focusing On The Negative Positive reinforcement behavior training has proven to be more effective than punishment-based training. Unfortunately, too many dog owners still rely on the latter. Studies show that dominance and punishment based training actually creates additional problem behaviors, which is certainly an outcome no dog guardian wants. Taking Too Long To Start Pet owners often think that their dog is too young to be trained. Hence, they wait way too long to begin and make the process difficult for themselves and the pet. Habit formation will become very difficult once the dog grows big so all habit
formation has to be handled at a tender age. A professional dog trainer can advise on the appropriate time to commence training your pup. Trying Too Hard Like small children, puppies have short attention spans and get tired quickly. With this in mind, training sessions should be no longer than 5 to 10 minutes long. However, the sessions should be regular enough that the pup remembers. Ideally, two or three sessions will get you the results you require. Inconsistency Dogs need to feel that their mentors and providers are consistent in behaviour and in rule setting. Inconsistency will diminish your dog’s ability to learn. Variations such as staying patient with a stubborn dog one day then losing your cool the next will break confidence and trust. The dog won’t be able to predict how you’ll react at any given moment. Stick to a consistent methodology and be unswerving regarding what is suitable behaviour.
GARAGE
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Consider Relaxing In Miami For Spa Month
esidents and Visitors Rejoice with up to 50 Percent Savings on Signature Spa Treatments at a Record 41 Premiere Spas in Greater Miami and The Beaches. www.MiamiSpaMonth.com The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau celebrates its ninth annual Miami Spa Month (sponsored by Citibank® and Spafinder Wellness) with over 40 of the destination’s world-renowned luxury spas participating this year. The popular summer promotion will run for two months from July 1 through August 31 offering spa goers up to 50 percent savings on countless treatments – think, hot stone massages, exfoliating body polishes, deep cleaning facials and more. Valued at $200 or more, Miami Spa Month treatments will be exclusively available at two price points: $109 and $139, with select spas offering two treatments for $199. Guests that pay for treatments using a Citibank® card can receive an additional special offer at participating spas. A dedicated website – www. MiamiSpaMonth.com – serves as an easy to search resource providing information on spa offerings by location and treatment type along with special Miami Spa Month hotel packages. Treatment costs do not include tax and gratuity and reservations are required. Those ready to check-in can unwind and rejuvenate at: 28
• Acqualina Spa by ESPA • Privai Wellness + Spa at the Royal Palm Miami - South Beach • Agua Spa at Delano • The Ritz-Carlton South Beach Spa • Aquanox Spa • The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Key Biscayne Miami • Azul Hair Salon, Nails, Holistic & Med Spa • SaLus Spa at the JW Marriott Miami • The Betsy Wellness Garden and Spa • Spa 101 at the Hilton Bentley • The Biltmore Spa • The Spa at Carillon Miami Beach • bliss south beach at the W • The Spa at Conrad Miami • Blue Harmony Spa at Shelborne Wyndham Grand • Spa at Icon Brickell • The Boutique Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove Miami • The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami • COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at Metropolitan by COMO, Miami beach • The Spa at Miami Beach EDITION • ELEMIS Spa at Merrick Park • The Spa at Shula's • eména spa • The Spa at the 1 Hotel South Beach • enliven, JW Marriott Marquis Miami • The Spa at The Confidante
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Hotel • Exhale at the EPIC Hotel • The Spa at The Setai • Exhale at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour • Spa Azul, Provident Doral at the Blue • Exhale Spa at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel • Spa Eden Roc • GuyandGirl Spa at Mondrian • The Surfcomber Daydream Spa • Jurlique Spa at Mayfair Hotel • Tierra Santa Healing House at Faena Hotel Miami Beach • Lapis, the Spa at Fontainebleau • The Trump Spa at National Doral Miami • mySpa Miami at InterContinental Miami • Turnberry Isle Spa • The Palms Spa AVEDA Enjoy Spa and Spice? Miami Spa Month overlaps with the equally as popular Miami Spice Restaurant Month. Running from August 1 through September 30, Miami Spice Restaurant Month brings savings at more than 200 restaurants throughout Greater Miami and The Beaches. Participating restaurants will offer three-course meals at lunch for $23 and dinner for $39. “As our summers become more vibrant each year, we find visitors staying longer
to do and see more while also taking time to relax, unwind and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. Even residents are getting in on the action! With new hotels, restaurants, spas and cultural attractions continually opening, our programs like Miami Spa Month and Miami Spice Restaurant Month are more robust than ever before and provide variety to all who participate,” said GMCVB President and CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME. Enter to Win! During Miami Spa Month, participants may enter to win weekly prizes! Starting July 1 – August 31, guests can visit MiamiSpaMonth.com for a chance to win a $250 Spafinder Wellness 365 gift card. For more details and information visit www.MiamiSpaMonth.com , winners will be announced weekly. Miami Spa Month is part of the Miami Temptations programs developed by the GMCVB to allow all to enjoy the best that Miami and The Beaches has to offer throughout the year at attractive prices. Miami Spa Month is part of the successful series including Miami Cruise Month, Miami Romance Month, Shop Miami Month, Miami Sports Month, Miami Museum Month, Miami Film Month, Miami Spice, Miami Attractions Month, Miami Live Month and Miami Heritage Month. For more information on the Miami Temptations programs please visit www.MiamiTemptations.com.
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TOP UP
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