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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nce you have made a decorating blunder it can be difficult and expensive to fix. Your best bet is to avoid the mistake in the first place when decorating your living room. Read this article and follow the advice given and you will be much happier you did. The biggest interior design decor mistakes do not come from buying the wrong color paint or even from misjudging the size of a piece of furniture by a few inches. Mistakes are easy to make so you want to try to keep them at a minimum. This is where planning becomes important. The more planning, the less mistakes. Here are some of the top mistakes to avoid: Don't allow your living room to revolve around your TV. Many people have state of the art TV's that they want to show off but doing so is a huge mistake. As a matter of fact, if it can be done, put your TV in an armoire or somewhere where it can be out of the way and concealed. Some TV's can even be mounted on a wall. The room will be much more attractive if the topic of conversation is not about your TV. Get rid of decorations that look cluttered. When it comes to decorations: less is more. If you have too many collectibles and want to display them a better idea is to do so but, alternate them. It is better to just put out the best ones, and do so sparingly, so they look like they are presented attractively. The
Avoid Living Room Decoration Mistakes same is true for framed photos. Decorate according to your own styles and tastes rather than what the latest trend is. Remember that trends fade away and you are left with the aftermath of last year's trend. Don't try to mix your furniture with a different style of decorating. When changing your living room decor remember that contemporary stays with contemporary and so forth. Switch around the colors but leave the styles alone.
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in the center of a room. Always make sure that at least the front legs of all pieces of furniture are on top of the rug. This will show connection and that is important, especially in the living room. Tables and smaller chairs should be placed completely on top of the rug. Interior design decor ideas do not have to be a hassle as long as you stop and remember that mistakes can happen but it is a lot easier if you could have avoided them in the first place.
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House Inspections: For the Wise and Wary
f you've ever bought a house or looked into a house, you may have done so only to discover that the house was quite a bit less charming than when you first checked it out. Perhaps you just moved into an area in which any improvement must be approved and must follow strict Town & Country guidelines. Regardless of any of this, sometimes your best bet is to look into house inspections before you consider buying a home or property. Keep in mind that house inspections are not like car inspections in which you check under the hood and see how she's running. Most of the time it is purely visual. Your inspector can't go knocking down walls to check the insulation or anything of that nature. But he can see things that the average home 2
that house. In these cases, the damage can be caused by loads of things, all of which will cost you way too much.
buyer would not see which can save you a lot of money, time and headache after the sale. Here are a few things you do need to look into: • Ventilation: Your home should have adequate ventilation. The inspector will know what to look for. • Defects: If there is any cracking, bulging etc, chances are that you want to avoid
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• Mold: Mold can cause all sorts of health problems and is a huge pain to get rid of. If it's on your walls or in your basements, chances are that it's also in the insulation. If it's in part of the fibers of the insulation, it can cost you thousands to replace. • Roof: The roof can have problems you may not see that your inspector will. In this case, you could end up spending thousands just trying to replace the roof, and any damaged rafters, etc. The point is, house inspections save you a lot of money. They
also help to ensure that you won't buy the home only to have your health deteriorate or to buy into a money pit that will cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars to fix. House inspections save you time, money, and sickness. After all, if you get sick, you're not only losing money from your job, but then you end up with medical bills to pay! All things aside, choosing to have house inspections on any potential homes is a great idea and could save you a lot of money. Think of your home inspection as an investment into your new home and a way to give you peace of mind as you know exactly what you are getting into. Many home buyers will tell you that having a home inspection done before they purchased property was the best thing they ever did.
LIVING QUARTERS
Shine Up Your Silver
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here are easy and quick cleaning tips that can save you time and keep your silver beautiful. You don't need expensive and toxic specialty cleaners. Here are several tips to cleaning silver using common ingredients you can find in your kitchen pantry.
Keeping your silver jewelry clean will allow you to wear it more frequently and enjoy it more.
Aluminum Foil, Salt, and Baking Soda: Put a sheet of aluminum foil in a pan and add 2-3 inches of water. Mix: • 1 tsp of salt • 1 teaspoon of the baking soda Bring the mix to a boil, add the silver and let it boil gently for 2-3 minutes. Make sure that all the silver pieces are covered by the water. Rinse, buff and dry. Toothpaste: This is a great tip to clean all the crevices and difficult to reach places in your silver pieces. Coat the silver with tooth paste and run it under tepid to warm water to produce froth. Rub the item well. Rinse, dry and buff with a soft cloth. Cleaning Silver Jewelry: Alkalis remove tarnish from 4
silver, brass and copper. Baking soda, washing soda, or even wood ash (as in from the fire pit) are alkaline, and are great for removing tarnish from jewelry. Mix your cleaner with enough plain water to make a thin paste and coat the jewelry with the paste. Rub the jewelry gently with a cleaning cloth, rinse the mixture off, and then dry well. This should make your silver beautiful and shiny.
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• Clean it after each use with a soft 100% cotton or flannel cloth to remove makeup, sweat, dirt, etc. • If your jewelry just needs a mild cleaning, you can clean it with a mixture of very mild liquid detergent and warm water. Rinse it well and dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth. • Many professionals swear by using baking soda or toothpaste on silver jewelry, while others say that they are too abrasive. If you don’t want to take the chance, then purchase a silver spray or polish to clean tarnish off your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful. • If your silver jewelry has gemstones, be careful when cleaning them. Some cleaning products can damage your gemstones. Cleaning Silver Flatware: Do you have silver flatware that you've not used at all? Chances are they are tarnished. Why don’t we clean and polish them to add beauty and
interest to your table? Remember that there are foods that aren't friendly to silver flatware. Salty or acidic foods can stain them. Don't allow food to stay on the flatware for a long period of time. Store your silver in a tarnish resistant bag or pouch to keep it from tarnishing. If your silver is not tarnished and just needs to be washed, the best way to wash is in warm sudsy water. Rinse well and dry it immediately to avoid spots. You can wash your silver flatware in the dishwasher, but if the handles are hollow, they could be loosened as a result of water and heat exposure. Do not put silver flatware in the same container as stainless steel flatware. The stainless steel flatware may permanently stain your silver flatware. The more often you use your silver flatware, the brighter and shinier it will stay. What a great bonus. Now that you have all of the silver in your home clean and shiny, what do you do? Enjoy it! Enjoy having beautiful serving pieces and flatware to create an inviting table. Enjoy wearing your shiny jewelry. Cleaning silver has never been easier.
LIVING QUARTERS
Keep It Shiny - Maintaining Chrome
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t's impossible to completely prevent the tarnishing of your metal door hardware; it's a natural process due to the chemical activity of most metals. So the great art of dealing with tarnish, is not to try to prevent it, but to manage it. Silver is one of the metals most easily affected by tarnish. If your silver plated hardware is suffering particularly badly, then remove the items from the door and place them in an aluminum tray. If you don't have an aluminum tray, use a glass one lined with aluminum foil. Place the silverware in the tray and sprinkle baking soda over it. Then pour in enough boiling water to completely cover the objects. The tarnish will soon disappear. Once it has, and the water has cooled, remove the items and buff them with a duster or any 6
soft cotton cloth. They should be shining like new. Brass and copper are traditional materials that are seeing more and more of a renaissance in popularity. Like silver, they're both highly susceptible to tarnish, but easy enough to manage if you're prepared to roll your sleeves up. To clean brass and copperware you're going to make a paste. Measure in one tablespoon of flour, one of salt,
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and one of vinegar in a bowl. Mix until it turns to a paste, and then rub it on to the surface of the brass or copper. Leave it for a couple of minutes, and then wash it off with hot soapy water. Rinse and buff with a soft cloth‌ restored! There are metal polishes available but it is necessary to avoid abrasive cleaning liquids, chemicals or cleaning solvents, as these will damage metal that has a lacquer coating. Mechanical polishing with metal polish will remove any tarnishing but take care not to be too aggressive especially with fine or delicate brass. An alternative way to remove tarnishing and corrosion is to rub any affected areas with a slice of lemon. The lemon can be dipped in salt to assist the process by providing some gentle abrasion. Be sure to wash and
dry the item using warm soapy water afterwards or the acid in the lemon may continue to attack the brass after the corrosion has been removed. Wire brushes or scouring pads should be avoided. Brassware items that have been coated in lacquer must never be cleaned with metal polishes or aerosol spray polishes. The lacquer coating will be damaged and this will then cause early discoloration. The upshot of all this is - just stay on top of it and it won't be a problem. Clean regularly: dusting with a camel hair brush or soft cloth and washing with the occasional warm, mild, soapy water will keep your chrome shiny and new-looking. It’s much easier to manage tarnish as it appears than it is to remove years of pile up.
HOME OFFICE
Examining Entrepreneurial Mistakes
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here is nothing like seeing someone harness the entrepreneurial spirit and develop an idea into a successful business. However, it is not as easy as it seems to be successful as an entrepreneur. Too many people end up failing their start up because they made one of many entrepreneurial mistakes. Here are a few of them. Trying to Do Everything Alone It is very true that most young entrepreneurs prefer handling everything in their businesses alone without asking for assistance from others. This is very detrimental for any type of business. You should always know that running a business is a great challenge that you can never face alone even if you have all the necessary resources at hand. Therefore, you should stop wasting your valuable time trying to do everything alone and start looking for professional support and help from different people. Never be afraid of asking for any type of assistance from people who are more experienced than you. Always strive to work with like-minded individuals who can help you with better ideas on how to manage your business. Even though it is a good idea to ask for help from others, it is very dangerous to seek for help from everyone. Due to jealousy, some people will try to give you 8
wrong and conflicting opinions just to prevent you from succeeding. The best thing for you to do is to identify and listen to a few trusted individuals who you believe can help you out. Before you start doing anything you are told, you should be able to trust your own instincts and ensure you are doing the right thing. Asking too many people for advice It's always good to get input from experts, especially experienced entrepreneurs who've built and sold successful companies in your industry. But getting too many people's opinions can delay your decision so long that your company never gets out of the starting gate. Assemble a solid advisory board that you can tap on a regular basis but run the day-to-day yourself. Pull in your advisors for bi-weekly or, at the very least, monthly conference calls. You'll wish you did it sooner! Underestimating Responsibilities One of the most common reasons people claim they want to be an entrepreneur is for the “freedom” and the chance to “be my own boss.” That is a somewhat romanticized notion of owning your own business, and when the entrepreneur discovers that there is no such thing as “regular work hours” anymore, and that
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he or she must now answer to even more people (i.e. bankers, investors, employees, customers), it can come as something of a shock. Business owners who succeed tend to thrive on the challenge and demands of starting a business. They understand that there is no one to pass the blame unto if something goes wrong, and they’re willing to put in all the extra hours that real success requires. Raising too little capital Many start-ups assume that all they need is enough money to rent space, buy equipment, stock inventory and drive customers through the door. What they often forget is that they also need capital to pay for salaries, utilities, insurance and other overhead expenses until their company starts turning a profit. Unless you're running the kind of business where everybody's working for sweat equity and deferring compensation, you'll need to raise enough money to tide you over until your revenues can cover your expenses and generate positive cash flow. Calculate your start-up costs before you open your doors, not afterwards. Targeting too small a market It's tempting to try to corner a niche, but your company's growth will quickly hit a wall if the market you're targeting
is too tiny. Think about all the high school basketball stars who dream of playing in the NBA. Because there are only 30 teams and each team employs only a handful of players, the chances that your son will become the next Michael Jordan are pretty slim. Pick a bigger market that gives you the chance to grab a slice of the pie even if your company remains a smaller player. Avarice If your main intention for becoming an entrepreneur or businessman is to get money and become rich, expect to fail terribly. Being greedy is one of the deadliest mistakes you can ever make as an entrepreneur because instead of building you, it will only destroy you and make you more miserable than you could ever have imagined. Never keep your mind solely on the amount of money you expect your business to give you. Instead, try to concentrate on other important things like how to serve your clients in the best way possible, how to motivate your employees, how to get more business partners, how to invest wisely, and other vital factors that can make your business better in future. In addition, always be content with whatever your business has to offer, however little, and be proud that you are managing your own life better than many of your peers or colleagues.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Interior Chic
This classy dining area is the epitome of sophisticated chic.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This luxurious living space benefits from an elegant chandelier among other lighting options.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Being stylish doesn’t mean compromising functionality. Storage space is no problem in this chic kitchen.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
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KITCHEN
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Regular Cake Baking Mistakes
f you end up baking a cake which has a very uneven top, where one side may be much taller than the other, there are several things that can cause these results. Here are just a few: If you are baking more than one pan in the oven, you may not have adequate air circulation. If the side of the pans are touching or too close you can get results like this. When you poured the batter into the pan, you may not have tapped it down or spread it out to make sure that it was evenly distributed across the bottom. These cake mistakes create uneven cakes. Your oven may be heating unevenly which will produce an uneven cake. You will need to test this by placing pieces of
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bread across every inch of rack space with your oven set at 300 degrees. After a few minutes start keeping a close eye on the bread. Are any pieces browning faster than others? Once your
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test is complete (before the bread starts burning) turn off the heat of your oven and open the door to let cool a bit. Using a pair of tongs remove the bread. Your oven or the racks may not
be level. While the oven is cool grab a common level to check and see if your oven is truly level. Picking the right pan for making a cake is also important. If you are baking pies and breads, use a dark pan which will aid in browning the crusts better. When baking cookies or cakes, use a shiny pan. This will help prevent over darkening of the bottoms and sides. And if you decide to use a glass pan, don’t forget to reduce your oven temperature by 25 degrees. You may also want to check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Make sure you used the right size pan. The uncooked mixture should fill the pan by no more than twothirds.
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.
RECIPES
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e have been for the most part sharing healthy recipes. Now it is time to switch it up a little and share some god ole country-fried goodness. Enjoy these fried food recipes.
JALAPENO FRIES Ingredients 2 cups vegetable oil, or as needed 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper to taste 6 jalapeno peppers - halved, seeded, and sliced into fryshaped pieces 2 eggs Directions Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan over medium heat. Mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together in a shallow bowl. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Dip jalapeno slices in beaten eggs, then coat generously with flour mixture. Fry coated jalapeno slices in the hot oil, working in batches, until peppers are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN STRIPS
Fry Up A Storm 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch strips 1/4 cup vegetable oil, or as needed Directions Place crackers in a resealable bag; crush into coarse crumbs. Mix cracker crumbs, potato flakes, seasoned salt, and black pepper together in a shallow bowl. Beat egg in a separate small bowl. Place flour in a third shallow bowl. Coat chicken pieces in flour, beaten egg, and cracker mixture, respectively. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry chicken strips until no longer pink in the center and coating is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
FRIED BANANA BALLS Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 very ripe bananas 3/4 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon oil for frying 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
Ingredients 30 saltine crackers Directions 2 tablespoons dry potato flakes Combine flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon seasoned salt and salt in a bowl. Mash bananas 1/2 teaspoon ground black pep- (leaving a few chunks), sugar, per vanilla extract, and cinnamon 1 egg together in a separate bowl. Stir ABSTRACT HOME MARCH 2017 w w w . a mg t t . co m 18
Spread peanut butter into the center of 2 slices of bread, leaving 1/2-inch space around the border. Repeat with the jelly for the remaining 2 slices of bread. Place 1 slice jelly bread and 1 slice peanut butter bread together and press down edges to form a seal. Repeat with remaining slices. Place pies in preheated oil and cook until golden and crispy, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Dust with powdered sugar and serve. flour mixture into banana mixture until batter is well mixed. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Drop batter by tablespoon into oil; cook until lightly golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer banana balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly. Dust banana balls with confectioners' sugar.
FRIED PB&J Ingredients 3 cups vegetable oil for frying 4 slices white bread peanut butter 4 teaspoons any flavor fruit jelly 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, for dusting Directions Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut bread into 3 1/2-inch rounds using a round cutter.
BEER BATTER FISH FILLETS Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 3/4 cup beer 1/2 cup milk 2 eggs 2 pounds cod fillets 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying Directions In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder, and dill. Add beer, milk, and eggs; mix well. Place fish fillets in batter mixture, coat well, and let stand for 15 minutes. Heat deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Place fish in hot oil, and fry until golden brown. Cook fish in batches to maintain oil temperature. Serve.
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
BRIDAL
Choosing A Male Wedding Ring/Band
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edding and engagement rings are commonly associated with the bride, but both sexes wear bands and even male engagement rings have recently become popular. With that said, here are some considerations for male wedding rings.
ward style, precious gemstone bands may be the perfect way to express your creative streak whilst also choosing a ring that complements that of the bride, particularly at a time when diamond and sapphire wedding rings and engagement rings are becoming increasingly popular.
Wear and Tear Ready We know that women are as active as men these days, but without trying to sound too sexist, the facts are that men’s rings will generally take more of a beating than a woman’s. This will definitely be the case for guys who work in blue collar jobs such as mechanics or handymen. If that is the case then be wary of rings that have protruding parts. Also, ensure that the fit is perfect, because it can easily be lost if it slips off during work. Then, not only will
Compatibility Just like the bride and groom themselves, the couple's rings should go together. That doesn't mean they have to be perfect matches, but they should look good together. Things to consider include metal choice, level of intricacy, stone selection, width, and whether or not to engrave. The idea is not necessarily to purchase the male version of the bride's ring. The rings simply need to look appropriate next to each other.
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some big bucks have gone down the drain, but your wife will certainly make you feel worse than you thought she would when she sees your hand bare. Personality A ring needs to reflect its wear-
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er. Classic wedding rings are often plain bands, but modern styles are more varied and can include diamond wedding rings or sapphire wedding rings, which are becoming very popular for men. For those with a more fashion for-
FAMILY
Parental Pointers
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efining a good parent can be as difficult as thumbwrestling a man with ten inch fingers. This is because such definitions are based on subjectivity and not a standard set of parenting rules. The fact is each parent has to come up with a special way to deal with issues involving his or her children since all children are different. Therefore, being a ‘disciplinarian’ or a ‘buddy’ or simply a ‘nurturer’ to your children is not enough. What in effect represents good parenting is a mixture of the aforementioned as well as the ability to know your child. Knowing your child and yourself is important in shaping the decisions you will make regarding your child. These decisions should in essence promote responsibility and individuality in a child so that the parent is no longer needed. The road to becoming “not needed” is daunting, but if certain steps are followed better, although not perfect, parenting can be achieved. Here are some suggestions.
only parenting. You should not force your child to live a particular lifestyle, but watch them and guide them along the way. Do make sure that you instill your values and that your child knows and understands the bounds you have set.
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There is nothing wrong with saying "yes". Children love to hear “yes” and parents love to see their children happy. However, saying “yes” should not result in spoiling your children. There must be limits each time you say the word yes to a child. “Yes” you can go play AFTER you complete your homework.
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Controlling parents “suck” At least that’s what your kid will think if you are too over protective. The key is to hold on loosely, but at all costs do not let go. This piece of advice is applicable to most relationships, not 22
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Parents must understand that their role differs from that of their children. The difference between a covenant and a contract has to be learned by parents more so than children. Covenants are agreements based upon one person and a contract is an agreement between two people. Parenting automatically forces you to make a covenant of unconditional love for your child. There need be no expense or effort made on a child’s part to receive that love from their parent. Contracts (though not legal ones) must also be made in the sense that you and your child must agree on certain things. One such contract can be “when you eat your vegetables, we will go for ice cream.” Many parents get caught up in believing that their children belong to them. Yes, you created or at least played a part in creating the child, but you do not own them. Your role is to teach them to be their own boss and not to rule them. Leave the dictatorship to Castro. Instead, guide your children in the proper direction and let them traverse the path on their own.
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Everybody has a life and everybody should try to live their own lives. Do not pressure children into thinking that they should live out their par-
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ent’s dreams for them. You may have already accomplished your dreams and because you are fulfilled you may want the same life for your child. However, your fulfillment is not your child’s fulfillment. Cheer on your children when they attempt to do positive things and make their own decisions. Your children are not there to struggle under your past no matter how glorious or pathetic.
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Learn the truth and work off of it. Everything you say to your child must emanate from a truth. Do not discourage your child from doing something he/ she is genuinely good at because of some tiny innate fear you have. Similarly, do not encourage your child to pursue something which does not suit him/her because of your passion for it. Speak truth into their lives whenever possible. Sometimes your goals may sound impossible to achieve in the minds of your children. However, parenting is about creating opportunities for your children to overcome obstacles and see how dreams can more easily become realities.
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Don’t be afraid to screw up sometimes. I believe that children need guidance, not perfection. Parents need to be humble when dealing with their children. In this way they will learn from their mistakes and will be better equipped to deal with other children. The role of parenting is to create completion not perfection. Parenting, by design, is as much about parents’ formation as it is the kid’s. Parents form their roles during the parenting process just as children form their understanding of life
through parents.
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Admit to your wrongs and never think you know too much. Do not hesitate to say "I'm sorry" whenever you have to. When it is appropriate to do so let your children know you have fallen short. It teaches them humility and it also makes you seem more human and less pressuring. Modern children know more. While it is humbling to realize that my children already know more math skills than I ever will, it is also reassuring. No parent can know everything nor can any parent be everything for their child. A parent can, however, let their child know that they are cared for and that they are not alone.
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It cannot be understated how much both parents are needed in a relationship. However, sometimes things just don’t work out and both parents are not there. It is important at these times to have a partner. Whether married or not, parents need support. Sometimes a mother may be more suited to handling a situation with a child and other times a father may be the right person for the job. It sounds cliché, but two heads are better than one.
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. Last, but not least in our list of parenting tips is understanding the power of prayer. Reliance on a higher power to get you through difficult times with your children results in more than a placebo effect. Pray a lot and never forget that you may have brought them into the world, but you were only the delivery person..
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Choosing Jewelry For Your Body-type
Getting Rid Of Dandruff
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andruff is a very common problem and all of us suffer from it at least once in life. This article will discuss some home treatments to get rid of dandruff. Use shampoos: There are several ways to cure dandruff. One of them is to use antidandruff shampoos. However, not all anti-dandruff shampoos will help. Make sure your shampoo contains all these ingredients: coal tar, salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc, and sulfur or selenium sulfide. Each of these ingredients is vital for curing dandruff. More often than not you will encounter antidandruff shampoos which have more than one ingredient. The only way to know which antidandruff shampoos are best for you is by trial-and-error. Here is a good way to use anti-dandruff shampoos. First wash your scalp thoroughly, then apply shampoo on the scalp, then let the shampoo remain on your scalp for about five minutes. Then rinse your scalp thoroughly. Another way to cure dandruff is by using yogurt. Before
using yogurt, you should rinse your hair thoroughly and then apply yogurt on your scalp and let it sit there for at least ten to fifteen minutes. Then wash the scalp using as little shampoo as needed. You can use an infusion of thyme, nettle or sage with 2 tablespoons of vinegar as a final rinse. If neither of these remedies works for you, you can turn to homeopathy. Homeopathy has really some good medicines which will help you to cure dandruff. You can use medicines such as rsenicum, sepia, sulfur, mezereum, fluoric ac., graphites, oleander and nartrum mur; however I would recommend that you consult with a homeopath before using any of these medicines. There are some good herbal remedies to cure dandruff as well. One herbal treatment that was invented in South Africa is this: mix borax (one of the fresh roots of the wild scabious) with an infusion in boiling water. This will create a paste for you. Just rub the paste on your scalp once a week and you will be able to cure dandruff fast.
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esigner jewelry is a great way to amplify your fashion statement. However, it is important to explore different styles and designs to determine which may be best for you. There are four types of fashion jewelry that you can wear to complement your physical attributes. Necklaces are the most common type of designer jewelry. They can be good at changing people’s perception when it comes to your height. If you want to appear taller, choose longer necklaces. Fashionable necklaces that are V-shaped or Y-shaped can elongate your appearance. Choose the necklace that can reach just below your breasts. If you are already tall, you may choose 16 or 18 inches in length. Chokers are good at making you appear shorter than your height. Necklaces with chunky stones are ideal for women who have voluptuous figures or wide bone structure. For petite women, a delicate and thin one is perfect. Determine the circumference of your neck. You can refer to your existing necklaces to know which size fits you. If you want to buy online, this tip is very helpful because you cannot try the jewelry on yourself. The color can be an important element. Though the necklace may match your clothing, w w w . a m g tt. c o m
it may not blend with your skin color. Choose the jewelry that complements your skin tone. Bracelets and rings are another type of designer jewelry. They are also very versatile. You can choose bangles or gem bracelets for your wrists. If you are petite, thinly made bracelets are ideal. Chunky bracelets are good for larger women. Wide bracelets or stacked bracelets look good on women who are medium-built. The size and shape of your fingers are the basis for finding the right ring. There are long and candle-stick-like fingers, and short and stubby. Pick the ring that properly fits your finger and does not look awkward. Earrings are playful and can be worn to highlight your beauty; they can also ruin your features. To make it complementary to your looks, consider your facial shape. Women with oval-shaped faces can wear all types of earrings. Round faces are not suited to button-styles and hoops. Instead, long earrings and rectangular-shaped can make a round face appear slimmer. Women who have heartshaped faces are thinner in the chin. Triangular-shaped earrings or chandeliers are the perfect accessory. Oblong or square-shaped faces blend well with smaller stub earrings.
MARCH 2017
ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Important Medicals For Middle-aged Men
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he life of a middle-aged man isn’t easy. On average, men die 10 years younger than women, and that leaves men with a lot to worry about. However, a man’s lifespan can be expanded if he takes good care of himself. Here are some medical tests which can assist in this regard.
Rectal Exam/Colonoscopy: The rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) will tell if there are any masses or subtle bleeding that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Along with other medical tests your doctor may recommend, it may give clues to treatable problems in your colon (think colon cancer) or prostate for men. About 5075 percent of men are screened for prostate issues, whereas only 30-35 percent are screened for colon cancer with a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy should be done every 10 years beginning at age 50. You may need to have a colonoscopy earlier and more frequently if you have risk factors. Heart Tests: there are really important heart tests you can take to avert risk factors which may factor in death. The first test is for blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is 115 over 24
70. If it's more than 130 over 80 that's a red flag. The second heart test you should take is the fasting blood test for blood fats and blood sugar. This test determines levels for the good cholesterol, HDL, the bad cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Testicular Cancer: Young men from between the ages of 15 and 40 should have a testicular exam. They also should examine themselves and a doctor can tell you how to do it. The risk of testicular cancer is very small after 40. But men's risk of prostate cancer goes up after 50. Eye Exams: Vision-robbing diseases become more common as you age. Be sure to get your eyes examined regularly -- every one to two years. (Go more often if you have vision problems). Body Weight: Most people start gaining weight from middle age. Step on the scales and watch this weight gain carefully, and fight back with healthier eating and exercise. Being overweight puts you at high risk for developing a number of diseases. Your health is in your hands. Keep abreast of your medical status and take control of your life before it is too late.
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I
Choosing The Right Gym
n reality, you really do not have to spend a lot of money on expensive health clubs or fitness centers memberships, treadmills, or the latest fitness gadget to get moving. However, some people find that if they make a monetary investment, they are more likely to follow through on fitness. Gyms are basically built to provide people with the proper fitness equipment, training, and other devices needed to keep an individual physically fit. However, not all fitness centers are created equal. In fact, there are fitness centers that require their members to sign some contracts, which in the end will not be easy to cancel. Hence, it is important to know the characteristics of the fitness center that will work best for you. Here is a list of some tips that you can use:
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Before you choose a fitness center, you should first know what your needs are as far as physical fitness is concerned. This will determine the kind of fitness center that is appropriate. For example, if you are so much into sports fitness rather than the typical physical fitness activities like aerobics, then it would be better to choose a fitness center that has sporting facilities and not just treadmills.
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Do not forget to shop around. It really pays a lot to shop around be-
fore deciding on something. Compare the prices, charges, and the facilities among health clubs. In this way, you get to choose the best and yet most affordable fitness center you could ever find.
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It is best that you have a budget to follow so that you will know where to focus your finances before you decide on signing-up for a fitness center. Choose a center that won’t take money for options you don’t require. More importantly, make sure you get what you paid for. If not, consider it a breach of contract and leave.
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Be wary of the physical attributes and characteristics of the center that you wish to enroll in. Make sure that the fitness center that you have chosen is clean, properly ventilated and complete with all the amenities that you need. Be sure also that the equipment that the fitness center has is in good working condition. Never use fitness equipment that appears to be worn out already. This will only cause more harm than good. With that said, your gym need not be perfect. What matters most is that the fitness center that you have chosen is good enough to generate the results you crave.
PETS
TRAVEL
Using Salt As A Why Choose First Flea Control Agent Class Travel?
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T
oday, when airlines offer more economy seating and more cut-rate fares, some customers and industry watchers predict the end of first class travel. After all, many of the most luxurious methods of travel in the past - including the oncefamous MGM jet and the Concorde - are no longer offering service. It's too early to mourn the end of first class travel, though. At a time when it seems that low-cost air travel and trips are de rigeur, some companies are working harder than ever to provide high-quality first class travel experiences. Many more business, executive, and even pleasure-seeking travelers are choosing to travel first class. There are many reasons why customers choose first class travel arrangements. Many note that the exceptional service and small extras - such as blankets and better food - ensure a pleasant trip experience. On a longer trip, these small extras allow passengers to arrive in good spirits and in a relaxed mood, ready to begin their day's business or their vacation without undue hassle or fatigue. Many business passengers 26
find that first class travel arrangements help them make the most of their trips and help to project a professional image. For many passengers traveling for pleasure, first class travel is a pleasant luxury that adds to the quality of a trip. If you have always avoided first class travel because of the cost, it is time to look at your high-end travel options again. Airlines, boats, and trains are all offering better-class travel experiences at almost all price levels. There are upgraded travel packages that offer some of the perks of first class travel at a fraction of the price. Look around and talk to your travel agent - you might be surprised at how much sense first class travel arrangements make.
ABSTRACT HOME MARCH 2017 w w w . a mg t t . co m
nybody who has ever had an infestation knows you have to combat fleas from many angles to control and eliminate these hopping, opportunistic parasitical pests. One of the most powerful agents in reducing flea populations is one of the safest: Salt. Salting and vacuuming your floors and furniture kills the flea's eggs by dehydrating them. If you take this routeyou will be pleased with the results. You'll have to be diligent & persistent with treatment to be really effective. But with patience it can be done. Flea eggs hatch every 3 days, so sprinkling your floors for at least 9 days, vacuuming each 3rd day for 9 days, takes you through the complete lifecycle of flea life. Be sure to empty your vacuum cleaner after each cleaning or the pests will just crawl back out and re-infest your home! You can also salt porches, doghouses and kennels to kill eggs and maintain flea control. Once the cycle of breeding, laying & hatching is contained within the treatment, the fleas will be greatly reduced in population size. In fact, most of
the fleas left may be found on you or your pet at this point and can be manually removed. Comb through your pet's coat with a flea comb. The special comb is very fine toothed and catches the fleas in between the tines. Keep a glass of soapy water nearby to put the caught fleas into. If you take your pet to a professional to have them groomed, a bath can be an effective way to remove body fleas from your pet. The Salting Process: Obtain some highly refined household salt or sea salt. Make sure it is as finely ground as possible, almost to a powder consistency. Sprinkle it lightly but evenly over your carpet. Brush or rake it in. Leave this in your carpet for 12 to 48 hours and then vacuum thoroughly. Salt can attract moisture, so do not leave it in for very long in very hot or humid conditions. Otherwise, you'll end up with salty, wet carpet. Fleas also cannot survive hot temperatures over 32 degrees Celsius. Closing up the whole house on a hot day can kill all the fleas you have inside your home.
GARAGE
Installing Rubber Mats In Your Garage
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ubber mats are easy to install and are popularly used for garage flooring. They are smooth beneath and have a raised design on the top. They come in different designs and sizes. They can easily fit in any type of garage and are also economical. Benefits of Garage Floor Rubber Mats The main advantage of rubber mats is that they are easy to install. You just have to lay down the mats on the floor and the installation is done. They can fit in any part of your garage. All you have to do is to cut them according to your need. • Rubber mats are inexpensive as compared with other garage flooring systems. They are available in almost all shapes and sizes at an affordable price. • Rubber mats provide an insulated, cushioned and slip resistant surface. They provide comfort to your legs
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when you walk on them. • They protect the garage concrete floor from chemicals, dirt, grease and oil spills. • Garage floor rubber mats are durable and easy to maintain. • They help to reduce the dirt carried from the garage into your house. This is because dirt that falls from your car tires or your shoes adheres to the rubber mats. Limitations of Garage Floor Rubber Mats • Rubber mats are not good for use in high temperatures. Rubber has a very low melting point and thus, at very
ABSTRACT HOME MARCH 2017 w w w . a mg t t . co m
high temperature, the rubber may melt. If you park your vehicle on the rubber surface, the tires may get stuck onto the rubber mat. • Rubber mats also have a low resistance to petroleum products. They get damaged to a great extent when exposed to such products. Installation of Garage Floor Rubber Mats As mentioned earlier, installing rubber mats in a garage is a very easy DIY job. The first step in installing rubber mats is cleaning the garage. The garage should be cleaned properly to remove any debris, dirt, or ce-
ment bumps. It is necessary to ensure that there are no sharp objects left on the floor. A vacuum cleaner or broom can be used to clean the garage. Gaps in the garage floor should be filled, if any and leveling should be done, if required. Then, the measurements of the garage floor should be taken. Rubber mats usually come in rolls that are 6-10 feet wide and 70 feet long. It is always preferable to purchase more of the mat than required. This extra mat can be put to use in case of damage to the rubber mat later on. Once the roll is purchased, the mat just has to be laid on the garage floor. Thus, garage floor rubber mats are installed in a few, simple steps. They are easy to cut, so one can cut them and adjust according to the garage design. Garage floor rubber mats not only provide good flooring, but also give a different look to the garage. Since they are inexpensive, easy to maintain and durable, they are the most popular type of garage flooring.
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