LIVING QUARTERS
Bamboo, The New Wood Flooring
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n this modern day bamboo seems to have become the wood of choice as both a decorative and practical option. Bamboo floor coverings is ideal for the look of hardwood or laminate flooring and can give the natural beauty of wood to any room, where, even in Trinidad where we are surrounded by it outdoors, it adds a sure sign of elegance. There are plenty of fads in the design world but this seems different. It is increasingly being used in both remodeling and new construction because it makes practical sense. It has gained popularity with contemporary and modern design schemes because of its sleek appearance that seems more subtle and less knotty than other wood flooring. Some people still imagine bamboo floors as strips of uneven cane or round poles difficult or uncomfortable to walk on if used as a floor. In fact bamboo flooring is as flat as any other hardwood or laminate floor and manufacturers are now turning bamboo stalks into high quality ultra smooth flooring in order to meet the increasing demand for this very stylish and
eco-friendly type of floor covering as the world goes greener (because bamboo plants take only about five years to mature, unlike many trees, which can take up to more than 50 years, bamboo is environmentally sustainable.) Bamboo floors come in various styles and colors, making it easier to color coordinate with the existing color theme in your house or office. It’s much denser than oak so it makes for a stronger floor that doesn’t warp as much. Like most woods though, it can vary in quality, depending on the manufacturer and the finishing technique. Solid bamboo floors, which are the most durable, tend to be more expensive than engineered bamboo
floors, which have multiple layers, but the quality might not be as high. Maintenance Tips • Bamboo is very hard but it will dent. Felt pads should be used on the legs of furniture. • Vacuum or sweep to remove dirt and grit prior to cleaning floors. • Soak up liquid from spills promptly. • Use area rugs in high traffic areas. • Beware of cleaning agents as they may cause color change. • Do not damp mop as excess water may cause cup and swell. • Do not use wax, oil, soap. • Use only cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.
Indoor Hanging Plant Tips Choosing A basket Since these plants will be hung indoors, it is highly likely the baskets will be a part of the room’s décor. The basket should complement the plant and the room’s general theme as well as be functional to its purpose. With perforated baskets, use a liner to keep the potting mixture from falling through the wire or slats. The traditional liner is sphagnum moss, which is attractive, but hard to find and expensive. Completely waterproof containers should have a layer of drainage material in the bottom, and a few pieces of charcoal in the compost, to keep it ‘sweet.’ In terms of the look of the basket, feel free to choose a colour and material to suit your desired effect. Watering Plants that are indoors require much less water than do their outdoor counterparts. This is due to the relatively steady temperatures inside, the higher humidity usually present inside the home, and lack of direct sunlight and breezes. All of these things mean the plants lose less moisture to the atmosphere than do their outdoor counterparts.
However, watering your hanging plant is still a necessity. Because the plant is suspended, it can create problems of muddy water dripping on to floors or furniture below. A good way to counter this is to have a pot in pot set-up for your plant. The outer, decorative basket is completely sealed—no drainage holes at all—and it has chains or rope fastened directly to it for hang-
ing. Place your potted plants inside, and viola, a hanging garden. The major disadvantage here is it may be difficult to reach over the lip of the outside pot while watering, and it is heavier. Hanging Speaking of heavy… weight is a serious issue to consider when hanging a plant. Before you hang anything from your
walls or ceiling, make sure the structure can hold the weight. Do not sink hooks straight into plaster or drywall—make sure they are firmly anchored in wall studs or ceiling joists. If you have existing hooks, test them before hanging anything. You definitely don’t want your indoor hanging plant to fall.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Four Modern Interior
Colours For Any Home M any interior decorators are encouraging home owners to get a bit risqué when designing their home. Furniture and colours can help to make a room appear more modern and sophisticated. Who doesn’t want to show off a fancy living room adorned with all the trimmings when entertaining guests? And the best part is it’s pretty inexpensive. The right colours can go a long way. So the next time you visit the paint shop, purchase that peach you’ve always wanted or that bright purple you thought was too ostentatious. Now is the time to be edgy.
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Cool blue. Blue provides a clean look to any room but the right shade, similar to the colour of the sky with a grey undertone, provides a calming and modern atmosphere. When this colour is used in a room with white windows and white flooring, the true essence of the blue comes alive. Add dark-coloured furniture with apple-green throw pillows and turn a boring living-room into a modern, enjoyable space.
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Spice tones. These include different shades of green, red and brown. These add a modern flair as they help portray an earthy look. Try painting the walls olive green, with celery green trimmings. One decorator suggested the use of white paint as an accent on the doors. Red furniture would complement this look perfectly together with light, wood-coloured or wooden furniture to fully accentuate the room.
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Peach. Most home-owneres tend to stay away from peach and orange as they appear too bright
and may draw excess heat. But finding the right shade can give any dull room a boost. Paint walls a bright orange similar to the inside of a cantaloupe, matched with tan-coloured window coverings and flooring. To get the modern look, accentuate room with rattan furniture and baskets, adorned with over-stuffed throw pillows on the couch. These can be either green or tan-colured. Green vases, flowers or candles will add to this room’s classy decor and give it a warm and welcoming vibe.
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Purple. Yes purple, but look for one that’s similar to the colour periwinkle. Purple sends a strong visual statement and your walls should speak a language of its own. The furniture colour should match the strength of purple, so there is no better colour to match purple than black. But choose leather furniture; remember the idea is to keep it modern. Silver framed mirrors can be used to add some light if the room seems too dark or brooding and candlesticks and vases can help add a little warmth to the space.
How To Fix A Leaky Bathroom Sink
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t is very common to find a leaking sink in your home. Over time and because of wear and tear, the objects surrounding the tap and sink can become loose and can cause water to seep through to the bottom and on to the floors. One of the most common reasons for a leak is that water gets on the counter and seeps through where the bowl attaches to the vanity countertop. Another common reason is that the faucet or tap has become loose and allows water to leak. If not taken care of right away, theses can pose an even bigger threat and cause you to rack up unnecessary bills from a repair man. Here are tips on how you can easily fix a leaky faucet at home.
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Tighten the tap to the sink by tightening the bolts that are attached to the stems of the tap, under the sink. Use the appropriate tool to do this such as a basin wrench but don’t turn it too tight as over tightening the bolts may cause the faucet to crack.
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As a test, pour water over the faucet where it joins to the vanity top to see if any water seeps through and falls on the floor. 2
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If the water is still leaking through, remove the caulk that is used to join the tap to the vanity around the bowl. Clean the area around the bowl, ensuring that any remaining caulk is moved from the area. Use a rag or sponge to ensure that this is done.
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Apply new calk around the area where the tap meets the top of the vanity bowl. Use your finger to spread the paste evenly around the bowl where the tap meets the vanity top.
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Remove any remaining caulk that may not have been used to seal the tap to the vanity top. Do not use the area for 24 hours, allowing the area to properly dry before exposing it to water once again. This DIY process saves money and is very useful when looking for a quick fix. If the problem is more severe and the leak is unbearable, then call in an expert who will properly identify the problem and solve it. At times, it may mean that the faucet needs to change or the vanity itself. But if it’s a minor leak that’s causing a problem, the above tips will help.
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LIVING QUARTERS
Gender Equality Around The House
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hat’s good for the goose isn't always good for the gander when it comes to your home. Togetherness has its place. Sure, yet you find that a few years into marital bliss the symptoms of ‘all that’s mine is yours” seem to be wearing out. Having a room of one's own starts to gain appeal and sometimes even the most compatible of couples need their space. During the Victorian era, most middle and upper-class houses had two parlors: one where the ladies would sew sip tea and partake in other delicate arts and another where the gentlemen sparked up their cigars and cursed politically. The "man cave" phenomenon has survived through the ages with recreation rooms and other guys' spaces. What of the lady’s? There is a growing interest in "specialty rooms," possibly in the view of gender equality that recognizes she now has just as much stuff to be politically perturbed about. We can compromise by creating separate, gender-friendly havens within the homes; a few short
but separate steps away. Couples who work together in particular, often appreciate separate retreats at home, especially if they're in a business where they spend most of the day talking with people. This could be a game room, media rooms, exercise rooms or home study. His-and-her rooms are easy to create. First off, find a spot. An unused guest room, a storage room or a private low-traffic corner is a good start-
ing point for design. To decorate use a combination of new items and your favorite pieces lying around the house. It’s tricky to hammer home what ‘ideal’ décor options are since really this is your ‘Because-I-like-it-so!’ room and hence anything goes. A couple theme suggestions perhaps? If you’re a Girly girl, your room can be as ‘sexist’ and cliché as you wish: it’s yours. If you feel like pink frills and lace then lay it on, in good taste please. Some women prefer a simple ‘quiet’ room. This can be airy, with white or light colored painted walls or wall paper, with maybe light gold or silver trimmings. For those lucky to have an attic, this is the most ideal spot. Store all that junk in the garage, near his spot Others might consider a Feng Shui approach to their sanctuary. This will focus on layout in terms of positive and negative energy and power spots. Remember it’s just one room and likely a small unused one so make the most of it, plants and a full mural on one wall are easy steps.
The go-green approach is another look with botanical fabric patterns on some of the walls or furnishings and of course all the plants that can pleasantly fit. This does not mean you’re not going to help him with his décor. Mostly he’ll be interested in the toys and not much in the paint color or layout. A masculine color scheme of browns and green, filled with an assortment of old furniture, family photos along with sport figures or wildlife prints can get either the grunt of satisfaction or the slight frown of mild discontent, which dissolves when the fingers find the remote control. Having a room of your own could very well be the straw off the camel’s back. It should not morph into a division of the household but aims to provide a go-to spot for TV-watching her/ his way or reading or relaxing with a glass of wine. And always be welcoming to your partner if they dare venture into your space, it’s still meant to be one happy family.
Removing Watermarks From Wood
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hether someone forgot to use a coaster or a plant got over-watered, water marks on wood furniture can happen very easily. Cleaning them off is a chore, but it can be done. Continue reading to see how to remove water marks from wood furniture. Toothpaste is supposed to work wonders on water-stain removal. Who knew? Apply a small amount of toothpaste - the non-gel kind, to a damp, clean cloth and gently rub into the water stain. Wipe toothpaste off with a clean, dry cloth and polish as you normally would. Sometimes, the answer is sitting inside your refrigerator! Apply a coat of mayonnaise over the stain and let sit over night. The next morning, wipe off with a clean, dry cloth and polish with your favorite furniture polish. Another way to remove white water stains from wood is to use a hot iron on a smoothly-textured, lint-free cloth placed over the stain. Iron very briefly (seconds), lift the cloth, and repeat until stain is gone. You may be surprised
how well this works! Using a lubricant to remove the stain is an easy method which is the least likely to damage the finish. Apply any type of lubricant oily substance (petroleum jelly, furniture wax, liquid furniture polish etc.) and then let it sit at least 8 hours. If the water ring was not too pronounced, the water (moisture)
under the finish will have been replaced by the lubricant you applied. If these steps do not work it is likely you have a really big problem on your hands. The alternatives may be to refinish the wood or shop around for new furniture if refinishing just isn’t worth it. More than likely, these tried and tested tips should work well enough.
Toothpaste is supposed to work wonders on water-stain removal. Who knew? Apply a small amount of toothpaste - the non-gel kind, to a damp, clean cloth and gently rub into the water stain. 4
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LIVING QUARTERS
Enhance Your Outdoor Environment with Lighting
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ust as the right landscaping and garden designs can do wonders for your home’s appearance, the proper lighting can also enhance your abode’s exterior. There are many practical reasons for installing landscape lighting. Here are some such reasons. • Outdoor lighting makes your home less dangerous by providing necessary illumination for walkways, steps and entrances. Accidents are less likely to occur in the yard around the house at night if it is well illuminated. Cracks, steps or even toys strewn about the yard are more easily seen in the night. • The use of outdoor lighting, in conjunction with timers and photo cells, can add even more peace-of-mind by providing a lived-in look while you're away from home. This insures that the area around the house is well lit when you arrive home after dark. The home becomes safer as a result as bandits and kidnappers are less likely to attack at a home that is inhabited and/or well lit. • Landscape lights also lead to better home usage. A great advantage to
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owning a home is having a yard. The time you spend in your yard can be extended with lights. You can entertain on your patio or deck or just relax in your back yard once it is not dark out. Outdoor accent lighting by decks, patios, and swimming pools is integral to adding to the memories you will create in these areas. You could even add features such as a gazebo or garden bridge, or a porch swing for nighttime fun.
time usually takes with it some of a home’s luster as the colour is no longer evident. Your favourite flowers and shrubs also become more visible in the night.
• As simple as the addition of lights is, they do work as a great investment in your home. Grounds which are dramatically lighted at night look like a luxurious estate, increasing the resale value of your property. • Also, nocturnal animals such as bats and owls may become nuisances to your home or garden. They are sometimes noisy and messy and can wreak havoc on fruits. Lights keep them away from your premises. There are also the obvious aesthetic reasons for installing outdoor lights. • Outdoor accent lights are full of theatrical gestures. They soften and add drama to trees, pool, fountains
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and masonry texture. Well placed accent lighting can create fascinating silhouettes and shadows using trees and other natural features. Lights can also be used as a concealer as they draw attention away from certain areas. Antique post lanterns create ambiance in a dull atmosphere. Garden lights help to bring out nature’s true beauty even at night. • Lights show off the general beauty a home possesses after dark. Night
Lighting Tips The most common type of outdoor fixture is a brass wall lantern, although materials such as cast aluminum have gained popularity because they are rust resistant. Look for any of these as a first option for fine lighting. Generally, a light mounted to one side of every exterior door is the minimum lighting for the exterior of a house. Try including a lantern or other wall fixture on both sides of the door and a pendant or a post light near driveways and walkways. In addition, be sure to note that bugs are attracted to electrical light. On evenings bright lights can turn any patio or deck into Jouvert for insects. Position lights to shine indirectly over leisure areas in order to keep pest levels down. Mix a bug zapper as an extra deterrent to insects or place lights in inconspicuous places such as bushes. Use outdoor lighting to explore the full potential of your home at night time. It will shed light on your home in more ways than one.
home office
Basic Tips Towards More Money
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ave you ever dipped in your pockets the week after payday, and realized that all you find is empty space? You pay your bills and allocate enough to tide you through until the next month’s paycheck, but there is nothing extra. Its no wonder why Prozac and Zoloft are such good sellers, because if this happens to you as it does to the rest of us, we need to keep chronic depression at bay if we are to run the rat race to work for yet another month. While we all know folks who do less than us and make significantly more, (damn them), we all need to learn that it’s not always about how much you make, but what you do with what you make. Here are a few tips on how to keep, and make a little more than you are right now. Spend less than you earn The old folks said that you should never hang your hat where you can’t reach it. It is a lot easier to spend less than it is to earn more. A little cost cutting here and there can have fantastic results in the long run. You don’t absolutely need those new Rayban sunglasses do you? Well… ok! Indulge yourself this time, but making it a regular habit would make you the best-dressed person in the poor house. 8
Pay off Credit Card Debt A credit card is a blessing when you see those “to die for” shoes in the mall and you have no liquid cash, but it’s a curse when you see the bill for those shoes along with all your other purchases and the interest from last month’s balance. It’s so easy to use those attractively designed pieces of plastic that we somehow don’t equate with natural cash, because we don’t feel the pinch immediately. We all intend to pay off credit card balances quickly, but end up only paying the minimum and a whole lot more for those shoes. Trust us. The pinch is coming. Budget, Budget, Budget We know that you’ve heard it a thousand times, but it’s good advice. So here’s a thousand and one. Budget! A budget serves one purpose that increases your chances of financial freedom. That purpose is allocation. For example, if you allocate two hundred dollars to Unit Trust next month, that two hundred dollars might not end up at the cosmetics counter. Write down every purchase We know that this might be cumbersome, and you might end up looking like frugal Francine from Frankfurt, at the checkout counter, but you’ll real-
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ize that at the end of it you’ll begin to notice the direction your much needed dough is running to, and reel it back in. For instance after your monthly tally, you may see how much you’re spending on breakfast and that might be enough to get you up fifteen minutes earlier to make yourself a sandwich. Invest Well here’s a no-brainer. We all need to put money away for a rainy day, but you might consider putting it somewhere that will allow it to grow faster, preferably alongside the rate of inflation. (that kinda’ rules out your mattress) In other words instead of just working hard for your money, let your money work hard for you. Evaluate what industry experts call your risk tolerance, decide what you’re comfortable with, and then put some bucks to sleep. After about three years, your smiles of wealth-induced joys would light up the bank. Explore your talents Talents are great money-makers. (Once they’re worth the money). For instance, if you have one of those smooth velvet voices, why not submit it to a skills bank at an ad agency. They keep thousands of voices on record. If your voice is as good as you think, then
maybe you might be the one wooing us to buy the latest brand of corned beef over the airwaves. Get it, Grow it, Get rid of it You would be surprised at how grateful your co-workers would be if you could save them a Saturday morning trip to the market. If you have adequate space in you back yard, and adequate time before the start of the Real World, plant some vegetable seeds for subsistence use, and sell the excess. Be careful though. If you use the same mark-ups they use at the stalls, you may just leave your job to become a full time farmer. Give Some to Get some Here is where you enlist some spiritual help. Biblical law dictates that if you give, it shall come back to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Decide on a good place to donate, and do just that – donate! If you give a spoon full, you might get back a bucket full. If you give a bucket full you might get back a barrel full. You just can’t beat Heaven’s math. Following these simple tips would not catapult you from where you are to a Mercedes and a mansion in a year, but at least you’d be able to strike the Zoloft off your shopping list.
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elegant ideas
The Wonders Of Wood
Rich wooden accents and accessories can add the finishing touch to an earthy space w w w.a bst r a c t hom e .c om
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elegant ideas
Various hues and textures of wood combine to round off this room’s décor 12
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Rich wood grain complement these tiles superbly w w w.a bst r a c t hom e .c om
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elegant ideas
Light coloured wooden cabinets and cupboards are a good fit for this simple kitchen
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Wooden doors, frames, railings and windows help to create this luxurious setting w w w.a bst r a c t hom e .c om
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KITCHEN
Kitchen Appliances That Should Not Be Overlooked
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hink you have the ultimate kitchen? Even if you have the best marble finish and range-top hood, your kitchen isn’t saying anything without a few important appliances. We’re not talking fridges and stoves either. Without those, it might as well be a living room. There are some smaller appliances that often get overlooked which can take your kitchen over the edge.
processor. The mini version takes up less counter space than a full-size processor and is great for simple tasks like chopping onions, making pesto, or vinaigrette. The larger ones are great for advanced cooks who can actually prepare entire meals in them.
A Blender A blender is a cornerstone appliance in any kitchen. A good blender has the power to make fruit smoothies, milk shakes, and even puree soups. It's also great for frozen margaritas! Just don’t be tempted to put your calalloo in it. Real Trinis always swizzle their calalloo.
A Toaster Oven Sure, it takes up more space than a regular toaster, but a toaster oven is far more useful. Toast or heat thicker, stickier items like homemade bread, oversized bagels, French toast or waffles, or melt cheese, broil a sugar topping or brown breadcrumbs. You can also use a toaster oven to cook small quantities of food, such as a few cookies or a mini pizza, without having to waste energy and heat up the house with your conventional oven.
A Food Processor No matter how many knives you have or how sharp they are, chopping is made that much easier with a food
Countertop Grill Whether you have an outdoor grill or not, a countertop grill is still one of the handiest appliances ever for
making a quick and healthy lunch or dinner. It can be used to cook burgers, fish, steak or chicken breasts. Plus, they are great for making panini-style sandwiches. The best part is using grills like George Foreman’s Lean Mean Grilling Machine drain away excess fat from food and clean up is super easy compared to a conventional grill.
Maintaining A Clean Scene In The Kitchen
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n several homes, the kitchen is the most utilized room in the house. Some people use the kitchen to cook, some entertain guests and others may even choose to do homework or calculate finances there. Because of this, germs are able to congregate and can spread to other rooms in the house. There will always be germs in your house, but keeping a strict cleaning regime can prevent the spread of it and keep it from becoming a major issue in your home. Keeping the kitchen sanitized is as easy as cleaning up spills as soon as they occur and wiping down countertops and sinks. See below for additional tips.
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Sweep any crumbs that fall on the floor immediately as they occur. Wipe appliances, especially those that are used often such as the microwave, coffee-maker and refrigerator. Pay special attention to the handles of these appliances as most germs are found in the palm of your hands.
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Make a solution of bleach and water in a spray bottle than can be used to sanitize surfaces. The solution should contain ¾ ounces of water and ¼ ounce of bleach and poured into a spray bottle for easy distribution.
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The solution can be applied to counter-tops, handles of appliances, appliances and any hard surfaces that need sanitizing, in order to get rid of germs and to disinfect the area.
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For a deep clean, spray on the solution and leave it to soak for a couple minutes. Then using a wet cloth or sponge, wipe the area clean using a jerking hand motion to effectively get rid of any germs that may be lurking. Wipe until area is completely dry.
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Every month, wipe any unused appliances or appliances that may not be used regularly as dust build-up can contribute to germs in the kitchen
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Mopping the kitchen regularly can also assist in keeping a kitchen clean. Sweeping removes the bulky crumbs or remains that are left after cooking but mopping can get rid of spills or stains on the floor. Bleach and water can effectively remove stains from tiles and other flooring. A bleach and water solution can be used in this instance, this time using more water and bleach, mixing both in a bucket. Soak the mop in the solution and squeeze any excess water before mopping the floor.
KITCHEN
10 Foods That Help Relieve Constipation E veryone experiences constipation at some point, but this simply means that you need to regulate your dietary fiber intake. Fiber-rich foods such as grains can ensure a healthy metabolism, but the right amount is not easily calculated. Nutritionists believe that the average adult needs between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day to ward off constipation. But to avoid bloating and cramping you should gradually increase your intake and this can be done by eating the right foods.
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Berries. Fruits are generally a good source of fiber but raspberries, strawberries and blueberries provide a richer source. Berries are also low calorie fruits.
High-fiber cereal. When purchasing cereal, choose one which offers at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. This ensures that you get close to your daily intake and can help keep constipation at bay.
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Microwave popcorn. This is a great source of fiber as popcorn is a whole grain. Be careful of the amount of butter and salt you consume. Try the low-fat butter popcorn instead.
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Beans. These can provide twice as much fiber as most vegetables and can help ward off constipation. Kidney beans provide 8.2 grams and Lima and pinto beans offer 6-plus grams of fiber per half-cup.
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Dried fruit. These are pretty inexpensive and provide a great source of fiber. Prunes, dates and even raisins help to ward off constipation and they make a great low calorie snack. They can be enjoyed alone or added to cereal.
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Whole-grain bread. Whole-grain bread is low in fat and high in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, which is a perfect choice to increase your fiber intake.
Broccoli. This is a great source of fiber and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Eating the raw vegetable is always best as it ensured you get the full fiber richness, but it can be enjoyed either steamed or boiled for an added treat.
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Fruits. Plums, pears and apples are the best fruits to combat constipation as much of the fiber is found in their edible skin. A small raw pear with skin has 4.4 grams of fiber, while a medium apple with skin provides 3.3 grams of fiber.
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Nuts. Brazil nuts, peanuts, and walnuts have the highest fiber content, but don’t over-eat these as they are high in calories.
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Baked potatoes. These are especially helpful when eaten with their skin. One medium baked potato with the skin on will provide 3.8 grams of fiber in your fight against constipation. w w w.a bst r a c t hom e .c om
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RECIPES
Marvelous Marinades And Meat Rubs
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t’s no secret that Trinbagonians love their food well seasoned and employ the use of several methods and ingredients to enhance seasoning their dishes. Here, we look at some marinades and dry rubs used internationally to help you achieve that gourmet restaurant taste in your meat.
Whiskey Marinade Ingredients 1/4 cup whiskey 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 dash Worcestershire sauce Ground black pepper to taste Directions Stir together the whiskey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, green onion, brown sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. If using with beef, chicken, or pork, marinate overnight in refrigerator. If using with shrimp or scallops, marinate 1 hour.
Citrus Chicken Marinade Ingredients 1/2 cup orange juice (juice of 1 orange) 1/2 cup lemon juice (juice of 2 lemons) 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage or several leaves fresh, chopped 1 1/2 inch section fresh ginger, peeled, minced 1 tablespoon soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced A few drops Tabasco or 1/4 teaspoon hot salt 18
Directions Combine ingredients (a blender makes a good emulsion and eliminates the need to mince or chop). Marinate cut chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag for several hours or overnight. Broil or grill until chicken until done using your preferred cooking method.
Cerveza and Lime Seafood Marinade Ingredients 2 cups minced onion 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 cup seeded, minced jalapeno pepper 1/4 cup minced garlic 1 cup oil 3/4 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup Mexican beer 2 tablespoons tequila 1 tablespoon ground black pepper 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin Directions Combine the onion, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, oil, lime juice, beer, tequila, black pepper, and cumin in a blender; blend until smooth. Marinate fish or shrimp in the refrigerator in this marinade up to 2 hours before grilling.
2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger Directions In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, oil, onions, garlic powder, and ginger. Stir together until sugar dissolves.
Everyday Dry Rub Ingredients 1/2 cup paprika 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper 5 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 6 tablespoons garlic powder 3 tablespoons onion powder 6 tablespoons salt 2 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme Directions In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, and thyme. Mix well, and store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Cumin, Honey and Mint Lamb Marinade
Teriyaki Marinade Ingredients 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup water 3/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/3 cup dried onion flakes
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Ingredients 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dry mustard 2 teaspoons honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 (4-ounce) lamb loin chops, about 1 inch thick, trimmed Cooking spray Directions Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well. Place lamb in a single layer in a shallow dish; rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of lamb. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours. Prepare grill. Place lamb on a grill rack coated with cooking spray. Grill 4 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Serve immediately.
Aztec Rub Ingredients: 1 cup cumin seeds crushed 1 cup olive oil 1/3 cup minced garlic 1/4 cup liquid smoke 1/4 cup coarse salt 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Directions Combine all ingredients, except oil in the bowl of a food processor and process until smooth. Slowly pour oil into the food processor with the motor running until it forms a smooth paste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 2 cups. This rub can be stored for several days to a couple of weeks in the refrigerator.
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Of Marabella Serving Generations
BRIDAL
Creating Male Marriage Material
I
n the perfect world, all the women would look like Jennifer Lopez, Broccoli would taste like KFC, and all that glittered, would actually be gold. But alas: the alarm clock rings and drags us out of La La Land back into this children’s crying, boss is nagging, muscles sagging, reality we call life. But as imperfect as the world is, we must admit that it has evolved at dramatic speeds. In this twenty first century we can now get our phone calls from our pockets, chat online with “God knows who” from “God knows where” and even microwave our popcorn in a bag. The only thing that hasn’t changed (and it hurts me to say it) seems to be the Caribbean man. Our women have made great strides, even leaps and bounds, leaving a mark of class and elegance for the entire world to envy. Trinidad’s Wendy Fitzwilliam for example… ooh la la! Walk in any major Caribbean city, Port of Spain, Bridgetown, Kingston, and you’ll see them gracing the pavements in stiletto heels, flowing floral prints, with manicures and makeup in check and ready to take on the world. These divas must be suffering in silence though; since in their search through the Caribbean for Mr. Right, they’ve only managed to stumble upon Mr. Cheap, Mr. Lazy, and of course, Mr. “I can’t believe you’re wearing that shirt!” The Caribbean man must keep up with his counterparts in the rest of the western 20
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Get to know the trends. Let’s move over to the closet and see what you have hanging in there. Polo T’s and jeans are fine, but if that’s all you can find in there its time for an immediate upgrade. Even women who aren’t self centered want a man who will match nicely with their Gucci pocket books. So on your next shopping trip, instead of just brand names, try picking up some designer labels. You won’t die. And even if you do you’d look great in your coffin.
world. I mean let’s face it. She sees your potential. You work hard and you play harder. You know a thing or two about fixing things, and you take good care of your mother. You just need to get a clue. So here is what the modern day women wishes that you would do to move from a 1.5 to a perfect 10 on her “man I’d love to marry” scale.
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Get to know about something that is not under the hood of your car. What do you think about the free single market economy? Silence? OK! How do you think we can contribute to the preservation of wildlife? No? Ok then, what colour is the sky? If you really aren’t able to keep up with current events, you won’t be able to hold on to a good woman even if she has handles. So increase your knowledge base. Read good books, magazines, or international publications, whatever would help you to venture beyond the sports section of the newspaper.
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Get to know the power of the gym. If you can’t look down and see your toes without effort, then all that beer guzzling has made your mid section a little more than just a section. Today’s woman likes to see a man who’s fit. It suggests to her that he can go the distance. Need I say more? After all, if, infact you like beer soooo much, you should be rolling with a six-pack.
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Get to know the spa. In the seventies most if not all beauty products were made with women in mind. In the eighties a man would not be caught dead in any kind of salon, even if he was there waiting for his wife. In the nineties the modern man began to realize that he too had skin, hair and nails, and he needed to bring his body up to its best possible appearance. There is absolutely nothing emasculating about enlisting professional help to get you looking your best. So get that grub from under your nails, unclog those pores, and even whiten those coffee stained teeth. In the end we still wouldn’t be able to compete with our women and their beauty products, but at least we’d look a whole lot better.
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Get to know the woman. Women in this part of the world have all taken their queues from matriarchs like Dame Eugenia Charles, and other women who have worked hard for their place in a testosteronedominated world. They are independent and strong, but they’re still women and therefore still long to be pampered. So romance her with the language of love. Treat her to candlelight dinners under star scattered skies. Shower her with soft touches at tender moments. After all if you treat a Caribbean woman like a queen, she’ll treat you like a king. They don’t usually show their real emotions up front, but if you’re wise enough to take this advice, what starts with an innocent smile from her, may continue with dinner and a movie.
FAMILY ROOM
Six Things To Do Before The Baby Comes Home
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Maternity Leave. This might not seem important, but you need to discuss with your company your due date and the length of your leave so that a replacement could be sought. Also you need to ensure that you will be taken care of financially, even while you’re away from the office.
However, the journey can be a rough one and if you are not fully prepared the joy you once had can turn into regret and sorrow. Your pregnancy may not have been planned, but you have 9 months to ensure that the second stage is well-thought out and that you are prepared.
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Sleep. In the weeks prior to your due date, be sure to get lots of sleep as this helps reduce the anxiety and stress that comes with having a new baby. You are going to need to be calm and patient during those sleepless nights and early mornings.
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ou just had your new-born and you can’t wait to take him/her home. As parents, you can’t wait to experience the joys of sharing your world with someone so young and being able to help your child develop together.
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Eat well. Some people eat less and start dieting soon after having a baby in order to lose the weight, but this can be harmful to you and your baby, especially if done improperly without supervision from a dietician. More than ever your body needs the right nutrients to produce the en-
ergy that you need to adequately care for your new-born. Ensure that you drink plenty water and eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
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Have a bag packed. A due date is an estimate; babies can arrive either before or after the planned date so always ensure that a bag is packed with all the necessities which will be useful at the hospital. Ensure that your husband, mother or anyone close to you knows where the bag is stacked, in the event you are away from home and need to be rushed to the hospital right away.
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Daycare. If you’re a working mother with no available family or friend to take care of your baby while at work, start looking for a nursery a couple weeks in advance and before your baby arrives.
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Take care of you. There are some chemicals that you may not be able to use because of your pregnancy, but take some time off to pamper yourself at different intervals during your nine month pregnancy. The better you look, the happier you feel and that jolly mood is always a plus for your baby.
Tips For Buying Educational
Toys For Children N
ow more than ever there is a need for a healthy avenue for children to express themselves. It is important for them to be able to have fun and more important that children learn something new each day. Making the choice to buy an educational toy as opposed to a water gun or something negative can be one of your most rewarding choices. Hopefully the tips below can make that choice even easier for you. Safety is always an issue when buying toys. There are guidelines for how age appropriate a toy is on most toy packaging. If it is not stated on the packaging what age group the toy is most suitable for, you should be very cautious and stay away from it. Toys like those probably never underwent the necessary safety checks during production. Also follow any other safety guidelines keenly. If you think your child may not be able to adhere to these guidelines do not get that particular toy. A deciding factor in choosing a toy should be what skills you would like your child to learn from the use of the toy. Educational toys offer a host of dif22
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ferent experiences to a child. What do you want the toy to teach your child? Some teach how to read, write, or count. If your child is struggling with math, get a toy that teaches mathematical scenarios in a fun way. ‘Playability’ is another factor which may influence which educational game is right for your kid. Some games are easily conquered or become monotonous for children. An educational game should be just as much of an investment
as a regular PC. Make sure the game can be played in a manner that will allow your child to benefit. Check to see if the game has a good battery life and if it can be played in stretches long enough to facilitate learning. Any parent who is about to spend money on a toy should have their eyes on durability and quality. Children have a propensity for not taking care of things as much as they should. In a child’s excitement, that toy may be dropped, or knocked around. You have to know that the toy in question is ready for the kind of abuse your child is going to give to it. Durability is key as well because it keeps your child safer. If a toy is broken, sharp ends may pose a threat to your child. Apart from the aforementioned tips, there is of course the important aspect of budget. Whether the toy is actually educational or not, you cannot afford to spend all willy-nilly. Make sure you have an educational toy-buying budget so you won’t get burnt when you touch the receipt at the cash register. The educational toy should help your child to learn. You should not be getting burned to learn at this point.
POWDER ROOM
WARDROBE
How To Choose A Watch
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Ladies: Tips To Get Rid Of Bad Body Odor
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on’t think that you are the only one suffering from bad body odor. Many women have this problem and are either too ashamed to speak about it or are unaware that they have a problem. Whatever the reason, there are tips that can help rid your body of an unpleasant smell. For some, a very bad odor could signal a visit to the doctor. But if it’s minor issue such as dirty hair, there are quick fixes that you can try.
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Smelly feet. Moisture build-up causes your feet to develop a bad odor so ensure that your feet are properly dried before wearing covered shoes or socks. If your problem is more severe, apply an antiperspirant spray or medicated powders to get rid of the scent. If you can, try to wear open-toed shoes so that air can pass through your toes easily.
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Sweaty armpits. This can be a major problem for many ladies and can be cured with the use of an antiperspirant. If you are against antiperspirant, there are crystals that can be purchased to help keep you fresh and clean all day. If you sweat more than the average person and have smelly armpits, visit a doctor to help fight the problem.
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Bad breath. Contrary to popular beliefs this is commonly caused by your diet, but poor oral hygiene can add to this problem. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean. If the problem persists, you may be suffering from halitosis which is a severe form of bad breath that requires a dentist’s intervention.
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Smelly hair. Some women complain that their hair reeks just days after washing it. This can be caused by a number of problems such as perspiring caused by exercising or dry scalp and dandruff. Washing your hair at least once a week should fight against dirty or smelly hair. Be sure to moisturize the hair as constant washing can remove some of your hair’s natural moisture.
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Bad odor ‘down below’. Your vagina should not have a particularly bad odor as long as you wash it daily and wear loose fitting underwear so that air can pass. But if you notice a really unpleasant smell, visit your gynecologist. You may have a minor infection such as a yeast infection or this may be the symptom of a sexually transmitted disease.
atches are often underrated accessories that we tend to put on last when we dress. Some of us do not even use them to tell the time anymore since we always have cell-phones in our palms. However, forget to put on your watch and you may very well end up feeling naked. Watches are one of the most common accessories and here are some things to consider when getting one.
of mechanical watches can be almost infinite, as long as skilled watchmakers are available. Their finely crafted parts can be repaired, replaced and even remade by a skilled watchmaker. Since quartz watches contain electronic components, their parts often cannot be repaired, but must instead be replaced. The life of a quartz watch can certainly be limited by the availability of those parts.
Decide whether you simply want the correct time or need some extra bells and whistles. Watch measurement functions (in addition to the hours, minutes and seconds) are referred to as "complications." The best-known complication watches are calendar watches, the most common of which display only the date. There are also chronographs with a center second hand which can be started, stopped and brought back to zero using one or two push-buttons on the side of the watch. Other additional functions include second time zone, alarm, moonphase, repeater, perpetual calendar, etc.
Factor In Watch Maintenance The type of maintenance the watch requires, which will ultimately determine the watch's life expectancy, should also influence your purchase. Mechanical (manual and automatic) watches should be cleaned and serviced every three years or according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure trouble-free time keeping and to retain the value of the watch. In quartz (battery operated) watches, the watch should be serviced when the battery is replaced. A watch battery usually lasts between two and five years, depending on the type of watch. Some watches are equipped with lithium-iodine batteries that have a theoretical lifetime of ten years.
What Are You Willing to Spend? In most cases, the cost of a watch is a consideration, but there is no formula for determining how much you should spend. However, you should take into account value and quality because it can be far more economical to buy a good watch that will last for years rather than several economical "disposable" watches. However, there is certainly nothing wrong with having a nice collection of shorter-lived fashion watches, if that is your aim. Consider the watch's life expectancy. Another important consideration in your purchase of a watch is the life expectancy of the timepiece. The life
Be guided by your environment. The selection of a watch, in terms of style, design and brand, is purely based on individual taste. But there are a few factors that you should consider when selecting a watch from the thousands of models that are available. To get started, ask yourself a few simple questions: • What is your lifestyle? • In what type of environment will you wear the watch? (water resistance should be considered) • In what types of activities will you participate while wearing the watch?
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ABSTRACT HOME
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MEDICINE CABINET
home gym
The Importance Of Vitamins And Minerals
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e must consume a balanced variety of vitamins and minerals in order to be healthy. The best way to do this is by having a broad diet which covers all of the food groups. The balance is important as too much of a particular vitamin or mineral can create health problems just as too little supplements can. Contrary to popular perception, additional supplements should not be consumed along with a balanced food diet unless recommended by a doctor. In other words, supplements would do more harm than good to you if just taken as a precaution. The people most likely to need vitamins are pregnant women, people with low bone density and vegans. Here is a list of vitamins from A-K showing their importance and relevance to your body’s needs: Vitamin A is superb for the eyes. It helps night vision and it also helps you see in colour, meaning images do not become dull in your vision. Anyone who cares about their looks can benefit from vitamin A as it aids in promoting healthy skin. Some of the foods which are rich in Vitamin A are liver, spinach, sweet potatoes and cantaloupes.
are eggs, peas and beans, poultry and meats, dairy, seafood and whole grains such as oats and wheat. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system and helps the body resist infection generally. Cuts heal faster when there is ample vitamin C in the body. Tissues (such as gums) and muscles are kept in shape thanks to this supplement. Foods which are rich in vitamin C are citrus, kiwi fruit, sweet red peppers, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, cantaloupe and strawberries. Vitamin D is directly associated with strong bones and teeth. This vitamin also works well in collaboration with the mineral calcium as it helps calcium to be absorbed into the body. Fish, liver, egg yolks, fortified milk and fortified cereals are all good sources of a vitamin D enriched diet. Hard-working vitamin E maintains a lot of your body's tissues, such as the ones in your eyes, skin, and liver. It protects your lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. This important vitamin can be found in whole grains, spinach, sardines, egg yolks, wheatgerm, nuts and seeds.
There is more than one B vitamin. Vitamin K is one of the most underratThere are vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, ed vitamins available. It plays an imporniacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothtant part in the coagulation of blood in enic acid. These vitamins are essential the body. People with deficiencies in E to a body’s metabolism, meaning, they vitamins may not be able to stop hemhelp create energy and release the enorrhaging when wounded. Leafy green ergy when your body requires it. Vitaveggies, broccoli, soybean oil, milk and min B fosters the growth of red blood yogurt are staples when it comes to cells which carry oxygen throughout providing a source of vitamin K to the the body. Good sources of B vitamins body. 24 ABSTRACT HOME APRIL 2012 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
Are You OverExercising?
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here’s nothing wrong with wanting a toned body; the better you look, the greater you feel and that reflects in your everyday life. Rippled abdominals and toned arms and legs can give you the confidence that you’ve always wanted. Plus, the health benefits are endless. But are you a victim of overexercising? The disadvantages of such a harmful practice include the risk of suffering a stroke, heart disease and muscle fatigue. Regular exercising is good, but as with everything else, there must be a limit.
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Regular exercising is great as it keeps your body fit and healthy. But over-exercising can be harmful and can also lead to eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia. Because your desire to lose weight may cause you to try other weight loss methods, eating less may be one of them.
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Excessive exercising can lead to torn ligaments, severe disease resulting in back pain and cause trauma to the skeletal muscles. At times, it may be difficult to get off the bed on mornings or you may experience limited flexibility while doing certain motions. When starting an exercise routine for the first time, there may be a bit of pain the morning after, but over-exercising over a period of time can cause shooting pains and muscles aches about the body.
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Don’t push your body too hard. Don’t assume that your body can take the excess weight; this is harm-
ful for the body and can cause serious injury to muscles and ligaments. It is always advised that you exercise with a trainer, especially when doing weight lifting exercises. You and your trainer will be able to learn your body’s capacity and know how much it can take in any given set.
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Over-exercising can cause depression, irritation and lack of self-confidence as you become dissatisfied with your results and continue to push yourself harder. Set realistic goals for yourself and work towards achieving those. Remember that exercising is there to help you live a long healthy life, free of avoidable diseases and bone issues. If you are unsure that you may be overexercising, look out for these signs.
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If you are performing exercises for more than the stipulated hours, provided by your trainer or work-out video, several times a week, you may be over-exercising.
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If you only think about your next workout and have distanced yourself from other social interactions, you may be over-exercising.
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If you are suffering from an eating disorder but still choose to work out because you are dissatisfied with the results, then you are over exercising. This is a very dangerous practice and may require a doctor’s intervention before this lifestyle leads to your demise.
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GARAGE
PETS
Cool CarCleaning Tips
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our entire life you dreamed of having your own car. Now that you finally have one, it’s only right that you treat it with the respect it deserves. Your car should be a reflection of its owner. Therefore, dirty should not be an adjective used to describe it. Here are some tips for keeping your car’s interior and exterior clean. Inside: You’ll need to get these items to clean the interior of the car: vacuum cleaner, dashboard cleaner, glass cleaner, two microfibre cloths, upholstery foam, brush, all-purpose cleaner, gloss or matt interior wipes and air freshener. Then follow these steps:
dow to avoid damaging heating elements 9) Fit a new air freshener 10) Remove ink stains and cigarette burns from the upholstery. You can do this yourself using surgical spirit, but be careful as it can discolour your car’s upholstery – check before buying. It may be worthwhile to pay a professional. Outside: You’ll need to get these items to clean the exterior of the car: Car shampoo (do not use washing up liquid as it can remove wax and leave swirl marks), a sponge or washing mitt, two buckets, a hose, two car cleaning cloths, leather chamois and wax. Then follow these steps:
1) Vacuum the carpets, mats, seats, dashboard, door trims and any dusty 1) Fill one bucket with a mixture of crevices car shampoo and water, and the 2) Remove mats and vacuum the carpet second bucket with water underneath 2) Hose the car down if it’s particu3) Grubby mats can be washed with larly grimy upholstery foam and a brush 3) Dip the washing mitt in the bucket 4) Use dashboard cleaner on – you filled with car shampoo guessed it – the dashboard 4) Start at the top of your car and 5) Empty ashtrays and cubby holes bework your way down, going round fore spraying and wiping them clean the whole car and cleaning every with all-purpose cleaner panel 6) Use a clean warm cloth to remove 5) Rinse the washing mitt in the any dirty marks from interior trim bucket of water when it gets dirty panels 6) Don’t forget to clean the wheel 7) Use gloss or matt interior wipes to arches, bumpers, outer skirts and finish cleaning all upholstery parts; inner door panels available in a variety of finishes 7) Lift up windscreen wipers and 8) Clean glass using a window cleaner clean underneath and microfibre cloth – wipe in a 8) Clean the wheels side-to-side motion on the rear win26 ABSTRACT HOME APRIL 2012 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
What Type Of Vaccines Should My Pup Receive?
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here’s a reason why they are called ‘man’s best friend’. Just as men need love, care and attention, so too must your pup receive the care and attention it needs to enjoy a long healthy life. Pups need to receive several types of vaccinations to help prevent a number of diseases that they are susceptible to at that age. A veterinarian will be able to advise you on the shots that your pups need and at what age they should be administered. Most pups receive their vaccinations at 5 weeks old, but talk to a veterinarian as soon as your pups are born.
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Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvo Virus. A combination vaccine should be taken for all these diseases. It is normally administered as a 3-in-1 shot, a 5-in-1 shot which protects against with Leptospirosis and Canine Parainfluenza and a 7-in-1 puppy shot option which gives additional protection against other strains of Adenovirus and Leptopsirosis. They are given at 6-8 weeks, 10-12 weeks and 14-16 weeks.
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Rabies. The first shot is given when the pup is 12 weeks. Another is given after a year with
subsequent vaccinations given every 2 years.
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Lyme’s disease vaccination. Ticks have been known to spread Lyme disease so it is important that your pup gets vaccinated against this. This is especially important if your pup is housed outside or with older dogs. However, talk to your vet to ensure that it is necessary.
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Boarding or Kennel cough. If your dog will be interacting with other dogs, ensure that he gets vaccinated against getting ‘kennel cough’. This is inflammation of the upper respiratory system and is common when there are a large number of dogs. Your veterinarian may recommend other shots based on special circumstances. If a puppy is ill, the vet may administer the vaccines at a later date so that the side effects, which can be minor, won’t cause more pain to your pup or increase the risk of side effects due to a weakened immune system. It is important that your dog is vaccinated at the agreed times and ages to ensure and maintain a healthy pup. A healthy pup helps breed a healthy dog which makes a happy owner.
TRAVEL
How To Overcome The Language Barrier When Traveling
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nless you’re heading to an English-speaking region or a city where English is a common second language, effective communication with locals will be the first step in experiencing a culturally informative trip. If you don’t speak the language and can’t find an English speaker, you will likely not be able to fully express yourself. But even those who don’t speak a word of the local tongue can take steps to communicate more effectively.
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Speak slowly, simply, politely: Speak with simple words, pronouncing every letter. Make single nouns work as entire sentences and begin each request with PLEASE (e.g. "Bitte, toilet ?")
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Can the slang: Dialect has become filled with slang not familiar to most Europeans. The sentence “Waiz de scene?’ for example, would baffle the average European.
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Use internationally understood words: Many Europeans will draw a blank if you say "vacation," but light bulbs turn on when you say "holiday." If you say "restroom" or "bathroom," you will get no room — "toilet" is direct, simple, and understood. 28
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Be melodramatic and not self-conscious: Exaggerate the local accent and use hand signals and body language to communicate. In France you will communicate more effectively (and have more fun) by sounding like Inspector Clouseau (and the locals will not be insulted). Use whatever French you do know. In Italy be melodic and exuberant. You must be uninhibited. Self-consciousness kills communication.
proceed confidently as if you understand it correctly.
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Relax: Don't worry about making mistakes, and just try to relax. You will be surprised at how well you can communicate with a 20 word vocabulary by just making an effort and breaking the ice.
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Fake it: Faking it applies to rudimentary things like instructions on customs forms, museum hours, and menus. With this approach you will find that 80 percent of the time you are correct. And if you are wrong, it does not really matter (and your trip will become much more interesting!).
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Figure things out: Most major European languages are related and come from Latin. The French word for Monday (our "day of the moon") is Lundi (lunar day). The Germans say the same thing — Montag. Sonne is sun, so Sonntag is Sunday. If "buon giorno" means good day, "zuppa del giorno" is soup of the day.
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Practice: Read time schedules, posters, multilingual signs, graffiti in bathrooms, and newspaper headlines. Develop your ear for foreign languages by tuning in to the other languages on a multilingual tour. It's a puzzle. The more you play, the better you get.
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Use a notepad: Words and numbers are much easier understood when they are written.
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To repeatedly communicate something difficult and important (such as medical instructions, "I'm a strict vegetarian," "boiled water," "well-done meat," "your finest ice cream"), write it in the local language on your notepad.
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Go with your educated guess: The key is to see most communication problems as multiplechoice questions. Make an educated guess at the meaning of a message and
Since one cannot avoid using the native language at some point, here are some key phrases to note and learn in the land that you visit: How much? What time? Where is…? Ticket, bus, ferry, room, water, bathroom, etc. Hello/ goodbye Good morning/ afternoon/ evening Yes/no, thank you, you’re welcome Stay away from me! Help me! Directional Phrases: right, left, straight ahead, upstairs, etc.
Abstract Home Is Published By Abstract Media Group, Premium Commercial Complex, San Juan, Trinidad, W.I. • Tel: (868) 638 1156/9 • Fax: (868) 638 1160. PRINTED BY THE OFFICE AUTHORITY - PRINTING DIVISION and Distributed by AMG