LIVING QUARTERS
House Cleaning Myths Debunked
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horough and regular cleaning goes a long way in making any house a home. Cleaner can mean safer and aesthetically pleasing when it comes to your home. However, people usually go about cleaning with false notions about what they are actually doing. This can lead to more harm than good in many instances. Watch us debunk several house-cleaning myths. Coffee grinds clean garbage disposals: Where in the world did this tip come from? Apparently from plumbers and handypersons who are waiting for you to call and tell them that your plumbing system is clogged up. A much better way to freshen up your disposal is to keep a dedicated old dishwashing brush under the sink. When your disposal starts to give off that garbage aroma, pour some of your dishwashing liquid on this brush and put it into the disposal (not running of course!) and scrub the sides and the blades. Rinse thoroughly, running cold water through the unit. To freshen up, throw a small lime or lemon rind in with some ice cubes to sharpen the blades, and you're done. Vinegar can Clean Anything: Vinegar is a great green cleaning product that can be found in your home. Not only can it remove small stains and disinfect, but it also is great at deodorizing bad smells. The problem with vinegar is that it is very acidic and can be damaging to some surfaces. Hard surfaces
such as marble and stone, waxed surfaces, electronic screens and light metals such as pewter or aluminum can all be damaged from vinegar. More soap equals more clean: It's a common misconception that the more dirty something is, the more soap it needs. It seems to make sense, more dirt needs more soap. In reality, while soaps and detergents are great and necessary for cleaning too much of a good thing can create its own problems. So if more soap doesn't equal more cleaning power, what does it equal? Using too much soap makes it harder to fully rinse away soap residue. And one of the reasons soap/detergent is so great for cleaning, is that it attracts dirt. This is great if all the dirt is rinsed away from the surface we were trying to clean. But if all the soap isn't gone...then the surface will continue to attract more dirt. Bleach is the ultimate cleaner: The heavy scent of bleach in the air must mean that something is really clean. After all bleach is the ultimate cleaner...right? Not so fast. Bleach may be great at a lot of things, but cleaning isn't really one of them. Bleach is a disinfectant and not a cleaner. Bleach does a fantastic job of killing germs. It removes tough stains. But bleach doesn't really clean dirt and residue from surfaces. To do that, you'd need to scrub and rinse surfaces.
For many household cleaning jobs, bleach just isn't the right cleaning solution. It has heavy fumes that can make you sick. Contact with bleach on your skin is irritating and can be very harmful. Mixing it with many other cleaners can give you toxic results. Bleach can also damage surfaces and remove color. Frequent vacuuming will damage the carpet: There’s no such thing. The dirt and grime, soiled in the carpet’s fibres is capable of damaging it permanently, causing wear and tear to show in less time. Vacuuming can only save your carpet more time to look good. However, you should be careful with the attachments - use proper ones depending on your carpet’s type. Also, don’t forget to mop kitchen, bathroom and other uncarpeted floor in the evening to avoid spreading dirt to other rooms. Polish Should Be Applied Directly to Furniture: Always spray the cloth, not the furniture. Overspray may damage surfaces nearby like painted or wallpapered walls. Use a microfiber cloth for dusting for the best possible clean and to minimize spreading dust back into the air. Newspaper is a foolproof alternative to paper towels for window washing: Newspaper may take lint out of the equation, but it can also leave smeared newsprint ink on the glass and frames of the windows.
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LIVING QUARTERS
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here are a lot of places you can go to waste your money. Your laundry shouldn’t be one of them. Try saving your hard-earned bucks with these tips. Replace fabric softener with white vinegar. A good
Laundry Room Thrift Tips
500ml bottle of fabric softener is roughly $13-$15 at your local grocery. A similarly sized bottle of white vinegar costs up to one third of that cost. Guess what? The vinegar does the same thing your softener does (minus the choice of scent). Adding quarter cup of white vinegar to each load during the rinse cycle can save you big bucks. The vinegar softens clothes and helps prevent static cling. Not to mention, you can still use the remaining vinegar to season meat, clean tiles or make an antifungal foot soak. Can you say the same of your softener? Capitalize on the weather. Line drying is free. Free is good. Purchase a drying rack or an interior clothes line if you don’t have backyard space. There are also those retractable lines you can place outside your kitchen window that are very handy. If
you insist on using an energy consuming dryer, don’t overdry your clothes. Be sure to check the lint filter by hand between every load. Lint buildup prevents your dryer from operating efficiently, making it take longer to dry your clothes.
Be wary of ‘dry clean only.’ “Dry clean only” materials are often more expensive than regular ones. Therefore, your wardrobe is automatically more expensive. Plus, the cost to maintain them is ridiculous. Instead of paying $20 bucks per shirt, you can wash an entire load for a fraction of the cost. Wash full loads. It sounds obvious, but if you only run your washing machine and clothes dryer when they are full, you'll save in the long run. Also, check your clothes washer settings; try quick cycles to reduce wash
times and high-spin modes to reduce the need for drying.
Use cold water. Today's detergents are formulated to clean in cold water. Unless you have extremely dirty or greasy clothes, you may be surprised at how well it cleans. Changing to cold water saves big bucks on energy costs. Learn ironing tricks. Stop getting your wallet flattened by ironing costs. The irony is ironing can be done faster with less effort for less bucks by trying some simple pressing tips. Try inserting aluminum foil between the ironing board and the cover. This helps to conserve heat and gets the job done faster. Also, get an inexpensive bottle sprayer and add some water. Spraying to moisten items helps to soften wrinkles and requires less time to press. You don’t have to buy starch.
The Ideal Garden Pond F e things add serenity and elegant outdoor style to a backyard like a pond. This will make the landscape of any garden appear more tranquil and beautiful while providing you with the capacity to keep aquatic pets. However, there is a lot more to the ideal pond than digging a hole and putting water and fish in it. Here are some considerations.
Ensure The Right Depth A mix of shallow and deep water provides a variety of habitats for plants and animals but a pond need not be too deep. For a small pond, 1ft deep is enough for wildlife to flourish. The edges should also be gently shelving. Don’t Be Too Tidy A good wildlife pond has a mixture of different habitats for animals to live and hide in so 2
ing debris will make it tricky to keep the pond clean. It's useful to line the ponds edge with rocks to stop dirt and plants accidentally falling into the water, and if your garden pond is built in direct sunlight, have some taller plants are around the edge of the pond to help keep the water cooler and a bit shaded during warm and sunny weather.
don't over-manage it. A mixture of mud, leaves, twigs, stones and lots of plants provides plenty of places for wildlife to live in. Situate Your Pond Correctly Try not to have your pond at the lowest point of the garden, as rain from the garden will not only overflow the pond, it will also pollute the water with garden rubble and dirt. And don't install a new garden pond directly under a large tree as fall-
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Monitor Fertilizer Use Fertilizer is often a necessity for lawns and landscapes but it can, when used to excess, cause problems for nearby water sources including backyard ponds. When excess ammonia, nitrogen and other elements found in man-made fertilizers are washed into ponds with rain runoff, they can make tempting targets for waterborne bacteria and algae. Over time, this can lead to blooms of algae that rob
the water of oxygen and create havens for anaerobic bacteria which are harmful to plants. Pumps and Filters are a must A good water pump and filtration system is important for any pond, particularly if you're going to keep fish and for the wellbeing of pond plants. The pond pump basically keeps the water moving, circulating oxygen, while the filter's job is to act as a minisewage system for the pond. The components in the filter offer a vast surface area which becomes home to lots of helpful bacteria produced. When waste (such as fish excretion and left-over food) starts breaking down and releasing toxins into the water, the same water will eventually pass through the filter, with the helpful bacteria breaking down the invisible toxins trapped in the filter.
LIVING QUARTERS
Clean Your Brass F
or some, brass is merely a Carnival fete that used to be. For others it is a beautiful metal which can add shine to your accent pieces throughout your home. The operative word of course is shine. Many brass products need to be cleaned and polished to provide the desired look whereas some antique brass pieces develop a patina and weathered finish which works well. If you want to clean your brass pieces, this article can help. Before getting too elaborate, try cleaning the piece with a lint-free cloth. One of the best types for this is a microfiber cloth. Some effort is required in terms of elbow grease, but you might be amazed that you don’t have to do anything further! Another option is to wash your brass in soapy water. This can be done by immersion or wiping, depending on the nature
brass and bring back shine. After cleaning with lemon juice, wipe with damp cloth and buff dry.
of the piece. Proper drying and buffing is essential to the final finish. There are also some natural alternatives for cleaning brass… • Ketchup: Squirt some ketchup on a clean cloth and rub over tarnished brass. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and buff dry. • Lemon Juice: Straight lemon juice can be used to clean
• Vinegar, Salt and Flour: These versatile home staples can be combined to make a paste to clean tarnished brass. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, and add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Rub into the brass, leave for about 10 minutes and then rinse with warm water and buff dry. • Water: Heat a pint of water, and add 2 tablespoons each of salt and white vinegar to create another natural recipe for polishing tarnished brass. Rub the mixture onto the brass and then dry with a clean rag.
Keeping Your Computer In Top Shape
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veryone and their grandmother’s great aunt has a personal computer these days. While it says a lot of the technological literacy of mankind, most know very little about the general upkeep of their treasured devices. Here are six tips to maintaining your pc properly.
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Be certain to have good antivirus software installed in your computer and make sure that it is always updated. Viruses are among the primary reasons behind computer failure. A complete virus scan should be performed frequently. Avoid visiting websites that are thought to be plagued with malicious software. Do not open e-mails whose sender looked shady, they could contain lethal malicious software that can put your system at risk. 4
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Regularly get updates for your operating system and other critical software. Some software does not offer automatic updates so it is recommended to regularly check with their site and download and install updates by hand.
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Uninstall programs that you do not use. These programs occupy space in your hard disk. The more space you have in your hard disk the speedier your computer runs.
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Always run your computer on a UPS. Sudden electric powers are dangerous to your personal computer.
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If you are familiar with the interior of the tower case, physically clean your computer. Remove dust that may gather in the housing with
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fabric or vacuum. Take care not to hurt any part though.
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Defragment your disk continually. Defragmenting your disk once in every 2 or 3 months is a good way to make certain that your
personal computer stays in firstclass condition. Fragmentation occurs when your computer’s operating system fails to allocate enough contiguous space to store a total file as a unit and instead places parts of it in gaps between other files. To explain this, let us compare it to a library where some users don’t return the books to the proper place after they read them. The books in the library are prepared in a way that would make it straightforward to locate any especially book simply. If many books are now not in their correct places it would most likely take longer to find them. Windows XP and Vista have their own built in defragmenting software but they are terribly slow. There are good defragmentation software that may do the job in a fraction of the time it would most likely take for the Windows default defragmenter to finish.
LIVING QUARTERS
Water Storage Tips
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et’s face it; the “Water For All” rhetoric that politicians pushed in our faces in the past has not come to pass. Many homes do not have a regular enough supply of water. Not to mention these harsh dry seasons require us to be extra careful with our water usage. You never know when our water reserves can become critically low. Plus natural disasters are a threat to our water supply. When a disaster has been forecasted, or does occur, people will be rushing frantically to prepare. What happens when you discover there isn't one bottle of water left at any market or convenience store? You and many others will be in a real panic. It is important to have water storage options available when that happens. In this case, we aren’t talking about your large tank located in the yard. Here are some tips to storing water in the house when an emergency occurs. It is important to: Store water containers in a dark and cool area Light and warmth will promote algae and bacteria growth, so store water in a basement, closet, shed or food storage room. 6
Do not store water bottles on top shelves; lower to the ground is preferred. Storing your barrel outside could have an effect on the life of the barrel. It is not recommended to store any water container in direct or indirect sunlight. Also, it is best to store water barrels with a non-porous insulation barrier (such as wood) between a cement floor and the barrel. Water stored in plastic containers should be kept away from gasoline, kerosene, pesticides or similar substances because vapors from these products can penetrate plastic. Containers which have top-mounted screw lids should have the tops covered with a cloth or similar barrier to keep lids clean of mice or insect waste. Store water in containers in a variety of sizes For example, large drums work well unless you have to leave your home. 16.9 oz water bottles work well unless you need a sink full of water to bathe or wash dishes in. If you do store water in large drums, make sure you store a siphon so you can effectively get the water out.
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(not the bowls) of home toilets, and liquids from canned goods such as fruit and vegetable juices. Unsafe water sources include radiators, hot water boilers, waterbeds, and swimming pools and spas.
Replace stored water once a year for freshness Water stored properly can last for years. However, to ensure freshness it is recommended to replace stored water once a year. Old stored water can still be used for watering the garden or shrubs, car washing and other purposes. It’s usually easiest to siphon water out of the barrels if drain plugs are not provided. Identify additional sources of water In addition to stored water, other sources include melted ice cubes, water drained from the water heater faucet (if the water heater has not been damaged), water dipped from the flush tanks
If necessary, chemically treat water If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, it is not necessary to treat water before storing it. If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, disinfect the water prior to storage using liquid household bleach containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented or color-safe bleaches or bleaches containing soaps • Add six drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented bleach per gallon of water. • Stir and let stand for 30 minutes. • If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine after 30 minutes, add another dose of 1/8 teaspoon and let stand another 15 minutes. • Seal the containers and label with contents and date of preparation.
home office
Marketing Your Home Business
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s it just me or has the business world become a bit more competitive as compared to twenty years ago? Is it that the small-business owners, the ones actually generating profits, are making the task seem simple by using innovative marketing strategies or is it that the new-comers whose businesses are not very profitable, have not learned the secret behind ensuring a successful business? The secret, as many successful business owners would tell you, is that of a solid marketing strategy. Not just solid but one that is affordable, easy to maintain and able to reach the masses; a wider audience to garner more market share. Understand and identify your target market before implementing any tangible marketing strategies. Am I really only advertising for newly-weds or engaged couples because of my photography service? Should I target the 18-25 age bracket as they would, more than likely, be the ones with more purchasing power as compared to teenagers? Should I target the more sophisticated among us because of the cost and brand of my
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product? These questions need to be answered before a marketing strategy is devised so that the final approach will be beneficial to the business. Understand that every customer is different and although the product may remain the same, each customer’s need for the product will differ based on their preferences. Technological advancements have aided businesses in marketing their products to a wider group of consumers while remaining cost-effective to the business. These include advertising online via several social networking sites, such as Facebook, especially if the business is small or new. Facebook has been used by many small-business owners as a way to market their products or services. One it’s free, two it’s free and three, yes, it’s free!! No middle-man or advertising cost. A fan page is created, photos of the desired products are advertised (shoes, clothes) or if it’s a service (photography, music production) it’s posted on the business’ profile page, or in Facebook jargon, their “wall”. To generate more attention, the option to tag friends in the photo is available so that their
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friends can view and, as soon as someone likes it, the questions come: cost, availability, size and in no time the first sale is done. Small business should capitalize on Facebook not only because it saves money, but also because it promotes awareness of products and services. Word of mouth is a strong advertising tool. Although the economy is permeated with countless marketing strategies, this can be very useful especially to small businesses. Ensure customer satisfaction: from the first customer to the twentieth ensure that the customer is happy with his or her purchase. In most cases, if this happens, you get positive feedback from your customers and they spread the word about your business thus, generating more profits. Give samples to family and friends so that they can use the products and be the first to critique it; the more your product is out there, the more free advertising there is available to get prospective clients. Don’t be afraid to go out and get customers. Remember, the more the public is aware of your business, the better chance you have of becoming success-
ful. Generate call cards and distribute them throughout the city. Start small, maybe at a local grocery or even post posters up in transit stations. Any business owner will tell you that you need to spend money to get money: don’t be afraid to spend money on adverts, whether print or radio, as these are the two most economical and they reach the masses. Understand your customers and their needs. Being a smallbusiness owner gives you the advantage of being a bit more intimate with your clients. Humans crave attention and bask in exclusivity; customers love the idea that they are part of a select group or the only person who owns something. Ensure that loyal customers are treated with care and that their needs are met. This promotes customer loyalty to the business and ensures profits via sales for the business. Marketing strategies, if used correctly and based on the company’s and customer’s selections, can be beneficial to businesses and customers. Small businesses need to use these carefully as they can assist with the success or failure of a business.
elegant ideas
The Little Things‌
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elegant ideas
The wallpaper not only adds colour but texture to this bedroom 12
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elegant ideas
This earthy area rug brings the entire dinner space together
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elegant ideas
Attention to detail is important to this room’s brilliance. The furniture matches the curvature of the structural design 14
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elegant ideas
The little things like the matching artwork and pillows help to create this room’s homely feel
KITCHEN
Five Food Safety Mistakes People Make
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he tiniest mistake made in the kitchen can have the biggest repercussions for you and your family. Proper food safety can be the difference between life and death. Food safety requires knowledge, special utensils and extra carefulness. But most of all, you need to know what mistakes to avoid, so you can keep your food and yourself as healthy as possible. 1. Cutting Board Care If you use your cutting board to remove fat from chicken and then immediately begin chopping carrots on it, the vegetables may become contaminated with salmonella. Toss the carrots into your salad and, before you know it, all of your vegetables are contaminated with bacteria from the chicken. It is important to keep raw meat, poultry, eggs and seafood - and the utensils that have come into contact with them - separate
on the counter - right? Wrong. Harmful germs can multiply extremely rapidly at room temperature - making your food unsafe to eat. To thaw food safely, let it defrost in the refrigerator, cold water, or pop it in the microwave and use the defrost setting.
from other food during meal preparation. Use wet disposable paper towels to clean up meat and poultry juices, and wash food thermometers with hot, soapy water after each use. 2. You wash meat, poultry or eggs I know it sounds counterintuitive, but it`s better not to wash raw meat, poultry or eggs before cooking, for two reasons. The first is, rinsing won`t kill bacteria that give you food
borne diseases. Secondly, water will spread the bacteria all over your sink (and other dishes, if there are any in the sink), your countertops and other surfaces in the kitchen. So omitting to wash meat & co. before cooking doesn`t mean you`ve missed a few hygiene classes, it means you`re spearing time and health. 3. Thawing food on the counter To thaw food, you should take it out of the freezer and slap it
4. Eating raw cookie dough (or other foods with uncooked eggs) What may be the yummiest part of making cookies is also the most dangerous. Uncooked or raw eggs may contain Salmonella or other harmful bacteria. Always cook eggs thoroughly the cookies will still taste good. 5. Tasting food to see if it’s still good You can’t taste (or smell or see) the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Tasting only a tiny amount can cause serious illness. Instead, throw food out before harmful bacteria grows.
The Many Uses Of Lime
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e use limes and lemons to remove the freshness of fish and add flavor to a variety of our meals. However, there are a lot more uses to this beautiful citrus than just being the base in your glass of juice. Here are some more ways limes can come in handy even outside the kitchen. The Ultimate Deodorizer Lemon or Lime Juice in a little spray bottle will stop underarm smell all day and even after a late night at the gym...As a matter of fact, if you forget to shower you will still smell like lemon the next day. Bear in mind that we do not advocate non-showering. The thing is, lime is a great antifungal and the acid neutralizes odour causing bacteria. Why not spray lime/lemon juice in your shoes and let it air dry for 16
a clean citrusy scent? You can even grind a whole lime in an electric garbage disposal to get rid of unpleasant odors. For Removing Facial Blemishes Lemon juice can be applied directly onto freckles and dark blemishes to help lighten them. The high acidic content in limes helps exfoliate the top layer of skin, which increases new cell production, helping to lighten mild pigmentation over time. This is a much safer alternative to the skin bleaching products which have taken over the market. As Homemade Furniture Polish In a glass jar with a tight fitting lid, mix 1/4 cup lemon juice or fresh squeezed lemon juice with
1/2 cup pure vegetable oil. Apply to wood furniture witha cotton cloth, rubbing in a small amount at a time. Kept out of direct sunlight, this mixture can be stored for several months. As A Homemade Glass Cleaner 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 up isopropyl rubbing alcohol, 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid. Add all ingredients in a spray bottle, then fill remainder of bottle with water, shake well to mix. Use as you would any commercial window cleaner. Be sure to clearly label the bottle before storing.
RECIPES
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Care For A Brunch Binge?
hat awkward time between breakfast and lunch when you don’t want breakfast or lunch, but you are hungry just the same. This time is known as brunch. Meals at this time usually consist of a little of both breakfast and lunch. Some of them even border the fine line of dessert. Here are some recipes that are perfect for brunch. Bon appÊtit!
sheet with a rim and place in oven. Pour water into baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes, or until eggs have set.
Chicken Salad
Brunch Scones Ingredients 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 5 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 tablespoons white sugar 2/3 cup whole milk 1/2 cup currants 1 egg yolk, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with baking parchment. Sift flour and baking powder into a medium bowl. Rub butter and sugar into flour to form a fine crumble. Make a well in center, and add milk and currants. Knead gently together, being careful not to over mix. Dough will be sticky. On a generously floured surface, roll out dough to 3/4 inch thickness. Stamp out 2 1/2 inch rounds with a plain pastry cutter. Transfer to prepared pan, and brush tops with egg yolk. Allow to stand for 15 minutes. Bake in preheated oven until risen and lightly golden on top, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool. 18
Baked Brunch Omelet Ingredients 1/2 (1 pound) loaf white bread, cut into cubes 1 1/2 pounds Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup cubed cooked ham 8 eggs 2 cups milk 1 pinch salt 1 dash hot pepper sauce, or to taste 1/4 cup chopped green onion Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. Place half of the bread cubes on bottom of baking pan. Sprinkle with half of the ham and then half of the cheese; repeat. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, milk, salt, hot sauce and green onions. Pour egg mixture into pan. Place pan on top of a baking
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Ingredients 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons hot water 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 cup olive oil 2 cups halved seedless red grapes 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans 1 cup coarsely crumbled blue cheese Directions Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken and simmer until cooked through, approximately 10 minutes. Drain, cool and cut into cubes. While boiling chicken, make the mayonnaise: Using a blender or hand-held electric mixer, beat the egg, mustard, salt, water and vinegar until light and frothy. Add the oil a tablespoon at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Once mixture begins to thicken, you can add oil more quickly. Continue until mixture reaches the consistency of creamy mayonnaise. The more oil you add, the thicker it gets; you may not need the full cup of oil. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, grapes, pecans, blue cheese and 1 cup of the mayonnaise. Stir until evenly coated, adding more mayonnaise if necessary. Refrigerate until serving.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ingredients Cooking spray 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 ripe bananas, mashed 1/3 cup unsweetened crunchy peanut butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt 1 large egg 1 tablespoon canola oil 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray a 9x5inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Whisk whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and stir mashed bananas, peanut butter, brown sugar, yogurt, egg, and canola oil thoroughly in a separate bowl. Stir the banana mixture into the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined; stir in chocolate chips. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven until the loaf is lightly browned at the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool the bread in the pan on a rack for 15 minutes before removing bread to finish cooling on rack. Slice when cool.
BRIDAL
Choosing A Wedding Dress
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very bride to be envisions the perfect wedding day and having the perfect wedding dress is a major part of what makes that dream day flawless. The problem is, getting the ideal wedding dress can be somewhat of a hassle and can heighten your stress leading up to that date. Here, we share some information that will help brides as they shop for the right dress. The first thing to take into account is the style of the dress and finding an appropriate style to suit the ceremony. For a formal evening wedding, a floor-length dress in ivory, white, cream or champagne, often worn with gloves and a train, is an elegant choice. Semiformal ballerina-length dresses can be also be in pastels, with a short veil and no train. For less-formal nuptials, the bride has a choice of a long or short dress, or even a twopiece suit. A short veil may be 20
very stylish paired with a classic pillbox hat. This is common in many second weddings. Apart from the general look of the dress, your silhouette should also influence what type of dress you purchase. There are five major types of dress and each should be chosen according to body type. The Princess Dress is fitted in the body, then flows out toward the ground. Ball Gowns are fitted in the body with a full skirt. Mermaid Dresses contour the body from the chest to knee, then flows to the hem. A Sheath Dress is straight and form-fitted from the shoulders to the hem. The Empire style has a raised waist line that sits below the bst. Find out which suits you best. A sheath dress, which hugs every curve, would not flatter a full-figured woman. A ball gown, which bells at the bottom, might overwhelm a petite woman's figure. The next thing to con-
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sider is your budget. Just because it’s a once in a lifetime spend doesn’t mean you should spend a lifetime’s worth of money. Off the rack dresses can be relatively cheap while custom made dresses can be very expensive according to the designer. Buy according to what looks good on you and what you can afford. Don’t let brand names dictate your buying. Also, budget for alterations which can add significant bucks to your price. Be sure to ask if pressing is included and if they'll store your dress until the big day. With that said, beware of salespeople. Don't let the sales consultant talk you into anything. Remember that many consultants work for commission. Sadly, many sales consultants won't care if you really do look beautiful -- they'll want you to purchase the most expensive dress, regardless of how it looks on you. Some of
them will have a genuine interest in helping you find the dress of your dreams. But don't take a chance, and stick to your own opinion and that of the people you take with you. Let common sense be your guide and consider practicalities and accessories. If you want to a wear a veil, for example, try one on with the dress. Equally, put your hair up if you think that's how you'd like to wear it on the day. Finally, don’t rush into buying anything. Bring the entourage when you go dress shopping. Your friends, sister or mom can help with your choice and help you avert the pressures of overzealous store clerks. It is important to have a clear head. The vast majority of dresses are non-returnable, so when you've bought it, you've bought it. Carry a digital camera and have a friend take notes while you shop, to help you remember each gown.
FAMILY
Questions Every New Couple Should Answer Before Having Kids
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or most couples, the next stage of any marriage is to start a family; to procreate. Although some make the transition to this stage pretty easily, others may struggle to cope with the challenges of maintaining a marriage and a family. Proper planning is the key to making this work and both partners must come together to decide on the best possible solution. As a newlymarried couple you may want to consider a couple things before you make such a decision. Remember, having children is a lifelong commitment and one that can be enjoyed as long as there is co-operation and an understanding of what is expected and what needs to be done.
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Have you experienced life enough to sacrifice the next 18 years? Most persons think about sacrificing parties or having to reach home early, but there are other things to consider. What about shopping trips with your friends or dinner dates? These would all be affected.
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Have you experienced taking care of children before? If you grew up in household with younger brother and sisters with you being the oldest, then chances are you are
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Have you had enough time to develop a strong foundation? Most couples give themselves at least 3 years before making the bigstep into parenthood. Some even more as they seek to develop a strong bond. Remember children demand a lot of attention and sometimes either spouse can feel neglected. By creating a bond it ensures that both spouses are able to ‘stand on their own’, having the assurance that the love and companionship is still there.
very experienced in child-rearing. If not, you may want to do some research on raising a child and what it entails. For women, their maternal instincts kick in but knowledge is power.
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Have you considered the possibility of twins or having a child with disabilities? Most couples are excited for twins, but what about the cost of having 2 or more children at the same time. Also, what would happen if the child is born with a disability? Have plans in place for unknown situations like these.
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Do you have the support of family of friends? As a new couple, you may think that you can do it on your own, but it s always wise to get the advice from parents who have been married with children for years. They give the best advice, helping when necessary and providing support.
concern as no time-off from work is needed if your wife is pregnant. But for mothers, how will this affect your job? Your education? Your plans to return to school? Will you be able to study and maintain a family, better yet to provide a stable home? Really think about this before making such a decision.
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Am I living in a ‘good’ area? ‘Good’ is relative but it basically means if you’re living in a community that has Day Cares or is close to a daycare, a school, a hospital even a park for recreation.
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How will they fit into my career plans? For men, this may not be a grave
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Do you both agree on the right ways to raise a child? Communication is one of the most important factors to maintain a strong marriage and a family. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about this issue and if any disagreements arise, find fair solutions that suit both parents and the child.
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Can you afford them advantages in life such as college or car? Many people often admit that they do not want their child to live the type of life that they lived. But, easier said than done. Before having kids, ensure that you have enough money saved or can have enough saved by the time your children gets older, to help them live a full, happy life.
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How many kids do you want and at what age? Most people leave it up to chance but family planning should be discussed especially as a new couple. This can make decisionmaking easier as you can plan your life around having kids and not the other way around.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Let Your Accessories Save Your Outfit
At Home Manicure Tips
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on't have time to run to a salon for a perfect manicure? Treat yourself to an at- home manicure. Manicure Tools needed: Nail polish remover, cotton balls, nail clipper and nail scissors, nail file, bowl, nail brush, cuticle clipper, orange stick, cuticle oil, hand cream, nail strengthener, clear nail polish, colored nail polish
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Start by taking off any remaining nail polish. Use cotton balls and nail polish remover. Nail polish remover can be very damaging to your nails so try to use a nail polish remover that is acetone free. Another option would be to use a salon brand nail polish remover; they work a lot better and remove the polish very easily.
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The next step is to shape your nails. If your nails are weak or damaged it would be better to keep them short. Use a file for this step unless the nails are very short and you need to trim off a lot with scissors or clippers before. Remember to file your nails in one direction to prevent damage to your nails.
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Clean your nails with a nail brush and soak for a couple of minutes to soften your cuticles.
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Next take an orange stick with a tiny piece of cotton wrapped around it and push back cuticles. If you have hangnails or rugged cuticles, clip them with cuticle scissors. Massage cuticles with cuticle oil and apply hand cream.
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Use the nail polish remover one more time and remove any oil or lotion that may remain on your nails from the previous step. This will help your nail polish to stay longer and better.
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Apply a base coat or nail strengthener, depending on what you need. Never forget this step if you enjoy dark polishes as this will help prevent staining. For a simple look, you can stop now.
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Pick out your favorite color of nail polish and apply two light coats.
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Last but not least, apply a clear nail polish or top coat to help make your at home manicure last longer.
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udgets are tight these days, but that’s no reason to stop being fashion conscious – this is a lifestyle not an on-again off-again fling. Jewelry will always be one of the best ways that you can stay current with today's trends without dipping into your savings account (but if you have to you have to!) To really get mileage you should know what the top trends and styles are going to be so you choose quality pieces that update your style. Statement jewelry is actually one of the largest trends right now. These pieces may not be the most expensive pieces in your wardrobe, but they pack a lot of punch. You’ll want to choose pieces that are a bit more outrageous than your every day jewelry (note the “a bit” part.) Explore fun shapes, rich colors, and sparkle. The key to making this look work for you is to keep your statement down to one piece per outfit. You do not want to have a large statement ring paired with a chunky armful of bangles, and some chandelier earrings. Choice, my good fashionable people, we have the power of choice let us use good judgment. On the mention of earrings, chandelier earrings are back in the spotlight. They bring an instantly feminine and glamorous look to any outfit. Typically, chandelier earrings have w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
some sort of sparkle to them, and this makes them the perfect addition to any going out look. However, do not think you can only wear chandelier earrings in the evening. They are actually really beautiful when paired with simple jeans, heels, and a spaghetti strap vest or halter. These sparkly babies add a bit of glamour to our mundane days. A side note of encouragement to pay attention to detail. If it looks chunky and clumsily put together in the showcase it may very well still look that way on your arm later. Examine pieces closely, they cost a lump sum you don’t want to reach home and gems begin to come unstuck. Look at comfort – some designs have sharp edges that can be irritable with long wear. Don't forget to incorporate the colors into your choice of sparkle as well. Jewel tones are very popular as long as they are rich and lush. You can choose to incorporate gemstones into you collection that are very rich in hue. These do not need to be the most expensive stones either. You can choose amethysts or citrines to give your accessories that glitz and glam that you are looking for. Additionally, you might want to explore pieces that have multiple stones in multiple hues to add to your collection.
APRIL 2013
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MEDICINE CABINET
home gym
Three Things Your Dentist Won’t Tell You
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eeping a well-aligned, stainless smile is something that is important to several people. Dentists know that, so they capitalize on it big time. But are they capitalizing at your expense? Here are three things your dentist may not want you to know. You may not need visits twice yearly You are generally reminded to make biannual dental appointments. This actually originated almost two centuries ago in a comic book. The fact is, everyone has specific needs and may not be required to see the dentist that often. A sixmonth checkup means everybody has the same risk for disease, and that doesn't make very much sense. However, the majority of the typical middle-class population is not at high risk for lots of decay and gum disease so they probably don't need to be seen every six months. Dental care is costly, but the materials used may be cheap. How many of us have thought 24
about price over performance when we consider a dentist? Well a lot of us do. The sad thing is several dentists use the cheapest materials available and charge you for the best. At the end of the day a dentist is a businessman and he will be looking for ways to cut down expenses where necessary. Therefore, if that filling of yours came out (a common problem) it may not be the actual work, but the product used. One brush and floss per day is all you need You've been trained since childhood to brush and floss in the morning and evening and even after meals. Surprise: One good and thorough brushing and flossing per day keeps the plaque away. The unpleasant breath may be another issue though. Plaque bacteria take 24 hours to grow back in numbers great enough to cause a problem. Don’t forget that several dentists have a lot invested in the oral hygiene industry. It is important that they help sell products.
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The Benefits Of Circuit Training
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any people who go to the gym make regular use of circuit training. In circuit training, you have to go through 8 to 10 exercises consecutively to complete a round or circuit. It sounds difficult, but there can be no “workout” without the “work.” If you do decide to put in the effort, here is how circuit training can benefit you.
It saves Time Finally, since you will move through this workout quickly, you won't have to spend long hours in the gym, and you will be able to spend your time doing the things that you never seemed to have time for when you were making the gym your second home. It Beats Boredom Because circuit training is such a flexible format, the options in how you set up your workout are limitless. Whether you like to stick to one routine for a while to measure your progress or prefer mixing it up every time you go to the gym, having a plan will make you more confident and efficient.
It Gives Multiple Workouts In One Due to the lack of rest that circuit training demands, exercisers maintain elevated heart rates for the entire period of exercise. The combination of weight training and increased cardiovascular effort makes circuit training a beneficial type of cross training. The exerciser gains muscle through the resistance training. The exerciser increases his/her cardiovascular endurance during the slightly elevated heart rate that is maintained in between sets and throughout the overall program. The exerciser burns high amounts of calories during the high exertion periods of his/her sets.
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Common Car Cleaning Mistakes
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ome people treat their cars better than their own family members. It’s true; some folk would let their child walk around in a dirty diaper for an hour while they delicately wash their car. With that said, though they may profess to love their cars, they may love it wrong in the cleaning department. Here are some common mistakes during car leaning. Not using car care products Dish soap is made for dishes. Tire dressing is made for tires. Do you get the picture? Whatever you’re using, be sure it’s for cars. Dish soap and other household cleaners can damage your vehicle. Be sure to use premium car shampoos and tire shine products. Similarly, Make sure you are using the right kinds of towels on the right areas of your car. Washing mitts, micro-fiber cloths, and chamois cloths are all ideal for scrubbing down your car. New, clean terry cloth towels should be used for drying. Window towels, obviously enough, should be used on windows. Don’t leave your towels and cloths on the ground where they can pick up dirt and gravel. The last thing you want is a deep scratch on your car from drying it. Letting it dry naturally Many car owners will let their car dry naturally after they have 26
washed their car. This is a normal thing that most car owners do and can be quite damaging to a car. Allowing your car to dry naturally will leave water spots on your car. These water spots are normally minerals such as calcium, magnesium and metals from tap water. Removing them with car wash shampoo is very hard. Professionals normally use mild acid to remove them. My suggestion is dry your car with chamois or cotton cloth. If you want to dry it faster, use a good squeegee. Washing it in the Sun If you have the option, wash your car in the shade. Although direct sunlight may be tempting, it can potentially burn spots in the paint. Plus, it is difficult washing a car in scorching sun. The soap dries on the car before it can be rinsed, leaving white residue and making rinsing difficult. Ignoring the Inside Did you know that the average steering wheel contains nine times the number germs on a public toilet seat? Yes, the inside of your car is easy to overlook, but it may be one of the most important parts of cleaning your car. Be sure to vacuum the carpet, polish the dash, clean windows, and certainly disinfect your steering wheel, shifter, and anything else you routinely touch.
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The New Dog Checklist
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f you are a new dog owner, you may be concerned about whether you can take care of a dog. After all, a new dog is a big responsibility. Luckily, it is not really that difficult to take care of a dog. If you just keep these simple tips in mind, you and your new dog will have a successful and happy relationship. 1. Visit the vet - Dogs need to have yearly physicals and updated vaccines, just as people do. In fact, since dogs age more quickly than people, it is best to take your dog to the vet every six months for a quick physical. If your vet sees your dog regularly, he may be able to spot changes in your dog that signal illness or disease. 2. Train your dog - A well behaved dog is welcome almost anywhere. Make sure other people can enjoy your dog's company by teaching him good manners. If you are unsure about how to train your dog, take an obedience class so you can learn together. Teaching your dog to sit, stay, heel and come is very important. If he ever starts to run into the street, these commands could even save his life. 3. Feed your dog right Feeding your dog the right
food can keep him active and healthy for many years. Feeding him a cheap dog food may save you money today, but may cost more money in the long run. Veterinary care for obese or diabetic dogs can be very expensive. 4. Remember to neuter your dog - Unless your dog is an exceptional representative of his breed, please neuter him. This is one of the most important ways to take care of your dog, since neutering a dog at six months of age can prevent many common dog cancers. 5. Groom your dog - Dogs feel better when they are well groomed, just as people do. Brush your dog regularly, even if he has a short coat. Trim his nails or ask your vet to trim them so that he can walk comfortably. You can even brush his teeth with a special dog brush and toothpaste to be sure he doesn't develop dental problems.
Finally, don't forget to give your dog plenty of love and attention. If you follow these tips on how to take care of a dog, you and your new pal will be well on the way to a happy and successful relationship.
TRAVEL
Destinations For Nature Lovers
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here is so much natural beauty worldwide that nature lovers are having a hard time trying to decide which destination they should choose for their next adventure. Places such as China, India and the islands of the Caribbean have attracted and will continue to attract tourists for many years; not only because of their matchless beauty, but because of their breathtaking sights . Though some have visited the countries above, there are still many destinations that have not been explored or discovered. It was a difficult task, but we have narrowed it down to the top four travel destinations for nature lovers, with tips and suggestions on why we believe they head the list. Antigua and Barbuda- from its bird sanctuaries to its beaches, this country has countless attractions for bird watchers and historical enthusiasts. The Frigate Bird Colony is one of the country’s key tourist attractions second only to its white, sandy beaches. With 170 species of birds living at the sanctuary, it is also home to the largest Frigate Bird (Fregata magnificans) gathering in the world (approximately 2500); a perfect sight for bird lovers. Darby’s Cave also located in Barbuda possesses very lush vegetation and is full of tall trees. Over the 28
cliff ’s rim hawser thick roots of mighty lianas fall together and interlace the trees; ferns cluster on the damp soil and birds are abundant. The scene is similar to that of a tropical rain forest. If in Antigua, be sure to check out English Harbour which hosts a rich collection of historical sites: restored buildings, hilltop forts and museums. Dominica- with 22 species of whale sited in the Dominican waters it is no wonder this country is known as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean’. It is possible to see the radiant Sperm Whale close to the shore since its waters run deep from that point. Scuba diving is a national pastime and encouraged as divers can view firsthand the splendid walls and pinnacles, pristine reefs, and amazing creatures (seahorses and frogfishes) that make the ocean their place of abode. For active nature lovers who enjoy the hands on experience, hiking is strongly encouraged as there are countless trails available for hikers at all levels. Whether doing an easy walk to take in the view or a more challenging one to steal a fun exercise routine, there are beautiful sights along the way and an even more spectacular one on concluding the hike. Australia-for the nature lover interested in sightseeing then
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this country is THE place to visit. Mountains, sea, rivers, lakes, plateaus, plains, valleys, forests and much more are to be found in this scenic country. The most significant places of tourist interest are, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane. Sydney has been blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna and the plush green Royal Botanic Gardens. The picturesque Opera House in Sydney with its magnificent structure will have you amazed; similarly, the Sydney Aquarium is a must see for marine lovers, with a wide range of sea creatures available to admire. The scenic parks in Adelaide along with the Cottlesloe and Scarborough beaches in Perth instantly attract sightseers because of their white sands and clear waters. To really experience natural beauty at work, you must see the lovely sunset at St. Kilda and Brighton beaches. Equador- though it’s the smallest country in the South American continent, the name is synonymous with the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon (notably the Napo Wildlife Center), Andes (highlands and cloud forests) and the Coast (particularly during whale mating season). The Galapagos Islands are a year round destination for those who enjoy wildlife. The inhabitants do not fear humans and a close-up view is always
welcomed. The Amazon rainforest spans almost 40% of the land mass in South America and the NAPO wildlife centre in the Amazon is a MUST see! Run purely by the natives, the centre sets a standard for others to follow. The wildlife here is so magnificent that it has been featured on PBS and Healing Seekers and boasts one of the best parrot clicks in South America. It is located in the Yasuni Biosphere where immaculate primary rainforest still exists. It is no wonder that the Spanish colonials previously owned several houses or ‘castles’ along the Andes highlands; a drive through the Valley of the Volcanoes is simply awesome. Birders, you are not forgotten; the reserves located in Cloud forest are magnificent. There are even reserves such as the Mindo-Nambillo, with available living accommodations for true birdwatchers. One of the most overlooked regions in Ecuador is the coast which features beautiful beaches, dry forest, coastal scrubs, the world’s tallest mangroves, wet lands, and surprising levels of natural flora. Naming the top four travel destinations was a task but we hope that you enjoyed reading about and plan to visit these countries soon.
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