BE INSPIRED with the very best in kitchen solutions only at Courts.
LIVING QUARTERS
3 Natural Ventilation Tips
Y
ou acknowledge that you live in a tropical climate, but you still complain that the heat is unbearable. This is common in most Trini homes. However, you need not think of your home as a sweat box. By utilizing some great green tips, you can maximize the natural ventilation in your surroundings. Just Add Water Fountains, pools or swimming pools can act as transition spaces where air is naturally cooled before passing through interiors. This is a popular, functional feature in many oriental landscapes and home designs. Get cool from the ground up Cover paved areas such as pavements and surrounding grounds with grass or other low heat absorbing materials.
By opting for grass, for example, the heat retained in the ground is very minimal. This greatly helps directing cool air inside your home or building. Try Earth Mounds Earth mounds are an amazing
example of efficiency derived their air circulation concepts from insect mounds and blacktailed prairie dogs. They are great to add as a part of your home/garden/yard landscape to help aid air circulation, especially in the hot drier periods.
Mildew Prevention Tips
M
old and mildew go hand in hand. However, nobody likes either of them. Though they may be easy to remove at some stages, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some mildew prevention tips. Moisture is the number one cause of mildew. Drying out damp areas of the home will help to prevent the rate of incidence. This can be done most commonly by using a dehumidifier. One can also sprinkle arrowroot powder or cornstarch over the moldy area, as this will help to absorb the extra moisture. With that said, fixing those leaky pipes, or that leak in the roof, will help to eliminate the water source and prevent the conditions for which mold loves to grow. Seepage should also be checked. The ground should slope away from your house. If water is entering
the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Also, if you keep things clean, you can prevent mildew or mold growth. Soil and grease on furniture, walls, etc can supply the necessary nutrients that mildew needs to grow, provided other conditions are right as well. Therefore, if you take the w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
food source away, mildew will have a difficult time gaining a foothold. Managing the humidity is also essential to decreasing the chance of mildew. When the air outside is drier than that inside, ventilation allows the dry air to enter, take up excess moisture, and then be carried outside. When natural breezes are not sufficient, you can use electric fans placed in a window, set in a wall, to move air from the house. Poorly ventilated closets get damp and musty during continued wet weather, and articles stored in them are apt to mildew. Try to improve the air circulation by opening the closet doors or by installing a fan. In addition, hang the clothes loosely so that air can circulate around them. Dry all wet clothing (including clothes wet from rain or perspiration) before putting it in the closet.
JUNE 2013
ABSTRACT HOME
1
LIVING QUARTERS
Constructing Daddy’s Dream Digs
Y
our husband/father may have bought the house, but what is there in it for him really? It’s no secret that wives usually take over the home’s décor. However, there should be a retreat for your father within the home. So here are some tips for your daddy’s own personal man cave. In order to build the perfect man cave, one must have a ‘cave.’ Therefore, an appropriate space needs to be chosen. Naturally, the word "cave" is very loosely used in the case of developing a man cave. Basements and attics are uncommon in Trinidad and Tobago, but they make for the perfect spaces. Otherwise, you can just as easily use an unused bathroom, the shed out the back or the garage. They key is getting anywhere that is spare, has adequate elbow room, and is left currently unused or pretty much abandoned. Just don’t use a high traffic area as your dad needs his personal space in his man cave. This area is his and should be off limits unless dad approves it. Before you start designing the room, pick an object that he 2
will like and use it as your inspiration in choosing the overall look and color of your man cave. This object can be a pool table, jukebox, picture or preserved animal head. People’s tastes vary, so go with what you know he will relate to. No matter what floats your father’s boat, a TV is a must for his man cave. All eyes must face the flat screen TV so choose a wall and select the best screen possible to fit the available space. Sitting down is a requirement so make sure the furniture is facing where the television is in full view. To get the right TV,
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
take into account three factors: viewing distance, picture quality, and what you are willing to spend. For example, a distance of 8 to 11 feet means a screen size of 40 to 52 inches will give the right experience. Now that you have the television locked, get the right accessories. A surround sound system is a must to go with the big screen TV. You don't have to by the worlds most expensive surround sound system to enjoy the game, a simple system puts out great sound for anywhere around $500 -$1000. The sound system will aide you in getting the lime started when you crank up the music for you and your friends. A next must for the ultimate man cave is games. You can never have too many of these. From board games to card games, from a pool table to a table tennis table, whatever fits in and makes your world rock is absolutely fine. Plus, with the modern dad, high tech video games should not be left out. Get lots of video games plus the latest console to play them. By the way, make sure
there is WIFI access as well. Another addition to the dream male space is a bar fridge. You can go all out with a full sized kitchen fridge and freezer if you wish, but a bar/mini fridge works just as well. In fact, why not just get a bar in there, or at least something resembling one. A couple stools, a counter and a selection of the right drinks and utensils are all you need. Last, but not least, the right décor is essential to the man cave. Don’t feel because daddy is a man’s man he does not want his room coordinated and comfy. Filling a room with manly movie prints, sporty furniture, geeky 8-bit aquariums and weaponry decor will not only appease the eyes, but make the space much more enjoyable for all visitors. Is he a fan of Chelsea Football Club? Then paint the space blue or frame and hang up some of his favourite player jerseys like art. A man cave is essential for your father’s unwinding. He works hard for you and the family, so maybe building him a man cave is the ideal payback.
LIVING QUARTERS
Building the Perfect Master Bedroom
T
he bedroom is often seen as a place of refuge and rest in any home. Therefore, its serenity should be reflected in the very items it contains. Though a bedroom should have certain necessities it should also contain items that make the space more enjoyable. When talking about a dream bedroom, some of us tend to go overboard; after all, you pattern it to reflect your style. Whether you’re a couple, bachelor or bachelorette, here are some items that make your master bedroom a dream sleeping space.
1
Bed- I know some of you are saying “duh” but a good bed is the difference between getting a good night’s sleep which leads to a productive day rather than a sleepless night that leaves you groggy and agitated ready to pounce on anyone who even looks at you the wrong way.
able rug. These are available in different designs, colours and textures. Be sure to choose one that you may enjoy as this can also be a place for you to rest on some occasions.
5 When choosing a bed forget the funny commercial and search for one that satisfies your needs e.g. maybe you need a firm mattress because of your back pain.
2
Chair(s) - Not everyone likes the idea of strangers lying or sitting on their beds. So when guests come over have a chair available for the person to sit on. Find comfortable alternatives so that they may feel welcomed. There are comfy futons or lounge chairs that work well in this area.
3
Walk-in closet- though this is not a reality for all, wouldn’t it be fun if we had them though? This makes it much easier for us to arrange clothes and shoes, and helps with storage of items that are only needed at certain times. Some walk-in closets have movable rails so that your clothes extend forward or backwards while you stand still.
4
Rug- Another alternative to your friends sitting on your bed? A nice, comfort-
Dressing space with mirror- Even guys can have this. Nothing is better than having your cologne next to the brush and applying everything in front of the mirror. Ladies, we may require more space as we have everything from lotion to face moisturizer to place on this. For easier make-up application, try getting one with a chair available so that you can sit and apply make-up with ease.
6
Trash bin- Always have a bin available to get rid of unwanted stuff. These can range from nail clippings to hair follicles or used tissue.
Interior Leather Care
L
eather couches and other pieces of furniture are comfortable and look nice. However, it's important to take care of the leather furniture and keep it clean to ensure that it will stay looking nice. After all, it’s also among the most expensive types of furniture to be bought so proper care is important. If your furniture gets a lot of use or is in a part of your home that gets a lot of traffic, you should clean your leather furniture thoroughly once a season. This will remove any general soiling, perspiration or oils that have collected on the surface. Don't use anything on your furniture that isn't made specifically for cleaning leather furniture. Some products can do a lot more harm than good. A couple of times a year you'll want to rejuvenate the leather. Use a mix of one part
4
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
white vinegar and two parts linseed oil. Apply it to the entire surface with a clean, soft cloth in circular motions. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and buff it with another soft cloth. If liquid gets spilled, mop it up immediately with a clean cloth or sponge. Never use water on a grease stain. Instead, wipe the stain with a dry cloth. It should disappear naturally over
time as the leather absorbs it. If you find a stain, don't panic. Stains can be treated. If it's ink, use a cotton swab that has been dipped in some rubbing alcohol or vinegar and then blow it dry with a blow dryer on cool. If the stain is still there, try using a thick layer of non-gel, oil-free cuticle remover. Leave it on the stain for a couple of hours and then wipe it off.
LIVING QUARTERS
Pretty Your Pantry Cleaning and Organizing Tips
I
s your pantry a disorganized mess? Is it brimming with dusty spice containers and overtaken with canned vegetables that may have been purchased in 1995? Whatever the situation in your kitchen pantry, whipping your food closet into tip-top shape is a good idea. Not only will having a clean pantry make you feel more inclined to cook in your kitchen, a thorough decluttering of old pantry items will also help ensure that the food you prepare tastes fresh. Get started creating a clean, organized storage space with these kitchen pantry-cleaning ideas. Step 1: Clear everything out Whether your kitchen pantry consists of an entire closet or a few kitchen cabinets, the process of cleaning and organizing the pantry starts with clearing everything out. Tackle the job one step at a time by starting on one side of your kitchen and moving cabinet by cabinet to remove all of the contents, until you reach your goal. Use empty cardboard boxes to hold your kitchen pantry contents as you remove them from the shelves. Try to keep like items with like so the next step in the process is easier to tackle. 6
Step 2: Clean The next step to an organized kitchen pantry is cleaning. With all of your food items cleared and temporarily in boxes, start wiping down all of your shelves. Wipe down every surface from floor to ceiling, clearing away all dust, bugs, and dirt. Finally, dust off or wipe down spice containers and cans. (Don’t forget the bottoms of sticky jars.) Before you put anything back in the pantry, every item should be clean. Step 3: Sort While you’re clearing and cleaning the kitchen pantry, take time to look at your inventory. Sort through the items, and get rid of any food or spices that are past the expiration date. (Spices don’t really spoil, though all but the most powerful spices tend to lose their flavor after about
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
six months.) While you’re sorting, check open containers for bugs and toss out any items that you haven’t used in years. If you can’t remember when you bought an open bag of flour, it’s best to throw it out and replace it. The pantry is ideally the kitchen storage space where you stockpile a reserve of food for your family. It’s no good if you’re keeping food in there that’s going bad. Resist the urge to keep food simply because you paid for it. If a food item is past its prime, get rid of it for the sake of your family’s good health. Do the same for any kitchen utensils, appliances, or pots and pans that are not in good shape: throw them out. If items are still usable, but have been untouched for ages, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
Step 4: Organize With your kitchen pantry clean and sparkling, it’s time to put the food, spices, and cooking utensils back inside. Instead of just tossing everything back in there willy-nilly, it’s best to take an organized approach to refilling the pantry. Start by keeping like items together. Designate a shelf (or the right side of a shelf, for example) to spices. Keep another shelf for baking supplies, canned goods, cereals, main course items — whatever categories of food you keep in your pantry. Separating food by type will help keep your pantry organized. You may be surprised by how much room you’ve really got in your pantry after the cleaning and organizing. If you’re still short on kitchen storage space, however, you may want to invest in such space-saving organizational tools as overthe-door spice racks, canned good risers, or plastic storage containers to make the best use of your pantry. With a clean, organized pantry at your disposal, you can look forward to meals that will seem fresher and tastier — and cooking will be easier and faster than ever before.
home office
The Success Skill Set
E
veryone wants to achieve great success in life, but they do not know how to achieve it. This article focuses on some important skills which lead your life towards great success. Vocational training and life skills play an important role in accomplishing job tasks. These skills constitute a variety of knowledge and aptitudes that are necessary for a person to function without any help and to avoid breaks in the employment experience. Job skills are very important and need to be increased day by day through a vocational training program. Other skills like dressing sense, communication skills, presentation skills, body language, time management skills, smiling and a sense of humor are as important as job skills. All these skills can be polished by daily practice. These skills are responsible for your overall personality. If you are good in these skills you will be successful in any field. If you are lacking in any one of these skills, start practicing from today to enrich your personality. You can join some training institute or practice by yourself. 8
People often tend to identify and understand their negatives, but fail to convert those negatives in positives. If you are facing same type of situation, be ready to adopt some changes in your daily activities. You can take help from your spouse or close friends to identify your negatives and discuss how to convert them into positives. If you used to reach late in your office, it will ruin the impression you create no matter how good you are at your job. To solve this problem you can start your day half an hour earlier, if you reach the office half an hour late. Communication skills can
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
be improved by joining business communication classes. If you improve your communication skills, it will help in improving presentation skills. Dressing sense can also be improved by watching and adopting successful persons’ fashion sense. If you are in the office, wear business attire only. Keep harmonious relations with your colleagues and boss by enhancing your interpersonal skills. Be ready to give support to your colleagues when required. Passion plays an important role in success. While doing what you love does not guarantee financial success, it helps you
to feel more comfortable and work in an optimal state. Abstaining from doing what you love for a living guarantees a life of boredom and unhappiness at work. Above all, focus. Develop razor-sharp focus on a life goal or mission. Successful people know that new information tends to erode existing knowledge, and old knowledge often interferes with understanding new information. Keep your goals safe from erosion. Create a safe place in your mind where all personaldevelopment ideas converge. Apart from all these job skills, there are other skills which are important. You should not postpone any work and try to complete it on or before time. If it is not possible, discuss with your boss before the deadline. Your boss may put some other person to assist you to complete the job at the given time. We are all born with basically the same tools. What you decide to mould and develop with those tools is up to you. Success and stagnancy aren’t brothers. Get on board the train to triumph now with these tips.
elegant ideas
Beautiful Bedrooms Continued‌
The accessories bring this bedroom to life. Indoor plants, an overhead lamp and ornate woodwork work well here w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
JUNE 2013
ABSTRACT HOME
11
elegant ideas
This wooden canopy bed complements the wooden floors and surroundings 12
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
elegant ideas
This room favours a more exotic old school Asian feel
w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
JUNE 2013
ABSTRACT HOME
13
elegant ideas
Light and airy is this white room with pale pastel accents
14
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
elegant ideas
Oriental bed dressing and a like-minded colour scheme bring this theme to life
w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
JUNE 2013
ABSTRACT HOME
15
KITCHEN
Tips For Freezing Food
W
hether we would like to admit it or not, we are in the age of plenty. That is why we always have leftovers and excess food stored in our fridge. Since we are akin to freezing food all the time, here are some food freezing tips to consider. • Freezer temperatures should never go above 0°F; fluctuating temperatures can affect the quality of frozen foods. • Supermarket wrappings are safe for most foods frozen 1 to 2 months, but for best quality, overwrap packages with heavy-duty freezer materials or store in plastic freezer bags. • Cool foods quickly before packaging. Don't let food stand at room temperature longer than 30 minutes before freezing. • Label all foods with recipe
name, date, number of servings, thawing and reheating directions and "use-by" date. • Do not overload your freezer with new foods; add no more than 2 to 3 pounds of food per cubic foot of freezer capacity so air can circulate for proper freezing. • Leave space between packages so air can circulate around them. • If you are unsure about the quality of certain foods after freezing, freeze a small amount first and test for quality after thawing and re-
heating. • You can refreeze unused portions of cooked foods that have previously been frozen and thawed in the refrigerator. • Seal containers with as little air as possible unless freezing liquid or semi-liquid foods that expand when frozen. Leave a 1 1/2-inch space below the rim to allow for expansion. • When freezing casserole dishes or containers with empty space between the food and lid, fill "dead spaces" with crumpled wax paper. • Store food in 1-gallon freezer bags; press out all the air and seal tightly so bags can be stacked on top of each other. • Do not freeze tomato-based or other acidic foods in aluminum baking pans, or cover them with aluminum foil.
Food Thawing Methods
T
here is an art to keeping various cuts of meat and food properly refrigerated. Similarly, proper thawing takes some knowledge and tact in order to promote food safety and taste quality. Refrigerator Thawing Planning ahead is the key to this method because of the lengthy time involved. A large frozen item like a turkey requires at 16
least a day (24 hours) for every 5 pounds of weight. Even small amounts of frozen food — such as a pound of ground meat or boneless chicken breasts — require a full day to thaw. When thawing foods in the refrigerator, there are variables to take into account. Some areas of the appliance may keep food colder than other areas. Food will take longer to thaw in a refrigerator set at 35 °F than one set at 40 °F. After thawing in the refrigerator, items such as ground meat, stewed meat, poultry, seafood, should remain safe and good quality for an additional day or two before cooking; red meat cuts (such as beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks) 3 to 5 days. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality.
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
Cold Water Thawing This method is faster than refrigerator thawing, but requires more attention. The food must be in a leak-proof package or plastic bag. If the bag leaks, bacteria from the air or surrounding environment could be introduced into the food. Also, the meat tissue may absorb water, resulting in a watery product. The bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. Small packages of meat, poultry or seafood — about a pound — may thaw in an hour or less. A 3-to 4-pound package may take 2 to 3 hours. For whole turkeys, estimate about 30 minutes per pound. If thawed completely, the food must be cooked immediately. Foods thawed by the cold
water method should be cooked before refreezing. Microwave Thawing When thawing food in a microwave, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the thawing process (bringing the food to "Danger Zone" temperatures). Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed and, indeed, the food may have reached optimal temperatures for bacteria to grow. After thawing in the microwave, always cook immediately after, whether microwave cooking, by conventional oven, or grilling. Foods thawed in the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.
RECIPES
Pig Out on Pork
I
n this issue we are sharing pork recipes. While many people seem to have issues with this particular protein, others believe that “The other white meat” is a must have for any fridge. Here are some simple pork recipes that you and your family can enjoy.
Simple BBQ RiBS
Geera Pork
Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds country style pork ribs 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons salt 1 cup barbeque sauce
Ham and Potato Soup
Directions Place ribs in a large pot with enough water to cover. Season with garlic powder, black pepper and salt. Bring water to a boil, and cook ribs until tender. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Remove ribs from pot, and place them in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour barbeque sauce over ribs. Cover dish with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until internal temperature of pork has reached 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). 1/2 cup chopped scallion
Ingredients 1 lb lean boneless pork (cubed) 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons chives, minced 2 teaspoons thyme 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 2 teaspoons culantro, minced (or cilantro) 2 teaspoons pimento pepper, minced 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 tablespoon garam masala 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon scotch bonnet peppers, minced or 1 teaspoon habanero pepper 1 tablespoon ground cumin (geera)
Ingredients 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes 1/3 cup diced celery 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 3/4 cup diced cooked ham 3 1/4 cups water 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste 5 tablespoons butter 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups milk Directions Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately. 18
Jerk Pork Ingredients 4 Serrano or jalapeño chiles, chopped with seeds, or 1/2 Scotch bonnet chile, chopped without seeds 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons ground allspice 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 teaspoon coarse salt 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 lb boneless pork loin, cut cross-
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
wise into 1-inch-thick slices 2 teaspoons vegetable oil plus extra for brushing 1 tablespoon chopped scallion (optional) Directions Marinade: Purée marinade ingredients in a small food processor or a blender and transfer to a sealable plastic bag. Put pork in bag, turning to coat, and seal bag. Marinate pork, chilled, turning occasionally, 8 hours. Brush a well-seasoned cast-iron ridged grill pan lightly with some oil and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Grill pork, seasoned with salt, in batches over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 9 minutes on each side. (Discard any remaining marinade in bag.) Transfer pork to a plate to cool slightly. With your fingers, shred warm pork into a bowl and toss with oil, scallion, and salt to taste. Keep warm, covered.
Directions Marinate pork in salt, chive, thyme, black pepper, garlic, cilantro, and pimento pepper for four hours or overnight. Heat oil. Mix garam massala with 1/4 cup water, add this to hot oil and cook for about 3 minutes until thick and most of the water has evaporated. Add pork and stir until coated with masala. Add water until pork is just covered. Bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover and simmer for 20 -35 minutes or until almost cooked. Add minced scotch bonnet pepper and ground cumin. Stir thoroughly and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender. If while cooking it gets too dry, add about 1/2 cup water to prevent burning. When it is done the water should have reduced to somewhat thick gravy.
A revolutionary motor insurance policy that offers flexible insurance coverage and competitive rates.
Protect your greatest investment with this exceptional residential policy.
A unique commercial policy that will ensure you can resume business as quickly as possible.
A suite of policies that gives you complete peace of mind, whether you are at sea or transporting goods via the sea or air.
Backed by unparalleled Red Carpet customer service and a reputation for prompt and hassle-free claims settlement, Guardian General continues to stand by our promise to be there for you…always! Policyholders, friends and non-policyholders, we invite you to contact us today and be part of
The Guardian General Experience
Tel: 625-4445
BRIDAL
Will My Marriage Last?
Y
ou’ve met your mate and in all your smitten glory decided to take the plunge. Now that you are newly hitched you might want to look at your chances of staying hitched and the factors that may lead to divorce. Answer this quiz and see where you stand.
riage. a. Yes b. No
1. Is the husband 9 or more years older than the wife or is the husband 2 or more years younger than the wife? a. Yes b. No
10. Is religion important to both husband and wife? a. Yes b. No
2. How old were you (would you be) at marriage? a. 25 or less age b. 26 to middle age 3. Were the husband's and/or wife's parents separated or divorced? a. Yes b. No 4. Did you live together (cohabit) before marriage? a. Yes b. No 5. Does either or do both of you smoke? a. Yes b. No 6. Do either or both husband and wife consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day? a. Yes b. No 7. Is this a second or more marriage for either or both husband and wife? a. Yes b. No 8. Are there children before this marriage? That includes children from a previous relationship and children from this relationship born before mar20
9. Do the husband and wife strongly disagree on the number of children to have? a. Yes b. No
11. Is the couple poor and just getting by financially? a. Yes b. No Here is a look at the riskier answers you may have chosen and why. 1. The less risky answer is b. If a husband is nine or more years older than his wife or two or more years younger, the chance that they will become divorced is twice that of those with a closer age. This is thought to be due to differences in individual values and a power imbalance within the relationship. 2. The less risky answer is b: Early marriages are more likely to end in divorce. It is thought that this is due to less time in finding an ideal match, relatively undeveloped interpersonal skills such as communication and problem solving, and fewer financial resources. Late marriages, especially for women nearing the end of their child-bearing years, may be more rushed and the woman may settle for less than an ideal partner from a smaller pool of candidates. That smaller pool of candidates makes it difficult for both older men and women thus increasing the risk of divorce. 3. The less risky answer is b : The research indicates that if either or both the husband’s or wife’s parents separated or divorced there is a 60% higher likelihood of divorce for this couple than if their parents did not. This is thought to be due to a learned feeling that divorce is normal. Further the children of divorce may have interpersonal relation-
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
ship styles that are not supportive of marital happiness. 4. The less risky answer is b. Numerous studies have shown that cohabitation before marriage is predictive of a greater probability of divorce. There are two primary reasons given for this: 1. Living together creates or strengthens a belief that marriage is not sacred or inviolate (unbreakable). 2. People whose beliefs and traits lead them to live together are also more likely to divorce because of those same beliefs and traits – which are not supportive of a good marriage. For example, a casual attitude about relationships in general could lead to living together and that same casual attitude could lead to divorce. 5. The less risky answer is b. If only one of the couple smokes the chance of divorce is increased by almost double. If both smoke the chance of divorce is increased by almost 2.4 times. One theory is that people who smoke are more likely to indulge in such risky practices and are more likely to choose to end a marriage. Others theorize that people who smoke are more likely to be socially or economically disadvantaged and they are the same people who are at a higher risk for marital instability. 6. The less risky answer is b. Drinking more than two drinks per day is associated with a higher risk of divorce. If both drink three or more per day they have almost twice the risk of divorce than if neither drinks to excess. If the wife drinks three or more and the husband 2 or more the risk of divorce is almost 60% higher than if neither drinks to excess. Three reasons are offered: 1. Heavy drinkers may not make good choices when picking a spouse, 2. Alcohol gets in the way of being a good spouse, 3. If one partner anticipates the other will quit drinking and they don’t, that partner may choose to end the marriage. 7. The less risky answer is b. Second (plus) marriages for both husband and wife are about twice as likely to end in divorce as first marriages. A first marriage for the husband and second (plus) for the wife is about 40% more likely to end in divorce than a first marriage. A first mar-
riage for the wife and second (plus) for the husband is about 15% more likely to end in divorce. Four reasons are proposed: 1. The same individual problems that caused the first divorce are still present, 2. Children and baggage from the first relationship complicate the second, 3. It’s harder to find a good match after divorce; 4. Being burned by divorce may make it harder for a person to commit in a later relationship. 8. The risk factor is less for b. The presence of step-children may bring about stress and conflict that complicates relationships and tends to lead to higher divorce rates. Marriages that occur as the result of a child conceived before marriage are less likely to be stable. Children, in general, may stabilize or destabilize a relationship depending on other factors including attitudes toward paternal responsibilities. 9. The less risky answer is b. Two people who disagree strongly on how many children to have can be as much as 60% more likely to divorce than a couple who agree. This is especially true if the wife wants fewer children than the husband but any strong disagreement between them about how many children to have tends to contribute to divorce. 10. The safer answer is a. Couples that share a strong religious belief tend to be less likely to divorce than those couples for whom religion is unimportant to both parties. It is thought that the general religious teachings of the importance of marriage tend to hold relationships together. The bond is strongest when both share these beliefs and somewhat weaker when only one holds those beliefs. 11. B poses a bigger risk factor. The pressures caused by minimal financial resources can make it difficult to create and maintain marriages. The research results are mixed but when both husband and wife are poor the chance of divorce appears to be about 80% higher than for couples with both husband and wife comfortable to prosperous. The risk is about 70% higher when the husband is poor and the wife is comfortable to prosperous. This financial imbalance creates stress on the marriage.
FAMILY
Abstract Home’s Parenting Top 10
D
efining a good parent can be as difficult as thumb-wrestling a man with ten inch fingers. This is because such definitions are based on subjectivity and not a standard set of parenting rules. The fact is each parent has to come up with a special way to deal with issues involving his or her children since all children are different. Therefore, being a ‘disciplinarian’ or a ‘buddy’ or simply a ‘nurturer’ to your children is not enough. What in effect represents good parenting is a mixture of the aforementioned as well as the ability to know your child. Knowing your child and yourself is important in shaping what kind of decisions you will make regarding your child. These decisions should in essence promote responsibility and individuality in a child so that the parent is no longer needed. The road to becoming “not needed” is daunting, but if certain steps are followed not perfect yet better parenting can be achieved. Here are some suggestions.
1
There is nothing wrong with saying "yes". Children love to hear “yes” and parents love to see their children happy. However, saying “yes” should not result in spoiling your kids. There must be limits each time you say the word yes to a child. “Yes” you can go play AFTER you complete your homework.
2
Controlling parents “suck” At least that’s what your kid will think if you are too over protective. The key is to hold on loosely, but at all costs do not let go. This piece of advice is applicable to most relationships, not 22
only parenting. You should not force your child to live a particular lifestyle, but watch them and guide them along the way. Do make sure that you instill your values and that your child knows and understands the bounds you have set.
3
Parents must understand that their role differs from that of their children. The difference between a covenant and a contract has to be learned by parents more so than children. Covenants are agreements based upon one person and a contract is an agreement between two people. Parenting automatically forces you to make a covenant of unconditional love for your child. There must be no expense or effort on a child’s part to receive that love from their parent. Contracts (though not legal ones) must also made in the sense that you and your child must agree on certain things. One such contract can be “when you eat your vegetables, we will go for ice cream.”
4
Many parents get caught up believing that their children belong to them. Yes you created or at least played a part in creating the child, but you do not own them. Your role is to teach them to be their own boss and not to rule them. Leave the dictatorship to Castro. Instead, guide your kids in the proper direction and let them traverse the path on their own.
5
Everybody has a life and everybody should try to live their own lives. Do not pressure children into thinking that they should live out their parent’s dreams for them. You may
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
have already accomplished your dreams and because you are fulfilled you may want the same life for your child. However, your fulfillment is not your child’s fulfillment. Cheer on your kids when they attempt to do positive things and make their own decisions. Your kids are not there to struggle under your past no matter how glorious or pathetic.
6
Learn the truth and work off of it. Everything you say to your child must emanate from a truth. Do not discourage your child from doing something he/she is genuinely good at because of some tiny innate fear you have. Similarly, do not encourage your child to pursue something which does not suit him/her because of your passion for it. Speak truth into their lives whenever possible. Sometimes your words may sound impossible to achieve in the minds of your children. However, parenting is about creating opportunities for you children to overcome obstacles and see how dreams can easier become realities.
7
Don’t be afraid to screw up sometimes. Not perfection, but guidance is what is needed from kids. I believe that kids need guidance, not perfection. Parents need to be humble when dealing with their kids. In this way they will learn from their mistakes easier and will be better equipped in dealing with other kids. The role of parenting is to create completion not perfection. Parenting, by design, is as much about parents’ formation as it is the kids. Parents form their roles during the parenting process just as kids
form their understanding of life through parents.
8
Admit to your wrongs and never think you know too much. Do not hesitate to say "I'm sorry" whenever you have to. When it is appropriate to do so let your kids know you have fallen short. It teaches them humility and it also makes you seem more human and less pressuring. Children now know While it is humbling to realize that my kids already know more math skills than I ever will, it is also reassuring. No parent can know everything nor can any parent be everything for their child. A parent can, however, let their child know that they are cared for and that they are not alone.
9
It cannot be understated how much both parents are needed in a relationship. However, sometimes things just don’t work out and both parents are not there. It is important at these times to have a partner. Whether married or not, parents need support. Sometimes a mother may be more suited to handle a situation with a child and other times a father may be the right person for the job. It sound’s cliché, but two heads are better than one.
10
Last, but not least in our list of parenting tips is understanding the power of prayer. Reliance on a higher power to get you through difficult times with your kids results in more than a placebo effect. Pray a lot and never forget that you may have brought them into the world, but you were only the delivery person.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Boost Your Skin Naturally
E
ven though it is the rainy season, the sun can still work a number on us on the odd day. This takes a toll on the composition of your skin. If you are in need of a quick rejuvenation, try these natural vitamin sources.
Hot water and lemon – to boost hydration Drunk in the morning, hot water and lemon aids digestion and helps eliminate toxins. Lemon stimulates the liver and gall bladder; water helps hydrate the gut and skin. Leafy green vegetables – to provide ultra protection Veggies such as spinach, broccoli and celery contain high levels of antioxidants (vitamins that help slow ageing and environmental damage), as well as vitamin C, which helps keep skin elastic, vitamin A, which aids in wound-healing, and vitamin E, which helps cells utilize oxygen. Beetroot – to reduce capillaries This lush, red vegetable helps cleanse the liver and gut, taking pressure off the skin to
eliminate waste. The best vegetable source of manganese, it’s also high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the capillary walls in the skin. Carrots – to beat acne and fight wrinkles High in vitamin A, carrots are a great acne remedy and gut cleanser; they also contain phosphorus, essential for healthy hair, skin, nails and nerves. Omega-3-rich fish – to reduce inflammation Essential fatty acids (omega 3s) found in oily fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, play a vital role in skin health by helping prevent inflammation and promoting immune function. Eating three serves of oily fish a week helps maintain a clear complexion, reducing dryness and inflammation. Organic brown rice – to stop the signs of ageing Very high in B vitamins and proteins, rice helps prevent premature skin ageing, and supports skin structure by aiding effective cellular metabolism and digestion.
A Girl’s Guide To Stillheto Shopping
A
lmost as important as which high heels you buy is how you shop for them! Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for heels to make sure you end up with the perfect pair for you. • Have your feet measured so you know your exact size. Sometimes your feet can actually be two different sizes! To get your feet measured, just go to the shoe section of any good department store. Most of them should have tools to measure your foot and find your perfect size. • Realize that you may be different sizes in different brands. Depending on the cut of a shoe, you could be a 7.5 in one brand and an 8 in another. Similarly, know what size you are in European sizes, because many quality shoe brands use those. • Try on shoes at the end of the day. Believe it or not, your feet can change sizes w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
throughout the day, and they swell a little bit by the end of the day. Try shoes on after walking around and you’ll get a picture of your true size. • Walk around in the shoes before you buy them. Okay, a no brainer, but worth mentioning. You should do some laps around the shoe area in the shoes before you even think about buying! And remember to shop at stores that have good return policies – every shoe is going to be comfortable at first, but maybe not after an hour! Buy shoes somewhere with a decent return policy so you can wear them for a while and see they stay comfy before committing.
When going shoe shopping always try to carry a friend that can give you a second opinion, make sure that friend is what we call a true “fashion friend”. Someone who knows a thing or two about fashion, what’s in and what’s not. Happy shoe shopping! JUNE 2013
ABSTRACT HOME
23
MEDICINE CABINET
home gym
5 Quick Steps To Overcoming Smoking
A
t this point no one needs to talk about the dangers of smoking to your health and lifestyle. However, finding a way to stop smoking from destroying your life and the life of your family is paramount. These five tips should prove vital in assisting you with the battle to quit.
1
Know Why You Want to Quit. So you want to quit smoking, but do you know why? “Because it’s bad for you” isn’t good enough. To get motivated, you need a powerful, personal reason to quit. Maybe you want to protect your family from secondhand smoke. Maybe the thought of lung cancer frightens you. Or maybe you’d like to look and feel younger. Choose a reason that is strong enough to outweigh the urge to light up
2
Drink lots of water. Water is good for you anyway, and most people don't get enough. It will help flush the nicotine and other chemicals out of your body, plus it can help reduce cravings by fulfilling the "oral desires" that you may have.
3
Ask your family and friends to support your decision to quit. Ask them to be completely supportive and non-judgmental. Let them know ahead of time that you will probably be irritable and even irrational while you 24
withdraw from your smoking habit.
4
Do Not Skip Meals. Each puff of nicotine was your spoon releasing stored fats and sugars into your bloodstream. It allowed you to skip meals without experiencing the symptoms associated with swings in blood-sugar levels such as an inability to concentrate or hunger related anxieties. Don't add needless symptoms to withdrawal but instead learn to spread your normal daily calorie intake out more evenly over the entire day. Don't eat more food but less food more often.
5
Drink plenty of acidic fruit juice the first three days. Cranberry is excellent and a bottle will cost you about the same as a pack of cigarettes. The acidic juices will not only aid in more quickly removing the alkaloid nicotine but will help stabilize blood sugars. Take care beyond three days as juices can be rather fattening.
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
Getting Legs Vacation Ready
I
t’s June. That means vacation time is right around the corner. To most of you foreigners this time of year is known as summer. It is a time when the malls are flooded, parties are jam-packed and apart from the Carnival period, outfits become more daring. In order to walk the malls, dance in parties or wear those short-shorts, one needs to have strong, fit legs. Abstract Home has done some research and we have come up with a few exercises, which if done in the manner prescribed, will leave you with jaw dropping results- fabulous legs particularly thighs. Here is our awesome thigh workout. Looking good in those new pants requires lean firm thigh muscles. The front thigh muscles benefit from exercises which involve squatting and bringing the shins forward. Try this exercise for the front thighs. Stand with feet about shoulder width apart. Keep your back upright and straight, not bent at the waist, with abs tightened. Squat slowly while breathing in; keeping your back straight at all times. Breathe out as you come up. This must be done slowly especially as you go down into the squat. Every inch of you should be felt while going down as you should not let your body weight bring you down. This exercise should be done in three sets of 20 with 90 seconds rest in between sets. Do this every evening except on weekends for optimum results. In order to firm the in-
ner thighs we recommend two exercises. The first exercise involves spreading your legs apart and bringing them back together. This exercise is a gem as it also works out the outer thighs as well as the abdominal region. Lie down on you back and place your hands under your butt. Without bending your knees too much, raise your legs straight up. Keep your back flat on the floor to prevent the waist from straining. Move legs to the side and bring them back together. Start by opening the legs a little apart and gradually increase the distance between them. This will protect the inner thigh from injury. Open the legs to the point of mild tension, not pain. Breathe in when opening the legs and out when bringing the legs together. Do three sets of 20 reps with 60 second intervals. The second inner thigh exercise is a bit more difficult as it is a standing exercise which requires balance. This exercise works the front thighs, butt and abs as well. Stand up and tighten your legs, abs and butt. Raise the leg at one side bent at the knee and kick at the top of the movement to fully extend the leg. Bring the leg back to the floor and repeat with the opposite leg. Keep alternating these sideways kicks. You may seem short of breath when you first begin this exercise as it is based on cardio. However, the results will come if you do it consistently. Try to do 20 reps and do more if you can.
July 12
Have YOU
th
REWARDS RISKS? tasted the
Hilton Trinidad
of taking
Identify your “Leadership DNA”, Break Free from your comfort zone and take bolder risks! featuring
L ibby Gill Former Senior Vice President of Public Relations & Corporate Communications at Universal Studios Former Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment CEO of business coaching & brand strategy firm Libby Gill & Company The PR/branding brain behind the launch of the Dr. Phil Show
(868) 645 6700 ext. 299 conferencing@lokjackgsb.edu.tt
www.lokjackgsb.edu.tt/wil
INDIVIDUAL
US$550
GROUP (5+)
US$500
TRAVEL
PETS
Quick Island Getaway Ideas
T
rinidad and Tobago could easily be renamed The Holiday Islands and it would be no less fitting. We celebrate a lot more public holidays than the average nation and if you ask any of the locals it is never enough. Last month there were two holidays back-back and this month we celebrate Labour Day. A great way to cash in on that free time is a quick runaway. There are quite a number of options available for those willing to fork out some cash for a quick getaway. Here are some long weekend travel options. Go view the underwater Sculpture Park in Grenada. Created by Jason de Caires Taylor it is 65 sculptures covering just about 800 km sited in clear shallow waters but better fun for those snorkelers not afraid to get wet. Ride the St Kitts Railway. Known to many as the ‘Sugar Train’ the St Kitts scenic Railway takes approximate 3 and a half hours to circle the island along the coast line offering a unique perspective on the islands’ culture, people views and history, all in one go. Zip-Line through the Antiguan Rainforest. Often termed the greatest adventure ride in the heart of a rainforest, the Antiguan Rainforest Canopy tour involves a jour26
ney high above the treetops, entering a corridor of foliage until you arrive at a rock pool and mini waterfall. Bird and Whale watching in the Dominican Republic. A haven for bird watchers DR has over 300 species of birds. From January through to March there is an invasion of humpback whales at Samana Bay. Visit the butterfly farm in St Thomas. Within a large meshed enclosure you can get up close to hundreds of exotic butterflies. Early morning arrivals might just witness the sight of a butterfly emerging from its pupa and taking its first flight. Horseback riding in St Lucia. This tour takes you through the heart of the Mabouya Valley along a tranquil nature site where you can still see plantation buildings, traces of Amerindian settlements and a wide white-sand beach.
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
S
Disaster Preparedness For Pets
tudies have been done to determine if animals can in fact predict oncoming natural disasters. Though the results were inconclusive, the argument remains that animals can sense the earth’s vibrations and changes in the gases that emit from the earth’s surface when natural disasters are near. Whatever the studies prove isn’t it fair to protect man’s best friend and other animals in the event that a natural disaster strikes? The following steps can be taken to ensure your animal friends are safe. Emergency Supply kit Just as you would pack an emergency kit for yourself, one can be done for your pet. The kit should include basic stuff such as extra water and food. Laurie Quintile, an online Yahoo Contributor, suggests packing foldable dishes used for traveling, a blanket for each pet, a leash if you have a dog, “scoopable” litter and pan if you have cats, flashlight, and chew toys. Have newspapers at hand for sanitary reasons and feed them can or moist food so that they do not need much water. Create a pet space/area Whether this area is in the home or in a kennel outside it should be a designated spot. Though it is not wise to leave
pets outside in a natural disaster, especially during a flood or earthquake, if outside, ensure that the area is situated on high ground and is perfectly secured. If your home is not safe, seek out the help of neighbours or relatives who can keep the pet until the disaster is over. Shelters When a storm or natural disaster has been predicted, the severity sometimes calls for evacuation. If this occurs, shelters are constructed to house persons living in areas prone to destruction. Always ensure that the shelter allows pets or that your pet accompanies you to the safe-haven. If not leave the pets with friends as suggested in two above. Identification Although you can thoroughly protect your pet from a natural disaster, you must always leave room for the unexpected. When this occurs it is always wise to have a back-up plan. Before the disaster strikes ensure that your pet is properly tagged with information such as their name and the address and phone number of your home or evacuation site; even add the name of a relative. You should also keep with you a picture of your pet to make identification easier.
GARAGE
G
Proper Garage Storage
arages are primarily used for storage. In fact, many people do not even park their cars in their garage anymore since they are normally used for other purposes. Chemicals, tools, toys and more are usually piled into garages effectively making them storage sheds. But what is the use of using it for that purpose if you don’t store the items properly? These tips will help you achieve safe and proper garage storage. Storage of Chemicals Do not store auto fluids, paints or pesticides in old food containers or containers that do not have tightly sealed lids or caps. These containers might leak causing burns, fumes, respiratory problems and fire hazards. Get in the habit of storing all chemicals in their original containers complete warning labels so you know what is inside and what dangers or threats each may pose. Store
28
these in a safe place out of reach from children where they will not fall or spill. Chemicals are best stored away from the home in a detached garage or a shed rather than in an attached garage. Propane is extremely combustible. A single spark of static electricity or flip of the light switch could ignite nearby propane causing an explosion. It is necessary to store propane containers and anything that uses propane away from the home in a storage shed, detached garage or other outbuilding. Do not
ABSTRACT HOME JUNE 2013 w w w . a b st r a ct ho m e . c o m
store propane in your attached garage. Storage of Tools and Miscellaneous Items Ladders should be stored against a wall or at floor level using storage hooks to secure them. Ladders stored vertically or not securely fastened to the wall can easily tip or fall harming people and damaging property. Store lawn and garden tools and other small hand tools such as pliers, a hammer or screw drivers in a secure place such as a toolbox. Lock the tool box if
possible. Store tools (especially those with sharp blades and points) out of the reach of children. However, be sure they are easily accessible to you without having to balance tools overhead or reach dangerously overhead. Use peg board and hooks to hang long-handled items on the garage wall such as shovels and rakes. Secure them tightly to the wall. It goes without saying that you should ensure all power tools are turned off before storing after each use. Place heavy and bulky tools and items on low shelves or on the floor preventing them from falling. Make sure all sharp points and edges face the wall preventing someone from getting hurt if they bump into the sharp and pointed edges. Check all extension cords that are stored or used in the garage to be sure they are rated for outdoor use due to possible moisture. Those not rated for outdoor use are a potential hazard.
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