LIVING QUARTERS Disclaimer: The views or opinions presented in this publication are solely those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the company. Employees of ABSTRACT MEDIA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED are expressly required not to make defamatory statements and not to infringe or authorize any infringement of copyright or any other legal right. Any such article is contrary to company policy and is outside the scope of the employment of the individual writer concerned. The company will not accept any liability in respect of such article, and the employee responsible will be personally liable for any damages or other liability arising.
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ou can have the best and most expensive furniture the world over, but if you don’t arrange them properly your décor will suffer. It is important to understand room space and how to strategically place furniture for the right effect. Here are some quick tips to get your holiday home décor started. The first thing you should consider in furniture arrangement is the location of the focal point in the room. Sometimes it is something as obvious as a fireplace, or an architectural detail such as a large bow window. Oftentimes there is no discernible focal point. In that case, it will be up to you to make one with a furniture arrangement. Walk into the room. What is the first thing your eyes light on? Is it the windows? Is it the large expanse of wall space? How about a great floor treatment? This is what you will build your focal point around. Now you can begin. When arranging your furniture make sure the pathways are clear. Otherwise the place will feel cluttered and will have obstacles in the way. Place the sofa or a couch in the middle of the room and complete the grouping with a coffee table and armchairs. Speaking of spacing, try placing the tables within the reach of the seating place and make sure they are the same height. After all, the furniture in the room must also be functional. Also, try different angles as it brings in some style to the
Easy Furniture Arrangement Tips To Enhance Your Decor alone items nor are they the stars of the show. You want to expose some flooring, but for the most part, go big—almost as big as the seating area, or whatever area you’re working with.” An undersized rug will make a small room seem smaller and a large room look disconnected. Place the rug underneath at least the first set of legs of your bed, couch or chairs to create a cohesive look. Once your furniture arrangement is complete, you can begin to accessorize with the appropriate holiday accents. See what a little furniture shifting around can do for your abode.
arrangement. For instance, if your sofa is set parallel to the wall, put an armchair diagonally across the room. The size of pieces relative to one another and the size of the space is their scale. Similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of pieces creates a harmonious atmosphere, utilizing the differing physical qualities of height, depth and width throughout a room. When furnishings are out of scale, you will notice that it just won't feel comfortable or right. Place your area rugs under furniture. They are not stand w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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LIVING QUARTERS
Let’s Hang
How To Hang Items On Different Types Of Walls
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e all want to decorate our walls with items from pictures to plants, but we need to know the right items to use to carefully attach them to the walls. For example, drilling holes in walls made of plaster may chip the outer ring of the hole and cause it to crumble. However, this shouldn’t deter you from wanting to decorate your walls. Try using these tips when deciding to hang items on your walls. Plaster Walls- For small pictures, try putting piece of masking tape on the wall where you intend to drill the hole. This gives the spot extra protection when a hole is drilled as it protects it against crumbling easily. Don’t hammer the nail straight in, rather, drill the nail in at a 45degree angle. For big pictures, use a power drill to make the hole instead; screws make better alternatives and put less stress on the plaster.
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ing of the plastic anchor piece. Turn the screwdriver clockwise as you insert the plastic anchor piece into the drywall, place the screw into the hole that you just created with hanging hook provided and then use the screwdriver to tighten.
Concrete Block Walls- for concrete walls, selecting the right hooks is always the key. Hard wall picture hangers are available in different sizes, varieties and holding capacities. Plus they are available at any hardware store. Simply use a hammer to strike the metal prongs into the wall until they
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are all the way in. Then, can hang your picture or plant using a string to let it drop. Drywalls- For this you will need the use of a drywall anchor and screw. It is a relatively easy procedure; by using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, you push the screwdriver into the open-
Picture hanging strips- These strips have been known to work wonders but it all depends on the weight of the object that is being hung. Pictures, yes, plants, not so much. They are from the brand 3M and can be found in all hardware stores. You stick pieces on the top two corners of the picture and the top corners of the frame. Let each rest for 30 minutes then stick them together. To remove, you pull down on the strips and they come off. Test the product before making a decision to use them permanently. Some people say that in the warmer countries the elastic fades and the pictures fall down.
LIVING QUARTERS
Removing Cobwebs
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ou may clean your house regularly. You may have your routine. However, in your regular routine, you may notice, every once in a while, growing cobwebs in the corners of your ceilings, and light cobwebs along your walls. The thing about cobwebs is that you don't usually notice them immediately, and you may even just get used to them before you remove them. Even if you dust and vacuum and pick up your house on a regular and frequent basis, cobwebs still happen, and your house won't look as clean if you don't remove cobwebs from your ceilings and walls. The first thing you should consider in terms of removing cobwebs is the source. If the source is removed, the problem evaporates as well. For this, use the natural remedy of citrus juice
as a repellent. Many spiders and insects are repelled by the smell of citrus. You can buy citrus juice (sugarless) or mix any citrus juice with water and put the mixture into a spray bottle: Wipe your countertops with the citrus blend. You can also wipe down the insides of drawers and cabinets with this mixture. Be sure to spray the citrus blend in your doorways and on your windowsills. If cobwebs have already been formed or our natural remedy doesn’t work, try the following. To remove cobwebs from smooth surfaces: 1. Use a microfiber duster. 2. You may find it easier to use when the duster is wet – if the manufacturer says it can be wet. 3. Remove all hanging ends to
stop them returning quickly.
To remove cobwebs from textured surfaces: 1. Use your vacuum hose as a cobweb remover as sometimes the cobweb remover can smear the walls. 2. Remove all hanging ends to stop them returning quickly. For Outdoors: Spray water from the garden hose with a variable pressure nozzle to remove cobwebs from exterior surfaces like windows, stucco, vinyl siding and shrubbery. As a bonus tip: Remember, cobwebs extend 1-3 feet from the corner of a room. Be sure to remove hanging remnants of each cobweb so that they don't return as quickly.
Time For A Living Room Revamp
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he living-room can serve many purposes: it can become an entertainment room to host guests or a family room used for fun activities. It is one of the most essential rooms in the home and for this reason, it is important to arrange the furniture to suit the needs of your family. Although you may have your unique style and décor, there are a few general guidelines that can help you arrange your furniture, so that you can obtain the most from the space.
should be placed at the centre of the chairs and sofa and should be lower than the height of the chairs.
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Sofas and Chairs. These are usually the biggest items in the room based on their size so you need to determine the size of the room and the amount of space each would need. Try placing them at different areas in the room, ensuring that there is enough room for foot-traffic 4
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Side tables. They may seem unnecessary, but if you entertain guests regularly, side tables are an absolute must. Your guests should be able to place drinks on the side tables without getting up to place them on the coffee-table. They should be placed on either side of the sofa unless there is not enough room to do so.
and other accessories.
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Rugs. Not a furniture piece, but still a very useful piece of furnishing to have in any living room. The ideal spot is at the centre of the
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room, big enough for the legs of the each chair to rest comfortably on it.
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Coffee tables. An important piece when entertaining guests. They
Living-room accessories. These include the television, hutch, surround-sound system and other items. The sofas and chairs should be laid out before arranging these and if you are unsure of where to place them, try different areas until you find one that suits your liking.
LIVING QUARTERS
Create The Perfect Gift With A Festive Fruit Basket
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reating fruit baskets for friends and family members is a great way to save money and still give wonderful gifts that your friends and family will love. When you buy fresh citrus fruit in bulk you can keep some for your own family and use the rest in bright, cheerful baskets that will be perfect for any occasion. If you are even slightly creative you can make beautiful and unique fruit baskets that can be tailored for any occasion without spending a lot of money. Here are some tips that will help you put together wonderful, inexpensive gift baskets that look much more expensive than they are Fruit is an important part of a fruit basket, but many people overlook the other important part -- the basket. You can score a great deal on used baskets at a local thrift store or garage sale, and wicker baskets can be
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cleaned with a water hose or in the sink to ensure they are safe. Baskets are also available at craft stores but will likely be more expensive. Decorate your basket with ribbon to make it a central part of the final product. Fill the wicker basket, or other container, with coloured shredded paper, and arrange the fruit on top. Put bigger pieces of fruit on the bottom, or off to one side of the basket,
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and display smaller pieces of fruit around it. You can probably find organic fruits at the supermarket, but you may be able to find a more interesting variety of items at a local farmer's market. These fruits will be fresher than what you find at the grocery store and will likely come from a local farm or orchard. Additionally, the farmer's market may carry unusual fruits that you may not normally find at the grocery store, giving you a chance to add a special touch to your fruit basket. Use a mixture of tropical and exotic fruits as well as apples, pears and more. Make sure there is variety in terms of ripeness. Don’t send a basket of unripe fruit or fruits so ripe that they all end up spoiling. Arranging the fruit is the fun, but important part of the process. Give yourself some time to do this right. Don't just
dump the fruit in. You want the fruit to look attractive. Make sure the tops of the fruits are seen. Grapes should drape over other fruit or the edge of the basket. Look at pictures of fruit baskets and arrange the items in a similar style. In addition to fruit, you can add flavored mixed nuts, milk chocolate covered cherries, summer sausages, award winning garlic cheeses, dark chocolate covered almonds, yogurt covered pretzels, smoked salmon, pistachios, dried fruit, gourmet popcorns, honey wheat crackers, raspberry preserves, shortbread, salsas, chocolate covered toffee, a bottle of sparkling cider or wine, or any other gourmet items. If you know of a favorite food, even something as simple as a Twix candy bar, be sure to include that as it shows that you had your recipient in mind when you made the gift basket.
HOME OFFICE
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Christmas Budgeting
his is the craziest time of the year for spending. In fact, Christmas trumps the carnival period where profligacy is concerned. From gift purchases to food and home decorating supplies, there is a lot of finances to be accounted for. The end of the year is generally a hard time on our pockets. Therefore, budgeting is necessary to satisfy all our needs while making sure we have a little coil to spend. This is some insight into Christmas budgeting.
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First, you should make a list of all the holiday expenses that you will have. This includes gifts that you need to buy, cards, wrapping paper, traveling expenses, gift exchanges at work, charitable donations and decorations. This will give you a basic idea of things that you will need covered.
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Next, determine how much you have available to cover
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Tips: Do yourself a favor and stick to a cash only system. Putting the gifts on a credit card makes it easier to overspend.
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Take advantage of the early sales at periods such as Divali. The door buster deals can save you a lot of money. Christmas expenses this year. When you are considering this amount be sure that you only use money that you have set aside for Christmas or extra money that you can find in your budget.
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Divide the money up over the different categories that you have. This means assigning a specific amount for each gift. This is also helpful when you brainstorm for gift ideas. Having a set amount helps you find ideas within that price range.
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Create a list for your holiday shopping. You should have one or two ideas within your
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price range for each individual. If you take the time to search the sales papers you may be able to find some great gifts for less money than you budgeted or you may be able to get that person a nice gift.
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Then begin shopping with your list. You should also take your budget sheet with you. As you purchase each item cross it off your list and subtract it from your running Christmas budget total. This will let you know how your budget is doing at all times and make it easier to make adjustments between categories if you need to.
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Shopping online can save you money and time as you comparison shop. Don’t forget to look for free shipping codes and order in plenty of time for your gifts to arrive.
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Always add a few extra gifts to your shopping list. These gifts should be generic in case you receive a surprise gift or forget to shop for someone.
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You can earn extra money to cover your holiday expenses by taking on a holiday job. This may be a good short-term solution if you forgot to budget for the holidays during the year.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Holiday Home Décor Accessorize with a funky wreath-styled tree with jazzy lights.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A light and spacious room is brought together by the tree, wreaths and large hanging lights.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Ensure your dining is fine with a festive table setting enhanced by tree and overhead light fixtures.
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ELEGANT IDEAS
Large, shiny balloons, lights and a huge star are the main components of this red, green and gold motif.
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KITCHEN
10 Ultra-Quick Homemade Desserts To Sweeten Your Christmas
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ot some friends coming over and need to make a quick snack? Or maybe you need you prepared everything except the dessert for your guests? Maybe you have cake and ice-cream but they look too bland and you need something to spruce it up. No problem, there are several food items you can find around the house, which can be turned into a scrumptious dessert.
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Yogurt parfait. You’ll be surprised at how tasty yogurt can be when topped with mixed fruit, cookie crumbs and granola. Add whipped cream to make it more appealing.
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Boozed Berries and cream. For a more grown-up taste, wash strawberries (or any other berries you can find) and lay them out on the platter. To add a variety to the dessert, use different types of berries. Douse them with several tablespoons 16
cream snacks usually served at parties and events. Melt a pound of sweet chocolate in a pan layered with waxed paper. Spread the chocolate evenly over the wax paper, then sprinkle the top with nuts, dried fruit and candies and press into chocolate. Let it cool, then break it into tiny pieces and serve. of white wine or rum and lightly sprinkle sugar on top, with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Chilled peaches in white wine. Peaches are the ideal fruit to use for this dessert because of its taste when mixed with the white wine, but you can use any fruit. Douse them with white wine, sprinkle sugar on top and leave to chill for an hour.
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Ice-cream float. These are for the beer lovers at heart, as one of the main ingredients of this dessert is beer. Place 3 or 4 scoops of vanil-
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la ice-cream in a glass and pour beer over it. Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup (Not for the faint at heart)
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Ice-cream cake. These can be purchased at the store, but with the right ingredients, you can make this at home. Pack ice-cream between 2 of your favorite cookies, wrap them in foil and refrigerate to lock in the cookies’ freshness. Serve with whipped cream, chocolate syrup and cherries.
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Chocolate bark. This dessert is different from the usual cake and ice-
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Affogato. It may be a bit tricky to pronounce but it only takes 3 simple steps to create this Italian dessert. Put chocolate ice-cream in a dish, topped with a shot of hot espresso and whipped cream. Ideal for coffee-lovers.
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Chocolate covered banana tops. This is healthy as it is delicious. Cut the banana in small slices and melt the chocolate to liquid form. Coat the bananas with the chocolate and dip into a bowl of crushed nuts. Place in the fridge to chill or freeze before serving.
RECIPES
Christmas Cakes
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he holidays are here and that means we will surely be putting on a few extra pounds. Over the years we’ve shared recipes to many Christmas staples and more. This issue is dedicated to cakes.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup eggnog 2 eggs 2 tablespoons rum 1 pinch ground nutmeg
Directions Heat a lightly oiled griddle to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir pancake mix, pumpkin puree, water, white chocolate chips, pecans, and cinnamon together in a large bowl until just incorporated, adding more water as needed. Drop batter by 1/2 cup scoops onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side, 2 to 4 minutes; repeat with remaining batter.
Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring form pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). In a food processor combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim.
EGGNOG CHEESECAKE
FRUIT CAKE
Ingredients 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons white sugar 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar
Ingredients 1/8 cup chopped dried cherries 1/8 cup chopped dried mango 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup dried currants 2 tablespoons chopped candied citron
HOLIDAY GRIDDLE CAKES Ingredients 4 cups complete pancake mix 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 3/4 cup cold water, or as needed 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped pecans 2 teaspoons cinnamon
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1/4 cup dark rum 1/2 cup butter 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup unsulfured molasses 2 tablespoons milk 1/4 cup chopped pecans 1/4 cup dark rum, divided
top of parchment paper, and unmold cake onto it. Sprinkle top and sides of cake with remaining rum. Wrap the cheesecloth closely to the surface of the cake, then wrap with paper. Place in an airtight tin, and age for at least 10 weeks. If storing longer, douse with additional rum for every 10 weeks of storage.
Directions Soak cherries, mango, cranberries, currants, and citron in 1/4 cup rum for at least 24 hours. Cover tightly, and store at room temperature. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Butter a 6x3inch round pan or loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; mix into butter and sugar in three batches, alternating with molasses and milk. Stir in soaked fruit and chopped nuts. Scrape batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons rum. Cut out one piece parchment paper and one piece cheesecloth, each large enough to wrap around the cake. Moisten cheesecloth with 1 tablespoon rum. Arrange cheesecloth on
Ingredients 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 egg 1 cup molasses 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup hot water
OLD-FASHIONED GINGERBREAD
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch square pan. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the egg, and mix in the molasses. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Blend into the creamed mixture. Stir in the hot water. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake 1 hour in the preheated oven, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan before serving.
BRIDAL
Premarital Counseling Prepares You For Marriage
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here’s no doubt that being engaged is exciting! Marriage is a major milestone in life, and the preparations and festivities that lead up to the big day are a lot of fun. In all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget that the preparation shouldn’t just focus on the wedding day, but the marriage that spans the rest of your life. We’ve all heard the statistics — half of all marriages end in divorce, and lots of marriages that do stay together struggle along the way. There ARE marriages that don’t just hobble along, but provide partners with fulfillment, support, joy, passion. Many couples report losing sight of these things over time, but you don’t have to. Multiple studies have demonstrated that a skills-based, comprehensive premarital counseling and education program can substantially reduce the risk of divorce. How? Because it functions as a sort of immunization against the challenges you’ll no 20
Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. it can help ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage. In addition, it can also help you identify weaknesses that could become bigger problems during marriage.
doubt face together. It allows you to think through and talk about how you’ll communicate, solve problems, make decisions, structure your family, and interact with the world. It provides a time and space where you can step back from wedding planning and do some marriage planning. And it allows you to explore how influences from your families of origin might play out over time in your marriage.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PREMARITAL COUNSELING? Premarital counseling will help each partner assess his or her personal readiness for marriage and will give them the skills to prevent or to be better able to deal with any difficult habits and unhealthy relationship patterns that can be hard to break once they are well established. BENEFITS OF PREMARITAL COUNSELING INCLUDE • Exploration of strength and growth areas • Strengthen communication skills
• Identify and manage major stressors • Learn conflict resolution techniques • Develop a more balanced relationship • Exploration of family of origin issues • Financial planning and budgeting tips • Discuss conscious and unconscious expectations • Understand and appreciate personality differences If you are contemplating getting married, you should strongly consider premarital counseling. It is the best way to prepare for the many challenges you will face in your marital relationship. It focuses on developing skills such as communication, handling conflict, solving problems, and making decisions. It also helps you develop the knowledge, attitudes, expectations, and characteristics that are important in creating a happy and healthy relationship.
FAMILY
Thinking Of A Tech Gift For Your Child? Be Sure To Monitor Your Kid’s Internet Usage
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re you thinking about getting your kid a laptop, computer or tablet for Christmas? If so, you should note that you have a responsibility to keep them safe once you do. It’s the computer age and there is no shortage of content you cannot have access to online. While that may be good for some, it is not so good for your children. It is difficult to track the websites your child visits as popups make it easier for them to leave one website and visit another. Some of these sites don’t verify age which makes it easier for your children to view inappropriate material. Now, there are steps that you can take to monitor the sites your children are allowed to visit. Read on to see how you can stay on top of what your kid absorbs.
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Parental controls. These allow you to limit the sites that your child is allowed to visit. It also allows
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Also, tell them that they are not allowed to divulge private information without your permission and explain why doing any one of these is harmful.
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you to set times when they visit and how long they are allowed to stay. You can also select what categories they can view and the ones they should stay away from - for example, pornographic sites. Parental controls are also password protected so it doesn’t restrict your use as a parent and they generate reports so that you can view the websites your child visited.
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Put the personal computer in a family room. This way you will be able to monitor the websites your child visits and the length of
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time they spend on the site.
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Set rules. Although you can limit their usage, let them know that there are certain rules and punishment for not adhering to these rules when using the computer. Setting rules can offset any potential problems in the future.
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Educate children. Cyber-bullying is now deemed as a threat to a child’s well-being. Talk to them about ways of identifying cyberbullying and advise them to notify an adult if this happens.
Be open with your child. If they happen to stumble across a website that they were not supposed to, allow them to tell you how they got there. This way, you can better filter the website in the future and prevent similar sites like those appearing.
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Ensure that your child is using an account that does not have administrative rights. The administrator has access to different sites and controls on your computer. Be sure to give your child his/her own username and password separate from the administrator. This would make it easier for the parent when he/ she needs to log on for their own personal use.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Christmas ClothesShopping For Dad
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Fighting Foot Odour
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melly feet are not only antisocial and unpleasant, it is also a sure sign of bad foot hygiene--but it can be easily eliminated by following some healthy, easy advice and tips. Foot odour is caused by bacteria feeding on the dead skin on dirty socks or shoes. When there is moisture present, e.g. sweaty feet or wearing shoes that do not allow the feet to breathe, then the smell gets even worse. This article will give you some ways to reduce foot odor and to keep the smells away Wash with salt. Salt water can dry out your skin so if you wash your feet in it then you can reduce moisture and that will reduce the tendency for feet to to get stinky fast. When you are done with your shower, soak your feet in a solution of warm salt water. Don’t rinse it off; merely wipe it off with a towel and let your feet dry fully before putting socks on. Get enough zinc. This is one common dietary problem among people with foot odour – they aren’t getting enough zinc in their diets. Check to make sure that you are and start adding to your zinc intake if you’re
not. The smell could go away. Use a foot scrub. In addition to soaking your feet, you can scrub them to reduce the problem of foot odour. This is best done with natural home remedy products that have a strong smell. Ginger, radish and lemon are all good products for creating a foot scrub that will truly cleanse your feet. Do this once or twice a week. Wear moisture-smart socks. There are socks out there that are designed specifically to help keep your feet dry. If you wear socks and shoes all day and can’t air your feet out regularly then it may be smart to invest in these moisture-control socks. Air out your feet to keep them dry. The single most common reason that feet smell is that they get wet (usually with sweat). Air out your feet regularly by removing your shoes and socks when you don’t need them Make sure there isn’t a more serious problem. If you’ve done all of these things and you still have a problem with foot odor then you may have some type of foot disease. See a podiatrist to get it checked out.
et’s face it. Our Fathers’ fashion and sense of style are often dull and can become unattractive. This is usually because men are either too stuck in their ways to change or they disregard advice because they want to remain macho. We’re not saying that all men belong to this category; there are father’s who out-do themselves and keep abreast of the latest fashion trends. But for many of us, we have to endure our dad’s worn-out slippers and washed out T-shirts. Whether he’s a stay-at home dad or a working man, try these shopping tips to spruce up his wardrobe heading into the New Year. The right shoes- You can tell a lot about a man from the shoes that he wears. Too often, men consider their shoe choice an afterthought opting to put on whatever’s comfortable or within reach. Depending on the occasion, a shoe should be chosen to complement the outfit and to bring out his innermost sense of style. Think function, but also think about what has potential to be worn with myriad outfits.
a statement. Not only is a wristwatch a fashion statement, but it can be used for, well, it’s original purpose: to tell the time. The good thing about watches is that they are the one accessory that doesn’t stress the importance of a brand-name so there’s no need to start checking the price of a Rolex. However, good quality, sturdy materials will make the gift last longer and be treasured more. The right shirt- Button downs are trending these days and can be dressed-up or down depending on the mood. They can be worn with jeans for a casual outing or with dress pants and a blazer to add a more elegant look. Be careful it’s not too feminine or you may start a fight between your mom and dad for the legal right to wear it.
The right wallet- Even if he has only one dollar in his wallet, it should reek of style and sophistication. Help him get rid of that tattered, old, Velcro-stitched item he calls a wallet and look for one that represents his individuality.
The right pants- Men are so easy to shop for; they basically need two types of pants: a pair of jeans and a pair of dress pants. Of course you can add cargos and knee-lengths if they are needed, but basic jeans and dress pants are the most important and necessary, so men should ensure that they have at least one pair of each. When buying these items, get a nice slim or relaxed fit. Nothing too baggy and definitely stay away from skinny. If your dad is a mover and shaker, durability trumps style, but try not to sacrifice the style element.
The right watch- No, not the big ones that the rap stars sport in their videos… choose one that can easily and successfully make
These simple tips can have our fathers looking fashionable in no time. Say goodbye to the out-ofstyle, grumpy and frumpy dad.
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Promote Brain Health Through Diet
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our brain is similar to that of an engine and you need the right fuel to make it work. This fuel is food. Your brain is what enables you to walk, talk, learn and remember. Doctors have been able to pinpoint many of the top foods that help to promote brain health and efficiency. These foods which are listed below also assist in maintaining a healthy diet and a balanced weight overall. Sugar, but not the kind that you will expect; the one that is produced by carbohydrates is the best kind. There needs to be a constant supply of sugar rather than a surplus, which is produced by table sugar and corn syrup. These cause a spike in energy levels which rapidly declines. Carbohydrates found in high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains causes the glucose levels to rise slowly and remain at that level for a while before it declines. Adding a high-quality protein can help keep blood and mental sharpness at most advantageous levels even longer. A breakfast packed with fruits and grains can be the best medicine for a long day. Brain cells need dietary fat and these can be found in omega-3 fatty acids. A lack of ome24
ga-3 fatty acids has been known to diminish cognitive performance. Fatty fish such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, salmon, tuna and sardines, are the main components of brain synapses (connections that enables cells to communicate effectively) as well as Walnuts, flaxseed oil, soybean oil and canola oil. If these foods are not a part of your daily diet, try taking a purified omega supplement daily. Over the years, researchers have found a connection between fruits and vegetables (particularly berries) and their apparent ability to reverse agerelated brain cell deficits and improve cell-to-cell signaling. Many fruits and vegetables also contain a healthy source of phytochemicals, which could help protect the brain from free-radical damage. It should be noted that there is no miracle food that can stop age-related illnesses and that apart from a healthy and balanced diet, many people may still suffer from brain-related diseases or memory loss. The important thing to remember is that eating the right foods can assist in preventing these in the future, or can be used in connection with other methods to maintain a healthy brain.
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Pushups:
The Perfect Exercise
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he main reason people give for not exercising as much as they should is convenience. They don’t have the time, equipment or space to get in shape. Those are more excuses than reasons because there are several options which can get you fit without having to spend a dime in a little bit of time. The prime example of one such exercise is the pushup. What could be of more benefit when trying to build strength and muscle tone than the ability to do an exercise anywhere, anytime and with no equipment necessary? You can literally drop and do a set of pushups during an ad break when watching your favourite show. Here are four fantastic benefits of doing this great exercise. Build upper body strength By progressively adding reps to your push-up set each day, you'll significantly improve your upper body strength without having to lift a ton of weight. Push-ups target the chest and shoulders, developing a strong, defined upper body. Burn Calories & Fat Pushups can be great as part of a cardio/endurance workout.
However, you’ve got to first build up enough base strength where you can do at least 40-50 nonstop. Otherwise you’ll end up exhausting your muscles before exhausting your cardiovascular system. Muscle Stretching for Health and Vitality One of the most underrated benefits of doing pushups is the stretch it provides to your biceps and back muscles. As you lower yourself to the floor, your back muscles are effectively stretched, and as you push yourself to the starting position your biceps obtain a full stretch. This not only improves your flexibility, which helps prevent injuries, but a well-stretched muscle features a solid and attractive appearance. A Strong Core If you're looking for chiseled abs and a strong core, then push-ups might just be the perfect starting point. By core, we mean the abdominal section, waist, side of the waist and everything right down to the pelvis. Strong core muscles allow you to do physical activities with ease, help with back problems and maintain good posture.
TRAVEL
The Benefits Of Booking Your Trip Through A Travel Agent
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o one can doubt the benefits of the internet and the freedom and independence it gives its users. Many websites are promoting the DIY (do it yourself ) options and encouraging users to sign up for deals or to obtain packages on their own. But doing it yourself can sometimes cause more harm than good, especially if proper research was not done. This is the case with traveling. Nowadays, sites offer various deals and packages and encourage travelers to book online, guaranteeing safety and competitive pricing. But, this is not always the case. It is always better to book with a travel agent as they have vast knowledge of the industry and can prevent you from wasting time and money.
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It can save you money. Travel agents and by extension agencies maintain strong relationships with travel suppliers and command the latest in computer reservations technology. This means that they are able to access a vast amount of current information concerning ticket prices and special deals, in order to get you the most affordable price.
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Travel ethics. Many travel agents adhere to a strict code of ethics
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whether regulated by their domestic national governing body or one that is recognized worldwide. These ensure that the customers’ interest is treated as a priority as these regulations must be followed by all travel agents. This means that they work to get the best deals for you ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction.
deals on all your travel needs.
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Saves time. Planning a trip can take some time and actually executing the plan can be a longer process. Travel agents have been trained to take care of all your travel needs and usually do so in a matter of minutes. After all, a vacation is supposed to be a time to relax so let the travel agents do their job.
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Convenience. Booking through a travel agent ensures that you enjoy the convenience of having one person organize all your travel needs. They book tickets, arrange transportation to and from the airport, even organize hotel accommodation. Some travel agents have packages available for groups or provide packages where all travel needs are covered for one low price.
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Service. The travel industry strives on ensuring customer satisfaction so that customers may use the service again. This is similar with travel agents who ensure that they give quality service so that you, the customer, would be encouraged to use their service in the future. For that reason, agencies ensure that all their agents are trained and are equipped with the tools necessary to efficiently service customers.
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Going the extra mile. Some agents often go above and beyond their duty to ensure that customers get the best deals and receive the lowest airfares, sometimes bargaining with airlines in order to meet your travel needs.
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Give advice. Even if you only use the agency to cover one of your travel needs, such as booking a ticket, a travel agent can give you advice on the other aspects such as the nearest hotels and cheapest restaurants to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Although you may have done your own research, they are the best people to give you advice as they have access to several sites that advertise and offer the best
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Support during an emergency. If there is a mix-up with one of your flights or the hotel is overbooked and can’t accommodate you, it is good to know that you have someone on your side arranging alternative accommodation, rather than having to find a place to stay for yourself in a strange country. But ensure that this is agreed between you and your agent; don’t assume, ask rather than call for a service that is not provided. These are just some of the benefits of booking your flight or vacation package through a travel agent. It might be a bit expensive but comfort should outweigh cost in a situation like this. Whether you are travelling for the first time or are a veteran flyer, booking a vacation through a travel agent should be your first choice.
GARAGE
S
A Pre-Departure Checklist For Boaters
ince we live on an island there will be a great number of people who have an interest in or own boats. For those who have them and use them, here is an important checklist to go through before every voyage. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Have at least one Coast Guardapproved device per passenger and a minimum of two on board. An additional throwable device is required if the vessel is more than 16 feet long. Make sure to explain the location and use of all PFDs to passengers and crew that may be new to the vessel. Lights and Shapes Have all navigation lights as required for your boat. Do regular checkups to ensure all instrument lights are working. If you intend to engage in a recreational boating activity that requires a day-shape, have the required shapes. Never go out on the water without a flashlight and spare batteries. 28
Weather Forecast Always check the weather forecast before boating. Have a radio on board to receive weather updates. The sea is way more unforgiving than the nation’s roads. Rules & Documentation Have the ship's papers, radio license, fishing permit, etc. on board. Plus, have the chart or charts for the area you intend to cruise in, regardless of your level of local knowledge. It is wise to alert someone else of your plans once you hit the watercourse. Tools and Spares Carry a basic toolbox with tools appropriate for your boat. Carry a box of spares including fuel filter, light bulbs, head parts, through-hull plugs, etc. You wouldn’t leave in your car without a spare and tools so why go on the water without the right equipment? Fire Extinguishers Carry at least one fire extinguisher and make sure it is accessible. Check to be sure mounts
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are secure and functional before departure. Before embarking, take the time to point out locations to any additional passengers and crew. Fuel and Oil Top off your fuel tanks. This will keep you from being stranded and increase the longevity of your boat. If you can't, have enough fuel to provide a reasonable margin of safety for your return. Also check the engine oil and coolant levels.
Sound Producing Devices Have a horn capable of producing a four-second blast audible for at least 1/2 mile on board. If you use portable air horns, have a spare can of air or an alternate device. Whistles are also effective. Distress Signals Make flares, day signals, etc., accessible and ensure they are stored in a dry location and carry signals at all times even if not required by the Coast Guard.
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