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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ong ago, closets were an afterthought. There were a small addition to a bedroom and sometimes, bedrooms didn’t have them altogether leaving people to purchase wooden wardrobes to add to the bedroom furniture. Now, everyone wants their dream walk-in closet. When it comes to such dream closets, these are some of the must haves. Lit Mirrors Lighted mirrors are every woman's best friend. Suddenly, the best features are (literally) brought to light. Lighted mirrors make everything look awesome,
Creating The Perfect Dressing Room but they also don't lie. If a shirt looks bad, the mirror will let you know. Iron and Ironing Board In reality, your closet may not have room for an iron and ironing board, but in an ideal world, you'd be able to store these necessities alongside your clothes. There are lots of ironing boards out there designed to minimize the amount of space they hog: fold-out boards, the ironing ladder, and even the ironing blanket.
they won't make you as claustrophobic as 360 degree mirrors do.
heels. Use pullout shoe shelving if you have depth in your closet.
Lots of Room It's necessary. In order to be sure a piece fits properly, you have to be able to dance in the garment. Those dressing rooms with doors that can barely close with just you inside leave no room for getting your groove on.
A Laundry Hamper If you have the space for it, definitely include an area for your laundry hamper, making it quicker to get dressed in the morning while also avoiding the “floor wardrobe” issue!
Combination Storage To store shoes, use a combination of storage options, including boot rods, flat shelves for most shoe types and angled shelves for
A 180 Degree Mirror This is a no-brainer. Three mirrors surrounding your body allow you to check out how the piece looks on you from all angles. And
Fabric torso and accessory stands If you have extra floor space in your closet, consider a fabric torso. It adds a soft and creative touch to the area, helps you coordinate your clothes and also acts as a "hanger" for you to drape over frequently used staple coordinates like scarfs and sling bags for convenience. To prop your more expensive bags nicely on your closet shelves, use handbag stands similar to those you see in retail shops. Create even more depth in your closet by using display heads to hold your headbands, hats and sunglasses! Hangers From wooden to flocked to padded canvas hangers, there is no shortage of options. Whatever your personal preference, a closet full of matching hangers looks, feels, and stays more organized than a tangle of wire and plastic.
Tree Trimming Tips tions to be had. Below are some tips for tree trimming. • Be wary about the size of the branch that you are going to remove. If it is less than five centimeters in diameter, removing it is fine. If it is between five and 10 centimeters in diameter, you might not want to do it. If it is more than 10 centimeters in diameter, you should only do so if you have a really good reason.
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ree trimming is a common occurrence in a tropical climate like ours where there is no shortage of plants and trees even in city yards. But as all with things, there are important considera-
• Only trim branches that have weak, V-shaped, narrow angles. Retain branches that have strong, U-shaped angles. • Lateral branches should be between one-half and three-
quarters the diameter of the stem at point of attachment. Otherwise, they should be removed. • When pruning is complete, the ratio of living crown to tree height should be twothirds. • Try to prune away branches when they are young. They are much easier to manage at that point, and the risk of leaving nasty scars is much lower. • Don’t trim a branch too close or too long. You shouldn’t leave a large stub or remove the branch collar. Now that you have taken these w w w . a m g tt. c o m
things into account, there are pruning concerns to consider. The following tips and techniques will help guide you if you’re planning on pruning a tree or if you just want to educate yourself about typical tree trimming care and maintenance techniques. • Keep lateral branches as evenly spaced as possible, especially on young trees. • Prune away branches that cross other branches or run against them. • Never remove more than one-fourth of a living crown at once. If you need to remove more than that, spread it out over a number of years. JUNE 2018
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LIVING QUARTERS
Closet Design Considerations
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oday, people and families own and have more than ever before. From linens to kitchen goods, you need a place to store it all. Most homes have a significant amount of closet space but not many people know how to take advantage of what they have. They may invest in storage space or move their cars out onto the driveway and use their garage. Effective closet design can make life a little easier and even help you pare down the clutter and junk you don't need. Here are a few ways design for the novice organizer that can help keep your closets free. If you're looking for an inexpensive way to start organizing a full closet of clothes, the first place to start is investing in the right hangers. There are a lot of different designs to choose from. Instead of buying the typical round plastic type, look for 2
thin hangers with texture such as felt. These will help twice as many clothes fit in the same amount of space and help keep them on their hangers when you're looking for something to wear. There are also hangers designed to layer. You can layer button down shirts, pants, or keep suits together. Kitchen cabinets are notorious for being cluttered and messy. Proper designs for a pan-
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try or cabinets can help you better organize what you have so you can maximize storage space. For spices, it's hard to see what you have when they're all on a single level. A good way to maximize space and visibility are Lazy Susans. That way, you can spin around and always see what you have. You can also try step shelves so you can see everything at a glance. For dry goods, too many boxes can make you feel overwhelmed. Certain dry goods are also sensitive to moisture. Your mother probably had Tupperware. Today, you have a lot of options when it comes to storage containers. Organize them in such a way that what you use the most is easiest to access. You can also invest in new ideas to store pots and pans. Display them in a rack on your wall or over your kitchen island or stove. Then you've got your stor-
age closets. Closet design will be most important in these cases. Here is where you might want to invest in movable shelving. What makes this more effective as a design is you can customize your closet at any time. Make sure that you have containers that keep things clean and dust free. You can also invest in space bags. These bags can store more linens or extra clothes more effectively by removing the air in the bag and reducing the bag down to a fraction of the space. Again, it's always important to keep what you access and use in a more convenient place than those things that you store. If you have a serious problem and can't seem to fit it all, you may want to call in a closet design professional or organizer to help introduce you to products that can help you and will physically help you organize your closets.
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Tips To Overcome Tiling Issues
he most common floor finish in Trinidad and Tobago is unquestionably tiles. Yet, many homes and structures suffer from having a poorly finished tiling product. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you to achieve the right tile finish. The sub-floor is unstable, uneven or not properly prepared When applying tiles to a subfloor, simply pulling up carpet or existing flooring and trying to apply tiles straight to the surface is definitely not advised. Unsuitable sub flooring might not be able to carry the extra weight of the tiles, or may shift and cause cracks in grouting and tiles to come loose. An uneven sub-floor can cause tiles to shift before the adhesive and grouting has dried, as well as creating issues with lippage. Even if the sub-floor is suitable and level, it should always be washed down and completely dried to ensure it’s clean. 4
Poor tile application If, when laying your tiles, you don’t properly space them you can end up with a whole host of problems beyond the finish simply looking ‘off ’. Unevenly applied tiles can cause ‘lippage’, where some tiles end up higher than others leaving you with both a dangerous tripping hazard and a finish that looks sloppy. Be sure to use battens to align your tiles properly, and tile spaces to ensure that you have even
issues with water getting in can cause adhesive to crack.
Using the wrong tile adhesive While tiling techniques can broadly be applicable to any room in your house, there are always special considerations needed and one particularly important one is when it comes to choosing the adhesive. If tiling somewhere like a bathroom, or around kitchen work surfaces, it’s vital that you use a waterproof adhesive – there are bound to be some small gaps between tiles and grouting, and
Uneven application of adhesive It’s vital to remember to apply the adhesive to the sub-floor and backs of tiles as evenly as possible. Whilst the pressure from fixing the tile will likely even out any small discrepancies, any significant differences will leave you with a significant risk of tile cracking. Adhesive shrinks as it dries – therefore, any big differences in thickness will add increased pressure on the tile and will make cracking more likely.
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Poor forward planning! One of the biggest planning mistakes that people tend to makes is not buying more tiles than they need. While it might sound bizarre, if you buy ‘just enough’ tiles to cover the wall or floor you’re tiling then you leave yourself absolutely zero room for error. Mis-measuring an area, breakages and cutting tiles will all mean you need a few extra than you expected – it’s good practice to buy around 10% more than you think you need, so you’re prepared. Even if your tiling is absolutely perfect, the extra will come in handy as spares should any tiles need to be replaced in future. In short, tiling a wall or floor in your home shouldn’t be a daunting task, but it does pay to be prepared. Having to rip up all your tiling and start again is costly, time consuming and unbelievably frustrating, so follow these tips and always ask a professional if you’re unsure – they’ve done it more times than you!
LIVING QUARTERS
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Don’t Cause A Stink. Maintain Your Sink
inks, collect dirt and layers of film very easily and for this reason they need regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. Wash basins should be cleaned at least once every two weeks, depending on how frequently they are used. However, there is more to maintenance than just washing out the sink. Below you will find some maintenance tips that will help your sinks perform and look their best. Overall Maintenance Turn on the sink at regular intervals to maintain the water barrier in the drain trap. This water barrier prevents airborne bacteria and sewer gas from exiting the pipes and moving into your home. Inspect the condition of the caulk around the sink. If you find caulk that’s missing, sepa-
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rated, or deteriorated, replace it immediately. Check under the sink while the water is running to make sure all connections are tight. Avoid using the sink to hold paint cans, trash, or tools when you’re remodeling. Cover it when painting walls and ceilings. Keep the drain open at all times. Never flush hair, grease, lint, etc. down the drain. These types of waste can cause a clog. If your sink clogs, there are a variety of ways to unclog it, including pouring a chemical clog remover into the drain, using a plunger, using a plumber’s snake, and opening the drain trap to remove the blockage. Vitreous china and porcelain enamel sinks Clean the sink with warm or hot water and dishwashing de-
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tergent. Commercial household cleaners may also be used, as long as they’re non-abrasive and recommended for a vitreous china or porcelain enamel surface. Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or other abrasives, as they can damage the finish, leaving unattractive scratches behind. Rinse the sink with clean water after cleaning. Also, rinse the sink thoroughly after each use. Stainless steel sinks Clean the sink with warm or hot water and dishwashing detergent. Commercial household cleaners may also be used, as long as they’re non-abrasive and recommended for a stainless steel surface. Never use steel wool, scouring pads, or other abrasives, as they can damage the finish, leaving unattractive scratches behind. Rinse the sink
with clean water after cleaning. Rinse the sink thoroughly after each use to remove chloride residue found in most soaps, detergents, and cleaners. Wipe the surface dry after each use. Don’t allow soaps, salts, or water to dry on it. They will leave spots behind. Scrub the sink once a week; this will help keep the finish looking lustrous. Clean the sink occasionally by filling it ¼ full with a 50/50 solution of water and bleach. Let the solution stand for 15 minutes. Drain the solution while washing the sides and bottom of the sink. Rinse thoroughly. These tips should ensure that you have spotless and odour-free sinks in your home. Proper maintenance beforehand is always more beneficial than fixing a problem once it has occurred.
HOME OFFICE
Five Tips For Starting A Home Business
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here are many home business ideas going around and it can be challenging trying to choose the best home business to start. If you want to know how successful home based entrepreneurs make their money, here are 5 secrets that you can use to create the best home business to suit you.
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Utilize The Internet Undoubtedly, the best business to start in 2018 has to be internet-based. The set up costs significantly lower than a conventional bricks and mortar business and your business can reach customers from around the world. It can be open for business night and day and be working for you even when you are asleep.
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You Don't Have To Produce Your Own Products One of the main factors that make an online business the best home business is that you
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can sell other peoples' products without having to buy them yourself first and have money tied up in stock. This business system is known as affiliate marketing and when somebody buys the product from you, the product owner pays you a commission. The product owner will also organize the delivery of the product, deal with any customer queries and the sort out the payment process.
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You Provide Something of Value For Free The majority of people who visit your website will never return. But, after they have
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visited your website, if you can email them useful information about your products and services they may buy from you at a later date. To obtain their email address you have to give them something of value in return that is related to your product or service, such as a free report or ebook. If you are working with a good affiliate marketing program, they will provide you with the resources that you can give away for free.
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You're Always Building Your Customer List. Building your list of prospective
customers should be your main priority every day. Don't forget that once you have a prospect's email, you can get in touch with them anytime you want, for free. That does not mean that you should blast out sales emails every day. Email marketing is about developing a relationship with your subscribers so as they come to trust and like you, they will be more likely to buy from you.
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You've Got Multiple Income Streams If you just sell just one product with no add-ons or up-sells your customers will not have sufficient options to pick from. On the flip side, if you try and sell too many products you may confuse your customers and they'll buy nothing. The best home business will have a good combination of relevant products that provide 3 revenue streams, basic one-off direct sales income, recurring income and high ticket income.
ELEGANT IDEAS
Cool Closets
This colour-coordinated closet is as stylish as the items that go within it w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This white, bright, open-shelf closet makes finding items much easier 12
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A combination of shelving, cupboards and hanger space makes this wardrobe effective
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ELEGANT IDEAS
A large mirror provides extra functionality to this dressing room 14
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ELEGANT IDEAS
This sleek option also provides a makeshift seating area for trying on shoes w w w . a m g tt. c o m
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KITCHEN
Things To Consider When Installing A Kitchen Range Hood
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kitchen range hood is designed to catch and remove smoke and fumes from the kitchen, especially those that occur while cooking. Range hoods are available with various features and come in different types and sizes. Here are some things to consider when installing a range hood. Size - For efficiency, the hood needs to be at least as wide as the range or cooktop. Units will mount either on the wall or under the cabinet – some are adaptable to mount either way. Measure your cooking surface before selecting a range hood and always read the specified requirements for the proper mounting height. Exhaust - Since the idea is to remove air, the best range hood is only as good as its exhaust
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and therefore more efficient. If you plan to install the hood on an interior wall or island, keep in mind the longer distance and consider a more powerful unit.
system. There are three configurations:
Combination - Can be used with or without ducts.
Vented or Ducted - Requiring ductwork to channel the exhaust outdoors.
Location - Where will the range hood be located? If you select a ducted unit, the exhaust must be vented to the outside, never directed to the attic or basement. If your range hood will be mounted on an exterior wall, the exhaust ducts will be shorter
Non-vented or Duct-free With washable and replaceable filter(s) to clean and return the air to the kitchen.
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Ductwork - Proper installation of ductwork is critical to the efficiency of the range hood. While many individuals choose to hire a professional to install their ductwork, you can purchase materials and accessories to do it yourself. Always read the manufacturer's specifications carefully. Design - Range hoods are available in many styles, from hideaway models to brushed metal units. The type of range you have, gas or electric will require different types of hoods. Look for models that are easy to clean, some have parts that can be put in your dishwasher to be cleaned.
RECIPES
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Inspired By Italy
e in Trinidad have always had a special place in our hearts for Italian food. Most time, the food is more crossover than authentic Italian, but it hardly matters. These recipes are simple and give that authentic Italian feel to your dishes.
oregano 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons butter, softened
ITALIAN SEASONING
Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Combine all the ingredients together except for the butter; stir well in a bowl. Form around 30 balls out of the mixture. Put them on a broiler pan coated with the butter. Bake around 15 minutes or until a cut meatball shows no pink inside. Serve with pasta and sauce or place on a sandwich.
Ingredients 2 tablespoons dried basil 2 tablespoons dried oregano 2 tablespoons dried rosemary 2 tablespoons dried marjoram 2 tablespoons dried cilantro 2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons dried savory 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes Directions In a food processor, combine basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, cilantro, thyme, savory and red pepper flakes. Blend for 1 minute, or until desired consistency is achieved.
ITALIAN TURKEY MEATBALLS Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds ground lean turkey 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2/3 cup dry Italian bread crumbs 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley 3 tablespoons chopped fresh 18
ITALIAN STEWED TOMATOES Ingredients 24 large tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped 1 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 2 teaspoons dried basil1 tablespoon white sugar Directions In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine tomatoes,
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celery, onion, bell pepper, basil and sugar. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
ITALIAN BREAD Ingredients 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 1/8 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast 1 egg 1 tablespoon water 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon cornmeal Directions Add all ingredients except egg, 1 tablespoon water, sesame seeds, and cornmeal into your bread machine in the order suggested by the manufacturer. Select the dough cycle. Divide dough into 2 parts and form into loaves. Sprinkle cornmeal on greased baking sheet. Place loaves on pan seam side down. Brush top of loaves with water. Let rise til double, about 50 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Brush loaves with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Make 4 cuts about 1/4 inch deep across top of log. Place a pan of hot water in bottom of oven. Bake bread for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden. To make a nice crusty bread, bake bread in the afternoon and pop into oven again for 5 minutes before meal.
ITALIAN SAUSAGE PENNE Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta 1 (19 ounce) package JohnsonvilleÂŽ Mild Italian Sausage Links, coin-sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium green bell pepper, julienned 1 medium red bell pepper, julienned 1 medium onion, halved and sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce, heated Directions Cook pasta according to package directions. In skillet, brown sausage in oil for 3-4 minutes. Add peppers, onion and garlic. Continue to cook until vegetables are tender. Divide prepared pasta in bowls, top with marinara sauce and sausage vegetable mixture.
HYDRATION
the key to skin that glows from within Introducing Neutrogena@ Hydro Boost Water Gel. Has your skin started to lose its get up and glow? Dehydration is a common culprit. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, new Hydro Boost is clinically proven to quench skin instantly and release continuous hydration all day. Skin is plump, deeply hydrated, and back to its glowing self. • Lightweight gel texture WHAT IS
• Oil free
HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in skin, is a powerful hydrator that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It plays a critical role in keeping skin cells* hydrated and “plumped,” resulting in supple, youthful-looking skin. We lose Hyaluronic acid over time, but the added HA in Hydro Boost works to help keep skin hydrated and smooth, with a healthy-looking glow.
neutrogena.com/hydroboost
*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
BRIDAL
Making The Groom’s Toast Count
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he groom’s toast is often one of the most memorable elements of any wedding ceremony. People eagerly wait for the groom's speech, and thus it has to be remarkable so that it can satisfy the expectations of all the attendees. You therefore can't afford to present an average toast as it will surely dishearten your guests. If you are about to wed and you are expected to deliver a speech, here are some brilliant tips that will help you to not only satisfy the expectations of your guests but to also please your bride. Planning First and foremost, you should plan your speech to make it impressive. Planning is the key to success, so they say; and groom toasts aren't an exception. Planning your speech will help you to know the things that you'd like to incorporate into your speech before hand. However, make sure that all you plan to speak about is based on the truth. It will also help you build your confidence which will in 20
do this, choose a delivery method that is flexible enough to allow you to interact with your audience. However, don't overdo the interaction. Keep your speech on target and make sure that you delivered your primary message. Most groom toasts are kind of thanksgiving speeches that also, though lightly, praise the bride.
turn help you to have the ability of speaking flawlessly before your guests. Planning should be done by everyone and not those who have no experience in public speaking alone. It is also of importance that you put to heart the opening line when you are planning. The opening line of any speech creates the first impression and will therefore make or break your toast. A captivating opening line will grab the attention of your guests and offer ease in keeping their interests alive up to the end of your toast.
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Speech Delivery Make sure that you mention and thank the people who went out of their way to make the occasion a success. Equally important, thank your parents, your in-laws, and the attendees. This will make a good impression of you and also depict you as a man of gratitude. Another thing you should do is to be a little interactive. Don't make the speech too formal; it is your wedding speech and not a speech on an official function. Interact with the audience by either asking questions or seeking clarification here and there. To
Humor As above mentioned, it's a speech on your wedding day and not an official speech full of data reports and sophisticated presentations. Be lively and pass that feeling of joy to your audience. You can easily do this by incorporating humor in your speech. Funny groom toasts are the best way to attract the audience's attention and making it entertaining. Inject some jokes in between your speech but make sure that the jokes suit the occasion and that the jokes are creative. You should also steer away from jokes that could embarrass anybody. The last thing you want is a joke that will turn into a source of humiliation or upset. Thank you.
FAMILY
Advice For Meeting The Children Of Single Parents
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eeting a single parent's children can be a daunting prospect for anyone dating a doting mother or father. When the inevitable occasion arises, it can provoke numerous concerns for both involved parties, with the newcomer to the scene pondering questions like: • Will his/her kid(s) like me? • Am I ready for this? • What if things don’t work out between us? • How do I approach this situation? With so much at stake, a fairly straightforward occurrence can turn into a nerve wracking one. Take a Deep Breath and Relax It is very good that you have these concerns. It shows you care about the person you are with as well as the well-being of his or 22
will only make them retreat. If you are trying to build a rapport that is the last thing you want.
her child. That said, the meeting isn’t a literal do or die, so calm down and just be you. Remember, if you try too hard you will come off as phony, and kids smell that a mile away. You must also reconcile yourself to the fact that the child may resent you no matter what you do or say. The best advice when meeting the children of someone you are dating is to take it a day at a time and see where things go. Also, read the signs. If the kid isn’t very responsive, be friendly but keep your distance a bit. Let them warm up to you. Pushing
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Taking that Big Step Make sure that when you start discussing the possibility of meeting a single parent's children that you are ready. Don't let the other person push you, and be honest about misgivings. You may genuinely care about the person, but once you are introduced into a child’s life, you can’t take it back. There are so many responses, from clinginess to standoffishness that can occur after a child meets you. To that end, you would hate to establish a relationship with the child and realize you were only in the relationship with the parent for kicks. If you begin to realize that you can’t handle the situation, bow out. Better to do this than to string the parent and the kids along if your intentions are not real.
The Kids are a Package Deal Far too often singles who date an individual with children expect them to choose between the date and the kids. You must remember that the children were and will forever be a part of the parent’s life. In this regard, the advice when meeting the children of a single parent is to come to grips with the situation or simply leave. No one has the right to ask a parent to choose between their offspring and a new romance. Meeting a single parent's children can be a rewarding experience with the right mindset. Even if things do not work out, you would have enriched the kid’s lives with love and companionship, affecting them in a deep and meaningful way. Who knows, you may even discover a thing or two about yourself in the process, which can be equally enriching.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Blemishes Be Gone: Covering up with concealer
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ake-up is the perfect solution to cover blemishes on the face but the technique used is equally important. There are natural ways to promote a flawless complexion such as drinking plenty water and maintaining a cleanse-moisturize-tone system. But for the dark circles under eyes or puffiness from a late night out, try these quick solutions to add a fresh, glow to your face. Under eye-circles- whether genetically inherited or caused by a lack of sleep, these unsightly marks can add years to your face. These can be covered by concealer, which is available in many trusted and preferred brands. Make-up artistes suggest purchasing one lighter than your skin and gently rubbing it in before applying make-up. Acne blemishes- the best solution for acne blemishes is using a concealer that does 2 jobs: cover the acne and treat and prevent future breakouts. One that is oil-free with blemish-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Stick formulas are the recommended choice because they are thicker and drier, so they tend to offer better coverage. Scars- the stick concealer is the perfect choice for this as it is light and won’t move around on the skin, exposing the scars. However, for raised scars, make-
up artistes suggest the concealer pen because the light texture gives smoother coverage. Fine lines and wrinkles- before you apply any powder or foundation, apply a concealer to cover up any noticeable lines after cleansing and moisturizing your face. The moisturizer should contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which will fill lines, reducing the need for a heavy concealer. Your concealer should also contain moisturizing properties, as any other will give a matted effect. Uneven skin tone- although a concealer would hide the blotchiness of uneven skin tone, it is better to treat this gradually to ensure that your skin looks flawless naturally. In the mean time, use a primer before adding moisturizer as this helps to make the perfect concealer. Then use a tinted moisturizer or light foundation to create an even base. The foundation will provide further coverage to the areas that need it. Redness and Rosacea- more than concealing this, the idea is not to irritate the skin to cause any redness or rosacea flares. Sensitive skin formulas as well as formulas with SPF-15 can help to keep these at bay. There are some concealers that contain aloe and honey and these treat irritated skin while hiding red patches. These are the best options.
Better Your Bedroom With A Dressing Table
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here are certain furniture items which have been underestimated in every household. A dressing table is one such important furniture piece. It is not only something that adds grace and beauty to your home, but also serves as a great utility item. This type of furniture can be used for various purposes such as storing clothes, make up items and accessories. Nowadays, most dressing tables are available as a combination with a chest of drawers. That is an excellent option to help you save money. Buying a chest of drawers with a dressing mirror serves as both a dressing table and a storage place. Such tables can be accompanied by contemporary mirrors or vintage mirrors, depending upon the rest of the interior decoration. Dressing mirrors also play an important role of helping people to dress up well while being convenient. This is because you can store your dressing accessories there. Things like cosmetics, belts, skin care items, etc. can be kept in the chest of drawers. This can help you in easily accessing whatever you need while getting dressed in front of the dressing mirror. Dressing tables are available in a lot of variety. They are available in wood, wrought iron, moulded plastics and more. You w w w . a m g tt. c o m
can buy whatever is suitable for your home and goes well with the rest of your decor. Also, their price would also vary with the material that is used in making the dressing table and the type of mirror. When you buy a dressing table, you should be considering various options and compare the prices and quality. You can look in various stores around you and check online as well. This will give a better idea to you about the variety that’s available in the market. However, the most important and often overlooked criterion to consider is the size of the dressing table in relation to the bedroom. Some furniture companies also offer a free side stool or chair with your dressing table which is again a multipurpose item. You can obviously use it to sit and relax anywhere, and use it to settle down when you are dressing up. Women often take time to get dressed and apply make-up. A stool comes in very handy at such times. Moreover, these stools are comparatively smaller in size and therefore do not clutter your room. With that said, you can easily see how you can creatively use a dressing table with a smart chest of drawers to better your bedroom even if you have a walk-in closet. JUNE 2018
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MEDICINE CABINET
HOME GYM
Sort Out Your Legs For ‘Summer’ Vacation
Medication Mistakes To Avoid
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f you’ve never skipped a dose of medication then you’ve probably never needed any because you’re not human. For the humans out there, there would be times when you would have taken mediation in a way that could potentially be hazardous to you. There are some things to be considered if you are to prevent these mistakes. Taking the Wrong Dosage Missing doses matters. Taking too little of your meds can reduce their effectiveness and may cause flare-ups of the condition they’re supposed to treat. Similarly, taking too much drugs can have adverse effects. Overdoses are the number one cause of medication fatalities and the most common medication error. Prescription drugs that have abuse potential are the most common culprits. Not Reading Instructions People rarely read the pamphlet that comes with a prescription medication. This is no shock since it is usually cluttered with scientific language. However, it contains vital information that’s worth the slog. Be sure to get instructions from the pharmacist, but also read up on the correct dosage, whether to take the medication with or without food, and if you should al24
ways use it at a certain time of day. The pamphlet will also tell you about common side effects, whether it’s OK to drink alcohol, and what to do if you forget to take a dose. Bad Food and Drug Interactions Another common mistake is bad drug interactions, where more than one type of medication is used simultaneously with negative effects. However, that is not as common as bad food interactions. While it’s common knowledge that certain medications ought not to be taken at the same time, the issue of foods interacting with drugs is less commonly discussed. For instance, grapefruit juice can cause potentially dangerous interactions with at least 85 medications because it contains a compound that affects the way medications are metabolized by the liver.
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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 inner 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.
HOME LIBRARY
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he role of a mother in a traditional sense is expected to provide nurturing, guidance and family growth. Thus, it has often been debated whether a mother can fulfill her role as competently as a stay at home mother while simultaneously having a successful career. The women featured here not only succeeded in both roles, but they were also able to made indelible contributions to the history and future of Trinidad and Tobago.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar The first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago When Mrs. Persad-Bissessar was appointed Leader of the Opposition, she made history by being the first woman to ever hold that position in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Then on Tuesday, May 26, 2010, two days after a victory at the polls, Mrs. Persad-Bissessar created history yet again, becoming the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. In a professional capacity and prior to her success on being the first female Prime Minister she also filled the role as lecturer, politician, and an attorney. One can certainly say she has worn many hats, but perhaps the most important role she may have had to date is being a mother to her son Kris Bissessar and a grandmother. Mrs. Persad Bissessar once hailed the resilience of women 26
Impactful, Influential, Imperative Celebrating T&T’s Game Changing Moms saying “Women are strong, they head households, they go out and work and still return home and work at home.”
Helen Bhagwansingh Inducted into the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry’s Business Hall of Fame
Catherine Kumar Former CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry Ms. Catherine Kumar, is a name synonymous with the banking industry. She is best known for being pioneer in the field of banking and administration. Kumar was at the helm of RBTT before its complete immersion under the RBC brand. As CEO/Country Head at RBTT, she fulfilled a goal which she had at 27 years old after her earlier experiences at Barclays Bank (now Republic Bank) and Scotiabank: “To become the leader of a large commercial banking organization.” Her role at RBTT made her the first woman leading a bank at a top level. In 2010 she filled the role of CEO at the Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Commerce for approximately 6 years. Upon her resignation at the Chamber of Commerce, Kumar stated in a past interview that she looked forward to spending time with her daughter who was studying in Canada at the time.
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Humble beginnings and strategic thinking are just some of the reasons behind the success of Bhagwansingh’s hardware and the woman and mother behind it, Mrs. Helen Bhagwansingh. When Helen acquired the hardware business from her father and carried on under the designation of Bhagwansingh’s Hardware it signaled the start of her own empire. In March 2007, Bhagwansingh opened a new, ultramodern hardware in Trincity, which is the largest of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago and possibly the Caribbean. In keeping with the tradition passed on by her deceased parents, her four children, Suzanne, Wendy, Trevor, and Terry, have all worked in the business from a young age.
Diana Mahabir-Wyatt Women’s activist and Former senator A vocal and resilient feminist who isn’t afraid to be heard are
just some of the ways in which Diana Mahabir-Wyatt can be described. Born in Toronto in 1941, Mahabir-Wyatt moved to Trinidad at the age of 19 to accompany her Trinidadian husband. By the age of 26, she was a member of the tripartite committees that developed the IRA (Industrial Relations Act) and later the National Insurance Act. After the latter was passed, Diana served on the National Insurance Board of Directors for 15 years. She also served on an Advisory Committee to the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, while holding down the post of CEO of the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation. During this time, she also got divorced and was a mother of 4 children. For 12 years Mahabir-Wyatt served as an Independent Senator. Her main goal while in this position was to champion Human Rights issues in Parliament. However, disappointed by the failure of the government to protect children by ensuring the implementation of the strong legislation that Parliament had passed in respect of children’s rights, Mahabir-Wyatt resigned from the Senate to work for the implementation of measures to protect children at an NGO level. As varying as each of these women roles and responsibilities were, the underlying factor remains the same. They were instrumental in orchestrating change and history within T&T while not forsaking their maternal roles. These pioneers are living proof that it is still possible to climb the corporate ladder, build an empire, run a country and influence the passing of bills while still being called ‘mom.’
TRAVEL
Choosing A Basic First Aid Kit To Suit Any Hiking Trip
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very year literally millions of hikers travel around the world's wilderness areas without any real problems and without injury. However, from time to time, accidents do happen and a little preparation can go a long way towards ensuring that the results of any injuries sustained leave you ready to head out on the trail again without delay. For anything other than a simple hour or two of hiking in your local area you need to do a little preparation and that should include packing a first aid kit. Your kit should of course take into account the area in which you will be hiking and the sort of injuries which you could possibly encounter but, in all cases, your first aid kit should contain at least the following items. • Elastic roll bandages and gauze • A variety of different sized adhesive bandages • An anti-bacterial spray or cream • Either Aspirin or Ibuprofen, depending upon your stomach sensitivity • Moleskin to be used in the 28
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treatment of blisters A knife (a Swiss Army knife or something similar is ideal) A pair of tweezers Anti-itch cream Burn cream Hydrocortisone cream Sunscreen
The other items that you might want to add to this list are very much a matter of personal preference and you should use your own judgment here. Remember, however, that even a minor injury can rapidly become serious if it is not treated and even some basic antiseptic cream to put onto a minor cut or graze can save you from a lot of problems later. Remember too that whatever you pack will need to carry, so don't go overboard. It goes almost without saying that you should take enough water for drinking, but a little extra for washing scrapes or wounds can come in extremely handy. Steer clear of water from streams, except when you have no alternative, as even the cleanest looking stream can be simply loaded with nasty bacteria. Depending on where you're
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going to be hiking another very useful item can be a snake bite kit. The risk of snake bites is actually much lower than most people think and, in general, a snake will not bite you unless you all but stand on it. Nevertheless, if there is a risk of snake bite it's a good idea to be ready for it. In case you're wondering, spider bites are even rarer than snake bites and there are very few poisonous spiders living in areas where they are easily seen or where hikers are likely to come into contact with them. So, simply avoid crawling around in wet or dark areas and, as a general rule, the odds are on your side. Apart from the obvious risk of such things as a stomach upset or headache, from too much sun and bad food or water, the most common problem is cuts. An untreated cut can easily become infected, especially if it's caused by a plant or other vegetation rather than a sharp stone or rock. That's why your first aid list should always contain bandages and an anti-bacterial spray or cream. Treatment is simply a matter of cleaning any cut and ap-
plying disinfectant before covering the area with a band-aid. If the cut is large you'll need to use gauze and a roll bandage rather than a band-aid but, before doing so, you need to assess the seriousness of the cut. In particular you'll need to estimate just how deep the cut is and whether bleeding from the cut is venous or arterial. In the case of venous bleeding, blood normally flows steadily from the cut and often has a lightly bluish tint. Arterial bleeding by contrast comes in spurts as the heart pumps blood around the body and is normally redder in color. Venous bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the wound, which will seal itself. Arterial bleeding is however more serious and requires the use of special clamp-andrelease techniques. In the case of deep cuts (whether venous or arterial) professional treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Perhaps the best first aid for any hiker is caution and simple common sense. Be aware of your surroundings and don't take stupid risks and all should be well.
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