About Family and Home

Perfectly Decorate Your Cooking Area With Innovative Patterns Of Kitchen Wall Tiles

2012-01-28T18:56:00.000-08:00

Cooking area is the most valuable part of anyone's household, which demands good maintenance each year. A healthy food can only be prepared cooked in an area which is hygienic and constantly attractive. A beautiful ambiance fashioned inside the cooking area with the assist of mesmerizing kitchen floor tiles, attracts everyone. Cooking area is visited by almost every member of house, but is under the manage of female member. It ought to be decorated with material, that suits the character of the cooker and provides the positive setting.

Kitchen tiles are able of transforming the entire ambiance of the kitchen and provide relaxing environment inside it. tiles should be of such eminent worth that an individual, who is agreeable to spend several hours in the cooking area, feel relaxed. While making your selection on floor tiles you should concentrate on those issues that are focal and beneficial for your kitchen. Cooking area is a place where heat, pressure, water and other alike elements play a main role. floor tiles should be resilient to the whole unwanted element and ought to have the capability to deal with tough environment effortlessly.

You will discover numerous cooking area tiles found in the market but barely few are of standard quality. Previous to going out in the market, you must do an investigate regarding the numerous tiling options which are obtainable. You can find fake suppliers who show floor tiles that are shiny and glossy at the start but loose their brimming style in time.

There exists a never ending choice found in kitchen tiles, but not many are favored in comparison to others. Particular tiles that are applicable for kitchen are:

Ceramic floor tiles: These tiles are ordinarily preferred in comparison to others because of their multiple qualities. These can resist extremes of high temperature and pressure as they are prepared under similar condition. You can find huge amount of color relating to your room's requirement and can even opt for your desired design. Besides that, you might use ceramic cooking area tiles for variable functions. With all these spectacular features, it is actually cost-effective and easy to install.

Marble tiles: These tiles are special because of the royal appearance that these impart, wherever these are installed. They are also enduring, with high strength and hard quality.

Granite tiles: These floor tiles are notably branded for being hardest and densest in nature. Simply the greatest selection when it comes to the renovation of kitchen.

Slate tiles: They are right for modifying the kitchen with shine and glitter and therefore, making a gleaming ambiance all around.

By Dolores Mackey

Ode to a Homemaker

2012-01-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Homemaking is such a general term, that I have decided to break down a few of the challenges we meet by separating those duties tied to the homemakers responsibilities.

First off, everyone experiences being a homemaker of some sort or another, for many of us, we learn early that the responsibility of the homemaker far outweighs the rewards.

When you were a child you may have experienced some of the duties, following a boisterous demand from the mouth of your Mother! One such experience, "Clean your room, or I'll tell your Father!"

Well, wahootie, that does not exactly promote the desire for you to become a successful homemaker! It did, however, promote the action of performing the duties for most of us.

Time frames as we experience them today, place many of us in a position of, "Running short."

1. Running short on time to prepare meals for the family
2. Running short on time to get everyone to all of the appointments we set up on a daily basis.
3. Running short on time to exercise.
4. Running short on time to be romantic in our relationships.
5. Running short on time to discover and nurture the beauty of our individualism.

With many more, "Running shorts," you begin to get the picture that I believe we need to find short cuts that will help us to better accomplish all of those necessary time consuming duties we possess as Homemakers!

In order to perform at our ultimate performance level, we realize we must stay healthy, first and foremost.

In order to stay healthy, we need to determine a program for our lives that will include, a healthy diet, an exercise regimen that is not only a good program, but also one with which we can consistently perform.

We will also need Spiritual nourishment, quiet time where we take time to reflect inward to our Source, God, for the rebuilding of our depleted oneness and focus. It is in this time, that we honestly confess that our balance has been tipped by all of those demands of Homemaking.

While I admit, Homemaking is a demanding job, I also believe there are few jobs as rewarding, as the fulfillment of this position.

When you consider the cost of having someone come in and take over this position, you would find that charge nearly unmentionable, for the value would be so great!

A Homemaker is responsible for keeping all the minute details of life, in order, they are responsible for balancing checkbooks in many a home, for laundry duties, meals prepared and served, for delivery service of the household members to and from various appointments, to say nothing of their nursing abilities.

Yes, Homemaking is a huge responsibility, but in any context, it is inconceivable to have one in charge of this duty, who does not know that what they do, is assisting in the shaping of our Nation!

I for one, salute every Homemaker who is attempting to fill this role!

By Cheryl G Burke

6 Tips on How to Settle Into Your New Home

2012-01-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

Finally! You have already moved in to your new place. It is time to begin a new chapter in your life-but then you are scared. You have plenty of apprehensions, and you somehow feel quite alone and dejected. Indeed, moving and settling in to a new property can be both physically and emotionally stressful. Nevertheless, there are ways on how to make the transition smooth for you:

1. Get to know the place before you move. Research more about the area, especially those within and around your community. Determine where the hot spots are, as well as the culture of its people. Perhaps they practice certain traditions or beliefs. You do not have to share the same principle and belief as the others, but you also do not want to offend them.

2. Have someone with you for a while. If you are moving in alone, it is best if you can have someone to stay with you for a couple of days. This way, you would not feel lonely. You have a buddy when you want to go shopping or exploring the area.

3. Make new friends. Living in to a new place is a whole lot comfortable if you can already find new friends. You can start looking for them even before you move. One technique is to go online. Check if there are message boards that are specific to a particular area, such as your next home. Introduce yourself to the group and let them know that you are moving in. There is a huge chance you will get plenty of positive responses from people who would like to show you around.

Make it a point too to reach out to your neighbors. The traditional "I have some cookies as gifts" strategy still works wonders until today. The presents make a nice introduction. They can also be conversation pieces.

4. Reach out to your family and friends. You will feel less lonely if it is easier for you to talk to your loved ones, particularly those who live in your old neighborhood. Keep your mobile phones close. Schedule an Internet connection or telephone setup as soon as possible.

5. Participate in activities. Once in a while communities and even towns have activities or festivals. You may want to join them. These are perfect places to meet new friends. You can also get a much better feel of the town and its people. You can also have a lot of fun.

6. Think positive. Never allow your fears to occupy most of your mind and time. If you feel like you are beginning to feel scared or regret over your decision, just play some subliminal messages into your mind. You may say, "I am looking forward to my new life," "I am waiting to explore my new territory," or "This is a brand-new challenge I am willing to take."

If you have chosen to download subliminal messages instead of creating your own, you can integrate them in your exercise and relaxation routines, such as yoga, Pilates, and meditation.

By Nelson Berry

Focus On Learning Rather Than Teaching At Home

2012-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

All too often as parents we feel pressured to teach our children things at home. While there are some things that definitely must be taught, for example to look both ways before crossing the street, many things are better learned by children.

What do I mean by that? Think back to when you were a child. Do you have memories of certain things you learned and how you learned them? Maybe you learned to draw simply because you were given paper and crayons and the opportunity to draw. Most likely, you were not 'taught' by your parents how to draw; rather you discovered it for yourself.

When we learn things on our own terms we tend to learn them more easily, more joyously, and we tend to retain them better. Have you ever sat down and observed how your child learned? To some it may seem like a question with a simple answer, but we all have different learning styles.

Some of us like to learn through words. We listen to audio tapes, we like to hear people tell us how things work; we are auditory learners. Others of us like pictures. We like to see things presented in photographs or laid out in graphs and charts; we are graphic learners. Another way to learn is through touch, we like to see how things feel, we appreciate learning through working on models; we are kinesthetic learners. Which of these three primary learning styles is your child?

Also children can be internally motivated or externally motivated. Young children are usually very externally motivated and need an adult constantly watching over them, helping them, and giving them praise. Ideally as they get older, children should move toward being internally motivated. This is when they learn for the sake of learning. Find ways to encourage your child to become more internally motivated. Start by having them tackle activities that are challenging, but not too challenging.

I still remember when I received a globe as a grade school student. It was such a great gift, as it became the beginning of my love for travel, adventure, and learning about other cultures. The globe came with a card for each country. I would sit for hours spinning the globe and randomly picking a country, and then going to find out all I could about it. I share this experience because it is a great example of being internally motivated. No one made me sit down and memorize the countries; it was something that I wanted to do because someone had given me a globe.

Classroom teachers understand the difference between teaching and learning. While we call them teachers, they strive to provide the opportunities for our children to learn. The classroom is structured to have lessons appeal to the different learning styles. Generally, children who are internally motivated are going to be more successful in a classroom setting.

Ideally what we want to provide our children is a love of learning that will extend over his or her entire life time. It might be better for us to think of ourselves as learning guides, rather than teachers. But most importantly, children emulate what we do. If we never show an interest in learning and rather sit in front of the TV, what can we expect from our children? To get started - have everyone in the family get together and read a book, or draw pictures, or work on models - whatever best fits into everyone's learning styles. Quality family time plus learning together equals priceless memories.

By Karen Wintress

Have Fun Outside With the Right Picnic Blanket

2012-01-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

Organizing a picnic is something that is relatively simple when you have the right gear. This article will talk about some of the most important things to keep in mind when buying a picnic blanket.

It is important to know where the picnic will be held, because depending on the conditions of the ground; you might need to adapt your choices of your other picnic related items. For example, if you're planning to have a picnic on the beach it is advisable to take a thicker blanket than the one you would take to a park covered with grass. Thinner blankets are not suitable for using on sand because they sink as soon as you sit on them and all the sane ends up on top of them instead of under them.

It is a good idea to know what kind of weather you might encounter, is it going to be damp? If this is the case you might want to take a waterproof blanket to make sure everything stays dry and no one ends up with a wet pair of pants. You will probably need two or more blankets to accommodate all the people plus the food and drinks.

Many people would just use a tablecloth as the main food blanket but it is usually better to use a firmer waterproof blanket for convenience. Experienced picnic planners also recommend looking for a thick blanket whenever possible, for cushioning comfort, in case you're planning to sit on the ground for a few hours.

Something else that should be kept in mind when looking for a new picnic blanket in the amount of people that will be attending your picnics on a regular basis in order to make sure the blanket is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.

There is a large variety of camping and picnic supplies online and retailers that offer great deals on picnic blankets all around the country. The nice thing about buying online is that it is simple to compare prices among the many alternatives without having to leave your home.

Overall, the most important thing when buying a picnic blanket is making sure your family and friends are comfortable and enjoy the event. Take the time to do some research and make sure you have a clear picture of the kind of weather you might encounter on the day. There are many different alternatives for all kinds of budgets.

By Tyler Branson

Tips for Relaxing

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

You're stressed. You're busy. You need to relax. But it's been so long since you've had time to rest that you forget how! The key to true relaxation is to do something that is restorative. Sure, sitting in front of the television for two hours sounds "relaxing," but, in truth, shutting off your brain and vegetating isn't going to perk you up or restore your calm in the way that your body truly needs.

If you're ready to get down to business and really relax, then put these tips into practice. Try them out, and you'll be cool, calm, and collected in no time at all!

1.) Exercise. Physical activity is good for the body and soul. Whenever possible, exercise outside. Take a walk. Join your kids at the playground. Go for a hike. Ride your bike. The fresh air and sunshine will improve your mood and energize your day.

2.) Spend time with a friend. Nothing improves your mood faster than talking through your problems with a friend. Share your worries and let your friend comfort you or give you advice over a cup of coffee or hot tea.

3.) Learn to say no. You don't have to bake cookies for the fourth grade bake sale. You don't have to lead the focus group your boss suggested. You don't have to walk your grandma's dog. Sure, they're all good things to do, but sometimes you need to forgo doing things that are good in order to focus on things that are crucial.

4.) Take a vacation. It never hurts to get away from the routine. Use your hard-earned vacation days and spend some time reading, swimming, hiking, shopping, or sightseeing. Don't have time for a week-long getaway? Get away for the weekend! Act like a tourist in the nearest big city, even if this city is your hometown. If even a weekend feels too extravagant, then take a vacation from your electronics. Turn off your cell phone, computer, Nintendo Wii, DVD player, Blackberry, and television. You'll be amazed at how much more time you have to relax once you take a break from technology.

In order to take care of your work, home, business, spouse, or kids, you must first learn to properly take care of yourself. In order to take care of yourself, you need to learn to relax. So, what are you waiting for? Get busy relaxing!

By Greg Pierce

Get Instructions On How To Make Drapes And Make Your Own

2012-01-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

With just a few simple instructions on how to make drapes, you can easily make your own and save money. It's not hard but detailed. It involves three steps. You need to select the appropriate material, measure very carefully, and you then do the sewing.

Measurement is the absolutely the most vital step in making your own draperies. If this step is not done accurately, you will not have the result you want. This requires two people. Use a non-stretchable tape measure. Place a small mark at the top, bottom, and two sides where you want the drapery to cover. Measure from mark to mark. Go back and double check, correcting anything that needs it.

Next, figure the yardage of material you need. You need 2 panels for each window. Divide the overall width in half, multiply by 1 1/2 for fullness, and add 4" to allow for a 2" hem on each side. This is the width you need for each panel. The length will be the actual measurement plus 5", 1" for a seam at the top and 4" at the bottom for a hem. Multiply this length by the number of panels you will need. Since drapery material is wide, you may not need but one length for each panel, but if need 2, don't forget to allow extra material. You also need pleater tape, the width of each finished panel plus 1/2".

Cutting is next. Cut each panel the required width and length as measured. If you need two lengths of fabric for one panel, cut and stitch together. Sew a 1/2" seam to join them. Once they are joined, cut to the exact width. Save any extra width to use on another panel. Don't forget the seam allowances and hems.

Turn under 2" hems on all sides and 4" hems at the bottom. Steam press and hem, either by hand or machine. Mark the panel 1" from the top. Next,sew the pleater tape to the top of each panel. Match the pleater tape and panel and stitch the seam line a marked on the tape. Usually it is a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn the panel under at the marked 1" line and steam press.

Press 1/4" under on each side of the pleater tape and stitch carefully to the sides of the panel, preferably by hand. Use the directions and the pleater clips that came with the package and follow directions to get the type pleat you want. There are several different styles. Be sure you have steam pressed everything to get a sharp look.

Hanging your draperies is another job best done by two people. After the pleats are formed, finger pressed, and adjusted as required, you will need to hang each hook into the proper plastic loop on the drapery rod. It is best if one person holds the bottom so it can be hung evenly. Once you have placed the pleater hook in place all across, drop it carefully down and straighten and adjust. If you have measured accurately, everything should fit and look very nice.

With just a little effort and expense, plus instructions on how to make drapes, you have a beautiful, custom-made set of draperies. They cost only a fraction of what you would otherwise pay. You can also be proud of your accomplishment. This is an unbeatable combination.

By Adriana Noton

Smart Tips for Your Building Chicken Coops

2012-01-21T18:41:00.000-08:00

When you are considering building chicken coop plans it would be easier to start out with some smart tips to make your project a success.

There are hundreds of different chicken breeds in existence and there are even hundreds of different types and varieties. The different physical characteristics define the way they look and the way they act. It doesn't take much money to start raising chickens in the backyard and nor does it take a lot of space. These two factors alone make raising chickens an option for many people.

You can have many benefits from raising chickens some better known than others:

...chickens provide animation to an otherwise dull view of the landscape (a very subtle benefit but also true)
...they can provide some companionship to those who may be lonely
...the learning opportunity for children is most valuable
...you can't beat the health and nutrition provided for you

When you raise chickens you have natural insect and bug control for the grass without the use of hazardous chemicals... that's good news for you all of us. Nor do you have to run to the grocery store every time you need eggs because you have the freshest, greatest tasting eggs you can find right in your backyard. Gardens and compost piles are provided with the world's best natural fertilizer. Your chickens may even become pets and fill voids in life you didn't even know you had.

Raising your own chickens complement growing your own food and together they are a great start to general health and well being not to mention the independence you have by being self reliant.

Giving your chickens the proper care will give value to you for a long time. Providing a proper chicken coop where the chickens may go into each night and during bad weather conditions is crucial to their well being.

These smart tips for building chicken coop project can make your experience of raising chickens start out with less issues:

1. Safety...

If you take care of safety first you will have more stress free living for the chickens and yourself. Chickens leave the coop in the early morning when the doors are opened and they come back into the coop in the evening by themselves, after which you close the door. Therefore it is important that you have a coop that protects your chickens from predators. Simple latches on the outside of your door would seem to be sufficient but raccoons seem to have a way of getting past some of the best ones. When considering your design this is a protecting your chickens is a critical issue, so make sure that your chickens have safe shelter.

2. The Size of the Coop...

How large or small the coop will be is another very important factor that will contribute to the well being of your chickens. You may be raising chickens in the backyard where your space is limited where you will need a portable chicken coop. If you want to be able to get in it or if you want it smaller, keeping it clean and collecting eggs should be in your decision. You can attach exterior doors into the nest or you can hinge the roof, any one of these is satisfactory. Make sure you have a door that opens to a ramp so chickens can easy access to the coop. Normally 3-4 square feet per chicken is sufficient enough.

3. Ventilation...

Make sure that ventilation is covered in your chicken coop design. This is very important for the comfort of your chickens and obvious health reasons. If the climate that you live in is hot you do not want your chickens to get uncomfortably warm. The coop can become smelly and unhealthy if there is not enough ventilation. Windows that are open and have screens attached are good. Cross ventilation is a very good design, so you may want to have vents on the wall opposite an open window.

4. Lighting for the Coop...

Having the proper lighting in your chicken coop is something you need to look into for your design. It is a good idea to have your coop facing at right angles to the sun. If that may be an issue then you need to make sure that there is enough artificial lighting. Lighting is important to have your hens lay eggs year round.

Chickens provide us with healthier food resources ranging from the animal and vegetable categories as well as reducing our own stress levels. No matter what you use, as long as you meet the needs of your chickens, you'll have stress free birds and plenty of fresh eggs.

By Hank J

Perfectly Decorate Your Cooking Area With Innovative Patterns Of Kitchen Wall Tiles

2012-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Cooking area is the most valuable part of anyone's household, which demands good maintenance each year. A healthy food can only be prepared cooked in an area which is hygienic and constantly attractive. A beautiful ambiance fashioned inside the cooking area with the assist of mesmerizing kitchen floor tiles, attracts everyone. Cooking area is visited by almost every member of house, but is under the manage of female member. It ought to be decorated with material, that suits the character of the cooker and provides the positive setting.

Kitchen tiles are able of transforming the entire ambiance of the kitchen and provide relaxing environment inside it. tiles should be of such eminent worth that an individual, who is agreeable to spend several hours in the cooking area, feel relaxed. While making your selection on floor tiles you should concentrate on those issues that are focal and beneficial for your kitchen. Cooking area is a place where heat, pressure, water and other alike elements play a main role. floor tiles should be resilient to the whole unwanted element and ought to have the capability to deal with tough environment effortlessly.

You will discover numerous cooking area tiles found in the market but barely few are of standard quality. Previous to going out in the market, you must do an investigate regarding the numerous tiling options which are obtainable. You can find fake suppliers who show floor tiles that are shiny and glossy at the start but loose their brimming style in time.

There exists a never ending choice found in kitchen tiles, but not many are favored in comparison to others. Particular tiles that are applicable for kitchen are:

Ceramic floor tiles: These tiles are ordinarily preferred in comparison to others because of their multiple qualities. These can resist extremes of high temperature and pressure as they are prepared under similar condition. You can find huge amount of color relating to your room's requirement and can even opt for your desired design. Besides that, you might use ceramic cooking area tiles for variable functions. With all these spectacular features, it is actually cost-effective and easy to install.

Marble tiles: These tiles are special because of the royal appearance that these impart, wherever these are installed. They are also enduring, with high strength and hard quality.

Granite tiles: These floor tiles are notably branded for being hardest and densest in nature. Simply the greatest selection when it comes to the renovation of kitchen.

Slate tiles: They are right for modifying the kitchen with shine and glitter and therefore, making a gleaming ambiance all around.

By Dolores Mackey

Green Cleaning Vs Conventional Cleaning

2012-01-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

Top Hazardous Chemicals in the Home

    * Air Fresheners - Many contain Formaldehyde - highly toxic, known carcinogen; Phenol - skin contact can cause swelling, burning, peeling and hives, can cause cold sweats, convulsions, circulatory collapse, coma and potentially death.
    * Ammonia - Damaging to eyes, respiratory tract and skin.
    * Bleach - Very corrosive, can irritate or bun skin, eyes and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting and coma if ingested.
    * Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo - Some contain Percholrethylene a known carcinogen damaging to liver, kidney and nervous system. Ammonium Hydroxide - corrosive and very irritable to eyes, skin and respiratory passages.
    * Dishwasher Detergents - Most contain chlorine in dry form. #1 cause of child poisoning according to the poison control centers. Also contain phosphates which pollute ground water supplies.
    * Drain Cleaner - Most contain lye; caustic, burns skin and eyes, will damage esophagus and stomach if ingested. Hydrochloric acid - corrosive, irritant to eyes and skin, damages kidneys, liver and digestive tract. Trichloroethane - irritant
    * Furniture Polish - Petroleum Distillates - Highly flammable, can cause skin and lung cancer. Phenol - same as air fresheners. Nitrobenzene - easily absorbed via the skin, extremely toxic.
    * Mold and Mildew Cleaners - Sodium hypochlorite - corrosive, irritant/burning to skin and eyes, causes fluid in the lungs and can lead to coma or death. Formaldehyde - Highly toxic, known carcinogen, irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin. May cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath.
    * Oven Cleaner - Sodium Hydroxide (lye) - Caustic, strong irritant, burns skin and eyes, inhibits reflexes, will cause severe tissue damage if ingested.
    * Antibacterial Cleaners - May contain Triclosan - absorption via skin can be tied to liver damage.
    * Laundry Products - Besides Bleach, may contain Sodium or Calcium Hypocrite - Highly corrosive, irritates or burns skin, eyes or respiratory tract. Linear alkylate sulfonate absorbed via skin. Known liver damaging agent. Sodium Tripolyphosphate - irritates skin and mucous membranes causes vomiting. Easily absorbed via skin from clothes.
    * Toilet Bowl Cleaners - Hydrochloric Acid - highly corrosive, irritant to skin and eyes. Damages liver and kidneys.
    * Hypochlorite Bleach - Corrosive, irritates/burns eyes, skin and respiratory tract. May cause pulmonary edema, vomiting, or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which can be potentially fatal.

Other Toxic items around the home
    * Pesticides
    * Flea Powders
    * Lice Shampoo
    * Car Wash and Polish
    * Tar and Bug Remover

Did you know?

    * Manufacturers of conventional household cleaners are not required by law to disclose the noxious ingredients in their products.
    * Do not be fooled by the words "non-toxic" on labels. The government does not define it so it CAN be used on toxic products.
    * Only a minute fraction of the 75,000+ chemicals registered have been tested for human health concerns. (EPA)

    * The typical American household is the number one violator of chemical waste per capita. (EPA)
    * The average American home has 3-10 gallons of hazardous materials. (Children's Health Environmental Coalition)
    * Children are especially at risk to toxin exposure

- Pound for pound, they breathe more air, drink more water, eat more food.

- At play, they crawl and put things in the mouth (which is true also of our pets)

Natural Cleaning Alternatives

    * Choose an eco-friendly, cleaning service.
    * Do it Yourself with store bought green cleaning products.

- Read labels of products and choose those that appear to disclose all ingredients.

- Beware of the words caution, warning, and danger.

- Select products made from plant-based material, eg. Oils of citrus, seed, vegetables as these should be biodegradable.

- Choose pump spray containers over aerosols. These not only can be harmful to ozone, but also produce a finer mist more readily inhaled.

Do it yourself with homemade cleaning agents.

- Baking Soda: All purpose cleaner, effective on glass, coffee pots. Eliminates red-wine stains from carpet. When made into a paste with water shines stainless steel and silver, removes tea stains from cups. For cleaning sinks, counters, toilets and tubs, make a paste with castile and a drop of essential oil (tea tree or lavender). To clear clogged drains, pour 1 cup down the sink followed by 3 cups of boiling water.

- Boiling Water: Use weekly to flush drains and avoid clogs.

- Coarse salt: Cleans copper pans and scours cookware. Sprinkle onto fresh spills in the oven then wipe off. To remove rust stains sprinkle on salt then squeeze lemon or lime over them and let sit for several hours and wipe off.

- Essential oils: Mix lavender or tea tree essential oils with water and use as an anti-bacterial spray for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.

- Grapefruit-seed extract: To kill mold and mildew, add a few drops to water and spray onto affected surfaces.

- Lemon juice: Acts as a bleaching agent on clothing. Use to remove grease from stove and countertops. Add 2 Tbsp lemon juice to 10 drops of real lemon oil and a few drops jojoba oil to clean and polish wood furniture.

- Olive Oil: Lubricates and polishes wood furniture. Mix 3 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar; or 2 parts olive oil with 1 part lemon juice.

- Tea Tree Oil: Antibacterial properties, kills mold and mildew. Add 50 drops to a bucket of water to clean countertops and tile floors.

- Toothpaste (plain white): Cleans silver, can remove water stains on wood furniture; dab on, allow to dry then wipe off.

- White vinegar - Cleans linoleum floors and glass when mixed with water and a small amount of castile. Cuts grease and removes stains; removes soap scum and cleans toilets (you can also add baking soda too). Can be poured down drains weekly for antibacterial cleaning. Add to water in a spray bottle to kill mold and mildew.

Other Considerations:

- Micro fiber cloths/mops are excellent at attracting dirt and bacteria and should not require any cleaning solutions- just water, so they are eco-friendly and economical.

- Use of cloths that can be washed and used again as opposed to disposable wipes is better for the environment as it uses fewer resources.

- Using a HEPA-type filter vacuum traps dust in the vacuum with fewer particles being released back into the air.

- Prevention: Take off shoes when in the home.

By Dean Thornton

How to Build a Winter Snowman

2012-01-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

You don't need a magic wand to create magical memories in the winter months. You just need a snowstorm and some imagination. Snowmen are one of the magical seasonal icons of winter, Christmas and the holidays. Snowmen are so popular that the most well-known one of all, Frosty, is as recognized a name as Elvis.

Making a snowman is easy but first you need a snowstorm. You need the snowflakes to fall from the sky and create what is technically known in the snowman building world as good packing snow. If you can make a snowball you can make a snowman. The great thing about making snowmen is that there are no rules.

The most popular snowmen have three circular body parts - head, upper torso, lower torso - progressively bigger from top to bottom. But there are two circle snowmen and snowmen of a variety of sizes and shapes. And speaking of snowmen, there are also snowwomen.

After you have the frame of your snowman built it's time to make him (or her) come to life with eyes, nose, mouth and other accessories. You can make your snowman's face using sticks, twigs, rocks, leaves, branches, carrots, fruit, coal or candy. Whatever you can find around the yard or in your house. Add arms, a hat, a scarf, a pipe, a pocket book - anything you like.

Remember, Frosty the Snowman had a "Corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal."

Once your snowman is built you will want to name him or her - every snowman should have a name after all. And don't forget to take pictures of your new winter friend.You now have a snowman who will make you smile for miles for as long as the cold temperature keeps them in tact.

If you can't make a real snowman because you live somewhere it doesn't snow, you can make your own snowman with snowman craft kits or snowman projects. If you have a pad and a pen you can draw a snowman. If you have colored paper and scissors you can cut out a paper collage snowman. If you have cookie mix and decorative sprinkles you can bake a snowman. If you have yarn and needle you can stitch a snowman.

One fun snowman craft is to make a dry pasta snowman. You'll need different shape dry pasta, glue and paper. Place your canvas or paper on the tabletop. Arrange the pasta shapes to create a snowman. Once you like what you see, glue the pasta pieces to the paper. Let it dry. Voila - pasta snowman.

Surround yourself with snowmen of all kinds to light up your holidays and to bring cheer throughout the winter!

By L. Nazarian

Types Of Ironing Board And Their Advantages

2012-01-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

An ironing board is made of special and heat-resistant cover where garments are placed when ironing them, these boards have cushioned and even surface. If you need to iron clothes with sleeves then it would be no problem at all because it usually has sleeves which are screwed on the board. And when you get tired and you want to rest for a while you can place the iron in the iron-rest which is positioned at the end of the board and is made of material which can absorb the heat and securely hold the iron. There are actually many different kinds of ironing board available today and if you want to be familiar with each of those then you should read through this article.

The first type we are going to talk about is the portable ironing board. You can see this type in most homes across the globe. One great advantage of this board is that its legs are foldable when you are not using it. You can also bring it where you want to do your ironing and then keep it is a small place when not in use. The height of the board can also be adjusted and you can choose whether you like to do ironing in a standing or sitting position, whichever is comfortable to you.

Another kind is the wall mounted type. As the name implies this type is custom installed or mounted to a free wall in your home and you can fold it out when you need to use it. This is perfect if you have problems with space in your home, apartment or condominium but there are times that you can find a big home that uses this one and that is because of the space-saving feature it offers. One advantage is that you can place it in small spaces like a walk in closet. Another advantage is that it is actually very easy to install. You can also find a door-mounted board. It is pretty much like a wall mounted type however the only difference is that it is very easy to hide.

Last but not the least is the Table Top Ironing Board. This is the most portable type of ironing board as its legs are designed to be short so that you can place them at the top of a table. This is very advantageous because it is very portable which means you can bring it along wherever you go. Plus it is perfect for small homes, dorms and apartments.

By Charles S. Smith

Professional Moving Firm - Hard To Find?

2012-01-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

Even though you may not be thrilled about getting to move absolutely all your apartment or home's contents to a new apartment or home, this challenging job is really usually some thing that we just cannot steer clear of. Whether it can be a brand new job in another state, you would like to move closer to other family members member or any from the other numerous factors that people have for transferring, you have to ensure that you just get full benefit of today's top sources as a way to ensure that your move is an easy one. And if you have to move from state or across your state, then you may absolutely should take full advantage of one of today's leading lengthy distance movers

Today's lengthy distance movers are specially trained companies that focus on packing and shipping your contents long distances. This really is specifically important to note because not all relocating businesses are create to supply you with long distance support. For instance, even a number of the absolute best transferring companies in your local region might not hold the qualified drivers or the best kind of gear to have the ability to help you with a lengthy distance haul. As a result, it can be very important for you personally to create certain which you pick a relocating firm that does indeed have the correct kind of expertise and gear to help you with this essential job. Making sure that you simply often shell out careful consideration to this factor when choosing your distinct shifting business will absolutely assist you to to create the most beneficial choice.

Additionally, it'll also prove to be an excellent support to you should you be sure which you find a long distance relocating business that provides some kind of ensure for your basic safety of one's contents. You must also examine your prospective long distance shifting organizations for some sort of assured on the timeliness from the delivery of one's contents. It is already sufficient of the pain to have to make do without all your contents and you also certainly don't need to have to cope with the immense headache of having to create do even extended without having them since your transferring organization didn't provide them on time. These guarantees can arrive within the type of an a hundred % satisfaction assured, full refund, credit score in direction of your next move and far more.

Another essential position to think about when exploring the very best lengthy distance movers will be the client assistance they give. Obtaining a business that delivers consistent and reliable communication and support will assist to insure a clean method all around.

It has also been extremely valuable for individuals to verify with all the lengthy distance movers exactly what's incorporated in their fees. This can be sure that all your contents are completely accounted for and used treatment of. This can also assist to insure that you can find no concealed costs or surprises that might arrive back again to haunt you. You need to also be sure that your authentic quote does not significantly alter.

By Peter Shabakle

The Importance of Gratitude - How to Bring More Gratitude Into Your Life Daily

2012-01-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Gratitude and Appreciation- Including 3 Ways to practice Gratitude

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude and helping others. There is usually a lot food and football involved too. We hear reminders such as: count your blessings do unto others, and we have so much to be thankful for. At times it is easy to be grateful for all that we have and our many blessings. The birth of a healthy baby, a new car and the opportunity to go away to college are all worthy of gratitude.

Yet, sometimes, perhaps depending on our situation being grateful can be challenging. It can be easy to be negative, down or just pessimistic. These feelings can start suddenly, turn into a negative spiral very quickly and take a hold of us. It seems that all we have to do is read the paper and watch some TV to find the numerous reasons to be fearful and negative.

A shift towards gratitude can turn all that around. Making it a daily habit can really be life changing. What better time than Thanksgiving to give that a try?

The art of practicing Gratitude is not just about appreciating and being thankful for all that we have, it is also about all that you experience and receive.

Gratitude for our many blessings can enhance our lives in other ways as well. It can provide and foster a positive connection, making for closer relationships. Being thankful improves our mood and makes us more fun to be around. It can make us feel more fortunate and bring more of it into our lives.

3 Ways to Bring More Gratitude into Your Life Daily

A Written Gratitude List
Make a list of things, people, moments, experiences that you are grateful for every day. You can do this at night, as a way to review your day or in the morning as a beginning to the day ahead. Write it down, add to it, and let it remind you of how fortunate you are. You could even carry it with you if you want. This list might be hard to do in the beginning, yet when done daily it will become easier to do. Try it.
Make a list right now of 5 (or more) things that you are grateful for. They can be anything you want and as simple as the weather, the flowers or the birds singing.

A Gratitude Prayer
As a part of your evening meal have each person take a turn voicing something from their day that they are grateful for. This is a great way to include children of all ages, to get to know them and for anyone to express appreciation. I experienced this ritual recently with my brother's family. As a part of saying grace, each family member, including the young children shared something from their day that they were grateful for. It could be anything they wanted, even as simple as finding your car keys. There seemed to be a theme that particular evening of friendship. One child was grateful for a friend's birthday party, one was grateful for seeing friends from her old neighborhood, and someone was grateful for having friends/family be a part of their meal.

This is a powerful exercise, it sends a message out to the universe about the value of friendship, it builds relationships, connections and it lets the parent know the things they do are appreciated.
To do this on a daily basis also has value, it builds momentum, it grows and it makes it easier to do in the future. To express gratitude for something in our day, every day, opens us up to new possibilities as well.
How about giving it a try tonight in your home?

Pass along the kindness! Be helpful, kind, generous, loving.
Reach out to help another person.

    * Hold the door open for someone who has their arms full and cannot manage it.
    * Check in on a friend or relative to see how they are.
    * Cook dinner for your spouse who has had an especially busy day.
    * Donate food and/or clothing to those in need.

The ideas and possibilities are endless. Once you know for yourself the value of gratitude and appreciation, pass it on! Give someone else something to be grateful for. It will make you both feel good.

Try it. See for yourself how it works. Begin today!!

By Maureen Gharrity

Nannies - How To Find A Reputable Caregiver

2012-01-14T18:26:00.000-08:00

Nannies are used more often now by your average family than ever before. Finding a nanny for your children can be a stressful and grueling process. You are hiring a stranger to care for the most precious thing in your life. Ensuring you are hiring the right person will take time, however, once you have found the right person it can have a wonderful outcome for your entire family.

We struggle with juggling work, home life, extracurricular activities not only for our children, for ourselves and trying to keep a balanced relationship. If we are single all of this can be even more exhausting in turn making it that much more important to know we have chosen the right person for the nanny position.

You may choose to go about this process on your own or choose an agency to help you. If choosing to work through an agency be sure you know you are working with a reputable agency as well. Whichever you decide there are several questions you will want answered. Begin by making a list of questions you would like to ask during an interview process. It may help to make an answer key if you will. If you are looking for certain answers, or qualifications, to these questions this will allow you to see if they are coming close to meeting your expectation.

Be prepared to answer questions in return. Some of the obvious questions will be rate of pay, living arrangement, holidays and vacation situations. Preparing a job description and work calendar may be helpful.

There are other steps you should be taking in the interview process prior to making an employment offer. Doing a complete background check is crucial in this situation. This can take time to process but is worth the peace of mind it will offer you in the long run.

Because your child or children will truly be the employers you want to be sure that they are comfortable with whomever you are choosing to provide a large portion of their care. Watching the potential nannies interact with your children will be an indicator of whether you are choosing the right caregiver. Set up not only a time for them to interact on a regular day in your home but a day outside of your home as well.

Will you be providing a living quarter for the nanny while he/she is in your employment? Is part of the living expenses included in their pay? Will they be staying in the living quarters while you are away during any travel also? Having a live in nanny will require you to enter into a landlord type situation as well. Keep this in mind when putting together any type of employment contract.

You have now completed the process and extended an offer of employment. This can be a very rewarding relationship for you and your children. Always being aware that if the comfort level changes or you feel as if it is no longer a good situation for your children, there are many well trained, caring nannies ready to step into position.

By Adriana N.

Nannies And How To Find One

2012-01-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

Many parents are living very busy lives everywhere. Most of the time it is from working or trying to find time for oneself within a hectic day between being a parent and trying to balance a personal life. More parents are now taking advantage of the idea of hiring nannies to assist with the burden of trying to deal with this obstacle.

The idea behind nannies is they are hired to bring some relief to a parent's busy day. By having a nanny job most parents can now have more time to take care of other key things on their schedule, as well as know that their child is protected and cared for.

The decision for the right type of person usually comes by way of an agency. There are agencies throughout the US and Canada. Particularly in Canada a reputable nanny agency is in Vancouver and Toronto The advantage to having an agency is the through background check that is taken for each applicant. This research eases the worry that most families will have on choosing the person that they will feel safe with.

Prior to deciding on an agency, the parent has to do their own background checking on the reputation of the agency. Usually this information is available in forums with parents who have worked with the agency. This information is key to parents who may in most cases be unfamiliar with the an agency's profile. The other way to do some prior research is to use the Google to search keyword terms.

For instance, if the name of the agency is NannieHelp, then one would type NannieHelp Scam. The key thing here is to look for any patterns of complaining or compliments about the agency at hand. When doing this through research, most parents will later have a sense of relaxation and control over their final decisions for choosing an agency.

One known way to find a proper nanny is to go with a family member that is trusted. This is a cheaper choice to make. The advantage to this choice is that the parent already knows the individual and their way of caring for the child. The only unfortunate element is it is somewhat limited or temporary, depending on the relationship with the family member.

Many parents must know what they are expecting in order to have a successful experience finding a nanny. The parent must refamiliarize themselves with the nanny and do their own screening outside of an agency. The expectations of every parent will vary, but most would want to know the nanny on the professional and personal level.

Professional questions a parent may ask would involve why they left their last job and what did they like about it. The personal questions would ask of nannies is more about them as a person and what their goals are. The personal goals can be about anything that is not necessarily related to being a nanny, but it will begin to build a human connection between the parent and the new hired help.

By Adriana N.

How Safe Is Chicago?

2012-01-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

Chicago is one of the nation's larger cities, and is a huge hub amidst the mid-west. As with most large cities, there is a degree of crime that goes on in Chicago. However, crime stereotypes should not be enough to scare off someone looking into Chicago, as it is, in face, quite safe. There are many things that people in large cities should always do to avoid crime and stay safe, like not walking alone after dark and not going into bad neighborhoods. Statistically speaking, the crime rate in Chicago has been decreasing, especially in recent years, and it's logical that these trends will continue. Additionally, Chicago's property crime rate (at 48. 82/10,000 residents) is nearly the same as the national median (at 31.66/1,000 residents), which means that 1 in 20 people can be a victim. The violent crime rate is 12. 12/10,000 residents, in other words, only 1 in 82 people will be a victim, and since crime rates are going down, it's only getting safer.

Recent studies show that the 3 safest neighborhoods in Chicago are Bedford Park, Racine and Clybourn Avenues and Lake Shore Drive and US Route 41. On the other hand, the West Side of the city is considered the most dangerous part. The South Side past Hyde Park and the University of Chicago is also fairly bad. However, this has been changing lately thanks to urban renewals.

Additionally, the benefits and quality of life to living in Chicago far outweigh any minor safety concerns, all of which are easily avoidable. For example, the potential employment opportunities are outstanding, and the opportunity to work in Chicago is great for anyone's potential career growth. There are many networking opportunities in Chicago that can provide great advantage later in life. Meeting new people in new jobs will also help you stay safe in Chicago. People in your place of employment will know safety tips and will give you directions so you don't end up lost in a potentially unsafe environment. Also remember, there's safety in numbers, always try to avoid lonely places, especially at night.

After deciding Chicago is the right choice, the task of finding a job comes up. Often, job hunters will use a job search engine to find a job that offers the right salary and benefits for them. After finding the perfect opportunity all that is left to do is move into the great city of Chicago, and enjoy all that it has to offer.

By Ann R

Learn 6 Eco-Friendly Tips for Saving Money Around the House

2012-01-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

Did You Know?

    * If every person in just alone recycled his or her newspaper just one day a week, we would save over 36 million trees a year. You can save a tree for every four feet of paper you recycle. It takes half as much energy to make recycled newspaper as it takes to make fresh newsprint from trees.
    * In the past thirty years, the population nearly doubled. However, in that same period, public demand for water more than tripled! We use an average of 100 gallons of water each day - enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses!
    * It takes a substantial amount of energy to distribute and care for the water you use every day. The public water supply and treatment facilities consume about 56 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year-enough electricity to power more than 5 million homes for an entire year. For example, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.
    * If all households installed water-efficient appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year!
    * If one out of every 100 homes was replaced with water-efficient fixtures, we could save about 100 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year - avoiding 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. The greenhouse gas savings would be equal to getting rid of nearly 15,000 automobiles from the road for one year!
    * If they laid all the glass bottles and jars collected through recycling next to each other in a straight line, it would reach the moon and half way back to earth.

I don't know about you but I was flabbergasted when I read these eco-green facts. It is astonishing how much waste we create in the comforts of our own homes. By making simple changes in our daily lives, we can make a huge difference in the world that we live in. Making simple eco-green changes in our lifestyle can have a huge impact in our lives that will help us save money, energy and help prevent the destruction of our planet. At the rate, we are going the phrase; "destruction of the planet" is not far-fetched. Every non-green choice we make affects our planet and quality of our life.

The Big Eco-Green Impact - It's Time to Make a Difference
You do not have to change the way you live completely to help save the planet. By making, a few simple alterations in your lifestyle, you can save tons of energy, water, money, our life span, and our planet just by going green. Below are five tips to help you save money, energy and the world we live in. There are tons of ways we can make our lives greener. Below are just a couple of tips on how to start greening your life. Use these tips to help you travel down a greener path.

   1. Niche the Staples and go staple-free - Staples have become an environmental hazard to our environment. Amazingly, Staple Free Staplers use absolutely no staples. Therefore, you don't have to worry about anymore torn papers, hooked clothing, painful fingers caused by the poking of a sharp metal staple, and no more stressing yourself over a jammed stapler either.Staple Free Staplers is an environmentally friendly device for the home or even for your office, which simply cuts a little flap in the corner of your papers, folds the flap back and tucks it into a tiny slit, and it dose it as quickly and easily as an old regular stapler. It is not as permanent as a staple, and the limit is five pages, but for what it does, it is a great product to have in the comforts of your own home. The pages can be pulled apart without tearing, under ordinary circumstances they hold together very well. The Staple Free Stapler is safe for all ages, and maintenance free. There are no metal prongs to catch your finger, sweater, or important documents on, and you will not have to spend your valuable time undoing a staple jam.
   2. Stop Spending Your Money On Toxic Products for the Home - Do you know what is in the household cleaning products you are using? The fact is, most household cleaning products on market shelves today contain many harmful and hazardous toxins and chemicals. These hazardous toxic substances can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin, which can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and the brain and have the potential to cause many serious health problems. Natural cleaning products on the other hand are non-toxic and much safer to use because they are made from natural, wholesome, ingredients. When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your home, they work just as effectively if not better than the chemical products that sell in thousands of stores.Natural cleaning products are not only safer to use, they also save you money because they last longer and cost less. Helpful Tip: if you want to have a pretty scent in your home add 100% natural essential oils to your home made recipes such as tea tree oil, lavender or lemon oil, which not only provide a fresh aroma and scent, but also have natural antiseptic, antifungal, and disinfectant properties contained within them.
   3. Natural Works Better - I had just redone my kitchen. Of course, because it is in style I had to get stainless steel appliances. Big mistake when you have three kids! Stainless steel may look nice but the problem is you can see everyone's fingerprints and I would have to clean these appliances everyday or they looked like they have not been cleaned in ages, all this from my little kids greasy little hands! The products to make these appliances shine would cost a bundle too and not all of them work that well. Most of these products leave smudges that are noticeable to the naked eye and toxic to the environment, polluting the air we breathe and leading to slow destruction of our bodies. After researching trying, to find a better alternative than these toxic stainless steel cleaners that does not work well. I found information saying that vegetable oil works the best when it comes to cleaning and shining stainless steel appliances. I thought to myself, "vegetable oil? How could vegetable oil clean stainless steel?" So I said to myself, "What the heck, I'll try it!" Let me tell you I never used a better product in my life. I have spent a bunch of money on stainless products and nothing cleaned my stainless steel appliances better than vegetable oil. The shine was astonishing.
   4. Do You Have a Scratch On Your Stainless Steel Appliance? Not to Worry Because I Have An Eco-Green Solution That Works! - We learned that greener is better when it comes to cleaning, but did you know that vegetable oil can get rid of the scratches on your stainless steel appliances too. That's right, you heard me! One day I was cleaning my gas stove and I was lifting the black iron grills off the stove so I could clean the metal surface. Of course, I was in a rush because I had a 1001 other things on my mind that I needed to accomplish, so as I was lifting the grills in a rush and hit the front of the microwave which is stainless steel and I slightly scratched the surface. Well, I was stressed to say the least. If it were not new, I probably would not have cared as much, but since I just purchased it; it annoyed me to no end. So, I went to the hardware store and purchased $60.00 worth of products claimed to remove scratches. They smelled horrible, and they did not work. The scratch was still there. So, I went online and researched how to remove scratches off stainless steel naturally. And do you know what it told me, use vegetable oil, and rub it in a circular motion. So, I did! Not only does shine and clean your stainless steel. It took out the scratch! Talk about eco- green miracle products!
   5. Turn off the lights when you leave the room - Electricity bills are typically one of the highest bills a household gets each month. Turning off the lights when you leave the room as well as turning off any appliances and electronics that are not in use are simple ways to help you conserve energy and save money. Electricity generation is also a big cause for the pollution we have because many energy companies still rely on burning coal to provide energy for homes and businesses. By actively making sure that you are not wasting any electricity, you will simultaneously cut down on the amount of pollution on our planet as well as cut down on your electricity bill.
   6. Make the switch to CFL bulbs - CFL bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamp bulbs, cost more money to purchase than regular incandescent light bulbs. However, when you factor in how much money you save in the end with CFL bulbs, you will see that these more eco-friendly bulbs really pay for themselves with the savings you will encounter. CFL bulbs typically last up to 15 times longer than a conventional incandescent bulb, and they have the capability of putting out the same amount of light as a regular bulb but while using half the energy. In fact, one CFL bulb can save buyers more than $30 in energy costs in its lifetime. If you replace all of the lights in the house with CFL bulbs and make it a habit to turn off the lights when not in use, you could save hundreds of dollars in electricity costs annually.

Thought for the Day
Everything we do every day has an impact on our planet - good or bad. You have the power to control most of your choices from where you live, to what you buy, eat, the products you use to light your home to where you shop. All these things can have a huge impact on our lives and our planet. Living a greener lifestyle will improve your health, save you tons of money, and, improve your overall quality of life.

By Garrett Van Dyk

Caring for the Carer

2012-01-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

In our ageing society, there are more and more people finding themselves in the role of carer. This issue will become most significant as the ensuing years of this Century roll on. As a societal issue, never has it been more important to ensure carers receive proper support.

But this is not just about aged care.

There are so many who care for loved ones in situations where the 'simple' process of caring regularly pulls them under to the depths approaching burnout. It's those who fear drowning that we must reach out to, and if we, personally, are involved in such ways, we need to know how to seek solace and respite.

WHEN OTHERS ARE CARERS

Caring for relatives with lifelong conditions can be chronically wearing, and there are advantages and disadvantages to the longevity of care; over the years the carer gets most accustomed to the role, but the years can also become spiritually tiring.

If carers are going to do their competent best, and deliver something of quality (implied, love) for which the cared-for are totally dependent, they need to be well-rested, supported and loved themselves. We cannot pull both ends of a piece of string and expect it not to snap.

We can say that carers themselves have responsibility for their self-care, but many times that's an improbable and incomplete reality. Those of us who stand more distally to the situation - those of us who can - could consider even small advances of help.

Sometimes just knowing people are rooting for us is enough of a leg-up, provided the motivation of the giver is sincere.

WHEN WE ARE THE CARER

Many a parent knows there are parts of the child-rearing job description that were never highlighted before they started.

God is growing us up into the fullest of maturity in our roles as parents and grandparents; as we relinquish the rights over the vast majority of our time, energies and resources. But there does come a limit to how far we're rightfully stretched.

Knowing and abiding to our limits is a wisdom initiative.

The assertively responsible carer, who's interested in their personal sustainability, so as to effectively care for the person they're caring for, will ensure they have their own depth of resources which underwrite their role; of a sense, insuring it.

They know that meeting the quality standards of their role is critical - and always will be.

So they ensure that early warning signs are well heeded, as they take their self-maintenance and rejuvenation processes seriously - making them close to number one priority. What is maintained well will serve both the carer and cared-for, for years.

(But it also has to be said that most people will learn best through trial and failure - for this residual guilt is a wasted emotion. We take it as part of the process of learning.)

It takes a special kind of person to fill the shoes of the carer, even though any of us - by life's circumstances - can be thrust into the role. It is better to see that we're all carers - either directly, or intangibly via the care we can issue a carer.

Besides, given societal trends, the carer is becoming possibly the most common of all roles.

By Steve Wickham

How to Coupon and Save the Most Amount of Money

2012-01-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

Lots of people want to learn how to coupon so that they can save money in this down economy. It's a lot easier to save money than it is to make money, so couponing is one of the easiest ways to save money right away. How do the coupon gurus save so much money and get their personal items and groceries for so little money?

Here are three ways that can get you started:

1. Get a good source of coupons - Whether you decide to purchase the Sunday newspaper each week, bum coupons off your friends who get the paper but don't use them, or purchase coupons from a coupon clipping service, you will need to have a good supply of coupons to start saving money. Coupons can also be printed from various online sources. That way you can print only the coupons you think you will use. When an item you purchase often is on sale and has a coupon available for it, you'll want to be sure to have plenty of coupons so that you can get as many as you need for the next several months.

2. Decide how you will keep track of your coupons - Will you use envelopes, resealable plastic bags, a card filing system, or a coupon binder? There are plenty of ways to keep track of coupons, you just need to decide what will work best for you. You can even start with one system and switch to another one after you get a better idea of how couponing will work for you. Start by putting the coupons you clip into different categories and then decide where you want to keep those clipped coupons.

3. Find the deals - Whether you scour through ads or let someone else do it for you, you'll need to spend a little bit of time writing down stores and items that are available on sale at each store where you intend to shop. There are lots of coupon blogs that research the sales at each store and match them up with coupons that are available. Depending on how much shopping time you have available, will determine how many deals you can get. If you choose one or two stores per week, you should be able to get a good stockpile of items for your family at low prices. Many stores put items on sale and then offer an extra reward coupon for you to use on your next shopping visit. Some deals can also be combined with manufacturer rebates giving you an even greater reward.

By Heidi Johnson

How Much Money Should Your Nanny Earn?

2012-01-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

While trying to predetermine what to compensate your nanny, you need to take into fact how many youngsters you have, the hours you will request your nanny to carry out, and the job responsibilities, training, and education. Another consideration in deciding the pay of your nanny is whether this will be a live-in or live-out role. If this will be a live-in position, sometimes suggesting a delightful living situation could bring your expenses down a bit.

The salaries of nannies today varies widely, but you may anticipate to pay anywhere among $9-$15/hr in more suburban regions and around $15-$20/hr in outstanding urban cities. Take into account that a nanny employed on a full time basis presumes to be compensated even if the household does not request their aid over the holidays, family vacations, ect. Your nanny relies on her salary to care for herself and their family just like any other occupation.

You have requested that the nanny preengage reserved times for your family in which the nanny is not able to find other work. If you do not plan on paying your nanny for those days you do not need them, make sure this news is clear preexisting to them working for your family in that it is not an unexpected surprise.

Because a nanny is a staff member, a lot of families select to compensate for their nanny's health coverage as well. One way this usually works is your nanny will elect their personal plan and your family can determine what portion of it you will reimburse her for. If you determine not to pay for any of their health coverage, you may pay a marginally larger hourly salary to compensate for their expense. Employers for the most part do not pay for vision or dental coverage plans, but you can suggest to compensate for a customary eye checkup or teeth cleaning if your family would like. Aside from health insurance, and other benefits nannies today ask for and get are the following:

    * Compensated Holidays
    * Compensate for Time Off (usually 2-3 weeks) PTO is possibly spent for vacation, sick or private time.
    * Cell Phones or partial repayment of monthly cell phone bill
    * Possible reimbursement for child development courses and CPR/First Aid Certifications
    * Work vehicle or repayment for wear and mileage

Bear in mind it is additionally essential to assess your nanny on a routine basis and extend raises. Even a meager raise just once a year can make your nanny feel acknowledged and continue to strive to do their best!

By Clint Hines

Moving Made Easy By Professional But Friendly Companies

2012-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

One of those very stressful times in life comes when people are moving from one place to another. This may be being done voluntarily, or it may just be one of those times when we are doing something we just do not want to do at all. Either way, stress is the key emotion so anything that can be done to relieve this is a good thing. In fact, it may be a good idea to get hold of a moving company to take all the strain, depending on where the property is.

Families normally have an inordinate amount of stuff to be packed up and taken to another place. Toys and books, beds and kitchen utensils or all the other accoutrements we gather around us when we stay in one place for a while, all have to be sorted and packed neatly. Indeed, this is an excellent time to work out if we really need these goods at all and it is a great time to have a yard sale to get rid of what we do not use anymore.

What these professionals do is to organize the loads so that if anything was packed up in the kitchen, it gets placed in the kitchen of the new home. Likewise, bedroom stuff is placed in the designated bedrooms so it makes life easier at the other end for unpacking.

Some people like to color code the boxes and will designate a color to each room in the new home. Others make detailed lists of what is in each box and will designate the room when the truck arrives there. Either way, as long as it is being organized right, it should work out faster and less disjointed if some system is in operation.

Pets too have to undergo this stressful time and it may be a good idea to farm them out to relatives until the move has been done. When this is not possible, have their carry cages in the home for a week or so before the move so that they can get used to them. Place toys etc inside so that they can get used to the smell etc which should make it easier on the day when they get put in them for the move itself.

Paperwork and important documents have to be kept safe as well and these could be moved in the family car. Packing them up well beforehand is the ideal thing to do so that nothing gets lost along the way.

It is clear then that organization is the key to a successful relocation trip. Getting in the professionals to pack away all the family goodies is also a good idea since these people are very familiar with the right way to do it.

Try researching on the internet to find a great local business which undertakes this kind of work, or ask friends and neighbors to recommend someone. It helps if they are bonded too just in case something valuable gets broken along the way.

By Stewart Wrighter

The Importance of Family History

2012-01-06T17:54:00.000-08:00

While scrapbooking recently I once again realized the importance of handing down our family history. In the hurry and scurry of living our lives we sometimes don't realize how great the need to belong can become and that feeling of belonging often comes from knowing our heritage.

Having recently reached the ripe old age of sixty I did indulge in a little pity party. This of course is not the same as the wonderful "surprise" party my daughter threw for me. The word "surprise" is written this way because she accidentally sent me an invitation. She found out I knew so we both played the game of trying not to let the other one know that we knew. Lots of fun but I digress. Many of our family and friends came to the party she threw but I attended my pity party on my own. Not fun, I can assure you.

On rising from the ashes of the realization that life doesn't last forever I started to wonder what each of my children and grandchildren might like to have on my departure from this earth. I figured I might as well work it out now to save future arguing. There isn't much though because I spend as much time with them as possible so there are mainly photographs and some nick nacks and such.

They can pick there own I think but the idea came that they may not remember where we were when the framed photo was taken or what we did. It also might help if they know why that particular teddy bear lives where it does even in its decrepit state.

So now there is a new project starting in our home. I am currently writing a little story for each of the items displayed in our cabinet. Short little hand written notes will tell the story of where and how grandmas special tea set came to her home. Another note will tell of how it came to only have some parts instead of a full set. Special gifts will also have notes attached reminding them of times long gone but not quite forgotten. There are some very special photographs displayed which are not in albums. I will enjoy attaching notes to these also. Since I am hopefully not planning an imminent demise they may have to be redone over time but I think the effort will certainly be worth it.

I see two benefits in this exercise. The first of course benefits me, the writer. It will be fun over the coming weeks to remember special times and places. The second benefit is for my family I hope. It seems to me that as they sort through my things they will let my own messy handwriting speak to them one last time. Enjoying the fond memories, laughing over some of the silly things that we did and maybe even some of the jokes we shared will perhaps help to ease their pain of loss.

To me, my family is the best there is - not that I am biased of course. If I can help them one last time then I pray that this will be the way. Wonder if I should plan the party so they can enjoy the time when I am gone? Either way this is yet another way to say "I love you" to my family. Anyone got any other ideas?

By Pauline Fredrickson

Pros and Cons of Wearing Silk

2012-01-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

A flexible textile which has low conductivity, which in turn, help keep one warm in the winter but also keep refreshing conditions during the summer time. Expensive process time consuming silk is only applied into the production of exemplary things and, therefore, the price of silk and silk products is high. Possibly wearing silk has several benefits, but the high price may make it useful only for elite communities. It is time to start searching else where for safe and straightforward to develop products and materials. Perhaps the Industry with its influence over society may find ample sources of information in the remaining and hard to dispose-of recyclable products.

It is necessary to develop ways of living that will not emphasize the material differences of any groups. Some of the Historic wold battles have too much to do with raw materials and who support them. To promote wold peace, we need to see life as a collective survival effort. It is appropriate to mention that due to the modern Animal Rights laws, producing silk line has been notoriously criticized mainly because of the fact that there are other unexplored materials for the production of garments. New technologies and resources will influence community peace of mind in knowing that Natural resources are not wasted in the creation of unnecessary artifacts. The key is to innovate and seek a better and conscientious way of living as opposed to the continuation of life extermination. Work together to create new businesses that produce equal opportunities for all and promoting humane processes to acquire business buildup.

While there are some pros to using silk products, there are much more contradictory evocations with the high-end production of Industrial products. The implications of global physical power to attain silk yarn under a low-rate payment, in favour of material egos make using silk a hypocrite source. The future of human and animal life is in human hands. Not to many resolutions to the current problems that are affecting life are left to follow. To continue to building society's production on Natural resources and the prosperity of Nations on wealth gained from these amenities is unfair and needs to stop. Ignoring the call of Nature is the wrong way to fallow. Say no, to the waste of Nature resources, and say no to the creation of excessive and costly garments, which represent social differentiation. Unite all forces and advocate for a cooperative relationship that ensures a relationship based upon ethical and relevant acts.

By Jesse Allaria

The Benefits of Scentsy Scented Candles

2012-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

People have been continuously searching for scented candles that are not only safe for their health and the environment but also those that have many different scents. These are the reasons why people opt for Scentsy candles; they are safe to use and have various scents that people love. The following are benefits of using this kind of candle:

1. Aesthetic Element

One of the benefits of using scented candles is the decorative detail it can give to any space. It can be an interesting addition to a table or mantle which would definitely add sophistication and style. You can either use a simple candle and put it inside a decorative lantern or add some embellishments for added design. Your imagination is only the limit when it comes to using scented candles for decorations.

2. Heavenly Scent

However, people are crazy about candles primarily because of the wonderful smell it can give especially if lighted. It can mask any unpleasant odor in any space especially if they are placed in a good spot. You can put them in any area; it could be in the living room, kitchen, bedroom and even your bathroom. So the next time your kitchen smells like onion, light a scented candle.

3. Aromatherapy Effect

Another benefit it can give is its aromatherapy effect. There's no need to go to a wellness or aromatherapy center to get a feeling of serenity, or to eliminate stress after a busy day at work or at home. You can actually achieve this at the comfort of your home or in your office. If you feel worn out at the end of the day, just light a scented candle and inhale its soothing and invigorating scent. In fact you can choose from many different variants to suit your personal preference.

4. Safety

However, lighting scented candles can sometimes pose as a threat to our health. This is because some candles, especially petroleum-based, release harmful chemicals into the air not to mention the soot produced from the burning of the wick. There's nothing to worry as there is a way to get around this issue. The benefits of scented candles can be fully enjoyed because now more and more candles are made of natural components which are a much safer alternative.

Another is the use of wax bars which exudes fragrance by slowly warming it instead of burning. This type of candle doesn't have wick thereby eliminating harmful soot. Since it is flameless, there is no need to be concerned that it might tumble and cause fire. This is certainly the best option especially if you have kids at home.

So the next time you buy scented candles, consider first the above-mentioned benefits. Scentsy candles maybe flameless but it still offers all the benefits a good candle must possess and that is why people love it.

By Allan Mercado

What Good Is a Fireproof Safe That Is Only Rated for One Hour?

2012-01-03T17:48:00.000-08:00

I've noticed that the majority of fireproof safes and fireproof file cabinets are rated for about one hour. Fires last longer than one hour, so what's with that? This is a great question and one with a clear answer that will bring peace of mind and confidence that a one hour rated safe is just what you need to protect your personal documents.

How a one hour rated safe protects your documents-
The science behind fires is complex, but the average fire will burn at about 800°F while it consumes a building and passes through. The temperature of the fire will increase in any one area while flammable materials are consumed, normally this high temperature area averages about 20 minutes in any one spot. As the fire moves on the temperature decreases.

The UL test that fireproof products are submitted to consists of two segments. The first portion is a one-hour burn during which time the safe (or file cabinet etc.) is submitted to intense heat, and then a cool-down period which could last anywhere from 15 to 25 hours and simulates lower-temperatures of a typical fire. For the duration of the entire test the internal temperature and humidity can not exceed specific standards established by the UL. The majority of products that fail do so in the second half of the testing. A product that has been established with a one hour rating has passed both the intense heat and the cool-down portion of the test.

Average Fire Temperature-
Since the average fire burns at about 800°F having a safe that is rated for one hour at a much higher temperature (such as 1500°F or 1700°F) is in your best interest. SentrySafes (our number one recommended brand) manufactures many one hour safes that are UL rated and will do the job at protection your personal documents, family photos, or other valuables.

What about Computer Media /Data-
Your computers data, USB keys, external hard drives etc. are all far more susceptible to heat and moisture damage than any paper records would be. Therefore data requires a far more intense degree of protection. I have written several articles describing how FireKing Data Safes and Media Vaults are my recommended product of choice when it comes to protecting your data. It is important to locate a fireproof product for your data that protects against more than heat and moisture, but also provides protection from dust and magnetic interference.

Find out more. Learn more about quality UL rated products and fireproof safes by visiting me at http://www.myfireproofsafe.com.

By Daniel G Snyder

Fighting the Rising Costs of Food - 8 Solutions to Save Your Budget

2012-01-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

The news has been bulging with stories addressing the rising costs of food. While I won't go into much detail here as to why, how much and for how long, I will address the ways we can fight the rising cost of food. I have been a relatively "hard core couponer" for a few years, and for years I have stated that I mainly coupon for toiletries and household necessities and not food because the food coupons produce is unhealthy and items my family won't eat, I have slowly been coming around to the idea that you can find a deal on almost anything if you work at it. Here are a few tips on how to keep your grocery budget down while keeping your family healthy and fed:

1) Set A Budget. This sounds so basic but you would be surprised how many people don't have a strict budget that they stick to. It should be realistic but don't leave yourself too much wiggle room or else you will find yourself always on the upper side of things.

2) Coupon! While it may not seem like coupons in your Sunday paper offer much in the ways of nutrition, you might be surprised. I use coupons for whole wheat pasta, milk, yogurt and meat. You can also contact manufacturers and request coupons. I have found great success in this.

3) Become a Drugstore Shopper. With my weekly Rite Aid Trips, I have seen my spending on toiletries plummet. I don't EVER pay for toothpaste, toothbrushes, or deodorant anymore. And I find rock bottom deals on almost every other household and personal necessity by shopping Rite Aid and Walgreens with couponing scenarios and oftentimes I am even paid to shop. With savings from this area of your budget, you do gain a little more wiggle room for food purchases.

4) Build a Stockpile. This is the number one benefit of couponing. When you have a stockpile, you are never forced to pay full price for items because you always have another one on hand. There are no desperation trips to the store to buy a certain item because you have the luxury of searching for the bargain and slowly adding to your stockpile. A well stocked pantry can help you create simple meals without a trip to the store!

5) Make Meal Plans and Cook from Scratch. You know what they say? If you fail to plan you plan to fail. A meal plan will help you stick to your list and stick to your budget. In addition, cook from scratch. You will save money. Bake homemade bread, make your own freezer meals, and cook in bulk from scratch, all this will save you money! Don't forget, you are PAYING for the convenience of convenience foods.

6) Shop the Manager's Special. Don't be afraid of the "sell by" or "best before dates". Stores drastically mark down things like meat before they are expired for a quick sell. If you buy on the day of the expiration, either cook it that day for freeze it. I have saved a TON of money on meat shopping the Manager's special.

7) Carry a Calculator and Pay Attention to Price Per Ounce. I always shop with the calculator on my phone. It helps me break things down and be sure I am getting the best deal. Pay attention to price per ounce, sometimes things may look like a better deal but when you compare price per ounce it is not always the case. In addition, pay attention to the price you are charged. I've been overcharged a number of times!

8) Shop Around. Generally, I shop at Smiths because it is closest and they have consistently had the lower prices on the items I buy most. But this is not always the case. Every store has a loss leader meaning they drive customers in for the low cost item that may actually lose them money in hopes that the customer will then buy some of their other items that are overpriced to compensate. Be familiar with best prices and when you see a store with a rock bottom deal on something you need, jump on it, but just on that. Don't buy anything but what you were going for unless you are sure it is fairly priced.

By Jessica LeBaron

Child Abuse In The Home

2012-01-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Thousands of children are reported every year to have been victims of child abuse. And sadly 2 out of 10 abused children will not speak out or report to their parents. The abuse is usually done by a family member or a nanny. And if both parents are working or do not have time to talk with their kids chances are they would not find out about the abuse.

There are so many kinds of child abuse like emotional abuse it is when a person speaks badly about the child causing her to feel ashamed, humiliated and this can rob the child her confidence. If a child constantly suffers with emotional abuse he will grow up with no self worth. This is the most common abuse and it is sad to say that most parents do this unintentionally as a way to discipline their children. A child needs love and care. Instead of verbally abusing the child why not discipline with care? Another type of abuse is medical abuse this is when a parent intentionally or unintentionally fails to take care of the child by providing complete immunization, vitamins and if the parent does not take the child to a medical doctor when he is ill it is considered as medical abuse. Neglect is another abuse commonly committed by third-world parents because of hardship, lack of education and mostly because the parents did not plan the birth of the child. Physical abuse is when a parent or anybody physically hurts the child. Most cases of physical abuse are done by close relatives. Sexual abuse is the most monstrous type of child abuse wherein it will leave the child distrustful of her family.

If you suspect that your child is being abused by her nanny, family member, neighbor, classmate or anybody and you already tried talking to her but she wouldn't open up to you then you need to be patient and to talk to her close friends and family members to discuss about the issue.

We are in the so-called "civilized generation" where majority of the population are education, went to school and believe in God but sadly even the most educated person is capable of abusing a child. That is why it is most important that you do not easily trust anybody to take care of your child especially to nannies that you do not personally know. Another way to prevent child abuse in the home is to install a surveillance camera to keep watch of your household.

By Greg Pierce

The Story Of The Cat In The Hat By Dr Seuss

2011-12-31T17:42:00.000-08:00

Who hasn't read The Cat in the Hat, one of the most famous of a Dr Seuss' children's books? It's a wonderful and engaging story about two children who find themselves home alone with a roguish, hat-wearing cat who causes havoc while their mother is away.

The story of how The Cat in the Hat came to be written is as interesting as the book itself. Dr Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel, wrote The Cat in the Hat after a 1954 Life Magazine article criticized the relevance of the stories and illustrations in children's first reading books, or 'primers'. It was thought that these books had dull and characterless illustrations depicting the 'perfect' lives of other children and featured 'abnormally courteous, unnaturally clean boys and girls....' The article suggested that these books had no relevance to the children's lives and were so boring that they were, in fact, putting children off reading. Something had to be done to engage the children and encourage a love of reading.

As a response to this article, Dr Seuss was invited by a director of Houthton Mifflin's education division to write a book for six year olds that would stimulate them and keep them reading. He was given a list of 348 words that every six year old should know, and the book's vocabulary was to be limited to 225 words. It took Dr Seuss nine months to write The Cat in the Hat, which used 236 words (which was 11 words more than was specified) 223 of which were from the list given to him. The story is 1629 words in length. Of the 236 words used, 54 occur once and 33 twice. The longest words are something and playthings. Only one word - another - has three syllables. 14 words have two syllables and the remaining 221 words are monosyllabic.

The first edition of The Cat in the Hat was published in 1957 and went on to become a phenomenal success; it is still read by children all over the world today. Over the course of Dr Seuss' long career, he wrote over 60 books and went on to become one of the most popular children's authors of all time. His books have sold over 222 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into more than 15 languages. Dr Seuss died of throat cancer in September 1991 in San Diego, California. Without our beloved Dr. Seuss, children today might not have known the joys of reading.

By Bernice Kidd

5 Household Items For Bed Bug Inspection Success

2011-12-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

This article explains the 5 simple tools you need if you want to learn how to check for bed bugs. When you are done reading, you will understand how to conduct a bed bug inspection like a pro, using tools around the house. Don't worry, if you don't have these tools on hand, you can grab them at the nearest hardware or home improvement store.

5 Tools To Conduct Your Inspection

   1. Gloves
   2. Flashlight
   3. Magnifying Glass
   4. Flat-Head Screwdriver
   5. Small Staple Gun (or Flat Thumbtacks)

Let's go through these one by one.

Gloves - They simply create a barrier between your skin and the bed bugs as well as any fecal matter or skin casting they have left behind. Although you can inspect without them, they give you increased confidence to really get in there and be thorough.

Flashlight - Good light is vital to find these guys. They specialize in hiding, can crawl into the tiniest of cracks to avoid detection and move quite quickly when the see light or sense movement. The eggs and nymphs, or young bed bugs, are very small and the light will help you spot these little guys. The can often be a very similar color to your matress and the light makes them "stand out" a bit.

Magnifying Glass - Although it is possible to do an effective inspection with out this tool, it definitely helps to find these little guys, escpecially if your sight isn't exactly 20/20 anymore. I definitely find this to be helpful. Even if your sight is perfect, this gives you an added advantage.

Flat-Head Screwdriver - This is for taking the staples out of the "cheese cloth" covering on the bottom of the box springs. Bed bugs LOVE to hide under the seams where the fabric conects to the wood at them bottom of the box springs. You can only access this area by taking off the covering.

Small Staple Gun (or Flat Thumbtacks) - Very helpful in re-attaching the "cheese cloth" covering to the bottom of the box springs. If you don't have a staple gun, you can use flat thumb tacks in a pinch. You may want a hammer to tap them in place. No one is going to see the bottom of you box springs anyway, so no worries.

Quick Tips On Where To Look

    * Seams of mattresses - Bed Frame
    * Bed Board
    * Furniture
    * Electronics
    * Between Carpet & Baseboards

Note - If you don't have exactly what's listed here, just improvise. For example, sometimes you can gently tug at the "cheese cloth" covering and pull it away without tearing it.

The thing is take some action. Also if you find any bugs, keep a sample. An easy way to do this is take a piece of tape and "pick up" the bug with that. If you decide to call in a professional it is very helpful to have a sample to show.

There is so much that goes into doing a complete inspection, it can't all be covered in a short article like this, but I hope you have the information you need to at least get started.

Now you know how to check for bed bugs. Inspection is always the first step in any prevention and control program. Once you what you're dealing with, then you can move on to the next step of your streatment plan with confidence.

By Matt Abney

Carbon Monoxide: An Invisible Killer - Learn The Symptoms And How To Protect Your Family's Health

2011-12-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

Do My Eyes Deceive Me?

If you were to look around your home through each and every room you would not find carbon monoxide as it can't be seen. It's also odourless and colourless. Additionally, it has no taste or smell either. And because of these facts, this makes it a highly dangerous gas to you and your family, and one you should protect yourself against. Carbon monoxide in high levels will lead to death. All too often you open the newspaper and read about a family that tragically died in their sleep from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Placement

So, first and foremost you should have carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your house. In my two-story home I have them on each floor - including basement. I position them throughout according to the recommended locations by the manufacturer. In general, it should be placed where you can hear it while sleeping. If you only place one in the basement then chances are it will not awaken you or your family if it were to go off. If you work extensively in a closed garage then it would be wise to install one there as well. Naturally, vent the car's exhaust outside.

Always remember that these detectors should be tested regularly to make sure they are in good working order. If using battery-operated ones then you should install fresh batteries at least once a year. To make it easy to remember pick 'Christmas' or 'daylight savings time' or 'your birthday' as suitable battery replacement times.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Mild Exposure: Oftentimes, someone will think they have a mild flu but in fact it could be carbon monoxide poisoning as symptoms are very similar. These include: sore eyes, a drippy runny nose and a constant, deep headache.

Medium Exposure: You still possess the mild symptoms but now you are extremely tired and somewhat dizzy. You may also be vomiting. You also seem confused and disorientated which makes rational thought difficult; rational thought being to leave the home and seek the fresh air needed to clear the gas from your lungs.

Extreme Exposure: This is where you pass out and you begin to suffer severe brain damage. And, of course, this leads to certain death.

Responding To Carbon Monoxide in Your Home

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned mild to medium symptoms then immediately evacuate the home. Make sure everyone is out, including all pets. If in a rental situation and there are other tenants above or below advise them to exit as well. Turn off the source (if obvious) of the carbon monoxide problem. Throw open all the doors and windows to quickly ventilate the entire home. Reset the alarm, and do not re-enter until safe levels have returned. If the source of the carbon monoxide is unknown to you, then contact your gas provider and have them test out your home. In this case do not touch or turn off appliances or re-set the alarm. Leave that to the professionals as they need to ascertain the extent and source of the problem.

Important Steps to Eliminate Sources of Carbon Monoxide

There are several important steps you can take to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

1) Adequate air flow for proper combustion of the fossil fuel is key, so make sure that furnace, hot water heater etc. have room around them to breathe. Don't box them in or store materials right up against them.

2) Have a qualified technician check and clean all fossil-burning appliances such as stove, furnace and fireplace on a regular basis.

3) Check for blockages that may prevent the carbon monoxide from properly being vented. These could include a bird's nest on the chimney, holes or cracks in your liner or mortar deterioration.

4) If using a fireplace, then make sure the flue is not blocked or inadvertently left closed.

Carbon Monoxide is a very serious threat to you and your families health. In my own home I have a gas furnace, gas stove and gas fireplace, so I am always conscious that I am burning fossil fuels that emit carbon monoxide, and if not ventilated properly will cause serious harm. Remember, all carbon monoxide detectors do have a lifespan, usually about seven years, so I would recommend replacing the entire unit on a regular basis.

Oh, and don't forget to install smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers (rated for A,B,C fires) on each level of your home as well. You'll be glad you did.

By Jeffrey J Caulfield

Child Abuse In The Home

2011-12-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

By Greg Pierce

The Story Of The Cat In The Hat By Dr Seuss

2011-12-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

By Bernice Kidd

5 Household Items For Bed Bug Inspection Success

2011-12-26T13:50:00.000-08:00

This article explains the 5 simple tools you need if you want to learn how to check for bed bugs. When you are done reading, you will understand how to conduct a bed bug inspection like a pro, using tools around the house. Don't worry, if you don't have these tools on hand, you can grab them at the nearest hardware or home improvement store.

5 Tools To Conduct Your Inspection
   1. Gloves
   2. Flashlight
   3. Magnifying Glass
   4. Flat-Head Screwdriver
   5. Small Staple Gun (or Flat Thumbtacks)

Let's go through these one by one.

Gloves - They simply create a barrier between your skin and the bed bugs as well as any fecal matter or skin casting they have left behind. Although you can inspect without them, they give you increased confidence to really get in there and be thorough.

Flashlight - Good light is vital to find these guys. They specialize in hiding, can crawl into the tiniest of cracks to avoid detection and move quite quickly when the see light or sense movement. The eggs and nymphs, or young bed bugs, are very small and the light will help you spot these little guys. The can often be a very similar color to your matress and the light makes them "stand out" a bit.

Magnifying Glass - Although it is possible to do an effective inspection with out this tool, it definitely helps to find these little guys, escpecially if your sight isn't exactly 20/20 anymore. I definitely find this to be helpful. Even if your sight is perfect, this gives you an added advantage.

Flat-Head Screwdriver - This is for taking the staples out of the "cheese cloth" covering on the bottom of the box springs. Bed bugs LOVE to hide under the seams where the fabric conects to the wood at them bottom of the box springs. You can only access this area by taking off the covering.

Small Staple Gun (or Flat Thumbtacks) - Very helpful in re-attaching the "cheese cloth" covering to the bottom of the box springs. If you don't have a staple gun, you can use flat thumb tacks in a pinch. You may want a hammer to tap them in place. No one is going to see the bottom of you box springs anyway, so no worries.

Quick Tips On Where To Look
    * Seams of mattresses - Bed Frame
    * Bed Board
    * Furniture
    * Electronics
    * Between Carpet & Baseboards

Note - If you don't have exactly what's listed here, just improvise. For example, sometimes you can gently tug at the "cheese cloth" covering and pull it away without tearing it.

The thing is take some action. Also if you find any bugs, keep a sample. An easy way to do this is take a piece of tape and "pick up" the bug with that. If you decide to call in a professional it is very helpful to have a sample to show.

There is so much that goes into doing a complete inspection, it can't all be covered in a short article like this, but I hope you have the information you need to at least get started.

Now you know how to check for bed bugs. Inspection is always the first step in any prevention and control program. Once you what you're dealing with, then you can move on to the next step of your streatment plan with confidence.

By Matt Abney

Carbon Monoxide: An Invisible Killer - Learn The Symptoms And How To Protect Your Family's Health

2011-12-25T13:48:00.000-08:00

By Jeffrey J Caulfield

10 Great Reasons To Send A Postcard Today

2011-12-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Do you really want to log in to some anonymous email account or social network site and contact your friends that way? Or would you prefer to send a real, physical postcard with a photo that really means something to you on it, with words that come directly from your heart? Just because we live in a fast and technology-advanced world doesn't mean we need to neglect the good old postcard! So here's 10 good reasons to send one today:

1. Sending a postcard is much more powerful than sending an email. Not only does it 'say a lot more' but it's more personal too. You know someone has actually taken the time to select a card and write their thoughts down on it.

2. When you receive a postcard you generally know where it came from. A story is described and revealed through the words and pictures on the card.

3. People love to receive a postcard. Not only can it make someones day, but it can emotionally connect to people in a powerful manner.

4. Sending a postcard gives the sender an opportunity to actually show someone where they are (or where they've been) in the world or on their adventures or vacations.

5. It can be (often) a beautiful gesture of friendship or love no matter who or where it comes from.

6. By sending a postcard you can share feelings and thoughts that might otherwise be difficult to express face to face.

7. The photo you choose to send to someone can really tell a story too - sometimes even more than words can.

8. It's generally much more inexpensive to send a postcard to your friends or family than a normal letter (in an envelope) might cost.

9. You can send a postcard on the spur of a moment - especially because it's so easy to do. Just purchase a postcard, add stamp, write and post!

10. We all love to receive a postcard in the mail. It's a great surprise and often will be kept in a prominent place (like on the fridge or notice board) for a long period of time.

Now can you see how sending a postcard is completely different to emailing or chatting on social media sites? It's a much richer experience! And people really appreciate getting a postcard too because they know YOU made an effort to send it!

By Martin Hurley

The Techniques To Use When Changing Bedding Sets

2011-12-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Changing bedding is one task that all of us have to do, but many of us hate doing. The process can be especially awkward and frustrating when we are doing it on our own rather than having the assistance of a second person. However, there are techniques that we can use to make changing our bedding sets less problematic.

Preparation

As with most jobs, the key to achieving a trouble free bedding change lies with preparation. As such it is important to first take all of the old bedding off the bed and put it in the wash basket. Failure to remove dirty bedding sets from the vicinity of the bed area can lead to obstruction and entanglement. We also believe that you should iron all of your bedding before you put it on your bed - or at the very least iron your duvet cover. This is because bedding that has been ironed is surprisingly easier to handle than that which is creased. Plus, there is nothing better than sliding into freshly laundered and ironed bedding.

Bottom sheet

Elasticated bottom sheets are the norm these days and provide extra comfort due to the fact that they don't move about whilst we are sleeping. However, the elastic does cause a problem in that it makes it difficult for one person to put on the mattress. The secret here is to put the bottom sheet on two corners of the same side of the mattress, but only over the top edge - don't hook it right under. This should give the bottom sheet enough purchase to hold firm, whilst offering enough material to get the other two corners in place. Once you have put the second two corners right under the mattress, return to the first two and do the same.

Pillow cases

These items of your bedding sets are the easiest to change. The best plan is to have the pillow cases inside out. Put your hands inside the pillow case and get your fingers right in the corners, before grabbing hold of two corners of the pillow. Holding the pillow down below your waist and towards the floor, gravity should mean the pillow case falls down, partially covering the pillow. Now put the pillow on the bed and pull the case down the rest of the way.

Duvet cover

Changing the duvet cover is the most difficult part of swapping your duvet sets, especially if you are changing a double duvet alone. Use the same system as when changing your pillow case, but once you have a hold of the duvet through the duvet case, hold it high above your head and let gravity make a start. When the duvet cover has partially fallen down, flick it onto the bed, go round the other side of the bed and pull the cover down the rest of the way. Now button it up, before grabbing the corners at that end of the duvet and billow it up and down in a wave-like motion to remove all of the creases and ensure the duvet fills all the edges of the cover.

By Andrew Raymond Jackson

Is It A House Or A Home?

2011-12-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

Whether you are single, married, or just living together, your house is your refuge after a long day at work. But is it just a building where you sleep and eat or is it a place where you can relax and be yourself? Many things go into making a house a home.

When you say the word "home", what comes to mind? Do you see a small cozy cottage with flowers and a fence surrounding it or is your home a large expensive house that could probably fit a couple of families? Whatever your concept of "home", it took some work to make the house a home.

The process of making a house into a home involves gathering around you the items and people that you hold dear. Home is where your family is found. Home is where the possessions you value are kept. When a person buys a house, it's not automatically a home. It's not till the house is decorated in the owner's favorite style and contains his beloved possessions does it become a home. The old saying goes-"Home is where the heart is". Love makes a home-whether it be the love between two people or just the love for the house and its surroundings. Home is warmth, comfort, and security. Your home is the one secure place in your life that you can do anything and be who you want to be.

Memories play a large part in making a home. You think back to your childhood days to the good times you had at home. The things your parents did to make the house special and different from other people's houses. Maybe you have some momentos of previous generations that you are using to decorate. Just seeing those items, gives you a feeling of belonging. You try to incorporate some of those things in your new house. Gradually, with love and attention to detail, the house you have will become a home.

So, there is more to making a home than just buying a house. You have to work at making a house a home. But when you are finished, you will have a place that you can go to leave the world behind. You can embrace your family and your lifestyle and recoup for another day. You can "let your hair down" and relax. Only then can you call this building that you live in a "home".

By Susan Hopple

Beeswax Candles Are Generally The Best Quality You Could Use To Retain The Air Clean

2011-12-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

You will find some extremely good reasons for beeswax candles brands to utilize beeswax as a main element. Though you can find other alternatives just like soy wax or chemical merchandise used in candle production it is common-knowledge that beeswax candles are leading quality. The explanation is really simple. Beeswax is neat and totally organic and natural once it can be collected from bee hives. Scientific methods get it even far more pure and after that turned into initial hand element to be utilised for the perfect candles on markets across the world.

Beeswax candles within the religious service

There is a lot of candle burning in all spiritual services, and if poor-quality candles would be utilized, then there will be quite a blunder from wax dripping. Thankfully, this isn't the situation with beeswax candles, there is extremely small dripping or even none at all. There's an additional fantastic advantage for the utilization of pure beeswax, it makes really small smoke, thus eliminating the risk of darkish smoke spots within the room, and enabling air within remain clean. Numerous Religious organizations make beeswax a need for the candles they will use.

For example, the Eastern Christian Orthodox church employs solely beeswax candles for the duration of their religious services, and also the Catholic Church practices the identical model for the duration of Liturgy. Furthermore, beeswax certainly is the necessary element for the standard Paschal candles also identified as the Easter Candle. For such an significant celebration, bad quality is improper.

Many suppliers try to reach a making bargain, they choose a combination of beeswax and chemical substances to reduce the charges of candle producing. Sadly, products drop their best attributes within this kind of situations.

How you can select beeswax candles

Beeswax is usually utilised in the compositions of a lot of scented candles; there is no dark fumes, dripping or awful odor. Even so, beeswax candles aren't a necessity for daily employ. It is important that the candles you buy include a certain percentage of beeswax. It may not prevail, but at the very least it increases the burning quality of the products.

Beeswax candles are perceived as one of the most environmental variant of candles that can be found out there. There may well be jelly-like candles that appear to be and smell wonderful, yet bear in mind they modify the composition of the air you together with your household respire; whilst, clean beeswax would bring no damage. That's why it really is so significant to read over the box when purchasing something, search for the beeswax material of the candles you choose to buy.

By Larry Pastre

Top 10 Benefits of Moving Back in With Your Parents

2011-12-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

There is a famous episode of the hit tv show Seinfeld where George finds himself needing to move back home with his parents. This is especially challenging for him because his parents are well... half crazy. Plus, he just dreads (most of the time) having to tell people (especially women) where he is currently living. He had hit rock bottom. Well, in real life you may or may not have hit rock bottom but for whatever reason have found yourself needing to move back in with your parents. I thought it would be good to look at some of the benefits of moving back in with your parents so here are the top ten that came to mind:

1. The price is right - This is by far and away the number one reason and generally what causes adults to have to move back in with their parents. It could be that you got laid off from your job, you are going through a bad break-up (or divorce), or you just can't make ends meet for one reason or another. Reducing your expenses by moving back in with Mom and Dad seems to be getting more and more common (as a parent, I have to tell you that this greatly concerns me).

2. You know the drill - Regardless of how long you have been away from home you know these roommates and what you can or cannot get away with. You also know what drives your mom and dad completely crazy. The difference is since they are helping you out hopefully you won't intentionally keep puling their strings. If you need further assistance, here is a great article on rules for living back at home.

3. They have nicer stuff - Generally speaking mom and dad usually have collected nicer furniture and belongings (with the possible exception of really high tech gadgets but even that is starting to come around). They have had more time to collect some of the finer things and you can seriously get used to that (sometimes to used to it that you wear out your welcome).

4. Food - There is more food and the quality of the food is much, much better (usually) when you are living back home with your parents. Actually you generally already know what is good/bad so you can usually plan ahead (especially if you help them at the grocery store - or inspect the groceries when they arrive home as you used to do).

5. Support - No matter what got you into the situation you have a 24×7 support system available to you around the clock when you live at home with your parents. This can be really important as you re-establish yourself and work towards getting back out on your own.

6. Less entertaining/parties - Even though you are now older there are still house rules that you have to abide by when you move back home with your parents. There are few to no parties at home for instance and if you do have one, they are completely different than they were when you were on your own.

7. Fewer Dates - Just like it was when you were in high school it can be challenging perhaps more than ever when you move back home, to go on dates to find that special someone. You also have fewer options when you are on a date (going back to your place is out).

8. Greater appreciation - Usually if you find yourself needing to move back home with your parents after struggling to make it on your own, there is a deeper appreciation for what your parents go through to support you (especially when they don't really have to any longer). This can lead to greatly strengthening your relationship with your parents (see #5 - support systems are nice).

9. Someone else to answer to - Sometimes having someone constantly there to answer to provides some needed motivation to get you moving in a positive direction. Your parents naturally want a better life for you and want to see you live up to your potential. Accordingly, they can keep you motivated just by their presence.

10. You can try to give back - If you are in this situation you can make every possible effort to help your parents as well (and should). Help them get work done around the house, help them pay their bills too if you can. You should look for opportunities to thank them properly for everything they did for you when you were growing up and what they are doing for you now as you go through this tough time.

Moving in with your parents is not a sign that you are a bad person or that you are a failure. It is likely that you are just heading downhill on the roller coaster of life and will soon find yourself at the top again. What's more important is that you make the most of this opportunity that your parents are giving you to learn, grow, and come out of this a better person. I say this regardless of whether or not you got laid off or are coming off of a bad relationship, or even a run-in with the police. There are a ton of benefits available to you (if needed) when you move back home to live with your parents.

By Avshek Dam

Family Fun Game for Family Reunions

2011-12-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

For our family reunion each year, my siblings and our spouses meet at a geographical location central to all of us. We live so far away from each other. Last year we selected a city in the Midwest in the U.S. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot to do there. Fortunately, we all get along very well and are open to fun ideas and games.

One of the best games we ever played was a form of Scavenger Hunt that required us to use our cell phone cameras to document that we had located the items on the Scavenger Hunt list. Instead of bringing the items back to the judge, we showed the judge our photos.

The judge is the one who developed a list of items. They were pretty bazaar but most scavenger hunt lists are meant to be challenging so this was no different. These items were not necessarily things that we could plan to collect. For one, we were staying in a large hotel and were not familiar with the hotel or the hotel grounds. What a challenge.

Each couple became a team and had to work together. Fortunately we all get along well but it was lightweight fun anyway. Our lists were handed out to us after breakfast time and we immediately went into action looking all around for our hunted items.

We were given only eight hours to collect the photos. The stakes were high. A prize was being offered and we all wanted it. Frankly, we didn't know what the prize was but we were so competitive that it didn't matter. We just wanted to win!

If you ever play this game, and I recommend it, here are a few suggestions taken from our list although you will have fun coming up with your own.

1. A green van
2. Man with a bald head
3. Something orange made in Mexico
4. Pink flowers
5. A pickup truck with the back gate down
6. A fish sandwich
7. Red ants
8. A woman carrying a red purse
9. A chef's hat
10. A bag of popcorn
11. Teenager smiling
12. A diaper
14. Deck of playing cards
15. Little girl wearing yellow

The list we worked with was so challenging! We didn't know if we would be able to find any of the items on the list so we decided to be creative and stretch our interpretation. That's where the fun really began. For instance, we "accidentally" spilled a dab of catsup on some white flowers. When we took the photo, the flowers certainly looked "pink" to us. We turned the photo in as Pink Flowers. The judge liked our creativity! Eventually, we found nearly every item on the list. It took a lot of imagination. The results from all the teams were hysterical.

When we discovered a person who fit an item on the list, we respectfully told them about our game and asked permission to take their photo. No one resisted. In fact, the bald man wanted to follow us around and play on one of our teams.

Our competitiveness and our laughter made this game a great way to have a family fun reunion.

By Darcie S Davis

Keeping A Gratitude Journal Can Add A New Perspective To Our Lives

2011-12-18T17:01:00.000-08:00

By Karen Wintress

Have you ever heard of or tried writing a gratitude journal? Maybe this is a new concept for you, but if you choose to try it, you will most probably be hooked and want to continue writing what you are grateful for each and every day.

What is a gratitude journal?

Some days you may be extremely upbeat and in love with life. Other days it seems that there is just too much to deal with. Either way we feel, a gratitude journal can help us move ahead. It becomes a daily reflection of those things that we feel grateful for in our lives.

How does it work?

There is no formula or right way to create a gratitude journal. It's as simple as getting a spiral ring or other notebook, which can cost as little as $1 and a pen or pencil. Find a time of the day that works best for you. It should be a time when you can have uninterrupted time to reflect on the world around you.

How do I get started?

Find that quiet place and quiet time to sit down. I prefer to start the day by writing in my journal, but I know others who like to finish their day by reflecting on the positives that they experienced. It's important to keep in mind that this is not a normal diary where one dumps all the cares of the day. This is a journal which gives you the discipline and opportunity to focus on the positives that you experienced. I try to find at least 8 things to be grateful for each day, that may be too many or too few entries for you.

What if I find it hard to identify things I'm grateful for?

You can create a checklist in your head to review for things that may be items you want to acknowledge for the day. It could be something as simple as being able to see the daffodils appear in your garden for the first time in the spring. It could be for a moving message that you heard in your house of worship. It could be for the unexpected help that a neighbor offered. It could be for being able to hear the birds singing to each other as the dawn breaks. It could be for the touch of a soft fabric against your skin. It could be for the laugh of a child who had been very angry with the world.

Who could benefit from creating a gratitude journal?

A gratitude journal could be a gift for almost every member of the family. How about giving each member of the family a notebook or helping everyone select a notebook for his or her journal? Those artistic types can have fun decorating the cover of his or her journal. Even your 4 your old could make a daily entry by drawing a picture for the day. Maybe you have a family member who will express their gratitude in poetry or rap. Another family member might want to chronicle their daily gratitude with photographs.

What are the benefits of using a gratitude journal?

Many successful people keep a gratitude journal. What you focus on in life is what you get. If you always focus on the negative, you keep getting negatives. By keeping this journal, it forces you to at least once a day sit and reflect without interruption, even if only for 5 minutes. It raises your awareness of things around you, and causes you to be more observant. This gratitude journal also helps put you in a positive frame of mind.

Starting a new behavior does take discipline. To make it a habit and something you can really benefit from, commit to writing in the journal daily for at least 21 days. The experts say that it takes 21 days to create a new habit. These journals can be a great way to open up communication within the family. Maybe once a week, each family member could bring his or her journal to dinner, and share a couple entries that meant a lot to them during the prior week.

Taking Care of Your Leather Handbag the Natural Way

2011-12-17T16:59:00.000-08:00

By Helga Gaya

Leather is the skin of animals. It has been used by man over the ages as clothing and packaging material for its ease of use. If treated with care, keeping in mind how you would treat live skin, you will be able to enjoy your leather items for years to come with very little care.

Your leather handbag is a valuable object for which you may have paid a big sum. You selected it with great care and want to keep it in prime condition. For daily care, a gentle rub with a clean soft cloth will be sufficient to keep it looking good. But however careful you may be, there will be mishaps and your bag may get stained with some substance or the other. Like, when my daughter was a toddler, she threw up all over my beautiful black leather tote. Although I immediately wiped off the mess, a huge ugly stain remained.

Since stomach contents are highly acidic, the bag showed a prominent, discolored area where the mess had fallen. As soon as I reached back home, I washed the stained area with natural baby soap, let it dry and then repeatedly applied a soft cloth, dipped into fresh cream, to the affected area. Slowly, the stain disappeared and the bag was restored to its previous condition. I now use this method routinely for all my leather items with the exception of suede which when treated with any oily substance, will get damaged even more.

To wash my leather bags and purses, I place the bag on a clean surface like the drain board of the kitchen sink and gently rub in the soapy solution with a sponge or a soft cloth, then follow up with several rounds of clean water rubdowns. When done, I place the bag upside down over a stand and let it dry in an airy but shady place. The stand can be a cooking pot, a jug or any item around the house that will allow the bag to be placed over it. After it has completely dried I start applying thin layers of fresh cream. I let every layer be soaked up completely by the leather, then put on the next. I continue the process till I am satisfied with the result. This may take a couple of days.

There are, of course, many commercial leather care products on the market and you may use any of them. You should then follow the manufacturer's instructions.

But for a heavily stained item like a white or pastel shade bag, the washing process remains the same. Use any soap meant for delicate skin or even hair shampoo and proceed as above. If the light colored leather bag is only lightly stained, just try to clean it straight it with cream, without going through the washing process. This method also gives excellent results for light colored leather shoes and belts.

1-1/2 Liter Cordless Water Kettle

2011-12-16T16:58:00.000-08:00

By Amanda Wilkinson

Aroma AWK-115S Hot H20 X-Press 1-1/2 Liter Cordless Kettle

It isn't really frequently that you locates a products which is equally visually interesting and functionally satisfying. This particular kettle is amongst those unusual items: the stainless steel body is delightful to look at, and it also boils water very quickly! It includes a nice substantial and secure handle which usually is quite comfortable, and the spout is appropriately made so that you'd probably have to be a real awkward to spill stuff. The cordless aspect is wonderful, I used a less expensive ten dollar kettle for a little while and hated having to come to terms having the cord, plus that model does not include automatic shutoff regardless of whatever it claims on the box.

Furthermore there is furthermore an electricity signal light and water level indicator gauge that happens to be convenient, and I like that there is no uncovered heating element within which in turn would be a serious pain to clean. Rather it's all smooth clean lines, on the inside and out!

Of course the actual exterior of the actual kettle can get a little hot so that you almost certainly tend not to want to have this within grasp of the younger children, but if your youngsters may well get up on your kitchen counter then simply you currently have a great deal of many other troubles in addition! I valued never experiencing to deal along with how plastic inevitably gets dingy looking in addition at times leaves a funny taste in the water.

My only slight problem is the fact that the lid needs a little bit of pressure to shut altogether perhaps some kind of insulation seal that shortens the time required to bring the water boil, however it tends to make me wonder just how long lasting that component of this kettle is going to come to be.

KitchenAid 2-Quart Gourmet Essentials Brushed Stainless Steel Kettle

The KitchenAid 2QT tea kettle is an attractive, stable working, addition to my kitchenware. I got fed up of boiling water in my small previous kettle that I chose to finally decide to buy a specific kettle.

Of course, boiling water in a pot is ok, however have you at any time did not remember about the boiling water when waiting around for it therefore it boiled dry? I'm responsible of course. That is certainly terrible for your pots and pans too, not to mention a safety hazard.

The plastic-type material electric kettles concerned me over leeching concerns and the stainless steel electrics were overpriced. I was also nervous the fact that cleanup the electric kettle's might also be harder and genuinely did not require one more problem in my cooking area to plug in amongst the mixer, etc. When the price tag dropped less than one half of just what it cost in other places, I delved in promptly to pick up the stainless steel KitchenAid kettle.

The stainless steel variety, as talked about by a previous reviewer, is safe on any stove top. This was the most important rationale for me opting for the stainless, but tasteful preference was a close second. Similar to any stainless steel interior pan or pot, there could be a number of white spots from hard water deposits, which usually be completely removed by boiling vinegar combined with water and allowing sit for approximately 10 minutes.

The kettle boils water fairly quickly plus the whistle starts out somewhat quiet to a full on whistle. The handle does not get hot. It can get slightly heated, nonetheless I would definitely recommend either making sure you put the kettle on the right size burner or using a marginally reduce heat if experiencing issues with a hot handle. I can't visualize that the silicone handles could actually melt. I use KitchenAid silicone trivets that are able to get hotter and come in full contact with the bottom of my extremely hot pans and never have troubles.

I merely have a few of slight concerns. The functional issue I have got is that the moment the water boils and you lift up the whistle, the steam that is gathered in the whistle drips out on top of the burner and kettle. My other issues are related to KitchenAid's packaging choices. The box that it came in offered very little protection coming from scuff marks for that reason, my kettle had rubbed up against the box on the bottom, producing an unpleasant imperfection. Not a significant deal even if It's on the bottom. The other is that they decided to make use of a highly sticky tape to hold the top securely shut through shipping. The tape was tricky to take off and did not totally rub off on cleaning.

Saving Money on Groceries - Top 5 Ways

2011-12-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

By Bess Blanco

There are a few good pointers to remember when shopping for today's Intentional family. Some of these tips you've heard before, yet some may be new to you. Applying even one of these money-saving ideas to your own family's grocery budget will stretch your dollars, and that's a good thing!

1. Consolidate the little runs to the store into one. All those extra runs to the store during the week stretch more than just your patience! The gasoline used, time spent, and stress level raised are just a couple of reasons to turn many little trips to the store into one big one. For some families, twice a month might be necessary, for others, maybe once a week. The point is to find something that works for your family, make it a priority, and stick with it.

2. Pre-plan the meals, then stick to the plan. To shop frugally, it is necessary to pre-plan the meals for the time period you are shopping for. For example, I go shopping every two weeks, so my menu plan is for that amount of time. Just thirty minutes earlier in the week (when you're not hungry!) make a point to pre-plan the menu, as well as breakfast and staples needs. I save an average of $50-$100 each trip due to pre-planning, and I'd say that is pretty good pay for a half-hour's work! It's important, though, to stick to the list and forgo the impulse buys once you reach the store.

There are also many affordable services on the web to use for menu planning, and they are a really great option for busy families. E-mealz, The Menu Mom, and others are very low-cost, menu plans (and shopping lists!) for every kind of family.

3. Strategize the store specials - but count the cost. Watch the circulars, because the competing stores can have substantial savings at different times. Be aware, though, of hidden costs in shopping at too many different stores. Impulse buying, deceptive advertising, and the gas and stress of too many stops all add up and can backfire on the original intent to save. For example, I usually can manage two stops each trip, so I strategize between the top two stores as far as specials and overall savings on the items I really need for that time period! I am not a food hoarder, so I only shop for the ingredients, items, and add-ons necessary for those two weeks.

4. Use coupons, circulars and online specials wisely. Using coupons is a good idea, and I highly recommend it, but they must be used with strategy. If you are on a special eating plan, like gluten-free, low-sugar, or other diet plan, it is absolutely necessary to buy only the items allowed. So coupons should be seen as a help, not an excuse to buy foods outside of the eating plan. They can also be deceptive, as generic item many times is cheaper than the discounted name-brand item. Watching the store circulars for their sales and specials is just as simple to do online now, and pays off in time and money. You will be aware of what to buy where, and for stores like Walmart, which matches specials and coupons, you can bring in the circular or coupon and get the competitor's price in one stop!

5. Bring cash or debit instead of credit. This is a biggie, and we just started doing this again. Paying with debit or cash for groceries increases the impact of the amount spent, according to a study by the Journal of Consumer Research done with 1000 shoppers over a period of 6 months. The study found that only 14% of Americans pay with cash, and that the impulsive buys, like junk food, decreased tremendously when the participant paid with debit or cash. The theory is that the consumer thinks twice about their purchase if they are parting with tangible money, versus the separation of money and emotion created by the credit card. My family and I found this to be true last year as we overspent on groceries an average of $237 per month when we paid with our credit card, versus keeping to the budget 85% of the time with cash payment this year!

Making a conscious effort to implement any of these ideas will show a tremendous improvement in how much of your family budget is spent at the store. Do you have any ideas that work for your family? We would love to hear them, share with us!

Rituals: Tea Time With Glass Teapots and Flowering Teas

2011-12-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

By Carla Menjivar

Rituals have a way of touching our bodies and souls; they help us to develop and strengthen bonds with ourselves and others. They even nourish in a way that can lead to self-awareness. Performing simple rituals every day help to "ground us" and keep us in the moment, yet allows us to piece our life together as if it were a masterpiece - and it is! The term "Tea Time" is much more than the simple act of brewing tea and consuming it.

Eastern societies created an exotic painstaking list of procedures for the entire process, from what types of teas to use, to the containers for each step, to how to arrange the table, which teapot to use for the occasion, how to act, and much more. The Brits have incorporated the use of Tea Time as a sort of fourth meal, and includes rituals varying from very formal to casual and everything in between.

Teas come in many varieties, from common black tea, which can be somewhat bitter, to gourmet teas from around the world, made from exotic herbs. There are teas available for every pocketbook. Teas have many medicinal uses and are quite helpful to us. They can be used to help us wake up or be more alert, help us sleep when we can't, and aid us when we're sick.

The simple act of pouring fresh water into a glass teapot, heating the water, placing your favorite herbal teas into the pot, while allowing it all to steep covered for a few minutes, with the aroma of herbs whirling around you is so invigorating! If your hands are cold, snuggle up against this brew and it will not only warm your hands, but your spirit as well.

Glass teapots are a favorite choice for many lovers of Tea Time, and for many reasons. Glass is a great conductor of heat and will draw all the precious nutrients and flavor out of the tea of your choice. So you'll know that you're not throwing away any of the "good stuff" after brewing the recommended time. Secondly, watching your tea simmer and brew can be a very enjoyable experience. It will delight your senses!

There are some teas now that are assembled together to appear like a large flower, ready to bloom once you drop it into the teapot with hot water. It's almost magical to watch this clump of aromatic material literally transform right before your very eyes, suggesting a blooming flower. If your glass pot does not have a glass strainer at the lip of the pot, you'll need a metal strainer. The strainer is very important because after extracting an infusion, you'll pour tea into the cup and you will omit getting any unwanted bitter leaves.

Ways To Make Visitors More Comfortable

2011-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

By Bill McNeil

Offering a place for a visitor to put his or her belongings is as essential as giving him or her a bed to sleep in, since you will be able to keep your house organized. You need to make sure your visitor is comfortable, but at the same time, you want to keep your house in good order.

This is particularly important when guests come for the holidays because there is usually more stuff to deal with. Prior to visitors coming to your house, have a plan as to where they will keep their bags and what kind of area they will need for their belongings.

Clear out a drawer and clean off a shelf that the visitors can use for the duration of their visit. You can even give them some kind of box that they can put their belongings in that will give them easy access to their things.

For those of you who have little houses that do not have a lot of additional space, you can get a footstool that has a storage area. This is an excellent place in which to keep blankets and extra pillows. You should be able to find one that fits your budget.

You should put your visitor in an area that gives them a bit of privacy. Blow up a mattress or lay out a sleeping bag in a place that does not get a lot of traffic. It is perfectly fine to have your visitors pack up their sleeping quarters every day. This is especially true if they are staying in a place that needs to be used during the day.

In the case that a grown up is required to sleep in your kid's room, pack away the toys and other stuff. As you decorate a kid's bedroom, think about whether or not a visitor will ever need to use it. If it will be used often, do not purchase bunk beds.

No matter where your visitors are staying, give them a small light and an alarm clock.

Give them an outlet or two so they can charge their mobile phones and other computerized items.

You also might consider providing them with some snacks and drinks as well. Your visitor will be more at ease choosing a snack or drink you have provided for him or her than would be the case if he or she had to go to the kitchen. You should also show the visitors what you have for them to consume in the kitchen and where all the utensils are located.

Doing this will ensure that your visitors are very comfortable in your house.

Schoolwork and Art: What to Keep, What to Toss

2011-12-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

By Andy E Grant

Ask anyone with young school-age children, and they're sure to agree that an awful lot of paperwork comes home from school. Unless you have a system for sorting and storing, it can quickly pile up -- or worse, cause battles between you and your child over what to keep and what to toss. Here are some easy solutions.

Go Digital

If you (or your child) can't bear to part with each and every piece, why not go digital? You can pick up an inexpensive scanner for under $150 (or borrow a friend's) and scan each image, to store a digital copy. With this method, you'll thin out the amount of paperwork, but you won't dismiss any of the best memories.

Make a Montage

Once you've scanned all the images, you can create a photo montage to drop onto a CD-ROM or DVD as a keepsake for you and your child. Depending on what resolution you choose to scan your images at, you can fit a ton of images on a single disc. Maybe you prefer to burn one disc for each child for each school year. Or one "best of" disc for all the children for each year of schooling. There are many ways to organize your files once you go digital. Once you have a montage assembled, this would make a great slide show at a graduation party, birthday party, or other milestone celebration.

Keep Only the Best

A different alternative is to keep only the best artwork and most impressive schoolwork from each year. There are several ways to conduct this logistically - you could keep it all and pick out the 5 or 10 best at the end of the school year, or you can keep just a month's worth at a time, then purge all but the best one or two at month's end. You may even choose to get input from your child as to which represent the most special or memorable bits of artwork or accomplishments.

Frame It!

You may choose to display some of the best artwork from your children, either on a bulletin board, in frames on a single "gallery" wall, or hung with decorative accents from a metallic stylized clothesline or other type of structure. You can actually purchase magnetic paint (as well as chalkboard paint) that can be applied to a wall, cabinet or other structure, which allows you to use magnets to display artwork and other mementos. You can make it decorative and celebratory?

With so many fun and easy ideas, there's no need to feel as though you are drowning in artwork and paperwork from your children's school age years. Pick a technique and you can begin to thin out those massive files of papers!

Alternate Uses For Wire Coat Hangers

2011-12-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

By Adriana N.

'Wood or wire? They have both', and in 1967 with the now famous line spoken by a young Dustin Hoffman in the role of 'Benjamin' in the film, 'The Graduate', humble clothes hangers were immortalized. Wood, wire, plastic or fabric-covered, there is a design for every need in the battle for tidiness. He never saw a penny of the fortune that was made from the patent of the first wire coat hanger in 1903, but Albert J Parkhouse is credited with its invention. By 1906, nearly 200 patents had been granted for novel devices with the simple aim of keeping garments off floors. Two hundred years after its creation, many other uses for this versatile family essential have been described. Some can be accomplished without changing the hanger, others require it to be unwound to one degree of another and still others demand that it be cut or stretched out to the desired shape.

Characters in the 2008 film, 'Birdemic - Shock and Terror', defend themselves against an angry mob of vultures by waving coat hangers at them.

'NO WIRE HANGERS, EVER!' Joan Crawford, played by Faye Dunaway in the 1981 film, 'Mommie Dearest', admonished her teenage daughter for daring to hang her expensive party dress on a cheap wire clothes hanger instead of the fabric-covered variety that she had so thoughtfully provided.

Less celebrated users of the hanger have cleverly devised some unexpected uses for the handy wardrobe warrior.

As manufactured: Television aerial (with or without foil). Cover with fabric or wool and give away as gifts for friends and family to use as, you know, a coat hanger. Use as a back scratchier. Remove static cling by running it between the garment and your skin. Hook two or three together, add decorations of choice and hang from the ceiling and use as a mobile. Hang keys.

Unwound: Unblock a drain. Break into and/or hot wire a car (preferably your own. Note: Modern electronic car door locks have rendered the wire coat hanger pretty much obsolete for this purpose.) Roast marshmallows over an open fire. Hold up a dragging muffler under your car. Sterilize with brandy and perform emergency surgery to repair a collapsed lung on an airplane at 35,000 feet. The hook at the end of a completely unwound wire coat hanger makes a handy avocado picker (please do not harvest produce without the permission of the owner).

Stretched into a different shape: Catch fish. (First, bend it into a round shape and stretch an old pair of pantyhose across it.) Tie bits of yarn until it's completely covered and use as a Christmas wreath. Use as a bow to play Robin Hood. Indoor tennis racket.

International Pop Princess Kylie Minogue has confessed to a secret coat hanger phobia; she hates the way they sound.

Finally, there is the monkey hanger. Not a weapon of animal abuse, but an affectionate nickname for fans of Hartlepool United Football Club. The name dates back to the Napoleonic Wars when a shipwrecked French monkey was hanged as a spy by patriotic residents of Hartlepool. Today, the club mascot is a monkey.

Make Your Home Inviting: A Designer's Top Tips

2011-12-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

By Bill McNeil

When you have visiting guests in your home, you can uphold your home's organization by offering storage areas for your visitor's clothing and other personal items. In doing so, you should supply ample space so that the person that you are accommodating doesn't feel as if they are in the way, but you also don't want to give up control of your home either.

And around the holidays, when our homes are typically filled with additional chaos and commotion anyway, it is difficult to maintain a sense of order when guests arrive. A little forethought will allow you to determine the amount of storage area your visitors may require for their clothing, luggage, and other belongings.

Don't forget to provide some bathroom space, by clearing a shelf or drawer for them. Another option is to supply your guest with a storage bin or basket that your visitor may use to keep their bathroom essentials in.

When storage space is at a premium in your home, an ottoman that has a space for storing things in the center is ideal. You can use this extra storage for pillows, blankets, and sheets. And you will find them in a variety of price ranges.

If possible, offer your visitor a place in your home that lets them get away from the bustle of the home. When your guest will be sleeping in a sleeping bag or on a blow-up mattress, try to find an out-of-the-way place to set them up. If your guest's accommodations are situated in the middle of a family room or office that is used daily, you can request that they return their bedding to it's proper storage space, or the fold-out couch to it's sofa position each morning of their stay.

When you will be offering a kid's bedroom to your guest, be sure to remove excess toys and other items taking up floor space in the room. In fact, it is a good idea to determine whether a child's bedroom will be used regularly as a spare bedroom for guests, when you initially choose the furniture to go in this room. If this will serve as a guest room occasionally, then you may want to find some other alternative to bunk beds.

You should always supply your visitor with a small light at night, as well as an alarm clock for the morning, no matter where in your home they will be sleeping. Offer outlets for recharging phones and powering laptops.

Any guest will be pleased to find a snack assortment and a few bottles of water, in a care package by their bed. Knowing that this package was compiled especially for them will save them from the awkwardness of delving into your fridge for a snack or drink. To help your guest to feel more at home, show them around the kitchen, pointing out food and beverages that they may help themselves to.

By utilizing these suggestions, you will allow your upcoming visitors to feel that they are truly wanted in your home.

The Adoption Process Becomes a True Test of Faith

2011-12-09T16:44:00.000-08:00

By Mardie Caldwell

Adoption is a step of faith. Our journey from childhood to adolescence to adulthood consists of difficulties that shape the person we are today. Without facing such obstacles, we may never truly understand God's love for us. Most people considering becoming adoptive parents face barriers during the adoption process that only are overcome through faith in Jesus Christ.

For the Bible teaches us it is through trials and tribulation that our relationship with Jesus Christ grows. Without such turmoil, we would have no need of God.

Life is full of disappointment, and disappointments are part of everyone's life and even as part of God's plan for us as Christians. Why would adoption be any different? God never promised us that life would be perfect, but He did promise us that He would always be there for us. This alone should provide individuals with inner peace and strength when faced with hardships. As Christian's he is with us through the ups and the downs.

Perhaps the baby you have been anxiously waiting for to adopt is sent to another family or the mother decides to parent her child. How do you deal with this type of disappointment?
    * Accept what you can not change
    * Believe that God has a purpose behind your sorrow
    * Pray for direction and understanding
    * Rejoice in knowing God's plan will succeed in the end

When we finally realize that God's plan is greater than our own, we can then see the true purpose of our life. The obstacles we face become less troubling and life plays out in a season of time. Understanding that there is a season for everything will bring you closer to the realization that you will be adoptive parents in His timing and that the right child is out there for you.

Many people who pursue adoption already understand that there will be obstacles to overcome. Not all adoption agencies are going to have the child's best interest in mind. God can give you the blessing of discernment to help you weed out the "bad apples" and find just the right adoption agency, adoption attorney or facilitator that follows the principles of God through prayer and help you succeed.

Having the right Christian adoption professional with a track record that proves they can do what they say is going to help you have a peace and help you move closer to your child through the adoption process.

Prayer is a key factor in the relationship between God and man. It is dedicated prayer time that helps one feel comfort, peace, and victory. This same prayer can be used to voice disappointment and frustration. Or to give praise and thanksgiving for what one has received.

"Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." (James 4:8 NLT) God's promise is to never leave or forsake us so long as we live in His will as it is written in the Bible.

The Word of God is a powerful resource that if used correctly by those who are faithful and trusting the Lord can break the power of sadness, depression, and defeat. A relationship with God requires those moments in life of despair. For this is the time we learn to call upon Him and trust Him.

Fear not for I am with you, says the Lord. (Psalm 27:1 NIV) "The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?"

There is nothing to fear during the adoption process, and you should never allow your personal fears to overrule you. Being fearful is allowing Satan to rule over the situation. Instead, work each day at walking in faith and believe! Place all of your frustration into a box and raise it up high to the Lord. Let Him release the disappointment you feel and shower you with joy. Knowing that He hears your cries and trust in Him to help you be the adoptive parents He intended you to be.

Catholics Considering Adoption: Praying With Confidence

2011-12-08T16:40:00.000-08:00

By Mardie Caldwell

Prayer is a key element in a Catholic's walk with Jesus Christ. It is the doorway to our intimate relationship with Him. Through scripture and attending Mass, we are encouraged to pray with confidence to receive what our Father in heaven has stored up for us. How much more would God want us to pray about our adoption decision?

When you begin to consider adoption, prayer will be your foundation as you make decisions and plans in every step of the process. Without prayer, and studying the Holy Scriptures and participating in Holy Communion with Him we cannot continuously achieve the balance we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually. God desires to help us in every aspect of life. Our part is to accept blessings provided to us by Jesus as Our Lord and seek direction from His Church to know His will in building your family.

Family and children are a priority with God. When we enter this world, we are born of the flesh. God has given us the privilege of being accepted into His family through faith in His Son Jesus and communing with Him through the Holy Sacraments.

According to Ephesians 1:5, our Heavenly Father planned in advance that His children would not only be born into His family, but that we would also be received as His adopted children "according to the good pleasure of His will." Adoption has always been on His heart. Joseph adopted and accepted Jesus as his child as well. Adoption is mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

God's desire for us is that we achieve our adoption goals with confidence. The Bible in 1 John 5:14-15 encourages us, "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."

If you are thinking about adoption, you will receive direction for building your family as you spend time in God's word and call upon Him in prayer for help each day. Peace in your decision will become clearer and you will be assured as to the next step as you turn to Him and commit to these daily activities.

• Seek His wisdom and plan for you
• Read and study His Holy Word
• Pray for step-by-step guidance
• Attend Mass on a regular basis
• Know that delay is not denial
• Wait for God's direction before responding in every decision

Yes, adoption takes time and patience. And, for most of us, waiting isn't the easiest thing to do, especially when we are looking for an immediate answer. My own adoption was a test in faith and believing that the Lord would fulfill our desire to be a mom and dad. I struggled through the hard times when people around me were chosen as adoptive parents over us. Honestly, at times I felt God had forgotten us, but He hadn't. And when our time came, God rewarded us with the most wonderful little boy.

God is good, and I can't imagine life without our son. Though our wait for the child the Lord had for us was hard, I soon forgot it. Once I had my son in my arms and our eyes met, I knew this was the child the Lord had for us to love and parent.

God knows the desire of your hearts. If you will trust Him and have confidence in His Divine plan for your life, you will find it easier to hear His guidance and find peace in allowing Him to order your steps in finding your child. He will give you the desires of your heart and you will have the child He desires for you in your arms.

By waiting on the Lord, you will develop patience and understanding. You will learn to depend totally on Him, and your foundation will be laid for the wonderful days and years ahead as you fulfill your responsibilities as Godly parents.

If you approach the adoption process confidently trusting the Lord and prayerfully seeking His will in every detail, you will have set yourself up for the most exciting adventure of your life-the journey to parenthood!

Top Five Family Dice Games That Won't Cost You A Cent!

2011-12-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

By Andrew J Low

What could be cheaper and easier for building great family relationships than a regular time playing games? Whether it's fortnightly, weekly or more often, sitting around a table and playing games together is a sure fire way to promote healthy and strong bonds between family members. If only games didn't cost so much!

It's amazing how many family-friendly games you can play with only a handful of dice. Here is my list of the top five family dice games that won't cost you a cent! (If you don't have them already, you can buy packs of five dice for only a few dollars.)

Fifty is an easy game for young children that can also help them learn to count. Players take turns to throw two dice. If you throw a double one, double two, double four or double five, you score five points. Throwing a double six scores twenty five points, but a double three sets your score back to zero. Any other throw does not count. The first player to reach fifty points, or more, wins the game.

Knock Out is another simple game for children. Each player chooses a knock-out number - either 6, 7, 8, or 9. They then take turns to throw two dice and add the numbers. If the total equals their knock-out number, they are out of the game for the rest of the round. Play continues until only one player (the winner) is left. Everyone can then play another round, choosing a different knock-out number if they wish.

Go Figure is a mathematical dice game using three dice. A player chooses a number between one and fifteen for the player on their left to work out out mathematically using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with the three numbers to try to make their chosen number. For example, if they chose the number "8" and their dice throw was 2, 4 and 6, they could have 4 + 6 - 2 = 8. If the throw was 1, 3 and 5 they could have 1 x 3 + 5 = 8. A player who succeeds scores one point. That player then chooses a number (1-15) for the player on their left to 'go figure'. After a number of rounds the player with the highest score is the winner.

Centennial is a race game for 2 to 8 players using three dice, a board and a counter for each player. The board consists of thirteen squares in a row, labelled Start, 1, 2, 3,..., 10, 11, 12. It could be made of cardboard and decorated nicely or just scribbled on a sheet of paper. Counters could be coins, matchsticks, etc. as long as each player can identify their counter. All the counters are placed on the Start square. The first player throws the three dice. If one of them is a "1" they place their counter on square 1. If there was a "2" (or two "1s", since 1 + 1 = 2) they could also move to square 2, and so on. Throwing a "1", "2" and "3" would mean that the player could move up to square 6 (1, 2, 3 obviously; but 1 + 3 = 4, 2 + 3 = 5 and 1 + 2 + 3 = 6). Once a player reaches 12, they then move back down the board. The first player to get back to square 1 shouts "Centennial!" and wins the game.

Four Twenty One is a strategy game that uses three dice and is popular in Europe. There are ten rounds; the player with the highest score at the end of the tenth round wins the game. The first player throws all three dice, trying to achieve the highest rank. The order of the ranks is:

Four Twenty One - 421

Triples - 666 (highest), 555, 444, 333, 222, down to 111(lowest)

Pairs - 665 (highest), 664, 663, 662, 661, 556, 554, 553, 552, 551, 446, 445, 443, 442, 441, 336, 335, 334, 332, 331, 226, 225, 224, 223, 221, 116, 115, 114, 113, 112 (lowest)

Chance - 654 (highest), 653, 652, 651, 643, 642, 641, 632, 631, 621, 543, 542, 541, 532, 531, 521, 432, 431, 321 (lowest)

[You may like to write out all the possible combinations in order from highest (421) to lowest (321) for reference before you play.] The first player has up to three throws to achieve their highest rank. They can choose to keep any dice any throw any dice. For example, with a throw of 5 5 6, they could keep the pair of 5s and throw the 6 in the hope of getting a triple 5. Other players then try to beat each others rank for that round. The player with the highest rank scores one point for the round. After ten rounds, the player with the highest total score wins the game.

There you go! Five family-friendly games for younger children and adults using only three dice or less. I haven't even mentioned my family's favourite dice game, Pig.

Company's Arrived

2011-12-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

By Wendi Stevenson Clark

I had been given fair warning from his father.

One of these days, you'll see, you'll say good night to your darling son, and in the morning a stranger will come up those stairs, hair tangled, eyes expressionless (this would not be the day to remember that the eyes are the window to your soul), no socks and looking for his shoes.

I approach with caution.
I greet the stranger with a Good Morning.
Silence.
Again, Good Morning.
A mumble returns and then followed by a Yeahhhh.
Excuse me, what have you done with my son?

I must admit, he looks similar, yet his appearance, his speech and oh yes, the big one, his attitude, have very little resemblance to my son of the past 13 years.

Again I ask what he has done with my son.

His father sat motionless, having his morning coffee. His face hidden from expression behind the newspaper; but I knew he could not wait to remind me of his warnings starting some six months ago.

It happens, one day you will not recognize him. You will think that someone has kidnapped your precious, perfect son. What you have is the satisfaction of knowing that he will recover. He continued by telling me his story, and one that he sticks too, is that God comes down during the night and removes, for safe keeping, the vital parts of his brain. In about ten or fifteen years you may be lucky and see some improvements - he might remember our names and phone number, be grateful for this; but don't be fooled. God will return and replace all missing pieces when he is ready.

At that exact moment my son, walking up the stairs, the stairs that he mastered at age 3, proceeded to fall flat on his face. I walked to the stairs to see what he had tripped over - nothing.

What happened?

I fell.
How
I dun no.
You what?
I dun no.
I feel eyes penetrate down on me and I turn to see definite ripples in the newspaper.

Looking over, I address the newspaper; do you have something to add?

Without looking above the horizon of the paper I hear only - I told you so.

Without doubt I knew whatever was wrong; he must have inherited it from his father's side of the family.

Over the next few weeks, I was busy replacing missing runners, pencils, books, school ID tags, security locks and back-packs, all of course not being lost by my son, but some aliens coming down and taking them.

I was now convinced there was a medical problem. It is not possible a young productive, cooperative, mannerly, boy could loss most of his vocabulary, resorting to a monotone tablet of 10 words or less; his equilibrium balance has vanished; and no longer having the common sense to remember running into a fence hurts - all over-night.

The rippling newspaper responded to my concerns only by telling me to take a pill and sit down.

I consulted our family Doctor. I was told that puberty sometimes lasts maybe five years - this is the same Doctor that told me life begins at 40.

Standing at the living room window watching my son walk towards the house from the Highway, he suddenly disappeared, with no evidence of where he went. Then the cotoneaster hedge moved - he had fallen into the hedge. When he surfaced there were obvious scares from his battle in the hedge.

I had resolved, for my own sanity to self mediate these unexplainable occurrences and define it as being done at the hands (or in this case the feet) of an escaped Anteater. My life had become one, without logic, so for the next few years I can live with blaming a wild mad Anteater.

Days, weeks, months passed, still not satisfaction that this was a natural occurrence so I Google my problem.

I read an article written by a PhD documenting how many of his patients were in and around 13 years old; critiquing them all as coming from middle-class backgrounds, having nice neighbors, many have privileges including travel with material goods and many social opportunities, etc, etc.

Good grief Charlie Brown - at 13 I could not tell anyone if I was from a middle-class family or what my material wealth was and if I had good neighbors. My travels included a tent in the back yard.

Skipping past the definition a typical 13 year old I then read that a lot of the changes, both physical and emotional are attributable to -

the frontal lobes of their brains are not yet fully developed. They tend to be less impulsive, more reflective, more able to learn from experience and require less shadowing' by adults.

This might explain why I had been called into the vice-principal's office, told that my son had been removed from class because he had, after being told by a substitute teacher, that she did not like his attitude; he, without hesitation, responded that he did not like her attitude either.

I could not leave him to the administrative Wolves - I would stand at the firing line and take the smoke - I admitted that my son, over the past month, repeatedly had heard that exact same comment at home and I can only image that he was only mimicking his mother.

I'm wondering if this frontal lobe is related to the more in depth description given by his father at the beginning of all of this.

Note to self - measure the circumference of my sons head - weekly.

He had been a master of creation in science projects, introducing us to the Komodo dragon, the migration of the African Elephant, the Polar Bears, the complete history of Canadian Politics and the learning handicaps of right-brained students in a left-brain class room. (The school administration found no humor in his project, yet could not bring forth any arguments dismissing his findings.)

Now, his favorite topic of conversation is the Sloth.

O course, I Google the Sloth.

A picture on the screen came up of a long haired, short legged, long clawed animal hanging from a tree branch defined as sluggish, inactive, slow, lethargic, lacking concern and indifferent.

Well, that sums up the physical and mental characteristics of my son - a Sloth.

I no longer ask where the seven plates have disappeared to - I retrieve them each Sunday when I enter his room. I don't ask why socks filled with water bottles are hanging from the trees - they'll come down in the next wind storm, or, where the missing duct tape is - I know I'll find it, wrapped around something he has created and resolved will change the world - where's the cat?

I no longer get excited when he and his buddy's are camping out in the back yard, not having the sense to get out of the tent when there are lightning strikes grounding out beside the spruce tree - which their tent is under. I stand on guard, holding the door open as their screams are at an octave very similar to that of his female cousins as they enter the house.

I managed to convince me that purple hair was not a good color for him and if we do go down for piercings I will be the one who picks out his earrings.

I conceded, like it or not, this stranger, living inside my son's body, would remain in our home for the next few years. I diarized the potential departure date making sure my son would be in the right line for parts replacement at the end of puberty's visit. I met with my son, outlined the ground rules of our operation for the next few years, gave him his deadline and agreed; for the next few years, so not to embarrass him, I and my safety net would follow at a respectable distance.

I did take notice early in these years to all the advertising on TV, radios and along every counter in the grocery store, all focused at the generation suffering from temporary frontal lobe disorder, how their lives would be so much better if only they consumed a variety of products. Products that after opening the box exploded with colors, fireworks and happiness. Bottles once opened with all their sparkle and fizz promised to carry you leaps and bounds far beyond any vision of Disney. I became addicted to watching a crane sized pitcher, with short legs, filled with color (not part of nature's rainbow) jumping up and down, under a sunshine sky, running across a lawn, with all the neighborhood children in pursuit, exploding through walls, all to get to a pool sized vat of ice cubes. I've seen this before - oh yes, The Pied Piper.

At a safe distance, for the following years, we agreed that any colors put on our dinner table, if not provided by nature, were few and far between. I was not about to totally deny the joys of teenage years so when the sparkle, the fizz and all the goodies inside the pressurized bags exploded we made sure the rise and fall was all in the safety of a child proof back yard.

Our home has now celebrated its seventh anniversary with Puberty. Thank goodness, all early indications are that my son had arrived in time and was in the right line to start the process of having the beneficial parts returned to his frontal lobe.

When I get ahead of myself like this and belief that the last of the parts are in; I am quickly reminded by his father that signs of sanity and sensibility are rare and I should not count on this condition to continue - consider it a trick.

No sooner than that said my son rises to announce that he will not be able to attend classes today; he has a cold. From what you might ask, good question - from falling into the icy pond after bouncing on the ice until it broke open.

So, I rise from the kitchen table and retrieve my safety net and anxiety pills.

Maybe I should learn to get more enjoyment from the Newspaper.

Kids and Geezers Have Lots in Common

2011-12-05T19:10:00.001-08:00

I took my two grand daughters (ages 3 and 6) to visit my ailing sister-in-law at a convalescent hospital last week. Neither of the girls had seen my sister-in-law in a long time, nor had they ever been to a convalescent hospital, so I was nervous about how they would react. I needn't have worried.

Abby, the six year old has lately shown some shyness in the presence of adults she does not know very well. Not this day. She and my sister-in-law Phyllis hit it off like old friends. Abby prattled on about Christmas and her kindergarten friends and puppy dogs. She found an attentive listener in Phyllis. Three year-old Kate was similarly at ease and (when she could get a word in) joined in the conversation. As for my sister-in-law, she was more engaged than I had seen her in weeks. She was really listening to them. The presence of the two little munchkins transformed her drab hospital room into a warm and cheerful place.

To me the experience was a reminder of the magic that exists between the very young and the very old. The so-called generation gap that yawns between parents and their kids does not seem to exist between kids and geezers. They get along because they have so much in common.

Neither the very old nor the very young work for a living so they have time to do stuff that harried parents can't seem to fit into a 24-hour day. Older people have the time to blow bubbles or play hide and seek or read a book with their grandkids. A boyhood friend of mine speaks almost reverently about standing with his grandpa on winter nights just looking wonderingly at the stars.

Older people don't spend a lot of time worrying about tomorrow. I had an older buddy who used to say that he never even bought green bananas anymore. Kids too live in the moment. Tell a kid that you will help him in two hours and he automatically writes you off. Only the present really matters.

Little kids are naturally non-judgmental. They hardly notice if their classmates are of a different color or dress differently. Older folks (at least the wise ones) have re-learned the tolerance they once had as kids. I recall a gay friend who was afraid that his grandma would discover he was homosexual. Turned out that Grandma knew who he was and accepted him long before anyone else in the family. She just never made a big deal over it.

Unfortunately, both kids and old folks have to put up with similar kind of negative perceptions by the wider society. Neither young children nor senior citizens are much valued in our culture. In a world that judges people on the money we make or the kind of car we drive, there is not a lot of patience for people who are not contributing to the gross domestic product of the nation. People in the middle generation talk endlessly about the problems caused by a younger generation or by the concern they have for the increasing number of older people in our population. We don't hear nearly as much about the contributions in time and talent made by older and younger volunteers, the traditions passed on by the old and the energy brought to the table by the young.

Kids and geezers find themselves in the same boat. They are drawn to one another because they recognize similar values like playfulness, simplicity, a sense of wonder, and the capacity to live in the present moment. Children live these values naturally. Wise elders rediscover them. The whole society is enriched by them.

By Hank Mattimore

Crafting Wind Chimes Using Dowels

2011-12-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

By Dave A Murphy

With the onset of spring, many are ready to tackle their spring cleaning projects. Most have grand ambitions for the insides of their homes. However, spring cleaning doesn't have to include only the inside of a home. There are improvements that can be made to the outside as well. Spring is a time when many begin preparing to plant their gardens, planting shrubs and flowers, and cleaning up landscapes from the listlessness and harsh effects of winter. Outside improvements can also include additions to one's lawn, such as bird baths, statues, and rock or water gardens.

Another frequently underrated outdoor improvement to consider is the addition of wind chimes. Gentle spring winds make this a most pleasant and soothing sound. And it doesn't have to cost greatly to have them! In fact, by using some basic materials, wind chimes can be crafted rather easily. By creating them oneself, wind chimes can be made according to the designer's personal preferences, including the materials, colors, and textures used. Follow the steps below to craft your very own wind chimes quickly and inexpensively.

Start with a small terra cotta plant holder. Depending on any color preferences, paint or stencil the plant holder, and depending on any materials or texture preferences, add other materials, such as buttons, faux jewels, or ribbons to the plant holder.

Using a three-quarter inch thick wood dowel, cut a piece that will fit horizontally one-half inch from the outer rim of the plant holder. The lengths of the dowel may vary if a larger plant holder is used. Then, cut several pieces of dowel of varying lengths. Generally, dowel lengths should be between three and six inches. These cuts of dowel will be used as the chimes.

With twine or another hefty string, determine the lengths necessary to make the chimes functional, as well as the number of lengths needed as determined by the number of dowel chimes that will be used, and then cut them accordingly. Tie the twine to one end of each chime, and secure the twine by hot gluing it to the chime at the knot. Tie the other end of each chime to the smaller cut of dowel, which will fit horizontally inside the terra cotta plant holder. Also secure these knots to the dowel cut with hot glue.

Determine the length of twine that will be needed to support the completed wind chime project based upon its overall weight and the length appropriate to the site from which it will be hung. Generally, 24 inches is a good starting point, and adjustments can be made accordingly. Once the appropriate length is determined, tie either end of the twine to either end of the horizontal dowel cut. As with the other tied twine pieces, reinforce its security by hot gluing it at the knots. Then, pull this piece of twine through the hole on the bottom of the terra cotta plant holder. The completed project inverts the plant holder, making the bottom side with the hole the top of the wind chime. The twine may be knotted just above the hole or not depending upon personal preference.

Once pulled through the hole, the horizontal piece of hardwood dowel becomes fitted within the plant holder and provides the lift that secures the chimes into place. For additional security and stability, however, hot glue either end of the horizontally-fitted piece to its respective spot against the inner rim of the plant holder.

Allow ample time for all applied hot glue to dry, and when it has done so, hang the wind chimes in the desired spot.

What Can You Donate To Charity?

2011-12-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

By Kelly Pulvirenti

When you think of charity most of the time you think of those who are sick or those who can't get a decent meal for themselves. In many cases, this is only part of the reality. There is a lot more to your average donation than you might realise and you can donate quite a bit more than your hard earned money.

1. First of all, you can donate your time. In days like these if you have a few extra minutes there are a great number of people who could use your talents and free time to do something for the greater good. If you have just one day off a month you can do something to help those in need. It doesn't even have to be all day just a few hours is a great help.

2. Your extra food. Most people have quite a bit of canned food or fruit laying around in their pantry. Make sure that everything has a good date on it and go ahead. It's one of the easiest things that you can donate to charity but it's also one that people need most. Certain items are preferred so have a think about what items they need most. If you can try and get a list of what the shelter would prefer that you buy. Normally, canned vegetables and pasta are popular choices. They're also easy to prepare and most people prefer them to other foods since they are easily stored.

3. Clothing. Clothing is another great thing to donate to charity. When you donate clothing to charity, you provide people with a way to stay warm all year round. Try and pick clothing that is gently used as opposed to clothing that's been through the mill.

4. Then you can donate to charity another way. A way that most people wouldn't think of.

This method is called charity shopping online. When you use this method, you may find that it's one of the easiest ways that you can donate. So what is this charity shopping?

You go to a site and then proceed to another site. The second site tracks your link so that they know which website sent to them. If you just type in the store you are buying from it won't work the same. It's essential that you reach the site this way or else the donation will not be made.

You do not spend any extra money. The site you start at is the one that sponsors the donations and they're the one who donates. You support the site by using it to reach these other sites. Make sure that you take your time when you decide to buy from a site and that you take your time to also look over what charities are being supported by this. This gives you a better idea of what or whom you are supporting.

Break Out of Your Rut!

2011-12-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

By Terre Ritchie

I have always been a child at heart. I love to think like a child and wonder how "older" people would react if I actually did what I was thinking! Oh, heavens!

I'm sixty-two years old and I often wonder what it would be like to do crazy things at my age. Like learn how to skateboard and ride the rails! Or bungee jump. YES! What about drive a really fast race car in the Indy 500? Then I could always surf the "big one" in Hawaii! Yeah, there ya go. Dude, that sounds gnarly! Am I crazy or what? No, don't answer that.

I guess I'm just one of those people who has done a lot of things in life but still wants to do more. Are you like that? Or are you...old? Have you settled into life like a well-worn recliner? Do you give old answers when people ask you questions? What do I mean? Well, if I were to ask you, "Hey, would you like to go on an impromptu vacation?" would you answer by saying that you have to have a plan and map and schedule of where I'm going and you have to know five weeks ahead of time and it takes you forever to pack? That's an old answer. I'd rather hear something like, "Yeah, where are you going? Let's do this thing!" Maybe I'm too impulsive for you or maybe you've just lost the impulsiveness of childhood to take a chance on doing the unplanned.

I think the best vacations our family ever took were the ones we didn't plan. We just threw stuff in the camper and took off. We didn't make reservations or plan out a road trip map or contact a travel agent. We let the open road be our guide and just made the most of it. I loved that part!

Our lives can become too planned if we're not careful. Every day becomes like the last one and we can grow into a routine that's so boring even our phone apps are sleeping! I can't believe that's God's plan for us. He's created a world to explore and people for us to meet. We can become so steeped in our daily patterns that it's hard to break away. I think that's one of Satan's ploys to make us content, comfortable, and c-o-m-p-l-a-c-e-n-t! Boring!

So try this on your next free weekend. Starting with Friday night, don't make a plan-just throw a few clothes in your overnight bag, grab your camera, your family or a friend, and take off! No, really! Take off in some direction that's new.

Don't take the expressway either. Travel on a road you've never been on. Don't use your GPS or check MapQuest. Just go! Spend the night in a bed and breakfast or some out of the way place. Grab the tent and spend the night in a state park. Do something new, adventurous, different. You'll be amazed by how it adds a spark you may not have felt in a while. You'll also be surprised by how much you look forward to the next unplanned weekend!

Oh, don't write to me complaining you have a bad experience either. That's just part of the adventure!

Keeping the Kids Active on Holiday

2011-12-02T16:27:00.000-08:00

By Ben Willows

When the kids are on holiday it can be hard to drag them away from the TV or their computer games, but we all know it's important for them to get out and about. So to help you out we've come up with some activities that will both encourage them to get out in the first place, and secondly get active and learning while they're at it.

Indoor activity zones

Great for younger kids, indoor activity zones allow them the opportunity to play in a safe environment without direct supervision. The most common kind of indoor activity zones are can often be found next to pubs around the country.

Farm Parks

Farm Parks provide kids with the opportunity to explore a whole host of new activities, while also providing a great day out for the parents. With constantly changing seasonal activities, the sort of things you can expect to find at farm parks range from animal feeding and falconry, to activity zones both indoors and outdoors. With all the options available, Farm Parks cater for everyone and provide a great family day out.

Paintballing and Laser Games

Ideally suited for older children, paintballing and laser games provide great exercise but can be expensive, especially if you are taking a group with you. Paintballing is especially expensive as the companies will often charge a low initial fee and then charge for the paintballs which can all add up.

Leisure Centres

Most towns will have a leisure centre and these offer a great selection of activities to suit everyone's needs. Throughout the holidays these centres often put on activities designed for kids and range from swimming sessions to football tournaments. This is a great opportunity to get them trying out new sports and can introduce them to activities they may have never otherwise tried.

Visit a national park

National Parks provide kids with space and terrain they need for a whole load of activities. There's no limit to the amount of activities they can play host to. Kite flying, picnics, football, you can really make a day out of a visit. Lots of national parks also offer other activities such as riding and boating. Have a look at the national parks website for more information.

With a little bit of thought, there are so many activities to help get your kids up and active. If anyone has any tried and trusted activities that always get the kids outdoors feel free to raise them in the comments.

How Effective Is Custom Photo Banner Printing As Family Gift Item?

2011-12-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

By Shawn Nag

You may have gifted many unique items to your near and dear ones but the custom photo banners are the latest among them all. The normal banners can be found in many homes across the country. Just visit the room of some teenager and you will find many sorts of banners and posters on their walls. Just think how happy the banner lovers will be when they receive a photo banner carrying their own photo. Moreover unlike the general banners the photo banners are not bound to any age group they are liked by all. In the past years there was a tradition to decorate homes with framed photos capturing different phases of life. The custom banners can provide just this. There are many customization choices for the photo banners and you may choose the designs and photos as per your choice.

You may use photos of a single person or a family photo in designing the photo banner. Some people also go for pictures taken on their visits to some place with scenic beauty. One of the important aspects for the landscape pictures is that it has to be clear in terms of the resolutions and the photo should be truly beautiful to capture attention. In the recent past some of the parents also opted to make banners out of the snaps taken of their children. In case there are many good snaps you may make a collage with them and use it in the custom banner. This will also help you to capture the many emotions of the baby.

Reason the photo banners are liked by the recipient is the multiple uses that these items have. They do a great job in beautifying the walls of your home that might otherwise look lacking character. The posters are also used by the recipients for separating one room from the other and creating private areas. The custom banners can not only be used inside the house but outside as well. These posters are made from high quality materials such as vinyl which keeps them safe from water and sunlight.

If you have a friend who is a business owner then the custom photo banner will be of immense help. The gifted banner may be used by the recipient for not only decorating his/her office but also for promoting business. You may gift a banner containing the pictures of the family to your grandparents and they will treasure it forever. Grandparents love to display the pictures of their grandchildren and other family members and if it bears a touching message from you then it will add to the value.

While choosing a custom photo banner be mindful of the size of the photos weighed against the size of the banners. Proper resolutions will let you get the desired results from your gift item. You will also need the services of a professional printing agency.

Frugal Uses for the Odds and Ends We Keep In Our Linen Closets

2011-11-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

By Faylee James

We all have odd and ends of bedding items in our linen closets. Some will stay for years, taking up space in our closets and minds, while we try to think of other ways to use them. Today I hope to end your search of what to do with all those tablecloths, flat sheets and odd pillow cases.

Pillow Case:
[1] Store your seldom used kitchen appliances in them. If you have an appliance and every time you want to use it, you have to wash it first. Use an odd pillow case to keep it clean between uses. Either place it into the case, folding it at the top or slide the case over the top then tuck it under the bottom of the appliance.

[2] Store your matched sets of linens in a case. That way when it's time to refresh your bed, you will have all you need in one handy place. You can go even farther with this idea and make a guest kit by adding a couple of towels and wash clothes. Remember to add a softer sheet to keep them smelling fresh for your guests.

[3] King size cases make excellent clothing bags for your children's good clothing. Not only will, that help with savings but it's better for the clothes to be in a breathing bag than a piece of vinyl. All you need is a sharp pair of scissors to cut a small hole at the closed end of the case for the hanger to go through.

[4] A pillow case also makes a great laundry bag for travel. They take up little room in your suitcase but will protect your clean clothes from the ones you have worn. It makes for easier unpacking when you get home, toss the case with the dirty clothes into the laundry basket, take out your toiletries and hang the clean clothes you didn't use on your trip. Done!

Sheets
Over the years I have used my extra sheets for many uses. Maybe this will give you some ideas.
[1] Picnic table clothes. They stay down much better than the plastic ones, when the wind blows. To make it even harder for the wind to disturb your table, pull up the corner of the sheet to form a pocket, using a large safety pin, then place some stones in the pocket. Go even farther and make two of them using one to cover your table after setting your plates, napkins and food on it. Not everyone eats at the same time and this will keep from having to stand guard from all of those noseeums.

[2] Make into pillow cases or other storage bags. Storage bags are simple to make with straight stitching. You can use a cord or an old belt for closing by inserting it through the top of the bag.

[3] Paint drop clothes.

[4] Make curtains. By using the clip on hooks you can turn an unused sheet into curtains without sewing.

[5] Make fitted sheets. Sew in some elastic on the sheet corners and make fitted sheets for any bed. Be sure to measure your bed first, then cut, allowing a couple of inches for seams and pockets for the elastic. Sew in the elastic, do a quick finish hem and you will have a new fitted sheet.

Table Cloth:
When your favorite table cloth is no longer company worthy, there are still things you can do with them.
[1] Measure and cut them to use the good parts. Making them into table runners, napkins or place mats.

[2] Let your children or grandchildren use them as a drop cloth for their art work. You may find out they have turned it into an art work piece, allowing you to show it off with pride.

[3] If the material is still strong enough, make pot holders. Add several layers of material, to help with keeping your hands safe. Simple straight stitching will do or sew the outline of the design to create a one of a kind pot holder.

If you do not have any old items and wish to try some of these ideas, most resale shops have older items on hand. Please remember to sanitize these items by putting them in your dryer on high heat and letting it run for about 10 minutes. In most cases you will be ok with only washing but if by chance there are some bed bugs or their eggs on the items, this will give you peace of mind in using them.

A Touch of Personal Guilt With an Early Daylight Saving Time

2011-11-29T16:19:00.000-08:00

By Bonnie Moss

Why did Daylight Saving Time (DST) have to start in mid-March? The ground is still frozen, in some areas, winter has not completely gone!

There is SAD, Seasonal Adjusted Disease when we turn back the clock, when days are shorter and nights are definitely longer. We don't see enough daylight. DST has its own disorder for me. With the early start of DST, I feel a touch guilty about not enjoying the extra daylight constructively. This is a DST Guilt Trip.

It means less daylight in the morning and more in the evenings. This is supposed to give us all that extra sunlight to do things. Isn't that wonderful. As with everything in life, there is a pro and a con. There are differing schools of thought. Daylight Saving was first suggested in 1895. It was the First World War that encouraged some countries like the United States, Germany and United Kingdom to adopt the idea. But, some countries abolished it after the war. Today, it is here to stay. There is still on-going debate about the advantages and disadvantages of DST.

Society has learned to live with turning the clock backward in the Fall and forward in the Spring. That was good when I was working. Longer evenings gave me more time after work. More time for social activities, more time with the family and more chores get done.

But now in retirement, the day seem to last too long with the early start of DST. It is just one hour difference, but after dinner, it seems to be a long stretch to bedtime. The sun is still out, watching television does not feel right. However, there is still a chill in the air, this does not encourage me to take a walk after dinner. There are enough hours during the day to get at my chores, indulge in my hobbies, run errands and pursue other interests. Sitting around during the day is not for me. The rhythm of my life feels disrupted with longer days in mid-March. I feel guilty being unable to fill in the hours of daylight left after dinner. Who really benefits from this early start?

So why should I feel guilty sitting around when the sun is still bright? I write in the morning when the world around me feels fresh and my mind is clearer. In the winter months, evenings are longer and this inspires me to do some writing after dinner or play the piano. But with DST, darkness falls long after dinner. I am prone to fret about what to do for a couple of hours.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem putting in a productive, creative day. It is how to fill the few hours of daylight. Too early to settle down with a book, too bright to watch television, chores and errands are done, so what to do? It won't be till mid April that it starts to feel like Spring has sprung. It is time to get the outdoor furniture ready, and fire up the grill. And of course, the garden beckons. But till then, DST sets me off on a guilt trip.

Transform Your Home With Sandstone

2011-11-28T16:17:00.000-08:00

By Steve Stonehouse

It is sometimes difficult to secure the funds for a home or business improvement project. With so many factors to consider it is no surprise that many people opt to either put aside their home improvements or simply go with a cheaper alternative. One of the most desirable materials for home renovation is sandstone. This long lasting, elegant stone is designed to ensure that your building attracts all of the right attention. Take a stroll all along any traditional high street and you will see spectacular sandstone buildings that have passed the test of time. With highly skilled professionals working to assure that sandstone buildings stay looking so elegant it is no surprise that their expertness is in high demand.

With expert sculptors and pattern makers working on the sandstone, a professional sandstone company can create a range of reconstructed stone features that are finished to a standard remarkably near that of hand carved stone.The best part of this is that it is all at a fraction of the cost, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of sandstone for less than you expect. Whether you know exactly what you want or are purely hoping to come across the ideal piece as your browse through an expansive catalogue, you can rest assured that each piece will be carefully crafted to the highest possible standard. Using a selection of moulds and offering a range of alternate finishes, there is a sandstone product for everyone.

Some people do not want to basically choose their piece from a catalogue and have a picture in their mind of their ideal sandstone product. Those wanting to pick up sandstone products in the north east are offered the chance to have a bespoke piece created to their distinct requirements. With years of experience under their belt, sandstone sculptors can also help solve your existent sandstone issues and make certain that your finished product is exactly that you want. If you still do not know what you want from your sandstone, why not approach a skilled sculptor and discover what they would recommend? There really is nothing better than expert advice to ensure that you are making the right decision!

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the great sandstone products that are ready to buy right now. Whatsoever you may want you are certain to find the perfect match, or even have it created just for you! Whether you are looking for sandstone products north east or are hoping to find somewhere closer to home, make sure you take advantage of one of the high quality, expert sandstone companies

Kids and Craft

2011-11-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

By Bernice Kidd

If you are a parent, crafting is one of the most rewarding activities you can do with your children. Teachers, camp counselors, and other who work with children regularly can also great benefit from the crafting world. Crafting helps children foster creativity and hone motor and artistic skills, so even if you are not crafty yourself, consider enjoying crafting with your children.

When crafting with kids, the most important thing to do is find crafts appropriate for their age and skill level. This can be difficult when you are working with a number of children in a classroom setting or when you're working with your own children and they are of multiple skill levels. However, it is possible to find crafts that can start simply and progress into more difficult techniques for older children. The important thing it to keep everyone included.

When we were children, one of the most basic craft projects we learned to do is coloring with crayons and markers. This is something great to do with children because you can find many educational coloring book pages. Instead of simply hanging the pictures on your refrigerator, however, turn them into more complex projects. Use them to decoupage or make them into greeting cards. Grandparents love getting birthday cards featuring drawings from their grandchildren!

You can also find fun projects to teach your children the importance of recycling. Use newspaper, for example, to do paper mache projects and create candles out of old crayons. You can find a number of crafting books that show you ways to use plastic bottles, tin cans, tissue boxes, and a number of other items that you would typically throw away.

When crafting with children, it is very important to find projects that are safe. Remember, a child's body is still developing, so they are susceptible to chemicals and other harmful toxins whereas adult bodies are not as vulnerable. Learn what chemicals to avoid and check labels. This is especially important for paints, glues, and clays. Make sure to watch younger children very carefully, as even non-toxic substances can be harmful if they get into a child's eyes and, in any case, can be difficult to remove from carpets and walls!

If you do not like doing crafts, consider making a change for your children. Craft projects do not have to be expensive, messy, or difficult to do-you can even find crafts that will make great household decorative items! If all else fails, consider signing up your children for classes at local craft supply stores and summer camps.

Getting Ready for Spring Storms

2011-11-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

By Bonnie Wilson

The southern part of the United States has seen a number of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes throughout the winter, but the central part of the country is just coming into the storm season. Even the people who have lived in this part of the country are never really prepared for it. I have a few suggestions that may help, then it's up to you to be prepared. Many towns have severe weather meetings to train people on what to watch for and emergency measures to take.

Keep your eyes on the weather. The weather announcers on television and the radio are aware of what is happening in the atmosphere and in other parts of your immediate area. Of course, they are not always 100% right, but they have a good idea of what's going on. Always have a battery operated radio, weather alert or scanner that you can listen to. You can even carry them with you if you are not in the house. Make sure you have fresh batteries. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are most likely to happen from late afternoon until dark, but they have been known to occur during the night. That's why the weather alerts are so great. If one occurs during the night, the weather alert will go off and they're usually loud enough to wake anyone!

Know where your family is! Have a family meeting and talk to the kids. It is important that they know what to do if the sirens go off or if the weather looks threatening. Kids sometimes get busy with their play or with their friends and don't pay much attention to what's going on in the sky. It's not always the best policy to try and get home before severe weather hits; there might not be enough time. The children should always call a parent and tell them where they are, if they can.

Talk to the family about places where they can take shelter. Teach them about places that may be safe and some which may not be. If you are out in the open with no place close to go, take shelter in a culvert or deep ditch. Stay away from windows, doors and trees in any kind of a storm. Gymnasiums and open-span buildings like that are not as safe as hallways and the interior rooms of a building. If the children are home alone, they should know the routine of where to go within the house. They should always grab a cordless or cell phone so they can be in touch with you.

Home Management Tips for Busy Mums

2011-11-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

By Perry Pearson

Family life can get out of control fast. No one plans on a diaper change that results into bath time when you were planning on going food shopping and daily life can be affected in the simplest ways. But using simple home management tips for busy mums can drastically improve your home life and make things easier for you.

Use these home management tips for busy mums and you will have an easier home life in no time:

Be ready in advanced. Don't wait to get ready to leave to pack up. Have your diaper bag stocked with supplies or a go bag with snacks for your kids anytime you need to head out the door. Even if you want to go to the park things can get hectic getting shoes and socks on and jackets for everyone. If you have an area with the things that anyone will need before heading out leaving will be easier and take less time to get ready. When coming back from outings make sure that you always put things away in the right spot immediately. Refill the diaper bag and put the sports bags in the right spots again so that the next time you head out it will continue to be easy.
Always assume that things are going to take longer than planned. If it takes you 30 minutes to get everyone ready to go to the library, tack on an extra 10 minutes or 15 minutes just in case someone can't find their shoes, if the dog needs to go out for a potty break or you want to fix your hair. Be clear to everyone that you are going to leave in 30 or 40 minutes, and if they aren't ready no one goes. If you don't need those extra 10 to 15 minutes in the end you can leave early and get a jump start on your daily tasks.
Instead of trying to clean the house once a week put aside some time to clean up at the end of the day. There is always one area in the house where everyone piles their random items like the mail, hairbrushes and toys. Cleaning up and maintaining a clean feeling in your house will help you to not feel stressed out and will lessen your overall tasks to do. Designate an area in your house for all the common random household items, like an end table near the kitchen. Instead of using your countertop to put the mail and everything else everyone will use the end table and at the end of the day remember to go through the mail and put everything away.
For busy mums a good management tip is to organize your schedules on a daily basis. You can use breakfast or dinner time to talk with everyone to find out about when schoolwork is due, when soccer games and practices are and any other events going on in your family's life. Use your calendar or an organizer to schedule the events and help keep your life organized.

Using these home management tips for busy mums you will find that things around your house will flow better, you will be less stressed and you will be more organized.

Home Automation: The Benefits Of Automating Your Home

2011-11-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

By Emmanuel Aroms

Home automation has become a more and more popular choice among homeowners over the years. Home automation, also known as domotics, refers to the increased automation of household appliances. In other words, it refers to making everything around you automatic. Some people do not even realize just how automated their home is until they take a step back and really think about it and recognize all of the different devices in their home that make it automated.

Think about how many electronic devices you have in your house. You will probably be surprised when you actually consider it. Laundry machines, microwaves, automatic vacuums, dishwashers-these are all appliances that could be automated.

There are many benefits that come from having a more automated home. The main benefit is the ease and convenience it offers you. With 10x home automation protocol, it means there is less work for you and therefore more free time left over. Most people are extremely busy, living their lives with a packed full schedule with hardly any time for themselves. With 10x home automation you can get more free time and spend more of your day doing things you actually want to do.

Getting your home more automated may cost money initially, such as to purchase the 10x home automation appliances, but in the long run you are saving a great deal of money. With the right automation systems, such as energy-efficient washing machines and dishwashers, you can save water and save money on your monthly bills. Not only that, but most appliances are also more eco-friendly, which is important with all the global environmental issues we face today.

Start with smaller appliances such as a phone system. With caller ID and a home automation controller, you can easily and efficiently make and receive phone calls and keep in communication with your friends and family. A remote control thermostat is another ideal choice as a way to make your home more automated. This makes setting and controlling the temperature in your home as fast and easy a process as possible.

It is easy to see the enormous benefits that come from 10x automation. There is no better time than now to start purchasing and using 10x home automation systems in your own home. Take a visit to the local appliances store or start shopping around to find what you need. Today there are more options than ever and there is literally an automated device for everything.

Why Having a Pack of Disposable Overshoes in Your Cupboard Is Useful

2011-11-23T16:07:00.000-08:00

By Mischa Weston-Green

Disposable overshoes are something that many people associate solely with the medical profession; however they have many uses in some of the most unusual and unexpected places. For example they are used in the catering industry, by equestrians, property salesman and by contractors.

They truly are a versatile and diverse product and can be very handy indeed. Here are some ideas as to why you should keep some overshoes in your kitchen cupboard - who knew they could be so useful?

Decorating: when that times come to redecorate a room in the house overshoes can be a great help. Rather than putting on and taking off your 'decorating shoes' leave a pack of disposable overshoes by the door. That way you can put these on over your shoes when you enter the room, or when you exit the room, containing any dirt from the decorating room within the same room. This will stop the spread of dirt and prevent you from getting paint around the house!

Plumbers/builders: when the plumber, gas man or builder comes to visit to fix a problem in your house they more often than not forget to remove their shoes. Solve this problem and ask them to pop some shoe covers on to stop them bringing in dirt from outside. It's your house so ensure it's kept clean - don't rely on these workers who may not respect your house as much as you.

Cleaning: overshoes can be great when you clean the house. Keep any dirt outside and ensure clean floors only have clean feet walking over them! No-one likes seeing a freshly mopped floor covered with muddy footprints (especially if you're the one whose cleaned it.)

Showering: if you've got a foot infection you can slip one of these over your foot whilst you shower. This will stop anyone catching the infection and also keeps it dry helping it heal quicker. Make sure you get some over shoes that are waterproof though!

So there you have it overshoes do have multiple uses and are a really helpful product. They help keep your house tidy - storing a pack of them in your cupboard is a great idea, you never know when you might need them. You can buy them from an online seller for a reasonable price - shop around and go with the supplier you like the look of. Once you've tried them you'll never look back.

Household Cleaning Products

2011-11-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

By Melissa Lecznar

There is nothing better than a clean home. I am very paranoid when it comes to germs. Bleach, household cleaning products that contains bleach, household cleaning products with fumes were something I would always clean my condo with. I felt the stronger the chemicals in the household cleaning product the germs would be killed that take over my bathroom, kitchens, and living areas.

Even though I wanted the germs out of my condo, I hated the strong fumes that would take over my home and cause me headaches. I bought masks to wear to clean my bathroom because the bleach would burn my lungs. I wanted to protect myself from household cleaning products with strong fumes. My body was warning me.

Then I started thinking other thoughts. What happens if I missed rinsing off the household cleaning products from my kitchen counter? Or what about missing a spot on my bath tub? When I take a bath, wouldn't I be soaking in these chemicals? When I place my fruit on my kitchen counter, isn't possible that my food would have traces of these chemicals on it. When I clean, my cats are being exposed to these same chemicals, I am always screaming "no" when I start to spray something down because they are following right behind me, wondering what I am doing. I dread them getting any household cleaning product on their paws and licking the residue off. I had thoughts about the future, when I have children, do I really want to clean a high chair with a product that contains some household cleaning products that contains harmful chemicals?

I did an experiment on Saturday. I cleaned my whole condo with eco-friendly cleaning products that I purchased through a great company. The result has changed my life. These products contained no toxic chemicals, no caustic chemicals, no bleaches, no ammonia, no aerosols, no formaldehyde, and no phosphates. I used an all-natural disinfectant to clean my kitchen and bathroom. I used the cleaning agent used for harder to clean items and soaked my stove burners that contained grease and grime on them and the dirt came off without any heavy scrubbing. I used this same cleaning agent to remove old spilled red pop from my light brown carpet, the pop came out with no problem. I cleaned my kitchen counter with their kitchen spray, wiping off all the food particles with excellent results including old peanut butter. I cleaned my bathroom tile with their cleaning spray that gets rid of the soap scum; it even coated my tile to prevent future build up. I polished my wood furniture with their natural polish, the result was amazing.

The best part of my cleaning experience was I enjoyed it. No headache. No breathing issues. And my condo was clean and smelled great. It satisfied my anxiety of not having a healthy cleaning experience. I felt safe and my pets were safe as well. If you know something is not good for you, why not find an alternative. Your health and your family's health is one of the best things you have. Don't allow household cleaning products destroy it.

I encourage you to go to my website for more information. I want to help. http://www.evsaferhomes.com/aturningpoint

When Only A Kilt Will Do

2011-11-21T16:04:00.000-08:00

By Anna Murray

There are many occasions in the life of a Scotsman where a kilt is an essential part of their wardrobe.

With its wonderful culture Scotland has such a rich history that can be remembered in the baptism of its children. Every Clan has a crest, and indeed a tartan and these can be incorporated in this lovely ceremony

With parents proud of their Scottish heritage and keen to share this with their children, young boys may get their first kilt at a very young age, indeed sizes start from 0 -1 years. kids kilts are sure to raise a smile and kids love wearing them too. For the younger members of the family wearing the same tartan is a great was to involve them in their Scottish ancestory and looks really cute too.

Wearing a kilt at events such as a first communion or even school prize giving day add to the sense of ceremony. At School dances a kilt is the formal wear of choice, usually matched with a formal jacket and tie, as the evening proceeds the look can be relaxed by removing the waistcoat without the jacket.

Another big occasion is graduation from college or university when Scottish national dress on display at a proud moment for the individual and family members. And as a student balls and graduation celebrations also call for a kilt.

The Black Watch is one of the regimental dress of the Scottish Army and used for parades rather then on the front line. They are worn with a regimental cap badge, Glengarry headdress - distinctively coloured hackles are also worn by each separate battalion on the headwear in order to maintain their individual identity and the pipes and drums of each battalion continue to wear the dress uniform and tartans of their former regiments.

The tired and trusted kilt is a key part of any Scot's wardrobe as it is worn for a host of weddings, diners, anniversaries and other special events.

In a controversial move in 2005 Cambridge University decided to ban students from wearing their kilts at graduations ceremonies. The kilt ban was sparked after university proctors -complained about the variety of flamboyant clothing being worn to graduations. Alongside the kilt other national dress such as kimonos, sari's and even military dress were prohibited. As you can image this caused outrage north or the border and the matter was even raised in the House of Commons.

For patriotic scots wearing their national dress is a chance to show of their sense of Scottishness. While other nations love to see a display of tartan and take an interest in the symbolism and history of different parts of the outfit such as the Skean Dhub or sporran.

Weddings and kilt are a natural fit whether you are the groom, best man or page boy. As the groom this is the change to take centre stage, many opt to go for a fly plaid, or to have accessories that set them apart from others wearing Highlandwear to mark their special day.

Best men have a number of options, they can all decided to wear the same tartan as the groom or each go with their family tartan. When only the groom is of Scottish descent it's still common for other men in the wedding to join in by wearing a kilt in the grooms tartan. As these will only be occasional kilt wearers hiring the outfit is the way to go. While the choice of hire tartans is limited to around twenty tartans there usually something that will work for each wedding party.

Highland Games offer another chance to wear a kilt, and on this occasion it can be worn more casually - Ghillie shirts and leather day sporrans are popular choices. Rugby and football matches see a great number of kilts on display - often worn with football tops and t-shirts.

Given the number of occasions that a kilt is called for it's not unusual to go through quite a number as measurements change, those who want to acquire a country tartan, a sporting tartan or even a commemorative tartan. People also have kilts in different weights

A kilt sees you through the different stages of your life as well as acting as a potent connection with Scottish history and culture.

An Introduction of Birth Month Flowers

2011-11-20T16:02:00.000-08:00

By Florence Foo

Have you ever heard about birth month flowers? Do you know what the birth flowers are for each month in a year? Are you aware of the rich meanings of these flowers? In this article, you will get all the answers to the questions above.

Birth month flowers, also named birth flowers for short, are flowers which have relations to the month when you were born. Actually, every birth month has one or two flowers to represent. Now I will give you an overview of all the birth flowers in detail, introducing their representative meanings at the same time.

Carnation for January
This flower is a romantic one and it is usually dyed pink, meaning Mother's Day. Also, there can be seen many others colors, such as white, which means friendship, and red that means love.

Violet and Iris for February
The meanings of Iris are knowledge, belief and wish. It means rainbow in Greek. The two flowers also represent the coming of Spring.

Daffodil for March
It symbolizes rebirth and implies the great honor you presented to someone. Blooming first in Spring makes it also the symbol of hope.

Sweet Pea and Daisy for April
Daisy is a yellow flower which is believed to be able to bring happiness to people. It has the meanings of honesty and modesty, too.

Lily for May
This is really a beautiful flower with the usual color of white. It means love and sweetness, which is often sent to lovers on Valentine's Day.

Rose for June
This flower is known to almost everyone. Yes, it symbolizes passions, specially red roses mean warm love between lovers.

Larkspur for July
Maybe it is not quite familiar to you, while actually it has the meanings of levity and lightness.

Gladiolus for August
This flower is just like a warrior's sword from outside while it doesn't mean power. It is the symbol of remembrance.

Aster for September
Asters have associations with patience and beauty. In history, people thought that burning casters could bring protections from the evil.

Marigold for October
Considered as a holy flower in many different cultures, the marigold means to be graceful. It also has some other names of summer bride and bull's eyes.

Chrysanthemum for November
The various colors of this flower, such as white, yellow and red, all symbolizes harmony and sympathy.

Narcissus for December
The Christmas Day is in December, making the narcissus quite popular Christmas flowers. This flower means sweetness.

Birth Month Flowers and Their Meanings

2011-11-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

By Florence Foo

Do you know that there are birth month flowers for each month of the year? Do you know the special meanings of them? Are you curious about that? I would like to tell you something in detail about birth month flowers in the following of this article. I will tell you what they are and what meanings they symbolize.

Here is the list of birth month flowers for each moth in a year.

January
The flower of January is carnation which usually symbolizes appreciation, dignity, beauty and admiration. The meanings of the flower carnation are rich. This flower has a long cultivation history and it came originally from Asia.

February
It is iris that is the February flower. This plant has slender stems, small green leaves and lovely blossoms. It is usually associated with the meanings of faith, wisdom and happiness.

March
The birth flower of this month is daffodil which is often coming out first when spring comes. So it has the meanings of rebirth and new beginnings. Well, sometimes it also means joy and sweetness.

April
Daisy is the April birth month flower. The gerbera is especially famous among daisies because it has large beautiful blooms with many different colors. This flower means positivity and good luck.

May
Lily of the valley is the flower of May. Ancient Greeks honored this flower very much for it was said to have relations with ancient Greek gods. This flower is the symbol of honor, humility and sweetness.

June
The famous flower rose is the June birth flower. It really has rich history and meanings. No other flowers can defeat roses in conveying the meanings of deep love and passion. Roses are the best gifts to send to lovers.

July
Delphinium, the July birth flower, is usually given the meanings of levity and lightness. It often blooms in summer and it is usually fresh and fragrant.

August
Gladiola is the birth flower which symbolizes modesty and power is from the Latin word for sword. The shape and outlook of this plant is just like a warrior's sword.

September
The birth flower of this month is aster which has lush texture, rich hues and wildflower beauty. It is considered by people as the symbol of love and elegance.

October
The marigold is the symbol of purity, grace and joy to be the October birth flower.

November
Chrysanthemum is the birth flower of November. It symbolizes the sun and usually represents health and happiness.

December
Poinsettia is the December birth flower which is typically seen during the Christmas time. It means love and sweetness.

Brighten Up The Kitchen With Lights

2011-11-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

By Nigal Quad

New kitchens are one of your hottest DIY projects in the nation for good reason. Fewer areas of your property can be enhanced by upgrading old, out-of-date apparatus together with plumbing, electrics etc. like a new cooking area can. Aside from replacing aged appliances with new types that work better and making the space more pleasing to see and to work in, replacing and remodeling fixtures, workspaces and other cooking area components can in truth turn a space into something exceptional and well-suited to the requirements of a particular family.

It doesn't do any harm either, that properties with freshly remodeled cooking areas are also easier to sell and often recover a significant amount of the construction expenditure due to the extra market value!

Cooking area lighting fundamentals:

Householders who remodel their kitchens often Forget one of the most important issues: the cooking area lighting. It happens to be a typical oversight because many owners mistakenly think that they can manage sufficient kitchen illumination so as to make use of this space. Using good design, common sense, and a little of the latest lighting technology, your cooking area can become the center of life in your home whilst offering a good amount of illumination for your work.

There are three main kinds of kitchen lights:

Ambient lighting is the general light in the room. Great ambient light makes it possible for you to work in safety in the majority of areas in the cooking area and can provide the overall light feel for the room.

Task illumination provides a higher and more focused amount of illumination to a particular work area, bearing in mind the essence of fixing the illumination to where you will want it. This is generally found in closets, pantries or cabinets. Task illumination takes advantage of small light resources and makes detailed jobs a lot easier.

Accent illumination is even more focused and highlights particular objects or locations you would like to exhibit like a piece of art hanging on the wall, glassware in a cabinet, or a special bit of stoneware. Though this kind of cooking area lighting is not intended to make your workspace a more functional location, it could add an aesthetic feel to the room which will enhance the area and bring your freshly remodeled cooking area to life.

Know your cooking area lights options:

There are countless brand new products and ideas which can help you to enrich the appeal of your cooking area; lighting might seem like a "no brainer" but it can be harder than you might imagine. The difficulty is that even well-informed people may not be aware about all of the options available. In most cases, getting a little help from a specialist will give you a far greater idea not only of what is offered, but also how new products and older ones as well, are likely to perform.

Looking at all of the potential along with a lighting designer, a well-informed decorator, or a trustworthy electrician could actually save you money and trouble in the long term. These professionals will be glad to help you discover how to provide the greatest light for the very least cash and will be able to provide first-rate advice on products or brand names that they've witnessed work positively in the past.

How You Can Use These Five Ways To Keep Your Bed And Bath Linens Strong

2011-11-17T15:53:00.000-08:00

By Dan H Boyle

Bedding and the towels we use can really make us feel a lot better, happier, and even safer. There are few great feelings like laying down in a bed that is soft and instantly gives you that amazing comfort. Same when stepping out of the shower and drying off with a great towel. Just being wrapped up makes you feel safe.

However, when it comes to protecting and making sure their towels and linens last a really long time, most people don't take the necessary precautions. And if you are somebody that enjoys the finer things in life, this really makes a difference when use purchase luxury linens and towels.

Here is how you can keep more money in your pocket and make your bedding and your towels last a really long time.

1. Buy the Right Product

It can make a world of difference when you purchase the right product and too many people don't consider this and always go for the cheapest. It holds true most of the time that you get what you pay for when it comes to your bedding and bath linens. However, there are some new companies that allow you to get some amazing things for very low prices compared to traditional sources.

The biggest advantage you can get when you purchase the right product is knowing it will be made superbly. This is the exact reason why you have so many people buying the luxury items like silk bedding, Egyptian cotton, and other fine fabrics like this.

2. The Label is Meant to Be Read

Make sure you read the label for your specific product. Not all of them are meant to be washed the same way. With the new advancements in washing machines, most people assume that everything can be stuck in there but that is not the case.

The label gives you all the necessary information you need that will be specific to the item you have. A quick example, it's usually the detergents where the problems come up and this is definitely the case even with organic cotton.

3. Don't Let Soil Build Up

It's really important that you have the right schedule to wash your sheets. Lot's of people don't change their bed sheets or their towels very often. This is something you need to fix as soon as possible.

Your natural body oils can slowly breakdown fibers for both bedding and especially towels. The best schedule for bedding is at least every two weeks, which can go longer if you have the right bedding fabric and with towels, at least once a week.

4. Store Properly

It's a priority that you store your bedding correctly. Your linens will last considerably longer if you make sure sunlight does not hit them and that there is nothing heavy on top of them while in storage. This will make sure that last really long and that their colors stay true.

5. Wash Traditionally

Washing your bedding and towels with a gentle hand wash and then drying on a laundry line outside can really help them last a long time. It's not secret that washing machines and dryers are known to vastly shorten the life all fabric that go through their washing process.

How To Clean Vinyl And Hard Plastic Dolls

2011-11-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

By Shannon Rae Treasure

Most doll collections are made of hard plastic and vinyl materials. No matter how careful you are in storing your doll collection in a cool and dry area, there are just inevitable color stains that may surface due to weather changes and natural aging. Sometimes when you are also in the hunt of adding an item in your collection, the previous owner may not have properly cared for these dolls at all. Yet, the urge to buy it is there due to its rarity. The only solution to your problem is to just clean it and hopefully recondition it to a more attractive state.

The list of supplies that you may need for this cleaning job includes Q-tips, cotton, soft white muslin cloth or towel, toothpicks, pure petroleum jelly, vinegar, Remove-Zit stain remover, vinyl polymer silicone cleaner like the one from STP, dish soap, acid-free tissue paper, and toothbrush. These are just a few products that you need to stock on for your regular doll cleaning season. Never use thinners and other strong chemicals.

For dolls with vintage garments, always hand-wash these and lightly place them on a white muslin cloth or soft towel to absorb the water after it has been dripped fry for several minutes. Then let it air dry while gently putting the form of the pleats back so that there will only be light ironing if needed. Markers or stains on the doll can be wiped clean with the dish soap. If you plan to use Remove-Zit, be warned that this is only used for vinyl. If you are not sure if the doll is made of plastic or vinyl, you may try a test area first. If bubbling is seen, immediately wipe it as this the usual chemical reaction if the material is a plastic. Alternately, use baking soda on a damp cloth to wipe out some stains and even crayon marks.

For the doll's hair and body, you may also use dish a vinyl polymer silicone cleaner if the dish cleaner does not work. Petroleum jelly is also a good alternative specifically for darkening and other sticky stains. Use toothpick to remove dirt from crevices and small gaps especially on the eyes. To dry the doll's hair especially with curls; carefully air dry or blow-dry the hair at a low controlled temperature to prevent discoloration and melting from excessive heat.

Now that it is clean and dry, next is to properly store the doll in non-acidic tissue paper if the storage box is where they will end up. If you opt to keep them in a curio or glass showcase make sure it is away from direct sunlight and moisture. Make sure the cabinet doors and lids are tightly closed and that this is situated in a cool and dry interior space of your home.

Money Saving for Parents: Make Your Own Wipes

2011-11-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Houshel

No more coupons? New parents are always trying to find a way to save money. Making baby wipes at home is a great way to save money as well as protect the environment. When you make your own baby wipes you don't have to stand in a line forever or spend tons of cash on expensive store-bought baby wipes. If you make baby wipes in the comfort of your own home you don't have to throw out package after plastic package. I think that making wipes from home is a great idea in our current economic and environmental situation. Why use baby wipes coupons when you could make the wipes yourself. This is the biggest discount on baby wipes you will find anywhere.

Here is a list of what you will need to make baby wipes at home.

1. A plastic container. I like to use an old store-bought wipes container.
2. A strong role of paper towels. A thicker brand is better.
3. You'll also need a sharp knife to cut the role in half.
4. Boil 2 cups of water and let them cool to room temperature.
5. 2 Tablespoons of any baby shampoo or baby wash.
6. 1 Tablespoon of baby oil.

Instruction:

To make the baby wipes at home, first you will have to cut the roll of paper towels in half. Then remove the inner cardboard tube. You will then mix the liquids in the plastic container. Once you have mixed the fluids you can place the paper towels into the plastic container. After that close the container and allow the paper towels to soak up the liquid. Once you have finished that step turn the sealed plastic container upside down for about 10 minutes. Depending on how you laid the roll in the plastic container pull out a sheet and there is your wipe. Congratulations you have saved money had fun and helped saved the environment all in about 15 minutes.

Tips:

1. These also make a great gift for new parents.
2. You can decorate or personalize the container and, of course, be sure to include a copy of the recipe.
3. Save the other half of the roll for use next time you make wipes.
4. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each use to prevent drying out.
5. When your baby is older and his skin is less sensitive, you can add about a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the mix. Making baby wipes at home is a good way for new parents to save money.

No one knows the importance of saving money as much as a new parents. Making your own wipes is just one way to save money. I will try to put up more articles on how new parents can save money without the use of coupons.

Feel Like You Are Spending Your Life Running Errands?

2011-11-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

By Lori Thayer

There is so much to do to keep a family running smoothly. Someone needs to run to the store to get this and tomorrow it is a different store for that. We have become so used to having these items right away that we don't think anything of running a few errands each day. We are impatient to get the things we want. We need them now!

Of course you end up being the one who does all this running around. Every minute of the day seems to be filled up with these tasks. It is just overwhelming.

There is no need to let all these errands get you down. A little bit of planning and organizing can save a lot of time. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Plan one or two errand days a week. Keep a list on the refrigerator or another designated place for family members to list what items they need at the store or special errands they need. Plan to go to several stores in the same area on one of your errand days rather than running all over town.

2. Sign up for a milk delivery service. This can help prevent extra trips to the grocery store by having your milk and maybe a few other things delivered regularly right to your door. Often these services also offer eggs, cheese, bread or juices as well as milk.

3. Order your groceries online and have them delivered. A number of stores offer this service. There is usually an extra fee but the time saved may well be worth the extra cost. (This can also prevent those impulse buys that happen so easily at the store)

4. Order non-refrigerated items online in bulk. There are several online stores that offer subscribe and save options for non-refrigerated goods. Amazon.com has many choices and gives a 15% discount if you subscribe to have the item delivered regularly. Caregivers of young children can save even more on baby and toddler supplies, up to 30% off. Other sites like DrugStore.com and VitaCost.com also allow for easy automated ordering or many products.

Implementing just one or two of the ideas above can decrease the wear and tear these errands put on you and your vehicle. It may be hard to change the old habits at first but soon everyone in the household will know when errand day is and plan accordingly.

Shopping With Free Grocery Coupons Can Save You Bundles

2011-11-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

By Kay Smith

Whoa, did you notice that the price of groceries is going up dramatically? Maybe you have even been listening to some of the news reports that state the increase in the next year will be astronomical. Ouch! That will sure put a dent in the family budget. Well, there is nothing one can do to stop the rise in the market place, but there sure are some things that can help the average family do more with the money they already have coming in. Using grocery coupons is one of the best and most proven methods of saving a lot of money on those grocery bills.

As a matter of fact, most people who use cents off coupons, on a regular basis, when they shop for groceries understand the added value that is derived from this kind of behavior. You might want to think about it this way. You work hard for your money, and you want to make it go as far as you can. It doesn't matter how much you are earning hourly, when you turn in those grocery coupons at the check out, you are actually adding that amount to your take home pay.

That's right, you can truly count the money you save with coupons as part of your take home pay. The reason this is true is because you would still have to pay the higher price if you did not have a coupon to go with the purchase. Having a coupon that will take eliminate some of the cost of any product is like putting money in your pocket the same way you do when you cash your pay check. That means that any effort you are putting into clipping and spending grocery coupons is the same as adding to your income.

Now, that is great news since everyone wants to get those regular pay increases. When you clip coupons you are just in charge of when they take place. That means that shopping with grocery coupons can save you a bundle. Consider your coupons as ready cash and organize coupons for easy access when needed.

Grocery coupons should be considered to be the same as cash. The value of every coupon is printed right on its face. That means if a coupons says you will receive 10 cents off when you redeem it, that coupon is worth a dime. When you have 10 coupons worth 10 cents each that means you have $1.00 worth of coupons.

Organizing coupons makes it easier to find them when you need them. When you place them into categories, say cereal, all you have to do is go to the cereal category when you are shopping for cereal to find a coupon that will go with that day's sale.

Collect grocery coupons wherever you can find them. Most newspapers include coupon inserts on specific days of the week, and this is the time to stock up on them. There are also online sources that allow you to download and print your selected coupons to spend whenever you like. Just don't forget to take them with you to the store when you go grocery shopping so you can make it through these tough economic times.

Choosing the Right Fabric When Buying Blankets

2011-11-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

By Mark Etinger

Some people see the task of buying blankets as a chore, something that needs to be done so you have a fully decked out bed to sleep on. But there's a lot of choices in blankets, especially when it comes to fabrics. You can have a lot of fun trying different fabrics to either match decor or suit the weather.

The most important thing to consider before buying any sort of blanket is if you or anyone else who may be using them is allergic to certain fabrics. Some people do have contact allergies to various fabrics as well as dust mites that can attach to them, so make that a priority issue when purchasing.

The most popular choice for blankets are cotton. A cotton sheet set can be perfect to keep a person comfortable. It's the top choice for several reasons. It's incredibly durable and can withstand several washings before showing any real wear and tear. They are also incredible soft and breathable, so they work all year round and especially well in hot weather. They are also the most affordable option, depending on thread count of course. Egyptian and Pima cotton sheets are the best quality that can be bought.

Silk is also great for warm weather as it stays pretty cool. It's a luxurious fabric, so silk sheets can be a bit pricey but will make you feel like royalty. The only downside is that silk requires dry cleaning to stay in its best condition, if you are going to be using them regularly. That does add up financially over time, so consider if it's worth it for you.

For cold weather, look into fleece blankets as an option. Fleece is thick and very warm, too warm for summer months but perfect for blustery cold winters. It's also durable enough to take camping or to the beach without it getting torn or ruined from the elements.

Wool and down are also two great options for winter blankets. Wool is a great insulator and will create a dry warmth as it absorbs moisture and causes it to evaporate. It's also flame-retardant. Down is perfect for heavier comforters, as it's made with feathers inside that are light yet comfortable, creating a fluffy comforter.

Consider all your choices the next time you are set to buy blankets. A lot of it depends on your own preferences as well as budget, so have a fabric in mind before you hit the store so you won't be so overwhelmed once you get there.

Clothes Airer - I Don't Give A Damn

2011-11-11T15:40:00.000-08:00

By Jean Forsyth

Rhett Butler's famous words to Scarlett in the film "Gone With The Wind" ring in my ears. He was saying he couldn't care less for her feelings. Do you remember the famous television advert where the bride leans out of the window, presumably on her stormy wedding day and shouts expressing her feelings "Is that all you've got?". On the other hand clothes airers give you the ability to dry your laundry in all weathers so you just don't care whether it rains or its stormy or if it shines.

With a clothes airer at your disposal you are free to wash and dry your clothes whenever it suits you. Wall mounted airers in particular give you more interior hanging space. In fact some say they actually create space by expanding out from the wall to make a drying rack. Side by side they can be fixed onto the wall and the arms can be closed to hide the hanging rods out of sight.

Those confined to the home for whatever reason can be confident in the fact that the clothes airer will take a very large load of washing of any material, from delicates to bed sheets and towels, This is especially brilliant for people in wheelchairs. Able bodied individuals cannot grasp how important independence is to wheelchair bound people. They really appreciate being able to remove the spun dried washing from the machine and hang it up on an airer without needing any assistance from their care person.

In inner city areas space is at an all time low, drying greens are often non-existent. Well this is where the clothes airer comes into its own. In premium apartment areas it is a must. Flats are tiny and expensive, so anything that helps to create space and reduce costs is most welcome. Students on tight budgets living in halls of residence find no airers installed. Forced to visit the expensive launderrette they often wear the same simple clothes again each day To fit an airer especially for those small items needed daily is so important for health and hygiene. Once fitted, the idea of creating a complete natural drying system easily comes to mind.

Several wall mounted airers, use often unused or wasted spaces higher up the wall. As those important items dry naturally at their own pace. They give you time to do your studying or working rather than either sitting at the laundaurette or spending money you don't have on the electric bill from using the tumble dryer. Equally you can just sit and have your café latte and choccy biscuit, it's then the true meaning of "don't give a damn" comes home..

Thrifty Living - 7 Tips to Start Being Frugal and Start Saving Money

2011-11-10T15:39:00.000-08:00

By Marsha Rogers

1. Eco-friendly Font

Save 25% more toner on your printer cartridge by simply downloading a free font that allows you to print with less ink. More toner means less shopping trips to the store and more money saved.

2. Reusable Dryer Sheet

This quick tip cut out those annoying dryer sheets you find everywhere while still giving the great feel of fabric softener. Simply take an old microfiber rag you have from washing your car by hand and soak it in your favorite fabric softener. Then hang to dry and throw it in the dryer with your clothes like you would a regular dryer sheet for up to 50 dryer cycles. I have been using this for the last month and have been extremely happy with the way the clothes have turned out. They have no static electricity and feel and smell like my favorite softener with each and every load I do.

3. Coupon Cutting Website

Finding a good coupon website can be difficult. There are so many scams out there that who has the time to find a real coupon site. Kroger's now offers you to add coupons onto your Kroger card which will automatically show up at the checkout counter. Ask friends and family for other websites and ideas as I am sure they have some they would love to share.

4. Garden Growing

Not as quick and easy as the others, but took our family only a day to make (2) 4x8 garden boxes with recycled material we had around the house. All we had to purchase was the soil and the seeds which came to $35 per box. We also built a compost bin with material a neighbor gave us. Look in your neighborhood ads for free deals on concrete blocks, rock, and other landscaping material. Often people will let you have their odd leftovers for free if you pick it up.

The garden will truly pay off in the fall when we are able to pick our own fruits and veggies which are not only organic, but free.

5. One Day of No Electricity

We chose Sunday afternoon as our day to just spend it outside, weather permitting, without all our electronic gadgets that usually distract us. No television, No iPod's, No Cell Phones (parents this includes you too!)

Now I have to say, my family was not a huge fan of this concept at first. So I got them on board by building the garden for our first day with no electricity. They didn't even realize they did it. Granted we used power tools to help build the garden boxes, but no major electronics is our standpoint. It saves the energy bill while increases our family time

6. Save Unused Coffee, Food

Unused food or coffee grinds can go in your compost pile to help give it the ingredients it needs. I also store the coffee from the morning I didn't drink in the fridge. In the afternoon I enjoy a nice iced coffee from the mornings leftovers instead of having to brew a whole new pot of coffee.

7. Say NO to Plastic Bags while shopping

I enjoy scrapbooking and creative outlets, however, these hobbies get expensive. Always needing wrapping paper around the house, I decided to start asking for paper bags at the grocery store so I can save them and use them to wrap presents in. I can decorate the outside, or let the kids decorate the outside for their friend's gifts. It is a great tradition to start, but also saved money.

How To Find Your Missing Brother Or Half Brother

2011-11-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

By Andy CE Brown and Robin L Brown

If you have missed your brother for a very long time, you will no doubt understand it can be an emotional experience trying to find him.

This article will guide you through the steps to finding your brother or half brother. You will be pleased to hear that finding someone on line is often quite simple if you know all the pitfalls and how to avoid them. The only snag can be when you come up against a problem and without professional advice and support it can become a stressful time. Often it pays to invest in a personal service that can advise and help answer all of your questions.

The first step to successfully finding your brother starts with knowing his exact full name. Be mindful to check up on all the available birth records to make sure the spelling is correct. So many mistakes can be made at this stage and it is crucial every letter is correct if you are going to find your brother. A common problem with names is that they sometimes can be spelt in more than one way. Over a long period of time you may have overlooked something especially where you have never been in contact with him and only learnt what you know from another person in your family. A typical example of this is that he is thought to be Geoffrey when in fact he was christened Jeffery.

With a rare name you may find he is the only one on the electoral roll but the reality is that there are usually dozens of people with exactly the same name. Your brother may have also opted out of being published on the electoral roll and to find him you have to go back many years. Once you are absolutely sure of your brother's name you need to decide which ones out of the many identical names are most likely to be the one you are looking for. This can generally be determined by factoring in their age, their occupation and where you believe he may be living now.

Once you have taken these factors into considerable, thus eliminating places like Northern Ireland or the Scottish Isles if you have sufficient proof to back this decision, you will have a smaller list of men who possibly could be your brother. At this stage you have no choice but to contact all of the remaining people who surely must include your long lost brother.

This is a simple trial and error situation and in most cases it is easiest and more practical to write a short letter to everyone than to phone about half and have to write to the rest anyway.

This can be a time consuming and more importantly an emotional task which in many cases is best outsourced to professionals who have valuable day to day experience spanning back many years. Typically you will only be asked to pay the extra cost of the postage. It isn't the easiest of thing to communicate with someone you can't remember and may have never seen before.

Then when you have written to all the possibilities the wait for a positive answer can be nerve wracking. You will need to appreciate that he will have probably received your letter, but owing to the fact that he has never missed you, unlike yourself, he will take ages to come to terms with the situation and even think about replying.

Finally a reunion may come after a series of phones calls, emails or letters. Every reunion is different and the most important tip is to be patient and let the new relationship develop naturally.

4 Ways To Stop Bedwetting In Children

2011-11-08T07:31:00.000-08:00

By Ras Reed

There are 2 types of parents trying to take care of bedwetting in their children. A few prefer to let their kids outgrow the condition. Other people choose to take care of it instantly by helping their children to stop the problem. Bedwetting is a problem that negatively influences the self-confidence of every kid grappling with it. It makes them dread attending immediately activities or sleeping with their friends that may have overcome the difficulty. In other words, it is a difficulty that affects the self-esteem of the kid. Nevertheless, resolving the condition is not a thing that you can realize immediately. It involves a lot of endurance on your part as a parent. This piece will explain to you 4 helpful ways that you can start utilizing as soon as possible to stop bed wetting in your children.

Maximum cooperation
There is need for you to fully cooperate with your kid in your quest to stop bedwetting. This is not the time to be mad. After a wet night, simply smile and assist the child clean up. Your smile, more than any other thing in the earth will promptly take away fear of punishment and lack of confidence. Calm him down and reassure him of your support to end the difficulty. You can tell him to join you while you are changing the blankets. That can encourage him to get up the following night in an effort to stay away from changing clothes and blankets.

Empty bladder before going to bed
You have to make certain that your child goes to bed at night on empty bladder. In other words, be sure that he visit the rest room before he goes to sleep. In addition, make sure that he stay away from water a minimum of half an hour prior to going to bed. An empty bladder is the best means to stop bedwetting in kids. Do away with the water prior to going to bed and you are clear in your mind of a dry night.

A conducive situation
A favorable environment is wanted in an effort to stop bed wetting. It is useless for you to avail yourself of all the methods in this earth to resolve the problem while failing to offer a favorable environment that will enable your child to stop bedwetting. It is highly advisable to always have the toilet light on throughout the night so that your child can find his way there. However if he cannot visit the rest room on his own, it is advisable to put a pot by the side of his bed so that he can without delay get up and empty his bladder.

Encourage with reward
Instead of punishing, scolding or frowning at your kid for bedwetting, it is highly recommended that you link a dry bed at night with a reward. Ensure the reward will get his attention. This will spur him every night to try and have a dry bed. Moreover, it will make it easy for him to abide by all the don'ts necessary before going to bed. This is one of the best methods to stop bedwetting in children.

Unintentional or Accidental Poisoning

2011-11-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

By Renee Grasso

March 20-26 2011 is Poison Prevention Week. Read this post to become more aware of the poisoning problem and what steps you should take to help reduce poisoning risk in your home. The definition of a poison is any substance, including medications that is harmful to your body if too much is eaten, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through the skin. When no harm is meant to be caused this is called unintentional or accidental poisoning. The misuse of medicines, cosmetics, household products, cleansers, pesticides and insecticides all can be poisonous.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 82 people die every day as a result of unintentional or accidental poisoning. Another 2,000 are treated daily in emergency rooms. Accidental or unintentional poisoning may be prevented by being aware of potential poisoning hazards.

Below are some tips that might help keep you and your loved ones safe from unintentional or accidental poisoning:

    * Place the National Poison Control number near every home telephone and save it on your cell phone 1-800-222-1222 The line is open 24 hours 7 days a week
    * If you call the poison control center or a doctor in a poisoning emergency have the poison's original container and the label with you.
    * Follow directions on the label when you give or take any medications.
    * Read all warning labels and adhere to warnings!
    * When taking medications at night, turn on a light and check to see if you have the correct amount of the right medicine
    * Check with your doctor to avoid drug interactions if you are taking more than one prescription medicine at a time
    * Keep all medications in their original bottles or containers
    * Never share or sell your prescription medications
    * Keep all prescription and non prescription medicines in a safe place that can only be reached by people who give or take them. (Keep out of the reach of Children)
    * Store all medicines and household products out of sight in a childproof cabinet where a child cannot reach them.
    * Do not put your next dose of medication on the counter or table where children can reach them.
    * Don't become distracted while taking medicine.
    * Check expiration dates on unused prescription and over the counter medications and safety dispose of those that are past their expiration date.
    * Secure child safety caps and immediately put medications and household products away when done with them.
    * If guests are in your home, make sure they store their medications where children cannot find them.
    * Do not store cleaning items and foods together.
    * Do not call medicine "candy" or any other name that would be attractive to children
    * Identify any poisonous plants you may have in your home or yard and keep them out of the reach of children
    * Pets can be accidentally poisoned as well. Be mindful of what you feed your pets. Chocolate for example can poison and kill a dog. Don't spray or store cleaning or pesticide products near pet food or water dishes and immediately clean up spills and leaks of all such products

If a poisoning does occur:

Remain Calm and call 911 if the victim has collapsed or is not breathing. If the victim is awake and alert call the poison control center 1-800-222-1222 The following information will be helpful and might be asked for: The victims age and approximate weight, the time of poison exposure, the address where the poisoning happened, and the container or bottle of the poison if available. Stay on the phone and follow the instructions from the emergency operator or poison control center.

For more information contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Poisoning/index.html