LIVING QUARTERS
DIY Tile Repair T
iles are the most popular surface for most floors in Trinidad and Tobago. They are largely cost effective and durable and cleaning them is a cinch. However, there are times when the odd tile gets cracked or chipped and needs to be fixed. You don’t have to spend a fortune doing it as you can get it done yourself. If the problem is small, try these tips to fix that cracked tile. Try Applying Matching Paint Mix some matching paint (a paint store can match the color of your tile) with tile filler and dab it onto the crack with a cotton swab. Allow the tile filler to dry for a few seconds, then wipe lightly with a damp cloth. When you're done, the crack will be much less visible.
Try Replacing the Individual Tile If the tile is too badly damaged to fix, you'll have to remove and replace it. Start by placing a rag over the damaged tile and then shattering it with a hammer Remove the tile chips with a chisel, and clean out the old adhesive with a putty knife. Scrape
around the edges of the remaining tiles to remove dust and debris that might get in the way of the replacement tile. Use a notched trowel to spread adhesive on the back of the replacement tile and set it in place. Allow the adhesive to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer; then fill the grout lines with grout, available in squeeze tubes for minor repairs. After the grout dries, wipe the tiles with a damp cloth or sponge. Bonus If your grout has become chipped or stained, you may need to remove it. For that task you'll need a grout remover. After removing the old grout, install new grout and seal it to minimize future stains and damage.
Kitchen Maintenance Tips
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kitchen is not only one of the most used rooms in a house, but it is also a place where high levels of grease and grime accumulate. In order to guarantee a long life and great working condition for your kitchen appliances a little care is needed. Here are some care tips for three important appliances. First off, check all appliances for signs of wear and tear. While you are cleaning, look very closely at cords, joints and edges for excess wear and tear. Take an especially good look at the plug for any exposure of wires. This is not just a use issue, but a safety issue. If any part is so worn it's interfering with safe use of your appliance, stop using the appliance. Stove or Oven Remember the cheese from that Sheppard’s pie that over-
of ice built up in your freezer, it’s time to clean it out. Having coolers on hand is a good way to prevent spoilage. You can also do this in the fall when the nights get cooler. Place a few deep aluminum pans on each shelf in your freezer to collect the water and ice, and then unplug it. In a few hours, all the ice will be gone. Check all the shelves to make sure they aren’t damaged from the ice buildup, wipe it out, and then plug the freezer back in.
flowed the dish a few months ago? It’s more than likely burned on to the bottom of your stove. Some ovens have self-cleaning cycles on them, but you can avoid the smoke by purchasing some oven cleaner from the store. Follow the directions on the bottle and make sure to wear protective
gloves and a mask. That stuff is intense. If you have an electric stove top, use a basic glass cleaner to clean the top. If you have a gas stove, take the burners apart and wash all of the components off. Freezer If there is more than a half inch w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
Toaster Toaster care is simple. Regularly remove crumbs and it will reduce the risk of fire. Manually clean the racks and crumb tray with warm water and soap. You are unlikely to find a dishwasher safe toaster. If your toaster isn’t cleaned, your house would smell like burning bread every time you turn it on. APRIL 2013
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LIVING QUARTERS
Decorating Trends Revisited
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hile it's practically impossible to update your home every year, least of all to keep up with changing trends, there are many bits and pieces you can do to update and spruce up your living quarters. With all of the latest and greatest colors of the interior design world, you can add a splash of new colour here and there to stay with the flow. And of course for those now decorating that new apartment, enjoy the modernity and agelessness of interior design. Colour The globe is still on an ‘eco-friendly’ trend and the shift is on to organic or environmentally friendly products. This has brought fashion products that are earthy in color. Earth tones are more neutral in color and these are mixing with global tones which tend to be vibrant and bold. For example, expect to see browns, greens and other neutrals in combination with pinks, blues and yellows or purples. Both yellow and green will also be great colors to work with if you're planning a remodel in 2013. Purple has made a comeback. Rich plum purples and vibrant violet purples will be ideal for 2013. They represent a unique standpoint of romance and global diversity. Bolder design decisions In recent years, people were mostly looking to be calmed and comforted by interiors, they wanted soothing. The hope is for 2013 to transform into an optimistic sparkle, glamour and lots of risk-taking in design. In with colour!" 2
Layered flooring Layered floor coverings add richness and warmth. Overlap several smaller, lightweight rugs with patterns and colors that are complementary - a striped runner on top of a larger geometric rug - or overlap multiples of the same rug in a variety of colors. Wall-to-wall carpeting can still get in on this trend: Place a crazy coloured rug over existing carpet for an instant splash of color or pattern. Keep it real Forget faux - fake antlers and animal statues. In 2013, there’s a movement toward the natural patina of woods, metals and other materials. Artisanal Goodness Just as artisanal foods have taken off expect the same for home furnishings and accessories. Artisanal work will continue to be strong as even modernists want to see natural materials or the hand of the craftsman brought into their homes. Texture Texture will also be big in 2013. A lot of research has gone into new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich, textural interest. Some of the new products include woven natural bamboo headboards, crocheted floor cushions, recycled glass candleholders and storage made of kooboo. The well-traveled look Interior designers are putting their backs
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into it, visiting country after country, looking for special pieces and inspiration. Whether scouring the stalls in Paris or a short hop away up the Caribbean browsing shops during a quick weekend getaway, incorporating souvenirs in a space can give it that coveted bit of personality. Return to roots Desire by people to revisit the past is leading to a resurgence of interest in the ancestry of individuals. As a part of this return to their roots, people will long for patterns and colors with a global influence: Aboriginal, Native American and African tribal patterns, including bold geometrics, will be front and center this year. Mix it up In comes the trend to a carefully edited 'anything goes' approach. Going forward in 2013, it's all about the mix and how you combine individual, disparate elements. The right classic 19th century piece will mix with certain vintage finds from the '70s and '80s and with pieces designed this year. Graphic modern print textiles work with traditional chairs and sofas. Old is new again Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space and these types of items are negotiable and plentiful in today's markets, so you are able to invest in key pieces for your home. Websites, even consignment and thrift stores are just some of the sources out there that can fit any budget.
LIVING QUARTERS
Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaners
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oilet bowls deal with a lot of crap so it is important that effective measures are employed when maintaining them. A clean bowl is not only aesthetically better, but cleaner for your family while providing more longevity for your bowl.
Here are some of the benefits of using natural cleaners in your bowl.
Here are some natural recipes for your toilet bowl cleaning.
1. Pour the vinegar into the toilet bowl. 2. Let it sit for 30 minutes. 3. Return to the toilet, grab your toilet brush and dip it into the toilet. 4. Take it out, and sprinkle some baking soda onto the brush. 5. Scour the inside of the toilet with the brush repeating the sprinkle procedure until the baking soda is gone…..
Vinegar and Baking Soda • 1 cup vinegar • 1/2 cup baking soda
Borax and Lemon Juice 1. Pour 1 cup of Borax into a small bowl.
• It is inexpensive • It produces no harsh chemicals or fumes • It is an effective sanitizer • It removes stains effectively • It is safe for use on porcelain
2. Pour 1/2 cup of lemon juice over the Borax and gently stir with a spoon into a paste. 3. Flush the toilet to wet the sides, then rub the paste onto the toilet with a sponge. 4. Let it sit for 2 hours before scrubbing thoroughly. This is great for removing a stubborn stain, like a toilet bowl ring.
Borax and Vinegar Flush the toilet to wet the sides of the bowl. 1. Sprinkle a cup of Borax around the rim and sides of toilet. 2. Spray 1/2 cup of vinegar over the Borax. 3. Allow to sit for several hours or overnight. 4. Scrub thoroughly with a toilet brush until the bowl gleams.
6 Ways To Treat And Control Bed Bugs
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ou won’t even know you have a bed bug infestation unless you see the brown, little pest scurrying along your mattress or you find little bites on your arms and legs that you know weren’t caused by mosquitoes. Although they are not very harmful, just the sight of them or the knowledge that your mattress is infested, can be very annoying. But there are ways to treat and prevent these bed bugs from taking over your sleep and by extension your home.
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Hire a professional. There are exterminators who are trained and equipped to deal with bed bugs. Some may even save your mattress from being destroyed but because bed bugs tend to travel, the exterminators may need to check other areas of your home. 4
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Rubbing alcohol kills bed bugs on the spot. Use a brush and rubbing alcohol to kill visible eggs and then call an exterminator. If there are eggs on the mattress, then this is a serious problem that requires professional help.
kills the bugs immediately. A steamer can be purchased from any hardware store or a kettle can double as a steamer.
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Visit a hardware store and ask about certain pesticides that can be used to get rid of bed bugs. Be careful though: some of these may get rid of the bugs but the fumes or chemicals may be harmful and may require that you replace your old mattress with a new one.
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Extreme heat can kill bed bugs and their eggs. You can wrap your bedding or garments in plastic and leave it in a sunny area for a couple of days with a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Also, you can wash your beddings in hot water, ensuring that the eggs are killed while washing.
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To save your mattress or beddings, point steam directly on the bugs. As mentioned earlier extreme heat
Remember that bed bugs also live on carpets, rugs, walls and other surfaces so constant cleaning and vacuuming can help rid your apartment or house of these pests. Pay particular attention to areas that are hidden as they tend to reside in areas that are not usually frequented. Additionally repair and fill cracks in walls or loosened wall paper as they tend to hide their eggs under and inside these areas. The best ways to prevent any infestation is by careful cleaning and proper sanitation of all areas in the home. These can save you time and money that would need to be spent on exterminators.
LIVING QUARTERS
Kids Room Decorating Ideas
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ow that your kids are home there will no doubt be an influx of little visitors to your abode. Sleepovers and hang-outs are the norm around this time. You can do yourself a favour by getting yourself some earplugs and a stiff drink to get through it all. Seriously though, you can do your children a big favour by not making them seem as lame as polka dot football socks to their friends by ‘tricking out’ their rooms. Make your children the talk of the town with these great kids’ room ideas. Super-Hero Themed Bedroom Decorating a superhero-themed room is relatively easy. Some kids own so many superhero action figures and vehicles that most of the work is already done for you. You can get creative with some of these toys and bases, arranging them in a way that they become part of the whole decorating theme. Not only that, but there's no shortage of licensed superhero quilt and comforter sets, sheeting, curtains and other essential room décor available for purchase. Super hero furniture stickers and giant-sized superhero vinyl peel-and-stick 6
wall murals can give the room the finishing touch. So find out your son's favorite hero (or villain!) and get started. Outer Space Themed Bedroom A space themed room can be really tricked out, especially considering the many types of decor available. From rocket ship bedding to hanging completed models of starships and the space shuttle from the ceiling, you can take such a theme as far as you'd like. Glow-in-the dark star and planet appliqués go perfectly on a painted ceiling, or on walls designed as portholes looking out over the vastness of outer space. For little boys of all ages, this truly is the stuff that dreams are made of. Cinderella Bedroom For your little princess, decorating in a fairy-tale theme can make her bedroom an inspiring place to rest and relax. Soft pinks and lavender colors always go well against the wispy whites and lacy fabrics which can be used for bedding. From jeweled tiaras to full-sized wall murals and medieval themed furniture, the sheer number of options for a princess
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room is overwhelming. Personalized wall art and girls' name banners are among the most popular choices for making your little girl's room into something she can call her very own. Sports Themed Bedroom There is no limit to the variety of options available when it comes to children's room décor. Decoration can be done generally, covering soccer, cricket, basketball, and variety of different sports - or you can choose to specialize according to individual sport or even favourite teams. Bedding, furniture, rugs, wall decor and pretty much anything you'd ever need to transform your little one's room into exactly the type of sports theme you desire can be found with little effort. A big plus is a sportsthemed room isn't just limited to a child's bedroom. Playrooms and game rooms are perfect candidates for this type of decoration as well. The Zoo/Animal Room: Your “little monkey” may not be eligible for the zoo, but there is no reason why he/she shouldn’t be surrounded by animals (not the real or scary kind though).
The Animal themed room is versatile not only because it's perfect for both boys and girls, but also because it can be used to decorate bedrooms, playrooms, and even the baby’s nursery. Animal room decor can include jungle-inspired scenes, zoo animal prints, or it can have a softer and more playful feel with stuffed animals or cartoon creatures. There's no shortage of animal print bedding, both in faux striped skins or as quilted fabrics covered in all the different creatures of the jungle. Toddler beds and younger children’s furniture are manufactured to come in various animal shapes and styles. A giraffe makes a perfect painted coat rack! Covering the walls of your child's room or baby's nursery with monkeys, tigers, lions, elephants, and zebras is akin to sending your child on his or her own private safari. Your own private touch rules all when it comes to kid’s room décor. These decorating ideas not only serve to spruce up the room, but they add fuel to your child’s imagination as well. Get your kid in gear this summer with these options.
home office
Home Office Etiquette
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perating from a home office has its obvious perks. However, there are numerous challenges to working from home as well. It is important to separate “Home” from “Work” (even if home is where you work). This can be achieved with the right mindset. The correct office etiquette will get your home business to produce big industry results. Stick to established office hours. Although working from home offers some flexibility in the hours you work, establishing office hours will be helpful to you, clients, family and friends. People will know when they can reach you and hopefully will not drop in unexpectedly while you are trying to get your work done. Also, be sure to have a clock in your office so you can attempt to stick to those established office hours. When working from home, it’s easy to lose track of time and just keep working. Know when to leave your home office, close that door behind you and call it a day! Remember personal hygiene. When I was a full-time free-
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is best to rent a P.O. box, which will give a professional appearance and offer personal security and privacy. Remember, also for safety reasons, you should avoid putting your home address on your web site.
lancer, I usually woke up 30 to 45 minutes before my scheduled work time to shower and put on makeup. The days that I just hopped out of bed and ran over to the computer without even brushing my teeth were the most depressing days of my life. Always look presentable for yourself, if anything else. Showering and looking like an employed person will elevate your mood. Plus, working naked or in your pajamas doesn’t exactly fly when you’re on a video conference call with your boss or clients. Use a business address. If possible, leave “drive” or “avenue” off your business address. It
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Don’t invite people over. If your friend is taking the day off, it doesn’t mean you should invite her over for wine and cheese. Even though you’re not in an office, you must remember you’re still working. You may find that friends and family have trouble comprehending this, so it’s best to lay down some ground rules during work hours. Know how to share facilities. If there is sophisticated equipment in the home office, there will be times that members of the family might want to share it. Again, this has to be done with understanding of the operations and courtesy. Perhaps the best plan of action is to have other places for as much of this as possible. Kids can have their own “office” setup in their rooms–and the same goes for other “stations” around the house that are not essentially for
professional use. It’s a great way to avoid glass rings or jam stains on that report that has to go out tomorrow. Keep your workspace clean. If you go to work at a corporation you are likely to have a full contingent o cleaners and ancillary office staff. Therefore, your surroundings are more likely to be clean and well organized. You tend to feel a lot more relaxed at home and so you may decide to slack off and operate in a messy environment. Please don’t. Business etiquette is business etiquette. For example, if you have a cup of coffee, wash the cup or throw your cup out if it's disposable. Don’t keep anything on your desk that can end up being a costly accident. Don’t have call waiting on your phone. This is a dead giveaway that you are on a home phone and do not have a professional home office setup. It is best to have a business line that sends another caller into a second line or directly into voice mail. Do not allow the home phone to ring continuously while you are on the other line.
elegant ideas
Adding The Finishing Touch
A red brick backsplash with striped wall paper accents provide the perfect blend of colour and texture w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
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elegant ideas
Wood, tile and stone combine for this clean, modern look 12
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elegant ideas
Intricate shapes in this ceiling design give this room a new dimension
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elegant ideas
This creative area divider also adds a decorative element to the room
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elegant ideas
This space aged room is accentuated with classy chrome finishes w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
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KITCHEN
Juices For Kidney Health
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othing is as beneficial to our kidneys’ health as water. In addition to drinking enough water every day we can add some great juices to our diet that can also aid in flushing and cleansing the kidneys. Here are three juices that are beneficial to kidney health. As with anything we consume, these should be drunk in moderation. Cranberry Juice Cranberry juice helps support the kidneys, mostly due to cranberry juice being a highly acidic juice. Its acid can help prevent kidney stones from developing. Cranberries contain a chemical called polymer and it is the polymer in cranberries that is responsible for increasing the acidity of your urine as well as
helping prevent bacteria from growing. Lemon Juice Juice has been a popular detox remedy, and is also beneficial for the health of the kidneys. Lemons have a detoxifying effect on the kidneys because of the diuretic effect the fruit has, causing more toxins to be released from the body. The juice of fresh lemons, as much as desired, can be added to an 8-oz glass of water. This can be drunk as much as wanted to reap the benefits of the juice. Pineapple Juice Pineapples are packed full of nutrients, vitamins and enzymes that are good for just about every system of the body, including the kidneys. Pineapples contain
an enzyme known as bromelain, which works as an anti-inflammatory as well as an agent that fights cancer and infections. Pineapples help the kidneys partly due to their diuretic nature, keeping the kidneys working and functioning well. When the kidneys work at their optimum, toxins do not have a chance to build up, and your body is more apt to stay toxinfree. This is true of both the blood and your kidneys. Watermelon, parsley, lemon and apples are great for helping to stimulate the kidneys to flush out waste materials and keep itself cleansed. Drinking your juices in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before eating anything else is the best time for detox and cleansing.
Essential tools For Your Home Bar insulated ice bucket is the best choice as this will keep the ice in shape longer. The size depends on the number of people who usually sits in and drinks at your bar. Tongs are preferable to have so as to keep the ice clean by not letting different hands in the ice bucket.
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rinbagonians definitely give the Irish a run for their money when it comes to drinking. We love the pub (or bar as we call them here), but more often due to the crime people are getting their drink on at home with friends and family. In order to make this experience truly special many have constructed small bars in their home. They have they space and the drinks, but before you start to guzzle, go the extra mile by being cocktail ready with these tools. Jigger/measured shot glass The majority of drink recipes call out ingredients in ounces, 16
so you'll need something that can hold them. Shakers One of the first things you’ll need is a decent shaker. They’re handy for building drinks, mixing them properly and transferring them into glasses. Shakers usually come in two types: 1) Conventional ones that have a cap and a built-in strainer,
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and; 2) Boston shakers, which are aimed at the professional crowd. Ice Bucket with Tongs A drink is served better if cold. Save yourself from having to go back to the kitchen from time to time by having an ice bucket and tongs at hand. This will also be convenient for your guests. For long nights of drinking, an
The Strainer If you use a Boston shaker set you’ll need a Hawthorn wire strainer. You can also use a Julep strainer, which looks like a semi-flat colander and slightly messier. The Muddler Who needs a blender when you can mash your fruit and mint with a wooden club? Long spoon This is needed for stirring. It'll prove useful for stirring ingredients in your mixing glass; standard flatware spoons are too short.
KITCHEN
Musts For Your Bachelor Pad’s Pantry
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mornings without milk. How would I eat my cereal or drink my coffee without it? Plus milk goes a long way in making meals better. A little cream in your eggs can take them from flat to fluffy in no time.
ost bachelors don’t necessarily have a pantry per se, but they would at least have a kitchen. But what’s the use having a kitchen if you don’t have food? You may not have all the culinary amenities Bobby Flay has in his house, but you can still whip up something worthwhile once you have the basics.
Bread You should always have some bread at home. After all, sandwiches make up a significant portion of the bachelor diet. It’s unlikely that you will bake your own bread so find a local bakery and buy your bread there. It's fresher than at the grocery and you can get a ton of variety. Water Proper hydration is one of the most important things your body requires. Therefore, you should have a good clean supply of drinking water (not juice) close by. You may think of it as common sense, but if you aren’t accustomed to filling pitchers of water and keep-
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Eggs Eggs are the single male diet’s best friend. They can be used and prepared in so many ways and the health benefits of eggs are stupendous. Not to mention, they are among the quickest foods to make. They may present cholesterol worries, but the protein boost is a must for any bachelor who likes to maintain a buff body.
ing it it would not be an easy habit to pick up. Always keep a cold bottle in the fridge. Who knows, when a guest might ask for some? Milk God didn’t put orange juice in your mommy’s breasts though I’m sure he probably could. Instead he opted for delightful dairy. I cannot imagine my
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Spaghetti Spaghetti was one of the most popular foods in your primary school lunchbox. That is because it is cheap and easy to make! A little ground beef or turkey, and sauce...you can have a meal that last most of the week! If you're really feel like going all the way, a little toasted garlic bread will make you feel like you’re at the Wild Olive.
Fruits Bananas, citrus, mangoes… the list is never ending. Get whatever you like or whatever is in season and keep some at the ready. Fruits give your body the vitamins they need and they give great balance to your meals. Try adding some bananas to your pancakes or cereal and you’ll see. Plus, if you are lucky enough to own a juicer, fresh fruit would provide top-notch refreshment for you that prepackaged options can’t match. Salt/Seasoning While an excess of salt is as bad for you as anything, salt is a must for your pantry. A dash of salt or seasoning (fresh or dried) adds flavor to foods and changes meals from bland to “BOOM.” Many herbs and seasonings also possess health benefits that should not be overlooked.
Having these basics in your pantry is the first step toward independence in the kitchen and your home. Get them and use them to truly enjoy the experience of a rad bachelor pad.
RECIPES
Vegetable Recipes
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ent is over, but that does not mean we’re going to abandon the vegetarian cuisine. Vegetables go a long way to making any meal better. Here, vegetables are the highlight of these recipes. Even the mightiest meat mouth will find something they love here.
Broccoli Salad Ingredients 1 head broccoli 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup raisins, optional 8 ounces sharp Cheddar, cut into very small chunks 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Directions Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, onion, raisins if using, and cheese. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently.
Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients 4 cups sweet potato, cubed 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup chopped pecans Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Put sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover. Cook over medium high heat until tender; drain and mash. In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, salt, butter, milk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish. In medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the butter until the mixture is coarse. Stir in the pecans. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mixture. Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly brown.
Citrus-Ginger Roasted Beets and Carrots Ingredients 4 beets, peeled and sliced 3 large carrots, peeled and quartered 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/3 cup fresh pink grapefruit juice 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Set aside 1/2 cup each of the beets and carrots for the dressing. Place the remaining beets and carrots in a 9x13 inch baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with the sea salt, and toss to coat. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place the reserved beets and carrots into a blender. Add the grapefruit juice, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, ginger, soy sauce, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until smooth. After the vegetables have roasted for 15 minutes, stir in the citrus sauce, then recover, and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes more.
Onion Rings Ingredients 1 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 cup milk, or as needed 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs Seasoned salt to taste 1 quart oil for frying, or as needed Directions Heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Separate the onion slices into rings, and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
baking powder and salt. Dip the onion slices into the flour mixture until they are all coated; set aside. Whisk the egg and milk into the flour mixture using a fork. Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat, then place on a wire rack to drain until the batter stops dripping. The wire rack may be placed over a sheet of aluminum foil for easier clean up. Spread the bread crumbs out on a plate or shallow dish. Place rings one at a time into the crumbs, and scoop the crumbs up over the ring to coat. Give it a hard tap as you remove it from the crumbs. The coating should cling very well. Repeat with remaining rings. Deep fry the rings a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain. Season with seasoning salt, and serve.
Jalapeño Bites Ingredients 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 8 ounces grated parmesan cheese 3 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers 2 large egg yolks 2 cups dry breadcrumbs Directions Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, jalapeño peppers and egg yolks in a bowl and mix to form a paste. Shape a 1/2 tablespoonful at a time into 1/4-inch rounds and roll in the bread crumbs. Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. APRIL 2013
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BRIDAL
Wedding Don’ts
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veryone tends to focus on what they are going to do for their big day. It should be noted that what they should not do is equally important. Check out these wedding Don’ts. For the Guest Don’t assume you can bring a date Unless it says “and guest” on the invitation, only you should be attending. And no, DON’T call the bride and ask if you can bring a date, either. If it were in their budget, the bride and groom would’ve extended the extra invitation. Don’t wear white This one should go without saying, but just in case, we’ll repeat: Who wants to be that girl? You’ve got a million color combinations to choose from; you don’t need to wear white. Oh, and stay away from the light ivories, too. Don’t talk forever Make a point of saying hello to the bride and groom, but keep your conversation short, so they can make their rounds and may20
be even have time to get a bite or two of all that food they picked out! Oh, and speaking of chatting, refrain from complaining about how long it took you to get to the wedding or how awful the weather was during the ceremony; they don’t need to hear it.
Be a good friend ad give them something they’ll cherish. For the Bride and Groom
Don't get drunk Drunks are always a kick to observe. However, while memorable, they often don’t mix well with weddings. So don’t get so excited that you end up drinking before the ceremony (especially if you are part of the bridal party). During the reception feel free to enjoy a drink or two, but don’t abuse the bar. Be considerate.
Don't go overboard Don’t put yourself into debt to throw a blowout wedding. Too many couples think they need to wow everyone with a fancy affair and spend money they don't have to create this ideal 'fairy-tale' wedding. Don't lose sight of the fact of what's really important in all of the planning: Your commitment to each other and declaring that promise in front of all of your loved ones. An ice-cream sundae bar, extravagant favors, and full orchestra are not what makes a successful marriage
Don’t attend with your hands swinging You’ve been invited to the wedding of the century. Food and drinks galore right? Well there is a cost attached. It’s called your wedding gift. Make sure to bring one or contribute to the registry. The wedding is all about the bride and groom. They were kind enough to invite you, but that doesn’t meant they are getting married to entertain you.
Don't be a Superbrides You're smart, you're focused and you're energetic. But you're still one woman. Superbrides— those engaged gals who devote every waking hour to wedding planning, brushing aside all offers of help—eventually run out of steam and end up near the big day with favors unassembled, invitations unstamped, shoes undyed, heads uncounted and more.
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Don’t tune out Some brides are so overwhelmed by wedding anxiety that they turn to over-the-counter sedatives, prescription tranquilizers, or alcohol to calm nerves on the big day. And then they have to wait and watch the wedding video in order to find out what happened. Resist the temptation to medicate yourself through the nerve-wracking final hours. You’ll want to remember this day. Don’t be late This rule applies to the bride, the groom, and everyone else involved in the wedding. Try to start your wedding on time. If you don’t, everything will run behind schedule, and that can create real problems at your reception location, especially if there is another event scheduled following yours. If locations or service people (waiters, bartenders, musicians, etc.) end up working later than originally scheduled, you may find unpleasant overtime charges added to your final bill. If you must delay the start of your ceremony -- perhaps because guests are still arriving -- do so by no more than 10 minutes.
FAMILY
Education Over 40
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ather time seems to be in a special hurry these days. Just yesterday you were club hopping with your best mates, and this morning you’re trying to remember if you took your arthritis medication. More and more you’re lamenting the fact that all your life offers is a type of boredom that comes from the type of monotony that you’ve been experiencing lately. If you continue this way you’re sure that all you have to look forward to are grandchildren and rocking chairs. The good news is that you’re still alive, and where there is life there is opportunity. The bad news is that opportunity needs to be hunted. Change is the only constant that can be expected in any life. Trends change, people change, the weather changes, virtually everything changes, but the thing that needs to be changed the most – and often never does – is our mindsets, especially the one that dictates age to be nothing more than just a number. Change in your circumstances should never be self-prohibited because of your age. There is nothing wrong with having a career change even if you’re over forty. But sometimes you need to have the tenacity to go back 22
to school. Don’t let the gray hair fool you into thinking that you can’t. If you decide to go back to school after a several year lapse, take heart! It’s been done before. In this modern world you are never too old to enlist in a degree program, learn a trade, take a sewing course, or anything that grabs your interest. It may be a challenge, but these guidelines may be able to assist you. Try not to flinch at what you may see. Remember, while you’re welcome to explore the world of education, school campuses are the domain of the young. You may therefore be privy to age appropriate behavior of the minors around you. The things that you would have never done at that age…smoking, drinking alcohol in great abundance and the use of colourful language should be expected. Remember, things change. Just listen for a while. If you’re about to share the same place with a large number of young people, be prepared to learn a new language. - English! Not the English that you speak
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though, but one that is over-run by colloquialisms and slangs that sound like … what? Remember, things change. Leave the parenting for your kids. You might get tempted to smack some of these kids over their heads once in a while, but remember that these twentysomethings are glad to be away from their real parents. Resist the urge to pamper, advise, or counsel these kids unless your assistance is solicited. When you were that age, you might have valued the wisdom of adults but remember, things change. Act your age. Because you are among the young does not mean that you have to act like them, talk like them, party like them, and God forbid…dress like them. There’s nothing more disturbing than seeing a forty year old with a tongue ring. Be ever conscious that this is their generation and this is the way they behave, because, again …things change. Get tech savvy. You may have to do a project with a group of other students. You may have all the experience
that you need, but they have been using the computer since they were five. For goodness sake learn how to use a computer. Hell, learn how to program your cell phone. If you’re not computer and Blackberry literate, get up to speed. Understand the future value of what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter what type of education you’ve decided on. Your ultimate goal may be to make a transition from being a teacher to a pharmacist, or learning carpentry so that you can spend your retirement days building furniture. Whatever your reason, keep it firmly in your focus so that you don’t get derailed. Even if it is too unnerving to spend time on any sort of campus, you always have the options of taking a correspondence course or, just studying at home. However you decide to accomplish what you set out to do, just remember that age is no reason for you to hold your self back. There is also no shortage of options available to you. So whatever you always wanted to learn, there is a course available. Take one. You’ll be glad that you did.
WARDROBE
POWDER ROOM
Trick That Short Hair Into Fab!
Five Tips For A Healthy Scalp
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f you want strong healthy hair, it is important to have a strong foundation. Keeping your scalp healthy is not a difficult task; just follow these simple tips.
Don’t Over-Wash If you shampoo your hair daily, use professional shampoos that are specially designed with softening agents and moisturizers. As shampoos are designed for your scalp rather than your hair, be sure to concentrate rubbing on your scalp for better results. Massage Regularly Besides promoting blood flow to the scalp and hair growth, a good scalp massage also soothes nerves and relaxes the muscles in your brain. Use the balls of your fingertips in a circular motion with firm pressure and upward strokes for an effective massage. Avoid Sources of Extreme Heat The heated air from blowdryers and hooded dryers are major moisture depleters for the scalp. Be sure to direct blow-dryer heat down the
hair shaft and not directly toward the scalp. This also prevents roughing of the cuticles from improper air direction flow. Avoid exposing the scalp to temperature extremes. Stay Clutter Free The scalp is an extension of the face. Just as pores can become clogged on the face, the follicles of the hair can experience the same type of obstruction if products are placed directly on it. This is especially true of heavy oils and greases. However, many women of color in particular are known for religiously slathering heavy oils upon the scalp. When products are allowed to build up on the scalp and hair, moisture conditions become unfavorable and problems with dryness and growth will arise. Eat Right Diet plays an important part in the health of your scalp. A well balanced diet with Vitamin A and E is vital to your hair and scalp’s health. Carrots and tomatoes are especially beneficial as well as an array of green vegetables and fruits.
I
f you have short hair, don’t despair. There are ways to make your short hair stand out. Try this twists to spruce up your look. Perfect Parts - Create a hot new side part or experiment with your existing part to create new movement and hair flow. Play with very high or extremely low partings to add different dimensions to your current style. Bang It - Add or alter existing bangs to provide an instant new look to your current style. Try a super short Cleopatra fringe or longer asymmetric bangs. Create Contrast - Mix textures to dramatize the do. If you have super straight bangs try a halo of crimped locks, tousled curls or loose waves (you know where to buy them) at the back. Or use a range of hot irons to crimp, curl or smooth strands can work, if you’ve got the time… we’re always late as is. Play with asymmetrical partings and uneven sides to create a completely different look to suit those completely different moods. Go Bold - Match a zigzag parting hair do with bold contrasting streaks of color for a over the top finish. Try a messy center parting with alternating shades of highlights to create a choppy look. Rough It Up - Use a blow dryer w w w . a b s tr a c th o m e . c o m
and roughdry hair with fingers to create an up-to-the-minute turbo-tousled style (This is my everyday look, aka the no-comb girl!) If you’ve got the length, you can pin the ruffled hair loosely around the top of the crown for a look of fullness. Random Crimping - Use a crimping iron to create random textures and edgy movement. Experiment until you find the ultimate random look… and don’t raise your eyebrows now, you’re the one shaved half your head to draw a star. Have hair extensions randomly added to create instant fullness and added mayhem Double Dip - Tip the ends of your strands in a much darker or lighter hue. Color rocks right? Go easy on the shock value though. Dreads - Add a generous amount of gel and twist random sections into faux dreads, best for days close to hairdresser appointment, to wash out that goo. Gel It Back - Slick it all back, think Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct *tsssss hot!* Add a bucket load of gel to hair and brush it back off the forehead and behind ears into a super sleek look. This I’ve always loved with a plain vest, large earrings, stilettos and my purple Nine West bag, but I digress. APRIL 2013
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MEDICINE CABINET
S
Osteoporosis
ome people go through their entire lives begging for a break. Then these people get older, realize that they have osteoporosis and hope that a break never comes their way. All jokes aside, Osteoporosis is an all too common disease which results in the thinning of bone tissue and the loss of bone mass as time goes on. Because of this bones become brittle and are more likely to break. A minor fall or injury is all it takes to break a bone that is affected by osteoporosis. Breaks may occur in the form of cracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (like compression fractures of the spine). There are several causes of Osteoporosis. It is highly influenced by genetic factors. For instance, men have a higher bone density than women and blacks have a higher bone density than Caucasians. Estrogen loss in women due to menopause can lead to osteoporosis as bone density relies on estrogen. Normally bone density continues to increase until age 25 and stays constant until you are 35years old. After that it gradually decreases until the bones become brittle.
Factors which increase the likelihood of osteoporosis are • female gender • Caucasian or Asian race • thin body or small frames • lack of exercise • excessive alcohol consumption, a low calcium diet • family history • poor diet (low calcium) • Malabsorption of nutrients 24
home gym
• Chemotherapy (this may result in early menopause) • Medications (anti seizure medication such as phenytoin)
Osteoporosis can be diagnosed with a routine x-ray. The xray shows bones which appear lighter or thinner than normal bone, hence revealing osteoporosis. Dual Energy X-Ray Absorption scans or DXA are the best, standard way to check for osteoporosis. The DXA measures bone density in the spine and hip. It uses one tenth to one hundredth the radiation of normal chest x-rays and only takes about 10 minutes to perform. The patient’s bone density is measured against that of young adults who share the same sex and race. The answer is called a T-score. The T-score compares bone density in terms of standard deviations found. A person with Osteoporosis has a T-score of 2.5 SD or below. Prevention is the best cure for osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes are imperative when preventing osteoporosis. Lowering alcohol intake considerably, quitting smoking and exercising regularly are a good start in terms keeping bones healthy. Maintaining a diet which is rich in fibre and calcium is also useful. Medications can stop bone loss as well such as Fosamax, Boniva and Evista strengthen bones and help slow the bone decay process. Combined, these measures should see to it that Osteoporosis is under control.
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Exercise Safety
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hinking about working out? Great! Just make sure you do it safely and correctly. These safety tips are essential to getting you in shape the right way without injury. Get your doctor's approval A sports physical is now a requirement before joining any professional team. If these world class athletes need one, imagine the average Joe. In fact, sports physicals are known to save lives of those who were unaware of a sinister heart murmur or irregularity. Everyone should get a physical before starting a new exercise routine or beginning a new sporting activity. This exercise safety tip could save your life. Get the correct gear Many injuries and setbacks occur because people don’t take the time to get themselves well-equipped for their exercise. Make sure you wear shoes that fit well and are capable of providing the right kind of support for your activity and body type. Wear
appropriate exercise clothing. Women should wear supportive sports bras. But no one should ever wear rubber or plastic suits or belts. Helmets for biking, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats for outdoor exercise are all protective apparel options. Understand Your Body A big part of exercise safety is prevention. Just as your car will run better when you service it regularly, your body will protect itself from injury when you give it the food, water, rest, and attention it needs to operate at its best. Therefore it is important to know your body’s limits and needs. Warm-up and Stretch A preliminary, prerequisite warm-up helps the body prepare for exercise. The muscles need to turn-on and become flexible. The heart rate needs to get up to speed. The blood needs to be recruited to the areas that need it the most. Stretching keeps the muscles elastic and facilitates a better workout.
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PETS
Starting An Automotive Toolkit
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here's a tool for everything, but you don't need every tool under the sun to take care of your car. You can do 75% of the repairs your car will need with about 10% of the tools out there. Knowing which tool you'll need for a task, what it does, and where to buy it can save you a lot of time and money during maintenance and repairs. Below is a brief description of the basic hand tools that should start your tools collection.
Spanners / Wrenches Spanners and wrenches are available in different sizes and come in standard and metric. It's advisable to have both in your tool collection.
Standard imperial spanner sizes are: 10 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 17 - 18 - 19 20 - 21 - 22mm Standard metric spanner sizes are: 1/4" - 5/16" - 11/32" - 3/8" - 7/16" - 1/2" - 9/16" - 5/8" - 11/16" 3/4" - 13/16" - 7/8" may more sizes are available but you should buy a good set of the standard sizes and if extra sizes are needed buy them separately. Sockets Sockets are probable the most widely used tool by mechanics and come in to forms ether standard or deep. Used to undo and tighten bolts sockets are usually sold in sets of verifying sizes and are available in both metric and imperial. It is advisable to have both sizes available 26
as cars do not have standardised bolts and you never know what size of bolt you will find next. Sockets are categorised by the fitting size for ratchets, torque wrenches ect. And are available in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" the most popular are 1/4" and 1/2" but there are many multi drive socket sets available that will give you a range of sizes and fittings that are ideal if you are starting out. Screwdrivers There are many types of screwdriver available including specialist drives such as Tri-wing, Torq-set and Hexalobular however you are unlikely to come across most of the specialist drives unless you are working in very specific industries. The two standard screwdrivers are Philips and flat or straight head. It's advisable when buying screwdrivers to go for "impact screwdrivers" they have the shaft running all the way through the handle and allow much more torque to be applied. Tool Box / Cabinets What about keeping your tools? Tools can last a life time if you buy quality and look after them. And the biggest reason for having to re-buy tools is misplacing them. To start with a tool box or case will suffice and most tool sets come in storage cases but one your collection begins to grow its advisable to invest in a tool cabinet, they can become quite costly but if you buy a quality they will last your career.
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Does My Dog Need Shots?
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s a pet owner, you hear a lot about vaccinations and how your four-legged friend has to have them. But what are pet vaccinations? And what vaccinations should your pet have? Puppies and dogs need their shots for optimal health. It’s important your dog gets it’s routine vet check ups. Pet vaccinations and immunizations protect your dog from imminent risk of acquiring diseases brought about by viruses. Here are three of the main shots your dog or pup may have to get.
Parvovirus Parvovirus is a viral disease spread through contact with infected fecal matter. The virus can survive for months on inanimate objects. Incubation ranges from seven to fourteen days. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dark and bloody stools and
dehydration. Yearly shots are strongly recommended. Canine Distemper Canine distemper is an airborne virus. It most commonly affects the respiratory system although it can attack the skin, brain, eyes and intestines. The most common symptoms include nasal and eye discharge, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures. Yearly shots are strongly recommended. Rabies Rabies can be transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. Once bitten, a dog will go through one or more stages. Symptoms will vary from dog to dog but may include anxiety and nervousness, aggression and irritability and paralysis resulting in respiratory failure. After the first year, many veterinarians vaccinate every three years.
TRAVEL
Tips To Great Group Travel
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hinking about vacationing with a group? It may not be as easy as it sounds. However, group travel can be a success if you take these tips in account.
gether. Stick with a short time frame for the trip. Members of the group who want to stay longer can always extend their own part of the vacation if they so choose.
Think about your comfort first When you are booking your group tour, think about the things that make you happy when you’re traveling. Do you typically like to split the family up into two different hotel rooms? Do you prefer for the rooms to be next door to each other so that everyone can walk in and out of each other’s spaces easily? Is it absolutely necessary for your son or daughter to have a window seat on all flights? These are all things the tour operator should know at the time of booking. It would be a disaster to start off your trip in a bad mood because you didn’t make the small provisions you need for your own comfort.
Share your knowledge Almost everyone in the large group had done a bit of research, much of it reflecting their own expertise and interests, so that when they all started throwing out ideas and suggestions, in the aggregate it was like having the ultimate guidebook writer sitting in the room with you outlining your perfect itinerary.
Keep it short Pick a short time frame for the trip. Groups tend to get restless after more than a few days to28
Avoid splitting into sameage groups Don’t assume that the kids will have the most fun if they spend time with their cousins. They may actually enjoy hanging out with their grandparents. Of course, there are exceptions to this. For example, the kids might like to run off together to the hotel’s game room and the young adults may head to the hotel bar together. Nevertheless, don’t assume that same-age
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activities make for the most fun during group travel. Look for group discounts If your final group is large enough, it may qualify you for considerable discounts at many attractions. These discounts are often best arranged or even purchased in advance, but if this isn't an option, it is simple enough to ask. Ask everyone to make a list of concerns and needs Each traveler will have needs that the others may not think about. One may require vegetarian-friendly restaurants, another may be concerned about the safety of a hotel and yet another may absolutely hate taking early red eye flights. Of course, there may have to be some compromise but it’s a lot easier to accommodate everyone’s little peccadilloes if you get a big list of them before planning the vacation. Share the responsibility Not an accountant? Somebody in your group is probably good with numbers. Assign them the
task of group accountant for shared meal or drink expenses. Look for buddies that can also help arrange transportation, tours, and make sure everyone stays on schedule and is prepared for the day's activities. Go with a pro If handling hotels, sightseeing, meals and activities is too much of a load - find a capable tour operator to plan your group's trip. This is especially true with overseas travel, with companies like Globus, Go Ahead Tours and Collette Vacations specializing in working with small groups. Another benefit? The group leader travels free with as little as 8 paying passengers. Have an alternate plan On this score, you should have your own plan for an alternate activity or route in case the scheduled itinerary starts to collapse, folks get combative or you realize you want to move at a different pace than the group. In the end the quality of your trip is in your hands alone, and you need to accept that responsibility.
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