WELCOME TO MY HOME
Wherever you live, and whatever style home you have, it should be a place that reflects who you are and where you want to be.If you live in a country setting, woodland area, or in a rustic cabin, you can create an atmosphere of comfort, relaxation, and friendship. A simple wooden or metal “Greetings”sign by your main entrance will let others know that you welcome their visit and are extending a hand of friendship. Adding a “nature” theme to your sign gives it personalization and is fun. A bear, fish, or deer will lend a real “rustic” feeling to your doorway. If your hobby is camping, or backpacking, add a theme to reflect your interests - make it truly “your” greeting. A welcome sign of any kind creates an atmosphere of good-will to people who come by.If you live in a city, town, or village, you still can add an entrance decoration that lends itself to your interests, hobbies, or lifestyle. Rugged, dainty, elegant, country, homey, or business-like, whatever your choice, this is the first impression someone will see. It will give them an instant first glimpse into who you are. Remember the old adage that first impressions are the important ones. Give some thought to your sign and let it paint a simple picture. As individual as your signature is, your sign should also be personal and reflective of your personality and lifestyle.Furnishings also should be stamped with your personal touch. They can be simple, exotic, or handed down from previous generations. Whatever your taste in furniture, let it be comfortable and friendly. If you give an impression of “Don’t Touch”, people will not want to stay. They may admire, but they won’t visit. If you have valuables, place them in curio cabinets, on shelves, or in unique places where they will come to no harm, but others may still enjoy seeing them.Accent touches lend so much to our homes. Pillows, pictures, quilts, flowers, and so on give color, texture, and speak for the people who live in this house. Bathrooms should not be an afterthought. We do spend some of our time in these usually small rooms, and sometimes they are employed as places to relax and hide from the world. Decorate them with everyone in mind. Gear the accessories to everyone. Choose some rugged and handsome and other pretty, and feminine. If there are children, adding a whimsical touch here or there gives a child the feeling that it is their home too and they are an important, contributing resident.Color is the most fun to work with. You can change it inexpensively and you can mix and match. Add seasonal favorites or holiday hues. Nature colors are beautiful and interesting, but favorite colors should be a major part of your scheme. Compromise always lends itself to peace on the homefront. If you choose the main color, let others pick the secondary colors. This way, however you decorate, it will be a true reflection of everyone and not only one person’s choices.It really doesn’t matter how big or small your home is. It’s of no real importance if you own, rent, or live with family or friends. What is paramount is that your home is you and whoever else you may share it with. If everyone contributes and has a say then it becomes a “family” home. If we lend ourselves to sharing our lives with grandparents and the treasures they give us, we give a definite feeling of continuity with their presence or their possessions. We also show pride in our heritage and backgrounds. Books, paintings, needlework, pottery, or whatever is important to you, display it proudly and let others admire and enjoy it. Keeping special items hidden will keep their beauty and special thoughts under wraps. Even a small child can appreciate texture, color, and he/she can take delight in “pretty” things or treasured objects.Decorating where we live is really an extension of who we are. Give it some thought and go with what is comfortable for you and your family. Rearranging, redecorating, or just adding and subtracting items makes our home fun, functional, enjoyable, and a pleasure to come back to. Guests will also feel more comfortable and at ease when they visit. They won’t feel that everything around them is untouchable and breakable. They will feel better, you will feel proud, and everyone can concentrate on great conversation, food, and other neighborly pursuits.
Friday, December 23, 2005
The Ten-Minute Moment
SHARE THE FUN
When it comes to entertaining, everyone is always on the lookout for new ideas and variations on old favorites. We are all pretty familiar with “potluck” dinners at church socials, or family reunions. One variation on this concept is a “Participate and Enjoy” party. A menu is created by the host/hostess. The recipes are typed out and given to the participating guests. This is usually done about two weeks before the event date. Each person has an assigned part of the menu, as well as the recipe to use. Sometimes they can be traditional, stand-by recipes or it can even be more fun with “new”, never tried, and just found in your favorite magazine type of party. This also gives you the advantage to test these recipes or better yet to taste them without all the work.Your Participate and Enjoy party will be the full-course variety. Someone will make the punch, the appetizers, salad, hot bread, vegetables, main course, dessert, and beverages. If you invite more guests, then your snack food, fruit, or pasta courses can be included. It is a fun way to have a party, a great way to taste new recipes, and a lot of fun for those participating because no one really knows the outcome. Also, a nice side note is to have the recipes typed out in a small “memory” booklet featuring each recipe used, who made, and a space for thoughts and comments. Whenever anyone rereads their “take home” gift, they not only have great recipes, but a lot of fun remembering this special kind of party.Here are a few recipes to get you started:*****SEAFOOD DELIGHT1 8-oz. carton dairy sour cream1/2 cup mayonnaise1 tbs. parsley, finely chopped1 tsp. lemon juice1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1/2 tsp. white onion, finely chopped1 pkg. imitation crab meat1 pkg. salad shrimpDippers: celery sticks, green onions, green/red pepper strips, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, torn pieces of rye bread, butter-flavored crackers In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire and onion.Flake apart the crab meat into small pieces. Rinse and dry the salad shrimp. Stir the crabmeat and shrimp into the dressing mixture. Chill for about 2 hrs. Serve on a plate surrounded with your choice of vegetable dippers or crackers.*****STRING BEAN MEDLEY>br> 1/2 lb. hickory or maple-flavored bacon, diced2 lbs. fresh picked young green beans, washed, trimmed, but left whole4 red-skinned new potatoes, unpeeled, and cut into small cubes1 large onion, sliced thinly1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper1 tbs. fresh summer savory or 1/2 tsp. dried1-12 cups chicken stock, preferably home-made but canned will do1/4 cup chopped parsleyIn pot, over medium-high heat, brown the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour off fat from pot, as much as possible. Add the green beans, potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, savory and chicken stock. Stir gently. Simmer 25 mins. or until potatoes are tender and beans are crisp-tender. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and add a lemon twist for color.*****Assorted Sandwich Tray-Using rolls, bread (white, wheat, nut, raisin, rye, or specialty), pita, or French bread-*Chopped chicken, raisins, mayonnaiseRoast beef, sliced onions, anchovy fillets, mustardPeanut butter, crisp baconMashed sardines, dry mustard, hard-cooked egg, sweet pickle relishAvocado, chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, crisp baconSliced American cheese, boiled ham, mustardChopped frankfurters, dry mustard, sweet pickle relish, salad dressingSliced turkey, tomato, bacon, lettuceOr a combination that you have never tried before*****ORANGE CREAM2 pkgs. (3 ozs.) orange flavored gelatin>br?1-1/2 cups boiling water2 cans (11 ozs.) mandarin oranges, drained 1 can (8 ozs.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained1 can (6 ozs.) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawedTopping:1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, at room temperature1 cup whole milk 1 pkg. (3 ozs.) instant vanilla pudding instantIn bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in the boiling water. Stir to complete dissolve. Add the fruit and the orange juice. Do not dilute the orange juice with water, just take it directly from the can.Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Do not use butter or shortening. Add the gelatin mixture. Refrigerate until firm.In a bowl., beat the cream cheese in a mixer until very light. Slowly add the whole milk and the pudding. Continue blending until smooth with no lumps. Spread over the fruit layer. Chill until firm.*****Whatever your choice of dishes, you can have a lot of fun with friends and family. In fact, this party theme can be used for picnics and outdoor cooking. Have someone bring kabobs, another stuffed hamburger patties. Ice cold salads, and smooth, tasty desserts will round out the menu. Everyone feels they have contributed to the party, they take home a great gift they use over and over again, and you will have had the opportunity to try a dozen different recipes, while only preparing one. Not a bad compromise!
When it comes to entertaining, everyone is always on the lookout for new ideas and variations on old favorites. We are all pretty familiar with “potluck” dinners at church socials, or family reunions. One variation on this concept is a “Participate and Enjoy” party. A menu is created by the host/hostess. The recipes are typed out and given to the participating guests. This is usually done about two weeks before the event date. Each person has an assigned part of the menu, as well as the recipe to use. Sometimes they can be traditional, stand-by recipes or it can even be more fun with “new”, never tried, and just found in your favorite magazine type of party. This also gives you the advantage to test these recipes or better yet to taste them without all the work.Your Participate and Enjoy party will be the full-course variety. Someone will make the punch, the appetizers, salad, hot bread, vegetables, main course, dessert, and beverages. If you invite more guests, then your snack food, fruit, or pasta courses can be included. It is a fun way to have a party, a great way to taste new recipes, and a lot of fun for those participating because no one really knows the outcome. Also, a nice side note is to have the recipes typed out in a small “memory” booklet featuring each recipe used, who made, and a space for thoughts and comments. Whenever anyone rereads their “take home” gift, they not only have great recipes, but a lot of fun remembering this special kind of party.Here are a few recipes to get you started:*****SEAFOOD DELIGHT1 8-oz. carton dairy sour cream1/2 cup mayonnaise1 tbs. parsley, finely chopped1 tsp. lemon juice1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1/2 tsp. white onion, finely chopped1 pkg. imitation crab meat1 pkg. salad shrimpDippers: celery sticks, green onions, green/red pepper strips, cauliflower, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, torn pieces of rye bread, butter-flavored crackers In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, parsley, lemon juice, Worcestershire and onion.Flake apart the crab meat into small pieces. Rinse and dry the salad shrimp. Stir the crabmeat and shrimp into the dressing mixture. Chill for about 2 hrs. Serve on a plate surrounded with your choice of vegetable dippers or crackers.*****STRING BEAN MEDLEY>br> 1/2 lb. hickory or maple-flavored bacon, diced2 lbs. fresh picked young green beans, washed, trimmed, but left whole4 red-skinned new potatoes, unpeeled, and cut into small cubes1 large onion, sliced thinly1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper1 tbs. fresh summer savory or 1/2 tsp. dried1-12 cups chicken stock, preferably home-made but canned will do1/4 cup chopped parsleyIn pot, over medium-high heat, brown the bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Pour off fat from pot, as much as possible. Add the green beans, potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, savory and chicken stock. Stir gently. Simmer 25 mins. or until potatoes are tender and beans are crisp-tender. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley and add a lemon twist for color.*****Assorted Sandwich Tray-Using rolls, bread (white, wheat, nut, raisin, rye, or specialty), pita, or French bread-*Chopped chicken, raisins, mayonnaiseRoast beef, sliced onions, anchovy fillets, mustardPeanut butter, crisp baconMashed sardines, dry mustard, hard-cooked egg, sweet pickle relishAvocado, chopped onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, crisp baconSliced American cheese, boiled ham, mustardChopped frankfurters, dry mustard, sweet pickle relish, salad dressingSliced turkey, tomato, bacon, lettuceOr a combination that you have never tried before*****ORANGE CREAM2 pkgs. (3 ozs.) orange flavored gelatin>br?1-1/2 cups boiling water2 cans (11 ozs.) mandarin oranges, drained 1 can (8 ozs.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained1 can (6 ozs.) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawedTopping:1 pkg. (8 ozs.) cream cheese, at room temperature1 cup whole milk 1 pkg. (3 ozs.) instant vanilla pudding instantIn bowl, dissolve the orange gelatin in the boiling water. Stir to complete dissolve. Add the fruit and the orange juice. Do not dilute the orange juice with water, just take it directly from the can.Coat a pan with non-stick spray. Do not use butter or shortening. Add the gelatin mixture. Refrigerate until firm.In a bowl., beat the cream cheese in a mixer until very light. Slowly add the whole milk and the pudding. Continue blending until smooth with no lumps. Spread over the fruit layer. Chill until firm.*****Whatever your choice of dishes, you can have a lot of fun with friends and family. In fact, this party theme can be used for picnics and outdoor cooking. Have someone bring kabobs, another stuffed hamburger patties. Ice cold salads, and smooth, tasty desserts will round out the menu. Everyone feels they have contributed to the party, they take home a great gift they use over and over again, and you will have had the opportunity to try a dozen different recipes, while only preparing one. Not a bad compromise!
The Ten-Minute Moment
We'll be celebrating my daughter's fifth birthday, an important milestone, in just a few short weeks. But we experienced another major event in her life just three weeks ago.
With her hands on her hips and full of self-confidence, she announced to her dad on a Saturday afternoon that she was ready for him to remove her training wheels. I knew this was coming, because her and I had previously discussed it. But it still came as a shock when she actually said it.
When it comes to my kids getting hurt, I am the stereotypical worried parent. When my husband proceeded to completely remove the training wheels, I panicked! I suggested just raising them a little bit, a mere "baby step". He had the nerve to remind me that she was no longer a baby, something that I choose to ignore whenever possible, which can be difficult to do while encouraging her to grow and learn and experience new things.
I was outnumbered, and the training wheels were completely removed. I secured the elbow and knee pads, re-adjusted her helmet to ensure proper fitting, and she ran over to her "big girl" bike. I was tempted to close my eyes or run inside, but I couldn't bear to miss a moment that was so exciting for her.
Dad also raised her seat, when we noticed that she had actually gotten taller since last fall. He helped her on her bike, and started guiding her down the sidewalk. They made a few trips back and forth, and I thought to myself, "Hey, this isn't that bad." I figured I had a few weeks to go before she got the hang of it.
Ha! They showed me! It couldn't have been more than ten minutes later, when my husband officially let go, and my daughter continued to ride on her own, knowing full well that he wasn't holding on anymore. There was no stopping her now. She rode that "big girl" two-wheel bike back and forth for the next two hours. She hasn't stopped since then. And I was there that day to share in her pride.
I learn so much from my daughter, and on this day, she reminded me of another important life lesson. My children will grow up. I can whine, complain, and stomp my feet in protest all I want, but it won't stop the seconds from ticking away. Therefore, it is extremely important to cherish every moment we have together, to experience their lives with them, to be a part of every single day of their lives. Don't live in fear of time or change - you'll never be able to replace the moments that you miss.
At this rate, it won't be long before they'll be graduating from two wheels back to four wheels. And then my husband again will have the privilege of being the driving instructor.
Yes, we all want to hang on for that extra moment, but there comes a time when we must let go and allow them ride on their own.
With her hands on her hips and full of self-confidence, she announced to her dad on a Saturday afternoon that she was ready for him to remove her training wheels. I knew this was coming, because her and I had previously discussed it. But it still came as a shock when she actually said it.
When it comes to my kids getting hurt, I am the stereotypical worried parent. When my husband proceeded to completely remove the training wheels, I panicked! I suggested just raising them a little bit, a mere "baby step". He had the nerve to remind me that she was no longer a baby, something that I choose to ignore whenever possible, which can be difficult to do while encouraging her to grow and learn and experience new things.
I was outnumbered, and the training wheels were completely removed. I secured the elbow and knee pads, re-adjusted her helmet to ensure proper fitting, and she ran over to her "big girl" bike. I was tempted to close my eyes or run inside, but I couldn't bear to miss a moment that was so exciting for her.
Dad also raised her seat, when we noticed that she had actually gotten taller since last fall. He helped her on her bike, and started guiding her down the sidewalk. They made a few trips back and forth, and I thought to myself, "Hey, this isn't that bad." I figured I had a few weeks to go before she got the hang of it.
Ha! They showed me! It couldn't have been more than ten minutes later, when my husband officially let go, and my daughter continued to ride on her own, knowing full well that he wasn't holding on anymore. There was no stopping her now. She rode that "big girl" two-wheel bike back and forth for the next two hours. She hasn't stopped since then. And I was there that day to share in her pride.
I learn so much from my daughter, and on this day, she reminded me of another important life lesson. My children will grow up. I can whine, complain, and stomp my feet in protest all I want, but it won't stop the seconds from ticking away. Therefore, it is extremely important to cherish every moment we have together, to experience their lives with them, to be a part of every single day of their lives. Don't live in fear of time or change - you'll never be able to replace the moments that you miss.
At this rate, it won't be long before they'll be graduating from two wheels back to four wheels. And then my husband again will have the privilege of being the driving instructor.
Yes, we all want to hang on for that extra moment, but there comes a time when we must let go and allow them ride on their own.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Water -Filters
Filters are the devices that help to remove impurities from water by means of a physical separators or chemical instruments. Filters cleanse water for irrigation, drinking water, aquariums and swimming pools. They can also be bought in the shops for domestic purpose. Two major brands are PUR and Brita. These filters take away the impure contents from the water. The presence of such impure contents may cause diseases like cancer, jaundice etc and things that taste or smell bad. The composition of filters is based solely on sieving, ion exchanges and other processes.
Types of Water Filters
UV Filters:
UV Filters have the ability of killing the majority of bacteria and viruses present in the water and one, which passes through them. Chemical pollutants will not be removed from the water with UV filters. The treatment is not efficient beyond the area of treatment, so water should be used as immediate as possible after it is treated.
Sand Filters:
Sand based water filters are generally used for more than hundred years for wastewater treatment. These filters are used on a larger scale to treat a water supply for a whole community, and they are custom made. Normally any apparatus needs a constant flow of water to work properly, and hence they cannot be used for well water treatment. Recently a Canadian scientist, David Manz developed an intermittent unit. You can buy pre-built units for domestic use, which are generally used in swimming pool pumps.
Charcoal Water Filters
These are generally from coconut husk as a filter medium. This generally takes in impurities as the water passes through. This form of filter comprises possibly 95% of those in use domestically, because they are very easy to install, they are comparatively cheaper, and filter out the dreadful contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. An average charcoal filter will last a family 6-9 months. They are also enhanced by the use of activated silver, which provides extra antibacterial power of filtering. Minerals in solution can still enrich a charcoal filter. Such Minerals improvise health.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
They make use of a semi-permeable membrane to filter through osmotic process. They take all the impurities out of the water, leaving it pure that is stated. Usually installed under-sink, it needs a person to come every few months to install a new membrane.
Types of Water Filters
UV Filters:
UV Filters have the ability of killing the majority of bacteria and viruses present in the water and one, which passes through them. Chemical pollutants will not be removed from the water with UV filters. The treatment is not efficient beyond the area of treatment, so water should be used as immediate as possible after it is treated.
Sand Filters:
Sand based water filters are generally used for more than hundred years for wastewater treatment. These filters are used on a larger scale to treat a water supply for a whole community, and they are custom made. Normally any apparatus needs a constant flow of water to work properly, and hence they cannot be used for well water treatment. Recently a Canadian scientist, David Manz developed an intermittent unit. You can buy pre-built units for domestic use, which are generally used in swimming pool pumps.
Charcoal Water Filters
These are generally from coconut husk as a filter medium. This generally takes in impurities as the water passes through. This form of filter comprises possibly 95% of those in use domestically, because they are very easy to install, they are comparatively cheaper, and filter out the dreadful contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. An average charcoal filter will last a family 6-9 months. They are also enhanced by the use of activated silver, which provides extra antibacterial power of filtering. Minerals in solution can still enrich a charcoal filter. Such Minerals improvise health.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filters
They make use of a semi-permeable membrane to filter through osmotic process. They take all the impurities out of the water, leaving it pure that is stated. Usually installed under-sink, it needs a person to come every few months to install a new membrane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)