Shopping, Food Preparation and Storage Ideas for the Holidays

Got a few weeks left before the holidays? Don’t panic! Here are some smart ideas on shopping and meal preparation for the holiday season.

Have you begun preparing for the holiday festivities? As you go over your numerous tasks, you are probably wondering how you can accomplish all of them in so short a time. The best way to manage your time is to plan ahead and to get extra help. Here are some neat ideas to make shopping, food preparation and storage a lot easier this holiday season.

Get a Part-time Helper

Bring along another person to help you shop for holiday items. A second pair of hands is a huge help when it comes to shopping and unloading. Give clear and precise instructions to your helper before sending her for an errand. Always ask her to double-check your list before leaving the store.

Use Stackable Containers

Are you running out of space in your refrigerator? Cover bowls and dishes of holiday party foods with a press-and-seal wrap. This special kind of wrap is so strong, you can stack containers on top of one another.

Rubbermaid 8-pc. Modular Food Canister Set: Prolong the shelf life of your favorite foods with this eight-piece canister set from Rubbermaid. These storage containers feature tight seals and a stackable design. They are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

Invest in Good Ovenware

Bake and serve casseroles, side dishes and desserts in specialized oven ware. Doing so will help you save time, especially when guests suddenly appear at your door. Dishes placed in ovenware go straight from the refrigerator or freezer to the oven to the table. Oven wares come in festive holiday colors, too.

Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown Oval Baker Set - Purple (1.25 Qt. & 2.25 Qt.)

Plan on Leftovers

Make enough food for the actual party and for guests who may want to take home food. You can store dishes in individual microwavable containers. Sometimes the best meals are the ones made the next day with leftovers.

Natural Decorations for the Holidays

Adorn the house with natural Christmas decorations. They are cheap, fun to make, and eco-friendly.

Decorating for Christmas puts everyone in the mood of the holiday season. Each year, we purchase new decorations for our house or office, specifically for the Christmas tree. This year, why not go for natural Christmas decorations? Natural decorations refer to the real thing. Using nature to enhance the place is safe for the environment. When the holiday is over, these natural decorations can be easily disposed. There is no need to stash away decorations that are made of plastic and other synthetic material. (You keep the artificial Christmas tree, of course.)

Below are some natural Christmas decorations which you can make at home:

Wreaths and Garlands

Decorate banisters, mantles, and archways with natural garlands which you can purchase at nurseries or farmer’s markets. If you have holly bushes or evergreen bushes in your garden, you can make the garlands yourself. Use the remnants to create strings of garland. The little pieces can adorn candle displays and be used to create wreaths.

Berries on Your Christmas Tree

Do you grow berries in your garden? Berries can add color to your Christmas tree. String a few berries and alternate them with seeds. Brush the string with shellac to seal in the smells. You can do the beading with your kids.

Cookie Ornaments 

How about cookies made of dough and salt? Make Christmas shapes out of the dough and bake them. Because of the salt, these cookie ornaments would become rock hard. Once cooled, paint over them using non-toxic paint. Before baking the dough, punch a hole in each cookie so a ribbon or a string could be passed through it later.

Good read: A Christmas Cookie Book (Includes sixteen recipes for cookies, including Keeping Cookies for use as Christmas tree ornaments.)

Pine Cones

Pine cones are another popular Christmas décor. Apply glue to the bottom of the pine cone and make a place for the string to be attached. Hang the pine cones on the Christmas tree.

Choosing to use natural decorations for Christmas saves money and the environment. Come up with your own decorating ideas and involve the kids in making them.

Natural Air Fresheners for Your Home

Are you looking for ways to freshen the air in your house? Here are some ideas.

It is a fact that our homes have both good and not so pleasant smells. And no matter how we try to prevent the foul odor from joining the fresh air, it will always try to. Aerosol sprays and commercial air fresheners only mask the smells and even increase the level of toxicity in our home. Natural air fresheners are a better alternative because they do not contain harmful chemicals that may cause cancer and other illnesses. Here are five ways to naturally freshen the air at home:

Potpourri

Potpourris are sold everywhere and are more commonly used only during the holidays. The scent goes away too quickly though. Reuse the potpourri by mixing it with natural scents from fresh cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also use a few sprigs of fresh or dried mint. The mint adds fragrance and repels ants at the same time.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural non-toxic oils that come from plants. Because the scents are based in oil, they stay longer than water-based perfumes. To use as spritz, combine the oils with at least four parts of water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on potpourri, garlands, wreaths, pinecones, artificial flowers, etc. Avoid spraying essential oils on furniture because the oil can leave a film.

Buy only essential oils that are made from the purest ingredients. Most health stores health stores carry good brands of essential oils.

Fruits

How about a fruit wreath? Make thin slices of orange, apple, and lemon. Dry the fruits on a cookie sheet. Arrange them into a wreath and hold them on a wooden framework or through thin wire. Cover the fruit slices with shellac to preserve them. This fruit wreath may last for several weeks and can be hung on any door.

Herbs and Flowers

Combine your favorite herbs and flowers to create a dried bowl of fresh scents. Place these arrangements in a shallow wooden bowl or a glass bowl to make them more visible. Add in some natural wooden filler which you can get at most craft stores. Fresh dried herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme are commonly used for these arrangements.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles give off a honey flavored scent that burns clean with no mess. Beeswax candles can be purchased in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose beeswax candles that contain natural color.

Natural Diuretics for Dogs

ESSENTIAL OILS: Essential Oils For Dogs - Natural and Safe Essential Oils Home Remedies For Dogs (Essential Oils, Essential Oils For Dogs, Essential Oils For beginners, Essential Oils Book)

Why Use Natural Diuretics?


To help dogs cleanse their system, natural diuretics should be included in their daily diet.

Natural diuretics are beneficial to a dog’s health because they promote better functioning of the kidneys, thereby increasing the amount of urine, bowels and perspiration which aids in the removal of body toxins. This natural method of body cleansing also helps our beloved canines overcome several diseases and sicknesses which are related to their digestive system.

Natural diuretics come in the form of herbs, vegetables and fruits. These foods are usually given to dogs in small amounts and depending on their size.

Diuretic Herbs for Dogs

Some herbs can help your dog overcome certain diseases and illnesses, especially those that are related to their digestive system. Herbs that possess diuretic properties enhance the flow of urine and help your dog's body eliminate wastes and toxic substances from its system.

Dogs generally accept herbal medicines very readily. In the wild, dogs are able to self-medicate with naturally available herbs. Herbs, therefore, are natural as a food or medicine to them.

Giving diuretic herbs to domesticated dogs, however, may require some precaution. Some dogs, especially those who are on medication, may have a slight allergic reaction to certain herbs. As a rule, do not give herbal diuretics to your dog every day. Always consult a veterinarian regarding doses.

Below are some diuretic herbs that are generally safe for dogs:

Burdock

Burdock has diuretic properties that help eliminate toxic substances from your dog's body. It purifies the blood, promotes perspiration, and improves digestion.

Burdock is a highly recommended natural diuretic for dogs; it can be taken as tea or tincture. If used as a long-term nutritive tonic, it cleanses and builds the blood.

Dandelion

Dandelion promotes the flow of urine and helps remove excess fluid from the body. It is also rich in potassium making it an ideal remedy to use alongside conventional diuretics which can deplete the body of potassium.

Dandelion is a useful remedy if your dog has kidney disease. This useful herb has the ability to flush out toxins and other breakdown products from your dog's system.

** Get Hawthorn and Dandelion essential drops for your dog

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaves have long been used as a traditional herbal remedy for digestive problems. The astringent properties of a raspberry is most helpful if your dog is suffering from diarrhea.

Red Clover

Red clover is a powerful diuretic herb that purifies the blood. It is also useful in removing tumors and cysts, and in the treatment of certain cancers in dogs.

Diuretic Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs


Certain fruits and vegetables act as natural diuretics and can be highly beneficial to your dog's health. They are rich in nutrients and chemical properties that aid in body cleansing and detoxification.

Natural diuretic foods are given in small portions and depending upon your pet's size.Try to incorporate some of these fruits and veggies in your dog’s diet:

Alfalfa Sprouts

Alfalfa is very high in nutrients and is generally beneficial for stomach and digestive problems. It is usually given to remedy a dog's upset stomach. Alfalfa also purifies the blood and stimulates appetite.

** Get the Animal Essentials Apawthecary Alfalfa Yucca blend

Banana

Bananas are a rich source of potassium - a mineral that aids conventional diuretics in flushing out toxic wastes from the body. Bananas also add small amounts of natural acidophilus bacteria to the bowels, helping dogs overcome inflammatory bowel disease.

Celery

Celery is a well-known diuretic vegetable recommended for dogs with kidney, bladder or urinary problems. Celery is a natural blood purifier and is proven to help in detoxification.

Melon and Watermelon

Melons and watermelons contain plenty of water which help your dog’s kidneys function better. Melon is also said to help treat stomach problems.

Papaya

Papaya is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E and of the minerals calcium, phosphorous and iron. These nutrients help ease any digestive problems your dog may be suffering from.

Okra

Okra is a green vegetable that typically grows in the tropics or warm regions. Its rich sodium content helps cure intestinal problems in dogs.

ESSENTIAL OILS: Essential Oils For Dogs - Natural and Safe Essential Oils Home Remedies For Dogs (Essential Oils, Essential Oils For Dogs, Essential Oils For beginners, Essential Oils Book)

How to Keep Your Household Staff Productive and Happy

Trained workers are efficient workers

Domestic workers need training, understanding, and a little bit of time for themselves. This article offers tips on how you can make your household staff work efficiently while wearing a happy face.

Hundreds of thousands of families all over the world hire domestic workers. Are you running a household largely fueled by these helpful hands? Here are some tips to keep your household staff productive and happy:

Provide training in housekeeping

Your domestic workers may not be familiar with your system of housekeeping. Give them adequate information on how to manage the household. Teach them how to properly operate machines and other equipment.

Understand cultural differences

Many domestic workers come from different cultural backgrounds and countries. Give them time to become familiar with their new surroundings. Slowly introduce your own customs and traditions to them. Study their country’s culture and society as well.

Keep communication lines open

Your household staff might experience loneliness and homesickness every now and again. Encourage them to keep in touch with their families and friends. Allow them to send letters or make occasional calls.

Read more: http://bizcovering.com/management/how-to-keep-your-household-staff-productive-and-happy/#ixzz1ZmF0lJdi

Two Simple Ways to Detox Your Body

There are many ways to detox the body. If you are new to body detox, you may want to go easy at first and try something that you can easily achieve. As you get used to regular body detox, you can then try other programs or ways to eliminate toxins from your body. Whatever type of detox you choose, it should be something that suits your lifestyle and preference.

There are two simple ways to detox your body:

Juice Fasting

If your goal is to get rid of toxins and lose weight quickly, juice fasting may be a good choice. Drink only fresh fruits and vegetables for 1 to 3 days, depending on how long you can last. Do not force yourself to go beyond 3 days if you begin to experience discomfort. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours of fasting is already a good start.

Choose fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, antioxidants and nutrients. These include apple, cabbage, carrot, papaya, pineapple and cranberry. Avoid citrus fruits as the high acid content may upset your stomach.
Juice fasting effectively flushes out toxins; it also loads up your body with nutrients and enzyme that aid in the cleansing process.

After a juice fasting, you should feel light and clean from within. If you plan to go on juice fasting for a longer period, consult a medical practitioner.


Water Fasting

Water fasting makes a good choice if you need to revitalize your body and get rid of toxins at the same time.

During a water fast, only water is consumed. Water allows the digestive system to rest completely. This type of fasting also uses up the body’s energy to self-repair and strengthen damaged organs.

Water fasting effectively eliminates toxin build-ups and aids in self-healing. After completing the regimen, you will rejuvenated and clean from within.

Before going on water fasting, go to medical practitioner for careful assessment.

Caring for Your Persian Cat

Persian cats are a common favorite breed of cat because they are gentle, sweet and have long flowing coats.  They make great companions for anyone, are not very demanding, and do not need a lot of attention from their owner.  

Most Persian cats come in white, but some may have a variety of other colors.  The color of a Persian cat may either be categorized as solid, silver and gold, tabby, shaded and smoke, particolor, bicolor, or Himalayan.  

As owner of a Persian cat, make sure you give extra care to your pet’s coat. The fur of a Persian cat is long and dense; groom it daily to main the health of its coat.  The coat of a Persian cat can be easily damaged.  To protect your kitty’s coat, let your cat stay indoors most of the time.  Brush its coat every day with a metal comb to prevent tangling, which can lead to hairballs.  If you have a young Persian cat, bathe it often to keep the coat clean and healthy.

Protect your cat from diseases and common parasites by keeping it indoors most of the time.  Keeping it inside your home also reduces the possibility of it getting hit by a car or being attacked by a dog.  

Shop Cat food, litter, treats, toys and more at Wag.com. Free 1-2 day Shipping on $49+  

Bring your Persian pet to a veterinarian every year for checkup.  Make sure that it is well groomed, receives shots, and eats healthy food.  Pay special attention to its big eyes, as they need to be clean at all times.

Emergency Tips: Preparing for a Typhoon

Typhoons are a weather phenomenon that cannot be prevented forming and coming over. To prevent injuries, casualties and destruction, people must learn how to prepare for a typhoon.

Countries that lie near the major ocean bodies are occasionally badgered by the occurrence of typhoons. The term ‘typhoon’ is widely used in the Pacific to define weather disturbance. Countries located near the Indian Ocean refer to it as ‘cyclone’, while people in the United States call it ‘hurricane’.

A typhoon is a massive accumulation of destructive winds and torrential rains over a huge body of water, particularly ocean. It does not develop overnight. Often, it starts as thunderstorms that later on gather strength and intensify into a massive weather disturbance. Because of its huge radius and accumulated cloud system, a typhoon is easily tracked and monitored by weather satellites.

As weather bureaus are capable of tracking the development of a typhoon, it is possible for government and safety agencies to release early typhoon warnings.

American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness 106-pc. First Aid Kit

This American Red Cross emergency preparedness kit is a great item to have on hand in your home or car. A nylon case with zip closure keep all 106 pieces of the set contained and ready for your next emergency. 

Preparing for a typhoon

Countries that are frequently visited by typhoons have established safety measures to prepare their people for the destructive weather occurrence. These measures are meant to curb, if not completely prevent, injuries and casualties.

When a typhoon is about to hit an area, warnings are released at least 24 to 48 hours before the predicted landfall. This should allow residents within the affected areas to take necessary safety precautions.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a typhoon:

=> Store enough food and drinking water that can sustain you for about a week. The heavy rains and destructive winds may ruin infrastructure, disabling access to basic needs. Groceries and markets might not be able to resume operations immediately after a typhoon, so make sure your supplies would last until the situation goes back to normal.

Read more: http://scienceray.com/earth-sciences/meteorology/emergency-tips-preparing-for-a-typhoon/#ixzz1YYI8Rr3U

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

When getting rid of ants, it is best to consider the old-fashioned ways first. Careful sanitation and natural remedies may easily replace toxic pesticides.

Most insects are harmless or beneficial to humankind. Therefore, we should try to share our planet with them and live in harmony as best we can. Some insects, however, prove to be a menace at home. One of the most common pests in our home is the ants. Ants can be seen crawling in the dining room, in the kitchen, in the garbage area or anywhere where there’s food available for them.

When getting rid of ants, it is best to consider the old-fashioned ways first. Careful sanitation and natural remedies may easily replace toxic pesticides.

Here are some natural ways to discourage ants from residing in your home:

• As a general rule, keep your house clean, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
• Look for the ants’ outdoor and nesting sites and eliminate them. These nesting sites are usually found in tree branches, bushes and firewood. As this is the case, make sure that these breeding sites are not too close to your house.

Read more: http://scienceray.com/biology/natural-ways-to-get-rid-of-ants-in-your-home/#ixzz1YYGtZ5Rc

Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Kitchen

Are you planning on decorating your kitchen for Christmas?  Other than the Christmas tree, there are many other things that can add yuletide cheer to your kitchen.  Here are some ideas:

Oven Mitts and Potholders

Mitts and potholders are among the things you can use to decorate your kitchen.  Christmas themed potholders and mitts abound during the holidays, and they’re often sold by the bulk and at very low prices.  Choose a theme that would complement the colors of your kitchen.  Potholders with a picture of snowflakes, reindeers, Christmas trees, or Santa are the most common.  You don’t have to use these decorative potholders; you can just hang them or make them temporarily replace doilies.

Kitchen Towels

Just like mitts and potholders, you can easily find kitchen towels that come with a Christmas theme. Hang these items in your kitchen and you’ll instantly have Christmas decorations. In addition to kitchen towels, try Christmas themed table cloths or make a curtain for your kitchen window using special Christmas fabric.   

Kitchen Magnets

How about kitchen magnets?  Many retail stores, even those online, carry a large selection of Christmas magnets.  These magnets come in different styles and purpose; some are handcrafted while some double as picture frames.  Think of a Christmas theme that you’d like to showcase on your refrigerator.  You can get magnets to form a picture of the Nativity, or display Santa and his reindeers.  Another good idea is to place pictures of your family members using picture frame magnets.  Whatever theme you decide on, you are sure to find the perfect magnets everywhere you look.

Kitchenware

What could be easier than decorating the kitchen with kitchenware?  Kitchenware refers to the items that you use in your kitchen. Christmas themed plates, bowls, cups and eating utensils can be bought from practically any retail store you can get into.  You can get a boxed set if you wish to showcase a variation of kitchenware with one single theme.  Another good idea would be to buy items with different designs.

The above mentioned ideas and items are just a few of the many ways you can decorate your kitchen for Christmas. Look for more ideas in books, magazines and websites.  If you have very specific items in mind, shop early so you can get the best deals and prices.

Preparing Vegetarian Meals for Your Thanksgiving Party

Indian Curry

If you are expecting vegetarian guests at your Thanksgiving party this year, you may need to know a few important things about serving vegetarian meals. Do not worry about preparing a hefty vegetarian course or serving a vegetarian dish that has meat substitutes. You can actually serve vegetarian dishes along with other dishes. Think about incorporating healthy food preparation into your menu. This way, you are sure to please all your guests-even yourself!

On Thanksgiving Day friends and family gather to give thanks and to share peace and happiness. It is during this time when food becomes an integral part of being together and doing things together. If you are transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle, it may be a good move to incorporate healthy food preparation into your Thanksgiving menu. This works two ways, as you are able to stick to your diet and encourage guests to eat healthy as well.

Read more: http://socyberty.com/lifestyle-choices/preparing-vegetarian-meals-for-your-thanksgiving-party/#ixzz1Xhi9Z511

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cockroaches

The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to keep your house clean, particularly your kitchen and bathroom.

When we think about getting rid of cockroaches, the first thing that usually comes to mind is pesticide. But these synthetic pesticides do not just exterminate roaches; they also pollute the air you breathe and the environment you live in.

The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to keep your house clean, particularly your kitchen and bathroom. Here are some tips:

• First, eliminate or reduce the cockroaches’ drinking water supply. Fix leaky faucets and eliminate all sources of standing water.
• Inspect your house and look for cockroach shelters. When found, vacuum and wash the accessible areas.
• Caulk or otherwise plug all small cracks around baseboards, wall shelves or cupboards, pipes, sinks, and bathroom fixtures.
• Try boric acid. It may do a better job at controlling roaches. Boric acid is also cheaper than most commercial synthetic pesticides.
• Try repelling (not killing) roaches with a mixture of bay leaves and cucumbers.

Read more at: http://socyberty.com/lifestyle-choices/preparing-vegetarian-meals-for-your-thanksgiving-party/

Guide to Choosing Maternity Bras

In the course of pregnancy and during breast-feeding, a woman’s bra size may change two or three times.  The typical pregnant woman will gain an extra two inches under the bust and two inches across the bust, while her breasts can become a pound and a half heavier, putting a strain on the supporting, nonelastic tissues.  If you don’t lift some of the weight from these ligaments, they will stretch and your breasts will sag permanently.

By the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, most women find their usual bras too uncomfortable.  This is the time to switch to maternity bras.  When choosing maternity bras, keep these points in mind:

Measure for Correct Size

For exact size, measurements should be taken right under your breasts and around the fullest part of cup size.  Before buying the bra, check its overall fit on you.  If it’s riding up at the back, it’s probably too small.  You can consult sales clerks at maternity and lingerie shops if you cannot decide on what to get.  These people are trained as bra fitters.  

Choose Comfort

Another important point to consider when buying maternity bras is the comfort it should provide, especially to a woman who is undergoing changes in the body.  Always try on a bra before buying. Buy the most comfortable bra you can find; something you’d willingly wear day and night for several months. A bra with high cotton content, for example, will keep you cool.  

Buy at least two bras initially.  If these bras provide comfort, then you should consider buying the same type on your next trip to the lingerie store.

• Sunzel Women's Cotton Spandex Seamless Sleep Bra for Nursing and Maternity $34.99 
• Women's Maternity Pregnancy Seamless Breastfeeding Bras No Underwire Multi 3 Pack, Large $25.99 
• Caramel Cantina 4 Pack Nursing Maternity Sleep Bra (Medium, Dark Winter) $26.99

Go for the Right Style

Style is also a significant factor to consider when buying a bra.  Opt for soft styling without underwiring, which may press against the tender breast tissue.  The wire may also cause additional discomfort when you’re experiencing acid reflux.  

Avoid plastic-lined bra which can cause soreness, cracking and infections on the skin.  Instead, look for one that has well-finished seams.

As your breasts get heavier, you may need extra support.  Wide, non-stretch straps that don’t cut into your shoulders can help spread the weight; they also prevent sagging.   Three or four hooks also provide better support.  The uplift or sling-type bra raises your breasts upward and inward, holding them securely.  Do not choose bras that may flatten your breasts.

Get the Perfect Nursing Bra

A good nursing bra is something that you can flap on the cup with one hand.  (Remember, you’ll be using the other hand to hold your baby!)  Look for the flap-opening and front-opening types.  These two nursing bra styles give good support during and after breast feeding.

Dealing with Rose Diseases

Some flower gardeners say that roses are delicate to grow.  Whether that is true or not, rest assured that there is a solution to common rose problems.  To make sure that your roses remain healthy, regularly check them for certain diseases.  Here are some tips to help you deal with common rose diseases:

1. Black Spot

What happens: Black circular spots with fringed edges appear on leaves
What to do: These black spots cause the leaves to turn yellow.  To solve this problem, remove the infected leaves and pick up any fallen infected leaves around the rose.  Artificial sprays may be used to prevent or treat black spots on roses.

2. Powdery Mildew

What happens: Stunted or malformed young canes
What to do: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that invades leaves, stems and buds with wind spread white powder.  The fungus makes the leaves curl and turn purple.  To get rid dof this disease, spray with Funginex or Benomyl to treat this fungal disease.

3. Rust

Symptoms: Blistered underside of leaves
What to do: Rust is marked by orange-red blisters on the underside of the leaves.  These blisters turn black in autumn.  The disease can survive the winter and attack young rose plants in the spring.  Before winter arrives, collect and discard blistered leaves.  Spray Benomyl or Funginex every 7-10 days.

4. Deformed or stunted leaves and flowers

These are caused by tiny yellow, red or green spiders residing on the underside of the rose leaves.  These spider mites suck the plant’s juices, making the leaves and flowers grow malformed or remain stunted.

5. Tiny white webs on the underside of leaves

Do you notice the leaves becoming weak and mottled with tiny white webs under them?  This disease is caused by aphids—small, soft-bodied insects that are usually brown, green or red in color.  Aphids are often clustered under leaves and flower buds, and they suck plant juices from young, tender buds.  Get rid of these bugs by spraying Malathion or Diazinon.

6. Thrips

What happens: Some flowers don't open or are deformed when they open
What to do: Thrips is caused by slender, brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings.  They suck the juices from flower buds, making the flowers grow deformed or unable to open properly.  Treat this problem by cutting and discarding the infested flowers.  If you wish to annihilate the bugs, spray the roses with Orthene or Malathion.

Reminder: Always wear protective gloves or outfit when spraying insecticide.

Adding Accent to Your Home Furniture

Do you find your home furniture dull because of their plain colors or design?  You can make the interior of your home more alive by adding accents to your furniture.  Popular furniture accents include art objects or paintings.  However, you do not need to limit yourself when it comes to creativity.  Use some of these unique accents to bring more style and zing to your home:

Decorative Bowls and Plates

Bowls and plates make good decorative elements for the living room.  Place round plates on top of long rectangular tables to create balance.  You can choose to have decorative or souvenir plates, whichever complements the tone of your furniture.  If you have small children, it may be best to display souvenir plates made of tin or aluminum. 

Folded Fabric and Scarves

Do you have odd cuts of fabric stored in your home?  You can stitch them together and turn them into mosaic or quilt-like table runners.  You can also fold them into triangles and drape over couches and chairs. 

Scarves may not seem like a common accent, but they also add beauty and tone to your home.  Use them to wrap a chair’s backrest or to cover a wooden table.  Silk scarves in royal colors go well with dark furniture.  Use light colored cotton scarves for light brown wooden furniture.  If you wish to be more creative, buy plain colored scarves and jazz them up with beads and sequins. 

Mini Pillows

Little pillows are decorative elements that can be added to couches, lazy chairs, sofas and the like.  These pillows can also serve as back support for those who have back problems.  If you suffer from allergies, be sure to use hypoallergenic pillows and pillow cases that are not likely to gather too much dust.

Photo Albums

Photo albums, with their varied covers and design, may be used to decorate any part of the house where visitors usually stay.  Aside from being an accent to furniture, they also serve as “entertainers” to visitors who may need to wait a while. A great type of photo album to use these days is the digital photo album.  It stands like a framed photo on top of a table and can be programmed to do a slideshow of several photos.    

Favorite Collectibles

Do you collect something that can probably serve as décor?  Some people show off their collection by placing them atop shelves and long tables.  You can display whatever you wish be it a collection of pepper mills, matroshka dolls, or M&M dispensers.  The important thing is, you have something that adds life to seemingly plain home furniture.

How to Quickly Clear Your Cat's Stuffy Nose

Did your kitty catch a cold? You can help her breathe more easily with saline nose drops. You can either request prescription from the vet, or prepare the saline drops yourself. Below is a quick guide to preparing saline drops for your cat.

You will need:

• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 cup of room temperature water
• dropper

Here’s how:

1. With the dropper in one hand, tip your cat’s head back with the other.

2. Place a drop or two in each nostril. Keep her head elevated for a minute to give the liquid time to work.

3. Repeat twice a day, or until your cat appears to be breathing more easily.

Why do saline drops work?

The saline drops thin sticky mucus so your cat’s nose can drain more easily.

Don't feel like making your own? Try the HomeoPet Feline Nose Relief.

Choosing Maternity Tops

Every pregnant woman must choose maternity tops that fit her lifestyle or work demands.  The physical changes that occur during pregnancy require utmost consideration.  Here are some tips to help you choose good maternity tops.

Go Light and Loose

During pregnancy, a woman’s body tends to overheat even on a relatively cool temperature. Go for lightweight and loose blouses.  Many maternity shops sell blouses that are cool and comfortable.  Choose a fabric that allows air to come in.  Try not to wear anything dark, skimpy, or too clingy.

* Browse through best-selling maternity tops on Amazon. Deals and discounts available for all sizes! Shop now and save big.

Choose Varied Styles

Maternity tops come in different styles and cuts: trapeze shapes, A-line cuts, and tunic length.  Wearing various maternity tops can make you appreciate your body despite the huge bump.  On cooler days, wear dark blouses with low necklines. (Yes! You can show off some cleavage there.)  On warmer days, choose light colored cotton blouses.

Dress to Impress Yourself

Do you want to appear slender while pregnant? Vests make you look slim and add vertical lines to an outfit.  If you wish to show off your body curves instead, choose empire-waist styles with high waistline.

Wear maternity tops with a collar that will accentuate your collarbones, like a scoop neck, boat, or V-neck.  Pairing these with a blazer will make your neck appear long and lean.

When choosing maternity tops, keep in mind the words “comfort” and “style”.  Doing so will make it easier for you to get the right kind of shirts and blouses during your pregnancy.

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Basic Facts about Handicap Showers

Are you looking for handicap showers to accommodate yourself or someone you care for? Thanks to advancement in technology, handicap products—including handicap showers—are now easy to purchase. When shopping for this type of shower, think about the ones that are used in nursing homes, adult foster care homes, etc.  This may help you find the kind of handicap shower suitable for your home.

How are handicap showers used?

People who have limited movement due to illness or a certain condition may be able to bathe with the help of a handicap shower. An elderly person or a sick patient may lie down on a shower bed rather than sit up or hold on to a railing. This kind of relaxed bathing encourages the person to bathe more often because it significantly reduces stress and effort.   

The handicap showers are especially made for shower chairs and beds, making it easier to put the person in and out of the showers. The showers do not have any bumps; they are just like a bathroom floor that has a drain for the water.

Like all showers, you have to watch for water under your feet. There is a non-slip surface on the floor of the shower so no one should fall. Most times, if you are careful the patient is fine, yet in few cases the patient may slip and fall. In this case, seek medical care immediately.

How does a handicap shower look like?

The primary aim of a handicap shower is to save time when showering.  Therefore, everything you need must be readily at hand. The setup appears like a complete bathroom.  Its showers are large, and it has a soap dispenser which you attach on the wall.  The dispenser can also be used to store shampoo.  The setup is large enough so that the caregiver can stand in the shower without getting wet.

Most handicap showers are built on brick tiles, although some are made of fiberglass.  You can get handheld showerheads to complement your handicap shower.  Choices of seat mounts and grab bars are also available for pre-installed units.  For additional comfort and ease, you may want to combine handicap tubs and shower.

Where to Buy Handicap Showers

Handicap showers can be bought at medical stores or any home and furniture store that offers handicap products.  A good number of selections and styles are also available on the internet.

Care and Maintenance

Maintaining your handicap shower is the same as maintaining any other shower.  Clean the shower with mildew and mold cleaners.  Because showers produce moisture, the important thing is to keep mildew and mold away.  Use long brushes to clean hard spots and above the shower head.