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How to Avoid Early Morning Stress
It's 6:30 a.m. and the "rise and shine" song bellows through the house as the little squeaks and groans respond to the early morning alarm.

It's time to get the little one's ready for school/daycare and make sure they are properly dressed and fed before running out the door. You can either fly by the seat of your pants and hope that everything is taken care of, or you can follow a few simple steps to make your mornings fun and stress-free.

Step1 Get out clothing the night before: For babies, make sure you have all of their diapering items available and ready for use. For toddlers, get out their entire outfit including socks and shoes and stack them neatly in a place where you will dress them first thing. For your older children, encourage them (well...make them) get out their own clothes, shoes, and socks for the next day. This will help teach them responsibility and show them how to plan. It is critical that each sock and each shoe be located the night before because these lost items seem to be the major culprit when it comes to frenzied morning chaos. Keep the television off until all children are fully dressed and ready. Without fail, the TV slows morning activities to a screeching halt, so keep it off until all kids are fully dressed.
Step2 Prepare breakfast the night before: For babies, get the formula and bottles ready for quick early morning preparation and have prepared any bottles that need to go to daycare. Get these prepared bottles into the diaper bag along with other necessary items for the babysitter, and it will all be ready to go with you as you walk out the door. For the older kids, have their breakfast ready the night before the extent that you can. It is wise to get out bowls, spoons and even pour the cereal into the bowls the night before. Once the kids are completely dressed, they can find the milk, and pour it onto their own cereal and you can spend the time enjoying them and talking to them about their upcoming day.
Step3 Homework: Set a rule that all homework must be done immediately after school so that there aren't any last minute efforts at 7:25 a.m. the next day to finish up. Make sure the kids have all necessary paperwork and assignments in their backpacks before bed, and then have the kids put them in a convenient place so they aren't frantically searching for it in the morning.
Step4 Bond: Spend the mornings bonding with your kids as opposed to participating a daily scavenger hunt for necessary items that always seem to evaporate when you are in a hurry. It is well worth it

How to Have More Family Fun on Less Money


Frequently, I ask children what fun things they like to do with their parents. Contrary to what you might think, they don’t list fancy vacations or shopping trips. The majority of answers I’ve received have to do with how it feels hanging out with parents. If parents are in a good and happy mood, the kids can enjoy anything—no matter how small. What children describe as fun and happy are the simple moments when the family is laughing and enjoying each other. Here are simple ways to create more family fun.

Step1 Be assured that your children want to hang out with you. Regardless of how much money you spend, children can have a good time. Don’t freak out because you have less to spend on entertainment or eating out. Kids don’t need stuff to enjoy life. Kids are inventive. They can turn a stick into a wand and a rope into a swing. If parents are smiling and getting a kick out of the kids, the kids will happily improvise. You can learn about enjoying less from watching how kids do it.
Step2 Know that good memories are made in tight times. Yes, we want to give our kids the world, but when you think about what is important, it is the quality of connection between you that matters. If there are any positive outcomes to the financial woes most family are experiencing, it’s that the family will pull together. When you think back to your childhood, what are your favorite memories? Chances are you can’t remember the stuff as much as you remember how it felt to be together. Good feelings are the best gift.
Step3 Hold a family meeting. Give age appropriate information about why you have to tighten the spending. Kids sense when something is wrong, so it’s best to be honest. Be honest, but don’t give so much information that you scare them. Tell them finances are tight for everyone. Tell them that you have to cut down. Reassure them that there are ways to have fun spending less.
Step4 Talk about the entertainment budget weekly. Talk about the budget in terms the kids can understand. For example, maybe you ate fast food once a week and now you have to cut back to once a month. Maybe you have to pack snacks to the ballgame instead of buying at the concession stand. Let the kids know what to expect in advance.
Step5 When the kids ask, “Can I have that?” Instead of flatly saying, “we can’t afford that,” soften the blow with “Let’s figure out how we can save for that.”
Step6 Make the family motto: "Save a little, spend a little."
Step7 Brainstorm activities. A family I know in Seattle keeps an ongoing list of activities that are free or inexpensive. One Saturday they rode the city bus to Greenlake from Ballard. They took their bikes on the bus too. The following week at school, the kids bragged about the adventure so much that the following Saturday two schoolmates begged to come along.
Step8 Discover old-fashioned games. Teach your kids to play marbles, jacks or pick-up sticks. Play kick the can and hide-and-seek. Organize scavenger hunts. Invite friends and neighbors.
Step9 Think outside the shopping mall. Do art projects, have music night, listen to books on tape or read out loud, make gifts. Plan a neighborhood parade. Go to the library. Cook together. Grow a garden. Make a list of your city parks and visit all of them. Go to high school sporting events.
Step10 Emphasize the joy of pulling together. While discussing the budget and ways to cut back spending, be sure to emphasize the joy of pulling together. Say to your children, “We’re a rich family. Maybe poor in money, but we're rich in love

Learning how to swim—– my story
هذه القصة منقولة و أردت بها أن يعلم الجميع أن التعلم ليس له عمر كما أردت تنويع المواضيع لإثراء الزاد اللغوي
For some lucky people, swimming is just a piece of cake—— they learnt how to swim when they were a child without much difficulty. For them, swimming is just as easy as using knives and forks, or chopsticks. However, for a small group of people, to be able to swim is just like to walk to another planet, which is a big challenge in their life. Most of them were afraid of water since they were little children, and dare not have the idea of learning swimming.

Unfortunately I was among the small group of people who are afraid of water since I was 2 years old. My parents still can remember that every time when they wanted to give me a bath, I was always crying as soon as I see the water. Occasionally if I go to swimming pool I will always bring a group of “savers” to be my accompany, and use a float all the time.

With ages increasing, I found it was more and more difficult to find partners who wanted to do the same sport at the same time with me. Every one is so busy! However, I am those sorts of people who can not survive without physical exercise. So, I decided to challenge myself to learn swimming!

I enrolled for a swimming lesson, and bough swimming suit, glasses, hat as my equipment. In the first two lessons, my performance was so poor that I even can not float with a sausage. That feeling was I was a loser, I am a loser, and I am going to be a loser in swimming in my whole life. Of course I can give up, nobody force me to swim. Then I heard a story from my friend—— his mom learned how to swim in her sixties by herself, and she spent 3 years to learn! My goodness, compared with her I am still very young, and I got tutor here. I know I am not very clever but my IQ should be the same with majority of the people because I can manage many other tasks well.

So, I talked my problems with my friend, and asked her to give me some tips. My friend said I probably were not patience enough, because nobody could learn how to swim in one day. Also she suggested me to ask the tutor to point out my weakness, and asked for homework after each lesson. “Do a lot of practice at your own time dear”, she smiled. I followed her suggestions. Later I talked to my swimming tutor, and asked her for homework. Meanwhile, if my academic work is not very busy, I get up at 7am every day, and then go to the pool to practice. Little by little, I am improving.

At the moment I still can’t swim properly, but I believe I will be able to swim in two weeks, if I carry on practicing. In the process of learning swimming, I also found that the reason of my poor spoken English was I was too impatient. Every time when I was trying to express myself in English, I was too anxious to let people know my meaning, so I spoke very fast without thinking properly, and the result was people were confused of me. What a shame! From last week I started to speak slowly, and take my time when I was talking. I found people could understand me better!

Be patient, hard working, right strategies, strong will…. these are what I have learned from my swimming lesson. I believe if I can use them properly, I can get most of the things I want sooner or later

How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Are you looking for new and exciting ways of adding fruit to your diet? Are you hopelessly addicted to all things chocolate? How do chocolate covered strawberries sound? Once you have successfully mastered the art of tempering chocolate, you will need something to do with all of that molten goodness. Tempered chocolate is particularly well suited to dipping and coating all manner of treats, and is the most difficult step in the making of chocolate covered strawberries. These make a great healthy snack, a romantic gift, or the perfect way to end a meal.

Step1 Temper your chocolate and maintain at a warm, but not hot temperature, between 85 and 90 degrees F. A heating pad set to low will help maintain an even heat. Use a high quality gourmet dark chocolate for best results, as the bitterness contrasts nicely in the finished chocolate covered strawberries.
Step2 Dip your fruit into the chocolate, submerging completely to ensure a complete coat. Use a pair of forks to spin it around a bit to ensure total coverage.
Step3 Remove your chocolate covered strawberries with forks and allow the chocolate to drain away for several seconds so the coating is not too thick, unless, of course, you want a thick layer.
Step4 Deposit your treats onto a tray, plate, or sheet pan lined with wax paper. The wax paper is key, as these newly dipped treats will quite happily stick to just about anything you put them on.
Step5 Garnish with a bit of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or any other coating you find appropriate. You could even put melted white chocolate in a squeeze bottle and paint lines across the finished chocolate covered strawberries.
Step6 Move your tray of chocolate covered strawberries to the freezer for about ten minutes so the coating can harden. You can let them cool on the counter, but the coat will run a little bit and they will not be as shiny.
Step7 Remove from freezer and enjoy. If you leave them in the freezer too long, the coating will crack a bit and the fruit will give off moisture when thawed. Only freeze them completely if you have a flash freezer or if they are small enough to eat whole and without thawing.
Step8 Wrap any excess chocolate covered strawberries in foil or plastic and store in a cool, dry place, that is, if there are any left over

How to Relieve Back Pain Cheap
Back Pain can be really limiting. When your back feels tight or achy, it can just sap you of all energy and motivation to get things done. Back pain can keep you from enjoying some of your favorite activities and can also keep you from getting restful sleep. It can make you feel tense and irritable. Many people suffer from chronic back pain due to simple backaches, knots, tension, etc, but who has money to go to a massage therapist or chiropractor all the time? And not everyone has insurance for physical therapy. Here are some cheap ways you can manage and relieve your back pain at home!

Step1 Bath with 1 pound Epsom salt. Once while at the massage therapist thanks to a generous gift card, the massage therapist told me I should come in once a week for a month so she could help me work out problems and eliminate my back pain. I thought this sounded lovely, however, getting weekly massages just did not fit in my budget. The massage therapist then shared a wonderful secret with me to help me manage my back pain cheaply. She recommended taking a warm-hot bath with one pound of Epsom salt once a week to relieve and prevent back and neck tension. A lot of people that use Epsom salt in the bath just sprinkle it in, but she said you need at least a pound of it dissolved into the bathwater for it to really help with back pain.
Step2 Tennis Ball Massage. When you have really tight muscles or knots in your back, a great way to get a deep message for free is to use a tennis ball. Lie on a flat surface, face up (I prefer the bed because it’s softer) and place the tennis ball under your back. I like to start around my waist, placing the ball under the muscle group called erector spinae, which is the long muscle that runs vertically along both sides of your spine. Once the ball is in place, begin taking long, deep breaths, and as you exhale, imagine your muscle relaxing into the ball, allowing the ball to press deeper into your muscle. Take a few of these deep breaths, and then gently slide the ball up an inch and repeat. Repeating this step, slowly work the ball all the way up your back. When you find an area that is particularly tender or feels like a knot, work on that area longer, until it feels more relaxed. Sometimes you can feel a knot release, it feels like a small elastic band snapping. Once you get to your shoulders and neck, you might need to adjust the ball around until you get it in the right spot, and if you need, use the opposite hand of the side you are working on to hold the ball in place and apply the desired amount of pressure. Repeat on the other side of your spine, starting on your lower back and working your way up. This can be incredibly relaxing and I sometimes fall asleep while doing it resulting in 2 great outcomes! I relieve my back pain and I fall asleep easier than normal.
Step3 Heating pad. Another great way to relieve back pain is to use a heating pad. You can make your own heating pad with an old hand towel and rice. Heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes and then apply it to the sore area. This works great for shoulder and neck pain. See resource on how to make your own heating pad. If you are on the go, you could try one of those adhesive heating pads available at the grocery/drug store, but it will cost more.
Step4 Raindrop Therapy. This is one of the most therapeutic ways to relieve back pain and is my favorite, however, it works best if you have someone to do it on you. You can do it to yourself; it’s just a little bit more difficult. This technique involves using essential oils and heat to penetrate into your back and relieve pain. I love this, it is better than getting a massage. The oils heat up and automatically work the hardest in the areas that need it. For full instructions on this technique, see resources for How To Give Yourself Raindrop Therapy.
Step5 When you don’t have time to manage back pain using the above techniques, perhaps you have to go to work or run some errands, then use ibuprofen. Taking 3-4 ibuprofen and 2 acetaminophen can work at relieving some of your back pain just as good as a mild dose of prescription painkillers. Just check with your doctor regarding any health conditions or medications you are taking before self-medicating with over the counter medicines

How to Relieve Back Pain Cheap
Back Pain can be really limiting. When your back feels tight or achy, it can just sap you of all energy and motivation to get things done. Back pain can keep you from enjoying some of your favorite activities and can also keep you from getting restful sleep. It can make you feel tense and irritable. Many people suffer from chronic back pain due to simple backaches, knots, tension, etc, but who has money to go to a massage therapist or chiropractor all the time? And not everyone has insurance for physical therapy. Here are some cheap ways you can manage and relieve your back pain at home!

Step1 Bath with 1 pound Epsom salt. Once while at the massage therapist thanks to a generous gift card, the massage therapist told me I should come in once a week for a month so she could help me work out problems and eliminate my back pain. I thought this sounded lovely, however, getting weekly massages just did not fit in my budget. The massage therapist then shared a wonderful secret with me to help me manage my back pain cheaply. She recommended taking a warm-hot bath with one pound of Epsom salt once a week to relieve and prevent back and neck tension. A lot of people that use Epsom salt in the bath just sprinkle it in, but she said you need at least a pound of it dissolved into the bathwater for it to really help with back pain.
Step2 Tennis Ball Massage. When you have really tight muscles or knots in your back, a great way to get a deep message for free is to use a tennis ball. Lie on a flat surface, face up (I prefer the bed because it’s softer) and place the tennis ball under your back. I like to start around my waist, placing the ball under the muscle group called erector spinae, which is the long muscle that runs vertically along both sides of your spine. Once the ball is in place, begin taking long, deep breaths, and as you exhale, imagine your muscle relaxing into the ball, allowing the ball to press deeper into your muscle. Take a few of these deep breaths, and then gently slide the ball up an inch and repeat. Repeating this step, slowly work the ball all the way up your back. When you find an area that is particularly tender or feels like a knot, work on that area longer, until it feels more relaxed. Sometimes you can feel a knot release, it feels like a small elastic band snapping. Once you get to your shoulders and neck, you might need to adjust the ball around until you get it in the right spot, and if you need, use the opposite hand of the side you are working on to hold the ball in place and apply the desired amount of pressure. Repeat on the other side of your spine, starting on your lower back and working your way up. This can be incredibly relaxing and I sometimes fall asleep while doing it resulting in 2 great outcomes! I relieve my back pain and I fall asleep easier than normal.
Step3 Heating pad. Another great way to relieve back pain is to use a heating pad. You can make your own heating pad with an old hand towel and rice. Heat it in the microwave for 2 minutes and then apply it to the sore area. This works great for shoulder and neck pain. See resource on how to make your own heating pad. If you are on the go, you could try one of those adhesive heating pads available at the grocery/drug store, but it will cost more.
Step4 Raindrop Therapy. This is one of the most therapeutic ways to relieve back pain and is my favorite, however, it works best if you have someone to do it on you. You can do it to yourself; it’s just a little bit more difficult. This technique involves using essential oils and heat to penetrate into your back and relieve pain. I love this, it is better than getting a massage. The oils heat up and automatically work the hardest in the areas that need it. For full instructions on this technique, see resources for How To Give Yourself Raindrop Therapy.
Step5 When you don’t have time to manage back pain using the above techniques, perhaps you have to go to work or run some errands, then use ibuprofen. Taking 3-4 ibuprofen and 2 acetaminophen can work at relieving some of your back pain just as good as a mild dose of prescription painkillers. Just check with your doctor regarding any health conditions or medications you are taking before self-medicating with over the counter medicines

How to Avoid an IRS Audit
Getting audited can become a taxpayer's worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your chances of being selected for this process. The IRS randomly selects tax returns by computer according to a secret--and very complex--formula known as the discriminant function. In this article I will show you some things you can do to steer clear of some of the perceived variables that this formula looks for when ferreting out random returns for audit.

Step1 The first, and most obvious strategy you can employ to avoid an audit is to refrain from taking deductions that you did not incur. The IRS will look suspiciously at substantial deductions on a return that are disproportionate to income. If you made $40,000 last year and list business deductions of $50,000, you had better be prepared to back up your deductions with proof of expenses before an auditor--or at least through the mail.
Step2 Taxpayers who itemize and self-employed taxpayers face a much higher chance of being audited than those who take the standard deduction and earn W-2 income. Carefully document all deductions taken on Schedules A and C and keep copies of all receipts of deductible expenses. If your deductions are substantial (and legitimate), it may be wise to simply include a copy of all receipts with the original return. If the IRS sees these receipts, it may simply accept the deductions with no further questions.
Step3 Of course, if you fear being audited because your tax filing history is sketchy, it may be wise to forego taking deductions that could raise eyebrows at the IRS. You'll have to be the judge of this; a substantial current deduction may be worth the risk of having prior years of tax returns scrutinized. But you need to carefully consider the possible ramifications. Don't forget the time and inconvenience associated with the audit process.
Step4 Going back to Step 1, taxpayers who fail to report all of their income are especially at risk for an audit. Those who fall into this category are often caught, as the payors of many types of unreported income will report who received the income they paid to the IRS. Therefore, think carefully before omitting your taxable income on your 1040

How to Save Money on Floor Care

One of the first things visitors look at when they enter a home is the floor. If you want to project a good impression, your floor should always be clean and well kept. Taking good care of floor surfaces, however, whether stone, wood or carpet, can make a serious dent on the family budget. These tips will help you give a good impression without breaking the bank


Step1Keep the dirt off. Minimize floor care expenses by preventing the onset of dirt and grime. Use floor mats outside and inside every entry door. The outside mat should be textured enough to scrub shoe soles and catch dust and dirt. The inside mat should be long enough to catch at least three regular steps or strides. Floor mats are easier to wash and clean than entire floors.
Step2 Do your own floor care. Why hire a professional when you can do it yourself? If you have carpet and anticipate having to steam clean it once or twice a year, invest in your own steam cleaner. You will have recovered your initial expense on the equipment in less time than if you consistently hired professional carpet cleaners. Carpet cleaning machines are also for rent in most home improvement stores and supermarkets.
Step3 Go green in the kitchen. Forget commercial kitchen floor care products that are not only expensive, but are also composed of harmful chemicals. A damp mop does the same job. Use equal parts water and vinegar to clean and disinfect vinyl floors, water and a little rubbing alcohol to clean ceramic tile floors and water and mild dish detergent to wash stone floors. Finish with a mop dampened with clean water.
Step4 Forget pricey disposable floor mop cloths--recycle old T-shirts and flannel sheets into floor cleaning rags. Reusable and washable cotton mops are also more cost-effective than disposables. Just toss them in the washing machine with the reusable/washable dishtowels.
Step5 Use the right equipment and cleaning products for specialized surfaces like terrazzo, travertine, marble or hardwood. Consult the manufacturer regarding the best equipment and cleaning products to use for the care and maintenance of delicate flooring. Using inappropriate machines, products and techniques can lead to ugly and costly damage.
Step6 Know when it's time to clean the floor. You might think you're saving money by waiting until the floor looks dirty enough--but it's easier and more economical to clean slightly dirty floors than really dirty ones

How to Build a Snowman
Building a snowman provides an entertaining, creative way to get some fresh air on a lazy winter day. You'll need a few inches of snow on the ground; wear gloves or mittens.

Step1Test to see if you have 'packing snow,' which clumps together easily and isn't too wet. The snow must pack to make a snowman.
Step2Shape a handful of snow into a ball. Continue adding more snow and packing the ball until it's too large to hold.
Step3Place the ball on the snow in front of you and slowly roll it away from you. As more snow accumulates on the outside of your ball, pack the snow by pressing on it with your gloved hands.
Step4Roll and pack the ball over and over until it is the size you want for the bottom of the snowman's body.
Step5Repeat for the midsection and head. The bottom should be the biggest ball, and the top should be the smallest.
Step6Pack some extra snow between the layers to make them stick together. Place sticks down the center where the sections meet if your snowman is having trouble standing erect.
Step7Give the snowman a face. Use coal, rocks, buttons or anything dark and round for the eyes. A horizontal stick or twig will make a good mouth, and a carrot is fine for the pointy nose. If you don't have a carrot, a banana or a candy cane will do the job.
Step8Cover the top of his head with an old plant for hair, or give him a knit hat to wear. Top hats will blow away unless secured.
Step9Add arms, legs and other accessories. Push sticks into the sides of the middle section and hang old mittens on the ends, then place boots at the bottom for legs. Also consider adding items such as a shirt, a scarf or sunglasses

How to Harvest Heat in a Home

For most of us, the cost of heating our home during the winter takes a significant piece of our monthly income. Sure, we know we can reduce our heating costs by adding insulation and installing new weather stripping and caulking—but wouldn't it be nice if we could come up with some ways to help heat our home without spending money? Fortunately, we have a number of existing heat sources already in our homes—and by harvesting some of the heat from these unusual places—you can actually lower your total home heating bill. Here are some ways to do it.

Step1 Start in the bathroom. Instead of turning on the exhaust fan when showering, leave it off. After you get out of the shower open the door and allow the steam to escape into the rest of the house. In a minute you'll be able to dry off in the still warm bathroom, but the heat from the hot water will now be in your home instead of up the exhaust vent. As an added bonus, the moisture you've added to your dry indoor air will also help make you feel warmer.
Step2 Follow up adding moisture to the air by simply placing a large pot of water on the stove and letting it simmer. Here again, the heat from the stove combined with the moisture will make your home warmer. This can be in lieu of having to buy a humidifier and leaving it running.
Step3 Run your dishwasher during the early evening (rather than after everyone has gone to bed). Some heat will escape while the dishes are being washed, and if you open the dishwasher door after the dishes have been washed, you'll have another source of heat and moisture.
Step4 Roll old towels or blankets torn into strips into long tubes and place them along the bottoms of windows and doors. They will do the same job as weather stripping and prevent drafts and cold air from getting inside—plus, you'll be finding a second use for those old blankets and towels.
Step5 Keep the warm air inside your home by placing a piece of approximately 2 foot-by-3 foot plywood over the mouth of your fireplace to prevent drafts going up the chimney when you're not having a fire. Adding some foam onto the backside of the board and a coat of paint on the front will make the board more effective and attractive.
Step6 Installing a dryer heat saver into the exhaust pipe will deflect heat from the dryer back into your home. A vent costs less than $20 and should quickly pay for itself. (There is usually a damper in the heat saver you can adjust to allow hot air to pass out of your home in the summer

How to Avoid Procrastination as a Freelance Writer
For those of us who rely on writing as a portion or all of our income, writers block can be a problem. But, a little talked about and equally disturbing problem is procrastination. As freelance writers we know that our income is based not only on quality writing, but how much we get done. You can avoid procrastination or at least procrastinate a little less by setting goals and managing writing time.

Step1 Set goals. Hourly, daily, weekly and monthly goals will help you stay on task and stop procrastinating on your writing. A key to effective goal-making is writing goals down. We're writers right? Keep your goals in a visible place and write down not only what your want to achieve, but what you have achieved.
Step2 Manage your time. Set aside time blocks by day and hourly to make sure you're getting the work done. Setting a schedule and writing it down will not only help you get your writing done, it will help you determine where and when you're procrastinating.
Step3 Don't let being the correspondence King or Queen keep you from your job. We've all been caught up in checking emails, replying to emails and writing new emails, don't let this take over your writing time. Just as you set aside time for writing, set aside time for correspondence. Trust me, you will not have seven years of bad luck if you don't fill out that chain-letter questionnaire and send it to five of your best friends within an hour. But, you will be cutting into valuable freelance writing time.
Step4 Stop the research madness. We research, write and cite sources. That's what freelance writers do. But, if you start a morning researching an article on Queen Elizabeth II and two hours later you find yourself clicking the 'buy it' button on Amazon for a new book on dog grooming corgis, you may have research madness. Just as you set aside time for writing and emails, set aside a block of time for research per article or paper.
Step5 Avoid the hunting for new jobs trap. If you're looking to add to your current freelance writing gigs and you already have a full queue, you may be sabotaging your earnings. Time should be set aside for querying and gig hunting after you have finished current writing jobs. It's always great to hear about a new gig and how someone else is making loads of money off of it. But, if you're spending all your time reading about other people making money and procrastinating on your own writing, you're missing out.
Step6 Treat your freelance writing as the job it is. You're a writer, don't short-change yourself. Let friends and family know that the time you set aside for writing is just as important as if you were going off to a 9 to 5 at the office. Don't let the fact that you're a freelancer at home and have access to a kitchen full of snacks and you're able to eat them in your pajamas stop you from letting others know this is your job and it's important to you. Eating snacks in pajamas while you work does not make you less of a professional. It just means you have more perks

How to Keep Sidewalks Safe in Winter Without Damaging Plants

Icy sidewalks and garden pathways turn everyday, simple tasks like getting the mail or walking the dog into a dangerous proposition. Keeping your sidewalks ice-free is an important way to protect yourself and passersby from injury. It’s also the law in many municipalities. But salt and other deicing compounds can cause harm to plants and local watersheds. Here are some ideas for reducing the usage of deicer while keeping your sidewalks—and plants—safe throughout the winter

Step1 Compacted snow quickly turns to ice, so timely removal of snow from sidewalks is the first step in preventing icy buildup. During a snowstorm, shovel the walks frequently to prevent snow from building up. Frequent shoveling also makes the job easier! A sharp, metal snow shovel is the most effective tool for removing snow that has been walked on or otherwise compacted.
Step2 When the snow stops—and you’ve cleared the walkway—spread a thin layer of sand over the pavement to provide traction. Wear rubber-soled shoes when walking outdoors and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
Step3 If you cannot avoid using a deicer, purchase a product that is more environmentally friendly and safer for plants. Regular rock salt (sodium chloride) is a classic deicing material, but this salt can corrode metal, accumulate in the soil and harm plants. Using a product made with calcium magnesium acetate is a better choice. This salt-free compound doesn’t corrode metals and causes minimal harm to plants. Avoid products made with magnesium chloride, which may contain a cyanide derivative or potassium chloride, which can cause soil and plant damage. If runoff from your property drains into a stream or pond, you can help protect the water quality by avoiding the use of deicer whenever possible.
Step4 Reduce the amount of deicer you use by only applying it when absolutely necessary and using the smallest amount possible. With this in mind, consider investing in a liquid deicing product. Liquid formulas use less deicer and cover a greater area than solid products. They tend to be more expensive, but remember, you will use less of the product with each application. Reduce the amount of deicer you use by only applying it on public walkways that border your property and on sidewalks that you must use to access your home.
Step5 Keep in mind that deicers do not make ice removal unnecessary—rather they are designed to make ice removal easier by preventing the ice from bonding with the pavement. If you must apply a deicer, do so judiciously at the beginning of a storm, before ice has a chance to accumulate on the pavement. This makes ice and snow easier to remove and requires less of the deicing product.
Step6 The best way to protect your plants and the local watershed is to not use deicer. If you do use a deicing product, avoid shoveling snow that contains a deicing compound in it over your plants. In spring, you can help flush deicer out of your soil—and away from your plants' root zones—by thoroughly watering garden areas directly adjacent to sidewalks and driveways where deicer was used.
Step7 If your municipality uses a salt deicer on streets, you can protect your plants from salty spray by erecting a burlap screen in front of them in winter. If plants bordering the street begin to show signs of salt damage--evergreens with browning needles or dead branches on deciduous plants--consider replacing the affected plants with ones that tolerate salt better, such as rugosa roses, mock orange, potentilla and snowber

How to Childproof a Kitchen

Because parents spend so much time in the kitchen, small children will want to be there with them. To keep your little one safe, take the following steps

Step1 Store matches, lighters, sharp utensils and household cleaners in a cabinet accessible only to adults.
Step2 Put child-safety latches on all lower-level cabinets.

Step3 Unplug appliances when not in use and keep cords out of reach of children.
Step4 Never pour hot liquid near a child and never leave hot drinks within reach.
Step5 Use the back burners of the stove and turn pot handles toward the back.
Step6 Purchase safety features that secure free-standing ovens to the wall.
Step7 Watch out for tablecloths - since small children enjoy pulling on the cloth, glasses and plates can fall off.
Step8 Keep stools and chairs away from counters and stoves.
Step9 Be sure to keep alcohol locked away from children.
Step10 Cook meat, eggs, poultry and shellfish thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.
Step11 Always wash your hands with soap after handling meat or poultry.
Step12 Use a child-safety gate, if possible, in the doorway to keep children out of the kitchen completely when you are in another room

How to Sell a Book in Kindle Format

You can now re-purpose your digital documents and sell them in Amazon's Kindle Store--even without an ISBN . Kindle has opened the gateway to writers who want to promote themselves (and make more money) or become publishers themselves by allowing digital uploads for anyone with a free Amazon Digital Text Platform account.

Step1 Become a publisher through Amazon's Digital Publishing Platform. Launch your Internet browser and go to Amazon's Digital Text Platform site. If you don't already have an account, click the "Sign-Up" button. During the sign-up process, you'll be asked to provide a working email address, your physical address as well as bank information. Note that the agreement you sign off on gives Amazon the right to promote your product by "making chapters or portions of your titles available to prospective customers without charge." This means interested buyers can get a free sample of your work.
Step2 Click Sign into the Dashboard and begin publishing your content. From the Dashboard, click the "My Shelf" tab and then "Add New Item."
Step3 Add details about your book. This is the screen where you'll add the name of the book, a keyword-rich description, a book cover graphic and, if this is one in a series, the series volume number. Anything with the red asterisk is a required field.
Step4 Click the "Save: button to continue to the next screen, where you upload and preview your book. To upload, click the "Browse" button and find your book's file on your computer. Once the file is selected, click the "Upload" button. If you look in the right top corner, you'll see the word "DRAFT," which indicates your book is still in the publishing process and not yet live. Click "Save" to continue.
Step5 Set a price, then click "Save." Kindle book prices range anywhere from $0.99 up to $200 or more. The price you set is determined by you. The only requirement Amazon has about pricing is that the price you set must be consistent with the price you set for this book with other retailers. You will receive 35 percent of the suggested retail price of each book sold.
Step6 Click the "Publish" button to move your book from Draft to Live mode. It can take Amazon anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to make your book available in the Kindle store. Be sure to add links to your Kindle book from your website or blog, as well as add links to your e-mail signature

How to Photograph the Horizon in Black and White Photography

One of the most important elements in a photograph is the horizon, the line that divides earth and sky. In black-and-white photography, consider the horizon in terms of proportion and symbolism within the overall composition of your picture.

Step1 View the horizon as it relates to your subject. Ask yourself what you want to communicate about the subject and any secondary subjects. In terms of proportionality, a predominance of sky suggests airiness and spiritual qualities. If, for example, you photograph a church spire, you may want to include more sky than earth.
Step2 Photograph your subject against a predominance of earth to suggest nearness, earthiness or material qualities.
Step3 Reflect on the mood created by the horizon itself. A flat horizon symbolizes monotony or tranquility. A jagged mountainous horizon gives an impression of nervousness or excitement.
Step4 Create tension in a composition with increased proportion between sky and ground. Similarly, decreased proportion suggests serenity. Exactly dividing earth and sky suggests monotony or stasis. Any of these impressions are valid within the context of your creative vision

How to Reuse Old Newspaper

Those of us who still get our news and sports results from a newspaper—usually end up with a mess to store until recycling day. Now, wouldn't it be great if you could actually use those stacks of old newspapers for something else? Well you can. Here are some ideas.

Step1 Use old newspaper to line your kitty litter box or your kitchen garbage can. The paper will help control odors and absorb moisture, so putting out the trash or changing the litter box won't be quite as gross a job.
Step2 Line the vegetable drawers in your fridge. Here again, the newspaper will absorb moisture from any old, forgotten vegetables while helping reduce any smells.
Step3 Prepare a mixture of half vinegar and half water and use crumpled-up newspapers to clean windows, TV screens and computer monitors. Simply crush the newspaper into a ball, soak it in the water/vinegar mixture, then squeeze the excess moisture out, leaving the paper just damp. Clean the windows using a circular motion and finish up with a clean, dry piece of newspaper.
Step4 Keep the floors near your door clean by laying newspaper down near the entrance. The newspaper will soak up and hold moisture from rain or snow-covered boots and protect your floors. You can also use newspaper to help dry out wet boots and shoes by crumpling some of it up and stuffing it inside.
Step5 Save money and make your own seeding pots using newspaper and a straight-sided jar. Use the jar as a mold and wrap the newspaper around the jar, then fold the tails into the base. Now just remove the jar and fill your newspaper seeding pot with soil.
Step6 Stop grass clippings from smelling while you're composting them, or even if you're storing them until they can be picked. Tear a few sheets of newspaper into strips and put them in with the clippings. The newspaper will quickly compost and absorb the awful smell grass clippings give off when they're stored for a while.
Step7 Keep some newspaper in your garage or workshop. If you happen to spill some gas or oil on the floor, newspaper will help absorb the spill and can prevent a permanent stain on concrete or a soft spot in your asphalt drive.
Step8 Use newspaper as a great fire starter. Crumple a few sheets into balls and place them in with piles of kindling. The paper burns fast and hot, giving the kindling a good start. You can even use newspapers in your fireplace to replace logs. Overlap sheets of newspaper by about one third of their length and roll them into a tube. The solid tube of newsprint will burn much like a log in the fireplace

How to Create Your Own Wallpaper Designs


Thousands of types of wallpaper are available on the Internet, but sometimes you just want to create your own wallpaper to be something you created and something that fits your desktop well. Following this guide will help you create perfect high-quality wallpaper every time.


Step1 Determine the size of your desktop by right-clicking on your desktop and selecting the "Properties" button. You can also go to "Start," "Control Panel," and then click on the "Display" button.
Step2 Click on the "Settings" tab and look for the section that says "Screen Resolution." Write this size down, as it will be the size of your wallpaper. Some typical resolutions include 800x600, 1024x768 and 1280x800.
Step3 Open a photo editing program. The best programs to use are advanced photo editors such as Adobe Photoshop, because you can customize the wallpaper easily by using multiple layers. MS Paint will work as well, but you will be limited on options.
Step4 Start a new project with custom canvas settings. Set the canvas to same size as your wallpaper. This will prevent any stretching or distortion when the wallpaper is displayed.
Step5 Create a background for your wallpaper. This background can be a solid color or a gradient tool to make it easier on the eyes and more artistic. Use different filters and other tools to adjust the background or create a design that can be the basis for the background image.
Step6 Import your own pictures, pictures from the Internet or a mixture of the two. Create a collage by slicing and cutting up the images to make different sizes. You can do this with the magnetic lasso, lasso or pen tools in Adobe Photoshop. Use the eraser and selection tool in MS Paint to help trim photos.
Step7 Use a text tool to add any writing to your wallpaper. Use shadows and other text effects to enhance the text and make it easier to read.
Step8 Play around with the wallpaper and perfect it as needed. Save the wallpaper as a JPEG image when it is completed. Save it in a folder such as "My Documents" for easy retrieval.
Step9 Go back to the "Display Settings" and click on the "Desktop" tab. Click the "Browse" button and locate your picture. Select the picture and press "OK." Click "OK" and the new wallpaper should be displayed on your desktop

How to Childproof Stairs
Safety needs to be a priority in homes with children. Follow these steps to prevent a tumble down the stairs.

Step1 Install safety gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates that use tension rods or that screw into stair handrails and open with a latch screw.
Step2 Keep stairs free from clutter: toys, shoes and anything else that could cause a fall.
Step3 Make sure your handrails extend the entire length of the stairway. If not,

Natural Cures for Ear Wax Buildup

Cerumen, more commonly known as earwax, is secreted in the ear canal as a defense mechanism against bugs, infection and water, as well as a being a way to help clean and lubricate the ear canal. Sometimes, the level of earwax becomes so great that it muffles hearing and causes discomfort. Before heading to the otolaryngologist for expensive treatment, try these natural home remedies.


Oil For Your Ears
To remove ear wax from your ears, it is often necessary to soften it first. Known as cerumenolysis, the process requires the use of tools such as readily-available oils found at your local supermarket. The most common is olive oil. You can also use almond, mineral or baby oil. Lie on your side, pull the ear back and up gently and deposit two to three drops of the oil in your ear. Wait 15 minutes before sitting up. Repeat this two to three times a day for five days.
Diet Effects Earwax Buildup
There are a few physicians who suggest a change of diet can help to reduce earwax buildup. Lessen your intake of foods high in bad fats (saturated fats) like dairy products, processed foods, coconut oil and red meat. Meanwhile, increase your good fat intake (poly and monounsaturated fats) by consuming foods like nuts and fish, both high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Though this may be effective, understand that this is the slow route. This method will work over time and will be good for changing the amount of earwax on a consistent basis, as opposed to providing just temporary relief.
Inflammation And Ear Wax
Inflammation is a regular suspect in the buildup of wax in the ear canal. Ingesting something to reduce inflammation would be a good idea. Try a teaspoon of flaxseed oil with every meal or 1000 mg capsules two to three times a day. Alternatively, you could take vitamin C tablets, which also work as an inflammatory. Take 500 mg three times a day or 1500 mg once a day.
Using A Curette
A curette is a small earwax scooper, rounded at the edges and curved like a fingernail, that is attached to a pen-like stem that can be used to dislodge and then scoop out earwax. A curette can also be purchased with a stopper that prevents you from damaging your ear drum by digging in too far.
The Irrigation Method
This remedy is done with the aid of a type of syringe that gently directs a saline solution, warm water or sodium bicarbonate into the ear. The ear is pulled backwards and up and then the syringe is depressed, releasing the fluid into the ear canal. This method is usually done after the earwax has been softened, using the oil remedies listed in Step 1. Be sure your water is about body temperature or you may experience dizziness afterward. A simplified version of the solution can be made at home by mixing three parts warm water and one part vinegar

How to Choose Makeup for Brown Eyes

Looking for makeup that naturally compliments your eye color will help narrow down the options and give you a great, personalized look. For those with stunning brown eyes, finding the right shades and hues isn't as hard as you think. Follow these steps.


Step1 Select an eye shadow that complements your brown eye color. Brown, pink, blue and gold tones look great against the rich brown of your eyes. The cool hues contrast well against warmer eye tones and will brighten the eyes to make them pop. Choose a shade lighter than your eyes for a natural, clean look or a shade darker for a sultry, dramatic feel.
Step2 Choose a dark liner in a shade that best matches your eye shadow. Navy or plum tones work well with the blue and purple shadows. A traditional, black liner will deliver a dramatic effect and really make your brown eyes shine.
Step3 Use black mascara to open and brighten your eyes. Designed to thicken and lengthen lashes, mascara is a must for any eye color, but for brown eyes classic black mascara will highlight the warm, rich hue of your eyes.


Step4 Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to draw attention to your eyes. Choosing neutral shades of lip and cheek color will keep the focus on your eyes and deliver a beautiful, clean look

How to Make Money Selling at Flea Markets


As an antique dealer in the past I used to make a good days income setting up and selling the lower end and the decorative newer items at a local flea market or swap meet.


Step1 first find a local market. We have several large ones, both indoor and outdoor. Get familiar with the type of booths that are in the venue you would like to sell at. Some are geared to new discount merchandise, others are more antiques and second hand yard sale stuff. Both can be profitable if you have a source for the items.
Step2 Weekly event Find out when the flea market runs. Many are every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Some are permanent and every day. A great one in Texas is on the weekend that include the first Monday every month. It dates back to when people came into the county seat to do business on that day and has continued for over 100 years.
Step3 Typically the cost is $10.00 to $20.00 a day. Some are more but often worth it as they charge what they can justify with the traffic they bring in. Find out what you need to do to reserve a space. Sometimes you reserve in advance. For some you have permanent vendor spots and people who are only doing a day or two come and get placed the morning of the event.
Step4 Now what to sell. You can do a day or two just with your own second hand yard sale type stuff. Get your feet wet. This is ideal if you don't have a busy area to sell from home. If you find merchandise wholesale it can be resold. Here are two examples that may help you get going. First a friend went to a carpet seller who was changing distributors. He bought the small rugs from the sample books in the show room for 10 cents each. He bought over 300 for about $30.00. Then he sold them as door mats or boat floor carpet for $2.00 each. He sold out in a day and cleared about $600.00. Another man I know goes to yard sales all summer. He buys kids snow boots very cheaply all summer long. Usually for under a dollar a pair. When fall comes and the first snow hits he sets up and sells them for $3.00 to $5.00 a pair. he usually makes enough in a few weekends selling to fund a small winter vacation.
Step5 If you know a store owner see if you can make a deal to sell the merchandise they are overstocked on or is slow selling. You may be able to take it on consignment and pay him his cost for what sells. I am sure some of the paid ads on the left and bottom of the article are for wholesale flea market merchandise. Some of these will be great places to purchase in bulk. Just don't buy huge quantities until you know you can sell the stuff well. Better to get a variety of items than one huge lot of untested merchandise.
Step6 I normally profit about $200.00 on a Saturday. I have had specialty events like a car show swap meet where I have made several thousand dollars in a day. Go give it a try

How to Achieve Weight Loss While Watching TV

Most people have a steady diet of television. Children and adults average four hours of TV a day. This is such a huge proportion of leisure time that it must be made to do double duty. We need to establish the habit of exercise during TV watching to effect weight loss. Because exercise and weight loss are needed to counter the couch potato weight gain. Read how to do this painlessly below.

Things You’ll Need:
Motivation
Dumbbells
Determination
Step1 Make Preparations for Weight Loss. Get clearance from your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If you have dumbbells get them out and keep them in front of the TV. If you don’t have any, obtain 5, 10 and 20 lb. dumbbells by begging, borrowing or buying them. Read up on dumbbell exercises. See the Resources section for an article on dumbbells and visit the resources that article contains.
Step2 Begin by Warming Up. It’s important to warm up your cardio respiratory system and your muscles for at least five minutes before starting to exercise in earnest. Remember your goal is to improve your health through weight loss and getting fit; don’t risk it by skipping the warm-up step.
Step3 Start Exercising for Weight Loss. The most efficient exercise for weight loss is cardio or aerobic exercise because it burns fat so well. Since you will be watching TV at the same time, the most practical form of exercise for weight loss will be walking in place (or marching) with some side to side stepping to break the monotony. Go at your own pace and this should be slow and steady if you haven’t been exercising for a while. Eventually, walk in place aerobically for 10 to 15 minutes for every hour of TV watching.

You will be exercising aerobically when you reach sighing respiration and have an elevated pulse. If you are gasping for air or getting out of breath you are working too hard; slow down. Do this aerobic exercising for weight loss five or six days a week. Don’t forget to warm up first and cool down for about five minutes with slow walking at the end.
Step4 Add Strength Training Moves. After two or three weeks of initial conditioning you will probably be ready to use the dumbbells. Do the strength training to build muscle and increase metabolism as well as to expend more calories to aid weight loss, and do it after your aerobic work so that you are well warmed up.

Good dumbbell exercises for the lower body are squats, lunges and heel raises. Good upper body dumbbell exercises are bench or chest presses, bent over rows, side and front arm raises, biceps curls and triceps presses or extensions. Do side bends and ab crunches for your core. Learn how to do all these exercises properly! Do strength training on two or three non-consecutive days a week to avoid muscle soreness. Muscles actually get stronger on the rest days.
Step5 Keep Good Records. Record your weight at least once a week at the same time so that you will be able to track your weight loss accurately. Take measurements of yourself if you’d also like to track the inches lost. And keep a daily record of your aerobic and strength training sessions. Reviewing these records often should help you stay motivated.
Step6 Share with Others. Perhaps you can get other members of your family involved with the TV watching weight loss program. Or share this article with friends so that you can keep one another motivated. Happiness,too, loves company!
Step7 Review the articles in the Resources section to refresh your memory on some of the keys to weight loss and exercise.


Dumbbells

How to Proofread an Article


Webster's Dictionary defines proofread as "to read (printers' proofs, copy, etc.) in order to detect and mark errors to be corrected." I would add that while proofreading, the goal should be to improve the quality of the writing as well as to discover the errors.

As writers here on eHow (and even elsewhere), each of us needs to proofread and correct our articles before posting them. A well written article (without mistakes) will entertain/inform your readers without them having to stumble through because of the errors. My goal with this commentary is to provide you with a set of tips that you can use to improve the quality of your articles.

Things You’ll Need:
A second set of eyes
A dictionary
A thesaurus
Step1 Computers can make writing so much easier but you have to be careful that you don't rely only on the computer's spell check and grammar checker. Both of these tools, while handy, can be mistaken. There are times that we spell the word correctly; however, it isn't the right word. So although the first step in proofreading your written work is to use the computer's spelling and grammar checking systems, once that process is complete, you need to re-read your article and check for errors yourself. Correct any that you find. If you don't have a paper dictionary available, visit http://dictionary.reference.com/ (dictionary.com) to double-check any words you are concerned about.
Step2 The next step to proofreading your writing is to make sure you are not using the same words over and over and over again. Although there will be times when you want to repeat the use of a word for effect, you will want to eliminate some of those duplications. Most word processing programs have a thesaurus within them, you can use a paper thesaurus, or you can visit http://thesaurus.reference.com/ (thesaurus.com). When using these services, make sure when you replace a word with another, that the new word means what you want it to mean.
Step3 The next step is an awesome tool to catch spelling and sometimes grammar misuses. Read your writing backwards one word at a time. It will highlight the repetitive usage of certain words. Backwards reading will also show you where you have accidentally left out a word.
Step4 While you are proofreading, in addition to spelling, grammar, and word usage, you will want to ensure you have used proper capitalization throughout the article. Improper capitalization makes the writing difficult and cumbersome to read. If you need resources for capitalization, use a Gregg Reference Manual (I always have one on my desk) or you can visit their website; however, it is a fee service so I recommend buying the paperback copy. I have put the link below for your convenience.
Step5 Lastly, before you actually post your submission, have a trusted friend, family member, or co-worker proofread your writing. Often the second set of eyes catches what you may have missed

How to Reduce Phantom Power




We all want to conserve energy, but because so much of our lives depend on electronic equipment, we can often feel as though conservation is like losing weight—really hard to do!

But, what if you could reduce your electric bill by 10 percent a year just by eliminating "phantom power?" What is phantom power you ask? Phantom power is the current that electrical items continue to draw even when they are not in use. Cell phone chargers, computers, TVs and other electric items all suck electricity even when we're not using them. If you're like most people, you have a schedule that you try to keep to, for instance, how much time you watch TV at night. Here are some easy ways to reduce phantom power from your TV and other items in your home.


How to Reduce Phantom Power From MP3 Players, Cell Phones and Other Small Electronics
Step1 Take an area of your home or office and make it the centralized charging station.
Step2 Plug in a multi-outlet surge protector power strip, the type with the on/off switch.
Step3 Plug all of your small electronics charging cords into this power strip.
Step4 When your equipment is charged or not in use, simply turn the switch on the power strip off. Not only will this help reduce your phantom power, but all of your devices will be located in one spot, so you won't have to hear "Where's my iPod?" quite as often.
How to Reduce Phantom Power From TVs, DVD Players and Home Entertainment Systems
Step1 Plug all of your devices into a multi-outlet surge protector power strip.
Step2 Plug the power strip into a timer that gets plugged into the wall outlet.
Step3 Set the timer to turn the power off around the time of night you usually go to bed. If you don't watch TV in the morning before you go to work, set the timer to turn the power back on right before you get home. This way, all night and all day your equipment won't be drawing unnecessary power.
Step4 Learn how much phantom power a piece of equipment uses before you decide to purchase it. In Resources below there is a link to the Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) standby power data search utility, which enables you to do this

How to Detect Symptoms of Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflamation of the covering of the brain due to a viral, bacteria or fungi infection. It's can be lethal within hours - especially in kids. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms, especially if you have a child, and seek treatment as soon as possible if you suspect infection.

Step1 Know that sudden fever, especially over 100 degrees F, with or without a preceeding illness, is cause for concern. If you or your child is ill with an earache, cold, flu or pneumonia, check for fever twice a day.
Step2 Realize that a severe headache, especially one that's aggravated by shaking the head, is an outstanding symptom of meningitis.
Step3 Evaluate neuromuscular status. A stiff neck, a severe pain in the neck, back pain, seizure or one-sided weakness are all possible symptoms of meningitis.
Step4 Look closely for a rash. Two-thirds of patients with meningitis have one. Spots can be small and red or large and bruise-like.
Step5 Evaluate your eyesight. If you're experiencing photophobia, that is, looking at light causes you pain or prompts you to look away, you may have meningitis.
Step6 Watch for vomiting, another symptom of meningitis.
Step7 Evaluate your level of fatigue. Sometimes malaise and lethargy is a warning symptom of meningitis.
Step8 Check your infant's fontanelle, or soft spot. If it's bulging or tight, call your pediatrician immediately.
Step9 Listen to your child's cry. If it's high-pitched and shrill, this may be a symptom of meningitis

Causes of High Blood Sugar

Diabetes is one of the main causes of high blood sugar when the insulin levels of the patient are not regulated through proper diet or medication. Diabetics learn to recognize the onset of rising sugar levels. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination, blurred vision and fruity-smelling breath. In addition to a diagnosis of diabetes, there are a number of other causes of high blood sugar


Diet
Eating or drinking foods and beverages that contain a large amount of carbohydrates can increase blood sugar levels temporarily.
Exercise
When the body becomes accustomed to certain levels of exercise and activity, it may react with rising blood sugar levels when that activity is interrupted or missed for a number of days in a row.
Stress
Stress affects many body functions, including blood sugar levels. "Good stress," such as going on a trip, is as detrimental to blood sugar levels as negative stress, such as a death in the family.
Illness
Physical trauma can send blood sugar levels soaring. Anything from surgery to a prolonged fever or accidental injury can affect blood sugar levels.
Treatments
Certain medications affect the body through elevated blood sugar reactions. Treatments such as physical therapy and other bodywork may cause blood sugar levels to spike.
Change
The body reacts to all physical changes, often by triggering a spike in blood sugar to prepare the body for a fight or flight response. Initial spikes usually subside, but pay attention to lingering side affects

How to clean a BBQ

Here comes summer! Lets have a Barbecue! But you haven't used your BBQ since last year and it's looking real bad. You can get it looking brand new (or almost) in just a few steps. Let me give you a few steps and some good tips.

Step1 The very first thing you want to do is remove the cooking grates and put them in warm soapy water and let them soak.
Step2 You may have a charcoal grill. If so, remove all the charcoal and brush the inside with warm soapy water. If it's a gas grill you will want to remove the briquettes, lava rocks or metal flame shield to expose the burners.
Step3 All the ash and residue from around the burner has to be removed. You can use a stiff wire brush and some soapy water to scrub the inside surfaces of the grill.
Step4 Then you will want to brush of the briquettes or lava rocks and wash metal flame shield in warm soapy water.
Step5 Go back and take the grates you had soaking in the soapy water out and brush clean with wire brush.
Step6 Spray or use non stick cooking oil to coat the grates before replacing them back in the grill. Let the grill air dry

How to Keep Bathroom Drains Flowing

Bathroom sinks end up getting all kinds of "yucky" stuff going down them. Toothpaste, shaving cream, whiskers, hair and soap scum are just a few of the things that can end up causing a blockage in your bathroom drains, making them drain slowly or not at all. Here’s how you can keep your bathroom drains clear and flowing freely, and if they do happen to get plugged up, how you can get them running again.

Things You’ll Need:
Vinegar
Baking soda
Hot water
Plunger
Drain auger
How to Keep Bathroom Drains Running
Step1 Running plain old hot water down your drain for about 30 seconds once a week will help clear the drain before any blockage can build up.
Step2 Put 1 tbsp. of table salt down the drain, then slowly pour 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar into the drain.
Step3 Let it sit for an hour or so, then run hot water down the drain to clear out the salt.
Step4 Pouring a half-cup of liquid bleach down the drain regularly will help keep it flowing.
How to Open Up a Clogged Bathroom Drain
Step1 Clear a moderately clogged drain (one that drains slowly) by using a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Put about ½ cup of baking soda into the drain, then slowly pour ½ cup of vinegar down the drain. The baking soda is basic and the vinegar is acidic, so the mixture of the two will create a foaming action that will loosen the clog and can be rinsed away.
Step2 Plunging a drain is usually a reliable way to clear drain blockages. In bathroom drains, be sure to block/cover the overflow opening in the sink before you try plunging. Put 2 to 3 inches of water in the sink, then place the plunger directly over the drain and plunge rapidly up and down several times. When you take away the plunger, the water should drain away. If it doesn’t, try again.
Step3 Drain Auger. (Note the If your drain is still blocked after plunging, your next option is to use a drain auger. This is long thin piece of coiled metal with a small metal “hook” at the end. Feed the auger down through the sink drain, turning it as you push it through the drainpipe. The metal auger is stiff enough to either push through a blockage in the pipe by opening it up, or with the hook at the end, grab onto whatever is causing the blockage, so that you can pull it out of the drain.
Step4 Run hot water down the drain once you have opened the blockage to rinse away anything that may be sticking to the sides of the drainpipes

How to Decrease Your Carbon Footprint


The terms "carbon footprint", "go green", and others pertaining to becoming more environmentally aware and practicing more sustainable living are more and more prominent these days. More people than ever are looking for ways to go green and decrease their carbon footprint. A person's carbon footprint is the effect that their day to day activities have on the environment. A smaller carbon footprint means that your activities have a less negative impact on the environment. Some activities contribute more to your carbon footprint than others. The steps in this article will show you a few ways in which you can decrease your carbon footprint.
Step1 To start to go green and reduce your carbon footprint, remember to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. These three words are applicable to a wide variety of things and situations.
Step2 Change all of your standard incandescent light bulbs in your home to compact fluorescent bulbs. Also, set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and a few degrees lower in the winter.
Step3 Unplug gadgets and appliances when you're not using them. All these appliances continue to draw electricity even when they are switched to the off position. You can also find out if your power supplier offers green energy credits or a way to purchase your electricity through a green or clean energy supplier.
Step4 Another big thing to reduce your carbon footprint and go green is to drive your car less or carpool. Try to walk, bike, and use public transportation more often and when feasible.
Step5 When copying and printing at work, always copy and print on both sides of the paper. Use two-sided copying and printing option. This will cut down on wasted paper, and will decrease the amount of new paper that needs to be purchased. Don't print things out unless absolutely necessary. Backup files on your computer using multiple electronic methods and locations. Don't print out every email you receive. If you still have old one-sided sheets of paper around, use them for printing, copying, or as a notepad for taking notes. And always recycle paper rather than throwing it in the trash.
Step6 Try eating smaller portions at mealtimes and eating less meat each week. If you're a coffee drinker and like stopping through a drive-thru coffee shop each day, then try brewing your own coffee at home and bringing it with you in a reusable thermos. Also, don't use disposable cups, plates, or utensils in your kitchen.
Step7 A major decision to go green and reduce your carbon footprint is to stop buying and drinking bottled water. Drink tap water instead. Bottled water is very wasteful on many different levels. In fact, bottled water can cost up to 10,000 times more per unit than the same amount of tap water. Bottled water is also an industry with a huge carbon footprint left by the entire process, from the manufacturing of the bottles, to the shipping of the bottled water, to the waste produced by disposed bottles. In most developed countries, tap water is cheap, safe, clean, adheres to higher standards, and tastes just fine. If you don't like the taste of your tap water, then install a filter or purchase a pitcher with a filter for tap water. Both options will quickly be much cheaper than buying bottled water, and there are many filters and devices available on the market. When you would would normally take bottled water with you somewhere, bring a reusable container of tap water instead

How to Get Rock Hard Abs




As a trainer in Los Angeles, one of the most asked questions is: "How do I get washboard abs…a six pack?" Well, the answer to that question is that you don’t get a six pack—you already have it! We all do!


The reason you do not see them is because they are covered in a layer of body fat. Water retention also plays a role—and getting rid of the water is quite simple.


In my other article: “How to Lose Five Pounds in Five Days“ I mentioned a prescribed amount of water intake specific to your body weight. The more you weigh, the more you have to drink.
The reason for the water intake is twofold: 1) to make you feel full so you do not eat as much 2) and more importantly, to trick your body into not only flushing out the extra water you drink, but also any other excess water that you've been carrying around.


Getting rid of the body fat is a little more involved. It requires discipline and hard work.
Here are the steps you’ll need in order to get rid of excess body fat and get rock-hard abs.


Also note: advice is often offered by people who mean well, but have not followed their own advice. This is not the case here. Everything I write comes from my own personal experiences.
The above photo is of me with the six pack I now have at age 42 that I did not have when I was 20. I got there with the information I'm giving you. It wasn't easy—but if I've been able do it—chances are SO CAN YOU!


Have fun and good luck!

Things You’ll Need:
Dedication
Will Power
Discipline
Desire
Focus

Step1 Lose a pound of body fat every week until you get your desired results. Unfortunately, you cannot spot reduce body fat. In order to see your abs you must rid yourself of total body fat. For every pound of fat you wish to get rid of, you have to burn an extra 3,500 calories more than you eat. So start off slow and burn 500 calories more a day than you consume—at the end of seven days you will have lost .1 .lb. of unwanted fat
Step2 Cardio, Cardio, Cardio


Do at least 1 hour of aerobic exercise per day at your optimal fat burning zone on an empty stomach if possible. The optimal zone has to do with heart rate during exercise and is the best way to get rid of stored body fat. To figure this out use this formula: based on how fit you are, train at 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate (220 - your age). Keeping your heart at a steady constant rate like this forces your body to draw energy from two sources: glycogen (converted and stored carbohydrates) and stored body fat.
If you are somehow able to do this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, you will have a greater chance of just drawing energy from fat stores. This is because after 8 to 12 hours without food, your glycogen stores will be depleted.
Step3 Reduce or eliminate your complex carbohydrate (rice, breads, pasta) consumption towards the end of the day. Have those more with breakfast and lunch. Also do your best to avoid simple carbohydrates (fructose) especially towards the end of the day.
Step4 Really do your best to have your last meal at least 3 hours before going to bed.
Step5 Train your abs hard! While you won't see them until the body fat percentage has dropped to the required level, your abs will be stronger and appear more defined once it has.
Step6 Weight train to build more lean muscle. More muscle means a faster metabolism.
Step7 Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

How to Reduce Your Chances of a Heart Attack

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol and other substances build up in the artery walls to form plaque. When plaque builds up enough to close off the artery, and therefore the blood supply to the heart, a heart attack results.


Things You’ll Need:
Food/exercise Journals
Stress Relief Products
Black Teas
Green Tea
Blood Pressure Monitors
Heart Rate Monitors
Scales

Step1 Check your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. High blood pressure or cholesterol can put you at greater risk for heart disease.
Step2 Watch your diet and weight to keep cholesterol and blood pressure levels down. Avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Step3 Stop smoking. Smoking speeds up the development of atherosclerosis by damaging the artery walls, which allows cholesterol deposits to develop.
Step4 Exercise regularly to help prevent a heart attack and increase your chances of surviving one.
Step5 Reduce stress.
Step6 Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption.
Step7 Evaluate whether other conditions put you at higher risk for heart disease. Hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceride levels, low-density lipoproteins and diabetes may add to your risk of a heart attack

How to Lower Your Cholesterol

Cholesterol is produced by your body and is also present in foods of animal origin. While we could not survive without cholesterol, levels that are too high may contribute to heart disease.


Things You’ll Need:

Food/exercise Journals
Low-fat Cookbooks
Canola Oil
Fruits
Low-fat Food
Olive (not Virgin) Oil
Vegetables
Cooking Spray
Health Club Memberships
Fruits
Vegetables
Step1 Keep a food diary. Write down what you eat every day for a week. This is an easy method of evaluating what types of foods you are eating and if they are high in fat and cholesterol.
Step2 Reduce your intake of foods high is saturated fat, which will raise your blood cholesterol higher than anything else you eat. Saturated fat is found primarily in foods from animals, such as fatty red meat, poultry skin, whole milk, butter and lard. Plant sources of saturated fat include coconut oil and palm oil.
Step3 Cut down on your overall intake of fat. That will reduce your saturated fat intake.
Step4 Set a goal of having fat make up 30 percent or less of the total day's calories. No more than 8-10 percent should be from saturated fat.
Step5 Replace saturated fat, such as butter and lard, with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil and canola oil.
Step6 Choose foods that are naturally low in fat, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Step7 Reduce or eliminate your intake of fast foods. Many of them tend to be very high in fat, especially those that are fried and breaded.
Step8 Eat less dietary cholesterol. Only animal foods contain dietary cholesterol, so reduce or eliminate animal products. Avoid consuming more than 300mg of cholesterol per day.
Step9 Experiment with new ways of eating. Check out different ethnic cuisines, such as Thai and other Asian cuisines, in which the traditional diet is low in fat. Order pizza with low fat mozzarella, minus the pepperoni but topped with fresh veggies.
Step10 Buy a vegan/vegetarian cookbook and try having at least two or three meatless dinners a week.
Step11 Exercise. Find a sport you like, join a gym, do whatever it takes to get your body moving. Exercise can help lower your blood cholesterol; it can also help with weight loss and keep your heart healthy

How to Eat to Lower Blood Pressure

We used to think simply eating less salt was the best dietary approach to control blood pressure. Now we know there is a lot more to it. Changing to a plant-based diet can significantly lower blood pressure in just two weeks.


Things You’ll Need:
Blood Pressure Monitors

Step1 Choose seven to eight servings of grains a day. Use whole-grain products most of the time - they have more fiber, vitamins and minerals than refined grains. Try whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole grain crackers, oatmeal and other whole-grain cereals.
Step2 Enjoy four to five servings of fruit per day. Oranges, bananas and other fruits are great sources of magnesium, potassium and fiber.
Step3 Increase your vegetable intake to four to five servings a day. Veggies like broccoli and sweet potatoes are also rich in magnesium, potassium and fiber.
Step4 Choose two to three servings a day of low-fat or non-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
Step5 Eat nuts, legumes (beans), and seeds four to five times a week. These are excellent sources of protein, as well as many minerals.
Step6 Cut your meat, poultry and fish consumption down to two 3-ounce servings per day. This cuts down on saturated fat.
Step7 Limit high-fat sweets, fats and oils and sodium

How to Recognize Signs of a Heart Attack

These guidelines are based on the recommendations of the American Heart Association.

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Step1 Note any crushing pain, pressure or squeezing in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes.
Step2 Be alert to pain that spreads to the jaw, neck, shoulder or arms (often the left arm).
Step3 Note any nausea, sweating, dizziness, or shortness of breath in combination with chest pain.
Step4 Look for any combination of the symptoms listed above.
Step5 Keep track of one or more of the above warning signs subsiding, and then returning

How to Make a Japanese Hanging Lamp

Why pay a hefty sum for a Japanese-style lantern when you can make one by recycling décor items? Most Oriental lamps are handmade, which gives the lighting fixture its unique character. Here are the steps for making an Oriental hanging lamp using leftover Venetian blind slats and bamboo sticks.

ArticleThings You’ll Need:
Venetian blind slats
Bamboo sticks
Interlining or cheesecloth
Hot glue or construction adhesive
White glue
Knife
Scissors
Handsaw
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto...rials_Full.jpg
Step1 Look for materials. Look around the house for materials you can use for the walls of the lantern, like leftover Venetian blind slats (the ones you remove when you size the blinds to fit your window) that are made of natural materials like bamboo, cane or reeds. Unwanted or discarded Roman shades are also excellent material for handmade Oriental lanterns. The criteria to consider is the material must be natural (for the Japanese look) and somewhat see-through to allow a hint of illumination.
Step2 Recycle decorative bamboo sticks to serve as the lantern's frame. Wooden dowels, pieces from broken furniture or even bamboo chopsticks can be recycled into lantern frames.
Step3 Make a design sketch of your lamp. Taking into consideration what materials you were able to gather, draw a design of your lamp. This will help you work out the dimensions of the lamp and the measurements of the materials you will use.
Step4 Cut a piece of interlining or cheesecloth to serve as the backing of the walls of the lamp. This backing has two purposes: to hold the pieces you have chosen as your lamp's walls and to diffuse the light from the light bulb inside the lamp.

Step5 Attach walls. Attach the walls to the interlining using white glue. After the white glue dries, attach the walls to the bamboo frames using hot glue or construction adhesive.

Step6 Attach a cross brace. Attach an x-brace to the corners of the frame. This will help stabilize the lamp and become the anchor point for hanging.

Step7 Add trim. Add decorative trim like split bamboo pieces.

Step8 Make two lamps. Make another one, so you'll have a pair of hanging lamps

How to Avoid Junk Food at Work


We all fall victim to eating junk food at work; virtually no one is immune. In my clinical practice as a nurse practitioner, my office is constantly being bombarded with cookies, cakes and candy every day of the week. I imagine yours is too. So if you want to get off the junk food merry-go-round and improve your health--I have a few suggestions that may be helpful.


Things You’ll Need:
Junk food notebook
A major sense of humor
Step1 Manage your junk food intake or let it ruin your health. The choice is really yours! Totally avoiding eating any junk food is only for those of us with Superman-like strength and willpower. Sadly, if we totally abstain we may end up overeating and consuming way more junk food then we would have had in the first place. So at the beginning of the day, allocate a predetermined amount of junk food you will allow yourself. (Some days you may not feel like having any and cheer yourself on!).
Step2 Do not make a big deal or announce your plan to avoid/limit junk food. You will be setting yourself up for peer pressure, office jokes and endless monitoring by your coworkers of what you eat. You are doing this for YOU.
Step3 Look at your body in the mirror totally naked (I know this is hard for some of us, but is really essential). First list what you LIKE about your body and then what you feel needs improvement. Don't be shy--this list is for your eyes only. Write down the truth.
Step4 There are plenty of eHow articles on nutrition, building muscle and working out. Read them if you need to refresh your knowledge base. Determine what your goals and nutrition needs are and fit in a "junk food allowance." Remember, just because you give yourself permission to have some junk food, there are simply going to be days you will not want or crave any. Rejoice privately!
Step5 Keep a stash of healthy snacks in your office. Before you go get that cup of coffee or take a bathroom break, eat some raisins or other healthy snacks before finding the junk food glaring up at you.
Step6 Write down your junk food intake each day and the reason why you felt compelled to eat it. Sometimes it is as simple as the person who brought the cake is an excellent baker and you knew it would be wonderful! Other times, and most often, it will be stress, boredom or peer pressure. Now you have to figure out how to handle these differently.
Step7 Most importantly: don't beat yourself up if you had a bad day and ate a lot more junk food then you anticipated. It is "progress, not perfection" that should be your goal

How to Understand the Causes of the American Revolutions

As nations have discovered throughout history, it is difficult enough to maintain control of a colony that is relatively nearby—much less one that is thousands of miles away. In the period leading up to the American Revolution, Great Britain discovered just how hard it was to impose its will on the citizens of a distant continent. Here are the issues that led to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775.


Step1 Tensions escalated during the French and Indian War. This conflict in the New World, an offshoot of the Seven Years War in continental Europe, resulted in the expansion of British colonial holdings in North America (mostly in Canada and Florida, parts of which had been under French control). To pay for this war, which ended in 1763, England had no choice but to tax its American colonies.
Step2 Some colonists opposed “Taxation Without Representation.” After the end of the French and Indian War, Britain continued to levy taxes on the colonies (though these taxes weren’t nearly as punitive as you may have been taught in school). Americans opposed these taxes more on political than on economic grounds, since the colonies had no representation in the British Parliament.
Step3 England attempted to reorganize the colonial system. Following its defeat of France, England proposed to allow its new colonies—including Quebec and Florida—to enjoy rights (such as full English citizenship and court appeal) that had been denied to the American colonists. Americans were also technically barred from expanding beyond the Appalachian Mountains, but this law was pretty much ignored.
Step4 Americans increasingly embraced the concept of “Republicanism.” Many of America’s founding fathers had read the works of John Locke, the 17th-century English philosopher who expounded on the “Social Contract”—that is, the right of a subject people to rebel if they were governed (or exploited) without their consent. This tied in naturally with increasingly negative feelings about the British government.
Step5 The “Intolerable Acts” were the last straw. In the early-to-mid 1770s, Parliament passed a series of acts that increasingly aggravated an already tense colonial population. One act shut down the port of Boston after the Boston Tea Party. Another required Boston residents to quarter British soldiers; and yet another allowed British soldiers who broke the law to be tried in England rather than the colonies. Popular resistance to these acts led directly to the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the start of the American Revolution

How to Reduce Excess Gas

Although it can be annoying and embarrassing, excess gas usually doesn't indicate a serious medical condition.

Things You’ll Need:
Japanese Kombu
Activated Charcoal
Lactose Supplement
Step1 Slow down when you eat. The more slowly you eat, the less air you will swallow along with your food.
Step2 Watch your intake of gas-producing foods such as beans, cabbage, onions, brussels sprouts, wheat and wheat bran.
Step3 Keep a list of your food intake and note when you have gas. If you notice that gas and certain foods seem to go together, cut down on or eliminate those foods from your diet.
Step4 Find out if you are lactose intolerant. If you are, milk and dairy products can cause gas as well as general stomach discomfort.
Step5 Take supplements to aid in lactose digestion if you are lactose intolerant but want to eat dairy products.
Step6 Introduce high-fiber foods into your diet gradually. A sudden change from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet can cause excess gas.
Step7 Reduce your consumption of high-fat foods.
Step8 Avoid or cut down on the use of sugar substitutes. People can't absorb them, which can cause gas.
Step9 Talk to your pharmacist about using Beano food enzyme, an over-the-counter product that breaks down the sugars in beans that cause gas.
Step10 Add Japanese kombu, a sea vegetable, to the water when you cook beans to make them more digestible and neutralize their gas-producing effect. Some cooks also use the Mexican herb epazote for this purpose

How to Clean a Refrigerator

That joke about the moldy produce being a science experiment has gotten pretty stale. It's time to clean out the fridge and freshen things up. Here's how to do this weekly chore right.

Things You’ll Need:
Mild Dish Soap
Dishcloths Or Kitchen Sponges
Vinegar Or Baking Soda
Step1 Turn the temperature-control knob inside the refrigerator to 'Off.' If you have a refrigerator with a drip pan underneath, remove it to clean.
Step2

Take everything out of the refrigerator.
Step3 Throw away any food that is moldy, outdated or otherwise spoiled.
Step4

Take all removable parts out of the refrigerator, including shelves, wire racks and drawers.
Step5 Fill the sink with warm, soapy water (use a mild dish soap).
Step6 Wipe any food matter out of the drawers.
Step7 Hand-wash the shelves, wire racks and drawers, then rinse them in warm water.
Step8 Let the shelves, wire racks and drawers drain in a dish rack, on paper towels or on newspapers.
Step9 Remove any food matter from the bottom of the refrigerator.
Step10

Wash the inside of the refrigerator using a sponge or dishcloth and the warm, soapy water. Remember the compartments and door racks.
Step11 Rinse the inside of the refrigerator with a sponge or dishcloth and clean warm water.
Step12 For odor control, use a solution of 2 tbsp. baking soda to 1 quart warm water to wash the inside of the refrigerator. A solution of 1 cup of vinegar and 1 gallon warm water is also effective; apply and rinse. A box of baking soda placed in the refrigerator will also cut down on odors.
Step13 Replace all shelves, wire racks and drawers.
Step14

Wash the outside of the refrigerator and the gasket (rubber molding around the door) with warm, soapy water; rinse and wipe dry.
Step15 Turn the temperature control knob inside the refrigerator back to the recommended setting.
Step16 Return the food to the refrigerator, first wiping off any bottles or jars that are sticky

How to to Convert a Closet Into an Office



In smaller homes or apartments, having a room that can perform multiple tasks provides added functionality and is a real bonus. One way to make a guest or spare bedroom perform extra duty is to turn a closet in the extra room into an office or workspace. While finding a closet that isn’t already full can be a challenge--once you’ve got your closet picked out--it’s relatively easy to turn it into an office. Here’s how.

Things You’ll Need:
Screwdriver
Wrecking bar or crow bar
Sander
100-grit sandpaper
Spackle
Putty knife
Drop cloths
Latex paint (in a light color)
Paint roller
Power saw
Tape measure
Bevel gauge
Stud finder
Level
Sheet of plywood
(3) 1-by-2 inch cleats
Quarter round
How to Prepare the Closet to be an Office
Step1 Clear out your closet. Start with the doors and remove them along with the hinges or tracks and any hanging bars or shelving that’s built in. You can use your screwdriver to remove screws, but you may need to use a wrecking bar or crowbar to get shelves out.
Step2 Once you’ve totally cleared out the closet, use your putty knife and spackle to fill in and repair the holes left behind, then wait for it to dry.
Step3 Smooth the newly repaired wall of the closet using your sander and 100-grit sandpaper, then vacuum or clean up the sanding dust.
Step4 Protect the area around your new office with drop cloths and apply a coat of your chosen paint color to the walls in the office. This is also a good time to apply a coat of paint to the sheet of plywood, the quarter round and the cleats, so you won’t need to paint them once they’re in place.
How to Transform a Closet Into an Office
Step1 Once the paint has dried, use your tape measure and measure the depth of your closet on both sides, as well as the width across the back. It’s unlikely your closet will be square at the back corners, so use a bevel gauge to get the proper angles for the back corners.
Step2 Layout the measurements for your desktop on the sheet of plywood and cut it out. (If you want to have a hole in the back corner to accommodate power cords and cables, now is the time to drill a hole for them using your power drill and spade bit.)
Step3 Measure up 29 to 30 inches from the floor on all three walls and mark the height. Now use your stud finder to find studs in the wall and mark their locations. Use your level to ensure the lines are even and make any minor adjustments required.
Step4 Install your 1-by-2 inch cleats, 5/8 inches below where you want your desktop to sit, using screws to fasten them into the studs.
Step5 Lay your cut-to-fit desktop on top of the cleats and fasten it in place with screws down into the cleats.
Step6 Finish off your desk top by installing the quarter round trim around the edges of the desktop using brads or small nails, then fill in the holes with spackle to cover up any gaps and give your new office desk a nice finished appearance

How to Give Up Smoking

No more hacking coughs. No more shelling out money to "Big Tobacco" day after day. No more shortness of breath and no more social alienation. It's time to quit smoking, for good.

Consider Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments tend to be the most effective, because they do the most to alleviate the physical addiction to nicotine. Natural treatments tend to alleviate only the psychological addiction, which is powerful but less disabling and painful. You should always discuss chemical treatments with your doctor before you use them to quit smoking, as they can all have side effects on certain users. Read up on products, and if one appeals to you and it's approved by your doctor, try it.

Zyban is the marketing name for the antidepressant drug bupropion hydrochloride. These are basically "happy pills" intended to lessen or eliminate the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. To use Zyban, start taking the pills a week or two before you quit smoking so they start working. Zyban is only available by prescription and it should not be used with any other antidepressant drugs. You must be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are using when you ask him to prescribe Zyban for you.

Nicotine patches are small, self-adhesive patches for your skin so nicotine can enter your bloodstream at a steady rate all day. When you smoke or use other nicotine-replacement therapies, you get a "spike" of high nicotine level in your blood, which then lowers until you feel the need to take another dose and top up your nicotine levels. The patch just keeps you at a steady level all the time, and gets you accustomed to that without expecting to have occasional high levels. Patches come in different strengths. Progress from the strongest one to the weakest available, and eventually cease to use them altogether.

The advantages of nicotine patches are that they provide you with a steady supply of nicotine so you don't have to think about it. They work in any situation (although you can't wear them in swimming pools or while bathing). The disadvantages of nicotine patches are that they are relatively expensive. They can also irritate the skin on which they are placed or cause you to have weird dreams and not sleep very well if you wear them after you go to bed. If you don't wear them after you go to bed, it can be a bit rough in the morning before you get a patch on and it starts working. Though they provide a strong deterrent to smoking, if you smoke while you are wearing one or for hours after taking one off, you could suffer a nicotine overdose.

Nicotine gum helps you quit by providing you with a source of nicotine apart from smoking. It comes in different strengths (usually 4 mg or 2 mg of nicotine per piece), and you choose one based on how much you smoke. Nicotine gum, like any nicotine-replacement therapy, allows you to deal with the physical component of addiction over a longer period of time with less drastic withdrawal symptoms. As long as you don't exceed the amount suggested by the directions, you take it when you need it so you can cut down on your nicotine as quickly or as slowly as you want. It is also relatively inexpensive and it provides some oral gratification of its own to replace the cigarettes. However, you can't chew it while drinking soda or alcoholic beverages. It can also make you feel sick if you chew it too fast and it takes a long time for it to work. So if you wait too long between pieces, you can become extremely irritable while waiting for the piece you're chewing to affect you.

Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays work according to the same principle as the gum, but are different in design. Nicotine inhalers are shaped like little cigarettes. When you suck on them, they release a mist of nicotine into your lungs. The nasal spray is like the product you use for nasal congestion, only when you pump it into your nostril it sprays nicotine in your nasal cavity. These work much more quickly than gum and can be used in any situation and whenever they are needed. Since the inhaler is very much like a cigarette, it makes a good replacement. The sprays and inhalers can have many side effects, however, like burning of the nasal tissues or throat, stomach ache and nausea. They are more also expensive than the gum.


Conside Natural Techniques
"Cutting down" is of questionable usefulness, as it is usually just a way of putting off quitting for real. However, some people do use it systematically as a way of preparing themselves to quit by some other method. It's just difficult to do so without some kind of plan and the resolve to stick to it.

An electronic device marketed under the name "Life Sign" provides just such a plan and helps you to follow it. It is like a pager that you carry around with you at all times. For the first week or so, you just carry the device and smoke normally, pressing a button to inform it whenever you smoke. Then it gets used to your smoking habits and, when you want to start cutting down, begins to tell you when to smoke by beeping at you. It gradually cuts down the amount you smoke. It is also purported to break the psychological addiction by removing your usual cues for smoking and replacing them entirely with beeping. It is simple conditioning based on the idea that when the thing stops beeping, you won't feel as inclined to smoke.

Quitting "cold turkey" is extremely difficult, especially for the seasoned smoker. But for some people it is possible. The following tips should help defeat the nicotine addiction:

Smoke until your last day of work or school and begin quitting on the weekend (or whatever days you have off).
Indulge in other things you like, to the point of foolishness if you feel like it, during the first few days.
Avoid any place where people will be smoking.
Have something to do with your hands and your mouth. If you like chewing gum, chew it; if you like ripping apart action figures, do so.
Remember that you're one cigarette away from failure.

Unreliable Methods
Acupuncture and Laser Therapy: The idea is that these methods are supposed to calm you down by targeting special pressure points with either needles or lasers, so you don't feel bad about not smoking. There is no evidence that they provide anything apart from a placebo effect. Dr. Dean Edell, M.D., describes an experiment in which researchers provided two groups of quitting smokers with either real acupuncture therapy, in which they placed needles in the accepted pressure points, or fake acupuncture, in which they placed needles in random places. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of quitting success.

Hypnosis: There is no evidence to suggest that hypnosis has provided anything but a placebo effect in a smoking-cessation program. It might be nice just to have a friendly hypnotist to talk to, and from whom to receive encouragement and support. No medical researchers seem to have taken it seriously enough to study its effects.

Prepare Yourself Emotionally
Whatever method you choose, you need to prepare yourself emotionally to quit.

Make a list of pros and cons that examines how smoking enhances your life and how it detracts from it. A realistic and comprehensive list of pros and cons will almost certainly show you that continuing to smoke is a really bad idea, and that a rational person would want to stop. That's obvious to most people, but if you think you might want to quit, you should reflect on everything that is unpleasant and harmful about smoking until you decide you don't care or you develop a strong desire to quit. If don't have such a desire, you can have quit-smoking aids sticking out of every orifice, nicotine patches stuck all over you and hypnotists following you around everywhere you go, and you will still fail.

Understand that there are two components to nicotine addiction: the psychological component and the physical component. The psychological component is the habits and routine you have built around smoking, and it takes a long time to go away. For some people, it never really goes away, and there will always be times where they will feel a slight nagging like something is missing. The physical component is the body's dependence on nicotine, and this takes much less time to go away, but its effects are painful and difficult to withstand. It takes at least 3 days for the body to rid itself of nicotine and dispense with the physical component, during which time most people feel physically ill, anxious, restless, angry and so tempted to smoke that they have to restrain themselves from lunging at passing smokers.

The initial 5 days of craziness is the general rule for just about any quit-smoking method, but the 5 days are particularly painful if you quit cold turkey. The psychological and physical components of the addiction work on you day and night, and it can be really difficult not to smoke.

Pick the right time to quit. For example, if you are a student and you are about to have final exams, you should probably wait until after you've walked out of your last exam and partied your brains out that night before you settle down and quit. Look at your calendar, think about what stressful events you have coming up, and pick a day that leaves you at least 3 weeks between major crises. You're going to have to deal with crises all your life, and this will not change after you quit smoking. However, it would be best to have a relatively smooth patch of 3 weeks or so to get over the really rough initial quitting period. You must not use this as an excuse to never quit; we're talking major stress-filled events here--like quitting a job, final exams or planning a wedding. If you find yourself "waiting for the right time" more than once, or for more than a couple of weeks, you're stalling.

Pamper yourself. In order to boost your resolve, treat yourself nicely in return for not smoking. Spend the money you would otherwise spend on cigarettes on something that you've always wanted. Take yourself out to nice restaurants that don't allow smoking. Feel better about yourself, because you've taken steps to improve your health.

It's also a good idea to begin exercising, because if you have a good exercise program going, it makes you feel a lot better about yourself. If you're getting up at 7 a.m. to go to aerobics before you go to work, you're going to feel ridiculous counteracting your hard work by smoking later on in the day

How to Quit Smoking



You've probably heard all the reasons 'why' - now check out the 'hows' of quitting, based on the recommendations of the American Cancer Society.

Things You’ll Need:
Candies
Carrot Sticks
Chewing Gum
Water
Smoking Cessation Aids
Drinking Straws
Water
Step1 Ask yourself why you want to stop smoking.
Step2 Write your answers on a piece of paper and carry it with you.
Step3 Use it to remind yourself of why you want to stop, whenever you feel like smoking.
Step4 Fill out a "stop smoking contract" and have a family member or friend sign it. Throw away all your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
Step5 Change your schedule to avoid circumstances in which you usually smoke. Walk around the block or chew gum when you would normally be smoking.
Step6 Put up "no smoking" signs in your house and work area, and even in your car.
Step7 Prepare yourself to feel the urge to start smoking again. The American Cancer Society suggests four ways to deal with the urge to smoke: delaying, deep breathing, drinking water and doing something else.
Step8 Carry around "mouth toys" such as candy, gum, straws and carrot sticks.
Step9 List the good things that have happened since you stopped, and keep the list with you wherever you go as an inspiration.
Step10 Reward yourself for quitting; you could take the money you might have spent on cigarettes and buy yourself something nice

How to Buy Cell Phones

What makes cell phones different from land-based lines is that they transmit by radio waves, and therefore rely on antennae scattered around the country to receive the signal. A cellular phone is a convenient way to stay in touch with family and friends, and you'll need to select the right phone and service plan based on your individual needs.


Choose from the Three Main Types of Phones
The three types of phones are:

Analog phones. Analog is the original cell-phone type. The phones themselves are a bit less expensive than the alternatives. On the negative side, the sound quality is not the sharpest, and the minute rates tend to be higher than the alternative. Digital or PCS phones are much more versatile and offer several advantages over the analog phone.

Digital phones. These have better signals and cheaper call rates. Batteries tend to last longer as well (because the phones require less power). The problem is that coverage tends to cut out (or be patchy) once you are not in a specific populated area. If you are planning to use your cell phone while traveling cross-country, digital phones may give you a problem for this reason.

PCS phones. PCS stands for Personal Communications Service. For all practical purposes, it is effectively the same as digital.

Additional features to consider:

Dual mode phones. These phones can automatically switch between digital and analog. When you are in range of digital antennae, they go with that, and as you move out, they automatically utilize the analog lines.

Battery life. When you choose a phone, you should consider how long it can last on standby (turned on, but not in use), and how much talk time you have before recharging.

Weight. The lighter it is, the easier it is to carry around.

Size and color. Portability and the overall appearance of the phone may be important to you.

Decide How Much You Will Use the Phone
Unlike "regular" phone plans, in which you just get billed for how many minutes you use, cell-phone agreements generally require you to determine in advance how much you will use your phone.

Prepaid accounts allow you to pay in advance for a fixed number of minutes. These plans afford you a great deal of flexibility because you can usually use the minutes whenever you want. Their major disadvantage is that the per-minute rate is higher than the alternatives.

The most common cell-phone service plans today involve the purchase of a "block" of minutes per month. What this means is that you will pay a flat fee for a set number of minutes. Putting aside extra charges like taxes for a minute, you can spend your entire block of minutes talking on your phone in a given month without paying more than your flat rate. You can use the following formula to decide how many minutes to block off for your plan:

1. Estimate the length of time you spend on an average phone call.
2. Multiply that by the number of calls you make and receive in one month.
3. Add another 50 minutes.
Choose the Service Plan
Where you will use your phone will determine whether or not you get a long-distance plan. Some plans focus on giving you a good deal if you stay in a certain area and only make local calls. Other plans allow more leeway for travel and long-distance calls, by giving you a less expensive rate for long distance, while ignoring where your calls are made from and who you are calling.

"Roaming" is when you make a call outside your Home Service Area (where you set up your account). Usually, an additional charge is levied for this service. Fewer and fewer companies are imposing roaming charges, so it may be a good idea to check the policy of the plan you are interested in to see how it is addressed.

When you get a cell phone, you're going to have to contact a local service provider, because it's their airwaves you'll be using. To find a provider nearest to you (and to find out about every single deal they offer), try a site like LetsTalk.com (see Resources). Type in your zip code, and it'll direct you to your nearest providers, as well as tell you about each one.

In addition to determining where you will use the phone, you will need to consider when your calls will be made, and if you want web access.
Select a Plan
Visit the websites of major cell-phone service providers, or contact them directly through their toll-free customer service numbers:


Choose Your Features
While picking your actual phone, see if the phones in your price range include features that you want.

Certain features are now standard on most phones, which generally incorporate a directory of stored contact information; a clock; a calculator; games; programmable ringtones; automatic redial; alternate operational modes (like "vibrate"); a speakerphone function; and a voice recorder.

As you go up the scale, phones can incorporate added extras like built-in cameras; text messaging; wireless Internet; an MP3 player; a GPS (global positioning system); and varying levels of Internet connectivity that allow you to check email, view websites and synchronize with a PC. The technology is constantly advancing, so what was an elite luxury last week may become a basic attribute next month

How to Catch and Store Water for Plants

Consider watering household plants with water that would otherwise be wasted - from both indoors and out. Rainwater is free of chemicals and minerals; all you have to do is catch it as it falls from the sky.

Things You’ll Need:
32-gallon Plastic Trash Containers
Rain Barrel
Garden Hoses And Attachments
Screens
Washers
Watering Cans
Washers
Buckets
Step1 Place plastic trash containers, 30 to 35 gallons in size, beneath rain gutters and downspouts. Place a screen over these barrels to keep debris from fouling the water.
Step2 Collect water that would otherwise go down the drain from sinks and tubs as you wait for the hot water to flow. This water can be collected in buckets or watering cans kept near the source.
Step3 Cover any containers tightly with a lid when storing water for longer than a few days. Place the containers in the shade if possible.
Step4 Dip or ladle the water from large containers into smaller buckets or watering cans when it's time to water your indoor plants or garden

Making Perfume Using Essential Oils


Understanding Base Notes
If you are interested in making perfume using essential oils, you must understand the scents associated with each type of oil and the manner in which those oils work together to produce a final aroma. Essential oil scents can be categorized into three basic categories: base notes, middle notes, and top notes. Base notes typically smell earthy and linger for longer periods than other notes. Base notes should be selected and added first to your perfume. Sandalwood, frankincense, clove, cedarwood, patchouli, vanilla, myrrh, and nutmeg are base notes that blend well with a variety of other scents.
Choosing Middle and Top Notes
Middle notes are typically mild and help blend base and top notes. These essential oils will make up the bulk of your perfume, and can include such oils as lavender, geranium, jasmine, thyme, pine, rosewood, sage, and ylang-ylang. The top notes selected when making perfume using essential oils will be responsible for the scent given off when the perfume is first applied. Only traces of top notes should be added to your perfume, and these oils should be introduced only after the base and middle notes have been well blended. Essential oils that make aromatic top notes include lemongrass, peppermint, lime, bergamot, marjoram, orange, and bay.
Selecting a Carrier for Your Perfume
Many essential oils can be irritating to the skin, and when used in concentrated form, their scents can be overwhelming. Because of this, a carrier is used when making perfume using essential oils. Carriers are typically other types of oil and they make up 60 to 90 percent of the finished perfume. Jojoba and grapeseed oils are popular choices for carriers, but any vegetable oil will work.
Blending Your Final Product
Once your oils have been selected, you must blend them together in a jar or other container for later use as a perfume. Dark bottles are preferred, as they keep light out and preserve the oils for longer periods. Add your carrier oil and base notes to the bottle first, then slowly mix in your middle notes. Your top notes are added to the bottle last. Add approximately 2 ounce of alcohol to your perfume, shake it for several minutes, and then leave it to rest for a minimum of 48 hours before use. Make certain you label the bottle and keep a record of the oils used, both for future use and to identify any possible allergies if you have a reaction to your new perfume

How to Reduce Air Conditioner Useage


If you have suffered through summers of outrageous electric bills because of your dependency on air conditioning--the state of the economy may have you dreading the upcoming hazy, hot and humid days. But, you don't have to be afraid if you adapt. Here are some tips to help you reduce your reliance on air conditioning--and ultimately save you some money over the summer months.


Step1 If you work all day, keep your blinds and curtains shut. This helps to prevent the sun from heating up the rooms. When you return from work in the evening, opening the curtains will allow any accumulated heat to escape through the windows. Similarly, if you are home all day, keep the drapes shut in the rooms you don't normally occupy.
Step2 Ceiling fans have long been touted as effective alternatives to air conditioning. This is because they work! If you don't have ceiling fans, pedestal fans will help circulate the air to help the room feel much cooler and more comfortable.
Step3 Two of the biggest sources of heat in the home are the dishwasher and of course, the oven. On really hot days, cooking outside on the grill will help keep the heat in the home from increasing. Or, try using the crock pot more often. Crock pot meals aren't only convenient and delicious, as a bonus, you'll have fewer dishes to wash. That said, only run your dishwasher at night in the summertime and turn the heated dry cycle off.
Step4 In many cases, it's not the heat that makes us so miserable, it's the humidity. So, cut back on the air conditioning and use a dehumidifier to suck the moisture out of the air. It only uses a fraction of the electric your AC uses and you'll feel the difference pretty quickly. Just remember to empty out the collection tub!

Step5 More than anything else, cut back on strenuous activities in very hot and humid weather. Overworking yourself on days like these will not only have you pumping up the AC, but placing yourself at risk of suffering a heat stroke.
Step6 In the blistering summertime, avoid using candles. Sure, they smell great, but the heat that little flame gives off can heat up a room faster than you can imagine.
Step7 Believe it or not, another source of heat in the home is an unused computer that is running. If you are venturing out for a while or taking a break from the computer, turn it off. You'll eliminate a source of heat in the room and be conserving energy at the same time

How to Set Up a Family Budget

A budget allows you to control your family's spending so that you have enough money to pay your bills while also saving for vacations, retirement and your children's education.


Things You’ll Need:
Calculators
File Cabinets
File Folders
Personal Financial Software
Calculators
Step1 Get out three months of pay stubs and determine your average monthly income.
Step2 Gather three months of bills, add them up and divide by three to calculate your monthly fixed expenses such as rent or mortgage, utilities and phone, car payment, insurance and student loan payments.
Step3 Add together three months of other monthly expenses, including groceries, clothing, credit card expenses, medical bills and cash outlays. Divide by three and add the result to your monthly expense total.
Step4 Evaluate your expenses; look for opportunities to economize, and develop a plan to cut back spending in specific areas.
Step5 Develop a monthly budget and stick to it.
Step6 Set up a savings plan such as a passbook account, certificate of deposit (CD) or individual retirement account (IRA), and begin making regular deposits.
Step7 Track your income and expenses monthly to evaluate how the plan is working, then fine-tune to produce the desired results. Use personal finance software to gain an accurate overview of your spending and locate problematic habits.

How to Naturally Detoxify your Body


To naturally detoxify your body you really need to pay attention to what you are putting in it. Below you will find a guide that will show you foods and activities that should be a part of your healthy eating regimen and lifestyle.

If you are seriously interested in detoxifying your body and cleansing your system here is your start to a healthier life.

Step1 Exercise and saunas - Most people think dirty when they think about sweating and boy are they right. Sweating helps naturally detoxify your body. When your body sweats it helps to cleanse your body of toxins, so an active lifestyle, exercise program or scheduled visits to the sauna can be very beneficial in detoxifying your system.
Step2 Drink lots of fluids such as water, green tea, dandelion tea, real lemonade and lots of real fruit juices. These help to naturally detoxify your body by helping your body's natural cleansing processes work more effectively by flushing unwanted toxins through your system.
Step3 To help your body naturally detoxify and rid itself of harmful toxins make sure you're making a habit of eating healthy natural foods.

Some foods that you should be looking at are: kelp, apples and other raw fruits, whole-grains, onions, milk thistle, raw carrots and other raw vegetables, grapefruit, high-fiber foods, lemons, leafy greens, garlic, broccoli sprouts and cabbage.

There are other foods that will help to naturally detoxify your body but these are a good start to your cleansing process.
Step4 Vitamins and Supplements - Using vitamins and supplements that contain Choline, Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid can help promote a natural healthy cleansing process which gives your system its ability to naturally detoxify.
Step5 Stay away from - Try to limit or eliminate unnecessary medications, red meats, unhealthy fats, regular salt, caffeine, refined sugars, tobacco, alcohol and processed foods from your diet to promote your systems process to naturally detoxify your body and cleanse your system