Home and Family

Ridding Your House of Fleas

2012-01-28T14:12:00.001+07:00

Chances are if you have pet's you have had to deal with the almost inevitable flea infestation. All pet owners know that once a flea infestation has gripped your living space it can be the start of a long battle.

In order to properly rid you home and pets of fleas you will treat the infestation as a whole. The fleas do not only live on your pet. Some research indicated that fleas spend less than 15% of their time on you pet. The rest of the time they are comfortably tucked away in a variety of warm places. Your carpet, your couches and even in your garden.

Summer and warmer weather will also bring out these evil little critters. This is because the warmth speeds up their life cycles. Depending on where you live you could face a flea problem all year around.

RECOGNIZING INFESTATION

Chances are you will know all about a budding flea problem. Fleas leave itchy bites on the ankles and beyond and make life for everyone in the area a misery. Fleas also leave telltale black or dark brown droppings.

One way to gauge the severity of the infestation is to comb your dogs coat over a white paper. The number of dark crumb-like bits that fall onto the paper will indicate the seriousness of your infestation.

If the fleas are leaving a lot of bites on the people in your home you will know the infestation is bad. Calamine lotion will provide some relief if the itching is bad. You can also experiment with one of the many natural repellents. Various substances rubbed on ankles or exposed skin will help keep the fleas from biting the humans; so you can concentrate on killing all the fleas.

THE DANGERS OF CHEMICALS

Many experts agree that the current chemical warfare on fleas is doing little to lesson the problem. Not only are these chemical treatments ineffective; they are also dangerous.

The dangers of these chemicals being ingested by dogs or even your children are high.

And there's the fear that repeated, prolonged use of these chemicals is creating a new "super flea'. Eventually fleas will become completely resistant to our treatments. This evolution of fleas will create a need for stronger and stronger chemicals. Who knows what kinds of super chemicals we'll need 50 years from now.

Those in favor of natural flea remedies claim that natural treatments work better than the chemical ones. In order to treat the problem effectively you will need to adopt a holistic action plan.

A Baby Gift Basket Can Be A Perfect Present

2012-01-28T14:02:00.001+07:00

When a close friend or relative is having a baby, there are always presents and baby shower gifts to think about getting. The new mother is going to have an intense period of adjustment before she gets settled into the routine of having another human being to look after, so she will need all the help possible from family and friends to make that transition as easy and memorable as possible. This should be a celebratory time for the new family, not a time of worry or stress, and a gift basket to commemorate the new addition can be just the thing to brighten their spirits even more, and maybe even supply them with some things that will end up coming in handy.

A baby gift basket can be one of the easiest way for you as the gift giver to be creative, and show the person your giving it to just how much you care about them. Instead of one big gift, you get to give out a plethora of trinkets, toys, and other fun items, wrapped together in a beautiful package which, in itself, can be a gorgeous thing to receive. A popular thing to do when buying a gift basket is to let the company who makes it fashion the wicker basket as a bassinet, within which are all the things you want to bestow upon the new child, making your gift all the more thoughtful and appropriate. Better yet, there are so many companies out there that are experts at making these sorts of things, so even if you're not exactly Martha Stewart yourself, you can let an anonymous craftsperson make it seem like you should have your own cable show.

Within the gift basket, you'll want to include the basics, those simple bare necessities. This means, teddy bears and or dolls are a given, as any parent will know a young child can never have enough teddy bears. If you want to be gender specific, you can go for the standard pink or blue color palettes to appease notions of femininity and masculinity, but many people nowadays are shying away from such black and white notions of sex, so your best bet is probably to stay as neutral as possible. This also means that you can go nuts and include just about anything in the toy department that you want to give the new baby. No longer do Tonka trucks mean 'it's a boy' nor do Raggedy Ann dolls indicate the infant is a girl, so take advantage of this freedom in creating a truly unique and baby gift basket. Baby oil or baby wipes can be the new parent's dream as well, since they'll surely be running through plenty of both, so don't be afraid to include the practical as well as the sentimental.

In addition to the variety of contents you can include in your basket, you also have the luxury of having a wide range of prices and sizes to choose from, as crafting gift baskets for babies is a burgeoning market right now baby. Obviously, if the expecting mother is only a co-worker or a casual acquaintance, you don't want to present them with an elaborately fashioned and ornately packaged baby gift basket, as you'd probably be shelling out more money than you really want to spend. A nice, small gift basket can say everything you want to say, and do it in a classy, memorable way, without costing you the proverbial arm and leg.

Pit Bull Terrier Dog Training: Lessons From An Expert

2011-07-10T17:39:00.001+07:00

The number one, most basic dog training command is sit and come. Teaching your American Pit Bull Terrier these two commands is extremely important for him to learn. Both of these basic obedience training commands are used for many different reasons such as in competition or dog show and keeping him behaved when you have company. When walking your Pit Bull off leash, you expect him to come to you when called, not run around the park with you chasing after him shouting at him to "come back here!". When I see this (and I do all the time), it just makes me laugh.

Teaching your Pit Bull Terrier how to come isn't difficult, it simply requires repetition. All dogs learn by repeating the desired activity over and over again. The easiest way to get your Pitbull to come is to hold a toy in one hand and a treat in the other. When you are in the yard simply walk away from him, holding out the toy and excitingly calling him to you. When your well-behaved Pit Bull comes to you, give him the treat! Make sure to be consistent and always use the exact same training commands that you are going to use in the future. Repeating this several times a day is an excellent way to teach him, but remember to use lots of long breaks between training sessions so he doesn't get bored and don't forget to reward him with those doggie treats

Getting your Pit to sit could prove to be slightly harder but again, is still only basic dog training that anyone can do. Once you have mastered the come command, call your Pit over to you, place your hand on the end of his back and roll right over his rump and into the back of his legs, giving the "sit" command while gently pushing his legs forward. When he sits properly, give your Pitbull a treat and lots of praise. If you would like him to sit for a longer period of time, simply delay the treat and praise, tell him to "stay", and take your time bending down to him to deliver the treat.

Basic dog training for your Pit is very simple and effective. Please remember to keep the exercise fun for both you and your dog and keep in mind that a training session shouldn't last for hours and hours, keep them short. Lastly, don't forget to reward your obedient Pit for all of his hard work!

Cheap Baby Shower Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

2011-06-30T14:16:00.000+07:00

Here is a great list of cheap baby shower gift ideas that won't break the bank. Enjoy!

1.Books. Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included). Get discounted rates when buying on a bundle.

2.Baby Clothes. Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift. However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets. She'll surely appreciate the vision. Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance. You can surely fit more than a piece for under $10.

3. Engraved Charms. If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm? Choose from several shapes, with heart as being the most popular. It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. Have the baby's name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.

4. Basket of Goodies. In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons. Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs. Some of these miniature items are grocery give-aways, so the over-all price comes really low.

5. Painted Pots. Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs. Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.

6. Hand or footprint kit. These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby's hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes. Most kits are at $10.

7. Framed Cross-Stitch. For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby's name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth. Have it framed for a lasting gift. If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, "gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth."

8. Plant a Tree. Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower. Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby's name and a personalized dedication. Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees. Now that's a guarantee of fresh air for the baby's future.

9. Baby Website. For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn. This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website. If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby's name so for the next five years, the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.

10. Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies? Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby. After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.

Setting Up Your Craft Show Booth

2011-06-28T14:15:00.000+07:00

Have you ever walked into a store and immediately been so frustrated that you couldn't even begin to think about spending your money there? Things are haphazardly strewn about, there is little organization, and then to top it all off, when you walk up to an item that you might consider - it has no price tag on it. Don't let this happen to your craft show booth. You need to keep in mind the same principles of good marketing and merchandising when you set up for a craft show.

The first thing you need to do is have a plan. That means putting together an idea of what your craft show booth is going to look like in advance. I've seen so many people just lug their craft show items around in the back of a big van with a few extra stands and tables to place them on. These are the same people that ask, "why didn't I sell anything this weekend?".

Planning your craft show booth involves a couple of things: first, you want to talk to the craft show organizer to see how much space you have, and if there are any restrictions to what you can have in or around your booth. Also, ask if you have a reliable power supply to run your booth. This is important. The next thing you want to do is to get a floor plan of where your booth is located so you can figure out the best set up to keep people moving in and through your craft show display.

When you go to set up you craft show booth for the show, there are a couple of things you MUST keep in mind:

No clutter! Keep your crafts well organized into specific areas. If you are a knitter and you have sweaters for kids and adults, you don't want them together because people will be frustrated with having to sort through the kids sweaters to find the one adult one in the pile.

Spend time perfecting your merchandising skills. If you have a special stained glass window hanging, it would be time well spent to purchase or build a window that you can display in your booth with one of your window hanging's in it. When people see the item in action, they can picture it in their own homes, or they can picture using it. If they can do this, then they are more likely to part with the money to buy it.

Keep items no lower than waist level - No one really wants to bend over after they have been on their feet all day at a craft show. Keep items within a person's reach and they will be more likely to pick it up and examine it closely - which leads to more purchases. Leave the floor area for extra stock (in boxes) that you can fill your racks with.

Price everything you have - Make it easy for people to buy your crafts. If you don't have a price, they may think twice about taking the time to ask - they may just go elsewhere to purchase something at this craft show.

Eliminate log jams. There is nothing worse than having people frustrated by the lack of good flow in a craft show booth. Try and create a natural flow for people to look at your craft show items, be nudged along by others coming through, and right through to the till at the end. If you create to many spaces where people are bottle-necked or they have trouble maneuvering to see different crafts, you are limiting your sales.

Keep your aisles wide and keep everything streamlined. The frustrated customer does not spend their money in a craft show booth that frustrates them.

Remember, you are running a business. Think of that store that you despise going into versus the one where everything flows so nicely, the displays are appealing and all of the price tags are on the items for sale. Make your craft show booth resemble the store you like - and you'll find that people will spend more money on your crafts!

Scented Candles And Their Soothing Power

2011-06-25T13:24:00.002+07:00

Are you sick and tired of thinking of the perfect gift to give to your friends on their birthdays? Maybe you want to give something a lot more personalized aside from your homey but boring batches of chocolate chip cookies. You hate the thought of giving out generic gifts because you also very much abhor receiving run-of-the-mill gifts that go straight in your basement. It's high time you learn some do-it-yourself potential gift items that truly make the recipients feel honored to have you as a friend. One time, while I was out shopping, I came across this quaint specialty shop downtown which sells exquisite how-to book on scented candles. The hard-bound book, which include materials for trial, is fairly cheap so I immediately purchased it and went home delighted. The first batch of candles I made wasn't exactly perfect but was good enough to display at my room.

If you're the kind of person who likes romantic candlelight dinner dates or whose idea of relaxation involves quiet reading time by the nook, then the scented ones are for you. These candles come in variety of shapes, sizes and yes, scents that can surely fascinate anyone. Not only are these scented accessories a beauty to behold, they also have the ability to soothe you after a tiring day at work. One has the option to perfume these wax-made products using either synthetic fragrance or essential oils. Both smell terrific but the latter produce more aromatic scents that can generally ease stress. Essential oils, originating from barks and stems of certain plants and flowers like jasmine, lavender, cedar wood, calendula, and lemon grass, lend unique vibrancy and authentic sensuality to a candle. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are less expensive but also very appealing.

Do scented candles really have certain health benefits or do they also have negative effects on your body? Actually, there are particular kinds or methods of producing candles which are thought of as harmful. Candle experts agree that wicks that are made from metal are dangerous because they often cause lead poisoning and air pollution. Always make sure you purchase a candle made from paper, hemp, or cotton wicks as they are more health and nature-friendly. Beeswax and soy varieties are also safer to use instead of paraffin. When buying questionable products, meticulously ask the vendor about the candle's method of preparation or the ingredients used. Make sure the ones you buy don't have chemical additives. Better yet, do your own ration of the candle. Through personally sourcing the materials and preparing them yourself, you can be assured you're using and giving your loved ones only the best.

Project ideas for Decoupage

2011-01-10T14:07:00.000+07:00

Here are some varied ideas for new decoupage projects. We've even included some children's projects as well.

Boxes

Boxes provide interesting results when done with decoupage. A variety of boxes are available in craft stores. A box should be given two or three thin coats of an oil based paint as a base and at least three coats of varnish to finish. The final coat can be rubbed with dampened emery cloth for a fine, soft, matte finish.

When lining a box with fabric, put the seam at the front of the box. When the box is opened, you can see the back "wall" of the box but not the front one where the seam is.

If lining a box without overlapping the fabric onto a piece of cardboard, glue the pieces of fabric on to the sides and then glue decorative braid along the top edge to hide the raw edge.

Lining a box finishes it well, especially a jewelry box or a trinket box. To line a box cut a piece of sturdy cardboard to fit into the bottom. It should fall in and out easily, without catching on the sides. Cut a piece of wadding the same size as the cardboard. Cut a piece of fabric about an inch larger on all sides than the cardboard. Put the fabric face down on the table with the wadding and then the cardboard on top. Cut the corners off diagonally so that you don't have a bulge at the corner. Pull one edge of the fabric up onto the cardboard and glue it down. Bring each side of the fabric up onto the cardboard and glue down. To glue this padded shape into the box, run a line of glue on the box bottom close to the sides. Push the padded shape down into the box and press firmly.

Soft flock can be used to give a box a soft, flocked interior and comes in a variety of colors. It's a good idea to paint the inside of the box a similar color.
Soft flock comes in two parts. There is a colored glue in a bottle, paint this inside the box. Sprinkle the flock pieces generously into the box. Close the box and shake vigorously. Pour out any excess onto a piece of clean paper. Use the paper as a funnel to put the excess back into the bottle. If you want to flock the inside of the box but not the lid of the box, insert a piece of cardboard between the box and lid, close the lid and shake. When you remove the cardboard, the lid will be clean and the box will be flocked.

Picture Frames

Picture frames make ideal gifts. Or you can use decoupage to brighten up a cheap frame. As you need to see how the frame will look once upright, it's a good idea to attach your cutouts with tiny pieces of masking tape to work out their positioning.

Remember to remove the back and glass before beginning work. Use your fingers to wrap your cutouts over the edges of the frame. To ensure that you cover your frame completely with varnish, you may want to prop it up. You can use dowels rods as a frame and balance your picture frame across them. Make sure that you have newspaper below to catch any drips and gently wipe drips from the underside with a cloth. Leave it in position for a couple of days to dry thoroughly.

Candles

Mark your design on the candle. If the candle is wrapped, remove the wrapper to a quarter inch more than the design area. If it isn't wrapped, mask off the area to be left plain with paper and fasten with tape. Lightly sand the area to be painted and remove dust with a cloth. Apply two thin coats of oil-based varnish to the uncovered area. If you're placing images on a painted background, sponge on a couple of coats of gesso. Don't sand and allow to dry between coats. Sponge on background colors and allow to dry. Finish with up to five coats of varnish, lightly sanding between the last two coats. Using a craft knife, remove the wrapper and tape. Finish the cut edge with ribbon or braid.

Children's Projects

Decoupage is a craft that is easy enough for children to be involved in. With their small fingers, children are often capable of very fine work with practice. However, depending on the age and ability of the child, you may want to make a few allowances. It's best to think it through so that they can work with your guidance, but actually perform each step themselves.

Boys as well as girls can enjoy decoupage, and as many young boys are fascinated with small and fiddly items, they can be particularly adept at this sort of work. Decoupage can be helpful in developing hand-eye co-ordination as well as powers of concentration. Once they have been introduced to the techniques, most children can be left to do projects alone, so long as someone is available for advice if they run into problems. If you aren't yet competent at decoupage yourself, you can learn together.

Children will usually prefer decoupaging different types of items to adults. A serving tray is likely to have little appeal, but a lunch box or moneybox would get lots of use. For a first project, it's best to start with something small, and many children enjoy decorating blown eggs, and are fascinated with the process of blowing the eggs.

For very young children, you can use safety scissors with rounded ends. As these scissors make it more difficult to cut small areas accurately, you will need to choose simple images and shapes to work with. Comic books can make a good supply of images and, generally, the bold pictures will be easy to cut out.

As many children get bored easily, it's worth taking a few moments to plan how the project is going to be done so they spend as little time waiting around as possible. Instead of cutting out all the images first and then after painting a surface, sitting around waiting for it to dry, paint the object first and the cutting can be done while it's drying. Or you can have two projects on the go at once so that they can switch between them.

Getting rid of air bubbles can cause the greatest problems and the easiest tool for most children to use will be the back of a spoon. Rather than using varnish or lacquer to finish, it's safer to use glue. Keep varnishes and paints out of reach of small children.

With a little forethought, decoupage is one of the safest crafts children can be involved in and it's simple enough for them to produce pleasing results.

Adopting A Dog

2011-01-07T14:55:00.001+07:00

If you have been thinking of getting a new dog, have you considered all the options available to you? The obvious choice people make, when considering a new dog is to go to a specialized dog breeder. A good dog breeder will be able to sell you a puppy that has been checked for genetic problems, diseases etc and will very often provide you with a high quality pedigree dog that should be free from problems that plague a lot of dogs.

This is ideal for a lot of people but of course will come at a price. There is an alternative - adopting a puppy or adult dog.

There are lots of dogs that are without homes at animal shelters or humane societies. These animals are often a victim of circumstance. Either an owner has died, or an elderly person cannot cope any more. Sadly through no fault of their own, they have ended up homeless. Adopting a dog, may be a great way to offer a loving home to one of these dogs.

A lot of people are concerned that they may end up with an unhealthy dog, or a dog that may be aggressive by getting one from a shelter. Most animal shelters will check a dog for good health and good temperament, so if there are any problems you will be told about them. Also, a lot of shelters offer in-house training to increase the chances of a dog finding a new home. Which is great for everybody!

The best way to go about adopting a dog is to pay a visit to your nearest animal shelter. Explain to the staff there, what kind of dog would suit you and your family. Bear in mind that if you have very small children, getting a large dog may not be a good idea. Similarly if you have an apartment, maybe think about getting a small dog that doesn't require vast amounts of exercise. A bit of forethought before you arrive will make finding the perfect dog for you that much easier.

When you bring your new dog home, try and imagine things from her perspective. Your new dog has probably been through a lot in the past so bringing her to yet another new home may well be overwhelming. The best thing to do is keep her on a leash at first, and gradually introduce her to your home letting her sniff each room until she has got a feel for her new surroundings. Also take her to relieve her bladder outside if she has been on a long car journey with you.
Once she has settled down, allow her to walk freely off the leash inside your home (not outside off the leash yet). This will give her a chance to find 'her' spot. By this I mean her favorite place. We all have a favorite spot where we like to go, dogs are no different. If you have bought a new dog bed or blanket for your new arrival, this may be the place to put it. She will naturally go to that spot so having a comfy new bed there will help her settle in.

Your new dog may be very quiet for the first few days but don't worry, this is part of the settling in process. After a short while your dog will be a fully settled in new member of the family.

Adopting from an animal shelter is a great way to get a new companion and a great way to make a new and happy future for your dog.

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching - Get Rid Of Those Fleas

2010-12-17T14:56:00.002+07:00

You know how annoying it can be when you have an itch, but you can't reach it to give it a scratch? Well, when your cat has fleas it's like your problem, just multiplied a hundred times.

If your cat has fleas or ticks, you need to take action. If they are scratching or have irritated skin, your cats need you to bring this problem under control because it can become a much larger problem if you do not.

Even clean cats can end up with fleas. All it takes is a stray animal to come close enough to the cat. Or, the cat can pick them up outdoors as well. Even just one flea can leave many eggs and cause a full scale attack on your pet.

To stop them before they start, you can use a product such as Frontline or Advantix. These are pre measured liquid treatments that are applied directly to the cat's skin and coat. When fleas get onto the pet, these products kill them before they can lay eggs. Those who want preventative measures for keeping the cat safe should use these.

For most though, it takes seeing the fleas to get them to start fighting them. If you see tiny black or brown insects on your animal, these are no doubt that your cat is flea infested. If you do see them, realize that the problem is already a big problem.

What you need to do is make sure to check your pet for fleas all the time. You can do this with a flea comb. Carefully comb through the cat's hair and pay attention to the hair around the cat's head and his belly. These are the ideal places for fleas to hide including the ears, eyes and the nose. And, they like to burrow in the creases where the cat's legs and body meet.<

When combing your pet, if you find a flea you know they are throughout his body. But, if you end up with a few black or brown specks, this too is a sign that they are hiding somewhere on the pet's body.

To find them, run your hands over the cat's body. Look for raised spots on him. If you find one or more, check it closely to see if it has little legs. If so the cat has ticks. You'll need to ask your vet about having the tick removed as you can not do this yourself without risking the tick's head staying behind in your pet's skin.

In order to get them under control, you'll need to use one of the liquid flea and tick treatments. You can also use flea or tick collars and baths as well. If the fleas are in your house, as they probably are, then you will need to use a powder or spray for the bedding and upholstered furniture too. As a last resort, you can use a flea and tick bomb in your home. But, in this case, the animals will need to stay out of your home for at least 24 hours.

Fleas are a serious concern and you need to keep them from affecting your pet. If your pet has them, also talk to your vet about treatments he can provide as these are professional strengths that can help. Before they make your pet sick, take measures at the first sign of trouble.

What To Expect From A Twin Pregnancy: ABC's Of Multiple Birth

2010-12-09T12:34:00.003+07:00

Imagine wishing and trying for one baby and ending up with two! Statistics show that there has been an increase in twin pregnancy the past few years and this short guide should answer any questions you have to giving birth to multiples!

How do twins begin?
There are two kinds of twins: identical twins and fraternal twins. In the case of identical twins, the egg is fertilized and then splits into two cells. Each cell carries identical DNA and so both children will look exactly the same with only slight differences such as height or birthmarks. Fraternal twins are not identical. Instead of having one egg that splits into two, there are two eggs that are fertilized by two different sperm at the same time so they could be of two different sexes with different physical characteristics.

Early signs of twin pregnancy
An early sign of twin pregnancy is excessive morning sickness and extreme fatigue. Morning sickness is common with all pregnant mothers but those who are giving birth to multiples tend to experience more morning sickness than usual. Exhaustion is another early sign of twin pregnancy. Again, it is not uncommon for pregnant women to be more tired than usual but those who are having twins tend to undergo enhanced exhaustion. Twins are hereditary and so if you are feeling excessively tired, are often nauseous and twins run in your family, you very well could be giving birth to multiples

Twin pregnancy facts
With twins, you'll have to prepare for double the trouble! This means you will probably be gaining more weight than with a single pregnancy. Due to this extra weight, a pregnancy with twins can often be more uncomfortable – severe exhaustion, stronger backaches and headaches, etc. So get plenty of sleep and rest. Try a pregnancy massage, a great stress reliever to those giving birth to multiples. Also be prepared for a possible c-section, as with multiples this is the more common way of giving birth. Because a twin pregnancy is considered a high risk pregnancy, you will probably need to consult your obstetrician more often than if you were having a regular pregnancy. Do not be fazed as this is quite common with twins.

Having a twin pregnancy is most certainly a mixed blessing. Whilst having two children is an amazing experience, the pregnancy itself can be tough so make sure to take care of yourself.

Gift Giving Ideas For The Family On A Tight Budget

2010-12-08T12:33:00.001+07:00

Sometimes it is just so hard to find those perfect gifts for the ones that we love. Often, the gift that we find that initially seems great, tends to lose a bit of its luster once we spy the price tag and determine that it is definitely not within our price range. Isn't that the most disappointing aspect of gift giving - knowing the gift you actually give was actually your second or third choice? Yes, but it is not the end of the world.

There are many gift giving ideas that can be completed on a dime once you determine that there are items to give a loved one that you can make yourself! The wealth of craft supplies that are available to us now is enormous, and should be utilized to create innovative gifts for our friends and family members that they can appreciate and enjoy for many years to come.

Many discount craft supply stores are a great inspiration for the various gifts that we can create with our own hands and design with love for our closest family and friends. Most of these stores are well-stocked with craft supplies to meet many different demands and budgets. Furthermore, the staff members at these places tend to be very knowledgeable in the craft area and will provide much needed help and ideas when we may get stuck.

Then the problem lies in what kinds of gifts you would like to give. By using your own craft supplies and getting the help of the discount craft supply stores, a gift giving decision will be easy! You can make something unique and original for everyone, depending upon one's individual likes and dislikes, and you can accomplish all of this without breaking the bank.

Of course there are countless craft ideas and projects that can be completed at home. One of the most popular ones that is the rage all over the country is the craft of making homemade jewelry. Almost every female friend or family member will love a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings, jewelry that is designed by you with attention and care. When you are making the jewelry pieces yourself, it is a great idea to use the many discount craft supplies that you will have available. One of the best things about making jewelry yourself is that it can be created to fit within any budget. Also, it is a special touch to receive a gift that really reflects the taste of the individual, and she can wear her piece proudly and brag that it was made especially for her by a local artisan! <

Another great gift idea that requires very few craft supplies is to make a basket of goodies for someone. This dynamic at home business has been a proven success for numerous entrepreneurs, and it is sure to please the friend or family member who receives this gift from you. You can make the most of the many discount craft supplies to decorate and design your basket, and then fill it with all sorts of goodies that will treat your recipient and make her feel loved. Fill the one-of-a-kind basket with homemade baked goods such as cookies and breads, even jams and jellies. Some are even getting innovative and making their own soaps and candles for these baskets! Not only are you creating the basket but you are cooking and creating, giving your very best recipes and finished products to those whom you love the most. Anyone will be pleased to receive a gift such as this!

Other gift ideas which you can make inexpensively and include the use of different craft supplies are original paintings, floral arrangements, and even monogrammed objects such as purses or clothing items. All of these require the use of numerous discount craft supplies but none that will leave you high and dry when it comes to the amount of money that you spend. Everyone loves original artwork from those who are truly gifted in this area, and the monogramming trend is sure to be a hit with your family and friends if you can work your sewing machine and help it create this magic. No matter which craft area you choose to develop, know that your friends and family will appreciate your work and effort and are sure to display your work deliberately and with pride.

We all love to be the most creative gift giver, so this year, why not take something that you already do well and turn this into an original gift that will make another person happy? Take advantage of the many discount craft supplies that are available to you and make the most of your talents. Take the time to design a gift idea that truly shows a loved one that you care, and she is sure to wear and display it proudly for many years to come

Missing The Imprint Stage Of Puppyhood

2010-12-07T12:55:00.001+07:00

Dear Adam:

[From a previous e-mail which questioned why I recommend that dog owners don't try to train their dogs in a group class setting]

Yes, I understand about the imprint stages [two week stages from birth to 4 months of age in which a small amount of exposure will have a lasting affect on the dog's socialization to it's surroundings] but not everybody lives in the ideal world of getting their puppy at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

[The imprint stage when dogs learn dominant and subordinate behavior with other dogs. Missing this stage, or having a negative experience during this stage, can cause dog aggression later in life].

What are you then suggesting happens? There are a lot of people out there that don't know the first thing about dog training. So, all of these theories are great but how would that help somebody that comes to you when their dog is a couple of years old and displays canine aggression?

Regards,
TB

Dear TB:

Here's the deal: I don't have a lot of time to go into detail as this is a subject that could end up being another book. But to fix this type of thing, you need to:

#1: Establish yourself as the pack leader so that the dog respects you and what you say.

#2: Build a strong sit and down stay.

#3: Teach the dog that he must hold the positions around other dogs. It's your responsibility to make sure that the other dogs do not jump on him.

#4: With some dogs, the aggression can only be controlled. Other dogs will get comfortable enough, over time being around other dogs, that it will be eliminated. It really depends on the dog.

#5: The problem with group classes is that there is too much going on for your dog to really learn. Plus, the 10-on-1 nature means that YOUR instruction is lacking. It's a good environment if the dog is ALREADY TRAINED... as you can take advantage of the various distractions. [During the proofing stage, that is]. But for teaching the dog... no way!

And you don't have to trust my opinion. Just look at the caliber of training that you'll find with dogs that come out of group classes. They're substandard compared to dogs and owners that have worked just a few sessions with a competent dog trainer.

That's all for now, folks!
Adam

Bar Soap is Just The Beginning!

2010-12-06T14:35:00.000+07:00

So, you've just made that first batch of wonderful homemade bar soap. You're giddy with accomplishment, and have it prominently displayed in every bathroom. But why stop there?

Each little scrap of soap you've made, from the imperfect bar that you're not sure what to do with, to the crumbs and shavings left over, can be turned into valuable cleaning products for your home.

How much do you think you could save each year if you no longer had to buy laundry soap? Beyond the financial savings you could reap, there are some serious health benefits as well. Virtually all laundry soap on the market today is a petroleum-based detergent, the vast majority containing dyes and perfumes that can aggravate allergy problems. After all, when you lay your head down to sleep at night, you have your nose pressed up against pillows, pillowcases, and sheets all washed in these chemicals. If you think this can't cause problems, let me tell you about my son.

For over a year my ten-year-old son suffered from severe allergy problems. He lived his life completely congested and was constantly on antibiotics for sinus infections. Finally his adenoids became infected and were removed. The problems still continued. After suffering through 87 injections for allergy testing, the medial community found that he reacted to nothing! Sent home, we were instructed to watch his diet for 2 months to see if he had a food allergy.
<

I had a better idea. I stripped all of his bedding, the curtains in his room, and all of his clothing and washed everything in a batch of homemade olive oil laundry soap. Within a week, he started to show improvement. Within two, his sinuses cleared completely. And today, it's as though his allergy problems never existed.

Making your own laundry soap is easy. Because we have a septic system, I prefer liquid laundry soap. The following recipe can be made in a couple of hours, all from the scraps of your soap making ventures.

Ingredients: 16 oz. of homemade soap grated or cut into small chunks (Any kind will do.), 48 oz. water, 16 oz. white vinegar

Combine all ingredients into a large pot and simmer on a very low heat for 2 – 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Continue to heat until the soap chunks are completely dissolved. Your liquid soap will be quite thick, but it will thin a bit once it has completely cooled. Allow your soap to cool, and then funnel it into a jug or old laundry soap container that has been thoroughly rinsed.

To Use: Add 1 cup of laundry soap to the water in your washing machine before putting in the clothes.

I have always used Olive Oil Soap, as this is the only soap I tend to make, and I am consistently amazed at how well it cleans. I never have a problem with oily spots on clothes, and seldom have to bother with pre-treating a stain.

How to Decorate for a Baby Shower

2010-12-05T13:45:00.000+07:00

As the host of a baby shower, the decorations will likely be one of your biggest tasks!

Just because you're the host, it doesn't mean you need to spend hundred of dollars to have a fabulously decorated location for your loved one's baby shower.

Think in themes! Using a theme can make decorating SO much easier than if you just have a vague idea of boy or girl for decorations. Here are some simple ways you can save money on decorations.

Using the baby's nursery theme, you can incorporate your gifts for the new mom into the decorations. If the baby is going to have a Noah's Ark, farm, or jungle themed room, you can get some stuffed animals to decorate with! Use them as centerpieces and to decorate side tables, as needed.

For a star themed room, you can cut out large stars, spray paint them silver and gold and hang them from the ceiling. Use star confetti on the tables and try to find some wire garland, too. I've seen these types of garland all year round. Stars are also easy to find on candles, tablecloths, napkins, etc.

Many people love to give diaper cakes as baby shower gifts. They not only serve as gifts, but make great centerpieces!

For the baby showers I have hosted, I always like to have a menu on display so the guests know what they are eating! It probably comes from being a picky eater, but I have always gotten wonderful comments on this. It is VERY simple to do, too! Just get a nice picture frame (you can even get one engraved for a baby gift!) and on your computer, type up the list of foods you will be serving. Use a font that coordinates with the theme, center it on the page and print it out! I like to order the item the same way nice restaurants do with appetizers first, salads and breads next, main courses after that, followed by desserts and beverages.<

It really is a very nice touch that doesn't take much work at all, but you will get lots of compliments on it! I don't even mind if you take all the credit yourself!

If you want to have something outside the baby shower location to announce it, you can get a banner or yard sign that can also be given to the mother as a gift. Always be thinking of dual purpose baby shower decorations that can be given as gifts! This is a great way to save money!
Flowers are wonderful additions to any baby shower décor. If you live near a supermarket that has a floral department, you can save lots of money by just picking up some bundles and doing your own floral arrangements. Most stores have a floral artist that works there, so ask for a few tips. Don't be afraid to try this! No one will likely know that you didn't get an arrangement custom made for the baby shower if you don't tell them.

When you're there, ask if they have any discarded petals you can have. Most florists take a few petals off roses before arranging them and will give them to you for FREE if you ask. Just call around to local shops and see. You'll never know unless you ask!

If you just don't think you can handle doing your own floral arrangements or you won't have the time, ordering online can also be a huge money saver. You can often get dozens of roses for so much less online than locally because online florists can buy in bulk and pass the savings on to you.

Have fun decorating for your next baby shower! Remember to use decorations that also can be used as gifts to save money!

Selecting The Perfect Baby Furniture For Your Nursery

2010-12-04T12:11:00.000+07:00

The first thing that most new parents think about is a bassinet or a crib. A bassinet is very small and is designed for babies, while a crib is designed for babies and toddlers. The main concern with a crib is that some children may find themselves wedged in between the bars, so pay close attention to the spacing if selecting a crib with your new baby furniture.

For those restless nights, a rocking chair is a must have. This is generally placed next to the bassinet or crib and is for one of the parents to spend time rocking their child back and forth, either to relax them or to help them fall asleep. This is an essential piece of baby furniture and must be well constructed in order to avoid any mishaps. If the chair is assembled upon purchase, double check it's stability prior to use.

Another important piece of baby furniture is a changing table. This is commonly used for changing diapers, cleaning up after the baby and even dressing the child. It is important to keep the baby's clothes in one of the changing table's compartments or right next to the unit in a drawer. The reason that this is so important is so that your hand never leaves the child while on the table, so all clothes must be within reach so that you can safely reach for them while holding onto the child.

A baby bathtub is another essential piece of baby furniture and is designed especially for the little one's comfort. These are found at any baby specialty store or in the newborn department at a local retail store.

Not necessarily classified as baby furniture, but necessary nonetheless is a baby stroller for taking your newborn for a short walk. In addition, a diaper bag with diapers and an extra change of clothes (for both you and the baby) should be taken along.

When selecting baby furniture, it is important to consider quality above all else. This is the furniture that stands between your child and the floor, so make sure that it is sturdy and secure. In addition, pay close attention to recalls on any baby furniture or accessories. From time to time, certain types of baby furniture may be involved in a recall by the manufacturer. If this is the case, the manufacturer typically offers to either provide a repair, replacement or refund for the baby furniture in question.

What do you buy a new born baby?

2010-12-03T13:31:00.000+07:00

So your friends have had a baby, and you're wondering what to get them for a gift. Well, you've come to the right place. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking – you might not like all of them, but hopefully there will be something here that appeals to you.

The first, and most obvious, candidate for a baby gift has to be clothes. Many people are reluctant to buy clothes in advance of the birth because they're not sure what gender the baby is going to be, but don't let that put you off – white clothes are nice-looking and gender-neutral. It will depend on where you live, but the best baby clothes tend to be soft, fluffy things that can keep the baby cosy and warm. Do realise, however, that clothes aren't exactly an original gift, and the couple might already be snowed under with them.

Toys are another favourite, although it can be difficult to know what to get. Things like mobiles and other brightly coloured things that the baby can swipe at tend to be a good choice, as are rattles and soft toys that make noises. You will probably win more points with the parents by getting more educational baby toys, such as those with shapes or animal noises, instead of ones that just seem cool.

If you want to think more unconventionally, though, there are plenty of things to consider. Why not buy (or contribute towards) a cot, or a pushchair? Why not start a savings fund for the baby, with a decent chunk of money to get it started? Or you could buy nappies, or bath stuff, or whatever – take a look at the baby section in any shop to get plenty of ideas.

One last idea: with all this focus on things for the baby, maybe the parents are feeling a little left out, with no presents for them and no money or time left to treat themselves for a good long while. A nice thing to do is to get a present for the parents, as it will probably be the only thing they get for themselves, and they'll be pleased that someone thought of them

Scrapbooking - Scrapbook Ideas, Projects and Crafts galore

2010-12-02T01:11:00.001+07:00

Scrapbook Ideas and Projects

Scrap books have always been a popular home based craft. Today there are so many great ideas for a scrapbook that making them are irresistible. Scrapbooking has grown in favor in recent years.

Here are some tips on making scrapbooks:

First off, most scrapbook topics should be creative, fun to make and reflect the artist's personality. There are a host of topics that many people choose, but the sky's the limit. You can make a scrapbook about anything.

Many people choose to make scrapbooks about big events in their lives, such as a wedding, honeymoon, birthdays, newborn babies and children. However, don't stop there, create whatever you enjoy. For instance creating a scrapbook on the seasons, or if you love a holiday such as Halloween or the 4th of July, Christmas, Birthdays, any holiday or reason will do. Ideas for scrapbooking are endless. You are only limited by your imagination and the craft and scrapbooking project, ideas, articles and books you find.

There are many products that cater to scrapbooking, such as entire kits that include the book, some ideas on creating your scrapbook, and the bubble quotes seen in cartoons to add a funny comment above a picture. You can also buy these individual pieces separately or make them yourself. Always keep in mind that a scrapbook is an extension of you and your loved ones. So have fun, be creative and take pleasure in the joy of scrapbooking.

I personally have been the recipient of many lovely cards created for me by my daughter. The thought, time and effort put into these lovely objects add to my pleasure. I have taken her scrapbooking to another level - I save them all. I asked her to make me a craft/scrapbook box. They hold her creations safely and provide me with good storage for these treasures.

Morning Sickness : Causes and Cures

2010-12-01T13:05:00.003+07:00

Morning sickness is often the first sign of pregnancy, as it can start as early as 2 weeks after conception. Despite the name, the sufferer can feel ill at any time of the day, although as an empty stomach is thought to be one of the triggers then mornings are a common time for it to appear.

Not every pregnant woman will experience morning sickness, although most do to some degree, and it can vary from a feeling of mild nausea or queasiness ranging up to feeling truly dreadful and unable to keep any food or liquids down. The severity of the effects seems to be greatest in women with a history of migraine or travel sickness.

It's not known exactly what causes it, but most doctors agree that the changes in hormone levels that pregnancy triggers are the most major factor. One of the effects of these hormones is to change the way your digestive system works, which can lead to higher levels of acid.

Another possible cause is that many women experience a heightened sense of taste and smell while pregnant, which can make nausea feel worse when unpleasant or strong odours are around.

Finally, tiredness and stress play a part, and most pregnant women are tired and stressed a lot of the time!

Morning sickness can occur over the full range of your pregnancy, but most women find that it more or less disappears by around 14 weeks as hormone levels in the body stabilise.

There are dozens and dozens of traditional 'cures' for the feelings of nausea, with every mother having an opinion on the subject! The fact is that every woman's body is different and so no single thing will work for everyone. However, there are some simple things to try which can help most feel better.

As previously mentioned, an empty stomach can be a cause, so snack little and often to keep hunger at bay, and keep a couple of biscuits by your bed for if you wake up during the night.

Sucking on an ice cube can help, as can fizzy drinks. Fresh ginger is reputed to calm the stomach, so making a tea from crushed root ginger or even chewing on a piece can be worth a try.

Remedies for travel sickness can also help, so it might be worth trying the magnetic wristbands you can buy, but you should never take any medication while pregnant without consulting your doctor.

Morning sickness is a natural part of pregnancy and will not harm your baby in any way, but in severe cases you may be unable to keep any food or fluids down and if this continues you could become dehydrated, which is very dangerous for your baby. If your urine starts to become very dark in colour this is a sign that your fluid levels are too low, and you should speak to your midwife or doctor.

Finally, when you're in a bout of morning sickness, don't worry too much about what you're eating - getting enough energy is more important than a balanced diet at that moment, so if chocolate makes you feel better then go for it! You can always stock up on healthier foods when the sickness has abated a little.

Putting Patterns on Porcelain

2010-11-29T14:44:00.002+07:00

Today there are many options for putting colorful patterns onto porcelain china. Some, like decoupage, waterslide decals and air-dry paints like Delta Air-Dry PermEnamel are within the reach of any home crafter.

Others, like dye sublimation printing, transfer printing and hand-glazing high-fired pottery require substantial investment in equipment and are best suited to well-capitalized businesses and artists' cooperatives.

The two classic ways of putting patterns onto porcelain, hand-painting and transfer printing, still exist today. In addition, there is a high-tech version of waterslide decals used commercially which consists of screen-printing decals with glazes and applying the decals to the porcelain. In each case, the pottery is high-fired before decorating to at least cone 6. [Cone is a measure of heat absorption resulting from heat applied over time. Cone 6 translates to between 2165 and 2269 degrees F (depending on how fast the kiln heats – or ramps – up).] Such high-firing produces the hard almost-translucent quality of genuine porcelain. Then the piece is decorated and lightly fired repeatedly to melt and fuse the glazes to the porcelain.

Incidentally, the term "porcelain" has been applied more and more broadly as new techniques developed. Ask any potter to define "porcelain" and he will likely give you the classic definition. To a potter, genuine porcelain is high-fired (cone 6 or higher) white clay that is at least somewhat translucent. It has a large proportion of kaolin clay, with the remainder being primarily feldspar and silica. This clay composition accounts for the pure white gleam of porcelain

Artisans who paint porcelain (rather than actually make it) refer to three grades of porcelain: hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china. They all contain kaolin but only hard-paste has feldspar and silica and is high-fired. The high temperatures cause the body and the glaze to fuse. When hard-paste porcelain is broken, it is impossible to distinguish the body from the glaze.
Soft-paste porcelain adds ground glass or frit (material for glass that is not yet fused and vitrified) and is fired to between cone 01 and 1 (1999 to 2109 degrees F). Because soft-paste porcelain is fired at lower temperatures, it does not completely vitrify and remains slightly porous. When soft-paste porcelain is broken, you can distinguish a grainy body covered with a glassy layer of glaze.

Bone china has bone ash added to the kaolin and vitrifies (becomes glass-like) somewhere between cone 2 and cone 5 (2034 to 2205 F). Though not as hard as true porcelain, bone china is more durable than soft-paste porcelain. The bone ash greatly increases the translucence of the porcelain.

Finally, go to a tile store and look at their "porcelain" tiles. If you turn them over, you will see base clay ranging from white to brown to gray. The definition of "porcelain" in the tile industry has nothing to do with the clay content or level of firing. Rather, tile manufacturers define as "porcelain" any tile fired to the point where it absorbs less than 3% moisture.

How To Spot A Great Pit Bull Breeder: 7 Signs Of A Good Dog Breeder

2010-11-27T13:48:00.000+07:00

If you're searching for a Pit Bull terrier puppy but are unsure about where to look for one, this is an important article for you to read. Many people are afraid to ask questions when they speak with breeders and this is the first hurdle that you need to get over. It is vital for you to ask questions when you are speaking with different breeders. Below is a list that I've created of some very important things you should look for and ask of the Pit Bull terrier breeders you're considering doing business with.

1. Does the breeder breed several different types of dogs? This can often be a red flag and you should try to stick with breeders who only work with American Pit Bull Terriers.

2. A responsible Pit Bull breeder will be able to tell you the negative characteristics and health issues of his breeding line and also what he has done over the years to improve that aspect of his dogs.

3. Can the breeder thoroughly explain to you how he selects dogs for breeding and what characteristics they will most likely throw?

4. How often does the breeder have litters of puppies? Breeders who have many, many litters each year may not be a good choice.

5. Is the breeder involved with Pit Bulls on a larger scale than just breeding them?.

6. Does the breeder keep in touch with those who have purchased puppies from him? Breeders who sell pups and then have no idea where they end up should be avoided.

7. Where does the breeder keep his puppies at before they are sold? Are they well socialized?

There are many other things that you could ask the Pit Bull breeders that you speak with, however the above list will give you an excellent start and greatly improve the chances that you'll end up with an excellent Pit Bull terrier puppy.

Invitro Fertilization - The Male Point Of View

2010-11-27T13:25:00.001+07:00

For many couples, the introduction of children into a relationship is the ultimate fulfillment and goal of the relationship. Unfortunately for some of the couples, medical conditions may exist that will prevent natural fertilization. In those cases, the affected couple may opt to conceive via Invitro Fertilization. For those couples of decide to pursue Invitro fertilization, the time leading up to the fertilization will be very process orientated - there will be consultations, evaluations, forms, literature and a lot of listening. At times it may seem overwhelming and frightening.

As the male participant in the process, your involvement will be largely in a support role, as most of the work that will need to be done will be with the female partner. To help make the process as easy for her, there are a number of facts to keep in mind and a number of actions you can take to help keep your partner's spirits up and to help her in the necessary steps to achieve a successful fertilization.

- You and your partner may struggle with the fact that you are unable to conceive by natural means. However, keep in mind - although it may not be a natural form of conception, the end result and the end goal of the process is the same - a healthy child. The two of you are merely trying to maximize the possibility of a healthy & successful pregnancy. Talk through this point and be open to her feelings.

- There will be a lot of absorb about the process, so take notes and do your research.

- Some of the medications required for the process will need to be administered via injection. Offer to administer the shots if your partner is not comfortable doing so, and keep in mind that she will most likely be very sore in the injection spots because of repeated shots. A little tender loving care will help keep her confident and comfortable. Also, a heating pad may help during periods where her abdomen is very tender.

- Your partner will be asked to take very specific medications, at very specific times and she will

need to consult with the doctor on a somewhat frequent basis, often times on very short notice. Make sure to keep your schedule as free as possible so you can assist in transportation and medicine administration as needed.

- Your partner may experience emotional mood swing because of some of the meds. One minute she might be sitting at the table reading the newspaper, the next she is crying about something unrelated. Be prepared, be supportive and remember that her mood will return to normal in time.

- Always remember - you have the easy part of the process!

Invitro is not an easy process, especially compared to natural fertilization. But with care, cooperation and a willingness to help out where needed, you can be active and helpful throughout the fertilization period.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or medical services. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your doctor promptly.

Should A Mom At Home Own An Otoscope In Caring For Her Baby or Her Kids?

2010-11-26T13:31:00.000+07:00

We are all familar with the sight of our family doctor using a diagnostic tool called an otoscope to take a look into our ears when we seemingly have some ear infection, or some pain arising from the ears.

That is all well when the doctor, as a physician handles that task.

But the question is this: " Should a stay-at-home mom own an otoscope and perform ear inspections herself on her baby or her kids?"

To answer that question, I researched the internet and also look at feedback from many stay-at-home moms, to tap their experience and to see what they are doing.

The answer was a overwhelmingly "YES".

Moms-at-home feel that they should take a more active role in ensuring the health of their children, rather than to have this role performed solely by their physicians.

Moms-at-home feel empowered when they own an otoscope and can use it to identify potential problems in their infant's ears, especially when they find their babies tugging their ear lobes or crying with some form of discomfort arising from their ears.

When they own an otoscope, they can use it readily to take a look into their infant's ears to see whether it is reddish, which will suggest a ear infection just starting off and then to refer their children to their pediatric or their child specialist for further diagnosis and treatment.

This gives them comfort and peace of mind that they can nab beginning ear infections in the early stages rather than finding out about these ear infections in their infants at 2 am in the hospital's emergency rooms.

Otoscopes come in different quality and at different prices. From a twenty dollar model to a quality otoscope such as the Welch Allyn otoscope which can cost a few hundred dollars, the key to a good otoscope is to ensure the lens is powerful enough to provide good manification.

Irregardless of the make or model, the majority of moms-at-home are thankful for this invention called an otoscope that is proving to be useful in helping them identify ear infections fast.