The Perfect Personal Coffee Blend

Confused by the variety of coffee to choose from? Are there substantial differences between them? How does the grind actually affect the taste?

Several factors substantially affect the flavor of home-brewed coffee; the most important is the roast. The lighter the roast of the bean, the weaker the flavor and, surprisingly, it has the more caffeine. Most canned coffee are light roasted. Dark roasts, such as Italian and French coffee varieties are used for espresso. A medium roast, such as Danish coffee or Vienna roast, is a blend of dark and light-roasted beans.

Full Article: The Perfect Personal Coffee Blend

A Beginner’s Guide on Making a Pet Cat Happy

Do you have a pet cat? Let me tell you some things to make your pet cat happy. If you know your pet better, you will enjoy it better.

Cats have good memories. They remember persons who treat them kindly and those who are cruel to them. If you kick your cat, it will remember your unkindness and will learn to avoid you. But if you are good to it, it will think of you as a friend.


Full Article: A Beginner’s Guide on Making a Pet Cat Happy

Going Green: Some More Environmental Facts You Should Know

Environmental awareness should never be underestimated. Here are some additional facts you should know about going green.


Full Article: Some More Environmental Facts You Should Know

Tips on Buying Toys for Children

T is for “toy.” Toys are for children. But most of the time, it’s the adults who buy them for the kids! Toys can be highly educational or merely entertaining. They may be expensive or dirt-cheap, depending on the taste of the child or the parent. They can also be harmful or simply harmless.

For playthings to be very beneficial, it is the giver’s duty to carefully select them. Here are some guidelines to consider.

AGE

Manufacturers usually indicate the age bracket for which their toys are fitted.  Children mature differently, and they easily lose interest if toys are either too complicated or not at all challenging for their age.

Toys for infants should be those that will awaken the senses of sight, hearing, and touch.  During years when muscles and coordinators are being developed, throw toys would be very interesting.  Later, playthings that encourage the imagination and visualization should be given.

EDUCATION

Toys are silent teachers.  Their educational potential is too vast to be disregarded considering the developmental tasks in this stage of life.  Children can quickly develop dexterity, and learn association, letters, numbers, and reasoning.  Character traits such as patience, efficiency, and orderliness can be greatly reinforced.

Most mechanical toys that run at a flick of a switch or at the turn of a key may be completely entertaining, but if kids do nothing but watch amused, they will have and nothing more. 

Give them things that will bring out creativity and innovation – toys that will challenge their thinking prowess such as building blocks, Lego, puzzles, modeling clays or Play-Doh, and art and craft materials.

SAFETY

Check for sharp metal edges.  Rough plastics and woods can be very abrasive to tender skins.  Small parts that loosen easily poses risk of getting swallowed.  Moving parts might pinch fingers or pull hair.  Pointed sections can blind or puncture skin. Scissors should have blunt, rounded tips and should not be barber-sharp.  Clays and water colors are usually indicated if they are non-toxic and safe if accidentally swallowed. 

 

When they do get dirty as toys are apt to be, they should be easy to clean.  Toys that not washable not only deteriorate quickly but are dangerous to the child’s health especially if they kiss and cuddle them or take them to bed at night.

PRICE

Toys need not be expensive to realize the purpose for which they are bought.   Many expensive toys just end up inside the glass cabinet because they might not last long in the child’s hands.  During chances that these are played with, they are always under watchful eyes.  Then with the repeated calls to “be careful,” plus threats to put away the toy, would hardly make the child fully enjoy the plaything.

Children will delight in their toys regardless of the price tag.  Make room for the fact that they will outgrow them and not use them for long.

QUALITY

Cheap toys end up being expensive if they easily break, stop working after a short while, or run on and off at your dismay.  Check for defects in manufacture such as peeling paints, loose joints, or missing parts.  Mechanical or electronic toys should always be tested before purchase.  Check for availability of warranty or repair service if offered.

Toys should be durable enough to withstand the rough and tumble of child’s play.

NEED

Toys are bought with a particular kid in mind.  Do not buy out of impulse or just because it caught the fancy of the child in you. It might not be the recipient’s preference.  Consider the need for buying the toy.  Is it to keep him busy? To while away the time while he is sick in bed?  As a reward for a good great or an excellent performance?  Whatever the need, it should be a great consideration. 

Whether it is a birthday, graduation, a Christmas present, or just a surprise gift, a toy is for fun and profit.  Fun, because that is how toys should be.  Profit, because they should be character and skill-building tools.

© 2012 Athena Goodlight

When to Start Reading to Your Baby

Many parents are surprised at how early an interest in reading begins.
Although you can start reading to your baby as soon as three months, at this age the activity has more benefit for you than for him. If your baby enjoys being nestled in your arms and hearing your voice, then by all means read to him.

Full Article: When to Start Reading to Your Baby

Diabetes and Cold Weather Go Together

People living in extreme cold-weather conditions tend to have higher levels of blood sugar, which they use to their advantage.
If you’re diabetic (Type 1, Type 2, and otherwise) and you happen to get stuck in Antarctica, you’re in luck. The reason behind this is sugar is a natural anti-freeze substance. The higher the level of sugar in a liquid, the lower the freezing point.

Full Article: Diabetes and Cold Weather Go Together

How to Cope with the Tensions of Daily Life

A certain amount of tension is healthy and necessary for concentration on the job to be done. But the time may come when tension increases to the point of over-anxiety, fear, and stress. This can endanger mental ability, emotional control, and in time physical vigor. Here are some ideas for dealing with tensions everyday so that they do not build up to unmanageable proportions.

Full Article: How to Cope with the Tensions of Daily Life

How to Shop for the Perfect Ring

When shopping for a ring, be it for a gift or an engagement, the best advice is to become an educated consumer. Once you set a realistic budget range, shop around and familiarize yourself with both traditional and new styles. Clip out photos of rings you like from magazines and catalogs. Ask the store salesperson to present a selection of rings to try on and to learn what appeals to you in terms of stone cut, shape, and settings.

Full Article: How to Shop for the Perfect Ring

How to Build Up Your Husband

Many of us, after several years of marriage, admit glumly to ourselves that our marriage hasn’t lived up to our expectations. How can we improve our relationship?

Much of our disappointments and tensions of marriage develop from the couple’s lack of respect for each other. Often this lack of respect creeps in so gradually it goes unnoticed until it becomes a crisis.

What are the common symptoms of crisis in a marriage?



Full Article: How to Build Up Your Husband

What to Wear on a Date

Be beautifully dressed not only on a first date but for all dates for that matter. Beautiful doesn't always mean "fancy" unless the occasion calls for it. A casual lunch date should not be underestimated. You should always look groomed, stylish, subtle, and sexy. A seductive get-up is not all cleavage or skin -- it's more about showing off your figure to your best advantage.

Full Article: What to Wear on a Date

Planning a Romantic Dinner at Home

It has been known that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach— if I may add, it works the same way for us, women, too. One of the sweetest efforts you can do for the love of your life is to stage a romantic dinner for two. You don’t need to be a gourmet cook to do this.

Full Article: Planning a Romantic Dinner at Home

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Tips to a Great Conversation

One of the characteristics of an interesting person is being a good conversationalist. A good looking person who is nonsense to talk to makes a boring companion. It is not difficult to develop this skill. Here are tips to keep a conversation going.

Full Article: Tips to a Great Conversation

You May be Happier Than You Think

You might think you’re stressed, but have you considered that, beneath it all, you’re actually pretty content? Here are the telltale signs. See if you can relate to most of these...


Full Article: You May be Happier Than You Think

Are Women Really More Emotional Than Men?

Women are traditionally thought to be more emotional than men, but there are studies that refute this.




Full Article: Are Women Really More Emotional Than Men?

How to Overcome Loneliness

Here are three ways to recognize and overcome the feeling of being lonely:

1. Recognize loneliness for what it is.

What is loneliness? It is an enemy, a disease that eats away happiness, alienating you from all that is worthwhile in life, and it sours and thickens the spirit. Calling it your “friend” or accepting it as a cross you must bear is deadly to your peace of mind. Wallowing in your misery brings out the most acute feelings of loneliness, feeding it by keeping yourself in that state, sometimes leads to a point that it becomes enjoyable. Watch out when this happens. It is a sign of danger — not only to you but to others around you as well.

2. Distinguish between loneliness and being alone.

These are not the same. Loners are not necessarily lonely. Some of the most creative and productive people find it necessary to be alone much of their time. They have learned to use their solitude creatively. Fact is, we need periods of solitude. It is where we generate the physical and spiritual reinvigoration from our crowded schedules. King David, the psalmist of the Bible also writes about this saying, “He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul.” All of us experience loss in one way or another. It is our choice if we let grief stay only for a temporary episode of our life or allow it to become a crippling disease to rot our life away.

3. Make yourself useful.

Instead of wallowing in a pool of misery, find time to make yourself and your life useful to others. There are dozens of ways in which you could help. Go out into the community, find a church, offer your services, and your talents. Join a cause. You will be surprised at how you gain fulfillment in serving others, in making others smile, in being an inspiration to live. You’ll soon find out that your former state of self pity is just all about being too concerned about yourself, when you see that there is a whole world out there, and humanity is just as needy as you are. Find in yourself something you could offer to make this world a better place.

Now get up and find your purpose!

On Love: Attraction, Reciprocation, Fantasy, and Wavelength

As the two mutually attracted people get to spend more time together, intangible factors such as personality, goals in life, principles, social and financial status, and even each other’s problems enter the love equation. From there the love affair either blooms or sputters out...

Full Article: On Love: Attraction, Reciprocation, Fantasy, and Wavelength

The Epiphany and The Significance of The Gifts of The Magi

Epiphany is the Christian commemoration of God’s revelation of the divine plan for redemption of all humanity, signified by the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child.

Engaged in the traditional celebration of Christmas, we may minimize the significance of the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem. In fact, the traditional date of Epiphany, January 6, often passes unnoticed in our churches. Yet it has implications for all people, even outside the Hebrew tradition and faith.

Read full article: The Epiphany and The Significance of The Gifts of The Magi

Essential Christmas Message in Rembrandt’s Nativity Scene of Peace

In Rembrandt’s portrayal of the nativity scene, the attention was entirely focused on the Babe in the manger. He did this by painting a shaft of light so that it falls exclusively on the Christ-child. Although he included other figures, they are shrouded in shadows. Rembrandt wanted nothing to detract from the significance of that Baby—who was God in the flesh. The painter wanted Christ to be the sole object of adoration.

Full Article: Essential Christmas Message in Rembrandt’s Nativity Scene of Peace

Christmas Choices: Not Everyone is Excited About Christmas

The glitter of bright and colorful decorations, the sounds of joyous Christmas carols, the happy children, and the cheerful greetings of “Merry Christmas!” may give the impression that everybody is glad that Jesus came to our planet. But reality is, that isn’t true, and it never was.

Full Article: Christmas Choices: Not Everyone is Excited About Christmas

Christmas Decor and Safety Concerns during the Holidays

Here are basic tips on how to keep your home and your loved ones safe during the holiday season.

Full Article: Christmas Decor and Safety Concerns during the Holidays

Holiday Cherry Cheesecake

A sumptuous and enticing cheesecake perfect for the holidays.

See recipe here: Holiday Cherry Cheesecake

My Most Unforgettable Christmas Songs

Why some Christmas songs are more special to me than others, let me tell you the Reason. As the Christmas season approaches, more and more Christmas and holiday tunes are resounding wherever we go. It reminds us that we need to finish our shopping list, too.Numerous songs have been written for and about this glorious season of the year, but I have kept a steady list of my favorites. Most of which are classics and in the minor key. I have ten of my most loved Christmas songs. I know, I know... Christmas is a joyous occasion, to some it's all about tradition, pretty decor, happy gatherings, festivities, the pomp, the show, and some do celebrate of the Messiah's birth. I personally prefer the contemplative peaceful side of the Christmas mood.

Full Article: My Most Unforgettable Christmas Songs

Christmas Carols and the Victorian Era

On the first Chirstmas Eve, nearly two thousand years ago, the hills around Bethlehem echoed with song. Sleepy shepherds learned of Jesus' birth from angels singing praises to God and journeyed, amazed, to visit the infant in the manger. As they walked back to their flocks the shepherds, too, sang songs of rejoicing.

The Victorians loved music so it is no surprise that they revived the old medieval carols and also composed new ones, both secular and religious.

Full Article: Christmas Carols and the Victorian Era

The Nostalgia of Victorian-Inspired Christmas Cards

Victorian art is synonymous to opulence, timeless beauty and nostalgia. Its style holds a timeless charm especially when used in items pertaining to the Christmas celebration.

All the more, if these cards were given personally to someone special, I believe it could still release in the magic of Christmas even at this modern age, even in the most "Scroogiest" personalities.

Full Article: The Nostalgia of Victorian-Inspired Christmas Cards

Practical Guidelines on Gift Giving

Christmas is indeed one of the busiest, if not the busiest, season of the year. It pays to plan ahead in order to avoid the burned-out feeling of the Christmas paranoia. Due to this, sometimes we tend to forget to enjoy the reason for the celebration. Here are three basic rules you may apply in your gift giving practices.

Full Article: Practical Guidelines on Gift Giving

Getting More Out of Christmas

Christmas can be a perfect time when less can be more.

A few days before Christmas, some of us will still do the last minute Christmas shopping. Many are weary of shopping because the store merchants began urging us to start buying our gifts and treats long before Thanksgiving. Some purposely wait up to the last minute in the hopes of getting in on some sales.

Full article: Getting More Out of Christmas

The Schizophrenic Holiday Called Christmas

Christmas may carry Christ’s name but someone else gets most of the attention.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m no Scrooge dedicated to banishing innocent make-believe. On balance, Santa Claus has probably made the world a happier place for thousands. But it seems significant that we have invented a fantasy-figure for our children and ourselves that resembles the Savior so closely.

Full Article: The Schizophrenic Holiday Called Christmas

Homemade Dips And Spreads As Christmas Gifts

Make up a basket of treats for a friend, neighbor, or a loved on with choice dips and spreads as gifts.

Red Devil Dip

Walnut-Cheese Spread

Nutty Olive Spread

Creamy Chili Dip

Eggplant Spread

See recipes here: Homemade Dips And Spreads As Christmas Gifts

Christmas Cookie Bonanza

Seven different cookies all from one basic recipe!

1 cup sugar

1 cup margarine or butter, softened

2 eggs

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

3 cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

SEE RECIPE HERE: Christmas Cookie Bonanza

Homemade Relishes for the Festive Holidays

Enhance any holiday table with one of these flavorful relishes. Label your gift jars and add a pretty holiday greeting sticker.

Marinated Olives
Mexican Relish
Cranberry Orange Relish
Mushroom Relish
Peppery Relish

See recipes here: Homemade Relishes for the Festive Holidays