Easy summer landscaping tips

The first thing that people see when they pull up to your home is the landscaping. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Summer is the perfect time to get your landscaping into tip-top shape. Here are some easy landscaping tips that will get your yard looking terrific.

Fertilize

The lawn needs to be fertilized on a regular basis during its growing season and it is growing the fastest during the summer months. Like people, the grass and the plants need fuel to produce at the highest levels. Think of it as going to work without breakfast, not good for you and not good for your lawn, flowers and bushes. Not all plants need the same fertilizer so take your time choosing the one that is best. One for the lawn and one of the flowering plants is a good option. Read the package carefully, not all fertilizers are all-purpose.

Water

In the summer, the heat can get extreme. If you are using your air conditioning every day, chances are your lawn and plants can use a watering as well. If you can afford it, a built-in system is a big help. If however, you don’t have a sprinkler system then you will need to do the watering yourself. You can use a hose for larger areas and a watering can for smaller plants and areas. It is better to water early in the morning or later in the evening but not when the sun is high in the middle of the day. Of course, if you notice your flowers wilting, by all means, give them a drink.

Mowing

Lawns need to be mowed in the summer every seven to ten days. If the weather has been very hot, let it go on the longer side. Depending on the type of grass that your lawn is composed of, it may be burned by the heat especially if it is too short. You don’t want to allow grass to clump as this can lead to fungus. You want to cut it about one-third of the length of the blade. Nitrogen is an important element in the growth of the lawn and you want to allow the clipping to get it back into the soil.

Planting

While the lawn is the canvas, the plants are the art. Summer is the perfect season for a profusion of color. A wide variety of annuals can be added every year which allows you to get creative. It is also helpful to have perennials that you can count on.

Beginning your summer landscaping

Start with the larger bushes. Try to choose ones that don’t all bloom at the same time. You will want to have a continual floral show all summer. Bluebeard Shrub is a colorful late summer bloomer. The Butterfly Bush is a midsummer into fall bloomer and has the additional benefit of attracting butterflies. Hydrangea and oleanders are also great choices.

Once you have a plan for your garden, it is time to fill in with a variety of perennial and annual plants. Geraniums, impatiens, vinca, balloon plants, irises and lilies just to mention a few are all easy to grow and colorful. You will need to consider the amount of sunlight the plants will receive when making your choices. Fillers such as creeping myrtle and hostas are plants that will grow and grow and grow. You can choose to have beds, planters or a garden. Don’t forget the roses either.

Summer is the perfect time to let your landscaping creativity have full rein. Pick one color or go for the rainbow. Why not let the joys of landscaping make your house one that will get the neighbors talking for all the right reasons.

Women's Rights and the Legacy of Abigail Adams

Abigail Adams was a woman born ahead of her time. She would have fit right in with the women of the twenty-first century. In a time and place where women were the property of their husbands and had no authority in their own right, we hear her telling her husband that he should be more supportive of women's rights. Though asking his opinion on the major decisions of running their farm, we know that communication took months and the reality was she was making decisions. She was making sure that he had the money to carry out his mission. She really was the better money manager and he was undoubtedly very grateful for the dedication she showed to his best interests.

Abigail Smith Adams was born into a prominent Massachusetts family. Her father was a minister and had been educated at Harvard and her mother Elizabeth Quincy was from a well-to-do Braintree family. She received the typical education of girls of her time period, she could read and write and do sums. She and her sisters spent hours reading in their father's library and were familiar with the works of Shakespeare and Pope. She developed a love for education that would remain a part of her life. She was one of the best-read women of her time.

Her choice of the slightly chubby opinionated and stuffy John Adams surprised almost everyone but it was indeed a very good choice. For all his pomposity he was very appreciative of the gem that his Abigail was and encouraged her to express herself to him, if not to the world in general. She was certainly always the woman behind the man. In one of the many letters she wrote John she told him that the Republic ought to have "learned woman, as well as Hero's Statesmen and Philosophers". And later "great benefits must arise from literary accomplishments in women".

Abigail Adams may well be the original feminist. She was very vocal in her belief that the new United States should take the opportunity to not only give women their full legal status but also put an end to slavery. She believed that women were equal to men in intelligence and should receive an education. She was always very sad that she had not received a formal education and she made sure that her daughter did. She also believed that women by their very nature were more suited to keeping the home fires burning.

Abigail was a big advocate of the family. While she stepped outside of the normal sphere of women in her time, it often made her uncomfortable. She would have enjoyed having John around to ask opinions of and even if she would have disagreed she would have felt better about having done so. As it was she spent very little time with him. During much of their marriage, they spent years apart.

It may be honestly said that Hilary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren are the legacies of Abigail Adams. She was a woman who was not willing to be relegated to the kitchen alone and she made a very wise decision in her choice of husband. It is doubtful that any of the other great men of that time period would have tolerated the amount of opinion she expressed. Through her writing, we meet both sides of her personality. She was a very strong determined woman who opposed British oppression and also a loving wife who longed for a husband to be at her side and shoulder some of the burdens.

When she died in 1818, everyone was shocked that the tiny little dynamo had succumbed. John most of all could hardly contemplate a life without her after 54 years of marriage. He said to his children "How shall I offer you consolation for your loss when I feel that my own is irreparable." He survived her by eight years and died on July 4, 1826, the same day as his old friend Thomas Jefferson.

"Abigail Adams" by Benjamin Blythe -  Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons - http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
Additional reading:
Founding Mothers

Pros and Cons of buying your wedding gown in a thrift shop

For many brides, the wedding day is one that is anticipated from childhood. A dream image has been created that is often centered more on the bridal gown than on the man who will be prince charming. Finding this perfect gown is so much a part of the bridal experience that several shows that have grown out of it. If you ever watched  "Say Yes to the Dress" and wondered how you were going to be able to create that same experience yourself within your budget, then there are several options for you to consider. Finding a wedding gown at a thrift shop is one of them. While this may not be the perfect option, there are some very important points to consider.

Pros

The most obvious positive of getting your wedding gown at a thrift store is the price. If you have been watching TV shows you know that gowns can cost thousands of dollars. At a thrift shop, a gown will be much less. Depending on the shop, it can be well under $100. If you are on a strict budget, this can be a very strong incentive. It is possible that you can find a gown that has never even been worn.

Buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop is also a very "green" option. You are basically recycling a wedding gown and all the material that went into it.

If you have an unclear vision of what you want, enjoy the vintage style, love saving money and are thrilled to find something that has been previously loved then, buying a wedding gown at a thrift store may be a really good idea for you.

Cons

The main con of buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop is fit. Finding a gown that is your size is going to be a tricky proposition. Since most wedding gowns need to be tailored, this is not so unusual, but there is likely not going to be someone in the shop who can tell you if it is possible and where to get it done. It is probably a very good idea to have a seamstress already available before you go to look for gowns and it might even be a good idea to ask her to come with you when you try on the gown at the shop.

If you are superstitious, wearing someone else's wedding gown may seem like bad luck to you, especially if the gown is obviously new and it is likely that the wedding was canceled.

Finding a style of gown that matches your dream dress can also be a matter of sheer luck at a thrift shop. If you have a certain vision in mind, it can be even harder to fill that vision when counting on finding that gown at a thrift shop.

You need to allow plenty of time before the wedding to begin your search. Unless you really don't care about the style, it can take months to find the right gown at a thrift store. You are counting on someone bringing in the gown that you want, which may not happen. You need to allow yourself at least six months just in case you can't find anything and need to order a gown from a traditional shop.

Buying a wedding gown at a thrift shop has both pros and cons and it is important that you consider all of them before choosing that option. This is one of the most important days of your life, and you want it to be everything that you always dreamed of.

Turning a pumpkin into a Jack o Lantern

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. Part of the fun of the season is choosing just the perfect pumpkin. This can be done at a farm stand or in a field where you choose your own. While a pumpkin is a fine decoration, it cannot compare to a jack-o-lantern. This is an age of tradition of carving a face into the pumpkin. It is quite an art form. While no two are ever identical, it is the pumpkin itself that determines its personality. With some simple steps, you will have no trouble turning a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.

Choose a pumpkin

There are two distinctive schools of thought when it comes to choosing the perfect pumpkin. Some people think that short and round is the perfect shape while others prefer and taller more lean appearance. The basic shape of the pumpkin will lend itself to what type of face suits it best. One thing that you do need, no matter what shape you prefer is a flat bottom. You want your jack-o-lantern to sit flat on the steep or table which will be its home on Halloween.

Take off the top

Now that you have chosen the perfect pumpkin you need to remove the stem. When you do this you create a top that will lift off of the pumpkin so that you can get to the inside to remove the pulp and seeds. Choose a spot on the top of the pumpkin and with a sharp knife insert it into the skin. You can draw a square on the top and just keep making small incisions until you have gotten all the way around or you can do it freehand. Whatever you are comfortable with.

Scooping out the inside

Once the top has been safely removed you need a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp that is inside. The seeds are edible and make a very tasty snack. If you plan to roast them, have a baking sheet ready. You can wash the seeds and throw out the pulp. Add a little salt and olive oil to the seeds and place them in the oven at 300 degrees for 20 minutes.

Carving

Now the most important part, the carving of the face. You can purchase a carving kit it will have all the tools you need or if you prefer a more personal approach then use a kitchen knife and go freehand. You may want to draw a face on the pumpkin or you can buy a pattern. Start small, maybe an eye. Insert the knife into the pumpkin, this will take a little bit of strength and a sharp knife. Make sure the second cut overlaps the first and so on until you can push the piece that is now the eye into the pumpkin.

Continue with the other eye and then the nose which is usually an upside-down triangle. The most import feature is the mouth and teeth. You also have to decide if you want a happy face or a scary face. You can make the face as complex or as simple as you want. Every opening you make will be showing the light that you place inside so the more openings the more light that will be reflected.

If children are going to be carving they need to be supervised since it takes sharp knives and lots of pushing to get good results.

You can use real candles inside of the jack-o-lantern or use a more modern and safer version by using battery operated lights. The good thing about the batteries is that they last longer and you can light the pumpkin for several days before or after Halloween.

You are now ready to celebrate Halloween with your family, friends, and neighbors. All that is needed is the trick or treaters.

Alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a mysterious ailment which is a multitude of symptoms with no definitive cause. Alternative treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may be one of the best options. One of the ways to treat it is to treat the individual symptoms. This can be done in a variety of ways and among those proving to be the most promising are the Eastern Alternatives of yoga, acupuncture, herbal therapies and Tai Chi.

Yoga has been practiced for over 5000 years. Yoga is the union of body mind and spirit. The word yoga means "union". Through its exercises yoga seeks to bring these three parts into a more perfect union. These exercises result in a feeling of well being as well as improved posture, increased flexibility and an improvement of muscle tone. The mind becomes clear and it has been found that the calm that results can be a big help in controlling the pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. There have also been some lessening of the mental fatigue and lack of ability to focus and think clearly that are often symptoms of CFS.

Among the many symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a fogginess in the thinking process and difficulty in making decisions. The relaxation techniques that are a part of yoga are also helpful in alleviating these symptoms. Sleep can also be improved greatly through the use of yoga breathing exercises. It cannot be stressed firmly enough that yoga cannot and does not cure CFS however it does help to control some of the debilitating symptoms.

The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves using tiny needles that are inserted into the body at specific points. Twelve spots on the body associated with all the "vital energy" that flows through the body have been identified by the Chinese. Acupuncture has been used to help control the pain that is part of CFS. Acupuncture has been shown to help improve muscle and joint pain, headaches, aching eyes and irritated bowel. Acupuncture is also not a cure for CFS but has been shown to be very effective in treating many of the symptoms.

Muscle pain is a large part of CFS and the use of Therapeutic Massage has had some excellent results in some patients. It helps with relaxation and lessening stress. Feelings of well being associated with a massage have been very helpful in the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Herbal Treatments

There are several herbs that have been used with varying success in treating CFS. One of the favorites is ginseng. It helps to increase energy when taken in doses of 100-300mg. twice daily. Echinacea which is typically used to help prevent colds and to stimulate the immune system has also proven successful. The optimal dose is 200 mg twice daily. It can be found in a liquid form that is more effective at your local herbalist.

Herbs may also be used in the form of essential oils. Peppermint, rosemary, and jasmine, when added to a warm bath, can help promote a feeling of relaxation which when done in the evening may be effective in helping with the sleep process.

Nutrition

Nutrition is a large part of the treatment of CFS. Stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine are best avoided as is processed foods. Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and whole grains can help promote a healthy lifestyle. The part that allergies may play in CFS has not been fully defined, it may be best to avoid dairy and gluten products if there is any chance that you may have a sensitivity to one or both of them

Dietary supplements may be prescribed. Some of the most popular are magnesium, fish oil, evening primrose, beta-carotene, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Many of these can help with the effects of fatigue but they should not be taken in high doses except under a health care provider's supervision.

Homeopath

Homeopathic therapies are appropriate for treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The homeopath will consider all the factors before determining appropriate therapy. Some of the most common choices are pulsatilla to help provide calm, gelsemium when the patient is suffering from mental exhaustion, Arsenicum to help with fatigue and sulfur also for fatigue.

CBD

Given how much CBD has been on the news it needs to be addressed as relates to the treatment of CFS. No research specific to chronic fatigue has been done to date so definitive proof does not exist. Claims about what it can do make it seem as if it might address some symptoms but claims are all that is available as of this date. It is not a cure-all by any means. 

CFS is a very complex disorder that requires an aggressive treatment regime. There is no universal answer so it is wisest to try all options that may be available. Each case is different and what works for one patient may not work for another. Treatment needs to be designed to treat the individual symptoms of the sufferer. As with all alternative treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, be sure to check with your physician before beginning any new treatments. To learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome the CDC offers lots of information.

What every woman needs to know about car maintenance

There was a time when the little woman would never have thought about taking care of her own vehicle. That was left to the men, who were often referred to as grease monkeys if they enjoyed working on cars themselves. Today, every woman needs to know about car maintenance. 

There isn’t always a man who can be relied on to help with minor car issues and even if there is a man, we are women and we can do a lot of things for ourselves. Women and car maintenance are words that can go together.

Tires

Tires are filled with air. It is not a magical process; it is quite easy to do and to check. There is something called a tire pressure gauge. If your tire seems soft, check your driver’s manual and find out what the optimal pressure is for your car.

There is a valve stem on your tire that has a screw cap, unscrew the stem cap and fit the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the stem pressing down. You should get a reading of the amount of pressure in your tire. If you have less pressure than your manual suggests you need to add air. You can do this at a gas station in a machine that they offer or you can buy your own compressor, which is quite small and portable and plug it into your car charger. You tell it how much pressure you want and it will stop when it reaches that pressure. Replace the stem cap and check the other tires, it is that simple.

Check the oil

The oil in most cars needs to be changed every 3 to 5 thousand miles. This is not something any needs to do on their own, you can go to a service station and have it done quite inexpensively. What you do need to know how to do is to check and see if you need to add oil to your car especially if you have an older vehicle. If you check oil, engine light goes on you need to know what to do.

Check the battery cables and terminals

A car battery has two cables. One is red and one is black. They attach to two terminals on the battery. The red is the positive and the black is negative. This is handy to know if you ever need to charge your battery. Corrosion can accumulate around the terminal and also on the cable bolt. This can make your car lose the charge and refuse to start. With a wrench, you can remove the bolt and clean the inside of the bolt and also the terminal. This needs to be cleaned, a small wire brush can accomplish the job.

When your car won’t start, this is one of the first things to check. Also, check to make sure that the cables appear to be in good condition. These can be replaced quite inexpensively.

Add water to the radiator

Warning, never open a radiator when it is hot. It can blow up in your face and you will end up being scalded. If your car is overheating, pull off the road and let it cool off. If you think that you are low on water, you can add some but not directly into the radiator, instead, open the overflow cap and add the water into the overflow.

These are just small things that every woman needs to know to feel safe on the road. Women and car maintenance shouldn't be mutually exclusive. Having a AAA membership is a good idea and it goes without saying that you always carry a cell phone in the car. Keep a gallon jug of water in your trunk as well as a can of Fix a Flat and it helps if you know where your spare tire is. This can make it safer to be a woman on the road. 

Stylish rain gear any woman will love

Rain gear includes a great rain jacket or coat, stylish rain boots, and a fashionable umbrella. You can find all of these, you just need to know where to look for them. Whether you want to shop online or go to a brick and mortar store to try things on, here are a few tips to get you started finding stylish rain gear every woman will want.

If you are looking for a classic trench coat, most of the major retailers can give you exactly what you are looking for. From double-breasted and belted styles in neutral colors to trendy coats with zippers in fashion colors, there are lots of coats being offered.

If you are a DKNY fan, Donna Karan has an outstanding selection of raincoats at prices from $100 and up. Her 3 in 1 style offers a classic trench, a vest and a jacket all for the price of just 1. It is both stylish and practical.

Burberry offers the classic trench for the more upscale fashionista. Customers at Nordstroms give it a 10 out of 10 stars rating. London Fog is another classic at a more affordable price that can give you the coverage you need with style.

For a perfect rain jacket, it is hard to beat L.L.Bean. Women will love their Storm Chaser which offers multiple ways to use your jacket. It comes with a fleece liner which can be removed and worn separately. You get three jackets for the price of one. Do you see a trend here?

Rain boots have come a long way in the last few years. They come in Wellie style but now they come in a wonderful variety of colors and patterns. If you are looking for great patterns and style, Dav offers an amazing selection of boots that come in an English riding boot style and a Moto look as well as the Wellie style. Whatever you are looking for, Dav has something really stylish in rain gear.

Totes produce an amazing umbrella and they are sold all over the Internet and in stores around the country. This company has a history that can trace its roots back over 90 years and they are certainly a leader in this industry. 

These days when it is raining out you can be sure that you will be able to have a stylish coat, boots, and umbrella. You can use the Internet to help you find your style and many local stores will also stock some great option. Bring on the rain.

Alleviate menstrual cramps

Many women suffer from very painful periods. Premenstrual cramps are the bane of women. Do you have to just grin and bear it? No, you do not; you can fight back with every weapon in your pretty substantial arsenal and alleviate menstrual cramps. There are pharmaceutical as well as natural remedies that have been shown to give relief from the pain of your monthly cycle.

PMS has been treated like a joke by comedians but for many women, it is not a joke. It is a debilitating pain that causes them to retreat to their beds in pain and frustration.

Premenstrual cramps are something that can be debilitating for some women, just annoying for others. Research has not determined a definitive cause for PMS but there are some theories being studied. It may be indicative of an underlying condition such as endometriosis, a hormone or vitamin deficiency. No matter what the cause, if you are a sufferer, you want relief.

Several drugs have been shown to be effective against premenstrual cramps. One good side effect of birth control pills is a lessening of premenstrual cramps, there are however other possible side effects that may not be so positive. Ibuprofen has been found to be effective in lessening the pain as have other NSAIDS.

Natural remedies can help with premenstrual cramps, the most common being heat. A warm heating pad applied to the affected area can provide comfort and temporary relief. Massage of the affected area has also been shown to provide relief especially when the pain is located in the back.

There are some yoga positions that are helpful as well, among them the bow and the cat pose. Another option is taking a leisurely bath with a combination of clary sage and lavender essential oils to help relieve some of your painful cramps.

There are changes that you can make to increase your chances lessening the severity of premenstrual cramps that you have. Increasing the amount of exercise you do may help as well as decreasing your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Having a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is important. Calcium is the only supplement that has shown promise in relieving premenstrual cramps.

That chocolate you are craving? There may be good reasons for that, chocolate contains magnesium and magnesium helps with cramping. Chocolate, it's a good thing.

While there is no cure for premenstrual cramping there are ways that you can fight back. It may take a little trial and error to find what works best for you but there is hope out there.

Surviving child bond confusion

Child bond confusion is a common issue with children. Nothing is more likely to rip a working mother’s heart out than to arrive at the daycare provider’s home to pick up her child and have the child cry or cling to the daycare provider. A wise mother will realize that some of this is to be expected since the child has just spent the entire day with the daycare provider and the fact that they love and feel comfortable with this person is a good thing. It does not, however, help to take away the guilt this engenders. Perhaps we are not the best mother in the world.

As a mother who used child care, relax, it is a good thing that your child loves their daycare provider. It doesn't diminish your role in their life and within a few months, this too will pass. If your child cries and screams when you try to drop them off at the daycare provider, which is also going to happen, this is just as disturbing.

Especially with babies and small children, if they can’t be with the one they love, they love the one they are with. This is just the nature of things. Try to imagine you are your child; they are now spending the majority of their waking time with the daycare provider who is meeting all their needs. No one more selfish than an infant or small child; it really is all about them.

The daycare provider feeds them, changes their diaper and interacts with them. They are going to respond in a positive way to this. Their memories are very short at this time and by the time you return from work to pick them up, they have forgotten you are their mother and you are going to do exactly the same as the daycare provider and take care of all their needs.

The best way to deal with this child bond confusion is to love your child when they are with you. Make sure you are not too tired after work to interact and develop bonds with your child. The best advice anyone can give you is "this too shall pass". Your child has shown they know how to bond with another person, that in and of itself is a very good thing. Your child will go through many phases in their life and even in their early development; this is just one of them.

Be patient, it won’t last for long and as long as you are a loving parent the day will come all too soon when your child will be running to greet you when you arrive and screaming and crying when you try to drop them off. Enjoy this phase while you have it, your child is happy and well cared for.

Tips for recognizing Fenton Art Glass

Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 in Williamstown West Virginia. It has been a family operation for most of that time. They are just one of many art glass companies that came into being during this time period both in West Virginia and in Ohio. In spite of efforts to keep the factory open, they ceased operation in 2011 and the old factory is slated for demolition. 

However, Fenton Glass is still being made from Fenton molds in an Ohio factory and it is then sent to the Fenton Gift Store where the hand decorating is applied. You can still purchase limited edition and one of a kind items.  

What Fenton is known for is the hands-on nature of their product. The glass is hand blown and the products are hand painted and signed. Unfortunately, the hand signing didn't always happen. Today Fenton pieces are imprinted with their logo and hand signed. For a period they had paper stickers which if the pieces were used and washed naturally disappeared. In the early days neither method was used so how do you know if you have an authentic piece of Fenton Art Glass?

The saying "Knowledge is power" holds true for Fenton collectors. You need to immerse yourself in Fenton. There are several books that document all the known patterns, styles and colors. Not only do you need to read these books multiple times, you need to visit antique stores. Learn to know all the patterns and styles that may be unique to Fenton. You want to be very familiar with the real Fenton colors so that if you see a reproduction or a newer version of an old design you will recognize it right away. Go to an antique mall and hold some Fenton in your hand so that you know what the weight feels like. The real hand blown Fenton will be lighter than cheaper pressed imitations.

With over 100 years of styles and patterns, there are a lot of pieces to get to know. Chances are that you will never be an expert on all types of Fenton but you can develop an eye that will recognize and identify certain types of Fenton. If you like mini vases, they have a wide variety that comes in a slew of colors and neck styles. Learn to recognize the Fenton hobnail shape. They have some handles on their baskets that are unique and they are known for the gorgeous designs of their lamps.

Identifying Fenton can be tricky but some of their pieces have never been reproduced or copied and these will be easy to recognize and identify.

Catholic traditions: Blessing food at Easter Time

The tradition of blessing food at Easter time is a Slavic tradition that was brought to the United States by immigrants from Poland, Ukraine, Russia and other Slavic countries. It is a centuries-old custom rich in symbolism and something that the whole family can do together. In Connecticut, it is mainly Poles who practice this tradition; however, with the ethnic church becoming a thing of the past, many parishes are adopting this practice, and it is spreading to parishioners of other nationalities.

“Swieconka” is the Polish name for the blessing of the food. If it is something that is being offered in your parish this is what you need to do. Get a large basket; one with a handle is traditional, but whatever you have will be fine. You can place one or all of the traditional items in the basket.
Traditional items

Maslo: butter shaped like a lamb or in the form of a cross. This is to remind you of the goodness of Christ. These are really cute, too, and sure to please the kids in the family.

Babka: Easter bread. Christ is called the bread of life and the babka usually has a cross or a fish on top of it. You should be able to purchase a babka at your local grocery store.

Chrzan: Horseradish with grated red beets, this symbolizes Christ’s passion, but the sweetness is a reminder of his resurrection.

Jajka: eggs. They are the sign of new life and the Christ rising from the tomb.
Kielbasa: sausage to remind you of Christ’s generous spirit.

Szynka: smoked ham, to remind you of God’s generous nature in giving his son and his mercy.

Sol: salt. Jesus said you are the salt of the Earth.

Ser: cheese. This is usually shaped in a ball as a symbol of moderation.

Finally, a candle is usually inserted into the basket to represent Christ, the Light of the World. The basket is covered with a linen cloth and brought to the church to be blessed.

Now, most people who are not of a Slavic tradition are not going to be serving most of these items. That does not mean that your Easter meal should not be blessed. If you are having ham put your ham in the basket with a couple of whole potatoes, some colored Easter eggs if you have done them, fresh vegetables or your Easter dessert.

It doesn’t matter what you are serving, what is important is that you are asking God to bless your meal. You, in turn, are thanking him for the blessing he has given to your family and the gift of his only son. Easter is a celebration of Jesus’ victory over death and the hope of eternal life that he has given his people. “Swieconka” is a wonderful way to celebrate this.

Places to find handcrafted items

Buying handcrafted items is a good idea, it helps to support our economy and the economy of developing countries. It gives small cottage industries a chance to flourish. Fair-trade items are for sale that are also very well priced.

Buying handcrafted items from places such as Haiti, India, and Vietnam are going to be a bargain by American standards. This, of course, is a very good additional reason to buy them. Many people are aware of the organization Ten Thousand Villages which offers artisans in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and South America the opportunity to sell their crafts at a fair price. Ten Thousand Villages operates over 150 stores all over the United States and also sells handcrafted items online.

If you haven't visited one of their stores or festivals you are in for a wonderful surprise. Not only is the quality of the items offered heirloom, the prices are amazingly reasonable. You can purchase dangling sterling silver earrings with real gems stones and in India for $48. That is a bargain that is hard to beat anywhere.

If you are looking for something a little less exotic in handcrafted items at a bargain price the best place to look is at your local church fairs. Most church fairs offer a variety of crafts produced by the ladies of the church at prices that are ridiculously low. These are produced as a donation so no matter how cheaply they are being sold the church is making 100 percent profit.

The Internet has lots of handcrafted items and even some bargains. Sites such as Etsy offer a wide selection of items all at one site. Prices are set by the vendor so you will have to determine what is selling at a bargain price and if you are willing to pay what they are asking. Cottage industry is alive and well on the Internet.

Another place to look for bargain priced handcrafted treasures is at the local senior center or convalescent home. Many homes offer craft classes and the crafts that are produced by the people who visit or reside there are then sold at small craft fairs. This is a great place to get crocheted and knitted items, potholders and kitchen crafts.

If you are looking for the cheapest possible handicrafts check out your local hospital auxiliary shop, the Salvation Army, Goodwill or second-hand shop. Many crafts end up here when the original owner changes decor or moves. Determined bargain hunters leave no stone un-turned. As you can see, there are many ways to find bargain handcrafted items, you just have to look.

Why women hide their age

Society, especially in the United States is very youth-driven. You only have to watch the commercials that are constantly running on TV and in magazines. It is all about youth and beauty and when age is shown, it is in the context of trying to make the aging person look younger. Aging is not something celebrated, it is something that needs to be beaten by any means available is the message women are getting. The image of aging in the media is negative and stereotypical. Older women are portrayed as needing help in some way either with fragile bones, dysfunctional sex, or hot flashes.

It is all about what people look like. This is perpetuated by Hollywood where even the most beautiful of stars fin their opportunities to work decrease exponentially with their age. The same can be said for many other businesses where youth is valued much more than maturity. With women already earning less than men, the fact that they are aging is placing them in an even more vulnerable position.

It is no wonder women are desperate to hide their real age. The common perception is men age like a fine wine and women just get older. No one ever mentions how many wrinkles a man has but if a woman gets just one, it is common knowledge. Have you ever heard a woman's gray hair described as distinguished? It is common to refer to men that way.

Women are desperate to hide their age because reproductively they have an expiration date. Men, on the other hand, don't.

Times are changing in that respect and women are able to reproduce even into their old age these days with some help. Somehow the point where women can no longer bear children has become the demarcation of when their youth departs. Naturally, most women don't want to be thought of as over the hill so they keep their biological age a secret. Nothing makes a grandmother happier than being mistaken for a mother.

Women who marry younger men seem to be prone to hiding their real age. They aren't necessarily hiding their age from their spouse but from the world at large. While May and December when the man is December has been accepted forever, when the man is the younger partner there has been a stigma attached and now there is even the name cougar attached to this phenomenon. It actually makes perfect sense for women to marry younger men when women have a longer life expectancy.

Aging in the western world is not something that is revered. The world is driven by looks, not by wisdom and when looks start to fade, generally respect goes with it. Women desperately trying to hide their age to give themselves a fighting chance in a world where they are still not equal to men in pay or prestige.

A whole generation of older women is coming into power, and with any luck, women will no longer have to try to hide their real age and be allowed to age gracefully.  Since women live longer than men it is very much overdue.

Trademen who merit a Christmas tip

Christmas is a big time for tips. Many employees count on the gratuities that they get at this time of the year to supplement their income. There are many tradesmen who offer services to people throughout the year; these are just a few of the ones who it is always nice to remember at the holidays.

Newspaper delivery person

There was a time when this was most likely a neighborhood child. In many parts of the country, that has gone the way of the dinosaur. Their place has been taken by adult delivery people. Assuming that you have had good service and have not had to look for your newspaper in the bushes and trees, it is a nice gesture to give the carrier a tip to show that you appreciate the fact that they put the newspaper where you want and that it arrives every day.

Barber or beautician

The person that does your hair is very important to the way you look. Most people use the same person all the time because you can be sure that they will give you exactly what you ask for. The amount of your tip is dependent on the number of services they perform for you. If they color, cut and style your hair, their tip should be larger than if they only cut your hair.

The person who does your manicure, pedicure, facials etc should get their own tip. If your stylist is the owner of the salon, you might feel awkward giving them a monetary tip. A gift certificate or if you know them well, a gift will also be appreciated. However, there are very few people, owners included who would be insulted by a monetary gift.

Dog groomer/walker

The person who cares for your pampered pooch is also someone who you can feel free to tip. If you go to a large establishment where you have a different groomer every time this may be quite difficult and it is usually easier to just tip when the service is performed. If the service is consistently excellent, giving an additional gift at the holidays is always appreciated.

Delivery person

If you receive deliveries on a regular basis from a particular service such as UPS or FEDEX, it is always nice to tip your delivery person at Christmas especially if they are really good at their job. Many of these delivery persons will go the extra mile to be sure that your package is placed in a dry and secure place for you if you are not at home.

When it comes to the postal service, there are rules about how much they can accept, so be sure to check that out before you give your gift.

If you have a service station that you frequent where they still pump the gas for you, tipping the person who is pumping the gas is a very much appreciated gesture. These are not high paying jobs and they need to pump in all kinds of weather. Show them that their service is special to you by giving them a Christmas tip and a card.

These are just some of the tradespeople who offer services all year long whom it is nice to show special appreciation to at Christmas time. You may have others; look around you and see who is making your life easier.

Practical Christmas gifts for dad

Christmas is right around the corner and if you haven’t decided what to get for Dad here are a few practical choices that will guarantee that you don’t have to give him a tie again this year.

Tassimo

If dad has a Starbucks habit, a practical gift for him will be the Tassimo coffee brewer. You can give him a selection of coffees from places like Starbucks and he can even make espresso and cappuccino with this great little coffee maker. The initial price is a little high but the amount of money that dad will save over a year’s time will amaze him and he will appreciate that you were thoughtful enough to think of this for him.

Battery charger

There is nothing quite as annoying as to go out and try to start your car and have the battery be dead. The same holds true for dad. There are several different types of battery chargers. One really practical version is the one that actually plugs into the car lighter. This is helpful because of course cars being what they are they often chose not to start when you are away from home. This way your dad can give his battery a quick charge no matter where he happens to be. 

Ladder

If you dad is a handy man he will have a hundred projects that he is doing around the house. There are many jobs that require a ladder. Most people have a regular ladder but they now have the new ladders that can lock into a variety of positions including a horizontal one so that if he needs a scaffolding to stand on to paint, he can use his ladder. This can end up being a very practical gift and no doubt dad will come up with a lot of ways to use it.

Sports

If your dad is a sport loving dad there are a wide variety of sports related gifts that he will really appreciate. If he loves to go and watch local games getting him a folding chair with his favorite team on it is a practical choice. If he likes sitting on the bleachers then a cushion for sitting on is another great choice. You can get him a throw, a baseball hat or other memorabilia with his favorite sports logo on it.

Car

If dad loves his car, giving him a gift certificate to have his car detailed or all the products he needs to detail his car himself is a practical gift. He may not already have a small car vacuum or a steam cleaner to keep his car carpet in tip top shape.

Gift cards

Gift cards can always be a practical gift. There is almost no man in the world who can’t find a bunch of things he would love to own at Home Depot or Lowe’s. If Dad is not the handy type, then a gift card to his favorite coffee shop or restaurant is always a thoughtful choice.

You know your father; you can surely come up with a bunch of practical Christmas gifts for dad.

Saving money on holiday groceries

Christmas can be a time when many people find themselves short of money. The economy has not made the comeback that many had predicted and with money tight, every area of the Christmas holiday may need to be scaled back. Saving money on holiday groceries is easier than many other areas. If you are resourceful, no one will even notice the difference.

Plan ahead

It is more important than ever to plan ahead for Christmas.  Plan the meals and the goodies that you will be making. Don’t forget to get out your cookie recipes and start to check your baking supplies. Write down any ingredients that are non-perishable and check the weekly sales fliers. It will be much easier when Christmas rolls around if you have prepared well in advance. It is always much easier to buy a few things at a time rather than buying everything all at once.

Make it yourself

Another way to save a lot of money on your Christmas groceries is to prepare things yourself instead of buying prepackaged or store-bought items. It may be more convenient and easier but it is more expensive to buy these items. If you are having a gathering where you will serve a cheese and cracker tray, cutting the cheese yourself can save a lot of money.

You can also check with the deli at your local grocer to see if they sell cheese ends. These are the ends of the large pieces that they slice for deli cheese. When they sell these they are usually less than half the price that the cheese normally is. Many also sell meat ends. These ends can be used in many ways to stretch your holiday food budget. The same holds true of veggie and fruit platters.

Check the reduced stand

Many fruits and vegetables show up on the reduced stand that can still be perfect to use if you use them quickly. If you see something that you can use such as sweet potatoes or asparagus, you can take them home, prepare them and put them in the freezer. You can then thaw and add the finishing touches when Christmas rolls around.

Discount stores

Discount stores such as Walmart and Target offer very good prices on many food items. You don’t need to buy in bulk to get great prices. If you have a membership at a club like Sam’s, BJ’s or Costco you may be able to save money. Don’t assume that their prices are always the best and if it means you need to buy more than you need or really want then it is not saving you money, it may, in fact, be costing you money. Talk to your friends, maybe you can share an over-sized package of meat or vegetables.

Use coupons

Lots of coupons are out offered. Don’t just count on the newspaper fliers to find the best coupons. Sign up for some of the great Internet coupon sites. The hardest coupons to find are ones for meat. While you may find one for a ham, a turkey is less likely. One way to get a turkey as cheap as possible is to buy two at Thanksgiving when they are usually at their all-time low for the year. A turkey can stay frozen for the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you do a roast, consider buying a cheaper cut and cooking it a little longer to provide the tenderness you are looking for. Pot roast is a delicious alternative to a prime rib or roast.

When money is tight you need to work a little harder and plan a little longer to be able to give your family the Christmas meals and treats that they are expecting. This is going to be a great Christmas season and with a little effort, you will be able to provide all the usual holiday items with only small modifications.

Creating the perfect Christmas centerpiece

Your Christmas centerpiece is one of the main attractions to your dinner table. Typically, a centerpiece reflects the tone of the occasion and Christmas pieces are usually festive and suited to reflect the holiday season. If you were to go to the store to purchase a Christmas centerpiece you're likely to be taken aback by how expensive centerpieces can be for even the simplest construction of pieces. These can run $50 or more. If you find these prices are more than you want to pay, there is another option to store purchased Christmas centerpieces.

A much less expensive way to go is to make the centerpiece yourself! It's fun, affordable and you can have the satisfaction of creating a masterpiece of your own.

You can express your creative side in many ways when you make your own Christmas centerpiece. The best part of creating your own centerpiece is you can custom design it any way you like.

The first thing you'll want to do is decide what kind of centerpiece you would like. Do you want something really fancy and elaborate or do you want something more on the simple side? Once you've decided what style of centerpiece you want, then you can begin to plan and gather the materials you'll need. Here are a few ideas you can consider as a centerpiece project:

Light the Table with the Elegance of Candles

A very inexpensive centerpiece can be made of candles, greens and pine cones. You can use tall tapered candles or votives, depending on what's your preference, and place them in crystal style candle holders. Beautiful, yet inexpensive, candle holders can be found in any dollar store or the craft store. It can be simple or elaborate as you'd like. I tend to go with simple as it takes up less room on the table. 

For an added touch of elegance, you can make "rings" of greenery to rest at the base of your candle holders to encircle them. These can be pieces of artificial greens or you can gather fresh greens from outside. You can glue mini pine cones and attach small red bows around the greens to make the base look more festive. A glue gun is a perfect tool for this task because it ensures your piece stays together.

For your candles, green, white or reds are always good choices. Gold or silver is usually available too. Or, if you have little ones and/or want to avoid lighting candles, you can go with a flameless candle (they have some good options on Amazon in red, green or white/silver that look pretty).

Scented candles are also nice because they give off a pleasant aroma as you light your centerpiece to make it both visually appealing and smell good too. This kind of centerpiece has a tendency to put everyone in the holiday spirit because of its ability to heighten the senses.

Feature the Beauty of Flowers

Flowers are simple, elegant and there is lots of variety to choose from. You can go with fresh flowers or with silk ones. For a fresh flower, centerpiece you can use any kind of flowers you prefer; I tend to go with reds and whites. 

Carnations are nice because they last longer, but you can use roses or your other favorite floral stems too. All you need to do is arrange your flowers and keep them freshly watered.

If you opt to go with silk flowers you'll likely have more of a variety to choose from. If you visit the floral aisle of your craft store there are tons of types to choose from. 

Essentially, you can shop by color and choose from an entire range of flowers to make your centerpiece really unique. The benefit of the silk is you can use them for decoration the whole season without worrying about wilting flowers or falling petals. You can use clear or green colored rocks to help hold your flowers in one place. If you prefer, you can also use artificially-dried grass to use as a foundation to "plant" your flowers.

Whichever you choose, you'll need a vase to arrange your floral arrangement in. Your vase can be Christmas themed or a simple clear ordinary one will do. I prefer to use a vase with a neck so I can tie some green, red, gold or silver ribbon around the neck of the vase to make it look more festive.

Show Festivity with a Mini Christmas tree

If you want to go on the fancy side you can create a miniature Christmas tree. This isn't hard to do, but it does take a bit of time to decorate, but it looks spectacular when you're done. What you'll need is a piece of styrofoam cone and some artificial greenery which you can purchase at any craft store. 

Wrap the greenery around the styrofoam and secure it in place to shape your Christmas tree. For the ornaments you can buy small bags of "mini" ornaments at the craft store also; try and find ones which come with hooks, but if not you can purchase those separately.

Construction is fairly simple because all you have to do is "hang" your ornaments around the tree. A nice touch is to add some satin ribbon or mini pine cones. For the top of your tree, you can either make a star or you can purchase a small plastic or metallic looking one. These can also be found in the craft store. If an angel is your preference you can either use a small wooden ornament or if you like you can get really creative and make one out of a spool, some paint, yarn and a pipe cleaner for the halo.

These are only a handful of ideas you can try. There are many terrific centerpieces you can make to decorate your Christmas table. Making your own centerpiece is very complementary to your home cooked meal and a satisfying project once you see the beautiful creation you've made.