To avoid accidents

Make sure you are focus on what you are doing, if for some reason someone interrupts you, stop and handle the situation.

Read the appliances manuals. Most people when they buy a new appliance don’t read the manuals and that is a big mistake because in those manuals are all the safety procedures you should follow while using and cleaning the new appliance.

Avoid using old appliances. Not everybody has the money to replace old appliances but if they are older than 10/15 years just stop using it. Sounds like a waste since they are still working but the truth is that a kitchen appliance omits lots of heat, steam, grease etc and with time the electric structure starts to get old and degraded and the appliance can start working improperly any time while you are using it. If you don’t have the money to replace it do things old school. It may take a few more minutes but you will be sure you keep all your fingers…

When cleaning an appliance make sure it is off and not connected to the power line. People often think that turning it off is enough but you wouldn’t believe how many accidents happen because of that.

On a regular basis check if everything is working properly.

Make sure you always cut food on a board and with good knifes. Old, rusty and damaged knifes can be really dangerous. Buy good knifes, they can be quite expensive but they will last your whole life.

Today peelers are quite cheap so use them to peel carrots, potatoes etc they are safer than knifes also you will do your job quicker.

Also if you have the time and money take a few culinary lessons so you can learn how to cut food properly, how to protect your fingers and hands, and you will also learn lots of other useful information that will make preparing meals a quick task and safer.

If you cut yourself:

If it is a small cut. Clean it and apply a bandage until the blood stops running. You should make sure you always have the proper tools in your first aid kit and also that you always know where your kit is…

If it’s a larger cut, make sure you stop the bleeding with a rag or a piece of fabric and call your doctor they will give you instructions of what to do while you get into the hospital or an ambulance arrives.

WAU Portugal

Yogurt pots are difficult to recycle. Yogurt pots are made from polystyrene, which is a plastic that is not typically recycled. Since you can’t recycle yogurt pots.

* As with all plastic containers, where possible keep them for storage, i use mine for small items like push pins, paper clips, and other smaller bits and bobs that have no home.

* You can also use them for filling with fruit squash or juice before freezing to make ice pops, i also use mine to make my own sugar free jello / jelly and i add small bits of fruit to the bottom.

* Schools & playgroups may use the larger yogurt containers as craft materials so ask your child’s teacher about this, you can also use them for crayons, cotton balls, paint brushes etc.

* They can be used in the garden as pots for seedlings.

* They can be cut into strips and used as plant labels. You just need a permanent marker to write on them as the elements to tend to smudge markers that are not water proof.

* Puncture the bottom of 2 pots, thread a string between them, and then children can use them as a cheap telephone, easy and lot’s of fun for your children.

Many parents are concerned about their child’s thumbsucking. Wondering if its harmful and at what age it should stop.

Infants and young children suck on things because it makes them feel secure and helps them to learn about their world. Young children often use thumbsucking to soothe themselves. They find it relaxing often using it to fall asleep.

Thumbsucking does not cause a problem with teeth until the permanent front teeth come in(beginning about age 6). The strength of sucking determines whether or not dental problems will occur. Children who rest their thumbs in their mouths are less likely to have problems than those who vigorously suck their thumbs.

Here are a few tips to help your child stop:

1. Offer praise for not sucking.
2. Remember that children often suck their thumbs to feel secure. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and comfort your child.
3. Reward children when they avoid sucking during difficult times.
4. Your dentist can explain to your child what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop.
5. Relax. Remember that most children stop on their own before any problem occur.

*Every girl should know how to sew and make dresses.

* To cook and clean.

*To mend her own and the household things.

*To dress neatly and becomingly and daintily.

*To keep a secret and respect confidences.

*To be a self-reliant and not helpless.

*To keep a house tidy and have a place for everything.

*To respect old age.

*To be above gossiping or listening to slander.

*To control her temper.

*To care for the sick and the young.

If she has these accomplishments then she needs not trouble very much if fate has denied her chance of acquiring some other that may be a trifle more fashionable, but are certainly not so delightful and useful.

Published The Southern Cross, April 23rd, 1926.

*The Southern Cross is the newspaper for Irish community in Argentina.

Anybell – Argentina

- Always be prepared! You can’t get that great pic if your camera isn’t within reach or the batteries are dead! Make sure your batteries are fully charged at all times. If your camera takes alkaline or lithium batteries, always make sure you have a spare set on hand.

- Get down to the level of your subject. For example – if you are standing up, taking a picture of your child, the picture will turn out at an odd, awkward angle. Kneel down and get level with your star!

- Learn from the pros – use props! A cute stuffed animal can just make a picture even more special.

- Plan your shot. Take a look around your subject – is there an odd shadow? Make sure the sun isn’t behind your star. Is there a background color that will blend into the shot? Is there an odd shape that will add a third arm or “devil horns” to your star? Look beyond your subject and see the space around the subject of the picture.

- Red eye problems? Position your subject so that the sun or a bright light is shining in their face.

- Love your digital camera but find the cost of ink and photo paper too expensive? Use an online photo center such as Clark Color Labs – www.clarkcolor.com – to order your prints at very reasonable prices. They will also tell you if your shot will make a good enlargement or wallet sized print.

With a bit of practice you’ll be able to shoot like the pros!

Anne

Regular Maintenance – Following the schedule provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer for “severe or heavy duty” driving conditions will help keep the motor running clean and may give you a warning of a potential problem. The engine oil and transmission fluids should be checked regularly and changed on schedule. Unless you reside in an extremely rural area and do not experience stop/go traffic or prolonged idling, chances are that your driving habits meet the manufacturer’s definition of “severe or heavy duty” conditions. Although synthetic oils may cost more per quart, their benefits far outweigh the difference in price. Check your Owner’s Manual for a schedule of how often fluids/filters/belts should be changed.

Oil and Transmission Coolers – Oil and Transmissions coolers do just that – they cool the engine and transmission by lowering the fluid temp. An approximately $200-$250 investment will pay off over the long haul.

Don’t Abuse The Car – When you start your car, there is no need to stomp on the gas and race the engine. Press the gas pedal gradually and steadily. In cold weather, it can take up to 15 minutes before the car is properly warmed and fluids are flowing smoothly. If you have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer, it is extremely important to take the extra time to allow the car to warm up. While it’s nice to hop into a warm car on a cold morning, it is not a good idea to go out, start your car and leave it to idle while you return to the house. Idling does not heat the oil rapidly enough to burn off excess raw fuel and any other contaminants that may impede the oil’s ability to properly lubricate the motor. At the same time, it is equally as damaging to allow your car to run hot. If you’re on a long drive on a hot day, keep an eye on your temperature gauge. If it begins to rise, pull off and take a break. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on anti-freeze and system flushes. You’re not in a drag race, so there’s no need to stomp on the gas and race to the next red light. All you’re doing is putting excess wear and tear on your car.

Finally, if a problem does develop, get it fixed as soon as you can- by someone who actually knows what they’re doing. Just because the guy down the street wears a “Mopar” shirt, watches NASCAR and changes his own oil, it does not make him a mechanic.

Anne WAU NJ

2. List what you’d like to buy (within reason).

3. Check the sales, but make sure you are going to use the items.

4. Check your coupons; use them only if they will truly save on groceries.

5. Add sales items and coupon specials if you will use the product; I save a lot this way on items like dish soap and paper towels.

6. AArrange your list in the order of the grocery store displays, as it saves you time. You should also mark off each item you put in your cart.

7. Estimate the actual cost of the groceries you want; this way you won’t be in for any surprises at the register.

8. Cut back on something if your total estimate is too high.

Tips:

1. Choose a quiet time to work on your list.

2. Keep a list on your fridge and add items to the list when you notice that you are running out!

3. Don’t write it while you’re hungry. When I write my list hungry, I have nothing but junk food on it.

4. Leave yourself a few dollars for unadvertised sales or extras.

Vicky