Fall in Love with the Season – Fall Cleaning Tips

[caption id="attachment_10827" align="alignright" width="220"] Fall in Love with the Season –  Fall Cleaning Tips[/caption]

Fall is a favorite season for many of us. Who can resist the beauty of the orange glow of pumpkins, the falling leaves and the much anticipated cool weather?

Fall means the Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays and delightful nights in front of the fireplace with your family.

The change of a season is a wonderful opportunity to launch a major house cleaning. It is a great time to brush away the remnants of summer and prepare the home for that cozy and homey feel.

Here are the few fall season cleaning ideas to follow now that the new season is upon us.

• Wash the windows – Wash and brighten the window so light can get in as much as possible giving your home a magical look. Leaves are falling everywhere so make sure that the windows are clean to watch the show.

• Freshen the carpet – This is the best time to clean your carpets as you will be staying indoors most of the time snuggling in front of the fireplace. Get your carpets professionally cleaned or a good sweep from a vacuum will do.

• Change or clean the window treatments – It's time to either clean or take down your curtains as they may have been pulled back during summer and may be looking a bit dingy and dusty. If you decide to replace curtains; match the tones and colors for a more elegant look appropriate for fall.

• Clean Chimneys – A chimney sweep will ensure that the chimney is free from any soot and residue that are built up on the chimney walls.

• Dust ceilings and walls – it's a good time to banish summer dust build-up. Clean from top to bottom. There are the obvious places for dust, like TV screens and lampshades. Dust also accumulates at the tops of bookshelves, wall hangings, air vents and ceiling fans.

• Clean patio and clean furniture inside – If you live in a cold climate, store your outdoor furniture in the garage or shed to prevent winter weather damage.

• Clean the kitchen – Prepare the kitchen for holiday cooking. Clean and organize cabinets that hold baking supplies and pans. Replace and restock your pantry as there will be plenty of cooking and baking ahead.

• Check gutters and downspouts - Clear of debris if necessary. In cold-weather areas, consider installing heating cable to prevent ice dams. This is never fun but this is the best time of the year to clean out gutters.


• Organize and bring out the season's decorations – Whether it is Halloween or Thanksgiving decorations, it is better to organize and unclutter the storage and start decorating your home for a cozy feel.

What feels better than freshening up the house after the hot summer and give it a more refreshing start. As summer is almost over, everyone is looking forward to crisp mornings, cool weather and the leaves turning into beautiful autumn colors!

 

Fall in Love with the Season – Fall Cleaning Tips

At Home with Pets

[caption id="attachment_9364" align="alignright" width="280"] At Home with Pets[/caption]

Buying a house is a tiring and rewarding process but that doesn't stop there. The greatest effort is making your house into a home. For some, adding a pool or a garden makes an ordinary house a home sweet home because of the bond shared among the family members. Others, find having pets is an essential necessity of home living.

Homes are places where love and memories are made and its great to make wonderful memories at home with pets. The Luxury Valley Homes team will bring to you some of the best that will surely make any house a home.

Cats : Cats are very loving and snugly, but also independent so you don't have to provide them all your attention all the time like you do with dogs. When they are out of their kitten stage, they are perfectly okay with sleeping the whole day. These felines can tolerate being left alone for several hours and would still love to cuddle then their owner get’s home. Aside from that, cats are also very intelligent animals. They will be able to understand and adjust to your daily routine making sure that they would not disrupt your daily activities. Cats are also clean creatures and do not need a high degree of grooming since they can do it themselves. As an owner, all you have to do is feed and keep the litter box clean.

Love Birds: Birds are much more cost-effective and easy to take care of in comparison to what they offer. Well socialized and playful, these birds can also be man's best friend. Peach faced love birds posses colors that are pleasing to the eyes. Peach-faced lovebirds like to turn any activity into a game, and they stay active much of the time, but when the time comes to settle down and rest, they enjoy snuggling with their owners. When hand-trained you need not worry about them flying away because they can trust you enough to stay in your pocket or on your collar. Like parrots, love birds can also utter a few phrases.

Rats: While most people think rats as a house pest, they can really make a good house pet. Rats are not demanding creatures. It will be contented being confined in a cage slightly bigger than them as long as you add some bedding, a spot for them to hide and sleep, food and drink and a toy to keep them entertained. They eat rat food which is readily available in the pet shop. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts can also be added to their diet.

Dogs : Man's best friend! Dogs will always be there for you, eager to obey, loving and loyal. If you want a pet to be a part of the family, no other animal can take the dog's place. Labrador retrievers are believed to be the perfect family dog. They are loyal and very attached to their owners. They love to impress their owners with tricks and stunts because they aim to please. Relatively easy to train, Labrador retrievers do not tire easily and are a great camping and travel companion. To top it all, Labradors are great with children because they are gentle and affectionate. My personal favorite is the German Shepherd who is easy to train and a great family dog.

Ferrets : Ferrets are like the combination of cats and dogs, only better. They are agile and playful and can be trained to come, or do tricks. Ferrets are crepuscular, meaning they spend 14-18 hours a day asleep and are most active around the hours of dawn and dusk. When excited, they may perform a routine known as the weasel war dance, characterized by sideways hops and bumping into things. Overall, ferrets are a beautiful creature, playful and energetic.

 

At Home with Pets

Korean War Cease-Fire - July 27, 1953

[caption id="attachment_9338" align="alignright" width="300"] Korean War Pool of Remembrance[/caption]

The Korean War cease-fire - July 27, 1953 took place after 2 years of peace negotiations, a cease-fire of the Korean War was called at the 38th parallel, the major dividing line in Korea.

At this time a demilitarized zone (DMZ) was established around the 38th parallel. The DMZ runs north of the 38th parallel towards the east, and to the south as it travels west.

"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

Stalemate leading to the Korean War Cease-fire
(July 1951 - July 1953):

The later years of the war involved little territory change, large-scale bombing of the north and its population, and lengthy peace negotiations, which began on July 10, 1951, at Kaesong. Even during the peace negotiations, combat continued.



On November 29, 1952, U.S. President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower fulfilled a campaign promise by traveling to Korea to help end the conflict. With the U.N.'s acceptance of India's proposal for a Korean armistice, a cease-fire was established on July 27, 1953.

Results:
It is reported that approximately 480,000 U.S. troops fought in the Korean War, with an estimated: 36,574 people killed, 103,284 wounded, 7,926 MIA, and 7,714 POW. China lost an estimated 183,000 people and North Korea 215,000.

July 27, 1995 - Korean War Veterans Memorial

On July 27, 1995, the Korean War Veterans Memorial was built in Washington, D.C. and was dedicated to the Veterans of the Korean War. The design of the memorial is a triangle intersecting a circle consisting of:

• 19 stainless steel statues designed by Frank Gaylord. The statues represent a squad on patrol, 15 Army, 2 Marines, 1 Navy Corpsman, and 1 Air Force Forward Air Observer. To the north is a path closing one side of the triangle.

 

• To the south, is a 164 foot long black granite wall, created by Louis Nelson, with photographic images sandblasted into it depicting soldiers, equipment and people involved in the war. The third side of the triangle, facing towards the Lincoln Memorial, is open.


• The circle contains the Pool of Remembrance (See the above Photo, provided by the DOD) surrounded by granite blocks with the casualty numbers of the war engraved and the inscription:

 

"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

An additional granite wall bears the inscription: "Freedom Is Not Free", posted in silver.

We send our prayers to all who sacrificed, both past and present, living and deceased. Thank You to our Korean War Veterans... along with ALL of our U.S. Veterans and active Military!

Korean War Cease-Fire

Cruelty to Animals

The photo below was sent to me on Facebook this morning and they asked to have it passed along in hopes of finding this person so the authorities could have a little chat with this person. (Somehow the word person does not fit this individual.  Just what do you call someone like this? I thought of Homo sapiens but that did not seem to fit and using the word animal seemed a few steps up, so the term I’ll use here is “THE THING” for lack of a better description.)

The photo and request for help came from Morgan Devine and was dated November 9, 2012, with the location being near Boise Junction, Idaho. The dog shown in this photo is a Pit Bull and because of all the bad publicity they have received the Pit Bull gets a bad rap. Like any other dog if they are socialized appropriately they make a great family dog. Being a dog owner means training them to be socially acceptable. We do that with our children and as part of the family social training it’s required for our furry children.

There is no excuse for what you see in the photo above. Please, if you know this person, report him to the authorities. If he can do this to a dog he can certainly do it to a person. More than likely, he would do harm to a woman or a child.

Cruelty to Animals: The infliction of physical pain, suffering or death upon an animal, when not necessary for purposes of training or discipline or (in the case of death) to procure food or to release the animal from incurable suffering, but done wantonly, for mere sport, for the indulgence of a cruel and vindictive temper, or with reckless indifference to its pain. Thanks for your help.

Cruelty to Animals

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

With the housing industry on its way to recovery, new trends in home design are now made available to homeowners. Renovating and remodeling your old house into a multifunctional living space requires much to consider: from budgeting and structural designs, down to the materials and colors of choice. This can be a nerve-wrecking business and to steer away from the stress of the project, you can invite experts or contractors to help you in realizing your dream home.

To renovate and remodel your home for your own pleasure, these insights can be helpful in outlining the blueprint of your new home.

• 
  
  Bright and well-ventilated kitchen
  Kitchen- Kitchens continue to be the heart of a house and becoming the gathering area in every household. Experts promote more contemporary solutions for storage and functional needs. The island remains popular as it can be incorporated with a cook top stove and a sink and can double as a dining table. Gone is the customary side-by-side seating arrangement, instead the chairs are arranged in a perpendicular manner for a conducive environment for conversation. There is also an increasing use of large windows to keep the kitchen bright and well-ventilated.

• 
  
  Exquisite living room
  Living Room – It is the most popular space in a house to entertain guests. When designing this room, you need to determine the purpose of the room. It should be embellished with a friendly atmosphere to ensure the comfort of the visitor. The design must fit your taste and lifestyle and you must be comfortable with the space since you will be spending a lot of time in this room. The trend today is a living room that has elements that creates a simple yet elegant, well-lit room.

• 
  
  Convenient and organized laundry room
• Laundry Room – The idea is to make the laundry chores easier through built-in convenience that costs a lot less when you plan ahead. A universal design laundry room should have ample area to allow handling multiple chores. A closet laundry can be tucked into a hallway as long as the hallway is wide enough and opened closet doors can allow access and maneuverability. A cabinet can be installed for more storage space. An upstairs laundry room is increasingly popular since that's where most clothes add-up, however, if the master suite is on the main floor, the traditionalfirst floor concept works best.

• 
  
  Multifunctional work area
  
  Garage - There is a developing trend that indicates that garages don't have to function exclusively as the traditional garage used only as a parking and storage area. Garages can be renovated and converted as an extension of the home living space as a work area, a hobby center or anything you want it to be. Through custom cabinets, storage and other embellishments, you can ultimately transform your boring old garage into a multifunctional work area.

These new structural designs that will fit your way of living can be found in our listings in: Scottsdale real estate, Phoenix real estate, Paradise Valley real estate, Chandler real estate, Glendale real estate, Winfield real estate, DesertRidge real estate, Carefree real estate, and Mesa real estate.

Zig Ziglar once quoted "Being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles". Our home is a reflection of who we are, be bold in planning your new house's structural design.

Maximizing Space For Your New Home

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Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

A budget-friendly trip

Whether you are in for a well-planned or spontaneous trip, all trips are meant for adventure and relaxation. One doesn't have to spend a fortune to experience the true meaning of the word “vacation” without going broke. For those looking to make their next vacation in Scottsdale Arizona, these tips are essential in planning your trip to maximize your respite dollar.

• Plan your trip ahead. Determine where and when you are planning on going. You can get special deals on airline seats and hotel when booked in advanced. Consider traveling during off-season as fare, hotel and tour rates go down. However, be cautious with the unusually cheap prices as these may be a scam and you could end up paying more than the regular cost. You may also consider going to a place where you know someone locally. They might want to act as a guide to show you around the city and show you the magnificent hidden sites in the area. Not only do you get to save money, but this is also an opportunity to visit a long lost friend or a relative.


• Pack light. Airline companies have an allowable maximum weight for baggage and anything beyond will be charged per pound or kilo. You may also be planning on bringing home souvenirs or mementos and packing light will give you extra room in your baggage for that little gift on the return trip. Moreover, traveling with lots of baggage limits your movement or activities, which causes discomfort.


• Make a list of the attractions and budget-friendly activities the country or city has to offer. Amusement parks, beaches, museums, garden and zoos have a relaxing environment and are free to enjoy. You may also want to take note of the happy hour specials and promotions for a night out. You can always beat boredom without spending much. Scottsdale AZ offers a wide variety of attractions and fun-filled activities you can choose from. Visit http://www.experiencescottsdale.com for more details.


• Hotel vs. hostel. For a budget-friendly travel, hostel offers an affordable and safe dry place where you can spend a night or two. It may not have the amenity and luxury offered by a hotel but your dollar can go a long way in a hostel.


• Limit the fancy dining. Try not to go to a lavish restaurant that offers the same familiar food at a higher price. Instead, be adventurous in trying local foods for an authentic culinary experience.

Even a well-arranged vacation hardly goes as planned so make sure to bring an extra amount with you for any unexpected expense. These include a bottle of water and snacks or an over-the-counter medicine if needed. Just be sure to stick to your budget. Always have a plan B just in case plan A doesn’t work. Remember you are in for some R and R. (Rest & Recuperation)

Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip

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Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

Cupcakes: A Little Bit of History

Sweet mouth-watering cupcakes

When driving down Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, Arizona we pass my granddaughter’s favorite store. It brings a smile to my face when I see the cupcake store and it always bring a smile to my face. I would remember the birthday parties I have attended to as a kid, the smudge of icing on our tiny hands and the laughter we shared our friends.

The cupcake craze all started during the 19^th century in the United States and has since gained popularity because of its uncomplicated ways of baking as well as the ingredients involved in the making of the cupcake.

Furthermore, they are also convenient because of the little amount of time spent in preparing and cooking, and the ease in remembering the ingredients.

There are a few theories of how that little cake got its name: first, because the ingredients are measured by cup rather than being weighed. It’s as simple as 1234 as these little cakes are made up of a cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three of flour and four the eggs. A recipe that’s easy to remember in every household. Secondly, it was originally bakedin ramekins, molds and pottery cups, thus, the name cupcake.

With creativity and imagination, the old simple cupcake recipe now comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and of course flavors - A culinary masterpiece. The batter used can be flavored with banana, carrots, chocolates and the likes and some have added ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate chips that are stirred in for more aroma and texture. Cupcakes may also be filled with flavored jellies and whipped cream by scooping a small hole on top of the cake or by injecting the filling with the use of a syringe. They may also be decorated with various patterns topped with frosting of different colors and sprinkled with candies. The variation of these little cakes made an impact, especially with the children. The cupcake is almost a staple at any American get-together such as birthday parties, work functions, anniversaries and weddings.

In recent years, there was a boom of cupcake stores across the country. Cupcakes became more of an industry than a household recipe. After all, this snack can be eaten during any part of the day. The accessibility of having a cupcake store in the neighborhood makes it more convenient just for anyone such as working mothers to serve this delicious dessert to their children, or for a quick gift to a friend. With the wide array of cupcakes available in the market today, prices range from $1.00 to $5.00 a piece.

One of the most loved and sought-after cupcake stores in the US is called the Sprinkles Cupcakes and it’s conveniently located in the heart of Scottsdale AZ. So if you are in the area, don't miss dropping by and have a taste and indulge your taste buds with this mouth-watering sprinkled cupcake.

Cupcakes

For more information, please visit our website.

Food for Thought and Food for Health: Chimichanga

It may be deep fried but it's just as good for you as it looks. The Chimichanga stems from Mexican origins and has since grown to become an American favorite especially in Scottsdale Arizona and the Valley of the Sun.

Get the best from your Chimichanga. Just know what's good for your body and what available alternatives there are out there. Here are some nutritional benefits from some of the ingredients of the Chimichangas.

Uncooked long-grain rice - low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol and sodium. It is also a good source of selenium, which aids the skin during healing following burn injuries. Selenium has an antioxidant property that regenerated vitamins C and E that decreases the skin's aging process. The major benefit from selenium is it increases the HDL cholesterol to LDL cholesterol for a healthy heart. Long grain rice is also a good source of manganese that is essential for proper digestion and the metabolizing proteins. It works as an antioxidant to help prevent cancer and heart disease.

Tomatoes – Tomatoes are low in sodium, and very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. They are an excellent source of free radical-scavenging vitamin C and vitamin A as well as bone-healthy vitamin K. They are a very good source of enzyme-promoting molybdenum; heart-healthy potassium, vitamin B6, foliate, and dietary fiber; blood sugar-balancing manganese. In addition, tomatoes are a good source of heart-healthy magnesium, niacin, and vitamin E; energy-producing iron, vitamin B1, and phosphorus; muscle-building protein, and bone-healthy copper (http://www.whfoods.com).

Olives - Olives are a remarkable source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Olives are a very good source of monounsaturated fat and a good source of iron, copper, and dietary fiber.

Avocados – Avocados contain an amazing array of phytonutrients; carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, neochrome, and oleic acid are key fats provided by avocado. Avocados are a good source of bone supportive vitamin K as well as heart-healthy dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and foliate. Avocados are also a good source of energy-producing vitamin B5 and muscle-healthy potassium.

So the next time you want to conquer a Chimichanga or two, don't fret because you will not need to cheat on your diet anymore.

Food for Thought and Food for Health: Chimichanga

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Arizona's Monument Valley Tagged as one of CNN's 27 Sights That WillRemind You How Incredible the World Is

Arizona's Monument Valley Tagged as one of CNN's 27 Sights That Will Remind You How Incredible the World Is

As I went through CNN news and articles as I usually do, I stumbled upon an article dedicated to enticing the readers to remember the beauty of the incredible Mother Earth. Personally, I find the title of the article most apt and concise to describe this, it is called '27 Sights That Will Remind You How Incredible the World Is' by Anthea Gerrie.

A note follows below the title saying, “These amazing spectacles may not change your life, but they should change your vacation plans.” Sorry to disappoint you Anthea, but it changed mine. Reading through the whim and looking at the spectacular photos, it gave me a bigger world view. It inspired me to break out of the usual tourist destination traps, pick up my back pack and explore the unknown world.

It wasn't surprising that the US would make the list. Of course, there's so much wonder in our own land. Four sites were listed among the 27 in the world, namely: The Yosemite peaks in California, the Electrical Storms in Tornado Valley, Carlsbad Cavern in New Mexico and the Monument Valley in Arizona.

These places and sights are rich in natural beauty and history. You can call it one-of-a-kind or rare, but none can compare to these awe inspiring sites. The four were placed alongside the grand Northern Lights in Scandinavia; the panoramic view from the water taxis and the gondolas in Venice; the majestic Victoria Falls in Zambia, and more.

It wasn't a beauty competition. It was simply a celebration of the allure of our very own world.

Explore the world abound. Experience Arizona. Discover Mesa! For more information on Mesa Arizona, contact the Luxury Valley Homes Team.

Arizona's Monument Valley Tagged as one of CNN's 27 Sights That Will Remind You How Incredible the World Is

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Beat the Summer Heat in Mesa, AZ

The sun is up and its that time of the year to head down to the beach, the pool, or sunbathe your way to a natural tan. There’s nothing more refreshing than the summer season.

In Mesa, Arizona, there’s no shortage of sunshine. It’s summer all year round. With all the heat outside, and the uncertainty of the weather nowadays, it might be wise to be more wary of our health and body. Here are quick and easy ways to keep everything in balance amidst the summer flare.

• Keep well hydrated - Besides drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration and eventual heat stroke, try on fruits rich in water such as watermelon that contains nearly 92% water and up to 14% of vitamin C, coconut juice and melons. Not only are they rich in vitamins and minerals, they taste good too.

• Cover up - It may be difficult to stay out of the sun’s way unless you’re hoping for a tan or even skin cancer. Always safeguard your skin with sunscreen. A hat is always a nice and very useful outfit to add to your outfit. Loose, light-colored clothing also makes you feel cooler underneath than dark-colored ones.

• Keep House Ventilated - Even indoors, you’re not as safe as you think. Even without air-conditioning, you can still ventilate the home with open windows. Use fans to get a good circulation in the home.

• Limit Activity During the Hottest Part of the Day - Try not to be participating in outdoor activity during midday, which is the hottest part of the day. Pace yourself if you are exercising in the heat; you should not allow your heart rate to be pounding nor should you allow yourself to feel completely out of breath and gasping for air.

• Don’t Delay Getting Help for Symptoms - If you find yourself or someone else might be suffering from heat-related illness, move to a cooler shady place, lie down, drink some fluids, and call 911.

Beat the Summer Heat in Mesa, AZ

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Little Island Paradise of Lana'i, Hawaii

Little Island Paradise of Lana'i, Hawaii

Looking for that undiscovered tropical island paradise without much of the touristy feel of Honolulu and Maui? Lana'i is one of the eight gorgeous islands of Hawaii, which boasts sparkling blue waters, white sand beaches, and a tropical experience you will never experience elsewhere.

Lana'i is the least known islands among the eight. The beauty of this heaven-on-earth island is yet to be discovered.

As you drive along Lana'i, towering Cook Pine Trees greet and welcome the guests. The island is perfect for hiking and horse-back riding. After a hike, a nice dip in the ocean is just a few minutes away.

There's plenty of scenic and historical places to visit, despite the island's relatively small size: (1) For a scenic hike, go through the Munro Trail. The trail has the only spot in the whole Hawaiian Islands that offers a stunning view of the other 5 islands. (2) For an out-of-this-world experience, head down to the Garden of the Gods in Polihua, a Mars-like desert rock formation. (3) Shipwreck Beach, as the name suggests, features the hull of the World War II Liberty ship abandoned on the reef.

Dive, snorkel and discover the treasure of seas. Perhaps a good game of golf amidst a stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. During your swim you may experience Dolphins or even a green turtle. End the day with an unobstructed view of one of the most gorgeous sunsets you'll ever witness at the Kaumalapau Harbor.

The island of Lana'i never ceases to surprise you. Witness the beauty. Experience Lana'i, HI.

Little Island Paradise: Lana'i, Hawaii

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Fountain of Youth with Four Easy Lifestyle Changes

Most people would fret aging as the years go by. You don't need to be too drastic with cosmetic surgery or intense and expensive diet and exercise programs to keep your face youthful-looking, and your body in the best shape. By as simple as tweaking your lifestyle to an improved healthy one, you'll: (1) have a better disposition, (2) decrease your risk for disease, (3) be physically strong, and (4) mentally alert.

Control the aging process and discover the fountain of youth by following these 4 lifestyle changes.

• Exercise – Sure we have heard this for the nth time already – Exercise. According to the American Cancer Society, studies show that inactive women who sit for more than 6 hours a day increase their likelihood of early death compared with active women. Also, individuals who fail to exercise encounter muscle and bone loss. Try stretching, brisk walking, jogging, hiking, lift weights and strength-training sessions to get you started. Find time to exercise, keep a regimen of at least 3 to 4 times a week and stick to that.

• Healthy Diet – Proper diet and exercise always come hand in hand. Plan your meals and snacks with healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Find a healthy alternative to your usual calorie and cholesterol-filled meals by using olive oil instead of butter. Get a good balance of every heart-friendly fat, carbohydrate and protein. Try sticking to the healthy diet plan and reward yourself at the end of a successful week with your favorite guilty pleasure food.

• Sleep well – Sleep affects memory but good and regular sleep helps improve memory. Maintain a 7-hours of sleep everyday and you'll notice a youthful glow in your skin, a lighter tone to what used to be dark circles under the eyes, and less wrinkles. Get some good shut-eye by establishing a regular waking time, create a dark and comfortable sleep environment, and avoid the computer, laptop or television before bed.

• Observe a skin-care routine – Add sunscreen to your daily skin-care routine an quit the smoking habit. With an SPF of 15 at the least, you'll do your skin a favor. Exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize to remove the dead skin cells, dirt and debris without drying the skin, at the same time administering vitamins and antioxidants to the skin.

Keep posted for the next article on effective Outdoor Activities In and Around Mesa AZ.

Fountain of Youth with Four Easy Lifestyle Changes

For more information, please visit our website.

When the Kids Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy

"When the Kids Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy"

[caption id="attachment_1117" align="alignright" width="202"] When the Kids Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy[/caption]

Relocating can be particularly stressful for families with children. Younger kids may not express a reluctance to leave their old, familiar home, but they may react poorly as the process unfolds. Older children, especially teenagers, may vehemently object. "It's my life too!"

As parents, you can do a variety of things to bring the kids on-board for a move. Communication is key--listening to your kids' concerns and letting them know you understand how they feel. Preparation is important too. Give your children lots of information about the new location, helping them visualize a great new life in an interesting place. Then get them involved shopping for the new home, visiting schools, making lists--anything that shifts their focus forward.

Family Move

You’ll find more valuable suggestions in our special online report FAMILY MOVE: Tips For House Hunting With The Kids.  Simple click the title to read it. You may also be interested in reading, SMOOTH: A Dozen Ways To Plan The Perfect Relocation. We would be happy to help your relocation any way we can. Just give us a call or e-mail us at your convenience.

When the Kids Aren't Happy, Nobody's Happy

Things to Remember When Choosing a Preschool for Day Care

Things to Remember When Choosing a Preschool for Day Care

Success in a child’s years to come is greatly influenced by the groundwork laid during the formative preschoolyears. Significant to the success of the child in academics and life is the balancing of the mental, emotional and social education and development during the years of infancy to age five. 

[caption id="attachment_971" align="alignright" width="375"] Things to Remember When Choosing a Preschool for Day Care[/caption]

Parents naturally want to find that their children have the needed reading and writing skills for kindergarten and 1st grade after years in preschool, but the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child has found in their studies that the contentedness and self-assurance that comes from stable human relationships are significant as well. The preschool program can make the difference in the whole development in children, harmonizing positive social relations and emotional happiness with academics that prepares the young students for further schooling and future life.

Because of the critical development that takes place in the young life before kindergarten age, parents should take special care in selecting preschool programs. They should look for schools that apply a curriculum that incorporates imaginative play with valuable and age appropriate academics. Such schools should have teachers that are caring and qualified. Evidence should be found that the teachers provide an environment that fosters the growth of the vital social and emotional sides of learning.

Obviously, helping children to learn to count and to know their ABC's is important. Then, elements of life are also crucial like compassion and sharing, friendship and truthfulness along with inner-confidence and kindness. The National Research Council reported in the year 2000 that infants come into the world in a learning mode. They are born ready to absorb all they can from their environment. The report was titled, "From Neurons to Neighborhoods." The swift learning and mental growth that happens until the child is five years old is phenomenal, and educators should be mindful of the part they play in encouraging the character qualities that prepare them to be balanced human beings as well as good students.

Preschools should be staffed with teachers who love their work, who understand the needs of balanced education at the early ages of their students. A quality curriculum combined with top criteria and caring professionals have the potential to help children be their best and reach their highest potential. Children can achieve amazing accomplishments given the right setting. From those who take care of infants to those who are teaching the five-year-olds, every teacher should nurture the balance of healthy physical, mental and emotional growth.

Preschool days should be filled with a mix of imaginative child-play and teacher-guided learning. Children should also receive frequent evaluation to note individual progress so that the program can be adjusted and modified to meet the needs of the individual students. Evaluations help teachers form a guideline for structured, purposeful and consequential teaching and learning. The potentials and heights that children can reach far exceed any expectations when placed in a positive and balanced learning environment.

 

Submitted by Dan Gilbert on behalf of Primrose Schools. Primrose’s BalancedLearning® daycare have low student-to-teacher ratios, ensuring that each child receives personal attention and loving care. Dan has written a number of articles on topics varying from bilingual learning to teaching the importance of volunteering.

 

Image by: Casey West

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