Top 5 holiday hosting don'ts

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A lot goes into hosting a great party. Since the holiday season is here, we know you'll be doing more than your share of party planning, so we thought we'd share some of the biggest hosting don'ts we could think of. Make sure your seasonal soirees are a success by avoiding these five festivity no-nos.

Don’t apologize for the food

The worst thing you can do before serving meal is to apologize for it. Guests don’t need to know you had to substitute a certain ingredient or you made some tweaks to the recipe. Don’t tell them they’re not going to like it before they even get a chance to taste it. We understand that cooking for a large group can be tricky, but apologizing for what you’re about to serve makes guests feel awkward. If you don’t think your dish is up to a certain standard, that’s your opinion, and something that should be kept to yourself. Let guests enjoy their meal without someone telling them that what they’re eating could be better.

Don’t stay behind the scenes

As tempting as it may be to man the stove and stay close to the kitchen to tidy as you go or prep anything that hasn’t been done in advance, it’s your party, so you should be with your guests. If you don’t mix and mingle, you have two problems:

1. You won’t have any fun. Hanging out in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying themselves doesn’t sound very festive to us.
2. You won’t know if people are having a good time. The only way to make sure guests are comfortable, happy and have everything they need is to be part of the proceedings.

Don’t fight with your spouse

Hosting can be stressful, and we all have disagreements with loved ones, but avoid bringing your disagreements to the dinner table. Your guests don’t need to see you and your spouse arguing about who burnt the roast vegetables or why the upstairs bathroom didn’t get cleaned. Keep your arguments to yourself while you have a houseful of guests. You’ll just make them uncomfortable and likely dampen the mood of the party.

Don’t be a show-off

The wine you’re serving might have cost more than your entire outfit but there’s no need to brag about it. Treating guests to something special, be it a liquor, cut of meat, decadent dessert or the aforementioned bottle of wine should be just that – a treat, and not an excuse to show off and wave around a price tag. It’s tacky and makes you seem like you’re trying to create a competition out of who can spend the most on their dinner party. Just let your guests enjoy themselves – without telling them how much their last mouthful cost.

Don’t pressure anyone

If someone doesn’t want dessert or a second helping or another cocktail, that’s OK. If might be acceptable for your grandmother to push food and drinks on people even when they’ve declined 13 times, but she’s from a different era and won’t take no for an answer anyway. As a good hostess you need to respect people’s wishes and avoid putting them on the spot if they turn something down.

More holiday tips & trends

Money- and time-saving holiday shopping tips
Top tips for having a greener Christmas this year
Teaching compassion through the holidays

18 Dec, 2011

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How to create a designer look on a budget

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Although you might have big decorating ideas and plans for your home, you might not have an equally big decorating budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great looks you can create without spending a lot of money. If you want to create a designer look but don't want to break your budget in the process, here are some decorating tips to try.

Get a designer look for less

Although you might have big decorating ideas and plans for your home, you might not have an equally big decorating budget. Fortunately, there are plenty of great looks you can create without spending a lot of money. If you want to create a designer look but don't want to break your budget in the process, here are some decorating tips to try.

 

Follow the lead of professional designers

If you find it difficult to think up unique decorating ideas for your home, don't hire a professional decorator. Although professional decorators can provide a lot of value when decorating your home, they can often be a bit pricey. Instead, look through books, magazines and websites for inspiration. You'll find plenty of articles that feature the work of professional designers to use as a starting point. Although you might not be able to use all the name brands that the professional designers use, you can find economically priced pieces that re-create the overall look. By doing so, you'll create a beautiful designer look for a lot less money. For example, although a professional designer may use high-priced art pieces as part of their overall room design, you'll be able to find plenty of eye-catching wall sculptures , paintings and prints for much more affordable prices from online retailers or stores in your community.

Use art to spice up simple room designs

If you don't have the budget to replace furniture, flooring or other expensive room features, don't despair. You can use art pieces to add a designer look to even the most simply furnished room. The trick is to look for visually striking pieces that can be used to create strong focal points. If you immediately draw people's eyes to the artwork within a room, there will naturally be less focus on your slightly worn carpeting. For example, a striking piece of wooden wall artwork hung on a prominent wall could be used to create the central visual feature of a room.

Spruce up your existing furniture

Although you might not be able to afford new furniture, you can do a lot to visually improve the look of the pieces you already own. If your wood furniture are a little scratched, dingy or outdated, add a fresh coat of paint to spice them up and give them a whole new life. By choosing a trendy new color, you can transform an old or even ugly table or stand into an eye-catching, modern-looking piece.

If your upholstered furniture looks worn or dated, look for affordable slipcovers to spruce them up. Today's slipcovers are a vast improvement over the old-fashioned ones that your mother might have used. You'll find a wide variety of colors and patterns featuring modern fabrics that wear well and look great. Even one of the more expensive slipcovers costs a lot less than buying a new sofa or chair, so they're a good option when you're aiming for an attractive designer look on a tight budget.

You can also give your furniture a fresh look with new throw pillows, new cushions, or even by artistically draping a fabric throw across the back. These small designer touches aren't very expensive, but they can really add a lot to the overall look of a room.

Watch: How to paint furniture

Handpainted furniture can add personality and style to any room in your home. Whether you want to buy painted furniture or learn how to paint furniture, these tips will help.

 

More home decor tips

Formal dining room decor ideas
4 Tips for mixing traditional and modern decor
3 Neutral color palettes to complement any decor

18 Dec, 2011

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Top 5 volunteer trip destinations

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Studies show that volunteering can increase an individual's sense of well-being, alleviate chronic pain and reduce depression.

"I felt connected and understood what I was doing," says Lori Harasem, a native of Canada who volunteered with Rebuild New Orleans Together to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

"I really liked that we got to know about the person whose home we were rebuilding. To think of this senior, single woman living in a trailer made me aware that the need [for housing] was, and sadly still is, so great."

So what are we waiting for? Whether you're keen on carpentry, nature preservation or teaching abroad, there's a volunteer vacation out there to suit your interests. Here are SheKnows.com's five volunteer travel picks.

Each One, Teach One in Africa

Work with African Impact on the Cape Town Pre-School Teaching and Education Project in township schools with poorly equipped classrooms and facilities. Tasks include helping disadvantaged children with crafts, painting, reading and games; organizing classes for children with special needs; serving meals; and cleaning and refurbishing classrooms. Volunteers stay in a fully furnished house staffed with a cook and housekeeper, and three meals per day are provided.  The house also has satellite television and a safe to store valuables, and is in within walking distance to a shopping mall. For two weeks, the program is $1,295 per person .

Speak Inglés in Spain

When Americans travel abroad, we usually try to pick up enough of the country’s language to at least navigate from our hotel to nearby attractions. That’s not the case during a volunteer vacation with Pueblo Ingles in Madrid, where volunteers must commit to never uttering a word of Spanish during their seven-day stay. In return for patiently helping Spanish businesspeople practice their conversational English, volunteers are housed in standard accommodations and enjoy three hearty meals a day including a buffet breakfast and a three-course lunch and dinner with red wine. Your only expenses during the trip are airfare to and from Madrid and accommodations in Madrid prior to and after your stay in the Pueblo Ingles village.

Volunteer and Get Rewarded at in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Take a break from sun and surf during your tropical winter getaway to volunteer at a national park.  Through February 15, 2012, guests of the Westin St. John Resorts & Villas will receive a $100 resort credit and transfers for their efforts. In conjunction with the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, visitors can participate in a one-day program that allows volunteers to show up any Tuesday or Thursday at 8 a.m. to help maintain park trails and ruins and remove debris from beaches and coast lines. The Westin St. John is only 10 minutes from the national park, and rates start at $399 per night based on double occupancy. To receive their resort credit, guests must present their volunteer voucher at the front desk. For reservations and more information, call 627-7206. 

Become a Trail Blazer Across the United States

Founded in 1979, the American Hiking Society is the only national, recreation-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America's hiking trails and the hiking experience. From Yosemite National Park in California to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Maine, volunteer vacationers can join the American Hiking Society for a week of building and maintaining trails in diverse locations across the country. No experience is necessary and trips vary in intensity from moderate to strenuous.  A registration fee of applies and basic campsite accommodations are provided.  Volunteers, however, should bring their own tents, sleeping bags, eating utensils and personal items.

Volunteer Vacation for Teens in Peru

Teens will experience a mix of service, fun and Peruvian culture during Camp Chief Ouray's Trekker Peru volunteer vacation. In summer 2012, a small group of 15- to 17-year-olds with adult chaperones will work on community service projects such as visiting an orphanage; travel through Peru's historic cities and sites; participate in dance and music lessons and try new adventures including sand boarding and desert camping. Space is limited, so interested participants should submit an application as soon as possible.  Trip costs vary depending on length, and a non-refundable $100 application fee is required. For more information, contact the camp’s office at 887- 2648.

More unique vacation ideas

Volunteer vacations for families in the U.S.
Go wild! Volunteer vacations to help wildlife
Global charities: How to plan a volunteer vacation

18 Dec, 2011

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How to travel out of the country with your pet

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Thinking about bringing Fido or Fluffy on your next European vacation? By nature, pets are lovable companions, which can make them excellent travel partners. As a responsible pet parent, you'll want to make sure your dog or cat has the necessary credentials to travel the world with you. Wherever your journey takes you, the following tips are must-haves to ensure safe and legal travels with your pet.

Check in with the consulate

Once you have decided on your travel destination, get in contact with the consulate for instructions on allowing your pet into the country. Some countries will not allow foreign animals to cross borders. Missing this important step could put a huge damper on your plans. 

Some pertinent questions to ask the consulate:

• Will my pet be quarantined, and if so for how long?
  Some countries do not have quarantine laws while others may require your pet to be quarantined for days or even months. Get the full scoop on quarantine laws so you don’t have to part from your furry friend longer than expected.
• Are there special entry fees involved?
  Be prepared to pay a variety of fees. From entry fees to airline fees, traveling with your pet isn’t cheap . Be prepared by avoiding financial surprises as much as possible.
• What forms or tags are required for entry?
  Each country has its own set of necessary documentation, so plan in advance to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for your pet.
• What vaccinations/bills of health are required?
  Rabies vaccinations, microchip and health certificates are common requirements. However, these vary depending on the country of choice, so be sure to ask for a list of veterinary requirements. 

Research and consult with your airline of choice

Find out what the airlines’ rules and requirements are for pets. Make sure to ask what vaccinations and documents are required for your pet to travel, as they may vary from one airline to another. Additionally, find out what conditions your pet will be traveling in if they are not allowed to ride in the cabin with you. Whenever possible, seek advice from other globe-trotting pet lovers that will provide insight on good and bad pet travel experiences.

Verify your pets’ health and wellness

Once you check in with the consulate and find out the airlines’ rules and regulations, make appointments with your veterinarian to get the necessary vaccinations. Plan well in advance, as some vaccinations require a series of shots over time. If your pet does not have a microchip, this is the time to get one, as it is a standard requirement for pets to be microchipped prior to traveling on an airplane. Before embarking with your dog or cat on an overseas adventure, have your vet verify that your pet is well enough for high-altitude situations or high stress levels associated with traveling long distances. Your vet can also give you insight to common travel questions such as how much to feed your pet prior to traveling or necessary items to pack for your pet. Documentation plays a large part in pet travel so always keep printed records of every vaccination.

More tips for pet owners

Grooming tips for stylish dogs and cats
Pet separation anxiety: 4 Tips to help cope
How to introduce pets to your children

18 Dec, 2011

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Sunday Dinner: Back to basics with meatballs and pasta

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Sometimes during a hectic season, all you want to do is slow down and get back to basics. This recipe for basic Italian-style meatballs pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta to make Sunday dinner simple… and basic.

Sunday dinner with family or friends can be a great time to relax, laugh and spend some time together. After a busy week and busy festivities ahead, keeping things simple is sometimes underrated, but these delicious Italian-style meatballs taste extraordinary!

Basic meatballs

This SheKnows recipe for basic meatballs is wonderful served with your favorite pasta, but if you'd prefer, make a meatball sub with these goodies!

Yields 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 
4 slices white bread
• 
1 cup milk
• 
2 pounds ground beef

• 2 tablespoons onion, finely minced 

• 1 egg, beaten
• 
1/3 cup Parmesan or Pecorino-Romano cheese
• 
2 cloves garlic, finely minced 

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 
1/4 cup bread crumbs 

• Oil for greasing pan

Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small bowl, soak the bread in milk.
2. In a large bowl, add beef, onion, egg, cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Combine with clean hands. With your hands, mash the milk-soaked bread in its bowl until bread breaks down and is soupy. Add milk and bread to meat; combine everything together with your hands. Add the bread crumbs, and combine well. You're now ready to form the meatballs.
3. Make golf ball-sized meatballs by rolling them in the palms of your hands.
4. Arrange meatballs on a lightly greased, rimmed baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tops are browned and slightly crispy and centers are no longer pink.

Sunday family time activity

When dinner is over, gather your family to make simple holiday decorations.

Whether you need to decorate your tree, mantel or staircase this holiday season, get together with your family to make the garland on your own. It’s simple and makes a great group activity this time of year.

Forget about pine needles covering your floors, forking over lots of cash for decorations or bland garland chains from the past. Add some sparkle and shine to this year’s chains! All you need is double-sided, shimmering scrapbook paper to make colorful homemade garland chains.

From Good Housekeeping, this idea for paper chain garland is timeless, but you can give it an updated, contemporary spin. A 12 x 12-inch page of decorative scrapbook paper will yield two dozen 6 x 1-inch strips of paper you can use to create your garland.

Cut the strips, and then staple the bands to create interlocking circles. Alternate the patterns or colors as you work for creative results that will be off the chain!

Try these recipes for a Sunday dinner

Crockpot chicken and dumplings
Mexican chorizo, lentil and tomato soup
Baked shells with winter squash
Creamy chicken and wild rice casserole

18 Dec, 2011

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Source: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/850199/sunday-dinner-back-to-basics-with-meatballs-and-pasta
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Manfaat jamur Ling Zhi

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Manfaat jamur Ling Zhi – Jamur Ling Zhi pertama kali dikonsumsi oleh kaisar Sin Shi Huang Ti (Huang Di) pada 250 SM sebagai obat untuk panjang umur atau agar tetap awet muda. Sementara menurut para herbalis di negeri tirai bambu itu menyebutkan bahwa jamur ini telah digunakan untuk pengobatan sejak zaman Kaisar Shen Nung (2737 [...]

admin 18 Dec, 2011

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