Emergency Contact Cards and Other Christmas Tips

Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 05:16 Written by admin Tuesday, 18 May 2010 05:16

You may kid yourself into believing that there is no preparation that anyone can do to avoid a disaster -  accidents happen, and there is nothing anyone can do to avoid them. However, this is just plain nonsense. We can all avoid accidents and health problems by being more aware of the possibilities for them happening and learning how to be more careful.

Not all the answers work for every eventuality, but most accidents can be avoided, that’s for certain.

Here are a few simple rules that will help you and your family get through Christmas in one piece and make sure your Emergency Contact Card isn’t used this year!

KITCHEN:

The Turkey:  If you’re the one who’s tied to the kitchen, with the heat from the oven and too many glasses of wine inside us already, there is an accident waiting to happen.  When it’s time to remove the turkey how many of us have dropped the blooming thing on the floor?   It’s heavy and swimming in hot juices and fat, so it’s not surprising!
I know I have done it!!  You either burn your hands and arm or your legs end up spattered in hot fat with your clothes ruined.
My advice to avoid this: Don’t start drinking until after you’ve sat down at the table. Also, if the blast of heat when the oven door is open isn’t enough to send anyone flying, the shock of the heavy weight is. . so let the heat out a little before you attempt to lift it, use the oven gloves made for the job, not flimsy tea towels, and finally, bend your knees and use your legs to take the strain, not your back!

PARENTS:

Inviting your elderly relatives to stay over can be stressful enough, but imagine if they are taken ill?  Have they taken their medication? Would you know exactly what medications they take?  
Many elderly people have heath concerns, so you need to be aware of exactly what these are to avoid any mishaps.  Avoid unnecessary stress and worry if they are taken ill, by discussing their health condition with them beforehand and by arranging some form of Emergency Contact Card.  This type of product can be ordered in time for Christmas and will carry on providing them with peace of mind by keeping it handy in their purse or wallet for years to come.

CANDLES:

Christmas Candles!!  Great as long as you don’t leave the room!
Even then you have to be careful. We can all remember an incident where a candle has set something alight unexpectedly. So to avoid any major disasters, do not have them in the house if you have children. Otherwise invest in very deep and sturdy candle holders and keep them in view.   

STRESS:

Car accidents rise by 15% the week leading up to Christmas.
Not surprising really when we are all running around like headless chickens. It can be tough, but to make driving stress free depends on where you live. Lots of us use the motorways to reach our destination for the Christmas Holidays.

Plan your journey, set off much earlier and expect the delays that are bound to happen. A journey can take twice as long as usual.  Make sure you have breakdown cover. Share the driving if possible and take lots of breaks.   Keep emergency supplies in the boot and your mobile charged.  

4 Home Decoration Ideas For The Budget Conscious

Last Updated on Sunday, 16 May 2010 10:12 Written by admin Sunday, 16 May 2010 10:12

For people who can afford interior decorators and yards of expensive wallpaper and fabrics, home decoration is not much of a challenge. But even for those who will like to decorate their homes at reasonable prices, without making it appear cheap, there are enough decorating ideas to choose from. The following are just a few of them: 1. Don’t Forget The Greens Plants can add life to drab, dull surroundings. They also improve indoor atmosphere. No matter how cramped the house may be, the kitchen counter and living room bookshelves always have room for a small pot or glass jar of plants. If none of these surfaces can hold plants, you can make your own hanging plant pot holder from wire and hooks. Some people paint dried twigs in bold colors and leave them in vases for a minimalist yet dramatic style statement. 2. Garden Furniture Can Be Reclaimed Don’t throw away the lawn chairs and table. You can use cheap fabric to give them a new, bright, chic look. Stick pieces of fabric on the furniture until the surface is completely covered. Use a waterproof plastic coat (ask your local hardware store for the best variety) to stick the fabrics to the furniture and make them weatherproof. You can also look for old vases, chairs, tables; even swing seats in flea markets or garage sales to add a touch of elegance to your garden. Of course, you don’t have to use them in their shabby old condition. Follow the aforementioned home decoration tip 2 and work your magic on these old pieces of furniture. 3. Junk Can Be Turned Into Chic Knickknacks Here is your chance to add a really personal touch to your home. This home decoration idea involves collecting things you no longer need and turning them into objects d’art. Tall glasses and small bowls can become candle holders. Unwanted wrapping paper and old scrapbook cuttings can be laminated to form dining table mats. 4. Light Carpets Don’t Cost $200 Per Square Foot Light carpets made of synthetic fibers are good enough for modern homes. They are easy and cheaper to wash, and they can take more hard knocks than the traditional woolen carpet. Wooden floors need no carpets. You can place rugs under chairs and small living room tables if you find the idea of a completely bare floor difficult to accept. This home decoration tip also works well for laminated floors. 5. Windows Can Have Curtains, Blinds, And Any Number Of Draperies Curtains are inexpensive if you purchase them from right places. You can use fabric paint on plain curtain to customize your own curtain. Sheer curtains or light lacey ones work wonders for windows overlooking private spaces, such as gardens and patios. Look for special linings to keep out harsh sunlight during warm summers. The simple aluminum blind has given way to designer blinds in vinyl and fabric, and these are available at bargain prices at local supermarkets, home decoration stores, or online stores. These home decoration tips do not have to be rigorously followed. You can add your own ideas, replace fabric with other materials, and try other combinations to add a personal touch to your living space.

10 Tips for Lighting Up Your Garden Party

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:14 Written by admin Saturday, 15 May 2010 03:14

Garden parties on warm summer evenings are a pleasure to look forward to. Here are 10 easy ways to decorate your outdoor space with light without breaking the budget.

1) Illuminate driveways, paths, stairs, pool decks, and dark corners with paper bag lanterns made from tealights and brown paper lunch bags. Place few rocks inside each lantern as anchors.

2) Make a small investment in easy-to-install solar path lighting. There is no wiring of any kind and the light fixture can be moved around as needed (around $30 each).

3) Place citronella candles and tiki torches around seating areas to deter insects. Make sure they are not too close to the food, as the smell can overpower flavors.

4) Lace decorative paper Chinese lanterns, or inexpensive multi-colored, themed, or bright white sting lights through railings, patio umbrellas, and pergolas.

5) Place candles, tea-lights, votives or fabric lanterns on buffet tables and bars. Remember to keep candles in a safe container or candle holder.

6) Float candles in bird baths, pools or ponds. Floating solar lights are also available.

7) Create dance floor by hanging mini-disco ball from a tree branch and pointing a spotlight at it.

Use retro lava lamps and fiber-optic domes or globes for themed lighting that’s funky and fun.

9) Fill mason jars with about five centimeters of sand, then drop in a tea light for a safe but pretty light that won’t go out in a breeze. Place a row along the side of a path and on each stair.

10) Adorn flea market or thrift store chandeliers holding tea lights and hang from an overhead support or canopy.