Toddler Development: Great Games to Play to Develop New Skills

The toddler years are ones of fascination, development, and movement! Toddlers are learning fine motor skills, speech, and how to manipulate materials like clay and crayons. This is a great time to jump in with educational games that are fun and engaging. Here are some ideas.

Speech/Language

Rhyming games can be lots of fun for toddlers. Play a game where you describe something or make up a poem or song and your toddler fills in the rhyming word. Or read a short rhyming poem or song and try to think of other rhyming words that could have been used instead.

For those toddlers who are more visual, you could engage them in a picture book or photo album and let them make up the story to go with the pictures. You could also draw pictures and let your toddler “narrate.”

Matching games help build vocabulary and may help with reading readiness. If you don’t have a matching game from the toy store, you can make one easily with your own drawings, photocopies, or printed photos. You could even do a real-life matching game by printing photos of things around the house and having your toddler find the real life objects depicted in the picture.

Motor Skills

Gross and fine motor skills can be practiced through game-playing. There are so many possibilities! Here are some ideas:

* Stack soft blocks

* Poke a hole in the bottom of a shoebox, and let your toddler poke things through it, such as baby-safe strings of beads, balls, and scarves.

* Nest big and small boxes or other containers (many plastic food storage containers can be nested in this manner).

* Create objects with play-dough

* Dance (this helps with coordination and mobility)

* Make necklaces using large beads or tubular pasta

Social Skills

Play a game where you practice going out to meet and/or interact with others. Some toddlers are shy and others simply don’t seem to interact effectively; a lot of that may be because they just don’t know what to do. Practice going to the doctor, dentist, play group, nursery, wherever. Make it fun, and even dress up if you want.

Prompt your toddler after you’ve shown him or her what to do – “What do we do when someone says, ‘hello’?” “What do you do when the dentist says to open your mouth?”

Take your toddler with you whenever it’s practical so that he or she can not only interact with others, but observe how you and others communicate and interact with each other. Toddlers are learning all the time, even when they are just watching!

Storytelling for Children – The Benefits

From babyhood to the early teens, children love to hear a good story. This is one of those beautiful situations where what your children love is truly good for them. Children benefit a great deal from storytelling.

Without the use of books, telling stories takes on a different dimension. It offers a new way of looking at stories and is reminiscent of the old radio days, when families gathered around the radio to listen. But storytelling with a live human doing the telling can be quite compelling.

How, exactly, does storytelling benefit children? Here are some possible ways in which this ancient medium can have a positive impact.

Language Skills

As young children listen to a storyteller, they are hearing inflections in speech and are hearing words presented in a compelling and fascinating way. Older children can expand their vocabulary and learn drama skills that may serve them well if there is an acting career in their future.

Storytelling also presents certain literary devices in a demonstrative and memorable way. Children will see and hear the building of plot, characterization, climax, conflict, conclusion, etc. Perhaps rhyme or poetic prose will be used to tell the story, allowing children to hear the way the language sounds and how that can add to a story.

Memory

Without books or illustrations, children have to remember key points of the plot and character names. This is an excellent exercise in memorization skills, and it also may help guide children when they wish to write a story of their own.

New Worlds

Storytelling opens children’s minds to other cultures and life philosophies; it develops the inner world of imagination and creative thinking. Children tap into that wonderful imaginative mind of theirs are they provide their own images to the plot. Storytelling is also a way to bring history alive and inspire further exploration of historical events.

So What Do You Tell Stories About?

If you want to engage in storytelling for children, you can come up with your own story or re-tell an old one that you heard growing up. Your own children might love to hear stories about their babyhood, or even about what it was like to be pregnant with them. Research your family background and find an interesting ancestor who lived an interesting life or experienced an unusual event. They will discover much about themselves this way, too.

If you are telling stories to a group of kids who aren’t all your own, stories about life in the past, in other cultures, or animals make good stories. Telling things from a unique point of view will get children to think about what life is like for others, a good precursor for developing empathy.

Storytelling connects. It connects children with history, families, and each other.

Storytelling: How to Get Started

Storytelling is an ancient form of communication. For millennia, people have passed on traditions, legends, and historic events through the telling of stories. True storytelling does not make use of books; like the ancients, it is intended to convey an idea simply through the spoken word.

Many are interested in exploring the art of storytelling, but aren’t sure where to begin. If this interests you, here are some ideas on getting started.

1. Research the stories you love or have heard, such as folktales. Many of those stories were told and re-told many times before being written down. And people still enjoy them today. Why? Look into what ties these stories together across generations. What makes them compelling? Why do children still enjoy these ancient stories? As you seek answers for these things, you can weave these universal elements into your storytelling.

2. Consider family stories. Talk to your relatives and, if you have the means, do some genealogical research. Nearly everyone has at least one interesting character or story in their past. As you find these fascinating personalities, you can create stories about them or tell their true stories.

You might have family stories that have been passed down, too, that you might not have considered for storytelling fodder. Did your grandmother used to make remarks about certain incidents? Maybe your dad likes to joke with your uncle about something funny that happened to them when they were kids. Keep your ears open!

3. Look to your own past. You can invent a character for your storytelling, and use incidents and insights from your own past to create adventures for your character. Or you can tell the story in the first person point of view (using “I”). Think about the lessons you’ve learned or funny, interesting things that have happened to you over the years. Turn these events into compelling stories.

4. Attend storytelling programs. This may be the most important thing you do as you embark on your own storytelling ventures. Local fairs and festivals may feature storytellers, or programs might be held at your local theater. Find out when storytelling is occurring in your community, and make a point to attend. If possible, get to know the storytellers and make connections; then you can talk to them about this ancient art.

You may find yourself amazed at the different styles of storytelling. Some people use props; others move around; still others stay still. You will see that there is no “right” way to do storytelling; the common thread is the ability to interest others and draw them in to your world. How you do that will reflect your personality and unique experiences.

The Historic Significance of Labor Day

Labor Day is an unusual and interesting holiday. It is not associated with any particular religion, nor is it commemorative of any historical event. It’s a traditional time for barbecues and cookouts, picnics and parades. The Monday following Labor Day used to mark the first day of public school, and swimming pools usually close after Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day signifies the beginning of fall, even though that seasonal change does not actually occur until later in the month of September. And heaven forbid you wear white shoes or sandals after Labor Day.

But are all these traditional celebratory gestures reflective of Labor Day’s real meaning? What is that meaning, anyway? Why do we celebrate Labor Day?

On September 5, 1882, the first Labor Day in the US was officially observed in New York City. This was in deliberate contrast to socialist nations around the world that already celebrated Labor Day in May, and was intended as a conciliatory gesture between workers and management. It took place in the midst of the labor boom of the era, when industrialism was in its heyday.

There is some controversy as to what individual actually founded Labor Day, but we do know that the celebration was planned by the Central Labor Union. A parade marked the celebration of the first Labor Day, and Labor Day parades still take place on this holiday.

So how do people celebrate? Well, Labor Day was established, in part, for the families of workers to take some time off and enjoy the holiday together. Why not follow this model and make Labor Day a family holiday?

Picnics are a great way to spend time together as a family, and they are also a traditional Labor Day event. Pack American fare like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chips, and spend the day playing games and enjoying the late summer weather.
Others like to have an outdoor cookout and invite friends as well as family. Regardless of who you invite, a cookout can be a lot of fun. You can decorate the outdoor table with patriotic centerpieces that guests can take home, or play horseshoes and give out prizes. You could even pay a game (with prizes!) where players find how many words can be spelled using the letters in “Labor Day Party” and other appropriate phrases.

However you celebrate, Labor Day is a time for food, fun, family, and relaxation. The working people in the 1800s did not always enjoy time off and regular work hours, so let’s be grateful that they spoke up and called for an eight-hour work day and a little time off.

Sneaky Ways to Save Money on Your Food Budget

So many of us are feeling the financial pinch, and groceries take an ever-bigger chunk out of the family food budget. But you can reduce the size of that chunk by re-evaluating your food and shopping choices. And guess what? It can be fun! Here are some sneaky ways to save money on food.

Sales

Your local grocery store probably sends out a flier in the local newspaper, or they have them stacked inside the doorway of the store itself. Some stores post their sales online. Make it a weekly habit to review these sales. Then plan that week’s meals based on what’s on sale. Of course, stocking up on sale items is something that is within many budgets; but make sure it’s a food that is or can be preserved.

When you’re in the store, keep a sharp eye out for tables and brightly-colored stickers. Foods that are on the verge of spoilage, near their expiration date, or that have damaged packaging are often on sale for super-low prices. You may have to do a quick re-plan of your meals if you need to eat the sale item that same day; or, take the item home and freeze it or make something with it that can be frozen or preserved.

Coupons

Some shoppers pursue coupons with the devotion and zeal of the dedicated bargain-hunter. But if stashing perfectly organized coupons in plastic binders is not your style, you can still make use of coupons available online, through your local store, or in fliers. A word of caution about coupons – beware of changing your family’s food choices drastically to accommodate coupons. Many times, you’ll save more money by buying fresh, whole foods without coupons than expensive pre-packaged foods with them.

Whole and Homemade

It really is cheaper to buy whole foods and make your own snacks and meals than buying pre-prepared foods. Buy staples like flour (or wheat berries – which is even cheaper – if you can grind your own) and make your own baked goods; buy potatoes and make oven fries rather than buying pre-cut frozen potatoes; buy whole carrots and scrub and cut them; etc.

Even fresh produce is subject to expensive pre-preparation. Buying a head of lettuce and washing it yourself, for instance, nearly always costs less than a pre-washed salad in a bag. The same is true for pre-cut vegetables and fruits, and the expense is even greater if the pre-cut foods come packaged with dips or other flavor enhancers.

Meat

Let’s face it – meat is expensive, and adds a lot to the monthly food budget. And many health experts agree that it is not necessary to eat meat for three meals a day or even for one meal a day. It gets really pricey when you buy deli and packaged meats.

Try cutting back on your family’s meat consumption and try making things like vegetarian meatballs and black bean burgers. Beans are a very cheap meat substitute and can be used to make a lot of substantial dishes. In addition, dried beans do not harbor the dangerous bacteria that meat can.

It can be so much fun to plot, plan, and save. Enjoy!

Breast Cancer: How to Reduce the Risk

Unfortunately, the risk of getting breast cancer is very real. While cancer is a complex illness, new research has pointed to environmental and lifestyle factors that may increase or reduce the risk of breast cancer. Here are some tips helping to reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Keep a Healthy Weight

Obesity is associated not only with increased breast cancer risk, but also with increased risk of recurrence. This may be due, in part, to the excess estrogen and other hormonal imbalances that are associated with obesity. According to various sources, overweight, menopausal women are at the greatest risk.

So a regular exercise routine and healthful diet to keep excess weight at bay are good lifestyle choices.

Choose Safe Beauty Products

Beware of the “toxic trio”: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate. These chemicals are often used in nail polish and nail polish remover, as well as other cosmetics. These are implicated in the development of cancer, so steer clear of them whenever you can.

As a general rule, it’s probably best to choose cosmetics with the fewest ingredients possible, and with as few synthetic ones as possible. Deodorant, due to its proximity to the breasts, is of particular concern – experts recommend aluminum-free deodorants. You may wish to go a step farther and avoid deodorants with any synthetic ingredients (effective ones are now widely available).

Beware of the vague term “fragrance” on cosmetics. That could mean any number of scent-producing chemicals, some of which are implicated in cancer.

Minimize the Use of Plastics

Plastics, especially heated, worn, or damaged plastics, may leach chemicals into the food or liquids they contain. Some of these chemicals, such as BPA, are strongly implicated in the development of breast cancer, probably due to their tendency to disrupt hormones. Sources note that heating plastics is particularly likely to release these chemicals, which is why many of these same sources advise women to cover foods with a paper towel rather than plastic wrap before heating.

To minimize your plastics exposure, carry your own stainless steel water bottle, look for “BPA Free” plastics, and store and reheat food in glass or ceramic containers. Also, limit your consumption of canned food, as BPA is found in many canned foods.

Eat Healthy Foods

Healthy oils, particularly fish oils, are said to protect against breast cancer. Taking supplements and/or eating bi-weekly (at least) portions of fish like salmon and sardines may be a key preventative of breast cancer.

In addition, experts agree that lots of organic, fresh fruits and vegetables are keys to cancer prevention, as are hormone-free meats and dairy products.

Purifying Indoor Plants for Your Home

Many people would like the air in their homes to be cleaner, but air purifiers can be expensive and they take up space. Electric air purifiers also use electricity, and can be noisy. But houseplants don’t make a sound, are relatively affordable, and, while they take up space, they beautify the home in addition to purifying the air.

There have been concerns raised over the years about the effects of inhaling chemical substances that out-gas from various building materials and household cleaners. Other substances, such as paint, ink, and varnish can also out-gas dubious chemicals. In buildings that are tightly sealed, the chemical levels are significantly greater.

In the average home, the winter months are typically when the house is sealed more tightly against the cold and there is less fresh air. During the spring and summer, when windows are often open and fresh air can circulate in the home, the houseplants can benefit from being outside for a while. Then they can be brought inside when they are most needed – during the winter – and help keep your household’s air clean.

Some plants are quite effective at cleaning the air in a home. Here is a list of those plants whose air-cleaning abilities were found to be exceptional in studies done by NASA in the late 1980s.

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

These prolific, striped plants do well in hanging baskets and pots. According to NASA research, spider plants are particularly effective at removing formaldehyde from indoor air. (Formaldehyde is present in nearly all indoor living spaces due to its prevalence in building materials and cleaning products.)

2. Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)

Once again, formaldehyde has been shown to be absorbed by peace lilies. Trichloroethylene, commonly found in inks and varnishes, is also effectively filtered by peace lilies. One of the additional benefits of peace lilies is their ability to tolerate low light.

3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Benzene and formaldehyde have both been shown to be absorbed by English ivy. Benzene is a solvent that is used in many common products, such as detergents and paint.

4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)

This humidity lover is another plant that was rated effective at removing formaldehyde from the air. It also filters trichloroethylene.

5. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens ‘oxycardium’)

Most, if not all, philodendrons help purify indoor air. They prefer moist soil and rather low light.

6. Other Purifying Plants

Other houseplants that are instrumental in cleaning indoor air include:

* Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
* Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
* Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
* Dracaena deremensis – `Janet Craig’ and `Warneckii’ varieties

Preserve Your Late Summer Fruit

Depending on where you live, late summer presents us with fruits like pears, apples, cranberries, figs, and cantaloupes. Grapes, too, tend to be late summer fare. If you’d like to take advantage of this bounty, here are some ideas for preserving late summer fruit.

Drying

Drying fruits is one of the oldest ways to preserve fruit. The following late summer fruits lend themselves to this method:

* Apples
* Cranberries
* Figs
* Grapes (dried grapes are raisins)
* Plums (dried plums are prunes)
* Pears

To dry fruit, you can invest in a dehydrator or use the sun. If you decide to go with the sun, you’ll need a window screen and some cheesecloth. Or, you can stretch cheesecloth or cotton cloth over old wooden frames to make your own drying trays.

First, wash and dry fruit. For pears and apples, remove cores and slice cross-ways. Plums and apricots should have their pits removed; plums can be dried whole or cut in half, whereas apricots can be sliced or dried in halves (the latter just takes a short while). Break the skin of whole grapes in order to dry them. Figs can be dried whole or sliced in half. Dipping fruit in an acidic mixture first – lemon juice, pineapple juice, and/or water – helps preserve color.

Place the prepared fruit on the screens, cover with cheesecloth, and set the tray out in the sun. Raise the trays somewhat by placing them on blocks to allow air to circulate beneath. The fruit should be brought inside every night. When it’s ready, the fruit should be leathery and pliable. Depending on the fruit, the drying process should take 2 to 5 days.

Canning

Canning is what many people think of when they consider preserving fruit. Jams, preserves and jellies are a tasty way to enjoy late summer flavors in the fall and winter. You don’t have to make fruits into these sweet treats; you can also preserve fruit whole or sliced.

Acidic fruits like plums, pears, grapes, apricots and berries can simply be washed, cut into uniform pieces, and packed into warm canning jars. Hot liquid such as juice, syrup, or hot water is then poured over the fruit and the lidded jar processed in hot water.

Apples can be made into apple butter, apple pie filling, or applesauce.

Freezing

Freezing fruit is said to preserve more nutrients than canning. Berries do very well frozen whole in zip-top plastic bags – you can initially freeze them on cookie trays before bagging them if you want to keep them separate. Melons can be cut into chunks and frozen, and other large fruits can be sliced or chopped before freezing.

You can also place fruit into jars or other freezer-safe containers and pour sugar syrup, water, or juice around the fruit before freezing. Make sure to leave an inch of air space to allow the liquid to expand.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall and Winter

Taking some time to prepare your garden for winter may make for an easier time in the spring. As the days get shorter and the cold sets in, it’s time to get your garden ready for its long winter’s nap. Here are some ideas as to how to do that.

1. Prepare for Pests and Diseases

While freezing winter temperatures kill many insects, many of them are just lying low in dormancy. Insects, after all, have been surviving year after year for millions of years! Plant diseases, too, may seem to be vanquished only to reappear in the warmth of spring. So prepare your garden in order to decrease pests and diseases next year.

Remove dead plant matter, as this can harbor insect eggs and fungal spores. For annuals and vegetables, remove the entire dead plant; for perennials, cut them back to several inches above the soil.

Remove any other plant matter that does not belong – dead leaves (insects love to overwinter under leaves), weeds, and tree fall-out.

2. Compost

Work some compost, hummus, or other organic material into the soil. If you have chickens, let them roam in the garden area and leave their little “gifts.” Over the winter, the manure will break down and be ready for spring planting.

Green fertilizer – or a cover crop – is another option. Rye, winter wheat, red clover, and/or rapeseed can be planted over your garden as each bed dies back. In spring, these crops can be tilled under to enrich the soil.

3. Mulch

Many gardeners take the time to mulch in the fall. This protects roots against freezing temperatures and, if using cedar mulch, discourages pests. Mulch also holds in moisture during a season when most gardeners do not think to water. You can use chopped leaves or the needles and boughs of evergreens. It’s a great way to use your old Christmas tree if frost comes late in your area, or if you need additional mulch protection later in the season.

Covering the garden with newspaper and weighting it down with rocks is another possible approach to protecting the soil and perennials. Cut slits in the newspaper around the perennials. This prevents winter weeds and discourages pests. The newspaper breaks down and makes excellent worm food when it’s tilled under in the spring.

4. Trees and Shrubs

Fall is a good time to cut back trees and shrubs that need hard pruning – just make sure it’s late enough in the season that new growth won’t start. If you apply pesticides, consider a systemic pesticide that can be applied to the roots of your trees and shrubs so that the plants will be “armed” when spring comes.

Popcorn and Its Health-Boosting Properties

New research points to popcorn’s healthy benefits, which is good news for those who like to munch on this tasty snack. Of course, we’re not talking about the oily yellow popcorn of movie theaters. Homemade, air-popped popcorn is considered the healthiest. Consider these recent findings:

* Popcorn is a whole grain. You have probably heard a lot about the benefits of whole wheat, barley, brown rice, and so forth – but now you can include popcorn in that list! Its whole grain status makes it a great choice for those wanting to increase the fiber in their diets. Also, popcorn retains all its original vitamins and minerals; they haven’t been stripped away as with refined grains.

* Antioxidants are present in popcorn, most notably polyphenols, the much-touted antioxidant found in foods like tea, olive oil, and chocolate.

* Popcorn is relatively low in calories. Air-popped popcorn – that is, popcorn that has no added fat – has only about 30 calories and half a gram of fat per cup. It also has 1 gram of fiber.

* Among the vitamins that popcorn contains, B vitamins are the most prevalent.

* The fiber in popcorn is reputed to help constipation and promote healthy digestion.

But let’s be honest – most of us don’t particularly go for the flavor of popcorn without any salt or butter. The good news is, you can pop flavorful popcorn that still has health benefits without using either of these additives.

If you have an air popper, pop the corn in that, and then toss it with some brewer’s yeast. Other healthy seasonings might include garlic or onion powder, seasoning salt, or salt-free spice mixes. Some people enjoy sprinkling popcorn with Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper. You can make a healthy mix of popcorn, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, too.

If you don’t have an air popper, you can still pop healthy popcorn. You’ll need to use a healthy oil, such as olive (not extra virgin), safflower, or sunflower. Here’s how:

1. In a heavy saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil.
2. Distribute 1/4 cup of popcorn evenly into the bottom of the pot.
3. Sprinkle a teaspoon of sea salt over the unpopped kernels.
4. Cover with a lid and shake the pot back and forth.
5. As the kernels begin to pop, continue shaking the pot and turn the heat down to medium-high. Gradually reduce heat as popping slows.
6. Remove from heat when there is no more popping, and pour popcorn into a bowl immediately.

Pet Insurance: Is It Worth Investing In?

Pet insurance may seem like the perfect solution to costly vet bills. You pay a monthly premium that is often very low, and in return the pet insurance company pays part of your vet bills. It sounds simple, but its worth is questionable. There are varying opinions regarding this relatively recent concept of pet insurance. Here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros

* For significant expenses, such as surgery or chemotherapy, pet insurance may help relieve you of crushing vet bills. For unexpected, catastrophic, medical emergencies, pet insurance can easily pay for itself.

* Pet owners who own very old or sick animals may benefit from pet insurance. Owners of “risky” pets may also benefit, such as cats who like to hang out in the middle of the road or dogs that like to swallow every object within reach.

* You can still choose your own vet regardless of the insurance.

* There are options you can add on to your pet’s policy, such as coverage for wellness visits and/or teeth cleaning.

* Most pet insurance policies offer discounts for multiple pets.

Cons

* Generally speaking, pet insurance tends to cost more money than it saves. However, this is true of nearly all insurance of any sort.

* If you pay premiums and then do not have any claims (or few claims), the insurance company has your money. If you put the same premium amount into a savings account, the unused portion belongs to you.

* Studies show that the overall cost of veterinary care increases with insurance, particularly for common medical problems such as skin allergies. For example, the pet owner pays for deductibles, co-pays, costs that aren’t covered by the policy, and various procedures that aren’t covered by the policy. This can add up to a lot more out of your pocket than if you just paid up front for the vet care.

* Studies show that pet owners who have pet insurance will ultimately pay more for common ailments and routine care.

The basic dilemma with pet insurance is that it costs or saves based on possible circumstances, which you can’t predict. However, if you have a high-risk pet or many pets, having pet insurance might be an asset to you. If you have only one or two pets that are healthy and in mid-life, pet insurance will probably end up not being cost effective.

Pet Birds – Which Ones Would Make Great Family Pets

Birds can make lovely and entertaining family pets. Generally speaking, smaller birds are better for beginners. They tend to be quieter, less messy, and have a shorter lifespan than large birds, some of which can live 100 years! Here is a list of some types of birds that make good family pets, and the general care they need.

Canaries

Cheerful and bright, canaries make nice additions to the home. They are less tame than some birds, however, and do not require extensive human reaction. This, of course, could be a pro or a con depending on your situation.

Canaries need a fairly roomy cage, a canary-safe space outside the cage to fly each day (cover windows and mirrors), and fresh food and water daily. Their cage should be cleaned every day – even twice a day – but this is not complicated. It’s usually accomplished by simply sliding a newspaper-lined tray out from the bottom of the cage and changing the newspaper. Perches will need to be kept clean as well.

Canaries benefit from “treats” and additions to their diet, such as dandelion greens, lettuce, carrots, and apples.

Budgies/Parakeets

These colorful “mini-parrots” are said to be the perfect family pet when it comes to birds. The whole family can participate in their care, and parakeets benefit from this social time. Budgies can also be trained to do tricks and even whole “routines,” and they can be taught to talk. Like canaries, parakeets should be given daily time out of their cage to fly and interact with the family. Their cage should be roomy and clean, with fresh food and water available.

Cockatiels

Cockatiels (not to be confused with much larger cockatoos) are a bit more “advanced” than canaries and budgies. Cockatiels are larger, they live longer (about 20 years), and they like to talk. Cockatiels need a large cage and need to spend a lot of time out of it with the family.

Having the cage in a high-traffic area of the home may be helpful in meeting your cockatiel’s need for interaction, but your bird needs a quiet place at night. All birds should have their cages covered by a blanket or thin towel at night.

Another important thing to bear in mind is veterinary care. Avian vets are those vets who specialize in bird care; many “regular” vets do not treat birds. So make sure there is an avian vet available in your area before you purchase a pet bird.

Low-Fat Delicious Curries

Curry dishes can be very delicious without a lot of fat, since the curry itself is so full of flavor. Here are two low-fat curries you can serve with confidence.

1. Vegetable Curry

Serve this dish over cooked basmati or jasmine rice. Serves 2 to 4.

Ingredients:
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 minced garlic clove
* 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
* 3 teaspoons curry powder
* 1 teaspoon dried, ground ginger
* 1 cup water or stock
* 2 cups cauliflower florets
* 1 cup chopped bell pepper, red or green
* 1 can crushed tomatoes
* Salt to taste

Directions:

In a saucepan, place all vegetables. Add the curry powder and ginger and toss the vegetables to coat them. Stir in the water or stock and the tomatoes. Add salt to taste, cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Crockpot Chicken Curry

This low-fat curried chicken dish serves 4.

Ingredients:
* 4 chicken breast halves, boneless and skinless
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 2 peeled, chopped sweet potatoes
* 2/3 cup orange juice
* 2 minced garlic cloves
* 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* Salt to taste

Directions:

Place chicken in crockpot and place onions and sweet potatoes on top. Combine orange juice and next five ingredients (through salt); stir well and pour over vegetables and chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Serve over cooked rice and top with chopped green onions.

3. Curried Beef

Yes, it’s possible to make a tasty, low-fat beef curry! Here’s how. (4 servings)

Ingredients:
* 1 1/4 pounds flank steak
* 2 teaspoons safflower oil
* 1 tablespoon peeled, minced, fresh ginger root (or 1 teaspoon dried, ground ginger)
* 3 minced garlic cloves
* 1 onion, coarsely chopped
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 teaspoon coriander
* 1 can petite diced tomatoes, or 2 cups fresh, chopped tomatoes
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup plain, fat-free yogurt (use strained or Greek yogurt for thicker results)

Directions:

Slice steak diagonally into 1/4 to 1/8-inch-thick slices. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak, garlic, onion, ginger, salt and pepper; stir and saut

How to Love Your Life

For many of us, as we get caught up in the hectic nature of everyday life, life may cease to be enjoyable. When we do have a moment to reflect, we may find ourselves dissatisfied with how things are. This, in turn, may lead to more activities and stress than ever, as we try to avoid thinking about the life we’re unhappy with.

Learning to love your life is a key element in breaking this cycle. Here are some tips on how to achieve that.

Engage in Stress Relief

This can take many forms, but most experts agree that a combination of exercise and meditation is most effective. Meditation and/or prayer helps ease and calm the mind. Physical exercises help align the body and bring physical balance and sometimes relief from pain. These are vital aspects of a life well loved. Some ideas include:

* Yoga
* Meditation
* Martial Arts
* Pilates

Supplements may also help with stress relief, particularly fish oil and/or flax and evening primrose oils. Because these oils are also implicated in depression relief, it may help you love your life.

Cease to Explain

A sense of self-justification can wear you out. If you feel the need to explain and justify yourself and your actions all the time, you will not only wear yourself out; you will wear out those around you. Learn to let it go – if people misunderstand something, it really is not a big deal.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Taking care of yourself is a big step in the right direction. You may find it a lot easier to love your life if you feel good, if your digestion is healthy and your body exudes a healthy glow.

First, eat a healthy diet. Go for organic foods wherever possible, and eat whole, fresh foods rather than packaged ones. The fewer chemicals in your diet, the clearer your mind is likely to be. Preservatives, artificial coloring and flavoring, and pesticides may have a profound effect on mental and physical functioning, and if you want to love your life, your mind needs to be clear and free of depression and confusion.

Many sources point to sugar and caffeine consumption as being the culprits in depression, sluggishness, weight gain, and insomnia. So a healthy lifestyle would involve very limited amounts of these substances in your diet.

Exercise is another important aspect of building a life worthy of loving. It’s certainly part of a healthy lifestyle, and it helps both mind and body. Loving your life may be a lot easier if you are happy with your body.

Loving your life means being happy with your mind, body, and personality. It means accepting who you are and being comfortable in your own skin. Hopefully, implementing some or all of the above will put you on the right path to loving your life.

Eco-Conscious: How to Stop Receiving Junk Mail

Electronic junk mail is an inconvenience, and various software can prevent it; but the paper junk mail that fills your mailbox is another matter. It is not just an inconvenience; many are concerned about the negative effects on the environment that so much junk mail may produce. Of course, trees are required in massive numbers to produce the enormous volume of junk mail (approximately 41 pounds or 1.5 trees per household per year) that takes up so much space in your mailbox and home.

When you do receive junk mail, you can help by recycling it. But if more people would simply stop the flow of junk mail to their residences, then fewer households would receive it and, hopefully, this would result in less junk mail being produced overall. Here are some tips on how you can help stop (or significantly decrease) the flood of junk mail coming into your home.

Guard Your Personal Information

Most of us think we do a pretty good job at guarding our personal information, but there are subtle ways that companies can get your name on a mailing list that you may not have thought about. For example, when you fill out a warranty card, respond to a sweepstakes, or even fill out a slip for a raffle, your name may end up on a mass mailing list.

You really don’t need to fill out warranty cards – sources point out that keeping the receipt from your purchase should be sufficient. The chances of winning a sweepstakes or raffle are so slim that it is really not worth the junk mail avalanche that follows.

When you are filling out forms at the hospital, library, or any other “official” organization, make a clear note that you do not want your personal information shared. Also, you don’t usually need to give your social security card for something like a library card. Ask the organization why they need your SSN before giving it out.

Followers

When you change homes or jobs, junk mail can follow you. This may be because you filled out a “change of address” form at the post office. Instead of making this public declaration of your new mailing address, inform your friends, family, and colleagues privately of your new information.

Off the Lists

Getting your name off of mailing lists is an important step in stopping junk mail. There are several approaches to this.

* Contact each company and tell them to remove you from their mailing list. For example, if you receive a More Stuff catalogue, you could call More Stuff and tell them you no longer wish to receive catalogues from them. This approach takes time, but it tends to be the most effective.

* Contact the direct marketers that sell your name to individual companies. The Direct Marketing Association is one of the major marketers.

* Catalogchoice.org offers a list of over 1,000 catalogues, and you simply choose from this list the catalogues you do not wish to receive. Catalogchoice.org does require some of your personal information to sign up, but sources say this is for identification only; giving out this information is not supposed to generate more junk mail.

With some deliberate and specific effort, you can greatly reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

How to Help Your Toddler to Talk

If you want to help your toddler talk, there are some things you can incorporate into your everyday interactions that can help him or her learn to speak, or speak more proficiently. Here are some ideas.

Hold the Baby Talk

Experts agree that you should speak at a level that is on your toddler’s level, or a bit above it. Use short, simple phrases that are complete sentences, such as “That feels soft,” or “Look how big! Big blocks,” or “Throw the ball!” Using simple but complete sentences gives your toddler a model he or she may actually be able to emulate.

Even though nonsensical baby talk may be counter-productive, speech therapists point out that using a sing-song-y or lilting voice can be very effective in helping a toddler learn to talk. As you emphasize the vowel and consonant sounds in a word, try saying it in a lilting way, allowing your voice to rise above the pitch at which you normally talk and then fall as you complete the word.

Seize the Words

Therapists and other professionals note that repetition is vital for toddlers to learn new words. If you hear your toddler speak a word, seize the moment and repeat the word often. Show your toddler what object or person goes with that word, encouraging him or her to repeat the word until the brain forms a “pathway” that makes speaking that word an automatic response.

Taking this a bit further, make the word “come alive” with activities and games. For example, if your toddler’s first word is “ball,” play with all kinds of balls; make up games with them; point them out in the store. Each time you interact with a ball, say the word often and praise your toddler if he or she says the word again.

Describe the Object

Help your toddler build vocabulary and associate words with objects by playing a game. Gather an assortment of household items and ask your toddler to pick out the object that’s shiny, smooth, long, round, rough, blue, and so forth. Remember to emphasize the words with voice inflections and clear pronunciation.

Words in a Bag

Use up old paper bags by making them into little learning centers! Gather up several bags and, on the outside, write and illustrate the kind of objects you’re going to put in the bag. For example, label one bag “red” and have a big red circle on the front; another bag might be labeled “soft” and have a cotton ball taped to the outside. Then help you toddler gather objects to put into the bags. You can get these bags out and review the objects and what they’re called any time.

Which Houseplants Are Potentially Poisonous for Toddlers and Pets

When you’re setting up your living space, houseplants are a natural consideration. After all, they add living greenery to your rooms, and many of them help clean indoor air. However, if you have pets and/or small children, they can be poisoned if they ingest certain houseplants. Cats love grass-like plants, and dogs may pull an entire plant out of its pot and chew it up. Small children tend to put leaves, berries, and flowers into their mouths.

Generally speaking, a rather large amount of a poisonous plant needs to be ingested for it to cause harm; but small animals and children under three are more vulnerable to smaller amounts of poisons.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to educate yourself as to which plants may pose a threat. Here is a list of some of the more toxic houseplants. If you have any of these, there may not necessarily be a need to throw them away or give them to neighbors without small children or pets. Just make sure the plants are out of the reach of your smaller household occupants. If that’s not possible, then you will probably want to get rid of them.

1. Elephant

Guinea Pigs: Care, Food, Runs and Cages

Guinea pigs are sweet little animals that are large enough to offer companionship, but small enough to be manageable for most households. This rodent is native to South America, where it lives in groups called herds. The pig terminology applies to the sexes, too – male guinea pigs are called boars, and females are called sows.

Guinea pigs eat often, and have certain nutritional and space requirements. Here are some tips on how the care for your guinea pig, and what you’ll need to set up a nice home for your pet.

The Cage

There are many variations on the kind of housing for your guinea pig. Some guinea pig owners house their pets in round, plastic wading pools filled with timothy hay and straw. Others use open cages, and still others use cages with open bottoms that can be set outdoors. Probably the best kind of guinea pig cage is a combination of these.

The Humane Society of the United States notes that most commercial guinea pig cages are far too small for these active little creatures. They suggest a minimum of 30″ x 36″ for cage size. For bedding, cedar or pine chips and a quantity of timothy hay should make your guinea pig comfortable.

Runs and Exercise

Guinea pigs needs frequent exercise. A large living area does not eliminate the need for stimulation and movement. Each day, it’s important to give your guinea pig exercise time. Some ideas include:

* Letting your guinea pig explore the outdoors in an open-bottomed cage or within moveable fencing. (It’s not a good idea to let them run loose even in a fenced yard – not only because they can squeeze through small holes in the fence, but because predators such as dogs, cats, owls, and hawks are always ready for a rodent meal.)

* Use the aforementioned wading pool to provide a fun playground. Cover the bottom with wood chips and/or timothy hay, and put in some wooden blocks, cardboard boxes, or commercial plastic tunnels for your pet to play with.

* Your guinea pig can also take some exercise in a dry bathtub with some toys and tunnels.

Food

In the wild, guinea pigs eat an exclusively vegetarian diet. Grass, clover, hay, and leaves are a large part of their diet. In addition to commercial guinea pig pellets, it is a good idea to supplement with fresh vegetables, such as carrots and lettuce, or wild plants (such as clover) harvested from safe areas. Guinea pigs should be fed twice a day or so.

General Tips

Guinea pigs do like to be in groups. Try to get at least two of these little animals. If you only have one, it is more important than ever that you spend some time every day (or several times a day) interacting with your single guinea pig.