6 Alternate Uses for Your Freezer

Eliminate unpopped popcorn

Don't you just hate the kernels of popcorn that are left at the bottom of the bowl? Eliminate the popcorn duds by keeping your unpopped supply in the freezer.

Remove wax from candlesticks

Grandma's heirloom silver candlesticks will get a new life if you place them in the freezer and then pick off the accumulated wax drippings. But don't do this if your candlesticks are made from more than one type of metal. The metals can expand and contract at different rates and damage the candlesticks.

Extend candle life

Place candles in the freezer for at least two hours before burning. They will last longer.

Unstick photos

Picture this: Water spills on a batch of photographs, causing them to stick together. If you pull them apart, your pictures will be ruined. Don't be so hasty. Stick them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Then use a butter knife to gingerly separate the photos. If they don't come free, place them back in the freezer. This works for envelopes and stamps too.

Clean a pot

Your favorite pot has been left on the stove too long, and now you've got a burned-on mess to clean up. Place the pot in the freezer for a couple of hours. When the burned food becomes frozen, it will be easier to remove.

Remove odors

Got a musty-smelling book or a plastic container with a fish odor? Place them in the freezer overnight. By morning they'll be fresh again. This works with almost any other small item that has a bad smell you want to get rid of.

PLUS:

ArticleAllAround: Psychiatric Hospitalization for Troubled Teens

ArticleAllAround: Psychiatric Hospitalization for Troubled Teens: "Psychiatric hospitals provide the highest level of treatment available to teens and are intended for the short-term stabilization of seriou..."

Psychiatric Hospitalization for Troubled Teens

Psychiatric hospitals provide the highest level of treatment available to teens and are intended for the short-term stabilization of serious mental health issues. A hospital setting can help a teen in crisis by providing a locked environment with constant clinical supervision to ensure their safety.

When is a Psychiatric Hospital Needed?

Similar to a hospital for physical problems, a psychiatric hospital is set up to deal with mood or behavioral changes that come on suddenly and require intense structure and intervention to keep the teen safe.

Situations in which a teen might require hospitalization include a suicide attempt, threatening someone with a weapon, hallucinations, uncontrollable physical rage or manic episodes. Teens will receive the best care in a hospital that specializes in treating this age group- ask if the hospital has an adolescent unit.

Psychiatric Hospitals Explained

The two most important things to know about psychiatric hospitals are:

1. The treatment is fast-paced and intense.

2. The length of stay will be very short, usually several days.

Hospitals for mental health issues are intended to thoroughly evaluate the crisis, act quickly to stabilize the teen and develop a plan for continued care.

A comprehensive evaluation begins at the time of admission and is completed by interviewing the teen, family members and mental health or school professionals who have worked with the teen and can provide relevant information. This assessment considers the prior history of problems in mood or behavior, use of drugs or alcohol, previous treatment, physical illness or symptoms, family history of mental illness etc.

ArticleAllAround: Easy Way Of Improving Strength And Fitness

ArticleAllAround: Easy Way Of Improving Strength And Fitness: "Using free weights is effective way of improving strength and fitness. Lifting weights improves fitness while it burns calories, increase m..."

Easy Way Of Improving Strength And Fitness

Using free weights is effective way of improving strength and fitness. Lifting weights improves fitness while it burns calories, increase muscle size, strength, power, and endurance, and increases bone density. It also increases bone density and improves quality of life for many older adults. Instruction is necessary if you have never used free weights before, or are not that familiar with the use of free weights. Technique, and safety are important considerations.

Unlike weight machines, free weights don’t restrict movement. This is great for building strength, but it also increases the risk of injury. Safety precautions include having a good grip, maintain a stable position sitting or standing, use good technique or form, and getting good instruction from an exercise professional. Most accidents occur by falling weights that are not secure or fall out of a person’s hand, so pay particular attention to picking up and replacing free weights.

Buying Free Weights

Durability – Consider your exercise motivation for the quality and durability of the weights you are purchasing. If you plan to use the weights a lot, buy a high quality and durable product. Generally speaking, free weights are rather durable.

Assembly – Consider the time and convenience of buying weights that are set at a specific weight, or to purchase weights that can be changed according to your strength. For a set weight of dumbbells, no assembly is required.

Storage – Ensure you have adequate space to safely store the weights, depending on how many or how much weight you are going to purchase. Free weights can be stored on the floor, or on specialized racks.

Maintenance – Consider the maintenance requirements. Chrome weights require higher maintenance than metal, concrete, or foam-covered weights.

Using Free Weights

Free weights can develop muscle-fitness depending on how you use them.

Muscle Strength: 5-8 reps, 1-3 sets.

Muscle Endurance: 15-20 reps, 1-3 sets.

Muscle Power: 3-5 reps, 1-3 sets.

Rep is short for repetition. This means how many times you lift the weight. Set means a group of repetitions. Rest approximately one to two minutes between sets of each exercise, or long enough to catch your breath.

Muscle Groups to Train

Exercising the major muscle groups is important for developing fitness.

Upper body: front and back of arms, shoulders, chest, and upper back.

Torso: abdominals, sides of torso (obliques), and lower back.

Legs: front and back of thighs, calfs, and buttocks.

Exercises to Do

Upper body: Bicep curls, tricep extension, shoulder press, bench press, and bent-over row.

Torso: Abdominal curls (hands across chest), “Bird-Dog” (on hands and knees, lift opposite arm and leg 5 – 10 reps, then opposite arm/leg), and side-plank.

Legs: Squats or Lunges, and heel raises.

Technique is important!

Learn the proper technique for each exercise before proceeding.

Exercise both sides of the body. Whatever you exercise on the front of the body, proceed with the corresponding exercise for the back of the body.

Breathe! Exhale when the exercise is the hardest, and inhale when the exercise is the easiest.

Move your joints through a full range of motion when performing each exercise.

Move in a controlled manner. Do not let momentum move the weight.

Posture

Maintain a straight spine when performing all exercises.

Do not hyper-extend your spine.

When picking weights up from the floor (or putting them down), use your legs, not your back.

Using a spotter

When lifting very heavy weights, you should use a spotter in case the weights become too much for you to handle. A spotter can offer feedback about your technique, and give you a margin of safety to avoid injury.

Important Points to Remember

Before you buy: Consider the space you have in which to safely engage in a weight training program.

When you buy: Consider your exercise motivation in terms of the cost of the weights. Also consider the size of the handles as they fit in your hand.

Excellent for fitness: Using free weights is an excellent way to improve your fitness. You can increase the rate at which you burn calories, increase your muscle strength and size, and increase the strength of your bones. Increased strength through weight training can also improve the quality of life for older adults.

Your abilities: Consider your level of fitness before you purchase your weights. Be careful not to buy weights that are too heavy (or too light).

Make it a habit: Since you are considering buying exercise equipment, structure your lifestyle to make time to exercise and it will eventually become a life-long habit.

Holiday Money Saving Tips for Your Family

While families benefit from saving money all year, the holiday's are a time when saving money can mean much more to a family as spending less money means less stress on parents. And all parents know, the less stressed we are, the more fun our family is going to have. Here are useful holiday tips that will help you stress-less and enjoy more:

Be prepared for the holiday season. Set aside some time and use last year's amount spent to organize a current budget for all that you would like to do during the holidays. Include gift giving and your budgeted amount for each person you wish to give to. Remember to include the little gifts you give to teachers and for Pollyanna gift giving. Once you have your budget, You can see the areas where you may be able to save some money.

Talk with your extended family. Communication can go a long way when you need to tighten your belts. If you are finding yourself in a crunch this holiday season, talk to your family about ways that you can save some money like bringing down the limit amount you spend on gifts - or cutting store bought gifts out altogether.

Help for Mom of 11-Year-Old Daughter

A mom on the forum is seeking advice: "My daughter is 11 yrs. old. Her behavior has escalated into something that is beyond control. She has increased her lying, she is stealing from whoever she can. She is a great manipulator, she can put on the act. I have tried numerous strategies to try and get the situations under control. She has ran away, try to blamed another child. Police and everyone was involved in the search. The last stunt was her brother's wallet containing $60.00 and gift cards, she has taken it. She took it. Lied about it... I am at a loss! I don't know what else to do.

Denise's thoughts: She is acting out and needs help, as I am sure you realize. If the counseling she is receiving is not helping, you will want to look at other programs that are available.

I would also take some time to adjust your expectations of her. She is currently not capable of acting in the way you are expecting. If you don't expect that she will tell the truth, you will not get as emotional when she lies and you will be more capable of handling the situation she has put you in. Being capable is what you want to be when using discipline.

ArticleAllAround: Dress Your Body Type: Tall

ArticleAllAround: Dress Your Body Type: Tall: "Why? Because the air is fine up here, and thanks for asking. Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, ..."

Dress Your Body Type: Tall

Why? Because the air is fine up here, and thanks for asking.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.
A tall body type defined
In the West, men whose height is 6'3" or taller are considered to be tall, whereas in other parts of the world, anything beyond 5'11" is perceived as tall. This body type might also be large (as in "big and tall") or it might be very lean.
Pros and cons of dressing a tall body
For men who have a lean build or an average amount of muscle mass, being tall is a huge pro as clothing hangs better on taller individuals, which means you can wear just about anything and look great. Additionally, most societies tend to view extra inches as an advantage for males and women often find tall men extremely attractive, so if you know how to dress yourself stylishly, your professional and interpersonal success will skyrocket. In fact, the only real downside to being tall is that if you’re on the extreme end of the spectrum, it can be difficult to find clothes that are long enough for your body.
DRESS YOUR BODY TYPE: THE GUIDE
Fit
Two general rules apply to fit when dressing a tall body. First, avoid clothing that is oversize as it will hang off your body strangely. Also, skip anything that is extremely fitted as it will make you appear awkward if you have a large build or like a beanpole if you’re slender.

When specifically considering the top half of the body, there are a few supplementary guidelines men with tall bodies can follow to enhance their appearance. Dress shirts must absolutely be long enough to tuck into your pants, even if you’re not in the habit of wearing your shirts that way. It can be tricky to find longer shirts, but failure to do so will mean you risk looking like a big kid.

Cropped jackets will have a similar effect on you as they will make your body appear disproportionate by emphasizing the length of your legs. Instead, opt for jackets and blazers that end just below the hip as this length adds neither height nor width to your frame. You should also know that blazers with two buttons are a better choice for you as three-button blazers will further elongate your body. For tall dudes with an average-to-lean build, double-breasted jackets are extremely flattering. As well, coats that fall just below the knee, particularly belted models, will really command respect on a tall frame.

Straight-leg trousers and jeans rather than tapered or boot-cut bottoms look best on tall bodies, though when you’re tall bottoms should always be tried on prior to purchasing in order to ensure that their inseam is long enough to cover the top part of your shoe (try labels like Rock and Republic to find 36” inseams). Go with mid-rise jeans if you’re heavier and low-rise jeans if you’re slim, but steer clear of high-waisted jeans (tall hipsters, take note).

A final point with regard to fit concerns tailoring: When you’re tall, having your formal wear adjusted to suit your height is nonnegotiable.

Why Women Don't Like Mama's Boys

Why? Because she'll handle the throw pillows, thank-you-very-much.

Women always like hearing a potential mate speak about his mother in a caring and respectful manner. In fact, men who have a good relationship with their mothers tend to be more understanding and respectful toward women, and that's great. But a man who talks a little too much about his mother will raise a "mama's boy" flag in any woman's mind.

Did these parents over-punish their teen?

A mom on our forum is seeking advice: I really need some perspective here. We have a 13-year-old son who is generally a really good kid--star forward on his soccer team, 3.6 gpa. He and my husband have been in a bit of a power struggle ever since he (my son) hit puberty. I am definitely the "softy" parent. Last month my son told a lie about using his computer during the day when he'd been told not to. He has lied in the past but always little things, such as finding cash around the house and pocketing it instead of leaving it alone. My husband's punishment for the lie was no computer for 2 months and no texting for 4 months. We live in a very isolated area, and my son's texting has been his lifeline to his friends when he's not at school. I went along with the punishment because I felt I was being forced to choose between my husband and my son, and I wanted to put up a united parenting front--but now I am wracked with guilt that the punishment was way too extreme. Please help me know whether I did the right thing, and what a more appropriate response could have been.

Denise's thoughts: I think what your husband chose to take away from him was good, but the timing is long. The thing about punishment when it's too long, it loses it's effectiveness as a deterrent from bad behavior and becomes a catalyst of bad feelings within the family instead. The feelings of guilt you're having, for instance.

I have some resources for discipline, but I want to point out that power struggles never lead to good things. Maybe when your teen is out you and your husband can talk about how to handle disciplining your teen before there is a problem and it becomes emotional and escalates. As for what you do now with your teen, I think you should fall back and regroup.

1 in 5 Teens Are Hyper-texters

A study conducted by APHA found that 1 in 5 teens are hyper-texters, which means they text more than 120 times a day. Think about it, if each text takes 1 to 2 minutes of time, that is two to four full hours of time out of their day just texting. I think we can all agree that there are better things our teens can be doing with their time.

The study was conducted in 20 public high schools in the Cleveland area last year, and is based on confidential paper surveys of more than 4,200 students. And what is being reported around the net about this study that is considered shocking?!? It's that these hyper-texting teens are more apt to have had sex or used alcohol and drugs. Really? I don't find it shocking that teens who text for 2 to 4 hours a day may not have enough parental supervision to keep them off drugs and making smarter choices about sex. (If you are worried, learn how to talk to your teen about tough issues here.) Even the study's lead author, Dr Scott Frank associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, said, "If parents are monitoring their kids' texting and social networking, they're probably monitoring other activities as well." That's it in a nutshell, isn't it?

How to Raise a Self-Confident in Teens

Confidence is one's belief in their own ability's. Confident people rationally believe they are capable of doing things well and therefore aren't afraid to do those things or even try new things. Teens who are confident grow up to have a good sense of self and become happy adults. Parents can help teen build their confidence throughout their adolescence by following these tips:

Be trustworthy. Be there when your teen needs you. Provide a safe home environment and firm but fair discipline. This is a foundation that your teen's confidence can stand on.

Give your teen choices. One of the things that confidence helps teens do is making a decision. You can help teens make decision by offering them choices as often as possible. Learn more about decision-making and teens.

Encourage your teen to try new things. Be available to take them where they need to go and do so without complaining.

Become your teen's biggest fan, whether it is in sports, your teen's other interests or in school.

Do not use criticism when talking to your teen - even if it is just sarcasm. It hurts more than helps and can place wedge between you and your teen, depleting their confidence.

Allow your teen to fail, do not fix their problems for them. If they need you to help talk the problem through, ask open ended questions so that they come to their own conclusions. Role play different scenarios if it helps your teen find their answer - but allow them to find the answer that is right for them.

Model a positive attitude by handling everyday decisions with confidence.

Praise your teen when praise is due. We know that too much praise is not good either, but due praise is necessary for your teen's self-confidence.

Spend time with your teen enjoying something they like to do. This is always a good time to sit back and marvel at what a wonderful person they are becoming.

Teens' Problemz: Tips to Handle Teen Back Talk

Teens' Problemz: Tips to Handle Teen Back Talk: "Talk and Suggestions: Back Talk My Parents! Not Me!! WOW! Not in my younger days. That was not heard of in the Black Community. That ..."

Tips to Handle Teen Back Talk

Talk and Suggestions:

Back Talk My Parents! Not Me!!

WOW! Not in my younger days. That was not heard of in the Black Community. That was Taboo, you just didn't do it. Doing my younger years we were taught Manners and Respect at home, school and Church. Some of the White Children dare not do it neither. This generation today is out of control. Corporal punishment is frown apond. Some of these children need an "Old Fashion Butt Whipping". I would never tell my parents to Kiss My A-- and leave me the Fu-- alone. This I have heard in stores and the parent did just what the child said to do. Spent over $300.00 in clothing for this particular child. If I had said that to my mom or dad, I would have been hit in the mouth so fast I would never see it coming. Parent need to take back their role as the PARENT as act like a parent and not the "FRIEND"! If they start correcting the bad behavior, while the child is young and stay on top of it. Then there is a possibility Parent can correct this. I am 65 yrs old.

Sounds Great

I love Nicole and Chancellor's suggestions! These should be the first options, and privilege removal (like games) is a good option for when they refuse to talk to you. At the same time, it's important to respect their property ownership. Like, if an X box is given to them as a gift, you aren't allowed to take it. But you do pay the electric bill so you could shut off the power to his room.

Discern

I too, struggle with the back talking my teens will engage in rather harshly. Most of the time, I repeat what they are trying to say in a calm polite way, completely disregarding their "tone". Usually, I ask them if they agree with me that what I said (in a courteous manner) is exactly what they meant. I then say, I'm just making sure with a smile on my face. It is important to them that we, as parents, can help them communicate, respectfully without judging them in any negative way.

Working Together For Better Health

Parents and caregivers have the sole responsibility to introduce healthy food choices to young children. Children learn from the meals you offer, the way you serve food, the way you shop, and the examples you set. They develop habits early that, once learned, can last a lifetime, so it's never too early to make a change. It's important to take every opportunity to promote a healthy active lifestyle. Try these ten creative ways to get young children to eat healthier.

1. Prepare Healthy Meals Together

Engaging children in the preparation of kid-friendly healthy dishes is so fun and so very messy, but children are more likely to eat something that they have helped to prepare. So, bring out those bowls, spoons and cups. While kids are helping, it is a good time to introduce portions, simple fractions and units of measure.

When you are finished preparing, show children how to set the table. Don't forget to dine together. Children who eat meals with their families tend to have better diets, not just because meals are planned, but because of the positive examples that are set at the table.

2. Get Creative

Make silly food faces out of fresh fruit and vegetable slices, and come up with amusing, silly names for the healthy foods you prepare. Celery and raisins become "ants on a log," peanut butter and pretzels can be "mud on a stick," and spaghetti with tomato sauce can turn into "wiggly worms."

The golden word is "distraction." The apple wedge is a boat, and their mouth is a river. Peas are a food made out of green. You can become a consummate actor or a verbal Picasso to get them to taste something new.

3. Pack Snacks Together

Children can also benefit from packing snacks for the day, or packing for a picnic. When planning a long-term getaway, encourage them to help with bagging individual portions of fruits, chilled veggies, cheese sticks, crackers, trail mix, water, 100% juice boxes, and other good choices. These are the images they will carry with them throughout their day.

4. Take Children Shopping

Young kids love to play grown-up. On a real excursion to the grocery store, allow the children to pick a new fruit or vegetable to try at home. Let them weigh their choice, bag it, and put it on the conveyor belt. Once home, let them help you present it to the family. Try to avoid flying through each aisle like a secret agent on a mission. Slow down and turn shopping into a learning experience.

5. Plan a Family Taste Test

Slice a variety of apples such as, Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and McIntosh. Set out a variety of breads such as Sourdough, Rye, Potato, Whole Wheat, Pita, and Tortilla. After each taste test, compare the various textures and characteristics while you talk about your favorites. A great time to do this without spending a great deal of money is during dinner at a buffet.

6. Show Kids How to Grow Food

Many local growers are happy to share the farming experience with young children if you call ahead of time. Take a trip to your local farmer's market where you will often find fun activities for kids. Children are more likely to eat fruit or vegetables that they have grown and picked themselves. Use a planter, or assign a small piece of your yard to start your own private garden. You can begin with tomatoes and build from there.

7. Sing and Dance to Good Food Songs

Find songs with lyrics that promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle. If you can't find music in your local retail store, there are some great offerings available for young children online. Music CDs like Smart & Tasty, Bon Appetite, Groovin' Foods, or Smart Fruit & Veggie Songs, can be found with a simple internet search. Be prepared to pass the potato, count the bananas, scissor kick your celery sticks, interact with your children, have fun, and basically act like a fool. If you don't have access to music, make up silly, rhyming rhythmic chants about new foods.

8. Explore Healthy Foods Through Books

Find coloring books or read books that introduce fruits and vegetables as characters, or have interesting stories that revolve around healthy foods. Books such as I Will Not Ever Eat a Tomato, Counting Pumpkins, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Food for Thought, and Eating the Alphabet: Fruits and Vegetables from A to Z make for some great fun and educational reading. A quick and easy resource for nutrition and health education books for children is found at NeatSolutions.

9. Plan a Craft Activity

Let your child design something artistic such as a paper craft that can be proudly displayed on the refrigerator, pasta art on a plate, or a personalized placemat that can be laminated for repeated use. Some web pages offer free downloadable or printable activities that engage children. Search for your favorites or visit 5aday, Dole, and Nutrition Explorations for some interesting offerings.

10. Play Fun Games That Involve Healthy Eating

Children who have fun with healthy foods are more likely to want to taste them. Instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose," play "Grape, Grape, Juice." Play target practice by tossing play foods into grocery paper bags. Let your children select from their play food and serve you a nutritious meal.

Play verbal "I spy a color" games and board games that promote healthy eating and educate young children about good food choices. The Produce for Better Health Foundation offers "The Fruit and Veggie Race" board game for all ages.

Empower your young children to be agents of change in and away from home. They will not only eat better, they will inspire others to do the same.