Back to School: Parents Suffer Separation Anxiety Too

Starting school can be a trying time in both a child’s and the parent’s lives, especially if it is the first time the child is going to school. There is initial excitement, but that is usually followed with apprehension and anxiety.

The first year of school brings on excitement as well as dread.

The end of summer brings many things, but none so eagerly anticipated –or feared – than the beginning of a new school year. For first time parents, this can be a particularly trying time. Separation issues begin at an early age, but can last or reappear even after they have been assumed resolved; especially when a major change in a child’s life occurs. School is definitely one of those times.

Naturally, your child will be fearful. After all, you have been a constant in his or her life since birth. Going to school – especially for an entire day – and being away from you is bound to cause anxiety. First and foremost, reassure your child that the separation isn’t permanent and that you will see each other again after school.

Establishing routines and beginning traditions can help ease the transition.

Boundaries and routines can be a source of comfort for your child, as well as yourself. Granted, it may seem that all your child wishes to do is push those boundaries and upset the routines. However, the fact that they are familiar can help ease the passage into a new routine. Establish new routines for the …

A Singapore Treat: High Tea at Raffles Hotel

With its colonial atmosphere and luxurious ambience, Raffles Hotel hosts, each afternoon, a traditional English High Tea, with an Asian twist.

Raffles Hotel is one of Singapore's best known and most loved landmarks. For over a hundred years travellers have been coming through its doors to stay or dine in elegant and luxurious surroundings. Traditions started by English colonists have survived: partaking in a tiffin curry luncheon on Sundays, drinking the Singapore Sling cocktail, and taking high tea in the afternoons.

High Tea at Raffles

Every afternoon, between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., High Tea is served in the Tiffin Room at Raffles. This is an elegant, high-ceilinged room with chandeliers and ceiling fans.The tall arched windows look out to Palm Garden with its ornate cast-iron fountain.

A talented musician plays the harp as gentle background music while uniformed waiters move quietly between the tables, making sure all the guests have tea and coffee.

Copied from old photographs, the furniture in the Tiffin Room replicates that used in the early days of the hotel. The teak tables are square; the chairs bentwood with palm design backs.

White linen tablecloths and silver cutlery, fine bone china crockery and a silver vase of orchids grace each table.

Reservations for High Tea at Raffles are recommended. Guests are requested to wear smart clothing.

The Food at Raffles High Tea

On arrival at the Tiffin Room, we were escorted to our reserved table. A three-tiered silver cake stand, complete with a variety of traditional afternoon …

Power of Home Fitness

Is home fitness for everyone?If you’re trying to look better and feel better, home fitness is for you. It doesn’t matter what your age is or how much you can exercise, you should focus on putting together a plan with three important components if you want to see results. Start off with cardio, then do some strength training exercises and then finish it with stretching to cool down.

To do cardio you don’t need to use machines or have huge space in your home. You should go for morning jogs or may be use a treadmill or skip or engage yourself in various household chores. So get a treadmill or go for jogs, gliders and rowers.

Strength training can be done using various movements done by body weight and or getting some weights and using them. To make sure your home fitness is effective, have a dedicated session of weights at least once a week. Body weight resistance exercises include squats, push-ups for basic workout or for intense once you could make use of a weighted vest or a pull up bar. Use barbells or weights and do a flat bench workout. If you don’t have much space and want to invest less then get adjustable dumbbells. Include variety in your schedule to get maximum benefits of strength work out.

Stretching is another important area that one must not ignore. When do stretching exercises at the end of your workout program or simply keep one day for stretching exercise, …

Drought Tolerant Herbs – Rosemary: Planting and Growing Rosemarinus officinalis

Rosemary, or Rosemarinus officinalis, is an evergreen herb that is drought tolerant and fragrant. It is a member of the mint (Lamiaceae/Labiatae) family and can be used in many different ways; from the kitchen to medicinally.

Characteristics of Rosemary

Rosemary is a shrub with leaves that look like needles and scale-like bark. Leaves are aromatic with a smell much like pine and are one inch in length. The flowers are (mostly) blue and in clusters, appearing in the winter and in the springtime. Some cultivars may have pink flowers and other variances.

Rosemary Growth Patterns

According to Floridata, Rosemarinus officinalis prefers dry sandy soils that are well drained. It should not be acidic and if it is the gardener will need to amend the soil with lime periodically. Full sun for at least six hours during the day is needed for best growth. In true desert-like conditions it will need some supplemental watering. It is hardy in USDA zones of 8 through 10. Propagate the shrub by cuttings or by seed with tip cuttings in potting medium being the best choice.

Using Rosemary in the Kitchen

Rosemary is a very versatile herb with its unique flavor that can complement soups, meat, or sauces to name a few. Rosemary does very well on lamb dishes. It can be used fresh all year thanks to the evergreen nature of the shrub. Planting near a kitchen window can give the benefit of being close at hand whenever the cook needs it. It …

Phytochemicals in Herbs: Essential Oils

Phytochemicals are those chemicals found in plants that give herbs their healing properties. These phytochemicals have no nutritional value; however, they can protect us from or prevent various diseases and ailments that may attack our systems. One such phytochemicals is essential oil that gives herbs their aroma.

Essential oils are extracted from herbs through a process that concentrates the oil thereby making them more potent. This process is rather involved and can require a large amount of fresh herbs for a small yield of essential oil. For example, it takes an entire pint of flower petals to make just one tablespoon of essential oil. This explains why essential oils can sometimes be rather pricey. These essential oils are then used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and other applications.

Essential oils also usually have antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties. An antispasmodic will help to relieve or even prevent muscle spasms and cramps. Antispasmodics are often used by people suffering from intestinal cramping or severe menstrual cramps. Antimicrobials prevent or destroy microorganisms; i.e., bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that cause numerous diseases and ailments.

Most people are familiar with essential oils through their use in aromatherapy. For example, essential oil of lavender is used for relaxation and to relieve tension. Peppermint is often used for a stimulating and energizing effect. In addition, these aromatic oils are frequently added to medicines to improve their taste.

There are a few basic essential oils that you will want to keep on-hand to be used in various herbal remedies. One …

The Temperature of The Human Body – an Important Indicator of The Health of The Body

Body temperature is a composite indicator of thermal state of the human organism, reflecting the complex relationship between the production of heat from various organs and tissues and heat transfer between them and the external environment.

Body temperature is a composite indicator of thermal state of the human organism, reflecting the complex relationship between the production of heat from various organs and tissues and heat transfer between them and the external environment. 

The average human body temperature usually varies between 36.5 and 37.2 degrees Celsius due to the internal exothermic reactions and the existence of “safety valves” allowing the removal of excess heat sweating. 

“Thermostat” (hypothalamus) is located in the brain and is constantly involved in thermoregulation. During the day body temperature varies – morning and evening it changes by 0.5-1.0 degree C. 

In women, temperature varies depending on the menstrual cycle. If the normal temperature is 37 degrees, it decreased to 36.8 during the first days of the cycle, before ovulation and decreased to 36.6 and then again increased to 37.2 and finally stood at 37 degrees. 

In men, the temperature in the testes is 1.5 degrees lower than the rest of the body and the temperature of other parts of the body depends on physical exercise. 

Critical to man is considered the temperature of 42 degrees, at which the disorder in the metabolism of brain tissue. Human body is better adapted to cold and therefore reducing the temperature to 32 degrees causes tremors, but not a serious risk. …

The Spice of Beauty: Using Spices & Herbs in Your Facial Care Routine

Spices and herbs taste good and they smell good too, but did you know that they can also help make you beautiful and keep your skin looking young and healthy. Skin care manufacturers are using herbs and spices in your facial products in a major way these days in order to help you be more beautiful, and healthy from the outside in. What are they using and how does it help your skin? Here are seven of the latest spice and herb fads that you will be finding in your facial products.

Fennel

Fennel is good for sensitive skin, it is cleansing and soothing. It can help to purify oily skin and to reduce redness. Use two tablespoons of crushed fennel seeds mixed with a half cup of buttermilk as a facial cleanser. Boil the mixture in a double boiler for about a half hour, strain and let sit for two hours before use.

Cloves

Cloves have antimicrobial properties, which is why they have been used in the dental profession for centuries. Cloves work great for deep cleansing, and can be a great help at combating acne.

Pepper

Pepper helps to increase the blood flow and helps with circulation. It is great for use in massage oils, and it can help keep the face and skin looking young. May be an irritant to those with sensitive skin.

Turmeric

Look for facial items that have Turmeric in the ingredients if you are having a problem with age spots. It helps to …

Basil and Pepperoni Pizza: A Fast Favourite that Tastes Better than Delivery

Pizza satisfies a hungry family or a room full of party guests and it is a healthy meal option. So, don’t call for delivery: make a homemade version and be ready for the compliments and requests for another slice. Pizza is a dish that can be easily modified to suit various preferences and any picky eaters. Use a store-bought dough to make this meal even quicker to prepare.

Feel free to experiment with the toppings suggested below and create a new family favourite. Feta cheese, mushrooms, green peppers, cooked Italian sausage, pesto, onions, or sliced ham all make great additions to this basil and pepperoni pizza. If desired, serve a soup such as Basil Minestrone for an appetizer. And for dessert, Strawberry Shortcake makes a nice after-dinner treat. This recipe makes two 12" pizzas.

Basil and Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

  • 1-1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) of active dry yeast
  • 3-1/2 cups flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Pizza Toppings:

  • Olive oil
  • 2/3 cup tomato sauce, 1/3 each per pizza
  • 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Pepperoni, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Basil, fresh, torn into small pieces

Directions

Pizza Dough:

  1. Pour the warm water into a large bowl
  2. Sprinkle the yeast onto the water and let stand for 5 minutes until the yeast is frothy
  3. Stir to dissolve completely if needed at the end of 5 minutes
  4. Mix in the olive oil, flour, salt and sugar
  5. Knead until the dough

Sarah Palin, the Tea Party and Republicans in the Election

According to The Hill (August 11, 2010), Republican Congressman Jack Kingston of Georgia stated on a morning radio talk show that Sarah Palin’s endorsement efforts were hurting the party: “…what she is doing is dividing the party at a time we don’t need to be divided…” he said. Palin had supported Karen Handel in the gubernatorial primary runoff election over Nathan Deal, a long-term conservative Congressman who was supported by Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee. Although Palin is not considered a leader of the Tea Party movement, she identifies with it closely.

Will Palin and the Tea Party Impact the November Election?

Although, according to a recent MSNBC report, Palin has endorsed more males than females, Karen Handel was defeated in a close runoff, despite being one of the “commonsense conservative” Mama Grizzlies. Palin uses her Facebook site to endorse candidates and remind voters to go to the polls. But notoriety does not always guarantee success, as the results in Georgia demonstrate.

John Nichols, writing in The Nation (July 21, 2010), comments that Palin has a “penchant for advancing the prospects of conservative women whose candidacies are changing the ‘good-old-boy’ face of the party, particularly in the South.” Nichols compares her strategy to Ronald Reagan in 1976 and 1980 in terms of “establishing a network of connections.” In 2012, winning the South will be crucial to anyone seeking the presidency.

But the divide-and-conquer endorsement strategy could backfire in November. In Nevada, for example, Sharron Angle won the GOP primary race. …