Monday, March 21, 2011

Heartburn Sufferers Be Careful of What You Drink!

Most probably, you already know that heartburn is a condition of the digestive system and not a condition of the heart. Therefore, you are trying to find out what kinds of foods you should avoid.

However, a good diet for hearturn is not only about what not to eat. It is also about what not to drink.

What You Should Not Drink

There are certain beverages that you should avoid at all cost so that you can keep your heartburn and acid reflux condition under control.

Everyone knows that drinking fruit juices is good for health. Isn't that true?

Generally, it is true but there are always exception. As a heartburn sufferer, you should avoid citrus fruits such as oranges. Therefore, if you love orange juices, drink in moderation. Alternatively, you can try apple juices instead.

Alcohol is also something you want to avoid at all cost. The consumption of alcohol greatly increases the acidity level of your stomach, which is obviously not a good thing for heartburn sufferer.

In general, beer seems to have a worse effect on your stomach compared to wine but that doesn't mean you should go for wine. Just avoid both of them altogether.

You will also have to give up on carbonated drinks as they can trigger acid reflux. For coffee lovers who drink coffee every day, you may also have to give up coffee. Caffeine can greatly increase the level of acidity in your stomach, thus worsening your heartburn and acid reflux condition.

Even coffee without caffeine can cause a problem. The coffee itself can also increase the level of acidity in your stomach.



Friday, March 11, 2011

Share Compliments With Loved Ones in All Possible Ways

"The greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" (Moulin Rouge, 2001) The society is build around many relations, the relationships between people varies, the relationships are from biological relations or other relations like relations between friends, neighbors and colleagues etc. Sharing compliments with loved ones is very good gesture, it increases love and helps in keeping relationship healthy. Compliments with loved ones can be shared in different ways, it can be by saying some words of appreciations, or it can be in the form of some gift or greeting card. Every way has its respective impact on the emotions of person receiving compliments. While sharing compliments with loved ones, it is necessary to share them in possible ways to express love and emotions.

Appreciation with words

The relationships between loved ones like husband and wife; parents and children and brother and sister are very binding and sharing compliments with them does not require, expensive gifts, the simple words of compliments said with true heart worth more than most expensive item, when it comes to complimenting loved ones. Don't hesitate or be shy on giving compliments to the loved ones and give compliments more often with words it shows others about how much they are loved, cared and valued. Saying someone thank you or saying some one about how good he/she is looking or how good work him/her has done can make a long-lasting impact and it will create stronger emotional bonding. Human is social animal and everyone likes to be complemented and pampered, and the key to lead a happy life is to have healthy relationship with others especially with loved ones. And the key to keep healthy relationships with loved ones is to compliment them more often. And the compliments with words is very effective, complimenting loved ones more often with words is the key of keeping loved ones close. Life is short and it should be spend by spreading love, and the best way of spreading love is to give compliments and gifts more often.

Gifts as Compliments

Everyone loves to receive gifts, giving and receiving gifts is very old tradition and like many other traditions, it has been kept alive. It is very friendly gesture and it increases the love and bonding between two people. Giving gifts to love on different occasions like birthdays and anniversaries is very common and it is liked equally in every culture. But to maintain a very healthy and good relationship with the loved ones, giving gifts requires no occasion, it can be given at any time and in any form, the gifts given to loved ones other than special occasions creates better impact, but it does not mean that gifts should not be given at special occasions, it means that gifts should be given at special occasions and without any occasions as well.

Compliments with expressions

Body language is very important in communication, and it creates impact on the message delivered, while sharing compliments, the body language plays a key role. Giving compliments with expressions means that showing other through gestures and expressions that how much he/she is being valued and loved. Smiling at someone to show love is very great; smile is the best compliment one can share with someone, smile can deliver thousands of unsaid words so smiling lovingly at someone is a great way to show love and affection. As the years are passing, the world is becoming materialistic and people tend to care about tangible things more than the emotions and gestures, the relationships are also becoming materialistic and the greed and self-indulgence have made some of the dearest relations hollow. In this materialistic and selfish society, it is very important to love others selflessly. Sharing compliments with each other by gifts or expressions is what makes a true loving relation, and true loving relations make a good society.

Graduate in Public Administration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maaz_Syed

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Children's Entertainment Ideas

If you're looking for ways to entertain a small group of children, think of Hide and Seek, one of those games that works for all children of all ages. The traditional way to play hide and seek never gets old, but you may want a change if the kids start to get bored. The object of Hide and Seek is for the person who is "it" to find the other players who are hiding. You choose a child who will be "it". "It" closes or covers their eyes and counts to 50. While "it" is counting the other players scatter and find places to hide. "It" then goes looking for the other players. When he finds one they are out. The last player to be found becomes the new "it". Here are a few ways to play hide and seek with a twist while staying in the safety of your home, back garden or local park.

1. Go Hunting, a version of a scavenger hunt. Have the kids pick out some toys that are not too small and are allowed outside. While they cover their eyes and count to 50, you hide the toys around the garden. Then, let the children run loose and try to find the hidden items. If they can't find them or you want to for another variation, play 'hot and cold'. This is where you tell them 'hotter' if they're getting closer to the item or 'colder' if they're moving away. For younger children who don't quite understand the concept of hot and cold, just use the words 'closer' or 'further away'.

2. Sardines. Sardines is another fun variation on hide and seek. You will need at least four kids to play for this to work best. The person who is designated as 'it' does the hiding instead of the counting. Once the allotted time is up everyone has to try and find the hidden person. As each child finds the person who is hiding, instead of calling out they found them, they hide with them. This continues until all the kids are in one spot. This can become really funny as the children all try and squash into the same hiding place, just like in a can of sardines!

3. Chain hide and seek. Chain hide and seek is also best if at least four children are participating. This time, as the person who is 'it' finds the other kids playing, they have to hold hands and form a chain until everyone is found. Falling down and giggling are sure to ensue as the kids try to run around while holding hands. This is a great one to play in a larger garden or the park. Involve all the kids in the park and see how long the chain can get.

4. Kick the can. Kick the can is traditional hide and seek only players kick a can to avoid being caught. Place an empty can in a large open area. Choose who will be "it". Designate a spot near the can to be the "jail". The child who's "it" counts to 50 while the other kids hide. "It" then goes and tries to find the hidden players. When "it" sees a player they call the players name and location. Then both "it" and the player who has been caught race to the can and try to be the first one to kick it. If "it" kicks the can first then the player goes to the "jail". If the player kicks the can first the they and all the prisoners in the jail are free and "it" must count again. If "it" catches all the players then a new round starts with a new "it".

So, regardless of your budget, the ages of the children or even the weather, if you have 3 or more children, all you need to do is organise a game of Hide and Seek and you can keep the kids entertained for hours.

Sara Leadbetter is a Business Advisor based in Christchurch, New Zealand. This article was written about her work with Lollipop's Playland North Shore, who provide a fantastic indoor playground suitable for Children's Birthday Parties in North Shore.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Leadbetter

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

How to Shake the Winter Blues by Building a Snow Fort

Oh them cold, snowy winter days, aren't they wonderful! Do you find yourself going outside in the snow and having fun or are you one of them folks that sits inside, wishing that spring would come quickly. No matter how much you wish, you cannot rush the seasons, but there is no sense in sitting inside brooding, and becoming a victim of the winter blues either.

OK, so it's been snowing and there's a few inches of packable snow on the ground, now lets get bundled up and go outside. You don't need to have a spouse, and you don't need to have any children, but if you do, then bundle then up and go outside together. You played in the snow as a child, so whose to say you still cannot have fun as an adult. If you have a spouse, have them go outside with you, the two of you can have some great fun together. If you have children who love playing in the snow, this is a great way to do some parent to child bonding together, and the fun moments you spend together with your young children will stay in their minds all their lives.

Once you and if anyone else that is with you is bundled up against the winter cold, go outside and start building a snow fort. Start out like you do when making a snowman, only instead of making a large ball of snow, make it smaller and more block or cubed shaped. One great item that can be used for making these snow blocks, is a small plastic pan, or a bread loaf pan. Once the pans are packed with snow, you can dump them out and you will have nice bricks or cubes of packed snow.

Simply select an area of the yard where you want to place your fort and start building it up. Just make the sides, and leave an open area for the door. Do not attempt to build a roof, to do so can be dangerous, and I will not be help responsible for any accidents or worse that occurs do to some dummy attempting to do so. You and any family members can have some great fun making a snow fort. I used to love making them when I was a child, and there is no reason not to have fun just because a person grows older, but then again, I do not suffer from the winter blues like some people do. There you are, now you have an easy and fun activity that can be done many times this winter season to help shake the winter blues.

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been involved in weight loss and has been researching the Winter Blues for a few years. He has personally turned his life around at the age of 50, by reducing his body weight from 400 lbs to 185 lbs. If you want to turn your life around, and read other great info and ideas on beating the winter blues, please check out the website below:

Winter Activities

http://www.winter-activities.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Benjamin

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

4 Tips For A Perfect Dinner Party

Top Tips for Planning a Dinner Party

There are several things to keep in mind when hosting an event in your home to ensure that your guests have a pleasant and memorable experience.

The first deals with menu planning. Be sure you've checked with your guests concerning any possible food allergies, whether they are vegetarians, and their food preferences. You'd hate to serve salmon to someone who detests fish! And serving nuts to a guest with an allergy to them could cause a reaction, and possibly a serious medical problem.

Plan a do-ahead menu, with minimal last-minute preparation, so that you can be a guest at your own party! Prepare one or more dishes a day or two ahead. Your guests will be more relaxed if the hostess doesn't spend the evening in the kitchen, and you'll enjoy it, too. Spending time with your guests is every bit as important as serving them a delicious meal and providing an inviting environment!

Consideration should also be given to the table decor. Using flowers or candles with a very strong smell can actually compete with the flavor of the food, or even irritate a guest who has a sensitivity to smell. For instance, star lilies in a centerpiece for the dining room might be inadvisable because of their intense aroma, although they may work in a centerpiece for an outdoor table. To be safe, use unscented candles and fragrance-free flowers.

A beautiful and enchanting centerpiece can become an impediment if the height prevents your guests from seeing over it. Be sure to keep your centerpiece at a maximum height of 16" to keep the conversation flowing!

When making a fresh flower arrangement for your table, be sure to strip all leaves and thorns off flower stems that will be under water to keep bacteria from growing. I have found that if I keep an arrangement in the refrigerator and change the water every few days, a centerpiece can last a few weeks (especially roses).

Don't underestimate the time it takes to set the perfect table. If you set the table the day before your event, you'll have plenty of time to look at it several times and make any necessary adjustments to it.

Letting your guests serve themselves from a buffet table will allow them to choose the dishes and the size portion that suits them, and food is less likely to be wasted. They'll also be more comfortable going back for seconds! However, rather than stacking the dinner plates, napkins and silverware on the buffet table, setting the dinner tables with them will create a more beautiful atmosphere.

Cat Morgan loves to find Home Entertaining Ideas on the Internet. One of her favorite sites has lots of party ideas, including complete menu plans for entertaining at home, centerpieces and table settings, and more at SimplyEntertainingAtHome com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cat_Morgan

Monday, March 7, 2011

Mountain View Family Places to Play Indoors

Parks aren't the only places where kids and parents can run around and play together as a family. Mountain View California and nearby surrounding areas have many family-friendly museums and indoor playgrounds that can provide hours of entertainment, exercise, and educational experiences for kids and parents alike. Make sure you take your kids to these exciting indoor destinations!

Safari Run

There's no place in the Peninsula like Safari Run in San Mateo. This bright, clean, and colorful facility provides play structures, obstacle courses, balance disks, and ladders that kids can climb and race through. For just $7 an hour per child, children between the ages 4 to 10 can spend an entire hour releasing their excess energy and playing with other kids. Parental supervision is a must, and the play structures are large enough to accommodate adults. Aside from these fun physical activities, Safari Run provides arcade games near the exit - a perfect place where kids can cool down and entertain themselves until it's time to go. The only downside to the place is that it can get very crowded on the weekends. However, the staff only accepts a limited number of children per hour to make sure that the play area doesn't get too rowdy.

Hop-n-Play

Another fantastic indoor playground to take your kids to is Hop-n-Play in San Bruno, a walk-in play area and party facility. Hop-n-Play's play equipment is the first and only one of its type in the United States. Unlike most play structures which are static and still, each attraction at Hop-n-Play has some sort of motion that engages a child's limbs and body. This promotes body coordination, balance, and physical fitness. There are several age-appropriate stations that prevent little kids from getting accidentally hurt by bigger kids in play, but it's still highly recommended that you keep an eye on your child. Older children can be left to their devices, unless you have the energy to chase after an 8-year-old.

NASA Ames Research and Visitor Center

Were you aware that the NASA Ames research facility in Mountain View has a small museum that kids will love? Their Visitor Center is not as big as the Exploratorium or San Jose's Tech Museum, but it has a lot of interesting exhibits that will engage the curiosity of kids ages 5 to 10. There are moon rock samples, a small walk-through space center, a cavernous wind tunnel, even their own McDonald's. The Center also gives away a few freebies like coloring books, decals, and posters, and if you're lucky enough, you can even witness a space shuttle launch. The only downside is that you can go through the whole museum in just two hours, but kids who are fascinated by science and space travel will surely have a blast.

Sheena West writes for Bay Area for Kids, the social network and family resources guide exclusively for parents living in the Bay Area. To learn more about Mountain View family fun, visit http://www.bayareaforkids.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheena_West

Sunday, March 6, 2011

How to Entertain and Still Enjoy Yourself

Who doesn't love a party? Any chance to get friends together to have a laugh, while eating good food and sharing a glass of something, has to be one of life's ultimate pleasures. But for the occasion to be one everyone talks about, there is (like anything successful!) a bit of planning that needs to be done before hand.

Why are we partying?

What's the occasion? Is it something special or a 'just because'? Deciding why you are having the event and what you want everyone to feel while under your spell is probably the biggest tip I could give you. Like anything, determining an end goal and reason will help with the planning. Do you want a few close friends for an intimate get together, elegant and dressy, or perhaps it is a toddler's birthday party with family & friends?

Where is it?

Once you have established the 'why' we move on to the what. Appetizers with cocktails, a family picnic or perhaps a Sunday roast with close friends? There are so many ideas to play with. Be creative and if the event allows think about unusual places that would add that extra dimension to your party. This will also help with the 'when' part of the party mix

How much?

This is a another biggie and easily overlooked. Once you have established the why and the what, you'll need to work out a budget. This can sometime be a bit of a reality check with some people, as entertaining can be very expensive. It doesn't have to be and this is where a budget will help determine the food and drinks you will serve. Will it be ten to a 4 course meal or ten to cocktails and hor d'oeuvres? Also think about a theme as decorating the table or venue will need to be included. Will you need invitations or will an email do? Will you want wait staff or can you do it all.

Finishing touches

So invitations have been sent and your day is drawing near, make sure you have allowed enough time to clean if necessary - don't leave this to the day of the event, you will be too busy getting the food ready and doing last minute touches to the decorations.

Don't be put off with all the things you need to do 'winging it' just doesn't cut it. A well organised and thought out event will mean less stress, and less chance something will go wrong. Even if there is a last minute problem you will be much better equipped to deal with it.

Discover one of Sara's favourite party ideas here http://margaritaville-machine.blogspot.com/. You'll find reviews and how to buy at the cheapest prices on the web here http://margaritaville-machine.blogspot.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_D_Voca