Homeschooling Tip – Include Life Skills in the Curriculum
If you are a homeschooling parent designing a curriculum for your children, please remember to include life skills as one of their courses. I have met some brilliant individuals with multiple college degrees that did not know how to cook or do laundry. They could solve very complex mathematical problems, but did not know how to prepare a household budget. You do want your children to be prepared for living on their own, don’t you? Here is a list of some of the things they should know and be able to do. Some of these are mental skills, and some are physical.
1. Taking responsibility. I put this first because it is one of the least taught ideas in the world. Far too many people have never learned the concept that their actions will always have consequences, whether good or bad. They readily accept the good, but when smacked in the face by bad consequences, they start making excuses which is basically blaming someone else. People who cannot take responsibility for themselves seldom develop the self-discipline it takes to live a stable life. Quite often they wind up living fearful and resentful lives.
2. Doing difficult things. This ties in with taking responsibility, but is somewhat different. It involves teaching your children to step out of their comfort zones to learn something new. As a society we place higher expectations on our babies than our teenagers. We expect them to learn how to crawl, walk, talk, use eating utensils, and use a toilet. What do we expect from our teens? Sadly, not much. I have found that when we do place high expectations on teens, they will rise to the challenge. If they do not know how to do something, but also know that you expect them to do it anyway, they will take that step needed to learn how to get the job done. This also teaches them how to earn respect and to develop self-esteem.
3. Cleanliness. This is basic. Start with making their beds every morning and putting their toys away when they are done playing with them. Insist that they put dirty clothes in the hamper – not on the floor. As they grow include them in the housework. They can dust and vacuum just as well as you. Do not allow them to dirty a dish or glass and just leave it on the counter until after dinner. It takes very little time to rinse it and put it in the dishwasher, or better yet, wash it and put it in the cupboard. Cleanliness should be a habit, but it won’t be if you do not insist on it.
4. Cooking. I think this is self-explanatory. We included this in 5th grade history. We required our kids to make a Thanksgiving dinner. My wife sat at the table and gave instructions, but they had to do the actual preparation and cooking. My son is now 25 and does the lion’s share of the cooking at his house. His wife is not complaining. My daughter doesn’t really like to cook, but she can, and that is what we were striving to achieve.
5. Laundry. How many times have you seen college kids bring a duffel bag full of dirty clothes home for Mom to wash? This happens entirely too often, and there is no excuse for it. Please each your children how to do their own laundry. An 18 year old is an adult and should be able to handle a simple task like washing clothes. Have you ever taken a load of clothes out of the machine and found a button lying in the bottom of the washer? Well, they also need to learn how to sew one of those back on the shirt from which it fell.
6. Car Maintenance. I am not talking about being a mechanic. Any person who drives a car should know how to check the air pressure in the tires and change a flat one. They need to know how to check the oil and how often to have it changed. This applies to girls as well as boys. Routine maintenance on their cars should not be left up to Dad.
7. Finances. Money, geld, the long green – whatever you want to call it, your children need to know how to do more than just spend it. Make this a part of their math classes. Teach them how to balance a check book. Explain to them how your family budget works. Where does the money come from, and how is it being spent. Is there a savings plan and an emergency fund. How do credit cards work? How are they different from bank loans? Don’t forget about all of the different types of insurance. What kind will they need, and what type to avoid. Lastly, let them know that taxes are inevitable and not likely to go away. This is a good time to teach them about buying what they need, and not necessarily what the want. Maybe they will decide they don’t really have to have designer clothes afterall.
There are so many life skills that we learn during our lives, and we don’t even realize we are learning them.
Need a Quick Meal But Don’t Want to Give Up Taste and Nutrition? Make This Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry
Busy seems to be the buzz word in our society. Two parent working households are the norm. Rushing to the gym, children’s activities, sports, etc keeps our days very busy. Even for those who are out of work, days can be busy with job interviews, volunteer work, unemployment lines, etc. But even on the busiest days, it is still possible to serve the family a healthy meal. This Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry recipe makes a dish that is tasty, healthy, easy and quick.
SPICY CHICKEN STIR-FRY
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sugar
1 cup chicken broth, preferably low-sodium
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or less to suit your taste)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 tbsp water
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 tsps extra virgin olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 green onions, sliced; include tops
2 tbsp dry roasted peanuts
Hot cooked rice for serving
In a small mixing bowl combine the cornstarch, sugar, chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, and cayenne pepper together until smooth; set aside.
Place the broccoli and water in a microwave-safe bowl, cover and cook in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes on high. Drain and set aside.
In a nonstick skillet that is coated with cooking spray heat the olive oil until hot; add chicken and stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Add the bell pepper, garlic, ginger, and drained broccoli; stir fry 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies are crisp tender. Stir the broth mixture and pour into the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil; cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes until thickened. Sprinkle with the green onions and peanuts. Serve over the rice.
Note: To save time you could use frozen broccoli but set it out to thaw before beginning your other prep work. Also, minute rice is fine. For health benefits it is better to always use whole-grain or brown rice.
Enjoy!
What’s For Dinner? 30-Minute Menus For 2010 – 3rd Edition
This is the 3rd edition of the weekly 30-minute menus for 1020. These are published on a weekly basis; I like to develop the weekly menus on Thursday or Friday, grocery shop on Saturday, and start the week’s menus on Sunday.
Wow! It has been cold here in Atlanta; we are having record-breaking cold weather. Some of us have cabin fever.
To chase away the cold-weather blues, I am having a Party Saturday night. It will be a vegetarian Spaghetti Fest but you can add meat to your sauce if you prefer. For the appetizer course I will stick to the Italian theme with: Parmesan Wedge and Tuscan Olive Cheese Ball; Prosciutto Figs, Apricots, Melon, and Asparagus Spears; Red Pepper
Easily Lose Weight Off Your Stomach and Get a Tight and Lean Tummy
Internet is available at every home and there is at least one obese person in every house. What is the connection between Internet and obesity? If you see it deeply, you will find a very strong connection between the two.
Thousands of websites over Internet guide people on how to lose stomach fat and get abs. But still, people never get started even when they option to do it all at the comfort of their homes. In order to lose stomach fat, you need to figure out what makes you overweight. This article is a summary of all best and fastest ways to lose stomach/belly fat within few days only. Don’t waste anytime and get started now to get rid of the annoying fat around the stomach.
It’s quite easy to lose stomach/belly fat and you can get the desired body within a few days only. There is no need to do endless ab crunches and exercises to lose extra fat. The need of the hour is to know the right line of attack and go to the below section of the article to know the ways to get rid of extra belly fat.
1. Don’t go with any exercise
It’s very crucial to know which is the best way to lose fat. First of all, ask yourself about your goals and aims. Which area of the body contains fat? If fat is there on the stomach, then you should go with stomach exercises and if it’s on any other part, then adopt an exercise accordingly. The conclusion is that not every exercise helps to get rid of stomach fat but only the necessary exercise would give the desired result and help you to shake off fat from the destined area.
2. Deal with abs very carefully as well as normally
It’s quite important to vacuum your abs. This is something which can be done anywhere at any time. For vacuuming your abs, you need to breath normally. Suck in your stomach and remain in the same position for some time. Most of the ab belts, which promise to help one lose belly fat, work with the same formula. The point, which needs to be taken care of, is that you should take normal breaths only. Once you’re familiar with it, you can lose pounds of fat within few days only.
Some quite easy and the simplest steps taking care of which can help you to lose fat very fastly and effortlessly as well. Never be very cautious. Instead, take it easy. Start eating when you feel hungry and stop eating when your tummy says it’s enough. Adopt good eating habits such as sit down and have your food and avoid junk foods etc. And, you’re really requested to not to intake foods, which are not of your interest.
New, slimmer and leaner you is not very far away. It can be achieved within a few days only. Follow the given steps and get ready to start feel like amazing!
2 Easy Ways to Make a Fortune From Article Marketing in 2010
Who else is unhappy with their online income? Are you struggling to understand obtuse, exotic or esoteric online marketing strategies that you simply can’t wrap your brain around? If you are…the truth is, you obviously alone 
. It never ceases to amaze me how many online “guru’s” employ the “confuse and conquer” strategy to turn relatively SIMPLE topics like online marketing principles into some sort of sea of snake oil science. Albert Einstein once said (and I paraphrase) ANY mediocre mind can take simple strategies and make them APPEAR more complex, but true genius is being able to communicate simple concepts with elegant ease…and infinite understanding.
Article marketing is actually emblematic of the simplest, purest and done properly, the most PROFITABLE ways to start making money online…and for most everyone reading this, you CAN start today.
Tip #1: The Root Level Re-Direct
This is surely the easiest way to start making money right now. Like…today, not next week, or next year . All you need is a willingness to write articles, one domain under your control (can be a 99 cent.info) a cheap hosting plan, and a high converting affiliate offer, which is not only FREE, is appreciated by the affiliate networks you are partnering with.
Myself? I like to find offers that have a high EPC (over 100 is ideal) and products that have international name recognition, which can easily be found at the mainstream affiliate networks. Send your article resource box to the root level URL, which forwards to the vendors site, and watch your stats! If you pick the right programs, (stay away from “online income opportunities”) all you need to do is monitor your stats, add new offers on a weekly basis, and rinse, wash and repeat your way into a bodacious big bank account, NO guru’s required!
Tip #2: Article Marketing For List Building
Honestly? This is the BEST strategy for building a long term, viable business that endures. Simply drive all of your traffic at a dedicated squeeze page, collect the name, offer something of value, and follow up ethically…but aggressively as well. The key to this approach is to write your sequence FIRST…and then write your articles! Why? Because lots of people will set everything up, write the articles and then drop the ball on the follow up! You should write 7 messages BEFORE you start driving traffic to your opt in page. Again, if you pick the right niche, and drink a lot of coffee like me, you can literally make a full time living from list building AND article marketing in less than 30 days…no gurus needed! (period)
The bottom line is this…
Free traffic from content creation techniques converts like crazy, it has a veritable cacophony of other benefits we didn’t cover above, and is a good skill building strategy to boot. (and it won’t cost you more than 20 bucks to prove it to yourself tonight!)
Is a Registry Utility Even Necessary These Days?
In this day and age, computers are extremely important to our everyday lives, so much so that we depend on it for many of our work, study, and even leisure-related activities. This is why a registry utility is always a smart idea for computer maintenance. Although not always free, a registry cleaner software is easy to use, and accessible instantly via the internet. But some question the validity and the actual need of registry repair.
The system registry was introduced to replace the inadequacies of the INI files. Microsoft introduced the registry in the Windows version 3.1, and since then all versions have utilized the registry which contains pathways for the operating system to function. Think of it as the nervous system of the computer with larger pathways that branch out into smaller ones. Every time you add or delete software and hardware, the registry records these actions. It also gives you the ability to have different user configurations contained in one machine. This enhancement has changed the way we use computers within the business realm adding functionality and cost-effectiveness allowing many users to work in one PC using their respective settings.
A registry fix will scan the information within the registry, and delete unwanted entries left by the install and uninstall processes. It also backs up the registry in case you need to access an earlier version. A repair utility can perform a regularly scheduled scan that will improve the speed of the operating system as well to prevent errors. A cleaner is an excellent idea for someone who installs/uninstalls software often.
Due to the complexity and volume of the Windows registry, you shouldn’t attempt to delete utilities manually. Unless you are a computer professional, you should avoid this completely. It can’t be compared to a simple do it yourself task.
Registry cleaners will continue to have a role within the computer realm for as long as Microsoft utilizes the registry for applications. Because of this, it is definitely wise to invest in a trusted registry utility that can enhance your computer’s capabilities.
Driving Test Questions – Don’t Fail the Easy Bit of the Test!
As you probably know you have to complete a written exam as well as a practical driving test in order to pass your driving test. It helps to have an idea of the type of driving test questions you are likely to be asked when you sit the written paper. Just as you would never have attempted to sit an exam at school without some preparation, you need to prepare for this part of the driving examination.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people fail this element of the test. They seem to think that the practical part of the test is more important. Sure you may be more nervous about actually driving but as you cannot get your license until you have passed both parts, it makes sense to give yourself the best chance of passing.
The exam is based on the driving handbook applicable to the State you are sitting your test in. You will be tested on the rules of the road including what certain road signs mean. The exam takes the format of multiple choice questions. Practice good exam technique by reading the question carefully and making sure you are answering what you were asked.
Sometimes, the questions will be written in such a way as to confuse you but just re-read it until you are sure. If you do not know the answer make an educated guess. You should be able to discount one or two of the choices. Never leave a question unanswered. You won’t be penalized for giving wrong answers and you may just get it right.
There really is no excuse for not being prepared as there are plenty of ways to practice answering driving test questions. You can use an online driving course, access an online driving school or buy a book that contains a list of the questions. While you cannot know the exact questions you will face when you take the exam, there are only a certain number of items you can be tested on. If you have practiced taking various papers, it is very likely that you will have practiced answering questions similar to those you will face on exam day.
So why wait until the day of the actual exam to see what driving test questions look like? Taking a couple of practice tests before the actual event will significantly increase your chances of passing. For about the same cost of a pizza dinner for two, you could secure a pass mark on your exam and be that step nearer to being able to drive anywhere you like without having to depend on an escort. Isn’t that freedom worth a little bit of work and preparation?
You Can Cleanse Your Colon in Ten Days – Remove Years of Built Up Toxins
Our bodies have their own natural defenses against the toxins that build up in our bodies over time. But as we get older, the body becomes less effective in cleansing itself on it’s own and sometimes needs a little bit of help. For this reason, many people have decided to perform a full body detox.
Eating processed foods and certain unavoidable environmental factors are the reason that these toxins start to fester in our bodies. The effect is cumulative; so as we age, the levels of these toxins increase. These pesky substances can cause many negative health issues including skin problems, fatigue, weight gain, gout, depression, stomach problems and cancer. Luckily it is easy to take action, even from the comfort of your own home. If you decide to do so, you will no doubt feel a lot better afterward.
If you’re thinking about detoxifying your body, then you’ll need to keep a couple of things in mind. First, most of the do-it-yourself detox plans require you to fast for up to two weeks, during which time you will sustain yourself by drinking healthy concoctions that will also help to get your body in full cleansing mode. Don’t panic; once you get used to skipping food for a few days you will start to feel extremely energized as your body begins going to work flushing this harmful stuff out. During this period of detoxification, it is very important that you remember to stay hydrated, as your body will use a great deal of water to flush the toxins from your system.
P90X Extreme Home Fitness – Your Best Body This Year In Just 90 Days
P90x Extreme Home Fitness – Right For You?
It’s Tough, I’m NOT Gonna Lie
BUT, did you really think that getting into the absolute best shape of your life was going to be easy? Come on. If you want to take your body to the next level there simply is not better route to take than going with P90X! It’s the standard my which all other fitness programs will be measured.
You heard about it. You’ve seen the results. Maybe you’ve even seen some results up close? I first learned about P90 from a co-worker of mine. She started coming into work…well…coming into work absolutely ripped. I mean you could just tell. She lost around 10 pounds, but put on muscle, her posture was different, she just glowed. She was pretty before hand but now… she was just striking.
That’s what you can achieve with the P90X program…a striking body. Well, after she started her transformation, all the other girls at work wanted it! So, we all got the program and started friendly competition. Everybody wins in this competition of course. Its fun.
P90X Extreme Home Fitness
My Results So Far
So, I’m about 45 days through the P90X workouts as I write this and I’ve lost around 6 pounds, BUT I was not over weight at all when I started the program. What I lost is that last 5 pounds of fat that everyone complains about! Woo-hoo!
One thing that I really have noticed is that my core and my posture are so much better and my body just looks so much more athletic too. I feel much more confident and alive. I think that’s the real benefit of this fitness program…you just come alive with power.
In case you were not aware P90X Extreme has 12 different workouts with resistance training, cardio, flexibility, core, and ab training. It’s a complete transformation system and it also comes with a fantastic P90X nutritional guide which I actually got a lot out of…
Begin Traffic Generation the Easy Way
Begin Traffic Generation The Easy Way with this simple idea. I am not going to overcomplicate this by trying to give you some new and exciting fad that will just run out in a few years. What I am going to give you is proven traffic driving goodness that will get you people coming to your site and that is what it is all about.
Article Marketing
Now article marketing for some people is a bit of a pain, and truth be told I am one of the many people on the internet that really don’t like writing articles, but guess what, I cannot and I really mean this, I cannot dispute that fact that article marketing is a brilliant way to drive easy and free traffic to your website.
But what are the little secrets that you have to take on board when writing an article that is going to stand the test of time and bring you constant visitors to your website.
Well number one would be that you must create new and exciting content. But not only that it must be compelling and it must be on a regular basis. If you are ever stuck for ideas on what to write there are lots of different content sources that you can use to come up with ideas.
One of my favourites in Google Wonder Wheel, this is probably the best piece of idea generation that I have found in a long time. But you can always look in the article directories and see what is hot in your niche and then start to formulate your article around what people are looking for.
You can also use Google alerts, which I use every day, and this will again bring in lots of great ideas for articles direct to your inbox.
Article marketing does take a lot of your time if you are doing it yourself, but there are many ways that you can get articles. The best way would be to get them written for you, but you must ensure that you are getting good quality, original content or else you are really just wasting your money.
I think that it is best that you steer clear of the likes of PLR articles and article spinners, they are normally not very good and if you are trying to get good quality traffic to your website these are really not the best way of doing this.
But the main thing that I think is vitally important and I heard this from an internet marketer named Jonathan Mizel, is that you need to have a domain to send people to collect their details. This especially rings true if you are doing an affiliate product, you should have your own domain that you send people to and have that redirected to an affiliate program, because not all these affiliate programs that you join up will be live for very long.
Basically, when you spend the effort or pay someone else to write something you want to make sure that you have backed yourself all the time and that if the affiliate promotion ends that you will still get traffic going to your domain and all you have to do is put another affiliate product on there.
So take note, article marketing still is and will be for quite a while, one of the easiest ways to start off driving traffic.