Weiser Locks gave me some Home Safety tips to pass along for Halloween....
- Don't leave your door unlocked while trick-or-treating with your kids, even if it's only on your block.
- Stick close to home as vandals target homes where everyone is clearly away
- Keep your door locked after each group of trick-or-treaters
- Don't allow anyone in your house, big or small, even for an 'emergency' phone call. Offer to make it for them if you feel compelled to do so
- Don't feel you have to answer the door to late night trick-or-treaters, or you may be getting a nasty treat
- Make sure your address is clearly visible, incase you do need the police to come to your aid
- Is your backyard secure? Think of a fence and bushes if you don't feel secure
- Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts that have at least a 1" throwbolt
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Phobias
Phobias are quite common and occur in more than one in every 10 Canadians.
There are 4 main types of phobias:
animal type (e.g., spiders, dogs, and rodents)
natural environment type (e.g., storms, lightening, and water)
blood-injection-injury type (e.g., seeing blood, getting a needle, having a medical procedure)
and situational type (e.g., enclosed places, flying, driving).
Phobias that do not fit into these four categories fall into a fifth category referred to as "other type" (e.g., fears of choking or vomiting).
Blood-injection-injury and animal phobias typically begin in early childhood whereas situational and natural environment phobias begin later, usually in the late teens and 20s. Approximately 75% of individuals with a blood-injection-injury phobia report a history of fainting in response to the phobic stimulus.
Here's phobias from the alphabet
Acousticophobia- Fear of noise.
Barophobia- Fear of gravity.
Cacophobia- Fear of ugliness.
Dishabiliophobia- Fear of undressing in front of someone.
Ephebiphobia- Fear of teenagers.
Frigophobia- Fear of cold or cold things.
Gamophobia- Fear of marriage.
Hobophobia- Fear of bums or beggars.
Ithyphallophobia- Fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect... well you know
Japanophobia- Fear of Japanese.
Kosmikophobia- Fear of cosmic phenomenon.
Levophobia- Fear of things to the left side of the body.
Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories or false statements.
Nomatophobia- Fear of names.
Oenophobia- Fear of wines.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia- Fear of Friday the 13th.
Rhytiphobia- Fear of getting wrinkles.
Scriptophobia- Fear of writing in public.
Tremophobia- Fear of trembling.
Uranophobia or Ouranophobia- Fear of heaven.
Venustraphobia- Fear of beautiful women.
Walloonphobia- Fear of the Walloons.
Xanthophobia- Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow.
Zemmiphobia- Fear of the great mole rat.
I can't even make this stuff up!
There are 4 main types of phobias:
animal type (e.g., spiders, dogs, and rodents)
natural environment type (e.g., storms, lightening, and water)
blood-injection-injury type (e.g., seeing blood, getting a needle, having a medical procedure)
and situational type (e.g., enclosed places, flying, driving).
Phobias that do not fit into these four categories fall into a fifth category referred to as "other type" (e.g., fears of choking or vomiting).
Blood-injection-injury and animal phobias typically begin in early childhood whereas situational and natural environment phobias begin later, usually in the late teens and 20s. Approximately 75% of individuals with a blood-injection-injury phobia report a history of fainting in response to the phobic stimulus.
Here's phobias from the alphabet
Acousticophobia- Fear of noise.
Barophobia- Fear of gravity.
Cacophobia- Fear of ugliness.
Dishabiliophobia- Fear of undressing in front of someone.
Ephebiphobia- Fear of teenagers.
Frigophobia- Fear of cold or cold things.
Gamophobia- Fear of marriage.
Hobophobia- Fear of bums or beggars.
Ithyphallophobia- Fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect... well you know
Japanophobia- Fear of Japanese.
Kosmikophobia- Fear of cosmic phenomenon.
Levophobia- Fear of things to the left side of the body.
Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories or false statements.
Nomatophobia- Fear of names.
Oenophobia- Fear of wines.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia- Fear of Friday the 13th.
Rhytiphobia- Fear of getting wrinkles.
Scriptophobia- Fear of writing in public.
Tremophobia- Fear of trembling.
Uranophobia or Ouranophobia- Fear of heaven.
Venustraphobia- Fear of beautiful women.
Walloonphobia- Fear of the Walloons.
Xanthophobia- Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow.
Zemmiphobia- Fear of the great mole rat.
I can't even make this stuff up!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Top 10 Haunted Places in Canada
According to Trip Adviser, here's the Top 10!
10. St. Francis Xavier University, Mount St. Bernard College, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
This hosts tales of mysteriously moving objects, phantom elevators moving around with no passengers, inexplicable voices and shadows.
9. Mirimichi, New Brunswick
From a headless nun walking the French Fort Cove footbridge to the haunted St. Michael’s church, Miramichi is rich with phantom folklore, and is also, incidentally, a beautiful wharf city to visit on vacation.
8. Old Montreal, Quebec
This provides the setting to many of Montreal’s most famous ghost stories, from the ghosts of a prostitute looking for her head to the spirits of families lost in a great hotel fire. If you’re out in Old Montreal looking for a quaint boutique or an interesting restaurant, keep your eyes open also for the wandering reminders of the area’s history.
7. HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Ontario
Find restless souls in the halls and former cells of the Ottawa Jail Hostel, which once served as the Carleton County Gaol and housed the last working gallows in Canada! The hostel regularly celebrates its macabre past with “parties with the ghosts” on special occasions and is featured along the Haunted Tour of Ottawa.
6. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto Islands, Toronto, Ontario
This lighthouse played host to some foul play in the nineteenth century when the lighthouse keeper at the time was murdered one evening. Accounts of exactly how the death occurred and who committed the crime have varied, but the mystery draws many intriguing stories about the former lighthouse keeper’s ghost.
5. Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba
This castle-like hotel is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghosts. Even a Canadian Member of Parliament was so convinced of a presence in her room that she fled from her room in the middle of the night.
4. Government House, Regina, Saskatchewan
Howie, the affectionately named ghost, has been credited with the opening and shutting of doors, unaccounted-for footsteps on the stairs and the mysterious movement of items from one location to another. Some theories hold that “Howie” is actually the ghost of the former cook of Lieutenant-Governor McNab, who died in the house. However, others claim that there are more than one ghost inhabiting this historical mansion which once served as home to Lieutenant-Governors of the Northwest Territories.
3. St. Louis Ghost Train, St. Louis, Saskatchewan
Llate at night, be on the lookout for the phantom lights out on the dirt road where the train tracks used to be. Whether these lights are a paranormal phenomenon or a perfectly natural occurrence, the curious appearance of these lights nearly every night has attracted curious onlookers for over thirty years. Some say the light is a ghost train, others the lantern held by the spirit of a conductor who lost his head on the tracks and searches eternally to find it. The realists claim that it is simply a refraction of headlights from the highway a few miles off.
2. Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta
A blocked off stairway, said to be haunted by a tragic bride, and a mystery missing room, rumored to be locked forever to contain the family of ghosts that inhabits it, give rise to multiple tales of hauntings and eerie events in this historic and beautiful chateau hotel.
1. The Old Spaghetti Factory, Gastown, Vancouver, British Columbia
If you are looking for eerie eating, check out the Old Spaghetti Factory in the Gastown neighborhood. You may hear stories of inexplicable cold drafts and moving table settings, shenanigans attributed to the ghost of a certain train conductor who met his end during a tragic collision on the underground railway track upon which the restaurant is built.
10. St. Francis Xavier University, Mount St. Bernard College, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
9. Mirimichi, New BrunswickFrom a headless nun walking the French Fort Cove footbridge to the haunted St. Michael’s church, Miramichi is rich with phantom folklore, and is also, incidentally, a beautiful wharf city to visit on vacation.
8. Old Montreal, QuebecThis provides the setting to many of Montreal’s most famous ghost stories, from the ghosts of a prostitute looking for her head to the spirits of families lost in a great hotel fire. If you’re out in Old Montreal looking for a quaint boutique or an interesting restaurant, keep your eyes open also for the wandering reminders of the area’s history.
7. HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, OntarioFind restless souls in the halls and former cells of the Ottawa Jail Hostel, which once served as the Carleton County Gaol and housed the last working gallows in Canada! The hostel regularly celebrates its macabre past with “parties with the ghosts” on special occasions and is featured along the Haunted Tour of Ottawa.
6. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto Islands, Toronto, OntarioThis lighthouse played host to some foul play in the nineteenth century when the lighthouse keeper at the time was murdered one evening. Accounts of exactly how the death occurred and who committed the crime have varied, but the mystery draws many intriguing stories about the former lighthouse keeper’s ghost.
5. Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, ManitobaThis castle-like hotel is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghosts. Even a Canadian Member of Parliament was so convinced of a presence in her room that she fled from her room in the middle of the night.
4. Government House, Regina, SaskatchewanHowie, the affectionately named ghost, has been credited with the opening and shutting of doors, unaccounted-for footsteps on the stairs and the mysterious movement of items from one location to another. Some theories hold that “Howie” is actually the ghost of the former cook of Lieutenant-Governor McNab, who died in the house. However, others claim that there are more than one ghost inhabiting this historical mansion which once served as home to Lieutenant-Governors of the Northwest Territories.
3. St. Louis Ghost Train, St. Louis, SaskatchewanLlate at night, be on the lookout for the phantom lights out on the dirt road where the train tracks used to be. Whether these lights are a paranormal phenomenon or a perfectly natural occurrence, the curious appearance of these lights nearly every night has attracted curious onlookers for over thirty years. Some say the light is a ghost train, others the lantern held by the spirit of a conductor who lost his head on the tracks and searches eternally to find it. The realists claim that it is simply a refraction of headlights from the highway a few miles off.
2. Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AlbertaA blocked off stairway, said to be haunted by a tragic bride, and a mystery missing room, rumored to be locked forever to contain the family of ghosts that inhabits it, give rise to multiple tales of hauntings and eerie events in this historic and beautiful chateau hotel.
1. The Old Spaghetti Factory, Gastown, Vancouver, British ColumbiaIf you are looking for eerie eating, check out the Old Spaghetti Factory in the Gastown neighborhood. You may hear stories of inexplicable cold drafts and moving table settings, shenanigans attributed to the ghost of a certain train conductor who met his end during a tragic collision on the underground railway track upon which the restaurant is built.
Halloween Laughs!
What do goblins drink? Ghoul-aid
What is a Mummie's favorite type of music? Wrap
What's a monster's favorite bean? A human bean.
Where does a ghost go on Saturday night? Anywhere where he can boo-gie.
What did the skeleton say to the vampire? You suck.
Why did the ghost go into the bar? For the Boo-s.
Why didn't the skeleton dance at the party? He had no body to dance with.
What tops off a ghost's ice cream sundae? Whipped scream.
What are ghosts' favorite kind of streets? Dead ends
What is a vampires favorite holiday? Fangsgiving
What kind of makeup do ghosts wear? Mas-scare-a.
What do ghosts get in their coffess? Scream and sugar!
What do witch's eat on Halloween? Fettucinni Afraid-o
What do witches use in their hair? scare-spray
What instrument do skeleton play? Trom-BONE.
What do ghosts eat for breakfast? Boo-Berries.
What's it like to be kissed by a vampire? It's a pain in the neck.
Why doesn't anybody like Dracula? He has a bat temper.
Why are vampires like false teeth? They all come out at night.
Why did the headless horseman go into business? He wanted to get ahead in life.
How to prevent SCARY breath!
- When the sack of candy comes home, take control of it and dole it out over time
- Feel free to deny the most offensive treats, it's not worth risking cavities!
- The all-day sucker is like hosing your teeth down with sugar, so keep your kids away from candy that stays in the mouth for long periods... like massive lollipops, jaw breakers, etc.
- Sugarless gum is great for reducing bacteria, so use it as an after-dinner treat
- Sugar-free candy is the best way to go with kids, so maybe buy some and swap it for some of sugary candy (I saw if the bag still looks full, they'll never know!)
- If you're handing out treats this year, think of fun alternatives, like stickers, noise makers or toys (I saw at Zellers individually wrapped farm animals, how cool!)
- Make sure your kids brush their teeth after a candy affair... child-friendly mouthwash should not contain alcohol and their tooth paste shouldn't contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is a harsh detergent that can cause canker sores and dry mouth!
- Feel free to deny the most offensive treats, it's not worth risking cavities!
- The all-day sucker is like hosing your teeth down with sugar, so keep your kids away from candy that stays in the mouth for long periods... like massive lollipops, jaw breakers, etc.
- Sugarless gum is great for reducing bacteria, so use it as an after-dinner treat
- Sugar-free candy is the best way to go with kids, so maybe buy some and swap it for some of sugary candy (I saw if the bag still looks full, they'll never know!)
- If you're handing out treats this year, think of fun alternatives, like stickers, noise makers or toys (I saw at Zellers individually wrapped farm animals, how cool!)
- Make sure your kids brush their teeth after a candy affair... child-friendly mouthwash should not contain alcohol and their tooth paste shouldn't contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which is a harsh detergent that can cause canker sores and dry mouth!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Haunted Places in New Brunswick
Bathurst
Baie des Chaleurs... Legend tells of a ship of settlers that was ambushed by the British Army who set it on fire! Year round people claim to see lights in the bay, and sometimes can make out people burning on the ship, but when they get closer the boat disappears.
Bathurst High School... Some believe there is a phantom that haunts the basement of the theatre stage.
Boiestown
The woods near this 15-acre museum are said to be the home of the mysterious Dungarvon Whooper, believed to be the ghost of a murdered logging-camp cook. Hunters and loggers have claimed to hear inexplicable blood-curdling howls here on cold, dark nights, allegedly the cries of the spirit angrily hunting for his killer.
Burnt Church
Burnt Church School... Some believe the school is built over a graveyard. People have heard many strange noises and experienced sinking feelings in the gymnasium and where the daycare used to be.
Fredericton
Christ Church Cathedral... The ghost of Margaret Medley (the wife of a past bishop) has been seen praying, walking, and doing other minor disturbances
Hillsborough
Grey Island Cemetery... There's a statue that looks at you with 'real' eyes and cries
Miramichi
The ghost of a headless nun is said to be seen walking across the footbridge that leads from one side of the cove to the other
St. Michaels Building... Voices can be heard on the stairs leading to the 2nd floor. A ghost in the girls bathroom in the basement disappears when you look in the mirror. Children laughing can be heard in the downstairs gym. A boy and girl haunt a room on the first floor.
St. Michaels Church... Childrens voices and a nun screaming can be heard
Skyway... people have seen over 100 ghosts here, the bathrooms are haunted, and believed that the ghost of a murderer is in the basement!
Moncton
Capitol Theatre... Legend says that when it was a movie theatre, a girl fell down a flight of stairs and died, and can be seen in the ticket booth late at night.
Baie des Chaleurs... Legend tells of a ship of settlers that was ambushed by the British Army who set it on fire! Year round people claim to see lights in the bay, and sometimes can make out people burning on the ship, but when they get closer the boat disappears.
Bathurst High School... Some believe there is a phantom that haunts the basement of the theatre stage.
Boiestown
The woods near this 15-acre museum are said to be the home of the mysterious Dungarvon Whooper, believed to be the ghost of a murdered logging-camp cook. Hunters and loggers have claimed to hear inexplicable blood-curdling howls here on cold, dark nights, allegedly the cries of the spirit angrily hunting for his killer.
Burnt Church
Burnt Church School... Some believe the school is built over a graveyard. People have heard many strange noises and experienced sinking feelings in the gymnasium and where the daycare used to be.
Fredericton
Christ Church Cathedral... The ghost of Margaret Medley (the wife of a past bishop) has been seen praying, walking, and doing other minor disturbances
Hillsborough
Grey Island Cemetery... There's a statue that looks at you with 'real' eyes and cries
Miramichi
The ghost of a headless nun is said to be seen walking across the footbridge that leads from one side of the cove to the other
St. Michaels Building... Voices can be heard on the stairs leading to the 2nd floor. A ghost in the girls bathroom in the basement disappears when you look in the mirror. Children laughing can be heard in the downstairs gym. A boy and girl haunt a room on the first floor.
St. Michaels Church... Childrens voices and a nun screaming can be heard
Skyway... people have seen over 100 ghosts here, the bathrooms are haunted, and believed that the ghost of a murderer is in the basement!
Moncton
Capitol Theatre... Legend says that when it was a movie theatre, a girl fell down a flight of stairs and died, and can be seen in the ticket booth late at night.
According to IMDB
Top Rated "Horror" Titles
| Rank | Rating | Title | Votes |
| 1. | 8.7 | Psycho (1960) | 145,785 |
| 2. | 8.5 | Alien (1979) | 183,042 |
| 3. | 8.5 | The Shining (1980) | 180,537 |
| 4. | 8.3 | Les diaboliques (1955) | 15,032 |
| 5. | 8.1 | The Thing (1982) | 80,100 |
| 6. | 8.1 | Rosemary's Baby (1968) | 51,877 |
| 7. | 8.1 | The Exorcist (1973) | 105,144 |
| 8. | 8.1 | The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) | 16,919 |
| 9. | 8.0 | Frankenstein (1931) | 23,407 |
| 10. | 8.0 | Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922) | 29,471 |
| 11. | 8.0 | Faust: A German Folk Legend (1926) | 4,542 |
| 12. | 8.0 | Werckmeister Harmonies (2000) | 2,934 |
| 13. | 8.0 | Bride of Frankenstein (1935) | 15,864 |
| 14. | 8.0 | Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) | 14,812 |
| 15. | 8.0 | Dawn of the Dead (1978) | 42,741 |
| 16. | 8.0 | Night of the Living Dead (1968) | 39,400 |
| 17. | 8.0 | Kaidan (1964) | 4,290 |
| 18. | 8.0 | What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) | 12,580 |
| 19. | 8.0 | Onibaba (1964) | 4,243 |
| 20. | 8.0 | Shaun of the Dead (2004) | 136,387 |
| 21. | 7.9 | The Innocents (1961) | 6,937 |
| 22. | 7.9 | Halloween (1978) | 63,818 |
| 23. | 7.9 | Repulsion (1965) | 12,913 |
| 24. | 7.9 | The Birds (1963) | 53,017 |
| 25. | 7.9 | Spalovac mrtvol (1969) | 1,635 |
| 26. | 7.9 | The Unknown (1927) | 2,593 |
| 27. | 7.9 | The Man Who Laughs (1928) | 1,383 |
| 28. | 7.9 | Freaks (1932) | 13,917 |
| 29. | 7.8 | Evil Dead II (1987) | 44,662 |
| 30. | 7.8 | Eyes Without a Face (1960) | 4,799 |
| 31. | 7.8 | Grindhouse (2007) | 83,536 |
| 32. | 7.8 | The Phantom Carriage (1921) | 1,518 |
| 33. | 7.8 | The Invisible Man (1933) | 8,008 |
| 34. | 7.8 | Vredens dag (1943) | 3,461 |
| 35. | 7.8 | Dead of Night (1945) | 3,505 |
| 36. | 7.8 | Peeping Tom (1960) | 9,322 |
| 37. | 7.8 | Island of Lost Souls (1932) | 1,408 |
| 38. | 7.8 | The Haunting (1963/I) | 11,630 |
| 39. | 7.8 | The Wicker Man (1973) | 20,705 |
| 40. | 7.8 | I pugni in tasca (1965) | 1,015 |
| 41. | 7.7 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) | 3,907 |
| 42. | 7.7 | Häxan (1922) | 2,850 |
| 43. | 7.7 | Vargtimmen (1968) | 4,550 |
| 44. | 7.7 | Zombieland (2009) | 84,505 |
| 45. | 7.7 | The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939) | 3,792 |
| 46. | 7.7 | The Phantom of the Opera (1925) | 5,738 |
| 47. | 7.7 | Dracula (1931) | 13,647 |
| 48. | 7.7 | Deep Red (1975) | 9,206 |
| 49. | 7.7 | Saw (2004) | 114,467 |
| 50. | 7.7 | [Rec] (2007) | 35,891 |
Halloween Celebrations around the world!
Call me ignorant, but I thought Halloween was celebrated the same way all over the world, apparently I'm wrong
Ireland is considered to be where Halloween got it's start. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they were centuries ago, and all over the country, children get dressed up in costumes and spend the evening "trick-or-treating" in their neighborhoods. After trick-or-treating, most people attend parties with neighbors and friends. At the parties, many games are played, including "snap-apple," a game in which an apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree and players attempt to bite the hanging apple. In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often arrange treasure hunts, with candy or pastries as the "treasure." The Irish also play a card game where cards are laid face down on a table with candy or coins underneath them. When a child chooses a card, he receives whatever prize is found below it.
In Austria, some people will leave bread, water and a lighted lamp on the table before retiring on Halloween night. It was once believed that these would welcome the dead souls back to earth on a night that Austrians considered to be magical.The Belgians believe that it is unlucky for a black cat to cross one's path and also unlucky if it should enter a home or travel on a ship. The custom in Belgium on Halloween night is to light candles in memory of dead relatives.
Canada began celebrations with the arrival of Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Jack O'Lanterns are carved and the festivities include parties, trick-or-treating and the decorating of homes with pumpkins and corn stalks.
In China, the Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. Food and water are placed in front of photographs of family members who have departed while bonfires and lanterns are lit in order to light the paths of the spirits as they travel the earth on Halloween night. Worshippers in Buddhist temples fashion "boats of the law" from paper, some of which are very large, which are then burned in the evening hours. The purpose of this custom is twofold: as a remembrance of the dead and in order to free the spirits of the "pretas" in order that they might ascend to heaven. "Pretas" are the spirits of those who died as a result of an accident or drowning and whose bodies were consequently never buried. The presence of "pretas" among the living is thought by the Chinese to be dangerous. Under the guidance of Buddhist temples, societies are formed to carry out ceremonies for the "pretas," which includes the lighting of lanterns. Monks are invited to recite sacred verses and offerings of fruit are presented.
In Czechoslovakia, chairs are placed by the fireside on Halloween night. There is one chair for each living family member and one for each family member's spirit.
English children make "punkies" out of large beets (which they call beetroots), upon which they carve a design of their choice. Then, they carry their "punkies" through the streets while singing the "Punkie Night Song" as they knock on doors and ask for money.
Halloween became Guy Fawkes Night and moved a few days later, but recently it has been celebrated on October 31, in addition to Guy Fawkes Night. In some rural areas, turnip lanterns were placed on gateposts to protect homes from the spirits who roamed on Halloween night. Another custom was to toss objects such as stones, vegetables and nuts into a bonfire to frighten away the spirits. These symbolic sacrifices were also used as fortune-telling tools. If a pebble thrown into the flames at night was no longer visible in the morning, then it was believed that the person who tossed the pebble would not survive another year. If nuts tossed into the fire by young lovers then exploded, it signified a quarrelsome marriage. However, in recent years, the American "trick or treating" custom, together with the donning of costumes for going door-to-door, has become a relatively popular pastime among English children at Halloween, although many of the adults (particularly the older generations) have little idea as to why they are being asked for sweets and are usually ill-prepared to accommodate their small and hopeful callers.
France. Halloween is not celebrated by the French in order to honor the dead and departed ancestors. It is regarded as an "American" holiday in France and was virtually unknown in the country until around 1996. A combination of the French love of parties, fete's and costume events, and some simple crass commercialism has led to the rapid rise of the holiday in France.In Germany, the people put away their knives on Halloween night. The reason for this is because they do not want to risk harm to (or from) the returning spirits.
The Halloween celebration in Hong Kong is known as "Yue Lan" (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.
Japan The Japanese celebrate the "Obon Festival" (also known as "Matsuri" or "Urabon" and pronounced, "oh bone.) which is similar to Halloween festivities in that it is dedicated to the spirits of ancestors. Special foods are prepared and bright red lanterns are hung everywhere. Candles are lit and placed into lanterns which are then set afloat on rivers and seas. During the "Obon Festival," a fire is lit every night in order to show the ancestors where their families might be found. "Obon" is one of the two main occasions during the Japanese year when the dead are believed to return to their birthplaces. Traditionally, in rural areas where gravesites are in the neighborhood, the pathway from the graves to the home is swept clean, and a general house-cleaning is also done. Then, on the 13th, an altar is set up with various food offerings, and "welcoming fires" are set in front of the house and along the path to guide and welcome the spirits. People may even hire a priest to come and chant prayers. On the evening of the 15th "send-off fires" are lit, and the spirits return to their graves. People who spend o-bon away from their ancestral homes or live in the city usually just make a little token fire on their veranda or patio. Memorial stones are cleaned and community dances performed. The "Obon Festival" takes place during July or August. region, festivals, food booths, and bon dances can be found in the evening, with lots and lots of people enjoying themselves. Even those who don't observe the religious rite outlined above participate in the festivals. You used to see many people wearing a yukata, a lightweight cotton kimono, but these days you usually only see a few girls wearing them.
In Korea, the festival similar to Halloween is known as "Chusok." It is at this time that families thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. The family pays respect to these ancestors by visiting their tombs and making offerings of rice and fruits. The "Chusok" festival takes place in the month of August.
Among Spanish-speaking nations, particularly Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, Halloween is known as "El Dia de los Muertos." the days of the dead, a three-day celebration that begins on the evening of October 31 and culminates on November 2. It was originally intended in prehistoric Mexico to celebrate children and the dead. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls' Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31. Designed to honor the dead who are believed to return to their homes on Halloween, many families construct an altar in their home and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks. Frequently, a basin and towel are left out in order that the spirit can wash prior to indulging in the feast. Candles and incense are burned to help the departed find his or her way home. On November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite to picnic and reminisce. Relatives also tidy the gravesites of deceased family members, including snipping weeds, making repairs and painting. The grave is then adorned with flowers, wreaths or paper streamers. The abundance of food, drink and good company creates a festive atmosphere along with recognizing the cycle of life by the interaction of the living with the dead. Some of these gatherings may even include tequila and a mariachi band although American Halloween customs are gradually taking over this celebration.
In Sweden, Halloween is known as "Alla Helgons Dag" and is celebrated from October 31 until November 6. As with many other holidays, "Alla Helgons Dag" has an eve which is either celebrated or becomes a shortened working day. The Friday prior to All Saint's Day is a short day for universities while school-age children are given a day of vacation.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Trips for your astrological sign!
Aries - You're a natural born leader, assertive, impulsive, courageous and thrive on new challenges. You're the most likely to take a flying, fearless leap off a cliff in Brazil and tandem hang glide over Rio de Janeiro. Others won't be able to resist your charisma and charm as you also succeed in roping reluctant, nervous troops who would otherwise be too paralyzed by fear to join you. This kind of trip also nourishes your need for adventure and stepping out beyond the comfort zone.
Taurus - Bulls are known for their love and appreciation of beauty. You love to be surrounded by artful, visually pleasing things. So consider booking yourself into the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a 7-star hotel built on an artificial island that juts out from the beach and has consistently been voted the most luxurious hotel in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab stands 321 m tall and suites are designed using only the finest silks, the most exquisite textiles and the most sumptuous furnishings. There's even a "pillow menu" giving guests a range of 13 pillows and quilts to choose from. And your bathroom toiletries? Courtesy of Hermes.
Gemini - You are a fountain of information and have been described as bright, intellectual, articulate, and a great communicator. You also possess a probing curiosity and are always open to new ideas. Consider a visit to London, England, which was recently described as the museum capital of the world by The Art Newspaper. London has seven of the top 40 most-visited museums compared to its closest rivals, Paris and Madrid. There, Geminis can fill themselves up with reams of historic and contemporary information that can be used to chat up fellow guests at their next soiree.
Cancer - You are maternal, domestic, nurturing and value a family-filled hearth above all else. Many people born under this sign have big families and love the boisterous sounds produced around a large dinner table. A cottage getaway is your idea of a perfect family holiday. After all, the more people and children at a cottage vacation, the merrier. Cottages are likewise, not a far stretch from your own home except things are simpler here: good, country cookery, no frills décor and quiet time with the family.
Leo - You live for the limelight, love drama and crave attention. Many of you populate the show biz industry as you tend to be highly talented and are unable to resist the glitz and glamour. Las Vegas provides just the right kind of diversions for magnetic Leos. It's where ordinary life is suspended for an alternate reality - where Elvis never dies, the lights never dim, and you could either become a prince or a pauper overnight. The city was built on the pleasure principle, which aligns nicely with Leos who want the best of everything.
Virgo - You are associated with qualities like modesty, purity, perfection and a measure of conservativeness. You're analytical and methodical and you're also known for being the most health conscious of the zodiac signs. It's said that many Virgos end up in the health care profession. To get the heart pumping and optimize your body's performance, consider a fitness vacation. Coastal Trek Resort in Comox Valley, B.C., is a luxury health, spa and fitness resort that offers personalized wellness programs that includes hiking, yoga classes, ocean kayaking, massages and healthy cooking classes.
Libra - You stand for harmony, fairness, equality and balance. You hate conflict and are the most civilized and diplomatic of signs. You also delight in decadence and sometimes frivolous pleasures. A retail trip to a shopping Mecca like New York City is sure to tip the balance in your favour and perhaps make you lose a little of your characteristic composure when you see red sale signs everywhere. Just exercise a little restraint as your sign is also known for sometimes being reckless and squandering wealth.
Scorpio - You are the most passionate, intense and sexiest of the bunch. You're sensual and often described as being enigmatic and inscrutable. To feed the fires that inflame you, book a romantic, exotic getaway to a heady destination like Fiji. It's the perfect backdrop for a Scorpio, as the island offers secluded, private hideaways for couples and is often cited as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Perfect for randy, lusty Scorpios who enjoy getting' jiggy with it.
Sagittarius - As the most spiritual and philosophical of the zodiac crew, you're keenly interested in matters of religion and the meaning of life and are always seeking out higher wisdom. As such, why not go abroad to meditate. A trip to India, for instance, would also satisfy your need to explore beyond your comfort zone and outside your boundaries. Consistently named one of the top meditation retreats by Conde Nast Traveller, for instance, Ananda in the Himalayas helps guests restore "balance" and "harmonizing energy" through yoga, aromatherapy, spa services and Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine.
Capricorn - Goats are the most hardworking, ambitious of the bunch. If a job needs to get done, you're the one to finish it. You are undaunted by long hours or paying your dues and will toil and sweat to reach your goal. It's no coincidence that your animal mascot lives in the mountains and must often climb to higher elevations to search for food. For the goal-oriented goat, consider booking a mountain climbing adventure where you have to summit a peak. For the novice mountaineer, Mt. Kilimanjaro is a good start as it doesn't require any equipment or extensive pre-training. But knowing how overly ambitious goats can be, you could also use Kilimanjaro as a training climb for the bigger peaks later on.
Aquarius - Those born under this sign are the visionaries, revolutionaries and idealists. Aquarians are described as unique, eccentric, inventive, and highly intelligent. You're also known for your philanthropy and your humanity and your quest to make the world a better place. Which is why you may enjoy a volunteering vacation in a developing country. You can put your skills and assets to good use building a school in Africa, teaching children or working on environmental conservation projects in South America. Projects like these would fill your need to better the human condition but also fulfill your thirst for adventure and freedom.
Pisces - As the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac, Pisces are often described as complex creatures who are highly intuitive, sensitive and spiritual. You're guided by feeling which helps you empathize with others. You're also a dreamer, and often have your head in the clouds. Exotic, faraway destinations are sure to excite the Pisces' wanderlust - many people born under this sign become sailors or world travellers. You also have an unusual need for seclusion and solitude. Consider a trip to Tahiti, also known as French Polynesia, which lies in the South Pacific Ocean. You'll leave the banalities of home in this tropical utopia, and be free to laze around all day in a dream-like state.
Found on MSN
Taurus - Bulls are known for their love and appreciation of beauty. You love to be surrounded by artful, visually pleasing things. So consider booking yourself into the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a 7-star hotel built on an artificial island that juts out from the beach and has consistently been voted the most luxurious hotel in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the Burj Al Arab stands 321 m tall and suites are designed using only the finest silks, the most exquisite textiles and the most sumptuous furnishings. There's even a "pillow menu" giving guests a range of 13 pillows and quilts to choose from. And your bathroom toiletries? Courtesy of Hermes.
Gemini - You are a fountain of information and have been described as bright, intellectual, articulate, and a great communicator. You also possess a probing curiosity and are always open to new ideas. Consider a visit to London, England, which was recently described as the museum capital of the world by The Art Newspaper. London has seven of the top 40 most-visited museums compared to its closest rivals, Paris and Madrid. There, Geminis can fill themselves up with reams of historic and contemporary information that can be used to chat up fellow guests at their next soiree.
Cancer - You are maternal, domestic, nurturing and value a family-filled hearth above all else. Many people born under this sign have big families and love the boisterous sounds produced around a large dinner table. A cottage getaway is your idea of a perfect family holiday. After all, the more people and children at a cottage vacation, the merrier. Cottages are likewise, not a far stretch from your own home except things are simpler here: good, country cookery, no frills décor and quiet time with the family.
Leo - You live for the limelight, love drama and crave attention. Many of you populate the show biz industry as you tend to be highly talented and are unable to resist the glitz and glamour. Las Vegas provides just the right kind of diversions for magnetic Leos. It's where ordinary life is suspended for an alternate reality - where Elvis never dies, the lights never dim, and you could either become a prince or a pauper overnight. The city was built on the pleasure principle, which aligns nicely with Leos who want the best of everything.
Virgo - You are associated with qualities like modesty, purity, perfection and a measure of conservativeness. You're analytical and methodical and you're also known for being the most health conscious of the zodiac signs. It's said that many Virgos end up in the health care profession. To get the heart pumping and optimize your body's performance, consider a fitness vacation. Coastal Trek Resort in Comox Valley, B.C., is a luxury health, spa and fitness resort that offers personalized wellness programs that includes hiking, yoga classes, ocean kayaking, massages and healthy cooking classes.
Libra - You stand for harmony, fairness, equality and balance. You hate conflict and are the most civilized and diplomatic of signs. You also delight in decadence and sometimes frivolous pleasures. A retail trip to a shopping Mecca like New York City is sure to tip the balance in your favour and perhaps make you lose a little of your characteristic composure when you see red sale signs everywhere. Just exercise a little restraint as your sign is also known for sometimes being reckless and squandering wealth.
Scorpio - You are the most passionate, intense and sexiest of the bunch. You're sensual and often described as being enigmatic and inscrutable. To feed the fires that inflame you, book a romantic, exotic getaway to a heady destination like Fiji. It's the perfect backdrop for a Scorpio, as the island offers secluded, private hideaways for couples and is often cited as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Perfect for randy, lusty Scorpios who enjoy getting' jiggy with it.
Sagittarius - As the most spiritual and philosophical of the zodiac crew, you're keenly interested in matters of religion and the meaning of life and are always seeking out higher wisdom. As such, why not go abroad to meditate. A trip to India, for instance, would also satisfy your need to explore beyond your comfort zone and outside your boundaries. Consistently named one of the top meditation retreats by Conde Nast Traveller, for instance, Ananda in the Himalayas helps guests restore "balance" and "harmonizing energy" through yoga, aromatherapy, spa services and Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine.
Capricorn - Goats are the most hardworking, ambitious of the bunch. If a job needs to get done, you're the one to finish it. You are undaunted by long hours or paying your dues and will toil and sweat to reach your goal. It's no coincidence that your animal mascot lives in the mountains and must often climb to higher elevations to search for food. For the goal-oriented goat, consider booking a mountain climbing adventure where you have to summit a peak. For the novice mountaineer, Mt. Kilimanjaro is a good start as it doesn't require any equipment or extensive pre-training. But knowing how overly ambitious goats can be, you could also use Kilimanjaro as a training climb for the bigger peaks later on.
Aquarius - Those born under this sign are the visionaries, revolutionaries and idealists. Aquarians are described as unique, eccentric, inventive, and highly intelligent. You're also known for your philanthropy and your humanity and your quest to make the world a better place. Which is why you may enjoy a volunteering vacation in a developing country. You can put your skills and assets to good use building a school in Africa, teaching children or working on environmental conservation projects in South America. Projects like these would fill your need to better the human condition but also fulfill your thirst for adventure and freedom.
Pisces - As the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac, Pisces are often described as complex creatures who are highly intuitive, sensitive and spiritual. You're guided by feeling which helps you empathize with others. You're also a dreamer, and often have your head in the clouds. Exotic, faraway destinations are sure to excite the Pisces' wanderlust - many people born under this sign become sailors or world travellers. You also have an unusual need for seclusion and solitude. Consider a trip to Tahiti, also known as French Polynesia, which lies in the South Pacific Ocean. You'll leave the banalities of home in this tropical utopia, and be free to laze around all day in a dream-like state.
Found on MSN
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Looking for a million dollar idea, hop in the shower!
Research suggests that steamy fragrances cause insightful showers. Plus, compared to other daily activities, the shower is one of the few times you're alone and using little concentration. This allows the mind to wander into new thought processes related to your primary idea. So if you're looking for a creative thought or a new way to problem solve... hop in the shower!
Ways to get YOUR way with people
Maybe you're looking for new school friends, or you've started a new job and don't quite fit-in, or maybe you're just trying to impress someone... if any of these sound like you, then here's a few ways to win people over.
Let some air out of the ego balloon... There is nothing worse then listening to someone go on about how awesome they are! There's confidence... and then there's ignorance!
Don't be needy... People can smell desperation miles away and once they get a whiff, they'll be running away
Show what they have to lose if they lose you... people generally always look at how you can benefit them, but don't look at how they'd be without you
Understand their moods... if they're feeling tense, switch the topic for a few minutes to something they enjoy so they can relax
Always reiterate the others statement... this way it will appear that you've fully heard them out, then add your two cents afterward
Let some air out of the ego balloon... There is nothing worse then listening to someone go on about how awesome they are! There's confidence... and then there's ignorance!
Don't be needy... People can smell desperation miles away and once they get a whiff, they'll be running away
Show what they have to lose if they lose you... people generally always look at how you can benefit them, but don't look at how they'd be without you
Understand their moods... if they're feeling tense, switch the topic for a few minutes to something they enjoy so they can relax
Always reiterate the others statement... this way it will appear that you've fully heard them out, then add your two cents afterward
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Nearly 2/3 of women are worried about making a bad husband choice
7 Things to look for when considering marriage
Don't Just Dismiss Their Past
Is there a chapter of their history that bothers you because it doesn't sound like them at all? You need to consider a repeat happening. The honeymoon stage lasts approximately 18 months, after that, they may slip back to their old ways. That said, people can change, some players want to grow up sometime. Don't be afraid to ask them to explain why their past is the way it is. If the reasons are because they were, let's say in college, then it was probably just a stage. If they do it because they were stressed or didn't want commitment, be wary!
What do you NEED
Don't be dazzled by the fact that they dress well or know how to cook, because you may overlook important qualities. Make a list of the qualities you NEED from a marriage. Then make a list of extra qualities you like. The need-to-have should significantly out-weigh the extra qualities.
Look at them as they are, not your future
Let's say they haven't reached their goal in life yet, will you be happy if they never do? Remember that you're marrying the person they are now, not what they'll be one day. Also, the desire for financial security is one of the main reasons women get hitched to the wrong guy.
Know their family
Keep in mind you're marrying into their family too! And while you might be able to ignore them now, their family will play a big role in your life once you're hitched. Remember that these people will be not be just at your wedding but also at roughly half your future holidays, at the hospital when your children are born, and quite possibly on your sofa for extended visits. You will need to talk to them about how holidays are spent etc.
No spark? Trust me, one won't just pop up!
There needs to be a sizzle! Of course, if you've been together for years, it may have died down a bit, but the urge to rip off each other's clothes should still strike on occasion.
Get rid of the biological clock!
It can hold power over you and put you at a high risk of marrying the wrong person as that birthday draws close. To make sure that such fears aren't driving your decision, ask yourself if you would still be with them if you were younger.
Knowing Cold Feet Symptoms
How do you tell if your jitters are just a fleeting thing or your intuition trying to tell you you're making a mistake? Pay attention to when your anxiety strikes — is it during wedding talk or when you're talking about them? If you're not sure that you have the one, then you don't.
A Cool Sign
A recent study found that couples who laugh and smile when they retell how they met are statistically way less likely to end up divorced.
SOURCE: University of Washington Study
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
6 Homebuyer Mistakes
Roughly 70% of Canadians own our homes. 2/3 of repeat homebuyers believe their next house purchase won't be their last. Over 23% say they plan to move again within the next few years.
So here's some mistakes made when buying a home.Buying a house you can't really afford
Keep in mind that the people you got the loan from, are going to want it back. The first rule is that your monthly housing costs should not exceed 32% of your gross monthly household income. Housing costs include monthly mortgage payments, taxes and heating expenses and, if applicable, half of your monthly condo fees. Most experts say your total monthly debts, should not exceed 40% of your income. And, as a further guideline, your down payment should be a minimum of 10 per cent and really shouldn't be less than 25 per cent if at all possible.
Underestimating your costs
Don't forget that the closing costs can easily add up. Initially, this will include a home inspection, legal fees, the land-transfer tax, and moving expenses. Later on, you'll have to factor in property taxes and homeowners insurance as well. If this is your first purchase, be sure to include some money for new appliances, additional furniture and tools, as well as lawn care and snow-clearing equipment. Then, in addition to your mortgage, there are regular maintenance fees.
Not shopping for the right mortgage
Because interest rates have been so low and most sellers want to deal with buyers who've been pre-approved for a loan, some homebuyers are too quick to secure a mortgage without fully exploring their options. That's crazy, since if you go to three different lenders, you'll likely find that each one differs slightly. How many lenders should you contact before settling on a mortgage loan? Three is probably enough, but if you have the time, check out as many as you can. Mortgage brokers are great resources here because they really do try to shop around and secure the lowest possible rate — and, since they're paid by the lender, there's no additional cost for you.
Believing everything you hear
Make sure it's on paper. Once you've fallen in love with a house, take mad pictures with an camera to protect your investment. Write down the serial numbers of all appliances as well. Why? Because a few people simply aren't honest, the may replace all the appliances with crappy ones, or take all the fixtures. Be sure to check with the current homeowners, however, before snapping photos or you may run into future privacy issues.
Not hiring a home inspector
No matter what, you should never buy a home without having it inspected — even if you're purchasing a brand new place. Steer clear of home inspectors who're recommended by a realtor or well-meaning relatives. When you do find someone, ask for their credentials and detailed references. Once they get started, be sure to follow them around. If nothing else, it's a good chance to learn what makes a house tick. Rather than simply providing you with a checklist, the home inspector should provide a written report reviewing every major home system. The entire event should take about three or four hours, result in a written report within a day or two reviewing every major system, and cost about $400 to $500. And buy during the mild weather, because when the snow melts you may see all the things that the home inspector couldn't check. Like the roof, driveways, yard etc.
Not researching the neighbourhood
What good is finding the home you've been waiting for, if you're not sure about the community in which it's located? Make sure the neighbourhood is a good fit for your lifestyle. What's the commuting distance? What about traffic? Are there recreational facilities and parks close by? How close are you to shopping, schools and libraries? Even if you don't have children, living near good schools raises your property value. Visit the neighbourhood several times at different times of the day and week, and be sure to check out your potential neighbours.
Found on MSN Money
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Top 10 Sexiest Couples
10. Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in “Sabrina”
Sabrina (Hepburn) is the young daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur, and is in love with the youngest son of the Larrabee's, David who is a womanizer and doesn't acknowledge Sabrina. However, she ends up attending a culinary school in Paris and returns as a sophisticated woman of the world. David now notices her! But David’s brother Linus fears Sabrina could jeopardise David’s pending wedding to a rich woman. So Linus woos Sabrina to stop his brother from committing a fatal mistake... and falls for her.
9. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in “Ghost”
Sam Wheat (Swayze) and Molly Jensen (Moore) were your typical lovey dovey couple living in New York City. Their lives were picture perfect until one night, whilst walking back to their new apartment after going to the theatre, they bump into a thief who pulled a gun on them and shot Sam. He then sees Molly cradling his dead body and realizes he's a ghost with unfinished business.
8. Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in “Gone with the Wind”
Set on a civil war backdrop. Rhett Butler (Gable) always had a thing for Scarlett (Leigh), Scarlett was a gorgeous lass and Rhett was a bad boy who has been disowned by his Charleston family.
7. Isla Fisher and Ryan Reynolds in “Definitely, Maybe”
Will Hayes (Reynolds) is a father in the middle of a divorce, with a 10-year-old daughter, Maya who bugs her dad to reveal his story on how he and her mother met. Will relays his love story which involved his hot college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks), a super hot journo called Summer Hartley (Rachel Weisz), and April (Isla Fisher) – the copy girl for a campaign he was working on earlier in the movie.6. Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook in “She’s all that” Zack Siler (Prinze) is the stud in his California high school that gets dumped by his popular girlfriend. He makes a bet with his friend on whether or not he can turn any girl into prom queen within six weeks, the girl they ended up picking was Laney Boggs (Cook) who is a geeky art student.
5. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in “The Notebook”
Noah Calhoun (Gosling) saw 17-year-old heiress Allie Hamilton (McAdams) for the first time in a carnival and it was like love at first sight for him. It was the classic story of rich girl, poor boy where the rich girl’s parents were against Noah from the beginning. The two initially broke up and years later, Allie was about to get married and whilst trying on her wedding dress, she spotted an article about Noah in a newspaper. She decided to visit Noah, they both ended up admitting that they still have feelings for each other.
4. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in “How to Lose a Guy in 10 days”
Andie Anderson (Hudson) a journo, works for this girly magazine called Composure. Benjamin Barry (McConaughey) is an advertising executive. Now after defending her friend to her editor, Andie somehow found herself writing an article called “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” At the same time, Benjamin found himself on a tight spot where he told his boss that he can make any woman fall in love with him in just ten days. They met each other one night, and so ensued a game of cat and mouse.
3. Robert Pattinson and Kirsten Stewart from” Twilight”
Bella Swan moves to Forks, meets super hot vampire Edward Cullen who glitters in the sun, they fall in love and it’s all hunky-dory from then on.
2. Ashley Judd and Hugh Jackman from “Someone Like You”
After a chain of bad relationships, Jane (Judd) finally met “the one” in the form of Ray. But then one day, he just instantly dumped her – soo she ends up moving in with womanizer Eddie (Jackman) and they both eventually fall in love.
1. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr and Mrs Smith
John (Pitt) and Jane (Jolie) are both skilled assassins working for different firms. They both get assigned to take out a man named Benjamin Danz, and encounter each other on the job and mess up the hit. Now their firms want them to take each other out.
Found on starcentralmagazine.com
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Keeping it Simple with Cooking
According to a new survey, over 1/2 of us Canadians don't cook our own meals! We rely on take-out, which has probably lead us to our obesity rates... So don't be afraid of cooking! Here's some ways to keep it simple...
Find a really good cook book... When I was about 10 my mom gave me a Campbell Soup Cook Book, and I still live by it today. Most meals in it don't take longer then 20 minutes to make. That's the same amount of time it takes to drive to a restaurant, order, drive-thru, and go home. Plus it'll be cheaper (think of the gas you're spending too!) Once I got older and really wanted to experiment, I found fabulous recipes on-line, one of my fav's is allrecipes.ca and cooks.com
Don't always follow the recipe... if you don't like cinnamon and the recipe calls for it, don't put it in. Once you've learned the recipe you'll find ways to tweak it to your liking.
Don't over complicate things... The first recipe you try shouldn't be one that has a million steps. Try small first, like learning how to flip an egg without breaking the yolk. One day I went through 9 eggs before I got it (I blame it on the flipper!)
Conquer one dish at a time... One of the first specialties I learned was a chicken, broccoli and mushroom pasta dish. I made it for a a few weeks till I had it perfected. Now it's a requested dish!
Don't be scared of the stove... they were invented to be cooked on! (Who knew??)
Stock your cupboards and fridge with your favs... This way you'll want to go in the kitchen and prepare a meal!
Make your kitchen comfortable... if ya like music, put in a hanging cd player, get your favorite lighting, and a comfy table to sit at.
If it's good from a packet, use it... I love A Taste of India's Peanut Sauce, it's delicious and there's no way I could recreate it. So why try?
Make foods for the inner child... remember when you used to bake cupcakes or make cookies and get really dirty by using your hands and spilling stuff? It's a lot of fun! Just because your older doesn't mean cooking has to be a chore!
Find a really good cook book... When I was about 10 my mom gave me a Campbell Soup Cook Book, and I still live by it today. Most meals in it don't take longer then 20 minutes to make. That's the same amount of time it takes to drive to a restaurant, order, drive-thru, and go home. Plus it'll be cheaper (think of the gas you're spending too!) Once I got older and really wanted to experiment, I found fabulous recipes on-line, one of my fav's is allrecipes.ca and cooks.com
Don't always follow the recipe... if you don't like cinnamon and the recipe calls for it, don't put it in. Once you've learned the recipe you'll find ways to tweak it to your liking.
Don't over complicate things... The first recipe you try shouldn't be one that has a million steps. Try small first, like learning how to flip an egg without breaking the yolk. One day I went through 9 eggs before I got it (I blame it on the flipper!)
Conquer one dish at a time... One of the first specialties I learned was a chicken, broccoli and mushroom pasta dish. I made it for a a few weeks till I had it perfected. Now it's a requested dish!
Don't be scared of the stove... they were invented to be cooked on! (Who knew??)
Stock your cupboards and fridge with your favs... This way you'll want to go in the kitchen and prepare a meal!
Make your kitchen comfortable... if ya like music, put in a hanging cd player, get your favorite lighting, and a comfy table to sit at.
If it's good from a packet, use it... I love A Taste of India's Peanut Sauce, it's delicious and there's no way I could recreate it. So why try?
Make foods for the inner child... remember when you used to bake cupcakes or make cookies and get really dirty by using your hands and spilling stuff? It's a lot of fun! Just because your older doesn't mean cooking has to be a chore!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Robin Thicke tells of 10 things guys wish we knew
1. When you achieve something, we feel like we do too. Men like to be part of a team, and we love it when our team has a winning streak.
2. Guys will occasionally talk about feelings with each other but only if someone else brings it up.
3. We like watching chick flicks like Chocolat with you because we learn something. That doesn't mean we won't make fun of it behind your back.
4. Independent women are very sexy, but it's nice to be needed…as long as you don't demand all our time.
5. Women have so many different ways of loving someone. We have to learn to train our emotions to work like that.
6. Sometimes we wait too long to call after a date because we're scared we'll mess things up or seem desperate.
7. Guys who always talk about how great they look are really insecure. Be wary of men who look in the mirror too much.
8. We get nervous about having sex with you for the first time too, especially if there's been a lot of buildup to that moment.
9. We shove our feelings deep down inside and never bring them up again. That's why we don't live as long as women do.
10. When we ask what you're wearing, describe something sexy…even if you're in a sweat suit.
Found on MSN Lifestyle
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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