How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond
January 31, 2005
Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will add a new dimension to your pool.
When building a waterfall, as with any garden project, you must first consider the design and make a plan. The biggest mistake that people make when planning a pond waterfall is to err on the large side. For a pond measuring 12 ft x 14 ft you should think in terms of a fall of 18-24 inches. The width of the waterfall should be in proportion to the size of your pond. The important point is to make sure that the scale of your construction fits in with the surrounding features and does not spoil the balance of your overall garden design.
The next question that has to be answered is the type of construction you wish to use. There are two basic choices. You can either use a liner and place rocks to form the fall or you can save yourself the trouble and buy a fibreglass unit. Either way you will still have to use your shovel to form the site of the waterfall.
The other requirement is a pump which will be sited in the pool to transport the water to the top of your waterfall. The size of pump that you will need depends on the height and width of the waterfall and also the length of pipe from the pump to the top of the fall. Once you have finalised your plans, consult your dealer and he will be able to supply you with the correct pump.
To maintain a healthy pond environment with crystal clear water usually involves installing a biological filter. Again your dealer will be able to advise you as to the correct type and size. The filter should be placed at the top of the waterfall so that the water is cleaned before issuing out on to the fall.
Once you have assembled all the equipment it is time to get out your shovel. If your site is level and the soil from excavation of your pond is nearby this can be used as the mound on which to place the waterfall. If you are using a liner you first dig out the channel and then fit the liner. Next place the rocks so that the water can flow over them. It is helpful if you observe a natural waterfall to give you some ideas as to how the rocks can be placed for the greatest effect. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement, use black waterfall foam to seal the rocks to ensure that the water flows over and around them and not underneath. If you have chosen to use a fibreglass preformed model, you will avoid the problem of placing the rocks and will just have to dig out sufficient soil to allow you to fit the unit.
To complete the installation fit the pump, filter and hose and connect to the electricity supply. Providing all is working to your satisfaction, now is the time to relax and enjoy your handiwork.
If you have read this far and are wondering whether it would be just too much like hard work, then consider this. Water soothes and relaxes, inspires reflection, and is a source of beauty. A cascading, bubbling stream adds interest and serenity to the garden, while a waterfall can create a dramatic centerpiece. Building a pond waterfall really is worth the effort.
Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews.
Bring Out the Comforters for Back to School
January 31, 2005
If the weather is turning chilly it must time for the kids to go back to school. Bring out the comforters, flannel bed linens, quilts and stadium blankets. As in all bed linens and comforter sets, they come in different sizes to fit the bed you own. You probably have a king or queen size bed, and your kids may sleep in loft beds at home or at the dorm. A twin comforter will be just the right size for the kids away at school. Flannel bed linen comes in a lot of colors, patterns, and prints. They are great for young and old providing the right amount of warmth and softness next to the skin.
A comforter is generally filled with down and is one of the most popular choices of fill. It is light weight and incredibly warm. I feel that you can have warmth without weight and you never feel too cold while sleeping. There are many different kinds and qualities of down for every comforter. The least expensive is a combination of down and feathers, while just goosedown is the most expensive. Check the label for the "fill power". This will tell you how many ounces of down are in the comforter so you can determine how warm it will be. You can also choose a baffle pattern you like, the more tightly the feathers are held together, the warmer it will be as the feathers do not fall to the end of the comforter. Silk is another option for fill as well as a silk covering for the comforter. It is extremely warm, adjusts to your body temperature and is very lightweight. It is comparable in price to a high quality down comforter, and is also dry clean only. It is smart to do a little research before investing in something. Most comforters come in white, but you can purchase a duvet cover to match your décor if you wish. These are washable, but can be a bit difficult to put on and off the comforter on laundry day. Even if you have allergies, you may still be able to use down because it is believed that it is the mix of feathers with down that causes all of the allergic reactions. Also choose a fabric for the cover that is very tightly woven and this will also aid in protection from allergies. Often beds in dorms are extra long, bunk beds or loft beds. You can find comforters for all of these beds online or in stores.
Before you actually make a purchase of a comforter for yourself or your family, you might want to think about some things first. Do the kids like to sleep in a warmer room? Do you wear flannel pajamas or just a t shirt to bed? Are you generally chilly when you wake up? What is the coldest temperature your weather gets in the winter? Do you have a pillow top mattress or feather bed? All of these things will determine what type of comforter is best for your needs and sleeping habits.
Bev Marshall is a successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying mattresses, baby bedding and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.com. She gives information and tips at http://www.bedding-4u.com/Comforters.htm to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life.
Old-Fashioned Taffy Pull Party–How to Host Your Own
January 31, 2005
Want a unique party idea for your child’s birthday-or even her next weekend sleepover with friends? Try hosting your own taffy pull. It can get pretty messy, but kids absolutely love it. Just follow these steps to minimize the mess . . . and maximize the fun!
1. Stock up on supplies.
If you don’t already own basic candymaking tools, stocking up is pretty easy. You’ll need a medium-size saucepan (3 or 4 quarts) with a heavy bottom and straight sides. You’ll also need a long-handled wooden spoon, a pastry brush (used to brush off any crystals that might form), and a good candy thermometer with a metal clamp that attaches to the side of your saucepan.
Next, go shopping for taffy ingredients. For the recipe in this article, you’ll need to pick up the following: sugar, corn syrup, salt, unsalted butter, flavoring extracts (vanilla, raspberry, and lemon), food coloring (red and yellow work nicely), flour, wax paper, and candy wrappers.
2. Prepare your kitchen.
If you resign yourself to the fact that this party is going to get messy, you’ll be in the right mindset to just relax and let the kids have fun. Still, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize the mess.
First, lay down several painter’s cloths, taping the edges to protect every inch of your floor. Next, sprinkle a light layer of flour over the painter’s cloths-this will help keep everyone’s shoes from sticking to the cloths when the inevitable spills occur. Finally, tape down some wax paper over the table or countertop where you plan to start your taffy pull.
3. Make your favorite taffy recipe.
The process of making taffy can be a little tricky for young ones. I suggest making the taffy yourself, and after the candy has cooled, call in the kids to start the pulling.
Here’s a classic recipe for saltwater taffy. Try it!
3/4 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter
Flavoring and coloring as desired
1 teaspoon salt
Measure 2 cups sugar, l 1/4 cups corn syrup, 3/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon salt into a saucepan and blend well with a wooden spoon. Place over low heat until sugar has dissolved, stirring continuously. Increase the heat and do not stir during the rest of the cooking. Wash the sides of the pan with a brush or fork covered with muslin and dipped in water, using an upward motion. This will prevent the formation of crystals which might cause the candy to sugar. After the syrup boils put in the candy thermometer, and when the thermometer registers 265 degrees, remove candy from heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter and stir very gently. Divide the taffy into three parts; you’ll add different flavors and coloring to each one during the pulling process.
4. Prepare the little ones.
First, have everyone wash his or her hands with lots of soap and warm water. Then, let them grease their hands generously with a stick of unsalted butter to prevent the fresh taffy from sticking to fingers. Don’t use vegetable oil or margarine for this step-the flavor when mixed with taffy isn’t nearly as good as real butter.
5. Let the pulling begin!
Once the taffy has cooled enough to handle, it’s time to start pulling. Instruct your partygoers to use only their fingertips to lift the edges of the warm, flowing candy up, and then to pull out about 12 inches. Then, they’ll quickly fold the taffy back from the one hand to the other, catching the center, and then pulling again.
If you’re adding food coloring and flavoring, pause briefly after a few pulls to add a drop or two to the mixture, folding the mixture over on the color and flavor. Try using raspberry flavor with red coloring, lemon flavor with yellow coloring, and vanilla flavor with no coloring. Continue to pull until the color and flavor are thoroughly mixed in.
6. Wrap it up.
When your taffy is very hard to pull and holds its shape when laid out on a platter, it’s ready to cut into pieces. Rub a pair of kitchen scissors with unsalted butter, and then cut the hardened taffy into bite-size pieces. Have the kids wrap the pieces in candy wrappers, twisting each end. (You can also use wax paper or colored plastic wrap.)
Now you can fill small baggies with the taffy, and send each child home with their own homemade party favor!
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Vanessa Kirkland is publisher of the cherished recipe collection, “Candymaking Secrets,” by Virginia Pasley. This long-lost collection includes 67 vintage recipes for making delicious old-fashioned candies at home . . . without a single cooking class. Find out more at ===>
http://www.CandyMakingSecrets.com/
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Time for a Change
January 31, 2005
As 2005 approaches, many of us are thinking about change. Many of us are setting goals, and making promises to ourselves and to those we love. We may vow to do everything different-better-next year. We set lofty expectations to lose weight, learn a 2nd or 3rd language, never yell at our kids again, or give up our vices completely. And as the calendar closes out one year in favor of another, the timing seems just perfect to make those changes. But are we really, really ready? Attempting to change before we have made a fully educated CHOICE to commit to the process may be our first (and biggest) New Year’s mistake.
Psychologists Prochaska, Norcross, and DiClemente, among others, have developed a theory about the process of change, and the process by which we can be effective at implementing long term change in our lives. This Transtheoretical Model involves a number of steps by which people have been professionally and successfully treated and taught to manage their problem behaviors through behavior modification. As you read, ask yourself where you are in the process of change, and what obstacles are standing in your way from reaching the next level, and ultimately success. The example I use is to illustrate is one of weight loss; however, virtually any goal you may have to improve your relationships, time management or organizational skills, or any other aspect, fits the model.
1. PRECONTEMPLATION. In this stage, a person is unaware or under-aware that he or she has a problem. There is no expressed desire to make any changes, and no real concern or immediacy for anything to be different. If asked, we might say that things are fine, and that if nothing is different a year from now, it would be okay. Others around us may think we have a problem, or may be concerned about us, but we don’t see their need for concern, or simply don’t care. We may be in a state commonly referred to as "denial" or may just be resigned to being this way forever.
2. CONTEMPLATION. In this stage, an individual has become aware that there may be a problem, and has begun considering doing something about it. An overweight person may notice that he or she is out of breath when walking a short flight of stairs, or notices that his or her clothes don’t fit the way they used to. A smoker realizes that his or her health may be in jeopardy, and is beginning to "wish" that things could be different. When in this stage we often talk about how we really should x, y or z. We should go to the gym. We should say no to chocolate super fudge brownies. We should eat more fruits and veggies. We should…we should?.we should…but we don’t.
3. COMMITMENT. In this stage, we have actually accepted that we have a problem and ARE going to do something about it. We are motivated to change. It is no longer acceptable to stay the same. The thought of NOT changing is unbearable. We can’t stand being out of shape any more. We are sick of the way we feel about ourselves. We are sick of watching life instead of participating in it. We go beyond saying "I should" and begin saying "I will." We often enter this stage and commit to change only when the alternative is no longer tolerable. We’ve become sick and tired of being sick and tired. It is in this stage that change-and progress-are born.
4. PREPARATION. So we’ve decided to change. Perhaps we’ve decided to lose weight, or be more active, or change our eating habits, or stop telling ourselves negative thoughts. So how do we go about doing that? We need a plan. We brainstorm. This is our "could" stage. We think of every possible alternative and resource. We could join a gym. We could hire a personal trainer. We could eat nothing but lean cuisines. We could go on a grapefruit diet. We could exercise an hour every day. They may be realistic, or downright crazy, but we’re brainstorming. We look at our options, and we choose the ones that will work for us. We prepare for battle. We buy the workout outfits with the matching headbands. We invest in expensive home gym equipment. We buy unproven supplements from professional looking models on TV. We rid our homes of dangerous temptations. We devise a plan, and are intent on following it through. We are ready.
5. ACTION. We’ve committed. We’ve prepared. We are physically, emotionally, and spiritually ready to embark on a journey by which we will improve our lives. And we follow our plan. The action stage is the "I am" stage. I am working out 3 days a week. I am following a sound nutrition plan. I am catching myself and the negative things I say to myself about food and my weight. I am proud of myself. I am doing. I am acting responsibly. I am changing and I feel it. This stage, when employed consistently, will result in the changes for which we have prepared and desired for so long. Is it easy? No. Is it always fun? No. Does it take a great deal of motivation, support, desire, and tenacity? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes. If you stick to it, will it happen? Yes. The key is to enjoy the doing as much as the results of doing. Take pride in the fact that you are behaving better. You deserve respect. You’re doing more than most. You’re way ahead of where you were in the game back when. The secret is to keep doing. It takes a week or less to form a bad habit; it takes at least 30 consistent abstinent days to break one. Give yourself time to form good habits that will last you long after you’ve reached your weight loss goal. Just keep doing.
6. MAINTENANCE. Whew! You’ve been behaving in ways that have resulted in changes, and avoided behaviors which have hurt you or others. You feel proud when you look in the mirror. You hold your head higher. You have more self confidence. You interact with others more positively. Things are good. However, the danger of this stage, after we’ve made some big changes, is that we slide into complacency. We’re no longer so uncomfortable that we MUST change, and we are at high risk for relapse into past unhealthy and ineffective behaviors. Research shows that people who are able to maintain healthy changes for a minimum of six months have a great chance of success. If we can maintain the positive behaviors that have helped us reach our goal, without focusing on the result, but the process-then we are on our way to lifelong changes. All those good habits that were hard for us at times-working out, watching what we eat, encouraging ourselves, getting support from others-have become part of our lifestyle. It’s just what we do, and the alternative is not an option.
When we have gotten to the point where we have implemented healthy lifestyle BEHAVIORS into our daily living, and continue to engage in those healthy behaviors regardless of the fact that we have reached a weight loss goal, it is THEN that we will have been truly successful at changing for life. When it becomes unthinkable to BEHAVE differently, then we will have reached the point where weight is no longer the focus of our goals, and will no longer be a source of low self-esteem. After all, we will be managing our lives in a way that demands respect from others, and it will show not only in the fitness of our bodies, but in the confidence and pride with which we greet the world. And THAT is where real success is measured.
Jana Beutler-Holland, M.Ed., is a therapist, life coach, and personal fitness trainer. She and her husband own SWAT Personal Training, a personal training company in Tucson, Arizona. Jana is owner of Life in Motion Coaching, providing life coaching, wellness, fitness, and weight loss coaching via phone to clients all over the world. For more information on coaching services with Life in Motion visit http://www.lifeinmotioncoaches.com
Top Five Ways To Stay In Touch With Your Child
January 31, 2005
Once your little boy/girl goes off to school, you may find that your “special talks” occur less frequently… You may become disheartened by the mere fact that your child now has new friends to share his daily stories with…
To prevent yourself from losing your mind and losing touch with your child when he/she goes to school full-time, try the following five exercises in communication.
1) Make it a point to ask your child about his/her day as soon as you see him/her after school. (Do not accept a “nothing” response - rephrase your question as many times as needed to get a “real” response: for example: What did you learn today? or What was the best part of your day today?)
2) Make it a priority to ask your child what they brought home in their backpack each day. (Do not pry too much but do make it your business to know what they have in their backpack every day…)
3) Get involved with your child’s homework. Even if they’re only in kindergarten or first grade, their teacher probably will send some type of homework home at least once a week, keep an eye out for this and then be an active participant in the completion of any homework.
4) Become a volunteer at your child’s school. Almost every school, whether public or private, needs help - parent volunteers in many areas. Donate your time, your expertise, your knowledge, your love and compassion for children….
5) If you cannot volunteer your time and get to know your child’s classmates, give something of yourself in some other way that will keep you involved in your child’s life. Any type of effort/interaction on your part with their teacher will bring satisfaction and reward to you and your child.
The bottom line is simple. Just because your child is now in school seven or eight hours a day - does not mean he/she does not STILL need you and/or that you cannot continue to be an active part of their daily life.
Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp
Six Ways to Eat More Healthfully
January 31, 2005
With so much ‘diet advice’ around today it is little wonder if you feel somewhat confused. Whether you are wanting to lose weight, maintain your weight or help your family eat more healthfully….these six, simple ideas will help you to eat more heathfully.
1 Stay away from the inside aisles When you grocery shop, fill up your trolley from the aisles around the outside the perimeter of the store. This is where the fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh foods are kept.
2 Eat small amounts frequently
Don’t allow yourself to get hungry. Keep your appetite in control with smaller meals and healthy snacks in between.
3 Keep close to nature
Fresh is best and generally much better for you than pre-packaged. For example, a fresh potato baked in its jacket is more healthy than pre-packaged “potato au gratin”.
4 Experiment and use spices
Get used to cooking with a wide variety of spices. It’s possible to get fabulous flavor with spices without adding high calorie fats and oils.
5 Read “fat free” labels carefully
Many “fat free” items contain additional carbohydrates in the form of sugar or fructose to compensate for reduced flavor and can do more to add to your weight than the “full strength” product.
6 Use low fat dairy products
For adults, much healthier as low fat dairy products have the nutrients without the extra fat.
(c) Copyright Kim Beardsmore
Kim is a successful weight loss coach who will cut through the diet-hype and help you reach your goal weight. No public ‘weigh-ins’, meetings that cost you money or fads…simply results you will love! Free consultation. Visit today: http://tinyurl.com/57apn Are you interested in earning money from home? We can help you grow a profitable home business: http://tinyurl.com/3tzf5
