Recommended ages:

2.5 to 7 years old

Supplies needed:

pipe cleaners (also known as chenille stems)

1 pack or carton of pony beads

Directions:

Place the pony beads in a bowl or a Ziplock bag. Let your child pick them out and place them onto the pipe cleaners. You can twist the pipe cleaner into the shape of a bracelet or necklace. Use your fingers to twist the pipe cleaner at the end to secure it after the beads are in place. Young children like the simple action of threading the beads onto a pipe cleaner and then taking them off again. It improves hand-eye coordination and also introduces children to patterns and designs. It’s a fun way for children to learn and test their own innovation.

Use your imagination to come up with other creative ways to use pipe cleaners and beads. During the holidays, you can make ornaments to place around the house and to hang on the Christmas tree. Just remember that small children may put the beads in their mouth, even if you think they are passed that stage. Kids can surprise you, so it is best to only do this craft under strict supervision by an adult.

When to stop eating

It is important to recognize when to stop eating and give your body and mind a chance to communicate. Studies have shown that people who wait for visual cues are more likely to eat more. Visual cues include when their tv show is over or when everyone at the table is finished eating. It is also more likely that you will continue to eat past your prime if you eat something directly out of the box or package, as opposed to putting it in a bowl or on a plate. The idea behind this is if there is an unlimited supply of food, a person is more likely to continue eating well past the point of being full. On the other hand, people who put portions of each dish in the meal on their plate, including dessert, are less likely to go back for seconds and thirds.

Slowing down

People who eat a leisurely pace are also less likely to overeat because their brain is able to keep up and receive the “full” signal from their stomach. Since thirst can be mistaken for hunger, it is recommended to drink a glass of water before you eat to make sure that part of your hunger isn’t coming from a lack of hydration. There is also the 80/20 rule that many people follow, which means that you stop eating when you feel that you are 80% full. If you are starting to feel full but think that you need a few more bites, stop eating and wait 10 to 20 minutes. After the wait period, if you still feel like you need something to eat, you can eat more.

Summary

The idea is to stop eating when you are not quite full and not stuff yourself completely. This can take time and practice for people who are used to overeating, but the reward is worth the time. When you don’t overeat, you are less likely to be overweight and there is a direct correlation between not overeating and longevity. Remember to eat as slowly as you can and stop before you think you are full. You can always go back for more, but you can’t take back what you’ve already eaten.

1. Concentrate on a specific niche. As you enter an affiliate program, you first have to identify your niche. Your niche is your target market. It is a segment of society that you can easily identify with, maybe because you have the same areas of interests.

Once you have identified your niche, know its demands. If it you are entering into the wellness market and your niche are women, what are wellness needs of women. As you see the gap, you will be able to structure a business, whose role will be to bridge that gap. You will be selling answers to people’s problems.

Owners of successful affiliate websites usually have passion. The right affiliate program can turn a hobby website into a potent revenue stream. What else could be more satisfying than earning from something that you love to do?

2. Find the right affiliate programs. Find out what each program offers YOU before you get started.  Affiliate Marketing isn’t a business for the weak of heart. Patience and persistence DO PAY OFF!

You may also find affiliate programs in affiliate marketing monitors or review websites and in affiliate program directories online. Know the entire program–how it works, how much commission you will get, and what the terms and conditions are—before you register.

3. Build a content website for your niche. Even if there other easy ways like Google AdWords to generate traffic to your affiliate link, it is still a good idea to come up with your own content website dedicated to your niche and market. The website gives more comprehensive information about the products you promote. A landing page can also serve as a “squeeze page,” where website visitors can register and be part of your list of subscribers. This will be for easy follow-up in the in the future.

4. Market your affiliate. The goal of Internet marketing is not just to drive traffic but also to convert it to sales. Constant marketing and promotion has to be done for your business to be successful. It is important to always test and measure your marketing strategies to find out which one works best for you and which one doesn’t. There are many ways to market; it may be through advertisements, content websites, blogs, publishing articles, newsletters, and many more.

5. Build a network of contacts. This can be done by getting people to sign up to your landing page with their contact information such as names and email addresses. The best way to do this is to offer your website visitors free digital products or information like a report or an eBook before they register.

6. Protect your affiliate link. Since the industry is growing and is become more competitive, always protect your business. Link theft is not far from impossible. There will always be unscrupulous people who would want to steal other’s fruit of labor. Nonetheless, there are many software applications available in the market that you can use to cover and protect your affiliate links.

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Your pet is probably just as much a part of your family as other members are and you want to keep them safe. It is important to note that pets, just like people, can also have allergies to food and environmental factors. The allergies will be individual to each pet and some may not have any at all. But there are certain foods that are toxic to all dogs and all cats.

Dogs

Grapes and raisins can irritate and damage the kidneys. Dairy products are difficult for dogs to digest and may cause diarrhea. Any food that is high in sodium can be dehydrating to both dogs and cats. Xylitol, which is found in sugar-free foods, has been found to cause liver failure in some dogs. Onions are also toxic to dogs, causing potential anemia and liver damage. There are many foods that are safe for dogs to consume, like carrots, green beans and cooked chicken.

Cats

Onions and garlic should be especially noted for cats because it can cause severe anemia. The leaves and stems of tomato plants are toxic, as are unripe tomatoes. Despite the well-known fable of feeding cats a glass of milk, many cats are actually lactose-intolerant. Grown cats do not need milk but if your cat enjoys drinking it, there are products on the market that contain an enzyme that helps to digest the lactose. While it is not very likely that your cat will be begging for table scraps, it is important to keep in mind which foods could be poisonous to cats because every pet is different and some like to snack on unusual foods.

If you notice that your pet develops a rash or is itching severely, that could be a sign of a food allergy. If you have both cats and dogs, keep in mind that dog food is not suitable for cats and vice versa. Cats generally need more protein and fats than dogs. If you are leaving your pet with a caregiver, it is important to give them a list of foods to avoid giving your pet. Most people know about chocolate and a few other foods, but there are some that seem harmless but are actually harmful or even fatal to cats and dogs. The act of sharing food with your pet can be both fun and safe as long as the right foods are given and the wrong ones are avoided. It is best to consult with your veterinarian if you are in doubt.

There are practical safety devices that most parents purchase like gates and cabinet locks. But there are also devices that can be purchased that alert you with a beeping or chirping noise if a window or door is opened. These alarms range in price but are usually around ten dollars. It is best to secure windows but is also important to teach an older child how to open a window and release the screen incase it is necessary to do so during a fire evacuation.

Water

One thing to remember is to always supervise children around water. Be sure to never leave a young child alone in the tub. If you have to leave the room, pick up the child and take her with you. Remember that it only takes a second for an accident to happen. Minimize accidents in the tub by monitoring the water level depending on the child’s age and size. A small child could drown in as little as an inch of water. It is also advisable to keep your water heater’s temperature no higher than 120 degrees fahrenheit to minimize the chance of your child getting burned.

Toxins

Poisoning is also unfortunately a common cause of death in children. An overdose of Iron is one of the most common and can be extremely fatal in young children. It is easy to keep chemicals and prescription drugs out of a child’s reach by storing them in a place where a child cannot reach or in a container that can be locked. While precautions can be taken, it is always beneficial to take extra steps by locating and documenting the number to your local poison control center.

Fire

Children are curious and they should be able to feel comfortable in their home to have fun and play but it is best to explain to older children what the dangers are and how to avoid them. You can create fire escape routes with your older child and explain to them how to open the windows if they need to evacuate. Remember to practice it frequently and create a colorful diagram for your child to study so that they are able to remember if it ever becomes needed.

Healthy oils

Adding a variety of oils to your diet can provide the body with essential fatty acids and decrease the risk of heart disease. One oil of importance is avocado oil because it contains important essential fatty acids. These compounds are important for a healthy brain, heart and nervous system. Avocado oil  is also high in Vitamin E, which is a beneficial antioxidant that helps the body to fight free radical damage. Studies have found that avocado oil contains properties that lower cholesterol. Safflower oil is another oil that is quickly gaining popularity. It contains omega-6, which promotes healthy skin and is also found to balance hormones.  If you want to use safflower oil for cooking, be sure to check the bottle to make sure its monounsaturated, which is suitable for high heat. That type of safflower oil can be used for both sauteing and frying.

Olive oil may be the most popular oil, and for good reason. It contains properties that may help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Olive oil is also a good choice because it can be used for cooking, baking and in salad dressings. The best choice for any oil is to purchase a brand that uses minimum processing. When oils are heavily processed, they lose some of their beneficial compounds and can even cause negative health effects. Whichever oil you choose, be sure to read the label so that you use the oil correctly. Some oils are not appropriate for high heat levels.

Greens

Swiss chard, spinach and kale contain a powerhouse of nutrients but are often overlooked. Including these dark greens in your diet can provide you with an easily absorbed form of calcium. Vitamin K is also found in surpassing amounts in dark green vegetables. This vitamin is necessary to the body to regulate blood clotting, decrease inflammation and promote optimal bone health. Most greens are excellent in soups but some can also be eaten raw and added to salads.

Raw fruits and vegetables

It is important to make sure that you are including raw fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. They are high in fiber and water content, which helps with proper hydration. Cooking is shown to destroy some of their nutritional value, though in some ways cooking has also shown to increase certain aspects, like antioxidant content in carrots. A diet that is varied in both cooked and raw vegetables allows the body to absorb and use all of the nutrients that promote a healthy body.

Variety counts

A diverse diet is important to ensure that you are getting an array of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. It is also necessary to vary your diet to include appropriate levels of carbohydrates, protein and fiber.  Research has shown that people who include diversity in their diet have a decreased risk of premature death. The main reason for this is because each food group supplies the body with different vitamins and minerals that promote optimal health.

Hydrate

Most health experts agree that dehydration is a chronic problem. Drinking plenty of water not only sustains life but improves energy levels. Besides drinking enough water, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables with a high water content helps to replenish your fluids. Some examples are: watermelon, apples, celery and lettuce.

A healthy and diverse diet supports a healthy immune system and promotes vitality. The main reason for expanding your diet is to obtain all the beneficial nutrients that will help keep your body healthy and strong. For example, only certain foods contain essential fatty acids, which are required by the body. Including healthy oils, increasing your water intake and adding new foods to your weekly meals are all steps that you can take to further your healthy diet. Remember that moderation and diversity is considered to be the key to a healthy diet.