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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Feng Shui: Bagua Basic Fundamental Quiz


 1.      What does Feng Shui mean?
 
       2.      What does it promote, and where? Give four examples.
        a.
        b.
        c.
        d.
 

3.      Explain what the five elements are, and how do they reflect in Feng Shui?
 
4.      What do the five elements give you?
 
5.      Explain the eight directions and how you would use them to enrich your chi, yin/yang, and balance?
 
6.      To maximize one of your eight directions in your space, please fill in the box that you feel you need to focus on for your success in balancing and calming your chi?

            Place the eight directions in the space above

1.      Creativity                                                     5.  Self -Motivation


2.      Communication, water                             6.  Ambition, attention to detail


3.      Savings, Motherhood                                7.  Leadership, Wisdom

4.      Public Recognition, Fame                         8.  Romance, entertainment

       7.      What is an arrow or corner, and what can it do to your chi?

8.      How do you break an arrow so it is harmless?

9.      Why should you not use mirrors in your bedroom where you sleep, or should you?

10.  What are some favorable locations in your home, and how is it designed so that it can enhance the room’s potency?
 
11.  At your age and time of life (vitality), what direction should the foot of your bed point to maximize your chi and/or balance?

12.  Where should your feet never point while you are sleeping? 

13.  Why should you never have reflective items and pictures of people in your bedroom? 

14.  Give three remedies for increasing wealth and success? (Hints: Desk, Pot, Bed)

a.      ____________________________________________

b.      ____________________________________________

       c.       ____________________________________________

 
15.  Give three remedies for increasing calmness and enhancing energy in the home?

a.      _____________________________________________ 

b.      _____________________________________________

c.       _____________________________________________

(Hints: Colorful, alive, fluid) 

Good Luck!

Friday, February 14, 2014

Poetry Preview


A poem can be tricky if you don't know how to write one, and there are different poems one can learn in school. I enjoy writing poems and I always believed that my writing was good. As I was growing up, the few times my poems were evaluated, I was told they lacked the meter. I never understood what that meant, but that is because I neglected to find out what the meter had to do with poetry. I would write what I felt was understandable to me or what sounded good.

The following poems are various types Hayden (my son) experimented with during his English literature class. I am thrilled that my son studied writing poetry and that Hayden understands the process well enough to explain them to me. Though he was younger when he wrote these, he could still understand each method of poetry that he read in each of the examples below. Like my grandfather, Hayden studied poetry so he could write a poem properly.

My Grandfather Armando Figueroa would write poems during his off-time from his job as a court interpreter. He understood the many methods to make a poem complete and his notes to his family were beautiful. He was very intelligent and would read books on writing poetry. I believe that between Grandpa Figueroa, my son Hayden, and I writing is in our hearts and soul.

 Here are six examples of classic poem styles

Haiku
The rustic barked trees
Full of rich vibrant colors
Spring has come around

Tanka

Young Derek Jayden

Epic master of his craft
Ties his shoelaces
Mindset on the finish line
Eight Hundred meters begins

Lyric
There once was a big round lady
Who worked in the Navy?
Her weight made her not want to date
Because of the weight, she had to wait
And over that time of waiting,
She had lost some weight
Then she had several dates
And of those dates,
One determined her fate

Limerick
There was a dog named Susie
She was feeling a little woozy
She felt so sick
Because she ate a stick
Poor little old Susie

Free Verse

The rain comes
On the silent streets
It hits the ground
All over the city
On top of rooftops
The rain continues to splash.

Sonnet
Out of the Earth, a bud of life
Deep purple, small and delicate
Free from captivity and strife
Young buds rising intimate
Sweet morning breeze, it smells so great
So red the rose, so red and bright
A figment of beauty to grow and separate
Hypnotizing like a flash of light.
To grow for a while, only to go away
For always in my heart,
To think they won’t stay
They fall apart.
The Death of the Rose
Brings the birth of the bellows.

 

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Scottish Tablet




My wife and I wish we were Scottish–and this Scottish fudge (called tablet) is made every holiday. 

It looks and smells like fudge, but has an amazing brittle, almost fine gritty texture, and it’s heavenly. Full of sugar, but it makes a wonderful complement to a cup of tea or coffee.

A dish we could make all year long, but I would never fit through the door. I am glad we only have this once a year, that way we can enjoy this treat without feeling too guilty. I hope you enjoy this as much as we do. The site where you can get other great dishes that are Scottish-influenced.


Ingredients:

1.25 cups milk
2.2 pounds of sugar
1 ounce butter
1 standard can of sweetened condensed milk
A few drops of vanilla extract


In a heavy saucepan, add the milk, sugar and butter. Stir gently over the heat until the sugar is dissolved (about 20 minutes). Add the condensed milk and boil the mixture for 25 minutes or until it is golden brown. Remove from the heat, and add the vanilla, and let it cool for a few minutes. Beat the mixture vigorously for about 10 minutes or until the mixture is thick. Pour into a well-greased glass casserole dish or a baking sheet until set, and cut it into small squares.

Recipes Hints and Tips:
Store the bite-sized pieces in an airtight container between pieces of parchment paper.

Sunday, September 1, 2013

The Supreme Cobb Club Sandwich

A delicious mix of the classic Cobb salad and the Club sandwich. This is a great addition to a lunch buffet or any celebration or special occasion.

The enjoyable part of eating a Supreme Cobb Club sandwich is the flavor of the crispy bacon and the bleu cheese spread combined on toasted bread. Following this savory treat is the essence of the sweet red onion, the coolness of the ripe tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce. This sandwich is made for a delectable reminiscence of the Traditional Cobb salad and the Classic Club sandwich.

With any meal, it takes a little time and effort to prepare the ingredients and assemble this delicious sandwich. With these simple and fresh ingredients, the cook will want to make this sandwich as a snack or as a main course. The cook can serve this sandwich with a variety of accompanying side dishes or enjoy it on its own with a nice cold drink.

Fresh Cobb Club Ingredients

4 Large hard-boiled eggs

3/4 cup bottled bleu cheese, chunky salad dressing

12 slices whole grain white or wheat bread, toasted

12 slices crispy bacon, cooked and well-drained

2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced

4 romaine lettuce leaves, shredded

Salt and pepper

Navel Orange cut in wedges (optional)

Easy-to-Follow Directions

In a small bowl, mash hard-boiled eggs with 1/4 cup of the bleu cheese dressing.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Spread eight of the toasted bread slices with salad dressing or mayonnaise.

Arrange crispy bacon on four of the toasted bread slices; top with sliced Roma tomato.

Spread the four remaining plain toasted bread slices with egg mixture; top with red onion slices and lettuce.

Place one egg-topped toast on top of each bacon-topped toast.

Top with remaining dressing-spread toast slices, spread side down.

Optional: Secure the sandwiches with wooden or plastic toothpicks; garnish the plate with an orange wedge. Cut each sandwich in half or in quarters.

Makes 4 sandwiches

This sandwich should be enjoyable in any setting, whether as an entrée or as a snack food at a party. This is an easy and delicious food to have for lunch but also it can fit in as a delightful afternoon treat or dinner in the evening if the cook is out of time to prepare a larger meal. A Cobb Club sandwich is nice when enjoyed with a delicious potato salad or chips, and a side of baked beans.

Party Tray

The party planner can double the recipe and slice the sandwich into quarter-sized finger sandwiches. Secure the quarter of a sandwich with a decorative wooden or plastic toothpick and pile them up on a service platter, making 32 portions. Garnish the platter with some fresh orange wedges or some cherry tomatoes.

As an individual meal package, the party planner could wrap half a sandwich with waxed paper, leaving a seam across the top of the sandwich. Then the party planner can assemble the package with three baby carrots tucked under the seam sticking out for a complement.

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Patrick's Portobello Pizza

I enjoy bringing something unique to parties or functions that I have been invited to attend. My family tries to expand our knowledge of cooking as much as we can. I am not the guy who always delivers soft drinks to a party because that is all I can imagine bringing. Food has always interested me and I cannot remember the last time I had made the same menu for more than one week. I give in if my family wants tacos or something that is their favorite, but rarely do I get into that rut of having Tuesday tacos or Friday fritters.

This portobello pizza is delicious and if the pizza is cut into fourths, it makes a great appetizer. I like to use jarred pesto because it comes in a small container with a lid. After I use the jar, I wash it out and save it and the lid, so I know how much to make for the next time. 

Ingredients

6 large Portobello mushrooms, removing the stems and gills
Olive oil, for brushing
Kosher salt
Garlic pepper
1 cup store-bought pesto sauce
1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan

Directions

Preheat the grill to high heat.

Remove the bottom stem and gills from Portobello. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle the inside of each mushroom with salt and garlic pepper. Place the mushrooms on the grill bottom side up. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side rotating halfway through to achieve grill marks.

Mix the pesto, feta, and the ¼ cup Parmesan, and set aside.

Remove the Portobellos from the grill, placing the mushroom's bottom side up. Fill with your pesto and cheese mix. Top with your mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
Return the mushrooms to the top rack or shelf of your barbecue, close the lid reduce heat to medium-high, and cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Remove and place on a cutting board and cut into triangles like a pizza. Serve immediately.

This will become a family favorite
Patrick Tremblay

Friday, August 30, 2013

Don't Stumble on Trip Charges

The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.-Zig Ziglar.
When asked how to determine a trip charge or a flat rate to see a customer, usually one should research the standard costs current in the market or the like services. Many times it should be in the approximate costs of $19, $29, $39, $49, $59, $69, $79 or $89. I usually charge $75 an hour. I determine this cost by taking the break-even point, my business overhead, and the direct costs, which are attributed to the production of goods and services specific to my business. These costs are based on materials, labor, and the expenses for my product. Last, I take marketing statistics from social media or advertisements in effect when determining my contracting services. My trip charge regulates my service charge.
As a business owner, I have to consider two classes of contractors. These two classes are (1) the contractors that have the business he or she needs, and (2) the contractor who is desperate for work. If I were a contractor with all the work I could handle, I would charge a higher trip charge. This trip charge would comprise $69 to $89 to come out to offer a bid of services. These charges would dishearten the frugal consumer, which is the point of doing this. This process will ease the demand for the schedule and services rendered. Try not to be insensitive to the client; they may need the company’s services in the future.
If the business cannot afford to lose customers, one should regulate the trip charge to $39 to $49. If the business owner remembers to reduce his or her trip charge, there will be fewer losses in business, negative responses, and more business he or she will gain. When the contractor is desperate for work, the price should reduce in scale once again to $19 or $29.
The only caveat is that there is a reason they might charge this price. The quality of work, ethics, or credentials may be a factor and that will be a poor decision. One way to look at it is this. There is a reason one restaurant has a line around the corner and the other across the street does not have a line. Even though both restaurants are popular, one has poor service, terrible food, and terrible drinks. There is a reason the customer waits and pays a premium; the better overall product he or she is looking for in the meal.
There are many names one should call his or her trip charge. The other names to pick from are service charge, service call fee, or minimum charge.
I will waive the trip charge if the customer agrees to use my company for the complete service or if I do the work while I am there in the home. If that happens, I will charge the customer my hourly fee for the scope of business rendered and I will mention this waiver as a marketing tool after he or she has agreed to the work. Another method of explaining this waiver of trip fees is by explaining how I will apply the minimum charge to the work. Either of these explanations will work, but the business owner should practice and see which method is easier to use in one’s sales pitch. Often, the discussions regarding minimum charges go away when one is agreeable to waive the trip charge. This may create more sales and services. This is especially beneficial if the associate answering the phones is not a proficient closer. Waiving a trip charge can rationalize pricing more easily.
In summary, as I mentioned previously, a trip charge is the regulator for people to take an incoming call, and give uncomplicated answers to straightforward questions. If one requires more calls, moderate the price. If the business has too many calls, increase the charge some. Use the edict of supply and demand to benefit the business's control over the work schedule.

Patrick Tremblay is the Principal Designer of Tremblay House of Design Services and the Professional Business Practices instructor for community colleges in Santa Clarita and Lancaster, California. 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

How to Paint Your House: A Guide to Interior Painting Ranked #1 [Kindle Edition]

How to Paint Your House: A Guide to Interior Painting [Kindle Edition]

How to Paint Your House: A Guide to Interior Painting [Kindle Edition]

5.0 out of 5 stars  
See all reviews (1 customer review)

Digital List Price:
$2.99 
Kindle Price:
$2.99 


 May 6, 2010

Book description 

How To Paint Your House is a guide for painting the interior of your home like a professional painter. This guide takes you through checkpoints involved in painting your home step by step. 
How to Paint Your House is full of professional painter tips and will give you insight on what you will need to complete your interior painting job like a professional.
When the homeowner considers painting their home as a weekend project, these hints are effective whether they choose to paint the home themselves or hire a professional.


Product Details

File Size: 98 KB
Print Length: 19 pages
Publisher: Rattledash Media LLC; First Edition edition (May 6, 2010)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
 ASIN: B003TSEKD8
Text-to-Speech: enabled
X-Ray: not enabled
Lending: enabled

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,500 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Monday, August 12, 2013

How a Design Consultation Works

Anthropometrics
All projects begin with a design consultation right in the convenience of the home or office. One should plan about 1 to 2 hours for an initial consultation. During this time, the designer will walk through the home or office and discuss the homeowner's design goals and visions, as well as determine the scope of the project.
A client profile is one of the tools the interior designer uses to help understand the client's unique desired outcome. The client profile is filled out by the designer, to ensure the correct information is collected during the first meeting. If the client would like to fill in the questionnaire by themselves, he or she has the option to sent the client profile by e-mail to the designer before the first initial one on one meeting.

After the consultation, the designer develops a customized proposal for the homeowner which outlines what is needed to fulfill the identified design goals, and assists the client in prioritizing the work, and develops the budget appropriately.

The Design Services Include:

Hourly design consultation
Virtual Design: Design done by the internet
Paint color specification
Space Planning
Visuals through computer assisted drafts
Selection of furniture, art, lighting, and accessories
Specification of appropriate finishes and materials for floors, walls, windows (aesthetic & functional), cabinets, and counter-tops
Custom furniture design
Custom window treatment design
Work with architects/builders in the design. Building of new homes or home remodels including kitchens and bathrooms
Redesign which uses the furnishings the homeowner already owns, in fresh ways for a new look & feel without purchasing new items or wasting the budget on frivolous items.

With this consultation, the homeowner will receive professional design, for the best price possible.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

How to Manage Impulse Spending

All the ads seen on television are so attractive. That is what product marketing does, it attracts you to want what you do not need. This dilemma feeds a spending habit and can contribute to debt quickly if one is not careful about his or her spending. Here are methods in regulating a spending frenzy and helps the buyer spend only on needs and not the wants.

 Resist it first: Many times the person will see an item and buy it without thinking of the needs over wants. This is called impulse buying and the shopper in not thinking of long-term as much as he or she is thinking of an item as a have to own fad. Contemplate your last few purchases before jumping into another. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this or is it just something I want?” Walk away and think about whether you will regret spending the money or where will it go after it loses the charm creating the want. Consider this time as a cool off phase.

Avoid spending to alter your temper: Are you down? Do you need a pick-me-up? Well, do not waste your money on a purchase you will regret later when you are happier. Later, this hasty purchase may cause another crash in one’s mood after realizing what he or she has done. Ask a mature and supportive family member or friend, go workout at the gym, or walk on the beach. A nice alone time with a camera may be all one needs to get over a situation. This allows you to overcome the mood that spurs on crazy spending.

Avoid recreational spending: Do not entertain yourself with a trip to the mall or car dealership. Many people surf the web or see what is available and that is all one needs to satisfy the hunger. Going to the mall needs planning. This planning will ensure a successful visit without a costly mistake. I like to make a list of essentials or create a plan of action before visiting the stores. This is the best medicine for a recreational shopping virus. One should take the time to figure out what he or she needs sometimes that can be just as fun without the headache.

Be selective with associations: Desires are fueled by friends and lifestyles. Do not try to keep up with the Joneses; just be the influence that others are attracted to. So you say to yourself, “I don’t want to be the leader!” But the moment one makes a decision, he or she is a leader. Largely because people look at what you do and try to follow the same behavior. If you emphasis what you will be smart within your spending, your friends, and family will follow your lead. This is not a bad thing, so do not overspend to keep tempo with others, be selective on what you buy, and others will follow the same path.

Use credit only as an emergency: Cards are to gain credit scores not for ignoring your spending habits. The consequence for thoughtless credit card charging is spending more than one can repay comfortably. This thoughtless act creates animosity among couples and can drive a wedge between even the best of us. Only charge for emergencies, and only spend what you can payoff within that month. This will increase your credit without damaging your pocketbooks or your relationship. If you do spend for fun, realize you are paying up to 25% over what you purchased that item for as you are charged interest over the initial cost. Ask yourself” Is it worth it if you cannot afford the item in the first place?” 

Recognize your financials: Knowing what you have to spend is easier than spending too much and later realizing you made a mistake. Balance your checkbook, but if this is too much to ask, make a point to round up your purchase amounts and know what you have in the bank as a ballpark figure. This will help in developing a record of purchases and leftover funds. Develop a list what you need and what you have in the bank to spend. If you get a manila folder or envelope, and write your spending totals on the cover, it is easy to add up your spending as you go. You also have the information on your spending in one area so you do not have missing costs surprise you later. Again, ask a mature and trusted individual for financial matters that you may not be familiar within your accounting.

There you have it; methods in regulating a spending dilemma. This should help the buyer manage his or her spending habits for the needs and not the wants in the home. On another note, if the individual does a good job, and he or she saves some money in the process than by all means buy that something special if you want, but only after a success as a reward for a job well spent.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

How to be the Best Stay-at-Home Parent

I was recently asked for a whole month of chores. In the past, I posted a weeks schedule and it was a huge hit. The following is a month’s domestic schedule on becoming a valuable stay-at-home parent. The contents of this schedule are only the actions of the person and only make up 50% of the qualities of the individual. The remaining 50% consists, of love, support, protection, and nurturing behavior of the parent. This list only covers the first percentage, as the second percentage is measured individually.

As the chore schedule is created, there are certain repetitive actions that create a recurring quality of the schedule. This quality will promote a duplicated action that will help the family create traditions and memories. If one looks back at his or her history, there are specific memories that stick out in ones thoughts because of this action. As an adult, I remember from my childhood various events from what I observe or taste. This is caused sometimes by something that a parent makes for dinner today or shows a picture from the past that sparks a memory.

The following is a schedule to follow that will develop memories for your children and hopefully guarantee a successful imprint of a stay-at-home parent. Yes, I said parent because this can be achieved by either the mother or father of the home. Once the house falls into a routine the work becomes easier and the time spent is less so the individual can do whatever he or she likes.

Here is a thirty day calendar schedule. This month’s schedule starts on Friday and ends on Saturday.

Day 1: Clean out fridge, wipe down cabinets, put away the Dishes and pots, wipe off the counter tops, dust the house, vacuum the carpets, *make the bed, sweep the floor, and tidy up piles or messy spots.
For fun: Read books, do crafts or paint, and cook with kids.
Day 2: Clean up the yard, tidy the laundry room and *make the Bed, sweep the Floor, and Tidy up piles.
For fun: Go the park, or have a BBQ,
Day 3: Fun day Road trip, movie night, have a BBQ with friends or just the family, but remember B.F.T.
Day 4: Vacuum the carpet, dust the house, and clean out the closets. Clean utility cupboard and make certain you have hand towels, dish towels, place mats, etc, ready for the week. Clean toy boxes -B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, plant gardens (terrariums, flowers, vegetables, herbs)
Day 5: Wash car, clean car out and vacuum, tidy pantry, make grocery list, and go grocery shopping. Iron clothes and linens- B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 6: Vacuum rugs, mop floors, clean bathrooms, and was toys with disinfectant cleaner- B.F.T.
For fun: Work on a craft, go to the library, play games and read.
Day 7: Wash windows, empty trash cans-hose out if needed. Clean off work bench and laundry area. Trim bushes and prune flowerbeds - B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 8: Empty the dishwasher, clean out the refrigerator, wipe-off the cabinets, dust, and vacuum- B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, cook a special dinner.
Day 9: Work on yard, go to the beach, do laundry, tidy laundry area-B.F.T.
Day 10: Take a road trip, its game night with the family, have a BBQ-B.F.T.
Day 11: Vacuum the house, dust the tables, clean out the closets, tidy the junk drawer and toss the trash pick up the kid’s bedroom-B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
Day 12: Clean out pantry, go shopping, clean, vacuum, and wash the car. Iron clothes-B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 13: Clean out coat closet and fix shoes, mop the floors, clean the bathrooms and scrub tubs. Clean entertainment center, disinfect the toys, and put them away where they belong-B.F.T.
For fun: Work on a craft, go to the library, play games and read.
Day 14: Clean windows, empty all the trash, clean the side yards by the house, hose off patio, clean off patio furniture, and check if the back yard needs new light bulbs for the low-vault yard light-B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 15: Clean out the refrigerator; wipe down the cabinets in the kitchen, the counters, dust the house, and vacuum the carpets-B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, cook a special dinner.
Day 16: Do the laundry, tidy the laundry center, Work on the yard; take the kids to the park-B.F.T.
Day 17: Take a road trip, its game night with the family, have a BBQ-B.F.T.
Day 18: Vacuum the house, dust the tables, clean out the closets, tidy the junk drawer and toss the trash pick up the kid’s bedroom-B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, plant flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
Day 19: Wash car, clean car out and vacuum, tidy pantry, make grocery list, and go grocery shopping. Iron clothes and linens- B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 20: Vacuum rugs, mop floors, clean bathrooms, and was toys with disinfectant cleaner- B.F.T.
For fun: Work on a craft, go to the library, play games and read.
Day 21: Wash windows, empty trash cans-hose out if needed. Clean off work bench and laundry area. Trim bushes and prune flowerbeds - B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 22: Empty the dishwasher, clean out the refrigerator, wipe-off the cabinets, dust, and vacuum- B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, cook a special dinner.
Day 23: Work on yard, go to the beach, do laundry, tidy laundry area-B.F.T.
Day 24: Fun day Road trip, game night, have a BBQ with friends or just the family,-B.F.T.
Day 25: Vacuum the house, dust the tables, clean out the closets, tidy the junk drawer and toss the trash pick up the kid’s bedroom-B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, play cards, work in garden with kids.
Day 26: Wash car, clean car out and vacuum, tidy pantry, make grocery list, and go grocery shopping. Iron clothes and linens- B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 27: Clean out coat closet and fix shoes, mop the floors, clean the bathrooms and scrub tubs. Clean entertainment center, disinfect the toys, and put them away where they belong-B.F.T.
For fun: Work on a craft, go to the library, play games and read.
Day 28: Clean windows, empty all the trash, clean the side yards by the house, hose off patio, clean off patio furniture, and check if the back yard needs new light bulbs for the low-vault yard light-B.F.T.
Exercise: Go for a walk
Day 29: Empty the dishwasher, clean out the refrigerator, wipe-off the cabinets, dust, and vacuum- B.F.T.
For fun: Read books, work on crafts, and cook a special dinner.
Day 30: Work on yard, go to the park; do laundry, tidy the laundry area-B.F.T.

There you have it! Thirty days of chores and fun activities that will help with the family. This is just a basic list, and the parent can add or subtract chores or activities depending on how much he or she wants to work. As a parent, one has many choices to pick from when raising children and having a healthy relationship take everything with stride and enjoy.