My Highest Calling

Cook, Teach, Clean, Repeat (Or Something Like That)

Feb
03

The Wii Remote and Nunchuck

Posted by Stephanie

Two of the controllers that are constantly going to be in your hands whenever you are playing the Nintendo are the remote, sometimes referred to as the Wiimote and the nunchuck. Not all games are going to need the nunchuck but some of them will not play unless it is inserted into the end of the remote.

Unfortunately, the nunchuck does not come standard with the Wii game system and must be purchased separately. This is an added expense that tends to frustrate many people who are trying to play games right out of the box. Fortunately, it is not a particularly expensive accessory but it is one that is necessary to play some games.

The Nintendo game system only comes with one remote so if you plan on playing with somebody else, you should pick up an additional remote and 2 nunchucks at the same time that you pick up your new game system. Not doing this is only going to frustrate you in the long run and it cost you another trip back to the store sooner or later.

Don’t purchase your additional remote and nunchuck by itself. For just a few dollars more, you can get the Wiiplay game that comes with both. This particular game helps you to learn the ins and outs of the game system and can actually be quite fun on it’s own. Many people have spent dozens of hours playing this particular game with friends and family and continue to do so.

One of the most common problems that people run into is that their remote is not responsive. It may be working to a certain extent but it could be moving your characters in a choppy fashion. There are several different things that may be causing this.

The first thing that you should check is to see if you are having a problem with low or dead batteries. There’s no need for you to replace the batteries in order to check this, it can easily be checked from the options menu on the Wii home screen. Look at the bottom of your remote in order to see which number it has been assigned. Match that number with the remote on the screen and you will easily be able to see how much life your batteries have left. Here is a great tip, buy yourself a battery charger and re-chargeable batteries and keep it next to the console, that way you will always have fresh batteries to play.

Feb
03

Boat Storage Buildings - What Are Your Options?

Posted by Stephanie

You have a boat and you need to store it for the winter. There are all sorts of buildings that you can use for that purpose, whether you prefer to store your boat near or away from the water. This article will briefly outline the types of boat storage buildings that are often used, how you can get one yourself, and some points to be aware of.

The old standby for storing your boat is the wooden boathouse at the lake. This tends to be a simple structure with an opening on the lakeside to let the boat in, and the other 3 walls are windowless to avoid prying eyes from seeing what is inside.

The rafters within the boathouse are usually exposed to allow you to hoist a wooden boat from the water and hang it when not in use. This is fine, but be aware that wood and water (or ice) are not good friends. Both the boathouse and boat are at risk from being so close to the water. But if you have a fairly small, inexpensive boat, this may be your best choice.

Less traditional, but broadly available, are the easy bolt-together metal buildings that are sold by many portable automobile garage manufacturers. Some of these are fairly typical design with a peaked roof, and some are a single large arch. If you are not attached to the traditional look, the single-arch ones have the advantage of strength and simplicity. Not being on the water, these are less convenient and take up a chunk of space, but they can be used for many other purposes as well, when your boat is not being stored. These can be a pretty good buy.

For a small boat, almost any sort of building that will fit it will do fine, and many people use garages or purchase pre-fabricated sheds. For those with larger boats, a common solution is to store the boat in rented indoor space at a marina or a warehouse along with other boats. This can be great because the buildings are usually dedicated to boat storage, although it adds a rental expense to your budget. Others rent space at a small self-storage facility, which can work out very well too.

In short, the best storage building for your boat is the one that keeps you, your boat and your property safe and worry-free. That leaves you free to dream up your boating adventures for the fair weather months coming up sooner than you think. Happy boating!

Jan
26

How To Have RV Camping Success

Posted by Stephanie

Camping out and getting close to nature can be a means of reconnecting and restoring sanity to our otherwise hectic lifestyles. Everyone needs a break at some point and what better way to clear out our heads than to get away from it all. At one time, camping meant hiking deep into the woods and pitching a tent. However, our idea of camping has been slightly modified since the introduction and more frequent use of recreational vehicles, also known as RVs.

RV camping affords us many of the comforts and amenities of our home lives while allowing us the freedom to roam as far as the roads and our wallets will take us.

The following are some suggestions to help you get the most bang for your RV camping buck.

Before you head out on your camping trip, be sure not to overload your RV. The extra weight can accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle. Another problem arises if you are involved in an accident. In this situation you can count on your RV being weighed in. If your RV is found to be overweight, you may automatically void any insurance claims, leaving yourself fully liable for any damages. Avoid this situation at all costs.

Record your RV’s exact exterior height, including the air conditioner. Be sure to keep this information in your cabin so you never experience the embarrassment incurred while traveling under an overpass of miscalculated height.

Before you set out standard safety checks should be performed to determine that everything is in working order. This may prevent you from being stranded should problems arise later on.

Be sure to check your LP gas, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well. These devices can save your life.

Another important point to remember is to create an emergency kit and place it in a storage compartment on the outside of your RV. This kit should contain first aid supplies, a notepad and pencil, a flashlight and a disposable camera for taking pictures in case of an accident. Also remember to put together a list of names (doctors, lawyers, insurance, personal contact, etc) as well as any kind of medication you might be on. Hopefully you will not need to use this kit. Also, consider joining an emergency roadside assistance club that offers 24 hour towing.

In order to make your RV camping trip a happy one, you should call ahead and make reservations at your favorite camping spot or your next stop. Describe the exact location or proximity in which you wish to park your RV. If you would rather be close to the bathroom or pool, or if you want fewer trees due to the size of your RV. Whatever you want, be sure to ask when you make your reservation.

You can also check for reservations at the National Recreation Service, which gives you access to 1,700 different locations managed by the USDA Forest Service and US Army Corps of Engineers and many state parks. Finding your ideal spot should not be a problem as long as you plan in advance.

RV camping can be one of the most enjoyable recreational activities that you will ever experience. The important thing to recognize is possible problems and pitfalls before they ever arise. Loaded with this knowledge, you can make your next RV camping trip a success.

Jan
26

How To Prevent Common Home Dangers

Posted by Stephanie

Two year old Muireann McLaughlin lost her life when she got tangled in a window blind cord. Young Sidra Afzal has to suffer procedures to replace skin and hair on her head because she suffered 25% burns from cooking oil in a home accident. Two year old twins, Betsy and William Woodbridge of Winkfield, Berkshire, were playing at home when a chest of drawers fell on them while they were playing at home. Unfortunately, they died from that accident.

These are just some real life examples of accidents that happen in the home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, home accidents account for about 2800 deaths each year among U.S. children.

As a parent, you cannot suppose that your children are exposed to danger only when they are outside the home. The home is an equally dangerous place, especially for children below the age of 5. Therefore, parents must not only be vigilant when out with the kids, but also keep a close eye on them when at home. This is especially true for parents with mobile babies and toddlers that are keen on exploring their environment. Home accidents occur very quickly. It is also most likely to happen when parents are in a rush, under stress or when there is a change in routine.

To beef up your children’s safety in the home, it is best to scan through the house and identify potential danger spots. Here is a list of common home dangers for you consideration:

KITCHEN
You’ve heard of children being scalded by hot water or oil. This happens when children pull on pot handles that are sticking outwards. So make sure when you are cooking, turn all pot handles towards the back of the stove. Watch where you place your knives. Make sure they are out of your children’s reach. The same goes for bleaching liquids or detergents you store in your kitchen. Wires from electrical appliances should be either taped up or wound around roll-up cable organizers. While you are cooking, do not carry the baby or child. They could be splattered by hot oil or could cause you to lose your balance while handling hot pots and pans. Do not procrastinate wiping up food or water spills to avoid slipping and nasty falls. Children also love to open drawers and cabinet doors. Install child safety locks to keep them away from medicine and breakable things.

LIVING / DINING ROOM
If you have blinds, watch out for the long strings or wires. They can cause strangulation. Bundle the cords up and tape them high enough so children can’t play with them. Glass tabletops make a home look lovely but they are a hazard around young children. A wooden topped table is a safer option. Also don’t forget to pad the pointed corners of coffee tables and other furniture. Children love poking their fingers into electrical sockets. So hide them behind furniture or purchase some child-proof plug stoppers. De-clutter the stairs and install stairway gates to prevent falls. Hot drinks or bowls of hot soup should not be left near the edge of the table. Toddlers may reach up to grab them resulting in hot liquid spilled all over them. If you have babies that love to put things in their mouth, keep your floors clear of small objects. Also be wary of toys that may have small detachable parts or sharp broken points.

BATHROOM
It’s a zany thing that children are naturally drawn towards water. Try not to keep water filled tubs, containers or pails. If you do, keep them covered and make sure the bathroom doors are always closed. There have been cases of children drowning when they fall in head first into a filled bucket. It is difficult for them to get out because they are top heavy. Never, ever leave a child below the age of five alone in the bathroom. If the phone rings while you are giving them a bath, let it be. If not, take the child with you. Children can drown in just 15cm of water. Hard to believe but it’s true. Another detail to look into is thoroughly rinsing away soap and shampoo. You definitely don’t want your child slipping around in there. A floor with algae is also slippery. So, scrub the floors often. Use bath mats and non-slip rugs in tubs. Again, latch drawers and cabinets that contain medicine or cleaning chemicals.

BEDROOM
A baby cot is not a place to stock up on toys, pillows and blankets. Do not crowd the baby cot with such things as the baby may suffocate. Don’t leave your curling iron and hair straighteners lying around. Avoid beds that are high off the ground. It’s safer to have the mattress on the floor. Secure shelves and dressers to the walls. Children will not hesitate to use the drawers as ladder steps.

A common concern among parents with babies around 15-24 months old is their abounding energy to climb everything. The question often asked is “how do I stop them from climbing?” The answer is “you can’t” and “you should not.” It is part of their development. Instead, focus your effort on educating them on how to climb up and down safely. Teach them what they are allowed to climb (like a low stool) and what is off limits (like the dining table.) Seeing that children love to climb, high windows and railings must be secured. Also be careful of bookshelves, TV stands and cabinets that are top heavy. If they are not sturdy, they might topple over when your child tries to climb it.

There are many things parents can do to make their home a safer place. Be not ignorant nor careless. Be wary of the dangers lurking in your home and take the necessary steps to ensure your child’s safety.

Jan
26

Steps to Relieve Joint Aches and Pains

Posted by Stephanie

Are you experiencing aches and pains in your hips and knees? Feeling stiff at the joints when you wake up in the morning? Do you have a little swelling and redness at the joints? Notice a crunching feeling or the feeling of bones grating on each other?

It is very likely that you are suffering from osteoarthritis. This common form of arthritis is usually experienced by those past their 50s. Apart from hips and knees, osteoarthritis can also affect your fingers and spine.

What is osteoarthritis? It is the loss of cartilage at the joints. The cartilage acts like a cushion between the bones and helps to smooth the movements of the joints. When this cartilage wears down, the bones rub each other resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of movement. Sometimes, spur develops too.

The effect of osteoarthritis on people goes beyond just physical limitations. Feelings of helplessness, depression or anxiety may set in. What used to be simple tasks, such as walking up the stairs or opening a jar, now become difficult hurdles. The disability puts a limitation on the jobs you can undertake. And lets not forget the financial downside. You have to deal with treatment costs and lost wages.

Many think that osteoarthritis is part and parcel of growing old. But you know what? It’s NOT. You can take charge of the condition and lessen the effects of osteoarthritis. What’s the secret? Exercise.

The US Arthritis Foundation conducted a research that found 80% of arthritis sufferers who exercised 3 days or more a week reporting an absence of joint pain. Popular exercises to help relieve osteoarthritis pain include walking, stationary biking, swimming and water aerobics. For a more effective treatment plan, your exercises should also include those that strengthen muscles such as weights or exercise bands. Stretching exercises helps to increase flexibility and range of motion exercises keeps you limber.

Living a physically active life has double benefits as it also promotes weight loss. Being overweight is one of the factors that cause osteoarthritis. Did you know that if you lose as little as 5 kilograms, you decrease your risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee? And if you lose a pound, you successfully relieve your knees off 4 pounds of pressure every step you take?

Although exercise and losing weight contributes greatly to reducing the effects of osteoarthritis, approximately 60% of arthritis sufferers over the age of 55 do not carry out the recommended exercise of three days per week. This fact comes from Dr. Patience White, Arthritis Foundations’ chief public health officer. He feels it is important to educate people on how a simple exercise like walking can have a tremendous effect on reducing arthritis pain and stiffness.

Other forms of osteoarthritis treatment include:

- Applying heat or cold. Apply heat to relax aching muscles and reduce stiffness. Use cold to reduce any swelling or soreness.

-Medication. The ones most people opt for are nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (SNAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications work well in reducing pain, swelling and stiffness. However, they don’t make the condition better and they come with side effects. Long-term use could result in problems such as stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Msm Cream - Some people have found that using msm cream, greatly reduced their joint pain.  It has even been proven to rebuild your joints.
How do you know if you have osteoarthritis? If you have a joint that is painful, stiff and maybe swollen for more than two weeks, go visit your doctor to get it checked out. Apart from age and being overweight, other risk factors for osteoarthritis includes prior joint injuries, inactivity and heredity.

Arthritis may be the number one cause of disability in the US, but that doesn’t mean it is an inevitable health condition that comes with age. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get active through exercise. Take the steps today to relieve yourself from the aches and pains.