Monday, March 14, 2011

Mother’s Day Projects For Teenagers That Love Crafts

As they grow older and they become teenagers, they are more independent and can do crafts on their own. Mother's Day is the ideal opportunity to make a gift for mom as Mother's Day Crafts are a lot of fun. Mom is sure to appreciate and treasure such a gift far more. Very popular is Beginner Scrapbooking And Greeting Card Basics, but with a little imagination, any craft can be used.

Here are a few ideas for you that you can use for Mother's Day crafts:

A. Make Jewelry

Make a necklace for Mom that she will wear with pride. Here's how:

Materials:
  • Beads. You can get creative here - think of Mom's favorite colors and style. You can use beads of natural stone, wood, or metal; or use brightly colored seed beads interspersed with interesting beads, ending in a large, fun pendant. As an added bonus, use a bead for the pendant that is a hollow circle or triangle, and Mom can slip her glasses into it when she's not wearing them.
  • Upholstery thread
  • Medium needle
  • Lighter or match
Directions:

1. Cut a length of thread that is long enough to go over Mom's head. Use your own head or one of her existing necklaces as a measurement so you don't spoil the surprise.

2. Thread the needle.

3. Using the needle, string the beads in any pattern you think Mom would like. You can be free-form and random, or design a symmetrical necklace. Some tips are:

-Lay the beads out on a table to see your design first.
-Count beads on either side of the main pendant (if there is one) to make sure the same number of beads are on both sides.

4. When you have all the beads strung on the thread, tie a knot in the upholstery thread, bringing the end beads as close as possible. Repeat the knot several times.

5. Cut off excess thread.

6. Use the lighter to singe the ends of the thread to prevent the knot from slipping and the ends from fraying.

B. Coupons

Making coupons for Mom can really give her a boost, and if you are artistically inclined, they can be attractive and funny. Here is how to make a book of Mother's Day coupons.

Materials:
  • Thin card stock, poster board, or index cards without lines
  • Hole punch
  • Yarn or ribbon
  • Colored pencils, water colors, markers, etc.
Directions:

1. If you are using card stock or poster board, cut it into rectangular pieces about the size and shape of a dollar bill or index card.

2. Punch two holes on the edge of each card. You will be stringing them together, so decide if you want them to lie horizontally or vertically.

3. Decorate each card to represent a different chore you can do, or breaks you can give Mom. Some examples of things to write on the coupons are: Good for one dinner and clean-up, Good for two bubble baths without interruption, etc.

4. When the cards are all decorated and written, lay them so that the holes line up and tie them together with ribbon or yarn.

Well, there you have two very good ideas. For jewelry crafts you can also consider Macramé Beaded Jewelry as it is a lot of fun and as a teenager you will be able to manage it without a problem.

For ideas to help a kid brother or sister with Mother's Day Crafts you can have a look at a book such as Creating With Fimo Acrylic Clay, where you will get really cool ideas for crafts with Fimo Clay.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Benefits Of The Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer

We all know that a bicycle trainer is a very good piece of equipment to have if you are a cycling enthusiast during the winter. It is not always possible to go outside to train and with a bicycle trainer, such as the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer, you can train indoors if the weather is very bad.

Now, let's have a look at the benefits of a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer:

  • Well, of course the first is that you can train whenever you want; the weather plays no role in it at all.
  • If you want to have the maximum benefit from your indoor trainer, you must be able to assemble you bicycle on it easily. Well, with the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer that is the case. You can go from outdoors to indoors very quickly.
  • You should be able to ser the resistance and with this bicycle trainer you have calibrated resistance and you can set it to your needs.
  • A very important benefit of the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer is that the fluid resistance makes it quiet. You will not find any other indoor trainer that is quieter. If you want to listen to music or watch TV while you are training then this is for you.
  • It is also important the fluid resistance chamber must be leak proof. You do not want to end up with a mess and a damaged indoor trainer because the fluid leaked out!
  • The trainer is solid and strong and this will ensure years of pleasurable service from your Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

How Many Calories Should I Eat To Lose Weight

Fat Loss 4 Idiots

So often people as "how many calories should I eat to lose weight." Well, the problem is that the amount of calories you should eat depends on your level of activity. So, even though in How To Lose Weight Calories are important, it is far easier to look for other ways to cut down on calories and lose weight.

So, if you are asking the question "how many calories should I eat to lose weight?" it is better to look at a healthy eating plan and some moderate exercise. This would ensure that you eat fewer calories and burn more.

It is very important to keep a food journal for about a week so that you can see what you are actually eating and drinking. This will show you exactly where you are going wrong. Start by replacing all the "bad" choices with healthy ones and you will already be cutting down on a lot of calories.

To this strategy, add some moderate exercise. Many people get so afraid when exercise is mentioned, but there is not need. A brisk walk for thirty minutes will go a long way in burning some calories.

So if you are asking the question "how many calories should I eat to lose weight?" if will be far easier to look at a healthy eating plan and moderate exercise than counting calories. If you have a look at "How To Lose Weight Calories" you will see how easy it is to move to a healthy eating plan.