Trashion is not a new word but a portmanteau or a blend of two words: trash and fashion. This is the term used for any art, fashion, clothing, jewelry, bags and objects that have been created from discarded, used, unwanted, surplus, thrown-out or rejected items or components. It encompasses home décor, ornaments, and even garments. It may be avant-garde buy it is definitely vogue which is what they really are designed for - to let people know that even though these items were made from recycled and unwanted items it does not mean that they lack style or would not look as beautiful as a brand-new item. In fact, it shows the creativity and ingenuity of the designers for having created something really imaginative from trash.

Samples of bags - Trashy Bags - from discarded sachets being made by Ghanians with the help of an Accra-based NGO.

These days, online clothing stores pretty much sell a lot of garments made from different fabrics such as cotton, polyester, wool, nylon and many other natural and synthetic fabric materials. There are specialty online clothing stores that carry 100 percent organic apparel that is now gaining grounds for the eco-friendly and the environmentalists or those who believe in sustainable fashion. Not so far from sustainable fashion is trashion which has managed to blend fashion, art, sustainability and activism.

This dress is made from recycled aluminium soda cans.   

What we really don’t know is that we have been doing this for years. Recycling is a part of trashion but we just got so used to giving away some of the things we never used and did not imagine something else could be done with it. Initially trashion was art-couture costume linked only to contests or fashion shows showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of a designer. As eco-fashion, recycling and sustainable fashion became more prevalent, trashion soon became wearable. Online clothing stores suddenly came up with more eco-friendly apparel that transcended fashion to social responsibility. And trashion is definitely a form or recycled fashion that would eventually help improve sustainable fashion.

Other garments worn by the students were made from cardboard, plastic bags, packing tape, bubble wrap, car tyros, and plastic bottles

Some are very innovative while some are awe-inspiring because you never really thought one could be made out of it. I guess it really takes a lot of imagination, creativity, ingenuity and a lot of artistry in you to be able to see something beautiful from something so ordinary like buttons, zippers and other damaged or otherwise discarded pieces of clothing like old suits and coats. Amazingly, some designers can create wearable jewelry pieces from non-clothing recycled items that others call trash that may have been on its way to a dumpsite or landfill such as bottle caps, old keyboard pieces, microchips, discarded containers and many more. Their jewelry pieces become more visually appealing and interesting and sometimes make you wonder it came to be.

End key necklace, Sprite bottle cap necklace and Coca Cola bottle cap bracelet

Old windows, doors and lamps are just some of the old and discarded items that can be used to create a wide variety of furniture. No need to but new and expensive when you can turn an old one into something that is uniquely yours. Remember that since you were the one with the original idea it would ensure that you will be the only one with that kind of furniture. With imagination, creativity and artistry another person’s garbage can be made useful, old and battered furniture could be given a new lease in life.

Handbag and totes made from discarded and old men's suits. Recycled post consumer beer bottle ruffled bowl.

There are now so many bloggers who have turned trashion into a DIY or crafts blogs where they can showcase some of their products and turn it even into business by featuring it in the different marketplaces such as etsy.com. Here are some of the examples of trashion garments, jewelry, bags and even home goods that are appealing because of its exclusive flavor that’s intrinsically unique and quirky.

Earrings from Coca Cola cans, Sprite bottle caps, and Noxzema bottle.

Microchip cufflinks, vintage bottle ring, and Scrabble key chain.

Image Sources: Etsy.com, Global Envision and AlexHofford.com

Fashion experts have always said that color is the simplest way to update your wardrobe, whether it is your work uniforms, corporate clothing or casual polo shirts and t-shirts. Adding a few cool-weather pieces in the most popular hues will help you stay as trendy as the next red carpet walker throughout the fall and winter. No need to empty your pockets with a very expensive wardrobe overhaul, just add a few pieces that coordinate well with the basic cuts and colors you have in your wardrobe and voila you are on your way to a fashionable wardrobe.

Deep Plum, Eggplant or Phlox
Plum, eggplant, and purple are rich shades and perfect color choices for fall. This rich shade of purple practically screams class and elegance. A few pieces will add pizzazz to what might be boring corporate clothing or even the most casual of outfits. Invest in some casual and cheap polo shirts, inexpensive but classy corporate shirts, and even spa wear and medical scrubs.

Polo shirt, corporate shirt and plain t-shirt in Plum

Dark Teal and Jade
Teal is a medium blue-green color which is definitely perfect for autumn. There are different shades of teal like depending if it’s more bluish than green which makes it teal blue or teal that is more of a deep green/greenish-blue color which makes it more dark teal. Some tones of color close to teal are jade, turquoise, tropical rain forest, steel teal, emerald, and malachite and sky blue. You can wear it on its own, like a coordinated medical scrub tops and pants, or pair it with neutrals to add a little color to it.

Medical scrubs in Jade

Port and Company Essential T-shirt in Jade

Taupe or Coffee Liqueúr
Taupe is a pretty mix between a cool gray and an earthy brown, so definitely the ultimate neutral color. Since earth color is pretty much favored in this time of year, taupe is going to be uber popular this season. A pair of all-weather boots or a warm and snug outerwear or warm-up jacket in taupe will give you a trendy yet practical ready for a cold-spell look.

Cherokee Warm-up jacket in Taupe

Silver, Gray, or Quarry
A classic fall favorite is the color gray but for this year the gray goes a little silvery. Perfect to mix and match with other colors and is so versatile it goes with almost every type of shade be it in a lovely plain t-shirt or a ladies corporate shirts in long or short sleeves. Medical scrub pants and tops are also available in this sophisticated color making you stylish even in a hospital setting.

Short sleeve and long sleeve corporate shirts

Mustard, Lemon Yellow or Bamboo
Mustard yellow or lemons yellow or bamboo is going to be a huge favorite throughout fall and winter. And what makes this color very popular is that it would look awesome paired with any of the fall hues mentioned above. Complement it with taupe or silver to create a really chic look. Match it with deep plum or dark teal and create an autumn-themed look.

Sport Tek Polo Shirt in Mustard Yellow

Rust Hues, Rusty Orange or Burnt Sienna
A more masculine orange Burnt Sienna is a standard fall classic. It is describes as a warm mid brown color. Though women can easily use corporate polo shirts in rusty hues, a more masculine style could make use of Burnt Sienna as vibrant accents to add a splash of vivid color to your outfit.

Polo shirts from Port Authority in Rust Hues

Other fall colors are Magenta or Raspberry Wine, Orchid Hush for women and Cadet for men, and Bright Red.

Port Authority - Ladies Silk Touch Interlock Cardigan in Magenta and Bright Red

Plain t-shirts in Orchid Hush and Cadet

To better understand these colors, here is what Pantone, the makers of color dyes, color swatch guides and the world gurus of color have released in their fashion color report for fall 2011. And here is out these color really looks:

Must-have styles are:

Plaids and Polka-Dots

Medical scrubs in plaids

Nursing scrubs with polka dots

Bright Colored Pants and Wide Leg Trousers

Chunky Sweaters and Comfy Pullover Sweater

These are back from last season while plaids and polka dots are classics. Add a few pieces of each and simply color coordinate everything so you can maximize your updated wardrobe. Make sure you also check the colors and styles that you already have and make sure that you can also use those styles with the new colors so it doesn’t go to waste. Don’t let shopping get to you. Online shopping should always a fun experience especially with service oriented ones where you get the best customer support as well as the best choices, prices and deals like free shipping. So, check out your wardrobe right now and enjoy your shopping.

Everybody knows that getting a job these days is way, way difficult. And it is more formidable for the new graduates entering the job market. Competition for the best job opportunities is fierce and one needs all the tools to bag the crucial first interview.

Getting a job right out of college is not for the faint-heart. Extreme patience and determination are just some of the virtues you need to have because what we have is a tough employment market. Although employment is said to be picking up again this year, the graduate recruitment is not as it was before the crisis. 

While it is important that you get your dream job, sometimes it is not possible. Simply being a graduate of a good school or be in perfect corporate clothing or smart business attire is not enough. So how can you improve your chances of getting a job amidst the sea of competition?

Sell yourself
Just like the way one markets a business, a graduate needs to stand out. This is quite hard to do these days as there is a sea of competition for the job. Selling yourself is done by taking inventory of your strengths and promoting these strengths and how they complement the requirements of the job you are applying for. This is a simple matter of acknowledging your skills and convincing others of your worth, and most importantly this would show what you can do for the company. Because new graduates do not have the work experience that others might have, what one can do is promote skills that you have acquired through study, volunteer work, and part-time employment, as well as general life experience that are transferable or that can be used in any situation. Examples of these are good communication and interpersonal skills, strong time management, problem solving ability. Sometimes it’s hard to sell yourself because you feel it is bragging but this is a necessary tool when looking for a job. The best way to do it after you have taken stock of your skills and strengths is find specific examples that can demonstrate these strengths. In an interview, you should be able to fluidly and intelligently talk about these.

Customize your application
One of the most important skills when applying for a job is research. Study the job description and the requirements of the job for which you are applying for. Make sure that your application is tailor-made for the position you are applying for. First thing to do is make sure that you address your application to the relevant person listed on the application as well as the specific company and position you are applying for and the reasons why. While it is understandable that as graduates you are applying to multiple firms, it is imperative though that you put specific information, the background skills and strengths that are relevant. Never send a generic application or cover letter that lists than general skills that may or may not be relevant to the particular job. Always check your application and list down transferable skills and strengths like those mentioned above and skills that are pertinent for the specific position listed.

Make error-free CV and application
You want to show that you will be a valuable addition to the company and making sure your application is error-free is imperative. This would show would-be employees your attention to detail and in this case even very small errors make a really bad impression with recruiters. If you can make a mistake in your spelling or information in your own CV then you will not impress the recruiter positively. Ask a family or friend to proof read over your CV and application to ensure that even minute details are accurate.  One may think that checking CV and application for errors is simple enough and obvious but this is often one of the most overlooked elements and most often one of the reasons why one is not called back for an interview. 

Most of the time employers spend as little as 45 seconds skimming a resume before determining if it’s interesting enough to warrant a closer look and an interview. If your resume is hard to read – unclear, lengthy, with spelling and grammar errors, contains irrelevant information – it might bore the recruiter or might become disinterested. Make sure your application and resume is informative but concise, carefully and clearly laid-out, and 100% accurate in content, spelling and grammar. This would ensure a positive impression to the recruiter which you could enhance with a really good interview.

The dot com industry and the start-up trends was the in thing in the late 1990’s and early 2001. During this time, Internet based businesses funded by venture capitals flourished.  But then the dot com bubble burst and hundreds of companies folded and went completely out of business. Thousands of the same companies reduced or were forced by circumstances to reduce their work force. And for those who have planned their mortgages and/or retirements based on the prices of the stocks they held in the technology company they work with or preferred, this was a agonizing time. For those who remained in the dot com industry, they learned to diversify.

These days, although there are graduates still attracted to work in the dot com industry, there is a growing trend gravitating towards jobs in environmental sustainability. Young, ambitious and idealistic young professionals and fresh graduates are now attracted to work or volunteer in green jobs. They want to make a career where they can be of most help or work on something that makes them feel good. Their generation has seen a lot of environmental issues bombarded on multi-media. 

According to the New York Times article I read, the operations director for Idealist.org - a Web site that lists paid and unpaid opportunities for nonprofit groups and social enterprise companies-Amelia Byers said that the number of environmental work related jobs has roughly tripled in the last three years. “A lot of new graduates are coming out of a world where volunteerism and service has been something that has helped define their generation,” she said. “Finding a job with meaning is an important value to them.”

Green jobs are not confined to non-profit sector. There is a growing number of corporations that are including environmental issues such as reducing waste and carbon footprints in their policy. There are also companies focusing on their environmental strategies and activities and their efforts to consider long-term social, environmental and economic impacts when making decisions. Issues like sustainability are thus integrated into their M.B.A education in order that their graduates would be more than ready for these issues.

For those who are interested in working in environmental related jobs, here are some suggestions you can look into:

• Solar Power Installer - Nearly 800,000 jobs in the country are related to making and installing solar power systems. This can include anything from installing solar-thermal water heaters and rooftop. Currently there are more than 3,000 companies nationwide in the solar energy sector. Solar power installers are responsible for planning and setting up the photovoltaic equipment that will provide electricity to the building. Installers work with clients to decide what kind of solar panel structures to install, and what would be the best location to install them. They will be in high demand to help design more environmentally friendly homes and office buildings, reducing energy waste and overall costs.

• Environmental Engineer - Use engineering skills to protect the environment and human health. Environmental engineers work on air-pollution control, water treatment, waste management, alternative energy, and conservation, in both the private sector and government agencies. Considered to be ranked 5 for the Top 100 Best jobs in America by Forbes.com with a median salary of $81,000.

• Environmental Scientist - With the rapid advance of technology and booming urban expansion, human health concerns and environmental health concerns become one in the same in regards to water quality, air quality, and waste management. Environmental scientists will be in demand to help cities keep their people and surrounding environment clean and healthy. Environmental scientists conduct research into factors that could negatively affect people, wildlife, or the environment. These factors include air pollution and water pollution, but the biggest responsibility that environmental scientists usually cover is waste management.

• Environmental Health and Safety Specialist - conducts research or performs investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or the health of the population. Utilizing knowledge of various scientific disciplines may collect, synthesize, study, report, and take action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Ranked 22 for Top 100 Best jobs in America by Forbes.com with a median salary of $71,000.

• Solar Community Organizer – A solar community organizer is someone who understands how communities are driven by relationships and who can work within that fabric to make change happen. This is a fun job, where you will help create and run local campaigns to increase solar adoption through classic grassroots organizing and affinity marketing techniques. You’ll be the public face of this Solar Communities program and will need to be excited to embrace lots of public exposure as well as detailed data management in the office.

• Farmer -- There are only 2 million farmers in America, and since organic and sustainable agriculture requires small-scale efforts, there is a huge need for more farmers.

Example of jobs in farming:

Field Manager - for a certified biodynamic farm like Hawthorne Valley Farm

Partners for Sustainable Farm in Reedley, California

Sustainable farmers in Northampton, MA

• Energy Efficiency Builder – Energy efficiency builders are architects who specialize in designing and constructing structures that have less impact on the environment and conserve more energy than typical buildings. Building retrofitting is growing as a business due to increasing government standards and regulations for energy efficiency. As an example of the growing industry, LEED, the major green building certification, alone have more than 43,000 accredited professionals.

• Land Conservation Specialist - is responsible for managing and completing all aspects of conservation projects, including providing guidance to landowners, writing grants, and collaborating with private and public agencies.

• Wind Turbine Fabricator - Buildings accounted for 39.4 percent of the total U.S. energy consumption and to combat these figures, wind power, and thus wind turbine fabricators, will be in high demand to help power homes and office buildings in a more environmentally-friendly way, reducing energy waste and overall costs. Wind turbine fabricators are responsible for designing and installing wind power units. Wind turbines are large structures, and therefore require ample space for construction. In addition, wind turbine fabricators must take into account how much wind an area receives before installing a turbine.

• Green Architects - Green architects design buildings to optimally support human needs while protecting and enhancing the earth’s ecological systems. Green Homes are in demand, and as a result, so are architects who know how to incorporate green structures and aspects to a new home. Green architects are also getting a lot of business doing eco-friendly upgrades to existing homes.

• Forester - Foresters will be in demand to help control the rate of deforestation and better manage wildlife resources with the needs of the population in mind. Foresters work with individuals, industries, and the government in deciding what to do with forested land and how to keep them thriving and healthy. Foresters must find a way to keep the plant life in the forest devoid of damaging diseases and pests while also ensuring that maintenance of the land will not cost the landowner excess expenses. Some foresters also draft plans on redeveloping previously destroyed land, monitoring the growth of new forests, and controlling the growth of established forests.

• Social Responsibility Officers - These jobs combine environmental and business experience to help companies set and meet goals regarding carbon reduction, sustainability, and eco-friendliness. Green Consultants are also being brought in, as corporations are trying to quickly set programs in place, measure their carbon footprints, audit supply chains, etc, all while communicating these changes to employees.

• Urban Planner - Environmental urban planners take particular interest in preserving wildlife habitats and finding areas to develop that would least damage the local ecosystem. For example, instead of breaking into new ground for a proposed shopping mall, urban planners may recommend reusing an old abandoned site for the building and developing it to make it attractive once more to consumers and businesses. Planners also deal with government codes and legislations, and must put together comprehensive reports for government executives and others. Employment of urban and regional planners is expected to grow 19 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations.

In a few days, school children will be exchanging their  school uniforms for summer dresses, oversized sunglasses, shorts and summer tees. And more importantly, they will be on vacation from homework and school projects.

The question is, are parents ready for a month long with kids-at-home or have they learned from past experiences and had prepared a summer things-to-do list for them?

Don’t wait for the time that your children get bored and think of ways to make their own summer adventure list.

Here are suggestions, for both parents and children, which you can personalize or upgrade depending on your children’s age and personalities.

1. For animal lovers, volunteer at the local animal or homeless shelter.

2. Sign up for a class. It is a good practice if your child or children learn something every summer like a sport that is not taught at school or learn another language.

3. Go on a teen summer camp – research the different summer camps available and take into consideration your child’s personality and interests. It is best to discuss the activities and facilities with your child and ask for his/her inputs.

• Summer sports camps are designed to help children improve their athletic abilities and enhance social bonds with other like-minded kids.
• 
• Acting camp is an excellent way to encourage your child to try something new and nurture his or her natural creativity. 
• Boot camp teaches practical skills and modifies unhealthy and destructive behaviors so these troubled teens are in a position to make better decisions.

4. Look for a summer job in your neighborhood or an internship.

5. Volunteer for community service.

6. Take a self-defense class. 

7. Take a family road trip.

8. Go on a backyard camping with your close friends. Or a real camping for that matter.

9. Have a sleepover party and watch scary movies. Schedule your sleepover parties so that your friends can each do it in your homes. 

10. If you are into traveling and planning to do it with your children, here are some places your teens might enjoy:

• Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
• Cancun, Mexico
• Canary Islands, Spain
• Krabi Town, Thailand
• Pulau Penang, Malaysia
• New York City, NY 
• Fethiye, Turkey
• Bintan Utara, Indonesia
• Agios Nikolaos, Ionian Islands, Greece
• Runaway Bay, Jamaica

Even before the global crises, there have been moms who have opted to stay home. Their decision stemmed from the fact that one of the parents needed or wanted to be there for their children. Before the internet boom, they would have been busy with other household chores. The internet has changed a lot of things because those who wanted to stay home were given opportunities to still earn a living.

Aside from the fact that they are able to take care of their children, home based or stay-at-home moms were able to enjoy the fact that they need not ready themselves, wear their work uniforms, and struggle with a 30-minute commute to the office or brave the horrendous traffic. They can simply wake up, take care of the kids, finish their chores and do their work at home. And so several work came out in the market such as freelance writing, blogging, affiliate marketing and many more. And even those who were working fulltime in the office resigned from their work when they realized that they could earn work even when at home because of technology and the internet. Though some thought working home based is simply a hobby, worse, some thinks it is a job meant for those who do not have a successful career.

When the global crisis happened, some felt the big effect when they lost their jobs when their companies downsized. And so they turned to some work in the internet which they thought were simply hobbies for some. Usually, those who have worked all their lives for some company had a hard time adjusting and adapting. For some who are still struggling with the change and you feel that there is a need to look good or feel that you are in a working environment, then go ahead and wear a corporate polo shirt or any corporate apparel that makes you feel more professional.

Nowadays, you can also have a career when you stay-home for your children. Yes, it still needs a lot of balancing act but at least one has better options. It may not pay as big as your previous jobs or career but it is better than not having a job at all.  One has to be really careful about finding legitimate and profitable jobs online because there are also a lot of scams. There are now so may careers that can be had even when you are home based.

Home-based Call Center
While call centers is known to be outsourced to India and the Philippines, a growing trend is home-based call centers in the US itself, manned by stay-home moms. Call center workers can either be doing sales or customer service, or even technical support, for the company that hires them. For this kind of charge, they sometimes require that you set an office or a room where you can work in. Companies usually require that there are no audible distractions like a baby crying or a barking dog and they do interviews to test it. Also, they also require high-speed internet, and a good working computer, phone line, good quality headset and sometimes even cams.

Virtual Assistant
Wikipedia defines virtual assistant as an entrepreneur or independent contractors who provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance and support to clients from a remote location, either their home or office. The work can be customized depending on what the customer needs. They are independent contractors rather than employees so they will not be subject to the tax as well as benefits of a regular employee.     It is the perfect solution for when one needs a solution for an ongoing help but do not need a full-time employee. Virtual assistants function the same way as personal and executive assistants without the burden of a commute, high heels and corporate clothing.

Web Design, SEO Specialist and Other Technical Jobs
If you are computer savvy and have the basic knowledge on the way a website is set-up and optimized then you can look for jobs that need this kind of expertise. Web design is a collection of online content, both documents and applications, which reside on a Web server. And with so many people needing specialized and technical work such as these, then they can use your services. You can start by bidding on Odesk or other marketplace of online jobs. If you do a good job, then you can expect more clients to choose you or even ask you to work permanently for them or give you more tasks.

Tutoring Service
If you have a specific skill or a teacher who wants to make take additional work, you can offer tutoring services. You can make a website to advertise your skills, whether it is tutor kids in various academic subjects or to teach adults how to use a computer or any specific skill. If you know several languages and you can also teach anyone interested to learn another language.

Set Up Your Own Business
Before there was eBay, people would scour thrift shops and flea markets for antique treasures. Now it’s easier to find these things with eBay. If you want to earn additional income, you can sell or auction on eBay and other marketplace. Just make sure that you follow through very well so that you do not get negative feedback from customers which can ultimately destroy your business.

The different works stated above are just few of several things you can do online. It would be best to look for something that you are very interested in, a hobby or a skill. Also, remember that just like any other career it is not easy but if you are patient then you will go a long way. A career at home is a way to build on your interest and skill while at the same time fulfilling your need to be available for your children, which takes precedence. There are a lot of pros and cons so it is a must that you make a thorough research, including tax obligations. And if you are married, this is something that you both should talk about before venturing into it. But for someone who has lost their job, there is simply a lot of ways to forge a new path in your life if you are ready for it.

Most would probably think this is a little late or too early to be discussing about. I certainly don’t think so. With kids, you always need to be one step ahead and for those who will be sending their kids to school for the first time, it is but high time you start the practice so that by the time comes, you’ll be ready because they are used to it already. Getting them ready in their school uniform every morning need not be a hardship as long as they have done it a million times. The same discipline that you instill in them early on is something that will benefit them in the long run.

After a long summer vacation where there wasn’t any need to wake up that early for a hectic and packed daily schedule going back can be quite daunting. After a lazy and very relaxed month or two, going back to school with its very fast paced and tightly packed school schedule is tough. It not only means waking up really early but then there is also a need to adjust parents schedules to accommodate breakfast, lunch box preparation, bathroom use and many more. So after getting used to making it in their business casual very leisurely, now they also have to rush in order to be able to finish all tasks and still manage to come to work on time.

So, while it is not yet school time, get the kids used to earlier wake-up times. Once a good routine has been established getting them ready and off to school is a breeze. Let them enjoy waking up late during the summer but don’t make a habit of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with kids waking up early as long as they still have enough quality sleep which means of course having them sleep early to fulfill that. Consistency and routine make life so much easier for you when school starts in September or February (if you are from Australia).

Start Early With a Plan
Don’t wait until it’s too late to start planning for the changes that will no doubt occur. Have a family meeting three or two weeks before the start of classes to discuss the plan that has to be implemented. This is the time when you need to announce the new sleep schedule which is the hardest part because then parents would also need to change the computer time, TV time and all the things tweens live for. This is the time when parents need to explain the importance of sleep to growing children and the danger of not getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, kids ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. Although parents do understand that children need enough sleep but because they are also busy they are not able to give their children the critical sleep they need to develop and function properly. Sound sleep is very important because it ensures that children will have a sound foundation for proper mind and body development. If children need to fulfill the 10 to 11 hours of sleep, they need to sleep really early say 7 pm and wake up really late like 6 am. Sometimes with the busy schedule in the office and long hours of work, dinner and bedtimes are pushed back late but children would still need to wake up early in order to be able to eat breakfast and be in their school uniform before the school bus arrives. This then causes children to miss out on the necessary amount of sleeping.

Marc Weissbluth, MD in his book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child shares some insightful comments to show how important sleep is:

"Sleep is the power source that keeps your mind alert and calm. Every night and at every nap, sleep recharges the brain's battery. Sleeping well increases brainpower just as weight lifting builds stronger muscles, because sleeping well increases your attention span and allows you to be physically relaxed and mentally alert at the same time. Then you are at your personal best."

Making your children realize the value of sleeping allows the whole family to be in the same page and see the need to set and follow the new sleep schedule and won’t see it as a dictatorship.

It’s Not All about Bedtime
Researchers at SRI International, an independent American research institute based in California, have found that children who had a regular bedtime performed better at languages, reading and maths than those who went to bed at different times. They also found that the earlier the child who went to bed, the better they performed at school.

When we say bedtime it does not only mean being in their beds early. What we want is to get them into an after school routine or a bedtime routine and that also means having them on the dinner table on a set time, limited time on computer, TV, and video and with enough time for studies. Setting a study time with a parent is also important in the after school routine. Let us not expect children to sleep early if they eat late. And when we say bedtime, it does not mean being in their bedrooms or their bed and still online or on the phone. In order that they can still get the much needed sleep they would have to forego some online time.

Bedtime routine is not set by children but by the parents. Setting a bedtime routine especially for babies and toddlers is important in making a significant impact on children’s emergent literacy and language skills. The data of the research done by SRI International on 8000 children showed that having a regular bedtime was the most consistent predictor of positive developmental outcomes. Children whose parents have rules on what time their children go to bed scored higher receptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, literacy and early math abilities.

Establish a Good Routine
After weeks of staying up late and sleeping in during the summer months becomes a routine. Changing that would be a little hard. What parents can do is establish the same routine whether school days or not when it comes to sleeping and waking up late. If you do change it a bit during the summer vacation, the make sure you go back to the same routine 2 or three weeks before school starts. Now, it’s not possible to immediately change the routine that has already been established. With the help of the alarm clock, adjust the body clock of our children little by little. Maybe for the first day, let them sleep at the usual time but wake them a little bit earlier than the usual. Then for that day adjust the sleeping time since they woke up earlier until they have adjusted their body clock to going to bed at the same time they will go during the school year.

Getting All the Help
One other tip that can help is getting all things ready the night before. Make sure all the things needed are in their backpacks or bags. Let your children do this after studying, it is their responsibility, but it is still important for parents to check it. Ready their school uniform or whatever they are going to wear for school so that they do not have to take too long while thinking of what to wear. This routine is for younger school children but can also be done for tweens with them choosing what to wear but having it ready for the next day. Asking one of them to help in preparing breakfast or the lunch bags will also help. Make sure that every time they do well and follow the established routine is recognized, praised or appreciated. It also helps in bolstering their self-esteem.

There are times parents have established a different routine and if it works then there is no problem. There are different factors to consider when establishing a routine that can be specific to your family. What is important is that children get the necessary sleep and that you are consistent. Consistency with any routine will benefit you and your child in less time than you may think.

Creating Positive Bedtime Rituals
Pediatrician Dr. Scott Cohen says: "Routine and predictability is the key."
Limit Sugar before Bed
Limit TV/Video Games 1 hour before bed

Parenting Consultant Ann Corwin, Ph.D says: "Kids need to feel safe when they go to bed."
Remember , for a child, going to bed is the ultimate separation from their parent.
Bedtime should always be about teaching kids to be able comfort themselves and feel safe even though their parents cannot be with them at that moment. So NEVER tell kids they need to 'go to bed' as a punishment/discipline technique.
Pick an Attachment Object.

Mommy Blogger Lisa Belkin, says: "Rituals that worked best at our house have varied from age to age."
Tucking in the stuffed animals.
Have your kids recount their day.
If your kids can't sleep, develop a special snack.
Singing a favorite lullaby.
Give them something to concentrate on once you leave the room.

Nurses, health professionals and all those who want to win a year’s worth of scrubs uniforms plus and iPad, join the Landau Made Better Sweepstakes which is open until March 1, 2011.

Here is the link where you can go if you want to join:

Landau Uniforms Sweepstakes

For those who love cooking, Rachel Ray is a certainly a name you know. She is the queen of 30 minute meals and for those who work away from home and has to drive a bit before she can start dinner, Rachel Ray is a life saver.

Her 30 minute meals have never failed us, although I often wonder whether my product ever tastes as good as what she does. Let’s be honest, no matter how much we follow her recipe and instructions, there will always be a slight difference. There are times we taste a good food when dining with friends in somebody else’s house and you ask for the recipe. Yes, she can and will give it to you (she is a really good friend) but once you try it there is a subtle difference in what you have done or in the end result.

The only thing you probably got right was that you both wore a Fame Fabrics apron (we bought it at the same time at the same place). And it is the one thing that both our moms impressed on us when we were younger, and that whenever we are in the kitchen we should always wear our aprons. Maybe it's because we really did a lot of experimentig when we were young. And the only way we get actually close to what she (or I ) has done is when we would do the same recipe with her (or me) hovering around, telling you what you missed or what you didn’t do right.

Anyway, going back to Rachel Ray, she recently shared a recipe of Caprese Lasagna on Good Morning which she said is less than $10, it’s easy, it’s healthy, and it’s yummy and it is definitely below $10. You could take a look at the cost right below the recipe.

Ingredients
•  2 tablespoons butter
•  2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
•  2 tablespoons flour
•  1 cup milk
•  1 cup chicken stock
•  fresh nutmeg, few grates
•  Salt, to taste
•  ground black pepper, to taste
•  1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles
•  1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
•  1/2 bunch basil, chopped
•  4 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

Cooking Directions
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Place a large saucepot over medium-heat and melt the butter.
Add garlic to pan and cook until aromatic, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, and cook for about 1 minute.
Whisk the milk and chicken stock into the butter-flour mixture and bring up to a bubble.
Add the nutmeg, season with salt and ground black pepper, and simmer until thickened, 3-4 minutes.

Assemble the lasagna by ladling a small amount (about 1/4 cup, just eyeball it) of the sauce into the bottom of a 9x13" baking dish and laying 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Top the noodles with about a third of the sliced tomatoes, a third of the basil, 1/4 cup of sauce and about a third of the shredded cheese.
Repeat until all ingredients are used up, topping the lasagna off with a final layer of sauce and shredded cheese.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil from the baking dish and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
When ready to serve, top with remaining chopped basil leaves.

Serves 4
Caprese Lasagna (Total: $9.35)

Cost:
$0.22 2 tablespoons butter
$0.08 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
$0.08 2 tablespoons flour
$0.26 1 cup milk
$0.72 1 cup chicken stock
$0.04 A few grates fresh nutmeg
XX Salt and freshly ground black pepper
$1.93 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles
$2.00 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
$2.18 Half a bunch (about 30 leaves) basil, chopped
$1.92 4 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

Like Rachel Ray said, it's easy to do, so let us both dig in.

The term blue-collar was originally used for skilled or unskilled workers involve in manufacturing, mining, building and construction trades and other jobs that engage in manual labor. The term blue collar actually stemmed up from the workwear apparel that industrial and manual workers wore which was, and still is, a light or navy blue work shirt. The work clothing were made of durable denim fabric which can be dirtied  or soiled at work as oppose to the white usually worn as corporate clothing of those in the office environment. Color-coding used to identify the difference in socio-economic class before but it has become fuzzy over years with both all workers, whether in factories or the corporate world, wears white and blue work shirts. These days, it is no longer the corporate uniform that sets the tone of the corporate world. Some Silicon Valley entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs wear jeans as part of the business casual look.

Job titles or positions has also become of the gauge of success. Once there is a “manager” or “senior” in your job title that would mean you are in a managerial position. But then there are also job titles that are a little bit obscure. It sounds enviable but does not easily show you what the job description is.  There are now so many new jobs and job titles that we did not use to have. Some have crop up because of technology and the need to have someone working on a specific job. A job or position usually has a title that makes it easily apparent what the job description is. Take for example when the job title says Registered Nurse. No doubt about it you know that the person is a health care professional.

There are job titles that are just desirable, it sounds like a title/position you want on your resume or on your business card. But when you take a closer look at the job description, either it is not what you thought it is or worse, it is a job that is not really that interesting and suited to your skills.

Here are some of the weird and wonderful job titles I have seen:

Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
What the job seems to be: Sounds like Harry Potter's nemesis Lord Voldemort or someone in a conspiracy theory or the real power behind the government in a Robert Ludlum novel.
What it really is: The Chancellor of the Exchequer is the title of the British Cabinet minister responsible for all economic and financial matters, controls HM Treasury and is considered one of the four Great Offices of State.  The Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer on the other hand is the member of the Shadow Cabinet responsible for shadowing the Chancellor of the Exchequer but with no constitutional role. Current Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer is Alan Johnson.

Gang Knife Fish Chopper
What the job seems to be: With 3 out of the 4 words that are violence-related, the title makes you think of a truly violent job.
What it really is: The only non-violent word is fish which is what the job is all about. When the fish is being prepared for canning, a set of knives called the gang knife is used to slice fish into several pieces of predetermined length. Not so violent, eh?

Chief of Space Medicine
What the job seems to be: Sounds like a job in the outer space. Are they practicing medicine in space?
What it really is: It is actually the title of the head of the NASA Space Medicine Division whose mission is to optimize the health, fitness, and well being of flight crews and their dependents and employees of the Johnson Space Center in Texas, and the White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The NASA’s chief of space medicine is Dr James Polk. That totally clears my running imagination, at least now I know that Dr. Polk is wearing a medical uniform and not a spacesuit.

Head of Strength
What the job seems to be: Makes you think of Incredible Hulk or the World’s Strongest Man. Or boss of those with superpower.
What it really is: Actually I am not that far-off from the actual responsibility of the Head of Strength. According to JobMonkey.com: The job is coaching, training and overseeing exercise and weight training for student-athletes, working with other trainers, coaches and the team physician to build strength, improve flexibility and help in rehabilitation from injuries. The Head of Strength and Conditioning usually works in the strength training and physical conditioning of student-athletes and sports teams. Take note that a Professional Strength and Conditioning Coaches can earn salaries in the range of $60,000 to $80,000.

Cake Stripper
What the job seems to be: The title is kind of ambiguous (or I just don’t want to think of the negative connotation of the word)
What it really is: A cake stripper actually operates a machine used in the cottonseed oil business. The cake comes from the fact that the machine is used to remove the wrapper from pressed cottonseed cake.

Flatcar Whacker
What the job seems to be: Sounds like a person who flattens or whacks a flatcar or the deck of the car.
What it really is: The flat whacker does not destroy or whack anything; in fact he inspects and repairs rail-type logging equipment, and repairs and replaces the flatcar attachments using hand tools.

Vibe Manager
What the job seems to be: Sounds like a manager who tells their clients how to chill.
What it really is: Vibe is defined as a feeling or flavor of the kind specified, so a vibe manager keeps the vibe or atmosphere that is in keeping or consistent with the hotel’s or restos’ identity. And yes, he or she makes sure that they continuously wow their clients.

If you think a job title would look good on your resume, take a closer look on its job description and make sure it’s apt to what you know and to your work experience. Yes, it might sound like a great job to have but not knowing what the job really requires may backfire on you.