How to Make a Princess Fairy Crown

Every little girl wants to be a princess at some point, and most little girls love fairies. I have a three-year-old niece, and she loves to play dress up. I am always trying to figure out new fun projects that she will enjoy. For her third birthday she was having a pink flower party, so I made her a pink princess fairy flower crown. This article will teach you how to make one.

First you will need some pipe cleaners; you can use all different colors, but I used pink because it was the party theme. You will also need a hot glue gun, one or two hot glue sticks, and ribbon. To add some fun decorations you can also add fake flowers, glitter, and fake gemstones to this crown.

The first step to making this crown requires that you make a base for it. This can be done by simply using several pipe cleaners. Start by making a loop at the end of one pipe cleaner. Wrap the end of the pipe cleaner tight so the loop stays, and then you can twist another pipe cleaner around the first one to elongate the base. Make a loop at the other end the same way you made the first. This is the perfect base for a crown.

Now you will use some other pipe cleaners to add height to the crown. I like to start by finding the middle of the base. You can figure this out by folding the base in half. Now find the middle of another pipe cleaner and twist the two middles together. Now make loops on either side of the middle using the ends of the pipe cleaners. These loops will make an M shape on the base of the crown.

Next using another pipe cleaner you can add even more height, and this will make the crown even more detailed. Start by twisting the ends of the new pipe cleaner to the far right and left sides of the M shape; next twist the top of the pipe cleaner you have just attached so that it has a loop. Now you can add other pipe cleaners to the base to create more intricate designs, or you can leave the base the way it is.

Now using your ribbon and hot glue gun, glue one end of the ribbon to the far side of the M shape. Wrap the ribbon around the crown until you reach the loop and glue the ribbon to the end before the loop. Now tie some more ribbon through the loop by folding it in half and pushing the ribbon loop through the pipe cleaner loop. Now pull the ribbon ends though the ribbon loop, and pull it tightly. Repeat this on the other side, and you will use these ribbons to tie the crown around your head.

I like to add fake flowers and gem stones to the crown to make it really stand out and sparkle; I will use the glue gun to add these special details. This crown is a beautiful creation for any little girl, and it is a fun project to help inspire their imagination.

Fairy Wings: Fun and Easy to Make

At some point in almost every little girl's life they dream of being a fairy, and it is not always easy to find fairy wings. When you do eventually find them they are either uncomfortable or they are expensive, but fairy wings are easy and fun to make. This is a great project to do at birthday parties or just for fun.

To make fairy wings you will need foam sheets, ribbon, a hot glue gun, felt, scissors, glitter glue, pipe cleaners, and gemstones. Sometimes it is a good idea to look at pictures of fairy wings and butterflies in order to get a better idea of what you want your fairy wings to look like.

To start you will need to cut butterfly wings out of the foam sheet. In order to make simple shaped butterfly wings fold the foam in half evenly. Next using a marker cut a v shape in the opposite side of the folded side. Next unfold the sheet and cut a v shape in the top and the bottom. You can add other details by cutting the wings into differently shapes and angles but these three cuts will give you a very basic wing shape.

Now that you have your wings it is time to make them stand up; first you will need to decide which side is the front and which side is the back. Use pipe cleaners to add strength to the back of the wings. Start by gluing a pipe cleaner to the center where all the wings meet. Glue three or four pipe cleaners from the bottom of the wing through the middle. Repeat this process for all of the wings, and you can curve the end of the pipe cleaners for a prettier effect if you like.

To make these wings wearable you will need to add some ribbons. Cut a square of felt that fits in the center of the wings. This piece of felt will also cover the ends of the pipe cleaners. Now cut two lengths of ribbons that are long enough to fit from your back to around your shoulders. You will be tying these ribbons so make sure to leave enough room for that as well. Now glue the middles of the ribbons to the part of the felt square that will be glued to the wings. Next glue the felt to the wings and allow to dry.
Now use the glitter glue and gems to add details to your wings, and when they are dry they are ready to wear. Just tie each side to your shoulders and you can be a fairy whenever you like!

How to Make a Dreamcatcher Using Things Found Around Your Home

Dreamcatchers have a long history, and it is said that dreamcatchers should be hung over your bed so that the good dreams can pass through the web and the bad dreams can be caught in it. Dreamcatchers are an inexpensive and easy project to create at home in your spare time, and they require very little supplies and only one tool. Here are the complete instructions for making your own dream catcher at home, so have fun, and as always happy crafting!

Creating your own personal dreamcatcher does not require many supplies at all, and some of these supplies you probably have laying around your home.

Scissors are a no brainer, and most of us have some yarn or twine stuffed in a drawer some where.

For this project you will need 3 feathers, and these can be purchased at most local craft stores or found in nature.

You will also need some branches or vines. Many craft stores and floral stores sell these, and if you live in a rural or suburban area they should be easy enough to find. You may also find it easy to buy a woven wreath and disassemble it.

Beads are a fun touch to this project, but they are not necessary. Adding beads will help you personalize this dreamcatcher, and when you pick out beads remember to make sure the match the thread you have decided to use. Beads can be purchased or made from things found around your home.

Creating the hoop base of the dreamcatcher may seem a little tricky, but it is harder than it looks. Just make sure to hold the vines tightly and keep your string taut and you will have no trouble with this part.

To start you will need to hold all of the sticks together at the end so that they are all about the same length on that side. Next use a 12 foot piece of yarn to tie a knot around that end.

Then while holding that end tightly in your hand, pull the vines into a circle until the other ends meet, and the circle size you is good for you. Now use the sting to tie the 2 sides together.

Now simply keep wrapping the yarn around the base while keeping the yarn taut. Remember to keep the vines tight as well, and wrap them down where they pull out.

After you have wrapped it tightly all around you will have completed the base of your dreamcatcher. Now just tie this string into a knot using the end of the string you originally knotted. Remember not to cut the string because it will be the main part of the web.

Now you will use the string from the previous step make a loop about a fifth of the way around the hoop and stick the string through the top of the loop to form a loose knot. Continue with this process until you have completed made it all the way around the hoop, and your web looks like a polygon. Keep going around the circle until you have reached the center

Now just tie a finishing knot and you are almost complete!

Fold a foot long piece of yarn in half twice, and knot it at the end.

Next place the loop on the top of the dream catcher and push the knot through the loop.

Now that the main part of your dreamcatcher is made it is time to add that special touch that will make it one of a kind and all of your own.

Start by cutting 3 pieces of string about a foot and a half long each. Now fold them in half and tie your feathers to the bottom of each.

Next add the beads you have chosen and knot the string about and below the beads to keep them in place.

Knot the top of the string as well, and secure these strands to the bottom of the dream catcher the way you secured the hanging loop in the previous chapter.

Now that these steps are complete you have made your own personal dreamcatcher that you can hang anywhere you like.

For more information, tips, tricks, and detailed photo instructions visit this link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24317307

Hope you enjoyed this project as much as I did and remember you can't wait for inspiration sometimes you have to club it over the head!

Ethics in Accounting, Financial Decision-Making, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

 

Ethics are important accounting and financial decision-making for several reasons, but the most important reason for valuing ethics in the finances and accounting is the success of a company. If a company does not value ethics it will lose profitability because other companies and customers will not want to deal with and support it. This article will discuss the importance of ethics in accounting and financial decision-making; it also reflects on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its impact on accounting and financial decision making.

Several key concepts of ethics in accounting and financial decision-making are trust, confidentiality, collaboration, and a code of ethics (Shanker). Trust and confidentiality go hand-in-hand in business accounting because trust is essential if a company wants loyal customers; confidentiality is also an integral aspect of financial dealings because privacy is often a concern for many companies and customers. Collaboration is another area of financial decision-making that is relevant because ethical practices promote collaboration (Shanker). A code of ethics is necessary in accounting and financial decision-making because it provides guidelines and standards for employees on all levels.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 "was passed in response to the financial scandals such as Enron and WorldCom," and it inevitably had a strong impact on accounting and financial decision-making (The Act Itself, pp. 1). This law required publicly traded companies to be much more accountable for their finances. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act set new regulations and penalties for public companies to provide investors with security. This act also caused the creation of "the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, which is in charge of overseeing, regulating, inspecting, and disciplining accounting firms in their roles as auditors of public companies" (The Act Itself, pp.3). This new law impacted accounting and financial decision making because it required companies to be responsible for their financial decisions; it also regulated the way board members and auditors interact, as well as, recognizing and regulating the problem of auditors working for companies that they have personal interest in.

Ethics plays an important role in accounting and financial decision-making because money is an area where greed and deception easily come into play. Many companies can easily lose their success because of unethical practices, and laws such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act help to regulate financial practices of companies and create an ethical code of conduct to follow.

Reference

Shanker, S. (n.d.). Importance of Ethics in Accounting & Financial Decision Making | eHow.com.eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved June 23, 2011, from http://www.ehow.com/about_6463277_importance-accounting-financial-decision-making.html

The Act Itself. (n.d.).SOX-Online: The Vendor-Neutral Sarbanes-Oxley Site. Retrieved June 23, 2011, from http://www.sox-online.com/act.html

8 Tips for Saving Time and Money on Your Home Garden

 

I love to garden, and I have been gardening for years. I love to grow everything; I have a vegetables, flowers, some fruit bushes and trees, and herbs. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out ways of saving time and money while maintain healthy gardens, and here is a list of 10 tips that I think you will find useful.

1. Mulch is an important part of your garden. It helps keeps the weeds out, and it helps keep the plants warm, watered, and safe. In order to make my mulch even more affective I save old newspapers for a week or 2, and I make use of it before I mulch. I have found that laying layers of newspaper down before mulching is a great way to maximize the potential of your mulch. This means that you will not need as much to be affective. This tip is eco-friendly and good for your garden.

2. Another way to save money and maximize your growing season is by starting seeds indoors in the late winter. Many seeds can be started in doors such as tomatoes, dill, peppers, beans, snap dragons, and daisies. Seeds are much cheaper than buying already grown plants, and they can usually be found sold 5 for a dollar at your local dollar store.

3. I always start my seeds indoors in February, and I find this is fun because by the end of the Christmas season I am in desperate need of some gardening. I use empty soda and water bottles to start my seeds. I simply cut them in half and plant in the part with the cap. I will also put holes in the cap, and rest the plant in the other half of the bottle. This lower empty half can be filled with water so that the plant will water itself.

4. Another way of saving money and time on plants is by growing perennials. Perennials will constantly grow back, and they will come back bigger than the year before. Perennials are amazing, and they can be separated in the fall and planted in other areas to keep your gardens expanding. Many fruit bushes are perennials such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Some great perennial flowers are lilies, hostas, irises,mums, and daisies. Many herbs are perennials as well, and they will grow quite large.

5. Trading plants are a great way of getting plants for cheap. If you see a plant you like approach the owner. A nice garden suggests that the person is proud of their work, and they will be open to talk about their garden. If you are growing perennials or have an abundance of seedlings started in your house you can ask for a trade. I have accumulated many plants this way. There are also many websites where you can trade plants. All you have to do is pay shipping.

6. Another way of getting free plants is to check your local area. Different areas have different natural flowers. I have procured many daisies and tiger lilies from my area. When you are digging up these plants just remember to leave some in the area so that these perennials can grow back. I also find it useful to bring some plastic bags with wet paper towels already placed in them. This will keep the plants watered while you are transplanting them. The plants can be left in these for some time before being planted.

7. There are many things found in the garbage or around the home that can be used in your garden. I use old pieces of lattice or wood for my beans to grow on. Old chair frames are also good for this purpose and they can be tied and staked to the ground.

8. Another money saving device is using old barrels and garbage cans to water your garden. Set them up on the highest elevation of your garden, and cut a small hole on the top of the garbage can. Invert it and rest it on the garbage pail. This will allow for maximum rain gathering and storing potential. This water can be transferred into pails, or it can be transferred to the garden by attaching spickets to the bottom of the pail and hoses that run along your garden. The spicket can then be turned on and the garden will be watered from the pressure of the elevated garbage can.

Gardens are a lot of fun, and they provide beauty and nourishment, but they can be costly and time consuming. These tips will help you maintain a lovely and productive garden in a timely and inexpensive manner.

Effective Tips for Classroom Management, Organization, and Planning

Being a teacher can be very rewarding, but it also takes a lot of work, time and consideration on the part of a teacher. Organization, planning, and time management hold an imperative role in managing a classroom. Students must be constantly monitored in order to make sure they are progressing; it is also important to monitor students to make sure that they are learning, and to help avoid disruption or off task behavior. Problems do occur in classrooms, and they must be anticipated and handled correctly. There are many things a teacher must take into consideration, and teaching can be a great job, but there is a lot of work involved as well.

In order to effectively manage my classroom I will have to have effective expectations, strongly organized procedures, and I must be able to utilize my resources and have good time management strategies. As a teacher of early childhood children it is important to provide a lot of work in the classroom; it is also important to provide involvement of the students. These procedures will help keep the children focused and enthusiastic in the classroom. As an elementary school teacher it is important to set rules and standards in the classroom during the first few weeks of classes (Lemlech, 2006). These rules can be established through socialization in the classroom, and these rules and standards must be specific and concrete so they can be understood and followed correctly. Enthusiasm in a classroom is a very effective way to help conserve time. Enthusiasm and encouragement is important in order to help the children get involved and interested in the lessons. Another very important way to save time in the classroom is being prepared; having materials and lessons ready before the day begins will help keep a continuous learning environment in the classroom (Lemlech, 2006). It is also important to monitor the students' progress and abilities in order to make sure they are all grasping the lessons. Group learning is a way of saving time through interaction because students will figure out lessons quicker in a group than they would alone. Another good way to help save time in the classroom is to provide students with immediate feedback. It is important to be organized, prepared, and able to utilize resources in a classroom; this is vital to saving time, keeping the class focused, and having the learning environment be effective.

In order to effectively manage a classroom it is important to have the environment arranged in a way that makes learning easier. As an art teacher my classroom will be completely revolved around art. My classroom layout will involve the students in many ways. First the desks will be in a U shape so that the students can converse with each other, and this way they will be able to see each other when they talk. This also allows me to put a table in the middle of the class for observation drawings, lessons, and motivational displays. I will also have a bookcase for students to research; there are so many different art ideas and styles, and I would like my students to have access to as much information as possible. I will also need cabinets for supplies and racks for large canvases. It is important to incorporated tables for drying artwork. I would like to have three tables that will have different art ideas, projects, and/or styles on them. The tables will give the students ideas for art as well as ideas on how to use different mediums. I have included a small table and two chairs for students looking at the books. I also included a plant because I think it is good to have plants in an artistic environment. I will also have plenty of art prints, pieces, originals, and copies all over the room; these various artworks will provide inspiration for the students, and they will also make the classroom a much nicer, prettier place to be.

It is important to monitor students' progress especially considering there are all different types of students and classes, and there are many ways to keep the attention of the students in a classroom. When monitoring independent classwork assignments it is imperitive to walk around the classroom, offer encouragement and assistance where needed, and observe the students' behavior. During independent work it is important to have a signal that will help the students ask for help (Lemlech, 2006). A student could stand up or wait at the teachers desk if the student has a question or problem; this will stop the class from being interrupted, and the students will be able to concentrate. During group work it is important to monitor the class as well because students can become unfocused and not complete the assignments. In order to keep a class focused during group work it is important to use two strategies. These strategies include asking specific students questions that pertain to the lesson and making sure each student in the groups have assigned roles (Lemlech, 2006). Some classrooms will contain students who are English language learners, and it is very important to monitor their progress. Initially if as a teacher you do not speak the student's native language that is an obstacle, but it can be helped by the assistance of someone who does speak the student's language. In order to monitor the progress of an ELL it is also important to ask the student questions to identify if the student understands the content and processes in the class. Homework is also important to monitor when you are teaching an ELL student, and in order to monitor homework a teacher can discuss homework in the beginning of the class (Lemlech, 2006). This is helpful when trying to keep enthusiasm up in the classroom amongst all of the students as well. Discussing the previous homework is also important because it helps to introduce the next lesson while remembering the last lesson. I believe there are many ways that I can keep students engaged in the lessons I plan to create. I think having a lot of different examples of art will help keep the students focused. I also plan on having a computer and a projector in the classroom at all times so I can show students different examples of art. I also plan on having a radio so that we can listen to music as we create. I think that encouraging students will keep them motivated, and letting them express their opinions and have a say in the projects we do is important. There are many ways to monitor a student's progress in a classroom, and it is vital to monitor students learning in order to be an effective teacher.

In all classrooms problems will sometimes arise, and it is the teacher's job to not only handle these problems, but to anticipate them as well. Initially I think it is extremely important to have standards and rules set in a classroom from the beginning of the school year. I also think that along with the rules and standards that I require in the classroom it will be important to offer incentives and rewards for students who follow the rules and observe the standards. In contrast to this idea I will also establish punishments for certain behavior (Lemlech, 2006). Even though problems can be anticipated and planned for they still occur, and as a teacher one must be able to handle them. When a problem occurs the student should be reminded of the lesson and the consequences of the actions the student has taken (Lemlech, 2006). If the problem persists the student can be separated from the class and given individual work; the student can also be used to help teach the lesson. If problems still continue or increase the student can be sent to the principal's office or a parent can be contacted. Students can also be asked to stay for detention, where they can be given extra work and spoken to about the problem. It is important to not only prepare for off task behavior in the classroom, but to pay strong attention to the students' behavior. If attention is given to the students it will be easier to diffuse problems and get to the root of them.

In order to be an effective teacher one must be very aware of the students, time, and oneself. Teaching takes a lot of time being prepared, and assessing lessons and the performance of the teacher and the students. A teacher must constantly monitor students to make sure there are not problems with learning. A teacher must also anticipate that a classroom may be disrupted at times. Time must be taken to create situations that avoid problems. When problems do arise they must be handled correctly and appropriate action on the teachers part must also be anticipated and taken. A teacher must also constantly assess her ideas, and what she is teaching the students. Advice given must come into consideration along with examples set. Rules must be abided by, and the teacher must also establish respect in a classroom. A teacher's job is very demanding, but the rewards completely out way the demands.

Reference:

Lemlech, J.K. (2006). Curriculum and instructional methods for the elementary and middle school. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. , : Prentice-Hall/Merrill. Retrieved November 4, 2007, from University of Phoenix, rEsource, Classroom Instruction Web site.

How to Create Miniature Dollhouse Cupcakes Using Polymer Clay

If you have ever owned a dollhouse or even seen some miniature dollhouse items I am sure you can agree that these tiny items are amazing and precious. These minuscule items can be very detailed and lifelike, and they can also be fairly simple to make and a lot of fun! Here is a user-friendly guide to making dollhouse size cupcakes that you will enjoy for years to come.

First you need a few simple tools; one tool I find very hand is a putty knife or any solid item that can be used for cutting. Next I find it helpful to have a pin or a small pen, but remember you don't want ink on your art so use the pen that doesn't work. The final necessary item is polymer clay. It may seem challenging to choose which colors you like, but my basic rule of thumb is choose colors that would make a cupcake that you would like to eat. I usually choose an off white, pink, and 2 or 3 colors for sprinkles, but remember sprinkles are optional.

Now that you have your materials you are ready to start the fun part. Take the base color, in my case the white, and roll it into a ball; then shape the ball into a cylinder by flattening 2 opposite sides of the ball. This piece will make the bottom of your cupcake. Next I like to put this piece of clay in the refrigerator or somewhere colder to make the clay a harder consistency.

While this clay is getting hard take the icing color and roll it into a long tube or strand. You cam taper one end if you like, but it is not necessary. Now roll the tube into a spiral until it is the width of the bottom of your cupcake. When the spiral has reached the right width, start to spiral up on top of the original spiral to form a nice peak. At this point you can leave the peak or give it a little pinch and twist to add detail.

By the time you are done with this the cupcake base should be nice and hard. You should now use your cutting tool press lines into your base to give the idea of a crinkle edge. These vertical lines will add detail and depth to your cupcake. Finally connect the base with the top of the cupcake, and you should be delighted with the results.

Remember this project is up to you so make any type of cupcake you want. You can also add sprinkles by taking tiny multicolored pieces of clay and lightly tapping them onto the cupcake. Just bake and you are ready for a dollhouse birthday party!

How to Make a Miniature Clay Fruit Bowl for Dollhouses

I love making miniatures, and I have a lot of fun with it. I make miniatures for my own dollhouse, and I sell some miniatures on my art site to other dollhouse enthusiasts. These little treats are fun and easy to make. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make your own fruit bowl.

First you will need to get your clay together. You will need a medium size ball of yellow clay, a little ball of red clay, a little ball of orange clay, a medium size ball of purple or green clay, a small ball of black clay, and a small ball of white clay. Next you will need a sewing needle; I like to have a pointy needle and a dull needle handy. A kitchen knife is also very useful; it does not have to be very sharp.

Each fruit is very simple to make and can be made with very few steps. Here is a simple walk through on fruit making.

Bananas are a lot of fun , and you can make one or a whole bunch. First roll your yellow out into a tube, and cut equal sections about 3/4ths and inch long. Press the tube lightly on a hard surface to give it 4 edges. Now bend the tube into the crescent shape of a banana and pinch the ends so that the banana tapers. You can now add a little black blob to the end to make a stalk, and you can push several bananas together to create a bunch.

To make an apple you must pinch one end of the red ball of clay. Now set the ball on a hard surface with the narrower end down. You can then press the round end of the needle into the top creating a little hole; also make sure to push down around the hole so it resembles an apple with a dip in the top. Now use a little black to make a stem and push it into the hole. Use the flat part of the needle to give the bottom rounded edges. This can be accomplished by pressing the needle flat across the bottom 2 or 3 times.

The make an orange simply poke several holes into the orange ball of clay. Make sure to poke one hole slightly bigger than the other holes. You can fill that with a little bit of black as well.

Finally my favorite fruit to make is the grapes. Make a small ball out of 1/3rd of the purple or green clay. Next make many smaller balls and attach them to the bigger ball in any playful form you want.

How to Make a Floral Tiara for a Spring Wedding

You can make your own floral tiara for your spring wedding. Floral accessories are a must for spring weddings, and a tiara is perfect for the bride's big day. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating the perfect floral tiara for your special day in spring.

When creating a vine tiara you will need a few thin vines, a bowl of water, string, scissors, and wire. Start by bending and wrapping a few vines together into an appropriate length for the tiara. Then bend the length of vines to make a U shape. Only bend the vines as far as they will go, and tie the string around the other end of the vines. This will keep the bended shape in the tiara.

Soak the vines in the bowl overnight. If the vines need to be bended more to make the correct shape, you can undo one end of the string, bend it more, and reattach the string. After the vines have dried wrap the second side in wire, trim the ends, and remove the string. The crown will keep its shape; you can add combs to the sides of the tiara using hot glue if you would like more stability.

Adding floral accents to your crown is important for spring weddings. Springs leaves for several appropriate flower choices such as daisies, anemones, apple blossoms, and lilies are all perfect spring flowers for a bride, and there are plenty of colorful flowers to add detail and beauty to tiaras. Begonias, cherry blossoms, and dahlias are bright flowers that will stand out in a crown.

Using a hot glue gun to add items is the best option, and there are many other items that look great in a spring wedding tiara. Adding pine cones, leaves, and acorns are a fun idea for these floral tiaras, and curly bits of vines, shells, feathers, and dried berry clusters add accent to these pieces. Adding beads, wire, gems, feathers, and glitter pigment will make your tiara sparkle. Jewelry findings, iridescent marbles, and pearls also add shine to your spring wedding crown.

Making a floral tiara for your spring wedding is inexpensive and easy. The tiara is a focal point of any outfit, and a handmade crown will make you really stand out this spring.

How to Make Fun Summer Sandals Out of Newspaper

Everyone in my home looked at me like I was crazy when I suggested this idea to them, but as I continued to make these sandals they realized that I was not crazy, but simply inspired. Here are the directions so you can make your own summer sandals out of newspaper.

You will need newspaper, foam sheets, rubber cement, and a hot glue gun. I also like to add some ribbon, flowers, or other accessories to make these sandals personal. Okay to start you will need to fold the newspaper into one inch strips. This may seem a little hard at first, but eventually it will become natural to you. Once you have folded many strips you will start by wrapping them around in an oval. Glue the ends and keep wrapping until your oval is about 2 inches long. Now wrap a strip around the center of the oval to keep it tight. Remember to keep gluing everything along the way. Next keep wrapping and gluing until the base is as big as your foot.

Now you will need to cut a strip of foam long enough to attach to the bottom of the base of the shoe, cover your foot, and attach again at the bottom of the base of the other side of the shoe. This piece will be the strap that keeps the sandal on your foot, and the fun part about this is you can choose to use ribbon instead of foam or fabric, or any other fun item you think would look nice and be comfortable.

Now that you have the strap attached you should add some more newspaper to the base. I usually use about one more layer around the bottom. After that is complete you will set the base on top of another piece of foam. Trace the base of the shoe on the foam and cut the shape out. Now attach the foam to the bottom of the shoe. You can add extra layers of foam if you are likely to walk around on cement in these shoes often. This is fun to because you can add an extra color to your shoes if you like. In order to do this simply cut a second piece of foam in the same shape, and use the rubber cement to attach the 2 pieces together.

You will need to do the same for the top, but you will need to cut slits in the foam so they can wrap around the straps. This can be achieved easily by cutting a slit where the strap is and a slit extending from the strap hole to the outside of the foot shape. When you glue this piece down simply push the strap through and you will be good to go.

Now all you need is to let your sandals dry and you will be able to sport your recycled newspaper sandals wherever you want!

How to Eat for Free

Food is one of life's necessities, and many people overlook the cost of food, but it really does add up after a while. I have lived in many situations, and I have not always had much money for food. Here are some simple ways to eat for free; they have worked for me in the past, and I know they will work for you!

A common way to get free food is to join a food bank. Food banks are amazing places that can really help if you are in need. Most areas have one, and they are usually located in churches. When you join a food bank you are usually required to bring an identification card and a bill. These items will help prove who you are, where you live, and that you need assistance. You can find your local food bank by doing a simple Google search. Food banks are great, and the amount of food they give you depends on the amount of people living in your home. Food banks usually have the staples like bread, meat, canned vegetables and pasta, but they also have different luxury items such as cookies and juice. Food banks usually also have toiletries and cleaning items. Food banks are great places, and when you have a little more thank you need you should give back to them.

A less orthodox method of eating for free is by eating food that might be thrown away if you do not get to it first. This method may sound strange or disturbing, but it is not a bad as it seems. Many places throw away fresh food every day. America is one of the most wasteful places in the world. Many bakeries, delis and bagel stores throw away whole garbage bags full of bread and donuts. These delicious and fresh items should not be wasted. Many bagel places and delis will actually just hand these items to you at the end of the night if you speak to the manager earlier in the evening. They do not want to waste food either, but they only sell items that are baked that day. Feel free to ask you local bakery about their waste policy, and I am sure you will end up with bags full of fresh bread

Another method of eating for free is working at a farm on a work exchange program. Many farms will provide room and board for a few hours of work a week, and you can find places like this all over the world. Sustainable farming internships are a great way to live for free. These situations will teach you the basics of growing your own food as well, and this can be beneficial because you can then grow your own garden the next season and have your own supply of free food.

Survival is essential in these times especially with the growing economic crisis. Many people are struggling to eat and to live, and I hope these tips have helped you become better able to take care of yourself.

How to Deal with the Difficulties of Life Through the Teachings of Buddhism

Life is difficult, and there will always be problems that arise. This article will help you learn how to deal with the difficulty of life through Buddhist ideas. It will help you to understand fear and your relationship to it; It will also help you gain a better knowledge of the role of problems and relaxation in your life.

"Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth." (Chodron, 1997, p.1) I used to think that fear came from not understanding, and I believe this is still true, but I now know that it is not only incomprehension. Fear comes from seeing what you do not understand and being afraid of what the answer might be. Many people run when they are afraid, but "if we commit ourselves to staying right where we are they our experience becomes very vivid" (Chodron, 1997, p.2). The Buddhist belief system teaches us to become intimate with fear and to know it. I believe this is a good lesson because seeing fear and standing your ground is courageous, and it will help us grow and become stronger people. Fear is something the wise man welcomes, and even though it causes us to feel in a way we do not like we can teach ourselves to look at it as a gift. Fear just like everything else is not always what we think it is. Looking it in the eye can help us come closer to the truth.

"Things falling apart are a kind of testing and also a kind of healing." (Chodron, 1997, p.10) It is also part of the circle of existence because things are constantly coming together and falling apart over and over again. To realize this is a great relief, but it is also frustrating. In order to learn from our feelings when we feel upset we should stay with that feeling and to get to know it. I find this kind of difficult because my natural inclination is to fix things, but I am practicing remembering that things will come together again with or without my help. This is tough sometimes because when I have a problem I usually rack my brain trying to find a solution, but I am trying to not worry about it so much because I believe my natural inclination to solve problems will be what changes the situation. Buddhist beliefs suggests that problems are never solved, and that is probably true because they continually arise, but I believe that learning to trust myself even when I mess up is the best thing I can do because there are always options. These options may not be what my original plan was, but they will work out as well, and I believe possibly for a better outcome.

Buddhist beliefs can help you to relax. It can teach you to be OK with feelings that you may not usually like. It has taught me to have the "courage to die, the courage to die continually" (Chodran, 1997, p.3). I have found that I and many people fight against death. Practically most of the world would do anything to fight against death, but this is not healthy. It is healthy to "feel fear" when we reach our limit, and it is healthy to take this fear "as a message that it's time to stop struggling and look directly at what's threatening us" (Chodron, 1997, p.16). This means facing problems and seeing them for what they really are; it also means seeing ourselves for who really are. Instead of shrinking away from out limit we should treat it as "a doorway to sanity and the unconditional goodness of humanity" (Chodron, 1997, p.18). This is where meditation can be the most helpful. I always thought of meditation as a way to relax, but I realize it brings relaxation through conflict as well. We meditate so that "we'll be more awake in our lives", and I believe being more awake will help us see things for what they truly are (Chodron, 1997, p.19).
Meditation will help us see what we are doing clearly, and this will help us change what we do. I feel that I am more capable of seeing what I am doing clearly, and I realize that this will not fix my problem, but it will help me change my actions.

The Buddhist belief system may seem frustrating at first. It requires you to accept and deal with a lot of things that seem scary or intimidating, but it is based on honesty. This honesty will help you to stop struggling in your life. It will also allow you to act with compassion which is important to a healthy life and a healthy world.

References:

Chodron, P. (1997). When things fall apart; heart advice for difficult times. Boston, MA: Shamabala Publications, Inc.

Going Green: Crafty Ways to Recycle Aluminum Cans

Aluminum cans are everywhere, and they can be used for so many different things. Don't waste your cans by throwing them in the garbage when you can turn them into many different awesome things for your home and garden.

One of the simplest and sweetest uses for aluminum cans is to make flower cans. This looks especially attractive when you use soup cans. Soak the cans in water and soap to remove the label. Poke holes in the bottom of the can in order to let water drain, and fill with dirt. Plant several different plants in different size cans and group them together on a porch or shelf. You can also decoupage or paint the cans to add a theme.

Aluminum cans also make a great lantern. Make a stencil of the pattern you would like to create on the can and trace it on the can with a pencil. Next you will need a hammer and a nail. Carefully tap the nail into the can to create holes that will make up your pattern. Next poke 2 holes at the top of the can directly across the diameter of the can. After this is complete you may paint the cans with spray paint to match your décor or garden. Next take some heavy duty wire and cut it about a 2 feet long. Bend the top of the wire in one direction in the shape of a small hoop, and then bend another 3 inches in a larger loop in the opposite direction of the first loop. The finished product should look like a shepherd's hook. Next make a U shape out of a piece of wire large enough to make a handle for the can and attach it to the holes you made at the top of the can by making to 2 smaller loops at the bottom of the U shape and slipping the wire in.

You can also make a nice desk organizer if you glue then together. The first step of this project is to paint or decoupage the cans in different themes and colors. Next glue them together in a shape that would suit your desk. Remember to place some of the cans on there sides to create a pigeon-hole effect. These sideways cans will create places to slip notes and mail into. You can even add some wire to hang your organizer on the wall.

Another fun way to use your tin cans is to bake breads and cakes in them. Simply grease and flour the can like you would a cake, and fill it with your favorite delicious treat. These work great as gifts, and the can method makes these edibles portable.

Another good way to use aluminum cans is to cut the aluminum can into a garden marker. cut a pointed end and a round end out of the side of the can lengthwise. Next write the name of the plant on the plant marker with a skewer or a pen that has run out of ink.

People should try to use their garbage before they throw it away. For the earth's sake and humankind's sake we should all try to waste a little less. So next time you are about to trash something look at it twice, and see if you could use it somewhere else.

Fun Kids Crafts: Three Projects You Can Make Using Things Found in Nature

Nature is abundant, and summer time is the best time to find things found in nature to make crafts with because everything is growing, and there are a lot of natural materials to choose from. In this article I will describe three awesome nature craft projects that will provide you and your kids with hours of fun.

One of my favorite nature craft project is making wreaths. I know many people have heard about making wreaths, and this project seems kind of boring to them, but I am here to tell you that there are more fun uses for wreath than you may be aware of, and making wreaths are pretty easy. All you will need are some vines, flowers, sticks, or leaves. Now simply wrap these vines around in a circle. If you are using leaves o flowers the stems and branches can be used to make a circle, but you can also use twine or cord to help the wreath stay in place.

Now that you have your wreath you can hang it around your house, wear it in your hair, or you can play ring toss with it. For ring toss simply bang some sticks in the ground a length across from each other. Next the 2 players will stand at opposite sticks and throw the wreaths at the sticks. The same rules for horseshoes apply in this game. It is a lot of fun, and a great use for your nature wreath crafts.

Another fun nature craft is making a bark and twig birdhouse.
You will need an empty milk box, glue, bird seed, twigs, bark, pine c ones, and other natural material Simply cut the side out of an old milk box and glue pieces of bark, pine cones, and twigs onto the outside of the bird house. Next fill the birdhouse with bird seed and hang in a tree.

One of my favorite nature crafts is a nature frame and print. You can use twigs, pine cones, leaves, acorns, and other items you may find and like. Simple glue them to a cardboard frame or tie the twigs together using wire and glue the other materials to the twig frame. To fill the frame you can make a simple leaf print by putting some leaves in between two pieces of paper and holding it in place. Next slowly tap the leaves with a hammer. Hit it hard enough to see the color come through. Do this to the entire leaf and you will have a nice print to fill the frame.

I love nature crafts, and there is no better time than now t get out in nature and do some crafting!

Fun Kids Crafts: Rock Animals

Rocks and stones are a plentiful resource in our world, and many people over look them when they are considering doing nature crafts. I have been experimenting a lot with rock crafts lately, and here I will show you how to make some rock animals. This is a great project for kids and adults alike.

Stone pigs are adorable and simple to make. For this project you will need glue, pink and black paint, a round stone, two smaller pointed stones, and a small round stone. Now paint all of these stones pink and let them dry. Glue the pointed stones to the top of the large round rock because they will be the ears. Next glue the smaller round stone in the middle of the large stone for the nose. Now use your black paint to add to nose holes, eyes, and a smile, and you have completed your pig. You can add a magnet to it if you would like to hang it.

Stone caterpillars are a fun project that is also simple to complete. You will need green and black paint, glue, several round stones of various sizes, and a pipe cleaner for this project. First you will paint all of the stones green. You can add spots or strips of different colors if you like. Now line the stones up in a S shape or a shape that you find appealing, and glue them together. Cut to small pieces of pipe cleaner and bend the ends; you will then glue these pipe cleaners to the head as antennas and paint eyes on your caterpillar. You may have to hold the pipe cleaner for a minute or so because the glue may take some time to set.

Ducks can even be made using stones, and they are so cute and easy. To make a rock duck you will need an oval or pointy shaped stone, a smaller pointy or oval stone, some paint, and glue. The larger pointy stone will be the base of the duck so paint wings on the side of it. Next glue the smaller stone to the top of the pointy stone, but remember to glue it further to one side. Now paint eyes and a beak on the stone, and you will have completed your duck.

Heavy duty model glue is the best glue for this project, but make sure there is adult supervision and you are working in a well ventilated area when using this glue. You can make many fun animals using stones, and I hope you have enjoyed these projects!

Fun Kids Crafts: More Rock Animals

Rocks are everywhere, and there are many different shapes and sizes that can be found all over the world. These stone make a great base for crafting, and it is fun to get kids in the yard on a rock hunt for these craft projects. Here are some more rock animals that you can make at home with your children for little money.

Frogs can be made out of rocks, and they are simple and awesome additions to your rock farm. All you need for this project is one large round stone, two smaller round stones, two flat medium sized stones, glue, and some paint. Simply glue the flat stones underneath the large stone because they are the frogs feet. Next paint the small round stones like eyes, and glue them to the top of the frog. You can then paint green spots on the frog's body or you can paint all of the stones except the eyes green before gluing them together. Remember to paint a big smile on your frog as well.

A Rabbit can be made easily using stones. For this project you will need one round large stone for the body, 4 small stones for feet, two long flat stones for ears, glue, and paint. Now paint all of the rocks the color of your rabbit, and glue the ears to the top and the feet to the bottom. Paint a nose and whiskers on the face of your rabbit, and he is ready to go.

A really cute mouse can be made out of stones, and he can be used as a toy or as a paperweight. All you will need for this project is a long pointy rock, two round rocks, a tiny pebble, glue, paint, and a pipe cleaner or piece of yarn. Glue the piece of yarn onto the end of the long rock. This will be your tail. Next paint the two smaller stones because they will be your mouse's ears and paint the small pebble pink because it will be the nose. Now glue the ears onto the top and the nose onto the pointy side of the rock. Finally add eyes and whiskers and your stone mouse will be complete.

These rock animals are a lot of fun to make and they can be given as gifts or collected around the house. Heavy duty model glue is best used for these projects, but always use it in a room with good ventilation, and always use it with an adult around. Acrylic spray can be sprayed on these animals in order to help the paint stay.

How to Make a Rose Pendant Using Polymer Clay

Roses are also fun flower pendants that look lovely when worn. They are also easy and fun to make, and all you will need for this pendant is a large ball of red clay, a medium ball of green clay, a skewer and a knife.

Wrap a small cylinder of green clay around the skewer. Next take two small green balls and press them slightly flat. To create a leaf shape, pinch both sides of the green shapes so they look like a diamond. Use the knife to cut a line down the middle of each leaf, but make sure to not push so hard because you are only adding detail; you are not cutting the leaf in half.

When you are making the leaves for this flower you can add some detail to make it look more like a rose. Use the knife to add a pointy edge to the leaves. This can be achieved by simply pushing the edge of the knife into the edge of the leaf. Skip a spot and repeat all the way around the edge. Attach the leaves to the green ring.

To make the rose you will need to roll the red clay out into a long tube. Next use your knife to cut the tube into sections; when doing this part start by cutting a small section, and slowly increase the size of the section. You should end up with about six petals depending on how big your rose is going to be. Roll these sections into balls, and using your thumb press the ball flat.

Start making your rose by rolling the small its petal into a spiral like shape. Next use your second smallest petal to wrap half way around the spiral; use the third smallest petal to slightly overlap the second petal and slowly move around the base petal. Keep wrapping petals around until you run out of petals. Finally bend some of the petals out from the middle to make the rose look like it is blooming. If you want to make it look like a rose bud leave the petals the way they are.

Flatten the bottom of the rose by holding the sides and pressing it against a table or other flat surface. Now use the knife to make some cross hatched marks in the flat part of the rose. Make similar marks at the part of the green circle that you are going to attach the flower to. Push these two pieces together. If you have some liquid clay you can brush some onto the hatch marks before you push them together.

Bake the pendant in the oven for about 15 minutes, and allow to cool before removing the skewer. When the pendant is done string it on some ribbon, and you will love wearing this polymer clay rose pendant.

Fun Wire Crafts: Make Jewelry, Frames and More

 

Wire is a fun medium that can be bought in many varieties, colors, metals, strengths and sizes. This article will teach you how to make a perfect wire twist by creating a simple and inexpensive tool; I will also describe how to make a wire heart photo holder.

In order to make a perfect wire twist you will need to use to use 2 cotter pins and a fender washer; these items can be found at any hardware and home store. This technique will greatly improve the twists that you would be able to make with out this too, and this tool is much cheaper than the premade twisting devices found in stores. This method is simple, and all you will need to do is thread 2 wires through the one cotter pin until it is halfway through, "slide the cut ends of the wire through the other cotter pin", and tighten the hold by sliding a fender washer on the end of the second cotter pin" (Baskett, 1999, p.12). Then twist both cotter pins, but make sure to twist one towards you and one away from you. This simple procedure makes a lovely twist. It is amazing that such inexpensive and simple tools can make such of a difference.

I have been using wire lately to make jewelry, but I have found a lot of inspiration to use wire for different purposes. There are several projects that use wire; you can use wire to make picture frames, candle holders, lampshades, and many other items. I really like using wire to create photo holders. This project is simple and charming. All it requires is a block of wood with 5 holes drilled in it, 5 pieces of wire in various lengths, and craft glue. For this project the wire is shaped into hearts and attached using the glue to the wooden block (Baskett, 1999). The wire can be shaped into many other things such as flowers, diamonds, hands, and stars. The shape is important because that is the part that will hold the picture so remember whatever shape you use will have to almost overlap at some point in order to grasp the picture. This project can be personalized in many ways. If you choose to make heart holders you can glue a single wire shaped heart onto the wooden base.

Wire is not only something used for hardware; it is a wonderful item to craft with so hopefully these methods and projects have inspired you to use wire in your crafts!

References:

Baskett, M. (1999). Wonderful wireworks; an easy decorative craft. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Company.

How to Achieve a Healthy Self-Esteem and How to Instill Self-Esteem in Others

How to Achieve a Healthy Self-Esteem and How to Instill Self-Esteem in Others A healthy self-esteem is something that is very important in order to lead a healthy life, but many people do not have a healthy self-esteem and this is a problem that affects the world. Self-esteem is directly related to one's idea of self, and it is influenced strongly by the opinions of others, but if you examine the seven different layers of self-esteem and learn how to cope with the challenges that come with change a healthy self-esteem can be reached.

When working with self-esteem it is important to take into consideration that self-esteem stems directly from one's concept of themselves. This self concept includes "appearance, ability, temperament, attitudes, and beliefs" (Plummer, 2005, p.13). We act in a way that reflects our self-concept, but our self-concept is directly influenced by other people's reactions to our behavior. "Healthy self-esteem or positive self regard is about feeling competent and feeling lovable or approved of", and one's self-concept reflects whether they feel they are competent or loved (Plummer, 2005, p.14). I believe that a false self-concept is the reason many people do not have healthy self esteem, and I think that changing one's concept of self is the first place to start when trying to instill healthy self-esteem. It is important to understand what self-esteem actually is before trying to help change it.

Self-esteem is not a simple idea; it in fact has seven different categories that must be addressed in order to achieve a healthy self esteem. The seven areas of self esteem are self knowledge, self and others, self-acceptance, self-reliance, self-expression, self-confidence, and self-awareness (Plummer, 2005). The first step to healthy self-esteem is becoming knowledgeable about oneself; this means understanding who you are, what your beliefs about life are, and understanding what you have in common with others and what your differences are. Being aware of how you can maintain a sense of self while also "recognizing the natural interdependence of relationships" is another important part of gaining self-esteem; it is important to see things from the perspectives of others, co-operate, and expressing emotions in an appropriate way (Plummer, 2005, p.21). I find it hard myself to separate my emotions from the emotions of others, and I think it is important to recognize that my emotions are mine, and I must express them in a positive and productive manner. Another extremely important part of the process is accepting oneself, and this requires feeling okay with yourself, but it also requires knowing what your strong points are and your weakness are. When you know what your strengths and weakness are you can choose to work on the areas that need help, and if you know you are trying your best you will be more capable of accepting yourself. It is also important to realize that people make mistakes. Self-reliance is another extremely important part of attaining a healthy self-esteem; and it is imperative to take care of oneself, be independent and self-motivated, and to realize that you have "mastery over your life" (Plummer, 2005, p.21). Self-expression is another area of self-esteem that must be learned in order to gain a healthy self-esteem because it address how to communicate with others in a way that is productive; it also addresses developing your own style and "celebrating the unique ways in which we each express who we are" (Plummer, 2005, p.22). In order to achieve healthy self-esteem self-confidence is of the highest value; having self-confidence means recognizing that your opinions, actions, and ideas are of value, and knowing that you are capable of dealing with conflicts and challenges. Self-confidence deals with knowing you are capable of making decisions and being confident in your own abilities. Self-awareness is one of the hardest steps to healthy self-esteem for me because it requires one to deal with emotions as they arise, and be focused on now instead of dwelling on the past. Self-awareness is a difficult step, but it is also empowering because it gives you the ability to realize that you can control who you are and what you do. All of these steps are not easy, but they can be achieved, and it is important to realize which of these steps need help in order to improve the self-esteem of oneself and others.

Achieving a healthy self-esteem is not easy, and change can be intimidating to many people for many different reasons, but one can learn to understand their emotions and cope with them, and this will help them build better self-esteem. Change if difficult for people because any changes in our "beliefs, thoughts, or behaviors automatically entails having to give something up", and although we may know that this old habit is unhealthy for us it has become familiar and almost comfortable (Plummer, 2005, p. 26). Change can also be threatening to people because it forces them to change their view of themselves, and some people do not want to see themselves differently whether there perception of self is realistic or not. Anxiety is another emotion that is an obstacle to change that comes from fear of not knowing how to handle a situation. When we avoid a situation instead of dealing with it we cause anxiety; "if we don't experiment with our beliefs and behaviors, we will continue to keep our world small and manageable, avoiding changes and becoming more and more anxious" (Plummer, 2005, p.27). I find a lot of people have anxiety problems because they are reluctant to change, and I believe strongly that people should be encouraged to change instead of given prescription drugs to alter there mind sets. If one can see these emotions for what they are they can choose to change them and move on, and realizing that these emotions are obstacles to a positive change is the first step to making a positive change.

I believe that all people can develop a positive self-esteem, and I know it is hard, but I would like to be able to help people do this, and I would like to be able to become a better person myself. I realize that trying to figure out who you are is not easy, and I understand that dealing with all of the layers of self is a daunting task, but I believe that it can be done, and I would like to help others to do this. I plan on becoming a teacher, and it is very important to help students attain a healthy self-esteem, but even if I wanted to do anything else I would still feel like it is extremely important to know these ideas because helping others be the best they possibly can while also being the best you possibly can is the most important thing anyone can do.

References:
Plummer, D. (2005). Helping adolescents and adults to build self-esteem. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

How to Have a Romantic Evening on a Budget

Sometimes we feel that we can never have a romantic evening with our loved ones because we do not have the money, but this is not true. Here are three ways you can have a romantic night with your love on a budget.

A simple and fun way to spend some time with your sweetheart is a sunset picnic. This idea is simple; just find a nice place that you can see the sunset. There are a lot of places you can find in your local parks as well that have great views for watching the sunset. Simply bring a few blankets with you, and a few simple snacks. If you plan on spending some time bring a nice bottle of wine. Some strawberries and chocolate dip, hummus and pita squares, and cheddar cheese and apples are great treats for the picnic. Sip some wine, and feed each other these delicious snacks and watch the sunset together.

Star gazing as always been romantic, and inexpensive, and it reminds me of being a teenager in love. I spent many nights watching the stars with my love and talking for hours. Simply find a nice spot in a field or park near your home and lay out a blanket. If it is summer time ice cream or frozen fruit is a sweet treat to share. Sipping champagne is a great addition to this evening, but be careful if you have to drive. Watching the stars and making names for constellations is a lot of fun, and it gives you an excuse to cuddle up and be romantic with your honey.

Another fun way to have a romantic evening with your sweetheart is going to the drive in. Many drive-ins have half price nights that only cost about 5 dollars a person. Pick up some fast food and bring your blanket. This evening will bring you back to your child sweetheart days. Just lay out the blanket and sit in front of car. Eat some burgers and milk shakes while watching the movie. Watching a movie the drive in is a romantic way to cuddle up with your sweetheart for an evening of old school romance.

Having a romantic evening with the one you love does not have to cost you too much money. There are plenty of things you can do with your honey to have a romantic evening, and I hope this article inspires you to put a little romance back in your life.

How to Conduct and Apply a Research Strategy for Organization

 

I am the type of person who doesn't like to throw anything away, and although this saves on my garbage bills and my carbon foot print; it definitely makes my home very unorganized. Organization can be stressful or complicated, but with good research strategies I can formulate a solution that will help me become more organized.

When researching how to become more organized I will need to find information that will be helpful to me, and articles and guides will definitely provide me with many ideas, pictures, and tips on how to organize myself more easily. Statistical information can also provide me with ideas on the efficiency of certain methods and tools of organization.

There are many places to find information that will help me become more organized; some good places to look for information on organization are "online catalog of databases, scholarly books, and journals" (Foster, 2007, pp.5). I also believe there are a lot of good articles written about organization in magazines.

In order to utilize credible information and fulfill my goals effectively I will need to evaluate my information. There are several things that should be thought about when evaluating information, and purpose, validity and the author should all be taken into consideration when evaluating information.

The purpose of information has a direct influence on the information. "Advertising, sales, advocacy, education, reference and entertainment" are all different purposes that should be taken into consideration when evaluating information (Foote & Goett, 2000, pp.9).

Validity should also always be checked when considering the validity of information, and facts should be researched and compared in order to check the validity of any information. If multiple reputable sources suggest the same information the likelihood of its validity is stronger.

It is also always important to research the author of any information; this will help you evaluate information because it will provide you with information on the author's background and knowledge in the topic you are researching. It will also provide you with information on the beliefs and values of the author which also affect the purpose and validity of information.

When formulating a solution to my organizational problem I will need to take some things into consideration. Space is something that I will have to consider when trying to become more organized because I will have to figure out how to use the space I have efficiently. I will also have to take my partner into consideration because we share a home, and he needs his space as well. Time is always an important consideration because if I create an elaborate system of organization I will probably not have enough time to keep up with it. Another important idea I will keep in mind when considering solutions is what works best for me in relation to my normal habits. For example if I keep my bill organized near my desk this will be helpful because I pay my bills at my desk.

In order to resolve my organizational problem I will use my information wisely. I will research thoroughly to find valid information. In relation to my problem I will research many ideas on methods and theories of organization. I will also employ guides and how-to articles with tips and ideas.

I will evaluate my research to make sure it is valid to my problem and my life. I will look for authors with purpose and backgrounds similar to mine so that their ideas and methods work better for me. For example I am an artist, and it would be helpful to find articles written by other artists because their methods of organization can relate to organizing artwork and supplies.

I will put the methods I have researched into practice, and I will evaluate my application of them. After some time I will see what information works for me, and I will adjust my methods accordingly. These simple steps will help me resolve my problem of disorganization.

References:

Foote, K. A. & Goett, J. A. (2000). Cultivating student research and study skills in Web-based learning environments. Journal of Geography in Higher Education,24(1), 92-99. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 59614022).

Foster, A. L. (2007, March). Information Navigation 101. The Chronicle of Higher Education,53(27), A38-A40. Retrieved February 15, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1255298491).

Going Green: Crafty Ways to Recycle and Reuse Your Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles have many different uses so reuse them instead of throwing them away. Less waste is always a good thing. Here are some ideas that will help you recycle your plastic bottles instead of throwing them away.

Plastic bottles can be cut in half in order to make self watering planters for seedlings. Fill the top of the bottle with dirt and plant your seeds in them. Making sure the dirt is packed in the bottle well, next remove the cap, and place the pot in the bottom half of the plastic bottle and water it. This setup will water the plant itself and require you to water the plant less. The plant will soak up the water from the bottom part of the bottle.

You can also cut the bottom part of a bottle and fill it with potpourri. To disguise your bottle hot glue some lace or ribbon around the top of the bottle. You can also add beads or strands of a fancy braid to the top in order to add some fun to the piece.

Plastic bottles are also helpful when making wind socks. Simple cut the ends of the bottle to create a cylinder. Paint it on the inside and poke 3 holes in the top of the bottle. Now tie 3 strings to the holes and make them into a knot. This is the part of the thread that you will hang the wind sock with. Now attach ribbons or strips of fabric on the other end of the tube. You can tie them into holes, or you can glue them on with a glue gun.

Plastic bottles also make great funnels. I particularly like to use the bottles that have handles. In order to make a plastic bottle funnel cut the bottom of the bottle off. You can make different size funnels with different size bottles.

You can also make ice packs with plastic bottles. Simply fill them half way with water and freeze them. Now you can have ice packs free and whenever you want them. You can also freeze different size bottles for different problems.

Another awesome use for plastic bottles is to make a chandelier. Simple make a hoop out of some wire, and string the bottles around it. This works especially well for bottles with handles, but bottles with regular tops can be wired to the hoop. Next you will need a string of lights and put a light in each bottle. Tie some rope to the top of the hoop and hang the lamp.

I hope these ideas inspire you to make things out of plastic bottles that you wouldn't normally make. Next time you are going to throw something out think about what else you could do with it!