Union LifeStyle | Food, Wine, Travel, Health & LifeStyle Group

What Should I Look For When Choosing A Bookkeeper For My Business?

May 22, 2018May 22, 2018 Union LifeStyle

If you run a medium sized business with a few employees, then at some point you will probably need to employ a specialised bookkeeper. It can be hard to find someone with relevant bookkeeping experience, especially if you don’t have a lot of work or if you can’t afford to pay high wages.

However, it is very important to be selective when it comes to choosing the right bookkeeper for your business. After all, they will end up being in charge of everything from payments to other staff members to keeping records of business income and expenses. Their records will essentially form the basis for your tax returns, which means that a bad bookkeeper can lead to a lot of problems with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). Consider the following things when looking for a new bookkeeper:

Get Your Struggling Business Back On Track With Financial Planning

April 21, 2018May 22, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Financial Planning

Trying to save a struggling business can be a very draining process. This is especially true if you know your a have proven product and a market for it but just can’t seem to catch a break. Employing the services of a financial planner might prove the kiss of life that your business needs.

One of the most common reasons for a business to struggle is lack of a roadmap or a plan and this is especially true if there is no financial planning in place. With no financial plan, revenues seem too infrequent, bills come too often, cash flow is limited, and the business seems to be in constant state of playing catch up.

It is tragic when any business fails but it is especially so, when a viable business with a great product goes to the wall, not because they have no customers, but because their finances are in disarray. It could be so much different with a financial planner in place, to assess, advise on and structure the business’s finances in such a way that rather than struggling, the business thrives.

So, what can a financial planner do for your struggling business?

How a Fence Adds Security and Value to Your Home

March 13, 2018May 11, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Fencing

My Fenced in World
When I bought my new house in a nice little community, I discovered what life was like with a wooden privacy fence…and the maintenance that comes with it.

My little backyard with its hardy trees and pretty flowerbeds was great for me and the butterflies that visited. But mowing the grass? Not really. But it’s nice being in my own little world that is what you get with having a privacy fence.

Why have a fence?
Well, if you speak to Eline Fencing Perth, they will tell you that the most practical reason is that it marks out the perimeter of your property. Your fence can also make your yard feel like an extension of your home. It’s provides a safe place for the kids and the dog to play, and when you have an event like a BBQ, you can show off your landscaping and gardening skills.

When deciding on a fence, the first thing to consider is the reason you want one installed. Once you have found the reason, the next question is: How much are you wanting to spend on it? Costs vary, depending on the area that needs enclosing, and the materials on which you have decided. The beauty about fencing is the wide variety of materials and what best fits your budget, lifestyle and property.

Removalist Challenges

January 1, 2018May 11, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Removalist Challenges

If moving is stressful for humans, think just how hard it might be on other things that live in your home. There is a lot to think about and plan when you are relocating to a new home. How much time it will take to pack, the cost, the removalist you hire, and how it will affect the rest of the family and pets.

Difficult Items to Move

Your home has been you treasure chest for possibly years, and some of the items that you have accumulated will include some that are difficult to move. If you don’t plan properly, these items can sneak in under your guard and be forgotten until the last moment…moving day.

Some of the things you need to consider when planning to move these items are:

What will Your Bridesmaids Wear?

October 22, 2017May 1, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Bridesmaids Wear

Most brides think about their wedding dress before making any decisions on what the bridesmaid’s will wear. But when you get to this question, don’t forget to think about the morning of the wedding day. If you can provide bridesmaid robes from somewhere like allthingsnice.com.au for them to wear, it will certainly be a help for them to change into their outfits without damaging their hairstyles or makeup.

In addition, any before photos will look really wonderful if all the bridesmaids are wearing such robes, rather than their pj’s or jeans and shirt. Of course, the bridesmaid’s outfits should in some way reflect the choice of wedding dress so that the overall look becomes cohesive rather than piecemeal.

To do this, bridesmaids dresses can be styled in a similar way to the wedding gown, but they could be short frocks instead of long. Or they could have one feature on them the same as the wedding dress. For instance, if the wedding dress had a ruffled frill around the neckline, then the bridesmaids frocks could have that same feature, even if the skirts were different.

Pie to Die For

September 13, 2017September 14, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Winter is the time to relish a warm pie of some kind for dessert. Peach, apple, blueberry – or gramma! Gramma pie is an old-fashioned recipe that some people may never have heard of. Like many of the old-style recipes, it has been superseded by newer trends in cooking. However, if you’ve never tasted gramma pie you are in for a treat.

There are different types of gramma available in most supermarkets and restaurant. Often you’ll see the big round one that looks something like a pumpkin only it is lighter in colour and sometimes has paler splotches of colour on the skin. You can easily make a gramma pie out of this, but if you can get the trombone gramma it is even better. This gramma is shaped after its namesake, with a long neck that sometimes curls around a bit. On smaller grammas, the neck remains straight.

If you’ve ever tried to cut a whole pumpkin, you might think cutting up a gramma would be hard work. It’s not; the gramma skin and flesh is very soft compared to pumpkin. You can even cut it with a short vegetable knife, though a long one is fine too. If you buy a whole gramma, cut off the neck and start with that. It will usually be enough for one pie, because there are no seeds in the neck; it is all solid flesh.

How to Make Your Bed and Breakfast Business More User Friendly

July 22, 2017February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Bed and Breakfast Business

Providing breakfast in the garden is a unique way to make your B&B more user friendly. Outside furniture in a nook amongst the garden greenery is an ideal place to serve breakfast on a warm summer day.

Many people start up a bed & breakfast accommodation business when they have a nice home with plenty of spare bedrooms. They get a website designed to show off their property. The smart ones will then get some SEO done on their website to get it ranking high on Google when potential guests search for accommodation online.

People often prefer to stay at a B&B because they can talk to the local person and get more personalised knowledge of the area they are passing through. They can often find out about hidden treasures that are not on any tourist map or advertised widely enough for everyone to know about them.

Some people arrive at such accommodation late in the evening, often after the evening meal eaten elsewhere and they go early in the morning after a quick breakfast. Others like to linger a little longer to enjoy the scenery or a chat with their hostess. If you have a B&B business, you can make your guests’ stay more enjoyable by adding an outdoor setting to the garden for them to sit and relax, or even have their breakfast at.

Different Kinds Of Garden To Suit Your Lifestyle

May 18, 2017July 4, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Cottage Garden

When you have a beautiful home you also need a beautiful garden to go with it, but not everyone likes or has time for landscaping. However, you can still have a garden that will both enhance your lifestyle and add value and beauty to your home. It’s just a matter of choosing which kind of garden will suit you and your home. Here are some different types to consider.

A nationally themed garden. Many people enjoy overseas holidays and come home with lots of ideas to incorporate into their garden. You can have an Japanese garden, a Balinese garden or mimic a garden from almost any other country. Be careful to choose plants that are suited to your climate and soil though, otherwise they’ll die. Choose lookalike plants if you can’t get the overseas ones and add hardware items such as statues, furniture and water features from the overseas country of your choice.

Patios, Paths and Putting Greens

February 14, 2017May 11, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Landscape Design

If you want the best result from your landscape design, then paying attention to detail will help you achieve that goal. Especially if you are to be working with stonework.

Paths to Nowhere
It’s all about imagination and design to have a beautifully constructed stone walkway meandering through your backyard, joining your home to your beautiful patio, a place where you host amazing outdoor dinner parties. Think about the durability of well-constructed stone steps that descend from your home to the back lawn. If you have a beautiful garden, build elegant paths in the backyard so you can stroll through the garden any time to relax.
Add some kerb appeal to your home with a paved driveway and/or path that leads to your front door.

Tips for Arranging Your Wedding

December 12, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

wedding

Being engaged is a fun, romantic and exciting time, especially when you start to arrange the wedding. But not everyone is good at wedding organisation or, especially if they have never done it before. There is a lot to manage and it may become overwhelming at times, so here are some tips to help you.

When choosing dates for the wedding, consult your calendar to ensure you don’t choose a date that is a public holiday, or when there is a large charity event on in your local area. These things will mean hotels and venues get booked up well ahead of time – and some of your potential guests may not make the wedding if they are involved.

How to Clean Your Pool with Minimum Effort

November 9, 2016June 30, 2017 Union LifeStyle

clean-your-pool

Many people love their swimming pools and enjoy the lifestyle they have created by installing it. Swimming is a healthy exercise, but what is in the water is not necessarily good for your health. Pool cleaners don’t have to be chemicals that can be bad for your health. For instance, robotic pool cleaners quietly get on with the job and don’t put any kind of chemical into the water. You can clean your pool with minimum effort using automatic pool cleaners.

It’s bad enough that most pools contain chlorine to combat the bacteria that grows there. Chlorine has been used for many years in pools, yet it is a suspected carcinogen and it has been proven by studies done in Belgium that many children exposed to the chlorine in swimming pools developed asthma, rashes and other allergies.

How to Choose Carpet Cleaners for the Home or Work Premises

October 12, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

carpet-cleaners

When your carpet starts to look a bit grubby you know it is time to call in someone like brilliance cleaning. However, it will pay you to choose them carefully, just as you would take care in choosing a builder for your home. You want the cleaners who do the best job, but there are several other criteria to be aware of when making your choice.

Not all professional carpet cleaners use non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning products. Why is this important? It is an easy way to do your bit to save the environment, but in fact, it also saves your health. Many chemicals emit toxic fumes or cause allergies when your skin contacts the carpet.

Renovating Your Kitchen

September 12, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Tired of your shabby old kitchen and thinking about renovating it? Kitchens are the centre of the home and these days is expected to look just as amazing as the rest of your home while still being totally functional. You may think that a quick DIY renovation will improve it, but when you come to think about it, what will new cupboard doors and a granite counter add? It will still be the same kitchen and all the things that annoyed you about it will still be there.

Advantages of getting a professional kitchen renovation

The best way to get an amazing kitchen is to have professional kitchen designers come in and suggest real changes that will upgrade your kitchen and make it more functional as well as changing how it looks. To simplify the job, choose kitchen designers that will not only do the design, but provide the materials and install it all for you. That way you won’t have to chase three different companies.

Things to do on Holidays

May 1, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Ok so you have worked hard all year at the web design studio and it’s time for a holiday – but what do you do on the holiday? Well, there are many things to entertain and amuse you while on holidays and it can be fun to cram in all the activities you can – especially if you have kids.

Many people love to swim and surf, but there are also other things to see and do and it would be a shame to visit another country without seeing at least some of the sights. Before you go on your trip, Google the area to see what it is famous for. Just like Bali is famous for its beaches, luxury villas, beautiful beachside hotels etc. Schedule all those things that interest you into your trip so you don’t miss them.

So what can you do? Here are some tips to make the most of your holidays.

Visit museums, art galleries, theatres, and wildlife parks/zoos.
Take a tour to visit natural sites such as waterfalls, cliffs, geysers, rivers and other beauty spots.
Ride on a tram, a helicopter, an elephant, an emu, a horse and buggy or go in a hot-air balloon. See all the city offers.
On the beach you can sunbake, but also swim, ride a jet ski or go in a jet boat with others, go on a ferry or boat tour, snorkel to see the fish or coral.
If you are young, strong and adventurous you may want to try some of those way-out activities such as dune surfing, wind surfing, abseiling, caving or climbing.
Go shopping, but don’t get ripped off. And remember you have to carry it home or pay freight to have it sent.

Wine with Your Pizza

April 14, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Why wait for a special celebration or meal to enjoy a glass of wine? You can have wine with fast food such as pizza and the kind you choose will depend on what topping your pizza has. For instance, because it has a savoury flavour, Chianti is ideal to drink with pizza that has a salty meat such as prosciutto or even a peppery green topping – or combination of both.

A rule of thumb

If you are not sure which wines to pair with what foods, a good rule of thumb is to choose a delicate flavoured wine with the kind of meal that is delicately flavoured, otherwise the wine will overpower the meal. If you have a meal with a robust flavour, then you can choose a strongly flavoured wine to go with it, knowing that the two will hold their own and one will not overpower the other.

However, while similar flavours attract, there is also an attraction with opposing flavours. But it is best to keep the food flavours simple when you want to serve wine with your meal. Otherwise, a complex tasting meal will overshadow even the finest wine. In this case, use a cheaper wine and save the best for a meal it will truly complement.

Things to do in Bali

March 7, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

In spite of some negative press in years past, Bali remains one of the most popular tourist destinations for many people, not just Australians looking for a great holiday either backpacking or relaxation in a beautiful Bali villa. However, the cheap air fares and accommodation guarantee that it will remain a popular holiday spot for many Aussie tourists. Once you decide to check out Bali you will find so many things to do and see there that you may have to extend your holiday.

The island of Bali itself has many attractions and the culture is a unique one that gives rise to sites of interest such as the many temples. When these are explored you will find them unlike most other temples due to the distinct ecosystem, with monkeys from the nearby jungle in residence at some.

However, the wildlife parks must have a large spot on your holiday agenda because they, too are distinctive. Even though there are many such places in other countries, they are not quite like the Balinese parks. For instance, you can ride on the elephants or camels at the Bali Safari and Marine Park, one of the islands largest parks. There is also an elephant talent show with these elephants being retired working elephants that are extremely tame.

Tips to Make Travelling Overseas Safer

February 24, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Travelling-Overseas

Travelling overseas is a favourite way to have a holiday for many people, young and old alike. Especially people from Australia love Bali and Asian destination for their holidays. However, when you go overseas there can be hidden dangers that can cause illness or injury, or somehow spoil your holiday. Here are some tips to make your overseas holiday safer.

Take out travel insurance. While it seems like just another way to spend money, it can also save a lot if you should get ill or be injured. You can also insure for loss of clothing and equipment such as phone or tablet, and additional accommodation, should something go wrong with your plans.
Plan your trip carefully. Make sure your travel agent chooses accommodation that is in the ‘good’ part of any city and works with overseas agencies for tours or tour guides that can be trusted. Besides, comfortable accommodation will make your stay more pleasant.

3 Ways to Make Moving into Your New Home Easier

January 30, 2016May 26, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Moving into Your New Home Easier

People often think that moving out of their home to another location is the biggest hassle ever, what with all the packing and arrangements that have to be made. But when they go through the move they realise that moving into a new home is almost as bad as moving out of the old one.

One of the reasons for this is that there is no time limit. When moving out you set a day and have to work towards getting everything done by then. But once you have moved in you tend to relax and put off unpacking – and that means you live in a mess for weeks, not knowing where vital belongings got to and tripping over half-unpacked boxes. Here are 3 ways to make moving in easier

The best way to label moving boxes

Label the boxes with numbers or letters, then write the exact contents of each into a writing pad or exercise book. Or you can just write something like, “Contents of laundry cupboard” or whatever. It is best not to describe in detail what is in each box on the carton itself. For a start, it’s hard to see when the cartons are stored together, and it becomes easier for potential burglars to pick out which ones to steal.

Keeping essentials together by room

Another way to make unpacking easier is to write the room on each box and get your professional home removalists to take the boxes into the rooms they belong to. That way, everything you need will at least be in the right room and your back will not ache so much when you don’t have to drag boxes around. Read More …

Bali Villa Accommodation Options

January 11, 2016February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Bali-Villa

Tourists frequently stay in one of the many luxurious hotels in Bali when they holiday in this lovely island. However, there are other accommodation options that can be just as pleasant and offer something a little different. In fact, if you are holidaying with a family or a group of friends, a villa will offer much more space to relax in than a hotel room.

Villas include a private pool and from 1-9 bedrooms. There is housekeeping staff, a chef and a chauffeur driven car that can be booked for trips. Villa accommodation in Bali is popular for honeymoons or holidays where more privacy is preferred. Each villa contains everything you need for gracious living and many of them are situated just a step or two away from restaurants, shops and nightlife venues, giving you the best of both worlds.

For more privacy, you can also get villas that are right on the beach or situated in a forest high on the cliff top. All villas are fully staffed and some of them offer free massage, fruit platters and many other benefits for those looking for a little more luxury than a normal holiday would provide. They are ideal for a very special honeymoon treat or a romantic holiday where you want to be pampered.

8 Tips for a Happy Holiday in Bali

December 27, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Holiday-in-Bali

Bali is often considered the go-to destination for Australians who want to go overseas and have fun, either staying in nice hotels or Easy Villa – or spending time in homestays on a budget. In fact, many may become so entranced at all on offer that they forget all about the budget. After all, if you are going to have a great holiday, why not spend a little more to make it even more fun?

There are so many things to do and see in Bali that you may not know quite where to start. Here are ten tips to help you make the most of your holiday.

If you are not big on crowds, you will find that Bali has hosts of people because it is such a popular tourist destination. That doesn’t mean you should stay home. You can organise your holiday to take in less popular areas such as the mountains in the central part of Bali or the north and west coasts, where there are fewer people.

Choose a base to suit your preferred lifestyle. Remember the weather will be hot and humid so getting air-conditioned accommodation is a must if you are not used to that climate. If you don’t like chaotic traffic, then choose accommodation on the outskirts of the city. If you are after fine food restaurants, book accommodation near to them.

Is Botox for You?

November 16, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

botox-fillers

You may only think of Botox as a cosmetic treatment for wrinkles. While it certainly is used for that purpose, it is also used to treat certain medical conditions, giving people a great deal of relief from conditions that are debilitating or embarrassing. For instance, those with incontinence can be helped by having Botox injections in the bladder. This causes it to relax and increases storage so you don’t have to keep running to the toilet.

Other non cosmetic uses for Botox

Other conditions that can be helped by Botox injections are cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, teeth grinding, chronic migraines and excessive sweating. In most cases the treatment needs to be ongoing since Botox only lasts for some months. It actually lasts longer than that for sweating treatment, with the effects often lasting for 6-12 months and for bladder problems up to 12 months.

Happily, the treatment is not too painful, except in those areas where there is not much muscle to provide padding. The hands and feet are particularly prone to pain on injection, but most people feel that is a small price to pay for the relief they get. Excessive sweating may not seem like a bad condition, but when your clothes are drenched in sweat several times a day it can really impact your social and work life as well as your health.

The Smell of Wine and What it Means

October 5, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

The Smell of Wine and What it Means-min

If you are a wine drinker you will probably have enjoyed many different kinds of wine. You can have wine with meals, after meals, in between meals or on its own; it is all up to you and your personal preference and lifestyle. Serving wine adds a touch of elegance to your meal and helps guests to chat and mingle more easily.

However, while red and white wine have a distinctive taste and flavour, it should always be pleasant. If the odour of the wine is different from what you expect, it pays to know whether you should go ahead and drink it. Some wine should be thrown out, so here are some tips to buy wines and what different types of odours can mean in your wine.

If the wine odour reminds you of a musty attic, suspect that something went wrong with the bottling process. This wine is best thrown down the sink; that is all its good for now.
How about burnt matches? In fact, wine often gives off such an odour just after the bottle is opened. There is nothing to worry about; the smell will soon go off and your wine will taste fine.

Do You Neglect Your Diet & Nutrition?

September 25, 2015May 24, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Diet-&-Nutrition

Without a healthy diet that gives your body all the nutrition in needs, you cannot be healthy. But what is the best diet? How can we be sure our loved ones are getting the kind of nutrition they need? There are many fad diets out there and many people fall into the trap of dieting in an attempt to become healthier at some stage of their lives. It could be that they are overweight, in which case a diet may be necessary, but unless that diet provides all the nutrition your body needs to function properly – and unless you love it – it won’t be long before you throw it all over and return to your favourite foods, be they ever so unhealthy.

Healthy is happy

In actual fact, you can lose weight while still supplying your body with nutrition, without ever consulting a book on diets. Making sure you eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, and cut back on sugary desserts and fatty meats is usually enough to give you nutrition, keep you feeling full and give you energy as well. The more energy you have, the more exercise you will do, whether in the form of housework, gardening or taking up a sport.

The Advantages of Limestone Paving

September 19, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Limestone paving has always been perceived as a natural and calming choice for a home. This may be utilized in various ways. Gone are the days when limestone was only limited to flooring. That is not the sole case these days. Limestone being the beauty that it is has undergone many years prior to forming on the surface of the earth. This would not occur if it was not for a remarkable pressure on it. This is responsible for the unique features seen in the said stone. This makes it a famous choice for any landscaping and construction projects.

Paving with the use of limestone turned out to be a great option for homeowners whether you are doing it yourself, utilizing the services of a experienced handyman or going all out and employing a professional paving company. This is perfect for outdoor fixtures including terraces and pool surroundings. Do not get this wrong because this may also work well with indoor environments. This may feature corridors and bathrooms which are normally seen in homes and offices. Tiles made of limestone are also the right option when it comes to wet areas. They are ideal because they can provide slipping. Absorption of water will also not be an issue. It is just that limestone pavers may vary in appearance. This is why an exceptional look may be attained.

The Advantages

Limestone is a durable and heavy natural stone. This is enjoyed well by the building industry and this has been happening for so many years now. This limestone is common when it comes to architectural and landscaping applications. Paving through this may be applied in areas such as driveway, pool area, walkaway, patio, pathway, courtyard, stepping stones, landscaping and even verandas.

3 Advantages of Moving Offices

August 22, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Moving-Offices

Business owners whose business is conducted in offices will realise that it is not always advantageous to remain where you started up. Often, a start-up office has been chosen with budget constraints in mind and will therefore be out of the main CBD. But once the business has become established you will find that a better location will have many advantages.

For a start, you may need more room to expand as you increase staff or if your business takes a different turn, such as adding a partner or taking on peripheral work. With such expansion comes the need for more office space to house the added equipment and staff. Your first office may have only contained yourself and your computer so more is required.
Certain locations will be easier for your demographic to find. Most people go to the CBD to find what they need when it comes to business. Such central locations often have easier access, for instance, an elevator instead of stairs, and better parking facilities for your clients.
There is a certain amount of prestige associated with locations in the CBD. The decor of the offices there will reflect this and it is part of what draws in more clientele. Once your business is set up in such an office it reassures people that you are a bone fide, trustworthy person to do business with.

That brings us to the problem of having to physically move the office. Office equipment must be handled with care as computers, printers and other components can be easily damaged. Then there are all those connections that have to be pulled apart and reconnected in the new offices. You don’t let just anyone do this kind of removal.

Why professional removalists are best

Professional removalists have the training needed to ensure all your office equipment is packed up carefully and reconnected properly in your new offices. They offer special packing and wrapping services that ensure nothing can come loose and fall off and that all the cords remain with the equipment they belong to. Read More …

4 Reasons Why Fitness is Important

August 10, 2015May 24, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Fitness

Fitness is an important part of our overall health for many reasons, but what exactly is fitness? It doesn’t mean that you can lift really heavy weights or even run a marathon, although people who can do that are certainly fit. For the average person, fitness helps us to live life to the fullest and encompasses the three important parts of our being; physical, mental and emotional health.

Doctors are increasingly aware that the three aspects of a person as above all play a part in the state of our physical health. For instance, if someone is under a lot of emotional or mental strain, it can cause them to become ill. Such stress can cause ulcers, heart attacks, strokes, digestive problems and more. But if the body is fit, the person will be in better health overall and able to ward off many physical ailments.

However, when we think of fitness, or being fit, we are usually referring to physical fitness and it is important for several reasons. Read More …

6 Steps to Effective Parenting

July 19, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Parenting-06

It is usually a rude shock to parents when their toddler learns to say the dreaded ‘no’ word. Suddenly they feel out of control as their two year old throws tantrums about every second thing that happens in their life. They may think that this is all their fault, and turn to parenting books in desperation. What have they done to make their toddler behave so abominably? Usually, nothing. The terrible twos is a well-known phrase in your child’s development.

However, most parents could do with some tips on effective parenting so if you are not happy with the way your child behaves, read on for some child care tips to help you.

You have more power than you think over the way your child will develop now and into the future. It is important to increase their self esteem if you want them to be well-adjusted and confident as they grow up. It is a simple thing to praise them for doing or attempting to do anything that is good. But comparing them with others to their detriment will certainly prevent them from trying and can have devastating consequences on their future emotional development.

12 Tips to Protect Your Carpet from Pets

July 2, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Many households have one or more pets they allow into the house, especially in the town or a city, where there are no wide open spaces for them to play safely. Dogs, cats and other pets often become a part of the family and can add a great deal to your enjoyment of life. But when they mess on the carpet your joy will be dimmed, especially if it is a new one. So how can you protect your carpet from your pets and avoid endless home carpet cleaning bills? Here are some tips to help you: –

If your pet sleeps inside, make sure they have their own bedding rather than sleeping on the carpet. This can be placed in the family room until everyone goes to bed, then removed to the bathroom or laundry and the door shut to prevent your pet wandering around the house during the night and possibly leaving an oopsie behind.
Have a mat at each door entrance that the pet uses so that when they come in from outside, a lot of dirt from their paws will be left behind on the mat. One with some pile will help to rub dirt off from under their claws and between their pads.

Celebrities Discuss Addiction and Recovery

June 12, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

When it comes to drug addiction, no one is above the risk. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 23.5 million people aged 12 or older needed treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol abuse problem in 2009. Drug and alcohol abuse is an epidemic in the United States, and even celebrities have had their share of addictions. One of the biggest draws of AA, NA, and other addiction treatment programs is hearing the stories of others. Here are a few from celebrities who have fought to maintain sobriety:

On getting help:

“I’m very, very good at manipulating people and that was something that I did in my disease, I would manipulate everyone around me. Weakness is living in denial. Only the strongest people ask for help.” –Demi Lovato, sober since 2012.

“The things I was putting in my body, my tolerance got so high. I got to the point where I couldn’t even count how many pills I was taking… I had overdosed in 2007, like right around Christmas in 2007… Pretty much almost died… I scared myself, like, ‘Yo! I need to, I need help. Like I can’t beat this on my own. I think that was my biggest problem… I mean, I’m sure that anybody with addiction—the biggest problem is admitting that you have a problem. Nobody wants to admit that they’re not in control of something.” – Eminem

Gardening Ideas for City Living

May 11, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Gardening

Do you live in the city with a tiny courtyard and envy people who have a large enough yard to grow plenty of flowers or vegetables in? Not everyone in the suburbs makes full use of their gardening space, especially if both work all day and raise children as well. That is enough to take up all your time and energy whether you live in the city or the country.

However, many people with small courtyards really want to allow their inner gardener to express some creativity. It is not as hard as it may seem. Courtyards have one advantage and that is shelter from wind. The high fences or buildings give plants protection from wind and very often also from frost that can damage many plants. So city sister, get out those gardening gloves and let’s get to work.

First look down

Look down to see what is underfoot. If your courtyard is concrete or pavers that you don’t want to dig out, you will need to have most of your plants in pots. This is okay, because the pots will add even more colour and shape to your small area. Make sure you get pots that are visually appealing; not just black plastic cheapos. Read More …

Main Meal Soup for Winter Evenings

April 14, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Main Meal Soup for Winter Evenings

Canned or packet soups are freely available it every supermarket and popular with busy housewives or those who want a quick, hot meal on a cold day. While most of them taste good, the list of ingredients include many things such as flavouring and colourings that would not be in a home-cooked soup. These ingredients are added to make the soup more palatable and attractive.

Bought soup comes in handy at times, but it does not have a great many healthy ingredients in it. You might find a few tiny pieces of carrot or other vegetables that you may or may not be able to identify, but when you make main meal soup for the family it will be filled with many nutritious vegetables and grains that are missing from bought soup.

Main meal soup will ‘keep you going’ for much longer that packaged soup, because the nutritional value is there. It’s not full of artificial flavour, colouring or sugar. It has no corn starch or flour to thicken it. You can serve it up for a main meal and it will be enough on its own or with some toast to keep you feeling happy for the night. Or you can heat it up for a midday meal and you will not feel the need to snack on high fat goodies afterwards.

Using Meditation To Help Your Recovery Process

March 24, 2015May 24, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Millions of people are plagued by alcohol and drug addiction every year. Once you’ve completed your rehabilitation, the road to recovery never ends; you are constantly enhancing and rebuilding your road, finding better ways to cope and succeed. Meditation is one practice that serves as a vital source of added support during the recovery process. In fact, many treatment centers have adopted meditation as a part of their overall treatment program.

Understanding Meditation

Meditation is a powerful practice that has been used for thousands of years to lead the meditator towards enlightenment and spiritual connection. You don’t have to be religious or consider practicing meditation, as it is first and foremost about the self, and being one with your mind.

While there is no set time frame for practicing meditation, it is most effective when sticking to a routine. Like any sport, the more you practice, the better you get. Setting aside even just 20 minutes per morning to meditate before beginning your day will yield long term benefits. Meditation not only connects you to your mind and body, but is proven to be stress-reducing.

How Botox Injections Treat Migraines

March 23, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Many people think of Botox only in conjunction with removing wrinkles, but there are far more conditions that can be treated than cosmetic ones. Migraine affects many people, causing them to lose work time and become bedridden for several days in the worst cases. Botox treatment for migraines can bring amazing relief to the sufferer.

In fact, it was discovered that Botox can help chronic migraine sufferers by the patients themselves as they had Botox injections for wrinkle treatment. When Allergen, the company that makes Botox, found this out they were able to present the case for using Botox especially for migraines and have it approved for this use.

Why does Botox work for migraines?

It is not fully understood why Botox is good for helping migraine, but since it works to paralyse the nerves and muscles of the face, it is likely that these same nerves and muscles play a big part in causing migraine or are affected by the migraine and cause pain. When the muscles are paralysed by the Botox injections, there is much less pain.

Why Colorbond Roofing is Better Than Tiles for Your Home Design

February 15, 2015February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

What you choose for your home design depends on several things; personal preferences, budget, availability and even what the council may or may not allow in your suburb. Two of the most common materials for the roofs of homes today are tiles and Colorbond roofing. Most of the cheaper tiles are made from concrete, although you can get slate and terracotta tiles. Whether you are building a new home or doing a roof restoration, there are a few things to consider.

Colorbond roofing is often considered better than tiles for your home design for several reasons: –

It is much lighter at only 10% the weight of concrete tiles. This has several advantages such as a lighter roof framework with rafters further apart.
Colorbond roofing does not absorb water like tiles do, so it remains lightweight even in wet weather. Tiles become even heavier as they absorb the water and so all engineering specifications have to take this into consideration. The framework and rafters of the home need to be much stronger and heavier to bear the weight.
Since steel roofing does not absorb moisture, if you want to harvest the rainwater from your roof, you will get much more from Colorbond. In addition, the water will be cleaner because debris and dust tend to blow straight off, rather than stick to it like it does to tiles.

11 Tips to Wear and Care for Your Dentures

February 15, 2015September 14, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Care o Dentures

Over 50% of Australians over the age of 65 wear false teeth. Anyone who has dentures will know they need to be cared for properly. This might seem to be a nuisance, but it is necessary and once you form the habit of doing it, will simply become part of your evening routine. Here are some tips for looking after your dentures.

If you are new to wearing dentures, make sure you get proper instructions from your dentist not only in caring for them, but in how to insert and remove them properly, since this varies according to the type of dentures you have.
Take time to get used to your new teeth. It is something of a learning curve and taking it slow will help prevent damage to your mouth as well as your false teeth.

8 Tips to Enjoy Outdoor Living

June 5, 2014February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Outdoor-Living

Most of Australia is lucky in that the warm, temperate climate makes outdoor living very pleasant and to be enjoyed for nine months of the year or more, depending on where you live. Since it is something that most people enjoy whether for entertaining or just relaxing after the evening meal, here are some tips to help you enjoy it more.

If you and your family enjoy dining outdoors, create a space that does not cause a lot of work taking chairs, tables and lighting outside – not to mention food – then bringing it all back in after the meal is over. For instance, an outdoor kitchen on the deck will contain everything you need for a meal and you can even cook outdoors instead of being stuck inside tending to the meal while everyone else enjoys themselves in the cool of the evening.

If the barbeque area is down the backyard, make it more usable and pleasant by adding a shade-cloth, a wind-break if wind is a problem in your area, and pavers or another flooring option to keep your feet dry and clean. That way mud and wet grass won’t be tracked back inside at the end of the meal.

How to Retain the Romance of Bali

April 18, 2014February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Romance of Bali

Travelling overseas for a holiday is an exciting time. Many places such as Bali are very popular holiday destinations for Australian tourists, because it is fairly close and we love the friendly Indonesian culture. But rather than forgetting all about it once you return home, why not retain the romance of the region by keeping something of it in your home or garden?

Much outdoor furniture reflects the culture of other countries. While you are in Bali take note of all the wonderful furniture – not in the hotels, but in the Bali villas and other similar accommodations that more truly reflect the Bali lifestyle. Then when you get back home you’ll be able to find similar styles or imports from that country for your own home.

Tips for Car Travel with Children

February 14, 2014February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Tips for Car Travel with Children-min

Travelling long distances in the car with children can be less than pleasant because kids love to move around rather than sit for long hours. They get bored and restless sitting in their car seats so it is up to the parents to find some way of entertaining them. This is easier to do these days with the technology that is available.

Older children can listen to their music or watch a DVD, but there are other things they can do when they get sick of that. Games such as counting certain coloured cars or writing down place or river names are interesting to older children. Puzzle books or colouring in can also be a good choice so long as the road is bitumen and not a bumpy, dirt road.

But if your children are still toddlers it can be difficult to amuse them. Here are some tips to keep them happy in the car: –

Top Tips to Make Your Pool Sparkle

January 15, 2014February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

If you are lucky enough to have a pool, you will indeed be able to enjoy the hot weather by lazing – or swimming – in the cool water whenever you feel like it. You can also relax poolside while you watch the children enjoy the fresh air and sunshine jumping in and out of the pool all the while.

However, once you’ve build a pool from one of the best pool builders and with the delights of a pool come the responsibility of keeping it clean so it will be a healthy environment for you and the children to play in. Water that is static will always be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why those pool chemical have to be used. But even these can have a difficult job to keep your pool water sparkling because of the variable conditions.

Weather

Wind and rain can both have an effect on your pool water. The run-off from rain can dilute the chemicals in the water so it is no longer enough to eliminate bacteria. The wind can blow debris such as dust, leaves, sticks and dirt into the pool. These organic products begin to decay immediately, changing the PH of the water. Read More …

The True Feelings of Ice Addiction

October 17, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

ice-addiction

I have never used meth, it was not my drug of choice, but it is for so many others. Truthfully it scares me. I’ve lost friends to its power and for those that don’t seek professional drug rehab or enter into some sort of self addiction recovery I have watched helplessly as it destroys the lives of those I know and care for.

Most people who use meth, I have found, really don’t want to at all, but the sway that it holds over those who use it is extraordinary.

When I found the poem below, “I am meth,” it blew me away, I’ve never used it, but I understand it, and I’m in awe of the way the writer has captured the truth of what happens with their words.

About a year ago, I found myself in a house with quite a few meth users, all teenagers, and all having a great time. I read the poem “I am meth,” and was amazed at the reaction. I killed the party. I began reading it to one person, but everyone ended up listening. The silence spread as if I was giving a presidential speech, and the noise did not come back. Everyone understood the truth of what they were doing and what they were feeling, quite a few young girls cried, and many people got angry. But everyone understood it, and knew they were trapped that it had stolen their souls, and that they were powerless.

Get Your Laundry Basics Correct

July 8, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

It’s an essential room in every home and if you manage your laundry basics well, then the chore of doing the weekly washing and ironing becomes much more enjoyable. A mess in any room looks bad and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, which is all the more reason to have your laundry designed with practicality, this will help you maintain a well organised space. Here are some laundry basics to help you get your laundry back into shape:

Make space for folding: Install a countertop so you have a place to fold clothes as they come out of the dryer. Ideally, it should be right above the dryer, if space is limited then have a fold out table nearby so that you can bring it into the laundry when needed.

Create a space for hanging: Every laundry room needs a place to hang clothes fresh from the dryer or delicate items you prefer to air-dry. Installing a hanging rod either under your cabinets or next to them is one of the laundry basics.

Kid-Friendly Bathrooms

June 11, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Kid-Friendly Bathrooms-img

There are many things to consider when designing a bathroom, especially when you have kids. With a little human in the home, life is a little different, which creates the need for Kid-friendly bathrooms. First think about storage. Kids have their own towels, toys and things for bath time. If you can include a colourful toy box or cabinet just for storing your child’s belongings, it’ll be easier to encourage putting things away.

Then there is the all-important toilet in Kid-friendly bathrooms. From potty to normal toilet is a big step for a small child so a transition toilet is a great idea. And don’t forget the sound of your toilet seat. Little humans tend to let them drop so a seat with a silencer or at least the appropriate padding is a great idea.

Easiest Creamy Dessert for a Cold Winter’s Evening

June 7, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Many years ago high school students who took ‘Home Economics’ were taught to cook commonsense meals that were both easy, nutritional and budget-friendly. But that changed to a much more complicated version of cooking where students learned all about meals from other countries and cooked fancy meals that were more suitable for a celebration rather than a staple family meal.

There are now a few generations of people who didn’t ever learn the art of cooking wholesome family meals that could be done without having to read a cookbook or learn a whole new language. The rise of fast foods was helped by this lack, as people just want to get something to eat quickly and easily. And they didn’t really know how to do it without going to a lot of trouble to find out.

5 Backyard Landscaping Ideas

April 15, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Not everyone has the time or ability to landscape their backyard, but when you take care to make the most of it, your property will suddenly be worth a great deal more. Besides, landscaping your property gives it street appeal and makes you proud of the place you call home. If you don’t have much creativity when it comes to landscape design, here are 5 simple ideas to help you out.

Got an awkward corner that is difficult to mow? Convert it into a garden. Dig out the grass or poison it, then add shrubs and plants, making sure you plant the largest ones at the back. Cover the soil in between with organic mulch such as lawn clippings or wood chips to keep the weeds out. While mature plants will give you an instant garden, using those that are still young will most likely give you more success as they adapt to being transplanted more easily. Choose a variety of leaf shapes such as long thin ones and round or wide ones to give visual appeal.

10 Kitchen Trends

March 3, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Let’s face it, the kitchen is the heart of your home and the kitchen is one room which reveals your personality and your style. With the year about to end, let’s look back at the top kitchen trends for 2013. According to the design experts at the lifestyle channel, here are the top 10 Australian kitchen trends:

High-Tech: If you like to keep up with the latest kitchen trends in design, gadgets and style then your cooking HQ will almost certainly have LED lighting and the latest in hidden hi-tech gadgets. Pop-up range hoods and dishwashers hidden behind kitchen cabinetry are all common design elements in new and upcoming kitchens.

Retro: Of course modern kitchen trends can include older styles in the ‘everything old is new again’ situation. There’s nothing like a touch of retro to show how modern you really are.

Big Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms

February 4, 2013May 26, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Big Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms-img

There is nothing more frustrating than having tiny bathrooms that feel cramped and has little to no storage. However there are ways to turn an uninspiring and small bathroom into a stylish and practical space. These ideas are simple, can often be DIY and are inexpensive. Bathrooms are essential and so too are the many implements and products we store there. But where to store is often the taxing question.

One brilliant solution is to install a medicine cabinet on the walls of tiny bathrooms; these cabinets are slim but capable of holding a variety of products safely. White such cabinets look great and when attached to a wall in your bathroom gives you storage without much if any hindrance. The ideal spot is over the toilet but because of the shallow size of the cabinet, there is little or no chance of banging your head. Just keep the toilet lid down before opening the cabinet!

How to Have a Really Cool Basement

January 27, 2013February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

If you have a basement you are one of the lucky ones. Not only do you have a spare room for storage, it is usually large enough to be remodelled into anything you want, all without losing storage space. The main thing to remember is that being under the house, it’s likely to be naturally dim, so good lighting will be essential. A qualified electrician can install both lighting and power points for your new basement room, once you’ve decided what you want to do with it. Read More …

How is an Orthodontist Different from a Dentist?

June 30, 2012February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Orthodontist

If you need dental treatment you may wonder what the difference is between a dentist and an orthodontist. While you may know that it’s usually an orthodontist that fits braces, the difference is more far-reaching than that. An orthodontist works in the area of straightening teeth and aligning the jaw, but he has had three more years of training than a dentist.

While both have undergone the same 5 year full time university course in dentistry, the orthodontist has undergone a further three years of full time training to achieve the knowledge and expertise that makes him or her an orthodontist. Generally speaking, anyone working as an orthodontist does not fix decays, extract teeth or do general dental work, even though they do know how, having had to work as a dentist for two years before taking on the further training needed for orthodontics.

Finding a Place to Really Relax

June 10, 2011September 17, 2017 Union LifeStyle

outdoor relaxation area

If you have ever been on a luxury yacht, especially one like Amara, designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, you will have seen just how many relaxation and entertainment areas there are. All are a little different and many areas are designed especially for other cultures where chairs and lounges are not so important, but piles of cushions on the floor or on a large, raised, padded platform provide comfort to anyone wanting to use them.

While many furnishing trends travel from home to ship, sometimes that is reversed, with up-market homes following trends that are seen in luxury yachts, especially the really big ones where opulence is key. Almost any home can be improved with more relaxation areas that offer the ultimate in comfort, whatever that may be to the owners. If you are feeling stressed out and tired, it could be that there is no truly welcoming and comfortable space in your home that calls you in to relax.

SUGAR! Delicious and Deadly

June 19, 2005May 24, 2018 Union LifeStyle

More than 30 years ago I noticed that eating sugared foods made me extremely tired in the mornings. A little sugar in the water to boil carrots gave me “sugar eyes” – that’s what I called the sense of glue in the morning as I tried to open my eyes. A cup of coffee and a donut would literally keep me from getting out of bed – I was habitually late for work. I did not realize it was the sugar until I stopped putting sugar in my coffee and replaced donuts with hot unsweetened cereal. After three days of this new regime, I got up early and I had clear eyes – no sugar eyes! I was alert and awake! What a discovery!

Feeling well is a great incentive. After that experience I pretty much cut out refined sugar from my diet. Every so often I’d stray, but the fatigue and the “sugar eyes” kept reminding me. What I also noticed is that my moods changed dramatically once I quit eating sugar. From my usual slight malaise, a vague sensation of sadness or minor depression, I went to feeling normal and OK pretty much most of the time. What surprised me was that such experiences were dismissed by the mainstream nutritionists, and other parents were horrified when I mentioned that I gave my children no sugared cookies, ice cream, or candy – ever. (If they got it themselves, that was not my problem; they just didn’t get it in the house from me.) That was because I had found, early on, as do many parents, that the kids often go crazy when they get sugar.

Preventing Childhood Obesity

March 19, 2004February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

There have been a number of articles about obesity and children, and frequently there are words used such as “surge,” “epidemic,” and “growing problem.” Let’s take a look at what the issues are.

Obesity has a popular meaning (just plain fat – we know it when we see it) and a technical meaning. Overweight (chubby) is the same. And here comes the interesting thing: official technical meanings of these two words have changed. They deal with the body mass index, or BMI, which is the ratio of weight to height, and is arrived at by the following method: multiply the weight in pounds by 703, then multiply the height in inches by height in inches, then divide the first number by the second. If using the metric system, the numbers are weight in kg divided by the square of height in meters.

Before 1998, a BMI of 27 or more was considered overweight. But in June 1998, new cut-off weights were implemented. The BMI for overweight became 25 to 30, and anything over 30 became obese. Thus, overnight a lot of people became overweight who were considered normal the day before.

Dealing with Childhood Fevers

October 19, 2001February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

We have nothing to fear of fever but our own fear. Fever is a very sensible, rational activity of the body when it is faced with certain types of stress. It is the activation of the body’s garbage incinerator, burning up debris and toxic matter that are of no use to the body’s normal functioning. These may be bacteria, virus, breakdown products of the body’s metabolism, or other extraneous proteins in the bloodstream.

In the case of children, fever can serve a very good purpose. Children are continuously rebuilding and remodeling their bodies as they grow. As with any renovation project, debris results. In Anthroposophic medicine, the theory is that childhood illnesses are simply a way of disposing of unwanted cells and tissues. Hence, colds, skin eruptions and fevers are normal expressions of a normal process. Parents sometimes get excessively concerned. According to Jane Brody, in her New York Times column “Too Many Parents are Afflicted with Fever Phobia,” the pediatric literature points out that “undue attention to a child’s temperature and mishandling of fevers generate a great deal of unwarranted parental anxiety, avoidable medical complications, and countless calls and costly visits to doctors, clinics, and emergency rooms.”

How to Hire a Great DJ

December 12, 2000February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

hire-a-great-dj

DJ hire may be a simple matter for a person who goes to a lot of parties. They would soon get to know who the best DJ was. They could then take the details of the one they liked best and contact them whenever they were organising a party or event that needed the services of the DJ. But what about a person who had not gone to many parties and didn’t know who to hire? Here are some tips for you if you are in that category.

Ask friends and family if they know of a good DJ and why they liked them.

Carrying Baby

December 2, 1997February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Riding the subways and buses of New York City, I have often encountered people with children in large baby carriages. These carriages are at times quite elaborate, with beautiful padding, a sun roof, lots of toys — obviously the parents are doing all they can to express their love for their child. The child, on the other hand, may not notice or appreciate the effort: it’s back is to the pretty padding, and it can only look out, without seeing the one pushing the carriage. In essence, the baby is alone in that carriage, wheeled about with no sense of connection to the adults. Sometimes I see children that look like they’re three, four, and maybe more years old, wheeled about still, not walking. What are these kids learning? When faced with stress, will they become crippled before their time, so as to recreate their infancy and be wheeled about by someone else? Will they too grow into couch potatoes, overweight people who do not exercise, people who are reluctant to do something for themselves because they’re so used to having someone else do it for them?

New Concepts: The Zone and the Blood Type

June 9, 1997February 5, 2018 Union LifeStyle

Books on how to eat are a dime a dozen. Many of them contradict each other: raw food or cooked? Vegetarian or high protein? Food combining or everything in balance? Consumers try to navigate without a compass among all these systems, and often, in despair and confusion, give up trying to eat healthfully. As readers of this column know, my viewpoint is that our main dietary choices should be always whole, fresh, natural, real, and organically grown foods whenever possible. That said, there are many possible permutations of such a diet, and I have experimented with many: lacto-ovo vegetarian (7 years), vegan (1 ½ years), macrobiotic (15 years), food combining (2 weeks), and the Atkins diet (1 month). Each time I learned something interesting. It’s been a long time since I think of myself as being “on a diet,” but rather of eating mostly “health-supportive whole foods.”

In the past two years I have run into three new books about diet, and each of them has taught me one or more useful concepts. That is more than I found in the ten years prior! You have probably heard about these books as well. Let’s look at all three, and what I found useful about them.

Aspartame: The Real Story

April 8, 1997May 26, 2017 Union LifeStyle

Sugar is bad for you, right? It has calories and makes you fat. Therefore, anything that tastes sweet and doesn’t have calories is preferable, because it won’t make you fat. Right? That is the thinking that supports the widespread use of artificial sweeteners. Millions of people guzzle soft drinks sweetened with aspartame, the compound sold under the trade names Nutrasweet and Equal. This ingredient is found in all kinds of diet foods, in toothpaste, and sprinkled out of small packets into coffee and tea. It is sold worldwide. It is also associated with thousands of reports of adverse effects. Most of the information that follows was taken from the Aspartame Consumer Safety Network Fact Sheet, written by Lendon Smith, MD, former Network Physician at NBC-TV and well-known author and pediatrician.

Aspartame (the technical name is L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanyl-methyl-ester) is considered to be about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is virtually calorie free. When ingested and metabolized, it breaks down into three substances: