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'Sew' What Are You Waiting For?

(NAPSI)-Here's news that may have you in stitches: Sewing is an increasingly popular hobby and very different from the way it was a generation or so ago. Now, whether you're a longtime expert sewer or just starting out with this useful and enjoyable skill, modern sewing machines offer a variety of wonderful features - if you know what you need.

Here are some tips from the experts at Husqvarna Viking on selecting a sewing machine:

• Decide what sort of sewing you want to do. Do you want to sew for yourself? Create gifts for family and friends? Make decorative accessories for your home, such as pillows and drapes, or decorate already-made clothing?
• Ask other sewers what brands and features they like.
• Go to a reputable, independent sewing machine dealer who is knowledgeable about the product. Independent retailers may offer more amenities than mass merchandisers can, such as free sewing lessons when you buy the machine.
• Take a "test drive." Sit at the machine and sew a few seams. Test the straight stitches for stitch quality, buttonholes for ease of use and decorative stitches for the fun of it. See how well the machine works with various weights of fabrics and how easy it is to thread and wind bobbins.
• Ask for references. How does the dealer handle repair issues, activities and customer support?
• Find out about warranties and bonuses.
• Look for ease-of-use features, such as those found on today's Husqvarna Viking machines: built-in sewing information that automatically sets your machine and provides you with important facts for successful sewing; a built-in sensor system that ensures smooth feeding of different fabric weights and types; one-touch stitch selection, a convenient time-saver; and instructional video or CDs, which may help you become more comfortable with the machine at your own pace in your own home.
• Also consider how much of the sewing you want to do and how much you'd rather leave to the machine. Computer chip technology, for example, has given rise to machines that can embroider all by themselves.

You can learn more online at www.husqvarnaviking.com.

A New Equation for Camping Fun

(NAPSI)-"Eureka!" That's what many parents say when they find a camp for their daughter that focuses on science.

That may be the cause of excitement as more than 1,700 girls, ages 11 to 13, will take part in a variety of engineering and science-related projects at the weeklong EX.I.T.E. camps across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific, sponsored for the eighth year by IBM. EX.I.T.E. stands for EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering.

"Traditionally, girls have shied away from taking math, science and technology courses because they didn't think they could excel in them, or thought the classes were unrelated to what they wanted to do in their lives," said Katherine Hegmann, IBM general manager, Global Application Services, Business Consulting Services. "What many girls don't realize is that technology is providing opportunities for careers in virtually every field they could hope to pursue."

As part of this year's program, EX.I.T.E. campers will work in teams with IBM employee volunteers on innovation projects enabling the girls to realize the wealth of ideas and talents they possess that could make a difference in medicine, health care, agriculture, entertainment, consumer goods, environmental preservation or rescue and relief efforts. Each camp will document its innovations by creating a three-dimensional model, blueprint or presentation. The campers will get a chance to present their innovations to local IBM volunteers and executives who will in turn provide feedback.

Since its inception in 1999, 85 percent of the more than 5,000 girls who participated in an EX.I.T.E. Camp indicated they would consider pursuing an engineering or technical-related degree when they go to college. This shift in perception is critical for companies that depend on technical talent to fill key positions in addition to being timely, as evidenced in a recent survey by the Society of Women Engineers, which indicated that 75 percent of girls, ages 12 to 17, do not plan to pursue careers in math, science or technology.

When the camps conclude, girls can stay in touch with the technical women at IBM through an e-mentoring program. So far, most girls have found the camps to be an effective motivational experience.

Parents may want to contact their child's school to see if the school participates in the program. For general information on camps, visit the American Camp Association at www.acacamps.org.

To learn more about EX.I.T.E., visit www.ibm.com/employment/us/diverse/.

Ants: A Nuisance Best Handled by Pros

(NAPSI)-If ants showed up only at picnics, perhaps they'd be easier to tolerate. Instead, they can make their way through the tiniest gaps and appear unwelcome in most any area of the home. As the No. 1 "nuisance pest" in the United States, ants enter homes to find food and water. This means that no matter how your home is constructed, where it's located or how old it is, it could be invaded by ants.

"We hear from frustrated callers every week who have unsuccessfully tried every do-it-yourself ant control product on the shelf," said James and Morris Carey, nationally recognized experts on home building and renovation, and hosts of the syndicated radio show "On the House." "When you add up the time and money they've spent trying to rid their homes of ants, it would have been less expensive and a whole lot easier to call a pest professional to get it done right, the first time."

"Effective ant control begins with a professional inspection and treatments using the most technologically advanced products available," advises James. Adds Morris, "Professional treatments such as Phantom® insecticide and Termidor® insecticide/termiticide are both undetectable, allowing the ants to pass through the treated zone and become carriers, spreading the treatment to other ants they contact. A pest professional can apply Phantom to trouble spots inside your home, and Termidor around your home's foundations to reach the outdoor nests where the ants live. Most ant species are controlled within a week of application."

According to the Carey Bros., homeowner mentality quickly is shifting toward this time-efficient, affordable, peace-of-mind outlook that comes with having a pest professional tackle ant invasions. Today, the sight of a pest management vehicle signifies a determined, intelligent means of detecting and ridding a home of a pest that poses a major threat to homes, apartments and other structures.

Be Part of the Solution

Ants need food and water, and they need a way to gain access to your home. Since they can be very persistent, you need to be just as persistent by taking some simple steps towards controlling these nuisance pests. Inside: Clean up spilled food and beverages, take out the trash, and rinse out jars and containers before you place them in trash cans and recycling bins. Outside: Seal doors and windows, keep rain gutters clean to prevent moisture inside walls, and trim trees and shrubs away from your house.

Phantom and Termidor treatments can be made only by licensed pest professionals who have been trained and certified to use the products. Visit Termidor Home.com to find a pest professional in your area.

Brownie Inspires Cupcake

(NAPSI)-The allure of the cupcake has gone beyond children's party fare. All the world, it seems, has a passion for cupcakes these days. Cupcake bakeries are opening across the country. Cookbooks devoted to the art of the cupcake are turning up in bookstores.

Just enough to satisfy a sweet craving, the cupcake is an indulgence of the right proportions. The cupcake has arrived and with more variations on the cake theme than ever.

When a cupcake crosses with a brownie, a satisfying, deep chocolate flavor is presented in the form of a little cake. Brownie cupcakes make a deliciously dense cake, especially tasty with a sweet addition of natural raisins. The recipe comes together quickly in a single pot on the stovetop - a great option for quick cleanups.

Top the cupcakes with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, excellent for lunchboxes. For the full cupcake effect, traditional butter cream frosting dresses up the brownie cupcakes for a party.

Brownie Cupcakes

• 3 oz. (3 squares) unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 11/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 11/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup Sun-Maid Natural Raisins

Butter cream Frosting

• 1 stick (8-oz.) butter, softened
• 1 box (16-oz.) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease or line 12 (23/4-inch) muffin cups with paper baking cups.
• In large saucepan, over very low heat, combine chocolate and butter; heat just until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar; blend well.
• Blend in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, walnuts and raisins. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling almost full.
• Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Frosting:

In small mixing bowl, combine first four ingredients and 2 tablespoons of milk. With electric mixer, combine on low until blended. Continue to beat on high until fluffy, adding additional milk as needed for spreading consistency.

Love and Your Linen Closet

(NAPSI)-With the popularity of gift registries, couples today may find it even easier to collect what they need to start their new lives. According to TheKnot.com, more than $19 billion is spent annually through wedding gift registries.

With linens as a top registry category, that can add up to a lot of sheets and towels. According to the experts at ClosetMaid, the average couple needs:

• Two sheet sets for seasonal changes and one basic white set for each bedroom
• Eight pillows (two for her, two for him and four for guests)
• Two comforters per bed (one for warmer and one for colder weather)
• One throw blanket per bed and an extra one for cozy fireplace cuddling
• Four bath towels, four hand towels and four washcloths per bathroom.

It's also a good idea to ask for a storage system to organize all those linens.

"Your linen closet doesn't have to be a haphazard mess of towels and blankets," said Susan Follick of ClosetMaid. "With the appropriate storage system, your linen closet can promote a calm sense of order and organization."

Follick recommends ClosetMaid MasterSuite® as an elegant solution. Available in a variety of finishes including Clean White and new Antique White, it's a custom-designed line of laminate storage systems that meet individual needs through the company's authorized installing dealers.

"Varied shelf heights allow you to maintain the good practice of loosely folding and stacking towels to preserve their fluffiness," said Follick. "You need about 10 inches between shelves for sheets and 15 inches for towels. Multiple shelves can accommodate small stacks, making them less likely to fall over, and allow you to keep everyday items like bath towels at eye level."

For the do-it-yourself bride and homeowner, there's a special linen line of ventilated wire shelving. Their all-purpose linen shelving helps air to circulate and is available in both 12-inch and 16-inch shelf depths.

For more information, including an online tool such as the Visual Storage Planner, visit www.closetmaid.com or call 800-874-0008 to help design your space.

Maggie's Laundry Room Madness

Hello Readers! Thank you all for your stain and laundry questions in the past months. To make sure we answer as many of them as possible, we've asked our favorite "Domestic Diva," Maggie to help us out. If you have a question for Maggie, you can e-mail her at comments@alliancels.com.

Dear Maggie,

Is there anything better than picking fresh strawberries? My only problem is eating a few in the field normally leaves more than a few strawberry juice stains on my shirt or shorts. What's the easiest way to get rid of these stains?

Joanne
Ashland, Wis.

Dear Joanne,

Making the best strawberry shortcake does come at a price – you may find that removing the stain is more work than picking the berries themselves!

To remove strawberries from your clothing, rinse the stain with cold water as soon as possible. Apply a pretreat product, and wash in hot water, if safe for fabric. If the stain remains, wash again with hot water and bleach, if safe for fabric.

Next time, you might consider wearing red.

Maggie

Dear Maggie,

I'll keep this short and sweet. Full coffee mug + commute to work + large pothole = mammoth coffee stain on khakis. Are they garbage or can I return them to wearable work attire?

Ryan
Indianapolis, Ind.

Dear Ryan,

Ouch! Your first step is to soak the stain in cold water. Which, incidentally, is likely what you applied to the burn on your leg! Next, you'll want to rub detergent into the stain and rinse. Still see the coffee? Try a pretreat product and wash in warm water (or hot water with bleach if it is safe for the fabric). If I may make another suggestion … invest in a travel mug for the auto.

Maggie

Make Sure Your Ice is Safe and Clean

(NAPSI)-You may think that all ice is the same, but if you have contaminated ice, you and your family could be risking your health.

As the weather begins to heat up, so does ice consumption to keep beverages and food cold and fresh. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a picnic at the park or a daily glass of iced tea, people need safe, clean ice.

Recent news reports have shown that some ice in fast-food restaurants is dirtier than toilet water. Whether processed and packaged from a moldy ice machine, mishandled through the use of dirty buckets or even hand-scooped by dirty hands, it is difficult to know exactly what you're buying and consuming.

Here are a few tips for purchasing clean, safe ice:

• Ice should be clear in color as well as odorless and tasteless.
• The bag should be properly closed and secure.
• The bag should have the manufacturer's name, address and phone number.
• The bag should be free of any foreign objects.
• The bag should have a product code.

According to a recent study conducted by Michigan State University, there is a heightened concern about the safety of foods among consumers. In fact, 63 percent of the consumers interviewed are very or fairly concerned about the safety of the foods they eat and almost half of the respondents said they do not buy foods that are likely to be unsafe.

This summer, the International Packaged Ice Association (IPIA) wants you to know that all ice is not created equal and that ice shoppers need to be selective. When buying packaged ice, look for a product that has been packaged by a certified IPIA member and carries the IPIA seal.

The seal means that the packaged ice consumers are buying meets the association's strict quality and safety policy. The stringent Packaged Ice Quality Control Standards are mandated for all IPIA members to ensure safe and quality ice. The standards regulate employees' personal hygiene, sanitary operations of the facilities, equipment and utensils used in making ice, quality of the water source and continuous microbiological testing of the finished product.

To learn more about safe ice, visit www.packagedice.com.

Sunscreen, Shade, Other Products Help Protect Skin

(NAPSI)-If you have started wearing sunscreen, you're on your way to fighting off the signs of premature aging. But don't be lulled into a false sense of security. "In order for sunscreens and blocks to really protect your skin, you have to use them properly," says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Deborah Sarnoff. "Putting them on carelessly will compromise their effectiveness." So here are some reliable ways to maximize your sun protection:

Wear it Every Day

The sun can cause damage in the few minutes it takes for you to walk from your car to the office. For daily usage, a moisturizer with SPF is your best bet, as it will not interfere with your makeup application and may offer other skin care benefits. Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi Protection Anti-Oxidant Lotion SPF 30, for example, contains powerful free radical fighters, such as Eukarion, a new kind of anti-oxidant that mimics the body's natural enzyme that fends off free radicals. It also contains vitamins C and E, grape seed extract and rosemary to help safeguard your skin against free radical damage from external factors such as sun exposure, pollution and smoke. Meanwhile, intensive yet nongreasy hydrators help keep skin looking and feeling well-moisturized and healthy.

Think Multi-Purpose

To screen out damaging UVA and UVB rays, look for sun protection products that are labeled "broad spectrum." And while sunscreen is the strongest line of defense against sun damage, studies have shown that sun exposure can still penetrate skin and trigger the formation of free radicals, which lead to lines, wrinkles, brown spots, sagging and more serious skin problems. To rectify this situation, you can try Estée Lauder Multi Protection Sun Lotion for Body SPF 30, which offers protection against visible signs of aging. It contains a broad spectrum and strong SPF, free radical-fighting vitamins C and E and Melanase, the company's proprietary ingredient that helps break down the appearance of sun-induced dark patches.

Application is Everything

Be sure to apply your sun protection product at least 30 minutes before heading outside, so the active ingredients have time to react with your skin and pile it on. To truly be protected, you have to use about a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your face and body. You also need to reapply it every 3 to 4 hours and immediately after swimming or perspiring heavily. If the UV index is especially high, you should reapply it even more frequently, ditto if your skin is extra fair.

Beat the Heat

The sun's heat, not just its ultraviolet rays, is damaging to skin. So it's a good idea to seek out some shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day-from roughly 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "If I know that I'm going to be in the sun for a long period of time, in addition to reapplying sunscreen at regular intervals throughout the day, I also make sure to go inside or sit in the shade for at least 15 minutes every hour," says Dr. Daniel Maes, vice president of global research and development, Estée Lauder Cos. "This gives skin the opportunity to cool down and to protect itself against excess heat exposure."

Accessorize

A hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable, yet chic, beach bag necessities. They're an extra line of defense against lines, wrinkles, and other sun damage. Try an extra-broad-brimmed hat - the sun will still hit parts of your face if you wear a baseball cap. Think round, big sunglasses. Hint: If you're squinting behind your lenses, they're too small.

A Healthy Tan

If you prefer the "safe sun" alternative but visions of blotchy orange skin have prevented you from hitting the bottle - self-tanning one, that is - rest assured. "There is a new breed of sunless tanners on the market that impart a truly natural looking, even color, and are easy to apply," says Elaine D'Farley, beauty director of Self Magazine. Estée Lauder Go Tan Air-Brush Self-Tan Spray, for example, is an ultra-fine 360° aerosol spray that you can hold at any angle, even upside down, so it's easy to hit hard-to-reach areas. In addition, it has a specially formulated pH to help you attain a natural-looking color. You'll get glowing in no time flat and no one will ever know that it's not from a trip to the beach.

Surviving the Family Road Trip

(NAPSI)-According to the U.S. Department of Energy, travel is increasing every year and it is predicted that even more people will be on the road this year. Traveling with the family can be a great way to spend quality time together but it also can be stressful. Increase your chances of a fun, stress-free and safe vacation by following these simple tips:

• Beat boredom with child's play. "Are we there yet?" What is it about these words that go straight to a parent's spine? Keep kids entertained with some great car games that make getting where you're going half the fun. Magnetic board games, portable video games and classics such as the license plate game, "I Spy" and the alphabet game will keep energetic kids in good spirits and actively engaged no matter how long the journey.
• Stop smart. When stopping at rest stops, make sure it's just your kids getting back in the car and not the bacteria and germs they pick up in the bathroom. Bring products that keep your family healthy, such as hand sanitizer and Lysol Disinfectant Spray, to kill rest stop germs that can be transferred from the rest room to the surfaces in your car. To prepare for those inevitable spills and "oops" moments, keep paper towels or wet wipes handy.
• Eat right. Sure, you can stop at the rest stop for food-along with the thousands of other people on the road. But roadside dining doesn't always offer the healthiest choices. Instead, keep your family's bellies full with snacks that you can eat right in the car, such as trail mix, string cheese, fruit roll-ups, bottles of water and fruit. These easy, convenient snacks are yummy (for them) and healthy (for you).
• Keep everyone happy. Pick a destination that has fun activities for all ages. While it's tempting to head for the place that the kids will love, make sure there's something for mom, dad and grandma to do as well. Some top family vacation spots that offer something for everyone include Orlando, Fla., Anaheim, Calif., Williamsburg, Va., Hershey, Pa. and Yellowstone National Park.

Family vacations can be chaotic but immensely rewarding. And if you keep these tips in mind, you can help ensure safe and happy travels - at least until you get there.