Who is Romona Weston?

I am a wife to a very patient and loving man, mother to seven of  the most beautiful children God could give, a grandmom to one special little boy, daughter to a very sweet and precious mother, and sister to six amazing siblings. I am loyal to my friends and believe in the power of saying “sorry” although it teaches me humility when I have to say it. I am an organizer and neat and tidy are my second names.

I live by lists and schedules. I am hard working and believe that diligence always pays in more ways than one! Nothing comes for free is my motto! I am sweet, sometimes borders on naivivity. Over the years I have learned to laugh and relax more often…such joy to have. I’m a people person and loves to have “tea” anytime! I  like to be punctual and being late tends to upset me.

I am honest and like to have a clear conscience about everything. I am trustworthy and dependable. I love being a homemaker. I don’t mind doing things independently but loves being with my family and friends!

I am an avid gardener, who loves to hike, write and organize! Step into my world, enjoy a cup of ice cold “tea” as you have a visit with me through the written word!

My family lives in the beautiful Amish countryside of Lancaster County, PA.

As of late, I started a review blog on Kitchen Carts and Kitchen Islands where I use my love for writing to give thorough and in-depth reviews, of all models and kinds of portable and stationary  kitchen carts and kitchen islands androlling kitchen carts on wheels. As a researcher, rather than a retailer, I present an unbiased view of products. With a solid grounding as an Internet Entrepreneur I also have  published http://www.kitchencarts360.com where you can read about all the latest trends and reviews about  wood kitchen carts and  stainless kitchen carts, stationary,portable, mobile, storage and utility kitchen carts, and various models and manufacturers of kitchen carts.

Tea Time with Romona is Published on Slightly Creaky on the 12th of each month.

• August, 2011: Ten Budget Tips to Know Before Your Cruise
• September, 2011: The Health Benefits of Aqua Exercise for Boomers
• October, 2011: Six Tips for Cleaning your Stainless Steel Barbecue
• November, 2011: How to Maintain your Deck in 6 Easy Steps
• December, 2011: Fireproof Your Home During the Holiday Season

Ten Budget Tips to know before Your Cruise

Ten Budget Tips

to Know Before Your Cruisec

If you have been brought up to believe that only the wealthy can afford a cruise vacation, think again. By doing some simple research and making some cost-effective decisions, even the budget traveller can find themselves enjoying a fantastic island-hop across the Mediterranean. Take a look at the following ten tips for some ideas:

1.Know what you want
Before thinking about money at all, you need to work out exactly what you are looking for in a cruise. Why pay extra for three restaurants and a cinema if you would rather spend most of your time exploring new ports and cities? Have a look at the various types of cruises available and make a list of those elements that are crucial to your enjoyment, those that would be nice and those that you wouldn’t miss if they weren’t included.

2.Don’ t rule out the luxury liners
As counter-intuitive as it sounds, your first port of call should be the luxury liners. You might be fortunate enough to find an itinerary and a ship that closely matches your requirements at a price you can afford, especially if you are flexible around duration and travelling dates.

3.Check out budget cruise sites
If there’s nothing suitable with the big luxury cruise operators, head over to the budget websites. Some low-cost cruise sites will feature deals on older ships on well-established routes. They may lack the amenities and sheer exuberance of the modern ships but you will reap the benefits of reduced overheads. Expect basic accommodation, simple dining options and uninspiring public areas.

4.Choose less popular itineraries
One way to save money on your cruise is to look out for the less popular sailing itineraries. Short-duration cruises (three to four days), featuring lots of sea time will push prices down as will weekend cruises (rare, but worth searching for). Bear in mind that the shorter cruises are a magnet for young people so expect a bit of noise.

5.Travel on the shoulder
Although the majority of  cruises leave for winter, there are a few that remain, running a cut-price service. Alternatively, try looking for dates just before and after the main season. Known as the ‘shoulder season’, sailing at this time will be cheaper and quieter, though the weather might not be as idyllic.

6.Take a repositioning cruise
A repositioning cruise is offered on the rare occasion when a ship is moving from one route to another. They are often of long duration but with a large percentage of time at sea. A favorite with retired people, a repositioning cruise will feature cheaper nightly rates than a standard itinerary.

7.Spend more time on land
Some cruise operators have decided to drive costs down by keeping sailing time to a minimum. These cruises are popular around the Greek islands, where there are ample opportunities to drop passengers off at various unique and interesting ports. One thing to note is that you will generally have to buy food at the destination as on-board dining options are usually limited.

8.Leave it to the last minute
If you have no commitments and are willing to be spontaneous, watch out for undersubscribed cruise operators offering low-cost offers for last minute sailings.

9.Cut your excursion costs
Apart from the cruise price itself, look at other ways you can keep costs down. For example, if you are planning on taking private city excursions, perhaps you could forego this luxury and plan your own city travel using public transport.

10.Visit forums
Another great way to pick up budget cruise ideas is on forums visited by like-minded people. Pick a thread on budget cruising and find out what solutions other travellers have come up with.

Now, that you are prepared, go ahead and enjoy.  You have planned, you are now rewarded!  
Bon voyage!

For information, questions or comments, Romona can be contacted at:
firstcome12@gmail.com.

The Health Benefits of Aqua Exercise for Boomers

The Health Benefits of

Aqua Exercise for Boomers

As boomers start to look towards ensuring a healthy and enjoyable future, whether still working or in retirement, the importance of maintaining a suitable exercise regime has led many in the direction of the leisure pool.
Many land-based exercise routines put pressure on aging joints and the fear of injury can lead to the premature rejection of exercise altogether.  Fortunately, aqua exercise provides a way in which boomers can continue to keep themselves toned and fit. If you’re thinking of ‘taking the plunge’, here are some of the benefits that are waiting for you:

1. Cardio-vascular strength
   All aerobic exercise (which includes all exercises which bring increased oxygen into the body) strengthens the cardio-vascular system, maintaining a healthy heart and lungs. Aqua aerobics provides the same benefits as any other aerobic exercise, without the risks associated with high-impact activities like running.
2. Simultaneous exercise of every joint and muscle
   A unique property of water is its ability to provide resistance in all directions at the same time. Whenever you move in the pool, all of the active muscles and joints are being resisted by the water, and are therefore being exercised. This is of great benefit to orthopedic patients and those undergoing rehabilitation.
3. Efficient weight loss
   If you are seeking to lose weight, aqua exercise is an ideal way to gently get yourself into shape, especially if you have been neglecting exercise for some time. When exercising in the pool, the surrounding water takes much of your weight, easing the pressure on joints and muscles. Exercising in water also burns more calories than the same exercises carried out on land. For example, walking for thirty minutes on land burns an average of 135 calories, while walking for the same period of time in the water burns 264 calories. Likewise, once you master jogging under water you will be burning 340 calories every half-an hour, 100 more than if you were jogging on a track.
   
   Any boomer who is looking to try aqua exercise for the first time should consult with their physician for advice on the recommended amount and intensity of exercise they should undertake.
4. A natural coolant
   Aqua exercise is particularly popular in hot climates because of the innate cooling properties of the water. No matter how hot you get during your exercise routine, the refreshing water will soon bring your body back to a comfortable temperature. If you tend to perspire a lot while exercising, you will no longer have to worry about embarrassing sweat patches.
5. A variety of exercises
   Another benefit of exercising in water is the variety of routines and activities that can be adapted to the pool. Aerobics, walking, jogging and running are all possible forms of exercise, requiring just a slight modification of technique; extra resistance, in the form of ankle or wrist weights, can be added for those boomers who want to challenge themselves a bit more. Ball games, for example water polo, are a great way to inject some fun and teamwork into the routine. Many boomers have taken to aqua Pilates. Pilates is a low-intensity method of whole-body exercise which helps to strengthen the body and mind, improve posture, balance and co-ordination and increase flexibility.
6. A social experience
   Joining an aqua exercise class is also a great way to meet like-minded people, especially if your life circumstances are such that you spend a lot of time on your own. Of course, you can opt to enjoy aqua aerobics alone, especially if you have your own pool, and there are numerous instructional videos and motivational tapes on the market.
   
   These tips are easy to follow, when you have goals and a plan.  Why not grab a cup of tea, a pen and a notebook and write yours out today.  Then follow through.  You will be glad you did!

Six Tips for Cleaning your Stainless Steel Barbecue

Six Tips for Cleaning your Stainless Steel Barbecue

If you’ve recently bought a stainless steel barbecue and are expecting to enjoy a few years of maintenance-free summer sizzling, I’m afraid you might be in for an unpleasant surprise. Even the most expensive stainless steel barbecues on the market will require cleaning and maintenance. As summer is winding down, and we will not be using the grill as much, these six tips will help to keep your barbecue blazing, next time you are ready to fire it up!

1. Know your steel
   
   Believe it or not, not all stainless steel was created equal and cheaper varieties will actually become stained and begin to corrode. If you’ve opted for the most expensive brand in the store, chances are that it will be made of high quality 304 grade stainless at 16 gauge or thicker, probably polished and buffed to a nice shine. On the other hand, a budget stainless steel barbecue is likely to contain mostly 430 grade metal. If you’re unsure, use a magnet to check: 430 grade stainless is magnetic.

1. Choose cleaning methods with care
   
   Make no mistake: food leftovers, grease, and the residues of acidic marinades will start to corrode your barbecue if you neglect your cleaning duties. Regular cleaning can extend the life of your barbecue by over a year, saving you significant expense. Try to clean your grill prior to each use (the best time to remove food residue is while the barbecue is pre-heating), and place tin foil underneath it while cooking to cut down on the amount of cleaning to be done. Using a splatter mat while cooking will protect your deck at the same time. Clean the exterior on a weekly basis and give your product a thorough deep clean at least twice a year. Refer to your user’s manual for any model-specific cleaning instructions.
   Avoid abrasive cleaning products, wire wool and metal brushes or you might find your barbecue becoming visibly scratched; clean by following the grain of the metal. Specialized appliance or steel cleaners can be purchased from appliance shops or hardware stores and they often include a protector. If you are unable to get hold of these, just use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. It is probably best to steer clear of polishes, as they can sometimes discolour with the heat of the grill.

1. Keep the temperature down
   
   While on the subject of heat, don’t overheat your barbecue or pre-heat it for too long, and try to leave the lid open for a while after use. A lot of stainless steel discolouration can be traced back to the effects of excessive heat.

1. Keep it all together
   
   Just because you’ve bought a stainless steel barbecue, it doesn’t go to say that all of the parts are made of stainless. Pay special attention to any fastenings (nuts, rivets, screws, etc.) as they can be a weak point in the design. To avoid ugly rust streaks around fastenings, clean them carefully after each use, allow them to dry and then add some oil

1. Cover up
   
   You may already throw a tarpaulin over your barbecue to protect it from the elements, but choosing an appropriate cover is a significant part of caring for your product. Using a cover that retains moisture can even accelerate corrosion, so you need to go for a material that lets moisture escape but doesn’t let water through. Most suitable barbecue covers are made from heavy vinyl, sometimes lined with felt. The felt both absorbs the moisture and keeps the vinyl away from the grill. Whatever cover you use, be sure to put it over the barbecue as soon as it has cooled.
   
   6. Excellent Grilling Time tip
2. 
   We often use a portable kitchen cart to store all of our grilling supplies.  We have our utensils, sauces, and food placed on the shelves.  It is convenient to roll it out to your deck or patio, and you are ready to enjoy those sizzling steaks, with everything at your fingertips!
   
   With a solid grounding as an Internet Publisher, Romona Weston has also published KitchenCarts360, where you can read about all the latest trends and reviews about kitchen islands carts, stationary kitchen carts, and various models and manufacturers of kitchen carts. She lives in  Southeastern Pennsylvania in the beautiful Amish countryside of Lancaster County. In her spare time she loves to hike, organize and write. As a family, they are avid gardeners and love the outdoors,where they have used rolling kitchen cart and  wood kitchen islands carts  to entertain in their  backyard garden, often using their stainless steel grill!

How to Maintain your Deck in 6 Easy Steps

How to Maintain your Deck in 6 Easy Steps

Whether you are entertaining friends with a barbecue, or sipping a cool drink while watching the sun go down, owning a brand new deck is one of life’s pleasures. It is easy to become complacent as time passes by and you take your deck for granted. Yet, decks are constantly exposed to both the ravages of the elements and human weight and movement. Without proper care and maintenance, your deck will eventually succumb to the pressure – potentially injuring someone.

To combat the inevitable decline in the state of your deck, you need to do the following:

1.Check your deck   Proper care of your deck requires vigilance on your part. You need to be on the lookout for missing or loose connections (especially popped nails), damaged boards (whether rotted, curling, cracked or severed) and signs of animal damage. For the latter, you will need to look under the deck with a flashlight.  

2.Replace damaged connections    Screws, nails and bolts can work themselves loose or become corroded. Tighten loose screws and bolts, and hammer down popped nails. Of course, if you strip the screws you will need to replace them with larger screws from the hardware shop. If connections are corroded buy replacements, ideally made from stainless steel.

3.Remove and replace damaged boards     Not only are your deck boards under pressure from the forces of gravity, lateral movement and uplift, they also have to resist attack from insects, mold and mildew. If you come across any damaged boards they will need to be replaced.

 Measure the boards and remove them by undoing bolts and screws or prying nails out with a hammer (taking care to protect adjacent boards with a block of wood). After obtaining replacement wood from a lumberyard or hardware store, cut it to size using a hand or electric saw. Test to make sure it fits well and looks right before drilling guide holes to line the board up with its supports. Finally, screw, bolt or nail your board back down. You may need to seal the board (see step 6) unless it has been pre-sealed.

4. Deal with pests     Animals living under your deck often cause damage to structural supports. If your regular checks uncover evidence of chewing or brittle wood, you may need to get a pest control expert in to determine the source and come up with a course of action. This may include putting up a lattice around your deck to keep animals from accessing the underside.

5. Keep it clean    By cleaning your deck at least twice a year it not only looks better, it becomes safer. Accumulated dirt, debris, mold and mildew can create a slippery surface, increasing the risk of injury. There are specialty cleaning and brightening products that you can purchase, but warm water and soap is adequate in many cases. After a preliminary sweep (to avoid sealing in dirt), wet the deck, and surrounding vegetation, with a hose. Apply the cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and scrub the boards, along the grain, with a non-metal brush or pad. Rinse and allow to dry before adding any stain or finish. If using chemicals, you may want to cover sensitive plants first.

6.   Re-seal every year    Sealing your boards is a vital step to ensure they are protected from the elements. Ensure the stain or sealant is suitable for outdoor use; strip and sand the boards first. If using a colour stain, test it on an inconspicuous area before applying it, and try to apply it in one go to avoid uneven drying. Use multiple coats as necessary.

By ensuring your deck is structurally sound, sealed from Mother Nature and free from dirt and debris you can enjoy its benefits for many years to come, without any unwanted surprises!

Fireproof Your Home During the Holiday Season

Fireproof Your Home During the Holiday Season

It is a sad fact that, across the US, there are about 250 injuries and 40 deaths through fires between the 24th and 26th December, with most of these fires occurring in residential properties.  Fortunately, there are some proactive steps you can make to protect your precious family and home from the threat of fire damage.

1.Detectors
First of all, it is imperative that smoke detectors are fitted in your home; most fatal house fires occur in homes without them.

Second, those detectors must be on every floor and in working order, which means changing batteries monthly and testing frequently. An escape plan should be discussed so that all family members know how to get out in the event of a fire.

2.Heating
There are reasons why the Holiday season, and the winter period in general, is more susceptible to fires. We use more electric and gas and we relight our open fires and fill our homes with decorations, candles and a Christmas tree.

Before lighting your fire, ensure that you have the chimney swept and get a specialist to check for cracks in the bricks and lining. Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand and make sure decorations, trees and wrapping paper are out of the way. Don’t throw wrapping paper in the fire since it often contains unpredictably flammable chemicals, and keep a screen in front of the fire to protect from floating embers. You also need to ensure children know to stay away from open fires.

3. Christmas Trees
.As for your tree itself, it is important to keep it moist because dry trees are notorious for catching alight. A moist tree will also have a sticky trunk with needles that are hard to pull off .When you buy a tree, bounce it firmly on the ground; if it sheds lots of needles, it may be dry.

It is advisable to cut off the bottom of your tree before potting it; the exposed wood will absorb more water. Keep the water level around the base high, because if it is too low, the tree will produce a seal which makes it hard for water to penetrate.

When putting your tree up, keep it away from radiators and portable heaters and after you take it down (as soon as possible after the festivities) do not burn it on the fire.
If you opt for a metal tree, do not string electric lights on it: a faulty set could turn branches into an electrocution hazard.

4. Christmas Lights:
On the subject of Christmas lights; all should be certified by UL and checked for fraying, cracks, bare spots and heat. Never connect more than three sets of lights together, and remember to turn them off when you go out or before you go to bed. Don’t overload electric sockets; plug appliances with a high wattage in their own sockets, rather than in a power strip.

5.Decorations:
.Ensure that your decorations are flame retardant and keep them away from heat vents; if lighting candles, place them in metal or glass holders away from fabrics such as curtains or clothing. Ensure that children stay at a safe distance and extinguish all candles when they’re not in use.

6.Children:
Children love the Christmas season, with all of its brightly colored lights, around the home.

• Just remember to teach them some basic fire safety rules:
  1. Don't unplug lights
  2. Don't play around the lights
  3. Don't have lighters and matches near the Christmas tree.
  4. Always, keep on eye on the very young during this time of year...for an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Follow the above precautions and you will enjoy a safe and fun-filled and fire safe Christmas season!

Have a safe, and Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday to all all.

Coming in January:
New Tea Time Article

Have a Warm Cup of Tea

Join Romona on the 12th of each month.