Cleansing Whole Food Diets

Eating vegetables will cleanse the body and help with weight loss.

Starting a whole foods diet is a beneficial way to cleanse the body and lose weight. Types of whole foods are whole grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts and non-homogenized dairy foods. Diets rich in whole foods limit the risk of cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Also, losing weight with a whole foods diet is easier because whole foods fill you up without adding calories. Since hundreds of companies offer whole foods cleansing diets, the better diets include a cost-effective, safe diet plan that focuses on getting the proper body alkaline.

Raw Food Diet

A raw foods-based diet emphasizes eating a diet of whole foods. This type of diet will balance the body's pH system, nourish the body, create energy for the body, advance weight loss and boost the immune system. A few raw foods-based diets are the Crazy Sexy Diet and The Raw Food Revolution Diet. The Raw Food Revolution Diet was invented by Cherie Soria; she founded Living Light Culinary Arts School and is a raw foods chef. This diet excludes cooked foods, dairy and meat, processed foods, caffeine and alcoholic beverages. The Crazy Sexy Diet was designed by Kris Carr, a cancer survivor. This diet is a whole foods, vegan diet that focuses on drinking raw greens smoothies and eating raw vegetables to detox the body.

Liquid Cleansing Diets

Liquid detox diets use whole foods to make smoothies and juices. Liquid whole foods diets focus on cleansing the colon and minimizing weight gain. For example, the Green Smoothies Diet was developed by health educator Robyn Openshaw. The Green Smoothies Diet shows dieters create smoothies out of fruits and vegetables. The diet plan offers three program levels; a three-day cleansing program, a 30-day fat burner and cleansing program and a permanent lifestyle change program. Each level provides 15 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

7- to 30-Day Whole Foods Detox Programs

Seven- to 30-day whole food cleansing diets are usually created for people who lead busy lifestyles or who want to cleanse their body on a periodic basis. Some diet plans are the Clean Green and Lean Diet and The Quantum Wellness Detox Diet. The Clean Green and Lean Diet is a four-week diet plan focused on eliminating harmful toxins in the body. This detox diet creates recipes from organic foods and whole foods. The diet was created by Walter Crinnion, a naturopathic doctor, who asserts that eliminating toxins helps lose excess weight. Quantum Wellness was created by bestselling author Kathy Freston. Quantum Wellness is a 21-day vegan detox diet; no meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar or gluten is allowed to be consumed. She suggests that dieters incorporate this cleansing program into their lifestyle twice a year.

Specialty Whole Foods Cleansing Diets

Personalized whole foods cleansing programs focus on the individual and his specific cleansing needs. Detox for Women and Eating For Energy: Living Foods Diet are two such whole foods cleansing programs. Detox for Women was created by Natalia Rose, the author of Raw Food Detox Diet; it is a four-week program that focuses on eating specific whole foods that eliminate yeast and bacteria in the body. Eating For Energy: Living Foods Diet was created for athletes and physically active people who want to change their way of eating. Yuri Elkaim, a nutritionist and certified kinesiologist, created this living plant whole foods diet to help people detox and reach their optimal athletic performance. He emphasizes that whole foods, especially raw fruits and vegetables, have the best nutritional and energy value.

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Make Organic Beauty Soap

Make organic soap in a variety of shapes and sizes using soap molds.

After looking at the long list of ingredients contained in most soaps, you may not want to make your own. However, some of the best beauty products consist of simple ingredients, and you can make your own organic soap in an afternoon. By making your own organic soap, you can choose the best organic ingredients, select your own scents, and know for certain that there are no damaging or dangerous chemicals in your soap. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Heat the 8 oz. of water in a pan and as it reaches a boil, slowly stir in the lye. Lye can sting the eyes, so keep the kitchen well ventilated while you work and wear goggles for protection. Turn off the heat and wait for the mix to reach room temperature.

2. Heat up the olive and palm oil in the second pan -- do not let them boil. Add 20 to 60 drops total of essential oils. Essential oils for beauty include lavender for dry and irritated skin, rose for rosacea and other skin conditions, tea tree oil for acne, chamomile for sensitive skin, and ylang ylang for mature skin. For your first batch of soaps, use no more than three total essential oils so the soap will still have a gentle and balanced smell.

3. Stir the oils into the cooled lye and water mixture. Stir by hand every few minutes for an hour, or put it in a blender on low until it thickens and becomes opaque.

4. Pour the soap into a soap mold, or several small ones, and let it sit for 24 hours before use.

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The Best Ideas For A Small Business

Designing grocery bags is a small business opportunity for the "going green" trend.

The best ideas for a small business are based on current trends and market demand.Today's trends, including the aging population, going green, value over luxury, and taking control in healthcare, create innovative and inspiring opportunities for starting up a small business. Whether your skills, background and experience are in training and development, retail, construction, consulting, or design, current trends provide a wealth of small business opportunities.

Small Business for the Senior Market

One of the trends for products and services is to reach out to the seniors' market. Aging baby-boomers have created several opportunities for small businesses. A small business in training and development helps seniors upgrade their job skills. Care services for seniors are in demand for in-home care, healthcare, and the preparation of food. If your skills are in construction, consider home automation and renovation, to make the lives of seniors easy and safe.

Small Business for the Green Market

Going green is another trend changing the direction of small business with opportunities for new products and services. Entrepreneur recommends a few green ideas for today's market: sell fuel-efficient cars; build a system to track the impact of food and groceries on the environment; design renewable, reusable shopping bags -- perhaps from old T-shirts. Going green can help your small business make money, while making a difference.

Small Business for the Discount Retail Market

If retail is your interest, according to Entrepreneur, you will be interested to know that consumers are leaning towards products and services that offer value, as opposed to luxury. Consumer spending is down more than 30 percent from this time last year, to an average of $57 a day. There is a market for discount clothing, discount furniture, and discount stores. In fact, dollar stores are doing exceptionally well.

Small Business for the Healthcare Market

Today's healthcare trends offer plenty of opportunities for starting a small business. Health and wellness, fitness, nutrition, and alternative healthcare are markets in demand. PR Web says that consumers are cynical about healthcare experts and believe in taking control of their own health. They are loyal to trusted advisers who help them understand health information. In today's market, consultants are in demand for back-to-basics fitness and lifestyle changes.

Tags: products services, small business, small business, current trends, going green

Become A Food Distributor

As a distributor, you'll be a vital link in the food chain

At first glance, you may not think food distribution is a romantic way to make a living, but pick up any history book and find stories of merchants roaming towns and villages with figs, dates, pomegranates, spices, wheat and other foodstuffs on the backs of their beasts of burden. Over time, the job of food distributor even became part of history: a lot of tea went into Boston's harbor. Choose this career and you'll join legions of purveyors who feed the world. What other job description can make this claim?

Instructions

1. Decide on the type of food you'll distribute. Whether it's bakery goods, meat, produce, packaged foods or another category, your choice will impact the amount of space you'll need and the equipment (refrigeration, etc.) required. Visit existing distributorships to see how their space is apportioned, stock is inventoried and pick and pack tasks are arranged.

2. Rent a warehouse capable of housing your business. Many large cities have "districts" that group seafood, produce and meat distributorships in the same neighborhood. The advantage of such a community is that available buildings will have adequate loading dock space and may already be racked for food storage or have commercial refrigeration in place.

3. Contact local health authorities, zoning boards and other government offices to apply for licenses, permits and other documentation required to set up shop. You may be asked to show proof of insurance, and don't limit your coverage to liability. A flood, fire or other disaster could put you out of business fast, so don't skimp on protection.

4. Develop a source list. For example, if you're distributing produce, contact commercial growers in your area to get commitments for crops. Save money by contracting with overseas growers, but factor in shopping costs that will impact your profit margin. In either case, sign agreements that spell out your responsibilities as the distributor and that of the grower(s). Have an attorney vet each contract to protect you and your business.

5. Make sales calls to retail grocers and shops in your area. Set up agreed-to delivery times and days, keep in touch with department managers regularly since seasonal product changes and consumer buying habits fluctuate. Stand ready to make emergency deliveries if a store runs low on product. Remember that communication is the key to success in this field, so make frequent contact with retail customers to build a relationship that lasts.

Tags: will impact, your area, your business

Repel Squirrels From Wood

You can't change the squirrel, but you can make some changes to protect wood.

Repelling squirrels from wood on and around your home and garden can be done simply and effectively. While you cannot change the nature of the animal, there are some things you can do to the wood on your home that will make it undesirable to a squirrel. The most inexpensive method is to spray squirrel repellent on the wood you wish to protect. For a few dollars and a few minutes, this is the best way to keep squirrels away. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase either a spray bottle of squirrel repellent or a container of concentrate at your favorite hardware store. If you use the concentrate, you will also need to purchase a sprayer unit (the 1-gallon pump type is cheapest). Mix the concentrate with water and pour into your sprayer. Pump the sprayer to pressurize the tank. Get a ladder handy for those high areas the spray stream cannot reach.

2. Spray all the wood around your home and garden that the squirrels find most desirable. The squirrel repellent will now cause the squirrels to dislike these areas, as the repellent typically uses ingredients which remind the squirrels of common predators. Naturally, the squirrels will seek other areas to chew.

3. Reapply the squirrel repellent to all areas of wood around your home and garden each season for maximum effectiveness. Reapply after a heavy rain to keep the repellent scent as powerful as possible. Typically, the repellent will not cause an undesirable odor to humans, only to squirrels and other rodents.

Tags: squirrel repellent, your home, around your, around your home, home garden, wood around

Protect Plants & Flowers From Chickens

Chickens are one of the best all-natural methods of controlling garden pests like slugs and bugs, reports the University of Kentucky. They can even contribute to your garden's fertility via their manure. Unfortunately, chickens may also be attracted to your vegetables or may be tempted to dig amongst your flowers. You have several options when it comes to keeping your chickens from browsing through your flowers and plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Keep your chickens confined to their chicken house or chicken run. This is, by far, the simplest and most direct way of keeping your chickens from mingling with your plants. If you provide your chickens with enough room in their coop --- 1 to 2 square feet per chicken, depending on its breed and age --- they'll be perfectly happy without needing to run through your garden.

2. Arrange your garden's planting plan to deter your chickens and make them less apt to browse your garden. In the middle of your garden or flower bed, plant the more fragile flower species or the more colorful, fruit-producing vegetables that are apt to attract your chickens' attention. On the outskirts of your garden or flower bed, plant densely growing herbs like lavender, basil or spearmint. The herbs' bitter taste and lack of colorful fruit will deter all but the hungriest chickens from entering further.

3. Erect a simple fence that's 3 to 4 feet tall if reorienting your planting plan isn't practical or aesthetically pleasing. For flower beds, choose an attractive fence, like a white picket fence, that compliments your flower palette or home. For vegetable gardens, basic grid-style chicken wire --- save money by picking wire with large openings that are 4 to 6 inches wide --- will suffice, tied to a 5-foot metal, plastic or wood stake that's pounded 12 inches into the ground.

Tags: your chickens, your garden, chickens from, fence that, flower plant, garden flower

Start Your Own Energy Company In Texas

Start Your Own Energy Company in Texas

Entrpreneurs looking to start their own energy companies in Texas may think first about the oil industry. The oil industry is so deeply ingrained in 20th century Texas history that the barriers to entry are high. Texas investors, venture capitalists and business owners are looking at alternative energies to make money in the state's energy industry. Alternative energy advocates like T. Boone Pickens use the state's abundant lands and resources to make money from natural gas, solar, wind and geothermal energy. Your Texas energy company must start by gathering the right personnel and information to locate power sources for the next generation.

Instructions

1. Follow the four-step registration process for new businesses administered by the Texas Secretary of State. Your energy business needs to define whether its a partnership or corporation, get an employer identification number (EIN), register with the state's Department of Revenue and get employee information for payroll purposes. This process will help you operate legally and ensure that your company name and logo are protected under copyright laws.

2. File for applicable licenses and permits from the Texas Committee on Environmental Quality. This state agency issues air quality permits, mineral extraction licenses and underground storage variances needed to operate legally in Texas.

3. Approach venture capital firms based in Texas to get funding for the initial stages of your energy business. Focus on venture firms like Houston-based Sternhill Partners that provide capital for businesses in the early (seed) stages of development.

4. Seek membership with one of the state's energy associations to gain access to resources and valuable connections. Oil and natural gas companies in Texas have been organizing under the Texas Oil and Gas Association since 1919. Solar panel producers, wind turbine companies and hybrid car developers can work within the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association to push alternative fuel in the state legislature.

5. Purchase empty lots near your headquarters for testing new products and extracting natural resources. Your testing area should be large enough to handle solar panels, a small group of wind turbines and monitoring equipment to collect energy production. An energy company can build a sample home connected to a geothermal heating and cooling system for demonstration purposes.

6. Recruit energy experts, interns and prospective employees for your energy business from Texas universities and colleges. The University of Texas-Austin has a Solar Energy Laboratory used by students and professors to study the potential for solar energy in residential and commercial settings. The University of Houston's Energy and Natural Resources research cluster may be a good area to find academic support for your Texas energy company.

Tags: energy business, companies Texas, Company Texas, energy company, Energy Company Texas, from Texas

Gifts For Food Lovers

Spices can be a specialty gift for a food lover.

Buying a gift for a food lover can be a daunting task, not because you have so few options, but because you have so many. Whether it's giving the experience of food preparation, the tools to create the perfect dish or a glossy piece of food literature, the possibilities are virtually endless. If you find the task overwhelming, consider giving a gift card for your local gourmet food store.

Cookbooks

Many food lovers also enjoy cooking, and in this digital age when recipes are readily accessible over the Internet, the look and feel of a cookbook can be very appealing. Tailor your choice of cookbook to the recipient. If the food lover has recently become interested in a niche area of cooking, for example Thai or vegan food, buy a cookbook that reflects that. For an individual interested in the history and culture associated with food, choose a book that provides background and glossy photos in addition to recipes.

Kitchen Tools

For the food lover who is also an amateur chef, consider buying small appliances or cooking tools he does not already own. High-quality chopping knives, a container to keep fresh herbs, and large mixing bowls are all options. If you are unsure what would make a good gift, visit a specialty kitchen store and ask the staff for recommendations.

Cooking Classes

Food lovers still honing their cooking skills will love the opportunity to learn from seasoned chefs or to explore a new kind of cooking. Local culinary schools, gourmet food stores and even community centers in your area can all offer cooking classes that you can sign another individual up for. If the recipient is not someone you know well, ask her family member or close friend if a cooking class is something that could fit into her schedule.

Spices and Sauces

Spices and sauces are a safe bet for most food lovers. Generally spices are available in a variety of package sizes and flavors so your gift can be tailored to be large or small. Visit a local gourmet food store to purchase unique flavors that are not normally on the food lover's shelf, but take the time to ask yourself if an exotic flavor is something he will actually use. If you're unsure, buy the spice and include a recipe that features it with the gift.

Tags: food lover, gourmet food, because have, food store, gift food

Make A Compost Bin Out Of A Popcorn Tin

A popcorn bin may be susceptible to rust.

Turning an old popcorn tin into a compost bin helps recycle materials and rebuild the earth. Creating soil by composting kitchen and lawn items is one way to create new, all natural soil for a lawn or garden. When space is limited, or no yard is available for a traditional wood compost bin, a tin may substitute as a mini version. Be sure to keep the lid and have an out of the way spot for the tin bin as odor may occur. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a small plastic trash bag inside the popcorn tin and spread it out to cover the sides and the bottom. Fold the top of the bag over the top of the tin.

2. Line the bottom of the bag with coarse composting material and dampen with water. Do not soak or leave standing water.

3. Layer smaller or finer composting material on top of the first layer. Add a few more drops of water.

4. Place the popcorn tin lid on over the edge of the plastic trash bag to hold it in place. Apply a bit of pressure to the lid to ensure it is closed.

5. Gently shake the tin on a weekly basis, or anytime additional material is added.

Tags: composting material, plastic trash

Cancel An Ediets Subscription

An eDiet subscription costs $17.96 per month. This fee gives you access to all the recipes, trainers, exercise plans and member forums on the eDiets website. Since not all diet plans work for all people, there may be a chance that eDiets is not for you. If you discover after signing up that eDiets won't provide you with the tools you need to lose weight, you can cancel your subscription. Depending upon how long you have been a member, you may have to pay a cancellation fee. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Call eDiets at 1-800-265-6170. Have your eDiets subscription account number handy, and take note of the date that your subscription began before you call.

2. Ask the eDiets representative for their full name and ID number. Write this down on your notepad. Next to their name and ID number, write the date and time of your call.

3. Request that your eDiets account be canceled out. You will need to give the representative your name and account number. If you began your subscription within the last three months, you will need to pay a $25.00 cancellation fee. If the subscription has been longer than three months, you won't have to pay anything extra.

4. Write down the cancellation confirmation number when the representative confirms that your subscription has been canceled.

5. Check that you were not billed by eDiets when the next billing cycle rolls around. If you were, you can call the company back at the number listed above and provide them with the name of the representative you spoke to when canceling your subscription, the date and time of your subscription cancellation, and the cancellation confirmation number given to you by the eDiets representative. eDiets would then be responsible for refunding that charge.

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What Is The Purpose Of Gmos

Genetically modified organisms

GMOs are genetically modified organisms. This means they are created by modifying the genes of a species, along with the introduction of foreign genes or DNA. These organisms are made with a focus on specific traits. For example, food stuffs can be altered genetically so their yield is higher and there is increased nutritional value. Various techniques of genetic engineering are employed for creating genetically modified organisms, also known as genetically engineered organisms.

Uses of GMOs

The purpose of GMOs is to make life easier for humans. GMOs are created with the well-being of humankind in focus. The many benefits that GMOs have today demonstrate this. They are used in research in medical fields, as well as in agriculture and pharmaceuticals.

Application of GMOs in Agriculture

Certain species of crops--including rice, wheat, sugarcane, ground nut and mustard--are susceptible to insect infestation, but provide large yields. If the genes of these crop species are introduced into a low-yield but insect-resistant variant of crop, then the yield of the genetically modified crop can be increased without raising the risk of insect infestation.

Effect on Economy

Agriculture is the mainstay economy of any country. GMO crops have made a tremendous positive impact on agriculture. According to Nutriwatch.org, "Herbicide tolerance allows crops to be grown with less or no tillage, thereby conserving soil, fuel and water." Since farmers need less tillage or cultivated land to grow GMOs, they can adopt conservation and zero-tillage practices, and as a result, GMOs benefit the environment and help conserve natural habitat for wildlife. The yield of GMO crops is generally higher than conventional crops, and GMO crops require less chemical pesticide, which in turn increases the nutritional value of the crops.

Increasing Nutritional Value of Food Products

GMOs are beneficial to countries that suffer from any kind of nutritional deficiency. It is well-known that vitamins, proteins and fat are an important part of everyday intake. However, many cultures around the world fall short in their intake of these needed nutrients. This issue can be addressed by introducing GMOs that are enriched in desirable nutritional properties--such as altered fat or protein content. Through the help of biotechnology, these nutrients can be introduced or concentrated in plants. For example, rice has been genetically engineered to contain more beta-carotene and iron that helps overcome iron deficiency in countries where rice is a principal food.

Ethical Issues

Although genetically modified organisms are a boon to the society at large, there are many ethical issues surrounding this topic. In fact, GMO food in the marketplace has resulted in low public trust in food safety assessment and management practices. One issue is labeling and traceability of GMOs. Many GMOs are patented by the organizations that develop them. Unfortunately, this means other countries and organizations will have to buy the rights to these patents on a yearly basis for its people to reap its benefits.

Tags: genetically modified, modified organisms, genetically engineered, genetically modified organisms, insect infestation

Make A Biogas Plant At Home With Cow Dung

Make a Biogas Plant at Home With Cow Dung

Biogas is the natural product of bacterial digestion of organic wastes. It is 50 to 65 percent or more methane gas, which is a powerful greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere, but burned as a fuel for cooking, heating or even running a generator, it is cleaner than gasoline or wood. Biogas can be made either aerobically (in contact with the air) or anaerobically in a sealed chamber, which is the more common approach as it makes collecting the gas simpler and avoids the unpleasant odor. A small-scale batch digester can be constructed for home use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Insert the 12-inch pipe approximately halfway into the drum through the small hole and seal it tight. Spread sealing compound around the hole until it is airtight.

2. Attach the T-connector to the top of the 12-inch pipe, with the 8-inch pipe attached to the top end. Screw the shut-off valve onto the top of the 8-inch pipe, making sure all the connections are tightly sealed.

3. Attach a four- to five-foot length of plastic tubing to the side opening in the T-connector. Attach a length of plastic tubing long enough to reach the gas stove, heater or other appliance.

4. Remove the inner valve from the stem and connect the end of the plastic tube to it, sealing that connection with sealant.

5. Fill the drum with a slurry of two parts water to one part cow dung until the mixture is 8 to 10 inches from the top rim. Add the bacterial starter and stir the mixture with the broom handle. Cap the large hole tightly but do not use sealant, so it can be reopened when necessary.

Tags: 12-inch pipe, 8-inch pipe, Biogas Plant, Biogas Plant Home, Home With, Home With Dung, length plastic

Cook Chicken Without Oil

Grill your chicken rather than cook it in oil.

Cook chicken without oil for a low-fat meal. Many chicken recipes do not require oil to produce a tasty succulent meal. One option is to marinate your chicken prior to cooking. Another option includes using a sauce to vary the flavor. Consider different methods to cook your chicken. Two possible methods include baking or grilling the chicken. An extremely versatile meat, you can cook chicken for a dinner and use leftovers to create another meal. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Baked Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the chicken and potatoes under cold water and rub off any debris. Poke holes into the potatoes. Line the baking pan with tin foil.

2. Remove the chicken skin for a healthier diet. Add seasoning, such as garlic powder, Cajun spices, onion salt or lemon pepper to the outside of the chicken. Place it into the pan with several whole potatoes.

3. Place pan into the oven. Set timer for one hour. Remove the food from the oven and put it on plates to serve.

Grilled Chicken

4. Place clean chicken into a sealable plastic bag. Add 1 cup of marinade to the bag, such as Italian dressing, salsa or teriyaki sauce. Shake the bag to coat the chicken well and set it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

5. Turn the gas grill on or heat the coals. Run half a lemon over the grill. Remove the chicken from the bag and put it on the grill. Close the lid.

6. Turn chicken over in five-minute intervals until it is cooked. Remove from the heat and serve it.

Tags: your chicken, Place into, Remove chicken

Substitute Rice Flour For Wheat Flour

Substitute Rice Flour for Wheat Flour

Instead of shying away from breads and other carbohydrates when hosting friends and family with wheat-free and gluten-free diets, substitute rice flour in your favorite recipes to make breads, pastas and other tasty baked goods. Rice flour has a different texture than wheat flour, so it doesn't stand alone well in recipes, but you can mix it with other gluten-free products for good substitution. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Substitute 1

1. Pour 1/4 cup soy flour into a small mixing bowl.

2. Add 1/4 cup tapioca flour to the bowl.

3. Add 1/2 cup brown rice flour to the mixing bowl.

4. Stir the flours together gently and use this mixture in a 1:1 ratio instead of wheat flour in your favorite recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 cups of wheat flour, use 2 cups of this mixture instead.

Substitute 2

5. Pour 6 cups of white rice flour into a large mixing bowl.

6. Add 2 cups of potato starch.

7. Add 1 cup of tapioca flour to the mixture.

8. Stir the flours together until mixed evenly.

9. Add 1 tsp. of xanthan to the mixture if you desire stickier dough. Substitute this mixture in a 1:1 ratio with wheat flour in your favorite recipes.

Tags: your favorite recipes, favorite recipes, flour your, flour your favorite, mixing bowl, this mixture

Substitute For Ladyfingers In Tiramasu

A delicious tiramisu doesn't require ladyfingers.

Tiramisu is one of the most popular desserts on an Italian restaurant menu, and home cooks enjoy serving it, too. Original versions specify ladyfingers, but suitable substitutes are readily available. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Sponge and Other Cakes

Ladyfingers are sponge cakes made in finger-shaped pieces. The texture is just right for absorbing espresso, and the shapes are easy to work with. One substitution is to make or purchase a whole, plain sponge cake and cut it into finger-shaped pieces. Another is to cut angel or pound cake into pieces and to dry them in a 250-degree oven before dipping them in espresso.

The Italian Pantry

Biscotti are twice-baked cookies that are dunked into coffee before being eaten and are a good stand-in for ladyfingers, though a longer dipping time is needed. Panettone is often soaked in liqueur or espresso in other desserts and is a good substitute.

Truly Creative

A survey of tiramisu recipes shows a great deal of ingenuity: vanilla wafers, Twinkies, chocolate wafers, graham crackers and glazed or cake doughnuts have all been used. Experiment with these options to see if they suit your taste.

Tags: cake into, finger-shaped pieces

Grow Millet Spray

Millet does not refer to one single grain, but a variety of small cereal grains. Millet spray, for example, contains the dried seed heads of foxtail or finger millet. Millet has been cultivated for thousands of years as a food for livestock, but today most people are familiar with millet as a treat for birds such as parakeets, canaries and finches. Depending on how many pets you have, the amount of millet you use may start to get expensive. By simply saving a few millet seeds and planting them, you can have your own millet spray supply in less than two months. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant your foxtail or finger millet seeds no earlier in the year than late spring. Millet grows well in warm soil that is at least 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. May is an ideal month to plant millet.

2. Plant the millet seeds about 1/2 inch into rich, sandy soil that is at least 1 foot deep. Plant one seed every 2 inches in rows about 1 1/2 feet apart.

3. Fertilize the millet with a nitrogen fertilizer. Apply the amount of fertilizer recommended on the packaging for your garden area and soil type.

4. Keep the soil slightly damp. Millet does not require a lot of water, so avoid overwatering and drowning the plants.

5. Harvest the millet once the seed heads are mature and the millet leaves have begun to dry out and die.

Tags: millet seeds, finger millet, foxtail finger, foxtail finger millet, Millet does, seed heads, soil that

Virtual Field Trips For Children

Thanks to the Internet, kids can get up close and personal with science without ever leaving the classroom.

If you're unable to devote the time, money and resources to taking kids on an actual field trip to a museum or art gallery, you can use the Internet to give kids an educational experience anyway. Many organizations offer virtual field trips and tours geared toward kids to introduce them to what they have to offer. You can choose from a variety of virtual field trips kids will enjoy and find educational.

Virtual Safari

Take the kids on a virtual art safari via the Museum of Modern Art's website. The kids can pick out a piece of artwork that appeals to them, and then the site asks them a series of questions about the artwork, such as how two subjects in the painting might interact with each other. The students can then write a story based on what they see in the picture.

Journey into the Universe

Invite students to go on a virtual journey into the universe via the Oracle Thinkquest website. Kids can click on a planet in the solar system and read about its features as well as view pictures of some of these features. The tour includes a number of categories of information on the planets, such as surface, interior and satellites, and interactive options, such as a feature on asteroids.

Virtual Hike

Texas A&M University's website offers virtual tours of Big Bend National Park in West Texas. The site offers a lot of geological information on the park, and it also features a "virtual hike" of the 4.6-mile Lost Mine Trail. The hike describes some of the trail markers along the path and vegetation that grows nearby. It also describes the igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock and structural processes in the park in great detail.

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Jet Propulsion Laboratory offers a virtual field trip for kids on its website. Kids can choose their own cartoon avatar and start the tour. They can check out the museum, mission control, a robot lab and the "sun zone," where they can learn facts about the sun, the solar winds it produces and about other stars.

Tags: field trip, offers virtual, Propulsion Laboratory, virtual field, what they

Calculate Average Cost Of Groceries Per Person

Calculating the grocery cost per person helps you to budget wisely.

If you have a large household, you know the challenge of keeping everyone properly fed and satisfied while trying to convince your children that cookies are not part of the food pyramid. With food prices rising, it's a good idea to get a handle on how much money you spend on groceries each month and where your money is going. This allows you to budget accordingly and makes for wiser spending. Staying on top of your grocery budget helps you to compare and shop for the best prices.

Instructions

1. Gather your grocery receipts for the month. You'll need to perform the average cost of groceries calculation over several months to make good use of the information.

2. Add your grocery bills for the month. Categorize your grocery bills based on food items to calculate different averages, such as keeping an average for how much you spend on meat, fruit and vegetables as opposed to household supplies like toiletries and paper products.

3. Divide the grocery bill by the number of people in the household. For example, if your monthly food bill totaled $923.17 and there are 4 people in your household including yourself, divide $923.17 by 4 to arrive at an average cost of groceries per person of $230.79.

4. Repeat the calculation over several months. Compare the results on a month-to-month basis to track your grocery spending. This allows you to identify trends and budget accordingly.

Tags: your grocery, average cost, budget accordingly, calculation over, calculation over several, cost groceries

Rare Nintendo Nes Games

The original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) features well-known titles such as "Donkey Kong" and the "Super Mario Bros." games, but it is also home to rare games that many have not played. Many of the rare games for the NES have become hard to find because of their limited production, while others simply do not appear to be in circulation as frequently anymore.

Adventure Games

The Nintendo Entertainment System boasts a number of adventure games, and some of them have proved to be rare. The action adventure title "Cheetahmen II" features three crime fighters that look like cheetahs. The game has sold for as much as $500. The adventure game "Little Samson" has sold for $200, while the underwater adventure game "Bubble Bobble 2" has been sold for up to $340. "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," a game based on the film of the same name, is not as rare as other adventure titles, but it still sells for around $10.

Television Show Games

Some of the rare games released for the Nintendo Entertainment System are based on popular television shows. The 1993 game "Duck Tales 2" is based on the "Duck Tales" show and has sold for as much as $130. A game based on the Hanna Barbara television show "The Flintstones" called "The Flintstones: The Surprise at Dinosaur Peak" was made exclusively for the NES and has sold for as much as $250. Fewer copies of these games are in circulation because they were released after more graphically advanced systems had already hit the market.

Combination Games

The very rarest of NES games are those that package multiple titles or events into one cartridge. Some of these games, such as "1990 Nintendo World Championships" and "1991 Nintendo Campus Challenge" were not sold and appeared only at special events. "World Championships" was made in two versions: Gold and Silver. The Gold version has sold for as much as $21,000, while the Silver version has topped out at just over $6,000. A sports game that combines multiple events called "Stadium Events" has been sold for as much $41,300. "Stadium Events" was recalled directly after its release, thus making it hard to locate.

Tags: sold much, Entertainment System, Nintendo Entertainment, Nintendo Entertainment System, rare games, adventure game, been sold

Cake Decorating Ideas With Sprinkles

Enjoy having cakes with added sweetness.

Sprinkles add a finishing touch and added sweetness to cakes for any occasion. Dress up your desserts with a rainbow of circular or thin sprinkles or buy miniature sprinkles that are about the size of a single grain of sugar. Sprinkles come in many flavors, colors and textures to suit just about any culinary creation. Use large, colorful sprinkles for birthdays, and buy tiny red or blue sprinkles for other holidays. Does this Spark an idea?

Vanilla Lemon Cake with Yellow and White Sprinnkles

Make or buy a vanilla lemon cake with lemon custard inside. The frosting is typically vanilla or lemon flavored, depending on your preferences. Buy miniature yellow and white sprinkles to add even more sweetness to the cake. Lightly distribute the sprinkles on the top and sides of the cake. This is a simple idea that adds even more sweetness to an already delicious cake.

Sprinkle Shapes

Make a large, square birthday cake for your son or daughter and frost the cake with vanilla or chocolate frosting. Place small heart-, circle- or square-shaped cookie cutters on the cake and pour round rainbow sprinkles inside each shape. Slowly remove the cookie cutters and then write your birthday message on the cake with frosting. Distribute a small amount of sprinkles all over the cake as a finishing touch.

Chocolate Sprinkles on top of Vanilla Frosting

Make or buy a large, square chocolate sheet cake with vanilla custard inside. Spread vanilla frosting on the cake. Distribute round chocolate sprinkles on the top and sides of the cake. The dark-colored sprinkles and white frosting contrast to create a mouth-watering vanilla-chocolate cake combination.

Circular Red Sprinkled Cake

Make or purchase a round chocolate cake with raspberry filling. Apply white vanilla frosting on the cake. Drizzle red sprinkles on the cake in circular motions to create miniature sprinkle circles all over the cake. This cake works well as a romantic after-dinner treat.

Tags: cake with, added sweetness, cake This, cake with, cake with vanilla, cookie cutters, custard inside

Make Homemade Peppermint Soap

Homemade peppermint soap offers many health benefits. Unlike most commercially produced soap, it contains a high quantity of glycerin, a natural by-product of soap that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. The peppermint also makes it effective at combating stress, soothing irritated skin and refreshing the senses. An efficient yet gentle cleanser, homemade peppermint soap is ideal for daily use and can be made with ingredients found at your local craft store.

Instructions

1. Cut the glycerin soap base into matchbox-sized chunks and set aside.

2. Bring water to a boil in the double boiler.

3. Add the soap base chunks and set the temperature to low. Stir occasionally until the chunks are fully melted.

4. Remove the soap base from the heat. Stir in the food coloring until the desired color is achieved, then add the peppermint essential oil and mix thoroughly.

5. Spray the soap mold with the rubbing alcohol. This will help prevent air bubbles and will make it easier to remove the soap later on.

6. Pour the base into the soap mold. Wait for any air bubbles to rise to the surface of the mixture, then spray them lightly with the rubbing alcohol to disperse.

7. Allow the soap to cool for an hour before placing it in the freezer. Wait 30 minutes, then remove. Make sure the soap is fully hardened before removing it from the mold.

Tags: soap base, base into, peppermint soap, rubbing alcohol, soap mold, with rubbing

Pay Dividends On A Nonpublicly Traded Stock

Dividend distributions by nonpublic companies (also called "privately held companies") work in essentially the same way as dividends from publicly traded companies. In both cases, the dividends are a payout of profits to shareholders. However, privately held companies often have a limited number of owners, who may also work for the company. This can create some interesting ethical issues in setting the amount of dividends.

Instructions

1. Determine the company's profits. As with publicly traded companies, a privately held company generally should not issue cash dividends if it expects profits to be very low or negative. Dividends are typically viewed as a disbursement of part of the profits of the company to those who hold equity in the company. So, no profits generally means no dividends.

2. Assess the company's future needs for the cash. Even for companies that earn good profits, it is sometimes in the company's and its shareholders' best interests for the profits to be retained by the company rather than distributed in dividends. For example, if the company is in the process of expanding and will need money to invest, retaining earnings may be more cost effective than seeking loans or additional investors. High-tech and new companies often limit their dividends for this reason.

3. Consider the decision makers' duty of loyalty to the company. Privately held companies often are owned by a small handful of individuals who also make the decision on the distribution of dividends. This can sometimes create an ethical problem and can produce results that are not in the best interests of the company. The decision makers (typically high-ranking executives of the company and/or the board of directors) are bound by a duty of care and a duty of loyalty to the company. That means that legally they must act with the best interests of the company at heart. However, when these people also stand to gain cash dividends, their personal financial situations may cloud their judgment. To avoid this problem, it may be advisable to include third party experts in the decision regarding dividend payouts.

Tags: best interests, companies often, held companies, privately held, best interests company

Houston Texas Senior Citizen Resources

Houston has many programs that help senior citizens with food, utilities, and social services.

The City of Houston works with government, private sector, and university programs to offer its senior citizens services in a wide range of areas including health, nutrition, legal and social services. In addition, leisure time activities are offered through the senior centers that operate as part of the city's neighborhood centers.

Legal

Texas Legal Services Center (TLSC) offers a legal hotline where senior citizens can get self-help legal advice and referrals. Although this service is based in Austin, it serves seniors all over the state, including those in Houston. Seniors must be at least 60 years old to qualify for this service. Another program that TLSC offers is the Texas Elder Exploitation Project that helps seniors who have been taken advantage of financially.

Food Programs

Interfaith Ministries' administers Meals on Wheels, a program that delivers food to homebound seniors who are at least 60 years old. Meals include an entr e, two servings of fruit or vegetables, bread, milk and either fruit or dessert. There's no cost for this service. Another food program, operated by the Houston Housing Authority and the Houston Food Bank, provides a monthly box of food to seniors who live at different Houston Housing Authority communities. Boxes contain cheese and canned goods.

Raising Grandchildren

According to the Texas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services, more than 8 percent of children in the United States are being raised by a grandparent. Houston grandparents who are raising grandchildren can get help from the Texas Kincare Taskforce. The Taskforce will refer grandparents to sources of on-going assistance such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps and other programs. In addition, the taskforce has published a primer that gives seniors information about their rights and responsibilities while caring for a grandchild, as well as references for additional help.

Neighborhood Centers

Houston has 20 senior neighborhood centers located throughout the city. In addition to providing meals and nutritional education, the centers offer information about legislative issues of interest to seniors, dance classes, arts and crafts, games, and field trips. Seasonal and cultural celebrations are also provided.

W.A.T.E.R.

Senior citizens who need help paying their water and wastewater bills can get help from the W.A.T.E.R. Fund. Low-income seniors who are 60 years old or older, and are residential utility customers of Houston, are eligible for this program if they live in a single-family dwelling. Qualified recipients can have up to $100 applied to their water bill every six months.

Smoke Detectors

The Houston Fire Department offers a free smoke detector to senior citizens who live in their own home within Houston's city limits. The Fire Department will also install the smoke detector at no cost. More information is available from the Houston Fire Department's Public Affairs Office.

Tags: senior citizens, Fire Department, this service, help from, Housing Authority, Houston Fire

Nutrition Topics In Culinary Cooking

Culinary professionals should be aware of contemporary nutrition topics.

Nutrition is an important consideration for culinary professionals as well as consumers. Studies into the field of nutrition yield new results on a regular basis, which define and redefine the way people cook and eat. Topics in the field relate to specific nutrients in foods, as well as cooking techniques, consumption habits, or dangers.

Herbal Antioxidants

Antioxidants have long been associated with food groups like fruits, vegetables and cereals. Consider other sources of antioxidants, particularly culinary herbs, and their use in culinary practices. A study published in a 2003 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition" found that certain dried herbs contained very high concentrations of antioxidants. These herbs include oregano, sage, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm and cinnamon. When factoring in antioxidant contributions to a meal, herbs should play a major role as they are significant sources.

Culinary Oils

Many oils are on the market including olive, soybean, sunflower seed, rapeseed and those made from various nuts. The important nutritional topic to understand is that each type of oil is composed mainly of fats, and should not be used in more than moderate amounts in culinary practices. While some tout the health benefits of certain types of oils, more research is needed for those benefits to be conclusive. Possible healthful components of oil include vitamin E, squalene and sphingolipids, but all in small amounts. The main reason for using a particular oil in culinary practices, then, should be based on consistency and flavor overall.

Cooking Vegetables

Amino acids are important in that they are the building blocks of protein, and many of them are essential to proper health. When cooking vegetables that contain amino acids, certain techniques retain these nutrients better than others. A study sponsored by the University of Santiago de Compostela, for instance, found that cooking green beans in a covered pot or pressure cooker caused them to lose more amino acids than if they were steamed or cooked in a microwave. This may suggest ways to better cook all vegetables to retain maximum nutrients.

Cow's Milk Nutrition

Cow's milk is an interesting topic in culinary nutrition because it incorporates a number of disciplines. It is a popular commodity used by itself or in various recipes, but biological anthropologists have found variations in people's ability to actually digest it. Cow's milk can often pose a health risk to those who are lactose intolerant, yet marketing and advertising of the commodity push the product upon consumers. While it does have healthful aspects, like calcium and vitamin D, consumers and culinary professionals need to be sensitive to the detrimental affect it can have on certain members of the population.

Tags: culinary practices, amino acids, culinary professionals, found that

Make Organic Whipped Shea Butter

Whipped shea butter can be used to moisturize skin and hair.

Shea butter has healing, protective and moisturizing qualities for skin and hair. Organic, unrefined shea butter is the most beneficial kind because none of its nutrients have been lost during processing. All of its benefits are present in its raw form, but it is quite firm and can be difficult to work with. Fortunately, whipping organic shea butter with a carrier oil makes it light, fluffy and smooth so it will be much easier and more pleasurable to use. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Melt 1/4 pound of shea butter in a double boiler until all of the chunks have disappeared. Remove it from the heat as quickly as possible to avoid cooking away nutrients.

2. Put the melted shea butter into a large mixing bowl, along with 2 tbsp. of avocado oil and 1/4 ounce of essential oil (optional).

3. Whip the mixture using an electric hand mixer set on the lowest setting. Whip until the mixture is cool and fluffy, taking short breaks as necessary. When done, it should have the consistency of firm whipped cream.

4. Store the whipped shea butter in an airtight container. Keep it out of sunlight to help maintain its nutritive qualities.

Tags: shea butter, skin hair

Select Jordan Almonds

Jordan Almonds

Jordan Almonds are the quintessential wedding favor that has fallen in and out of favor over the years. Currently it is enjoying renewed favor with today's bride as a simple but elegant way thank guests for joining them on this very special day. When choosing your Jordan Almonds it good to know what you are getting and purchase them for the freshest and best tasting presentation.

Instructions

1. Jordan Almonds have been used as wedding favors for many years and carry special significance in different cultures. They are often packaged in small amounts as a tribute to the marriage virtues of faith hope and love or in some cultures they are even viewed as an aphrodisiac!

2. When selecting your Jordan Almonds it's best to know what sort of quality you are getting and how fresh they are. Jordan Almonds that you purchase from a party store while still quite pretty are "bulk" or "fine" quality. There is nothing wrong with this but it does mean that they were made with smaller nuts and covered in more sugar.

3. Higher quality Jordan Almonds can be purchased online and there you can chose from a large variety of colors and grades of candy. It is suggested that you purchase either Super or Extra fine Jordan Almonds if you would like your wedding guests to enjoy this elegant candy. The higher quality versions have a thinner and more delicate coating making them feel even more refined and elegant.

4. Jordan Almonds have anywhere from 90- 110 almonds per pound depending on the quality. The lesser quality have less per pound due to the larger amount of sugar coating that is used on them. It is suggested that your Jordan Almonds should not be purchased any further out than 30 days before your wedding so that you will make sure to have the freshest available.

5. Jordan Almonds are available in many beautiful pastel colors including some metallic shades. But to make even more of a statement you can have custom colors blended to perfectly match any color you have picked for your wedding. Custom coloring usually has a 150 pound minimum which can sound like a lot but if you use them at your shower as well as the wedding and for guests it would be easy use this much even for a smaller sized formal wedding.

Tags: Jordan Almonds, your Jordan, your Jordan Almonds, your wedding, Almonds have

Line Cook Salaries In New York City

New York City was home to nearly 40,000 restaurants in 2009 with a projected total of 698,300 employees in 2011, according to the National Restaurant Association. Large restaurants employ line cooks, or short-order cooks, who focus on preparing specific foods, such as vegetables and meats, or a specific cooking style, such as grilling. Line cooks in New York typically earn a higher salary than their counterparts across the country.

State Average

Line cooks employed in New York earned an average mean wage of $11.92 per hour, or $24,800 annually in 2010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, fast food cooks earned $19,810 and restaurant cooks earned $28,280.

Metropolitan Salary

The White Plains metropolitan area of New York had one of the highest concentrations of employment in 2010. Line cooks in the area earned $12.77 per hour, or $26,560 annually, according to the BLS. The Kingston, New York area paid $27,540 annually in the same year. However, the Nassau metropolitan area paid the highest wages at $28,070 annually, or $13.50 per hour.

Non-Metropolitan Salary

Line cooks earned an average $20,710 annually in the southwest portion of the state. Wages averaged $22,480 annually in Central New York, $19,470 in the northern portion of the state and $23,720 in the east central portion of the state.

National Average

At the national level, line cooks earned $21,030 annually, or $10.11 per hour, according to the BLS. The highest-paid earners received $29,010 annually and those receiving the lowest wages were paid $15,930. Line cooks in the middle range earned between $17,280 and $23,680, which makes New York one of the highest-paying states for the occupation.

Tags: cooks earned, Line cooks, portion state, annually hour, area paid, earned average, hour annually

Make Olive Oil Soap Without Lye

Olive oil helps maintain skin's moisture and suppleness.

For centuries, olive oil and olive oil-based skincare products have been known to provide many benefits to the skin. You can purchase olive oil-based soap, but many store-bought soaps contain lye, a strong alkaline, caustic substance that can dry and irritate the skin. As an alternative, you can make your own olive oil soap without lye by using a ready-made soap base. Making your own olive oil soap allows you to tailor it to your skin's needs.

Instructions

1. Grate 1 1/2 cups of unscented, white soap with a cheese grater. Place the grated soap in the top of a double boiler. Add 1/4 cup of water to the grated soap. Do not stir because that will cause air bubbles to develop.

2. Add 2 inches of water to the bottom portion of the double boiler, and melt the grated soap over medium heat.

3. Remove the melted soap mixture from the heat. Pour 3 T of olive oil into the soap mixture, and add the essential oil if you want to make scented soap. Use fewer drops of the essential oil for a mild scent and closer to 10 for a stronger scent. Gently stir the ingredients until mixed well.

4. Pour your olive oil soap mixture into soap molds. Set the molds on a counter or tabletop, and allow the soap to cure until solidified, which can take up to 12 hours depending upon the size of the bars.

5. Remove the soap bars from the mold. Set them on a wire cooling rack, and allow them to sit for one to three days.

Tags: grated soap, olive soap, soap mixture, your olive, your olive soap, double boiler

Decide Which Foods To Store Long Term

We live in unstable times. Like some people, maybe you've decided long-term food storage is a good idea, and you want to be prepared in the case of a national emergency, natural disaster or other unforeseeable threat. Here are a few things to consider when deciding which foods you should store long term as an emergency preparedness activity.

Instructions

1. Decide how much food you can afford. This will help you determine how long you can plan storing items; one year, two to five years, ten years or more.

2. Look at your storage situation. Factors such as temperature, humidity and exposure to light all will determine how long your food will last. Ideally, the storage temperature should be above freezing and below 72 degrees. Humidity is best at less than 15 percent. Exposure to light will slowly degrade nutrients and flavor.

3. Do your research. There are groups of people who are very organized and realistic about these issues such as the Mormons, survivalists, and the "rugged and outdoors" types. Find out what they have to say about the topic.

4. Draft a plan that creates a balanced diet. You need staples such as grains and beans, dried milk, dried vegetables and fruits, beef bullion, dried cheese and eggs, and pasta. However, you should also include your own personal food preferences. Include foods that make your dishes palatable, like cornstarch (for thickening), cooking oils and sweeteners.

5. After you decide which foods to store, consider the number of people you are planning for and re-evaluate your storage situation. Make adjustments as needed.

6. Refer to the resources below for websites, food lists, software programs for emergency food planning, one-year survival food packages, and other relevant information.

Tags: your storage situation, determine long, light will, storage situation, which foods, your storage

Turbinado Vs Sucanat

Turbinado Vs. Sucanat

Turbinado and Sucanat are the world's foremost types of unrefined sugars. Refined sugar is heavily processed to remove its natural molasses content, resulting in the snow-white sugar we see on supermarket shelves. Turbinado and Sucanat are not processed in the same ways, resulting in two very different styles of unrefined sugar. Add this to my Recipe Box.

The Facts

The name Sucanat is a blending of the words "sugar cane natural," and this is indeed a fitting moniker. Sucanat is the juice from the sugar cane plant that has been dried through a special process of removal, heating and cooling. The resulting sugar is on the fine side and maintains its natural molasses content.

When making Turbinado sugar, the juice from the sugar cane plant is extracted, heated and then turned into crystals. This type of sugar does not preserve much of its original molasses content, although it is often used in recipes as a substitute for brown sugar.

History

The processed white sugar that is so prevalent today is actually a relatively modern invention. For centuries, cultures that have had access to sugar cane have been reaping the benefits of this sweet plant, and they've enjoyed it in much the same manner as Turbinado or Sucanat. Being that mass production facilities and sugar refineries are products of the industrial revolution, people of previous eras harvested and utilized sugar in its most natural form: by evaporating the juice of the sugar cane.

Significance

While an overload of any type of sugar isn't healthy for anyone, there are some rather positive health benefits for those who choose Turbinado or Sucanat over refined white sugar.

Since it maintains its innate molasses, Sucanat has been proved to possess the most nutritional content of any sweetener from the sugar cane plant. The molasses adds a certain richness and also contains significant amounts of iron and calcium.

Turbinado sugar possesses far fewer calories than white sugar.

Function

In many recipes, such as for baked goods, both Turbinado and Sucanat can be used as substitutes for white sugar. The results will be virtually identical. For a recipe that calls for sugar to be sprinkled on as a garnish, such as sugar cookies or fresh strawberries, you may want to use Sucanat, as Turbinado crystals are far too crunchy. You also can use either sweetener in coffee or tea, bearing in mind that Turbinado has to dissolve a bit and a good stir is necessary.

Identification

Identify Sucanat by its small, fine, brown-colored grains. You can locate Turbinado by its beige crystals, which are firm to the touch and have a slight shimmer. In the United Kingdom, Turbinado is often referred to as demerara.

Tags: Turbinado Sucanat, sugar cane, white sugar, cane plant, from sugar, from sugar cane, molasses content

Make Vitamin C Face Cream

Vitamin C has a number of different beneficial properties, including making skin look healthy. It is used in different creams by different companies and it usually costs a pretty penny. Did you know you could make the same thing at home yourself? Not only is it cheaper, but it also gives you complete control over what goes into the finished product and what you put on your skin. Now you have no excuse not to try making Vitamin C face cream yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the oils and other ingredients out on the counter and let sit for at least an hour, which brings them up to room temperature. Mixing them when they are too cold or too warm prevents things from mixing together.

2. Combine the oils, lanolin and wax in a small microwave safe bowl until well mixed. Place the mixture in the microwave and cook on high for 45 seconds. Remove and mix everything together before placing it back in the microwave for another 45 seconds. Do this until the wax is melted and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. Add the distilled water, aloe vera and Vitamin C capsules into a bowl and mix well. If you prefer a scented face cream, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil at this time. For those who like their lotions and creams unscented, continue mixing.

4. Pour the oil mixture into the water mixture and keep mixing. As you mix, you'll notice that the mixture gets firmer and thicker. When it reaches the desired consistency, stop mixing. It might take awhile to reach a thicker consistency.

5. Fill your jar with the face cream mixture and keep stored in the refrigerator. It is helpful to leave a note on the front so others know what's inside. The finished cream will keep for several weeks and over a month if left in a cold place.

Tags: face cream, mixture keep

Introducing Snacks To Infants

Skilled spoon control is not a necessity for babies.

According to the Mayo Clinic, when a baby begins to reach for adult's food he may be ready to start tasting new and interesting solid foods. This usually happens when a child is 4 months to 6 months old and allows parents to offer new foods along with the baby's breast milk or formula diet. The baby will not have an educated palate, but as each small child is an individual, a parent should be prepared for the baby to dislike certain foods and be wildly enthusiastic about others.

Instructions

1. Check that your baby can hold her head up steadily and has control over her neck movements. She should also be comfortable with sitting up once you or the chair gives her some support. Being able to close her lips around a spoon is another indication of readiness for solid foods.

2. Get your pediatrician's approval before you feed a baby snacks. This is especially important if a relative on either the father's or the mother's side has any food allergies. According to the Mayo Clinic, the traditional view that parents should avoid feeding the baby foods such as peanuts, eggs or fish in order to avoid food allergies in the future is not accurate. However, if your child is at risk of an allergy, the pediatrician may be able to advise you on the correct method of handling it. Do avoid foods that can cause a choking hazard because infants do not have the ability to chew their food.

3. Offer the child one new food every five days once the child is accustomed to eating solid foods, perhaps a month after it is first introduced. If there is an allergic reaction, you will know which food caused the problem. The Mayo Clinic advises that baby cereal be baby's first solid food. You can mix it with some breast milk or formula to make a runny consistency, and give it to the baby on a baby spoon instead of in a bottle. The baby should be hungry but you can feed him a little breast milk or formula beforehand to get him comfortable.

4. Stop feeding the child as soon as he indicates that he doesn't want any more food. He may turn his head away or otherwise resist the food. If you force him to eat it, he may develop problems in the future judging when he is full.

5. Mash up or puree other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, once the baby is skilled at eating the baby cereal. For practicality's sake, you can mash up a vegetable or puree some meat from the family dinner and feed it to the child along with his milky diet.

6. Feed the child finely chopped finger foods from 8 months onward if she can eat them without problems. Steer clear of foods that are a choking hazard such as raw carrots, popcorn or grapes, until the baby is at least a year old and has enough teeth to properly chew food before swallowing it.

Tags: breast milk, breast milk formula, Mayo Clinic, milk formula, solid foods

Use A Rival Electric Roaster

Rival claims that its electric roasters use less energy than built-in ovens.

A Rival electric roaster is a portable alternative to a conventional oven. Roaster ovens are often thought of as a way to cook a turkey or pot roast, but they're also suitable for traditional baking and cooking. They can even be used to make soup. A roaster is especially handy when you're cooking a big meal and need to free up some space in the oven. According to Rival's official product description, its roasters cook up to 30 percent faster than a built-in oven and use 77 percent less energy. The buffet models have removable steel roasting pans so you can warm up or serve three separate entrees at one time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Preheat the roaster to the temperature indicated on the recipe. As a general rule, set to around 250 degrees for slow cooking, 300 degrees for roasting and 350 degrees for baking and cooking. Prepare the recipe as indicated.

2. Depending on the type of dish you're preparing, either fill the roasting pan directly or place the roasting rack inside the roasting pan and place food atop the rack itself. The recipe should tell you which method to use, but typically stews or dishes with meat and vegetables will require the pan; turkey, roast chicken and other large cuts of meat cook on the rack.

3. Use a separate baking pan for brownies, cakes and other baked goods. Place the baking pan on top of the roasting rack. Use a metal pan to bake foods more evenly.

4. Cover the roaster and cook for the amount of time indicated. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meats reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees (145 for steak and roast, 165 for poultry).

Tags: baking cooking, less energy, roasting rack, than built-in, turkey roast

Difference Between Pure Olive Oil & Extra Virgin

Difference Between Pure Olive Oil & Extra Virgin

The International Olive Oil Council has defined standards for olive oil, but not all countries, including the U.S., adopt the definitions. This leads to confusion about such terms as pure olive oil, which is refined, and extra virgin oil, which is not. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Pure

Both Extra virgin olive oil and "pure" olive oil are pure--that is, they both contain only olive oil.

Quality

Extra virgin olive oil is a superior product compared to pure olive oil in terms of taste. You wouldn't, for instance, want to use pure olive oil as a bread dip, a common use of extra virgin oil.

Processing

Extra virgin olive oil is untreated. It's been harvested from the olive and put into bottles. Refined olive oil has undergone filtering to make it edible.

Rarity

Only about 10 percent of olive oil produced is "extra virgin olive oil".

Blends

Extra virgin olive oil is consumed as is. Refined olive oil is often blended with higher grade olive oils to increase its flavor.

Tags: virgin olive, Extra virgin olive, pure olive, Between Pure, Between Pure Olive

Buy Meat Cheap

Buy Meat Cheap

For those who enjoy shopping on a budget, this little guide is packed full of money saving tips. Knowing who to talk to and where to look for high quality cheap meat can save you a bundle, and boy does the money you save sure add up quick!

Follow these simple instructions to put some extra money in your wallet and some extra meat on your dinner table.

Instructions

1. Ask to speak with the butcher at your local grocery store. A good butcher can help you save a substantial amount of money on your food expenses. Butchers are noticed, working mostly behind the scenes, but their expertise and advice cannot be over-emphasized. More often than not if you simply ask your local butcher for the best deals on meats he or she will be more than happy to provide you with assistance. Whether the advice you receive is about the best meat cuts or the most creative way to prepare it, you can count on this expert advice to go a long way towards your wallet and the quality of food you prepare in the kitchen.

2. Choose meat according to price per serving not price per pound. Many people decide on meats based on price per pound, what they fail to realize is that 1 pound purchased meat does not equal 1 pound of served meat. Much of this weight may be made of Bones and Fat.

3. Find meats which have been stamped with the U.S. Department of Agriculture shield, the shield will have the label "USDA" on it. Although the quality of nutrition found in USDA meat is the same as all other meats, the flavor is notably different. Tastes are classed in the following 4 types: U.S. Prime, Choice, Good and Commercial.

4. Take all the bones from your meat and put them aside for later use. Bones can be used as a base to make wonderful soups. By using all of your meat you are increasing the amount of food you're able to use per pound of food you buy. Put simply, you will get more bang for your buck.

5. Buy boneless meat if you do not plan to use the bones. The belief that you get more meat per dollar if you buy whole chickens instead of boneless chicken is in most cases false. Boneless meat typically has as much as 2 times more servings per pound than meat on the bone.

Tags: Meat Cheap, money your, price pound, some extra, will more, your local, your meat

Get An Organic Farming Experience

You can get organic farming experience anywhere in the world.

If you are interested in organic farming, you can trade a half day of work on an organic farm for farming experience. Generally the farmer will provide your room and board, including meals, in exchange for a half day of work on the organic farm. You do not need any experience because you will be taught what you need to know. This experience can include anything from milk a goat to pick kiwis.

Instructions

1. Make a list of places to help decide where in the world you want to get this experience. You can make this decision by assessing your financial situation. If you want to get the experience in France, you need to check your finances to see if you have enough money to get there and back. Generally you do not need money for accommodations and food. You must also think about your responsibilities. For example, if you have family you must check in on regularly, it is not practical for you to go to a farm outside of your local area. Once you know the general area where you can get the experience, you can move forward with your plans.

2. Click the link for the region you are interested in on the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms website. WWOOF is the only organization that lists organic farming volunteer opportunities, which allow you to gain organic farming experience at no cost to you. Once you click on your region, you are taken to a page that lists links for individual locations, such as Canada, USA and Hawaii if you click on North America. From there, click on the refined region that you are interested in to be taken to that page.

3. Sign up to become a WWOOFer on the location-specific WWOOF site. A yearly fee is required, which varies. As a member, you have access to all of the organic farm listings for that specific location.

4. Review the profile for the host farms in the area when you want to work. The profile lets you know what the farmers grow, what is expected of you, what type of room and board you receive and the lifestyle on the farm.

5. Use the contact information on the host farm profile to make contact with your selected farm. Confirm availability and dates and ask any questions that you have. If you want to move forward, let the farmer know that you would like to volunteer. Once you set it up, you just have to arrive on the specified date to get your organic farming experience.

Tags: organic farming, organic farm, farming experience, farming experience, half work

Capture Methane Gas From A Septic System For Energy

Municipal sewage treatment plants can capture methane to generate electricity.

Harnessing the methane that is produced in septic systems holds great untapped potential. Called anaerobic digester gas (ADG) -- because it is produced by breaking down sewage sludge or other organic material in the absence of oxygen -- is a mixture of about half methane and 30 percent carbon dioxide that is usually flared, or burned, to mitigate environmental damage. However, by redirecting the captured methane-rich gas for use as a viable source of heat and fuel for the waste water management facility, sewage treatment plants can displace fossil fuel use and lower greenhouse gas emissions in a cost-effective manner.

Instructions

1. Take the sludge, or the organic matter that has settled out of waste water. Instead of discarding it, send it to an anaerobic digester to produce methane.

2. Store the sludge in a tank, followed by thickening it and then heating the sludge before it enters the digester.

3. Allow the anaerobic bacteria in the sludge digestion tank to work on the sludge, which releases methane.

4. Collect the methane in a gas holder and then pre-treat the gas before use to remove impurities.

5. Feed the treated methane gas into a prime mover that produces electricity.

6. Adapt the existing machinery to use the captured methane gas.

7. Redirect some of the electricity produced to power the earlier step of heating the sludge.

8. Use the rest of the power to run the other electrical needs of the waste water facility.

Tags: waste water, anaerobic digester, heating sludge, sewage treatment, sewage treatment plants

Economic Factors Affecting Children

The first years of a child's life are crucial for development.

The first few years of a child's life are important for all aspects of their development. Many factors may comprise a child's optimal development, including socioeconomic. Impoverished children lack in nutrition, care, education, medical care and social services, thus creating developmental delays and health problems. Economic factors can affect children's physical, social, emotional and cognitive development and their overall health.

Physical

Children who grow up in wealthier families may grow taller than children of lower economic status. A British National Child Development Survey in 1971 found that boys of professional or managerial parents were 1.3 inches taller than boys from unskilled labor classes. Poor children with substandard nutrition may have stunted growth and poor motor skills. However, a 2006 study by The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Program in the U.S. found no differences between poor children and wealthy children in motor skills, such as walking, balance and fine motor control.

Social and Emotional

Children in the lowest income brackets have the highest levels of depression and antisocial behavior, such as bullying and cheating. According to research in the "Journal of Health and Social Behavior," an increase in household income improves child mental health. Decreases in income increase mental health issues and antisocial behavior. The lowest levels of depressions and antisocial behavior were found in children whose families began and continued in the highest income households.

Cognitive

The 2006 study by The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Program found significant differences in poor and wealthier children at age nine months, two years and four years in cognitive assessments, such as listening comprehension, letter recognition and knowledge of quantities. Lower reading scores and achievement tests have been linked to impoverished children, and the chronic stress of poverty may impact the memory skills of children.

Health

The overall health of children in lower economic brackets is lower due to higher incidences of low birth weight and poor diets. Children in poverty may not have received adequate prenatal care or early medical care. Poor children are more likely to have food insecurities, where parents may worry about being able to afford nutritious food. Poor children are also more likely to be involved in accidents and suffer injuries than wealthier children. Moreover, a higher level of obesity has been linked to poor children, who have lower nutrition and a higher intake of complex carbohydrates with added sugars.

Tags: antisocial behavior, 2006 study, 2006 study Early, been linked, child life, Childhood Longitudinal, Childhood Longitudinal Study

About Cars That Run On Vegetable Oil

Cars the run on vegetable oil work just like any other car except that they burn a fuel that comes right from the deep fryer and is strained through a simple filter. The reason they can run on vegetable oil is in how the engine works. Unlike a combustion engine, which is powered by an explosion in the piston chamber, a car that runs on vegetable oil is a converted diesel engine, that is compression-driven. That means there is no spark to ignite the fuel. Instead the engine compresses the fuel and causes it to explode, without an electrical spark.

Misconceptions

Vegetable oil cars do not have a completely different engine. Many Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) cars are simple converted diesel engines that use a simple grease converter to run on vegetable oil. Since diesel fuel is much oilier than gas, the conversion process is possible. In addition, these cars can run on fuel that comes right out of a deep fryer. It is simply filtered and then poured right into the gas tank.

The Facts

An SVO car is much more cost-effective only if you drive long distances. Vegetable oil needs to be heated to work properly in an engine, otherwise it is too viscous. SVO cars need to be run partially from diesel fuel. Typically you must start you car on diesel fuel until the oil is warm enough to run through the engine. SVO cars also need to be stopped on diesel fuel. Kits to convert a normal diesel car into a vegetable oil-burning car can be purchased from anywhere from $400 to $800. SVO cars can get significant MPG (of veggie oil) but the main cost savings is that the fuel is free and can be picked up from restaurants that are typically happy to get rid of it.

Benefits

Cost savings is the biggest benefit when using a vegetable oil-powered vehicle. The savings over conventional fuel is great enough to compensate for the additional time spent filtering the fuel and fetching it from restaurants. You also are burning a "greener" fuel, as the fuel burns cleaner and is much cleaner to produce. Fewer chemicals are used to process it and there is no drilling involved which also can harm the environment.

Risk Factors

Burning vegetable oil in your car isn't all roses and corn. The viscous fuel can cause problems in your engine, as gunk and deposits are likely to build up in vital engine parts. However, you can be careful to filter your oil, and greatly reduce the risk of build-up. Mainly build-up comes when dirty fuels with carbon from cooked food is run through the engine. There is little risk in loss of power, or engine performance, although over the long term, running a car designed for diesel fuel, might impact engine performance to some degree.

Invented

Many historians (and veggie car fanatics) have said that the first engine, the diesel engine was actually designed to run on SVO. However, some believe that oil interests had a say in what engine became more popular and which fuel was eventually used in the diesel engine, which was more suitable for large trucks. Technology has always been around to run a car on vegetable oil and recently there have been many improvements to the conversion kits.

Tags: diesel fuel, diesel engine, comes right, converted diesel, deep fryer, engine performance

Urban Bedroom Ideas

Get ideas for your urban bedroom.

The urban bedroom is a retreat from the hustle of the city while catering to the many tasks the modern adult performs on a daily basis. A few ideas dominate the urban bedroom and they focus on opening up the room, using every bit of available space and incorporating history into otherwise modern spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Monochromatic

Probably one of the most recognizable urban style choices is the monochromatic room. The monochromatic palette opens up the typically small urban spaces whether in tawny browns or mod whites. A favorite trick of high-end urban hotels, this color scheme makes the room feel bigger and ties different functional areas of the room together. However, to prevent the space from seeming flat or yawn-worthy, pair a monochromatic scheme with a variety of textures and accessory sizes to keep the space visually interesting.

Multi-Use

Typically limited on square footage, urban spaces make use of every chance for multi-use furniture. Ottomans that convert to mini coffee tables with drink tray tops and space inside to store extra blankets or pillows are a well-known example of such furniture. However, some urban spaces take this concept to the extreme. Bon Bon's sofa bed/bunk bed combo was featured on the website Web Urbanist for this reason. This normal-looking sofa transforms into a functioning bunk bed with a few flips and hardware adjustments. Flying Beds, also featured at Web Urbanist, features a new trend in transforming bedroom sets that incorporate the need for a small home office and a place to sleep. When looking for items in your bedroom, only your imagination and budget limit your functionality.

Reusing

HGTV used an artistic piece of architecture salvage from an early 1900s brownstone to add art and texture to its Urban Oasis bedroom. This concept of reusing anything that can be repurposed including art, furniture and clothing is one of the essential concepts of the modern urban space. Feel free to refinish your grandmother's broken dresser and repurpose it as an entryway table with shoe storage. Reusing old signs and posters from days gone by is a favored and well-used decor choice for a reason: It gives new life to old items and brings history into modern spaces.

Tags: urban bedroom, urban spaces, history into, modern spaces

Know How Long To Store Cooked Meats And Poultry

Do you always wonder just how long that cooked meat will last in your fridge? Well, if you make a note of the date you placed it in the fridge, you can decide how long to leave it there by using these general rules on storing cooked meats. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Store cooked meat and dishes containing meat; they should last three to four days in a 35 to 40 degree fridge.

2. Store gravy and meat broths; they will last about one to two days in a 35 to 40 degree fridge.

3. Store chicken and turkey (pieces covered with broth or sauce, or not covered). All of these poultry dishes will last about one to two days in a 35 to 40 degree fridge.

4. Store cooked poultry dishes. These will also last about one to two days in a 35 to 40 degree fridge.

5. Store fried chicken. This will last about one to two days in a 35 to 40 degree fridge, but the longer you leave it in the fridge, the soggier the crust will become.

Tags: days degree, days degree fridge, degree fridge, about days, about days degree, degree fridge Store, fridge Store

Make Nonpoisonous Squirrel Repellent

Squirrels are notorious for eating any food they can find during the autumn months. If you have a garden, a squirrel problem can be devastating. A small garden can be destroyed in a matter of days if the squirrel problem isn't taken care of immediately. The most obvious solution is to set out squirrel traps, but many people would rather take a more humane approach. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Examine the garden carefully to find which plants are attracting the squirrels. They tend to prefer sweeter foods, so pay attention to tomatoes or any other type of fruit that may be growing in the garden.

2. Pour Tabasco or any other type of hot pepper sauce at the base and on the leaves of the affected plants. Peppers are the best known natural repellent for squirrels. If the smell isn't enough to turn them away, then the taste will be more than enough to keep them from coming back.

3. Sprinkle cayenne powder directly on the fruit or vegetables that the squirrels are attracted to. Cayenne powder works in the same way as hot pepper sauce, but it is easier to wash off and less likely to affect the taste of your crops.

4. Sprinkle cayenne along the edges of your garden.

5. Remove any standing water or food from your yard to make it look less attractive to squirrels. The smallest pile of pet food or bird seed is enough to keep a squirrel coming back to your yard.

Tags: coming back, enough keep, other type, pepper sauce, Sprinkle cayenne, squirrel problem, your yard

Products That Clean Fruits & Vegetables

Clean fruits and vegetables properly before preparing.

While eating fruits and vegetables is a healthy endeavor, eating produce contaminated with bacteria is not so healthy. Suffering from a food-borne illness is serious, sometimes life-threatening, especially for those under 5 years of age, over 50 or those with weak immune systems. Follow the recommendations to effectively clean your fruit and vegetables with commercially available products. Does this Spark an idea?

Commercial Cleaning Solutions

Commercial cleaning solutions formulated to remove dirt and germs from fruits and vegetables are not effectively proven. Manufacturers of these sprays claim they remove dirt along with surface microbes and pesticides. But these washes are not currently recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Food and Drug Administration. A study performed by the University of Maine Extension actually found that distilled water was just as effective at removing microbes as commercial produce washing treatments.

Scrub Brush

Remove dirt and other substances from the outside of your fruits and vegetables with a clean scrub brush. While not recommended for direct use on fruits and vegetables, bleach is an effective disinfectant to sanitize your scrub brush. Rinse the scrub brush in a solution of 1 tsp. chlorine bleach to 4 cups of water before scrubbing your produce.

Vinegar

Vinegar diluted with three parts water to one part vinegar is an effective fruit and vegetable cleaning product, according to the editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine. They performed an experiment in which they washed fruits and vegetables in different ways with water, antibacterial soap, a scrub brush and the vinegar solution. They swabbed the outside of the produce after washing and let the bacteria grow. The vinegar solution showed 98 percent effectiveness in removing the bacteria.

Warnings

Do not soak fruits and vegetables in water; this may cause cross-contamination. Refrain from using antibacterial soaps, bleach or dish detergents on fruits and vegetables. The soap or bleach can soak into the produce since fruits and vegetables are porous or, at the very least, remain on the outside of the produce. The FDA does not consider bleach or soaps safe for consumption.

Tags: fruits vegetables, scrub brush, outside produce, remove dirt, vegetables with, vinegar solution

Grow A Rice Plant

Rice is an important staple in the world economy, as well as in most people's diets. Growing your own rice plant can be a rewarding process. Your goal is recreating the environment of the rice patty, in which rice is typically grown. With a little bit of work and a lot of patience, you can harvest homegrown brown rice to enjoy year-round. The growing process requires very little maintenance, and only a small investment in equipment to produce a great staple for your pantry. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select the rice you wish to plant, if you choose to use rice grains instead of rice seed. An organic long-grain brown rice is the best, as it has experienced the least processing. White rice will not sprout because of the amount of processing it's been through.

2. Fill your plastic buckets or aquarium with 6 inches of potting soil. Pour water into the container until it's 2 inches above the top of the soil.

3. Put a handful of long-grain brown rice or rice seed into the planting container. Scatter the rice or seeds evenly; they will sink to the top of the soil, under the water.

4. Place your planting container in a sunny area; rice thrives in a warm climate. Move the containers throughout the day, if needed, to ensure they receive direct sunlight all day. Place a heat lamp over the containers if you are growing your rice indoors.

5. Maintain the water level in your planting container at 2 inches above the soil level until the sprouts teach 5 to 6 inches in height.

6. Increase the water level in your container to 4 inches deep to ensures the sprouts have enough water to complete their growth process. Allow the water level in the container to dissipate gradually -- don't add any more water. Little or no standing water should be left in the container when the plants reach their harvest stage, typically in four months.

7. Harvest your rice stalks when they change from green to a gold. Cut the stalks with garden shears or a sharp knife. Wrap them in newspaper and allow them to dry in a warm place for two to three weeks before roasting.

Tags: brown rice, planting container, water level, your rice, above soil