Neem Oil Vs Vinegar

Vinegar was used to treat scurvy during the American Civil War.

Neem oil and vinegar are both known for their medicinal properties. Both have been used for thousands of years. Although both come from natural resources, such as seeds, sugars and fruits, the techniques that transform the natural resources to the finished product are different. Once developed, neem oil and vinegar can be used to treat a wide variety of problems, from skin infections to bug infestations and warts.

Origin

Vinegar and neem oil have histories connected with agriculture. The French once referred to vinegar as sour wine. Vinegar was discovered when a barrel of wine had fermented past its time. The ancient Babylonians used vinegar as a food preservative and as a condiment, and they were among the first to add herbs and spices to the liquid. Vinegar has also been used as a household cleaner, as a sunburn remedy and as a vegetable wash. Neem oil originated in India. The specific tree, known as the azadirachta indica, produces neem oil and is indigenous to India. Neem oil has an important part of the Indian way of life for centuries, and the people of India have improved the extraction process throughout the centuries. In India, neem oil is used as a medicine to treat ailments such as skin allergies, malaria and diabetes.

Regulations

There are several types of vinegar, such as cider, malt and wine, manufactured throughout the world. The United State's Food and Drug Administration requires that vinegar have four grams of acetic acid per 100 milliliters, for the product to be labeled vinegar. The FDA does not regulate neem oil. The safety of the oil, pertaining to the use as a food or drug, is not controlled within the United States. Neem oil is supervised under the United State's Environmental Protection Agency and classified as a pesticide.

Process

Vinegar is usually produced from apples, grapes or sugar. Historically it has been made from a wide variety of foods -- anything that could be fermented, in fact. Making vinegar requires fermentation. The fermentation of fruit involves a chemical process that changes the fruit carbohydrates into alcohol. A second fermentation yields acetic acid, which is the key ingredient in vinegar. Neem oil is made by either pressing or extracting the neem seed kernel. Pressing the kernel involves squeezing or crushing the seed until the oil separates from the seed. Extracting the oil also concerns crushing the seed but then soaking the seed in a solvent such as Hexane. Hexane is relatively safe, but caution is required since the solvent is a component of gasoline.

Warning

Consult the advice of a naturopathic physician, a medically accredited doctor trained in natural therapy, before you use neem oil as a health remedy. Applying a large quantity of neem oil could cause kidney damage. Children should not ingest neem oil, as the oil can cause symptoms similar to Reye's syndrome and could lead to death.

Tags: acetic acid, been used, crushing seed, natural resources, United State, used treat

List Of Agricultural Herbicides In Turkey

Industrial farming in Turkey necessitates the use of herbicides, which Turkish companies produce and market.

Turkey is one of the world's major agricultural exporters, growing over 80 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Grains such as barley, oats, rye, maize, millet and rice are grown and much is exported. Much of Turkey's economy rests on its agriculture.

Herbicides are used throughout the world to control or kill weeds and unwanted plants. Their typical use is in agriculture, but they are also used by homeowners. Turkey both uses and produces herbicides in its vigorous agricultural enterprises.

Common herbicides

Some herbicides that are commonly used in Turkey and throughout the world are, propanil, monilate, thiobencarb, bentazon, bensulfuron, bispyribac sodium, cyhalopob- butyl, and ethoxysulfuron for rice.

Glyphosate, which is produced by a number of manufacturers is used worldwide, and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, used to control broadleaf weeds, is the most widely used herbicide in the world.

Turkish corporation

Metropol is based in Ankara, Turkey and produces 15 herbicides, fungicides and related products. Its marketing operations are in Istanbul and it supplies herbicides and similar products to both Turkey and a global market.

Bioglobal Ltd. is a Turkey-based company that produces closely related fungicides, as well as insecticides.

Rice

Rice is an important crop in Turkey. Herbicides are used to control several species of weeds. Scientists list Echinochloa spp. (watergrass) as the most significant weed affecting the rice crops of Turkey. Others are Cyperus spp., Scirpus spp, and Alismacea spp.

Issues

The herbicides manufactured for weed control are each designed for a specific weed, or specific group of weeds, and need to be administered at a specific time in the weed's development.

Some of the problems associated with the use of these herbicides are:

1. Farmers do not use the herbicides at the proper stage, or time, in the weed's growth; or they may not use the right herbicide for the right weed. This can result in ineffective weed control, as well as overuse of the herbicide.

2. Environmental impact. Most herbicides have some sort of environmental impact.

Natural strategies:

Halil Surek of the Thrace Agricultural Research Institute, Edirne (Turkey) recommends these strategies in preventive weed control:

Crop or fallow rotation (i.e., letting the field rest for a season)

Appropriate water and fertilizer management.

Tags: weed control, Herbicides used, produces herbicides, throughout world, time weed

Make Natural Fertilizer With A Compost Tumbler

Natural compost is healthy for your veggies

Making your own compost out of kitchen and yard scraps is a great way to fertilize your garden without chemicals while decreasing the amount of waste you contribute to landfills. Using a compost tumbler is a great way to speed up the composting process while enclosing the pile while keeping pests away. Here are some guidelines to get the best compost mixture when using your compost tumbler. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Fill the bottom of the tumbler with twigs and straw a few inches deep. This will help aerate the compost and provide necessary drainage.

2. When making compost for the first time, let the mixture sit on the bare ground for a few days to get let worms and micro organisms aerate the mix. Then, just shovel it into the compost tumbler to create your second layer.

3. Fill your compost tumbler in layers. Layers should alternate between wet and dry material. Wet materials are things like table scraps and tea bags while dry materials are things like backyard leaves and wood chips.

4. The mixture in the compost tumbler needs to be kept moist. If you are in a very dry climate you will need to water your compost on occasion. In most other locations you can just leave it out in the rain.

5. Make sure you keep the lid on your compost tumbler to keep away pest and keep from over-watering your mixture. A lid will also help retain heat--a necessary element that speeds the material break down.

6. Every week, give your compost tumbler a turn. This will help to aerate the mixture and provide the necessary oxygen needed for the composting process to work. This will also keep the micro organisms alive and active.

7. Depending on your model of compost tumbler, your compost can be ready for your garden in just 13 days. Just spread it around your garden as you would fertilizer and reap the benefits!

8. See the resources section below for more information.

Tags: your compost, compost tumbler, your compost tumbler, This will, your garden

Build Organic Soil

Your success in organic gardening depends in large part on the soil you build. Start with any native soil and add the right organic amendments to nourish your plants. Then let the bed mellow for a month or more and get growing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Evaluate your native soil. Whether you have it tested or draw your own conclusions, determine its needs for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. Use your own experience or ask a veteran gardener to teach you about any particular amendments that local soils need, such as lime.

2. Amend your soil with elemental organic fertilizers - they have only one or two ingredients per bag. Find local sources for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements - and further your commitment to the organic attitude.

3. Improve your native soil by adding organic matter ("om") to gain two important benefits: more water retention and better drainage. Use animal manures for their combination of om and nutrients, along with at least one other om, such as compost, ground bark, leaf mold or peat moss.

4. Read fertilizer labels and apply the recommended amount for your garden area. Use this rule of thumb for adding organic matter: 3 inches of native soil can usually incorporate 4 to 6 inches of combined manure, compost and so on.

5. Add an inch of sharp sand to the mix plus lime if indicated, then start to dig the elements in together. Think chili, not lasagna, and be sure no distinct layers remain after tilling.

6. Rake your organic soil mix into beds or rows and water it once. Wait a month or so for the elements to mellow, then plant to your heart's content.

Tags: native soil, adding organic, adding organic matter, nitrogen phosphorus, nitrogen phosphorus potassium, organic matter, phosphorus potassium

Make Soap With Caustic Soda

Soap making requires practice and a certain level of skill. The use of caustic soda, commonly referred to as lye, makes soaps that need to cure for nearly a month before you can use the soap. Making your own soap allows you to add your preferred ingredients such as different fragrance oils and herbs for a one-of-a-kind concoction. The caustic soda reacts with water and helps form the base for various soap recipes.

Instructions

1. Pour 32 oz. of water into a plastic container. Move the container outside or use ventilation fans before adding the lye.

2. Add the lye to the water. Pour the lye slowly and stir it continuously with a plastic spoon.

3. Place the mixture off to the side and allow it to cool. It will become hot once the lye dissolves into the water. Allow the lye to cool to a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a candle thermometer to check the temperature. You can purchase these inexpensively at craft supply stores.

4. Combine 24 oz. of coconut oil with 38 oz. of a solid vegetable shortening. Place these ingredients on the stove top over medium high heat. Stir until the ingredients melt together.

5. Add 25 oz. of olive oil and your desired fragrance oils. You will only need to add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture.

6. Let the oil mixture cool completely. Spray a non-stick product onto the soap mold.

7. Combine the lye with the oil mixture slowly once they both cooled off. Stir the ingredients slowly. Add the soap dyes to the mixture if you would like to make colored soap.

8. Pour the soap mixture into the mold. Wrap the mold with a towel, and allow it to cure for 18 hours. Remove the towel and allow it to cure for an additional 12 hours.

9. Remove the soap from the mold. Let the soap cure for 3 to 4 weeks for best results. For best results, use the soap within six months. The amount of soap that the recipe will yield, depends on the size of the soap molds used.

Tags: allow cure, best results, fragrance oils, hours Remove, towel allow, towel allow cure

Natural & Organic Cosmetics

Organic and natural cosmetics are free of dye and harsh chemicals.

Several women are now opting for natural and organic cosmetics. Organic cosmetics offer an alternative to traditional manufactured products. They are made from plants and other organic sources and free of chemicals and dyes that may have long-term negative effects to your health. Organic cosmetics have benefits to our society as well; they reduce our global footprint and eliminate the need for animal testing. Does this Spark an idea?

Types of Organic Cosmetics

Organic cosmetics have expanded rapidly since their creation, and consumers can now find organic lines in foundations, powders, mascara, eye shadow and lipstick. While the composition of these cosmetics will vary by brand, there are essentially two types of organic cosmetics. Liquid-based organic cosmetics mirror traditional manufactured liquid foundations. Mineral cosmetics are loose powders made from minerals. For example, After Glow created a line of mineral-based organic makeup that works the same as its traditional liquid counterpart.

Organic Cosmetic Brands

Several organic cosmetic brands exist, ranging in price and the types of products they offer. Designer brands such as After Glow Cosmetics and Burt's Bees are available through their own product websites and at specialty beauty stores. Recently, traditional cosmetic manufacturers such as Almay, Sally Hansen and Physician's Formula have begun selling organic cosmetic product lines that you can purchase in drugstores and retail outlets.

Common Ingredients in Organic Cosmetics

The ingredients found in organic cosmetics are easily recognizable, as most are derivatives from common plants and essential oils. Almond butter is frequently an ingredient in organic cosmetics for its skin soothing properties. Beeswax works as a thickening agent in lipsticks and other cosmetics. Lavender is a common fragrance. You can often find green tea powder in organic cosmetics that double as a sunscreen, as green tea has antioxidant properties.

FDA Regulation

The Food and Drug Administration regulates the sale and production of all cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act as well as the Fair Packaging Act. These acts ensure that product ingredients are labeled correctly and are not harmful to the public. However, the FDA does not regulate the use of the term "organic." The U.S. Department of Agriculture determines if ingredients in cosmetics are organic under the National Organic Program.

Risk Factors of Organic Cosmetics

While they may be less harmful to our health overall, organic cosmetics do carry some risk factors. The biggest issue with organic cosmetics is the risk of allergic reaction. Since plant extracts are a main ingredient in most of these cosmetics, people with allergies may suffer a reaction after the cosmetic is absorbed into the skin.

Tags: After Glow, cosmetics have, Food Drug, made from, organic cosmetic, Organic Cosmetics

Nutrition & Dietetics Jobs

Are you looking for a career where you can help prevent illnesses and teach people healthier eating habits, but you're not interested in a medical career? Then nutrition and dietetics jobs might be for you

Work

Nutritionists and dietitians perform various tasks according to their specialty. For instance, consultant dietitians perform nutrition screenings and advise clients about weight loss.

Employment

These jobs are 40 hours a week but can involve weekends. Also, they require a lot of standing. Large institutions such as hospitals and sports teams employ nutritionists and dietitians.

Education

Dietitians and nutritionists must have a bachelor's degree in dietetics, food service systems or food and nutrition. A graduate degree is also acceptable.

Qualifications

Registration and license requirements differ by state. Some require licenses. In states that only have registration requirements, people can practice as dietitians and nutritionists without fulfilling the requirements.

Advancement

Nutritionists and dietetics jobs are stepping stones to careers in management and director careers, with specialties in pediatric, diabetic or renal dietetics. In addition, some become consultants.

Tags: dietetics jobs, dietitians perform

Green Gifts For Eco Living

Soy candles that are toxin-free are an eco-friendly gift idea.

Because of the rising concern over the preservation of the earth and its atmosphere, many people are incorporating ways of eco-friendly living into their daily routines. If you have an eco-enthusiast on your gift list, finding the perfect present for her is much easier today because of the wide range of green items available. From organic clothing made without harmful chemicals to dye- and fragrance-free beauty products packaged in recyclable gift boxes, there are numerous green gifting options.

Beauty Products

Many beauty products are made with ingredients that are hazardous to your health. For instance, various nail polish brands consist of formaldehyde, a chemical that, according to greathealthandwellness.com, causes respiratory problems. Various beauty brands harbor many other harmful ingredients, which is why choosing natural, eco-friendly beauty products is best. To give a personalized green beauty gift, fill a basket made from hemp with natural beauty items, such as shampoo, body lotion and lip balm. The products should clearly state that they are free from dyes, perfumes and chemicals, as well as that they were not tested on animals. Some brands to consider are Burt's Bees and Origins.

Soy Candles

Soy candles are a green alternative to wax candles. Unlike paraffin-based candles, soy candles do not produce black soot or emit toxins into the air. Combine different sizes, colors and fragrances to customize your gift. Place candles in a recyclable box and cover it with eco-friendly wrapping paper to complete the look.

Organic Clothing

Organic clothing is made from comfortable, recyclable materials such as hemp, organic cotton and bamboo. It does not consist of harmful chemicals or dyes, making it much better for the natural environment. Many retail stores specialize in providing various types of organic clothing. If the gift is for a woman, choose interchangeable pieces that will complement any wardrobe, such as a dress, sweater and pants in complementary colors. For men, a T-shirt or sweater in a breathable fabric are options.

Organic Fruit

Organic fruit, grown without harmful pesticides, is a good choice for an eco-enthusiast. Try a fruit-of-the-month club that sends a different type of organic fruit to your recipient every month. Choose from exotic to local fruit for variety, and ask if you can include a special note with each delivery. Or, make your own organic fruit tray using seasonal fruits, and cover it with transparent recyclable paper, similar to cellophane.

Tags: beauty products, clothing made, cover with, harmful chemicals, made from

Package Spices

Store spices in airtight containers to preserve their flavor.

Spices, whether they are fresh or dried, spoil quickly if not packaged correctly and pose health risks with the potential of growing mold or harmful bacteria. When spices are not properly packaged, they are also vulnerable to losing their flavor. Spices need to be packaged and stored in an airtight container, whether it's glass, plastic or stainless steel, to maintain optimum freshness. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Package Spices

1. Rinse spices in warm water, for fresh spices. Skip to Step 3 for dry spices.

2. Dry the spices with a paper towel, if packaging fresh spices. Ground or dried spices do not need to be dried with a paper towel. Handling dried spices too much can damage them.

3. Put the spices into an airtight container. This container should have a lid that clicks or screws on. The lid must not leak. Put each type of spice in its own container. Mixing dried and fresh spices in a container can be hazardous to your health.

4. Label each container. Use a permanent marker or a label to write the name down. If using a label, hold the label in place on the container with a clear piece of tape. Write the name of each spice in the front or top of the container.

5. Store the spices in a dry place that's away from sunlight. Spices can clump or spoil when they are stored in a wet place. Direct sunlight may fade the color of the spices. SpiceBarn.com recommends storing cayenne pepper, chili powder, and paprika in the refrigerator to retain the color longer.

Tags: fresh spices, airtight container, dried spices, flavor Spices, Package Spices, paper towel

Build A Weekly Meal Plan On A Budget

Build a Weekly Meal Plan on a Budget

If you're looking for ways to cut corners in your budget, the grocery bill is a good place to start. Fast food and take out are not only expensive, but also unhealthy. One of the easiest ways to save at the supermarket is by having a solid plan before you even enter the store. Here are a few tips that will help you start saving today...

Instructions

1. Before you start making a list, you need to look through your current grocery ads. Planning your meals around products that are on sale will save you a lot of money, especially if you combine the sale with a coupon. Keep an eye out for special coupons and 10 for $10 deals.

2. After you've browsed through your local grocer's circular, take a quick peek into your cupboards and pantry to see what ingredients you already have on hand. Check for staples, such as flour, sugar, corn starch, spices, bread, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.

3. When you're done, it's time to bring out the cook books and think about recipes that use the items that are on sale or already on hand. Is there a great deal on bagged salads? Consider making a Chicken Caesar Salad or a Taco Salad. Or perhaps you have a ton of tomato sauce collecting dust? You could make your own marinara sauce and use it for Spaghetti, Lasagna... pretty much any pasta dish.

Think of the meals that you and your family love and also consider recipes you've always wanted to try, but haven't had the time for.

Remember the weather, too. If it's scorching hot outside, prepare lighter meals like salads and sandwiches. If you have a grill, that's always an option on warmer days. If it's a bit cooler, break out the chowder and casserole recipes.

4. Now you can start making your lists. You'll need two; one for the meal plan and one for the actual list of groceries you need to shop for. Start with the meal plan, listed Sunday through Saturday, or whatever days of the week work best for you and your family. Under each day, write the name of the meal and any side dishes and beverages you will include. For example:

Monday:

Spaghetti & Meatballs

Garlic Bread

Water

Tuesday:

Ham & Cheese Quiche

Broccoli

Apple Juice

Wednesday:

Teriyaki Chicken

Brown Rice

Peas

Dinner Rolls

Milk

...and so on.

5. After you have a complete meal plan, you must start building your shopping list. Focus on one meal at a time and list the ingredients you will need to purchase. Work on down the meal plan until your shopping list is complete. Gather any store or manufacturer's coupons that you are planning to use and keep them with your list.

6. When you're ready, head to the store and stay focused. Buy only what is on your shopping list unless you find an extraordinary deal that you just can't pass up. Be disciplined. If you must have dessert, consider baking a cake or brownies instead of that half gallon of ice cream. It's a lot cheaper and you get more for your bottom dollar.

Tags: your shopping list, meal plan, shopping list, your shopping, Build Weekly, Build Weekly Meal

Nutrition Information For Lowfat Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Reward yourself with an ice cream treat.

The key to a successful diet is moderation. This means if you are craving a sweet treat while trying to watch your waistline, it is acceptable to indulge yourself as long as you exercise self control. It is also important that you select low-fat versions of your treat. Low-fat options usually do not taste much different, they just contain less sugar. There are several varieties of chocolate, peanut butter ice cream that fit this profile.

Applegate Farms

Applegate farms offers many naturally sweetened, no-sugar-added ice creams created from organic products. Their chocolate peanut butter flavor contains 190 calories in one 1/2-cup serving. One serving also contains 18% of the daily recommended fat value. Of the fat in the ice cream 5 grams are saturated fat. There are 120 mg of sodium in each serving, accounting for 5% of the daily value. There are 19 grams of carbohydrates and 14 grams of sugar in a single serving of this variety.

Skinny Cow

Skinny Cow is a brand of low-fat ice cream sandwiches that come in a variety of flavors including chocolate peanut butter. Chocolate and peanut butter ice cream is swirled together and sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. One serving consisting of one sandwich contains 150 calories and 2 grams of fat. The 2 grams of fat account for 3% of the daily recommended fat intake for an individual on a 2,000-calorie diet. The sandwich also contains 30 grams of carbohydrates, which make up 10% of the daily recommended value. One serving also contains 8% of the recommended amount of calcium. One sandwich also counts for four points if you are participating in a points counting diet system.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers Peanut Butter Delight ice cream cup contains crunchy peanut butter pieces surrounded by a ribbon of chocolate fudge. Each pre-packaged cup contains 180 calories and 5 grams of fat, accounting for 6% of the daily recommended fat value. The cup also contains 6 grams of fiber. One cup equals five dietary points, if you are participating in a point program.

Blue Bunny

Blue Bunny's line of lifestyle option ice creams offer a variety of flavors with half the fat of regular ice cream. Their Premium Light Bunny Tracks flavor combines their signature peanut butter-filled bunnies, chocolate fudge ribbon and a peanut butter ribbon in a low-fat vanilla ice cream. One serving consisting of 1/2 cup of ice cream contains 130 calories and 5 grams of fat. There are 21 grams of carbohydrates and 13 grams of sugar per serving. Blue Bunny also features a Premium Light Peanut Butter Fudge flavor with chocolate fudge ribbons in a peanut butter ice cream that contains 130 calories and 5 grams of fat per 1/2-cup serving. There are 18 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar in this variety.

Tags: contains calories, also contains, calories grams, contains calories grams, daily recommended

Live The Beach Lifestyle

Live the Beach Lifestyle

The beach lifestyle is all about a relaxed attitude. Life is casual at the beach. The pace is unhurried. Nature provides excitement and time is spent outdoors as much as possibe. Living at the beach gives one a chance to make spending time outdoors a priority. One also has ample opportunities for keeping in touch with people because everyone wants to visit you when you live at the beach. Make 'seize the day' your motto for life at the beach. Every day is a precious gift to be treasured when living at the shore.

Instructions

Fun in the Sun at the Beach

1. Relax and have fun because that's what the beach lifestyle is all about. The pace is a bit slower at the beach. Time is found to enjoy nature and revel in time spent outdoors. A daily walk to view the sunrise or the sunset adds joy to life and gives one a chance to mingle with other people who are outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

2. Slip on a pair of flip flops and enjoy the casual feel of life at the shore. Comfort clothing is a must for the beach area. Flip flops are colorful, comfy, and add a bit of whimsy to life at the beach. Shorts are the norm during summer. It is rare to see anyone dressed formally in a beach town. Sweatshirts are needed for cool evenings and a windbreaker is a must for unexpected thunderstorms.

3. Don a pair of cool sunglasses and apply some sunscreen and go for a stroll on the boardwalk. Life at the beach includes lots of fresh air and outdoor exercise. Enjoy the view of the ocean and listen to the birds sing. Being attuned to your body's need for physical movement is part of the beach lifestyle. Healthy food is the norm and farmers' markets abound and offer fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. Ride a wave, float on a raft, sunbathe on the beach or surf. The options for fun are endless at the beach. When selecting a home at the beach, consider getting one with a little extra space. If you want them, you will have visitors frequently because most people love to visit the beach. Analyze the traffic patterns before you purchase a home. Some areas right near the beach will have very dense traffic on summer days.

5. Reading a good book is a great way to spend time while living at the beach. Expand your mind while enjoying the great outdoors at the beach or in your backyard. The laid-back beach life is enhanced even more when reading a great novel that keeps your mind entranced while your body relaxes.

Tags: beach lifestyle, beach lifestyle about, gives chance, life beach, lifestyle about

Make Natural Homemade Soap With Olive Oil

Olive oil makes a rich soap that's good for sensitive or dry skin.

Soap making has become a hobby over the years. Olive oil soap, also known as castile soap, is a variation on the classic recipe using animal fats as its basis. Those adhering to a vegan lifestyle may find castile soap particularly appealing for this reason. Olive oil, by itself, yields a high-quality soap with a soft, somewhat slimy feeling. Adding a few ounces of coconut oil improves the soap's quality and speeds up the stirring and drying phases of soap production.

Instructions

1. Assemble all your items before you begin because some reactions can happen very quickly. Line the small cardboard box with the trash bag. This is will be the soap mold. Set the slightly larger box in a cool room where it won't be disturbed.

2. Turn on your stove's exhaust fan or open a window for ventilation. Put on the latex gloves to protect your hands from the highly caustic lye. Weigh the measuring cup and note its weight. Put the lye crystals in the cup. Total weigh on the scale should be 12 ozs. plus the weight of the cup.

3. Dissolve the lye crystals in 24 ozs. of water, averting your face to avoid inhaling the fumes being released in the first couple of minutes. Stir the lye and water with the wooden spoon until the solution turns from a milky white to a clear color. This solution will become very hot in a short amount of time. Set aside to cool while you prepare the fats.

4. Weigh the pot you will be using to cook the soap and note the weight. Add 74 ozs. of 100 percent olive oil and 14 ozs. of coconut oil. Put the pan on the stove, insert the thermometer, and slowly heat the oils to about 110 degrees Fahrenheit. When it's close to this point, measure the temperature of the lye solution. It should be about 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Turn on the stick blender and pour the lye solution quickly into the oils in the pot. Blend the oils and lye together for about one minute until the mixture turns smooth and starts to glisten. When it thickens to a consistency somewhat thinner than pudding, turn off the stick blender and pour it into the trash bag-lined mold. Use the wooden spoon to remove any soap clinging to the blender and pot.

6. Place the mold inside the box in the cool room. Cover the boxes with a larger one that fits over both of them. After about 30 minutes, remove the cover to make sure the soap is starting to gel and to allow some heat to escape. When opaque areas appear around the edges, enough heat has been released. Replace the cover.

7. When the soap has cooled overnight, use the ruler and a knife to score the soap into blocks. Cut the soap into blocks of the desired size.

Tags: about degrees, about degrees Fahrenheit, blender pour, castile soap, cool room

Silver Cleaning Tips With Foil & Borax

Use borax and aluminum foil to clean sterling silver items

Sterling silver can be cleaned in a number of ways. The oxidation that coats the outside of sterling silver is called a patina. It can be removed using borax, aluminum foil and water. The water should be very warm or boiling. Boil the water before pouring it on the aluminum foil if the silver's surface has a heavy patina. Does this Spark an idea?

Toxicity

It is important to wear rubber gloves when working with borax. It is a toxic chemical that should not be ingested. The toxicity level is low, but precautions should be taken to avoid exposure. Keep borax away from children and pets.

Placement

Line a glass container that is larger than the sterling silver items to be cleaned with aluminum foil. Plastic and metal containers do not provide the best chemical reaction, but they will still work. The sterling silver is placed so each item has one surface directly on the aluminum foil. This is necessary so the chemical reaction between the aluminum foil and the sterling silver will occur.

Process

Line a glass container with aluminum foil and place the sterling silver in one layer with no pieces touching. Combine 1 teaspoon to 1/4 cup of borax into enough boiling water to cover the sterling silver item or items. Let the water cool, then pour into the sink. Wipe the sterling silver off with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

Tags: aluminum foil, sterling silver, sterling silver, borax aluminum, borax aluminum foil, chemical reaction, glass container

How Long To Soak Buckwheat Groats

Many people enjoy eating buckwheat groats.

Buckwheat has grown on farms in America since Colonial times. In recent years, the grain enjoyed a resurgence of popularity as a breakfast food or as sprouts, and also as an export to Japan where they make noodles from buckwheat.

Buckwheat Groat Sprouts

When sprouting buckwheat groats, they are not soaked as long as many seeds for sprouts are because the groats absorb water quickly. If the buckwheat groats soak for too long they do not sprout. Allow the buckwheat groats to soak in 60- to 70-degree F water for only 20 to 60 minutes before draining and rinsing. Soaking buckwheat groats in water produces thick, starchy water and the groats will never sprout if not rinsed thoroughly.

Cooking Buckwheat Groats

When cooking buckwheat groats to use as a cereal, or as you would use rice or another grain, the groats do not need any soaking because they cook so quickly. When combining 1 cup of buckwheat groats with 2 cups of water, after bringing the groats to a boil and then reducing the heat to low, the buckwheat groats cook in only 10 to 12 minutes. Sometimes cooks toast buckwheat groats lightly in oil before cooking them in a liquid.

Considerations

Buckwheat groats are the part of the grain left after removing the hulls from the kernels, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension. In addition to using buckwheat groats for sprouting and as a breakfast food, they also show up a thickening material in dressings, gravy and soups.

Tags: buckwheat groats, buckwheat groats, buckwheat groats, breakfast food, Buckwheat Groats, buckwheat groats soak

Broil Turkey Burgers

Make your next burger a healthy turkey burger.

Beef hamburgers are a classic American dish, well known at almost every family table. While these burgers are tasty, the ground beef they are made from can be high in fat. Change up your menu to a healthier ground meat by serving turkey burgers for your family. You'll still have the ground meat patty texture with toppings on a bun, but the turkey meat burger will be much lower in fat. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Mix in 1 lb. of ground turkey meat with any flavorings your family enjoys. Ground turkey is very lean, so it tends to be drier than ground beef. Add onions, peppers, mushrooms, steak sauce or any other juicy and flavorful ingredient that you wish.

2. Form the ground turkey mix into patties with your hands. If you are making regular-sized burgers, make four patties from 1 lb. of ground turkey meat mixture.

3. Rub your broiler rack with vegetable oil or spray it with vegetable oil cooking spray. Place the burgers on the oiled rack and put it into the oven, 4 inches from the broiler heat.

4. Cook the burgers for about 7 minutes, then turn them over and broil them for another 7 minutes. Check the internal temperature after the second broiling time. If the inside of the burger measures at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, your turkey burgers are done.

Tags: turkey meat, ground beef, ground meat, ground turkey, ground turkey meat

Types Of Louisianagrown Squash

Fresh summer squash can be a refreshing side dish.

Three types of squash are easily grown in Louisiana in the summer. Squash requires warm days, rich soil and plenty of water, all of which qualify Louisiana as a good place to raise squash. Summer squash, winter squash and pumpkins can provide plenty of food for the dinner table or to share with family and friends. Winter squash and pumpkins keep in a cool, dark place quite well, but summer squash needs to be eaten shortly after harvesting. Does this Spark an idea?

Summer Squash

Zucchini, patty pans, yellow straight-neck and yellow crookneck grow well in Louisiana. The flowers and the fruit are edible. The fruit are best consumed young. As these squash continue to grow on the vine, they develop tough tissue and the seeds can harden. Cooking summer squash is easy in stir-fries, adding to salads or shredding to add to quick breads. The water content in summer squash is high and some people squeeze the raw, shredded squash to intensify the flavor.

Winter Squash

All winter squash requires a long, warm growing season. The varieties to grow in Louisiana include butternut, banana, acorn, turbine, Hubbard, Boston marrow and delicious. The squash are typically harvested after the first frost when the skins are tough and the bottom of the squash has turned color. Leaving at least a 2-inch stem on the squash lengthens its shelf life. Baking, steaming or boiling these squash produces a flavorful puree rich in vitamin A.

Pumpkins

Two types of pumpkins grow in Louisiana, including giant pumpkins and small pumpkins good for making pies, soup or pumpkin bread. Gardeners often remove all but two pumpkin flowers from the vine and choose the best-looking fruit to leave on the vine as the fruit matures. The plant puts all its energy into growing a large pumpkin. Small pumpkin varieties are best for cooking, since the flesh is less stringy and watery. Like squash, pumpkin can be baked or steamed.

Cultivation

Squash grows well in soils rich in organic matter. Gardeners typically plant the seeds in raised hills that help the water drain away from the leaves of the squash plants, an issue in Louisiana where humidity in the summer is high and fungal diseases can develop. Ground watering is better than overhead sprinkling. Squash needs a balanced fertilizer as it grows, making sure the nitrogen content is not excessively high, since nitrogen promotes leaf development, but not flower development or fruit maturation.

Tags: grow Louisiana, squash pumpkins, summer squash, these squash

What Do With Rice Flour

Make homemade rice flour rolls.

White and brown rice flour works well as a healthy, gluten-free alternative to all-purposeflour when making main dishes, baked goods and other recipes. Some people have sensitivities to wheat, so using a substitute allows them to enjoy cookies, cakes and other foods without worry. White rice flour has been milled from polished rice, so it has a bland flavor, yet this doesn't usually matter because recipes call for other ingredients such as sugar and salt. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Breads and Muffins

Make your favorite banana bread, blueberry muffins, sandwich breads and raisin bread with rice flour, rather than standard flours. The rice flour has a soft, yet thick consistency that works well when used for baking breads and muffins. Simply substitute rice flour for the same amount of all-purpose flour in recipes.

Cookies

Use white or brown rice flour when making all types of cookies. Simply replace the all-purpose flour on the recipe list with rice flour. The flour has ample amounts of protein which can make any sweet treat more nutritious. Don't worry about the bland taste of the flour because cookie recipes call for sugar, eggs, salt and other ingredients to make the finished product. Many types of all-purpose-flours and other wheat flours have a bland taste also. The taste of the flour itself is never a problem as long as you add the other ingredients needed in the recipe.

Soup Thickener

Use rice flour to thicken tomato, pea and other varieties of soup. Mix a small bowl of rice flour with sea salt, herbs and other seasonings to enhance the bland taste of the flour. Adding the flour alone to soups can diminish the flavor unless you add flavors to the flour beforehand. Add two tablespoons of flavored rice flour to a five quart pot of soup and see if this helps to create the consistency you want. If not, add a few more tablespoons and continue to experiment until the soup has the desired thickness.

Protein Supplement

Brown rice flour also works well as a protein supplement. It contains protein, B vitamins, potassium and other nutrients. Add a heaping tablespoon of rice flour to a fruit smoothie, cup of yogurt or oatmeal to increase the protein content. This flour adds to the nutritional value and bulk of your morning meal since rice flour creates thicker smoothie or cup of yogurt. Added bulk may help you feel fuller, faster. The other ingredients and fruit hide the taste of the flour, but oatmeal has a bland taste also, so you might want to add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, regular sugar or honey to a bowl of oatmeal.

Tags: rice flour, rice flour, bland taste, other ingredients, taste flour

Roast Tomatillos In The Oven

Tomatillos have papery husks.

Tomatillos blend well with cilantro, spicy peppers and other common ingredients, and are responsible for adding a bright flavor to many Mexican dishes. Roasting mellows the tart flavor of the tomatillos and adds a note of sweetness; it's a common way to prepare tomatillos for use in salsas and sauces. Look for tomatillos in a Latin-American grocery if you can't find them in your usual grocery store. Choose tomatillos that are firm and bright green under the husks. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place an oven rack about 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to broil.

2. Remove the husks from the tomatillos.

3. Rinse the tomatillos with water and rub them gently until you cannot feel any sticky residue remaining.

4. Line the baking tray with aluminum foil and place the tomatillos on the tray stem-side down.

5. Place the tray in the oven and roast the tomatillos for 5 minutes.

6. Remove the tray, turn the tomatillos over and roast them for 5 more minutes.

7. Remove the tray from the oven and check whether the tomatillos are done. They should be collapsed and have blistered, darkened skin.

8. Turn the oven off and return the tray to the oven for a few minutes if the tomatillos are not completely soft.

9. Allow the roasted tomatillos to cool before working with them.

Tags: minutes Remove, minutes Remove tray, Remove tray, tray oven

Identify And Buy Cruelty Free Makeup

Ensure your makeup fits your lifestyle.

Choosing a makeup that is cruelty-free isn't easy. No one authority defines what cruelty-free means, and labeling isn't clear. In addition, cruelty-free has a variety of definitions in the cosmetic industry. Some companies don't use animal testing. Other companies don't use animal products. However, as an informed consumer, do some sleuthing to ensure that the makeup and cosmetic products you buy support your ethical standards. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look on the box or bottle. Labels that include a symbol from a recognized animal rights organization, or that use the term "not tested on animals" are cruelty-free.

2. Check the website for the product you are purchasing if the label isn't clear. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, for example, provides a symbol to companies to certify the product as cruelty-free. Companies list this on the website, even if the product labeling isn't yet caught up.

3. Check with an animal rights group. Recognized authorities such as Beauty Without Cruelty and PETA provide information about companies and products to educate you about whether the item you are considering is cruelty-free. PETA, for example, includes a search engine that allows you to search by product or company to see if the animal testing is used.

Tags: animal rights, animal testing, companies animal

Store Tomatillos

Store Tomatillos

The tomatillo is a cousin of the tomato and part of the nightshade family. These small fruits come in colors of green, yellow and purple and are covered in a paper-thin husk. They also get as big as a golf ball or as small as a large marble. Tomatillos have a tart taste and a lemony scent and are used in numerous Mexican recipes, such as salsa. They can be eaten raw or stored in several different ways for future use. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Set them in a dry and ventilated area such as a hanging basket in your pantry. They store in their husks like onions and will last for about two months like this. If you see any mold on the husks, then peel it off, wash them and stick in them in the fridge.

2. Place the tomatillos in a paper bag and set them in the crisper drawer or in a bowl with a paper towel over them in your fridge. Just make sure they don't get wet or the inside of their husk could become a little slimy. Leave their husks on. This method of storing works well if you aren't going to use the tomatillos right away, and will last for about a month.

3. Peel the husk off the small green fruit. The tomatillo may have a sticky feeling after you husk it; if so, just wash it off. Pat them dry with a paper towel and place them on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer. Wait until they are almost frozen, then place them in zip-lock bags and put them back in your freezer. They will store from six months to a year when frozen. Upon thawing, the tomatillos will be soft but will be fine for cooking.

4. Take the husk off of the tomatillos and wash them. After they dry off, cut them in thin slices or dice them up. Place them on a cookie sheet and stick them in the freezer until almost frozen. Take them out and put them in zip-lock bags and set them back in the freezer. These bags will last about six months to a year.

5. Husk and wash the tomatillos and then cut them up. Stick them in a blender and puree. You can also puree them with other vegetables to be used in salsas and sauces. Pour them into ice trays and put them in the freezer. Once frozen you can stick the cubes into zip-lock bags until needed. Tomatillos can also be canned with a pressure cooker or stored as relish.

Tags: last about, place them, them freezer, wash them, will last, will last about, zip-lock bags

Make Chickens Grow

Baby chicks grow to maturity at around five to seven months.

Baby chicks instinctively seek out food and water on the first day of life. This inborn trait makes them easier to raise than baby birds born helpless and totally dependent on their mothers. To make chickens grow, you need to meet their basic dietary needs for food and water. As a chick grows into an adult, its body requires different amounts of protein for proper development. Feed stores make it easy for small flock raisers to provide these feeds for their chickens by showing the protein content on the label. Methodically following some basic steps will ensure the proper growth of your chicks.

Instructions

Meat Chickens

1. Feed a 22 to 24 percent protein chick starter for the first two weeks of life.

2. A broiler is raised for meat.

Feed a 20 to 21 percent chick grower from weeks two to four.

3. Feed an 18 to 20 percent protein finisher from week four to market. Market means when the chicken is ready to butcher. This is usually around week eight for commercial-type broilers.

Egg Layers

4. Feed a 20 to 21 percent protein chick starter for the first six weeks of life.

5. A pullet is a chicken less than 12 months old.

Feed a 16 to 19 percent protein pullet grower from weeks six to 10.

6. Feed a 15 to 17 percent pullet developer from weeks 10 to 20.

7. Switch to a 16 to 18 percent laying feed as soon as the chickens begin laying eggs.

Dual-purpose Breeds

8. A dual-purpose breed is bred for both meat and egg production.

Feed a 20 to 21 percent protein chick starter for the first six weeks of life.

9. Feed a 15 to 19 percent protein pullet-grower developer from week six to week 20.

10. Switch to a 16 to 18 percent protein layer feed as soon as the chickens start laying eggs.

Tags: Feed percent, percent protein, Feed percent protein, chick starter, chick starter first

Decorate The Side Of A Cake With Sprinkles

Sprinkles are typically made from sugar and cornstarch.

So you're baking a cake again and it's frosting time. You frost the top and the sides of the cake and pour the sprinkles on top, but every time you try to put sprinkles on the side of the cake it's a messy, uneven disaster. Well, the bottom line is placing sprinkles on the sides of a cake is not the easiest thing to do and you will make a little mess. But holding the cake over a bowl and tilting the cake a bit will reduce the mess and help you get an even coating. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Frost the cake on the top and sides as normal.

2. Pour the sprinkles into a large bowl.

3. Pick up the cake platter from underneath with one hand and hold it over the bowl. Place the cake on a cake board or the platter you are going to serve the cake on.

4. With your other hand, grab a handful of sprinkles and carefully pat them onto the sides of the cake. Tilt the cake slightly so that the excess sprinkles fall back into the bowl. Rotate the cake and pat more sprinkles all around the cake until all of the sides are covered.

Tags: sides cake, over bowl

Grind Rice Into Flour

Grind Rice Into Flour

Rice flour is a common substitute for wheat flour-and a healthy alternative if you suffer from a wheat allergy. Rice flour may be made from either brown or white rice, and its versatility allows it to be used as you would wheat flour in your cooking recipes. Brown rice flour has a nutty flavor and works well in baked recipes, such as cakes, cookies and breads. White rice flour can be used in baked goods and also as a thickening agent for sauces, stews and puddings. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Buy whole-grain white or brown rice in bulk. One 25 lb. rice bag will make enough rice flour to last several months. Purchase high-quality rice at health food stores or Asian markets. Store bulk rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark location.

2. Wash your rice in a strainer under cool running water until all dirt and small stones are removed. Soak the rice in a bowl of water for two to three hours. Drain the rice through a strainer, and allow the strainer to sit in a sink for 15 minutes, or until all the excess water drips out. Spread out the rice on several paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

3. Place the grain mill on a solid surface. Separate the rice into a few piles to help the grinding go faster and prevent the grinder from clogging. Insert the rice into the grain mill's grinder spout and grind the rice. Put the ground rice inside cheese cloth and place the cheese cloth in a strainer or sieve inside a sink with a heavy object on top of it until any remaining water is drained-off.

4. Store your rice flour in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry spot.

Tags: airtight container, bulk rice, cheese cloth, grain mill, Grind Rice Into, Into Flour, rice flour

German Restaurants In Reno Nevada

Bratwurst is a popular German food.

Reno, Nevada is famous for its casinos and is the birthplace of a huge gaming corporation--Harrah's Entertainment. Reno is also known as "The Biggest Little City in the World" and rests 4,400 feet above sea level. Popular attractions in Reno include golf, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking and gambling. Many restaurants are located in and near Reno, including a few German establishments. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Josef's Vienna Bakery and Cafe & Restaurant

Josef's Vienna is a full-service café that serves German dishes and also has an award-winning bakery. The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch. All food is made from scratch. Specialty dishes include chicken schnitzel, German bratwurst, Josef's tomato soup and Viennese goulash. The bakery specializes in pastries, breads, cookies, party cakes and wedding cakes. The bakery has been voted "Best Bakery in Reno" since 1987. The bakery also offers daily specials like free coffee and French baguettes.

Josef's Vienna Bakery and Café & Restaurant

933 West Moana Lane

Reno, NV 89509

775-825-0451

josefsvienna.com

Bavarian World

Bavarian World is located in Reno and has a bakery, gift shop, restaurant and delicatessen all under the same roof. The gift shop offers candies, cards, cuckoo clocks, magazines and much more. The restaurant has a friendly German atmosphere and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some of the German specialties are sauerbraten, jager schnitzel, veal bratwurst, knackwurst and Bavarian roast pork. The restaurant is open five days a week.

Bavarian World

595 Valley Road

Reno, NV 89512

775-323-7646

bavarianworldreno.com

Wienerschnitzel

Wienerschnitzel is located in Sparks, which is approximately three miles from Reno. It opened its first hot dog restaurant in 1961 and now has many located all over the United States. Some of the food on the menu consists of a polish sandwich, chili dogs, Italian sausage, turkey dog, kraut dog, chicken corny dog and a pastrami sandwich.

Wienerschnitzel

390 N. McCarran

Sparks, NV 89434

775-356-7700

wienerschnitzel.com

Backstube Austrain Cafe Cakes and Pastries

Backstube Austrian Café Cakes and Pastries looks like a bakery, but also offers European dishes. The bakery offers pastries, breads, cookies, cakes and many coffees. The menu is small but includes things like soup, tuna sandwich, chicken salad sandwich on a croissant and goulash.

Backstube Austrian Café Cakes and Pastries

3882 Mayberry Landing

Reno, NV 89519

775-624-2921

franzbackstube.com

Tags: Bavarian World, Cakes Pastries, Josef Vienna, also offers, Austrian Cakes

Get Wholesale Basket Supplies

Finding wholesale basket supplies can help you grow your business at reduced cost.

Creating a gift basket requires both preparation and imagination. A basket intended to say thank you or offer congratulations to someone who has just earned their bachelor's degree can require many different items and steps to put together. If you have a business making such baskets, you will need supplies made to your exact specifications to meet your customers' needs. Buying wholesale can help you satisfy your clients and make a profit at the same time.

Instructions

1. Buy from business-to-business suppliers. Business-to-business suppliers specialize in providing products from one business to another. A business supply store is an ideal way to buy items for your basket business. You can typically find supplies such as cellophane, decorative baskets, basket shred and containers at a lowered price. Stores like these are an ideal way to purchase necessary supplies if you have a larger business and need bulk items. Such stores can arrange shipment directly to your house if you don't live nearby. A business-to-business supplier will also have on hand supplies that may be less common, such as drawstring bags, multicolored raffia and printed cello rolls.

2. Purchase online. Some wholesale retailers have websites. Purchasing via a website is a good way to buy supplies if you don't live near a local wholesale supplier. A good online website should let you see the items directly, ideally with detailed pictures and specifications that let you know exactly what you're getting well in advance. An online supply store may allow you to customize the items that you're buying so that you can purchase ties in a very exact shade of purple or even design your own baskets. Wholesale suppliers are also an excellent resource for the hobbyist. Some business-to-business suppliers will only let you buy items if you are a member of the trade. An online retailer may allow members of the public to purchase supplies at the same discount offered to private stores.

3. Buy from specific suppliers. A gift basket can comprise multiple parts. The basket itself may be decorated with ribbon, personalized with a specific message intended for the recipient, and then wrapped in colored cellophane. One wholesale retailer may only have certain items such as ribbons. Consider perusing many different stores. If the basket in question contains food items, find suppliers who can provide such items wholesale. One store may be able to offer seafood at discount, while another has fruit directly from organic farmers. Think about teaming up with another retailer with similar needs such as a florist. Your business and theirs may have overlapping needs that can be addressed by purchasing related items in bulk.

Tags: business-to-business suppliers, gift basket, many different, supply store

How Long Is Chicken Good For After The Sellby Date

Chicken is a popular main dish in America.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, chicken is the number one species eaten by Americans today. All chickens sold in retail establishments have been inspected by the USDA for signs of disease. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Chicken Grading

Chickens are graded according to USDA standards. Grade A is extremely high quality and is usually the only grade for sale in a grocery store. Grades B and C are reserved for processed products in which the chicken is cut or ground up for use as a byproduct.

Freshness Date

Chicken should be used within three days of the sell-by date. If not used within three days, it should be frozen.

Fresh or Frozen

A chicken labeled as fresh means that it has never been stored below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Raw poultry stored at zero degrees Fahrenheit or below must be labeled as frozen. There are no labeling requirements for chicken stored between zero and 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, zero degrees Fahrenheit, three days, used within, used within three, within three

Live Frugal By Making Your Own Homemade Cleaning Wipes

You can adjust the strength of the cleaning solution in homemade wipes.

Grocery prices are high but the cost of cleaning supplies is even higher. You can reduce the food bill by growing your own fruits and vegetables at home, but you can also reduce the amount of money you spend on cleaning supplies by making your own homemade cleaning wipes. Whether you need a disinfectant wipe or window wipes, it is a simple process to put together an entire container of wipes for your home or car.

Instructions

1. Set the plastic lid on a small piece of wood and cut an "X" in the center with a utility knife. The legs of the "X" should be about 1/2 inch long on each side. Use scissors to cut some of the plastic away so the "X" is an actual opening through which the homemade wipes can come out of the container.

2. Cut the roll of paper towels in half so there are two shorter rolls of paper towels. Place one roll in an upright position into the plastic container. For cloth wipes, lay the cloth pieces in a single line with the ends overlapping. Start at one end and roll the cloth pieces into a cylinder, like the paper towels, and place them upright in the plastic container.

3. Pour the cleaning solution of your choice over the paper towels. You can use store-bought cleaning solutions or make your own. For instance, to make disinfectant wipes for the skin, use a solution of 2 cups water, 2 tbsp. of baby shampoo and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol.

4. Close the lid of the container and allow the towels to sit overnight to absorb the cleaning solution. Test the towels to determine of there is enough cleaning solution in the towels. If the entire roll is not damp, add another cup of solution and allow the towels to stand until all the liquid is absorbed.

5. Open the lid and remove the center paper cone of the paper towels. Grab the center towel, or the one in the middle of the roll, and feed it slowly through the slit in the top of the lid. Close the lid and gently pull the towel through to use.

Tags: paper towels, cleaning solution, allow towels, cleaning supplies, cloth pieces

Compare Brands Of Dry Cat Food

Many nutritionally balanced foods are available to meet your cat's nutritional needs. The best way to compare brands is to consider your cat's stage of life, as well as the characteristics of each brand.

Ingredients

The main ingredients in dry cat food may be fillers.

The first five ingredients listed on the back of a bag of dry cat food tell you much of what you need to know about the quality of the cat food. In the wild, a feline's natural diet is high in protein. Brands that list corn, wheat or soy as a main ingredient will not be nutritionally complete.

Price

A poorly formulated dry cat food can cause your cat to gain weight.

Comparing cat food brands based on price is not as straightforward as calculating the cost per serving. Cheaper brands generally contain lower quality ingredients, and cats may eat more of such foods to meet their nutritional needs. You could end up spending more per month to feed a cheaper brand to your cat, which could become obese as a result.

Flavor and Feline Preference

Your cat may not like all brands of dry food.

Several brands may offer a good balance of nutrients, but your cat may snub some brands based solely on smell or taste. Because cats are individuals, there is no one best food for every cat.

Tags: brands based, nutritional needs

Healthy Homemade Puppy Diet

If you have a puppy you want to make sure he is not only happy but also healthy. Buying special toys, a warm puppy bed and maybe even a bowl with his name on it shows your affection for your new pet. Taking him for regular check ups and keeping him up to date on shots is one way to ensure health, but what if you also want to ensure a good diet by making the food yourself at home?

Benefits

There are many benefits to homemade dog food. Since you are the one who is making the food, you know exactly what ingredients are in it and you can tailor it to meet any special needs your dog may have. Often times chemicals are added to commercial dog foods to improve its taste and stability. Many of these additives provide little to no nutritional value. You can avoid all of the poor commercial dog food ingredients, as well as the unknown, if you make your own dog food.

Ingredients

Protein is an essential ingredient in a dog's diet. Some proteins that are excellent choices to include are: skinless chicken, turkey, hard-boiled eggs, salmon and even pork loin. You can also add in cottage cheese or tofu, as they are good sources of protein as well.

You need a good mix of vitamins and minerals added to the protein, and this is where vegetables come in. Keep in mind that dogs barely chew their food so if you chose to add a vegetables such as peas, carrots or celery be sure to run them through a food processor first to ensure the vitamins and minerals are properly absorbed into your dog's digestive system.

Puppy Diet

It is best to start your puppy on a healthy homemade diet as soon as you can. Introduce the diet slowly. A quick change of food can upset its digestive tract. You may also incorporate vitamin supplements and fatty oils to help boost nutrition. To add some flavor use a small amount of chicken or beef broth when making the food. Be sure to speak to a veterinarian regarding what you plan to feed your puppy, as he or she will be able to verify if the diet you chose is well balanced so your puppy does not to become malnourished.

Tags: making food, your puppy, Puppy Diet, vitamins minerals

Culinary Arts Facts

Culinary Arts Facts

Culinary arts is a broad field that contains many different specializations. Depending upon which type of culinary art you want to enter, training will vary. In some instances, no formal training is needed. Culinary artists need to know prepare and understand the science of food, diet, and nutrition as well as know safe food handling procedures.

Definition

Simply put, culinary arts can be defined as the "art of cooking," as the term "culinary" means anything dealing with kitchens or cooking. Someone who works within the culinary arts field is a culinarian or culinary artist. She works in a wide variety of settings, each requiring a different level of training and knowledge.

Career Possibilities

Culinary artists work in many fields and settings, such as schools, restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, resorts, military and government agencies, event planning facilities and firms, bakeries, fast food chains, hospitals and nursing homes. Whether formal culinary arts training is required depends upon the chosen field. For example, culinary arts training is not needed to work in a fast food restaurant; however, formal training is required to work as a chef in a five-star restaurant.

Training And Education

There are culinary arts institutions around the world, some of which specialize in a certain area like pastries, baking, or sugar arts. One of the most famous culinary arts education institutions is Le Cordon Bleu, which has 29 schools on five continents and is the largest culinary arts training institution in the world. To enter a culinary arts institute, one generally needs to have graduated from high school and be at least 18 years old; though there are some culinary arts programs geared toward minors.

Field Outlook

The demand for culinary artists is growing, and it is a competitive field. Those with specialized training and advanced education will have the best chances for career advancement, as many of the higher paying culinary arts jobs require formal education.

Specializations

There are many different types of culinary arts such as sports diet and nutrition (cooking for athletes), baking, pastries, sugar arts, chocolate arts, French cuisine, Asian cuisine, special needs diets (typically for hospital patients and those in nursing homes), children's nutrition (typically seen in daycares and schools), organic cooking, vegan cooking, mixology or bartending, event cooking (most often done by professional caterers), and personal cooking (which is done by personal chefs).

Tags: culinary arts, arts training, culinary arts training, Arts Facts, Culinary artists

Sources For Dried Beans

Dried beans can be acquired from a variety of sources.

Dried beans are mature legumes. Legumes are plants whose edible seeds grow in pods, like beans, peas and peanuts. As the seed matures inside the pod, it dries and hardens. This process acts as a natural preservative; dried beans have a very long shelf life if kept in the proper conditions. They offer a host of nutritional benefits, including fiber, B vitamins and high protein. Vegetarians and vegans often use beans as a protein substitute for meat and meat products. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Grocery Stores

The most convenient source for dried beans is usually also the most cost-effective -- the grocery store. Dried beans may be found loose in large baskets or bins in the produce department. You can also buy packaged beans by the pound or greater. Bagged beans are usually sold alongside rice. Sometimes beans found in grocery stores do not offer the variety of other sources, but the most common varieties like pinto, kidney, lima, black and great northern are a few examples that are readily available.

Online

If variety is what you seek, try purchasing beans from an online source. There are many websites that offer more unusual varieties, including heirloom beans. You may pay more per pound for less common strains, but you may also find the flavors well worth the cost. When searching for sources, use keywords like "dried," "beans," "heirloom beans," or the exact name of the bean you are looking for.

Farmer's Markets

Your local farmer's market or roadside stand can be an excellent source of dried beans. Not only are you improving your own diet and nutrition, you are also helping your local economy. The variety of beans is likely to depend on your area and the beans that grow best and are most popular with consumers there.

The Garden

Grow your own dried beans. Select varieties for your zone and follow planting instructions. Beans need a long growing season in order to fully mature. If you live in an area with too short a season and have a dry basement or cellar, you can grow beans and pull the plants before the frost. Hang them up in your basement and allow them to dry before shelling and storing them.

Government Assistance

Check out the United States Department of Agriculture Commodity Food Program as an invaluable source for adding beans to your child's school lunch program. The USDA program was established in an effort to help parents and kids get healthier and to reduce childhood obesity. You must meet the USDA's eligibility requirements as stated on its website. If you are eligible, you can apply through your state's distributing agency.

Tags: dried beans, beans found, beans usually, Dried beans, heirloom beans, source dried

Natural Hair Care Products For African Americans

Organic hair products use ingredients, such as almonds, that deep clean without a rich lather.

Natural hair care products for African Americans can fall into two categories, natural hair care product lines and organic product lines. Natural hair care products are designed for hair that is free of chemical treatments like relaxers, texturizers and color. Organic products have herbal extract ingredients and can be used for chemically treated or natural hair. In order to find the natural hair care product that's right for you, shop according to your specific hair needs. Does this Spark an idea?

Everyday Hair Care

bene is a beauty product line featuring hair care designed specifically for black hair. bene has 80 to 100 percent certified organic ingredients and has been noted in reputable magazines like "Essence," "Honey" and "Heart & Soul."

Hydrating Herbal Hair Cleanser Shampoo by bene is good for maintaining your healthy hair whether it's chemically treated or worn natural. The Conditioning Herbal Vinegar Rinse goes hand in hand with the shampoo to keep your hair pH balanced and easy to manage. Because fresh, herbal ingredients are used, the products are made in small quantities, by hand, on a weekly basis. Ordering online is the best purchasing method.

Hair Growth

Most black women get to a point in their personal hair care experience when they believe that the length of their hair is as long as it will ever be. Most of the time, this opinion is based on the hair length of their mother and grandmother. However, outside factors like blocked hair follicles and improper hair care products could be the be the biggest reason for your lack of hair growth.

Grow New Hair Treatment is a leave-in product created by Just Natural Organic Care. This is an all -natural growth solution with ingredients grown on small family farms from around the world. Grow New Hair Treatment is designed to continuously activate your hair follicles, revive sleeping follicles and promote hair growth.

Damaged Hair

Organic hair products keep natural hair healthy and manageable.

Kristen Strother, a hairstylist in Olathe, Kans., that specializes in healthy hair and intricate cuts states, "Damaged hair almost always leads to hair breakage and hair loss. I would recommend an organic hair care product for a client whose hair is at this stage to ensure that their hair receives 100 percent of the key vitamins and minerals it needs to recover."

Treasured Locks has a Hot Hair Repair treatment that is heat activated for re-balancing your hair strands. This product is infused with natural antioxidants and botanicals to heal damaged and destressed hairs. This is a once-a-month treatment that follows your regular shampoo and conditioning routine.

Tags: hair care, care product, care products, hair care, hair care product, hair care products, your hair

Sell Food At A Restaurant

Carry-out orders can be a big boost to restaurant food sales.

You can sell food at a restaurant with targeted promotions and a well-trained staff. Most restaurants make the largest portion of their revenue in food sales. The restaurant's bottom line benefits when the food sales per customer are increased. Menu options and upgrades can be marketed to potential guests before they enter the restaurant and continue once they visit the establishment. Spread the word about the great food options you serve to sell more than before.

Instructions

1. Send out a promotional mailer or work with a discount marketing publication. Include pictures or descriptions of the food options, limited-time meal offers and available discounts or coupons. Include a purchase minimum and expiration date of a month or less with all coupon offerings.

2. Control the quality of the food product that comes into the restaurant. Personally supervise the deliveries from suppliers. Work directly with the kitchen staff to come up with specials and meal ideas that make the best possible use of the available product.

3. Promote the items on the menu with the highest profit margin and meal add-ons such as appetizers and desserts in print throughout the restaurant. Post a regularly updated specials board near the entrance offering paired appetizer and dessert options for the featured entree of the day. Full-color menus and table tents featuring quality food photos entice customers to order more.

4. Train the front of house staff during daily pre-shift meetings to understand the menu and stay current with changes and specials. Serve new dishes to the hosts and servers to educate them on the components and flavors of each offering. Instruct the staff to detail the specials to each party and make themselves available to answer any questions or make suggestions during the ordering process.

5. Add delivery and carry-out options to the restaurant. Hand deliver fliers detailing the online, phone and fax options as well as payment methods accepted for delivery and carry-out order. Package outbound food orders with all the utensils and seasonings the eater will need to fully enjoy the meal outside the restaurant.

Tags: food sales, delivery carry-out, food options, quality food

Make Home Made Jams And Jelly

It is really easy to make delicious jams and jellies at home with your summer harvest or local fruits. Simple steps and proper tools help you enjoy the taste of summer for a long time. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Wash and clean the fruits. Hull strawberries. Remove stems from blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes.

2. Wash and Crush the fruits roughly by processing them in a blender or using a potato masher.

3. Sterilize the lids and jars by placing them in boiling water and allow a rolling boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Use tongs to put them in the dishwasher and let them dry. Leave the dishwasher on heated dry to keep the containers warm.

4. Measure out sugar and pectin using amounts as listed on the pectin package.

5. Mix berries and pectin and bring to a full boil. Add sugar and bring it back to a rolling boil and let it boil for 1 to 2 minutes. Skim foam if you want.Switch off and let it stand for few minutes.

6. Pull out your jars with tongs and use a funnel to fill the jams in them. Place lids and close the containers and immerse them in boiling water for 10 minutes to make a seal. Voila, you are done!

Tags: boil minutes, boiling water, rolling boil, them boiling, them boiling water

Start A Retail Business In India

Start a retail business in India

Retail is one of India's fastest-growing economic sectors because the working population is increasing as is the buying power of the people. Starting a retail business requires a lot of initial research and hard work.

Director Identification Number

Print out the DIN1 form from www.mca.gov.in and submit it to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to get your director identification number. The DIN serves as proof of residence and identity. An application fee is levied, and you can track the status of the process online.

Register the Company's Name

Reserve the company's name with the Registrar of Companies. You will have to provide the documents with a registration fee to get the certificate of incorporation that legally approves the name of your business.

Hire a Chartered Accountant

The role of a chartered accountant is critical in the start-up process. They have the knowledge required to navigate the government's red tape and move the process along faster. If you are planning to handle the paperwork yourself, it could take up to 90 days or more to get started with the business.

Tax Account Number

Obtain a tax account number from an authorized agent approved by the National Securities Depository. The tax account number is required of anyone responsible for collecting tax. The application form is available at www.incometaxindia.gov.in and www.tin-nsdl.com.

Permanent Account Number

Apply for a permanent account number if you do not have one from an authorized franchise approved by the National Securities Depository or the Unit Trust of India Investors Services. This is essential for tax purposes and is required by the banks when you open a business account or apply for a loan.

Tags: approved National, approved National Securities, from authorized, National Securities, National Securities Depository

Bulk Survival Foods

Bulk Survival Foods

Bulk survival foods are typically inexpensive foods that can be bought in large quantities and stored in a range of different environments for long periods of time without going bad. In addition, they are often rich in nutritional content, like amino acids, vitamins and proteins, because they are intended to provide quality sustenance for extended lengths of time. The most common reasons for purchasing survival foods are to weather disasters and economic hardship. There are several major types of survival foods. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Canned Food

Canned food is one of the most popular options, as it is easy to store, fairly inexpensive and can be found almost anywhere. In addition, it is preserved in a way that helps prevent microorganisms from getting inside and spoiling it. There are many types of canned food, from vegetables and fruit to soups to meat and beans, which helps appeal to a wide range of people with an equally wide range of appetites. Many canned foods also have a high level of nutritional value. Potential disadvantages include botulism, bulkiness and longer prep time (which may require heat that is unavailable during a disaster.)

Dried Grains

Dried grains can include wheat, barley, oats, rye and maize. They are a rich source of carbohydrates, which provide energy, while also being free from saturated fat and cholesterol. In addition, dried grains retain a large quantity of their vitamins and minerals in the bran and germ, which are often lost when processed in products like bread. Dried grains are easy to store and stay good in different temperatures. Disadvantages include a longer prep time and required resources (such as water, heat or a grain mill) that may be unavailable during a disaster. For the most part, grains require a substantial amount of water to cook them.

Meals Ready To Eat (MREs)

MREs were developed and are used by the military because they provide compact storage, a fairly long shelf life, ample nutrition and fast, easy preparation. They are 100-percent contained in air-tight packages and include water for cooking them in conjunction with MRE heaters. Most MREs contain a main entree such as chicken or fish, side dish like noodles, rice or applesauce, dessert, crackers, beverage powder and condiments like salt and pepper. MREs can be ordered easily online, although they are a little more expensive than other types of survival foods. (One meal can run from $5 to $7.) They typically last no more than seven years.

Freeze-Dried Food

Many survivalists consider freeze-dried food, most commonly used by astronauts, to be the all-around best type of survival food with the fewest disadvantages. It is lightweight, easy to store in a wide range of environments and can last as long as 30 years. In addition, only a small amount of water is required in order to hydrate the food--much less than is normally needed for cooking. A wide array of meals are offered in freeze-dried packages, and once hydrated, taste very similar to the real thing. They are also a more economical choice than MREs (averaging approximately $3 per meal) and can be ordered online.

Tags: easy store, wide range, amount water, because they, Bulk Survival, Bulk Survival Foods

Get Internet For Low Income Families

Being connected to the internet is becoming more and more essential part of life. Many things are done online now. This includes shopping, pay bills, checking email, and finding information on just about anything. Unfortunately, not everyone has internet access. Many low income families just don't have the financial means to pay for high speed cable internet. However, people can still get internet for low income families at little to no cost.

Instructions

1. Look for companies that are offering free internet for low income families. For example, AT&T had a program where they offered free or discounted internet to low income families for two years. Check to see the most recent available programs through your phone or cell phone provider.

2. Sign up for internet for low income families using dial-up access. Most dial-up internet access are now very cheap. They typically charge as low as 5 dollars per month. As long as you don't plan on downloading or streaming big files such as movies then dial-up is a good option for surfing the web or checking email.

3. Use free internet at hotspots such as cafes and libraries. If you have a laptop you can go to most coffee shops are surf the internet for free. If you don't have a computer, you can go to the library to do your surfing there.

Tags: income families, internet income, internet income families, checking email, free internet

Cook Grits

Corn Grits

Corn grits (a.k.a. southern grits) are a favorite in the southern United States. While they sometimes get a bad rap, grits are actually quite creamy and delicious when cooked properly. Grits come in a variety of exciting flavor combinations. Grits recipes include ham grits, sausage grits, cheese grits, shrimp grits, butter grits, and bacon grits. This article shows you cook cheese and butter grits, a delicious and creamy combination with a silken texture. Here's how: Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pour water into a nonstick pot or frying pan. Using nonstick cookware is recommended; grits are sticky by nature and nonstick cookware is far easier to wash for this grits recipe.

2. Turn stove on high and boil water.

3. Add grits to water and reduce heat to medium. Grits will be very watery at this point, but they will thicken nicely in a few minutes.

4. Stir grits with heat-resistant rubber spatula. Grits should be allowed to simmer slightly; if they appear to be boiling excessively, turn heat to medium-low.

5. Grits will still be somewhat watery. But as you continue to stir, grits will thicken as the water is absorbed.

6. Stir grits until thickened and water is absorbed. Grits will be a little pasty and will tend to form a soft clump when stirred.

7. Add butter and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until completely mixed, then serve. Grits will have a creamy, silky texture.

Tags: Grits will, butter grits, nonstick cookware, Stir grits, water absorbed, will thicken

Art Project Ideas For High Schoolers

Practicing the basics of art will help build a strong foundation.

Students in high school art classes are still learning the basics of art making. Exploring art making essentials such as value scales, determining shapes through light and dark colors, and creating sample textures will help students at this level of learning create successful art projects that will be building blocks for future experimentation and learning. Creating basic exercises will help to create a strong portfolio for students planning to major in visual arts in college.

Value Scale

Students create a value scale in either pencil or paint on one edge of a sheet of white paper. The scale should be measured out into 12 equal squares that are 1 inch each. A value scale begins with the first square starting as white and with the 12th square completely black. Each square becomes darker and darker as they continue down the scale, which will contain light tones, mid-tones and dark tones. The eye should move easily across the scale without major jumps from light to dark.

Once the scale is complete and dry, students can use a simple object such as an apple or a cup. Light the object with a strong light source which shows all the values in the value scale including highlights and shadows. Paint or draw the object including all the value scales on the same page. Students can also discuss composition and decide where to put the object in their picture plane or how large to create the object.

Scissor Painting

Create a complex still life in the center of the room. This means using more than two objects in one still life. Choose interesting objects with texture. Plastic flowers in a vase or several bottles in a group are good ideas. Light the objects from one side with a strong light.

Students begin with a white sheet of paper that their final art projects will be created on. They are given several sheets of colored construction paper, scissors, and glue. The objective of this exercise is to cut out shapes they see and glue them onto their paper to recreate the still life as a paper cutout.

This helps high school students learn to distinguish shapes, colors, and values created by the light source. It also helps to train the eye and develop hand-eye coordination. The final outcome of this project is colorful and has a high success rate among students. Teachers may want to share images created by the painter and paper cutout artist, Henri Matisse with their students for inspiration.

Texture Study

High school students should begin to develop and distinguish a variety of textures and implement them into their artwork. This art project can be created in pencil or paint.

Have students bring in up to six objects, each with a different texture. The objects can be brought from home or found in nature. Divide a large sheet of white paper or a white canvas into six equal squares. Have the students observe their objects. They will be using one color only for a monochromatic painting. Or, the drawing can be in grayscale if the students choose to create this work in pencil.

Students take one small section of their object and enlarge it to fit the square they are working in. Each texture gets its own square. The final result will elude to the texture that the students are recreating, though the image will appear abstract. The square should represent the texture of the object, not the object itself.

Texture is achieved through application of the art material, such as thick brush strokes, and by systems of marks, such as repetitive dots and dashes.

Tags: still life, value scale, will help, equal squares, Have students, high school

Cook Tilapia 4 Easy Recipes

Instructions

1. LEMON GARLIC TILAPIA

4 tilapia fillets

1 TBSP olive oil

1 TBSP maragarine

1/8 c. lemon juice

1 tsp parsley flakes

1 tsp garlic salt

Salt and cayenne pepper to taste

PREHEAT oven to 400 degrees

SPRAY baking dish with Pam cooking spray

MELT margarine in microwave

PLACE Tilapia in baking dish

MIX melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley

POUR mix over tilapia

Bake in preheated oven for 13 minutes, BROIL for 3 minutes

ENJOY!!!

2. PARMESAN TILAPIA

1 pound Tilapia fillets

1/4 c. Parmesan Cheese

2 tbsp. margarine

2 TBSP Mayonaise

1 TBSP Lemon juice

Dash of - Basil, Black Powder, Onion Powder, Celery Salt

PREHEAT oven to broil

GREASE aluminum foil (to cover your pan)

MIX parmesan cheese, margarine, mayo and lemon juice (set aside)

SEASON to taste with basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt

ARRANGE fillets on the pan

BROIL for 3 minutes

FLIP FISH FILLETS and BROIL for 2 minutes

REMOVE fillets and COVER with cheese mixture

BROIL until cheese melts (approximately 3 minutes) Make sure fish flakes and is done.

ENJOY!!!

3. BAKED TILAPIA TOPPED WITH SEAFOOD

8 Tilapia fillets

8 oz. cooked shrimp

8 oz. Neufchatel Cheese

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 c. shredded Swiss Cheese

2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 TBSP chopped garlic

6 TBSP margarine

2 cups imitation Crab Meat

1 cup Italian style bread crumbs

PREHEAT oven to 400 degrees

CHOP crab, shrimp and mushrooms

SAUTE with butter and garlic

ADD softened Neufchatel cheese and chicken broth, stir until cheese is melted

PLACE tilapia in baking dish (spray with Pam non stick spray)

COVER tilapia with seafood/mushroom/cheese mixture

SPRINKLE with swiss cheese

MELT 3 TBSP margarine with 1 cup bread crumbs and spread over mixture

BAKE at 400 degrees for 3 minutes

4. HONEY SOY TILAPIA

2 Tilapia Filets

3 TBSP. Honey

3 TBSP. Soy Sauce

3 TBSP. Balsamic vinegar

1 TBSP. minced garlic

MIX honey, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic

PLACE fish in with liquid mix

MARINADE for 30 minutes (at least)

PREHEAT oven to 350

BAKE for 15 to 20 minutes

Tags: PREHEAT oven, baking dish, BROIL minutes, lemon juice, bread crumbs

Make Brown Rice Flour

Different varieties of rice will give you different flavors in your rice flour.

Brown rice flour is nothing more than brown rice kernels ground to a powder. The only challenge is that rice is very difficult to grind into a smooth flour. Even carefully ground rice can be gritty like meal rather than smooth like flour. To grind rice to a smooth flour, you must have the right tools: either a powerful blender or a home grain mill. Coffee grinders and ordinary blenders can make rice meal, but they will not give you smooth flour. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Blender

1. Measure a cup of brown rice into your blender. Put the lid on the blender.

2. Turn the blender on to a "Medium-High" setting.

3. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, if necessary.

4. Listen to the sound of the rice hitting the sides of the blender. The tinkling sound of little bits of rice striking glass or metal will become quieter when the rice is reduced to a powder.

Grain Mill

5. Place the rice in the hopper of your grain mill.

6. Set the grinder to "Medium" and grind the rice into a coarse meal.

7. Put the meal back into the hopper.

8. Set the grind to "Fine" and grind the meal into a flour.

Tags: smooth flour, grind rice, rice flour, rice into, will give

Get Rockstar To Be My Sponsor

Rockstar Energy Drink is the sponsor of many events.

Getting Rockstar Energy Drink to sponsor an event requires some preparation before contacting the company. First, you must have a venue booked and an attendee list started. Without these two key factors, Rockstar will not considering sponsoring the event. Additionally, if you are hosting a small, intimate event, the energy drink company may choose to decline the sponsorship opportunity. Rockstar only supports events where the drink will reach many new potential customers.

Instructions

1. Go to the official Rockstar Energy Drink Website (rockstar69.com) and fill out the sponsorship submission form. It can be found under the "Events" tab.

2. Provide event information such as where the event will be held, how many attendees you expect and whether any media will cover the event. Increase your chances of having Rockstar sponsor the event by contacting the company after you have already secured media coverage or have a very high level of the prospective attendance.

3. Provide additional details about the event to the Rockstar representative who contacts you. They will verify the event date, type and attendee response. They also may ask questions about venue logistics and what other sponsors you have lined up.

4. Sign a contract with Rockstar stating that you won't hold them liable for anything that happens at the event as a result of someone drinking the Rockstar beverage.

5. Provide space for the Rockstar team to set up on the day of the event. They will provide free beverages and may also bring large tents, banners and other promotional materials based on the size of the venue.

Tags: Energy Drink, Rockstar Energy, Rockstar Energy Drink, contacting company, Drink sponsor, Energy Drink sponsor