Pick Currants

Currants are the cousins of gooseberries, but without the thorns and they grow prolifically on healthy bushes. Whether picking black, red or white currants, the method is the same. Follow these simple instructions to get at these juicy gems for your next batch of currant wine or jelly. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Do not judge how many berries are ready on a currant bush by looking at it. The currants are hiding under the branches and leaves.

2. Pick the currant bush by starting at the top of the bush where the ripest berries are and working your way down. Picking in the reverse is fine too.

3. Lift a branch of the currant bush carefully by grabbing the end of it with your non-picking hand and lifting up.

4. Look underneath the branch for the ripe berries hanging in clusters.

5. Use your other hand to grasp the berries gently by the fingers, picking off the soft currant without squeezing them and dropping them into the palm of the same hand.

6. Place the currants into a bowl or bucket so you do not drop them on the ground (currants roll) and repeat.

7. Tug at the currants carefully but do not force them from the stem. Unripe currants tend to come off as entire clusters.

8. Pick the entire bush, working your way around the bush in circles as your work your way down, like hanging Christmas lights on a tree.

9. Get down on the ground and even lay on your back to pick the berries from the branches at the bottom of the bush. The berries grow from the tip of the currant bush branch all the way down to the trunk.

10. Expect a healthy, established currant bush to yield almost a gallon of picked berries per bush.

11. Use your picked currants fresh in salads, make jelly, currant pies, currant wine or freeze for use later in the year.

Tags: currant bush, currant wine, working your, your down

Raw Honey Benefits

Honey is a viscous gold-colored liquid that is made by bees from flower nectar. Raw honey comes directly from a hive and has not been processed in any way. Raw honey is a cholesterol-free, nutritious food and natural sweetener, but it also has many healing properties and medicinal uses.

Energy and Wellness

Raw honey contains carbohydrates and can be taken to enhance energy and increase endurance. Honey helps in the management of body weight. As honey has fewer calories than sugar, replacing sugar with honey will lower your calorie intake. Honey is also beneficial to those involved in exercise programs or athletics. When mixed with lemon, honey helps to convert stored fat into energy. Honey can also help restore sore muscles. A daily dosage will also help in managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Four tbsp. of honey a day can be taken to increase and maintain the amount of antioxidants in your blood. Antioxidants help in the prevention of heart and other diseases.

Topical Uses and Skin Care

Honey and honey-based salves are effective in treating eczema, canker sores, sore gums and ulcers. They also aid in healing cuts or burns. Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be used to treat acne. It is also used as a general antiseptic to help cure and prevent infection. There are many skin care formulas that use raw honey and other simple ingredients that can be made at home. A mixture of honey and milk, for example, can be applied as a skin softener. Honey blended with oatmeal and rose water can be used as a facial mask. Honey with water and lemon can be applied to the hair to increase its luster and help maintain a healthy scalp.

Allergies and Respiratory Relief

Eating raw honey helps to fight allergies. Honey contains pollen and other allergens, and by ingesting honey the body is able to build immunity. It is best to eat honey that is produced locally because it will contain the allergens that are particular to your area. Taking a nightly dose of buckwheat honey can also diminish symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as nighttime coughing. This is especially helpful in soothing children who are stricken with the common cold.

Stomach and Digestive Health

Honey is easy to digest because the sugars in honey are easily converted into glucose. The enzymes in honey help the body to digest raw sugar and starch. Because of the thickness and coating ability of honey, it can also be used as a laxative. Honey combined with apple cider vinegar is used to treat stomachaches and constipation. Honey with cinnamon is also used for stomachaches, and to treat bladder infections. Additionally, eating honey can inhibit the growth of the kind of bacteria that causes gastric ulcers. Pregnant women can take honey to relieve morning sickness.

Easy Ways To Eat Honey

There are many ways that raw honey can be incorporated into your daily diet. For breakfast or a snack, pour a small amount of honey on fruit or granola. Cinnamon can also be added. A spoonful of honey can be stirred into a serving of yogurt. Combine honey with oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and mustard to make a honey mustard salad dressing. A classic peanut butter sandwich can be enjoyed with honey and bananas. Try blending together honey, fruit or fruit juice, water and ice to make a refreshing smoothie.

Warning

Honey contains botulinum endospores, which are toxic to babies. Honey should not be given to children less than a year old. Do not heat honey to high temperatures, as that will destroy many of its beneficial properties.

Tags: also used, also help, Honey contains, honey fruit, honey helps, that honey

Flavor To White Chocolate

Adding flavors to white chocolate is easy.

Many different and delicious flavors can be added to chocolate. It's quite easy to do and can make your candy recipe stand out from others. Adding flavors that are oil-based will prevent your chocolate from clumping and becoming gritty. These oil-based flavorings (also called candy flavorings) can be found in cooking stores and craft stores, and they come in a wide variety of flavors. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate.

If you buy chocolate chips, there should be directions on the bag on melt them. Generally, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave. Add the chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second increments, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.

2. Taste after flavoring.

Add a small amount of the oil-based flavoring and stir. Be sure to taste before adding more flavoring.

3. Spread chocolate into molds.

Pour the candy into molds. If making bark, spread onto a cooking sheet. Put into the refrigerator to cool.

Tags: Adding flavors, into molds

Buy Wheat Berries

Buy Wheat Berries

Wheat berries, sometimes also called wheatberry, are whole wheat kernels. Their appearance is similar to that of brown rice, and some people use them to grind into whole wheat flour. Others boil wheat berries and use it in soups or by itself as a side dish. These whole grains are also usable in salad. Those who eat wheat berries usually compare the flavor to nuts. The Mayo Clinic recommends people eat whole grain choices as part of a healthy diet, so buying wheat berries can be a potentially tasty and life-enhancing food option. Fortunately, buying these grains is a fairly easy process whether you choose to go to a brick-and-mortar store or purchase them online. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Decide how you wish to buy wheat berries.

Food purchases made at a local health food store have the advantage of allowing you to view the product before spending money.

On the other hand, online ordering offers its own set of advantages such as potential savings and convenience. Additionally, some towns do not have health food stores that carry wheat berries.

2. Stop by your local health food store if you selected this option.

Otherwise, visit the websites of merchants such as Amazon, Wheat Montana, and Nuts Online (see Resources section). Use the website's search function and type in "wheat berries."

3. Select wheat berries that appeal to your eyes as well as your budget whether you're visiting a store in person or online.

4. Pay for the purchase as directed by the clerk at a brick-and-mortar health food store or online.

Amazon accepts checks (that are approved by an electronic transaction checking system), credit and debit cards and Amazon gift cards. Nuts Online and Wheat Montana accept only credit and debit cards for website purchases.

If you don't have these payment methods, contact the merchant at its customer service number to make arrangements to mail a money order to complete the transaction.

5. Take your wheat berries home or wait for their delivery if you ordered online. For the first time using them, you may wish to incorporate the grains into a salad or boil them in salty water. You can also add them to your favorite soup or chili recipe!

Tags: health food, food store, health food store, wheat berries, wheat berries, credit debit, credit debit cards

About Mango Sorbet

About Mango Sorbet

"Sorbet" (the French word for the Ottoman Turkish word "sherbet") is a frozen dessert made from water and fruit juice or pureed fruit. Mango sorbet is made from mango juice or mango puree. Some mango sorbets contain dairy products such as milk or cream, while some are completely dairy-free. Add this to my Recipe Box.

History

Legend has it that the Roman emperor Nero invented sorbet before 100 A.D. He had runners bring snow from the mountains to his banquet hall, where it was mixed with wine and honey. The Chinese also mixed fruit pulp with snow to make frozen desserts. Mangoes grow naturally in Southeast Asia, India and Pakistan. Today, however, they are cultivated in North, Central and South America, Australia, Africa and the Caribbean.

Equipment

To make mango sorbet easily, you may want to procure an ice-cream maker, which produces a smooth texture with very little effort on your part. There are also specialized sorbet makers in a variety of sizes and prices. Frozen yogurt makers also work well for making sorbets.

Methods

There are several methods for preparing the mangoes for sorbet. The most common method is to chop fresh mangoes into cubes and puree them in a blender. If you can't come across good fresh mangoes, you can purchase frozen mangoes and let them thaw until they come to room temperature, then puree them in the blender. The texture of the mangoes may be compromised slightly by the freezing, but the flavor should be just as good. If you want to make preparation really simple, you can buy canned mango pulp or puree.

Combinations

The flavor of mangoes goes very well with certain other fruits, such as limes, blackberries, oranges, passion fruit, melons, and plums. You can simply add another fruit to the puree stage of making sorbet, or you can make a syrup from another fruit to serve on top of your mango sorbet. There are other non-fruit ingredients that are sometimes added to mango sorbets to give the mango some extra punch. Try adding fresh basil, black pepper or chili powder to your puree for an exotic flavor twist.

Storage

Once you have finished your mango sorbet, you'll need to store the portion you don't immediately eat (if there's any left). Your storage container should be air-tight and freezer-proof, meaning the material is thick enough to keep freezer burn at bay. Choose a metal or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. If you made the sorbet in an ice-cream maker that has a freezer container, use that freezer container for storage, unless you'll be using the ice-cream maker again right away.

Tags: ice-cream maker, About Mango, About Mango Sorbet, another fruit, freezer container

Juice Dandelions

Dandelion greens can be juiced for nutritional use.

Dandelions are perhaps more often thought of as a weed than as a desirable edible plant. Dandelion greens---the leafy parts that grow near the ground---are quite nutritious and can be used to make salads, soups and teas. Juicing them to add to your favorite homemade drinks is a great way to get a boost of vitamins A and K. Dandelions carry more of those vitamins than even broccoli. If your yard is cared for organically, you may even be able to juice the dandelions which grow there. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick some young, fresh-looking leaves from any dandelions you may have in your yard---but only if you do not chemically treat or fertilize your yard. Select plants that have not yet flowered, if you can. Look for dandelion greens at a natural market, farmers market or your grocer if you do not have access to healthy wild dandelions. Select at least one large handful of greens; more if you plan to juice with them more than once.

2. Rinse off the dandelion greens. Discard any that seem wilted or not fresh. Pat them dry with paper towels.

3. Place a cup or container near the spout of your juicer, if it is the type that requires a separate cup. Run the greens through your juicer as indicated in your juicer's instruction manual. Dandelion leaves are juiced as any other leaf, such as kale. Juice only enough for quarter cup of juice if you are planning to make one cup of finished juice.

4. Juice a few fresh, clean apples, carrots, celery stalks or any other fruits or vegetables you'd like to add to your juice blend. Allow these remaining fruits and vegetables to comprise three-quarters of your juice blend, since dandelion green juice is very potent and bitter.

5. Drink and enjoy the juice.

Tags: your juicer, dandelion greens, fruits vegetables, juice blend, juice Juice

What Internal Strengths Make A Cake Decorating Business Competitive

Running a cake business is more than just baking.

Running a small business is a challenge for most Americans. While the benefits are fantastic -- no boss, controlling your future and doing things your way -- there are certain internal strengths required. A cake business, whether run from your home or a shop, needs the same internal strengths to be competitive as any other small business venture does.

Smart Marketing Methods

Networking is the most potent marketing method available to small business owners, and a strong internal strength. You can make cakes for friends and family to serve at their parties, and tell them to let everyone know who made the cake. A discount can be offered to people who are willing to hand out your business card at their own party. You can use social media networks to post pictures of your cakes and reach more people. Continuously put your information out there and ask your family and friends to do the same.

Product Development

You need to continuously develop new products and be flexible with existing products. Happy customers create new customers so be friendly and willing to step outside your comfort zone in cake design. The bakery that caters to customers is the bakery that rises above the competition. Flexibility and consistent product development are internal strengths that work to the advantage of a bakery.

Respect Computer Systems

A surprising internal strength to help you beat the competition is respect for your computer system. You need to take the time to back up your computer system onto disks at least once a week. Surge protectors need to be used with all of the plugs. Keep the records vigorously updated. In the case of a power outage or other electronic tragedy, you will have your customer records -- like cake preferences and future orders -- when the competition has lost all of their information.

Become An Accountant

In the beginning, it is difficult to look at those bottom line numbers. A great internal strength is to detach yourself from your cake business and evaluate your financial numbers. You can begin to see patterns where expenses can be cut and money can be saved. Perhaps there is a frosting that is ordered for the business, but has not been used consistently; it can be cut from the expenses. Review the trends in your orders and supply purchasing and cut those purchases that are unpopular or go unused.

Tags: cake business, internal strength, small business, bakery that, computer system, from your, internal strengths

Prepare Jasmine Rice Using A Rice Cooker

Jasmine rice is fragrant both before and after cooking.

Jasmine rice, grown in Thailand, is lightly translucent and has a slightly chewy texture. It is most notable for its distinctive aroma that cooks often describe as fragrant and nutty. It is not quite as sticky as other rice varieties; you do not need to add oil to the rice cooker. Jasmine rice is best when steamed, according to Kasma Loha-unchit of Thai Food & Travel. If possible, cook it in a rice cooker that steams, rather than boils, the rice. Use the steamed rice as a base for stir-fries, curries and other Thai dishes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of jasmine rice you wish to cook. Use about ¼ to ½ cup of uncooked rice per person.

2. Place the rice in a sieve. Hold the sieve under cool, running water for about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Shake the sieve to allow excess water to drip off. Place the rice in the rice cooker.

4. Add enough water to cover the rice. Traditional Thai cooks do not measure the amount of water for jasmine rice with a measuring cup; they use a finger. After covering the rice with water, insert your index finger into the pot until it just touches the top of the rice. Add more water until the liquid just reaches the first joint of your finger.

5. Turn the rice cooker on. Each brand will have different instructions. Usually, however, a rice cooker has two main settings: "cook" and "keep warm." Adjust the setting to "cook."

6. Wait for the rice cooker to finish. Do not lift the lid during the cooking time. Depending on the brand, the rice cooker should turn off or turn to "keep warm" automatically when the rice is finished.

Tags: rice cooker, rice cooker, Jasmine rice, jasmine rice, keep warm, Place rice

The Disadvantages Of Plucking

Plucking eyebrows takes time, but results in a well-defined brow.

Maintaining arched and defined eyebrows involves making sure that stray hairs are out of the way. Wax, shave, bleach or pluck eyebrows to create the arch and shape of eyebrow most suitable to your face. Plucking is one option that allows for precise definition of the eyebrow, though the technique also carries with it some disadvantages which need to be taken into consideration. Does this Spark an idea?

Time

In sharp contrast to waxing, which removes large quantities of hair in one passing, plucking can be a time-consuming endeavor. Plucking becomes increasingly lengthy when eyebrows are left to grow out and the shaping portion of plucking needs to be redone. One way to combat this time constraint is to use wax for the center and larger sections of the eyebrow and then pluck the defining areas and hairs of the eyebrow, such as those along the arch.

Tools

Plucking eyebrows is accomplished by using a slant edge, flat edge or fine point pair of tweezers. The type of tweezers used depends on the type of hair being plucked. Thicker hairs can be grabbed using a flat or slant edge pair of tweezers. Fine hairs require a fine point set of tweezers. All tweezers need to be routinely sharpened and cleaned to ensure a precise edge, thus allowing for hair to be tightly grabbed on to prior to pulling out. Because of this, you will need to repair and replace tweezers when edges become dull or the tweezers no longer close tightly.

Symmetry

Using wax and a guide strip allows for a more precise and even plucking of eyebrows. When you pluck eyebrows with a set of tweezers, you will be relying on your own eye's ability to gauge which hairs need to be removed to make both eyebrows the same shape and size. This can cause a a problem if you're dominant in one hand, and thus have difficulties plucking eyebrows when using the other hand. Though a magnifying mirror and white eyeliner used to draw guidelines can help combat some of the problems, you will end up with slightly different eyebrows when only plucking.

Pain and Puncture Marks

One problem that occurs when plucking eyebrows is the tendency to grab on to the skin directly under the hair. When this happens, you will have a bump or abrasion left behind at the hair follicle root. When this happens, you may have red marks around the areas where hair was plucked. Though you can apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve some redness, plucking will cause the eyebrows to swell slightly and have a red tinged hue where hair was removed.

Tags: eyebrows when, fine point, pair tweezers, pluck eyebrows, plucking eyebrows

Fda Regulations For Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a staple food in most U.S. homes today, and FDA believes it is vitally important to regulate its ingredient list.

Peanut butter has a long history within the FDA of regulation modifications. The FDA closely regulates the ingredients that can be added to this classic staple of most American homes. Whether a peanut butter is organic or not, the FDA holds tight regulations on peanut butters before they hit store shelves.

Ingredients

In 1961, the FDA started regulating that all peanut butters on the market contain no less than 90 percent peanuts and no more than 10 percent "other" ingredients. These other ingredients include sugars, salts, dextrose, honey and hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated peanut oil. This keeps an industry standard and protects consumers from any potential harmful additives being added to the recipe.

Fat Content

Today's peanut butters cannot have more than a 55 percent fat content. There are many reduced-fat peanut butters on the market today as well. The FDA mandates that all reduced-fat peanut butters must be called "spreads." However, these products are allowed to be marketed with and compared to the health and ingredient contents of regular peanut butters.

Food Labels

The FDA regulates that all ingredients in peanut butter be clearly labeled on the packaging. The amount of each ingredient must also be noted, as well as the percentage of daily value in a standard 2,000-calorie diet. In addition, each label must contain a notice of where the product was manufactured. Because of today's increased sensitivity to peanut allergies, most manufacturers also state clearly that the product contains peanuts and peanut products.

For organic peanut butters, the manufacturer must be able to clearly prove to the FDA that the peanuts and other products used to make the peanut butter were never treated with any chemicals or pesticides. Once these regulations are met, in addition to the standard FDA regulations on ingredients and fat content, the "organic" label can be applied.

Tags: peanut butters, peanut butter, than percent, butters market, more than, more than percent

Cook With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Use extra virgin olive oil to bring out its delicate flavor in your recipes.

While there are different grades of olive oils that appear on grocery store shelves, none match the fine flavor of extra virgin olive oil. Virgin forms of olive oil come from the first time the olives pass through an oil press. According to Harold McGee, author of "On Food and Cooking," the differences between the types of virgin olive oils come from the amount of oleic acid in the oil. Extra virgin contains the least with 1 percent of this acid, giving it a smooth, delicate flavor without the harshness found in olive oils of subsequent pressings. When cooking with extra virgin olive oil, take advantage of the oil's natural flavor by using it in applications where the oil's flavor shines through. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Taste your extra virgin olive oil before using it in recipes to be certain you will like the flavor. If you do not like the taste of a particular brand of extra virgin olive oil, avoid cooking with it.

2. Replace each part of butter in recipes with 3/4 part extra virgin olive oil. For instance, if your cake recipe calls for 1 c. butter, use 3/4 c. extra virgin olive oil instead.

3. Opt for lower heat-cooking methods. According to Cooking for Engineers, extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point of 320 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unsuitable for deep frying, but extra light olive oil has a higher smoke point of 468 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix extra virgin olive oil with an equal part of extra light (in flavor) olive oil for deep frying as the flavor of the oil in this application does not come out as much. Use this method to save money since extra virgin olive oil costs more than pure olive oil, according to What's Cooking America.

4. Apply extra virgin olive oil toward the end of the cooking process. For example, toss in 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil into a stir fry just before serving so that the flavor of the oil enhances the dish.

5. Use extra virgin olive oil as a garnish over cooked vegetables, a mixture with vinegar for a salad dressing or a dipping condiment for bread as a replacement for individual servings of butter at the dining table.

Tags: extra virgin, virgin olive, extra virgin olive, extra virgin olive, virgin olive, extra virgin, olive oils

Information On Soldier Bean Plants

Information on Soldier Bean Plants

Given the stresses of the economy, concern over food additives and a need to return to more simple (and less expensive) pastimes, many people have turned to gardening as a fun way to cut down on grocery bills and do things as a family. Because they are very easy to grow, soldier bean plants are a wonderful choice for first-time gardeners. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Soldier bean (phaseolus vulgaris) is an heirloom plant that has been cultivated in New England since before 1800. The name comes from a distinctive red mark on each 3/4-inch bean that resembles an old-fashioned toy soldier. These are also known as red-eye beans.

Soldier beans are a bush bean, with a firm texture and mild taste. They are dried before being cooked. Soldier bean plants are grown commercially only in New England and they tend to be produced in accordance with the demand for them.

Varieties

Aside from the most popular soldier bean plant which produces white and red soldier beans, there is a Southern soldier bean plant that produces white and black beans. Another variety of soldier bean plant in western Kentucky produces a bean with a mohogany-colored "soldier."

Grow Soldier Bean Plants

Soldier bean plants will grow almost anywhere that has temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow best in full sun and they like crumbly soil that doesn't stop the little bean shoots from breaking through.

Because they are a bush bean, soldier bean plants do not need trellises or stakes.

Plant the seeds once all danger of frost has passed, and give your plants about an inch of water every week, preferably in the morning. This keeps the roots from getting too soaked, which can cause rot.

It should take 90 to 100 days for your soldier bean plants to mature enough to be harvested.

Where to Buy Soldier Bean Plants

Because they are grown according to demand, soldier bean plants tend to be less available than other varieties, and so are usually a little more expensive. They can be found at seed stores, garden stores and nurseries in New England, and can be ordered online and through catalogs.

Cook Soldier Beans

Now that you have grown your soldier bean plants, harvested and dried the beans, you get to enjoy them.

Soldier beans can be cooked in the same way you'd prepare most other dried beans. Rinse the beans, soak them overnight and then change the water before boiling them until they are soft. Once they are cooked, you can add onions, spices and meat, or bake them into casseroles with vegetables and cheese. They can also be used in any recipe that calls for white beans.

To avoid the flatulence associated with beans, change the water several times while they cook.

Tags: bean plants, bean plant, Because they, soldier bean plant, soldier bean plants, your soldier bean

Make A Budget For A Family Of 4

No doubt you can anticipate big expenses for your family of four: college tuition, weddings, retirement. Creating a budget is one of the wisest things you can do to secure your family's financial future. By planning a budget and sticking to it, you instill financial awareness in your children and set habits for your family that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Instructions

1. Make a list of all of your monthly expenses. Consider your rent or mortgage, including any monthly dues or homeowner fees. Include car payments and gasoline costs, or bus and subway expenses. List utilities, such as gas, electric, cable, phone, trash and water; groceries, home and car insurance, property taxes and educational costs.

2. Make columns on a piece of notebook paper or create a document in a spreadsheet program. Label columns for each monthly expense. You can group some of them together, such as Home, Transportation, Insurance, Education and Utilities.

3. Using your monthly bills, calculate how much money you spend on each item. Fill out the columns to get an accurate snapshot of your expenses.

4. Add up the columns to determine how much money you spend each month. In an adjacent column, input your monthly income and subtract the difference to see how much money you have left over each month.

5. Create another list of things you want to save for in the future, such as weddings, college and retirement. Allot an amount of money that you will need to save for each child, and how much money you'd like to have saved when you retire. Use a retirement calculator to determine this amount.

6. Subtract the amount of your savings goal from the amount of money you have left each month. This number is how much money you have left for personal expenses, such as new clothing, entertainment and travel. If the amount is too small, analyze your monthly expenses to see what extras you can cut out; perhaps a premium movie channel from your cable bill, or extra minutes on your cell phone.

Tags: much money, your monthly, each month, have left, money have, money have left

Supplements For Brain Fog

Brain fog is the term used to describe fluctuating mild memory loss deemed inappropriate for a person's age. Symptoms include an inability to focus or pay attention, forgetfulness, confusion and difficulty processing information. Supplements are available for controlling the symptoms of brain fog.

Herbal Supplements

According to Dr. Ni, in his book, "Second Spring," Chinese traditional medicine uses three herbs as brain tonics and to help prevent loss of mental function. These herbs are mugwort to increase blood flow, sage to improve concentration and rosemary to stimulate brain activities.

Vitamin Supplement

Brain fog may be caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. According to Dr. Ni, people with higher B12 levels in the blood perform better on mental tests; vitamin B12 helps maintain red blood cell production.

Sea Vegetable Supplements

Microalgae from the sea helps to support healthy brain functions, and it contains over 100 trace minerals. Beneficial supplements include seaweed, spirulina, chorella, blue green algae and kelp.

Amino Acid

According to Dr. Ni, research has shown l-carnitine to be a beneficial supplement for alleviating brain fog. L-carnitine is an amino acid that can slow the onset of mental deterioration.

Warning

Herbs, vitamins and minerals are considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug administration (FDA). As a result, these supplements aren't subject to the same quality controls as drugs.

Tags:

Sprout Buckwheat Groats

Buckwheat grouts

Buckwheat groats are the hulled seeds of the buckwheat plant. Buckwheat is most often ground and used as flour in the United States, but it is also gaining popularity as a sprouting seed. Buckwheat groats are a common grocery item in health food stores and some online retailers. Kept in airtight containers, the groats will remain viable for up to a year for sprouting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure 2 tbsp. of buckwheat groats into a 1 qt. glass jar.

2. Fill the jar with water. Place a double layer of cheesecloth over the opening and secure it in place with a rubber band. Soak the groats for 12 hours or overnight on a kitchen counter.

3. Drain the water from the buckwheat groats by tipping the jar and letting the water drain through the cheesecloth top.

4. Rinse the groats twice daily by running fresh water into the jar through the cheesecloth and then tipping the jar to drain the water.

5. Allow the groats to grow sprouts for two to three days or until the desired length is reached.

Tags: buckwheat groats, through cheesecloth

What Foods Carry Iron

Leafy greens, like spinach, are essential to an iron-rich diet.

Iron is an important nutrient in your everyday diets. You require iron to fortify your blood and aid in the production and oxygenation of red blood cells. According to the National Anemia Action Council, eating an iron-rich diet is one of the best ways for healthy people to maintain their iron levels. Iron rich foods include fruits, vegetables, meats and soy products.

Vegetables and Fruits

Leafy greens, like spinach, are some of the best iron-carrying foods available. Broccoli, kale, lentils and beans are also good sources of iron. Dried fruits, especially raisins and prunes, are high in iron. It is thought that thoroughly cooking vegetables can help make iron content more effective in the body. This includes soups and cooked bean dishes, so be sure to check the labels for iron content.

Meats and Fish

Most meat and fish dishes are a solid source of iron. Chicken liver and oysters top the National Institute of Health's Dietary Supplement list of iron-rich foods. Other options include lean beef, clams, dark-meat chicken and turkey, halibut, tuna, pork loin and shrimp. Include meat and fish in your diet responsibly and keep in mind that one serving is 4 oz., about the size of a deck of cards.

Grains

Fortified cereals and breads are an excellent way to work iron into your diet. Ready-to-eat fortified oatmeals, cereals and breads are thought to have the highest iron content, and it is recommended that the grains be certified "100 percent iron fortified." Most grains do not naturally contain high levels of iron, so read the labels when you shop for these items.

Anemia Facts

Anemia is defined as a lack of iron in the blood. Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, young children and teenage girls are all at risk for anemia according to the National Anemia Action Council. It is recommended that women between the ages of 14 and 50 need between 15 and 18mg of iron each day. For men, this dosage decreases to between 8 and 11mg. Check your food labels and be sure you are getting the recommended dosage of iron for your gender and age group.

Optimizing Iron Absorption

Getting your body to absorb iron is almost as important as getting enough of it in your diet. Citrus fruits are thought to boost the body's ability to store iron, so including a glass of orange juice or a fresh grapefruit in your diet is a good start. Unfortunately, some foods and drinks actually decrease the body's ability to absorb iron, including tea, wine, coffee and some grains.

Tags: your diet, iron content, absorb iron, Action Council, Anemia Action, Anemia Action Council, body ability

Compare Fresh Versus Frozen Vegetables

Your preference for fresh or frozen vegetables probably depends on how you grew up. For instance, if your favorite green bean casserole was always made with fresh green beans, the frozen variety probably just won’t do. And though taste and texture are important when you compare fresh versus frozen vegetables, it’s just one of many things to consider when deciding which way to go.

Instructions

1. When you compare fresh versus frozen vegetables, find out when vegetables are in season in your part of the world. That’s when you want to buy fresh over frozen. If possible, always buy from a farmer’s market that sources its produce from local growers. The less time your vegetables have spent in transit, the fresher and riper they’ll be.

2. If you’re making a special dish and it calls for a vegetable that is not in season in your part of the world, choose frozen over fresh.

3. Frozen vegetables are often not as rich in taste as fresh vegetables are, and the texture is a little different. If you or the people you’re serving have a preference, shop accordingly. For example, frozen mushrooms tend to be tasteless and frozen broccoli tends to be tough.

4. When buying frozen vegetables, choose items with the “U.S. Fancy” label over the “U.S. No. 1” or “U.S. No. 2.” That way you know you’ll be getting the vegetables of the best size, shape and color. Also avoid any frozen vegetables with ingredient lists that include sugar, salt or anything else. The only ingredient should be the vegetable itself.

5. If you’re concerned about frozen vegetables being less nutritious than fresh, have no worries. While fresh vegetables are picked before they turn ripe (then often shipped for as long as two weeks) frozen vegetables have been picked at their height of ripeness, then “flash frozen” immediately. So while fresh vegetables are often not allowed to ripen to prime nutrient levels, frozen foods come with those nutrients locked in.

6. When you compare fresh versus frozen vegetables, take into account how much space you have available in your refrigerator and your freezer, and how long before you’re going to use them.

7. Shop for vegetables with your budget in mind. Vegetables that are in season are cheaper than those that are not, as they’re more plentiful and have less distance to travel.

Tags: compare fresh, fresh vegetables, frozen vegetables, frozen vegetables, versus frozen vegetables, compare fresh versus, fresh versus

Toast Coconut In The Microwave

Top desserts with coconut toasted in the microwave.

When you're baking cookies in the oven and tempering chocolate on the burners, you're probably used to letting things finish cooking before clearing enough stove space for toasting coconut flakes. Don't waste time waiting -- do your toasting in the microwave instead. Microwaved coconut colors nicely, toasts quickly and tastes just as good as flakes that have been browned in the oven. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Use the small holes on a box grater to grate your coconut or purchase packaged coconut flakes. Sweetened and unsweetened flakes work equally well.

2. Measure 1/2 cup of grated coconut. If you need more, toast in batches to minimize the possibility of scorching.

3. Spread the coconut in a thin layer on a microwave-safe glass plate. You can use a paper plate or paper towel, but the glass plate conducts heat and browns the coconut more evenly.

4. Microwave the coconut on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir, which keeps the flakes from scorching and helps them brown evenly.

Tags: coconut flakes, glass plate, plate paper

Organic Vs Non Organic Dairy Farming

Dairy farms raise milk-providing dairy cows.

Organic and non-organic dairy farms essentially raise cows for milk production. Raw cow's milk is then produced into many dairy products from milk for drinking to cheese. Organic dairy farms must achieve certification that no hormones, antibiotics or non-organic foodstuffs are delivered to dairy cows. Non-organic dairy farms use conventionally grown foods and the injection of hormones and antibiotics to produce milk. Many non-organic dairy farmers believe that organic farming is more costly than conventional farming.

Feed Efficiency

According to Sara Byström, Simon Jonsson and Kjell Martinsson of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, cow feed efficiency balanced itself in conventional farming practices relying on increased forage and decreased supplements. Organically raised dairy cows were as well-fed with forage as conventional dairy cows that were delivered feed.

Milk Yields

Milk yields were decreased slightly in organic cows when compared to those experiencing non-organic dairy practices, reports Byström, Jonsson and Martinsson. The lowered organic milk yields may rise with quality forage during early lactation periods, though it is notable that multiple studies report lower milk yields in organic farms as opposed to conventional dairy farms.

Dairy Cow Health

Dairy cow health was better in the organic cows, states Byström, Jonsson and Martinsson. Low disease rates evidenced the overall health of the organically raised cows. Organic cows required fewer veterinary visits but did report an increase in infertility. Overall organic cows were slightly less costly to farmers than conventional cows.

Dairy Economics

The economics of organic and non-organic dairy farming show organic farming as the preferable model, reports Lisa McCrory of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont. The net worth per cow of organic dairy cows was nearly $1,000 more than the net worth of a conventional dairy cow in 1999.

Dairy Sustainability

Organic dairy farming promotes the use of organic feed and supplements while keeping hormones, antibiotics and preservatives out of dairy products. Organic dairy farming is a sustainable farming model that uses easily returned natural resources instead of the synthetic methods of conventional dairy farming. Healthier organic cows without antibiotic injections do not promote the adaptability of viruses to the increasingly stronger antibiotics used in non-organic dairy farms.

Tags: dairy cows, conventional dairy, dairy farming, dairy farms, hormones antibiotics, non-organic dairy

Deal With The Bank If I Don'T Have Money To Pay My Mortgage

Make an appointment with your bank to discuss your financial situation.

Buying a house can be exciting, but falling behind on a mortgage can be scary and intimidating. Increasing bills, medical problems, a shift in careers or rising living costs can cause many to come up short on their monthly mortgage payments. Fortunately there are steps you can take if you don't have money to pay your mortgage, but the most important thing to remember is to communicate promptly to your bank about your circumstances.

Call

Call the bank right away if you're unable to pay your mortgage. Banks "adopt a very different attitude if they know the facts and (know) that the owner is not trying to skip out," Colleen Hernandez, executive director for the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, tells USA Today. Outline reasons why you are unable to make your mortgage payments. Most banks have a mortgage division with special phone numbers for customer assistance. Hernandez tells USA Today that "if the owner dodges [banks] and won't take their calls, [the bank] adopts a hard-core attitude."

Visit In Person

If you were not able to convey your dire financial situation during your phone call, make an appointment with your bank for a personal meeting. Bring applicable documents with you, such as medical notes, receipts, pay stubs or a formal layoff letter to support your case. Banks will often work with those who are having mortgage problems since foreclosing on a home and reselling it "costs a lender almost $59,000 on average," according to USA Today.

Gather Information

Pay close attention to the information your bank gives you during your phone call or visit. Ask your bank for copies of documents they may be quoting from. Bring a pad of paper and a pen and note pertinent details and options. Documenting your options can help if legal problems arise.

Work Out a Deal

Because foreclosures can be expensive for banks, your bank may be eager to help you to keep your home out of foreclosure. They may offer a flexible repayment plan, refinancing, forbearance or a loan modification that changes your interest rate.

Tags: your bank, your mortgage, your phone call, appointment with, appointment with your, during your, during your phone

Pressure Cook A Turkey

Pressure cooking drastically reduces food preparation time. Food that would normally take a large amount of time to cook can usually be ready in half the time when pressure cooked.Practically any food, including turkey, can be pressure cooked. Most smaller cuts of turkey, such as the breast and drumsticks, will fit comfortably into a standard-size pressure cooker; however, if one has a big enough cooker, the entire turkey can be pressure-cooked. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

COOK A TURKEY IN THE PRESSURE COOKER

1. Rinse turkey, but do not pat dry.

2. Place turkey in pressure cooker, add spices and onion. If possible, leave onion whole; do not halve or chop it.

3. Add the ½ cup butter.

4. Add the water or chicken broth. Be sure the liquid completely covers the meat, but leave 1 to 2 inches between the liquid and the top of the pressure cooker.

5. Fit the top on the pressure cooker, making sure it is secure. Fit the pressure cooker regulator on the pressure cooker, if it is a separate piece.

6. Turn heat on under pressure cooker. Start on high, until the regulator has assumed a rhythmic rocking motion, then adjust heat as needed to maintain a steady rhythm.

7. Once the regulator has started rocking, start timing the cooking process. Allow 30 to 45 minutes for turkey breasts or drumsticks. A whole turkey may take one hour or longer.

8. Allow the pressure to release gradually by removing the pressure cooker from the heat source and placing it on a heatproof or heat-resistant surface.

9. Carefully remove pressure cooker lid; transfer meat to serving platter or dish, or continue with the recipe.

Tags: pressure cooker, pressure cooked, turkey pressure

Dog Foods For Pancreatitis In Dogs

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas due to feeding of high fat foods. It is often referred to as killing your dog with kindness, as people think high fat treats will show the dog they love him but in reality it sets off a painful condition. There are several low fat diets available, some you can make at home that will provide for the dog with out aggravating the condition.

Acute Onset

Pancreatitis usually affects older and obese dogs who do not get enough exercise, but all dogs are susceptible. The pancreas makes digestive enzymes that break down food matter. When pancreatitis set in, these enzymes leak out destroying the surrounding tissue. This results in a very painful abdomen and a depressed often nauseous animal. At the first signs of this, stop feeding your dog and seek medical attention for your pet. Often strong pain killers, intravenous fluids and withholding food for several days is necessary to overcome the attack.

Once the vet has deemed your dog fit to go home you will often have specific feeding instructions from the vet. Care must be taken to continue calming the angered pancreas and nourish the dog without setting off another attack. Typically this is done with small frequent amounts of low fat, bland food, like boiled chicken and white rice. The amounts will depend on the size of your dog and his body weight.

Often the vet will recommend keeping the dog on this diet, two to three feedings a day, until your dog has shrunk to his recommended weight. Owners that allow their pet to reach such an unhealthy weight that triggers an attack often equate table scraps with love. This is the worst thing you can do for a dog. Human food is typically very high in fat and can overload the pancreas' ability to produce enough enzymes to break it down. Do not feed your dog people food while he is recovering from a bout of pancreatitis.

Management

Once you know your dog has had pancreatitis, this should be a consideration in food selection for the rest of your dog's life. To prevent further episodes, your dog needs to trim down to her fighting weight. Get her as lean as you can--you should easily be able to feel but not see her ribs. If you have to go digging for them it means she could lose a few pounds. To do this, any low fat dog food, fed in moderation, will work.

If your dog has other issues like allergies, choose a low fat limited ingredient diet. Sometimes you will have to try several varieties to find one your dog will eat as after eating the delicious fatty food that got her into trouble to start with, she may not like the low fat foods that have a higher fiber content. Some dogs do well staying on the boiled chicken and rice diet. Most important though is to resist the temptation of feeding table scraps. Find low fat treats that are sold at most pet stores instead.

Tags: boiled chicken, break down, table scraps

Decorate A Living Room In A Trailer

The living room in a single-wide trailer often feels cramped.

Trailers, also known as mobile homes, often have small living rooms that can easily feel dark and cluttered. The living room may only be 10 to 14 feet wide, which poses a challenge when arranging furniture and decorative pieces. The paneled walls of the trailer can be dark in color, which affects how bright a trailer living room can seem. When decorating a trailer’s living room, you should pay attention to opening up the space and working with color. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the walls and ceiling in a light color with a glossy finish. Painting the walls makes the room feel larger by reflecting more of the light that enters the room.

2. Purchase sheer curtains for the windows. Many trailers, especially single-wide trailers, have windows on two sides of the living room, or even three sides if it is situated on one of the ends. Take advantage of the light by leaving the blinds open and installing sheer curtains for privacy. The curtains should be a light color that matches your desired color scheme.

3. Hang a large mirror on an empty wall. Mirrors create the appearance of more space and help reflect light. When hanging heavy items such as mirrors in a trailer, be sure to find a stud in the wall or affix the mirror in multiple places to distribute its weight.

4. Install trim along the top of the walls to add architectural detail to your trailer’s living room. Strips of dark wood work well, although you can also choose to paint the trim in an accent color if desired.

5. Choose sofas and chairs upholstered in solid colors because prints can make a trailer’s living room feel too busy and small. Bookcases, coffee tables and end tables with an open feel instead of a heavy feel also give the illusion of more space.

6. Arrange furniture with the flow of traffic in mind. If the living room is located in the center of the trailer, people will walk through it to get from one end of the trailer to the other. Try to leave a walkway that does not go right through the middle of the conversation grouping of the furniture.

7. Purchase a large rug for the center of the living room. Not only does the rug hide the most likely ugly carpet that came pre-installed in the trailer, but it also gives you a chance to bring color and elegance into the room.

Tags: living room, trailer’s living, trailer’s living room, light color, living room only

What Are The Benefits Of Enemas

Many people give themselves an enema using a bulb syringe.

An enema is a health procedure wherein you gently force water or another liquid solution into your bowels through your anus to loosen fecal matter and other impacted material. The health benefits of an enema vary and generally depend on the solution used. Enemas can make up a part of your regular health routine; many recipes exist for various health conditions. If you have not yet become accustomed to enemas, you may find it difficult to hold the water/solution in your bowels. Adding Epson salts to your enema solution can assist you in retaining the solution in your bowels (depending on the enema recipe).

Toxins

Enemas clean out impacted food and toxins that become stuck in the colon. An enema can make you feel lighter and refreshed once you have removed these toxins.

Colon Cleansing

Lemon and Epson salt enemas work well for cleaning the colon, while lemon juice enemas can help with chronic colitis problems. An alfalfa enema can provide minerals, vitamins and protein for the colon.

Weight Loss

Coffee enemas, which reduce the formation of gallbladder stones, may improve your general health, benefit your skin and help with weight loss.

Relaxation

A chamomile tea enema helps get rid of cramps and diarrhea, as well as help you relax. Yarrow root solution enemas promote general liver, stomach and gland health. Coffee enemas relax blood vessels, which can lead to better circulation.

Remedy

Catnip enemas can provide energy and help lower fevers, remedy colds and reduce flatulence. (Burdock root solution enemas can help purify the blood and improve kidney function. Good for your eyes and high in iron, a red raspberry leaf enema can also alleviate many female problems.

Tags: your bowels, Coffee enemas, enemas help, help with, root solution

Make Biogas

Biogas can be produced from agricultural waste, such as cow manure.

Biogas is a type of alternative fuel which can be produced from almost any type of organic waste, from old feedstock to sewage. Composed of the gases methane and carbon dioxide, biogas is produced by the bacteria that decomposes organic waste under anaerobic, or oxygen-free conditions. Biogas is a carbon-neutral fuel, meaning it does not contribute to greenhouse gas levels and is a suitable replacement for natural gas, which is a fossil fuel and contributor to the greenhouse effect. Practical applications of biogas include generating electricity for the power grid, heating, cooking and creating steam power.

Instructions

1. Create a slurry by mixing the raw organic materials with water in equal ratios by weight. Empty the raw materials into a bucket and weigh it on the scale. Fill the second bucket with water until it is the same weight as the first bucket. Mix the raw material and water together and stir until an even consistency is reached.

2. Pour the slurry into the fermentation chamber of the biogas plant. Add seeding material (sewage waste) in an amount approximately twice that of the raw material by volume. For instance, if your raw material filled up one bucket, two buckets of seeding material should be added to the fermentation chamber.

3. Measure the pH of the slurry inside the fermentation chamber with the pH meter. In order for anaerobic bacteria to function well, a slightly alkaline environment is required. Neutral pH is 7.0, anything below that is considered acidic, anything above that is considered alkaline. Correct pH by adding more water or by carefully adding small amounts of lime to the slurry until the desired pH is achieved. Monitor and if necessary correct the pH throughout the retention period, or period in which biogas is being produced from the slurry.

4. Measure the temperature of the slurry using your thermometer. The ideal temperature is between thirty and forty degrees Celsius within the fermentation chamber, as this is the temperature range at which anaerobic bacteria are most active. If the temperature is too low, utilize a small heat source such as a space heater or if you live in a warm climate, dig a hole in the ground and line it with insulating materials and place the fermentation tank inside the hole. Monitor and if necessary, correct the temperature throughout the retention period.

5. Mix the slurry by stirring or agitating it thoroughly at least once per day throughout the retention period. The length of the retention period is dependent upon several factors such as temperature and slurry composition. However, a common retention time for this type of biogas plant ranges from two to four weeks.

Tags: fermentation chamber, retention period, produced from, throughout retention, throughout retention period

Choose Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the healthiest types of cooking oil. It's good for the heart, it lowers bad cholesterol and it impedes certain types of aging. Choosing the right extra virgin olive oil can be difficult to do because slick ads often confuse consumers with labels like "lite" or "cold pressed." The true quality of extra virgin olive oil depends on the quality of the olive and on how the oil was processed. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Investigate the differences between extra virgin olive oils. Start with a local natural food store, like Whole Foods. Most natural food store personnel can provide good information or at least direct you to where you can get it. Check the Internet too, especially, the web site for the "International Olive Oil Council."

2. Make sure extra virgin olive oils are indeed what they are advertised as. Well-nurtured olives that have not undergone intense processing make the healthiest olive oils. Choose organic extra virgin olive oil to increase the health benefits of this amazing cooking oil. Ask grocers or people who enjoy cooking for advice on product names.

3. Try out a few quality extra virgin olive oils for taste. Move forward with the one(s) that please your palette the most. Realize that, like wine, good extra virgin olive oil comes in many different varieties of flavors, moods and styles.

4. Choose one or two tasty and high quality extra virgin olive oils to sprinkle on salads and other dishes. Choose a lower quality (and less expensive) extra virgin olive oil for cooking. Know that some of the common brands of extra virgin olive oil are good to keep on hand for cooking.

Tags: extra virgin olive, extra virgin, virgin olive, olive oils, virgin olive oils, extra virgin, quality extra

Make A Quick Chicken With Millet

Millet is a healthy, fiber-packed food, but has a mellow taste some would call bland. Chicken could also be called plain, but the two mix nicely in this delicious and elegant chicken and millet pilaf dish. As a bonus, you only dirty one pot with this recipe. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Mix paprika, ground cumin, pepper and salt in a small bowl. Add chicken breasts and dredge them to cover them with this mixture.

2. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a skillet. When hot, add the chicken. Cook on each side for about 5 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Set aside on a plate.

3. Now add another tablespoon of oil and add the chopped onions. Sautee until the onion is wilted and then add garlic. Stir in millet, tomatoes and chicken broth. Add the chicken on top. Bring to a boil over medium heat and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let simmer for 30 minutes or until the millet is tender.

4. Remove from the heat and serve. You can add bay leaves or rosemary sprigs for garnish.

Tags: minutes until, with this

Make A Really Easy Jelly Bean Dispenser

Create a homemade dispenser for jelly beans.

Transform an empty oatmeal canister into a unique candy dispenser. Create this one-of-a-kind dispenser using items you already have around the house. This is an easy holiday craft that kids will enjoy making with adult supervision. When you're done, fill the dispenser with jelly beans or any other small candy. Change the decorations on the outside of the canister so it can be used for all the major holidays, including Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Instructions

1. Cut tissue paper into strips, 1 inch wide and the length of the canister.

2. Mix 3 tbsp. of white glue with 1 tbsp. of water in a bowl and stir. This watered-down glue is known as decoupage.

3. Cover the canister with a thin coat of decoupage using a sponge brush, then quickly cover the canister with pieces of tissue paper. It's okay to overlap tissue paper pieces. Continue covering until the entire canister is covered with one layer of paper.

4. Paint another thin layer of decoupage over the first layer of tissue paper and then cover with more tissue paper. Continue this process until you can no longer see the printed label on the canister. You may need to cover the canister with 4 or 5 layers of tissue paper.

5. Allow the decoupage to dry overnight. Once dry, trim any long pieces of tissue paper from the top or bottom of the canister.

6. Measure 2 inches up from the bottom of the canister and cut out a square that's 1 1/2 inches high and 2 inches wide. This is the opening for your dispenser. You can cut a bigger square, but remember, the bigger the square, the bigger the opening for candy.

7. Decorate the outside of the canister with markers. Consider writing "Candy" or "Jelly Beans" on the outside of your dispenser.

8. Remove the lid from the canister and fill it with enough jelly beans so the candy is level with the opening. Over-filling the canister will cause jelly beans to spill out. Tilt the canister to dispense the jelly beans.

Tags: tissue paper, jelly beans, canister with, bigger square, bottom canister

Make An Herbal Sleep Pillow

Herbal Sleep Pillow

Herbal sleep pillows are used for various sleep difficulties such as insomnia, congestion and headache as well as providing a pleasant aroma for invoking pleasant dreams. Sleep pillows can be made using a variety of herbs. Select the herb for your specific needs. Sleep pillows also make great gifts for those that appreciate herbs and aromatherapy.

Instructions

1. Cut an 8 x 8 piece of cloth made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These fibers breathe better and will allow the scent from the herb to circulate freely. Choose a fabric pattern that blends well with your bedroom decor.

2. Fold the cloth in half with the wrong side of the fabric facing outside.

3. Stitch two sides of the fabric together.

4. Turn the pillow through the open side, so the right side of the fabric is now facing out.

5. Put half cup of dried herb into the pillow. Some great herbs for making sleep pillows include: chamomile, lavender, rose, rosemary, and echinacea.

6. With the raw edge turned in, slip stitch the open side closed.

7. As you sleep, enjoy the aroma of your herbal pillow.

Tags: fabric facing, Herbal Sleep Pillow, open side, side fabric, side fabric facing

Make Rice Flour Tortillas

Tortilla

If you're allergic to wheat or if you can't tolerate products containing gluten, rice flour provides a suitable alternative for making foods such as tortillas. You can choose from white or brown rice flour. Although both types have high amounts of protein, brown rice flour contains higher levels of fiber, iron and B vitamins. It also has a nuttier flavor and a rough texture. White rice flour provides a lighter, smoother texture. You can use whichever type you prefer in most recipes involving rice flour. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Mix the rice flour, xanthan gum, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add the eggs, water and olive oil to the bowl and mix well.

2. Fill the 1/3-cup measuring cup with the mixture. Pour it into a nonstick medium-sized frying pan. Tilt the pan from side to side and front back to spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the pan.

3. Set the stove to medium-high heat. Place the pan on the burner and keep it there until the edges of the tortilla start to rise up.

4. Slide a spatula under the edge of the tortilla, lift it slightly and flip it over in the pan. You can use your fingers to lift up the edge instead, but you'll need to do it quickly and carefully to avoid burning your fingertips.

5. Turn the tortilla over every two minutes until it becomes puffy. Remove the tortilla from the pan.

6. Allow the pan to cool slightly before pouring in the next 1/3-cup of mixture to avoid getting holes in the tortillas. Repeat steps two through five until you've used up the mixture. You should have about twelve tortillas when you're done.

7. Leave the tortillas on a plate or tray for ten minutes to cool. They should flatten out during this time.

Tags: rice flour, brown rice, brown rice flour, flour provides, rice flour, rice flour provides

Choose Sattvic Food

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Ayurveda, a traditional form of healing originating in India, touches all aspects of life to ultimately keep the physiology balanced and in optimal health. Food is one of these vital aspects and can be divided into three categories: rajasic, or stimulating; tamasic, or impure; and sattvic, or pure. The latter, originally developed to aid in raising consciousness, calms the mind and increases alertness and clarity. Sattvic food is filled with prana and vital energy and can be easily digested. Consequently, selecting and incorporating this type of food into your diet is a thoughtful process.

Instructions

1. Visit your local farmer's market to ensure your food was grown organically in soil replete with nutrients. Produce at these markets often does not travel a long distance and is therefore closer to its natural and fresh state. If this is not possible, wash organic fruits and vegetables from your local grocery store to get rid of any chemical residue that may remain from pesticides. Also, avoid canned food, which has preservatives that render it less nutritious and further from its natural state.

2. Fill your diet with foods that come from the ground and essentially have grown in the sun. These foods are high in nutrients and are filled with energy from the sun. Consequently, the digestive and nervous systems work at optimal levels with this type of fuel.

3. Incorporate as much raw food into your diet as possible. Raw food, like sprouted whole grains, has the most amount of prana and can slowly be incorporated in the diet. Nuts and natural sweeteners, like honey, can be easily substituted for many of the refined products commonly used today. Try to keep half of the food on your plate lightly cooked and the other half raw.

Tags: your diet, filled with, food into, food into your, fruits vegetables, into your, into your diet

Live In A Travel Trailer Fulltime

Living in a travel trailer

More and more people are deciding to give up their big homes and high mortgages to live in travel trailers. Small-space living is nothing new, though with the tough economy and many couples and families facing foreclosure, it makes sense to downsize. The cost of trailer living is much lower than the upkeep of a traditional home, and with some forethought and preparation you can live a comfortable life in a travel trailer year-round. Although your trailer doesn't need all of the amenities listed, they will make life easier and more comfortable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase a travel trailer that will be big enough to live in. Ideally, you would want a trailer that's at least 21 feet long, especially if there will be two or more people in the trailer. The trailer can be new or used, but be sure to have it thoroughly inspected.

2. Search for land to purchase and park the trailer on if you plan to keep the trailer stationary. If you intend to travel with your trailer check out campgrounds where you can park for a night or up to a week or more.

3. Cook meals on a propane stove as this is the cheapest, easiest and most portable way of cooking in a travel trailer. A propane stove can have up to four burners and doesn't take up much room. A two-burner is probably all you will need.

4. Store perishable foods in a propane refrigerator. This will keep your food from spoiling and can provide cold drinks and ice as well. Nonperishable foods can be stored in cupboards or plastic storage bins. An added benefit of keeping foods like flour, rice, beans, and pasta in storage bins is that it will stay fresher longer and bugs won't get into it.

5. Using the restroom will be easier if you have a toilet with holding tank in the trailer. Alternately, you can build an outhouse, though this isn't nearly as comfortable, especially during the winter and in the middle of the night. Campgrounds usually have public restrooms.

6. Taking a shower in the trailer is most comfortable, so try to get a trailer that has one installed. Campgrounds usually provide public showers if your trailer doesn't have one, though if you plan to live in your trailer full time, especially on your own property, you'll want a trailer with a shower.

7. Wash dishes and hand wash clothes in the sink of your trailer if it has a water system with storage tank. If your trailer is lacking in water, you may want to buy disposable plates, cups and silverware, and wash clothes at a laundromat.

8. Store items not in use to avoid clutter and keep the trailer as neat as possible. It's easy to feel claustrophobic if items are left out or you accumulate too many things. Out-of-season clothes can be stored in plastic storage bins and placed in a closet or up on a shelf. The storage bin will keep clothes from getting dirty or mildewed.

Tags: your trailer, storage bins, trailer that, travel trailer, Campgrounds usually, keep trailer, more people

Get Party Supplies Wholesale

The right supplies can help make any party fun and exciting.

People hold parties for many different reasons. A person may wish to celebrate their latest birthday, congratulate a new graduate on a job well done or have a barbecue to welcome in hot summer days. Whether you give lots of parties each year, work as a professional party planner or just want to celebrate once in a while, you will probably want to decorate the party space to welcome in guests. Elegant and festive supplies for any party can cost a lot less if you purchase them wholesale. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase wholesale party supplies online. Many party supply retailers have extensive websites and sell to the public. Purchasing via a website has several advantages. You can see the merchandise without the need to go to the store. You can also often easily customize the materials you plan to use. Often a site will let you add in a personalized banner to celebrate a birthday or allow you to buy party favors in a specific color at little extra cost. A website is open 24 hours a day and will often allow you to rush orders should you choose to give a last-minute party.

2. Buy in bulk. If you buy party supplies in large enough quantities, you may be able to get a large wholesale discount. Buying materials in bulk is an ideal way to save money for the professional party planner or someone who simply likes to throw lots of parties. Before buying in bulk, make sure that you can store the items in question in an area free from dust, mold and water. Inventory your items closely and see which ones are most commonly used. Store officials will often be willing to work with you to save you money if you can promise them constant business in return.

3. Go to a party wholesale supply store. Wholesale party stores offer party supplies both to the ordinary customer and to members of the trade. A wholesale party supply store often has a very large warehouse where customers may find highly varied items. If possible plan out exactly what you need well in advance before you go. Make sure that you have the colors for the party picked out if possible as well as the theme of the party. A party store employee should be able to work with you to coordinate all purchases as you travel through the store.

Tags: lots parties, party planner, party supplies, party supply, professional party, professional party planner, save money

List Of Small Business Ideas

Open a small business catering to left-handers.

Small business ideas are all around you. You just have to look through the lens of prospective employment. This also means taking a look at your own special talents from another perspective as well as looking at the raw materials you may already have to start a new business. That minivan that your kids outgrew when they learned to drive could be a potential goldmine.

Local Tour Guide

Even small towns usually have attractions that would be appealing to visiting tourists. Take that minivan and turn it into a tour bus. You already know the most interesting sites in your town and the best routes to get there, so use that knowledge to start your own tour guide business.

Adventure Travel

Adventure travel is a fast-growing segment of the travel industry. If you are knowledgeable about camping, rock climbing, scuba diving or any other kind of adventurous activity, you should consider combining your love of the outdoors with your need for income. Print some brochures, create a web site and you may need to hire some additional help within a year or two.

Left-Handers' Store

Follow the lead of Ned Flanders on "The Simpsons" by catering to the 13 to 30 percent of the population that is left-handed. Ned calls his store the Leftorium and it sells a variety of items that are specially made to make life easier for the sinister side of things. (Sinister is the Latin word for "left.")

College Essay Coach

Competition to get into the best colleges is becoming even more fearsome; the ability to write an admission essay could make the difference for some students. While there are certainly ethical considerations involved in opening a business that writes essays for clients, there are no ethical considerations to opening a business that helps coach students in the fine art of crafting an excellent college essay.

Soup Restaurant

If you enjoy cooking, think about opening a restaurant that sells just one kind of food: soup. Start out by offering just three or four different types of soup a day to keep costs down. Once word about your soup restaurant gets around, this unique characteristic alone could draw customers.

Specialty Photographer

Just about everybody is familiar with the old-time photo shops where people pose in cowboy gear for a Wanted Poster or similar fun photos. If you have photographic talent and want to open a studio that sets itself apart from even those old-fashioned places, consider investing in costumes that allow customers to recreate famous movie scenes. You can use an inexpensive green screen computer program to recreate the actual sets and locations.

Tags: business that, ethical considerations, opening business, opening business that

Questions A Wholesale Representative Should Ask

Wholesale companies provide products to retailers.

Wholesalers sell to licensed retailers. It is important for tax purposes that the wholesaler be diligent about checking the credentials of the companies that get products. Some wholesalers choose to sell in bulk to private parties, but usually require some form of membership for the privilege and must charge tax to individuals. As more trade happens on the Internet, it has become challenging to verify the credentials of those official "retailers," yet still just as important in order to protect your wholesale license. As a representative, you should know what the wholesaler wants and frame your questions around the needs of the company.

General Information Questions

The person attempting to set up the account with you needs to provide all the basic information about the company. Ask questions regarding where the company does business, as well as its name, address, mailing address and any other contact information. The easier it is to follow up with the company, the better. It helps to ask how the company prefers contact, such as email. Email gives you a clear paper trail and sometimes elicits faster response times.

Acquire State Tax ID Number

The tax ID number is key. As a representative, you need to have this number before moving forward with any business -- otherwise, the wholesaler needs to charge tax. Also, depending on the rules of your state and your wholesale license, you may only be able to sell to retailers. If your company has an additional seller's permit, you can sell to both businesses and private parties. You need to decide whether holding both a license and permit is worth it to you.

What is the Size of the Account?

Wholesalers should ask the expected size of the account, how much the business will require on a regular basis. If you are a small wholesaler, the company might be requesting more than you can handle in your storage. If you are a larger wholesaler, the account might not be worth the man-hours to provide the product. These things affect the overall profit margin of your business.

Expected Turnaround

A new account poses many questions when it comes to product expectation. If your company keeps mass amounts of product on hand your turnaround times might be limited. If you tend to predict the movements of the companies you provide for, you might have less inventory available. Ask what the company expects the turnaround to be and how often the business will place orders. An agreement needs to be reached. Depending on your business, you might have static days orders need to be in by, if you only ship once or twice a month. Ask the client if this situation works. Go over additional pricing for emergency orders.

Tags: your wholesale license, business will, companies provide, might have, private parties, wholesale license

Professional Cooking Tools

Cooking tools

Professional cooks use an array of tools in order to make the most scrumptious dishes and desserts. These professional cooking tools range from cooking pots to measuring cups. Culinary students also use professional cooking tools during their training in order to know what kind of tool to use for a specific purpose. There are some basic cooking tools that professional chefs and cooks use to make cooking easier. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Cookware Set

One of the most basic cooking tools that chefs use is the cookware set. A cookware set consists of different types of pots and pans to use for different purposes, such as boiling, frying, stewing and more. Most cookware sets come with a stew pot, a casserole pot and saucepans and frying pans of different sizes. The most popular types of cookware sets are those made of stainless steel and those that have a Teflon coating. With a complete cookware set in the kitchen, cooks and chefs are able to cook dishes simultaneously. A cookware set is important in an environment where different dishes are prepared in a small amount of time.

Knife Set

Every chef needs a complete knife set. Knife sets have different types of knives along with other tools that are vital in the preparation process of cooking. The knives are designed in a manner that makes it easier for the chef to cut and prepare different ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. Knife sets typically consist of a peeling knife, paring knife, utility knife, boning knife, chef's knife, cleaver, bread knife and a carving knife. Other tools that may be included in a knife set are kitchen scissors, a whisk and a meat fork. It is important to use the right type of knife for certain types of food in order to achieve precision cutting.

Preparation Bowls

Preparation bowls are stainless-steel bowls that come in different sizes. These bowls help to keep the preparation process of cooking organized. Chefs use larger preparation bowls to mix together ingredients, while the smaller bowls serve as containers for the ingredients until they are ready for use. Some chefs and cooks also use preparation bowls as containers to hold fruit and vegetable peelings or fish scales and meat parts that are not needed. This makes the kitchen clean and sanitary. Preparation bowls are usually made of strong materials and are useful in any type of cooking environment.

Tags: cooking tools, tools that, basic cooking, basic cooking tools, chefs cooks, cooking tools that

Fiesta Foods For Spanish Class

Salsa is a great Spanish food that is easy to make.

An important part of teaching students Spanish is also instilling in them an appreciation for Hispanic cultures. For this reason, plan activities that emphasize other aspects of the culture besides language; one such activity is having a Spanish party where you can serve a variety of traditional fiesta foods. These Spanish class party foods will give the students a "taste" of the culture they learn about everyday. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Paella

Paella is a popular rice dish made in Spanish culture. There are no specific ingredients that must be used to make paella. It can be made using a variety of meats and vegetables. Paella is made with rice that is simmered in beef, chicken, or vegetable stock until the rice is softened. Any types of vegetables can be used, and chunks of chicken, beef or other meats can be added for meat eaters. Paella has a toasted bottom that gives it a combination of crispy and soft textures. Paella is sometimes confused with risotto.

Chips and Salsa

Chips and salsa are an easy Spanish food that even the pickiest eater can enjoy. Salsa is primarily made using diced tomatoes, peppers and onions. There are a variety of salsa recipes available; some that use mangos, black beans, jalapeno peppers and lime juice. The salsa can be served with chunkier vegetables or pureed for a runnier texture. Tortilla chips are served with the salsa for dipping.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a delicious Spanish dish that has made its way into other cultures because it is so tasty and healthy. Guacamole is made primarily using avocados, onions, Serrano chilies, tomatoes, salt, cilantro and limejuice. A molcajete is the traditional tool used for making guacamole, which looks like a mortar and pestle. However, guacamole can easily be made using a simple bowl and spoon. Guacamole is often served as a dip for tortilla chips and a side dish for other Mexican and Spanish foods, such as quesadillas, burritos and tacos.

Flan

Flan is a traditional Spanish dessert that resembles a type of custard. Flan dates back to the Romans, but was adapted by the Spanish culture into the custard-style dish that it is today. Flan is made with sugar, milk, eggs and vanilla extract. Caramelized sugar makes a thicker, caramel base, and is also drizzled on top of the flan. The creamy texture of the custard mixes well with the rich taste of the caramel to make it an enjoyable dessert to finish off your party.

Tags: made using, dish that, food that, made with, served with, Spanish culture

Make Chicken Baby Food

Make Chicken Baby Food

Buying jars of baby food can quickly become expensive. Parents can save money by making their own baby food at home. Making your own baby food also ensures that your baby is getting the freshest food possible. Once your baby has mastered vegetables and fruits, you can begin introducing meats. Chicken is an excellent meat to start with. You can even use leftover chicken from your family dinner to create a few jars of homemade baby food.

Instructions

1. Cut up a piece of cooked chicken. Cut it into cubes and measure it in a measuring cup until you have 1 cup of meat.

2. Dump the chicken pieces in to a food processor and click the puree button. Puree until the chicken pieces have been ground into a powder.

3. Pour 1/4 cup of water in to the food processor slowly. You may not need all of it. Puree until you have mixed the chicken with the water. Don't make the pureed chicken too runny or it will be hard to feed it to your baby.

4. Pour the pureed chicken in to 4-oz. jars. Store in the refrigerator or the freezer.

Tags: your baby, baby food, baby food, Chicken Baby, Chicken Baby Food

Dye Sprinkles

Create colorful homemade sprinkles using a basic royal icing recipe

Sprinkles are tiny hardened candies that can be used to decorate baked goods, and they come in a wide variety of colors and shapes in most food stores. But making your own sprinkles at home will make the product fresher and also give you more control over the colors of the decorations and their taste. Substitute the vanilla extract in this recipe for any other flavoring extract of your choice, and you can also shop for paste food coloring at a health food store for more natural colorings made with ingredients such as beets. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Pour 2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar into a medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 egg white, 1 tablespoon warm water and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add 1 tablespoon warm water more, adding slowly and stopping when the mixture has the consistency of a thick liquid. Stir out any large clumps that may have formed.

2. Open the container of paste food coloring. Coat the tip of a toothpick in the coloring, then dot it onto the surface of the icing mixture. Stir thoroughly and add more food coloring to intensify the color, if desired.

3. Fill a piping bag fitted with a No. 2 small round tip with the icing mixture. Lay a large piece of wax paper on the counter, then pipe out the icing in long strips that run in a line from one end of the wax paper to the other. Place the paper in a cool, dry location and allow the icing to dry overnight.

4. Use a sharp knife to cut the strips of solidified icing into small sprinkles. You can use the sprinkles immediately or store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Tags: food coloring, icing mixture, paste food, paste food coloring, tablespoon warm, tablespoon warm water, vanilla extract

Host A Vegan Cocktail Party

Vegan party food doesn't have to be plain celery sticks. Use a little imagination to develop a menu of appetizers and finger foods to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. Consider the source of any alcohol served. Many wines and beers are filter and fined with animal products or bones. Use the following instructions and resources to throw a successful, delicious and cruelty-free vegan cocktail party. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Invite guests--vegans and non-vegans--a few weeks in advance. Give more notice during the holiday party season, as most people quickly fill their December weekends.

2. Develop a recipe and ingredient list. Use easy finger foods such as mini pizzas (vegan cheese, tomato sauce, and sliced baguette), hummus, stuffed phylo-dough pockets, veggies and luxurious dark chocolate.

3. Make up a signature drink for the party to serve from a large pitcher. This saves time bartending, and money on ingredients for a larger variety of mixed drinks. Serve vegan beer and wine if desired (see Resources).

4. Shop for ingredients. Ensure you have ample serving ware, party plates, napkins and cups.

5. Set out dishes, serving ware, decorative candles and flowers the day before.

6. Begin preparing food early on the day of your party, saving baked or heated items to just before the party starts.

7. Right before guests arrive, set out drinks, finalize the food, turn down the lights and turn on a little music in the background!

Tags: finger foods, serving ware

Store Peanut Oil After Deep Frying A Turkey

Peanut oil is a preferred oil for deep frying turkeys because it has a high smoke point that keeps the outside of the food crispy while leaving the inside moist. It also has a slightly nutty flavor that complements the flavor of the turkey. Peanut oil does not absorb the flavors of the foods fried in it, as other oils do, and you can use it to fry more than one type of food with no adverse effects. You can reuse peanut oil three to four times with proper storage. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Let the peanut oil cool down completely. Wait until it has reached room temperature. Stir gently before attempting to store to be sure it is cool all the way down to the bottom of the fryer.

2. Place a strainer lined with cheesecloth over a large bowl. Slowly pour the oil from the fryer into the strainer to filter out any turkey particles or seasonings. If the oil still looks murky, repeat as necessary.

3. Use a funnel to pour the strained peanut oil into a container that can be tightly sealed. Store in the refrigerator. It will become slightly hardened, but it will liquefy when reheated.

Tags: cool down

Six Meal Diet Plan

The typical diet consists of three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many people tend to want to eat more often, so in addition to three meals that fulfill their daily caloric needs, they eat junk food for snacks and high-sugar desserts. A six meal diet plan is composed of six nutritionally balanced meals each day. It keeps you from overeating and keeps your metabolism burning fat at an efficient rate.

Plan Your Meals

Part of sticking to a diet depends on if it is easy enough to follow each day. To make this possible, preplan your daily meals. Each week you should sit down and plan your meals for the week. Create a list and get all your shopping done in one trip. It is also important to look at your schedule and determine whether or not it is possible to eat six meals each day at regular intervals. You may have to change you schedule to accommodate this or plan on packing a few meals for some days. Preparation is the key to success.

Guidelines

For the six meal diet plan to work the meals you eat must be a smaller portion than you ate with three meals a day. Consume 25-30% fewer calories than usual each day if you are looking to lose weight at a quick, healthy pace. Plan your meals at regular intervals, about three hours apart. This will keep blood sugar levels even, your metabolism running, and your appetite feeling satisfied to avoid overeating. You first meal should be eaten soon after waking to jumpstart your metabolism. Don't eat anything for about two to three hours before bed.

Meals should be healthy and balanced. Opt for natural food rather than highly processed foods that are hard on the digestive system. Half of each meal should contain fresh vegetables or fruit. A quarter of the meal is protein and the final quarter is carbohydrate or legumes.

Tags: three meals, your metabolism, about three, about three hours, diet plan, meal diet

Grow Mushrooms Using A Mushroom Grow & Spawn Bag

Most mushroom types can be grown at home with little effort.

Mushrooms are used in a wide range of recipes, and some types of mushrooms are considered delicacies. Gourmet mushrooms are often expensive, but many mushroom types can be grown at home at a significantly lower cost. One method used to grow mushrooms at home involves mushroom grow and spawn bags. These bags prevent contaminants from tainting the mushrooms while they are growing and provide a consistent environment for the mushrooms during their critical early development days. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick up the grow and spawn bag and gently break up the material inside of it with your hands. It does not need to be completely broken up, but should be crumbled into smaller chunks at the very least. Do not open the bag.

2. Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and wipe the patch on the bag intended for inoculation. Discard the cotton ball. If the bag contains more than one inoculation point, use a different cotton ball to sterilize each one.

3. Wipe the needle of the syringe with another alcohol-soaked cotton ball to sterilize it. Allow the alcohol a moment to evaporate before beginning inoculation.

4. Insert the needle through the inoculation point on the bag at an angle, ensuring that the tip enters the growth material in the bag. Press the plunger on the syringe and inject 6 cc of spore solution into the growth material.

5. Remove the needle and wipe it clean with an alcohol-soaked cotton ball. If you are inoculating a large bag or a bag with several inoculation sites, reinsert the needle at a different angle to inject another 6 cc of spore solution into a different portion of the growth material. Cover all needle holes with clean surgical tape once finished.

6. Place the bag in a cool and moist environment. Allow the mushroom spores time to cultivate; this may take up to four weeks depending on the type of mushroom being grown. When half of the growth material has turned white you may break up the material gently to increase the speed of growth.

7. Punch small holes in the bag using an alcohol-sterilized nail or knife once the growth material starts turning white if you are growing oyster mushrooms or similar mushroom types that grow attached to vertical surfaces. This will allow the mushrooms to form on the outside of the bag. If you are growing mushrooms that grow on their own stalks, do not puncture the bag.

8. Harvest the mushrooms by cutting them off of the outside of the bag (if the bag was punctured) or opening the bag and carefully removing them from the growth material. Spraying the remaining growth material and inside bag surfaces with a light mist of purified water then resealing the bag may allow you to make two or more harvests from a single growth.

Tags: growth material, cotton ball, mushroom types, alcohol-soaked cotton, alcohol-soaked cotton ball, ball sterilize

Buy Christmas Gifts For An Environmentalist

Buy Christmas Gifts for an Environmentalist

If you're looking for green gifts, there is a stunning array of items available which are both useful and chic. You won't have to venture far to find something that will satisfy her desire to protect the planet. You can find ecologically friendly products for almost any purpose. You can even choose greener methods of buying and wrapping your gift. Whether you're buying for a friend, a child, a parent, a spouse, or a pet, you're sure to find something your recipient will love.

Instructions

1. Browse items for her home or garden. Think of purchasing glassware made from recycled glass for her table. Consider an chic blanket made from recycled plastic. Another option is to get modern furniture made from recycled glass, metal or reclaimed wood. Also look for items for the kitchen, bath and office made from fast-growing bamboo. After all, bamboo is much more sustainable than hardwood.

2. Buy organic. Since organic products are made without pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers, they're much kinder to the planet than conventionally grown foods and fabrics. There are many organic gourmet food gifts available, as well as stylish organic fashion boutiques. Get a gift basket full of organic treats or an organic cotton shirt or jacket.

3. Shop locally. Items that are both produced and sold near your city or within your state produce less pollution than imported goods. Check out your local farmer's market for organic produce. Load it in a basket made from sustainable willow, wicker or reed. Look at your city's newspaper or visitor's bureau to find reviews on businesses that operate locally.

4. Make a donation in her name. Many environmentalists prefer this option to receiving a gift they don't want or need. Ask her about her favorite charity or pet cause. It may be saving the whales, ending childhood hunger or curing cancer. Whatever it is, let her choose the charitable organization that will receive the gift.

5. Buy online. Purchasing items with your computer and having them shipped to your door is best. This method of purchasing contributes far less carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than driving around to various shops. Navigating the information superhighway is also a lot less frustrating than fighting holiday traffic. While you're shopping, look for companies which ship with recycled packaging.

6. Browse for green gadgets. Look for anything that is solar powered or comes with a solar charger. Look at solar calculators, solar flashlights and solar radios. Also look for rechargeable batteries and battery chargers. Cell phones, MP3 players and iPods also make nice gifts for the environmentalist since they use so little power.

7. Look for green gardening supplies for the organic gardener. Purchase a compost bin and supplies if you know she composts. Also browse garden supplies made from recycled and renewable materials. Browse seedlings which have been grown organically.

8. Browse for items that will help your recipient to reduce her energy consumption. These include compact fluorescent light bulbs and Energy Star appliances. Arrange small items in an attractive gift basket with green gifts such as a recycled coffee mug, a picture frame made from reclaimed wood, a cloth grocery bag and organic soap.

Tags: made from, from recycled, made from recycled, that will, Also look, Browse items, Christmas Gifts