Make Diesel Fuel From Vegetable Oil

Adding methanol (paint thinner) and lye (drain cleaner) to vegetable oil will produce diesel fuel--called biodiesel--but of exceedingly poor quality. Producing something you would want to put in an engine requires high-quality ingredients and precise measuring. Several communities exist online (see References and Resources below) to guide beginner diesel fuel brewers.

Instructions

1. Pour the methanol into the 1/2-liter container using a funnel. The lye can be potassium (KOH) or sodium (NaOH) hydroxide. This recipe uses KOH. Measure it according to its purity: 5.8 grams for 85 percent pure, 5.5 grams for 90 percent, 5.3 grams for 92 percent. Pour the lye into the container using a clean funnel. Swirl the container until the mixture is clear. The result is methoxide.

2. Heat the oil in a pan until the thermometer shows 130 F. Pour it into the blender. Carefully add the methoxide and mix on low speed for 30 minutes. Pour it into one of the soda bottles and let settle for 12 to 24 hours.

3. Glycerine, a 20 percent byproduct, will separate and fall to the bottom. Decant the top 80 percent into a clean soda bottle. Don't allow any glycerine in.

4. Test the quality of the fuel. Pour 1/2 liter of water into it. Shake vigorously. Let it settle. If the fuel completely separates from the water within 30 minutes, it's good. Decant the fuel from the water into a clean soda bottle. But if it continues to look like mayonnaise, start over with more-precise measurements.

5. Wash any remaining impurities from the biodiesel. Washing is done by forcing air bubbles through the fuel or, easier for home brewers, mixing it with water. Pour 1/2 liter of water into the fuel. Roll the bottle on a flat surface until the two liquids become homogeneous. Let it settle for at least three hours. Separate the fuel and water either by decanting from the top or draining the water from the bottom via a hole. Repeat the washing.

6. Let the fuel settle. When it turns completely translucent, it's ready to use.

Tags: grams percent, Pour into, water into, clean soda, clean soda bottle, container using

Culinary Arts Schools For Teens

For teenagers, learning to cook helps prepare for independent living after graduating from high school and may also spark interest in a cooking career. In addition to receiving cooking instruction at home, teens can benefit from attending professional classes. Across the U.S., culinary schools for teens offer courses that teach adolescents basic to advanced cooking skills and techniques.

Kids Culinary Adventures, LLC

Kids Culinary Adventures, LLC is based in the San Francisco Bay area of California. The school offers classes at various locations throughout the region for children from three years of age through adolescence. Course offerings vary throughout the year, with group lessons frequently offered over holiday and summer breaks to keep teens busy when school is out. Classes are offered in both one-day workshop and multiple-day camp formats. Topics range from basic cooking skills to specialty classes like making and decorating gingerbread houses. Teens can also receive private, one-on-one lessons from Kids Culinary Adventures. These classes pair adolescents with a master chef and allow customized lessons in subjects like ethnic regional cooking. Advanced registration is required for all classes.

Viking Cooking Schools

A stove manufacturer, the Viking Range Corporation sponsors the Viking Cooking School, offering a variety of cooking classes for teenagers up to age 15. Courses include basic introductions to culinary skills as well as specialty and advanced classes in topics like cookie decorating. Both multiple and one-day classes are available. In addition to group classes for teens only, the Viking Cooking School also has family workshops that allow parents to learn alongside their teens.

The school has locations in Anchorage, Alaska; Destin, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Glenview, Illinois; Greenwood and Ridgeland, Mississippi; Atlantic City, Fairfield and Gladstone, New Jersey; New York City, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Programs vary from location to location. Advanced registration is necessary for Viking Cooking School teen classes.

Create a Cook

Create a Cook is a culinary school located in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, a northwestern Boston suburb. Throughout the year, the school offers programs for kids, teens and adults. Teenaged classes include one-day and weekly courses with sessions held during evening hours, on weekends, and during the day over holiday and summer breaks. Topics of classes for teens include knife skills, roasting chicken, French cooking, pasta and baking.

Teens can also schedule their own small group classes at Create a Cook for birthday parties, special events, class projects or even to simply learn alongside their friends. The minimum number needed for customized, small group learning is six teens. Advanced registration is necessary for all Create a Cook classes.

Tags: Create Cook, Viking Cooking, Advanced registration, Cooking School, Culinary Adventures, Kids Culinary, Kids Culinary Adventures

Feed A Family On A Budget

If you're like many people today, you're living on a modest income and trying to find ways to cut financial corners. Unfortunately, when you have a family to feed it's not always easy to stick to a budget, especially when your family includes ravenous and ever-growing children. There are ways to ease your budget and still feed the family well.

Instructions

1. Create a grocery budget and stick to it. Decide on a reasonable amount of money that can be spent on groceries each week and withdraw that amount in cash. Take the cash -- and only the cash -- to the store with you when you shop and use it only for food, not extras like shampoo and toothpaste. When the cash is gone, you'll have to make do with the food you've purchased.

2. Frequent discount and dollar stores. Many dollar stores carry basic food supplies such as pasta. These are supplies that don't really require a name brand; purchasing them at this type of store can stretch your food budget.

3. Draw up a weekly menu for meals. Check the items on sale at the grocery store ahead of time and plan meals around the sale items. Clip coupons for items you purchase regularly and visit the store on double-coupon days. Knowing ahead of time what you will be cooking cuts down on impulsive purchases or stops for fast food on the way home from work.

4. Purchase meat in bulk. Check around for a butcher near you that puts together bulk packages of meat at reasonable prices. Though the initial expenditure is large, buying a month's worth of good-quality meat saves you quite a bit of money per pound.

5. Be inventive in your cooking. Don't be afraid to come up with new recipes or to make substitutions if you don't have all the ingredients you need. People created all those recipes you use regularly -- probably because they were on budgets.

6. Feed everyone the same thing at mealtimes. Many a family has found themselves blowing a food budget because of picky eaters. Unless you have a family member who is on a special diet due to age or a medical condition, there's nothing wrong with insisting your family eat what you cook.

Tags: ahead time, dollar stores, food budget, have family, your family

Chicken Strip Dinner Ideas

Fried Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are also called chicken fingers. They can be eaten alone or tossed in a dish with other ingredients. Chicken strips are made from boneless chicken breasts that are often breaded and fried, and are usually gladly eaten by even the pickiest of children. You can keep the chicken strips fairly plain, or you can dress them up to give them some added flavor. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Wrapped Chicken Strips

Grate 4 oz. of your favorite cheese and set it aside. (Cheddar, Monterey jack and Swiss cheese all work well with this dish.) Cut two boneless chicken breasts in to thin strips. Cook in a skillet over medium heat with just a little bit of oil. When the strips are no longer pink in their centers, they are done. Roll out some canned crescent rolls (Pillsbury works well) and place one chicken strip in each. Sprinkle cheese all around it and then roll the dough over the chicken strips. Take out a casserole dish and combine one 8-oz. can of cream of mushroom soup, one can of cream of celery soup, and 3/4 cup of water. Set your chicken wraps in the liquid and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 to 45 minutes.

Chicken Strips and Vegetables

Cut three boneless chicken breasts in to thin strips. Open a freezer bag and pour in 1/2 cup of flour, 1 tbsp. of paprika and a dash of salt. Add the chicken strips and shake until coated. Place one stick (1/4 cup) of butter in a frying pan and turn to medium heat. When the butter melts, add the chicken strips. Brown the chicken strips on both sides and then begin adding one cup of chopped carrots and two cups of cubed potatoes. Immediately after you add the vegetables, add an 8-oz. can of cream of celery soup. Fill the can up with water and add that as well. Mix all of the ingredients together. Cover the pan and turn the heat down to simmer. Cook for 40 minutes. Serve the chicken strips and vegetables over a plate of rice if desired.

Italian Fried Chicken Strips

Cut three boneless chicken breasts in to thin strips. Coat these chicken strips with Italian dressing. Next, combine 1 1/2 cups of Italian bread crumbs with 3 tbsp. of Parmesan cheese. Dip the chicken strips in the bread crumbs until they are coated on all sides. Heat up a skillet that is filled half way with olive oil. Place the chicken strips inside the heated oil and cook for five minutes on each side. Check one strip to make sure there isn't any pink inside. If there is, cook it another two minutes on each side. If not, remove the chicken strips and lay them on some paper towels which will absorb the grease. Serve hot.

Tags: boneless chicken, boneless chicken breasts, chicken breasts, breasts thin, breasts thin strips, chicken breasts thin, thin strips

Types Of Food Labels

Types of Food Labels

Food labels are designed by manufacturers to appeal to consumers, but they also serve an important function: to disclose the ingredients and nutritional content of the food product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the content of food labels for accuracy. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) requires that all foods have standardized nutritional labeling.

Required Information for Packaged Foods

The NLEA became law in 1990. It requires that all packaged foods list the name and address of the food's manufacturer, the weight or count of the food and nutrition facts for the food. The NLEA applies to all foods except for meat, poultry, eggs, prepared food or foods that are sold in bulk.

Nutrition Facts Label

The Nutrition Facts Label is the label with the most information for consumers. The first line of this label lists the serving size. The nutritional information that follows is based on this specific serving size. The next line lists the total calories, and the amount of calories that are from fat. The following lines contain the food's total fat content (including a breakout of saturated and trans fats), cholesterol and sodium. Carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, vitamins and minerals are listed next. The percent of the daily value for each nutrient, based on a 2,000 calorie diet, is listed on the right side of the label. The footnote on the bottom of the label has the FDA's recommended dietary guidelines. If the food label is very small, this footnote is abbreviated.

Food Labels for Fish and Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Providing nutritional labels for these foods is voluntary. Instead of a label, the FDA provides downloadable posters for merchants to display. There are separate posters for fruit, vegetables and fish, and each poster has nutritional information for the 20 most consumed foods in that category.

Food Labels and Health Claims

Under the NLEA, the FDA regulates health claims that manufacturers may use on front-of-package food labels. The health claims must be backed by scientific research and be approved by the FDA. Also, certain health claims and descriptive terms must meet a standard definition. For instance, a food that has a "low fat" label must have 3 grams of fat or fewer per serving, and a food labeled "low calorie" must have 40 calories or fewer per serving.

Warning

Food labels are not foolproof. For instance, manufacturers are not required to list the amount of caffeine contained in a food product. Many foods and beverages, such as prepared foods and alcohol, are not required to have a food label. Also, the serving sizes for some foods may not be realistic.

Tags: health claims, content food, Facts Label, fewer serving, food label

The Inventor Of The Dog Biscuit

Hard biscuits once made a fine snack for dogs and sailors alike.

Dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, but what about their biscuits? These crunchy snacks are a relatively recent invention, although they are older than any human alive today. While dog biscuits were developed and popularized in the 19th century, the concept behind them is much older.

James Spratt

Ohio resident James Spratt made a living as an electrician and salesman, at least until he began peddling his biscuits at dog shows in London during the 1860s. The novelty of a food product designed specifically for domestic dogs gained traction with Spratt's British customers as he advertised and distributed his product. He called his product "Patented Meat Fibrine Dog Cake" during his first marketing push, according to Houston Animal Acupuncture and Herbs. The success in England opened the way for Spratt to open a company in the United States the following decade.

Earlier Developments

While Spratt is often fully credited with inventing the dog biscuit, it's possible that he was simply the first person to patent and market the idea successfully, according to New York City Doggies. In fact, Spratt's invention was allegedly inspired by sailors feeding leftover biscuits to dogs at a London dock. These biscuits were originally meant for human consumption. They were less perishable than most food in the time period, so sailors brought them on long voyages to ward off scurvy and other ailments caused by malnutrition. It's also possible that human biscuits had been marketed to dog owners in the decades prior to Spratt's patent.

Spratt's Biscuits

While the true origin of the doggie biscuit will likely remain disputed, there is one thing that historians can agree on: Spratt's biscuits were the first great commercial success in the untapped pet food market. He marketed the patented biscuit formula, which included ingredients from wheat, vegetables and meat, as nutritious food suitable for show and sporting dogs. The product sold well in England and was also successfully in the United States when it was introduced several years later.

Recent History

Spratt's business became a publicly traded company after his death in 1880. The company's success in the pet food market prompted competitors to produce various cat and dog chows, biscuits and other edibles throughout the 20th century. F.H. Bennet Biscuits Co. created "Milk-Bone" biscuits for dogs in 1907, while an early form of dry dog chow was introduced by Gaines Food Company in the 1930s, according to Houston Animal Acupuncture and Herbs. General Mills purchased Spratt's company in the 1950s. During the following decades, various companies developed foods for specific breeds, lifestyles and health conditions to cater to niche markets among the constantly growing number of dog owners in America and England.

Tags: biscuits were, according Houston, according Houston Animal, Acupuncture Herbs, Animal Acupuncture, Animal Acupuncture Herbs, biscuits dogs

Ways To Make Facial Hair Grow Fast

Heavy facial hair can be considered attractive to many.

The growth of facial hair can have many implications in today's world society. To some people, ample facial hair can be considered attractive, much like a male lion's mane is used to attract female lions. To others, too much facial hair is considered threatening, and thus many are convinced that a clean-shaven appearance is most desirable. For those who desire the lion's mane effect, the quick acquisition of facial hair can be a valuable ability. Does this Spark an idea?

Androgens

Human hair growth of any kind can be attributed to androgens, or in other words, male sex hormones such as testosterone. Finding ways to increase androgens in the body can, in fact, increase facial hair growth. One interesting fact about androgens, however, is that although increased amounts may cause more rapid growth of facial and pubic hair, they also contribute to male pattern baldness, meaning a loss or thinning of hair on the head. This reason for this seeming contradiction is not clear.

Increasing Androgens in the Body

If the thought of male pattern baldness doesn't sway you from desiring a thicker and faster-growing mane, there are a few methods that have been shown to increase androgens in your body. The following tips are derived from a December 2000 article written by Ron Geraci in "Men's Health" magazine.

Lose Weight

An excess of fat clinging to the body has been shown to actually increase estrogen levels, a hormone generally more common in women. Working out, especially weight lifting and aerobic exercises such as running, can boost your testosterone levels and get rid of your gut in the process. Don't starve yourself to lose weight, though. A diet consisting of at least 30 percent fat is required to sustain proper testosterone levels. Drop the weight slowly and steadily. A loss of just 1 to 2 lbs. a week is considered ideal.

Avoid Binge Drinking

Alcoholic drinks in excess can significantly decrease the amount of male hormones found in the body. Geraci says three drinks is the cutoff to maintaining proper facial hair-promoting androgens.

Get Adequate Rest

Around 8 hours of sleep is ideal for anyone wishing to beef up testosterone levels. Adequate sleep can provide numerous health benefits above and beyond increasing androgens. Suffice it to say that all-night partying should be avoided unless you want to avoid facial fuzz. Waking up early can also help boost facial hair growth because testosterone levels are known to be at their highest in the early morning, according to Geraci.

Too Many Methods to List

There are so many ways to increase testosterone levels as well as overall health that they can't all be listed here. The suggestions above provide a good starting point, but you can ask medical professionals for other methods. Everyone is different and perhaps you'll find something that works better for you.

Tags: facial hair, testosterone levels, facial hair considered, hair considered, hair growth

What Is Organic Coffee

Organic coffee is produced all over the world, and because of its environmentally low-impact, synthetic chemical-free production, it keeps our ecosystems protected and alive. But not all coffee meets the criteria when it comes to being certified organic. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Definition

Organic coffee is grown through the use of eco-friendly materials that aren't overly harmful to the environment. Pesticides and other harmful toxins are not used in coffee growth, and particular emphasis is placed on soil and plant system fertility and sustainability.

Certified Organic

United States organic coffee must be certified by an accredited agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the Organic Trade Association, the requirements include "farming without synthetic pesticides or other prohibited substances for three years and a sustainable crop rotation plan to prevent erosion, the depletion of soil nutrients, and control for pests."

Where It's Grown

According to the Organic Trade Association in 2008, "Organic coffee is grown in 40 countries, including Bolivia, Burundi, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lao PDR, Madagascar, Malawi, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timore-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, United States (Hawaii), Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zambia. The leading producer countries are Peru, Ethiopia, and Mexico."

Identification

The Organic Trade Association says any coffee product can carry an organic seal as long as its contents are certified to be at least 95 percent organic.

Benefits

Organic coffee is a healthier and more flavorful alternative because no harmful chemicals are used when growing it or in its production. It also helps save the environment, and buying organically grown products supports the farmers who make their living from this market.

Tags: Organic coffee, Organic Trade, Organic Trade Association, Trade Association, According Organic, According Organic Trade, coffee grown

List Of College Degrees

Most colleges offer degrees that can cater to a variety of interests.

Going to college can be a problem for most people because of financial constraints or academic ability, but there are ways to get over these hindrances. There are public colleges that offer lower tuition and fees not to mention various financial aids. As for academic ability, that is why most people go to college--to learn new things and skills. Having a college degree also helps to guarantee higher paying jobs. There is a long list of college degrees that students can choose from depending on their interests or goals.

Bachelor of Science

A bachelor's degree generally requires four years of schooling. Bachelor of Science holders command high salaries in various fields ranging from engineering to scientists. The highest salaries belong to petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering and computer engineering. Other Bachelor of Science degrees that are also good choices based from salary are applied mathematics, economics, physics, statistics and finance.

Bachelor of Arts

Students that are not inclined with math and sciences can also choose to study a degree in Bachelor of Arts. Degrees in the fields of arts may not be as lucrative as degrees in the field of math and sciences, but what's important is enjoying one's college education and future job. Some of the most popular degrees in Bachelor of Arts include political science, film production, fashion design, English, history, humanities, liberal studies, journalism and fine arts.

Associate of Science

Associate degrees are commonly completed in two years of study. Degrees in Associate of Science can be taken in preparation for future employment or as initial step in obtaining a degree in Bachelor of Science. The courses consist of general topics in communication, mathematics, and social sciences, as well as the specific science subjects required with the chosen specialization. For example an Associate Degree in Information Technology will have specific subjects related to computers, hardware, software, and programming. Other Associate of Science degrees include Associate in Nursing, Associate in Accounting, Associate in Engineering Technology, and Associate in Emergency Medical Services.

Associate of Arts

Associate of Arts degrees are mostly taken as transfer programs to complete a degree in Bachelor of Arts. Students who are not so sure of which specialization to pursue can opt to take an Associate of Liberal Arts program and study various fields such as literature, psychology, philosophy, history, math and sciences. There are many other programs to choose from to get an Associate of Arts degree like accounting, economics, languages, drama, history, religion, social work and general studies in the fields of engineering and sciences.

Associate of Applied Sciences

Degrees in Associate of Applied Sciences are designed to provide not only a general background in the study of arts and sciences but also to enable specific skill development that students can use to land a job as soon as the programs are completed. Most of the programs offered under Associate of Applied Sciences deal with health care, business, accounting, electronics technology and computer systems. These courses often lead to jobs such as dental hygienist, medical assistant, radiation therapist, computer technician, engineering technician, bookkeeper, accounting assistant and office manager.

Tags: Bachelor Arts, Bachelor Science, Applied Sciences, Associate Applied, Associate Applied Sciences

Gift Ideas For Food Lovers

Gift for Food Lovers

The food lover on a gift list can be an enjoyable person to shop for. There are a wide variety of gifts to choose from to satisfy a food lover's desire for the unusual or the especially delectable. Enjoy finding assorted delicacies or gadgets that a food lover will use and appreciate.

Pantry Items

Help a food lover stock an extensive pantry with unusual and delectable pantry items. Assemble a collection of honeys that is sure to be a sweet treat. There are many different flavors and varieties of honeys that a food lover would enjoy sampling. Create a collection of different olive spreads and tapenades that will delight any food lover's tastes for the unusual. Also include olives of assorted flavors.

Food-Loving Chef

Not all food lovers love to cook, but those who do would likely love interesting ingredients to experiment with. Find some unusual oils and vinegars to combine to create delicious concoctions. There are many varieties of balsamic vinegar that many food lovers would love to sample. Olive oils can also be infused with exotic flavors for interesting blends. Perhaps a complete fondue set or a distinctive teapot would be a suitable gift for a food lover.

Gadgets

Inspire a food lover to create tempting creations in the kitchen by giving a gadget or two that will streamline the cooking process.

A microplane is a versatile and useful hand-held grater that many food lovers consider a required kitchen tool. Microplanes can quickly and easily grate citrus zest, ginger, garlic, and both hard and medium cheeses.

A silicone basting brush set may be an appreciated gift if the food lover bastes and brushes while cooking. The beauty of a silicone basting brush is in the clean-up because there are no natural bristles that become dredged with food.

Give a meat tenderizer that effortlessly and cleanly tenderizes any cut of meat without the need for hammering and pounding. Simply place the gadget over the meat and press down firmly to push the sharp blades through the meat.

Gift Basket

Create a gift basket made especially for the specific tastes of the food lover. If Italian food is a favorite, make a basket filled with pastas and sauces. Visit a spice store and fill a gift basket with unusual and exotic spices to tempt the food lover to try new recipes. A basket of gourmet cheeses might be an ideal gift for someone who likes to cook. A basket of gourmet fresh fruits would also appeal to many food lovers.

Sweet Tooth

Indulge a food-loving sweet tooth with delectable and distinctive fine chocolates from around the world, including chocolate candies, chocolate fondues, chocolate fondant or chocolate extract.

If chocolate is not the food lover's sweet of choice, try a box of other confections that are often made from the finest organic ingredients and would be a delicious treat after a satisfying meal. Marzipan is a traditional treat that originated in the Orient and was discovered by European royalty. It is an almond-flavored sweet delicacy that can be altered in many different ways.

Tags: food lover, food lovers, many food, many food lovers, basket gourmet, basting brush, gift basket

Mexican Restaurants In Southern California

Enjoy tacos in Southern California.

Southern California is home to Los Angeles, San Diego and the Inland Empire. The restaurant scene offers diverse ethnic foods, but if Mexican is what you crave, the area is dominated by eateries that specialize in the cuisine, which is fitting, given the area's proximity to Mexico.

Jalisco Cafe

Jalisco Cafe has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Imperial Beach, San Diego County, for over 40 years. Appetizers include cheese crisp, nachos and jalapeno poppers. For breakfast, enjoy huevos rancheros, a ham and cheese omelet, or steak and eggs. For lunch and dinner, selections include fish and beef tacos, chorizo with egg, or beef chimichanga. A variety of enchiladas and fajitas is offered, including shredded beef, chicken and steak. The restaurant also offers specialties such as chile con carne and pork tips in green chile sauce. If you'd like to taste several items, try one of the combination platters. Finish your meal with a churro or homemade flan. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and is open until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Jalisco Cafe

1669 Palm Avenue

Imperial Beach, CA 91932

619-575-4955

jaliscocafe.com

El Chavo Restaurant

El Chavo, on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, has also been in business for 40 years. The restaurant is known for its green tamales, "Senor" and "Senora" combination plates, Monterey steak and shrimp a la diablo. Other menu items include tapatia, chiles rellenos, an array of tacos and enchiladas, pollo frito and tostadas con chorizo. Enjoy live or DJ music while you dine every night of the week except Tuesday. Hours of operations are 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday and 4 p.m. until midnight Thursday through Saturday. The bar is open until midnight on weeknights and until 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

El Chavo Restaurant

4441 Sunset Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90027

323-664-0871

elchavorestaurant.com‎

Tia Juanas Long Bar and Grill

This restaurant is known for its 70-foot bar, the longest in Orange County, where you can enjoy the strawberry basil margarita, one of the other signature margaritas, or a lava colada. Appetizers include Baja nachos, barbecue chicken flautas, and queso fundido. Ahi tacos, shrimp and lobster fajitas and the Cobo roll are some of the specialties of the house. You can also dine on the New York steak asada, enchiladas suizas, salmon tacos, and spicy shrimp and carnitas. Live music is played seven nights a week.

Tia Juanas Long Bar and Grill

14988 Sand Canyon Avenue

Irvine, CA 92618-2103

949-551-2998

tiajuanas.com‎

Tags: Jalisco Cafe, Southern California, Appetizers include, Boulevard Angeles, Chavo Restaurant, Friday Saturday

Big Breakfast Ideas

Sometimes you never know when there is a hungry crowd coming to greet you in the morning. Rather than making many different breakfast items, make one large breakfast dish. Dishes like bacon explosion, pancakes and breakfast casseroles can be whipped up in no time. You may have some or most of the ingredients already available in your pantry. Treat your guests to a tasty meal and save yourself some time with one big breakfast. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Bacon Explosion

Nothing says good morning like the bacon explosion. Invented by a barbecue team out of Kansas City, pictures and recipes about this dish has been gaining notoriety. Create a lattice of bacon by weaving one whole package of bacon and laying it flat on a piece of foil. Press down one layer of uncooked sausage on top. Add another layer of cooked bacon and roll the entire thing like a giant burrito. Grill your bacon explosion on the grill at 225 degrees for two and a half hours. Slice up and serve. The great thing about this recipe is that it leaves a lot of room to make ingredient changes. Instead of adding a layer of sausage, you can add cooked eggs or hash browns. If you don't have a grill, roll your bacon explosion in the foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour or until the bacon has crisped to your liking. Another great option is using pound cake in the middle to absorb the bacon juices. Serve with maple syrup on top.

Classics

Breakfast classics are classics for a reason: Many people love them. Liven up the morning with a giant pancake. Mix batter and pour it into your largest pan. You can stack them up if your pans are on the small size. Layer each pancake with a different topping like blueberries, bacon, sausage and whipped cream. For a twist, try making German pancakes. Traditional-style German pancakes are quite large. They are made in a cast iron skillet and filled with batter and apples. You can have two to three people sharing a crispy treat full of apples.

Add some spice your your morning by preparing a giant breakfast burrito. Lay down three large tortillas. Fill with beans, eggs, potatoes, salsa and cheese. Roll everything up tight, spread more cheese on top, and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. When it comes out, guests can simply slice through the middle to take out portions.

Breakfast Casserole

Take a Southern staple and make it into the breakfast go-to choice. Layer the bottom of a casserole pan with 4 cups of diced French bread. Over that layer, add 3 cups of diced ham, 1 cup of Swiss cheese and 1 cup of Gruyere cheese. Mix in a separate bowl six eggs, 4 tsp. of flour, 1 1/2 tsp. of dry mustard, 4 cups of milk, 4 tbsp. of melted butter, and 1 tsp. of both salt and pepper. Bake at 300 F for 40 minutes.You can make this in advance or keep it in the freezer.

Pastries

Pastries can be served for a smaller group of people or as a side dish for other entrees. Wow your guests with monkey bread. Similar to coffee cake, this circular bread has a taste of cinnamon and is large enough to feed a large group. Check your pantry for a box of baking mix. Commonly used for pancakes, you can make a huge shortcake using the same ingredients. Pop in the oven, and once done, top with butter, powdered sugar and fruit to serve.

Tags: bacon explosion, about this, cups diced, degrees Fahrenheit, German pancakes, like bacon

Substitutes For Pure Maple Syrup

Replace maple syrup with other products to lower your grocery bill or improve the healthfulness of a recipe.

Finding a substitute for key ingredients in a recipe or as a topping can be a challenging task. Whether you're out of maple syrup or looking to expand your options, there are several substitutes for general recipe use or for pancake and waffle toppings. Maple syrup substitutes range from pricier organic options to lesser expensive and widely available replacements. Does this Spark an idea?

Substitutes for Baking

According to the Joy of Baking website, there are two maple syrup baking substitutions. The simplest is an equal measure of honey. A slightly more involved substitute is a corn syrup concoction made with butter and optional maple extract. If a recipe calls for 1 cup of maple syrup, combine 3/4 cup of corn syrup with 1/4 cup of butter plus 1/2 tsp. of maple extract. According to The Cook's Thesaurus, refined sugar can replace maple syrup in baked goods. Use 1 cup of granulated sugar to replace 3/4 cup of maple syrup. Also, increase the amount of liquid in the recipe by 3 tbsp. for each cup of sugar.

Brown Rice Syrup

Brown rice syrup is created by fermenting brown rice with enzymes to break down the rice's starches; afterward, the liquid is strained and cooked to a syruplike consistency. Brown rice syrup is organic and, according to The Cook's Thesaurus, contains complex sugars that are slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels. Brown rice syrup is amber with a light flavor similar to butterscotch.

Molasses

There are several types of molasses, all made by refining sugar cane or sugar beets. Molasses is a rich color and contains abundant minerals, including iron and calcium. According to Baking911, it is a common pancake syrup substitute. Light molasses is sweet and mild. Dark molasses is thicker, darker and less sweet. It is often used to make baked beans and shoofly pie. Blackstrap molasses is not sweet and very thick; it is not frequently used in cooking.

Pancake Syrup

Pancake syrup is likely the first maple syrup substitution that comes to mind. After all, pancake syrup is a widely available, frequently used, inexpensive maple syrup alternative on pancakes. Pancake syrup is corn syrup and artificial flavoring. Use it on waffles and pancakes in place of maple syrup or in baked goods in a 1-1 ratio.

Tags: maple syrup, Brown rice syrup, corn syrup, rice syrup, baked goods, Brown rice, Cook Thesaurus

Farm Purchase Grants

Grants are available for individuals looking to purchase a farm.

Most people find themselves needing some kind of financial assistance to start a farm or ranch. Besides bank loans and private funding, grants remain the most popular way to fund the purchase of a farm or to upgrade a farm. Private foundations and government programs give the most grants to farmers and ranchers. Applications vary in length, but all require paperwork, interviews and sometimes classes or workshops in order to receive a grant. Organic farms, specialty farms, research farms and livestock farms all can use grants to fund their operations.

Organic Farming

To apply for an organic farming grant, the farmer must adhere to certain agricultural guidelines, which focus on using renewable resources, conserving natural resources, cultivating fruit and vegetables grown without pesticides, growing crops fertilized with natural ingredients and producing animal products that have not been subjected to antibiotics or growth hormones. In addition, a government-approved inspector will visit the farm and make sure the farmer uses only organic standards according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. Most farmers apply for this type of grant after their farm has already had organic practices in place. The USDA, organic farming foundations, and even 4-H clubs can guide farmers in applying for organic farming grants. Organic farms can have livestock and/or crops on their farm.

Specialty Farming

A relatively new type of farming, specialty farming, has been recognized by the USDA. Grants are now available to fund this type of farm, which is usually on a small amount of acreage and has a limited number of crops. The increased work to cultivate, higher price to grow per capita, or the type of crop grown make this type of farm a specialty farm. Some examples of specialty crops include herbs, shitake mushrooms, hybrid vegetables and vegetables grown only for farmer's market resale. Also, many specialized farms have livestock like hogs, chicken or turkey. Specialty grants obtained from both government and private resources use a standard application process that most other types of farms would use as well.

Research Farming

Research farms can receive funds from grants and/or universities or colleges. Research farms raise livestock, crops and herbs in an effort to find the best farming practices, most cost-effective farming practices and best flavor profiles, and to create hybrid fruits and vegetables. College students and graduate trainees often work on research farms and conduct much of the research.

Animal or Livestock Farms

Some farms raise only large game such as bison, elk, llama or deer. Livestock farmers use pasture land for the game, and at a certain age the game is slaughtered for the meat. Other farms raise chickens, goats and cows for their byproducts such as eggs and milk. These farms must maintain equipment to milk cows or goats and catch eggs. Livestock farms receive funding from USDA grants, private grants and sometimes educational institutions.

Tags: farms raise, this type, farming practices, farms have, farms have livestock

Do I Qualify For Food Stamps In South Carolina

Food stamps aid families and individuals who struggle to afford enough nutritious food on a monthly basis. In 2008, the program officially became the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Rules and regulations for SNAP are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while each state distributes funds to needy residents. South Carolina's SNAP is managed by the Department of Social Services. In order to receive SNAP, you will have to meet certain requirements.

Household Size

SNAP is open both to single people and families. Your household size is used to determine your eligibility, however. A household is not just defined by the number of people living under one roof. According to the South Carolina state Department of Social Services, a household is "the number of people who live in a household and buy food and prepare meals together."

Income

Just as household size refers to everyone living and preparing meals together, so does household income. It is not only the income of the head of the household which is counted, but the income of everyone in the house. Your household cannot exceed the limit for both gross and net monthly income for a family of your size and still be eligible for food stamps in South Carolina. Gross income is the household's total income before any deductions have been calculated, while net income is the result after allowable deductions have been factored. In 2011, the federal gross monthly income limit for a household of one is $1,174, while the gross limit for a family of four is $2,389.

Allowable Deductions

Your net income level for SNAP is decided according to how many allowable deductions your household has. A 20 percent deduction as an earned income credit is allowed by the USDA, as is a standard deduction of $142 per month for households with one to three people and $153 for larger households. You may also qualify for deductions because of legally owed child support payments, medical expenses for disabled or elderly members and for child care needed because of work, school or training.

Assets

South Carolina applies an asset test to determine whether or not your household is eligible for SNAP. In 2011, you cannot have countable assets worth more than $2,000. This level rises to $3,000 if at least one person in your household is disabled or 60 years or older. Certain resources cannot be counted as assets, such as a licensed vehicle used for income production, income from retirement pension plans and benefits from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income.

Online Benefits Check

You cannot be certain whether or not you can receive SNAP until you apply. However, if you would like to have an idea in advance, you can use the South Carolina Department of Social Services online benefits check. The site will ask you questions about your family size, assets, child care expenses, utility bills and overall finances to provide a preliminary decision regarding your SNAP eligibility. The South Carolina SNAP benefits check is confidential and not official, however, so even if you do see that you may be eligible for benefits, you will still need to apply at your local DSS office.

Tags: South Carolina, Department Social, Department Social Services, Social Services, your household

What To Do When You Owe More Than The Car Is Worth

What to Do When You Owe More Than the Car Is Worth

Reasons can vary as to why you owe more on your car than its worth. "You may be paying more interest charges than car payments," according to Credit Provider Financial Network. Maybe you paid too much for your car, and couldn't keep up the payments. By following some simple tips, and researching different options, you may be able to pay your car off, and make a fresh financial start.

Keep Making Payments

If you almost have the car paid off, continue making your payments until you pay off the balance. Any extra monthly income can be applied toward your car loan, to pay off the loan more quickly. Check your loan contract to make sure you won't be charged a pre-payment penalty if you pay the loan off early.

Trade-In

When you trade in your car, the auto lender takes care of all the paperwork and you may be able to take advantage of a rebate that may eliminate or help reduce your loan debt.

For example, if you owed $2,000 more than your car is worth, a rebate of $4,000 could eliminate your current debt, and you would have enough money left over to make a small down payment on another car.

Swap A Loan

You can swap a loan with the person who buys your car, and that person will be responsible for making payments. The buyer needs to take out a loan, and then pay the purchase price directly to you. You can pay off your loan, and the buyer will be making payments to their lender.

Don't sell your car, and let the buyer take over monthly payments to your lender, by paying you each month, or sending a payment to the lender on your behalf. Since the buyer is not responsible for making payments to the lender, if he doesn't have the money on time, your credit rating will be negatively affected.

Of course the buyer will need to meet the credit standards of the lender, and he'll be more likely to get the loan if he has good credit, can provide proof of employment and has been in the same residence for a few years.

Your buyer will also need to take over your insurance policy, so ask your insurance agent if insurance payments can be transferred to the buyer, or what other options exist for the buyer to pay for the insurance.

Home Equity Loan

Another option for paying off your car loan is to use some of the equity in your home. A home equity loan has a lower interest rate, and won't take you as long to pay off. You can take the money from your home equity loan, and pay off your auto loan, saving you from paying any more costly interest charges.

One downside to a home equity loan is that if you miss payments, you may be at risk of foreclosure on your home.

Tags: your loan, buyer will, home equity, home equity loan, your home, equity loan

Compost Vs Organic Fertilizer

Compost and organic fertilizers improve garden soil.

If you have even a small garden, you have been faced with myriad of soil additives on the market designed to improve your garden. However, not all soil amendments are the same. Although compost is an organic fertilizer, commercially-prepared organic fertilizers may not be made from composted material. Does this Spark an idea?

What Is Compost?

Compost is a composite of decomposed organic material including grass clippings, raked leaves, kitchen waste and manure from a variety of animals. The composting material is kept moist in order to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms that are important for decomposition. The compost is left to "cook" from two weeks to a year depending on the weather conditions and what is in the compost. Cooler temperatures slow decomposition, and the compost pile takes longer to break down. Coffee grounds and animal manure create a hotter pile which can cause decomposition to happen faster. The resulting compost resembles a rich, dark brown or black soil.

What Is an Organic Fertilizer?

An "organic" label on food means the food meets a specific requirement when it comes to chemical pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers. However, for fertilizers, "organic" has traditionally referred to any soil additive that comes from a natural source as opposed to inorganic or synthesized chemical fertilizers. Compost is a natural plant and animal byproduct. Therefore, compost is an organic fertilizer.

Labeling

In 1990, the USDA enacted the Organic Food Production Act which standardized the use of the term "organic" on labels. However, the arm of the USDA does not reach to the labeling of fertilizers. Labeling on fertilizer is regulated by the state; therefore, it isn't necessarily consistent from state to state or consistent with the USDA's regulations. Some fertilizers that have been labeled as organic do not comply with the USDA regulations which means any crops produced using that fertilizer cannot be certified as organic.

Bottom Line

When choosing between compost you've made in your backyard, compost available at the garden center and bags of organic fertilizer, remember that they all improve your garden's soil. The compost you've created in the compost bin in your backyard only contains the decomposed matter you placed in the pile. The bags of compost at the garden center should also only contain naturally decomposed matter. However, carefully read the label of bags of organic fertilizer, looking closely for inorganic or synthesized chemicals.

Tags: organic fertilizer, bags organic, bags organic fertilizer, compost organic, compost organic fertilizer, decomposed matter, decomposition compost

Cool Things To Do In L A

Los Angeles: famous for entertainment.

Los Angeles is not only the second largest city in the United States, but it's one of the great cities of the world. With a temperate Mediterranean climate, mountains running through the city and surrounding it, beaches, and a huge physical size, Los Angeles is a treasure trove of possibilities. Books exist on what L.A. has to offer, but there are few can't-miss, don't-leave-town-without-doing choices.

Beaches

Los Angeles is known for its fun in the sun. And that includes numerous beautiful ocean-side locations.

The Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica has an amusement park complete with rides and games, an arcade, aquarium, restaurants, carousel, fishing and more. Ride the ferris wheel in Pacific Park and overlook the entire L.A. coast from what feels like the top of the world.

Point Dume and Zuma Beach in Malibu are a cliffed peninsula followed by a long, sandy county beach. Enjoy beautiful views and gentle winds up on Point Dume, world-famous surf and dolphins, and see where "Baywatch" was filmed down on the Zuma sand.

Venice Beach, famous for its "muscle beach" is where counterculture, yuppie culture and hippie culture collide on the sand. Venice's eclectic mix of tattoo parlors, pizza-slice stands, organic restaurants, spas and medical marijuana clinics form a unique neighborhood on a beautiful beach.

Amusement Parks

Because Los Angeles is home to the entertainment industry, it's also the original multi-amusement park city.

Disneyland is the original Disney theme park is just south of L.A. in Anaheim. Next to Mickey's home in the Magic Kingdom with its roller-coasters, storybook rides and captivating shows is Disney's California Adventure, which has rides and features related to its home state.

Just a few miles down the road from Disneyland is Knott's Berry Farm, home of Western-themed rides and country-style cooking

In Valencia, just north of L.A. is Six Flags Magic Mountain, a collection of some of the most adrenaline-inducing rides in Southern California. It also hosts summer concerts and has neighboring water park, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.

Right in the middle of Los Angeles is world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood, on the original Universal back lot. Besides the modern-day fun rides, the studio tour tram takes visitors to the actual sets of the movies and TV shows of yore, and teaches about movie making.

Sights

Whether you're traveling to L.A. for the first time or rediscovering the often forgotten famous highlights of your native town, L.A. is full of interesting landmarks.

Hollywood Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame let you walk right over the starts on the way to Mann Chinese Theater, where you can see the handprints and footprints of the famous.

Griffith Park and The Griffith Observatory boast the largest park within a city in the world. The Observatory, which now hosts laser light shows instead of astronomers is known for its use in numerous movies, including "Rebel Without a Cause" with James Dean.

And the Los Angeles Farmer's Market is home to some of L.A.'s best eating with fresh produce, a variety of gourmet and down-home food stands and unique gifts. Next door is one of L.A.'s premier outdoor malls, complete with everything from Nordstrom to Coffee Bean. If you want to sample some of L.A.'s best, but less-touted cuisine, the Farmer's Market will not disappoint.

And at night, check out L.A.'s famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood for some of the most famous nightclubs, bars and comedy clubs in the world. From The Whiskey-A-Go-Go, birthplace of moon boots and cradle of The Doors, to The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Club, some of L.A.'s best nightlife is lined up on Sunset between Fairfax and Doheny.

Tags: some best, complete with, Farmer Market, Point Dume, sand Venice, Santa Monica, some most

Dehydrate Jerky

Jerky is a type of dehydrated, or dried, meat which can be made from almost any type of meat or wild game. It is high in protein and low in fat, and doesn't need to be refrigerated. Jerky is a convenient food to carry in your purse or backpack or keep in your car for a healthy on-the-go snack. Jerky is a popular item among hikers and backpackers because it provides a lot of nutritional punch for a small amount of weight and space. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Choose lean cuts of raw meat. Fat will cause the jerky to go rancid, so find the leanest cuts of meat such as loin, round or flank steak. Beef is one of the more popular choices when making jerky, and many find it the easiest meat to work with. Choose a cut that is approximately ½ inch thick. Four pounds of meat will yield about one pound of jerky.

2. Place the meat in the freezer for a few hours, until it is partly frozen---this will make it much easier to slice. Trim off any visible fat and cut the meat across the grain into ¼ inch slices. Try to keep the slices a uniform size so they will all dehydrate evenly.

3. Marinate the jerky before you dehydrate it. Choose a sweet, salty, spicy, or peppery marinade for your jerky from the recipes listed in the resource section or make up your own recipe using some combination of soy sauce; Worcestershire sauce; sugar; honey and spices such as garlic or onion powder, black pepper and chili powder. For the simplest possible marinade, use plain soy sauce. Place the sliced meat in a nonmetal pan or plastic bag and cover it with marinade. Refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours.

4. Drain the marinade from the strips of meat and spread them out on foil-lined cookie sheets or the racks of your dehydrator. Do not allow the strips to overlap---air should be able to circulate freely around each strip. Set your oven or dehydrator temperature to 120 to 170 degrees and allow the strips to dry, checking periodically for doneness.

5. Test to see if the jerky is done. It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours for jerky to dehydrate, depending on the thickness of the meat. It usually takes longer in the oven than in a dehydrator with a fan. The meat will turn darker and shrink as it dehydrates. Pick up a piece of jerky and bend it in half; it should bend slightly before it breaks. If it does not break, then dehydrate longer and test again until you find that it is done.

6. Store jerky in a sealed plastic bag or jar in a cool dark place for up to a week. You can store it in the refrigerator for a few weeks or in the freezer for up to a year.

Tags: meat will, allow strips, cuts meat

Careers In The Nutrition Industry

Dietitians help people maintain healthy bodies through proper nutrition.

Careers in the nutrition industry are ideal if you enjoy learning what foods are best for the human body and transferring this knowledge to others to enhance their quality of life. Nutritionists and dietitians are the umbrella careers within this industry; however, you can choose a specific scope of practice as a nutritionist or dietitians. Job growth within the nutrition industry is projected to grow nine percent by 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This growth is due to the national emphasis on healthier eating and an aging population.

Clinical Dietitian

Clinical dietitians work in medical institutions to help assess the nutritional needs for patients. Some of the responsibilities of a clinical dietitian include developing and implementing nutritional plans, evaluating the effect of these plans and advising patients on nutritional matters. To become a clinical dietitian, you must obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in a health related field such as nutrition. To work as a clinical dietitian within your state you may be required to obtain state license or certification. The American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration provides a list of all states that require licensing, certification or registration for clinical dietitians. As of 2010, the annual salary for clinical dietitians ranges from $40,169 to $54,984, according to PayScale.

Community Dietitian

Community dietitians work with groups or individuals within a community to promote health, prevent disease and educate the community on proper nutrition. As a community dietitian, you may work in health maintenance organizations, public health clinics or in home-health agencies. You will work one-on-one with clients to evaluate current nutritional deficiencies and help develop nutritional plans to help prevent diseases. The U.S. Department of Labor states that community dietitians can also work in food marketing or advertising industries. This type of work may involve analyzing foods and creating literature for the public regarding the safety and nutritional value for the presented food items.

Community dietitians must obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition or a related field. While a master's degree may not be required for most positions, it may help increase your likelihood of finding employment. Check with the American Dietetic Association Commission on Dietetic Registration to see if your state requires licensing, certification or registration to work as a dietitian. The U.S. Department of Labor states the average annual salary for community dietitians is $48,006; however, your actual salary can vary due to your education level and years of practice.

Consultant Dietician

Consultant dietitians can operate their own private practice or work in medical facilities to offer advice to patients/clients regarding nutrition. As a consultant dietitian, you may develop a nutritional plan to help a client lose weight, reduce cholesterol or manage diabetes. To work as a consultant dietitian, you must obtain an undergraduate degree in nutrition or a related health field and apply for a license or certification within your state. CBSalary states the average annual salary for a consultant dietitian is $50,840 (as of 2010).

Tags: annual salary, clinical dietitian, consultant dietitian, Department Labor, must obtain

Make And Use An Anti Aging Facial

Make and Use an Anti Aging Facial

This anti aging facial which you can make and apply at home uses a simple easily obtainable ingredient applied in a specific way that science, according to numerous reports, has now proven reverses damage to skin and restores collagen. And since skin cells are replaced monthly, imagine what the continued use of such an anti aging facial could do as it helps in the replacement of old cells with new healthier ones.

Skin treatments using ascorbic acid or ascorbyl palmitate (both specific forms of vitamin C) are aplenty on the market. Salons offer "C saturation" anti aging facials, C patches are sold for use at home, and daily C serums are available. But not all purchased products contain a high enough percentage to do any good. And it's very difficult (and therefore very expensive) to make the vitamin C stable once moistened. Therefore, these anti aging facial and creme products sometimes lose their potency. (See author's other articles for make a daily C serum for pennies with guaranteed correct potency that is also reported to protect from UV sun rays.)

Your homemade anti aging facial will be made fresh each week you use it so you'll know it's potent, it will use an abundant, saturated amount of the "magic" ingredient, and it will cost you pennies compared to store-bought brands or salon treatments. Go ahead and check out commercial brands for travel or other occasions you can't do any quick mixing yourself. But check them out carefully to make sure they deliver the ascorbyl palmitate form of the vitamin, that they don't contain any orange or yellow dye which can mask the problem of it oxidizes and loses potency (it turns yellow), and that it does not come in a clear container, as light also destroys potency. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain ascorbyl palmitate, the main anti aging facial active ingredient. You can either buy it as a vitamin product in capsules (don't get tablets, get capsules) that can be opened for your facials, or purchased from a chemist or health food store. But look closely at the label, you don't want other forms of C.

2. Measure 2 teaspoons skin lotion. This is just a carrier for your anti aging facial. It can be inexpensive and simple. But for reasons explained above, don't use an inexpensive Vitamin C lotion in case it has already oxidized.

3. Add 1/2 teaspoon ascorbyl palmitate and mix until somewhat creamy. You'll want your homemade anti aging facial to "stick" well to your skin as a paste.

4. Test a small area. This is a potent anti aging facial, and if there's any irritation, remove immediately add more lotion until it feels okay. You may find that you can tolerate more as you continue to use it.

5. Apply immediately to face, neck, back of hands and if desired, upper chest area for 20 minutes. Although this form of C is more stable, they all begin to lose potency once they see daylight and are moistened from their powder form, so don't mix and then apply later. Rinse well and repeat your anti aging facial weekly.

Tags: anti aging, aging facial, aging facial, anti aging facial, ascorbyl palmitate, anti aging, anti aging facial

Donate Magazine Subscriptions

Make someone's day with your magazine subscription donation.

Donating magazine subscriptions is an inexpensive way of showing positive support in someone's life or to an organization. There are many people and/or organizations that could benefit from this kind act. Soldiers who are away at war, children who are hospitalized for long periods at a time and even a family member or friend who is serving time in prison. Whomever you decide to support with your magazine subscription donation, your thoughtfulness will be much appreciated.

Instructions

1. Determine to who or what organization you want to donate a magazine subscription to. Get all of the recipient's information including the recipient's mailing address and email address.

2. Log onto the website of the magazine subscription you wish to donate. Locate and click on the "Give a Gift" link.

3. Choose an offer and enter the recipient's information into the designated field. Fill in your payment information and mailing address.

4. Notify the recipient that the donation is coming by completing the "Notify your recipient a subscription is on the way" section. This will send an email to the recipient's address.

5. Click the "Submit" button to process your order. Print out a copy of your gift subscription from the order conformation page to keep for your records.

Tags: magazine subscription, magazine subscription donation, mailing address, recipient information, subscription donation, with your

The Advantages Of Recycling Materials

The Advantages of Recycling Materials

Recycling is the act of taking a used container that is no longer useful and transforming it into a new, reusable product instead of letting it go to waste in a landfill. By recycling, we reduce our waste, reduce the amount of energy we use, and can even prevent harmful chemicals from contaminating our soil and/or water.

Significance

In a world populated by almost seven billion people, the amount of waste produced is astronomical. In order to prevent our landfills from filling up with garbage and to conserve our energy, recycling is a must. Recycling a glass bottle saves enough energy for a computer to run for 25 minutes; recycling a plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a 60 watt lightbulb for three hours. These are just some of the examples of what recycling is capable of accomplishing.

Function

The process of recycling is often depicted in three steps. The mantra, so to speak, is "reduce, reuse, recycle." Reduce the amount of things you waste, whether it is food, packaging or other products. Reuse any containers and products that can be. Recycle items that can be recycled and are recognizable by the three arrow symbol.

Types

What types of things can be reused and/or recycled? Most containers that can be recycled have the three arrow triangle on them somewhere, with a number at the center. This number signifies whether or not the container can be recycled. Every state and country has different standards for recycling, so be sure to visit your community's recycling resource page to find out what products are recyclable.

Glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard can be recycled in most places.

Considerations

When recycling, be sure to clean out the bottles and containers before you put them in the recycling bin. Too often containers are rejected because they are dirty or messy. By simply rinsing them out in your sink, you make sure that the container will be recycled.

Potential

If we were to recycle more, so much would be possible, and many energy and environmental problems would be solved. Not only does recycling conserve energy, it also

-provides more jobs for people

-reduces the release of green house gases which are said to deplete the ozone layer and effect the climate

-conserves nature's resources such as water, minerals and wood

-preserves our planet for future generations

-reduces the need for using landfills and incinerators to burn trash

To find out more about recycling in your area or to start a recycling program, visit your community's main website for more information.

Tags: Advantages Recycling, Advantages Recycling Materials, bottle saves, bottle saves enough, conserve energy, enough energy

What Kinds Of Human Foods Feed My Dog

Accent your dog's diet with the right kinds of human food.

As most dog owners know, man's best friend will eat pretty much anything, for better or worse. While sticking to dog food is a surefire bet, some owners just can't resist a begging pup. In moderation, some human food is actually healthy for dogs. Know what you're getting into before you start feeding your canine people food, as some human foods cause health problems for your pet.

Fruits and Vegetables

Because dogs need a high-fiber diet, many fruits and veggies are safe bets when it comes to people food. Pumpkin provides fiber and vitamin A, while sweet potatoes add vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Filling green beans, which are high in fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C and manganese, help pudgy canines lose weight when used as a partial substitute for canned dog food. Give your dog phytonutrient-rich bananas or apples as a sweet treat, but leave the apple seeds and banana peels out. Served fresh or frozen, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries contain immune system-bolstering antioxidants, while baby carrots help clean teeth.

Meats

Feed your dog fully cooked meats in moderation, and avoid strong seasonings or heavy cooking oils. Cooked salmon, which features a high omega-3 fatty acid content, bolsters your dog's immune system and helps improve skin and coat health if given in extreme moderation. Feed your dog high-protein, low-fat cooked chicken or lean ground hamburger meat as a partial dog food substitute on rare occasions.

Other Foods

The omega-3 fatty acids contained in flax seeds contribute to the shine of your dog's coat, as do those found in brewer's yeast. Try sprinkling these items atop commercial dog food to entice picky eaters. Plain, all-natural yogurt adds calcium and protein to your pet's diet. Opt for frozen yogurt as a special treat on hot days, but avoid giving your pet too much dairy as it may lead to stomach problems. Cooked eggs, known to help dogs with digestive problems, provide protein, riboflavin and selenium, as does fully cooked, plain, sugar-free oatmeal.

Foods to Avoid

Alcohol, chocolate, salt, sugar and caffeine are big no-nos when it comes to your dog's diet, causing everything from electrolyte imbalances to nervous system complications. Avoid feeding dogs raw meat or eggs, as bacteria and parasites may make your pet sick. Always leave the bones out of meat, and the seeds out of fruits and vegetables. Never feed your dog avocados, grapes, mushrooms, onion, garlic or rhubarb leaves. In general, don't allow your dog's diet to exceed more than 25 percent human food.

Tags: your diet, human food, fiber vitamin, fully cooked, omega-3 fatty, people food, some human

Use Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxcan cheese is often shredded and placed on top of Mexican dishes such as tostadas.

Oaxaca cheese is named for the region of Mexico where it was originally created, Oaxaca. It is a semi-soft cheese comparable to Mozzarella or string cheese, and has a number of uses in both Mexican and U.S. cuisines. Oaxaca cheese can be purchased at many grocery stores as well as at Mexican markets or international stores in the U.S. The cheese has a mild flavor and melts well, which makes it a versatile as well as delicious choice. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Slice Oaxacan cheese to place on pizza in place of Mozzarella. It has similar characteristics and will melt well on pizza. Use in the same way in calzones. Use traditional ingredients that you would put on pizza or try making a Mexican pizza with taco meat. Add shredded lettuce and sour cream once the pizza is cooked.

2. Place in quesadillas with ingredients such as shrimp, beef, chicken, sauteed onion and green peppers. Simply butter a pan and place a flour tortilla in it. Place ingredients on top and cover with another tortilla. Cook on medium heat for approximately five minutes before turning over to let the other side cook. Remove from pan, slice into quarters and serve with guacamole, sour cream or salsa.

3. Shred Oaxacan cheese and place on top of tacos, burritos or tostadas to add a genuine Mexican flavor to your dishes.

4. Make queso fundido, which is a mixture of Oaxacan cheese, cooked chorizo sausage and jalapeno peppers. Place ingredients together in an ovenproof pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve with tortilla chips.

5. Slice Oaxaca cheese and serve with crackers as an appetizer.

Tags: Oaxaca cheese, Oaxacan cheese, cheese place, Oaxacan cheese place, Place ingredients, serve with

Instructions For The Use Of A West Bend Bread & Dough Maker

The WestBend bread maker can create loaves of various sizes.

The Focus Electrics Group manufactures a variety of home appliances under the brand names WestBend and Back to Basics. WestBend appliances include coffee makers, slow cookers, popcorn makers and bread makers, among others, and can be purchased at many home retail stores, department stores or appliance stores. The WestBend bread and dough maker can create dough and different bread loaf sizes, light, medium or dark crusts and has a delayed start cycle and automatic warmer. Using the bread and dough maker is fairly simple to do. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the bread pan at a diagonal angle into the baking chamber and turn clockwise until the bread pan clicks into place.

2. Place the bread pan at a diagonal angle into the baking chamber and turn clockwise until the bread pan clicks into place.

3. Add the bread ingredients according to a bread machine recipe in the following order: liquids, butter or margarine, dry ingredients and then yeast.

4. Plug the bread maker into a working power supply. Press "Menu" to choose the desired bread or dough making program. Press "Loaf" to select the loaf size and "Color" to select the desired darkness of the crust.

5. Press "Start/Stop" to begin the baking process. An alert will sound when the baking is complete. Turn off the bread maker by pressing "Stop/Stop" until the alarm sounds again. Unplug the bread maker and open the top lid. Slide out the bread pan using oven mitts.

Tags: bread maker, angle into, angle into baking, baking chamber, baking chamber turn

What Are Wheat Berries Used For

Wheat berries are the hard, whole kernels of wheat.

Wheat berries are hard, whole kernels of wheat that can be used in a variety of ways. Cooked wheat berries have a sweet, nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Wheat berries are high in fiber and protein, and make a nutritious breakfast cereal or a substitute for rice and potatoes. Wheat berries can also be sprouted and used in salads. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Basic Cooking Methods

Combine 1 cup berries with 3 cups water in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil, and simmer for half an hour. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for eight to 10 hours. Alternatively, you can cook the wheat berries in a slow cooker for two to three hours on high, turn off the heat, and let sit overnight. The wheat berries are now ready to use as a hot cereal or in other recipes.

Wheat Berry Cereal

Reheat cooked wheat berries and add milk, fruit and nuts, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, and serve as a hot breakfast cereal that is similar to oatmeal.

Side Dishes and Other Recipes

Substitute 1/2 to 1 cup of cooked wheat berries for the bread crumbs in meatloaf or stuffed pepper recipes. You can also use them to replace rice or pasta in minestrone or other soups and stews. Toss cooked wheat berries with chopped onions, peppers, carrots, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and chill to make a delicious salad. Vegetarians can use wheat berries as a meat substitute in chili recipes.

Sprouting Wheat Berries

Wheat berry sprouts, like alfalfa or other sprouts, can be a nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches or stir-fries. To sprout wheat berries, place them in a jar and cover them with water. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse the berries, then return them to the jar, covering the opening with cheesecloth. Lay the jar on its side in a dark place for two to four days, rinsing and draining the berries once each day, until sprouts reach a length of 1 inch. Place the jar on a sunny windowsill for one day, then enjoy.

Tags: cooked wheat berries, wheat berries, berries hard, berries hard whole, berries with, breakfast cereal

Restaurants Near Devon Ct

Located in New Haven county, the village of Devon, Connecitcut is a part of the city of Milford and is 8 mile east of Bridgeport and 58 miles south of Hartford. For tourists, the Devon area features attractions like Margaret Eagan Center Park and West Shore Recreation Center. Visitors to Devon have numerous dining options to choose from, including casual breweries, Spanish cafes and upscale, international restaurants.

Bin 100

Established in December 2007, Bin 100 is 2 miles from Devon (approximately four minutes by automobile) and features international cuisine. The restaurant has a Zagat dining guide rating of "very good to excellent" for its food, decor and service as of September 2010. The menu begins with a dozen appetizers, such as the ceviche of the day, the fried calamari with ponzu sauce and the pizza with prosciutto and goat cheese. A dinner specialty is the beef duo, a short rib and a grilled streak in a truffle sauce, accompanied by potato puree and glazed root vegetables. For dessert, try the churros, fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce. The wine list features more than 150 selections from around the world. Bin 100 serves brunch on Sundays and dinner nightly. Reservations are recommended. Business casual attire is suggested.

Bin 100

100 Lansdale Ave.

Milford, CT 06460

203-882-1400

bin100.com

Bistro Basque

Specializing in cuisine from the Basque region of Spain and France, Bistro Basque is 4 miles from Devon (around 10 minutes by automobile). As of September 2010, the restaurant had a Zagat rating of "extraordinary to perfection" for its food and "very good to excellent" for its decor and service. A dozen appetizers and tapas lead the menu, including the asparagus gratin with Serrano ham and Manchego cheese and the Portuguese sausage with an apple compote. Entrees include seafood paella, rack of lamb with ratatouille and grilled salmon in tarragon sauce. A full bar is available. Bistro Basque serves lunch Wednesdays through Sundays and dinner nightly. Reservations are suggested, and casual attire is appropriate. Outdoor seating is available on the restaurant's patio, weather permitting.

Bistro Basque

13 River St.

Milford, CT 06460

203-878-2092

bistrobasqueusa.com

Southport Brewing Co.

Known for brewing its own beer on site, Southport Brewing Co. is 4 miles from Devon (eight minutes by automobile). Established in May 2005, the restaurant had Zagat dining guide ratings of "good to very good" for its decor "fair to good" for its food and service as of September 2010. To start the meal, the restaurant features more than 15 appetizers like the honey teriyaki chicken wings and the crispy fried calamari. A signature entree is the brewmaster's mixed grill: chicken breast, shrimp and a New York strip steak topped in a Bordelaise sauce flavored with fresh thyme. For dessert, try the SBC mug sundae, which features a choice of ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream all served in a frosted beer mug. The restaurant also features about 10 house-brewed beers on tap and has a full bar. Southport Brewing Co. serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is the norm when dining at the restaurant. Outdoor dining is available on the restaurant's patio, weather permitting. A children's menu is available for young diners.

Southport Brewing Co.

33 New Haven Ave.

Milford, CT 06460

203-874-2337

southportbrewing.com

Tags: Bistro Basque, Southport Brewing, from Devon, miles from, miles from Devon, Milford 06460

Raw Food Restaurants Near Miami Beach

Raw food is full of healthy nutrients.

Raw food restaurants cater to vegetarians and vegans with menu selections that are prepared using uncooked fruits and vegetables. Raw food retains its natural nutritional value versus cooked food that loses nutrients when prepared at high temperatures. Miami Beach is home to one restaurant that serves raw food; however the surrounding area of downtown Miami offers more raw food dining options.

Escopazzo Restaurant

Escopazza is an organic Italian eatery located within a half-mile of the Atlantic coastline. They offer a variety of dishes that includes gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. Escopazzo's raw food items are vegan and do not contain meat or dairy products. The raw food menu features selections such as marinated vegetables in a flaxseed wrap, vegetable lasagna with pine nut ricotta and pesto, fettuccine alfredo and a vegan Caprese salad with cashew cheese, tomato tartare, pesto, basil, salt and pepper. Escopazzo serves an array of hot entrees such as eggplant timbale filled with tomato, basil, pesto, mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, mussel soup and salmon Carpaccio. Cold dishes include radicchio and sunflower sprout salad and apple cider vinegar infused octopus. Pasta entrees include ricotta and pear filled ravioli, spaghetti with clams and zucchini and fettuccine with fresh tomatoes and basil. Escopazzo offers meat options such as grass-fed ribeye with pan roasted root vegetables, fish stew and veal.

Escopazzo Restaurant

1311 Washington Ave.

Miami Beach, FL 33139

305-407-1783

escopazzo.com

Om Garden

Om Garden is located in downtown Miami, approximately 5 miles southwest of Miami Beach. This establishment serves vegetarian and vegan food, offering up a plethora of raw food entrees. Om Garden's sushi-style raw vegetable rolls are wrapped in Nori-seaweed and filled with combinations such as mango, curry pate and spinach or carrots, beets, avocado, baby greens, cashew pate, mango, figs and balsamic syrup. Om Garden offers a raw pizza served on flaxseed bread and topped with pesto, cashew cheese, tomatoes, avocado and olives. Raw food selections include zucchini noodle dishes and romaine leaf tacos filled with guacamole, salsa and cashew sour cream. Om Garden offers raw chilled soups, salads, cooked items such as falafels and veggie burgers, desserts and a juice and smoothie bar.

Om Garden

379 SW 15th Road

Miami, FL 33129

305-856-4433

omgardenonline.com

Lifefood Gourmet

Lifefood Gourmet is a juice bar and restaurant located in between downtown Miami and Coconut Grove, within 5 miles of Miami Beach. Lifefood Gourmet prepares organic, uncooked and unprocessed vegetarian and vegan selections such as salads topped with tahini dressing, flaxseed and sun-dried tomato bread pizzas, vegetarian burritos and tacos made with pumpkin-spiced nuts, peppers, pine nut cheese, guacamole, salsa and lettuce and vegetable-stuffed crepes.

Lifefood Gourmet

1248 Southwest 22nd St.

Miami, FL 33145

305-856-6767

lifefoodgourmet.com

Tags: Miami Beach, Lifefood Gourmet, downtown Miami, filled with, cashew cheese, Escopazzo Restaurant, Garden offers

Vegetarian Restaurants In Portland Or

Portland, Oregon plays host to a variety of vegetarian restaurants.

With numerous parks and hiking trails scattered throughout the region, Portland, Oregon promotes a healthy lifestyle. As a result, the city also features a handful of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Many of these eateries offer gluten-free menus as well, or dishes void of such potential allergen products as wheat, rye and barley.

Vita Cafe

Residing in Portland's Alberta Street Restaurant District, Vita Cafe offers a casual interior with brightly colored walls and red vinyl chairs, as well as a garden patio outfitted with picnic tables and umbrellas. The menu features a mixture of vegan and vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, including such items as homemade vegan granola with soy milk, vegan French toast, buffalo tofu whole wheat wraps, three bean vegan soup and barbeque faux turkey sandwich. The restaurant also offers a full bar, free Wi-Fi access and live musical performances on certain evenings.

Vita Cafe

3023 NE Alberta St.

Portland, OR 97211

503-335-8233

vita-cafe.com

Paradox Cafe

Situated in Portland's Belmont neighborhood, the Paradox Cafe offers a classic diner interior highlighted by quirky lighting fixtures and ceiling decorations. Breakfast items include such dishes as scrambled eggs with steamed vegetables and breakfast burritos featuring chili, onions, vegetables and a choice of tofu, eggs or tempeh. Additional entrees include such fare as tempeh Reuben sandwiches, soy tacos, Portobello gyros and a variety of salads. The kitchen can turn any dish into a vegan item upon request.

Paradox Cafe

3439 SE Belmont St.

Portland, OR 97214

503-232-7508

paradoxorganiccafe.com

Old Wives' Tales

Old Wives' Tales offers a variety of in-house dining options, from the classical music dining hall to the main dining hall with an attached playroom for children. Guests may also rent out the east dining room for private events and parties. The restaurant features a host of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including oven baked pancakes with various fruit toppings, gluten-free tofu scrambles, Indian burritos stuffed with chutney and guacamole sandwiches with cheese. The restaurant also provides a Sunday brunch, children's and dessert menu, the latter of which offers such vegan treats as cookies, pudding and cakes.

Old Wives' Tales

1300 E Burnside St.

Portland, OR 97214

503-238-0470

oldwivestalesrestaurant.com

Tags: Paradox Cafe, Vita Cafe, Wives Tales, Cafe offers, dining hall, include such, Portland 97214

Organize Your Company

Organize Your Company

Organizing your company involves taking a concept, developing a process and building a team to successfully get the product or service to market to generate sales. The Board of Directors takes the lead in reviewing candidates for the organizational team of workers and professionals. Forming strategic alliances can be instrumental to your experience and have an influence on your customers.

Instructions

1. Establish a Board of Directors to determine the organization's mission and purpose. Hire additional staff, review the organization's programs and services and arbitrate personnel conflicts. Assess the performance of the Board in its early stages of formation to ensure that the members are trustworthy and committed to the mission. Change members of the Board as required.

2. Organize your team and operations by developing a business plan and first year operating plan to show how your product or service will get from the production stage to your target customer. Identify the people required and their role. Itemize day-to-day activities, suppliers and vendors, labor and raw materials. Demonstrate how you will keep track of inventory and the type of equipment you need.

3. Select your professional team of strategic alliances, marketing and sales representatives and the engineering team who will be instrumental in developing products and processes. Define the Board's mandate of goals and objectives. Establish advisory boards for technical, business and consulting functions by locating retired experts in your field, through social networks, who would be willing to help you accomplish such tasks as entry into new markets, launching a new product and opportunities for expansion.

4. Establish the core of your organization by setting up the financial functions of the Chief Financial Officer and Controller to establish the accounting system to achieve the overall strategic objectives of the organization. Plan for the acquisition of fixed assets. Analyze costing around product development and salaries. Develop long-term plans for improvements to the organization or expanding the business.

5. Organize a sales team and process. Define your target, geography and marketing activity. Establish relationships with every customer who has pre-qualified your product or service to encourage their decision to make the purchase. Determine the target bracket of the customer. Confirm technical capabilities, prepare agreements and deliver the product or service. Organize the client into one of two categories: "future customer" or "not likely customer," for both customer and company organization.

Tags: product service, Board Directors, Organize Your Company, strategic alliances, your product

Salaries For Culinary Arts In North Carolina

Chefs are just one of the professions involved in culinary arts.

According to All Culinary Schools, culinary arts professions can involve such positions as cook, chef, restaurant manager and even food scientist. All such jobs exist in North Carolina. What these professions have in common is formal training in cooking skills ranging from a certificate to a bachelor's degree. They also involve a desire to elevate the preparation and serving of food beyond a mechanical skill.

Chefs

Chefs plan menus, create dishes and supervise the staff in their kitchens. They primarily work in restaurants and hotels. They usually work long hours since food deliveries occur in the morning and restaurant activities usually extend into the night. They make a mean $18.50 per hour or $38,470 per year, which is almost double the mean $9.32 per hour or $19,390 per year for all food preparation and serving occupations in North Carolina. This is as of May 2009 from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The amounts are only slightly under the mean hourly rates for all workers in the state, which run $18.95 per hour or $39,420 per year.

Cooks

Cooks prepare, season and cook such foods as appetizers, soups, main dishes, salads and desserts in restaurants or other food-service institutions. In small businesses, they may be responsible for a variety of dishes. In larger facilities, they may specialize in a type of food such as pastries or baked goods. They may work under the management of a chef or head cook. Though many learn skills on the job, they often advance their training by attending cooking schools or vocational training programs. In North Carolina, restaurant cooks make a mean $10.37 per hour or a mean $21,580 per year, which is still above the mean for food preparation occupations but also below the mean for all workers in the state.

Restaurant Managers

Restaurant managers not only supervise chefs and other workers in the kitchen, but food servers and other employees. They interview, hire, train and fire workers, interact with customers and resolve their complaints, plan schedules and goals, and decide on marketing strategies. They also tally the cash and reconcile income and expenses, and ensure that all food regulations are met. Many restaurant managers have some postsecondary training, with management trainees often recruited from two and four-year college programs in hospitality management. Restaurant managers in North Carolina make a mean $25.50 per hour or $53,050 per year, which is under the mean of $48.64 per hour or $101,170 per year for all management occupations in the state.

Food Scientists

Food scientists work in universities, the government or in the food processing industry to improve the production and quality of food. They combine knowledge of chemistry, microbiology, physics and engineering to develop better ways of preserving, processing, packaging and delivering foods. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement, though research work at universities often demands master's or doctoral degrees. Food scientists in North Carolina make a mean $23.26 per hour or $48,380 per year, which is below the mean $29.47 per hour or $61,290 per year made by all life, physical and social sciences positions in the state.

Tags: hour year, mean hour, mean hour year, North Carolina, make mean, make mean hour, year which

Start A Local Bakery

Start a Local Bakery

If you have always been appreciated for your baking skills and your bakery items are a regular at local feasts and celebrations, start thinking about making money using your baking skills. You can set up your own bakery locally. Starting a local bakery may seem intimidating at the outset, but with appropriate guidance on what to do, right efforts and good business skills, you can succeed.

Instructions

1. Do an extensive research of your area. Know what residents in the area think about a local bakery and what they expect from it. Visit other local bakeries and find out how they started out, attract customers, and operate their businesses. Find out what products they sell and learn how satisfied customers are with their products. This helps you get a basic idea of what your bakery should and should not have. Network with local bakery associations or small businesses to stay tuned about the latest happenings and updates in the industry.

2. Decide whether you are going to use your savings as capital or take a loan. Approach a local bank and get to know the procedure for loan application. You would need a business plan to apply for a loan. Your business plan should provide information on your bakery business operations including day-to-day management, products, marketing, and financial management.

3. Ensure that you meet all federal, state, and local laws on food safety. Visit fda.gov (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to know about food safety and sanitation rules that you need to adhere to. Register your business with your Secretary of State office. Obtain Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, for identification of your business for purposes of taxation. Obtain essential local permits and licenses, if any, to start your business. Local and state laws vary from place to place. Contact your local health agency for details.

4. Find a location for your bakery. A busy locality with schools, shops, and offices, in the vicinity, would be ideal. Furnish your bakery with baking equipment and furniture. Have regular chairs and tables. Decide if you are going to provide a dine-in option for customers or a just an order-and-leave system, and furnish accordingly.

5. Have a menu that caters to different kinds of tastes. You can have sugar-free, low-fat, gluten-free, kosher, and other varieties. Be inventive in your decoration and introduce new recipes regularly.

6. Prepare brochures, cards, and ads to promote your bakery business. Ask for customer feedback and include them. There is no better promotion than word-of-mouth. Keep abreast of the latest in bakery business and competition to succeed.

Tags: your bakery, bakery business, your business, baking skills, baking skills your, business plan, food safety

Cheap Affordable And Easy Meals For Two People

Pasta dishes can be affordable and easy, and they generally leave leftovers for lunch the next day.

Cooking for two can get expensive and time-consuming, but planning your meals and buying food carefully can make your meal experience less stressful. Purchasing bulk items and generic brands are examples of save money and time on food. Using ingredients in more than one meal can also help, as does using your leftovers for additional meals instead of throwing them away.

Cheap Breakfasts

Breakfast may be the cheapest, easiest meal of the day. Start with generic brand coffee. The main course can consist of generic, bulk cereal (bought on sale) and milk. Two people can also split a banana into their cereal for some added nutrition. If the two of you are not fans of cereal, try eggs, beans and tortillas. Canned beans are generally under $1, and if you shop the sales, you can pay far less than that. This is an affordable, easy meal two people can make without breaking the bank. Also, the Hillbilly Housewife website has a recipe for homemade pancakes that can be made with what is currently in your pantry. Oatmeal is one of the easiest meals to make. Skip the prepackaged microwaveable kind and go for plain rolled oats (not only is this cheaper, but it's better for you). These are available in bulk, and it only takes water and a pinch of salt to make a hearty breakfast. Add fruit when it is available.

Cheap Lunches

There are about 20 slices of bread in any given store-bought loaf. This equals 10 meals for two people with a few additions. Peanut butter can be bought in bulk, and it has good fats as well as protein to help you get through the day. Peanut butter sandwiches are easy to make and store well in a backpack or lunch bag. Ramen Noodles are an old, but reliable standby for lunch. You can purchase packages for under a quarter each, or you can spring for the noodles in a microwaveable cup, which won't cost you much more than $1. Buy a box of these and you'll have lunch for several weeks. An article in the Christian Science Monitor lists tomato soup and grilled cheese as another inexpensive meal choice. Canned tomato soup is available any time of year for reasonable prices. Add bread and cheese and you'll have a satisfying, affordable lunch.

Cheap Dinners

Pasta is probably the most versatile ingredient in any cheap dinner. Shop for pasta on sale, and keep it in your pantry for months. Pasta and red sauce can be a great meal for two. Or, pasta with red sauce and frozen or fresh vegetables or meat is another idea. You can also use butter or olive oil instead of red sauce. Baked potatoes can make another great dinner for two. Add toppings such as sour cream, bacon bits or cheese for a filling meal. Salad in the summer months is also a great option. In peak season, lettuce and other vegetables are affordable, even on a tight budget. Add some chicken or other protein when you can for a balanced dinner.

Tips for Cheap Meals

Aside from shopping sales, clip coupons for your favorite ingredients. The Frugal Living Tips website recommends buying in bulk, cooking in bulk and saving the leftovers for future meals. The site also recommends planning your meals a week in advance, so you can use items in more than one meal. Tomato sauce, for example, can be used for pasta, but also for pizza. Vegetables make great salad, sandwich toppings and soups.

Tags: more than, affordable easy, more than meal, Peanut butter, planning your, planning your meals