Make Your Own Biodiesel Fuel From Common Ingredients

Make Your Own Biodiesel Fuel From Common Ingredients

Since it is made mostly from recycled vegetable oils, Biodiesel fuel is gaining tremendous popularity as an alternative, or "green" fuel. Most modern diesel engines will run very nicely on Biodiesel fuel. This article will show you make Biodiesel fuel from common household ingredients.

Instructions

1. Working outdoors or in a very well ventilated space, pour one cup of methanol into a glass container. Heet, a fuel additive available at any auto parts store, works nicely.

2. Next, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of sodium hydroxide (lye) to the mixture. Lye can be ordered from many websites, or found in the form of household drain opener at many stores.

3. Stir or swish the mixture around until the lye is dissolved completely.

4. Slowly heat 4 cups of fresh vegetable oil in a saucepan until it reaches a temperature of 125°-140°.

5. Using gloves, pour the heated oil into a plastic bottle and add the methanol/lye mixture. Cover with a lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds.

6. A dark layer of glycerin will form beneath a lighter layer of Biodiesel fuel. This is normal. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 days. The Biodiesel will become clearer over time.

7. Pour the Biodesiel out of the glass container, taking care to leave the darker glycerin behind. Your Biodiesel fuel is now ready to use. You can add it to any modern diesel engine without having to make any modifications.

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Grocery Shop For A Vegetarian

Grocery shopping for vegetarians adds some color to your diet.

Grocery shopping for a vegetarian can present some culinary conundrums. There are many types of vegetarian lifestyles, each with their own set of dietary standards. Shopping for groceries that satisfy nutritional requirements while staying within specific dietary confines is a challenge in itself, but don't resist the opportunity to add an extra dose of vegetable power to your own meals. With a little forethought and planning you can pick up a cartful of nutritious groceries that meet the needs of vegetarian guests while satisfying everyone at the dinner table.

Instructions

1. Ask your vegetarian to define the limits of his diet so you can build an effective grocery list. Some vegetarians, called pesco-vegetarians, eat fish and seafood, but no meat that has been raised on land. Other vegetarians, known as lacto-ovo vegetarians, can consume eggs, milk and dairy products, but no meat of any kind. Those who subscribe to a vegan lifestyle eat absolutely nothing that is derived from animals. This diet rules out any meat, eggs and dairy as well as anything that contains gelatin, which is produced from boiled animal bones and tendons. Knowing the limits of the individual's diet helps you shop smart and avoid wasted money.

2. Browse vegetarian cookbooks and websites to build meal plans that can accommodate a vegetarian diet. Just because you are cooking for a vegetarian does not mean you will have to sacrifice your own meal preferences as well. You can devise creative ways to accommodate everyone's meal preferences with minimal hassle. You can pour meatless marinara sauce over pasta and eggplant slices that have been lightly battered and baked in an oven instead of meatballs. Add sauce, sprinkle liberally with cheese and broil in a hot oven to add vegetarian-friendly eggplant Parmesan to your menu. Adjust your menu to accommodate some vegetarian ingredients that you may not have tried before, and you might just discover a new pantry staple.

3. Start in the produce section of your grocery store, as most of the items found in this department are compatible for most vegetarian diets. There are some options that are more nutritionally dense than others; red bell peppers contain double the vitamin C of the green variety, as well as high concentrations of lycopene and carotene. Spinach contains more iron, folate and potassium than butter and iceberg lettuce varieties, and sweet potatoes contain beta carotene and other nutrients that are lacking in regular russet potatoes.

4. Bypass the meat counter and seek protein from sources like dairy -- for lacto-ovo vegetarians -- beans, tofu and grains like quinoa and barley. Many supermarkets also have health food aisles that contain non-dairy alternatives for vegan diners, like soy and rice milk.

Tags: groceries that, Grocery shopping, lacto-ovo vegetarians, meal preferences, that have, your menu

The Best Cream To Prevent Wrinkles

There are many creams out there that promise to fight or reduce wrinkles. You can find reviews for the most popular ones all over the Internet and Consumer Reports publishes one periodically. What do not get a lot of attention are creams that prevent wrinkles. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so a good age-fighting strategy starts before your face even sees the first signs of aging. Does this Spark an idea?

Causes of Premature Aging

There are several things that cause your face to age prematurely. Smoking and alcohol have a negative effect on skin by causing cell damage and, in the case of smoking, by constricting the blood vessels of the face, which prevents nutrients from reaching the skin. Over-scrubbing and rough treatment of your face can keep your skin from getting the downtime it needs to heal properly. Squinting and other routine facial expressions can compound wrinkling. Of course genetics also plays a huge part in where and when you wrinkle.

Sun Exposure and Aging

The single biggest culprit in premature aging of the skin is sun damage, or photoaging. While exposure to the sun is necessary for our bodies to process certain vitamins such as vitamin D, too much exposure to the sun damages the skin cells and affects how they grow and develop. At the extreme end of the scale, too much exposure can lead to melanoma and fatal skin cancers.

Anti-oxidant Vitamins

Vitamins A, C, and E are well known for their beneficial effects of repairing photodamaged skin. Vitamin A, in the form of tretinoin, or its less-effective cousin retinol, has been clinically shown to repair skin cell function down in the dermis to mimic that of younger skin. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in the prescription creams Retin-A and Renova, and is the only ingredient approved by the FDA as effective against wrinkles. It does, however, make skin sun sensitive.

Vitamins C and E

Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant known to fight sun damage both past and present. There is even evidence that it can prevent sun damage. Vitamin C is useful in keeping your youthful look when applied as an ingredient in a cream, as well as a supplement. Vitamin E is another effective anti-oxidant that stimulates the action of a compound called lycopene. Lycopene is one of the compounds that works hardest to repair cell damage due to sun exposure.

Sunscreen

The single most important ingredient any cream can have, especially for those who use tretinoin or retinols, is a minimum SPF 15 broad-spectrum sunscreen. The best way to ensure that your skin does not experience the effects of sun damage is to never be exposed to the sun while unprotected. Certain skincare ingredients may be able to help fight damage, but the less damage they have to fight, the more effective they will be in preventing wrinkles. The best cream for preventing wrinkles will have a strong sunscreen and contain vitamins C and E, along with retinol.

Tags: your face, cell damage, fight damage, ingredient cream, much exposure, preventing wrinkles, that prevent

Roast A Boneless Turkey Breast In A Nuwave Oven

Brining calls for meat to be completely submerged in liquid.

Whether you're a novice cook or an accomplished pro, a NuWave oven brings an exciting dimension to cooking. The oven offers "triple power cooking," or the benefit of conduction heating, just like conventional ovens; convection, which circulates hot air; and infrared heating, which penetrates food and cooks it from the outside and inside at the same time. This may sound like a lot of cooking power for a turkey breast, but the mouth-watering finished product is rivaled only by the compelling cooking show provided by the NuWave's see-through dome. Call it dinner theater and call it a memorable feast you will want to bookmark among your favorite recipes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Brine the turkey breast overnight in a solution of water, several dashes of garlic salt and several dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Brining virtually guarantees a juicy, succulent turkey breast.

2. Put the base of the NuWave oven on a stable surface.

3. Place the liner pan inside the base, placing the handles in the drop-down position.

4. Put the cooking rack on the liner pan.

5. Place the turkey breast on the cooking rack.

6. Your NuWave oven will not heat up your kitchen like a conventional oven.

Spray the turkey breast with nonfat butter or cover with a layer of olive oil.

7. Season the turkey breast with a rosemary and thyme rub or an oregano and garlic salt rub. Make a 50-50 herb mixture of either combination.

8. Position the dome over the turkey breast, securing it to the base of the NuWave oven.

9. Place the power head into the rim of the dome and lock it into place by rotating the power head clockwise until the locking lugs are engaged.

10. Set the cooking level to "10." Press "Start" and roast for 45 minutes. This is about half the total roasting time.

11. Turn the turkey breast over so that it roasts evenly on the other side. Spray with the nonfat butter or cover with olive oil and add your desired herb rub to the breast.

12. Set the oven to "10" for another 45 minutes.

13. You can roast a whole turkey in your NuWave oven, too.

Insert an oven thermometer in the breast to ensure that it reaches 180 degrees. If so, turn off the oven and let the breast sit for 10 minutes before carving. If not, return the breast to the NuWave oven and roast for another 10 minutes.

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Save Money On A Vegan Diet

Unfortunately, many people still assume--incorrectly, of course--that veganism is expensive. If you eat costly packaged food and store-bought faux meats every day, being a vegan will certainly bust your budget. Take heart. Even small adjustments to your thinking, habits and food preparation methods can make a huge impact on your wallet, as you'll see from these tips--most of which have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Bake your own bread. It doesn't take much hands-on time and can save you about $3 a loaf. That can add up to a wad of extra dough.

Freeze leftovers, food that's just about to turn, or produce overflow.

Cook beans from scratch and freeze them in plastic resealable bags. You'll have fresh, cooked beans at a moment's notice and at half the cost of canned beans. And canned beans are still a good value--cheaper than take-out!

Consider the long-term financial implications of organic. Sure, buying pesticide- ridden, traditional produce like peppers and peaches may be cheaper in the short term. But since many of these chemicals are banned in other countries, it's not unreasonable to treat them with extreme suspicion. Think of organic as an investment in your health.

Make your own faux meats. Seitan is simple to prepare. Make several batches at once, and freeze the leftovers in plastic containers.

2. Pack your own lunch. Consider this: a basic sandwich in an urban center costs about $6 plus $2 for a drink. By those calculations, a couple can save about $1,440 each per year.

Don't buy what you already have. Why purchase expensive brand-name storage containers, for example, if you have access to plastic Earth Balance tubs? Don't recycle a plastic lunch bag after just one use. Rinse it out and use it again--and again, and again.

Remember: packaged foods are still cheaper than eating out. (Please choose only healthy versions!) Packaged foods, judiciously used, can help deter you from eating out weeknights, particularly after trying days on the job.

Pass on plastic bottles of water. Bottled water is an environmental and economic bane. Fill your own water bottles to take with you.

Use cloth napkins. Not only are they more elegant than paper, they also cost less in the long run, and are kinder to Mama Earth.

3. Know how much stuff costs. This takes some practice, but if you become familiar with how much things cost, you will develop a nose for a bargain. Keeping a "price book" can help you develop this money-saving skill.

Stock up when an item you frequently use goes on sale. It's money in the bank, even if you need to store 10 bags of flour under your bed.

Buy seasonal produce. Not only does it taste better, it also tends to cost less.

Grow your own. If you have a yard or patio, raising your own veggies will save you a huge chunk of change. Even apartment dwellers can grow herbs indoors.

Make the time-consuming stuff. Cookies. English Muffins. Bagels. Popcorn. Try it once, and you'll see it's not as hard as it looks.

4. Borrow your cookbooks from the library instead of buying them.

Ethnic grocery stores are your friends. They'll outprice Whole Foods any day.

Never, ever throw food away. Freeze leftovers, or find a way to reinvent unsuccessful dinner "experiments."

Before you go grocery shopping--make a list. Set a budget. And stick to it.

Some appliances are investments, not extravagances. An ice cream maker, for example, will pay for itself many times over in pints of sorbet and soy cream. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to buy appliances as cheaply as possible.

5. You can can. A small investment in equipment and time can yield huge savings, especially if you garden.

Give edible gifts. Not only are they greatly appreciated, they are also healthier and less costly than giving traditional presents.

Pay less for kitchen wares. Scout out bargains at flea markets, garage sales and thrift stores. You'll find something chic--and cheap.

Put a lid on it. Water will boil faster, and you'll use less energy, if you put a lid on the pan.

In this age of conspicuous consumption, remember this old New England adage: "Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do, or do without."

Tags: canned beans, cost less, faux meats, Freeze leftovers, only they, save about, they also

Store Sweet Corn

Storing sweet corn is a great way to enjoy it during the winter or when it's out of season. You always should use the freshest corn you can find, and you can freeze it or dry it. You can experiment with which method works better for you. However, because sweet corn loses its sweetness the longer it sits, you should work immediately to store it in order to keep its flavor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Freeze Sweet Corn

1. Remove the husks and wash the ears.

2. Drop the ears into a pot of boiling water. Small ears (an 1 1/2 inch in diameter or smaller) should scald for six minutes, medium ears (up to 2 inches in diameter) for eight minutes and large ears (2 inches in diameter or greater) for 10 minutes.

3. Place the scalded corn immediately into ice water for the same amount of time.

4. Let them drain and dry.

5. Wrap each ear in moisture- and vapor-proof film, and then place them in plastic freezer bags, squeezing out as much air from the bags as you can.

6. Seal, label and put the bags into the freezer.

Dry Sweet Corn

7. Remove the husks and wash the ears.

8. Scald the ears in boiling water for two minutes, and then drain and pat dry.

9. Cut the kernels from the cob, and scatter them on a tray so they do not touch each other.

10. Let them dry in the sun for three days, bringing them inside at night to keep animals from eating them. Stir them occasionally, but don't let them touch. Kernels are dry when they are hard and shriveled.

11. Put the dried corn into an airtight container. You can store it indefinitely.

Tags: Sweet Corn, boiling water, Corn Remove, Corn Remove husks, ears inches, ears inches diameter, husks wash

Snack Food Ideas

Sushi makes for a great snack.

Deciding upon a snack food can be a tough decision, as there are so many different snack ideas to choose from, from fruits and vegetables to grains and meats. Sometimes, snacks can get repetitive and boring, so it's best to switch it up and try something new once in a while. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are the simplest and healthiest snack foods, and offer a variety of choices. Apples can be cut up into slices and eaten plain, or served with peanut butter, caramel or your favorite yogurt. Bananas are another snack food option that make for a slightly different snack when you freeze the banana for 30 minutes for eating. Berries such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are other snacks full of healthy antioxidants, which may help protect your body against disease and infection. Serve berries plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. Celery and carrots are simple snack foods that can be served with a healthy bean dip like hummus. Make your own hummus as a snack by combining garbanzo beans, olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon juice and tahini in a blender or food processor. Lettuce wraps, commonly served in Asian restaurants, are a versatile snack that can be served with chicken, rice and hoisin sauce.

Grains and Legumes

Whole grains are another healthy snack choice that offer many different options. One easy snack food idea is to overcook brown rice by 5 or 10 minutes so it's extra sticky and form the rice into bite-sized balls mixed with peanut butter, soy sauce and sauteed onions. Quinoa is another healthy grain that can be served as a snack food. Drizzle quinoa with a little fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Orzo is another snack grain that can be served with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese and olive oil. Another snack idea: toast some bread, and slice up the toast into small pieces and serve with hummus. Legumes and beans are versatile snack foods, too. Make black beans burgers by combining black beans with onions, bread crumbs, soy sauce, mustard and cumin. Refried beans are a snack food that pairs well with salsa.

Meats and Cheeses

Italian meats like salami and prosciutto are easy, versatile snack foods. Combine a piece of salami or prosciutto on a toothpick with an olive and a piece of cheese for a quick snack. Ham is another meat that pairs well with a variety of foods. Try a piece of ham with fruit like melon or honeydew. Wrap a tender piece of beef with thick-cut bacon and cook it in the oven. Snack on different cheeses combined with grapes and crackers, such as cheddar, gouda, havarti, brie and Gorgonzola. Cook a rotisserie chicken or turkey, shred the meat and serve miniature barbecue chicken sandwiches as snacks. Pulled pork is another possible snack food that can be served as miniature sandwiches. Sushi is a snack food that comes in a variety of styles and flavors.

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Holistic Home Business Ideas

Manage your health and wealth holistically.

If you're searching for a legitimate home business opportunity, then investigate various paths within holistic health. Many holistic home businesses have relatively low start-up costs and overhead, and there is a growing demand for holistic alternatives to traditional healthcare. With the increasing incidence of chronic health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, joint pain, high cholesterol, digestive disorders and heart disease combined with the skyrocketing costs of healthcare and prescription medicines, many people are managing their healthcare holistically.

Massage Therapy Business

Having a massage therapy practice from your home eliminates expensive overhead costs. All you need is a massage table, some therapeutic body oils and a car. With a massage therapist business, you can work flexible hours. You can schedule massages at people's homes, sporting events, health fairs and even businesses. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) the average earnings for a therapists working a 15-hour work week was $31,500. AMTA reports that the massage therapists average hourly wage was $41.50 in 2008. Certification requirements vary from state to state and 37 have licensing laws. Minimum Training time ranges from 330 to 1,000 hours depending on the state and program. In states that don't regulate, you can start a massage therapy business without training.

Reiki Practice

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique using energy work, stress reduction and relaxation to promote healing. "Life force energy" is channel through the Reiki healer's hands to the client. Reiki is a therapeutic technique with amazing results and is gaining acceptance in traditional centers of medicine. Some hospitals even allow Reiki use on patients. Like a massage therapists, having a Reiki home business, you have a flexible schedule and can perform Reiki anywhere. For Reiki training classes, visit Reiki.org to find classes in your area. There are no state or federal regulations regarding Reiki certification or training, so hours and costs vary program to program. To have a successful Reiki business, you should have proper training and certification to establish credibility.

Holistic Products Online Store

Herbs, teas, essential oils and natural remedies are gaining in popularity as alternatives to regular pharmaceuticals. Creating an online store of holistic products is another idea for a home business. You can find wholesalers online and sometimes herb stores will sell you their wares at wholesale prices as long as you have a reseller's permit. If you lack the knowledge of designing a website, don't let this stop you. There are plenty of very user friendly programs and sites that have templates and simple instructions on building a site. You can also hire someone to build the site for you. If you don't want to carry your own products, you can act as an affiliate on your website.

You can promote and advertise a variety of holistic remedies on your site. Affiliates earn a percentage of product sales made on their websites from other businesses. There are a plethora of affiliate programs you can find online.

Tags: home business, massage therapists

Get Cake Decorating Supplies Wholesale

cake

Decorating a cake can be fun and exciting. In order to properly decorate a cake you will need specific supplies. Such supplies can include items that are designed to top the cake such as fondant and food items used to decorate cakes such as food coloring in varied colors. Finding such items can be both difficult and expensive. Fortunately there are ways to cut costs on cake decorating supplies without cutting quality.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of decorating supplies you need first. You may only want a few items to decorate a cake every so often for a family member. You may also want supplies to stock your cabinets if you are thinking about opening up your own cake decorating business.

2. Look online. One of the first places to get cake decorating supplies wholesale is online. Online suppliers can often offer you great discounts because they deal in volume. An online supplier can also offer you discounts because they are selling used items. Look carefully at the seller in question. Find out about their reputation before you order anything at all from them.

3. Work with a professional cake decorator. A professional cake decorator or baker can have access to wholesale baking and cake decorating supplies not available to the general public. The professional can put you in touch with people who know where to find specialized items such as paint to use on cakes that can be eaten. If you are new at this it may be worth your while to work with them.

4. Contact suppliers directly. A manufacturer may have specific items for sale on his or her website. You may be able to order wholesale cake decorating supplies from a specific place that supplies items to larger stores. Look online for specific companies that work with professional bakers. If you don't have your own business think about sending them pictures of cakes that you've made.

Tags: cake decorating, decorating supplies, because they, cake decorating supplies, cake decorating supplies

Use A Florida Food Stamp Card In Michigan

You can even use your Florida EBT card in Guam and the Virgin Islands.

Once approved for food stamps in Florida, traveling shouldn't pose a problem. As long as the store you visit accepts the food stamp program as a means of payment, you'll be able to buy food. Check with grocery stores, farmer's markets and organic stores before making a purchase to save yourself time and effort.

Florida SNAP in Michigan

Your Florida-issued food stamp card will work in Michigan, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA. The food stamp card -- called an Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, card -- is just like a bank or credit card, making it easy to use at the register of any store that accepts food stamps. Look for the "Quest" logo in the storefront window, or go online to find Michigan grocery stores near you that accept the card.

Across the Country

You can use your Florida food stamp card anywhere in the country or U.S. territories, with few exceptions, according to the USDA. Wherever you travel, check the area for supermarkets that accept the EBT card by going online or looking for the "Quest" sign in the window.

U.S. Territories

As of the date of publication, Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas Islands are the only U.S. territories in which your Florida food stamp card won't work, according to the USDA. You won't be able to use an EBT card from any region in these areas because the food stamp program in these locations work on a cash or coupon basis and are funded by block grants by the federal government.

Moving

Are you moving to Michigan from Florida? Your food stamp card will work, but if you plan to live in Michigan you must apply for benefits in that state. Let your Florida caseworker know you're leaving and apply for benefits in Michigan as soon as possible to avoid a lag in your benefits. It's illegal to receive food stamps from two different states in the same month unless you are escaping an abusive situation, according to the California Guide to the Food Stamp Program.

Tags: food stamp, food stamp card, stamp card, your Florida, food stamps, accept card, accepts food

Fresh Turkey Cooking Time

A fresh young turkey that was bought for Thanksgiving dinner.

On average, an unstuffed turkey should cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound. Add a half hour to cooking time if the turkey is stuffed. Because of the variances in temperatures of ovens, as well as how often a turkey is basted, the amount of time it takes to cook a fresh turkey varies. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Before Cooking

Reach inside the turkey and remove the giblets, which are in a bag. Wash the turkey inside and out with warm water and pat dry with paper toweling. Season the cavity first, then the outside, lifting the skin of the breast to season underneath it. Stuff the turkey, if desired. (Note: the USDA recommends not stuffing a turkey because bacteria can grow in the stuffing if it's not cooked to the appropriate temperature.) Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan or oven bag or wrap in tin foil.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. (Oven-bag turkeys should have an oven temp of 350 degrees F.) Place the turkey in the oven and cover loosely with tin foil.

Cooking the Turkey

An unstuffed turkey should cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound. That means an eight-pound turkey could take as little as two hours to roast correctly or as much as two hours and 40 minutes. Add a half hour to cooking time if the turkey is stuffed. Because of oven temperatures vary, the amount of time it takes to cook a fresh turkey varies. The best method for checking doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Check the breast, thigh and stuffing to make sure it is all at least 165 degrees F. This is the temperature, according to the USDA, at which food-borne illnesses are eliminated. Check the turkey about a half hour before its expected completion time.

Be patient

Once your turkey is done, pull it out of the oven and let it sit for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to be reabsorbed and will help make the turkey juicy and tender instead of dry.

Tags: half hour, amount time, amount time takes, approximately minutes, approximately minutes pound

Science Projects For Young People

Science projects engage curious minds.

A science project is an interactive way for young people to learn about science. For younger children these should not be too complex and should spark their natural curiosity. A science project can be done by individual students or the whole class collectively. Give students a few options and let them decide which project sounds most interesting to them.

Growing Mold Project

Young people will be intrigued by this science project which demonstrates how food rots, decomposes and grows green mold and fungus. Provide each student with airtight containers. Ask the students to bring some leftovers from home. Students then put the food inside the containers and create labels with information about the type of food and the date it was placed in the container. After four days, students should write up in their observation books exactly what has started to happen to the food. Provide students with magnifying glasses to better examine the growing mold.

Swimming Raisins Experiment

Young students will be amused by this science project which takes the form of a simple experiment. Each student must have a clear plastic glass, a handful of raisins and a can of clear soda. A tall glass works best for this experiment. The students fill the glass with soda and observe the bubbles. Point out that these are bubbles of carbon dioxide. Each student places seven raisins into the glass of liquid. The raisins initially sink to the bottom of the glass, but as the bubbles cluster around the raisins they start to rise up. However, once the raisins reach the surface, the bubbles pop. The raisin is once more too heavy to float and sinks to the bottom. It becomes buoyant again as bubbles attach themselves once more and they will continue to dance up and down until all the gas has escaped from the soda. Young students will learn about the properties of carbon dioxide and gases in this project.

Worm Condo Project

Young people can learn compost as they build an ideal home for worms. The project requires a large plastic bin with a lid that is very secure. Take a newspaper and tear up the pages into strips of paper which the student then moistens with water. Be sure to squeeze out any extra water. The paper should be damp, not soggy. Once the paper is placed in the bin, food scraps are added. You can use vegetable peels, fruit peels and wastes even if they are moldy. Bread, flour products and grains are all good for composting. Never use meat, fish or dairy products as they break down too slowly, attract maggots and vermin and make the condo smell terrible. Once the food is added then the worms can go in and begin the work of turning the food into compost.

Food Chain Game Project

This science project involves creating a board game that can then be played by the students who created it. Divide students up into teams of six. The topic of the project is the food chain. Students make and decorate the board and create a spiral that goes from the outer perimeter of the board to finish in the center. There should be 64 squares or spaces that lead to the finish post at the end. Spaces should be marked either "blank," or "question" or "penalty." The maximum number of players is six. The game is played by throwing a dice and moving the counter accordingly. With a teacher's assistance, students will make question cards relating to the food chain as well as cards featuring penalties. If a player lands on a question card, she needs to answer the question correctly and then can throw the dice again. Get creative with penalty cards. For example, a penalty card may read, "You are a lobster and you've landed up in a pot. Go back three squares."

Tags: science project, students will, carbon dioxide, Each student, learn about

Tell If A Product Has Been Certified Organic

This is label is one way to tell if something's certified organic

Organic products are everywhere nowadays. From the beer you drink and the makeup you wear to the houses you live in, just about any type of product or commodity can achieve organic certification as long as it adheres to the strict governmental standards set forth. These standards typically involve remaining chemical free and environmentally friendly. Though the benefits of organic living are still debated, you may feel that their benefits can be reaped in the knowledge that you're doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

Instructions

1. Examine foods such as fruits and vegetables for a small label or sticker that says "USDA Organic." Some supermarkets also organize their produce sections according to foods that are and are not certified organic. Identify this section in your supermarket to locate organic produce.

2. Look for a label that says "Organic" on it in the meat/deli and dairy aisles of your supermarket. This label usually appears on the front of packaged meats, such as chicken, beef, pork and fish, and on dairy products that are composed of only one ingredient, like milk, eggs, butter and cheese.

3. Look for the "100% Organic" label on foods that are composed of multiple ingredients that still meet the requirements of organic certification. Products that are composed of 70 percent and 94 percent organic ingredients display a label that reads "Made with Organic Ingredients." This can apply to products like pasta, trail mix or cereal.

4. Shop at the local farmer's market or a "natural foods" store such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, which often have entire sections of their stores dedicated to organic products.

5. Identify whether the cotton from your clothes or linens is organic by determining whether there is a "100% Certified Organic Cotton" label on them. For clothing, there may also be a label that says "Certified Organic Clothing."

6. Identify whether your skin care or hair care products are organic by looking for a "100% Certified Organic Ingredients" label on the packaging.

Tags: Certified Organic, label that, that composed, that says, 100% Certified, 100% Certified Organic

The Best Fashion Design Schools In New York City

At New York's top fashion schools, students study the principles of design as well as textiles.

New York City is arguably the fashion capital of the world, with several highly regarded fashion schools in the area to back up that reputation. These schools offer so much more than pattern-making and sewing courses. At New York's premier fashion design schools, students get hands-on experience while learning the basics of fashion history or thinking about how fashion will impact the future. They also study textiles, patterns and fabrics, learning about which fabrics best fit specific ensembles.

Parsons The New School for Design

With a focus on all realms of design, Parsons The New School for Design is recognized for its School of Fashion, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the U.S. Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, Parsons provides students with industry knowledge and encourages them to think about sustainable fashion solutions while designing innovative clothing and products. In addition to fashion design, Parsons offers courses in fashion photography and fashion sustainability. Parsons is credited with launching the careers of fashion legends Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and Tom Ford, as well as emerging talents such as Vena Cava, Proenza Schouler and Behnaz Sarafpour.

Parsons The New School for Design

School of Fashion

560 Fashion Avenue

New York, NY 10018

212-229-5391

newschool.edu/parsons

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute School of Art and Design is recognized for its academically rigorous fashion design program and the education it provides students. As part of the School of Art and Design, undergraduate Pratt students who are earning a degree in fashion design have the ability to study other areas in the fashion realm, including jewelry making, interior design and photography.

Students study textiles, sketching, clothing construction, pattern making and draping, all while learning the fundamentals of fashion history, design principles and practical applications. Each spring, the highly regarded Pratt Show is held in which student work in various fields, including fashion, is showcased. This provides students with an excellent opportunity to gain exposure for their work.

Pratt Institute

200 Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11205

718-636-3600

pratt.edu

Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is part of the State University of New York system. Graduate and professional degrees can be pursued here in fields ranging from fashion design and fashion merchandising to jewelry design, textile development and menswear. The school's extensive course offerings cater to a variety of interests within the design world, and students gain hands-on experience in their chosen field beginning in their first year. Since the institute is a state school in the New York school system, New York residents receive tuition at the in-state rate. Non-New York residents are welcome to apply for admission as well.

Fashion Institute of Technology

Seventh Avenue at 27th Street

New York, NY 10001

212-217-7999

fitnyc.edu

Tags: School Design, fashion design, Fashion Institute, Fashion Institute Technology, Institute Technology

Prevent & Treat Cancer With Natural Medicine

An apple a day

Traditional cancer treatments typically consist of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, pharmaceutical drugs or a combination of the three. Although these treatments are widely known for treating cancer, modern medicine is starting to realize that treatments using natural medicine to treat and prevent cancer can be more effective and healthier for the patient.

Instructions

1. Eat a vegan diet. According to the Gerson Institute (eee Resources below), eating animal meats and animal products is one of the greatest contributors to cancers growing in the body. Eating a vegan diet, consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, the body can function properly and can eliminate waste normally. Buy only organic and local fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

2. Eliminate packaged foods. The Gerson Institute, one of the leading natural cancer treatment institutes in the world, attests that packaged foods contain vast amounts of excitotoxins and chemicals that damage the body and its systems. Two of these excitotoxins, aspartame and monosodium glutamate, are known carcinogens and can be deadly if eaten and ingested long-term. Using a garbage bag, empty out all of the foods in your house that contain chemical ingredients or artificial sugars.

3. Use a coffee enema. The Gerson Institute (see Resources below) states that coffee enemas flush out toxins from the liver and pancreas that can build up and cause the body to develop cancers. Fill a pot with a quart of filtered water and 3 tbsp. of organic coffee. Boil the coffee for 12 minutes and let it cool. Pour the coffee through a filter and into a quart jar, filling it with more filtered water to equal one quart. Pour the contents of the quart jar into an enema bag and insert the tube into the anus. Let the bag's contents empty completely. Lie on your right side for 12 minutes; then empty the bowels into the toilet.

4. Use a juicer. According to the Gerson Institute, cancer can be partly caused by a lack of nutrients and a vitamin deficiency in the body. Juicing fresh, organic fruits and vegetables will replenish these vital nutrients to your body. The Juiceman juicer is promoted by the Gerson Institute (see Resources below).

Tags: Gerson Institute, fruits vegetables, Gerson Institute Resources, Institute Resources, Institute Resources below, Resources below, According Gerson

Substitute White Sugar

Substitute natural sweeteners like maple syrup for white sugar.

Sugar, specifically white sugar, does more than just sweeten foods. It enhances the flavor, color and texture of baked products. If you have health concerns, consider substituting white sugar with other alternatives. There are several natural and artificial substitutes that you can use to sweeten food. Proportionately adjust the quantity of the substituted ingredient when substituting white sugar. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Replace white sugar with an equal amount of brown sugar. Brown sugar is a good substitute, providing volume and moisture that keeps your baked product soft. However, as brown sugar has a brown hue and is not as finely granulated as white sugar, your baked product will have a darker color, coarser texture and a slightly different taste.

2. Sweeten foods with honey. Add 1 tsp. of honey to 1 cup of breakfast cereal, 1 glass of tea or a cocktail, or over desserts such as pancakes and waffles. Substitute 3/4 cup of honey for every cup of sugar while baking. Reduce the total quantity of liquid in the recipe by 3 tbsp, and add 1/2 tsp. of baking soda to neutralize the acid in the food produced by honey. Foods baked with honey have a moist and dense texture, and brown faster compared to foods prepared with white sugar. Honey is nutritious, has a distinctive flavor and is sweeter than sugar. Do not use honey if you suffer from diabetes, as it is high in sucrose.

3. Use erythritol, a sugar alcohol, if you prefer the same taste and granularity as sugar. Since erythritol is 30 percent less sweet than sucrose, use a slightly larger quantity. Substitute 1-1/2 tbsp. of erythritol for 1 tbsp. of white sugar in beverages, cooking and baking. Sugar alcohols such as erythritol, sorbitol, xylitol and maltitol have fewer calories than the same amount of sugar. They occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables and are produced through a natural fermentation process.

4. Add 3/4 cup of maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar in cooking and baking. Decrease the total quantity of liquid you use in a recipe by 3 tbsp. while baking with maple syrup. Add 1/4 tsp. of baking soda for every cup of maple syrup to improve the texture of the baked product.

5. Substitute 1 cup of granular sucralose for every 1 cup of white sugar when cooking or baking. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that contains few calories and nutrients. Adjust cooking times, as foods bake faster when prepared with sucralose.

Tags: white sugar, maple syrup, baked product, cooking baking, white sugar, your baked product

Reheat Leftovers Properly To Prevent Food Poisoning

Leftovers--food stored in the refrigerator after being cooked--are an important part of our daily meals. Make sure the leftovers you chill and store carefully are reheated properly to prevent food poisoning. A few simple guidelines will help you make the most of leftovers.

Instructions

1. Decide on the best way to reheat your leftovers. Small portions of vegetables, soups, sauces and casseroles do best when reheated in the microwave oven. Roasts, frozen breads, muffins, large casseroles and pizzas do best in an oven set at 350 degrees F. Fragile cream or cheese sauces do best when heated very slowly on the stove top.

2. If you are reheating in a microwave oven, be sure to arrange the food so it heat evenly. Use sturdy dishes that are compatible with microwave heat. Do not use food wrapped in plastic wrap, Styrofoam or plastic freezer containers, although heavy-duty plastic wrap may be used to cover ceramic containers. Allow ventilation by turning back a corner of the plastic wrap, or piercing several times with a fork. At several points through the cooking process, turn the dish, even if you are using a turntable. Stir the food, mixing the hot and cold parts of the dish together. Let food stand for 5 minutes in the microwave before serving, to make sure heat is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Check the temperature with and instant-read thermometer to ensure all portions of the dish are reheated to 165 degrees F.

3. If reheating food in the oven, transfer to an oven-proof dish. Cover roasts and casseroles with an ovenproof top or aluminum foil and heat at 350 degrees F. until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F. If you are reheating pizza , muffins or bread, bring slowly to the desired warmth in a slower oven, 250 to 300 degrees F.

4. If reheating vegetables, rice, pasta, or fragile cheese or cream sauces on the stove top, bring gently to 165 degrees F. Test with an instant-read thermometer or just make sure they are hot throughout. Soups, sauces and gravy should actually come to a boil.

Tags: degrees reheating, instant-read thermometer, plastic wrap, best when, heat evenly, make sure, microwave oven

Roast With A Convection Oven

Convection ovens are ideal for roasting meats.

Roasting in a convection oven makes foods juicier and more nutritious because convection ovens use airflow to cook, which decreases the depletion of nutrients. Many recipes are more ideal in a convection oven, but with a few alterations in method almost any food can be roasted to perfection in a convection oven. When using a convection oven, it's important to look at the mass of an item. For example, if you are going to roast a turkey without stuffing, remember that it will take less time to cook than a turkey with stuffing because the airflow is increased when there is nothing to block it. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Place the meat or other item you intend roasting in an oven pan that is very shallow. Convection ovens cook foods by hot airflow, so if the pan blocks the airflow your dish will not turn out well. Also, do not put foil on the rack; the better the airflow, the more effectively the food will cook.

2. Figure the temperature for a convection oven by reducing the temperature called for in your recipe (if the recipe does not specify it is for a convection oven) by one quarter. If the temperature called for is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you will cook at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. An alternative method is to leave the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce the time by a quarter. A cooking time of one hour would be reduced to 45 minutes. This is an ideal method if you're cooking smaller roasts or dishes like Cornish hens.

3. Place the shallow roasting pan with the dish you are roasting on the center rack of the convection oven and set the temperature you calculated. Again, that should be one quarter less than the recipe calls for. Larger roasts cooked at a lower temperature may take a little longer to cook.

4. Take your dish out when the baking time has expired. Check to see that the dish is cooked through according to your taste, just as you would with a conventional oven.

Tags: convection oven, degrees Fahrenheit, Convection ovens, temperature called, will cook, your dish

New York City Restaurants With Water Views

New York City skyline

New York City is home to some of the country's most influential financial institutions and cultural landmarks including the New York Stock Exchange, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The city is located on New York Harbor and rivers divide much of New York City's land area. Many restaurants have great water views. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Gigino at Wagner Park

Located between City Pier A and the Jewish Heritage Museum, Gigino at Wagner Park offers waterfront dining with views of the Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. The restaurant specializes in southern Italian fare and features dishes such as Calamari Fritti, Spaghetti al Pomodoro, Tagliatelle alla Bolognese, Penne all'Arrabiata and Scaloppine di Pollo on their extensive menu. Traditional Italian desserts such as Tartufo Gelato, Budino di Pane Dolce, Tiramisu and twice-baked almond biscotti are available. Gigino also offers a selection of Italian and domestic wines, prix fixe and children's menus and daily specials. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Gigino at Wagner Park

20 Battery Pl.

New York, NY 10004

212-528-2228

gigino-wagnerpark.com

Harbour Lights Restaurant

Harbour Lights Restaurant offers diners views of New York Harbor as well as the Brooklyn Bridge and many of New York's skyscrapers. The restaurant accommodates 250 guests indoors--during warm weather a large outdoor deck seats 150 more people. Menu selections include a seafood, steak and pasta dishes including lobster ravioli, raw oysters and clams on the half shell, New York sirloin steak, filet Mignon and lobster tail, and rigatoni chicken pasta. A selection of wines and mouth-watering desserts are available. Harbour Lights opens daily for lunch and dinner, and serves a weekend brunch.

Harbour Lights Restaurant

Pier 17, 3rd Floor, South Street Seaport

New York, NY 10038

212-227-2800

harbourlightsrestaurant.com

Sequoia

With a tasty seafood menu and nautical interior decor, Sequoia offers views of the New York Harbor, Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline. Dining is available on an outdoor terrace during periods of warm weather. Menu items include seafood specialties such as jumbo shrimp cocktail, New England clam chowder, fried calamari, Chesapeake Bay blue crab cake sliders, fettuccine with jumbo shrimp, and fish and chips. Grilled NY steak, roasted chicken and barbecue baby back ribs are among the non-seafood selections. Sequoia opens for lunch and dinner every day, and brunch on the weekends.

Sequoia

89 South St., Pier 17

New York, NY 10038

212-732-9090

arkrestaurants.com

Tags: Harbour Lights, York City, Gigino Wagner, Gigino Wagner Park, Harbour Lights Restaurant, Lights Restaurant

Guide On Selling Flowers For Profit

Guide on Selling Flowers for Profit

Selling flowers from your backyard, small acreage, or a cooperative of flower growers may sound like only a beautiful career dream to some, but many today live that dream (you can find their real life stories in Resources below), and the demand for flower growers that are small, local and sustainable is growing rapidly. If you're interested in selling flowers for profit such as locally acclimated, native, organic or sustainably produced, heirloom, vintage, exotic, etc., you'll be tapping into a new trend that's moving away from generic chemically created flowers sold in shops, and towards the nation's move towards green, heirloom, native and locally produced. This ehow article shows you the steps for selling flowers for profit.

Instructions

1. Choose your ultimate goal of how selling flowers will work financially for you. Do you want to start out with a business loan and jump in full time? Do you simply want an extra seasonal part time stream of income and no debt from setting up the flower business? Do you want to start very part time with no financing, but work towards full time income?

2. Choose your niche for selling flowers. Though your plan for growing flowers for profit will be tweaked over time, you need to choose a starting point. Reading over these real life stories will get you started in making sure you've covered every possible niche that works for you: One woman earns income year-round by growing native wildflowers for seed and hand-making flower seed gift cards for corporate gifts. Another grows cutting flowers in her backyard spring through fall and puts out a flower cart on a busy corner street, another specializes in wedding flowers, with a one-acre u-pick bridal flower field, and other fields only she harvests for the bridal flower arrangements she sells to wedding parties, another couple with small acreage prefer live, growing flowers, so have created beautiful flower gardens with no formal training which attracts customers to the farm, then while they're there, she sells them flower starts from her greenhouse and dried flower gifts she's crafted over the winter. Others specialize in specific flowers such as sunflowers and lavender - for which they hold festivals during the blooming season to attract customers to buy their flowers direct at full retail prices. Some, as in the woman in the photo on the left, sell at well-established farmers' markets.

3. Learn better produce and harvest the flowers for profit sustainably. Established conventional flower producers are already saturating the market, and sell cheap products from poorly paid workers that you can't compete with. Your flower business needs to reach the organic or eco-friendly market. Assuming you already know grow flowers at least somewhat, look for even more improvements in your methods, including those that are eco-friendly. Contact your local cooperative extension agent to see if they have any flower growing or organic gardening workshops available. Some agents even put on local workshops for selling flowers for profit. Go to the ATTRA website to see if they have any free materials on grow your chosen flower(s) organically or sustainably, and harvest and prepare them for sale. It's one thing to cut flowers for your own kitchen table. But a flower delivery service to local restaurants means you've gotten all the "field heat" out of the flowers, you've slitted their stems properly, and certainly all the bugs are gone! There are tried and proven ways to do this, depending on the season and flower type. The above sources should be able to provide the materials for free.

4. Write up a business plan. When selling flowers for profit, you've entered the business world, not just the "field workers" world. The Resources below leads to a link that quickly explains write a business plan customized to your business, for free, with an experienced mentor by your side (for free). When writing up the part about promoting your business, add as many ways as you can as to how your business of selling flowers helps the local economy and the environment. Is it a haven for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds? Do you feed it only with your own eco-friendly homemade compost? Do you allow an occasional discount to senior citizens? Do you deliver to local restaurants so they don't have to buy flowers from distant shipments?

5. Practice first. Before jumping into the business, if you first practice, or "pretend" selling flowers for profit, you'll be surprised at the kinks that will be worked out before your reputation is on the line, and how much more confident you'll be when you start taking customers' money. Set out your first flower cart and tell your friends, neighbors, and family they can each come choose and take a free bouquet, then ask for feedback. Note which ones went first and which were left behind. Offer a one day free flower u-cut for the first 10 callers who make an appointment. Have a wedding shop give away one free wedding flower arrangement workshop that you'll offer.

6. Once you're selling flowers for profit as a business, keep your original business plan on your computer, and check and re-tweak it as you gain experience and follow the new trends that will show up down the road.

Tags: selling flowers, flowers profit, selling flowers profit, business plan, flowers profit

Organic Herbs For Tea

Herbal teas are known to have medicinal properties.

Organic herbal teas are made from plant by-products such as their flowers, leaves, roots or seeds, and can also be made from the plants themselves. These herbs must be grown to fit the USDA's definition of organic to be sold as such in stores. Some organic teas are known to have health benefits when consumed; for example, ginseng extract is put into modem day energy drinks for its stimulant properties. Organic teas are made by placing the desired plant matter into boiling water and leaving it to steep for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired tea strength. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Organic Herbs

According to the USDA, "organic" means "foods whose ingredients cannot have been made by using most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic engineering, growth hormones, irradiation or antibiotics." The best way to make sure the herbs you use to make tea are organic is to grow them yourself. Most herbs that are used for tea can be grown either hydroponically or outdoors during summer months. These herbs can also be be bought as organic; make sure to look specifically for the term "organically grown" on the packaging.

Organic Teas that Help with Digestion

Peppermint, cinnamon, cardamom and rosemary teas are known for helping your body digest food more quickly or with less effort. These herbs are widely available as they are also used as cooking spices. Ginger tea is also known to help with digestion and to relieve nausea.

Organic Teas that Help to Detox the Body

Aniseed, fennel, licorice and nettle based teas are known for helping the body flush out unwanted toxins. These teas usually are found in specialty organic herb shops. They require at least 10 minutes of steeping to get the desired results.

Organic Teas that Act as a Stimulant

Cinnamon, cardamom, lemon grass, ginkgo, ginseng and gotu kola are often used in tea as stimulants. These teas are known to increase energy levels and are often used as a substitute to caffeine based drinks. Some of these herbs are also used in energy drinks in order to boost the stimulant effect of the drink. Caution should be taken when consuming these teas as they have been known to increase heart rate.

Organic Teas that have Sedative Properties

Herbs known to have sedative properties when consumed in tea are chamomile, valerian and catnip. These herbs are available around the world and are known to help sleep and reduce anxiety. These teas are also usually sold at specialty tea shops and organic herb shops. These teas should be steeped for a minimum of 10 minutes to be beneficial.

Tags: teas known, Organic Teas that, Teas that, known have, Organic Teas, also used, energy drinks

The Best Canned Foods For Survival

Canned food is readily available and inexpensive. Store up canned food for survival.

In times of unrest and disturbing news, many people start to put by food and water for times when they can't get to a store. Situations as simple as a winter storm can close roads and make having some food at home a good idea. Good, storable foods include freeze-dried foods and dehydrated foods, but they are expensive. Consider purchasing canned goods for your survival stash, as canned foods have many advantages: good shelf life, readily available in a wide variety, easy to prepare and resistant to vermin. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Best Nutritionally

Canned fruit and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals.

While most of us think fresh fruits and vegetables are the best, canned fruits and veggies contain many of the same, and sometimes more, vitamins and minerals than fresh, reports WebMD. The American Dietetic Association noted in 2006 that "canned produce is picked and canned at its peak, so even though the heating process destroys some vitamins, the majority of nutrients remain." Canned tomatoes, for instance, contain greater amounts of lycopene than fresh tomatoes. Purchase canned fruits and vegetables for your survival storage of vitamins and minerals.

Best in Fats and Fiber

Canned sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

In a survival situation, the human body requires fats for energy. One lb. of fat stores 3,500 calories -- calories you might need to help carry your kids into the house during a blizzard. While excess fat is a health hazard, some fat on the body has enabled humans to survive for eons. Good sources of omega-3 fats are canned fish: tuna, salmon and sardines. Nuts are also a good source of fat, so include jars of peanut butter. And if you store canned beans, of any variety, you'll get great fiber along with other essential vitamins and minerals including folate, thiamin and potassium.

Best Tasting

Best tasting canned foods will be those with which you're familiar. If you wander too far off that pathway into foods you've never tasted before, you won't be comfortable. For best taste, try eating canned soup and meats (chicken for chicken salad), canned salmon (salmon patties) and make a fish soup out of canned shrimp, clams and salmon. Throw in some canned potatoes and corn and you've got a wonderful soup.

Best Overall

For the best nutritional diet, you'll want a mix of canned meats, veggies and fruits. You will need all of them for a complete diet that will leave you healthy and able to cope. Only eating meat, for instance, may leave you somewhat constipated. Only fruit might cause the opposite condition. For your survival storage, a rounded diet is best -- good nutritionally, economically and one you'll enjoy eating. But for fun and comfort, add some favorites: raviolis, beef stew or chicken and noodles; even if they're "junk food," you'll feel better overall if you have a can or two of favorite food.

Tags: vitamins minerals, your survival, your survival storage, canned fruits, contain many, fruits vegetables

Start A Natural Organic & Mineral Cosmetics Line

Natural cosmetics

If you have a passion for natural and organic skin care, industry knowledge and solid business skills, you might be ready to start your own line of natural mineral-based cosmetics. Mineral make-up consists of naturally occurring minerals that are used for cosmetic and skin-care purposes; it is even rumored that Cleopatra applied crushed mica for a body shimmer.

Natural, organic mineral make-up does not contain bismuth oxychloride, an additive used by some companies not focused on organic and natural ingredients. Bismuth oxychloride serves as a filler to create shimmer, but because it's chemically related to arsenic, it can cause red and itchy skin.

Consider the following helpful hints to launching a successful line of natural, organic mineral make-up. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Research your competition. See what they're doing well and what niches they don't fill that your product line could step into. Look into natural, organic mineral-based cosmetics lines as well as non-mineral make-up to determine their marketing strategies, pricing and reach. Make sure you offer something different, whether it is your local angle in a particular area of the country, a brand-new product or something that is 100 percent organic and natural.

2. Determine if you will sell a full line of mineral cosmetics or just focus on a few products, such as lotions.

3. Test all of your products completely prior to sales and distribution. Be sure there are no bad side effects or odd reactions to any of your natural cosmetics. Make sure everything smells good, too.

4. Create striking, attractive packaging that is also eco-friendly. Make sure your label and your website stand out from the natural, organic mineral cosmetics crowd and test your website thoroughly to remove any bugs. Even if you're making organic make-up in your home, you still need professional labeling and packaging.

5. Determine your pricing. Since the mark-up on make-up is high, you have the opportunity to make a lot of money selling natural cosmetics. For example, many products cost as little as 25 cents up to $2. If you sell them for $15 to $50 each, your earning potential is astounding.

6. Launch your product line through your website, appearances at local events and fairs, media coverage, key partnerships and/or a retail location. Make sure your customer service is top-notch. Consider including free samples with all orders to encourage customer loyalty.

Tags: Make sure, your website, line natural, Make sure your, mineral make-up, mineral-based cosmetics

Natural Resources For Mutual Funds

Natural resource funds had more than $29 billion in assets in 2010.

Natural resources are often found as investment tools in mutual funds. You'll find a variety of funds using natural resources, including hard asset funds, basic material funds, energy funds and basic natural resource funds. Oil and other resources also are popular investments in diversified funds. According to SmartMoney, natural resource funds alone have more than $29 billion in assets.

Oil

Oil refineries are a piece of the energy puzzle available for investors.

This diverse field of investment includes drillers, equipment companies, large oil and gas firms in the United States or Canada, and huge multinational companies. Oil is found in natural resource and energy mutual funds extensively.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is found in natural resource funds.

Natural gas provides energy to homes and businesses. Natural gas mutual funds are available, and natural gas is a component of many energy and natural resource mutual funds.

Solar

Solar panels have grown more efficient recently.

Solar power cells have become more advanced recently, and solar power investment has grown into a widely-used component of green-energy natural resource investors. Solar power can be found in clean and progressive energy funds, as well as traditional energy investments.

Nuclear

The most basic natural resource of all is the atom. Nuclear power is represented in energy mutual funds.

Wind

Wind collection devices have advanced far beyond the old windmill.

Efforts are underway around the world to harness wind power. You'll find wind power investments in clean energy and progressive energy funds.

Water

About two-thirds of every human is water.

The Environmental Protection Agency projects that the United States will spend $500 billion renovating public water systems over the next two decades. Water has become an investment category in not only natural resource funds, but also in some water investment mutual funds. Water also is represented in energy funds through hydro power plants.

Timber

Logging provides resources for building supplies.

Natural resource funds include exposure to wood, mostly through companies in Canada. Timber is found in basic materials and natural resource funds.

Minerals

Coal is used to provide power.

Coal is found in energy funds through investment in power and utility companies using coal. Although coal has been predicted to be on the decline, investment in new, clean coal has extended this natural resource's staying power. Other natural resources, such as limestone, sand and gravel, salt, potash, and peat are frequently mined minerals found in natural resource funds.

Tags: resource funds, natural resource, energy funds, natural resource, mutual funds, found natural, found natural resource

Southern California Culinary Schools

Culinary arts is a competitive career. Choosing the right training is essential in your development as a chef. In Southern California, there are several schools that can help you prepare for a career in culinary arts. Culinary arts schools usually offer courses in cooking, pastry and restaurant management.

Laguna Culinary Arts

The Laguna Culinary Arts school located in Laguna Beach, California features a professional chef program. This program is a six-month course that trains students to become qualified chefs by integrating classic and modern cooking techniques. LCA teaches students kitchen management skills with hands-on training. Courses include teaching on world cuisine, menu writing and pastry skills. Classes are cumulative and build on skills learned in previous lessons.

San Diego Culinary Institute

The San Diego Culinary Institute offers two programs: the Commis Culinary Method and The Sweet Kitchen. The Commis Culinary Method is a course that concentrates first on foundational courses that build basic skills followed by more advanced teachings that incorporate basic concepts into complex and sophisticated dishes. The groups are small with limited class sizes. The Sweet Kitchen consists of more than 1,000 hours of training in making breads, breakfast pastries, cakes, pies, tarts, sauces, chocolates and other desserts. Financial aid is also available.

Art Institute of California- San Diego

The Art Institute of California -- San Diego is a branch of the Art Institutes, which has schools located throughout the country. The school offers courses in media arts, design, fashion and culinary. The culinary programs include opportunities to earn an associates degree in areas such as baking and pastry and culinary arts. Bachelor's degree opportunities are also available in culinary management and hospitality food and beverage management. Degree programs are offered on a year-round basis with enrollment periods four times per year.

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Los Angeles is another multi-campus culinary school with a branch in Los Angeles. This school only offers diploma and associate degree programs. Diplomas in culinary arts and pastry involve fewer courses than the associate programs in culinary and pastry occupational studies. The school teaches essential cooking skills that can be applied to multiple cuisines from around the world. Financial aid is available here for qualifying students.

Tags: also available, Arts Angeles, Bleu College, Bleu College Culinary, College Culinary, College Culinary Arts

Make Homemade Soap Without Using Lye

Old-fashioned soap-making using lye is no longer the only way to produce homemade soap. Vegetable glycerin, which is a byproduct of commercial soap-making, offers an alternative. Melt glycerin, add fragrances and colors, and pour the mixture into molds to harden. The ingredients you need can be found at craft and hobby stores or through online stores. You'll likely find the equipment you need in your kitchen. The recipe yields four to five medium-sized bars of homemade soap, which you can customize with colors and scents.

Instructions

1. Cut the glycerin soap base into 2-inch squares using a sharp knife. Most glycerin crafting soaps come in perforated blocks to make cutting easier.

2. Place the soap squares in a glass sauce pan and put the pan on the stove over low heat.

3. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, until the soap is completely melted. This process usually takes five to 10 minutes for 1 pound of soap base.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and quickly add the remaining ingredients before the mixture hardens.

5. Add 30 to 50 drops of essential oil to the melted soap and stir to combine. Add more oil for more strongly scented bars. Add a few shavings from a block of solid soap color until you achieve the desired color. More shavings will result in a darker color. Stir to combine.

6. Add a dropper full of vitamin E oil or prick two capsules with a pin and add the contents to the soap base. Stir to combine.

7. Pour the melted soap into soap molds, which you can buy at craft and hobby stores, and place them in a cool, dry place to harden.

8. Remove your homemade soap from the molds after about six to eight hours. Leave the molds overnight, if possible, for the best results. Wrap the soap in plastic wrap or muslin cloth and store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

Tags: soap base, cool place, craft hobby, craft hobby stores, hobby stores

Polish Restaurants In Minneapolis

Minneapolis offers locals and tourists a variety of hotel accommodations, museums, zoos, historical societies, shopping, theater, nightlife and a multitude of dining options, which include ethnic offerings. Polish offerings in Minneapolis range from the local bar that offers Polish food with polka music to finer restaurants. Visitors have many options based on their tastes. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Kramarczuks

Kramarczuks (see Resource 1) offers a restaurant and European market storefront. Its European Market offers a wide range of sausage options and a large bakery that sells breads, cookies, chocolates, and pastries. The restaurant offers diners a buffet with a wide variety of soups, salads, ethnic foods, sandwiches and desserts. They also offer a Sunday Brunch. Near Kramarczuks restaurant is the Minneapolis City Center shopping area and many hotels such as The Westin Minneapolis, Marriott, Marquette Hotel and Comfort Inn and Suites.

Nye's Polonaise Room

Just a few blocks south of Kramarczuks is Nye's Polonaise Room (see Resource 2) is a bar and restaurant also located on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. It boasts the World's Most Dangerous Polka Band, which plays on Saturday nights. The restaurant offers a banquet area for large parties and large meal portions. Nye's offers both Polish classics and American choices. Nye's is just minutes from the University of Minnesota in downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant is a short drive through the city off of I-94 and I-35W.

St. Petersburg

Northwest of Nye's, in a more residential area, is St. Petersburg. It is a fine dining and banquet facility in Minneapolis, offering a vodka bar that features more than 200 vodkas to choose from. The menu offers several varieties of caviar in the appetizer selection and large portions of Eastern European and Russian cuisine with traditional meals and new meal offerings. The Terrace Center shopping mall and the North Memorial Medical School of X-Ray are just minutes away from St. Petersburg.

Tags: Center shopping, just minutes, Polonaise Room, restaurant offers

Be A Vegan Marathon Runner

Marathon running requires a healthy, fortified diet and intentional food consumption. Meals should pack protein and carbohydrates as well as meet your standard daily nutritional needs. Careful attention to nutrition complements a vegan diet and provides the necessary nourishment for marathon running.

Instructions

Vegan Nutrition While Training

1. Get enough protein. Use vegan protein sources such as tofu, nuts, whole grains, legumes (beans and lentils, for example) and dark green vegetables. Aim for at least 60 grams of protein per day or more, depending on your body weight. Calculate 0.5 to 0.7 grams for every pound of body weight.

2. Consume 65 percent of your dietary intake as complex carbohydrates, such as whole-wheat and whole-grain carbohydrates. Whole-wheat pastas, breads, noodles and brown rices also provide ample protein to help you reach both your carbohydrate and protein goals.

3. Hydrate your body often during training. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and during your training runs. Use electrolyte replacement drinks.

4. Consider the nutritive value of everything you consume. Eat a variety of foods. Attempt to get your protein from different sources throughout the day rather than depending solely upon soy.

Vegan Nutrition for Long Runs and Race Day

5. Carbo-load the day and night before your long runs and race. Use complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat pastas and breads.

6. Eat a low-fat, low-protein breakfast that's high in complex carbohydrates. Use your long runs as a chance to experiment and find the best breakfast, so that you eat something tried-and-true for race day. Snack on easily digestible foods throughout your run to stay energized and strong.

7. Drink plenty of water. For runs longer than 60 minutes, use electrolyte replacement drinks or gels in addition to water.

8. Have something filling and nutritional immediately following the race or long run, and continue to eat heartily (and healthfully) throughout the rest of the day. Continue to stay hydrated. Recovery nutrition is very important.

Tags: complex carbohydrates, body weight, breakfast that, carbohydrates such, complex carbohydrates such, Drink plenty

Wholesalers & Vegetarian Foods

More Americans are including vegetarian meals in their diet.

Sales of vegetarian foods increased around 25 percent between 2001 and 2003, according to Mintel International's "Vegetarian Foods 2003" report. One-third of the consumers interviewed by Mintel said they ate soy milk, meat substitutes, soy or tofu every month. Prepared Foods Network says these are the consumers who mainstream manufacturers, like Kraft, are targeting for sales. Food wholesalers typically buy large amounts of food at discounted prices, then sell it to retail stores. Sometimes, it's possible for individual consumers to buy foods at wholesale prices without going through an intermediary.

May Wah

May Wah Healthy Vegetarian Food Inc. is located in New York State, but they deliver all over the United States. Their product line includes a variety of meat alternatives, like Veggie Prawns, Sweet and Sour Citrus Spare Ribs, and Spicy Gong Bao Chicken. Although their website is only available for retail sales, wholesalers can call them for purchasing information.

BulkNuts 4 You

BulkNuts 4 You sells 2,000 natural and organic health food products at wholesale prices. Product categories include baby foods, baking ingredients, beans, beverages, candy, condiments, crackers and breads, grains, ice cream, jellies, pasta, sauces and soups. Package sizes vary from 1 lb. to 50 lbs.

Tofu Shop

Tofu Shop Specialty Foods is a wholesaler of certified organic, non-GMO artisan tofu products, including traditional-style tofu, burgers, sausage patties, marinated cutlets, smoked snack sticks and spreads. They work with regional food distributors to ship their products to markets, restaurants and institutions on the West Coast.

Tags: Tofu Shop, wholesale prices

Organize Small Living Spaces In A Trailer Home

Storage and organization

It can be difficult living in a trailer home when you have a lot of things because of the tendency for the home to become cluttered. You may even keep a tidy home but still never achieve a clean feeling because you have so much clutter lying around and not enough space. There are ways to cut down on clutter and make your items more manageable. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Get rid of everything that you do not absolutely need. You must learn live simply and not be a hoarder when you live in a trailer home or small house. A lot of people have a problem getting rid of items that they believe they may need in the future. But if you are not using an item now and it can be replaced, get rid of it. You can hold a garage sale or even donate the items.

2. Install shelving in closets to keep towels and clothing neat and organized. Local home improvement stores will have the necessary materials, and they are typically inexpensive. You can do this on your own, and you need only a few basic tools to get the job done. This will help you keep your bedroom and bathroom closets neat.

3. Use over-the-door hangers to free up more space in your rooms. You can get shoe organizers and mirrors to hang over a door to keep your things even more organized. These can also be found in your local home improvement store and require little or no assembly.

4. Purchase plastic containers with lids to fit beneath your bed. This will allow you to keep items that you may use only a couple of times a year tucked neatly out of sight. Some good things to store under the bed in plastic containers would be wrapping paper and holiday decorations.

5. Use wire baskets to organize food and pantry items in the kitchen. You can neatly store a large number of items in the baskets, and they can easily be pulled out when you need something. You're also less likely to forget about a can of beans that was in the back of a cupboard, as you will be pulling out the baskets more often and will be able to see all the stored items.

Tags: home improvement, items that, keep your, plastic containers, This will

Regulations To Sell Home Cooked Goods In Georgia

According to the Environmental Health Section of the Georgia Department of Community Health's Division of Public Health, food that will be served to the public at a restaurant, event, festival or via a mobile food unit cannot be made or prepared in a home kitchen. However, some food items, including baked goods, may be made in a private home and sold direct to the consumer for nonprofit events or at approved farmers markets.

Georgia Code

Food that will be served to the public via a temporary event, restaurant or mobile food unit must be prepared in a licensed and inspected commercial kitchen and meet the guidelines established by the Department of Community Health's Rules and Regulations for Food Service, Chapter 290-5-14. This chapter prohibits preparation of food in residential kitchens because of limitations for maintaining proper food temperatures, access of family members and guests into the cooking environment and pets in the home.

Inspection Exemptions

Most foods that can be prepared at home fall under the guidelines established by the Department of Community Health. There are a few exemptions to the inspection rules. Food goods that can be made at home without requiring an inspection include jellies, jams, pickles and baked goods that do not have a filling.

Venue Limitations

Jellies, jams, pickles and baked goods cannot be sold to restaurants, bakeries or mobile food units. They may be sold direct to the consumer at festivals and events that are licensed and inspected for selling food. These items may also be sold at local farmers markets and events that are sponsored by civic groups, local governments or nonprofit organizations.

Packaging

The Georgia Food Act requires that all baked goods be packaged in a way that preserves the food. All products must have the common name of the product, the name, address and phone number of the person that baked the item and a list of all ingredients found in the product. While it is not required by law, most bakers also include an allergy warning if nuts are used.

Tags: baked goods, Community Health, Department Community, Department Community Health, mobile food

About Oaxaca Cooking Schools

Oaxacan cooking schools make full use of the region's climate, culture and ingredients.

Oaxaca, Mexico, has a rich culinary history born from its location, climate and the regional diversity of its people. Traditional Oaxacan cuisine relies exclusively on locally sourced products, including the cacao bean. The cacao bean has given Oaxaca seven unique moles specific to the region. Cooking classes in Oaxaca immerse students in Oaxacan culture and are taught in a variety of settings, including restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and private homes.

Le Casa de los Sabores

Le Casa de los Sabores Bed and Breakfast and Cooking School sponsors private and group cooking classes rooted in traditional Oaxacan cuisine. In addition to teaching prepare a southern Mexican five-course meal, chef and owner Pilar Cabrera accompanies students to the local farmers market to acquire fresh produce and herbs for use in its preparation. The class' itinerary commonly includes three hours of hands-on food preparation followed by a meal service on the property's secluded patio consisting of what the students made. The class lasts four hours or a little longer, and costs $70 per person for groups of four to 10 people, as of February 2011. Invited guests, for the meal service only, are charged $10 per person.

Seasons of My Heart

Seasons of My Heart Cooking School offers classes, lectures and tours that focus on pre-Hispanic, Yucatecan and Oaxacan cuisine. The courses pay homage to classical and modern southern Mexican cuisine and highlight the spiritual, medicinal and culinary uses of indigenous Oaxaquena herbs and plants. The practical coursework is augmented with market tours, demonstrations and visits to local homes and boutique businesses that focuses on niches in Oaxacan cuisine. Seasons of My Heart offers half-day, full-day, long-weekend and weeklong classes. Limited to culinary professionals and seasoned cooks, the school also sponsors an advanced class taught by local chef Silvio Campo. The cost of classes ranges from $75 to $2,450 per person, as of February 2011.

Casa Crespo

Casa Crespo Restaurant sponsors on-site classes designed for novice cooks or those new to the ingredients and techniques used in Oaxacan cuisine. The classes include tours of Oaxaca's Sanchez Pascuas market, and place emphasis on locally sourced produce with special attention paid to regional chilies. The class lasts four hours and costs $65 as of February 2011. In addition to the class, the cost includes the market tour, a small breakfast, cooking ingredients and mezcal or beer.

Alma de mi Tierra

Nora Valencia, who trained by cooking in her family's La Casa de Mis Recuerdos bed-and-breakfast, teaches Alma de mi Tierra cooking classes from her Oaxacan home. Valencia introduces students to the cuisine and cooking methods indigenous to southern Mexico, while supplementing her instruction with information about the rich cultural heritage of her native Oaxaca. Students' itineraries include a trip to the local market, followed by instruction in the creation of a starter, a main course, a dessert and a classic Oaxacan fruit-flavored beverage. The class lasts five hours and 30 minutes, and costs between $70 and $85 depending on the number of people, as of February 2011.

Tags: Oaxacan cuisine, February 2011, class lasts, Seasons Heart, Alma Tierra, cacao bean, Casa Crespo

List Of Hoofed Mammals

Hoofed mammals are either even-toed or odd-toed.

The hoof developed for animals who were in need of quickly escaping from predators. Whereas hooves, like claws and nails, touch the ground, the foot does not, so it becomes part of the leg, increasing the animal's stride length and thus its running speed. Hooves have a structure similar to that of a nail. Hooved mammals are called ungulates.

Even-Toed Ungulates

Even-toed ungulates are animals whose weight is borne equally on two toes, called cloven hoofs. Some have only two toes, while others have two additional much smaller toes. About 220 species of animals comprise this group, including antelope, cattle, llamas, camels, deer, giraffes, okapis, hippopotamuses, peccaries, chevrotains, pronghorn, sheep, goats, hogs and pigs. This group also includes the now extinct entelodonts.

Odd-Toed Ungulates

Odd-toed ungulates have one or three toes, with the middle toe on three-toed mammals usually being larger. Consisting of only 17 species, they are a much smaller group than the even-toed ungulates. The three families that make up this category are rhinoceroses, tapirs and horses, but also prehistorically includes the paraceratherium and propalaetherium. As grazing animals, odd-toed ungulates have an enlarged segment in their large intestine that contains bacteria to assist in digestion.

Dewclaws

Some even-toed ungulates may also have dewclaws on the outer part of each foot, further up the leg than the main hoof. The dewclaws of some mammals never reach the ground, such as in cattle. In species including pigs and many types of deer, the dewclaws are smaller, and so touch the ground when the animal jumps or is on soft ground.

Tapir

The tapir is a uniquely hoofed animal, as it has four toes on the front foot and three toes on the back foot. Although it looks like a pig, it is related to the horse, zebra and rhinoceros. Tapirs can be one of four species. The Malayan tapir has a white front, black back legs and silvery white rear. The Brazilian tapir, mountain tapir and Baird's tapir all have a dark brown or red back and pale underside.

Tags: much smaller, three toes, touch ground, ungulates have

The Best Internetbased Businesses

Online shopping businesses can make sales twenty four hours a day.

When looking for ideas on what Internet business to start, you probably begin by wondering which one is the best. Looking around online quickly shows you there are a number of different types of businesses that can be successful. Each business has it's own pros and cons, but the majority of them have a few things in common. Being online makes it easy to run the business from any location you'd like, and sometimes most of the business processes can even be automated so you aren't required to do a lot of day-to-day work once everything is fully underway. Some require much more interaction with people while others lean toward the technical side. You must determine which Internet based business is the right one for you.

Retail Businesses

E-Commerce encompasses many products online these days, and there are a number of business models that fit different lifestyles. Retail Internet businesses can range from selling tangible products directly from your own web-based store, to selling items at online auction sites such as eBay. In both cases, the business owner has the option of sourcing, buying and storing the goods they sell, or they can partner with a wholesale company that provides drop shipping services instead. Managing inventory is more work but gives you more control, while working with a drop shipper allows you to focus on marketing and customer service.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a popular Internet based business model because there is no inventory, no store management, and no customer service involved. In fact, an affiliate marketer simply promotes one or more products. If sales are made due to their promotional efforts, they earn a percentage in sales commissions. Affiliate marketing is used to promote both tangible and digital goods, and having your own website or domain name is optional for most products.

Knowledge Businesses

Knowledge-based businesses are excellent as an Internet business because of the ease of communication. Someone with extensive knowledge or experience in an area that other people are interested in can operate an Internet business that simply transfers that information and skill from the business owner to customers. A knowledge-based business owner can deliver mentoring, tutoring and advice over email alone if they choose. Knowledge can be delivered through electronic books, software, a club or membership website, and Internet telephone services as well.

Publishing Businesses

Publishing businesses are similar to knowledge-based business in that information or entertainment is the delivered product. A publishing business is not dependent on the business owner's skills and expertise however. Instead, publishing businesses can have multiple experts who create content in a variety of areas. Common online publishing businesses include book publishers, magazine publishers, and general information website publishers.

Tags: business owner, Internet business, Affiliate marketing, based business, business that, customer service, Internet based

Open A Retail Store

Many people harbor dreams of starting and running a successful business. If you have a knack for knowing what's hot and what's not, coupled with a talent for customer service, a retail store is for you. Retail is a quickly growing segment of the economy. Follow these steps to get your business up and running.

Instructions

1. Choose a type of legal organization for your business. You must do this before anything else, as it affects how all further business will be conducted. Will you be running the business as a sole proprietor, partner or corporation? Each type is distinct when it comes to taxes and other dealings with the government, as well as funding and any legal issues. You can change your organizational structure later on, but it is costly and time-consuming.

2. Pick the perfect name for your retail business. Some entrepreneurs have had the perfect name in mind since they were young. Others may take some time deciding. Do not choose your name haphazardly. A name tells a great deal about a business and is a very real part of its identity. Consider all the words that describe the product you are selling. Consider different phrases and terminology associated with your business. Think about what you are selling and to whom you are selling specifically. Instead of "selling furnishings to locals," you're "selling glass shabby-chic home decor to 30-something homeowners." This kind of brainstorming can lead to excellent name ideas. Naming is a word game, so play around.

3. Apply for your tax identification number (or EIN: Employer Identification Number). The federal government uses this number to identify a business. You must have this number before conducting any business. It is required for any bank accounts or to apply for credit. Once you have a name for your business, you can apply for the EIN. Begin obtaining all your permits. Inform your local city government office about what type of business you will be opening. The city representative will be able to tell you what type of permits you need. Each state is different. Even towns and cities' requirements vary. Retain the services of a business attorney and an accountant with whom you will regularly confer.

4. Decide what you will be selling. Consider these questions when deciding what to put on your shelves. Is it a marketable product or category of products? Do people in your area have a need for it? Can you find a way to fill this need profitably? If you can answer "Yes" to all these questions, you have found what you will be selling.

5. Write a business plan. Important for many reasons, a business plan is an integral part of the start-up process. This plan is also a must if you will be calling on the assistance of a lender. Banks, investors and venture capitalists will all want a look at your business plan before loaning you any money. It also functions as a time line for the progression of your business. Your business plan outlines your goals for the future of your business and how you plan to achieve them. Refer to it often for guidance.

6. Find the perfect location. Your retail store's location can make or break its success. Consider how much space you need for storage, sales and administrative functions, and whether your merchandise requires special storage.Before you make your final decision, check out other businesses in the area. Do not set up shop too near a similar business, unless you are in a very high-traffic area. Usually, you need a location where your business will be the only one of its kind. Consider parking options as well. If you expect to have many customers at once, ensure you have ample parking space.

7. Stock your shelves. To sell retail, you will have to buy wholesale. Finding wholesalers of the products you want to sell takes a little work. Attend trade shows for local wholesalers and search online for wholesalers in your state. Look in the phone book and check your local library for resources. Check out retailers that sell similar products and ask about their wholesalers.

8. Hire your employees. Run an ad in the employment section of your local paper and put a "Help Wanted" sign in the window. Take your time hiring your employees. You will need to hire people who are friendly and have some experience in retail sales jobs in the past. Take a close look at employee applications and resumes. Call past employers and listed references. Conduct background checks, drug screenings and criminal records checks.

9. Open for business. Schedule a grand opening so your customers will become familiar with your store and the merchandise you carry. Adhere closely to your business plan, including the marketing strategy laid out therein, for the best chances of success.

Tags: your business, business plan, business will, your business plan, your local, about what