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Mixed Lot of Microwave Foot Heat Packs are Footwamer Insoles. Save on quantity orders of these heating pads for feet. Warm feet heat packs in the microwave and tuck inside slippers or socks to soothe aching feet or put them directly on the floor and place tired feet right on top. Love these footwarmers! Gave them as gifts and everyone was thrilled. Thank you for such a well constructed product! Bought a pack of foot warmers for stocking stuffers. Everyone has been enjoying them. Such a unique and well made product. I bought a set of them because I knew the whole family would want mine. Thanks for the quick shipping too! AWESOME heat packs! I'm back for more because I want them all. We'll ship five pairs individually packaged Foot Warmer Insoles made from our selection of beautiful fabrics. Heating Pads for feet measure 9"x 3.5" and are one size fits all. Filled with flaxseed and rice, footwarmers give soothing moist heat when warmed in the microwave. Store them in the freezer to use as cold packs. Drop down menu offers unscented Foot Warmers or real lavender or chamomile scent added. Mixed Lot Microwave Foot Heat Packs, Footwarmer Insoles Heating Pads for Feet, Wholesale Bulk listed in: Eye Pillow, Feet Microwave Heat Pads , Bulk Wholesale Microwave Heat Pads

One fine Saturday morning, I was incredibly excited for a Pro Biotic facial (which I purchased from Gilt). I was so looking forward to someone caressing my face, performing extractions to improve the texture of my skin, thoroughly clean, relax and rejuvenate with some facial massage. The facial looked appealing and perfect for my skin. As I walked in, the place looked peaceful, clean and welcoming. I was led to the room and asked to fill a basic form with skin background, conditions and concerns. This was followed up with a brief conversation about my skin concerns, to which I promptly responded I needed to resolve some underlying build up congestion which has not surfaced at all. Also gave a full history of why it happened and how I was able to resolve to a degree. Then I had couple of obvious hormonal spots on my chin and jaw, along with some usual white heads and blackheads around nose area. Anyway the facial commenced, and my first yellow flag was she didn’t go beyond my face, no neck, shoulder or chest. I let it pass and on the face all felt ok until the point we hit extractions. I have high pain tolerance however these extractions were most painful in my life! The tool used and technique sucked and left my skin bruised and traumatized for a couple of days. Some red flags I should have picked up on: she was poking and prodding on the same area, she was also poking and prodding in areas which weren’t ready, she went close to milia (big no-no, given she isn’t a dermatologist). She continued with the facial, with mask, light massage, high frequency, blue and red light and exclaimed voilà! She suggested to take my time as I get up and get dressed. I tipped her (not sure why?!?!!!) and left the place wanting to see my skin in proper day light. I was horrified, the first pic I took as I sat in the car. With daylight brightness (clear sunny day), it tones down the redness in the pic. I immediately noticed my skin is bruised, bumpy, traumatized, red, severely irritated, and didn’t want to even touch my face. The bumps were areas or spots where I had no active surface spots (pustules), these were under the skin congestion spots (nodules) that she had a field day with. From the ruthless extractions, my skin felt warm. I felt like my inner radiator was lit, like hot flushes (not a good feeling). Fast forward to Day 3 after the facial, and I had started to possibly notice scarring (from brutal extractions) and extremely dehydrated skin. Anyway so fast forward to how I treated. Mantra was simple yet methodical, and identified ingredients my skin needed to be fed. As a part of this post, the focus here should be ingredients that soothe, heal and nourish the skin, not so much the specific product used. Having said that, I will include the specific products I used, but I recommend focus on ingredients and dig through your stash. Mantra: Soothe, Calm, Heal, Repair, Nourish, Replenish, Resurfacing Day 1 (post facial) – As soon as I reached home, I gently cleansed my face with cleansing milk because I wanted to get rid of the products she applied on me. Generously spritzed zinc spray (La Roche Posay Serozinc) to soothe my irritated skin. Followed by that I placed a cool hydrating sheet mask and rested for a bit. With this my skin temperature was under control and didn’t feel the hot flush. Post mask, again zinc mist, hydrating serum and basic Jojoba Oil. The same evening, I followed the exact same routine. Step 1 – Soothe, Calm, Hydrate – Calm the skin from that trauma By this point, I knew my skin’s barrier was compromised, vulnerable and not resilient. So aim of the game was soothe, calm and hydrate while gently building a resilient barrier again. Ingredients Focus: Hydration – Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Chamomile, Turmeric (best anti inflammatory), Fermented Essence to pat in, and High Frequency. I continued with some high frequency at home every couple of days to help heal the skin. Slowed down on massaging the skin because it would instantly go red and not stand the lightest pressure either. My skincare routine for next few days included: - Cleanse – Milk Cleansers and Gentle Emulsifying Balms (because I didn’t want to use washcloths) - Masks – Raw or Manuka Honey based (Mahalo Petal Mask, AveSeena Beauty Active Mask, Amala Beauty Brightening Mask, Leah Lani Mermaid Mask, The Body Shop Ethiopian Honey Mask) - Tone – Fermented Essences (Whamisa, Missha FTE Mist, SKII), Zinc Spray (La Roche Posay Serozinc) - Serum – Hydration serums (Hyaluronic Acid, along with Humectants such as Glycerin, Vitamin E, Sodium Hyaluronate – salt of Hyaluronic acid with smaller molecular size allowing deeper penetrability, Yeast extracts). - Sheet Mask – Soothing, Calming and Hydrating essence sheet mask (SKII, Whamisa, A by Bom, Blossom Jeju, Dr Jart+, Bonvivant) - Moisturisers (for day) – Barrier repair formulations (Priori Barrier Repair Complex, Skinmedica & Dermalogica) - Balm (for evening) – Linoleic acid rich oils, Amazonian butters like Uccuba, Murumuru to improve skin’s elasticity and resilience. Along with essential oils like German Chamomile (soothing), Turmeric (anti inflammatory) (Mahalo Balm, HHW Marakata Balm). You have to ensure that your skin can withstand the essential oils given it is compromised and sensitive. By this point, sensitivity, irritation all minimized and I can continue re-building skin’s barrier with little more than a Hydration serum. Below pic is clicked exactly a week later. You can tell, surface and texture is not the best, it felt tight, scars starting to show, and a long road to recovery. Step 2 – Replenish, Heal – Address the dehydration and surface dryness. ReBuild skin’s barrier again. At this point, while irritation has subsided, it continued to feel tight, flat/pale, and overall an unhealthy appearance. Ingredients Focus: Still a strong hydration focus with Hyaluronic acid with Humectants however, now I incorporate Antioxidants such as Green Tea, Resveratrol, Vitamin E, Squalene, Coenzyme Q-10, Caffeine. I slowed down on high frequency this week, and started light massage to get the blood cells moving and keep the lymph drainage going. We don’t want stagnation which would have slowed down the recovery path. While most of the routine remained same, the new additions were around light massage, gentle exfoliation and patting in a number of layers of essence: - Cleanse – Milk Cleanser, Angels on Bare Skin (my version which is finer in texture, also contains Goat Milk powder, No lavender and very gentle on skin) - Exfoliation – Fruit Enzymes (Basics on Enzymes) Skin was ready for mild exfoliation, not aggressive with physical or strong acid (Skin Juice Facial in a Jar – combination of AHA and enzymes, PCA Revitalizing Mask – papaya enzyme, Rejuvi Exfoliating Mask – papaya enzyme, Dr Lewinns Reversaderm). - Tone – 7 Skin Method involves patting in the essence 7 times, but you can determine how your skin is absorbing it. Can be limited to 2-3-4-5 times as well. It immediately addressed the skin’s tightness, surface dryness and lackluster appearance. Skin was bouncy like water bed. This can be layered in with hydration and antioxidant serums and while skin was damp, I applied an oil or balm (Whamisa, Blithe, Missha FTE Mist, SKII). - Serum – Hydration (Jordan Samuel Hydrate, MD Sun Hydration, Twelve Beauty, Sukin Facial Recovery Serum, Auspect Vitamin B Serum) - Sheet Mask - Oil or Balm while skin is still moist from mask Dehydration and surface dryness were dealt with by this week with really good results. The 7 Skin method from Korea, immediately plumps the skin and sealing with a balm captures all goodness (creating a hydrolipid layer on skin). To check the hydration levels, I would pinch my skin to check how quickly it bounces back, or try not applying any products immediately after cleansing or shower. If it felt tight and craved product I knew the condition persisted. The skin was ready to take on more, so I introduced actives. Step 3 – Repair, Resurface Address the spots that came to surface, and Introduce Acids. For the spots that surfaced, I extracted only if they were ready or left them alone. I wrapped my fingers around Intrinsics Silken Wipes and gently pushed them out after steaming my face. The main thing was not cause my skin any more trauma. Its not the end of the bloody world, if someone sees me with a spot or two! Now here is the key of how I introduced the actives, because we all know, the easiest way to compromise skin’s barrier is over exfoliation. But also important to build an acid mantle again. Introducing acids and retinol was a well thought out, methodical strategy which involved the molecular size of acid (penetrability in skin) along with ph level (how gentle or aggressive it would be) which would determine if it would irritate my skin or gently treat it. I included the actives through varying stage such as acid toners, masks, serums or treatment creams. Acid Progression Meter – Detailed post on Basics of AHA’s Poly Hydroxy Acids – Least irritating (Zelens PHA Pads – uses Lactobionic PHA) AHA (in order of smallest or largest molecule – determining penetrability in the skin) - Mandelic – Colleen Rothschild Radiance Serum, Naruko Dermalane Mandelic Acid Sheet Masks and 20% Radiance Serum - Citric – No Standalone Product, as a part of Acid Combination - Tartaric – No Standalone Product, as a part of Acid Combination - Malic – No Standalone Product, as a part of Acid Combination - Lactic – Kate Somerville Clinic to go, Bravura London Lactic Acid Peel - Glycolic – Alpha H Liquid Gold (operates at ph of 2.5) BHA (Salicylic Acid) – to avoid further congestion (Bravura London Salicylic Acid) Acid Combination (contains a balanced formulations of all AHAs) – Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads, Biologique Recherche P50, DermaDoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pads with Ferulic Acid & Vitamin E (+ boost of antioxidants). Retinol – Introduced to my skin when it appeared my skin was comfortable using Lactic acid and ready to progress to Glycolic acid. I needed to ensure I was not experiencing any surface dryness before I incorporated Retinol in the mix. Started with 0.15% which was gentle enough (Skin+Pharmacy Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid Wipes) and progressed to 0.5% (Skinmedica Retinol Complex). - Cleanse, Double cleanse only if I’m wearing full face of makeup with sunscreen. - Exfoliation – Enzyme exfoliation with steam, Chemical+Physical exfoliation (detailed post on products). - Mask – Four to five times a week, sounds crazy but has significantly helped my skin bounce back. Started including stronger clay masks but added couple of drops of oil so the skin doesn’t dry and reverse all the hard work. - Acid Treatments – starting with 2 times a week and based on how skin responded, I increased to 3-4 times a week - Hydrating or Soothing Toning Mist - Serums – Exfoliation Serums (good balance of AHA’s and BHA with some moisturizing ingredients aid in resurfacing the skin to reveal fresher, brighter, even toned skin). Resurfacing Treatments are concentrated forms of AHA’s and Retinol to resurface and revitalise the skin. Used strictly as a treatment, once or twice a week (SkinBetter AlphaRet Overnight Treatment, Cosmedix Define, Kate Somerville RetAsphere Micro peel). Retinol Serums (separate post – DrDG Ferulic+Retinol, PTR Retinol Fusion, Colleen Rothschild Retinol Complex, La Roche Posay Redermic R). - Sheet Mask (optional) - Oil or Balm By thoughtfully and carefully introducing actives in the skincare routine, my skin showed significant signs of improvement in terms of texture, tone and overall brightness. The surface dryness was completely gone by creating and maintaining a strong hydrolipid layer on skin (applying an oil or balm while skin is damp from essence) Step 4 (ongoing) – Repair, Resurface (Addressing Scarring) Yes, her poorly skilled technique of extractions has left me with scars. As I slowly incorporate stronger acids (DrDG, Alpha H, Neostrata, Naruko Dermalane) and gradually build tolerance for stronger actives again, my skin will slowly but surely bounce back. I know this last step will take weeks before I see visible improvement in tone of the skin. Will continue with more sheet masks as well, exfoliating masks as skin regeneration is crucial. While most of my routine has bounced back to it’s usual self with strong resurfacing actives (including AHA and Retinol – Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel), I’ve had more focus on Pigmentation Serums which have high concentrations of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). It’s the powerhouse ingredient. Absolutely fabulous for spots, red blotchiness, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. Other ‘natural’ ingredients to look out for are: Licorice, Arbutin (natural derivative of hydroquinone derived from plants, including Bearberry, Blueberry, and Cranberry), and Kojic Acid (Manyo Factory Galactomyces Niacin Treatment, Auspect Skincare Vita B Serum). Other very important aspects which have been crucial in this recovery are: - Massage, getting my skin moving, improving the blood circulation is important for lymph drainage and skin to heal. Several videos on YouTube on how to massage either by hands or jade tool or roller for Gua Sha. The underlying point is get the blood circulation moving (avoid stagnation) and flush toxins from skin. - Always and Always be guided by your skin, it speaks to you and you need to listen, understand and adapt. If its reacting and going red, you’re not doing something right, it feels tight – you’re dehydrated and possibly surface dry, over producing oil – you’re stripping it off good healthy fatty oils, breaking out in certain spots – either to do with your diet, gut health or overall health. This list could go on and on, but it is very important to understand why your skin is reacting in the way it is. - Your Insides Reflect Outside – What you put in your mouth and how you digest it has HUGE impact on your skin. Having the right balance of enzymes, acidity/alkalinity and fluids is utterly the baseline of solid skin health. I’m not telling anyone to quit dairy, or go gluten free for your skin….let your skin tell you how its coping with your habits. - Supplements, in addition to my usual Vitamin D and Fish Oils, I added Hyaluronic Acid supplements on Lady Hirons suggestion and it has worked for me. Not saying this is for everyone but check with your doctor. Get regular blood work done. Again this reflects on the point above. Well this is it for now, by no means am I aiming for perfection but I would like to get to a place where I find it comfortable again to step out without makeup.

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I am a very beautiful blonde girl I'm just passing through Call me for a visit STOP FALSE PHOTOS AND SCAMS: The jokers, myths and fantasies thank you for passing your way: Not being able to answer all the calls, for a better comfort of each one, 1st contact & information will be done by SMS. Please listen to my answering machine and READ FULLY the 2 SMS that you will receive afterwards, THANK YOU to avoid useless QUESTIONS AND BLABLA that do not lead to anything (3 SMS max) The appointments will be made the SAME DAY ONLY 30/45 min in advance minimum by SMS also. You are NOVICE, NOT EXPERIENCED, you want a MAGICAL and UNBELIEVABLE experience in the hands of an EXPERT BEGINNER you made the RIGHT CHOICE then do not hesitate to come to discover me I am listening to all YOUR specific ENVIOUSES, and I like to take the TIME to make you enjoy this moment until THE END by giving all the BEST of myself. 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CelCulture® CO₂ Incubator - CO₂ Control, No ULPA Filter True leaders rise above the ordinary. Such a statement does not only hold true in the entrepreneurial world, but also in the scientific world. ESCO provides the most efficient and ergonomic line of stainless-steel containment including laminar flow, BSCs, isolators, fume hoods, air showers, and CO2 incubators. Want a quote with special pricing? There are better deals to be had! Create an account with us or give us a call to learn more about account-specific pricing. Create your account Need an expert opinion? Call us here True leaders rise above the ordinary. Such a statement does not only hold true in the entrepreneurial world, but also in the scientific world. At any aspect of a scientific study, researchers and scientists aspire to discover, innovate, and lead. This is why Esco builds top-of-the-line equipment for every laboratory. We believe that science is meant to lead, motivate, and inspire humanity. Thus, we present to you the sleek, reliable and intuitive Esco CelCulture® CO2 incubator, designed to bring out the leader in every cell culture laboratory. It provides all-rounded sample protection that brings your scientific dreams one step closer to reality. Various options are available. Stem Cell Research In Vitro Fertilization Mammalian Cell Research Robust Contamination Control SteriSafe™ ULPA filtration ISO class 5 air quality SwiftCon™ 90˚C validated moist heat decontamination cycle (15 hours) In-line filters remove gas impurities and contaminants Direct Heat and Air Jacket Fast and uniform heating Rapid temperature recovery Air jacket improves chamber stability Perforated shelving to improve uniformity Facilitates easier cleaning Single-beam, dual-wavelength IR sensor is drift-free Isocide™ Antimicrobial Powder Coating Eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria within 24 hours of exposure CATALOGS and BROCHURES Once the user has seen at least one product this snippet will be visible.

Bath bombs for Christmas After making my dragon egg bath bombs, I had some material left over so I decided to make some beautiful Christmas presents. It’s such a fun project that I can make with my son who loves to mix his own bath bombs and then use them excessively 😂. If you’re still looking for a simple DIY present for the Holidays, you’re in the right spot! (Affiliate-Links coming at you) Ingredients make 4 fist-sized bath bombs - 200g baking soda - 120g citric acid - 60g corn starch - 35ml coconut oil oder 30ml shea butter - 65ml oil-based bath additive - (optional) gel food color - dried flower petals / rose petals - Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl - Warm up the coconut oil or shea butter in a pan or microwave and add it to dry ingredients. - Add food colorant, bath additive and flowers to your liking. - Knead the mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and use your hands to form bath bombs. The mixture should be moist enough so that the bombs keep their shape easily. If it is still too powder-like just add 1-2 table spoons more coconut oil or shea butter to the mix. - Put the bath bombs in a cool place to dry. - Wrap them in a nice package as a present or use them yourself in your own bathtub We have based our recipe on the one from Bathely but changed some things according to our experience and liking 😍. If you are making the bath bombs with your children and they are having a hard time in forming the balls, just spread the mixture like cookie dough and use some cookie cutters. It will be easier to handle and the fun is still guaranteed! 🙂

Syrian Honey Fig Tree (ficus carica) We are adding 600+ new plants for a new total of 1,687 varieties. We will be reopening Fall 2021. Thank you for your support. Sign up below for a reminder when sales resume. Why sign up? See new introductions first, discounts & more. |Dimensions||36 × 4 × 4 in| All sales are now final as we are unable to accept returns/exchanges. At the current time we only ship to the lower 48 states. We do NOT ship to AK, HI, PR or internationally. Orders placed from these areas will be refunded and cancelled. Orders placed from the western regions in the US can have an extended delivery time up to 9 days, we strongly recommend orders be placed in early spring or late fall to avoid hot summer temps. In these regions you are accepting full responsibility for the shipment and understand the risks involved due to distance and temperatures. Western shipments are not guaranteed in the months of June-September. **Please understand, we are unable to constantly monitor the temperatures across the entire United States. If you know the temperatures in your area are not conducive to shipping plants enclosed in a box from Florida to your location, please wait until temperatures are more favorable. We do not guarantee plants due to extreme temperatures during shipping. Local UPS Ground Shipping to: Florida and Georgia. |Items Ordered||Flat Rate| |Plus||$2.50 per additional item.| UPS Ground Shipping to Eastern Regions: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. |Items Ordered||Flat Rate| |Plus||$3.20 per additional item.| UPS Ground Shipping to Western Regions: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. |Items Ordered||Flat Rate| |Plus||$4.65 per additional item.| PLEASE TRACK YOUR PACKAGE! Once shipped all sales are final, tracking info. is automatically emailed as soon as it becomes available you must trace the shipment to your door, we simply ship the product to the address supplied to us on your invoice, we ARE NOT responsible for lost, stolen or damaged packages once delivered, this includes heat or cold damage when delivered outside. If you have any issues contact UPS, not us. Chances are you will loose all the money spent, so PLEASE TRACK YOUR PACKAGE and have someone there to accept it. Note: shipping delays may occur if we experience a heavier volume of orders. Orders placed from the western regions can have an extended delivery time up to 8 days, we strongly recommend orders be placed in early spring or late fall to avoid hot summer temps. In these regions you are accepting full responsibility for the shipment, the mortality of the plants ordered and understand the risks involved due to distance and temperatures. Western shipments are not guaranteed in the months of June-September. Wow, like a present! With our state of the art packaging we can ensure that your new plant arrives in style. Before leaving our growers all plants are inspected, watered and pruned if necessary. Your new plant is bagged to keep the soil moist and to ensure that the soil stays in the pot not loose in the box. Then your plants are tissue or kraft paper wrapped and secured in place with natural biodegradable peanuts, you will be pleased. Sorry, no we don't. Most of the plants offered are very tropical and require temperatures above 40º at all times. On occasion some orders may be delayed if the weather conditions in your area warrant that the shipment be held. This helps to ensure the survival of your new plant. During the winter months when we are no longer shipping plants, our growers spend their time researching new species and new growing techniques to provide you with the most unique and superior species of plants available anywhere. It varies. All plants for sale will vary in size. In the spring, plants are often smaller than plants shipped in the fall. Most plants designated with a sku ending in -3, -4, -6 or -8 will arrive in a standard 2.75 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch or 8 inch round growers pot respectively. Our new, reusable, recyclable deep pots are 8 inches deep and 3x3 inches in diameter and 9 inches deep and 4x4 inches in diameter. Products growing in these pots are easy to transplant and allow for deeper, faster growth and are designated with a -t3 or -t4 respectively. Our new landscape plugs come in 3 sizes, 5" deep x 2.5" round, 7" deep x 2" round and 9" deep x 2.5" round and are designated with a -5, -7 or -9 respectively. (Note: The item sku number can be found just below the buy button.) The color and style of these pots may vary. If we are out of a particular size item, we may ship a larger size at no additional charge. You can see the various pot sizes and actual plants ready to ship. No. Sorry, At the present the only shipping option available is UPS Ground ®. UPS ® has proven themselves in the industry and have become the carrier of choice for our family of growers. With reasonable rates, careful handling and on time service you can be sure that your shipment will arrive ready to be enjoyed. Note: The shipping, flat rate charges include the cost of handling, trimming, prepping, watering, bagging, boxing, packaging, etc. You pay nothing more. To ensure proper delivery most orders will take 1 - 3 weeks. The delivery time can vary depending on the work load, seasonal holidays and your location. You will automatically be notified by email with tracking information when your order ships, allowing you to trace the shipment to its destination. Rest easy knowing that your plant will not ship until it is inspected, watered, bagged and properly packaged. Yes. We not only trust UPS® with our plants. They are the exclusive shipper of our growers when it comes to plants, pots and accessories. Presently we only ship inside the lower 48 states. With the current USDA regulations regarding shipment of live plants, our family of growers are restricted to and governed by the guidelines for certification within the lower 48 states only. Orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and internationally will not be accepted. We're sorry. Shipping information can only be changed if you email our customer service immediately after your order has been submitted. We process orders very quickly, and once an order begins the fulfillment process we're unable to modify it. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we hope that in the majority of cases our faster processing times work to your advantage. If you have questions about your order, please contact us via email. Your, plant should be fine. Occasionally transit damage will occur. If your plant arrives a bit shaken and stressed, simply follow your plants "Care & Culture" instructions and it should return to its full beauty and luster with in a few weeks. Note: We do not warrant bent or broken leaves, it is only natural that some minor damage will occur. Certain plant varieties do not like to be shipped and can loose some or all of their leaves during transit, this is common and the plant is not dead, it is simply in shock and should bud within 30 days or so. It depends on the extent of the damage. If your shipment arrives and the box is severely crushed or damaged, you can either refuse the shipment or place a "Claim" directly with UPS Ground for loss or damage at UPS.com. However, in doing this you must realize that if you have ordered an item that is in short supply or high demand, we can not guarantee a replacement. Read your packing slip. First, read your packing slip to be sure that everything you ordered has been shipped. Second, If you only receive a partial shipment don't worry. There is no need to panic. If your entire shipment does not arrive within 4 weeks from the time you placed your order, please e-mail us with your order number and name so we can trace the missing item(s) and promptly correct the situation. Sorry, There is no available telephone number. Our team members are always in the field maintaining the foliage. Email is the most efficient way to answer questions and concerns. Immediately unpack your plants very carefully, most damage occurs in the hurried attempt to see the new plants. When your plants arrive you will need to water them if necessary. You will have to do your research. We make absolutely no claims as to plant safety, of any plant whatsoever. If in question, please do your homework prior to ordering. For your pets you may want to visit the ASPCA. Please read our Terms of Service and Return Policies prior to purchasing.

Verbascum ‘Snow Maiden’ is an incredibly beautiful mullein that blooms with masses of soft white flowers, each with delicate yellow filaments. Flowering in June, the blooms continue to appear over a long summer, often right through to September. It makes a striking show for the middle to back of a multi-coloured border or white bed, and is very easy to grow from seed, giving plenty of plants to thread throughout the garden. ‘Snow Maiden’, also known as 'Verbascum hybridum' or more simply as White Mullein grows to a height of 36 to 48cm (3 to 4ft) with a spread of 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in). Blooming from late spring into summer, it is blessed with strong stems which do not need staking. Removing spent flowers will encourage additional bloom time. Verbascum ‘Snow Maiden’ will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but must have good drainage. This low maintenance perennial requires dry to medium soil and should be planted in full sun for best results. It can be planted in rocky slopes to add colour, as a border plant or in cottage gardens. Verbascum are a wonderful plant for making a garden feel uncontrived, producing masses of flowers without taking up lots of space on the ground. Their vertical flower spikes help any border succeed visually, leading the eye up to the sky and breaking up the boring hummocky look. Plant as a single specimen or in groups of three or more for an even bolder appearance. Sowing: Sow in spring or in autumn If started as early as January, this strain usually blooms the first year from seed. Later sown seedlings will provide blooms the following year. Germination 7 to 21 days. Seeds can be sown directly where they are to flower in either Spring (two to four weeks before average last frost date) or in Autumn (up to two months before first autumn frost) Sow thinly and thin seedlings to an eventual spacing of 38 to 45cm. Sow 6 to 8 weeks before planting outdoors in April to May. The plants have a long tap root, so you may wish to use root trainers or long pots. Take care when transplanting. Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost. Space 2.5cm (1in) between the seeds. Cover the seeds lightly with compost or medium-grade vermiculite to help keep the seed moist during germination. Avoid direct sunlight by shading seeds after sowing. Place in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 15 to 18°C (60 to 65°F). Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Following germination, reduce the moisture levels somewhat, allowing the growing medium to dry out slightly before watering to help promote rooting. They are usually ready for transplanting in 5-7 weeks. Transplant into 10-18cm (4 to 7in) pot. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed 45cm (18in) apart in full sun. Verbascum grows best under full sun in locations with moist but well drained soil; sites with poor drainage will most likely lead to plant mortality. They require a mulch in the winter for protection. Verbascum is a moderate feeder. Growing them under high fertility regimes generally causes them to become very lush and delay flowering. Don't fertilise after mid Sept. To encourage the plant to repeat bloom or extend the bloom season to late in the year, cut off the centre stalk after initial flowering, just to where you see side shoots emerging. Approx 4 to 5 weeks to the second flowering. It will also extend the life of your plant These are evergreen plants; they keep their leaves year round, losing the aerial part during the coldest months of the year. As spring begins, stems and leaves quickly start to reproduce. Border, Cottage Garden, Mediterranean or Gravel Garden. Exposed Coastal planting. Problem areas. Architectural. Drought, heat, deer, slug and snail proof. Pick the flowers as required. For dried flowers, place the flowers face down on paper or racks away from light to preserve colour (and medicinal properties). Use in potpourri. The flowers of Verbascum phlomoides, like those of Large-flowered Mullein were used in European folk medicine. The flowers were used in herbal tea mixtures for coughs and colds and the leaves were applied externally to slow healing wounds. The flowers without the calyx are the medicinally active parts. After drying they are bright yellow with a honey like scent. The flowers yield a yellow dye and were used by women in ancient Rome to dye their hair golden yellow. They are still used to give aroma to some liqueurs and included in cosmetic preparations. The leaves are sometimes used in medicinal teas, but should not be taken in excess as they are mildly toxic. The large velvety leaves were used in shoes or slippers to keep the feet warm and help ward off chilblains. Verbascum phlomoides is native to central and southern Europe and south west Asia. It has been cultivated in the UK since 1739. It was known from the wild by 1838, but it is rarely naturalised and then mostly in the south of England. The species plant is very similar to Verbascum densiflorum, Large Flowered Mullein but its stem leaves do not, or hardly, run down onto the stem and the flowers are larger and are arranged in a looser spike. Native to the mountains of Greece. The word 'Verbascum' is likely to have been derived from two Latin sources ‘ver’ meaning ‘spring’ and ‘barbascum', which means ‘bearded plant’. The species name phlomoides is derived from the Latin meaning ‘like Phlomis’. The word Phlomis is Greek for ‘plant’. Verbascum phlomoides is commonly known as Orange Mullein as the flowers are sometimes orange-yellow, Woolly Mullein or Clasping Mullein. The name 'Mullein' derives from the Latin 'mollis' meaning soft. One of the old common names is ‘the candlewick plant’ because the large soft furry leaves were cut into strips, dried, and used as wicks for candles. Recently the common names have fallen by the wayside. When a plant sheds its common name and becomes known only by its official Latin title, it is a sure sign that it has come up in the world. The Verbascum has shrugged off as many as ten downmarket pseudonyms as it has ascended the horticultural social scale, moving from the disorderly surroundings of the cottage garden to elegant colour-themed plantings. This stately plant, which combines architectural form with beautiful colouring, deserves this elevation. Folklore and Facts: Poachers of fish are said to have made their quarry drunk by feeding them the seeds. Cockroaches are allergic to one species. A concoction from the tissues is supposed to turn the hair as golden as a goddess's, and a tisane has been claimed to cure many ills, from gout to ringworm. According to Pliny the Elder, verbascum can cure superficial abscess when used in a poultice made of pounded root, sprinkled in wine and wrapped in leaves but only if the patient fasts and the poultice is applied by a naked maiden who has also been fasting. The maiden must say ‘Apollo tells us that plague cannot grow more fiery in a patient if a naked maiden quench the fire’. Mandragora is an alternative treatment for abscesses but does not require the involvement of a naked maiden so may not have been as popular. - Additional Information Packet Size 25mg Average Seed Count 200 Seeds Seed Form Natural Seeds per gram 8,000 seeds per gram Family Scrophulariaceae Genus Verbascum Species phlomoides Cultivar Snow Maiden Synonym White Mullein, Celsia Common Name Verbascum hybridum or 'Spica' Other Common Names Candlewick plant Hardiness Hardy Perennial Flowers Pure white with delicate yellow filaments Natural Flower Time May to August. Foliage Low-growing rosette of large ovate, silvery-green leaves Height 100 to 120cm (36 to 48in) Spread 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) Position Full Sun Soil Well-drained/light, Chalky/alkaline, Dry, Sandy

Dental Care Emergency can befall you anytime. While some may call for immediate dental care, some may need a regular intervention. It is always better to identify who you should visit when it’s an emergency! Your symptoms and severity of condition determine if you must see your dentist or pay a visit to a local emergency room. What is a Dental Emergency? A regular dental check-up demands routine cleaning, X-Rays, and consultation every six months. A dental emergency is a situation that usually requires obvious and immediate action against severe pain, discomfort, or trauma to the mouth that may cause bleeding and lacerations to the gums and dislodge or fracture teeth. Occurrences such as lost fillings, chipped veneers, or broken dental appliances, though causing extreme inconvenience — don’t constitute an emergency. Dental Emergency Symptoms and Treatments Check You need to check on this list that follows to remain informed about the common dental emergency symptoms and some rapid treatments that can provide you instant relief! There are mainly five types of symptoms observed in dental emergencies: 1. CRACKED or BROKEN TOOTH Many reasons are underlying a cracked or broken tooth, of which some are bruxism, aging, injury, and thermal stresses. If you have a cracked tooth and drinking cold fluids is painful, bite on moist gauze or cotton to help reduce symptoms till you visit the dentist. 2. KNOCKED-OUT TEETH Teeth can be knocked out from either a severe blow to the mouth or an accident. If there are knocked-out teeth, follow these tips to collect and store the knocked-out tooth till you reach the dental office. - Avoid touching the root; hold only the crown - Check if it is possible to place it back on the socket - You can put it between your cheek and gum or in a container of milk - Use a cold, wet compress to stop bleeding 3. TOOTH, TEETH, or JAW PAIN Your pain may be related with - Infection caused by swelling, fever, a sour taste, or difficulty swallowing - An abscessed tooth with pain coming from the tooth’s pulp canal that may require antibiotics, drainage, or root canal 4. BLEEDING OR ACHING GUMS Periodontal disease is caused due to excessive and frequent bleeding along with aching gums. It requires : - Treatment for healthy gums, teeth, tissue, and bones - Treatment varies according to the severity caused 5. SOFT TISSUE INJURY If you get severe bites or cuts to your lip or tongue, urgently - Clean the affected area gently with water - Apply a cold compress to restrict bleeding - Visit a medical professional for severe bites or cuts that require stitches What to do when I need emergency dental care? If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned above, quickly reach out to your dentist’s office. If you receive a voicemail, they’ll most likely provide you with an emergency contact number or instructions. Leave a message explaining your symptoms in detail. If pain and discomfort continue to prevail, visit your closest emergency room, and determine if a dental visit is necessary. If you need an emergency dentist in Virginia Beach, ‘you can turn to us at Lakeshore Dental.

These banana pancakes taste absolutely amazing, you would never know that there are no eggs or dairy. A perfect quick & easy brunch or breakfast! A perfect weekend breakfast or accompaniment for a coffee break! The banana makes the muffins stay moist days after baking when most would go stale. These light and fluffy peanut butter pancakes drizzled with peanut butter and jelly taste absolutely delicious. The favourite, classic sandwich turned into the tastiest breakfast treat! Enjoy a tasty and delicious brunch or lunch in less than 30 minutes. Liven up your frittata with chorizo, peppers blue cheese and a kick of chilli, then pop under the grill until puffed and golden – delicious! These corned beef hash cakes make a delicious brunch and are very easy to make, and you can save time by using leftover mashed potato instead of boiling them from scratch. Turn simple scrambled eggs into a luxurious breakfast or brunch. A wonderful way to start the day! Kick-start your day & metabolism with this absolutely delicious breakfast. Baked eggs, tomatoes, spices, harissa paste and crumbled, creamy & tangy feta cheese all mopped up with crusty bread. A delicious alternative to a full English breakfast – the perfect brunch! This full English hash is perfect for breakfast, brunch or even supper; it is packed with bacon, sausage,tomatoes, crispy potatoes and baked eggs. It’s a hearty, comforting and an absolutely delicious way to start the day. Definitely a must try! A very quick easy breakfast but ever so fresh & flavoursome with the mint and chives added to the scrambled eggs! Once you try these Scotch Eggs you will never go back to shop bought again – they taste absolutely wonderful! Delicious eggs wrapped in flavoursome sausage meat and coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs. This Full English tray bake is filled with deliciousness; sausages, bacon lardons, new potatoes, button mushrooms and tomatoes and finished with eggs for a one-tray winner. The perfect recipe for Sunday brunch! A very quick but very delicious and indulgent breakfast! My Mum’s favourite – an absolutely delicious brunch and a fantastic alternative to the “classic” Eggs Benedict! This brunch is packed with flavour; smoky bacon, sausages, mushrooms, chorizo, tomatoes, spinach, eggs and a sprinkling of chilli. It is the perfect one-pan recipe to rustle up for a weekend brunch with family and friends. It’s gluten and dairy-free, and lightly spiced with chilli flakes, so everyone’s sure to enjoy this easy breakfast recipe. This sausage hash is perfect for breakfast, brunch or even supper! It’s a hearty, comforting and an absolutely delicious way to start the day. Definitely a must try! If you are not a fan of hollandaise sauce this works just as well with a fried egg on the top. A corned beef hash is a great Sunday brunch – it makes ideal comfort food and it’s so easy to make too! A wonderful store-cupboard-ingredient recipe for a last-minute brunch or lunch. This chorizo hash is a great weekend brunch – it makes ideal comfort food and it’s so easy to make too! A wonderful recipe for a last-minute brunch or lunch.

Friday, June 11, 2010 SHERRY - NOT JUST FOR TRIFLE This was a densely, deeply, darkly chocolaty cake, it should have been perfection - but I overcooked it!! I should have followed my instincts - but instead I followed the recipe!! My oven usually takes much longer than any recipe specifies to bake anything, but in this case I should have taken the cake out sooner than specified. I actually did check (so I can't even blame the oven- and man has that oven had it's fair share of blame heaped on it!!!). I did the testing with the spaghetti bit - but I should have taken the cake out of the oven while it was still moist (less than a brownie but more than a cake) and not have waited until it came out clean. Doooh! That said, this cake is a keeper. I served it at a party with a number of other desserts - it was a good addition to the spread. The key to this cake is the raisiny, rich cream that is served along side it. They compliment each other to perfection. I am trying to use some of the cook books I have stockpiled - my new rule is that I can't buy a new cook book until I have cooked two recipes from an unused one (my cook book buying rules are very similar to my diet rules in that they change to suit whatever temptation is in front of me!!!!) This is my second foray into Diana Henry's "Crazy Water Pickled Lemons" (the Preserved Lemons were the first) and I have plenty more "post-its" sticking up waiting for attention! (I stick in a "post-it" when I fancy a recipe, not very tidy) Chocolate, Hazelnut and Sherry Cake with Sherry-Raisin Cream 150g Dark Chocolate 125ml Dry fino sherry 6 medium eggs - separated 160g caster sugar 150g shelled, toasted hazelnuts - coarsely chopped 55g self-raising flour Preheat oven to 180 C Prepare a 22cm (8 1/2 in) spring form cake tin. I line mine with parchment. Melt the butter, chocolate and sherry in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Allow to cool slightly. Whisk the egg yolk with the sugar until light and glossy. Add the chocolate mixture and 70g of the hazelnuts. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold some of these whites into the chocolate mixture to loosen it. Then fold in the rest, alternating with the sifted flour and cocoa. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 50 minutes.* When a skewer comes out slightly (very slightly) moist remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 30 minutes - then turn out onto a wire rack. * Diana says after 50 minutes "test the cake with a skewer and if it comes out clean, it's done; otherwise leave in for another 5 - 10 minutes" 250ml oloroso sherry (I used Pedro Ximenez) 300ml double cream 60ml Greek yogurt 60g icing sugar Heat the raisins in the sherry in a small pan. Turn off when just under boiling point - leave to plump up and cool. Whip the cream and add the yogurt and sugar to it. Add the plumped up raising and any remaining sherry. To serve dust the cake with icing sugar and scatter the remaining 70g of chopped hazelnuts over it. Plate up with a dollop of sherry cream on the side.

Sawwort (Serratula coronata) LC [[File:|thumb|Yellow Botanic Gardens]] Serratula coronata is a perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It prefers moist soil and cannot grow in the shade. It is native to the Eastern Asia and Russia. Summary of results Multiple flavonids, including quercetin, luteolin, and their derivatives, were found on the wool samples from Uzbekistan. Analytical instrumentation and procedures HPLC-DAD-MS analysis was performed with an Agilent 1100 liquid chromatography system consisting of an automatic injector, a gradient pump, a HP series 1100 DAD, and an Agilent series 1100 VL on-line atmospheric pressure ionization electrospray ionization mass spectrometer. Separations were done on a Vydac 214TP52 analytical column (2.1 mm diameterX250 mm; 5-ím particle size). The column was eluted at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min with a tertiary gradient of water (A),acetonitrile (B), and 1% (v/v) aqueous formic acid (C) with the following elution program: 0 min, 90% A, 5% B, 5% C; 0-55 min, a linear gradient to 35% A, 60% B, 5% C; 55-60 min, a linear gradient elution to 15% A, 80% B, 5% C; 60-62 min, isocratic elution at 15% A, 80% B, 5% C; 62-70 min gradient elution to 90% A, 5% B, 5% C; and reequilibration with the latter solvent for 15 min. The mass spectrometer was run both in the negative and positive ion mode.

Fruit flies usually infest homes with ripe, rotting, or spoiled fruit and reproduce. They also fancy fermented items such as beer, liquor, and wine. Fruit flies also may breed and grow in drains, garbage disposals, trash cans, and mop buckets. Once they begin reproducing indoors, females can lay about 500 eggs and the eggs will hatch in as little as 24-30 hours after being stored by the female. - Size: They are usually are 3 to 4 mm long. - Eyes: May have red eyes, though some are dark-eyed. - Body: The abdomen is black on top, gray below. - Color: Fruit flies can appear to be brown or tan in color. What causes them? Knowing what causes fruit flies is the key to eradicating them. Not many people would normally care where fruit flies came from unless they had them in their homes and were trying to get rid of them. In a nutshell, anything that is fermenting will attract these tiny flies. This covers fruits, vegetables, anything moist like mops and filthy rags, and of course alcohol. These are perceived as breeding places for fruit flies. They can smell something fermenting from very far away. If you have anything like this in your home, they will be drawn in. Fruit flies originally do come from outside, but will immediately make a new home for themselves in your home if you’re not cautious, particularly if there is a change in temperature and it begins to get colder outside. Once they find an ideal spot, the can lay up to 500 eggs, in which those eggs, in a few hours, transition into adult fruit flies. The fruit fly only has a 10-day life span, so they grow remarkably quickly from the egg to the larva, and then eventually the adult fly. This is why you one day had only a few flies around, and then the next day, there are thousands! Multiply this plot by 500 and you can clearly see how an infestation can occur. It can happen very fast, so the quicker you can eliminate them the better. Once you know what causes these pests, and where they breed, you can start concentrating on those areas when you begin your eliminating process. Getting rid of their breading spots will help reduce their ability to reproduce, and make it simpler for you to rid them from your home.

Some plants just have everything that a gardener could require: good looks, long flowering season, trouble-free personality and hardiness. One plant that is quite unfairly ignored is Geum 'Mrs J Bradshaw'. From a distance, the flowers look like strong red blotches suspended above the ground. The semi-double flowers, each 5cm (2in) wide are a clear deep-scarlet colour, enhanced by yellow stamens. The flowers come in a tremendous flush in May and June but continue to appear for most of the summer. This capacity to flower for a long time makes the geum an excellent anchorage plant, unifying a planting scheme consisting of more ephemeral flowers. This is a selection from Geum chiloense, a species from the island of Chiloe off the coast of Chile and was introduced in 1826. The two most popular chiloense types are frequently sold alongside each other, the fiery red 'Mrs J Bradshaw’ (introduced in 1909) and golden yellow 'Lady Stratheden’ (introduced in 1921). Both come true from seed, something most geums cannot do as most named geums grow true to the parent only from cuttings. - Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit Geum chiloense 'Mrs J. Bradshaw' has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit (AGM). Sow in late summer/autumn or late winter/late spring Sow at 18 to 22°C (65 to 70°F) in a well drained compost mix. Cover with vermiculite. Water from the base of the tray, keeping the compost moist but not wet at all times. Germination should in 21 to 28 days but is occasionally a little longer. Prick out each seedling once it has its first set of true leaves, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays containing a peaty soil. Grow on under glass. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out in spring. Plant 40cm (15in) apart. Geums tend to have a mound of foliage and flowers either on spikes or just above the foliage so place them at the front of the border. The colours are to some extent all on the warm side of the colour wheel so they associate well with other warm and hot colours. Geums like a fertile soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter which won't dry out too much in summer. Position in either full sun or light shade suits them. Most Geums first flush of flower is late spring to early summer. Keep well watered and deadhead by removing the spent flower stems at their base. This encourages more flower production. Geums will remain evergreen through winter but the old leaves become brown by the end of winter and make the plants look scruffy. You can give the plants a good haircut in late winter or pull off old leaves. They are tolerant of pests and diseases and only need to be staked in very exposed conditions. In very dry conditions some Geums may be slightly affected by powdery mildew. If it bothers you cut off all the mature leaves keeping the small, new ones starting to grow from the base. Congested colonies can be lifted and divided every three years to maintain flower vigour, otherwise the middle becomes exposed and the plant declines and dies out. If divided regularly they perform for years. The easiest time to divide is in early autumn. Break off pieces and replant or pot up, but do not let divisions dry out. Division can also be done in spring. Cottage/Informal Gardens or Flowers Borders and Beds, Cut Flowers. Geum quellyon, commonly called Scarlet avens. Chilean avens, or Grecian rose, is a perennial herb of the Rosaceae family, native to the Central Region of Chile. It is commonly cultivated as a garden ornamental, and in that context is sometimes called Geum chiloense. There are about fifty species in the genus Geum, and they are all herbaceous perennials. They places of origin are widely scattered: in Europe, the Americas, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa. The summer-flowering chiloense hybrids come from a cold, wet climate in Chiloé, the second largest island in Chile. They need cool, moist soil. The two most popular chiloense types are the red 'Mrs J Bradshaw’ (1909) and yellow 'Lady Stratheden’ (1921) both come true from seed, something most geums cannot do. Pronounced JEE-um kock-SIN-ee-um. The word geum comes from the Greek and means ‘to give flavour or relish’. Since Roman times the plant has been used for flavouring food and drink. The species name chiloense refers to the island of Chiloe which is situated off the coast of Chile. The common name of Avens derives from Middle English avence, from Old French, from Medieval Latin avencia. The meaning of which is unclear but it is thought to refer to Geum urbanum as 'a kind of clover'. Sue Martin, the National Plant Collection Holder - explained the origins of its name: John (Jack) Bradshaw, and Kathleen (who was his cousin and wife) lived at The Grove, Southgate in north London. John Bradshaw was a keen gardener and was friendly with Amos Perry who had a nursery, Perry's Hardy Plant Farm, at Enfield. Early in the 1900s Amos Perry gave the Bradshaw's gardener, George Whitelegg, (who later had a famous nursery himself), a box of geum seedlings. George Whitelegg noticed that one was particularly good and named it after his employer's wife, Mrs J. Bradshaw. The plant won an Award of Merit from the RHS in 1909. Mrs Bradshaw died in 1928." The National Collection: Sue Martin holds the National Collection of Geum, of which there are over a hundred different cultivars, hybrids, varieties and species. The garden, at Cranbook in Kent is open on selective days in May. If you would like to visit please telephone first - 0044 (0)1580 852425. - Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit - Additional Information Packet Size 250mg Average Seed Count 100 Seeds Seed Form Natural Family Rosaceae Genus Geum Species chiloense Cultivar Mrs J Bradshaw Synonym Formerly Geum quellyon, aka Geum chiloense 'Goldball' Common Name Scarlet Avens Other Common Names Chilean avens, or Grecian rose Hardiness Hardy Perennial Flowers Flowers May to September Height 60cm (24in) Spread 60cm (24in) Position Full sun to partial shade Soil Fertile, well drained soil

When your Samsung Galaxy S9 tells you that it has detected moisture in the charger port, you should believe it because it’s probably true. The feature to detect moisture in the port comes with IP68 rating. The Galaxy S9 moisture detected error shows even if there’s just a small drop of liquid in the port and the charging process is halted to prevent further damage. In this post, I will share with you things that you can do to get rid of the error and even bypass it if you badly need to charge your phone. But bear in mind that if you neglect it, your device might suffer from liquid damage which may also result to some very complicated issues. How to fix Galaxy S9 moisture detected error First of all, the ‘moisture detected’ message is actually not a problem but simply a notification. It offers a solution than cause a problem unless it pops up even if the phone is totally dry like what happened to some of the S9 units last year. With such possibility, we need to determine if there really is a valid reason why the error shows in the first place. With that being, here’s what I suggest you do about it… Reboot Your Phone To Fix Galaxy S9 moisture detected Error The Galaxy S9 moisture detected error is handled by a service that also has a tendency to crash from time to time. When it happens, the error may pop up even if the phone’s charger port is totally dry. To address it, you just need to reboot your phone normally because that often fixes minor glitches in the system or hardware. So, hit that power key and restart your phone. After that and the error is still showing up, try doing the Forced Restart by pressing and holding the volume down and power keys at the samet time for 10 seconds or until the phone restarts. This simulates battery disconnect which refreshes your phone’s memory, closes all apps running in the background and reloads all functions and services. If the error is still showing up whenever you connect the phone to its charger, then try doing the next step. - How to fix your new Samsung Galaxy S9 that won’t turn on (easy steps) - Galaxy S9 won’t fast charge, Adaptive Fast charging stopped working [troubleshooting guide] - What to do with your Samsung Galaxy S9 that won’t charge anymore? - How to save battery on your Samsung Galaxy S9 (Battery Saving Tips) - What to do if your Samsung Galaxy S9 is not recognized by your computer? [Troubleshooting Guide] Clean the Charger Port To Fix Galaxy S9 moisture detected Error As the owner, you should know if there’s a reason for your phone to pop the ‘moisture detected’ error up. For instance, if you took a phone underwater or if the phone got splashed with water and then this issue started, then it’s more likely that there’s moisture in the port. To address that, you simply have to clean the area. You may use a cotton swab or a small piece of tissue paper that you have to insert into the port so that the moisture will be absorbed. Just make sure that you don’t damage the pins. You may also just let the phone sit on the table upright and leave it for a couple of hours for the port to dry out. If you want to do this, then turn the phone off. Aside from cleaning the port, you should also check the cable that you use to connect your phone to its charger. If it’s wet or has moisture, the same thing will happen. You just shake the cable a few times to get rid of the moist or you may give it a blast of compressed air. However, if you’re pretty sure that the phone didn’t get in contact with water and if the error started showing up after an update, it’s possible that the problem is with the caches and/or system files. In this case, you need to do the next procedure. Backup Your Data and Reset Your Phone To Fix Galaxy S9 moisture detected Error That’s right! A reset will be able to fix this issue provided it’s caused by a firmware problem. So, make a backup of your important files and data, disable the factory reset protection and then follow these steps to reset your Galaxy S9. Keep in mind, you will lose all data on the phone if you proceed with this step. Which means all your contacts, emails, and text messages will be deleted. But all you need to do is backup your phone and restore your data after this step. If you’re wondering how to disable the factory reset protection, you simply have to remove your google account from your phone. You do this so that you won’t be locked out after the reset. - Turn off the device. - Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key. - When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options). - Press the Volume down key several times to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset’. - Press Power button to select. - Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted. - Press Power button to select and start the master reset. - When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted. - Press the Power key to restart the device. How to charge your Galaxy S9 even with moisture detected error You can actually bypass the error and make your phone charge normally. You may need to charge your phone before a reset to make sure the process isn’t interrupted or if you need to backup your files and there’s not enough battery to do so. Here are the things you can do to make your device charge… - Turn your phone off and then connect it to its charger. Remember that for the error show up, the phone should be powered on. - Use a wireless charger. The notification shows if the phone detects moisture in the charger port. When charging wirelessly, the charger port is not used so the error won’t show up. - Charge the phone in safe mode. In case you’re waiting for a message from someone and you badly need to charge your phone while it’s powered on, you can do so while in safe mode. This is how you run your device in safe mode: - Turn the device off. - Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen appearing on the screen. - When SAMSUNG appears on the screen, release the Power key. - Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key. - Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting. - When Safe mode appears in the bottom left corner of the screen, release the Volume down key. I hope that this article can help you one way or another. If you have other concerns you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment below. Posts you may also like to check out:

thepoolanddeck.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com . The website is also an affiliate of a few other brands. The affiliate links never increase your purchase price. We do appreciate your support. Thank you very much! Why Is Your Wood Deck Turning Black? Your backyard wood deck is where you spend a lot of quality time. Just relaxing and enjoying the outdoors, alone or with loved ones. It can be quite distressing to note that your beautiful wood deck is turning black. So, why is your wood deck turning black? Wood decks turn black due to one of the following reasons: - Growth of black mold – this is the most common cause - Staining or sealing without proper cleaning of the deck - Staining or sealing a wet or moist wood deck - Use of an inferior wood stain or wood sealer - Iron Oxide (Rust) Stains - Weathering – chemical changes to the tannins in the wood In the first three instances the ultimate culprit is mold or mildew. Both mold & mildew are fungi. Their spores are ever present in the air. There can be an outbreak of mold or mildew growth if following requirements are met. - Organic food source – amply present in a wood deck - Damp or moist surfaces – wood is hygroscopic Mold is green or black with a fuzzy or slimy texture. Mold is usually seen on the surface but can grow inwards too, especially in porous wood decks. Mildew is typically white, gray or yellow with a fluffy or powdery texture. Mildew tends to remain on the deck surface. Apart from the fact that they turn your wood deck black, they are a health hazard. The adverse effects of mold on human health can include respiratory issues, such as asthma, heart problems, joint pain, migraines, fatigue and depression. The adverse effects of mildew are milder. Inhaling mildew can lead to coughing, breathing difficulty and headaches. How Do You Prevent Black Mold on Your Deck? To prevent the growth of black mold you have to take away the three things that molds need to thrive. Taking away the food source is impossible when it comes to a wood deck. The main component of wood is cellulose and cellulose is food for mold & mildew. Mold & mildew flourish in damp moist conditions because they have access to water. A tree takes in ground water through its roots and transports it all the way to the leaves, through capillary action. The capillaries in the wood continue to function in a wood deck. This is why a wood deck is porous & hygroscopic. The best way to deprive mold of the water that a wood deck absorbs, is to block the pores with a waterproofing sealer. An outdoor wood deck may be exposed to a lot of sunlight or may be in the shade. It depends on the location of the deck with respect to the house and trees. In case your wood deck got a lot of sunlight then it would inhibit mold growth. But on the other hand the high UV radiation would burn the tannins in the wood and make it turn gray. The best case scenario would be if your wood deck got a lot of sunlight, so that the UV radiation can kill the mold on the deck surface or in the air. However, protect the wood deck from the UV radiation by sealing it with an UV resistant sealer. Thompson’s Water Seal is the perfect sealer for a wood deck. Its key features are: - Waterproof – prevents water from penetrating the wood - UV Resistant – prevents fading & tannin degradation - Mold & Mildew Resistant How Do You Get Rid of Mold on Your Outdoor Deck? Molds are microbes. Microbes thrive in mildly alkaline conditions. Mold, including black mold thrives when the environment is in neutral to slightly alkaline range. (A pH level of 6.5 – 8.0 is most conducive to mold growth). Most microbes, including black mold, will die in an acidic environment. This is the reason chlorine is used to disinfect a pool. To clean black mold you can use one of the following household chemicals. 1) Liquid Chlorine Liquid chlorine used to sanitize and disinfect pool water is, in fact, a 10 – 12.5% solution of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOH) in water. Chlorine forms hypochlorous acid which kills bacteria, algae and pathogens in the pool. Make a solution of a cup of liquid chlorine in 2 gallons of water. Spray this solution on the area that has black mold. The solution may need 30 minutes to an hour or two to kill all the mold. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse off with the garden hose. 2) Household Bleach Household bleach is the same thing as liquid chlorine but with only around 6% of Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOH) in water. When using bleach to remove black mold you need to make a solution of a cup of liquid chlorine in only 1 gallon of water. The application is just the same as above. NOTE 1: Chlorine or Bleach will kill the black mold on the surface but is unable to penetrate the porous wood and kill the mold from the roots. NOTE 2: Bleach (Chlorine) is harmful to the environment and human health. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when using bleach is recommended by CDC. Wear at least an N-95 respirator, goggles, and protective gloves. Household white vinegar is 4-7% acetic acid solution in water. It will kill the mold from the roots. Spray undiluted white vinegar on the affected area and let it seep into the wood for an hour or so. Wipe & allow to dry. 4) Baking Soda Make a solution of 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Make sure the baking soda dissolves completely. Spray onto the mold and let it sit for a while. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse off with the garden hose. Repeat the process till the black mold has been totally killed. Leave to dry. 5) Hydrogen Peroxide Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide (commonly sold at pharmacies) on the deck which has the black mold spots. Let it soak in for about 10 minutes or until the bubbling stops. Scrub off with a rag or soft brush. 6) Trisodium Phosphate Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is a very effective chemical when it comes to getting rid of grease, stains, soap scum and black mold. Dissolve one cup of TSP in three quarts of warm water. For stronger action you can also add a quart of chlorine bleach, or better still, oxygen bleach. Use a stiff scrub brush or sponge with some pressure on the deck area that has black mold. Rinse thoroughly with plain water from a garden hose to remove any TSP residue. 7) Wet & Forget Another great mold killer is WET & FORGET Moss, Mold, Mildew & Algae Stain Remover. Its outstanding features are: - Easy Spray & Leave Application - No Scrubbing, Rinsing or Pressure Washing - Bleach-free, Phosphate-free and Non-acidic - Surfaces Stay Clean 1+ Years in Most Cases - Safe for Virtually Any Outdoor Surface Once the composite decking has been sprayed, just leave nature and time to do their bit. Most moss, mold, mildew & algae will start to disappear in a week or two. The more stubborn black mold may take a bit longer. How Do You Remove Iron Stains from a Wood Deck? Wood decks can also turn black due to iron oxide stains. Quite often the stains come from rusty nails. But they can also come from the wrought iron deck furniture or the metallic grill. Some steel, such as steel rail shavings or steel wool pieces, may also be on the deck from the construction stage. Rain or even high humidity can start the rusting process. Rust stains on the wood deck are bound to follow. Fresh rust stains can usually be removed by lemon juice (citric acid) or vinegar (acetic acid), available in most kitchens. Vinegar is stronger than lemon juice. Here’s what you need to do: - Clean the rusted area so that the rust is exposed - Pour the lemon juice or vinegar on to the stain & wait for 10 minutes - Scrub with a stiff bristled brush - Clean up with warm, soapy water For rust stains that have been around for a while, you will need to use a commercial product. They usually contain oxalic acid, a powerful cleaner that can remove even the toughest stains. Iron OUT Liquid Rust Stain Remover, Pre-mixed, Quickly Removes Rust Stains from outdoor decks. It can be applied with a tank sprayer, cloth or roller. No scrubbing is required. Make sure to take the proper safety precautions, including wearing latex gloves and safety goggles. You can prevent your wood deck from turning black by using a good waterproof, UV resistant, mold & mildew resistant wood sealer. Make sure to reseal once a year in late fall to winterize your wood deck. Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.

Starting Seeds Indoors Starting seeds indoors is an excellent way to get an early jump on spring. For best results, follow the packet planting instructions. Choose a “soil-less” growing medium. Select a container with ample drainage holes and a lid. Fill this with the pre-moistened growing medium. Plant the seeds to the depth and spacing as indicated on the seed packet. Sowing the seeds in rows will make it easier to transplant the seedlings into peat pots or plastic pots. Place the flat with adequate levels of light. Once germinated, remove the top. Low light levels will lead to stretched, leggy seedlings. Ideally, temperatures of 15 to 24 C (60 to 75F) are recommended. If grown on a windowsill, turn daily to encourage straight seedlings. Keep moist at all times. Watering via the bottom prevents dislodging or knocking over the tender young seedlings. After the first set of true leaves develop, it is time to start fertilizing with a plant starter fertilizer such as 10-52-10 at one quarter the label strength weekly. When the seedling reach a height of 5 cm. (2 in.), or a set of four true leaves, transplant seedlings into a larger container. The transplants often droop or wilt after transplanting, however will recover quickly. Keep in good light and moist. Damping-off is caused by fungi that occur in all soils. It commonly occurs in flats planted for transplants and is quickly evident as it attacks the base of the young seedling causing irreparable decay. To prevent this problem, a fungicide can be used on the soil. As well, other helpful strategies to reduce this problem include using sterile, well-draining soil and containers, providing good air circulation, water from the bottom, refrain from excess watering and high humidity and over crowding of seedlings. One week before planting outside, the hardening off process is started. Gradually acclimatize the transplants from a warm, comfortable indoors to the cool, windy outdoors. Place plants in the sun for an hour the first day, gradually increasing the exposure for about a week until plants can accept a full day of direct sunlight. Make sure the transplants are well watered during the process. After a couple days of full days outside, the plants should be left out overnight, unless there is a danger of frost. After all danger of frost is past, plant outside into the garden. Before planting, very gently break up the root ball which aids the roots to spread into the soil as the plants grow. Make the planting hole large enough to hold the plant with extra room to spread out the roots. A teaspoon of bonemeal mixed into the planting hole will help promote root growth and development. Gently firm up the soil around the plant after planting. As soon as planting is finished, water and fertilizer with a 10-52-10 fertilizer. Keep seedlings moist but not too wet.

CHOCOLATE REALLY DOES WORK IN THIS CHRISTMAS CAKE! How long does it take to make a tradition? Some Christmas traditions come to us through our parents and grandparents, some probably from the idealised versions we see on T.V. (do families really decorate the tree together while humming carols and sipping hot chocolate - or is the general experience more like mine, where I whine about doing it, hint for help but get told that I'm the "artistic one"!!!!!! Baah Humbug) but what about the traditions we make ourselves? I reckon that Nigella's Chocolate Christmas Cake is fast becoming a tradition here in Brownieville - Christmas wouldn't be quite the same without it sitting under the dome on the cake stand. Regular Christmas visitors have been known to ask for it (they don't know about the puddings!!!!!!). It is really easy to throw together, being what my mother would call a boiled cake - most of the ingredients are heated together in a pot (which means there is no need to soak the fruit) then you add a few more and bake. I will admit that there is all the faffing about having to line the tin, but other that that is's "wham bam thank you mam" The cake has a beautifully moist texture, the chocolate and orange flavours are subtle and actually add to the Christmassyness (!) of the cake. It should be eaten within 2 weeks (no problem I promise!!) so is prefect for the last minute merchants amongst us!! Please don't worry about all the prunes in there, nobody will notice, and think of all the good it will be doing to their tummies after the Christmas stodge!! When I saw that Choclette has challenged us to include orange to a chocolate bake for this month's We Should Cocoa, it was a shoe in for this cake! Chocolate Christmas Cake adapted from Nigella Lawson's recipe 350g stoned prunes, chopped 175g dark sugar 75ml coffee liqueur 50ml hazelnut liqueur 1 orange, juiced and zested 3 mandarin orange, juiced and zested (if large just use 2) 1 tsp mixed spice 2 tbsp cocoa powder (sifted) 3 eggs, beaten 75g ground hazelnuts (or almonds) 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp bread (bicarbonate of) soda Double line and butter a 20cm x 9cm deep round cake tin. When filled I also tie a couple of layers of newspapers around the outside - belt and braces!! Put the flour, ground nuts, baking powder and bread (bicarbonate of) soda in a bowl and set aside. Put the remaining ingredients (except the eggs) in a large saucepan and gently bring to boiling point, stirring regularly. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes and set aside for 30 (or longer if it's handier) While it's cooling I prepare the tin. Add the beaten egg and the dry ingredients, combine well. Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for approx 2 hours. You want a texture less gooey than a brownie but more so than a normal cake. Put the cake tin on a wire rack and allow to cool. Eat immediately if you wish, but it will keep for about 2 weeks, depending on your will power!!!

Dr. Fink had laser vision correction on her eyes 15 years ago and has guided many patients through laser vision correction, and can answer questions and concerns related to both LASIK and PRK techniques. We are fortunate to have TLC’s Marcy Patten come to our office every 4 months to do complementary laser vision assessments on our patients. If you are interested in this please call our office to book your time slot. LASIK – Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis – is the most common refractive eye surgery today. As of 2011, over 11 million LASIK procedures have been performed in the United States and as of 2009 over 28 million have been performed worldwide. LASIK, often referred to as laser eye surgery or laser vision correction, is a type of refractive surgery for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist who uses a laser to reshape the eye’s cornea in order to improve visual acuity. For most patients, LASIK provides a permanent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK is most similar to another surgical corrective procedure, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and both represent advances over radial keratotomy in the surgical treatment of refractive errors of vision. For patients with moderate to high myopia or thin corneas which cannot be treated with LASIK and PRK, the phakic intraocular lens is an alternative. LASIK is the premier surgery for vision correction. It is quick, almost painless and there is little or no discomfort after the procedure. Vision recovery is rapid – patients report seeing 20/20 within 24 hours. LASIK corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and even astigmatism. With a technique called mono-vision, it can reduce the need for reading glasses among patients over age 40 who wear bifocals. Who Are The Optimal LASIK Candidates? The best candidate for LASIK is age 21+, has healthy eyes with adequate corneal thickness. This is necessary because LASIK procedure removes tissue from the cornea to reshape the eye. Chronic dry eye, corneal disease or other abnormalities may disqualify a candidate from LASIK surgery. A comprehensive eye exam is required to be sure. For your convenience, we are happy to provide LASIK pre-operative exams and consultations at our office. Note that LASIK is an elective procedure and proper consideration must include the weight of personal needs, potential gain and willingness to accept the risks involved. There are no guarantees that LASIK will absolutely succeed to your expectations. The results are not always perfect vision. In some cases, your vision after LASIK may be permanently less clear than it was with glasses before LASIK. This outcome must be factored before deciding on LASIK surgery. Certainly there is upside. In normal circumstances and conditions LASIK can reduce your dependence on glasses and almost always gives you the ability to function well without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Specifics of The LASIK Procedure LASIK is an ambulatory, two-step procedure. You walk into the surgery center, have the procedure and walk out about an hour later. The surgery event is about 15 minutes for both eyes, but allowances should accommodate for about at the surgery location, perhaps even a bit more. First, the surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap of tissue on your cornea with an instrument called a laser. This flap is folded back so the laser reshaping of your eye can begin. After laser treatment, which lasts a minute or less, the flap is repositioned and the surgeon proceeds to your other eye. What Is Wavefront LASIK? Wavefront LASIK -wavefront-assisted, wavefront-guided or custom LASIK- uses laser treatment (ablation) mapped by computerized analysis. Wavefront-guided procedures are much more precise than ablations determined by using standard eyeglasses prescriptions. They can correct subtle optical imperfections of the eye called “higher-order aberrations” that regular ablations cannot treat. Studies prove wavefront-guided ablations provide sharper vision than conventional, non-wavefront LASIK and can improve night-vision, eliminating or reducing the risk of halos or glare. After The Surgery Following the LASIK procedure, you will use medicated eye drops and clear protective shields to cover your eyes. You can open your eyes and see well enough to walk without glasses, but you must not drive yourself home. You will use medicated eye drops several times a day for a week or more to prevent infection and help the healing. You may also use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. You should rest your eyes as much as possible the day of your surgery. You may find it more comfortable leaving the house lights on low dim. The next day, you should see well enough to drive and resume your normal activities. Use care though not to rub your eyes until it is safe to do so. If you are currently using Latisse, discuss with your eye doctor how long after surgery to wait before re-starting the regimen. You may be asked to return to visit your doctor the following day for an eye exam. They will want to check your vision and be sure your eyes appear to be healing as they should. You will be given any additional instructions necessary about eye drops and/or artificial tears, and you can ask the doctor any questions you may have. Postoperative care may be performed by an eye doctor other than your LASIK surgeon. This is referred to as co-management. We are happy to provide post-operative care for you at our office through a co-management agreement with your surgeon. Ask us for further details. If My Vision Is Blurry After LASIK… Though most patients see clearly within a day or so after LASIK, it can take several months before your eyes completely stabilize. Until then, improvements in your vision can still occur in fits and jumps. If several months pass and your vision is still blurred, be sure to communicate and visit with your LASIK surgeon. It may be appropriate to have a second LASIK surgery -an enhancement- to sharpen your eyesight further. If an enhancement is not required, eyeglasses or contact lenses may be used to help. We will be happy to examine your eyes and discuss the options available to you. After LASIK Eyewear At Dr. Patricia Fink Optometry Even if your vision seems perfect after LASIK, you may still require or be more comfortable with eyewear. When outdoors, it’s optimal and sometimes urgent to protect your eyes from the sun’s strong and sometimes harmful rays. Use sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. For sports-sunglasses, the lenses need to have poly-carbonate for extra strength and protection. Anytime you work with power tools or do any activity where eye injury is possible, be sure to use safety glasses with poly-carbonate lenses. If you’re over 40 (or close), it’s likely you’ll need reading glasses after LASIK. Many LASIK patients benefit from prescription eyeglasses for night driving. Even a mild prescription will make your vision sharper for added safety and comfort at night. After LASIK Eye Care in Burlington, Ontario Remember to continue to schedule routine eye exams post-LASIK. Even with perfect vision you still need to have your eyes examined for glaucoma and other potential problems on a regular basis. Routine exams will help insure that your vision remains stable after LASIK.

How to Make the Best Homemade Fish Sticks Surprise! This moist, crunchy fish sticks recipe features salmon. Serve them with our customizable tartar sauce — spicy for you, mild for the kids — and you'll be hooked. Healthier, better-tasting meals are easier than you think with help from Yummly! Try it free now. Above: Homemade Salmon Fish Sticks with Quick Tartar Sauce. Article, recipe, and photographs by Marrekus and Krysten Wilkes of Cooks with Soul. Getting a delicious homemade dinner on the table during back-to-school season can be daunting. One meal that keeps us sane, and is both quick and easy to prepare, is our salmon fish sticks recipe. We have a full house with six children under the age of 14, and this kid-friendly recipe is one that even our pickiest eaters love. Served with a side of simple (and customizable) homemade tartar sauce, these crispy, crunchy, lemony salmon fish sticks are fresh and flavorful. Try them once, and you’ll definitely want to add them to your weekly dinner rotation! Jump ahead to: Note: The Yummly Meal Planner is available to paid subscribers. How to make fish sticks Juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, these homemade fish sticks are a big step up from the frozen, store-bought kind. 1. What type of fish to use for fish sticks Traditionally, fish sticks are made with a flaky white fish, but for this recipe we decided to go with salmon because it’s heart-healthy and packed with flavor. We went with Atlantic salmon fillets because they’re available year-round and work well for shallow-frying. Farmed salmon is usually labeled Atlantic salmon, whether it’s raised in Scotland, Norway, British Columbia, or another place. You can also go with wild king (aka Chinook) salmon. If you’re not sure what to get, ask your fishmonger for help. Make sure to select skinless, center-cut salmon fillets that are ideally at least 1 inch thick (and no thinner than ¾ inch thick so they don’t fall apart). Center-cut fillets are thicker and more uniform than end pieces, and will stay moist when they’re cooked. 2. Cut salmon into strips and season To transform your salmon fish fillets into salmon fish sticks, start by cutting the fish into 1- to 1 1/2-inch wide strips. This will produce thick, meaty fish sticks that both adults and kids will enjoy. Then sprinkle the salmon all over with kosher salt. 3. Prepare your breading station The secret to crispy fish sticks is in the breading. Properly setting up your breading station will make it easier for the breadcrumbs to stick to the fish and guarantee a perfect coating. This recipe adds lemon zest in with the breadcrumbs for bright flavor, but you can also add your favorite mix-ins such as grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or herbs. To bread the fish sticks, start with three separate shallow bowls: one for all-purpose flour, one for well-beaten large eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumb mixture (2 cups panko breadcrumbs with lemon zest and black pepper). First dredge the salmon filets in flour, shaking off any excess. Next coat the salmon in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the salmon in panko by gently pressing the fillets into the panko mixture, ensuring you get a nice crumb coat on all sides. 4. Fry the fish sticks Now that you’ve breaded your fish sticks, it’s time to fry them up. This recipe uses the shallow frying method, also known as pan frying. This method is perfect for frying salmon fish sticks because you get a golden brown, crispy crust without having to use a deep fryer or air fryer. Simply add about ½ inch of neutral vegetable oil such as canola oil to a cast-iron skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (about 350°F), carefully place a few of the fish pieces at a time in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. (You can also check the temperature of the fish with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 145°F.) Set the fried fish aside on a rack set in a sheet pan that you’ve lined with paper towels. Feel free to set the baking sheet in a low oven to keep warm while you cook more batches. 5. Make a simple tartar sauce for dipping Tartar sauce is a simple, delicious dipping sauce and the perfect accompaniment to crispy fried salmon fish sticks. All you need is mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, fresh chopped chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt and ground black pepper to taste. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl, stir them together well, and set aside until ready to serve. One thing about this tartar sauce is it’s super customizable. You can add capers, substitute the Dijon mustard for Creole, or add hot sauce. So take the ingredients and run with them — your options are endless. Once the fish sticks are done cooking, you can give them a quick spritz of lemon juice and serve them warm with a side of the homemade tartar sauce (or ketchup, if you prefer). They would also be amazing in fish tacos. The total time for the recipe is about 1 hour, but the cook time is fast and it's easy to pull this off. What to serve with our homemade fish sticks recipe Some of our favorite sides to serve with these delicious salmon fish sticks are fresh fruit, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, rice, and fresh vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The tartar sauce is generous and you’ll have enough for dunking your veggies, too. Get the recipe Homemade salmon fish sticks are a quick and easy recipe that the whole family will love. For the tiniest eaters, you can even cut the salmon into bite-size nuggets instead of strips. Inspired meals for family-friendly weeknight cooking What's for dinner? We've got lots more ideas in these next articles.

Despite our need for durability and high performance, the most common design criterion for concrete is compressive strength. Usually we specify the 28-day strength, that is, the compressive strength after 28 days’ moist cure at 73 ˚F. But unless the job site is in San Diego, the concrete will cure at temperatures well above or below that. Even moderate variations in temperature affect how quickly the concrete gains strength. That matters when we want to remove the formwork or posttension the concrete. Doing either one too soon could put people in danger. But if we wait too long, the project suffers unnecessary delays. ASTM C1074 provides guidelines for predicting early-age strengths with reasonable accuracy. ASTM C1074, “Standard Practice for Estimating Concrete Strength by Maturity Method,” uses maturity calculations to predict strength gain. Like most chemical reactions, cement hydration is faster at higher temperatures. To an extent, you can trade off time and temperature—longer times at lower temperatures or shorter times at higher temperatures. However, high curing temperatures can adversely affect the strength at later ages. In its simplest form, maturity is just the product of time and temperature above the datum. More sophisticated maturity models use the Arrhenius equation. For those you need to determine (or assume) the value of the activation energy. Either way, maturity models predict early-age strengths much better than later-age strengths. That’s because the rate-controlling mechanism is not the same at later ages. At first, the cement is in direct contact with the water, and hydration begins. But as hydration products form around the cement grains, the water has to diffuse through them to get to the cement. That delays further hydration, and the rate of strength gain slows. The good news is that in practice we care most about early-age strengths. Calibrating the maturity curve using ASTM C1074 To predict strength gain, you need to calibrate your concrete mixture. The best time to do this is while you’re qualifying the mixture to make sure it meets the specification. You can just add the maturity calibration to the other tests you’re doing. You need at least 15 cylinders for the maturity calibration. Embed thermocouples in two of them and record the time-temperature history. Use two cylinders to obtain the compressive strength at each of the test ages—usually 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. If any cylinders deviate from their mean strength by more than 10%, test an extra cylinder. We care about early-age strengths for several reasons. In prestressed concrete, the production facility is on a 24-hour cycle. In that case the concrete needs to be strong enough at 16 to 18 hours to remove the forms and let down on the prestressing. For cast-in-place concrete, you might want to remove the forms at 3 or 4 days. For slip forming, you might want to jump the forms every 2 days. Posttensioning or opening to traffic might also be the basis for early-age strength criteria. Based on the project requirements, you could modify the test ages to better define your maturity curve at the relevant time(s). Or you could just test additional cylinders at those ages. Sometimes pavements use flexural strengths rather than compressive strengths as the acceptance criteria. In that case, you can calibrate the maturity curve using the flexural strength test (ASTM C192). Using ASTM C1074 in the field Once you’ve calibrated the maturity curve, you can use it to decide when the concrete is strong enough for whatever you want to do. That could be anything from removing the forms to opening to traffic. You can also use it to predict “what ifs”. For example, let’s say the weather is about to turn cold. How will that affect your schedule? How much would it help to insulate the forms before the cold front comes in? Because the field data you’re collecting are much the same as for thermal control—a time-temperature history—the addition of maturity testing may not entail much extra work or instrumentation. But the additional information can be extremely helpful. On one project, the contractor made concrete columns with a low portland-cement content in January in Minnesota. I’d advised him to do maturity testing so he’d know when to remove the forms. But he opted not to spend the money for calibration. Every day he’d call me to ask when he could remove the forms, but without the maturity data I had no idea. Another contractor decided to follow my recommendation to calibrate his concrete. He’d originally intended to remove the forms at 7 days, but the maturity data indicated that 4 days was long enough. He ended up saving a full month off his original schedule without compromising safety or quality. Because that month was November, he avoided having to tent and heat the building. So he saved money as well as time. He told me he would use maturity on future jobs. Less testing in the field Some projects use temperature-matched curing to determine the strength of concrete in place. That is, data from thermocouples in the concrete control the curing temperature of the cylinders. You get a very accurate indication of the in-place strength, but you have to decide when to break the cylinders. You have a limited number of cylinders, so you don’t want to break them too soon. Maturity data could help you know when to break the cylinders to verify the strength. It can also reduce—but not eliminate—the number of cylinders you have to break. You still need to know—and document—the strength of the concrete as delivered. You need to know that the concrete at the site is substantially the same as what you tested in the lab. But you probably won’t need as many cylinders as without maturity testing.

When these carrot cake cinnamon rolls are in the oven, I'm almost certain all the flats on our floor can smell them. The sweetly-spiced scent fills our home and lingers in the air for rest of the day. I've come back from running an errand, sometimes a few hours later, and can still follow the scent from the elevator to my flat. Given the choice, do you prefer a carrot cake or a cinnamon roll? Choose your own adventure below! Choice 1: I prefer the carrot cake. This carrot cake cinnamon roll is made with a generous portion of grated carrots and a mix of spices you normally find in a carrot cake - cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla. It's also filled with pecans (or walnuts if you prefer) and raisins, staying true to most carrot cake recipes. Most importantly, it's topped with a classic cream cheese frosting. You won't miss anything about a carrot cake in these. But with this recipe, you'll also get something more exciting, and novel. Maybe novelty is not a flavor, but it definitely adds to the eating experience! It's the classic carrot cake flavor you love, but packed in the tender, chewy and almost gooey texture of a cinnamon roll. If you're a carrot cake type, then this carrot cake cinnamon roll is just for you! Choice 2: I prefer the cinnamon roll. This carrot cake cinnamon roll has everything you want in a cinnamon roll - buttery, tender, chewy, and sweetly spiced (but not too sweet!). It's made with real butter pieces, whole milk and a generous serving of cinnamon and brown sugar. It is beautiful when it comes out of the oven, with puffy spirals of goodness staring back at you. But there's more! The grated carrot in these cinnamon rolls makes them incredibly moist, while lending a subtle sweetness. The pecans and raisins rolled into the dough also add in a bit of texture and crunch to the otherwise fluffy texture of a cinnamon roll. If you're a cinnamon roll type, then this carrot cake cinnamon roll is also just for you! Obviously, asking you whether you prefer carrot cake or a cinnamon roll was a trick question. Either way, you will end up at the same point :) They are perfect for brunch, and definitely a crowd pleaser if you are ever feeding a group of friends or family. They do take a bit of time because the dough needs to rise twice and the dough requires a bit of kneading, but give it a go because this carrot cake cinnamon roll is just for you! Carrot Cake Cinnamon RollsPrint Recipe Save RecipeSaved! Cinnamon Roll Dough - 1 cup whole milk - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) fast-acting yeast - 3 cups all-purpose flour - plus more added 1 tablespoon at a time - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ¼ cup sugar (I used coconut palm sugar) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ginger - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg - ¾ teaspoon salt - 4 tablespoons butter - cubed and at room temperature - 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 large carrots) - ¼ cup butter - at room temperature - ½ cup dark brown sugar - 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon - ½ cup pecans or walnuts - chopped - ¼ cup raisins - chopped Cream Cheese Frosting - ¼ cup butter - cubed and at room temperature - ½ cup cream cheese - 1 cup powdered sugar - In a large microwavable cup (at least 2 cups), heat the milk in the microwave for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, until it is warm. Add in the sugar and stir until it is dissolved. Add in the yeast and give it a quick stir. Set aside. - In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the middle of the bowl and add in the milk and yeast mixture. - Mix together until it forms a rough dough, then add in the butter one cube at a time while kneading the dough with your hands. Continue kneading for about 5 minutes, until you have a smooth dough. If the dough is too sticky, add in 1 tablespoon of flour at a time to make a soft smooth dough. - Add in the grated carrots and continue kneading for about 3 more minutes until the carrots are well dispersed. If the dough is becomes too sticky, add in 1 tablespoon of flour at a time to make a soft smooth dough. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover with a tea towel. Leave it in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it almost doubles in size. - In the meantime, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans or walnuts, and raisins. Set aside. - When the dough is ready, split the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the dough to form a rectangle about 20cm x 30cm (12-inch x 8-inch) and ¼ inch thick. Spread on half of the butter, then evenly sprinkle on half of the brown sugar mixture. Beginning on the long side, slowly roll up the dough to form a log. Set aside. Repeat with the remaining dough. - Cut the dough into 5 cm (2-inch) pieces. Place in a greased baking pan, leaving about 2cm (¾-inch) between each piece. Cover with a tea towel and leave it in a warm place for about 45 minutes, until it almost doubles in size. - In the meantime, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, add in all the ingredients and mix with a spatula until the sugar is combined. Using an electric hand beater on high speed, beat everything together until smooth. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to be used. - When the dough is almost ready, preheat oven to 175°C/350°F. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. - Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before spreading on the cream cheese frosting.

An integrated approach to insect management in turfgrass: hairy chinch bug For a comprehensive list of our publications visit www.rce.rutgers.edu An Integrated Approach to Insect Management in Turfgrass: Richard J. Buckley, Coordinator, Plant Diagnostic Laboratory; Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer, Ph.D., Extension Specialist,Turfgrass Entomology; and Sabrina Tirpak, Senior Lab Technician, Plant Diagnostic Laboratory Fig. 1. Developmental stages of the hairy chinch bug (courtesy of D. Shetlar) Introduction: The hairy chinch bug, Blissus scattered patches, their feeding results in local- leucopterus hirtus Montandon, is one of the most ized turfgrass injury. The spots often coalesce destructive insect pests of New Jersey turfgrass. into large areas of thinning, dead, or dying turf. Hairy chinch bugs (HCB) are found in all of theNortheastern states, west to Minnesota, and south Moisture or heat stressed turf with thick thatch is to Virginia. They are also troublesome in Canada most susceptible to HCB injury. HCB injury from Ontario to the Atlantic Coast. These surface closely resembles drought injury or sunscald and feeding insects attack a wide range of grasses is often mistaken as such during the summer including Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, pe- when grass is in a dormant state. The first rennial ryegrass, bentgrass, and zoysia. indication of injury is often when the grass fails torecover after irrigation or late summer rains. HCB Symptoms of infestation: Hairy chinch bugs seem to prefer open sunny lawns with a high have piercing-sucking mouthparts, which they percentage of perennial ryegrass and/or fine fes- use to suck sap from and inject toxins into the crowns and stems of grasses. This type of feedingdisrupts the water-conducting system of the Insect Description (Fig. 1): HCB adults are black grass, causing the grass to wilt, turn yellow, then with shiny white wings. There are long-winged brown and die. Because HCB generally occur in and short-winged adults. The ratio of these two forms varies considerably among populations. emerge all life stages, mixed from the first and The shiny-white wings are folded flat over the second generation, can be found at the same time. body so that the tips overlap in the long-winged The second-generation nymphs mature by Sep- adults. Each wing has a distinctive, triangular- shaped black marking in the middle of the outeredge. From these marking extend black lines in Monitoring: HCB are fairly easy to control if an “X”-shaped pattern across both wings. HCB infestations are detected early. Lawns with a adults are slightly more than 3/64" (1 mm) wide history of HCB should be monitored, especially after warm dry springs. Larger nymphs and adultHCB can be detected by parting the grass at the interface of healthy and damaged turf and in- growth stages. Their length increases from 1/32" specting the lower stems and thatch. (0.9 mm) in the first stage to around 1/8" (3 mm)in the fifth stage. Young nymphs are orange with The best sampling method for HCB is floata- a characteristic white stripe across their backs. tion. A metal cylinder made from a can (e.g., Intermediate stages darken to an orange/brown large coffee can) by cutting off both ends is and the final stage is black. Wingpads become pushed through the thatch of the area to be apparent by the third stage. New HCB eggs are inspected and filled with water to the brim. elongate, oval shaped, and white. They darken as Keep the water level above the grass foliage. they age to a reddish color just before hatching. Any HCB present will float to the surfacewithin a few minutes. Seasonal History and Habits: In New Jersey the HCB has two generations each year. Adults Alternatively, take a small piece of sod using a overwinter in infested turf areas that still have golf course cup cutter or spade and place it in a enough undamaged grass to provide cover. They bucket of water to float up HCB. Adjust the are also found during winter in thatch, plant debris, number of HCB counted in the sample to 1 ft2. A and in or on other objects that border turf areas. golf course cup cutter is 0.1 ft2, a square cut withthe blade of a spade is 0.25 ft2. The potential for The overwintering adults become active and leave injury is greatest when the population reaches 25 their hibernation sites when the temperature reaches 45°F (7°C). The HCB can fly, but migratesmainly by walking. Individuals feed and mate Degree-day models can be used to focus attention immediately. Females begin to lay eggs after to developing populations. Using a 50°F base about 2 weeks. Peak egg-laying occurs from early temperature, egg laying in spring starts at 198 to May through early June, about the time when 252 degree-days and the first eggs hatch at 522 to white clover is in early bloom. Females will lay about 170 eggs and live about 100 days. Cultural control: The first step in a HCB Egg hatch occurs after several weeks in early management program is plant resistance. Sev- spring and as few as 7 days in summer. The first eral turfgrass varieties, primarily perennial generation brood develops through the five ryegrasses and fescues that are infected with nymphal stages in 4 to 6 weeks between May and Neotyphodium endophytes, are resistant to mid-July. Emergence of the first-generation HCB. Certain Kentucky bluegrass cultivars adults occurs around the time when sumac is in have also been reported to tolerate feeding in- These adults lay eggs from mid-July through late Thatch reduction, proper fertilization, and regu- August. Once the second generation begins to lar irrigation can minimize HCB damage. Natural mortality: HCB nymphs drown in great early spring applications against overwintered numbers during spring rains. Furthermore, during females are often wasted because the pest may certain years winter mortality is very high due to not reach damaging levels. Restrict preventive desiccation. Generally, low humidity at low tem- applications to potential hot spots as determined peratures and high humidity at high temperatures contribute to the decline of HCB populations. Either liquid or granular applications can be Natural enemies: After cool wet springs and effective. For liquids, unless sufficient spray during warm moist summers, the insect patho- volume has been used, a light irrigation (1/8" = 3 genic fungus Beauveria bassiana can nearly mm) done before the spray dries will help move wipe out HCB populations. After killing the the insecticide into the thatch. If thatch and soil insect, the fungus covers the body with white surface are very dry, watering the day before mycelium and spores. Beware that fungicide application helps the spray to move into the applications will reduce this natural enemy of thatch. Granular applications should be made to HCB. Furthermore, at least eight species of dry foliage and followed by light (1/8") irrigation. arthropods in the turfgrass fauna feed on the HCB The material can also be applied in a gentle rain including a predatory mite, big-eyed bugs, and or just before a predicted rainfall. Be sure to rotate ground beetles. It is always prudent to assess the materials of different chemical classes to reduce population of natural enemies in the ecosytem the chance for resistance development. To aid in locating control products, active ingre-dients listed below are followed by trade names inparentheses. Be aware that the active ingredientsin these products may change. When purchasingcontrol products, always check the label for theactive ingredient. Always read instructions oninsecticide labels very carefully. Effective insecticides for HCB control include theorganophosphates acephate (Orthene®, Ad-dress®), diazinon (Diazinon®; not for golfcourses, sod farms, turf areas > 1 A), chlorpyrifos(Dursban®; not for residential turf or where chil-dren may be exposed), the carbamate carbaryl(Sevin®), the pyrethroids bifenthrin (Talstar®, Fig. 2. Adult HCB (left), adult big-eyed bug (right) (From Ortho® Lawn Insect Killer Granules), cyfluthrin (Tempo®), deltamethrin (Deltagard®), lambda-cyhalothrin (Battle®, Scimitar®), and permethrin Chemical Control: The commonly accepted (Astro®). Chlorpyrifos, deltamethrin, and lamba- period for HCB control is from June to August cyhalothrin are presently only available for com- when peak populations are active. Preventive Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product, or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsementby Rutgers Cooperative Extension and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms. 2004 by Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension, NJAES, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Desktop publishing by Rutgers-Cook College Resource Center RUTGERS COOPERATIVE RESEARCH & EXTENSION N.J. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY NEW BRUNSWICK Distributed in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture in furtherance of the Acts of Congress on May 8 and June 30, 1914. Rutgers Cooperative Extension works in agriculture, family and community health sciences, and 4-H youth development. Dr. Karyn Malinowski, Director of Extension. Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension provides information and educational services to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Rutgers Cooperative Research & Extension is an Equal Opportunity Program Provider and Employer. Metall, verchromt, Tischauflage Holz/hellbraun ca. 3 Stk., Metallgestell/verchromt, Stoffbezug/blau Holz/hellbraun, 14-türig, Größe ca. 5000 x 2200 x 400 mm Stoff/blau, mit Armlehnen Holz/hellbraun, trapezförmig, mit 3 integrierten Unterschränken, jew. 3 Züge sowie intergriertem Holz/hellbraun, Kunststoffauflage marmoriert, 6-türig Holz/hellbraun, Größe ca. 4000 x 2200 x 350 mm Holz Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company dedicated to Perfecting Vision and Enhancing Life®Bausch & Lomb offers the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of eye health products and we’re proud that ours is one of the oldest, best known and most respected healthcare brands in The company began in 1853 in Rochester, New York, as a small optical shop that grew to become a multi-bil

The Importance of Curing Cannabis The importance of properly curing cannabis cannot be overstated, especially for craft growers. Daniel Hayden explains why curing takes your marijuana from being like cheap boxed wine to a vintage bottle of cabernet sauvignon. It was 1999, and as I entered Dr. Richard Mandshart’s lab to ask him to be on my graduate advisory committee, I was met with a man holding a spoon surrounded by 250 half-cut papayas. He greeted me and explained, “I have to grade every one of these today for taste, texture, and sweetness.” It was an incredible sight to behold. Thus began my education in plant biology right there, as he explained that shoppers would not choose papaya with a ringspot on its skin, and those would be left to rot. In fact, every piece of produce in the supermarket was specifically designed to show consistency in color and size. This was viewed as a positive sales attribute. Those that matched this and lasted the longest from farm to shelf to the fridge were the winners of our agricultural revolution. Flavor, it seems, ranked much further down on the consumer’s list. Getting products on the biggest and busiest sales shelves (or supermarket aisles) is the priority for producers and cultivators (despite numerous studies citing intermediaries connecting creators and customers to each other have an outsized influence on markets, seemingly to be engaged in collusion to ensure they collect the largest profits). Responding directly to the demand for products deemed more enticing to the senses, by both consumers and retailers, the cultivators and producers turn to the longstanding traditions of curing, aging, and ripening. The near-universal demand for attractive produce extends to other cultivated products as well, including cannabis. The practice of hanging and dry-curing cannabis originally came from the fact that for most of human history, we have hung and dried all spices upside down in a cool, humid place. The goal of this is to allow the plants to specifically express their essential oils from the stems to the leaves, which creates the majority of the spice. Cannabis doesn't express essential oils in the same way. Still, the concept of curing is critical, and our ancestors learned this early on, without having to know anything about the science of trichomes. They quickly learned that cannabis piled in the field, once dried, makes a quick-sieved and desirable hash. Cannabis is grown long in season until amber trichomes set and then is cut and stored for a long cure. Techniques used today like bagging and burping are historical. For my Ph.D. I studied the concept of senescence, which is often accused of apoptosis (cell death). Senescence is a molecular genetic program that is initiated when an organ such as a leaf starts to die (often because it consumes more energy than it produces). This process results in the remobilization of nutrients to the plant’s neediest parts, storage organs, and flowers. A cannabis flower (inflorescence) is among these needy parts — a combination of a sugar leaf and a calyx at cultivar-specific ratios. On these leaves and calyxes of the inflorescence are trichomes. These organs are the true fruits. If seeds were to develop inside the calyx, this would become a more needy fruit, but until this process begins, the trichomes remain neediest. - When to Harvest Cannabis Plants: The Different Stages of Trichome Development - Drying Weed: 4 Tips to Properly Dry Your Cannabis - 5 Keys Steps for Trimming Cannabis Plants This is where cultivated seedless cannabis takes a turn. For the most part, the plant remains green throughout its life cycle, although trichomes go from clear to cloudy to amber. But it is mostly remaining in the cloudy trichome stage for the harvesting of good-colored oleoresin end products. This plant has not moved into the curing or senescence stage of its life cycle. After cutting and hanging, the plant consolidates its energy into a molecular end process that removes moisture while pushing the final results of its energy into the highest energy sink, the flower. In seedless cannabis, this result ends up in the trichome. As this energy is thrusting into the flower, metabolism slows to a crawl, and fast-moving molecules like monoterpenes (C10H16), H2O, CO2, 02, N2, and other plant-based hydrocarbons continue to gas off. This is happening on the plant leaf, trichome stalk, and trichome surface and interior. The gassing off of these volatiles hardens leaves’ surfaces and hardens them against solubilization, like the difference between wet paint and dry paint. Water washes away wet paint, whereas dry paint is resistant. When a fresh living leaf surface is moist with volatiles and living waxes, these products are more likely to remain in the final extraction. As these surfaces harden, the interiors draw up the remaining nutrients, and the cells feeding the trichome create their final products. Products remaining inside the bulb during final curing consolidate in physical location and interact with enzymes floating on membranes that have higher chances of making more and more complex molecules or ornamentations on existing complex molecules. Thus, furthering the qualities of the resin in both medical effect and molecular diversity. Preserving the bulb on the plant is pretty essential as well. A dislodged bulb usually occurs when the cells desiccate to the point where it becomes an abscission zone (nothing suggests disc cells or stipe cells are abscission zones, which would be hormonally regulated). A bulb without its protection would be exposed to further degradation almost instantaneously, which is why great care must be taken to keep them as fresh as possible. Subscribe to Maximum Yield Cannabis magazine for more cannabis grow tips, tricks, and knowledge. In that same way, a dislodged bulb from a living tissue is a chaotic event at the disc cell location that would be the equivalent of pulling an antler off a deer’s head. The bulb is compromised from that moment. If the bulb is gone, there is no traditional chance of the plant relocating nutrients through the disc cells and into the trichome and the true ripening process taking place. What does this all mean? Curing, aging, fermenting, and drying are pervasive practices already in the food and beverage industry. The practice/art/craft becomes more ultra-rare, specifically in commodities where rare and complex fragrance and flavors are well defined and valuable. Cannabis, on the other hand, contains one of the most complex storage organelles found in nature, the glandular stalked trichome. Along with the sessile trichome, it produces some of the rarest phytocompounds on Earth, and most certainly the rarest oleoresin charted to date. Cannabis has evolved us, and we have evolved it. Do we pick grapes and tomatoes early and cure them on a tray in a freezer? Do we prefer the flavor of grape juice or perhaps wait a moment longer and enjoy some wine? Why wait for cheese when we can just drink a bunch of milk? Curing, aging, and ripening brings out the best qualities in flavor and experience and this holds true for cannabis oleoresins. The best cannabis is cured.

Finding out how to clean an aura fryer is important to make sure you are taking advantage of your machine – and ensuring the scrumptious-tasting food we all like (hello, beautiful baked salmon) is stored as healthy as you possibly can. Purchasing the very best air fryer will help you to prepare healthier versions of the restaurant favourites, like Fried potatoes and crispy bacon. But ensure that is stays clean is an integral part of maintenance and becoming better use out of your machine. An aura fryer is really a small convection microwave that simulates fried food without submerging it in oil. 1. How You Can Climate FRYER BASKETS AND GRILLS ‘We recommend to continually wash the basket and trays after every use, even when it doesn’t appear dirty,’ states Zoe McClean, Senior Home Economist at Breville. ‘Fat splashes and food residue could possibly get easily baked on and will also be hard to remove should you let it rest for any lengthy time.’ VonHaus’ Adele Brennan advises: ‘Make certain to clean the removable components, as well as your baskets and grills, with warm and soap and water. ‘Use a gentle sponge or cloth and avoid abrasives – this can damage the gear. When food products are actually stuck, allow absorb hot soap and water to release the meals after which clean. ‘Dry the constituents out individually before re-assembling.’ 2. How You Can CLEAN The Environment FRYER ELEMENTS Some elements, such as the ventilation racks, drip tray and rotisserie spit, is going to be dishwasher-safe, so look into the specific cleaning guide for the air fryer. Otherwise, Adele advises: ‘For within your air fryer, make use of a moist cloth that’s been drizzled with warm soap and water. ‘You may even make use of a soft brush to get involved with the corners of the air fryer but avoid a steel-wire brush. Dry having a towel, then re-assemble.’ Breville’s Zoe McClean warns: ‘DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER. Abrasive cleaners, scrubbing brushes and chemical cleaners may also damage the system.’ 3. How You Can CLEAN THE Outdoors Of The AIR FRYER ‘To keep your air fryer searching beautiful and glossy, wipe the outdoors having a moist cloth after which buff having a microfiber cloth,’ advises Zoe.

Posts may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy here. If you’re living a keto or low carb lifestyle then this Keto Taco Bowl with cheese shell is going to be your new favorite meal prep lunch. After I discovered these new cheese wraps at my local grocery store, I couldn’t wait to get home and see what recipes I could create with them. The best part is, these Cheese Wraps are even easier to use than I expected. How to Make Flavorful Taco Meat I always try to make my taco meat as flavorful as possible. Here are my tips if you want to make your taco meat extra special. - I always add sautéed onions & garlic. Occasionally I’ll also add diced red peppers if I happen to have them on hand. - To keep my taco meat moist, I also like to include 2 tbsp of salsa - green chilies also work great - most recently I added chopped pickled jalapenos in my taco meat and they were amazing, I’ll be adding this more often! How do I make this Taco Bowl Keto Friendly and Low Carb? In our Keto Taco Bowl, I included 90% lean ground beef (made with green chilies, and taco seasoning), butter lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, sliced avocado, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salsa, and sour cream. We keep this taco bowl keto by using cheese as the shell and omitting ingredients like beans and corn. Another important ingredient to watch out for are taco seasoning packets which have 20g of hidden carbs. Always use your own spices if you are on a low carb or keto diet. Important notes: If you are able to have more carbs, I recommend adding black beans and mixing corn into your taco meat. However, for the sake of making this recipe keto, we are going to omit them from the recipe card and ingredients list. I love this Keto Taco Bowl recipe because you can customize it any way you’d like. Great Alternative Ingredients to Add to Your Keto Taco Bowl Other great alternative ingredients to include in a low carb keto taco bowl include black olives, cauliflower cilantro lime rice, sautéed or diced red and green peppers, kale salad mix, shredded chicken, grilled steak, and jalapeños. To keep this Low Carb Keto Taco Bowl as healthy as possible, it’s also important to measure your ingredients. Anytime I meal prep, I scoop everything with measuring spoons and measuring cups. The calories in ingredients such as cheese and sour cream can really add up so it’s best to measure them out, especially if you are watching your calories. For my cheese bowl, I used the Folio Brand Cheese Wraps. I usually get them in a variety pack since my fiance is obsessed with them. I was truly shocked when I realized how easy it was to make a cheese bowl. It was far less complicated than I thought it would be and it only took 2 minutes. Check out the directions below. How to make a cheese taco shell bowl using Cheese Wraps Each cheese wrap comes on wax paper, place the cheese with wax paper side down in the microwave for 1 minute. Then remove and place on a small upside down bowl. Make sure to place the cheese wrap over the bowl so the cheese side is touching the bowl. Press it firmly in place and let it cool for another 1-2 minutes. Then remove the wax paper from the cheese and remove your cheese bowl (it will not stick to your bowl). These cheese bowls are great and will hold their shape once remove. What ingredients should I Omit from my taco bowl to make it keto? Avoid ingredients such as taco shells, rice, corn, beans, and packets of taco seasoning to keep your taco bowls keto friendly and low carb. Keto Taco Bowl Meal Prep Tips These Keto Taco Bowls with cheese shell are great for meal prep. This recipe will give you four bowls. I highly recommend using a bento box so you can easily heat up the taco meat and/or black beans to add to your salad. This Salad Bento Box is one of my favorites as the compartment for salad dressing is removable and microwavable so I use it for salads where I want to heat up part of the salad. It also comes with a built-in ice tray which is nice and a clip in fork. Trust me I’ve searched long and hard to find the perfect bento boxes for meal prepping. Here is my complete list. Low Carb Keto Taco Bowl with Cheese Shell - 4 whole cheese wraps - 1 lb ground beef 90% Lean - 1/4 cup green chillies canned - 1 tbsp paprika - 1/4 tsp cumin - 1 tsp salt - 1/4 tsp black pepper - 2 cloves garlic chopped - 2 tbsp yellow onion chopped - 4 cups butter lettuce any bag of mixed lettuce 1 cup per bowl - 1/4 cup red onions chopped, 1 tbsp per bowl - 1/2 cup tomatoes dices, 2 tbsp per bowl - 1/2 cup salsa 2 tbsp per bowl - 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tbsp per bowl - 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded, 2 tbsp per bowl - 1 whole avocado medium size sliced, 1/4 of avocado per bowl Cook the Taco Meat - Turn your stove on medium to high heat. Once warm add a small spray of olive or avocado oil. Then add your ground beef chopping it with a spatula as it cooks. Then add your taco seasoning packet. Once the meat is browned, add your corn and green chilies. Make Your Cheese Shell Bowl - First you will make your cheese bowl by placing the wrap in the microwave with the wax paper facing down for 1 minute. Then let rest for 30 seconds. Turn a small bowl upsidedown and place the cheese wrap over the bowl with the cheese side facing down. Mold to the shape of the bowl and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Then remove the wax paper and bowl. Assemble Your Bowl - Add one cup of lettuce to your cheese bowl. Then in seperate sections of the bowl add 1/2 cup ground beef, 2 tbsp black beans, 2 tbsp chopped tomatoes, 1 tbsp chopped red onions, 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese, and 3-4 slices of avocado. Finally scoop 1 tbsp of salsa over the tomatoes and 1 tbsp of sour cream in the center of your bowl. - It’s very important that you use the leanest beef possible which will drop your calories by 100-200 per serving! - Be sure to measure out your toppings since cheese and sour cream can easily add on extra calories - Feel free to use any lettuce you enjoy or even kale Enjoy our other Keto & Low Carb Recipes - Thai Chicken Coconut Soup - Easy Baked Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri - Moroccan Lemon Chicken for the Instant Pot - Carnitas with Jack Fruit

Welding accounts for how two metals are joined by the application of heat, addition of other metals, and in some cases, the use of gases. The Metal Inert Gas and Metal Active Gas methods are commonly used metal arc welding. Gas metal arc welding involves heating two different metals to their melting points so they become one. After that, an active or inert gas is used to militate interactions between the weld, and the atmosphere which enhances the strength and quality of the welding process. A MIG welder uses the workpiece metal and an MIG wire electrode to cause an electric breakdown of a gas (electric arc). This results in a joining and melting of both metals because the MIG wire electrode causes a supply of an inert or semi-inert gas (shielding gas) that prevents contamination by air. Effective MIG Welding Techniques Whatever technique we will discuss here, the fact remains that the right equipment, correct set-up, and clean joints are indispensable for successful MIG welding. The comfort of the operator is compulsory and the set-up must be detailed, having all requirements in place. The joints, on the other hand, must be clean because not much can be achieved with a dirty joint. It is important to stress that there are two ways to carry out this type of welding. The forehand or push technique requires that the MIG gun be directed towards the weld while the latter requires the MIG gun to be positioned such that the wire is fed in the opposite direction of the metal gas arc. The backhand or drag technique is scarcely used that produces deep and narrow penetrations. The MIG gun is positioned between 5-35 degrees. On the other hand, the forehand technique produces wide and flat penetrations while the backhand technique is preferred for thin metals. MIG welding patterns are considered necessary to back up your choice of MIG welding technique. These patterns are ways of approach to various metal joints during field work with ease. In these articles we shall consider four basic patterns. 1. Whipping Welding Pattern This method helps the operator to control his travel speed during welding. It runs in successive alternations of forward and back ward welding (twice forward, 1 time backward). This pattern is great for thin metal and making a first pass in a joint. 2. Steady Motion Welding Pattern The steady motion welding pattern is the basis upon which welding robots are built. It is a simple and basic pattern that requires that your travel speed, electrode angle, and machine set-up are all properly done. When using this pattern, it is important to note that the hotter it is the better the weld. 3. Weaving Welding Pattern The weaving pattern is suitable when you have a wilder weld and bigger welds that have no distortions. It is good for other welds but for the above cases it is the recommended welding patterns. It can be used either in the vertical up or vertical down position. 4. Circle Welding Pattern This pattern is as simple as it is named – it requires that you weld in a circular manner. You are required to continuously repeat the circular weld motion until you are done welding. The circular welding pattern runs in successive alternations of weaving and whipping welding patterns. It is suitable for most kinds of joints you would encounter during field work and for thicker materials. You should remember that welding positions also affect the success of the welding technique or welding pattern used. We will succinctly discuss welding positions to augment your knowledge of welding techniques, and welding patterns. These trio are to be successfully blended to achieve a successful MIG welding. There are five basic positions you can take during the MIG welding process. This position is a little difficult. It works best when you are approaching your welding work from the whipping or circular welding pattern. The MIG gun points upward (35-45 degrees) and permits tilting towards the weld at an angle of 15-35 degrees. This is the easiest position to take with the MIG gun, which is placed such that it points straight down in a leaning manner (up to 35 degrees). This position is for people who choose the steady motion welding pattern. Vertical Up Position Many have agreed that this position is the most difficult to wield whilst you use the MIG gun. The gun is positioned such that the handle points upward (35-45 degrees). Since the comfort of the welder is the first rule to produce a quality weld work, this position must be adjusted for ease. Building a shelf of weld upward or grinding a small grove at the weld site are good ways to reduce the difficulty attached with this position. This is best when your weld work is wide. Vertical Down Position This position comes easy; i.e., the MIG gun is positioned in such a way that it can be tilted up at 35-45 degrees. The welding runs from top to bottom. It works well for any welding pattern as long as you stay ahead of the puddle. The puddle is the same as the weld pool. It is the molten filler metal that combines with the parent material during the welding process. This position is not difficult to hold, but safety measures (e.g. helmets, flameless fabric, cover all parts of your body) must be put in place during the welding process. This is because of the spatters that come with the weld work while taking this position that could cause burns. The MIG gun is positioned toward the weld at a tilting position between 5-35 degrees. A low amperage and voltage would reduce spatter. Mig Welding Tips & Tricks No doubt, MIG welding is sophisticated in terms of expertise required and equipment used. Nevertheless, mastering these simple tips and tricks below would help you perform this like a pro! 1. How Well Do You Know Your Equipment? Inadequate information on the equipment you have or should have is costly in this trade. Before you procure your equipment, make sure you know their specifications and capabilities in detail so you do not underuse or overuse any of them. The manufacturer’s specifications of your wires, shielding gas, voltage, amperage, and more are indispensable if you want to optimally utilize such equipment. 2. Check Your Connections Check through all your connective points (MIG gun, powerpin, power source) before you start working. The damages that come with loose ends in connection may be costly and regrettable. An additional safety tip to checking your connection is to ensure there are no spatter buildup on your consumables. Spatters restrict the gas flow from the nozzle and these are caused by or dirty workpiece, poor welding, and faulty equipment. Make sure you regularly clean your equipment and keep your ground cable as close to the arc as possible. 3. Use your Safety Gears Welding processes come with a lot of threats, such as fumes and gases, electric shocks, infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and more. Wear your helmet, covered shoes, goggles, hand gloves, and other required safety kits. Your clothing should be flame-resistant and void of space to host spatters when they pop. As said before, the operator’s safety is always important to avoid incidents like mutations, physical disabilities (eyes), and burns. 4. Drive Roll and Extension Setting The specifications (size and type) of the wire determine to a large extent the drive roll selection and tension setting. Your inability to fix these aspects of the MIG welding process would mean a poor wired feeding from the MIG gun. The consequences of poor wire feeding include a poor-quality arc, poor positioning of MIG gun, and wrong liner length. For example, it is a known fact that solid wires and knurled drive rolls don’t make a good welding finish. This is because shavings break off the wire, causing a restriction to efficient wire feeding. In a scenario like the one painted above a U-groove or V-groove drive roll is best. The drive roll tension is set by releasing drive rolls, after which the tension is increased until it is half turn past wire slippage whilst you feed the wire into your hand. 5. Choose the Right Gas for Your Wire Choosing the right gas for your wire is important to produce a quality arc. Never be deficit on information that guide your choice of appropriate gases for different wires. Below is a list of wires and their required gases. Diameter wise, a 0.030 inch or more has wide application to various thick welding works while a .023 inch is used for thinner materials. Aluminum Wire: Argon shielding gas is recommended for aluminum wire. It produces stronger welds and eliminates poor wire feeding. Stainless Steel Wire: Stainless steel is recommended for a tri-mix of argon, CO2, and helium. It produces a quality metal arc. Carbon Steel Wire (solid): A dual mix of 75% CO2 and 25 percent argon which is recommended for a solid carbon wire. For efficient results use these mixes indoors to avoid any interference of wind. 6. Use the Right Contact Tip Recess Contact tips transfer the welding current to the wire while the contact tip recess is the position of the contact tip in the nozzle. The contact tip recess used in application accounts for the quality of the welding process, a bad contact tip recess position accounts for: poor penetration, excessive spatter, and more. The fact remains that there is no definite contact tip position to use in several cases because the application determines the contact tip recess. Nevertheless, a guide from the thumbs rule states that “As the current increases, the recess should also increase.” 7. Direction of Your Wire For quality welding, it is recommended that your wire should stay directed (leading edge) at the welding pool. Poor wire direction accounts for various low-quality weld beads, while a perfect/quality weld bead just has a slight crown on the metal. Sometimes the welding position accounts for the poor quality of weld beads. So, while you weld vertically/horizontally/overhead positions, use small wire diameters and keep your weld pool restricted. 8. Use Your Two Hands and Observe When you use the MIG gun, it is best to use your two hands whenever possible to enhance your productivity. Also, pay attention to the sound the MIG gun produces because it indicates errors in your set up or mechanical issues. A loud sound indicates low amperage, while a crackling sound indicates a high amperage. 9. General Tips Keep every consumable out of the reach of moist. They should be cleaned after use and returned back to their safety packs. Using a glove is required to avoid any form of contamination of moist from your hands to the tools. High maintenance of equipment and consumables would enhance quality welding processes, ideally it is the first requirement for efficient welding. Mistakes to Avoid Now we will see how to avoid any possible mistakes during the welding process. Overheating mostly comes with the consumables used in the welding process. When the stick out is too long or too short or the contact tip is too close to the weld pool, it increases friction and results in overheating. To avoid these mistakes, set it up correctly at the required contact tip- work distance, pay attention to the MIG gun duty cycle, and lastly source for better consumables that are made to reduce/nullify overheating tendencies. Wrong Voltage and Wire Feed Speed An improper voltage whilst you use the MIG gun would cause overheating and destroy the contact tip. The resultant effect of an improper voltage is an erratic arc, an improper wire feed also accounts for an erratic arc. Neither a fast nor a slow wire feed speed can produce a quality weld work. The only solution to avoiding the mistakes that come with an improper voltage or improper wire feed is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for use of such equipment. Wrong Choice of MIG Gun The choice of your MIG gun is based on the task to be performed, again the importance of checking the capabilities of the MIG gun is indispensable. Work with MIG guns that have the duty cycle and amperage required for the welding task. If this choice can be well made, the chances of overheating during long welding tasks would be greatly reduced. The choice of your shielding gas also affects the heat rate of the gun. Argon causes a lot of heating but gives a clean finish. Wrong Choice of Welding Ground This error accounts for erratic arc, so the ground on which the welding is carried out must be firm. If it is not a firm surface the quality of the work is affected. Destruction of the contact tip or other consumables used in front and overheating tendencies could also occur. Placing the ground cable close to the workpiece, on the weldment or bench is the best way to avoid these mistakes. Poor Cable Management Common mistakes like pulling the welding machines with the cable, cooling the MIG gun hanging over something, working with the wrong MIG welder settings, or pulling the cables which can stretch the conduit can reduce the performance of the MIG gun. If consumables are improperly allowed to dry, they can take a wrong shape which would reduce their efficiency. To avoid these errors, it is important to take care of your cables and dry your MIG gun in a flat position. Anything that stresses the cable, which can affect the conduit should be avoided. To conclude, MIG welding is unique and efficient for quality weld work finish. In spite of its capability to produce quality weld work mistakes, wrong MIG welding patterns, improper MIG techniques can dampen the reputation of this equipment. A good blend of the techniques, patterns, and tips would increase the quality of your welding. General maintenance of the equipment would cut out a lot of performance reducing tendencies that come with using the MIG welder. As a result, knowing your tool according to their specifications and capabilities is important for quality output.

Short Story Land wouldn’t be a nice place to live: tragedies abound, trauma and misery are rife, everybody’s lonely and the body count is high. Happy marriages do not exist; neither do happy endings. A few years ago, I realised I was drawn to stories that manage to transcend these wretched parameters; stories that offer some sort of redemptive moment, that keep characters alive and offer second chances. I’m interested in moments of connection and compassion – difficult to do well without being saccharine or disingenuous. But as Flannery O’Connor states: “There is something in us, as storytellers and as listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored”. These selected stories are hymns to the persistence of life, from Levi’s uplifting memoir sketches to Ruth’s acknowledgement in ‘Romantic’ that “One thing in my favour is I am alive”. This has become more important to me than ever over the last few years, when I have begun to read for therapy as much as for research or pleasure. I like authors who astutely nail the subtle tectonics of relationships, both between people and the relationships with ourselves, as exemplified by Grace Paley and Lucia Berlin. The desire to be truly seen or known, to have a voice, to be loved against the odds. These stories made me a more compassionate writer. My characters used to die all the time; they were voiceless, vulnerable, weird, and the world hated them. But now I keep people alive and let the surprise of kindness in. As Paley says, “Everyone, real or invented, deserves the destiny of open life”.T ‘Oh man in the very center of your life, still fitting your skin so nicely… why have you slipped out of my sentimental and carnal grasp?’ If I could only read one short story writer it would be Paley, whose stories, rooted in the immigrant experience of life in the Bronx in the 1970s, explore (as her obituary stated) “what happened to the women that Roth and Bellow’s men loved and left behind”. Many centre on a loose alter ego, Faith Darwin; in ‘Listening’, the last story Paley wrote, Faith’s sons are growing up (“trying the find the right tune for their lives”), her marriage is going through difficulty, she is involved with writing and activism, and is debating a new baby. The story presents the range of life choices opening up to people in the ‘70s and how this was both liberating and overwhelming – decisions on when to commit suicide, how to be a father, which arty sandwich to choose. Faith watches a young man cross the road and muses about his vitality. Her friend Cassie dismisses him as just a “bourgeois on his way home”. Faith responds: “To everyday life, I said with a mild homesickness”. Her contagious, funny, beautiful prose is organic and highly personal; Paley was suspicious of plot and craft, preoccupied instead with how to be a good person, a good woman, a good citizen. The story ends with Cassie launching into a bitter rant at Faith that seems to suggest Paley did not feel successful in this quest: “Why don’t you tell my story? Where is my life? Where the hell is my woman and woman, woman-living life in all this?” Cassie owns the last line – “I do not forgive you” – not just the final line of the story and the collection, but revealingly, the final line Paley ever wrote. In The Collected Stories (Virago Press, 1994) “Why should you hurry even through ugliness? You should come among beauties very gradually. I like climbing rivers at their vilest, to see where they began.” Constantine’s stories offer a tender documentation of tiny unquenchable moments of compassion, in all its many intangible forms. He speaks of humanity’s capacity for kindness amidst cruelty, of the symbiosis of care and survival. ‘Romantic’ is the only story that makes me cry. It describes the ebb and flow of Ruth and Morgan’s relationship as they both strive to accommodate his tides; Ruth lets her troubled lover come and go, knowing that he needs to be on his own, walking the rivers, with faith he’ll come back – “It’s not a promise that binds me to you”. I love this story for its portrayal of the subtleties of mental health and of the prevailing power of faith in human connection, both between the two protagonists and between Morgan and strangers he encounters on his walks: “They tell me their life stories, they look at me as though I know what they should do next. They only tell me things because I’m passing through… nothing they say, however intimate, is binding.” It is about the pilgrimages we make with one another and the implicit rules we create and subscribe to, no matter how absurd they might seem to others. There are so many tonal layers to this story and my respect for it deepens with every read. In Tea at the Midland (Comma Press, 2012) Surely the greatest ‘Fuck yeah!’ moment in all short fiction, I cannot read this story without getting totally and breathlessly sucked in, turning the pages in horror even though I have read it so many times, getting to my feet as the gallant mother gallops across the surging waves, her white hair wild behind her. At the climax of the story, she describes everything stopping ‘like a clockwork tableaux in a glass case’ before action recommences, ‘as though a curious child pushed his centime into the slot and set it all in motion’. Carter herself is the curious child with the centime in the slot and this story is her at her indomitable best. In redefining our bloodiest myths, she inadvertently creates new myths for the psychotherapy generation: that your happiness, like that of the young protagonist, depends on a lover that unconditionally ‘sees’ you and a mother who telepathically ‘knows’ you. In The Bloody Chamber (Gollancz, 1979) ‘We sense everything between us, every ripple, existent and non-existent; it is tiring.’ It’s not a feminist choice, and it’s a severely flawed story, but I return to this quiet little four-pager again and again. It’s an intimate second person sigh of a story that I can read as both beautifully tender and offensively misogynist at the same time, and not have a problem with both those things being true. Updike paints a portrait of family life: the husband (unnamed, but presumably Richard Maple) goes out to get Sunday night MacDonalds (presented as a Neolithic hunt), which the parents and two children eat around the fire while the baby sucks his bottle. Later the protagonist is disappointed when his ‘cunning’ wife falls asleep before sex. The next day brings work stress, child chaos and marital resentment; but a surprise toothpastey kiss ends the day, “moist and girlish and quick”. Yes, it’s about a selfish, unlikeable 1960s typical Updike man; but there is something searingly real in his depiction of the subtle marital pendulum, where things that are insufferable can be redeemed by a nice family evening. The story is an indulgent elegy to language (“Once my ornate words wooed you”); an unashamed paean to Joycean playfulness (“smackwarm”), contrasted with his son for whom “language is thick vague handles swirling by; he grabs what he can”. There is a cutting third person shift in the final passage, where an abrupt cruelty descends (“I feast on your drabness, every wrinkle and sickly tint a relief and a revenge”) and we are back in familiar territory of the unhappy Updike man, trying on different male archetypes (the jouster, the hunter). Ending with the kiss returns us full circle to the opening words – “Oh my love. Yes.” – echoing the wonky circuitry of marriage that sustains itself, for better or for worse, so that “seven years brings us no distance to the same trembling point of beginning”. In Too Far to Go (Penguin, 1979) ‘I once met a man with a 40-litre monkey.’ Those nine words, perhaps the best opening sentence of any collection, were life-changing for me. I had been writing, badly, and then I picked up Marek’s Instruction Manual and read the first story in one gulp in the bookshop and thought: “Stories can be like that?” Smart, funny, spawned from Marek’s characteristically wicked imagination and his preoccupation with weird science, the story takes us to a pet shop with a greasy, over-fed, award-winning secret in the cellar. We are taken downstairs to meet Cooper the baboon (the only character with a name) and forced to bear witness to his sinister weighing, colluding with the atmosphere of simmering abuse and controlled threat that Marek conveys so well. I like stories that irrevocably change an otherwise normal life experience and this one certainly changed pet shops (and Vaseline) for me forever. in Instruction Manual for Swallowing (Comma Press, 2007) ‘I flip the vacuum on, lie down under the piano with a rag clutched in my hand just in case. I lie there and hum and think.’ This story is a detached, first-person account of the everyday life of a 1970s cleaner, taking endless cramped, wet, late, vomit-infused buses house to house, dealing with different kinds of women in different kinds of homes. The narrative is created by an overlapping series of domestic vignettes; internal dialogues with her deceased lover Terry; glimpses of street scenes from the bus window; and lists of household objects, bus routes, advert slogans. It is a tense and fragile patchwork of private thoughts existing within public structures, punctuated by advice in parentheses to other cleaners. Berlin gives us a chorus of textual connections, from Braille to billboards, unintelligible notes, TV screens and neon signs, in sharp contrast to the voicelessness of the narrator – when she tries to talk to the children of the house, her boss snaps at her; in the final home where she finds a missing jigsaw piece and says “I found it”, her boss corrects her, claiming “I found it”. Berlin’s stories are full of second chances and moments of redemption. She infuses her characters, often invisible in society, with great dignity and strength. I like the different ways of seeing she presents and the inherent class hierarchies that imbue those ways of seeing and being seen: the poor seeing the poor, in laundromat windows, in television reflections, in the cocaine mirrors of the rich, while the wealthy are as unseeing as “the lazy blind eyes” of the fish head in the carrier bag, waiting to be soup. In A Manual for Cleaning Women (Picador, 2015) ‘The longer I stood there, the longer I had to stand there. It was intricate and exponential.’ Miranda July is my guilty short story pleasure. At first I snobbishly felt she wasn’t challenging enough; no puzzles to solve or complex narratives to decode. But then I realised stories can just give you joy. July specialises in presenting imperfect interactions between awkward people in a warm, judgement-free way that makes social apocalypse funny. In ‘Roy Spivey’, an ordinary woman – a self-confessed ‘pushover’ with anxiety issues – ends up sitting on a plane next to a ‘Hollywood heartthrob’. She watches him sleep, he spills gossip about his famous wife, he Febreezes her when she gets sweaty, they spend the flight having ‘the conversation that is specifically about everything’ and then, at his initiation, they bite each other. They hold hands as the plane lands. He gives her his private number, which she never calls, until it’s too late (“I looked at the number and felt a tidal swell of loss. I had waited too long”). The audio version of this, read by David Sedaris on the New Yorker Podcast, is perfection. In The Book of Other People (Penguin, 2007) Levy presents the endemic identity crisis like no other writer. She is a whole-world writer, a time traveller, a pigeon-hole-defying storyteller with an intimidating intelligence and a greater interest in questions than answers. Her stories bristle with emotional complexity; they constantly surprise and exhilarate; they revel in the not-known and never-known. She is bold and fierce and I once cringingly held her hand and said nothing, in an empty room, before awkwardly reversing reverently away. In this story, a successful advertising man with “an incredible facility to wade through human shame with no shoes on” takes his colleague’s girlfriend out to the Polish Club to conduct drinking research for a new vodka; only this being Levy, the man has a small hump on his back, the woman is an archaeologist, and the floor of the Club transforms into a primeval jungle when he drops his fork. They share a cab and kiss in the rain, but typical Levy, we are left without any sweeping denouement; perhaps the man, who always saw himself as lost property, remains an outsider “waiting to be claimed”. There is a paragraph in this story that I have pinned to my desk as a kind of manifesto: ‘There is so much of the world to record and classify, it’s hard to know how to find a language for it. So I’m going to start exactly where I am now. Life is beautiful! Vodka is black! Pears are naked! Rain is horizontal! Moths are ghosts. Only some of this is true but you should know that this does not scare me as much as the promise of love.’ In Black Vodka (And Other Stories, 2013) ‘I often asked myself what kind of humanity was massed behind their symbol, and have regretted that none has told his story’ If stories are a vehicle for human connection and compassion, then few can be as important as Levi’s scenes presenting his time in Auschwitz. This moving series of vignettes and character studies, plainly and quietly told, infused with humour and humanity, often depict turning points where life could have changed. In ‘The Juggler’, former street thief and acrobat Eddy catches Levi with paper and pencil, risking his life to write a letter home. Eddy’s shrewd quick-thinking, along with his capacity to move on from Levi’s offence, saves the author’s life; although he receives a less positive ending himself. Levi’s succinctly rich illustrations of the tenacity of the human spirit provide compelling evidence for Frankl’s logotherapy theories and the human search for meaning. In Moments of Reprieve (Penguin, 1986) This is a quietly devastating story with an inevitable crescendo of consequences. When 51-year old Granny Lin is made redundant from the factory, her neighbour matchmakes her with an ill widower. Granny Lin ‘tends his body with motherly hands’, the blood away after insulin shots and repeats the myth, started by his children, that his dead wife will be home soon – only to be left penniless two months later when she is blamed for his death. She takes a job as a laundry maid in a boarding school where she strikes up a close bond with rejected six-year old Kang; she tells him stories and “tucks him in, the unfamiliar warmth swelling inside her. She wonders if this is what people call falling in love, the desire to be with someone every minute of the rest of her life so strong that sometimes she is frightened of herself.” When Kang’s secret obsession with stealing girls’ socks is discovered, he is bullied, taking his shame out on Granny Lin and running away. Fired from her job, she walks into town where “All the people on the street seem to know where their legs are taking them. She wonders when she stopped being one of them.” Her bag is stolen and the story ends with her facing an uncertain future. This human demise, full of logic but void of compassion or accountability, reminds me of Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’ or Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘A Real Durwan’ – the descent of an elderly female servant against the backdrop of rising modernity, where clinging to the daily rituals of care and servitude cannot protect the vulnerable from the force of changing times. In A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (Fourth Estate, 2006) ‘Then she clung to her husband’s neck, screaming like a real madwoman.’ This is the first short story I ever read. I had an inspiring teacher at school who introduced me to Marquez. It felt like the first time I had read ‘in colour’. This story, however, is as dark as it gets. A woman is accidentally admitted to a sadistic psychiatric hospital where the consultant persuades her husband she is too dangerous to ever leave; something the woman herself begins to believe the longer she stays. Marquez is famed for his fantasies, but having worked a lot in mental health, the most terrifying thing about this story is its chilling proximity to the truth. In Strange Pilgrims (Penguin, 1992) ‘My eyes were still closed. I was in my house. But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything.’ A prejudiced, bitter, stoned narrator is asked by his blind guest, a friend of his wife, to draw a cathedral. Their hands both holding the pen, the guest says: “‘Go ahead, bub, draw. You’ll see. I’ll follow along with you. It’ll be okay. Just begin now like I’m telling you.” It leads to an emotional moment of catharsis and transformation for the narrator ‘like nothing else in life up to now’; he keeps his eyes closed and keeps drawing even when he doesn’t have to. Early Carver includes stories I like a lot, including ‘Fat’ and ‘Why Don’t You Dance?’, but they always seem to be written outside of his own skin. I find the Carver brand of nihilism somewhat distancing. This story was the first Carver I read where it felt he was writing with real feeling – he had stopped drinking, had re-evaluated life and in his own words, “was in a period of generosity. The story affirms something” as a result. In Cathedral (Vintage, 1983)

Comes a need to travel; and in the last days of September 2017 my friend Arsen and I set out on an improvised road trip adventure from Istanbul, in the direction of Eastern Thrace. Both of us were desperate to get away from the city, even if only for a day. Eastern Thrace was the last region of European territory still in Turkish possession. Despite our excited plans, we almost didn't set out on the arranged day due to a rainy forecast. But at the last moment we persevered, got in our car and started driving. Before anything could begin, however, we had to exit Istanbul. We drove through an apocalyptic landscape of favelas and nightmarish new developments; shopping malls, soulless gated communities; mountains of concrete and glass; an agglomeration too boring to photograph even for its shock value. We finally saw open horizons after more than an hour of driving. Our first stop was the truckstop-cum-village of Ahmediye, near Lake Büyükçekmece. We stopped at Ahmediye because we'd left home without proper breakfasts. The town did have a sad sort of charm, however. The few buildings that made up Ahmediye opened up to verdant streets that sloped gently down to Lake Büyükçekmece; a water reservoir for Istanbul's 15-odd-million thirsty mouths. The landing strips of the Hezarfen Airfield were visible on the far shore. I had a lot of pleasant memories of the place, which was once the site of a vibrant international music festival. The festival was suspended since 2013, however, in concert with Turkey's decline into misrule and uncertainty. Back in the day one could sit on this very street and listen to bands like Limp Bizkit, Prodigy, The Cure and Pet Shop Boys live, their sounds echoing from over the water... We took a brief walk around the town. This was Ahmediye's depressing-looking primary school building. We finally sat down at a roadside coffeehouse. Breakfast was cheap sandwiches, tea, Nescafé and cigarettes... The interior of the coffeehouse seemed to be frozen in the early 1990s; with its old-fashioned wood stove; brown stamped-iron-and-wooden chairs; a wistful-looking portrait of Atatürk; and gas lanterns still occasionally used for illumination. The men frequenting it also seemed weary with time. Most of them were truckers who carried freight into, or out of Istanbul. We left Ahmediye and drove towards Çatalca; across a road lined with teeth-like rows of mass-housing and watched over giant wind turbines. Istanbul's impact on Thrace is difficult to overstate. Almost daily, construction projects were eating up land around the city and new buildings and infrastructure projects were going up. To top things up, Kanalistanbul; a gargantuan sea-to-sea channel was being planned for the region, cutting acros swathes of land and turning western Istanbul (or the easternmost tip of Eastern Thrace) into a man-made island. Here is what Kanalistanbul will look like if it ever becomes reality. Actually there are two conflicting plans, one of which puts its course further east than portrayed here. Either way, the project will be a tar pit of money, and will have awful ecological consequences. Many people forget that Istanbul is a province that extends way beyond the city. Its contains lakes, small mountains, farmland, pastureland, towns, villages and more. We finally reached the small but historically-important town of Çatalca, but technically speaking, we were still in Istanbul. Çatalca was refreshingly free of the despondent atmosphere hanging over Ahmediye. Back in the First Balkan War more than a century ago, Bulgarian troops had advanced as far as the "Chataldja Line" before being defeated by Turkish forces. It was the Turkish Army's only big success in that great debacle; where the Ottoman Empire's Balkan heartland was irrevocably lost to an unstable alliance between Serbia, Greece, Bulgaria and Montenegro. The tiny part of Thrace that we were exploring that day was the only European territory left to Turkey after the war. Due to its historic importance, Çatalca's citizens were proud nationalists and embraced the heritage of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - modern Turkey's secular "founding father" - even if he wasn't directly involved in the Balkan campaign. We passed by a fountain with a strange, old bronze relief, dedicated to Atatürk. I assumed the fountain was a relic from the nation-building years of the 1930s, but a sign announced that it was made in 1999. Atatürk's representation on the bronze relief-plaque seemed to be inspired by William Blake, depicting a contorted, troubled thinker. The six arrows of Kemalist thought radiated outwards from his strangely-sculpted brow, and the date 1938 was stamped on the stone he was resting on. 1938? That was the strangest detail about this relief, because that was the year that Atatürk died. One would expect the monumental date to be the foundation year of the Republic, the date of Turkish victory in the preceding Greco-Turkish War, or a similar grand accomplishment. Seeing Ataturk portrayed - in eerily stylised fashion to boot - rearing above a stone bearing the date of his own death turned the frieze into a bizarre, nationalist take on Lazarus, rising up from death. But perhaps this was exactly the aim of this unknown sculptor - to exclaim that no matter how many years passed, Atatürk (and his ideas) would keep rising from the grave: He was now Atatürk Athanatos - the Leader Without Death. We kept driving through Çatalca, taking pictures of interesting buildings as we went. In retrospect we could've spent more time in the town, but at that moment we were focusing on our destination - the Black Sea coastline. Arsen had read of an important, old Greek monastery at a place called Hagia Nicola, and we wanted to get there before sundown. Çatalca was full of old stone buildings, some a century old, some a lot older. This one, perhaps belonging to one of the district's bygone Greeks (Remember; traces of departed Greeks, Armenians and others populate every Turkish city) was exploding with verdant Ailanthus trees; "ghetto palms"; extremely resilient invasive plants from China that spread to many places in Turkey (and America, Europe and Australia) since the late 1700s. Today, they were universally common. Tough colonisers, Ailanthus plants also killed competing plants with chemical compounds in their leaves, resulting in a characteristic unpleasant odour and their common name in Turkish: the stink tree. Also brimming with Ailanthus trees was this time-worn wall. We couldn't tell how old it was - something from the Ottoman years, or older? The large stones at the bottom part seemed to be re-purposed from even older structures. We also learnt that Çatalca was home to an impressive line of WW2-era bunkers, but we didn't have time to see them in this visit. We left Çatalca behind and drove deeper into Thracian Istanbul. The land began to rise into forested hills, now dotted with futuristic windmills that supplied extra power to ravenous city... ...we drove for a longish while; talking about life, families, women and what we'd do if we were given unlimited funds and power. We spoke about history and our favourite Roman Emperors; mine was Marcus Aurelius and Arsen's was Caligula. At one point we returned to the present and made a an unplanned stop at a small village named Gümüşpınar. We stopped because I'd spied a small, old village cemetery on the roadside - and Turkish village cemeteries, especially old ones, were unspeakably poetic places to tour and photograph. They were also home to interesting varieties of snails, the collection of which was one of my "side quests" for today's adventure. This cemetery did not disappoint us; neither in mystery nor in the snails department. Its older portion was home to a series of menhir-like tombstones, seemingly dating from the distant past but actually made as recently as the 1950s. Before universal literacy and the advent of modern amenities such as roads, electricity and power tools, a lot of rural communities in Turkey used these primal forms - throwbacks to the old Turkic tradition of balbals - as headstones. The enchanting stone forms, as well as the sensible practice of letting time have its way with the graves (as opposed to the oxymoronic modern custom of "cemetery maintenance"), resulted in a truly magical atmosphere. The trees shut the outside world away, their sinuous forms bracketing reality like extended brushstrokes from an art-nouveau painter. Even more recent graves had a charming, folk-art quality about them. This gentleman had passed away in 1967 and two naive carvings of roses (or carnations) decorated his headstone. A little distance away, I found these reddish-brown mushrooms. I am at a complete loss over their identity. The undergrowth and fallen leaves were rarely cleaned in such village cemeteries, making them safe havens for all sorts of fungi, plants and invertebrates. The cemetery's invertebrate diversity included these adorable Pomatias elegans snails - "land winkles" as they are commonly known. They looked like tiny elephants up-close. I wanted to keep them as pets, and collected a few in a jar. The biggest surprise in Gümüşpınar was this bizarre, Mad Max vehicle we saw parked outside the cemetery. Seemingly cobbled together from old cars, bus seats, tractor and motorbike parts and powered by an agricultural pump engine, this was the easily the best vehicle we'd come across in our lifetimes. To make things even more interesting, it had a totally metal buzz-saw mounted on a platform behind the seats. Another detail of Gümüşpınar's Mad Max vehicle: Note the pedals and the DIY electrical gear system. The vehicle was clearly operational - its tyres were inflated and its engine was well-oiled. Arsen took my photographs on it as we waited for its owner to show up. We met him soon enough, a certain Deniz Abi (Mr. Deniz) - who drove this infernal machine from village to village; using the buzz-saw to carry out on-the-spot woodwork repairs and other odd jobs. He was also a groundskeeper who occasionally visited the village cemetery and took care of the trees that grew in it. (Ok, so the cemetery wasn't completely unattended). Deniz Abi was very friendly and told us that he hadn't built the vehicle himself. Instead, the Mad Max saw car was a "gift" from an "interesting friend" a few years ago. After chatting with us for a while and demonstrating the buzz-saw, Deniz Abi hopped on his magnificent vehicle and drove away. The crazy vehicle reminded us that the lax application of laws and codes in Turkey was a blessing in disguise. Anywhere in Europe, this vehicle would be impounded by local authorities for violating safety codes, tax and road laws, not having the proper little stickers and so on - making life a little more dull for everyone concerned. Here in the backwater villages of Thrace, at least for the moment, the buzz-saw car still ran wild and free. Soon we took off too - and in a little while crossed the border between Istanbul and Tekirdağ provinces. We drove for nearly an hour into Thrace proper. This time our conversations turned to the absurd and pervasive lore of "treasure hunters" in Turkey - people who thought every ancient ruin was the site of a magically-guarded hoard of gold and vandalised archaeological sites as a result. Arsen had a wealth of stories - simultaneously ridiculous and tragic - about these types and their activities, and even the brief sampling he gave during this part of our trip could have formed the basis of a book. "Treasure Hunters and Treasure Lore in Turkey" - maybe Arsen will write it someday? We got hungry after all the driving and talking, and stopped at the mid-sized town of Saray. Like hundreds of other mid-sized Turkish towns; Saray was a series of salmon-coloured apartments clustered around a two-lane main street. But it had one speciality - around the region Saray was well-known for its delicious meatballs. We sat down at the first restaurant we saw. We really enjoyed the tender, flattened meatballs. An idiosyncratic eater, I also ordered a plate of olive oil and bathed the meat in it before wolfing down, slice-by-slice. We had a kings' feast for the price one bowl of overpriced, stale salad would have fetched in high-street Istanbul. We moved out of Saray after lunch, driving through the usual landscape of strange public and municipal buildings. Having travelled extensively around rural Turkey, Arsen had had enough of such buildings; but I still found some of them interesting enough to photograph. This was Saray's gaudily-painted public school. A little while later we passed by town's twin-minaret mosque, complete with the characteristic suite of adjacent shops and other commercial establishments. Souped-up TOFAŞ cars prowled the grounds like panthers. Quite uncharacteristically for a shop that formed part of a mosque's holdings, one of the stores (Elmas Gıda) sold alcohol. But this was Thrace, and people did things a little differently here. Although Moslem, people were more lenient in their attitudes concerning alcohol (and other things) in Turkey's western regions. Satisfied with our meal and regional observations, we pressed on with the road that led to the sea, towards where we hoped to find the Hagia Nicola Monastery... ...but first things first! I simply had to stop when we saw this gaudy statue of an eagle (or a hawk?) on the roadside. Turkish roadsides; like their counterparts in the US, Australia and elsewhere, are host to bizarre statues and tourist attractions, usually sculpted and coloured in the most garish fashions imaginable. Usually there was also a magic dimension to their banality. This pigeon-faced concrete raptor was quite potent in the banal magic department. The statue sat atop a fountain with the following inscriptions: I used to flow on my own, I strived for much, For water to flow here. May it do good, Now, to each life that drinks it. May this be a blessing, Onto me in turn. In the name of Hayrullah Ertekin, of Güngörmez village. Built by his family. B. 11. 03. 1943 - D. 02. 08 2012 Not quite Ozymandias, but there it was. It was tacky and garish but, I still thought I could discern faint gleams of animism and Turkic nature-worship in the giant eagle-fountain-memorial. Years ago I had a fantasy of touring Anatolia and making a picture-book of every weird Turkish roadside attraction in existence. I soon realised that this would quickly turn into a Sisyphean task - the book would be volumes long; and a hundred more bad statues of hawks, bread loaves, strangely misshapen fruit and local produces would've gone up by the time I reached the end of the country. Leaving the malformed statue behind, we drove on to Bahçeköy, a small village among the isolated and well-wooded mountain forests that bordered the sea. From here we could reach the Hagia Nicola Monastery and the nearby Kastro Beach. We spent a few minutes in the town first. On first sight, Bahçeköy seemed to be another standard-issue, sleepy-looking Thracian village. The exception was the local mosque, and two other structures which we didn't photograph, which were built in an inordinately elegant and stately fashion. A sign noted the Bahçeköy Mosque's construction date as 1905. We wondered if this mosque was built by a wealthy local, or by the Ottoman State to ascertain its presence in the region. Right opposite the mosque we saw this recent statue of Atatürk, in an unfortunately less-than-elegant style and choice of materials. Symbols and idols mattered in Turkey, perhaps more severely than the rest of the world was comfortable with. Bahçeköy, as well as most of Tekirdağ province, were holdouts of secular nationalists who opposed Turkey's current ruler and his religious politics. Small towns like Bahçeköy liked to exclaim their pro-secular (and anti-Erdoğan) allegiance with statues like this. It was a pity there wasn't much room left these days in the Turkish public sphere for being secular and not an extreme nationalist, but hey, life was imperfect! We left Bahçeköy and drove on, deciding to visit Kastro Beach before going to Hagia Nicola. This beach had somehow inherited Bahçeköy's older name; while the village had been renamed as Turkish refugees from the Balkan Wars and later on, the Greco-Turkish population exchange, replaced the town's Greek residents, and ultimately, its Greek name. A cold-rainforest-type climate set in; beautiful tamarisks, lavender-like plants and ferns appeared on the roadsides as we travelled closer to the sea. We soon reached Kastro Beach. We were expecting a dank, cold stretch of dirty sand, but instead Kastro Beach turned out to be an extremely beautiful, solemn place. Arsen and I immediately regretted not coming here with our significant others. Towards the northeast we could see jagged racks and strange natural arches sculpted by the waves as the furious Black Sea bit into the metamorphic rock shelf that formed Northwestern Istanbul. ...instead, we got this Arabic Coke bottle. This was strange, because there are no Arabic countries bordering the Black Sea. It was likely chucked overboard from one of the thousands of commercial vessels that passed through the region every month. We spent some time walking along the beach, enjoying the beautiful and utterly lonely view. The landscape inspired Arsen with fantasies of Byronesque descriptive essays, while my mind wandered off to more romantic speculations - how cool it would be if we encountered a couple of wandering, free-spirited hippie girls right then and there? Answer: Very, but we didn't meet any that day. I compiled this high-resolution panorama from several distinct photographs, you can download the image for a larger view. We saw these rows of tents, poignant memories of summer. I think some people were still staying in them. A variety of exotic plants were growing on the sandbars behind the beach. I quickly embarked on a mini-botanical expedition on the dunes. Not being very botanically-competent, I could only identify a few of these beautiful plants. For most IDs, I'm indebted to the IFL Botany page on Facebook. A red, orange and yellow fireworks display inside the spiky branches of Salsola sp. Xanthium sp, a type of cocklebur. Cakile flowers, family Brassicaseae. No positive ID for this guy I'm afraid. Salsola sp. again These beautiful orchids, Pancratium maritimum, were the star attractions of the beach. This species occurred all around the Mediterranean basin, but was threatened in the Black Sea coast, its northernmost habitat. In Hebrew, this was one of the several plants called חבצלת החוף - the Rose of Sharon. The flowers' bulbs, when broken open, scattered seeds in the loveliest shade of black. Asteraceae sp. - not a very distinct ID, since this plant family has tens of thousands of species. A spiny, dried seed from one of the Xanthium plants we'd seen earlier. Some sort of pinkish, fleshy umbellifer, Apiaceae sp. These beautiful, silver-electric plants also evaded identification. A variety of spiky Eryngium. The only animals I could find among this explosion of flowers were these shiny, smooth pitted beetles. Identifying most beetles down to species level is so frustratingly difficult that I just threw my hands in the air, called it Coleoptera sp. and moved on. Looking at plants and insects, we walked along the beach towards some closed, restaurant-type establishments. The authorities had woken up to the ecological significance of Kastro Beach and had declared it a nature reserve (after changing the name to Çamlıköy). We also saw a futile and supremely ugly booth, covered with tasteless stock images of flowers blocking its windows, and a sign: ID RETURN. I guessed someone had come up with the brilliant plan to collect people's ID cards, charge them money for walking on the beach and then RETURN their IDs after they had come back. The extremely petty scheme likely hadn't worked, and the ID RETURN booth lay empty and rotting next to the nature reserve sign. A short distance from this depressing folly we came across a river, with airy, 1970s-style concrete bungalows lining the opposite shore. The houses had a naive elegance about them, they looked like places you'd want to hole up for three months and write a book in. On our side of the river we found a restaurant, currently closed and home to several shifty men drinking beer, listening to music on their smartphones and talking. I couldn't take their pictures, but they told us we could rent one of the several pedal boats and explore the river, if we liked. The river went up from the beach for several kilometres, with a distinct, Lord of the Rings-type ambience. We were sorely tempted, but in the end we decided to call it a day for Kastro Beach. Our main objective, the Hagia Nicola Monastery, lay a short drive away. We passed a bridge over a pleasant riverside pasture on the way. We stopped the car - the only sounds were the cowbells of the herd below us, the gentle pattering of rain, and the distant roar of the sea. We savoured the fresh pastoral scene for a few moments, and drove on to the Hagia Nicola Monastery. En route we passed by this shepherd dude, chatting away on his iPhone. We actually crossed another province border, this time from Tekirdağ to Kırklareli, while driving the short distance to Hagia Nicola. As the result of a cartographic quirk, the tiny strip of Kastro Beach was the only outlet Tekirdağ province had to the Black Sea. The shoreline belonged to Kırklareli Province immediately after Kastro Beach. This town, Kıyıköy, was our first impression of Kırklareli. It didn't look too different from some of the other places we'd passed through. We finally arrived at the Hagia Nicola Monastery. We were expecting a mystical, half-ruined edifice deep inside a forest, or overlooking a craggy seaside cliff. Instead, we were greeted by an everyday scene of clucking tourists, stuffed tour buses... ...and pouting brides on conceited wedding photo-shoots. Real Life had met and embraced Hagia Nicola in all its banality, our expeditionary fantasies notwithstanding. We also met this gentleman, Mr. Hamdi Kaya, a semi-homeless eccentric who lived here for the past 31 years, protecting the monastery from intruders. He supported himself by selling water and beverages, and playing his drum for visitors. Mr. Hamdi had framed and hung the transcript of a news story about himself on the monastery entrance. In it, he described his watchful years maintaining and guarding the ancient site from treasure hunters and grave robbers of the sort we'd discussed with Arsen earlier on in our journey. There was also an old photograph of the monastery, taken over a hundred years ago when Ottoman Greeks still lived around Hagia Nicola. Amazingly, the monastery was over 1400 years old - dating from the mid-6th century. Think about it - that's over a thousand years ago and nearly a century before the emergence of Islam. Hagia Nicola was one of the oldest surviving monasteries anywhere. In any other country it would've been a World Heritage site, a crown jewel of tourism and culture. Here, it was just another backwater attraction. The facade and the little courtyard in front of the monastery were demolished in the past century. Now only the interior remained, hewn into the cliffside. The interior was a completely different realm. Imagine how nice a tiny auditorium like this would be at a university in the present day! A cosy and unpretentious architectural style permeated the monastery. Its humanely-scaled, deliberately imperfect features stood in stark contrast to the soaring greatness and meticulously-planned, dazzling details we'd come to associate with places of worship in later centuries. The sixth century was a period of great change that saw the final split of the Roman world; the shift from Late Antiquity to the Early Medieval period; plagues; religious schisms; ruthless, pragmatic tyrants and wars of succession. I got the feeling that Hagia Nicola was built by (and for) people who wanted to shelter their own sanity in an age of cataclysm and collapse - a last refuge of humanity in an inhuman age... But then again, perhaps I was only projecting. You can see the photos we took of the monastery's architectural details below. A lot of names and dates were carved onto the walls, some by Ottoman Greeks in the 19th century, others by Turks in more recent decades. On the way out I noticed Hamdi Kaya's drum, decorated with strips of electrical tape to resemble some of the patterns on the monastery walls. I figured that the place must have imparted some of its spirit on him if Mr. Kaya lived here for more than thirty years. We also saw Mr. Kaya's couch/bed tucked beneath a rocky overhang just outside the monastery. Extremely impressed by this hidden gem of a place, we wandered out to the surrounding countryside to see if there were more ruins around. We didn't see any ruins, but we ran into some very picturesque tree farms. In the path back - literally in it - we saw a strange stone that may, just barely, have been part of an old statue. We tried to dig it out with sticks, bits of stone and pieces of metal from a nearby garbage bin - to no avail. The stone remains unextricated, waiting for our return. I'll try to bring a hand shovel on our next adventure. Rain started falling a little while later. We trotted back to our car after taking one last look at the Hagia Nicola. This Renault Broadway car wasn't our ride, but I still took its picture - these vehicles as much a part of the Turkish landscape as the mountains and the trees. (Thanks to blogger desolarpeder for the correct vehicle ID) We drove a short distance, back to Kıyıköy, for our well-earned dinner. Meanwhile the rain intensified into a torrent, turning sloping roads into small rivers. Thunder and lightning, as well as strong winds, increased the meteorological crescendo. The landscape morphed into a blurry, impressionist painting. We drove along the fishing village, looking for a place to eat. We were close to giving up when we saw, murky in the falling sheets of rain, the surreal, LED-lit blue glow of the Kuzey (North) Fish Nestaurant; an unassuming establishment serving seafood straight from the fishing boats' nets. It was garish, but warm and cozy inside. We knew we'd hit the jackpot. We sat down and ordered a delicious dinner. The sun went down and the storm worsened outside, making for some truly epic vistas. It was a really satisfying conclusion to a great adventure. In less than 12 hours, Arsen and I had seen strange cemeteries, bizarre vehicles, quaint facets of small-town life, outsider art, botanical profusion, epic vistas and an arcane monastery. I felt that I'd found a truly like-minded friend in travel and adventures. Arsen was going overseas to start his Masters' studies soon, but we agreed to embark on similar road trips whenever the opportunity presented itself. Dinner was salad, calamari rings, fried mussels, french fries and fish. Remember the big slabs of oily meat I'd had for lunch. I'm not writing these to flaunt what I ate, read on and you will see the fateful consequence of binge-eating on a Turkish road trip. We finished dinner and started our journey back to Istanbul. As we passed through Kıyıköy one last time, we noticed that the town had some remarkable old houses. An epic lightning storm began to rage, thunder and lightning kept us company on our drive back to the city. We stopped occasionally to film and photograph the weather. Freeze-frames from the videos I shot revealed Wagnerian vistas over the Black Sea, illuminated by serpentine bolts of lightning. The drive back took us until 1:00 AM. At one point, overcome with fatigue, we rested in a roadside truck stop. There I made the mistake of ordering coffee with a moist, squishy dessert of questionable age and integrity. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. All the mussels, meat, calamari and oil, mixed with the stale cake, erupted like a volcano. I couldn't sleep properly after coming home, and I retched convulsively for several hours until dawn. Yet it was all worth it at the end. After all, what was adventure without a little discomfort?

These Protein Pumpkin Donuts with Cashew Frosting are so soft, sweet, and will keep you full thanks to some added protein. Make them for a crowd and be dubbed a donut connoisseur. It’s so crazy that I’m sitting here, sipping some Malbec, waiting for my veggies to roast, and writing to you about these Protein Pumpkin Donuts with Cashew Frosting, formerly known as Glazed Protein Pumpkin Donuts. Let’s take a little trip to the past for a second… Last October when I shared these donuts originally, they were a total accident. I had just made them one night, and had zero plans of TBB-ing them (new verb). The only reason I shared them, was because thefeedfeed sent me a direct message on Instagram asking for the recipe so that they could feature me, after I’d posted a photo of them. Having an internal freakout, I scurried to gather the recipe. I re-made the donuts, shot them, and made a blog post for them. I like this version way better, though. I guess I wasn’t expecting people to love pumpkin donuts like that. Boy, what the heck do I know. I ended up hosting an event at a local Kate Spade store for their October line that featured some cute Magnolia Bakery-themed products (they’d partnered with the bakery that month). I made a huge batch of these donuts, broke them into pieces, and served them on cute cupcake papers at the event. The store customers that came through that night fell in love with the donuts. And, I’m pretty sure you will, too. For anyone unfamiliar with cashew frosting, it’s a popular technique that vegans use to make vegan-friendly frosting when baking. You might be shocked to see the ingredients (just cashews, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup). Seriously, friends… this stuff is good. EVEN MY DAD LIKED IT. And at first, he shunned them. “Cashew frosting?! Ew” he exclaimed. *takes bite* “Nevermind.” The first time I made it, I got a little impatient, and ended up with cashew chunks in the frosting. TIP: when you feel like you’re done blending, you’re not. Just keep blending until you achieve a smooth texture. Trust me, you will be so surprised by this frosting. I’ve always been a little skeptical, but once I gave it a whirl, I’m never going back. Plus, I feel better knowing that my frosting is made of “real” ingredients. Store-bought frosting gives me a stomach ache within five minutes (literally), so this is a better option for me (and anyone with tummy troubles). Protein Pumpkin Donuts with Cashew Frosting - 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup brown sugar - 2 tsp baking powder - 1 scoop vanilla protein powder - 3 eggs - 3 tbsp almond milk (or whichever milk you prefer) - 1 cup pumpkin (or pumpkin puree) - 1 tbsp cinnamon - 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice - ½ tsp nutmeg - 2 tbsp coconut oil - 1 cup cashews, soaked for an hour - 2 tbsp coconut oil - 1 tsp vanilla extract - ⅓ cup maple syrup - Pre-heat the oven to 350 and grease a donut pan. - Combine the flour, brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and protein powder in a large bowl. Stir to combine. - Add in eggs, almond milk, and pumpkin. Stir to combine. - Add in cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, and coconut oil, and stir to combine. - Add batter to a greased donut pan. Make sure each hole is filled to the top. - Bake for 10-12 minutes. - While donuts are baking, assemble the cashew frosting. - Combine soaked cashews, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a blender. Blend until completely smooth. - Let donuts cool for 10 minutes before handling. Frost each donut evenly and top with cinnamon. Pin this recipe to Pinterest! Plus, I’m sharing a few more Fall-inspired recipes that you’ve got to make this season from my bloggin’ girlfriends! These ladies know how to celebrate Autumn, people. Check it out: Autumn Breakfast Bowl by rachLmansfield The most delectable Autumn Breakfast Bowl made with our favorite fall ingredients & topped with Creamy Pumpkin Almond Butter for an easy & healthy breakfast. Honey Crisp Apple Scones by In It for the Long Run Fill your house with the scrumptious smell of apple cinnamon scones. These dairy-free scones are perfectly moist on the inside and have a crisp cinnamon crunch. Cinnamon Apple Muffins by Fit Mitten Kitchen Dairy-free and whole wheat Cinnamon Apple Muffins! These guys are bursting with so much flavor. Perfectly soft, filled with lots of apples and cinnamon, plus topped off with a delicious oat streusel. Vegan Pumpkin Cake by The Almond Eater A delectable 3-layer Vegan Pumpkin Cake that’ll please even non-vegans. It’s topped with a cinnamon-y cashew-based icing that’s both light and flavorful.

Today's Gardener (todaysgardener.com) participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Sweet potato is one of my favorite food. It has such a unique taste, which is why I love it very much. And since you are here, I’m guessing you feel the same way as I do, am I right? Therefore, you must be wondering if there’s any way to grow sweet potatoes in a pot, indoors. If that’s the case and if you have always wanted to grow sweet potatoes in a pot, either because you do not have a huge garden or you simply want to try something new, then stick with me and I will teach you how to do that. So, stay tuned and let’s begin! Sweet Potato Care What exactly is sweet potato? It is very common food used to make delicious meals during some holidays, like Thanksgiving, Easter and, of course, Christmas. To start with, sweet potato contains a lot of useful vitamins and nutrients, which is extremely important if you want to strengthen your immune system and stay healthy. Apart from being very healthy, it is also very tasty, which is uncommon for most healthy food. Sweet potatoes could be very helpful when it comes to, not just strengthening your immune system, but also fighting some serious illnesses, like cancer. Also, it contains large amounts of vitamins A and C, which are very useful when it comes to dealing with asthma or arthritis kind of symptoms. Despite having a very sweet taste, sweet potato is good for the people who are diagnosed with diabetes. It does not have a significant effect on glucose levels in the blood, which is proven by its ranking on the glycemic index that is very low. Therefore, from all of its benefits we have seen so far, there is no reason for you not to grow this awesome plant by yourself if you have the means and the will to do it. What Do You Need To Grow Sweet Potatoes? Now, before you start growing your own sweet potatoes, you will have to gather several things. Those, you will need in order to perform the process. So, let’s see what are those things. 1. Find large pot The very first thing you need to get is, of course, something to put the soil in and grow your plant. It should be a big pot, preferably made of clay. It is not a good idea to use metal containers since they can catch rust, which could damage the plant itself. 2. Pick the right soil type After you have chosen the pot to put your plant in, now you need to get the appropriate type of soil for your plant, so it could grow healthy as it should. You can create your own mix or just buy already packed soil from the stores. 3. Pick the right fertilizer As for the fertilizer choice, it is probably a good idea to use either 15-30-15 fertilizer or, if you prefer liquid ones, you could use Moringa liquid fertilizer. 4. Use cuttings And of course, there is no growing the new plant without some cuttings from the existing one. You could get these cuttings either from someone who had already grown sweet potatoes or you could just buy them in your nearby stores. How To Grow Sweet Potatoes? Right, now that we have everything ready and in place, let us focus on the actual growing process and learn how it is done! These tips will both teach you how to grow sweet potatoes in a pot and give some additional tips. All about improving the final outcome of this project. Then let’s begin! 1. Prepare the pot The first step you should do before you plant your sweet potatoes in a pot is prepared the pot itself. The way to do it is to drill several holes so the soil could drain well. The holes should be at the bottom of the pot and there should be at least 5 of them. Apart from those holes, you could also make several holes on the pot sides if you want. It will help with the draining process. That is very important when it comes to successful root growth and maintaining good soil composition over time. 2. Choose the location Sweet potatoes require a specific location because they are very picky when it comes to that. They require a lot of warmth during the day, as well as during the night, so you will have to pick a very sunny location. The optimal temperature for growing these plants is around 60⁰F. So, you will have to make sure to choose the location wisely so you could meet their requirements. Apart from that, sweet potatoes are wine and they prefer to grow across the entire ground in a horizontal way. But, if you do not like that or you just simply don’t want them to grow that way, you could build some sort of structure so they could grow vertically. In order for them to do that, you will have to train them, since they are not natural climbers. But, whatever growing method you choose, the location needs to give them enough sun to grow as healthy as they could. 3. Prepare the soil Now it is the time to choose the soil and make the right mixture, so sweet potatoes could be planted and grown in a good way. When it comes to sweet potatoes which are grown in pots, they prefer soil, which has a sandy composition and that provides good enough draining. One thing to note here is that sweet potatoes prefer a bit moisty soil. But not too watery. So, that is the reason why setting up a good draining system is very important. Combined with the holes in the pot you had previously made, this type of soil mixture should provide very good conditions. In such conditions, sweet potatoes would have excellent options for draining. That would help them develop much stronger and healthier roots. That way, they will be able to grow faster and will produce very healthy output, which is ultimately the goal here. Also, you should create an area on a side of the pot where the soil is a bit higher than on the other sides. This is important for the next step. 4. Planting and watering Now, when the soil on one part of the pot is slightly higher than on the other sides, then you can put the cuttings inside the soil and turn the roots to the side where the soil is a bit lowered. Once that is done, you should cover all the cuttings with soil. After that, a good watering is in order for the plant to start its growth in full strength. You need to make sure that you are giving the plant enough water. So, always try to check if the plant is moist enough, but do not make it too watery. That would be counter-productive and wouldn’t do much good to the plant. 5. Track growing progress Around one week after you have planted the sweet potatoes in a pot, you should see some leaves growing. Check if they are healthy, by looking at their color. In the next 3 months, the plant should grow more and more leaves and vines. Make sure to water it regularly and do not trim or prune the plant, because it is not needed. So keep them in a sunny location, water them regularly and everything will work out fine. In around 4 months after the planting process, your sweet potatoes should start getting yellow color, which means that they are almost ready to be harvested. How And When To Harvest Sweet Potatoes Sometimes it can be hard to pinpoint the exact harvesting time because sweet potatoes are very dependent on the seasonal growing. So, if you would want to ensure good growth, you should water your plant regularly, place it in a good sunny location. It should have access to the sun for most of the day. After around 4-5 months you should notice if your plant is ready to be harvested. The one usual sign is when leaves start to be yellow. That often happens near the end of September or the start of October, right before the first frost visits us. Now, for the harvesting process, you should be very careful about how you handle that. Because, sweet potatoes are very sensitive and have very mild skin, which is why they shouldn’t be thrown around. Make sure not to hurt roots with your garden fork or any other tool you are using at that point. After you have removed your potatoes, place them carefully in a container, don’t toss them in. And voila! You now know how to grow sweet potatoes in a pot at your home, so what are you waiting for? Go and grow some potatoes! Why are vines getting dry from time to time even though I water the plant regularly? You might want to check if the soil has a good draining system. It might be that it is not set up properly, so the soil stays too wet and damages the plant itself. What is the fastest way to harvest sweet potatoes? You can use a garden fork, but in that case, you need to be very careful not to hurt the plant. So, it might be better to do it naturally, with your hands and smaller tools, so the roots wouldn’t get damaged.

« ПредишнаНапред » N. C. Experiment Station. DIRECTIONS FOR SAMPLING FERTILIZERS. The Station makes analyses for North Carolina farmers, without charge, provided the samples are taken according to these directions, and the proper form is completely filled up and certified to. Samples when accepted will be entered upon our register in the order of their coming, and analyzed in turn. The results of each analysis will be promptly communicated to the person sending the sample. Fertilizers are sampled by the regular inspector, for official analysis and publication. The valuation of a high-priced fertilizer requires the amounts or per cent. of its principal fertilizing elements to be known. Chemical analysis of a small sample, so taken as to fairly represent a large lot, will show the composition of the lot. The subjoined directions, if faithfully followed, will insure a fair sample. Especial care should be observed that the sample neither gains nor loses moisture during the sampling or sending, as may easily happen in the extremes of weather, or even from a short exposure to sun and wind, or from keeping in a poorly closed vessel. 1. Provide a tea cup, some large papers, and for each sample a glass fruit jar, or tin can or box, holding about one quart, that can be tightly closed—all to be clean and dry. 2. Weigh separately at least three (3) average packages (barrels or bags) of the fertilizer, and enter these actual weights in the “ form for sending fertilizer samples.” 3. Open the packages that have been weighed, and mix well together the contents of each, down to one-half its depth, emptying out upon a clean floor, if necessary, and crushing any soft, moist Jumps, in order to facilitate mixture, but leaving hard, dry lumps unbroken, so that the sample shall exhibit the texture and mechanical condition of the fertilizer. 4. Take out five equal cupfuls from different parts of the mixed portions of each package. Pour them (fifteen in all) one over another, upon a paper, intermix again thoroughly but quickly, to avoid loss or gain of moisture, fill a can or jar from this mixture, close tightly, label plainly, and send, charges prepaid, to the “N. C. AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, RALEIGH, N. c." The following form should be filled up and sent at the same time by mail: (Blanks supplied on application). N. C. Experiment Station. FORM FOR SENDING FERTILIZER SAMPLES. This form must be filled up completely. 188.. The North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh, N. C.: SiR :-I send you to-day, marked contained in a a fair sample drawn according to directions, of the following fertilizer : Weight branded on each bag or package pounds. Actual weight of one bag or package pounds. Name of fertilizer Manufactured by at Purchased of, or received from FERTILIZERS DURING 1886. Under this control the trade in fertilizers has continued in a healthy state during the past two years. The following table shows the number and description of fertilizers licensed to be sold in North Carolina during the years 1881 to 1886, inclusive : Where did these fertilizers come from? In compiling the next table, we have ascertained, as far as possible, where each brand sold in the State in each of the years from 1880 to 1886, inclusive, was manufactured, and have credited it to that State. It is gratifying to note that North Carolina has at least made a beginning at the business of manufacturing her own manures. The average composition of the ammoniated superphosphates with potash (so-called complete fertilizers), for each year, was as follows: AMMONIATED SUPERPHOSPHATES, WITH POTASH, 1880. 1882. 1883. 1884. 1885. 1886. Available phosphoric acid, 7.40 8.91 8.59 8.15 9.13 8.69 Ammonia, 2.70 2.60 2.33 2.67 2.65 1.30 1.82 2.18 2.13 34 2.3 Valuation on the 1886 basis, $21.04 $23.51 $22.53 $22.90 $24.52 $23.44 In calculating the valuations, the same figures have been applied to the average analysis of each year for the purpose of comparing them. These figures prove forcibly that there has been a gradual but steady improvement in the quality of this kind of fertilizer from 1880 to 1886. By the same analyses the average per cent. of available phosphoric acid has increased from 7.40 in 1880 to 9.13 in 1885, and 8.69 in 1886; the average per cent. of potash has increased from 1.30 in 1880 to 2.30 in 1886, while the per cent. of ammonia remains remarkably near one figure for all the years except 1883, when ammoniates were unusually scarce. Thus the valuation of the average fertilizer, using the prices of 1886 for all analyses alike, has, with a few fluctuations, steadily climbed up from $21.04 per ton in 1880, to $24.52 per ton in 1885, and $23.44 in 1886. The most remarkable thing is that during this period, 1880 to 1886, the actual cash prices paid by North Carolina farmers for these fertilizərs has decreased 25 per cent., while the quality or grade has improved 14 per cent. This means that North Carolina farmers could get in 1886 for three millions of dollars what they had to pay four millions for in 1880—yes, and get an article oneseventh better than the 1880 article was. ANALYSES OF FERTILIZERS FOR 1886. The relative valuations merely furnish a convenient method of summing up the results of the analyses and of comparing them. They are not intended, of course, to fix the price at which the articles ought to be sold all over the State. Difference in freights to different points renders this impossible. Neither do they represent the agricultural value of the articles. This is a very different thing indeed from the commercial or market value of an article. The actual agricultural value of a manure, applied to a particular soil or crop, depends upon a great number of conditions, the properties of the soil, the cultivation, variations in the weather, &c., as well as the properties of the manure. The agricultural value and the commercial value have no fixed relation in fact ; although in using fertilizers we always hope and expect that the value to us in the field will exceed their cost enough to give us a profit. A conference of the State chemists of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, in September, 1885, agreed upon a new plan for estimating these values, which will be uniform for all these States. The values we give in connection with the analyses of fertilizers in 1886 represent the relative commercial cash values on our seaboard, that is, at Wilmington, Beaufort, Newbern, Washington, Edenton or Elizabeth City. They apply as well to points like Portsmouth (Norfolk) and West Point. To ascertain the cash value for interior points, it will be necessary to add the freight from the port of entry to that point. In case of fertilizers manufactured in the interior of the State, it will be necessary to add to the value which we report, the amount of freight for one ton from Wilmington, Portsmouth or the usual port for that place. For example, to ascertain the commercial cash value of a ton of fertilizer at Raleigh, add to our value at the seaboard the amount of freight for one ton from Wilmington or Portsmouth, as the case may be. At Charlotte, add to the reported value the freight from Charleston, Wilmington or West Point, and so for every other point. This plan differs materially from the plan previously pursued, and we ask especial attention to this. The plan followed by the Station in 1885, and all previous years, in common with most of the bureaus of the same kind, was to ascertain the average cash value of fertilizers at the chief interior centres of the trade, such as Raleigh and Charlotte, and to base the estimates upon this. This plan, always very unsatisfactory, became entirely impracticable when the competition of different fertilizer-manufacturing centres cut down the prices to the lowest margin of profits. The figures agreed upon by all these States for use during 1866 were: AT THE SEA BOARD : "Available" phosphoric acid...... Ammonia..... 72 cents per pound. 16 5

17 Jan I could tell by Steely Lips Strong-limbed, she strode along the beach with a jaunty air. It was sunset. I watched the huge golden shape slip into the water. Slowly, it dropped from view leaving a pink and purple stained sky. The tide was coming in fast; there was lots of foamy froth to walk through. I remember thinking it must be like a caress on her bare feet. She walked up the beach and nodded in my direction. Her eyes stayed on my face as she passed by. My smile was slow and hesitant then I felt my cheeks crease outwards, into a broad grin. It was the recognition in her eyes that did it. We had things in common, she and I. Weeks passed. My hours on the beach were different now, filled with an expectant longing. Would I see her today? Tomorrow? Next weekend? The thought was enough to cause a certain tell-tale dampness to spread along my thighs. I fancied this woman, fancied her badly, but what to do about it? Then came the day I saw her again. I’d rushed down to the beach late one afternoon, eager for a breath of fresh air, wondering if this would be my lucky day. She was at the far end. I knew it was her, that familiar jaunty stride, I’d have known it anywhere. I sat on the promenade steps, hoping she’d walk past. She was wearing shorts and a brightly coloured shirt. I almost forgot to breathe when she headed in my direction, but the closer she got, the more difficult it was to look at her face. I kept my eyes on an area of shirt, somewhere about her midriff. Without a word she eased herself onto the step, positioning her body close to mine. I kept my head perfectly still but the hairs on my arms were suddenly alive and crackling. I felt I must be leaning sideways as though responding to a strong magnetic pull. It was then I heard the ice-cream bell. She must have heard it too. She stood up and walked away. I wanted to plead with her not to go but instead, I sat there, silent, unmoving, staring at the sea. She was back in a minute or two, an ice-cream cone in each hand. I took the cone she handed me but couldn’t stop looking at her mouth. She licked with such relish I wanted to beg her to do the same thing to me. A few seconds later I felt cold sticky dribbles of ice-cream on my fingers and stared at the cone as though I couldn’t think what to do with it. Passionfruit I think it was, definitely not vanilla. I put the cone against my lips and ran the tip of my tongue around the outer rim, catching the drips. By this time she was nibbling the edges of her cone, taking little bites, each movement coordinating smoothly with the action of her hand as she turned the cone around. Shivers of excitement ran down my spine. With one last satisfactory mouthful her cone was gone. I bit into mine with noisy impatience, my eyes held firmly by hers. When I’d finished she held out her hand invitingly. I took it eagerly and she led the way along the promenade and onto the coastal road. I was in such a fever pitch state wanted to yell my good luck to the world but the only indication was the silly smile plastered across my face like paint sprayed from a can. Her flat was a short distance away. We walked through the front door into a large room. There were piles of books on the floor. Hurriedly, I searched for titles that might give a clue to her interests. It was difficult to read at such an angle, whilst she still had hold of my hand. She made a path around the books for me to follow then opened another door and stood back, waiting for me to walk in first. Plants hung from the ceiling and the walls were painted a sunny yellow colour. I noticed dark blue towels and cork tiles on the floor. The shower stall took up most of the space along one wall. She let go of my hand and started on my shirt buttons. Whoozy with excitement I moved closer, wanting to touch, to be touched, everywhere. She eased my shirt away from my shoulders, dropping it behind her. Next, she unzipped my shorts. Thankfully, I remembered they were my best pair and not an older version that have to be pinned halfway up the zip. Her nearness was intoxicating; I wanted her so much it was an ache that was filling me up fast. I stepped out of my shorts. My skin was bare now and dampness was seeping from every pore. Her neck beckoned me, smooth and silky. I loved the line of her shoulder, the curve of her breast. She was an Amazon. I was an Amazon too. I removed her shirt and shorts. She was wearing bikini pants underneath. I rolled them down her legs and watched her step out of them. We stood under the shower locked in a close embrace. The water was tepid and fell in rivulets down the length of our mingled bodies. I lifted her arm and nuzzled my lips against the soft flesh underneath. Droplets of water slid into my mouth blending with the taste and smell of her. We stayed like that for a long moment, then, with a hand either side of my head; she brought my face close to her own. Our open lips met. Our tongues moved in and out. She pulled away first. I moved to kiss her again but her grip was firm. Before I could protest her hands were all over me, fondling, touching, stroking, seeking out, as though familiar with every curve, every crack and crevice. She seemed to know instinctively the things I liked. I braced myself against the shower screen moaning in ecstasy. She parted my legs with her fingers and bending forward, reached for my breasts with her mouth, running her tongue over my nipples, moving from one to the other, sucking them firmly. “Yes. Yes. Hurry, please hurry,” I whispered. She began a slow rhythm with her right hand. I responded with a rhythm of my own, desperate to push against her probing fingers, my arms encircling her shoulders, my fingers gripping her tightly. I sobbed with relief as the throbbing subsided but she was not finished with me yet. Altering the position of her right hand she caressed my clitoris till my breath quickened and she knew I was ready for more. To stay in her grasp I had to stand on the balls of my feet. By then I would have stood on my head, done anything, so long as she didn’t let go. Soon I was shaking with uncontrolled lust and we rode the last moments to a rousing push and grind momentum. Now it was my turn. I made a thick, soapy, lather and crouching low began caressing her feet, legs and thighs, moving upwards slowly with long, circular strokes. Then I turned her around. Rubbing more soap on her back, I continued to stroke her neck and shoulders, the curve of her spine. I loved the feel of her backside cupped in both my hands, loved the deep sigh she gave as I ran my fingers along the crack. Pulling her body against mine, I reached from behind to fondle her breasts, rubbing the nipples between my fingers, increasing the pressure as she groaned with pleasure. Water ran down my face, splashing droplets in my eyes and ears, tickling my nose and spilling over my lips and into my mouth. It was like standing under a waterfall, pleasant but disconcerting too. I ducked my head, resting my forehead against her shoulder. Excited by her groans I moved my hand away from her breasts and down past her belly, the top of her thighs, to the length of her opening. She responded by grabbing hold of the taps, bending forward in a spread-eagled position. I continued to caress and fondle, and when I thought she was ready, I pushed my fingers inside. I wanted to be sure she was fully aroused before quickening my pace so I kept the rhythm slow. The excitement ebbed and flowed between us. I could feel tension mounting in me, urging me to go faster but I hung on knowing the moment was not yet right. Her moans became louder and she began to rock, pushing against my fingers, back and forth, back and forth. When the words came I could hardly hear them above the noise of the shower. “Let me hear you,” I answered firmly, wanting her to beg. This time the tone of her voice was deeper, more urgent. “Yes. Yes. Please. Please. Pleeease.” My head was filled with images of pounding waves, foaming surf, ice-cream licked by moist pink tongues, bare flesh and warm breath, cascading water and moans of pleasure and delight. How long we stayed there I have no idea but at last our energy was spent and we stepped out onto the bathroom floor, dripping water everywhere. We towelled each other dry, shy now in the knowledge that we were strangers. Her eyes followed me as we dressed. I hung the towel on a nearby hook and turned quickly to see her looking at me intently. My smile was full of warmth and appreciation. She smiled back and gave a little wave. I walked out of the bathroom, through the outer room and past all those books. Closing the front door behind me, I headed for the street below. On the way home I looked up at the dark night sky. There were stars, lots of them, shimmering against the backdrop of velvety blackness. It was going to be another fine day tomorrow. I could tell.

A rotisserie oven keeps meat turning throughout the cooking process, allowing the meat to baste automatically with its own juices while it cooks. The Baby George Rotisserie oven is part of the George Foreman line of cooking appliances. You can produce a flavorful, moist roast beef in the Baby George with minimal preparation. Prepare the Oven Don't operate your rotisserie oven without the drip tray in place. Never cover the drip tray with foil or anything similar, as this can reflect heat and cause the oven to operate at a higher temperature, which may cause damage. Position the open rotisserie wheel on a stand to keep it stable while you place the meat on the skewers. Balance it evenly on the rotisserie forks to ensure that the motor doesn't suffer excessive wear from uneven weight distribution. Cooking the Meat Trim all of the excess fat from the roast before you cook it. Coat the meat with a seasoning blend to add flavor. Italian herbs, garlic spice rubs and southwestern seasonings all work well with roast beef. Alternatively, you can inject the meat with a marinade of your choice. Select a low-sodium Asian-style marinade or a low-calorie Italian dressing to add moisture and flavor throughout the roast. Cook the roast for approximately 30 minutes per pound for a rump roast or round roast cut. Test the center of the thickest part of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F for medium-rare, or 160 degrees F for medium. Rotisserie Cooking Benefits Rotisserie cooking helps you produce a healthy, lean meal for your family. A rotisserie oven allows you to cook meats without any added fats or oils. Also, as the rotisserie turns in the oven, it allows all of the fat from the meat to drip away. The fat collects in the drip tray at the bottom, away from the meat. Beef Safety and Tips Always test your roast with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature for serving. Let the meat rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat, otherwise the juices will run out and leave you with dry beef. Refrigerate any remaining servings within two hours in a shallow container. Use refrigerated portions within four days. If you heat leftover beef, heat it to a minimum 165 degrees F for safety. How to Cook a Standing Rib With the ... How to Slow Cook a Pot Roast With Beef ... How do I Cook a Prime Rib on an Open ... How to BBQ Ribs on a Smoker How to Cook a Beef Roast in a Roaster ... How to BBQ the Eye of Round Roast How to Grill a Ribeye on a Weber Q How to Cook Steak in the Rotisserie How to Cook Deer Sirloin How to Cook a Four-Pound Sirloin Tip ... How to Cook a Choice New York Roast How to Cook a Frozen Burger in a Skillet How to Convection Roast a Brisket How to Cook Beef in a Toaster Oven How to Cook a Roast Beef on a ... How to Cook a Thresher Shark Steak How to Cook Brisket Slowly With a ... How to Cook Deer Steaks in the Oven on ... How to Store Cooked Ground Beef How to Use Wood Chips in a Smoker Tara Kimball is a former accounting professional with more than 10 years of experience in corporate finance and small business accounting. She has also worked in desktop support and network management. Her articles have appeared in various online publications.

How to plant a mango seed and have delicious mangoes right from the garden areas? The easiest method to grow a mango tree is by using the seeds of the mangoes. The hard husky element inside the mango contains the seed. You can grow mango plants in tropical climates. So, if you live in a tropical climate zone, it would be a bonus for you. However, you can still grow a mango plant within indoor spaces as a houseplant and transfer it later into the open ground soil. But do you know how to plant a mango seed? Well, it is not hard if you follow our guide. Yes, you can grow the mango plant by following these exciting ways. So, if you are thinking of growing a mango plant, here is a quick guide on this that will help you to plant mango seed. But, before we move further to know about exciting ways, let’s read about the quick things that you need to take care of if you are planning to plant a mango seed. What Are the Things You Need to Take Care Of? Mango plants grow excellently in the tropical environment. However, if you’re sufficient enough to create that environment at your location, you can grow a mango plant very easily. Here are some quick care tips that you need to take care of while growing a mango plant. Do you fancy growing passion fruits? Check our guide to growing passion fruits from seeds. 1. Ideal Warmth for Mango Plant Mango trees grow excellently in the temperature range between 21 degrees to 24 degrees. Remember that mango trees could not survive in extreme weather conditions below .5 degrees but can tolerate up to 48-degree temperature. 2. Humidity and Light The Mango plant can grow excellently in the 50-60% humidity range. The flowers of the mango plant can tolerate this much humidity. However, if the humidity increases, then it may affect the blossoms. At the same time, the mango tree requires intense heat. So, make sure to prevent direct sunlight as it may dry out the plant. You can keep the plant under the spotted sun during the summer season to receive maximum heat. However, you can keep it indoors during the spring season if it is smaller. 4. Fertilizer Application Though no research shows mango plants need any specific fertilizer, it would be great to apply fertilizer, particularly NPK. The ratio must be 1:1:1. How Long Does the Mango Tree Take to Grow? The mango tree takes a long time to grow than any other fruiting plant. It usually gets mature within five to eight years. But its bare age is between three to four years. How to Plant A Mango Seed? The most interesting thing about the mango tree is that the seed never protrudes out, or fruiting doesn’t occur in areas where you grow a mango tree in artificial conditions. So if you want to enjoy fruiting, you need to grow them in the natural environment. Additionally, you can use the greenhouse to grow mango plants for optimum fruiting. There are three different methods to grow mango from seeds. Let’s look now at different methods to grow the mango plant easily. Method 1: Plant a Mango Seed Directly in the Soil Here is the stepwise guide that helps grow the mangoes directly from the seed into the soil. So let’s have a look and follow the guide. But before you start, keep in mind that it takes up to months to become a young plant, so you need to be calm. - Take the mango, clean all the flesh from it, and separate the husk region. Now, take the scissor or any other pointed knife to cut the husk and expose the seed. After that, soak mango seeds in water. It would be great to soak it overnight. - Now, prepare the soil and add compost to it. Make sure to choose the compost that helps maintain ideal drainage and keep the soil moist, not too wet. If you grow the mango plant into the pot, leave some space free. - Now, press the mango seed gently into the soil. Do ensure it stood up in the right manner into the compost. You can add more compost later to cover the pot. - Once composting is done, keep it in a darker place to receive excellent warmth, and the compost will maintain humidity. - Timely water the seed to ensure that soil does not dry out completely. - As soon as the shoots from the mango seed protrude out from the soil surface, you can move the mango plant pot into the sunlight so that it can grow ideally. And that is how you can plant a mango seed directly into the soil. Make sure to move into the ground once it has taken some height in the pot. The next section is basically for those who want to have a little experiment. Do check it out. Also, check our guide on how to prepare the soil for planting in pots. Method 2: Plant a Mango Seed Using Paper Towel You can also grow a mango plant from the seed using a paper towel. The method is easy and has a better success rate than sowing seed into the soil. Moreover, the method doesn’t cost you extra to plant a mango seed. All you need is a zipper bag, a paper towel, and a mango seed. Here is the step-by-step guide that you need to follow on how to plant a mango seed using a paper tower. - As discussed above, before you start sowing seed, separate all the flesh from mango and cut the husk with a knife to expose the seed. It looks flurry and a little white when you clean all the flesh. - Now dip the seed into the glass of water for at least 24 hours. Now, take the husk out of the water. There is no need to remove the husk completely from the seed. - Next, wrap the seed with a paper towel and moisten it by sprinkling water. - Once the step is done, place the seed into the plastic zipper bag. Make sure to make small holes so that air can easily pass from the bag. - Keep the bag in a warm place so that the seed can germinate. This way, you will start seeing the early growth signs within a few days. - When the seed is germinated, transfer the plant into the compost and soil mixture and pour adequate water into it. Ensure to supply the proper amount of water and add fertilizers for proper growth. You can also grow pomegranates following some simple steps we have given in this article. Method 3: Grow Mangoes from Seed in Water Don’t want to make extra efforts to grow mango plants and wait for longer? Here is a simple hack to grow plants effortlessly. You can grow mango seeds in water. - Remove the flesh and husk from the seed and press two or three toothpicks on each side of the mango seed. - Next, take a glass of water and submerge half of the mango seed into it. Hold the toothpick out of the glass so that it can keep the seed top half above the level of water. - Change water every week so that it doesn’t affect bacterial growth and keep it fresh for longer. - As soon as you start seeing the sign of roots and stems, shift the mango seed into the soil with compost so that it can grow properly. Frequently Asked Questions Related to Plant a Mango Seed 1. Can I grow a mango plant in indoor spaces? Yes, you can grow the mango plant in your indoor spaces by following the paper towel and water method. However, as the plant grows bigger, you have to shift into your garden area for ideal growth. Ensure to maintain the ideal temperature and warm condition to grow it properly. 2. In which season can I grow mango plants? Mango plants grow ideally in a tropical climate and warmer seasons. However, it grows optimally between April to June. After that, it grows in the summer season, but it starts flowering in winter. However, if you are not living in a tropical environment and want to grow the mango plant, create the optimal condition and use the greenhouse to create the ideal conditions for the mango plant’s growth. 3. Is it necessary to remove the husk from the mango seed before sowing? Yes, you need to remove the husk from the mango seed to expose it so that it can germinate faster and be ineffective. However, there is no need to remove the husk completely; you can cut the husk to receive warmth and expose it to air. 4. When does the mango tree start fruiting? The mango tree starts fruiting when it matures enough. Ideally, it starts fruiting when it is above five to eight years old. However, some mango trees may take more than eight years to start fruiting. So, you have to keep patience a little longer to enjoy fruiting. Plant a Mango Seed Now! So, here we sum up the guide on how to plant a mango seed. We hope you’ve enjoyed the guide. Growing a mango plant requires a lot of patience as it takes a longer time than other fruiting plants. In addition to this, you need to maintain the optimum condition to enjoy faster growth. But it doesn’t produce fruit in artificial conditions, so ensure to create an ambient environment like a tropical zone to get the fruits and grow plants faster. Also Read: How to Grow a Rambutan Tree Would you give it a try to plant a mango seed? If yes, do let us know in the comments section below and also tell us which one of the above methods you followed to plant a mango seed. Till then, happy gardening!

Long-lasting, unique blooms can withstand summer heat and drought. Effortless color with visually striking flowers that create lovely texture in both containers and landscaping. - Light Needs: Full sun. - Water Needs: Keep evenly moist in well-drained soil. - Bloom Season: Summer through Fall - Height: 4 - 12 inches - Growth Habit: Upright - Feed once a month during the growing season.

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Get Your Easter Grass Growing! Here’s How to Sprout This Holiday Staple Easter is a few weeks away, but if you want to grow some fresh, green grass to fill baskets or top tables, you need to plant it now! It’s pretty easy to find and sprout if you do it right. Horticulturist Sheriden Hansen shares how to be successful. Sprouting Wheat Grass - Soak wheat berries overnight. - Prepare a container with soil. - Spread on a thick layer of wheat berries. - Keep moist. - Move to a sunny area. More gardening tips at garden.usu.edu Get your Easter grass growing! Here’s how to sprout this holiday staple

Do scientists know what causes tornadoes? Scientists do understand the ingredients that go into creating the type of supercell storms that produce the most violent tornadoes. Are tornadoes fully understood? Scientists have gained new knowledge about how tornadoes form, but there are still some areas they don’t fully understand, making forecasting more difficult. … At some point, the horizontal air rotation encounters the storm’s rotating updraft and gets sucked abruptly upward forming a tornado column. Can scientist predict tornadoes? The precise tracking and prediction of tornadoes is not yet a reality. Meteorologists can identify conditions that are likely to lead to severe storms. … It is still not possible, however, to detect a funnel cloud by radar and predict its path, touchdown point, and other important details. What do scientists hear about tornadoes? NSSL uses a mobile Doppler radar to position close to tornadic storms to scan the entire lifecycle of a tornado. … Researchers at NSSL are developing the New Tornado Detection Algorithm, or NTDA, to help NWS forecasters better detect tornadoes and hail. Are scientists sure how tornadoes end? But there’s more scientific mystery surrounding how tornados end. “We don’t understand how tornadoes die,” Brooks says. “Eventually the air gets too cold and it chokes off the inflow of new air into the storm, but we don’t know the details.” How do scientists compare tornadoes? In many countries, including the United States, Canada, and continental Europe, the strength of tornadoes is often measured by the Fujita scale or the updated Enhanced Fujita Scale. … Since measuring wind speeds inside a twister is extremely difficult, scientists typically rely on damage to estimate velocities. Can you outrun a tornado? Try to outrun a tornado. A tornados average speed is 10-20 mph across the ground, but can reach speeds up to 60 mph! … Your chances are slim-to-none when it comes to outrunning a tornado. As soon as you hear that tornado warning siren, seek shelter immediately and stay indoors. Do trees slow down tornadoes? Trees are usually immaterial as far as tornado wind protection. Trees usually offer absolutely no protection from actual tornados. Why does it get quiet before a tornado? Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. This is the calm before the storm. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm and it is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado. What is an F5 tornado? This is a list of tornadoes which have been officially or unofficially labeled as F5, EF5, or an equivalent rating, the highest possible ratings on the various tornado intensity scales. … F5 tornadoes were estimated to have had maximum winds between 261 mph (420 km/h) and 318 mph (512 km/h). How do scientists track tornadoes? A Doppler radar can detect wind speed and direction, rotation often signifies tornadic development. Once a tornado is detected, both radars and satellites are used to track the storm. What data do scientists collect on tornadoes? Data is collected from a number of sources — radar, observation stations, weather balloons, planes and satellites, and a network of 290,000 volunteer storm spotters — and then fed into vast mathematical simulations that churn out detailed local forecasts of what may happen in a few hours’ time. Can you have a tornado without a thunderstorm? Also, can a tornado form when there is no thunderstorm at all? … They still require a convective cloud with fairly strong updrafts, but if you wanted to be strict about terminology, they would be forming in the absence of a thunderstorm, since without lightning there is no thunder. Why are there no tornadoes in Antarctica? A tornado occurrence in Antarctica isn’t impossible, however, according to NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. “For tornadoes to form, there needs to be a moist, warm climate,” said Lavin. “That really cannot happen in Antarctica, considering what the sun angle is down there and how cold it is.” Can Hurricanes turn into tornadoes? A: When hurricanes make landfall, they can spawn tornadoes. The friction over land is much stronger than friction over water, where the hurricanes form. … The tornadoes spawned by hurricanes typically occur in the right front quadrant of the storm and usually within 12 hours after landfall.

When it comes to baking bread, I have the leaden touch. My sandwich loaves are brickish; my flatbreads are, well, flat; and I have failed to create anything but toxic sludge when I’ve attempted a sourdough culture. While I sometimes speculate that yeast conspires against me, the truth is I haven’t dedicated myself to the craft with much conviction. In my adult life, I’ve always lived near artisan bakeries that offer decent-to-superlative loaves, and I’ve opted for those instead of making my own. Still, my bread klutziness nags at my culinary pride, so when Nancy Baggett’s book full of bread recipes, Kneadlessly Simple: Fabulous, Fuss-Free, No-Knead Breads, came out recently, I decided to take the book up on the claims of its subtitle. I would bake seven loaves in as many days, and see whether her proudly simple method could make me, at last, a decent baker. Baggett’s introduction assures me that with minimal labor and machinery, I, too, can have a loaf to be proud of. Her book emerges on the heels of a wave of no-knead (or barely kneaded) bread enthusiasm that swelled up two and a half years ago, when Mark Bittman of the New York Times introduced New York baker Jim Lahey’s method of bread baking: Instead of pushing a sizable dose of yeast in a few hours, a smaller measure of yeast is given a long time (on the order of 24 hours) to act on a rather humid dough, resulting in a lovely loaf without the time-consuming and laborious step of kneading. The Web and print response to Lahey’s method was enthusiastic, and other food writers chimed in—from the OCD-types at Cook’s Illustrated, who tweaked the formula slightly, to Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François, who, in their book, claim you can make Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, to Baggett, of course, who applies the method to a huge gamut of breads. With four basic ingredients (flour, water, salt, and yeast), making bread might seem incredibly straightforward, but like almost any food that involves fermentation, mastering it takes both patience and practice. (For this reason, there has been a professional class of baker since at least Egyptian times.) Home bakers are always looking out for tricks to improve their output. The easiest bread shortcut is covered in the Old Testament, of course: The Jews, leaving Egypt in a hurry, baked their bread before it could rise, and came up with matzo. Since the industrial revolution, all sorts of bread assists have come into play for home bakers: Tin pans eliminated the need for skilled shaping of loaves; nonyeast leaveners like baking powder and soda gave loft to biscuits and soda breads; in the mid-20th century, stand mixers took the muscle ache out of kneading; and by the end of the century, there were bread machines that could mix, proof, and bake a loaf while you slept. If the result wasn’t entirely compelling in quality, at least it was warm and fragrant. But a critical aspect of the no-knead method’s popularity is that it doesn’t force you to abdicate credit to a machine. Its steps are long, but lazy. Five minutes here and there over the course of a day or so, and—this is critical for people who work outside their homes—there are even several moments when you can use the refrigerator to delay the rising process further to fit your schedule. Here’s the basic idea: In the modern past, bread recipes had you develop gluten—the springy but strong network of proteins that capture the carbon-dioxide bubbles the yeast creates in the dough—by manhandling the dough by hand or mixer. If you didn’t knead efficiently or long enough, you’d end up with tough, unpleasant bread. But if you slow the rising time down—in fact, an older approach to baking—the agitation caused by the bubbling yeast itself can bring together the gluten matrix. It’s what Baggett calls “micro-kneading.” Baggett adds another tweak to Lahey’s standard no-knead MO: The dough is first mixed using ice water and chilled for several hours before rising. This step stuns the yeast into submission and lets enzymes get to work converting the flour’s starch into sugars, which makes for a browned crust and a better-tasting loaf. I blame my previous bread botches on hubris and my crowlike attraction to the complicated: The very first loaf I tried to make when I was 12 or so was an ‘80s-rococco spinach-tomato marbled affair from Parisian master baker Gaston Lenotre. It was a total flop. So at the start of my weeklong bake-off, I keep my ambition in check and make the plain, white “pot boule.” After stirring together a mixture of flour, salt, instant yeast, and ice water, I cooled the dough in the fridge for several hours. Before bed, I set it out to rise for 18-odd hours, and the next day it was merrily pocked with bubbles—a good sign. I deflated the dough and folded it a bit with a greasy spatula and then let it rise once more in a warmer spot. And finally, I dumped it into a pre-heated cast iron pot and set it in the oven to bake (another technique popularized by Lahey and Bittman—the enclosed vessel helps to develop a nice crust by simulating the steamy ovens found in commercial bakeries). With a caramel-colored crust and a nice holey texture, the resulting loaf was pleasant, miles ahead of my standard. I wouldn’t mistake it for a pro’s, though—it wasn’t quite craggy enough inside or out. Still the house smelled marvelously like toast, and I hadn’t labored much at all. I looked forward to the next loaf. I ramped up the complexity throughout the week—on Tuesday, I ventured on to a partially whole-wheat sandwich loaf, which I baked in a too-small loaf pan, giving each slice the long-eared profile of a cocker spaniel. Wednesday’s four-grain honey loaf was even tastier, though with a denser texture, thanks to the oats and brown rice inside it. Both definitely bested the whole-grain sandwich loaves I normally keep on hand for lunches around the house. On Thursday I baked off a pot-baked rye loaf, which I was sure would be a hit, since the moist interior of the no-knead breads remind me of the German style black rye breads I loved as a kid. But, in fact, despite a dash of pickle juice to mimic the tang of a sourdough culture, the rye fell flat. I noticed a similar flavor flatness with a mixed whole-wheat/white loaf densely populated with flax, pumpkin, and sesame seeds. The closer the loaves seemed to the kind I’d buy at a good bakery, the more I noticed their shortcomings, so I was skeptical when I then worked on some traditional-style breads: fougasse (the ladder-shaped Provençal olive bread) and ciabatta, the air-pocketed flat Italian loaf. But they were really good. Thanks to Baggett’s instructions to place a pan of steam-producing ice water at the bottom of the oven, both came out with appealing crusts and righteous chewiness (the fougasse more than the ciabatta, which called for less flour, and less fermentation time). I wouldn’t say my ciabatta had the loopy, airy irregular bubbles that I’d look for in a bakery-bought loaf, but it was good. In fact, I liked it well enough to try again for my weekly Sandwich Sunday—a no-utensil entertaining tradition I’m trying to cultivate, for which I normally pick up bread at my favorite bakery. But I had already started to tinker with Baggett’s recipe—cutting back on the amount of yeast to see whether I could push the bubbling a bit more. I’d also started to wonder how to make my oven even steamier. The ciabatta was acceptable for that night’s sandwiches of tuna confit and roasted red peppers, but it was not as pleasantly pliant as my first batch. And this is the problem with the no-knead way. It is good—very good and very encouraging. So encouraging, in fact, that I start to think of myself as a better baker than I am. Do I like Baggett’s chill-it-and-forget-it approach? You bet. But if I continue down this path, there’s no way I’ll leave it at that. The no-knead method is like an entry-level drug, and if I keep it up, I’ll move on to the harder stuff—forever seeking more complex flavor and textural highs. Pretty soon, I won’t leave town without finding a sitter for my sourdough, and I’ll start building brick ovens in the backyard. And, no doubt, then I’ll start screwing up again.

T and I were heading out to dinner and decided to check out Andrew McConnell’s latest venture and temporary pop-up in Gertrude Street, Fitzroy. The name of his new place, which is located right next door to Cutler and Co. is called Supernormal Canteen – which is due to open in March next year at its permanent location in Flinders Lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. As you walk in you are greeted with an open space filled with wooden communal and individual tables with Japanese characters saying “Suupaanoormaaru” (Supernormal) all along the table top. To the left is a white washed brick wall with its name – half in neon red lights. The centrepiece is the hundreds of lanterns complete with googly eyes that line the ceiling. Spectacular. The design gurus Projects of Imagination are to thank for the design here. The whole vibe of the place is relaxed and fun and has a food and drink menu to match. There are two main dining areas, as well as some seating out the front. Supernormal Canteen was launched in November as part of The Age Good Food Month and was only meant to be open until December 21st, but due to its overwhelming popularity was extended till the beginning of March. Supernormal Canteen serves Japanese/Chinese food together with sake and Asahi beer, and gets packed by about 6:30pm – where you would then expect a wait for a table. The menu consists of about 18 dishes to share which vary in size, as well as 4 different desserts. The dishes range from Wood Grilled Cabbage, Pepper Cured Blackmore Brisket, the famous Lobster Roll, Chicken & Prawn Dumplings and Szechuan Lamb just to name a few. T & I decided to order some dishes to share. For drinks I ordered the Iced Coffee – which comes with a little aluminium cup with extra sugar syrup for you to add when you feel like it. The coffee was strong but delicious and I loved the addition of the extra sugar syrup for later. We were also given some roasted peanuts (in place of where most restaurants would give out bread) to nibble on whilst we waited for our dishes to arrive. They were deliciously flavoured – and you had to stop yourself from eating the whole bowl in one go. The first dish we got was the Bonito Sashimi, Dashi, Radish & Seaweed. The dish comes with the Kingfish at the bottom of the plate with the radish on the next layer and finished with the seaweed on top. The Kingfish was fresh, thick and just perfect, paired with the dashi and the crunch of the radish and seaweed it really was quite delicious. A really great combination. Our next sharing dish was the Fried Mussels, Egg Mayo, Lettuce. The sauce was interesting as on the bottom there was chilli and the egg mayo was placed on top – so when you dunked in the mussels you got a combination of both the sauces – really great! The Fried Mussels itself were delicious and the first time that I was eating mussels this way! The mussels were crisp on the outside and just still moist and juicy on the inside. The way you were meant to eat it was to wrap the mussels in the lettuce and dip it into the sauce. Any which way you eat it – this dish is just fantastic and I would highly recommend it. Next up I ordered a Lobster Roll – I mean how could you not order one especially if you have tried one before (I had my last one at Golden Fields). The bun was sweet as was he lobster and combined with the tang of the mayo was just delicious. It definitely kept me wanting more. I would have loved a bit more lobster in my roll though. We went with some of the larger dishes as well with T ordering Grilled Ox Tongue, Tomato, Yuzu & Potato for her and we also ordered the Steamed Snapper, Ginger, Coriander. T said the Ox tongue was cooked well and she did enjoy the flavours. The Steamed Snapper dish came out with the snapper being buried under the coriander and radish – you had to push that all aside to reveal the snapper. The snapper was perfectly cooked – not too soft, not too tough – and the flavours of ginger, spring onion together with the fresh coriander was quite good. It smelt great and tasted Just as it smelt – it was also a very generous serving. Even though I was quite full I had to have dessert – and lucky I didn’t skip it as it turned out to be the yummiest and one of my most favourite desserts ever. I ordered the Yoghurt Cream, Lychee & White Chocolate. When it comes out it looks like berries and lychees have been buried in a powdery snow like substance – and it really doesn’t look like much. Just wait till you dig into the dish. The powder was an awesome texture and as you dig further you get the hit of the white chocolate. Combined with the freshness and tang of the berries and the “yoghurt”, sweetness of the lychees and the white chocolate – the result is absolutely divine! I really do hope they keep this dessert on the menu when they move to Flinders Lane. I really enjoyed the vibe and the atmosphere at Supernormal Canteen. They serve really delicious, casual Asian inspired dishes and have a great drinks menu to go with it. The staff are super friendly and very knowledgeable about the food. There are rumours that when the new permanent venue opens up it will also house a karaoke bar – for extra added fun! I for one cannot wait to see the permanent venture opened. Rating : 4.5 Pandas Menu – Menu consists of shared dishes and a great drink menu – refer to above section for Menu Atmosphere / Ambience: Fun and Relaxed Standout Dish: Yoghurt Cream, Lychee & White Chocolate Service: Friendly and very knowledgeable

One of the great joys of putting together Schumacher College’s second family and community cook book, has been finding the opportunity to harvest some of the delicious recipes our dedicated team of cooks have been conjuring up. In response to frequent demand, some of these recipes will shortly be available in the sequel to Gaia’s Kitchen, Gaia’s Feasts. These tasty courgette mouthfuls have been evolved by our Vegetarian Chef Ruth Rae, who says she loves the recipe because it’s ‘hard to get wrong’. If the mixture is too runny you need only add more breadcrumbs, if too dry, add a little more grated courgette. This is an excellent recipe for using up surpluses of overgrown marrow too. These courgette balls should be made about the same size as a green conker – before it comes out of its shell. In fact, at the suggestion of our gardener Jane Gleeson, we’ve named them “conkers” in honour of the great horse chestnut tree that stands on the front lawn. This great tree is still focal point and inspiration to many who come here despite age and recent visits from the tree-surgeons. Serve with potato wedges and some homemade chutney, fresh tomato sauce or sour cream. 500g (1 lb 2 oz/3 cups) courgette or marrow, grated 1 medium onion, diced finely 2 cloves of garlic, minced or crushed 2 sprigs of rosemary, finely chopped 10 sage leaves, finely chopped 150g (5½/1¼ cups) cheddar, preferably smoked 150g (5½ oz/1½ cups) bread crumbs, brown or white 4 kg (9 lb) 2-3 tbsp crushed 1 cup chopped (70-100g) 1.2kg (2 lb 12 oz) 1.2 kg (2 lb 12 oz) - Wash the courgette or marrow. If the marrow is old and tough-skinned, peel it, before grating. Collect in a bowl and salt well before tipping into a colander and leaving to drain for 20 minutes – put another bowl under the colander to catch the drips. - Saute the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until tender. - The bread crumbs can be made by tearing up stale bread and quickly whizzing up in your food processor*. - Finely chop the herbs and grate the cheese. - Rinse the courgette in cold water then wring it out by pressing it against the walls of the colander to remove surplus moisture. - Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl, season well and form into snooker-size balls or sausages. Place your courgette nuggets a little apart on a non-stick baking parchment and bake in the oven at 190.c (375.f/gas 5) for 20 minutes or until golden brown and set. *TIP: whenever you have old bits of bread or crust lying around unwanted, cut or tear them up and whizz them into crumbs in your food processor using the knife attachment. Accumulate these in a plastic bag in the freezer until needed for a recipe which uses moist (as opposed to bone-dry) bread crumbs. Gaia’s Kitchen: vegetarian recipes for family and community is available online and through most bookshops. Gaia’s Feasts: New vegetarian recipes for family and community will be published on the 4th September 2014. ‘Courgette Conkers’ photo by Joanna Brown Julia Ponsonby photo by Delia Spatareanu

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Gardening is a wonderful way to practice mindfulness. We care for plants as best we can, giving them the chance to grow. We can practice mindfulness, giving our thoughts room to grow. Growing mint in a container isn't only easy - it's also recommended! Mint is a delicious, voracious weed that can be grown from divisions, cuttings, or seeds. Find out how to care for mint here! If you've ever grown daffodils, you're not far off from growing a Paperwhite! These lovely little flowers grow from bulbs, and are even open to blooming in winter. Find out how to grow them in water or soil! February has been a busy month in the balcony garden. Cress has grown even faster than the Paperwhites. Tomato seedlings put on mass at the same time as Sunflowers. And the Billy Balls never disappoint. Check out the Garden Updates here! The Bloodleaf (Iresine) is also known as a Chicken Gizzard, which should say a lot. It's a bright red and purple bundle of joy that loves heat and humidity. Find out how to care for one! The Boston Fern is a wonderfully easy houseplant to care for. Keep the soil moist (and don't let it freeze or boil), and you'll have a happy plant for a long time to come. Read here to find out more care tips! The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a fast-growing, self-seeding, pruning-loving houseplant of many colors. You know them when you see them! Check here for a detailed guide on taking care of them. It's time for another Six on Saturday mixup-mashup of news in the garden and outside! On the plant today are a handful of blueberries, some new tomatoes, paperwhites, a hike in search of snow, and a leaf shaped like a heart. I hope you've all had a great week! The money tree (Pachira aquatica) is a pretty easy houseplant. As long as there's no drafts and the watering schedule stays constant, it's a happy tower of green. Find out how to care for one! You've probably seen large, happy chrysanthemum flowers while walking about outdoors. If you've been wanting to grow some at home, check out this post to see how they thrive and what you need to do to keep them blooming.

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Reptiles and Amphibians The Mississippi green watersnake is a medium-sized, heavy-bodied, dark-colored semiaquatic snake that was once somewhat common in southeastern Missouri. It probably no longer occurs in our state at all. About Reptiles and Amphibians in Missouri Missouri’s herptiles comprise 43 amphibians and 75 reptiles. Amphibians, including salamanders, toads, and frogs, are vertebrate animals that spend at least part of their life cycle in water. They usually have moist skin, lack scales or claws, and are ectothermal (cold-blooded), so they do not produce their own body heat the way birds and mammals do. Reptiles, including turtles, lizards, and snakes, are also vertebrates, and most are ectothermal, but unlike amphibians, reptiles have dry skin with scales, the ones with legs have claws, and they do not have to live part of their lives in water.

Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 27th April to 30th April – 2020 Revelation of 35 thousand-year history of river erosion in Ladakh Himalayas (Topic: Geography; Smart planning) The scientists have traced where the rivers draining Himalaya and its foreland erode the most and identify the zones that receive these eroded sediments and fill up. This study is important – - To understand the landform evolution in transitional climatic zone, using morpho stratigraphy and provenance study of landforms like valley fill terraces, alluvial fans(triangle-shaped deposit of gravel, sand, and even smaller pieces of sediment, such as silt) - Crucial as the country gears up its infrastructure and develops smart cities - Will help to understand river-borne erosion and sedimentation, which are the main drivers that make large riverine plains, terraces, and deltas that eventually become the cradle to evolving civilizations. The study shows – - How rivers in drier Ladakh Himalaya operated in longer time scales and how they responded to varying climate leading to an understanding of water and sediment routing - Most sediments were derived from Higher Himalayan crystalline that lie in the headwater region of Zanskar - Dominant factors responsible for sediment erosion were: deglaciation and Indian Summer Monsoon derived precipitation in the headwaters despite the presence of a geomorphic barrier (the deep, narrow gorge) between the upper and lower catchments of the river The Ladakh Himalaya - Forms a high altitude desert between Greater Himalayan ranges and Karakoram Ranges - The Indus and its tributaries are major rivers flowing through the terrain. - The Zanskar River is one of the largest tributaries of the upper Indus catchment; Two prominent tributaries of Zanskar River are the Doda and TsrapLingti Chu, which confluence at Padam village in the upper valley to form the Zanskar River. Naming of tropical cyclones over north Indian Ocean Worldwide there are six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones. India Meteorological Department is one of the six RSMCs to provide tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries and is also mandated to name the Tropical Cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean (NIO) including the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and the Arabian Sea (AS). How cyclones are named? - The tradition started with hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, where tropical storms that reach sustained wind speeds of 39 miles per hour were given names. - (Incidentally, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones are all the same, just different names for tropical storms in different parts of the world; - Hurricane in the Atlantic, Typhoon in the Pacific and Cyclone in the Indian Ocean). If the storm’s wind speed reaches or crosses 74 mph, it is then classified into a hurricane/cyclone/typhoon. - Tropical storms are given names and they retain the name if they develop into a cyclone/hurricane/typhoon. - Identify each individual cyclone - Create awareness of its development - Remove confusion in case of simultaneous occurrence of TCs over a region - Remember a TC easily - Rapidly and effectively disseminate warnings to much wider audience The new list will be used for naming after the name ‘Amphan’ from the previous list is utilised. Access the list here. Member countries – - Saudi Arabia - Sri Lanka - United Arab Emirates Tropical cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to the coastal areas bringing about large scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges. This is one of the most devastating natural calamities. They are known as Cyclones in the Indian Ocean, Hurricanes in the Atlantic, Typhoons in the Western Pacific and South China Sea, and Willy-willies in the Western Australia. - Tropical cyclones originate and intensify over warm tropical oceans. The energy that intensifies the storm, comes from the condensation process in the towering cumulonimbus clouds, surrounding the centre of the storm. - With continuous supply of moisture from the sea, the storm is further strengthened. On reaching the land the moisture supply is cut off and the storm dissipates. What conditions are required for the formation of a Tropical Cyclone? - A source of warm, moist air derived from tropical oceans with sea surface temperature normally near to or in excess of 27 °C - Winds near the ocean surface blowing from different directions converging and causing air to rise and storm clouds to form - Winds which do not vary greatly with height – known as low wind shear. This allows the storm clouds to rise vertically to high levels; - Presence of Coriolis force, provides energy to rotate or curve in anti-clockwise (in the northern hemisphere) or clockwise (in the southern hemisphere) - A mature tropical cyclone is characterised by the strong spirally circulating wind around the centre, called the eye. The diameter of the circulating system can vary between 150 and 250 km. The eye is a region of calm with subsiding air. Around the eye is the eye wall, where there is a strong spiralling ascent of air to greater height reaching the tropopause. - The eye is surrounded by the “eye wall”, the roughly circular ring of deep convection, which is the area of highest surface winds in the tropical cyclone. Eye Wall region also sees the maximum sustained winds i.e. fastest winds in a cyclone occur along the eyewall region. The eye is composed of air that is slowly sinking and the eye wall has a net upward flow as a result of many moderate – occasionally strong – updrafts and downdrafts. - Convection in tropical cyclones is organized into long, narrow rain bands which are oriented in the same direction as the horizontal wind. Because these bands seem to spiral into the center of a tropical cyclone, they are called “spiral bands”. - Along these bands, low-level convergence is a maximum, and therefore, upper-level divergence is most pronounced above. A direct circulation develops in which warm, moist air converges at the surface, ascends through these bands, diverges aloft, and descends on both sides of the bands. Tropical cyclones form in many parts of the world from initial convective disturbances sometimes referred to as cloud clusters. As the clusters evolve from a loosely organized state into mature, intense storms, they pass through several characteristic stages. The factors leading to increased frequency of tropical cyclones - Increase in frequency of tropical cyclones is specifically observed in Arabian Sea. Here winter monsoon circulations, plays an important role. - The interplay of global warming, climate variability and weather changes, the winter northeast monsoon circulation has been weakening over the years. - One important factor is the wind shear, or the change in direction and speed of the winds from bottom to the top of the atmosphere. - Generally, this wind shear is relatively strong in the Arabian Sea compared to the Bay of Bengal. - Opposing winds prevent cyclones from developing vertically, this wind shear is weakening in the Arabian Sea with increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. - Important contributors to rise in global temperatures, such as manmade black carbon particles and sulphate emissions might have increased the intensity of these cyclones in almost all oceans of tropics. - On the other hand burning of fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel, etc. was the main reason for climate change as it had affected the greenhouse gas cover around the earth, leading to a rise in atmospheric temperature. - Similarly, aerosols, greenhouse gases, volcanic activity, solar variability, and internal climate variability also add degrees to sea surface temperature, making the conducive weather conditions for tropical cyclones. - A La Niña (a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that is less damaging than El Niño) event is unfolding over the Pacific. Studies have shown that La Niña conditions change the atmospheric circulation over the north Indian Ocean and make them favourable for cyclogenesis. There are six regions that are more vulnerable to tropical cyclones: - Tropical North Atlantic (Gulf of Mexico, West Indies and Caribbean Sea): Cyclones in this region is known as Hurricane, occur mainly during August-October. Main reasons being increased sea surface temperature, convective instability, low wind shear and other thermodynamic activities. Examples-Hurricane Katrina, Florence etc. - Eastern part of the tropical north pacific (Western coast of Mexico and Central America): also known as Hurricane, usually observed during June-July. The shifting of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) northwards and low pressure formed, aided by northwest movement of wind (due to Coriolis force) favours the formation of Tropical Cyclone in this region. - Western part of tropical north pacific (The Philippines, the China Sea and areas around Japan): The cyclones in this region are called as Typhoon, occurs during months of June-December. The presence of low vertical wind shear of less than 10 metres/second, monsoon trough and atmospheric instability favours development of tropical Typhoons. - Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea: They are more frequent during June-September, high sea temperature along with the low pressure regions, sometimes the typhoons originating in western pacific too help in cyclone formation. Ex-Fani, Ochkhi etc - Western South Pacific Ocean (regions of Samoa, Fiji Island and the east and north coast of Australia): Occur during January-March season. They too are result of high surface temperature and low vertical wind shear that result in atmospheric instability and heavy cloudiness. - The south coast of Indian Ocean (coastal regions of Madagascar): Occurs during January-March and the westward movement of tropical depression intensified by low vertical wind shear favours cyclone formation. One dangerous recent event is the Idai Cyclone (March 2019) that resulted in more than 1300 deaths and several missing cases. - What makes coastal India more susceptible to tropical cyclones? Discuss. - Examine the strategies to mitigate tropical cyclones. - Tropical cyclones are a recurrent climatic phenomena in India. Discuss the origin and movement of tropical cyclones that originate in the Bay of Bengal. Launch of SVAMITVA scheme (Topic: Government schemes) By: A collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India Aim: To provide rural people with the right to document their residential properties so that they can use their property for economic purposes - Streamlining planning and revenue collection in rural areas and ensuring clarity on property rights - Enable creation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) engaging Drone Surveying technology G20 Digital Ministers Summit (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) Aim: To discuss the challenges posed by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and to forge a global coordinated response harnessing Digital Technologies - A coordinated global Digital response to fight the pandemic - Adopting measures to strengthen Communication infrastructure and network connectivity - Non-personal data exchange in a secured manner - Use of Digital Solutions for Healthcare, cyber secured world - Measures to strengthen resilience of businesses At the meeting, India emphasised - The next phase of Digitalization is about applications that will impact livelihoods, accelerate various sectors, strengthen the supply chain and build a cyber safe world. - The present situation demands greater collaboration among stakeholders for providing solutions that can address issues related to social distancing, distributed workforce and the changing nature of global supply chain. - G20 to come out with a concrete Digital action plan to fight the global pandemic; the critical role of Indian IT-ITeS Industry in maintaining the Global Business Continuity and offered India as a lucrative destination for displaced Global Supply chains. G20: The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union. It was founded in 1999 with the aim to discuss policy pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability. India: Member of G20 Other members: The G20, short for “Group of 20”, is made up of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union. Spain is a permanent guest and always participates in the G20 summits. Together, the G20 members represent – - Two thirds of the world population. - 85% of the global gross product. - 75% of international trade. - 80% of global investments in research and development. Because the G-20 is a forum, its agreements or decisions have no legal impact, but they do influence countries’ policies and global cooperation. Why was the G20 created? The G20 was conceived in 1999, while the repercussions of the Asian financial crisis of 1997 still lasted. The committee’s inaugural meeting took place in Berlin in December 1999. - In a meeting of finance ministers and presidents of central banks of the G7, it was decided to expand the group and make it more representative in order to generate policies that have an impact In the economy. - They decided to invite a group of key emerging economies to a new forum of finance ministers and presidents of Central Banks, which would later become the G20. - With the start of the global financial crisis of 2008, the G20 became the main instrument to face the debacle. And for that it was essential to involve the highest ranking officials. Thereafter, presidents and heads of state joined the G20. India will chair the G20 in 2022 for the first time; coinciding with the country’s 75th anniversary of Independence. The G20 Troika: Every year, when a new country assumes the presidency (Argentina in 2018), it works hand in hand with the previous presidency (Germany) and the next presidency (Japan) in what is known as the troika. This ensures continuity in the group’s agenda. Where is the G20 headquarters? The G20 does not have permanent offices or employees. The country that presides over the group (in a year) takes care of all the organization and the logistical coordination of the meetings. 11th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (Topic: Diplomacy around climate change) The eleventh session of Petersberg Climate Dialogue witnessed India along with 30 other countries deliberating over ways and means to tackle the challenge of reinvigorating economies and societies after COVID-19, while enhancing collective resilience and catalysing climate action while also supporting in particular those most vulnerable. Hosted by: Germany since 2010; originally an initiative of German Chancellor Angela Merkel Aim: To provide a forum for informal high-level political discussions, focusing both on international climate negotiations and the advancement of climate action Key Agenda: To discuss how we can jointly tackle the challenge of reinvigorating our economies and societies after COVID-19, while enhancing our resilience and catalyzing climate action while also supporting in particular those most vulnerable. - We should have Climate Technology as open source which must be available at affordable cost. - Stressing on the issue of Climate finance, India said that we must plan for 1 trillion USD in grants to developing world immediately - The world must think of adopting more sustainable consumption patterns in line with requirement of sustainable lifestyles - India’s Nationally Determined Contributions spanning a ten-year time frame are ambitious and are also compliant with the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. - The world has an opportunity today to accelerate renewable energy deployment and creating new green jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector. Measures Indian Government has taken to address climate change Over several decades India has pursued policies and publicly funded programs focused on energy conservation and deployment of renewable energy technologies to fight climate change. This has been backed by legislation, regulation and tariffs arrangements. Some of these are: - India ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1993 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2002. - In June 2008, India announced its National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). The Action Plan effectively pulls together a number of the government’s existing national plans on water, renewable energy, energy efficiency, agriculture and others – bundled with additional ones – into a set of eight missions. The Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change is in charge of the overall implementation of the plan. The plan document elaborates on a unique approach to reduce the stress of climate change and uses the poverty-growth linkage to make its point. - Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, India set three major goals to be achieved for the period between 2020 and 2030—increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 40% of the total electricity generation capacity, to reduce the emission intensity of the economy by 33 to 35% by 2030 from 2005 levels, and to create additional carbon sink of 2.5 -3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover. - India has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, where investments top those into fossil fuel. After adopting its National Electricity Plan (NEP) in 2018, India remains on track to overachieve its “2˚C compatible” rated Paris Agreement climate action targets. - Since 2010, the Indian Government has doubled the coal tax three times, reaching 400 rupees per tonne (around USD 3.2 per tonne) of coal produced and imported in the 2016–2017 budget. - On transport, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India scheme came into effect in April 2019, and provides incentives to purchase electric vehicles, while also including provisions to ensure adequate charging infrastructure. - The main instrument to increase energy efficiency in industry is the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Mechanism, which is implemented under the ‘National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency’. PAT resembles an emissions trading scheme (ETS) and has been in place since 2012. The scheme is currently in its second phase (2016–2019). PAT differs from traditional cap-and-trade systems as it sets intensity-based energy targets - Rural Electrification Policy, 2006: The policy promotes renewable energy technologies where grid connectivity is not possible or cost-effective. - Energy Conservation Building Code, 2006: This regulatory code is designed to ensure energy efficiency in all buildings with above 500 kVA connected load or air-conditioned floor area over 1000 square metres. Further steps that India is considering – - In 2007, then Indian Prime Minister Singh pledged that India’s per capita emissions would never exceed those of the developed world. Meeting this pledge does not require any emissions reductions compared to current policy projections up to 2030. - Despite the negative trend in the power sector due to coal, India’s Paris Agreement target is within the range of what is considered to be a “2°C compatible” fair share of the global effort. Further, India could become a global climate leader with a “1.5 ̊C compatible” rating if it abandons plans to build new coal-fired power plants. - The Government is in the process of implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to encourage energy efficiency in industry. A pilot system for small to medium enterprises is expected soon. This can form the basis for global carbon pricing mechanism. - The government is also attempting to harness the potential of off-grid solar PV pumps to not only provide reliable electricity for pump sets, but also to provide additional income generation opportunities for farmers. - India has said that it will finalise its long-term plan strategies for development that result in lower levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. India also said that it will increase its climate pledges, or nationally determined contributions (NDCs), under the Paris Agreement. - The Indian Government is considering long-term growth strategies over the period 2030–2045 that would result in a decoupling of carbon emissions from economic growth. The Paris Agreement: - The Paris Agreement was the first legal instrument to set an explicit temperature target. - It pushes countries to keep the average global temperature rise to below 2°C over pre-industrial levels and encourages them to limit it to 1.5°C. - It does this largely through voluntarily agreed Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs. - Will COVID-19 complicate the conversation around climate change? Discuss. - What measures has the Indian Government taken to address climate change? What further role can India play in the global efforts towards mitigating climate change? Suggest. - Green Recovery - What are the recent setbacks to global climate change negotiations? What can be its possible implications? India signs $1.5 billion loan with ADB to support India’s COVID-19 immediate response (Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests) The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $1.5 billion loan that will support the government’s response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, focusing on immediate priorities such as disease containment and prevention, as well as social protection for the poor and economically vulnerable sections of the society, especially women and disadvantaged groups. (i) COVID-19 containment plan to rapidly ramp up test-track-treatment capacity (ii) social protection for the poor, vulnerable, women, and disadvantaged groups to protect more than 800 million people over the next three months India will also take the ADB’s technical support to strengthen its implementation framework and capacities to implement Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. Asian Development Bank (ADB) - It is a regional development bank that was established on 19 December 1966. - Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines - Aim: To promote social and economic development in Asia - Motto: Eradicate extreme poverty - Types of loans it offers: - The ADB offers hard loans (currency) on commercial terms primarily to middle income countries in Asia and - It provides soft loans (loan with a below-market rate of interest) to poorer countries in the region. - Both types of loans are sourced from the bank’s ordinary capital resources (OCR). - Five largest borrowing countries are China, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh. (Topic: New technology; Research and development) A. Electrostatic Disinfection Technology for effective disinfection and sanitization to fight with corona pandemic Transferred for Commercialization - Developed based on the electrostatic principle - It produces uniform and fine spray droplets of disinfectants in the size range of 10-20 micrometre to kill microorganisms and viruses. - Due to the small size of droplets, the surface area of spray droplets increases thereby enhancing the interaction with harmful microorganisms and coronavirus. - The machine uses very less disinfection material as compared to conventional methods, which helps to save natural resources with negligible increase of chemical waste in the environment. B. Development of a natural product based Alzheimer inhibitor - Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre For Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have modified the structure of Berberine, a natural and cheap product similar to curcumin, available commercially, into Ber-D to use as a Alzheimer’s inhibitor. - Selected isoquinoline natural product berberine found in India and China and used in traditional medicine and other applications. - However, berberine is poorly soluble and toxic to cells. So they modified berberine to Ber-D, which is a soluble (aqueous), antioxidant. They found it to be a multifunctional inhibitor of multifaceted amyloid toxicity of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and accounts for more than 70% of all dementia. The multifactorial nature of the disease attributed to multifaceted toxicity has made it difficult for researchers to develop effective medication. C. HCARD, a robot, to assist frontline COVID-19 healthcare warriors - The robotic device HCARD, in short for Hospital Care Assistive Robotic Device, can help frontline healthcare workers in maintaining physical distance from those infected by coronavirus. - HCARD is developed by Durgapur-based CSIR lab, Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute. - The device is equipped with various state-of-the-art technologies and works both in automatic as well as manual modes of navigation. This robot can be controlled and monitored by a nursing booth with a control station having such features as navigation, drawer activation for providing medicines and food to patients, sample collection and audio-visual communication. D. SERB approves funding for study of mathematical & simulation aspects of COVID 19 - Most of these studies attempt to propose mathematical/ simulation models to account for various factors relevant to COVID 19 by modifying the basic SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) models. Some of such factors are heterogeneity of population, the role of asymptomatic population, migration and quarantine, effect of social distancing and lockdown, socioeconomic factors and so on. - These studies will be primarily aimed to study Indian conditions and will provide an estimate of Basic Reproduction Number– the qualitative indicator of the degree of contagiousness of the disease. These will be helpful to forecast future pandemic by using the data available and provide fundamental insights into kinetics and management of infectious diseases. - The proposed studies also aim to identify the maximum likelihood infection tree when infection reports and contact network structure are known to substantially reduce the efforts of the administration by targeting a subset of manageable size. - They will address the spread of pandemic and the impact of preventive issues through a parametric prediction process with an outcome consisting of a packaged solution in the form of usable software which may be made available for ready use by the Government of India and identify possible cure of COVID 19 through the study of DNA structures by creating patterns of DNA of different viruses. - These studies of disease transmission dynamic models supported under the MATRICS Special call on Covid 19 will help to estimate parameter sets and provide control mechanisms of the spread of COVID-19 and also help the frontline health professionals and policymakers to define effective measures. F. New simulation code helps study electric field structure in Earth’s Magnetosphere where satellites hover - Have developed a generalized one-dimensional fluid simulation code capable of studying a wide spectrum of coherent electric field structures in near-earth plasma environment or earth’s magnetosphere which can be useful in planning of future space missions. - The Earth’s magnetosphere is a vast region which has a finite number of satellites hurtling through this realm. Hence, the in situ observations are finite and discrete. - The morphology of the plasma processes around the satellite can be understood quite well. However, when they leave the observational domain of one satellite to enter into another, a vast blind arena is created. How the morphology of these processes changes over space and time can be ideally deciphered only through computer simulations. - Almost 99% of matter in the universe is in the form of plasma, Earth’s magnetosphere, too, contains this material and the plasma processes have the ability to hamper the working of a number of satellites that have been placed in orbit in the magnetospheric region. - Apart from the well-being of these expensive satellites, the academic understanding of this region is quite essential to comprehend the cosmos in its entirety. Creation of the Magnetosphere - Sun is the major source of plasma deposition in space around the Earth. Sun forces some of its plasma towards the earth in the form of the solar wind. The speed of this wind varies between 300 to 1500 km/s, which carries with it solar magnetic field, called as Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF). The interaction of the IMF with the earth’s magnetic field creates the magnetosphere of the earth. Five out of eight Northeast States are Corona free while the other three States have not added any new Corona positive case: - 5 North Eastern States of Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura are totally Corona free, while 3 other states of Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram had 8, 11 and 1 Corona positive cases respectively, which are waiting to become negative - Northeast has emerged as a model of developmental transformation, in the wake of the present COVID crisis, it has emerged as a model of effective, diligent and disciplined health management. Portal on MSME Bank of Ideas, Innovation and Research - Provides access to all schemes of Union, State and UT Governments - Has the provision for uploading Ideas, Innovations & Researches in the sector and has unique features of not only crowd sourcing of Ideas, but also evaluation and rating the ideas by crowd sourcing. - Facilitate inflow of venture capital, foreign collaboration etc. - Will help in the research activities like those in rural tribal knowledge, skills will get a chance for spreading their knowledge. Similarly it can assist the farmers in planning, production, storage and marketing of their produce. 172nd Birth Anniversary of Raja Ravi Varma - Raja Ravi Varma was born into an aristocratic family in Kerala. - A self-taught artist of European techniques; Raja Ravi Varma was a master at handling the oil medium and achieved a magical ease with European naturalism. - While Raja Ravi Varma stood at the transitional stage between Indian painting tradition and the emergence of Salon artist well versed in European academic naturalism he reconciled the aesthetic principles of both in his style. - He represented the Hindu mythological stories so loved by the Indian imagination, with an illusionistic flair that mirrored the society of his time. - According to art historians, Raja Ravi Varma’s dramatic history paintings influenced the pioneers of Indian cinema like DadasahebPhadke and Baburao Painter. - He established a press with German technology so that inexpensive oleographs could be made to cater to a mass demand. So briskly did the prints sell that they left a deep impression on popular visual culture even to this day. - His realistic portrayals and interpretations of religious and mythological figures captivated and fascinated the country. - Ravi Varma’s works transcended painting; he was also a poet, scholar and a visionary far beyond his times.

When one thinks of Spain, the first thing that comes to mind is probably ‘tapas’. A visit to Spain without going to a tapas bar is an incomplete and boring experience. I love dropping in to tapas bars to grab a quick and tasty bite to eat with a cup of cava, and to meet interesting locals who can teach me more about the wonderful Spanish culture. Where did this wonderful concept come from? One theory states that it started when bar owners used to place a slice of bread or ham over glasses of sherry to deter flies. ‘Tapas’ means ‘lid’ or ‘cover’ in Spanish, so this certainly makes sense. Another legend states that while King Alfonso X was sick, he was only able to eat small bites of food with his wine. After he recovered, he ordered all taverns to offer small dishes to accompany alcoholic beverages. Whatever the case, it’s one of my favorite ways to savor simple and delicious local food. During my short trip to Spain, I tried to visit as many tapas bars as my schedule would allow. The Mercat de La Boqueria, the large covered market near the Gothic Barrier in Barcelona, is perhaps one of the most famous markets in all of Europe. Infinite numbers of food stalls offer fresh seafood, meat and produce. There are also many charcuterie stalls that specialize in sausages and hams, namely the famous Jamón Iberico de Bellota that is to die for. I started my tapas adventure here in the Boqueria market, where they have about 20 bars. Perhaps the most famous of the Boqueria tapas bars is Bar Pinotxo, ideally situated at the entrance of the Boqueria market. Legendary server Juanito Bayen, sporting a bright green vest with a green bowtie, works with a smile and a wink to serve a never-ending crowd of locals and tourists who wait patiently for a bar stool to open up. This place is always crowded, and although there are tables to the side of the food stall, it’s worth waiting for a seat at the bar. That way you can get an up close look at the busy happenings in the small kitchen, and a chance to have a nice chat with Juanito. We had deep fried bacalao, which is a must-try in Spain. These dried salt cod fillets are superbly delicate and tender once re-hydrated, and have the most wonderful salty flavor. The ones at Pinotxo had a nice light crunchy exterior that gave way to a generous chunk of steaming hot moist cod. My favorite dish here was a plate of tripe stew that Juanito quickly brought over for me after he saw me drooling over my neighbor’s plate. Absent in any gameyness whatsoever, this stew was rich in flavor and intensity. A few dollops on torn baguette pieces, washed down with a few gulps of cava, and I was transported to a different world. By the time we ate at Pinotxo at around 3pm, most of the food was gone. The only last item available was this dish that resembled a hamburger patty. Although it was good, it wasn’t my idea of eating tapas in the Boqueria market. I learned a valuable lesson at this point- go to Pinotxo early before the food runs out. They’re actually quite famous for their breakfasts too. Just around the corner from Bar Pinotxo is Kiosko Universal that specializes in fresh seafood. All of the fresh selections of the day can be prepared a la plancha or grilled with olive oil. I was really excited to try this tapas stall, as I heard that they served great razor clams, or navajas. I love the oblong succulent flesh of razor clams, and I haven’t been able to find a place in Los Angeles that serves them. Kiosko Universal is much larger than Bar Pinotxo, and has a bar counter that goes all the way 360 degrees around the central kitchen, in addition to extra bar table seating to the side. We started with a plate of Salteado de Setas, grilled wild mushrooms. The great assortment of fungi was dressed with olive oil, parsley, garlic and sea salt. I was very excited to finally be reunited with razor clams, but the dish was a bit of a disappointment. It had the same flavoring and garnishing as the mushrooms, and was even a tad bit undercooked. I longed for the delicious razor clams at Mary’s Fish Camp in New York City. El Quim de la Boqueria is another tiny tapas bar, farther way from the market entrance, deep into the central area of the market where the seafood vendors are. I ordered a plate of huevos fritos con chipirones en su tinta, fried eggs with baby squid and squid ink. Wow, what an amazing dish. The tender and delicate baby squid, softly enveloped in a veil of runny egg yolk and black ink with just the right amount of saltiness, was divine. This was perhaps the most memorable and delicious plate that I had in Barcelona. I struck up a conversation with the gentleman sitting next to me at El Quim. He was born and raised in Barcelona, and swore by the tapas at El Quim, stating they were the best in the city. By the way the baby squid dish tasted, I didn’t doubt his claim. He told me proudly that he’s been coming here for as long as he could remember, at least once a week. I asked him where else he could recommend for me, and he did not hesitate to give me the directions to Taktika Berri. The gentleman told me that the waiting list for table reservations is about 2 months long, but the place to go isn’t there anyway- it’s at the pintxos bar up front. Similar in concept to tapas, pintxos are more representative of Basque cuisine and are small bite-sized morsels held together with toothpicks. Pintxos, or pinchos, means ‘spike’ in Spanish, precisely because of the way these delicate eats are speared with a toothpick or a skewer. Taktika Berri specializes in montaditos, which are pintxos featuring ‘mounted’ heaps of meat, seafood and vegetables on a slice of bread, held together by a toothpick. As soon as I walked through the glass double doors, I was glad that I trusted that gentleman’s advice. This place was packed with locals only, and there was not a single tourist in sight. This was the real deal, and I knew I was in for some authentic Basque delights. We squeezed our way to the bar and managed to grab a couple of seats. The system here is such that you must first ask for a plate, which lets them know that you’re ready to start eating. Then the pintxos commander behind the bar will come around with a plate of one type of montadito at a time, setting it on your plate if it’s something you want to eat. This process happens only once every 10 minutes or so, reflecting the cultural notion behind pintxos that it’s an adjunct to drinks and long conversation, and not necessarily the main act. We tried some lovely pintxos here, including deep fried ham croquettes and a savory bacalao cake with potatoes and eggs. Montaditos included fresh anchovies with diced peppers, chorizo wrapped in bacon, fried sausage, and smoked salmon. All were simple but flavorful and simply satisfying to the palate and stomach. I loved the lively atmosphere here, and by being a part of this wonderful experience, I could really see how this style of eating and drinking is such a crucial part of socializing in Spain. I met a lot of interesting people in the hour that I was at Taktika Berri, including an architect and a science professor at the local university. At the end of the meal, you get charged for the number of pintxos that you ate, made apparent by the number of toothpicks on your plate. A simple and smart system. Ahhh, tapas. What a joyful way of experiencing food and life! Bar Pinotxo- Stall 466, Mercat de la Boqueria Kiosko Universal- Stall 691, Mercat de la Boqueria El Quim de la Boqueria- Stall 584, Mercat de la Boqueria Taktika Berri- Carrer Valencia, 169, Barcelona, 08011. Tel: 934-534-759 Random trivia: Did you know that the Norwegians were exporting salted fish like bacalao as early as 875 AD?

Highway 29 BBQ Review (Bertram, TX) Craving BBQ before the AFC Wildcard games today (Go Texans and Bengals!), Scott and I made a road trip out to HWY 29 BBQ, located (obviously) on HWY 29 in Bertram. It’s a nice 30 minute drive from Georgetown. The place is in what appears to be an older brick building with some interesting signs (What does “Play 42” mean?). (Scott's comment: BBQ is a little like playing the lottery (900 Million when we headed out Saturday morning). If you're playing quick pick numbers, or throwing a dart at a map for a BBQ place, you're playing the odds and hoping luck isn't going to laugh in your face. Knowing this, we head out into the January Central Texas wind, and an air full of Mountain Cedar pollen.) (Al's comment: Sun perfectly back-light's the building. Check! Scott stands very casually below the store sign, but looks off to the side in a contemplative mood. Check! Scott sports black jacket, jeans, black cap combo (ala the Edge from U2 or maybe a drug dealer). Check! Are sure you guys aren't making an album cover here?) (Al's second comment: Coming soon from Columbia Records: Scott V in "BBQ Stories Revisited - Bootleg Edition.") (Scott's Comment: Let's name it "Mountain Cedar Saturday.") They appear to offer brisket, pork ribs, chicken, and regular or hot sausage as their normal selections, plus had pork loin as a selection today. Scott gets pork loin, a link of spicy sausage, lean brisket, and ribs. I get pork loin, ½ link each of original and hot sausage, brisket, and ribs. (Scott steals a bite of my original sausage and we swap a bite of brisket). Pork Loin: The pork loin has a nice flavor with some pepper in the crust. There’s a light smoke flavor. It is tender and fairly moist. We both like it. Score: Scott and Tom – 8.0/10. Original Sausage: There’s some garlic and pepper flavor in this. It’s juicy and tender and the casing has a nice snap. It’s a very nice mellow flavor. Scott and Tom – 8.0/10. Spicy Sausage: They say that garlic and spices (not jalapeno) make up their hot sausage. The garlic certainly shows. It feels like an extreme version of their original sausage. Lots of garlic and some nice heat at the end. Even cut (Scott’s was cut before we realized it) it has a nice snap. Score: Scott and Tom – 8.5/10. (Scott's take on Original Sausage and Spicy Sausage: If you're going to try both, suggestion is try the original first. Both are quite good. As I'd bought the spicy, and tried that first, I am curious to know how much of the garlic and spice were holding over as I tried the original. This may have been an instance of stomach engaged before mind did. We welcome your thoughts on this and see what you think.) Brisket: The brisket looks nice with a good bark and nice color. We both get a very nice burnt end piece in ours. The lean is fairly tender and moist even by lean standards, and the moist definitely has some well-rendered fat in it. There’s a nice pepper flavor in it. The smoke flavor is nice in the moist, but I personally would like a little more to carry into the lean. Score for Lean: Scott – 7.5/10, Tom – 7.0/10 Score for Moist: Scott and Tom: 8.0/10. Pork Ribs: There’s a good crust here, and they are tender without being overcooked. However, the flavor is only skin deep. I have three ribs, and the flavor varies inversely with the size of each rib. My smallest one has the best flavor while my largest has very little flavor once I get past the crust. They aren’t bad, but it is uneven. Score: Tom – 6.0/10, Scott – 6.5/10. (Scott's take on the Pork Ribs: My biggest constructive critique is the consistency in how the flavor penetrates. I got more flavor in other parts of the meat along the rib bone (and there was a good amount of meat on the bone), but flavor and seasoning penetration was a little scattered. Again, BBQ is an art, not a science.) (There is some luck of the draw here as well. *checking Twitter on phone for Powerball jackpot updates*) So there you have it. Bertram is a tiny little town (one stop light), but it does have at least one BBQ place with a big BBQ heart. It definitely keeps the small town feel, but puts together a pretty good spread. Is it worth a visit: Yep. Is it worth a trip: Again, yes. Excluding the ribs, everything was in the exceptional range, and even they were good. It’s worth checking out. -Tom & Scott

If you don’t care for poached chicken skin—or just want to make a tasty, crispy topping—you can do as I’ve done here and remove the skin from the cooked chicken to roast at a low temperature until it’s brittle and golden. I find that just a touch of mayonnaise will help bind the juices in this salad; the chicken is so moist that it doesn’t need much help. You can also just follow the recipe for the ginger-scallion oil below and use it for anything! - Fill a pot with just enough water to fully submerge your chicken. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Place the chicken in the pot and cover with the lid. Let sit for 1 hour. - Turn on the heat, almost but not quite bringing the water to a boil. Watch closely and turn off the heat just before it begins to boil. Let sit covered for another hour. - Carefully remove the chicken from the water and set aside to drain. Stick a thermometer in the thigh; if the juices run clear and the temperature just reaches 160°F, it’s done. If not, place back in the water, bring the water almost to a boil, and let sit covered for another 10 minutes at a time, checking the temperature. - Let the chicken cool completely and air-dry for 1 hour. Carve to remove all bones (you can place bones in the stockpot of poaching liquid and boil to make some great stock with it). Dice the boneless chicken meat, setting aside the skins for the cracklins. - Carefully peel all the cooked skin from the chicken, and lay out the skin flat in a single layer (with at least ½” in between pieces) on a baking sheet. Place in a 300°F oven and let roast for about 15 minutes, or until the pieces are uniformly golden brown and crisp as crackers. Remove immediately from the tray, and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle the cracklins with salt and break up. - Combine the minced ginger, scallions, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large, heatproof glass or metal bowl and set aside for 30 minutes. Heat the sesame oil until it bubbles and pops for a few seconds. Pour the hot oil all over the minced vegetables. Mix well. - Combine the chopped chicken with the ginger-scallion oil. Stir in the mayonnaise and optional diced celery or cucumber, and add salt and white pepper to taste. Serve with optional discs of cucumber and/or radish as garnish, as well as pieces of the cracklins in sandwich bread, rolls, or lettuce wraps. Cathy Erway is the author of the cookbooks The Food of Taiwan and Sheet Pan Chicken, and the memoir The Art of Eating In. She co-wrote Win Son Presents: A Taiwanese American Cookbook. She hosts the podcast Self Evident, exploring Asian American stories. She has won a James Beard Award and IACP award for her writing at TASTE.

The Home Of Outdoor Living Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. Knowing how to grow peas is one of the first planting projects many of us ever try. With their chunky seeds, quick germination periods, climbing habits and nibble-fresh harvests, peas rank highly as fun and educational projects for children wanting to know how vegetables grow. For many of us, this fascination only deepens as we learn more about gardening. There’s a pea variety for every shape and size of plot, from meandering potagers and stacked veg beds to modest container-based kitchen garden ideas on balconies. Peas are easygoing, high achieving – and oh so tasty. Peas are the unsung heroes of the garden, rustling up their leguminous treasures without fuss or drama. They’re so well behaved, one can miss how hard-working they are. What about their enormous capacity for extended harvests? Or how many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are packed into each pod? Or how they deposit nitrogen into the ground to nourish future crops? That said, there is plenty you can do to ensure the most poppable pods. This guide covers how to start, what to do for the best root systems and pod set, the right supports and pest protections, and when to harvest for the yummiest yields. How to grow peas – where to start Knowing how to grow peas (Pisum sativum) is something everyone can master. They aren’t fussy garden growers and they don’t require much space. However, they appreciate sunshine in abundance. Peas are native to Middle Asia and Ethiopia – and while they have learned to adapt, that love of sunshine will keep your plants performing at their best. Regular sun does not mean peas crave heat. Confused? Peas are cool-season crops, a fact that favors early season growing. It’s part of the reason why they thrive in UK and maritime climates and US hardiness zones 3-7 (although with care they can do well in zones 8-11). The optimum temperature range for peas is 60-75˚F (15-24˚C), but they can crop between 45-80˚F (7-27˚C). Peas appreciate well-draining soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline soil (pH 6-8). Check your soil types and adjust where necessary, adding lime to very acidic soils before sowing. As Amateur Gardening’s Lucy Chamberlain points out, when growing peas, success relies on healthy roots. ‘The larger the root system, the bigger and healthier the crop,' she says. ‘To get this, provide an open, moist and warm (not hot) soil.’ Depending on the variety, solid fence types, trellises and frames will support your peas. If space is limited, pick a dwarf variety (like ‘Bingo’) and make the most of a grow bag and a sunny balcony rail. And give thought to nearby crops. Peas do well with sweet corn, beans, carrots, nasturtiums, turnips, basil and radishes. Avoid growing onions, garlic and chives nearby, which stunt growth. When to plant peas Peas are cool season crops, so they prefer to grow in spring and early summer. That said, variety and cropping intention has some bearing when deciding how to grow peas. Check your seed packets and decide if you are growing earlies (12 week turnaround) or main crops (16 week turnaround). You can start as early as mid winter or as late as early summer. Depending on variety, you can even start later for harvests the following year. If you want to plant in a greenhouse, you can start many varieties under glass in late winter. As long as you use a greenhouse that is not too hot, early sowings favor stronger root systems. You can also sow under cloches or polytunnels if the soil is not cold. To pre-warm soil, put cloches in place two weeks before sowing or lay black plastic on the ground. Direct sowing is encouraged from early spring, while temperatures are cool out. If you expect a lot of rain, grow in raised beds to work with the weather. The earlier the better to give root systems the best chance. Later sowings can run the risk of pea moth or powdery mildew, but there are powdery mildew-resistant varieties like ‘Ambassador’, ‘Lusaka’ and ‘Shiraz’. Depending on the types of greenhouse and garden you own, try indoor and outdoor sowings to maximize your harvest potential. How to grow peas from seed The trick with learning how to grow peas is to make sure the air is cool and the soil is warm (at least 60˚F). Add plenty of sunshine, and there’s little else to worry about. Aim to grow 25-30 plants for weeks of family feasts. Make sure the ground is preconditioned with compost or aged manure. Covering the planting site with cloches a week before planting is good for soil temperature, pests and weather extremes. - Sowing peas under glass Use deep seed modules or biodegradable containers for young root systems. Alternatively, sow into guttering so that when you transplant seedlings outside, you can slide them into place. Sow two seeds per module cell or root trainer, or every three inches (8cm) with guttering. Sow 2in (5cm) deep, then water well and place in a cool spot. After seedlings show, move to a light position. Grow until plants are 5in (12cm) high. A fine mesh will protect seedlings from mice. - Plant out your peas Once pea plants have two sets of true leaves, harden off plants for a week before planting out. If seedlings were sown in guttering, slide into their final positions. If sown in root trainers or deep modules, plant into a raised garden bed or vegetable bed. Place each plant into a dibbed hole an inch (3cm) deep. Seedlings started in modules or toilet roll tubes are best planted at least 3in (8cm) apart. Amateur Gardening’s Anne Swithinbank suggests 4-5in (10-13cm) spacing so they compete less for nutrients. A layer of well-rotted compost or mulch will maintain moisture levels. - Direct sow your peas In early spring, you can direct sow if the ground is protected with cloches, diy cold frames or similar. Amateur Gardening’s Bob Flowerdew recommends that shortly before you sow, you pour boiling water along the rows or drills. Sow two seeds an inch deep, spaced every 3in (8cm). It’s a good idea with climbing pea varieties to prep the planting area with individual supports (and labels). Water, then cover with cloches. Add a light mulch of well-rotted compost to retain moisture. For multiple rows, space at a distance equal to the anticipated height. Add netting to protect young plants from birds and mice. Some experts advise using an inoculant in areas where you have never grown peas before; this is a nitrogen-fixing bacteria that helps plants grow. Also, a word about seeds: pea seeds remain viable for three years. Bear in mind that round pea seeds are hardier than wrinkled seed varieties (which tend to be sweeter). How do you support peas? Depending on the variety, some peas will need support after planting. Climbing varieties such as heirloom ‘Alderman’ or ‘Victorian Colossal Climbing’ can reach 8ft (2.4m) tall, and plants quickly grow tendrils to cling to the nearest sturdy surface. So make the most of vertical opportunities. This can be creative trellis ideas to add height, conveniently situated fences or garden screening for shelter and support, or rows of posts with connecting twine to hold peas in place. For compact or mid-height breeds, a few well positioned raspberry canes can be sufficient, but for climbers think about height. Mangetout ‘Carouby de Maussane’ and heirloom ‘Telephone’ can grow over 5ft (1.5m), while compact ‘Half Pint’ reaches only 8in (20cm). Meanwhile mid-height varieties such as ‘Hurst Green Shaft’ (30in/75cm) are fine with 4ft (1.2m) pea sticks, says Lucy Chamberlain. As well as supporting the weight of the pods, you need to allow good airflow, let the plant develop freely and give easy access for harvesting. Two rows of sticks tied at the top with a vertical cane provide uniformity. Arches, A-frames, wigwams and teepee styles give centralised balance. Miniature or pop-up pergolas can give peas ornamental interest as well as sturdy balance. Even netting held firmly in place with sticks at 6in (15cm) intervals does the job. Twiggy sticks like hazel and willow are better than smooth canes to help tendrils grip. If you aren’t sure which climbing plant support ideas are best, keep it simple. Make sure supports go into the ground before you plant or sow your peas so root systems are disturbed as little as possible. Can you grow peas in pots? If you are short of space and want to know how to grow peas, the good news is that crops are happy in pots. If you are exploring container gardening ideas, many of the same rules apply: plenty of sunshine, ample watering and good drainage (check for holes in the base of containers). Even if space is restricted, twiggy sticks or pea brush will keep peas growing upright. Select suitable varieties for growing in pots. Excellent pea selections for pots are compact breeds like ‘Maestro’, ‘Tom Thumb’, ‘Sugar Bon’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Kelvedon Wonder’, ‘Early Onward’ and ‘Green Arrow’. Dwarf pea varieties like ‘Bingo’ and ‘Misty’ are also excellent for pot culture, cropping prolifically. Bush peas reach 18-30in (45-75cm) high, putting fewer strains on the resources available. When growing vegetables in pots, just remember compost will dry out quicker, so keep a close eye on moisture levels; this is make-or-break for root systems, plant health and pod set. Also, try not to overload containers; stick to three-five plants per pot so peas don’t get cramped. Along with drainage, ensure roots have ample room to develop. Choose something as deep as possible (12in/30cm), and ideally as wide (three-five gallons). Use a moisture-retentive, well-draining compost and don’t allow it to dry out, ever. Avoid exposed sites and make sure your patio is well sheltered as well as sunny, while allowing for good airflow. Plastic planters are ideal for mobility (especially on hot days), while terracotta and ceramics are great for compost warmth and stability. How to care for peas Unlike some other crops, caring for peas won’t take up much of your daily routine. There are only a few things to check as the weeks progress, and watering plants is the key element. Peas like moist (not waterlogged) compost so don’t let this dry out; it can prevent individual pea seeds or even whole pods from getting started. An inch of rainwater a week is fine for healthy peas. Any less, and you need to step in. Water well in dry periods, especially as plants flower and pods swell. Make time for a thorough drenching once or twice a week, directing water at the base of plants to prevent rot. Lucy Chamberlain suggests irrigation gullies for summer months to alleviate plant stress in dry spells. These gullies soak water to the roots where it is needed most. Check spacings so there is good airflow between plants, and shade in hot spells. If you need to get rid of weeds, gently remove but take care not to disturb the roots of crops. A thick mulching with shredded leaves, wood chips or clippings will retain moisture levels below ground and also keep weeds at bay. Once you see flowers, a weekly high potash liquid feed (like comfrey or tomato feed) is a helpful boost. Problems growing peas and how to solve them Foes from pea aphids to pigeons will be gearing up to make a dent in your precious pods. So even if you only have a small vegetable garden, plan ahead. Here are some of the key pests: - Pea moth: Often spotted at harvest when opening the pods and finding caterpillars chomping inside. Female pea moths lay eggs on peas in flower and the larvae live inside pods. Prevent this pest by growing your peas under insect-proof mesh. Make early spring and early summer sowings to dodge the pea moth flying season. - Mice and voles: Direct-sown seedlings are vulnerable, but these pests can scale greenhouse staging and burrow under tunnel cloches. Try hanging modules from greenhouse bars, and layering your sowings with holly leaves. - Pigeons: You’ll know if pigeons have got to your peas as they will be stripped bare. The only surefire way to dodge this pest is to grow peas under mesh or a fruit cage. Bird-scaring ploys such as CDs can also serve as a decoy. - Powdery mildew: This appears as a white floury fungus, causing leaves to shrivel and resulting in stunted growth. Drought-stressed plants are especially prone. Make sure yours have free-draining soil and mulch and are well spaced, and water well. Remove decayed leaves. Some pea breeds (such as ‘Terrain’) have resistance to this disease. When to harvest peas One of the tricks with knowing how to grow peas is harvesting quickly and often. Harvest when peas are young and fresh: those delicious sugars quickly turn to starches if not enjoyed straight away. The only things to bear in mind are whether you are growing earlies, which need less time than maincrops – and whether you are growing shelling peas (ie ‘fat’ pods) or flatter mangetout types. One of the most common vegetable harvesting mistakes is picking too late. Start checking 11 weeks from sowing (up to 16 for maincrop types). Make time every day to check your rows or containers. With shelling peas, look for pods to swell and shine, then assess a good ratio of swelling to weight. Lucy recommends a pod width of 1cm for picking, as long as the pod doesn’t feel hollow. For ‘skinny’ pea types like mangetout and snow peas, base your picks on lustre and pod size (3in/8cm long). Pick in the morning, working from the base of the plants upwards, and use both hands to avoid wrenching plants. With care, you can be harvesting until mid fall. And don’t despair at the odd dry pea – they are excellent in soups! Are all parts of peas edible? When growing peas, it isn’t just the peas you can eat. Some varieties like snow peas (or mangetout - literally, ‘eat everything’) can be consumed in their entirety. If you want to know how to grow peas you can eat for their pods as well as their seeds, check the seed packets: they can usually direct you as to whether the pods for a given cultivar are edible. Pea gourmands are also encouraged to eat the plant tendrils (and flowers, if you can spare a few from developing into pods!). This fragrant, curly young growth is just as tasty as the main crop, and equally nutritious. If you enjoy fresh healthy shoots and know how to grow cress and broccoli sprouts, pea shoots are a must in summer salads. And a few snips will encourage bushier growth. Can you grow peas in winter? If you want to know how to grow peas you can start as early as possible, there is a way to beat the rush. Choose the right varieties and you can also start the previous year. Sow in early winter, and you can overwinter peas for early spring plantings and early harvests. It’s a great way to outsmart the obvious demands of the vegetable planting calendar and give root systems a boost, especially if you have room under glass. Late-season sowings of peas are a great accompaniment to growing lettuce in winter if you are stuck for inspiration at the tail end of the year. ‘Gardeners in milder regions can sow hardy dwarf varieties in mid or late autumn with the aim of stocky but well-established plants going into winter,' says Anne Swithinbank. Great varieties to sow for overwintering are hardy round-seeded ‘Douce Provenance’, ‘Meteor’ and ‘Feltham First’. On light, sandy soils you can try sowing direct. Otherwise, sow in deep pots under glass for planting out in March. Just be minded that germination rates can be a bit less predictable. How many types of peas are there? There are so many varieties of peas to choose from, you could spend the rest of your life growing them in a mix of raised bed, potager garden, containers and teepees! Beyond climbing and dwarf varieties, there are three main groups to choose from: shelling (or garden), snow peas (or mange tout), and sugar snaps. Here’s what to expect and enjoy with each of the main types: - Shelling (garden) peas: fat-podded types with edible peas (but not edible pods). Sweetness varies, but these types tend to be best for popping and snacking. Includes: ‘Kelvedon Wonder’, ‘Feltham First’, ‘Hurst Green Shaft’, ‘Douce Provenance’. - Snow peas (mangetout): flat-podded varieties with edible stringless pods. Especially good in stir-fries. Includes: ‘Oregon Sugar Pod’, ‘Shiraz’, ‘Snow Wind’, ‘Delikata’, ‘Spring Blush’. - Sugar snap peas: these are somewhere between, with rounder (edible) pods and sweet plump peas that can be shelled. Includes: ‘Delikett’, ‘Sugar Lace’, ‘Sugar Ann’. Where to buy peas as seeds If you’d like to know how to grow peas, here are our suggestions for the best places to buy seeds. There’s a huge range online, with selections for early and maincrop sowings. You’ll find sugar snap and mangetout options alongside a host of shelling peas. Dwarf varieties are perfect for container growing, while climbing and vining breeds prefer to clamber up trellises, compact pergola ideas, canes and fences. Some retail outlets also sell plugs, which can claw you back some time if you start later. Use our quick links for an easy way to start. Where to buy peas as seeds in the US: - Shop pea seeds at Amazon (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Burpee (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Home Depot (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Select Seeds (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Walmart (opens in new tab) Where to buy peas as seeds in the UK: - Shop pea seeds at Amazon (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Crocus (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Dobies (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Mr Fothergill’s (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Marshalls (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Suttons (opens in new tab) - Shop pea seeds at Thompson & Morgan (opens in new tab)

How To Grow Cabbage Plant Type: Annual Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata Light: Full sun – light shade in warm weather Soil Type: Fertile – drains well Soil Temperature: 40°+ ph Range: 6.0 – 7.0 Watering: Keep moist Plant (Payson): March 1 – May 1 / August – September Planting Method: Seed or transplant Germination (days): 8 to 14 Maturity(days): 90 – 95 days Common Pests: Cabbage worm, Aphids Common Diseases: Club root, Cabbage yellows Cabbage prefers loamy fertile soil amended with compost. To prepare soil, till in aged manure or compost. Do not plant cabbage in the same area of your garden that you have grown cabbage and other cabbage related plants in the last two years. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil borne diseases. Mulch plants thickly on a regular basis to retain moisture and maintain consistent soil temperature. Seeds or plants, the choice is yours. Using starter plants will give you a jump start on the growing season however, they are more expensive. Be sure to space the plants 12 to 24 inches apart. The closer you space your cabbage plants, the smaller the head of the cabbage will be. Early varieties of cabbage can be planted 12 inches apart and will grow one to three pound heads. The later varieties can produce heads upwards of eight pounds. Hot weather can make your cabbage split or even bolt. Growing cabbage from seeds, although less costly, will be more labor intensive. If growing cabbage from seed for summer harvest, sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last hard freeze. Transplant your seedlings as soon as possible so they can mature before summer heat. To sow directly in to your garden sow the cabbage seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep. After you sow them, keep them moist and thin them out to desired spacing once they grow. Cabbages are heavy feeders so make sure you fertilize your plants, especially after transplanting. Add nitrogen as well when the cabbage is half grown. Make sure the soil is moist throughout the growing season so your cabbage produces better heads. If planting for fall harvest you can sow the seeds directly into your garden in mid-summer. Mulch to help maintain moisture, to get rid of current weeds and to prevent future weeds. Mulching will also provide for a cooler ground temperature. Cabbage plants will need consistently moist soil to do their best. Good irrigation is especially important to the young plants to help them withstand the intense sunlight. Without enough water, the head will become dry, cracked and bitter. Plants should have one deep soak per week. Being heavy feeders, add an organic fertilizer when transplanting into the garden. Fertilize 3 weeks after transplanting. Once plants are established you may need to add additional nitrogen to encourage growth Weed as necessary and mulch to prevent weeds from recurring. DISEASE Black rot, Clubroot, Cabbage yellows To get additional heads to form, remove the cabbage head out of the plant, leaving the outer leaves and roots in the soil. The plant will send up new heads. After harvesting, remove the entire plant and root system from the soil to prevent disease buildup. Only compost healthy plants; carefully place those with insect infestation and soil borne diseases in the dumpster. You can serve cabbage raw or cooked – or try it steamed, boiled, stir-fried, sautéed, baked or used in soups. Shred cabbage for coleslaw or to preserve as Sauerkraut. Cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than two weeks, wrapped lightly in plastic. Make sure it is dry before storing. In proper root cellar conditions, cabbage will keep for up to 3 months. Cooked cabbage may be frozen for later use. To aid in your gardening success, here are some useful, trusted links for more information on tomatoes. Please remember Payson Community Garden is an organic garden. Some of these sites may contain recommendations for non-organic products. Please see this website or Plant Fair Nursery website for a list of recommended products that meet the organic standards of Payson Community Garden.

Welcome to our best ice cream foot wear reviews & comparison 2022– provide information making comparison shopping easy as pie. This review will discuss the best ice cream foot wear and the pros and cons of this product that we think is worth your time. Our goal is to provide you with an honest overview of the product so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. These ice cream foot wear we choose are based on 45012 reviews and tests from shoppers. We hope our honest overview of the product helps you make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. Top-Rated Ice Cream Foot Wear Today - Comfortable water shoes made with breathable and smooth fabrics. - Convenient to put on and take off. Smooth neck design prevents chafing. - COMFORT & BREATHABLE：These baby water shoes are made of breathable and soft stretchy fabrics，comfortable to wear and lightweight. Such as mesh, knit, polyester, quick-drying, not stuffy, no smell. - NON-SLIP & QUICK-DRYING：The durable, non-slip EVA sole protect your baby's feet from sharp objects.Non slip rubber sole has drainage holes, promote water outflow and help swim shoes stay dry. - Soft textile upper in designed to look like the classic Firecracker ice pop - Soft cotton laces for a relaxed look - Breathable Materials: Baby Sneakers are made of high-quality soft stretchy fabric, quick-drying and lightweight, offers comfortable and excellent wearing experience for your child. - Convenient to wear: Slip on and Hook-and-Loop design makes these toddler water shoes easy to wear and take off. Elastic shoe neck design reduce abrasions when walking or running. - REEF KIDS AHI GIRLS SANDALS: Reef’s best-selling flip flops for girls are handcrafted for comfort with a soft footbed and durable outsole giving you the perfect blend of beach style and satisfaction - SOFT FLIP FLOPS FOR KIDS: The flexible and durable high-density EVA outsole is designed with fun prints for the grom who doesn’t stop - Comfortable to wear : Made of high-quality stretch and soft fabric, which is easy to dry and makes baby wear more comfortable and convenient. - Convenient Design:Slip on and Hook-and-loop closure design makes them easy to slip on and pull off,reducing hurt caused by collision. - Comfortable & Fit: With a strong wicking performance of the stretchy ultra-thin material that make users feel comfortable fit like socks. - Convenience: Smooth neck design prevents scratching when wearing. It is easy to wear and take off. - Breathable Premium Material: Womens Mens Ice Cream shoes are made of breathable fabric uppers, which are skin-friendly and moisture-wicking, helping to keep your feet cool and comfortable when moving, allowing your feet to breathe freely, even if you wear them all day feel tired. - Anti-Slip Outsole: Upgraded non-slip soles, bottom texture design, excellent grip and durability.These pattern Ice Cream tennis shoes with the concave and convex,the deep grooves rubber sole guarantee the tough wear-resisting and comfortable to walk,running,jump,sports,and schools. How Do We Test Ice Cream Foot Wear? There are a few key ways to test ice cream foot wear: by checking its quality, functionality, and usability. Checking the quality of a product is important to ensure that it is meeting the standards set by the company. Functional testing ensures that the product is working as intended, while usability testing makes sure that the product is easy to use. We use various methods to test a product’s quality, including visual inspections, functionality tests, and reliability tests. Visual inspections help us identify any defects in the product’s appearance, while functionality tests check to see if the product is working properly. Reliability tests simulate real-world conditions to see how well the product will hold up over time. To test a product’s usability, we use several techniques, including user studies, heuristic evaluations, and cognitive walkthroughs. User studies help us understand how people interact with the product, while heuristic evaluations identify any potential usability problems. Cognitive walkthroughs help us understand how easy it is to use the product. When testing a ice cream foot wear, it is important to use a combination of different methods to get the most accurate picture of the product’s quality, functionality, and usability. What Criteria Should A High-Quality Ice Cream Foot Wear Have? Criteria for a high-quality ice cream foot wear should be based on factors such as: - How well does ice cream foot wear function? - The materials used in ice cream foot wear construction? - How efficiently does ice cream foot wear meet the needs of the customer? - And how long does ice cream foot wear last? Additionally, a quality ice cream foot wear should be backed by a strong warranty or guarantee. Ultimately, a high-quality product should provide value for money and exceed the customer’s expectations. How To Choose The Best Ice Cream Foot Wear For Your Need? The best ice cream foot wear for your need will depend on what you are looking for. If you need something durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear, you may want to consider a product made from metal or hard plastic. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to carry around, you may want to consider a product made from cloth or canvas. You will need to consider many different factors when choosing the best product for your need. You will need to consider the size, weight, material from which the product is made, and price. You will also want to think about how easy the product is to use and how comfortable it is to wear. These are just a few things you will need to consider when choosing the best product for your need. When you take the time to consider all of these factors, you will be able to find the best ice cream foot wear for your need. When choosing the best ice cream foot wear for your needs, there are a few key factors you’ll want to take into account: –The size of ice cream foot wear: Will it be able to meet your needs comfortably? -The weight of ice cream foot wear: Is it lightweight and easy to carry around? -The material of ice cream foot wear: What is it made from, and is it durable? -The price of ice cream foot wear: Is it affordable? -How easy the ice cream foot wear is to use: Is it user-friendly? -How comfortable the ice cream foot wear is: Will it be comfortable to use for extended periods of time? All of these factors are important to consider when choosing the best ice cream foot wear for your needs. By taking the time to think about each of them, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you. The Role Of Brand In Ice Cream Foot Wear Quality There is a significant relationship between brand and ice cream foot wear quality. The brand can be seen as an indication of the quality of a product. In general, consumers are more likely to trust well-known brands and are willing to pay a higher price for them. This is because these brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. Some brands are known for their high quality, even if they are not the most expensive. For example, consumers may perceive brands such as Bosch or Samsung as being of high quality, regardless of price. Other brands, such as Ikea or Walmart, are known for offering good value for money. The relationship between brand and product quality is complex. Some factors, such as the price of a product, can influence consumers’ perceptions of quality. However, ultimately, it is the brand that determines how consumers perceive the quality of a product. Quality is often one of the consumers’ most important factors when choosing between ice cream foot wear. Brands play a significant role in shaping consumers’ perceptions of quality. A brand can be a powerful tool for communicating the quality of a product to consumers. Well-known brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. This gives them an advantage over less well-known brands when competing for customers. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for products from well-known brands, even if they are not of the highest quality. Buy Ice Cream Foot Wear Online or Stores: What Place Is Better People are faced with a choice: buy ice cream foot wear online or in stores. Some people believe buying online is good, while others think buying ice cream foot wear in stores is the better option. There are pros and cons to both choices. Some people like buying online because they can compare prices more easily, find discounts and coupons more easily, and have the product shipped to their door. Some people also believe that buying products online is more convenient because they can do it from the comfort of their own homes. Which option is better? It depends on the person. Some people prefer to buy products online, while others prefer to buy products in stores. There are pros and cons to both choices. It is up to the individual to decide which option is best for them. FAQs about Ice Cream Foot Wear How To Extend The Life Of Ice Cream Foot Wear? One way to extend the life of the ice cream foot wear is to clean it regularly. Make sure to use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Another way to extend the product’s life is to use it in a well-ventilated area. If the product is kept in a humid or moist environment, it will have a shorter lifespan. Finally, avoid using the product in extreme temperatures, as this can also shorten its lifespan. Does A Cheap Ice Cream Foot Wear Need A Warranty? No, a warranty is typically given to high-priced items because they are more likely to need repairs or replacements. A cheap product will not likely have many problems and therefore does not need a warranty. However, if a cheap product does have a problem, the company may still be willing to help you fix it. You should always contact the company if they have any product problems. When Buying A Ice Cream Foot Wear, Should The Budget Be The Deciding Factor? When buying ice cream foot wear, the budget should not be the only factor that is considered. Other factors, such as the quality of the product and how long it is likely to last, should also be taken into account. If a cheaper product is of good quality and likely to last for a long time, it may be a wise purchase. However, suppose a more expensive product is of better quality and is likely to last longer. In that case, it may be worth spending the extra money. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a ice cream foot wear should be based on a combination of factors and not just on price alone. How To Return Defective Products When You Buy Online? When buying a ice cream foot wear online, it is important to check the company’s return policy before making a purchase. This will help you know what steps you need to take if you are unsatisfied with the product or if it is defective. Some companies will allow you to return the product within a certain time frame, while others may not offer this option. If a company does not allow returns, you may consider buying from a different company. When Is The Best Time To Buy Ice Cream Foot Wear? The best time to buy a ice cream foot wear depends on a few factors. First, you should consider whether you need the product immediately or if you can wait for it to go on sale. If you need the product immediately, you should buy it as soon as possible. However, if you can wait, then you should wait for a sale to get the best deal on the product. You should also consider whether the product is likely to go out of stock soon. If it is, then you may want to buy it sooner rather than later. Ultimately, the decision of when to buy a ice cream foot wear should be based on your own needs and circumstances. We hope that this article has helped you find the best ice cream foot wear. We’ve looked at a variety of products and outlined their pros and cons so that you can make an informed purchase. We also looked at how to choose the best product for your specific needs and some tips on using online reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product. When you’re ready to buy, remember to consider the factors we discussed – price, features, and reviews. And don’t forget to read the fine print! With a little research, you can find the perfect ice cream foot wear for your needs.

Find a comparison between different ice cream croissant. We have the top best ice cream croissant 2022 and truth reviews that will help make your decision easy. This review will discuss the best ice cream croissant and the pros and cons of this product that we think is worth your time. Our goal is to provide you with an honest overview of the product so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. These ice cream croissant we choose are based on 83446 reviews and tests from shoppers. We hope our honest overview of the product helps you make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. Top-Rated Ice Cream Croissant Today - The baking molds are made of high quality stainless steel material, durable and sturdy, easy to use and clean, light, easy to remove, save space in the kitchen, perfect for making cream horn bread. - The size of the cream horn molds is 12.1*3.4cm/4.8*1.3in, 12pcs in total, it is enough amount for you with your family to make cannoli tubes, egg cones, or ice cream cones. In addition, you make such a difference when you’re baking with the proper tools, you will believe these were great quality for the price - and come at a good value. - Material: Made of high quality stainless steel, you may not worry about their durability. The high-grade material ensures you great taste and great mood. - Premium Quality: This Croissant Mould is made of high quality heavy duty stainless steel, durable construction, easy to use and easy to clean. These Croissant Mould making tools will be your fantastic home kitchen hands. - 【Fabric】 Neutral baby clothes are made of 100% Cotton, keep the baby feeling free and comfortable; - 【Design】 Baby jumpsuit features expandable necklines and lap-shoulder design; 3-snap closure for parents' quick diaper changes; - ❤[1 BOX 40PCS 10 STYLES FOOD CHARMS]: Package include 40pcs food theme charms pendants in 10 styles(croissant, chip, hamburger, ice cream, hot dog,pizza, each style 4pcs; A plastic box(7.4x7.2x1.7cm) is included to help you easy to store and protect the jewelry findings. - ❤[ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIAL]: Made of eco-friendly zinc alloy with enamel, harmless to the body, you can be no worry about using it. - SIMPLE RECIPE: Downey’s Honey Butter is made right here in Lancaster County Pa, with only 2 ingredients: Honey harvested from beehives and fresh local butter. This Honey Butter is naturally low fat, has no sugar, no preservatives and no artificial colors - PACKED WITH CARE: We carefully pack every tub of honey butter by hand and ensure the package is well padded before shipping. Our Honey Butter come in an easy-to-use 8oz container to maintain peak freshness - Package included: 12 pcs cream horn molds - Size: small 9 x 2.4 cm/3.54 x 0.94 inch - Material: 100% High Quality Anti-rust Stainless Steel with NO Coating on Both Inside and Outside, Which Is Non-toxic and Healthy, Oven Safe for Baking and Fryer Safe for Deep Fry. - Size : The Size As Shown, for Making Big Horn, Cone-shaped and Tubular-shaped Pastry Shells Like Cream Horn, French Horn, Popsicle, Small Ice Cream Cone, Flaky Pastry, Pizza Cones, Waffle Cone and Shaping Pizelle, Etc. - Amazon Kindle Edition - Craft, Ashley (Author) - Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand) - Michael Chiarello (Actor) - Hardcover Book - Sonmezsoy, Cenk (Author) How Do We Test Ice Cream Croissant? There are a few key ways to test ice cream croissant: by checking its quality, functionality, and usability. Checking the quality of a product is important to ensure that it is meeting the standards set by the company. Functional testing ensures that the product is working as intended, while usability testing makes sure that the product is easy to use. We use various methods to test a product’s quality, including visual inspections, functionality tests, and reliability tests. Visual inspections help us identify any defects in the product’s appearance, while functionality tests check to see if the product is working properly. Reliability tests simulate real-world conditions to see how well the product will hold up over time. To test a product’s usability, we use several techniques, including user studies, heuristic evaluations, and cognitive walkthroughs. User studies help us understand how people interact with the product, while heuristic evaluations identify any potential usability problems. Cognitive walkthroughs help us understand how easy it is to use the product. When testing a ice cream croissant, it is important to use a combination of different methods to get the most accurate picture of the product’s quality, functionality, and usability. What Criteria Should A High-Quality Ice Cream Croissant Have? Criteria for a high-quality ice cream croissant should be based on factors such as: - How well does ice cream croissant function? - The materials used in ice cream croissant construction? - How efficiently does ice cream croissant meet the needs of the customer? - And how long does ice cream croissant last? Additionally, a quality ice cream croissant should be backed by a strong warranty or guarantee. Ultimately, a high-quality product should provide value for money and exceed the customer’s expectations. How To Choose The Best Ice Cream Croissant For Your Need? The best ice cream croissant for your need will depend on what you are looking for. If you need something durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear, you may want to consider a product made from metal or hard plastic. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to carry around, you may want to consider a product made from cloth or canvas. You will need to consider many different factors when choosing the best product for your need. You will need to consider the size, weight, material from which the product is made, and price. You will also want to think about how easy the product is to use and how comfortable it is to wear. These are just a few things you will need to consider when choosing the best product for your need. When you take the time to consider all of these factors, you will be able to find the best ice cream croissant for your need. When choosing the best ice cream croissant for your needs, there are a few key factors you’ll want to take into account: –The size of ice cream croissant: Will it be able to meet your needs comfortably? -The weight of ice cream croissant: Is it lightweight and easy to carry around? -The material of ice cream croissant: What is it made from, and is it durable? -The price of ice cream croissant: Is it affordable? -How easy the ice cream croissant is to use: Is it user-friendly? -How comfortable the ice cream croissant is: Will it be comfortable to use for extended periods of time? All of these factors are important to consider when choosing the best ice cream croissant for your needs. By taking the time to think about each of them, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you. The Role Of Brand In Ice Cream Croissant Quality There is a significant relationship between brand and ice cream croissant quality. The brand can be seen as an indication of the quality of a product. In general, consumers are more likely to trust well-known brands and are willing to pay a higher price for them. This is because these brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. Some brands are known for their high quality, even if they are not the most expensive. For example, consumers may perceive brands such as Bosch or Samsung as being of high quality, regardless of price. Other brands, such as Ikea or Walmart, are known for offering good value for money. The relationship between brand and product quality is complex. Some factors, such as the price of a product, can influence consumers’ perceptions of quality. However, ultimately, it is the brand that determines how consumers perceive the quality of a product. Quality is often one of the consumers’ most important factors when choosing between ice cream croissant. Brands play a significant role in shaping consumers’ perceptions of quality. A brand can be a powerful tool for communicating the quality of a product to consumers. Well-known brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. This gives them an advantage over less well-known brands when competing for customers. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for products from well-known brands, even if they are not of the highest quality. Buy Ice Cream Croissant Online or Stores: What Place Is Better People are faced with a choice: buy ice cream croissant online or in stores. Some people believe buying online is good, while others think buying ice cream croissant in stores is the better option. There are pros and cons to both choices. Some people like buying online because they can compare prices more easily, find discounts and coupons more easily, and have the product shipped to their door. Some people also believe that buying products online is more convenient because they can do it from the comfort of their own homes. Which option is better? It depends on the person. Some people prefer to buy products online, while others prefer to buy products in stores. There are pros and cons to both choices. It is up to the individual to decide which option is best for them. FAQs about Ice Cream Croissant How To Extend The Life Of Ice Cream Croissant? One way to extend the life of the ice cream croissant is to clean it regularly. Make sure to use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Another way to extend the product’s life is to use it in a well-ventilated area. If the product is kept in a humid or moist environment, it will have a shorter lifespan. Finally, avoid using the product in extreme temperatures, as this can also shorten its lifespan. Does A Cheap Ice Cream Croissant Need A Warranty? No, a warranty is typically given to high-priced items because they are more likely to need repairs or replacements. A cheap product will not likely have many problems and therefore does not need a warranty. However, if a cheap product does have a problem, the company may still be willing to help you fix it. You should always contact the company if they have any product problems. When Buying A Ice Cream Croissant, Should The Budget Be The Deciding Factor? When buying ice cream croissant, the budget should not be the only factor that is considered. Other factors, such as the quality of the product and how long it is likely to last, should also be taken into account. If a cheaper product is of good quality and likely to last for a long time, it may be a wise purchase. However, suppose a more expensive product is of better quality and is likely to last longer. In that case, it may be worth spending the extra money. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a ice cream croissant should be based on a combination of factors and not just on price alone. How To Return Defective Products When You Buy Online? When buying a ice cream croissant online, it is important to check the company’s return policy before making a purchase. This will help you know what steps you need to take if you are unsatisfied with the product or if it is defective. Some companies will allow you to return the product within a certain time frame, while others may not offer this option. If a company does not allow returns, you may consider buying from a different company. When Is The Best Time To Buy Ice Cream Croissant? The best time to buy a ice cream croissant depends on a few factors. First, you should consider whether you need the product immediately or if you can wait for it to go on sale. If you need the product immediately, you should buy it as soon as possible. However, if you can wait, then you should wait for a sale to get the best deal on the product. You should also consider whether the product is likely to go out of stock soon. If it is, then you may want to buy it sooner rather than later. Ultimately, the decision of when to buy a ice cream croissant should be based on your own needs and circumstances. We hope that this article has helped you find the best ice cream croissant. We’ve looked at a variety of products and outlined their pros and cons so that you can make an informed purchase. We also looked at how to choose the best product for your specific needs and some tips on using online reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product. When you’re ready to buy, remember to consider the factors we discussed – price, features, and reviews. And don’t forget to read the fine print! With a little research, you can find the perfect ice cream croissant for your needs.

Introduce the topic of growing pineapple plants. If you want to grow your own pineapple plants, you can do so by growing them from the tops of pineapples, seeds, or plants. Growing pineapple plants from the tops of pineapples is the easiest method, and only requires that you cut off the top of a pineapple and plant it in soil. To grow pineapple plants from seeds, you’ll need to plant the seeds in soil and keep them warm and humid. Growing pineapple plants from existing plants is more difficult, but can be done by taking a cutting from an existing plant and rooting it in soil. Tops: Describe how to grow pineapple plants from tops. Pineapples are one of the most popular fruits in the world. They are delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow. Pineapples can be grown from tops, seeds, or plants. To grow a pineapple plant from a top, cut off the top of a fresh pineapple with about 2 inches of stem attached. Remove all the leaves except for a few at the top. Place the top in a glass of water and wait for it to sprout roots. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, plant the top in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet and fertilize monthly. In 6-8 months, your plant will produce a small pineapple fruit. To grow a pineapple plant from seed, start by soaking seeds in warm water for 48 hours. Seeds: Explain how to grow pineapple plants from seeds. Pineapples are a tropical fruit that is grown in warm climates. They can be propagated from the top of the pineapple, from seeds, or from plants. To grow a pineapple plant from the top of the pineapple, first cut off the crown of the pineapple. Remove the bottom leaves until you see roots growing. Plant the crown in a pot with well-draining soil and water it regularly. Place the pot in a sunny spot. In 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth. To grow a pineapple plant from seed, start by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours. Plant them in a pot with well-draining soil and water them regularly. Place the pot in a sunny spot. In 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth. Plants: Offer tips on how to grow pineapple plants from purchased plants. Pineapple plants are an excellent choice for those looking to add a tropical touch to their home. Here are some tips on how to grow pineapple plants from purchased plants: When purchasing a pineapple plant, make sure to choose one that is healthy and has green leaves. Avoid plants with brown or yellow leaves, as these may be indicative of disease. Pineapple plants prefer warm, humid conditions and plenty of sunlight. If you live in an area with cooler temperatures, you may need to provide your plant with artificial heat sources such as grow lights. Be sure to water your pineapple plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Pineapples are heavy feeders, so be sure to fertilize regularly using a balanced fertilizer. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of the article. Pineapples are a tropical fruit that is delicious and nutritious. There are three ways to grow pineapple plants: from tops, seeds, or plants. To grow from a top, cut off the top of the pineapple with about an inch of the fruit attached. Place the top in a glass of water and wait for it to sprout. Once it has sprouted, plant it in a pot of soil. To grow from seed, plant the seeds in a pot of soil. Once they have germinated, transplant them into larger pots. To grow from a plant, buy a pineapple plant from a nursery and plant it in a pot of soil. Water it regularly and fertilize it monthly. Pineapples need full sun and well-drained soil to thrive. With proper care, your pineapple plants will produce fruit in 2-3 years.

Syngonium White Knight Albo Variegata Arrowhead Plant Syngonium are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care indoors or out. They grow very fast, for a nice bushy appearance remove the running shoots when they appear, this usually causes the plant to send out off-sets to produce a fuller pot. Like other aroids, many species of Syngonium can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates. They thrive in moist soils with high organic matter and grow best when provided with a mossy post or burlap wrapped pole to climb. Syngonium plants can be grown in pots, hanging baskets or outdoors as a ground cover or beautiful tree wrap. Indoors plants thrive at temperatures between 55°- 80°F and in lower light conditions than other house plants. In the ground or up an arbor, Syngoniums get big and are often unrecognizable from their potted juvenile state. They add a wonderfully tropical accent to any well-lit space or cascading from your favorite hanging planter. About This Plant Actual Plant: Similar to Photos Above Pot Size: Ships In 4″ Round Includes: 1 Plant With Pot Ships By: UPS Ships From: Florida USA Shipping Rate: Click Tab Above Info. & Recommendations Growth Rate: Very Fast Light: 40-65% Soil: Rich Organic Mix Fertilizer: Slow Time Released Water: When Dry to Touch Dislikes: Soggy Soil Likes: 65-90°F Outdoor Zone: 9b-10 Pot Size: 6″-24″ w/Drain Holes Indoors: Locate Near Natural Light Faux Light: Grow Light Full Spectrum Propagate By: Cutting Plants are photographed a few days prior to the sale, the sale lasts a week or so and figure in packaging and shipping time, chances are when you receive your new plant it may look a little different and have a new leaf or two. Plants growing here are grown in a natural, humid, rainforest-like environment with little to no pesticides. Though it seldom occurs, when you receive your plant, leaves may drop, have spotting, folds, or even a bite mark or two in addition leaf browning may occur especially on plants with significant white coloration, this is only natural. Remember with plants you're in it for the long haul, to enjoy their natural beauty and possibly share a cutting or two with friends and family. Here at the nursery, plants are grown under 40-80% shade cloth. If you're growing outdoors and plant directly in full sun you may experience leaf burn. It is best to acclimate this plant to its environment by keeping it outside and slowly moving it into a sunny area over a week or so to avoid stress. Please refer to the above guidelines. We can not guarantee any future variegation patterns, coloration, survival or growth rate of any plant though most of the mother plants we propagate from have been successfully growing here for 20 plus years, some plants may still sport. Rest assured all variegation is natural, we do not agree with temporary Chemically Induced Variegation, (NO C.I.V.) Most photos are of the actual item. Items marked (Similar To Photos Above*) leaf count may vary along with color, pattern etc.

Moist and Buttery with Swirls of Strawberries and Strawberry Jam, this easy-to-make Strawberry Coffee Cake will become a brunch staple. But, why stop with breakfast or brunch? Skip the coffee and serve this Strawberry Jam Cake for dessert or as an afterschool snack! With an abundance of fresh strawberries in the market and Strawberry Rhubarb Jam in my pantry, I have been searching for ways to incorporate both of them into my baking lately. Enter this Strawberry Jam Cake! And talk about accomodating! Serve it with a cup of coffee and you have a Strawberry Coffee Cake. Skip the coffee and swap a cup of milk or a glass of dessert wine and you have Strawberry Jam Cake! And this Jam Cake comes together quickly! All you need are 20 minutes to get this Strawberry Coffee Cake into the oven. Then fifty to sixty minutes later you have a delicious buttery treat swirled with strawberries and strawberry jam. Can you say, “another slice, please?” Looking for more Strawberry Recipes? I’ve got them for you! - Strawberry Rhubarb Jam - Strawberry Puree - Strawberry Curd - Strawberry Tartlets - Strawberry Crisp - Strawberry Tart Can You Substitute a Tube Pan for a Bundt Pan in this Strawberry Jam Cake recipe? I used a bundt pan for this jam cake, but if you don’t have one, feel free to substitute a tube pan. The rule of thumb is that you can substitute a tube pan for a bundt pan. But if the recipe specifically calls for a tube pan, don’t swap a bundt pan in its place. Light, baked treats (think Angel Food Cake) rely on the feet on the bottom and the straight and uncoated sides of the pan for success. How to Cream Sugar and Butter for the Best Baking Results This Strawberry Jam Cake recipe asks you to ‘cream your butter and sugar until light and fluffy’. But what does that really mean and how do you achieve ‘light and fluffy?’ The process of correctly creaming butter and sugar creates air pockets in your batter. Those air pockets expand when heated, thereby helping your baked good rise and creating a light and fluffy treat. It’s a simple process, but one that does require a few important elements. Have your Butter at Room Temperature It is important that your butter be at room temperature, around 65°. And sadly, it is hard to rush that proces. We’ve all tried microwaving the butter or placing a stick near a warmed stove because we forgot to put it out in time to come to room pressure. Unfortunately, both processes melt the butter unevenly; the microwave from the inside out and the oven from the outside in. If you must rush the process, the best way to do it is to pour boiling water into a metal bowl or pot, dump the water out and then place the pot over the stick of butter But, the best way is to plan accordingly and leave your butter on the counter for an hour before you need it. Butter at room temperature will slightly indent when pushed with your finger. If you can push your finger all the way through the butter, it is too soft. Butter that is too soft/warm won’t be able to hold the air pockets and butter that is too cold won’t blend adequately. Blend for the Appropriate Amount of Time Creaming butter and sugar is a bit like the Goldilocks of the baking world…too little and your mixture will fell sandy. Too much and the fat in the butter will seperate from the solids, resulting in a greasy batter. Your well-creamed mix will be moist and light and the sugar will be nearly dissolved. You’ll barely feel any grit when you rub it between your fingers. It will be pale yellow and will have expanded it volume. Plan on 2-3 minutes on medium speed to cream your butter and sugar. Scraping down the sides of the bowl is also important to make sure all the butter and sugar is adequately creamed together. How to Prevent a Dry Coffee or Jam Cake - Start checking to see if your cake is finished 5 minutes before it is supposed to be done. So in this case, check your Strawberry Jam Cake around the 50 minute mark. - Know your oven temperature. An independent thermometer will let you know if your oven is running hot. - Don’t overmix or undermix. Mix until just combined. - Use the appropriate pan; in this case either a tube pan or a bundt pan. - Measure carefully, too much flour can result in a dry cake. - 3/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 3 eggs at room temperature (see note) - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups sour cream - 6 ounces strawberry jam - 1 cup diced strawberries (approximately 8 fresh) - Preheat oven to 350°. - Combine butter and sugar in a bowl, creaming until light and fluffy (approximately 2-3 minutes on medium-high speed) - Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition - Stir in vanilla - Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt - Add flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream, mixing after each addition until just combined - Combine jam and strawberries in a separate bowl. - Grease and flour your bundt pan - Spoon 1/3 of batter into the bundt pan, spreading out evenly. - Dollop half of the strawberry mixture. Try to keep it in the middle of the batter, away from the sides of the pan, if possible. This will just make the cake look neater when you take it out of the pan. (Do as I say, not as I do! 😉) - Repeat these two layers and finish with a layer of batter. Smooth the batter out. - Bake for 55-60 minutes. Start testing at 50 minutes with a cake tester or skewer. - Let stand for 10 minutes on a rack before turning over to remove from pan. You can put your cold eggs into a glass of hot water to help slowly warm them up. Nutrition Information:Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 257mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 5g Bookmark this page or pin the following image to refer back to this Strawberry Jam Cake recipe in the future. Thanks so much for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me! If you want to ensure you don’t miss future content, pop your email in the pale green box on the right or click here. I usually send out 2-3 emails a week so that I won’t inundate your inbox. I’m sensitive to an overflowing email inbox! We will only use your email address to send you emails, no more than 1-2 weekly. In addition, you will have access to my growing library of knit & crochet patterns, as well as other printables. Check back often as this library will continue to grow. Please know that you can unsubscribe anytime by emailing me or clicking on the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of all emails. And you can access many of the products I refer to on my Nourish and Nestle Amazon Page. You can access it here. So, if you’d like to get in on the ‘subscriber benefit’ action, simply subscribe to Nourish and Nestle here or use the form on the right sidebar. It’s towards the top a bit. I have sent all my subscribers the link to the Subscriber Benefits Library. 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We’d already had single-of-the-90s ‘Loaded’, the astonishing eight- and ten-minute versions of ‘Come Together’ and the dubby psychedelia of ‘Higher Than The Sun’. Now there was the acid techno of ‘Don’t Fight It, Feel It’. Should be quite an album, we thought. A chorus of tuned-up cicadas kept this loopy floorfiller crashing along. Must be a first for popular music, that. Hooked up to the more conventional, soulful testifying from Denise Johnson and the bluesy piano, it made for a sweaty classic. I might just be thinking of the uniquely moist walls of Bristol’s Tube club, mind you. Still a bangin’ choon (hey!), it had Junior wriggling over the edges of the inflatable, rocking to the pumping beat. It wasn’t to everyone’s taste at the time, though, I admit. Steve Wright played it on his afternoon show while I was painting my parents’ window frames, and said that everyone was raving about it but he couldn’t understand why. A man sporting that moustache and those sub-Lennon specs was never going to be down with us hepcats. [All my vinyl rips seem to have corrupted; Top 11 mp3s to follow… later]

Find a comparison between different howells ice cream. We have the top best howells ice cream 2022 and truth reviews that will help make your decision easy. This review will discuss the best howells ice cream and the pros and cons of this product that we think is worth your time. Our goal is to provide you with an honest overview of the product so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. These howells ice cream we choose are based on 21723 reviews and tests from shoppers. We hope our honest overview of the product helps you make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you. Top-Rated Howells Ice Cream Today - English (Publication Language) - Oxford University Press (Publisher) - Amazon Kindle Edition - Howell, Margaret (Author) - Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand) - Liam Peacock, Ryan Peacock, Joe Battleday (Actors) - Howell, Robin E. (Author) - English (Publication Language) - Perfect school supplies and party favors for anyone! Please note that erasers are non-scented and are not edible. - You can hand them out to students in favor bags on the first day of school to welcome them to their new classroom. - Dole Pineapple Flavored Dry Soft Serve Mix - 4.4 pound food service bag - NINJA CREAMI: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can transform everyday ingredients into ice cream, gelato, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and more. - FROM HEALTHY TO INDULGENT: Easily enjoy a wide array of frozen treats like decadent gelato, lite ice cream, dairy-free, gluten-free and much more. The Ninja CREAMi makes delicious treats that fit your lifestyle. - The magic scooper scoops up the ice cream and toppings to create tasty-looking combinations while introducing the colors and flavors of four ice cream scoops and three toppings - Build memory and sequencing skills by choosing from six cute animal order cards and following the instructions - 60Pcs Ice Cream Party Decorations - You can get 35 latex balloons (5"+10"), 6 confetti balloons(12"), 3 large ice cream foil balloons, 1 happy birthday banner, 12 cupckae toppers, 1 roll ribbon(5m), 100 dots, 1 balloon arch strip(5m). This is a ice cream themed balloon garland arch kit, which can fully meet the needs of children and bring happiness. - Multi-Function - Bright and colorful balloons are suitable for many occasions. Our ice cream party decoration can be used not only for girls kids birthday party, but also for baby shower, family gathering party. The ice cream balloon garland kit is a perfect backdrop and prop for your photos which make your party more sweet. How Do We Test Howells Ice Cream? There are a few key ways to test howells ice cream: by checking its quality, functionality, and usability. Checking the quality of a product is important to ensure that it is meeting the standards set by the company. Functional testing ensures that the product is working as intended, while usability testing makes sure that the product is easy to use. We use various methods to test a product’s quality, including visual inspections, functionality tests, and reliability tests. Visual inspections help us identify any defects in the product’s appearance, while functionality tests check to see if the product is working properly. Reliability tests simulate real-world conditions to see how well the product will hold up over time. To test a product’s usability, we use several techniques, including user studies, heuristic evaluations, and cognitive walkthroughs. User studies help us understand how people interact with the product, while heuristic evaluations identify any potential usability problems. Cognitive walkthroughs help us understand how easy it is to use the product. When testing a howells ice cream, it is important to use a combination of different methods to get the most accurate picture of the product’s quality, functionality, and usability. What Criteria Should A High-Quality Howells Ice Cream Have? Criteria for a high-quality howells ice cream should be based on factors such as: - How well does howells ice cream function? - The materials used in howells ice cream construction? - How efficiently does howells ice cream meet the needs of the customer? - And how long does howells ice cream last? Additionally, a quality howells ice cream should be backed by a strong warranty or guarantee. Ultimately, a high-quality product should provide value for money and exceed the customer’s expectations. How To Choose The Best Howells Ice Cream For Your Need? The best howells ice cream for your need will depend on what you are looking for. If you need something durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear, you may want to consider a product made from metal or hard plastic. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to carry around, you may want to consider a product made from cloth or canvas. You will need to consider many different factors when choosing the best product for your need. You will need to consider the size, weight, material from which the product is made, and price. You will also want to think about how easy the product is to use and how comfortable it is to wear. These are just a few things you will need to consider when choosing the best product for your need. When you take the time to consider all of these factors, you will be able to find the best howells ice cream for your need. When choosing the best howells ice cream for your needs, there are a few key factors you’ll want to take into account: –The size of howells ice cream: Will it be able to meet your needs comfortably? -The weight of howells ice cream: Is it lightweight and easy to carry around? -The material of howells ice cream: What is it made from, and is it durable? -The price of howells ice cream: Is it affordable? -How easy the howells ice cream is to use: Is it user-friendly? -How comfortable the howells ice cream is: Will it be comfortable to use for extended periods of time? All of these factors are important to consider when choosing the best howells ice cream for your needs. By taking the time to think about each of them, you’ll be able to find the perfect product for you. The Role Of Brand In Howells Ice Cream Quality There is a significant relationship between brand and howells ice cream quality. The brand can be seen as an indication of the quality of a product. In general, consumers are more likely to trust well-known brands and are willing to pay a higher price for them. This is because these brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. Some brands are known for their high quality, even if they are not the most expensive. For example, consumers may perceive brands such as Bosch or Samsung as being of high quality, regardless of price. Other brands, such as Ikea or Walmart, are known for offering good value for money. The relationship between brand and product quality is complex. Some factors, such as the price of a product, can influence consumers’ perceptions of quality. However, ultimately, it is the brand that determines how consumers perceive the quality of a product. Quality is often one of the consumers’ most important factors when choosing between howells ice cream. Brands play a significant role in shaping consumers’ perceptions of quality. A brand can be a powerful tool for communicating the quality of a product to consumers. Well-known brands have built up a reputation for quality over time. This gives them an advantage over less well-known brands when competing for customers. Consumers are often willing to pay a premium for products from well-known brands, even if they are not of the highest quality. Buy Howells Ice Cream Online or Stores: What Place Is Better People are faced with a choice: buy howells ice cream online or in stores. Some people believe buying online is good, while others think buying howells ice cream in stores is the better option. There are pros and cons to both choices. Some people like buying online because they can compare prices more easily, find discounts and coupons more easily, and have the product shipped to their door. Some people also believe that buying products online is more convenient because they can do it from the comfort of their own homes. Which option is better? It depends on the person. Some people prefer to buy products online, while others prefer to buy products in stores. There are pros and cons to both choices. It is up to the individual to decide which option is best for them. FAQs about Howells Ice Cream How To Extend The Life Of Howells Ice Cream? One way to extend the life of the howells ice cream is to clean it regularly. Make sure to use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Another way to extend the product’s life is to use it in a well-ventilated area. If the product is kept in a humid or moist environment, it will have a shorter lifespan. Finally, avoid using the product in extreme temperatures, as this can also shorten its lifespan. Does A Cheap Howells Ice Cream Need A Warranty? No, a warranty is typically given to high-priced items because they are more likely to need repairs or replacements. A cheap product will not likely have many problems and therefore does not need a warranty. However, if a cheap product does have a problem, the company may still be willing to help you fix it. You should always contact the company if they have any product problems. When Buying A Howells Ice Cream, Should The Budget Be The Deciding Factor? When buying howells ice cream, the budget should not be the only factor that is considered. Other factors, such as the quality of the product and how long it is likely to last, should also be taken into account. If a cheaper product is of good quality and likely to last for a long time, it may be a wise purchase. However, suppose a more expensive product is of better quality and is likely to last longer. In that case, it may be worth spending the extra money. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a howells ice cream should be based on a combination of factors and not just on price alone. How To Return Defective Products When You Buy Online? When buying a howells ice cream online, it is important to check the company’s return policy before making a purchase. This will help you know what steps you need to take if you are unsatisfied with the product or if it is defective. Some companies will allow you to return the product within a certain time frame, while others may not offer this option. If a company does not allow returns, you may consider buying from a different company. When Is The Best Time To Buy Howells Ice Cream? The best time to buy a howells ice cream depends on a few factors. First, you should consider whether you need the product immediately or if you can wait for it to go on sale. If you need the product immediately, you should buy it as soon as possible. However, if you can wait, then you should wait for a sale to get the best deal on the product. You should also consider whether the product is likely to go out of stock soon. If it is, then you may want to buy it sooner rather than later. Ultimately, the decision of when to buy a howells ice cream should be based on your own needs and circumstances. We hope that this article has helped you find the best howells ice cream. We’ve looked at a variety of products and outlined their pros and cons so that you can make an informed purchase. We also looked at how to choose the best product for your specific needs and some tips on using online reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product. When you’re ready to buy, remember to consider the factors we discussed – price, features, and reviews. And don’t forget to read the fine print! With a little research, you can find the perfect howells ice cream for your needs.

The Ultimate Dining Experience by the marina front at Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove If you’ve been planning where to go and what to do with your family this school holiday, you should definitely include Quayside Isle @ Sentosa Cove on your list. The picturesque views here make for an unforgettable experience. The large variety of cuisines here will make sure that even the pickiest of eaters will find something. Schmear is an New York slang usually used to describe spreading cream cheese on bagels. Jason, the owner of Schmear, is from New York and he specialises in his own hand-rolled bagels. Jason started from a small oven in his home in Sentosa Cove. His bagels received good feedback from his neighbours and he decided to set up Schmear with his sister, Stacey, who moved all the way from NY to help him in late 2016. With a recipe that has been tweaked nearly 50 times, you’re sure to get bagels of the highest quality here. You can expect American-sized portions at affordable prices. Their Bagels go for just $3, and if you want to add on their signature ‘schmears’, simply top up $3. Go for exciting flavours like chipotle avocado and jalapeno cheddar or stick to the classics. We heard that the bagels here have been touted the BEST in Singapore, so you really should not miss out on them! We tried their signature The New Yorker ($8), a bagel sandwich which comes with two fried eggs and melted American cheddar cheese. We would recommend adding on crispy bacon ($3). Bacon just makes everything better, doesn’t it? This was my favourite out of the three that we tried! The slightly salty bagel was chewy and satisfying. The Southwestern ($11) is an interesting breakfast bagel that contains a dash of sriracha with two eggs, homemade guacamole and tangy pepper jack cheese. We loved the slightly spicy kick from the sriracha and the creamy homemade mashed guacamole. The Central Park ($14) is made for those who prefer seafood. With a generous coating of scallion cream cheese, a hearty helping of lox (smoked salmon) and a light sprinkle of capers, this combination is a crowd pleaser and one that will certainly leave an impression. We loved their Not So Short Pancake Stack ($16) that comes with two fluffy pancakes, addition of blueberries, strawberries or chocolate chips would require a top up of $4. Those who love their berries and pancakes will naturally gravitate towards this option. Other than the hearty items, Acai Bowls ($14), Smoothies ($9) and Cold Pressed Juices ($8) are available too. All their ingredients are made from scratch (the burger patties are made from 10kg chunks of beef that’s ground in-house!), guaranteeing an authentic American experience. They will be adding an expanded dinner menu in July after their new executive Chef arrives, so stay tuned! Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-03 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 9236 2876 Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House is different from your usual chilli crab hotspots and is definitely a recommended dining destination. Their Signature Chilli Pomelo Crab ($8/100g) is simmered with lemongrass and ginger flower. The thick gravy has got just enough heat, and appears to be fiery on the first mouthful, but you will start to love it. A whole Sri Lankan crab is stirred into the delicious gravy. The addictive part is paired with pomelo which helps to extinguish the some of the heat. Other crab options include HK Style Bei Fung Tong Crab, Claypot Crab Vermicelli Noodles, Wok Fried Salted Egg Yolk Crab and Steamed Crab with Egg White and Fragrant Oil. To complement the chilli crab, we had the Braised XO Mee Pok ($34). We couldn’t resist the Mee Pok which comes with jumbo king prawns as well. Blue Lotus - Chinese Eating House Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-13 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 63390880 / +65 63390500 Psst, this is the only Let’s Eat! outlet in Singapore that has Seafood Fried Rice ($8)! This item was added into the menu due to popular demand. Diners can look forward to classic Singaporean dishes like Laksa ($6) and Teochew Fishball Noodles ($5) as well. For the days you’re craving something a bit more hearty, get the Laksa which has a rich and flavourful broth. Authentic traditional local fare is known for its spicy flavours and this bowl of laksa satisfied my craving for something spicy. We also got the Teochew Fishball Noodles to share. The fishballs were springy with a nice bite and the noodles did not have an alkaline taste. I especially enjoyed the robust chilli that coated the noodles. Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-01 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 62534724 / +65 67798980 Greenwood Fish Market Greenwood Fish Market is famous for their yearly Oyster Festival that happens every July. Not only do they have a large selection of oysters, they have a whole lot of seafood as well. They pride themselves on their “sea to table” philosophy, so freshness is an absolute guarantee. The Cold Seafood Platter ($99) features half a steamed Boston lobster, marinated yellow-fin tuna with furikage, freshly shucked Irish regal oysters, New Zealand green lipped mussels, littleneck clams, cooked live tiger prawns and in-house cold smoked salmon. The platter is good for sharing between 2 pax as a main course and 3-4 pax as an appetiser. For the mains, we tried the Fresh Atlantic Cod (under Trawler’s Catch – $34.99) and the Grilled Spanish Octopus ($18.99) which is served with Artichoke and Green Goddess Dressing. The delicate flesh of the cod possessed a pristine freshness and subtle sweetness which won our hearts instantly. The Fresh Fish ($26.99) includes Red Snapper, Sole Fillet, Atlantic Salmon, Barramundi and Tuna Fish. The pan seared Atlantic Salmon tasted extremely fresh. It retained its firmness after cooking and was marinated well. Greenwood Fish Market Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-04/05 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6262 0450 Greater Lot by Cedele Greater Lot by Cedele aims to serve natural and wholesome food. Instead of categorising food items under Pasta, Mains or Sandwiches, Greater Lot groups their offerings under ‘Seafood’, ‘Meat’ and even ‘Plant’. Have you ever tried TURMERIC in your latte? Greater Lot by Cedele offers Turmeric Honey Latte ($5.50) as one of their signature items. The latte has a dark yellow hue and comes with an accompanying pineapple puff pastry which is available on a while stocks last basis. The Buckwheat and Berries Pancakes ($15) is both a vegetarian AND gluten-free (apart from the superfood granola) option. It comes with chia, almond butter from The Hunters’ Kitchenette, maple syrup, and seasonal fresh fruits. Under the ‘Plant’ category, we tried the Mixed Mushroom Garlic Tossed Grains ($14) which is also gluten-free. It has grilled pumpkin, button mushrooms, shimeiji mushrooms, poached egg, sprouts and 3 types of grains – organic brown rice, sorghum and tri colour quinoa tossed with aromatics. The grains were so flavourful that I could eat them on their own! Super Good ($11) is a comforting smoothie bowl that contains the Amazon superfood acai, seasonal berries, yogurt and raw honey. The smoothie base is then topped with their oven-roasted granola, more fresh fruits, toasted nuts and shredded coconut. It was a refreshing addition to our meal, and undoubtedly a great pick-me-up on hot days! Greater Lot by Cedele Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-08 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 62621512 / +65 88698438 Mykonos On The Bay Mykonos is known for their summer party atmosphere and the iconic white and blue shades that blanket the city. While the Mykonos On The Bay is more of a place to chill-out, it is still covered in white and blue. We started our meal with Tzatziki ($14), a yogurt spread salad with garlic, cucumber and dill, Melitzanosalata ($14), which comprises grilled eggplant “caviar”, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and greek yogurt, and Taramosalata ($15.50), a traditional fish roe spread salad served with herb prawns, “lagana” bread and olive oil. Our favourite has got to be the traditional fish roe spread that was slightly salty and creamy. Originating from the Middle East, Mousaka ($27) is a Mediterranean dish served warm with top layer of creamy béchamel sauce. Layers of beef and eggplant are cooked separately before being put together and baked till the top layer is browned. We loved the creamy béchamel sauce that brought the layers of the dish together. “Gyro” in Greek means ‘going around’, which essentially stands for the way that the dish is cooked. The Pita Gyros ($27.50) comes with thin and crispy melt-in-your-mouth pork belly shaves, sweet onion, and creamy tzatziki wrapped in pita bread. The whole combination worked well together and was gratifying to bite into. Mykonos On The Bay Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-10 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 63343818 SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria, specialises in pizzas and pastas. They bake their pizzas in a traditional wood-fired oven! We tried the Crudo E Rucola ($25) which comes with tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parma ham and rocket salad. They were really generous with the portion of Parma ham and arugula. The Spaghetti Al Frutti de Mare ($24) contains a wide variety of seafood and might just tickle the fancy of seafood lovers. SolePomodoro Trattoria Pizzeria Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-14 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 63394778 Museo has a unique dine-in-a-cup concept, where food is served in glass cups. We were served a complimentary appetizer of fried popiah skin, which was surprisingly tasty! While waiting for your food to arrive, unleash the inner child in you and get creative by doodling on the placemats with the markers provided. The Smoked Roast Pork Belly ($12) was served with hot sauce and German mustard and is one of the most highly recommended dishes here. Fried to perfection without being too oily, the Soft Shell Chilli Crab ($14) with sweet and savoury Tomato-Chilli Sauce was a winner. We couldn’t stop mopping up the ‘chilli crab’ sauce with the soft shell crab! How does capellini tossed with tobiko, truffle shavings, chives and Shio Konbu sound? The Cold Pasta ($11) has a strong truffle aroma that hit us before the dish even arrived at our table. Remember to toss the mixture well to distribute the flavours evenly! Lastly, we had the Grilled NZ Lamb Rack ($16) served with Pineapple Salsa. I am not a fan of lamb as it usually is too gamey for me. However, the well-executed lamb at Museo surprised me with its tenderness and absence of that distinct gaminess. Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-22 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6734 8066 Joe & the Juice Founded in Denmark in 2002, Joe & The Juice has 3 outlets in Singapore, and 2 in Hong Kong. They focus on both nutrition and entertainment. Think nutritious juices, paired with a personalised touch by the baristas. We tried the Sports Juice ($7.20 for 12oz/$9.20 for 16oz), which is one of their most popular juices, especially with gym-goers. It is an after-workout drink consisting of pineapples, passion fruit and apple. As pineapple and passionfruit aid in protein absorption, we recommend that you grab a cup together with the protein-rich Tunacado ($11.50) sandwich. Made with rye-grain bread, the Tunacado comes with tuna, avocado and slices of tomato. Simple, but delicious. Another popular juice is the Pick Me Up ($7.20 for 12oz/$9.20 for 16oz), a blend of raspberry, banana and apple, which contains 16 different types of vitamins. I was really sleepy after lunch and Ginger Shot ($3 for 2 oz) is a surefire way to wake up the senses! When juiced with sweet apples, it increases the nutritional content while adding a pleasantly spicy taste. Joe & the Juice Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-09 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6262 1468 5-year-old Miska serves up Mediterranean food and its name means ‘gift from the God’. It is a simple restaurant with a surprisingly extensive menu. The Doner Chicken ($21) is one of their signature gourmet wraps. It is a harmony of grilled chicken slices, romaine lettuce, onion, tomato, tzatziki sauce and spicy sauce (optional). The Seafood Grill ($44) is a tantalising outfit of marinated and grilled salmon, fish fillet, squid, king prawns and 2 sides. The salmon was grilled to a crisp finish and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to Miska’s new menu, which will include Chef’s Specials such as a 15-inch pizza with classic toppings like pepperoni, Hawaiian, vegetarian and BBQ chicken. The pizza had a crisp crust and doughy insides. Our favourite was the BBQ chicken with succulent chicken slices and juicy button mushrooms. Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-07 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6339 0903 Two Chefs Bar Mexican and Italian flavours came together to form the foundation of Two Chefs Bar. While you indulge in the unique combination of hearty Mexican and Italian cuisine here, be sure to check out their impressive bar menu and don’t forget to grab a craft beer, or two. The popular Chicken Fajitas served with guacamole, red salsa, shredded cheese and warm flour tortillas ($25) stood out especially. I liked that they let us wrap the sizzling chicken slices ourselves, as we could control the amount of guacamole and red salsa to add to our tortillas. Also, the chicken slices were kept warm throughout our meal! The Classic Crab Pasta ($26) is one of their signature pastas. It sees linguine cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato vodka sauce with chunky crab meat. Corleone Pizza ($26) features a crispy thin crust pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, parma ham, rocket salad and parmesan cheese. Their dough is handmade fresh everyday without compromise. Two Chefs Bar Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-11 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6268 8633 Sabio by the Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill Sabio By The Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill focuses on Spanish tapas, seafood and grilled meats. Their Paella de Pescado ($29/$49) comes loaded with calamari, sea bass, clams, mussels and shrimps. The best part was the slow-cooked Spanish short-grained rice which was moist but firm. Gambas Pil Pil is one of the most popular tapas at Sabio. It consists of prawns served in a sizzling mix of chilli, olive oil and garlic. I believe that you will fall in love with the crunchy prawns, like I did! The Chorizo Salad is yet another item that you should not miss out on.The combination of sundried tomatoes with chorizo is a match made in heaven. The flavours is balanced with crisp croutons and soft egg. Both the Gambas Pil Pil and Chorizo Salad are also available on the a la carte menu at $19 and $18 respectively, in addition to being part of Sabio’s Hangover Brunch ($59.90++ per pax) served every weekend from 11.30am-3.30pm. Other items include Grilled Tuna Steak and Deep Fried Oysters. Sabio by the Sea, Tapas Bar & Grill Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-02 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 66907568 Gin Khao Bistro Did you know that watermelon fried rice is an authentic Thai dish found commonly at roadside stalls? Frankly, warm watermelon sounds rather strange. However, the watermelon balls add a sweetness that might just dazzle you. Brought in by Gin Khao in 2015, the Khao Phat Dtaeng Moe ($14.80/$25.80) is the most famous dish here. Served in a carved watermelon bowl, the fried rice comprises chicken floss, cashew nuts, fried beancurd strips and fresh seafood. The fried rice had plenty of wok hei, and we would be lying if we said we didn’t enjoy it. We also gave the Kang Ob Woon Sen ($20.80) a go. The glass noodles soaked up the Thai garlic and pepper sauce really well and the juicy crayfish was adequately flavourful. I liked that they used authentic Thai garlic, which is smaller and stronger compared to the local version. The Deep Fried Sea Bass with Thai Sauce ($23.80) was crispy on the outside yet soft and flaky on the inside. Perfect as an appetiser for a hungry family! Gin Khao Bistro Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-12 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 6570 2208 Earl of Hindh Located on the 2nd level, Earl of Hindh is an Indian fine dining restaurant serving quality North Indian cuisine. It sports a colonial look, and even the flooring rocks a traditional pattern. We tried the Shahi Lamb Chop ($43) which is marinated with a special potli masala and malt vinegar. At $43 for 4 pieces, the meat is grilled just right with lovely pink centres and a nice roasted glaze on the exterior. I will also recommend the Malai Chicken Kebab ($29). Their signature item, the Earl of Signature Rampuri Paratha ($8), is an exotic multi-layered bread stuffed with red chilli flakes and baked in Tandoor, a clay-type oven used in Northern India. If you like cheese, go for the Olive Chilly Cheese Bread ($10) which is thicker and chewier. Butter Chicken ($35) is a must-order at Indian restaurants. The one here is no exception. Chicken Tikka is tossed in tomato, butter, cream and cashew gravy, and served with ginger juliennes and a swirl of cream. I liked that it wasn’t too thick or heavy. Earl of Hindh Address: 31 Ocean Way, #01-16 Quayside Isle, Singapore 098375 Phone: +65 66816694 / +65 63393394 Receive $20 Quayside Isle dining vouchers for your next meal A good meal becomes a great meal if you have a picturesque view, especially one of floating yachts. Dining at Quayside Isle will make you feel like you’re in a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore. Can it get even better? Yes, it can! Spend a min. of $160* from Fri – Sun during June (9 to 25 June 2017) and receive $20^ Quayside Isle dining vouchers for your next meal during Mon – Thu! *Terms & Conditions: – Maximum of 3 combined same-day original receipts – Limited to one redemption per customer per redemption day, regardless of total spending amount – Redemptions are on a first-come first-served basis and while stocks last at L1 redemption booth (Fri: 5 – 9pm, Sat & Sun: 12 – 9pm) – Valid for the 1st 60 customers, per redemption day – ^Issued vouchers are only valid during Mondays – Thursdays, (excluding Public Holiday) and at participating dining outlets – Other T&C’s apply How to get there? The fastest way into Quayside Isle is to take the shuttle bus from the bus interchange opposite Harbourfront Centre. It costs just $2 – remember to bring along your ezlink card! Otherwise, a free shuttle service is available for the public within Sentosa. Just hop onto bus number 3, which runs from 8am to 10.30pm daily(every 30 minutes), from Beach Station Bus Interchange and alight at W Hotel, which is a 1 minute walk to Quayside Isle. This post is brought to you in partnership with Quayside Isle.

We were jolted out of dreamland as first light lit Mount Diablo”s grassy western flank with a rosy hue reminding us we were in California, not at the foot of the Spanish Pyrenees. David”s mom, after 95 years of healthy independence, had had the proverbial stumble and passed away peacefully a few days earlier, changing our travel course from the Mediterranean to Contra Costa County. November became a journey of farewell rituals and travels across the family”s fascinating genealogical map. Memorabilia recorded history spanning from the maternal family”s crossing on the Mayflower to their migration west, where the last three generations spread roots between Napa and San Francisco Bay. David”s great-grandfather, a piano maker, had traded a Napa carpenter a piano for a house. His grandfather, a sign painter and Oakland paint factory owner, had designed the original colors for the Shell Oil Co. logo. David”s own California roots stretched from the shores of Oakland”s Lake Merritt to Contra Costa”s walnut groves, now a “soccerburbia.” In 30 years of driving passed the East Bay”s post-World War II sprawl, I had always thought of the suburbs as human rookeries where people led mostly cookie-cutter lives fenced in by generic shopping malls. But 10 days on David”s childhood turf taught me there are “suburbs” and then there”s “Danville.” Although four-lane speedways and traffic lights replace the two-lane moonlit country roads, and there are more houses standing than walnut trees, Danville remains a unique enclave. Once upon a time the little “cow town” beat with the pulse of cattle-ranching prosperity in the shadow of majestic Mount Diablo”s 3,864-foot peak. Now it gleams with historic charm among the glitter of fine dining, boutique shopping, organic markets and cultural festivals. The Livery”s exterior wood-framed mall celebrates Danville”s western heritage with stores, restaurants and outdoor cafes connected by covered boardwalks. In contrast, Blackhawk”s mega-mansion subdivision on Diablo”s slopes flaunts its affluence with the plaza”s fountains and terraced duck pond”s cascading water surrounded by upscale shopping and patio dining. Deciduous trees showing off autumn”s shimmering gold and red cozy up to cool redwood canopies and regal palms, screening a maze of back roads where California rambling ranch-style estates enjoy anonymity against oak-studded slopes. Rolling open space, green belts and surrounding communities are linked by an astounding matrix of paved recreational paths and dedicated roadside bike lanes complemented by a network of multi-use trails lacing around Mount Diablo State Park”s 20,000 acres and the 70,000 acres of adjoining preserves. Mountain man “Grizzly Adams,” jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and playwright Eugene O”Neill were seduced by this majestic mountain”s magnetism whose views radiate across the horizon to the Sierra Nevada, Mount Lassen and San Francisco Bay”s eight bridges. Eager for an outdoors weekend on two wheels, the Iron Horse trail was our portal to adventure. Danville Depot San Ramon Valley Museum was our first orientation stop adjacent to the fabulous Saturday morning farmers market. We continued our pedal along the leafy corridor keeping cadence with the streams of joggers, dog walkers and baby strollers pouring in from side streets with fresh youthful vitality. Our route paralleled Walnut Creek”s dynamic downtown and veered along quiet canals and creek crossings. As the landscape unfolded, Mount Diablo became a pristine island floating in a suburban sea. Bike paths soon merged with horse and hiker trails seamlessly stitching neighborhoods with natural habitat along easements and through a collage of regional, city and state parklands assembled from historic ranches and land grants. We closed our 40-mile loop at the Eugene O”Neill National Historic Site. The thigh-burning climb to Tao House at the edge of more open space rewarded us with breathtaking views of the San Ramon Valley dominated by Mount Diablo”s peaks. Ranger Tad Shay”s animated guided tour of the famous playwright”s home was the highlight of the weekend. O”Neill is the only American playwright to win the Nobel Prize. He wrote “The Iceman Cometh,” “Long Day”s Journey into the Night” and a “Moon for the Misbegotten” at Tao House. Dog lovers may well find “The Last Will and Testament of Silverdene Emblem O”Neill” the most moving of the playwright”s work. If ripping your heart open reading the family Dalmatian”s will at his gravesite isn”t enough, copies of the testament are available for sale in the museum gift shop. The next morning, we branched off the Iron Horse Trail west through Moraga and the historic centers of Orinda and Lafayette, fueling our 50-mile ride with picnic breaks and local goodie indulgences. Loard”s creamy coffee-chip ice cream delivered a caffeine spark backed up by a sugar rush from Anzac cookies (original recipe baked for husbands in the WWI Australia New Zealand Army Corps) from a French bakery. Add a slice of home style apple pie at Chow”s fresh market and restaurant and we were pumped for the pedal back to Danville. Muscles content and minds relaxed from the weekend “cyclothon,” we feasted on old-fashion bubbly crusted pepperoni pizza and moist meatballs over spaghetti Bolognese while reminiscing about past family dinners at Primo”s Pizzeria. Linda B. Mullally and husband David share their passion for travel, outdoor recreation and dogs through articles, hiking books, photography and as cruise hosts. www.lindabmullally.com. If you go ·Sleeping: Danville Best Western or the San Ramon Marriott Residence Inn are both next to the Iron Horse Trail. ·Eating: Have a famous “kistwich” sandwich at Valley Medlyn”s Fountain and Coffee Shop in Danville, since 1935 (925-552-6449), and meet locals at The Brass Door Steakhouse, since 1946, (www.brassdoor.com). Things to do: · Pegasus Bicycle Works for bike rentals, Danville, 925-362-2220 · San Ramon Valley Museum at the Danville Depot, www.museumsrv.org · Blackhawk Automotive Museum, blackhawkmuseum.org · Eugene O”Neill National Historic Site tours (by reservation only), www.nps.gov/euon. · Lindsay Wildlife Museum, www.wildlife- museum.org · Mount Diablo State Park, www.parks.ca.gov/mountdiablo · East Bay Regional Park District, www.ebparks.org

Put together in about five minutes. Broccoli, put into a microwave-safe bowl and a little water (a little over a tablespoon), covered with plastic wrap, and microwaved for a minute and then allowed to sit while the rest of the ingredients were prepared. Already prepared Easy, Healthy Baked Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Very moist and quite easy to cut. Wok Mei hoisin sauce, which is GF/WF Almond Nut-Thins BBQ flavor, which is pretty much like BBQ-flavored potato chips (without being potato chips) to me without the usual cheese contamination of most other snack companies. This turned out to be surprisingly pleasing for such a thrown-together lunch.

Sling bags can be trouble if the length of the slings isn’t long enough. This can be solved by treating yourself with some cross body sling bags. This zubstore’s Cross Body Sling Bag is the perfect carry on for all your articles like mobile, wallet, make up essentials, and what not. With great looks and generous space, it is sturdy and versatile for all uses. Spacious, this cross body sling bag comes with a stylish and long-lasting exterior. zubstore Sling Bag NBStyles Cherryzubstore - Outer Material: Faux Leather | Closure: Twist Lock ( Pull ‘n’ Turn ) | No. of Compartments: 1 | Dimension: LxWxH – 8.5 x 3 x 6.5 inches - Color: Cherry - Stylish Front with gold fitting and hardware is a Never-out-of-Style combination. - Wide bottom base and 1 large compartment, it is very convenient to put stuff and taking it out. - The PULL ‘n’ TURN twist-lock mechanism. It opens by pulling upwards and then turning to avoid opening on its own by mistake, for safety - Crossbody style is a more casual way of holding sling bags while shopping or traveling as it keeps your hand free and your bag firmly in place or you can simply you can carry it sideways to evening parties and clubbing with your western dresses and gowns. - Care Instructions: Do Not Expose To Extreme Heat. Clean With A Soft Moist Cloth. Keep The Bag Stuffed When Not In Use To Avoid Wrinkles. - County Of Origin: India Add to cart

Care and maintenance instructions for the different materials on your Bolia furniture pieces. Bolia produces furniture that lasts, and with the right amount of care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your furniture. Please note that Bolia’s product warranty is only valid when the proper care and maintenance have been followed as per the instruction guide. Learn all about how to care for and maintain different materials to ensure they get the best conditions for a long life. You may find product care and treatment instructions on the following surfaces on this page: Each sofa type must be treated differently according to its materials, if you want it to maintain its appearance. A sofa will naturally change form and appearance over time. The upholstery on your sofa will change with use, so it’s important that you swap the cushions regularly to ensure even wear and use, as often as you can. Some sofas have reversible cushions, such as the Scandinavia sofa series, and it’s best to distribute the wear as much as possible. Always start by treating your sofa with the right care product, which can be purchased from Danish Design Co. The right care product creates a protective layer, enhances the natural qualities of the material and sofa, and extends the life of your sofa. A care product typically holds for 6 months, so we recommend that you treat your sofa twice a year. For example, a leather sofa may require more moisture and leather cream during the dry months. Depending on your sofa material, read the sections below on Fabric or Leather materials, on this page to learn more about caring for your fabric / leather sofa. Maintaining your Sofa It is recommended you vacuum your sofa every week, at a low setting and with the soft mouthpiece, to prevent the filling from shifting and the fibres being pulled out during vacuuming. If possible, you should move the cushions before vacuuming, to ensure dust that falls between and under the seat cushions are vacuumed off too. Sofas with Down A sofa with down must be beaten hard and frequently. This will help ensure that the cushions don’t become flat and lose their shape. If your cushions have a zip, it’s a good idea to open the zip when beating them, as it will allow more air to enter. Sofas with Foam Bolia’s foam cushions undergo a special foam crushing process before they become a comfortable sofa. The foam crushing process ensures all the air bubbles in the foam are uniform, meaning the foam will keep its shape over many years. A foam sofa has a firmer type of comfort than a down sofa, but a foam sofa still needs to be beaten to make the cushions maintain their natural shape. Wrinkles in the fabric When you start using your new sofas, the fabric will seem relatively tight. After several uses, the fabric and the thin foam just below the fabric will expand relatively quickly, which can cause wrinkles on the fabric. This will typically happen within the first month, depending on how much furniture is used. The material will subsequently expand to a lesser extent. To avoid too many wrinkles, the fabric should be smoothened lightly with your hand, so that any excess material can be redistributed across the cushion. If your sofa is covered with wool fabric, the fabric will contract if you moisten a cloth with demineralised water, place it on the sofa and heat the towel with i.e. an iron at a low heat or a hair dryer. Alternatively, you can moisten a cloth and leave it on the wrinkles overnight. When the wool fabric dries, the wool fibres will contract once again. Wrinkles that occur as a direct result of use are normal. Bolia’s upholstery fabrics are free of dangerous chemicals and almost all are certified according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. Read here how to care for and maintain your furniture, whether it is wool, velour, polyester or cotton. Watch Bolia’s fabric care video above Cotton Care and Maintenance Always start by treating your cotton-upholstered furniture. It is best to use Bolia care products, and the product holds for about half a year, therefore it’s recommended that you treat the product twice a year, or as needed. Cotton is made from natural fibres that are more sensitive to light and heat, and it’s not advisable to place the furniture in direct sunlight as it may cause fading over time. Lighter colours fade less than dark colours, so you should consider your colour selection and placement carefully. Look for the level of light fastness that indicates if the fabric can withstand more or less light. The higher the number, the better the fabric can withstand light and heat. Wool Care and Maintenance Always start by treating your wool-upholstered furniture. It is best to use Bolia care products, and the product holds for about half a year, therefore it’s recommended that you treat the product twice a year, or as needed. It is natural for wool to form some minor wrinkles when used, as it is a stretchy natural material. If wrinkles have formed on your wool fabric, the fabric will contract if you moisten a cloth with demineralised water, then place it on the sofa and heat the cloth i.e. an iron at low heat or a hair dryer. Alternatively, you can moisten a cloth and leave it on the wrinkles overnight. When the wool fabric dries, the wool fibres will contract again. Velour Care and Maintenance Always start by treating your velour-upholstered furniture. Please note that due to the long pile, treating it once may not completely penetrate the fabric and it may be necessary to repeat the treatment. Remember that your furniture should be completely dry before using it after treatment. Press marks may occur on the velour, where the pile has been pressed flat either during transportation or in use. This is normal for velour and is considered a defect. To help restore the original surface, you may use a clean, neutral-coloured piece of fabric that is warm and moist and lay it on top of the velour for an hour. The moisture helps to lift the pile again. You can also use a soft brush dampened with distilled water, but do not use too much water. Do not rub the velour. Light stroking is sufficient to restore the original surface again. Polyester Care and Maintenance Always start by impregnating your furniture. For this, we recommend our care products that have been developed, tested and approved for our polyester. If you impregnate your furniture later, it is important that you clean it thoroughly before using a care product for the first time. As a rule of thumb, a care product lasts about half a year, and we therefore recommend that you repeat the impregnation a couple of times a year or as needed. Polyester and nylon fibres are durable and easy to maintain, and artificial fibres don’t fade to the same extent as i.e. natural fibres such as cotton. Polyester fabrics therefore have a high light fastness, which ensures superior durability. If stains occur, you can use stain cleaner from Bolia’s own care product range, and if the fabric on your furniture is removable, we recommend that you place a clean tea towel between the fabric and the cushion’s filling to prevent the stain from penetrating the cushion fibres and causing long-term damage. Bolia only uses traceable leather to ensure quality and transparency. The leather comes from European cattle and is meticulously checked for defects, pressure marks and other defects, to ensure only the highest quality for your furniture. Please note that when you start using your new furniture, the leather will seem relatively tight. As it is a natural material, the leather will expand with use and leave small, natural folds, which will usually occur within the first month, depending on usage frequency. After which, the leather will subsequently expand to a lesser degree. Watch Bolia’s leather care video above Leather Care and Maintenance Always start by protecting your leather furniture with the right care product. For Quattro Traceable leather, it is recommended to use Bolia’s Leather Protection Creme, while for Austin nubuck, it is recommended to use Bolia’s Leather Protection Spray. Please note that Austin nubuck is more light sensitive and will therefore change colour depending on how much light the surface is exposed to. Leather is generally affected by the room it is in, and therefore heat, cold and light are important considerations. In turn, leather will stay soft and beautiful for many years if you treat it with proper care. Maintaining Leather Furniture It is recommended using a care product 2-4 times a year, which will help soften and protect the leather. In addition, you should wipe the furniture daily with a lint-free cotton cloth that has been well wrung in demineralised water. Avoid spilling or dropping crumbs that contain greasy liquid or food, and never use washing up liquid, sulfo, solvents or other detergents on leather. Wood is a natural, living material that is affected by its environment. Therefore, wood furniture reacts differently according to the room in which it is located. A dry room that’s very warm can cause the wood to dry out and contract, whereas a humid room can cause the wood to expand. Hence, it is important to treat your wood furniture often a few times a year, or whenever needed. Watch Bolia’s wood care video above Maintaining Wood Furniture Generally, a care product lasts half a year – but this depends on temperature fluctuations and how often the table is cleaned. When applying wood oil, you should apply the oil to the entire furniture, i.e. on a solid wood table, the oil should also be applied underneath the table top to ensure the piece of furniture is evenly cared for. Daily Maintenance of Wood Furniture A damp cloth should be used for daily cleaning, while more thorough cleaning can be done with Wood Cleaner, which is part of the Bolia Care Kit. The surface should always be wiped with a clean, dry cloth, and always wipe in the direction of the wood’s grain. Veneer Wood Surfaces Bolia veneer furniture is available with different surface treatments; please refer to the care instructions attached to each product. It is recommended to treat veneer surfaces with Bolia’s care products, specifically for their wood. Fenix laminate is an Italian laminate with a soft and sealed surface, and this prevents bacteria and dirt from settling on the surface. When you brush your fingers over the laminate table top, there will be no prints or streaks left behind. High Pressure Laminate HPL laminate is a high-pressure laminate that is tremendously resistant, making it ideal for both residential and commercial uses. Watch Bolia’s laminate care video above Marble Care and Maintenance Marble is polished and due to its porous nature, it is not entirely closed and sealed on its surface. Once you’ve received your marble furniture, it is advised to treat it immediately with Bolia’s Marble Polish, which helps close the porous surface of the marble and protects the marble. Watch Bolia’s marble care video above If you spill any liquids, it is important that you remove the stain immediately to ensure the liquid does not seep into the marble. You should also make sure to treat it with Bolia Marble Polish as needed. The more often you wipe your marble surface, the more often you’ll need to treat it. If your furniture is prominently displayed in your home, you should treat it once a month. The care product creates a protective membrane that slowly gets washed off, which is why it needs to be maintained regularly. Please note that marble furniture cannot withstand other acidic detergents. Therefore, if you spill something acidic on the surface, you should wash it off immediately. Marble also cannot withstand warm items, which is why we recommend you avoid placing hot plates, saucepans or other hot objects directly on the surface. Bolia’s range of stone furniture includes terrazzo, quartz and concrete. The first two stone types are similar to each other, but the stone binder used in quartz is different to the one used to blend terrazzo, which means the care product has to be different. Terrazzo, Quartz and Concrete Care and Maintenance Terrazzo has a porous surface and requires Bolia Stone Sealer to treat it. Quartz is polished and needs to be sealed with Bolia Marble Polish to ensure lasting durability. Concrete needs to have its surface saturated to protect it. Bolia’s concrete furniture are all pre-treated at the fabrication plant, but it is recommended to treat the surface before, during and after use, to avoid the surface getting damaged. It is advised to use Bolia Stone Sealer for this. All these three types of stone need regular care and daily cleaning with a clean, well-wrung cloth. Natural stone furniture generally cannot withstand acid or other acidic detergents. Therefore, wash any acidic materials off the surface immediately should any spills occur on the surface. Wicker is made from natural, living materials that are affected by their environment, and will therefore according to the room’s condition. A dry room that is very warm can cause the wicker to dry out and contract, whereas a humid room can cause the wicker to expand. It is therefore important to consider where you place your wicker furniture, to ensure it retains its appearance. Wicker Care and Maintenance Generally, wicker furniture is easy to maintain, and wiping the furniture often with a clean, well-wrung cloth is enough to help extend its lifespan. The frequency you clean your designer wicker furniture depends on how often you use it and how prominent its position is in your home. If the furniture is displayed as a centrepiece in your home, you may need to clean it more regularly.

Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins The human small intestine, though modest in diameter and folded compactly to fit into the abdomen, is anything but small. It measures on average about 20 feet from end to end and plays a big role in the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down food and drink from the stomach to absorb the water and nutrients. Also anything but small is the total surface area of the organ’s inner lining, where millions of U-shaped folds in the mucosal tissue triple the available space to absorb the water and nutrients that keep our bodies nourished. If these folds, packed with finger-like absorptive cells called villi, were flattened out, they would be the size of a tennis court! That’s what makes this this microscopic image so interesting. It shows in cross section the symmetrical pattern of the villi (its cells outlined by yellow) that pack these folds. Each cell’s nucleus contains DNA (teal), and the villi themselves are fringed by thousands of tiny bristles, called microvilli (magenta), which are too small to see individually here. Collectively, microvilli make up an absorptive surface, called the brush border, where digested nutrients in the fluid passing through the intestine can enter cells via transport channels. Amy Engevik, a researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, took this snapshot to show what a healthy intestinal cellular landscape looks like in a young mouse. The Engevik lab studies the dynamic movement of ions, water, and proteins in the intestine—a process that goes wrong in humans born with a rare disorder called microvillus inclusion disease (MVID). MVID causes chronic gastrointestinal problems in newborn babies, due to defects in a protein that transports various cellular components. Because they cannot properly absorb nutrition from food, these tiny patients require intravenous feeding almost immediately, which carries a high risk for sepsis and intestinal injury. Engevik and her team study this disease using a mouse model that replicates many of the characteristics of the disorder in humans . Interestingly, when Engevik gets together with her family, she isn’t the only one talking about MVID and villi. Her two sisters, Mindy and Kristen, also study the basic science of gastrointestinal disorders! Instead of sibling rivalry, though, this close alliance has strengthened the quality of her research, says Amy, who is the middle child. Beyond advancing science and nurturing sisterhood in science, Engevik’s work also captured the fancy of the judges for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology’s annual BioArt Scientific Image and Video Competition. Her image was one of 10 winners announced in December 2020. Because multiple models are useful for understanding fundamentals of diseases like MVID, Engevik has also developed a large-animal model (pig) that has many features of the human disease . She hopes that her efforts will help to improve our understanding of MVID and other digestive diseases, as well as lead to new, potentially life-saving treatments for babies suffering from MVID. Loss of MYO5B Leads to reductions in Na+ absorption with maintenance of CFTR-dependent Cl- secretion in enterocytes. Engevik AC, Kaji I, Engevik MA, Meyer AR, Weis VG, Goldstein A, Hess MW, Müller T, Koepsell H, Dudeja PK, Tyska M, Huber LA, Shub MD, Ameen N, Goldenring JR. Gastroenterology. 2018 Dec;155(6):1883-1897.e10. Editing myosin VB gene to create porcine model of microvillus inclusion disease, with microvillus-lined inclusions and alterations in sodium transporters. Engevik AC, Coutts AW, Kaji I, Rodriguez P, Ongaratto F, Saqui-Salces M, Medida RL, Meyer AR, Kolobova E, Engevik MA, Williams JA, Shub MD, Carlson DF, Melkamu T, Goldenring JR. Gastroenterology. 2020 Jun;158(8):2236-2249.e9. Microvillus inclusion disease (Genetic and Rare Diseases Center/NIH) Digestive Diseases (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases/NIH) Amy Engevik (Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston) Podcast: A Tale of Three Sisters featuring Drs. Mindy, Amy, and Kristen Engevik (The Immunology Podcast, April 29, 2021) BioArt Scientific Image and Video Competition (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Bethesda, MD) NIH Support: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins You might think nutrient-sensing cells in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract would have no connection whatsoever to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But if Diego Bohórquez’s “big idea” is correct, these GI cells, called neuropods, could one day help to provide a direct link into understanding and treating some aspects of autism and other brain disorders. Bohórquez, a researcher at Duke University, Durham, NC, recently discovered that cells in the intestine, previously known for their hormone-releasing ability, form extensions similar to neurons. He also found that those extensions connect to nerve fibers in the gut, which relay signals to the vagus nerve and onward to the brain. In fact, he found that those signals reach the brain in milliseconds . Bohórquez has dedicated his lab to studying this direct, high-speed hookup between gut and brain and its impact on nutrient sensing, eating, and other essential behaviors. Now, with support from a 2019 NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, he will also explore the potential for treating autism and other brain disorders with drugs that act on the gut. Bohórquez became interested in autism and its possible link to the gut-brain connection after a chance encounter with Geraldine Dawson, director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development. Dawson mentioned that autism typically affects multiple organ systems. With further reading, he discovered that kids with autism frequently cope with GI issues, including bowel inflammation, abdominal pain, constipation, and/or diarrhea . They often also show unusual food-related behaviors, such as being extremely picky eaters. But his curiosity was especially piqued by evidence that certain gut microbes can influence abnormal behaviors in mice that model autism. With his New Innovator Award, Bohórquez will study neuropods and the gut-brain connection in a mouse model of autism. Using the tools of optogenetics, which make it possible to activate cells with light, he’ll also see whether autism-like symptoms in mice can be altered or alleviated by controlling neuropods in the gut. Those symptoms include anxiety, repetitive behaviors, and lack of interest in interacting with other mice. He’ll also explore changes in the animals’ eating habits. In another line of study, he will take advantage of intestinal tissue samples collected from people with autism. He’ll use those tissues to grow and then examine miniature intestinal “organoids,” looking for possible evidence that those from people with autism are different from others. For the millions of people now living with autism, no truly effective drug therapies are available to help to manage the condition and its many behavioral and bodily symptoms. Bohórquez hopes one day to change that with drugs that act safely on the gut. In the meantime, he and his fellow “GASTRONAUTS” look forward to making some important and fascinating discoveries in the relatively uncharted territory where the gut meets the brain. A gut-brain neural circuit for nutrient sensory transduction. Kaelberer MM, Buchanan KL, Klein ME, Barth BB, Montoya MM, Shen X, Bohórquez DV. Science. 2018 Sep 21;361(6408). Association of maternal report of infant and toddler gastrointestinal symptoms with autism: evidence from a prospective birth cohort. Bresnahan M, Hornig M, Schultz AF, Gunnes N, Hirtz D, Lie KK, Magnus P, Reichborn-Kjennerud T, Roth C, Schjølberg S, Stoltenberg C, Surén P, Susser E, Lipkin WI. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 May;72(5):466-474. Autism Spectrum Disorder (National Institute of Mental Health/NIH) Bohórquez Lab (Duke University, Durham, NC) Bohórquez Project Information (NIH RePORTER) NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (Common Fund) NIH Support: Common Fund; National Institute of Mental Health Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins Most of us think of mucus as little more than slimy and somewhat yucky stuff that’s easily ignored until you come down with a cold like the one I just had. But, when it comes to our health, there’s much more to mucus than you might think. Mucus covers the moist surfaces of the human body, including the eyes, nostrils, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. In fact, the average person makes more than a liter of mucus each day! It houses trillions of microbes and serves as a first line of defense against the subset of those microorganisms that cause infections. For these reasons, NIH-funded researchers, led by Katharina Ribbeck, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, are out to gain a greater understanding of the biology of healthy mucus—and then possibly use that knowledge to develop new therapeutics. Ribbeck’s team used a scanning electron microscope to take the image of mucus you see above. You’ll notice right away that mucus doesn’t look like simple slime at all. In fact, if you could zoom into this complex web, you’d discover it’s made up of mucin proteins and glycans, which are sugar molecules that resemble bottle brushes. Ribbeck and her colleagues recently discovered that the glycans in healthy mucus play a long-overlooked role in “taming” bacteria that might make us ill . This work builds on their previous findings that mucus interferes with bacterial behavior, preventing these bugs from attaching to surfaces and communicating with each other . In their new study, published in Nature Microbiology, Ribbeck, lead author Kelsey Wheeler, and their colleagues studied mucus and its interactions with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterium is a common cause of serious lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis or compromised immune systems. The researchers found that in the presence of glycans, P. aeruginosa was rendered less harmful and infectious. The bacteria also produced fewer toxins. The findings show that it isn’t just that microbes get trapped in a tangled web within mucus, but rather that glycans have a special ability to moderate the bugs’ behavior. The researchers also have evidence of similar interactions between mucus and other microorganisms, such as those responsible for yeast infections. The new study highlights an intriguing strategy to tame, rather than kill, bacteria to manage infections. In fact, Ribbeck views mucus and its glycans as a therapeutic gold mine. She hopes to apply what she’s learned to develop artificial mucus as an anti-microbial therapeutic for use inside and outside the body. Not bad for a substance that you might have thought was nothing more than slimy stuff. Mucin glycans attenuate the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in infection. Wheeler KM, Cárcamo-Oyarce G, Turner BS, Dellos-Nolan S, Co JY, Lehoux S, Cummings RD, Wozniak DJ, Ribbeck K. Nat Microbiol. 2019 Oct 14. Mucins trigger dispersal of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. Co JY, Cárcamo-Oyarce, Billings N, Wheeler KM, Grindy SC, Holten-Andersen N, Ribbeck K. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2018 Oct 10;4:23. Cystic Fibrosis (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/NIH) Video: Chemistry in Action—Katharina Ribbeck (YouTube) Katharina Ribbeck (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge) NIH Support: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; National Institute of General Medical Sciences; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins For Salmonella and many other disease-causing bacteria that find their way into our bodies, infection begins with a poke. That’s because these bad bugs are equipped with a needle-like protein filament that punctures the outer membrane of human cells and then, like a syringe, injects dozens of toxic proteins that help them replicate. Cammie Lesser at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, and her colleagues are now on a mission to bioengineer strains of bacteria that don’t cause disease to make these same syringes, called type III secretion systems. The goal is to use such “good” bacteria to deliver therapeutic molecules, rather than toxins, to human cells. Their first target is the gastrointestinal tract, where they hope to knock out hard-to-beat bacterial infections or to relieve the chronic inflammation that comes with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A hair transplant is a procedure in which the doctor moves the hair from the back or the side of the head to the front or top of the head where there is thin or no hair. Hair transplants are generally performed under local anesthetic and are a daycare procedure. There are many factors that can cause hair loss or baldness including: A hair transplant procedure can take up to 4-5 hours. About ten days after surgery, the stitches will be removed. One single session of hair transplant is usually enough for most people. However, those with large bald areas or successive hair loss may need a couple of sessions to achieve expected results. The doctor uses a tiny needle to numb the head with a local anesthetic after thoroughly cleaning the scalp. FUT and FUE are the two techniques for obtaining follicles for transplantation. After the surgery, the scalp is likely to become very tender for a few weeks. Medications need to be taken for a few days. Along with that, the doctor might ask to wear bandages over the scalp for at least a day or two. The patient will be able to return to work after 2-5 days of the operation. After 3-4 weeks of surgery, the transplanted hair will start coming out, and one might start noticing immense improvement within a few months. Most likely 60% of new hair growth will be observed after 6 to 9 months. The doctor might suggest the hair-growing drug minoxidil (Rogaine) to improve hair growth after transplantation. Small crusts will form on each graft within 24 hours, which will be shed in 2-3 weeks. Within 2-4 months, the transplanted hair will start growing back, and complete results will be obtained after the procedure. Some patients may develop modest swelling in the forehead area for a few days, which will subside in 3–4 days. To reduce swelling, patients may be instructed to apply moist compresses or sprays and sleep in a semi-upright position for 2–3 days after the treatment. Side effects of hair transplant are very rare and if any, it goes away very quickly. Temporary risks/ side effects may include: Getting a hair transplant can improve the appearance and confidence of the individual. Suitable candidates for a hair transplant include: Q.1 When can results be seen after a hair transplant? Ans. Results can be seen between 6-9 months after the surgery. For some of the patients, this duration might vary. But it will not take more than 12 months to see the final results. The hair that is transplanted will fall out between the second and eighth week after the surgery. In the third month, the hair might appear to look thinner than what was earlier but this is considered to be normal. Q.2 What are the factors on which the cost of Hair Transplant depends? Ans. Hair Transplant cost in Bangalore at DNA Skin Clinic depends on the following elements: Q.3 Is hair transplant a painful procedure? Ans. Hair transplantation is done under local anesthetic using injections into the scalp. There are numerous methods for reducing and keeping pain to a minimum. An ant bite feeling might be experienced at the injection site, which is easily bearable. Q.4 Is hair transplant a safe procedure? Ans. Most people feel afraid of the term ‘surgery’. But, one should know that hair transplant surgery is a less complicated and safe procedure. However, hair transplants should always be performed by a qualified doctor in a sterile OT set-up. Q.5 Is hair transplant a permanent procedure? Ans. Yes, the transplanted hair is permanent. It looks and grows the same as natural hair. Q.6 Why is growth factor therapy required with hair transplant surgery? Ans. It is not a requirement as such because hair transplant can be performed without combining it with growth factor therapy. Although, most hair transplant surgeons combine these procedures to enhance the results. The following are some of the benefits of the growth factor therapy: Q.7 Is it possible to go bald again after a hair transplant? Ans. The patient will not experience baldness in the treated area after the hair transplant surgery. The hair follicles which are taken from the back and sides of the head do not fall out. Q.8 When can I touch my transplanted hair? Ans. It is necessary to be cautious for the first 2 weeks after getting a hair transplant. One needs to be careful because grafts are not fixed immediately after transplantation. Bandages can be removed after 3-5 days but make sure not to touch the grafts. Q.9 Does transplanted hair look artificial? Ans. The hair that grows after transplant looks completely natural as the patient’s own hair grafts are used and not any artificial material. Q.10 Is there any downtime after a hair transplant? Ans. The downtime depends on the type of surgery one chooses. If you have got an FUE hair transplant done, the recovery will take up to a week with very less activity restrictions. Hair transplantation | Dr. Priyanka Reddy | DNA Skin Clinic | Female Hair Transplant | LIVE Hair Transplant Surgery for PCOS patient | Dr. Priyanka Reddy.

Earlier than using your fireplace extinguisher, you should definitely read the instructions before it is too late. Although there are many several types of hearth extinguishers, all of them operate in an analogous method. The Coast Guard does not test materials or techniques for approval however fairly specifies the required test strategies and minimum performance standards for approval. Product testing should be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Unbiased Laboratory. Figuring out the several types of fireplace extinguishers just isn’t enough. It’s also necessary that you understand how to make use of the extinguisher. When it’s worthwhile to use the gadget, think of the acronym PASS. It stands for pull, goal, squeeze, and sweep. You should remember that a fireplace extinguisher is a precision piece of equipment and there are several reasons why they should be disposed of within the appropriate method. Notice: In case of fireside, your first duty is to flee unhurt and sound the alarm. Use a hearth extinguisher only when you’ve got been skilled to use one and you’ve got a transparent exit path behind you. It’s a good suggestion to always preserve a fireplace extinguisher within the kitchen away from sources of heat such because the stove or cooking surfaces. You can too use a hearth blanket as an alternative choice to a moist chemical extinguisher for cooking oil and fats fires. Digits five through nine symbolize the day and yr of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled items manufactured in 2013 are XXXX 20413 X by means of XXXX 36513 X and 2014 are XXXX 00114 X through XXXX 28814 X. Word: Cartridge-operated extinguishers should be visually examined, but do not require a verification of service collar. Specs for fire extinguishers are set out in the usual AS/NZS 1841, the latest version being launched in 2007. All hearth extinguishers must be painted signal pink. Aside from water extinguishers, each extinguisher has a coloured band close to the top, protecting at least 10% of the extinguisher’s body length, specifying its contents. Many native hearth departments will happily reveal to you how one can use a fire extinguisher. Name your native one to search out out more. You will have to set up a time to do that. Many towns have monthly demonstrations.

Super moist Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins loaded with hints of cinnamon and pumpkin spice in every single bite. I know I know, there are a lot – and I mean A LOT – of pumpkin chocolate chip muffin recipes out there, thousands of pages come up in a Google search. But everyone needs a go-to pumpkin chocolate chip recipe, and this is mine. Chalk it up to October pumpkin overload, or slip it in the back of your if-I-ever-need-this-recipe book – whatever. I made them, I photographed them, I’m sharing them, do with them what you will folks. There are two things I love about this recipe. Actually three. First thing, they’re easy as pie. Two bowls, no special tricks. Second, they are really really moist. Not soggy moist, because ewe, gross… we’ve all been there and it’s not a pretty moment. Fear not, that is not what’s happening with these muffins, these are just perfectly moist. And the third thing I love? Chocolate chocolate and more chocolate. I’m gonna let you in a little secret. I always stir only half of the the chocolate chips into the muffin batter. The other half I save until the batter is in the muffin tins. Then I sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips right on top. This way you can make sure you get chocolate in ever. single. bite. And that’s it! The secret to these chocolate-loaded muffins. Dig in! Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins - 1 ¾ cups flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 2 teaspoons cinnamon - ½ teaspoon pumpkin spice seasoning - see note - ¾ teaspoon salt - 2 eggs - ¾ cup sugar - ½ cup brown sugar - 1 ½ cup pumpkin puree - ½ cup vegetable oil - ¼ cup milk - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt. - In a large bowl mix together eggs, sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. - Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. - Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool before removing from pan. Serve immediately or store in airtight container at room temperature.

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You're Here: Home » Recipes » Curries (All Types). Sprinkle five-spice powder and salt over sliced duck; add to the pan. Prepare and slice your pineapple into bite-sized chunks. Thank you for supporting my website , Links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Remove pan from stove and add the lime juice. When the lemon slices have browned slightly, add orange juice, and stir oranges until the mixture starts to simmer. Wash the grapes and again if you have really big grapes then these should be halved. Stir fry about 30 … Turn the heat under the pan to high and cook until the duck skin browns and becomes to crisp. The simple steamed greens, crispy chilli, ginger and garlic, and the tangy dressing provide the perfect backdrop for a perfectly cooked duck breast. Add the duck fat or peanut oil, and the moment it begins to smoke, add the garlic, chiles and the white part of the scallions. Wash and rinse the duck using plenty of cold running water. Fold the neck skin under the body. Remove the duck breasts the pan from the heat and let the breasts cool in the pan for about 5 minutes while you make the orange sauce. I publish my authentic Thai Food Recipes here for all to enjoy around the world. Together with the rich duck meat you have a blend made in heaven! Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in the wok; when smoking hot, add the duck slices. When cooked you can wrap in tin foil until you are ready to add to the curry. The secret to tenderness is to roast the duck until pink and then add it to the cooking red curry. Remove the skin from the duck and discard it. Rub the duck, inside and out with the ginger, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper. I really hope you enjoy this dish and if you cook it I would love to hear your comments below so please come back and let me know how it turned out for you. NOTE: Any In-recipe images can be toggled on and off with the camera icons next to the Instructions header. Season with salt and pepper, cook till the duck pieces are done but juicy and tender. Slice the duck breasts into 1/8th inch (2-3mm) thick slices. s with your fingers. You can also place the duck breasts on an open grid rack and bake in your convection oven after waiting for it to heat up. Planning on Making this Recipe?It would be great if you could take a picture of your finished creation and share it out on Instagram. A piquant marinade brings out the succulence of duck meat, stir-fried to seal in its juices. Try serving with plain wheat or rice noodles, or rice. When the coconut milk is quite hot add in the red curry paste and stir continuously to break down the paste and mix into the hot milk. An alternative cooking method is to pan-fry in minimal oil until pink. How to Make Thai Red Curry with Roast Duck with Cooking Tips – Step by Step, Step 3 Liven Up Shop Bought Red Curry paste, Thai Red Duck Curry with Roast Duck Recipe, Easy Wonton Noodle Soup Recipe – Thai Bar Mee Kiew Nahm, Making Lemongrass Tea – Thai Iced Lemongrass Tea Recipe, Thai Drunken Noodles Recipe – Pad Kee Mao Seafood, Authentic Pad See Ew Recipe – Thai Stir Fried Dark Soy Sauce Noodle Dish, Homemade Flat Wide Rice Noodles for Stir Fry – Thai Sen Yai, 7 Food Safety & Food Storage Best Practices, Essentials to Stock Up On in an Emergency, Moderately Hot Chili Peppers Substitutions, Small Eggplants (Pea Eggplants if Available). I am a Thai mum and love cooking for my children. Place the orange slices in the hot pan and sprinkle with sugar. This tightens the skin and helps to make the skin crisp when cooked. Keep everyone else in the house away so they don’t steal and eat these irresistible slices before you get a chance to finish. Pat the ducks dry and season them liberally with salt and pepper. Place the breasts, skin-side down into a heavy cast iron skillet or frying pan set on low to medium heat. Wash the cherry tomatoes and slice into two if they are quite large. Drain the breast on paper towels and slice for serving. When cooked remove the duck and drain well on kitchen paper. Increase the heat to high and fry for another 2-4 minutes to brown the skins. If I can do it so can you! Lay the duck breasts skin down onto the pan straight away, not waiting for the pan to warm through. After frying gently for 7-12 … There is nothing quite so exciting, yet at the same time comforting, as the first time you get to eat a great Thai Duck Red Curry. Reduce to simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, reducing the liquid a little. Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce KitchenAid. Get a wok or large frying pan very hot over a strong burner. Whichever method you use, cook only until the duck is pink and bear in mind that the duck will be cooked a little more in the hot red curry sauce later. Grind into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle before adding in the shop-bought red curry paste and mixing together thoroughly with the pestle. To prep the duck breasts, set each one between two pieces of plastic wrap, or better yet, a freezer … Season the eggs with salt and pepper; whisk well and keep aside. Recipe Tips. Crispy skin duck is served with various sauces and spices. Over the years, I have taken my family recipes as well as ones borrowed from friends and adapted them to make them even tastier. 1 cup of fresh spinach or 2 heads baby cos lettuce with leaves separated, 3 Spring Onions, thinly sliced on an angle, 2 medium carrots, peeled and then julienned or shredded, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped, 1 Whole Fresh Duck, about 2kg or 4 lb in size with neck removed, Two duck breasts, warmed to room temperature, 250 g (8 oz) blood plums, soft and ripe, sliced cut in half, 1 tablespoon fresh green peppercorns (ground). Once the curry tastes right, add in the holy basil and stir to wilt. Then turn the pieces over and cook the other side. In a large wok on medium high heat, add about 1 tbsp of vegetable oil and fry the red onion and sugar snaps for 1-2 minutes. Remove the duck from the oven and let stand for 15 minutes before carving. Turn the heat off and let the breast cook slowly (3-5 minutes) in the residual heat to cool slightly before serving. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and longer if you wish. Add more coconut milk as you go to make a smooth sauce. Heat a heavy-based frying pan until medium-hot, then lay the duck breasts, fat side down, in the hot pan. Red Thai Duck Curry Recipe | myfoodbook | Easy Red Duck Curry Katie often comes to the market to learn how to pick fruit and work her way into my good books for ice cream. For the spice paste, dry-fry the peppercorns, cumin seeds and coriander seeds in a frying pan without any oil for 4-5 minutes, to release the flavours. Enjoy! 404 suggested recipes. Remove any excess fat from the neck and body cavity. Step 2 Roast the Heat the oil to 360 degrees in a deep, heavy pot or Dutch oven, leaving a 4- to 6-inch gap between the oil and the top of the pot. Transfer to jug for serving with the duck.Using a large knife or cleaver, cut the duck into medium size pieces. When cooked, remove duck from pan and allow to cool a little before serving.To make the curry paste, fry the garlic, red curry paste, peppercorns, chillies in the pan with duck fat for 1-2 minutes. Stir to dissolve out the sugars and then add the tamarind paste for a little tang, continuing to stir until you have a smooth pink-colored curry sauce. TastyThais.com is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases without any cost to you at all. 1/3 cup Thai basil leaves (optional) Method: Cook the rice as per packet instructions; drain and keep aside. Turn again and continue roasting and turning until the duck skin is brown and crisp, all over. If you like this recipe then you might also like our creamy steamed salmon curry recipe which tastes awesome. Taste again and adjust sweetness and salt adding sugar or fish sauce to get your desired balance. Add duck mixture and stir. The Chinese have been roasting ducks for hundreds of years and the ultimate crispy duck is Peking duck, but mostly what you buy in restaurants is produced using a much simpler and quicker process via roasting or frying whole ducks or pieces of duck. Then add garlic and brown sugar and continue to pound into a moist paste. Just add cumin seed and coriander seed into your frying pan and dry roast for a minute. Step 2. This search takes into account your taste preferences. Serve on a bed of freshly steamed rice on individual plates or in a bowl with steamed rice. But it really is not so hard – at least duck breasts aren’t. Cover and place in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors for at least 2 hours – longer if you wish. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili and stir-fry until … When you have thoroughly incorporated the coconut milk and red curry paste, add in the brown sugar and palm sugar and season with fish sauce and a little extra salt. Add the sambal / Thai chilli paste and continue to fry until it becomes fragrant but Smaller cherry tomatoes that can easily fit into your mouth can be used as-is. This recipe provides a great Thai dipping sauce to eat with fried or roasted chicken. The alternative is to buy seedless grapes haha!! Using a sharp fork or knife, prick the skin all over. The recipe is easy despite quite a lot of different ingredients. Last updated Jan 03, 2021. Remove and keep aside. Place a heavy cat iron frying pan on the stove set to a moderate heat. Discard any fat and excess liquid from the pan. Bring to the boil and add your choice of garnishes such as bell pepper slices, basil,coriander, kaffir lime leaves.Ladle portions of the curry into serving bowls and put slices of crispy duck on top. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and longer if you wish. After frying gently for 7-12 minutes, the fat will have dissolved away from the skin. Place basket over a large saucepan of boiling water and steam, covered with a tight-fitting lid, until duck is cooked through (1½ hours; to test, insert a small knife between leg and breast – the juices should run clear). lemongrass, peanut oil, coconut milk, Thai chili, water, galangal and 7 more . Bake the duck on the rack in the pan, uncovered for about 6 to 8 hours, rotating 2-4 times during this period through. Brush the outside of the duck on all sides with one cup of the hoisin sauce, rubbing it in. 1 fresh chili or 3/4 teaspoon dried crushed chili. Wash and drain duck breast and dab dry with a paper kitchen towel. Refrigerate the duck on the rack in the pan for about 4 hours. Thoroughly dry the duck, inside and out, and rub with salt, pepper and any spices that you want to use. Put duck breast, pounded herbs, and other marinade ingredients into a bowl and work the marinade into the duck breasts with your fingers. Cover the duck with a towel or foil and allow to marinate for 406 hours or overnight.Put the duck into a large steamer basket and suspend it over a pan of boiling water, cover with a tight-fitting lid and steam for about 90 minutes, or until the duck is tender and cooked inside (test the juices with a skewer). Heat the oil in a large … Shake and pat dry with paper towels. You should see the nice pink color in the center of the duck slices. Recipe by: Brenda Houghton Duck and Pepper Stir Fry 2 reviews . Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If using a block of tamarind instead of a ready-made paste, place 25g/1oz seedless tamarind pulp in a bowl and cover with 100ml/3½fl oz just-boiled water. Turn the slices and sprinkle the other side with sugar. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Ingredients. Cook until the sugar has started to caramelize in the lemon juice and left-overs from the duck. Pan-fried duck breast with pak choi & asparagus. Remove from the oven and turn the duck over, and drain any liquid into the pan. Fry for 3-4 mins until the skin’s crisp and golden, then turn over and fry for a further 6-8 mins until the duck’s cooked to your liking. Step 3. The Video showing this recipe being cooked is near the top of the page – A convenient Jump Link to the video is below the description under here. Well, it’s hot so fair enough right? Add the stock and coconut milk and bring to the boil.Add the grapes, lychees, pineapples, tomatoes, sugar and fish sauce. Stir continually to ensure a smooth consistency and pale pink coloring.. Add in the tamarind paste and mix well, cooking for a minute or two and then add the fish sauce and taste for balance. https://thedeepestfry.com/a-simple-and-quick-guide-to-deep-frying-duck Add in the small eggplants and cook for a minute or two before adding in the sliced duck, pineapple, tomatoes, grapes, and torn kaffir lime leaves and stir up. If you are not careful the duck meat will overcook and become tough and that is why some people avoid cooking duck. Finally, add in the basil leaves and stir in until wilted which will take about 45 seconds to a minute. Dry the breasts and rub the skins with the salt and spices and score the skin diagonally with a sharp knife without cutting deeply into the flesh. Recipes for some of these sauces are also included. Combine the salt and five-spice powder an all over the rub duck. Taste to check for the balance between salt, savory and sweet tastes. 8 to 9 chicken pieces, drumsticks, wings, or other pieces (smaller pieces cook fastest) 2 to 3 cups oil for frying. Simple Fried Duck Breasts Recipe with Crispy Skin. Add in the brown sugar and mix into the paste which will be fairly coarse. Skip. If using shop-bought paste then liven it up by mixing with some dry roasted and pounded cumin and coriander seed. James Sommerin's delicious duck recipe calls for a delightful honey and maple marinade Also, ensure grapes and tomatoes are halved if oversize. Slice the pieces and serve with the hot plum sauce. Add a little coconut milk into a medium-large pan big enough to hold all the ingredients. Continue adding more coconut milk reserving a little for thinning the curry sauce you are making, if necessary, later. This recipe with Roast Duck is the best because the duck is kept tender whilst absorbing the tastes and flavors of the Thai red curry. For the Spice Paste: 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander (leaves and stems) 6 to 7 cloves garlic. Crispy skin duck is one of the delights of Chinese and Thai cooking, and although steeped with mystery, you can easily created it yourself using some simple recipes and some magical tips which are outlined in this article. Rub the skin all over with good shakes of Sichuan pepper and salt. Serve immediately with freshly steamed jasmine rice. To make the red curry sauce, add some coconut milk into the pan you will use to cook the curry and heat up using a low to medium heat. The Red Curry with Roasted Duck Recipe is Served! The recipe … Serve with steamed jasmine rice. Cover duck and refrigerate overnight to marinate. Let the duck cool and pour any water that has collected in the body cavity into the pan. Score the skin of the breasts, right through to the the flesh to form skin strips. Wait until the skin has started to brown and then flip the breast over and cook the other side for about two minutes on moderate heat and two minutes on high heat. Using a pestle and mortar, pound white peppercorns into a powder before adding chopped coriander/cilantro root, a sprinkle of salt and garlic and pound into a paste. Turn the duck breasts over( skin-side up) and cook on moderate heat for another 3-5 minutes until the duck surface starts to caramelize. After cooking is complete, wrap the breasts in foil to keep moist if not using immediately. They’ll try! Place the breasts, skin-side down into a heavy cast iron skillet or frying pan set on low to medium heat. Preheat the oven to 85 degrees C (175 degrees F). A delcious Thai red curry made with moist and tender roasted duck combined with pineapple and grapes, tomatoes and several other ingredients. This will allow to skin to becomes very crisp and dry. Add more fish sauce, salt or sugar to get the taste you prefer. Cook well until the pieces are well browned and crispy. Next, thoroughly clean the duck inside and out and dry with paper towels. … If using fresh paste you can skip this step. Deep-fry the duck pieces halves several at a time cooking for about 3 minutes per batch. Heat oil in wok or fry pan over medium high heat. Stir-fry for 1 minute. You may even want to halve medium-sized grapes in order to remove any pips if you prefer not to eat these. Tag me with #TASTYTHAIEATS – I love to see your ideas! Two duck breasts, warmed to room temperature; Salt, pepper and spices to taste; Dry the breasts and rub the skins with the salt and spices and score the skin diagonally with a sharp knife without cutting deeply into the flesh. Difficulty Not too tricky . 15 Minutes or Less 30 Minutes or Less 45 Minutes or Less No Restrictions. This will release a wonderful aroma and also make it easier to grind them in the mortar. 25 min. A simple, yet delicious Chinese dish. If you make the red curry paste at home from scratch then you can skip this step. ” Serves 2 . Increase the oven temperature to very hot 250 degrees C (480 degrees F). Add the cooked rice, a couple of eggs, frozen peas, plus my own special Thai sauce, and you have a fried rice recipe that is sure to please everyone, even your kids. The steps to make the curry are simple though and apart from the time marinading it does not require a lot of hands-on time. Clean the marinade off the duck breasts and place skin side down into your air fryer. Cook in an air fryer or fan-assisted convection oven at 180 degrees centigrade on an open rack which will allow airflow for 10 minutes. Dairy-free df “Duck works brilliantly with Asian flavours. Don't turn the duck over or move the pieces until the skin is brown and crisp. Season 2 duck breast fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy! Add stock and sugar and stir. Place the duck breasts, skin-down, onto a cold frying pan or cast iron skillet (do not oil or grease the pan). In this easy fried rice recipe, fresh or frozen shrimp are quickly stir-fried with garlic and onions. Cooks In 20 minutes . Cook until the cause reduces in volume and thickens slightly. Remove the duck from the oven. Discard liquid remaining in the roasting pan. You will be supporting us - Thanks -, Best Thai Red Curry with Roasted Duck, Pineapple & Grapes - Kaeng Phed Ped Yang. The fat under the skin will slowly dissolve and liquefy and this will brown the skin and make it crisp. Cook at 180 degrees celsius for 10 minutes – until the duck breast is pink inside. Duck is stir-fried with garlic, onions, beansprouts and peppers. Cut the breasts into thin strips. Add sliced white onion and fry for 1 minute. Squeeze the lemon halves over the duck and place the lemon pieces inside the cavity of the duck. Total roasting time is generally about 2-3 hours, depending on your oven. If you want a little thinner curry sauce then top up with a little coconut milk until you have the thickness you prefer. Preheat the oven to about 420 degrees F (230 degrees C). If you are not making your own red curry paste then you can liven up shop-bought paste to make it taste so much better. Thai Duck Sauce Recipes 404 Recipes. heat the pan on medium heat and when warm add in the red curry paste stirring to mix the paste well and smoothly into the coconut milk. Roast again, breast-side down again for another 45 minutes. Season the skin with lots of pepper and salt. Link to the Video if it does not load above. The perfect way to cook a duck breast. Add basil and stir. Replace the duck on the rack in the baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until the skin is crispy and sticky (test is and roast for an extra few minutes if required). Tip: The air fryer makes easy work of this because of its compact size and instantly ready features. Thai dipping sauces vary greatly but this one is our favorite to eat with chicken cooked this way. Add the fish sauce, plumbs and spices and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Asian. Pour the orange sauce over the duck breast when you serve them. Leave the breasts undisturbed for 10 minutes. Add the small eggplants first and allow to cook for a minute in your simmering red curry sauce two before adding the sliced duck, pineapple, grapes, cherry tomatoes and kaffir lime leaves. When I get a chance to travel I publish information to help others visiting Thailand. If using an oven then you will need to pre-heat it to temperature before putting the breasts in. Add the paste to the duck breasts in a bowl and add soy sauce. Alternatively, you can heat a little oil and pan-fry the duck breasts. Remove the duck and cool down in a refrigerator.In the meantime you can prepare the plum sauce by combining the sugar and water in a small pan and bringing to the boil. Then toss the pieces in flour to lightly coat. Add bell pepper and onion and stir fry 1 min. To roast the duck you will need a wire rack that can be set into a medium deep tray. Add extra coconut milk if you prefer a slightly thinner soup/sauce. Cut up the pineapple and if you wish half and remove the seeds from your grapes if not seedless. Replace the duck onto the rack, above the pan, and roast, breast side up for about 45 minutes. Take off the stem and center spine of the kaffir lime leaves and remove the basil leaves from their stems too. You will need a rack that can be placed in a baking pan to suspend the duck over the base of the pan. Scrape off the marinade paste from the breasts with your fingers or a flat blade. Perfect Turkey Gravy … Links disclosure: Some links on this page go to affiliate partners where, without cost to you, we may receive a commission if you make a purchase. The pan collects the drips and the refrigerator dried out the skin so it will crisp. Place the duck, breast-side up on the rack in the pan and pour the boiling water over the duck, collecting the liquid in the pan. Remove any excess fat from inside and around the outside of the gut cavity. Place your roasted duck breasts on a cutting board skin side down, and slice into fairly thin slices about 1/8th inch (2-3mm) thick. 2 Transfer duck to a large steamer basket. Learn how to make fragrant and tasty crispy skin duck the easy way. Serve with freshly cooked white rice, for lunch or dinner. To make the marinade: Place the star anise, grated ginger, rice wine, peppercorns, salt, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce, into a bowl, and stir to combine. Remove the duck from the oven and allow to cook at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Massage the marinade well into the duck breasts with your fingers. Using a pestle and mortar, pound the white pepper well before adding cilantro or coriander root with a little salt to assist the grinding as you pound. , above the pan orange sauce over the duck using plenty of cold running water the lemon pieces the... Taste so much better pepper and salt over sliced duck thai fried duck recipe add to the market to learn how to fruit... Noodles, or rice noodles, or rice with paper towels and slice for serving with plain or... Cumin and coriander seed into your frying pan until medium-hot, then lay duck. ( all Types ) and the refrigerator dried out the succulence of duck will. 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Answer to: Which of the following is not an adaptation of animals living in the arctic tundra? How do reindeer find enough food in the tundra? Just as fur traps air and acts as an insulator in animals, hairy outgrowths on plants keeps their temperature more moderate and prevents freezing. There are three types of tundra: Tundra biome animals adaptations. Animal adaptations migration and hibernation are examples of behavioral adaptations used by animals in the arctic tundra. Answer. Arctic tundra animals, Polar, Arctic Fox Adaptations Arctic fox adaptations, Arctic, Watch the puzzle I've completed with Puzzles & Jigsaws, The tundra region is the coldest biome existing on Earth, Marine Ecosystems Marine ecosystem, Students and Biomes, "Biorama" biome diorama made by one of my 3rd grade, Arctic Tundra Biome School Project Biome Arctic, biome diorama Biomes and ecosystems Pinterest Biomes, Biome GO Biomes, Animal adaptations, Adaptations, Tundra Ecosystems projects, Biomes project, Ecosystems, The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), also known as the white, 3D tundra biome produced as group work. They also have a shorter nose, ear, and legs, so that. They have to have special adaptations to allow them to live in extreme conditions and low temperatures. Like we said earlier, the credit for this goes to their superb adaptation skills. Animals in the tundra survive thanks to harboring multiple. camouflage that changes with the seasons. The tundra region is the coldest biome existing on earth. Animals of the Arctic tundra have adapted to survive frigid conditions, according to the Conservation Institute. Examples of Plants found in the Tundra: Tundra means treeless, therefore most of the plants in the tundra are low growing plants. While quite a few animal species inhabit the freezing regions of Arctic tundra, none of them is as popular as the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Wiki User Answered . Tundra wildlife includes small mammals—such as norway lemmings ( lemmus lemmus ), arctic hares ( lepis arcticus ), and arctic ground squirrels ( spermophilus parryii )—and large mammals, such as caribou ( rangifer tarandus ). The arctic fox (vulpes lagopus) is one of the most common arctic tundra animals. The bear's physical adaptation allows the food eaten during the summer to be store as a layer of fat under it's skin. Many animals that live in tundra environment, including fish, grow and reproduce at slower rates. The tundra is a treeless biome in which low temperatures and short growing seasons limit plant growth above a certain height. Plant adaptations in the tundra as i mentioned, it is the tundra plant adaptations that help it survive where mother nature is the least nurturing. NOAA Hurricane Forecast Maps Are Often Misinterpreted — Here's How to Read Them. A smaller mammal that lives in the tundra is the snowshoe hare. Here are a few adaptations that make them suitable to this biome: They have long stiff hair in between their feet that provide them traction. of animal adaption: During the summer, brown bears behavior is to eat about anything they can find. : The winter is much longer than the summer in the tundra, and as. Plants in the tundra stay low to the ground so they don't get hurt by the harsh cold winds. The life in Tundra is not very easy for any animal, including the arctic foxes. Location of tundra biome 2. There are three types of tundra: Tundra biome animals adaptations. They also have a shorter nose, ear, and legs, so that. The U.S. Supreme Court: Who Are the Nine Justices on the Bench Today? Having A Limited Diet. Plant and animal adaptation. The Caribou are also a thriving animal in the Tundra. Besides the behavioral adaptation of migrating to escape the worst of the winter cold, they have changed physically, inside and out, to live in this demanding biome. Some even make their homes in the snow. These, Alpine Marmot Animals, List of animals, Tundra, ARCTIC ANIMALS FREE RESOURCE Freebie! Both of these are in short supply in the tundra, so plants have made adaptations to survive. Smaller prey includes snow goose, ptarmigan, small rodents and arctic hare. Certain plants in the tundra have hair covering their stems and leaves. Common Adaptations. Animals in the tundra make their homes right above the ground or just below it. The tundra region is the coldest biome existing on Earth from www.pinterest.com. Arctic foxes have many adaptations. It has short legs and a long bushy tail. Top 15 Wildlife Biology Degree Programs In The USA. Animals and plants in the tundra make special adaptations to survive the extreme cold. Other animals such as arctic and tundra wolves, polar bears and musk ox are also well adapted to the arctic environment. 15 Interesting Ocean Animal Adaptations. It is also physical adaptations. Location of tundra biome 2. This weird tundra plant loves bogs, wetlands, and very moist landscapes. Few alpine animals, however, contributed directly to the evolution of arctic tundra species, because physical barriers prevented the migration of species and because alpine and arctic animals were specialized to their. Unlike trout in other parts of the world, for example, tundra lake trout have been known to take up to 10 years to mature. Animals need shelter and insulation in the Tundra. Surviving in the cold. June 13, 2014. iStock . 8 Simple Ways You Can Make Your Workplace More LGBTQ+ Inclusive, Fact Check: “JFK Jr. Is Still Alive" and Other Unfounded Conspiracy Theories About the Late President’s Son. Arctic Tundra Animal Adaptations. Animals that live in the tundra have special adaptations that allow them to survive the extreme temperatures and conditions that are present in a tundra. Alpine tundra which prevails above the tree line in mountains worldwide There is very little rain or snow in the tundra, usually less than 15 inches a year. This is not unique to the tundra and can be found in organisms all around the world living in climates that are cold during some time of the year. The lowest were prairies, followed by dry ste… The arctic fox has short ears and a short, round body with a thick coat to minimize the amount of skin exposed to the frigid air. It's special adaptation is it's long and sharp beak allowing it … Beneath the tundra is permafrost. For most of the year, the tundra biome is a cold, frozen landscape. Top 10 BEST Colleges For ObGyn. Temperatures in the tundra can reach as low as minus 25 degrees fahrenheit! The bodies of most animals are large with short limbs and tails helping them to retain heat within their body as much as possible. Adaptations that these animals need to survive in the arctic tundra include thick fur to protect from harsh temperatures and insects. CEO Compensation and America's Growing Economic Divide. Inspire your students' creativity while examining the finer details of adaptations! This also protects their feet from the cold. Arctic moss, arctic willow, caribou moss, labrador tea, arctic poppy, cotton grass, lichens and moss. However one of the most famous worldwide is the snow leopard. This set includes five unique and realistically drawn tundra creatures to help your students identify structure and function using art, cut & paste, and critical thinking activities. The Tundra Biome Nature Curriculum in Cards Biomes . In arctic and alpine tundras, the number of species of plants and animals is usually small when compared with other regions, yet the number of individuals per species is often high. Since most of the plants require water, humidity, sunlight, fertile soil and other conditions for optimal growth, it’s really interesting to know that plants found in the tundra have some unique. An adaptation is a change that enables a living organism to survive in an environment. Adaptations that these animals need to survive in the arctic tundra include thick fur to protect from harsh temperatures and insects. There are lots of different plants that grow in the alpine tundra. Arctic squirrels also use oxen hair to line their burrows are examples of behavioral adaptations sleeping. Flatfish and salmon are a variety of animals found here which keeps warm inside... Such as the caribou, which keeps warm air inside the body that have to. 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Pharmacia & Upjohn Absorbable Gelatin Film Description: Gelfilm Sterile Film and Gelfilm Sterile Ophthalmic Film are absorbable gelatin film approximately 0.075 mm in thickness, designed for use as an absorbable gelatin implant in neurosurgery and thoracic and ocular surgery. In the dry state absorbable gelatin film has the appearance and texture of cellophane of equivalent thickness; when moistened, it assumes a rubbery consistency and can be cut to desired size and shape and fitted to rounded or irregular surfaces. Action And Clinical Pharmacology: Rate of absorption of absorbable gelatin after implantation ranges from 1 to 6 months depending on size of the implant and site of implantation. Pleural and muscle implants have been reported to be completely absorbed in eight to 14 days, whereas dural and ocular implants usually require at least 2 to 5 months for absorption. Absence of undue tissue reaction incident to implantation and absorption of absorbable gelatin film, with consequent decreased likelihood of developing adhesions, has been found to be of particular value in dural and ocular implants. Indications And Clinical Uses: Neurosurgery: Nonconducive to undue inflammatory reaction and absorbable at a rate sufficiently slow to permit dural regeneration and healing of the arachnoid layer, absorbable gelatin favorably meets requisites for a dural substitute. Use in patients undergoing craniotomies has been reported to prevent development of meningocerebral adhesions and thereby reduce risk of postoperative sequelae. Thoracic Surgery: In repair of pleural defects in connection with thoracotomies, thoracoplasties, and extrapleural procedures, implantation of absorbable gelatin film has been observed to be followed by minimal tissue reaction and closure of the defect by ingrowth of regenerating pleural and fibrous tissue across the gradually resorbed gelatin film implant. Ocular Surgery: Various ocular surgical procedures in which absorbable gelatin sterile ophthalmic film has been used include glaucoma filtration operations (i.e., iridencleisis and trephination), extraocular muscle surgery, and diathermy or scleral “buckling” operations for retinal detachment. Experimental studies in rabbits and clinical trials in patients have shown a remarkable lack of cellular reaction to absorbable gelatin film implanted subconjunctivally or used as a seton into the anterior chamber. Objective evidence that absorbable gelatin implants aid in preventing formation of adhesions between contiguous ocular structures has been reported as follows: in iridencleisis in which absorbable gelatin was employed as a seton, the resultant filtrating areas were large and there was no postoperative rise in intraocular tension; in extraocular muscle surgery and operations for retinal detachment, insertion of absorbable gelatin implants between contiguous tissue layers was found to enhance the ease of secondary operations. Contra-Indications: None known. Precautions: Because the rate of absorption of absorbable gelatin sterile film and absorbable gelatin sterile ophthalmic film is likely to be increased in presence of purulent exudation, it is recommended that absorbable gelatin film not be implanted in grossly contaminated or infected surgical wounds. Dosage And Administration: Directions for Use: To prepare for use, immerse absorbable gelatin film in sterile saline solution and allow it to soak until it becomes quite pliable; it may then be cut to desired size and shape without difficulty and applied as follows: For covering dural defects, absorbable gelatin sterile film is placed over the surface of the brain, the edges of the implant tucked beneath the dura and the wound then closed in the usual manner. If desired, the absorbable gelatin film can be sutured loosely to the dura. Care must be exercised, however, because moist film tears easily. For covering pleural defects, absorbable gelatin sterile film is placed over the defect and anchored in place by small interrupted sutures. For use as a seton in iridencleisis, a small piece of absorbable gelatin sterile ophthalmic film (approximately 4´10 mm) is placed over the prolapsed iris pillar parallel to the limbus; Tenon’s capsule and the conjunctiva are then closed with continuous absorbable sutures spaced to insure tight closure. In diathermy or scleral “buckling” operations, absorbable gelatin sterile ophthalmic film may be placed over the sclera, the muscle and the conjunctiva then sutured over the underlying absorbable gelatin film. In extraocular muscle surgery, absorbable gelatin sterile ophthalmic film may be placed over and beneath the muscle before Tenon’s capsule and the conjunctiva are closed in layers. Availability And Storage: Sterile Film: For use in neurosurgery and thoracic surgery, approximately 0.075 mm in thickness, size 125 sq cm (10´12.5 cm). Sterile envelopes, cartons of one. Sterile Ophthalmic Film: For use in ocular surgery, approximately 0.075 mm in thickness, size 12.5 sq cm (2.5´5 cm). Sterile envelopes, cartons of 6. Store at controlled room temperature 15 to 30°C. Once the envelopes have been opened, contents are subject to contamination. To insure sterility, it is recommended that absorbable gelatin film be used immediately after withdrawal from the envelope. GELFILM® Pharmacia & Upjohn Absorbable Gelatin Film Surgical Implant Description: Gelfilm Sterile Film and Gelfilm Sterile Ophthalmic Film are absorbable gelatin film approximately 0.075 mm in thickness, designed for use as an absorbable gelatin implant in neurosurgery and thoracic and ocular surgery. In the dry state absorbable gelatin film has the appearance and texture of cellophane of equivalent thickness; when moistened, it assumes a rubbery consistency and can be cut to desired size and shape and fitted to rounded or irregular surfaces. Posted by RxMed

It is a very simple topic and as common as everyday event like WHY Water bottle from fridge gets water on the outer surface. A large number of cargo claims are made for goods transported by ships which have been damaged in transit. Much of this damage is caused by either ‘ships sweat’ or ‘cargo sweat’ and could be effectively reduced by prudent ventilation of cargo spaces. Cargo or goods carried at sea are exposed to the atmosphere which is high in moisture content. Due to the very nature of the trade, cargo damage due to moisture continues to be a cause for concern to all parties in the trade. Very heavy cargo claims due to damage to cargo caused by moisture continue to be made. Between 1996 and the year 2000 claims accounted for in excess of 2 million US dollars in only one P&I club. Cargo ventilation, as statistics indicate, appears to be the most neglected or least understood aspects of cargo care & cargo operations. It is also one such activity that does not attract the attention it deserves and more often than not it is too late by the time the consequences are realised. Why is sweat caused onboard? Sweat is caused by the condensation of saturated air on a cooler surface. It is formed when water vapor in the air within the hold condenses out into water droplets once the air is cooled below its dew point. The water droplets may be deposited onto the ship’s structure or onto the cargo. Some definitions are useful in understanding sweat. Is defined as the temperature at which air cannot absorb any more water vapour; i.e. it is saturated. In simple language if the air parcel falls below its dew point temperature, then the moisture within the air parcel will condense. Means that a parcel of air has absorbed its maximum amount of moisture for that temperature, however raising the temperature will allow for more moisture to be absorbed. Is the ratio between the actual moisture content and the maximum moisture content that the parcel of air can contain. Is cargo, which can absorb or give off moisture. They are mainly of plant origin. Since they may retain or absorb water, excessive amounts of inherent moisture may lead to significant self-heating and moisture migration within the cargo. This will result in cargo getting caked or rotting. Examples of Hygroscopic cargo: Rice, flour, grain, coffee, tea. Is cargo, which does not absorb or give off moisture. Cargoes like steel are non-hygroscopic but are liable to damage if the atmosphere is moist. This results when water droplets are deposited on parts of the cargo when the surrounding air comes in contact with a cool cargo. For this to happen, the temperature of the cargo must be lower than the dew point of the surrounding air.The condensation which forms directly on the cargo, when the temperature of the cargo is less than the dew point of the air in the hold.This is generally associated with incorrect ventilation. That is introducing warm moist air into the hold with cold cargo.It usually occurs when the voyage is from a cold region to a warmer place and the outside air has a dew point above the temperature of the cargo.Cold cargo cools the air in contact with it and condensation takes place. Is the condensation which forms directly on the vessels structure when the temperature of the ship’s steel work is lower than the dew point of the air inside the hold. Condensation so formed on the structure will then trickle down to the cargo. This can occur when the ship moves to cooler climates (from a relatively warm area) and the ship’s sweat so formed can trickle onto the cargo or even accumulate at the bottom of the hold.

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There’s a myth going around town that spot cooling is only for emergencies, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many practical applications to spot coolers, including: - Great way to supplement existing central AC and even save money - Seasonal cooling needs, particularly during Florida’s hot summers - Use your AC unit as a dehumidifier to cut back on the humidity - Cool outdoor tented events - Reduce heat in server rooms and other equipment rooms where overheating is a potential issue that could damage important equipment. 5 Practical Applications for Spot Coolers #1. Supplement Existing Central AC System If your existing AC system is not cooling down the entire building like it should, or if certain parts of a building require more cooling power than others, spot cooling offers an ideal and affordable solution. When you turn on the central AC, it powers through the entire building, not allowing you to pick and choose where the air is filtered to. Adding spot cooling to the equation gives you more power to reduce hot spots without spending a fortune running the central AC in overtime. #2, Take Care of Seasonal Cooling Needs You can rent spot coolers to tackle your seasonal cooling needs. If you have greater needs for cool air in the summer when the weather is hot and humid, rent a unit and let it keep your building more comfortable. There’s no need to store or maintain the unit year-round when you can rent. #3. Use Your Spot Cooler as a Humidifier In Florida it’s often the humidity that’ll get you before the heat. When temperatures creep into the nineties, the skin naturally starts to sweat. In low humidity, the sweat dries or evaporates from the skin right away and this is what cools the body off. On the other hand, in high humidity, the sweat continues to build up on your skin and can become quite uncomfortable. In addition, humidity creates the ideal environment for mildew, allergens, and mold growth. Thankfully, a spot cooler can be used as a dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air. A dehumidifier pulls in moist air and moves it through the evaporator where the humid air is cooled. Cold dry air is then moved through a condenser before it is pushed back out to the room where it once again collects moisture or humidity and the cycle continues. The same components necessary to make a humidifier work are available in a spot cooler as well. Both machines operate with an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and a metering device. That’s how spot coolers and HVAC systems can be used as humidifiers. #4. Cool Outdoor Events Planning ahead for an outdoor event? Spot coolers work great for tents and will keep your guests far more comfortable, allowing them to fully enjoy the party. Plus, you can rent a spot cooler so you don’t even have to worry about purchasing one. Without a spot cooler, tents trap heat and once you get a bunch of people inside the tent, things get uncomfortably hot and sweaty very quickly. Especially after accounting for the lighting and other electrical equipment that heats up a space. #5. Reduce Heat in Server Rooms Electronic devices produce a great deal of heat, especially when there are a lot of them in a room. If a server room or other electronic room is not temperature controlled, equipment can overheat, break down, and cause other issues. It could even result in the loss of sensitive data. Running your central AC overtime to accommodate for a server room is not cost productive and may not even satisfy the additional cooling needs required. That’s why spot coolers are highly recommended for server rooms. Rent or Buy Spot Coolers from Cooling Power We offer a wide range of spot coolers for all of your needs. From large scale office buildings and warehouses to smaller clinics and server rooms, we are trusted to take care of it all. Learn more about our spot coolers, or contact us to get a quote.

Derek Owusu talks about the emotional challenges faced by British black men when it comes to Eurocentric norms of attractiveness Until recently, it never occurred to me to wonder how black men feel about their physical appearance. Looks are something we generally joke about, cuss each other for or talk about lightly, skimming the surface but never discussing seriously. This all changed for me when I felt the most insecure I’ve ever felt. And, embarrassingly, it was triggered by the ITV show Love Island. Newly available on Netflix, I decided to binge watch seasons 1 to 3 and catch up with everyone about to settle in for season 4 — a season being dubbed a dream for white women who love mixed-raced men. Each series begins with a brief profile of each contestant–a bit of talk focusing on what they’re about and what they do. And then it’s the ‘Couple Up’. This is where I began to feel rattled. With all of the men lined up side by side, silent, grinning white teeth, waiting for the opportunity to step forward and offer themselves up to the women soon to be making an appearance, there was plenty of time for me to take in how good looking most of them were and how different I felt compared to them. True, these men were a hundred shades lighter than me, but that didn’t stop my mind, at that moment, from wondering why I too wasn’t born into an Adonis-like shell. Added to this was my recollection of season 3’s contestant, Marcel, who I became aware of without actually watching the series he appeared in. A dark-skinned man, it was a running joke on Twitter that he was somehow getting darker, or “turning purple”. For many weeks, no one stepped forward for him. Not until the arrival of Gabby did it seem possible for a dark-skinned black man to look attractive amongst a sea of white lads. But even after his long-anticipated coupling, social media speculated that it wasn’t Marcel’s attractiveness that had interested Gabby; it was the opportunity to win viewers over and secure the prize money. She was playing the game; Marcel was being used. Thinking about all this I began to feel silly, looking in the mirror and scrutinising my face, my nose, my lips, my teeth, my skin. Was I took dark? My nose too wide, lips too big and prone to cracking? And do other black men ever feel this way? For this piece, I decided to find out by speaking to a few guys to ask what they think. Growing up everyone has that moment when they suddenly become aware of their appearance, either through people’s reactions to it, compliments and criticism, or just because we’re fascinated by mirrors and spend a lot of time staring into them. For many of the men I spoke to, it was the comments that precipitated insecurities first. “When I got my glasses, I started noticing people were calling me Steve Urkel.” 32-year-old Joseph says. “I never found that funny. [It was] just another reason to throw me under the bus for not being a conventionally attractive child”. The Urkel trope is common in the black community, being used against “nerdy” black men who didn’t fit into the mould of black masculinity. As well as this, oddly, your appearance could be mocked for being “too” black in certain areas but not black enough in others, as 23-year-old Adrian explains: “I was made fun of because of the size of my lips,” he explained to me, “and because I was fair-skinned, I was called beige and big lips” remarks that made him wonder if he could change these aspects somehow. Being acutely aware of your facial features is one of the gifts handed down to black communities via decades of racism and dehumanisation at the hands of Europeans. The mocking of facial features – nose, lips, teeth and hair- inevitably found its way into black families, with ‘light’ teasing becoming a sport exercised without any thought about its consequences. 26-year-old Alex remembers this starting from childhood “When I was 10 years old, my dad always used to make comments about my nose… He meant it in a joking way but when he tried to make the same joke with my sister, my mum shut it down. It meant to me that they didn’t care about boys’ appearance being ridiculed.” So many of us have been made to feel the same way, that our worth lies outside our looks – there’s no point worrying about trying to be attractive because we can’t be. That’s why it’s important we’re able to be open about how much comments on our appearance hurt, or how some days we too feel insecure, undesirable and ugly. As things are, this would be perceived as weakness, or “moist”. It’s interesting to explore what goes through the mind when feeling physically unattractive, and which coping mechanisms are employed when it becomes too much to bear. Some are long term character diminishing reactions such as Raheim’s: “it actually got to a point where if someone did show an interest in me…my initial thought was, they’re not really attracted to me, I don’t believe you, so I developed no feelings.” And others were shorter, more immediate reactions such as Alex and Kwame’s: “if I could hide, if I could make myself smaller”, said Alex, “then I [would]. I’d feel like crawling into the fetal position. If I could find a way to get out of the light…”. “On those days I just wish I could crawl into a ball”, Kwame continued, “and forget my face”. The boys I spoke to rarely expressed these feelings or thoughts to anyone, and if they did, they were marred by obvious suppressions. The crippling feelings and insecure moments mostly stayed within them, without adequate expression to exorcise them, or loving words to heal them. “Men are not supposed to care about their appearance the same way women do. So how can I cry about feeling ugly? Seems weak, and everyone knows men can make up for it and attract people in other ways. The consensus seems to be that we should use other assets to make up for facial shortcomings. After all, money can boost our wardrobe–or perhaps length and girth are all we need in the end (again, see this season’s Love Island and references to mixed race Wez below the belt)? But will a mortgage-priced car and Jay-Z-inspired hublot matched with a hyper-sexualised existence provide any solace when you’re alone, in low spirits, and face to face with a discomforting reflection in the mirror? Black men are notoriously guarded when it comes to their feelings and trying to get them to honestly discuss their physical appearance is a challenge not many will be interested in taking up. But I feel if we are able to talk sincerely about the days when we feel undesirable, a whole new world of expression will open up thereafter and we’ll be on course for a healthier emotional life. If you enjoyed this, and want more like it, then please consider making a donation, it can be anything from £2 and takes no time at all. Or give what you can afford from £2 per month and become an MD member. Derek Owusu is a writer, mentor and host on literature podcast, Mostly Lit. He discovered literature at the age of 23 while studying exercise science at university and soon after dedicated his life to reading and writing. All work published on MD is the intellectual property of its creators, and requires permission to be republished. Contact us if you have any questions.

« PreviousContinue » Sovereign Love appoints the measure, And the number of our pains; And is pleased when we find pleasure In the trials he ordains. THE ENTIRE SURRENDER. PEACE has unveil'd her smiling face, And woos thy soul to her embrace, Enjoy'd with ease, if thou refrain From earthly love, else sought in vain ; She dwells with all who Truth prefer, But seeks not them who seek not her. Yield to the Lord, with simple heart, All that thou hast, and all thou art; Renounce all strength but strength divine, And peace shall be for ever thine: Behold the path which I have trod, My path, till I go home to God. I PLACE an offering at thy shrine, From taint and blemish clear, Simple and pure in its design, Of all that I hold dear. I yield thee back thy gifts again, Thy gifts which most I prize; Desirous only to retain The notice of thine eyes. But if, by thine adored decree, That blessing be denied; Resign'd and unreluctant, see My every wish subside. Thy will in all things I approve, Exalted or cast down! Thy will in every state I love, And even in thy frown. To lay the soul that loves him low, Becomes the Only-wise: To hide, beneath a veil of woe, The children of the skies. Man, though a worm, would yet be great; Though feeble, would seem strong; Assumes an independent state, By sacrilege and wrong. Strange the reverse, which, once abased, The haughty creature proves! He feels his soul a barren waste, Nor dares affirm he loves. Scorn'd by the thoughtless and the vain, To God he presses near; Superior to the world's disdain, And happy in it's sneer. Oh welcome, in his heart he says, Humility and shame! Farewell the wish for human praise, The music of a name! But will not scandal mar the good That I might else perform? And can God work it, if he would, By so despised a worm? Ah, vainly anxious!-leave the Lord. To rule thee, and dispose; Sweet is the mandate of his word, And gracious all He does. He draws from human littleness His grandeur and renown; And generous hearts with joy confess. The triumph all his own. Down then with self-exalting thoughts; Thy faith and hope employ, To welcome all that he allots, And suffer shame with joy. No longer, then, thou wilt encroach On his eternal right; And He shall smile at thy approach, And make thee his delight. SECRETS OF DIVINE LOVE ARE TO BE KEPT. SUN! stay thy course, this moment stay— Suspend the o'erflowing tide of day, Divulge not such a love as mine, Ah! hide the mystery divine; Lest man, who deems my glory shame, Should learn the secret of my flame. O Night! propitious to my views, Thy sable awning wide diffuse; Conceal alike my joy and pain, Nor draw thy curtain back again, Though Morning, by the tears she shows, Seems to participate my woes. Ye Stars! whose faint and feeble fires Express my languishing desires, Whose slender beams pervade the skies As silent as my secret sighs, Those emanations of a soul, That darts her fires beyond the pole; Your rays, that scarce assist the sight, That pierce, but not displace the night, That shine indeed, but nothing show Of all those various scenes below, Bring no disturbance, rather prove Incentives to a sacred love. Thou Moon! whose never failing course Bespeaks a providential force, Go, tell the tidings of my flame To him who calls the stars by name, Whose absence kills, whose presence cheers, Who blots or brightens all my years. While, in the blue abyss of space, Thine orb performs its rapid race, Still whisper in his listening ears The language of my sighs and tears;: Tell him, I seek him, far below, Lost in a wilderness of woe. Ye thought-composing, silent Hours, Diffusing peace o'er all my powers, Friends of the pensive! who conceal In darkest shades the flames I feel; To you I trust, and safely may, The love that wastes my strength away. In sylvan scenes and caverns rude, I taste the sweets of solitude; Retired indeed, but not alone, I share them with a Spouse unknown, Who hides me here, from envious eyes, From all intrusion and surprise. Imbowering Shades, and Dens profound! Where echo rolls the voice around; Mountains! whose elevated heads, A moist and misty veil o'erspreads; Disclose a solitary bride To him I love to none beside. Ye Rills! that, murmuring all the way, Among the polish'd pebbles stray, Creep silently along the ground, Lest, drawn by that harmonious sound,

September variety mochi muffin set most of our items are gluten + nut free but all products are made in the same kitchen so please note if you have extreme allergies. Includes All 6 Mochi muffin Flavours: - Everything Bagel - Sesame Salted Egg Yolk - Lemon Poppyseed - Almond Croissant **Photo may differ** Such a delicious treat!!~ I loved the texture of the mochi muffins! They were so squishy but soft and not hard at all. I also absolutely loved the cream on top of every flavour! It’s not overly sweet and super tasty! I should have gotten a bigger order! Will definitely be back for more!! would eat again! not too sweet! right amount of qq-ness! The mochi muffins were delicious- the variety of flavours was fun! I'll be buying again very soon! Legitimately high quality Very good. I have tried other mochi cupcakes and muffins before, and I find it hard to find ones where the actual dough itself is chewy (usually I find it’s chunks of mochi dough and then chunks of a crumbly texture). These ones however are true quality, the entire muffin is moist, chewy, and true to flavour. Owners are also very responsive on Instagram and friendly Unique & yummy! These mochi muffins are soooo good. They have a unique taste and texture and I love the flavours. Definitely going to order again

Vegepod Raised Garden Bed Self Watering Container Garden Kit with Protective Cover Easily Elevated to Waist Height 10 Years Warranty Small - Product Code: B075QPV3BG - Availability: In Stock Vegepod Raised Garden Bed Self Watering Container Garden Kit with Protective Cover Easily Elevated to Waist Height 10 Years Warranty Small - B075QPV3BG This fits your. Make sure this fits by entering your model number. RAISED GARDEN BED KIT: Vegepod Raised Garden Bed Kits are simply the easiest way to grow your own vegetables. You get the size of a raised garden bed with all the benefits of container gardening. The base contains the soil so neighbouring trees don’t steal nutrients. SELF WATERING: Vegepod is self-watering, meaning it utilises a wicking system where the soil draws the water upwards keeping it moist. Established plants can last weeks without watering and in cooler times your plants may not require water for months at a time. PROTECTIVE COVER: Each Vegepod comes with a Vegecover which protects the plants from harsh sun and creates a perfect micro-climate, providing a superior growing environment. Also protects the plants from bugs/ pests and animals. ASSEMBLY & WARRANTY: With the modular design, setup is really easy. Assembles in about 20 minutes. Can be easily raised to 39.4in height with a Vegepod Stand. Comes with a 10 years warranty PERFECT FOR SMALL SPACES: Now you can easily grow veggies on your balcony, patio, verandah, courtyard, or indoors. Container Size: 39.4in x 19.7in (1m x 0.5m)

When you think of cleaning, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, the idea of a sunny Saturday afternoon spent vacuuming and mopping is probably pretty high on your list. But garages need some loving too. One of the keys to a successful cleanup is knowing what you’re cleaning. Several types of dirt and debris accumulate on floors in garages–and some are more difficult to remove than others. The following is an overview of the most common types of dirt, along with advice on how best to clean each one. 1. Fluid Leaks Fluid leaks are one of the most common forms of dirt in a garage. Fluids can end up on the ground for many reasons, including oil changes, fuel spills, transmission fluid leaks, brake fluid leaks, or power steering fluid leaks. Oil spills are one of the most common fluid leaks in a garage. They get on the floor when an oil change is done or after an engine backfires. When fluids are spilled, they may seep into porous surfaces like concrete or asphalt. The liquids can also seep into the cracks in these surfaces and then resurface at a later time. It is much easier to clean up fluids when they are still wet, so cleaning up spills immediately is important. Cleanup Steps: Place a drop cloth or several layers of newspaper over the oil spill to hedge against any overspray. Use commercial degreasers, be sure to follow all instructions on the label. To avoid this problem, buy lift diapers to contain the oil. 2. Car Wax Many people wax their cars often, which leaves a layer of sticky residue on the garage floor. Car wax is made up of natural and synthetic chemicals, so it can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Clean-up Steps: Wet the car wax with water and wait for it to become soft and malleable. Then, use a stiff bristle brush to scrape away as much of the wax as possible. Once all visible car wax is gone, rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly. You may need to clean more than once to remove old layers of wax and then apply a new layer. 3. Grease Spills Grease spills are common in garages that deal with automotive repairs or oil changes. These types of greases are very difficult to clean up because they are sticky and attract debris. It’s important to follow proper clean-up steps if a significant amount of grease is spilled because it can damage the flooring and cause slippery surfaces. Clean-up Steps: Use absorbent towels to soak up as much of the grease as possible. Then, apply a cleaning solution and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Scrub the affected area with a brush and then rinse clean. 4. Molds and Mildews Molds and mildews are common in garages because they like dark, warm, and moist environments. They can form on ceilings or walls if moisture is left behind. Are molds dangerous to health? Molds release spores, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues in some people. If you believe that mold has formed on the surfaces in your garage, clean it immediately to prevent any problems. Clean-up Steps: The best solution for molds is bleach mixed with detergent. Apply the mixture with a scrub brush and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The bleach will kill the mold. 5. Tree Sap Tree saps are sticky fluids that get on car paint jobs during storms or when trees are pruned. They can also seep onto driveways and into cracks in concrete or asphalt. It’s important to get sap off your car as quickly as possible because it is difficult to remove later on and can damage the paint job if not cleaned up immediately. Clean-up Steps: The best way to clean tree sap from a car is to use a chisel or putty knife to lift it. Then, apply a cleaning solution and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the sap until it is softened, rinse clean with water, and dry thoroughly. 6. Dust and Dirt Dirt is a common problem in garages because they are often used as storage spaces for recreational vehicles or tools. Additionally, they can become dusty if not maintained regularly. Dirt and dust don’t pose any immediate health risks, but dirty floors increase the risk of slipping and falling. In addition, dirt can absorb oil and grease, so it’s important to clean up these spills immediately. Clean-up Steps: Start by sweeping or vacuuming the floor in your garage. Then, wipe down each surface with a cleaning solution and allow it to dry thoroughly. 7. Pet Urine Pet urine poses health risks because it can contain bacteria and parasites. It is also difficult to clean because it stains concrete floors permanently. Cleanup Steps: Cleaning up animal waste isn’t always easy, but a few solutions work well for this problem. Mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle to apply to the affected area. Then, apply baking soda to the surface and scrub with a brush. Finally, use an enzyme-based solution that will help break down any bacteria or residue left behind. Regular cleaning is an essential part of owning a garage because it can prevent accidents and health risks. Knowing what to watch out for will help you manage these types of dirt with ease.

Air masses bring variety of weather. Six basic types of air masses affect the weather of the British Isles. They can bring anything from tropical warm and humid days to arctic cold depending on the type of air mass. Fronts form the boundaries of air masses with differing properties. The most severe weather usually occurs when dry-cold continental polar air clashes with warm-humid maritime tropical air. The term 'air mass' was introduced some 70 years ago by Norwegian meteorologists from Bergen, Norway. Air mass is a large body of air, whose properties - temperature, humidity and lapse rate - are largely homogeneous over an area several hundred kilometres across. The nature of air masses is determined by three factors: the source region, the age and the modifications that may occur as they move away from their source region across the earth's surface. The primary classification of air masses is based on the characteristics of the source region, giving Arctic (A), Polar (P) or Tropical air (T), and on the nature of the surface in the source region: continental (c) or maritime (m). In addition, a large variety of secondary types of air masses are defined. For example, equatorial air (E) or Mediterranean air. Sometimes there is a letter (k) or (w) attached to the two-letter initials indicating whether the air is wa rmer or colder than the surface. The former becomes more stable, and the latter more unstable. Some older works use the term of an 'returning air mass'. This usually refers to maritime polar air that has been altered moving across the relatively mild Atlantic and is returning polewards eventually. The air masses prevalent for the British Isles are: Arctic Air (A): Continental arctic (cA): Extremely cold temperatures and very little moisture. Originating over the Arctic ocean in winter, when high pressure dominates and differs only slightly from the continental polar (cP) air masses that develop over Siberia and northern Canada. Maritime arctic (mA): From the same source region, but less dry and less cold - in a way less extreme. Polar Air (P): Continental polar (cP): Cold and dry, originating from high latitudes, typically as air flowing out of the polar highs. This air mass often brings the rattleing cold, dry and clear weather on a perfect winter day and also dry and warm weather on a pleasant day in summer. Maritime polar (mP): Cool and moist, often originating as continental polar air over the North American and Asian land masses and is modified as it moves out over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Heated by the relatively warm water bodies this air mass becomes rather unstable resulting in blustery showers over the sea and windward coasts. Tropical Air (T): Continental tropical (cT): Hot and very dry, orginating from the arid and desert regions during summer. The least common air mass to affect the British weather. However, approaching from the south and south-east in summer it can bring record heat to southeast Britain, particulary in late-summer. Maritime tropical (mT). Mild and damp in winter, very warm and muggy during summer. Originating from the Azores this air mass approaches the British Isles from the west, leading to overcast skies with prolonged rain for the western half of the country and to many clouds, sometimes broken with drizzle for the eastern half. In summer tropical maritime air often produces warm weather with abundant sunshine in the southeast.

Have you ever noticed how food affects your mood? When we're stressed or depressed we tend to reach for sugary, fatty comfort foods, chocolate, ice-cream or perhaps pizza. But could that be actually making us feel worse? Could eating better make us feel better? In 17th-century England, a “hot and moist diet” was thought to provide a cure for melancholy. Today, the idea that food can have an impact on emotional health hasn’t gone away; it just looks a little different. The internet is littered with food-based mental-health fixes, ranging from books with titles like The Happiness Diet to recipes for things like “better than Prozac” turmeric lemonade. read more at sbs.com.au But is there any science behind this? We know that some foods are healthier for our brains, so perhaps I shouldn't have been suprised to discover that there's a new field of research called nutritional psychiatry. Professor of nutrition at Kansas State University, Mark Haub describes it as “a field where both mental health and nutrition professionals can cross over and better understand how food and nutrients can affect mental health.” Half of the group were made to eat a healthy diet focusing on extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, eggs, fruits, vegetables, fatty fish and grass-fed beef. The other half continued eating their usual diets and as a were required to attend social support sessions. The group's symptoms were graded on a standard depression scale. After three months of healthier eating, those in the healthy eating group saw their scores improve on average by about 11 points. Impressively, a third of the healthy eating group now had scores so low that they were no longer classed as depressed. The other group who had social support but no special dietary instructions improved by only about 4 points and only 8% were no longer depressed. This may be one small piece or research, but over the past 10 years, many more studies have had similar findings. Researchers analyzed the results of 21 similar projects from a variety of institutions and came up with the following conclusion: A dietary pattern characterized by a high intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grain, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy and antioxidants and low intakes of animal foods was apparently associated with a decreased risk of depression. A dietary pattern characterized by a high consumption of red and/or processed meat, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, potatoes and high-fat gravy, and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with an increased risk of depression. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that healthy pattern may decrease the risk of depression, whereas western-style may increase the risk of depression. Via sciencedirect.com So not only can a typical Mediterranean diet loaded with fresh vegetables, fruit and lean meats, help you lose weight, it can also improve your mood. For anyone experiencing depression, talking to a mental health professional should be the first port of call. However, a change in diet is a complementary approach which could certainly help. www.weightodiet.com brings you the latest in diet science to help you become slimmer and feel better. We sort the fact from the fiction and find the best diets to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Cumin seeds are procured from the Cumin plant. Cumin plant is a leafy plant grown in hot and moist climate. Cumin seeds are used as a spice across the globe and are also a highlight of the medical community because of their various health benefits. Largely the benefits of cumin seeds revolve around the immune system, gut health and blood circulation but more specifically the benefits of cumin seeds, used as a spice are: - Has antioxidants: Cumin seeds are a spice that have natural substances that act as antioxidants in the body. These substances help fight a lot of tiny radical particles that attack the healthy cells and cause diseases in the body. Hence, these antioxidants flush out the toxins and keep the body healthy. - Has cancer fighting properties: Cumin seeds are known to have the power of keeping cancer cells from multiplying within the body. Cancer spreads in the body as the cells keep multiplying and attacking healthy cells in the body. The moment you stop these cells from multiplying, you can curtail their growth in the body and fight cancer within the body. - Can treat diarrhoea: Traditional medicine has proven the use of cumin seeds spice to cure the problem of diarrhoea as they help keep the gut clean and healthy. - Can help in diabetes: Cumin seeds are advised to diabetes patients as they help keep the blood sugar levels in control. - Has antibacterial and antiseptic properties: The oil extracted from cumin seeds is used as an antiseptic. This proves that cumin seeds have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. - Aids in weight loss: Cumin seeds boost your metabolism levels and help in your weight loss journey. To avail all the above mentioned benefits, you can use our Inexpensive Bebe’s All Natural Masalas as they have cumin seeds in them, giving you all the above benefits and along with that they also make your food delicious and get it ready faster.

Alaskans: plant this, not that Beautiful alternatives to harmful plants It’s never too early to start thinking about what to plant in your garden, yard, or apartment balcony. You might have a specific plant in mind, whether it’s something to harvest later in the season or a vibrant flower to bring a splash of color into your outdoor space. Maybe you’re willing to buy a seed mix and just see what happens. But have you considered if what you’re planting helps or hurts your neighborhood wildlife? Is it an invasive species? This or that? An invasive plant is more than just a weed that you don’t want to grow. It’s one that is likely to outcompete the plants growing around it, escape beyond its designated space, and may cause damage in terms of the environment, economy, or even human health. Once an invasive plant is introduced, it’s increasingly difficult to remove. Gardening is a common path for invasive plants to be introduced to Alaska. On the other hand, you can choose a plant that has evolved with Alaska’s other flora and fauna. Choosing to grow a native plant benefits the insects that have lived with these flowers for generations, feeding on their pollen and nectar. Native plants also feed animals and provide shelter and nesting for birds and insects. The native fruits and seeds from your garden help keep Alaska’s lands and waters healthy. Here are five plants to avoid and the beautiful alternatives that you can plant instead: 1) You say chokecherry, I say serviceberry First off, we have a tree of many names. ❌Chokecherry trees❌ are also commonly referred to as European bird cherry and Mayday trees. These trees are currently found in Anchorage, Homer, Hope, and Talkeetna. In fact, we are talking about two related, but different, species: Prunus padus and Prunus virginiana. Both trees grow quickly, shade out surrounding vegetation and reduce the quality of food available for moose. In bloom, chokecherries have aromatic white flowers that eventually turn into small black fruit. These berries may be edible to humans but can be toxic to moose and have even led to moose deaths. You say chokecherry, I say ✔️serviceberry✔️ (Amelanchier alnifolia or A. florida). Although not technically a tree like chokecherry, this shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall with delicate white flowers. In the fall it grows abundant sweet berries, and the leaves turn vibrant colors. Plant this in your garden and you provide the service of feeding the neighborhood birds. Enjoy watching yellow warblers, bohemian waxwings, and other songbirds flock to your garden for food. You can also eat these berries, which can be dried, jammed, or turned into pies. 2) Out with orange hawkweed, in with arnicas Like other plants on this list, ❌orange hawkweed❌ (Hieracium aurantiacum) was brought to Alaska as an ornamental plant. Orange hawkweed often grows in sunny spots near areas with human activity in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. There are currently no known orange hawkweed infestations in Interior Alaska. Don’t be the one to introduce it, that’s not a reputation you want! The stems of orange hawkweed are mostly leafless, but its bright orange flowers grow in clusters of 5–30 which may make you think that this plant will bring a welcome splash of color to your garden. Unfortunately, you will quickly be seeing orange everywhere. Orange hawkweed creates very dense mats that release a chemical, preventing other plants from growing and decreasing food availability for other animals like pollinators or grazing animals. Mowing orange hawkweed only promotes its growth. If you are wondering how to bring vibrant colors to your yard without the wildlife woes, there is good news! Orange hawkweed has a much more Alaska-friendly cousin. ✔️Arnica✔️! Arnica is a flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae), just like orange hawkweed. This means they share the same distinct sunflower-shaped bloom. In Alaska there are many types of arnicas (Arnica spp.). They vary based on the region they grow, from meadows to the alpine. Yet they all produce rich yellow blooms which may light up your garden from June to August. Ask your local plant nursery about the varieties of arnica available. 3) Trade white sweetclover for goatsbeard You’ve probably seen ❌white sweetclover❌ (Melilotus albus) growing in Southcentral and Interior Alaska along roadsides and other places with human activity. At first glance, this may seem like a useful plant to keep around because it adds nutrients to the soil, and its aromatic white flowers are attractive to pollinators. However, a single white sweetclover can produce up to 350,000 seeds which can remain viable for up to 81 years. Its abundant seed production allows white sweetclover to spread rapidly and persist despite removal efforts. White sweetclover changes soil chemistry which affects what else can grow in the area. This invasive plant also grows up to 6 feet tall, shading out surrounding plants. These traits make white sweetclover a powerful competitor for the resources native plants depend on. Thus, we suggest the dashing ✔️goatsbeard✔️! Goatsbeard (Aruncus dioicus) is a tall plant with floofy, cream-colored flowers that bloom in July. These blooms attract many pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and flower flies. Goatsbeard transplants well into moist, rich soils and will come back year after year without the side effects of white sweetclover. 4) Goodbye bird vetch, hello alpine sweetvetch Next on our “don’t plant” list is ❌bird vetch❌ (Vicia cracca). Known for its bluish-purple flowers, we often find bird vetch growing in grassy areas alongside trails, roadways, and sometimes intentionally propagated in somebody’s yard. But watch out, bird vetch is the Houdini of the plant world. It has a history of escaping into the wild, spreading quickly, and taking over! Unlike other climbing plants in Alaska, bird vetch has distinct stems and tendrils that enable it to climb any upright object, whether that be a fence, a tree such as an alder or willow, or your house. Like white sweetclover, bird vetch flowers will compete with native plants for pollinators and change soil conditions. There is an equally attractive native alternative to bird vetch that comes without the consequences. Goodbye bird vetch, hello ✔️alpine sweetvetch✔️ (Hedysarum alpinum). Alpine sweetvetch and bird vetch are both in the pea family, so they share the same beautifully shaped flowers. But with alpine sweetvetch, you won’t have an escape artist on your hands. Alpine sweetvetch supports many Alaskan animals: from the birds that nest in its greenery to the bears and sheep dig up and eat its starchy roots. Alpine sweetvetch is also collected and eaten by Yup’ik, Iñupiaq and Dena’ina Athabascan peoples. The many names of alpine sweetvetch include Marralaq or Masru (Yup’ik), Masu (Iñupiaq), and K’tl’ila (Dena’ina). 5) Swap butter and eggs for yellow locoweed While the name might sound tasty, ❌butter and eggs❌ (Linaria vulgaris) is a very harmful plant to keep around. Sometimes known as toadflax or wild snapdragons, butter and eggs is uniquely identifiable in Alaska because it has a yellow flower with an orange throat. This aggressive plant finds a spot for itself wherever the land is disturbed, but then easily moves over into neighboring undisturbed areas. Once introduced, butter and eggs will compete for moisture in the soil and spread to create very dense colonies. Swap butter and eggs for ✔️yellow locoweed✔️ (Oxtropis campestris) in this year’s garden recipe. Yellow locoweed, or yellow oxytrope, grows low to the ground with grayish green, hairy leaves. When it blooms in late May and June, it produces small yellow pea-shaped flowers which attract many different types of bees. Though we’re running with this food metaphor, neither of these species should be eaten. Yellow locoweed is named for the known toxin it contains and can cause grazing cattle to walk with an uneven gait. When selecting plants for your garden be aware that many plants that look beautiful can cause a lot of damage. Check your “wildflower seed mixes” and make sure they are wild to Alaska. Choose native plants that are local to your area and your garden and yard will benefit the living things around you. You can be a steward for the lands we all depend on by keeping in mind the phrase “Don’t plant a problem.” Get to know what you are planting and learn more with these additional resources: 🌱 Garden with pollinators in mind! Use these pollinator garden recipe cards. 🌱 Don’t plant a problem! Look for it here first. 🌱If you find and invasive species, please report it to 1–877-INVASIV Story compiled by Deborah Kornblut, Regional Invasive Species Outreach Coordinator, and Sabrina Farmer, Ecological Services Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In Alaska we are shared stewards of world renowned natural resources and our nation’s last true wild places. Our hope is that each generation has the opportunity to live with, live from, discover and enjoy the wildness of this awe-inspiring land and the people who love and depend on it.

Do not disturb the wound. If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone. The pack helps to keep the tooth exposed. If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding which results in your mouth filling rapidly with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions. The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair. The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until two to three days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two plastic bags filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. The ice packs should be left on continuously while you are awake. After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery. Twenty-Four hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling. Drink plenty of fluids. Avoid hot liquids or food. Soft food and liquids should be eaten on the day of surgery. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed. For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every three to four hours or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) two to four 200 mg tablets may be taken every three to four hours. Dr. Ibañez will elaborate on this, depending on your specific medical history. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Mouth cleanliness is essential to good healing. Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal beginning the day after surgery. Brush your teeth as best you can. Rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day. Continue this procedure until healing is complete. REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster. Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. If you are considering exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur. If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising. Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced. Exercise may weaken you. If you get lightheaded, stop exercising.

“Heaves” is the common name historically given for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses. It is characterized by lethargy and exercise intolerance, coughing and gagging, blood-tinged mucoid discharge from the nostrils, and abnormal respiratory sounds (wheezing or heaving). The disease is probably better described as RAO, or recurrent airway obstruction, because the symptoms usually come and go over time. It is similar to asthma in people, in that inhaled irritants and coincidental respiratory infections are significantly responsible for the onset and flare-ups of this disease. The symptoms associated with RAO are caused by inflammation and narrowing of the bronchioles, or the air passages within the lungs. Excessive mucous production further obstructs the airways. Bronchospasm, constriction of the muscles that support the lung structures, reduces the horse’s ability to expel air effectively, causing the animal to use its abdominal muscles to force air out of the lungs during exhalation. This repetition over time causes the overdevelopment of specific abdominal muscles, resulting in a classical “heave line” that projects from the bottom sides of the ribcage into the flanks, despite overall muscle atrophy (wasting) from exercise intolerance. RAO generally affects horses 6 years of age and older that have developed an immuno-hypersensitivity from repeated exposure to allergens and inhaled particulate irritants. Hay and bedding are common sources of dust and mold. Mold spores, toxins produced by mold, and other organic allergens are believed to be responsible for the development and recurrent episodes of this disease. Stable-kept horses and horses eating from a round bale of hay are most prone to RAO, but some genetic predisposition appears to be involved in an animal’s susceptibility. A diagnosis almost always corresponds to a large amount of the horse’s life being stabled and fed poor quality hay. Horses fed hay in the pasture or stable may develop symptoms of airway obstruction and respiratory distress within 90 minutes to several hours after exposure to dusts and molds. The lung tissues become thickened, airways constrict, inflammatory mucous forms, and smooth muscle contractility in the lungs decreases. This leads to reduced blood-oxygen saturation, lethargy, and weakness. The affected animal will begin to cough and wheeze in an effort to ventilate the lungs and expel the accumulating mucous. Copious amounts of nasal discharge are seen especially when the horse’s head is lowered after being tethered for several hours. Blood may be seen in the exudates if coughing is especially forceful. In RAO, the ability to exhale air from the lungs is compromised, while the ability to inflate the lungs remains fairly normal. This causes emphysema, or pressure damage to the alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) that is reversible in quickly treated horses, but may lead to permanent lung damage in chronic or poorly managed cases. Persistent failure to respond to treatment is a sign that permanent damage has developed, and lung biopsies can confirm this, but it is difficult to determine when it may occur. In addition to fatigue and exercise intolerance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will lead to appetite loss due to respiratory distress (i.e.: a feeling of suffocation while eating) and a decrease in the sense of smell and taste from mucous accumulation in the sinuses. The horse will lose muscle mass rapidly after the body’s fat stores are depleted. A diagnosis is often made presumptively, based upon clinical signs and the horse’s history (age, stabling history, exposure to respiratory irritants such as hay dust). A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) performed by the veterinarian, where a sterile fluid is introduced by endoscopy into the lungs and collected for laboratory analysis, is useful to determine the level of inflammatory response. This test may be used to help rule out other disease processes causing similar symptoms. Chest x-rays, blood cell counts, and blood chemistry profiles may also be assessed as part of a diagnostic work-up. Treatment for acute episodes of RAO includes first removing the source of the respiratory irritants. This will also be vital in the long-term management of the disease, since once-affected horses will be very prone to recurrences. If possible, the horse is moved to pasture to reduce exposure to dust, while stables are cleaned thoroughly and ventilation is improved to remove airborne contaminates. Horses in respiratory distress are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators to reduce swelling in the lung tissues and aid respiratory function. Corticosteroids like dexamethasone and aerosolized fluticasone are preferred to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of their broader spectrum of benefit despite potential side-effects associated with long-term administration. Corticosteroids reduce tissue edema, open airways to some degree, and also increase appetite. The dosage is then tapered to establish the minimum effective dose while the horse recovers. Bronchodilators are used in conjunction with steroids to give more immediate relief from respiratory distress. Albuterol and clenbuterol are commonly used just before and in conjunction with aerosolized steroids to enhance their delivery and effectiveness. Bronchodilators are also used as rescue drugs in severely compromised horses. Management of RAO requires diligence. Every effort to reduce the horse’s exposure to dust and molds should be taken, since there is no way to predict how much the animal can tolerate without relapse. The first recommendation, when feasible, is to allow the horse to graze naturally and avoid feeding hay. Even hay bales from a reputable source – especially round bales – may prove to cause a relapse in an especially sensitive horse. Rolled grains also have a high dust content. Poorly cured hay may contain molds and bacteria that trigger diseases like RAO when inhaled, or botulism when ingested. Feeding silage, a high-moisture fermented hay product, will reduce the dust exposure, but carries the risk of Clostridium botulinum contamination if not properly processed and stored. Follow the recommendation of your veterinarian and consider vaccinating for botulism when weighing this option. In cooler climates, many horse owners avoid keeping horses at pasture despite the fact that they do very well if provided protection from wind and precipitation. Their well-being also depends upon available nutrition and unfrozen water supplies, of course. Pelleted food is a good alternative to hay when pastures grasses are low or unavailable. In the stable, there are options for bedding materials that may help control dust levels. Shredded cardboard or paper bedding are proving useful in this effort. Regular cleaning of manure and wastes, and frequent bedding changes will help to reduce molds from growing. Better ventilation methods may also reduce dust when the stable is dry, as well as deter mold from growing in moist conditions between cleanings. The most effective way to help prevent RAO from developing in a healthy animal is to allow the horse to graze at pasture as much as possible. The pasture is a horse’s natural and best food source, and avoids many of the hazards that processed feeds and man-made shelters, despite the best intentions, may introduce accidentally.

Low tide is for my part the most secure and best time to fish here. After unpacking and getting settled in, I headed down to the shore to fish the primary low tide of our stay. Instead of taking the usual coastline highway, our taxi driver brought us through the mountains on a highway that is impassable during the moist season. All in all our time spent at our accommodations at Corcovado was large. The wildlife was the most effective we have ever seen, and the snook fishing was pretty great too. However, it was now time to make the trek south to a new destination. - Some anglers prefer to have a 40lb fluorocarbon chew tippet as properly, however usually the 40-pound tippet is simply too fats and the roosters shy away forcing anglers to downsize to twenty lb. - This helped, as I attached with a few snook, but was unable to convey any at hand. - Rooster fishing in Costa Rica is practiced all along the pacific shore. - I’m in Fort Myers and the snook and tarpon aren’t very active in the 63 mezuniyet belgesi waters. In unusual instances, there are some that have even surpassed this quantity and turn into the catch of the interval for world document holders. This will make it much easier for the fish to discover your bait, providing you with a a lot better chance of catching one. Poppers make a lot of noise, and roosterfish have nice hearing. Night fishing is not essentially a well-liked method to catch roosterfish, but it may be carried out. Seeing that roosterfish are a shallow-water species, fishing for them at night is about the identical as fishing for them through the day. It seems that time itself slows down as you watch the predatory intuition of the rooster fishing in costa rica hit because the water explodes around it. A roosterfish is well distinguished by its “comb”, seven very lengthy spines of the dorsal fin. The capture and release of this species is recommended, as a end result of it’s a extremely popular objective in sport fishing. In addition, its taste doesn’t have great worth in the kitchen. Roosterfish is one of essentially the most sought after by fishing fanatics as it is famous for the preventing capacity of this species. Finest Instances & Seasons To Catch Roosterfish In Costa Rica Pacific sailfish, which may put up quite the struggle, are also found within the central Pacific year-round. These two species—more commonly known as billfish—make Costa Rica a sport fisherman’s dream. In reality, because the host of the annual Billfish Tournaments, Los Sueños is called the Billfish Capital of the World. Lastly, ask for recommendation from somebody who özgü expertise fishing for roosters or even just traveling to the vacation spot you’re headed. Not solely will you get insights into on-the-water ways, but you’ll also choose up ideas in regards to the culture, how to get around, great places to eat, and even locations to avoid. Saltwater Fly Fishing In Costa Rica Sailfish, roosterfish, dorado, wahoo and the granddaddy blue marlin, all inhabit these waters in abundance. Inshore fishing is completely different than offshore fishing, in several ways. Instead of trolling, with ballyhoo, up to 20 or 35 miles offshore, when inshore fishing, you’ll be quietly drifting 7 to 10 miles from shore, using live bait. You’ll get to your fishing grounds faster, affording you extra time to catch fish. The species of fish, which you’ll be concentrating on inshore are additionally completely different.

During baking, heat is evenly transferred to the center of the item that’s baked, making a crust on the outside with a soft center. The dry heat of baking changes the form of starches in the food and causes its outer surfaces to brown, giving it an attractive appearance and taste. What are the advantages of baking food? Advantages Of Baked Food - Low in fat. Baked foods are considered healthy because of their low-fat content. … - Rich taste. When it comes to taste, baked foods are versatile because they cook more in their own oil, making them more juicy and flavor-rich. … - More nutrients. … - Management of weight. … - Visual appeal and increased appetite. … - The Takeaway. 15 янв. 2019 г. Is baking your food healthy? Roasting and baking are similar forms of cooking using dry heat. Dry heat cooking differs from moist heat methods, where meat is cooked in water or another liquid. … Generally speaking, roasting and baking are healthy forms of cooking that result in minimal losses of vitamin C. Why is baking so important? Baking teaches you to be more cognizant of what you put into your body on a daily basis. Once you start baking regularly, you come to learn the actions of certain ingredients or why one recipe worked while another failed miserably. What are the disadvantages of baking food? There are also certain disadvantages of baking. Certain processed such as boiling and steaming require no use of fat, which is healthier as compared to baking, as it requires some amount of fat. Also baking tends to be a slower process as compared to cooking methods such as frying and boiling. Why do we bake food 5 answer? It makes food more appetizing and palatable. It makes food easier to digest. It makes food safe to eat. Cooking destroys many harmful micro-organisms or germs in the food. Why baking is good for your mental health? By using baking as a form of behavioural activation, bakers that struggle with depression or other mood disorders can escape into a focused activity, occupying the whole mind/body spectrum. This redirection of thoughts is a subconscious form of therapy. Which is healthier baking or frying? There are many healthy cooking options besides baking or deep frying, but when given the choice, baking is much healthier. Other good-for-you options include foods that are steamed, pan fried with non-stick spray, roasted or grilled. If deep fried foods are a favorite, eat them as an occasional treat, not every day. Is it healthier to bake chicken or pan fry? It is just less fat calories not necessarily healthier . If you are bulking or on a high fat diet , pan fried is great ! You can also save calories by using one tbsp oil at medium heat and add water if it is dry . You don’t need to use oil at all if you don’t want to – especially with a non stick pan =) Is baking chicken healthier than pan frying? Oil is a saturated fat and is therefore, high in calories. The addition of oil in frying adds to the calorie count of the food. However, baking does not add any additional calories and fats to the foods you cook and is thus, always preferred over frying. What was the first thing to be baked? The first evidence of baking occurred when humans took wild grass grains, soaked them in water, and mixed everything together, mashing it into a kind of broth-like paste. The paste was cooked by pouring it onto a flat, hot rock, resulting in a bread-like substance. Is baking a skill? Some people are born with natural baking skills and flair for a certain craft, but even someone with intuition isn’t born “the perfect baker”…and it’s a skill that can be learned in the classroom and in the kitchen. If it’s something you’d like to achieve, it will take practice, experience, and a good education. What are the 12 steps of baking? SCS 019| Twelve Steps of Bread Baking - Scaling Ingredients. - Mixing and Kneading. - Primary or “Bulk” Fermentation. - Punching or “Degasing” - Rounding or “Pre-forming” - Benching or “Resting” - Final Forming / Panning. What are the disadvantages of frying? The main disadvantage of frying is the high level of fat and cholesterol that goes into fried dishes. Fried foods are not very easily digestible, and the surface can get carbonized or burnt very easily, if the temperature is too high. What foods are suitable for baking? We would love to help! - Bread. There’s nothing like taking a loaf of fresh yeast bread out of the oven. … - Cakes. Layer cakes, cupcakes, snack cakes, roulades, and even cheesecakes—the cake category is vast. … - Candy. … - Chocolate Confections. … - Cookies. … - Custard. … - Frosting, Icings, etc. … - Frozen Desserts. What does baking soda have in it? Baking soda has only one ingredient: sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base that reacts when it comes into contact with acids, like buttermilk, yogurt or vinegar.

What are sarcopenia symptoms that we should be looking out for in our elderly? Muscles play a crucial role in our everyday lives—from walking and climbing stairs, to picking up groceries and folding laundry. As we age, our muscle mass decreases. This can lead to health problems such as postural weakness that can lead to falls and fractures. To help our elderly loved ones stay healthy, it’s important to understand what sarcopenia is. This blog post provides an overview of sarcopenia symptoms and how we could help our aging parents prevent it. We use our muscles to perform almost any physical activity. Sedentary lifestyles cause us not to be as strong as we used to be. Our muscles degenerate, causing our bodies to be weak. This muscle loss leads to a medical condition called Sarcopenia. This age-related muscle condition affects people aged 50 and above. But it can start as early as 30 years old. The biggest challenge with Sarcopenia is its lack of diagnosis and treatment. Any loss in muscle mass can lead to its diagnosis. However, studies show an increase in the condition from 5% to 13% in people aged 60 and above—this rate increases from 11% to 50% for people aged 80 and older. Other factors can increase the chances of Sarcopenia in seniors. Such as immobilization due to illness or an injury and can lead to rapid loss of muscle mass. Muscle strength decreases, resulting in more significant fatigue, making it difficult for seniors to do regular daily tasks. Some researchers suggest that it can be due to lower hormone levels such as IGF-1. This hormone stimulates growth in fibers responsible for muscle mass. Others conclude sarcopenia is related to a decline in the body's ability to convert proteins to energy. This may be due to the aging body's slowing metabolism. Long-term medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or COPD also result in inflammation that disrupts a body's normal state of removing dead cells and healing. Health conditions that increase stress in the body also lead to Sarcopenia. These can be seniors living with chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, cancer, or who are having cancer treatments. Is Sarcopenia the same as atrophy? Both sarcopenia and atrophy to describe a loss of muscle mass. To answer this question, we need to define muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is defined as the thinning or loss of a muscle. It can be specific to one limb or joint, or systemic. This condition can occur due to genetic problems or malnutrition. Disuse of muscle and neurological disorders can also cause atrophy. On the other hand, Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy caused by the body's degeneration due to old age. Unlike younger people, seniors no longer have the ability to heal and repair as fast. The body no longer produces enough hormones and proteins to aid cellular regeneration. While it is normal for the body to degenerate as we grow older, our lifestyle choices can also speed this up or slow the process down. The same is true with Sarcopenia. Physical activity and diet play a huge role in our body's recovery. Thus, our lifestyle choices can contribute to the chances of us experiencing Sarcopenia in the future. This is also why the elderly must make better choices regarding their health. Research shows that seniors who do strength-training exercises tend to experience reduced sarcopenia related problems. Food and nutrition also play a critical role in avoiding and reversing Sarcopenia in seniors. According to research, the recommended protein intake for elderly adults should be between 1.2 and 2.0 g/kg/day or higher. However, it is estimated that 41% of adult women and 38% of adult men eat less protein than their daily recommended allowance. Seniors who also eat large amounts of acid-producing foods such as processed foods and grains or eat few vegetables rapidly progress the condition. Other factors like sleeping disorders, smoking, and chronic alcohol consumption can reduce muscle strength and quicken loss of mass. Therefore, it is increasingly important to identify specific lifestyle behaviors in our loved ones to prevent Sarcopenia from developing. A diet consisting of adequate protein intake, essential amino acids, and particularly leucine-rich food such as fish, beef, and legumes are vital to reducing risks. Get tips on senior nutrition and diet here. Several vitamins and nutrients, including vitamin D, protein, and creatine, have shown great promise in preventing Sarcopenia. Vitamin D supplements can help increase muscle strength and reduce the risks of falling. It plays a role in maintaining bone health and helps preserve fibers prone to muscle atrophy in the elderly. It also lowers the risk of seniors developing osteoporosis. Creatine supplements also help seniors in attenuating this age-related muscle loss. In addition, it helps improve an elderly's ability to perform functional living tasks. It's essential for caregivers and loved ones to recognize sarcopenia symptoms in seniors early on. While it's normal for our bodies to degenerate as we grow older, it's still important for us to make better health choices to improve health span and quality of life. With proper diet and exercise, we can help our elderly to avoid experiencing Sarcopenia and live their lives to the fullest until the end. That's all for today. Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day! Bedroom safety for seniors is crucial, especially since it’s a place where falls commonly occur. In the previous post, we discussed why it’s vital to secure bedrooms as a safe place for the elderly. We also discussed the challenges and problems that seniors encounter in the bedroom. So today, we will be talking about practical tips on how to improve bedroom safety for seniors aging in place. Let’s get started then… The bedroom should be free of clutter. Unnecessary items and furniture increase a senior’s risk of falls. Avoid using bed linens or bedspreads that reach the floor to keep their feet from getting tangled. Remember to check the floor regularly, discarded clothing and footwear can quickly become fall hazards. Be sure they have adequate space to move safely around the room. Many tasks require an older adult to move around the bedroom. For example: getting dressed, closing blinds, or even turning on/off the lights. So check if there’s adequate space for them and ask the following questions: These are essential things to assess. Take trials on navigating the bedroom yourself and evaluate whether there’s enough space for them to move. And if they use assistive devices such as walkers, canes, or rollators, designate a spot to "park" it close to the bed. This minimizes extra steps across the bedroom without the assistive device and also reduces their energy expenditure. The height of the bed is an important thing to assess. Floor to top of mattress should be between 20 inches and 23 inches for most people. If the bed is too low, it is difficult to get out. If the bed is to high, fall risk increases getting into bed. Avoid bed height that require step stools. For other bedroom furniture, look for chairs or couches that are sturdy and supportive. Choose ones with armrests as they can make it easier for them to get in and out of the furniture. Make sure seats are at least 18 inches tall. Avoid those that are too soft, as these can make it difficult for seniors to get up when needed. Placing a firm board under the seat cushion can improve the quality of a sagging couch or chair. All furniture items should not be swaying and wobbling. And avoid those with sharp corners which become dangerous in the event of a fall. Easy access and adequate lighting are crucial for the elderly when navigating the bedroom. Floor or table lamps that can be turned on by a light switch are often a good idea. Touch lamps can reduce the finger dexterity required and be easier for seniors. Quality lighting will also decrease reflections, shadows, and glare which can cause the eyes to not recognize clutter or objects such as tables and chairs. To avoid glare, do not use clear glass fixtures, avoid installing bright fixtures near glossy surfaces, and shield bulbs from direct view. While carpet and hardwoods are the most common flooring in bedrooms, they each have their challenges. Carpet is slip resistant, but can be challenging to navigate with a walker or wheelchair. Carpet is also difficult to clean in the event of a spill. Hardwoods allow for easy use of assistive devices, but can be slippery. They are also often covered with rugs which presents another set of issues if the rugs are thick or not secured to the floor. Consider rubber flooring. Many people are unaware it even exists as an option, but it can be the best choice for seniors. Rubber is slip resistant, even when wet and can absorb shock in the even of a fall. This reduces the risk of a costly fracture after an accident. For our seniors, keeping the proper bedroom temperatures isn’t only a matter of comfort. It’s also a matter of health. The ideal temperature, varies from person to person. But the lowest safe room temperature for seniors is around 65°F. And for those on blood thinners, they will likely prefer much warmers temperatures. Talk to your loved ones and find out where their comfort range falls, and take steps to keep the home at that temperature. To help optimize the bedroom temperature, it’s advisable to close blinds during the day to reduce heat build-up. Use smart technology. You can buy quiet tower fans with timers if they have trouble falling asleep. If it’s really hot, you can put a bowl of ice in front of the fan to cool the air. Sweating can also be minimized by using the bed sheets, mattresses, duvets, and pillows for temperature regulation. Most seniors also have a hard time sleeping especially if they’re in a noisy neighborhood. Cars honking, children playing, dogs barking. These types of sounds can disrupt their sleep. Noise can also be disturbing to seniors experiencing dementia. Hearing has a significant impact on dementia patients as it can worsen how they respond and perceive external stimuli. So how do you address this? Think of acoustics especially if you’re thinking of renovating your parent’s bedroom. Avoid using materials such as concrete, plasterboard, and brickwork which are high sound producers. It also helps to fill the gaps and air passages around doors, walls, and ceilings. And use sound-absorbing curtains as well as wall and floor coverings to limit reverberation. Learn more about noise level reduction for seniors here. Do you need help with remodeling your parent’s home and making it safer for aging in place? Check out our blog on the top remodeling home ideas for seniors. Bedroom safety for seniors is vital to our loved ones’ health. We need to make sure that their bedrooms are well designed and free of clutter. This way they can maximize their rest and sleep. Do you have any tips to share on improving bedroom safety for seniors? Share them with us below. That's all for today. Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day! Bedroom safety is an often overlooked issue for elderly care. However, it is one of the most important things to remember when caring for an aging loved one. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of bedroom safety and provide tips on making your loved one's bedroom much safer and more secure. Let's get started. Bedroom safety for the elderly is vital as falls are the leading cause of their injuries. And bedroom-related falls make up a significant percentage of these accidents, causing severe injuries to the elderly. Most of these cases come from the medical conditions of the elderly. Like orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure can make seniors feel lightheaded as they stand up from sitting or lying down. Orthostatic hypotension is common in at least 30% of older adults. Most times, it can feel like lightheadedness or dizziness, which the individual often disregards. However, it should be looked for in assessments, especially for those seniors with dementia or a history of falls. Visual impairments and challenges are also common as people age. More than one in four older adults with worsening eyesight had recurrent falls due to low-light areas and difficulty gauging distance from the edge of the bed. Sundowner's syndrome is also a frequent condition in seniors. It refers to a state of confusion in seniors, often occurring in the late afternoon and into the evening. Sundowning can cause different behaviors continuing in the night. It can appear as confusion, anxiety, or aggressive behaviors, especially towards caregivers. Sometimes it can also cause the seniors to wander off and get lost. 20% of the elderly population experience sundowning, leading to more serious accidents for seniors in the bedroom. These are among the most common causes of falls in the bedroom. Because of this, caregivers should pay more attention to keeping the bedroom safe for their loved ones. Several safety hazards in the bedroom for the elderly pose significant threats. As with all falls, a bed-related fall can be a minor situation or a serious concern. So, caregivers and family members should be aware of the conditions which may increase a senior's risk of falls and consider implementing safety measures. Urinary incontinence is one reason we should consider how we design a senior's bedroom. Many factors affect bladder control in the elderly. And it can affect their routines, especially with sleep. Accidental leaks can cause wet spots and slips during the wee hours of the morning, even with the healthiest seniors. So it's best to think of adding sensors for nightlights to help them see better during the night. If the bathrooms are too far, have a bedside commode near by to reduce distance traveled to urinate at night. REM sleep behavior disorders can also cause unpredictable behaviors in seniors as they sleep. People who experience this act out vivid dreams through the sudden, violent arm and leg movements or vocal sounds. The symptoms experienced with it may indicate neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or stroke. Uncontrollable jerks or body movements can also cause harm to them and their partners. The more rested our loved ones are, the better it will be for everyone. Read more about helpful tips for better sleep in the elderly here. Are you looking for the best bedroom safety tools to have in 2022? Here's a list of must-haves and good-to-haves for your seniors aging in place. Bed pads and alarms are excellent for keeping your senior loved ones safe. Its features include a sensing device that lets you know if the patient is no longer in bed. In addition, it comes with a pressure sensor pad or an infrared signal. You can choose between a wireless or a corded alarm system. Wireless systems usually work within 100 to 300 feet of the bed. Corded systems often cost less and are connected directly to the sensing device near the patient. Bed rails can add a sense of safety for older adults, especially those with mobility issues. Many options offer features for added convenience, such as foam for better grip, height adjustability, and storage compartments. They're also used to prevent rolling out of bed or falling, especially when shifting positions or getting into and out of bed. Bed wedges or pillows help seniors from falling out of bed. They're good options for supporting the body and are usually triangle-shaped. Plus, they're great alternatives to bed rails. Some seniors with recurring back pain would also need lumbar support pillows. The right mattress can also prevent pressure ulcers from forming or worsening. Check out tips on how to prevent bedsores in the elderly here. While falls are the leading cause of injury and death for seniors, there are other dangers that we must be aware of in the bedroom. As caregivers, we must mitigate these risks and keep our loved ones safe. In the next blog post, we'll share more tips on keeping our elder's bedrooms safe. Feel free to share any tips we might have missed below. That's all for today. Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day! It's no secret that preventing bedsores in the elderly is much easier than healing them. According to the National Institute of Nursing Research, pressure ulcers afflict around 2 million people in the United States annually. Approximately 95% of those cases occur in individuals over 65. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to preventing bedsores in the elderly. But caregivers can follow some practical tips to reduce the risks. Today, we will continue our discussion on preventing bedsores in the elderly. Let's get started! Anyone can get pressure ulcers. However, some people are more at risk than others, especially those with limited mobility. As mentioned in my blog post last week, those who are 60 years old and older are more at risk compared to other age groups. But pressure ulcers can also happen to those confined in bed following surgery, spinal cord injury or illness. People who are obese are also more at risk of pressure ulcers. Those who suffer from bowel or urinary incontinence are also more prone to bedsores due to moisture-associated skin damage (MASD). These conditions can affect the blood flow and cause the skin to become more fragile. Poor nutrition and hydration may also cause the skin to break more easily, leading to bedsores. As a caregiver, the more you are aware of this, the better you can take care of your seniors. This way, you can avoid having to deal with bed sores altogether. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, are a common and costly problem among the elderly. These painful sores develop when pressure cuts blood flow to a certain area, causing the tissue to break down. This pressure is usually caused by weight-bearing through a bony prominence such as the tailbone, hip or shoulder blade. When left untreated, pressure ulcers can become infected, leading to serious health complications. Here are five practical tips on how caregivers can help avoid pressure ulcers in the elderly. It's best to get a pressure relief mattress for seniors at risk of developing bedsores. These mattresses are designed to provide the right support for the whole body. They redistribute a person's weight and reduce pressure on specific body areas. You can choose air, gel, foam, or hybrid mattresses. Foam mattresses are best for seniors with a low-level risk of pressure ulcers. Gel mattresses are much cooler than foam ones. This makes sleeping much more comfortable for patients. Choose low air loss mattresses if your loved ones already suffer from bed sores. This mattress has a pump that pushes air through tiny holes at the top. The air helps keep the patient cool and heal the pressure sores that have already developed. Get more information about pressure relief mattresses here. Keeping your loved ones hydrated and fed well should also be a priority. Hydration and nutrition play a huge role in keeping skin, fat and muscle cells healthy. It's also important for skin repair and preservation of these tissues. When the body is dehydrated, it disturbs cell metabolism and wound healing. Adequate amounts of fluid are necessary to keep the blood flowing properly in the body. Nutrients get evenly distributed in the body, making it easier to recover in case of damage. So ensure your elders get the right amount of fluids and nutrient-rich food. In case your loved one's skin is already broken, the next best thing to do is to keep it clean. First things first, ask your healthcare provider for help. They can guide you through the correct process of cleansing the wound and avoiding more complications. Remove pressure on the affected area by monitoring the patient's position and changing it often. Use thera-honey, medicated gauze or special dressings on the wound to speed up its healing process. Ask about antiseptic creams or medicine you can use to treat infections. You could also learn the debridement process to remove damaged, infected, or dead tissue, but it may be best to leave that to the experts. Learn more about debridement here. It's best to change the patient's position every two to four hours. This will help remove continuous pressure which causes damage. Two hours is the longest you should remain on areas already at risk of skin breakdown. Consider slide sheets when changing your loved one's position, but be careful. These specialty sheets create a low friction surface. This can reduce caregiver burden, but if not used properly, can cause a loved one to slide out of the bed. Use cushions and positioning aids to protect all bony body parts such as the sacral regions, the hips and scapulas. Some positions you can use are as follows: Read more about bed positioning here. When it comes to pressure ulcers, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Proper skin care is a must. As a caregiver, it's important to check on your elderly's skin at least daily. Check for redness, wounds, or any signs of discoloration. Keep the right moisture levels and ensure the skin is neither dry nor too moist. Nutrition and hydration come first. But it also helps to apply moisturizers to keep the skin supple. And try not to massage bony areas to avoid any damage or breakage. Elderly individuals are especially susceptible to bedsores. And preventing bedsores in the elderly is possible by following some simple guidelines for nutrition, hydration, and positioning. Healthcare providers should always be consulted when caring for elderly patients. But family members can also help by being aware of the risk factors and watching for any signs of bedsores early on. Are there any other tips you can share with our readers on how to avoid this common problem? That's all for today. Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!

Can you tell that I absolutely love bananas? They’ve always been one of my favorite fruits. If you’re new here and don’t believe me, check out these beauties – Banana Bread, Bananas Foster, Stuffed French Toast and Monkey Business. See I wasn’t kidding. Today I have yet another banana treat for you. And let me tell you that these were absolutely wonderful. Even though they were an eggless bake, they were light, moist and super yum. I made mini muffins this time just as an excuse to have a second helping, maybe even a third 😉 These were so great that the next time I whip these up, I’m going to make them the regular muffin size. I think that tells you how much we enjoyed them. I hope you do too! Oh, I love my new silicone mini muffin cups. They are so gorgeous, they just brighten up my day. Am I crazy to want them in every color available 🙂 ? Unfortunately I forgot to use them while baking the muffins but they do make a pretty picture. Can’t wait to bake with them. Mini Eggless Banana Walnut Muffins Yields 12 mini muffins 2-3 over ripe banans, mashed 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup natural unflavored yogurt 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste Preheat the oven to 180ºC and prepare your muffin mould Mash the bananas in a bowl and add the oil, yogurt, sugar and vanilla and mix well. Mix the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the mashed banana mix and fold it into the flour till incorporated. Don’t beat the batter. Add the walnuts, reserving a few and stir them in gently. Spoon the batter into paper lined muffin tins and sprinkle the reserved walnuts on top of them. Bake for 20-30 minutes or till done.

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What are termites? Termites are wood-destroying pests. People commonly mistake termites for ants due to their appearance, but they are actually related to roaches. They are also important decomposers, helping to break down organic matter. Unfortunately, our homes can fall victim to termites. Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites are two common species in the Beaumont area. The eastern subterranean species grows between ¼ to ½ an inch long and are creamy-white to dark brown. Formosan termites are a little over 1/2 an inch long and are yellowish-brown. Termites are no joke when they invade your home; let our experts get these pests out of your home! Are termites dangerous? Although they don’t spread diseases, termites can affect allergies and asthma due to the dust they produce. But the most pressing concern when it comes to termites is the damage they cause. If gone unnoticed, which is often the case, termites can cause extensive damage. In severe cases, termites can cause collapses. However, in less severe cases, they can still make a property unsafe for people due to how quickly they eat away at wood. Formosan termites are particularly difficult to control. Once they infest a property, a colony can grow to hundreds of thousands of individuals. Why do I have a termite problem? These termites are attracted to water-damaged and decaying wood. Although older homes are more susceptible to these pests, newly built homes can also experience an infestation if they have leaks and drainage issues. Another reason why your home might be attractive to these pests is if your foundation touches the soil and there are cracks for the termites to squeeze through. Where will I find termites? Both the species we’ve mentioned are subterranean termites, meaning they have contact with moist soil to survive. So instead of living in the wood they consume, they use mud tubes to travel between their nest in the soil and the food source. Mud tubes can usually be found around the foundation of a home. How do I get rid of termites? If you suspect termites are on your property, you should contact us at Pestco Professional Pest Control. We offer termite removal services in Beaumont, in which we: - Inspect the interior and exterior, including the attic and basement. We look for active termites and conditions that attract these pests. - Use treatments that vary depending on your needs. We use a reliable product called Termidor and baiting systems. We also offer pre-construction treatments that treat the soil and wood, providing preventative measures. - Provide a termite warranty that includes an annual inspection and re-treatment if necessary. For more information about our residential and commercial termite control services, contact us at Pestco Professional Pest Control. How can I prevent termites in the future? Once we treat your property for termites, you want to make sure there isn’t a reason for them to come back again. You can do this by using the following prevention tips: - Remove any decaying wood on your property and replace any in your home. - Identify and seal any entry points such as cracks in the foundation and create a barrier using crushed rocks between the foundation and soil. - Address excessive moisture issues. - Keep any stored wood away from your house and other buildings on your property. For more advice on what to do about termites, reach out to us at Pestco Professional Pest Control.

This fried rice with leftovers is a nifty clean-out-the-fridge stir-fry that turns leftovers into a quick and easy weeknight dinner made from just leftover rice and meat, seafood, or vegetables along with soy sauce or fish sauce. Beware the optional but addictive jalapeño garlic vinegar. Full disclosure: It will likely take you longer to read this recipe than it will to unload the leftovers languishing in your fridge and get this fried rice on the table. In fact, one of our testers boldly declared this the fastest dinner she’s ever prepared. Make it with meat or keep it vegetarian, include an egg or don’t, use soy sauce or reach for the Vietnamese counterpart, fish sauce. You can even skip the leftovers altogether and keep the focus on the perfect balance of savory and salty. How’s that for a weeknight winner?–Jenny Howard *What Kind Of Rice To Use (And Other Tricks To Making Perfect Fried Rice) This is one time when cold, crumbly, refrigerated rice (white or brown) is better than steaming rice straight from the stove or rice cooker. Rice that has been cooked, cooled, and refrigerated for up to 3 days is exactly what you want as the grains are dry so they don’t gum up or get gloppy when you cook them. Although you do want to let the cooked rice come almost to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe. Add-ins such as meat and vegetables should be cut into smallish pieces so they’ll distribute well among the grains. It’s tempting to add a lot of soy or fish sauce to the rice at once but restrain yourself. Otherwise the rice will not only get oversalty but overhydrated and soggy. Use a higher heat than you may be comfortable with and be ready for things to go quickly once you start cooking (you’ll want to first line up the ingredients near the stove so you can simply reach for and dump them in the pan when ready). And if you decide to double the recipe (because it’s THAT good), you’ll want to cook it in two batches or simultaneously in two skillets or woks. Fried Rice With Leftovers For the quick jalapeño garlic vinegar (optional) - 1 jalapeño sliced, with seeds - 1 small garlic clove smashed - 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar - 1/4 cup water For the fried rice - 3 cups cooked long-grain rice* at room temperature (see NOTE above) - 2 tablespoons fat such as mild vegetable oil, peanut oil, coconut oil, rendered lard, bacon fat, or European-style butter - 2 garlic cloves finely chopped - 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked leftovers such as meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or a combination, cut or broken up into pea-sized pieces - 1 to 3 tablespoons light or regular soy sauce or fish sauce plus more for serving, if desired - 1 large egg beaten - 1 scallion white and green parts, chopped - Fine sea salt Make the quick jalapeño garlic vinegar (optional) - In a small jar, combine all the ingredients, screw on the lid, and shake to combine. Let it sit for 15 minutes. (You can keep the vinegar for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.) Make the fried rice - In a medium bowl, stir the rice to break up any clumps. Set the bowl of rice and all remaining ingredients near the stovetop, as this recipe comes together quickly. - In a large skillet or wok (you want something nonstick, carbon-steel, or cast-iron) over high heat, warm 1 tablespoon fat. When the fat just begins to shimmer, add the garlic and stir-fry until aromatic, 10 to 15 seconds. - Add the leftovers and cook, stirring, until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir-fry until everything is completely combined and heated through, about 2 minutes more. Slowly dribble 1 tablespoon soy or fish sauce (or a combination) over the rice and toss quickly. Taste and, if desired, add more soy or fish sauce. - Use your spoon to push the rice to the edge of the skillet or wok to create a well in the middle at least 4 inches (10 cm) wide. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon fat to the well and pour in the egg. Quickly stir-fry to scramble the egg and then gently stir to combine the rice with the egg. Add the scallion and stir-fry just until the scallion has softened, about 30 seconds more. Remove from the heat, taste, and, if desired, season with salt, although chances are the fried rice will be plenty salty from the soy or fish sauce. - Transfer the fried rice to a serving plate or shallow bowl. Serve with small bowls of additional soy or fish sauce on the side along with the jalapeño garlic vinegar, if desired. No Leftovers Fried Rice VariationThe author of this recipe refers to it as “Use-It-Up Fried Rice” in terms of its usefulness in putting leftovers on the table in a novel manner. But you don’t have to have leftovers to make it. Instead, when you warm the fat, first stir-fry any combination of raw meat, seafood, or fresh or frozen veggies until cooked through, adding a few drops of soy or fish sauce, if desired. Then add the garlic and stir-fry for 10 to 15 seconds. Add the rice and continue as directed. Bacon Fried Rice VariationWhy not?! Before making the fried rice, fry 2 or 3 slices of chopped bacon over medium-high heat until crisp. Proceed with the recipe, using the rendered fat in the skillet for the stir-fry instead of oil or butter. Keep the bacon in the skillet as you fry the rice or, if you prefer, remove it after it crisps and save it as a garnish. Recipe Testers’ Reviews This versatile fried rice recipe is a weeknight winner! Extra points for using up extras languishing in the fridge that might otherwise have been wasted. I used raw chicken breast, broccoli and shredded carrots. I added fish sauce while frying and served with soy sauce as optional. We ended up eating this as a main dish with some of us adding a fried egg on top along with some hot sauce. As there are only 3 of us, there were leftovers that reheated beautifully in a skillet. I did a few variations adding fresh grated ginger (I keep it in the freezer so it’s almost powdery) one time and last night I started by heating a little water with a 1 1/2 teaspoons miso before adding the leftovers. Here’s a quick and easy recipe that has plenty of flexibility and also serves as a nice reminder about a leftover option that reads like a planned meal. I used leftover brown rice, peanut oil, a leftover marinated tofu salad that contained shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach, and soy sauce. I was happy at the author’s suggestion to omit the egg, since I was cooking for folks that included a non-egg eater. There was still plenty of richness due to the mushrooms. I let the garlic go the full 15 seconds, and stir fried the tofu and spinach a little longer than two minutes because the spinach was fresh and not leftover. It seemed to make sense to me to add it here, rather than to pre-cook it as suggested in the section of notes about using raw ingredients. I let the rice cook for the full recommended 2 minutes. I felt the scallion needed to go more than 10 to 15 seconds, so I let it go till it seemed softened and appropriately textured to fit with the rest of the cooked ingredients. To my palate, no additional salt was needed, as the leftover tofu already was seasoned and I had used soy sauce. This may be the fastest dinner I have ever made! What a great way to use up leftovers and turn them into a new dinner. Have everything ready to go—it literally comes together instantly. The great thing about this dish is that you don’t have to be too fussy about measuring anything. Throw in whatever meat or vegetables you have in the fridge! My fried rice included leftover basmati rice, bacon, rotisserie chicken, and a mixture of frozen vegetables (chopped carrots, corn, peas) all cooked in bacon fat that I kept in the fridge from the weekend’s breakfast. I seasoned it with Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (I just kept drizzling until it was seasoned to my taste, 2 to 3 tablespoons) and I also gave it a light sprinkle of fish sauce (about 1 teaspoon). The mixture of the two seasonings were delicious! I had two chances to make this and each fried rice dish had a unique and fresh flavor which the different additions shaped. My first version was vegan (right up until the addition of the fish sauce) and the second more of a carnivores special. Both worked. The jalapeño sauce is brilliant and a light hand with the fish sauce is just right. These seasonings kept the result clear and surprisingly lively, with the Vietnamese approach a bit different than my more frequent Chinese-inspired versions. Using Gaba (sprouted) rice and a combination of celery and five-spice-braised firm tofu with a small red baby bell pepper as a colorful and slightly sweet accent. No egg. The tofu provided all the protein we needed. I used avocado oil formulated for high temperatures. Served alone as a light dinner. Using Jasmine rice cooked with vegetable broth. By cooking a few ounces of bacon sliced into batons, I had enough fat in the pan to do most of the cooking. After the bacon crisped, I removed it and increased the heat, adding sliced asparagus and shiitake mushrooms. I added a teaspoon or two of avocado oil to the center when I added the egg, and tossed the bacon back in at the end. This was a supporting side for grilled chicken. All of this comes together so quickly that it makes the planning of your mise en place especially rewarding and helps set up calm and quick cooking. I almost always cook extra rice knowing that fried rice will work into the dinner sometime soon. I was totally surprised at how effective the jalapeño vinegar mixture worked, it help beautifully for 2 to 3 days and will be a regular condiment from now on. For our own nutritional needs, I reduced the amount of rice by half and found it worked perfectly with the full amount of vegetables and protein. An effortless success on the cheap—what more could a home cook ask for on a weeknight? This fried rice is definitely a great “guideline recipe” to have on hand. The fried rice was tasty (flavored with soy sauce and my leftover veggies were sautéed mustard greens and roasted carrots) and the texture was light and fluffy. I loved hearing the soy sauce sizzle and the simple technique of cooking the egg in the center of the pan (I had always cooked the egg separately and added it back into the fried rice). The timing for each step was spot on too—my companion served as the official timer as I cooked and we coasted right through the end in just over 10 minutes. The vinegar added a little zing but the fried rice was perfectly satisfying without it. I did add another tablespoon soy sauce at the end. Fried rice is a dish that the whole family likes and everyone knows how to prepare. My son once tried to prepare the recipe with freshly cooked rice, and the result was disastrous—a very moist rice that tasted good but didn’t have the right consistency. Then he learned one of the secrets of preparing fried rice: always use cold, dry rice that had been cooked in advance. I used cooked rice made a day in advance and cooked fresh ingredients: pork, cabbage, carrots, and red pepper. I used 2 tablespoons peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon fish sauce. I served it with the quick vinegar. Sometimes I also add, along with the soy sauce, some sweet and sour sauce. As a topping, I add nuts like almonds or cashews. I also served it with the quick chile garlic vinegar sauce as I love its strong acid taste. Originally published February 01, 2021

Turning 30 isn’t so bad. To be honest, I really didn’t have any anxiety about turning 30 to begin with. Maybe it’s becuase I can hear my Mom saying, “You are only as old as you feel….and I still feel like I’m 25.” (She is 63, mind you.) Or maybe it is because I am content with who I am, what I do, and where I have ended up. I feel pretty fortunate to have married my high school sweetheart, found a career I love, and to be surrounded by so many great friends….those close by and those across the miles. And did I mention…the best little dog in the world lives at my house (her name is Ruby)…and our first munchkin is due to arrive in August. All in all…I think this year…my 30th year is shaping up to be a great one! Thank you to everyone who has made me who I am today…for loving me and supporting…through good times and bad. 🙂 Last Thursday, St. Pat’s, was the big day. The big 3-0! Having a birthday on St. Patrick’s has always been a blast….green green green! Growing up, my Mom made ALL of my birthday food green. And, once I was older…there was green beer. LOL. While I couldn’t indulge in any of the green beer this year, my family and friends ensured that I was spoiled rotten. First, I woke up to a surprise from Ryan. A little blue box. I don’t know a girl that doesn’t like the look of a little blue box! I was even more thrilled with the silver inside. A beautiful key necklace. The big key from Ryan, of course….and the little key from Ruby. Ruby thought I needed a little bling on my necklace, so “Dad” had to order one up with some stones! 🙂 What a thoughtful gift! That evening, a group of great friends met us out for some pizza. There was green beer…(no, not for me), lots of pizza, and plenty of laughter to go around. To the local friends who shared the evening, thank you for being there! And the next day, celebration continued with my childhood friend, Holly. Holly treated me to lunch at one of my FAVORITE new restaurants in Iowa City, “Her Soup Kitchen.” Honestly, the Roasted Portabella sandwich is to.die.for. Don’t you worry…I will be featuring HSK on Indulge, SOON. After our lunch, Holly also surprised me with a box of CUPCAKES! 6 White Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting and 6 “Robin’s Red Velvet” (yep, named after me!). I have mentioned Holly’s cupcakes on the blog before, but today, I am going to plug them again. YOU HAVE GOT TO TRY THESE CUPCAKES. The white cupcakes were my favorite (but white always is)…super tasty…super moist…super delicious. I believe my first comment was, “These are ridiculously good.” Holly & her business partner Sara are now open for business. I am so proud of them. Check out CRAVINGS at cravingiowa.wordpress.com. If you are local to Iowa City, I am telling you that these cupcakes are tough competition for Yummy’s and Deluxe! 🙂 And finally, for my 30th bday, I am sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes with you. Spicy Chicken Pasta. Again, for those of you who are local to Iowa City, this recipe is a tribute to TASTE on Melrose. TASTE was my favorite restaurant in Iowa City…hands down. It was eceletic, quaint, and always delicious. Just before it closed (Feb 2010), I made it my mission to create their Spicy Chicken Pasta at home. After running through my anticipated ingredient list and rough attempt at creating the recipe with a local Chef, we perfected it! Everytime I make this recipe, Ryan will walk into the house or kitchen and say, “Am I am at TASTE?!” The aroma smells just like our favorite little restaurant. 🙂 And the good news is, the final products tastes EXACTLY like it did when the Chef’s at TASTE made it for us! For those of you who received the Boudreau Christmas Card this year, this is the recipe I included on the last page of the card. Pull it out and give it a try! SPICY CHICKEN PASTA A tribute to TASTE on Melrose - 2 Chicken Breasts - 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped - 1 Can Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce (pureed) - 2 Red Bell Peppers, coarsely chopped - 2 Tbsp White Wine - 3/4 Quart of Heavy Cream - 2 Big Tomatoes, (cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped) - 1 Lb Campanelle Pasta - Dash of Salt - Dash of Pepper - 1 Tbsp Cilantro Begin by grilling the chicken breasts (~6-7 minutes on each side at 400 degrees) until cooked through. Cut chicken into thick slices and again in half. Add EVOO to a 5 qt pot. Saute EVOO, garlic, and 3-4 tbsp of the pureed chipotle peppers for 2 minutes. (Remember, chipotle peppers pack heat! Start by adding 3 tbsp…you can always add more later…especially if you are sensitive to heat). Add chicken and red peppers. Sautee for another 3 minutes. Deglaze the pot with 2 tbsp white wine. Add heavy cream and tomatoes. Reduce on med-low heat for 30 minutes. Sauce should reduce by 3/4. While sauce is reducing, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook noodles (~10 minutes). You will want the noodles to be al dente. Once the noodles are done, add 1-2 Tbsp of water from the noodles to the sauce. Stir well. Add noodles and cilantro. Serve with a glass of wine & indulge! INDULGE. In Life. In Love. In Food.

Ah, zucchini. The magical summer squash that proliferates in every amateur green thumb’s garden each August, resulting in gigundo green monsters, bigger than your head, and the inevitable question, “What the hell am I going to do with all this zucchini?” So why am I torturing you with thoughts of zucchini, when asparagus and sugar snap peas are still weeks away and summer squash is a mere pipe dream? Maybe I am just reminiscing on the long, lazy days of summer, when I will split a zucchini, spritz with a little olive oil & balsamic vinegar, plop it on the grill, and call it dinner. But I am also trying to clean out the freezer of last season’s harvest, preparing for the Spring that I know is coming (yes, despite the fact that it was 28 degrees when I got up this morning, I KNOW Spring is coming. So come on already!) and all the wonderful, fresh food it will bring. My fiance calls zucchini “The Evil Weed.” He dislikes summer squash in general, but has a truly pathological hatred of zucchini, and I have made a solemn vow that I will never try to sneak the ‘evil weed’ into meals without his knowledge. This means that I eat a lot of zucchini in the summertime. Despite the zuc-hate, however, he will eat these quick breads. (He grumbles, and swears that he will deny it to his dying day, but he had about five of the mini-muffins yesterday.) Therefore, every summer when the piles of summer squash threaten to overwhelm, I grate up a whole bunch of zucchini, in 2-cup portions, and pack them away in the freezer, just for this very recipe. If you didn’t get around to packing away a whole bunch ‘o zucchini last summer, never fear; August will come again, and you will have an answer to the Inevitable Question. If you did pack away zucchini… good for you! Now go make this bread as a reward to yourself. Don’t be deterred by the long list of ingredients; this is a “quick bread” after all, and the recipe comes together pretty easily. This is one of my favorite ways to prepare zucchini – healthy, spicy, flavorful little muffins and quick breads that are great for breakfast, a snack or a surprise gift when visiting friends. It’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into veggie-adverse kids as well – if Tai will eat it, anyone will! Adapted from Zucchini & Apricot Bread in Great Breads by Martha Rose Shulman Mini Zucchini Quick Breads - 4 eggs (8.5 oz) - 1/4 cup (1 and 1/2 oz) grapeseed oil (or safflower or canola oil) - 1/4 cup (2 oz) buttermilk - 1/4 cup (2 oz) applesauce (or apple butter, or frozen concentrated orange juice, thawed) - 1/2 cup (3 and 1/4 oz) raw sugar (organic turbinado) - 2 tsp vanilla - zest (1 tbsp) and juice (~2 oz) of one medium orange - 8 oz (about 2 cups) grated zucchini, well washed, peel on, fresh or frozen - 12 oz (2 and 2/3 cups) whole white wheat flour (or a mix of AP, bread, spelt or other flours) - 2 tsp baking powder - 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1 tsp sea salt - 2 and 1/2 tsp cinnamon - 1 and 1/2 tsp ground cloves - 1 and 1/2 tsp nutmeg - 1 tsp allspice - 1 heaping cup walnut halves, coarsely chopped - Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. - Grease 4 mini-loaf pans (3 x 3 x 6 inch), or 2 mini-loaf pans and one mini-muffin pan, either with butter or canola oil spray. - In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, applesauce, sugar, vanilla, orange zest & juice and zucchini, including juice. - In a medium bowl, mix flours, baking powder and soda, salt and spices. Whisk well to combine. - Add the flour mixture to the liquid; fold in liquid until just combined. Before flour is completely combined, add chopped walnuts (coating the walnuts in a small amount of flour will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan prior to baking). Quickly fill the bread pans to about 3/4 of the way full, and place on a baking sheet (for ease in handling) in the preheated oven. (If making mini-muffins as well, fill mini-muffin tins full to the top and place the pan in the upper third of the oven.) - Bake mini-loaves for 30-35 minutes (mini-muffins for approximately 15 minutes), or until the tops are nicely brown and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean. - Cool in the pans, on wire racks, for 10-15 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Yields four mini-loaves, OR two mini-loaves and 20 mini-muffins. - This bread is moist, spicy, and not very sweet. If you prefer it sweeter, add another 2 – 4 tbsp of turbinado sugar. If it did not come out quite sweet enough for you, or if you simply want to turn it into a more decadent dessert, try this simple sugar glaze: in a small bowl, start with about 1 tsp of orange juice and 2 tbsp of powdered sugar. Mix well with a fork (sifting the powdered sugar first will prevent any lumps in the glaze, but they will eventually disappear with enough mixing). Add powdered sugar or juice until desired consistency is reached. You want the glaze to be quite thick, almost on the verge of not-pourable, while still being able to drizzle off the spoon. Water makes a whiter, prettier glaze, but orange juice tastes better (and makes me believe that it is something slightly more healthy than liquified sugar). - You can replace the sugar entirely with 3/8 cups honey; the baked bread will have a more dense structure. - In the height of zucchini season, I grate and freeze 2 cup portions so that I can make this bread all winter long. I’ve also made this recipe with yellow summer squash and pattypan squash; both of these have a little less liquid than zucchini, so you may need to add a little extra in the form of juice, milk or applesauce. Cool completely, then wrap in foil or plastic wrap to keep moist. Will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for about 5 days. By one week, the bread starts to dry out. Freezes very well; double wrap in plastic wrap, and then re-warm thawed bread in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or toast slices in the toaster oven and serve with butter. Zucchini is at it’s height in late summer, but my favorite time to make this bread is in winter, with frozen, grated zucchini. With frozen zucchini, it is possible to make this bread year-round.

I began thinking of ideas for my son’s 1st birthday cake months in advance. I came up with a 1st Birthday LEGO Cake because I thought it would be easy…my original plan was to just make a sheet cake and cover in different color icing/fondant. As I got to thinking, my imagination ran wild! I told my husband to order a plain sheet cake from a bakery just in case mine didn’t turn out! After searching on-line for inspiration since I am not an artistic person, I came across a wedding cake that was partially Lego on the back side. And so the process began. Typically I bake all my cakes from scratch but since my design idea was so involved I decided to use box cake this time around. I made three boxes – chocolate, white confetti and yellow with chocolate chips added. I made a 9×12 chocolate, a 9″ yellow w/ chocolate chips round and used 2 loaf pans for the confetti cake. I added 2 cups of pudding to each cake mix to keep the cake moist since I baked them 1 week before the party. I let them cool and put them in the freezer for 24 hours. After they were frozen, I cut up the 9×12 cake to make (1) 7″ circle and (2) 5″ circles…I did this because I don’t own different sized round cake pans! I then put them back in the freezer so they wouldn’t go stale. I bought a Lego man mold and a Lego brick mold on Amazon and began making candy and chocolate. The Lego men are made with Wilton’s candy pens and the Lego bricks are made from white chocolate. I used the candy dye to color them. **CAREFUL-DON’T USE THE ICING DYE! I did the first night and it ended up being a waste-the icing dye is water based and when water is added to melted chocolate, it seizes. The only way to unseize it is to add more water but then the chocolate will not set!** Some of the bricks were flavored. The green are lime, the orange are orange, the white are cherry, the blue are mint and the yellow are coconut. For the coconut I just added coconut to the melted chocolate; for the mint I used mint extract; the lime, cherry and orange was the Jello powder – they tasted AWESOME! Two days before the party I iced the frozen cakes with a crumb coat. I used chocolate, strawberry and white icing. I then let it set in the fridge for a few hours and did a second coat of icing and assembled the cakes. All rounds were piled on top of each other and I put the two loaf cakes on top of each other. Smoothing the icing was the hardest part. I guess because I didn’t use butter cream icing but I was able to do it by sticking my spatula in hot water before each swipe. I then let it set in the fridge, covered for 24 hours. The day before the party I covered the round cakes in 1 large sheet of fondant and smoothed as best as possible to show the distinction of different levels. The loaf cake remained icing only. I put everything back in the fridge to set for an hour. The “flat” Lego pieces – like all the sides of the loaf cake and the special “cut away” parts of the round cakes are made out of Wilton Sugar Sheets!. I rolled some fondant to create a little boarder around each “cut away” section to make it look like the inside of the cake was built from Legos! The Happy Birthday picks are made from a mold I got at the craft store and I used Wilton candy and mint chocolate. I also used Wilton edible markers to write my son’s name and a few #1’s on the cake. The Lego men were attached using icing and I then lined the entire cake board with the chocolate Lego bricks. I had so much fun making this cake but it sure was tiring. I spent every night for a week working on bits and pieces of this cake after I put my son to bed. Some nights I was up until 4:00 am! The cake turned out amazing and tasted even better than it looked. Adding the pudding to the cake batter helped keep the cakes moist and made them almost gooie…so good!! All this work for a cake that my son won’t even remember…but it was well worth it! We used the “back-up” cake that my husband ordered for the smash cake because nobody even wanted me to cut this Lego cake to serve! I ended up just taking a knife to it…but not before taking a ton of pictures!

When to Use Malathion on Plum Trees? Growing plums (Prunus) in the backyard or home orchard is an easy way to add spring blossoms to the landscape and put fruit on the table. Plum trees grow with very little attention in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun in Mediterranean-type climates. For a bountiful, flavorful and blemish-free harvest, each season has its tasks. Cultural practices and dormant-season oil-sprays are primary pest control practices. However, malathion can be used in combination with other products or used alone to treat particularly difficult insect infestations. Leaf curl plum aphids (Brachycaudus helichrysi) -- dark in color, and mealy plum aphids (Hyalopteris pruni) -- light green, soft-bodied insects covered in a white, wax-like substance -- both infest plum trees. Aphids return to trees during spring blossom time where they feed on the undersides of leaves. Infested with aphids, leaves curl and can become stunted. When aphids persist, the plum tree can become devitalized and the sugar content of fruit reduced. Honeydew secreted by the insects can cause fruit to split. Aphids produce up to 13 generations before leaving plum trees at the beginning of summer. San Jose scale (Quadraspitiodus perniciosus), an armored scale species, is a serious sap-sucking pest of stone fruit trees, including plums. Managing insects on plum trees begins with low-environmental-impact treatments, such as horticultural oil, insecticidal soap or neem oil -- a biologically derived insecticide. When oil or soap treatments are insufficient, malathion can be used when plum trees are in the petal-fall stage -- 5 days after bloom or when 75 percent of petals have dropped. A surfactant, such as dishwashing liquid, makes malathion more effective for controlling aphids. It is important to spray inside curled leaves where the insects feed. Malathion 7.5 percent can be used in combination with a fungicide in a comprehensive spray program to treat disease problems, aphids and scale. Certain malathion products can be used up to within 3 days of harvest. Carefully follow label directions specific to plum trees. Overuse of malathion can result in insect resistance to the insecticide or malathion residue on fruit. Slightly toxic to the environment, malathion is labeled Class III in EPA toxicity, and carries the word "Caution" on its label. Concerns regarding the use of malathion products includes harm to beneficial insects, such as honeybees and the predator insects that feed on aphids and scale. Malathion should not be used while trees are in bloom and bees are active. Further danger to beneficial insects may result from malathion's tendency to drift and to be spread beyond the treatment area during windy, rainy or foggy weather. Breaking down in the environment within three weeks, except when it is sprayed on non-biological surfaces like pavement, malathion can remain active for up to three months. Humans exposed to malathion can experience nervous system symptoms, including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, watery eyes and more. It is advised to stay out of the orchard from 12 hours to 6 days following the use of malathion. Store malathion in its original container with its label intact. Dispose of unused malathion solution according to local regulations -- available through your local County Extension Service. Wear protective clothing, such as goggles, gloves, face masks and long-sleeved shirts, when using insecticides. Wash with soap and water immediately after the use of malathion. Launder clothing separately. Follow label directions carefully and keep the spray away from children. - University of California: California Backyard Orchard: Plums -- Calendar of Operations for Home Gardeners - University of California: California Backyard Orchard: Plums and Prunes - Washington State University -- Orchard Pest Management Online: San Jose Scale - University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Plum -- Mealy Plum Aphid - University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Plum -- Leaf Curl Plum Aphid - The University of Tennessee at Knoxville: Office of Information Technology: Disease and Insect Control in Home Fruit Plantings - California Department of Pesticide Regulation: Environmental Fate of Malathion - Do My Own Pest Control: Hi-Yield 55-Percent Malathion Spray - Agency for Tox Substances and Disease Control: Malathion For Judy Kilpatrick, gardening is the best mental health therapy of all. Combining her interests in both of these fields, Kilpatrick is a professional flower grower and a practicing, licensed mental health therapist. A graduate of East Carolina University, Kilpatrick writes for national and regional publications.

A few months ago, I bought a doughnut baking pan. I’ve been experimenting with different recipes, and most of them turned out doughnuts that were a little dry. After some tweaking, I’ve come up with what I think is a pretty darn good baked doughnut; they’re moist, rich and finished with a delicious chocolate glaze. For this recipe, you will need to use a six-cavity doughnut pan. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup cocoa powder - 1/2 tsp baking soda - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/4 cup vegetable oil - 1 egg - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 2/3 cups buttermilk For the glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 4 tbsp cocoa powder - 2 tsp corn syrup - 3-4 tsp milk - sprinkles, for decorating (optional) - Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a six-cavity doughnut pan with cooking spray. - In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. - In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, sugar, vanilla and buttermilk. - Add the dry ingredients to the wet and whisk until combined. The batter will be quite thick. - Spoon batter into the doughnut pan and bake for 10-12 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a doughnut comes out clean. - Cool the doughnuts completely on a wire rack before glazing. - For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa, corn syrup and milk. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too runny, add a little powdered sugar. Mix until the glaze is smooth and shiny. - Dip the tops of the doughnuts into the glaze. Add sprinkles (if using.) Place doughnuts on a wire rack to allow glaze to set. These doughnuts taste best the day they are made. *Yield: 6 doughnuts

If you experience ongoing pain in the area near your ear, your jaw or the muscles on the side of your face, possibly accompanied by a clicking or popping sound or restricted jaw movement, you may be suffering from TMD — an abbreviation for Temporomandibular disorders. Sometimes people incorrectly use the term TMJ to refer to these problems, when in fact TMJ is the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint — or jaw joint — itself. So while you definitely have a TMJ (two of them in fact), you may or may not have TMD. TMD, then, describes a group of conditions characterized by pain and dysfunction of the TMJ and/or the muscles surrounding it. It's not always so easy to figure out exactly what's causing these symptoms, but the good news is that most TMD cases resolve themselves with the help of conservative remedies that you can try at home. In fact, it's important to exhaust all such reversible remedies before moving on to anything irreversible, such as bridgework or surgery. The two TMJs that connect your lower jaw, the mandible, to the temporal bone of the skull on either side, are actually very complex joints that allow movement in three dimensions. The lower jaw and temporal bone fit together as a ball and socket, with a cushioning disk in between. Large pairs of muscles in the cheeks and temples move the lower jaw. Any of these parts — the disk, the muscles or the joint itself — can become the source of a TMD problem. If you are in pain, or are having difficulty opening or closing your jaw, a thorough examination can help pinpoint the problem area; then an appropriate remedy can be recommended. Causes of TMD As with any other joint, the TMJ can be subject to orthopedic problems including inflammation, sore muscles, strained tendons and ligaments, and disk problems. TMD is also influenced by genes, gender (women appear to be more prone to it), and age. Physical and psychological stress can also be a factor. In some cases, jaw pain may be related to a more widespread, pain-inducing medical condition such as fibromyalgia (“fibro” – connective tissues; “myo” – muscle; “algia” – pain). Signs and Symptoms of TMD Clicking Sounds — Some people with TMD hear a clicking, popping or grating sound coming from the TMJ when opening or closing the mouth. This is usually caused by a shifting of the disk inside the joint. Someone standing next to you might even be able to hear it. Clicking by itself is actually not a significant symptom because one third of all people have jaw joints that click, studies show. However, if the clicking is accompanied by pain or limited jaw function — the jaw getting “stuck” in an open or closed position, for example — this would indicate TMD. Muscle Pain — This can be felt in the cheeks (masseter muscles) and temples (temporalis muscles), where the two big pairs of jaw-closing muscles are located. If you feel soreness and stiffness upon waking up in the morning, it's often related to habits such as clenching and/or grinding the teeth at night. If you have this type of nocturnal habit, a custom-made nightguard should be very helpful in decreasing the force applied to your teeth, which will in turn allow your muscles to relax and relieve pressure on your jaw joints. Other self-care remedies are discussed below (please see Relieving the Pain). Joint Pain — Pain that's actually coming from one or both jaw joints technically would be described as arthritis (“arth” – joint; “itis” – inflammation) of the TMJ. Radiographs (x-ray pictures) show that some people have arthritic-looking TMJs but no symptoms of pain or dysfunction; others have significant symptoms of pain and dysfunction but their joints look normal on radiographs. There is no cure for arthritis anywhere in the body, but medication can sometimes help relieve arthritic symptoms. Relieving the Pain Once you have been examined, a strategy for treating your condition and managing your pain can be developed. Sometimes a temporary change to a softer diet can reduce stress on the muscles and joints. Ice and/or moist heat can help relieve soreness and inflammation. Muscles in spasm can also be helped with gentle stretching exercises. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants can also provide relief. Other Treatment Options Severe TMD cases may require more complex forms of treatment, which might include orthodontics, dental restorations like bridgework, or minor procedures inside the joint such as cortisone injections or lavage (flushing) of the joint. It's rare for major surgery ever to be necessary in a case of TMD. Again, it's important to try the wide range of conservative, reversible treatments available, and give them enough time to work as they almost always prove effective. The first step is an examination at the dental office. To learn more about available treatment options, view this Chart on TMD Therapy TMD – The Great Impostor This “chameleon” of dental disorders manifests in a variety of ways, including joint pain, sinusitus, ear pain, tooth and headaches. Dear Doctor magazine examines the causes of TMD, its signs and symptoms and what can be done to treat this common disorder... Read Article Seeking Relief From TMD TMD, or Temporomandibular Disorders, is an umbrella term for various painful conditions that affect the jaw joints. There are different treatment approaches to TMD problems, but not all are based on science. It's important to be up on the latest information and to be an educated consumer. In this comprehensive article, Dear Doctor magazine provides state-of-the-art information and guidance on what you should know, whom you should see, and what you should ask... Read Article