Baby Essentials - A Guide For First Time Mums
Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the shops wondering do I really need that, or what is all this used for? If you answer yes to this question then you may find the following article useful.
I can remember during my first pregnancy looking at items in the baby section wondering if all these bits and pieces were really necessary, and wondered what half of them were used for. I was often confused and would buy things just in case. After the birth of my daughter I soon found that some of these items I definitely didnt need, and then there were others I just couldnt live without. I have put together a list of items that I personally feel are baby essentials and try to give you some insight into what and why you may be in need of them.
Essentials for baby
Bunny rugs/ muslin wraps These are used to wrap your baby in. Newborn babies usually like to be wrapped snugly as it gives them the secure feeling they had in the womb. The difference is that Bunny rugs are for cool weather and muslin wraps are for warm weather, so the time of year your baby is due will determine which you will require. Recommend 8-12 of which ever you require.
Baby towels - You can just use normal ones but baby towels are often smaller, lighter and softer. Recommend at least 3.
Cot sheets - Fitted are best to prevent loosening as baby will move around a lot as it gets older. Recommend 3 sets.
If you are using a cradle or bassinet to start with you will need special sheets to fit these. You can get away with just 2 sets as babies are only in them for a short time (6-10weeks) and if you run into trouble you can always use a bunny rug!
Mattress protectors Recommend 2-3.
Baby blankets - I don't use any baby bedding (blankets, top sheet ect) in the cot. Initially I wrapped baby in their bunny rug/muslin wrap and once they got to big I used baby sleeping bags or sleepsuits. Babies tend to kick blankets off , I found myself worrying they would wiggle under the loosened blankets, at the same time I worried baby would be too cold. Once I discovered baby sleeping bag/suits I never looked back. These types of suits go over the top of their normal sleeping outfits and allow baby freedom to kick and move about. SIDS bedding guidelines state that sleeping bags/suits are a safe bedding alternative as long as individual bags/suits meet the following safety standards neck and armholes should be fitted so that there is no chance of baby slipping inside the bag and it should not contain a hood. Baby sleeping conditions are not something to be taken lightly. I highly recommend that prior to making any decision in relation to how you will sleep your baby that you visit safe sleeping at the sids and kids website. This way you can make an informed decision on what will best suit your individual situation.
Baby nail clippers/scissors - Baby nails grow really quick and are sharp, often causing them to scratch themselves.
Baby cotton buds Used for cleaning outer ear, nose and belly buttons!! Look for the ones that are specially designed to prevent you from accidentally going in too far.
Baby moisturiser - Babies often get a bit scaly in their first few weeks while their skin is adjusting to the outside world.
Nappy bag A good quality nappy bag will have separate compartments to put your different bits and pieces in such as bottles, wipes, clothes ect.Look for one with a change mat attached as you will find this useful.
A gentle baby soap - I recommend Johnson's milk bath you just squirt it in the water, no need to juggle baby and soap.
Baby wipes - excellent for cleaning face, hands and bottoms, I'd be lost with out them. I recommend Huggies, you can get a refillable travel pack for the nappy bag and a clip top container for home. You can get cheaper brands but they are often thinner and harder to dispense.
Nappy rash cream - I use one called Sudocrem. I found it very effective and although it is a little more expensive then some of the others creams you will see, you tend to use less.
Bibs Bibs arent really necessary unless you are bottle feeding, or until baby starts on solids. Look for bibs that either slip straight over babys head or have velcro fasteners. I found soft plastic back bibs protected clothing better. Try to avoid bibs that require you to tie them, these can be difficult to manage when you have one hand holding the baby. Once baby is older using full plastic bibs while they are eating can save you a lot of washing.
Cloth nappies - whether or not your are going to use disposable nappies you will still need some cloth nappies, they come in handy for cleaning up and protecting yourself from baby vomit and placing under baby when you have nappy leaks! 12 should suffice if you are going to use disposables. Of course if you are not using disposables you are going to need a lot more, approximately 24-36 in total. Please note that I didn't use cloth nappies, I used disposables so if you intend on using cloth nappies then their maybe some extra things you need in relation to them - snappies or pins, nappy liners and possibly plastic pants or fluffies.
Nappy bucket If you are using cloth nappies you will probably need 2, one for the nappies, another for clothes/bibs ect. For those that are using disposables one will suffice (or some sort of bucket) for soaking clothes ect. For soaking the clothes you will need something like napisan. Lux flakes are also good for general washing of baby clothes as initially their skin can be sensitive.
The following items you may not want straight away but are something to think about:
A thermometer - If you think baby might be a bit off colour it can help put your mind at rest. I eventually bought a tympanic one as I grew tired of trying to keep baby still while the thermometer was under their arm. The advantage of a tympanic thermometer is you use their ear and it only takes a couple of seconds to register, the problem is they are expensive.
Bottles It does pay to have one or two bottles even if you plan to breastfeed, just in case you need to be away from baby for some reason or you just need a break. You will also need a couple of newborn teats, a bottle brush and some sterilising equipment. Microwave sterilisers are very effective and are not expensive. If for some reason you are unable to breastfeed or you plan to wean baby in the first year you will need more bottles, approximately 8.
Breast pump This will totally depend on your situation. If you are going back to work early but want to continue to breast feed an electric pump would be of benefit. You can hire these from some hospitals and pharmacies if your budget is tight. If you only want to express milk for the rare occasion then a hand pump will be sufficient.
I hope that this article has enlightened you on what products you may require for the upcoming birth of your child. If you feel that there are any items that are definite essentials that are missing from this list feel free to contact me through our website and I will add them.
Please note that I have mentioned brand names throughout the article but I am in no way affiliated with these companies, nor are they products that I sell on my site, I genuinely found them to be worth the money you pay for them.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Thanksgiving Recipes
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner can be a fun and memorable experience. If possible get your family and relatives involved in the cooking process and it can be a learning experience for them as well. Start asking someone to chop up some russell potatoes, yellow onions, and bulk carrots. These vegetables will go under the Turkey to keep it up off of the bottom of the pan. The idea is to keep the Turkey out of the drippings which would make it soggy and disgusting if left to cook in.
While someone is chopping those veggies, wash your Turkey inside and out. Make sure you take the giblets out and keep them in the frig for the gravy that you will make later. After washing the Turkey thouroughly, rub it with salt and olive oil. The oil and salt will help the Turkey to cook better as well as give it extra flavor. Some prefer to use butter instead of olive oil, but I like the taste the olive oil gives the turkey and the drippings which you will use for making gravy.
Place the turkey on the vegetables and stuff the Turkey with celery, carrots, parsley, thyme, sage, oregano, and a bay leaf. You won't eat these vegetables and herbs, but they will serve to add flavor to the bird. Get the turkey in the oven at 350 degress. Wash your hands as you have been handling uncooked meat that can make you and your family sick. Plan ahead of time and expect the turkey to take between 4-7 hours depending on how many pounds it is. In the meantime you can start on the other fixings like cranberries.
Fresh cranberries are by far worth the extra effort. It's really not that much extra effort as a matter of fact. Just wash the cranberries and put them in a pan with some water and sugar. Adjust the water to sugar ratio depending on your taste. Usually 1 cup of sugar per 1/2 pound of cranberries is about the right amount. Add enough water to just cover the cranberries in the pot. Cook off the water on low heat until you have a think cranberry sauce and then place it in the frig to serve later. The next course to work on is the stuffing.
I prefer to make the stuffing outside of the Turkey in a 9 by 13 inch pan. I start by browning some onions in butter. Then I add some fresh spinach and garlic. After the spinach has wilted add some stale bread to the pan. While the bread is absorbing the buttery onion / spinach flavor whisk together come half and half, 2 large eggs, salt, and pepper. Transfer the bread, onion, and spinach mixture to the 13 by 9 inch pan and pour the half and half / egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle with italian seasoning and some fresh chopped parsley. You can put this in the frig and wait to cook it in the oven with the turkey for the last hour.
By this time your turkey has been in the oven cooking for about an hour and it is time to begin basting it. Take your baster and suck up the drippings in the bottom of the pan and release them over the top of the turkey. You'll want to do this every half hour until the turkey is done. You will know that the turkey is done when your meat thermometer registers 170 degrees F. I like my turkey well-done at a safe high temperature well beyond the recomended internal safe temperature.
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner can be a fun and memorable experience. If possible get your family and relatives involved in the cooking process and it can be a learning experience for them as well. Start asking someone to chop up some russell potatoes, yellow onions, and bulk carrots. These vegetables will go under the Turkey to keep it up off of the bottom of the pan. The idea is to keep the Turkey out of the drippings which would make it soggy and disgusting if left to cook in.
While someone is chopping those veggies, wash your Turkey inside and out. Make sure you take the giblets out and keep them in the frig for the gravy that you will make later. After washing the Turkey thouroughly, rub it with salt and olive oil. The oil and salt will help the Turkey to cook better as well as give it extra flavor. Some prefer to use butter instead of olive oil, but I like the taste the olive oil gives the turkey and the drippings which you will use for making gravy.
Place the turkey on the vegetables and stuff the Turkey with celery, carrots, parsley, thyme, sage, oregano, and a bay leaf. You won't eat these vegetables and herbs, but they will serve to add flavor to the bird. Get the turkey in the oven at 350 degress. Wash your hands as you have been handling uncooked meat that can make you and your family sick. Plan ahead of time and expect the turkey to take between 4-7 hours depending on how many pounds it is. In the meantime you can start on the other fixings like cranberries.
Fresh cranberries are by far worth the extra effort. It's really not that much extra effort as a matter of fact. Just wash the cranberries and put them in a pan with some water and sugar. Adjust the water to sugar ratio depending on your taste. Usually 1 cup of sugar per 1/2 pound of cranberries is about the right amount. Add enough water to just cover the cranberries in the pot. Cook off the water on low heat until you have a think cranberry sauce and then place it in the frig to serve later. The next course to work on is the stuffing.
I prefer to make the stuffing outside of the Turkey in a 9 by 13 inch pan. I start by browning some onions in butter. Then I add some fresh spinach and garlic. After the spinach has wilted add some stale bread to the pan. While the bread is absorbing the buttery onion / spinach flavor whisk together come half and half, 2 large eggs, salt, and pepper. Transfer the bread, onion, and spinach mixture to the 13 by 9 inch pan and pour the half and half / egg mixture over the top. Sprinkle with italian seasoning and some fresh chopped parsley. You can put this in the frig and wait to cook it in the oven with the turkey for the last hour.
By this time your turkey has been in the oven cooking for about an hour and it is time to begin basting it. Take your baster and suck up the drippings in the bottom of the pan and release them over the top of the turkey. You'll want to do this every half hour until the turkey is done. You will know that the turkey is done when your meat thermometer registers 170 degrees F. I like my turkey well-done at a safe high temperature well beyond the recomended internal safe temperature.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Propane Water Heater - Three Energy Saving Tips
Do you know how much of an average household's total energy use goes to water heating? 14%; it is usually the second largest part of your energy bill. We use hot water throughout the whole year so any energy-saving strategy will make a big difference. Here are three tips to cut your water heating bill by one-fourth or more.
Insulate the water heater tank and hot water pipes: First, you have to check if your propane water heater needs insulation. Most of the new water heaters already have enough and no additional insulation is necessary. After checking that, then you can use foam wrap to insulate the hot water pipes all over the house. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes will make a big difference and it will easily pay for itself in less than a year. You should also insulate the first few feet of the cold water pipe nearest the heater. Make sure you keep the foam insulation at least three inches from the heater drafthood and exhaust vent. You can use a fiberglass insulation blanket to wrap your propane water heater. These insulation kits are widely available at minimal cost. Make sure you leave the top and the area near the bottom open so that the pilot and burner can have air and your heater works properly. Also the control panel should not be insulated. (Make sure you read the safety instructions and not do anything against them. It is highly recommended that you should consult a professional for insulation.)
Turn down the temperature: There is no need for water to be hotter than 120 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are not only a waste but also a danger, especially for children. If the control panel of your water heater does not have temperatures, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the water in your sink or bath and then determine where to set the button to get a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also if you think you need really hot water to sterilize your dishes and clothes, let me tell you that it is nothing more than a myth. You can set the button to the hottest, still your dishes and clothes will not be sterilized.
Repair or Replace: Statistically the average lifetime of a water heater is 12 years. Although with regular maintenance and routine repairs it can be two or three times longer, it is not always to your advantage to keep the old units. The new, energy-saving water heaters will pay for themselves within 3-5 years. You can replace almost all components of a water heater except the tank itself, so when the tank rusts through the only solution is to replace the water heater. There are internal anode rods that protect the water heater against rusting. Replacing these anodes every 3-4 years will considerably add to the life of the water heater.
Another problem with your water heater can be the overheating from sediment build-up inside the tank. You should also have it inspected along with the anodes periodically. Some companies offer warranties of 10 years or even lifetime which are worth looking into.
Do you know how much of an average household's total energy use goes to water heating? 14%; it is usually the second largest part of your energy bill. We use hot water throughout the whole year so any energy-saving strategy will make a big difference. Here are three tips to cut your water heating bill by one-fourth or more.
Insulate the water heater tank and hot water pipes: First, you have to check if your propane water heater needs insulation. Most of the new water heaters already have enough and no additional insulation is necessary. After checking that, then you can use foam wrap to insulate the hot water pipes all over the house. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes will make a big difference and it will easily pay for itself in less than a year. You should also insulate the first few feet of the cold water pipe nearest the heater. Make sure you keep the foam insulation at least three inches from the heater drafthood and exhaust vent. You can use a fiberglass insulation blanket to wrap your propane water heater. These insulation kits are widely available at minimal cost. Make sure you leave the top and the area near the bottom open so that the pilot and burner can have air and your heater works properly. Also the control panel should not be insulated. (Make sure you read the safety instructions and not do anything against them. It is highly recommended that you should consult a professional for insulation.)
Turn down the temperature: There is no need for water to be hotter than 120 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are not only a waste but also a danger, especially for children. If the control panel of your water heater does not have temperatures, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the water in your sink or bath and then determine where to set the button to get a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also if you think you need really hot water to sterilize your dishes and clothes, let me tell you that it is nothing more than a myth. You can set the button to the hottest, still your dishes and clothes will not be sterilized.
Repair or Replace: Statistically the average lifetime of a water heater is 12 years. Although with regular maintenance and routine repairs it can be two or three times longer, it is not always to your advantage to keep the old units. The new, energy-saving water heaters will pay for themselves within 3-5 years. You can replace almost all components of a water heater except the tank itself, so when the tank rusts through the only solution is to replace the water heater. There are internal anode rods that protect the water heater against rusting. Replacing these anodes every 3-4 years will considerably add to the life of the water heater.
Another problem with your water heater can be the overheating from sediment build-up inside the tank. You should also have it inspected along with the anodes periodically. Some companies offer warranties of 10 years or even lifetime which are worth looking into.
I'm Moving On
Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past canbecome the gateways that lead to new beginnings. Henry Davis Thoreau
I hear myself saying out loud, its ok, it is really ok. Its ok that I am now having a harder time losing 10 pounds, its ok that I cant remember names as well as I once did. I suppose its ok that my husband and I no longer have the earning power to make money that we once did.
Change is unwelcome, especially as you get older and yet, change is the only thing in life that is for sure. As we age, I think we are a little reluctant to embrace a different world. Ironically, at this age, we are facing the most changes in our life.
Some of the changes that stand out for me are:
(1) Rearing children in a different way.
(2) Marriage is not accepted by everyone in our society. Some prefer to live together.
(3) Even though technology is moving forward, (cell phones, e-mail) I think people are feeling even more isolated.
(4) Many employers shy away from hiring older people, thus making the older population feel unwanted and unappreciated.
Now that I think about it, maybe its not so much the change itself, as the realization that values and memories from childhood are disappearing. That makes us feel invisible. That tears our beloved memories apart, as if it never happened.
Remember your childhood. Remember how safe you felt. We never locked our doors. Doctors made house calls. Dry cleaning and fresh milk was delivered to your door. The grocer in the small town where I came from always let you have groceries, whether you had the money or not. He would keep a running tab but I am sure some of the people could never pay.(I am not suggesting that grocers go by this example now.)
Of course, 50s Music was the best! I dont remember such a thing as an R rated movie. There are times when I feel that God made a mistake and I was supposed to be born in the Little House on the Prairie era. Recently, when my grandchild came to visit, she didnt know what a thermometer was, that is not the kind of thermometer I had. She knew what a digital thermometer was. Needless to say, she was confused when I had to shake down the thermometer before taking her temperature.
She also showed me how to open child-proof medicine bottles. When I complimented this six year old child on how great she looked in her aqua tee shirt, she answered, only people over sixty use the word aqua. We have a good relationship but I bet she tells her mommy how strange grandmother is at times, especially to use the word, aqua.
I have to turn this around quickly, lest you think I am negative and bitter. First of all, if you dont have a sense of humor at this age, you need to get one. Most of the time, I dont REALLY listen to my husband and he doesnt REALLY listen to me. Therefore, we have come to an agreement. Never preface a statement with like I said or I guess you didnt hear me but.
We have to laugh at some of the things we do or dont do. I think it is funny that we are Mommy and Daddy to our pet dog, Sunny, Im sure my grown children think it is funny, too. If you can laugh at yourself and what you are experiencing, you will be a much happier and more age-accepting person.
Besides having a sense of humor, what about the changes I mentioned? Lets look again.
(1) Rearing children in a different way; this isnt necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I see my daughters wisely spending more time with their children versus trying to keep a perfect house all the time. That seemed to be the prize in my younger days. Lets see who can have the whitest diapers (I hung them on the line) or who can do the most. I would sew all our clothes, cook, do housework and when taking them to dance or swimming class, I would take some craft work to do while waiting. You know what I wish now? Wish I had watched the classes, did less cleaning and played and read more to my four daughters. I think that my daughters are actually better at parenting than I was. Each generation seems to evolve. In my mothers day, children were seen and now heard..that wasnt good. Look how we have improved and evolved.
(2) Marriage is not accepted by all in our society; Maybe this is a good thing. When I was in college, most of the girls came back to school after Christmas vacation sporting an engagement ring. That was the ultimate. Oh, how I worried that I wouldnt ever get married and have children. You definitely had to have all of your children by the age of thirty. Marriage, for the sake of being married was definitely the ultimate for a young girl. Having said that, I really lucked out because I have a wonderful husband that loves me. We have grown together as time marches on. I really believe in marriage but I am glad the young women of today are preparing to earn a living and be independent. Marriage is a good thing but it is not for everyone.
(3) Even though technology is moving forward, I think people feel more isolated; What can I say about this? I do get so annoyed listening to cell phone conversations everywhere that I go, but then, if you need to get in touch with someone, you can. E-mail is great because it takes the place of letter writing and we are more likely to express ourselves. How about the cute e-cards that you can send out? I have to say that technology wins on this one, too.
(4) Many employees shy away from hiring older people. I do think that is true in some work cultures. However, I think they will be forced to accept older people more willingly as the median age of our society climbs upward. I think the baby boomers will get all of this straightened out. Until then, if you must work, try to find a fun job. Try to do something you have always wanted to do and dont be so serious. You dont have to run a corporation in your sixties. Let the baby boomers do it. We dont have to prove anything anymore. We can just be ourselves. I didnt mention this earlier but I think as we grow older, there is a certain knowing that we really will die. When you are younger, you feel that you have plenty of time but it is different in your fifties and sixties. Just look at the obituaries in the newspaper. I believe you are happier if you accept this fact the best you can. Accept it by making or at least talking about funeral arrangements and get your life in order. Once you face it dead on, it doesnt seem to be like a monster in the dark. I think most of us face this. It isnt so much the dying, as hoping that we wont die an awful, painful death.
Keeping the death thing in mind, enjoy each day fully. The past is gone, the future is not here. So, we only have today. Life is a gift and thats why each day we live is called the present.
Something wonderful has happened to me the last few months. Underneath the knowing that I really will die is an undercurrent of my strong Christian beliefs that there is another lifea wonderful lifeand I know that for sureI hear myself singing hymns that I used to sing years ago. In knowing how to live, I will know how to die..I hear myself singing and I am happy that I am at this age..its like a well-kept secret. Its a happy, satisfying time of your life! Im Moving on.. by Francine Larson, co-author of CHARACTER KEYS TO A BRIGHT FUTUREE-Mail: Threeteacherpress@verizon.net
Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past canbecome the gateways that lead to new beginnings. Henry Davis Thoreau
I hear myself saying out loud, its ok, it is really ok. Its ok that I am now having a harder time losing 10 pounds, its ok that I cant remember names as well as I once did. I suppose its ok that my husband and I no longer have the earning power to make money that we once did.
Change is unwelcome, especially as you get older and yet, change is the only thing in life that is for sure. As we age, I think we are a little reluctant to embrace a different world. Ironically, at this age, we are facing the most changes in our life.
Some of the changes that stand out for me are:
(1) Rearing children in a different way.
(2) Marriage is not accepted by everyone in our society. Some prefer to live together.
(3) Even though technology is moving forward, (cell phones, e-mail) I think people are feeling even more isolated.
(4) Many employers shy away from hiring older people, thus making the older population feel unwanted and unappreciated.
Now that I think about it, maybe its not so much the change itself, as the realization that values and memories from childhood are disappearing. That makes us feel invisible. That tears our beloved memories apart, as if it never happened.
Remember your childhood. Remember how safe you felt. We never locked our doors. Doctors made house calls. Dry cleaning and fresh milk was delivered to your door. The grocer in the small town where I came from always let you have groceries, whether you had the money or not. He would keep a running tab but I am sure some of the people could never pay.(I am not suggesting that grocers go by this example now.)
Of course, 50s Music was the best! I dont remember such a thing as an R rated movie. There are times when I feel that God made a mistake and I was supposed to be born in the Little House on the Prairie era. Recently, when my grandchild came to visit, she didnt know what a thermometer was, that is not the kind of thermometer I had. She knew what a digital thermometer was. Needless to say, she was confused when I had to shake down the thermometer before taking her temperature.
She also showed me how to open child-proof medicine bottles. When I complimented this six year old child on how great she looked in her aqua tee shirt, she answered, only people over sixty use the word aqua. We have a good relationship but I bet she tells her mommy how strange grandmother is at times, especially to use the word, aqua.
I have to turn this around quickly, lest you think I am negative and bitter. First of all, if you dont have a sense of humor at this age, you need to get one. Most of the time, I dont REALLY listen to my husband and he doesnt REALLY listen to me. Therefore, we have come to an agreement. Never preface a statement with like I said or I guess you didnt hear me but.
We have to laugh at some of the things we do or dont do. I think it is funny that we are Mommy and Daddy to our pet dog, Sunny, Im sure my grown children think it is funny, too. If you can laugh at yourself and what you are experiencing, you will be a much happier and more age-accepting person.
Besides having a sense of humor, what about the changes I mentioned? Lets look again.
(1) Rearing children in a different way; this isnt necessarily a bad thing. In fact, I see my daughters wisely spending more time with their children versus trying to keep a perfect house all the time. That seemed to be the prize in my younger days. Lets see who can have the whitest diapers (I hung them on the line) or who can do the most. I would sew all our clothes, cook, do housework and when taking them to dance or swimming class, I would take some craft work to do while waiting. You know what I wish now? Wish I had watched the classes, did less cleaning and played and read more to my four daughters. I think that my daughters are actually better at parenting than I was. Each generation seems to evolve. In my mothers day, children were seen and now heard..that wasnt good. Look how we have improved and evolved.
(2) Marriage is not accepted by all in our society; Maybe this is a good thing. When I was in college, most of the girls came back to school after Christmas vacation sporting an engagement ring. That was the ultimate. Oh, how I worried that I wouldnt ever get married and have children. You definitely had to have all of your children by the age of thirty. Marriage, for the sake of being married was definitely the ultimate for a young girl. Having said that, I really lucked out because I have a wonderful husband that loves me. We have grown together as time marches on. I really believe in marriage but I am glad the young women of today are preparing to earn a living and be independent. Marriage is a good thing but it is not for everyone.
(3) Even though technology is moving forward, I think people feel more isolated; What can I say about this? I do get so annoyed listening to cell phone conversations everywhere that I go, but then, if you need to get in touch with someone, you can. E-mail is great because it takes the place of letter writing and we are more likely to express ourselves. How about the cute e-cards that you can send out? I have to say that technology wins on this one, too.
(4) Many employees shy away from hiring older people. I do think that is true in some work cultures. However, I think they will be forced to accept older people more willingly as the median age of our society climbs upward. I think the baby boomers will get all of this straightened out. Until then, if you must work, try to find a fun job. Try to do something you have always wanted to do and dont be so serious. You dont have to run a corporation in your sixties. Let the baby boomers do it. We dont have to prove anything anymore. We can just be ourselves. I didnt mention this earlier but I think as we grow older, there is a certain knowing that we really will die. When you are younger, you feel that you have plenty of time but it is different in your fifties and sixties. Just look at the obituaries in the newspaper. I believe you are happier if you accept this fact the best you can. Accept it by making or at least talking about funeral arrangements and get your life in order. Once you face it dead on, it doesnt seem to be like a monster in the dark. I think most of us face this. It isnt so much the dying, as hoping that we wont die an awful, painful death.
Keeping the death thing in mind, enjoy each day fully. The past is gone, the future is not here. So, we only have today. Life is a gift and thats why each day we live is called the present.
Something wonderful has happened to me the last few months. Underneath the knowing that I really will die is an undercurrent of my strong Christian beliefs that there is another lifea wonderful lifeand I know that for sureI hear myself singing hymns that I used to sing years ago. In knowing how to live, I will know how to die..I hear myself singing and I am happy that I am at this age..its like a well-kept secret. Its a happy, satisfying time of your life! Im Moving on.. by Francine Larson, co-author of CHARACTER KEYS TO A BRIGHT FUTUREE-Mail: Threeteacherpress@verizon.net
Friday, September 14, 2007
How to Bake: Bread on the Grill
One of the slickest tricks we know is baking bread on the grill. Once you get to know your grill, it's easylike baking your favorite recipe in the oven.
We can think of all kinds of reasons to use the grill. You can enjoy fresh baked bread while camping, or at the cabin, or at the next family reunion. Sometimes, it's just nice to get out of the kitchen, enjoy the spring air, and bake outside. (Watch the neighbors turn their noses upwind when the smell of fresh baked bread wafts over the fence.) And in the summertime, you don't have to heat up the kitchen to bake. Finally, if there is ever an extended emergency when the power is off, you may have the only fresh bread in town.
You can bake nearly anything with a covered grill. (If your grill doesn't have a cover, improvise with a large inverted pot.) The heat rises and circulates in the covered area just as it does in your oven. The heat source can be charcoal, gas, or even wood. We prefer gas because it is easier to control and does not impart a smoked taste to the bread. Since it is hottest near the flames, elevate the bread even if you have to improvise. In our grill, there is a secondary shelf for baking potatoes and such.
For this demonstration, we used Old-Fashioned White Bread mixes though any mix or recipe will do. We mixed according to package directions. After it had risen, we formed one batch into oval country loaves, one into hamburger buns, and another into dinner rolls.
The trick to grilling bread perfectly is controlling temperature and time. If your grill comes equipped with a thermometer, you've got it made (though outside temperatures and winds may impact how well your grill retains heat). If you have a thermometer, just heat to the temperature designated on the package or in the recipe. If not, guess. After a few loaves you'll have it perfect and we bet that the first batch off the grill will be just fine.
Rolls and buns will probably bake in 15 to 20 minutes and loaves will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on size and temperature. An occasional peek to see how your bread is doing as it nears completion is okay.
We made twelve giant-sized hamburger buns, just the ticket for that quarter-pounder. Form the buns as you would dinner rolls then press them flat several times until they look like those in the picture to the left. (The dusting that you can see on the pan is cornmeal.) Cover and let rise.
Just before baking, we washed the buns with an egg white wash (one egg white plus one tablespoon of water). We then sprinkled them with sesame seeds. On our grill, we baked them with the heat turned about two-thirds open for about 18 minutes.
For the dinner rolls, we used a 8 1/2 x 15-inch pan and made 20 rolls scaled at 2.5 ounces each.
We made two country style loaves from one mix. If you look closely you'll see that we forgot to slash the tops to release the steam and consequently ended up with a split on the side of the loaf. Don't do as we didscore two or three quarter-inch deep slashes on the top of the loaf just as you begin baking.
Here are a few more hints to help you along the way:
Bake the bread before the burgers. The bread can cool while you cook the rest of the food. Burning grease in the bottom of the grill makes the temperature harder to control and the soot can stain the bread.
If you are letting your bread rise outside where the temperature may be less than indoors or where breezes may swirl around the bread, consider using a large food-grade plastic bag as a greenhouse. Simply slip the bread dough--pan and all--inside the bag, inflate it slightly, and close it. If the day is cool, set the bag and the bread in a sunny warm place to capture a little solar energy.
Grills tend to not circulate the hot air as well as ovens. To keep the bottom of the bread from burning, place one pan beneath the other and a wire rack between the pans to create space for insulation.
If your bread is baking faster on one side than the other, turn the pan 180 degrees part way through the baking time.
The tendency is to burn the bottom of the bread. Place the bread as far away from the flames as you can even if it means elevating the bread.
We hope that you have fun baking bread outside this summer. We do know that you will be the envy of the neighborhood, campground, or RV park.
For more articles like this visit The Bakers' Library.
One of the slickest tricks we know is baking bread on the grill. Once you get to know your grill, it's easylike baking your favorite recipe in the oven.
We can think of all kinds of reasons to use the grill. You can enjoy fresh baked bread while camping, or at the cabin, or at the next family reunion. Sometimes, it's just nice to get out of the kitchen, enjoy the spring air, and bake outside. (Watch the neighbors turn their noses upwind when the smell of fresh baked bread wafts over the fence.) And in the summertime, you don't have to heat up the kitchen to bake. Finally, if there is ever an extended emergency when the power is off, you may have the only fresh bread in town.
You can bake nearly anything with a covered grill. (If your grill doesn't have a cover, improvise with a large inverted pot.) The heat rises and circulates in the covered area just as it does in your oven. The heat source can be charcoal, gas, or even wood. We prefer gas because it is easier to control and does not impart a smoked taste to the bread. Since it is hottest near the flames, elevate the bread even if you have to improvise. In our grill, there is a secondary shelf for baking potatoes and such.
For this demonstration, we used Old-Fashioned White Bread mixes though any mix or recipe will do. We mixed according to package directions. After it had risen, we formed one batch into oval country loaves, one into hamburger buns, and another into dinner rolls.
The trick to grilling bread perfectly is controlling temperature and time. If your grill comes equipped with a thermometer, you've got it made (though outside temperatures and winds may impact how well your grill retains heat). If you have a thermometer, just heat to the temperature designated on the package or in the recipe. If not, guess. After a few loaves you'll have it perfect and we bet that the first batch off the grill will be just fine.
Rolls and buns will probably bake in 15 to 20 minutes and loaves will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on size and temperature. An occasional peek to see how your bread is doing as it nears completion is okay.
We made twelve giant-sized hamburger buns, just the ticket for that quarter-pounder. Form the buns as you would dinner rolls then press them flat several times until they look like those in the picture to the left. (The dusting that you can see on the pan is cornmeal.) Cover and let rise.
Just before baking, we washed the buns with an egg white wash (one egg white plus one tablespoon of water). We then sprinkled them with sesame seeds. On our grill, we baked them with the heat turned about two-thirds open for about 18 minutes.
For the dinner rolls, we used a 8 1/2 x 15-inch pan and made 20 rolls scaled at 2.5 ounces each.
We made two country style loaves from one mix. If you look closely you'll see that we forgot to slash the tops to release the steam and consequently ended up with a split on the side of the loaf. Don't do as we didscore two or three quarter-inch deep slashes on the top of the loaf just as you begin baking.
Here are a few more hints to help you along the way:
Bake the bread before the burgers. The bread can cool while you cook the rest of the food. Burning grease in the bottom of the grill makes the temperature harder to control and the soot can stain the bread.
If you are letting your bread rise outside where the temperature may be less than indoors or where breezes may swirl around the bread, consider using a large food-grade plastic bag as a greenhouse. Simply slip the bread dough--pan and all--inside the bag, inflate it slightly, and close it. If the day is cool, set the bag and the bread in a sunny warm place to capture a little solar energy.
Grills tend to not circulate the hot air as well as ovens. To keep the bottom of the bread from burning, place one pan beneath the other and a wire rack between the pans to create space for insulation.
If your bread is baking faster on one side than the other, turn the pan 180 degrees part way through the baking time.
The tendency is to burn the bottom of the bread. Place the bread as far away from the flames as you can even if it means elevating the bread.
We hope that you have fun baking bread outside this summer. We do know that you will be the envy of the neighborhood, campground, or RV park.
For more articles like this visit The Bakers' Library.
forehead thermometers
Forehead Thermometers
If you are a mom or a dad, you know how hard it is to get a young child to keep a thermometer in their mouth when you suspect they may have a fever. In fact, it is darn near impossible. Even as an adult I have a hard time keeping an oral thermometer under my tongue until a proper reading can be taken. There are anal thermometers, but for some reason I have never had the heart to use one of these on my daughter. If I can’t do it to myself, I can’t bring myself to do it to someone else. I guess this means I would have made a horrible nurse.
I always use forehead thermometers on my child when I suspect she has a fever. These are strips that rest on the skin and give you a temperature. Sometimes they give you a number, and other times they give you a range. Forehead thermometers often react very quickly, and they are far less likely to bother your child than anything else. Even the ear thermometers will bother your child, though they do work quickly. If you use an ear thermometer, you have to take three readings and do an average to make sure you are getting the correct temp, and this is not always even accurate.
The problem with forehead thermometers is that they are not entirely accurate. I use them to see if there might be a fever, and if something pops up, I then have to get her to use the oral thermometer to get an accurate reading. If forehead thermometers register nothing above 98.7, then I know she is fine and I don’t have to worry about a fever, but if it shoots up higher, I know I need to find out what is going on. If it shoots up to 104 immediately, don’t even bother with the oral thermometer; get your child to the ER as soon as you possibly can.
You can find forehead thermometers anywhere you shop, and you may even find free ones at promotional events. Just make sure you use them as a guide, and don’t think they are the most accurate means of finding out if your child has a fever or not. They can give you a good idea of what their temperature might be, but forehead thermometers are not perfect. Think of it as an instrument you can use to decide if you need to fight with getting your child to use the oral thermometer or not.
Forehead Thermometers
If you are a mom or a dad, you know how hard it is to get a young child to keep a thermometer in their mouth when you suspect they may have a fever. In fact, it is darn near impossible. Even as an adult I have a hard time keeping an oral thermometer under my tongue until a proper reading can be taken. There are anal thermometers, but for some reason I have never had the heart to use one of these on my daughter. If I can’t do it to myself, I can’t bring myself to do it to someone else. I guess this means I would have made a horrible nurse.
I always use forehead thermometers on my child when I suspect she has a fever. These are strips that rest on the skin and give you a temperature. Sometimes they give you a number, and other times they give you a range. Forehead thermometers often react very quickly, and they are far less likely to bother your child than anything else. Even the ear thermometers will bother your child, though they do work quickly. If you use an ear thermometer, you have to take three readings and do an average to make sure you are getting the correct temp, and this is not always even accurate.
The problem with forehead thermometers is that they are not entirely accurate. I use them to see if there might be a fever, and if something pops up, I then have to get her to use the oral thermometer to get an accurate reading. If forehead thermometers register nothing above 98.7, then I know she is fine and I don’t have to worry about a fever, but if it shoots up higher, I know I need to find out what is going on. If it shoots up to 104 immediately, don’t even bother with the oral thermometer; get your child to the ER as soon as you possibly can.
You can find forehead thermometers anywhere you shop, and you may even find free ones at promotional events. Just make sure you use them as a guide, and don’t think they are the most accurate means of finding out if your child has a fever or not. They can give you a good idea of what their temperature might be, but forehead thermometers are not perfect. Think of it as an instrument you can use to decide if you need to fight with getting your child to use the oral thermometer or not.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Shih Tzu/Dogs/First Aid
Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.
When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surroundings to be sure there are no moving vehicles, broken glass, chemical spills, fire and electrical hazards. Approach the injured or ill pet slowly and with caution. Use a calm reassuring voice. You might need to apply a muzzle. Injured or ill animals might bite out of pain or fear. If this occurs, don't take it personally and don't feel like your animal is now vicious or worthless and needs to be gotten rid of. Be understanding that the animal is under extreme stress and hardly knows what to do himself.
Never use a muzzle on an animal that is vomiting, choking, convulsing or having breathing difficulties. If you cannot muzzle, use heavy-duty gloves or drape a blanket or thick towel over the animal's head prior to handling.
Determine whether a life-threatening situation exists and give appropriate first aid. Look for unconsciousness, shock, hemorrhage, look for breathing difficulties. Trauma (like hit by a car), poisoning, and air leakage from chest are all life-threatening. Transport the animal to the vet or emergency vet hospital. Transport securely - use a travel kennel most preferably. If a travel kennel is not available, place the animal in a box.
If head or spinal injury is suspected, use a board, plywood, window screen or any flat, firm surface to transport. If this type of flat support is not available, transport the pet in a large towel or small blanket. You might call the vet clinic in advance of your arrival giving them the circumstances of the accident, or illness.
Planning for an emergency:
Decide what you need to do ahead of time and rehearse. Have important telephone numbers such as your local vet and two of the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics in a place you can find easily in a sudden emergency. The Poison Control Center number should be easily found: (800) 548-2423.
Items for your pet first aid kit:
Muzzle Leash, Welder's gloves Stretch bandage Roll gauze Solar blanket Bandage tape Sterile nonstick wound pads Clean hand towel Cotton balls and/or swabs Chlorhexidine wash (0.5%) Saline solution Sterile eye ointment Lubricating jelly Clotting powder Kydrogen peroxide Kaolin-pectin Activated charcoal Triple antibiotic ointment Splint Forceps and/or tweezers Scissors Bulb syringe Plastic digital thermometer Reusable cold pack 12-milliliter syringe Disposable gloves Feeding Tubes Home remedies
Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.
When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surroundings to be sure there are no moving vehicles, broken glass, chemical spills, fire and electrical hazards. Approach the injured or ill pet slowly and with caution. Use a calm reassuring voice. You might need to apply a muzzle. Injured or ill animals might bite out of pain or fear. If this occurs, don't take it personally and don't feel like your animal is now vicious or worthless and needs to be gotten rid of. Be understanding that the animal is under extreme stress and hardly knows what to do himself.
Never use a muzzle on an animal that is vomiting, choking, convulsing or having breathing difficulties. If you cannot muzzle, use heavy-duty gloves or drape a blanket or thick towel over the animal's head prior to handling.
Determine whether a life-threatening situation exists and give appropriate first aid. Look for unconsciousness, shock, hemorrhage, look for breathing difficulties. Trauma (like hit by a car), poisoning, and air leakage from chest are all life-threatening. Transport the animal to the vet or emergency vet hospital. Transport securely - use a travel kennel most preferably. If a travel kennel is not available, place the animal in a box.
If head or spinal injury is suspected, use a board, plywood, window screen or any flat, firm surface to transport. If this type of flat support is not available, transport the pet in a large towel or small blanket. You might call the vet clinic in advance of your arrival giving them the circumstances of the accident, or illness.
Planning for an emergency:
Decide what you need to do ahead of time and rehearse. Have important telephone numbers such as your local vet and two of the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics in a place you can find easily in a sudden emergency. The Poison Control Center number should be easily found: (800) 548-2423.
Items for your pet first aid kit:
Muzzle Leash, Welder's gloves Stretch bandage Roll gauze Solar blanket Bandage tape Sterile nonstick wound pads Clean hand towel Cotton balls and/or swabs Chlorhexidine wash (0.5%) Saline solution Sterile eye ointment Lubricating jelly Clotting powder Kydrogen peroxide Kaolin-pectin Activated charcoal Triple antibiotic ointment Splint Forceps and/or tweezers Scissors Bulb syringe Plastic digital thermometer Reusable cold pack 12-milliliter syringe Disposable gloves Feeding Tubes Home remedies
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Propane Water Heater - Three Energy Saving Tips
Do you know how much of an average household's total energy use goes to water heating? 14%; it is usually the second largest part of your energy bill. We use hot water throughout the whole year so any energy-saving strategy will make a big difference. Here are three tips to cut your water heating bill by one-fourth or more.
Insulate the water heater tank and hot water pipes: First, you have to check if your propane water heater needs insulation. Most of the new water heaters already have enough and no additional insulation is necessary. After checking that, then you can use foam wrap to insulate the hot water pipes all over the house. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes will make a big difference and it will easily pay for itself in less than a year. You should also insulate the first few feet of the cold water pipe nearest the heater. Make sure you keep the foam insulation at least three inches from the heater drafthood and exhaust vent. You can use a fiberglass insulation blanket to wrap your propane water heater. These insulation kits are widely available at minimal cost. Make sure you leave the top and the area near the bottom open so that the pilot and burner can have air and your heater works properly. Also the control panel should not be insulated. (Make sure you read the safety instructions and not do anything against them. It is highly recommended that you should consult a professional for insulation.)
Turn down the temperature: There is no need for water to be hotter than 120 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are not only a waste but also a danger, especially for children. If the control panel of your water heater does not have temperatures, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the water in your sink or bath and then determine where to set the button to get a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also if you think you need really hot water to sterilize your dishes and clothes, let me tell you that it is nothing more than a myth. You can set the button to the hottest, still your dishes and clothes will not be sterilized.
Repair or Replace: Statistically the average lifetime of a water heater is 12 years. Although with regular maintenance and routine repairs it can be two or three times longer, it is not always to your advantage to keep the old units. The new, energy-saving water heaters will pay for themselves within 3-5 years. You can replace almost all components of a water heater except the tank itself, so when the tank rusts through the only solution is to replace the water heater. There are internal anode rods that protect the water heater against rusting. Replacing these anodes every 3-4 years will considerably add to the life of the water heater.
Another problem with your water heater can be the overheating from sediment build-up inside the tank. You should also have it inspected along with the anodes periodically. Some companies offer warranties of 10 years or even lifetime which are worth looking into.
Do you know how much of an average household's total energy use goes to water heating? 14%; it is usually the second largest part of your energy bill. We use hot water throughout the whole year so any energy-saving strategy will make a big difference. Here are three tips to cut your water heating bill by one-fourth or more.
Insulate the water heater tank and hot water pipes: First, you have to check if your propane water heater needs insulation. Most of the new water heaters already have enough and no additional insulation is necessary. After checking that, then you can use foam wrap to insulate the hot water pipes all over the house. Insulating your water heater and hot water pipes will make a big difference and it will easily pay for itself in less than a year. You should also insulate the first few feet of the cold water pipe nearest the heater. Make sure you keep the foam insulation at least three inches from the heater drafthood and exhaust vent. You can use a fiberglass insulation blanket to wrap your propane water heater. These insulation kits are widely available at minimal cost. Make sure you leave the top and the area near the bottom open so that the pilot and burner can have air and your heater works properly. Also the control panel should not be insulated. (Make sure you read the safety instructions and not do anything against them. It is highly recommended that you should consult a professional for insulation.)
Turn down the temperature: There is no need for water to be hotter than 120 - 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures are not only a waste but also a danger, especially for children. If the control panel of your water heater does not have temperatures, you can use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature of the water in your sink or bath and then determine where to set the button to get a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also if you think you need really hot water to sterilize your dishes and clothes, let me tell you that it is nothing more than a myth. You can set the button to the hottest, still your dishes and clothes will not be sterilized.
Repair or Replace: Statistically the average lifetime of a water heater is 12 years. Although with regular maintenance and routine repairs it can be two or three times longer, it is not always to your advantage to keep the old units. The new, energy-saving water heaters will pay for themselves within 3-5 years. You can replace almost all components of a water heater except the tank itself, so when the tank rusts through the only solution is to replace the water heater. There are internal anode rods that protect the water heater against rusting. Replacing these anodes every 3-4 years will considerably add to the life of the water heater.
Another problem with your water heater can be the overheating from sediment build-up inside the tank. You should also have it inspected along with the anodes periodically. Some companies offer warranties of 10 years or even lifetime which are worth looking into.
10 Smoky Tips To BBQ Food Safely
Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing food-borne illness.
1. Defrosting
Completely defrost meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw sealed packages in cold water. You can microwave defrost if the food will be placed immediately on the grill.
2. Marinating
Meat and poultry can be marinated for several hours or days to tenderize or add flavor. Be sure to marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting raw meat and poultry in it. However, if the marinade used on raw meat or poultry is to be reused, make sure to let it come to a boil first to destroy any harmful bacteria.
3. Transporting
When carrying food to another location, keep it cold to minimize bacterial growth. Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food at 40 F or below. Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler immediately before leaving home. Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car.
4. Keep Cold Food Cold
When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter. Avoid opening the lid too often, which lets cold air out and warm air in. Pack beverages in one cooler & perishables in a separate cooler.
5. Keep Everything Clean
Be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters. To prevent food-borne illness, don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Harmful bacteria present in raw meat and poultry and their juices can contaminate safely cooked food.
6. Cook Thoroughly
Cook food to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Whole poultry should reach 180 F; breasts, 170 F. Hamburgers made of ground beef should reach 160 F; ground poultry, 165 F. Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts and chops can be cooked to 145 F. All cuts of pork should reach 160 F. NEVER partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking later.
7. Keep Hot Food Hot
After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served -- at 140 F or warmer. Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook. At home, the cooked meat can be kept hot in a warm oven (approximately 200 F), in a chafing dish or slow cooker, or on a warming tray.
8. Serving Safely
When taking food off the grill, use a clean platter. Don't put cooked food on the same platter that held raw meat or poultry. Any harmful bacteria present in the raw meat juices could contaminate safely cooked food.
9. Safe Smoking
Smoking is done much more slowly than grilling, so less tender meats benefit from this method, and a natural smoke flavoring permeates the meat. The temperature in the smoker should be maintained at 250 F to 300 F for safety. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature.
10. Pit Roasting
Cooking may require 10 to 12 hours or more and is difficult to estimate. A meat thermometer must be used to determine the meat's safety and doneness. There are many variables such as outdoor temperature, the size and thickness of the meat, and how fast the coals are cooking.
Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
Cooking outdoors was once only a summer activity shared with family and friends. Now more than half of Americans say they are cooking outdoors year round. Use these simple guidelines for grilling food safely to prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying and causing food-borne illness.
1. Defrosting
Completely defrost meat and poultry before grilling so it cooks more evenly. Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw sealed packages in cold water. You can microwave defrost if the food will be placed immediately on the grill.
2. Marinating
Meat and poultry can be marinated for several hours or days to tenderize or add flavor. Be sure to marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter. If some of the marinade is to be used as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before putting raw meat and poultry in it. However, if the marinade used on raw meat or poultry is to be reused, make sure to let it come to a boil first to destroy any harmful bacteria.
3. Transporting
When carrying food to another location, keep it cold to minimize bacterial growth. Use an insulated cooler with sufficient ice or ice packs to keep the food at 40 F or below. Pack food right from the refrigerator into the cooler immediately before leaving home. Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car.
4. Keep Cold Food Cold
When using a cooler, keep it out of the direct sun by placing it in the shade or shelter. Avoid opening the lid too often, which lets cold air out and warm air in. Pack beverages in one cooler & perishables in a separate cooler.
5. Keep Everything Clean
Be sure there are plenty of clean utensils and platters. To prevent food-borne illness, don't use the same platter and utensils for raw and cooked meat and poultry. Harmful bacteria present in raw meat and poultry and their juices can contaminate safely cooked food.
6. Cook Thoroughly
Cook food to a safe internal temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature. Whole poultry should reach 180 F; breasts, 170 F. Hamburgers made of ground beef should reach 160 F; ground poultry, 165 F. Beef, veal, and lamb steaks, roasts and chops can be cooked to 145 F. All cuts of pork should reach 160 F. NEVER partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking later.
7. Keep Hot Food Hot
After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it hot until served -- at 140 F or warmer. Keep cooked meats hot by setting them to the side of the grill rack, not directly over the coals where they could overcook. At home, the cooked meat can be kept hot in a warm oven (approximately 200 F), in a chafing dish or slow cooker, or on a warming tray.
8. Serving Safely
When taking food off the grill, use a clean platter. Don't put cooked food on the same platter that held raw meat or poultry. Any harmful bacteria present in the raw meat juices could contaminate safely cooked food.
9. Safe Smoking
Smoking is done much more slowly than grilling, so less tender meats benefit from this method, and a natural smoke flavoring permeates the meat. The temperature in the smoker should be maintained at 250 F to 300 F for safety. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature.
10. Pit Roasting
Cooking may require 10 to 12 hours or more and is difficult to estimate. A meat thermometer must be used to determine the meat's safety and doneness. There are many variables such as outdoor temperature, the size and thickness of the meat, and how fast the coals are cooking.
Copyright (c) Terry Nicholls. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Outdoor Grills, Ovens, and Stoves for Cooking Turkey
There are a lot of ways to cook turkey. One of the cooking processes is known as grilling. Grilling is becoming the most popular methods of cooking turkey and one of the healthiest as well. The grilling process allows fat to drip away from the turkey as it cooks, keeping the meat nutritious and full of flavor.
Aside from that, turkey has numerous ways and methods to be cooked, utilizing different cooking equipment such as the oven and the ever popular microwave. Here we offer you different methods that can be used for cooking turkey.
Here are some varieties of grills available in the market, as well as the basic instructions to properly use them..
Covered Charcoal Grill
First, you must have well prepared and clean equipment for this and good quality charcoal. Put up a pyramid of charcoal on one side. Set fire to the charcoal until it gets red hot. Place a thermometer on the food rack to check the temperature of the grill. This will give the cook an exact reading of the meats temperature when cooking.
In the center of the grill where the turkey will be placed, carefully arrange the charcoal around the edge evenly. Place the grill rack and set the prepared turkey on it. The turkeys breast should be side-up. Simply maintain its temperature. Then cover the grill. If you want, you can add seasonings for the turkey to have flavor as it is cooking. Do not ever use softwood like cedar and pine because it gives the food a different taste and makes the turkeys skin turn black.
When the inner thigh temperature reads 180 degree Fahrenheit, the turkey is ready. That is why it is very important to use a food thermometer.
Covered gas Grill
The gas grill can be provided by using either propane tanks or natural gas. If your gas grill has only one burner, a water pan should be placed under the grate to create indirect heat. If you have two or three burners, make sure the turkey is placed away from the flame. This is done by turning off one burner and placing the turkey in that area.
Aside from grilling, you can also roast turkey by using the oven.
Turkey can be successfully cooked in whole or in parts using the microwave oven. But sometimes it is not advisable to cook it whole because it makes the turkey cook unevenly. The turkey may not be cooked to the proper internal temperature. Full size microwave ovens with 650 to 700 watts can only accommodate a small turkey ranging 8 to 10 pounds.
Given that metal thermometers cannot be used here, merely check when the cooking is completed. Insert an instant read thermometer on different parts of the turkey.
Electric Roaster Oven
This appliance serves as an extra oven for cooking a large roast.
Heat the oven first to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then place the turkey on a oven rack or any other meat rack for the turkey to be kept out the juices that collect in the bottom of the oven. Leave the cover throughout cooking, removing it as little as possible to avoid the slowing of the cooking process. Check the internal temperature of the inner thigh until it reaches to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oven cooking bag method
This is one of the safest methods in roasting turkey. It is a delicious alternative to the traditional way of cooking turkey.
Pre-heat the oven using an oven-cooking bag to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A tablespoon of dry flour should be shaken around to coat the empty bag to avoid bursting. The pan must be large enough for the turkey to sit easily in the center. Allocate space for the bag to enlarge during cooking so that it will not touch any part of the oven or it will melt.
A meat thermometer is inserted right through the thickest part of the plastic to know if the temperature of the turkeys thigh reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any of these methods of cooking your turkey will result in a delicious meal.
There are a lot of ways to cook turkey. One of the cooking processes is known as grilling. Grilling is becoming the most popular methods of cooking turkey and one of the healthiest as well. The grilling process allows fat to drip away from the turkey as it cooks, keeping the meat nutritious and full of flavor.
Aside from that, turkey has numerous ways and methods to be cooked, utilizing different cooking equipment such as the oven and the ever popular microwave. Here we offer you different methods that can be used for cooking turkey.
Here are some varieties of grills available in the market, as well as the basic instructions to properly use them..
Covered Charcoal Grill
First, you must have well prepared and clean equipment for this and good quality charcoal. Put up a pyramid of charcoal on one side. Set fire to the charcoal until it gets red hot. Place a thermometer on the food rack to check the temperature of the grill. This will give the cook an exact reading of the meats temperature when cooking.
In the center of the grill where the turkey will be placed, carefully arrange the charcoal around the edge evenly. Place the grill rack and set the prepared turkey on it. The turkeys breast should be side-up. Simply maintain its temperature. Then cover the grill. If you want, you can add seasonings for the turkey to have flavor as it is cooking. Do not ever use softwood like cedar and pine because it gives the food a different taste and makes the turkeys skin turn black.
When the inner thigh temperature reads 180 degree Fahrenheit, the turkey is ready. That is why it is very important to use a food thermometer.
Covered gas Grill
The gas grill can be provided by using either propane tanks or natural gas. If your gas grill has only one burner, a water pan should be placed under the grate to create indirect heat. If you have two or three burners, make sure the turkey is placed away from the flame. This is done by turning off one burner and placing the turkey in that area.
Aside from grilling, you can also roast turkey by using the oven.
Turkey can be successfully cooked in whole or in parts using the microwave oven. But sometimes it is not advisable to cook it whole because it makes the turkey cook unevenly. The turkey may not be cooked to the proper internal temperature. Full size microwave ovens with 650 to 700 watts can only accommodate a small turkey ranging 8 to 10 pounds.
Given that metal thermometers cannot be used here, merely check when the cooking is completed. Insert an instant read thermometer on different parts of the turkey.
Electric Roaster Oven
This appliance serves as an extra oven for cooking a large roast.
Heat the oven first to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Then place the turkey on a oven rack or any other meat rack for the turkey to be kept out the juices that collect in the bottom of the oven. Leave the cover throughout cooking, removing it as little as possible to avoid the slowing of the cooking process. Check the internal temperature of the inner thigh until it reaches to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Oven cooking bag method
This is one of the safest methods in roasting turkey. It is a delicious alternative to the traditional way of cooking turkey.
Pre-heat the oven using an oven-cooking bag to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A tablespoon of dry flour should be shaken around to coat the empty bag to avoid bursting. The pan must be large enough for the turkey to sit easily in the center. Allocate space for the bag to enlarge during cooking so that it will not touch any part of the oven or it will melt.
A meat thermometer is inserted right through the thickest part of the plastic to know if the temperature of the turkeys thigh reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Any of these methods of cooking your turkey will result in a delicious meal.
The Ultimate Baby Checklist
Baby Checklist:
Clothing: (plan for spit-ups, accidents, diaper leaks, etc.
8 nightgowns
8 side-snap undershirts
8 onesies
8 pairs of socks/booties
2 pairs of no-scratch mittens
2 hats/bonnets
4 sweatshirts/sweaters
Seasonal wear as needed:
Winter jacket, hat, mittens, full snow suit
Fall coat
1 Bundle Me lines baby seat in winter
Baby shoes not essential, but fun
Blankets:
4 blankets (expect them to get dirty)
4 receiving blankets great for swaddling babies
Feeding:
Formula feeding:
10 four ounce bottles with nipples (having more means less cleaning)
8 eight ounce bottles with nipples (less feedings as baby grows)
Hi-chair
Pacifiers (start with 4, watch them vanish)
3 Bibs (keep one in the diaper bag)
Formula (when starting, buy small amounts since your baby may need to switch brands)
Dry-formula storage unit pre-measured, great for traveling
Breast feeding:
Breast pump
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Diapers:
Only need 1 box of newborn size diapers
Have newborn and size 1 ready to go trust us, youll use them
Wet wipes great for messy situations
Diaper disposal system
Bath time:
Plastic baby tub (easier than the sink)
Wash cloths get a few
Tearless cleanser and/or shampoo
Baby hair brush
Hooded towels keep baby warm while drying him/her off
Baby oil
Bath toys
Bedtime:
Crib
Crib mattress
Bedding Set: bumper/comforter/skirt...
Dresser
Rocker or glider
Changing Table Pad
Changing Table Cover
Hamper
2 waterproof mattress covers
3 crib sheets (pick fun colors)
Blanket (big enough to tuck in)
Sleeping bag great idea
Mobile music helps
Nightlights
Toys and stuffed animals (keep them OUT of the crib)
Lamps
Healthcare:
Nail clippers or scissors
Bulb syringe (for clogged noses be careful)
Baby thermometer
Lotions
Vaporized / Humidifier
Traveling Baby:
Diaper bag many to choose from, get one with a changing pad built in
Infant car seat (its the law, get your local fireman to install safely for you)
Stroller (getting one where the car seat fits in is very convenient)
Pack-n-Play a crib to go (so Mom and Dad can get out)
Baby carrier (slings are good too)
Keeping the baby quiet at home:
Baby swing
Bouncy baby seat get the one that vibrates
Around the house:
Baby monitor listen in so you can rest too! (you can watch with some models)
Outlet plugs plug them all
Cabinet and drawer safety locks
Corner protectors (and the edges of coffee tables)
Play Yard
Potty Chair
Bassinet perfect for naps
More toys
Baby book
Growth chart
Photo album and frames
Safety gates
Baby Checklist:
Clothing: (plan for spit-ups, accidents, diaper leaks, etc.
8 nightgowns
8 side-snap undershirts
8 onesies
8 pairs of socks/booties
2 pairs of no-scratch mittens
2 hats/bonnets
4 sweatshirts/sweaters
Seasonal wear as needed:
Winter jacket, hat, mittens, full snow suit
Fall coat
1 Bundle Me lines baby seat in winter
Baby shoes not essential, but fun
Blankets:
4 blankets (expect them to get dirty)
4 receiving blankets great for swaddling babies
Feeding:
Formula feeding:
10 four ounce bottles with nipples (having more means less cleaning)
8 eight ounce bottles with nipples (less feedings as baby grows)
Hi-chair
Pacifiers (start with 4, watch them vanish)
3 Bibs (keep one in the diaper bag)
Formula (when starting, buy small amounts since your baby may need to switch brands)
Dry-formula storage unit pre-measured, great for traveling
Breast feeding:
Breast pump
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Diapers:
Only need 1 box of newborn size diapers
Have newborn and size 1 ready to go trust us, youll use them
Wet wipes great for messy situations
Diaper disposal system
Bath time:
Plastic baby tub (easier than the sink)
Wash cloths get a few
Tearless cleanser and/or shampoo
Baby hair brush
Hooded towels keep baby warm while drying him/her off
Baby oil
Bath toys
Bedtime:
Crib
Crib mattress
Bedding Set: bumper/comforter/skirt...
Dresser
Rocker or glider
Changing Table Pad
Changing Table Cover
Hamper
2 waterproof mattress covers
3 crib sheets (pick fun colors)
Blanket (big enough to tuck in)
Sleeping bag great idea
Mobile music helps
Nightlights
Toys and stuffed animals (keep them OUT of the crib)
Lamps
Healthcare:
Nail clippers or scissors
Bulb syringe (for clogged noses be careful)
Baby thermometer
Lotions
Vaporized / Humidifier
Traveling Baby:
Diaper bag many to choose from, get one with a changing pad built in
Infant car seat (its the law, get your local fireman to install safely for you)
Stroller (getting one where the car seat fits in is very convenient)
Pack-n-Play a crib to go (so Mom and Dad can get out)
Baby carrier (slings are good too)
Keeping the baby quiet at home:
Baby swing
Bouncy baby seat get the one that vibrates
Around the house:
Baby monitor listen in so you can rest too! (you can watch with some models)
Outlet plugs plug them all
Cabinet and drawer safety locks
Corner protectors (and the edges of coffee tables)
Play Yard
Potty Chair
Bassinet perfect for naps
More toys
Baby book
Growth chart
Photo album and frames
Safety gates
Monday, September 10, 2007
Tips For Giving Baby Gift Baskets
Gift baskets have grown in popularity. They make an interesting, thoughtful gift that can be made to suit almost any occasion. A baby gift basket gives you a chance to make a unique and personal gift. You can give a baby gift basket either at the baby shower or after the baby is born as a homecoming gift.
You can buy professionally made gift baskets or ready made gift baskets, but there is something a little special about making the gift basket yourself. When you make it yourself you can add whatever you like and style it how you want. You can watch the cost by making your own because you can make it as big or as small as you desire, plus you can seek out specials that will give you discounts on what you fill the basket with. Making your own gift basket just makes sense.
Themed gift baskets are great gifts. There are many theme ideas for baby gift baskets. The following list is just the beginning of ideas. Use your own creativity to come up with a unique theme for your basket.
-bath time basket: You can use a baby tub as the basket and fill it with washcloths, a cute hooded towel and bath supplies.
-clothing basket: Using a cute wicker laundry basket and filling it with socks, onesies, shoes and a cute outfit makes this theme.
-feeding basket: For the bottle-fed baby, you can put in a can of formula or coupons for formula, bottles, a bottle cleaner, burp cloths and extra nipples.
-Health and safety: Something often forgotten about until the need arises, this basket can include, a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail care kit and some childproofing items.
The basic supplies you need are easy to find at a craft or discount store. You need a basket or other container of your choice to make the foundation of the basket. You will also need some sort of filler, like tissue paper, raffia or a fabric item. You can also buy cellophane to enclose the basket when you are finished. Finally you need the items that you will put inside. You can base these on a theme or just buy various items you think the baby needs. That is all you need to make an effective baby gift basket.
Arranging your baby gift basket is a matter of taste. Generally you will keep larger items in the back and smaller items in front. Try to make everything visible and keep items from falling under or behind other items. Once you think you have it, stand back and take a good look. It may take some adjusting, but the whole process of making your gift basket shouldnt take an extreme amount of time.
Gift baskets have grown in popularity. They make an interesting, thoughtful gift that can be made to suit almost any occasion. A baby gift basket gives you a chance to make a unique and personal gift. You can give a baby gift basket either at the baby shower or after the baby is born as a homecoming gift.
You can buy professionally made gift baskets or ready made gift baskets, but there is something a little special about making the gift basket yourself. When you make it yourself you can add whatever you like and style it how you want. You can watch the cost by making your own because you can make it as big or as small as you desire, plus you can seek out specials that will give you discounts on what you fill the basket with. Making your own gift basket just makes sense.
Themed gift baskets are great gifts. There are many theme ideas for baby gift baskets. The following list is just the beginning of ideas. Use your own creativity to come up with a unique theme for your basket.
-bath time basket: You can use a baby tub as the basket and fill it with washcloths, a cute hooded towel and bath supplies.
-clothing basket: Using a cute wicker laundry basket and filling it with socks, onesies, shoes and a cute outfit makes this theme.
-feeding basket: For the bottle-fed baby, you can put in a can of formula or coupons for formula, bottles, a bottle cleaner, burp cloths and extra nipples.
-Health and safety: Something often forgotten about until the need arises, this basket can include, a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail care kit and some childproofing items.
The basic supplies you need are easy to find at a craft or discount store. You need a basket or other container of your choice to make the foundation of the basket. You will also need some sort of filler, like tissue paper, raffia or a fabric item. You can also buy cellophane to enclose the basket when you are finished. Finally you need the items that you will put inside. You can base these on a theme or just buy various items you think the baby needs. That is all you need to make an effective baby gift basket.
Arranging your baby gift basket is a matter of taste. Generally you will keep larger items in the back and smaller items in front. Try to make everything visible and keep items from falling under or behind other items. Once you think you have it, stand back and take a good look. It may take some adjusting, but the whole process of making your gift basket shouldnt take an extreme amount of time.
Cooking a Turkey Cajun Style; Super Secret Recipe
Have you ever tried a Turkey Cajun Style; they are quite good. Perhaps you might want to take advantage as the unsold Turkeys go on sale right after Thanksgiving and that is generally a lot of meat per weight for the price. Let me tell you of one way to cook a 11-16 pound Turkey Cajun Style and you will absolutely love it.
First get a five-gallon pale of peanut oil, which is enough to soak your Turkey in. You will want to make sure it is totally under the peanut oil submerged. Then you will need some Creole Seasoning, one good brand is Tony Chachere. You will need a large pot big enough to submerge your Turkey and a way to raise and lower the turkey and a thermometer. Heat the oil with the seasoning in it to 350 degrees. Then cook your turkey by frying it for about 36 minutes to an hour based on the size of the turkey.
If the thing catches on fire raise the Turkey, put out the fire and start again, realizing to stop the timer. Be sure not to burn down the house. This Turkey will serve between 8-10 men, or athletic types. Only cool people make Cajun Turkey this way. Please do not share this Secret Recipe with anyone else. Thanks.
Have you ever tried a Turkey Cajun Style; they are quite good. Perhaps you might want to take advantage as the unsold Turkeys go on sale right after Thanksgiving and that is generally a lot of meat per weight for the price. Let me tell you of one way to cook a 11-16 pound Turkey Cajun Style and you will absolutely love it.
First get a five-gallon pale of peanut oil, which is enough to soak your Turkey in. You will want to make sure it is totally under the peanut oil submerged. Then you will need some Creole Seasoning, one good brand is Tony Chachere. You will need a large pot big enough to submerge your Turkey and a way to raise and lower the turkey and a thermometer. Heat the oil with the seasoning in it to 350 degrees. Then cook your turkey by frying it for about 36 minutes to an hour based on the size of the turkey.
If the thing catches on fire raise the Turkey, put out the fire and start again, realizing to stop the timer. Be sure not to burn down the house. This Turkey will serve between 8-10 men, or athletic types. Only cool people make Cajun Turkey this way. Please do not share this Secret Recipe with anyone else. Thanks.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Breadmakers For Easy Baking
A bread maker is a home appliance that has revolutionized the process of making breads. First manufactured in 1986 in Japan, breadmaker since then moved its way to homes in the United States and United Kingdom. By means of a breadmaker, automatic baking has become possible and more convenient.
As with ordinary baking, ingredients must first be measured according to the recipe. The mixture is then poured into the bread pan that is placed in the machine. The breadmaker will then take some hours to bake the bread by first turning the mixture into dough and eventually baking it. The process of making dough is helped by a built-in paddle. Once the baking is done and has been allowed to cool down, the bread is then freed from the bread pan. The paddle at the bottom of the loaf should be removed from its place.
Breadmaker breads are much easier to get spoiled as compared with the commercial breads due to the absence of additives. However, it is possible that sourdough starter may be added to the ingredients to prolong the shelf life of the breads.
Breadmakers have built-in timers that may be set for easier baking. Other machines can be programmed to only prepare the dough and not to bake the bread later, in this case the dough is baked in an oven. Breadmakers have other uses as well. They may be set to make jams, pizza bases, wheat-free loaf, cakes, and pasta and in some instances, mochi- a Japanese rice bread.
Considerations in choosing a breadmaker:
- the over-all capacity of baking loafs
- the quality of bread produced
- the duration of time it takes to make one loaf
- the featured programs
- type: may either be single loaf breadmaker or multi loaf breadmaker
However, like with normal baking there may arise several problems concerning the quality of the bread produced. These may either be caused by the process of baking or the quality of breadmaker itself.
Doughy loaf
This problem basically concerns the temperature of the breadmaker. The built-in thermometer must read 190 F. Once the baking is over and the loaf is still doughy, you may choose to continue baking it in a conventional oven or wait till the breadmaker cools down and start the whole process over.
Small bread
Lack of liquid added to the dough. The problem starts with the dissolving of the yeast. If too little liquid is used, the yeast may not be stimulated to produce the necessary carbon dioxide, which is instrumental in making the dough rise. Without this, the loaf may become dense and will be much smaller.
Collapsed or flat-topped bread
Collapsing is mainly due to too much addition of liquid to the dough. The yeast in this case is overly stimulated, producing more gluten than the dough may withhold. This leads to the collapsing of loaf structure.
Bread sticking in the breadmaker pan
This can be resolved by brushing the breadmaker pan with oil before adding the water into the dough. This works well in the majority of conventional ovens as well.
Too much rising of the loaf
This problem may be controlled with the use of salt. Adding one half teaspoon of salt may be sufficient to keep the rising of the bread in balance.
One need not be an Einstein to run a simple machine such as the breadmaker. For more instruction and self-help tips, users may check the manual of the machine.
A bread maker is a home appliance that has revolutionized the process of making breads. First manufactured in 1986 in Japan, breadmaker since then moved its way to homes in the United States and United Kingdom. By means of a breadmaker, automatic baking has become possible and more convenient.
As with ordinary baking, ingredients must first be measured according to the recipe. The mixture is then poured into the bread pan that is placed in the machine. The breadmaker will then take some hours to bake the bread by first turning the mixture into dough and eventually baking it. The process of making dough is helped by a built-in paddle. Once the baking is done and has been allowed to cool down, the bread is then freed from the bread pan. The paddle at the bottom of the loaf should be removed from its place.
Breadmaker breads are much easier to get spoiled as compared with the commercial breads due to the absence of additives. However, it is possible that sourdough starter may be added to the ingredients to prolong the shelf life of the breads.
Breadmakers have built-in timers that may be set for easier baking. Other machines can be programmed to only prepare the dough and not to bake the bread later, in this case the dough is baked in an oven. Breadmakers have other uses as well. They may be set to make jams, pizza bases, wheat-free loaf, cakes, and pasta and in some instances, mochi- a Japanese rice bread.
Considerations in choosing a breadmaker:
- the over-all capacity of baking loafs
- the quality of bread produced
- the duration of time it takes to make one loaf
- the featured programs
- type: may either be single loaf breadmaker or multi loaf breadmaker
However, like with normal baking there may arise several problems concerning the quality of the bread produced. These may either be caused by the process of baking or the quality of breadmaker itself.
Doughy loaf
This problem basically concerns the temperature of the breadmaker. The built-in thermometer must read 190 F. Once the baking is over and the loaf is still doughy, you may choose to continue baking it in a conventional oven or wait till the breadmaker cools down and start the whole process over.
Small bread
Lack of liquid added to the dough. The problem starts with the dissolving of the yeast. If too little liquid is used, the yeast may not be stimulated to produce the necessary carbon dioxide, which is instrumental in making the dough rise. Without this, the loaf may become dense and will be much smaller.
Collapsed or flat-topped bread
Collapsing is mainly due to too much addition of liquid to the dough. The yeast in this case is overly stimulated, producing more gluten than the dough may withhold. This leads to the collapsing of loaf structure.
Bread sticking in the breadmaker pan
This can be resolved by brushing the breadmaker pan with oil before adding the water into the dough. This works well in the majority of conventional ovens as well.
Too much rising of the loaf
This problem may be controlled with the use of salt. Adding one half teaspoon of salt may be sufficient to keep the rising of the bread in balance.
One need not be an Einstein to run a simple machine such as the breadmaker. For more instruction and self-help tips, users may check the manual of the machine.
Grilling, Gardening or Storm Watching: Thermometers Provide the Numbers You Need
(ARA)- To make the most of outdoor activities, people need more information: the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and whether any storms are lurking over the horizon.
Fortunately, there are thermometers that fit the bill for the weekend gardener, the grilling enthusiast, the weather aficionado or anyone in between. And with various outdoor celebrations throughout the season, thermometers make a great gift that's also practical and attractive.
Accurate weather information
If it's weather information you're after, digital thermometers and weather stations are the latest trend. These handy devices incorporate wireless monitoring technology and provide the convenience of having a monitor on a table inside the house with a weatherproof sensor outdoors, in the attic or wherever you would like it to be. Acu-Rite's models feature easy-to-read LCD screens that display both the internal room temperature as well as the temperature for up to three remote sensors with a range of up to 100 feet. They also function as clocks with snooze alarms and day/date displays.
The more advanced models will give you barometric pressure and humidity readings and alert you to weather changes and impending storms. If you want to monitor the temperature of your lily pond or swimming pool, the weatherproof sensors also come with a submersible waterproof probe.
If you are really into precision, Acu-Rite's newest model, available this spring at Wal-Mart, will give you not only accurate weather readings, but also will synchronize to the official U.S. atomic clock in Boulder, Colo.
Spruce up the deck
Whether you need to know when to flip the burgers or when to flip yourself to get an even tan, a combination thermometer/clock on the deck is handy during warm weather. Many combination models or sets are available, in designs ranging from a bright mosaic, to garden herbs, to sea shells. Look for sets made from durable sculpted resin to withstand outdoor use and still provide accurate time and temperature information.
Decorative thermometers, including glazed ceramic or earthy terra cotta designs, are suitable for indoor or outdoor decorating. Stoney Creek's ceramic line offers colorful designs with floral, French Provincial and other garden-related themes. Other designs incorporate nature themes such as birds, frogs and flowers that can also function as birdfeeders, key holders or planters. More traditionally-styled thermometers available from Acu-Rite include brass tub thermometers that mount to a window frame, metal verdigris or grape leaf patterns, or a nautical, porthole style thermometer.
Look for Acu-Rite products at major discount stores including Target, Kmart, Wal-Mart, ShopKo and Lowe's. Stoney Creek Trading Co. products can be found at specialty retailers. Acu-Rite and Stoney Creek Trading Co. thermometers are made by the Chaney Instrument Company, an internationally-known maker of quality timepieces and thermometers since 1943. To learn more about the Acu-Rite or Stoney Creek Trading Co. brands or Chaney Instrument Co., visit www.chaneyinstrument.com.
(ARA)- To make the most of outdoor activities, people need more information: the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and whether any storms are lurking over the horizon.
Fortunately, there are thermometers that fit the bill for the weekend gardener, the grilling enthusiast, the weather aficionado or anyone in between. And with various outdoor celebrations throughout the season, thermometers make a great gift that's also practical and attractive.
Accurate weather information
If it's weather information you're after, digital thermometers and weather stations are the latest trend. These handy devices incorporate wireless monitoring technology and provide the convenience of having a monitor on a table inside the house with a weatherproof sensor outdoors, in the attic or wherever you would like it to be. Acu-Rite's models feature easy-to-read LCD screens that display both the internal room temperature as well as the temperature for up to three remote sensors with a range of up to 100 feet. They also function as clocks with snooze alarms and day/date displays.
The more advanced models will give you barometric pressure and humidity readings and alert you to weather changes and impending storms. If you want to monitor the temperature of your lily pond or swimming pool, the weatherproof sensors also come with a submersible waterproof probe.
If you are really into precision, Acu-Rite's newest model, available this spring at Wal-Mart, will give you not only accurate weather readings, but also will synchronize to the official U.S. atomic clock in Boulder, Colo.
Spruce up the deck
Whether you need to know when to flip the burgers or when to flip yourself to get an even tan, a combination thermometer/clock on the deck is handy during warm weather. Many combination models or sets are available, in designs ranging from a bright mosaic, to garden herbs, to sea shells. Look for sets made from durable sculpted resin to withstand outdoor use and still provide accurate time and temperature information.
Decorative thermometers, including glazed ceramic or earthy terra cotta designs, are suitable for indoor or outdoor decorating. Stoney Creek's ceramic line offers colorful designs with floral, French Provincial and other garden-related themes. Other designs incorporate nature themes such as birds, frogs and flowers that can also function as birdfeeders, key holders or planters. More traditionally-styled thermometers available from Acu-Rite include brass tub thermometers that mount to a window frame, metal verdigris or grape leaf patterns, or a nautical, porthole style thermometer.
Look for Acu-Rite products at major discount stores including Target, Kmart, Wal-Mart, ShopKo and Lowe's. Stoney Creek Trading Co. products can be found at specialty retailers. Acu-Rite and Stoney Creek Trading Co. thermometers are made by the Chaney Instrument Company, an internationally-known maker of quality timepieces and thermometers since 1943. To learn more about the Acu-Rite or Stoney Creek Trading Co. brands or Chaney Instrument Co., visit www.chaneyinstrument.com.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Frugal Outdoor Cooking
Firing up the grill is a great way to cook in the summer! Here are a few grilling tips and a couple of recipes, too.
For great grilled burgers, form the patty gently. Smashing the meat forces out moisture.
Sear both sides of the burger on both sides, then move the burger and cook with indirect heat till done.
Use a meat thermometer to gauge when the meat is done. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
When grilling chicken, remember that dark meat needs longer on the grill than breast meat. Also, bone-in parts cook longer than boneless parts.
Place the pieces that need to cook the longest on the grill first, and then move them to a cooler area of the grill to finish cooking after they have browned.
Again, use a meat thermometer to tell when chicken is done. Bone-in parts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees; boneless parts to about 160 degrees.
Tropical Glaze for Grilled Chicken
1 small can crushed pineapple
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon mustard
Drain pineapple, reserving 2 tablespoons of juice. Mix pineapple, reserved juice, brown sugar, lemon juice and mustard.
Brush chicken parts with glaze often during last 10 minutes of grilling.
Barbecue Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 or 3 dashes hot pepper sauce (optional)
Mix all ingredients in saucepan; bring mixture to boil over medium heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Use to baste burgers or pork chops during last 10-15 minutes of grilling.
= = = = = = = = = = =
Always be sure to cook on a clean grill. If you have a gas grill, leave it on for a couple of minutes after you finish cooking, with the lid down. If you have a charcoal grill, just close the lid and let it burn out. Then you can scrub the grate with a wad of aluminum foil.
Don't cook at too high a temperature and don't lift the lid and peek too many times. You'll just be adding to the cooking time, because the temperature will be lowered.
For a great warm weather dessert, try this cool fruit combination.
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Stir together and spoon over sliced fresh bananas.
Firing up the grill is a great way to cook in the summer! Here are a few grilling tips and a couple of recipes, too.
For great grilled burgers, form the patty gently. Smashing the meat forces out moisture.
Sear both sides of the burger on both sides, then move the burger and cook with indirect heat till done.
Use a meat thermometer to gauge when the meat is done. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.
When grilling chicken, remember that dark meat needs longer on the grill than breast meat. Also, bone-in parts cook longer than boneless parts.
Place the pieces that need to cook the longest on the grill first, and then move them to a cooler area of the grill to finish cooking after they have browned.
Again, use a meat thermometer to tell when chicken is done. Bone-in parts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees; boneless parts to about 160 degrees.
Tropical Glaze for Grilled Chicken
1 small can crushed pineapple
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon mustard
Drain pineapple, reserving 2 tablespoons of juice. Mix pineapple, reserved juice, brown sugar, lemon juice and mustard.
Brush chicken parts with glaze often during last 10 minutes of grilling.
Barbecue Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup water
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 or 3 dashes hot pepper sauce (optional)
Mix all ingredients in saucepan; bring mixture to boil over medium heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Use to baste burgers or pork chops during last 10-15 minutes of grilling.
= = = = = = = = = = =
Always be sure to cook on a clean grill. If you have a gas grill, leave it on for a couple of minutes after you finish cooking, with the lid down. If you have a charcoal grill, just close the lid and let it burn out. Then you can scrub the grate with a wad of aluminum foil.
Don't cook at too high a temperature and don't lift the lid and peek too many times. You'll just be adding to the cooking time, because the temperature will be lowered.
For a great warm weather dessert, try this cool fruit combination.
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Stir together and spoon over sliced fresh bananas.
Foot Discomfort: Using Water to Bring New Life to Your Feet
Water to Help Your Feet Feel Better
We all have those days when our feet are aching. It may be that weve been walking all day. Or it might be that your shoes are too tight. Or its been hot, and youve been in the heat.
But whatever the reason, sometimes your feet need a rest. And water can help bring new life into your tired feet.
Our feet need some breathing space. Literally. Many people wear shoes all of the time, and some of them even wear something on their feet when theyre sleeping. As much as possible, give your feet time without shoes. Or socks. Or anything, for that matter.
Im not suggesting that you walk outdoors with bare feet. But when you get home, and know youre finished for the day, get rid of your shoes and socks, and let your feet rest. You will be astonished at the feeling of almost instant relief you will feel.
But to give your feet an added boost, use the healing power of water. Fill a pan (one big enough to hold both of your feet) with water. This time, the water should be slightly warmer than lukewarm, but not hot. If you have a thermometer, 120 degrees would be good. But you dont really need a thermometer. Instead, use the test millions of mother (and some fathers, too) have used to test a babys food: feel it against your wrist. The skin on your wrist is sensitive, and will give you a good indication of whether the water will be uncomfortable on your feet.
In the water, dissolve a handful of plain baking soda. Now, get a towel (to wrap your feet in when youre done) and a good book (or the TV remote control!) and youre all set. Soak your feet for 20 or 30 minutes.
The results are amazing. In the first place, the soak will relieve tension and stress from the abuse your feet have endured all day. But the soak will also make the skin smooth and silky. It will also help to make your nails look better, and it will soften the skin around your nails. And if you do this for several days in a row, your feet will not only feel better, they will look better: all without expensive or inconvenient chemicals or treatments. And your whole body will feel better in the process.
Water to Help Your Feet Feel Better
We all have those days when our feet are aching. It may be that weve been walking all day. Or it might be that your shoes are too tight. Or its been hot, and youve been in the heat.
But whatever the reason, sometimes your feet need a rest. And water can help bring new life into your tired feet.
Our feet need some breathing space. Literally. Many people wear shoes all of the time, and some of them even wear something on their feet when theyre sleeping. As much as possible, give your feet time without shoes. Or socks. Or anything, for that matter.
Im not suggesting that you walk outdoors with bare feet. But when you get home, and know youre finished for the day, get rid of your shoes and socks, and let your feet rest. You will be astonished at the feeling of almost instant relief you will feel.
But to give your feet an added boost, use the healing power of water. Fill a pan (one big enough to hold both of your feet) with water. This time, the water should be slightly warmer than lukewarm, but not hot. If you have a thermometer, 120 degrees would be good. But you dont really need a thermometer. Instead, use the test millions of mother (and some fathers, too) have used to test a babys food: feel it against your wrist. The skin on your wrist is sensitive, and will give you a good indication of whether the water will be uncomfortable on your feet.
In the water, dissolve a handful of plain baking soda. Now, get a towel (to wrap your feet in when youre done) and a good book (or the TV remote control!) and youre all set. Soak your feet for 20 or 30 minutes.
The results are amazing. In the first place, the soak will relieve tension and stress from the abuse your feet have endured all day. But the soak will also make the skin smooth and silky. It will also help to make your nails look better, and it will soften the skin around your nails. And if you do this for several days in a row, your feet will not only feel better, they will look better: all without expensive or inconvenient chemicals or treatments. And your whole body will feel better in the process.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Understanding Telemetry
Will telemetry work for your industry? This is an amazing way of measuring. You will find that it is used commonly as a means of measuring things at a distance. Normally, it is used by scientists and engineers who need to measure things that are nowhere near them. The uses of telemetry are varied and many. But, you can see its use everyday.
For example, many scientists use it to measure the weather conditions. By sending weather balloons high into the air, they can measure things like what the air temperature is up there as well as the pressures and even humidity of that air. These temperatures are significantly different than those that are closer to the airs surface and yet there seems to be no way to accurately measure them. Telemetry is used because of its accuracy and simplicity to use.
But, how does telemetry work? It works by being equipped with the right instruments for the job. In this example, the telemetry instruments would be such things as an accurate temperature measuring tool such as a thermometer, a transmitter that will send back the information to the ground and on the ground you will find the receiving station to gather and track the information.
Telemetry works in many fields and in many cases where travel to the locations is much too difficult, costly or too dangerous. Another example of telemetry is space. On various shuttles and spacecraft, there are telemetry instruments traveling as well. These you will find doing all sorts of things from measuring the physical conditions of the astronauts as well as conditions in space that are needed to be monitored. For example, telemetry is used to monitor the blood pressure of humans as they travel into space. This can be quite remarkable that all the way home we can know what is happening in a world away. Telemetry is a helpful tool in making that happen.
Will telemetry work for your industry? This is an amazing way of measuring. You will find that it is used commonly as a means of measuring things at a distance. Normally, it is used by scientists and engineers who need to measure things that are nowhere near them. The uses of telemetry are varied and many. But, you can see its use everyday.
For example, many scientists use it to measure the weather conditions. By sending weather balloons high into the air, they can measure things like what the air temperature is up there as well as the pressures and even humidity of that air. These temperatures are significantly different than those that are closer to the airs surface and yet there seems to be no way to accurately measure them. Telemetry is used because of its accuracy and simplicity to use.
But, how does telemetry work? It works by being equipped with the right instruments for the job. In this example, the telemetry instruments would be such things as an accurate temperature measuring tool such as a thermometer, a transmitter that will send back the information to the ground and on the ground you will find the receiving station to gather and track the information.
Telemetry works in many fields and in many cases where travel to the locations is much too difficult, costly or too dangerous. Another example of telemetry is space. On various shuttles and spacecraft, there are telemetry instruments traveling as well. These you will find doing all sorts of things from measuring the physical conditions of the astronauts as well as conditions in space that are needed to be monitored. For example, telemetry is used to monitor the blood pressure of humans as they travel into space. This can be quite remarkable that all the way home we can know what is happening in a world away. Telemetry is a helpful tool in making that happen.
Shih Tzu/Dogs/First Aid
Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.
When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surroundings to be sure there are no moving vehicles, broken glass, chemical spills, fire and electrical hazards. Approach the injured or ill pet slowly and with caution. Use a calm reassuring voice. You might need to apply a muzzle. Injured or ill animals might bite out of pain or fear. If this occurs, don't take it personally and don't feel like your animal is now vicious or worthless and needs to be gotten rid of. Be understanding that the animal is under extreme stress and hardly knows what to do himself.
Never use a muzzle on an animal that is vomiting, choking, convulsing or having breathing difficulties. If you cannot muzzle, use heavy-duty gloves or drape a blanket or thick towel over the animal's head prior to handling.
Determine whether a life-threatening situation exists and give appropriate first aid. Look for unconsciousness, shock, hemorrhage, look for breathing difficulties. Trauma (like hit by a car), poisoning, and air leakage from chest are all life-threatening. Transport the animal to the vet or emergency vet hospital. Transport securely - use a travel kennel most preferably. If a travel kennel is not available, place the animal in a box.
If head or spinal injury is suspected, use a board, plywood, window screen or any flat, firm surface to transport. If this type of flat support is not available, transport the pet in a large towel or small blanket. You might call the vet clinic in advance of your arrival giving them the circumstances of the accident, or illness.
Planning for an emergency:
Decide what you need to do ahead of time and rehearse. Have important telephone numbers such as your local vet and two of the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics in a place you can find easily in a sudden emergency. The Poison Control Center number should be easily found: (800) 548-2423.
Items for your pet first aid kit:
Muzzle Leash, Welder's gloves Stretch bandage Roll gauze Solar blanket Bandage tape Sterile nonstick wound pads Clean hand towel Cotton balls and/or swabs Chlorhexidine wash (0.5%) Saline solution Sterile eye ointment Lubricating jelly Clotting powder Kydrogen peroxide Kaolin-pectin Activated charcoal Triple antibiotic ointment Splint Forceps and/or tweezers Scissors Bulb syringe Plastic digital thermometer Reusable cold pack 12-milliliter syringe Disposable gloves Feeding Tubes Home remedies
Goals of first aid are: Keep your safety in mind at all times. Attend to any severe bleeding that is present. Administer CPR if needed. Immobilize injuries and/or pet for transport. Take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Delay in seeking professional help often increase costs and decreases treatment success.
When you do encounter an emergency situation, do not panic! Look around your surroundings to be sure there are no moving vehicles, broken glass, chemical spills, fire and electrical hazards. Approach the injured or ill pet slowly and with caution. Use a calm reassuring voice. You might need to apply a muzzle. Injured or ill animals might bite out of pain or fear. If this occurs, don't take it personally and don't feel like your animal is now vicious or worthless and needs to be gotten rid of. Be understanding that the animal is under extreme stress and hardly knows what to do himself.
Never use a muzzle on an animal that is vomiting, choking, convulsing or having breathing difficulties. If you cannot muzzle, use heavy-duty gloves or drape a blanket or thick towel over the animal's head prior to handling.
Determine whether a life-threatening situation exists and give appropriate first aid. Look for unconsciousness, shock, hemorrhage, look for breathing difficulties. Trauma (like hit by a car), poisoning, and air leakage from chest are all life-threatening. Transport the animal to the vet or emergency vet hospital. Transport securely - use a travel kennel most preferably. If a travel kennel is not available, place the animal in a box.
If head or spinal injury is suspected, use a board, plywood, window screen or any flat, firm surface to transport. If this type of flat support is not available, transport the pet in a large towel or small blanket. You might call the vet clinic in advance of your arrival giving them the circumstances of the accident, or illness.
Planning for an emergency:
Decide what you need to do ahead of time and rehearse. Have important telephone numbers such as your local vet and two of the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinics in a place you can find easily in a sudden emergency. The Poison Control Center number should be easily found: (800) 548-2423.
Items for your pet first aid kit:
Muzzle Leash, Welder's gloves Stretch bandage Roll gauze Solar blanket Bandage tape Sterile nonstick wound pads Clean hand towel Cotton balls and/or swabs Chlorhexidine wash (0.5%) Saline solution Sterile eye ointment Lubricating jelly Clotting powder Kydrogen peroxide Kaolin-pectin Activated charcoal Triple antibiotic ointment Splint Forceps and/or tweezers Scissors Bulb syringe Plastic digital thermometer Reusable cold pack 12-milliliter syringe Disposable gloves Feeding Tubes Home remedies
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Use Food Thermometer When Cooking Ground Beef
(NC)-According to Health Canada, colour is not a reliable indicator that ground beef has been cooked to the temperature necessary to destroy harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. The only way to be sure a hamburger patty is cooked properly and safely is to use an instant-read food thermometer.
Studies show that the colour of cooked ground beef patties can vary considerably. At 71C (160F) a safely cooked patty may look brown, pink or some variation of brown or pink. The bottom line is that if you cook your burger to 71C (160F) and check it with an instant-read food thermometer, you can enjoy a safe, juicy burger.
To quickly and easily check the temperature of the burgers, just remove the patties from the heat source when they are almost done and insert an instant-read food thermometer sideways into the centre of the thickest burger. If the temperature registers at least 71C (160F), the burger is done, if not, continue cooking until a minimum temperature of 71C (160F) is reached.
Health Canada also suggests that consumers do not eat hamburger patties that are pink or red in the middle, unless a food thermometer has been used to verify the proper temperature has been achieved. This is especially important for people most at risk for foodborne illness since E. coli O157:H7, a bacteria that can be present in ground beef, can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people whose immune systems have been weakened by cancer, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.
For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
(NC)-According to Health Canada, colour is not a reliable indicator that ground beef has been cooked to the temperature necessary to destroy harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. The only way to be sure a hamburger patty is cooked properly and safely is to use an instant-read food thermometer.
Studies show that the colour of cooked ground beef patties can vary considerably. At 71C (160F) a safely cooked patty may look brown, pink or some variation of brown or pink. The bottom line is that if you cook your burger to 71C (160F) and check it with an instant-read food thermometer, you can enjoy a safe, juicy burger.
To quickly and easily check the temperature of the burgers, just remove the patties from the heat source when they are almost done and insert an instant-read food thermometer sideways into the centre of the thickest burger. If the temperature registers at least 71C (160F), the burger is done, if not, continue cooking until a minimum temperature of 71C (160F) is reached.
Health Canada also suggests that consumers do not eat hamburger patties that are pink or red in the middle, unless a food thermometer has been used to verify the proper temperature has been achieved. This is especially important for people most at risk for foodborne illness since E. coli O157:H7, a bacteria that can be present in ground beef, can lead to serious illness or even death. Those most at risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people whose immune systems have been weakened by cancer, kidney disease and other chronic illnesses.
For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
HGH The Human Growth Hormone Supplement For 50 And Over
Baby boomers are known for their purchasing prowess and for their aches and pains. If you are gasping as you rise from the chair or groaning as you set down you might be 50 and over!
When I was 21 my eyesight was keener, I was stronger, my skin looked smooth, my sex drive was in overdrive and I felt like I could pick up the world, place it on my shoulder and walk off with it. Well now I am 56 and it feels like I did pick up the World on my shoulder and now I have no place to put it down!
Welcome to 50 and over! As you age your pituitary gland produces less human growth hormone than it did at your peak, which was 21. The ideal condition would be to stimulate the pituitary to produce more HGH to prevent aging.
Human growth hormone has been collected by harvesting HGH from other humans and injecting the foreign HGH into the body at a cost of $3000.00 to $4000.00 a month. This application requires a prescription. There is another method called precursors that can allow the level of HGH to go below the level that you are currently manufacturing in your body, which is dangerous as it may cause the pituitary to shut down. The Homeopathic version includes small amounts of human growth hormone that is activated by transferring energy from the homeopathics hand into the bottle of formulation. No clinical evidence supports this method of production at this time. And then there is the natural way. A releaser is natural herbs and minerals that stimulate your pituitary gland to produce more HGH, which gives you a more youthful life and body with no side effects. The releaser should only be chosen that has a clinical history; doctor formulated and be taken orally.
I was beginning to see age spots on my skin, hair thinning, loss of libido, memory playing tricks on me, having trouble sleeping, vision dimming, and the lack of energy. I began to see the benefits of using an HGH supplement that would stimulate the pituitary gland. My cholesterol level has become like the thermometer, up and down like the temperature and wrinkles where I never had them before. Some people want to roll back the aging clock back; I just want to stop it! If an HGH supplement will arrest my aging process and take some time off this body that I have accumulated, Ill consider it a bonus!
When you are 50 and over you soon grow to realize quality of life far exceeds quantity of years. I watch folks my age and younger now struggle to get up from a couch, groan as they stand after sitting, ache for no apparent reason and I am happy for the discovery of HGH supplements and the myth busting of the fountain of youth.
There are vendors who sell HGH plus other natural vitamins, supplements and minerals. Most are without clinical trials to back their product. I tried to find a product that had a 10-year history and a doctor formulated product that would have no side effects on ME other than natural youth changes. I also looked for a reputable company to buy from that had a money back guarantee and a professional web presentation.
Baby boomers are known for their purchasing prowess and for their aches and pains. If you are gasping as you rise from the chair or groaning as you set down you might be 50 and over!
When I was 21 my eyesight was keener, I was stronger, my skin looked smooth, my sex drive was in overdrive and I felt like I could pick up the world, place it on my shoulder and walk off with it. Well now I am 56 and it feels like I did pick up the World on my shoulder and now I have no place to put it down!
Welcome to 50 and over! As you age your pituitary gland produces less human growth hormone than it did at your peak, which was 21. The ideal condition would be to stimulate the pituitary to produce more HGH to prevent aging.
Human growth hormone has been collected by harvesting HGH from other humans and injecting the foreign HGH into the body at a cost of $3000.00 to $4000.00 a month. This application requires a prescription. There is another method called precursors that can allow the level of HGH to go below the level that you are currently manufacturing in your body, which is dangerous as it may cause the pituitary to shut down. The Homeopathic version includes small amounts of human growth hormone that is activated by transferring energy from the homeopathics hand into the bottle of formulation. No clinical evidence supports this method of production at this time. And then there is the natural way. A releaser is natural herbs and minerals that stimulate your pituitary gland to produce more HGH, which gives you a more youthful life and body with no side effects. The releaser should only be chosen that has a clinical history; doctor formulated and be taken orally.
I was beginning to see age spots on my skin, hair thinning, loss of libido, memory playing tricks on me, having trouble sleeping, vision dimming, and the lack of energy. I began to see the benefits of using an HGH supplement that would stimulate the pituitary gland. My cholesterol level has become like the thermometer, up and down like the temperature and wrinkles where I never had them before. Some people want to roll back the aging clock back; I just want to stop it! If an HGH supplement will arrest my aging process and take some time off this body that I have accumulated, Ill consider it a bonus!
When you are 50 and over you soon grow to realize quality of life far exceeds quantity of years. I watch folks my age and younger now struggle to get up from a couch, groan as they stand after sitting, ache for no apparent reason and I am happy for the discovery of HGH supplements and the myth busting of the fountain of youth.
There are vendors who sell HGH plus other natural vitamins, supplements and minerals. Most are without clinical trials to back their product. I tried to find a product that had a 10-year history and a doctor formulated product that would have no side effects on ME other than natural youth changes. I also looked for a reputable company to buy from that had a money back guarantee and a professional web presentation.
Creating the Perfect Foam
Most places that serve cappuccinos in the United States have not trained their baristas in the art of properly frothing milk. The foam that they create is usually a dry, tasteless, large celled collection of bubbles that sit on top of the espresso like a meringue.
With a little care, you can create steamed milk that is velvety smooth like the texture of wet shaving cream. The bubbles will be so small that you can barely see them! This is the way its supposed to be, because this way, it will blend with the espresso, creating a harmony of the flavors instead of a dry, tasteless cap floating on top. Lets Begin.
First off, its important to start with cold milk thats just out of the fridge. Pour the milk into the steaming pitcher until it is just about 1/3 of the way full. Milk will double to triple in volume after the frothing process. A stainless steel pitcher works best. It will dissipate some of the heat, allowing more time to infuse air into the milk before the milk gets too hot.
Also use a thermometer to get the milk to the correct temperature of 145 degrees. There are many thermometers made for this purpose that will clip onto the side of the pitcher for convenience.
The Technique:
Purge the steam wand onto a damp towel by releasing the valve for a few seconds. Be very careful not to burn yourself, the steam will be extremely hot. This purging will get all of the water out so you dont get it in your milk.
Next, submerge the wand into the milk and quickly turn the steam on full power. Avoid letting the tip of the wand come out of the milk. This will cause splattering and create large, tasteless bubbles.
Adjust the wand so that it is pointing off center in order to get the milk to flowing in a rapid, circular motion. Maintaining this fast, circulating vortex is vital.
Then, slowly lower the pitcher until the tip of the wand is just below the surface of the milk (keeping the circulation going). When you can hear a hissing noise, similar to bacon frying, you have reached the perfect position for the wand to inject air into the milk.
Try to maintain this hissing noise while keeping the milk rotating. You will have to slowly lower the pitcher as the milk volume rises in order to keep the wand tip just under the surface.
By keeping the milk flowing in a rapid circle, any large bubbles that are accidentally created will be rolled into the milk and eliminated. Continue steaming until the milk reaches 145 degrees. Be careful not to get the milk too hot, it will scald giving it a bad taste.
Thats pretty much it! If you have a few large bubbles, you can try to get rid of them by tapping the bottom of the pitcher lightly on the counter. Serve immediately and enjoy some of the silkiest frothed milk you have ever tasted!
One more thing, now that you know how to properly steam the milk, notice how few coffee houses have baristas that take care in this process. Very few use thermometers and end up scalding the milk, or leaving it too cold.
Most will just leave the pitcher sitting there while the wand blows into the milk. Some will use an up and down motion, but this does absolutely nothing for creating tiny, velvety bubbles. Its the rolling action of the milk thats needed.
If you find a barista that shows this skill of frothing milk, then stay with him! Hes been trained and probably takes pride in what he does.
Most places that serve cappuccinos in the United States have not trained their baristas in the art of properly frothing milk. The foam that they create is usually a dry, tasteless, large celled collection of bubbles that sit on top of the espresso like a meringue.
With a little care, you can create steamed milk that is velvety smooth like the texture of wet shaving cream. The bubbles will be so small that you can barely see them! This is the way its supposed to be, because this way, it will blend with the espresso, creating a harmony of the flavors instead of a dry, tasteless cap floating on top. Lets Begin.
First off, its important to start with cold milk thats just out of the fridge. Pour the milk into the steaming pitcher until it is just about 1/3 of the way full. Milk will double to triple in volume after the frothing process. A stainless steel pitcher works best. It will dissipate some of the heat, allowing more time to infuse air into the milk before the milk gets too hot.
Also use a thermometer to get the milk to the correct temperature of 145 degrees. There are many thermometers made for this purpose that will clip onto the side of the pitcher for convenience.
The Technique:
Purge the steam wand onto a damp towel by releasing the valve for a few seconds. Be very careful not to burn yourself, the steam will be extremely hot. This purging will get all of the water out so you dont get it in your milk.
Next, submerge the wand into the milk and quickly turn the steam on full power. Avoid letting the tip of the wand come out of the milk. This will cause splattering and create large, tasteless bubbles.
Adjust the wand so that it is pointing off center in order to get the milk to flowing in a rapid, circular motion. Maintaining this fast, circulating vortex is vital.
Then, slowly lower the pitcher until the tip of the wand is just below the surface of the milk (keeping the circulation going). When you can hear a hissing noise, similar to bacon frying, you have reached the perfect position for the wand to inject air into the milk.
Try to maintain this hissing noise while keeping the milk rotating. You will have to slowly lower the pitcher as the milk volume rises in order to keep the wand tip just under the surface.
By keeping the milk flowing in a rapid circle, any large bubbles that are accidentally created will be rolled into the milk and eliminated. Continue steaming until the milk reaches 145 degrees. Be careful not to get the milk too hot, it will scald giving it a bad taste.
Thats pretty much it! If you have a few large bubbles, you can try to get rid of them by tapping the bottom of the pitcher lightly on the counter. Serve immediately and enjoy some of the silkiest frothed milk you have ever tasted!
One more thing, now that you know how to properly steam the milk, notice how few coffee houses have baristas that take care in this process. Very few use thermometers and end up scalding the milk, or leaving it too cold.
Most will just leave the pitcher sitting there while the wand blows into the milk. Some will use an up and down motion, but this does absolutely nothing for creating tiny, velvety bubbles. Its the rolling action of the milk thats needed.
If you find a barista that shows this skill of frothing milk, then stay with him! Hes been trained and probably takes pride in what he does.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Ginger Braised Country-Style Ribs
Ginger Braised Country-Style Ribs
Serves 6
75 mL soy sauce 5 tbsp
75 mL minced ginger 5 tbsp
15 mL minced garlic 1 tbsp
10 mL dark sesame oil 2 tsp
1 country-style ribs, about 2 lb 1 slab
15 mL vegetable oil 1 tbsp
250 mL chicken broth 1 cup
50 mL medium-dry sherry 1/4 cup
15 mL brown sugar 1 tbsp
15 mL corn starch 1 tbsp
For marinade, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ginger, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Rub marinade into pork and place in a shallow covered container or in a sealable plastic bag. Marinate, refrigerated, for four hours to overnight. Heat oil in casserole or saucepan just large enough to fit pork. Over medium-high heat saut remaining ginger for a few seconds then add remaining soy sauce and sesame oil, broth, sherry, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and add pork. Cover loosely. Simmer pork for about one hour or until internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) on meat thermometer, turning once. Remove pork and keep warm. Skim any fat from surface and simmer for another minute. Thicken lightly by whisking in cornstarch combined with one tablespoon cold water. Pour sauce over sliced country-style ribs. Visit www.porkpeople.com for more recipe ideas.
- News Canada
Ginger Braised Country-Style Ribs
Serves 6
75 mL soy sauce 5 tbsp
75 mL minced ginger 5 tbsp
15 mL minced garlic 1 tbsp
10 mL dark sesame oil 2 tsp
1 country-style ribs, about 2 lb 1 slab
15 mL vegetable oil 1 tbsp
250 mL chicken broth 1 cup
50 mL medium-dry sherry 1/4 cup
15 mL brown sugar 1 tbsp
15 mL corn starch 1 tbsp
For marinade, combine 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons ginger, 1 tablespoon garlic, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Rub marinade into pork and place in a shallow covered container or in a sealable plastic bag. Marinate, refrigerated, for four hours to overnight. Heat oil in casserole or saucepan just large enough to fit pork. Over medium-high heat saut remaining ginger for a few seconds then add remaining soy sauce and sesame oil, broth, sherry, and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and add pork. Cover loosely. Simmer pork for about one hour or until internal temperature reaches 160F (70C) on meat thermometer, turning once. Remove pork and keep warm. Skim any fat from surface and simmer for another minute. Thicken lightly by whisking in cornstarch combined with one tablespoon cold water. Pour sauce over sliced country-style ribs. Visit www.porkpeople.com for more recipe ideas.
- News Canada
Impress Dinner Guests - Make Lattes at Home
With an espresso machine in your kitchen at home, you can make your own lattes to enjoy for yourself- and to impress your dinner guests! Some people look at the price of a home espresso machine and change their minds, but if consider what you typically pay when you buy a latte at your local coffee shop, whether it is a mom & pop shop or a chain (like Dunkin Donuts), youre spending anywhere from $2 to $4 for a latte! Your espresso machine will more than pay for itself in a short time of making your lattes from home. Having your own espresso machine means having the ability to make lattes for much less than you spend on them when you go out. Plus you can enjoy them anytime- not just when youre on the road. Also, lattes are a wonderful after dinner complement- particularly when you have guests over!
Making a latte is all a part of the fun of having an espresso machine. While some people like to drink espresso shots right out of the machine, most people would prefer to make a latte or cappuccino to sit and enjoy with a good book, or good friends and conversation!
The espresso machine will grind your espresso beans fresh for every cup, giving you the fresh taste latte lovers have come to recognize as an integral part of the latte. Depending on your particular brand of espresso machine, youll probably dispense about 7 grams of espresso into the handle. Once youve extracted the espresso shot into the provided espresso shot pot (usually stainless steel, with a pouring spout), you can start steaming your milk!
The basic recipe is 1 to 2 ounces of espresso to 8 fluid ounces of milk. Put your milk into the frothing jug, and slide the entire container over the steam arm nozzle. Make sure you keep the nozzle as close to the bottom of the container as possible to avoid making a lot of foam out of your milk. Use a thermometer so you know when the milk reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now you are ready to pour your steamed milk into the serving cup. A glass latte cup will look the best, and really impress your friends! Pour the steamed milk into the glass, using a spoon to hold back most of the foam that forms on the top of the milk. Once youve filled your cup with the milk, allow some of the foam to lie on the top for a professional coffee shop latte look.
Your final step to preparing a latte at home is to take your espresso shot and pour it slowly down the inside of the latte serving glass. Some of the espresso will mix with the milk at the bottom of the glass and some will layer itself in between the milk and foam. Youll have cloudy areas and several different shades of latte brown, making for a wonderful presentation that rivals that of the best coffee house. Only you wont be paying $4 a cup, and you can make it and drink it in your pajamas if you want to!
If you really want to make the presentation impressive, place your guests lattes on a cute little serving tray, with a decorative plate of fancy cookies. Biscottis are typically served with lattes, but you can be creative and serve anything you like. Maybe you could make some tiramisu using your espresso to make it from scratch for dessert, and enjoy slices of tiramisu with your homemade lattes! Your guests will want to come for dinner all the time once they experience your after dinner lattes.
With an espresso machine in your kitchen at home, you can make your own lattes to enjoy for yourself- and to impress your dinner guests! Some people look at the price of a home espresso machine and change their minds, but if consider what you typically pay when you buy a latte at your local coffee shop, whether it is a mom & pop shop or a chain (like Dunkin Donuts), youre spending anywhere from $2 to $4 for a latte! Your espresso machine will more than pay for itself in a short time of making your lattes from home. Having your own espresso machine means having the ability to make lattes for much less than you spend on them when you go out. Plus you can enjoy them anytime- not just when youre on the road. Also, lattes are a wonderful after dinner complement- particularly when you have guests over!
Making a latte is all a part of the fun of having an espresso machine. While some people like to drink espresso shots right out of the machine, most people would prefer to make a latte or cappuccino to sit and enjoy with a good book, or good friends and conversation!
The espresso machine will grind your espresso beans fresh for every cup, giving you the fresh taste latte lovers have come to recognize as an integral part of the latte. Depending on your particular brand of espresso machine, youll probably dispense about 7 grams of espresso into the handle. Once youve extracted the espresso shot into the provided espresso shot pot (usually stainless steel, with a pouring spout), you can start steaming your milk!
The basic recipe is 1 to 2 ounces of espresso to 8 fluid ounces of milk. Put your milk into the frothing jug, and slide the entire container over the steam arm nozzle. Make sure you keep the nozzle as close to the bottom of the container as possible to avoid making a lot of foam out of your milk. Use a thermometer so you know when the milk reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now you are ready to pour your steamed milk into the serving cup. A glass latte cup will look the best, and really impress your friends! Pour the steamed milk into the glass, using a spoon to hold back most of the foam that forms on the top of the milk. Once youve filled your cup with the milk, allow some of the foam to lie on the top for a professional coffee shop latte look.
Your final step to preparing a latte at home is to take your espresso shot and pour it slowly down the inside of the latte serving glass. Some of the espresso will mix with the milk at the bottom of the glass and some will layer itself in between the milk and foam. Youll have cloudy areas and several different shades of latte brown, making for a wonderful presentation that rivals that of the best coffee house. Only you wont be paying $4 a cup, and you can make it and drink it in your pajamas if you want to!
If you really want to make the presentation impressive, place your guests lattes on a cute little serving tray, with a decorative plate of fancy cookies. Biscottis are typically served with lattes, but you can be creative and serve anything you like. Maybe you could make some tiramisu using your espresso to make it from scratch for dessert, and enjoy slices of tiramisu with your homemade lattes! Your guests will want to come for dinner all the time once they experience your after dinner lattes.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Brown Burgers May Look Done, But Are They?
(NC)-According to Health Canada, summer chefs who cook ground beef burgers on gas grills could have a food safety problem if they rely solely on colour-rather than an instant-read food thermometer-to determine if their patties are adequately cooked. For example, sometimes previously frozen beef burgers may turn brown in the middle before they reach a temperature high enough to kill harmful E. coli bacteria.
That's why it's so important to always use an instant-read food thermometer when cooking hamburgers to check that the burgers reach 71 C (160 F). At this temperature,
E. coli is killed and the hamburgers are considered safe to eat. For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
(NC)-According to Health Canada, summer chefs who cook ground beef burgers on gas grills could have a food safety problem if they rely solely on colour-rather than an instant-read food thermometer-to determine if their patties are adequately cooked. For example, sometimes previously frozen beef burgers may turn brown in the middle before they reach a temperature high enough to kill harmful E. coli bacteria.
That's why it's so important to always use an instant-read food thermometer when cooking hamburgers to check that the burgers reach 71 C (160 F). At this temperature,
E. coli is killed and the hamburgers are considered safe to eat. For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
Baby Essentials - A Guide For First Time Mums
Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the shops wondering do I really need that, or what is all this used for? If you answer yes to this question then you may find the following article useful.
I can remember during my first pregnancy looking at items in the baby section wondering if all these bits and pieces were really necessary, and wondered what half of them were used for. I was often confused and would buy things just in case. After the birth of my daughter I soon found that some of these items I definitely didnt need, and then there were others I just couldnt live without. I have put together a list of items that I personally feel are baby essentials and try to give you some insight into what and why you may be in need of them.
Essentials for baby
Bunny rugs/ muslin wraps These are used to wrap your baby in. Newborn babies usually like to be wrapped snugly as it gives them the secure feeling they had in the womb. The difference is that Bunny rugs are for cool weather and muslin wraps are for warm weather, so the time of year your baby is due will determine which you will require. Recommend 8-12 of which ever you require.
Baby towels - You can just use normal ones but baby towels are often smaller, lighter and softer. Recommend at least 3.
Cot sheets - Fitted are best to prevent loosening as baby will move around a lot as it gets older. Recommend 3 sets.
If you are using a cradle or bassinet to start with you will need special sheets to fit these. You can get away with just 2 sets as babies are only in them for a short time (6-10weeks) and if you run into trouble you can always use a bunny rug!
Mattress protectors Recommend 2-3.
Baby blankets - I don't use any baby bedding (blankets, top sheet ect) in the cot. Initially I wrapped baby in their bunny rug/muslin wrap and once they got to big I used baby sleeping bags or sleepsuits. Babies tend to kick blankets off , I found myself worrying they would wiggle under the loosened blankets, at the same time I worried baby would be too cold. Once I discovered baby sleeping bag/suits I never looked back. These types of suits go over the top of their normal sleeping outfits and allow baby freedom to kick and move about. SIDS bedding guidelines state that sleeping bags/suits are a safe bedding alternative as long as individual bags/suits meet the following safety standards neck and armholes should be fitted so that there is no chance of baby slipping inside the bag and it should not contain a hood. Baby sleeping conditions are not something to be taken lightly. I highly recommend that prior to making any decision in relation to how you will sleep your baby that you visit safe sleeping at the sids and kids website. This way you can make an informed decision on what will best suit your individual situation.
Baby nail clippers/scissors - Baby nails grow really quick and are sharp, often causing them to scratch themselves.
Baby cotton buds Used for cleaning outer ear, nose and belly buttons!! Look for the ones that are specially designed to prevent you from accidentally going in too far.
Baby moisturiser - Babies often get a bit scaly in their first few weeks while their skin is adjusting to the outside world.
Nappy bag A good quality nappy bag will have separate compartments to put your different bits and pieces in such as bottles, wipes, clothes ect.Look for one with a change mat attached as you will find this useful.
A gentle baby soap - I recommend Johnson's milk bath you just squirt it in the water, no need to juggle baby and soap.
Baby wipes - excellent for cleaning face, hands and bottoms, I'd be lost with out them. I recommend Huggies, you can get a refillable travel pack for the nappy bag and a clip top container for home. You can get cheaper brands but they are often thinner and harder to dispense.
Nappy rash cream - I use one called Sudocrem. I found it very effective and although it is a little more expensive then some of the others creams you will see, you tend to use less.
Bibs Bibs arent really necessary unless you are bottle feeding, or until baby starts on solids. Look for bibs that either slip straight over babys head or have velcro fasteners. I found soft plastic back bibs protected clothing better. Try to avoid bibs that require you to tie them, these can be difficult to manage when you have one hand holding the baby. Once baby is older using full plastic bibs while they are eating can save you a lot of washing.
Cloth nappies - whether or not your are going to use disposable nappies you will still need some cloth nappies, they come in handy for cleaning up and protecting yourself from baby vomit and placing under baby when you have nappy leaks! 12 should suffice if you are going to use disposables. Of course if you are not using disposables you are going to need a lot more, approximately 24-36 in total. Please note that I didn't use cloth nappies, I used disposables so if you intend on using cloth nappies then their maybe some extra things you need in relation to them - snappies or pins, nappy liners and possibly plastic pants or fluffies.
Nappy bucket If you are using cloth nappies you will probably need 2, one for the nappies, another for clothes/bibs ect. For those that are using disposables one will suffice (or some sort of bucket) for soaking clothes ect. For soaking the clothes you will need something like napisan. Lux flakes are also good for general washing of baby clothes as initially their skin can be sensitive.
The following items you may not want straight away but are something to think about:
A thermometer - If you think baby might be a bit off colour it can help put your mind at rest. I eventually bought a tympanic one as I grew tired of trying to keep baby still while the thermometer was under their arm. The advantage of a tympanic thermometer is you use their ear and it only takes a couple of seconds to register, the problem is they are expensive.
Bottles It does pay to have one or two bottles even if you plan to breastfeed, just in case you need to be away from baby for some reason or you just need a break. You will also need a couple of newborn teats, a bottle brush and some sterilising equipment. Microwave sterilisers are very effective and are not expensive. If for some reason you are unable to breastfeed or you plan to wean baby in the first year you will need more bottles, approximately 8.
Breast pump This will totally depend on your situation. If you are going back to work early but want to continue to breast feed an electric pump would be of benefit. You can hire these from some hospitals and pharmacies if your budget is tight. If you only want to express milk for the rare occasion then a hand pump will be sufficient.
I hope that this article has enlightened you on what products you may require for the upcoming birth of your child. If you feel that there are any items that are definite essentials that are missing from this list feel free to contact me through our website and I will add them.
Please note that I have mentioned brand names throughout the article but I am in no way affiliated with these companies, nor are they products that I sell on my site, I genuinely found them to be worth the money you pay for them.
Are you a first time expectant mum wandering around the shops wondering do I really need that, or what is all this used for? If you answer yes to this question then you may find the following article useful.
I can remember during my first pregnancy looking at items in the baby section wondering if all these bits and pieces were really necessary, and wondered what half of them were used for. I was often confused and would buy things just in case. After the birth of my daughter I soon found that some of these items I definitely didnt need, and then there were others I just couldnt live without. I have put together a list of items that I personally feel are baby essentials and try to give you some insight into what and why you may be in need of them.
Essentials for baby
Bunny rugs/ muslin wraps These are used to wrap your baby in. Newborn babies usually like to be wrapped snugly as it gives them the secure feeling they had in the womb. The difference is that Bunny rugs are for cool weather and muslin wraps are for warm weather, so the time of year your baby is due will determine which you will require. Recommend 8-12 of which ever you require.
Baby towels - You can just use normal ones but baby towels are often smaller, lighter and softer. Recommend at least 3.
Cot sheets - Fitted are best to prevent loosening as baby will move around a lot as it gets older. Recommend 3 sets.
If you are using a cradle or bassinet to start with you will need special sheets to fit these. You can get away with just 2 sets as babies are only in them for a short time (6-10weeks) and if you run into trouble you can always use a bunny rug!
Mattress protectors Recommend 2-3.
Baby blankets - I don't use any baby bedding (blankets, top sheet ect) in the cot. Initially I wrapped baby in their bunny rug/muslin wrap and once they got to big I used baby sleeping bags or sleepsuits. Babies tend to kick blankets off , I found myself worrying they would wiggle under the loosened blankets, at the same time I worried baby would be too cold. Once I discovered baby sleeping bag/suits I never looked back. These types of suits go over the top of their normal sleeping outfits and allow baby freedom to kick and move about. SIDS bedding guidelines state that sleeping bags/suits are a safe bedding alternative as long as individual bags/suits meet the following safety standards neck and armholes should be fitted so that there is no chance of baby slipping inside the bag and it should not contain a hood. Baby sleeping conditions are not something to be taken lightly. I highly recommend that prior to making any decision in relation to how you will sleep your baby that you visit safe sleeping at the sids and kids website. This way you can make an informed decision on what will best suit your individual situation.
Baby nail clippers/scissors - Baby nails grow really quick and are sharp, often causing them to scratch themselves.
Baby cotton buds Used for cleaning outer ear, nose and belly buttons!! Look for the ones that are specially designed to prevent you from accidentally going in too far.
Baby moisturiser - Babies often get a bit scaly in their first few weeks while their skin is adjusting to the outside world.
Nappy bag A good quality nappy bag will have separate compartments to put your different bits and pieces in such as bottles, wipes, clothes ect.Look for one with a change mat attached as you will find this useful.
A gentle baby soap - I recommend Johnson's milk bath you just squirt it in the water, no need to juggle baby and soap.
Baby wipes - excellent for cleaning face, hands and bottoms, I'd be lost with out them. I recommend Huggies, you can get a refillable travel pack for the nappy bag and a clip top container for home. You can get cheaper brands but they are often thinner and harder to dispense.
Nappy rash cream - I use one called Sudocrem. I found it very effective and although it is a little more expensive then some of the others creams you will see, you tend to use less.
Bibs Bibs arent really necessary unless you are bottle feeding, or until baby starts on solids. Look for bibs that either slip straight over babys head or have velcro fasteners. I found soft plastic back bibs protected clothing better. Try to avoid bibs that require you to tie them, these can be difficult to manage when you have one hand holding the baby. Once baby is older using full plastic bibs while they are eating can save you a lot of washing.
Cloth nappies - whether or not your are going to use disposable nappies you will still need some cloth nappies, they come in handy for cleaning up and protecting yourself from baby vomit and placing under baby when you have nappy leaks! 12 should suffice if you are going to use disposables. Of course if you are not using disposables you are going to need a lot more, approximately 24-36 in total. Please note that I didn't use cloth nappies, I used disposables so if you intend on using cloth nappies then their maybe some extra things you need in relation to them - snappies or pins, nappy liners and possibly plastic pants or fluffies.
Nappy bucket If you are using cloth nappies you will probably need 2, one for the nappies, another for clothes/bibs ect. For those that are using disposables one will suffice (or some sort of bucket) for soaking clothes ect. For soaking the clothes you will need something like napisan. Lux flakes are also good for general washing of baby clothes as initially their skin can be sensitive.
The following items you may not want straight away but are something to think about:
A thermometer - If you think baby might be a bit off colour it can help put your mind at rest. I eventually bought a tympanic one as I grew tired of trying to keep baby still while the thermometer was under their arm. The advantage of a tympanic thermometer is you use their ear and it only takes a couple of seconds to register, the problem is they are expensive.
Bottles It does pay to have one or two bottles even if you plan to breastfeed, just in case you need to be away from baby for some reason or you just need a break. You will also need a couple of newborn teats, a bottle brush and some sterilising equipment. Microwave sterilisers are very effective and are not expensive. If for some reason you are unable to breastfeed or you plan to wean baby in the first year you will need more bottles, approximately 8.
Breast pump This will totally depend on your situation. If you are going back to work early but want to continue to breast feed an electric pump would be of benefit. You can hire these from some hospitals and pharmacies if your budget is tight. If you only want to express milk for the rare occasion then a hand pump will be sufficient.
I hope that this article has enlightened you on what products you may require for the upcoming birth of your child. If you feel that there are any items that are definite essentials that are missing from this list feel free to contact me through our website and I will add them.
Please note that I have mentioned brand names throughout the article but I am in no way affiliated with these companies, nor are they products that I sell on my site, I genuinely found them to be worth the money you pay for them.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
When is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?
The Luteal Phase or the Post Ovulation Time is the stretch of time between a woman's time of ovulation up to the first day of bleeding of the menstrual period. This is a relatively fixed time in nearly all women being around 14 days. The actual length of the Luteal Phase may vary by a day or so but for each individual woman it is usually exactly the same length each month. The average length of time of the Luteal Phase is 14 days, some women may have a luteal phase of 15 days and some of 13 but for most it is 14 days long.
The length of the Luteal Phase is constant even in women who have irregular periods. For those who experience irregular monthly cycles, the 'irregular' part is actually the time from the beginning of the cycle (1st day of bleeding) up until the time of ovulation. Once ovulated then the period is guaranteed to start some 13 to 15 days after as long as fertilisation hasn't occurred.
So when is the best time to get pregnant?
Well obviously at the time of ovulation. The egg will only last some 12 hours or so before is becomes incapable of fertilization. The Ideal conditions for getting pregnant are to have live sperm inside and waiting at the time of ovulation being as sperm can live on average 2 or 3 days inside the female body.
The trick therefore to becoming pregnant is to get to know your body and predict with as much exactitude as possible when you will start to ovulate so that you may have intercourse some hours before. Remember that repeated ejaculation on the male part will decrease the virility of the sperm.
The 'basic' way to know when you are about to ovulate, which will only really work with women who have regular cycles is the counting method. The cycle begins on the first day of bleeding. Counting from that day until the beginning of the next period will give you the total length of your menstrual cycle (normally about 28 days). Ovulation usually occurs between days 11 and 14.
If you are irregular with your periods then you should make a note of the length of your cycles over a few months and try and determine just how irregular you are and if possible work out an average length.
A very effective way to observe your cycle and discover your ovulation time is by using the basal body temperature method or BBT method. This entails using a special BBT thermometer which is calibrated in fractions of degrees. The vaginal temperature must be taken every morning (if possible at the same time each day and before daily activity begins.. ie before getting up). At the time of ovulation a notable rise in temperature is recorded. You will be able to observe from this the exact length of your luteal phase and you will notice just how regular it is (even for those with irregular periods) You will also get to realise the little signs and sensations that so subtly accompany ovulation. The disadvantage with this method is that it tells you when ovulation has occurred and the ideal conditions for getting pregnant as stated before are to have intercourse a few hours 'before' ovulation is due to occur.
Another way to predict ovulation is to observe the changes in texture of your cervical mucus. As the hormones within the female body fluctuate, so too does the texture of the cervical mucus changes. Normally it is thick and sticky, and when observed under a microscope appears to have of a sort of meshed fibre effect. Around ovulation time the mucus changes to be much thinner and clearer, this when viewed microscopically has a parallel fibre effect which actually aids the sperm to travel through the vagina by means of a basic and natural capillary action. The mucus will remain in this thin state for 2 or 3 days. This is the ideal time for conception.
A combination of all of the methods listed here should help you to get to know your cycle rhythm and learn just what your body is doing so that you may predict exactly when you are about to ovulate.
The Luteal Phase or the Post Ovulation Time is the stretch of time between a woman's time of ovulation up to the first day of bleeding of the menstrual period. This is a relatively fixed time in nearly all women being around 14 days. The actual length of the Luteal Phase may vary by a day or so but for each individual woman it is usually exactly the same length each month. The average length of time of the Luteal Phase is 14 days, some women may have a luteal phase of 15 days and some of 13 but for most it is 14 days long.
The length of the Luteal Phase is constant even in women who have irregular periods. For those who experience irregular monthly cycles, the 'irregular' part is actually the time from the beginning of the cycle (1st day of bleeding) up until the time of ovulation. Once ovulated then the period is guaranteed to start some 13 to 15 days after as long as fertilisation hasn't occurred.
So when is the best time to get pregnant?
Well obviously at the time of ovulation. The egg will only last some 12 hours or so before is becomes incapable of fertilization. The Ideal conditions for getting pregnant are to have live sperm inside and waiting at the time of ovulation being as sperm can live on average 2 or 3 days inside the female body.
The trick therefore to becoming pregnant is to get to know your body and predict with as much exactitude as possible when you will start to ovulate so that you may have intercourse some hours before. Remember that repeated ejaculation on the male part will decrease the virility of the sperm.
The 'basic' way to know when you are about to ovulate, which will only really work with women who have regular cycles is the counting method. The cycle begins on the first day of bleeding. Counting from that day until the beginning of the next period will give you the total length of your menstrual cycle (normally about 28 days). Ovulation usually occurs between days 11 and 14.
If you are irregular with your periods then you should make a note of the length of your cycles over a few months and try and determine just how irregular you are and if possible work out an average length.
A very effective way to observe your cycle and discover your ovulation time is by using the basal body temperature method or BBT method. This entails using a special BBT thermometer which is calibrated in fractions of degrees. The vaginal temperature must be taken every morning (if possible at the same time each day and before daily activity begins.. ie before getting up). At the time of ovulation a notable rise in temperature is recorded. You will be able to observe from this the exact length of your luteal phase and you will notice just how regular it is (even for those with irregular periods) You will also get to realise the little signs and sensations that so subtly accompany ovulation. The disadvantage with this method is that it tells you when ovulation has occurred and the ideal conditions for getting pregnant as stated before are to have intercourse a few hours 'before' ovulation is due to occur.
Another way to predict ovulation is to observe the changes in texture of your cervical mucus. As the hormones within the female body fluctuate, so too does the texture of the cervical mucus changes. Normally it is thick and sticky, and when observed under a microscope appears to have of a sort of meshed fibre effect. Around ovulation time the mucus changes to be much thinner and clearer, this when viewed microscopically has a parallel fibre effect which actually aids the sperm to travel through the vagina by means of a basic and natural capillary action. The mucus will remain in this thin state for 2 or 3 days. This is the ideal time for conception.
A combination of all of the methods listed here should help you to get to know your cycle rhythm and learn just what your body is doing so that you may predict exactly when you are about to ovulate.
Tips For Giving Baby Gift Baskets
Gift baskets have grown in popularity. They make an interesting, thoughtful gift that can be made to suit almost any occasion. A baby gift basket gives you a chance to make a unique and personal gift. You can give a baby gift basket either at the baby shower or after the baby is born as a homecoming gift.
You can buy professionally made gift baskets or ready made gift baskets, but there is something a little special about making the gift basket yourself. When you make it yourself you can add whatever you like and style it how you want. You can watch the cost by making your own because you can make it as big or as small as you desire, plus you can seek out specials that will give you discounts on what you fill the basket with. Making your own gift basket just makes sense.
Themed gift baskets are great gifts. There are many theme ideas for baby gift baskets. The following list is just the beginning of ideas. Use your own creativity to come up with a unique theme for your basket.
-bath time basket: You can use a baby tub as the basket and fill it with washcloths, a cute hooded towel and bath supplies.
-clothing basket: Using a cute wicker laundry basket and filling it with socks, onesies, shoes and a cute outfit makes this theme.
-feeding basket: For the bottle-fed baby, you can put in a can of formula or coupons for formula, bottles, a bottle cleaner, burp cloths and extra nipples.
-Health and safety: Something often forgotten about until the need arises, this basket can include, a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail care kit and some childproofing items.
The basic supplies you need are easy to find at a craft or discount store. You need a basket or other container of your choice to make the foundation of the basket. You will also need some sort of filler, like tissue paper, raffia or a fabric item. You can also buy cellophane to enclose the basket when you are finished. Finally you need the items that you will put inside. You can base these on a theme or just buy various items you think the baby needs. That is all you need to make an effective baby gift basket.
Arranging your baby gift basket is a matter of taste. Generally you will keep larger items in the back and smaller items in front. Try to make everything visible and keep items from falling under or behind other items. Once you think you have it, stand back and take a good look. It may take some adjusting, but the whole process of making your gift basket shouldnt take an extreme amount of time.
Gift baskets have grown in popularity. They make an interesting, thoughtful gift that can be made to suit almost any occasion. A baby gift basket gives you a chance to make a unique and personal gift. You can give a baby gift basket either at the baby shower or after the baby is born as a homecoming gift.
You can buy professionally made gift baskets or ready made gift baskets, but there is something a little special about making the gift basket yourself. When you make it yourself you can add whatever you like and style it how you want. You can watch the cost by making your own because you can make it as big or as small as you desire, plus you can seek out specials that will give you discounts on what you fill the basket with. Making your own gift basket just makes sense.
Themed gift baskets are great gifts. There are many theme ideas for baby gift baskets. The following list is just the beginning of ideas. Use your own creativity to come up with a unique theme for your basket.
-bath time basket: You can use a baby tub as the basket and fill it with washcloths, a cute hooded towel and bath supplies.
-clothing basket: Using a cute wicker laundry basket and filling it with socks, onesies, shoes and a cute outfit makes this theme.
-feeding basket: For the bottle-fed baby, you can put in a can of formula or coupons for formula, bottles, a bottle cleaner, burp cloths and extra nipples.
-Health and safety: Something often forgotten about until the need arises, this basket can include, a thermometer, medicine dropper, nail care kit and some childproofing items.
The basic supplies you need are easy to find at a craft or discount store. You need a basket or other container of your choice to make the foundation of the basket. You will also need some sort of filler, like tissue paper, raffia or a fabric item. You can also buy cellophane to enclose the basket when you are finished. Finally you need the items that you will put inside. You can base these on a theme or just buy various items you think the baby needs. That is all you need to make an effective baby gift basket.
Arranging your baby gift basket is a matter of taste. Generally you will keep larger items in the back and smaller items in front. Try to make everything visible and keep items from falling under or behind other items. Once you think you have it, stand back and take a good look. It may take some adjusting, but the whole process of making your gift basket shouldnt take an extreme amount of time.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
How To Protect Yourself Against Foodborne Illness
(NC)-Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, sometimes blood or pus in the stools, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion. Symptoms will vary according to the type and amount of harmful microorganisms present in the food. Symptoms may come on as early as half-hour after eating the contaminated food or may not develop for several days or weeks. Symptoms usually last only a day or two, but can, in some cases, persist for a week to 10 days. For most healthy people, foodborne illnesses aren't long lasting or life threatening. However for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, foodborne illness can be very serious and even life-threatening.
What can you do to protect yourself from food poisoning? Follow these four easy food safety steps listed below:
CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often
After you've handled or cut raw meat, wash your hands, the cutting board, counter, knives, and any other utensils you've used with hot soapy water before you use them again to prepare any other food.
SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate
Do not allow ready-to-eat foods such as lettuce to come into contact with raw meat or raw meat juice.
COOK: Cook to proper temperature
Thoroughly cook all ground beef to 71 C (160 F) as recommended by Health Canada. Use an instant-read food thermometer to test the middle of burgers or the centre of a meatloaf.
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly
Cover and store leftover cooked food in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. Make sure your refrigerator is set at a temperature of 4C (40F) or colder, and keep your freezer set at -18C (0F)
For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
(NC)-Common symptoms of foodborne illness include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, sometimes blood or pus in the stools, headache, vomiting and severe exhaustion. Symptoms will vary according to the type and amount of harmful microorganisms present in the food. Symptoms may come on as early as half-hour after eating the contaminated food or may not develop for several days or weeks. Symptoms usually last only a day or two, but can, in some cases, persist for a week to 10 days. For most healthy people, foodborne illnesses aren't long lasting or life threatening. However for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, foodborne illness can be very serious and even life-threatening.
What can you do to protect yourself from food poisoning? Follow these four easy food safety steps listed below:
CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often
After you've handled or cut raw meat, wash your hands, the cutting board, counter, knives, and any other utensils you've used with hot soapy water before you use them again to prepare any other food.
SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate
Do not allow ready-to-eat foods such as lettuce to come into contact with raw meat or raw meat juice.
COOK: Cook to proper temperature
Thoroughly cook all ground beef to 71 C (160 F) as recommended by Health Canada. Use an instant-read food thermometer to test the middle of burgers or the centre of a meatloaf.
CHILL: Refrigerate promptly
Cover and store leftover cooked food in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. Make sure your refrigerator is set at a temperature of 4C (40F) or colder, and keep your freezer set at -18C (0F)
For more information on food safety, visit the Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education Web site at www.canfightbac.org.
Setting up your First Aquarium
When you have decided what type of fish and plants you wish to keep, found a suitable tank and purchased all the necessary equipment, the next step is to actually set up your aquarium. Many people quite randomly add stuff to their aquarium without much consideration, which usually mean that they will encounter a lot more problems that the prepared aquarists. By sticking to a plan when you arrange your first aquarium you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble.
The first thing you should do is to thoroughly clean your tank. If you skip this stage simply because your new aquarium looks clean and shiny, your fish might die due to left over contaminants that become dissolved in the water. A previously used aquarium also needs a good scrub to remove unwanted parasites and diseases. Many microorganisms are remarkably resilient and can stay dormant even in an empty aquarium. Normally, it is unadvisable to use detergents when cleaning aquarium equipment, but during this first wash you can use a small amount of dish washing liquid in warm water. It is of imperative importance that you rinse away all traces of washing liquid as soon as possible. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse the aquarium several times. Fish can die from even tiny amounts of dish washing liquid.
When you have cleaned your tank, you should clean all the items that will go into the aquarium, such as equipment and aquarium dcor. If you use a bucket when cleaning your equipment, you should use a bucket that has not previously been contaminated with any form of detergents. Gravel should be washed under warm running water while being stirred. Continue to stir until the water is clear. If you plan to include bogwood in your set up, you might have to keep it in a bucket for a few weeks before you can place it in the aquarium. Bogwood can not sink until it has been water drenched. If you are lucky, your bogwood has been properly drenched before entering the store shelves.
You should be very careful with items from the wild, since they might affect the water chemistry in the aquarium. If you still want to use aquarium decoration from the wild, you must make sure that the items free from undesired microorganisms. Place them in a bucket filled with water and chlorine bleach. All traces of chlorine bleach must naturally be removed afterwards by repeated rinsing and soaking in fresh water.
Before you begin to fill your aquarium with water you should check that the spot that you have chosen is suitable. The floor must be flat and the room should ideally not be subjected to shakings. A special type of aquarium matting can be used to decrease unevenness between the aquarium and the thing that is stands on top of. A special aquarium stand is recommended, especially for larger aquariums since they can become too heavy for ordinary furniture.
If your tap water contains chlorine, you need a purchase a water conditioner from the fish store to remove the chlorine. In many countries, chlorine is added to the tap water to reduce the growth or bacteria and other micro organisms. In an aquarium, chlorine is naturally unwanted.
Now it is time to test your aquarium for leaks. Mending leaks is much easier now, then when you have filled your aquarium with gravel, equipment, fish etcetera. Fill your aquarium with water and let it stay like that for at least half a day. If there are no signs of leaks, you can remove the water and begin to decorate your aquarium.
The first thing that you should add to your aquarium is the gravel. If you want to use an under gravel filter, the necessary plates must be inserted prior to the gravel. It is popular among aquarists to add more gravel to the back of the aquarium that to the front, in order to create a sloping bottom that gives you a better view of the aquarium. Adding 1-3 inches of substrate is common, but some aquarists prefer a deep sand bed while others go for much less gravel. If you are going to use under gravel filtration, you should follow the instructions for the filter system.
The next step involves filling the aquarium half way up with water. If you fill the aquarium all the way up, it will be more difficult to add equipment and decorations. One of the most convenient ways of filling your aquarium with water is to place a place on top of the gravel and pour dechlorinated water onto that plate. With this method, you will disturb the gravel as little as possible. Try to direct the flow to the sides of the tank. By using a plate and adding water at a slow pace, you can have your water pretty clear from the start. It is normal for the water to look a little cloudy after being poured into the aquarium; it will settle after a day or two.
Attach the equipment to their proper places in the aquarium. For most beginner aquarists, this means the heater, the thermometer and the filter. A heater should be placed somewhere in the aquarium where the circulation will be potent, since this will spread the heat evenly in the tank. The thermometer should be placed where it is easy to read. Do not connect the equipment to the electrical outlet yet.
Place aquarium decoration at their desired places. Try to create plenty of good hiding spots for your fish, since this will make them feel more at home in the aquarium. A fish that is relaxed is less prone to diseases. Aquarium decoration is also a good way of hiding ugly cable cords, tubes etcetera. Make sure that the decorations are safely a secured. Caves should not be able to collapse, stones should not topple, and artificial plants should be anchored in the substrate or attached to aquarium decoration.
Live plants are a nice addition to the aquarium and sturdy plant species can be successfully kept even by beginner aquarists. If you want to keep live plants, you can add them now. If you are in no hurry, you can instead wait a few days and allow the water to stabilize since this is more beneficial for the plants. It is advisable to read more about aquatic plants before you choose plants. This way, you will find out which plants that are ideal for you and how to care for them. Some plants should be planted in the substrate; others attached to aquarium decoration, and a third type is simply left floating at the surface.
When you have gotten this far, you should turn on the equipment and make sure that they work. Always read the manuals that come with aquarium equipment before you begin to use the items. Fill the aquarium full with dechlorinated water and wait 30 minutes before you turn on the heater. Install the air supplying equipment, e.g. air stones or the air pump. Also turn on the mechanical filter, if you are using this type of filtration. Always follow the manufacturers instructions, since different equipment have different requirements. The temperature in the aquarium should be closely monitored for a day or two to make sure that everything works properly before you add any fish. The filter should run for at least one day.
Now you are ready to begin the so called cycling of the aquarium. This is an important step that should never be skipped. I suggest that you read about aquarium cycling before you add any fish, since this can save you a lot of trouble and prevent fish death.
When you have decided what type of fish and plants you wish to keep, found a suitable tank and purchased all the necessary equipment, the next step is to actually set up your aquarium. Many people quite randomly add stuff to their aquarium without much consideration, which usually mean that they will encounter a lot more problems that the prepared aquarists. By sticking to a plan when you arrange your first aquarium you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble.
The first thing you should do is to thoroughly clean your tank. If you skip this stage simply because your new aquarium looks clean and shiny, your fish might die due to left over contaminants that become dissolved in the water. A previously used aquarium also needs a good scrub to remove unwanted parasites and diseases. Many microorganisms are remarkably resilient and can stay dormant even in an empty aquarium. Normally, it is unadvisable to use detergents when cleaning aquarium equipment, but during this first wash you can use a small amount of dish washing liquid in warm water. It is of imperative importance that you rinse away all traces of washing liquid as soon as possible. Use warm water to thoroughly rinse the aquarium several times. Fish can die from even tiny amounts of dish washing liquid.
When you have cleaned your tank, you should clean all the items that will go into the aquarium, such as equipment and aquarium dcor. If you use a bucket when cleaning your equipment, you should use a bucket that has not previously been contaminated with any form of detergents. Gravel should be washed under warm running water while being stirred. Continue to stir until the water is clear. If you plan to include bogwood in your set up, you might have to keep it in a bucket for a few weeks before you can place it in the aquarium. Bogwood can not sink until it has been water drenched. If you are lucky, your bogwood has been properly drenched before entering the store shelves.
You should be very careful with items from the wild, since they might affect the water chemistry in the aquarium. If you still want to use aquarium decoration from the wild, you must make sure that the items free from undesired microorganisms. Place them in a bucket filled with water and chlorine bleach. All traces of chlorine bleach must naturally be removed afterwards by repeated rinsing and soaking in fresh water.
Before you begin to fill your aquarium with water you should check that the spot that you have chosen is suitable. The floor must be flat and the room should ideally not be subjected to shakings. A special type of aquarium matting can be used to decrease unevenness between the aquarium and the thing that is stands on top of. A special aquarium stand is recommended, especially for larger aquariums since they can become too heavy for ordinary furniture.
If your tap water contains chlorine, you need a purchase a water conditioner from the fish store to remove the chlorine. In many countries, chlorine is added to the tap water to reduce the growth or bacteria and other micro organisms. In an aquarium, chlorine is naturally unwanted.
Now it is time to test your aquarium for leaks. Mending leaks is much easier now, then when you have filled your aquarium with gravel, equipment, fish etcetera. Fill your aquarium with water and let it stay like that for at least half a day. If there are no signs of leaks, you can remove the water and begin to decorate your aquarium.
The first thing that you should add to your aquarium is the gravel. If you want to use an under gravel filter, the necessary plates must be inserted prior to the gravel. It is popular among aquarists to add more gravel to the back of the aquarium that to the front, in order to create a sloping bottom that gives you a better view of the aquarium. Adding 1-3 inches of substrate is common, but some aquarists prefer a deep sand bed while others go for much less gravel. If you are going to use under gravel filtration, you should follow the instructions for the filter system.
The next step involves filling the aquarium half way up with water. If you fill the aquarium all the way up, it will be more difficult to add equipment and decorations. One of the most convenient ways of filling your aquarium with water is to place a place on top of the gravel and pour dechlorinated water onto that plate. With this method, you will disturb the gravel as little as possible. Try to direct the flow to the sides of the tank. By using a plate and adding water at a slow pace, you can have your water pretty clear from the start. It is normal for the water to look a little cloudy after being poured into the aquarium; it will settle after a day or two.
Attach the equipment to their proper places in the aquarium. For most beginner aquarists, this means the heater, the thermometer and the filter. A heater should be placed somewhere in the aquarium where the circulation will be potent, since this will spread the heat evenly in the tank. The thermometer should be placed where it is easy to read. Do not connect the equipment to the electrical outlet yet.
Place aquarium decoration at their desired places. Try to create plenty of good hiding spots for your fish, since this will make them feel more at home in the aquarium. A fish that is relaxed is less prone to diseases. Aquarium decoration is also a good way of hiding ugly cable cords, tubes etcetera. Make sure that the decorations are safely a secured. Caves should not be able to collapse, stones should not topple, and artificial plants should be anchored in the substrate or attached to aquarium decoration.
Live plants are a nice addition to the aquarium and sturdy plant species can be successfully kept even by beginner aquarists. If you want to keep live plants, you can add them now. If you are in no hurry, you can instead wait a few days and allow the water to stabilize since this is more beneficial for the plants. It is advisable to read more about aquatic plants before you choose plants. This way, you will find out which plants that are ideal for you and how to care for them. Some plants should be planted in the substrate; others attached to aquarium decoration, and a third type is simply left floating at the surface.
When you have gotten this far, you should turn on the equipment and make sure that they work. Always read the manuals that come with aquarium equipment before you begin to use the items. Fill the aquarium full with dechlorinated water and wait 30 minutes before you turn on the heater. Install the air supplying equipment, e.g. air stones or the air pump. Also turn on the mechanical filter, if you are using this type of filtration. Always follow the manufacturers instructions, since different equipment have different requirements. The temperature in the aquarium should be closely monitored for a day or two to make sure that everything works properly before you add any fish. The filter should run for at least one day.
Now you are ready to begin the so called cycling of the aquarium. This is an important step that should never be skipped. I suggest that you read about aquarium cycling before you add any fish, since this can save you a lot of trouble and prevent fish death.
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