Does The Sacred Heart Soup Diet Really Work?

Does The Sacred Heart Soup Diet Really Work?-Ingredients

Perhaps the hardest part for anybody beginning a diet is that everyone wants to see results very quickly. It is all too easy to become impatient and want the 'quick fix'. But like anything in life, nothing worthwhile is generally easy. This also applies to weight loss. After all, if losing weight were easy, NOBODY would be overweight!

Ingredients

However, there ARE certain diets that can jump start your weight loss goals. And this is where the Sacred Heart soup diet comes in. The Sacred Heart Soup Diet is a diet that has actually been going around for many years. The diet was supposedly thought to come straight from the cardiology department at the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital in America. It was allegedly used for very obese heart patients. However, like most of these diets - this is nothing but an urban myth. The Sacred Heart Soup Diet has been called a number of different names. For example: the Spokane Heart Diet, the Cleveland Clinic Diet, Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital Diet and the Miami Heart Institute Diet.

Low Calories

The diet doesn't offer many calories but because it fills you up, you are less tempted to eat anything else and indulge yourself in 'naughty' foods! The soup acts as filler, making sure that the dieter does not get hunger pangs or the feeling of starvation. Due to the low number of calories that you are eating, a dieter following the Sacred Heart Soup Diet may experience a few side effects. These can range from feeling a little weak or lightheadedness, but generally most people won't feel too bad and its very easy to stick with because you know it will only last for a short time. The diet should only be followed for a week - it's not meant to be taken as a continuous diet and there should certainly be breaks between using it. But as a fast weight loss program it's unrivalled. Losing weight, like anything else worthwhile in life, takes discipline and perseverance.

I am not going to lie to you like so many others and promise you that it is easy. It's not. But neither is it a monumental mountain to climb - if you apply the right diet program and adopt a positive attitude to your goal. Here is a recipe for the diet. Sacred Heart Soup Diet Recipe Ingredients: 1 or 2 cans of stewed tomatoes 3 plus large green onions 1 large can of beef broth (no fat) 1 pkg. Lipton Soup mix (chicken noodle) 1 bunch of celery 2 cans green beans 2 lbs. Carrots 2 Green Peppers Making the soup Season with parsley, salt, pepper curry, if desired, or bouillon, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Cut the vegetables into small to medium size pieces. Then cover with water. Boil on high heat for 10 minutes. Then redduce heat to a simmer and then continue to cook until vegetables are soft and tender. This soup can be eaten anytime you are feeling hungry.

This will help you to feel full and not be tempted to eat fatening foods. Eat as much as you want, whenever you want. This soup will certainly not add on any pounds! The more you eat, the more you will lose. You could even fill a thermos in the morning and take it to work with you. You can then eat a few bowls during the day and not be tempted by those naughty foods! The Sacred Heart Soup Diet will only work if you follow it exactly.

Instructions:

Make sure you consume at least 4 glasses of water or diet soda per day. You can eat the soup at any time of the day or night.

Sacred Heart Soup Recipe

6 large green

2 green peppers

1 or 2 cans of tomatoes

1 bunch celery

1/2 head cabbage

1 package Lipton Soup Mix 1 or 2 cubes bouillon (not compulsory)

1 48 oz. can V8 Juice (not compulsory)

Season with salt and pepper etc.

Day 1 - Any fruit you would like to eat except bananas.

Day 2 - Any vegetables you want.

Day 3 - Consume as much soup as you wish. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Day 4 - Up to six bananas, all the skim milk you want.

Day 5 - Ten to twenty ounces of beef, a can of tomatoes, 5 to 8 glasses of water.

Day 6 - All the beef and vegetables you want.

Day 7 - Consume as much unsweetened fruit juices, brown rice and fresh vegetables as you wish. Again, eat at least 1 bowl of soup during today. Don't eat any bread or drink any alcohol, or carbonated drinks.

Incorporating the Sacred Heart Soup diet into your slimming program will help you lose the weight you desire. Be disciplined in your planning and execution, plan out your foods for the week and you will get there. Don't give in to temptation!

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Holiday Appetizers - 3 Easy Christmas Appetizers

Holiday Appetizers - 3 Easy Christmas Appetizers-Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Cookies

In addition to the old standby snacks like nuts, candy bowls filled to the brim with those gaily wrapped Christmas chocolates, or the chips and dip bowl, you may wish to offer your family and guests some more substantial appetizers to get those mouths watering, but not fill them up. We want to save room for the main course after all and don't forget that dessert table in the corner. So, here are three easy recipes I think you will enjoy.

Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Cookies

Don't turn your nose up until you taste these SPAM SALAD BITES. You will need:

1 can Spam or other processed potted-ham lunch meat product (but I have found the Spam brand works best) 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion 1 teaspoon lemon pepper 1 tablespoon pimento 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard 1/4 cup low-fat mayonnaise (or mayonnaise style salad dressing) Crackers or toasted baguette slices

In the bowl of a food processor place the ham product, cut into cubes, and the other ingredients except the mayo. Pulse until all ingredients are mixed and mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should not quite form a ball but be moist. Remove and mix in the mayo. Spread about a teaspoonful on each cracker or toasted baguette. Garnish with a sliver of pimento.

OPTIONS: You could also stuff this mixture into prepared cherry tomatoes. Simply remove the end and hollow out the seeds and pulp. Stuff the cavity with the ham mixture. Try using a can of white meat chicken or tuna instead. I have even used canned salmon and can shrimp which came out deliciously and was a real surprise to my guests.

BANANA HORS D' OEUVRES You will need:

2 large bananas 1 cup citrus juice, (lemon, pineapple, grapefruit, or orange. You can also use a lemon-lime soda but you lose some of the flavoring) 3 ounces cream cheese 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Peel and slice the bananas into one inch slices. Marinate the slices in the juice in a plastic bag in the fridge for about 1 hour. Drain the juice and pat the bananas dry on a paper towel. Stir the softened, room temperature cream cheese to remove any lumps. Spread each slice of banana with the cream cheese and roll in the chopped nuts. Serve with toothpicks or on a skewer. This is also a great addition to a chocolate fountain table.

OPTIONS: You can also do this with tart sliced apples or even firm pears. You could also use slices of melon for a delicious alternative or you may want to do some of each.

And Here is an old favorite of my grandmother's. We all love deviled eggs and these HARLEQUIN EGGS are no exception, although they are a nice twist on an old standby. You will need:

1 cooked carrot 1 cooked beet (or you can used cooked, canned beets, about 1/4 cup) 1/2 cup cooked and minced green beans 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 4 hard cooked eggs Paprika

Shred the carrot and beets. Mix with the beans and blend with mayonnaise and seasoning. Cut the eggs into halves lengthwise, as you would for deviled eggs. Remove the yolks and set aside. Fill the cavities with the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with sieved egg yolks. If you don't have a sieve you can crush the yolks finely with a fork. Garnish with a pinch of paprika, a sliver of carrot, beet or bean, or even a slice of olive.

In a hurry? Try one of these Optional BALLS ON PICKS Appetizers.

Anchovy balls - mash 4 ounces anchovy paste with 2 hard-cooked eggs. Add 5 drops of Worcestershire sauce, a few grains of cayenne and 2/4 cup minced parsley. Celery balls - Combine 3 ounces cream cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, dash of pepper and a small pinch of cayenne. Form balls and roll in 1 cup of minced celery. Burning Bush - Combine 3 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 teaspoon minced onion and roll in minced dried beef.

Fill those plates with these delicious appetizers and your guests will stop asking you, when will dinner be ready.

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Performer 5 - Improve Your Sex Life With Performer 5

Performer 5 - Improve Your Sex Life With Performer 5-Ingredients

Whether they will admit it or not most men are looking for ways to improve their sex lives. Usually they focus on making their penis bigger or increasing their sex drive but one option that isn't often considered is trying to increase their production of semen. It turns out that there are a number of advantages to increasing the volume of your ejaculate. Not only can it help you and your partner to conceive, it can also result in harder and longer lasting erections and more intense orgasms. A product like Performer 5 is a very easy way to increase your volume of semen.

Ingredients

The most obvious reason that a man would want to increase the volume of his ejaculate is in order to increase the chances of conceiving. Many couples are unable to get pregnant and one of the main causes is men with low sperm counts. Obviously if you can increase the amount of semen that is produced each time you have intercourse this will increase the chances of conception. A product like Performer 5 can help you to produce more semen and give you a better chance at having a baby.

Many men would be surprised to learn that the amount of semen they produce has a direct bearing on how much they and there partner enjoy sex. It has been scientifically demonstrated that a larger volume of ejaculate results in erections that are harder and last longer. It also results in more intense orgasms, why isn't exactly clear but the belief is that a larger release brings more relief when it happens. Its kind of like when you have to go to the bathroom really badly it feels so much better than urinating with less urgency. The ways in which having better erections that last longer will help to improve your sex life really shouldn't require to much imagination.

The way in which a product like Performer 5 can help to increase your volume of ejaculate is through the vitamins that it provides. Producing semen requires a very healthy diet and the way most of us eat we don't get anything like the kinds of vitamins that we need for efficient sperm production. This deficiency in our diets is why it is so common these days to find men who are unable to impregnate their partner. A good supplement like Performer 5 can go a long way towards remedying this problem.

Of all the ways to improve your sexual performance increasing your ejaculate volume may well be the most effective, it is certainly the most realistic. The truth is that a lot of male enhancement products are unlikely to work. However Performer 5 isn't making unrealistic claims, it is simply claiming to be a supplement that will help you produce more semen.

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Seven Easy Steps to Writing a Eulogy

Seven Easy Steps to Writing a Eulogy-Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step One: Gather information. Jot down as many personal notes about the deceased as possible. Look at photos. Flipping through photo albums may remind you of important qualities and memories of the person who died. Answer a few questions: What made your loved one truly happy? What inspired you to write this eulogy? What were your loved one's passions? What will you remember most about this person? Keep in mind that a eulogy is not a biography but more your personal thoughts and remembrances from your point of view. You may want to ask co-workers, friends and others for their stories and memories. You should see some repetition in your notes and this will lead to the main theme.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step Two: Begin to organize your content. Outline the eulogy in these steps:

I. A beginning to establish your theme.

II. A middle section to build on your theme with personal stories, information, quotes, comments, sayings, poems and other content. This information should make up 90% of the eulogy.

III. A short conclusion to summarize your thoughts and restate your theme.

Step Three: Work first on the middle section (Part II). Once you have this part the beginning and summary will be easy. Develop the outline by grouping similar themes from your notes from Step 1. For example, you might want to gather all the achievements together. Merge the comments about the deceased individual's philosophy of life.

Step Four: Organize the conclusion (Part III). A conclusion reminds the listeners of the theme and imprints the strong feeling you have about the loss. The key is to conclude effectively and quickly.

Here is an example:

"We will all miss Jackie's sense of humor, her talent for knowing what is really important in life and her famous chocolate chip cookies" (a little humor doesn't hurt as long as it's not offensive to anyone).

"Her example lives as an inspiration for all of us to follow."

Step Five: Write the beginning of the eulogy (Part 1). This usually starts with an attention getter. It will set the theme and can be in the form of a short story, a poem, a saying, lyrics to a song. It will introduce the goal and theme you used when you began the process.

Step Six: Polish it up. Your best bet is to walk away from it for a few hours or overnight if possible. Work on it so it sounds like a conversation. You want to talk to the audience as naturally as possible.

Key tips:

Step Seven: Delivering the eulogy. While normally speakers do not read word-for-word, because you are more than likely going to be emotional, don't be afraid to read word for word. This way you won't leave out any key points you or others wanted said.

If making eye contact with members of the audience will make you emotional, either try and keep your eyes on the page or look just over the top of the audience to the back of the room.

Feel free to pause, take a deep breath and drink some water. Everyone will understand. They are emotionally distraught also.

Speak as naturally as you can just as if you were telling someone about your loved one. Speak up. It's very important that you speak clearly and loudly so that everyone can hear you.

Keep the written eulogy as a memento. You can add it to your memento chest and share it with others who may want a copy.

By following these steps, writing and delivering a eulogy will become less stressful and more of a healing process.

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Cowboy Dip

Cowboy Dip-Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Cookies

COWBOY DIP

Ingredients For Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

4-ounces Diced canned tomatoes, drained,

8-ounces Cream Cheese, softened,

2-tablespoons Mayonnaise,

2-tablespoons Sour Cream,

¼-cup Black Olives, chopped,

¼-cup Green Olives, chopped,

¼-cup Red Onion, chopped,

¼-cup Pecans, chopped,

¼-teaspoon Salt,

¼-teaspoon Pepper,

Dash Tabasco,

4 Chipotle peppers, chopped, optional.

Instructions:

Stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a medium bowl until well blended. Stir in diced canned tomatoes, chopped black olives, chopped green olives, chopped red onion, chopped pecans, salt, pepper, Tabasco, chopped Chipotle peppers and mix well. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to blend flavors together. Serve at room temperature with crackers, chips, flatbread or veggies.

Dip makes about 2½ cups

Note: The Chipotle peppers ads the smoke flavor and really causes your taste buds to come alive. If you prefer green chilies, but like the smoke flavor just add the green chilies along with a teaspoon of liquid smoke flavoring or use Chipotle Tobasco. If you don't like pecans just add your favorite nut. I have changed this recipe up several different ways, but my family and friends like it this way the best.

You can find this recipe along with many more and other products at http://www.cristiescookin.com. Be sure and submit your favorite recipe of the month and you could win a free "Gotcha Covered" apron.

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Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipes - Moisturize, Soften and Restore Your Hair

Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipes - Moisturize, Soften and Restore Your Hair A hair conditioner is a term that means more than one thing.

The first and foremost purpose of it is to moisturize the hair and the scalp. Due to external influences and also internal body reactions (hormones, stress...), the skin on our head reacts differently. The most common reaction is dryness. In homemade hair conditioners, ingredients like avocado and olive oil act as humectants. They trap in the moisture and keep it locked so that the hair shaft can receive the moisture it needs. Combining them with natural hair care products also is a great way to help and restore damaged hair. It coats the shaft and protects it, infusing it with nourishing elements that help its resilience and shine. Nourishing hair conditioner is specifically used for dry hair and dry scalp. It has oils that don't leave a greasy residue, but still provide enough moisture for hair to shine and look healthy. You could always choose to buy a shampoo, but there are homemade recipes that are cheaper to make and all natural. Oily hair shampoo and conditioner target the excess oil that causes the hair to become oily. On the other side, there are dry hair shampoo recipes which restore the moisture and prevent dry, flaky skin of the scalp. They are often used as detanglers, coating the hair shaft with polymers that prevent it from sticking together and tangling up. The best conditioner is the one that give the best results when used on your hair. There is no way to tell the specific hair conditioner will be "the one". You need to try them and see which one fits you best. To finish off, use a hair rinse which will boost up the natural shine and volume. The first recipe helps moisturize the hair. The avocado is a moisturizing element and together with mayonnaise added it is perfect for dry, brittle hair. Avocado hair moisturizer Ingredients * 1/4 avocado, peeled and mashed * 1/4 mayonnaise * blender or food processor Preparation * Combine avocado and mayonnaise in a blender or food processor until the mass is consistent and smooth * Apply on hair and cover with a shower cap * Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes * Rinse off with a gentle shampoo Deep conditioner Ingredients * 3-4 drops of essential oils of your choice * 1 teaspoon of olive oil * 1 egg Preparation * Beat the egg * Mix in the rest of the ingredients * Apply on the hair and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes * Rinse off using a gentle shampoo This hair conditioner helps moisturize (olive oil) and soften your hair (egg). You can keep it refrigerated in a plastic container with a lid. Shake it well before using it. Homemade Hair Conditioner Recipes - Moisturize, Soften and Restore Your Hair Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

How to Make Your Breasts Grow - Ways to Make Them Bigger Naturally

How to Make Your Breasts Grow - Ways to Make Them Bigger Naturally Are you wondering about how to make your breasts bigger and you are afraid of surgery and implants? Are you trying to find out the safest method to make them larger? Now there are safer methods than surgery that can help you grow bigger breast. In this article I will tell you about some of the natural breast enhancement methods:

Enhancement Creams What breast enlargement creams do is that they mimic the action of estrogen in your body leading to promotion of additional tissue in your breast. They contain ingredients which are plant based and they are similar to estrogen, so by applying these creams to your breast they enhance the growth of your breast tissue by stimulating the estrogen receptors in the mammary glands. Enhancement Pills Breast enhancement pills also have the same mechanism in enlarging breasts as they also can mimic the action of estrogen in your body. Pills can have better effect as they can provide more amounts of these compounds that have an effect similar to estrogenic effect. The same idea applies here to as these pills stimulate estrogen receptors to help adding new tissue to your breast. Pumps Pumps are a good and simple to make your breast grow permanently. They can increase size of the breast slightly by encouraging breast tissue expansion by their vacuum pressure. The bad thing about breast pumps is that they only increase breast size by about half a cup and you have to wear it about 12 hours a day. How to Make Your Breasts Grow - Ways to Make Them Bigger Naturally Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Itchy Flaky Scalp? Try This Simple Home Remedy

Itchy Flaky Scalp? Try This Simple Home Remedy Itchy flaky scalp getting you down? If you'll give me a couple of minutes of your time I'll show you how a simple and little known herbal remedy can get rid of your itchy flaky scalp once and for all.

An itchy flaky scalp can be caused by any number of things but often has to do with lifestyle, nutrition, infection or even an allergic reaction to the products you normally put on your hair. You see, most off-the-shelf products these days are so loaded with chemicals that in some cases they actually do more harm than good. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain strong chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulphate (the same ingredient used in engine degreasers), Propylene Glycol (found in antifreeze), and Silicone which is often found in leading brand conditioners and is used to add an artificial shine to your hair. Apple Cider Vinegar is an excellent little home remedy that has been used for many, many years to get rid of an itchy flaky scalp and dandruff. Try the following recipe: Wash hair with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. There's no need to use a dandruff shampoo because the apple cider vinegar will gradually disperse and get rid of the dandruff and itchy flaky scalp problem. Mix together the apple cider vinegar with some warm water (2 parts vinegar to one part water). By adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or rosemary you will help to cleanse the scalp further and add a little fragrance to your hair. (Always remember to patch test oils in case of allergies, and always consult your doctor if you are pregnant). Pour the mixture directly on to clean hair or alternatively put it in a bottle and spray onto your scalp. Massage it in and let the mixture dry on your hair. There's no need to rinse it out (unless the smell bothers you). In case of more stubborn dandruff and itchy flaky scalp you can try a stronger mixture of vinegar to water, such as a one-to-one ratio. You could even try using the vinegar undiluted and applying it directly to the scalp. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash the cider out with a mild, pH-balanced shampoo. You'll get the best results if you use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to treat your dandruff. If you don't happen to have any apple cider vinegar, lemon juice can also be used instead. Essential oils can be used to soothe the itching. Mixing together Lavender, German Chamomile and Eucalyptus Oils with water (4 parts water to 1 part oil), and applying locally to affected areas will help to relieve your itchy flaky scalp. **Bonus Itchy Flaky Scalp Remedy** Ok, I'm feeling kind today, so here's an extra little home remedy for you.:) Fenugreek seeds are excellent for getting rid of dandruff: Take 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds and soak overnight in water In the morning grind the soft seeds into a fine paste Apply this paste all over scalp and leave for half an hour Rinse off thoroughly with soap nut solution A teaspoon of lime juice on the last rinse will work wonders Itchy Flaky Scalp? Try This Simple Home Remedy Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything!

Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything! Tired of giving the same old-same old? Embarrassed to give out those impersonal department store gift certificates because you're stumped and don't know what to buy for the person who has everything? Well, here are some wonderful ideas for unique gifts; some unusual, some personal; something for everyone on your list!

Group two, three or more items (mix and match) and place in an interesting basket or unusual container to present your gifts, covering the container with colorful cellophane and topping it all off with a fancy ribbon and bow. Purely Personal - Scented candles, handmade soaps, bubble bath and a big fluffy bath towel. - Fancy hair ties, hair clips, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner for the teenage girl - A movie night basket with a video of DVD of a movie you know they don't have, a box of microwave popcorn, candy and a movie guide book - An interesting book or magazine (and a gift subscription), a tiny booklight, a cute mug and packets of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows, or a small bag of flavored gourmet coffee - A cozy robe - one pocket containing envelopes of hot chocolate and the other, a small bag of mini-marshmallows. - A spa day with a pair of comfy slippers and a big fluffy towel or robe - A set of fancy beeswax candles and a brass candle snuffer - A towel wrap, terry-cloth slippers, shower soap, shaving lotion and a fancy hair comb (or a special moustache comb for the moustached man!) - A hot/cold pack (see how to make - www.whimsies-online.com/hotcoldpack.htm) with a box of soothing herbal teas and a whimsical mug - Buy a variety of medium to large seashells and fill some of the shells with melted red wax and a few drops of cinnamon candle scent; and the rest of the shells with melted green wax and a few drops of pine candle scent; adding a short wick before the wax sets and you have an assortment of bath candles all ready for the holidays. Holiday Bath Salts 2-1/3 cups of epsom salts 1/2 cup of sea salt 5 drops of peppermint scent 3 drops of red food coloring Pour half of the first three ingredients into a bowl. Pour the other half of the ingredients into another bowl, adding the red food coloring only to the second bowl. Using a tall, clear bottle, layer contents of each bowl until all ingredients are used up (think red and white stripes). Close the bottle and tie with a festive ribbon and a couple of small candy canes. - The Gift of Time: coupons for one night of baby-sitting, car washing, gardening, cleaning out the garage, walking the dog, re- arranging a closet, etc. Hobbies and Sports Gifts - Tickets to their favorite game and a sweatshirt or t-shirt imprinted with their favorite team logo - Art supplies that they use often - sketch pads, paint in often- used colors, charcoal pencils, etc. - Scrapbooking supplies, storage boxes to keep supplies in, rubber stamp set, embossing powder and heat gun - Computer supplies: CDRW's, blank CD cases, a furry Pet Virus novelty or a Virus Survival Kit just for fun (www.petvirus.com) - For the aspiring writer (or student): folders, pencil case, binders and lined paper, fancy colorful pens, notebooks, personalized notes, a good thesaurus and dictionary, an agenda or diary, colorful post-it notes and a personalized CD coaster to hold their favorite mug of coffee (see how to make one - http://www.whimsies-online.com/cdcoasters.htm) - For the young artist of craftsperson: a craft box with handle; colorful paper squares, set of scissors with different fancy blades, glue, felt in an assortment of colors, wiggly eyes, lengths of colorful wool, colored pipe cleaners - For the person who love to bake: a set of cookie cutters in letter and number shapes, a pair of colorful oven mitts, a cute timer, a set of fancy cake tins, mixing bowls, cookbook on baking - For the BBQ chef: BBQ apron, mitts, a set of large salt and pepper shakers, a BBQ brush, a BBQ recipe book - A large interesting piece of pottery, kitchen utensils, a cookbook, a set of cute salt and pepper shakers, apron and potholder set - A fancy flower pot with gardening tools, plant ties, garden gloves, a plant care guide and a kneeling pad. Fancy Food Gifts - Chocolate-dipped Spoons: buy heavy clear plastic spoons and dip them in melted chocolate, either all dark or all milk chocolate or let cool and re-dip in melted white chocolate but only halfway up the spoon bowl. Sprinkle with abit of cinnamon before the white chocolate dries for a variation. Let dry on wax paper. Wrap individually in colorful cellophane and tie with a curly ribbon. Add a couple of chocolate-coated spoons in a fancy mug along with packets of gourmet coffee. You can also add abit of extract or liqueur or even cherry juice to flavor the chocolate before dipping. For another variation on the chocolate-covered spoons, sprinkle the spoons with finely-crushed candy canes and let dry. Drizzle melted white chocolate onto your dark chocolate-dipped spoons or drizzle dark chocolate onto your white chocolate-dipped spoons for a different look. - Here's a different twist to your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Make up a batch, let cool and then dip them halfway into melted chocolate. For a variation, add a sprinkle of coconut or candy sprinkles before the chocolate coating dries. - Here's a way to use up those little plastic coffee creamer containers you've been saving. Check out this yummy recipe: Coffee Creamer Cherry Chocolates - http://www.whimsies-online.com/cherries.htm - Breakfast Treat Basket: pour a box of pancake mix into a clean glass jar. Add the lid, cover the top of the jar with a square of pretty scrap fabric and tie on a colorful ribbon or raffia. Type the recipe from the pancake box and print it out onto cardstock to hole-punch and add to ribbon before tying the finishing bow. Add small zip-lock bags of the following: chocolate chips, dried fruit including raisins, walnuts, almonds, pecans, coconut. One or more of these added to the pancake mix makes a unique treat! Include a bottle of pancake syrup and the gift is complete. - Muffin Magic: add your favorite muffin recipe to a 1 or 2-quart mason jar or clear, fancy container. Decorate the jar with a square scrap of fabric and tie with a ribbon or raffia. Add your recipe to a printed card (make sure you adjust your recipe if you've cut the ingredients by half to fit the jar!). Include a muffin tin, a wooden spoon tied with a pretty bow, a bag of fancy paper muffin cups and a colorful oven mitt or two. - Pasta Perfect: an assortment of clear glass jars filled with fancy pastas, a wooden spoon tied with a festive ribbon, a shaker of mixed Italian spices and another of grated parmesan or romano cheese - Your Fortune: mix up a batch of Chinese fortune cookies (see recipe at www.whimsies-online.com/weddinggallery.htm) that you add your own printed fortunes or silly sayings to (think Confucious Say!). Place them in a colorful tin from the dollar store. - Caffeine-fix: a set of small tins filled with an assortment of special hot cocoa mixes and/or flavored coffee using the following recipes. Create tags for each to describe each mix and the directions. (All cocoa recipes: add 1/3 cup of mix to 6 oz. hot water. All coffee recipes: add 1 heaping teaspoon, or more, to 6 oz. of hot water) Basic Hot Cocoa Mix 1-1/4 cup dry milk 3/4 cup powdered coffee creamer 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup sugar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mexican Cocoa Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to above mixture and a cinnamon stick to the tin when you tie on the recipe card. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cocoa-Malt 1/2 cup malted milk mix 1 cup instant cocoa mix 1/3 cup powdered coffee creamer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very Berry Cocoa Mix one package of unsweetened Koolaide in a berry flavor to 3 cups of instant cocoa mix -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coffee 'n Spice 1 cup instant coffee 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice or apple pie spice mix 1 cup sugar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mocha Magic 1 cup instant coffee 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup sugar 1 cup powdered coffee creamer 1/4 cup dry milk -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Toffee Coffee Mix equal amounts of brown sugar, instant coffee and powdered coffee creamer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Personalized Gifts - An arrangement of family photos in a large frame - use nice gift wrap or other fancy paper as a background, or a collage of handmade papers from your art store. - Any item personalized with the person's name: a t-shirt with an interesting graphic along with their name; a personalized coffee mug; a picture of their favorite hobby or occupation in cartoon form with their name; a silly caricature made from their photo; a personalized BBQ apron. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You'll find a unique assortment of personalized cartoon pictures for any hobby, occupation or occasion and fun computer novelties including the Pet Computer Virus at: http://www.whimsies-online.com. Be sure to pick up your free gift just for stopping by! Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything! Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Treating Anxiety With Natural Herbs and Over the Counter Supplements

Treating Anxiety With Natural Herbs and Over the Counter Supplements This article will discuss the symptoms associated with anxiety and some of the best all-natural remedies with anti-anxiety properties.

Every living person feels anxiety at one time or another. We all know what it's like to feel worry, nervousness, fear and that heart-pounding feeling in your gut like something awful might happen. Maybe you get caught in a little white lie, or a big project you were working on gets delayed and you know it is your fault. Or maybe you're walking down the street and an unleashed pit bull starts eyeing you. Anxiety in these situations is common and quickly fades when the problem is solved. But for nearly 40 million Americans, anxiety is an everyday reality. People who suffer from regular anxiety and/or panic attacks experience symptoms so often that it interferes with their ability to enjoy everyday life. People in this situation have anxiety "triggered" by what, for many people, would seem minor stressors, or normal life occurrences. These could be things as simple as starting a conversation or thinking about the future. While a person often realizes the excessive worry or fear is not completely rational, there is little he or she can do to relax. Symptoms often include: Racing or pounding heart Trembling Sweaty palms Feelings of terror Chest pains or heaviness in the chest Dizziness and light-headedness Fear of dying Fear of going crazy Fear of losing control Feeling unable to catch one's breath Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, or arms There are a number of treatment options for anxiety that include therapy, prescription drugs, exercise therapy and dietary supplements. With anxiety, treatment options are not a one-size-fits-all consideration. For people with clinical disorders experiencing extremely severe symptoms that make everyday life a challenge, prescription medication coupled with therapy may be the best option. But most people who suffer from anxiety are not in that boat. For most who suffer from anxiety, a combination of regular exercise and the right natural supplements can be effective enough to overcome most anxiety symptoms. Most commonly people feel anxiety when there is one or a few chemical imbalances in their body that lead them to have a strong stress response to normal, everyday occurrences. This imbalances can often be corrected with supplementation. Two of the most important brain chemicals in preventing anxiety are Serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Together, these neurotransmitters, or "chemical messengers" work to regulate mood, sleep cycle, muscle tension, concentration and relaxation. These are also two of the most commonly imbalanced brain chemicals that can lead to anxiety. When these are out of balance, the body's ability to confidently handle life's stressors is greatly reduced. Luckily you can support these crucial brain chemicals with natural, over-the-counter supplements. No doctor's appointment necessary. So then, what types natural anti-anxiety herbal extracts, vitamins, amino acids and nutrients can you buy over the counter? The following list contains some of the strongest and safest. Several of these also support Serotonin and GABA production. L-Theanine L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, produces a pronounced feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen (15) minutes. L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter (i.e. natural messenger in the brain) that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being. GABA Gama Aminobutyric-acid (GABA) is an amino acid and the main inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a natural calming agent that prevents excessive muscle tension and helps our bodies make endorphins, chemicals that make us feel happy. Deficiencies of GABA in the brain have been linked to insomnia, and feeling anxious, stressed, tense and depressed. Ashwaghanda Root Ashwagandha has been used in the Indian tradition of Ayurveda in health tonics and calming serums. Recent studies demonstrate that Ashwagandha is an antioxidant that can treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks and phobia. Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) Often used by Ayurvedic healers to accompany Ashwagandha, Brahmi (a.k.a. Bacopa Monnieri) is a mild sedative which supports the body during periods of emotional stress. Traditionally, Brahmi is prescribed to promote healthy cognitive functions, including focus, concentration, mental endurance and memory. Modern studies have found that Brahmi's anti-anxiety properties were as potent as those of Lorazepam, with none of the side effects. Tryptophan Tryptophan is the number 1 supplement purchased to fight stress and anxiety. It is an essential amino acid that the body converts into 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), and then to serotonin. Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite, sleep and impulse control. Once the serotonin neurotransmitter is made, the brain is able to convert it at night into melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone. Passion Flower For centuries, herbal medicine practitioners have used Passion Flower as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Modern clinical studies shows that Passion Flower extract significantly lowers anxiety levels and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind. Studies also indicate that Passion Flower can reduce anxiety-related discomfort caused by withdrawal from opiates and other drugs. Magnesium Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of anxiety and insomnia and the western diet tends to be lacking in this critical element. Research now shows that as magnesium levels drop, symptoms of anxiety and depression can increase. Niacin Niacin works with the body to convert Tryptophan into 5-HTP, which can then be converted into Serotonin. Without Niacin, Tryptophan-5HTP conversion cannot take place. Common symptoms of niacin deficiency include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, apathy, and depression. Vitamin B Complex Getting enough of the many forms of Vitamin B is essential to maintaining proper brain function. Vitamin B is involved in the metabolism, as well as the production of Serotonin. Low levels of vitamin B have been linked to, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability. Al of these can be purchased at your average health food store. Currently there is only one supplement that contains all of these ingredients: Tranquilene. You can learn more about Tranquilene here: http://www.tranquilene.com/index2.php Treating Anxiety With Natural Herbs and Over the Counter Supplements Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Preservatives Listed as Dog Food Ingredients

Preservatives Listed as Dog Food Ingredients If you check the dog food ingredients listed on the label, you can find a good dog food that uses healthy preservatives. You may prefer to make your own dog food most of the time using your favorite home made dog food recipes, but even so, you are likely to use commercial dog food now and again. After all, you cook for your family, but if you're like most people, you probably eat fast food now and again!

Unfortunately, not all commercial dogs foods are good for dogs, so you have to choose your food wisely. Good quality isn't ensured by brand names or high prices. Fortunately, the list of dog food ingredients on the label can help you determine quality. Be sure to check the type of preservative used by the manufacturer. Commercial dog foods need preservatives, but only some of them are healthy for your dog. Natural preservatives should be used in a healthy food. The presence of antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C on the list of dog food ingredients is a good sign. They are healthy preservatives. You don't need to worry about feeding your dog vitamin E and vitamin C. Chemical antioxidants like ethoxyquin, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) should not be used. Both BHA and BHT are considered hazardous in the laboratory by OSHA (Occupation Safety and Health Administration); they are linked to several kinds of cancer. Ethoxyquin is particularly dangerous. This chemical is used in making rubber. It is labeled a pesticide by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and has been banned for use in foods intended to be eaten by humans. Unfortunately, it can still legally be used for preserving animal feeds. It's quite inexpensive, so manufacturers of cheap dog foods often use it. You don't want to feed these chemicals to your dog! If you see them on the list of dog food ingredients, don't purchase that dog food. Preservatives Listed as Dog Food Ingredients Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Baking The Sugar Cookies

Baking The Sugar Cookies When you look for some favorite treat other than the chocolate chip cookies then your right choice should be the homemade sugar cookies. These provide you much flexibility in terms of their decoration and are now one famous gift option as well.

The major ingredients of these cookies are sugar, flour, vanilla, eggs and butter. It is up to you to make use of baking powder or baking soda. These can be fashioned if you roll them or simply your hands can be used for this and you can either sprinkle or frost these with sugar. It actually depends on the holiday event on which these are to be used. In USA these are often used at the special occasions. As far as the details of this treat are concerned, the recipe named 'Nazareth Sugar Cookie' was developed by the settlers who were German Protestant and resided in Nazareth area in Pennsylvania in mid 1700s. As it is related to the history of the area very strongly therefore it became the area's official cookie in 2001. The probable origin for these cookies was 'jumbles' which are usually found there in England and are3 unleavened. These cookies existed already in Middle Ages. Their key ingredients included nuts, flour, eggs and sugar as well as anise. These were the treats that shaped in rolls or the rings and for the flavoring purposes sometimes used caraway or vanilla instead of anise. Sugar cookies that are homemade are amongst the treats that are most favorite ones in USA as well as around the globe. It has now become a tradition for these treats to be included in all the occasions. These include Valentine's Day, Christmas, Halloween and Easter. If you are the one who has a passion of cooking or baking? If yes then you should definitely learn to bake these homemade cookies. These days it might not be so much easy because of the recipes that you may find online. Another attraction of these cookies is that one can easily bake these cookies and fashion them as well. All you need to do is get started to decided which options fit your teammates and you correctly. There decoration is easy also and you can design these according to the occasion. Doing that involves very little effort, as they can all be easily designed on my like a piece of canvas. This is something that everyone should try at least once. Baking The Sugar Cookies Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Vegan Christmas Cookies - Dairy-Free Lemon-Zested Sugar Cookies With Vanilla Decorator Frosting

Vegan Christmas Cookies - Dairy-Free Lemon-Zested Sugar Cookies With Vanilla Decorator Frosting These dairy-free vegan Christmas cookies will melt in your mouth! But be sure to make plenty - they're real crowd pleasers.

Like most vegan baking recipes, this one calls for an egg substitute. For these cookies a mashed banana mixed with baking soda does the job admirably, adding a delicious moistness and tenderness to the cookies. However if you prefer, a commercial powdered daily-free egg replacer works fine too. Ingredients: 2/3 C Butter-Flavored Crisco or Nucoa Margarine 3/4 C sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 banana mashed with 1/4 tsp baking soda OR 1 "egg" made with powdered dairy-free egg replacer 1 tsp lemon rind, grated 4 tsp soy milk 2 C flour 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp nutmeg Have one or two greased cookie sheets, plastic wrap, waxed paper, a rolling pin and cookie cutters on hand before beginning. Use an electric mixer to cream shortening, sugar and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. Add banana/baking soda mixture or dairy-free "egg" and lemon rind, and beat until fluffy. Add soymilk and mix on low speed until blended. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Blend the flour mixture into the creamed ingredients, using hands if necessary, to form a soft dough. Divide the dough in half and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for one hour. Place several sheets of waxed paper on a large kitchen surface, and sprinkle them with flour. Remove one of the balls of dough from the refrigerator and center it on the waxed paper. Dust the dough lightly with flour, and flatten it slightly with your hands. Place another sheet of waxed paper on top of the dough and roll it to about 1/4-inch thick. Remove the top sheet of paper and cut the dough in desired shapes, forming the cookies as close to one another as possible. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake 6-8 minutes at 375 degrees. Let cookies cool slightly after removing from the oven, then transfer to a baking rack or plate to cool completely. Repeat the process with the other ball of dough. Decorate the finished cookies with Vanilla Decorator's Frosting. Vanilla Decorator Frosting 2 C powdered sugar 2-4 Tbs soy milk 1 tsp vanilla Assorted food colorings In a medium bowl, stir sugar, vanilla, and just enough soy milk together until frosting is of spreading consistency. Divide into smaller bowls and add desired colors. Sprinkle your frosted cookies with a little granulated sugar for extra sparkle. Vegan Christmas Cookies - Dairy-Free Lemon-Zested Sugar Cookies With Vanilla Decorator Frosting Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Provillus Ingredients - What's in Provillus?

Provillus Ingredients - What's in Provillus? It wasn't until very recently that medical science knew what compounds, both artificial and natural, could put an end to the scourge known as male and female pattern baldness. This is largely because it wasn't until the last ten or fifteen years that scientists knew what caused pattern baldness in the first place. The medical breakthrough that identified DHT as the main cause of hair loss was a discovery on par with penicillin because it has provided hope to a generation that they won't end up looking like their grandfather and their father. While the safety of artificial drugs used to treat male and female pattern baldness is still being argued, there is no dispute when it comes to the all natural ingredients in the leading herbal hair regrowth products. Provillus ingredients include all natural vitamins, minerals and herbs found in nature so you know that you aren't putting anything artificial into your system. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect when you take this wonderful supplement.

Provillus ingredients for women include such beneficial nutrients as Vitamin B6. Many people don't realize how much Vitamin B6 helps the body, but it is responsible for keeping your scalp healthy and in top shape. One of the biggest reasons why both men and women lose their hair is because of a major deficiency in Vitamin B6. The benefits of Vitamin B6 go far beyond simple scalp and hair follicle health. It has been linked to healthy nerve function throughout the body, immune system health, red cell production and the efficient digestion of protein. This is why so many people who take this wonderful supplement report a boost in overall health, not just an increase in the amount of hair the have. Provillus ingredients for women also include biotin, which is practically unknown by even the biggest health nuts. Biotin is closely related to Vitamin B6 and a regular diet of it can lead to a significant increase in scalp health and full body health, as well. Biotin has also been linked to skin health from head to toe and it is a major factor in maintaining healthy finger nails and toe nails. Just like with Vitamin B6, a deficiency of biotin in the system has been directly linked to hair loss in both men and women. Provillus ingredients for men also include Vitamin B6 and biotin in large amounts. While many multi vitamins are able to cover a wide spectrum of needs that both men and women have, herbal supplements work to help fill in the gaps so that everyone can obtain optimum nutrition and, in the case of all natural hair regrowth products, a full head of hair. One ingredient that is important to both men and women's scalp and hair health is magnesium. You need to have 100 percent of your recommended daily allowance of magnesium in your diet each and every day to ensure all sorts of vital body functions, including hair growth. Along with Vitamin B6 and biotin, magnesium deficiencies can lead to a significant lowering of overall health including loss of hair. Provillus ingredients for men include saw palmetto, which is vitally important for overall men's health and a proprietary blend of all natural vitamins, herbs and minerals including things like pumpkin seed, uva-ursi and nettle root. Provillus ingredients for men also include zinc, eleuthero and more. You have an ever expanding selection of all natural herbal hair regrowth products to choose from, so keep in mind these important ingredients when you are set to choose the right product for you. Only one product gives you all of this and more. Provillus Ingredients - What's in Provillus? Related articles: Spring Valley Vitamins , ทำseo

Season's Favorite Holiday Cookies

Season's Favorite Holiday Cookies I have two childhood memories that center around Christmas cookies. My Mom's no-bake cookies and my Aunt's sugar cookies. I can still see my Mom stirring the cocoa for the no-bakes and can still smell their savory, sweet, aroma. I remember being just barely tall enough to peek up at the waxed paper-lined kitchen counter to sneak me a cookie while they were still warm.

My Aunt made the best sugar cookies that I can remember. The shapes that I remember the most were the Christmas trees, the candy canes, and the wreaths. I like soft doughy cookies and my Aunt's were the best. She lived just three blocks down from our house and I still remember walking to her house with my parents...visiting, and eating those cookies. Those were the good old days. What are the cookies that you remember as a child? Which ones were your favorites? If you're like most people...you will come up with the following four *Sugar Cookies *Chocolate Chip Cookies *Peanut Butter Cookies *Gingerbread Cookies These four kinds of cookies are America's top pick when it comes to holiday cookies. There are many variations of each kind. But my favorite...other than the cookies I mentioned at the beginning of this article, is chocolate chip cookies. Every Christmas, my Sister-In-Law brings everyone in the family a big bag of them. It's a tradition with her. She enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies for us all. Below is my Sister-In-Law's recipe (It's actually the same recipe that is in the Betty Crocker cookbook) bettycrocker.com Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened 1/3 cup shortening 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or whole wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (The original recipe calls for 1/2 cup chopped nuts, my Sister-In-Law doesn't include nuts) Directions Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix sugars, margarine, shortening, egg and vanilla. Stir in remaining ingredients Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake until light brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies. I look forward to these every year. I too, have made them many times and they don't last long around our house. My Husband loves them. Do you bake cookies for the holidays? Everyone has their personal favorites. If you're baking cookies this Christmas, don't forget to leave Santa a special plate full of them. Happy Holidays to all! Season's Favorite Holiday Cookies

Vegan Peach Cobbler

Vegan Peach Cobbler If you've been following my blog for a while, you might have noticed that I don't talk about dessert very much. No, I'm not one of those oddities who truly prefer savory to sweet. This is more of a defense mechanism. I love dessert so much that I have entire friendships founded on a mutual love of cupcakes. So, as a bona fide sugar addict, I have to periodically remove all sweets from my life, which is why you don't see much of it on my blog. However, I have often found dessert to be my most powerful tool in wooing people to the vegan lifestyle. Once people taste my vegan chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cupcakes, or key lime pie, suddenly, accepting a plant based diet doesn't seem quite so hard. So in the interest of a little persuasion, and inspired by this current heat wave we are enduring in California, I am supplying my last chance Peach Cobbler.

Filling 5 peaches peeled (or 4 cups, if using frozen) ½ cup sugar â…“ cup flour ¼ teaspoon cinnamon Heat oven to 375º. The easiest way to peel peaches: bring a pot of water to a boil, dip the peaches in for 30 seconds and remove. The skin will peel right off. Slice each peach into wedges and remove the pit. Mix in a large bowl with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Pour into a 9 x 9 baking dish. Cover with crumb topping and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the topping is golden, and the filling is bubbly. Serve warm with non-dairy vanilla ice cream (try soy, almond, or coconut milk). Crumb Topping ¾ cup flour ½ cup brown sugar packed ¼ teaspoon cinnamon â…“ cup non-dairy butter softened (I like Earth Balance) In a medium bowl mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and margarine using a fork, until it forms pea sized crumbs. Distribute evenly over the top of the peaches. Vegan Peach Cobbler

How To Make A Cheap And Easy Gourmet Wine Gift Basket

How To Make A Cheap And Easy Gourmet Wine Gift Basket Buying a gourmet wine gift basket can be expensive. You can easily make a beautiful, custom, personalized, gourmet wine gift basket cheaply. You can use champagne too.

Gift baskets are always popular and a great idea to give as a gift. People love to receive gift baskets. Making your own gourmet wine gift basket is cheap and easy. You can fill your gift basket with a variety of good wine or champagne and inexpensive items; you have lots of choices. I've put together a few great ideas for making gourmet wine gift baskets, complete with instructions on how to make them. You can make inexpensive wine gift baskets or expensive wine gift baskets depending on your budget. You can easily customize each basket to your recipient. You can add one or two bottles of expensive or inexpensive wine. You can save money on your wine purchases by going to a wine shop and asking to see the less expensive good wines or you can go to Costco for some great wine bargains, but still very good wines. The wine for your gift doesn't have to be expensive. You can find many inexpensive items for use in making your gift baskets or filling your gift baskets, at 'dollar' stores, craft stores, party stores, discount outlets, flea markets, close-out stores, etc. For wine gift containers you can use: any type of basket, wicker basket, straw basket, bucket, champagne bucket, antique trunk, hamper, Asian-style trunk, picnic basket, or seasonal container. Make sure it's sturdy enough. For gift basket liner you can use: tissue paper, shredded paper, shredded newspaper, tea towels, dish towels, hand towels, kitchen towels, colored towels, colored napkins, placemats, or fabric pieces. For gift basket filler you can use: shredded colored paper, straw, crumpled newspaper comics, a bed of wrapped chocolates or other wrapped candy. For items in the container it'll depend on the specialty or theme of the gift basket - in this case a gourmet, wine gift basket. Here is a small random sampling of what you can include besides the wine. Gift certificate for massage or spa visit, scented oils, scented massage oils, gift certificate to favorite store, gift certificate for restaurant, loofah, fragrant candle, matches to light candles, CD of nature sounds, favorite artist CD, DVD of newer release movie, handwritten poem, perfume, cologne, watch, framed photo, inspirational book, spa pillows, bath pillows, spa supplies, bath and body products, facial and body scrubs, handmade soaps, fragrant soaps, shampoos, hand and foot lotion or fluffy towel. Fancy chocolates, boxed chocolates, chocolate bars, giant-size boxed candy, gourmet chips, pretzels, gourmet nuts, gourmet pasta, gourmet olive oil, pre-packaged food items, gourmet crackers, wrapped gourmet cheeses - two or three different kinds, fruits, any foods you like, Italian recipes, Mexican food recipes or other ethnic recipes, wine glasses or champagne glasses. For gift basket wrapping you can use tulle netting or I like to use cellophane wrap. You can buy it in large rolls. Look for specialty packaging outlets where you can buy it wholesale. Tie off the wrapped basket with ribbon. Wired fabric ribbon is best if you have it. For bows: You can use pre-packaged bows but making your own bow is easy and the best presentation if you can do it. Use a large or huge bow. Assemble all your gift basket items, tools you need, etc. Now line your selected gift container. Then stuff the selected filler into the wine gift basket to give added height to your items. Place, layer and arrange your selected items on the filler in the gift container. Put the larger items in the back, the smaller items in front. Fill in the holes or prop up with more filler (shredded paper, Easter basket grass, wrapped chocolates, napkins or holiday napkins etc.)Also you can use 'picks' of artificial flowers to fill in space. Place your cellophane or other wrap under the gift basket. Center the gift basket on the wrap. Bring the cellophane or other wrap over the top of the gift basket and tie it with ribbon and or a beautiful bow! Use ribbon and bows to match your theme colors. Tuck a card in the ribbon and that's it! You can find fabric or wired ribbon cheaply at Costco-- especially in the fall prior to Christmas but often throughout the year in some stores. You can shred paper in a paper shredder. If you're going to need a lot of cellophane you can purchase it wholesale through the packaging specialty stores throughout the U.S. but should be easily found in craft stores. General tips: Try to use non-perishable items except for fruit for fruit baskets. Use freshly packaged food items, because even packaged crackers and cookies can go stale in a couple of months. You can find filler flower 'picks' at garage sales for pennies. If you buy wholesale they are usually around a dollar each. Tips: It's best not to use fragrant items in your wine gift basket. You can easily check out gourmet wine gift baskets on the Internet to see what typically goes in them. Also there's nothing like learning how to make wine or other gift baskets from a video or DVD for making cheap and easy gift baskets. You can view it over and over again and share it with your children, other family members and friends. You can even charge for classes with your new-found knowledge and/or start a home based business. In any event, making a gourmet, custom, personalized wine gift basket is cheap and easy. How To Make A Cheap And Easy Gourmet Wine Gift Basket

Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin - 3 Simple Ingredients That Will Help You Look Younger

Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin - 3 Simple Ingredients That Will Help You Look Younger Finding the best moisturizer for aging skin is certainly not easy, but I think you know that already. If you're anything like me, then you've spent a lot of money and time on trying to find the best moisturizer for aging skin without much success.

Looking younger is what everyone desires. We all want to have fewer wrinkles, age spots and other aging signs. Looking good can mean getting the job you want or even meeting your soul mate. You never know what is behind the corner, so you always want to look your best. This can be done through natural treatments and a natural lifestyle that is both healthy and wholesome. I personally use a natural skin care product line that contains what I consider to be the best moisturizer for aging skin. With all that said, here are the three simple ingredients that I use on a daily basis to keep my skin moisturized and young. 1. Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 is a nano-emulsion form of Coenzyme Q10, which I think you have heard about a lot. Many commercials talk about the beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 and they are true, but a nano-emulsion form like Nano-Lipobelle H-EQ10 penetrates more deeply into your skin and is many times more beneficial than the standard Coenzyme Q10. 2. Natural Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven by scientific studies to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and other aging signs. Many have even said that it can reverse the effects of aging of human skin and there is evidence to back it up. 3. Jojoba oil is deeply moisturizing and helps your skin stay soft and smooth. It has also been shown to be extremely effective in reducing wrinkles, stretch marks and fine lines. I have very sensitive skin and it has worked very well for me. Best Moisturizer For Aging Skin - 3 Simple Ingredients That Will Help You Look Younger

Top Ten Male Enhancement Ingredients

Top Ten Male Enhancement Ingredients There are very many different male enhancement pills, potions, lotions, and teas for sale everywhere today. With all the fancy looking websites, and cleverly made commercials, it is easy to forget that what is most important is the ingredients. What does each one do? Are they safe? The best ones are obviously the all-natural ones, and ingredients which have been used for thousands of years are in some of these.

Products for male enhancement that also deal with other illnesses and issues in the body and mind would ideally be the best choice. This is because simply making a man physically be able to get an erection is not enough. If he is overweight, tired, depressed, in pain, etc., he may not "want" to perform, and if he doesn't "feel like it", then the ability is absolutely no good. So you can see that ingredients are very important. How they are combined to produce certain results are even more important. Let's take a look at some of the top ingredients found in the best male enhancement products. First of all let me mention here that any product containing Yohimbe should NOT be taken. Yohimbe has dangerous side effects just like prescription male enhancement pills do. The FDA had banned this substance and products containing it should be avoided. Some good ingredients to look for are as follows: o Zinc-This ingredient will help the male to produce testosterone and helps to build up the sperm count. Sperm can swim faster, and ejaculation can be thicker. o Cnidium- Has been called "Natural Viagra" because of it's ability to help a man maintain his erection for longer periods of time. o Niacin-This mineral is great for improving the health of the circulatory system. The arteries, veins, skin and nerves are all nourished and healed by Niacin. o Tribulus Terrestris- This extract is very important for enhancing the testosterone levels and boosting the sex drive. Any product that you consider should definitely contain Tribulus Terrestris. o Maca Root Extract is terrific for increasing energy and giving a much needed boost to the sexual desire. Once the desire is back, and the male has the energy to perform, gaining an erection is actually a profitable and enjoyable experience. o Gingko Biloba can help the body's blood flow to be increased. This will send more blood to the penis and genitals, causing the genital area to be more sensitive, and the penis to have a thicker, fuller erection. o Schizandra Berry will help relieve stress, and give more energy. When the male is stressed, the body will react to the stress, and this can effect the ability to get an erection, or maintain it. o Cinnamon Bark is also wonderful, because it helps many different problems in the body. Diabetics can benefit from it because it acts as a natural insulin, and lowers the blood sugar. It also improves the blood flow in the body. o Ginseng- With the other ingredients already mentioned, the male has already began to feel better and able to get in the "mood". Ginseng will help him to be able to get an erection. It is great for treating erectile dysfunction. o Horny Goat Weed- This product got it's name when a goat farmer noticed that the male goats became more "active" after eating this plant. It is a natural libido booster. Look for an all natural product that at least has all of the above ingredients for male enhancement. The right ingredients, in the right combination, can make for a happy, healthier sex life. Top Ten Male Enhancement Ingredients

Healthy Cookie Recipe - One Simple Product For One Delicious Cookie

Healthy Cookie Recipe - One Simple Product For One Delicious Cookie When looking for a healthy cookie recipe we want our cookie and we want to eat it too. It is so hard to want to put good things into our bodies and still have our treats. "Healthy cookies" is an oxymoron for sure but with some creative use of ingredients you can have it both ways.

The most popular American cookie is the chocolate chip cookie. Luckily, healthy chocolate chip cookies are easy to create and still maintain their nostalgic and comforting qualities. A healthy cookie could mean so many things to so many people; it just depends on what you are looking for. It could mean low fat, no fat, whole wheat, no wheat, sugar free and on and on. One way to change a chocolate chip cookie into healthier fare is to make it with whole wheat flour. Whole wheat flour, especially freshly ground, is far and above healthier than white flour. The less a whole grain, such as wheat, is processed and refined, the more nutrients and protein it contains. Whole wheat chocolate chip cookies are delicious, full of texture and just as satisfying as a nutrient absent cookie. Buckwheat flour, although not a true wheat grain, is another nutritious alternate ingredient for a healthy cookie recipe. Unlike wheat flours, buckwheat flour is gluten free but higher in fat and can easily go rancid. However, mixing whole wheat flour and buckwheat flour is the perfect solution to a nutrient packed cookie; there is a very fast, economical, and easy way to do this. There are a wide variety of buckwheat pancake mixes on the market and many of them are perfect for making a healthy whole wheat chocolate chip cookie. Buckwheat flour on its own would not be appetizing enough for a cookie, but mixed with whole wheat flour it works perfectly. The majority of buckwheat pancake mixes have both flours in them. In addition, the mix will also have the salt and leavening agents you need when making a cookie. In one box you have most the ingredients you need to make a nutritious cookie for a reasonable price. This is nice as healthier baking can become quite costly. Healthy Cookie Recipe - One Simple Product For One Delicious Cookie

Recipe - Chocolate Modeling Clay

Recipe - Chocolate Modeling Clay Ingredients:

6 oz. chocolate chips 5 teaspoons corn syrup 1 gallon size zip-top bag Rolling pin, cookie cutters, plastic table knife Directions: 1. Melt the chocolate chips in the top half of a double boiler. Stir in the corn syrup. 2. Using a wide mouth jar as a stand, place the zip-top bag inside, making sure the top edges of the bag drape over the outside of the jar. Pour the melted chocolate into the bag and seal. Let it cool. 3. Knead until the chocolate is well mixed, smooth, and clings together. You may want to add a few drops of water for a softer consistency. 4. Use nonstick cooking spray to grease the counter, rolling pin, cookie cutters, and your hands. As you begin to work the clay, the warmth from the kneading will make dough smooth and satiny. Cut, shape and sculpt your Valentine creations. 5. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Copyright Nine Twenty Press You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: 1. Printed in its full form with no changes 2. Includes an active link 3. And the following byline appears at the bottom of each article: About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com. To subscribe to her online newsletter, go to http://www.togetherparenting.com/newsletter.asp Please send us a courtesy copy of your publication to the above contact. Recipe - Chocolate Modeling Clay

Dog Food Ingredients

Dog Food Ingredients You might not know it, but the dog food ingredients that you find in your dog food have a lot to do with how healthy your dog is overall. Finding dog foods with the right ingredients is the best thing that you can do for your dog's overall health.

It is important for you to pay attention to the ingredients that you can find in all of your dog's food. All commercial dog foods list the ingredients on the label. What is most important for you to know is that they are listed in the order of the percentage. This means that the ingredient that is listed first is the one that has the highest percentage in the food. In picking out a food, the ingredient list should be the number one thing that you consult. You should find a dog food that has real meat or vegetables listed as the main ingredients for the food. Also, you should avoid foods that have meat meal listed. Chicken meal, fish meal, and other types of meat meal are simply substances that come from the animals listed. However, there is no guarantee as to what part of the animal these substances come from. For instance, they could come from the feathers or fur, or from the talons of the animal. Fish scales are included in fish meal as well. Therefore, you want to stay away from foods that list meat meals as ingredients. Also, you want to chose foods that don't have chemicals listed. It is often hard to find commercial foods that don't have chemicals as preservatives or coloring and flavoring that are chemicals. The best thing to do is to find an all natural dog food that has pure and organic meats and vegetables. If you can find the right dog food ingredients, one thing that you will find is that your dog will be healthier. The best way for you to find great dog foods is to do your own dog food research. Health of your dog should be the number one priority when it comes to what he or she eats. Natural and organic foods do not use meat meal, and they only use real foods that your dog will benefit from. Therefore, these are the best types of food to use. There are always going to be problems with your dog that come from an unfit diet. For instance, dog food that is not healthy for them will give them skin problems, and a less shiny coat. They'll also have eyes that are not as shiny and not look as pretty as they could. However, dog food that isn't healthy has more serious implications than just your dog's looks. His heart and liver will be affected by bad ingredients, and his life will not be as long as it could have been if you feed him dog food with bad dog food ingredients. Therefore, it is very important that you find a food with the right dog food ingredients. Dog Food Ingredients

Vegan Pizza Recipe - Ingredients And Directions On How To Make The Perfect Vegan Pizza

Vegan Pizza Recipe - Ingredients And Directions On How To Make The Perfect Vegan Pizza This is a vegan pizza recipe using Greek flavors. Using whole wheat pitas are a great way to make an easy and delicious pizza. Top them with lots of vegetables to get a lot of nutrients in a fun dinner. Make your own pesto with parsley and almonds for fresh flavor. Top this pizza off with a tangy sunflower seed crumble instead of feta.

This recipe makes enough for 3 mini pizzas. Vegan Pizza Recipe Ingredients Whole wheat pitas or small flatbreads - 3 Pesto Ingredients: Fresh parsley ¼ cup almonds (ground) 1-2 cloves garlic sea salt ¼ cup olive oil Toppings: ½ zucchini, thinly sliced 3 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced handful black olives, pitted & chopped Sunflower Seed Crumble topping: ½ cup ground sunflower seeds (grind your own) 1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast 1 Tbsp olive oil 2 tsp sea salt Vegan Pizza Recipe Directions Mix together the parsley, ground almonds, garlic and salt in a food processor or mortar & pestle. Add just enough olive oil to bring the mixture together. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lay the pitas or flatbreads out on a baking sheet and spread the pesto on them. You will have some pesto left over for using with pasta or to stuff some mushrooms, or whatever you like. Arrange the sliced zucchini on the pizzas, and sprinkle them with sea salt. Arrange the sliced tomato on top of the zucchini and sprinkle them with pepper. Add the chopped olives on top, then some of the sunflower seed topping. You will have extra topping to use for other recipes. Bake the pizzas for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables get soft. Once they are cooked, take the mini pizzas out of the oven and cut them into quarters. For a nutritional bonus, add some fresh sprouts on top of your pizza! Vegan Pizza Recipe - Ingredients And Directions On How To Make The Perfect Vegan Pizza

7 Dog Food Ingredients that could be Hurting Your Dog!

7 Dog Food Ingredients that could be Hurting Your Dog! What ingredients make for good and bad dog food?

With so many dog foods available on today's market that are commercially prepared, it is often quite difficult as only a dog owner to tell which ones are better than others and why. First of all, many of the big companies are paying really slick marketers and advertisers millions of dollars per year to advertise their dog food. The amount of money they are spending on marketing has no relationship to the quality of the dog food. This is unfortunate for you as some of the best advertised dog food is inferior. There is one way for you to guess the quality of dog food however it is not fool proof. You can normally use the price of the food as an indicator as to the quality. Low priced foods are not always, but most often, the lowest quality foods on the market and likewise the more expensive are normally better quality. When feeding your dog you want to make sure that the adult dog food you are feeding is 22-25% protein and 15-19% fat. The protein should come from a good quality source. Some dogs such as puppies, large breeds, and active breeds have different protein and fat requirements so make sure to discuss this with your vet to ensure proper feeding of your dog. When making an informed decision, you must know which ingredients are better than others. When you look at the dog food label, the following are the kinds of ingredients that you are looking for: - Human Grade Ingredients Chicken meal - Turkey meal - Fish meal - Rice - Potatoes - Lamb meal - Potatoes - Rice - Sunflower Oil - Vegetables and others. For a good dog food, the first four ingredients on the dog food label should not be grains. Instead they should consist of things like meat and proteins. You also want to make sure it says chicken meal and not chicken as the primary ingredient. If it says chicken only, this means that the manufacturers are counting the entire chicken toward protein value. This includes all of the pieces they have probably scraped of the ground such as beaks, feathers, and feet. With chicken meal, they are only counting the cooked down version of the protein. This will ensure that your dog is getting the appropriate kind of protein and not by products. Vitamins and fatty acids are also good ingredients in dog foods. Some examples include Vitamin E, Omega 3 and 6, etc. These are very important for a healthy looking skin and coat. Make sure your dog food is not laden with preservatives. Some of the ingredients that you don't want to see on your dog food label are the inferior protein's which consists of but are not limited to variations of the following: Wheat, Corn, Chicken by-products, Soy, Gluten. These ingredients are hard to digest and can cause health problems later on if used for a long period of time. Sugar is another ingredient that you want to stay away from. You are always better off making your own dog food and dog treats from recipes such as those you can find at http://www.dogtreatrecipes.com.au, however if you are purchasing dog food you really should only purchase from a company that spends time and money field testing their products. You can always be sure that companies such as Purina, the Iams Company (which also includes Eukanuba), Royal Canin, Nutro, Diamond, and Hill's Science Diet are constantly testing their foods to provide the optimum quality ingredients. These companies offer different grades of food, however, from lower quality to premium quality so make sure that you always read the labels. These are not the only companies by any means who make good quality dog food. The important thing is to read the label, do your research, ask questions of your veterinarians and pet professionals and always be informed. People who work at feed stores are usually a good resource and can help you find good quality pet food. Breeders can also be a good source for finding a quality food for your dog. Dog trainers will also often have a good knowledge of proper nutrition. You should always follow your veterinarian's recommendation on food as well. Many times dogs of certain ages or with certain health conditions need to be on a prescription diet. While these diets are often expensive, they do contain the proper nutrients that dogs in these categories need. Many times owners will switch to a commercial food because of cost or palatability concerns and the dog's health will go in to a decline. Your veterinary staff know what is best for your particular dog. While it is often confusing, proper dog nutrition is vital to the health and longevity of your dog. By knowing what consists of good quality ingredients and which ingredients to avoid, you can be assured that you will choose the proper food for your dog. As always, if you have questions, ask your veterinary staff for more information. 7 Dog Food Ingredients that could be Hurting Your Dog!

Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe Enjoy this delicious Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe! Easy to make and is a big hit with those who like chocolate pound cake.

Ingrededients for the chocolate pound cake recipe: 1-cup butter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 (8-ounce) bittersweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips 1 (16-ounce) can chocolate syrup 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup sour milk or buttermilk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 cups flour Here's how you cook the chocolate pound cake recipe... Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan, parting 2 inches at the top for the cake to rise. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar collectively until downy. Add eggs, one at a time; beat until fully integrated. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate bar or chocolate chips; stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Add chocolate syrup and butter-sugar mixture; stir until well mixed. Add 1/2 the milk mixture to chocolate mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups flour, mixing well. Add remaining milk mixture and remaining 1 1/2 cups flour; beat until well incorporated. Pour into prepared bundt pan. Bake approximately 1 hour 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center come out clean. Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pan and invert onto a cake plate. This is yet another recipe for the chocolate pound category. This rich cake has the most wonderful moist texture. Frost it with the frosting if you'd like; it would also be wonderful just dusted with powdered sugar. INGREDIENTS: * 1-1/2 cups butter, softened * 3 cups sugar * 5 eggs * 2 tsp. vanilla * 1-1/4 cups buttermilk * 2-1/3 cups flour * 2/3 cup cocoa * 1/2 tsp. baking powder * 1/2 tsp. baking soda * 1/4 tsp. salt * 1/3 cup peanut butter * 1-1/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips PREPARATION of this chocolate pound cake recipe: Heat up oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick baking spray (with flour in the spray) and set aside. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add alternately with buttermilk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake at 325 degrees F for 65-75 minutes, until toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then turn onto serving plate and cool completely. To frost, melt peanut butter and semisweet chocolate chips in microwave (2 minutes on 50% power) and stir until smooth. Spoon over cake. 16 servings Enjoy these wonderful chocolate pound cake recipes! Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies Why is that whenever you see a recipe with the finished cookies pictured and then try to duplicate those cookies they never come out "just right"? It's like the fast food commercials that tempt you with a big juicy hamburger perfectly sitting on a fresh bun and when you actually purchase the burger, what you get is a shriveled piece of meat stuck between two flattened pieces of bun!

Do you want your chocolate chip cookies to come out soft and chewy every single time? The secret to perfect chocolate chip cookies is really very simple! And you can make them with any chocolate chip recipe at your disposal. The problem with most chocolate chip cookie recipes is they have you drop a spoonful on a cookie sheet and bake them for 9 to 12 minutes until the tops are golden brown. That is too long! By the time the tops are golden brown, your bottoms are dark brown, or worse, burnt. After the cookies have baked this long, removing them from the oven in this over-baked condition and having them stand only causes them to harden up like jawbreakers. Instead of soft, chewy cookies that melt in your mouth, you end up with hard, crunchy cookies with burnt bottoms. Dropping larger amounts on the cookie sheet to make bigger cookies doesn't work. It takes longer for the middle of the cookie to bake and you still end up with burnt bottoms and hard cookies. Instead of following the recipe instructions to bake 9 to 12 minutes, underbake your cookies by a couple of minutes. The first time you try this, you will have to play around with the time and the size of your cookie drops to get the perfect chocolate chip cookie for your oven. But, as a general rule, after you put your cookie tray in your oven (always on the top rack), set your timer for 6 to 8 minutes. When you pull your cookies out, the entire top should NOT be golden brown. Instead, the peaks of the top of the cookie should just be turning brown. At this time, the entire bottom of your cookie is golden brown and the rest of cookie is the same color as the batter. Remove the cookie tray from the oven and let them stand for a minute or so since the cookies will be incredibly soft and will fall apart if you try to immediately remove them from the cookie sheet. After they have firmed up a bit, remove them from the cookie sheet to your cooling rack or a piece of wax paper. With this method, you are guaranteed to bake the perfect chocolate chip cookies and have people asking you what YOUR secret is! Basic Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate morsels 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake in preheated 375 degree F oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until peaks in top of cookie are starting to brown. Let stand for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks or wax paper to cool completely. The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies