Caroline's Articles

How To choose footwear for children

2017-08-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

Children spend a lot of time on their feet. Whether they're running, jumping or kicking a football, their feet need to be well protected and supported against the wear and tear of everyday life.

As such, choosing the right fitting shoes for your child is important for ensuring their feet are able to grow and develop properly while reducing the chances of suffering from foot problems later in life.

Common mistakes made when buying children's shoes

Picking fashionable or cheap shoes off the shelf is tempting, especially with the increase in outlets offering cut-price shoes. But this can be a false economy since cheaper shoes tend to be made from poor materials which fall apart faster and provide little support for children’s feet.

Cheaper shoe shops and supermarkets rarely provide a foot measuring service which can lead to parents purchasing incorrectly sized shoes. Squeezing feet into shoes too small, or buying them in a larger size so they'll grow into them can lead to foot deformities such as hammer toe. They’re also more likely to cause blisters and ingrown toenails.

How fast do children’s feet grow?

Children's feet grow rapidly during the first four years where their feet can increase by up to two sizes a year. After this time, they continue growing with the bones and ligaments fusing together until the age of 18. You may notice their feet tend to grow faster during the spring and summer months with barely any change in size during winter.

When to buy new shoes

As soon as a child starts walking they can be fitted for outdoor shoes. From then on, check their shoes every six to eight weeks until the age of four or five, to ensure their longest toe hasn’t reached the end. After this, check their shoes at least every three months. You can do this by pressing down on the toe end of the shoe while the child has their shoes on. You should be able to feel some space between the end of their toe and the end of the shoe. Alternatively, take out the insole and look to see where the imprints of their toes reach in comparison with the end of the sole. Also regularly check for wear and tear of heels, scuffed toes and the soles.

How to get the right fit

Getting the right fit is particularly important for avoiding foot problems. Therefore, whenever your child has outgrown a pair of shoes, take them along to a shoe shop which offers a foot measuring service by a qualified shoe fitter. As well as finding their correct shoe size, they can also spot irregularities such as different sized feet or whether they need a wider fitting shoe. Once you know their correct size, it will be easier choosing shoes in stores not offering the measuring service. But even so, sizes can vary between stores so always ask your child to walk around and check whether their shoes feel comfortable and their heels don’t slip. As a guide, new shoes should have at least half an inch (1-1.5cm) maximum space at the toe end. This allows room for natural growth and toe spread.

Choosing children's shoes

When buying children’s shoes, choose those with a breathable material where possible. This includes natural materials such as leather or canvas. Younger children especially should have shoes which remain securely fastened while playing. Velcro and buckles are ideal while they’re young and laces are suitable once children are able to tie them up. The soles should be sturdy with a broad base as this increases the level of support provided.

Buying children's footwear should be fun but it is important that their shoes fit properly. Ill-fitting shoes will be uncomfortable or painful and can lead to long term foot problems. By ensuring their feet are regularly measured throughout their childhood and choosing well made shoes providing proper support, can help your child's feet grow strong and healthy and able to carry them wherever life’s journey may take them.

How To make stuffed tomatoes - recipe

2017-06-27T01:50:00.000-07:00

Large beefsteak tomatoes were made to be stuffed. Their size and firm exterior makes them the perfect receptacle for piling in tasty fillings and turning them into a meal in themselves. Not only that, tomatoes, especially when cooked, provide us with a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant which may be instrumental in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Here are a couple of stuffed tomato recipes, one of which can be served cold as a snack with the other ideally eaten as a light starter or meal.

Stuffed tomatoes with smoked salmon pate

These stuffed tomatoes look beautiful on a buffet table and are the perfect choice for those who are watching their weight since each one has around 70 calories. They're also low in fat, and provide a rich source of protein and omega 3 from the salmon and cheese, plus there are the added antioxidant benefits from the tomatoes.

This recipe requires no oven cooking and should take around 20 minutes to prepare. If you want to make them in advance, they can be chilled in the fridge for several hours or up to a day if necessary.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

4 medium sized firm tomatoes
4 ounces smoked salmon
4 ounces quark or low fat cottage cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
A squeeze of lemon juice
4 black grapes
Salt and pepper
Crisp lettuce leaves

Method:

To prepare the pate mix, place the soft cheese, salmon trimmings and parsley into a food blender and puree until it's smooth. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and pepper to taste and give the mixture one more spin in the processor.

Now blanch the tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for no more than 10 seconds, then quickly remove them and place them into a bowl of cold water. Doing this helps their skins slide off easily while keeping the inside flesh nice and firm.

Once the tomatoes are out of the water, remove their skins, cut them in half and scoop out the seeds and flesh so you’re left with a smooth cup shaped tomato. Sprinkle a tiny bit of salt inside each tomato cup and leave until they’re ready for the next stage, when you should carefully pat dry the inside of each tomato with kitchen paper.

Place the salmon pate mixture into a piping bag if you have one and using a star pipe, squeeze the salmon mixture into each tomato cup. Alternatively, simply spoon the mixture into the cups and gently press down.

To serve, place each tomato cup onto a crisp lettuce leaf and decorate each with half a grape.

Stuffed tomatoes with goat's cheese and rosemary
This recipe for stuffed tomatoes encompass the essence of the healthy Mediterranean diet. They're low in fat and cholesterol, rich in antioxidants and contain beneficial monounsaturated fats and protein. They're ideally served as a starter on their own or as a light meal with some fresh, wholegrain bread.

Ingredients to serve 2:

2 beefsteak tomatoes
Salt and pepper
1 clove garlic (crushed)
Small sprig of rosemary or half a teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tbsp olive oil
3 ounces cherry tomatoes
1 tsp caster sugar
2 ounces goat’s cheese cut into small pieces

Method:

First off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, then cut a thick slice off the top of each the tomatoes. These will be used as the lids. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh and seeds and put them into a pan. Take care not to split the tomato skins. Sprinkle a tiny amount of salt on the inside of the tomatoes and leave for around 30 minutes.

Next, add the garlic, rosemary and olive oil to the tomato flesh and seeds and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and add the caster sugar and season to taste.

Pop the cherry tomatoes into a pan of boiling water for 30 seconds then plunge into cold water so the skins come off easily. Leave the cherry tomatoes whole, then add them to the sauce mixture along with the goat’s cheese.

Pat dry the inside of the tomatoes with absorbent paper then carefully pile in the cheese and tomato mixture. Put the tomato lids back on top and drizzle with a little olive oil. Then place them onto an oiled baking tray and bake for 20 minutes. They taste their best when served at room temperature.

Stuffed tomatoes are deceptively easy to make with the added benefits of being delicious and healthy. Serve them hot or cold, as a starter or a complete meal. Even those who aren’t big vegetable fans can find it hard to turn down the charms of an appetizingly stuffed tomato.

Asian Stir Fry Beef & Broccoli Recipe

2017-05-15T09:10:00.000-07:00

Beef and broccoli stir fry is a popular Asian dish most often associated with Chinese cuisine. The delicate blend of exotic spices, soy sauce and sesame oil combines perfectly to deliver an authentic taste sensation that’s hard for anyone to resist.

Beef and broccoli stir fry is low in fat and calories, highly nutritious and simple to prepare. In fact, the entire dish can be put together and on the table within half an hour.

Though you may come across a variation of ingredients for beef and broccoli, this recipe makes use of dried spices, which is ideal if you have a well stocked spice cupboard. It also includes star anise, a licorice tasting spice which is often featured in Asian dishes.

To use it, simply add it to the ingredients whole, then remove it before serving. When purchasing your beef, take care to choose a good quality cut such as sirloin which works well with stir frying.

This recipe serves 4 people and you should allow a preparation time of 15 minutes and 12 minutes cooking time.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 tsp dried crushed chilies
1 large red onion
1 lb sirloin steak
2 cups of broccoli florets
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 star anise
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp sherry
1 tbsp sesame oil
Lime wedges to serve

Method:

The key to serving up your fragrant beef and broccoli in the fastest time is to assemble all your prepared ingredients before you start cooking. This way everything is to hand and all you need do is add the ingredients when necessary and cook.

First off, ensure you remove all visible signs of fat from the beef, then cut it into thin strips, each around two inches long. Finely slice the onion and mushrooms and crush the garlic cloves, then separate and wash the broccoli florets. Measure out all your spices and oils or just put the spice jars, oils, sauce and sherry close by with measuring spoons at the ready.

Now to begin cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan. Add the onion, garlic and crushed chilies and cook, while stirring for 1 minute. Add the beef strips and continue cooking on a high heat for a further 5 minutes. Next, remove the beef from the pan, placing it onto a plate or a bowl.

Wipe the wok with absorbent paper and re-heat. Add the remaining oil and tip in the broccoli florets, mushrooms, ground cinnamon, ground ginger and the star anise. Stir fry continuously for 5 minutes or a bit longer until the vegetables are cooked.

Once the vegetables are done, return the beef, onion and mushrooms to the wok and add the soy sauce and sherry. Continue briskly stirring, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated in the liquid. Keep stirring for a further two minutes then turn off the heat and remove the star anise. Finally, drizzle over the sesame oil and give it all one final stir through.

This recipe is also enjoyed by children, however, you’ll need to reduce the amount of chili as it may be a little too hot. You could always use a sweet chili sauce instead of fresh chilies if preferred. Beef and broccoli stir fry is ideally served accompanied with a bowl of steaming fluffy white rice and garnished with a lime wedge on the side.

Courgette / Zucchini Fritters recipe

2017-03-28T03:33:00.000-07:00

Fritters are a firm favorite in cuisines around the world. Eaten sweet or savory, these delicious fried cakes can be enjoyed as a dessert, starter or main meal. And fritters provide the perfect excuse for turning left over vegetables into a meal which the whole family can enjoy.

While zucchinis may not be the obvious contender as a fritter ingredient, they make a surprisingly appetizing addition to the basic fritter recipe.

Zucchinis are one of the most versatile vegetables around. This may be because cooks and chefs through the years have had to find ways of making them palatable. Zucchinis eaten alone tend to be rather watery with a slightly bitter taste. But they are virtually fat free and are a useful source of vitamins C and K, B6 and folate. And due to their high water content they’re exceptionally low in calories.

This recipe for zucchini fritters makes use of fresh bread crumbs rather than flour, resulting in a lighter fritter. The amounts given here will make enough batter for twelve fritters and you should allow yourself at least half an hour for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Ingredients:

1 lb zucchinis
1 mild red chili (or 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce)
1 clove garlic (crushed)
3 medium eggs (beaten)
5 ounces fresh white breadcrumbs
Small bunch of basil
Oil for frying

Method:

Start off by coarsely grating the zucchinis into a large mixing bowl, then set aside while you chop the basil and chili (if you're using it) and crush the garlic. To make the breadcrumbs, place around 5 slices of bread into a blender, and whiz for 30 seconds until you’re left with fine breadcrumbs.

Now it's time to squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchinis as possible. Too much remaining liquid can result in your fritters sticking to the pan during cooking. There are various methods for removing the liquid. One option involves grabbing fistfuls of grated zucchini and squeezing the liquid out with your hands.

An alternative way is to place all the grated zucchini into a clean tea towel, fold it over and twist the ends, squeezing as tightly as possible, forcing the excess water through the towel. Once that’s done, press the zucchini mixture between sheets of absorbent kitchen paper, soaking up any left-over liquid. You’ll probably need to do this a couple of times until the mixture feels quite dry.

Once that’s done, mix the grated zucchinis with your prepared chili (or chili sauce), garlic and basil, then add the three beaten eggs and the breadcrumbs. Leave the mixture to soak for a few minutes, during which time it will become quite thick.

In the meantime, heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan, while not allowing it to become too hot. Place 2-3 heaped teaspoons of the mixture into the hot oil and press each fritter down with a spoon or fork to flatten them so they cook evenly. Leave them to cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown. When each batch is done, place them onto absorbent kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil.

Serve your zucchini fritters as a starter or a main course and they can be eaten either hot or cold. They also make a perfect light lunch when served with a green salad with a little sweet chili sauce drizzled over the top. Although zucchini fritters may take a little preparation time, the end result is more than worth the effort. And if you ever needed convincing that zucchinis could taste so moreish, you’ll be left in no doubt after the first bite.

Different types of bread

2016-10-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Ever since man learned how to grind wheat grains into flour, mix it with water and bake it over hot stones, bread has been a staple source of food. As centuries passed, virtually every country developed their own unique style breads, with Italy alone having more than 350 varieties.

However, when it comes down to it, all bread can be grouped into one of three types; yeast bread, quick bread or flatbreads. Here are just a few of the different types of bread found around the world.

Yeast breads

Yeast breads are popular in the US, Canada, Australasia and many European countries. Generally, yeast breads require more time to bake, including mixing, kneading and waiting for the bread to rise.

Typical yeast breads include bread rolls as well as loaves which are baked in a tin and commonly sliced and packaged for consumers. Although white loaf bread is particularly popular, growing awareness of the health benefits of whole grains has led to a boom in whole grain loaf breads, including granary and multi-seeded breads. Other examples of yeast bread include, brioche, baguettes and croissants (France), ciabatta (Italy), challah (Jewish), soda bread (Irish) and rye bread (German).

Flatbreads

The term flatbread is used to describe those which are made with flour and turned into dough or used as a batter. Many flatbreads are unleavened, meaning they're cooked without the addition of raising agents such as baker’s yeast or baking powder. They are also generally cooked on a stove or frying pan.

Unleavened flatbreads include chapattis and roti (India), matzo (Jewish), crepes (France) and mandarin pancakes (China). Examples of leavened flatbreads which use small amounts of raising agents include focaccia and pizza bases (Italy), naan bread (India), pita breads (Middle East), okonomiyaki (Japan) and tortillas (Mexico).

Quick breads

Quick bread is a collective term given to foods which use raising agents other than yeast to make the breads rise faster. Alternative leavening agents include baking soda, cream of tartar, baking powder and beaten egg whites. The majority of quick breads are made with similar ingredients including flour, a raising agent, fat, eggs, a liquid and sugar for sweeter recipes. Those breads which fall under the term 'quick bread' include cakes, muffins, brownies, cookies, pancakes, waffles and cornbread.

These days, thanks to international trading and mass immigration, many countries now sell breads from around the world. The versatility of breads such as pitas and tortillas has made them a popular alternative to regular sliced bread for lunches. And an Indian style curry wouldn’t be complete without a naan bread.

While yeast breads and flatbreads are generally seen as a food staple, quick breads, which are often high in fat or sugar, are usually eaten as a treat. It is probably safe to say, that as long as wheat grains are growing in the fields, man will continue to make and enjoy eating bread.

Daily Food Waste in Europe - a personal perspective

2016-09-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

I must admit, a few years ago I wasn't too concerned about food waste. So what, if I threw away some left over peas or a half used jar of pasta sauce.

Although not entirely happy with disposing half jars of good food, I was recycling the jar, thereby doing my bit for the good of the planet.

However, with the credit crunch hitting everyone hard, particularly families with children, it's time we all started examining our own food waste habits and working out how we can make improvements.

According to research published in May 2008 by the UK government-funded Waste and Resources Action Programme (Wrap), "the average household throws out one-third of all food bought." Even worse, it's not just leftovers we're discarding. Up to 60% of the food that's thrown out has never been touched. That includes food such as yogurts, ready meals, fruit and meat. Up to 17% of discarded food is made up of left-over food and vegetable peelings.

With these appalling statistics in mind, I decided to review my own household waste. There are five us, consisting of three children, my husband and me.

Being a careful shopper who rarely deviates from a shopping list, I felt sure we didn't waste too much food. So, over the course of one week I made a note of the food produce consigned to the rubbish bin. I was in for quite a shock.

Scraping the remains of uneaten children's meals accounted for about a quarter of our throwaway food. I figured there wasn't much else I could do with it aside from force feeding them.

My unused food list included a couple of yogurts past their sell by date bought on a buy 'one get one free offer', three small sprouting potatoes forgotten at the bottom of a cupboard, a quarter of a mushy cucumber, a wilted lettuce and half a tub of strawberries. The latter were purchased on a '2 for 1' offer which can be hard to resist. Strawberries have an incredibly short shelf life and unless you plan on eating the lot in a day or two, they'll just end up in the bin. (I now freeze them if I won't be using them in a day or two).

So all in all, I don't think we did too badly. However, householders can't take all the blame. The UK Government's independent watchdog for the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), reported that food retailers waste up to 1.6 million tonnes of food every year.

According to the Imperial College for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, retailers will often throw away food that's close to its sell-by date rather than sell it at a knock down cost. Retailers say it's more profitable for them to throw away stock that's unlikely to sell before it goes off due to the labour involved in cutting costs along with lost margins.

The European Union has stringent rules and guidelines pertaining to the size and shape of fruit and vegetables that can be sold to the public. We, as consumers, apparently prefer to buy perfect looking fruit. We don't want bananas and apples with bruises, skinny carrots or potatoes with bumps on them. We even want straight cucumbers!

However, it seems the tide could be turning as the European Commission recently announced it is considering relaxing its rules on non-conforming fruit and vegetables. This would allow retailers to sell flawed produce under the classification of second class. Obviously they'd be sold at a cheaper price while their unblemished counterparts would be sold as first class.

Such a ruling would have been welcomed by one disgruntled market trader in Bristol. In an example of food waste which was widely reported in the British press, Tim Down, the market trader concerned, was forbidden from selling his supply of 5,000 kiwi fruits because they were 1/25 of an inch too small in diameter.
The random spot checks were being carried out by Inspectors from the Rural Payments Agency who defended their actions, declaring that despite the fruit being perfectly fit for consumption, they did not meet the minimum standards required for EU grading.

Tim was unable to sell or even give his kiwi fruits away. If he did, he'd be liable for a fine of up to 5,000. His only option was to try returning the offending kiwi's back to his supplier.

While pondering my own situation, I was reminded of a trip to my mother-in-law's house in New Zealand a few years ago. I was fascinated by the fact that after every meal she would carefully place any remaining food from serving dishes into small tubs with everything neatly wrapped in cling film.

I'd open the fridge to see all these little pots of leftovers and wonder why on earth she did it. I really thought that was taking the whole conservation of food idea a bit too far and wondered, "who wants to eat leftovers anyway?"

Now I can see the wisdom of her ways. We've become so used to throwing out anything uneaten because food is so plentiful in the western world. I'm not quite as extreme as my mother-in-law but I do take care now not to cook too much food or I freeze anything extra.

The value of a freezer cannot be stressed enough. Freezing food in portions ensures you only need take out the amount you require at any one time. No waste at all. And even better, it will be as fresh as the day it was purchased. Additionally, frozen vegetables are likely to contain far more of their vitamins than the vegetables in your fridge.

Perhaps the credit crunch is a welcome wake up call for those of us who have become complacent over the food we toss in the bin without giving it a second thought. With careful planning of grocery shopping, making full use of the freezer and reuse of leftovers, householders can play a large part in minimising food waste. You'll likely end up with a bit of spare cash too!

King Henry the 8th Health problems explained

2016-09-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

Considering he married six women, King Henry VIII produced surprisingly few offspring. Of course, back in the 16th century, it was his poor wives who were relentlessly blamed for their inability to carry a child to term.

Thankfully, we now know better. And if recent research is to be believed, liability for the lack of Tudor heirs can be firmly planted at Henry's door.

As reported in ArchNews, researchers Dr Catrina Banks and Kyra Kramer, from the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, believe that Henry VIII was suffering from a rare blood disorder, which may have been responsible for the miscarriages suffered by his wives. It could also explain his rapid physical and mental decline once he reached his forties.

According to the researchers, Henry's health deterioration and his wives' miscarriages, provides compelling evidence that his blood group may have been 'Kell positive'. This is quite rare among those with the Kell blood group, since the majority are Kell negative.

Problems arise when a Kell positive man conceives a baby with a Kell negative woman. Although the first pregnancy may provide a healthy Kell positive baby, any further Kell positive fetuses are attacked by antibodies which were produced during the first pregnancy. This will ultimately trigger a miscarriage.

The research article, published in the Cambridge University Press, explains that the miscarriages suffered by Henry’s wives, seem to follow the Kell pattern. Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour both produced healthy first babies with Elizabeth and Edward.

Anne displayed a text book example of the Kell pattern, by suffering subsequent miscarriages, but Jane died shortly after the birth. And although Catherine of Aragon's first baby was stillborn, this was explained as being atypical, and that the survival of Mary who was the fifth pregnancy, fit the Kell scenario. Furthermore, the Kell reproductive pattern was found to apply to several of Henry’s maternal relatives.

Another health problem associated with the Kell blood group, is the genetic disorder, McLeod syndrome. The researchers believe that many, but not all, of the physical problems which affected Henry were consistent with the disorder. For example, McLeod's syndrome typically develops in men between the ages of 30-40. And problems such as muscle weakness, damaged heart muscle and motor nerve damage all became apparent as Henry's health declined.

Perhaps more notably was the dramatic change to Henry's personality. Those suffering from McLeod's syndrome can start to experience behavioral changes during mid-adulthood as well as a lack of self restraint, anxiety and depression. Indeed, as noted in historical journals, Henry’s behavior became increasingly tyrannical, so much so that he was labeled by some as psychotic.

There are discrepancies. For example, it seems something of a coincidence that King Henry's wives also had the Kell blood group. Furthermore, it's believed that King Henry fathered several illegitimate offspring by his mistresses. And though unproven, the general consensus for Henry’s health decline has often been blamed as a result of the sexually transmitted disease, syphilis.

While this new research certainly provides an interesting and thought provoking explanation for Henry’s troubles, without conclusive proof, it can only remain speculative. It may be that people would prefer to believe that King Henry VIII was a monster driven mad with syphilis, rather than an innocent victim of his own blood disorder.

May Spring Bank Holiday - how did it start?

2016-05-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

For the majority of people in the UK, Bank holidays are an eagerly anticipated day off from work. They get to enjoy a long weekend followed by a shorter working week and it's often used as a chance to take a short break away from home or for catching up on a bit of DIY around the house.

What are Bank Holidays

Bank holidays are public holidays when all banks are closed for trading. And apart from essential services such as the police, ambulance and fire brigade, the majority of businesses also close for the day. Nowadays more shops such as supermarkets and department stores are choosing to remain open for trading as normal. Although employees are often given the day off work, their entitlement to pay is dependent upon their workplace policy.

The term ‘bank holiday’ was first coined by Sir John Lubbock, a member of parliament responsible for the introduction of several reform bills including bank holidays. He felt that bank holidays should be differentiated from public religious holidays such as Christmas and Good Friday.

History of Late May Bank Holiday

The late May Bank holiday was initially introduced by the Bank Holidays Act of 1871 and is one of four bank holidays designated to England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one of five in Scotland. The 1871 Act was eventually repealed and incorporated into the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971.

It was originally known as Whit Monday since it falls on the day after Pentecost or Whit Sunday. According to the New Testament, Pentecost is a religious celebration commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the disciples of Jesus. The holiday could fall on any Monday between May 11 and June 14 as long as it came after the seventh Sunday following Easter.

In 1971 Whit Monday was replaced by a fixed Spring Bank Holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and then in Scotland in 1978. This meant the bank holiday would always fall on the last Monday of May. Bank holiday dates can be changed by royal proclamation and as such, the Spring Bank Holiday in 2012 will be moved to Monday June 4 with an extra holiday on June 5 added to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Spring Bank Holiday Customs

Several traditional Whit Monday customs have been faithfully recreated throughout the years, many having been in existence for centuries. Of these, possibly the most famous is the cheese rolling contest at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire.

Contestants race down a steep hill, chasing a large Double Gloucester cheese to the bottom. Whoever reaches the bottom of the hill first wins the race and takes home a prize of a cheese. Cheese rolling also takes place in other parts of England with the Stilton rolling contest in Stilton, Cambridgeshire. In this competition, people roll a Stilton cheese along a 50 yard course.

Gloucestershire plays host to another tradition of bread and cheese throwing. At St. Braivels, after evensong, villagers throw baskets of bread and cheese from the castle wall for villagers to collect. This tradition is thought to have been in existence since the 12th or 13th century and may have begun as a way for villagers to earn the right to cut timber from local woods.

Tossing the Sheaf, a competition held in Endon in Staffordshire, involves men competing to see who can toss a bale of hay the highest over a bar. This is part of the ancient ‘well dressing’ celebrations where villagers dress a well and crown a local girl as the Well Dressing Queen. Other traditional activities held in various towns include parades led by local brass bands ending with celebrations, competitions and dancing and plenty of local food.

The once religious holiday of Whit Monday which occurred on variable dates between May and June, is now fixed on the last Monday of May and renamed the Spring Bank holiday. The day is steeped in tradition and ancient customs which many towns strive to keep alive. But for most people living in the UK, the day is simply a chance for an extra day off work and a long weekend for relaxing, catching up on household tasks or just having fun.

Sources:
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/employment/bank-public-holidays/bank-public-holidays/page18882.html
http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/employment-matters/rights/bank-holidays
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/information/biography/klmno/lubbock_john.html
http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/bankholidays.pdf
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/uk/spring-bank-holiday
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/whit-monday

Fresh Fruit Recipes - Fruit Skewers & Summer Fruit Meringues

2016-04-06T08:54:00.001-07:00

An overflowing fruit bowl brightens up a room in much the same way as a vase of flowers. While the roses and carnations just look pretty, fresh fruit is sweet and healthy and makes the ideal snack.

While fresh fruit is delicious when eaten on its own, it can become a little mundane. Fortunately, fresh fruit is extremely versatile and can be cooked and prepared in a multitude of ways. The following recipes using fresh fruit are perfect for the warmer summer months.

The first recipe, fresh fruit skewers, is quick and easy to put together and can be grilled or cooked on a barbecue. They’re also fun for children who want to get involved in the food preparation as they can assemble the skewers with their favorite fruit.

Fresh fruit skewers

What you'll need:

Choose from a selection of seasonal fresh fruit. Fruits which work well together include bananas, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi fruit, peaches, nectarines, mango and oranges. You will also need around two tablespoons of runny honey or maple syrup, and some skewers, preferably wooden.

Method:

Step 1:
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in cold water for around 10 minutes before using. This is to avoid them burning during cooking.

Step 2:
Preheat the grill to high if you are grilling and line a grill pan with foil.

Step 3:
Prepare the fruit of your choice by chopping or slicing them into even sized chunks of around one inch.

Step 4:
Alternately thread pieces of fruit onto the skewer, while trying to avoid putting similar colors next to each other. As an example, start with a piece of pineapple, followed by a strawberry, kiwi, banana, strawberry, peach, kiwi and finish with pineapple.

Step 5:
Gently heat the honey or maple syrup until it's quite runny, then lightly brush the mixture over the fruit.

Step 6:
Place the skewers lined up on the grill pan or barbecue and grill for 5-8 minutes until the fruit softens and the honey or syrup begins caramelizing. Turn half way through.

Take care to let your skewers cool down a little before eating, as the caramelized syrup retains its heat for a while.

Quick summer fruit meringues

Summer fruit meringues couldn't be easier to make. By purchasing ready-made mini meringue shells, you can assemble them in under 15 minutes and they require no cooking. Choose from a selection of brightly colored summer fruits, such as a mixture of berries and kiwi fruit.

Ingredients: To serve 6

6 ready made mini meringue shells
8 oz of mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries)
1 kiwi fruit
8 oz fromage frais
1-2 teaspoons of icing sugar or sweetener to taste
Half a teaspoon of vanilla essence
Aerosol cream

Method:

Wash and prepare your fruit. Slice the strawberries in half, then slice and quarter the kiwi fruit. Mix the icing sugar or sweetener into the fromage frais and add the vanilla essence. Pile a tablespoon of fromage frais into each meringue shell then arrange your fruit on top. Finally, just before serving, give each meringue a squirt of aerosol cream. And for a slightly decadent touch, you could always sprinkle each meringue with a tiny amount of grated chocolate.

Preparing delicious and appetizing recipes using fresh fruit doesn't have to involve hours of preparation. In a matter of minutes you can whip up the most professional looking desserts using whichever fresh fruit is in season at the time. Fresh fruit skewers and quick summer fruit meringues are two quick and easy to prepare recipes which can transform ordinary fruit into special treats.

How To prepare your child for the first trip to the dentist

2016-03-12T01:48:00.000-08:00

Over a quarter of children in the United States have had at least one cavity by the age of four. To help prevent problems such as decay and cavities, it’s vital that children are taken for regular checkups to the dentist so they can learn from a young age the importance of caring for their teeth.

Preparing a child for their first visit to the dentist should be both an encouraging and positive experience.

What age to visit

Many parents are unaware how old their child should be for their first visit to the dentist and often leave it until damage to their baby teeth has already begun. As soon as their first tooth has emerged, they are susceptible to decay, even more so once they’re eating solid food. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry both recommend that children’s first visit to the dentist should be around the age of one year.

Choosing the dentist

Try locating a dental surgery that is appealing to little ones. For instance, many dentists have brightly colored walls and ceilings with child friendly posters featuring cartoon-style teeth or recognizable children’s characters. Also look out for a waiting room with a children’s play area which can prove invaluable for keeping children amused until they are called for their appointment. Alternatively, seek a pediatric dentist as they are specially trained to deal with children’s teeth and their behavior patterns, or ask other parents whether they could recommend one.

What to tell them

If a child has never been inside a dental surgery before or if they are very young, they’ll have no preconceptions about what to expect. Therefore, as long as they are old enough to understand, explain a little about what might happen on their first visit. This could include sitting in the dentist’s chair which could actually be fun, particularly as they’ll be the center of attention. Also mention the tools the dentist might use to have a look inside their mouth. Give them encouraging incentives such as the possibility of a reward they might receive after the visit. For instance, dentists often hand out stickers to children at the end of the checkup.

Before the first visit

Familiarity with the dentist can make the visit easier. If possible, bring the child along when other members of the family go for a checkup, though not if they’re having major work done! Also, consider buying a small dental mirror then pretend to set up a small dental surgery at home. Get them to sit in a chair, open their mouth and practice saying ‘ahhh’ while examining their teeth with the mirror. This can get them used to the idea of someone inspecting inside their mouth while helping them understand what to expect once they’re in the dentist’s chair, or sitting in their mother’s lap if they are very young.

On the day

Just before setting off for the dentist, give their teeth a gentle clean. As well as presenting a set of sparkling teeth for inspection, it will also provide the dentist with an indication as to how well their teeth are being cleaned.

How to prepare a child for their first visit to the dentist will depend partly on their age. Very young children will need minimal preparation, while those who are older should be given simple facts about dental checkup procedures as well as being given plenty of encouragement. By taking children to the dentist at regular intervals from an early age, they’ll be far less likely to suffer from the unnecessary dental cavities that plague so many children. And importantly, they will learn that visiting the dentist is a normal part of life and certainly nothing to be feared.

Diet to help prevent kidney stones

2016-02-11T02:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has suffered the pain of passing a kidney stone will want to do all they can to ensure new stones don’t form. Kidney stones are extremely common, with some 500,000 people requiring emergency treatment each year.

Though the actual cause of kidney stones is unknown, there are certain diet-related risk factors that might make someone more likely to suffer from them.

By reducing some of these foods from the diet it may be able to reduce or prevent the chances of new stones from forming.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are really just a mass of crystals, much like sugar crystals and they contain calcium with either phosphate or oxalate. Some stones may contain uric acid but these tend to occur in those who suffer from gout. Sometimes kidney stones remain as tiny as a grain of sand and pass out of the urinary tract unnoticed. Other times they clump together, causing a much larger stone which may become lodged in the urinary tract, causing intense pain when it passes through.

Why do kidney stones form?

When everything is working as it should, chemicals within the urine prevent kidney stones from forming. But in some cases, this doesn’t always happen. Kidney stones may also form when the urine becomes saturated with waste products, which then crystallize into stones. Some people are more at risk of suffering from kidney stones. For example, healthy men between the ages of 30-50 are four times more likely to be affected by kidney stones than women and family history is another risk factor.

Preventing kidney stones with diet

Because kidney stones often form in highly concentrated urine, a regular intake of fluids, especially water, is essential for diluting the urine, thus reducing the concentration levels. The Mayo Clinic recommend at least 2.6 quarts (2.5 liters) each day. It’s usually quite easy to tell whether you are drinking enough. Simply check the color of your urine which should appear virtually clear rather than dark yellow.

Someone who has been diagnosed with calcium oxalate kidney stones should reduce high-oxalate foods in their diet by limiting their intake to 40 to 50 mg each day. Foods which are high in oxalate include tea, chocolate, nut butters, grits, rhubarb, spinach, sweet potato, carrots, beetroot and potatoes. For a more comprehensive list of high-oxalate foods, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center provides a guide to high-oxalate foods which should be avoided as well as those which should be limited and others which can be freely eaten.

According to the Mayo Clinic, although most kidney stones contain calcium, this isn’t down to the amount of calcium obtained through diet. Therefore there is no need to reduce dietary intake of this important mineral. However, try to eat a diet which is low in salt since this can increase calcium excretion, possibly leading to an increase in calcium-containing crystals in the urine.

Furthermore, according to a study by the Department of Internal Medicine, Dallas, Texas, a diet featuring a high intake of animal proteins may increase the risk of suffering from uric acid stones. Therefore, those who have a propensity to uric acid stones may find it helps to reduce their intake of animal protein foods which are commonly found in meat, fish, eggs and poultry.

Although the exact cause of kidney stones is unknown, there are certain dietary risk factors which make kidney stones more likely to occur in some people. Therefore, anyone who has a history of kidney stones may find that changing their diet can effectively reduce or prevent the diet-related risk factors associated with the forming of new kidney stones.

Unreliable Forms of Birth Control

2016-01-04T04:30:00.000-08:00

Considering the narrow window of time where a woman is able to become pregnant, it's astounding that so many manage to do so, despite taking precautions.

Often it's down to the incorrect use of certain contraceptives, but frequently it's because couples take a chance on using unreliable forms of birth control. These include the rhythm method, douching, the safe time and withdrawal.

While there are numerous reasons why couples choose to use such methods, they should always be prepared for the possibility of a pregnancy.

Rhythm method

The age old rhythm method is also known as natural family planning. This form of birth control relies on couples abstaining from intercourse during the woman's fertile days. It’s entirely reliant on the woman being in tune with her body, namely her monthly cycles, her temperature and cervical discharge, which indicate when ovulation (when the egg is released) is taking place or about to occur.

Although the egg is only available for fertilization for up to 24 hours, sperm can live much longer, anything up to five days. Therefore, having intercourse on the days before, during and just after ovulation can all lead to a pregnancy, making this an unreliable form of birth control for many couples.

Douching

Douching comes from a French word ‘douche’ meaning to wash or soak. Although douching is commonly used as a method of cleaning out the vagina, it is also sometimes mistakenly used as a method of birth control.

According to womenshealth.gov, the majority of doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) don’t recommend the practice of douching. This is because it can interfere with the delicate balance of vaginal organisms and cause infections, possibly damaging the fallopian tubes. While some research shows douching may make it more difficult for a pregnancy to occur, it by no means prevents pregnancy and shouldn't be used as a form of contraception.

Safe time

This unreliable form of contraception is a little like the rhythm method in that couples have intercourse at certain times of the month. Only in this case, the 'safe time' means having intercourse while the woman is menstruating. This is based on the idea that while she is having her period, she can't be ovulating at the same time and will be unable to conceive.

While this is true in the majority of cases, it isn't always so. For example, sperm can live inside the body for around five days. Therefore, if intercourse took place during her period and she subsequently ovulated soon after it ended, she could conceive. This is more common in women with irregular cycles who may have more than one period a month.

Withdrawal method

The withdrawal method or 'coitus interruptus' may be one of the oldest methods of contraception. The man withdraws from the woman's vagina before ejaculating, thereby preventing the sperm from reaching the egg. According to plannedparenthood.org, four percent of women will become pregnant using the withdrawal method even when always using it correctly. However, this rises to 27 percent when couples slip up occasionally.

Using this method, the onus is on the man to time it exactly right. He must be able to predict the exact point of no return and pull out in time. It's also possible for preseminal fluid, which may contain leftover sperm from a previous ejaculation, to leak into the vagina during intercourse. Therefore, the withdrawal method should be considered an unreliable form of birth control.

Before modern contraceptive devices and medications became available, methods such as douching, withdrawing and natural family planning were all that couples really had to really on. However, it's now known how unreliable they can be in preventing conception and none of them provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Ideally, such unreliable forms of birth control should only be used between couples whose sexual history is known and where the event of an unplanned pregnancy would be welcomed by both parties.

Why the lymphatic system is so important

2015-12-22T02:06:00.000-08:00

The lymphatic system is an essential, but often overlooked, internal bodily function that works ceaselessly and imperceptibly to keep the body healthy. It’s often only when something goes wrong with the lymphatic system that we become aware of the important part it plays in the functioning of our body.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a filter network of tiny tubes called lymph vessels or lymphatics. Lymphatics run in close connection with the circulatory system and can be found throughout the body, apart from the central nervous system. Its main components are the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, the thymus gland, tonsils and appendix.

Why is it important?

The lymphatic system is important for the body as it plays a vital part in combating diseases, viruses and bacteria as well as maintaining the body’s delicate fluid balance. Substances such as water and proteins continuously leak out of blood capillaries and into the surrounding tissues, which the lymphatic system must drain. If this doesn’t happen, fluid can accumulate in the tissues and cause the area to swell. This is called lymphedema and is most likely to occur on the arms or legs, however, some people may experience swelling on the trunk or face. Other problems such as infections, blockages or cancer may also be present.

How does it function?

The overall function of the lymphatic system is to drain fluid from the tissues and back to the blood stream while clearing infections and maintaining body fluid balance. Each component of the lymphatic system has an important role to play.

The lymph vessels carry lymph, which is a clear fluid containing large amounts of white blood cells (lymphocytes) throughout the body. Lymphocytes are essential for producing antibodies to fight infection. Lymph is then filtered by the lymph nodes where white blood cells fight harmful bacteria or viruses. Lymph nodes can be found under the arms, in the neck, groin, pelvis, abdomen and chest.

The thymus helps produce white blood cells, while the spleen filters out damaged red blood cells. The bone marrow produces new red blood cells to replace those which are damaged and filtered out by the spleen. The white blood cells in the spleen also serve to attack and fight signs of infection.

The tonsils and adenoids help defend the digestive system against bacteria and viruses, while the appendix, which is also rich in lymphocytes, can further assist in the fight against bacteria.

The lymphatic system is made up from a complex network of tiny vessels and nodes which together play an important part in fighting infections and maintaining the body’s fluid balance. If something goes wrong to upset its functioning, problems such as swollen limbs and a greater susceptibility to succumbing to viruses and bacteria are more likely to occur. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is the best way to keep the lymphatic system in good working order.

Breakfasts to eat when in a hurry

2015-07-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

According to nutritionists, dietitians, doctors and food gurus, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Why is this? Quite simply, it’s what we need to refuel our bodies with energy after our overnight fast.

Without breakfast, we lack the energy necessary to keep us going until lunch. But with today’s hectic lifestyles, too often we end up rushing out of the door with little more to sustain us than a cup of coffee.

For those of us in a hurry, the ideal solution is a healthy breakfast that’s easily prepared with minimal disruption to our routines. However, choosing the wrong type of food such as those high in sugar, may temporarily satisfy your hunger but before long you’ll be hungry again. Ideally, breakfast should fill you up, providing a slow releasing energy source and of course, be tasty and enjoyable.

Speedy Breakfasts at Home

The healthiest breakfasts include a mix of high-fiber carbohydrates and protein to keep you full for longer and your energy levels constant. Foods such as oats, bran based cereals, whole wheat bread, low fat yogurt and milk tick all the right boxes.

A bowl of cereal with milk only takes a minute to prepare as does a pack of instant oatmeal. Keep a wide selection of different cereals to stave off boredom. Mash a banana onto whole wheat toast, or spread a bagel spread with peanut butter for healthy and quick breakfasts.

Why not throw some fresh fruit and low fat yogurt into a blender for a great tasting, nutritious smoothie to start to your day. For something different, pop a soft tortilla under the grill while scrambling an egg in the microwave. You could add a chopped tomato and mushrooms for variety.

Grab and Go Breakfasts

Fruit such as bananas, apples, pears or individual bags of dried fruit and nuts are quick and healthy portable food items. Crispbreads, together with an individual pot of low fat cream cheese is another choice as are breakfast biscuits, such as Belvita, but watch out for the sugar content.

Buy small bottles of fruit smoothies to keep in your fridge for those days when you don't have time to make your own. Alternatively, keep some individual yogurts or ready made oatmeal that can be heated at work.

Healthier Breakfast Takeaways

Fast food outlets aren't all bad news on the health front as many now provide healthier selections on their menus. McDonald's egg McMuffin or hotcakes (without syrup or margarine) are reasonably low in fat and high in protein. Burger King’s ham omelet sandwich and French toast sticks are also a sensible choice.

If you’re near a Dunkin' Donuts, you could try the Blueberry bagel or wheat bagels which both provide 330 calories. Over at Jack in the Box you can tuck into their Breakfast Jack for 290 calories and at Starbucks if you fancy a muffin, stick to those described as low or reduced-fat.

Whether or not you’re in a frantic rush every morning, always try and make time for breakfast. After all, studies show time and again that people choosing to eat a healthy breakfast tend to have the lowest BMIs, are less stressed and have a healthier heart those skipping it altogether.

With so many fast food breakfast choices available, there’s really no reason to miss this important meal of the day and you’ll feel much better for it.

How To choose high calcium food for children

2015-06-15T03:14:00.001-07:00

Calcium needs for children and adolescents is particularly high during their formative years. However, according to US Dietary Guidelines 2010 (p.38), the calcium intake for children and teenagers is less than the recommended guidelines.

Teenagers in particular, often find their diet lacks calcium and this may lead to serious health problems. Understanding which foods contain the best sources of calcium can help to ensure your kids aren’t missing out on this vital nutrient.

Importance of calcium for children

Calcium is a mineral which is used to help build strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient calcium in their diet, bone density can suffer, increasing a child’s risk of developing osteoporosis later in life. They may also become prone to suffering from fractures or bone breaks when they trip or fall. Furthermore, children lacking in calcium may not always reach their full height potential and will tend to be shorter than their peers.

Good sources of calcium

Good sources of calcium can be found in a variety of foods including dairy products, white bread, spinach, canned salmon, almonds, tofu, sardines and fortified soy milk. By far the best source of calcium is found in dairy products, particularly milk. This is because the majority of milks are fortified with vitamin D, which makes it easier for the body to absorb calcium. Although spinach is a good source of calcium, the body typically absorbs one-tenth as much calcium from this vegetable as it does from milk.

How much calcium do children need?

Children's requirements for calcium change over the years with their greatest needs occurring between the ages of nine to eighteen. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, children between the ages of 4-8 need 1,000mg per day and children and teenagers between the ages of 9-18 require 1,300mg per day.

Ideally, children and teenagers should stick to drinking fat-free or low fat milks since these contain as much calcium as full fat milk without the extra fat or calories. Children who don’t like milk or other dairy products may need to take a calcium supplement to ensure they don’t miss out on vital nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

Ways to include calcium in the diet

Most children should easily be able to meet their recommended daily amount of calcium by including some of the following foods in their diet:

Start the day with a fortified breakfast cereal. These contain anything between 250-1,000mg of calcium per cup (1 ounce).
Most milks, including fortified soy milk, contains around 300mg of calcium a cup. Just drinking two cups of milk a day provides around half a teenagers daily calcium needs.
Include a glass of fortified orange juice at breakfast time for a further 500mg of calcium.
Packing a plain, nonfat yogurt for lunch will provide a around 452mg of calcium while a low fat fruit yogurt has an average of 345 mg per eight ounces.
Including a two ounce portion of hard cheese, in a sandwich for example, will provide around 320mg of calcium.
Fish such as sardines or canned salmon, pack in around 320mg of calcium for every three ounces.
Children's favorite, ice cream, provides a reasonable amount of calcium, whereby one scoop of vanilla ice cream has around 60mg.

Include plenty of leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, broccoli and chard. Easier said than done! Try blending them into a smoothie with fruit.

Almonds and sesame seeds are also good sources of calcium. Sprinkle sesame seeds into stir fries or sushi for example, and snack on almonds.

Children should easily be able to include enough calcium in their diet by consuming dairy products. Milk in particular, contains vitamin D which makes it easier for the body to properly absorb this essential mineral. However, other sources of calcium for kids can also be found in fortified breakfast cereals, fruit juice and soy products.

Calcium is an essential mineral for all stages of life. But ensuring children eat enough calcium throughout their childhood will not only help with their growth and development, it should instill a healthy dietary habit which they can continue throughout their life.

Advantages of Buying Specialty Coffee

2015-06-07T02:14:00.000-07:00

As every coffee aficionado knows, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s an experience and one that shouldn’t be hurried. To properly appreciate the full body, aroma, acidity and flavor of any coffee, it must be brewed from freshly ground specialty coffee beans and nothing less will do.

One of the main advantages of buying specialty coffee is the extensive range of coffees that are available to you. Rather than settling for whatever ‘house blend’ your regular coffee chain deems suitable, buying your own specialty coffee means you can experiment with coffee flavors from around the world.

Whether it’s the caramel, nutty or chocolaty undertones from Latin American beans, the earthy flavors from Asia or the floral aromas from Kenyan coffee, you need never be stuck for choice and are sure to find a bean to suit every occasion.

Venturing inside a specialty coffee shop is akin to visiting Santa’s grotto. Here you are presented with a greater choice of coffee than you could hope to find from regular coffee. You can even buy small quantities of different beans and mix them up to create your own blend. As well as this you can find out exactly where your beans were grown and even when they were roasted .

Buying your own specialty coffee beans is as close to the original coffee plant as you are likely to get. As long as you buy your beans soon after roasting and grind just enough for each brew, every cup should deliver the freshest tasting coffee along with the optimum amount of flavor, aroma and body which is everything you should expect from a specialty coffee.

The smell of gourmet coffee has the ability to stimulate the senses in a way that can’t be matched by other coffees. In fact, a study found that the aroma from freshly ground coffee is more likely to wake us up in the morning rather than the caffeine hit. And there are few more inviting aromas than freshly brewed coffee which is why it’s often used as a method of influencing potential house buyers that your house is wonderful. Simply pouring boiling water onto a cup of dried powder or granules just doesn’t have the same effect.

Hard core instant coffee addicts may not believe the effort involved in brewing a proper gourmet coffee is worth their while. But nowadays, even specialty coffee can be brewed in an instant with the invention of pod and single serve coffee machines. Old time aficionados of proper espresso brewing methods may turn their noses up at such recent arrivals but many are capable of producing espressos equivalent to the most expensive espresso machines. So while you can make your coffee in an instant, you’ll still enjoy the advantages of specialty coffee since many of the quality brands also produce their ground coffee as pods.

Then there is the snob factor. Buying specialty coffee allows you to recreate the whole coffee shop experience at home and having friends round gives you the chance of showing off your barista skills. Guests will truly appreciate the effort you've made when you present them with a steaming frothy topped cappuccino rather than a mug of instant.

Once you’ve ventured into the world of specialty coffee, there’s no going back. Whether you buy freshly roasted beans and grind them yourself, or opt for the more recent single serve pods, buying specialty coffee enables you to enjoy the aroma, body and flavor that makes it superior to anything else. Only through buying specialty gourmet coffee are you equipped to make the perfect brew just the way you like.

Sylvanian Families - Nightmare or Perfect Toy?

2015-05-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Sylvanian Families, also known as Calico Critters, are a collection of miniature toys which are designed to appeal to young girls between the ages of four and ten. These families are both fascinating and amusing, but can drive parents to distraction with their invasion of the home.

However, they are adorably cute with their exquisitely designed clothes and accessories that you can't help but admire. And even better, they keep children amused for hours on end.

Sylvanian Families consist of a burgeoning range of characters featuring mice, beavers, bears and hedgehogs, and more recently cats and dogs, sheep, penguins, monkeys and meerkats. The families feature traditional family life where each set of animals has a mother, father, children and grandparents. There are numerous miniature accessories to collect which range from houses and furniture to toys, clothes, cars, bicycles and special kits such as an ice cream stall, a donut stall and a shop.

In many ways, Sylvanian families are the ideal toy for little girls. There is so much to entertain them. Sylvanian Families toys and accessories are exquisitely designed in minute detail and they’re perfectly sized for small hands to play with. Girls often love playing house and the Sylvanian collection includes houses, cottages and a manor house to name a few. And they're all waiting to be accessorized with tiny bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms and kitchen sets, not to mention a host of outdoor activities. Children can create endless stories for the characters in the world of Sylvanian Families.

They also make a fantastic present. Anyone who's stuck for something to buy a little girl can feel confident that a new addition to their Sylvanian Family collection will be very well received. With new characters and accessories frequently appearing in stores, there will always be another Sylvanian character or accessory to buy.

While children have a wonderful time playing with their Sylvanian toys, they can be a source of frustration for parents, namely the fact that they end up scattered around the home, where they'll find their way into every nook and cranny. They’re so tiny that many of them inevitably end up inside the vacuum cleaner. For example, a bowl of fruit contains an orange which is the size of a lentil! And if you step on them, their fragility means they’ll snap like twigs.

They're not particularly cheap either. These figures cost anything from £5/$8 for a single figure up to £70/$112 for the Field View Mill. If, for example, you buy a small cottage, all the internal furnishings still have to be purchased separately, in addition to the characters. Over time, it all adds up to an expensive investment, so it pays to look after them.

You also have to take into account how many tiny pieces a Sylvanian collection can end up with. For example, the ice cream cart comes complete with cart, stall, parasol, bin and around 30 tiny ice creams and lollies. Over time, as collections grow, it becomes increasingly difficult keeping them in any kind of order. Eventually, everything becomes mixed up, with rabbits, dogs and penguins finding themselves hurled into a box along with hundreds of other tiny pieces. Fortunately, children somehow manage to remember exactly which bit goes with which set.

Because the pieces are so tiny, they’re not suitable for children under the age of 4. This can make it difficult for those with younger children in the family, especially where an older child has a passion for Sylvanian Families.

The popularity of Sylvanian Families figures and toys shows no signs of abating. As each new generation of girls discover the wonderful world of these tiny characters, they’ll continue to provide hours of make believe entertainment. However, as collections grow, Sylvanian Families need to be kept in order to avoid the possibility of loss, breakage and an upset child.

How To cook the low fat way

2015-04-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

Cooking for a low fat diet doesn't have to mean the end of tasty meals. Indeed, once you've become accustomed to cooking the low fat way, you’ll wonder why you didn't start earlier.

The health benefits of eating a low fat diet are immense but if you’re not used to cooking this way, you may find a few low fat cooking tips will help make your transition a little smoother.

Cooking methods

The way you cook can have a huge impact on its overall fat content, particularly if you like frying, or even worse, deep fat frying. If you currently use a deep fat fryer, throw it away and invest in a decent non-stick pan.

With your non-stick pan, have go at dry frying your food with no oil or fat. This works particularly well with food such as mince where you can dry fry and drain off any fat released during the cooking process. If necessary, add small amounts of water to avoid any burning.

Grilling enables any excess fat to drain away into a grill pan. However, you may need to lightly brush or spray the outside of some food with a little oil to keep it from drying out.

Stir frying meats and vegetables is a wonderful way of creating a delicious meal using very little cooking oil. The food is cooked on a high heat and moved around the pan or wok quickly, helping to retain valuable vitamins and minerals.

Baking or roasting as an alternative to frying allows you to use less oil. Instead of leaving your food to cook in a pool of oil, try using a spray such as Fry Light or decant your regular oil into a plastic spray bottle. This method works very well with chips and vegetables. Lightly spray your food with oil and pop into the oven where it'll brown and crisp perfectly without being greasy.

Food preparation

When it comes to preparing your food, you can do a lot to lessen the fat content before you start cooking. If you’re preparing red meat such as a steak or chops, always trim or cut off any visible fat. And if you’re cooking chicken, try buying it skinless. If that’s not possible, either remove the skin before cooking or definitely before eating!

After grilling or shallow frying, place the cooked food onto absorbent kitchen paper to mop up any excess oil. This is useful for food such as bacon, sausages, chips, steaks and burgers.

If you’re making sandwiches, use fat reduced butter and spread it very thinly. Alternatively, try omitting the butter altogether and use low fat cream cheese or fat free mayonnaise instead.

You can lose hundreds of fat grams simply by replacing your regular food with a low fat version. For instance, the majority of dairy foods have low fat or fat free alternatives. Therefore, any recipe that calls for dairy can easily be replaced using the low fat option. This includes cake baking where butter can be swapped for a low fat brand. Cream, milk, yogurt and cheese often have an extremely high fat content so wherever possible, switch to the low fat or fat free alternative.

It’s never too soon to begin cooking the low fat way. By using less oil and fat in your cooking, you’ll soon start appreciating how tasty food can be when it’s not greasy or fatty. And by swapping your regular foods with low fat alternatives, you’ll not only be reducing your fat intake, in many cases you’ll be cutting down on calories as well. Start by making small changes at first if that's easier, but most of all, enjoy your cooking and your food.

The Ten Biggest Health Threats for Men

2015-02-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Men can often be reluctant to act upon their health concerns. However, by taking an active approach towards their health-care, they can play a major part in preventing the onset of many of the top ten major health threats affecting men.

Men can often be reluctant to act upon their health concerns. However, by taking an active approach towards their health-care, they can play a major part in preventing the onset of many of the top ten major health threats affecting men.

1. Heart disease

Heart disease remains at the top of the list as the biggest health threat to men of all races. By taking care of heart health, it is possible to greatly reduce the risks of suffering from heart problems. Some of the major contributors to heart disease include smoking, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, stress and lack of exercise. High cholesterol is another main cause of heart disease which to some extent can be managed through diet, but may be genetic and require medication.

2. Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among men, with lung cancer taking the top spot. Giving up smoking dramatically reduces the risks of lung cancer while eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and wearing sunscreen when outdoors can help minimize risks of other cancers. As a precaution, always visit the doctor at the first sign of any unusual or abnormal symptoms and enquire about cancer screenings.

3. Injuries

Accidents are the third cause main of death among men in the United States. Although not intentional, many accidents are avoidable. Most common causes of death through injuries arise from car accidents, falls, accidental drug overdose and fires. Limit risks of injuries by taking sensible precautions such as wearing a seat belt, installing smoke alarms and not taking risks which could result in slipping or falling.

4. Stroke

Although stroke is the third most common cause of death among men and women in the U.S., this figure slips to fourth when accounting for men alone. The main risk associated with stroke is high blood pressure whereby certain groups of people more are susceptible. These include the elderly, African-Americans and those with a family history of strokes. By taking a proactive approach such as not smoking, eating more cholesterol lowering foods, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help to reduce risks of stroke.

5. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Illnesses such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the fifth most common cause of death among men. These diseases affect the lungs making it difficult to breathe and once the damage is done it cannot be repaired. Men who smoke have a twelve times greater risk of contracting chronic lower respiratory diseases. Therefore, the single most beneficial step to take in preventing these deadly diseases is to stop smoking.

6. Type II diabetes

Number six in the list of health threats for men is type II diabetes. Frequently men are unaware they have type II diabetes because symptoms are not always obvious. Again, this is often a preventable disease, brought on by eating an excessively unhealthy diet high in fats, sugar and salt which is worsened by weight gain or taking too little exercise. Left untreated, type II diabetes can lead to possible nerve or kidney damage, blindness or heart disease.

7. Flu

It may seem surprising that such a common, everyday illness should make it into the top ten health concerns for men. But flu in its many forms is responsible for thousands of deaths each year, mainly affecting the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. The safest precautions are to have an annual flu vaccine and take extra care with washing hands after visiting public places.

8. Suicide

Sadly, suicide is the eighth most common cause of death in men in the United States. Depression or other forms of mental illness are the main reasons behind suicide attempts with contributing factors including family history of suicide, unemployment and isolation from others. Medication and counseling can help, and men feeling depressed should always seek advice from a doctor.

9. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is most frequently caused by diabetes. It develops slowly with symptoms often going unnoticed for years until chronic renal failure occurs. It’s therefore important to keep an eye out for early signs. These could include a need to urinate more frequently, cloudy urine or unusual tiredness. Since kidneys are responsible for eliminating waste products, eating a healthy diet which limits salt intake along with losing weight or taking medication can help reduce the risks.

10. Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, mainly affecting people over the age of 60. It’s a progressive illness, gradually destroying brain functioning and causing impaired cognitive behavior. Unfortunately, once brain deterioration has begun, it is irreversible. While as yet there is no definitive preventative method, taking sensible steps towards a healthy lifestyle and keeping mentally active may be worthwhile.

When examining the top ten health concerns for men, it becomes apparent that many of the risks associated with contracting such diseases can be greatly reduced simply through making diet and lifestyle changes. Keeping weight within a normal range, eating a healthy diet, keeping fit and exercising caution where necessary are the best preventative methods for extending a lifespan.

Sources:
msn.com - mens health
nia.nih.gov
medicinenet

How To avoid making diet mistakes

2015-02-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone embarking on a diet for the first time could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed at the abundance of diet foods on sale. Supermarket shelves are groaning under the weight of products labeled 'diet', 'fat-free', ‘low-fat’, 'lite' or 'low calorie' which can lead to all sorts of confusion.

Eating out involves dodging minefields of hidden calories, while some healthy foods can do more to hinder your diet than help it.

To avoid falling into these dieters traps, here are a few of the most common pitfalls most likely to catch out the unwary dieter:

Fat-free or low fat

While fat-free and reduced fat foods should be chosen over their full fat counterparts, some products can be deceptively high in sugar. For example, yogurts or cookies often compensate for lack of fat by adding extra sugar, which means more calories. So when you're choosing a low-fat or low-calorie product, ensure they are also lower in calories than the original. And products labeled 'lower fat' or lite' aren't automatically low calorie. They only needs to contain less fat than the original version, but may not necessarily be low fat. So beware of the calorie count in these products.

Healthy but high calorie

Not all healthy foods are dieters friends. Some healthy foods should only be eaten in small amounts. Take nuts and seeds for example. While they are extremely beneficial for our well-being, they're also high in calories. A small bag of sunflower seeds contains more calories than the average candy bar and just one small handful of cashew nuts has over 180 calories.

The sweetest fruits, such as pineapples, mangoes, bananas and grapes, also contain lots of natural sugars and are therefore higher in calories too. So, although fruit is definitely recommended while you’re on a diet, choose carefully.

Label alert

Most food packaging is now labeled with useful nutritional information. Reading these labels should help us make suitable choices, however these labels can be confusing and unless you read them carefuly, they can easily be misread. For example,the indicated serving size could be for one person or two. It may even be for half a packet or a certain number of ounces. Always be on the alert for the different methods used for such information so you’re not caught out.

Portion size

Portion sizes nowadays are far too large. According to a US study, people serving themselves ice-cream with a large spoon and bowl, ended up eating 60 percent more. However, when they used a small spoon with the same bowl, they dished out 31percent less. To make it easier not to fall into the portion size trap, swap large serving plates and bowls for smaller ones, and consider eating with a smaller spoon.

Eating out and takeaways

When you're eating out or ordering a takeaway, always be on your guard. Restaurants love to negate any health benefits of a plate of vegetables by drowning them in butter. Salads can turn into a high fat and calorific nightmare with the addition of oily dressings. The same goes for rich and creamy sauces. As long as you stick to tomato based sauces, steer clear of anything fried and ask for dressings on the side, you shouldn't have too much trouble sticking to your diet.

Make your diet successful by not falling into any of the common pitfalls. Watch out for misleading labels, go easy on your portion sizes, and remember that healthy foods can be high in calories too. By making wise choices while grocery shopping, eating out and preparing food, you should find it easy to avoid the hidden pitfalls and soon be well on the way to achieving your weight loss goals.

How To Cope with (IBS) Irritable Bowel Syndrome when pregnant

2015-02-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

Coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be difficult at the best of times and pregnancy may have an impact on the symptoms. Some sufferers find their IBS symptoms improve whereas others may find they worsen.

It's therefore vital that particular attention is given to ensuring the diet provides proper pregnancy nutrition for meeting the growing needs of the baby while minimizing IBS symptoms in the expectant mother.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive-related problem displaying symptoms such as bloating, excess wind, painful cramps or diarrhea. IBS is commonly triggered by stress or hormones but symptoms are often aggravated by eating certain types of food whereby relief is only found once these foods are restricted.

Likewise, pregnancy can also cause digestive problems such as morning sickness, heartburn, indigestion and constipation. For many, these symptoms gradually disappear after the first few months while others will suffer with them for the entire pregnancy. As with IBS, some of these symptoms are worsened by eating certain foods, although some food can bring relief for problems like heartburn and indigestion.

Common trigger foods for sufferers of IBS include onions, pulses, prunes and vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli, those containing caffeine and wheat based products. Heartburn and indigestion in pregnancy can be caused by foods that may irritate the stomach. For instance, acidic fruits such as oranges and other citrus fruits, spicy or high fat foods, tomato products and caffeine.

If symptoms of IBS are currently being managed through diet, it's best to continue doing this throughout the pregnancy so as not to worsen the condition. As far as possible try avoiding all foods which trigger IBS, particularly if symptoms include diarrhea. It is important though, to ensure that where an important food group cannot be tolerated, an alternative substitute is eaten instead so vital nutrients aren't excluded from the diet.

For example, some women find their IBS symptoms worsen when they consume dairy products. However, pregnant women need to eat plenty of calcium of which dairy is a valuable source. Good alternative sources of calcium include lactose free milk, soya milk, calcium fortified drinks and some foods such as fortified cereals, broccoli, spinach, tofu, sweet potatoes and lentils. Obviously, if any of these foods trigger IBS, they should be avoided and it would be advisable to take a calcium supplement.

In some cases, pregnancy can improve IBS symptoms. For example, pregnant women often experience constipation as a result of taking iron tablets, but also due to the digestive system becoming sluggish as the pregnancy progresses. IBS sufferers who tend to suffer loose stools as a symptom sometimes find they can now tolerate certain foods during their pregnancy that would otherwise cause adverse reactions.

Those suffering from more severe IBS may find their diet becomes quite limited throughout the pregnancy, making mealtimes somewhat tedious. In these cases it can be useful to buy a new cookbook for expectant mothers as these often provide recipes offering suitable substitutes for ingredients which the IBS sufferer can't easily eat.

Coping with irritable bowel syndrome in pregnancy can be managed through careful monitoring of the diet. Avoiding foods which worsen symptoms while making some dietary substitutions should help to maintain a healthy diet throughout the pregnancy. Always consult regularly with the doctor or a nutritionist and make sure they’re fully aware of the extent of the IBS symptoms so they can provide suitable dietary advice for a healthy pregnancy.

Further sources:

NHS Healthy Eating in Pregnancy

How to remove chest wrinkles - Decollette review

2015-02-10T07:08:00.001-08:00

A wrinkly cleavage causes some women as much angst as facial wrinkles. They can affect anyone, not just those of advancing years and women most prone to suffering from them are side sleepers. Apart from using invasive procedures to tackle the problem or sleeping permanently on your back, there’s not much you can do to improve them. However, there is an alternative and completely natural way of banishing chest creases, (at least temporarily), with a product called 'La Decollette'.

What is La Decollette

La Decollete is a strange looking piece of underwear, which is designed to be worn while you sleep. Although it has the appearance of a regular bra from the back view, the front is entirely different altogether. It’s a bit like a bra without the cups, so your breasts are not covered. Instead, La Decollette is composed of a soft, rectangular piece of spongy material which is attached to the straps and is designed to fit smoothly against your chest while separating your breasts.

How did the idea come about?

La Decollete was designed by a Dutch lady called Rachel de Boer, who came up with the idea after becoming unhappy with her own wrinkly cleavage. A friend suggested sleeping with a cushion between her breasts and, although that worked, it was somewhat impractical. So La Decollette was born.

Who can use it?

Anyone can use it, apart from men, unless they are particularly troubled by chest wrinkles! It’s most helpful for women who sleep on their sides as this position forces the skin between the breasts to squash together, causing the cleavage area to become creased. Wrinkly cleavages can affect almost any women eventually, and it makes little difference whether your breasts are large or small.

How do you use it?

You put on La Decollette just as you would a regular bra. It still has to be done up at the back so it’s often easier putting it on back to front then twisting it around. The back and shoulder straps are fully adjustable. However, it’s important to make sure they’re tight enough so La Decollette fits snuggly against your chest, otherwise the effects won’t be as noticeable. To further enhance the results, it’s recommended you moisturize your cleavage area before putting the bra on.

When do you see results?

You should see a noticeable improvement after just one night of wearing La Decollette and when used on consecutive nights, the creases on your décolleté continue to fade. However, you must keep using it as long as you want your cleavage to appear smooth.

Where can you purchase it?

La Decollette is available in black or white and can be purchased via their online site and costs £44.95 (US$72.25) at the time of writing. They ship to European countries and it should be available in the US in the near future.

Personal experiences

I began using La Decollette around a year ago after realizing the set of creases on my own décolleté had taken up permanent residence rather than disappearing during the day. Since special moisturizing creams did little to improve the situation, and I wasn’t about to start sleeping on my back, La Decollette sounded like the perfect solution. Ordering was a simple process, all done online and it took about a week to arrive.

Once getting over the acute embarrassment of wearing something that resembles some sort of S&M contraption, I have to admit, it is exceptionally comfortable. Yes, it’s odd to look at and you certainly can’t hide it, even underneath nightwear as it bulges unnaturally between the breasts. However, after the initial outbursts of laughter from family members, everyone is now used to seeing me wearing this strange contraption at nighttime.

When lying down it feels as if you are snuggling a soft toy, which is actually quite nice. La Decollette is designed as one size fits all. However, in my case, being quite small, I can’t get the straps quite tight enough so it’s a bit looser than I think it should be. Therefore I find the effects aren’t quite as good nearer my neck as it’s not tight enough. But the rest of my décolleté is much smoother, even after one night of wearing it.

As described, the effects do improve after wearing it on consecutive days but I find the creases don’t disappear entirely. And whenever I don’t use it, the wrinkles are back in full force the next morning.

The only negative point I have to say about La Decollette, apart from it’s odd appearance, is that during the summer, it is unbearably hot to wear. This is annoying as this is the time of year when I’m most likely to be exposing my chest area to the elements and not covering up under layers of clothing. Nowadays, I generally only wear it the night before I want to make sure I have a smoother décolleté the next day and not at all during the colder months.

Overall, La Decollette is a clever idea which effectively works to smooth away wrinkle creases. It may not remove them completely and without continued use, wrinkles return to their previous state. It is bulky and quite hot to wear during the night but it is comfortable. It’s certainly recommended for women who are self conscious about wrinkle creases and are looking for a natural way to smooth them away.

How your eyes can predict stroke risk

2015-02-04T01:08:00.000-08:00

Strokes can occur suddenly and without warning. The effects can be devastating, either resulting in a permanent disability or worse, death. In the United States alone, more than 700,000 people suffer from a stroke every year.

While no one can be sure whether they will have a stroke, risk factors such as high blood pressure or heart disease are often used to predict whether someone has a higher risk. However, according to some studies, the eyes may provide vital information as to whether someone is likely to have a stroke.

The results of a study published in Neurology October 11, 2005, suggest that tiny blood vessels in the retina undergo small changes before someone suffers from a stroke. The study undertaken at the University of Sydney, Australia, involved photographing the retinas of 3,654 patients aged 49 or above. Those without diabetes and retinal arteriolar signs were assessed for the presence of retinopathy (non-inflammatory damage).

Over the period of seven years, it was found that those who suffered with retinopathy had a 70 percent greater chance of suffering from stroke. This percentage took into account the typical risk factors associated with stroke including age, sex, blood pressure and whether or not they smoked. It was noted that the retinopathy was stronger in those without diabetes or severe hypertension.

The results from this study could enable doctors to monitor a patient's eyes for stroke risk, despite the absence of other risk factors such as hypertension. By doing this it could be possible to prevent many more strokes than is possible using conventional methods and ultimately save more lives.

Interestingly, the eyes may provide another link to the risks of someone suffering from a stroke. According to a study published in the American Academy of Neurology, it was found that the shingles virus may be a key indicator of stroke risk. Of particular note was the fact that those who contracted ocular shingles (where skin in and around the eye and becomes infected), had a four times greater risk of suffering from a stroke in the year after suffering from shingles. As with the previous study on the presence of retinopathy, the participants of this study also displayed no other risk factors associated with stroke.

It's not all bad news though. Although those who suffered from ocular shingles were more likely to have an ischemic stroke (interruption of blood flow causing brain cells to die), they were less likely to have hemorrhagic stroke (burst blood vessel causing bleeding around the brain). While these findings don’t prove that ophthalmic shingles will cause a stroke, it does provide useful evidence that someone may be more at risk of an ischemic stroke if they’ve had ocular shingles.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death along with heart disease and cancer. Although as yet, there is no cure for stroke, it is possible to predict the likelihood of their occurrence by looking for warning signs such as hypertension. However, not everyone who suffers a stroke has these symptoms. Therefore, research linking the eye to the possibility of a stroke, despite the absence of other symptoms, makes it particularly valuable for predicting strokes in those who would otherwise have been unaware they were at risk.

Clairol Herbals Essence Hello Hydration Conditioner review

2015-01-28T04:13:00.002-08:00

Subjecting your hair to the daily torture of a hair dryer, straighteners, hot rollers or curling tongs can quickly lead to dry and damaged hair. Sadly, once it’s damaged, it’s difficult ever getting it back into good condition again. Simply shampooing alone is never enough to restore shine or give it a glossy and healthy appearance and many hair conditioners struggle to inject any kind of life into listless hair. Fortunately, Clairol Herbal Essences have a wonderful range of affordable hair conditioners which smell fantastic and work fantastically well.

Among one of their popular products is the ‘Hello Hydration’ moisture and shine range which is targeted at those whose locks need a little extra hydration. It aims to do this by hydrating dry hair with its silkening ingredients, leaving it soft, smooth and beautifully moisturized.

Clairol Herbals Essences are always easy to pick out on the store shelves. Just look out for their unique wavy bottle design where the conditioners stand on their lids and the shampoos fit next to them standing the other way up. Together with their gorgeously exotic decorated bottles all infused with delicious fragrances, they look and smell good enough to eat.

Having been a long term user of Clairol’s hair conditioners, I’ve worked my way through most of the range and the Hello Hydration conditioner which is fused with Hawaiian coconut and orchid flower is one I keep coming back to.

The bottle is designed in such a way that it’s really easy to hold and use while having a shower. There’s no messing around with undoing lids. You simply push one side of the lid in, squeeze the bottle and out it comes. I always apply loads of conditioner over my hair, usually a good golf ball sized amount, though naturally the longer your hair the more you’ll need.

As soon as you slather your hair with this conditioner, you can tell right away the results will be good. The pale blue cream is really rich and every strand of hair feels exceptionally well coated. No matter how much you put on, it doesn’t drip off. It’s so thick it feels like a hair mask.

Upon rinsing the conditioner out, the benefits are immediately noticeable. Despite the richness of the conditioner, there isn’t any greasy residue left as some conditioners tend to deposit. My hair feels incredibly shiny and smooth, taking away any trace of roughness that usually remains after washing out the shampoo beforehand. Once my hair has been dried and styled, it feels soft and silky with no trace of frizzy or flyaway hair. And the smell is divine. My hair isn't particularly shiny, but I usually find I need other products such as serums to give it a shine anyway.

Among hair conditioners, this one is right up there with the best. I can’t say it’s any better than the other conditioners designed for dry or damaged hair within the Clairol range, but it’s nice to be able to choose a different fragrance sometimes.

It’s easy to see why Herbal Essences are so popular. They are sold at an affordable price and perform equally as well or better than many of the premium brands. Although I try out expensive conditioners from time to time, I always return to Clairol Herbal Essences. Using it feels like you are giving your hair a real treat but without the expense of going to a hair dresser.

Guide to the deli counter in supermarkets

2015-01-20T02:13:00.000-08:00

The term ‘deli’ is an abbreviation of the word delicatessen, meaning ‘fine foods’ or delicacies. Though they may not all sell delicacies, many supermarkets and grocery stores do have a dedicated deli counter where you can find all manner of ready-to-eat, chilled food items. They are much like a mini-market within the main store where their purpose is to provide the customer with the ‘personal’ touch traditionally received in a specialist shop such as a butchers or bakery.

How you are served

The deli counter is often situated towards the back of the supermarket, alongside which there may be a fish or meat counter and possibly an in-store bakery. At some deli counters you are required to take a numbered ticket whereby you wait for your number to be called in order to be served. While waiting your turn, you can browse the selection of foods through clear glass.

What they sell

The type of food served at a deli counter can vary widely from store to store. However, food you're most likely to find on offer will include ready-to-eat cold cuts such as smoked ham, bologna, salami and pastrami. Many will include a good selection of cheeses from around the world. Also popular are Mediterranean dips like hummus, and the Greek dips taramasalata and tzatziki. You'll also often find prepared salads made up from potato, pasta or rice. Often included are nibbles for Italian antipasti like green and black olives while some will sell more expensive items like caviar.

Sampling and tasting

The deli counter is a great place to ‘try before you buy’. Some counter staff are happy to offer you a sample or taster of something you'd like to try. The benefits of doing this serve both the customer and the grocery store. As well as offering you the chance of sampling foods without having to spend money on buying the full sized ready packaged product, it can also introduce you to a range of foods you may not normally be tempted to buy. This is also good for the supermarket as if you do like something, then you are likely to purchase the larger, ready packed version from the main supermarket shelves.

Purchasing and paying

When you buy your food from the deli counter you get to choose the exact quantities you need so it's a fantastic means of reducing waste. For instance, if you normally purchase pre-packed cheese but find you can't manage to finish it by the use by date, it may end up in the trash. One thing to note when buying from the deli counter is most items do have a short shelf life so often have to be eaten within one to three days.

Once you’ve picked out your items, the server packs, weighs and prices them up. You then pop them into your shopping trolley or basket and pay at the checkout along with the rest of your shopping.

Not every grocery store or supermarket will have a deli counter but if you can find one, it's certainly worth paying a visit, particularly if you're looking for last minute ideas for a party. And in these tough economic times, shopping at the deli counter is a great way of saving on waste as you only pay for the amount you need. You get to choose from a wide variety of fresh and exciting foods and shop in a way which is cost effective for you.

So if you've never shopped at the deli counter in a grocery store, why not give it a try? You may be in for a tasty surprise.