HomeMade Style

How To Select Floor Tile

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:51:00 +0000

Choosing the right tile for your floor is not as you think. There are a number of factors you should look into before settling for what you think is the perfect tile for your floor.

Tip #1 - Determine the floor to tile

Once you determined the floor you wish to tile, next step is to identify how the floor will be used. For kitchen and bath for example, you may want to settle for kitchen and bath tile that has a slight raised pattern, or texture to it so its not too slippery for walking.

Play room floor will likely experience a lot of jumping, running, hitting, and bouncing so you may need to look for the more durable tiles.

Tip #2 - Decide the type of tile

Depending on your room's specific requirements, you can choose to use tiles that are made of bricks, concrete, ceramic, cork, glass, mosaic, peel and stick, porcelain, terra cotta, terrazzo, and many more.

Tip #3 - Size and color of tile

A lot of tile comes in a standard 12 inch by 12 inch size. There are also small sizes like 10 x 10 inches, or 8 x 8 inches. Afterwards, decide on the color and pattern you want. Please note not all types of tiles come in all colors or patterns.

Tip #4 - Measure the floor

Calculate the number of tiles needed to cover your floor. Be sure to set budget for some extra tiles in case you need to cut or replace damaged tiles.

Tip #5 - Check your budget

Be sure to look at your budget before making final decision to ensure you won't face any problem along the way. Get some estimates and ask for tips from experts.

5 Tips To Get A Office Cleaning Service

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Keeping a office clean and sanitized is something that companies should also focus on. This is to prevent the spread of viruses or germs that could cause employees to get sick and affect their performance.

If you don't want to spend money paying for your in-house office cleaning crew, hiring a commercial cleaning or office cleaning service is definitely the way to go. There are a number of cleaning companies out there (e.g. office cleaning services Milwaukee). If this is the first time your company is hiring a cleaning service, you may want to do some research first to get the best value and within your office specifications.

Tip #1 - It's best to hire a local company. A local cleaning company can respond to your needs quickly.

Tip #2 - Check the company's expertise. Depending on the requirements or nature of your company, try to evaluate the specialization of the cleaning company you are hiring.

Tip #3 - Find out how many years they've been in the business. Settling to a young company may have its advantage. They can be enthusiastic and willing to work hard at a cheaper price. Old companies on the other hand may have a much higher price but you are sure their years of experience provides the most effective methods of cleaning.

Tip #4 - Ask their previous customers. This is the best way to find out the quality and timeliness of their service, attitude of workers, and how quick they respond to issues. Much like hiring a staff, asking for references gives you an overview of how a cleaning company perform.

Tip #5 - Check their quotations. After you have considered tips 1 to 4 above, its time that you ask for quotations to ensure you understand their prices. Check Vancouver commercial cleaning quotes for example.

Companies with no proper office cleaning method could lose potential customers or investors due to poor sanitation or standards in terms of making the office clean.

How To Select The Best Flooring For Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:44:00 +0000

If we are going to identify the different areas in your house or room that people get to notice first when they enter the door... one of them is the flooring. The flooring of the house always leaves an impact on the person seeing it.

So how do you select the perfect flooring?

First - You need to list down your flooring needs. In this step, you should to be mindful of the functionality. The flooring should be as per the function of the room. Consider also the tone and the mood (e.g. warm, cosy, elegant, etc) that you want in the room. Analyzing the cost and maintenance are also important to avoid going over your budget.

Of course more importantly, you should consider your family to ensure the flooring also meet their needs.

Note: Never settle to buy a floor based solely on looks.

Second - Research flooring options. There are a number of flooring options in the market nowadays. Aside from the traditional concrete floor, possible options you may want are:

1. Rubber flooring
2. Tiles
3. Cork
4. Bamboo floor
5. Carpet
6. Timber floor
7. Natural and Composite stone
8. Chipboard or "yellow-tongue" floor
9. Vinyl
10. Laminate floor

Third - Ask the experts. It's always a good thing to ask and get guidance from people who have the 'know-how'.

If you're within Louisiana, you may want to check Premier Flooring America. Its a company who have been providing quality flooring products and services since 1978. They could be your best option especially if you are in a budget because they offer the best flooring prices and installation service.

In addition, this company provides flooring design tips/ideas, maintenance tips, and many more. They even encourage customers to bring home floor material samples to ensure you get to try or check them before purchasing.

Homemade Chocolate Flavored Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sun, 06 May 2012 13:57:00 +0000

Ingredients:
• 5 egg yolks (beaten)
• 2oz (50g) sugar
• 1 pint (500ml) full cream milk
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 pint (250ml) heavy/double cream
• 1/2 cup of milk or dark chocolate (grated)
• Optional extra: 1 level teaspoon cornflour (for a thicker texture or when using an ice cream maker with a bowl that has to be frozen in advance)

Instructions:
1. Mix together the egg yolks, sugar (and cornflour if using it) in a bowl, stirring well and beat until smooth.
2. Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat gently on a medium heat until hot (Do not boil). Then stir the hot milk into the egg and sugar mix. Mix well.
3. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and heat gently, stirring frequently (Do not boil).
4. After several minutes it will start to thicken into a custard. At this point remove the pan from the heat, add the cocoa powder using a sift and mix well ensuring any lumps of cocoa powder have dissolved.
5. Leave the mixture to cool.

When the custard has cooled, transfer into a chilled bowl.

For best results refrigerate the mix for at least 3 hours (overnight if you have the time). When the custard is thoroughly chilled, pour the double cream into a separate mixing bowl and whip until slightly fluffy. Stir the whipped cream into the chilled custard mixture.

The mixture is now ready to transfer to the ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.About 5 minutes from the end of the freezing cycle, drop the grated chocolate into the ice cream mixture through the ice cream maker opening (in the top).

Serves 8-10.

Mini Pumpkin Muffin Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 08:20:00 +0000

Make the 2010 holidays special and unique with this pumpkin recipe.

* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 4 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 1/2 cup teaspoons salt
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 cup raisins, sweetened dried cranberries, or chopped nuts (optional)
* 1 can 100% pure pumpkin

Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients, except pumpkin, in a large bowl. Pour into 1-quart resealable plastic bag; seal. Wrap muffin mix and can of pumpkin in fabric; tie with ribbon or twine.

This makes 1 serving.

Recipe:
1. Pour muffin mix into large bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup vegetable shortening with pastry blender until mixture is fine.
2. Add 1 can pure pumpkin, 1 cup milk, and 2 large eggs.
3. Mix until just moistened.
4. Spoon into greased or paper-lined mini muffin pans, filling 2/3 full.
5. Bake in pre-heated 400F oven for 15 minutes.
6. Remove to wire racks.
7. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

This recipe makes about 5 dozen mini muffins.

Organic Meal Delivery Service Is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:35:00 +0000

Yup! You read it right. Organic... which means no preservatives, no pesticides, no chemicals, and anything artificial. Only pure organic foods and the best part is... it can now be delivered right at your doorstep anywhere within the United States.

Now that is what I call "organic home delivery" at its best.

One company that does that is Healthy Chef Creations. A Florida based company that offers meal delivery service in the United States. It's headed by Chef John Procacci, an award-winning chef who's passion is preparing organic and natural foods for many years.

The company was even featured by Newsweek as the "Tastiest of the Bunch" in 2008.

Amazingly, Healthy Chef Creations never mass produced their meals. All foods are created individually in a well sanitized, certified, and licensed kitchen so customers are assured of freshness, and high-quality meals. And guess what? They guarantee meal freshness for 9 days!

Healthy Chef Creations can deliver fresh breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert for your whole family. Their program is fully customizable which means you can have your own preferences & dietary restrictions. So if you are in a diet, Healthy Chef Creations is the diet food delivery service you need.

So if you're craving now and wanna try them out, just head on to their website or call 1-866-575-2433.

If you wanna order for the whole family, they have three different plans to choose from. The first one includes dinner and dessert. The second one includes lunch, dinner, and dessert. And the third one includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. All are made with premium organic ingredients and will be delivered to you fresh on Friday's.

You can also order individually if you want. But to do that, I think you need to register on their website.

I've seen their menus online and I can tell you... their foods looks great and tasty. Even the soups and desserts looks so delicious and yummy!

Homemade Salad Dressings

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 15:13:00 +0000

I don't eat much when it comes to any vegetable salad though they taste really good especially if served with delicious salad dressing.

When you go to any store, you would find that salad dressings are not cheap to buy. So I thought of sharing you some of the most simple but delicious salad dressings that you can do in your own kitchen.

AVOCADO VINAIGRETTE

Ingredients:
• 1 avocado (whole small one or half of a large one)
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbs white wine (optional)
• 1 tbs water (or 2 if not opting for wine)
• 1 tbs lemon or lime juice
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Mash the avocado using a fork.
2. Add the remaining ingredients then cover and shake. Otherwise, use a hand blender or food processor to blend until smooth.
3. Place into container.

FRUIT SALAD DRESSING

Ingredients:
• 2 eggs, beaten light
• 1 Tbs. flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 cup pineapple juice

Instructions:
1. Combine eggs, flour and sugar.
2. Add fruit juices and mix, cook in double boiler stirring constantly until thick.
3. Cool.
4. Store the fruit base in glass in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Note: When you are ready to add the dressing to your fruit salad, fold in one cup of whipped cream to the fruit base. This is good on chopped apple salad with walnuts and chopped celery or on any assortment of mixed fruits.

Homemade Chicken Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:54:00 +0000

In this times wherein flu viruses are a major issue around the world, this homemade chicken soup recipe that I am going to share with you can help treat or lessen the symptoms caused by a flu or cold virus.

Ingredients:
• 1 2-3kg chicken
• 1 package of chicken wings (approx 300-500gm)
• 3 large onions
• 1 large sweet potato
• 3 parsnips
• 2 turnips
• 11-12 large carrots
• 5-6 celery stems
• 1 bunch of parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the chicken, place into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the chicken wings, onions, sweet potato, parsnips, turnips and carrots. Boil for about 1.5 hours.

3. Remove the fat as it accumulates on the surface.

4. Add the parsley and celery and cook for a further 45 minutes. Remove the chicken.

Note: The chicken is not used further for the soup, however, the meat can be removed from the bones and used for another meal (delicious in salads or used to make chicken burritos).

5. Puree the vegetables and broth in a food processor or pass through a sieve.

6. Salt and pepper can be added to taste at this point.

The soup can be served alone, with toast or cooked rice noodles.

Make Your Own Hand Gel Sanitizer

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Hand sanitizers are very common nowadays. A lot of people are using it as if its already part of their lives. Commercial hand sanitizers are expensive but here is one recipe you can use to make your very own homemade hand gel sanitizer using only ingredients you can easily found on your kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 1 bowl
• 1 cup pure aloe vera gel
• 1-2 tsp witch hazel
• 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. Place 1 cup of pure aloe vera gel into the bowl.

2. Slowly mix in 1-2 teaspoons of witch hazel. You do not want the consistency of the gel to become too thin.

3. Add 3-4 drops of tea tree essential oil and 3-4 drops of peppermint essential oil.

4. Slowly stir ingredients together.

NOTE: If you find the consistency to be too thin, add more aloe vera gel a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Store in your desired container.

6. Done!

Use as you would any other hand sanitizer as necessary.

Homemade After Shave

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:39:00 +0000

This one I think will become very useful for men who regularly shave.

Ingredients
• 1/4 cup witch hazel
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup dried herbs or zest

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a glass jar.
2. Cover and place in a dark fairly cool place to steep.
3. Shake the jar once or twice a day.
4. Repeat this process for two to three weeks.
5. Strain out the added products, and store the after shave in a spray bottle or other bottle.

Homemade Valentine's Day Candy Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:34:00 +0000

Let your sweethearts and love ones feel the season of hearts by making them this homemade Valentine's Day chocolate candy hearts that will surely melt their hearts out.

Ingredients:
• Red, white and cocoa colored candy melts
• Sandwich bags (zipper, not pleated)
• Scissors
• Spoon
• Wax paper
• Plate
• Wooden skewer or clean craft paint brush
• Plastic heart-shaped candy mold

Instructions:
1. Put a handful of candy melts into an open zipper sandwich bag.
2. Microwave candy in bag for 30-40 seconds or until melted.
3. Cut one corner of the bag with scissors to squeeze melted candy through.
4. Gently squeeze chocolate out of bag and into the molds.
5. Tap the side of the mold tray to knock out any air bubbles and flatten chocolate.
6. Place in refrigerator until set.
7. Pop out of molds and serve.

Homemade Lollipop

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:41:00 +0000

A lot of children and young at hearts will surely love making their very own lollipops.

Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup Water
• 2 cups Sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
• Flavoring
• Vegetable coloring

Instructions:
1. Combine sugar and Cream of Tartar with the 2/3 cup water.
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Boil until a temp of 290 F. is reached or until a drop of mixture will become hard when dropped into cold water.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Add flavoring and coloring.
6. Pour into greased pans or molds.
7. Insert wooden stick when the mixture is partly cooled.
8. Chill.
9. Enjoy!

Homemade Cleaner For Natural Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:05:00 +0000

This natural glass cleaner will give your windows a streak-free shine and filmyness look.

Ingredients:
• 1/2 tsp Liquid Soap
• 2 cup Water
• 1/4 cup White Vinegar
• Essential Oil

Preparation:
1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
2. Add 5-10 drops of essential oil to your preference.
3. Shake solution before each use.
4. Your done!

Remember to always shake the spray bottle when using to mixed the mixture thoroughly. This solution will not expire.

Homemade Mango Face Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:55:00 +0000

This homemade face cream is easy to make and the ingredients can be found on your kitchen.

Mango Face Cream

Ingredients:
• 3 Tablespoon Mango Butter
• 1 Tablespoon Almond Oil
• 2-3 drops essential oil of lavender, or other of choice.
• 0.5% presevative.

Preparations:
1. Melt 3 tablespoons of mango butter in a very small pot on the stove. Make sure the mango butter temperature reaches 180 degrees. (This removes the graininess from the mango butter)
2. Then remove from heat and add the 1 tablespoon of Almond Oil and a few drops of your essential oil.
3. Stir, pour into small containers like 1/4 - 1/2 clear jars , and let cool for a few hours. (If you would like it a bit thinner you can stir in about 1 teaspoon more of almond oil.)
4. Enjoy!

Note: If you are using ultra refined mango butter, there probably won't "be" any grains in it. Just heat to melting if that is the case. Also, you do not need to refrigerate this cream. It can be doubled or tripled for use as a body cream as well.

Christmas Meat Loaf Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Its Christmas time once more! So I've decided to present some delicious Christmas recipes that are great add up to your Noche Buena.

Ingredients:
• 6 slices of bread
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 4 pcs. eggs (slightly beaten)
• 450 g. ground pork
• 200 g. mixed vegetable
• 1/8 cup flour
• 1/4 cup celery (chopped)
• 1 cup cheese (grated)
• 1 pc. onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 2 tbsp pork seasoning powder
• 1 tbsp margarine
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine milk and eggs.
2. Soak each slice of bread until soft.
3. Set aside.
4. In another large bowl, combine all the ingredients together with bread except margarine and mix well.
5. Lightly grease a 23 cm x 23 cm loaf pan with margarine.
6. Pour in the meat mixture and bake in a preheated oven of 180°C for 2 hours or until cooked.
7. Done!

NOTE: Allow to cool completely before cutting. Serve well with potato chips and salad.

2 Special Gin Cocktail Recipes

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:44:00 +0000

Gin-glazed Salmon

Ingredients:
• 2 ounces gin
• 2 teaspoons strawberry jam
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 ounces guava juice
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1 ounce agave nectar
• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Shake all ingredients together.
3. Brush glaze over salmon fillets.
4. Wrap fillets in aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

Note: This gin glaze also works well on pork or chicken.

Sweet Ginger Gin

Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 ounces gin
• 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
• 3/4 ounces liquefied honey or sugar water

Directions:
1. Shake all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Strain and pour straight up or on the rocks.
3. Garnish with a lime slice.

Easy Homemade Crab Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:35:00 +0000

When I visited Singapore, I had a chance to eat from this very famous restaurant around Clarke Quay. They are famous for their large crabs! I love their crab dip. If only I could have their recipe for that.

Anyway, to make your very own delicious homemade crab dip. You will need the following ingredients:

• 300 g crabmeat, fresh
• 1/2 apple, crisp, peeled, finely diced
• 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• 7 tbsp mayonnaise, homemade
• 2 spring onions, peeled, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice, fresh, or more (to taste)
• salt, to taste
• pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Procedures:
1. Place the crabmeat in a bowl. Stir in the spring onion, apple and coriander.
2. Add mustard and mayonnaise.
3. Season with salt, pepper and lime juice.
4. Chill for 30 minutes in the refridgerator.

It's that easy!

Just remember to always use fresh crabmeat and homemade mayonnaise for the best flavour.

Making Your Own Disinfectant

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:49:00 +0000

Being clean to our surroundings is our first line of defense against health problems. I found here a great way to make a homemade disinfectant.

To begin with, you will need the following:

• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Water
• Plastic spray bottle
• Rags

Procedures:

1. Mix a equal amount of Hydrogen Peroxide and water (50-50) in a spray bottle.

2. Shake your bottle to allow the Hydrogen Peroxide and water mix thoroughly.

3. Your done!

To use it, just spray the disinfectant to any surface and wipe with a clean rag.

Homemade Fire Extinguisher

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:34:00 +0000

Fire breakout can happen at your most unexpected time. And your first line of weapon to fight out the fire is by reaching out for a bucket of water. Fire extinguishers are handy but what about those who can't afford to keep one?

Here is an alternative... A homemade fire extinguisher!

To make your very own fire fighting solution. You will need the following:

• 20 lb common salt
• 10 lb sal ammoniac
• 7 gal. of water
• thin glass bottles

You think its hard to make? Guess again, below are the simple procedures:

1. Dissolve the 20 lb of common salt and 10 lb of sal ammoniac in the 7 gal. of water.

2. Pour the solution in the thin glass bottles, cork tightly and seal to prevent evaporation.

3. Your done!

Now if in case a fire broke out, just throw the solution filled bottles directly or near the flame. Or for small cases, just break off the neck of the bottle and scatter the content on the fire.

For larger fires, it is still necessary to seek a help from the fire station.

Homemade Mango Catsup

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 08:37:00 +0000

Mangoes are a favorite of everyone. Now here is a way on how you can make this all time favorite tropical fruit into a delicious catsup.

You Will Need:
• 1 24-oz. jar refrigerated mango slices, drained
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 2 tsp. water
• 1 tsp. cornstarch

Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, puree mango slices. In a medium saucepan combine mango puree, brown sugar, and vinegar.

2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture comes to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. In a small bowl combine water and cornstarch; stir into mango mixture.

4. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes or until mixture is the consistency of thin ketchup.

5. Cool. Cover and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days (mixture will thicken more during chilling).

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups.

My Family's Simple Ways To Overcome Economic Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:17:00 +0000

The effect of the current economic crisis worldwide is very hard. Prices of commodities are increasing over time coupled with the increases in the transportation fair. Prices of services like electricity and water also relatively risen over the last few months.

It's really a tough time for now. But this can be overcome with proper spending and wise thinking. I have some of the ways me and my family are doing to cut some of our spendings.

1. Only buy cheap but quality products

Most of us always think that products made from other countries are much higher in quality. But what most of us don't know is that some of those products are only made locally. Being luxuriuos isn't always good as it gets. You are just buying the brand and not the product itself.

2. Switch to flourescent bulbs

This is very advisable as incandescent bulbs eats up more electricity than the flourescent bulbs. Its not only that its much more economical but also much more brighter than the incandescent bulbs. And of course, switch off any lights which are not necessary or not in use.

3. Conserve water

How many times I have heard or read this line over the years. When taking a shower, washing dishes, or washing car, use a bucket and a dipper to do the water supply.

4. Walk if you can

I have my own bicycle so I take if for a ride when I need to go on a short distance. I am not only saving money but I am also giving myself a good exercise.

5. Have a lunch box

When I was working, as much as possible I have my lunch with me. This is to avoid spending so much money eating out on fastfoods or restaurants.

As for my family's other spendings like for personal stuffs. We always make sure we are buying the cheapest but of course quality brands.

Let's take for example the eyeglasses of Zenni Optical which are offering the best but cheapest eyeglasses. They will really help in cutting down the eyeglass expense. Where the saved money could be used for other things.

Their products are of high quality but in a lower price. The reason for this is that, Zenni Optical only sells eyeglass products directly from their factory so there is no middleman involved that would add up in the price.

The 5 Steps To Beautiful Skin

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 07:08:00 +0000

Here are 5 things that you should not forget in your skin care regimen:

1. Cleanser

This is the basic and a must in your skin caring habits. This is to get rid of all traces of dirt and grimes. Please note that if you are wearing a make-up, be sure to use a make-up remover first before cleansing your face.

2. Toner

You can use this to remove traces of oil, make-up, and dirt. Toners are also commonly known as a lotion or softener.

3. Infusion

This is a liquid meant to give the skin a burst of hydration to prep it so as to allow the skin to fully absorb the serum and moisturiser that follow.

4. Serum

A treatment lotion containing active ingredients like antioxidants and vitamins that are used to nourish and repair your skin. You can choose from a wide variety of serums available. From anti-ageing to pore refining. These are also commonly known as essence.

5. Moisturiser

These are cream that primarily hydrates your skin as well as locks in moisture on the surface of your skin. Many also know this as emulsion.

Truth is, there is no limit on the number of products you can put on your face but experts warn that indiscriminate use of several products may lead to temporary or worst permanent side effects like redness, irritation, or flaking.

Homemade Oyster Sauce

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:24:00 +0000

Here is a recipe to make your own oyster sauce:

Ingredients:
• 1/2 lb. shucked oysters with liquid
• 1 tbsp. water
• 1 tsp salt
• light soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp. dark soy sauce

Instructions:
1. Drain oysters and reserve the liquid. Mince oysters and place in a saucepan.
2. Add water and reserved liquid and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, add salt and cool completely.
5. Force the mixture through a fine sieve into sauce pan.
6. Measure the liquid, adding 2 tbsp. light soy sauce to each 1/2 cup.
7. Add dark soy sauce and bring to boil.
8. Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 7 minutes.

Cool to room temperature and pour into a sterilized jar. Seal and store in the refrigerator. This sauce can be kept for several weeks.

NOTE: Do not use smoke oyster or any other flavored preparation.

Making Homemade Fertilizer Using Seaweeds

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:29:00 +0000

Commercial fertilizers are a pain in the pocket for farmers nowadays. This is one of the main reason why some agricultural products are so expensive for consumers.

Here is a recipe for a homemade fertilizer using not chemicals but "seaweeds". Great for those living near the ocean as this salt water plant is very abundant and most of all, it's free.

What You Need:
• Seaweeds
• A topless barrel
• Water

Instructions:
1. Wash your seaweeds with fresh water thoroughly to remove the salt deposits. Or, a more easier way but I know effectively only when its rainy season is that let the seaweeds sit in the rain for a few days.

2. When you are sure that there are no more salt deposits present, put the seaweeds on a large topless barrel together with equal amount of fresh water.

3. Let the mixture sit for about eight weeks. Do not forget to stir thoroughly every two or three days.

4. After eight weeks, your seaweed fertilizer is done and ready to apply to your crops.

Easy Homemade Vegetable Juices

noreply@blogger.com (Paulo Martirez) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 01:39:00 +0000

Here are some healthy vegetable juice recipes that you can make in the comfort of your own kitchen:

Carrot, Cucumber, Celery and Apple Juice
Ingredients:
• 4 carrots
• 1 apple
• 1 celery stick
• 1/4 a cucumber
• 1/2 a lemon

Instructions:
1. Wash the ingredients.
2. Cut the ends off the carrots and celery and core the apple.
3. Cut all the ingredients into smaller pieces and juice.
4. Mix well and serve chilled.

Carrot and Apple Juice
Ingredients:
• 8 carrots
• 2 apples
• pinch of ginger

Instructions:
1. Wash the carrots and apples.
2. Core the apples and remove the ends from the carrots.
3. Cut into slices and process in the juicer.
4. Add a pinch of ginger and serve chilled.

Hot Tomato and Carrot Juice
Ingredients:
• 10 oz (300 g) of tomatoes
• 6 oz (175 g) of carrots
• 3 1/2 oz (100 g) of celery
• 1 clove of garlic
• pinch of ginger

Instructions:
1. Wash the tomatoes, carrots and celery.
2. Remove the ends from the carrots and celery.
3. Juice these ingredients together with the clove of garlic and add the ginger.
4. Stir well and serve with ice.