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Vacuum Sealers – Things to Consider

In this day in age, vacuum sealers are used by many money saving households, but did you know that until recently, vacuum sealers were not available to the general public. Their use was restricted to manufacturers who distributed foods nationwide.

Here are a few things to consider if you are interested in purchasing and using a vacuum sealer for your food.

About Vacuum Sealers

In their infancy, when vacuum sealers were released to the public, they were of very poor quality and did little to preserve the food that they were intended for. They were big and bulky and made a lot of noise when you used them. Over the years, improvements have been made and today, there are several different vacuum sealers that are dependable and durable.

Although the initial cost of the vacuum sealer may seem a little high, the money that you can save by preserving your groceries is well worth the cost. While it will be necessary to purchase special bags for the vacuum sealer, it is possible to use the generic bags that are available in any department store.

Save Money

With the rising cost of food these days, you want to do everything you can to preserve what you buy until you can use it. A vacuum sealer will do just that. The food is kept fresh, and if you have already prepared food, the bags can be boiled and if you snip the corner, you can microwave the food for a quick hot dinner in minutes. Love it! A vacuum sealer is a wonderful appliance to have in you kitchen for many reasons. You cannot only preserve the food that you want to prepare for future meals you can also use it to preserve meals that you have already cooked.

Vacuum Sealers How To

It is however, important to note that reading the instructions on the appliance is very important.

There are important tips that you must follow to insure that your sealer works properly. Often times little things can be overlooked which can lead to the vacuum sealer breaking down. When you attempt to seal food, either fresh or already prepared, it is important that the food is partially frozen. This is because the juices or sauces from the food can be sucked into the pump during the vacuum process and because it is motorized, the liquid will ruin it, rendering it useless to use on any other dish. There really is no special plates that you will need to put your food on when you use a vacuum sealer, paper, plastic or glass all work equally to insure the quality of your food. If you opt to, you can place the food directly in the bag and seal it.

Vacuum sealers can extend the life of your food for many weeks, and if you freeze it, the life can be extended for years. This type of machine is perfect for those on a budget or who have large families. It is one of the best appliances to hit the market in many years.

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Eco-Friendly Decorating Tips

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When it is time for a change in your home and you are concerned about the earth, you want to find eco-friendly decorating tips you can follow. Luckily, numerous decorating companies understand your desire to protect the environment. Not only do they make products from recycled materials, they also offer sustainable goods. The following tips will make your home both eco-friendly and beautiful.

Tip #1 No matter which room in your home you are redecorating, chances are you will want a luxurious rug in which to sink your toes. Eco-friendly rug manufacturers make hypoallergenic rugs with materials that keep the environment in mind. Choose rugs that do not use formaldehyde and other toxins. Your family and the environment will thank you.

Tip #2 Re-use and re-purpose items you may already own. If you are trying to find ways to separate the living space in a large room, a screen divider is the perfect solution. Make a screen divider out of one or more screen doors. Add a panel of fabric over each door and hinge them together. The nice part of this idea is that you have reused something you have on hand and you can change out the fabric with the seasons.

Tip #3 Natural materials are also a part of eco-friendly decorating. If you must purchase a new piece of furniture, find one that is unfinished. This will keep harmful stains out of your home. Instead, rub mineral oil into the wood to protect it and create a warm glow.

Tip #4 Another option for a “new” furniture purchase is to look at places like Goodwill, Salvation Army or other consignment stores. Quite often, you can find just what you are looking for at a reduced price. This will keep items out of the overfull landfills and more of your money in your wallet.

Tip #5 Bring the outdoors into your home. You can place live plants around your home to make it more “green.” You can also bring in natural elements. For instance, if you have a large glass vase, put pine cones, dried seedpods or fruit into it. You can also place bowls of fruit on tables. Let your family enjoy the fruit to keep it from spoiling; you can always replace it.

Tip #6 Add a water element to your home. You can do this with a water fountain or by placing colorful jars on a windowsill with plenty of sunlight during the day. The water will absorb the heat as the sun shines on it and then release the heat at night to warm the room.

Tip #7 Use natural materials like wicker baskets or wooden crates to contain items instead of buying plastic containers is an easy eco-friendly decorating tips. This will give you the storage you need and allow you to continue with your eco-friendly chic decorating.

Consider what you want your home to look like and then find eco-friendly decorating options. By using these ideas, and thinking of other ways you can make your home “green,” you will be doing your part to help the environment.

How to Choose the Right Jogging Stroller

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I had a jogging stroller when my kids were small, and my family loved it. Jogging with your family is a fun and easy way for moms to get back in shape (dads can use them as well). The whole family can go jogging together before baby can even walk! But how do you choose the right jogging stroller for your family? Here are some tips.

Jogging Stroller Types

There are various types of jogging strollers, while they have basic features in common. For example, all jogging strollers are specially designed for speed. They have three wheels instead of four, and the wheels do not pivot. Within these basics there are various types.

Stroller for two – Some jogging strollers are built for two children (this is the type I had). These double strollers can accommodate up to 125 pounds. A two-child design could come in handy for those with twins, two young children who are close in age, or an older child and a newborn. Most have a choice between 16- or 20-inch wheels.

Bike trailers – A variation of the jogging stroller is the bike trailer, which can be converted back into a jogging stroller with a special kit. These usually accommodate up to 125 pounds, too.

Single stroller – The one-baby stroller is probably the most common jogging stroller. These usually accommodate up to 75 pounds. Like the double stroller, you can usually choose between 16- and 20-inch wheels.

Jogging Stroller Features

Various jogging strollers have different features. Here are some to consider.

Weather – If you live somewhere where there is a lot of harsh sun or long periods of rain (snow in my area), some weatherproofing features might be a good idea. Most jogging strollers have a sun canopy, while bike trailers are more likely to have rain and insect protection.

Safety – Sources point out the importance of a hand break and secure harness for holding children safely in the stroller. You might also want to look for a parking lock.

Wheel size – As noted above, you can choose the size of the jogging stroller’s wheels. You may not think this is important, but it actually can make a lot of difference depending on your terrain. At the beach, for instance, or for long-distance running, you’ll want larger wheels (20-inch). For strictly smooth and level surfaces, 12-inch wheels will do. In the middle are 16-inch wheels, which work well for grass and off-road terrain.

Price – There’s a rather wide range of prices on jogging strollers. They can be as little as $75 or as much as $400. Some of the cost depends on size; larger strollers cost more. Other factors are the features – the farther you get from the basics, the more expensive the stroller (usually). Sometimes it’s just the brand name that costs. A good rule of thumb is to look for a jogging stroller that has the basic safety features and has good safety reviews, and go from there.

Handmade Bath Products – Creating Great Gifts

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There are time when you may not be able to purchase all of the things you’d like to at Christmas or for any occasion where a gift is a must. Luckily giving doesn’t have to cost much. Handmade bath products are easy to make, inexpensive and something many people would really enjoy receiving.

You can create handmade bath products for one bath use or in bulk, depending upon how many people you have on your list. Below are recipes for large quantities as well as an individual bath.

Bulk Bath Products

1 cup baking soda
1 cup cream of tarter
¼ cup corn starch
2-5 drops essential oil

One Bath Ingredients

1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon of cornstarch
2-3 drops of essential oil

Mix all of the ingredients in a jar except the essential oils; this will be added at the time of the bath to keep the baking soda from neutralizing the scent. With fizzy baths, you can make their bath time dreams come true. Here’s how:

Fizzy Bath Products

8 ounces corn starch
8 ounces citric acid
16 ounces baking soda
1 teaspoon fragrance oil

Combine the corn starch and citric acid until well incorporated.
Add the fragrant oil to the desired strength and then blend in the baking soda.
Store the fizzy bath crystals in a tightly covered jar.
For a bath, use ¼ to ½ cup per bath.

Fruity Handmade Bath Products

3 quarts of Epsom salt
3 envelopes of non-sugar powdered drink mix

Combine together and you are done.

You can create a visual treat as well as bath treat by using three different ‘flavors’ of powdered drink in one quart of Epsom salt. Layer the salt in a glass jar, seal it carefully and add a bow.

Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal baths are great for those with itchy or dry skin, particularly in winter months. Combine:

4 parts Epsom salt
2 parts sea salt
1 part non-fat powdered milk
1 part ground oatmeal
a few drops of essential oil

Place the mixture in a jar with a lid.

To enjoy the bath, add 1/3 of the mixture into warm bath water. Depending upon the scents you use, these can be made for both men and women.

Giving doesn’t have to cost much if you’re willing to create handmade bath products. You probably have many of the ingredients in your home right now. If you don’t, they aren’t very expensive to purchase. With a little bit of time and effort you can create great gifts to give to your loved ones.

Common Dental Health Problems In Children

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You might think cavities are the number one dental health problem children have with their teeth but that is just the beginning. Although children do have “baby teeth” they will grow out of and replace with permanent teeth, dental care is very important for children. Setting a good foundation of proper dental hygiene will help stave off problems with permanent teeth that are more difficult to remedy. Here are a few of the more common dental health problems children have with their teeth.

Tooth Decay and Acid Erosion

Tooth decay is a big problem that can be avoided. First, it’s important to only serve milk, breast milk, water or formula in a baby bottle — never put juice, soft drinks or other sugary drinks in a bottle. Not only can sugars cause tooth decay, but many of these sugary drinks are acidic and can cause acid erosion, which can wear off the enamel on the tooth.

Unlike a cavity, acid erosion erodes the entire surface of the tooth at once. So be sure to avoid any acidic drinks – this includes even diet soft drinks. Also, it’s important to be sure your child has enough fluoride. After a child reaches toddlerhood and is able to spit out toothpaste, it’s safe to begin using a fluoridated toothpaste. Finally, proper brushing – for at least two minutes in the morning at night, as well as flossing and regular dental visits, can make a big difference in your child’s dental health.

Difficulty Brushing

Smaller children need help. First thing, the sink is quite high for the little ones. Consider a step-stool or lifting them up to reach the sink. Be sure that they can move the brush around at a proper angle so they can reach all of their teeth and every corner of their mouth. It’s ok if you guide the brush for them so they can get the feel for what they should be doing. Some dentists, in fact, recommend that parents supervise or even assist with brushing until children reach the age of six.

Teething Pain

The unfortunate truth is that teething is painful. However, there are remedies to help alleviate the pain. Many parents recommend a cold wash cloth or even a frozen wash cloth. The cold sensation helps to numb the mouth and the washcloth is a good texture for biting. There are teething rings, plastic toys – any baby will tell you that there’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a good board book. And, you can also check with your pediatrician to see if an over the counter pain reliever such as infant ibuprofen at night.

Knock Out!

One of the biggest problems children have with their teeth is that they get knocked out. If this happens, be sure to bring as many pieces as possible to your dentist. He or she may not be able to replace the tooth in its entirety, but every little bit helps.

Proper dental health care is essential for children. Knowing some of the more common problems can help you be on the lookout to avoid them – and as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Laying a solid foundation of the most basic dental care, such as brushing twice daily for two minutes, flossing, avoiding sugary and acidic drinks and making regular visits to the dentist can make a big difference in your child’s life.

Fun and Easy Ways to Organize Your Coupons

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Couponing can be a real hassle if you don’t know how to organize your coupons. Most of us know that every good system begins with organization.

Now, organization can be boring. It can be paperclips and Post-it notes. Or it can be fun. What’s more fun than saving lots of money with coupons? Saving that money in style!

The Clutch

Ideally, you’ll take your coupons with you whenever you’re out running errands or shopping. Now, a recipe box method works quite well to organize coupons. However, it can be bulky to carry around. The clutch isn’t bulky at all. In fact, it can fit right inside your purse or bag. There are coupon clutches that you can buy. They come in fun colors and patterns.

But you can also make your own. A coupon clutch is merely a small fabric binder; you can choose the size you want to make it but 8×10 is a good rule of thumb. Inside, sew a small three-ring binder into place. Plastic sleeves help you organize your coupons by category, date, or store. Whenever you’re out shopping, all you need to do is pull your binder out of your bag and you have instant access to your coupon collection.

Day Runner Coupon Organizer

Day Runner, a leader in planning and organization tools, also makes a coupon organizer. It’s a spiral bound binder small enough to fit in a bag. Inside it offers pockets to place your coupons. It also provides a calendar and list-making tools. The nice thing about this organizer is that it’s sturdy, wire bound, and colorful.

However, you may not like the pockets. Coupons can easily slide out of them. One solution is to clip the coupons to the pocket. The categories are predefined which makes finding your coupons quick and easy.

Good Old Three-Ring Binder

Three-ring binders have infinite uses. They’re great for storing household information, take out menus, and of course for storing and organizing coupons. What’s truly fun about three-ring binders is that you can find great colors and patterns in your local store’s back to school section. And if fun colors aren’t for you, they make sophisticated leather bound binders too. Another benefit to the three-ring binder is the ability to customize your organization system to meet your needs and style.

For example, some people prefer to organize by expiration date and others by product or category. You get to decide. With a few simple tools like plastic sleeves and dividers, you can create a system that is simple and easy to use.

Find a system that works for you. It’ll mean the end of the old “coupons in the envelope” method. It’ll also be the end of missing coupons, feeling flustered at the checkout line, and stress.