Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Chicken Ala Barbeque Slow Cooker Recipe

Barbecue chicken is always a hit. It is not always possible to do so and if you have a slow cooker such as the Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker you do the chicken in the slow cooker and still get that lovely barbeque taste.

Try this recipe, your family will love it!

Chicken Ala Barbecue Recipe

What You Need:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut up and skinless
  • 1 Cup ketchup
  • 3/4 Tablespoon brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

How to Make It:

  1. Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Place the brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Blend together well being sure all the brown sugar is mixed in well.
  5. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.

Tip: BBQ chicken is a hit any time. Serve with a side of potato salad for a delicious lunch.

As you can see, with a Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker there is almost no work involved. You can put the chicken in your Cuisinart PSC 350 3 1 2 Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, go to work and return to a fully cooked barbeque chicken!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Is Rainwater Collection From Your Roof Worth The Trouble?

This is a question people in South Africa often wonder about. Is Rainwater Collection Roof really worth the trouble?

I think yes! If you set up your system correctly and maximize the amount of rainwater you can collect from your roof, it will be able to bring down your water account drastically.

That is not the biggest advantage through; the biggest advantage is that you will be able to keep your garden in tip top condition even when water is scarce without sending your account through the roof!

Where I stay, water is so scarce sometimes that we have water restrictions. Then you have to see all your hard work in the garden going down the drain! So, having a tank full of rainwater to use in such times is really a very big advantage.

But, even if you never have any scarcity of water, the potential saving is still worth it. Even if you are not that big into gardening, you can use this extra water for your swimming pool, to wash your car and to wash the paving down. So, even without a garden you will still be able to make use of the rainwater you collected from your roof.

So, I really think looking at rainwater collection roof is a good idea for everyone.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Do You Want To Get Off Grid?

With winter fast approaching is it your dream to get off grid? Well there are a few options you can have a look at. If you want your independence back, maybe wind energy or solar energy is worth looking at. If you live in an area with adequate wind and have only a little space wind power will cut energy bills.

Let's have a look at these two ways of generating your own electricity and how you can save money on your energy bills.

Solar Energy

For many years we've seen solar panels on the roofs of homes all across the country. The panel absorbs the heat from the sun, converts it into electricity and than stores it for later use.

Pros

1. Once you have the panels installed it's a free source of energy
2. It doesn't pollute and it's renewable

Cons

1. It doesn't work with out sun so you will only generate energy on sunny days and for about 12 hours a day when the sun is actually up.
2. One or two panels won't generate enough electricity for your home.

Wind Power

In order to harness the energy of wind you will need a turbine that can convert that energy into electricity and store it in batteries for use later.

Pros

1. You can build your own turbine for little money so it doesn't cost much to set up.
2. Non-polluting, renewable energy source.

Cons

1. Will only work when there is wind.
2. One turbine won't be enough to meet all your household electrical needs.

This short overview should give you a pretty good idea of what you will be able to do to save on your energy bills. It is and investment that will pay for itself in a very short while and worth looking into. I know for sure, wind power will cut energy bills, even if you can only run all your appliances on it.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Planning a Baby Shower Tips

To plan a baby shower is a privilege for a close friend or family member of yours that are having a baby. What is more fun than a baby shower? So, the planning should be fun as well. If you keep a few tips in mind, when you are planning the baby shower, you will have not problems. Approach the planning process systematically and everything will fall into place.

Just like any other party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly as possible, and be memorable for everyone. Although there are no rules cast in stone in the planning of a baby shower, you have to keep certain things in mind.

Here are a few tips to help you with planning your baby shower:

1) Decide on the location.

I think the best location for a baby shower is your own home. You do not want to inconvenience the mom- to -be with an upheaval in her house with the preparations. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party’s setting is at home.

If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party in the garden, or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.

For fewer complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.

2) Choose the party’s theme.

Decorating ideas for baby shower is made easier when you decide on a theme for the baby shower. Consider the expectant parents’ favorite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired café.

Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colors, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.

3) Finalize the menu.

The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience.

However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served.

Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference. Keep in mind that the mommy-to-be cannot use alcohol and you must be sure it will not be a problem for her.

4) Design a fun program.

Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories.

Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event. There are many quick baby shower games ideas available only that you can download and print.

5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.

Prepare a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Make sure to get their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their choice of people should matter the most.

Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch. Keep in mind that the baby shower invitations wording must contain all the necessary information.

Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give the guests time to work the party into their schedule. Remember most people are very busy these days and you must make sure they have time enough to plan their day. You should not send them out too long before the time either as that may cause them to forget about the baby shower. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation — it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP.

With these tips you will be organized. Make sure you have a finalized list of all guest attending the baby shower so that you can know for how many people you have to prepare.

Relax and enjoy the party with the guests, that's the best advice I can give you. If you are all stressed out your guest will feel it and it will make them feel tense as well.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Coffee Sandwich Cake Recipe

In this coffee sandwich cake recipe you need to use coffee extract. Your starting point for this can be your Hamilton Beach Brew Station. The reason is because you can make small amounts of coffee in it, such as 1-4 cups.

For this recipe you will need three cups of very strong coffee to make the coffee extract you will be using in your coffee sandwich cake recipe.

Coffee Extract Recipe:

  1. Caramelize 1 cup of white sugar until it is a light brown syrup
  2. Remove from the heat and add 3 cups of very strong coffee and 11/2 teaspoon of salt
  3. Heat again and stir all the time until the sugar has dissolved and boil for 30 minutes.
  4. Bottle and store in the fridge for the use in this cake and all kinds of coffee drinks such as iced coffee, mocha milk shakes or mocha frosting.

Coffee Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3 table spoons cooking oil
  • 3 tablespoons coffee extract
  • 3 eggs
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup castor sugar
  • 11/2 cups flour
  • 3 level teaspoons baking powder
Method:
  1. Heat oil and milk
  2. Add coffee extract and heat again
  3. Beat eggs and sugar very well (in a stand mixer such as the Cuisinart Sm-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers)
  4. Sift the flour and salt and fold into the egg and sugar mixture
  5. Add the baking powder and gently stir it in
  6. Lastly add the warm liquid mixture and stir in gently
  7. Pour into paper lined and greased cake tine
  8. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until the cake springs make when you gently touch it.
  9. Use a coffee frosting between the layer and to decorate the cake.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Homemade Soup Recipes - The Old Well Loved Chicken Soup Recipe

I really think that of all the homemade soup recipes doing the rounds the chicken soup recipe is the most popular. Chicken soup is smoothing, healthy and tasty. Here is one of my homemade soup recipes, chicken soup recipe.

This recipe cannot be easier and even someone that has never touched a stove before will make it without any trouble. This soup is also the ideal soup recipe for a pressure cooker such as the Cuisinart CPC 600 Electric Pressure Cooker.

Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:
  • The bones and giblets of two chickens
  • 2 Leeks
  • 1 Onion
  • 3 Sliced potatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pouring cream to taste
Method:
  1. Boil the bones and giblets of chicken in 1 pint of water
  2. Strain to get a rich stock
  3. Fry the leeks, onion and potatoes
  4. Add the salt and pepper
  5. Add all the ingredients to your pressure cooker
  6. Bring to pressure and cook for about 15 minutes until all the ingredients are soft.
  7. Liquidize with a blender such as the Cuisinart CBT 700 Die Cast 700 Watt Blender
  8. Add cream to taste
  9. Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Inexpensive Baby Shower Favor

By giving each guest an inexpensive baby shower favor add the finishing touch to all your planning and decorating. To be honest, very often the inexpensive baby shower favor forms a part of your decorations. The baby shower favors are a way of thanking your guest for attending this very special baby shower. For most guests, especially the family, an inexpensive baby shower favor often becomes a cherished memento!

Obviously you are not obliged to give baby shower favors to your guests. It is also true that your gusts shouldn’t expect to go home with something other than a good time. But still, it is a nice memento of this very special occasion. Don’t worry, you really won't have to spend a fortune on the baby shower favors.

Preparing baby shower party favors need not be take a lot of money and time. The internet can be a great source for baby shower party favors. By simply typing “baby shower party favors” in a search engine you will see a return thousands of online resources that sells or provides ideas for excellent baby shower party favors.

Shopping online for baby shower party favors is very ideal for most of us that are always pressed for time. Many online stores offer baby shower party favors like personalized, candy bar wrappers and more.

Remember to choose a seller that provides high quality and affordable baby shower party favors. When you search on the web you will be surprised that there are many websites offering unique baby shower party favors. The items range from the cute to more sophisticated baby shower favors. The items include chocolate bars, bath soaps, picture frames, figurines, stuffed toys, etc. They have an item for every taste and budget.

Of course if you are the creative and crafty type, you always have the option to make the baby shower party favors yourself. You need not be overly talented or skillful, all you need is a little artistic ability, patience and some materials and you're ready to make your inexpensive baby shower favor masterpiece.

Your project need not be complicated. It could be as simple as making wrappers and decorative boxes for candies, soaps or candles. If you are fond of baking and cooking then you can bake cookies or make chocolate in a shape appropriate for baby showers like rattles, baby bottles, babies and teddy bears. Or if you have a garden at home, you can give away plants and flowers. If you know how to paint, then you can create a masterpiece out of baby cloth diapers or bibs by painting cute and colorful designs on them.

The idea is to use whatever skills you may have to make the inexpensive baby shower favors, while you are having a good time as well. Homemade baby showers are a very good idea because they add a personal touch to the baby shower party favors. The other plus point, of course, is that you will save a lot of money and come up with an original yet inexpensive baby shower favor. Once again, a little surfing will help you come up with a good idea for an inexpensive baby shower favor.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Alex Toys Super Knot A Quilt


Quilting is fun, but for little hands you need something easier. This is where Alex Toys Super Knot A Quilt comes in, it is made without sewing and all the kid needs to do is make knots.

Developing the small motor skills of a child is very important. Doing crafts in one of the ways you can so it. Teach those little fingers to work properly and you will see the results in your kid's grades at school.

Alex Toys Super Knot A Quilt is not your only choice though, there are many more crafts if this is not something your kid will enjoy.

Any craft that involves cutting and pasting will really help. A good idea is to start with a kit such as the Alex Toys My First Mosaic, Alex Little Hands Art Series. This is not a "real" mosaic, but it involves peeling the sticker and pasting them on the right place in the "mosaic."

Of course there is also the option of drawing your own picture and using seeds and beans to paste on your "mosaic." If you want an idea of how to do it, you can really have a look at Mosaic Crafts For Beginners, it is the instructions of how to make a seed mosaic for Autumn. The timing is perfect!

So, whatever crafts your kid enjoy, it is important to do them for the development of those small motor skills.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Are You Looking For A Good Baby Crib Mobile?

f you are looking for a good and fascinating bay crib mobile, I'm sure you are baffled by the many choices you have! You get mobiles in every possible price range, some are wooden mobiles and others have plush toys and more.

The very first thing you need to consider is your budget, and then you have to decide for how long you want to use the mobile. Some mobiles are only suitable for small babies while others can be adapted to be used with older babies as well.

Of course you will be thinking about the decoration of the nursery as well. You do not want a mobile that looks completely out of place. This is one of the many reasons why I am crazy about the Fisher-Price Precious Planet 2-in-1 Projection Mobile, it is colorful for baby yet the colors are not so harsh that it clashes with the nursery décor.

Mobiles that can be converted into music boxes are also a good idea. This means as baby grows older you mobile can still entertain baby.

I, personally, prefer one with soft plush toys, animals or whatever is used. It simply looks a lot better as it is not so flat and hard. If you do not plan on having another baby, or selling the mobile you can even remove the plush toys for baby to play with.

So, if you are looking at baby crib mobiles, take your time and make sure you get the one that is just right for you.

Monday, September 6, 2010

The Importance Of Stretching

Very often people wonder about the importance of stretching. So, when you mention a machine such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine, they are often surprised that such a machine exists!

I know you are thinking, but I'm no athlete, why do I have to stretch. Well, stretching helps improve your mobility and as you get older it becomes more and more important.

Very often you will also find physiotherapists recommending stretching as part of rehabilitation after an injury. This is when a stretching machine such as the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine comes in very handy.

The LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine can be set to your personal needs and if you need a deeper stretch it is possible with this machine. So, it also makes it a very good machine to have for people who do moderate exercise.

The importance of stretching cannot be over emphasized! We all need to stretch, whether it is the athlete that wants to prevent injury or whether it simply is to enhance mobility.

Of course, it is perfectly fine to do stretching without a machine; the machine simply makes it easier. For very good information on stretching it may be a good idea to have a look at the webpage "Stretching Exercises - 10 Things You Should Know About Stretching."

So, whether you use the LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine or do the stretches as illustrated on that page, stretching is important for everyone and should never be neglected!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Are You Thinking About Home Exercise Equipment?

If you are thinking about home exercise equipment you will find that you have many options available. The Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer is one of your options that I recommend for busy people.

Most of us have very tight schedules and very little time for training. We have a all these things we have to do. There simply does not seem to be time to fit in exercise. Very often it is only in the evening that you realize you have not done your exercises!

The good news is that there is a solution to your problem. You can get home exercise equipment and then you can train whenever you find a few moments to spare!

What most people also do not know, is that you can get some home exercise equipment for much lower prices than you would thought possible. All you need to do is decide is your price range and the kind of equipment you want.

I find 2-in-one Elliptical Trainers and Exercise Bikes, such as the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer a very good option. All you need in one machine saving you lots of space.

I do not know about you, but I always seem to have a problem with space and there is just no way I'll fit in two machines in my home. So, I really love the idea of a 2- in-one machine.

You always have to look around. See what is available. Once you know what is on the market it is time to decide on your price range and the kind of equipment you want and you are on your way.

Looking at the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer is not a bad idea. If your only purpose is keeping healthy and in shape the Body Champ BRM3671 Cardio Dual Trainer is all you will need.