Shakin & Bakin Foodie Blog

Do you own a farm where you grow fruits and vegetables? If this is the case, you will need to package all of these items before they can be sold at a market. This means that you will need to get in touch with a company that makes the packaging that is specially designed for fruits and vegetables. There are a wide variety of companies that are in this industry. Therefore, you need to be very selective about who you decide to deal with. Here are the things you will need to keep in mind when you are determining which fruit and vegetable packaging you will buy.

1. Talk to people who have bought fruit and vegetable packaging in the past.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting the opinions of people who have been in the same situation that you are in now. Pay a visit to some of the other farms in your area. What company did these people hire to provide all of the packaging for their fruits and vegetables? Are they happy with the quality of the packaging? Is it strong and sturdy? Does it adequately protect the produce while it is at the store waiting to be purchased? Getting the input from these people could be very advantageous to you. You can go to pacificagpak.com for info about a company that makes packaging for fruits and vegetables.

2. Contact several produce packaging companies to get price quotes.

You need to see how much each company will charge to make sure you are not charging too much. Do not assume that all of the companies will basically charge you the same amount. You might be able to get a bulk discount if you order enough packaging.

3. Find out the company's rating on the Better Business Bureau website.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking a look at what the BBB has to say about all of the produce packaging companies in your area. The BBB will provide you with a rating for each one. You can use this rating to make your choice.

Heart disease runs extremely high in my family and is something that I've been very aware of for most of my adult life. Over the years I've paid close attention to the foods that I eat, the things I put onto my body and I make sure that I go in to see my doctor on a regular basis for check-ups.

Kelly Morrow - Nutrition Clinic Coordinator at Bastyr University - shares top five healthy food that provide fibers, essential fats, minerals and bioactive compounds that reduce cholesterol and keep the blood flowing smoothly. Thank you Kelly Morrow for sharing this information with all of us.

· Cold water fish - contains omega 3’s which help keep the blood from getting too sticky. Aim for two 3 ounce servings per week of fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod, pollock and sardines.

· Garlic - is a powerful anti-inflammatory and keeps the blood from getting too sticky, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Enjoy garlic in sauces, dressings and as a staple in your everyday cooking! One clove a day as a therapeutic dose.

· Avocados - contain heart healthy monounsaturated fats that keep the blood from getting sticky and are also high in potassium, an essential nutrient to keep blood pressure healthy. Avocados can be enjoyed on toast and sandwiches (use whole wheat bread of course), pair expertly with most Mexican dishes and can be eaten on their own right out of the peel with a spoon - just add a squeeze of lime.

· Oats - contain a compound called beta glucan which binds with cholesterol in the intestines and prevents it from getting absorbed. Oats make a hearty and filling breakfast or snack and oat flour can replace some of the wheat flour in most recipes.

· Blueberries - have compounds called polyphenols that act as antioxidants in the cardiovascular and protect the heart and blood vessels. They can be eaten fresh or frozen, in smoothies, yogurt or by the handful.

As a cafe owner or worker, you need to focus on providing exceptional customer service while creating displays that are attractive to customers so that they want to buy the products that you sell.

An option for a cafe Acworth GA display is to try to design cookies, cakes, pastries, and other items so that new items are shown each week before others. You should also try to listen to what customers want so that you showcase these items instead of the ones that don't sell as well. Glass jars and plates with glass covers offer an elegant appearance and allow customers to see the details of each item that you sell in the cafe while keeping each food item safe from the environment of the store. If you sell smaller items, such as bite-size cookies and cakes or small packages of treats, then consider packaging them in attractive papers with colorful details that are appealing to the eye. Display these items on a separate table or counter with a sign that clearly indicates what's inside each package and the prices of each item.

Fresh items are usually good options for a cafe. However, you need to know how to display them. If you bake cookies or other pastries first thing each morning, then you need to showcase these on special plates or in special cases so that customers know that they are fresh. If you serve breads or sandwiches, then these should be sold at a time during the day when customers have time to enjoy a light meal or want to take something back to the office or home with them to enjoy. Clearly label the types of sandwiches that you sell along with the kinds of bread and other pastries that you sell with creative signs and writing.

If customers don't see your products, especially special flavors that you offer for holidays, then they likely won't want to come back.

Heath change guru, Marissa Costonis, Certified Health Coach, and author of the new Amazon #1 Best Seller, Change Bites, 5 Change Management Strategies to Transform Your Health, is sharing her insight on healthy food trends for 2019.

4 Healthy Food Trends to Watch for in 2019

1. People on a keto or low-carb diet will shift to incorporate more plant-based foods and look for alternative sources of healthy fats.

* They are shifting away from heavy meat consumption to incorporate more plant-based foods into their meals such as; nuts, seeds, leafy greens, pumpkin/sunflower seeds, berries, zucchini, cauliflower and eggs (for non-vegans).

* More are turning to individual organic nut medley packs as a great way to portion control a quick source of healthy fats. Keep a variety in your bag, at your desk or in your car for a quick snack.

2. Acai Bowl gets a Makeover: Teens love to post photos of their smoothie bowls and creative toppings. But the high levels of sugar in the bowls is causing many to reformulate the traditional bowl to incorporate greens, animal/vegan collagen, and Blue Majik a blue-green algae supplement into the base and keep toppings to natural almond butter, pistachios, unsweetened coconut, flax/hemp seeds and dried fruit or fresh berries.

3. Look for an explosion of plant-based products made from ingredients beyond the traditional soy and corn.

* Companies like JUST created products like vegan mayo, cookie dough and recently launched vegan egg product that is catching a lot of buzz. They are currently working on a lab-grown meat.

* Look for the next generation of veggie burgers. Companies are looking for alternative, natural ingredients such as plantains (Luhv) and pea proteins (Beyond Meat) that are gluten and soy-free. The veggie burger from Beyond meat uses beet juice to “bleed”, mimicking a traditional beef burger.

* Pea protein “milk” and “creamer” products from Ripple provide consumers with the texture and flavor of real dairy. These products are gaining popularity in vegan and non-vegan consumers alike.

* Even pasta is getting a reboot with the explosion of gluten-free quinoa, chickpea and lentil pastas now on the market.

4. CBD-infused foods: With the rise in use of CBD oil products on the market, don’t be surprised when you start to see CBD-infused foods in products such as baked goods in your specialty market. Many are encouraging local bakeries and cafes to start incorporating CBD into their food products similar to the trend of adding meat or herbs such bacon or lavender into cookies!

One of the best ways to celebrate a birthday with someone that you love is by taking them to a nice restaurant for them to enjoy a great meal. Not only does going out to eat with your loved one give you an opportunity to spend time together and talk, but it also allows you to try a new food or enjoy another experience of a food that you love. However, if you are thinking of taking someone out to celebrate their birthday, you may be feeling unsure of where to go.

To help you pick the perfect spot to go out and celebrate a loved one's birthday, take the practical approach. First, find out what options are available for you to choose from. How far are you willing to travel to find the perfect birthday meal? Look for restaurants in your area and try to keep an open mind at first. Look for places to eat in Andover MA or other neighborhoods by checking local forums, Facebook pages, and posts on your local next door app. This will help you to know what your options are.

Then, think about what your friend who is celebrating his or her birthday would like most. Is he or she the kind of person who likes a quiet dinner in a private spot or would he or she enjoy a loud and extravagant meal at a popular hotspot? Think about what their favorite cuisine is and whether they would prefer to check out a new spot or would prefer to stick to a familiar place. Also, you should keep in mind the other people that you may be inviting to this meal. Does anyone have serious allergies or dietary restrictions that you should work with?

Finally, keep in mind your own financial limitations and plans. If you invite your friend out for a birthday meal, you should expect to cover their bill, so plan accordingly. Then, go out and enjoy a great meal with them!

Starting a food blog is a lot of fun. However, it is a lot of work. Many people see the final product of a neatly curated blog and don't think about the process behind it all. If you'd like to start a blog, understand that you'll need to be dedicated and passionate about your subject. If you're willing to stick with the process for a long time, consider these tips to get started.

1. Create a content calendar.
Sit down and think about all of the delicious recipes you'd like to create. Keep in mind that you should put your own spin on the recipe. Don't solely rely on pulling recipes from the internet to create content. If you see a lemon ricotta pancake recipe you'd like to try, switch it up with an original mango fruit compote. Many food bloggers have probably made lemon ricotta pancakes, but you're choosing to stand out by adding a completely different topping. As you create the content calendar, think about elements such as seasonal produce and commonly searched foods on Google.

2. Schedule posts early.
Never wait until the day before to create a post. If anything, it might cause a sense of anxiety and stress. It's always better to stay ahead of schedule. You can't anticipate some of the things that can go wrong. If your recipe flops or you have an emergency situation with a family member, you'll end up getting behind schedule. As a blogger, it's always best to be consistent and timely so that you can continue to build momentum.

3. Look for ways to improve.
Head over to cookbooks, food blogs and food apps to see how food gets styled. Food styling is such an important element because people eat with their eyes first. If photography isn't your strength, consider using the services of an amazing food photographer nyc to transform your look. It'll make a major difference.

4. Share content on a few platforms.
If you're working by yourself, consider focusing on one or two platforms to make a big difference in the amount of followers and fans you gain. If you try to focus on too many platforms, you'll spread yourself way too thin. Besides, you won't be as effective. Consider using Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest are excellent platforms to consider as they thrive off of visual blog content.

Whether it is a 50th anniversary party for a parent or a 25th celebration for your good friends, the food will make or break the party. Anniversary parties include some unique challenges when it comes to planning the menu. It is one of the few celebrations that will include people of all ages. It also has to have some level of elegance, even if it is a casual affair.

Appetizers

Many people skip the appetizers at smaller gatherings, but this is actually a very important part of the menu. Some guests may show up hungry. Making them wait for the main course will only make them feel uncomfortable. Appetizers are also great when kids are invited. Keep it simple with a vegie tray and cheese and crackers platter. This should adequately cover most diets.

Main Course

When it comes to an anniversary party, there are many places you can get inspiration from. You can recreate the food served at the couple’s wedding, make their favorite dish, or choose a food that fits the theme of the party. No matter what you main dish is, always have kid friendly options such as mac-n-cheese and chicken tenders.

Dessert

No longer is the traditional cake your only option at an anniversary party. You can have a dessert bar with three or four offerings, a sundae bar complete with a variety of toppings and sprinkles, or simply create a candy bar full of sweet options. If tradition is important to the guest of honor, by all means provide a beautiful cake worthy of the celebration. The custom cakes Chicago IL bakeries like Jarosch Bakery offer are ideal for anniversaries.

By covering the appetizers, the main meal, and desserts, you are sure to have a well-rounded menu for the next anniversary party you host. Use the above mentioned ideas or let this be an inspiration for your own creativity. Either way you can’t go wrong if you keep the couple of honor in mind.

Wine is for drinking, but for centuries the human love-affair with what the ancients called “the Drink of the Gods” has led to a variety of different uses. That includes everything from cooking with wine to bathing in it as an anti-aging remedy!

Okay, maybe you’re not ready to fill your tub with a fine Merlot or chardonnay, but many wine lovers find they sometimes have leftover wine. Especially if it ends up being a bottle they don't particularly care for. It never has to go to waste. Here are some ideas about what to do with leftover wine.

Cooking’s Worst Kept Secret

Cooking with wine has been a common practice most likely since the first wines fermented thousands of years ago. Adding wine to soups, sauces, gravies and sautées is deep tradition. The number and types of recipes that wine enhances are almost unlimited.

It’s common, for example, to sauté mushrooms in butter and wine, or just wine alone. Another excellent idea is poaching fruits, especially pears and berries, in a delicious white or red. Red wine is well-regarded as an enhancer of the flavor or red meat. Thousands of seafood recipes leverage white wine to bring out the flavor of fish, oysters, lobster and more.

The Versatile Wine Cube

Pouring wine into ice cube trays is not only a way to keep leftover wine for long periods, but you can use frozen "wine cubes" in many ways. You can use them to chill a glass of wine without worrying about watering down your glass with regular ice cubes. They also make instant “flavor cubes” at-the-ready for cooking. Don’t forget to try a “wine slushy.” Put wine cubes in a blender and make a terrific frosty drink.

Leftover Wine

Of course, one of the most obvious uses for leftover wine is to drink it later! The challenge here is to keep wine fresh until you’re ready to use it. This is where wine accessories become your friend. Keeping wine fresh means keeping it away from air.

A search among wine accessory products reveals many devices and methods for maintaining freshness. That includes pumps which can suck air out bottles. That means you’ll also need a good stopper, such as the original or new cork, or a designed stopper accessory.

Handy Wine Tools

Speaking of wine accessories, some must-haves include a wine aerator, a wine-saver pump, a wine chiller, a lovely carafe, a corkscrew and maybe a padded wine bag for transporting bottles. These items are available in an amazing array of technologies, schemes, materials and prices, so make sure to take time to examine selections thoroughly when searching for wine accessories.

Wine As Skin Care?

At the top of the story we floated the idea of a wine bath, but what about applying it right to the skin as a skincare product? Well, the jury is out among experts, but most agree that the best way to use wine as a skin enhancer is to drink it! Flavonoids and other wine components can nourish the skin - and moderation is the key.

Are you toxic? It’s hard not to be in a world filled with pollution along with food toxins such as dyes, fillers, additives and preservatives.

Toxins can adversely affect us from brain to toe, damaging our cells, creating numerous health problems and accelerating aging.

But one good way to rid the body of toxins is with nutrient-charged soups, says Cherie Calbom (www.juiceladycherie.com), a best-selling author and nutritionist whose latest book, Souping is the New Juicing, includes a toxicity quiz.

“Soup can be a part of any detox program,” Calbom says. “What if you never changed the oil or filters in your car? Our bodies are a bit like our cars. They have filter systems that need to be cleaned out and fluids that need to be flushed out. That’s where souping comes in, offering an abundance of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals.

“Toxins in the brain can cause a host of cognitive and emotional problems. They make us weak, restless, and unable to fight off infections, and can even cause pain in our muscles and joints.”

Color Me Green Detox Soup Recipe

5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1-11/2 cups spinach
1 cup kale, chopped
1 can cannellini or great northern beans, drained
2 tsp. fresh turmeric, chopped or 1 tsp. dried turmeric
1/4 cup lemon juice (11/2 lemons, juiced)
1 large bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp. all-purpose seasoning
1 bouillon cube
3 1/2 cups of water
Sea salt and pepper to taste

On medium heat sauté garlic with olive oil and salt. Add chopped broccoli and stir for five minutes. Stir in spinach until the leaves are wilted, then add the rest of the ingredients. Stir and simmer for 15 minutes on low to medium heat.

Liver-Cleansing Raw Beet Soup Recipe

1 medium raw beet, scrubbed and cut into chunks
1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and cut into chunks
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 fresh dill sprigs
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 tsp. raw apple cider
1 tsp. coconut aminos or tamari
1 cup purified water
2-3 Tbsp. lime juice (1 lime)
1/4 tsp. sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy! Serves 1

Watercress Detox Soup Recipe

2 tbsp. coconut oil
2 cups sweet onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 tsp. sea salt to taste
4 medium zucchini, diced (yields about 8 cups)
4 cups vegetable, chicken, or bone broth
1/4 cup unsweetened almond butter, creamy or crunchy
2 cups watercress, chopped
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice (1/3 lemon, juiced)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Sauté the onion and celery with half the salt until translucent, about five minutes. Add zucchini and sauté for three more minutes. Add broth and the other half-teaspoon of salt. Stir in almond butter, bring to boil. Add the watercress and let simmer for five minutes.

Recipes and info are courtesy of Cherie Calbom, MSN (aka The Juice Lady). You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for her free newsletter at www.juiceladycherie.com.

Wolf brand appliances are built to last for many years, but there are times you can experience operational problems with a stove. Wolf certified appliance repair technicians can come out to your home, diagnose the problem quickly, and offer a fast solution. Below are a few reasons you might want to call for service today.

Uneven Oven Heating

If your Wolf brand oven has become unpredictable in temperature there may be a problem with the thermostat. A lack of heat in an electric oven can mean the heating element is not working. Clogged gas jets can also vary the heating of the oven. Call a certified Wolf repair technician to diagnose and fix the problem right away. They will use the parts that are necessary to satisfy your warranty and keep your appliance running strong.

Non-Working Burners

Trying to work around a top burner that is non-working can get frustrating. There are times it would be easier if all burners were in good working order. A Wold technician can check the appliance and find out why the burner has quit working. They carry a wide selection of parts with them and might be able to have it working the same day. If not, the right parts will be ordered and they will come back at your convenience.

Missing Parts

You no longer have to use a pair of pliers to turn the oven on and off due to a kissing knob. Contact a Wolf brand appliance technician and get all of the parts you are missing to have a complete working unit again.

Electrical Problems

The electronic controls on an electric stove are what controls the functions. Having a serious problem with this part of the appliance can render it useless. A Wolf certified technician can do all of the electrical diagnosis that is needed to determine the problem and fix it quickly.

Appliance Upgrade

Your local Wolf brand certified repair technician can discuss your needs to upgrade the stove. There are times that the appliance is beyond repair, or you may simply wish to buy a different model. Your cooking needs may have changed and a different model would accommodate your family better.

Contact specialists like Wolf Appliance Repair Centers for all of your Wolf cooktop repair Florida right now!

As much as you love cooking and creating exciting new foods for your friends and family, you may one day find yourself wondering what you might be missing outside of these four walls. This often happens to the moms out there that have selflessly devoted so much of their time and energy to their children. Once they have grown, moms are left with time to fill. Use these ideas to get yourself out of the kitchen.

Join a Group

The best way to get out of the house and make new friends is to join a group. Begin by thinking about what you most enjoy doing. If you love to cook, take a class on how to prepare something you’ve never tried before. You can also join a gym or rec center that offers group instruction on work out routines. Even a book club is a great way to get started.

Help Out

Every community has charitable organizations in need of help. Local kitchens are always looking for individuals that can prepare and serve meals throughout the year. Animal shelters often need people to care for pets, and schools and churches would love some help with their charity fundraising ideas. Look online for options such as selling salsa from Jose Madrid to raise money. Even volunteering at your local nursing facility can be a rewarding experience.

Become Reacquainted

Most parents lose touch with even their closest friends during those years when they are raising their children. Why not become reacquainted? Invite those that you have not seen for quite some time over for a lunch or dinner. Chances are, you will still hit it off like you never separated. Before the evening is over, make plans to get together again. Before you know it, you’ll be palling around on a day to day basis just like in the good old days.

Start slow by trying just one of these ideas to get you back out of the kitchen. Once you are comfortable with the first plan of action, try something else. Before you know it, things will snowball, and you will once again have a schedule that is so busy you will no longer feel left out of the game.

The wonderful part of living in Miami is the ability to entertain outdoors on nearly any day of the year. Creating an outdoor kitchen can be a fun way to highlight your outdoor cooking skills to friends and family that decide to drop by. Having similar amenities to indoor cooking appliances will ensure the best results each time.

Choose the Perfect Location

You need to make some decisions are where you would like to set up your outdoor kitchen. This will end up being the hub of your outdoor entertaining. Try and strategically place it near the closest access to the indoor kitchen. You will also want to have enough for outdoor seating to enjoy the meals that are cooked.

Choose the Appliances You Want Outdoors

Some individuals are perfectly satisfied to install an outdoor grill, whereas others want a refrigerator, ice-maker, dishwasher, oven, and sink. Each appliance will require a different level of installation work and preparation. You need to make sure you have enough room in the yard to have a full outdoor kitchen set up.

Begin with a Sturdy Foundation

A solid and flat surface is required in order to install an outdoor kitchen correctly. This can be a stone patio, wood deck, or any other number of solid, flat surfaces. You should always plan to have an adequate overhead covering to protect the appliances from inclement weather.

Hire an Electrician and Plumber for Utilities

Adding electrical wiring and outlets should only be done by a licensed and experienced electrician. Any plumbing lines for drains, sinks and ice makers should be installed by a professional plumber. You want the appliances to last for many years and to ensure your warranty is still good. This can only be done by having the installation done professionally.

Consider Winterization and Maintenance Costs

Miami offers beautiful weather most of the year, but there are times that the temperatures can plummet. You need to consider what steps need to be taken and the cost of winterizing the outdoor kitchen area. There will also be ongoing maintenance concerns for your appliances. make sure you have a great source for fast and accurate repair.

Contact experienced north Miami Beach Sub Zero repair technicians like those found at Sub Zero Service Center Miami today for all of your repair needs!

All symptoms of the body from thin, dull hair, and sallow skin, to acne breakouts, body aches and sluggish energy all point to the gut. Gut health is incredibly important making mindful eating an essential part of longevity and anti-aging. If you want to feel vibrant and maintain a youthful appearance up to 15 years younger than your actual age, start weaving these key foods into your diet.

Garlic:

When we have an overgrowth of candida in the gut we experience things like acne breakouts, bloating, and constipation. Garlic mitigates all of this because it kills candida. Garlic also aids in digestion and immunity. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties making it ideal for joint aches. Allicin, which serves as an anti-aging, antifungal benefit to garlic aids in smoothing skin and preventing acne and other skin conditions.

Ground Flaxseed:

Responsible for helping food to travel effortlessly and smoothly through the GI tract, flaxseed keeps us regular. Flaxseed also contains cancer fighters called lignans which also ward off heart disease. Flaxseed helps to minimize rashes, skin flare ups and irritation. When you consume flaxseed your skin becomes more even toned and less sensitive.

Apple cider vinegar:

One of the best ways to address any digestive issues is to combine a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water or in tea and drink it before a meal. It helps your body to break down food. It helps with to prevent indigestion and stomach issues after eating. Anytime you can aid the digestive process you’ll notice glowing skin and a youthful radiance.

Celery and Celery Juice:

Another anti-inflammatory and cancer fighter celery also lowers blood pressure and rids us of sugar cravings (and sugar makes the skin sallow and leads to breakouts). The natural salts in celery juice maintain a healthy gut pH. The common recommendation is to drink 16 ounces on an empty stomach and improvements to digestion and physical appearance will be evident within 10 days.

Cauliflower:

High in fiber, cauliflower helps the gut maintain healthy microbes. This is important because when microbes or gut flora are out of whack a whole slew of symptoms become evident. These include digestive issues, depression or anxiety, and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Fermented foods:

Kimchi is delicious and sauerkraut or pickled vegetables can make for a nice topping to a salad or mid-day snack. These fermented foods are packed with good bacteria which balances the microbiome, which is the anchor for our health and immunity.

Asparagus:

Another “prebiotic” fiber that keeps the gut healthy and balanced is asparagus. You can add garlic to it and broil it in the oven offering a 1 -2 punch of gut friendly foods in one delicious side dish. It’s important to note that people who suffer from stomach pain may not do well with prebiotics in larger amounts. If the gut is already inflamed these foods can cause a flare up.

About the Doctor: Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O. is an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, and anti-aging medicine. Proclaimed the "The Stem Cell Guru" by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the U.S. His stem cell treatments have achieved remarkable results in clinical trials on patients with conditions as varied as Alzheimer's, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, frailty syndrome, heart, kidney and liver failure, lupus, MS and Parkinson's. He has worked with Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Gotham's, Donal Logue; and as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers. Connect with him via twitter @drcalapai or at www.drcal.net

Entrusting someone with remodeling your home is a very big deal. You cannot give this responsibility to just anybody. Your choice must be carefully thought out. Otherwise, you might have a disaster on your hands. So how do you go about finding the best contractor for your particular job? This is not a simple question. There are many ways that a person can choose to do this. First of all, you must never be in a hurry. You must be willing to wait as long as you need until you find the right contractor. Hiring someone simply because you want the remodeling to start will be a huge mistake. Here is how you can secure yourself a truly outstanding contractor.

1. Invite several contractors to your home to discuss your remodeling project.

You need to hear how the various remodeling contractors in your area will go about remodeling your home. Therefore, the best way to do this is to schedule appointments with each of them. Have them come to your home and take a look at the areas that you want to have renovated in the near future. Tell them exactly what you want to have done. The contractors will then tell you how they will go about handling the project. They might make some suggestions about materials you can use. They might even suggest additional remodeling work you should get done. You will be able to find some good contractor leads by looking online.

2. Go to home and garden shows in your area.

Home and garden shows are held on a regular basis in towns of all sizes. You will be able to talk to many different remodeling contractors at these shows. They will have booths set up that promote their business. These contractors attend home and garden shows in the hopes of attracting new customers. They will usually have books you can look through that have photos of houses they have remodeled in the past. These photos will show you the quality of work they are capable of.

3. What is the safety record of the contractor?

You need to be certain that the contractor you hire has a long history of performing his jobs in a safe manner. You need to check his background just to make sure that there are no major accidents in his past. Your contractor should take safety seriously.

The Halloween season is full of tricks and treats but mostly treats for the majority of people. One way that you can show your love for the holiday while brightening someone's day is to make Halloween cookie bouquets. They are simple and easy to do, and you can use any design of cookie that you want depending on who is getting the bouquet, such as a young child or someone who is older.

If you're making a bouquet for a child, then you want to include cookies that are fun and exciting. Use icing in bright colors and shapes that really depict the holiday. Examples include witches, pumpkins, and ghosts. A bouquet for someone who is older might not require as many details. You also want to keep the cookie designs a bit tame, such as pumpkins, scarecrows and other fall shapes instead of the playful images that the younger generation thinks about with Halloween.

When you make the bouquet, think about what you want the person to feel when seeing the cookies. This will help to determine the colors that you use and the shapes. Find a basket or a vase that you can position the sticks in once the cookies are in place. Decorate the container before adding the cookies so that it has a Halloween theme. You could use stickers, ribbons or flowers along the sides of the container.

Instead of using small sticks, use larger sticks for your cookies so that they will hold up to the weight of the cookies and the icing on them. If you're going to make both large and small cookies, then cut the large sticks in half so that the cookies look like a bouquet when they are arranged. Bake the cookies with the stick in them so that the dough can adhere to the wood. Once your cookies are cooled, you can start decorating them. Use icing that will stay on the cookies, such as a thick icing that you might put on a cupcake. Don't use anything that has a thin consistency as it will slide off. Wrap the cookies in cellophane, and position the cookies in a block of foam that is covered in orange or black paper for Halloween.

Dating can be exciting but also challenging as it can require a great deal of planning. If you are new to the dating scene, it can be a bit unnerving and intimidating. You want to look your best and have a great time with your potential mate so it is likely that you will try hard to make sure that the plans for the date are perfect. If you have been dating awhile or are married and in a serious relationship, it is still a very good idea to continue dating your partner. Doing so can keep you close to one another and can keep the chemistry fresh and exciting. Whether you and your partner are traveling to Denver or you live there, this article will identify some fun ideas for places to go on your next date!

Try out a new restaurant. Having a nice meal is a great way to engage in conversation and get to know a person. When planning your next date, consider going to a restaurant that you have never been to before. You can even surprise your date and make reservations at a place they have been wanting to try for some time.

When choosing a place to have a meal, be sure to consider the type of environment you want to be in as well as the type of food. If you are thinking of a romantic evening at a place with an eclectic menu, trying out sushi in Denver could be the perfect choice. If you are more interested in a having a casual experience, you may want to try a local food stand and take a walk through a park to pick a spot for a picnic.

Ballpark. If you or your date love sports, it is a great idea to go to the ballpark and catch a game. While there you can eat snacks, have some beverages, walk around, and enjoy the sporting event. Cheering on your favorite team while you get to know your potential mate can be a great bonding experience.

Rockclimbing. If you and your partner love being active and enjoy physical activity, it could be a great idea to go on an adventure together. There are many places to hike or rock climb in Denver. If you choose to do so, make sure that your date is aware so that they can dress accordingly. You wouldn’t want to show up for your date in gym clothes to find your date dressed in casual wear. This could be awkward for the both of you.

Art Deco. If you love art, consider taking your date to the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art. After you walk around and enjoy the creative works, you can stop by a local jazz club for a drink or a bite to eat.

No matter what you are interested in, there are plenty of great places to go out on a date in Denver. Be open to new things and plan something fun for your sweetheart today!

Anyone who loves seafood will know that 2017 has been an exciting year for new styles of sushi. Visionary sushi chefs from all over the world have continued to experiment, and innovate, and thus there have been a number of exciting new sushi trends in Toronto this year. From sushi that looks like other foods to new flavor combinations, here are three of our favorites.

1. The Sushi Burrito

The Sushi Burrito is a fusion of traditional Japanese ingredients with a Mexican twist. Essentially, Sushi Burritos are similar to Sushi rolls, but much larger than the traditional Japanese hand rolled sushi. The benefit of this larger roll style is that it is possible to include a lot more fillings, allowing each sushi burrito to be customized to your particular tastes. The sushi burrito is, at it heart, more of a change of presentation than a new flavor combination. In order to help the structural integrity of the Sushi Burritos outer rice layer, they are usually wrapped in paper or foil, just like a traditional burrito. This also adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the Sushi Burrito. If you like sushi and like burritos, then this one may be a no-brainer!

2. The Sushi Burger

Continuing the fun theme of sushi fusion and novelty sushi, comes one of my favorite sushi trends of recent years; the Sushi Burger. In essence, the Sushi Burger also contains traditional Japanese ingredients that have been modeled to look like a traditional hamburger. Different ingredients are used to create different elements of the burger. For example, the bun is typically made from rice. The burger patty is usually made from tuna, or mixed vegetables and made to look like as much of a burger as possible.

One issue faced by the both of the above sushi trends, is that rice doesn’t work in the same way as bread, meaning that you can not eat the sushi burger like a normal burger. So don’t forget to grab a knife and fork!

3. New Style Sushi Rolls

Fancy an old classic with a new flavor twist? In 2017 everyone’s favorite, the sushi roll, has been getting a remix, with new flavors, new ingredients and new textures. One of our favorites is the Rainbow Roll, a classic California roll wrapped with tuna, salmon and yellowtail. Feeling more adventurous? Why not try a New York Roll made with cream cheese, tempura crunch, bean curd and topped with avocado. Or fancy a little kick? Why not try the Happy Hour Roll with spicy salmon, tempura crunch and topped with cheese and chef’s special cream. You can find all of these rolls and more at Urawa Sushi in Toronto!

If reading this has got you hungry, you can check out Urawa Sushi. They stock all of the Sushi rolls set out above and the even delivery, so you can enjoy some of this year’s hottest sushi trends from the comfort of your very own home. Enjoy!

* This guest post article is courtesy of Dr. John Douillard.

In a recent report, 70-80 percent of Americans are experiencing some form of digestive distress, while one-third are obese and more than 100 million adults are pre-diabetic and don’t know it. While many like to blame all of this on wheat, many food scientists do not agree.

While the standard American diet, which includes processed wheat, is likely responsible for these health concerns, there is also plenty of science that links a diet rich in whole grains including whole wheat to weight loss, better digestion and lower blood sugar. The Mediterranean Diet is still revered as one of the healthiest diets on the planet, and is replete with whole grains and wheat. The centenarians (folks over 100) who live in the Blue Zones eat a non-processed whole food diet, once again, rich in whole grains and wheat.

So, why are so many Americans having trouble digesting wheat? That’s just it… They are not digesting it! Many who are gluten sensitive today digested wheat fine when they were young, but are currently having trouble. Somewhere along the line, our ability to digest foods that are a bit harder to digest, like wheat and dairy, became compromised.

REMOVE ALL PROCESSED FOODS

The first step in re-booting digestive strength is removing all the processed foods. A processed food diet has been linked to a 141 percent increase in belly fat, high blood sugar and high cholesterol. In the same study, a diet of whole grains including wheat reduced the risk of these health concerns by 38 percent.

Fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne once told me the best way to eat is to never eat anything out of a package. The reason why processed foods are processed in the first place is so they can sit on a shelf for extended periods of time. Whole foods, as we all know, go bad quickly and it is not always possible to eat freshly cooked food. So, here are simple ingredient label navigation tips to avoid highly processed foods.

1. Avoid all added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Allow nothing over 6 grams of naturally-occurring sugar per serving.
2. Avoid refined, cooked oils. (Anything baked with oils or fried, i.e., bread, baked goods, chips, etc.)
3. Avoid all chemicals. Don’t eat it if you don’t recognize the name in the ingredients.

RE-BOOT LIVER AND GALLBLADDER FUNCTION

In the 1960’s, when the FDA put cholesterol on the nutrient concern list, food manufacturers started boiling, bleaching, deodorizing and refining vegetable oils. They were used as preservatives to keep bread squishy and “fresh” for weeks. After almost 60 years of blindly consuming these indigestible oils, they remain the number one reason for the great American digestive breakdown. The processed oils both congested the liver and gallbladder, rendering the liver’s bile unable to break down both good and bad fats and insufficient to buffer stomach acids. Without adequate bile production to neutralize stomach acid, the stomach will not produce the needed acid to digest proteins like gluten and the casein in dairy. This has resulted in a huge spike in gallbladder surgeries and epidemic levels of obesity, high blood sugar and food intolerances. It is natural to blame the hard-to-digest foods, but removing them only addresses the symptoms and leaves the cause - weak digestion left untreated only to haunt your health down the road.

BOOST BILE FLOW

The first step in strengthening the stomach’s digestive acid is to make sure there is plenty of bile flow from the liver and gallbladder. To boost bile flow, enjoy these foods daily:

4. Eat one red beet and one apple day. They can be raw, cooked, juiced or blended.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and one teaspoon of high quality olive oil.
6. Eat more artichokes, celery and leafy greens.
7. Drink fennel and fenugreek tea with meals.

STRENGTHEN STOMACH FIRE

Once the liver is making adequate bile and the bile ducts and gallbladder are less congested, then you can stimulate the stomach to make the stomach acid needed to break down hard-to-digest so-called “allergenic” foods. Instead of taking digestive enzymes or a HCI stomach acid pill, I prefer to stimulate the stomach to make its own acid, and the small intestine and pancreas to make their own digestive enzymes. This is best done with the following five spices:

8. Ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom and fennel.

Studies suggest that when these five spices are used together, they act as a total upper digestive re-boot. They can be taken as a supplement, in cooking or used to flavor food. These five star spices:

Increase bile flow (no need for bile salts)
Increase pancreatic enzyme activity (no need for digestive enzymes)
Increase small intestine enzyme activity (no need for digestive enzyme supplements)
Decrease gas and bloating (no need for HCl supplements)
Increase fat and sugar metabolism
Are powerful free radial scavengers
Support optimal weight
Support microbiology health (especially ginger)
Improve gut health
Support a healthy growth rate of good bacteria (especially ginger)
Decrease H. pylori from adhering to stomach
Are digestive stimulants
Quicken the transit time in the intestines - supporting better elimination
Following these eight simple steps of nutritional navigation, boosting bile flow and stomach strengthening, will set you on the right path to retrain your body to digest (and enjoy!) wheat again.

Dr. John Douillard, DC, CAP, is a globally recognized leader in the fields of natural health, Ayurveda and sports medicine. Over the past 30 years, he’s helped over 100,000 patients repair their digestive system and eat wheat and dairy again. He is the creator of LifeSpa.com, former NBA director of player development and nutrition advisor and author of the book, Eat Wheat: A Scientific and Clinically-Proven Approach to Safely Bringing Wheat and Dairy Back into Your Diet. For more information, please visit, www.eatwheatbook.com.

While enjoying a delicious cup of frozen yogurt, you might begin to think about ways that you could own a similar business. It's a fun environment, and since you would be the owner, you would get to choose the flavors and the decorations for the store. You would talk to the frozen yogurt supplier to get all of the items that you think would attract customers. One of the things to consider is that you want the atmosphere to be inviting while still delivering the appearance that blends with the cold treat.

In order to have a successful frozen yogurt business, you need to be the best manager possible. This means that the store has to be clean and uphold to all of the standards set forth by the state. You will need to constantly go around the store to make sure equipment is working properly and to make sure the drip trays are cleaned and that the supplies are stocked for customers. Wipe down the tables so that there isn't any yogurt on them, and make sure the toppings are stocked instead of only having a container that's halfway full.

Even though you're the owner, you don't need to sit in an office the entire time you're in the store. Greet the customers, and find out what they want when it comes to flavors. Offer incentives for those who purchase yogurt on a regular basis. Listen to the employees. If there is something wrong with the workers, then it can affect the entire store, setting everything off balance, which could mean that you won't get the results you desire in the way of customer service and a clean store.

Check the inventory that you have in the freezers. You don't want to run out of a popular flavor in the middle of the busiest time of the day. If there's a flavor that you sell the most of, then make sure you have a little more of that item compared to some of the other flavors. Assign duties to the employees so that they can be on top of cleaning and keeping the inventory in check as well.

You are not going to be able to cook world-class meals unless you are equipped like a pro. If you would like to take your outdoor cooking to the next level, then read ahead for a look at some devices that might transform the way you grill, smoke, and barbecue.

Digital Meat Thermometer

Purchasing a digital meat thermometer is one of the best investments any cook can make no matter what style of cuisine they prefer. Instead of fretting over temperatures, these devices will allow you to cook the perfect cut of meat every time. Many newer thermometers even come with Bluetooth technology that will send the information directly to your phone, tablet, or computer.

High-Quality Chips or Pellets

Coaxing a great flavor out of your meats without a professional smoker is going to be nearly impossible without high-quality wood chips or pellets. As a general rule, you want to use softer and “lighter” woods for more delicate dishes such as fish, chicken, and vegetables. Oak chips and mulberry pellets, on the other hand, can be used for red meats, aromatic fish, and pork.

Smoking Box

Once you are comfortable using your grill or BBQ, you can then think about upgrading your collection with a stainless steel smoker box. Modern boxes take much of the guesswork out of smoking with adjustable ventilation holes and ports to add more pellets. Those who have a smaller area to cook in can buy a smoker box that goes directly over their grill or BBQ.

Grilling Baskets

Anyone who has ever attempted to cook smaller vegetables or flaky fish without a grilling basket has no doubt struggled with a messy workspace. Having an adjustable basket to grill similar items will ensure that you get the perfect char without overcooking anything.

Slicing Knife

Trying to cut barbecued meats and vegetables with a generic chef's knife can be unwieldy and dangerous. Slicing knives are generally a little bit larger and tend to have scalloped blades. The indentations on the blade will allow you to make thin, even cuts no matter what dishes you are preparing.

Cooking outdoors will add another level of complexity to your meals, but the results are almost always worth it. Perfectly grilled and smoked meats taste unlike anything else in the world, and you are sure to impress your loved ones next time you plan on showing off your cooking prowess.