Camping - Our Informational Blog Post

Making Water Safe to Drink: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Purify Water? Water is essential to life. It exceeds the importance of food or even shelter. You could live weeks to a month or more without food, but only a few days without water, As a result, you have to be looking for places to find it, carry it, and ways to conserve it.

The bottled or purified water you have stored is unmatched. If you don’t have water stored, then rainwater is probably the next best to use. Outdoor people in need of drink can use Water Portable Water Purifier Packets.

Be Prepared

Clearwater isn’t the same as purified water., Assuming the water you find isn’t bottled and you’re worried it may not be safe to drink, then you need to purify it and remove any bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms.

The most common way is to boil it. This should kill whatever is living in the water. You could also distill your water by capturing the steam and cooling it till it condenses. This is generally done using a copper tube.

Streams and lakes are also a good source, but can contain pathogens, viruses, and microbes and should be treated. If you are stuck in a city and need water. then check your water heater, Most have water left in them even if the hot water is not flowing and the power’s been out for a week.

How to Purify Water4 Water from streams and rivers can be cloudy and full of sediment. This can easily clog and destroy water filters. It’s best to try to find moving water over stagnant water. As you gather the water, try to avoid disturbing the bottom to reduce silt and dirt.

One way to still get water from lakes and rivers without destroying your filters is to stir in some alum (aluminum sulfate) This will remove mud and silt.

The alum will attach to the particulates and settle to the bottom. Once it settles, then the clear water can be poured off into another water container. This process has been used since the days of the Roman Empire. Now just boil or filter the water for further protection.

If you’re close to the ocean, then you may want to invest in a personal desalination device. A solar-powered desalination device as used in parts of the world can be bought for around $50.00. Or, you can use a water straw filter.

A quality personal water filter for each person in a family is strongly encouraged. Every person needs to be familiar with using one. Your filter should filter down to a minimum of 0.2 microns. These can also be used in a bug-out bag.

Ultraviolet light also kills what’s in your water that only looks clean. A UV water filter can disinfect your water and if you buy one that has a hand crank then you are still protected when the power is out. This can also be placed in a bug-out bag.

Water purification tablets are also excellent for purification. and need to be in your bug-out bag as well. Some water purification tablets will leave a subtle difference in the taste of the water. This can be reduced or eliminated by adding some of your favorite powdered drink mix to the now purified water.

Use household bleach to purify clean-looking water. Chlorine is used in many municipal water supplies. While chlorine bleach will kill bacteria, it won’t make other chemicals that may be in the water safe to drink.

If you’re stuck and need to purify water for drinking you will need to put 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. This is at a level of 5.25%-6% chlorine, If you are using bleach with a different concentration then you will have to adjust this.

Read the label to find the concentration level. Avoid bleach that has perfumes, colors, or other additives as these are just more chemicals and may not be safe to drink

Pools in your neighborhood could be used for bathing, but are not recommended for drinking, Swimming pools contain chlorine that kills bacteria and algae but you do not know how it was maintained.

Swimming pools also contain chemicals other than chlorine that can be time released. These may not be removed by filtering or boiling. This is in addition to what small children may have left in the pool.

How to Purify Water and Water Storage

Water storage containers should be made of BPA-free, food-grade plastic. This means just filling any plastic container is not going to be safe to drink. Non-food grade containers should only be used to hold water for washing.

There are many commercially available containers for water long-term water storage. There are also one-time-use containers that can hold up to 100 gallons of water in a bathtub for up to 12 weeks.

In the end, it’s better to have both long-term water storage and a container to fill a bathtub if an emergency is seen coming. This way your family can prepare while your neighbors are at stores looking at empty shelves.

The majority of people are going to need a minimum of 1 gallon of purified water for drinking per day. This is only a minimum for drinking and additional water will be needed for cooking and cleaning. Keep your purified water for food preparation and drinking.

When you’re short on water, then you’ll have to bathe less frequently and need to try to conserve when you do. If you are caught unprepared or have to leave, then you will have to fall back on what’s in your bug-out bag. Try this system to filter water.

How to Purify Water5 Water is essential to life. It exceeds the importance of food or even shelter. You could live weeks to a month or more without food, but only a few days without water, As a result, you have to be looking for places to find it, carry it, and ways to conserve it.

The bottled or purified water you have stored is unmatched. If you don’t have water stored, then rainwater is probably the next best to use.

Starting with a clean tarp you will have to direct the water to a container to obtain later.

Stretch a tarp tied on 3 sides and adjust the fourth side so that water flows into water storage containers.

Get Ready for Perfect Cigar Storage: Setting Up Your…

Set Up Your Humidor

The purpose of this article is to educate readers about the proper setup and maintenance of humidors. How to set up a humidor, aspect is often misunderstood: and thus, performed wrong. This is strictly about humidor setup, maintenance, humidifiers, and hygrometers. This article is specifically about a key component in cigar accessories.

Set Up Your Humidor Once you have purchased your humidor it is critical that you set it up properly. Many people think that once buy it you can just set it on your shelf and that it will work by itself. This is not the case. You must be patient and willing to put some effort into properly setting up your humidor. Do it right the first time so that you don’t have to do it again.

Remember, the purpose of this machine is to re-humidify the wooden material of the device. The chances are high that your device has been sitting in some type of storage for a while not being used. Therefore, it makes sense that the wooden material composing the humidor is dry. Once you put a couple of fresh cigars in the container the moisture from the cigars will then transfer to your humidor. This will ruin your cigars. So, no matter what type of humidor you purchased, or where you bought it from, you must still take the time to set it up correctly.

The amount of time required for the proper setup varies. It can be a month or a couple of days. Regardless, the process is simple. There are multiple ways to set up your storage device but we will stick with one method for right now.

First, you must properly calibrate your hygrometer. For those who don’t know, a hygrometer is a measuring tool that is kind of like a thermometer. Instead, it measures the level of humidity. You want to aim for a consistent humidity level of about 70%. Some humidors will come equipped with a hygrometer, but more experienced people will recommend buying a digital hygrometer. The reason for this is that the digital hygrometer is more accurate than the default analog hygrometer. The analog version can be off by nearly 10%. This can destroy your stored product.

If you can’t afford to invest in a quality hygrometer then that’s understandable.

Just use the analog measurement. Now we have to calibrate the hygrometer to measure the humidor. First, get a small plastic cap, like the one on a bottle of soda. Put a teaspoon of salt into the cap and add just a few drops of water to the salt. Don’t overdo it with the water, you simply want to dampen the salt. Next, you will place the plastic cap with your hygrometer inside of a zip-lock bag. Close the bag securely and make sure there is air inside the bag. Let the bag sit for about 6-8 hours. After this amount of time taking a look at the hygrometer, the measured humidity should be exactly 75%. Set Up Your Humidor 2

If it doesn’t read 75% then look for a dial on the side or back of the hygrometer so you can adjust the reading to 75%. If there is no dial available to change the reading just remember what the humidity percentage was so you can calculate the difference later. Now, the next step in setting up your humidor is to place a clean container filled with distilled water inside the box. You can use a small glass to do this. A shot glass will suffice. Be sure to use distilled water because you do not want any contaminants to spoil the smell or taste of your cigars. Water from the tap may contain some type of toxins that can penetrate the wood of your humidor. This will ruin the process.

You can however clean the humidor with a cloth that has been dampened with distilled water. Quality humidors will be easy to clean with a damp cloth. Poor-quality humidors may succumb to the warping of the wood when coming into direct contact with moisture. This will render your humidor useless. Good luck trying to return it after that. The next step involved is to charge the humidifier. It is common for the humidor to come equipped with a humidification tool, if not then you will need to purchase one. To charge the humidifier you need to remove it from the humidor. Then lightly dampen it with a solution that is half distilled water and half polypropylene glycol. You don’t need to make this combination yourself; you can buy it pre-made from your local cigar store.

Dampen the humidifier by gently hitting it with a couple of drops of the solution. This will be enough to keep a charge that will last you a couple of months. If at any point your cigars start to dry up then that is a sign you need to recharge your humidifier. If you need to perform a recharge then repeat the process. Remember to use distilled water to maintain the purity of your device and products.

Everything here has its purpose. How to season a humidor. Propylene glycol will absorb moisture inside the humidor, and the distilled water will evaporate so that the humidity level can reach 70%. The propylene glycol will kick into action again by prohibiting any additional moisture from accumulating in the humidor. Propylene glycol acts as a regulator because it can also absorb excess moisture that may be present. This will in turn bring down the humidity level to the desired 70%. If you don’t use propylene glycol in your mixture then your humidor will require much more attention. This is not worth the headache.

Set Up Your Humidor 4 After you charge the humidifier, put it back in the humidor. The next step is simple. Just wait for the process to handle itself. It will take time for the humidor to achieve 70% humidity. This can range from a few weeks to merely a couple of days. This all depends on the natural environment and the quality of your humidor. I strongly recommend waiting until the hygrometer is consistently reading 70% before you store your cigars. And remember to adjust for your hygrometer error reading if the adjustment dial was not available in the previous step. If you performed this process correctly then your humidifier will only need to be recharged once every couple of months.

As a side note, do not store different cigars together in the same humidor. The aromas and taste can mix, but this is not a good idea because it compromises the original essence that was created by the master blender. Now with this knowledge, you can confidently set up, manage, and adjust your humidor.

We support, do not endorse, nor encourage tobacco use or sale of any type, but simply encourage those who do partake in this niche to do so with the knowledge that is commonly overlooked.

With this belief, he hopes to educate the public about the historical significance of this practice and the legacy it has given birth to.

Conquer the Board: Play Chess and Other Games

Play Chess

6 Reasons to Play Chess & Other Board Games

When it comes to games, you not only play for physical fitness but also to build your mental fitness. If you are looking for the best games with these qualities, then chess is of course the first choice (there’s a reason that everyone knows of the game of chess), but other board games can serve this purpose as well.

A board game involves a ‘board’ of course and a defined area where the competition will take place – and pieces that represent you, your army, your resources, or whatever is necessary for the game you are playing. In many board games, there may be dice and ‘money’. In chess there are no dice, only pieces to represent your army that you deploy against your opponent.

Winning in chess depends solely on the player’s skills, other board games may involve luck as well as skill. Despite being old-fashioned, board games continue to be popular and are a great way to socialize. So, the top six reasons to play chess and board games are:

Board games are easy to learn and tough to master

Board games involve rules, usually, the rules are easy enough to understand that only a few minutes are necessary before you can begin playing. However, mastering any game is hard and takes time, regardless of your skills in other areas. This means that you keep learning as you play, which makes it interesting.

Playing games increases the function of the brain

Playing a board game involves critical thinking, which stimulates the area of the brain that is responsible for memory formation and complex thoughts. This stimulation stretches your brain cells, strengthens your memory, and builds your thinking skills. Studies have shown that playing board games reduces the chance of developing Alzheimer’s, so it is especially important to make a life-long habit of playing board games if you want to stay sharp in your senior years.

Board games strengthen relationships and bring people closer.

Sitting together with family or friends without interruptions may, at times, seem like an impossibility. However, playing board games gives you an activity to engage in while building social bonds. Board games involve two or more people, and whether those people are family, friends, or strangers (such as at a chess tournament), it is a social activity. You will be spending time together, and sharing a common, casual activity. That is the best way to connect with others, naturally.

Board games are especially good for couples. They build connections and help to discover new depths in the relationship.

Board games enhance self-confidence and creativity

When playing board games, you tend to open up and come out of your shell as you have to take an active role in the game. Board games are also relaxing, which makes it easier and more natural to interact with others. Being noticed or included in the game gives a sense of fulfillment and raises one’s self-esteem. Therefore, for timid adults and shy children, playing board games is a fantastic way to develop a strong sense of individuality and self-confidence.

Board games reduce stress and make us laugh

It is impossible to play board games and not laugh. Laughter is a natural side effect of playing board games. Laughing helps reduce stress. According to a study by RealNetworks, more than 50% of people who play board games do it to relieve stress.

Board games help you build life skills

While a board game may seem simple to play, they all teach patience. You have to wait for your turn, and sometimes it takes considerable time to achieve the objective of the game. You not only learn to be patient during games but the skill transfers to other aspects of your life.

Board games teach you how to be fair and honest and build a sense of compassion and empathy as you engage with other players.

Strategy games such as monopoly and chess help you to develop quick responses when faced with tough decisions in real life.

Our Conclusion

Board games are not limited to the elderly or the young, the poor or the rich, they are for everyone and they are enjoyed around the world… for good reason.

6 Reasons to Play Chess4

ENJOY!

A Beginner’s Guide to Fishing

Teach Yourself How to Fish

Gather the Right Fishing Gear

While fishing is a business for some people, some do it as a hobby. Irrespective of the purpose, finding fish is the goal of any fisherman. But fish are intelligent and they hide in the lake sensing that traps are being used to catch them.

The best fish finder will help fishing enthusiasts by showing the hiding place of the fish, such that they can get the best fishing experience. They will feel enthralled at the end of the fishing day as they will capture a lot of fish when they get home from the lake.

Fishing lessons for beginners, before you even step close to a lake or river, you’ve got to get the right fishing gear. You don’t have to buy expensive gear to learn fishing but if you can afford it, well and good. The most important things a beginner needs are a rod, line, and reel.

When shopping for fishing gear, choose a very good line. This will make learning a lot easier. We recommend the 300 to 400 yards spool as they hold high-quality monofilament. Avoid the 1,000-yard spools as they hold lower-quality mono.

Other important things to purchase include:

- - - - Rain jacket
        
        Wading boots
        
        Leader
        
        4–12-pound monofilament fishing line
        
        Fishing hooks (number/size 6 to 10)
        
        Cork or plastic bobber

You’ll also need a selection of fishing lures or live bait.

You will find three basic kinds of fishing reels:

Fly-fishing reels

Bait casting reels

Spinning reels

Fly-fishing Reels

Fly-fishing reels have already been considered both science and art. Of the three kinds of reels, fly-fishing reels are the highest priced. For those who have already purchased a costly fly rod, you might be inclined to save a few bucks when buying a fly reel. Technically, you can purchase a fly-fishing reel at a variety of prices. However, if you buy one at of cheap price, in that case, your purchase is going to be worthless. Fishing lessons for beginners

The most crucial area of the fly-fishing reel is to secure your line. Therefore, quality is of much importance. When examining fly-fishing reels, ensure you will find no plastic parts. Plastic will fail if you have a big fish at risk and you will lose it when the plastic snaps. Therefore, ensure your purchase is constructed of excellent-quality aluminum or graphite.

You will find three various kinds of fly reels:

Single action

Multiplying

Automatic

For newbies, your selection is straightforward: the only action fly reel. The only action fly reel is easily the most popular of the three types due to its simplicity. Also, you will find only a few parts within the reel that will break down. Two other benefits of single-action fly reels are they get more capacity than other fly reels and changing the spool is comparatively easy.

Due to these advantages, practically all serious veteran fishermen use single-action fly reels. In case you are seriously interested in fishing and wish for a fly reel that could save you from serious headaches and last for many years, then consider buying a single-action fly reel. fishing-rod-Fly-fishing

Get a License, and again get a license with a fish stamp

Knowing where and when to fish influences the outcome. The where and when varies with your target species. Whether you prefer to fish from the shore of a stream, pond, river, or by the dockside, understanding the target species helps you determine the type of gear and line.

We highly recommend using a small piece of Nightcrawler. They usually come in counts of 12 to 24 available at Walmart or your local tackle shop. You can also dig for smaller worms in the garden. To do so, find moist areas under rocks or leaves.

Bait Casting ReelsImpossible is Just a Word

In contrast to fly-fishing reels, bait-casting reels are incredibly complicated. These reels usually are not created for beginners or children and can result in serious headaches.

Bait casting reels are utilized by experienced veteran fishermen who catch big fish like salmon, bass, and pike. Even though these reels are ideal for catching large fish, it will take significant time for you to perfect the casting technique. But bait casting reels have the benefit of farther casting, better leverage, and much more precise lure placement. Bait casting reels are created for catching bigger fish as they are designed for heavier lures and heavier lines.

Heavier lures enable the fishermen to fish at higher speeds as well as heavier lines are ideal for fighting big fish like salmon. It is possible to put more pressure at risk without having to be scared of it snapping.

A primary reason that beginners have trouble utilizing a baitcasting reel is simply that the reel sits over the rod. For this reason, anglers need to use their thumb to manage the spool and lure placement. Beginners likewise have trouble with backlash. Backlash is exactly what takes place when the line gets tangled within the spool.

Cast your line into the water and once your bait is in the water, your hard work should start paying off. If using a bobber, you should see it halfway submerged. However, if the bobber is completely submerged without a bait, then you added too much weight to your sinker. Or, the bobber is too small. Replace with the correct bobber.

learn how to fish near me

If you follow the steps above, you should land your first fish in minutes. Remember, be patient and keep practicing to hone your skills.

Khalyla the Magnificent Labradoodle

Khalyla the Labradoodle

Labradoodles are wonderful family dogs. They are great for first-time pet owners. They are friendly, and intelligent, and do well with children and other dogs. They are easy to train, easy to care and make good watchdogs.

Description: Labradoodles are Hybrid Dogs that are a cross between a poodle and a Labrador. They come in various sizes depending upon the size and characteristics of the parents, the lab, and the poodle. Their coloring may be black, brown, cream, gray, silver, white, or yellow, again depending upon the color of the parents. There are also miniature Labradoodles for those looking for a smaller dog.

Health

Labradoodles are generally quite healthy. They are prone to hip dysplasia and genetic eye problems depending upon their parents’ genetics. That is why it is so important to get your labradoodle from a reputable dog breeder. Be sure to read the ingredients label when buying dog food. The primary protein should be from a quality animal source, preferably, chicken. Grains such as soy, corn, and wheat gluten can be hard to digest and may cause possible allergic reactions. It is not natural for dogs to eat grain, so grains should not be included in the dog food you buy over the counter. Remember, never feed people food to dogs, especially food with a lot of seasoning.

Care

Labradoodles should be brushed at least a couple of times a week, with regular grooming every 8 to 12 weeks including ear cleaning, nail clipping, and teeth brushing. Usually, there is little shedding with a Labradoodle, however, if it has more characteristics of the lab rather than the poodle, it will tend to shed.

Exercise

Labradoodles are highly energetic so they need to have a regular exercise routine of 30 to 60 minutes every day. Due to their high energy, they may become destructive if they become bored and do not receive the needed daily exercise. Exercising the dog is not only healthy for the dog but is also healthy for the pet owner. Walking a dog can be a very enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Training

Labradoodles are very intelligent and are usually easy to train. They like to please their owner so they are inclined to listen to commands with fewer repetitions for obeying specific instructions. They also make good watchdogs. They will bark and alert their owners if an unknown intruder enters their area. If it is time to own a pet, remember these important facts: Check the local or online Pet Adoption Centers first.

There are thousands of pets needing adoption every day; If you are unable to find your perfect pet at the Adoption Center, then begin to conduct research and find a reputable pet breeder from whom to buy a pet. Do not buy from a puppy mill; Always spay and/or neuter the pet; and be sure to devote quality love, time, and attention to care for the pet.

FYI

For those who want to help find homes for pets that need adoption, go online and view profiles of pets who need adoption. Then share the profiles via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Email. Perhaps there is someone within a social network who needs a pet and is ready to adopt

Animals are wonderful companions. Whether it is a cat or a dog, they can bring so much enjoyment to an individual or a family. Yes, owning pets means taking good care of them with food, shelter, and affection.

However, the unconditional love and devotion they provide in return are well worth the effort. There is nothing more rewarding than coming home and being greeted by a dog with a happy face and wagging tail.

Regardless of how bad your day has been, your best friend, your dog will be sure to cheer you up. Remember, only those who have love, passion, time, and dedication to care for pets should own pets.

Pets are not something that should be bought or adopted one day and forgotten the next.

The Essential Guide to Purifying Water

Where to find water

How to purify water – after all, water is essential to life. After all, humans are 70% water ourselves. It exceeds the importance of food or even shelter. You could live weeks to a month or more without food, but only a few days without water, as a result, you have to be looking for places to find it, carry it, and ways to conserve it.

The bottled or purified water you have stored is unmatched. If you don’t have water stored, then rainwater is probably the next best to use. Starting with a clean tarp you will have to direct the water to a container to obtain later.

Stretch a tarp tied on 3 sides and adjust the fourth side so that water flows into water storage containers.

How To Purify Water

Streams and lakes are also a good source, but can contain pathogens, viruses, and microbes and should be treated. If you are stuck in a city and need water. then check your water heater, most have water left in them even if the hot water is not flowing and the power’s been out for a week.

Water from streams and rivers can be cloudy and full of sediment. This can easily clog and destroy water filters. It’s best to try to find moving water over stagnant water. As you gather the water, try to avoid disturbing the bottom to reduce silt and dirt. purify-water

One way to still get water from lakes and rivers without destroying your filters is to stir in some alum (aluminum sulfate) this will remove mud and silt.

If you’re close to an ocean, then you may want to invest in a personal desalination device. A solar-powered desalination device as used in parts of the coastal world can be bought for around $50.00

Ultraviolet light also kills what’s in your water that only looks clean. A UV Water Filter can disinfect your water and if you buy one that has a hand crank then you are still protected when the power is out. This can also be placed in a bug-out bag.

If you’re stuck and need to purify water for drinking you will need to put 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. This is at a level of 5.25%-6% chlorine, if your using bleach with a different concentration then you will have to adjust this.

Read the label to find the concentration level. Avoid bleach that has perfumes, colors, or other additives as these are just more chemicals and may not be safe to drink

Swimming pools also contain chemicals other than chlorine that can be time-released. These may not be removed by filtering or boiling. This is in addition to what small children may have left in the pool.

Water storage

There are many commercially available containers for water long-term water storage. There are also one-time-use containers that can hold up to 100 gallons of water in a bathtub for up to 12 weeks.

Water is essential to life. It exceeds the importance of food or even shelter. You could live weeks to a month or more without food, but only a few days without water, as a result, you have to be looking for places to find it, carry it, and ways to conserve it.

Stretch a tarp tied on 3 sides and adjust the fourth side so that water flows into water storage containers.

One way to still get water from lakes and rivers without destroying your filters is to stir in some alum (aluminum sulfate) This will remove mud and silt.

Ultraviolet light also kills what’s in your water that only looks clean. A UV water filter can disinfect your water and if you buy one that has a hand crank then you are still protected when the power is out. This can also be placed in a bug-out bag.

Water purification tablets are also excellent for purification. and need to be in your bug-out bag as well. Some water purification tablets will leave a subtle difference in the taste of the water. This can be reduced or eliminated by adding some of your favorite powdered drink mix to the now purified water.

If you’re stuck and need to purify water for drinking you will need to put 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water. This is at a level of 5.25%-6% chlorine, if you’re using bleach with a different concentration then you will have to adjust this.

The majority of people are going to need a minimum of 1 gallon of purified water for drinking per day. This is only a minimum for drinking and additional water will be needed for cooking and cleaning. Keep your purified water for food preparation and drinking.

Don’t Let the Rash Trio Ruin Your Summer: Poison…

Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy, or Poison Oak itching is not always the first symptom to occur when one comes in contact with these poisonous plants.

For many of my patients, the first realization that they might have come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, occurs when they consult with me about a rash that they have developed. These vicious weeds are the single most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States.

Furthermore, a rash from these weeds develops when the skin comes in contact with an oil called urushiol. Urushiol is found in the sap of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It oozes forth from any broken part of the plant, including the roots, stems, and leaves. After exposure to air, urushiol turns brownish-black, making it easier to spot.

Poison Ivy generally climbs trees and mimics tree branches as a vine with short rootlets and dark fibers south of the Great Lakes or close to the ground as a small shrub-up to a foot tall, north of the Great Lakes. It is legendary for its cluster of three almond-shaped leaves that are highly variable; some are hairless while others are slightly hairy amid glossy or dull luster, and some are toothed, smooth-edged or lobed.
Distinctively look for an end leaflet that is pointed with a longer stalk than the other two leaflets. This plant grows just about anywhere; open woods, rocky areas, fields, or it may also be in your garden or along your patio walkway. Beware the small, white, and hard drooping clusters of berries. Resilient and tough, winter months merely camouflage its virulent oils leaving an innocent small stem exposed from the ground. The Spring is the best time to spot Poison Ivy when the leaves are reddish but take caution it’s the time when they are at the most potent as well.
Poison oak is universally found as a shrub with thick and sturdy stems, although it can also emerge as a vine in some areas. The leaves resemble oak leaves, arise in clusters of threes, and are usually shiny and green. In the Spring, the leaves are light bright green with white green flowers clustered on the stems. During the Summer months leaves often contain yellow-green, pink, or reddish hues with clusters of small white or tan berries and transform again during the Fall season when the leaves turn russet brown or bright red while the fruit becomes darker.
Poison Sumac is found in wet areas or marshes and partly-wooded swamps usually on wet ground or standing water as a shrub or small tree, 6-20 feet tall with compound leaves that have 7-13 pointed, smoothed-edged leaflets that distinctively angle slightly upwards from the leaf stem. The stems, twigs, and buds are hairless with dark smooth bark and speckled with dark spots. Its berries are similar to Poison Ivy – small, white, and hard drooping clusters. In the fall the leaves are ecstatically pleasing to the eye with their brilliant red hues but don’t be tempted to add them to your Thanksgiving bouquets.

poison sumac

Coming in contact with urushiol can occur in three ways:

Direct contact – touching the sap of the toxic plant.
Indirect contact – touching something to which urushiol has spread. The oil can stick to clothing, animal hair or skin, sports equipment, and any object that has come into contact with any broken part of the plant.
Contact with airborne urushiol particles – which can occur from the burning of the poisonous plants. This can cause a rash if and when it comes in contact with your skin.

Rashes occurring from any one of these plants can affect almost any part of your body, especially where your skin is most thin. Redness and swelling occur first, usually followed by blisters and severe itching. Blister fluid from these rashes does not spread the rash. In a couple of days, the blisters may become crusted and begin to scale. The poison sumac rash traditionally takes 10 days or longer to heal.

The best advice I can offer to help prevent the misery of a poison sumac rash is – to STAY AWAY. The best way to know which plants to avoid is by learning to identify these poisonous plants. Their appearance may change slightly through the seasons, but they remain toxic year-round. A key feature in identifying poison ivy and poison oak is in the leaves: they consistently come in threes. Therefore, the popular saying “leaves of three, beware of me,” is a good rule of thumb to follow.

poison-sumac

Follow these simple rules if you think you have been exposed to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac:

First, wash the exposed area(s) immediately with running water. The water should keep the urushiol (oo-roo-shee-ohl) from spreading to other parts of your body. Do not use soap at this point. Soap can pick up some of the urushiol and spread it to other parts of your body.
Take a regular shower with soap and warm water within 30 minutes of being exposed. Make sure you have already cleansed the exposed area with running water before using soap.
Remove and wash your clothing as soon as possible. Don’t wait and do not do a full load of laundry with the clothing you think has been exposed to the poisonous plant. You can transfer the urushiol to rugs or furniture if you’re not careful.
Make sure you clean any other item(s) (like camping equipment, fishing gear, etc.) that may have come in contact with the oil.
You can relieve the itching of mild rashes by taking cool showers and applying over-the-counter products like calamine lotion or Burrow’s solution. Equally important is soaking in a lukewarm bath with an oatmeal or baking soda solution can be used to ease itching and dry oozing blisters.

There are 4 solutions you can mix to make a paste and spread it over the affected poison sumac area(s);

•Vinegar and Baking Soda;
• Cornstarch and Water;
• Salt and Water – this will sting but will relieve the itch;
• Apple cider vinegar and water.
• Aloe reduces blistering and also accelerates healing of rashes;
• Catnip juice, which can be taken from its leaves, has anti-inflammatory properties;
• Plantain reduces itch and stops the spread of the rash.
• Mix a teaspoon of Goldenseal, in a powdered form, with a pint of water and spread it over the affected area. Other ways to use Goldenseal, drink it in a tea or taking it in a capsule.
• Try Jewel weed. Rub it on the affected poison sumac areas to reduce the itch and dry blisters.
• Spread Oatmeal on affected skin – mixed with boiling water – cooled down to lukewarm temperatures is a handy remedy. In addition soaking in a hot tub of Oatmeal can also be used in most of the body was exposed. Oatmeal coupled with a sock and swirling it around in the tub of water. Leave the coating of Oatmeal on your skin after the bath will ease the symptoms dramatically. I always recommend you consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist if you know you have been exposed to one of these weeds. A dermatologist can properly diagnose your rash and may prescribe cortisone or other medicines that can prevent blisters from forming.

Leaves of Three – Let Them Be

Dr. Abrams is a licensed Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who is A.O.B.D. Board Certified in Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery. He is noted as being one of the top dermatological surgeons in the Sarasota, Florida community. You can learn more about Dr. Abrams by visiting his website at http://www.abramsderm.com

Bradley Abrams, D.O. “Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, And Poison Sumac Rashes – Advice from A Sarasota Florida Dermatologist.” Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, And Poison Sumac Rashes – Advice from A Sarasota Florida

poison sumac

Cooking for Two: A Couple’s Guide

Cook for Two

Are you tired of having too many leftovers when you cook at home?

There are quite a few ways to cook only two portions, or four if you want to have lunch the next day. It’s frustrating when you see a really good recipe on Pinterest but it calls for 6 servings. In this article, we will look at five different ways that you can cook at home and save money but not end up with a ton of leftovers. The first method is cutting a recipe in half.

Halving Recipes

Cook for two just needs to take a regular recipe and cut it down. If you want a quiche, look into making a smaller one in a muffin pan. You don’t need to buy a full sheet of pastry dough that you cut up and waste most of either. You can make the crust using hash browns. You can also make egg cups by buying Canadian bacon and using that as the bottom of the cup. Again, you would assemble this in a muffin pan.

If you want to make more egg dishes, but don’t know how to halve an egg, buy liquid eggs. You can easily pour out 1/8 of a cup instead of 1/4 for smaller recipes. Eggs aren’t the only thing you can get smaller portions of.

Get Friendly with Your Butcher

Supermarket butchers are happy to recut and repackage meat for you. Most meat sections have a small bell that you can ring for help. Ask the butcher to slice you a smaller chuck roast for pot roast or beef stew. You will save money by only buying what you can easily use. Whole chickens are cheaper than cut-up chicken packs. Ask the butcher to cut up the whole chicken for you, and then use the pieces in different meals throughout the week.

Slow Cooker Convenience

Most of the common slow cookers hold 6 quarts. You certainly don’t need to make enough soup for 10-12 people. Yes, it can be nice to have leftovers for another dinner or lunch the next day, but you don’t need or want that much.

Slow cookers offer a major convenience as well as saving money. You can buy a cheap cut of meat and cook it slowly for a wonderful pot roast. You could buy a 3-quart size slow cooker. But if that’s still too large, or if you have a 6-qt hanging around, put a 1–2-quart ceramic or Pyrex dish inside of the slow cooker. Fill the slow cooker insert with water until approximately halfway up the side of the smaller dish.

You may want to start with something simple like some seasoned chicken breasts that could be finished on the stove if needed. As you gain knowledge, you can start quartering down standard recipes and testing them.

Pressure Cooker

The new electric pressure cookers are fool-proof. They are sometimes called “multi-cookers. ” You can use them as a pressure cooker, steamer, rice cooker, and slow cooker. If you’re short on time, they can help you craft an all-in-one meal like beef stew. The other nice thing is that you can cook smaller portions more easily. cooking for two c

Let’s say you have a bag of frozen chicken breasts in your freezer. You can pour in a cup to a cup and a half of water or broth and then put the chicken directly in or on top of a trivet and pressure cook on high for six minutes. You then have a completely cooked chicken breast that you can serve with just about anything. Add teriyaki sauce or barbecue sauce or make your honey Dijon mustard sauce.

Foil Packets

Foil packets are where you take a piece of foil and place in it a protein like fish or chicken, some vegetables like thinly sliced potatoes and asparagus, and then put in some seasonings. There are a tremendous number of recipes out there if you Google terms like “chicken packet meal” or “fish foil packet. “

You then cook the packet in an oven (or better still, a toaster oven) for a set amount of time at the given temperature. You get a well-cooked meal with perfect portion sizes without messing up too much of your kitchen, and with no leftovers to deal with.

I often just cook for my wife and myself and end up with mystery things in the freezer that I can’t tell apart. I save money

and enjoy cooking more when I can cook just enough for that meal. cooking for two d

So, enjoy these tips.

What to Pack for a Tent Camping Trip

Tent Camping is one of the summer activities my family has been involved in for many years.

Camping is something we all enjoy by combining fishing, hiking, and swimming with the regular campsite life of cutting wood, starting a fire, food preparation, cooking, eating, games, and just relaxing. We’ve made a lot of good memories from our camping trips. We’ve always gone up in the mountains and found great camping hiking spots either at designated campgrounds that offer water for washing, some type of restroom (outhouse or rest-stop type), and garbage cans or places, where there was no creature or comforts at all. We always camped by streams, lakes, or rivers during the summer months.

Planning is critical to a successful camping experience. As a retired military man, who has had to live out of a ruck (backpack) for many days, having the right camping gear when you’re camping will make the experience that much more enjoyable.

The best camping tents for families are tents that have separate rooms. Since we have two children our tent has three rooms — my wife and I slept in a room, the kids slept in a room, and the entrance room was the dressing and storage area. We use a combination of foam and inflatable mattresses. We used rectangular sleeping bags that you can zip together for the wife and me, and the kids had their bags. Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. We also used poncho liners for the kids to use inside their sleeping bags. We’ve had our tent for over 15 years and average 2-3 camping trips each summer.

We take a couple of tarps. We use one tarp on the ground under the tent and make it long enough to have about 8 feet in front of the tent door. We take our shoes/boots off outside to keep the inside of the tent as clean as possible. We bring a small folding stool to place outside the tent door to help with putting shoes on. The second tarp is used to cover our kitchen/cooking gear if it rains. Waterproof Camping Tarp, Hammock Rain Fly Tent Tarp

We use a couple of camping stoves – one uses propane (which we mainly use for heating water for hot drinks and washing) and the other is a 2-burner stove and uses fuel, which does not burn as hot. We use this one for cooking bacon, pancakes, eggs, etc. Bring a couple of frying pans, and camping pots/pans – remember to bring a spatula if you’re going to cook pancakes or eggs.

We always start a fire in the morning – for warmth and in the evening, for cooking. Bring a collapsible grate to put over the fire if you plan on laying anything on it to cook or heat up. We make pointed sticks by cutting small branches from nearby trees for the polish dogs or bratwurst – so bring a couple of knives. We cut our wood from the dead branches and logs you find near the campground. We bring an ax and a small saw with a folding blade.

Here are the basics of camping gear to bring:

Tent with a rain fly, tarp, tent stakes, and hammer

Sleeping gear to include mattresses – inflatable or foam, blankets (poncho liners), and pillows

Cooking/kitchen equipment – camping stoves, folding camping table, frying pans, pots to heat water and cook in, paper plates, bowls, and utensils, napkins, paper towels, wash rags, towels, cutlery, large spoons, tongs, can opener, lighters, tin foil, plastic wash basin, scouring pads, disposable wipes, detergent, plastic storage bags, and trash bags. We pack this in see-through plastic tubs with folding lids. We pack most of our non-cooler food in these types of containers, too.

Fire pit necessities – if you plan on scrounging your wood from the forest floor – an ax, folding saw, gloves, a newspaper for fire-starting, a lighter, a folding grate (campfire tripod), and a folding shovel.

Personal hygiene – soap, washcloths, towels (dark in color), shampoo and shower shoes (if your campground has a shower), toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Safety equipment – flashlights, lanterns, spare batteries, cell phone with car charger, map of the area, first aid kit, compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water, sunscreen.

These are some of the items you’ll need to have an enjoyable camping trip.

After your first trip, you’ll be able to fine-tune your list.

Tent camping is a lot of work, but it is so worth it for the memories you’ll always have.

The Joys of Tent Camping

Tent camping

Just picture waking up to the sound of birds chirping, and the wind rustling in the trees. You are comfortably snuggled in flannel softness, ready to start your day. Sounds great, doesn’t it? That is what tent camping is all about. And you don’t have to be experienced to do it. Here are the seven reasons why tent camping is the best way to camp.

It’s Affordable

Nothing beats tent camping for affordability. With just a tent and tarp you can be set to go on a great camping adventure. The great thing about tent camping is you can decide the night before that you want to go camping the next day and off you go. Of course, you will probably want to add to the list a few extras. A sleeping bag and air mattress or pad are a nice extra but a sheet and some blankets will do just as well. A tarp and some rope are also a good idea, especially if you run into rain during your trip. You can hang the tarp above your tent and attach it to the tree trunks surrounding your tent. This makes for a great umbrella for your tent and will keep you dry in the event of an unforeseen rain storm.

Unlimited Camping Locations

There is virtually no limit to where you can go tent camping. Unlike RV and Pop-up camping, tent camping can be done just about anywhere provided you have permission. And really, there are enough public campgrounds throughout the US to choose from. Tent camping makes it ideal to camp close to home which is especially good if you are trying it out for the first time. In fact camping in your backyard is an excellent way to do a trial run before you commit to a longer trip.

Being Close to Nature

tent-camping3 Tent camping is a great way to get to see nature up close. If you live in a large city this is a great way to see nature at its finest. Want a lake view? Just find a lake with a campground and you are all set. Love the beach? The same thing applies. Many lakes and beaches have campgrounds that cater to tent campers.

Minimal Preparation

Got the tent and sleeping gear. Just add a flashlight, charcoal, food, a few folding chairs, and a container for water and you are ready to go. Sounds too simple? Well, you could add to the list but the point is tent camping can be done with minimal preparation and you can still enjoy yourself.

Easy to Set Up

Tent camping is the easiest form of camping for setting up. The way tents are made these days it only takes a few minutes to have the tent unpacked and assembled. Dome tents are usually the easiest to set up and usually come with easy-to-follow instructions. It’s much easier with two people but even one person can put together a dome tent.

Kids Love Tents

tent-camping4 Kids love camping in tents. Aren’t your kids already playing tent in your house with sheets? Tent camping is a great way for families to have a vacation with a minimal amount of expense and effort. It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in helping “set up” camp. They will enjoy watching (or helping) you assemble the tent. Who knows – you might be able to sit back and watch them set up the tent!

Anyone Can Do It

Tent camping is something that doesn’t require experience. Anyone can enjoy tent camping, young and old alike. Just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to try something new and anyone can become a tent camper.

tent-camping5

Tent camping is a great way to see the country without spending a lot of money and you may find it’s the best way to camp and wake up to this view, wow!!

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Capturing Nature’s Glow: Shooting Photographs in Natural Light

Most people shooting photographs in natural light or just starting in photography probably won’t have access to expensive cameras and lighting equipment. But, in terms of creativity, some of the most emotive and affecting images can be captured using natural or available light. There are, however, certain basic tips and tricks that you can use to maximize the effects of natural light and make your work more professional from the get-go, depending on how you want the finished image to look.

Shooting When the Sun is High

In the middle of the day, the sun is high overhead in the sky; while many people tend to shy away from this because it can be harsh and creates strong shadows, it can work well in terms of a striking and interesting composition. If you want to work with this hard light, you should study it for some time beforehand so you understand how it behaves and then uses it to its full advantage.

Making the Most of the Golden Hour

Whether you’re into photography or not, you’ve probably heard (a version of) this term, which refers to the times just before sunrise and sunset, when the light is at its most glorious. It’s soft and directional (as the sun is low and coming in at an angle) and, along with the stunning hues, there are lots of beautiful long shadows to play with for composition. Get up early and reap the rewards!

Using Side Lighting

If you’re looking for strong, graphic contouring (which is particularly effective for portraiture), side lighting can provide a wonderful way to add detail and depth to an image or subject. It can be tricky to get right, however, so you have to watch from which angle it is coming. Again, simply sitting at a location and consciously observing, then experimenting, is the best way to learn.

Indoor Natural Lighting

Natural window light can make for absolutely stunning portraits, and positioning your subject in different places has a vast range of effects. The window acts like a soft box, diffusing the light and creating a beautiful softness to the image; as a general rule, the closer your subject is to the window the softer and more even the light will be, but moving them further away will create strong (and often very interesting) contrast.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Weather

If you have genuine creative aspirations you need to make friends with all kinds of weather. There are incredible opportunities to be found on rainy and stormy days, but even simply taking advantage of clouds can help you achieve remarkable results. Think of the moodiest and most evocative landscape images and they were probably shot in what many of us would consider being ‘bad’ weather. Be open-minded, challenge yourself and invest in some decent wet-weather gear!

Learn from the Experts

There’s no substitute for time and practice if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, however, if you’re serious, it’s a great idea to enroll in some professional education. There are a host of online courses. Is photography a good career in 2022?

Photographs kingfisher-natural light

So, as an overall answer regarding the question “Is Photography a Good Career?” Yes, it is! As long as the earnings of a photographer, in general, are concerned, a photographer in the USA can earn about $30-40k per year. Employment of photographers is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2030.

Good Luck !

Take Your Images to the Next Level

Improve Your Images

Improve your images, whether you’re just starting out on your creative journey or you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, there is so much information out there to help you improve your photography. It can sometimes be overwhelming, and gathering helpful tips from the not-so-helpful can be quite a task.

One of the easiest ways of getting an all-around insight into the craft is to do one of the free online photography courses that are available. If you choose the right course (with an established reputation and with tutorials by well-known photographers) you’ll be able to learn a lot and start applying it to your own creative identity. But even before you enroll in one of the free online photography courses, if you begin implementing the following three tips, you’ll see an immediate improvement in your images.

Always Consider the Light

The quality of light is a hugely important aspect, and getting into the habit of considering that every time you intend to capture an image will stand you in very good stead. The three aspects you need to think about are the direction the light is coming from, its color, and its intensity. What we call warm light, which gives an image a kind of golden glow and is generally the most sought after and flattering, is that which appears at the times around sunset and sunrise (hence it’s known as ‘the golden hour’). In terms of its intensity, the more diffuse the light, the softer the effect, and the harsher the light, the stronger the shadows and contrast. improve-your-images2

To gain a thorough understanding of light quality, consider doing one of the free online photography courses that go in-depth on the topic.

Think Carefully About Composition

While there are times when the perfect composition simply presents itself within your viewfinder, if you take the time to consider the positioning and angle of your subject or the landscape before you shoot, your images will undoubtedly improve. The ‘rule of thirds’ is a superb starting point from which to arrange your composition: the premise of this rule is that you mentally divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically then ‘place’ elements of the scene along those lines, or their intersection (e.g., in a landscape you’d use the bottom two thirds for the landscape itself and the top for the sky). Another good compositional tip is to use converging lines to draw the viewer’s eye right into the scene.

Look for the Most Interesting Subjects

You might think this would go without saying, but finding the most interesting subjects often requires you to think outside the square and train yourself to see things with a more critical eye. Even the most ordinary of subjects can make for an extraordinary image when its contextual perception is altered. The wonderful thing about photography is that the potential to discover something very special is virtually unlimited if you open your mind to looking at things differently. Look for the images other people miss because they’re usually hidden in plain sight. improve-your-photography-skills

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

While you can discover so much by simply getting out and capturing images and using experience as your teacher, if you want to fast-track things, the best idea is to learn from the experts. A great way to do this is to get started with one of the free online photography courses. If that whets your appetite, it may be time to take the next big step on the road to professionalism.

Equipment available here:

What to Feed Your Dog: A Guide to a…

A well-balanced dog’s diet needs to be nutritious and is vital to keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, with many available diets, selecting the right diet for your dog can present a significant challenge.

Domesticated dogs are primarily carnivores, but they tend to be omnivores in dieting. However, when deciding on what diet to give your furry friend, it is ideal to consult with your vet. This is because every dog is an individual, and what might be suitable for a friend’s dog may not work for your dog.

In this article, you will get to explore more about a dog’s diet. Here we go…

What dogs eat

Your dog’s diet should include high-quality, well-balanced commercial dog food. The food will vary depending on the health status and age (growth stage) of your four-legged friend. To offer variety, you can incorporate some natural foods like sizable raw meaty bones, fresh human-made raw meat, and vegetables. NEVER cook bones meant to feed your dog.

Make sure to pick human-made meat because most meat products sold as dog food contain preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health. The amount to feed your dog will vary depending on breed, age, size, and level of exercise.

Misconceptions surrounding dog’s diet

Everyone wants the best for their furry friends. With many myths surrounding pet food, you may be overwhelmed by the Dog's Diet conflicting information. Here are some traps you should never enter in. Raw foods are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination and will give your dog worms – dogs have potent stomach acids that will kill any bacteria. Raw foods make your dog aggressive or aggressive dogs should be given low protein diets. Raw diets are not balanced Bones are harmful to dog’s Raw diets are not balanced People foods are detrimental to dogs Grained-diets are harmful to your dog’s Dry foods are best for your dog and beneficial to dental care All diets are holistic and balanced for every dog

What makes a good brand, and why?

Choosing healthy dog food is a must for every pet owner. The only way to get the right dog food is by buying from a reputable brand, and this is how to spot one.

The first thing is consulting with your vet. He or she can offer recommendations based on your pooch’s needs. Once you are in the pet store, check for “complete and balanced.” You can also check for nutritional adequacy statements by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This shows the brand meets the requirements to make dog food, and the food is ideal.

What makes a horrible brand, and why?

Even though you won’t find any pet food labeled as bad, there are some brands that you must avoid. Mostly, you will find these foods from these brands labeled “intermittent or supplemental” and they contain questionable ingredients. Dog foods from a lousy brand will contain 4-D meats, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, corn, and grains. These ingredients are added to lower production costs.

What do people need to know before buying dog food?

For you to get premium commercial food for your dog, consider the following and their percentages Carbohydrates and grains present Proteins present Vegetables included Level of oils and fats Preservatives used. Avoid foods that are not preserved with natural preservatives Breed of your dog.

In Conclusion

With this guide, you will buy the right food for your dog. Make sure to buy from a reputable brand. If it’s not possible when to decide on what diet to give your furry friend, it is ideal to consult with your vet. This is because every dog is an individual, and what might be suitable for a friend’s dog may not work for your dog. Additionally, you can consult with dog trainers at PetSmart or Petco for some guidance on what food to buy for your pooch.

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Flowering Teas

Flowering Teas, as the name suggests, the type of drink is made of a mixture of edible flowers and tea leaves. The mixture is not processed instead, they are tied together and used in making tea when dry.

This type of flowering tea is quite enjoyable to drink since it is made of sweet-smelling flowers which are also edible.

In the recent past, the Chinese country is the country where tea was introduced and as of now, most people have started using it as it is easily made and less costly. According to doctors, this type of drink is healthier as compared to others because it is more natural.

FLOWERING TEAS all around this world, there are a lot of things that come up each particular day due to research. Innovations, as well as inventions, have taken up most of people`s the time when people are trying to come up with new things. Although some of the past inventions seem to be accidental in a way as some people say since their origin cannot or may not be clearly defined. China is one of the countries where most of its people have dedicated their time and effort to research and development.

It is this country that is believed to be the origin of tea drinking a long time ago. It is for this reason that there are many types of flowering teas in that country ranging from black to white tea. Chinese flower tea is another type of tea that is mostly used in China and has lately spread throughout the world. flowering-teas-pegusas

This is a unique type of Flowering tea that is naturally made from dried leaves and dried flowers by wrapping them together. It has been positively commented on by many people about its taste and other benefits. Although China has many types of meals and drinks there is not one that is more beautiful than this flower tea drink.

The blooming tea is simply made from tea leaves and certain flowers which are mostly found in Yunnan Province in China. The tea leaves and flowers are bound together to form a bulb which is then dried up. As it is drying up the tea seems to be steeping. While steeping, a blooming effect is seen from the flowers producing an aroma where the tea starts to unfold forming a bulb. According to the experts as it is blooming the tea leaves are the ones to bloom first then the flowers follow as the centerpiece.

The flowers that are used to make this type of tea are sourced from Yunnan Province which is a mountainous place. The place is suitable for the production of flowers such as hibiscus and chrysanthemums which are used in making Chinese flower tea. The flowers mentioned are just but a few since there are varieties of them that are acquired cheaply in the Southwestern part of China due to the reliable climate in the place. Many people have started using blooming tea hence gaining popularity over the recent years due to its features. flowering-teas-from-pegusas

It is either bright in color or light green. The teas have a pleasant fragrance and sweet taste and hence have attracted many people. While brewing, one of the preparation methods, produces a sweet smell and attractive color. The users of this tea say that while using it one not only enjoys the sweet taste but also can feel the sense of beauty. Although people are saying that its preparation is easy, the experts warn people to be careful when brewing this type of tea. They warn against choosing the wrong type of container that will be used to brew. Flowering Teas

The functionality of the Flowering Teas works best as any other herbal product. It is majorly known for its vital health benefits associated with no or minimal side effects. This kind of tea is found in different varieties with different methods of making them. In this type dried flowers are used in place of the normal tea leaves. Under some methods, dried tea leaves are used with dried flowers to provide a pleasant fragrance as well as some health benefits that come along with its usage. The tea can be made from the roots, stems, flowers, and leaves of the herbal plant used.

Chinese teas cannot be generally said to be popular in the whole country, especially in the western part but it is more popular in Yunnan. The surety about the inventor of Chinese tea remains suspended in the minds of many since none knows exactly who came up with it.

Many people have come up with different theories about the origin of this tea. Some propose that it was an accidental invention by someone who was trying to prepare some tea while others think that it was a modern creation or among the older inventions in China. Proposals about the origin vary depending on the person’s research and thinking since there is no single book or historical record about the origin of the Chinese tea.

The fact remains and will remain that the origin, how it came into existence and the founder is unknown.

The Chinese health professionals have confirmed that the blooming tea is healthy and safe to use. It contains many health benefits since it is naturally made. Since it is made from a mixture of bundled flowers and tea leaves it has a lot of benefits for the body. The dried flowers that are made are important in the body in different ways.

Among the many benefits is that it helps in fighting cancer. When used for a long time its effects on the body become anti-cancerous hence helping in preventing cancer. It is important also for cleaning the blood in the body as well as boosting blood circulation. It as well smoothens or beautifies the skin and prevents it from diseases. flowering-teas

It, however, contains antioxidants that clean the body by eliminating toxins from the body. It also treats coughing by moistening the lungs and removing mucus from the body as well as smoothening the nerves. The tea also removes heat from the body as well as removes inflammations. It as well helps in digestion as well as boosting metabolism.

How to Brew Blooming Tea

Blooming tea is a visually enticing experience. Hand-rolled, tea leaves are bundled up together with various flowers into many different shapes. Not only is blooming tea easy to prepare, but its dancing leaves will also draw the center of attention at any summer party.

Ingredients:

One flowering tea ball
Filtered water
Medium to a large see-through teapot

Directions:

Bring the filtered water to an almost boil (about 170 degrees). Pour the hot water into the clear teapot containing the blooming tea ball. Watch the tea ball unravel into a flowery design. Steep for at least 15 minutes. Pour liquid into a teacup and drink. Add sweetener if desired.

Flowering Teas

Blooming tea is typically made of Silver Needle White Teas. A silver needle can be steeped for a longer period than green or black for added flavor without tasting bitter. However, once steeped to desired taste, remove the liquid from bloom for later use. In addition, fruit preserves are highly recommended as sweeteners rather than sugar. These can be purchased at your local ethnic grocery store. Some great combinations are rose petal preserves or date preserves.

So, sit down, read a book and relax with a hot cup of flowering teas.

flowering-teas

Unlock the Secrets of the Guitar

Consider the following four steps to learning to play the guitar as a beginner:

Step 1: Know the Parts of your Guitar

Once you have a guitar, you’ll want to learn the different parts. You can find a picture of a guitar and its features online or in an encyclopedia. A few of the features are:

The bridge
The head
Frets
Body
Strings

The pickups, knobs, and switches found on guitars are also important. If your guitar doesn’t have some of these options, don’t worry about them. They aren’t a part of playing the guitar, but they change how it sounds. Make sure you know where each part is located on your guitar when you begin playing so that everything will be easy to identify later when needed.

Step 2: Learn the Correct Posture and How to Hold the Guitar

Once you know all the guitar parts, you need to know how and where to position your body while playing. You should be seated with your left foot flat on the ground and your right foot pointing slightly outward. Your shoulders and back should be relaxed, and you should have a slight arch in your lower back.

To hold the guitar correctly, rest its body on your right leg with your arm lax around it. Then, to position the neck of the guitar for playing, extend it towards you so that it is parallel to the floor.

Step 3: Learn to tune the guitar

Once you have learned the correct posture and how to hold your guitar, you are ready for the next step of learning how to play the guitar. Tuning your guitar is how you make it sound the way you want. If your guitar is not well-tuned, it will sound bad! Read on to learn the different ways of tuning a guitar:

Tuning your guitar with an electronic tuner

Below are the steps to follow when tuning your guitar using an electric tuner

Purchase the most common type of tuner, known as an “automated chromatic” or just a “chromatic” tuner. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and allow you to tune any guitar. The most common place to find one is in a music shop, but if you don’t have a local music shop nearby, they can also be found online at websites such as Amazon.
Turn the tuner on and connect it to your guitar by either clipping it onto the headstock or plugging it into your instrument jack. Automatic tuners come with directions on doing this; if you’re unsure what to do, check them out!
Begin playing each string on your guitar (in order from the first string down through the sixth) until the correct note appears on the screen. Adjust each string accordingly until your guitar is tuned correctly
Tuning by ear using another instrument

Here is how you tune a guitar using another instrument:

Find an electric piano or other well-tuned instruments that play specific notes when keys are pressed (as opposed to instruments like electric organs, which may play chords when keys are pressed). A piano works best for this method, but any well-tuned instrument will work fine.
Hold down the lowest note on the piano—the A key—and strum the fifth (A) string on your guitar at once to hear both notes at once. If they sound similar enough that you believe them to be almost identical in tone quality, then move to the next step; if not, continue adjusting the fifth string until both tones seem similar enough.
To adjust the string’s tone using a tuning peg: turn counterclockwise for sharp/higher pitch; turn clockwise for flat/lower pitch.

Step 4: Learn a few chords and scales

The beauty of learning to play the guitar is that it is not as complicated as many other instruments. However, there’re still some things you need to learn to play the instrument well. After knowing how to tune your guitar, the next step is to start the actual playing. You can start by learning the basic chords and scales.

Chords provide harmony, and the scales provide the melody for a song. You will learn various types of scales, and depending on your preference, you can practice with any scale you want. The most popular scale used in popular music is called the major scale, consisting of 7 notes, but there are also minor scales consisting of 6 notes.

Once you master this step, you’re well on your way to becoming the prolific guitarist you want to be. Now you only have to build up your speed by learning new songs!

Get Healthy: Start Working Out

Start Working Out!

Many people say that they simply don’t have the time to exercise. While this may be perfectly true in a fast-paced world, there are certain things you can do to start working out and incorporating exercise into your daily life without allotting much time for it.

When it comes to exercise, it all starts with a good attitude and a little bit of action each day. It’s a common misconception to believe that you need to engage in strict dieting or lengthy and vigorous exercise routines to stay in shape. It simply isn’t true!

Try some of these tips to start working out in your daily routine:

Take the Stairs. No matter where you are, there are many times when you can opt to take the stairs instead of an elevator. Whether you’re attending an important business meeting, or just going to the mall, take the stairs.

Go for a Walk. Walking is a great way to get extra exercise and most of the time it doesn’t feel like exercise at all. If you were planning to meet with a friend, ask them if they’d like to go for a walk while you talk. Alternatively, you can go for walk when you just need to sort out some of your thoughts. Besides, getting some extra blood to the brain will help you think clearer.

Start- Working- Out--go-walk

Play with Your Children. If you have children, you likely have at least a part of your day dedicated to their care. Decide that you’re going to engage in active games like outdoor sports. You can even do this with pets too. It’ll be a fun and relaxing source of exercise!

Jog in Place. Jogging in place might seem like a boring activity, but when you combine it with something else that you’re doing, it can be quite invigorating. There are bound to be short bursts of time that you can use to relieve tension and get the blood pumping.

Ride Your Bike. If you’re traveling a short distance, it’s a good idea to take your bike, instead of the car or bus. While it may add some time to your overall travel time, it’s a great way to stay in shape if you can spare a few extra minutes.

Active Dates. Whether you’d like to schedule a date with a partner, friend, or family member, you can choose an activity with exercise. Instead of going to a movie, go dancing. You could even try something like rock climbing or attending the batting cages. Get creative and have a blast!

Lift Weights. You can start a beginner workout plan as well. Lift while you’re brainstorming, watching TV, or talking on the phone. You may also want to keep the weights at your desk as a reminder to use them.

Lift weights

Park Far Away. You don’t need the stress of fighting for the closest parking spot. Instead, travel a little further and walk! There’s little stress involved with this decision and it’ll probably save you some time, too.

Try Outdoor Chores. If you don’t already participate in outdoor chores, you could be helping your house and yourself by engaging in them. You might even be saving your family some money if you’ve previously hired the neighbor’s kids. Mow your lawn, do some weeding, or take up gardening – it’s a simple way to stay fit. Start Working Out!!

Keep Moving

It doesn’t take long to realize that, with the proper attitude, you can remain active while you’re busy with other things. Sometimes you may end up taking a little extra time to work out, but your body will thank you for it.

Just take these simple, small actions each day and you’ll soon reap the rewards!

Music As Therapy

The idea of listening to music while studying is a very common one for students. Some students may be surprised to learn that it can help them study and retain information better than they would without sound.

Dopamine and memory information processing occurs in many areas throughout our brains and most people experience some degree of memory formation when learning new things. When you listen to music while studying, it helps to activate multiple parts of the brain at once.

Simply put, having both auditory stimulations along with visual information processed by your brain can help improve memory retention. The dopamine released during this process is partly responsible for helping us remember what we are doing and why. adult-listening-to-music

Dopamine is released when you are doing something enjoyable to you, especially when it brings on some type of pleasurable reward.

You remember better while listening to music because your brain releases dopamine every time it hears new information, which makes you want to listen more intently and therefore remember it more clearly.

This explains why some students have a hard time focusing on their studies, as it is usually not an enjoyable process for them. If you can put yourself in a good mood whenever you need to study, it will help improve your memory and attention span.

Your brain doesn’t remember meaningless information as well as it does the things that mean something to you. Put yourself into a good mood by listening to your favorite music, and you’ll find that it’s much easier to focus on what you need to learn.

The music doesn’t have to be loud for this process work either to. If the volume is too high, it can make you even more stressed while studying because of all the other extra noise.

When you study, try to play the music that is instrumental without any words being sung along with it. This will help improve your concentration because you won’t have anything to distract you from the information that’s being presented.

Another thing that can help improve memory retention while studying is listening to low volumes of different types of music. For example, try listening to classical music one day and soft rock another. This creates a different mood in your brain that will help you learn what you are being taught.

people-music

Listening to music makes studying more enjoyable for many students. When you study in a good mood, you remember information better.

Music helps activate the different parts of your brain that are responsible for storing memories and improving concentration. This is why having music on when you need to focus can improve memory retention by up to 15%.

If you want to make studying more enjoyable and remember things better, then try listening to music while studying.

You will also learn that you improve your creativity as well as allow yourself to relax more when you listen to music as opposed to not listening at all.

Finally, you will learn to study in a way that is more appropriate for your brain type.

Boost Your Energy Now!

Many people complain that they do not have the energy that they feel they should. This is something that doctors hear daily. Many people often complain that they always feel tired and as if they just do not have what it takes to perform their daily activities. Many people who experience a lack of energy and general fatigue often pursue alternative treatment methods in order to resolve their issues. Quite a few people experiment with vitamins to find that they suddenly have that burst of energy that they desire.

There are many types of vitamins that provide a person with a boost of energy. One of the most common energy boosters as far as vitamins are concerned is folic acid. It is great to implement the use of folic acid in your daily vitamin regime because it allows you to gain energy and will alleviate the fatigue that often accompanies the lack of energy that many people experience. Folic acid is often prescribed to women who are pregnant because it helps to increase energy levels and is very beneficial to the proper growth and development of the unborn child.

There is a vitamin on the market that is known as “NADH”. This vitamin is an excellent source of energy. Many people complain that it takes time before they actually feel the results of the vitamin that they are taking to increase energy, but people who have taken NADH often are very surprised at how they experience almost immediate results from taking this vitamin. There are other vitamins and supplements that help Some other vitamins and supplements help induce energy in people, which include Gingko Biloba. Gingko-Biloba

Gingko Biloba is an excellent vitamin-based supplement to help to increase energy. However, if you have an issue with thinning blood, or take certain types of blood thinners, you should consult your doctor before implementing this herb into your daily regime. Gingko Biloba has been known to result in the thinning of the blood. If you already have an issue with thinning blood, taking this supplement can lead to serious complications.

Many people are not aware that there can be dangerous side effects with various types of vitamins and supplements. This is why it is so important to speak with your doctor about any type of new product you wish to implement when it comes to vitamins and supplements. People with certain medical conditions such as heart problems, organ issues, immunity problems, and blood problems should always seek the approval of a medical professional before taking certain products.

Vitamins can also reverse the effects of certain medications, such as birth control. This is an important consideration when wanting to take vitamins to increase your energy and decrease the fa. Before that you experience. ore purchasing vitamins consultant with your doctor.

healthy-snacks

You do not have to continue to battle with your energy level and fatigue. There are many safe products that you can acquire at your local pharmacy that will help you increase energy naturally or, just have a healthy snack.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Battery for…

Have you ever wondered how to pick out the best battery(s) for your solar panel system (or off-grid energy system)? Or have you wondered what makes one deep-cycle battery better than another? If so, this article will answer these questions and give you specific things to check on before buying your new battery (to ensure you get the most bang for your buck)!

When choosing a battery (or batteries) for your solar panel system, there are three categories of batteries that work best. So, in this article, we will:

Part 1) Quickly compare the three main types of solar batteries (lead-acid, saltwater, and lithium).

Part 2) Compare the components of batteries, such as depth of discharge, capacity and power, efficiency, battery life, and manufacturer.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to pick out the best battery for your solar panel system! So let’s get started…

Part 1) The Three Best Types of Batteries for Solar Panel Systems: The best type of battery for your solar panel system will depend on what you’re looking for. Three battery types work exceptionally well; however, each battery type has pros and cons. So the first decision to make is the type of battery that will fit your system.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead-acid batteries are the most commonly used rechargeable battery in the world. They’re also among the longest-used and most reliable batteries in existence. Compared to the other batteries we’ll discuss in this report; they are the cheapest option but you trade cost for some battery life and depth of discharge. But for homeowners needing lots of storage for a lower cost, or if you are just making the move to a solar panel system, lead-acid batteries may be a very good option. They’re the type of battery we use in most of the battery banks in our solar panel systems.

Another great thing about lead-acid batteries is that you can use the maintenance and reconditioning methods we teach you in the EZ Battery Reconditioning program to greatly extend lead-acid battery’s life span.

Saltwater Batteries

Saltwater batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries, but also have a greater lifespan. Unlike lead-acid batteries, saltwater batteries are essentially brand new to the market and remain both somewhat untested and harder to come across. Of the three types of batteries, saltwater has the greatest depth of discharge, so you’ll get the most output per charge before needing to recharge. solar-battery-pack

Lithium Batteries

Lithium batteries are the most expensive and longest-lasting of the three types of solar batteries. Their depth of discharge is less than that of a saltwater battery, but more than that of a lead-acid battery. Comparing all three options, the lithium battery is probably the highest-rated, but also the most expensive. An example of a lithium battery is the Tesla Powerwall.

Part 2) Compare the components of batteries Once you’ve picked the best battery type for your solar panel or off-grid system (that meets your system’s needs), there are components to explore to find the ideal battery for your system.

Cost

Cost is probably one of the more obvious components. But the old saying, “you get what you pay for” holds when buying batteries as well. In some instances though, certain batteries may be overkill for your system so the most expensive battery may not be the best choice always.

Battery Life and Warranty

For most systems, a battery will cycle daily, meaning it will charge and drain regularly. With each cycle, the battery’s ability to hold the same charge lessens slightly. So, one component to consider is the warranty on the battery that guarantees a certain number of cycles of useful life. But keep in mind that if you use the maintenance and reconditioning methods, we teach you in the EZ Battery Reconditioning program, you can extend the life of your batteries.

Depth of Discharge

The depth of discharge is how much you can drain the battery down before needing to recharge the battery without harming its life. Certain solar batteries can be depleted further than others, allowing for more use between charging. Essentially, a battery with a 90% depth of discharge per cycle will provide more battery power per charge than a battery with less.

Capacity and Power

Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), capacity is the amount of energy a battery can store over time. The more capacity a battery has, the more power it can store.

Power is how much energy a battery can provide at a given moment. A battery with both a high capacity and high power can run a large system for several hours; a battery with low capacity and high power can run a large system but only for a short time.

Efficiency

Efficiency is the amount of energy used compared to the amount of energy it took to store energy. Batteries require power to charge and efficiency compares the energy taken to charge a battery with the amount of energy that the charged battery produces. The higher the efficiency, the more cost-effective the battery.

solar-technician

Manufacturer

This may not be a component most would consider, but it is something to pay attention to. As with other technology, there are both trusted brands and start-up brands. A trusted brand comes with known flaws and benefits; a start-up brand can perhaps have better technology, but can also have yet unknown technological issues.

Depending on your system needs, you may decide to go with a well-reviewed company or one that is brand new to the solar market.

Part 3) What happens when your solar batteries start to die?

But your new solar batteries won’t last forever. So, what can you do? …and what can you do when your batteries actually die Well, that’s where our battery reconditioning course comes in! You can use it to bring nearly any type of dead battery back to life again – including solar batteries, marine batteries, car batteries, forklift batteries, plus many other types.

If you follow this article, you should be able to compare batteries and pick out the best battery for your solar panel system’s needs.

Enjoy Paddle Boarding with These Tips

Have you been contemplating your paddle board adventure for a long time but without taking things forward? Make Paddle Boarding Enjoyable! If yes then you need to act right away so that you could claim your share of fun paddle boarding. First, invest in a good stand-up paddle board.

Once you have the paddle board then it is a matter of planning your paddle board experience. Take your time to review as many paddle boarding stores as possible and purchase from the most trusted store because the quality of your paddle boarding experience will depend greatly on the quality of the paddle board.

If you happen to sacrifice on quality when ordering your first paddle board then you would regret your choice for life. The first step then to make your paddle boarding experience enjoyable is to select the best paddle boards available in the market.

Whenever you are going out on an adventure with your inflatable stand up paddle boards you need to ensure that you have all the required paddle board accessories. You need to have the right costumes for the adventure because all these contribute towards your overall experience.

When ordering your inflatable paddle board itself you need to pay attention to details and check what is included in the box. Does the paddle board come with all the required accessories? Does it come with the safety leash and is the pump included in the kit? Is there an inflatable sup board repair kit in the box? If all these are not already included you need to source them separately.

paddle-board-enjoyable

Make a checklist of items before you start packing. This will save you from forgetting important things and end up in a foul mood on the day of your paddle board adventure. More to that, planning your paddle board adventure on a sunny day is important so that you are not stopped in the last minute by the rain or thundershowers.

There couldn’t be anything more disappointing than not being able to paddle board because of rains. When planning without fail check the weather.

As we talk about planning your adventure on a sunny day, do not forget to pack your sunscreen so that you do not come back with sunburns all over your body. All these little things make the difference. When you forget all these little things then you would be ruining your entire experience.

If you pay close attention to the above things, you would notice that all these are factors that are very much within your control. Therefore, it is vital that you invest enough time in planning and in putting together your adventure.

It would be fun if you could join your friends or if you could invite some friends for the adventure.

It is more fun if you are a group instead of paddle boarding alone.

Filter blue light produced by digital devices and other sources with Foster Grant® blue light glasses.

Inflatable Stand up Paddle Board

How to Purify Water? Water is essential to life. It exceeds the importance of food or even shelter. You could live weeks to a month or more without food, but only a few days without water, As a result, you have to be looking for places to find it, carry it, and ways to conserve it.

Stretch a tarp tied on 3 sides and adjust the fourth side so that water flows into water storage containers.

Set Up Your Humidor

If you can’t afford to invest in a quality hygrometer then that’s understandable.

With this belief, he hopes to educate the public about the historical significance of this practice and the legacy it has given birth to.

Play Chess

6 Reasons to Play Chess & Other Board Games

Our Conclusion

Board games are not limited to the elderly or the young, the poor or the rich, they are for everyone and they are enjoyed around the world… for good reason.

Gather the Right Fishing Gear

Fishing lessons for beginners, before you even step close to a lake or river, you’ve got to get the right fishing gear. You don’t have to buy expensive gear to learn fishing but if you can afford it, well and good. The most important things a beginner needs are a rod, line, and reel.

Other important things to purchase include:

You’ll also need a selection of fishing lures or live bait.

You will find three basic kinds of fishing reels:

You will find three various kinds of fly reels:

Get a License, and again get a license with a fish stamp

If you follow the steps above, you should land your first fish in minutes. Remember, be patient and keep practicing to hone your skills.

Khalyla the Labradoodle

Labradoodles are wonderful family dogs. They are great for first-time pet owners. They are friendly, and intelligent, and do well with children and other dogs. They are easy to train, easy to care and make good watchdogs.

Regardless of how bad your day has been, your best friend, your dog will be sure to cheer you up. Remember, only those who have love, passion, time, and dedication to care for pets should own pets.

Pets are not something that should be bought or adopted one day and forgotten the next.

Where to find water

Poison Sumac, Poison Ivy, or Poison Oak itching is not always the first symptom to occur when one comes in contact with these poisonous plants.

For many of my patients, the first realization that they might have come in contact with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, occurs when they consult with me about a rash that they have developed. These vicious weeds are the single most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States.

Leaves of Three – Let Them Be

Cook for Two

Are you tired of having too many leftovers when you cook at home?

Tent Camping is one of the summer activities my family has been involved in for many years.

After your first trip, you’ll be able to fine-tune your list.

Tent camping is a lot of work, but it is so worth it for the memories you’ll always have.

Tent camping

Tent camping is a great way to see the country without spending a lot of money and you may find it’s the best way to camp and wake up to this view, wow!!

Check out the Ads below for deals on outdoor camping gear.

Our team uses CBD and it works famously!

Improve Your Images

Always Consider the Light

Think Carefully About Composition

Look for the Most Interesting Subjects

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

A well-balanced dog’s diet needs to be nutritious and is vital to keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, with many available diets, selecting the right diet for your dog can present a significant challenge.

Flowering Teas

Flowering Teas, as the name suggests, the type of drink is made of a mixture of edible flowers and tea leaves. The mixture is not processed instead, they are tied together and used in making tea when dry.

This type of flowering tea is quite enjoyable to drink since it is made of sweet-smelling flowers which are also edible.

In the recent past, the Chinese country is the country where tea was introduced and as of now, most people have started using it as it is easily made and less costly. According to doctors, this type of drink is healthier as compared to others because it is more natural.

Consider the following four steps to learning to play the guitar as a beginner:

Once you master this step, you’re well on your way to becoming the prolific guitarist you want to be. Now you only have to build up your speed by learning new songs!

Start Working Out!

Try some of these tips to start working out in your daily routine:

Just take these simple, small actions each day and you’ll soon reap the rewards!

The idea of listening to music while studying is a very common one for students. Some students may be surprised to learn that it can help them study and retain information better than they would without sound.

Listening to music makes studying more enjoyable for many students. When you study in a good mood, you remember information better.

You do not have to continue to battle with your energy level and fatigue. There are many safe products that you can acquire at your local pharmacy that will help you increase energy naturally or, just have a healthy snack.

Have you been contemplating your paddle board adventure for a long time but without taking things forward? Make Paddle Boarding Enjoyable! If yes then you need to act right away so that you could claim your share of fun paddle boarding. First, invest in a good stand-up paddle board.

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