March Madness and How to Make Your Own Sauerkraut!March Madness and How to Make Your Own Sauerkraut! by by Lisa Carr

You can smell it in the air--the hope of spring, the Final 4, homemade sauerkraut...What? Homemade sauerkraut?! Aah yes, it's true. While daffodils are blooming and basketballs are bouncing, there is yet another indication that spring is nigh: CABBAGE GOES ON SALE! Keep a look out because it happens every year just about the time of St. Patrick's Day!

Grocery stores in their attempts to get you to come on in and shop put out their promotional products, and just about the middle of March the cabbage goes on sale. Being the frugal soul I am, I look forward to this time to stock up on fresh cabbage so that I can begin my annual ritual of making homemade sauerkraut. Now, if you have never made your own sauerkraut, you are in for a treat. Not only is it fun, easy, and economical, it is great tasting.

The process for making your own sauerkraut is very easy, and you can make as much as you want, or as little as you want. For me, I usually shred approximately 20-25 pounds of cabbage and end up with 8-10 quarts of sauerkraut. For the purpose of this article, I will give you directions on how to make a small batch of sauerkraut, therefore, all you will need in the way of supplies are clean, glass fruit jars.
Here are your basic directions:

1. Remove and discard the outer leaves from the cabbage. Wash, drain, cut in halves or quarters, and discard the core (put in the compost bucket!! Nothing goes to waste!)

2. Shred 5 pounds of cabbage at a time with a shredder or sharp knife. I use my food processor with the slicing blade, and the slices come out perfect. Your slices of cabbage should be no thicker than a dime.

3. Put the 5 pounds of shredded cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle 3.5 tablespoons of pickling salt (not table salt!) over the cabbage and mix thoroughly with your hands. Press or stomp the cabbage with a potato masher until the mixture gets "juicy".

4. Pack into clean jars, pressing the cabbage down firmly with a wooden spoon. Fill your jars to within 1.5 to 2 inches from the tops. It takes approximately 2 pounds of cabbage to fill 1 quart jar. Be sure there is juice covering the cabbage!

5. Wipe off the jar top, then cover the cabbage with pads of cheesecloth. I use clean, white, old pieces of sheet, and this has worked perfectly fine for me. Tuck in the "cloth" so the edges are against the inside of the jar. Place a lid on the jar, but to not tighten completely.

6. Put jars on folded newspaper in a dark corner where the cabbage can ferment at room temperature. The ideal temperature is a constant 70*. Some juice may spill over, so that is the purpose of the newspapers. Let the cabbage ferment for about 10-14 days. Make sure that during the fermentation period that the cabbage is always covered with brine or juice. You may need to make up a weak brine consisting of 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water to pour over the cabbage if the cabbage is not covered.

7. Open your jar, taste and see. You should have a fine batch of sauerkraut. If you want the "kraut" to ferment a bit longer, just replace the lid...or get out a bratwurst and have a meal!

Making sauerkraut is very fun and easy. Although it may not be exactly the Final 4 or a tulip, cabbage is round like a basketball, and green like spring...and you'll have a tasty end to March Madness! If you would like further tips on how to can up your sauerkraut or how to make a crock-size batch of sauerkraut, please visit my blogs which are listed in the resource box!

Lisa Carr has lived off the "grid" for several years where she has honed her homestead skills and self-sufficiency strategies. She would love to share her food storage and preservation tips or you can just visit http://homesteadfamilyodyssey to see how a modern homestead family lives today!

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/March-Madness-and-How-to-Make-Your-Own-Sauerkraut-/178842

Real Achievers by by Sandra Prior

At the age 0f 17, I had lost all desire to carry on. Weighing a massive 115kg and wearing size 44, I was depressed, angry and lacked self confidence. I should have been enjoying my high school years, but I was so self conscious about my weight, I constantly felt overwhelmed by self pity.

Soon everything was affected and my downward spiral started. I failed five out of my six subjects, and increasingly withdrew from society, isolating myself from family, friends and teachers.

I soon realized that I had reached the point of no return � if I didn�t take drastic action, my whole life was going to be drastically affected. I put much more effort into my studies, and after a long, hard slog achieved my degree. As my self confidence increased, I lost my fear, and decided to change my whole life by losing weight and eating correctly. This simple decision was the best I ever made.

I found the best way of sticking to my new regime was to take one step at a time � not focusing on the path behind or ahead of me, but watching my feet directly below me. As I did this, my patience and confidence gradually grew.

I joined the gym and started with cardio work, but tried to vary my training to avoid boredom by using different machines and alternating going to the gym with power walking outdoors.

When I worked out with weights, I trained using a light intensity for a longer duration in order to burn fat effectively and trained different muscle groups on different days to avoid fatigue. By combining two toning workouts with 3 � 5 hour long cardio workouts a week, I soon started seeing results.

On the food side, I cut all sweets, chocolate and junk food out of my diet, and ate more proteins, vegetables and carbohydrates. I drink at least two liters of water per day. My patience was soon rewarded. Each day passed slowly and with each kilogram I shed, life transformed dramatically � my self confidence soared and I began to believe in myself again. Two years later, I�ve not only lost 40kg but I also love my 75kg body.

My own experience has inspired me to help others. I now thrive on the satisfaction I get from motivating other people to achieve their physical goals. I firmly believe in the power of exercise as a stress reliever and solution to weight loss.

When training with weights, rather do light intensity sessions for longer. Once your body is used to long, grueling workouts, you can add heavy weights to build, shape and tone. Remember, heavy weights build muscle. Weight training also increases bone density, which is very important for women over the age of 30.

Last year I enrolled to study to become a personal trainer. I am living proof that healthy eating habits, positive motivation and regular exercise can help to change your life. I feel great and refuse ever to go back to my old ways. I�m happier than I�ve ever been and believe it�s possible for anyone to achieve their dreams � so reach for the stars.

Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Real-Achievers/156975

Tree Roots In The Sewer Pipes - A Common Septic Problem

Tree Roots In The Sewer Pipes - A Common Septic Problem
By Juanita Swindell

Tree roots in sewer lines are not an uncommon occurrence. This is all the more possible if you have an older home which has old clay pipes as building drains that lead from your house to the main city drains. However, no matter what the material of the sewer pipe, if there is a crack in the pipe or the joint; chances are that tree roots will penetrate it.

The older clay pipe lines have fewer issues due to the technique that was used to seal their joints. The joints were fitted into each other, filled with oakum (a rope material) and then finished off with thick mortar. Over a period of time cracks may appear in the mortar thus opening up the joints.
Unchecked root growth

If there are trees or plants around your home, the roots very naturally get attracted to the sewer line which in effect is a source of water and nutrients for them. The roots tend to grow the most during spring and fall. If left unchecked, these roots can grow at an alarming pace and can actually end up blocking the entire sewer pipe.

In some cases, the mesh of roots fill up the line to such an extent that the only way to clear them out is to dislodge the entire pipeline and pull out the roots from the open end. In worst case scenarios, if the damage to the pipe is severe, the entire line might have to be replaced as well.

Regular Checks Are Necessary

Over a period of time the entire inner diameter of the sewer pipe gets blocked and even the liquid does not pass through. This stoppage obviously leads to a back-up inside the house. In most cases, it is only when this happens that people realize there is a problem.

Many people experience root problems such as these very frequently and feel that an occasional backup is a normal occurrence. It is also true that snaking the line can clear out the roots for a short while, however, this is just a temporary solution. It is important to have these root intrusions attended to. If left unchecked they can prove to be a damaging and costly affair.

Fixing The Damage

If roots have blocked and damaged your private sewer pipes you will need to get a licensed plumber to clear them. As well as removing the roots you should consider fixing the damage in a way that will minimize future problems.

If you stop roots re-entering your pipes you will save yourself the expense of having to keep clearing and maintaining them. You will also be going a long way in protecting the environment by keeping storm water out of the sewer.

If you want to rectify the problem ask your plumber to estimate where the blockage is located. Your plumber can then dig to remove the roots and repair the pipe to stop the tree or plant roots from entering the pipe work again. In extreme cases it may be necessary to replace or relocate the pipe. Your plumber can recommend the best solution for your particular problem.

It is impossible to tell if tree roots have managed to get into the sewer pipes till it is too late. The best time to deal with septic problems is before they happen. Call Liberty Plumbing and Septic today to get your septic system inspected. Also check out our new blog post on Common Septic Problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Juanita_Swindell/682332
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tree-Roots-In-The-Sewer-Pipes---A-Common-Septic-Problem&id=9685692

Fun Dog Activities

Fun Dog Activities

All dog breeds (www.dog-breed-facts.com/index.html) were developed for a purpose. Some breeds were developed to herd sheep, some to hunt game, and some to pull sleds. Dogs, like humans, enjoy having a purpose in life. Dogs like to lead a structured life and be able to associate with their owners in activities and be given the opportunity to please their owner. The following is a short list of fun activities that you may want to consider for your dog.

Dog Agility is a sport in which a handler must control and direct his dog around an obstacle course within a set period of time. Dogs must be controlled off-leash using only voice and body language commands. The handler runs beside the dog and directs the dog through the obstacle course with precision and speed - trying to accumulate the minimum number of faults (both missed obstacles and time faults). Obstacles include: A-frames, elevated dog walks, teeter-totters, tunnels, jumps (such as hurdles and tires), weave poles (like a slalom), pause tables (where the dog must lie down for a fixed time), and other obstacles. In order to be fair, there are usually classes of competition to group dogs of similar size and experience. Therefore there will be several winners at a competition. Dogs and handlers need to be very well trained and seem to enjoy this sport immensely. There are a number of organizations involved in agility performance around the world who sanction clubs to allow them to host agility competitions. In the US, some of these organizations include: the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), the United States Dog Agility Association, and the North American Dog Agility Council. Elsewhere in the world: the Kennel Club (in the UK), the Agility Association of Canada and the FCI (World Canine Organization) are all involved.

Obedience is a skill that ranges from mastering everyday commands that all dogs should know to competitive exercises that require significant training and aptitude to excel. You may start out teaching your puppy and young dog the basic obedience commands and find that you and your dog have an aptitude for obedience skills that you would like to take to a higher level. In competitive obedience the dog and handler team must perform prescribed activities off leash and in a carefully defined way. If the dog has the aptitude and training it will gain skills to allow it to advance through the ranks from Novice to Open (intermediate) to Utility (advanced) competitions. At each level the requirements become more difficult and the number of exercises to be performed get longer. Exercises are all done off leash using voice and body language commands and include such activities as: having the dog stay while you walk away; follow the handler in the heel position through complex patterns; come on command; sit and lie down for fixed periods of time while the handler is out of the dog's sight; retrieve items over a high jump; and find a scented object amongst a group of identical non-scented objects. Dogs can earn obedience titles in obedience championships. Purebred dogs can compete in obedience trials sanctioned by the AKC, while the UKC recognizes other purebred dog competitions. As well, there are mixed breed competitions sanctioned by the Mixed Breed Dog Club of America and other organizations. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club sanctions obedience trials and awards titles.

Lure coursing is a sport for sighthounds that involves chasing a manually or mechanically operated artificial lure across a field in a "coursing" pattern. The competition is usually restricted to pure-bred sighthounds including: Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets. The operator keeps the lure or "prey" just in front of the chasing sighthounds until they have completed the course. The course must have a minimum number of turns and is usually 600 to 1000 yards long. The hounds love to play this sport and puppies can be introduced to the sport through lure coursing practice sessions. Competitions usually consist of two runs for each dog breed for dogs that have been pre-certified or qualified. In the US, the American Sighthound Field Association or the AKC can "certify" that dogs have been trained and are eligible to enter their sanctioned competitions. In Canada, the Canadian Kennel Club sanctions lure coursing but excludes the Italian Greyhound because they consider it a toy dog.

Tracking can be learned by all dog breeds (www.dog-breed-facts.com/index.html) because all dogs use their noses to identify things and explore the world. Training can be started as early as 10 to 12 weeks of age as all puppies love to use their noses to sniff out a trail. As with all training, positive rewards (treats, praise etc,) and re-enforcement work best. The AKC sanctions tracking tests and events in the US. This vigorous non-competitive outdoor sport allows dogs to demonstrate their ability to recognize and follow human scents. In Canada, the CKC sponsors tracking events and you can check their website for a list of nearby events.

Field Trials are regularly held for Basset Hounds, Beagles and Dachshunds to demonstrate their ability to find and track game. Similarily Field Trials and Hunting Trials are held almost every weekend across the country for: the Pointing Breeds, the Retrievers, and Spaniels to allow them to compete and demonstrate their hunting abilities under a strict set of conditions. If you are an owner of a hunting dog puppy, you will want to look into many of the organized activities designed for your dog. Check out the AKC or CKC websites for a list of contacts and field trials in your area.

Other Fun Activites that you might wish to explore include flyball, frisbee, herding and drafting competitions.

Author Bio
Mike Mathews is a contributing writer and editor for the popular dog breed site: Dog-Breed-Facts.com. He provides informative, real-world advice and tips on dog breeds, dog health, dog grooming and more. As well be sure to check out his free report on Dog Training

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

9 Reasons For Having A Website

9 Reasons For Having A Website

While promoting my website design business I contact many small and medium size enterprises who don't have a website. Sometimes it is the perceived cost of a website that puts them off, but more often it is the belief that no one will want to contact them via the internet. The same companies would be horrified at the thought of not being in the telephone directory, but they don't appreciate how pervasive the internet has become and how important it is to have a presence.

Here are my 9 compelling reasons for having a website.

Customer Expectations

Customers expect to see you on the Internet. Many people (that's customers and potential customers) prefer to search for a company on the Internet rather than search their local Yellow Pages or newspaper.
To many, a business that is not on the Internet, for all intents and purposes, simply doesn't exist.

If you cannot meet this expectation then they will go to someone else. If you have no web site you have no chance to compete.

Open 24 hours a day

Anytime a customer wants to know about your company, it's products, opening hours or location they can get it with ease.
You business or organisation will be promoted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to the whole world. Nothing else offers this flexibility. Your web site won't take holidays, have time off sick or ask for a pay rise.

You can even save on your time or your employees time by adding a "Frequently Asked Questions" page. This way customers can get answers before calling you.

Improve Communications

A Web site is an highly available, high-quality, interactive, full-color brochure listing all the goods and services you offer. It is a very effective and efficient way to communicate not only with potential customers, but also with employees and suppliers.

It can be easily updated, keeping your product listings and prices always accurate. Changes take effect as soon as they're posted online and everyone can see updated information without having to wait .

Improve your Businesses' Profile

You can build reputation, credibility and trust with potential customers. Web sites offer an ideal way of showcasing your previous work and accomplishments to potential customers.

There is also a large amount of prestige to having a website. It gives people the impression that you are savvy and smart enough to take your business up a level. Since a website is such a major convenience it also tells people that you are interested in sharing information with them.

Expand Your Business

The Internet takes away traditional business boundaries. When you go online people from all over the country, or even from around the world, will show up.
Somebody always wants your product or service. Promoting through the internet and drawing them in will help you expand.
If you are a not-for-profit organisation then a website will raise awareness and attract more donors. You can replace the distribution of costly printed materials and cold calling for support. You can attract a willing audience to your website and impress them with your message once they arrive.

Improve you Competitive Advantage

On a computer screen all companies play by the same rules. No matter what your size, a website offers your business the same advantage as your biggest competitors. A well designed website for even a one man operation can have the same presence as a multi-national corporation.

Cost Effective

A web site is very cost effective. While it cannot replace your existing sales, advertising, retailing, customer support and public relations efforts, it makes all these business functions more effective. And though web site development is not without cost, the cost is limited. However the reach of your web site is worldwide and 24 hours per day. Publishing on the web is very inexpensive. Changing the information on your web site is also fast and efficient, whereas changing printed material can be costly and time consuming.

Compare the cost of a small ad in a magazine (which is only available for a limited time) or the cost of printing and mailing catalogues versus the cost of having a Web site, which is available 24 hours a day. Your customers can have the current information or price list for your goods or services at any time, just by looking at the relevant page on your website.

In addition your site can include features that no printed brochure or newspaper ad can offer, such as video and sound.

Sell

An interactive online catalogue makes your company's products accessible everywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Selling online is a cost-effective ways to sell anything. It comes without the customary overhead of a physical store, like building leases, employees who need to get paid whether or not the register is ringing, and the myriad of costs associated with keeping the store running (utilities, supplies, maintenance, etc.).

While there are certainly costs for hosting your site, keeping it secure, sales transactions, hiring a Web developer, and more, the costs of running an online store are predictably lower than having a physical store.

Specialised Markets

If you have a specialty product or service and working within a limited geographic area then you may be wasting a lot of money promoting your business to an audience that is largely uninterested. Move to online advertising and promoting and, apart from removing those geographic boundaries, you have access to the special interest groups that are on the Internet for virtually any subject.

By advertising exactly where your audience is, every penny you spend immediately becomes more valuable. So when an enthusiast sees your advertisement or reads about you on a message board, they go straight to your website. Never before has attracting a specialised audience been so direct and efficient.

Send this page to:

Author Bio
Chris Johnson - [email protected] . Chris runs C.Itoi Ltd., a web site design and development business. Visit his site www.c-itoi.co.uk for more information.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

by

Joseph

I had an eventful exercise week; I lifted heavier and got in a variety of other exercises, too. Here are the results:

Monday, March 19, 2018

no warm-up sets

275x2x1

245x3x4

245x2x1

245x1x1

245x3x1

farmer's walk 

75 lb in each hand x 6

seated machine overhead press

120x5x5

dips

bodyweightx10x1

bodyweightx5x2

inclined pushups

bodyweightx12x1

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

inclined pushups 

bodyweightx30x1

farmer's walk

75 lb in each hand x 8

inclined pushups

bodyweightx21x1

Sunday, March 22, 2018

inclined pushups

bodyweightx30x1

bodyweightx20x5

dips

bodyweightx5x1

farmer's walk

75 lb in each hand x 2

cable row

210x5x1

170x5x3

I barbell floor pressed 275 pounds for two reps but I wasn't feeling the power. I reduced the weight to 245 pounds and rounded out the exercise at the lower weight. I also mixed in farmer's walk and several body weight compound exercises to make the workouts more exciting. By this, I mean that I I would do a set of each of the exercises then go to another exercise, complete a set then move on to the third and so on. I do this to create muscle confusion and to burn more calories.

When I return to the gym, I'll go for 275x5x3. I'll keep you posted.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14

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I'm living fit, healthy and happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Week 20" copyright © 2018 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Fishing for Bass in Thousand IslandsFishing for Bass in Thousand Islands by by Jason Swanson

One of the most popular sports in the United States is bass fishing. Thousands of articles had been written about this sport, from tips to testimonials to experiences. Thousands or maybe millions are hooked in this sport. You can usually find them basking on their bass fishing in great lakes and rivers or other aquatic formations in the United State.

One of the ore popular fishing venues for bass fishing is the Thousand Islands. This is a group of more than 1,000 small islands in east central North America, in St. Lawrence River just east of Lake Ontario, to be particular.

Most are part of southeastern Ontario and the rest are part of northern New York; and many of these islands are privately owned. It has been estimated that there are as many as 1,700 islands, but an exact count is difficult because of the large number of tiny islets. The largest is the Wolfe Island (127 sq km/49 sq mi) in Ontario. The islands have been a popular summer destinations since the mid 1800's.

Because of these, Ontario's most important scenic and recreational attraction is its waters. The province is home to some 250,000 lakes and has thousands of rivers and streams. Four of the Great Lakes are the Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

The extensive shorelines of these lakes provide a natural playground for the people. Lake Simcoe, Muskoka and others, are very accessible lakes from the north of Toronto. They are also popular vacation centers. Ontario also shares with New York's one of the greatest scenic attractions in North America, the Niagara Falls.

The Thousand Islands make a patch work of the river as it leaves Lake Ontario. The islands cater to large rocks, hold farms, estates, and summer cottages that can cost millions of dollars. Now, because of the popularity of it as a vacation and fishing destination, there are islands where in resorts and lodge houses are put up for the accommodation needs of the tourists and bass fishing enthusiasts.

You will find also a lot of establishments that sells and rents gears and boats to be used for their bass fishing. Restaurants are abundant if you finally get tired of eating your catch.

Ontario's fishing activity can be divided into commercial fishing and recreational or sport fishing. Although fishing was an important economic activity in the 19th century, the commercial catch is relatively small today. Like other fishery problems; overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of predators have greatly reduced catches.

Thousand Islands being very rocky are places that small mouth bass species love to stay and live. The beautiful scenery and the rocky background of Thousand Islands, bring adventures to bass fishing aficionados and lovers. They loved to go there not just for bass fishing but also for sight seeing and camping. There, they tried to commune with nature and feed their imaginations.

A large part of Canada's freshwater catch comes from Ontario. The major species of fish caught during recreational fishing are perch, smelt, walleye, and smallmouth bass. While the colorful fall foliage draws an annual pilgrimage of tourists to the area. It is the fabulous bass fishing of the Thousand Islands region that attracts the attention of anglers competing in Thousand Islands for bass fishing.

The water is clearer, and baitfishes are abundant. The bass always make access to the bait and make feeding better. Because the zebra mussels have cleared up the water, vegetation is more widespread, which means the bass have better overall habitat. Both the largemouths and smallmouths are thriving.

While the bass may be both larger and more abundant, they are still found in the same areas discovered by touring pros. In St. Lawrence, those areas include Lake of the Isles, Goose Bay, Chippewa Bay, and the rocky coves and points around the Admiralty Islands. In Lake Ontario, the key spots are Fox and Grenadier Islands, and Chamount Bay

These characteristics of Thousand Islands of Ontario make the place greatly known for bass fishing. The geographical aspect, location and richness of its great lakes and rivers make bass fishing a sport or hobby very inviting.

Information on bowhunting moose can be found at the Bowhunting Tips site.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Fishing-for-Bass-in-Thousand-Islands/197644

The Goodness Of Tasty BananasThe Goodness Of Tasty Bananas by by Jillian Smith

There's sure is nothing that says home like the smell of fresh-baked bread. Except for, possibly, when the baker takes it up a notch and the bread in the oven is banana bread.

Though it is bread, this enjoyable treat is in many ways more like a cake. The leavening agent in banana bread is usually baking soda instead of yeast. What's more unlike regular bread, banana bread is baked from batter and not dough. And evidently, it includes bananas that's normally mashed and put into the batter.

A huge family favorite, this has been around for years! In fact it first came into popularity in the 1930's, and ever since then a number of varieties have appeared in cookbooks. Banana bread is relatively easy to make, and hence popular among home bakers. In addition it can often be found in the display cases of bakeries and coffee shops.

It is not only tasty but also versatile. Usually a great on-the-go breakfast item, either at home or grabbed at the coffee shop where the busy professional stops for his or her daily dose of java. Also it can be packed in a lunchbox that makes it a great ending to the afternoon meal, but is just as likely to be a warm after-school snack waiting when children hop off the bus. What's more it can also serve as a last-minute dessert option when guests turn up unexpectedly and you find yourself whipping up a quick meal. If whipped together before dinner and popped into the oven it makes a fantastic accompaniment to a relaxing cup of tea while watching evening television.

This homey treat is so versatile because it is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. There is an adequate amount of a dessert-like texture and taste for it to serve as a sweet meal-ender. But its dessert like qualities are milder than overwhelming, and banana bread can be just as fulfilling accompanying a meal or as a standalone quick breakfast with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

It is generally baked in loaf-shaped pans and can be cut into thin slices or larger wedges for serving. There are plenty of variations on banana bread out there. Of which, some banana bread recipes are passed down by a number of families from generation to generation, and each will declare theirs the best. Perhaps the most common varieties are banana nut breads, which are made from standard banana bread recipes but also include walnuts or pecans.

In fact there are many other types of fruit or even vegetable-based breads. Such as cranberry bread, cranberry banana bread, and zucchini bread are among a few examples. While these are also often-enjoyed treats, banana bread still seems to take the front in terms of popularity.

To learn about blackberry lily and white lily flower, visit the Types Of Lilies website.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/The-Goodness-Of-Tasty-Bananas/194285

Are You Fat on the Inside?Are You Fat on the Inside? by by Sandra Prior

Crash dieters may be storing high levels of internal fat around vital organs. It�s a health risk, but there�s a solution.

Looking slim makes you feel good but it doesn�t mean you�re healthy. Skinny women, particularly those who have yo-yo dieted and don�t exercise, may actually have unhealthy levels of fat on the inside.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, doctors have found dangerous internal fat in slim people, wrapped around the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas, and streaked through underused muscles. Fit but overweight people with high body mass index (BMI) might actually have less dangerous internal fat than their skinny counterparts. These thin-obese or thin-on-the-outside-fat-on-the-inside (TOFIs) can�t see their fat � they usually don�t know they have any. And even their tiny kilojoule intake is testament to the fact that dieting alone won�t shift it.

Crash and Burn

All these people walking around thinking they�re thin and healthy might be wrong. 40% of women have high levels of internal fat. Excess internal fat can lead to coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers � including breast and colon cancer.

Stored for a Reason

A woman who crash diets is more at risk, because she can end up with more internal fat than someone whose weight doesn�t fluctuate. Only a small amount of fat is lost from internal stores when you diet. But when you put the fat back on, it�s deposited in the abdominal area first. Starving your body can also eat into muscle, and, once you put the fat back on, the body doesn�t replace that muscle but stores surplus kilojoules as fat � unless you exercise.

For women there are two particularly dangerous times for loading on the internal fat; when they yo-yo diet in their teens, 20�s and early 30�s, and post-menopause, when oestrogen levels drop and fat is deposited internally and abdominally. The biggest risk factor seems to be lack of exercise � an apple shaped body is more dangerous than a pear shaped one.

Other Causes

Other lifestyle factors play a part, particularly smoking and alcohol, which lay down fat in the abdominal region. That may be why, as many women have drunk more over the past 50 years, our average waist size has increased by 15cm, compared with an increase of 4cm around the hips and bust. The kind of fat we eat is important, too; two people of the same weight and height can have vastly different levels of visceral fat because one eats high fat processed foods, while the other eats healthier unsaturated fats. Long term stress also plays a part, triggering high levels of cortisol, a hormone that seems to promote fat storage in the abdominal region. All these factors show that almost anyone can be a TOFI. Even those with a healthy BMI can have large quantities of internal fat.

Good Fat

But fat is not all that bad. Fat produces chemicals, hormones and proteins, and affects every single aspect of the body and brain, two thirds which is made up of fat. This includes fertility, mood changes, our ability to think clearly and our immune response, which is why being too thin might actually make you less sharp, as well as unhappy and unhealthy.

Visceral fat is different from the dimpled, subcutaneous fat that lies beneath the skin, called cellulite. All fat is metabolically active, full of blood vessels and secreting hormones and proteins, which form part of the body�s metabolism. But visceral fat is more active than external fat and more dangerous to your health, because of its position in the body. Internal fat seems to affect glucose levels � and that has major health implications, triggering type 2 diabetes and other chronic health problems.

The Big Shift

Thin or overweight, once you�ve got internal fat, is it possible to lose or shift it to a less dangerous site? Yes, with regular exercise. Thirty minutes of daily aerobic exercise is a good start, then build up gradually. The more active you can be each day, the better.

Experts say that combining a healthy diet with increased exercise is the best way to lose or keep off internal fat.

Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu.

Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Are-You-Fat-on-the-Inside-/154816

What You Can Do To Maintain Your Septic System

What You Can Do To Maintain Your Septic System
By Juanita Swindell

Your septic tank is your private onsite facility for sewage treatment and proper care must be taken to make your septic system perform seamlessly all-round the year. In this post we are going to discuss a few tips for proper septic tank maintenance.

Take Care Of What Goes Into Your Tank

You can greatly extend the life of your septic system by being mindful about the kind of things you put into your septic tank. Never deposit cooking oil, fats, coffee grounds, napkins, diapers, wet-tissues, cigarette ends and other non-bio-degradable substances into your home sewer. These non-bio-degradable substances have the potential of clogging your septic tank necessitating an expensive repair job.

Maintain The Drain Field

The drain field is a primary component of your septic tank which helps to remove the solid waste from the liquid. Given below are a few tips to make your drain fields last long:

• Try not to park your car or drive on the drain field
• Trees should be planted at a safe distance from the area to keep the roots from growing into the drain field.
• Your rainwater drainage system such as sump pumps and gutters need to be kept away from your drain field area.

Inspect Your System From Time To Time

Periodic inspection and proper upkeep of your septic system by a professional would prolong normal functioning of your septic tank.

Go For Pumping Services

Your septic system needs to be pumped out every two years to make sure that all the solid waste is properly broken down. Regular septic tank pumping would not only help to enhance the life of the tank but also help to prevent system failure.

Regulate The Use Of Household Chemicals

Excessive use of household chemicals such as bleach, detergent, drain cleaner etc. can lead to a malfunctioning of the septic system. These household chemicals stop the action of the bacteria in the tank which is responsible for the breakdown of the waste.

Get Help From The Experts

When it comes to cleaning and maintenance of your septic tank you should always rely on the help of the professionals. Your septic service provider would come to your place and thoroughly inspect your septic system for any signs of leaks and damage. They would inspect the sludge layers and scum to determine the source of the problem. Whenever you find the slightest problem with your septic system make sure to call for professional help.

If you are looking for cost effective septic services in Lakeland, Florida, look no further than Liberty Plumbing and Septic. Call them today to set up an appointment. Also check out our new blog on Septic Service.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Juanita_Swindell/682332
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