Friday, September 29, 2017

10 Classic Coffee Drinks That Are to Die For


The first coffee drinks I want to share with you are staples of my everyday coffee drinking. If you haven't tried any of these yet, I suggest you do, because I think you'll find quite a few are worth coming back to again and again.

"Just Right" Iced Coffee

photo credit: http://withsaltandwit.com/iced-coffee/
Chances are you've had iced coffee that was too sweet, creamy, or watery. As simple as it may seem, good iced coffee drinks can actually be tricky to make.

A big part of making good iced coffee drinks is using coffee ice cubes. It takes an extra step of preparation, but doing so will ensure your coffee doesn't become a watered-down coffee wannabe. Another key to making good iced coffee is to brew the coffee and then let it cool in the refrigerator for at least two hours. If you use hot, freshly brewed coffee, it will melt the ice cubes instantly.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

1 cup of chilled coffee (refrigerated for at least 2 hours)
1 cup of ice cubes
5 ounces of sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Pour chilled coffee into a large cup.
2. Add coffee ice cubes and sweetened condensed milk. Sweeten to taste.

Cafe Creme

photo credit: pixabay.com
Fresh coffee and a bit of cream never fails to satisfy. I included this because the proportion of coffee to cream is the key to doing it right.

Makes one serving

Ingredients
4 ounces of freshly brewed coffee
1 tablespoon of cream
Directions
1. Mix and serve.

Mocha Coffee

photo credit: pixabay,com

This simple, sweet coffee is loved by coffee drinkers everywhere (who also tend to love chocolate). You can make these coffee drinks as chocolaty as you want by adding more or less cocoa powder. You can also use a chocolate-flavored creamer if you want even more of a dessert kind of taste.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

1 cup of freshly brewed coffee
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of sugar (or other sweetener)
2 tablespoons of milk (fat-free optional)

Directions

1. Pour freshly brewed coffee into serving cup.
2. Stir in cocoa powder, sugar (or other sweetener), and milk.

Spiced Mocha Coffee

This is a lovely little variation on mocha coffee drinks that involves mixing spices into the coffee grounds before brewing. Doing this gives wonderful notes of flavor without overpowering the cup.

Makes one serving

Ingredients
1/4 cup of coffee grounds
3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or other sweetener)
2 ounces of chocolate syrup
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups of filtered water

Dollop of whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Place the grounds, cinnamon, and nutmeg in the coffee maker and brew the coffee as described in the previous chapter.
2. Once the coffee is brewed, remove the carafe from the heat plate and stir in the milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and chocolate syrup. Top with whipped cream (optional) and serve.

Cafe au Lait

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Cafe au Lait are simple coffee drinks that consists of equal parts of freshly brewed coffee and steamed milk. The key to a delicious au Lait, however, is properly "double brewing" your coffee. What's that? "Double-brewed coffee" is coffee prepared in such a way that it is significantly stronger than normal brewing.

One way of doing this is running already brewed coffee back through the coffee maker with another batch of fresh grounds (using brewed coffee in the water reservoir). I don't recommend this method, however, because it produces strange-tasting coffee. By reheating coffee drinks, you lose flavor and the end product has a bitter aftertaste.

The double-brewing method for coffee drinks I recommend is achieved by simply using twice the normal amount of grounds for the water you're using (with the normal extraction time). That is, four tablespoons of grounds for every six ounces of water. This creates coffee with a strong, bold flavor, which is perfect for the Cafe au Lait.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

4 ounces of double-brewed coffee
4 ounces of milk, steamed (fat-free optional)

Directions

1. Brew the coffee and remove it from the heating plate.
2. If you don't have a machine to steam milk, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour the milk into it. Heat the milk for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid a milk crust.
3. Once the milk steams, take it off the stove and pour, at the same time, both the milk and coffee into a serving cup.

Vanilla Coffee Latte

A real latte is made with espresso, but this drink uses double-brewed coffee, which also makes for yummy coffee drinks.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

4 ounces of fresh double-brewed coffee
2 tablespoons of sugar (or other sweetener)
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract
4 ounces of milk (fat-free optional)

Ground cinnamon or grated chocolate, to taste

Directions

1. Stir the sugar and vanilla extract into the coffee.
2. Pour the milk into a medium-sized jar with a lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Remove the lid and microwave the milk for about 30 seconds, or until foam forms on the top.
3. Pour the milk into the coffee and spoon the foam onto the top of the beverage. Top with ground cinnamon or grated chocolate.

Frappuccino

If you love a Starbucks Frappuccino but don't love the price, why not make your own? This recipe will taste just like the real deal for a fraction of the cost.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

6 ounces of chilled, double-brewed coffee (refrigerated for at least 2 hours)
1 cup of milk (fat-free optional)
3 tablespoons of sugar (or other sweetener)
2 cups of ice cubes
Caramel sauce, to taste (optional)
Chocolate sauce, to taste (optional)

Whipped cream, to taste (optional)

Directions

1. Put everything in a blender and blend on high until a slushy consistency.

Frosty Delight

These are smooth coffee drinks, refreshing drink that's great for a hot summer day.

Makes one serving

Ingredients

4 ounces of chilled, double-brewed coffee (refrigerated for at least 2 hours)
2 ounces of milk (fat-free optional)
1 tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup of ice cubes
2-3 tablespoons of sugar (or other sweetener)

Directions

1. Put everything in a blender and blend on high until a slushy consistency.

Spiced Orange Coffee

This is a wonderfully flavorful coffee drink that can be served hot and cold (poured over ice).

Makes one serving

Ingredients

2 tablespoons of coffee grounds
1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
5 whole cloves
1 tablespoon of brown sugar (or other sweetener)
1 cup of filtered water

Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the coffee grounds, grated orange zest, cloves, and cinnamon in a small bowl and then use to brew your coffee.
2. Once the coffee is brewed, stir and top with whipped cream if desired.

Viennese Coffee

This is one of my favorite "dessert-in-a-cup" indulgences. Truly a drink to savor.

Ingredients
1 cup of freshly brewed coffee
1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream
1 ounce of semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
Pinch of cinnamon
Whipped cream

Directions

1. Brew the coffee.
2. Heat the cream and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Once the chocolate has melted, remove from heat, pour in the coffee and stir well. Pour into a mug and garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7119564


Friday, September 22, 2017

Grow Apple Trees From Seed


Imagine the joy of having your own apple tree in your garden, not only that but one that you grew yourself from none other than the very seeds that nature provided. Imagine having your own constant supply and using them for general eating and making delicious apple pies. Growing apple trees from seeds is really quite easy, it just requires time and patience. Once the process is complete and the tree is up and growing it really gives you a sense of accomplishment and achievement. First of all you will need some apple seeds, that is not too difficult, just purchase your favourite brand of apple from your local grocery store and believe it or not that is the first step on the ladder to growing your tree. You can now either just cut an apple into halves retrieve the seeds or wait until you eat it and then retrieve the seeds after. Usually you can collect up to six seeds from one apple but the more you collect the better

Once you have your seeds lay them out on a piece of kitchen paper or tissue paper and let them thoroughly dry out. You do not want any apple residue to remain on the seeds so just let them dry out for about an hour and then check to see that the seeds are clean and dry. At this stage nothing bad will happen to the seed as they are quite robust and you will be ready for the next stage. All this preparation is necessary as it all helps in the germination. Once the seeds are dry and clear they are then ready for the next stage.

Apple seeds are by nature equipped with a timer that tells it when it is winter and spring, as it adapts its germination process by the temperature. That is the case for seeds of all plants, but apple seeds need the winter cold to start the process. To imitate the winter cold you can use your refrigerator in your kitchen. Some of you might be thinking at this stage would that harm the seed, but rest assure it will not harm the seed in any way and to start get a clean sheet of kitchen paper and wet it. Place about five or six deeds on the paper so that they have room between each one covering one half of the sheet and fold the other half of the sheet over so that the seeds are sandwiched in between. Get a resealable sea through plastic bag or a plastic container and place the paper with seeds inside and seal closed. Write the date on bag or container and place in fridge, checking every few days that the paper stays moist. This is now simulating winter conditions and the seed will start the germination process.

The duration that the seeds need to remain in the fridge can be from one month to three months, possibly for some varieties a little bit longer. When roots do start to grow you will see a small white growth protruding out of one end of the seed. When the roots have reached a certain length like ten to fifteen millimetres they are ready to go into small pots. To start use 3 inch pots and fill them with compost, make a hole in the middle about half an inch deep and place one seed in and cover up the hole.

After about two weeks you should see the new seedling sprouting in the pots and from there they will grow quite quickly. Remember to water them regularly and do not let the compost dry out. As the saplings grow larger you can transplant them into larger pots and then when they reach a height of about two to three feet they are ready to be transplanted into the ground. Apple trees like a nice sunny spot and they do not want to be planted too close to other trees. It takes about eight years for an apple tree to reach its full height. It may reach about fifteen feet when fully grown but they can be pruned so that they don't grow too wildly.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9683151


Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Top Tips For Choosing an Emerald Engagement Ring

There are many unique and beautiful rings available when a person is planning a marriage. Choosing the perfect ring can be difficult when you are trying to find the ring that will reflect your personality and style. The emerald engagement ring is a unique and beautiful stone, that will is the perfect tool for giving you a distinct and signature look throughout your married life.

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There are many types of engagement rings made. Some of these rings are designed to incorporate different gemstones including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. An individual who is looking for a unique ring will often find that a unique style and can be difficult. One reason, it is that many rings are designed and manufactured en masse and are not intrinsically unique.

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Having a ring created and designed by an artist with a distinct eye for creativity, will give you an opportunity to select the perfect engagement ring to complement your relationship. The size of the ring may vary, and may be dependent on the budget of the person purchasing it. However, when a person decides to select a ring that is unique, beautiful, and unusual, they often find that getting an affordable ring is much easier than they anticipated.

The characteristics of the emerald engagement ring, give a classic elegance to any style. A person who wants a modern design in their weddings set, will find that the emerald is a beautiful stone that complements modern or classic designs.

When choosing the design of your ring, it will be important to take into consideration how you normally wear rings. If you are an individual who works with their hands, or might get their ring caught on equipment, clothing, or other items, a ring that has an inset stone will be a more viable choice.

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Some people select rings that have a solitary stone, set high on the band. These rings, while beautiful, often get caught on clothing or other objects if a person works in an industry where they will be using their hands. Having an inlaid emerald placed in a ring protects prongs holding the ring, and gives it an added layer of protection from damage.

In many cases the emerald will be paired with another stone such as a diamond, which can create a fabulous setting when it is attached to a wedding ring. In many cases, people will incorporate the emerald in both the engagement ring and wedding band to create a seamless and continuous look in the entire set.

When you are looking for an emerald engagement ring that is reflects your personality and style, it will be important to talk to a professional jeweler who has the knowledge and expertise needed to provide you with information that will be important in your selection process. You decision will include your requirements for wearing the ring, the style of the ring and the design that you want your ring to embody.

In many cases when a person selects an emerald ring, it is because they have an affinity for the beautiful rich color that is captured in this marvelous stone. Creating a themed wedding around the color of a an engagement ring makes it very easy to utilize this wonderful color with one that complements it. By pairing the emerald green with another color, the result can be a spectacular display at a wedding event.

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When making the purchase of the ring, it is always a good idea to simultaneously purchase ear rings, bracelets, and other accessories cut from the same stone or from the same location. This creation of a timeless keepsake makes the entire set a valuable memory that can be passed on through generations.

Emeralds are cut in much the same way as diamonds. This stone is comparatively hard, but must be maintained properly to retain it's splendor. It is important that the stone be pretreated to avoid scratches and damage. When participating in rigorous sports, it will be important that the ring be protected.

When purchasing the ring in a princess cut, there will be edges around the facets. This is a beautiful cut for an emerald, however it will be important that the edges are protected by the design of the ring. The emerald cut engagement ring gives an individual the opportunity to be creative in their design as well as protective of the stone. When properly maintained the emerald will last throughout a lifetime.

When purchasing the an emerald engagement ring, setting up a maintenance plan to have the ring cleaned, checked and repaired when necessary will be an excellent idea. Once the ring has been purchased, it will be important to maintain it as you would any valuable. Insurance is always a good idea with buying jewelry, and you will want to keep it in a well protected area when it is not being worn.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3704494


Sunday, September 17, 2017

5 Essential Sexy Plus Size Bras For The Full Figure Woman's Summer Wardrobe

Plus Size T-shirt Bra


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Plus size t-shirt bras should be a the top of every full figured lady's list this summer. With their smooth and seamless shaping, t-shirt bras are just the thing to wear underneath those clingy little cotton shirts.

Designed with hidden underwire, their smooth, sleek bra practically vanishes beneath even the sheerest fabrics. T-shirt bras usually have contoured, molded cups that are lined and lightly padded to prevent show-through.

Plus size t-shirt bras are available in a broad range of styles, from pushup, plunge, underwire, wire-free, microfiber stretch and Chantilly lace.

Plus Size Racerback Bra


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Plus size gals won't have to worry about visible bra straps under sleeveless shirts and tanks when wearing a plus size racerback bra.

The racerback bra was named after those racing-type bathing suits that competitive swimmers wear. The straps on a racerback bra meet in a V type shape on the back, between the shoulder blades.

Also known as a t-back bra, plus size racerback bras are designed with front closure, adjustable straps and underwire support.

Plus Size Minimizer Bra


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Plus size minimizer bras are just the thing for large-size ladies who want to streamline their shape just a bit, to look great in those clingy little summer tees.

Minimizer bras are designed to distribute the breast away from the front of the body, to give the appearance of a smaller bust. By doing so, the the well-endowed plus lady can now easily wear button-front blouses without fear of gapping.

A minimizer bra works by designing a cup that distributes the breast flesh more towards the underarm and the center front. A minimizer only shifts the mass in areas other than directly into reduce the bust by one cup size.

Plus size minimizer bras can be purchased with or without underwire, with sexy sheer, stretch lace embellishment and deep plunge silhouette.

With these five plus size sexy bras in her wardrobe, the full figure woman will be ready for any warm-weather event.

But, before purchasing any plus size bra, please be sure to take a bra fit test!

Choosing the right plus bra size is just as important as selecting the right sexy plus size bra style for any summer wardrobe!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/637684




Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Daddy Showers - Throwing a Baby Shower for a New Dad

For years daddies have been left out of the baby shower world. However as daddies are becoming more active in the lives of their babies, they are gradually be included more and more in showers. Over the past 10 years, couples showers have grown in popularity.

They bring the new daddies into the celebration. Now men are beginning to take it a step farther with the Daddy Shower, also known as the Dad-tchelore Party.

Who can throw a Daddy Shower? A daddy shower is generally thrown by a friend or coworker of the expecting daddy.

If the party is for a bunch of daddy's buddies, then a good friend may choose to throw a men's only baby shower.

Office daddy showers, or daddy showers thrown for men who are no longer in a relationship with their baby's mother, are more likely to be co-ed and thus can be thrown by either a man or woman.

Who is a Daddy Shower for? A daddy shower can be thrown for any man who is expecting a child soon.

photo credit: www.etsy.com
It could be for a man who is expecting a new baby. Men who are adopting can also be graced with a Daddy Shower.

Why a Daddy Shower? Daddy showers are a way to show support for a man who is about to become a new father.

There are many reasons why you might choose throw a shower for a daddy. If the new mommy is having a mommy only baby shower with her girlfriends and female relatives, a daddy shower can be a good way for the men in the family and for the new dad's friends to show him their support.

A daddy shower is also very appropriate in a workplace. It is a great way to recognize a man who is soon going to be taking on this important new role.

It allows co-workers to celebrate with him. While also helping him provide for all of those new baby necessities.

Another time when a daddy shower becomes even more important is for the new dad who is no longer with the baby's mom.

Sometimes, for one reason or another the parents are not involved in a relationship when a new baby is born.

In this situation the new dad will need all of the same supplies that the new mom will need. He'll also need all of the support his friends and family can muster. A daddy shower is a great way to make him feel important and supported.

What do we do at a Daddy Shower? Most men aren't too interested in the traditional baby games. Instead options like have a back yard grilling party, a football party, or even just hanging around talking tend to be more popular with men than a traditional style shower.

photo credit: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/04/12/dadchelor-party-games_n_9673184.html#slide=6674516
If games are desired, most men seem to prefer the ones that get everyone laughing. Baby Bottle chugging, taste the baby food, and the dirty diaper game are good game options.

Do we need to bring gifts? What kind of gifts should we bring? The situation of the man and instructions for the shower will play a big part in what gift you decide to bring.

When the guys get together to celebrate with dad, a lot of times they have no idea what to bring. For that reason, many daddy showers specify right on the invitation that the attendees should bring a pack of diapers.

This makes it great for everyone. The daddy gets lots of diapers for the baby, thus saving a bundle. Many men like this because they know what to bring.

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Also, no matter what size of diapers they bring, they can't go wrong, sooner or later the new parents are bound to need them. Plus, if the new mommy is having a shower, she'll end up with many of the things the couple needs.

By bringing diapers the guys won't have to worry about doubling up on gifts. If the invitation doesn't specify, it's a great idea to bring fun things that the new dad can do with the baby.

Daddy diaper tool boxes and tool belts, books for daddy to read to the baby, as well as balls and toys tend to have more appeal for the new daddy than baby clothes.

If the new dad will be parenting separately from the new mom, then he will have a need for a lot more baby goodies, and thus gifts like those generally given at baby showers would be much more appropriate.

With the ever growing role that new dads are taking in raising their babies, it's time that we give them a chance to celebrate and be supported. The time of the daddy shower has definitely come.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6960873





Monday, September 11, 2017

Weight Loss - Four Reasons Your Diet May Not Be Working And How To Fix It


Weight loss frustration is very common for many as no diet ever tends to be completely linear. One week you see great results and the next? It feels like your diet has stopped working entirely. What gives? How come your weight loss plan is not giving you the results you were going for? There are four common reasons why a diet may not be working, and fortunately, it is not too difficult to get past this.

Let us look at what you need to know...

1. Your Calorie Intake Is No Longer Appropriate.

First, the most common reason a weight loss plan is not working is the calorie intake is no longer appropriate. If your calorie count does not change as you make progress, that is the first sign your diet may not be as great as it appears.

For every ten pounds you lose, you need to rework your calorie intake. Your body weight has changed; therefore your food choices need to change as well.

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2. Your Body Has Adapted.

Another common reason for lack of results is because your body has adapted to the calorie intake. If you have been on your weight loss plan for more than three or four weeks, your metabolic rate may have slowed down to accommodate the food you are eating. If you are using a lower carb diet plan, this will be even more predominant as the body starts adjusting to fewer carbs and hormones.

The solution? Come off the diet for a week or so. Eat more calories and more carbs in particular, and then go back to the weight loss plan. See if this doesn't solve your problem.

3. You Are Bored With Your Food Choices.

If you are bored with your food choices, that too can cause a diet to fail. Once you start to feel dissatisfied with your weight loss plan you are far more likely to start eating food not on the plan. A little bite of cake here, a French fry you stole off your significant other's plate - it all adds up.

Dietary boredom can lead you astray so use a diet that keeps you interested.

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4. You Are Missing Key Nutrients.

Finally, if you are missing key nutrients, this too could begin to impact your fat loss progress. Iron and zinc are two major ones required for optimizing your hormones and making sure you are enjoying ideal energy levels as you go about your weight loss plan.

Calcium is another nutrient you will want to get enough of and some people find adding dairy helps speed fat loss from the abdominal region.

A mixed, balanced weight loss plan is key, so if that is not what you would say yours is, find another.

Keep these points in mind, and you too can ensure you are using a weight loss plan that will yield the results you are looking for

Although managing Type 2 diabetes can be very challenging, it is not a condition you must just live with. Make simple changes to your daily routine - include exercise to help lower both your blood sugar levels and your weight.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9785367


Top 5 Best Fat Burner Pills for Women Weight Loss

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