What is the Difference Between Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Coffee?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, with 1 in every 2 Americans over the age of 18 report consuming coffee each day.

Of course, as any coffee consumer knows, not all coffee is created equal. The Keurig K-cups you purchase at your local store tastes drastically different than the premium coffee you can enjoy at your favorite coffee shop.

The type of coffee beans, the location where the beans were harvested, and even roast date all play an important role in the quality and taste of your coffee.

For example, Tradecraft suggests using coffee beans no more than three weeks after they are harvested to get the most out of the coffee.

While the quality of the ingredients of your coffee is a big part of the final result, the type of coffee you consume is also a crucial factor to consider.

In this brief guide, we’ll be exploring the differences between organic, fair trade, and direct coffee.

Organic Coffee

An increasingly popular type of coffee to consume, coffee that is labeled organic must meet a certain standard of guidelines.

While the requirements can differ slightly depending on various country regulations, organic coffee uses coffee beans where the beans are grown in organic conditions. Organic coffee is produced without any chemicals -- like pesticides.

Because of the unique standards in which the coffee must be produced, organic coffee often costs more than non-organic. Many health-conscious coffee drinkers believe the alleged health benefits and improved taste are worth the price premium.

Fair Trade Coffee

Fairtrade International is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that corporations and producers of common goods are able to establish a mutually beneficial and ethical relationship with their production partners. 

Coffee produced under the Fair Trade USA label requires that the farmers, importers, and exporters all operate within a set standard of rules, with the intention of promoting equality and growth for everyone involved in the coffee production process.

Fair trade coffee is considered to be one of the more ethically sourced types of coffee as it prohibits its partners to use child and forced labor. Additionally, producers who have a Fair Trade certificate must pay their workers a fair and living wage as well as commit to healthy and ethical business practices. 

If you’re looking to consume coffee that is ethically sourced, fair trade coffee is a great option to consider.

Direct Trade Coffee

Unlike fair trade coffee, which operates under a single organization, direct trade coffee involves coffee production where the coffee roasters and coffee producers have a direct, ideally mutually beneficial relationship. Direct trade coffee is not overseen by any one person or organization.

Because the distributors work directly with the coffee farmers, they are often able to have a more significant say in the quality and price of coffee beans in which they purchase.

The direct relationship also allows distributors to offer a higher price to the farmers for their coffee beans than when additional importers and exporters are involved. Direct trade coffee is also often beneficial for the farmers as they can invest their higher profits into building a sustainable coffee production farm.

Though there are many other types of coffee other than what we explored today, understanding the difference between organic, fair trade, and direct trade coffee can help you decide which types of coffee you feel good about investing in.

Simple Fried Mushrooms In The Air Fryer

One of my most favorite times of year is when the South Carolina State Fair comes to Columbia. I used to enjoy the rides in my younger days, but now it is all about the food. I don't think anyone goes to the State Fair with the expectation of eating healthy food. If you do, you might be going to the wrong place! One of my state fair must-haves, aside from the sweet treats, is the deep-fried mushrooms. You can smell them cooking from what seems like a mile away. As much as I love them, I do find that I start feeling a little queasy after a while because the oily fried taste starts to get to me. 

I got an air fryer a few months ago and decided to experiment and make my own "fried" mushrooms at home. They were so simple and delicious that I knew I had to share the recipe. You can't go wrong with the perfect crispness without the grease or guilt. 

Ingredients:

fresh mushrooms, cleaned with stems trimmed and cut in quarters
egg, slightly beaten with a little salt and pepper
seasoned bread crumbs
extra virgin olive oil

How to make them:

Preheat air fryer to 400° for up to five minutes. Dip your mushrooms into beaten egg, then coat in bread crumbs. Once your mushrooms are breaded, carefully add them into your fry basket. Spray with olive oil or whatever oil you choose. Cook for 4 minutes and then shake basket to toss mushrooms around. Let them cook for about 4 more minutes or until golden brown. Serve with ranch or condiment of your choice.

Tip: You can add a little grated parmesan to your bread crumbs for a bolder taste. You can also use this recipe for other vegetables like zucchini. I also recommend getting an oil spray bottle like this one for your olive oil. It has been the best thing to use with my air fryer since cooking sprays can cause damage to the unit, and olive oil is healthier.

If you have an air fryer and love mushrooms, you have to try this recipe. If you don't have an air fryer, you are missing out!

Also, check out:
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs 
Perfect Greek Pasta Salad
The Best Keto Pizza

IT’SUGAR Partners with Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop In Myrtle Beach

IT’SUGAR, the largest specialty candy retailer in the world with over 100 retail locations, announces its exclusive partnerships with Doughnuttery, an innovative, family-owned doughnut company, and Tipsy Scoop, a liquor-infused ice cream and sorbet company. Doughnuttery and Tipsy Scoop will open shops in the IT’SUGAR Broadway at the Beach location in Myrtle Beach, SC on March 9th.

Doughnuttery will provide customers with a treat for the senses as they freshly prepare their famous sugar-topped mini doughnuts live in-store. The shop will house an insanely sweet toppings bar, featuring over 25 unique sugar flavors that customers can mix and match to customize their doughnuts. Signature sugary combinations include Paris Time (Lavender, Pistachio, Vanilla, CocoMint Patty (Coco Mint Sugar), Fruity Cereal, House of Cardamom (Cardamom, Orange Zest), Speckled Strawberry (Strawberry, Rainbow Sprinkles, and Lemon-Thyme).

The IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach location will also include exclusive toppings flavors like Beach Nuts (Old Bay classic seafood seasoning, cornmeal, and sugar), Unicorn Nuts (cotton candy, edible glitter, and sugar), and Candy Nuts (vanilla glazed doughnut topped with IT’SUGAR candy).

Tipsy Scoop’s in-store “barlour” will feature alcohol-infused (21+) ice cream, sorbets, sundaes, and pints as well as non-alcoholic options. Cocktail-inspired ice cream flavors include Dark Chocolate Whiskey Salted Caramel, Vanilla Bean Bourbon, Cake Batter Vodka Martini, Spiked Hazelnut Coffee, Spiked Mint Chip, Maple Bacon Bourbon, Red Velvet Martini, Tequila "Hot" Chocolate, and "Hot" Buttered Rum. The sorbet selection will feature flavors like Mango Margarita Sorbet, Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, and Strawberry White Sangria Sorbet. Non-alcoholic options include Virgin Shirley Temple ice cream, Virgin Root Beer Float ice cream, Virgin White Russian ice cream, and Virgin Mudslide ice cream.

Tipsy Scoop will also offer seasonal treats, with plans to debut their “Spring Break” Sundae at their new location in IT’SUGAR Myrtle Beach. The Spring Break Sundae will include one scoop of Strawberry Sangria, Mango Margarita, and Raspberry Limoncello Sorbet, served in a bowl with Sour Gummy Sharks, Runts, and Salt Water Taffy - garnished with a licorice wheel and a Beach Ball lollipop.

 If you're heading to the beach this Spring Break or Summer, be sure to check them out!

How to Lose Your Belly Fat In A Healthy Way

For people with a pear-shaped body, losing weight can be a bit of a challenge. While it is easy to lose weight around the upper part of the body, fat stored in the lower part of the body’s midsection is more difficult to deal with.

That’s not to say that it is impossible to lose weight when you have a pear-shaped body. More importantly, it is not impossible to lose weight in a healthy manner. These next few tips and tricks we are about to discuss will help you lose lower-belly fat healthily.

Drink More Water

Drinking more water has two benefits that help you lose weight and stay healthy. First of all, consuming more water allows your body to stay full. In fact, drinking a glass of water before a meal can help reduce the portion of your meal considerably.

Drinking water also helps the body metabolize more optimally. This simple step helps reduce the amount of fat stored in the lower part of your midsection, which in turn reduces the weight that gets added to the section after your meals.

Besides, drinking more water is about as easy as it gets. It is an effective way to lose weight while improving your body metabolism and overall health. There are even specific benefits on your skin and heart health to be gained from drinking more water.

Have a Full Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is more important when you are trying to lose weight. A suitable breakfast added to your diet has the ability to change your eating habits for the rest of the day. A full breakfast is highly recommended.

You want a lot of fiber in your breakfast. Wheat and other food items contain enough fiber, and they are perfect for breakfast. You also want to add plenty of proteins, especially if you want to feel full through the morning.

Additionally, you may want to add fruit to your breakfast menu. A glass of fresh orange juice, slices of apple or watermelon, or a small bowl of fruit salad could turn a simple breakfast into one that can power you beyond lunchtime.

Avoid Certain Drinks

Some drinks are best avoided if you are trying to lose weight. Sugary beverages are your worst enemy when you have a pear-shaped body and you want to lose weight. The extra calories you consume with every sip will cancel all of the healthy nutrients you consume throughout the day.

Of course, soda isn’t the only type of drink you need to avoid. That extra-large frappuccino you usually pick up on your way to work also contains plenty of calories. Switch to home-brewed coffee made from healthy ingredients if you need the caffeine.

You can actually use shying away from these drinks as an opportunity to drink more water. This allows you to reduce your calorie intake substantially while enjoying the benefits we discussed earlier.

Use the Right Supplements

Not all dietary supplements are created equal. When you have a pear-shaped body or if you are targeting the fat around your lower waist, finding supplements that can help address the issue directly is the way to go.

When it comes to supplements for people with a pear-shaped body, Immunocorp is the brand to look into. Lipobiotol, one of Immunocorp’s supplements, is designed to address the issues that cause a pear-shaped body in the first place.

The supplement is based on studies that revealed different causes of fat buildup around the lower section of the body. Issues such as bacterial imbalance and exposure to certain food items are addressed, giving your body the balance that it needs and the ability to burn fat in that specific area.

The Right Exercises

Dieting alone is not enough; you also have to integrate regular exercises and positive habits to accelerate your weight loss program. When you have a pear-shaped body and you want to get rid of the lower-body fat, the exercise you do matters.

You want to avoid some exercises that target the belly muscles directly. Doing crunches, for instance, helps strengthen the muscles around your belly, but doesn’t burn fat stored in the same area. Besides, doing crunches excessively could lead to more issues, including severe back problems.

What you want to do instead is a set of exercises that build up strength and muscle mass. This means doing squats and deadlifts to work your muscles in a more optimum way. These exercises will not burn fat immediately but doing them regularly will help you lower your waist size over time.

The rest is easy from there. Now that you have the best tips and tricks to use, you can lose weight and get rid of your pear-shaped body in a more effective and healthier way. Stick to the plan, improve your diet, and you will start losing more weight without risking your health.

Why Is My Hot Tub Water Cloudy?

One of the most common complaints for hot tub owners is cloudy water in the spa. It can be incredibly difficult to determine the exact cause of cloudy spa water because there are so many different things that could be causing the problem. Since determining the cause of the problem can be challenging, preventing cloudy spa water can be difficult. Here are a few possible causes of cloudy water in your hot tub and how you can prevent the issue from occurring.

1. Product Build-Up

We all use a lot of different products on our bodies. Unfortunately, these products aren’t so good for spas. Between the lotion, soap, makeup, and hair products on the average human body, it is no surprise that the water in your hot tub is less than clear. To prevent cloudy water from these types of products, you can rinse off in the shower before you take a dip in the hot tub.

2. Biofilm Growth

Bacteria is bound to happen in warm, moist places if the proper chemical levels aren’t maintained. Hot tubs are known breeding grounds for bacteria, which is why it is so important that you use a sanitizer in the water. Bacteria can build up in the pipes and fittings in the internal system of your hot tub. You probably won’t even know that there is a problem until you start to see your water getting cloudy.

If you haven’t run your hot tub in a while, the biofilm is likely to start building up in the spa. In these cases, you will need to shock the water and add sanitizer into the system. Additionally, you may need to use a treatment that will kill all of the bacteria in the internal system of the spa.

3. Hard Water

Hard water is a problem for many households. While hard water can cause problems all over your home, if you have a hot tub, you are likely to start seeing cloudy water. Hard water contains too much calcium, which can change the appearance of the water in your hot tub. Test your water for calcium hardness, alkalinity, and pH levels. If anything is unbalanced, you can use chemical balancers to help control the levels in the water of your spa. Balanced water is less likely to form scaling or cloudiness.

4. Filter Problems

Spa filters can be a little tricky. Spa filters need to be clean and installed properly to prevent dirty water from circulating throughout the hot tub. If your spa filter is misaligned, dirty water can slip past the filter and lead to cloudy, dirty, murky water. When you replace your spa filter, make sure that it is positioned properly to keep the water in your hot tub clean.

Keeping spa filters clean is also critical in the maintenance of the water in the hot tub. A dirty hot tub filter doesn’t properly remove all of the bacteria and other gunk that can lead to cloudy water. If your filter is too dirty for cleaning to help, then you will need to replace your hot tub filter altogether. Never run your spa without the filter. A filter can prevent all kinds of problems, including cloudy water.

Hot tub filters should be switched out at least once every 12 to 24 months depending on how often you are using your hot tub and how you normally use the tub. Filters should be cleaned every few weeks with a spa filter cleaner.

5. Low Sanitizer Levels

Sanitizers are necessary to keep the water in your hot tub safe and clean. Chlorine and bromine are commonly used to manage bacteria and fungi that could try to live in your hot tub’s water, causing the water to appear cloudy. Using the right amount of sanitizer can prevent bacteria and fungi from living and breeding in the water of your spa.

Keeping your water clear isn’t always easy, but with these tips, you should be able to keep your water looking pristine for a longer period of time.

Simple Ways of Getting a Drug Test at Home

Drug addiction and substance abuse are said to have reached epidemic proportions across the world. Statistics released by the American Addiction Centers a while back showed that as far back as 2014, about 21.5 million Americans had substance abuse issues. Interestingly, those affected were from the age of 12 upward. You can check out more of this report here.

This problem has shown no signs of abetting. If anything, it is on the increase and this has placed more demand on those in positions of authority, requiring that they tighten their supervision of those under their care or authority. These include parents, employers and other caregivers.

Why Home Drug Test Is Important

Continuing from our discussion above, there are times when homes testing can be a lifesaver. A parent could suspect that a child is abusing some controlled substances and want to confirm in order to stop the habit, providing the child with the early treatment that may be required. A home testing will come in very handy here.

A person can be facing a pending drug test in the office or prior to employment and need to make certain that their system is totally free of any drug toxins. Such a person can also confirm with a home test.

From the above, a home test can help confirm drug usage so that prompt intervention can commence. It can also confirm that a person is free of drug toxins and will, therefore, pass any drug test, putting the individual’s mind at rest and allowing them to go for their test with confidence.

Types of Home Drug Test
Just as there are different types of drug tests, so also are there different types of home drug tests. The different types of home drug testing include: urine testing, saliva testing, sweat testing, and hair follicle testing.

Urine Drug Testing
This is the most commonly used home drug testing method. It has an accuracy of between 97 and 99%. You can also get the result in as little as 15 minutes. The downside to this type of testing is that the urine sample can easily be contaminated and can also degrade with time. The result of the test can be affected by the food, drug or other substances that you take before the test.

Saliva Drug Testing
This is also a very quick acting test because you can get your result within 9 minutes of taking the test. The test is administered in the same way as the urine test so it is easy to take. It, however, has a major downside. It cannot be used to test for drug usage that has exceeded about 48 hours. It is best for checking for drug usage within 24 hours after use.

Sweat Drug Testing
This is not a common home drug testing method. The reason for this is that it is very cumbersome to administer. The subject being tested has to wear a patch for between 1 to 2 weeks before it is then removed and taken for testing. Aside from the fact that the time frame is too long, wearing a patch for that long will certainly be uncomfortable and will also allow for manipulation as the subject can easily remove the patch.

Hair Follicle Drug Testing
This is a very precise type of testing in that it can show details of the drug use. It can show not only drug usage but also the volume of and frequency of usage. There are however two downsides to it. The first is that the result is gotten in between 2 and 7 days and the second is that it cannot be used to test for marijuana usage.

You can get more information on these different types of home drug testing here: http://bestathomedrugtest.com/.

Drugs that Can be Tested for at Home

It will interest you to know that every drug that can be tested for in the lab can also be tested for at home. The simple reason is that the same companies that produce the testing materials for the labs also produce the testing materials for the home kits.

There are however some drugs that cannot yet be accurately tested for both at home and in the lab. These include: bath salts, salvia, and K2 also known as spice.

3 Approaches to Home Drug Testing

There are three ways to approach home drug testing.

1. You can use a home kit, administer the test and get your result.
2. A second option is to collect the sample you want tested and then send it to the lab for testing.
3. You can combine the two approaches above. That is, you get the sample and administer the test at home and then you also send the sample for a confirmatory test with a lab.

Choosing the Right Kind of Home Drug Testing Kit

To decide the type of home drug testing to choose, you need to consider some of the following:

1. Why am I doing the home test? If it is for an upcoming office drug test, then choose a test type similar to the one you will face in the office. For example, choose a urine test if you will face a urine test in the office.
2. What drugs do you want to test for? For example, if you want to test for the use of marijuana, you should not go for a hair follicle test.
3. How far back do you want to check for drug usage? Tests like saliva home testing will show drug usage that has not exceeded about 24 hours. To check for more distant drug usage, look for another appropriate method. 

Kitchen Updates That Will Make Your Life Easier

You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, so you want the time that you spend in there to be simple and convenient. Nobody wants to come home from work and have to struggle to prepare dinner in an inconvenient kitchen. So, if you’re struggling with awkward faucets or sticking drawers, it’s time to make some updates to this all-important room that will definitely make your life a lot easier.

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Adding A Peg Rail
This is a very simple and quick update but it could make an enormous difference to the functionality of your kitchen. Choose a convenient wall on which to install your peg rail, or you may even prefer to fit it onto the edge of your cabinets. You’ll find that the pegs come in extremely useful for hanging up tea towels, washcloths, aprons, and oven mitts. You’ll have all these key essentials to hand so you won’t have to look for them when you’re in a hurry.

Choose A Pedal Bin
No doubt you already have a trash can in your kitchen, however, getting the design right is key to convenience and functionality in your kitchen. If you have an under-counter garbage bin this might be streamlined and fit nicely into the design of your kitchen, however, it isn’t the most convenient option if you have your hands full of trash that needs to be thrown away. Choose a free-standing pedal bin instead which you can operate with your feet, leaving your hands completely free. You’ll be amazed by the difference that it can make.

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Change Your Faucets
One way to make your kitchen more convenient is to think about switching your standard faucet for a hands-free model. How many times have your hands been covered in food or sauce and you’ve had to turn on the faucet leaving a mess everywhere? With a hands-free faucet, you won’t need to worry about this problem. You’ll be able to get the water running through movement alone. Perfect! Check this site to find out more about how to choose the right faucet for you.

Get A Noticeboard
If you find that you’re always forgetting important things in your life, putting up a noticeboard in your kitchen can really help to streamline your life. You can pin up all the important letters you receive, the bills which need to be paid, appointment cards for upcoming meetings or appointments and any other important items that you need to deal with imminently. Never again will you forget about something vital.

Add Some Shelving
If you’re lacking storage in your kitchen, it can be very difficult to keep the room tidy and clutter-free. Nobody wants a kitchen that has items piling up on all the countertops and surfaces, so adding more storage couldn’t be more important. If you have spare space on your kitchen walls, why not install some shelving? You’ll find it a useful place to store items which would otherwise have ended up on your countertops like coffee and tea jars. If you have some free-standing space, why not consider adding a butcher’s block? This will not only give you some additional storage below in the form of drawers, shelves or wire baskets, but it will also give you an extra work surface when there’s a lot going on in your kitchen.

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Add A Utensil Rail
If you’re always having to leave pots and pans bubbling on the stove while you search out a spatula or spoon in the drawer, it’s definitely time to add a utensil rail. By fitting one of these useful rails over your stove, you can hang up all your essential utensils where you can easily reach them. Never again will food burn while you seek out the right utensil to get the job done – everything will be right there in your eyeline!

These simple changes are quick and easy to make but can make your kitchen a more convenient and functional place to work and spend time. By adding a few simple additions and switching a few key items around, you’ll find that you start to love being in the heart of your home!

Espresso vs. Drip Coffee

How do you like your morning coffee? Some people opt for a latte whereas some go for a cup of Americano to wake them up. When it comes to coffee, there’s drip coffee and then there’s espresso. They’re both made from coffee and are similar in appearance— so, what’s the difference between the two?

Pour Over or Press?

Drip coffee is made by pouring boiling water on top of the coffee grind, letting the flavor seep in as it makes its way to the bottom of the cup. A filter is required to make drip coffee, which separated the coffee grind from the cup.

This brewing method is perfect for preserving the flavors and aroma of the coffee grind. So, if you’re into a strong and bold flavored cup of joe, then drip coffee is your best bet.

Espresso, on the other hand, is made by pressing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans. This is also known as “pulling a shot” since espresso is served in ‘shots’ which measures 1 ounce each.

Textures Matter

Drip coffee has a coarser grind compared to espresso. The textured grounds make for a fresh and flavorful brew. It is recommended that medium grind should be used for drip coffee.

Espresso is often made with a smoother and fine ground. The finer the ground is, the better the espresso. However, grounds that are too fine can actually clog the brewing process. So, it’s wise to aim between small and medium grounds when making an espresso.

The folks at Coffee In My Veins made this infographic which has more information on the difference between espresso and drip coffee. Check it out below.

Infographic: The Difference Between Espresso and Drip Coffee

Courtesy of: Coffee in My Veins

Great Wolf Lodge's Spring-A-Palooza 2019

Great Wolf Lodge is springing into 2019 with the return of its fun-filled Spring-A-Palooza celebration. Families staying at any Great Wolf Lodge between March 16 – April 28, 2019, are sure to have a pawesome time as the resort comes into full bloom with a collection of exclusive spring-inspired events such as bubble dance parties and a special character-led tea party.  Guests will splish and splash in the 84-degree waterpark and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Along with a vibrant and colorful transformation of the lobby, here are some additional entertainment options for families to enjoy during the six-week Spring-a-Palooza event.

Northwood’s Tea Party with Violet & Friends: New for 2019, beloved wolf Violet will host a tea party on select days of the week. Violet and friends’ tea party will feature songs, dances, cookie decorating, crafts, and games. Of course, no party would be complete without a special character meet and greet.

Bubble Dance Party: This special Spring-a-Palooza event fills the Grand Lobby with cascading bubbles while Great Wolf Lodge’s Ambassadors of Fun keep energy-levels high with a family-friendly dance party.

Spring-a-Palooza Story Time: Great Wolf Lodge’s nightly Story Time takes on a spring theme with a new tale featuring the Great Wolf Lodge characters called “Natural Wonders.” Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite jammies to the Grand Lobby for this event and will have the opportunity to meet one of the Great Wolf Lodge characters in person.

Jelly Bean Guessing Game: A gigantic jar filled to the brim with jelly bean candies sits in the Grand Lobby and guests are invited to enter a contest guessing how many delicious treats are within the jar. The guests closest to the correct number without going over will be entered for a chance to win a Great Wolf Lodge Gift Card.

Spring Themed Crafts: During Spring-a-Palooza, the resort’s Ambassadors of Fun will host several spring-inspired craft-making events for kids of all ages. Character-themed crafting projects include Oliver’s Crazy About Bugs Jar, Violet’s Springtime Noodle Doodle, Brinley’s Don’t Blow Away Kite and Wiley’s Can You Spot It Binoculars.

Along with the always complimentary waterpark entry for all overnight guests, all Spring-a-Palooza events are complimentary for guests staying at the resort. A complete listing of daily activities and times can be found in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests upon check-in.

For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of indoor water park resorts, visit greatwolf.com.

Riding a Motorcycle for the First Time

Motorcycles are loved by many people for the experience and freedom on the highway this vehicle provides. A grade-A motorcycle can push this experience to the next level. Many people are opting for motorcycles these days because they're not only better at providing mobility across busy cities, they are actually more fun!

However, anyone who has never ridden a bike in their life, riding a motorcycle is something that needs to be done carefully to avoid injury. You should keep in mind that motorcycle can be an extremely dangerous vehicle if not handled properly.

We have developed this small guide to help first-time motorcycle riders. After you follow all these precautions, you and your friends can finally head out for self-guided bike tours.
Make sure to follow expert guidelines, always!

No matter what kind of vehicle you are about to ride for the first time, general knowledge must be acquired beforehand. When it comes to motorcycles, it is very important that you acquire a license, take classes, and be of legal age.

Just like any other vehicle, it is impossible to learn how to ride motorcycles without help. You'll need the help of a seasoned motorcyclist to teach you how to ride one. You can do this if you opt out of professional training. But it is still recommended that you go through professional training before riding a bike.

Once you have learned the basics of riding a motorcycle, you should go for a license. Do not attempt to take out your bike without a license because it is against the law.

Make sure you ride safely
When riding a motorcycle, your utmost concern should be the safety of riding one. Motorcycles are a risky vehicle which can lead to serious injuries or even death if an accident occurs.

It is very important that you buy proper gear for motorcycle riding and wear a helmet at all times. Riding gloves, jackets, and pants that protect you against scratches are also very important.

Have some sort of insurance
Your life is very important to make sure you have some sort of health insurance that covers accidents. Even if you do not have one, you still have the option of hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer to help you win compensation for an accident especially if you are riding for the first time. 

Adjust your mirrors
One of the most important things new bike riders forget to work with is adjusting their rear view mirrors. Many bikers turn their head to look what's coming from behind.
This practice is not recommended and is dangerous. Always make sure that your rear view mirrors are set according to your vision level and that you can clearly and easily see whose coming from behind.

Always make sure to follow the appropriate steps when riding the motorcycle for the first time. If you carefully follow these guidelines, you can significantly lower any potential problems from occurring.

4 Finger Food Ideas for Parties and Fussy Eaters

Hosting a great party can be lots of fun and very rewarding, but it can take a lot of hard work too. One of the keys to a successful party is to have high-quality food available, and that means food which looks good and tastes even better. You can't cook while the party is in full swing, so finger food is the perfect solution as you can prepare it well in advance. When creating finger food, it's important to think of all the guests, including fussy eaters, but here are four finger food ideas which are sure to prove a hit with guests young and old.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches

This may sound too simple, but in fact, they're also simply delicious, which is why cucumber sandwiches are still a staple part of a traditional afternoon tea. Simply cut up cucumbers and place between some high-quality bread. We recommend the use of the best wooden cutting boards for all food preparation purposes, as you can quickly wipe them down and they make chopping, cutting and slicing a quick and easy process. Cucumber sandwiches are great for cleansing the palate after spicy food as well, and they're vegan-friendly which can be an important consideration.

2. Sticky Chicken Wings

Sticky food is always a popular choice for a finger food buffet, as it's always satisfying to lick your own fingers clean afterward. Sticky chicken wings are a perfect choice for this purpose, and they're incredibly easy to prepare. One marinade that even the fussiest eater will appreciate is honey and soy sauce. Simply mix these two ingredients together in a bowl so that it forms a clear yet dark-colored liquid and then coat the wings in it before transferring to the oven or frying pan. Ten minutes is all it takes to create a snack that's delicious and full of flavor.

3. Avocado Toast

Avocado is possibly the most fashionable ingredient of them all at the moment, and it's perfectly suited to a finger food environment. It has the added advantage of being supremely tasty too, which is why avocado toast is always the sign of a high-quality buffet. Presentation is the key here, so cut slices of toast into alluring triangles, before spreading mashed avocado onto the surface. To add an extra texture and flavor, you can then further top the toast with a slice of boiled egg; quail's egg is a great option here if you're really trying to impress your guests, but a standard hen's egg will be fine as long as the portion size fits daintily atop the avocado.

4. Lettuce Wrapped Steak

Steak and salad are a classic mealtime combination, but this can easily be adapted for finger food purposes with individual steak slices wrapped inside a lettuce leaf. Simply fry or grill the steak until cooked (be careful not to overcook it or it can become tough), slice into small pieces and then place one piece inside the cupped leaf of a baby gem lettuce. You can serve a mayo or chili sauce to accompany it. This is finger food that looks superbly inviting, it tastes great and the lettuce and steak slice combined with crunchy lettuce gives a satisfying textural contrast as well. Be sure to prepare plenty of these, because they always prove to be the most popular item in a buffet.

Steak wrapped in lettuce, avocado toast, cucumber sandwiches, and marinated chicken wings all look as good as they taste, and there's nothing in them that will make a fussy eater turn up their nose. Remember to prepare more food than you think you'll need rather than taking the risk of running out and always have vegetarian and vegan options available, as well as suitable desserts. It's a good idea to check for special dietary requirements beforehand, such as gluten intolerance, so that you can plan the buffet accordingly. With all this in place, you'll have happy guests and you'll be a happy host.

Futuristic Construction Games for Kids

Kids love building things and there are many futuristic construction games they can play and some can be found on Mini&Maximus. They are very enjoyable and parents can play with them too. These games are also very realistic and 3D. If your child wants to go into construction in the future, then here are some popular ones, all of which involve driving round in a wide range of different vehicles.

Construction Stimulator Pro 2017

Construction Stimulator Pro is a building game and you can handle a wide number of vehicles including bulldozers and cranes. This game is one of the best out there and it gives you a massive opportunity to build a name for yourself in the construction industry.

SimCity BuildIt

In SimCity, you can build your very own dream city. In this game, you can become the mayor which will leave you responsible for countless tasks for building the city. It allows you to solve real-life situations too. You can also connect and compete with other players.

Megapolis

Megapolis is an extremely similar and enjoyable game to SimCity BuildIt. You can build and design things from houses to airports. Build yourself a functional and modern city you can enjoy. Megapolis is a variant of the word megalopolis, this means a large city or urban area.

Skyscraper Construction Sim 3D

Skyscraper Construction is a construction game particularly aimed at skyscraper fans.
You can build your own skyscrapers and drive around in a large variety of vehicles. You can manually hand-design buildings by scripting with corresponding coordination for every object.

Big Machines Stimulator 3D

Big Machines Stimulator is an excellent choice of game if you are into heavy machinery. This game allows you to drive around in a large variety of different vehicles, including cranes and earthmovers.

Bridge Construction Stimulator

The aim of this game is to build safe and strong bridges. These bridges need to be built strong enough for heavy vehicles such as trucks and school buses to drive over. It is fun to play and good if you want to go into building bridges.

City Builder 17 Federal Prison

In this game, you need to build a high-security federal prison. You begin with simple tasks and move up to more complicated ones. As the game player, you are responsible for the different features of the construction process.

All of these games are very fun for kids and will lead them into the construction industry if they are used sharply.

Top Gift Ideas for Girls Aged 10 Years Old

Ten years old is a preteen age. The kid becomes aware of their image and the surrounding world. They are quite picky, hence finding the right present is difficult. Girly gifts are excellent ideas but having some balance is essential and for more ideas check out StarWalkKids. Make her face light up with a gift that is not only entertaining but improves creativity, reasoning and logic skills. Some suggestions of gift ideas that will help a girl explore their personality include:

1. Origami brainteaser 

An Origami brainteaser has ten puzzles which kids can take as much time as they need to master. There are a variety of outcomes for puzzles such as the Flexi twist and Lotus of the Heart. The puzzles are brainteasers with many bold colors that spur creativity and art. It helps the kid master patience, think logically and overcome a challenge. The kid learns to stick to a project until its completion.

2. Spirograph deluxe design set 

Spirographs assist kids in creating a variety of shapes. The endless designs are fascinating to children. The kit has swirls and geometric patterns that make it easy to create any spiral shape imaginable. Children can learn the art of layering and alternating colors to come up with a transformative piece that they can show off to friends. Spirograph brings to life traditional hands-on art that enhances imagination. Kids can design with their friends hence fostering social relationships.

3. DIY wear friends forever jewelry 

Affirming long-lasting friendship is vital for 10-year old girls. Friendship bracelets are a great physical representation of a bond. The kit comes with looms for making bracelets, embroidery floss of different colors, beads, and a beading needle. The gift is perfect for nourishing social relationships and learning teamwork.

4. Hearth song large super soft plush 

Get your child the Hearth song large super soft plush if they love cuddling toys or are big fans of Dazzle the Unicorn. The plush has hearts, a pink collar, and the mane and tail are also fluffy. It is a perfect travel buddy or a bedtime companion for your kid to stroke and cuddle. It is a durable gift and easy to launder.

5. Color your pillowcase

The child can color and design the pillowcase using washable fabric makers. You can launder the pillowcase due to the washable makers. It encourages creativity; a child can draw their favorite their favorite characters or doodle anything.

6. Fabulous flowers hair accessories

The kit is meant to keep the girls busy making great hair accessories. It has crystals, glitter gel, and rhinestones for decorating the hair accessories. It is the perfect gift for girls with an inclination towards art. It fosters creativity as the kids spend hours creating unique patterns and designs.

7. Melissa and Doug friendship stamp set

It is a unique art and craft kit that encourages children to stamp a variety of pictures and then color. The set has colored pencils for sketching and coloring and pads of washable ink. The game promotes creativity and concept. The kids can use it to make cards and various scenes which enhances the motor ability and coordination skills.

Always pick a gift that enhances the kid’s personality or develops their hobby. Do not forget to include something pink and pretty.

Poison Prevention for Pets

As a pet owner, it is important to know and understand the items that are considered poisonous for pets. While there are literally hundreds of things that could cause problems for our beloved pets, there are a few common foods, household items, and plants that are known trouble-makers. We believe that you should know about these items so that you can do your best to protect your pet from accidental poisoning.

Foods Considered Poisonous to Pets

You’ve probably heard of a few different foods that are problematic for pets, such as chocolate and grapes. However, there is a fairly large list of foods that shouldn’t be given to pets. Here is a list of common foods that should never be given to dogs and cats:

• Alcohol: Alcohol, which can also be consumed in the form of yeast in uncooked bread dough, can cause intoxication in pets. Common alcohol poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and central nervous problems that can lead to coma and death.
• Candy, Gum, and Xylitol: Xylitol is often found in sugar-free candy and gum. This artificial sweetener can lead to acute liver failure and is considered toxic to pets.
• Chives, Garlic, and Onions: These foods, which are all part of the Allium family, are known to cause upset stomach and red blood cell damage. Cats are more prone to issues with these food items, but dogs can still encounter problems.
• Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine: These foods contain methylxanthines that can lead to tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and more. 
• Coconut and Coconut Oil: Coconut oil can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Coconut water should also be avoided because it is high in potassium.
• Grapes and Raisins: Both of these foods can lead to kidney failure.
• Mushrooms: Only a few different kinds of mushrooms are toxic to pets, but it is best to prevent your pet from eating any mushrooms so that they are safe. Poisonous mushrooms can lead to liver failure in pets.
• Nuts: Nuts, especially macadamia nuts, can lead to serious health problems for pets including hyperthermia and pancreatitis.
• Potato Leaves and Stems: Potato greens are toxic to cats.
• Raw Meat: While many people believe that animals can eat raw meat, the bacteria in raw meat can lead to salmonella and E. coli.
• Rhubarb: In pets, rhubarb can cause weakness, tremors, bloody urine, and more.
• Salt: Excess amounts of salt can lead to salt poisoning. Symptoms of salt poisoning include seizures, coma, kidney damage, and death. Salt is generally found in high concentrations in cured meats and paintballs.
• Tomato Leaves and Stems: Tomatoes are safe for dog and cat consumption, but the leaves and stems can lead to weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Yeast and Yeast Dough: Yeast can cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s system. This can lead to bloat and twist, as well as intoxication.

Common Household Items Considered Poisonous to Pets

You probably have a variety of chemicals and cleaners around your home that you don’t think much about. However, many of these products could be extremely dangerous to your pet. Here are a few of the most dangerous household items for pets:

• Antifreeze: Antifreeze, even in small amounts, can be deadly to pets. It contains ethylene glycol, which can cause vomiting, intoxication, lethargy, coma, and acute kidney failure.
• Batteries: Many batteries contain alkaline, which can cause ulcers in the mouth, stomach, or intestines. Signs of alkaline poisoning including drooling, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and inability to defecate.
• Bleach and Cleaners: Household cleaners can lead to mouth ulcers, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and squinting of the eyes.
• Citrus Acid and Oil: Citrus oil is a common ingredient found in potpourri. Both citrus acid and oil can lead to nervous system depression in large quantities.
• Deicers: Deicers contain chemicals that your pet may lick off of their paws. These chemicals can cause illness. 
• Detergents: Household detergents may cause drooling, vomiting, burns in the mouth and throat, inappetence, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. 
• Lawn and Garden Chemicals: Both fertilizers and pest sprays contain chemicals that could lead to drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored gums, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing.
• Medications: Many human medications can cause problems for our pets. Pets should never be given human medications without prior consent from your veterinarian. Symptoms could include vomiting, seizures, hyperthermia, low blood pressure, and death.
• Mothballs: Mothballs can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, fluid accumulation in the body, tremors, seizures, kidney damage, and coma.

Plants Considered Poisonous to Pets

Many people love having plants in and around their homes because they are pretty and help clean the air. Some of your favorite plants could be hazardous to your pet, however. Here are a few of the most common poisonous plants to pets:

• Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera gel is edible, but the plant itself is not. It can lead to lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Azalea: Azaleas can lead to weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac failure.
• Chamomile: While humans consume things like chamomile tea, the plant is dangerous for pets. It can cause dermatitis, anorexia, diarrhea, and vomiting.
• Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemums contain a variety of toxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, dermatitis, and incoordination.
• Daffodil: These flowers can cause gastrointestinal problems, convulsions, tremors, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. While the whole plant can cause problems, the bulbs contain the highest concentration of toxins.
• Daisy: Daisies can lead to dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination.
• Geranium: These plants contain toxins that can cause vomiting, dermatitis, depression, and anorexia.
• Hydrangea: These flowers contain cyanide, which can be problematic in large quantities.
• Lilies: Most dangerous to cats, lilies can lead to kidney failure. All parts of the plant are considered dangerous, and almost all varieties of lilies are harmful.
• Poinsettia: These plants can irritate the mouth and stomach, which can cause vomiting.
• Sago Palm: These palms can lead to vomiting, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, liver damage, liver failure, and death.
• Tulips: Tulips can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and hypersalivation. Remember that the bulbs contain a higher concentration of the toxins that cause problems for pets.

Preventing Accidental Poisonings

While it is impossible to prevent all cases of accidental poisonings, you can do your best by knowing the items that could be a cause for concern and keeping them away from your pet. If you believe that your pet has gotten into a toxic substance or item, you should immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian.

None of the above lists are exhaustive, but the items listed are some of the most common poisonings that veterinarians see. To see a full list of items that are harmful to pets, check out Pet Poison Helpline’s Poisonous List.

Be Prepared for Winter Driving by Doing These 5 Things

Today's conversation is sponsored. All opinions are my own as always. 

With cold weather on the way in many areas, it is essential to prepare your car, truck, or SUV for the winter months ahead. You also need to do this if you will be traveling through cold weather. If your vehicle is not ready for the drop in temperature, you could pay the price for not being prepared.

What should you do to get your car ready? Here are a few top tips.

1. Get your battery checked

There is nothing worse than being stranded during the holiday season at a shopping mall or on the side of a highway. It is important to get your vehicle’s battery checked, especially if it is over three years old.

An expert will see if there is any corrosion around the battery’s connection points and if it is up to the task of keeping your car going during winter.

2. Antifreeze

Your vehicle should have a 50-50 antifreeze and water mixture inside its radiator. Antifreeze may even “look healthy” but still need replacing. The antifreeze’s important additives could be worn out, which means it won’t protect your vehicle.

Experts say you should replace the antifreeze every two years, which should prevent any problems. It is always best to get your antifreeze checked when you get an oil change. Then, it can be replaced as soon as any signs of breakdown are identified and you can avoid any larger problems.

3. Tire pressure

When snow and ice hit the ground, it is difficult to get good traction on roads and highways. Having the correct tire pressure allows your vehicle to have the best possible traction in snow and ice.

With colder weather comes a drop in the air pressure of your tires. Look in the owner’s manual of your vehicle to see what the correct pressure is and make sure you top it up.

4. Oil change

It is important to make sure your car has the right oil for colder months and getting it replaced as the seasons change is important. Certain types of oil perform better in certain conditions. Your mechanic can let you know if a change is recommended. You need the correct thickness of oil as colder weather makes oil run thicker. Your vehicle’s life-blood can’t work properly if it is too thick, so make sure you get it changed if you are due.

5. Wiper blades

It seems simple enough, but if you can’t see the road or vehicles in front of you, there’s a great risk of an accident. The more it rains, snows, and sleets, the more use your wipers will get. Extreme weather situations make it increasingly important to have wipers that have a significant amount of life left.

Experts say that wiper blades should be replaced after just one year. So, make sure you have new ones ready to go. Just a few steps can keep you safe during the winter months. It may cost a little bit of money up front, but it will save you much more in the long run.