Apple Theme Kitchen

An apple theme kitchen is what I have been longing for years. I thought this theme gives the room a fresh, country feeling that makes people reminisce about simpler times.

If you would like to have an apple theme kitchen, here are some steps to follow.

1. Step 1

   Purchase apple motif dishtowels. Dishtowels are easy to change and offer plenty of decorative options, so finding dishtowels with an apple theme is easy to do. Hang the dishtowels from your stove handle or draw pulls.

2. Step 2

   Get an area rug with an apple theme. Place an apple-themed area rug in front of the sink or stove to carry the theme down and tie in the colors. Choose from a bold apple image or a smaller apple border around a straw colored middle.

3. Step 3

   Coordinate with red or leaf-green curtains. Although apple motif curtains are available, you don't want to over-do your apple pattern or you'll make your room look too busy and chaotic. Coordinating colors implies your theme and carries the feeling throughout the room without looking kitschy.

4. Step 4

   Collect some apple sculptures or models and display on shelves. Find apple collectibles such as wooden apples and ceramic apples in different sizes to display on a high shelf or among cookbooks on an open bookshelf.

5. Step 5

   Use one great apple painting. Hang a large apple painting in your eat-in kitchen area for a graphic and colorful touch that carries your theme. The colors will undoubtedly match, and a larger modern apple painting will cheer the kitchen space.

6. Step 6

   Use apple-shaped cookie jars and containers to add interest on the counter tops. Apple-shaped canisters can hold coffee, sugar and flour and will further dress up your kitchen.

7. Step 7

   Place apple-shaped or decorated mugs on a tree-shaped mug rack on your counter top or kitchen island to add a functional splash of color.

source:ehow.com

Banana Trading

As you all know ( or to those who doesn't know) my parents' business is banana trading. They have been in this business since I can remember. It is really amazing how much they work just for the business to thrive. They both have my respect for all the hard work that they do. Both my parents work so hard and they are very wise with their business dealings. I am more impressed that they have business insurance. I really didn't expect them that they will think of having a business insurance but I am glad they have because that will help protect the fruits of their labor.

Knowing my Mom who really holds on to the money really tight, I wonder where she gets a cheap insurance for their business. I am almost sure that the insurance must be cheap or my Mom won't bother getting it. Wherever she got it from, I am glad that Mom managed to get a business insurance. I don't want their hard work to be in vain in case something happens.

Enjoying our Philippine Vacation

We are having a time of our life with our vacation. It is so great to be with my biological family again and at the same time we enjoy the fact that this vacation only happens once in every few years. After this vacation, I will be back to my busy life. I will be back to being a student again in addition to being a wife and a mother. I know I will be busy that is why I should enjoy this vacation and bond with my family and relax too. I am sure that I have so many things that needs to be taken cared of when I will be back and one of those is to make sure that our home insurance is in order. I already plan to look for different home insurance quote. I will deal with it when we will be back but right now, I will let myself enjoy a worry-free vacation!

A Gift for my Brother

Electronics are very expensive in the Philippines. The price there for a laptop is almost doubled as the price here. After I found out that my brother wants a new laptop, I told him that I will bring him a new one during our vacation.

We have been here in the Philippines for more than a week for our vacation. My brother loves the laptop that I brought for him. I am glad that I was able to buy the laptop last Black Friday because I bought it with a big discount.

Clean Your Oven Easily

Oven is said to be the heart and soul of the kitchen.With festivals coming just round the corner and cooking dinners and baking ,it is very likely that the oven will get a lot more messy this season!But do not worry,no need to reach out in those corners and tiring yourself out.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
  
• Salt

1. Step 1
   

   Take a spray bottle.Add 4 tsp of baking soda,3 tsp of vinegar,1tsp of salt and 1/2 cup warm water.Shake well to mix the contents.

2. Step 2
   

   Spray all over inside.The spray bottle will help you to reach the difficult corners as compared to a sponge.Let it rest for 20 minutes.

3. Step 3
   

   The baking soda and the vinegar will break the carbon deposits in the oven and all the mess will settle down in powdered form.Take a wet wipe and clean from top to bottom.

4. Step 4
   

   Now,spray the exterior of the oven also and wipe dry.Use similarly for all baking trays.

5. Step 5
   

   To remove unpleasant smells out of the oven,place lemon/orange peels in the oven in a baking tray and set the oven to 300 degrees.The citric smell will neutralize all the odors.

Tempura Batter

Who doesn't like tempura? Tempura is a style of deep-fried cooking, the word derives from the Japanese word - 'seasoning'. Tempura dishes are served with steamed rice, udon or as a starter.

The secret in making good tempura batter is minimal beating while making the batter, and ice-cold water. The cold prevents the tempura batter from absorbing excess oil; keeping it crispy and light. Ice cubes are sometimes added in the water to hold the cool temperature. Would you like to make your own tempura batter?

Here's how:

Prepare these ingredients for the tempura batter recipe:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons baking powder
* 1/4 cup cornstarch (preferred), or sweet potato starch, or panko-Japanese bread crumb
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 2 eggs, slightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1-1/2 cups ice-cold water


-Combine well the flour, baking powder, baking soda and cornstarch (or sweet potato starch/panko) in a large bowl.

-Add eggs, salt and water to Step 2 ingredients. Beat lightly the mixture with a fork or chopsticks until flour is moistened. Lumps may appear, but don't worry about that.

-Coat seafood and vegetables immediately with the tempura batter. Tempura batter is best when used within a few minutes after making. If you are frying large batches of food using the batter, make tempura batter in small portions instead, and try to finish each portion within a couple minutes.

Orlando Vacation

Florida is a state my family and I would love to visit. Actually, when we will be back in the USA, we will try to save and check on some Disney vacation packages. I know that after our vacation here in the Philippines, things will be tighter financially. Before we can take another vacation, we have to tighten our spending first. But with affordable packages offered by orlandovacations.com, I think we will be able to make it later this year.

If you are looking for a wonderful vacation destination especially if you have kids, try checking out Disney vacation in Orlando, Florida. Their theme parks are so awesome that your kids will surely enjoy it.

Post Your Resume Online

If you are holding a job right now, you are one of the lucky ones. There are so many people who lost their job. Countless of them are forced to move to other state to find a job to fend for their families. I know that jobs are scarce these days because there are so many companies that closed their business and some companies are downsizing. Somehow, if you have the will to find a job, in the long run you can find one. With so many people looking for jobs right now, the competition is very stiff. It is an advantage if you will post your resume online because companies will have access to your information and qualifications. Better yet, post your resume at the world's largest network of niche career communities.

Lemon Tea Cookies

I love tart lemon desserts. This is a recipe I found on Betty Crocker that looks very good.

photosource:recipezaar.com

Ingredients:
Cookies

* 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
* 1/3 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 2/3 cups flour
* 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Filling

* 2/3 cup granulated sugar
* 3 teaspoons lemon peel, grated
* 3 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
* 1 teaspoon cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg, beaten

Directions
In large bowl, Beat butter, 1/3 C powdered sugar, and vanilla with mixer on medium speed until well blended.

*Stir in flour until dough forms.
*Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes
*Heat oven to 350°F Shape dough into 1" balls.
*Place balls 2" apart. Press thumb into center of each ball to make indentation.
*Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
*Remove to cooling racks and cool completely, about 30 minutes.
*In 1 qt saucepan, heat all filling ingredients over low heat about 25 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and thickened.
*Cool about 15 minutes.
*Fill each thumbprint with rounded 1/4 tsp filling. Sprinkle 1 T powdered sugar over cookies.

Drug Rehab Program

Drug addiction is a vicious cycle that actually causes changes in the brain, leading to stronger and stronger impulses to use. Without help, drug abuse destroys families and takes lives. But there is hope. With the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible. When a drug addict wants help through drug rehab there is hope that he or she can be sober and clean. With the help of family and proper treatment recovery is possible.

Drug abuse affects the person’s life in many ways, including health, finances and stability. It also affects the entire family, friends, colleagues-- and even the community. Deciding upon which correct drug rehab is an important decision. It is important to be well-educated about drug treatment option before selecting a drug rehab program.

If you or your loved ones needs help with drug abuse, take the first step towards recovery. Contact abuse helpline now.

Pet Business

Having a pet requires a lot of time, money and a lot of attention. Pets are like kids they need to be properly taken cared of and they need to be loved. Not all people have the heart to have pets but if you are one of those that thinks can be successful in pet business, you need to check out pet franchise because this can be your ticket to success.

If you are interested for a pet business, you can check out Franchise Genius because they have lists of the best pet businesses for sale in all areas and their price ranges.

Colon Cleansing

The most common question to people who doesn't have an idea if colonix is worth buying is: Is colonix for me and what can it do for me? Colonix is a complete colon cleansing program that can definitely help you solve your health issues. It will remove toxic matters from your colon thus, it will help cure some of your health problems.

In today's world where foods that we eat have many preservatives, it is really necessary to maintain the health of our colon. Maintaining the health of our colon can be attained through colon cleansing. Get rid of the toxins try colonix now.

Looking For Something Safer Than Quick Trim Fast Cleanse?

Many people have tried a lot of products to try and lose weight. You might be asking yourself if quick trim fast cleanse can help you lose weight. You can now read the reviews and the background to know if this product is right for you. This product has only a 28% approval rating so before you invest in this product, you need to read the reviews.

Acne Scar

There is nothing more embarrassing than to have acne scars in your face. I know that these scars will forever remind you of the times when your face was full of acne. When you have acne scars it lowers your self-esteem because you will always feel that you are ugly and you will never be as beautiful as other people you know.

Are you one of those people who suffers embarrassment due to acne scars? Worry no more because there is a solution to your problem. There is a procedure that is called acne scar removal that will surely improve your skin and will get you the look that you want.

Protect Your Identity

There are many computer hackers out there that will eagerly steal everything. They will steal your personal data, your identity and of course your money too. They will commit fraud without conscience that is why it is important to make sure that we have identity theft protection. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crime in the USA that is why we need to protect ourselves. In some cases, mistaken identity can cause havoc to your life and you could even end up in jail due to mistaken identity! There are many scary things to happen if you become a victim of identity theft. Protect yourself with identity theft protection.

Wishing for a New Family Addition

It is no secret that we are hoping to have a new addition to our family. I believe that Akesha is old enough to have a baby brother or a baby sister. So, far we are not successful yet. I am hoping that soon God will grant our wish for a new addition to our family.

I know that getting pregnant is no joke. Pregnancy is a journey that is full of trials. Of course, I have to make few sacrifices myself to ensure a healthy pregnancy. I am confident that I will have a healthy pregnancy as long as I will be consistent in taking prenatal vitamins.

How about you? Are you planning for another baby? We are... and hopefully soon!

Hair Loss Shampoo

Are you struggling with hair loss? If you are looking for information to know which hair loss shampoo will really work, you should visit hairloss-shampoo.net which can give you the most up-to-date research available. You can also evaluate all ingredients and compare side-effects. This is the best place to go to read the reviews you need to make an informed decision.

Get Rid of Your Chin Acne

You might have been asking yourself which acne treatment will really help you get rid of your chin acne. Now you can read the unbiased and independent reviews to help you make the right decision when purchasing chin acne medicine. You can read the customer and scientific research which will give you the knowledge you need to make the informed decision.

Anti Aging Wrinkle Creams

If you are looking for anti aging wrinkle creams that actually work, you should read reviews that can help you find the wrinkle cream that is right for you. You can read the unbiased product reviews at TopWrinkleCreams.net that will give you the customer and scientific research to help you make the right decision when purchasing wrinkle cream. Now you can make an intelligent decision when trying to get rid of your wrinkles.

Lasagna

I made lasagna for dinner last night and it was so good...really really good! lol! How would you like to make your own? This dish is very simple to make. You should try it!

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 3/4 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 can spaghetti sauce
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 3/4 pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ketchup
  

Directions

1. Fry sausage and ground beef over medium heat until well browned. Stir in spaghetti sauce and minced onion. Simmer, covered, for about 1/2 hour, stirring occasionally. Add ketchup for sweetness.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water.
   
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4. To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Made From the Heart

Baking is one of my favorites when it comes to cooking. I love making cakes and cupcakes. How about you?
When I first moved here in the US, I honestly don't know much about baking and I don't even know how to use the oven....lol!

How would you like to make a heart-shaped cake?

You Will Need:

1 Square Cake Pan
1 Round Cake Pan
1 Box of your favorite cake mix
1 Can of your favorite icing (or make your own)
Decorative sprinkles, candy red hots, candy conversation hearts, etc.


How To Make a Heart Shaped Cake:

Grease and flour cake pan bottoms.

Mix cake mix as directions require and pour into square and round pan.

Bake as cake mix directions require.

Let cakes cool. When they are cool place the square cake on your serving dish so it looks like a diamond shape and then cut the round cake in half. Put one half of the round cake on each side of the square cake so that it looks like a heart.

Ice cake and decorate with assorted candies.

It is that easy!

Top Rated Treadmills from Pro-Form

Instead of going to the gym to workout, you might think about creating a home gym. You can now save up to 50% on their top rated treadmills from Pro-Form. They have many types of exercise equipment such as ellipticals, exercise bikes, and even AB machines. They also carry a huge variety of fitness accessories. So before you spend a lot of money on gym memberships, you should consider working out at home on a treadmill.

Car Parts,Tools and Accessories

It might have been difficult to find the Ferrari parts that you need, but now you can purchase the needed parts online. They have parts for a Ferrari, the Ferrari Supercar, Maserati and even a Lamborghini. They have a search engine which will search through their database for a particular part or part number that you might be looking for. So if you need a one stop spot for your needed parts, you should visit the parts specialist today.

Electromagnetic Interference

If you are looking to get Conductive Elastomer conforming to the MIL-DTL-83528C requirements, you are in luck because American EMI Solutions has now been approved to provide you this material. They can give you the rfi shielding that you might need and their quality control is approved for ISO-9001:2000. They have EMI/RFI products for commercial and military that can be used for die cut and hand fabricated forms to shielding ventilation panels.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Here's what I made during our New Year's eve celebration. I made a Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta. This dish is easy to make. If you are interested in making this dish, the recipe is provided below. Thanks!

Ingredients

* 1 pound spaghetti pasta
* 1 1/2 cups butter, divided
* 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
* 2 (16 ounce) containers whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1 pint heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
*broccoli florets

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccini and cook for 8 to 10 minutes; drain.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear.
3. In a large saucepan combine ricotta cheese, cream, salt, Parmesan cheese and remaining butter. Cook over medium heat until well combined, about 10 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta and chicken; cook until heated through. Add the broccoli florets. Serve with garlic bread.

Stainless Steel Drum

Are you looking for stainless steel drum?

Pork Longganisa Ilocano Style

I bought a pack of Pork Longganisa (Ilocano) a few weeks ago, and ate it for breakfast. When I tried it...I was not happy at all...lol! Gosh, I have no clue that Ilocano longganisa are garlicky, sour and salty. Even my dog Buddy don't like it. So I threw them away! What a waste....:(

Longaniza (Filipino: longganisa) are Philippine chorizos flavoured with indigenous spices, and are popular Filipino breakfast. Longaniza making has a long tradition in the Philippines, with each region having their own specialty. Among others, Lucban is known for its garlicky longanizas (derecado); Guagua for its salty, almost sour, longanizas. Longganisang hamonado (Spanish: longaniza jamonada), by contrast, is known for its distinctive sweet taste. Unlike Spanish chorizos, longanizas can also be made of chicken, beef, or even tuna.

Dried Mushrooms

How do you like mushrooms? Have you ever tried using dried mushrooms? Well I use dried mushrooms all the time, and I prefer to buy dried ones than fresh ones. If you are planning to buy dried mushrooms, here's some tips for yah!

Inspect the color. Faded hues signal the dried mushrooms may have been on the shelf too long, with less potent flavor and aroma than fresh ones. Select ounces, not pounds. Unless you're making stew for 50, buy a little at a time. You'll save money--and have fresher mushrooms.

Store tight. Keep dried mushrooms in airtight containers to avoid possible bug infestations.


How to Prepare Dried Mushrooms
-Soak dried mushrooms in hot water, broth, or wine for 5 to 10 minutes.

-Even faster: Cover and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.

Happy New Year to All!

New Year begins let us pray that it will be a year with peace, happiness, and abundance of new friends. God bless you throughout the year!