Saturday, June 23, 2012

Beginners Guide To Go Karting: A Buyer’s Guide 101

There is always a tremendous amount of excitement in buying a go kart and accessories. The people who race go karts will understand what this means. 

They get all fired up about the kart and only want the best. Now if you are in the market to  buy your first ever go kart, you will find the tips here quite useful in helping you select a go kart.

All the karts you see on your shopping expedition will tempt you but be firm in your resolve to check out as many as you can before you open your wallet. Taking someone along who knows about go karts is a big plus. New karts should always be bought from reputable dealers who can give you the right kind of advice and support.

When choosing a used go kart you need to pay close attention to the engine. In fact you need to pay more attention to the engine than the kart, really. Racing engines are expensive and if you can find one in top condition it may be worth the cost of patching up a dented framework.

When shopping for a kart for a child in the 8-11 year old age group you need what is called a cadet chassis. This type of kart will have an engine with limited capacity, something in the range of 60-80 cc maybe.

The 12-15 year olds group needs an adult sized kart but an engine of limited capacity. The popular engines are usually Puma, Junior Sportsman and Super Sportsman, among others.

When the driver reaches 16 years of age, which puts the person in the senior class, you can change the engine, since the kart is the same one adults use. To start with the Junior Super Shifter is recommended but you should do your own research.

Before joining a club you need to check the different types of classes on offer. Each club will have its own rules and regulations and track type as well. Tuning your engine to meet racing engine specs will need to be done by a professional. It is better not to venture into something you know nothing about and end up losing your investment.

Find out about whether the club has any rules regarding the use of a specific type of fuel. Also enquire about the type of restrictive plate that has to be put on the engine. This number will need to be displayed on all 4 sides of the kart.

This page will give you tips for buying a go kart for sale, and for driving as well:

http://www.squidoo.com/for-sale-go-karts

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

5 Tips for Decorating Your Home Gym

It doesn't matter if your home gym is in the basement or the corner of a room, decorating your home gym needs to be a place that invites you to workout and have fun.

It should make you feel invigorated and dedicated to working out. How you decorate this space can actually help you keep focused on your goal.

Here are 5 tips for decorating your home gym.

Color

color is a big consideration in any decorating scheme, maybe even more so than other rooms of your home. According to color theorists, color effects your emotions and moods. having the wrong color will make your workout boring and can even make you tire  more easily. 

On the other hand, bright colors, if used in excess, can make your eyes tired and lead you to be more fatigued. The best option is to think practical.

One wall or accents painted a bright color contrasted with neutral colors in the rest of the room can be the right combination. 

Type of Exercise

A room used for yoga will need a more tranquil decorating style than a room for dance aerobics where a high energy feel is needed. A room that will be used for multiple types of exercise may require a more neutral theme with very few accessories.

Flooring

Carefully choose your flooring. It will be used as an exercise platform, a noise reducer and impact resistant surface for your heavy machines.

Rubber flooring tiles fits these needs well. It is available in different thicknesses and colors and can be installed quickly and easily.

Stimulation

Add some kind of visual or auditory stimulation in your room. A work out can become boring, especially if you are alone. Provide music that you enjoy and gets you moving to help you stay motivated.

A television is another option. You can watch exercise programs or catch up on the news. Motivational posters keep you stimulated as well.

Consider your needs

Before buying any equipment, consider what types of exercise you will be doing. You may need free weights or a weight machine. You might need resistance bands or a multi-station gym.

You might need a rubber mat for floor exercises or a pull up bar. Just consider your needs before you begin filling your room.

Your home gym needs to be a place that supports your exercise style. Keep your fitness goals in mind when decorating your home gym.

Here is a selection of pages that detail my top tips for decorating your home gym!


Home Gym Decorating Accessories
Having the option to workout at home can be a time and budget saver for many people. Once you have found the right space you want to decorate it to make it ...
Home Gym Decorating
Just because the room will be used for utilitarian purposes doesn't mean it should be basic and boring. If you love working out at home, it is time to give t...
Home Gym Wall Decor
From wall murals to posters to prints and acrylic wall decor, you'll find great ideas here for your home gym walls! Don't just go into your home gym and try...
Home Gym Mirrors
These large mirrors and acrylic sheets will be perfect for your home gym or dance studio. The acrylic sheets can be cut to size and are safe and unbreakable...
Home Gym Workouts
Home gym workouts are great for those who have limited time or budgets. With a home gym you can vary your workout to how you feel. And you save on the cost ...
Home Gym Essentials
Many people opt to join a local gym to workout. For those who don't, you need to determine what basic home gym essentials. There are many reasons to set up a...
Decorating A Basement Home Gym
A basement home gym can be poorly lit and feel like a dungeon. And that is the last place you want to work out. Turning that uninviting space into a regular...
Basement Home Gym Decorating
Setting up your basement home gym for fun and safety is a topic being talked about more often than ever before. Not long ago a home gym consisted of a few ba...

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

If You Love Your Eggs Poached You Need a Great Egg Poacher!

I love to eat my free range eggs poached, with a dollop of Hollandaise sauce, maybe some asparagus on the side, and definitely with some freshly steamed chard and silverbeet.... My dream Sunday Brunch!

But if you are new to cooking, and don't know the tricks of the trade to always produce perfect poached eggs 'the old fashioned way' then you can still produce a stunning poached egg dish by using the latest kitchen appliances to do the job for you and ensure you succeed every time!

On this page I will feature some of the better known brands, that have proven to be the most popular with online shoppers.  I'm sure you will find this info useful to make an informed choice as a shopper when setting up your kitchen appliances:

 We've reviewed several of the best products on the market and covered stove top products, microwave products and even single egg cookers. Here's a quick review of what we've discovered.

The appeal of the RSVP Endurance 1-Egg Poacher Set is in its size and versatility. It's also moderately priced around $22 and makes a nice addition to your kitchen. The  item is perfect for the single person or if only one person in the home enjoys poached eggs.

With it's easy to clean design, non-stick surface and being dishwasher safe, this little gadget can save you time.

If you're a little more serious about your poached eggs, need to cook more than one at a time and need a heavy-duty stove top poacher, the Norpro Egg Poacher Skillet Set   might be more your style. It's a little on the pricey side at around $70, but it will offer you years of great cooking. Its stainless steel design also offers years of durability. It may be the last egg poacher you ever purchase.

For the family who enjoys poached eggs and likes a bit of whimsy in their life, The Maverick Henrietta Egg Cooker and Poacher  is the perfect addition to your kitchen. This little egg poacher is extremely cute; she looks like a chicken. She is moderately priced at around $25 and most customers absolutely love her. If you have children at home they will enjoy getting to help you poach eggs and hear Henrietta "chirp" when the eggs are done.

For those who are short on storage space and need a product that can easily store inside a drawer, then  Fusionbrand’s 3-Inch Silicone Poach Pods  may be the perfect item for you. These little pods float on top of boiling water. You simply need your own pot or skillet. They may seem a little pricey, you get a pair of two pods for $10, but if you take care of them, they can offer you years of use.
If you love poached eggs but don't need a fancy egg poacher, this is a great item for you.

Not everyone enjoys microwaved eggs, but the Progressive International Microwavable Four Egg Poacher   offers an easy solution and is designed specifically for the microwave. If you don't want to poach your eggs on the stove-top using traditional methods, or if you're a college student, this is the perfect item for you. It's easy to use and easy to clean up if you follow the instructions for use and care.



Shopping for an egg poacher doesn't have to be a daunting task, especially if you know what you need. Our comparison of the above egg poacher should help you make the perfect decision to suit your needs.

Norpro Stainless Steel 10-inch Egg Poacher Skillet Set

For the home-cooking enthusiast that wants to cook like the pros, when you whip out this poacher, your friends and family will know you mean business.

The Norpro Egg Poacher Skillet Set rings in as the heavy-weight of poachers in the home cooking environment. Imagine if you have to cook for a large family in the mornings or even for special gatherings. You would have an advantage with the five cup system and you could use the large skillet later to cook up a nice one-skillet meal for the family.

The skillet base is made of a Tri-Ply Encapsulated Base for even heat distribution. Add to it a vented glass lid and you have a product that will evenly cook your eggs and other foods with less chance of burning.

Remember how frustrated you get when attempting to multi-task in the kitchen and end up burning your meal? With Norpro’s Egg Poacher and skillet, you can set your eggs or meal to cook and know that it will come out right every time.

Pros:
If taken care of properly, this poacher will last for years.
      It also doubles as a great large skillet for cooking other foods.
Cons:
Not for the regular consumer at $67-74.
      Since it is made of stainless steel, there is a chance of eggs sticking.

Tips:
     * It’s best to hand wash this skillet and cup set so as not to scratch the surface resulting in more chances for eggs to stick.

     * Use oil instead of cooking spray to avoid sticking

Product Features

* Measures 10 inches/25.5cm diameter and stay cool handle is 7.25 inches/18.5cm

* Includes 5 removable egg poacher cups and a tempered glass vented lid

* Made of stainless steel

* Hand washing recommended

What Customers Say:


* I'm completely satisfied with this egg poacher. It's easy to use and easy to clean, and the eggs come out great!

* This is a very beautiful pan, and it works really well.

* I've tried, and worn out or destroyed, no less than 4 other, less expensive, egg poachers, including the one with the plastic egg cups that gives you rubbery eggs. This one is well worth the extra money spent--it is well designed and sturdy.

* This is a great egg poacher at a great price, attractive design, cooks well, the major flaw is the small black plastic knobs on each poacher cup. While they are easy to pick up, they are too dang hot to hold for more than a second, making it quite inconvenient to try to spoon the egg out of the cups; you have to awkwardly use a pair of tongs, a pot mitt, or your napkin.

If you're looking for a product that will give you many years of service and perfectly poached eggs, give the  Norpro Egg Poacher Skillet Set a try. Knowing how durable and long-lasting this egg can be, makes it pretty cost effective in the long run.



Shopping Online For The Best Kitchen Appliance Deals Is Simple!

We all know that if you are an enthusiastic cook, or determined new learner in the kitchen, you will quickly learn that having the right gadgets and kitchen appliances on hand is essential to culinary success, and especially to you being able to enjoy the cooking instead or working so hard that it stops being fun to cook.

The good news for you is that when it comes to purchases for home and kitchen appliances, 2013 is said to be the year of the consumer.

But don't expect the best appliance bargains don’t come from your local hardware store, instead you will get them from online retailers who are steep in competition with one another.

Shopping online you get bigger savings, and you can also get perks from amazon.com  like free shipping added onto your order! That is a great bonus for convenient home delivery.

Here are some of the best appliance deals you can find online right now:


Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome – Save 51% off retail price and get FREE shipping on this item. It enjoys 374 almost perfect five star reviews.

   
Cuisinart CSB-76BC SmartStick 200-Watt Immersion Hand Blender, Brushed Chrome


  Hamilton Beach 67650 Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor – With 274 reviews, earning a solid four stars, this is the fourth most popular home appliance sold online right now – and by buying through this link, you save 20% and get FREE shipping, too!


 

Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice Extractor 67650 Hamilton Beach 33967 


Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker – FREE shipping, a discount of 25%, and 356 consumer reviews have made this a top five online seller in the world of home appliances.

 

Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker
Crane 2.3 Gallon COOL Mist humidifier, White and Blue – Save 25% off retail price AND get FREE shipping so it’s delivered to your home at no cost to you. Over 385 consumer reviews say this small home appliance is almost perfect.

GE SmartWater MWF Refrigerator Water Filter, 1-Pack – You save an enormous 67% off retail price when you order from the link on this page! A huge 338 consumer reviews give it an almost perfect five star rating.

Having a GE Smartwater Filtration in place is a good way to stop those unwanted additions from making their way into your water. Some of those unwanted additions such as sediments can negatively affect the quality of your water.

Without a guard in place to block against the stuff you don’t want, you could even end up having water that has an odor to it and that would make for some pretty unpleasant drinking water.

This filter can replace the filter in your GE refrigerator and is designed to work with a variety of GE manufactured refrigerators. By buying one of these filters, you’ll save money since you’ll no longer need to purchase water from the store or have water brought to your home.

The GE Smartwater Filtration is so quick to put into place that you won’t need any special skills to trade it out with the filter you currently have. You also won’t have to shut off the water when installing this filter.

The filter will make sure there isn’t a water leak while you replace the filter. Since it’s recommended to install a new filter twice a year, you may want to go ahead and buy two of them so that you’ll have one ready for when you need it.




Plus, the best electric indoor grill can simply be wiped clean without the scrubbing hassle you get from an outdoor one. Using a grill inside cuts down on the cost of the appliance since they’re much less expensive.

You can also get some of the better ones on the market that not only cook burgers to perfection but will also cook vegetables and can also double as a panini press.

Check out my other pages here about reliable and affordable kitchen accessories and gadgets that you need to get your kitchen set up properly: 

http://www.learn-how-to-do-it.com/how-to-pick-the-best-coffee-maker.html


GET A SELECTION OF TRUSTED RECIPES!

And of course, make sure you get your library of 32 cookbooks from my book store site, so that you have a lifetime of recipes on hand for every occasion and season!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Fun Kids Bedroom and Nursery Decorating Ideas


Just like your own bedroom, a child’s bedroom is a very special place to him.

This is the one space that he can call his own and really showcase his personality. 

Whether you are decorating a bedroom for a boy or a girl, read on to find some really creative ideas. 

Camping Trip. 

If your little guy or gal likes the great outdoors, turn his or her bedroom into a rustic retreat. 

Paint the walls an earthy tone and cover the floor with a shag green area rug to mimic the grass. 

Display a mural of the woods on a focal wall to give the space a true outdoors feeling. For furnishings, opt for pieces that are made out of natural wooden logs for a truly authentic look. 

A tent pitched in a corner of the room will make a great space for creative play. 

Every child’s room needs toys, so for this one, display toys that tie into the camping theme, such as plush bears, toy fishing rods and toy fish, binoculars and even a camp lantern. 

A nightlight that casts the constellations onto the ceiling at night will really make your child feel as if he is sleeping outdoors, plus it will soothe any fears of the dark that he might have. 

Prima Ballerina. 

If your little girl has twinkle toys, let her unleash her inner ballerina with a ballet-themed bedroom. The obvious color choice for this bedroom is pink, and you can incorporate it on the walls, in the linens and in the accessories. 

In order to avoid a monotonous look, select different shades of pink, or incorporate other feminine colors, such as purple. Hang tulle curtains over the windows and drape tulle above the bed. 

Hang ballet shoes on the walls and print of Degas’ ballerinas. If space allows, install a ballet bar on a wall and hang a mirror behind it so that your little one can practice her pas de bourree. 

Bugs Life.  

For a little guy who is into bugs, a bug-themed bedroom may be right up his alley. While you may think that bugs are creepy and crawly, a bedroom with this theme doesn’t have to be. 

For the walls, select a shade of green to mimic nature and hang a wallpaper border that features whimsical bugs. Hang a mosquito net above the bed to create a fun canopy that your little tyke will enjoy. 

Set out binoculars, butterfly nets and bug identification books, which he can use for dramatic play, or even in real life. 

Nursery decor ideas are just as tricky to decide on a theme and a color to work around.

One of the best ways to decide on your nursery decorating theme is to start by looking at all the fantastic mural for nursery wall decal and sticker designs.  You get a theme, a color way, a furniture guide, everything you need once you look and find a wall mural design that you love for your baby.

Check some great wall mural for nursery wall themes and nursery decorating ideas here:
http://www.learn-how-to-do-it.com/mural-for-nursery-wall-themes.html



Friday, June 8, 2012

Tips for Buying an Electric Ice Cream Maker

 One of the greatest joys of summer is being able to make your own home made ice cream.  And it is so fast and simple nowadays with the huge range of electric ice cream makers available.

They take hardly any space on the kitchen counter top, and are silent while they work.  Preparing the ingredients only takes minutes.  My ice cream maker has a bowl that stays in the freezer nice and cold, ready to pop into the motorised section and just turn it on!

I have compiled some electric ice cream maker model reviews here, as well as posted four free ice cream recipes to use when you get your machine, so enjoy!

Make Your Own Ice Cream With Any Of These Electric Ice Cream Makers And My Secret Recipes!

The New Releases In Electric Ice Cream Makers are Perfect

What To Look For In Electric Ice Cream Makers includes simplicity and affordability.

With your own counter top motorized ice cream maker, you will be happy to know that you can enjoy your favourite ice cream anytime! I have friends who especially visit to get a couple of scoops of my banana ice cream, because it's better than any they have ever tasted, and not with that overwhelming artificial banana flavors that commercial ice creams have.

And my frozen yoghurts are to die for! I have a big selection of favorite ice cream recipes, tried and true success with each one, and I'll share some here with you, as well as featuring some of the most popular electric ice cream makers here for you to select from.

As soon as you get one of these on your kitchen counter, you are ready to start churning out unbelievably delicious ice cream to impress everyone!

http://www.squidoo.com/best-electric-ice-cream-makers


 What can also become a favorite kids activity every summer is making their own icecream, as there are now some perfect ice cream makers made for kids to use!

Check them out here, and I hope you and the kids have a great time with them this summer!


http://www.squidoo.com/best-ice-cream-makers-for-kids


Making Homemade Ice Cream With an Ice Cream Maker

Ice cream is a tasty frozen treat enjoyed by millions of American's every single day. Versions of this delicious dessert have been around since before electricity was invented, but since the introduction of Dairy Queen and other dessert-dedicated shops, this sweet treat is easy to find, and even easier to devour. Consumers can even take a walk down their grocer's freezer aisle and see hundreds of containers of differently flavored selections which is almost enough to be overwhelming.

For avid ice cream enthusiasts, making this dessert at home is a great, cost-effective way to enjoy a delicious homemade treat whenever you have a craving.
There are a number of homemade ice cream makers available on the market, all working under the same principle: add ingredients to the machine while it stirs and mixes everything slowly in a cold container, and then freeze after the mixing has been completed.

While the principle remains the same, the model you choose can affect the consistency, the amount made, and the time it takes to complete the process. The look, style, and price of the machines also vary from model to model, so be prepared to shop around and perform research to find the product that will best suit your needs.

There are many great reasons to buy an ice cream maker for your home. First and foremost the number of flavors available at a grocery, while vast, are limited to what they feel is popular. With your very machine, you can add your own ingredients to get exactly what you want, which includes combinations not available at stores.

Plus, adding your own ingredients gives you a healthier option if you choose to substitute healthier alternatives to sugar and cream. This is also great if you have special dietary requirements or consider yourself a vegan, as you can choose things that you know you are able to eat.

Ice cream makers are becoming more and more popular, and if you are not yet convinced take some time to think about the advantages of owning such an appliance. Not only is the product easy to use, it's a fun project that can be shared with the whole family. You can make endless amounts of ice cream in any flavor you choose and please even the most eccentric palates.

 You'll be able to make your own sweet treats for birthday parties or special events which can save you a good chunk of change if you were planning on purchasing the store variety. All of the above are great reasons to consider purchasing an ice cream maker for your home. If you are finally convinced, it's time to get shopping.

Read up on ratings and reviews to find the best ice cream makers or take a look at how consumers rated the White Mountain Ice Cream Maker to see how it stacks up against the competition.

 

The Top Three Ice Cream Makers

Long gone are the days where ice cream was made with hands, and now modern technology has made the process easier with the invention of ice cream makers. These machines not only produces lip-licking frozen delights, but also makes sure they taste just as good, if not better than those handmade ones. Here are three of the industry's best machines.

The name Cuisinart is synonymous with excellent kitchen equipment for generations, and their dessert maker range is also highly applauded. The Cuisinart Classic Dessert Maker does not only make one type of frozen confectionary, but also frozen yoghurts and sorbets. Model ICE-25 exudes brings the user to the good old days with its classic design, but it boosts a technology that allows for an automatic and simple usage.

With just a touch of a button after pouring the ingredients, the machine will start mixing them and users can expect the finished product in just 20 minutes. For easy cleaning, the machine's mixing paddle and freezer bowl are both easily removable.

Sunbeam also makes exceptional ice cream makers in the market. They boast of their GL8200 Gelateria as possessing an internal compressor that freezes until -30 degree Celsius, to ensure perfect frozen confections.

The machine has the capacity of making up to a liter of gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt. With an LED timer display included, users not need to worry about their desserts' consistency, because now you can choose the timer setting to the desired consistency.

 Like most machines that aim to boost efficiency, the GL8200, that sports a classic white-colored exterior, has a removable cylinder for easier cleaning and serving.
Although American brands are more known among consumers, when it comes to dessert makers, one European brand name stands out among the rest.

 Italian company Lello Musso manufactures the Lello 4080 Musso Lussino 1.5-Quart that can freeze 3 quarts per hour. Its fully automated operation allows for efficient and quick making of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yoghurt, gelato and frozen drinks.

The machine has a timer control that suits the freezing and making time for each different frozen confection, so that users can enjoy the best and most delicious frozen delights. The 4080 has stainless steel housing, bowl and paddle for easy cleaning, encased in an attractive Italian design.

No longer do you need to tire your hands to manually churn the ingredients, with these three of the best ice cream makers in the market, you can now easily make your own delicious homemade frozen dessert.
To read more comprehensive reviews on these ice cream makers mentioned, visit the Ice Cream Maker Reviews Website. You can find guides to help you buy the best ice cream maker.

Buying an Electric Ice Cream Maker


So, you want to buy an ice cream maker. What features do you look for? If you are like me, you would want ease of use and for it to be easy to clean. That sounds like a good start.

There are many from which to choose. Manufacturers such as Cuisinart, Kitchenaid, Whynter, Lello, and Hamilton Beach, just to name a few. You do want to buy an ice cream maker with a good reputation like Cuisinart and Whynter.

I would want convenient features such as a large spout for adding ingredients, a transparent lid to see what's going on, dual or multiple speeds, a timer with automatic and safety shut-offs, two freezer bowls, easy clean up, and a quiet operation. These are the things I would look for when I buy an ice cream maker.

Units that use a freezer bowl are the most popular of these types of machines since they are affordable. Also, with two of them, you can put them in the freezer, have them ready for use and can do more than one project.

When purchasing, see if you can buy an additional bowl for your unit, unless, of course it already comes with two. Most of these types of machine do not come with two bowls, however. The more expensive units have their own compressor which precludes freezing the mixing bowl in your freezer beforehand. These freeze the ingredients for you.

Now, realistically, I may not get all the features I am looking for depending on the price I am willing to pay. For example, the Cuisinart ICE-30BC, is a 2-quart model that sells for about $64.00 at my local Lowe's. It has a large spout, one double-insulated freezer bowl, is easy to clean, and easy to use.

However, it is somewhat noisy. I would not get all the features that I wanted, but, the price was right. Or, how about the pricier Whynter model IC-2L SNO, 2-quart version that sells for around $235.00 on Amazon.com? This unit, in addition to being easy to use and clean, has an electronic timer and its own high-efficiency CFC-free compressor! Wow!

With this model you do not have to pre-freeze the mixing bowl! You get what you pay for folks. It all depends on your budget when you buy an ice cream maker.
All in all, see what features you want, go with a manufacturer you can trust, and determine what price you are willing to pay. Then, go buy an ice cream maker and let's have ourselves an incredible, tasty homemade treat!

To find informative tips on using and purchasing an electric ice maker please visit http://www.bestelectricicecreammakers.com/

 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Learn how early childhood education can shape a child's world.


A child's first impression of schooling and education can and will shape your child's view on whether or not they enjoy learning. Starting your child's education process while they are a baby is the best way to ensure not only a smart baby but also a smooth transition into formal education.

It is strange to think that your child, who is learning and showing you their achievements on a daily basis at home, could become scared of learning, or rather trying to learn successfully at school.

First impressions really do last a lifetime. If in early childhood, your child has had undo pressure applied to their learning, or tasted the bitterness of failing – or being told that they have failed – this leaves lasting impression on their young minds.

So what can we do to ensure that our children have a positive experience within the education system?
Consider the type of education you are enlisting your child into.

 Some parents do not always realise that there is a choice when it comes to education. And to clarify, I am not talking private versus state.

In certain areas of Europe (notably Switzerland) young children do not begin school until the age of seven. This is two years later than most schooling systems. The reasoning behind this is that children learn through play, this giving them an additional two years to “play”.

The children, who start their education later, on average, exceed those who began aged five when tested at the beginning of secondary schooling.

Research has shown that this actually hurts children (especially boys) to hold a pen or pencil in the “correct” way when aged below seven.

There is no surprise then that in recent years boys have been underachieving in written based subjects. It hurt them to write when they were younger, and as teenagers they still associate this pain with writing. This then turns them off of English, which is the one subject that will help them unlock the others.
Schools that begin a “formal” education at the tender age of five have begun to address these issues however. Before writing they now do warm up exercises to help relieve cramp. This is a step in the right direction.

When going through homework or if you have some educational material to go through at home, ensure you do so in short bursts. The human brain struggles to concentrate on any one thing for longer than twenty minutes at a time – and this is adults.

Make sure you only use positive praising words when helping them with their understanding and have in place a reward system like stickers and stamps.

Learn more here about

Why you should use Educational Toys for your Baby 

And the most suitable toys for smart babies:

http://www.squidoo.com/top-educational-toys-for-babies

The Best Educational Electronic Toys for Toddlers 

As a parent you are benefiting your baby in a big way by getting them electronic learning toys.

Playing with toys is an excellent way to entertain your child as well as expand their mind. There are a variety of toys for infants that are fun and great for learning.

This page will feature some of the most popular electronic toys that will help you on your search for finding a toy that will be fun, safe, and help your infant learn.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Citrus Of Biblical Times

Even though citrus is not directly mentioned in the Bible, varieties of citrus did grow during biblical times and became part of the the religious culture of the time.  

Even though there was no word for “citrus” in ancient Greek or Hebrew dialect, we learn about this type of fruit, not in biblical text, but rather in written instructions for religious ceremonies in which the fruit mentioned appears to fit the category we know as citrus. 

Take a look at how historians have come to understand the citrus fruit of biblical times.

Etrog is the Celebration Citrus

"And you shall take on the 1st day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God 7 days!" Leviticus 23:40.

Described in the Bible as early as 200 B.C., etrog is commonly referred to as peri eitz hadar, literally translated to a 'fruit of the beautiful tree.'  So even though there is no direct mention of the word “citrus” in this Bible verse, historians believe the 'fruit of a beautiful tree' would be this citrus fruit.

Through other historical writings and religious manuscripts outside of the Bible, it is learned that etrog, or ethrog, is an oblong fruit with knobby skin, which is light gold in color.  Jewish people were introduced to this fruit in Babylonia during their exile there and carried it back to Palestine.  Etrog,  a member of the larger class citron, became one of the 'four elements' (palm branch, willows, myrtle, and citron) in the religious Feast of Booths.

In traditional Jewish culture, the fruit must be as unblemished as possible for religious ceremony. This means extra care is needed to cut around the leaves and thorns to prevent scratching the fruit. 

Also, if dust or dirt gets caught in the fruit's stomata during growth, it will later appear as a black or brown dot on the fruit, which is unacceptable for religious ceremonies. This perfection wouldn't very likely occur if the etrog was shipped, therefore making etrog a fruit that needed to be grown locally.

Of course, shipping containers have improved so Jewish families can find this fruit just about anywhere in the world today.  Harvesting techniques have also improved in order to provide enough etrog wherever it is needed for religious ceremony.

 In order to ship properly, the fruit is picked while still green, taking advantage of the excretion of ethylene gas to further ripen the fruit in a controlled manner. This is the same gas that is naturally released from apples, so some growers simply put the fruits in the same box as apples when transporting.

For commercial use etrog is generally harvested no earlier than January when it is at optimum size.  As prescribed in religious writings, the fruit can only reach the size of a hen's egg in order to be considered kosher, but as long as the etrog can be held with one hand, it will work.

Citron is a Varied Family

While the etrog is generally grouped under the larger classification of citron, there are numerous varieties. Some are ribbed and bumpy on the outer rind.  One variety even has finger-like projections, which is commonly referred to as 'Buddha's Hand.'

During biblical times, aside from religious ceremony, citron was used for medical purposes for combating seasickness, intestinal problems, and even as an antibiotic and antidote to poison.

The citron is unlike the more common citrus species we are familiar with today. While those more popular fruits are peeled to consume their pulpy and juicy segments, the citron's pulp is dry, containing a small quantity of juice, if any.

The main content of a citron fruit is the thick white rind which cannot be separated from the segments easily. Other than religious ceremony, today the citron is used for the fragrance or zest of its rind.

Papeda is a Peculiar Citrus Cousin

The papeda group includes some of the most tropical, and yet frost-tolerant, citrus plants. Because of this unique combination, it is believed that papeda may have been found in cold mountainous regions of Asia as well as hot, desert areas.  Biblical references to this particular citrus are not made, but as a member of the citron family, and because of the ability to grow in most of the lands of biblical times, papeda would very likely be a part of the fruit basket.

Many papedas are known for slow growth, small size relative to other citrus species, and thorniness. Though all papeda fruits are, in fact, edible, some varieties are considered too sour or bitter to actually want to eat.

However, when food is scarce, this citrus fruit may have been consumed, but just nothing to write home about.  This could explain why it would probably not be written about in biblical times.

If you search for citrus fruits in the Bible, you won't find any direct references, but you will discover some very unique uses for what was a part of the citron family.  Both religious and medical, when people of biblical times were given the gift of citron, or citrus, they made use of it to the best of their ability. 

Because of the region, many varieties would have been grown and harvested.  You not find  Etrog, Buddha's Hand, or Papeda in your neighborhood grocery store, but the uniqueness of these citrus fruits would be well worth the search.

Brand new Easy Citrus Recipes Cookbook for the Summer!

Just published instant download in both eBook & kindle versions!

learn more here and buy online:

http://www.squidoo.com/easy-citrus-recipes


 

And I include 4 more cookbooks as a bonus!

or first learn more here, along with more free citrus recipes: