The Wonders You Can Do With Pizza Pans And Pizza Peels

Making a pizza might be a simple process, but it may also prove to be a hard and tricky task if you lack the right utensils and the cooking knowledge. Those who love cooking would have no qualms about experimenting and trying new things in the kitchen. If you have are trying to cook pizza, it will be loads of fun right from the preparation stages till you get to the cooking part, where things become a bit of a snug if you lack the appropriate pizza pans and pizza peels. While reading through the recipes for pizza, some of us would settle for using a large-sized pan to cook it in.

You would have a difficult time achieving your desired results if you do not immediately deal with this problem about pans and peels. A simple pan really isn't the best utensil to cook pizza on. You have to be more particular about the type of pan you use, especially if you are aiming for a pizza with thin, flexible cuts. Of course the ingredients and the preparation of the dough is what most people will agree to be the most important points to consider when aiming for flexibility. However, the pan also plays a huge role. Most pans are made of metal, usually stainless steel, with an insulation to help in browning the crust. Cooking the pizza would actually be easier because the pan would also be non-stick. Once the pizza is cooked, it would also be easier to remove from the pan.

The type of pan that will be used in cooking the pizza will affect its final quality as well as how fast it will be cooked. There are a lot of variations made in pans, and among them are the solid and perforated metal pans. The thickness of the solid pack will matter determine the time it takes to back the pizza, with a thick pan taking the longest time. Perforated pans have holes which will also affect the cooking time, although generally cooking with them takes less time. The bigger the holes are, the faster the cooking will be. It is also noticeable how a pizza dough bakes quicker on a dark pan than on a light pan.

Aside from the issue of pans, you will need to use something that can handle the pizza once it is ready. If the pizza is a larger one, how will you manage to get it out of the pan in the oven onto the serving tray? A pizza peel would be required for this. They come in varied sizes depending on the size of pizza. However, you could also choose a standard pizza peel which is designed to use pizzas of various sizes.

To ensure that you do not push the pizza from the pan onto the fire, you will have to address the thickness of the peel. They could be made either from metal or wood, but they should have thin enough edges to smoothly slide under the pizza. Make sure the pizza peel is smooth enough so the slide will be effortless. Keeping the pizza pans and pizza peels clean will make things simple and you will have a smooth and fun time cooking this delicious dish.

What Do You Do When You Can't Do Anymore?

 A wise little girl once said " The sun will come out tomorrow, you can bet you're your bottom dollar, that tomorrow…..Well you all know the rest. What an amazing little girl. How strange is it that this little girl, being of sound age, youth and futuristic hopes would have already been around the world and back. That's the world we live in folks. The struggles of life has no name on it.

    One thing that has always been a struggle for me was the fact that some are so privileged while others, like myself, lived a little orphan Reggie life. Yes, Having your utilities shut off, repo man looking for your car and your job screwing up on your checks can feel like the end of the ropes for some, but the question still stands, How much is to much? How many of you can relate? Some don't have to struggle financially; Some don't even have to work; Oh and you cant even forget the "trust fund babies".  No, this is no "woe was me" article, but it does feel good to get this off our chests sometimes! 

    Sometimes crap happens and that's just the way it is. The one thing that we can rest peacefully on is "Good Things Happen To Good People". The other day as I glanced in the mirror, the words just somehow poured off my lips. I repeated it all day long and am going to keep saying it. My mother once told me that when we hurt and struggle for the basic things in life, it will make us appreciate the value of life much further than someone who has no definition. Even though I may be young, I have seen some of my peers live feverously and have no care in the world, all while I worked for every dollar to my name. So consider it just that- we are in our defining moments that will lead our ability to overcome certain obstacles. The appreciation for life has sky rocketed in my life further than a lot of my peers.

    What a great feeling it is to know that you can bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun! For those of you who are reading this and may be wondering "Is this guy loosing his mind"? I absolutely am! I am loosing that feeling of not knowing what to do and being jaded and confused. The more I live, the more I'm learning the value "to stick out my chin and grin and saaaaayyyyy"….sing the song with me now, or hum..it's your choice.

So, What do you do when you can't do anymore?

The truth is: You can! As Little orphan Annie said, "You gotta hang on till tomorrow." Tomorrow still has hope in it. Don't count it out before it gets here. Positivity goes a long way and without it, well who wants to live in negativity forever? I sure as heck don't. I pray that those of you reading this wont either. Tomorrow will be what you make it so I dare you to make it better than today was!

Window Box Planters - Add a Touch of Charm and Elegance to every Window Space

Beautiful flowers create cool and peaceful ambiance that place anyone in a state of relaxation. Its fragrance seems to ease restlessness and make people at peace with himself and the environment. In this case, garden enthusiasts have invested large sum of money just to have blossoming flowers and plants around him. However, flowering plants and other forms of greenery would look more attractive when complemented with classy and modish flower box. People would surely be amazed as these flowers and planter boxes promote balance and harmony within the place. Flower box has been popularly known as a flowerbox planter that adds instant appeal to any home or office spaces. With its importance, various planter manufacturers have produced multiple flower boxes with latest and trendy liners.

The Arch Tapered Iron Window Box, Venetian Tapered Iron Window Box and Del Mar Tapered Iron Window Box are among the few types of window flower boxes that can create a big difference in your windows. Each of these flower boxes has been designed with well-structured frameworks and distinct features that beautifully blend with existing home décor. In addition, some manufacturers have created flower box with a functional built-in irrigation system that helps maintain moisture without worrying much on regular watering and up keeping. Indeed, advancement in technology will help you maintain an awesome window box garden in a very comfortable and convenient way.

Tapered Iron Window Boxes are among the essential types of window box planters that bring elegance and style to both interior and exterior space. It has been manufactured from top quality wrought iron materials that boost durability and flexibility in the long run. Likewise, it creates a distinctive statement to any windows, hallways, decks or patio. It comes in various patterns, designs, colors, shapes and sizes that can be customized to meet the varying needs and specifications of numerous users. Moreover, each of these styles has been complemented with flower box liners that make it even more functional.

Furthermore, the Ach Type Tapered Iron Box Planters feature curved details that can be a perfect addition to various types of windows. Likewise, it has well textured black finish and enhanced with powder coatings that protect it from rust and other weather elements. It has been constructed with a wide range of solid brackets that can go well with any sizes of decks. Perhaps, you want to have your own window garden where you can visit and have some momentous time with friends, families and special someone.

HAND MADE LAMPSHADE

A hand made lamp shade is a shade made entirely by a craftsman using little or no mechanised help at all. The lampshade is a reflection of the idea and design in the artists mind transformed into a real object of beauty and elegance. Hand made lampshades are special because they can be customised as per the buyers requirement. It is not subject to limitations inherent of machine made lampshades. These shades are not produced on mass scale. They are limited edition limited number lampshades. Every lampshade takes time to finish. Since every step involved in the making of a hand made lampshade is totally craftsman dependant it is a slow but detailed process. A machine made shade needs all the painting and embellishments done beforehand. The fabric is pre-cut and the machine just fits the fabric in place. The human touch is missing as these shades come with little customization. Even the color and design on the fabric is selected for fit and finish. It is akin to a car on an assembly line.



A handmade lampshade is nearly 100% hand made. Even the wire frame is hand beaten and welded. The shapes are a result of deft and delicate use of steel wire and hammer. Such shapes are unsuitable for mass production. The entire process is quite interesting to watch. It involves a sketch of the lampshade, then a wire frame structure is created. If it looks good the individual elements are cut and welded together. The frame is then hand painted and dried. The fabric which is to cover the shade is cut as per the design. Small mobiles and frills are added to the shade. Then the cloth is hand stitched along the frame Most shades made in this way are double layered. There is a silk lining inside and the fabric goes outside. The entire frame remains hidden which adds to the beauty of the lampshade. Such a shade can be customized further as per the layout of the place with tapestry, flowers and ribbons. Small dolls and bells too can be added which would move and tinkle with the breeze.

A handmade lampshade fitted on a porcelain vase, a wooden pedestal looks very elegant and adds glamour to the room. Such handmade shades are in great demand all the time.

All this labor adds to the cost but sourcing from India negates this cost as labor is cheaper here and customization for European as well American homes is easily done. So you have a unique handmade lampshade for a slight premium over machine made lamp shades.

Therefore a handmade lampshade will definitely add beauty and grace to a dull room and also help highlight the artistic sense of the host.

5 Golf Facts That Will Change Your Game

Are you seeing the same decrease in your handicap that reflects your hard work and efforts? Do you consistently fall short on your drives or feel exhausted at the end of 18 holes? Do you carry the disappointment of a missed putt over into the next hole? If you are plagued with problems like these then it is time to give your golf game a boost. Change your golf game for the better by focusing on the following five areas: flexibility, strength, endurance, nutrition, and mental toughness.
Flexibility:
Have you ever rushed to the golf course, quickly stepped up to the tee and felt stiff when you swung your golf club? Warming up your muscles can help relieve stiffness, but it is better to be more proactive in your approach. Therefore, it is essential to stretch on a regular basis. This allows you to increase and maintain your flexibility. You only need a small investment of your time in order to see significant gains in your range of motion.
Strength:
Have you incorporated strength training into your exercise routine? Many golfers are tempted to swing as hard as possible when hitting the golf ball. There are several adverse side effects of doing this. Your muscles may not be physically prepared for the intense strain and you may become injured. Increasing strength will enable your body to tackle the demands of the golf swing and prepare it for the action ahead.
Endurance:
Do you lose your intensity or feel tired after a few holes? If so, then focus on your endurance. At first glance, golf may not appear to be a game in which aerobic fitness is necessary. However, golfers that walk the course can walk nearly five miles over the course of 18 holes. Try to work in 20-45 minutes, 3-5 days per week of cardiovascular activity.
Nutrition:
Your body needs the proper fuel to work efficiently. Common sense dictates that loading up on junk food is a bad idea. So what exactly should you eat? An optimal sports nutrition menu plan will include high quality carbohydrates, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water.
Mental Toughness:
Are you still thinking about the drive you sliced on the first hole as you set up to tee off at the second hole? This negative thought pattern will adversely affect your game. How you perceive the situation affects each shot. One way to increase your mental toughness is not to relive missed shots. Visualize a good shot to help erase the missed shot from your mind.
Take these five facts into account and you’ll likely see better results with your game. It will take some time to make these activities a habit, but will be well worth the effort.

STOOP AND DRINK

There are some things I think I do pretty well. There are others that need
improvement and still others that are probably beyond anything I can help.
I picked up golf for a while. How hard could it be, I wondered? I soon
learned. It didn’t take long before I was consistently shooting in the
lower seventies. Pretty much every hole.

Two people actually gave up working with me to improve my game. Which is
okay – I have more time now for doing things less frustrating, like solving
the problem of world peace.

I heard of a hotel that has a water fountain in the lobby that is operated
by an infra-red beam of light. When a thirsty person wants a drink, she
simply bends down and the water automatically turns on. There is a sign
above the water cooler that reads, "Stoop and drink."

What a marvelous parable for a life attitude. Stoop and drink. Especially
when we have something to learn, when we want to drink from the fountain of
knowledge, we may need to stoop and drink.

Like Albert Einstein. He once arrived in London carrying his violin case.
After greeting him, an old friend asked, "You still play the violin,
Albert?"
The mathematical genius nodded and said, “Yes, but not very well. My
teacher says, ‘The trouble with you, Mr. Einstein, is that you can't
count.’”

He knew that he had much to learn if he were to play the violin well. And
he was wise enough to know that he would learn better if could approach it
with a sense of humility; he had to stoop in order to drink.

Have you ever skied? Even if you’re an adult, if you’ve never attempted
downhill skiing you would do well to begin by taking a lesson on the
beginner’s slope. Yes, you may be the only person in the group over four
feet tall, and you may also be the only one to slide down the slope
backward while little people are whizzing by. Believe me, I know. But
you’ll never get the hang of it unless you learn the fundamentals. If you
stoop to take a lesson or two, you can leave the bunny slope behind
forever.

Author Barbara Sher says something interesting about this approach to
learning new things. She says that you “can learn new things at any time in
your life if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually learn to like
being a beginner, the whole world opens up to you.”

I think she’s right. I takes some stooping to approach something new like a
beginner. But that is the way we learn best -- at any age.

Over the years I’ve come to realize that anybody can teach me, if I let
them. Young people and old people, the uneducated and the learned -- anyone
can be a teacher. But not anyone can be a learner. It takes the right kind
of attitude to learn. But if I’m able to stoop, I’ll have plenty to drink.

The Best Car Polish for Cleaning

When washing your vehicle, it can be super difficult to try and find out what the best car polish for the job is. For one thing, you definitely need something that can prepare your vehicle before it becomes waxed and something that will cover up those blemishes on the paint. Once the benefits are known, you need to find a polish that will work will with your vehicle. The only problem here is that you have so many different options. Check out more information below to discover how to go about choosing the right one.
All About Polishing
To make sure that your car looks amazing, polishing should always be utilized during the process of cleaning. Polishing is mainly used to get rid of imperfections that cause the paint to look fairly dull. Various different imperfections can occur which include scratches, water spots, or oxidation. After these are gone, your vehicle will look much better.
As far as polishing goes, it should only be partaken as much as it is actually needed. This means that it isn't a process that should be done every single week. It should actually only be done around one or two times a year. After this, waxing is typically done. To keep your car in awesome shape, utilize proper washing and trying techniques along with polishing and waxing.
Although most people you see will choose to polish their vehicles by hand, it is much better to actually use a buffer in this process. Since imperfections must be removed within the paint, the particles within must be polished very carefully. Although you can do this with your hand, it can become super tiring because constant pressure must be applied. Because of this, buffers are recommended and they are very accurate.
Choosing a Polish
It can be very hard to choose the right polish since there are a slew of different options to choose from. Each polish comes with a varied amount of pros and cons and these polishes range from a non-abrasive cleaner to a very abrasive compound. Many times, people will tell you to go with least abrasive because they claim that it is much safer for your car's paint. Despite this sounding like great advice, it is often wrong and will turn the process into one that takes a while. Various levels of polish should be utilized as each imperfection needs a different level. Polish types include cutting, finishing, and compound.
Now that you have a much better idea of why polishing is so important, you can begin to look for the best car polish for your vehicle. As stated, they come in many levels so it is best to have a variety to use with any type of imperfection. Good luck!

South Africa Villa: A Massive But Affordable Rental Property

South Africa is a nice vacation destination. It is the only country that offers everything from secluded beaches to desert and from jungle to cosmopolitan cities. Here you could meet ethnic tribes and also see game animals and a number of reptiles and birds. A visit to South Africa could refresh your mind and fill your body with immense energy. For Africa stay, you could choose any accommodation including South Africa villa.
Why choose a massive property when you can stay comfortably in a small apartment and save money. This the question that you might ask yourself or one your family members or friends could ask to you. A villa is a massive property but you could find are villas that are small both in size and rent. Private homes as these villas are generally called are in no way inferior to luxurious accommodations.
South Africa villa makes an ideal vacation home for joint families and groups of friends. Small families could find elegant private homes that suit to their requirements. First take the case of a large family with couples, kids and seniors. Every member of the family would look for some private space where it could rest, refresh and prepare for family gathering. Villa being a massive property could ensure that each member gets its private space.
This kind of liberty and privacy canâEUR(TM)t be available in large hotels. A hotel is a large facility that could accommodate hundreds of guests. Hotel employs and army of executives to cater to the requirements of its guests. The hotel staff members keep visiting rooms for cleaning and other strange reasons. But there is no such apprehension in private homes.
South Africa villa offers a home like feeling and situation. You would be the boss of the home during your stay or vacation period. Close the doors for outsiders and enjoy complete privacy and freedom inside the home. If you are thinking that there wonâEUR(TM)t be enough luxuries in the villa then you are wrong. You could choose a pool villa or a massive home with many luxuries.
Determine your requirements prior to starting searching an accommodation. Determining your needs would narrow down your search and take you directly to the lodging that suits to your needs and pocket. If you are planning many outdoor activities then stay in the South Africa villa that has necessary facilities so that you can save on rent.

Ten Top Tips for Inexperienced Book Authors

1) Consider self or independent publishing. This is because the market is so saturated with books currently; it can be very hard to get the attention of a commercial literary agent or publisher. They have literally turned away from the slush pile lately.

2) Get your book edited by one or two writing professionals. Make sure it's proofread. It doesn't have to be 100% mistake free, but aiming for that is a prerequisite for the job. Ghost writers and editors are a good source for book editing projects.

3) Save your money up in order to hire someone or several such someones to assist you. You will need some in order to independent publish, in order to hire a proper copy editor and/or proofreader, and in order to market your book professionally, too.

4) Prioritize your financial, time and travel needs. In order to market your book, you will need to do book signings, radio podcasts, possibly a national tour, etc. Put your affairs in order and realize that being an author can be a full-time job. It requires a lot of devotion and respect.

5) When you write, try rattling off your writing at first to get a feel for what you're trying to accomplish, then analyze it yourself to see what you think about it really needs improving. Then, either improve it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

6) Don't over-read your stuff, start on too many projects all at one time, or overcompensate for bad ideas through overly good writing. Instead, write your heart out about some subjects with which you're very familiar or knowledgeable, and give your audience your experience, wisdom and expertise. Become knowledgeable in something popular if you don't think you have anything else available - try to figure out what people seem to want to read.

7) Make sure you have a market for your work. It helps to Google keywords (such as, say, "Native Americans Texas" if that's your subject area) and see if they related to popular subject areas. There are a lot of new fiction genres such as steampunk, chic lit, cozy murder mysteries (cozies), urban fantasy, post-Apocalyptic, etc. that people are reading lately. You can also try writing fan fiction about something you really like, and display your work. There are scouts who patrol the Internet looking for new talent - you might luck out here.

8) Take one good idea and carry it out into a series of books. This is a possible way to get a literary agent's attentions, but it comes after you have one published book. You will have to get it commercially published in order to get any further attention. If you get that first one "out there" in the commercial seas, there's a good chance you can get there with the other ones.

9) Spend a lot of Internet time researching your book markets, and lay out a plan of "attack" on your potential readership. This is best done through amassing a book proposal, which contains a synopsis, chapter by chapter outline, and two sample chapters, primarily. You can also add in a book market research report, and data on similar competing books. Hiring a professional to write your book proposal is a very good idea.

10) Give up on all expectations, and undertake the adventure. Don't worry about becoming the next best-selling author; worry about your audience instead, and do your best to aim for it in ways that make sense to you. Plug away, plug away, and research a lot of the information available to you on the Internet, at writer's conferences, in magazines, whatever you can find.

Why do you need Accounting and Financial consulting services for your business?

chartered Accountants that provides financial consulting and accounting service is what you need for your steady business. Every enterprise requires having their financial system running accurately, and for this you may have to take the assistance of the companies that offer accounting service, financial consulting and business accounting services immediately. Most of these companies offer payroll services too. The payroll services include payroll processing, payroll tax filings and maintaining Employee earnings records. Financial consulting is a service provided by firms to large businesses, organizations both government and private and individual clients. A financial consultant advises and provides suggestions for a business plan or a decision. The two types of financial consulting are business and personal. Companies who require expert services in accounting, finance, insurance and other aspects of finance engage a business financial consultant. Individual clients make use of the services of financial consultants to manage their investments, property holdings and long-term financial plans. This type of work requires a vast knowledge in accounting, finance, insurance and business management. Personal financial consulting is helpful for people with sound financial background and complex investment pattern. The services Personal financial consulting is usually a service required by people with significant financial resources and a complex investment portfolio. These services of these financial consulting professionals include investment advice, tax planning, income management, risk assessment and long-term investment planning. Any audit assurance or an accounting firm can provide you with an individual finance consulting professional to help you manage your assets and investments with lowest risk possible.
A financial consultant or an accounting services provider can help you with the financial and legal aspects of your business, inheritance or property earned by you. It is worth to hire a professional accountant or a business accounting specialist if you own a business. If you are an individual and you have any personal finance investment plans you may require the services of a chartered accountant too. Whether you are trying to manage your budget or want help preparing your taxes, having one of these companies will help you overcome the complications involved in the taxing process. By hiring a right accountancy firm for managing your company’s finances, you can be free of any complexities involved in the finance front and the system will run smoothly.

Types of business Car finance

Hardly anyone pays up all the money upfront for purchasing the car. If there are ample sources and ways in which the cars can be financed, then why to pay all money in one go. It is much more convenient to take out a small monthly charge on your salary or monthly income for a couple of years by paying a fraction of the money upfront. Then there are the obvious benefits of the tax deductions to be availed which can reduce your taxable income, reducing you tax liability as well.
There is one more aspect to the benefit of the car finance facility. For some reason, if you have to sell your car after paying the full money instalment, you will find few takers of the car who will give you this big money upfront unless you reduce your car prices to very low levels. So, the car finance is helpful in many was and that is why people take this route of financing.



The different types of Car finance which are normally offered are the Business and the Personal car finance. The business cars can be financed in different ways. Some of these methods are given below:

A.    Car Lease: Here the financer purchases the car on behalf of the customer and leases the same to him under agreement. The customer is under obligation to pay up the residual value of the car to the financer at the end of the term of the car lease. If the customer seeks to purchase the car from the financer, the latter may also consider financing the same. The main benefit of this lease car finance is that the customer gets quick access to the car without having to spend the sum towards its purchase. Since the title of the car is in the name of the financer, it will not tie up or make liability claims on the car as an asset of the customer.

B.    Commercial Hire purchase: Here again it is the financer who purchases the car but he hires the same to the customer on hire-purchase terms. On the payment of the final instalment, the ownership or the title to the same passes to the customer.

C.    Chattel Mortgage Car finance: Herein the financer takes the loan to purchase the car in the name of the customer but he also places a charge on the car for the same. So, the ownership is with the customer but the financer has the right to take the control of the car under his possession if the customer misses to pay his due to the financer.

D.    Novated Lease: In this method of the business car financing, the owner or the employer arranges for a car to be given to the employee with a charge on his or her salary. The responsibility of payment rests with the employee only, even if he changes the employment.

These methods of car finance are normally used by the people depending on their comfort and convenience of managing their finances.

Fixing Up a Retractable Awning

To add shade, beauty and value to your home, you installed a retractable awning several summers ago. Now, that once beautiful awning looks faded, and to top it off, it may have a couple rips and tears in it. As time passes, these things happen; mildew and stains settle in, while stormy weather rips through. Luckily, this doesn't mean the end of your retractable awning.

Most retractable awnings are made with either vinyl or acrylic fabric. Both of these fabrics are perfect because they are easy to clean and they don't overstretch. So even if you're cleaning your retractable awning fairly often, the fabric will remain sturdy. In addition, these fabrics will not only keep you cool in the shade, but they also completely block out UV rays - a big bonus for those with sensitivity to the sun.

Even though vinyl and acrylic retractable awnings are weather resistant, they are still susceptible to stains and mildew. To treat this, lay your retractable awning out on clear sunny day and scrub it with a mild soap and lukewarm water mixture; particularly focus on scrubbing stains out. Let this mixture sit for about five minutes. After that, rinse off your awning with lukewarm water. If needed, repeat these steps until the stain is gone. When you are finished, make sure to leave the retractable awning outside until it is completely dried. This prevents mildew from forming.


After your awning is clean and dried, you can repair any rips in the fabric using repair tape. Measure out a piece of repair tape that is a couple inches longer than the rep on each side. As you pull the ripped sides together, place the repair tape over the rip, and hold down tight until it is secure.

If the whole in your awning is too large, you may need to have it completely replaced. The company you purchased your retractable awning from may repair it for free. Check your warranty or consult with the company to see if this applies to you. If not, they may at least be able to give you more detailed instructions on how to care for and treat your retractable awning.

Having a beautiful retractable awning installed outside your home is a great eye catcher for neighbors and potential buyers. However, a warn and damaged retractable awning can reflect on your home. So take a little time this summer to clean and repair your awning, you'll be glad you did

Is Your Enthusiasm For Work Flickering Out? Reignite the Flame to Decrease Burnout!

Are your coworkers under so much pressure they’re erupting like volcanoes? Do you see the people around you turning into pessimists? Are they waiting for the overwhelming situations to just go away?
Burnout is a general erosion of the spirit. It occurs when its victims have been worn out physically and emotionally as a result of long term stress … However, burnout is also a time for deep reflection to make major changes.



10 TIPS TO KEEP THE FLAME BURNING It took us a long time to form these negative habits, so it may take some time to make life changing choices. Are you ready?

1 Find a hobby. Talk to people who have achieved balance in their lives and find out what activities they’ve added to enrich their lives. What activities have you wanted to experience? Now is the time to discover them - not when you retire.

2. Take a class for fun in order to add something different to your life. A benefit from taking a new class is that you will meet people who have the same interests as you. If you are thinking that you don’t have the time, ask yourself…”If not now, then when?”

3. Volunteer for a cause that means something to you. I hear many success stories of people receiving much more after they give their time and attention to others. Studies show that people tend to be happier when they help others.

4. Eat right and exercise. Do these for the right reasons. Find a nutritionist or health coach who will support you to make behavioral changes that are stopping you from feeling as good as you can in only a few sessions.

5. Rest. I don't mean hide. Your body may need some extra time to heal. So take the time, just don't use it as an excuse to stay away from others.

6. Concentrate on what is in front of your nose. If you’re taking a walk, notice what’s in front of you. If you’re at home, notice the person you’re talking to. Do your best to turn off your self talk about work.

7. Suggest holding team meetings to discuss what everyone in the organization can do together. Are teams working together or waiting for the stress to go away? The new norm is doing more with less. Strategize new ideas on how the team can work better than ever before.

8. Learn how to be authentic and share your thoughts with others. This tip is a real burnout buster. People who are straightforward experience less stress. Instead of wasting hours during the night thinking of what you should have said to someone, just do it. Be Direct with Respect® is a skill that is well worth learning!

9. Discover the necessity of positive humor at work and at home. Positive humor lightens the stress of impossible tasks. Humor’s not a luxury in our lives anymore, it’s become a necessity.

10. Discover what values are important to you. The qualities you consider most significant will have a tremendous impact on your life. Which ones need immediate attention? Could personal solitude, creativity, family, social welfare, freedom, or independence need a bit more attention in your life? Balance is the key to re-igniting your energy.

REIGNITE YOUR ENERGY!

Be Direct with Respect with Your Team to Diffuse Defensive Behavior

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you said an innocent remark, only to get a defensive reply or behavior in response? We’ve all been there. And when such a situation happens you have two options: you can either continue the defensive behavior and start a vicious cycle of yelling and infighting, or you can diffuse the defensiveness by being direct with respect.
What is being direct with respect? It’s a communication technique that helps you build rapport with others and create meaningful and productive relationships. It means being honest about your feelings without anger or accusation. When you’re direct with respect, people know where they stand because there is no gray area – only black and white. So the next time defensive behavior starts, diffuse it with these Be Direct with Respect strategies:



•    Whenever someone responds defensively to you, ask yourself, “What did I just do to cause that defensive reaction?” So often we blame others for things. But sometimes the blame rests squarely on our shoulders – we just have to admit it. So have the courage to take responsibility that perhaps you said or did something to trigger the other person’s defensive behavior.

• Whenever someone says or does something that causes you to become defensive, ask yourself, “What did that person do to cause that reaction from me?” This does two things: first it helps you learn what you shouldn’t do to others, and second it helps you get in touch with feelings so you can phrase your reply to the person.

•    Diffuse the defensiveness with the Be Direct with Respect statement of

I feel ____________ when I _____________ because ____________.

For example, “I feel frustrated when I’m spoken to in a derogatory way because I’m a part of this team too.” Such a statement is not accusatory (does not say ‘you did this’) because it focuses on the behavior and not the person.

•    To keep defensive behavior from even starting, think of ways to give constructive feedback to the person that’s positively focused. The idea is to show the other person you want to be helpful and solve a challenge at the same time. For example, a negative comment that could cause a defensive reaction could be: “Why would you put the summary at the end when it’s the most important part of the report?” A more positive, Be Direct with Respect way of saying the same thing is: “It would be more effective if the summary was in the front rather than at the end of this report.” Also, remember that you tone of voice can make a big difference in how someone perceives your message.

Once you implement the Be Direct with Respect strategies into all your communications, you’ll find that people’s defensiveness diminishes and communicating with others becomes easier. And that’s one goal everyone wants to strive for.

Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Reconditioned Computer

Recycle, reuse and reduce – the new words on Green Street.They are being used to sell virtually anything to everything.From small vendors selling thermocol containers to big chains selling their new line of linen,the three cyclic green arrows can be seen everywhere.Everyone is worried about their eco-footprint and wants to contribute towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
1.One of the best ways to do so is go for reconditioned or refurbished electronic items.These include laptops, desktop computer system or notebook computer among other things. Going for these reconditioned ex-lease computers is economical, safe and environmentally responsible option.To begin with, they are great value for money as you can pick up a 2-year-old, grade-A,corporate-quality system for a fraction of the new price.Then there are the refurbished or recertified systems which have been restored to as-new condition by the manufacturer and are discounted and represent excellent value.



2.The second reason is the warranty. The warranty will be given by either the manufacturer or the retailer. Refurbished or recertified systems which have been restored to as-new condition by the manufacturer represent excellent value, plus they generally are covered by the manufacturers full warranty. All responsible retailers of reconditioned equipment will also provide a repair-or-replacement warranty as a surety that,in case of any problem, the system would be restored to the original specifications or replaced.

3.And the third reason is the environment. These laptops and computers generate major bulk of e-waste.By buying a reconditioned computer, one is actually contributing towards the environment by lessening the e-waste generated by at least one computer.

Advantages of Having Health Insurance

Health insurance has already been with us for hundreds of years and the kinds and forms of insurance have evolved, including private health insurance. In many countries worldwide, a national form of insurance or socialized care for their citizens is given. However, there are also many countries worldwide where there is no socialized health care insurance given to their people. In these countries, people can get their own insurance coverage from private health care providers on their own or through their individual employers. Private employees who get their insurance from their employers can have possibilities of availing of insurance coverage at lesser costs.

The Cost of an Ordinary Health Insurance

Usually the cost of an ordinary private insurance will depend on the kind of health coverage that he wants. This is because he will be the one to pay the amount of premiums, such that if he receives only a small salary, the tendency will be to get insurance with lesser coverage. However, if he gets this insurance policy from his employers he can opt to have more coverage because the insurance may be acquired by the employers at discounted costs because of the volume they get. However also, private employees can look for insurance providers who offer value health coverage, and patience is just needed in searching for insurance providers of this kind.

Private health insurance usually provides health cover to the insured if this is included in the policy. However, if the ailment is not covered in the policy, the patient may have to pay the medical expenses out of his own pocket. Thus, it is important that before you take out an insurance policy, it will be better to find out the possible ailments that you will potentially have. Look for a policy that fits this probable medical health needs and also premium payments that is within your budget.

What to Expect From an Ordinary Private Health Insurance

In an ordinary private insurance, you can expect only the medical health care that is provided for in your policy. This is different from an insurance policy that you get from your employers which can have more medical benefits you can avail of because of the lesser costs, and also one which you can choose with the higher medical coverage. With your own insurance policy, and of which the premiums you solely pay, you may have opted on the lesser coverage although if you can afford, you may have opted on the higher medical benefits given.

Ordinary Health Insurance versus Comprehensive Health Insurance

If you can afford it you don't have to opt on an ordinary private insurance. There is the comprehensive health insurance that can give you more benefits. However, this will come in more expensive, but if you can afford it the cost will not matter. This will give you more options on the kinds of medical benefits you can get. Your family may even be included in the coverage given. There is even overseas coverage that you can avail of if costs will not matter to you.

Spend Your Summer on a Whitewater Rafting Adventure

The heat index is soaring, and the humidity makes even a short
trip outside feel like you've stepped into a sauna. From Chicago
to Miami, folks are looking for ways to stay cool this summer.
Sounds like a perfect reason to plan a whitewater rafting trip in
the mountains of Tennessee.

The Splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains

There are lots of ways to enjoy the glorious scenery that
surrounds Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. Hiking trails
crisscross the mountains and scenic turnouts line the roads and
highways. You can even ride the aerial tram up to Ober Gatlinburg
for a breathtaking view from the top.

But if you want to really experience nature while putting a
little excitement into your vacation, there's no better choice
than a whitewater rafting trip.

Your rafting adventure will carry you through miles of unspoiled
wilderness where the air is scented with wildflowers and traffic
noise is replaced by the non-stop twitter of birds. Overhead, a
brilliant blue sky unmarred by smog or pollution peeks through
the canopy of emerald green and is reflected in the crystal clear
waters of a Tennessee river.

Maneuver your raft through a series of twisting, turning rapids
and you'll soon forget the heat of summer as the cool water
cascades over you. Later, you'll have a chance to dry off when
you stop for a picnic lunch along the shore. Find a flat rock and
spread out to relax for a few minutes before you're off again to
enjoy the amazing beauty that greets you around every bend of the
river.

The Perfect Trip No Matter Your Age or Skill Level

Don't worry if you're not a pro. The area offers plenty of
whitewater packages tailored to your skill level. Choose a
leisurely afternoon floating serenely along a quiet river with
just a few waves along the way, or go for a non-stop thrill ride
packed with Class IV rapids and hardly a pause to catch your
breath. Either way, you'll have world-class guides on hand to
show you the ropes and help make your adventure a vacation memory
you'll treasure.

If you're traveling with young children - or if you just prefer a
more laid-back experience - consider a kayaking trip instead.
You'll paddle along a lazy river, keeping an eye out for the deer
and other wildlife that make their homes near the water's edge.
Be sure to bring your camera along, because you'll have plenty of
opportunity to get some spectacular shots of the local
wildflowers.

There might be other ways to beat the heat this summer, but you
won't find any that offer the beautiful scenery and
heart-pounding adventure of a whitewater rafting trip in Pigeon
Forge, TN. Hundreds of miles of pristine wilderness, the cool
shade of the deep forest, and the clear waters of a mountain
stream all combine for a vacation that will leave every member of
your family wishing for more.

Wedding Cupcakes: London's Hottest New Trend

It's official. London has gone cupcake crazy! Wedding cupcakes
helped celebrate last year's Royal union, showed up for the
Queen's Golden Jubilee, and will take center stage at the 2012
Olympic Games with designs including the torch, the Union Jack
and Big Ben. Cupcakes are the hottest new dessert trend, and as
people create new occasions for serving them, these petite treats
get gobbled up all the faster.

It's not difficult to understand everyone's enthusiasm. Eclectic
cake flavours including red velvet, earl grey, salted caramel,
and cookie dough along with classic vanilla and chocolate thrill
your taste buds. But there's more to be enjoyed in the endless
choices of wild (and sometimes inspired) sprinkles that have made
today's wedding cupcakes a gourmet delight.

London is Wild for Cupcakes Whether full-sized or in miniature,
cupcakes have gotten the attention of major newspapers and
magazines. They also make the scene on fashion sites and even
have their own TV series.

Accordingly, shoppers and party planners throughout the city are
choosing cupcakes to be a part of their most important occasions.

Wedding Cupcakes

Besides being generally more affordable than the traditional
tiered cake, cupcakes allow for amazing versatility suitable for
wedding receptions from formal to funky. Stack them, fan them,
create a buffet, or bring them straight to the table. You and
your baker can find the best presentation for the event.

With cupcakes you can serve a variety of flavours without waste -
an ideal solution for those who may be allergic to chocolate or
other ingredients. You can even consider a cupcake bar that lets
each guest customise his/her own treat.

Use cupcakes for other matrimonial events, too. Wedding showers,
second weddings and vow renewals are all prime occasions to serve
this handy, affordable treat that will have your guests singing
your praises. Another benefit: small wedding cupcakes are easier
to take home as guest gifts or leftovers.

How Many Cupcakes per Guest? Much depends on the size of the
portions and the toppings. If you want to go with cute, miniature
cupcakes, plan to serve two per guest. But if you prefer
regular-size cupcakes then one per person should suffice, with
several extras on hand for those who have heartier appetites.

Send Some Home
Consider cupcakes not just for the reception, but as guest
favours. Today's wedding cupcakes are easy to wrap, carry and
store - just ask your baker for recommendations.

Don't Cut Corners

For your special day, you want the very best. Be sure to choose a
bakery that uses only the finest ingredients including organic
ingredients like flour, milk, eggs and butter and bakes your
wedding cupcakes to order. Instead of mass-produced or premade
(often frozen) cupcakes from a multiple retailer, local handmade
artisan cupcakes allow you to taste the freshness in every moist,
delicious bite.

Do You Deliver?

Delivery is almost always the better option. Trust an experienced
cupcake shop that provides delivery to the local areas within
London. They will handle all the details, from delivery to set up
and even cupcake stand hire, so you can take those annoying
details off your wedding to-do list.

The Benefits of Installing Solar Power Window Shutters

There are well-established and significant environmental and economic benefits to be gained from installing roller shutters or window shutters in your home or place of business. In addition, the installation of a solar power operating system means that you can operate your shutters by remote control but without the use of mains electricity. Solar power window shutters are a valuable new development that allow you to reduce your carbon footprint while still retaining the ease of use that a powered operating system provides.
The insulating effect of window roller shutters means that you can more effectively control the temperature in your home, and in so doing dramatically reduce your heating costs in the winter or keep your house much cooler in the summer, which significantly impacts on your home's energy efficiency. You could make significant savings on your power and electricity bills while utilising green technology that doesn't increase your emissions. The use of solar power roller shutters therefore lets you employ a system that is environmentally sound, easy to control and maintain, and cuts down on your home power bills.
Solar power shutters are operated by a solar tubular motor, and this environmentally-friendly system is powered by small, lightweight solar cells that can be attached to the window shutter pelmet, on a nearby wall, or on the roof of your home. They are unobtrusive and compact in size, and the stand-alone system can be installed quickly and easily, meaning that homeowners also save on the cost of an electrician.
Solar powered window shutters can be installed in just about any type of building or location. They are a great option for a suburban home, but they are also especially good in remote or rural regions, where it isn't always easy to access a power source. Solar power roller shutters can be installed in farm buildings and outhouses as well as in residential properties, and they operate effectively and efficiently under any conditions.
A further significant benefit is that window shutters that operate on solar power are especially valuable in bushfire zones, because even when mains power is cut during a bushfire the shutters can still be closed in order to protect your property from flying sparks and burning embers.
Solar power window shutters are operated from inside the building, either from a wall switch or from a remote control unit, and so a further advantage is that there is no need for unsightly winders or straps on an inside wall of your home.
Many energy conscious families have made the choice to install roller shutters in order to cut down on the amount of power required to heat or cool their homes, and this new innovation in window shutter operation means that they can now have the ease and convenience of remote control operation without using mains electricity, further cutting down on their carbon emissions.
For those who are conscious of their domestic carbon footprint, and who are cost-sensitive at the same time, solar power roller shutters are an excellent choice, as they insulate your home from heat and cold, are easy to use and install, and don't put a further drain on your energy bills.

Great Ideas For Cooking Any Ingredients

When you taste a good meal in a fine restaurant, you will marvel at how they may have been prepared. Many would-be cooks would attempt to recreate such recipes simply by looking and taking note of its ingredients. The success rate of such a method is patchy at best. To achieve the quality of taste that has become a trademark of some commercial food favourites, one must start at following simple, practical tips and reminders as found below.
Very often after big events, you would find yourself with a huge volume of leftover sauce. You may throw away those who have been slightly used already, but those who haven't been served yet, you may actually be able to save them. Since most probably their taste is still intact, you simply pour them to ice cube racks and freeze them. Freeze as much as there is. This method of preserving sauces likewise makes it more convenient for you to economically be able to use them. You simply retrieve as many sauce cubes as you may require for a meal and heat them on pan and there you go.
In preparing barbecues, you would be able to achieve better grilling result if you preheat the grill beforehand. This will prevent the grill from sticking with your barbecue meat. Just preheat it for about half an hour using the charcoal you will use to maintain the heat later. Be sure though to maintain the heating at mid-range to prevent the charcoal from burning out. Charcoals can turn into ashes real quick if not maintained properly.
The best timing for you to add spices and seasonings like salt and garlic to a recipe of dried beans is when they are already slightly softened. This is because both salt and garlic can potentially harden your beans instead of softening it if you are not careful with how you time your cooking. This is especially true with older beans whose attribute already requires extra patience to prepare.
Your cutting board is a very important part of your cooking system once you get your cooking act going in the kitchen. Almost all ingredients will get pass it. It is then critical that you keep it sanitarily cleaned. Remember also that heat and moisture can make its composition deteriorate so it is important to keep it dry when not in use. Some cooks recommend putting salt into it during cooking session. Such practice would effectively flavour your ingredients even before you are still about to cook it, with the flavouring going right into the core of the ingredients.
There are two P's you must keep in mind in cooking: Preparation and Presentation. One is done at the very beginning while the other at the end. Yet it is how you these two that will set you apart from the rest. Preparation means how you prepare for each cooking engagement. How you setup your workplace, your utensils, your ingredients - how you functionally prepare everything so that each piece contributes towards a great result in the end.
Presentation on the other hand is how you set up your final product so that it will be pleasing to the one that tastes it. Pleasing means pleasing all the senses, including the sense of sight. Good cooks would know how to present their each recipe so that it would convey consistently the same sensuality at the tip of the tongue as well as in sight.
By setting yourself to follow the tips laid down by this article, you are also gearing yourself towards a journey of culinary excellence. It is now up to you how you grow in this journey. What is important is you have taken on critical step forward.