Uses Of Garlic

                           Uses Of Garlic

Reduce blood pressure.

Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.

Protect heart.

Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.

Reduce cholesterol.

Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.

Garlic clears acne.

It might not be a main ingredient in your drugstore acne medication, but garlic makes a great natural remedy to banish unsightly blemishes. Its antioxidants kill bacteria, so rub a sliced clove of garlic on the pimple for an effective topical treatment.

Garlic prevents and treats colds.

Packed with antioxidants, your immune system could benefit if you give it a constant boost of powerful garlic in daily recipes. If a cold does sneak by, try sipping garlic tea: steep chopped or minced garlic in hot water for several minutes, then strain and drink. You can add a bit of honey or ginger to improve the taste.

Control your weight with garlic.

Garlic could help you control your weight, according to nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who cites a study that showed mice eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Try to cook with garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.

Remove a splinter with garlic.

Placing a slice of garlic over the sliver and covering it with a bandage or duct tape has been a folk cure for years.

Treat athlete's foot with garlic.

With its anti-fungal properties, garlic could be a good way to get rid of itchy athlete's foot. Soak your feet in a bath of warm water and crushed garlic.

Keep away mosquitoes with garlic.

Scientists aren't sure why, but mosquitoes don't seem to like garlic. One study in India found that people who rubbed a garlicky concoction on their arms and legs weren't bothered by the pesky buggers. Make a solution of garlic oil, petroleum jelly, and beeswax for a natural repellant or place cloves of garlic nearby.

Protect plants with garlic.

Garden pests don't like garlic, so make a natural pesticide using garlic, mineral oil, water, and liquid soap. Pour into a spray bottle and mist your plants to keep away destructive critters.

Catch more fish with garlic.

Fish are so attracted to the scent of garlic that you can buy bait with the smell built in. Or, make your own using food scraps and, of course, plenty of cloves.

Garlic conquers cold sores.

A popular cold sore home remedy involves holding a bit of crushed garlic directly on the cold sore; its natural anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce pain and swelling.

Grow beautiful hair with garlic.

Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin, a sulfur compound similar to that found in onions, which were found to effectively treat hair loss. Rub sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp, squeezing as you go for the most benefit. You can also infuse oil with garlic and massage it into your scalp.

Easy Makeup Tips You Never Knew About

Easy Makeup Tips You Never Knew About

How to Apply Foundation

Contrary to popular opinion, foundation does not need to be applied all over the face, especially when it comes to everyday makeup. Instead, think of it as a way to even out your skin tone, and only apply it where you need to. For most people, this is the center of the face. Now you can choose to use either a foundation brush, a sponge, or your fingers, whichever you prefer. Start applying it slowly around the nose and chin and work your way out and down. This helps to avoid a harsh foundation line at the hairline, jaw, and neck. Generally there will be more foundation in the center of the face and less as you work out. And then blend, blend, blend! Also be careful to avoid a build-up of foundation in your eyebrows as well as in your hairline – or you will look like you are molting.

How to Get Rid of Undereye Circles

After you have applied your foundation, you can apply a concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone to the area under your eyes. Don’t forget the area between your eye and your nose, as well, if it is looking particularly purple or blue. (You can choose a slightly yellow or orange concealer if that is the case.) Blend the concealer well into the foundation that’s already there and then set with a translucent powder. Do it right, and you could hide even a black eye.

How to Apply Blush

First, make sure you’ve carefully concealed any redness in your skin, particularly around your nose, otherwise the blush will just end up highlighting that redness. Then, lightly dust your cheeks with a translucent powder, especially if your skin is oily. The brush you choose is important when it comes to applying blush – don’t use anything too big or too small and make sure it’s soft. Apply it in a light circular motion on the apples of the cheeks, not underneath the cheekbones, and apply only a little at a time, building it up gradually. Slowly work the color back toward the hairline. If you want, you can work it up to the areas of the temples but keep it on the upper half of your face. And the real secret is to blend carefully – you don’t want to be able to see where the blush starts. The end result should look like you’re glowing from within, not performing with Cirque du Soleil.

How to Choose the Right Shade of Red Lipstick

Warm, orange-y reds work best on yellow-toned skin tones but you can still wear them if you have red undertones if you neutralize those undertones first with foundation. Classic warm reds include Mac’s Lady Danger, Rouge d’Armani 401 and Rouge Allure Incandescente 97 by Chanel. Cool bluish reds and pinky reds work best with cool skin tones. One of the bluest red lipsticks is Tom Ford’s Cherry Lush. Lancome’s L’Absolu Rouge Ruby Exquis 182 is another good one. And Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick in Non-Stop Red 510 is a real favorite right now among makeup artists. More neutral reds that almost anyone can wear are the classic Ruby Woo by Mac, Maybelline’s Colour Sensational Lipcolor is Fatal Red 530, and Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice, which has been around as long as your grandma has been wearing makeup. (And it’s probably holding up a lot better than she is.)

How to Make Your Lipstick Last Longer

Begin by moisturizing your lips with your favorite lip balm, at least ten minutes before you want to apply your lipstick. (You can use Vaseline instead of lip balm or even Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream, which is a favorite among makeup artists.) After a couple of minutes, use a q-tip to gently buff your lips, which will remove any loose flakes of skin. Next, line your lips with a lip liner and then – and this is the key – completely fill in your lips with the lip liner, as if you are coloring them in. (This is the sole reason they teach people to color in Elementary school.) Only then should you apply your lipstick, preferably with a lip brush so you can really work it in. Blot with a tissue and then you can apply a second coat of lipstick directly from the tube. If you use Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hr lipstick and follow these tips, it’ll be practically bullet-proof.

How to Make Your Lips Look Fuller

Follow these four simple steps to create the appearance of fuller lips. First, take a light nude pencil – concealer pencils are great for this — and color in the area just below your cupid’s bow on both lips. Very carefully line the very top and bottom of your lips in this color, too. You are doing this to make this area of your lips look more prominent. Second, take a nude lip pencil that is slightly darker than the natural color of your lips and carefully line the rest of your lips with it. (If you smile with your mouth closed, this stretches out your lips a bit and you will be able to really work that color in.) Fill in the rest of your lips with this color as well. Then, with your middle finger, gently pat the edges of the highlighted middle section into the darker edges, so you don’t have a hard edge. Finish with a nude lip gloss, one that allows the highlighted area to show through. Another trick is to line your lips just outside your natural lip line, wherever you want them to look bigger, but this requires a careful and steady hand.

Keep Your Eye Makeup From Running

There are a couple of other things to do to prevent your eye makeup from running. First of all, don’t over-moisturize the area. Secondly, use eye shadow primer on not only the top lid but also right under the bottom lid, especially if you use eyeliner on your lower lid. You can also choose to use waterproof eye shadows and mascaras but bear in mind that this doesn’t work very well if you have oily skin. In fact, the oils on your skin can cause it to break down and migrate to other areas of your face. In this case, consider using a mascara like Blinc, which forms little tubes over each of your lashes. Oil doesn’t seem to interfere with these formulations and the little tubes come off easily in the shower, with the application of a little warm water. (They look like worms, but they aren’t, so don’t freak out.) As a final step after you’ve applied your eye makeup, just go over the top and bottom lips with a little sheer pressed powder.

Use a Business Card to Apply Mascara

This is a neat trick to prevent your mascara from ending up all over your eyelids. Simply use a business card (or an index card, as pictured here) as a kind of shield behind your lashes and you can apply as many coats as you like. You can do the same thing with your lower lashes. In that case, simply rest the card against your face right underneath your eye as you apply the mascara. And next time you get new business cards printed, consider going with black card stock.

Use White Eyeliner to Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

White eyeliner may seem a little counterintuitive but there are two ways to use it that both make your eyes looks bigger. First, apply it to the waterline of your lower lid. This is the area above your lashes, not below them. If you apply it correctly, the white eyeliner makes the whites of your eyes look bigger. You can also apply white eyeliner in the inner corners of your eyes, in a sideways v-shape, and then blend it well to brighten and enlarge that area. This is particularly helpful if you have close-set eyes. If your one of your eyes in right on top of the other one, well, we can’t help you with that.

Tightline Your Eyes

A great, lesser-known trick to make your eyelashes look fuller is to tightline them. This technique is practically invisible and it also really helps to define your eyes. Take an eyeliner, as long as it’s not a liquid formulation, and use an eyeliner brush, either flat or angled, whichever you prefer, to apply the eyeliner underneath your top eyelashes, not above them. That area is called the waterline and because it tends to be naturally wet, you will need to really work the pigment into the skin. See how it makes the model’s eyelashes look really dense and full in the after shot? It’s like fake eyelashes… without the fake eyelashes.

Summer Sangria Recipes

Summer Sangria Recipes

Sangria is a typical beverage from Portugal and Spain. It normally consists of wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. Chopped fruit can include orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit and mango. A sweetener such as honey, sugar, syrup, or orange juice is added. Instead of brandy, other liquids such as Seltzer, Sprite or 7 Up may be added. The use of the word sangria in labels is now restricted under European law. it is a popular drink among tourists at bars, pubs and restaurants where it is often served in 1-litre pitchers or other containers large enough to hold a bottle of wine plus the added ingredients.

TEQUILA SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS

• 2 to 3 pineapple slices
• 2 to 3 orange slices
• 2 to 3 blackberries
• 2 to 3 lime wedges
• 2 ounce or 1/4 cup tequila
• 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons elderflower-flavoured liqueur
• 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons simple syrup
• 2 ounces or 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• Splash orange juice
• Ice, as needed
• Red wine, as needed

DIRECTIONS

• In desired drinking glass, add the pineapples, oranges, blackberries, and lime wedges.
• Cook's Note: If you do not like the fruits suggested here feel free to use whichever fruits you desire.
• Next add the tequila, elderflower-flavoured liqueur, simple syrup, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Add ice to glass and stir to mix ingredients. Top glass with red wine and enjoy.Mango Strawberry Sangria

MANGO STRAWBERRY SANGRIA 

INGREDIENTS

• 6 ounces mango puree
• 6 large strawberries, pureed
• 1 ounce simple syrup
• 6 ounces fresh orange juice
• 6 ounces fresh lemon juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 bottle Prosecco (chilled)
• 4 ounces orange liqueur
• 4 ounces lime-flavoured vodka
• 1 ripe mango, cubed
• Lemon-lime soda, as needed
• Fresh strawberry, orange and lemon slices, for garnish
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Makes one pitcher (about 10 6-ounce servings).
• Place the first nine ingredients into a glass container; cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, pour into an ice-filled pitcher until it’s two-thirds full. Add fresh sliced fruits and top with lemon-lime soda; stir gently. Serve over ice in large Bordeaux glasses with mint sprigs and fresh fruit.

STRAWBERRY BASIL SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS 

• 1/2 pound fresh strawberries
• 1 apple
• 1 ounce fresh whole basil leaves
• 1 bottle Cline Cellar Cool Climate Chardonnay
• 1/2 cup organic sugar
• 1 cup club soda
• 1 cup white grape juice

 DIRECTIONS

• Trim and thinly slice the strawberries.
• Slice and dice the apple into very small bits.
• Score the basil leaves with a fork. I did this instead of cutting the leaves into strips as I did not want my guests choking on basil while trying to enjoy this drink.
• Just rub the basil leaves gently with a fork in order to release their flavor in the sangria.
• Layer the fruit, sugar and basil in a large pitcher and let sit for about 10 minutes. This is just to let the sugar absorb the juices from the basil and the fruit. You'll see it turn a bit red.
• Add the club soda first and then the remaining liquids. Stir well and serve.

Exercises to Ditch Arm Flab Forever

Exercises to Ditch Arm Flab Forever

That infamous area along the back of your arms, the nemesis of so many women. How do you tackle the jiggle? First, I want to tell you what not to do, as people are often tempted to take the wrong course of action. And that is the concept of spot reducing, or lowering fat stores in one specific area of the body. It is essentially impossible to accomplish and should not be a part of your fitness regimen. Fighting arm flab requires more than just spot treatment! In order to tone the backs of your arms, which is where your triceps muscles are, you have to remember this: specific exercises to increase your lean muscle mass will get you results, but you must also decrease your fat intake without risking too much muscle loss. (Sound familiar? Have you managed to lose fat, but still carry some extra bulk around the triceps?) So, to lose the wiggle and jiggle, be sure to eat a healthy balanced diet with proper nutrients; get at least six to eight hours of sleep so that your body can repair, recover, and build muscle; and consistently maintain your exercise program. And be sure to incorporate these five flab-fighting exercises into your workout routine.

Arm-Flab Fighting Routine

• Perform as many repetitions as you can in 30 to 60 seconds
• Do not rest in between exercises
• Be sure to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. That means, if you weigh 100 pounds, you need to drink 50 ounces of water. Water will help you feel fuller and more alert. Always remember to drink it cold as it will raise your metabolism from the work it takes to heat the water to body temperature.

1. Thumb downs: Stand with your feet in a wide stance and point your toes outward. It is important to note that your knees should be in line with your toes. Keep your spine in a neutral position, chin up and hips pulled in. Next, fully extend both arms outward (right arm directly over right knee and vice versa) with your hands in the thumbs-up position. Next, rotate the thumbs in and downward (as if you were pouring a bottle of water). Slowly lower your arms, thumbs brushing closely inside the thighs until they meet (starting position). Then in one quick, sweeping action, raise the arms up as high as possible following the same angle as the descent. Repeat this movement as many times as possible in 30 to 60 seconds.

2. Bridge the gap: Stand with your back against a corner. Walk your feet forward, keeping only your head and back against the wall. Raise your arms up 90 degrees with your elbows bent. Squeeze your shoulder blades together while contracting your triceps and drive your elbows back into the walls to lift your body off of it. You'll end up in a standing position. Retract and repeat as many times as possible in 30 to 60 seconds.

3. Hands of time: Start in a standard push-up position (with your feet fully extended outward and your hands directly under your shoulders), slightly pick your right hand off of the ground, and begin to perform as many counterclockwise circles as possible for 15 to 30 seconds. Then quickly switch directions (clockwise) for another 15 to 30 seconds. Be sure to contract the tricep muscle on the circling arm to maximize gains while doing your best to keep your hips level.

4. Geisha ups: Kneel on the floor. Touch your big toes together and sit on your heels, then separate your knees about as wide as your hips and extend your arms out in front of your body with palms facing the floor and arms positioned shoulder width apart (Child's Pose in yoga). Next, drive your hips forward and fall into a push-up position, attempting to come as close to the ground with your chest as possible (knees remaining on the ground). Elbows will be tight on your side, in order to maximize tricep development. Retract to the original position and perform as many times as possible in 30 to 60 seconds.

5. Body rockers: Start in a traditional plank position with your legs fully extended and the upper portion of your body supported with your elbows. Next, replace your elbows with your hands until you reach a traditional push-up position, so your hands are now supporting your upper body. Return to your elbows and repeat as many times as possible in 30 to 60 seconds.

Express Your Feelings & Intuitions To Your.......

Express Your Feelings & Intuitions To Your.......

Romantic poems are that poems will increase your feelings of love. And move you more close to that person whom who want to dedicate the poem. Romance gives more power to your love. If good romantic people than many people attract towards you and in this way you get more and more love. Un romantic man seems to be very alone in this world despite of many friends and family. Love is the biggest part of life, Life become very happy if you a a lot of people to love. Without love life seems to be very boring and dull. Love gives you the reason to live in this big world. Love is a natural thing. Everyone fall in love with a stranger person. You also in love with your family, with friends and many other close people. Love is that you don’t want to loose them in any phase of life.

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like. Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact. Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself - and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is. Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable. A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. Things do not change; we change. Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.

I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. My formula for living is quite simple. I get up in the morning and I go to bed at night. In between, I occupy myself as best I can. While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. I don't like to commit myself about heaven and hell - you see, I have friends in both places. I restore myself when I'm alone. I see myself as an intelligent, sensitive human, with the soul of a clown which forces me to blow it at the most important moments. While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation. Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself. I never think of myself as an icon. What is in other people's minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing.

If you are looking for love poems or love quotes, you have come to the right place. We have an impressive collection of love poetry, as well as love quotes, famous quotes, friendship poems, inspirational quotes, a wedding section, and of course our monthly poetry contest. It is through our monthly poetry contest that new poems/quotes are chosen and added to our collection (as opposed to visitors posting them automatically). So instead of thousands of lower quality poems and quotes, you will find a smaller, carefully selected premium collection. The winning love poem and love quote each month are typically brand new creations and exclusive to our website (i.e. they do not appear anywhere else on the web). We like to say that the best new poetry usually appears here first. You will be happy to know that this site focuses on love poems and quotes that are positive, romantic, and easy to understand. While humorous and negative words on love have their place, they are beyond the scope of this site.

Party Side Dish Recipes

Party Side Dish Recipes

Parties of this kind are often called "celebrations". A party is not necessarily a private occasion. Public parties are sometimes held in restaurants, pubs, beer gardens, nightclubs or bars, and people attending such parties may be charged an admission fee by the host. A party is a gathering of people who have been invited by a host for the purposes of socializing, conversation, or recreation. A party will typically feature food and beverages, and often music and dancing as well. Some parties are held in honor of a specific person, day, or event, such as a birthday party, a Super Bowl party.

Party is incomplete with out the side dishes. In modern parties like birthday party, reception, kitty party, farewell party and other parties are arrange or make awesome side dishes. Side dishes also presents the standard of party. I have some party dishes recipes, I hope you like my side dishes recipes.

Spicy chicken kebabs

Ingredients

• 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
• knob of fresh ginger, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve
• 1 orange, grated zest and juice
• 3 spring onions, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp clear honey
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 small skinless boneless chicken breast fillets, cut into cubes
• 20 button mushrooms
• 20 cherry tomatoes
• 2 large red peppers, seeded and each cut into 10

Method

• Grind the garlic, ginger, orange zest and spring onions to a paste in a food processor. Add the honey, orange juice, soy sauce and oil, then blend again. Pour the mixture over the cubed chicken and leave to marinate for at least 1 hr, but preferably overnight. Toss in the mushrooms for the last half an hour so they take on some of the flavour, too.

• Thread the chicken, tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers onto 20 wooden skewers, then cook on a griddle pan for 7-8 mins each side or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Turn the kebabs frequently and baste with the marinade from time to time until evenly cooked. Arrange on a platter, scatter with chopped spring onion and eat with your fingers.

Mini creamy mushroom pies

Ingredients

• 25g butter, plus extra for greasing
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 350g mixed mushrooms, sliced
• small handful parsley, finely chopped
• 100ml single cream
• 375g pack ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
• a little plain flour, for dusting
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp caraway seed

Method

• Heat the butter and oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and fry until soft. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, season and cook for 5 mins until the mushrooms are soft. Stir in the parsley and cream. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Grease a 6-hole muffin tin with butter, then line each hole with a long thin strip of baking parchment. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and stamp out 6 x 10 cm circles. Press a circle into each hole to line. Roll out the remaining pastry (you may need to re-roll trimmings) and stamp out 6 x 8cm circles.

• Divide the mushroom mix between the pies. Brush the pastry edges with a little egg, top each with a pastry lid and carefully press the pastry edges together to seal. • Brush with the remaining egg and sprinkle with caraway seeds. Bake for 25-30 mins until golden. Allow to cool in the tin slightly before serving, or cool on a wire rack and keep in airtight containers for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving.

Herb & spice Cheese fritters

Ingredients

• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 227g pack paneer (Indian cooking cheese, available from supermarkets and Asian grocers), coarsely grated
• handful coriander sprigs, stems and leaves finely chopped
• handful mint leaves, finely chopped
• 1 spring onion, finely chopped
• thumb-size piece ginger, grated
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated or crushed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• sunflower oil, for frying
• lemon wedges and sweet chilli sauce, to serve

Method

1. Toast the cumin seeds in a large, non-stick frying pan for about 1 min, shaking the pan until a shade darker, taking care not to burn. Remove from the heat and place the seeds in a mixing bowl.

2. Add everything else, except the oil, lemon and chilli sauce, to the bowl. Season well and mix very thoroughly. Using wet hands, take walnut-size handfuls of the mixture, then press into flat little cakes, like fish cakes or patties. They can now be chilled until ready to cook, or cooked straight away.

3. Reheat the pan over a medium flame and add enough oil to cover the base of the pan. When hot, add the fritters, cook until golden underneath, then turn over and cook until golden all over. Be careful as they may splutter slightly. Drain on kitchen paper and keep warm as you cook batches. Serve with lemon wedges and sweet chilli sauce.

Salmon sushi

Ingredients

• 300g sushi rice
• 4 tbsp rice wine vinegar (see tip below)
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 200g pack smoked salmon slices

Method

1. Tip the rice into a sieve. Place under a cold running tap and rinse until the water runs clear, then drain really well and place in a saucepan. Pour over 350ml water. Bring to the boil and cook about for 5 mins until most of the liquid has boiled away and small holes appear in the rice. Turn the heat down as low as it will go. Cover the pan with a really tight-fitting lid or tin foil and leave for 10 mins. Then turn off the heat and leave for another 10 mins.

2. Heat the rice wine vinegar, sugar and a pinch of salt together in the microwave for about 30 secs until the sugar dissolves. Tip the cooked rice into a large bowl. Pour over the warm rice wine mixture and stir through, then leave the rice to cool down.

3. Line a 20 x 20cm baking tin or similar-size dish with a double layer of cling film. Spread the sushi rice over the bottom of the tin (the mixture will be a little sticky, so you may have to wet your hands to do this). Then cover the rice completely with smoked salmon slices. Fold the cling film over the salmon to cover pressing down well with your hands to mould everything together. You can chill the sushi in the fridge until ready to use, but try not to chill it for longer than 3 hrs or the rice will harden.

4. To serve, dip a sharp knife into a little hot water to stop the rice from sticking, then cut into 16 rectangles.

Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Quinoa Burger Patty

you want a change of pace that’s meat-free, yet full of protein, fiber, and very filling…this might be for you.

I like it with Tzatziki on top or a little “fry sauce, and with a thick slice of tomato, avocado, onion and lettuce, as a burger should be, it’s fab.

Don’t be afraid of Quinoa. It cooks just like rice – might even be a little easier! – and can be subbed almost straight across in most recipes.

Ingredients:

• 2 rounded cups cooked quinoa (see note below for cooking instructions)

• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other variety, if you prefer)

• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

• 1 medium carrot, finely grated (OR 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed dry)

• 3 eggs

• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour

• 2 green onions, including white parts

• 1 /2 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

• Olive oil for frying

How to make it:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• In a medium saucepan bring the 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa and reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and the seeds are tender. Allow to cool for a few minutes.

• In a large bowl combine the 2 rounded cups of cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, carrot, eggs, flour, green onions, sugar, pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic powder.

• (To help them stay in patty form and not fall apart, I cook them on med-low slowly so they have longer to set-up without burning. Makes them easier to flip, too.) Heat a frying pan and a couple teaspoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Mixture will be slightly sticky, so using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, drop mixture into pan and lightly flatten to 1/2 inch thick. Fry until golden-brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Makes approx. 10 burgers.

Cheesy Quinoa Bites

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (I cook my quinoa in low sodium chicken broth)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup shredded carrot

• 2 stalks green onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 Tbs all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Mix together quinoa, carrot, egg, green onion, garlic, cilantro, cheese, flour, salt and pepper.

• Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each).

• Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Quinoa Pizza Bites

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked quinoa

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tsp minced garlic

• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

• 1 cup chopped pepperoni slices

• 1/2 tsp seasoning salt

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp dried crushed oregano

• pizza sauce for dipping

 Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

• Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, in a medium mixing bowl.

• Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Facials Are A Great Way To Keep Your Skin Glowing

Facials Are A Great Way To Keep Your Skin Glowing

Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish.

Exfoliate: Combine 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp olive oil. Separately, prepare a packet of plain oatmeal, using less water than called for so it forms a thick paste. Next, add the honey and olive oil mixture to the cooked oatmeal. Apply as a scrub, gently rubbing it in small circles over your skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. This mask can be done twice weekly. “The oatmeal in this scrub exfoliates, while the honey and olive oil moisturize.

Cleanse: Believe it or not, I love to cleanse with oil. For this facial, she combines 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt with 2 tsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp lemon oil (not to be confused with lemon juice; lemon oil is an essential oil that can be found at health food stores). The mixture should be a little bit runny but not easily poured out. Massage it over skin, then immediately wipe it off with a washcloth soaked in tepid water. This can be done daily. “You want to use good-quality oil and you’ll be surprised at how clean your skin will feel,” says Argenti. “You don’t need a harsher product, even for skin with acne. Just be careful around the eye area…[the mixture] tends to be very sticky.”

Lift & Tighten: Combine 2 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (the juice of one lemon) and apply to your cleansed face and neck. Let it dry for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll feel the mask tighten on your face and neck, which creates a lifting and firming effect. Leave it on longer (up to one hour) for even more face-lifting effects. Once done, rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done two to three times a week or whenever you need a face lift. “This instant face-lifting mask helps fade age-spots, acne scars and even helps keep blemishes and acne in check. It also gets rid of uneven-looking skin tone.

Tone: This toning eye treatment helps to de-puff, relax, refresh and energize your skin. “It’s much more cooling than the traditional cucumber slices.” After cleansing your skin, brew a cup of chamomile or green tea and allow it to cool. Then soak two clean, round makeup sponges in the tea and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place one on each of your eyes for 15 minutes. Do this daily. “You need to use an alcohol-free toner on your skin to cleanse and tighten pores. Alcohol is very detrimental, and tea works just as well,”

Soothe: Combine 2 Tbsp honey with 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This can be done three times a week. “This mask heals, moisturizes and balances the pH of the skin. “Honey is a humectant and natural antibiotic that heals and moisturizes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the pH of skin and soothes damaged skin.”

Moisturize: We recommends oatmeal and fennel to help moisturize dry skin. Grind 1 Tbsp oatmeal in a blender and set aside. Add 1 Tbsp fennel seeds to 1/2 cup boiling water to make a tea. Allow the seeds to steep for 10 minutes; strain the seeds and discard. Let it cool down to room temperature and then combine 1 Tbsp of the fennel tea with 1 Tbsp ground oatmeal and 1 Tbsp honey. Apply the mixture to your clean face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool rinse. This mask can be done twice weekly.

Brighten: Combine 2 Tbsp sour cream with 2 Tbsp honey and 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Apply to your cleansed face and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with tepid water followed by a cool (not cold) rinse. This mask can be done twice a week. “This mask heals, exfoliates, brightens and moisturizes skin. It refines pores, fades acne marks and prevents blemishes from coming up.

Surprising uses of coconut oil

Surprising uses of coconut oil

Coconut oil is more than just moisturising. Packed with vitamins D, E and K, the miracle-worker transforms skin and hair in minutes. Use it as an oil or a balm, the product turns liquid above 75° F and remains a silky solid at lower temperatures.

EYE MAKEUP REMOVER: Dab a small amount on a cotton pad and use it to remove mascara and other eye makeup.

FRIZZ FIGHTER: Emulsify a tiny bit between your hands and use it as an anti-frizz hair serum.

FACE MOISTURISER: Smooth onto face as moisture-rich cream that harnesses vitamin E to heal skin naturally.

BODY SCRUB: Mix with equal parts sugar and keep in the shower for a moisturising, exfoliating body scrub.

ELBOW SOFTENER: Slather rough elbows with a layer of the stuff. After five minutes, use body brush to exfoliate the softened skin.

CURL TAMER: Run a touch through natural ringlets to encourage the perfect amount of curl.

BODY MOISTURISER: Smooth on to protect skin’s moisture barrier all day long.

DEEP CONDITIONER: A thick coat of coconut oil, left on for several hours under a shower cap, will transform dry, damaged hair.

LIP BALM: Keep some in a small tin as a natural lip protector.

SHAVE AID: Works great as a natural—and moisturizing—shaving lubricant.

SKIN SOOTHER: Spread on skin to alleviate psoriasis or eczema.

CUTICLE CREAM: Rub into cuticles to prevent hangnails.

TOOTH WHITENER: Concoct a natural toothpaste by mixing with baking soda.

SCALP CONDITIONER: Rub into scalp to calm itching and help stimulate hair growth.

MASSAGE OIL: Once it’s warmed up, coconut oil makes for a lovely tropical-smelling massage oil.

you probably won’t find this product at a drugstore, but will definitely see it on the shelves of your local health food store or Whole Foods.

The use of coconut oil isn’t limited to just food and cooking – it’s an excellent beauty product, too! I have very sensitive skin and suffer from eczema and coconut oil is one of the few products I can use to moisturise my skin.

Remember: Your skin is your largest organ and it absorbs everything you put on it (medication, birth control and nicotine patches are good examples).

You can use coconut oil to moisturise your lips, cuticles, and hair, mix it with a little sugar for a DIY face/body scrub, use it to remove eye make up, and it’s been known to be an excellent all-natural personal lubricant

Uses for Coconut Oil

1. In cooking as a great oil with a high smoke point. Great for baking, stir-Fry's or as a dairy free replacement to butter.

2. Taken supple mentally for daily energy

3. As a coffee creamer when emulsified into coffee (The only way I’ll drink coffee)

4. On the skin as a basic lotion

5. In homemade lotion bars for soft, smooth skin

6. In homemade deodorant or deodorant bars

7. As an eye-makeup remover

8. As a cloth diaper safe diaper cream (just rub on baby’s bottom)

9. In making your own Rematerialised Toothpaste

10. To lighten age spots when rubbed directly on the skin

11. To prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

12. To support healthy thyroid function

13. In homemade Mayo without the high PUFA vegetable oils

14. To help increase sun tolerance and avoid burning

15. As a naturally SPF 4 sunscreen

16. In homemade lotion recipes

17. To get rid of cradle cap on baby- just massage in to head, leave on for a few minutes and gently rinse with a warm wash cloth

18. Topically to kill yeast or yeast infections

19. As a delicious tropical massage oil

20. It’s high Lauric acid and MCFA content helps boost metabolism

21. A tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair will help get rid of frizz

22. As an intensive nighttime facial moisturiser

23. Mixed with equal parts sugar for a smoothing body scrub (use in the shower)

24. Rubbed on lips as a natural chap stick

25. Topically, can help skin heal faster after injury or infection

26. Directly on the perineum to help heal after birth

27. As an incredibly intensive natural conditioner- Rub into dry hair, put a shower cap on and leave for several hours

28. On feet to fight athlete’s foot or tor fungus

29. In place of Lanolin cream on nursing nipples to sooth irritation (also great for baby!)

30. Can help sooth psoriasis or eczema

31. There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimer

32. With apple cider vinegar as a natural treatment for lice that actually works

33. In natural Homemade Sunscreen

34. In healthy brain boosting snack for kids like Coconut Clusters

35. In a filling and energy boosting Brain Powder Smoothie

36. Rub coconut oil on the inside of your nose to help alleviate allergy symptoms

37. Nursing moms can take 3-4 tablespoons a day (and Vitamin D) to increase milk supply and nutrients

38. There is some evidence that coconut oil helps digestion and may even kill intestinal parasites or yeast

39. Mix a tablespoon with a tablespoon of chi seeds for an all-day energy boost (do NOT take this at night!)

40. Can help improve insulin levels

41. Oil pulling with coconut oil and a drop of oregano oil helps improve gum health

42. Can help improve cholesterol ratios

43. Blend a tablespoon into hot tea to help speed recovery from cold or flu

44. In Homemade Natural Bug-Off Lotion Bars

45. As a replacement for vegetable oils in any recipe

46. Better for high-temperature cooking than olive or vegetable oils

47. Can help reduce appearance of varicose veins

48. After initial heat is gone, can help speed healing of sunburn

49. Is an immediate source of energy when eaten and isn’t stored as fat

50. As a natural personal lubricant that won’t disturb vaginal flora

51. As a naturally antibacterial skin cream

52. In natural homemade diaper cream

53. As a natural shave cream and after shave lotion

54. When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite

55. To season cast iron skillets

56. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen arthritis

57. Can reduce the itch of mosquito bites

58. Can help resolve acne when used regularly

59. Can be rubbed into scalp daily to stimulate hair growth

60. I’ve used in kids ears to help speed ear infection healing

Delicious Wraps & Falafel Recipes

Delicious Wraps & Falafel Recipes

Falafel

Create a lowfat Middle Eastern feast with this tasty sandwich featuring warm falafel patties nestled into pita bread with shredded romaine lettuce, tomatoes and a creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 box falafel mix 

• 1 1/4 cup water

• 1 teaspoon olive oil

• 4 pita breads

• 4 leaves romaine lettuce

• 2 small tomatoes

• Accompaniment: Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce

Directions

1. Put falafel mix and water in a medium bowl. Stir until blended. Let stand 10 minutes or until mix absorbs water and becomes thick.

2. Heat oven to 375ºF. Brush a rimmed baking pan with the oil.

3. Roll mixture into 16 balls. Flatten into patties about 1/2 in. thick. Place on prepared baking pan.

4. Bake 15 minutes until bottoms are golden. Turn and bake 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.

5. While falafel bake, cut pita in half, using scissors or a small serrated knife. Stack lettuce leaves, then cut into thin shreds (or younger children can tear lettuce into small pieces). Cut tomatoes into wedges.

Avocado-Bean Wrap

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 cup fresh or jarred salsa

• 2 teaspoon olive oil

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 medium carrots , shredded

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 can low-sodium black beans, rinsed

• 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 4 whole-wheat wraps

• 1/2 head romaine lettuce, shredded

• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Cut 1 avocado into 1/2-in. pieces. In a small bowl, mash the remaining avocado with 1/4 cup salsa. Cover and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pepper and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the cumin and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add the beans and the remaining 3/4 cup salsa and cook until heated through. Remove from the heat, stir in the cilantro and chopped avocado.

4. Spread mashed avocado-salsa mixture on each wrap. Divide the lettuce and bean mixture among the wraps (about 1 cup each) and roll up. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Asian Turkey Wraps

Ingredients

• 1 English seedless (hothouse) cucumber, halved lengthwise and crosswise, cut lengthwise in matchstick-size strips

• cup very thin half-slices red onion

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 4 burrito-size 99%-fat-free tortillas

• 4 tablespoon bottled hoisin sauce

• 1 package thinly sliced, fully cooked turkey breast

• 1 bag baby Asian salad

• 1/2 cup packed cilantro

• 1/2 cup mint leaves

Directions

1. Mix cucumber, onion, lime juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.

2. For each wrap: Place a tortilla on work surface. Spread 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce to within 1⁄2 in. of edge. Lay 1⁄4 the turkey breast on bottom 2⁄3. Top with 1⁄4 the salad, cilantro and mint, then 1⁄4 the cucumber mixture.

3. Starting at bottom, roll up tightly. Place seam side down on serving platter.