10 Tips for Having a Killer Yard Sale

Yard sale, Junk sale or garage sale is part and parcel of  the American way of living. A yard sale is held to de-clutter your home and also to make few pennies. For holding a yard sale effectively you need to be well organized. This means less stress and more money. Here we have listed a few killer yard sale tips that you can use to make your junk sale a success.

1. Advertisement is the key – You can post your yard sale ads in online sites. There are many sites which offer a plethora of options for yard sale organizers. Use the power of Internet technology. You can post your ad on your facebook neighborhood group. All it takes is to search for your neighborhood groups on Facebook is to ask your neighbors and also search for the groups that your neighbors have joined on Facebook. Use Instagram to post pictures of your garage sale at least a week in advance.

You can also place large signs around your neighborhood, which provides the directions to the garage sale avenue. Place ads in local newspaper, print flyers and get posters put in community learning centers and library.

2. Place your best items in the front – You have only few seconds to make a good impression. Either the shoppers will drive by or they will stop. By keeping your best stuff outside you are telling the shoppers there are more quality stuff inside.

3. Keep a free pile near the entrance- You should place a well-marked “free Pile” in the front. This is sure to lure almost any driver to stop. It could be the stuff that you were planning to donate. Free pile is sure to tempt any driver/shopper to stop the car and browse around.

4. Join forces with your neighbors and friends – Talk to your friends and neighbors before you plan to hold a garage sale. There will be many who would want to de-clutter and springclean their homes. They will also provide you with extra stuff to pep up your garage sale.

5. Something is better than nothing- Remember that you are holding a junk sale to make some cash. If the goods are not sold, you have to donate them. Therefore, it is always better to price your wares accordingly. If you are looking for making big bucks then it is wise to list them in a couple of online auction or yard sale sites.

6. Price tag all your goods – It is better to put a price label on all your goods irrespective of their sizes. It will save time and energy. Most of the people would browse around quietly and would not want to ask for the price.

7. Space organization is the key to a successful garage sale – Keep your area clean and tidy. As you run out of items, bring the shelves with items close together.

8. Club the similar items and sets together in a bag – If you’re putting your old tea set for sale, ensure that the complete set is put together. Use Zip-loc bags to keep items with multiple pieces together. For large items use reusable grocery sacks and Ikea bags. Do not forget to label them.

9. Display alike items together- Keep the alike items together. Have an area for children’s stuff, kitchen stuff, curios, clothes, books and shoes.

10.  Have a 25 cent basket with small trinkets for toddlers- This basket is for kids and toddlers. It will keep them occupied while their mothers browse around. Not only that at the check-out time no mom can deny her toddler a couple of 25 cents toys and trinkets.

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What is a Yard Sale?

Yard sale is also known as garage sale, tag sale, attic sale, garbage sale or junk sale. It is an informal sale of used good by private individuals or a group of individuals. In garage sales the sellers do not need business licenses. As the name suggests, you can sell any goods or items that is pre-used and are not useful to you now. Most of the times, the goods sold at the yard sale is new, like-new or usable. These goods are offered for sale because the owner does not want them or wants to raise funds. Else they could be relocating to another state and do not want to pay the movers and packers.

Where would be the Avenue for a Yard Sale?

If the yard sale is hosted by an individual, then it would be in her/his garage, driveway, car port, front yard or some times inside the house. However, if the junk sale is conducted by a group of people, then the avenue would be in a highly trafficked area. Here the vendors are known as squatters.

What is usually sold in a Garage Sale?

Usually, goods such as toys, books and old but usable clothing are sold. Other items that are sold include, house hold appliances, furniture, lawn and garden tools, sports equipment and board games. A Yard sale has designated hours for sale and the buyers who come before the sale time are known as “early birds”.  These people are mostly professional resellers or restorers. In a junk sale, the price labels may not be affixed to the goods. Here you can bargain on the price and the process is known as haggling.
Where do you Advertise for Junk Sale?
These days there are many online websites which are specifically designed to hold yard sales or garage sales. The sellers can place their advertisements here. The online buyers can browse through the products and get in touch with the sellers.
Else, the seller can create a garage sale sign on a cardboard and hang them in a public location. Flyers can also be distributed to the people; they can be pinned in the community library and in the mom and pop shops of the neighborhood. If the sale is a big one, a yard sale advertisement can be placed in the advertisement section of the local newspaper. You can also advertise in the popular local television.
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Potato Recipes for Dinner

Potatoes are one tuberous vegetable that is loved by children and adults. You can boil, bake, barbecue and fry potatoes. Whatever the form, potatoes are loved by people all over the world. Here are a few potato dishes for your dinner.

Potato and Leek Gratin

 3 pounds small potatoes

2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus some more for buttering dish

8-10 medium leeks washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces.

5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Potato-Chive Pancake

1 bag of frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Coarse salt and ground pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

Method

Remove the excess moisture from the potatoes by pressing them between paper towels. In a medium sized bowl combine potatoes, chives, salt and pepper and toss to combine.

In a medium nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium. Add potato mixture; press with a heatproof spatula to flatten and form into one even pancake. Cook until underside is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Slide pancake onto a plate; invert onto a second plate. Slide pancake (browned side up) back into skillet. Continue to cook until underside is golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more. Slice into wedges before serving.

Potato Salad with Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Chives

1 1/2 pounds potatoes

3 tablespoons coarse salt

1 1/2 ounces Danish blue cheese, plus more for garnish

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 tsp red-wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbp minced fresh chives,

8 bacon strips, cooked until crisp and crumbled

Method

Place potatoes and the salt in a medium saucepan. Cover with water, and bring to a simmer. Cook potatoes for 12 minutes. Drain, and let cool slightly. Halve potatoes.

Mix blue cheese, buttermilk, vinegar, and mustard in a bowl until well combined.

Combine potatoes, dressing, chives, and almost all of the bacon in a large bowl.

Next arrange the sautéd leeks over the potatoes and over it the remaining potatoes. Pour the remaining milk and cream over the potatoes. Sprinkle some salt. Bake until the potatoes are soft and tender or the top of gratin is golden brown. Garnish with parsley.

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Car Loans for Poor Credit Score

When buying a car, having a bad credit history and low credit score often creates problems. Lending institutions are wary of giving car loans to those with poor credit score. Bad credit has become a bane to the society these days. It is a fact that to get an auto loan with favorable terms and condition you need to have a good credit score. However, if you have a poor credit score, it would be an opportunity to improve your credit ratings before you apply for a loan. Else be ready to pay high rate of interest and a huge down payment.

Car Loans for People with Bad Credit

In reality if you have a bad financial past, it may be difficult to get approval for a car loan. But that does not mean that you cannot avail of auto loans. If you have a stable income and you are on the path of improving your credit score, then the best available option is to apply for bad credit car loans.
For this you will need to speak with a reputed car agent. This will give you an idea about the various options available. When you go to meet your car dealer, remember to carry your financial documents such as bank statements, pay slips, etc. which would give the dealer a clear idea of your financial situation, and the amount you would be able to pay each month.
Now you need to understand that the interest rates of poor credit score car loan are bound to be high. But it is worth pointing out that as your credit scores improve due to regular repayments of your previous loans and the current loans, you can apply for refinancing your car loans. Here you need to pay only a lower rate of interest.
When you are applying for a poor credit score car loan, you would have to pay a huge amount in terms of down payment, because then the lender will not lose much amount if you default on your repayments. Not only that the repayment term is shorter for a person with very bad credit score, and this period ranges from 24 to 48 months.
Loan Options Available for People with Bad Credit

If you have a bad credit history and still want to opt for car loans with longer payment durations, moderate interest rate and lesser down payment, then you need get a co-signer or a guarantor to sign the financial document. When there is a co-signee with a good credit, you are giving the bank a guarantee that their money is not lost and at the same time it gives you an opportunity to improve your credit ratings. The co-signee can be your spouse or parents.
Another option is to apply for a secured loan. Here you would have to provide collateral as a security.
There are several options for car loans with bad credit, but you need to remember to make payments on time to avail the benefits at a later stage. Read the terms and conditions before you sign on the dotted line.
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What to Look for When Buying a Used Cell Phone

A used cell phone can be great value for money, only if picked carefully. You should understand that the electronic market for gadgets such as cell phones and its accessories is very dynamic, with newer models being replaced with older ones very frequently. The primary reason why people opt for used or pre-owned phones is because the latest models with upgraded features are very expensive and may not suit everybody’s pocket. However, when you are purchasing a pre-owned cell phone, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Here we look at the major aspects that you need to scrutinize.

• Aspects Related to Service

Here are three main aspects that you need to check – The compatibility with your carrier, locked-unlocked Phone and coverage. Before you pick up the used cell phone you need to check with your carrier representative if their service is compatible with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).Another aspect that you need to check up with the seller of the cell phone is whether, the subscriber is bound to use the service of the service provider only or whether you can switch to other service providers. On the other hand, an unlocked phone can be used with any service provider. Coverage is another point that you need to look out for in a used cell phone. Certain models may not be compatible with a wireless carrier in a specific geographic region.

• With continuous usage, the cell phone is subjected to wear and tear. You have to look out for the cracks or scratches on the screen. If there is a lot of wear and tear, avoid buying the phone. 

• You should also check the other features such as Bluetooth and camera. Check the quality of the pictures clicked using this camera. If you’re planning to transfer data using Bluetooth, then it is wise to check the functioning of the Bluetooth. 

• The life of the battery should be tested. If you feel the battery has to be replaced, then it is advisable to ask for a brief warranty period from the seller so that you can test the battery later. 

• Last but not the least, check the sound reception and call quality of the incoming calls. You should also plug in those earphones and listen to the sound quality.

It is always better to buy a refurbished phone which is sent back to the manufacturer due to some technical defects.
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Summer Recipes for Kids

Summer is the time when the kids are at home and when the mothers have to rack their brains to feed them with sumptuous food. The growing up kids are always hungry and pine for good and delicious food. Here are a few recipes that you can make for your kids to satiate their hunger and keep their energy going this summer.

Fresh Peach Cobbler
Ingredients

1.  1/4 cup sugar
2. 6 large peaches, cut in thin slices
3. 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
4. 1 tsp cornstarch

Biscuit Topping

1. 1/2 cup sugar
2. 1 cup flour
3. 1/2 tsp salt
4. 3/8 cup butter, cut into pieces
5. 1 tsp baking powder
6. 1/4 cup boiling water

Directions
Preheat the oven to 190 degree Celsius. In a baking dish, mix the sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch and peaches. In bowl, sieve flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Rub in the butter to make the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Now blend well with boiling water to make a batter like consistency. Pour this into a baking dish and top with peaches. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or till the top is golden brown.

Margarita Chicken
The chicken is wonderful served hot off the grill, but it also tastes great cold or at room temperature. Serve it  sliced and tossed into a salad of mixed baby lettuces. This dish is liked by both kids and adults and is great dish for summer entertaining.
Ingredients

1.  2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2.  Fresh lime juice, from about 4 limes
3. Zest from one lime
4. 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
5. 2 cloves garlic, mashed
6. 1 teaspoon chili powder
7. Salt and pepper as per your taste
8. 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions
Place all ingredients in a large zip top plastic bag. Squish to combine. Add chicken, seal bag, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for one hour or overnight.Coat grill pan with cooking spray. Heat pan to medium-high. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, turning breast a quarter turn after two minutes if cross hatch marks are desired. Serve immediately with a mayonnaise dip or salad.

Chicken and Salad Wraps
A very easy dish that you can fix up in a jiffy with left over chicken. You can also fill your picnic basket with this summer recipe when you take kids out for a field trip.
Ingredients

1. 200g shaved chicken breast
2. 4 wholegrain wraps
3. 1 large carrot, peeled, grated
4. 60g baby spinach
5. 2 teaspoons lemon juice
6. 1 tablespoon whole-egg mayonnaise

Directions
In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, avocado and lemon juice. On your chopping board, place one of the wraps, spread the avocado mixture. Next top it with the shredded chicken, carrot and spinach. Season with salt and pepper.Gently roll the wrap to enclose the filling. Cut into three pieces. Repeat the same procedure with the remaining wraps.
This would make a great lunch time snack for kids during summer season.
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Numerous Advantages of Online Auction Sites

This is a method of trading where you can sell your products/services by taking bids from people who wish to buy and then selling your products/services to the highest bidder. The winning bidder is determined as participant with highest bid and he has to follow the other factors as per rules of the auction. In an online auction, the participants bid for goods and services remotely over the Internet. Here the bidder will have to follow the rules and regulations of the set by the auctioning sites. There are many online auction sites that facilitate Internet auctions that allow the bidders to take part in auctions without leaving the comfort of their homes/offices. The online auction websites usually charge a commission from the sellers. There are many auction sites such as Everyday Yard Sale, that allow the auctioning of various items including cell phones, cars, boats, books, crockery, antiques, collectibles and sports equipment. Here we take a look at the advantages of online auctions.

Benefits of Online Auction Sites

In this era of e-commerce, auction has taken an altogether different form. You can even buy a house, without leaving your doorstep of your current home, while lounging on your wicker rocker in your boxer shorts! The comfort and anonymity that an online auction offers cannot be compared to physical auction. There are a plethora of benefits which many online websites offers to you as a seller or buyer.

Advantages for Sellers

Online auction sites offer a myriad of benefits to sellers which make auctioning an easy and pleasurable event and experience.

• Global reach – Sellers can showcase their products and services globally, They are no longer restricted to the bidders in their area or local community. This means global audience and good profit.

• Right pricing for products/services – Many of the bidding sites offer a base price for every goods/services. It is known as reserve. This is to ensure that bidder starts bidding from this base price onwards and seller gets the right price for his goods/services.

• Proper Disposal of Inventory- The inventory can be shipped out, only when there is a successful bid. Thus, there is no question of storage of goods until sale. This minimizes losses due to damaged goods. Besides, sellers do not have to pay for storage facilities.

• Reliable Transactions- Online auctioning is not only  fast but also reliable. However, it is worth mentioning that the reliability of the online bidding and auctioning depends on the reputation of the concerned website.

Advantages for Bidders

• No Time Barrier- The biggest perk of online auctioning is that time is not barrier. While you have to bid during a stipulated time period only, there is really no restriction on when you can bid. The online bidding sites run around the clock, therefore you can bid anytime you want.

• No Geographical Barrier- Thanks to the power of the Internet, you can bid for rare and valuable items/services around the world. Beside, these days, there are no shipping hassles.

• Transactions are fast -Online auctions are completed within a matter of few weeks. Typically, there is only a lapse of three weeks from the listing of an item to its actual sale.

There are risks involved in online auctioning. However the benefits outweigh the risks involved. You can avoid the risks if you choose a reputable and authentic website.
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Water Melon Recipes To Beat Summer Heat

Water is a summer fruit and is available between mid June to late August. It is considered as a classic summer road stand fruit.  It is worth pointing out that seasonality plays a vital role in water melon recipes because ripe watermelon offers the sweetest flavor. Here are a few easy to make water melon recipes that will help cool down the heat this summer.

Water Melon Cooler

Ingredients
1 can frozen limeade concentrate
8 cups fresh watermelon cubes
1 1/2 cups ginger ale
1/3 cup water

Method
Freeze the water melon cubes in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag for 8 hrs or over-night. Allow it to stand for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.In blender, smoothly blend the all the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a glass pitcher and serve immediately.

Watermelon Summer Salad
1 1/2 quarts seeded, cubed watermelon
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pitted black olive halves
3/4 cup halved, thinly sliced red onion
1 cup chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
In a bowl, place the sliced onions and pour some lime juice over it to mellow the flavor of raw onion. Allow it to stand for 10 minutes.
In a salad bowl, combine watermelon cubes, feta cheese, onions with the lime juice, mint and black/green olives. Drizzle the olive all and toss to blend. You can chill it before serving or serve at room temperature.

Watermelon Sorbet
You can make refreshing sorbet from this fruit, using just water and sugar. You can use this simple syrup base of pineapple, lemon, orange, strawberry, cantaloupe, cherry or raspberry.

Ingredients
4 cups seeded, chopped watermelon
3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup lime juice

Method
Boil water and sugar over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. In a processor, blend the sugar syrup and watermelon into a smooth paste and stir in the lime juice. Cover and chill for a couple of hours.Now pour the mixture into the freezer container of ice-cream maker and freeze as per the instructions of the manufacturer.

Credit cards for Bad Credits

“We tend to think of money problems as a character flaw,” says Geoff Williams, co-author of “Living Well with Bad Credit.”


Bad credit can make you ineligible for the very best credit cards. The best credit cards are the ones which offer low rate of interest and high limits. But even if you have bad credit, it is possible to secure a credit card. Before we delve into the subject you should know what credit score is.


What is Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 derived from an analysis of your credit report. Lower scores denote higher risk, resulting in either a decline from creditors or much less favorable terms. There are three major credit bureaus- TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

Prepaid Credit Cards

Basically, a prepaid card is a Master Card or Visa that the user preloads with cash. You can obtain a credit card without credit or with bad credit, which is called the prepaid card. Just like a regular card, you can use this card anywhere where Master Card or Visa Card is accepted. However problem with the prepaid cards is that they do not report to credit reporting agencies. This can hamper your credit report and history

Secured Credit Cards
Another popular method of obtaining a credit card with poor credit is by applying for a secured credit card. Secured cards are issued by most major banks. The cardholder is required to open a bank account or Certificate of Deposit with the bank, generally for an amount between $350 and $10,000. The concerned bank then issues a credit card with a credit line matching the deposit. Hence the term secured. Here the card is secured by the deposit. Therefore if the bill is not paid on time, the concerned bank will use the deposit to clear the bill. An advantage of secured credit cards is that, the credit history will be reported to the three bureaus. This will help you to repair the credit score.
Establishing a good credit history is vital. If you have had a poor credit report in the past, there are still options for obtaining a credit card. However, it is always better to maintain a good credit report.

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7 Reasons Why you should Drink Green Tea

Green tea has been used as a medicine for thousands of years and its origin is in China. Now it is widely used throughout Asia and in other parts of the world because of its multitude of uses ranging from lowering blood pressure to preventing cancer. Green tea has more health benefits than black tea due to way it is processed. Fermentation is one of the steps of black tea processing whereas in the processing of green tea this step is avoided. As a result, green tea retains the antioxidants and poly-phenols.
Benefits of Green Tea

1. Fights against anti-aging and promotes longetivity- This is due to the antioxidants and polyphenols. It also slows down the aging of the cells and in some cases speeds up the recovery of the damaged cells.

2. Helps in weight loss- Green tea has the ability to burn up to 60-70 calories in a day and boosts your metabolism rate naturally.

3. Green Tea prevents tooth decay- Green Tea has an antioxidant called catechin. Research and studies show that this chemical can destroy bacteria that cause dental caries and other dental conditions, and throat infections.

4. Green tea reduces the risk of heart attack- The flavonoids present in protect the heart by relaxing the blood vessels. This enables the blood to flow more easily.

5. Protects the body from harmful ultraviolet rays- The green tea extracts along with your sunscreen could afford you the greatest level of sun protection. The antioxidants have the ability to control the free radicals in the body.

6. Controls the sugar levels in the blood- Green tea regulates glucose levels slowing the rise of blood sugar. This tea also triggers and stimulates insulin production and activates the functioning of pancreas.

7. Green tea is helpful for those suffering from asthma- Theophyline in the tea helps to relax the muscles which support the bronchial tubes. This in turn will reduce the severity of asthma to an extent.

Green tea has many health benefits. It is a good idea to start your day with a cup of green tea with no sweetener. For those who are about sweeteners, try honey instead of sugar. A cup of green tea is refreshing and energizes your body.

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How to Keep Your Sterling Silver Jewelry Tarnish Free

For many of us who use sterling silver jewelry regularly, keeping the jewels tarnish free will seem like a Herculean task. However, if you can follow a few steps, it can help you prevent the jewelry from tarnishing. Before we delve deep into the subject, you should understand the causes of tarnishing.

Hair lotions and oil, perfumes and sweat can give a dull look to the jewels. You can start off by wiping the jewels once you remove them and before storing them in their cases.

You should make it a habit of putting on body lotion and perfume or hair spray at least 10 minutes before you put on your silver jewelry. Similarly, ensure that you wipe off any moisture with a soft cloth before immediately after you remove them.

Once you wipe your jewelry clean, you should store them in an airtight container such as a zip lock cover, cloth bag or an airtight jewel box. The silver will be less tarnished if you they are exposed to less light and air.

If your silver jewelry is showing signing of tarnish, you have to simply wipe it with a silver cloth, which is a cleaning cloth. Polishing is also available in the major jewelry shops, with which you can polish your jewelry.
With a few preventive measures, you can easily save your sterling jewelry from being tarnished and scratched.

You should also take some time to clean the jewels after wearing them and storing them away from direct light.

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Virginia Recipes – Summer Desserts

Here are three delicious desserts that both the adults and kids would enjoy eating this summer.  All the three desserts are easy to make and can be made with the ingredients that is usually at home. Virginia Apple Pudding
Ingredients

1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1 cup milk
3. 1 cup powdered white sugar
4. 1/2 cup softened butter
5. 1/4 tsp salt
6. 1 tsp powdered cinnamon
7. 2 cups peeled and chopped apple

Method
Preheat the oven to 180 degree Celsius.
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients other than apples and cinnamon, into a smooth batter. And pour it into a baking dish.
Microwave the chopped apples and cinnamon till the apples become soft. Maybe for  2 to 5 minutes.
Pour apples into the center of the batter.Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden.

Frozen Lime Pie
For this frozen treat you can use regular limes.  It’s a great dessert choice when you are entertaining because you can make it a few days ahead.
Ingredients

1. 2 tsp grated lime rind
2. 1/4 cup melted butter
3. 4 large eggs, separated
4. 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
5. 1 can condense milk
6. 1/8 tsp salt
7. 1/2 cup coarsely crushed graham cracker crumbs
8. 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
9. 1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Method
Combine crumbs, coconut, and butter in a food processor until blended. Press mixture evenly in bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Beat egg yolks at high speed  for 8 minutes or until pale. Add condensed milk, grated lime rand and 1/2 cup lime juice.
Beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks are formed.Now fold into egg yolk mixture.
Pour into prepared crust.
Sprinkle with 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs. Freeze 8 hours or until firm. Garnish with lime rind.

Waialua Chocolate Tart with Sable Crust

The crust is made with butter, powdered sugar, egg white, flour and cocoa.  Therefore adds an extra level of flavor and texture.
Ingredients

1. 10 tablespoon butter, softened
2. 2/3 cup powdered sugar
3. 1 large egg white
4. 2 cups flour
5. 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
6. 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
7. 16 ounces bittersweet or sweet dark chocolate, chopped and divided
8. 2 extra-large eggs
9. 1 cup sugar
10. Fresh berries

Preparation
Combine butter, powdered sugar and egg white in a medium bowl, stirring until well blended. Mix in flour and cocoa powder, stirring until a soft dough forms. Press dough into a 10-inch tart pan. Cover and chill for one hour.
Line crust with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 180 degree Celsius for 35 minutes. Remove parchment and weights. Allow the crust to cool.
Heat 1 1/4 cups cream in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until very hot. Remove from heat and add 12 ounces chocolate. Stirring well to make a smooth batter. Stir in the eggs and sugar, whisking until blended. Strain to remove lumps.
Fill crust with chocolate mixture. Bake at 150 degree Celsius for 1 hour 15 minutes. Cool completely.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup cream and remaining 4 ounces chocolate in a microwaveable glass measuring cup. Microwave on high at 30-second intervals stirring occasionally, until mixture is smooth. Spread over top of cooled tart. Let stand 30 minutes or until set.

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Top 10 Foods Highest in Fiber

Intake of foods rich in fiber has a plethora of health benefits. This includes preventing constipation, hemorrhoids, decreasing blood cholesterol levels and it is the safest way to loss weight. Eating food rich in fiber also prevents obesity. The International Food Information Council Foundation 2012 Food & Health Survey was conducted by Mathew Greenwald & Associates of Washington, D.C. According to this survey, nearly all Americans report that they are trying to improve at least one aspect of their eating habits, and nearly nine in ten (87%) have tried to eat more fruits and vegetables.

http://www.foodinsight.org/Resources/Detail.aspx?topic=2012_IFIC_Foundation_Food_Health_Survey_Media_Resources

Women should get about 25 grams a day and men at least 35 to 40, but the average person gets just 15 grams a day. Eating fiber-rich whole foods -- not foods that tout "added fiber" -- is the best way to increase your fiber intake, says Carolyn Brown, R.D., a nutritionist at Food-trainers, in New York City.

Here we have listed top 10 foods high in fiber and that should be included in your diet at least once in a week.

1. Nuts- Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios are high in fiber. Almonds provide 12.2g per 100 gram serving. This followed by pistachios, hazelnuts, and finally pecans.

2. Sun-dried Tomatoes - These are rich in iron and potassium. 100 grams of sun-dried tomatoes provides 12.3g (49% DV) of fiber.

3. Sunflower seeds - You can add these seeds in your salads or you can snack on them. They are a great source of vitamin E, iron, vitamin B1 (thiamin), B6, protein, magnesium, manganese, selenium, potassium, and copper. Sunflower seeds provide 10.6g of fiber per 100 gram serving.

4. Beans - Beans such as white, French, Navy and kidney are great source of fiber. Navy beans are followed by white beans, yellow beans, French beans, and finally kidney beans which provide 38.7g of fiber per cup.

5. Flax Seeds and Sesame Seeds - These seeds are great source of healthy dietary fiber. Cooking oil is produced from these seeds are considered to keep your heart healthy. Flax seeds provide 27.3g of fiber per 100 gram serving. Toasted sesame seeds provide 14g per 100 gram serving.

6. Roasted Soybeans - They make a great snack. Studies say that dry roasted soybeans provide 17.7g of fiber per 100 gram serving.

7. Cocoa Powder - It is a good source of iron and potassium. A spoon full of cocoa powder provides 33.2g of fiber. Dark baking chocolate will provide 16.6g per 100g serving.

8. Bran - Bran of corn, wheat, rice and oat are high in fiber and is one of the richest sources of vitamin B6 and magnesium. Corn bran provides the most dietary fiber of any food with 85.6g per 100 gram serving. While Rice and Wheat bran provide 25g of fiber per cup. Oat bran provides around 14.5g per cup.

9. Herbs, Spices and Peppers - Peppers, herbs and spices are power houses of vitamins and minerals. Make it a habit of adding spices, herbs and paprika to your daily diet. 

10. Fruits such as apples, Avocado, Bananas and Berries are the highest fiber fruits. Try to include at least one of the fruits in your daily diet. Instead of a sugary dessert try to have an apple or a banana.

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How to Have Glowing Skin

Some people are blessed with naturally glowing skin. However, for most of us, we have to make the best of our skin. To have a glowing skin we have to make a few sacrifices and work a bit harder than those who have been blessed with glowing skin.
Drink plenty of water – This is the first and foremost thing that you need to do. At least eight to 10 glasses of water daily will not only remove the toxins but also replenish the lost water content.
Have proper sleep- If you do not have your beauty sleep, your eyes are bound to have black circles. This will give a dull look to your face.
Wash your face with gentle soap- Use the soap that suits your skin type. Rinse off the soap lather with plenty of water. Softly pat dry your face with a soft towel. Ensure to wash the make up before going to bed at night.
Consume plenty of fruits- Eat fruits that are rich in vitamin C such as oranges, papaya, sweet potatoes, guava, broccoli and grapes. The vitamin C produces collagen which strengthens the capillaries and make the skin glow.
Use Homemade scrubs – Homemade scrubs made from fruits and vegetables are more reliable because they contain no harmful chemicals. Exfoliating your skin once a week using homemade scrubs is a good idea to remove dead and dull skin. Apply honey on your face and neck. It is an anti-tanning agent. Leave it for about 15 minutes. Then wash your face and neck with cold water to get smooth, glowing skin.
Use only gentle cleansers- Use a non-soap product to wash your face. Use ones that suit your skin type and stick to that brand.
Sunscreen is necessary – Protect your skin using SPF 30. Use it daily. Apply it 30 minutes before going out.
Glowing Skin Diet
To get a glowing skin, you must have diet that is natural and nutritious. Your diet must be rich in minerals and vitamins. Try including these nutrients in your daily diet.

• Vitamin C – lemons, cabbage, parsley, guavas, oranges etc. will give a fantastic glow to your dull skin.
• Vitamin E – Seeds of safflower, sunflower, almonds and cod oil.
• Vitamin A – carrots, spinach and leafy greens, oranges, tomatoes, apricots.

Avoid using makeup on your face, as this can harm your skin in the long run. Be as natural as possible.

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Looking Out for Summer Jobs, Teens?

 

 Summer jobs are the ways in which to keep yourself occupied and at the same time earn some morning doing what interests you most. However, one thing a teen have to keep in mind is that he/she should opt for a summer job that fits the current skill sets. With summer just a couple of months away this is the right time for the teens to start looking out for summer jobs. Here are a few summer job ideas.

Hospitality Industry - If you are living in resort towns and there are vacation rental apartments, you can seek out opportunities for housekeeping and front office jobs at local hotels. There will be fast food restaurants which require additional help for waiting and cleaning the tables, scoop ice-cream and so on.

Amusement Park Jobs - Water parks and amusement parks hire teenagers as ride monitors, ticket collectors and life guards. If you can play musical instruments, sing and dance, these parks will be more than willing to hire you for the light entertainment.

Camp Counselor - If you are an outdoor person and have natural leadership qualities, you can apply for the post of camp counselor in your local camp office. Apart from getting paid to spend your time outdoors, you are also picking up skills such as leadership, communication and conflict resolution. These skills are something that is required in your future life.

Retail Sales - If you are interested in sales and marketing, you can look out for jobs in grocery stores, super markets. Depending on the type of work you can make up to $15 per hour.

Life Guard - If you are over 15 years and are a strong swimmer, life guarding is a challenging position that would be in demand during the summer months. However, this job requires a high level of maturity and professionalism.

Landscaping and gardening- If you are interested in gardening and planning to make it a career in the future, you can enroll for a landscaping job with a local landscaping business. You can mow the lawns and tend the plants and get paid as well.

Tutoring - Those who wish to become teachers can take up tutoring. Those who are proficient with computers can even give lessons to adults. There is great demand for math and language tutors. You can take up assignments to teach students of grades lower than yours.

Baby Sitting- If you have affinity towards babies and children and know how to handle them, then this is the right kind of summer job.

The bottom line is getting a perfect summer job of your liking and interest is going to take a lot of planning. You should examine the various opportunities that are available around you choose accordingly.
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How to Choose your Vacation Rental

Are you planning to take a couple of week off this summer with your family and children on vacation? If you are not interested in staying any of the commercial hotels or motels, then you have two options. One is house swapping or looking out for vacation rentals. If you are planning for a trip with children it is always advisable to take a vacation rental in your place of visit. The reasons are many - it will be more convenient, pocket friendly and comfortable.

A vacation rental is like a home away from home and gives you the flexibility of being able to cook your own food and at the same time enjoy holidays. Many of the vacation rentals are close to the restaurants and shopping areas. Here we look at how to choose your vacation rentals.

The Questions to Keep in Mind
Once you have decided your vacation dates and place, it is time to look out for a good vacation rental apartment.

Choose the location of your vacation rental apartment carefully- Take time to search for the location of the rentals using tools such as Google Earth. This will give you an idea of the proximity of the shopping areas, local doctor's clinic, pharmacy and other things.

Size of the rentals - Before zeroing in on the rentals, you need to know the size of the apartment. Keep your requirements in mind and do not get carried away with savings that you become blinded to your needs.

Keep the amenities in mind -While on a vacation you will be spending most of your waking time outside the house. Ensure that your vacation spot offers the amenities such as markets, restaurants and laundry. Do not forget the doctor's office. These are some of the basic amenities you will need during your vacation. Keep these things in mind while planning your vacation rental accordingly.

Other things to keep in mind are the deposit that is required to be paid, the refund policy if there is a cancellation. Whether the deposit is to be paid by cash or credit card? What is included in the rental fee? For instance, the utility bills, cleaning and laundry. How often is the apartment cleaned? Also get the details of the appliances that are included.

Whether you plan to book through travel firms or through one of the portals, you need to take time out to research on the various vacation rental policies before settling for one.
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