Halloween Witches’ Brew: A Guide to Using Dry Ice

A cauldron of Witches' Brew will delight the guests at your next Halloween party. While a great way to add atmosphere to any event, there are some basic rules that must be followed when using dry ice. Dry ice is made of pressurized CO2 (carbon dioxide). Its extreme temperature (-109.3°F or -78.5°C) can burn as severely as extreme heat. The CO2 composition of dry ice can also cause symptoms, such as labored breathing and headache, if not properly ventilated. If the proper … [Read more...]

How to Get Along With Your Bathroom Scale

Anyone who has wandered into the realm of weight control is aware of the notorious, steadfast tool known as the bathroom scale-- and the love/hate relationship that goes with it. If it isn't the prompt that springboards an individual's resolve to lose unwanted pounds, it's used to track the progress of a diet that's already underway. More often than not, it is also the very thing that knocks dieters off their regimen regardless of how long they have (or haven't) been on … [Read more...]

Chia Seeds: A Pet Plant and an Ultra-Healthy Food

Chia is one of the most useful plants in the Northern Hemisphere. Chia is cultivated in Guatemala, southern and central Mexico, and the southern regions of the United States. Though most Americans associated 'Chia' with the fun potted plants called 'Chia Pets', in Mexico and South America chia is better known as an ultra-healthy food, especially the chia seed. And, in case you are wondering, the 'Chia Pets' really is the chia plant you can eat. Recently, chia seeds have … [Read more...]

The Newfoundland: Aristocrat Among Dogs

These dogs which take their name from the island of Newfoundland and appeal to love large dogs. This article will cover how these wonderful dogs are evaluated by breeders and dog show judges, as well as cover a bit about raising Newfoundland puppies. There are now two established varieties, the black and the white and black. There are also bronze-colored dogs, but they are rare. The black variety of the Newfoundland is essentially black in color; but this does not … [Read more...]

Atkins Diet and Appetite Suppression

One of the most common, and surprising, effects of following the Atkins diet is appetite suppression. Many followers of the plan report that the between meal hunger pangs they used to experience fade away very quickly. This makes it easier to stay on the diet and continue to lose weight. While other diets have their followers starving between meals, the Atkins diet offers relief from constant hunger. The Atkins diet, with its specific combination of foods and … [Read more...]