Poor old Lombardy has no seacoast. So she has to make do with some of the finest lakes in all of Europe. Its capital Milan is Italy’s center of finance, fashion, and the media. Did we mention the region’s voluminous agricultural output? Expect to find fine wine and food in this lovely region.

Colomba Pasquale (Easter Dove) is a great yeast cake that ends up looking like a dove, especially if you buy a mold. Among its ingredients are egg yolks, diced candied orange and lemon rinds, milk and almonds. It’s a hands-on recipe, but if you’re lucky enough to live near a good Italian bakery you may be able to buy it at Easter. Traditional wine pairings include fizzy or sparkling (the sparkling is more fun) Asti DOCG from the neighboring region of Piedmont, the nearby red or rose Malvasia di Casorzo d’Asti DOC available in a wide variety of styles, and the Tuscan white Moscadello di Montalcino DOC. You won’t have trouble finding the Asti or probably the Moscadello. No promises for the Malvasia.

Panettone is a classic Italian Christmas cake. The Lombardy version is said to be the best and the hardest to make. To do it right, use baker’s yeast. Among the ingredients are egg yolks, melted butter, raisins (soak them and squeeze them dry), butter, and diced candied orange and lemon rinds. Italian bakeries should carry this delicacy at Christmas time. Suggested wine pairings include the red fizzy or sparkling Acqui/Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG from neighboring Piedmont (if you can find it), Asti, and Moscadello di Montalcino DOC.

Sbrisolona (Crumbly Cake) starts with white flour and cornmeal. Other ingredients include butter, white wine, chocolate, and candied cherries. As its name indicates, make sure the dough stays crumbly. Slice while hot so it doesn’t break. Among the many recommended wine pairings try Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG from the Friuli-Venezia Giula region of northeastern Italy, Vino Santo di Chianti Classico DOC from Tuscany, and the hard to find Ramandolo DOCG also from Friuli-Venezia Giula. In spite of what you might think from its name, Vino Santo di Chianti is often white.

Torrone (Nougat) is a delicious candy made from honey, sugar, egg whites, pistachios, almonds and some other goodies. This should be fairly easy to purchase. I’m told that Torrone keeps for a long time when wrapped in waxed paper or aluminum foil. Don’t believe it. Enjoy with wine pairings such as Greco di Bianco DOC from Calabria, Moscato di Trani DOC from Apulia, or Vin Santo di Montepulciano DOC from Tuscany. This last wine may be white or red. At least the last two should be relatively easy to find.

Our final Lombardy dessert recommendation is Torta Paradiso (Angel Cake) said to be best in Pavia. You’ll need potato starch, more egg yolks than egg whites, butter, and a few more ingredients. Serve the day after you make it. And what dessert wines should you serve? Suggested pairings include Loazzolo DOC from Piedmont, Malvasia di Cagliari DOC from Sardinia, and Recioto di Soave DOCG from Veneto. This last wine may be sparkling and whether or not it sparkles will probably cost more than the others. But it’s a lot easier to find.

Tagged with:
 

There are many reasons that you may need water minimization. Whether you need to eliminate water from a pond or lagoon, or if your business needs to properly dispose of contaminated water, it can be done easily with the right equipment. There are a number of processes available for minimizing water today. Many companies can offer specialized equipment to remove water, separate the water from contaminates, and eliminate dirt and sludge. The key to eliminating water properly is choosing the right equipment.

Choose a Shaker to Remove Sludge and Solids

If you need to remove dirt, rocks, or trash from water, a shaker is the best option. A shaker is similar to a conveyor belt with small holes but a shaker uses a screen similar to a screen used on a window to keep bugs out. The solid material along with the water is run across the screen. As the material passes across the screen the water is able to drop through the holes and collect in a container below. With this process the waste, dirt, or trash is removed and the water is easier to dispose of. This provides an environmental solution for many companies including garbage companies, oil companies, and manufacturers.

Spin it Out with A centrifuge

A centrifuge is a closed container that spins at very fast speeds to eliminate water or liquids from a solid mass. Many solid materials can be placed inside. Once the centrifuge begins to spin the water is passed through small holes in the tumbler and collected below the machine. This water minimization technique can be used for removing water from sludge or mud. However, this can also be used to remove other types of liquids like oil and chemicals from solid masses. This process helps to remove contaminates that can become a hazard if left in the environment. A centrifuge can be purchased or rented in a variety of sizes to accommodate the size of the job that needs to be completed.

Storage Options need to Be Considered

In order to transport the solid material from the manufacturing plant or lagoon it has to be moved to the equipment. This can be done with the use of large mud tanks or barrels often called frag tanks. Most companies that provide water minimization will also have storage equipment available. The storage option you choose will be dependent on the size of the job you need to complete. For large manufacturing plants a large tanker usually around 500 barrels of storage may be needed while smaller companies can usually work with barrels.

Water Minimization Facts

The process of water minimization can be beneficial for companies and the environment. Companies will realize the benefit of paying smaller shipping fees to have waste removed. At the same time, by properly sorting contaminated water from solid waste the material can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly process. There are a number of companies that can offer these types of equipment and devices today. In your search for the best one you will want to consider the reputation of the company as well as the benefits they offer with service. While some companies will rent the equipment others require that you purchase it. You will also have to choose from buying used equipment or a piece that is brand new. New equipment like centrifuges and shakers will often have a few months of lead time till it is available for delivery while used equipment is usually ready when ordered. While there are many things to consider the process will be very beneficial for your company.

Tagged with:
 
Imagine savoring your favorite dish, a glass of wine in hand, a platter of gourmet cheeses before you, dabbing your mouth with a designer-print cloth napkin as you enjoy the company of a loved one. No, you’re not in that expensive restaurant downtown – you’re enjoying the open air, sitting beneath the stars on a romantic overlook. Perhaps you’re at the beach, a secluded hilltop in wine country, or a rooftop garden in the big city. Wherever you are, you’re relaxed, happy and relishing the finer things in life.

This is the kind of experience that the new generation of gourmet picnic baskets can provide – baskets with fine quality tableware, custom accents, brass detailing and all the accoutrements of fine dining. Picnics are no longer about gingham cotton, paper plates and simple finger foods. You can now have a four-star dining experience anywhere you wish – from a boat to a rose garden to a busy town square in an exotic locale.

Today’s gourmet picnic basket is an impressive display of craftsmanship, aesthetics and attention to detail. Not only do they contain full sets of plates, glasses, utensils, cloth napkins and tablecloths, and waterproof insulated coolers; in these high quality picnic baskets you’ll also find extras such as salt and pepper shakers, detachable wine bottle coolers, mini cheese boards and knives, corkscrews and decorative wine bottle stoppers. They’re ideal for special occasions such as honeymoons, anniversaries, dates, and holidays as well as any time you want to enjoy a delicious meal ‘al fresco’. To own a gourmet picnic basket is to always have a veritable celebration-to-go; just pack some food and beverages and you can have an impromptu outdoor party any time.

Some of these remarkable gourmet baskets even go so far as to include real crystal, Wedgwood fine bone china, and contents decorated with stunning patterns created by renowned designers. Although some of these picnic baskets are certainly luxurious, having a gourmet picnic basket is by no means out of reach of the average person – pricing starts around $50. Picnic baskets are available for any style or budget. Designs inspired by the Scottish highlands, the French Riviera, African safaris, and Tuscan vineyards are just a sampling of the types of baskets available. You can also choose between sets for different numbers of people, baskets that focus on a wine and cheese or coffee and tea picnic, and various themes such as sports, baby, wedding, and seasonal.

With all the different designs and price points available, you can find a gourmet picnic basket that’s perfect for your needs and will always be ready for a fun, delectable meal in the great outdoors – whether it’s a special event, a surprise for a loved one or a spur-of-the-moment chance to enjoy a great outdoor location in style.

Natural healthy food organic recipes are usually tasty. Nutritionists tell us that there is more nutrition in the cardboard box that packages your cornflakes than there is in your cornflakes. But even if cornflakes were nutritious, they can’t compare with the flavor of strawberries straight from your organic garden.

I’ve spent many happy hours gathering mulberries from the roadside trees, and blackberries, and carob beans, and raspberries, and strawberries, and English gooseberries. Some of these delicious fruit even reached the container because I couldn’t eat them as fast as I picked them.

Of course your healthy food breakfast should have a bit more than just fruit. Vegetables are also great. I used to wander my organic garden and gather whatever struck my fancy. Some of it was suitable for breakfast such as Daikon radish, Florence fennel, purslane, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, nasturtium flowers, pansy flowers, day lily flowers, parsley, garlic greens and so on.

Of course your healthy food breakfast should have a bit more than just fruit. Vegetables are also great. I used to wander my organic garden and gather whatever struck my fancy. Some of it was suitable for breakfast such as Daikon radish, Florence fennel, purslane, Chinese cabbage, cabbage, nasturtium flowers, pansy flowers, day lily flowers, parsley, garlic greens and so on.

Now I have hardly any teeth left I prepare this healthy food breakfast. It doesn’t take me very long at all. I start by drinking 1.2 litres of water.

Into my 1.5litre blender I put three driied shiitake mushrooms, half an orange with the skin still on it, a tomato, a carrot, three florets of broccoli, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons powdered ginger root, 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast, one apple, handful of raisins, 50ml coconut oil, 600 ml (1pint) water. While it is blending I crack 2 jumbo-size eggs into a glass ready to pour into the blender.

When everything is blended to my satisfaction I add the two eggs and blend for another ten seconds, then drink everything from the blender, to save on washing up.

I finish my breakfast with a good handful of dried bananas. Not only are these cheaper than fresh bananas, but recent research indicates that they are more healthy than fresh bananas.

In the middle of the morning I snack on a tablespoon of apricot kernels, because even if they don’t protect me from cancer, I like their flavor.

For lunch I have 200 gm red cabbage and some fruit. In the middle of the afternoon I drink 400 ml of water, and a mug full of cocoa with dried stevia powder as a sweetener. The cocoa makes me feel good and suppresses any pangs of hunger, just as chocolate does, but the stevia is a better sweetener than sugar.

For the evening meal I have a stew made of kangaroo mince, and seaweed, and garlic, and onions, and 1.5 litres of coconut oil. In the evening I munch of almond nuts and three Brazil nuts, and perhaps some raisins.

If your children don’t like natural healthy food organic recipes, get them interested in growing vegetables, and in preparing meals with the fruit and vegetables they have harvested themselves. They will suddenly start enjoying good food.

Tagged with:
 

Different Styles of Amish Furniture

That Amish made furniture is of the highest quality and built to last generations and not just years is a well known fact; almost a given. The Amish are master craftsmen who are so skilled as to be artists of the pieces of furniture that they produce. Made the old fashioned way, using a minimum of mechanization, Amish handcrafted furniture has the dual qualities of stylish good looks as well as durability. Many of the pieces are able to be customized as per the particular requirements of a buyer, so Amish furniture is the sort that you just cannot throw away. Amish made furniture follows several different and fairly distinctive styles.

The chief styles of Amish Furniture are the Mission style, Shaker style, Queen Anne style, Southwestern, Rustic, Cottage, and Beachfront. Of these, the first three mentioned are the most popular:

Mission Style Furniture: This is one of the most popular styles of Amish Furniture. Mission Furniture is characterized by straight lines and exposed joinery. It has clean, uncluttered lines and is considered to be more modern and spare in design. The design elements of the American Arts and Crafts movement are also often referred to as the Mission style which also forms the inspiration for this style of furniture.

Shaker furniture: The Shaker style of furniture is quite distinctive and was initiated by the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (or the Shakers). This was a religious sect from Manchester England and founded by Jane and James Wardley. They came to America in 1774 led by Mother Ann Lee. Shaker furniture is widely admired for its simplicity, innovative joinery, quality, and functionality. Shaker designs were inspired by the ascetic religious beliefs of the Society. Shakers crafted furniture for their own utilization, and also for sale to the general public.

Now the Shaker tradition of furniture has been carried on by the Amish who are known for making such popular items as Shaker tables, chairs, rocking chairs, cabinets, and bedsteads. Pieces of this furniture have become collector’s items and grace many private and public collections as well. This old fashioned style of furniture, because of its aesthetic appeal is very popular even in modern times and provides the inspiration for much of the modern pieces of Amish handcrafted furniture.

Queen Anne Style: This style of Amish made furniture is more ornate and less Spartan in design than the Shaker and Mission styles. This style of furniture sports a more traditional look rather than a contemporary or modern look and this style is characterized by elaborate moldings, distinctive foot details, and carved ornamentation. This kind of furniture creates a more ornate look and so that gives a wider choice and more design and stylistic options when you want to buy high quality Amish Furniture.

The skill to make Amish handcrafted furniture is a legacy that is handed down from generation to generation; from one master craftsman to the next. Similarly, pieces of Amish Furniture that you buy, whatever be the style, can become almost a family heirloom for reasons of both the timeless and classic aesthetics of the pieces of furniture as also for their remarkable durability and longevity.

Tagged with:
 

Barware’s Different Purposes

During festive events and occasions, most of us await the menu of food and drinks. Though some of us are into a healthy diet, sometimes the striking appeal of mouth-watering treats trigger us to indulge into something more delightful as part of the party. Cocktail parties for instance, are cool and festive gatherings which are becoming more common for urban societies today. Often, these parties are organized and ruled by youngsters, with the parties becoming more lively and crazy. Liquors and alcohols including bourbon, brandy, gin, rum, scotch, whiskey, tequila, and vodka are the drinks well-liked by most people during such parties. Even young professionals are becoming more indulged in drinking and partying, which plainly shows how they can be crazy during parties after work.

In different occasions such as cocktail parties, not only VIPs are important but also party accessories like barware. A good choice of barware can totally rock the party. Usually for big parties, the kind of barware used have a classy and elegant look. Most popular barware are those that are made from glass or other materials used when preparing and serving alcohol drinks. Like any other party accessories, barware come in a wide variety of selection. You can purchase those at your nearest retail market or even at online stores.

As to the different varieties of barwares, you can find stainless steel, plastic, glass, aluminum and acrylic barwares. The most durable among these options are those that are made out of stainless steel, aluminum and acrylic which are very easy to clean and maintain. Glassware are great to add visual and decorative appeal, however, unlike stainless steel, glassware are a bit tough to maintain but easy to clean up also. For cheap options, plastic wares are perfect. These items are created with inexpensive materials and molded into several sizes and shapes.

Another great thing about barware is that it can make a perfect gift for any person, most especially to your soon-to-be husband. If you are thinking of what to give for him, consider barware as your gift option. And to make it more special, simply look for items that can be personalized. You may consider a Personalized Triangular Flask, a handsome hip flask with ergonomic innovation. An ultimate gift for a real man, this stainless steel flask is streamlined to fit into his pocket perfectly. Make it personalized by engraving his initials on it. Or perhaps a Personalized “Groom to Be” Beer Stein that can even make a perfect accessory during the groom’s bachelor party. Also, you may consider a Personalized Wine Box, a classy solid wooden box with your personal message embossed in an elegant gold lettering.

Other barware gift options are beer mug, stein tankard, glass pilsner, wine corkscrew, cocktail shaker, drink holder, bottle opener, shot glass and the like. These can all be customized as to your desired design. Personalized bar accessories can make a perfect gift also not just for the groom, but also an ideal gift for dads as well and unique personalized gifts for your groomsmen and best man.

Your groomsmen are among the most important people in your life, whom you have chosen to play one of the most important roles in your wedding. The groomsmen also need as much attention as bridesmaids do, and they also deserve thanks and appreciation from you. Choosing the best groomsmen gifts, however, can be a bit challenging. While your bride may enjoy the so called “shopping spree,” you might get stranded as shopping isn’t likely your thing. Fortunately, there are several ideas that can help you decide which groomsmen gifts are perfect for your buddies.

Think about this, practicality would really make sense when it comes to groomsmen gifts. Men tend to be practical, as most of their things have a specific function and meaning. With that, you can think of getting them something useful, such as a business card holder, pocket knife, money clip, wallet and the likes. Men won’t usually opt for shining, shimmering items unlike women. Rather, they tend to patronize unique, useful or adventurous items for themselves.

Consider hobbies and pastimes men usually indulged in. Men tend to love beers and wines, so for that, you may want to give them bottles of their favorite wine, wine accessories such as wine stoppers and wine glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, cocktail shakers, bottle openers or other barware. These items may seems generic, so consider customizing them with a personal touch. You may have them engraved with names or initials of your buddies, or even logos of their favorite sports team.

Finding the right gifts for your buddies involves knowing who they really are. Why give a beer mug if he doesn’t drink beer anyway? Each groomsman has its own personal preferences, which needs to be given enough attention. Now, if you still have a hard time figuring out what to give, feel free to ask them directly. Or, you can bring them to shop with you. This way, you will be able to have them picked the present they like.

Your wedding expenses can easily add up, and so you will likely need to set a budget first before buying anything for your groomsmen. Don’t let yourself feel obligated to buy lavish gifts for your buddies, as they are not asking for too much in return anyway. Also, you have to remember that it is not the cost that matters most, but the though behind your gifts. If you are on a budget, settle for inexpensive things, however in good quality. Believe or not it is not impossible to end up giving great groomsmen gifts without sacrificing the quality.

Other possible groomsmen gifts may include personalized cufflinks, embroidered weekender bags, custom pub signs, personalized shirts, engraved watches, and the likes. Try to browse the Internet to find some more groomsmen gift ideas. Online shopping can make a practical shopping option, especially for those on a tight budget. If you opt to give out personalized items, consider including your buddies’ name or initial, which also adds thoughtful onto the presents.

Tagged with:
 

Bowen Island Ferries

Alternative transportation has become essential: to decrease stress caused by a daily automobile commute; to help the environment by decreasing our carbon footprint; to allow us to live in areas where commuting by automobile isn’t practical. Bowen Island Ferries meet these alternative transportation needs and offer respite for the daily commuter. A Bowen Island Ferry ride exceeds expectations.
Cost effective

Daily commuting creates outrageous costs – in gasoline, in vehicle maintenance, and in depreciation to automobiles. Automobiles were meant to be enjoyed – not as another work tool. Become a weekend driver. Bowen Island Ferry rides allow the cost-conscious commuter a means to travel to and from Vancouver without the constantly accruing costs associated with an automobile commute.
Efficient

Whether traveling by automobile or ground mass-transit, construction, accidents, and meandering routes cause lengthy travel times. Why waste minutes of your day worrying about when you will arrive at your destination? Eliminate these delays and you are left with only one choice for the most efficient route. Travel the quickest means possible – via Bowen Island Ferries.
Relaxation

The daily grind is stressful enough without adding a lengthy, distracting commute to your day. Enjoy much-needed relaxation time by allowing Bowen Island Ferries to chauffeur you on your route. Gaze at the panoramic views you would never have caught while driving. Grab a cup of coffee, open your newspaper, and sit back and enjoy the ride.
The Green Commuting Alternative

Reducing our carbon footprint – the amount of CO2 we are each personally responsible for – has become easy with mass transit commute alternatives. Eliminate the toxic waste created by your automobile and change your method of travel. Bowen Island Ferries allow you to express your environmental consideration – while traveling the most efficient means possible.
Professional, Friendly Crews

A Bowen Island Ferry ride is led by a well-skilled team. Professional and friendly, these artisans of the trade work diligently to ensure that the excursion will be your only commuting alternative. With personal attention for each passenger, Bowen Island Ferries’ crew shares a commitment to service.

Tagged with:
 
Emilia-Romagna stretches from the Ligurian border in northeastern Italy to the Adriatic Sea. It’s quite prosperous and is known as the gourmet capital of Italy. On the other hand, it’s not known for wine. Two of its biggest stars are a cheese, Parmigiano Regianno, and a ham, Prosciutto di Parma. Parmesan cheese as it’s known in English, was mentioned by the famous Italian author of the Fourteenth Century, Giovanni Boccaccio. The region’s biggest dud is a lunch meat named for its administrative center, Bologna.

One great starter is Prosciutto con Melone (Ham with Melon), especially if based on real Parma ham. Enjoy this dish with a sparkling Prosecco DOC from the neighboring region of Veneto, or a Riesling, Pinot Grigio, or Gewurtztraminer, all Italian, of course. Red wine pairings are also available.

An excellent way to showcase the region’s outstanding cheese is Asparagi alla Parmigiana (Asparagus with Parmesan Cheese) traditionally served with melted butter. Recommended wine pairings include Riesling, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc, once again from Italy.

Vegetarians and others will relish Frizon con Salsiccia (Vegetable Sauté) for which the recommended wine is the local Albana di Romagna DOCG. You’ll get a chance to see if this wine merits its top of the line designation, the only such wine in this gourmet region. Now if you’re not a vegetarian you can add sausages to this dish but then the wine pairing will depend on the specific sausage. You’ll probably want to go red.

Do you like chicken? Try a Pollo Parmigiana (Chicken Parmesan). There are as many recipes as cooks in Emilia-Romagna but you won’t go wrong with an Italian Chardonnay.

Many people prefer capon to chicken. An excellent local specialty is Cappone Ripeno (Roast Capon) whose stuffing includes veal, ham, and Marsala wine. You’ll enjoy it with an Italian Riesling.

Let’s not forget dessert. Try Ciambella Bolognese ( Almond Cake) traditionally made in a mold. Enjoy this with a sweet wine such as Malvasia di Cagliari DOC from Sardinia, Vino Santo del Chianti DOC, or Vino Santo del Chianti Classico DOC from Tuscany. Don’t get confused by the word Chianti, these wines are all made from white grapes as you may guess from their golden color.

Bridal Shower Favors Based on Themes

A bridal party is not complete without bridal shower favors. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to send your friends gifts reminding them that you care and are willing to go the extra mile for them. If you are the bride to be and are planning to get your guests gifts then have some fun with it.

They always say you should get the appropriate gift for the occasion. First you must decide on a theme for the party. There are many themes to consider and the available options will guide you in your choices. Let’s explore these themes and their corresponding gifts. If you are a guest at the shower, choose a gift that corresponds well with the chosen theme.

One bridal shower theme is a tea party. Here tea is served together with pastries, scones, petite fours or mini sandwiches. Guests are asked to wear a hat and gloves while the bride to be dons a beautiful Alice in Wonderland kind of dress. Some bridal shower favors that can be offered in this situation include things that go well with the tea theme like petite fours, personalized tea bags, mini tea sets for the bride, and personalized ice tea infuser.

Wedding shower favors for a room-of-the-house theme are interesting. Guests are assigned different rooms in the house and are expected to bring gifts for that particular room. You could bring favors that will make that room comfortable and appealing. Another great theme for a couple’s wedding shower is stock-the-bar. Guests are expected to bring alcoholic beverages used to stock the brides and grooms bar. Specialty wines and spirits are the appropriate gift for this kind of theme.

The wine tasting theme is usually held at a winery. For this theme wine is a good gift but favors should not be limited to this. You can offer silver heart wine stoppers, wine cock candles, mini cocktail shakers, or even wine glasses. A lingerie themed party is one to look forward to. The room is set with candles, chocolates, roses everywhere, red floor pillows for guests to sit on. Guests bring any brand of lingerie for the bride.

In a honeymoon themed party, what is being celebrated is the honeymoon destination of the couple. Wedding shower favors for this theme depend on the destination site but are not limited to this. Guest can bring airplane luggage tags, mini rolling suitcase favors, black book city guides and even custom-labeled bottled water.

The last kind of bridal party theme we will look at is a pajama party theme. Guests come in their pajamas carrying bridal shower favors appropriate for this theme, which include monogrammed cosmetic cases, personalized slippers, or personalized toiletry bags. When choosing the right gifts for every theme do not limit you to the few I have mentioned here. There are salespersons offering many bridal favors and great thank you gifts for your party.