Honey

Honey bees spend their entire life pollinating flowers and making honey. Bees use pollen that they gather from flowers to create honey that the bees use to feed themselves. Beekeepers are responsible for removing the honey from the bees and using for human consumption.

After the beekeeper has collected the honey from the bees, removed the wax caps that the bees use to seal the honey in the honey comb, and extracted the honey from the honeycomb it's time to process the honey.

Not all beekeepers have process their honey. Unprocessed honey is marketed with words like raw, areanic, unfiltered, and natural printed on the label. The words are different words to say unprocessed. Beekeepers that choose to process their honey, should have it done as quickly after extracting the honey as possible. The act of processing honey is making sure that the honey is heated and filtered.

Processing honey is a sticky and hot process, it is important that the person is patient and diligent. The area where the processing is taking place should be kept clean and free of insects. Before you start processing the honey crop make sure that all your equipment is dry. Honey absorbs water. Honey that has to much water in it will ferment.

Experienced beekeepers can look at a vat of honey and tell you what type of flower the worker bees who were attracted to when they were gathering pollen. They can do this by looking at the honey's color.

The type of flower the bees collected pollen from also affects the honey's flavor. Other factors like soil quality and honey comb quality can change the flavor of the honey. On the average lighter colored honey has a milder flavor then darker colored honey. There sre approximately three hundred different varieties of honey produced in the United States.

The plugs that bees use to seal honey into the honey combs can be used to make bee's wax candles.

For the health conscious, honey is a great substitute for white sugar.

Honey that is still in the honeycomb has a more natural flavor then honey that has been extracted. Extracted honey works best for flavoring teas and cooking.

Fans of natural healing have always been big fans of honey for medicinal purposes. It is believed that honey is an excellent way to soothe sore throats, can help regulate blood pressure, burns, pressure wounds, and infectious wounds.

Honey has been used by Chinese apothecaries to soothe aches and pains. The Egyptians favored using honey when they were treating wounds. Even the Greeks and Romans left behind literature that spoke of the medicinal benefits of honey for curing various forms of illnesses.

Is Yoga For You?

Yoga is the most popular and fast growing exercise trend of all. Over the last few years this form has really taken off and more and more people are choosing it among all other forms of exercise. Yoga is healthy and it is fun. Your entire body will get a total workout and a great stretch when you use yoga each day.

If you are ready to take your life in a whole new direction, one that is healthy and well balanced then toga is probably for you. There are enough different kinds of yoga out there for you to try that you are sure to find one that suits both your fitness level and your pain tolerance.

There is an idea floating around among the populace that yoga is a painful experience. This is simply not the case. Yoga, if done correctly, can stretch your muscles but not hurt them. There are different forms so that everyone can find just the right kind of yoga for them. The best way to get involved in this fabulous exercise regime is to try a few different kinds. Start slow and do not push yourself too hard. That is how so many people get hurt.

Yoga helps to exercise not only your body but your mind as well. This is a spiritual exercise that will do wonders for your state of mind. You will find yourself much less stressed and more and more relaxed the more you do yoga. Everyone deserves to feel good and strong and that is exactly what yoga is going to do for you. It is like a natural fountain of youth. In no time people will be asking you if you got some work done, because you look so great!

If you are ready to finally get on track as far as your health is concerned then give yoga a shot and see what a difference it can make to your life.

Planning a Backyard Campout: What You Need to Know

If you are planning a backyard campout, you are not alone. Each year, millions of campers head out to their local state parks or other public campgrounds. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to enjoy this type of camping. Instead, many individuals and families make the decision to have a backyard campout.

One of the many benefits to backyard camping is being close to home. Despite this closeness, you may want to avoid your home. This will help to make your backyard camping experience seem more lifelike.

To prevent your backyard campout from being interrupted, due to multiple trips inside the house, you are advised to devise a plan. That plan should not only include camping equipment, but toys, snacks, food, and drinks. The best way to develop this plan is to pretend that you aren’t camping in your own backyard. By imagining that you will not have access to your home, you can better develop a camping plan.

When it comes to camping, whether it be backyard camping or not, one of the first things that you need to consider is your sleeping materials. Many campers use tents, while others use nothing, but a blanket.

If you are planning on sleeping in a tent, you will want to make sure that your tent has all of the needed pieces and equipment. It may also be a good idea to setup your tent in advance. This may help to ensure that you can repair your tent or purchase a replacement, if needed.

If you are interested in sleeping under the stars, instead of using a tent, you will want to keep a close eye on the weather. Despite the fact that you will be camping in your own backyard, you will still want to make sure the weather is appropriate for sleeping without a tent.

Regardless of whether or not you are sleeping with a tent, you will need a sleeping bag or blanket. Additional sleeping equipment may include pillows or an air mattress. In the event that you do not have these supplies, you can purchase them from most sports stores or department stores.

After you have decided how and where you will sleep, you will then want to prepare for other aspects of your backyard campout. What many campers enjoy about camping is eating outdoors. If you wish, you may also want to incorporate a backyard barbeque into your camping adventure.

Simply by moving your cooking grill near your other camping supplies, you should be able to create the illusion of a campground. The type of food you cook should all depend on your preference and the preference of the other campers. If a backyard cookout is not possible, a pre-made picnic can be used as an alternative.

In addition to a full dinner meal, you may also want to think about having snacks on hand. There are a large number of snacks that are ideal for campers. These snacks may include, dry fruit, chips, pretzels, cookies, and other dry foods.

If you are able to start a small fire, don’t forget the most important camping snack, smores. Although it may be easier to keep your food, drinks, and snacks inside your home, you may want to store them in outside ice coolers. This will not only help to keep your food fresh, but it may also reduce the number of camping interruptions.

Finally, depending on the length of your backyard campout, you may want to consider brining along outdoor toys. These toys may include water guns, water balloons, a kickball, a Frisbee, baseball equipment, or other similar items.

Even if these items do not get used, they are still nice to have on hand. At times, even in your own backyard, camping can be a little boring. Having a fairly large selection of outdoor activities to choose from will help to ensure that boredom is a thing of camping past.

Aquarium Care for Freshwater Fish

Freshwater fish are perhaps the easiest fish to care for in comparison to saltwater species because they are usually hardier fish. A basic aquarium set up will be required. You will need a tank, some rocks or substrate to line bottom of the tank.

You will also need a filter, and some lighting. When choosing fish, it is imperative to make sure the fish are compatible. Not only do they need to be compatible for water temperature and P.H., but they also should have similar food requirements. Try to keep the fish relatively the same size.

It has been said that if a fish is small enough to fit in another fishes mouth, that is usually where it ends up. So don't be discouraged if this happens. Even fish that have been housed together for several months have been known to disappear on occasion.

Freshwater fish should be fed twice daily. Feed only a small amount that can be consumed within the first two to five minutes. Over feeding is a common mistake among novice fish keepers. Any excess food should be lifted with a net if possible, as it will become debris and quickly dirty the tank.

Water should be kept regulated and tested weekly. Any discrepancies in P.H. and water temperature should be corrected immediacy in order to minimize stress caused to the fish.

Stress is significant because it causes illness in fish. It is important to monitor the activity and overall well being of the fish in an aquarium. The signs of stress will be fairly obvious. Slow moving or lethargic looking fish will require a stress coat that can be purchased at a local pet store. Try to avoid overcrowding the tank. This should help to reduce the amount of stress caused to the fish.

Change about a third of the water in the aquarium at a time, because this type of change will cause the least amount of disturbance to the fish and other inhabitants. This will need to be done every two to three weeks. Use either a bucket or a siphon to remove the water from the tank.

Try to remove any loose or floating debris at this time. When adding the new water to the aquarium, be sure that it is within approximately two degrees of the tank water. The sides of the aquarium should be scrubbed regularly to remove an algae build up. Again be careful not to disturb the fish. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the aquarium.

Lastly, check the manufacturer's recommendation on filters and change them accordingly. Filters collect any fish waste or left over food. They can't function properly unless they are clean.

Introduce hardy fish to a new tank. These fish can withstand higher nitrite levels that are present in a new aquarium. Choose fish such as danios, barbs, gouramis, and live bearers. Don't add more than three to four small fish per week. Acclimation times vary per species, so check with your retailer before adding any other new fish.

Deep Sea Fishing For Yellowtail

One of the most popular fish targeted when deep sea
fishing is Yellowtail. The California Yellowtail along
with the Southern Yellowtail, which is its cousin, are
Jack family members. Both are very tough customers for
reel and rod.

Where To Find Them

The Yellowtail is to be found in central California
and down south into the tropical waters. In fact, this
fish have been a staple in the Pacific fishery for a
lot of years already.

How To Fish

Just like with most other kinds of fish, you have a
variety of ways to choose from in able to fish for
yellowtail. A number of lures and baits would be
needed such as squids, sardines, mackerels and the
most preferred one, anchovy.

Jig Fishing Technique For Yellowtail

Jig fishing for this fish could be very fun and is
considered to be very productive by most people. The
Yo-Yo jig can be done by using a four to twelve ounce
candy-bar type of jig. Once you have the jig, drop it
to the bottom, which is usually not any deeper than
200 feet.

When you feel that you already hit the bottom, try to
lift your jig off of it for four to five feet. Repeat
this several times, then being followed by a very fast
retrieve all the way up to the surface.

It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter how
fast you are cranking, since the yellowtail would
always be much faster than you. Once you feel that
you’re bit, then there’s no mistaking it. Once this
happens, don’t set the hook and just continue reeling.
Once you feel that your catch is already swimming away
from you, then that’s the time that you should set the
hook.

Jig fishing enables you to fish using a much heavier
line than your bait. A 30 to 50 lb. test usually works
pretty well. When yellowtails are feeding on the
surface or near it, they would sometimes take surface
iron.

Surface irons are jigs weighing 4 ounces or less. They
are retrieved with a much slower speed than the other
kinds of jigs. Using a live squid is the much
preferred bait with this kind of jig. In fact, when
yellowtails feed on squid, they have the tendency to
ignore all the other baits.

Using A Fishing Squid

Using a fishing squid is quite simple. All you have to
do is either tie the hook directly to the line or make
use of a sliding sinker which is right on the bait.
However, the size of the weight you’ll be using is
usually dictated by factors and conditions like
currents and depth.

Find the pointed end of the squid and place the hook
once through it. However, take note that when fishing
with squid, even small yellowtails are able to swallow
it quickly. That is why you should not let them swim
far before you decide to set the hook.

Using Anchovies

If you’ll be using anchovy, then you should either
hook through its nose or behind its gill, specifically
on its bony collar. They are weak swimmers, which is
why you would want to make use of smaller line and
hooks.

Using Sardines

When you’ll be using sardines, you can make use of the
same rig. However, this time around, you should put
your hook through the sardine’s nose or on its bottom,
just behind its vent. Your bait would tend to swim
deeper, if you hook it on its bottom.

Getting Fit with Aerobics Classes

If you have ever wanted to be healthier, you probably already know that aerobics can be the way to go. You’ll find that you are able to stay trimmer, and you are also able to have more endurance and be able to do other sorts of exercises. One of the best ways to get into aerobics and to make it something that you can do full time is to take aerobics classes.

At aerobics classes, you’ll be able to learn how to do the basic fundamentals of the types of aerobics that you want to be doing. You can also learn how to different moves – things you might not know yet, and you can learn how to transition between one type of aerobics and another.

At aerobics classes, you are going to have a chance to learn all about aerobics – what they can do for you, how they work, and why they are important. Not only that, but you’ll actually be able to learn them, from an instructor, someone who is good at what they do and someone who can help you be good at aerobics as well.

When it comes to aerobics classes, they good for you in another way, other than simply teaching you aerobics. Everyone knows that the hardest part about working out is actually doing it, going to the gym or riding your bike, or doing whatever it is that you have decided to do.

This is the hardest part about an exercise routine, actually getting it done. However, if you sign up for an aerobics class, this means that you are actually scheduling yourself to do it – you are saying that during these times you’re going to be at aerobics, which means that you have to go.

Often, just getting it put down on the calendar is a great way to make sure that you do something. This is a great thing for you, and you can find that by scheduling yourself to be taking aerobics, you’ll find you are even more likely to actually go ahead and work out instead of putting it off.

This is something that you might want to think about, because if you have a lack of motivation for any reason, trying to work out on your own just might not cut it. You would probably be better off taking a class because this way you are guaranteed to have scheduled this time to work out.

4 Great Ways to Learn to Dance

Dancing is something that many people enjoy not only as a recreational pursuit but also as an integral part of their fitness routine. Dance is a great way to keep your body in shape without feeling as though you are somehow being punished for enjoying that extra scoop of ice cream on your cone. At the same time, dance is also something that many people simply find enjoyable. As with most things in life though, there are often right and wrong ways in which you can make most dance moves and some of them might not be as good for you as they think. For this reason you really do need to seek qualified instructions. Below you will find four different methods in which you can get the instruction you need to dance your heart out.

Private Dance Instruction

If you are in a financial situation that allows for this then this is the ideal option. With private lessons you will have one on one instruction and the direct attention of the instructor. Private lessons provide the absolute most bang for your buck and will provide the most immediate pay off for your efforts as you will move at your own pace and will not have to wait on other students to catch up or feel left behind by students who have a higher beginning level of skill.

Private lessons also provide the opportunity to address specific needs and problem areas when it comes to your dancing. This means you will learn the right way from the beginning, provided you went with a reputable instructor who is very knowledgeable. The benefits of private instruction are really amazing when compared to some of the other available methods of learning to dance.

Formal Group Dance Lessons

You can sign up for group dance lessons at almost any age. There are very few requirements and classes are offered for many different experience levels as well. If you are an utter novice there will be classes that will teach you the basics and get you started on your way. There are also classes that are designed to teach advanced students more difficult footwork and techniques. Some people thrive in these sorts of classes because there is some degree of competitiveness involved. Friendly competition is often a great motivator for success. Others however, feel somewhat left behind or unchallenged in these sorts of classes and would do better with a different form of instruction.

Informal Group Dance Instruction

This is the type of instruction you will often find prior to dances in local dance halls and nightclubs. The atmosphere is very informal and the goal is to give a basic primer. This sort of instruction will prepare to you to execute a few very basic moves and very little else. This is very popular in areas where line dancing is common to teach patrons how the moves involved in specific dances. This type of instruction is not recommended for those who want a serious amount of instruction when it comes to dance but for those who have a fleeting interest and only want to learn a couple of dances for fun on a night out, this is ideal.

Video Dance Instruction

Believe it or not, many would be dancers are petrified at the very thought of someone watching as they attempt to learn the moves required for the dances they wish to execute. We live in a world of perfectionists however and if you happen to be a perfectionist, then video dance lessons may be the perfect bet for your needs and wishes. You will find a wide selection of these video lessons online if you are willing to look. You will even find many that are designed to teach dance for the sole purpose of fitness while others teach dance for the sole purpose of fun.

The direction you take when it comes to learning to dance is entirely up to you. The many different types of classes offer appeal to the many different types of people in the world today. If one type of class worked for everyone wishing to take classes then there would be no need for the different types of dance classes. The truth is that not everyone learns best in the same situation. Select the learning method that you feel will be best for you and start learning to dance today.

Bring the Barbecue to the Birthday Party

Grown ups deserve to celebrate their birthdays too. Birthdays are after all a celebration of life and one more year on the planet. It makes sense however, that grown ups would like a little something more substantial than the typical cake and ice cream and childish fantasy theme for their celebrations. This doesn't mean that grown ups have forgotten their fantasies however and this leaves a lot of room for interpretation on the theme of barbecues when it comes to a great birthday celebration.

You can go the Cowboy way when it comes to a birthday party barbecue and throw a shindig that would make old "W" proud. Texas sized ribs, hamburgers, steaks, hot dogs, and country music for all. Be sure to wear your cowboy boots and have gingham table clothes for this event that should be a family friendly way to go. Don't forget to bring all the "fixin's" or ask the guests to pitch in their best dishes in true southern tradition. This is a great way to go for those with big families that want nothing more than an excuse to celebrate their lives together.

If the cowboy way doesn't exactly ring all your bells and whistles there is always the notion of a Caribbean barbecue. This is a party that would make Jimmy Buffett proud. Speaking of Buffett it's probably a good idea to bring some of his music along to set the tone and there are plenty of other Caribbean or island inspired musicians to get you through the evening. Caribbean Jerk is a great rub or sauce for the chicken or fish you throw on the grill and you can make do with other traditional Caribbean fare for your dining pleasure and that of your guests.

You could also go the humorous route for your big day and go the redneck barbecue birthday party route. You will want to use cheap paper plates, cheap plastic furniture, a metal tub filled with ice and RC Cola (r), plastic forks and knives (the Sunday best of course), and typical redneck food such as pigs in blanket, gumbo, fried chicken, and potato salad. This can be a really fun party if all the guests get into the festivities and dress and act the part. It is definitely a barbecue that will be remembered, and talked about.

One of the favorite types of barbecues for a birthday bash however, is the Luau. There is something about those Hawaiians that really know how to do a barbecue the right way from the very beginning. Decorations should be island and tropical in nature. Be sure to use coconut cups for drinks and have plenty of Spam on hand (it's a delicacy there)! You will also want to be sure to have plenty of leis for all your guests and grass skirts, hula music, and plenty of loud Hawaiian shirts for the duration. In fact, a Hawaiian shirt contest (for the loudest of course) is almost a pre requisite.

A barbecue is a great way to bring friends and family together to celebrate birthdays. If you are a little lost as to what to do to celebrate your grown up birthday or that of a loved one, try one of the ideas above or choose your own unique spin on the theme of a barbecue.

Mountain Bike Frames

Your very first ride down the steep slopes of a bona fide mountain on a rock strewn trail on an old bike will undoubtedly leave you convinced to the necessity of purchasing a strong and resilient mountain bike frame!

It, as your body will attest, is going to absorb a lot of shock. If you invest in a good mountain bike frame, it will do even more: it will actually absorb, into its metal and components, much of the shock that would otherwise move readily into your own components!

Design and construction of mountain bike frames has advanced centuries in the last couple of decades, really. What is available today only remotely resembles the first so-called mountain bikes some of us rode in the early nineteen-eighties.

Today, mountain bike frames are available in geometries and materials unimagined two decades ago. What you need is going to be a combination of your own body and your individual intentions. If you like the thrill of high speed downhill rides, you will need a vastly different bike than if you ride on level trails.

If your preference is to avoid going over rocks, you will need a different bike than someone whose eyes light up at the sight of a boulder strewn pathway. Think about what you enjoy before you go shopping for a mountain bike.

Mountain bike frames spend a lot of time on roads these days, too. Most of the bikes seen around town seem to be mountain bikes or some hybrid of the mountain bike. Fact is, mountain bikes are made for comfort.

What they add to genuine off-road riding (shock absorption, easy gearing, and responsive handling) may be essential but what they add to street riding (shock absorption, easy gearing, and responsive handling) is no less appreciated by the casual rider. You will even find mountain bike riders on most any of the long, multi-day road tours so increasingly popular.

You will not, probably, find these riders among the front pack though: a mountain bike frame is not made for efficient road usage, even if it does add comfort.

Getting a mountain bike frame that's right for you is possible either in person at a good bike store or online if you know your size and usage requirements, but the vastly different frame geometries make riding a bike before buying it more important than ever.

The traditional triangular structure of a road bike frame is frequently drastically skewed on today's mountain bike frames, rendering the triangle almost unrecognizable. Shopping at a good bike store will put you in touch with bike professionals who will be able to recommend the right geometry for your unique physique and your own unique preferences and strengths as a rider.

Tips for First Time Grill Owners

Grilling, or Barbequing is a true American tradition. Many Americans are finding themselves with a grill for the first time. Good experiences with your grill will surely lead to using your grill more and more.

Planning Ahead

Barbequing has been around since early cavemen figured out that food tasted great after being cooked on an open fire. Perhaps one of the main memories attached to a family barbeque is what was on the menu that day. Barbequing opens a whole array of types of foods available. The type of foods you serve should largely depend on your crowd and the event in which you are celebrating. With the wide range of possibilities, you are sure to find at least a few items that will please your crowd.

Another potential issue when barbequing is the weather. While you will not be able to guarantee that the weather stays nice your barbeque event, a certain amount of planning will help you avoid the days in which barbequing is just simply out of the picture. Watch the weather channel or check online for your weekly forecast. If rain or cold weather is likely on the day you were thinking about having your barbeque, it may be a good idea to wait for a better forecast.

Make sure that you prepare ahead for your barbeque. 12 to 24 hours before you plan on beginning the party, make sure to thaw, prepare, and marinate the meat you will be cooking. Once you have the meat stored away, soaking up the marinate, then you must start thinking about what types of side dishes you will be having. If you want a completely tradition barbeque, you may want to stick with traditional sizes. Traditional barbeque sides include potatoes, potato salad, baked beans, and coleslaw.

Maintenance

You will need some common household items on hand when it comes time to
clean your barbeque grill.

Brass wire grill brush
Steel wool pads, preferably that contains soap already.
Mild dish soap
Sponge or dishcloth
Spray cooking oil
Dry baking soda
Aluminum foil

The first thing that should always be done to your grill is a routine brushing. Using your brass wire grill brush (or other brush suitable to your type of grill) you should brush off all the surfaces. By routinely brushing your barbeque grill, you will prevent any type of buildup. If buildup from food is left to long, it can become increasingly difficult to remove. Once you have cleaned the surfaces of your grill, then you must focus on its racks.

The racks in your grill are especially important as this is where the food touches when it is cooking. You will have to use the wire brush to remove as much buildup as possible. Once you remove as much as possible, start washing the racks with dish soap. If the racks are really dirty, you may also want to use the steel wool pads. Be sure to completely rinse off all soap and residue before cooking on these racks again.

This process should be completed each and every time you cook on your barbeque grill. If these steps are not taken, you may find it increasingly difficult to clean your grill, and may find that damage will occur.

The majority of problems that arise from barbeque grills comes from lack of cleaning and maintenance. That means if you notice something does not seem quite right with your barbeque grill, chances are it can be fixed with just a simple cleaning.

Even if you clean it, and still find that it is having problems, at least you saved yourself the potential embarrassment of taking it to a professional only to find out all it needed was to be cleaned.

Finally, one method of preventing problems with your barbeque grill is protecting it from the outdoors. Covers are available for grills in all shapes and sizes, so chances are, you will find one that fits your grill. If you have a cover for your barbeque grill, then all you will ever need to do is do the regular maintenance listed above.

Full-Body Aerobics

We all know that it is important to be as healthy as we can be. Working out is something that most people take for granted, either they are the kind of people that do it, or they don’t. However, doing aerobics has much more behind it than simply that. If you truly want to be healthy, and you think that you know what you should do, you should add aerobics into your work out.

Even though some people like to target different parts of their bodies when it comes to aerobics, is also very important that you have a routine that works on each of your body parts as a whole, together. This kind of routine is something that you can do to strengthen your whole body, while you are working out.

When you are working on your entire body, there are several things that you have to keep in mind. First of all, you should be sure that you are working each of your muscle groups and that you are working all of them for an extended period of time. This is something that some people fail to do and can result in uneven and unhealthy training.

The best aerobics that you can do are going to be aerobics where you work each of your muscles in turn. Remember that you have to have a session where your heart is pumping, so a good thing to do is to be constantly moving while you are doing your aerobics. Then, you can move each of your muscles as well. The best whole body workout would be to start at a brisk walk in place.

Get your heart rate up and going, and then you can start to work other muscles. Use your arms and do repetitive reaches into the sky, which will target your arms. At the same time, begin to do leg stretches, which will target your lower body, and then you can do side to side movements that will work on your abdomen. Remember that the best way to get a full body workout is just to remember to include each of your muscle groups in everything that you do.

This is something that some people fail to do as they are working out, and therefore their aerobics aren’t going to be as helpful to them as your aerobics are going to be to you. Remember to include all of your muscles, and you’ll be losing weight and feeling healthier in no time flat.