The power of a Wok and how to stir fry in it.

Want to enjoy the tantalizing taste of Asian food at home? Invest in a wok! Stir-frying is one of the easiest ways to create a delicious, healthy dinner in minutes. Learn to prepare meals the Asian way: light on meat, heavy on the vegetables, and quick-cooked on high heat to retain vitamins and flavors. A few basics is all you need to get cooking!

Purchase your wok. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on state-of-the-art cookware. A standard, stainless-steel wok, purchased for less than $50, will serve its purpose well. The heavier the wok, the better it will retain heat. This is important because you must cook at a high temperature to avoid stewing or steaming your ingredients.

Season your wok. Before you use your wok for the first time, you must season it. Seasoning the wok is a way to "break it in" to ensure even heat-distribution during stir-frying, and hel women's jackets online ps lock in the flavors of the food as it's cooking. When you remove your wok from its packaging, you may notice a greasy film on the surface. Wipe this film away, and wash your wok in warm, soapy water. To season your wok, put it on the stove over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Add a drop or two of oil, and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly. Remove from the stovetop to let cool for a bit, and then use a paper towel to wipe out the oily residue. You may want to season your wok once more before you begin cooking with it.

Gather your utensils. Professional chefs use a mesh ladle to toss meat and vegetables around in the wok, but if you don't have one of these, a wooden spoon will do just fine. Place several large, clean bowls and plates on the counter next to your wok so you can set your cooked items aside as you prepare them in batches. Other items you'll need: a chef's knife, cutting board, and several bowls of different sizes to store liquid mixtures and chopped herbs and vegetables.

Cut and dry food prep. The most time-consuming part of stir-frying is preparing the ingredients. You'll want everything portioned out and cleaned, chopped, sliced and diced in advance. The actual stir-frying is fast and furious (you've probably heard those pans rattling like mad while waiting for your Chinese takeout!) so meat, vegetables, noodles, spices and oils should be ready and within reaching distance so you can grab and get on with it. Chop everything into bite-sized chunks to ensure quick and thorough cooking. Make sure there's no extra water or other liquid in your wok while stir-frying meat and vegetables. As mentioned earlier, liquid in the wok will cause your meal to stew instead of lightly fry.

Stir-fry in batches. Properly stir-fried food retains its crisp, firm exterior and tender, juicy inside by cooking small portions at a time. Heat the wok, drizzle in enough oil to coat the surface, and add enough small cuts of beef, pork or chicken to just cover the bottom. Fry on medium-high heat, tossing the entire time. When your first batch of meat is thoroughly cooked, remove from the wok and drain on paper towels. Fry the second batch in a little more oil, and then set aside. Oil the pan once more, toss in a few cloves of crushed garlic and/or ginger, and stir-fry the vegetables, adding the thicker ingredients like potatoes and carrots first, and then tossing in quicker-cooking ingredients like scallions and mushrooms at the end. When the vegetables are done, return the meat to the pot with the vegetables, and finish with your liquid sauces and seasonings. Give everything a quick toss, simmer for a few minutes and then remove from heat.

Learn the flavors. Thai cooking is immensely popular right now; similar to Chinese, but with its own exotic spices and flavorings, some of which take their cue from Indian cuisine. Malaysian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean fare all boast their signature recipes as well. With practice, you'll learn which spices and sauces go with what and how to identify their flavors. You can buy most of what you need at an Asian specialty store.

Always have some Asian cooking staples on hand: soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce. Fresh ginger, garlic, chillies, galangal, Asian shallots, scallions, kaffir lime leaves, cilantro and lemongrass. Green or red curry paste, shrimp paste. Noodles and rice. And of course... plenty of fresh meat, fish, tofu and vegetables. Pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, prawns, scallops. Onions, carrots, broccoli, snow peas, bok choi (Chinese cabbage), mushrooms (regular, oyster mushrooms)

There really is no limit to what you can do with a wok, an assortment of meats, vegetables, spices and sauces. If you're the creative chef, feel free to experiment. If you're a "by the book" cook, go out and purchase a stir-fry cookbook which will explain each technique in detail as well as familiarize you with the exotic ingredients. Above all: know that stir-frying is a healthy way to prepare and enjoy the foods you love in the comfort of home.

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to cuisines, recipes, cooking tip, do please browse for more information at our websites.

Get More Miles Out of Your Dress Shoes

Considering the high cost of quality leather dress shoes, it is important to know hot to take proper care of them. Cheap dress shoes contain lots of non-natural materials that will not breathe as easily, and will not mold to your feet like higher quality leather shoes would. Such shoes usually cost over $100, and if the designer is something that is important to you, the cost can be five or six times this high. The advice is n women's coats ot to save on dress shoes when you buy them, but save money by making sure to get more life out of them. Knowing how to take proper care of them is key. This article will teach you all you need to know.

Using water repellent:
Before you take your new shoes out for their initial walk, apply a coat of water repellent on upper leather and leather sole. After the first application, regularly reapply according to instructions. Best are water-based repellent since they will close they will protect the leather without closing the pores that will help escape moisture and sweat from your feet to the outside. Moisture affects the elasticity of leather, so it is important to keep it balanced. Too much moisture will cause leather to stretch and too little moisture will cause the leather to shrink. Anyhow, both cases render the leather ugly and lose its original shape. For just $8, you can get a can a spray-on water repellent.

Tip: Shoes should be wiped with a clean and warm sponge before putting on another coat of repellent. Doing this will warm the leather and make it more porous and improve its ability to absorb the product as well as prevent trapping dirt in between the leather and repellent.

Using shoe polish
A good quality shoe polish should keep your leather shoes shining like a new dime. Regularly polishing your shoes does two things: It covers the leather and repairs the damage of daily use; and it nourishes and moisturizes the leather so that it will stay flexible and healthy. Experts suggest cream based polishes and bringing in your shoes when you are looking for polish to make sure that you get the best match for the color of your shoes.

Tip: To get the most favorable shine, buff off your shoe polish with a fine cotton panty hose.

Hanging your shoes on a tree
It is ideal to use shoe tress with any good pair of leather shoes as they can make your shoes last the extra mile. What is great about shoe trees are that they help the leather maintain is form by filling it out. This avoids shrinking and creasing of the leather.

Similar with other preventive options, there are numerous choices when buying shoe trees. However, experts recommend only one feasible choice, and one that is made from cedar. Cedar wood can absorb harmful moisture as well as offensive odors. Most reputable shoe stores have shoe trees in stock, so go get this $20 add-on for your shoes to keep their mint condition.

Tip: Soon as you take off your shoes, insert the shoe tree immediately to allow the moisture to be immediately absorbed.

Taking care of your soles
It is said that a house is only as solid as the foundation on which it was built, and as for your shoes, you should also take steps to protect your soles. There are numerous kinds of soles; however, a good pair of quality leather shoes will be based on leather soles. As much as you protect the leather on top, the leather on the bottom should also be protected. The most ideal for you to do is to have your local cobbler attach taps on the front as well as the rear heels to act as buffer between the heel and the ground. This will absorb the shock and harm caused by persistent pounding, and protects t the sole from eroding. Taps costs only $1 each and $4 for a set, so this really is the best and the most inexpensive way to protect the most susceptible part of your shoes.

Tip: Taps should be attached when you have already worn the shoes for 12 to 18 months as the soles have already conformed to your gait. It will make way for a smoother walk and more comfortable feel.

Replacing your soles
Like the tires of your car, soles eventually wear out and soon they needed to be replaced. Experts say that the upper part of the shoe could last 20 years, the lower part on the other hand averages only at around five years. So, soon as the sole feels uncomfortable to wear and appears ragged already your best move is to have the sole replaced rather than buy a new pair of shoes. Sole replacement will costs you only $35 on the average and this can save you more money than replacing the entire shoe.

Tip: Check your shoe manufacturers when you are considering sole replacement. Many manufacturers offer discounts and packages on resoling as well as refurbishing shoes.

How to Apply Concealer the Right Way

Cosmetics are meant to enhance your natural beauty, not to hide it, and definitely not meant to cause skin problems. Concealer is a product that many women, however, do not know how to properly apply. Concealer can ultimately cause the skin to look silky smooth and flawless when applied the correct way. The way most women apply it usually makes the make-up looked caked on or makes the skin look oily, lifeless, and dry. Sometimes the wrong application can even cause dermatology problems. The following tips can help you learn how to apply concealer the correct way, no matter what brand you use.

Tip #1: Use only new, clean products to apply the concealer.

You can apply concealer with your fingers, a brush, a make-up sponge, or a cotton swab. However, no matter how you choose to apply the make-up, make sure that the application product is clean and, if possible, new. When you apply concealer with old tools, the leftover caked on make-up from last application can cause clumps and uneven application. It can also harbor bacteria that can stick to your face and causes blemishes and other dermatological issues. Even if you use your fingers, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before-hand, and always wash your face before applying makeup.

Tip #2: Choose a concealer that perfectly matches your skin tone.

Without the perfectly matched make-up, it does not matter what application process you use. Today, most of the major brands work well with all skin types, but you have to find the best color for your skin tone. Do not just look at the bottles and choose the color that seems right. You may be surprised to find that your face is a lot darker fashion jackets online or lighter than you think. Concealer is made with either cool or warm undertones, so even if you get the right darkness, you still may not have the perfect color. Test out small sizes to find the one that is right for you, and remember, you may need a darker color in the summertime if you spend a lot of time outside. Many cosmetic lines have transparent color swatches that you can put your hand under and match your skin tone to the concealer hue.

Tip #3: Apply foundation before applying concealer.

Concealer is meant to do just what the name implies and conceal. It should not be the first thing you put on your face, since concealer is too heavy for an all-over coat that evens out your skin tone. First, put on foundation to do that job; then use concealer to cover up the problem spots. If you use concealer like foundation, you will most likely end up with a caked-on, heavy look.

Tip #5: Set the concealer with a pressed powder.

After applying foundation and concealer, set your face with a pressed powder. Many women skip this step, but if you do, you will likely find that the concealer has worn off by the middle of the day. Pressed powder can actually save you money, since it means you have to apply your concealer less often.

Tip #6: Use a light touch.

For the best application, apply the concealer with a light hand. You can always add more if needed, but with most great products, you actually need to use very little to cover up blemishes. If the concealer comes out to thick, you can draw more attention to those spots on your face. Remember, foundation first, then concealer. If you need more concealer, add it then, but most concealers will likely cover any blemish with just a single coat.

Tip #7: Use special concealer to cover up bruises, dark circles under your eyes, and other hard-to-cover blemishes.

Regular concealer might not work for every person in every instance. For example, if you are trying to cover a scar, dark circles under your eyes, a bruise, or other contrasted blemishes, you may need a special concealer to get the proper coverage. Apply this concealer after foundation and a light touch with your regular concealer. You may be surprised to find that you do not actually need the heavy-duty make-up in most cases. We are usually extra critical of our own faults, but the blemishes on your face may not be that bad, calling only for a regular concealer.

Concealer should be used sparingly, and if you apply it with a discerning eye, it will not look like you are wearing any make-up at all. The right concealer and other make-up products can be your best friends, making your skin look alive, healthy, and fresh, while the wrong application for these products just will not do your natural beauty the proper justice.

Work Freelance: How to Save 2-3 Months of Expenses So You Can Transition to Freelancing FT

You've been thinking about it, kvetching about it and pining for it. Now, it's time to take the leap because you're dying to get out of your fulltime job and you can't stand the thought of being there another year.

Following is a quick-start plan on how to start a fulltime freelance business. If your expenses are relatively low, you don't have a lot of debt and you really hunker down and do the following, you could conceivably kiss your job goodbye within the next three to six months. Here we go.

Start Your Freelance Business: Make the Leap Fulltime -- Sell Baby, Sell!

A cushion; some financial elbow room is what keeps many from taking the leap to fulltime freelance work initially. They don't know where that next paycheck is going to come from. And, this can be as little as $5,000 or $6,000 or $7,000. Can you imagine $5,000 holding you back from being totally happy? Would you do everything you could to reach this milestone to change your entire life?

This is, for many, a reality check. Once you look at it like this, then it's like, "Yeah, you're right. If I had that much in the bank, I'd so totally quit to freelance fulltime." This is especially true if you're already taking on freelance jobs on the side.

So, add up all your monthly expenses. How much do you need in the bank to totally and completely cover all of your expenses for at least two months, preferably three? Write this down.

Now that you have that number in front of you, following is how to get this money in the bank so you can start your new career.

1. Sell your junk: Start with the little stuff, eg, clothes in your closet, old electronics, lawn tools you never use, books you've long-ago read. In short, you're going to have a good old-fashioned American yard sale.

I once had a girlfriend who made $400 selling stuff she was "sure" no one would want. She dragged me into it. I only sold like $60 worth of stuff. But, it was $60 I didn't have and for stuff I no longer used, wanted or needed. Put it in the bank.

2. Sell things you're emotionally attached to: Do you have a fur coat you inherited from grandma but you don't believe in wearing fur so it just sits in your closet year after year? What about your wedding dress that you or no one will ever use again? Or, the engagement ring your (now) ex gave to you but you can't bear to part with?

Sometimes, we hold onto things that could give us better "value" if we part with them. What better reason to part with something than to start a new life that will make you incredibly happy?

Grandma would understand you selling her fur coat -- and would probably even encourage it, if it would make you happy and she no longer wanted it. Just a new way to look at something. Put this money in the bank.

3. Sell the big stuff: Can you sell your car and by a cheaper one that you outright pay for? The biggest expense most of us have outside of the mortgage/rent is the car payment. Eliminating a car payment can save you hundreds per month -- not only in car payments, but in insurance too.

4. Cut, Cut, Cut: Cut cable and cell phone plans to basic. You can ea women's jackets sily save $50 to $100 per month by doing this. When you first start to work freelance fulltime, you're going to have a lot less time on your hands anyway because you're going to be marketing -- a lot -- to make this a permanent career transition, right?

If you do these four things -- and save every extra penny you should be well on your way to getting that cushion you need to quit your job to work freelance fulltime.

Work Freelance: How to Save 2-3 Months of Expenses So You Can Transition to Freelancing FT

You've been thinking about it, kvetching about it and pining for it. Now, it's time to take the leap because you're dying to get out of your fulltime job and you can't stand the thought of being there another year.

Following is a quick-start plan on how to start a fulltime freelance business. If your expenses are relatively low, you don't have a lot of debt and you really hunker down and do the following, you could conceivably kiss your job goodbye within the next three to six months. Here we go.

Start Your Freelance Business: Make the Leap Fulltime -- Sell Baby, Sell!

A cushion; some financial elbow room is what keeps many from taking the leap to fulltime freelance work initially. They don't know where that next paycheck is going to come from. And, this can be as little as $5,000 or $6,000 or $7,000. Can you imagine $5,000 holding you back from being totally happy? Would you do everything you could to reach this milestone to change your entire life?

This is, for many, a reality check. Once you look at it like this, then it's like, "Yeah, you're right. If I had that much in the bank, I'd so totally quit to freelance fulltime." This is especially true if you're already taking on freelance jobs on the side.

So, add up all your monthly expenses. How much do you need in the bank to totally and completely cover all of your expenses for at least two months, preferably three? Write this down.

Now that you have that number in front of you, following is how to get this money in the bank so you can start your new career.

1. Sell your junk: Start with the little stuff, eg, clothes in your closet, old electronics, lawn tools you never use, books you've long-ago read. In short, you're going to have a good old-fashioned American yard sale.

I once had a girlfriend who made $400 selling stuff she was "sure" no one would want. She dragged me into it. I only sold like $60 worth of stuff. But, it was $60 I didn't have and for stuff I no longer used, wanted or needed. Put it in the bank.

2. Sell things you're emotionally attached to: Do you have a fur coat you inherited from grandma but you don't believe in wearing fur so it just sits in your closet year after year? What about your wedding dress that you or no one will ever use again? Or, the engagement ring your (now) ex gave to you but you can't bear to part with?

Sometimes, we hold onto things that could give us better "value" if we part with them. What better reason to part with something than to start a new life that will make you incredibly happy?

Grandma would understand you selling her fur coat -- and would probably even encourage it, if it would make you happy and she no longer wanted it. Just a new way to look at something. Put this money in the bank.

3. Sell the big stuff: Can you sell your car and by a cheaper one that you outright pay for? The biggest expense most of us have outside of the mortgage/rent is the car payment. Eliminating a car payment can save you hundreds per month -- not only in car payments, but in insurance too.

4. Cut, Cut, Cut: Cut cable and cell phone plans to basic. You can ea women's jackets sily save $50 to $100 per month by doing this. When you first start to work freelance fulltime, you're going to have a lot less time on your hands anyway because you're going to be marketing -- a lot -- to make this a permanent career transition, right?

If you do these four things -- and save every extra penny you should be well on your way to getting that cushion you need to quit your job to work freelance fulltime.

Bich Poo Puppy & Dog Information

The Bich Poo is a crossbreed variety of dog. This unique hybrid is the result of crossing a Bichon Frise and a Poodle, classified as an F1. Since the Bich Poo is a crossbreed, the appearance can vary. Bich Poos are energetic and prone to mischief when left alone but are intelligent and good natured dogs who enjoy the company of people. Both the Bichon and the Poodle are very sociable and take well to training, but they can be stubborn.

The coat color will vary widely. The Bich Poo will present a stocky appearance, broad at the shoulders with a large black nose.

Given the diversity of these traits, it is hard to predict which characteristics will dominate. Subsequent breedings to the F2 or F3 level can alter the appearance dramatically from the original F1.

Approximate Adult Size

As with many hybrid breeds, the size and weight of the Bich Poo will vary. The approximate adult size, two years old or older, of either the male or female is 9 to 12 inches at the withers. The withers is the highest point of the shoulder. An adult Bich Poo will weigh between 6 and 12 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain health conditions problems associated with that specific breed. Bich Poos are a relatively new hybrid so very little data is available. Poodles are prone to glaucoma and epilepsy women's coats . The Bichon Frise is relatively free from serious health problems, although kidney problems have been reported. As with most hybrids and the introduction of multi-generational breeding, a full understanding of potential health issues is difficult at this time.

This disease list is provided only as an informative guideline and your Bich Poo may not experience these conditions. Consult a veterinary professional for more comprehensive information.

As with any dog, the puppy stage, 0 to 12 months of age, is the time for shots, boosters and check up. As an adult, the dog should have an annual veterinary checkup including a dental exam and cleaning. Avoid feeding your dog sweets and other human food. Check with a veterinary professional about your dogs diet.

Grooming

The coat of Bich Poo will be generally be curly and short with little shedding. The Bich Poo coat is prone to matting and tangling so regular brushing is a must. Regular brushing will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. The process of grooming provides an opportunity to examine the dog for skin problems and strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dog.

Dental health is important and the teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities and periodontal disease. Poor canine dental hygiene can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious health conditions.

The claws should be trimmed regularly and the paws examined for signs of injury.

Life Span

With proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions, a Bich Poo should be able to live a long and healthy life, perhaps as long as 15 years. Given the hybrid nature of these dogs, an accurate prediction of life expectancy is not possible.

Bich Poo Registries

American Canine Hybrid Club

As a hybrid breed, the Bich Poo is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Continental Kennel Club, the Canadian Kennel Club or their affiliated organizations.

Litter Size

Litter size is said to average between 4 and 5 puppies.

Category

Hybrid

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this article may be correct for your dog.
This information is intended only as a good faith guideline.

Shopping For Womens' Lingerie That Fits

When it comes to womens' lingerie, never ever have the false impression that you can just throw on your granny panties and your ill-fitting bra and you are already good to go. Not only is it very unbecoming for a lady, it still has an effect on your total look - no matter how much you argue that no one will be able to see your lingerie while you are out of the house.

Aside from being a major eyesore, the VPL or visible panty lines, another problem that usually arises from getting the wrong kind of women's lingerie is the "double boob effect." This usually occurs when you let your stubborn self squeeze into that bra that's too tight. And the effect that you will have is unwittingly making the impression that you have four boobs underneath your tight shirt instead of the usual two.

To be frank, you will most likely get into a gamut of other fashion fiascoes if you still choose to wear the wrong kind of bra or panty. Do not ever think that this is just about the clothes, looking good definitely contributes a lot to your overall self confidence as well as how others will perceive you.

If you care about how you look like at all then you should definitely not go out of the house wearing an ill fitting panty, bra or worse, both. Not only are these unsightly, they are also bad for your body as well.

An ill fitting bra is most likely to never ever make you feel comfortable, let alone leave your breasts properly supported, while an ill fitting panty might also cause you to develop some rashes or a bad infection because it is either so big for you that you hardly get any coverage or it's so small that it is practically riding up your crack.

So the next time you hit the mall, do try your best to make time women's jackets for the womens' lingerie section and look for underwear that actually fits you right. It is definitely not a bad idea to spend a little extra on such daily necessities, after all, wouldn't you want something that will last long rather than cheap underwear that will easily break into pieces after just a couple of weeks.

You can easily spot a cheapie from underwear that is well made. Simply check the seams and the kind of fabric used. If it seems to be poorly made, forget it, even if it costs a bargain you will just end up spending more - on new underwear to replace that cheap one you just bought.

However, if you already have underwear that you absolutely love - the fit feels great as well as the materials used, then why not just stock up on the same ones the next time you go underwear shopping. There is nothing corny about stocking up on something that already works well for you. It is simply being practical.

Lastly, if you are not sure about your size, do not be embarrassed to ask the sales attendants. They probably have a good idea on what will work best for you. Although, you shouldn't also let them cajole you into buying something that you do not want either. It really just boils down to how happy and comfortable you are with the product.