How To Buy the Best Coffee Machine: Buying Guide

The habit of coffee drinking has been an integral part of human culture. It is worth having the know-how in choosing the best coffee beans to the best method of extracting the brew. In this aspect, selecting the best device for its extraction can't be minimized. I am then presenting here the different coffee makers available in the market to help one choose the best coffee maker that suits one's personality or need.

Brewing one's coffee is cost-efficient because based on statistics if one drink at least one cup of coffee every day, he will probably saving $2-$3 a day making his own. Over a year, that’s around $1,000!

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN BUYING

Quantity of coffee

Determine the number of coffee drinkers in the household. Consider how much each can drink and the frequency. In this way, one can determine the capacity of the coffee maker that will be purchased.

Cost of the Coffee Maker

Of course, this will depend on one's purchasing power and standard of living. It will also depend on how hi-tech one will be. He may want more features in the preferred device, and that may add to its price tag.

Espresso Blend

One has to consider ones preference to the blend one desires. If one prefers espresso, one needs to know the type of coffee maker to choose from. One produce an Espresso by forcing the steam on a more finely ground bean.

Brewing Temperature

The perfect blend of coffee is churned when it hits the right temperature. One produces good flavor when the coffeemaker reaches 196 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. If one's palate is that meticulous, be sure that he check that out. Most manufacturers prints that in the box.

Easy to Clean

Remember that the modern-day person do have tight schedules. Check the whole unit if cleaning it would be easy and not time-consuming. Is it safe in the dishwashing machine?

How Will it Fit the Counter

See how it can practically fit in the area it is intended to be placed without disrupting its proper operation.

Added Features

Does it have automatic on/off feature? In one's present schedule one may forget to turn off the unit before going to the office. We don't want that to happen.

Can Settings be programmed? What else can you ask for if upon waking up you can already smell the freshly brewed coffee? Check if the unit has an automatic on/off timer.

Does it have a built-in grinder?

Are the water filters readily available

Does it have a steamer or a Frother?

Types of Coffee Makers

Drip Type

PROS: This coffee maker uses a filter, usually made of paper. It makes the hottest coffee so far. It uses electricity and easy to use and makes a cup of coffee in a minute.

CONS: Based on studies, this type of coffee maker can only make 2 cups of tasty brew. Beyond that, it becomes weak, and the taste is not so good.

Single Serve

PROS: If you are not a heavy coffee drinker, why would you buy a bulky and big machine..

CONS: With this one cup coffee maker type, one will be restricted to coffees because they are only available in pods, T-Disk or K-cups.

French Press

PROS: It is a coffee maker that comes with a cylindrical pot. It has a plunger that presses hot water through the ground coffee and filterred by a built-in screen.

CONS: The disadvantage of this type of coffee maker is that it takes a little more time compared to other models.

Bean to Cup Coffee Machines

PROS: This coffee machine has a built-in grinder; therefore one can always produce the freshest coffee desired. It can grind any coffee beans.

CONS: But this has a much higher price tag than the other types.

Percolators

PROS: This coffee maker is a pot type for brewing coffee. It continuously boils the coffee until it reaches the desired strength.

CONS: Percolators come in different types. It may be electric, stove top or microwave. The disadvantage in a percolator is that it might over boil and thus destroy the flavor you are hoping.

Now you can go to your favorite appliance store and have the confidence on what to buy when it comes to the best coffee maker machine. It is always wise to buy equipped with factual knowledge!

Best Lens for Canon 70D

Whether you are a professional photographer or just a hobbyist, should you choose to get a good camera, most likely you will come across The brand Canon. This brand has proven itself in so many tasks when it comes to photography. Together with the body camera, you will have to consider the best lenses that are compatible and available in the market. To make it easier for you, we have searched the web and compared the original and branded lenses. We also searched for the alternative should your budget dictates much less expensive ones.

KIT LENSES

ORIGINAL CANON

EF-S 18mm-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Kit. This type of lens usually comes with the package and the first lens that you will be working with. If you are a newbie, this will just be right as a multi-purpose photography lens. Another Kit lens is Canon EF-S 18mm-135mm, IS STM. It has better range than the 18mm-55mm, without sacrificing a loss in quality.

ALTERNATIVE

Sigma 17mm-70mm, 2.8-4 and Sigma 50mm, f/1.4

WIDE ANGLE LENSES

In photography, what refers to a lens with a focal length smaller than the focal length of a normal lens for a designated film plane is a wide-angle lens. This lens is used to photograph a big scene or to capture a smaller scene in a limited amount of space.

ORIGINAL CANON

If you prefer original Canon brand, then Canon EF-S 10mm-18mm, f/4.5-5.6IS STM is recommended

ALTERNATIVE

Sigma 24mm, f/1.4 DG HSM and Sigma 35mm, f/1.4 DG HSMYongnuo YN35mm, F2 1:2 AF , MF Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Canon

SUPER ZOOM LENSES

The lens that can go from a wide angle and into telephoto range and vice versa.

ORIGINAL CANON

Canon EF-S 15-85 mm, F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

ALTERNATIVE

Tamron 18mm VC and Tamron 18-270VSigma 18-200mm Contemporary


So there you are. This is just the beginning of your journey into the wonderful world of photography. Having the best gadget back up with proper training will turn you into a pro!

Graphic Design Tips

In painting, the artist can express his inner thoughts and feelings without the consideration of the viewer. He can choose colors, designs, and forms according to his inner creativity. But this is not the case with the artist that composes a graphic design. There are several factors that have to be considered in creating a graphic design.

The following are some of the tips to create an effective graphic design:

1. Talk to your client about the project.
Ask the client about the product or services that he is into. Ask what is his mission and vision. Dig information that may contribute to a sensible design embody the business identity.

2. Give your client an estimated price for the design.
Innumerate to your client the different steps in making a design to give him an understanding of the work involved in making the design.

3. Look at the competitors' designs
As the graphic designer, you have to know the designs of your client's competitors. This is to avoid making a design that almost like the competitors' logo design.

4.Explore ideas
At this point, you can meet with your client to discuss possible designs, forms, color combinations and type of fonts. Try to encourage being open-minded about this stage and accept whatever creativity that each can contribute.

5.Rough sketches
This is the stage where you as a graphic designer will have materialize the design, colors and text fonts that you discussed. Use pen and paper at this stage as everything will still be rough drafts. Make several rough drafts.

After you have exhausted your ideas, you can show the drafts to your client. In this way, you can somehow see if you are treading the same direction that he has in his mind. After conferring with your client, make more rough drafts that include your client ideas. Then present again to your client.

6. Make the design
Once the client gives you a preliminary go signal on his preferred design, start working on it on the computer. There are many design apps that can be used to make the design. Make several variations of the design for your client to choose from.

7 Make the final design
This time make the final design and consider the right file type where the design will be used. Again present to your client the final graphic design. 

Be ready to get some final revisions from the client as this may sometimes happen. Should there be none, congratulate yourself on a job well done.

WHAT IS THE BEST CAT NAME FOR A FURRY FRIEND?

Giving a name to a furry friend should be based on several factors. Think of a name that it can grow with. A kitten's name may be cute while it is still small but not when it is already fully grown. The following are some guidelines on giving a cat a name.

1. Consider the breed of the cat and think of an appropriate name for that.
Try to observe the behavior of the cat and it peculiar traits. From there one can have some idea of a cats name.

2. It is adviced that the name should not be too long. Should one opt for a longer name, she has to think of a shorter version of that name. For example, one can name a cat Maximillian; then the shorter suitable name may be Max.

3. The cat name that one will choose should roll easily in one's mouth. Don't give a name that is too hard to pronounce.

4. Consider the nature of the cat and think of an appropriate name for that.
Each breed possesses by themselves an innate nature that only they possess.

5. Try not to give the cat a name that is political. Some friend may be sensitive when it comes to that matter. People have different reactions when it comes to politics.

6. Giving names of Super-Heroes may be a good choice. Both male and female. Superheroes names are empowering.

7. Names of famous sports player are usually, but the problem is when becoming losers later on. One does not want to have a loser cat. Not unless they are in the Hall of Fame.

8. Movie star has beautiful names. One can choose from the lines of villains too.

9. I have found some names that one can choose from:

NAMES OF FEMALE CATS
1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Chloe
4. Lucy
5. Lily

NAMES FOR OF MALE CATS
1. Milo
2. Leo
3. Charlie
4. Max
5. Oliver


10. In giving a cat name, some families go into the memory lane and think of their previous family pet cat. They then name the new one as the junior of the previously loved pet. Naming cats from the past loved pets will bring in the same feeling that each in the household had from the past loved friend.

11. Giving a cat a name will also depend on the country one lives in. Some name may sound awkward in some places. So one has to consider the meaning of that name in that particular country. Otherwise, that poor cat may become the laughing stock of the neighborhood.

12. One can involve friends in the name giving for the cat too. One can even hold a contest for that matter. For sure each of the friends has a favorite name based on their having a cat themselves.


It indeed it is a joy when one brings home a kitten. One can see the happiness in the children's eye upon knowing mommy have brought home a new member of the family. It's a fact that pet is not just an animal that one adds to the household. They become part of the family.

Cats are an excellent companion if one is single and living alone. They are cool pets, and in fact, they are said to be a stress reliever. Patting the cat while on the lap for five minutes releases certain good hormones in our body that brings peaceful balance in our entire being.

The name one will be giving purring friend will also make a subtle effect in ones being. Name based on loving feeling. The name that will become part of you in having a friend who will just be waiting and greet you whenever you come home.

27 CAR CLEANING TIPS AND TRICKS - WASH IT LIKE A PRO

Every car owner would want a squeaky clean and shining car. There's something within us that feels an inner satisfaction when we are driving a clean car. However, the thing that hinders us in bringing them to a professional car wash is the cost.

I have searched the web to find the best way to clean our valued ride by ourselves. I have seen this 27 car cleaning tip and tricks that you may follow and thus save money and still enjoy our prized motor.

1. CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR CAR
Some cars may have been maintained well that you only need some washing and waxing. However, some average vehicle may require more cleaning and polishing.

2. GATHER THE CLEANING MATERIALS
In some quickie car cleaning shops, they use big brushes that may do more harm than good. Get the proper chamois, a microfiber cloth, shampoo, sponge, two buckets and pressure host.

3.FIND TIME TO READ THE LABEL
For each brand that you may find in the market, there is also a suitable wax or shampoo that you can use for a particular car finish. Some wax may be harsh for the finish of your car. Some chrome paste may be too acidic to an aluminum mag that may corrode its finish. Since some chemicals may be abrasive, care must be observed.

4. SETS OF CLEANING CLOTH
Use chamois or microfiber cloths for cleaning. Have separate sets for washing the exterior, windows, and interior. Wash each after every use.

5.WASH IN THE SHADE
Better wash in a shady place to avoid water markings as your car may dry fast under the sun.

6.CLOSE THE DOORS AND WINDOWS
You don't want to end up with soggy seats and wet dashboard.

7.START WASHING THE EXTERIOR
After closing all the doors and windows, use the hose and rinse off the dust and clumps of dirt around the vehicle.

8.FILL THE BUCKET WITH CAR SHAMPOO
Avoid using detergent soap as this may contain harsh ingredients. It may also dry rubber and its fittings. There are good car shampoo in the market today.

9.APPLY THE WATER SOLUTION
Soak the sponge thoroughly and apply the water solution in a big circular movement. Avoid the rubbing motion.

10.TOP TO BOTTOM
Start from the top of the vehicle then work your way down. Save the tire for last as it is the dirtiest


11. HOSE TO RINSE OFF
Now start using the hose or the bucket of clean water to rinse off the soap or shampoo residue. Be sure to wash all soap so as not to leave any markings when it dries.

12. NOW THE TIRES
In cleaning the tires, be sure that it is cool to the touch. Hose down pieces of dirt on the wheels and rims.

13. SCRUB TIRES WITH CLEANING SOLUTION
Scrub the edge of the rims with a rag or sponge. Paying attention to the grease that has accumulated on the metal surface. You may use a toothbrush for those hard to reach areas.

14. AGAIN TOP TO BOTTOM
Now rinse with clean water from top to bottom. Avoid leaving an excess residue that may cause etching on certain metals

15.USE DRY CLOTH
After all the soap residue are all washed off, start wiping the vehicle with a clean cloth as fast as you can because you don't want to leave any streak markings on your car. You may use a dual action polisher utilizing some conditioning oils as this gives the maximum gloss. This process is especially useful on dark colored cars. Then you can apply the car wax that is suitable for your vehicle. You can use car wax that lasts for three months or even six months. There is also a nano type car wax that penetrates deep into cuts and swirls. You can choose from many varieties when it comes to car waxes.

16.ANOTHER DRY CLEAN CLOTH FOR THE TIRES
Use a different dry clean cloth for the tires since you have used some tire solution on it. Be sure to keep them separately from the cloth you used for dying the body. You don't want to destroy unnecessarily the beautiful surface of your car. Otherwise, it will cost you again repainting job!

17.CLEAN THE WINDOWS
Use glass cleaner and spray the windows. Avoid using spray with alcohol as this may strip the glass coatings. There is good glass cleaner that allows the mirror to remain bright and clean even in the rain.

18.MICROFIBER CLOTH
Wipe in the horizontal then vertical pattern. Do this repeatedly until you get the right effect that you desire.

19.OLD NEWSPAPER
In the absence of microfiber cloth, you may use old newspaper. Crumple a sheet and wet it to make it damp. Now wipe it in a circular motion until it dries. You repeat this procedure several times.

20.INTERIOR WINDOWS
Spray the towel first with the cleaning solution then wipe it. Roll down the window halfway to access the top portion of the glass.

21.CLEANING THE INTERIOR
You will be needing the following:
Vacuum cleaner
Lint-free cloths
Paper towel

22.TAKE OUT THE FLOOR MATS
Remove the mats and vacuum them separately


23.VACUUM THE INTERIORS
Use the appropriate attachments, vacuum seat crevices, door pockets and carpet areas.

24.CLEANING THE DASHBOARD
With the use of cleaning solution, wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, and the console.

25.CLEAN THE SEATS
You can use a mixture of hot water, soap, and borax to clean cloth seat cover. A toothbrush can be used to clean the seams. A lint roller can be useful too.

26.CAR SMELL
A bad smelling car is a turn-off. Usually, it's because someone spilled some drink or left some food crumbs on the seat. You can either hand wash it or place it in the washing machine. However, be careful to check with the manufacturer on how to clean them properly.

27.SWEET SMELLING CAR
A sweet smelling car gives one that feeling that you will not get anywhere. You can get a variety of scents in the car shop. My favorite is orange and lemon.

Now after washing your car, you may still see some swirls an scratches in your paint. Alternatively, even some bumps due to tree sap that was not removed during your washing. You need a further step then. Use a clay bar to remove those stubborn contaminants. With the use of detailer as a lubricant, use the flattened clay bar across the car's surface, and that will smoothen the bumpy surface and restore the paint shiny surface.

To remove the scratches, you can use a rubbing compound. With the use of a clean cloth, place a small amount of rubbing compound and in a circular motion, rub gently the surface where there is a scratch mark. Do it one surface at a time without rushing. It may take a second or even third application.

You can keep the dry cloth at the back trunk so that they are handy whenever you need some minor touch up.





So there you are. I hope this article gave you some ideas to clean your car without costing you much and yet you end up with a detailed finish like a pro!


References:
www.cleanipedia.com
www.goodhousekeeping.com
https://dawn-dish.comhttps://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how to

5 FOODS THAT CAN HELP NEWLY SOBER ALCOHOLICS AND ADDICTS.

Knowing the eating habits of the new patients is usually the first topics discussed when they arrive at our facility. People in-charge in this facility wants to verify if the patients have gained weight or lose weight at the time they were hooked up on the drugs or alcohol.

It is usually the case where those who are drug addicts and alcoholics don't care if they are eating three meals a day or not. They are more concern about when they are going to get their next hit or booze. Most often than not they are malnourished.

When the person with addiction is malnourished, he is prone to depression. Now to alleviate their misery, the more they resort to the addictive substance to temporarily overcome their condition. Giving them the feeling of euphoria that the drug or alcohol produces.

It is adviced that to break from addiction and alcoholism, the body must be detoxified and cleaned from the addictive substance. It is called a drug detox. However, in as much as there is a need for cleansing the body from the toxic substance brought about by drugs and alcohol, feeding the body is also an essential step in the detoxification process.

The body needs to function smoothly again and slowly ward off the toxic substance in the body. Moreover, this is achieved thru proper diet. Here at THE RECOVERY VILLAGE we serve favorable menus for the speedy recovery of drug dependents and alcoholics who have
decided to have a second chance and live in harmony with their loved ones again.

1. THE BEST WHEY TO HEAL
Most addicts and alcohol dependents don't have the appetite because of the damage to their nervous system. Consuming whey calms the nervous system it is a gentle way to reintroduce food in the body. Whey contains healing amino acids that produce chemicals that repair the nervous system.

2. HYRATE THE THIRSTY BODY
Drinking alcohol is known to dehydrate the body and so does the drug users. They don't feel the need to drink water. Drinking electrolyte-packed substances and even coconut water will quench the thirsty body. It is good especially if the patient is vomiting.

3. PROTEIN INTAKE

We derive Amino acids from meat and vegetable products. Animal sources chicken, tuna, and turkey are an excellent source of Vitamin B6 that repair the body cells.

4 POTATO POWER

Most alcoholics and drug addicts crave for sugar. However, instead of giving them refined sugar, complex carbohydrates should be given to them. Potatoes convert into complex carbohydrates, and the glucose slowly released into the body. As compared with refined sugar that causes blood sugar to rocket high and then suddenly crashes. This process helps them minimize cravings.

5.HELLO PORK AND BEANS

A classic dish yet packed with essential vitamins to boost brain function and heal neurological system. It contains Thiamine or vitamin B1. B1 is a common deficiency in alcoholics and may cause brain damage.

Indeed, no one can beat if one will take natural healing food that will rejuvenate and make the body humming with good health again. In The Recovery Village, we are aware of this, and it is one of our primary goals. To give the best care to those who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol and yet want to be sober again.

FOODS TO AVOID FEEDING YOUR PET

By nature, we love our dogs. And these furry friends somehow know how to melt our hearts with their gentle eyes, cute faces, ears folded back and acting as though they are starving.

But we cannot just give them human food every time they show such a dramatic face. There is human food that is not healthy for our pooch friend. There is foodstuff that their stomach cannot easily digest and cause sickness or even death. The following are some foods that you should avoid feeding your four-legged friend.

MILK PRODUCTS
Dogs don't have the enzyme in their stomach to digest milk. They are lactose intolerant and may cause them to vomit, have diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. While some dogs are able to handle consuming dairy, most dogs don't.

COCOA PRODUCTS
Chocolates are made from cocoa, and it contains a particular substance called methylxanthines. This is not good for your dog's health as it causes hyperactivity, tremors and abnormal heart rhythm. The darker the chocolate, the higher its content of the said substance.
UNCOOKED MEAT
Salmonella and E Coli are bacteria that are present in raw meat. It is usually the cause of infection especially if the immune system of your dog is not that good.

CHICKEN BONES
Haven't you noticed that when you break a chicken bone, it forms a splinter? In the same way, when your dog eats and breaks chicken bones, they splinter and may puncture their stomach and do great harm to your dog. 

SALTY FOOD
Human food is commonly salty. Especially the fast food type. Salt gives us a particular craving that the human tongue wants. This is not good for the human body actually. But this not very good for dogs as well. This is the cause of significant kidney problem for them. It causes them depression, excessive thirst, and sodium ion poisoning. Furthermore, it elevates the dog's body temperature, and that may lead to death.

SWEET FOOD
Most sweet food nowadays contains a particular artificial sweetener called Xylitol. This substance can cause excessive insulin release that aggravates your dog's liver. Thus leading to liver failure and eventual death.
There are so many foods that are not good for your dogs like alcohol, nuts, raisins, and even bacon and other fatty meat!

It's better to stick to the diet approved by your trusted vet. Be strong to resist that sad begging face of your four-legged friend. It's for its own good so that you can enjoy its company for more long years.