#double spice storage lid mold

[yueyimold]

gyratory spice bottle flip tops in mold close

China 2k mold maker, offer rotary spice bottle flip tops in mold close, two color spice jar snap cap, multi shot seasoning container flips, double mold spice storage lid

[maelabraaten]

Survival Tips - The Best Emergency Food Kit

Which Needs The Best Emergency Food Kit? Who knows what the future holds? If only we knew, day to day, what challenges would arise, we would never be caught unawares. Unfortunately, life just doesn't work that way. Those who prefer to look forward and make preparations for the "just in case" scenarios are often painted as fringe lunatics and doomsday preppers. However , assembling the best emergency food kit for yourself and also your family should be something every responsible adult takes seriously. Just a few of the "normal" situations that could arise, when having emergency rations for your family would make sense, include: loss of a job, temporary lay off, extended storm damage or power outage that traps your family at home. Or perhaps you'd just like to be a position to help another family in need, should the opportunity arise. Then there are Armageddon type examples that plague the mind of some, and no better way to put those fears to rest than to look ahead and prepare for the worst. Whatever your reasons for looking forward and setting up emergency rations against a difficult time ahead, we are here to help you build the very best emergency food kit for your family. Identifying Your Needs First, lay out your preparation strategy. If you're just getting started in emergency preparation, you do not have more than a day or two worth of food in your cupboard. If that's the case, building up a thirty day supply of food is a good place to start. If you already have 30 days of emergency rations laid by, the next step may be building up a six month or year emergency food kit. The important thing is to start somewhere, and build your supplies up until you've assembled the best emergency food kit that you're able. Who ? re You Feeding? Do you have children in the house? Teens? Older or elderly adults? Infants will require special feeding accommodations like milk or formula, while the elderly may have some unique nutritional needs, as well. Map out on paper who you're building a food supply for and any special things you need to prepare for them, or for yourself. Then consider what it takes to feed that person for a single day. How Many? Once you've published down what it takes to feed one person for one day, you'll need to multiply that by the number of people, and the number of days for which you're preparing. What Do They Like To Eat? There's no need to live for a month on nothing but rice and beans. You don't want to stock up on three months worth of food that your family won't touch with a six-foot pole, just because it was cheap. It may keep you alive within a pinch, but you want to enjoy it, if possible. So take the likes and dislikes into consideration as you plan. Don't forget to consider food allergies, as well. In an emergency situation, you wouldn't want to face an allergic reaction from cross contamination, so better to avoid problem foods altogether, if possible. Types Of Emergency Rations There are dozens of ways to build up a great emergency food kit. The easiest, though certainly not the least expensive, is to invest in commercially prepared catastrophe rations, offered by various companies. These kits come as single servings, or a month's worth of food for a single person. There are dozens of options to choose from. Another method, requiring a little planning and management, is to simply take what you buy and use on a weekly basis, and start building up a supply that will last. If you ordinarily use three cans of beans and two boxes of macintosh 'n' cheese and a jar of peanut butter each week, then begin buying double that, and set the extra aside for your emergency food kit. Then manage your stock by rotating it so that your food stays as fresh as possible. Freshness would be a significant advantage in a long-term disaster, where you're relying on your emergency rations for months, or even years. Once you've built up a few months supply of foodstuff, organize your cans and boxes with the soonest expiration date in the front and the furthest out in the back. Then, when you do your grocery shopping, put the new stuff in the back and use from the front. This keeps your stock fresh and ready to use if and when the need arises. Home canning is another less expensive way to build up your emergency food kit. Canning is becoming some sort of lost art, so if you're not familiar with how to do it, you're not alone. Canning food in glass jars requires a little learning and effort but can allow you to preserve tasty, homemade food for years. Be sure to learn which foods require pressure cooking versus water-bathing methods of preservation. Properly canned goods keep best in cool, dark places between 50 and 70 *F (10 - 21 *C) and are safe to eat for years after canning. For bulk dry goods that are intended for long term storage, wheat, beans, rice, sugar and other dry goods can be vacuum sealed and stored in five gallon buckets with O2 absorbers to last for thirty years and more. For the truly prepared minded, a few buckets of wheat and corn will go a long way toward peace of mind. A vacuum sealer constitutes a investment for anyone serious about their emergency rations. Sealing foods in smaller quantities not only preserves them longer but allows you to use them a little at a time, rather than having to use a large container up quickly once you've opened it. If you're worried about the expiration date on store-bought canned goods, keep this story in mind. A steamboat named the Bertrand was trying to reach Montana in 1865 when the idea sunk to the bottom of the Missouri river. One hundred years later, canned goods from that wreck were recovered. In 1974, 109 years after the accident, the food was tested by chemists and found safe to eat. You should use good sense when eating canned foods that have passed their expiration dates. If it looks odd, smells bad or tastes bad, don't eat it! Signs That Food In Your Emergency Food Kit Has Gone Bad Signs canned goods have gone bad: the can is bulging, or the lid has come unsealed. Check for mold or fermentation bubbles in the liquid. If the food rushes out of the can or jar when you open it, there is pressure on the contents that wasn't there when the can or jar was sealed. This is a good indication with bacterial activity causing a chemical reaction. Comfort Foods Once you've established a good base for emergency rations, you might want to start thinking about adding some comfort foods to your store. In stressful situations, we all turn to food for comfort, and yummy food might not be easy to come by in the event of a disaster. Some things to store include: Chocolate - powdered cocoa keeps the best, but chocolate bars over 70% hot chocolate will keep for several months, and much longer if frozen. Hot chocolate mix has a shelf life of several years, and could easily be added to the rotation of your emergency food kit. Mac n' cheese - Best preserved dried by separating the noodles and cheese, and then vacuum sealing them with O2 absorbers. If you're worried about being able to cook macaroni and cheese, it can be canned, but it don't have the same texture as freshly made. Under cooking the noodles before canning will help it to be less mushy. Honey - made with natural preservatives, honey will keep indefinitely, as long as water never gets near it. Store in very clean, very dry glass jars. If it crystallizes, you can return it to its liquid state with a little heat. Freeze dried fruit or even dehydrated fruit can be a great energy booster and will keep well when stored properly. Hard candy - store with desiccants and vacuum sealing to provide a much needed pick me up under stressful conditions. Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil will store for a very long time and provide added fat for comforting recipes when butter isn't available. Spices - if you get to a place the place you're having to make all of your food from what you have on hand, you'll be very glad for some extra spices to... well... spice things up. Alcohol - Obviously, a comforting item, but it serves many purposes in a disaster scenario and it keeps well. High alcohol content (over 20%) will keep the longest and over 40% can serve as a disinfectant if needed. Tea - will keep well without special accommodations. To keep it the very freshest, store in small quantities with an O2 absorber. Coffee - For those who really need their cuppa to keep their chin up, coffee will be an important part of the very best emergency food kit. Roasted coffee keeps, vacuum sealed in Mylar bags, for up to two years. If you rotate it through your emergency rations, you will have good coffee for some time. For prep beyond that, you can store green coffee beans in Mylar bags with O2 absorbers, then roast and grind them as needed. What To Choose? How to decide what goes into the very best emergency food kit? A good rule of thumb is six months to a year of food that you would eat every day. This is easily managed through good shopping and rotation. For preparation beyond that time frame, vacuum covered Mylar bags will keep dry goods for years. Many companies and even faith-based family preparation programs offer dry goods preserved in #10 cans that will keep up to 30 years. Building an emergency food kit that can last several years in a pinch is possible, with planning and forethought. Water will be critical to surviving certain types of disaster scenarios. When planning for emergency situations, one liter of mineral water per person per day is a good starting point. You'll need some extra for sanitation and cooking, as well. Be sure you have plenty of water on hand, or a way to obtain water and sanitize it. Sanitation tablets and filtration systems would be a major component of the best emergency food kit. Looking Ahead For total preparedness, it's important to think ahead to food preparation during an emergency. If the power was out for three weeks, how does one cook that mac 'n' cheese you took such care to store? Even if you have a power generator for emergencies, stoves and microwaves pull too much energy to use the generator for cooking. A propane or butane camp stove with plenty of fuel cells, or a propane or charcoal grill are great options to have on hand. And don't forget to include a manual can opener in your unexpected emergency food kit. Where To Keep It? Storage space can be tricky, depending on your housing situation. If at all possible, you'll want to designate a neatly organized room that's specifically for food storage. You'll label your shelves, and keep things nicely stocked and rotated. If you don't live in this kind of fairy tale situation, you may have to get a little more creative about how you store your emergency food kit. A lot of food can be neatly stored, with cardboard boxes, under beds, in the bottoms or tops of closets, and under the stairs. You may need to reduce unnecessary clutter, to make room for emergency rations. The reward will be worth the effort. Be Prepared, Not Scared Taking the steps required to create the best emergency food kit that you possibly can will pay off in peace of mind. To know that you have the ability to care for those you love, and to be able to reach out to those available you in their time of need, will put you in a category reserved for just a few. You'll rest easy at night, knowing that whatever tomorrow holds, your family is provided for.

[tacticalshit]

14 Tactical Gifts for Him this Valentines Day!

With valentines day fast approaching we are sure that the ladies are panicking just as much as the guys are on what to get their significant other. Well fear not, We have some great ideas that are sure to win some bonus points this year!

Code 3 spices!

All Code 3 Spices products are MSG and Gluten free, and do not include high fructose corn syrup. Only 5G of sugar per serving.  This isn’t your “typical” BBQ Sauce! Great for BBQ, dipping, prep meals and much more.

Tactical Shit Beer Mug

What Better Way to Drink the Blood of Your Enemies than with a tactical shit beer mug!

7 inches tall

3.5 inches wide

Large 28.2 oz. capacity

Heavy duty thick glass design.

Doc Spartan Combat Ready Ointment 

THE BIG TIN: An old school 2oz tin filled with Combat Ready Ointment (CRO), your go to all natural first aid ointment. It’s like carrying a combat medic in your pocket. Instead of rubbing dirt on it, grab the BIG TIN so you can continue mission and kick ass.

DIRECTIONS: CRO is intended to be applied topically multiple times a day to soothe and comfort your wounds. Also works great as a daily moisturizer to help prevent dry skin from cracking and ripping.

USES: Works great on rips, cuts, scrapes, scars, burns, rashes, tattoos, and much more. For external use only.

INGREDIENTS: It contains refined coconut oil, 100% Natural Beeswax, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E, Lavender Essential Oil, Eucalyptus Essential Oil, and Tea Tree Essential Oil.

SIZE: 2oz

Do not use if allergic to the ingredients.  The statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure or prevent any disease.

Bad Mother Fucker Beard Oil

Beard oil for Bad Mother Fuckers. Designed to give you a Glistening, Soft, Smooth, and GREAT smelling beard. A blend of almond oil jojoba oil argan oil and a vitamin e and aloe blend which has sunflower seed oil safflower seed oil apricot oil avocado oil and olive oil.

Make your beard smell great while give you control and a bit of shine that brings all the ho’s to your yard.

Beard Oil made for Bad Mother Fuckers. Designed to give you a Glistening, Soft, Smooth, and GREAT smelling beard.

Contains: beeswax shea butter, cocoa butter, almond oil, jojoba oil and olive oil, keeps the strays at bay and gives your beard shape.

Liberal Tears Maple Bacon Coffee

Liberal Tears Maple Bacon Flavored Coffee

There is nothing better than offending the hippy liberal douchebags of this nation so their tears can be used to lube up the guns of American patriots.

That is, until this Maple Bacon flavored coffee was produced.

Apart from being a certified organic Arabica bean with all-natural maple bacon flavoring, the coffee is handled by U.S. combat veterans that are despised by the libtard nation that reside among us.  The coffee is roasted by the fiery breath of an American Freedom Eagle and cooled from the Liberal Tears that fall when an eight year old child learns how to practice trigger control for the first time out at the range.

Practice SAFE trigger control

  Liberal Tears Gun Oil – Bacon Scented – 4oz

  Guns have only two enemies; Rust and Liberals. Liberal Tears Gun Oil protects against both. We have bottled Liberal Tears to create a CLP that gives you guaranteed 2nd Amendment protection.

New Liberal Tears Gun Oil is NOW BACON SCENTED

An extremely advanced, proprietary blended, gun lubricant that will deliver unsurpassed performance in the harshest environments.

Extreme lubricity was our primary goal, and we reached it! We formulated the new Liberal Tears gun oil to outperform the current “full auto” lubricants, so we’re confident it will outperform anything you’re currently using.

New Liberal Tears delivers unsurpassed performance in the harshest environments.

New Liberal tears gun oil traps the carbon and debris, caused by firing your weapon, within the lubricant so it’s easily cleaned off. The strong lubricant layer, created on the surface of your weapon, will protect it against fouling and make cleaning your weapon a breeze.

– Made in America

5.11 RUSH Delivery XRAY

At 12” high, 20” long, and 6.5” deep, the X-ray Class RUSH Delivery Bag is the ultimate multipurpose carryall, offering expanded capacity and a wide range of customizable features designed to support travel, business, or tactical operations. Built from ruggedized Nylon for superior resilience in any climate or environment, the RUSH Delivery X-ray features a quick-draw compartment that provides accelerated access to a covert sidearm, a padded laptop sleeve to protect sensitive electronics, a quick-access admin panel keeps your keys, business cards, and flashlight within easy reach, and a main storage area with ample space for documents or accessories. The external surface of the RUSH Delivery X-ray incorporates a wrap-around web platform compatible with MOLLE, 5.11 SlickStick®, and 5.11® TacTec System™ modular storage upgrades, while the cross-body stabilizing strap and ambidextrous design allow quick and easy shoulder switching.

Edge Eyewear Hamel Gray Wolf

Edge Eyewear Hamel Gray Wolf

TR90/Nylon

polycarbonate lens

Mirrored

Thin temple design was specifically engineered to fit comfortably under hearing protection, helmets, and headsets.

Features matte frames and non-mirrored lenses to eliminate glare and help keep your position hidden when you want to lie low

Functional brow guard to block the sun and other unwanted light from above, as well as a recessed lens cavity that prevents air flow from drying out the eyes

G-15 lens not only provides contrast and image definition but protects your eyes by blocking 99.9% of UVA/UVB/UVC rays

Polycarbonate lens offers ballistic protection, meeting both ANSI Z87.1+2010 and Military MCEPS GL-PD 10-12 standards for eye safety

TPG Elite Travel Kit

The Elite Travel Kit is a uniquely designed solution for those carrying support equipment for on the go challenges, powered gadgets or simply to just have a bunch of stuff they have to access 24/7. Perfect to carry on or place inside your travel pack or bag. The kit hangs perfectly while open and can be used as a long trip Dopp Kit.

Leather accents throughout

Black revision uses 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon construction

MultiCam revision uses 500 Denier CORDURA®

Padded Leather handle

Unfolds to 3 zippered pockets and 1 hidden compartment

Adjustable quick release front access

YKK® zippers

Available colors: Black, MultiCam

Dimensions: 10″ L x 4″ W x 8″ H

Weight: 5oz

EDC Carbon Fiber Folding Knife – Pure Carbon Fiber Blade

For the gentleman in the boardroom and a freak in the sheets, here’s your 50 shades of grey

The carry pure carbon fiber blade knife is ultra-light, slim and stylish, making it an ideal minimalist carry piece. The knife features a pure 3K carbon fiber blade. The handle is made of pure 3K carbon fiber making it very durable and corrosion resistant. The knife features a tip-down clip and a lanyard hole. A truly unique gentlemen’s carry piece. -Blade length: 3.25″ -Overall length: 7.50″ -Weight: 2.1 oz -Handle length: 4.25″ -Handle thickness: 0.34″ Gift box packaging.

The Fat 50 Ammo Can Humidor by Ammodor

They are nearly indestructible and feature a secure flip open lid with a rubber seal around the rim – making Ammodors 100% waterproof and air-tight. There is no better container for a humidor!

The interior sides and bottom are lined with precision milled 1/4″ thick Spanish Cedar. It is the preferred lining for high-end humidors since it offers natural protection from tobacco worms and mold. Joints feature beautiful 45 degree angled cuts. The bottom exterior is lined with olive drab green felt to prevent your ammo box humidor from scratching any delicate table top surfaces.

All ammo cans are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized prior to becoming an Ammodor – they will not ruin your cigars with harmful odors!

Every Ammodor is handcrafted by a Vietnam veteran right here in the good ole USA. Nearly all of our vendors are local Veteran owned small business. We have a “green” manufacturing process and nearly 100% of all waste from production is recycled or repurposed.

Please note: Ammodors are built by hand, made to order. Please allow 1-3 business days for production of your Ammodor prior to shipment.

Ammodors ammo can humidors are built using surplus ammo cans that have been proudly used by our Armed Forces. Due to this fact, the outside of the can may have minor scratches, dings or light exterior rust. Exterior markings and stencils will vary – writing may say .50 cal, 5.56 or 9mm. Frankly, we think that’s what makes Ammodors so cool! Ammodors are tough, combat tested and look bad ass! If you’re looking for a “pretty” little cigar humidor, look somewhere else.

Includes a free Basic Issue Ammodor humidifier. Upgrade to our Deluxe Kit that includes a more efficient Deluxe Ammodor Humidifier and Ammodor Digital Hygrometer. Deluxe Kits are perfect for the cigar enthusiast that doesn’t want to hassle with buying hardware separately -OR- the beginner who isn’t sure how to get started.

Haley Strategic DC3R X Chest Rig

Haley Strategic DC3R X Chest Rig

Driven by mission versatility. When used as a stand alone, the platform is low profile enough to be worn fully loaded and not print on a normal/loose fit jacket or sweatshirt. When used on a armor platform with a quick release system, such as SwiftClips™, it can be attached or stowed in seconds, giving the end user the versatility to transition from low vis to high vis or vice versa.

The rifle magazine pouches accept AR type magazines as well as AK 7.62 x39mm and 5.45 x 39 magazines. The Multi-Mission Pouches accept 1911, Glock, Sig, M&P, XD and other standard double or single stack pistol magazines, as well as many handheld lights, multi-tools, and 37mm/40mm grenades.

The rig intentionally does not include a radio or dedicated full size medical pouch so no matter the posture, essentials such as communications and medical kits can remain on the end user at all times.

XM42-M Flame Thrower

The XM42 Modular is a complete overhaul of the original handhelf flamethrower that grabbed worldwide attention.  With all new billet aluminum construction and a fully customizable layout, this rugged and sleek design is configurable to balance personal perference.

Applications:

clearing snow and ice,eliminating weeds,controlled burns/agricultural, firefighting, ground insect hive control, concerts and pyrotechnic events, bonfire starting, simply a fun display of fire

What’s Included

XM42-M flamethrower, 2200 mAh rechargeable battery, battery charger, detailed user manual

Technical Specifications

Length:  26.3 in

Width:  6.7 in

Height:  18.4 in

Weight:  8.0 lb

Pilot Torch Fuel:  230g isobutane camping stove style canister

Pilot Torch Ignition:  Pusbutton piezo spark

Standard Nozzle:  .081″ solid stream

Typical Distance:  30 ft

Fuel Capacity:  0.4 gal/ 1.5L

Compatible Fuels:  Gasoline, gasoline-diesel mixture, ethanol

Construction:  Aluminum, stainless steel, flueroelastomer, nylon

Standard Finish:  MIL-A-8625 Type III Class 2 hard coat anodized

Battery:  2200 mAh 3S lithium polymer with XT60 Connector

The XM42-M can be completely disassebled by the end-user for aftermarket Cerakote, upgrades, or replacement components.  It utlizes an electric fuel pump to emit fuel from the nozzle, which is ignited by a pilot torch mounted at the end of the device.

The system is powered by a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery (battery and charger included).

Simply fill the tank with your fuel of choice, ignite the butane torch, and press the trigger button to send a stream of flaming fuel up to 30 feet away.

The modularity of the flamethrower allows you to swap in a 60+ second fuel canister, or even connect the backpack kit that supports over 3.5 minutes of non-stop fire.

Accu-Tac SR-5 QD Bi-Pod

The Accu-Tac SR-5 Quick Detach Bi-Pod was designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA. The SR-5 is 100% billet, made from the highest quality aircraft aluminum available. Its wide stance and ratcheted leg extension gives you the adjustability needed for precision aim and repeatability. You will feel the stability and security of your rifle as never felt before.

Our quick detach rail mount is simple, quick, and very secure; it attaches to a 1913 Picatinny rail and mounts in seconds without the need to use extra tools for tightening. Our ratcheted leg extension design allows the shooter to quickly adjust to 5 different heights without having to align each leg equally. The spring loaded leg extension retracts quickly with a one-button retraction lever. The retracted leg height of 6 inches extends to a full open position of 10 inches with 3 other positions in-between.

To engage or adjust leg position, simply pull the spring loaded leg downward to move each leg independently. Leg position can be deployed in a 90 degree, 45 degree position either forwards or backwards, locking securely into 5 positions through a 180 degree arc.

The post 14 Tactical Gifts for Him this Valentines Day! appeared first on Tactical Sh*t.

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[bigmacbushcraft]

Survival Tips - The Best Emergency Food Kit

Who Needs The Best Emergency Food Kit? Who knows what the future holds? If only we knew, day to day, what challenges would arise, we would never be caught unawares. Unfortunately, life just doesn't work that way. Those who prefer to look forward and make preparations for the "just in case" scenarios are often painted as fringe lunatics and doomsday preppers. However, assembling the best emergency food kit for yourself or your family should be something every responsible adult takes seriously. Just a few of the "normal" situations that could arise, when having emergency rations for your family would make sense, include: loss of a job, temporary lay off, extended storm damage or power outage that traps your family at home. Or perhaps you'd just like to be a position to help another family in need, should the opportunity arise. Then there are Armageddon type scenarios that plague the mind of some, and no better way to put those fears to rest than to look ahead and prepare for the worst. Whatever your reasons for looking forward and setting up emergency rations against a difficult time ahead, we are here to help you build the very best emergency food kit for your family.

Identifying Your Needs First, lay out your preparation strategy. If you're just getting started in emergency preparation, you may not have more than a day or two worth of food in your cupboard. If that's the case, building up a thirty day supply of food is a good place to start. If you already have 30 days of emergency rations laid by, the next step may be building up a six month or year emergency food kit. The important thing is to start somewhere, and build your supplies up until you've assembled the best emergency food kit that you're able. Who Are You Feeding? Do you have children in the house? Teens? Older or elderly adults? Infants will require special feeding accommodations like milk or formula, while the elderly may have some unique nutritional needs, as well. Map out on paper who you're building a food supply for and any special things you need to prepare for them, or for yourself. Then consider what it takes to feed that person for a single day. How Many? Once you've written down what it takes to feed one person for one day, you'll need to multiply that by the number of people, and the number of days for which you're preparing. What Do They Like To Eat? There's no need to live for a month on nothing but rice and beans. You don't want to stock up on three months worth of food that your family won't touch with a six-foot pole, just because it was cheap. It may keep you alive in a pinch, but you want to enjoy it, if possible. So take the likes and dislikes into consideration as you plan. Don't forget to consider food allergies, as well. In an emergency situation, you wouldn't want to face an allergic reaction from cross contamination, so better to avoid problem foods altogether, if possible. Types Of Emergency Rations There are dozens of ways to build up a great emergency food kit. The easiest, though certainly not the least expensive, is to invest in commercially prepared emergency rations, offered by various companies. These kits come as single servings, or a month's worth of food for a single person. There are dozens of options to choose from. Another method, requiring a little planning and management, is to simply take what you buy and use on a weekly basis, and start building up a supply that will last. If you ordinarily use three cans of beans and two boxes of mac 'n' cheese and a jar of peanut butter each week, then begin buying double that, and set the extra aside for your emergency food kit. Then manage your stock by rotating it so that your food stays as fresh as possible. Freshness would be a significant advantage in a long-term disaster, where you're relying on your emergency rations for months, or even years. Once you've built up a few months supply of food, organize your cans and boxes with the soonest expiration date in the front and the furthest out in the back. Then, when you do your grocery shopping, put the new stuff in the back and use from the front. This keeps your stock fresh and ready to use if and when the need arises. Home canning is another less expensive way to build up your emergency food kit. Canning is becoming a lost art, so if you're not familiar with how to do it, you're not alone. Canning food in glass jars requires a little learning and effort but can allow you to preserve tasty, homemade food for years. Be sure to learn which foods require pressure cooking versus water-bathing methods of preservation. Properly canned goods keep best in cool, dark places between 50 and 70 *F (10 – 21 *C) and are safe to eat for years after canning. For bulk dry goods that are intended for long term storage, wheat, beans, rice, sugar and other dry goods can be vacuum sealed and stored in five gallon buckets with O2 absorbers to last for thirty years and more. For the truly prepared minded, a few buckets of wheat and corn will go a long way toward peace of mind. A vacuum sealer is a good investment for anyone serious about their emergency rations. Sealing foods in smaller quantities not only preserves them longer but allows you to use them a little at a time, rather than having to use a large container up quickly once you've opened it. If you're worried about the expiration date on store-bought canned goods, keep this story in mind. A steamboat named the Bertrand was trying to reach Montana in 1865 when it sunk to the bottom of the Missouri river. One hundred years later, canned goods from that wreck were recovered. In 1974, 109 years after the accident, the food was tested by chemists and found safe to eat. You should use good sense when eating canned foods that have passed their expiration dates. If it looks odd, smells bad or tastes bad, don't eat it! Signs That The Food In Your Emergency Food Kit Has Gone Bad Signs canned goods have gone bad: the can is bulging, or the lid has come unsealed. Check for mold or fermentation bubbles in the liquid. If the food rushes out of the can or jar when you open it, there is pressure on the contents that wasn't there when the can or jar was sealed. This is a good indication of bacterial activity causing a chemical reaction.

Comfort Foods Once you've established a good base for emergency rations, you might want to start thinking about adding some comfort foods to your store. In stressful situations, we all turn to food for comfort, and yummy food might not be easy to come by in the event of a disaster. Some things to store include: • Chocolate – powdered cocoa keeps the best, but chocolate bars over 70% cocoa will keep for several months, and much longer if frozen. Hot chocolate mix has a shelf life of several years, and could easily be added to the rotation of your emergency food kit. • Mac n' cheese – Best preserved dried by separating the noodles and cheese, and then vacuum sealing them with O2 absorbers. If you're worried about being able to cook macaroni and cheese, it can be canned, but it won't have the same texture as freshly made. Under cooking the noodles before canning will help it to be less mushy. • Honey – made with natural preservatives, honey will keep indefinitely, as long as water never gets near it. Store in very clean, very dry glass jars. If it crystallizes, you can return it to its liquid state with a little heat. • Freeze dried fruit or dehydrated fruit can be a great energy booster and will keep well when stored properly. • Hard candy – store with desiccants and vacuum sealing to provide a much needed pick me up under stressful conditions. • Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil will store for a very long time and provide added fat for comforting recipes when butter isn't available. • Spices – if you get to a place where you're having to make all of your food from what you have on hand, you'll be very glad for some extra spices to...well...spice things up. • Alcohol – Obviously, a comforting item, but it serves many purposes in a disaster scenario and it keeps well. High alcohol content (over 20%) will keep the longest and over 40% can serve as a disinfectant if needed. • Tea – keeps well without special accommodations. To keep it the very freshest, store in small quantities with an O2 absorber. • Coffee – For those who really need their cuppa to keep their chin up, coffee will be an important part of the very best emergency food kit. Roasted coffee keeps, vacuum sealed in Mylar bags, for up to two years. If you rotate it through your emergency rations, you will have good coffee for some time. For preparation beyond that, you can store green coffee beans in Mylar bags with O2 absorbers, then roast and grind them as needed.

What To Choose? How to decide what goes into the very best emergency food kit? A good rule of thumb is six months to a year of food that you would eat every day. This is easily managed through good shopping and rotation. For preparation beyond that time frame, vacuum sealed Mylar bags will keep dry goods for years. Many companies and even faith-based family preparation programs offer dry goods preserved in #10 cans that will keep up to 30 years. Building an emergency food kit that can last several years in a pinch is possible, with planning and forethought. Water will be critical to surviving certain types of disaster scenarios. When planning for emergency situations, one liter of water per person per day is a good starting point. You'll need some extra for sanitation and cooking, as well. Be sure you have plenty of water on hand, or a way to obtain water and sanitize it. Sanitation tablets and filtration systems would be a major component of the best emergency food kit. Looking Ahead For total preparedness, it's important to think ahead to food preparation during an emergency. If the power was out for three weeks, how would you cook that mac 'n' cheese you took such care to store? Even if you have a power generator for emergencies, stoves and microwaves pull too much energy to use the generator for cooking. A propane or butane camp stove with plenty of fuel cells, or a propane or charcoal grill are great options to have on hand. And don't forget to include a manual can opener in your emergency food kit. Where To Keep It? Storage space can be tricky, depending on your housing situation. If at all possible, you'll want to designate a neatly organized room that's specifically for food storage. You'll label your shelves, and keep things nicely stocked and rotated. If you don't live in this kind of fairy tale situation, you may have to get a little more creative about how you store your emergency food kit. A lot of food can be neatly stored, in cardboard boxes, under beds, in the bottoms or tops of closets, and under the stairs. You may need to reduce unnecessary clutter, to make room for emergency rations. The reward will be worth the effort. Be Prepared, Not Scared Taking the steps required to create the best emergency food kit that you possibly can will pay off in peace of mind. To know that you have the ability to care for those you love, and to be able to reach out to those around you in their time of need, will put you in a category reserved for just a few. You'll rest easy at night, knowing that whatever tomorrow holds, your family is provided for. By: Kelli Warners.  Kelli is the owner of Every Day Carry Gear and publisher of "The Best Emergency Food Kit", one of the many articles designed to educate and help you the reader be prepared and ready for action in whatever survival situation you could find yourself in. If you enjoyed this article, I recommend heading over to website for some more great reads. Article Source: http://www.articlebiz.com/article/1051638867-1-survival-tips-the-best-emergency-food-kit/ Read the full article

[winter-gale]

Herbal Medicine: What is an Electuary?

Herbal Medicine: What is an Electuary? An Electuary is a medicinal paste created with something sweet, such as honey or jam. Thick electuaries can be rolled into little balls for children to take with some juice, and thinner electuaries can be mixed with beverages such as hot tea. At its essence, an electuary is an herb infused honey. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the first known use of an Electuary dates back to the 14th century. ‘Electuarie’ is a Middle English word derived most likely from the Greek ‘Ekleikton’ or ‘Ekleichein’ meaning to lick up. After all, a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down, am I right? ;-) The common kitchen witch (and herbalist) will already be familiar with the process of herbal infusions, such as making tea blends, but making and storing electuaries can really kick your magic crafting up a notch. The primary use is medicinal but you can expand this into everyday spellcraft as well. Below are just a few examples of both medicinal and magical electuaries and how to create them. Medicinal Chamomile – Mildly sedative and soothing for stress relief. Mint – Soothes digestive track to help with heartburn, nausea, and indigestion. Raspberry Leaf – Especially beneficial for women by balancing hormones and helping with painful menses. Elderberry, Echinacea, Licorice Root – This blend is a good immune supporter and very helpful for viral respiratory infections and treating the symptoms accompanied by the flu. Magical (individual ingredients or blend to your tastes) Love – Rose Petals, Lavender Flowers, Lemon Verbena, Apple, Cardamom Money – Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Almond, Orange Protection – Anise, Elder Flower, Fennel, Basil, Blackberry Purification – Rosemary, Bay, Lemon, Chamomile, Nettle, Turmeric How to make an Electuary The best results come from using dried herbs or flowers and local raw honey. The dried plant material allows you to store your electuary longer because it has little to no water in it, where fresh plant material will thin the honey and require refrigeration to prevent mold. Raw honey from your local area is also best because it will contain traces of pollen from the trees and flowers in your area which assist with preventing seasonal allergies. The process is to create a double-boiler system by putting a pot with some water on to boil, then placing a slightly larger metal bowl in it so that it sits snuggly (but not too tight) without touching the water. The gentle steam will warm the metal bowl enough to melt your honey without boiling it directly. Once your double-boiler is assembled put in your desired amount of honey and dried plant material. You can use herbs from your kitchen, ground spices, dried flowers, etc. I would recommend finding food grade if you’re buying online or at a local shop. Organic would be the best of course (pesticides don’t make good electuaries!). The amount of honey to plant material is up to you depending on how strong you want the infusion to be. Let your plant material simmer for an hour in the honey over your double-boiler. *Alternative* You could infuse your honey and herbs using a small crock pot if you wanted to so you could simmer for 2-3 hours. If you want your electuary to be a thick paste, finely grind your herbs prior to infusing using a spice grinder (or mortar and pestle if you have that kind of patience). Alternatively you could just use store bought ground herbs/spices. You will want to use more of an equal ratio of plant material to honey to make sure it stays thick. Please note that this will make the honey taste strongly of the herbs you use so be mindful of taste when you’re choosing herbs to blend, or just plan to roll into more of a “plant pill” to be swallowed. After infusing, store in a clean dry jar with a lid. If you prefer a thinner electuary that can be mixed by the spoonful with a cup of hot water or tea, then you can use any kind of plant material in any amount you’d like with your honey to control strength and flavor. After infusing, strain it into a clean dry jar with lid for storage. Straining a combination of leaves, roots, bark, and ground spices will allow the smaller particles to stay within the electuary while removing the larger more undesirable pieces. This seems to be the most popular method. You can now use your electuary however you’d like! Medicinal, Magical, with tea, in your cooking, the possibilities are endless so experiment! Brightest Blessings, Thalya /|\ Originally posted on my druid page, DruidDaydreams.

[kristinarobinik]

5 Tips To Store Tea The Right Way

Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way. Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way.

Source : stretcher.com

1. The Darker, The Better

Believe it or not, photodegradation can wreak havoc to your favorite cup. Both dark and light-colored teas can degrade its quality from light-induced reaction. When exposed, it can manifest an icky metallic flavor. Hence, it is wise not to store your loose leaf tea or tea bags in glass or clear jars wherein light can easily permeate inside. Choose tinted airtight jars and keep them in a dark corner or inside cabinets to prevent exposure to the sun or powerful light elements which can bleach out tea flavor and aroma.

This bestselling 250mL ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container is a versatile way to store tea even when traveling. Compact and sleek in design, its main power lies on its efficacy in deflecting penetrating light rays. It is also airtight, BPA-free and smellproof.

ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container

2. Tight As Can Be

Aside from penetrating light, oxygen or air can also make your tea turn stale or easily go rancid when prepared. Air flow can easily make your tea absorb moisture from the air as well as unpleasant odors. This is why to store tea, make sure that you use containers that are not only odor-free but also with double lidded design. Like loose leaf varieties, tea bags must also be stored in the same airtight containers. This Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer, for instance, is made of glossy natural wood complemented with felt-lined interior, magnetic lid, and felt-lined bottom. It can also store big 80mm wide tea bags perfectly.

 Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer

3. Strong Odors Be Gone

Tea leaves easily absorb surrounding odors. This is why you need to make sure that the vessel holding your loose leaf or your tea bags have airtight seal that keeps malodorous scents away including strong musty smells inside kitchen cabinets and condiments. Keep in mind also that some tin cans and plastic containers give out strong disagreeable smell and taste. Try also to organize your tea collection by storing scented/floral teas away from strong/flavored ones. This Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji) is an excellent choice in tea storage when trying to ward-off strong smell in your abode. It has self-sealing technology that allows release of CO2 build-up without allowing oxygen to get into the container thus, keeping your tea or coffee protected from any impurities. It is also dishwasher-safe.

Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji)

4. Big No To Moisture

Do you know that moisture can easily place an entire batch of tea into nothingness within just a few minutes? Dried tea leaves, even when bagged, can readily absorb air moisture. Tea varieties must be kept as far away as possible from areas near your stove, fridge, dishwasher vent, electric thermos, turbo broiler, and oven. Moisture can cause mold build-up, caking, and staling of tea. You can vacuum-pack your teas with dark multi-ply bags. This PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container provides high-quality Ziploc closure that keeps tea, coffee, herbs, spices, dried fruits, bath salts, potpourri, and other so on free from leak, unpleasant smell or odor, moisture infiltration, and UV ray penetration.

PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container

5. Beat The Heat

Tea also easily deteriorates when exposed to heat. Aside from penetrating UV rays, sun exposure also degrades beneficial compounds in teas. Teas must also be kept as far as possible from other heat sources like ovens, stoves, vents, and appliances that give out steam or heat. When exposed, it can eliminate unique flavor and taste of the tea as well as amplify moisture infiltration.Give your tea breathing space without accumulating moisture by using a ceramic container. The wood and silicone sealing ring ensure that air and moisture are kept out while keeping contents cool and dry– and free from insects.

77L Ceramic Food Storage Jar With Airtight Wooden Seal

Overall, these tips to store tea the right way are focused on keeping your favorite loose leaves and tea bags free from air, moisture, heat and light. Teas can be quite volatile. To enjoy cup after cup of healthy goodness, choose the right storage containers that increase shelf life and preserve quality, flavor, aroma and appearance of your teas.

Source: https://www.organicteagarden.net/5-tips-to-store-tea-the-right-way

[gudfinds-game-changers]

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[localhomeremodeling]

Kitchen Storage Hacks: Little Upgrades, Big Payoff

Everyone dreams of that picture-perfect kitchen. Don’t you look at those magazine pictures and wonder how do they do it? Sometimes, even the smallest of kitchen spaces look amazing, equipped and organized with almost everything you could ever need. This is because when it comes to kitchens, having a large space is not all that matters- it’s also how you make the most of it. You don't need expensive solutions to make your kitchen organized and useful just the way you want. Once your local home remodeling service provider has done its bit, small upgrades here and there are all you need to make the most from your kitchen space. Regardless of how big or small it may be, kitchen spaces are all about efficiency and smart use. Straight from some of the best local home remodeling Lake Forest CA professionals, here are the best kitchen storage hacks.

Office supply organizers aren’t just for the office!

We all have quite a few of these wired meshes around, serving no purpose. Now it's time to put them to use- you can use one of these to keep the sponges and dish soap. The mesh will let the water drain and give you a mold-free and clean sponge space. You can hang this directly above the sink to allow the water to drain into it, or place a spare tray to collect the dripping liquid.

Repurpose those mason jars to clear the clutter

Got a couple of mason jars lying around? Time to repurpose them to clear the clutter- these jars act as a great storage solution for keeping your cooking and eating utensils. Spoons, forks, tongs, and the likes can all be stored in a couple of mason jars. Not only do these look great, but they also help you find things quicker and they also keep the cooking space organized.

Wire racks to organize the fridge

Organizing your fridge can solve a lot of problems that we face in the kitchen every day. You will be able to find things quicker and also maximize the available storage. Use a couple of wire racks to do all these things- it adds to the available storage space and lets you neatly organize the fridge.

Use clear desk organizers

Clear desk organizers on the fridge shelves are a great way to neatly stack everything in the kitchen. You can easily see what's where and keep everything together. No more going through the clutter to find what you need!

Use the space between your fridge and the wall

Optimum utilization of the entire fridge space- including that around it, is the biggest kitchen hack you will ever come across. You can use the space between the wall and the fridge's sides to put a multifunctional storage rack. This can be used to keep your foil, parchment paper, peanut butter as well as many other pantry items.

Magnetic containers spices

Use small magnetic containers to keep spices and stick them on the fridge. Pro tip- label the containers on the lower surface and you will not have any hassles in knowing what's what!

Slim storage on wheels

Dynamic storage makes it easier for you to repurpose as you want- and a thin storage rack with wheels is a great way to do that. You can get these in almost any appliance shop (or make a cool DIY project out of this!). You can use this to keep any appliances, cooking items or even as your coffee cart with all necessary brewing equipment. Wheel it away to a low traffic area when you do not require the items, and bring it in as needed.

Tension rods for under-the-sink storage

You can use a tension rod mounted under the sink to store cleaning supplies and clothes for easy access. No more digging through bottles to find your favorite cleaner, have it all readily available in one place and leave a cupboard or drawer free for something else. If you are planning a full home remodeling or any kind of work done around the house, you can even ask the professionals to install the tension rods for you without any extra hassle.

DIY storage shelf cum pot and pan rack

A couple of DIY projects go a long way in making the best use of every space in your kitchen, and a storage shelf that doubles up as a pot & pan rack is the smart way to go about it. This storage rack that you can use for almost anything else doubles up as your pot & pan stand once you add a couple of hooks at the bottom. Put this near your sink or between any existing shelves to solve two needs with one idea.

Use the insides of your cabinets

If you think that your cabinets are not giving you the space you need, then you’re probably right. Even a full kitchen remodel will only do so much for you- a bit of creativity is what you need to get the full space. Use the insides of your cabinet doors for hanging some utensils with the help of hooks, or stick a metal plate to store spice jars on them. Kitchen cabinet doors are sturdy and made of good quality wood, so you can use the inside surface for a variety of purposes!

Over the sink cutting board

Counter space is precious- and you really cannot have enough of it in any kitchen. To maximize your working area and counter space, use an over the sink chopping board. This also frees up the counter for use in other parts of your cooking. These chopping boards are easily available at most kitchen stores and you can even get them online.

Fold-Down Tables

Fold-down tables are an excellent choice, you can use them as a table for eating or to get an extra surface while cooking. Once done, fold them back up to get that extra space. Talk to your kitchen remodel Ladera Ranch CA professional and get one or two of these fold-down tables in your kitchen.

Slide-Out Prep Station

You can combine your drawer and cutting board to get a slide-out prep station. This is nothing more than a chopping board with a trash bag underneath it, with all of this installed in a drawer that you can slide out. Chop, dispose of the peels and slide the board back into place. This leaves your counter free for other activities. You can either take the help of your trusted kitchen remodeling professionals or take it up as a DIY project.

Grocery Organization

As you stock up your pantry, do it with the ‘First In First Out’ rule. Stack up all the new and unopened boxes behind what is already open. Use labels and bins to keep it all organized, thus ensuring that you never misplace anything again!

Pans go in sideways!

For a lot of people, pans never seem to be organized and are always creating clutter. Maybe that is because they never tried out one simple hack- store all the pans sideways. This will make the pans less noise and less jumbled. Stack all your pans, lids, cutting boards and plates sideways to get that neat and organized cabinet.

Get rid of countertop bowls

Using countertop storage bowls for fresh produce can be messy and space-hogging. Use a deep drawer with drawer organizers to store produce that does not require refrigeration, and save on that precious counter space for better uses.

Organize your food containers

Ever lost the right lid for your Tupperware? Store Tupperware and its lids using a drawer organizer, and you can avoid misplacing these precious storage boxes. This all is to help you get started in shaping up your kitchen just the way you want it. Cooking is one of the best things in life, and having a kitchen that you can utilize to its full extent helps you enjoy that process. Hacks like these go a long way, but that’s not all. You can use your creativity to do a lot more for organizing your kitchen. Right from color coding to smart DIY projects and clever space usage, there is a lot that you can do in this space. So get your best kitchen remodel, use these hacks and use your creativity to get your dream kitchen ready! If you are in any part of California, contact us today for any remodeling needs. We will visit your site, schedule a meeting with you to understand your requirement and give you a free quote for absolutely no cost. Our expert team of professionals can help you have that dream kitchen you always longed for. Read the full article

[mitchelgroff]

Cleaning Tips for Anyone With Allergies

Whether you or someone in your home suffers year-round or seasonally from allergies or asthma, there are ways you can reduce the misery by cleaning correctly to remove allergens. Allergens can be any substance that causes an allergic reaction. Common household allergens are dust mites and insect droppings, pollen, pet dander, and molds.

Regular weekly cleaning of your home is an important part of an allergy management plan. Even the act of cleaning–especially if it hasn't been done in quite awhile–can trigger allergy symptoms as dust and other allergens are stirred up. If cleaning has been neglected for several weeks, wearing a protective mask is a good habit. Use the proper tools and cleaning products to trap allergens and prevent exposure to chemicals that might cause allergic reactions.

Best Cleaning Tools for Allergen Reduction

Vacuum: If you don't have a fine-particle Hepa filter vacuum, use a double bag to trap as many particles as possible. For bagless vacuums, regularly clean and wash out the collection cup.

Fabric Allergen Sanitizer Vacuum: These vacuums use ultraviolet light to kill dust mites and bacteria and then a dual filtration system to eliminate 99.9% of the offenders from fabric surfaces.

Washable Microfiber Cleaning Cloths and Mops: Microfiber cloths will attract dust better than cotton or paper towels. Choose tools with removable heads that can be tossed in the washer for a thorough cleaning. Dampen mops and cleaning cloths lightly before using to attract the most dust.

Disposable Dust Wipes: Synthetic dusting wipes and wands attract dust and create static cling that will hold the dust until it can be disposed of in the trash.

Protective Masks and Gloves: Opt for disposable or washable masks. Avoid latex gloves and choose cotton-lined rubber gloves instead to prevent skin irritation.

Laundry Products: Choose detergents and other stain removal products that are dye free and unscented. Studies have shown that dye is often the culprit in skin irritation.

Best Cleaning Products for Allergen Reduction

Unfortunately, some cleaning products can actually be irritants and cause the same symptoms as an allergen. Choose cleaning products that contain the fewest chemicals possible. It is particularly important to limit your exposure to products that include:

Ammonia

D-limonene

Formaldehyde

Sodium hypochlorite

Sodium lauryl sulfate

These chemicals have been identified as potentially irritating. Learn to read labels before you use a cleaning or laundry product.

Look for unscented cleaners and use natural products like distilled white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice for cleaning.

Reduce Allergens in the Entire House 

Here are six tips to reduce allergens throughout your home:

Control indoor temperature and humidity. Dust mites and mold spores like heat and humidity. By maintaining a temperature between 68˚F (20˚C) and 72˚F (22˚C) and a humidity level of no more than 50 percent you can reduce their growth.

Use small-particle filters in central heating and cooling systems and in room air conditioners. Change or clean the filters monthly.

Control pests like insects and mice. Use traps or a professional exterminator and seal any cracks that may allow them into the home.

Remove clutter and dust catchers from living spaces.

Do not allow smoking anywhere within the home.

Keep pets outside as much as possible. Bathe indoor pets at least weekly and wash their bedding weekly.

Bedroom

Since we spend so many hours in our bedrooms surrounded by lots of soft, dust-catching surfaces, it is essential to clean everything weekly.

Start with the bed and bedding. Sheets, pillowcases, and blankets should be washed at least once a week in hot water. If you have allergies, never hang bedding outside to dry. The outdoor pollens will come in with the sheets. Choose washable bedspreads or comforters and encase pillows, mattresses, and box springs in dust mite-proof cases. Pillows should be cleaned regularly.

Clean the bedroom weekly, starting at the top and working down. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Dust blinds and/or wash curtains. Dust any furniture and using the hand tools, vacuum upholstered furniture. Finally, vacuum the floor including the spaces under the bed and furniture. For the fewest allergens, remove wall-to-wall carpeting and use hardwood or solid tile flooring and washable area rugs in the bedroom.

While we love them, it is best to keep pets out of the bedroom and off the bed.Keep closet doors closed to reduce the transfer of allergens from clothing. Use covered plastic bins that can be cleaned easily to store unused items.

Bathroom 

The most dangerous allergens in bathrooms are mold and mildew. You can halt and remove mildew growth with chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or a commercial mildew cleaner. Always read directions carefully and NEVER mix different chemicals.

To remove mildew build-up, mix a solution of three parts water to one part bleach. Wearing rubber gloves and ventilating the area well, use a stiff brush to scrub the affected areas. For tight corners, saturate paper towels with the bleach/water solution and apply the towels to the mold. Allow them to remain in place for ten to 15 minutes and then scrub and rinse.

To prevent additional mildew growth, install and use an exhaust fan when taking baths or showers. After every use, towel-dry the tub or shower enclosure. Check the tub, showerhead, sink, and toilet fixtures frequently for leaks and repair immediately.

Always hang towels to dry between uses. Wash rugs, bathmats, and shower curtains frequently to inhibit mildew growth.

Living Areas

Just as in a bedroom, start cleaning at the top of the room so that dust and allergens drift down to be captured by a damp mop or vacuum.

Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Then dust blinds and wash or vacuum drapes using the hand tools. Don't forget to clean window sills and mantles or any horizontal surface. Clean away any ashes or residue in fireplaces.

Wipe down wooden furniture to remove dust and vacuum upholstery. Finally, vacuum the carpet or damp mop floors. Wash any throw rugs.

Living areas should be cleaned at least weekly and it is best to vacuum carpet every other day to capture the most allergens.

If you have plants, cover the soil with decorative rocks or marbles to help contain the natural molds that can grow in damp soil. Artificial plants should be dusted weekly and periodically given a shower to remove dust.

Rather than use chemical air fresheners, consider simmering citrus peels or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to freshen the air.

Kitchen 

The kitchen is prime real estate for mold growth and insect droppings. To prevent mold and mildew growth, use a vented exhaust fan to reduce moisture. Regularly check the sink, refrigerator, and freezer for leaks and repair promptly.

Weekly, clean the refrigerator and discard moldy or out-of-date food. Wipe down door seals, clean drip pans, and mop up spills and excess moisture. Mop floors and wash any throw rugs.

Clean the countertops and sink daily. Dishes should be washed after every meal by hand or placed in a dishwasher. All food should be stored in covered containers and the trash emptied frequently to prevent droppings from rodents and cockroaches.

At least four times per year, empty and clean cabinets and drawers to remove crumbs.

Entry and Storage Areas 

A good way to reduce allergens in your home is to prevent them from coming in. At least weekly, clean outside entryways by sweeping or hosing away pollen. Have everyone in the family take off their shoes before going into the house. Store outerwear in an entry area rather than bedrooms to keep pollen at bay.

In the laundry room, check frequently for washer leaks to prevent mold growth. After every dryer load, clean the lint filter and then empty the wastebasket. At least quarterly, check to be sure the outside dryer vent is clean and operating properly. Never vent dryer moisture inside a home.

Basements and storage areas can be damp and dusty. If you are using these spaces for storage, use plastic bins with lids to prevent collectibles from gathering dust and mildew growth. 

If you detect dampness, use a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air. Check foundations and windows for leaks and repair as soon as possible. Get rid of wall-to-wall carpet and install a hard-surface flooring that can be easily cleaned.

As a Laundry Farmington, NM,  we are wedding gown cleaning and preservation specialists, the summer is definitely our busy season.

[taftfurniture]

The A-Z’s of Furniture Terminology

Accent colors

Contrast colors used to spice up room schemes

ADA Guidelines

A set of requirements applied to the design and construction of all buildings to ensure individuals with disabilities have full access to the building and its facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

Antiquing

The process of making wood or fabric look old and used. This can be done through a finish, artificial weathering, or distressing.

Apron

Boards that are placed at right angles to the underside of a tabletop or seat of a chair, extending between the tops of legs. On case goods furniture, it is the perpendicular face below the lowest drawer between bracket feet.

Arabesque

A kind of scroll pattern in which leaves, flowers, fruit and geometric forms are intertwined

Armoire

French term for a wardrobe frequently used to describe a French-style wardrobe.

Art Deco

Style of architecture and furnishings popular in the 1920's and 1930's; characteristics include streamlined, geometric motifs expressed in materials such as glass, plastic and chrome.

Art Nouveau

Forerunner of Art Deco; style of decoration between 1890 and 1910 characterized by flowing lines, sinuous curves and forms derived from nature.

Bachelor's Chest

A small low chest of drawers which first appeared in the 18th century.

Balloon back

A chair with a circular back resembling a balloon; popularized in Victorian times.

Bar Height:

A Bar Height Table (or Pub Height) measures between 40" - 42" Tall. Therefore, the bar stools are in the 28"- 30" range.

Banquette

A long bench-like seat, often upholstered and generally built into or along a wall.

Bentwood chair

A chair popularized in Paris café culture made from wood bent using a steaming process.

Bergère

An upholstered French armchair with outwardly rolling arms and sections of its wooden frame exposed.

Bolster

A long, often cylindrical, cushion or pillow for a bed, sofa, etc.

Bookcase Headboard

A headboard for a bed that has space to store books, radios, clocks, and other small items. Sometimes called a storage headboard.

Bow front

Outwardly bowing front of an item of wooden furniture.

Box Match

A veneering pattern similar to diamond match and angled to create a series of consecutive squares radiating out from the center.

Brace Block

A piece of wood or metal, fitted into an angle of a piece of furniture to add strength or rigidity.

Bracket foot

A foot resembling an “L” on its side placed at the corners of cabinet furniture.

Breakfront

An item of furniture divided vertically into three sections, with the center section projecting forward.

Brocade

Used in fine, formal upholstery, it has raised surface patterns resembling embroidery.

Broken pediment

A decorative feature placed at the top of an item of furniture, which resembles a camel's hump. The center section of the hump is removed (hence the term “broken”) to make room for additional ornamental features.

Buffet

A buffet/sideboard without a hutch or storage cabinet on top. The French definition of the word is "a small sideboard; a place to keep dishes.”

Bun Foot

A foot shaped as a slightly flattened round ball typically used on chests of drawers or upholstered chairs.

Bureau

A desk built on top of a chest of drawers. The desk is revealed when a flap or “fall” is lowered. Occasionally a bookcase sits on top of it.

Cabriole leg

A table or chair leg with a gentle "S" shape which curves outward at the top and then curves inward while tapering gradually. Named after an early French term for "goat" (literally "goat's leg") it is common on Queen Anne and Chippendale style furniture. Occasionally referred to as a Queen Anne leg.

Camel back

Used to describe furniture with a curve like a camel's hump along its back.

Casters

Small wheels mounted on a swivel frame and then attached to a base or legs to facilitate moving a piece of furniture.

Canterbury

A portable magazine rack.

Chairback Headboard

This is an open headboard style resembling the back of a dining room chair.

Chaise Lounge

An upholstered settee with an arm at one end and a back that tapers down to seating level.

Chenille

Fabric with thick needle-punched design; often used on bedspreads and robes as well as casual upholstery.

Chest on chest

A large chest of drawers on which sits a slightly smaller chest of drawers.

Chippendale

Name applied to Thomas Chippendale’s eighteenth-century furniture designs, including the camelback sofa and the wing chair.

Classic

Refers to design based in the artistic standards, principles and methods of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Coffee Table

A long, low table used in front of a sofa. Also called a cocktail table.

Coffer

A storage chest having a hinged lid.

Complementary colors

Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel (i.e. blue and orange).

Corner Block

Triangular wood block used in the concealed structure under tabletops, inside cases, and at points of stress on upholstered furniture frames.

Cornice

Decorative section of wood that runs along the top of cabinet furniture and leans out at an angle to provide a pleasing finished appearance to the piece.

Counter Height:

A Counter Height Table measures between 34"- 36" Tall. Counter Height Tables are considered more casual, and make it easier to converse with others standing in the room. Counter height stools seating measures between 24"- 28" high.

Credenza

A buffet, sideboard, or bookcase, especially one without legs. A piece of office furniture having a long flat top.

Cyma Curve

A simple double-curved molding with a reversed curve as its profile. Derived from Greek meaning, “wave”.

Damask

Formal fabric with textural contrast between satiny and dull.

Daybed

Similar to a bed but narrower and with a padded seat back at one end for leaning against.

Dinette

Small-scaled dining furniture with a table and four to six chairs designed for kitchen use, but also used in small dining areas.

Drop leaf table

A table with hinged leaves which can be lowered to save space when not in use.

Eclecticism

A style in which furnishings and accessories of various periods and styles are deftly and harmoniously combined.

Embossing

A type of design that is produced on a surface by hammering, stamping, pressing, or molding

Etagere

A free standing open cabinet having several shelves used for display purposes.

Fiddle back

A back splat shaped like a violin, common in Windsor chairs.

Filigree

Ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design that is usually done in gold or silver wire.

Finial

A small carved or turned ornament used to provide a decorative finish to a tall vertical piece such as a long case clock or bedpost.

Flat packed furniture

Also called KD, flat-pack or self-assembly furniture. Refers to furniture that is to be assembled by the end user.

Fretwork

Interlaced ornamental woodwork, usually in a complicated repeating, geometric pattern. This is often used in backs of chairs, beds, in china cabinet doors, or on table aprons and legs.

Futon

A folded mattress on a frame that can be folded up for seating or down to form a sleeping surface.

Gesso

(Pronounced jesso) A decorative feature created out of plaster commonly used on picture and mirror frames. Frequently finished by gilding or painting.

Homespun

Originally, this was a fabric loomed by hand at home, but now the name of a loose, coarsely woven, power-loomed fabric that uses textured and bulky yarns to create a hand-woven look.

Hutch

A two-part case piece that usually has a two-door cabinet below and open shelves above, originally dating from seventeenth-century England.

Inlay

Veneers of contrasting colors cut into decorative shapes and set into the surface of wood furniture for ornamentation.

Innerspring Mattress

A mattress with a center core of springs for buoyancy and resilience. A protective pad surrounds the springs.

Jacquard

A formal, highly decorative fabric that includes damasks, tapestries, brocades, and all cloths with elaborate figures woven on a jacquard loom.

Knee Hole

A space beneath a desk or dressing table designed to accommodate a person's legs to enable them to sit comfortably when using the top as a work surface.

Lacquer

A durable varnish applied in several layers to protect furniture’s surface. Finishes can vary from matt to glossy.

Ladder Back Chair

A style of country chair with horizontal slats in the back that resemble a ladder.

Laminate or "Lam"

Applied covering to boards, which provide different appearances such as colors and grains (see also paper, vinyl). A synonym for “replicated.”

Lattice

An openwork crisscross or fretwork made of thin, flat strips of wood or metal. Usually found on chairs and headboards.

Lazy Susan

A revolving tray or stand of wood or metal.

Leaf

A board or panel that is used as a tabletop extension. Some leaves are hinged to the table surface and must be raised to a horizontal position, as in a Pampero or gate-leg table. Other leaves are drawn out from beneath the table surface, as in the draw table. In other tables, the top can be separated and extended so leaves can be placed in the opening.

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

This is made by breaking down wood chips into fibers, mixing glue, and fusing the resulting mixture under heat and pressure to produce a board.

Mantel

The complete facing around the opening of a fireplace, including any shelf used above it as well as any part that projects from the wall.

Motion Furniture

Chairs, beds, or sofas containing mechanisms that allow the user to recline or extend their legs.

Occasional Furniture

A generic term used to describe small pieces of furniture such as lamp tables, coffee tables or magazine racks.

Ottoman

A long, low upholstered seat with no back: used with a chair as a footrest. If over scaled, can be used in place of a cocktail table.

Parson's Table

A square or rectangular table with wide, straight legs.

Particle Board

Panels that are manufactured by bonding wood particles with synthetic resins under heat and pressure. Used as the core for many plywood panels, as panels to be printed (engraved), or other uses in furniture construction. Also called fiberboard, chip core, hardboard, and medium density fiberboard.

Patina

The coloration and texture, which wood and leather acquire with age and use

Pediment

A decorative crest found at the top of tall pieces of furniture to achieve a pleasing finish.

Pilaster

A flattened column-like detail applied to furniture, bookcases, etc. as a decorative feature.

Platform Bed

A mattress that sets on the top of a wood or plastic platform or pedestal. Sometimes the mattress may recess into a frame on the top of the platform, and there is a shelf that may go partially or completely around the perimeter.

Pouf

A low upholstered stool of solid construction

Queen Anne Leg

A table or chair leg with a gentle "S" shape which curves outward at the top and then curves inward while tapering gradually. Named after an early French term for "goat" (literally "goat's leg") it is common on Queen Anne and Chippendale style furniture. Occasionally referred to as a Queen Anne leg.

Return

The part of an L-shaped desk that is at right angles to the main work surface, providing additional workspace.

Roll Top Desk

Desks with a tambour cover which rolls back to reveal the writing surface.

Sectional Furniture

Upholstered furniture composed of complementary sections that can be grouped in a variety or arrangements or used separately

Serving Table

A long narrow table with drawers.

Settee

Another word for a sofa.

Shield Back Chair

A chair in the Hepplewhite style having a back in the shape of a shield.

Side Chair

A chair with a small seat (15 to 18 inches wide) and no arms.

Sleigh Bed

A popular French Empire-style bed having a high scrolled headboard and footboard, creating the impression of a sleigh or a boat (also called “lit bateau” or “boat bed”)

Spindle Back

A chair having vertically arranged spindles in the back.

Standard Height:

A Standard Height Table measures between 28"- 30" Tall. Standard Height Tables are more common and therefore available in more sizes, designs and finishes than counter height tables. Standard height chair seating measures between 18"- 20" high.

Tester Bed

A bed having two posts at the headboard supporting a half canopy above.

TOB

An abbreviation for Top of Bed. Ashley TOB sets contain a comforter, pillow shams, and a bed skirt.

Trundle Bed

Pullout bed on casters somewhat smaller than the bed under which it is set.

Tufting

An upholstery technique where the covering fabric and the padding are tied back in a definite pattern, creating small "pillows" between depressions.

Wainscoting

Wood paneling applied to walls from baseboards to the desired height, usually about one-third of the way up a wall.

Windsor Chair

A popular 18th century wooden chair having a solid seat and a back formed from a bent wood hoop and vertical spindles.

[greggory--lee]

Survival Tips – The Best Emergency Food Kit

Who Needs The Best Emergency Food Kit?

Who knows what the future holds? If only we knew, day to day, what challenges would arise, we would never be caught unawares. Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way. Those who prefer to look forward and make preparations for the “just in case” scenarios are often painted as fringe lunatics and doomsday preppers. However, assembling the best emergency food kit for yourself or your family should be something every responsible adult takes seriously. Just a few of the “normal” situations that could arise, when having emergency rations for your family would make sense, include: loss of a job, temporary lay off, extended storm damage or power outage that traps your family at home. Or perhaps you’d just like to be a position to help another family in need, should the opportunity arise. Then there are Armageddon type scenarios that plague the mind of some, and no better way to put those fears to rest than to look ahead and prepare for the worst. Whatever your reasons for looking forward and setting up emergency rations against a difficult time ahead, we are here to help you build the very best emergency food kit for your family.

Identifying Your Needs

First, lay out your preparation strategy. If you’re just getting started in emergency preparation, you may not have more than a day or two worth of food in your cupboard. If that’s the case, building up a thirty day supply of food is a good place to start. If you already have 30 days of emergency rations laid by, the next step may be building up a six month or year emergency food kit. The important thing is to start somewhere, and build your supplies up until you’ve assembled the best emergency food kit that you’re able.

Who Are You Feeding?

Do you have children in the house? Teens? Older or elderly adults? Infants will require special feeding accommodations like milk or formula, while the elderly may have some unique nutritional needs, as well. Map out on paper who you’re building a food supply for and any special things you need to prepare for them, or for yourself. Then consider what it takes to feed that person for a single day.

How Many?

Once you’ve written down what it takes to feed one person for one day, you’ll need to multiply that by the number of people, and the number of days for which you’re preparing.

What Do They Like To Eat?

There’s no need to live for a month on nothing but rice and beans. You don’t want to stock up on three months worth of food that your family won’t touch with a six-foot pole, just because it was cheap. It may keep you alive in a pinch, but you want to enjoy it, if possible. So take the likes and dislikes into consideration as you plan. Don’t forget to consider food allergies, as well. In an emergency situation, you wouldn’t want to face an allergic reaction from cross contamination, so better to avoid problem foods altogether, if possible.

Types Of Emergency Rations

There are dozens of ways to build up a great emergency food kit. The easiest, though certainly not the least expensive, is to invest in commercially prepared emergency rations, offered by various companies. These kits come as single servings, or a month’s worth of food for a single person. There are dozens of options to choose from.

Another method, requiring a little planning and management, is to simply take what you buy and use on a weekly basis, and start building up a supply that will last. If you ordinarily use three cans of beans and two boxes of mac ‘n’ cheese and a jar of peanut butter each week, then begin buying double that, and set the extra aside for your emergency food kit. Then manage your stock by rotating it so that your food stays as fresh as possible. Freshness would be a significant advantage in a long-term disaster, where you’re relying on your emergency rations for months, or even years.

Once you’ve built up a few months supply of food, organize your cans and boxes with the soonest expiration date in the front and the furthest out in the back. Then, when you do your grocery shopping, put the new stuff in the back and use from the front. This keeps your stock fresh and ready to use if and when the need arises.

Home canning is another less expensive way to build up your emergency food kit. Canning is becoming a lost art, so if you’re not familiar with how to do it, you’re not alone. Canning food in glass jars requires a little learning and effort but can allow you to preserve tasty, homemade food for years. Be sure to learn which foods require pressure cooking versus water-bathing methods of preservation. Properly canned goods keep best in cool, dark places between 50 and 70 *F (10 – 21 *C) and are safe to eat for years after canning.

For bulk dry goods that are intended for long term storage, wheat, beans, rice, sugar and other dry goods can be vacuum sealed and stored in five gallon buckets with O2 absorbers to last for thirty years and more. For the truly prepared minded, a few buckets of wheat and corn will go a long way toward peace of mind.

A vacuum sealer is a good investment for anyone serious about their emergency rations. Sealing foods in smaller quantities not only preserves them longer but allows you to use them a little at a time, rather than having to use a large container up quickly once you’ve opened it.

If you’re worried about the expiration date on store-bought canned goods, keep this story in mind. A steamboat named the Bertrand was trying to reach Montana in 1865 when it sunk to the bottom of the Missouri river. One hundred years later, canned goods from that wreck were recovered. In 1974, 109 years after the accident, the food was tested by chemists and found safe to eat. You should use good sense when eating canned foods that have passed their expiration dates. If it looks odd, smells bad or tastes bad, don’t eat it!

Signs That The Food In Your Emergency Food Kit Has Gone Bad

Signs canned goods have gone bad: the can is bulging, or the lid has come unsealed. Check for mold or fermentation bubbles in the liquid. If the food rushes out of the can or jar when you open it, there is pressure on the contents that wasn’t there when the can or jar was sealed. This is a good indication of bacterial activity causing a chemical reaction.

Comfort Foods

Once you’ve established a good base for emergency rations, you might want to start thinking about adding some comfort foods to your store. In stressful situations, we all turn to food for comfort, and yummy food might not be easy to come by in the event of a disaster. Some things to store include:

Chocolate – powdered cocoa keeps the best, but chocolate bars over 70% cocoa will keep for several months, and much longer if frozen. Hot chocolate mix has a shelf life of several years, and could easily be added to the rotation of your emergency food kit.

Mac n’ cheese – Best preserved dried by separating the noodles and cheese, and then vacuum sealing them with O2 absorbers. If you’re worried about being able to cook macaroni and cheese, it can be canned, but it won’t have the same texture as freshly made. Under cooking the noodles before canning will help it to be less mushy.

Honey – made with natural preservatives, honey will keep indefinitely, as long as water never gets near it. Store in very clean, very dry glass jars. If it crystallizes, you can return it to its liquid state with a little heat.

Freeze dried fruit or dehydrated fruit can be a great energy booster and will keep well when stored properly.

Hard candy – store with desiccants and vacuum sealing to provide a much needed pick me up under stressful conditions.

Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil will store for a very long time and provide added fat for comforting recipes when butter isn’t available.

Spices – if you get to a place where you’re having to make all of your food from what you have on hand, you’ll be very glad for some extra spices to… well… spice things up.

Alcohol – Obviously, a comforting item, but it serves many purposes in a disaster scenario and it keeps well. High alcohol content (over 20%) will keep the longest and over 40% can serve as a disinfectant if needed.

Tea – keeps well without special accommodations. To keep it the very freshest, store in small quantities with an O2 absorber.

Coffee – For those who really need their cuppa to keep their chin up, coffee will be an important part of the very best emergency food kit. Roasted coffee keeps, vacuum sealed in Mylar bags, for up to two years. If you rotate it through your emergency rations, you will have good coffee for some time. For preparation beyond that, you can store green coffee beans in Mylar bags with O2 absorbers, then roast and grind them as needed.

What To Choose?

How to decide what goes into the very best emergency food kit? A good rule of thumb is six months to a year of food that you would eat every day. This is easily managed through good shopping and rotation. For preparation beyond that time frame, vacuum sealed Mylar bags will keep dry goods for years. Many companies and even faith-based family preparation programs offer dry goods preserved in #10 cans that will keep up to 30 years. Building an emergency food kit that can last several years in a pinch is possible, with planning and forethought.

Water will be critical to surviving certain types of disaster scenarios. When planning for emergency situations, one liter of water per person per day is a good starting point. You’ll need some extra for sanitation and cooking, as well. Be sure you have plenty of water on hand, or a way to obtain water and sanitize it. Sanitation tablets and filtration systems would be a major component of the best emergency food kit.

Looking Ahead

For total preparedness, it’s important to think ahead to food preparation during an emergency. If the power was out for three weeks, how would you cook that mac ‘n’ cheese you took such care to store? Even if you have a power generator for emergencies, stoves and microwaves pull too much energy to use the generator for cooking. A propane or butane camp stove with plenty of fuel cells, or a propane or charcoal grill are great options to have on hand. And don’t forget to include a manual can opener in your emergency food kit.

Where To Keep It?

Storage space can be tricky, depending on your housing situation. If at all possible, you’ll want to designate a neatly organized room that’s specifically for food storage. You’ll label your shelves, and keep things nicely stocked and rotated. If you don’t live in this kind of fairy tale situation, you may have to get a little more creative about how you store your emergency food kit. A lot of food can be neatly stored, in cardboard boxes, under beds, in the bottoms or tops of closets, and under the stairs. You may need to reduce unnecessary clutter, to make room for emergency rations. The reward will be worth the effort.

Be Prepared, Not Scared

Taking the steps required to create the best emergency food kit that you possibly can will pay off in peace of mind. To know that you have the ability to care for those you love, and to be able to reach out to those around you in their time of need, will put you in a category reserved for just a few. You’ll rest easy at night, knowing that whatever tomorrow holds, your family is provided for.

Source by Kelli Warner

Source: http://bitcoinswiz.com/survival-tips-the-best-emergency-food-kit/

[normaradford]

5 Tips To Store Tea The Right Way

Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way. Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way.

Source : stretcher.com

1. The Darker, The Better

Believe it or not, photodegradation can wreak havoc to your favorite cup. Both dark and light-colored teas can degrade its quality from light-induced reaction. When exposed, it can manifest an icky metallic flavor. Hence, it is wise not to store your loose leaf tea or tea bags in glass or clear jars wherein light can easily permeate inside. Choose tinted airtight jars and keep them in a dark corner or inside cabinets to prevent exposure to the sun or powerful light elements which can bleach out tea flavor and aroma.

This bestselling 250mL ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container is a versatile way to store tea even when traveling. Compact and sleek in design, its main power lies on its efficacy in deflecting penetrating light rays. It is also airtight, BPA-free and smellproof.

ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container

2. Tight As Can Be

Aside from penetrating light, oxygen or air can also make your tea turn stale or easily go rancid when prepared. Air flow can easily make your tea absorb moisture from the air as well as unpleasant odors. This is why to store tea, make sure that you use containers that are not only odor-free but also with double lidded design. Like loose leaf varieties, tea bags must also be stored in the same airtight containers. This Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer, for instance, is made of glossy natural wood complemented with felt-lined interior, magnetic lid, and felt-lined bottom. It can also store big 80mm wide tea bags perfectly.

 Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer

3. Strong Odors Be Gone

Tea leaves easily absorb surrounding odors. This is why you need to make sure that the vessel holding your loose leaf or your tea bags have airtight seal that keeps malodorous scents away including strong musty smells inside kitchen cabinets and condiments. Keep in mind also that some tin cans and plastic containers give out strong disagreeable smell and taste. Try also to organize your tea collection by storing scented/floral teas away from strong/flavored ones. This Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji) is an excellent choice in tea storage when trying to ward-off strong smell in your abode. It has self-sealing technology that allows release of CO2 build-up without allowing oxygen to get into the container thus, keeping your tea or coffee protected from any impurities. It is also dishwasher-safe.

Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji)

4. Big No To Moisture

Do you know that moisture can easily place an entire batch of tea into nothingness within just a few minutes? Dried tea leaves, even when bagged, can readily absorb air moisture. Tea varieties must be kept as far away as possible from areas near your stove, fridge, dishwasher vent, electric thermos, turbo broiler, and oven. Moisture can cause mold build-up, caking, and staling of tea. You can vacuum-pack your teas with dark multi-ply bags. This PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container provides high-quality Ziploc closure that keeps tea, coffee, herbs, spices, dried fruits, bath salts, potpourri, and other so on free from leak, unpleasant smell or odor, moisture infiltration, and UV ray penetration.

PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container

5. Beat The Heat

Tea also easily deteriorates when exposed to heat. Aside from penetrating UV rays, sun exposure also degrades beneficial compounds in teas. Teas must also be kept as far as possible from other heat sources like ovens, stoves, vents, and appliances that give out steam or heat. When exposed, it can eliminate unique flavor and taste of the tea as well as amplify moisture infiltration.Give your tea breathing space without accumulating moisture by using a ceramic container. The wood and silicone sealing ring ensure that air and moisture are kept out while keeping contents cool and dry– and free from insects.

77L Ceramic Food Storage Jar With Airtight Wooden Seal

Overall, these tips to store tea the right way are focused on keeping your favorite loose leaves and tea bags free from air, moisture, heat and light. Teas can be quite volatile. To enjoy cup after cup of healthy goodness, choose the right storage containers that increase shelf life and preserve quality, flavor, aroma and appearance of your teas.

source https://www.organicteagarden.net/5-tips-to-store-tea-the-right-way 5 Tips To Store Tea The Right Way

[organicteagarden]

5 Tips To Store Tea The Right Way

Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way. Ever experienced anticipating a relaxing tea time only to find out that your favorite loose leaf variety had gone stale in its storage container? Oxidation is a continuing process and, when a stocked tea is not properly stored, it can easily loose its flavor and aroma leading to a blah taste in your cup. Apart from such blatant deterioration, it may also prove to be harmful in the long run. So, how to ensure that you’re drinking the best cup each time? To prevent accumulating impurities leading to unfavorable conditions to your favorite drink, here are some surefire tips to store tea the right way.

Source : stretcher.com

1. The Darker, The Better

Believe it or not, photodegradation can wreak havoc to your favorite cup. Both dark and light-colored teas can degrade its quality from light-induced reaction. When exposed, it can manifest an icky metallic flavor. Hence, it is wise not to store your loose leaf tea or tea bags in glass or clear jars wherein light can easily permeate inside. Choose tinted airtight jars and keep them in a dark corner or inside cabinets to prevent exposure to the sun or powerful light elements which can bleach out tea flavor and aroma.

This bestselling 250mL ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container is a versatile way to store tea even when traveling. Compact and sleek in design, its main power lies on its efficacy in deflecting penetrating light rays. It is also airtight, BPA-free and smellproof.

ultravioLeaf Airtight Glass Stash Container

2. Tight As Can Be

Aside from penetrating light, oxygen or air can also make your tea turn stale or easily go rancid when prepared. Air flow can easily make your tea absorb moisture from the air as well as unpleasant odors. This is why to store tea, make sure that you use containers that are not only odor-free but also with double lidded design. Like loose leaf varieties, tea bags must also be stored in the same airtight containers. This Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer, for instance, is made of glossy natural wood complemented with felt-lined interior, magnetic lid, and felt-lined bottom. It can also store big 80mm wide tea bags perfectly.

 Luxe Culinaire Tea Bag Storage Box and Organizer

3. Strong Odors Be Gone

Tea leaves easily absorb surrounding odors. This is why you need to make sure that the vessel holding your loose leaf or your tea bags have airtight seal that keeps malodorous scents away including strong musty smells inside kitchen cabinets and condiments. Keep in mind also that some tin cans and plastic containers give out strong disagreeable smell and taste. Try also to organize your tea collection by storing scented/floral teas away from strong/flavored ones. This Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji) is an excellent choice in tea storage when trying to ward-off strong smell in your abode. It has self-sealing technology that allows release of CO2 build-up without allowing oxygen to get into the container thus, keeping your tea or coffee protected from any impurities. It is also dishwasher-safe.

Osaka Self-Sealing Airtight Storage Jar (Shitenno-ji)

4. Big No To Moisture

Do you know that moisture can easily place an entire batch of tea into nothingness within just a few minutes? Dried tea leaves, even when bagged, can readily absorb air moisture. Tea varieties must be kept as far away as possible from areas near your stove, fridge, dishwasher vent, electric thermos, turbo broiler, and oven. Moisture can cause mold build-up, caking, and staling of tea. You can vacuum-pack your teas with dark multi-ply bags. This PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container provides high-quality Ziploc closure that keeps tea, coffee, herbs, spices, dried fruits, bath salts, potpourri, and other so on free from leak, unpleasant smell or odor, moisture infiltration, and UV ray penetration.

PackMan Mylar Aluminum Foil Stand-Up Airtight Zipper Smell-and-Leak Proof Container

5. Beat The Heat

Tea also easily deteriorates when exposed to heat. Aside from penetrating UV rays, sun exposure also degrades beneficial compounds in teas. Teas must also be kept as far as possible from other heat sources like ovens, stoves, vents, and appliances that give out steam or heat. When exposed, it can eliminate unique flavor and taste of the tea as well as amplify moisture infiltration.Give your tea breathing space without accumulating moisture by using a ceramic container. The wood and silicone sealing ring ensure that air and moisture are kept out while keeping contents cool and dry– and free from insects.

77L Ceramic Food Storage Jar With Airtight Wooden Seal

Overall, these tips to store tea the right way are focused on keeping your favorite loose leaves and tea bags free from air, moisture, heat and light. Teas can be quite volatile. To enjoy cup after cup of healthy goodness, choose the right storage containers that increase shelf life and preserve quality, flavor, aroma and appearance of your teas.

https://www.organicteagarden.net/5-tips-to-store-tea-the-right-way