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The 5 Critical Factors for Brewing a Great Cup of Coffee

Americans drink a lot of coffee, to the tune of more than 300 million cups per day.  That’s right, per day!  And while many of us love to stop and grab a cup at our favorite coffeehouse, these tough economic times aren’t affording us the ability to do that as often as we’d probably like.  Thus, many of us are relegated to brewing our own cup of joe at home, with most of us relying on the standard drip automatic coffee machine.

Gourmet roasted coffee

Yet, no matter how hard we try, we never can seem to replicate the same quality of coffee using our drip machines as what we’re able to get at the coffeehouse.  Aside from the fact that coffeehouses are using large, industrial quality equipment, there are 5 basic elements to brewing a great cup of coffee at home.

  1. Freshness of the coffee - This not only refers to when the beans are ground (immediately before brewing is always preferable, so if you’re buying pre-ground coffee, stop it right now!), but also to when the beans were roasted.  If you purchase your coffee at the grocery store, chances are it was roasted at least a couple weeks (or even worse, months) ago.  Shop around your local area and look for a roaster who will roast your beans to order.  You’ll be amazed at the difference in flavor.
  2. Ratio of coffee to water - If your coffee is too weak or has too much bitterness to it, the problem may be that you’re not using enough coffee.  As a general rule of thumb, you want 1 scoop of coffee beans for every 2 cups of water.  (Example: If you’re brewing 8 cups in your machine, you’ll want to use 4 scoops of coffee beans).
  3. Use good-tasting water - What water do you use when you simply want a glass of water?  If you have a reverse-osmosis filter in your home, or you use a special pitcher filter for your drinking water, then don’t brew your coffee with water directly from the tap!  Better tasting water will always equal better tasting coffee.
  4. Heat of the water - This factor you may not have much control over, because it depends largely on your machine.  But the ideal rule of thumb is that the water should be between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit when it comes into contact with the coffee grounds.
  5. Brew time - This one you may have more control over, as some machines allow you to set the length of brew.  For most automatic drip machines, the ideal brew time is 6 minutes.  That is, the water and grounds should only be exposed to each other for 6 minutes.  Any longer than this, and your coffee will be bitter.  Any less than this, and your coffee will be weak.

Think we’re being a bit fussy?  Yes, probably.  But for those of you who’ve always wondered why your coffee at home doesn’t taste as good as the coffee shop’s, this is the answer you’ve been looking for.  The good news is that most of these 5 critical factors are easily controlled by you, so with a little effort, you’ll have your morning coffee improved in no time!

Did you know that Home Products ‘N’ More sells freshly roasted coffee beans?  Visit us for a selection of gourmet roasted coffee, always roasted to your specifications at the time you place your order.

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Magnets for Health and Healing: Fact or Myth?

Many studies credit the use of magnet technology for improved health and healing.  However, there are just as many doctors and scientists who disagree with these theories, believe that magnet therapy is more of a myth than a fact.  Do magnets have any impact on health and healing?  While the scientific community is still unsure, we’ll explore some of the various theories regarding how magnets may work to improve health or physiology.

There is a general agreement among scientists that magnets can improve blood circulation.  Though scientists aren’t exactly sure why, one theory is that because blood contains iron, the magnetic field aligns the iron molecules, thus allowing for improved blood flow through the veins and arteries.  Another theory would suggest that magnets assist with the way information is transferred through the body.  Nerves move information from every part of the body to the brain with minor electrical impulses.  Magnets may have an effect on the way nerves transfer that information, promoting faster movement of brain stimuli to promote improved circulation.

Whatever the reason, magnets do seem to help with circulation, which is a major health benefit.  Good circulation means that oxygen is moving efficiently to all parts of the body, including extremities such as hands and feet.  Improved circulation also helps to remove toxins from the blood by transporting them to the kidneys and then the urinary tract.  Magnets are believed to help the body with the removal of lactic acid, a toxin that is commonly associated with joint pain and arthritis.

In 2004, the British Medical Journal conducted a trial of magnetic bracelets for healing purposes.  One group of individuals received magnetic bracelets, while another group received placebos.  The study found that the group that received the magnetic bracelets saw more improvement in the condition of arthritis than the group with the placebos did.

In the United States there have been many studies on the health effects of magnets.  Just to name a couple, in 1997, Dr. Carlos Valbona of the Baylor College of Medicine published a study indicating that magnetic therapy reduced pain in 76% of the patients studied.  In January 1999, a study conducted by Dr. Michael Weintraub was published in the American Journal of Pain Management in which Dr. Weintraub found a significant improvement in diabetic foot pain among patients who wore special magnetic socks.

Today, magnetic therapy devices are licensed in Japan and throughout other Asian countries.  Magnetic therapy is also finding a place in Russia, many European countries, and Australia.  In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that over a billion dollars is spent annually on magnetic devices for health improvement.  This, of course, has captured the inspiration of many business savvy entrepreneurs.  There are literally hundreds of different magnetic therapy devices available on the market today, such as magnetic mattress pads and inserts, pillows, body wraps, belts, back braces, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry.  And now you can even purchase magnet therapy collars for dogs and cats, too!

These products are readily available online through a number of retailers.  Undoubtedly, each supplier will offer a host of diseases that will be cured and just as many guarantees and testimonials as evidence.  For those individuals who have been helped by magnet therapy, they are believers.  Scientific studies such as the ones we mentioned, that support the evidence of magnet therapy for healing purposes, will only serve to build their case, and no amount of disagreeing evidence can sway their belief.

As for whether or not magnets can really improve health, no one is quite for sure yet.  One thing is for sure, though, doctors and scientists will continue to evaluate this as a field of study, and new discoveries will certainly be made in the future.  Until then, patients can make their own decision about whether magnet therapy is right for them or their loved ones.

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Using Arbors and Pergolas in Landscape Design

Arbors and pergolas are two types of garden structures that can greatly contribute to the overall design of your landscape.  Arbors and pergolas add an element of interest to a yard or garden by drawing the eye upward.  Whether functional or ornamental, there are many ways you can utilize these structures to enhance your landscape design.

cedar arbors

Like many gardeners, you may be asking yourself, what is the difference between an arbor and a pergola?  While there isn’t a clear consensus on this, generally an arbor is a smaller structure with an arched top, usually standing 6 1/2 to 9 feet tall at the peak.  Arbors are often placed over walkways or a gate in a fence.  A pergola, on the other hand, has a flat top that is directly perpendicular to the straight sides it rests on.  Pergolas can range in size from small enough to just cover a walkway to large enough to span a deck or patio area.

Arbor seat

Arbors and pergolas can be either functional or purely ornamental.  If using an arbor for a functional purpose, consider adding a bench or swing to create a cozy nook for sitting and enjoying your garden.  Large pergolas can be used as an overhead cover for a deck or patio.  While the top of the pergola will probably not keep out rainwater, it can be designed to cast much needed shade on your outdoor seating area.  Arbors and pergolas with lattice sides and tops can also provide a supporting structure for vines and climbing plants.  Consider planting a climber like clematis, honeysuckle, or trumpet vine at the base of your arbor or pergola to create a beautiful floral focal point in your landscape.

Materials for arbors and pergolas vary greatly and can include wood, vinyl, or metal.  To determine what is best for you, carefully consider the pros and cons of each material type in conjunction with your situation and needs.  Wood lends a natural and sometimes rustic look to an arbor or pergola, and can be painted or stained to easily change its appearance down the road.  Wood is usually the most cost effective option; however, it won’t last as long as metal or vinyl.  Some concerns with wood structures include rotting, splintering, and decay caused by wood boring pests.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is a great maintenance free option that won’t require painting or staining.  Vinyl is also resistant to rot and decay, and will last much longer than wood.  Vinyl typically costs more than wood, but the longevity of the product may pay off in the long run.  If you decide to go with a vinyl unit, be sure to look for a UV resistant plastic that won’t fade or discolor when exposed to the sun.

Metal can also be a good material choice because it’s very durable and long lasting.  Carefully consider the type of metal, though.  Iron and steel will rust, which may or may not be desirable, depending on the look you want.  Aluminum is a good rust free metal that is lightweight and still very strong.  If you want the look of painted metal, select a product with a powder coat paint finish for durability.

Arbors and pergolas can be designed and constructed on your own, or they can easily be purchased as completed units or ready to assemble DIY kits.  If you decide to purchase a kit, you may find that online specialty stores and mail order catalogs have a better selection than your local garden center or nursery.  If you decide that an arbor or pergola isn’t the right element for your landscape design, you might want to consider other types of structures such as trellises, gazebos, or lath houses.

Whatever you decide, garden structures are a great way to add a focal point to your landscape.  They will enhance your garden’s aesthetics and add a vertical element to spaces that are usually constructed on horizontal planes.  Arbors and pergolas in particular can take a simple garden design and turn it into a graceful and beautiful area to be admired and appreciated.

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