How To Create An Indoor Herb Garden

The use of fresh herbs for cooking is becoming more popular now than it has been for along time. Our forbears knew both the medicinal and culinary powers of herbs but it is only recently that fresh herbs have regained their popularity with home chefs. That combined with the fact that many of us are now apartment dwellers with no gardens mean that an indoor herb garden can be both decorative and useful.

Herbs will grow better in a pot rather than a box and glazed pots are better than clay as the soil will not dry out so quickly. For the same reason a plastic pot can be just as effective but whether glazed or plastic there is one point to be careful of when using non-porous pots. On no account should you over water your herbs because they could become waterlogged and subsequently rot.

One option is to have an attractive container, which will hold a number of 5 inch porous pots. I have even seen someone make a herb garden using pots placed in a large antique fish steamer.

If you go to your local garden center they should be able to advise you on the best soil mix for your herbs. These days it is easier to use a commercial preparation rather than earth as you can be sure that it will be disease free.

When it comes to potting your herbs drainage is important. If you are using non porous containers place a few pieces of broken china or brick to aid the drainage. Partly fill you pot with your potting mixture, make a hole for the herbs root and gently place it in the pot. Then you can pack more of the mixture around the herb and top up to about 1/2inch from the top of the pot. Sprinkle some water on the pot and keep it in the shade until the herbs begin to appear.

So what type of herbs should you grow in your indoor herb garden? It really is down to personal taste but some of the ones I would consider growing are Chives, Lemon balm, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon and Thyme.

Once your herbs start appearing they only need light and water. Providing it is not in direct sun light a window shelf could be an ideal place for your herb garden or failing that anywhere that it is reasonably light. Herbs do not need a lot of watering and once a week should be adequate for most condition. If the soil feels dry then it is time to water. At other times you can use one of those water spray cans just to give the leaves a wetting if you wish.

An indoor herb garden can be both decorative and functional. They also have the added advantage that many herbs give off a delightful aroma so there will be no need for potpourri or air fresheners.

Dave Bromley is a full time Internet writer who covers a wide range of subjects including food and drink. To learn more about Indoor Herb Garden visit his web site.

A Bachelors Pantry

Funny as it may seem single men never have a well stocked pantry. In order to keep healthy its important to have this pantry stocked because the alternative is usually junk or fast food. Bellow will be a number of easy tips for your pantry and healthier meals.

1.Water
As silly as this may sound water is probably the most important part of your diet. Nobody likes to drink right out of the tap so either have a jug of cold water in the fridge or keep well stocked with bottled water.

2.Milk
Low fat milk is a must for your fridge. A nice bowl of cereal in the morning is a great way to get your day started.

3.Fruit
If you have to buy junk food why not buy fruit instead. Its great for snacking and a whole lot healthier then potato chips.

4.Carrots
Just add some low fat dip and you have a great snack food thats better than any deep fried goods.

5.Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a great source of protein while not worrying about fat. You can use peanut butter on your toast in the morning instead of butter.

6.Eggs
Eggs are a must for some easy bake products plus they are a must for your protein filled breakfast.

7.Yogurt
A great snack in the summer time. You can use it to make all kinds of shakes and believe it or not yogurt is a great staple with chicken.

8.Butter
Butters not the healthiest for you but its a must for your baked goods as well it makes your eggs taste that much better in the morning.

9.Lemons
If you eat seafood then these are a must. On top of that a great, cold glass of lemonade at the end of a hard day hits the spot better than anything else.

10.Mayo
Not a great product to use every day but a must for tuna or chicken salad. Its also great with dry items. Its important to buy the low fat kind.

11.Mustard
Great on sandwiches other than mayo. Mustard is a great way to knock out the fat in your diet.

12.Cheese
You absolutely have to have cheese. You dont want to go overboard but there is nothing better for a dull meal than adding some cheese to it.

13.Drinks
You dont want to have things too boring so buy some different kinds of drinks. Fruit juice, beer and soda pop. You dont have to go overboard but a couple beers now and then arent going to hurt you.

14.Fresh Ginger
Just put some raw ginger in your fridge. Dont cover it or anything like that. This will help to keep your food nice and fresh in the fridge.

15.Bread
Buy some fresh bread at your local baker. A nice sandwich once in a while is great. Just dont go hog wild on the carbs.

16.Canned Fruits And Veggies
Even though fresh is always better, canned is better in a pinch then chips and other oily snack foods. Plus canned food can last very long in the cupboard.

17.Pasta
Theres not much to say about pasta other than its a good quick meal.

18.Spices And Herbs
This is all you need to add some zing to your meal. It doesnt matter what your eating good herbs and spices will give you a different meal every time.

19.Cereal
Cereal is great for a quick meal anytime of the day. A quick bowl of breakfast is healthier for you any day as compared to muffins or donuts that you have to wait in line for.

I realize there were no meats mentioned here because all of these are just to be quick snacks. In no way are they meant to replace good home cooked meals.

Dale Mazurek has been commenting on topics of this sort for well over 20 years now. You can check out his ever growing blog at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ two more of his blogs can be found at http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/ or http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/

Limousine Services - Style and Safety

Sure you want everybody at the party to notice your arrival, so you hire a limousine service. First off how sure are you that the limo service youve hired is trustworthy and reliable? It may seem that an inexpensive or unlicensed limousine service provider is more convenient to hire yes, you are wrong. Why? Do you think that if an accident should happen the company would have a contingency plan or recourse? Ill give you tips in picking the right limousine service provider.

First off, we all know that youre hiring a limo because its stylish. But there are many types of limos like SUVs, stretched, sedan and the infamous party bus where literally the party takes place in the bus itself. So you should pick the size and type of the limo according to the event you are going to attend.

Next, it is vital to know if the limousine company is properly insured and licensed, in order to get more information and know more of their reputation, you can ask people who regularly use limousines in your area. Also, ask about their contingency plans if ever you encounter problems with the driver or the service and limo itself. In the other hand you should also review their cancellation policies because you yourself might be the cause of the problem (e.g. schedule, number of passengers and even change of location or route)

Regarding the payments, before you proceed with any transaction, ask if they accept credit cards. If so, request them to fax or snail mail the receipts or files to you after the operation. Prices can vary based on the current demand (prom or wedding season) and also with the type of limousine you are going to rent. Its also advisable to ask your local hotels and airports for advice because you can generally get a better price range from them.

Another crucial thing to consider is to make sure that you are getting the limousine you asked for. Check beforehand if it is clean and comfortable. Your style points will surely dwindle if you overlook these things. Be sure you address your questions before you are picked up to avoid conflict with management. If you are planning to bring a pet a long, it is but wise to ask the company before hand regarding their policies bringing pets on board.

So what if your not a real life super star or politician? Hiring a limousine service makes you feel important and you get to experience what it is to be one right? Nothings wrong with a little bit of fun and luxury if all you want is to make the occasion more special?

Sarah Joson is Web Copywriter for US Website Builder.