Archive for December, 2009

Pralines – A Simple Delicacy

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

France was the first place where these delicious confections were made, by a count by the name of Cesar de Plessis Praslin. When he would call on the ladies, he would take these candy treats and use them as his calling card. These were made with almonds, as that was the most popular nut used in France at that time. When the colonists came from France to Louisiana, the pecans became the nut of choice, as they were grown there and became very popular, of course, if you have had the pleasure of sampling them.

These candies are a favorite all over the southern USA, but of course people from all over the world can enjoy these wonderful sweet treats too.

They are made very often in New Orleans and they are not as difficult to make as you might think, but of course there are suppliers who have made them for you already, so if you don’t want to go to the trouble of making them yourself, check out what tannerspecan.com has to offer.

Pralines are a confection made from sugar and nuts, but the favorite one for most people are the ones made from pecans. Pecans grow in the southern, warmer climate, so of course that is why they are made so often in that area. Most pralines are made with sugar, butter and cream, or you may use ingredients which are similar to those. Maybe you would want to use maple syrup instead of sugar, which gives them a whole different flavor, but just as yummy. Brown sugar can also be used, and there are many varieties and many companies try to use all different types of sweetener.

You can also try using artificial sweeteners, if you prefer, especially if you are trying to watch your caloric intake, or you might have a medical problem which prevents you from having sugar in your diet. Either way, they are a must to try and you will find that they will become one of your favorite confections.

The name praline might have a different meaning, depending which country you originated from. Some countries in Europe may think you are talking about a chocolate which is filled, but these are the candy coated nuts, which we’re mentioning here.

Another ingredient which can be replaced for the vanilla, which is very often used, is rum, and that is a favorite of many people, just depends which you prefer. They are available whichever way you would like them.

They are a favorite treat when Christmas rolls around on the calendar, and very often a person might choose to give them as a special gift for their friends or loved ones. They will be a popular person if this is the type of present they choose to give. Everyone loves these sugary sweet candies.

If you choose to make your own pralines, there are a few items you will need, a candy thermometer being the first must, the actual ingredients, of course, some waxed paper to place them on, after they are cooked to the right temperature, and a container of your choice, once they have cooled.

Pralines are perfect gift for this christmas available at http://www.tannerspecan.com

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Camping With Your Pooch

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Dogs love the great outdoors so next time you’re planning to go camping in France why not take your dog along? These top tips will ensure that your camping holiday really is something to bark about:

Whether you’re planning a trip in the dog days of summer or the howling frost of winter, camping in France with man’s best friend opens you up to all sorts of unique experiences. A canine companion will allow you to discover interesting scenery that you may have otherwise overlooked and enjoy the French countryside at a much slower and more rewarding pace.

Certain dogs and owners are more tightly knit than others and most campsites will specify that only ‘well-behaved’ mutts are permitted on their premises. Therefore, you may want to invest in some dog obedience classes before you book your trip camping in France.

If you’re travelling from the UK then you’ll first need to arrange a pet passport. In order to do this all your dog’s vaccinations must be up to date and he should have received the relevant shots for rabies. Your pet must have also been micro-chipped and be up to date with all his tick and worm treatments.

Once all the preparations are complete, you’ll be ready to set off on your camping holiday. However, there are few items that will make your trip so much easier. Your dog will need special bedding in order to prevent him from catching chills from the tarpaulin on the ground. Bringing your dog’s favourite basket from home is a great way to comfort your dog, as he will instantly recognise it as somewhere to sleep.

Whilst some longer haired breeds such as German Shepherds are more than happy in cooler climes, dogs with thinner coats are somewhat less adept. Therefore, if you’re hiking in colder areas of France, such as the Pyrenees, it is advisable to pack your dog a winter jacket. You should ensure that your dog has fresh drinking water regularly available; allowing your dog to drink from a lake isn’t an option as the water may be dirty or contaminated. You should bring your dog’s regular food from home, but ensure that it is kept in an airtight package to deter bears and rodents.

Now you’ve packed everything you need, you can really start to enjoy your time camping in France. If it’s your dogs first time camping, it’s advisable to take your trip nice and slow. If your dog is used to walking next to busy roads then walking in verdant forests is likely to be a new and exciting experience for him. Therefore, give him some time to adjust to his new surroundings. Allowing your pooch to explore the area at his own pace is integral for the development of muscle strength, which will come in very useful if you are planning on undertaking lots of walking whilst camping in France.

The pleasure you will get from taking your dog camping in France is simply unmeasureable, and at the end of holiday it’s likely that your canine companion will have gained as much from the experience as you have.

Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of camping in France . With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.

Advantages of Nonlethal Self Defense Products Over Guns

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Have you ever felt insecure or threatened when walking alone on the street? What about walking across your college campus in the middle of the night? Who hasn’t felt the distinct possibility of becoming a victim of crime at one point or another? It is easy to feel helpless and vulnerable, but it doesn’t have to be this way. The best way to respond to this feeling is to carry a non-lethal self defense weapon so that you are prepared to fight back. In addition to offering you an effective way to protect yourself, there are a number of reasons why non-lethal products like pepper spray, stun guns, or TASER devices make a much better choice than arming yourself with a gun.

First, the cost of any of these devices is much lower than the cost of any handgun. A quality handgun can set you back hundreds or even thousands of dollars, while even the most stun gun or TASER device won’t be much more than a hundred, if at all. Also consider the cost of ammunition if you choose to go the handgun route. Nonlethal self defense devices are simply the most cost effective method of making sure that you can get yourself out of a potentially violent situation.

Most states require licensing and permits, and have other restrictions on carrying lethal weapons. In most cases, however, pepper spray and other non-lethal devices fall under less stringent requirements. Although you may need a permit or training class, it is generally much easier to carry pepper spray, a stun gun, or a TASER device in your handbag than a gun.

Not only will you not be required to undergo training to carry pepper spray and stun guns, but you won’t need it. Both of these devices are surprisingly easy to use. For the most part, simply aim and discharge. If you can use a spray can of paint, you can use either of these devices. Their ease of use is one of the main reasons why they are such popular devices for self defense. You don’t have to worry about how to actually use them if you find yourself in a self defense situation, unlike a handgun – is it loaded properly? Is it ready to shoot? How do I aim it? Nonlethal self defense products are designed to be user friendly.

Non-lethal devices are also more convenient. You don’t have to worry about the disastrous consequences of accidental discharge, nor are there rules against their concealment. You needn’t worry about the consequences of the attacker using your self defense device against you, nor must you be concerned about the possibility of killing someone. Stun guns and pepper spray are effective self defense tools that keep he owner safe while also limiting your liability.

Most of your nonlethal self defense options are much smaller than a handgun. In fact, pepper spray can be found in keychain canisters, while stun guns come in sizes as small as a cell phone. These will fit nicely into a pocket or even the smallest purse, where you’ll be able to get to them quickly when you need them.

As you can see, there are many advantages to carrying a personal self defense weapon such as a stun gun or pepper spray over a traditional handgun. When it comes to your safety and security, don’t be caught unprepared. Arm yourself with an affordable and easy to use nonlethal means of self defense today.

Resist Attack has a full range of pepper spray to keep you and your family safe. Also check for current specials on a tazer gun

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down. Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends … is a post …

Haight Ashbury Street Fair Needs A Little Help From Our Friends …

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

But times are tough and the Haight Street Fair has taken a financial hit in the past two years due to a couple of significant factors: sponsorships are down.