Making a 3D cake at home can be as simple or complex as you like. For my daughter's birthday, she wanted a dinosaur cake, and I didn't think the simple pan cake with a picture or figurines would do. I researched different cake styles, pans, ideas and came up with building my own cake.
Using simple box cake mix, with a few tweaks to make it stand up to a lot of icing and a little imagination, I was able to come up with a real hit for her birthday celebration. It all comes down to cutting basic round cake layers and I make a rectangle pan cake and have found that the small egg shaped pan works very well to add some shaping to the cake for legs, facial features etc. A crumb coat layer is essential in building the cake and using the icing to stick the layers together.
I actually get something to look at for the shape like a toy or picture for inspiration and draw out a sketch of how I am going to use the cut pieces and put them together on my cake board. I then actually put the pieces together and move them around until I get exactly the scale and shape that I want.
When that is done, glue them together with the icing and prepare to frost, which is the most time consuming aspect. Using a basic butter cream frosting recipe, frosting bag and basic tips (star tip and round tip), color gels for coloring and a lot of patience you can bring your shape to life. There are many resources online for inspiration and help.
Showing posts with label Home Making Services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home Making Services. Show all posts
Friday, May 2, 2008
Home Made Water Purifier
Ever wondered how you could make your own water purifier? It is risky business to do so because it is not possible to tell whether water is safe to drink just by looking at it.
Simple procedures such as boiling or the use of a household activated carbon filter are not sufficient for treating all the possible contaminants that may be present in water from an unknown source. Even natural spring water - considered safe for all practical purposes in the 1800s - must now be tested before determining what kind of treatment, if any, is needed. Chemical analysis, while expensive, is the only way to obtain the information necessary for deciding on method of purification.
To use a home made water purifier you will need to first determine what contaminants you will need to remove from the water, and then choose the proper method to achieve the result you seek.
If you desire a source of clean water at home over the long-term, you will get much better results from many of the products offered commercially; especially where extensive research and cutting edge technology has been developed to achieve the most effective reduction of contaminants. No home made water purifier will come close to removing the number and types of contaminants handled by most commercial water purification systems. Your safety and health can depend on getting the water right.
Water purification technologies includes, but are not limited to: ultraviolet light, filtration, water softening, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, deionization and powdered activated carbon treatment. All of these methods can be found in a wide range of products for the home at relatively reasonable prices.
In a pinch, you can achieve a home made water purifier. The following water purification methods are taken from the Outdoor Action Guide to Water Purification, part of The Backpacker's Field Manual by Rick Curtis.
Biologically Contaminated vs. Toxic Water
Biologically contaminated water is water that contains microorganisms such as Giardia (a common microorganism that, if not killed, leads to intestinal disorders), bacteria, or viruses that can lead to infections (see Gastrointestinal Infections, page 316). Toxic water sources, on the other hand, contain chemical contamination from pesticide runoffs, mine tailings, and so on. A home made water purifier that involves boiling, filtering, or chemically treating water can remove or kill microorganisms, but it will not remove chemical toxins.
Boiling
Boiling is the most certain way of killing all microorganisms. According to the Wilderness Medical Society, water temperatures above 160° F (70° C) kill all pathogens within 30 minutes and above 185° F (85° C) within a few minutes. So in the time it takes for the water to reach the boiling point (212° F or 100° C) from 160° F (70° C), all pathogens will be killed, even at high altitude. To be extra safe, let the water boil rapidly for one minute, especially at higher altitudes since water boils at a lower temperature (see page 68.)
Chemical Purification
There are two types of chemical treatment: those using iodine and those using chlorine. There are a variety of products on the market, so follow the directions on the bottle. Be advised that many of the tablets have an expiration date and become ineffective after that point. Also, once the bottle has been opened, the tablets must be used within a certain period. When in doubt, buy a new bottle. Remember that chemical purification methods may only be partially effective, depending on the water temperature.
Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification.
Chlorine Treatment
Chlorine can be used for persons with iodine allergies or restrictions. Remember that water temperature, sediment level, and contact time are all elements in killing microorganisms in the water. Chlorine is also a toxic substance and if not used properly or used over time can be very harmful. Home made water purification over the long-term is not a healthy or effective way to assure clean drinking water.
Filtration
There are a number of devices on the market that filter out microorganisms. A water filter pumps water through a microscopic filter that is rated for a certain-size organism. The standard size rating is the micron (the period at the end of this sentence is about 600 microns). Depending on the micron rating of the filter, smaller organisms (like viruses) can pass through.
Be cautious when selecting a filter. You should know what potential organisms you need to treat for. You don't want to go to an area where a virus like hepatitis A is present in the water (a problem in some developing countries) with a filter that will handle only a larger organism like Giardia.
If what I have told you makes it seem like a home made water purifier is more risky and more trouble than it's worth, then maybe it's time to consider a simple, easy to use, affordable commercial home water purifier. I personally recommend the Aquasana brand for it's portability (if you move, just unplug it and move it to your next house), its affordable cost and its effectiveness in removing all sorts of contaminants.
Simple procedures such as boiling or the use of a household activated carbon filter are not sufficient for treating all the possible contaminants that may be present in water from an unknown source. Even natural spring water - considered safe for all practical purposes in the 1800s - must now be tested before determining what kind of treatment, if any, is needed. Chemical analysis, while expensive, is the only way to obtain the information necessary for deciding on method of purification.
To use a home made water purifier you will need to first determine what contaminants you will need to remove from the water, and then choose the proper method to achieve the result you seek.
If you desire a source of clean water at home over the long-term, you will get much better results from many of the products offered commercially; especially where extensive research and cutting edge technology has been developed to achieve the most effective reduction of contaminants. No home made water purifier will come close to removing the number and types of contaminants handled by most commercial water purification systems. Your safety and health can depend on getting the water right.
Water purification technologies includes, but are not limited to: ultraviolet light, filtration, water softening, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, deionization and powdered activated carbon treatment. All of these methods can be found in a wide range of products for the home at relatively reasonable prices.
In a pinch, you can achieve a home made water purifier. The following water purification methods are taken from the Outdoor Action Guide to Water Purification, part of The Backpacker's Field Manual by Rick Curtis.
Biologically Contaminated vs. Toxic Water
Biologically contaminated water is water that contains microorganisms such as Giardia (a common microorganism that, if not killed, leads to intestinal disorders), bacteria, or viruses that can lead to infections (see Gastrointestinal Infections, page 316). Toxic water sources, on the other hand, contain chemical contamination from pesticide runoffs, mine tailings, and so on. A home made water purifier that involves boiling, filtering, or chemically treating water can remove or kill microorganisms, but it will not remove chemical toxins.
Boiling
Boiling is the most certain way of killing all microorganisms. According to the Wilderness Medical Society, water temperatures above 160° F (70° C) kill all pathogens within 30 minutes and above 185° F (85° C) within a few minutes. So in the time it takes for the water to reach the boiling point (212° F or 100° C) from 160° F (70° C), all pathogens will be killed, even at high altitude. To be extra safe, let the water boil rapidly for one minute, especially at higher altitudes since water boils at a lower temperature (see page 68.)
Chemical Purification
There are two types of chemical treatment: those using iodine and those using chlorine. There are a variety of products on the market, so follow the directions on the bottle. Be advised that many of the tablets have an expiration date and become ineffective after that point. Also, once the bottle has been opened, the tablets must be used within a certain period. When in doubt, buy a new bottle. Remember that chemical purification methods may only be partially effective, depending on the water temperature.
Iodine has been shown to be more effect than chlorine-based treatments in inactivating Giardia cysts. Be aware that some people are allergic to iodine and cannot use it as a form of water purification.
Chlorine Treatment
Chlorine can be used for persons with iodine allergies or restrictions. Remember that water temperature, sediment level, and contact time are all elements in killing microorganisms in the water. Chlorine is also a toxic substance and if not used properly or used over time can be very harmful. Home made water purification over the long-term is not a healthy or effective way to assure clean drinking water.
Filtration
There are a number of devices on the market that filter out microorganisms. A water filter pumps water through a microscopic filter that is rated for a certain-size organism. The standard size rating is the micron (the period at the end of this sentence is about 600 microns). Depending on the micron rating of the filter, smaller organisms (like viruses) can pass through.
Be cautious when selecting a filter. You should know what potential organisms you need to treat for. You don't want to go to an area where a virus like hepatitis A is present in the water (a problem in some developing countries) with a filter that will handle only a larger organism like Giardia.
If what I have told you makes it seem like a home made water purifier is more risky and more trouble than it's worth, then maybe it's time to consider a simple, easy to use, affordable commercial home water purifier. I personally recommend the Aquasana brand for it's portability (if you move, just unplug it and move it to your next house), its affordable cost and its effectiveness in removing all sorts of contaminants.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Homemaking Skills
In Proverbs 31:10–31, we read, “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” In those verses we are told that a virtuous woman weaves fabric, sells linen—her hands are not idle: “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.”
"The Church has always recognized the need for women to learn domestic arts. To support the sisters in developing homemaking skills, “work day” was established. That Relief Society activity day, which evolved into homemaking meeting, was held on a weekday in the middle of the day, and all the sisters attended the same class and worked on identical projects." (1)
Homemaking is a service to our family, friends, acquaintances, and those that we know. Homemaking is a talent and as with all talents they disappear if not practiced. "It is important for all of us to learn homemaking skills; whether she is married or single, every woman is a homemaker." (2)
Have you learned one or more valuable skills from homemaking or Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Meetings? While these meetings are for much needed fellowshipping and socialization, it is also important to teach and to learn skills that are not often found in other places.
Put as much effort into the look and feel of the Enrichment activities as possible. If you went to a play and there were no backdrops and the actors wore little if any costumes, it would not be as enjoyable as if they put everything into the look and feel of that play. This doesn't always mean money needs to be spent from the budget for your activity. Think of decorating ideas for the sisters to bring things from their home to add to the décor at the church or place of activity. Bringing nature indoors brings a greater appreciation for our Heavenly Father.
Remember that the sisters need to learn as well as fellowship. Enjoy being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Works Cited:
1- Camille Curtis Anderson, “The Fruit of Her Hands,” Ensign, Sep 1996
2- Barbara W. Winder, “Enriching and Protecting the Home: A Conversation with Barbara W. Winder, Relief Society General President,” Ensign, Mar 1986
"The Church has always recognized the need for women to learn domestic arts. To support the sisters in developing homemaking skills, “work day” was established. That Relief Society activity day, which evolved into homemaking meeting, was held on a weekday in the middle of the day, and all the sisters attended the same class and worked on identical projects." (1)
Homemaking is a service to our family, friends, acquaintances, and those that we know. Homemaking is a talent and as with all talents they disappear if not practiced. "It is important for all of us to learn homemaking skills; whether she is married or single, every woman is a homemaker." (2)
Have you learned one or more valuable skills from homemaking or Home, Family, and Personal Enrichment Meetings? While these meetings are for much needed fellowshipping and socialization, it is also important to teach and to learn skills that are not often found in other places.
Put as much effort into the look and feel of the Enrichment activities as possible. If you went to a play and there were no backdrops and the actors wore little if any costumes, it would not be as enjoyable as if they put everything into the look and feel of that play. This doesn't always mean money needs to be spent from the budget for your activity. Think of decorating ideas for the sisters to bring things from their home to add to the décor at the church or place of activity. Bringing nature indoors brings a greater appreciation for our Heavenly Father.
Remember that the sisters need to learn as well as fellowship. Enjoy being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Works Cited:
1- Camille Curtis Anderson, “The Fruit of Her Hands,” Ensign, Sep 1996
2- Barbara W. Winder, “Enriching and Protecting the Home: A Conversation with Barbara W. Winder, Relief Society General President,” Ensign, Mar 1986
Homemaking Skills
You may need a helping hand, but consider your needs do not merit going into a residential care home. Perhaps you are recovering from illness or find that cleaning your home, or shopping is becoming harder to manage on your own. You may already have a regular carer who is going on holiday. If you are a couple, one may be struggling to look after the other or perhaps you are both experiencing difficulties in coping. Many carers are not professionals, but everyday people looking after their wives, husbands, parents, friends or relatives. Sometimes they will need advice, practical help or just a break How to find the home care you need. Help is available from many sources. This includes your local Social Services department, GP, local voluntary organizations for the elderly, independent, care and nursing agencies and the United Kingdom Home Care association.
Types of home care
· Having your home adapted with handrails, stair lifts, bath aids etc, to make your home safer and your life easier.
· A home help to help prepare meals, do housework and shopping for you.
· A door-to-door transport service.
· Personal alarm systems, which give 24-hour emergency cover, if you need help.
· Pop in services, someone to assist with that small, but essential task, like changing a light bulb.
· Meals on wheels who can deliver a cooked meal, directly to your table.
· Help with personal care, like bathing, dressing and going to the toilet.
· Night sitters and sleepers, if you need reassurance throughout the night.
· A live in service, which offers you 24-hour care and companionship.
Your local Social Services department can carry out a carer's assessment and may also be able to help out with respite care. Many residential care homes also offer respite care.
Choosing home care
It is really important that you feel comfortable with your home carer. You will have more choice if you are funding your care yourself, rather than through the local authority. However it's still important to use a reputable agency and make sure they vet their staff. Ask about their code of practice, the service they provide and what qualifications and training the carer has.
Make sure they able to provide the specific care you need, check their charges, including any extras, and ask what happens if you have a problem with a carer or if one is ill or on holiday. You will also need to know if there is a complaints procedure.
Remember you local authority can help by making an assessment of your needs and compiling a care plan. They have a legal duty to provide you with suitable care at home, though charges and the levels of care may differ, according to the area you live in. If they cannot help, they will be able to suggest other organizations that can and will also be able to advise you about any benefits you are entitled to claim. If you need a great deal of care, you may find it less expensive in a nursing or residential home.
Types of home care
· Having your home adapted with handrails, stair lifts, bath aids etc, to make your home safer and your life easier.
· A home help to help prepare meals, do housework and shopping for you.
· A door-to-door transport service.
· Personal alarm systems, which give 24-hour emergency cover, if you need help.
· Pop in services, someone to assist with that small, but essential task, like changing a light bulb.
· Meals on wheels who can deliver a cooked meal, directly to your table.
· Help with personal care, like bathing, dressing and going to the toilet.
· Night sitters and sleepers, if you need reassurance throughout the night.
· A live in service, which offers you 24-hour care and companionship.
Your local Social Services department can carry out a carer's assessment and may also be able to help out with respite care. Many residential care homes also offer respite care.
Choosing home care
It is really important that you feel comfortable with your home carer. You will have more choice if you are funding your care yourself, rather than through the local authority. However it's still important to use a reputable agency and make sure they vet their staff. Ask about their code of practice, the service they provide and what qualifications and training the carer has.
Make sure they able to provide the specific care you need, check their charges, including any extras, and ask what happens if you have a problem with a carer or if one is ill or on holiday. You will also need to know if there is a complaints procedure.
Remember you local authority can help by making an assessment of your needs and compiling a care plan. They have a legal duty to provide you with suitable care at home, though charges and the levels of care may differ, according to the area you live in. If they cannot help, they will be able to suggest other organizations that can and will also be able to advise you about any benefits you are entitled to claim. If you need a great deal of care, you may find it less expensive in a nursing or residential home.
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