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Simple Home Tips and Solutions

Panera Bread Restaurants: The Unspoken Rules of Using Panera Bread Free WiFi

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What you need to know before using the free WiFi at Panera Bread Restaurants.

Panera Bread Restaurants first came on the scene in 1981. Today they’ve grown to over 1200 locations in the USA and Canada. I personally love going here to work and study because it has such a nice, relaxing family atmosphere. Here are some unspoken rules and guidelines to follow when you are using the Internet at Panera Bread Restaurants.

Buy Something!

When you come to Panera Bread restaurants, laptop strapped to your shoulder, your first stop should be to the counter to order something. Whether it be something as small as a coffee or as large as a delicious Bacon Turkey Bravo sandwich platter, you’ve got to buy something before you settle in for a long stay while using their Internet service. Their food is so good and hearty that I’m almost always tempted to buy lunch while working on my computer.

Respect Panera Breads Lunch Rush

If you’re gonna be there pretty much all day, you have to take a lunch break between the hours of 11:00am-2pm…. elsewhere! Those are Panera’s busiest hours. Many Panera Bread Restaurant locations do not even allow you to access the Internet for more than a half hour in that time period. So give Panera Bread Company some respect and appreciation for allowing you to use their facilities as a pseudo office for an entire day. Pack up your laptop and go elsewhere for lunch, then return after 2pm.

Find an Outlet

Don’t just sit anywhere when you come to Panera Bread restaurants. Sit near an outlet so that you won’t end up running out of battery power on your laptop. If you only plan to stay for an hour or so, there is no need to take up an outlet. Leave it for someone else who may need it.

Find a Small Table

Panera Bread restaurants literature asks that you find a small table if you’re by yourself using the Internet, so that you won’t deprive a large party of dining patrons access to a large table. So just grab a two-seater table instead of a 6 to 8 person table.

The Laptop Buddy System

You will find that there may be several other laptop users at your Panera Bread location. Kind of like a circle of surfers, freelancers, and students. One last unspoken rule of the Panera Breads circle is to never leave your laptop unattended. So when you have to get up to use the bathroom, ask someone else with a laptop to watch yours. When you come back, be sure to thank them. At some point, after drinking all of that coffee, they are going to want to get up also to use the bathroom, and guess who they’ll ask to watch their laptop? That’s the laptop buddy system.

The next time you visit a Panera Bread restaurant, keep these unspoken rules in mind. Like any other arrangement, there has to be some rules and respect. Following these guidelines will allow the environment at Panera Bread to remain functional and efficient.

Posted by Jade

Meatball Stroganoff With Egg Noodles

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This is a delicious recipe for Meatball Stroganoff with Egg Noodles that is easy to make any day of the week. My family truly enjoys helping me in the kitchen to make this recipe, so they can eat that much faster.

A picture of a delicious Stroganoff dish.

Ingredients

3 cups of egg noodle ( size of your choice )
1 cup of evaporated milk
1 cup of sour cream
1 1/2 cups of beef broth
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 pound of ground beef (80/20 mix)
1/4 teaspoon of allspice
1 tablespoon of dry oregano
1 tablespoon of dry parsley
1 teaspoon of basil
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

In a large pot add 8 cups of water
Add 2 teaspoons of salt to water
Bring to a rapid boil
Add noodles
Cook noodles for 5-7 minutes (you want the noodles “al dente”)
Drain cooked noodles
Set aside

In a large bowl add

Ground beef
Oregano
Parsley
All spice
Basil
Salt and pepper

Mix together with either your hands or a potato masher

Preheat a large sauce pan on medium heat and add the olive oil
While pan is heating, form medium sized meatballs and place into pan to brown
Make sure all sides are browned
When meatballs are fully cooked remove meatballs from pan

Deglaze the pan by pouring beef broth into pan
Bring broth to a simmer
Slowly add milk, sour cream and stir together
Simmer on medium high heat until sauce is reduced (sauce should thicken)
Return meatballs to sauce
Add egg noodles
Add salt & pepper to taste
Toss with tongs to coat egg noodles with sauce

Place cover on pan and cook for 5 minutes

Serve your Meatball Stroganoff with Egg Noodles while hot.

Enjoy!!!!

Posted by Lorraine

Photo courtesy Flickr/benketaro

Healthy Homemade Strawberry Banana Muffins

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This recipe for strawberry banana muffins is super quick and easy. One day I had a hankering for something sweet. However, I didn’t want to eat an unhealthy store bought treat to satisfy my craving. I made this recipe with fiber cereal, fruit and Truvia (a healthier sweetener). I hope you enjoy my recipe.

Ingredients

11/2 cups of crushed fiber or bran cereal
1/2 cup of Unbleached flour
1 egg
1 cup coconut milk
3/4 cup diced strawberries
1 ripe banana
1/2 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/2 cup of Truvia

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large mixing bowl, combine and mix dry ingredients
Flour
Cereal
Salt
Baking powder
Truvia

In a medium bowl, combine wet ingredients and whisk together
Egg
Coconut milk
Vanilla extract

Mash ripe banana with a fork and add to wet ingredients

Mix both wet and dry ingredients in the large bowl

Gently add and fold dice strawberries to the mix. (Mix should be lumpy)

Grease muffin pan with a non stick cooking spray or use cupcake baking cups

Do not fill to top

Bake 20-30 minutes

The strawberry banana muffins are done when you can place a knife in the middle of a muffin and knife comes out clean.

Enjoy!!!!

Getting Rid of Bats — Do Ultrasonic Pest Repellers Work?

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How to get rid of bats who have the audacity to invade your home.

If you’re trying desperately to get rid of bats from your home, I can feel your pain. Your fingers were probably shaking a bit as you clicked this link. It’s a scarier scenario than many people think — especially for a “girly girl” like me. Bats fly and they look absolutely gross up close. Some of them crawl on the floor using their wings to get around. It’s very unnerving.

A few years ago, I had the misfortune of having a series of close encounters with bats in my home-all in a few short period of time (about a few days). I have seen one or two bats in my home right after moving in, but never to the extent as this particular situation.

One bat flew in my room while I was sleeping (through a space above the air conditioner). Another greeted me at the door when I came home. This happened in the same day and I was freaking out. I’m still not 100% sure how they get in, but I did learn that they can crawl into a space that’s a fraction of an inch.

Nothing for Bats?

The night that I found a bat hanging out in my living room, I went to Home Depot and asked them, in a panic, “What do you have to get rid of bats?” They chuckled and said “Ma’am I don’t think we have anything for bats, sorry.”

So I went through the aisles anyway and tried to find something, anything that would allow me to expel or battle these flying rats. I finally came across an ultrasonic pest repeller device — the type that you plug into the wall so that it transmits a sound that only pests can hear.

I figured it was worth a try. After having a friend remove the bats currently in the house, I bought a few ultrasonic pest devices and plugged them up around my home.

Many Different Opinions on How to Get Rid of Bats

Now I want to give a fair and balanced discussion of using these ultrasonic pest repellers to get rid of bats. I went to over 10 different websites to do research. A lot of the websites published by professional bat removal experts (pest control services) say that these devices do not work on bats. The pest control experts obviously would know the most about how to get rid of bat colonies and nests and state that the only truly effective solution is to get them to leave then seal the exit. But you have to wonder if some are putting down these devices to get more clients. Bat removal can easily exceed $500.

Others say that the ultrasonic sound will only serve to confuse the bats, as they use sound to “see.” (Read more about that here.) These folks make the point that if the bats can’t follow sounds properly due to the loud screeching or beeping emitted by these ultrasonic tools, they will probably just bump into walls and get annoyed.

On the other hand, a few websites contained reviews from customers who said that these ultrasonic pest repeller devices absolutely DO work.

In my case I was willing to try just about anything. So I went ahead and ordered a few more ultrasonic devices online (the P3 Attack Wave models –they were only about $20 each). The reviews were decent. I plugged them in on the top and bottom floors of my home. Recently I learned that this model and this model are more specifically targeted to get rid of bats.

The Verdict

After putting the ultrasonic devices on the top floor of my home I no longer had an issue with bats coming into my house, but they were still apparently living in the attic. I eventually had a hire a local bat control expert to place netting in the area where the bats were coming in and out of the home.

So the ultimate answer to the question of whether ultrasonic pest repellers work is yes and no. They may keep them away from your living space, but the more persistent ones might still take up residence in an attic or crawlspace. I do not want to minimize the expert opinion of pest control companies, but at the very least this may be a much cheaper temporary alternative solution for someone who is disgusted by bats yet doesn’t have $500 laying around at the moment to hire a bat expert to put up netting. As an added bonus it may also keep other pests and rodents away. * Note, some users have said that these devices can bother pets, so if you do get one make sure you keep an eye on Fluffy and Fido.

Another Option for Getting Rid of Bats

As I mentioned earlier, I had to hire someone to exclude the bats from my attic. This is a job that takes under an hour to do (maybe two if you count the removal of the netting and filling of spaces with foam) and shouldn’t cost more than $300-$500 so don’t let anyone take advantage of you here. Some home carpenters know how to do this work.

Another cheaper option for getting rid of bats is to buy the netting and set up what is called a “one-way door” yourself. The only cost is netting, Gorilla duct tape, foam sealant and a ladder that’s long and secure enough to safely reach the entry point (get someone to spot you and be extra careful).

First you have to find out where they’re coming in and out, so go outside after dusk and take a look around possible exit points.

Once you figure that out, you have to get on a ladder (in the morning when they’re sleeping) to securely tape the netting so that the bats can crawl out but can’t get back in. You see, when they try to fly back into the hole after leaving, they’re going to keep trying to go in directly, but the netting won’t allow them to. They don’t know how to come back in indirectly but crawling around the netting. Read more about this here.

After a few nights, check to see if they’re still coming and in out. Once they’re gone, you can remove the netting and fill the holes with foam sealant or just leave the netting up.

I also strongly suggest that you make sure there aren’t any other places where the bats can find their way inside — if so, fill them with foam as well after putting up the netting. Some people choose to buy bat houses to give them a new place to live in the woods.

Have you had a problem with bats? Have you used ultrasonic devices or tried putting up bat netting yourself? Please tell me all about your own solution for getting rid of bats in the comments area.

Posted by Jade

Benefits of Getting a 1-800 Number

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Why getting an 800 number is a great idea for some individuals and small business people.

© Lori Martin | Dreamstime Stock Photos
© Lori Martin | Dreamstime Stock Photos

If you think that only a large business can get a 1-800 number , you are wrong. Everyday people and small businesses can easily sign up for a 1-800 number instantly online, with just a few clicks and for as little as $2 a month.

Here are a few important benefits to getting your own personal 1-800 number.

You Can Block Numbers

If you are having trouble with bill collectors, annoying friends, or a boyfriend who just won’t give it up, establishing a permanent 1-800 number for yourself is a great investment. Since you of course have a cost associated with each call, you only want to give this 800 number to new contacts, people you’re still unsure of, and of course those annoying bill collectors.

If these new contacts turn out to be nuisances, all you have to do is go onto your 800 number settings and block their calls. Most online 1-800 number services have several options for you to choose from, such as having the unwanted caller hear a constant, non-stop ring when they call, a busy signal, or a message telling them that this number is unavailable. Eventually, they’ll get the hint.

You can even block everybody that calls from a certain area code or calling area (ex. all numbers that start with “312-454”). Starting to sound interesting?

Maintain Your Privacy

Many people don’t realize it, but you can easily be found based on your landline or cell phone number. There are numerous websites available online that allow strangers to do a reverse look up on your phone number in just a few clicks. These sites reveal your full name and address in some cases. If a basic look up doesn’t work because you’re unlisted, there are still some services that can dig deeper for a fee to reveal that information.

When you sign up for a 1-800 number you have a certain level of privacy. True, there are some 800 number lookup services, but they are harder to find, and you don’t always have to give your full information in order to obtain a 1-800 number. You do not have to give a social security number or other highly personal details in order to get an 800 number. So if someone were to do a reverse lookup on your 800 number, they will probably just come up with whatever you decided to enter in your online form.

Reasonable Rates

On some sites, like Kall8 , you can get an 800 number for as little as $2 down and $2 a month . They also charge you a per minute rate, but that’s why you always want to keep 800 number calls as short as possible. Compared to the annoyances of giving everyone you meet your real cell phone number, a 1-800 number is a real bargain.

If you are having concerns about your privacy and how to best manage your cell phone and landline calls, a 1-800 number can definitely be a life saver.

Belly Fat Theory: Our Burdens Go Straight to Our Bellies

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I have this theory: I believe that when we reach a certain age, time or experience in our lives, we start to carry our burdens in our bellies. I think that’s why so many American adults have belly fat — large or protruding stomachs and digestive issues.

I am my own case study for this theory. When I was in college I was so carefree! I had a good time pretty much all of the time, and I didn’t think about anything except passing my exams (easy) and deciding which party to attend on the weekend.Belly

And I looked good. I was a slim trim 135 lbs with curves in all of the right places and a flat perfect stomach that everyone envied. I went shopping all the time and always had the best clothes — the latest fashions.

Back then I actually believed that the world would end soon after I left school, so I wasn’t worried about all of the debt I was accruing and the unmeasured risks I was taking.

But guess what… the world is still here and a lot of that stuff came back to pimp-slap me in my face. There was the extreme debt, the stress of not finding the job I thought I deserved and the sadness of not meeting that perfect guy from my childhood fantasies who I assumed I’d marry in my twenties.

It took a while, but as the realities of life began to descend on me more and more, my body began to change. One day I woke up and I had a GUT for the first time in my life.

Along with this new found “kangaroo pouch pooch” that I had on my stomach, I also developed some weird digestive problems — constipation, diarrhea, bad gas and other problems.

It’s Not a Coincidence
My case is definitely not the only proof of this theory. I know countless people who also went from having slim stomachs in their younger years to gaining significant weight in their midsection (pregnancy and no pregnancy) when they became overwhelmed with life’s burdens.

Sure, it has something to do with diet. But I believe it has a lot more to do with mental stress, depression and “stinkin thinkin” as Zig Ziglar liked to call it.

If you notice, happy young people who live very carefree lives tend to have nice fit stomachs while their stress-filled parents have “belly burden.” Young people eat that same bad American diet as their parents (burgers, fries, chips, ice cream) but still maintain their flat stomachs.

Real Solutions to “Belly Burden”
So enough talking about the problem — what about the solution(s)?

– Commit to a daily mental cleansing. Meditation is a great way to cleanse the mind. It’s like putting your brain on the rinse cycle each day and starting again. Find a quiet place where no one can both you or put on some earphones with meditation music, close your eyes and meditate on the following:

1) things you’re grateful for
2) what you want and need in life
3) things/people/experiences that make your happy.

Also, instead of those hard workouts, try yoga and Pilates first to stretch places that need to be stretched.

– Better eating and diet. Eating for better health is simple: more fruits and vegetables and less of everything else. You should also set up an appointment with your doctor to see if you might have some type of dietary allergy that could be causing the bloat (like a gluten allergy).

– Investigate whether you might be lactose intolerant. This was one of my main issues! I love cheesy Italian meals and didn’t know that I was lactose intolerant. Part of my gut’s “grand debut” can probably be attributed to this. So I started taking lactase supplements with cheesy meals (best to eliminate cheese and milk if possible) and probiotics daily (I like Probiotic Pearls) and finally started to see a positive change after a few months.

– Reduce alcohol and carb intake. This goes along with better diet, but it’s worth a category by itself. Yeasty carbs like pasta and potatoes sit on your stomach and promote bloat. Alcohol and beer is high in yeast, which can bloat the stomach. Drinking a lot of hard liquor can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines. Reduce or eliminate your intake of all of these things.

– Depression counseling. Depression is a mental condition that can eat away at you little by little over time. Experts also believe that it is a cause of weight gain and physical health issues. Negative thinking can manifest in the body. Sometimes talking to a professional who will just listen to what you’re going through helps you to see things more clearly. And remember: a whole lot of people struggle with depression, don’t feel ashamed about it.

– Release worry. Dale Carnegie, the author of Stop Worrying and Start Living” gives a simple suggestion for overcoming worry: determine what is the worst case scenario and stop being afraid of it. If that happens, you’ll still be breathing and have another chance to make it right.

– Listen to books by people who “get it.” One of the solutions that has helped me over time was listening to audiobooks by experts, psychologists and regular folks who have been through the same thing. I really enjoy Rhonda Byrne’s audiobook The Power and recommend it to everyone who will listen.

– Do more of what you love. So many people work jobs that they hate to impress people who they don’t even really like. Start a side gig or hobby that you enjoy that gives you great pleasure.

If you think that you may be carrying your burden in your belly, you certainly aren’t alone. Explore what may be going on in your mind that could be causing belly fat and affecting what’s going on in the rest of your body as well.

Posted by Jasmine

Photo credit: Flickr/72213316@N00