How to Make a German Chocolate Cake

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Make a German Chocolate Cake - Despite the "German" name, this traditional cake has its origins in the United States, named after Sam German, an American chocolatier. The impressive cake is comprised of three layers of moist chocolate cake, filled with a gooey caramel frosting and laced with both coconut and pecan. A drizzle of chocolate espresso sauce renders further indulgence on many levels.

Things You'll Need
1. 3 cups cake flour
2. 3/4 cup + 1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa powder
3. 2 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
5. 2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
6. 1 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
7. 3 cups granulated sugar
8. 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
9. 4 large eggs, at room temperature
10. 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11. 2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
12. 4 egg yolks
13. 12 ounces / 350 milliliters evaporated milk
14. 2 cups pecans, chopped
15. 1 cup shredded coconut
16. 2 ounces / 55 grams dark chocolate, chopped, plus extra for sprinkling
17. 1/2 cup heavy cream

Heat the oven to 350 F / 170 C.

Set out all of the ingredients you will need. Grease and line three 9-inch / 18-centimeter round cake pans, and set them aside.

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 1 teaspoon of the espresso powder, if using.

Step 2: Beat the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with electric handheld beaters, beat 1 cup of the butter, 1 1/2 cups of the granulated sugar and the brown sugar until light and fluffy, 4 to 6 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the 4 whole eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in 1 tablespoon of the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add half of the flour mixture. Continue to beat until it's incorporated.

Step 5: Add the Buttermilk and Remaining Flour
In a steady stream, add the buttermilk and beat until thoroughly combined. Then, add in the remaining half of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Remove the bowl from the mixer, and finish combining by gently stirring it with a spatula.

Step 6: Divide and Bake
Divide the batter among the prepared pans, and bake until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 35 minutes. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 20 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to finish cooling completely. Level off any domed tops.

Step 7: Make the Filling
Combine 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, the remaining 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, the egg yolks and the evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook until thick and glossy, roughly 10 to 12 minutes. Strain the mixture through a sieve and into a bowl. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans and the shredded coconut. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill until firm.

Step 8: Build the Cake
When the cakes are cool, place the first cake layer on a stand or plate and spread with 1/3 of the chilled filing. Cover this with the second cake layer, and spread with 1/3 of the filling. Top with the third layer, and cover it with the remaining filling.

Step 9: Decorate
Decorate the top of the cake with the remaining 1/2 cup of pecans and a handful of chocolate shavings. Chill the cake while you prepare the chocolate espresso sauce.

Step 10: Make the Chocolate Espresso Sauce
Combine the chopped dark chocolate, remaining teaspoon of espresso and 1 tablespoon of Dutch-processed cocoa powder in a small bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it is boiling. Pour the cream into the bowl containing the chocolate, and let it sit for a minute before whisking the mixture until glossy and smooth.

Step 11: Finish the Cake
Drizzle the chilled cake with the chocolate espresso sauce before slicing and serving.

Tip

• You can store this cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

How to Keep Pop-Up Ads From Coming Up

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Keep Pop-Up Ads From Coming Up - You have different ways of dealing with pop-up ads depending on the Web browser you use. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Safari all have built-in pop-up blockers. You can choose to install third-party applications and browser extensions to help prevent pop-ups, like Adblock Plus and Better Pop Up Blocker. You may miss out on certain website features by using these programs.

Google Chrome

Chrome automatically blocks pop-ups by default. You'll notice an icon appear in your address bar whenever a pop-up has been blocked. You can choose to allow pop-ups on selected sites or block them altogether. You can add websites to an exceptions list that allows pop-ups from sites that you choose. To access the exceptions list, click on the three-line Google Chrome menu, then on "Settings" and then "Show Advanced Settings." Navigate to the Privacy section and click on "Content Settings." You'll see an option to manage exceptions within the pop-up section.

Firefox and Safari

Firefox blocks pop-ups in the same way as Chrome, displaying an icon in the address bar whenever a pop-up has been blocked. You can choose to allow pop-ups on certain sites by adding them to the exceptions list. In Safari, you can enable pop-up blocking by clicking "Safari" at the top left, selecting "Preferences" and then clicking on "Security." You'll see an option to block pop-up windows. If you're still seeing pop-ups even with the blockers enabled, there are browser extensions that can add protection.

Browser Extensions

Adblock Plus (link in Resources) is a browser extension available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Internet Explorer and Android devices. Adblock Plus blocks banners, pop-ups and video ads. It installs into any supported browser and can be configured to block ads in your Facebook and YouTube accounts. Better Pop Up Blocker (link in Resources) is a Chrome extension that offers improvements over Chrome's built-in pop-up blocker. Better Pop Up Blocker stops pop-unders and new tab pop-ups in addition to the pop-up blocking natively offered by Google Chrome.

You Could Miss Out

Pop-up blockers and browser extensions can block pop-ups that are necessary for the intended website experience. If you use a browser extension like Adblock Plus or Better Pop Up Blocker, you could be missing out on website features that you would otherwise see. Instead of blocking pop-up ads altogether, you can manage your pop-up settings by website. If there are certain websites you want to receive pop-ups from, make sure those websites have been added to your exceptions list. If you're having difficulty logging into a website that requires pop-ups, try disabling the pop-up blocker altogether.

How to Make Fruit Juice Ice Pops

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Make Fruit Juice Ice Pops - Homemade ice pops make for a refreshing treat in the summertime, and they're easy to make at home. Using an ice pop mold and store-bought or homemade fruit juice, it takes seconds to prepare a variety of flavors for freezing. Make refined sugar-free ice pops by choosing 100 percent juices for a healthy and delicious treat. You also can get creative with your ice pops by adding layers.

How to Make Traditional Ice Pops

Step 1: Choose Your Juice Flavor
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade juice. For best results, use juice that is naturally sweet or sweetened, such as lemonade or limeade

Step 2: Fill the Mold
Leave 1/2 inch of space at the top of the mold, as liquid expands when it freezes.

Step 3: Cover and Freeze
If using a mold with built-in sticks, simply place the cover on the mold and freeze for 5 hours.

If using a mold that requires inserting wooden or plastic sticks, place the cover over the juice and freeze for two hours without the sticks. After two hours, place the sticks into the center of the partially frozen ice pops. The sticks should stand on their own. Place the mold back in the freezer for an additional 3 hours.

Step 4: Unmold and Enjoy!
To serve, allow the ice pops to thaw 5 to 10 minutes before removing the cover and pulling gently on the sticks. To speed up the process, you can run the outside of the mold under warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. The ice pops should come out easily.

How to Make Layered Ice Pops

Step 1: Prepare the First Layer
Blend, mix, or whisk together the ingredients for the first layer. You can make layered ice pops using fruit juice or a blended yogurt or coconut milk mixture.

Step 2: Partially Fill the Mold
Evenly distribute the mixture for the first layer in the mold. Fill depending on the desired thickness of the layer. Cover the mold, and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Next Layer
Blend, mix, or whisk together the ingredients for the second layer, and pour it into the mold. Cover and freeze 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 4: Repeat for Remaining Layers
Continue adding layers, freezing for 30 minutes in between.

Step 5: Cover and Insert Sticks
Once you have completely filled the molds, cover the mold and insert the sticks into the center. Freeze an additional 2 to 4 hours, until ice pops are completely frozen.

Step 6: Remove From Mold
Remove ice pops from freezer and allow them to thaw about 5 to 10 minutes so they come out of the mold easily. You can run warm water over the outsides of the mold for about 20 seconds to speed up the process.

How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites All Over My Legs

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Get Rid of Mosquito Bites All Over My Legs - It's the female mosquito that is responsible for those red bumps that have shown up on your legs. Approximately 24 hour before the red bumps appeared on your legs, female mosquitoes were feasting on your blood. While sucking your blood, the mosquito deposits saliva into your skin. Your body's immune system responds to the foreign protein, resulting in itchiness, swelling and burning. You're left with small, red bumps all over your legs. Remedies to combat the bites include the use of products you may already have right at home.

Things You'll Need
1. Soap
2. Ice pack
3. Calamine lotion
4. Baking soda
5. Water
6. Oral antihistamine
7. Aloe vera gel

Instructions

1. Wash your legs with a mild soap and warm water.
Place an ice pack on the mosquito bites. Ice is soothing and relieves any swelling. Wet a washcloth with cold water if you don't have an ice pack or use cold soda cans or frozen packaged foods.

2. Apply calamine lotion to the mosquito bites on your legs.
Calamine lotion relieves itchiness and burning as the bites heal. Hydrocortisone cream is also a good choice.

3. Make a thick paste of approximately 2 tbsp. baking soda and 2 tbsp. water and spread this over the mosquito bites on your legs.
The paste has a similar, yet shorter-lasting, effect as calamine lotion. Use more baking soda and water depending on the size of the affected area.

4. Take an oral antihistamine containing diphenhydramine.
An oral antihistamine reduces harsher side effects from mosquito bites including pain, fever, itching and redness.

5. Apply aloe vera gel to the mosquito bites.
Aloe vera is all natural, soothes the area and reduces itching and swelling.

6. Wait it out.
Your mosquito bumps will go away within a week. The bumps disappear first and two to three days later, the itchiness ends.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your doctor if the mosquito bites result in an allergic reaction or if you experience headaches, fever, body aches, vomiting and nausea.
• Avoid scratching mosquito bites. If the skin tears, it may result in an infection.
• Stay away from humid areas near water because this is where the senses of mosquitoes are stronger and more alert than normal.
• Wear mosquito repellent on your skin to avoid getting bitten. Read the packaging label since some not all repellents combat mosquitoes.
• Avoid spraying perfume on your skin because the scent may attract mosquitoes.

How to Remove Windows PC Defender Virus

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Remove Windows PC Defender Virus - Windows PC Defender is designed to look like anti-virus or anti-spyware software from Microsoft, but it is actually a virus. Windows PC Defender pretends to scan the computer for infections, displays a fake results log, then demands you to purchase the full program to fix the "detected" viruses. Although the program claims to be an anti-virus program, it actually blocks real anti-virus programs from removing Windows PC Defender. It also hijacks all program icons so that you can't launch your real anti-virus software or any other program. If your PC is infected with the Windows PC Defender virus and you can't run your anti-virus or anti-malware software, you can remove the infection manually.

Instructions

1. Turn on or restart the computer and press "F8" on the boot screen to open the Windows Advanced Boot Options menu. Scroll to "Safe Mode" and press Enter.

2. Sign in to Windows. Hold down "Ctrl-Shift-Esc" to open Windows Task Manager. Click the "Processes" tab.

3. Click "Image Name" to alphabetize the processes. Right-click "eb.exe." Select "End Process" from the menu. Click "End Process" again.

4. Repeat the above step for fix.exe, ppal.exe and WP345d.exe.

5. Click "File." Click "New Task" to open the "Run" window. Type "cmd" and press "Enter" to open a command-line window.

6. Type "cd c:\windows\system32" at the command-line prompt. Press "Enter." Type "regsvr32 -u mozcrt19.dll" and press "Enter" to unregister the Windows PC Defender dynamic linking library.

7. Repeat the process for sqlite3.dll, cid.dll and ddv.dll. Type "cd %userprofile%\recent" at the command prompt and press Enter. Unregister tempdoc.dll. Close the command-prompt window.

8. Reopen the "Run" box. Type in "regedit" or "regedit.exe." Press Enter to open Windows Registry Editor.

9. Navigate through the "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT" and "CLSID" paths. Right-click "{3F2BBC05-40DF-11D2-9455-00104BC936FF}." Click "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm.

10. Return to "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT." Right-click "WP345d.DocHostUIHandler" and click "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

11. Go through "HKEY_USERS | .DEFAULT | Software| Microsoft| Internet Explorer." Click "SearchScopes."

12. Right-click "URL," which has the value of "http://search-gala.com/?&uid=201&q={searchTerms," and click "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

13. Return to "Internet Explorer." Right-click "PRS," which has the value of "http://127.0.0.1:27777/?inj=%ORIGINAL%." Click "Delete." Click "Yes."

14. Go to "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings." Find and delete "UID" with the "201" value.

15. Click "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\5.0\User Agent\Post Platform." Delete "89770891803."

16. Open "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run." Delete "Windows PC Defender."

17. Click the Start button at the bottom left of your monitor screen. Click "Computer." Enter "8424.mof" into the search bar and wait for the computer to locate the file. When the file appears in the results, right-click it, then click "Delete." Click "Yes."

18. Repeat the process for the following files associated with Windows PC Defender: exec.tmp, mozcrt19.dll, CLSV.tmp, fix.exe, search.xml, ddv.dll, eb.exe, sqlite3.dll, tempdoc.dll, WP345d.exe, runddlkey.drv, WPCD.ico, ppal.exe, wpcd.cfg, energy.sys, vd952342.bd, cookies.sqlite, Windows PC Defender.lnk, PE.drv, cid.dll, eb.sys, FS.drv, Instructions.ini, kernel32.drv and PE.tmp.

19. Go to "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data." Delete the following folders: "3adffe," "WPCDSys" and "345d567."

20. Type "%userprofile%\application data" into the address bar and press Enter. Right-click "Windows PC Defender" then click "Delete." Click "Yes" to completely remove the Windows PC Defender virus from your computer. Restart your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Enable hidden files on your system if you can't find the files. Select "Tools" from within Windows Explorer. Click "Folder Options." Select the "View" tab and click "Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives." Click "OK."
• If you can't open Task Manager, download and run Pocket KillBox. Locate and select the process in the right pane, then click "EndTask."
• Windows PC Defender is an extremely aggressive virus. After removing it, consider using System Restore to restore your system to an earlier state, before it was infected. If the recommended procedure doesn't work, or the virus returns, you may have to wipe and reformat your entire computer system.

How to Get Silky Soft Hair

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Get Silky Soft Hair - Due to frequent washes, periodical dying and using heat for styling, my hair used to be very dry and damaged. No matter how much product I used in an attempt to make my hair shiny and soft it just felt like hay. I would later learn that my hair needed a break from styling products, dyes and heat. I resolved to focus on a long-term repair routine rather than a quick fix to mask the natural appearance of my hair.

I switched to a sulfate and silicone-free shampoo which, at first, made my hair feel unmanageable and dry. However after a couple weeks, it gradually started to look healthier and day by day its texture improved. I also started to use oils to moisturize it and, within a few months, my hair became shinier, stronger and silky soft. Silicone based shampoos coat the hair with a thin waterproof layer that makes the hair look smooth and feel slippery, so that it is easier to comb through. However over time, silicone build up can prevent oils and moisture from penetrating the hair, making it dull, dry and damaged, like mine was.

Whether your hair is dry, curly, damaged, or even straight and fine like mine, it can still benefit greatly from oil treatments. Using a hair mask or overdoing the conditioner is not necessarily going to make your hair softer than an inexpensive, homemade oil mask. Moreover, some of the most beneficial oils for your hair may already be in your kitchen pantry or in your skincare cabinet.

Here are my favorite oils for hair care:

Coconut Oil

According to a study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Science, coconut oil is very effective at preventing hair breakage, as it was found to reduce protein loss when used as a pre-wash and post-grooming treatment. It also acts like a deep conditioner, making the hair softer as it promotes a healthy scalp by moisturizing it and providing an antibacterial effect. Among the oils tested in the study, coconut oil was found to be the only one that penetrates the hair shaft.

How to use it:

I use about one tablespoon of coconut oil. Some people like to heat it up and apply it warm (coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures). I usually warm it up in my hands by simply rubbing it, and then I lay it on my scalp and work my way down it the ends. I make sure to massage it and evenly distribute it, and then I let it sink in overnight. I do not like to wear any type of protective cap and I prefer to braid it, but you may wear a cap if you like. In the morning I wash my hair making sure to thoroughly rid my hair of any oil residue, and this leaves my locks soft and smooth.

Do a coconut oil treatment once a week if you have fine, straight hair, and twice a week if you have dry hair or curly hair.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is an excellent treatment for hair that is not very dry or dull but may have a little damage, such as split ends. A few drops of argan oil run through the ends of you hair will add moisture without adding much weight, especially when compared to other plant oils. Therefore, argan oil may be used as a pre-wash treatment by people with a more oily scalp that do not wish to make their hair too greasy, while people with dry hair and/or curly hair, may apply a few drops post-wash to add moisture and shine.

How to use it:

As a pre-wash treatment, rub a few drops of oil between the palms of your hands and apply to hair length and ends. Keep oil on your hair as long as possible, preferably overnight, and then proceed to wash with shampoo. Do this every time you plan on washing your hair as a pre-wash treatment to experience maximum benefits.

As a post-wash treatment, rub one-two drops of oil in between the palms of your hands and apply only on the ends of your hair to add shine and moisture.

Other oils that you may use in the same way are: avocado oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. These are all excellent options for any hair type and are relatively inexpensive. For a more luxurious treatment you could try rosehip oil.

Here are some things to do in addition to oil treatments that can help with softening your hair:
1. Switch to a silicone-free shampoo, such as Acure Organics, (also available at Whole Foods), Rahua, or Josh Rosebrook.

2. Limit your use of heat-based tools like hair straighteners and curling wands, or completely avoid them (save them for special occasions, if possible).

3. Skip hair dyes, or use the most gentle on the market, like Naturtint.

4. Wash your hair only once or twice a week. If necessary, use a dry shampoo between washes, such as One Love Organics Healthy Locks Dry Shampoo Powder.

While people with very dry hair or curly hair may still need to use a conditioner post-wash, people with fine hair may be able to skip on conditioner, as the oil treatments work as a deep-conditioning treatment.

How to Install Android Apps on Your Phone or Tablet

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Install Android Apps on Your Phone or Tablet - Google provides a primary app store for Android, known as Google Play. However, Android isn't like iOS. Google Play isn't the only game in town, and there are other ways to install apps on Android.

Some Android devices (particularly dirt-cheap ones coming direct from manufacturers in China) aren't certified by Google and don't include Google Play. This makes the device much less useful, but you can still install apps on it.

Google Play App

The primary way you'll install apps on Android is by firing up the Play Store app on your phone or tablet. You'll find the Play Store in your app drawer and likely on your default home screen. You can also open it by tapping the shopping bag-like icon at the top-right corner of the app drawer. Once in the store, browse or search for an app and tap the Install button to install it.

Google Play on the Web

Hunting for apps using a touchscreen keyboard isn't the most convenient way to install apps. To install apps from your computer, visit the Google Play website at play.google.com. You can search and browse for apps on the website.

As long as you're logged in with the same Google account you use for your Android phone or tablet, you can click the install button on the website to remotely install the app on your phone or tablet. If you have multiple Android devices, you can select the one you want the app installed on. Once you've told Google Play to install the app, your phone or tablet will start downloading the app and install it for you.

Sideloading Apps

Android supports sideloading, which allows you to install apps from outside of Google Play. However, this is disabled by default for security reasons. To enable sideloading, open the Settings app on your Android, tap the Security category, and enable the Unknown sources check box.

Note that this can be a security risk, as it allows installation of apps from outside the Play Store, which could potentially contain malware. If you enable this setting, it's your job to install applications responsibly, stay away from pirated games and other apps that may contain Android malware.

After enabling this setting, you can download an Android app in .APK format and install it on your device. For example, you could download the .APK file in your Android's browser and open it from the Downloads app. You could also download the APK file to your computer, copy it over to your Android's file system with a USB cable, use a file manager app to browse to it, and tap the APK file to start installing it.

Sideloading allows you to install a variety of apps that aren't available in the Play Store, such as the XBMC Media Center for Android, various emulators that have been removed from Google Play, and third-party app store apps like the Amazon Appstore for Android and Humble Bundle app.

This option may not be available on some devices if the device's manufacturer or carrier has disabled it. AT&T once did this, but it's become much less common. Most devices should have the Unknown sources checkbox.

Third-Party App Stores

Android allows for third-party app stores. The most well-known and popular one is Amazon's Appstore for Android (currently only available in the US), which gives away a free paid app every day. Amazon's Appstore for Android is also used natively on Amazon's Kindle Fire devices.

The ever-popular Humble Bundle, which sells bundles of indie games for Windows, Mac, and Linux, has also sold bundles of Android games. If you purchased any of the Humble Bundles containing Android games, you could install the Humble Bundle app and use it to manage the installation and updating of your Humble Bundle games. To use either the Amazon Appstore, Humble Bundle, or other third-party app stores, you’ll need to sideload the app store’s app.

Some devices may come with their own, integrated third-party app stores. For example, Samsung devices come with the Samsung Apps app, which may contain free versions of some paid apps, but is otherwise fairly uninteresting. Carriers have distributed their own app stores with their Android devices in the past, but this is becoming less common.

Just as you should be extra careful when sideloading apps, you should be extra careful when using third-party app stores. For example, you can probably trust Amazon and the Humble Bundle, but you should beware of many other app stores. For example, an untrustworthy app store distributing pirated apps may be a source of malware. We recommend staying away from those.

Sideloading From Your PC

You can also sideload apps onto your Android device in other ways. For example, if you have an APK file on your computer, you can use the excellent AirDroid app to upload it to your Android device and install it without even connecting your Android device to your computer.

If you’re a developer, you can use the adb (Android debug bridge) command to "push" an app to a connected device, installing it from your computer. The appropriate command is as follows, where C:\package.apk is the path to the APK file on your computer:

adb install C:\package.apk

You can also install Android apps on your Windows PC, which opens up a whole new world of touchscreen games and apps on touch-enabled Windows 8 devices.

How to Repair Corrupted Windows System Files with the SFC and DISM Commands

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Repair Corrupted Windows System Files with the SFC and DISM Commands - The System File Checker tool built into Windows can scan your Windows system files for corruption or any other changes. If a file has been modified, it will automatically replace that file with the correct version.

If the SFC command doesn’t work, you can use the DISM command on WIndows 10 or Windows 8 to repair the underlying Windows system image. On Windows 7 and earlier, Microsoft offers a downloadable "System Update Readiness Tool" instead.

When You Should Run These Commands

Run this command when troubleshooting a buggy Windows system. If Windows is blue-screening, applications are crashing, or some Windows features just aren’t working properly, the SFC command may be able to fix this. Even if the SFC command doesn’t repair any files, running it will confirm that no system files are corrupted and you can continue to troubleshoot your system with other methods.

You shouldn’t normally have to run the DISM command. However, if the SFC command fails to run properly or can’t replace a corrupted file with the correct one, the DISM command or System Update Readiness Tool can fix the underlying Windows system and make SFC run correctly.

Run the SFC Command to Repair System Files

You’ll need to do this from and Administrator Command Prompt window. To open one on Windows 10 or 8.1, right-click the Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)". On all versions of Windows, you can also search the Start menu for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

Type the following command into the Command Prompt window and press Enter to run a full system scan:

sfc /scannow

Leave the Command Prompt window open until the command completes, this may take some time. If everything is fine, you’ll see the message "Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations."

If you see a "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them" message, try rebooting into Safe Mode first. On WIndows 10, 8.1, or 8, hold the Shift key while clicking the Restart option to access the advanced boot options menu. On Windows 7 or earlier, reboot your computer, and then press and hold the F8 key while it’s booting up. Run the sfc /scannow command from within Safe Mode.

Run the DISM Command to Fix SFC Problems

On WIndows 10, 8.1, and 8, the Deployment Image & Servicing Management tool can fix component store corruption that prevents the SFC command from working properly.

To run this command, open a Command Prompt as administrator. Type the following command and press Enter. DISM will check your Windows component store for corruption and automatically fix any problems it finds.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Allow the command to finish running before closing the Command Prompt window. This may take five to ten minutes. It’s normal for the progress bar to stay at 20 percent for a while, so don’t worry about that.

If the DISM command changed anything, restart your computer afterwards. You can now run the SFC command again and it would be able to replace any corrupted files with the correct ones.

On Windows 7 and earlier, the DISM command isn’t available. Instead, you can download and run the "System Update Readiness Tool" from Microsoft and use it to scan your system for problems and attempt to fix them.

Try System Restore or a System Reset

If you’re still experiencing system problems and these tools can’t help, you can try more drastic actions. Running the System Restore tool will restore your Windows operating system files to an earlier state, and this may fix system corruption problems if the operating system wasn’t damaged at that earlier point.

There’s always just performing a system reset or reinstalling Windows, too. On Windows 10, 8.1, and 8, you can perform a "Reset this PC" operation to reset Windows to its default state. You’ll have to reinstall your programs after, but you won’t lose any personal files. On Windows 7 and earlier, this will require using your computer's manufacturer-provided recovery partition or reinstalling Windows from scratch.

If you encounter other errors while running the above commands, try searching the web for the errors you encounter. The commands will often point you to log files with more information if they fail, too - check the log files for more details about specific problems. Ultimately, it may not be worth troubleshooting serious Windows corruption problems when you can just reset Windows to its default state or reinstall it.

The above commands also have other options, too. For example, you can have the SFC command check only a single Windows file for corruption and repair it. You can have the DISM command perform a quick check for system corruption without repairing it, or provide a WIM or ESD file containing Windows operating system files.

How to Boost Heart Health With This Smart Snacks

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Boost Heart Health With This Smart Snacks - It's no secret that the heart is one of the body's most vital organs, so it's important to take care of it. Exercise, of course, is key to good heart health, but so is the right diet. Lean protein, whole grains and vegetables are all great suggestions when it comes to planning our daily meals, but sometimes we snack on foods that may not bode well for the heart. To make sure you munch on heart-healthy snacks, try these suggestions to give your heart a boost.

Soak Your Oats

Not just for breakfast anymore, oatmeal and oat bran are perfect for an afternoon snack. "Oatmeal and oat bran consistently lower cholesterol linked to a compound, beta-glucan, which is a potent soluble fiber," says Layne Lieberman, R.D., culinary nutritionist and author of "Beyond the Mediterranean Diet: European Secrets of the Super-Healthy." She suggests soaking bircher muesli oats overnight with dried fruit, fresh fruit, nonfat yogurt, almond milk and chopped almonds.

Fish Food

An ideal snack for when you're on the go, tuna is a great way to boost heart health. Dr. Matthew Budoff, M.D., a cardiologist with the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute, says fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help protect against heart attacks. Toss a can in your bag, or, if you have more time, dish it up with a scoop of salsa and a squeeze of lime, says cookbook author Tina Ruggiero, M.S., R.D., L.D.

Go Nutty

Nuts have a strong reputation for being good for the heart, but don't just grab a handful. Lieberman suggests making a walnut hummus. "Walnuts contain a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids that other nuts don't," she says. "Omega-3s lower triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood, and may slow down plaque buildup in the arteries." To make hummus, combine 19 ounces of chick peas with 1/4 cup of walnuts in a blender. Add three tablespoons of lemon juice, and season with cumin and pepper.

Warm It Up

For a quick snack, nutritionist Alison Borgmeyer, M.S., R.D., loves Egg Beaters SmartCups. "I pop them in the microwave, add some peppers and a sprinkle of cheese, and I'm good to go until dinner," she says. "Less than 200 calories with no cholesterol and little fat but with vitamins, minerals and satisfying protein that your heart needs to keep you moving."

Play It Smooth

Lieberman suggests making a heart-healthy smoothie with a frozen banana, a handful of spinach, one mango and 1.5 cups of almond milk. "Spinach adds a heavy dose of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids), manganese, zinc and selenium," she says. "Antioxidants from natural foods have been associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) and high blood pressure."

Oh Soy!

Adding soy into your diet offers many benefits for the heart. "Soybean oil is relatively low in saturated fat and has zero grams trans fat per serving," says Mark Messina, Ph.D., M.S., soy health expert for the United Soybean Board. "Plus it contains vitamin E and essential omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fat, which can promote cardiovascular health." Try pairing edamame hummus with your favorite veggies for a nutrient boost, he adds.

Add Some Sweet

Baked sweet potatoes are heart smart because they are a super-food, packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C, Lieberman says. "They are virtually fat-free, low in sodium, are one of the most nutritious vegetables and a good source of the soluble fiber pectin known to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)," she adds. "They even contain vitamin E. These vitamins, minerals and fiber are responsible for protecting the body against heart disease and stroke."

Easy Peasy

Want a snack with crunch? Borgmeyer recommends making your own treat with yellow and green split peas. "It's super easy with good fats and protein, great for the heart," she says. To make, soak one cup of dried split peas in three cups of water for 4.5 hours. In a large skillet, add a little olive oil, add peas and stir frequently. Cook five to 10 minutes until golden brown.

Indulge with Chocolate

Get your chocolate fix with Lieberman's chocolate tofu banana mousse. "Regular intake of soy protein in the form of tofu has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides and decrease the risk of blood clot formation," she says. To make, in a blender combine one banana, 12 ounces drained tofu, five tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 cup maple syrup, three tablespoons almond or fat-free milk, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.

Enjoy a Drink

Pair your heart-healthy snacks with a heart-healthy beverage such as red wine or green tea. "Red wine contains antioxidants resveratrol and catechins, which may help protect artery walls," Lieberman says. "Alcohol, in moderation, can also boost HDL, the 'good' cholesterol." Green tea may improve blood flow in the vessels, she adds. If opting for wine, Lieberman recommends checking with your physician if you are currently taking medications including aspirin.

How to Make a Pineapple Palm Tree for a Serving Tray

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Make a Pineapple Palm Tree for a Serving Tray - Here's a creative idea for a combination centerpiece or serving tray that puts the "wow" in your next luau or tropical-themed party. The palm tree is made of pineapples stacked on top of each other with palm fronds coming out of the top. The secret to keeping the pineapples upright is PVC pipe, but you can tell everyone it's the tiki gods.

Things You'll Need
1. 4 to 5 pineapples
2. Palm fronds
3. PVC pipe, 1 inch by 24 inches
4. PVC table cap, 1 inch
5. Wood screws
6. 12-inch wood disk, 3/4 inches thick
7. Wooden skewers
8. Aluminum foil
9. Knife
10. Serving platter
11. PVC pipe cutter (optional)

Step 1: Screw PVC Table Cap to the Wood Base

While the secret to keeping the pineapples standing is a PVC pipe, what allows the PVC pipe to stand vertically is a PVC table cap. You can find PVC table caps in different sizes at home improvement stores or online. Screw the table cap into the center of a 12-inch wood disk, which you can find pre-cut for you at me improvement stores.

Step 2: Cut PVC pipe if necessary

The 1-inch PVC pipe comes in a pre-cut 24-inch length. Measure the height of your pineapples to determine if, when stacked, they will be higher than the PVC pipe. Ideally, the stacked pineapples should extend just over the top of the PVC pipe. If your pineapples are shorter than 24 inches, the PVC pipe will need to be cut. Typically, with four pineapples you will need to cut the pipe. If you don't want to cut the pipe, just add a fifth pineapple.

Step 3: Insert the PVC Pipe in the PVC Table Cap

Wash your PVC pipe in hot, soapy water. Then place the PVC pipe in the table cap. It should fit snuggly.

Step 4: Cover with the Aluminum Foil

Cover the entire PVC pipe and wood base with aluminum foil. The foil will be a barrier to keep the pineapple and other food on the serving tray from coming in contact with the pipe and wood. Not only does the foil help with food safety, it also makes cleanup easier. For now, be sure to cover the opening of the PVC pipe with foil.

Step 5: Slice the Tops and Bottoms of the Pineapples

Using a sharp knife, cut the top and bottom off of each pineapple. Try to cut straight across so the cuts are parallel and level.

Step 6: Core the Pineapples

Cut out the center part of the pineapple, making the hole just over 1 inch in diameter. Be careful with the knife. When you've cut all the way through, the core can be pushed out. If there is any edible fruit around the core, slice it off and save it before discarding the core.

Step 7: Place the Base on a Serving Platter

Once you have created the pineapple palm tree, it will be heavy and difficult to move around, so ideally it should be assembled at the palm tree's desired location at your party. Place the foil-covered base on a large serving platter, and then you're ready to add the pineapples.

Step 8: Insert the First Pineapple

Line up the hole in the pineapple with the PVC pipe and slide the pineapple down until it sits on the base. Now you can see why we covered the top of the pipe with foil, so pieces of pineapple do not fall in the opening of the PVC pipe when the fruit goes through the pipe.

Step 9: Stack the Next Pineapple

Insert three wooden skewers in the first pineapple, and then slide down the second pineapple on top of the first, connecting them with the three skewers. While the PVC pipe keeps the pineapples upright, the skewers keep them from moving side to side.

Step 10: Continue Stacking the Pineapples

Place skewers in the second pineapple and slide the third pineapple down onto it. Repeat this process for the fourth pineapple and the fifth, if applicable, until the PVC pipe is hidden by the pineapples. You now have the tree trunk. Even though you tried cutting the pineapples straight across, they may still be angled. Don't worry. Actually, the palm tree looks more realistic when there's a slight tilt.

Step 11: Insert the Palm Fronds

Now that the pineapples are in place, go ahead and puncture a hole in the foil at the top of the PVC pipe. Insert palm fronds into the opening of the PVC pipe from different angles. By using the PVC pipe as the frond holder, it keeps them from coming in contact with the fruit. It's still a good idea to wash the palm fronds before inserting them into the pipe.

Step 12: Cover the Base

Now that the palm tree is complete, you can display food on the serving platter by placing it directly on the foil-covered base or on a bed of kale. The kale helps hide the base, but depending on what you are serving, it may not be necessary.

The Finished Pineapple Palm Tree

The pineapple palm tree will definitely be the talk of your next tropical-themed gathering. After your party, the trunk can be disassembled easily and the pineapple cut up and eaten. Cleanup is a breeze; just remove the aluminum foil and rinse the PVC pipe and wood base, if necessary. And because the pipe comes off the table cap, the base is easy to store.

How to Reduce Stress With Healthy Foods

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Reduce Stress With Healthy Foods - Whether you're running late to work, moving to a new home or struggling to pay the bills, you feel it, that chemical reaction that causes your heart to race and muscles to tense. And when left untreated and poorly managed, stress wreaks havoc on your health. It makes you more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold, raises blood pressure and increases risk of diabetes and depression. You may already know that exercise and meditation are healthy ways to reduce stress, but nutrients in certain healthy foods may also help.

Ohmm With Dark Chocolate
Feeling stressed? Go ahead and eat a little dark chocolate. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in the chocolate, stimulates the release of serotonin in the brain. This mood-altering chemical has been shown to make you feel relaxed and happy. The nutrients in dark chocolate also improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. While this sweet treat offers a number of health benefits for the stressed, you don't want to over do it. One ounce of dark chocolate a day should be enough to help you cope. Lisa Cimperman, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson, also suggests non-alkalized dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao to get the most benefits.

Stress-busting Salmon
The omega-3s in salmon are not only good for your heart, but researchers say they may also help you better manage stress. The essential fatty acids found in salmon protect neurons from damage caused by stress, which is especially helpful to those dealing with chronic stress. For good health, aim to eat salmon, or other fatty fish such as tuna or sardines, twice a week. If you're not into fish, Cimperman suggests flaxseed or walnuts to get your omega-3s.

A Banana a Day
Low in calories and readily available, bananas make a good food to add to your stress-reducing diet. Vitamin B6 deficiency decreases serotonin production, according to naturopathic doctors Kathleen A. Head and Gregory S. Kelly. Making bananas a regular part of your diet repertoire keeps vitamin B6 levels and serotonin production up. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which is a nutrient that helps lower blood pressure.

Anti-Anxiety Swiss Chard
Cortisol is the primary hormone responsible for the stress response. It prepares the body for fight-or-flight reactions by flooding it with glucose for immediate energy. Chronic stress reduces magnesium in your body, and low levels increase your susceptibility to stress, compounding the effects, according to some researchers. If your stress is causing you to feel anxious, irritable and agitated, your body may be deficient in magnesium. With 150 milligrams per 1-cup cooked serving, Swiss chard can up your intake of magnesium, help balance cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.

Tea Time
Green and black tea contain the amino acid L-theanine. This amino acid increases dopamine and serotonin production. Like serotonin, dopamine is a feel-good chemical in the brain that promotes pleasure. So, even though a cup of green tea sometimes has more caffeine than a cup of coffee, the L-theanine can counteract the stimulant to promote feelings of joy and relaxation in some people.

Immune-Boosting Red Peppers
Crunchy and sweet, red peppers not only add color to a stir-fry or salad, but also boosts immune health and fights stress. A 1/2-cup serving of red peppers contains 158 milligrams of vitamin C, that’s more than a 6-ounce glass of orange juice. It also has more vitamin C than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. According to Dr. Head and Dr. Kelly, upping your intake of vitamin C in amounts greater than the RDA helps lower cortisol levels, they recommend up to 1 gram a day. This is especially important for men who tend to have higher levels of cortisol than women.

Power-Up With Beans
The B vitamins are known to help extract energy from the food you eat, but they also play a major role in stress management. Niacin promotes sleep, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and thiamin regulate cortisol in stressful situations, and folate is necessary for the regeneration of neurons. Beans are not only a good source of B vitamins, but are also high in fiber, protein and iron. A 1/2-cup serving of any bean, including black beans, kidney beans or chickpeas, can help you get the Bs you need to work out the stress. Incorporate beans into soups, salads or whole-grain side dishes for added texture and flavor.

How to Use Essential Oils to Improve Family Health

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Use Essential Oils to Improve Family Health - Essential oils have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Therapeutic-grade oils do more than smell great, they can play a part in healing and promoting health and well-being. Read on to discover 9 ways you could help to boost your home's health and mood.

Editor's note: Prior to usage, please consult with your health care practitioner regarding oils that you or your family will be ingesting or applying topically. Read all ingredients to ensure no one in your family is allergic, and try a patch test before administering full doses to the skin.

Aid Tummy Aches and Headaches
Peppermint oil is cooling and may help to relieve pain and soothe digestion. Since this therapeutic-grade oil is powerful and may cause skin irritation, it should be mixed with a carrier oil. Common carrier oils include sweet almond, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed, jojoba, avocado, coconut or olive.

Mix 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil with a carrier oil and apply 1 to 2 drops directly to the area in pain. When using for headaches, gently massage into the temples and sinuses, avoiding the eyes. For stomachaches, apply 1 to 2 drops on belly and smooth into skin.

Clean Water Bottles
Lemon oil can act as an antiviral and antiseptic, and it's known to taste great. Add 1 to 2 drops of oil to your family's water bottles and the funk may be significantly decreased. This is a particularly good trick for kids' school water bottles. The taste and power of those few drops will last a few bottle fillings. Grapefruit oil also works well.

Use as an Antiseptic
Purification is a home medicine cabinet staple for essential oil users, it is applied topically to cuts and "owies." It can help with small injuries like skinned knees and paper cuts, as well as on bigger injuries like deep cuts. The oil is a blend made up of citronella, lemongrass, rosemary, melaleuca, lavandin and myrtle and is considered to have antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and sanitizing properties.

Help Soothe a Fever
Peppermint oil can help cool a fever. Stir 1 to 2 drops into warm water and sip, or mix a few drops with a carrier oil and apply to feet. Considered to be clarifying and stimulating, the smell is also soothing.

Aid in Sleeplessness, Bad Dreams and Anxiety
A good night's sleep is important for everyone. Unfortunately, many people have bouts of less-than-perfect sleep. Oils that are known to help promote sweet dreams are lavender and Peace & Calming, which is an oil blend of tangerine, ylang ylang, orange, patchouli and blue tansy. For nervousness and anxiety, try Valor, a blend of spruce, rosewood, blue tansy and frankincense. Rub 1 to 2 drops on chest or pillow, or use an oil diffuser.

Help Protect from Colds and Flu
During the winter months when colds are easily passed around, take extra immunity-strengthening measures. A regular application of Thieves oil blend may give your family the extra edge. A blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus radiata and rosemary cineol, Thieves is considered antiviral and antibacterial, and can help protect the body from the onset of colds or flu. Simply apply 1 to 2 drops to the bottom of feet.

Help Heal Burns, Bruises, Cuts and Bug Bites
Lavender oil is often used to soothe skin issues, from sunburns to bee stings. Applied directly to the affected area, it may bring some quick relief while helping heal wounds faster. Panaway is also a notable pain reducer.

Soothe Respiratory Issues and Seasonal Allergies
Try RC and eucalyptus to soothe respiratory issues, including seasonal allergies. RC is a blend of eucalyptus, myrtle, peppermint, tsuga, cypress, pine, marjoram and lavender. To breathe with ease, massage onto the chest, place a few drops on the pillow at night or place in a room diffuser.

Relieve Tension
Taking a bath is a great way to unwind. Add 1 to 2 drops of your favorite soothing oil and let the aromatherapeutic qualities take hold. This can also be a great way to calm wound-up kids at bedtime, just add 2 to 3 drops of lavender or Peace & Calming right in the tub.

How to Protect Yourself from RFID : Frightening Tracking Tech

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Protect Yourself from RFID : Frightening Tracking Tech - A creepy new spying technology called Radio Frequency Identification, known by its abbreviation RFID, is starting to show up on products you buy at stores like Walmart, and it could be used to track your every move.

What is RFID?

RFID is a tracking technology. It uses tiny microchips hooked up to miniature antennas to track items from a distance. This chip and antenna combination is called an RFID tag. You can see a typical RFID tag here in the diagram. Each tag contains an ID number that uniquely identifies the item to which it is attached. It’s like a Social Security number for things.

RFID tags are tracked by RFID reading devices. These RFID readers gather information from the RFID tags via radio waves, similar to the radio waves that allow you to listen to your favorite FM radio station. RFID radio waves, like FM radio waves, travel invisibly through solid objects like purses, backpacks, wallets and shopping bags.

How do RFID systems keep track of items?

RFID readers collect and process information from matching RFID tags whenever they’re in reading range. Since each RFID tag contains a unique ID number and is associated with a specific item, it’s possible to link items to specific customers at checkout. This makes it possible to track them going forward. There are some preliminary plans to watch the tags all the time, long after purchase, anywhere in the world, through a coming infrastructure known as the "Internet of Things."

RFID tags are easy to hide. They can be sandwiched in price labels, hidden within the soles of shoes, printed on boxes, and even woven right into fabric and clothing labels. Right now you might have an RFID tag in a store loyalty card or in a credit card and not know it!

Most RFID tags get their power from the reader device, so they don’t need batteries. With no parts to wear out, they can beam tracking information to RFID readers indefinitely. And RFID readers themselves can be hidden. We’ve seen plans to embed them in floors, doorways, ceiling tiles and store shelves. Retail logistics departments justify investing in RFID because it lets them locate store inventory at all times and ensure the shelves stay stocked. Marketing departments, on the other hand, love the thought of using RFID to gather intimate data on customers by tracking their movements and secretly scanning the contents of their pockets, purses or backpacks.

This all-seeing X-ray type vision is why we nicknamed RFID microchips "spychips."

We got the lowdown on RFID by attending industry conferences and uncovering a cache of top secret documents that detailed how global corporations and government agencies hope to use RFID-tagged items to track consumers not only in retail stores, but in public spaces and even private homes.

If this all sounds preposterous, we assure you it’s not. IBM has patented something it calls a "person tracking unit" that can track people wearing and carrying RFID tagged items in public places like museums, shopping malls, theaters and libraries, even elevators and public restrooms.

Unfortunately, IBM isn’t alone. AT&T, Procter & Gamble, NCR and other big companies have all developed equally horrifying ways to abuse the technology. And abuses have already occurred. Check out these links to see how Gillette and Procter & Gamble hid RFID tags in innocuous-looking products, then triggered hidden cameras to watch people.

RFID offers companies tremendous power to learn about their customers’ behavior, deliver targeted advertising and even decide which customers deserve top shelf service and which ones to treat badly to discourage them from shopping in their stores. The power all flows one way, though. In their voracious worldview, marketers are the watchers and the manipulators, we customers are the watched and manipulated.

RFID is clearly not in my best interest. How do I protect myself?

It’s not easy to avoid RFID, since tags can be hidden so easily in the things you buy. The good news is that we’ve been sounding the alarm in the early stages while there is still time to stop businesses from putting their horrible ideas into practice. Here’s what you can do:

1. Educate yourself about RFID. Our bestselling book Spychips : How major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID details where RFID is being planned. The book is in many libraries and can be found new and used in bookstores and online.  You can read the hilarious introduction by famed sci-fi writer Bruce Sterling,  and you can read the first chapter free.

2. Sign up to receive information about RFID and other invasive tracking plans via our website at www.spychips.com. (Note: Please excuse our dust. We are in the process of revamping our website, but the CASPIAN newsletter sign-up form works.)

3. Ask stores if they are using RFID and, if so, where and how. If they’re using it on consumer products, we recommend avoiding the store, or at the very least demanding that RFID tags on the things you buy are removed or permanently disabled at the checkstand. Note: In our opinion, removing and disabling RFID is the moral responsibility of the store. It’s not a burden they should pass on to you, the customer.

4. Finally, help us spread the word about the downsides of RFID. Share links to this article with friends, coworkers, and loved ones. If we work together and let stores know we won’t tolerate being tracked, they’ll have to honor our collective power or die a slow, costly death. We consumers have more control than we realize, since stores depend on our shopping dollars. Give your financial support to retailers that put customers first!

How to Make Baked Oatmeal

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Make Baked Oatmeal - Take classic oatmeal to the next level by baking it. Baked oatmeal is simple to make and is perfect to share with friends and family for breakfast or brunch. You can add fresh or dried fruit, nuts, nut butters and sweeteners to customize this delicious dish to your tastes. The basic recipe begins with rolled oats, milk, eggs and a sweetener, everything else is a bonus!

Tips

• To eliminate the refined sugar, substitute coconut sugar, pure maple syrup or honey.
• You can replace the whole milk with 2 percent milk. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk or light coconut milk.

Things You'll Need
1. 2 cups rolled oats
2. 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3. 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6. 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
7. 2 cups whole milk
8. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Basic Recipe

1. For a basic brown sugar and cinnamon baked oatmeal, start by gathering your ingredients. At a minimum, you will need rolled oats, milk, brown sugar, eggs, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly oil an 8-by-8-inch baking dish.

2. Whisk together the milk, eggs and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.

3. Stir together the oats, baking powder, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon.

4. Pour the dry oat mixture into the bowl with the wet milk or egg mixture and stir well.

5. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish. Bake on the center rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the oatmeal sets up and tests clean when poked in the center. Allow the oatmeal to cool at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Additional Flavoring Ideas

Now that you know how to make baked oatmeal, try experimenting with flavors. For mixed berry baked oatmeal, eliminate one of the eggs in the basic recipe (for a total of 2 eggs) and add 2 cups of fresh mixed berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or blackberries. Following the same baking instructions, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt.

For apple walnut baked oatmeal, add 1 peeled, cored and chopped apple such as Fuji or Honeycrisp and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts to the basic recipe, following the same baking instructions. Serve with a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting.

Tips

• Always use rolled oats when preparing baked oatmeal, as quick cooking oats will produce a different texture.
• For a gluten-free version, be sure your oats say "gluten-free" on the package.

How to Increase Platelets Naturally

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Increase Platelets Naturally - Low blood platelet is called thrombocytopenia and can result in excessive bleeding when injury occurs. Platelets are the tiny cells in your blood that function to take part in the clotting process. Each platelet contains granules that enhance the platelets' ability to stick to each other and the surface of a damaged blood vessel wall. An adequate number of platelets prevents hemorrhaging from a ruptured blood vessel. You can naturally increase your platelets to ensure the prevention of a leakage of red blood cells and lessen the chance of hemorrhage.

Things You'll Need

• Fresh fruits
• Green leafy vegetables
• Cod Liver or flax seed oil
• Tomatoes
• Berries
• Mushroom capsules
• Fresh garlic
• Vitamin & mineral capsules

Instructions
1. Avoid refined sugars, saturated fats, processed foods and grains and aerated (carbonated) beverages. These foods cause the platelets to fall.

2. Wash all raw foods thoroughly to remove any parasites or viruses that could result in lowering your platelet counts.

3. Strengthen your immune system using cod liver oil or flax seed oils. These oils will also reduce inflammation, improve your circulation and increase your ratio of high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein levels.

4. Consume many healthy natural foods such as organic foods, fruits and vegetables. This helps to stimulate your internal mechanism, which increases your platelet count. Eat many tomatoes and berries, which are loaded with vitamins and minerals with strong anti-oxidant properties that help you to increase your platelets. Add many green leafy vegetables to your daily diet. They tend to increase the hemoglobin level of blood, tackling the underlying cause of low levels of platelets.

5. Take a supplement capsule of mushroom extract (not mushrooms). Look for a capsule that has the extract of shiatake, maritake and other mushroom varieties that help to balance out the immune system.

6. Stay away from dairy products, alcohol and food additives in your diet.

7. Add plenty of fresh garlic and supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals such as Coenzyme Q10; selenium; zinc; melatonin; vitamins A, B, D and E; Omega-3; and iron supplements. These will enhance your immunity and ability to fight diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to check with your doctor for the specific advice regarding the foods and supplements to increase platelets.

How to Know And Solve The Signs & Symptoms of Low Red Blood Count

Howtojetro.blogspot.com | How to Know And Solve The Signs & Symptoms of Low Red Blood Count - Anemia is a common condition that refers to a deficiency of red blood cells. Red blood cells help transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If you have anemia, your organs and tissues are not receiving enough oxygen, which can impair their function. Anemia can be diagnosed with a blood test. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, more than 3 million people in the United States suffer from anemia.

1. Fatigue or Weakness
Fatigue and weakness represent very common symptoms of anemia. This occurs because the organs and tissues do not receive enough oxygen. However, since there are many causes of fatigue, people who feel fatigued or weak should not simply assume they have anemia.

2. Dizziness
Dizziness is another symptom of anemia. The dizziness can occur when the brain does not receive enough oxygen.

3. Paleness
Very pale skin or pale nail beds may also signal anemia. Paleness occurs because of a lack of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.

4. Shortness of Breath
People suffering from anemia may also experience shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can occur when your tissues and organs do not receive enough oxygen.

5. Low Body Temperature
People with anemia often have a low body temperature. If you have anemia, you may feel cold or experience numb or cold hands and feet. This occurs because your extremities do not receive enough oxygen.

6. Chest Pain
People with anemia may also suffer from chest pain. This occurs when parts of the heart do not receive an adequate amount of oxygen.

7. Headache
Headache represents another symptom of anemia. Headaches can occur when the brain does not receive enough oxygen.

8. Cognitive Difficulties
People suffering from anemia may have trouble thinking or concentrating, and may be irritable. Their performance at work or school may decline. This can occur because the brain does not receive enough oxygen, or may be caused by one of the other symptoms of anemia.

Red blood cells are the most common component of the four that make up the blood in your body. A low red blood cell count most commonly indicates anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, feeling weak, pale skin, chest pain, dizziness and an increase in heart rate. However, if you don't have a condition causing your low count, you may simply lack iron in your diet. To increase your red blood cell count, you must therefore consume more iron-rich foods, as well as adopt a better diet overall.

Instructions
1. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Remember the food pyramid; after carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables are the most important part of your diet. To make sure that you're getting the most out of your diet, aim for at least two colors of fruits and vegetables (e.g., a red fruit and a purple fruit) and have at least five servings a day.

2. Choose lean protein over fatty meats. While you might sacrifice some natural flavor, you will have a healthier meal overall. Remember, whatever flavor gets sacrificed here can easily be supplemented with spices.

3. Consume foods that are rich in iron. These include dried fruits, oysters, dark red meat, whole grains and tuna. Your body can more easily absorb iron from these foods than it can from fruits and vegetables, although the latter two still offer a good amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Take an iron supplement if necessary.
• Do not take an iron supplement if you are not deficient in iron; excess iron has adverse effects on your body.