Secret of Light and Fluffy Biscuits and Pancakes

Would you like to lose some weight — in your baking, that is? This one secret ingredient (that you likely already have in your kitchen) is not only inexpensive and healthy, it’ll also add a bit of “cloud” to your biscuits and pancakes!

And that ingredient is … Oatmeal!

Yep, I know what you’re thinking … just give me a moment and trust me on this.

For instance, to make super light pancakes, I’ll use normal, non-instant, oatmeal. I’ll prepare a 1 to 1 1/2 serving size portion, usually in the microwave.

Next, add your normal pancake ingredients to the oatmeal. I normally add the milk first to cool down the oatmeal (don’t want the eggs to cook!). You may notice that the batter is a little frothy — especially if you let it sit a bit. That’s oatmeals extra viscosity coming into play.

Cook the pancakes just like you normally do. They’ll look the same and taste the same (no oatmeal taste). However, they’ll rise up nice, light, and fluffy!

To make super light biscuits, you’ll alter your normal biscuit recipt just a tiny bit. Prepare the oatmeal as usual — but, since the prepared oatmeal is fairly liquid, it’ll make your biscuit dough into a batter … IF you add the normal amount of milk!

So … cut down on your milk portion. Add a little milk to the oatmeal, then add your dry ingredients, then slowly mix, adding more milk a little bit at a time as necessary.

One other change — since you’ll be using less milk, the baking powder in your mix won’t have as much acid to react to. This means your biscuits won’t rise like they normally do unless you give them a little bit of help. I like to toss a squeeze of lemon juice into the mix. You won’t taste the lemon, but it’ll supercharge your baking powder.

Again, your dough will be a little frothy. You’ll use less milk and the dough will not be as dense as usual. If you’re rolling the dough and using a biscuit cutter, roll your dough a little thicker than normal before cutting.

That’s all — bake as normal and your result will be biscuits light enough to float off the pan!

About The Author

Author : Joey Robichaux
Site : ezinearticles.com

Process Innovation

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.

There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.

There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.

Process Innovation

Innovation can be sub categorised into types. Each can be as important as the other and sub categorising helps focus efforts in multiple directions. For example, process innovation can be just as important as new product innovation:

a) The Japanese car manufacturing industry outmanoeuvred the US car through improvement in manufacturing and quality control processes.

b) Zara, the clothing store, was able to become a model for JIT production through its refinement of the manufacture and distribution process.

c) Information technology allows process and work flow to be refined and speeded up.

d) The EasyJet model works by improving aircraft turnaround times.

e) The Internet allowed Dell to refine the process if order and delivery.

These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with an Innovation Bible, Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/

You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.

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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author’s name and site URL are retained.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/

Author : Kal Bishop
Site : ezinearticles.com

Can Your Annuity Do This?

Many people buy annuities according to their agent’s recommendations. However, many people do not even know what they own. It is a good idea to take inventory of your investments, and particularly your annuity. It is important to understand what your annuity can and cannot do and what features it has. Here are some of the things you definitely must be sure to know about your annuity:

1. What interest rates are you currently getting?

2. Are the interest rates getting worse?

3. What is the rating of your insurance company? (Critical)

4. What are your surrender charges?

5. Is your principal ever at risk?

6. What retirement & income options does your annuity have?
7. Is your annuity Medicaid Friendly?

8. Did you properly designate your beneficiary annuitant and even ownership of your annuity?

9. How safe is your annuity?

10. Is your annuity subject to double taxation?

12. What is your minimum guarantee?

13. Are you eligible for a 1035 exchange?

14. What happens in the event of your death? Are your beneficiaries entitled to all of the money or are there penalties?

This is a good beginning inventory list. These questions are important in assuring you are doing what is right for you. As we said before, the best annuity is the one that is best for YOU. And by taking inventory of what you own, you can now assess it against your own goals and make sure there is a match.

By the way, this is a good process to go through periodically. As you know, your needs change over time. And as they change, you must make sure your investments are always in line with your goals. If they are, great. If they aren’t, well, change your goals—or change your investments! But make sure there is a match.

Hopefully this helps. And remember, it’s not what you know; it’s what you do with what you know. If this makes sense, then pull your annuities out and take inventory. There is no better time than the present.

For more information on his document, visit the site below right now!

http://www.AnnuityMD.com

Author : Tony Bahu
Site : ezinearticles.com

Home Equity Loan – With a Reverse Mortgage, Your Home Pays You!

The home equity loan has become quite popular in the last five years, and Americans have tapped into the equity of their homes in record numbers. The reasons vary, although home improvement and debt consolidation are the most common reasons for borrowing against a home’s equity.

In the last fifteen years or so, a new twist has arrived in the home equity market –- the reverse mortgage. Like a traditional home equity loan or line of credit, a reverse mortgage allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. Unlike those other options, you don’t have to make payments in order to pay it back. The repayment takes place when you die, when you move, or when you sell your home. You must be at least 62 years of age to qualify, but unlike other loans, you do not have to have any appreciable income in order to get a reverse mortgage.

There are a number of advantages of a reverse mortgage over a traditional home equity loan:

Your options of receiving the money from the loan include a monthly payout, although you may also elect to receive a lump sum or a credit line. A monthly payout would effectively provide you with a regular “income” during the remainder of your time in your home.

The loan isn’t due until you move, sell the home, or die. There is no repayment schedule, as with regular installment loans. At the time of your death or when you sell the house, the loan must be repaid with interest.

The amount you have to repay cannot exceed the value of your home. With this feature, you are protected should your home decline in value. The lender cannot force you to pay more than the value of the home.

Due to the age restrictions on reverse mortgages, they are not for everyone. But if you qualify, it could provide an excellent opportunity to have an income during your retirement years.

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including http://www.End-Your-Debt.com/ and http://www.HomeEquityHelp.net/

Author : Charles Essmeier
Site : ezinearticles.com

Government Franchise Model; taking it virtual

Our government is set up like a modern day franchise. Let me explain: the Federal government is the franchisor run by three sets of committees (board of directors of divisions). States are the master franchisees. Counties are the franchisees and have managers of each store (cities). Where does this leave You and I? Well we are the customers (voters).

The easiest way to do a great job in your business is to cater to the customer, that is us, THE CITIZENS. To cater to a customer you must think like the customer and act like the customer. The easiest way to do that, is to be the customer. Which, in government the best leaders come from the people. Our government is made up of us, we elect ourselves into positions we believe are suited to our abilities by our peers. A government or business which caters to the customer, voter or citizen stands the best chance in succeeding, both short and long term. An example would be this 200+ year experience we call The United States of America. Works real fine, lasts a long time.

Now as we plunge into the reality of the modern digital age, so far we have only seen its possibilities and some really cool and sometimes useful computer tools, its real benefits are only now coming to the consumer. In Business at The Speed of Thought and now many similar books, essays and discussions around the globe we are seeing this virtuality taking place in everything.

In a modern franchise system they leverage these new technologies and advances in IT to streamline the system, cut costs and allow the economies of scale to deliver more to the customer and shareholders. Wouldn’t it be great if we could take the government and make most of it a website or park it in virtual space and alleviate some of the tax payers cost and headaches from bureaucracy? Lets just leave it there. Think about it.

“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Author : Lance Winslow
Site : ezinearticles.com

Do You Have Your Best Life?

For many years I had a good life. My illness was reasonably under control, I had a nice relationship with my husband, I did work I didn’t hate. It was, as I said, a good life.

But there’s a saying that the good is the enemy of the best. I finally realized this one day, and began making my best life. I changed doctors and got on new medication that completely relieved my symptoms, rather than just making them easier to deal with. I started talking more with my husband and listening to what he had to say. And I quit my job and started working for myself.

I have the best life I’ve ever had. I’d call it great. It is possible there’s a better life out there for me, which would then be my “best life,” but for now I don’t think so. We were able to buy a house a few months ago, and though it nearly killed me I painted and redecorated so it’s really us. I’ve started a business I love. My husband and kids are wonderful. I have a good friend and I’m close to my older sister who lives in town. Could it get better? I suppose so. But for me I think this is the best life I can have right now.

Think about your life. Where are you settling? Are you in a job you just don’t mind? Are you having minor relationship problems? What makes your life “good”? Why isn’t it great? What’s the enemy of the best and what can you do about it?

You deserve your best life. We’re only here for a short while, and we all need to have the best possible time we can. It’s like going to Disney World. If you spend too much time standing in line waiting for the ride, pretty soon your time’s up. Get out of the “good” line and have your best life.

About The Author

You are free to use this article in ezines, web sites and print publications. If you do use it, please send a quick email to mailto:angie@discoveringtruenorth.com. Thank you.

Author : Angie Dixon
Site : ezinearticles.com

A Visit from “The Ghost of Drugstore Trips Past”

As a work at home mom who spends most of her day online I find at least 30 minutes a day is devoted to online browsing. My obsession–beauty products. Everything from wrinkle cream to hair volumizers I have probably researched every one online and then end up at the neighborhood drugstore to do the actual buying.

As I was killing 20 minutes before picking my daughter up from pre-school I went to CVS (a drugstore chain in our area) with my ever present list and strolled the aisles. It occurred to me that if you look at someone’s CVS receipt you can tell exactly what phase of life they are in.

Here is a sample of what my receipts have looked like through the years.

Age 15 (high school)

Tiger Beat Magazine

Bonne Bell Lip Gloss

Sun In Spray Highlights

Marlboro Lights

Age 19 (college)

Cosmopolitan

Bronzer blush (didn’t really need it since I was in a tanning booth every other day)

Paint on hair highlights

Condoms

Age 25 (working girl)

People Magazine

Under eye concealer (too many nights out!)

Mousse (I’ve traded in blonde hair for high hair)

Birth control pills

Age 31 (new mother)

Parenting Magazine

Infant Tylenol

Bag Balm (diaper rash and sore nipples)

Pony tail holders (who has time to do their hair)

Birth control pills and condoms (can’t be too safe)

Age 37 (mother of 2, no infants!)

Us Magazine (to live vicariously through the lives of beautiful people)

Self tanning lotion (no more harmful UV rays for me)

Electric rollers (I actually have 10 minutes to myself now to do something special)

Coloring book and new markers (I still can’t shop exclusively for ME)

Ovulation predictor (now that my life is getting a little easier, I need to mess it up again?)

My point is don’t overlook the local neighborhood drugstore when you need a little beauty pick me up. It has served me well for 37 years and here are some of my favorite products. In case you cannot give up your online shopping addiction these can all be purchased online with such sites as drugstore.com or beauty.com

• Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (very black)

• Neutrogena Build-a-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning for Face (has an SPF 15)

• Garnier Fructis Fortifying Shampoo

• Oral B Braun Electric Toothbrush (I feel like I’ve had my teeth professionally cleaned)

Author : Valerie McDermott
Site : ezinearticles.com

Five Tips to Calm Cranky Customers

1. Tis the Season

Recognize that everyone is frazzled during the holidays- you and your customers. Give everyone, including you, the benefit of the doubt when it comes to ‘bad behaviors’ like being abrupt or rude. Breathe deep and smile. It can work wonders.

2. Let ‘em Rant, Let ‘em Rant, Let ‘em Rant

Listen briefly to what your customer has to say, even if he is simply venting about things outside of your control. Your client will appreciate the caring and you just might learn about another customer problem you can solve. Comments like the ones below can help the customer feel acknowledged and smooth the way to resolution.

That must be difficult for you.

I can see how upset you are.

This must be very important

Let’s see what we both can do to fix this

3. Making a List and Checkin’ it Twice

Ask your customer what is her most important or urgent concern. Then ask some more questions to find options to resolve it. Questions like the ones below get you to the heart of the matter:

What happened?

What would you like to see done?

Why is that important to you?

How can you help fix this?

4. O’ Make It Right

Take the information you’ve gained through your comments and questions and make things right. Go over and above in your efforts and your customer won’t forget it or you. What if you can’t fix it? Be honest about it. Sincerely offer what you can provide and explain why more can’t be done.

5. We Wish You a Happy Ending

Follow up with your customer to see that he’s satisfied. In the hectic world we live in, people crave a personal touch like a handwritten note or a short email. Such a small gesture can have a lot of impact on customer loyalty.

These tips can help you have a happy holiday too!

About The Author

copyright 2004 Dina Beach Lynch is a Workplace Mediator and Conflict Coach who supports professional practice groups. Learn how to solve tough issues at Conflict 101 teleclass Jan. 10, 2005. Visit workwelltogether.com to register.

Dina@workwelltogether.com

Author : Dina Beach Lynch
Site : ezinearticles.com

Involving People Gave Us the Improvements We Needed

We had a problem with handling materials in a production department. Our process required raw materials to enter the department, be processed, and leave the department. The raw material was placed on pods, delivered for production, removed from the pods, placed on a staging fixture, removed from the fixture and process materials were then placed on another pod and delivered to an internal customer. Internal customer had to place on still another pod.

Someone suggested placing the material from the fixture onto the customer’s internal pod to reduce handling, errors, etc. Room was tight (because two different style pods were used, one for raw material and one for processing) and someone long ago suggested moving a wall to create more space for easier movement of the pods.

After we realized that involving people would give us the improvements we wanted, someone suggested modifying the pods into a cart that could hold more material and reduce our need for more space. Others became involved; Martin developed possible designs for the cart while speaking with his coworkers to find out their ideas.

A cross-functional team designed and built a new cart. It held more raw materials, eliminated the need for the staging fixture, and allowed raw material and processed material to be transported on the same cart, eliminating the need for the second pod. The cart was built by reusing materials from the old pods.

Immediate benefits included less movement and less contamination of materials, also the new cart was more ergonomically friendly. After using the new cart, others came up with more ideas. All together 20 people contributed improvements to eliminate unnecessary equipment, combine processes, and reduce cost. Fourteen process steps were reduced to seven, operator motion was reduced, material was moved less, quality improved, and the job of the operator was made easier.

Recently someone had the idea of using the cart in a different area, so more improvements are to come.

Copyright © 2005 Chuck Yorke – All Rights Reserved

Author : Chuck Yorke
Site : ezinearticles.com

Yacht Winterization Service Business

If you own a boat maintenance business you need to be providing winterization services to your customers. Many boat owners who get to know you may trust you to help them winterize their boats. The best place to store a boat is under a cover in a controlled climate environment. This can be very costly and although there is debate on whether a boat should be “shrink-wrapped” for winter or not that too is very costly.

Since during the winter you will be requested to either halt services or curb washing to a frequency of every two months. Of course, the charge for these washings will be at double or triple the weekly price but you still lose a lot of weekly wash monies. If you charge $20 for weekly washing then that is $160 for two months of washes instead of $60 every two months for one wash. Including snow and debris removal.

Your solution is easy. Get the $60 for the washing every two months plus charge a $200 winterizing fee which includes weekly walk-byes for no additional charge. On those check-up days, cruise by the slip or dry storage and make sure the covers and tie downs are all secure. Boat owners seldom find time to get down and check on their boat during the four to six month ‘dormant period’. You would normally make $320 for washing a boat weekly for four months (4 months = 16 weeks), (16 x $20 = $320). During the winter if you wash the boat twice then that’s $120 plus $200 for your winterizing service. This equals the same amount of money.

Here are some of the services you can do as part of your ‘dormant period’ winterizing service. Now, before we list all these services, remember the obvious… a boat detail, window treatment coating, coating of metal parts (tuna towers, tie downs, horns, hooks, aluminum striping, propellers, etc.). If the boat is going into dry-dock how about an www.ADSIL.com coating. Hull only $30 per foot in Florida, $60 to $70 per foot in California, $50 to $60 per foot in the northeast. That can certainly add up on a 23 foot Sea Ray. And, of course, there are boat painters’ referral fees and even engine, canvas covers, etc. bird dog fees. Think on this.

“Lance Winslow” – If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Author : Lance Winslow
Site : ezinearticles.com