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Get Creative with Caramel Candied Apples and More!

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by Amanda Green

APPLE PICKING SEASON

Apple picking season is coming up and it is my personal favorite time of the year. I love taking my kids and making a day out of it at the local farm. There is nothing more delightful than a freshly picked apple in the early fall. It’s a great family experience of doing something together. It also gets the kids off their phones—at least for a few minutes!

I always get at least one or two bushels full to take back home and distribute to my extended family. That is around 125 apples per bushel. That is a lot of apples! I was thinking of all the things I could do like make an apple pie, apple strudel and so much more.

CARAMEL SYRUP EQUALS YUM!

There is nothing better than caramel syrup drizzled over a vanilla ice cream sundae or dipping your fresh-picked apples in caramel syrup. Yum! Keep in mind that you need a sauce that will not be too thick or too thin but just right to have that perfect bite every time.

CARAMEL CANDIED APPLES

This year I thought I would do something even more special. I know that the kids just love candy apples. I have to admit, I like candied apples as well. It is like a healthy sweet snack. I don’t feel so bad giving my kids some as at least it gets them to eat apples.

I was looking online and was looking for some new recipes. I came across some interesting ideas. Why not try caramel-coated apples this year? I have always loved caramel as a kid myself. The rich buttery smooth texture and sweet taste of caramel is so decadent along with the coolness of the apple. Fall is just not complete without

MY CARAMEL CHOICE

There are so many desserts and drinks that you can make with the added touch of some yummy caramel. Who is in the mood for some Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate?

I know I am. I can just see myself on a chilly autumn evening sitting outside the porch wrapped in a cozy blanket, cuddling with my dog Sal, and sipping on a cup of caramel hot chocolate as the leaves start falling. I think I just found my happy place! You can too. There are so many wonderful things you can do with caramel syrup.

CRÈME CARAMEL MILK

This past summer, my family and I went for an ice cream run. My youngest got a chocolate double-dipped cone with sprinkles. I got myself a sundae with caramel drizzled on top of it sprinkled with a bit of nuts. It was heaven on earth.

CARAMEL CANDY HISTORY

Caramel is also like a toffee candy known as “Caramel Candy.” Caramel goes back to in and around the 1600s when America settlers were making hard candies in these copper kettles. Approaching the late 1800s, a candy maker came up with the idea to add milk, fat protein, sugar, and water which began the evolution of delectable dessert candy. The ideas for caramel candy have only continued to blossom through the ages.

There are also many varieties of caramel such as:

  • Caramel sauce
  • Maple caramel custard
  • Caramelized almonds
  • Praline
  • Crème Brule

In fact, the list is endless with so many different textures and variations form hard candy to chewable. Caramel has become a staple at every state fair. You will find variety anywhere you go—even at the circus. Who doesn’t like to have caramel popcorn while watching a three-ring circus act? Just don’t feed the elephants.

The ingredients are timeless and very simple to this day:

CARAMEL COMBINATION INGREDIENTS

  • Boiling milk
  • Cream
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla bean extract

This includes caramel sauce, praline, maple caramel custard, Crème Brule, and caramelized almonds. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of flavors, textures, and chewy variations available. The options and flavor combinations are endless.

Check out more fascinating recipes found in the New York Times and find your happy place with caramel syrup. The possibilities are endless. Remember have fun, be creative and, most of all, enjoy!

Title: 3 Great Ways to Maintain Your Online Presence Through Thick and Thin

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It’s easy to be a front-runner, especially in business. When times are good, product is flying off the shelves, and everyone has glowing things to say about you, nobody has a problem reveling in the limelight. But can you do the same when the dark clouds roll in? Can you respond well and stay true to yourself amid adversity?

Of course, we all hope there will be more good times than bad. But business is cyclical and this makes it critical to maintain your online presences through thick and thin.

A coaching expression is to never get too high after a win or too down after a loss. This is great advice that goes well beyond the playing field. Businesses need to learn to be even-keeled and maintain a consistent brand no matter how things are going. The following three tips will help you achieve that and ensure that your followers always get a consistent message.

Apologize When Necessary

At some point, you are going to do something that generates negative feedback from all channels. It’s inevitable, and it will quite likely be your own fault. But even knowing this, many companies are hesitant to admit mistakes. They fear acknowledging a problem makes it real and will convince future customers to go somewhere else. But that is usually the wrong attitude. While consumers can be harsh, most don’t actually expect perfection. They understand that mistakes do happen. They just want someone to recognize when they have screwed up and honestly say they are sorry.

In many cases, this is enough for a customer to forgive and, importantly, forget. They will gladly accept a public apology on Twitter or Instagram and then happily buy your product and service again the next time. So don’t be afraid to offer an apology. It worked well for KFC — and even got the chicken maker some free press. One last thing to remember: If you throw in some sort of “make good” as a discount on the next item or a freebie for their trouble, that may even earn you more goodwill than if you had just gotten it right the first time.

Focus on Facts

Social media is a harsh, harsh world. People can be nasty and you will inevitably catch heat from some unsatisfied customers or simply onlookers who can’t get enough of rumor mongering. How do you respond? Should you even respond? In cases of purely ad hominem attacks, silence can be the right approach. If they aren’t even making any claims other than saying “this company sucks!” then there is probably little to be gained from engaging.

But other cases include purely fictional accusations that will just dangle out there in the wind forever if you don’t be proactive. The tone of the response, however, will prove critical for how you are perceived. Amway does this well, for example, by never lashing out against critics who resort to attacks and make up claims that Amway is a scam. The direct sales company always maintains a professional and courteous stance, simply pointing consumers toward the ample evidence and information on its blog and social media channels that refute bogus claims.

This Too Shall Pass

Having the right mentality will be crucial to surviving bad times. On social media — or even in the traditional media world if you’re big enough to receive real press — there is always a fall guy of the day. At some point, it’s going to be your turn. If you turn into a puddle and start to panic, that will only make things worse.

Instead, you need to weather the storm, stay optimistic, respond appropriately as necessary and then duck and cover until it passes. Again, in some cases it really will be your fault and you must apologize and work to make things better. But especially if the gaffe is small, simply having the right organizational outlook will do wonders for how you are perceived long term — and for your own mental health.

Riding the Ups and Downs

They say the stock market is like a roller coaster. All the ups and downs make for a wild ride. But they also make millionaires! If there was simply a steady upwards track, beating the market would be easy and we would all be riding around in Ferraris.

The same goes for business — as any entrepreneur and startup founder can attest. There will be good days. And there will be bad days. The key is maintaining as much of a steady head as possible.

If you make a mistake, make sure you apologize. If you receive unfair criticism, respond back with professionalism and facts. And through it all, be sure to keep your head and understand that negativity isn’t forever.

This is what leadership is all about. Nobody has ever gotten to the top of a mountain without a few setbacks. But with the enough determination and drive — and the right mentality — you will make it work through thick and thin.

 

Happy Gut, Happy You: How to Keep Your Digestive System Healthy

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by Maggie Hammond

Do you suffer from constipation, acid reflux or a mountain of other gut issues that make your life difficult? Are you afraid to leave the house because you fear stomach issues? You likely have poor gut health and it’s impacting every aspect of your life from sleep to your mood.

You need to know how to keep the digestive system healthy. It holds the bulk of our immune system and helps release the neurotransmitter serotonin. When your digestive system isn’t healthy, it leads to many problems from illness to bloating and more.

We’ll show you the best ways to keep your digestive system healthy and happy.

How to Keep the Digestive System Healthy? Change Your Diet.

The fuel for the body is the food you put into it. Unfortunately, thanks to our busy lifestyles, we don’t always choose the best options. We need things that are quick like fast food and processed foods.

These can lead to poor digestive health. Instead, choose healthier alternatives. It’s possible you can be allergic to certain foods and not even know it. You can remove gluten and dairy from your diet and see how it makes you feel.

Stay away from sugar because it can cause inflammation and growth of unwanted bacteria.

Keep Your Gut Bacteria in Balance

The bacteria in the digestive system are key to breaking down the foods, but when there is an imbalance, it can lead to health issues.

There are foods high in probiotics such as sauerkraut, onions, garlic, and asparagus to keep your bacteria healthy and in balance. You can also get supplements filled with probiotics, but be careful as too much can lead to a bacterial imbalance.

It’s best to use natural food for probiotics, but if you use supplements, follow the directions.

Change Your Lifestyle

Have you ever been really stressed and then have to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes or your stomach hurts and you get really gassy? These are all symptoms of bad gut health. The stresses in your life have a big impact on your digestive health.

Stress and anxiety can limit stomach acid and lead to constipation and bloating or do the exact opposite, and you can develop diarrhea.  You must learn to relax and eliminate the stresses in your life. Practice meditation and Yoga to help bring peace to your inner self.

Many times there is little we can do to reduce stress in our jobs and family, so mastering these relaxation techniques can help you calm down after a stressful situation.

It is important to be as relaxed as possible before you eat. Chew your food completely and keep your mind calm. Let the digestive system do its job in the best conditions possible.

Digestive Health Is Your Responsibility

If you suffer from stomach problems or seem to always be sick, it might be your digestive health. We’ve explained how to keep the digestive system healthy and now it’s up to you to make it happen.

If you want to learn about probiotics and digestive health, please explore our site.

Bio: Maggie Hammond is a retired nurse and freelance writer, exploring and writing in the U.S. in retirement. An advocate for public health and nursing qualifications, she feels passionate about raising awareness of the current strain on public health organisations.

Should You Consider a Career as a Personal Trainer?

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by Adrian Rumley

There are hundreds of different reasons why people decide to pursue a career in the fitness industry. Some people are inspired by life experiences that have instilled values of fitness, whilst others are driven by a genuine desire to help others change and improve their lifestyles. If you are thinking about starting a career in the fitness industry, whether you’re looking to become a personal trainer or work in another area of the field, here are some of the key things to know about this both exciting and rewarding career path.

Are You a Good Fit for the Job?

Anybody with a passion for fitness can become a personal trainer, but it takes somebody with some special qualities and attributes to become good at their job. Do you have a strong desire to help others achieve their fitness goals, better themselves and improve their lives? If you enjoy planning and scheduling your workout routines, your family and friends regularly ask you for fitness advice, and you enjoy pushing your body to new limits, a career as a personal trainer could be a good fit for you. You might want to pursue a career as a personal trainer if you are mindful of the food that you eat, have always been interested in a job that’s not your typical 9-5, or even considered starting your own business, and your home is always filled with workout gear hanging up to dry. Finally, if you are often told that you’re a good leader and communicator, and are extremely personable and approachable, you could be the right person for the job.

What Does the Job Consist Of?

Many people have misconceptions about the personal trainer’s job, with some often thinking that it means little more than hanging out in the gym. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Becoming a successful personal trainer means that you will need to have a broad knowledge of a wide number of subjects, including anatomy and physiology, business, and psychology. You will need to be able to design personal exercise, diet and fitness programs in order to help your clients meet their individual fitness goals. A good personal trainer also needs to have the ability to help their clients establish the necessary healthy habits to stick to and see results from their programs. Whether you plan to work in a gym or health club, or are going to be visiting your clients in their homes, establishing a regular clientele will take both time and effort on your part. However, once you are able to start working with a regular client schedule, personal training is a career that’s both financially and personally rewarding.

Reasons to Pursue a Career in Fitness:

There are many great reasons to pursue a career in fitness as a personal trainer or another position. Some of the best and most popular reasons include:

#1. Helping Others:

If you are the type of person who enjoys helping others, then a career as a personal trainer could be the perfect option for you. As a personal trainer, your whole career will be based on making a living from being there as a support system for others and providing them with advice and guidance to change their lives for the better. Because of this, it’s not only a financially rewarding career choice, but also very personally rewarding, too.

#2. You Get to See Results Regularly:

One of the most rewarding things about working as a personal trainer is that you’ll get to see regular results from your clients. When your clients reach their personal goals, you’ll be able to celebrate with them and be proud of the both of you for helping them hit those achievements.

#3. It’s a Low Stress Job:

If you’re looking for a job that you’ll enjoy going to every day, then personal training could be the best choice for you. In fact, CNN Money magazine has listed personal training as one of the top twenty professions in the USA due to low levels of stress and the positive impact of the career on others. And the career is very much the same in the UK, with low stress levels and the ability to have a lot of control over your own working hours.

#4. It’s Easy to Train:

It’s easier than ever today to complete your training and become fully qualified as a personal trainer. You could enrol on a course at your local gym or health centre where you’ll be trained by highly experienced personal trainers who can help you learn the ropes, or enrol on a Level 2 Fitness Training (UK) program which you can complete online either on a part- or full-time basis to fit around your current work and commitments if needed. You could become a qualified personal trainer in as little as a few weeks’ time, making it easier than ever to pursue your dream career.

#5. It’s Good for Your Own Fitness:

Last but not least, working as a personal trainer isn’t just beneficial for the fitness and health levels of your clients; when you’re working in the gym every day, or visiting people at their home in order to help them with their exercise routine, you’ll be able to keep up with your own fitness too, as part of your work. Whether you’re working out before or afterwards since you’re already at the gym, leading a fitness class, or exercising alongside your clients, you can be sure that being a personal trainer will keep you fit and healthy without even having to put much thought into it. You’ll no longer need to worry about making time to go to the gym, since you’ll be there for work anyway! And, as you help your clients with healthier routines and working out a diet plan that fits their needs, you’ll learn more about nutrition and healthy habits that you can apply to your own life.

If you want a flexible, self-led job that allows you to stay healthy whilst helping others improve their life, personal training could be ideal for you.

Author: Adrian Rumley

Adrian is a lifelong thrill seeker and adrenaline junkie. A freelance sports writer, Adrian is passionate about health and fitness and pushing his body to limits. Whether he’s rambling in the beautiful Cotswolds or bunjy jumping in New Zealand, Adrian is a fervent believer in making the most of the great outdoors.

 

Five Career Options That Will Make You Feel Happier

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Getting up every morning and going to a job that you don’t like can soon become a huge contributor to your overall unhappiness, which is why it is so important that you are in a job role that gives you some sort of job satisfaction. Workers often forget that there is more to work than just a paycheck at the end of the month, and they may not be aware of the unhappiness that their work is causing them.

You may think that it is impossible to have a job that makes you feel good while also earning enough money to pay the bills each month, but it may not be as difficult as you think to achieve that job satisfaction. Therefore, we have put together this list of five career options that will make you feel happier that you could consider.

Nursing

Generally, having a job in the nursing profession is more than just a job and is referred to as a vocation. Working as a healthcare professional is a very important job and even though it is extremely challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding jobs that you can have. When working as a nurse, you spend every day at work helping others who are unwell, as well as supporting their relatives.

When working as a nurse, you are also able to work in a variety of different job roles, from pediatric nursing to operating room nursing. There is also room for promotions. However, you do have to go through extensive training before you can become a nurse and will need a nursing degree. If you want to become a family nurse practitioner, you can also take your nursing career to the next level at Walsh University Online.

School Teacher

Teaching is regarded as a very rewarding and fulfilling career choice, as working with students who are keen to learn new things and broaden their horizons is very satisfying. While the role does require a lot of responsibility and patience, if this doesn’t put you off then it could be the perfect job for you. Many teachers feel like their job is a calling rather than just a profession and while children are deemed to be society’s future, it is a privilege to fill their brains with all the necessary information to help them prosper.

Kindergarten teachers have stated that they felt personally enriched by teaching their students the life skills they need to promote their socialization.

Counseling

The counseling profession is one of the most rewarding career choices available as you spend every working day helping others overcome their issues and problems. This is a great career choice if you want to make a difference in people’s lives and want to help those you are working with. While it can sometimes be a challenging job role as you will hear the difficult and distressing experiences of others, it is ultimately rewarding. It can also be a great way to learn how to deal with your own issues, as to become a counselor, you will have to undergo extensive training.

Hairstylist

Being a hair stylist may not sound like an overly enriching or life-affirming job, but it is one of the easiest ways to make a positive change in someone else’s life. It is also a great career option if you are creative and want an outlet for your ideas. Being able to give a client a hairstyle and makeover that they love is a great way to make a positive difference in how they feel about themselves.

This profession also gives you the flexibility needed to either work for yourself as self-employed or work for someone else. It is also a great way to meet new people that you wouldn’t otherwise get to spend time with.

Human Rights Worker

Unfortunately, every day, an individual’s human rights are being violated without anyone to stand up for them. While this is more prevalent in countries that have corrupt governments or less economic development, it can happen anywhere in the world. Therefore, it is so important that we have human rights workers to stand for those who cannot stand up for themselves. As a human rights work, you are given the opportunity to make significant and life-saving changes to people who are suffering at the hands of others.

Most people assume that their career choice is, simply, about earning enough money to pay your bills, but by pursuing a profession that makes you feel you are making a positive change then you could see an improvement in your overall happiness.