Four Easy Holiday Recipes Using the Samsung Smart Oven

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The convenience of quick fixes such as food deliveries and instant dishes has made families choose that over home-cooked meals. It’s tempting to just take the easy route and go for something fast, especially during the holidays when Filipinos are juggling many things at once.

One of the most important parts of Christmas in the Philippines is Noche Buena. Those preparing the Christmas Eve feast will want to prepare special food for their loved ones, but may find the idea of cooking several dishes intimidating.

Samsung developed the Smart Oven for those who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals, which can be prepared for any type of occasion. Designed as an all-in-one kitchen partner, it works as a convection oven and a microwave that can be used for baking, grilling, slim frying, defrosting, steaming, and even making yogurt. It’s a do-it-all device that can whip up something special for Noche Buena.

Below are some recipes that families can enjoy with the Samsung Smart Oven:

1. Baked Baby Back Ribs with Coleslaw

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg. baby back ribs, cut into 3-rib portions

1 sachet 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pc. small onion, minced

1 pc. small red chili, sliced

1 cup water

2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. tomato catsup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Coleslaw:

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ cup shredded carrot

½ tsp. fine salt

⅛ tsp. freshly ground pepper

¼ cup Nestle All-Purpose Cream

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Season ribs with Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place meat side down on a deep baking pan.

2. Mix garlic, onion, chili, water, soy sauce, tomato catsup, sugar, and peanut butter. Pour into the pan and mix well with pork.

3. Bake on high rack using Microwave + Grill Mode. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Microwave + Grill. Set at 600W for 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, flip and continue to cook for the remaining 15 minutes.

4. Prepare slaw by mixing cabbage, carrot, salt, pepper, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate.

5. Brush pork with the reduced sauce, transfer on a serving plate and garnish with parsley. Serve with cabbage slaw.

2. Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pc. lemon

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. minced parsley

2 tbsp. parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil

½ bar cream cheese

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream

¼ cup water

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. sliced spring onion

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 ½ sachets 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

½ kg. skinless salmon fillet

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 can corn kernels, drained and rinsed

2 pcs. red and green pepper, diced

Directions:

1. Cut lemon in half lengthwise. Cut half of the lemon into wedges and set aside. Zest and juice the other half of the lemon. Mix lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

2. Combine cream cheese, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, water, garlic, spring onion, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Mix until smooth.

3. Season salmon with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place salmon on a Crusty Plate. Spread ½ cup of the sauce on top. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture. Mix corn and bell peppers and season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Place around the fish.

4. Cook salmon on low rack using the Healthy Cooking Mode.

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking. Set program code to 3-4 (Grilled Salmon Steaks). Select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A9 (Grilled Salmon Fillets) and select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

5. Transfer on a serving plate and serve with the cream sauce and lemon wedges.

3. Chicken Parmigiana with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. boneless and skinless chicken breast

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 pcs. eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. chopped basil

1 cup grated mozzarella

Roasted tomato sauce:

¼ kg. tomatoes, halved lengthwise

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pc. onion, cut into wedges

½ small can anchovies

2 tbsp. butter, diced

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

Directions:

1. Season chicken with Maggi Magic Sarap. Coat with flour, dip in egg, and coat well with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Prepare the roasted sauce by spreading tomato, garlic, onion, anchovies, and butter on Crusty Plate. Season with Maggi Magic Sarap, pepper, sugar, and Italian herb seasoning. Cook vegetables on Crusty Plate on high rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Microwave + Grill function. Set at 600W for 10 minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A-13 (Roast Vegetables). Select serving size.

3. Puree vegetables using a blender. Adjust consistency with water. Set aside.

4. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and cook on Crusty Plate on low rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking button. Set program code to 3-1 (Chicken Breasts). Select serving size and set cooking time to nine minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A8 (Grilled Chicken Breasts). Select serving size. Turn over as the beep sounds. Press start to continue.

5. Remove from the oven. Top with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. Continue to cook chicken using Hot Blast mode.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 200°C for three minutes.

6. Transfer into a serving plate and serve with more tomato sauce.

4. Easy Baked Apple Cobbler

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. gala apples, peeled and sliced

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

⅛ tsp. fine salt

Toppings:

½ cup all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. fine salt

¼ cup sugar

6 tbsp. Nestle All-Purpose Cream

1 tbsp. sugar for topping

Whipped Cream (optional):

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream, chilled

⅓ cup condensed milk

Directions:

1. Mix apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, and salt. Divide into 4 ramekins.

2. Bake apples using Hot Blast Mode. Stir the mixture to make sure all apple slices are evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 180°C for 10 minutes.

3. Whip Nestle All-Purpose Cream until it thickens. Whisk in condensed milk. Refrigerate until use.

4. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the whipped Nestle All-Purpose Cream. Mix until dough is formed. Divide into 4 portions.

5. Cover each ramekin with dough and sprinkle each with sugar. Bake using respective modes and set aside to cool:

MC32K: Select Hot Blast button. Set to 180°C for 25 minutes.

MC35J: Bake using Convection Mode. Select the Convection button. Set to 180°C for 30 minutes.

6. Top Apple Cobbler with whipped cream if desired.

Note: Recipe includes automatic pre-heating once baking details are entered in the oven.

Pair the Smart Oven with Samsung’s lineup of refrigerators, which are packed with innovative technologies such as SPACEMAX technology that has thinner walls compared to traditional refrigerators, and  FlexZone technology that preserves the optimal freshness of different kinds of food. This makes it the perfect holiday companion to ensure food is properly stored during gatherings and Noche Buena.

Get the Do It All Cookbook upon purchase of MC32 and MC35 Samsung Smart Oven. This recipe book is a collection of 35 easy to follow, tasty, and healthy recipes that anyone can do. Offer is valid until December 31, 2019.

Know more details on Samsung’s Smart Oven and newest refrigerator models by liking SamsungPH on Facebook or visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/cooking-appliances/microwave-ovens/ and https://www.samsung.com/ph/refrigerators/

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Five Factors for Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

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photo source: ISTOCK/NENSURIA

Weight management is one of the main components of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, it is easy for excess calorie consumption or a lack of exercise to start to show up on your body as extra pounds. Today, you can find many different weight loss plans available that all claim to help you get fit, yet there are some simple strategies that have always been known to work. Incorporating these five factors into your lifestyle helps you drop the extra weight and enjoy having more energy that helps you stay on track with your goals.

Develop a Balanced Diet Plan

The decision to lose weight may make you feel like you need to skip meals or avoid eating specific foods. Unfortunately, this strategy can backfire by causing you to feel deprived, and skipping meals can affect your metabolism. Instead, develop a balanced diet that highlights low-calorie fruits and vegetables along with a proper portion of protein to help you reduce calories and fat consumption.

Live an Addiction-Free Lifestyle

Alcoholic beverages are known for being high in empty calories that do very little to fuel your body. Dealing with hangovers or using drugs can also cause you to have no energy or interest in exercise. When you have an addiction, entering rehab for prescription drugs and alcohol abuse gives you a firm foundation upon which you can begin to start your weight loss journey. You’ll feel better and even learn strategies that increase your motivation for weight loss.

Adopt a Positive Perspective on Exercise

During your life, it is possible that you developed negative ideas about what exercise is all about. Whether you still shudder about your high school coach making you run laps or you just don’t like to sweat, you need to know that workouts shouldn’t be stressful. Try a fun form of exercise, such as swimming or hula hooping, to find a workout that you get excited about.

Get Proper Sleep at Night

Sleep is another factor that influences your ability to lose weight. While you rest, your body makes repairs and generates energy that stimulates your metabolism. Without enough sleep, you can also feel just as bad as if you were hungover. This can cause you to skimp on your workouts or turn to unhealthy foods for energy. Make sleep a priority in your life. Set an alarm for bedtime if you need to, and create a comfortable sleep environment. You may even need to store your smartphone in the other room while sleep, but waking up feeling refreshed enough to exercise is worth it.

Invite Others Along on Your Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight is not something that you have to do alone. Tell others about your goals to help establish accountability. You can also talk to a professional counselor about any addictions or problems you have about food or other substances that affect your weight. Finally, invite some friends to join you in exercise and other physical activities such as group workout classes or a pick-up basketball game that helps you transform fitness into a fun part of your life.

Weight loss takes time to happen at measurable levels. However, you can tell that you are making progress just by taking note of how much better you feel while you wait for the scale to reflect the pounds that you drop. The decision to eat better, avoid addictions and exercise more helps enjoy more energy and confidence that shows every time you look in the mirror.

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DIY Bento Picks: The Mustache

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Ever since I started making bento baons, I have been looking for the mustache bento picks. Hanggang ngayon wala pa din ako nabibili.

That's why I always make a mustache DIY bento picks.

Making a mustache pick is just easy. I searched for mustache photos like these and print it on a clean bond paper, board paper or in a glossy paper so you don't need to scotch tape to cover it. (Free Printable Mustache DIY bento pick here)

After that, cut it like this and attach it to a toothpick. If you printed it on a bond paper, like I did, you need to cover it with scotch tape to make it water or moist proofed.

That easy. I usually use mustache pick when I make sandwich or a burger like this. 

I just add one of the two eye picks I have saved. Haha! So there you go, the super easy to make mustache DIY bento pick.

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Quartz Countertops

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When it comes to picking out countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, there are several choices that are overwhelming to pick from. There are wood, laminat, cement, marble, quartz and many more. However, the quartz countertops are a little different than the other natural stone countertops you may have seen or heard of. Actually, quartz countertops are a form of ‘engineered stone ‘ which means that it’s made from ground up particles of stone that are bound together with a space age plastic resins. To go a little more in depth, here are 6 things you may know not know about Quartz countertops.

1. They Are Not 100% Quartz - Of course with many quartz countertops there is some quartz but saying that is the only thing that is wrong. Actually, there are about 10% of the countertop that isn’t stone at all. The other 90% is crushed up granite marble and natural stone or recycled ceramic. All of the rock material is mixed together and held together with binders which is what gives it that quartz countertop look and feel.

Image: Premier Surfaces

2. Made Exclusively In The United States - Did you know that almost all the countertop products rivaling quartz are mined and fabricated elsewhere and then shipped to a warehouse, suppliers and vendors everywhere in the United States. Not only does this help a lot of resources and overhead shipping costs but it also helps to keep the dollars at work in our own country. There is a quartz countertop called Cambria which is made in the United States if you wanted to go that route. While you’re looking at specific quartz countertops, I would suggest visiting a showroom in person so you can see them in real life with access to various staff who are knowledgeable in this area. One company, Premier Surfaces offers a wide range of products with quartz countertops as an option.

There are several designers to help answer any questions you have including, Lindsey Frost of Frost Designs, Inc. She personally loves using cambria quartz countertops in a particular color called carrack. It’s a charcoal grey that looks like concrete but it matches perfectly with pale blue and grey cabinets which is a stunning and unique feature to give to a kitchen or bathroom. If you’re thinking of adding a farmhouse design or an industrial feel to your home, this would be the perfect thing to make it pop.

3. It’s Not A Natural Stone - While this may sound like it would be a natural countertop, similar to chatting about it not being 100% quartz, using various pieces to blend together. For this reason, it’s considered a manufactured countertop. Quartz can be molded into more genuine shapes creating curves or unique dimensions that isn’t possible for other countertops such as granite or marble. This is why quartz is perfect to add for kitchen sinks or bathroom sinks due to being able to curve this stone.

4. You Can Use For Slabs - As a homeowner, you think of having quartz in your bathroom or your kitchen but did you know that the majority of this stone is actually used for things like airports, malls or flooring? No really! You may have not have even noticed it because the first material that was invented by Marcello Toncelil was developed with hand poured mini slabs of it, cut down and then used for flooring tables. The countertop idea did not come about until years later!

Image: Premier Surfaces

5. Cheaper Prices For Granite - Of course quartz countertops are extremely popular but more than ever, people are choosing granite over choosing quarts. The fortunate side effect who wants to install granite is that it’s a lower price due to the lesser demand. Granite prices have really declined over the last few years which makes it more making the material more widely available for everyone to use within their home and in various rooms.

There are several other things you may not know about quartz countertops but to understand more, I would suggest visiting a showroom to help answer all your questions to make sure you are making the right decision before you install these countertops within your home. As I stated before, Premier Surfaces offers locations nationwide to help you look, feel and enjoy learning more about this particular stone or others if quartz may not be the best option or you and your dream kitchen or bathroom countertop. You’re always in good hands with a reliable company such as this so regardless of your choice, you’ll be satisfied and can’t wait to show off the choice you made.

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Tefal Frypan Review

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After years of waiting and delaying, finally got my dream frying pan from Tefal.

Hurray! Really, I am so happy because it was in my "to buy" list a long time ago. But I have to set it aside muna because it's not cheap.

This Tefal frypan (30 cm) is Php 3,350.00 less 100 because I got it in straight payment through a credit card. I told you  it's not cheap but super sulit because first, it has Titanium Pro coating grade. It's nonstick and has that Thermo-Spot® that turns full red when the frypan has reached the ideal temperature for perfect searing.

The Tefal frypan has a comfort handle.

The Tefal frypan handle is screwed very well so it doesn't move in time.

It is compatible na with induction cooker.

Most of all, the Flippin Fantastic Nonstick Pancake Ring I bought many months ago fit into this 30-cm Tefal frypan.

My son loves pancake that's why I also oblige to buy this Tefal frypan already.

Looks perfect in the photo below but it still has a little problem because the pancake sticks, not on the pan, rather on the ring. Maybe I should brush some oil before using it.

Tried the pancake ring with eggs but it turned out like this. Expectation versus reality it is, haha.

Needs more practice I guess. But you can still make a perfect sunny side up egg without the ring with this Tefal frypan.

Again, is this Tefal frypan sulit? I would say YES, it is a good investment. Unlike other cheaper pan, Tefal frypan is sturdier, mabigat sya just to warn you also. You can fry with minimal or no oil because it's really nonstick. Because of the Thermo-Spot® that turns full red when the pan reach the right temperature, you will not overcooked or over-fried your food. Healthier right?

Remember that health is wealth so investing on high quality and health-friendly kitchen appliances (like Philips Airfryer), cookwares and multi roaster is very important. They aren't cheap yes, but with the right planning and budgeting you will be able to afford buying them one by one.

What's your dream cooking pan?

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Hanaro Square Multi Roaster

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Since Samgyeopsal is so uso and I am so kuripot (haha!), I bought this Hanaro Square Multi Roaster.

Seriously, it's not just Samgyeopsal and being kuripot that I bought this Hanaro Square Multi Roaster. I am really looking for a stove top roaster or griller because we like roasting and grilling. We love cooking at home kasi.

So when I saw this  Hanaro Square Multi Roaster at Lazada, I bought it right away.

I bought it at Php 1,259.00 + 50 shipping fee. The size of  Hanaro Square Multi Roaster is 32 cm or approximately 12.5 x 12.5 inches. It is coated with quadruple PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) and is double layered for better heat efficiency. 

Hanaro Square Multi Roaster has has a hole at the center where you can discharge the excess oil.

You don't need oil because it's non stick. You can also use it to pan grill bread, like garlic bread or pizza.

You can use it on stove or portable stove. 

Hanaro Square Multi Roaster is perfect for samgyeopsal and home grilling or roasting!

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Road Trip to Wisconsin’s Best Waterparks

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Wisconsin Dells is known as the waterpark capital of the world and can be a great road trip destination all year around. TripAdvisor ranks Wisconsin Dells top six of affordable spring break destinations, but you can also enjoy the Dells without ever going outside during the colder months! From floating down the lazy river to bowling or many other activities, it’s hard to run out of things to do. So, get your road trip plan in place and prepare the perfect vacation that the whole family will enjoy.

Road-tripping with the family can create extra memories and be more affordable.  You can also pack more things than you can on an airplane without all of the extra luggage fees.  Wisconsin is located in the middle of the United States, so it’s not really a bad drive no matter where you live in the States. Finding the right vehicle can be easy just by searching online.  You can find a suitable make and model of vehicle to fit the size of your family and your preferences. Make sure you bring snacks, your favorite music, and activities for the children to keep them busy and have fun.  Enjoying the drive adds on to the pleasure of the overall trip.

Award-Winning Waterparks

In 2015, the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards voted many Wisconsin Dells attractions in the top ten for different categories. Wilderness Resort and Noah’s Ark Waterpark ranked one and seven for Best Outdoor Water Parks. Wilderness Resort, Kalahari Resort, and Great Wolf Lodge were ranked two, three, and four for Best Indoor Water Parks. Ransack Ridge, Tadpole Bay, and Fossil Falls ranked one, eight, and ten for Best Water Park Kids’ Areas. The Black Anaconda ranked six for the Best Waterslide. These statistics alone should show you just how amazing of a vacation destination this really is!

Fun for All

Amusement parks and rides can always provide fun for the kids, but there are many other things to do with the kids.  Knuckleheads Trampoline Park is a large space for children to burn up some energy and have fun while making new friends.  There is also a bowling alley with 24 lanes. There are many indoor and outdoor swimming areas and waterparks, so there is never a bad time to go swimming. There are over sixty kid-friendly restaurants to choose from for when your kids are hungry after all of the activities

While adults can also enjoy such things as roller coasters and bowling alleys, there is also a variety of nightlife to choose from. There are three different night clubs that can be enjoyed late in the night if you want to cut loose. Some feature live music, DJs, and there’s even one called Mama’s Garage that is referred to as the hottest outdoor entertainment spot in town.  There are also ten different fine-dining establishments to choose from and many casual dining places to choose from, so there is never a shortage of dining choices to suit your taste buds.

There is so much to do with the whole family at the Wisconsin Dells and many options for different budgets, so why not pack up the car and ride on over to the place that never runs out of fun?

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How to Pick the Right Bike for Your Kid

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Do you agree that teaching your kid how to ride a bike is an important activity? A lot of parents agree with this too. It can be saddening to see that a lot of kids do not enjoy physical activities anymore.

They are in front of their tablets or phones all the time because they play different games. Whenever parents propose biking, some kids just cannot be convinced.

If you have managed to convince your child to start learning how to ride a bike, congratulations! Not all parents will have the luck to make their children want to ride a bike. You can consider the type of bike that your kid needs. Are you going to ride your bike near the beach most of the time? The right kids beach cruiser bike will be available the moment that you start searching.

Finding men’s bike may be somewhat similar to searching for the right bike for kids but there are some differences that you need to focus on.

The Right Size

You should pick a bike depending on your child’s current size. Some parents make the mistake of choosing a bike that is too big for their kids. Their mindset is that the kids are going to grow and they would be able to use the bike by then. If the child does not know how to ride the bike, then the bike will be wasted. There are bikes that come at affordable prices so you do not have to spend too much money.

The Proper Design

There are some kids who will be happier about riding bikes with designs that they like. You can bring your child with you when you start searching for bikes. Another option is to have your kid’s bike customized. The child will definitely want to ride a bike that looks cool.

Training Wheels

Should you get bikes with training wheels or not? This would depend on your child’s capability to ride a bike. Training wheels are needed while your child tries to improve his balance. The moment that he already knows how then the training wheels can be immediately removed.

For parents, it will be useful to have hybrid bicycles that you can use for a wide variety of purposes. Hopefully, you have learned enough details that will help you choose the perfect bike for your kid’s needs.

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Motorcycle Tips to Know as a Motorcycle Rider

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What is the main reason why you have decided to ride motorcycles instead of cars? A lot of people will say that they think motorcycles are extremely cool. There are some who feel that they can reach the places that they want to visit in a short amount of time because they can zip through traffic with ease.

Riding the bike can be:

• Fun
• Cool
• Fuel Efficient

When you ride your bike, you feel that you are invincible at times but you need to remember the reality that a lot of motorcycle drivers get into accidents. It also does not help that they are not fully protected whenever they get into an accident. You should make an effort to find discount helmets for motorcycles soon.

The success of some motorcycle riders who do not get into accidents is they make an effort to protect themselves. They check different parts of their motorcycle just to see if all the parts are working. The moment that they see that the tires are starting to look worn out, they immediately get cheap motorcycle tires as replacement.

These are other motorcycle tips that will help you stay protected while you are on the road:

• Wear the right motorcycle gear. Non-bicycle riders often feel that they should not wear the right motorcycle gear all the time. No matter what the weather is, wearing shorts and a tee will not be appropriate especially if you want to be protected. Invest in motorcycle gear that you can wear for a long time.
• Stay within your comfort zone. If you know that you would not be able to take motorcycle riding for hours, then there is no reason why you should do it now. You need to know what you can handle and your knowledge will help you stay safe.
• You need to become aware of your surroundings and always use your head when checking the various paths you are going to traverse. Your mirror may be effective in helping you see some spots while riding but you can use your head while rounding corners to stay safe.

You should always be careful no matter what type of transportation you are riding. What if you want to ride your ATV? You can find atv tires for sale that will make sure that you will be more protected against potential issues while riding.

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What are the Best Pets to Soothe Anxiety?

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Anxiety is something that millions of Americans live with every day. In fact, the official figures for people over 18 living with anxiety stand at an astonishing 40 million! This condition can be agonizing for those who suffer from its effects and can severely affect the quality of life. Anxiety can cause everything from avoidant behaviors right up to devastating panic attacks. There is a range of treatment options for those affected by anxiety, however, not all of these work for everyone. Some may find that certain treatments may work for them, while others simply don't. 

In this article, we take a look at one of the newest and most effective treatment options that is available to anxiety sufferers: emotional support animals. These animals are a powerful, natural treatment for anxiety disorders and have been showing huge promise in the mental health care field. We give you all the information that you need to know on these superstar animals, along with the definitive guide to the best pets that can help to relieve anxiety, simply and effectively.

Anxiety: A Primal Malfunction

Anxiety disorders can be incredibly frustrating for those who suffer from them. To make things worse, the cause of anxiety is a natural function of the brain, that has spiraled out of control. Due to the evolution over time of the human race, our brains are wired for both modern and ancient functions. Anxiety disorders stem from the ancient parts of our brains known as the amygdala and hippocampus.

Of course, small doses of anxiety, our body's natural stress response, can be useful in some situations. Think about an exam or a job interview—these are examples where a small dose of anxiety can actually help to improve performance. But anxiety disorders are much more than a little adrenaline in an objectively stressful situation.

In most anxiety disorders, the amygdala and hippocampus are working against us, leading to an overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol in inappropriate situations.  

Treatments for Anxiety

There are both psychological and medical treatments available for anxiety today, however not every form of treatment is successful for everybody. Because there are a whole range of contributing factors that result in anxiety, no treatment is a one-size fits all for the condition.

Psychological treatments are often the first port of call for those that are struggling with anxiety.

Psychological Anxiety Treatments
Some of the psychological treatments that therapists employ to help their patients with anxiety include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors and emotional responses associated with psychological distress.

Meditation
Improves mental health and helps with relaxation.

Psychotherapy
Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.

Animal Therapy
Animal therapy involves the use of animals to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.

Medical Anxiety Treatments
Medical treatments are often effective if psychological treatments alone do not work for a patient. Medical treatments for anxiety can include:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.

Anxiolytic
Relieves anxiety and tension. May promote sleep.

Antidepressant
Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.

Sedative
Causes drowsiness, calmness and dulled senses. Some types may become addictive.

Nerve pain medication
Blocks pain caused by damaged nerves.

Animal Therapy for Anxiety

One of the newest forms of therapy for anxiety that has been gaining popularity in recent times, is the use of animals. Animals have long been known to be a natural mood-booster for humans, assisting to encourage the brain release feelgood chemicals. Animals have also been shown to have incredible therapeutic effects, assisting in a range of ways to recuperate patients.

For anxiety in particular, therapy animals are excellent at altering the chemistry of the brain in a positive way, helping to alleviate its effects. They also provide a number of other benefits for patients.

Benefits of Animals for Anxiety Sufferers

Pets can help to fight mental illnesses in a number of ways. The benefits that animals can have for those with anxiety disorders are far-reaching and extremely beneficial for owners. Having a pet can help to provide a point of focus and even distraction for those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Those with social anxiety disorder (SAD) may find that an emotional support animal may help them to reintegrate into social situations, with the pressure taken off them by their gorgeous pet. To find out more benefits of an emotional support animal for your specific anxiety disorder, talk to your therapist.

Getting a Therapy Animal

For those that suffer from anxiety, another key benefit of having a therapy animal is the ease and speed at which it is possible to begin using one of these exceptional animals. In order to get an emotional support animal, a patient must obtain an ESA letter in order to allow their therapy animal to accompany them when traveling and renting accommodation. To get an ESA letter, the best course of action is to talk to your therapist, either in-office or through tele-therapy, about using a pet for therapy purposes. Your therapist will draw up an ESA letter for you, and discuss how you can use a pet as part of your treatment plan to help relieve your anxiety.

Best Pets for Anxiety  

So, you've decided a pet is an awesome way to fight your anxiety. Good for you! But what is your ideal pet? These are the best pets to help with your anxiety disorder.

Dogs

Dogs are the ultimate all-rounders when it comes to pets. Dogs are friendly, loyal and sociable. They are excellent to travel with, as they are great at adapting to any situation if well-trained and socialized. Dogs can provide a securing and protective presence to their owners, making them feel more confident in situations that they normally would not. Dogs can make excellent anxiety supports, however, they do have a few potential drawbacks, depending on your point of view.

Dogs are very co-dependent on their owners, which some may view as positive or negative, depending on their situation. They're extremely active, requiring a lot of exercise, meaning that they are not suitable for every owner. Dogs are also creatures that thrive on social interaction, so for those with extreme social anxiety, dogs may be an unsuitable choice.

Overall, dogs make excellent pets for those with mild to moderate anxiety, due to their fun-loving and protective nature. Look into ESA dogs!

Cats

Cats are quiet, affectionate and super easy pets to bring into your life. Many anxiety sufferers are sensitive souls, and the soothing company of a cat can be extremely healing.

Cats don't require a lot of exercise or space, so they are the perfect pet for those who are not in a position to provide much of either. For those with anxiety, cats can provide affection and companionship and encourage calm behavior.

Some of the drawbacks of cats are that they can sometimes be stand-offish and selective about when they would like to be touched. They can also be slightly harder to travel with due the fact that they cannot be trained as well as dogs. Cats can make excellent support animals for those with all types of anxiety because of their chilled out nature and love of pats, which help to calm their owners.

Rabbits

Rabbits are sweet little darlings that are ideal for small spaces and for those that love snuggling pets to relieve their anxiety. Interacting with rabbits can be soothing and almost meditative for their owners. Rabbits are extremely quiet, take up very little space and are great pet for those that suffer anxiety.

 Unfortunately, rabbits are fragile and require a high level of care (cage-cleaning) so this can be draw back for some. Rabbits do not require their owner to provide them with exercise, but they need a large hutch and access to shade, but warmth at night. Rabbits may be the right choice for those who need a quiet and small pet to help ease their anxiety.

If you have anxiety and other treatments are not working for you, it's definitely worth looking into an emotional support animal. Depending on your anxiety diagnosis, one of these pets could be the perfect aid and support to your mental health.

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