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How to Make Vanilla Bourbon Chicken

                                                           Photo: Herbscapes.com Yesterday a neighbor gave me a small jar of Madagascar Bourbon vanilla she has been curing for about six months. The vanilla beans stood in a brown liquid of vanilla and bourbon. For some reason I immediately thought of chicken. I will definitely infuse this liquid gold into some dessert creations, but I happened to have three chicken filets in the fridge ready to make their culinary debut. I rinsed the filets under cold water and placed in a plastic bag. It occurred to me that if I poured too much of the vanilla bourbon into the bag, it would be absorbed by the filets and overtake the flavor, knocking out the fresh German thyme I planned to top on the cooked meal. In plain English: it would be too strong. I carefully dripped about an eighth of a teaspoon into the bag. It didn’t seem like much but knowing the strength of fresh vanilla I gambled that tiny little bit would add the flavor I was seeking. I spr
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How to Water Your Herb Garden

                           Photo: Herbscapes.com  We have found through years of practice and growing herbs that too much water can kill an herb. Many herbs are native to a Mediterranean climate, a climate that is fairly dry, with periodic rain. Even if you live in a hot, humid climate, too much water for some herbs will spell their demise. Examples of herbs that do not need a lot of water: oregano,  thyme, lavender, rosemary. Mint herbs may wilt with out enough water so they stand out as a exception but still do not require much water unless you see them starting to wilt.  So, with herbs sometimes it's better to resist the temptation of over-care and just allow the herb to grow without much attention. Of course there are exceptions to this and the best practice is to monitor the herbs and if any look sick then take the appropriate action. 
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How to Stop Fighting When You Have Young Kids Involved

  One of the saddest things you can see is a married, separated or divorced couple escalating their fight against one another when there are children involved. It's so very sad for the children, words can hardly describe.  What is even sadder is the couple may be actually fighting over the kids, like the kids are some kind of commodity. They each say they love the kids but what is really happening is they are being selfish and treating their kids like a product. If they really loved their kids they would allow the kids to chose who to stay with, as long as it's in a safe, good environment. Once the kids get old enough to really make decisions on their own, they will look back and make their own conclusions about which parent was right.  If parents are fighting over children and a home the children are living is unsafe or unlawful, the struggling parent should allow the governing laws to address the situation. This requires patience and lots of work.   If the homes of both paren
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How to Tell if You have a Piece of a Meteorite

  Determining whether a rock is a piece of space debris or a meteorite can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to help identify the origin of the rock: Magnetic Properties : Meteorites often contain iron and nickel, which can make them magnetic. Use a strong magnet to see if the rock is attracted to it. If it is, there's a chance it could be a meteorite. Appearance : Examine the surface of the rock for features such as fusion crust (a thin, blackened layer caused by the intense heat of atmospheric entry), regmaglypts (thumbprint-like indentations), and visible metal flakes or grains. These characteristics are common in meteorites but less likely to be found in terrestrial rocks. Density and Weight : Meteorites are typically denser than ordinary rocks due to their metallic composition. Compare the weight of the rock to other rocks of similar size. If it feels heavier than expected, it could be a meteorite. Conductivity : Meteorites are often good cond
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What to Do if You are Being Bullied at School

  Being bullied at school can be a distressing experience, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and seek support. Here's what to do if you're being bullied at school: Stay Calm and Safe : If you're being bullied, try to stay calm and composed, and prioritize your safety. Avoid retaliating or escalating the situation, as this could make matters worse. If you feel threatened or unsafe, seek help from a trusted adult or authority figure immediately. Talk to Someone : Reach out to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counselor, parent, or family member, and confide in them about what's happening. Explain the situation calmly and provide details about the bullying incidents, including when and where they occurred, and who was involved. Talking to someone you trust can provide support and guidance on how to address the bullying effectively. Keep Records : Keep a record or journal of the bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and desc
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What to Do if There are Stray Cats in Your Yard

  If you have stray cats in your yard, there are several steps you can take to address the situation humanely and responsibly: Observe from a Distance : Before taking any action, observe the cats from a distance to assess their behavior and condition. Determine if they are feral (wild and untamed) or stray (formerly domesticated) cats. This information will help you decide on the appropriate course of action. Provide Food and Water : If the cats appear malnourished or hungry, consider providing food and water to help meet their basic needs. Place food and water in a sheltered area away from busy roads and predators. Use a shallow dish for water and provide dry or wet cat food for sustenance. Build Shelter : Create shelters or safe spaces for the cats to seek refuge from the elements. You can use inexpensive materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic tubs, or wooden crates to build simple shelters with insulation or bedding inside. Place the shelters in quiet, secluded areas of your yar
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How to Become a TikTok Star

  Becoming a TikTok star involves a combination of creativity, consistency, engagement, and understanding of the platform's algorithms. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to TikTok stardom: Find Your Niche : Identify your passion, interests, or unique talents and create content that aligns with your niche. Whether it's comedy, dance, fashion, cooking, or something else entirely, focus on creating content that showcases your authentic self and resonates with your audience. Create High-Quality Content : Invest time and effort into creating high-quality content that stands out on the platform. Use high-resolution videos, clear audio, and engaging visuals to capture the attention of viewers. Experiment with different formats, trends, and editing techniques to keep your content fresh and engaging. Be Consistent : Consistency is key to building a following on TikTok. Post regularly and maintain a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and coming back fo
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How to Avoid Toxic People

  Avoiding toxic people is crucial for maintaining your well-being and mental health. Here are some strategies to help you steer clear of toxic individuals: Set Boundaries : Establish clear boundaries to protect yourself from toxic behavior. Communicate your boundaries assertively and stick to them, even if it means distancing yourself from toxic individuals. Trust Your Instincts : Pay attention to your instincts and intuition when interacting with others. If someone consistently makes you feel uncomfortable, drained, or anxious, it may be a sign that they are toxic. Limit Contact : Limit your exposure to toxic individuals by minimizing contact with them whenever possible. This may involve avoiding social events or gatherings where they are present or limiting communication to essential interactions only. Choose Your Social Circle Wisely : Surround yourself with positive, supportive, and uplifting people who contribute positively to your life. Cultivate friendships and relationships wi
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