Tammie's Take~

Quick And Easy Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe

Recipes · May 16, 2023

This is a recipe that I found and decided to try. You know that feeling when you find that perfect sauce and thing “Oh wow I found a gold mine”. I did!!! The sauce/marinade in this recipe is so user friendly and forgive giving that I want to bottle this and sell it. Maybe in another life but that is just how awesome this sauce/marinade in this recipe is.

I do not do the cooking in my house as my husband does it so much better than I would. I make a couple dishes but this week, I did all the cooking and I must say they were dilish!!! Enough of my babbling. Let’s get to the recipe~

Ingredients~

1/3 cup Honey

1/4 Soy Sauce

2 Garlic Cloves Minced {Or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic}

1 lb Medium Uncooked Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined

2 teaspoons Olive Oil

Instructions~

Whisk or stir honey, soy sauce and garlic together in a bowl .

Place shrimp in a large zip lock bag with half the marinade. Seal and shake the bag to make sure the marinade coats all the shrimp and refrigerate for 15 minutes to or up to 8 hours. We do 15 to 30 minutes as that is enough time for us to make the rice and or veggie. I use white rice but you can use what ever you and your family like. You can also use low sodium items if you are worried about the salt intake. Like I said very user friendly recipe.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. I tried high heat but it splattered all over my arms. So not a great idea. Add shrimp and cook the shrimp on one side for about 45 seconds until pick and then flip the shrimp over. Add the rest of the marinade and continue to cook until the shrimp is cooked through about 3 minutes. as you continue to cook the shrimp the sauce will reduce. Some people complain that the sauce is to watery but I do not think so.

Serve the shrimp over rice and garnish as as you like. Some readers will add 1 teaspoon cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce but we did not.

Enjoy! I hope you love ethics dish as much as we do! Please comment below and let me know how you did and what you liked about this recipe and what you did not like about it.

7 Most Common Home Improvement Projects and Their Costs

Reviews · May 1, 2023

Making a major home improvement is always exciting. You have the chance to upgrade various systems, repair old sections, and update your interior and exterior design.

Unfortunately, only once you commit to the refurbishment do you realize how much work it takes. Even if you hire the best contractors in your city, there’s a chance you’ll still have to hassle with all sorts of problems. To make matters worse, the costs ramp up rather quickly, forcing homeowners to overstep their budgets.

And while we can’t help you with the extent of the work, we can at least assist you in predicting the expenses. In this article, we’ll talk about the most common home improvement projects and how much they’ll cost you. Enjoy!

1. Roof maintenance

It doesn’t take much to realize your roof needs fixes. If your home is experiencing extensive interior leaks, there’s a good chance that some of the shingles or tiles are damaged. You can also notice signs of damage by simply climbing on the roof and looking for discoloration. In the most extreme cases, the sections will show signs of caving in.

Fortunately, fixing this area of the house isn’t particularly hard or expensive. “The average cost of roof repairs goes from $600 to $6,000,” according to Style Roofing Inc., Roofing Contractors in Fairfax, VA. However, if you need to replace the entire roof, you’ll probably need more than $10,000.

2. Pipe bursting

Faulty pipes are one of the most frustrating problems. Unlike roof repairs, where you can easily prevent further damage by reacting quickly, nothing can prepare you for a pipe burst. What’s even worse, you can’t implement any control or preventative measures, given that the pipes are deep in the walls.

So, when one of them finally gives in, there’s a good chance that the whole section of your house will be flooded. The repairs present another obstacle, as you’ll have to demolish the entire wall to replace damaged parts. Anyway, sewer line repairs cost around $2,600, while installing new pipes comes down to $1,200.

3. Foundation repair

Foundation damage is especially common in areas with lots of rain and snow. Having swelling or eroding soil underneath your home is another cause of the problem. And while you can implement certain preventative measures, such as adding an advanced drainage system, you might still encounter this issue.

Detecting a damaged foundation can be tricky. A homeowner should pay attention to things such as sloping floors, cracks in surrounding asphalt, door and window issues, and water puddles in your basement.

The foundation repairs usually cost between $500 and $11,000.

4. Insect damage

Insect issues, and specifically termite damage, are one of the reasons why you might need foundation repairs. Bug problems can be insidious, causing enormous but unnoticeable damage over time.

Treating your home against termites and other insects costs approximately $500 and is a good way to prevent future issues. However, if you don’t react quickly enough, you’re looking at expenses north of $7,000 (which can be higher for houses mostly made of wood).

5. Electrical problems

Every homeowner should have a trusty electrician on the speed dial. In the end, electric problems and maintenance are among the most common house fixes.

Similar to pipes, all wires in your home are located in the walls. If you try to repair a section, not only are you at risk of electrocuting yourself, but you might also cause unnecessary damage to the walls. So, hiring a professional is both cheaper and safer.

Electrical problems are somewhat easy to spot. Tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights, and shock from appliances are good indications that something’s wrong. Doing basic repairs will cost you $300, while completely rewiring is approximately $15,000.

6. Water heater repairs

In the worst-case scenario, a faulty water heater can lead to massive flooding. Even if you’re dealing with a minor problem, not having warm water can be a real nuisance. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert to notice there’s something amiss. Common indications of damaged heater are leaks and strange noises.

If you wish to prolong the life expectancy of your heater, we suggest you flush the tank every year. You might also want to check the pressure valves from time to time. Repairing this part will cost you $500, while replacement costs $1,000 and more.

7. Septic tank repair

Damage to septic tanks is both nasty and annoying. Aside from the fact your toilet might not flush, you’ll also have to deal with feces spilling into your backyard. Regular inspections are one of the best ways to prevent such mishaps. If you still need to do some basic repairs, they will cost you $1,500.

A Short Guide to Treating Recurring Depression with Ketamine

Reviews · April 24, 2023

Depression is a silent killer. It also takes its own sweet time devouring you both emotionally and physically. It’s not something you can shake off like a cold or the flu. It’s a debilitating condition that can take its toll not only on you, but also your friends and loved ones. If left untreated, serious recurring depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, anorexia, self-imposed isolation, and even suicide.

Fortunately, in the 2020s, there are new treatments that can dramatically reduce the effects of depression. One of these is the use of the pharmaceutical, ketamine. Says, OMHC, a mental health clinic that specializes in ketamine infusion therapy in Los Angeles, much of the recent research on utilizing ketamine for mental health issues like depression has revolved around the intravenous, or IV route of administration. Therefore, if a doctor is to practice evidence-based medicine, they would recommend IV treatment.

But some psychiatrists are now utilizing a new method of administering ketamine via intramuscular injection or IM. Which method is better? At present there’s not enough evidence to suggest one is better than the other. One thing is for sure however, ketamine most definitely helps those plagued by severe and recurring depression.

Defining Ketamine

According to a recent article by WEBMD, ketamine is said to have emerged from Belgium in the 1960s as a painkiller for animals like injured race horses. It is said have first been used on humans in 1970 during the Vietnam War when injured soldiers were treated with the drug on the battlefield.

These days, emergency responders have been known to administer to agitated patients who, for instance, were desperate to commit suicide. Says one medical doctor, this is how physicians began to realize the drug, which had previously been used to treat injured horses and other animals, possessed powerful effects against suicidal tendencies and deep depression.

Stewart claims that if you give ketamine to someone who was attempting to jump off a bridge, he might very well attest up to nine months later that he hasn’t experienced a single suicidal thought.

As stories like these and other piled up, doctors agreed that there was something more to ketamine than its being a drug commonly used by veterinarians.

At base, ketamine causes what physicians term a “dissociative experience” or what some people might refer to as a “trip.” This is why it’s referred to in some psychedelic circles as Vitamin K, Super K, or even Special K. For those who like to party, they might add it to joints, snort it, or include it in their favorite alcoholic beverage.

According to the chief of psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine who’s been studying ketamine’s antidepressant effects for years, the drug is said to produce sensations of unreality, sensory and visual distortions, the feeling of being out-of-body, temporary beliefs and thoughts, along with a nice buzz and euphoria.

The initial trip will last around 2 hours. But if you are taking ketamine casually, there are risks involved including dangerously slow breathing, high blood pressure, and unconsciousness. If used unprescribed, the drug can also result in kidney disease, stomach pain, ulcers, depression, and poor memory. Keep in mind that if you take ketamine on your own along with alcohol, the result can be fatal.

Administration of Ketamine

Ketamine is available in several forms. Presently the only version that the FDA has approved as a medication for depression in people is a nasal spray called Esketamine or Spravato. It’s engineered for adult patients who have been diagnosed with severe and recurring depression, haven’t been helped by antidepressants, or have become openly suicidal.

These patients will continue with their prescribed antidepressant pills but will also receive the Esketamine at a clinic or a doctor’s office under a health care provider’s supervision. The treatment lasts for 2 hours or for as long as the “trip” takes. Treatment-resistant depression patients typically receive a dose of the nasal spray two times per week for 1 to 4 weeks, then once per week for weeks 5 through 9. After that they receive a dose once every 2 weeks.

The spray comes with a “black box” warning indicating the risk of attention deficit disorder, the dangers associated with sedation, unclear thinking, and also the potential misuse or abuse of the drug. Ironically, if abused, ketamine can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Other varieties of ketamine that are not yet approved by the FDA for serious mental health issues include lozenges and an injection in the arm. But today, the FDA allows for administration of ketamine via IV or an intramuscular (IM) shot under strict doctor’s supervision.

In the final analysis, ketamine, which was once considered a drug to relieve pain in animals, is a powerful and effective method for treating severe and recurring depression which can manifest itself in many ways, including suicidal tendencies, anorexia, plus drug and alcohol abuse.

5 Tips to Protect Your Roof from Heat in Summer

Reviews · March 14, 2023

Summer season is almost here and while this means that there will be many more backyard parties and lazy hours in the pool, it also invariably applies that the heat is going to get intense. UV rays are also much stronger in the summer and these UV rays could be particularly damaging to your roof.

Roofs are the most exposed part of the house and receive the maximum amount of sunlight. As the temperature of the roof rises, your house becomes warmer. This will not only make living difficult but would also greatly increase dependency on air conditioners and cooling devices.

To maintain a suitable temperature for your home, you must protect your roof from heat in the summer and practices some preventive heat-proofing methods. These measures will not just help you in avoiding roof damage but would also enhance the longevity of the overall structure of your home.

Let’s take a deep dive into some useful tips and find out whether these can be executed easily or not. Don’t forget that these simple heat proofing tips can help you save a lot of money so read them carefully.

Tips for Protection

1. Roof Inspection

Before the onset of Summer, you must perform a thorough inspection of your roof. Check if there are any cracked corners, leakages, or any preexisting damage. The first step is to fix the damaged parts because this causes more harm in the long term. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rainfall around the year then it is better to get waterproofing done because the combination of excessive heat and residual water can lead to massive loss.

Many professional roofing services and maintenance agencies can offer innovative and affordable solutions and treat problems related to your roofs at an early stage.

2. Clean Drainage Pipes

Drainage pipes often get clogged and gutters could become blocked. This can lead to the accumulation of water on the roof and could escalate problems. It is ideal to hire professional help to get the pipes cleaned before the new season, so you face minimum hassle.

3. Install Heat-Resistant Roofing Sheets

If you want to insulate your home and make it waterproof, then heat-resistant roofing sheets are the best option. These sheets have a corrugated pattern making them strong, light, and biodegradable. They can withstand extremely high temperatures and adverse weather conditions, making them the perfect option for roof protection.

Installing solar panels is another cost-effective method. Although the initial cost of such a project might be high the long-term benefits are immense. It won’t just help you generate renewable energy but would also cover a large part of your roof, protecting it from direct sunlight.

4. Use Roof Chemicals or Paint

We all know that some colors absorb way less heat, the most effective being white! If white paint is mixed with heat-proofing chemicals, then it can greatly reduce the absorption of heat. It will not just reflect the UV rays successfully but would also increase the resistivity index. If you have shingles and tiles on your roof, then those can be repainted as well.

Another method could be the application of bitumen rolls which are made of adhesives and are spread across the roof. This could be a very good option If the paint doesn’t seem to be viable.

5. Install Additional Shade

There are multiple ways through which you can reduce the amount of sunlight that your roof is receiving. Installation of fiberglass sheet or net shade can be a viable option however, if you experience severe weather in your area, such as extreme storms then this option might not be very effective because fiberglass sheets can get damaged.

Additionally, one can make a rooftop garden and place various plants and trees that could act as a natural shade!

Why Protecting Your Roof from Heat Is important?

While there are many other expensive and inexpensive ways to protect your roof from the heat in the summer, it is equally important to understand why is it so important. By implementing protective measures, you can reduce heat radiation entering your house. This will lower overall temperature and make your day-to-day life more convenient.

Moreover, heatproofing can even increase the roof strength of manifolds as it will experience less rot and rust, less breakage, and less damage. It will help you save some valuable bucks and bring maintenance bills down significantly.

We all know that temperatures are massively rising around the globe, UV rays are stronger, and the impact is harsh. While changing the weather conditions is not in our hands, practicing precaution is therefore it is important to take the right step at the right time! Perform extensive research, analyze what are the most cost-effective options, and choose the one that suits your needs the best!

The Benefits of Plant-Based Diets for Longevity

Reviews · March 9, 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in plant-based diets, and for good reason. Not only are plant-based diets a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice, but they also offer a wide range of health benefits. One of the most significant benefits of a plant-based diet is its potential to promote longevity.

Studies have shown that individuals who follow a plant-based diet tend to live longer and have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top benefits of plant-based diets for longevity and how they can help you live a happier, healthier, and longer life.

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

One of the most significant benefits of plant-based diets is their ability to lower the risk of chronic diseases. Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are responsible for the majority of deaths worldwide, and they are often linked to poor dietary choices.

By eliminating or minimizing animal products and focusing on plant-based foods, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases.

Research shows that plant-based diets are associated with lower rates of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improved blood sugar control.

Improved Digestion and Gut Health

Another benefit of plant-based diets is improved digestion and gut health. Plant-based foods are rich in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

In contrast, diets high in animal products are associated with constipation and an increased risk of colon cancer. By consuming more plant-based foods, you can support healthy digestion and reduce your risk of gut-related diseases.

Lowered Inflammation

The body’s natural response to injury or infection is inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged inflammation may cause various health concerns, including cancer, arthritis, and heart disease.

Plant-based diets are naturally anti-inflammatory, as they are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that help reduce inflammation. By adopting a plant-based diet, you can lower your risk of chronic inflammation and related diseases.

Weight Management

Plant-based diets can also be beneficial for weight management. Plant-based foods tend to be lower in calories and higher in fiber than animal products, making them more filling and satisfying.

Studies have shown that people who follow a plant-based diet tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) and lower rates of obesity than those who consume a diet high in animal products.

Enhanced Brain Function

What’s good for the body is definitely also good for the brain. Plant-based diets have been shown to enhance brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds provides the brain with essential nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline.

Improved Skin Health

Eating a diet rich in plant-based foods can also benefit your skin health. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and vitamins that can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental toxins.

Additionally, the high fiber content in plant-based foods can help regulate your hormones, which can lead to clearer skin and a reduction in acne.

Increased Longevity

Studies have shown that plant-based diets are associated with increased longevity. Not only does it reduce your risk of chronic diseases, but it also promotes your overall health and wellbeing, giving you the potential to add years to your life.

In fact, research suggests that those who consume a mostly plant-based diet have a 16 – 25% lower risk of early death than those who consume a diet high in animal products.

While plant-based diets are an excellent way to improve your health and longevity, there are other options as well. For instance, ESS60, a molecule that can be dissolved in olive oil, is a great supplement for those looking to achieve similar benefits. Thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, ESS60 has anti-aging and anti-viral properties that can be just as effective as a plant-based diet.

However, there are certain areas where supplements may not be as effective, which is where plant-based diets come in. Not only do they improve your immune system, but they can also provide additional benefits that supplements simply can’t match.

Lowered Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, a crippling condition. Although a cure for Alzheimer’s has not yet been discovered, there are measures you can adopt to diminish your chances of contracting the ailment.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is one of those measures that can help protect your brain from the damage caused by oxidative stress, which has been linked to the development of this disease.

Improved Athletic Performance

Plant-based diets can also benefit your athletic performance. Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients that can help improve your energy levels, boost your endurance, and promote faster recovery after exercise.

Additionally, plant-based diets are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can improve your cardiovascular health and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Environmental Sustainability

Adopting a plant-based diet can have a positive impact on the environment. The livestock industry significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution.

By reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable food system.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it – these are some of the major benefits of a plant-based diet. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, or make a positive impact on the environment, a plant-based diet is a great place to start.