skip to Main Content

How Pemmican Became a Staple Food in Early Canadian History

Pemmican is a traditional food that has a rich history in Canada. It is a high-energy, high-protein food made from dried meat, fat, and sometimes berries. It was an important food for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, and played a significant role in the exploration and settlement of Canada.

The word “pemmican” comes from the Cree word “pimikan”, which means “manufactured grease”. The process of making pemmican involves drying and pounding meat, typically bison or deer, into a fine powder. The meat powder is then mixed with melted fat, usually from the same animal, and sometimes with dried berries. The mixture is then packed into bags or containers, and can be stored for long periods of time without refrigeration.

Indigenous peoples used pemmican as a primary food source for hunting and fishing expeditions, as well as for winter storage. Pemmican was easy to carry, provided a high amount of energy, and was resistant to spoilage. It was also used as a form of trade, and was highly valued by Europeans as a source of sustenance during long journeys.

In the early 18th century, fur traders began using pemmican as a staple food for their journeys across the Canadian wilderness. The high energy content and long shelf life made it an ideal food for long expeditions, and it became a key component of the fur trade economy. In fact, by the mid-19th century, pemmican was being produced in large quantities for export to Europe.

Pemmican also played a significant role in Canadian history during the exploration and settlement of the West. The Canadian Pacific Railway used pemmican to feed its workers during the construction of the railway, and it was a key component of the provisions used by the North West Mounted Police during their march to the West in the 1870s.

Today, pemmican is still produced and consumed in Canada, particularly by Indigenous peoples. It is also gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers, due to its high protein content, low carbohydrate content, and long shelf life.

In conclusion, pemmican became a staple food in early Canadian history due to its nutritional value, long shelf life, and ease of transport. It played an important role in the fur trade economy and the exploration and settlement of Canada, and continues to be an important part of Indigenous culture and Canadian culinary traditions.

The Most Popular Medical Spa Treatments for Men

Medical spas, also known as med spas or medical aesthetic clinics, offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments that are designed to enhance and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin and body. While these treatments were once exclusively associated with women, the popularity of medical spa treatments for men has grown in recent years.

Men are increasingly turning to medical spas to address concerns like wrinkles, excess body fat, and unwanted body hair. Here are some of the most popular medical spa treatments for men:

Botox Injections

Botox injections are a popular treatment for men who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on their face. Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is injected into the muscles of the face. This temporarily paralyzes the muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Common areas for Botox treatment include the forehead, crow’s feet, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Benefits for men include a more youthful appearance, improved self-confidence, and a competitive edge in the workplace.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-surgical body contouring treatment that uses controlled cooling to freeze and eliminate fat cells. This treatment is ideal for men who have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

CoolSculpting can be used on many areas of the body, including the abdomen, love handles, and double chin. Benefits for men include a more defined, masculine physique and improved self-esteem.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body hair. This treatment uses laser energy to destroy hair follicles, preventing hair growth in the treated area.

Common areas for laser hair removal in men include the back, chest, and shoulders. Benefits for men include smoother skin, reduced irritation and ingrown hairs, and improved body confidence.

Facials

Facials are a popular treatment for men who want to improve the health and appearance of their skin. There are many different types of facials available, including hydrating, anti-aging, and deep-cleansing treatments.

Facials can address a wide range of skin concerns, such as acne, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. Benefits for men include a more youthful, radiant complexion and improved self-confidence.

Conclusion

Medical spa treatments offer a range of benefits for men, from reducing the appearance of wrinkles and excess body fat to improving skin health and reducing unwanted hair. In today’s society, self-care is increasingly important, and medical spa treatments offer men an opportunity to invest in themselves and their appearance.

Milk and Lavender Spa Collection

This bath collection is for mother and child.  Though lavender is said to be safe for small babies by most sources, I would not use this soap on children under one.  Both the soap and the salt should be used in the evening as they can be very relaxing.  Give your child their evening bath as you normally would, using this soap all over the body.  The milk in the soap will provide a little extra moisture for your child’s skin while the lavender will help to relax them into a smoother goodnight time.

Lavender and Milk Soap

Shea Butter Soap Base

Lavender Flowers

Powdered Milk

For this very simple recipe you must first determine how much you want to make.  I used about one and a half pounds of soap base, 1/8th of an ounce of lavender flowers and, around three tablespoons of powdered milk.  Next find a mold and prepare with mold release. (I use petroleum jelly.)  I use old plastic storage containers for molding my soap.  To melt the soap you will need a double boiler or the like.  A thick glass bowl in a pan of water will do.  Melt the soap.  When the soap is completely melted take off the heat and add the milk and lavender flowers.  I personally like to get clumps of milk that will rise to the top of the soap with the flowers, if you don’t want this to happen add the milk slowly.  Pour the soap into your prepared mold and allow to cool for several hours.  After your soap is cool take it out of the mold wipe off the mold release and cut.  

After you have managed to get the kids to bed and do all of the other motherly and household duties on your evening schedule, draw a nice hot bath.  Add a couple of tablespoons of this salt mixture to your tub and let it cool to a tolerable heat.  Jump in and lay there until the water gets cold if you wish.  I would suggest total emersion for at least 15 minutes.

Milk and Lavender Bath Salt

1Part Finely Ground Sea Salt

1Part Powdered Milk

2 Parts Epsom Salt

Lavender Flowers

Figure out the amount of bath salt you wish to make, and find a sealable container.  Mix all ingredients together and shake daily for one week before using.

Source: Barrington Back and Body

Landscaping with Palms: Six Palm Trees to Plant

Many homeowners want to create a lush tropical feel in their backyard or their landscape. To do this there are certain plants that are first on everyone’s mind to plant. Palm trees are a great way to add that tropical feel and the atmosphere of the islands to any landscape. These six palms to plant are great starter choices.

Giant Dioon (Dioon spinulosum)

The giant dioon is from the coontie family and is considered an evergreen palm even though it is technically a cycad. It is sometimes referred to as the gum palm. It is a large plant, up to 50 feet tall, with feathery leaves that are five to seven feet in width. Cones are over a foot long. To plant this soil needs to be moist with good drainage and a partial shade to full sun location. It is propagated by division and by seed. There is a warning as the leaves have small thorns and sharp spots. It has a USDA hardiness rating of zones 9b to 11.

Jelly Palm (Butia capitata)

The jelly palm is from the palm family and is an evergreen drought resistant palm that will be easy to grow. This plant typically gets 12 to 15 feet tall with light green or bluish gray leaves five to ten feet tall. There are orange fruits on the palm. To plant this soil must be well drained and sandy and the location must be in full sun to moderate shade. Propagate by seeds. It has a USDA hardiness rating of zones 8 to 9.

Seashore Palm (Allagoptera arenaria)

The seashore palm is from the palm family and is an evergreen songbird attracting palm tree. This plant typically gets to approximately six feet in height. Leaves are feathery and between two and six feet in length. Flower stalks will have both male and female flowers and yellowish green fruits. Fruits look like coconuts but much smaller. Plant this in moderate to full shade in poor soils. Propagate by seeds. It has a USDA hardiness rating of zones 10 to 11.

Rain Tree (Attalea cohune)

The rain tree is from the palm family and is an evergreen palm that attracts songbirds. This plant will get 20 to 50 feet in height with leaves that can range up to 33 feet in length. Leaves are compound and cream colored flowers are clustered up to five feet in length. Plant this is full sun in a good sandy well drained soil. It is a slow grower and will need a palm fertilizer high in nitrogen. Propagate by seed. It has a USDA hardiness rating of zones 9 to 12.

Kitchen Remodeling – How To Get started?

There are a few essential components in the design of a kitchen that you have to keep in mind while you are going for its remodeling. Understanding these basic elements will make it easier to plan your Federal Way kitchen remodeling work rather than focusing on each individual element and trying to figure out what you can do to make it look better or create more space.

Spell out the advantages of remodeling
While you are planning to remodel your kitchen, you must have a clear picture in your mind about what benefits you are seeking from the whole exercise. Be convinced about the things you want to change, the reason why you want to change and the advantages that you expect from the renovation. Remodeling is an expensive affair and you certainly do not want to do something that you are likely to regret later.

Look around but be innovative
If you have kitchen remodeling in mind, it is essential that you keep an open eye while visiting your family and friends and take ideas from their designs. But at the same time, you can create some great ideas by being innovative and creative while thinking about the possible changes that can be done in your kitchen area. Renovation can be quite messy in the short run, but it can be great fun working through the entire process.

Talk to a professional
It is not necessary that you get the work done through a Federal Way kitchen remodeling contractor, though it has certain advantages. Even if you decide to do the whole work yourself, it will be a good idea to talk to a few experts in your Washington area or nearby cities, such as Seattle, Tacoma, etc, who have experience of doing this kind of work. They might give you some ideas that may not strike you at all. Do take bids from them for various services they provide. It is quite possible that you may find it more attractive to get the work done through these professionals rather than doing it yourself.

Make a detailed plan
Make a detailed list of things you would like to do in your Federal Way kitchen remodeling project. Convince yourself about the purpose of doing any change, however small it may be, whether it is changing the flooring, cabinets, quartz countertops or something else. Look at each item carefully in your kitchen. Maybe some of the improvements may come only by shifting the place of some of the items. Think about all those possibilities.

Work out a detailed cost estimate
It is also advisable that you prepare an estimate of the total cost involved so that you know beforehand how much the total work is going to cost you. You certainly would not like to face the situation of running short on cash while your kitchen is in a mess during the period of renovation.

Are you going to sell?
The items that you would like to remodel should be decided based on the prime consideration of how long you are planning to actually stay in the house. If you have plans to sell and move to a new house in the near future, maybe you would like to rethink about how much money you are spending on the remodeling work for your kitchen, bathroom or any other area you may not be happy with. If you decide to go for a Federal Way kitchen remodel you should be doing only those changes that will increase its value in the market so that you get some return from the investment you have made.

We Remodeled Our Bathroom Ourselves

In June 2013, we decided to remodel our bathroom by ourselves. I have had the bathroom remodeled after buying it in 1986 but had a bad experience when using a contractor. He did not use a new tub but one that was resurfaced which I did not know until it started to peel and rust over 5 years later. The brand of tub had a lifetime guarantee a new one would never have had problems. They did not put in the electrical work to code, which we found out when we had all of the electrical wiring redone in 2010.

My husband when he was younger had worked in construction, he asked our brother-in-law to help, and at one time, he was an apartment maintenance man. So between the two of them they had some experience and knowledge on what needed to happen and how to do it.

It took them about a week to complete the bathroom. First to buy the items needed going back a few times for additional items. Then to remove the tub, old wood floor boards, toilet, sink, cabinets, shower walls, and bathroom door. Next, it was time to install all of the new pipes, the new tub, wood floorboards, tile, and all cabinets, put back the toilet, and paint.

We were lucky we had another bathroom with a sink and toilet to use during this time. We actually used the new shower/tub too soon and should have waited the caulking was not dry.

Also, have somewhere to shower and use the toilet in case it takes a while to complete yours or you run into plumbing problems.

A hint would be to do remodeling when it is cooler. During the summer, it is hot and tempers can flare if something goes wrong.

Make sure that you will have everything you need and do not go over your budget, which we did. Take into consideration that the things you take out might need new screws, caulking, toilet seal, etc. and all of these items can dig into your budget. Some of the old items may break when you go to reinstall them. As well as painting supplies not just the paint. Get detailed when making your supply list.

Really, think about the color of tile for the floors. I love my white tile but it does not work out with pets and it shows every speck of dust and dirt. Therefore, it has been hard to keep clean.

All and all it was a good experience and we plan to remodel our other rooms as well. Plan by making a detailed supply list, make enough time for the project, have extra help if needed, think ahead from beginning to end so you do not get a surprise in the middle of your project.

If you are looking for quartz kitchen tops in Phoenix, AZ – Please call AZ granite & Remodeling Today at (602) 759-9000.

How to Remodel the Look of a Dishwasher

All too often, homeowners replace a perfectly functional dishwasher, simply because it is ugly. This a waste of money and resources. Instead of ripping out a working appliance, why not just remodel it to get a great new look for much less than the cost of replacing it? Here is how.

Select your Price Range

Remodeling your dishwasher can cost anywhere from $5-$100, depending on what look you go for. If you are just wanting to turn a dishwasher white or black, then remodeling your dishwasher should only run you $5 or so. On the other hand, if you want real stainless steel, you are going to have to part with about $100. No matter what your price range, you can get a great look for much less than the cost of getting a new dishwasher.

Paint

Appliance paint that you can find at your local home improvement store is probably the easiest and least expensive way to remodel your old dishwasher. With a can of appliance paint running just $5 a can, you can easily get a new look without breaking the bank. Simply take off the existing panel, sand it down and spray it whatever color you would like it to be. Then, once it is dry, put the panel back on the dishwasher and enjoy.

Peel-and-Stick

Another idea is to apply a peel-and-stick stainless steel film to the front panel of your dishwasher. A small roll of this film is more than enough to complete the look and only costs around $25 a roll. To apply this film, take off the front panel and adhere the film to just as you would if you were wrapping a gift. Though you can do this yourself, it is helpful to have someone with you to give you a spare set of hands when you need it.

Panel

The most expensive option is to get an all new panel for your dishwasher from the manufacturer. These can cost anywhere from $50-$100, but you are getting a truly new exterior. Simply remove the old panel according to the manufacturer’s directions and then put the new one on. If you do not mind shelling out the $100, you can have a dishwasher that is truly stainless steel.

So whether you choose to paint, cover or replace the front panel of your dishwasher, you are guaranteed to get a great look on any budget. So what are you waiting for? Get the supplies you need and start enjoying your new looking dishwasher.

Next Post: Top 10 Painting Contractor in Chicago Land Area

Top 5 Books on Bathroom Remodeling

If you’ve watched any of the popular real estate shows on cable television, then you are probably aware that bathrooms are huge selling points where any home sale is concerned. If you’re trying to build equity in your house, or even if you’re just ready for a change, here are five bathroom remodeling books that will give you a little boost.

The Luxury Bathroom, Extraordinary Spaces from the Simple to the Extravagant
(by Samantha Nestor)

This book is a great big glossy affair, rich with crisp photographs. While it focuses primarily on the most luxurious bathrooms in the world, the descriptions offer insight into how the rooms were designed, and the reasoning behind certain design choices. The table of contents is great in that it divides the chapters into categories based on the “mood” of each bathroom. For the person who has absolutely no idea in which direction to go, these categories will help you to determine what kinds of styles personally appeal to you. Be sure to read through the lush introduction; it really sets the tone for the visual menagerie of luxurious images. The book’s one flaw? Some of the bathrooms are so spectacular that you’ll be mad there aren’t more photos.

Bath Design Guide (Better Homes & Gardens Home Reference)

Better Homes & Gardens magazine is perhaps one of the most reputable sources for home improvement and redesign ideas. Included in their series of books dedicated to various aspects of home décor is “Bath Design Guide”, a thick paperback book that you can actually receive complimentary with a one-year subscription to the publication (Ok, Public Service Announcement over…) The book features a more scaled down approach to bathroom remodeling; but the featured rooms are just as stunning. It is less likely that you’ll find ancient Victorian soaking tubs shipped from Europe in this book. The book offers many of the same kinds of materials, but provides more of a guide for how to actually achieve the looks you’ve seen in high-end luxury bathrooms. Additionally, the “Bath Design Guide” provides information on fixtures, plumbing basics, and even tips on how to work with a contractor.

Norma Vally’s Bathroom Fix-Ups (More than 50 Projects for Every Skill Level)

On the cover of this book a smiling brunette woman wearing a tool belt poses, wielding a power drill. Her name is Norma Vally. She’s the host of “Toolbelt Diva” and the founder of website ChixCanFix.com-a site (and product line) dedicated to helping women empower themselves by learning how to handle basic repairs and remodeling projects. But “Bathroom Fix-Ups” isn’t filled with a bunch of fluffy descriptions. Inside, you’ll find tons of photographs featuring her manicured hands engaging in various tasks, and lots of illustrations on how to make simple (and more time-consuming) repairs.

1001 Ideas for Bathrooms, the Ultimate Sourcebook-Fixtures, Accessories, and Decorative Treatments
(by Jerri Farris)

Now this is a book that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to deciding what kind of remodeling project you are willing to invest in. In fact, the book offers aerial illustrations of the typical square footage found in various types of bathrooms (guest bath, master bath, powder room, etc.) But the photographs are plentiful, and numbered so that you can easily find their descriptions on the page. Gadget junkies will love the technological advancements in bathroom design. Sunken tubs, LED lighting, and lumbar massages are just a few of the extravagant options shown. But even if your budget doesn’t allow for laser light shows in the bath, you’ll appreciate the idea of making the bathroom more than just a place to shower and shave.

Bathroom Ideas that Work, Creative Design Solutions for Your Home
(by Scott Gibson)

In perusing this book, the contents may seem like all the others featuring opulent powder rooms. But Scott Gibson’s approach offers a more detailed explanation of the higher end materials that you may not find in your ordinary Home Depot. “Bathroom Ideas that Work” is for the moderately proficient home “remodeler.” While this book (part of a series) can be helpful for virtually anyone, home design “enthusiasts” (those who only watch the occasional HGTV program) may find the fussier details of remodeling to be a bit tedious. All in all, the juicy photos and wide array of bathroom styles will make your visual palate water. When it comes to creatively re-designing your personal space, you can never be offered too many ideas.

If you are looking for quartz countertops in Phoenix, AZ – Please call AZ granite & Remodeling Today at (602) 759-9000.

The Unique Benefits of Facial Acupuncture

It is only human to dream about looking beautiful inside and out, and we all want to achieve that. Our body is subjected to stress every now and then, so we need to take care of it. A lot of people have turned to some techniques and procedures to achieve overall wellness but little do they know that they have a few negative side effects. With facial acupuncture, you can surely achieve all these through the use of painless mini needles.

People wonder how facial acupuncture can help improve the wellness of the body. It actually involves a painless method that renews and revitalizes the skin of the face and the whole body. It also makes you look a few years younger by removing unwanted lines and eye bags. Facial acupuncture is also your choice to a pimple-free, soft, and smooth face.

To achieve all these results, tiny needles are placed in areas around the eyes, the face and the neck. These areas are called the acupuncture areas, and they stimulate your body’s natural energies. Once this is done, the results are visible along with an even facial color.

Facial acupuncture has a few contraindications that need to be followed. Pregnant women are not allowed to undergo this procedure as well as people who are suffering from cold or flu. People with acute herpes and allergic reactions should also avoid facial acupuncture.

Before you can undergo facial acupuncture, you need to be examined and evaluated by a professional acupuncturist. This includes asking a few questions about your age, lifestyle, and diet. If everything is alright, you are then allowed to undergo the process. Your first treatment usually consists of 12 to 15 treatments. If your skin still sags or your eyes still droop after a few treatments, you can request for more.

Facial acupuncture needs to be done for two consecutive weeks for about 45 minutes to an hour per session. If you are really busy and your schedule does not allow you to have two sessions in a week, you may talk to your acupuncturist and request for a once a week treatment that lasts for 90 minutes per session.

Follow-up treatments should be done every two weeks for the next two months after the regular sessions. After that, once-a-month sessions are done.

Most acupuncturists also use masks, poultices, and moisturizers to achieve the same results. Before using any of these, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure you have no allergic reactions to any of them.

Effects are usually seen after your first treatment. These are usually seen as a beautiful glow to the skin which most Chinese people refer to as “Qi”. The blood flow to the face increases and the pores open and the skin becomes more toned. The effects become more evident on the 7th treatment. You will now notice the improvements in your skin and the relaxed skin on your face.

After your first set of treatments, the results are complete, making you feel revitalized and younger. Your skin becomes free of wrinkles and becomes smooth and even toned.

Facial acupuncture can benefit you in a lot of ways. Find a professional acupuncturist who is experienced and who knows exactly what to do with your skin. You will soon notice the effects that will help you achieve your goal of becoming beautiful inside and out.

Is Personal Counseling for You? Are There Times it Won’t Work?

Alright, you read article after article about getting counseling or “therapy” as it is sometimes referred to. Most of us get a mental image of a couch and the ghost of Sigmund Freud with a notepad prying open our innermost thoughts. Further, many people think if you go to counseling ultimately it is bound to work.

The reason for this article is to tell you about the several times I was in therapy and why it didn’t work in hopes that if you choose therapy you can avoid certain pitfalls that I encountered.

I have manic depression. That is a chemical imbalance I have that was diagnosed at age 35. I am now 60-years-old.

It took a bit of time to get it under control and throughout that time I saw different counselors.

Following are some reasons why I had a problem with counseling:

Fear was the first problem I had. The counselor was actually good. He was about my age and he had a doctorate. He knew how to ask questions. He was friendly and non-threatening. As we moved through therapy the questions became more and more personal.

One evening while we were in a session he asked me a question and I suddenly felt as though I were at the precipice of a deep canyon. I felt if I answered the question “something bad” was going to happen.

I quit.

The next counselor I had started every sentence after one of my comments with “Well I would just do…” I was not interested in what he would do.

When people are having mental or emotional problems they throw up all kinds of roadblocks. I was no different. I lied.

If the counselor is not smart or savvy enough to catch on, then the therapy will fail.

However I believe the most frequent cause of failure in counseling is a basic difference in belief systems between the patient and the counselor. I know this was the situation in my case.

If you read my bio you will see that I am a Bible student. It will not shock you to find that I believe people should take responsibility for their behaviors and that certain things like adultery are wrong.

I had a counselor who kept telling me to “let myself off the hook” (not for adultery) rather than helping me find ways to improve unacceptable behaviors.

Having said all of this I think counseling is a good thing. Frankly I think talking to people you love and respect will do the most good for you. It has been proven that when we talk we actually learn from ourselves.

If you’re having a problem good luck. Don’t try to “go it alone.” You’d be surprised at how many people in your life if they knew you needed someone to talk to would love to help.