Wednesday, 4 January 2017

Want Help With Gardening? Try These Ideas 4

Want Help With Gardening? Try These Ideas

Holanda 3
Source: Flickr

Getting your hands dirty and growing things can be a cathartic and healing experience, unless you get something wrong. Grow your plants right and wisely with the right mentality. Use the ideas in this article for successful gardening, and you will see your hobby blossom quickly into something successful and lively.

Yeast traps can rid your garden of slugs. Just sink some shallow jars filled with beer into the ground. The slugs are naturally attracted to the yeast the beer contains. They will enter the trap and won’t come out. Check your traps every few days to keep them clean.

The time to plant lily bulbs are in the spring so that they will be well-established by winter. However, you will find many varieties of lily bulbs in garden centers in the fall. If you opt to plant lily bulbs in the fall, be sure to mulch heavily at least six inches on top with hardwood mulch or straw to protect them from cold winter freezes.

When applying mulch, lay the mulch thickest between plants, and taper the mulch down to soil level. Avoid piling the mulch against the trunks or against the stems of plants, this will invite pests, disease and dampness to the plant and may encourage mold or rot. Avoid using peat moss as mulch because it will dry out and can blow away.

When you are harvesting vegetables in your garden for consumption you need to make sure that you do not do it when the plants are wet. This will cause disease to spread in your garden and may cause harm to anyone that is unfortunate enough to eat any of them.

Choosing colorful perennials for your garden will make a bold statement and will give you much satisfaction throughout the season. Some perennials with interesting foliage are the lungwort, Japanese painted fern, and the hosta. These plants are very attractive and thrive for many months. There are many varieties of perennials to choose from, just go online and search for perennial plants that remain beautiful for many months out of the year.

It is important to drink water when gardening. You will be out in the sun and it is very easy to get dehydrated very quickly. You can easily take a water bottle out to your garden with you so that you have the water on hand to sip on throughout the day.

A great tip to consider when gardening is to use extra empty pots as covers for your smaller plants in case there is a risk of overnight frost. This is important because it is an easy way to use the parts you already have to prevent your plants from dying.

Plants prove that the energy and conditions at the time of planting result in the fruits yielded at harvest. Plant these ideas in your mind, and harvest them into successful gardening habits. Your future will yield success and happiness for many seasons to come when you keep these tips in mind.



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/04/want-help-with-gardening-try-these-ideas-4/

Recipe: Brew Burgers

Brew Burgers

January 3, 2017
Source: Flickr

INGREDIENTS:

Yield: 4 servings

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 large sweet onion, 1/2-inch slices
4 (1 ounce) slices Swiss cheese
4 crusty white or whole wheat rolls, split
Lettuce

Brew Sauce
1/4 cup Heinz 57 sauce
1/4 cup beer

PREPARATION:

In 1-cup glass measure, combine sauce ingredients. Microwave on HIGH for 1 1/2 minutes until bubbly; set aside.

Shape ground beef into four 3/4-inch thick patties. Place onion slices on grid over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill onions, uncovered, 5 minutes.

Add patties; continue to grill, uncovered, for 13 to 15 minutes or until onions are tender and burger centers are no longer pink, turning occasionally. Season burgers with salt after turning, if desired.

About 2 minutes before burgers are done, brush generously with Brew Sauce; top with cheese. Line bottom half of each roll with lettuce. Top each burger with grilled onion and Brew Sauce. Close sandwiches.



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/04/recipe-brew-burgers/

Tuesday, 3 January 2017

Bartending Pro Tips Part 1:

brewdog20121023-TB2_6685
Source: Flickr

In a bar, you will find an interesting and diverse community of people who will seek out fine bartending, not only for the relaxation and camaraderie, but also for a familiar and comfortable environment where they are recognized and accepted. For many people, in this competitive and aggressive world, a bar may be a sole source of sustenance for those basic things that are so essential to us all as humans. We are, after all, social beings.

Who doesn’t recall an episode of the television series “Cheers” when every time one of the leading characters would walk in, the entire bar would erupt in the chorus of “Hey Norm?”

Few of us are entitled to such a universal form of recognition and instant acceptance from bar patrons, but an excellent bartender can provide almost the same sort of experience for customers.

I bartended to work my way through both undergraduate and graduate school, and have gone back to it several times when I grew weary of corporate life. The money (if you do it right) is about the same anyway, and, admittedly, it is tiring and demanding, like any job, but it is a heck of a lot more fun!

Every bar is different in its nature and appeal (strip bar vs. a restaurant’s cocktail lounge), so this is not a “one size fits all” but, for the most part, if you follow these few words of advice, you can make it both enjoyable and very profitable!

1. Welcome all of your customers as though you know them and introduce yourself. Remember their names and welcome them, using their names, the next time they visit. (Keep a legal pad if you need too, “gray beard, thick glasses, name George, drinks Bud”…and any quirks you can note that will help you recall. Failing that just say “Hey good to see you again!” Just think of it like if you were having a party in your own home.. It’s easy!

2. Always keep in mind what their drink of choice is and be prepared to offer them their preference. You should already know the names and preferences of your regulars.

3. If a customer comes accompanied by a date or companion, treat them both as if they are royalty, address the customer as in “Wonderful to see you again, Mr. or Ms so and so (if they are a regular). And what can I do especially for your guest?” Be sure to use the finest glass for their friend. If you treat them with that sort of respect, you cannot only expect a nice tip, but you can bet that they will be back over and over, and looking for you.

4. Yes, do remember jokes. Remember them when you hear them and study them on the Internet. Internet jokes are so boring that most of us just delete them, but ahhh…the telling of a joke is just that, it is the delivery and the story telling that makes it both interesting and amusing. Be prepared to have at least two new ones on every shift.

5. Your smile and your obvious enjoyment of both your job and your customers are worth a lot more than tossing bottles about or doing circus tricks. If you can do it, well it doesn’t hurt, but most folks are there for a drink, company and the respect and recognition that they don’t receive in day-to-day life.

6. Depending on the policy of your employer, when customers come in for the first time, and have just one beer while reading the newspaper or looking around, and then start to leave, slide them a free beer/drink and say “I am glad that you came in and I have enjoyed your company,” (calling them by name, of course). “My name is so and so, and please do come back.” Pay for that beer/drink out of your tips if you must; you will get it back, ten-fold.

7. Remember that these are customers. They are not really your buddies, so stay professional.

8. Though you will have many opportunities for intimate encounters, stay focused on your career and that you are there to make a living. Don’t ever forget that “one night stands” are never just that in the bartending world; the customer you became close with will likely be sitting on the other side of the bar, within a few days, regardless of how much you regret that moment.

Tips 9-13 are not listed due to article length constraints. Please visit our website listed in the resource/bio box for part two of these bartending income generating tips or look for Part 2 of this series on this website titled: Bartending Pro Tips Part 2: How to Make Money and Have Fun With a Career In Bartending!



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/03/bartending-pro-tips-part-1/

A Review Of Bontonmairimnam Restaurant

Warmth
Source: Flickr


On my current vacation in Khon Kaen, Thailand, I had the opportunity to visit one of my favorite restaurants.

I wanted to take my girlfriend’s mother out to dinner and was told lunch would be a better idea. Not one to argue, I agreed.

My lady asked me where I wanted to take her mom for lunch and the choice was simple. Having been to Khon Kaen a few months ago, I told my girl that I wanted to go to Bontonmairimnam Restaurant.

This is a small restaurant just outside the city limits and right on the bank of a river. It is cool and peaceful and has small, individual eating areas in gazebo-like wooden structures.

There is usually a cool breeze running through this outdoor restaurant and today was no exception. After ordering a couple of cokes, some water, and a cold beer, it was time to study the menu.

Fortunately for me, the menu is in Thai and English. This is unusual for the area and especially for a restaurant so far away from the few English-speaking tourists that visit Khon Kaen.

After poring over the menu, decisions by all were made. We placed out order to the very attentive young lady servers and chit-chatted while we waited for our lunch.

Within 5 minutes or so, the parade of food started to arrive. Boiled eggs, spicy papaya salad, oyster salad, squid, vegetables, and steamed rice arrived. I had to wait a couple of more minutes for my fried dishes.

Soon, my fried shrimp and onion rings and spring rolls arrived. I had already started with the food that the ladies ordered, as all is shared.

Picking from eight different plates and complimenting them with the rice on my plate, the food just kept on coming.

Conversation and drinks continued to flow and we ate and ate and ate. The pace was slow, the breeze lightly setting off the wind chime, and the river flowed behind me.

Continuing to eat, it was time to order another beer from one of the girls hovering near our table. She got it in an instant, and poured me another cold one.

After dinner goodies were available, but none of us could eat another morsel. From veggies to seafood, to salads and friend shrimp, it was all delicious.

A final bottle of water was ordered to wash it all down and some more relaxing conversation continued.

It was time to head back to the hotel so I called for the bill and since I had been here before, was not surprised. The grand total was 860 Baht, or roughly, 27 US dollars for 8 dishes, 2 large beers, 2 cokes, and a bottle of water. Adding a small, 40 baht tip and we had a feast for under 30 dollars.

One of the many reasons I love Thailand.



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/03/a-review-of-bontonmairimnam-restaurant/

Monday, 2 January 2017

Why You Should Stay At A Pattaya Guest House

2017 New Years Day Ice Battle Hockey Tournament
Source: Flickr

If you are planning a trip to Pattaya, Thailand, you will eventually have to figure out where you will be spending your nights. You have many choices.

First you will need to decide what part of Pattaya you want to stay at. Basically, your choices are North, South, and Central. Granted you can also stay on Soi Buakhao or nearer to Third Road, but it is still in one of the three areas.

Once you have figured out the area you want to spend your holiday at, you will need to choose a hotel or guest house. Depending on your budget, you may want to investigate some of the guest houses in Pattaya.

I have stayed at 5-star hotels, lesser starred places, rooms above bars and a couple of different guest houses. While 5-star hotels are nice, I prefer the quaint, mom & pop run guest houses.

I prefer to stay in Central Pattaya but I don’t need to be close to the bay. I can be a block or two off the main drag and still enjoy myself. My personal preference is Soi LK Metro near Soi Diana Inn and Soi Buakhao.

This is an “L” shaped, small street, with about 15 guest houses on it. Most of them have a small bar downstairs and 4 to 20 rooms upstairs.

I prefer them because of the service. The location is good enough. But to actually know the owners, call them by name, have a beer or two with them, and get super service is what I am looking for on vacation.

My favorite over the past couple of years has been a small guest house called Place2Bee. It has all of 6 rooms and is run by a very friendly Brit and his Thai wife.

I found by accident. I was trying to book a room at a place on the same street but they were full up and the owner offered to find me a room. I eagerly took him up on his offer and he steered me to the Place2Bee. I hit it off with the owner, John, immediately.

We would chat over coffee in the morning and a beer in the afternoon. He was full of stories and would always bring me up to speed on the latest news and gossip of Pattaya whenever I visited. I recommended his place to many friends.

However, John sold the Place2Bee, so I can no longer recommend it. I will still recommend the guest houses in the same area and will be on the lookout for another that compares with the Place2Bee.

So, you can see why I prefer the smaller, quaint, guest house over a hotel. The service is better, the owners friendlier, and there is a lot less hassle. Check one out on your next holiday in Pattaya.



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/02/why-you-should-stay-at-a-pattaya-guest-house/

Sunday, 1 January 2017

Alcohol and Drug Treatment

Happy New Year!
Source: Flickr

You find it everywhere, very often it’s even a sign of “coolness” or a sign of quality life style. But you know…

Do you like an occasional beer, or maybe a sip of wine? It’s no big deal in moderation. We all love to kick back with a fine wine or frosty brew. However, too many individuals take this perk to a whole new level. How much alcohol is too much? Well, if you don’t know, then you might want to do a reality check. Don’t make the mistake of becoming complacent with your social life. Too many college kids do this with drinking and partying. Suddenly they’re downing a case a night just to stay satisfied. It’s time to be aware, people. You have to control how much you drink and how often. If you don’t, then you just may end up in an alcohol and drug treatment program. Sound good? I doubt it.

It’s frightening how many people end up in such programs.

Back in high school I watched a number of kids drink like it was no big thing. Where were they getting all those booze? I mean come on; someone had to be supplying it to them. They were clearly underage at the time. Regardless of their source, they were chugging like there was no tomorrow. Some teens just think this is the only way to have fun. It works as an escapism I guess. It’s their vehicle to a less stressful realm. Unfortunately it’s not healthy. People need to focus their energy on more legal and safer routes to a good time. No one wants to end up in an alcohol and drug treatment program. Speaking of alcohol and drug treatment programs, a close friend of mine was in one. I met him about seven years back, while working at a video store. It took me a while to realize that he was only 20 years old. This shocked me when I found out because he was always carrying cases of beer in his car. He told me once that he drinks around 20 beers each night. I thought to myself, “God, this kid’s an alcoholic, and he’s not even old enough to buy it.” That’s nuts! However, there are many people out there in the same condition. Eventually he acquired the assistance of an alcohol and drug treatment program. These days he is alcohol free.

Do you or someone you love need the assistance of an alcohol and drug treatment program? If so, you can hop online now and find the answers you’re looking for. There are alcohol and drug treatment centers in your area. Get that much-needed help today. This is your future we’re talking about here.

You can beat alcoholism!



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/01/alcohol-and-drug-treatment/

Enjoy A Unique Holiday In Munich And Bavaria

Dartmoor Legend Ale
Source: Flickr

A hotspot for those seeking culture as well as those that enjoy taking in fascinating architecture, Munich, Germany, is an excellent choice of destination for those wanting to enjoy a truly memorable vacation in a fabulous European city. The capital city of Bavaria, when you visit Munich you will find yourself within easy reach of many attractions ranging from museums and galleries to breathtaking sights such as the Bavarian Alps. Those into sightseeing will find plenty to explore, and getting around is easy and convenient so you can explore the city and its surrounding areas in comfort and with minimal hassle. There are various ways to travel here depending on where you are coming from, such as flying to Munich airport from where you can easily get to your chosen hotel or accommodation. You will find a range of Munich hotels to select from, including accommodations near to the airport as well as a range of lodgings within the main city and many others in its surrounding areas.

Enjoy a host of attractions in Munich, Germany

You will find many attractions and sights to explore when you visit the charming and beautiful city of Munich. This is a destination that boasts plenty of character as well as elegance and charm, and you will enjoy a fully itinerary when you visit here. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and joviality at the Hofbrauhaus tavern site, visit the Marienplatz situated at the heart of the city and home to many sites of historical significance, take a trip to the fabulous Olympia Park complex, take in the Allianz Football Stadium, or enjoy the arts at Alte Pinakothek. Also due to host the soccer world cup 2006, Munich is destined to be more popular than ever this year, so visitors will enjoy a truly vibrant energy that has to be experienced to be believed.

Look forward to a diverse vacation in this city

Munich is famous for many things, from its culture and architecture to its breweries and events. When you visit this area you will find plenty of events and festivities that allow you to sample to local lifestyle and culture as well as enjoy some fun and excitement. Oktoberfest is a popular festivity here in Munich, and takes place the last two weeks of September. Held in a huge field, this is a beer festival like no other, and anyone that enjoys their beer will be delighted with this vibrant and thriving event. Other events held throughout the year include the Opera Festival, Ballet Week, the Fasching, and a variety of other local events. A good choice of bars, restaurants, and theatres will ensure that you can continue to enjoy this city even when the sun goes down, so come day or night you can enjoy making the most of your time in Munich.



source http://allofbeer.com/2017/01/01/enjoy-a-unique-holiday-in-munich-and-bavaria/