MineCraft Chemistry Recipes - The Basics of Crafting on the Farm

MineCraft Chemistry Recipes - The Basics of Crafting on the FarmThis week, Minecraft Chemistry Recipes is out and I thought I would share the recipes with you and get your opinion on them. Let's start with Water. It is often hard to determine the pH of our water when we have only a simple pH meter.Water that is lower than 7.2 is acidic, and if this water is exposed to air or hot water it will boil over. Some people prefer to treat this water as bad luck for their chickens and other livestock. They also think that the same is true for pet food. So we should be careful how we treat it and make sure it is kept out of the reach of pets and children.Mycelium is another popular item in the MineCraft Chemistry Recipes. Many people have a garden with a compost pile, which can be used to grow vegetables. You can harvest the vegetables which can then be processed into seeds for your crops. The bacteria on the top of the pile can help break down the nitrogen in the compost. Once the compost has broken down the nitrogen, you can add it to your plant so it can form a green manure.Mycelium can also be used as fertilizer to help make your crops grow faster. Other common crops which use mycelium are coffee, oats, or oats. Some people use mycelium to feed fish or birds to help breed them faster.In Minecraft, redstone is a very simple and efficient way to create energy. This energy can be used to either power up your machines or to help build objects such as fences or furnaces. In order to use the energy in Minecraft, you need to connect redstone torches to your circuit board.While there are many simple and advanced minescaping recipes available in Minecraft Chemistry Recipes, there are only a few simple ones which require crafting. One of these is an automatic water dispenser which you can place anywhere in your farm. By piping water from this dispenser, you can easily keep your farm water-filled.I hope you have enjoyed this edition of minecraft chemistry recipes. Next week, I will talk about grass, and the options available to you when you place your grass. And remember, if you like this website, please click the Amazon button at the top of the page! Thanks!

What Kitchen Accessories do you Need

What Kitchen Accessories do you Need Top Tools for Any Chef! ChaptersEssentials for Preparing Vegetables in the KitchenKitchen Utensils for CookingUseful Accessories for BakingVocabulary“Food is an important part of a balanced diet.” - Frank LebowitzWhen it comes to cooking, you need to make sure you have the right utensils!A stewpot, grater, funnel, or mincer? What utensils should you have before you start making your own dishes?Most people have at least one homemade dish they can do rather than buying a ready meal.What about you? How can you if you don’t have the right kitchen tools?Let’s fix that!In addition to the flatware, dinnerware, and glassware you probably already have, in this article, we're going to look at the most common culinary equipment you should have in your pantry, cupboards, and drawers so that you can make every recipe in your cookbook. opt for a thick stainless steel. If you’re genuinely on a budget, you should opt for wooden utensils as they won’t scratch the Teflon or non-stick surfaces of your pots and pan s.A Wooden Spoon and SpatulaAs we said before, wooden utensils won’t scratch your pots and pans and, as a result, they’ll last you much longer. Plastic utensils run the risk of melting when being used under very high temperatures.You can find this stuff everywhere and at a very low price.  If you’re making a lot of soup, don’t forget your ladle!One or Two CoversCovers allow you to speed up the boiling process as long as you make sure you don’t let it boil over!It also allows you to stew meat and fish at a low heat. You won’t make as much of a mess at boiling pots tend to spit.A Good PanYour pan is going to be your best friend. You should make the investment if you’re just going to get one. The last thing you want to be doing is regularly replacing your pans when you can buy a decent one that’ll last you for years.It can be expensive buying a stainless steel, ceramic, or copper stone pan. However, most modern pans can be used on any type of hob.Copper stone pans tend to be the best value for money because they don’t require a lot of oil when cooking.Learn basic cooking with our beginners' cooking guide...While wooden chopping boards look nicer, they're more likely to attract bacteria. (Source: Pexels)An Oven DishBakeware and trays are useful for baking or roasting vegetables, making gratins, pies, and cakes.  It’s a good idea to get a decently sized dish but also make sure that it isn’t too big for your oven!A StrainerIf you’re only going to get one strainer, make sure it’s suitable for rice. A stainless steel rice strain will allow you to not only strain rice but also spaghetti without any of it going through the holes.It’s also easier to clean than a strainer with large holes as you won’t get as much stuff stuck in the holes.Useful Accessories for BakingLet’s get serious for a moment! If there’s one type of cooking that requires absolute precision, it’s baking. If you like baking, you should probably be prepared to invest a little more into your hobby.Of course, you don’t need a waffle iron, a crêpe pan, fruit press, or a centrifuge when you first start.A Measuring Glass and Kitchen ScalesPrecision is essential when it comes to baking. While you can sprinkle some salt and pepper on stuff when you’re cooking, when it comes to baking, adding sugar can be more complicated.You should probably follow the recipes to the letter and to do so, you’re going to need to invest in a measuring glass or measuring cup and a set of scales. When it comes to measuring solids, the scales will suffice. However, for liquids, you’re going to need that glass.When you make your own food, it's usually healthier. (Source: Free-Photos)A Whisk/BeaterA whisk will suffice when you’re first starting out.  You can use it to beat egg whites and make dishes like:Chocolate cakeTiramisuFloating islandsMacaronsWhile whisking is a good workout, you may want to invest in an electric whisk (which is useful for making your own mayo nnaise, too!). This can drastically shorten your prep time.Two Different Sized Salad BowlsHow are you going to make lovely dishes if you’ve got nothing to mix them in?You should get large and small salad bowls to mix cake dough or pancake batter in.A Cake TinA cake tin with a removable bottom is really useful and looks far more professional than a cake made in a lasagna dish!  There are plenty of different sizes, shapes, and depths. You need to choose the one that you prefer!While not essential, it's also worth getting plastic containers and jars for leftovers and a few other essentials like a can opener, bottle opener, tea towels, corkscrew, tongs, and salt and pepper shakers. Don't forget to make sure that each kitchen utensil is dishwasher safe before you wash them!There are also plenty of appliances you can get to help you to cook, some of them can be expensive so you should make sure you're serious before you head out and buy something like an expensive mixer, juicer, or blen der.Check cookbooks and websites to see what other cooks suggest in terms of kitchenware.VocabularyIf you’ve just started learning how to cook, there are probably a lot of words you’ve never seen in your life! We've got more definitions in our other articles on cooking so make sure to read them, too!PeelThis is when you remove the skin from a fruit or a vegetable with a blade such as a knife or a peeler. However, with tomatoes, for example, this is done by place them in boiling water and then into ice water.Beaten Egg WhitesWhen you beat egg whites, you’re introducing air into the mix. This gives them a lighter texture.Pepper your dinner conversation with these quotes about cooking...Discover cooking lessons london.

The Beginners Guide to Starting Cross-Training

The Beginners Guide to Starting Cross-Training How Can You Prepare for Intense Physical Exertion? ChaptersThe Necessary Equipment for Cross TrainingA Cross Training Session for the First WeekA Cross Training Session for the Second WeekA Cross Training Session for the Third WeekA Cross Training Session for the Fourth WeekBeyond the First Four WeeksA Word on Nutrition“Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.” - Mark TwainOf all the sporting activities in the world, cross training, sometimes wrongly referred to as CrossFit, is one of the most complete workouts you can do.In this article, we are going to have a look at the key exercises of cross training, the non-branded version of CrossFit, the equipment you'll need for it, and some sample sessions that you could do.yes, there is a difference!Others who have started working out for a short-term goal such as losing weight or because of a health scare soon abandon their resolution because getting fit was not their overall goal.Still others are tempted by their lifestyle: a night out with friends, the call for overtime at work, the impatience with repetition... there are also those who rapidly get bored and those who have no clear direction in their fitness plan.If you have stuck with your workout for four weeks, you are to be congratulated: a large percentage of fitness hopefuls don’t make it even this far into their lifestyle change!So, now that you are well on your way to becoming a lean machine, what should you do next?  That’s what we now take a look at.Workout StrategiesEven if you are burning with passion for your personal fitness, you are not immune to feeling the crush of repetition. In other words, you are at risk for boredom - not through any fault of your own, you can rest assured on that.As you well know, physical exercise releases endorphins in the brain that makes us feel so good! In part, that is what keeps people working out in the early stages of establishing a regimen.However, your body soon hits a balance: the amount of those feel-good chemicals in our brains is evened out so that we don’t quite get the rush that we experienced when we first started our routine.Also, after the initial ‘water loss’, that period early in one’s regimen when those who exercise are bound to see inches and possibly weight melt away, your body’s metabolism adjusts to its new level of activity and those losses taper down to about a pound or two per week.Note: losing a pound or two per week is a healthy amount; any more than that would be a cause for concern.You can see why some would quit exercising, don’t you?Increasing your reps and adding resistance to your workout does not make for a brighter burn; in fact, dramatic increases could actually damage your muscles and connective tissues!That is why experts recommend diversifying your workout.Once you have your body conditioned to working out through the outlined routines above, it is time to take your physical training to a new level.Cycling, whet her indoors or out, is excellent aerobic exercise! Source: Pixabay Credit: 12019The Aerobic WorkoutWhile it is true that any workout will work your heart to a certain extent, activities specifically designed to speed up your heart rate with get your body’s most important muscle in optimal shape.You may consider adding an aerobic class such as Zumba or step aerobics to your fitness repertoire.If you have no time for an extra session at the gym for such a class â€" or, now that warmer weather is here, you wish to take your workout out of doors, you might like to walk, jog, run or dance your way into heart health.You might even consider cycling to work and back!To avoid the issue that plagues every workout, namely burnout, try to switch your activities up. You might go biking one day, dance the next, and try out Nordic walking before the week is up.Note: swimming is also a great workout for your heart and it comes with the added benefit of being no-impact, meaning your joints won’t suffer while you work your muscles!StretchingWhile building endurance and gaining muscle tone are important to weight loss and fitness goals, equally important is flexibility.If you lack the range of motion necessary to perform such manoeuvres as a squat, plié or even a sit-up, you may injure yourself rather than help yourself get fit.It is therefore vital to warm up before any workout. Such a warm-up should include stretching.Even before you engage in the jumping jacks or deadlifts mentioned above, make sure your joints and muscles are properly conditioned by stretching them before you get started.A good stretching routine may include:Arm lifts: feet shoulder-wide apart, raise your arms above your head while inhaling. Hold for a slow count of five; exhale on the release. Repeat 10-20 timesSpinal stretch: with feet planted, lace your fingers behind your head; elbows out. Gently turn from side to side for a count of 10 per side.Alternately, you may place your hands on your hips wit h your knees slightly bent. Pitch forward while releasing your arms, allowing them to hang down. Pull yourself back up to standing position; repeat 10-20 times.Leg stretches: these warm-ups may include hurdler’s stretches, leg lifts and calf muscle stretches.Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips. Raise yourself on your tip-toes, release. Repeat 10-20 times.Another great way to work on your flexibility is through yoga.You may enjoy a particularly vigorous Bikram yoga workout, opt for a more relaxing Hatha regimen or sweat it out in a hot yoga session.Whichever type of flexibility training you choose, make sure that it becomes an integral part of your workout!A Word on NutritionYou have revolutionised your entire life: working out is a vital part of your lifestyle and your health â€" perhaps an area of concern before your turnaround, is now better than it’s ever been.As your body becomes leaner and burns more efficiently, the next step in your fitness crusade is to c onsider and, if needed, change your nutritional intake.Obviously, you will not have the same nutritional needs as when you started your fitness regimen; in fact, you may need to eat more in order to maintain your target weight and muscle mass.Furthermore, depending on what your fitness goals are, you may need to adopt one or another food plan.The essential guidelines for Crossfit are 40% carb intake, 30% protein and 30% fat.You may have heard of The Zone diet or the Paleo diet; both of those plans approximately reflect the recommended diet for those who are intent on optimal fitness.The key to these nutrition plans’ success is avoiding processed foods and high-glycemic carbohydrates.You might wonder about the 30% fat. Isn’t fat touted as bad for you?Indeed, certain fats are bad for you and counterproductive to your fitness goals. However, not all fats are bad fats; in fact, we need fats to keep our bodies functioning properly.The fats you should incorporate into your diet come f rom oily fish, coconuts, olive oil and avocadoes, just to name a few sources.Crossfit, Nutrition and Weight LossLet us say you have decided on a Crossfit plan to lose weight and get in shape. Obviously, by this regimen’s very nature, you will lose a certain amount of weight but, here again, it all comes down to what you eat.The simplest weight loss solution is to take in fewer calories than you expend.  That simplistic assertion is rooted fact but omits one critical aspect: what kind of calories are you taking in?Not all calories are the same, nor do they burn in the same way.Protein, for example, increases how much energy your body uses to break it down and absorb it. By contrast, it takes only a little energy for your body to crack open and absorb carbohydrates.So, if you eat the equivalent of 100 grams of protein, you will have consumed around 75 net calories  that will need to be burned off.Eating 100 hundred grams of carbs, on the other hand, results in about 94 net calories  to burn off.Applying the philosophy above - take in fewer calorie to lose weight, can you see where it is more difficult to burn carbs than protein?  If your short-term workout goal is to lose weight, you may consider shifting the 40/30/30 guidelines mentioned above into higher protein and fats intake while lowering your carbs.Eating more protein will help you feel fuller for longer, causing you to not feel hungry as quickly and to reduce your overall food intake at mealtimes.Please note that this is not a permanent arrangement! As soon as you’ve hit your stride in weight loss, you should revert to the more healthy balance of protein, carb and fat intake.Crossfit, Nutrition and Muscle MassIf you are interested in gaining muscle mass, here too your food intake will play a large part in your success in achieving your goals.By dialling back on your fats intake and increasing protein and carbs proportionately, you will soon see gains in your musculature.Bear in mind that this too sho uld not be a permanent condition.After years of touting low-fat diets as healthy, both medical and fitness experts stress that a certain level of ‘good’ fats intake is necessary for optimal health.In fact, low-fat diets have been proven to reduce testosterone in males which could lead to muscular atrophy â€" the exact opposite of the condition you are working towards.So, once you’ve kick-started your performance, you should go back to the optimal 40/30/30 ratio mentioned above.This short guide is by no means a complete digest of everything you need to know. For more information about CrossFit and cross training, don't hesitate to get advice from some of the coaches or tutors on Superprof.

10 Essential Songs You Need on Your Halloween Playlist

10 Essential Songs You Need on Your Halloween Playlist Megan L. Whether youre turning your house into a creepy haunted mansion, heading to a rockin Halloween party, or getting the kids dressed up for trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, these Halloween party songs are the best way to get into the spirit. No playlist fit for consumption by ghouls and goblins is complete without these 10 essentials. Turn it up, and have a happy and safe Halloween! 1. Thriller Who doesnt love the Thriller dance? 2. Candy Because its not Halloween without plenty of candy. 3. I Put a Spell on You For extra bonus Halloween points, check out Bette Midlers version of this classic tune from the movie Hocus Pocus. 4. This is Halloween Another great Halloween movie, Nightmare Before Christmas, is full of great songs by Danny Elfman, perfect for this scary season! 5. Dead Mans Party Speaking of Danny Elfman, throw a Dead Mans Party with this 80s favorite. 6. Time Warp Rocky Horror is always appropriate. 7. Somebodys Watching Me This tune is perfect for a Halloween dance-off! 8. Ghost Riders in the Sky Johnny Cash brings the spooky vibes in this golden oldie. 9. Psycho Killer Run, run, run! 10. Monster Mash Because its not Halloween until youre doing the mash! Whats your favorite Halloween party song? Tell us all about it in the comments below! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

9 Unusual Love Songs That Are Almost Romantic

9 Unusual Love Songs That Are Almost Romantic Sign up successful *This list is in no particular order. 1) Computer Love by Zapp and Roger (1985) Overview: The singer  seeks a romantic partner  through his computer. Why its unusual: Given the time period, this was  quite the unconventional love song. The internet didnt become a household commodity until the early 90s when the first commercial internet service providers (e.g. AOL) came about. The band, also known as Zapp, was certainly ahead of its time,  credited  for the inspiration behind the early 90s G-funk sound of hop hop. Finding love through the internet  must have seemed like a strange, distant concept when this song was released. Example lyrics: You know Ive been searching for someone Who can share that special love with me And your eyes have that glow Could it be your face I see on my computer screen Need a special girl, ooh yeah To share in my computer world, my computer world I no longer need a strategy Thanks to modern technology 2) Cupids Chokehold by Gym Class Heroes (2005) Overview: The lead singer goes through trials and tribulations finding the right girlfriend. Why its unusual: The ease at which the singer is able to gush about one girlfriend and move on to the next is astounding. In the music video, Cupid attempts to match the singer with a few different girlfriends. Whats most unusual about this concept is the chorus, in which Patrick Stump from Fall Out Boy sings, Take a look at my girlfriend, shes the only one I got. Not much of a girlfriend, I never seem to get a lot. Even though the singers  verses sound sweet and romantic toward his  new love interests, one cant help but feel cheated by his  kind words. Example lyrics: Its been some time since weve last spoke This is gonna sound like a bad joke But Momma, I fell in love again Its safe to say I have a new girlfriend And I know it sounds so old But Cupid got me in a chokehold And Im afraid I might give in Towels on the mat, my white flag is wavin 3) Whats New Pussycat by Tom Jones (1965) Overview: A man sings relentlessly about the facial features of a woman. Why its unusual: A catchy melody cant mask the lyrics of this unusual love song. While many love songs attempt to make the love interest sound appealing in terms of personality or temperament, this one makes no attempt whatsoever. The singer goes on and on about the nose, eyes, and lips of a woman he finds beautiful. By the off-chance a woman DOES finds these lyrics appealing, well be sure to take this off of the unusual list. Example lyrics: Pussycat, Pussycat Ive got flowers And lots of hours To spend with you So go and powder your cute little pussycat nose! Pussycat, Pussycat I love you Yes, I do! You and your pussycat nose! 4) She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5  (2002) Overview: A man sings about his  obsession with making a sad girl happy. Why its unusual: The singer drives miles and miles to wait outside the house of an insecure, vulnerable 18-year-old woman. Regardless of how the woman feels, the singer says he wouldnt mind  standing on her street corner in the pouring rain, waiting for her to approach him. Even though the sentiment of sweetness is there,  the imagery of a street stalker sours this unusual  love songs mood  a bit. Example lyrics: I know where you hide Alone in your car Know all of the things that make you who you are I know that goodbye means nothing at all 5) Ben by Michael Jackson (1972) Overview: A boy sings about his new friendship and how it makes him feel. Why its unusual: Its not a traditional love song, but it  exhibits many qualities of one; loneliness, insecurity, and understanding. What makes this love song unusual is the fact that its about a boy professing his admiration for his pet rat. It was originally written for a movie about a rat named Ben, but it eventually sold itself as a single, even ranking #20 on the Billboard Top 100 during its release. While its still a nice song about a childs  love for a pet, its not as deep as a traditional love song  would usually permit. Example lyrics: Ben, the two of us need look no more We both found what we were looking for With a friend to call my own Ill never be alone And you my friend will see Youve got a friend in me 6) Mirrors by Justin Timblerlake (2013) Overview: The singer professes his love for someone because they remind him of himself. Why its unusual: While couples usually thrive because they share common interests, the singer  here thrives off of dating a carbon copy of himself. Its nice to admire the qualities of a person who  you think reflects your own traits, but calling them a mirror  voids them of any individuality. Play this song for someone you love when  youre feeling especially narcissistic. Example lyrics: I cant ever change without you You reflect me, I love that about you And if I could, I Would look at us all the time 7) Sweet Tangerine by The Hush Sound (2006) Overview: A desperate ex-boyfriend pleads for his girlfriend to come back to him. Why its unusual: Upon first listen, you  may be too distracted by the upbeat nature of the song to  really listen to the lyrics. The lyrics start with the singer trapped outside, freezing in the rain, hoping to be let inside by his ex-girlfriend. He made a mistake in their past relationship and tries to justify it by saying, Without the sour, the sweet wouldnt taste as In just a couple verses later, the song  quickly turns into the tale of a desperate stalker breaking into his  exs house and  waiting under her bed until she wakes up. Can you see  how its  one of the more unusual love songs? Example lyrics: Crept through the curtains, as quick as the cold wind Slowly exploring the room where you sleep The stare of your portrait, the passing of your scent Left me no choice but to stay I will dissolve into the dark beneath your bed My hands will wait for a taste of your skin  8) These Foolish Things by Sam Cooke (1962) Overview: The singer thinks about his lover every time  he experiences certain phenomena. Why its unusual: Its a sweet song to sing to your lover but only after theyve passed away.  In the singers everyday life, he sees, hears, and smells things that remind him of his former sweetheart. If you choose to ignore  the lyrics about the ghost, you can get away with singing this to  someone you love! Example lyrics: The sigh of midnight trains in empty stations Silk stockings thrown aside dance invitations Oh how the ghost of you clings These foolish things Remind me of you 9) What Makes You Beautiful by One  Direction (2011) Overview: The singers are infatuated with a girl they deem as insecure and unaware of her beauty. Why its unusual: No matter how many compliments you give someone on their physical appearance, it wont change their internalized insecurities. The singers in this song seem to think otherwise, noting that what makes the girl beautiful is the fact that she doesnt know shes beautiful. Its a concept that makes sense if you dont think about it much. Example lyrics: If only you saw what I can see Youll understand why I want you so desperately Right now Im looking at you and I cant believe You dont know, you dont know youre beautiful Thats what makes you beautiful BONUS: Every Breath You Take by The Police (1983) Overview: A singer  vows to look after his love interest in an obsessive way. Why its unusual: If you listen to this song once, itll become immediately apparent that the singer is actually a stalker.  No matter what the love interest does in their everyday life, the singer wants to watch them do it.  Even Sting, the lead singer of The Police, said that the song was deliberately about a stalker.  Its certainly not the greatest song to sing at a wedding. Example lyrics: Every breath you take Every move you make Every bond you break Every step you take Ill be watching you Every single day Every word you say Every game you play Every night you stay Ill be watching you Conclusion See what we mean about unusual love songs? Trust us, there are PLENTY  more of these out there! If youre interested in songwriting but arent sure how to  begin, consider scheduling a private lesson with a songwriting teacher. With some practice, maybe youll make the next list of unusual love songs! Were any of these  unusual love songs surprising? Know any more? Comment below with your thoughts! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions

English Food Phrases and Idioms Advanced English Expressions We all love food.We love eating it of course but we also like cooking it and talking about it. Here are  some English Food Phrases and Idioms for advanced English learners.There are many English expressions linked to the theme of food. Of course,  they are metaphorical  meanings and have a very different meaning than the food items that they may refer to.Scroll down to watch a video lesson. English Food Phrases and Idioms AS EASY AS PIEWhen we are planning a task or have a job to do perhaps that we are not looking forward to  someone may tell us  â€œdon’t worry it won’t take you long,  it is as easy as pie”.  (this expression has a similar meaning to  a piece of cake   something is easily achieved)A pie is a very  popular and common dish in England.Pies come in all shapes and sizes and are made with different  ingredients. We have fish pie, shepherds pie and steak and kidney pie which the most well known.  (this expression has similar meaning to a piece of cake something is easily achieved).My favourite has always been Shepherds pie! If I can cook it anyone can!THE APPLE OF ONES EYEWhen someone has a favourite person (for example, a child or grandchild) who they are very proud of and always happy to see, we refer to this person as the apple of ones eye.Example: The grandfather had four grandchildren. Two boys  and two girls. He was fond of all of them but the first born grandchild was his favou rite and he  always told her (Mary)  that she was the apple of his eye.SPILL THE BEANSBeans are a favourite food of many. Easy to make.Tasty to eat and cheap to buy.However,  if you  drop them or spill them it can be a little bit messy  (tomato sauce everywhere!)  When some one has  a secret or some information that we really want we keep asking them to tell us. We ask them to  â€œspill the beans” or give us the information.We constantly urge them  (encourage them):“Come on, spill the beans, you know you want to!” English Phrases about Food - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here’s what you can do next: FULL OF BEANSStill on the theme of beans.  Lots of food is well known for giving us energy.  Beans in particular offer one of the best sources of energy.If someone is full of beans, it means they are full of energy, they are very active.Example: When children are jumping and running and screaming and shouting we often hear the parents saying: “Don’t worry, they are full of beans”.BUTTER SOMEBODY UPSometimes it is difficult to persuade someone to do what you want them to or to get them to agree  to your request.To help we often have to find their “good side”  (something that will help in  persuading him/her more easily).Often praising them or flattering them works quite easily and we refer to this as buttering them up  (like putting lots of butter on toast.it makes the toast very  smooth).Example: Juan wanted Ana to cook his favourite meal  (paella).  Ana said she was busy and did not have the  time. Juan told her over and over again that she was a great cook and her paella was well known to  be the best in the family. “Come on, you know your paella is the best. Let’s  have a beautiful evening paella,  wine and music”. He continued this for several minutes until she  eventually agreed. His buttering up  had worked. He got his paella. HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT ITWe all love cakes. The sweet taste of a rich chocolate or gateaux is a very warm experience. To have  your cake and eat it is used when somebody wants everything.Not happy with one thing he/she  wants it all.Example: Michael had been asking his boss for many  months about promotion. When finally his boss called him in and told him he was  being promoted he was of course very happy. However,  he immediately asked for an increase in his  salary and a company car. His boss was a bit surprised. “You really want  your cake and eat it don’t you.”  TO BE IN A PICKLEWhen we want to preserve some vegetables (like cucumbers or onions) we often use vinegar.  These are then referred to as pickled.We all have difficulties at times in our lives. Some are more  difficult than others. When we have a problem that is not easy to solve we say “oh we are in a pickle  here.”  Example: David had a problem. He had lost his job and needed to repay his bank loan. He owed th em  money for his car loan. He phoned his father to see if he could help. “Dad sorry to ask but I am in a  bit of a pickle. I lost my job and need to repay my bank . Could you help for a few weeks please?”

Top 10 ideas for February Half Term

Top 10 ideas for February Half Term Are you a little stumped for ideas on what to do with the kids this February half term week? The clever people over at KidRated have selected the Top 10 ideas for February half term for those based in London!  KidRated  is a website where all the reviews are done by kids to help families make more informed choices. 1. Magical Lantern Festival If you and the family enjoyed Christmas at Kew Gardens, then you’ll love this festival in the gardens at Chiswick House. This is the first time it’s been held in the UK, and boasts a spectacular artistic installation of beautifully sculpted lanterns taking various forms from animals and birds to buildings and abstract designs of all shapes and sizes. Kids Will Love: Roasting marshmallows and the brightly coloured, cute animals. Adults Will Love: Getting outdoors and seeing your kids’ faces light up. Until 6th March  2.  London RIB The London RIB Experience has yet to get a bad review from Kid-Raters - exciting, informative and always fun - their hilarious and knowledgeable guides are the icing on the speedy cake. Warm coats are provided and don’t forget to take your camera because nothing beats the sights of London from the Thames. Kids Will Love: Going fast of course! Adults will love: The in-jokes and nostalgic soundtrack. 3. Zippo’s Cirque Berserk The circus comes to the Peacock Theatre in this jaw dropping spectacular. With an international cast of over 30 acrobats, jugglers, aerialists (with no safety harness!), and death defying stuntmen, families are guaranteed unique, edge-of-the seat theatre! Kids Will Love: The Globe of Terror - 4  motorcyclists speeding at over 60mph inside a steel cage! Adults Will Love: Tweedy, the award-winning clown and fire-breathing Giant Robot. Mon 8th February â€" Wed 24th February. 4. Mini Vault Festival The ?maze ?of caves and caverns? under Waterloo station are transformed into a magical world for under 11s to create a  family festival of underground shows and events. There will be DJs and bands, plus kids can get involved in art adventures, and try their hands (or mouths!) at beatboxing. Other highlights include pirates, clowns, magicians and jellyfish! Kids Will Love: The whole ambience and atmosphere of the vaults. Adults will love: The family palm reading. Under-11s go free. Sat 13th Feb Sunday 14th Feb (10am â€" 3pm) 5.  Puddle Jumping Championship at the WWT London Wetland Centre The first ever London Puddle Jumping Championships is being held at WWT London Wetland Centre and children of all ages can grab their wellies and have fun making a splash. Points will be given for style, creativity, enthusiasm and size of splash. There will be a prize each day for our selected ‘super-splasher’ and a Puddle Jumping Champion will be selected at the end of the week, with the chance to go on to further glory by becoming WWT’s Big Splash national champion. Sat 13th Feb â€" Sun 21st Feb 6.  Finding Nemo and Dory at the London Sea Life Aquarium This summer, the long awaited sequel to Finding Nemo will finally be arriving in cinemas. If your kids can contain their excitement until then, all kinds of tropical fish activities are taking place at the London Aquarium including a Dory trail. There will also be loads of opportunity to learn all about the fish that inspired the blockbuster Pixar films. Kids Will Love: Quite literally finding Nemo and Dory, or at least their lookalikes. Adults Will Love: The daily talks about Nemo’s Kingdom, who says half term can’t be educational. Sat 13th Feb â€" Sun 21st Feb! 7.  Imagine Children’s Festival This year the Imagine Children’s Festival is celebrating the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth. There are loads of free activities for under twelves but some of the more special events should be booked in advance. We recommend Judith Kerr, author of the Tiger who Came to Tea in conversation, and watching Minpins, Roald Dahl’s final story with a live orchestral accompaniment. Kids Will Love: The giant satchel art installation from Matilda the Musical. Adults Will Love: Most of the activities are free, there’s wifi, somewhere to sit and great cafés. Wed 10th Feb â€" Sun 21st Feb 8. Take a Trip to the CINEMA You can never trust the British weather to behave so it’s always worth having some film ideas in your back pocket incase you need to dash indoors. Here’s our picks: Goosebumps (PG). Kids love being scared and this comedy horror starring Jack Black with has laughs and thrills in equal measure. Black stars as the writer R.L. Stine who has to recruit a gang of kids to help him save the world from disaster when the creatures he has created escape from his books. Capture The Flag (PG): Animated fun which sees a surfing-obsessed boy stowing away on a rocket and heading to the Moon Deadpool (15): Warning for older kids only. Violent, funny and highly inappropriate this superhero movie starring Ryan Reynolds will be the must-see movie for teenagers. Kids Will Love: All of them. Adults Will Love: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Penelope Cruz in Zoolander 2 which is also on general release. 9.  Play-doh Fun at the Museum of Childhood The Museum of Childhood is celebrating 60 years since Play-doh first hit the toyshop shelves. You can join in drop-in activities throughout the week or book in advance for workshops including one about animation all featuring the great modelling toy. Kids Will Love: Letting their imaginations run wild and taking home their creations. Parents Will Love: The nostalgia Monday 15th Feb-Friday 19th Feb 10.  Ripley’s Believe It or Not This half term, Ripley’s and the Hard Rock Cafe are teaming up to create an awesome pop-up. There will be one of a kind items on display from Lady Gaga, Elvis, Paul McCartney, Rihanna and loads more to celebrate the Hard Rock Cafe’s 45th birthday. Kids Will Love: The weird and wonderful exhibits throughout the six floors. Adults Will Love: Explaining who Elvis and Paul McCartney are!