Word Of The Week

schlep

verb (used with object)

to carry; lug: to schlep an umbrella on a sunny day.

LOOK IT UP

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF SCHLEP?

The slang term schlep “to lug, carry” is used mostly in the United States. Schlep is from the Yiddish verb shlepn “to pull, drag” (German schleppen “to draw, tug, haul”). The derivative noun schlepper, “one who schleps,” appears slightly earlier than the verb. Schlepper entered English toward the end of the 19th century; schlep appeared in the early 20th.

HOW IS SCHLEP USED?

She had drawn notice as the doctor who would help mechanics schlep gear, fetch coffee and even massage the overworked massage therapists. NANCY LOFHOLM, “CRESTED BUTTE SURGEON SCORES TOP SPOT AT SOCHI OLYMPICS,” DENVER POST, JANUARY 11, 2014

After a bit of trial and error, you’ll find car-free travel is a liberating choice that forces you to schlep considerably less. LAUREN MATISON, “HOW TO TRAVEL CAR-FREE WITH A FAMILY,” NEW YORK TIMES, DECEMBER 4, 2019

LISTEN TO THE WORD OF THE DAY

schlep

Play Podcast

00:00/01:02

Mental Health~ How To Avoid Depression

Get Moving

When loneliness sets in, the feeling can weigh heavily on your entire body. Whenever this feeling starts to overtake you, fight back and get productive. Whether it is going on a walk, browsing your favorite store, or even picking up around the house, moving about and engaging in other tasks will help to distract you and may offer some relief. It is about taking small steps to get to where you need to be, so anything you can do to push yourself away from these thoughts of isolation will help.

Picture Your Loneliness

Sometimes, people find that picturing their depression or feelings of isolation as something separate from them (such as a cloud or something similar) helps them feel more control over it. These feelings are then seen as something that you can walk away from or have the choice to ignore. It also allows you the knowledge that these feelings are not who you are. You are whoever you choose to be and you have control over how you want to feel.

Reach Out To Someone

Dreamstime

Talking about things that you are struggling with can be a huge challenge. It is not easy but can be an extremely helpful step in getting back to your happy self. You never know who you may able to relate to through this process. Many who end up opening up about their problems find themselves surprised as to how many others have gone through (or are currently going through) the same thing. You may end up helping someone you did not even realize was struggling and who was afraid to reach out themselves.

Visit A Furry Friend

NewLifeOutlook

Animals can make great companions for those feeling more secluded in life. Dogs especially are naturally social and instinctively want to protect those that they know are struggling. Visit a shelter or pet shop and make some new furry friends. If you are up for it, consider adopting your own pet. Cats, fish, and dogs all make great additions to any household and offer you something to love and care for. They also allow something else to focus on, other than your feelings of isolation.

Set New Goals

AWAI

By making plans and setting goals, you give yourself something to strive for. Start off slow so that you do not overwhelm yourself. Setting just one or two goals for the day is a great way to start fighting back. Some ideas might be to call up a friend you have not spoken to for a while or go to a coffee shop for an hour. The next day, go grocery shopping, then make yourself one meal. Make them realistic and simple. Once completed, you will have allowed yourself a sense of accomplishment, knowing that you are fighting back one step at a time.

Start Journaling

NewLifeOutlook

If you are feeling up to it, go to a bookstore and spend some time picking out a journal that you love. When you get back home, make it a goal to write in it a few times a week. Getting your thoughts down on paper can help you look at them from a new perspective. It helps to clarify your emotions, allowing you to know yourself better and may help guide you in overcoming your struggles. Allowing yourself time to reflect and express can make a huge difference in how you approach life.

Poem

I Wonder By MwsR

Will there come a time
In this life of mine
That I will be free.

There is so much bottled inside
So many things I did not say back then,
In the days where fear let sickness win.

I wonder if the people from long ago
Know how much they really did
know how much they hurt me so?

See a person should never feel shameful
For what others think of them,
They should not be accountable, it isn’t their sin.

There is a place where my heart and mind revisit
It is not a kind place, but rather avoid, a heart fall.
It flows ever so often, though because of it, I will not crawl.

Despite the things I had to endure,
Had to deal with and so forth, nor did I choose
It has no rope around my dreams it can never have those.

I wonder why we are subjected to a cruel man’s hand
Is it to rise and be better than the ordinary man?
I will always wonder, and yet always stand.

*For those out there struggling with something someone you love or trust has done to you,
It does not have to crush your dreams or make your heart fall…
It does not have to do anything. It is your call.

Laugh a Little

In times if uncertain and stressful times, it is a necessity to laugh and lighten your load.

I am in no way making light of the Coronavirus. It is serious and scary. My hope is to make someone smile. MwsR❤️

Substitutes, When You Have No Eggs

1. Applesauce

Applesauce is a purée made from cooked apples.

It’s often sweetened or flavored with other spices like nutmeg and cinnamon

Using one-fourth cup (about 65 grams) of applesauce can replace one egg in most recipes.

It’s best to use unsweetened applesauce. If you’re using a sweetened variety, you should reduce the amount of sugar or sweetener in the recipe itself.

SUMMARY:Unsweetened applesauce is a great substitute for eggs in most recipes. You can use one-fourth cup (about 65 grams) to replace one egg.

2. Mashed Banana

Mashed banana is another popular replacement for eggs.

The only downside to baking with bananas is that your finished product may have a mild banana flavor.

Other puréed fruits like pumpkin and avocadowork too and may not affect the flavor as much.

Whichever fruit you choose to use, you can replace each egg with one-fourth cup (65 grams) of purée.

Baked goods made with puréed fruits may not brown as deeply, but they will be very dense and moist.

This substitution works best in cakes, muffins, brownies and quick breads.

SUMMARY:You can use mashed banana or other fruits like pumpkin and avocado to replace eggs. Use one-fourth cup (65 grams) of fruit pureé for each egg you want to replace.

3. Ground Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds

Flaxseeds and chia seeds are both tiny seeds that are highly nutritious.

They are high in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and other unique plant compounds (4Trusted Source5Trusted Source6Trusted Source7).

You can grind the seeds yourself at home or buy ready-made seed meal from the store. 

To replace one egg, whisk together 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of ground chia or flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water until fully absorbed and thickened.

Doing so may cause baked goods to become heavy and dense. Also, it may result in a nuttier flavor, so it works best in products like pancakes, waffles, muffins, breads and cookies.

SUMMARY:Ground flaxseeds and chia seeds make great egg substitutes. Mixing 1 tablespoon (7 grams) of either with 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water can replace one egg.

4. Commercial Egg Replacer

There are a variety of commercial egg replacers on the market. These are typically made from potato starch, tapioca starch and leavening agents.

Egg replacers are suitable for all baked goods and should not affect the flavor of the finished product.

Some commercially available brands include Bob’s Red Mill, Ener-G and Organ. You can find them at many supermarkets and online.

Each brand comes with its own instructions, but typically you combine 1.5 teaspoons (10 grams) of powder with 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 grams) of warm water to replace one egg.

SUMMARY:A variety of commercial egg replacers are available. Combine 1.5 teaspoons (10 grams) of powder with 2–3 tablespoons (30–40 grams) of water to replace each egg.

5. Silken Tofu

Tofu is condensed soy milk that has been processed and pressed into solid blocks.

The texture of tofu varies based on its water content. The more water that is pressed out, the firmer the tofu gets.

Silken tofu has a high water content and is, therefore, softer in consistency.

To replace one egg, substitute one-fourth cup (about 60 grams) of puréed, silken tofu.

Silken tofu is relatively flavorless, but it can make baked goods dense and heavy, so it’s best used in brownies, cookies, quick breads and cakes.

SUMMARY:Silken tofu is a great substitute for eggs, but may lead to a heavier, denser product. To replace one egg, use one-fourth cup (about 60 grams) of puréed tofu.

6. Vinegar and Baking Soda

Mixing 1 teaspoon (7 grams) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of vinegar can replace one egg in most recipes.Apple cider vinegar or white distilled vinegar are the most popular choices. 

When mixed together, vinegar and baking soda start a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide and water, which makes baked goods light and airy. 

This substitution works best for cakes, cupcakes and quick breads.

SUMMARY:Mixing 1 teaspoon (7 grams) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of vinegar can replace one egg in most recipes. This combination works especially well in baked goods that are meant to be light and airy.

7. Yogurt or Buttermilk

Both yogurt and buttermilk are good substitutes for eggs.

It’s best to use plain yogurt, as flavored and sweetened varieties may alter the flavor of your recipe.

You can use one-fourth cup (60 grams) of yogurt or buttermilk for each egg that needs to be replaced.

This substitution works best for muffins, cakes and cupcakes.

SUMMARY:You can use one-fourth cup (60 grams) of plain yogurt or buttermilk to replace one egg. These substitutions work especially well in muffins and cakes.

8. Arrowroot Powder

Arrowroot is a South American tuber plant that is high in starch. The starch is extracted from the roots of the plant and sold as a powder, starch or flour.

It resembles corn starch and is used in cooking, baking and a variety of personal and household products. You can find it at many health food stores and online.

A mixture of 2 tablespoons (about 18 grams) of arrowroot powder and 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water can be used to replace one egg.

SUMMARY:Arrowroot powder is a great replacement for eggs. Mix 2 tablespoons (about 18 grams) of it with 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water to replace one egg.

9. Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the liquid left over from cooking beans or legumes.

It’s the same liquid that is found in canned chickpeas or beans.

The liquid has a very similar consistency to that of raw egg whites, making it an excellent substitution for many recipes.

You can use 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of aquafaba to replace one egg.

Aquafaba works especially well in recipes that call for just egg whites, such as meringues, marshmallows, macaroons or nougat.

SUMMARY:Aquafaba is the liquid found in canned beans. You can use 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of it as a substitute for one whole egg or one egg white.

10. Nut Butter

Nut butters like peanut, cashew or almond buttercan also be used to substitute eggs in most recipes.

To replace one egg, use 3 tablespoons (60 grams) of nut butter.

This may affect the flavor of your finished product, and it’s best used in brownies, pancakes and cookies.

You should also make sure to use creamy nut butters, rather than chunky varieties, so that everything mixes properly.

SUMMARY:You can use 3 tablespoons (60 grams) of peanut, cashew or almond butter for each egg you want to replace. However, it may result in a nuttier flavor.

11. Carbonated Water

Carbonated water can add moisture to a recipe, but it also acts as a great leavening agent.

The carbonation traps air bubbles, which help make the finished product light and fluffy.

You can replace each egg with one-fourth cup (60 grams) of carbonated water.

This substitution works great for cakes, cupcakes and quick breads.

SUMMARY:Carbonated water makes a great egg replacement in products that are meant to be light and fluffy. Use one-fourth cup (60 grams) of it to replace each egg.

12. Agar-Agar or Gelatin

Gelatin is a gelling agent that makes a great substitute for eggs.

However, it’s an animal protein that is typically derived from the collagen of pigs and cows. If you avoid animal products, agar-agar is a vegan alternative obtained from a type of seaweed or algae.

Both can be found as unflavored powders in most supermarkets and health food stores or online.

To replace one egg, dissolve 1 tablespoon (about 9 grams) of unflavored gelatin in 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of cold water. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of boiling water until frothy.

Alternatively, you can use 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of agar-agar powder mixed with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of water to replace one egg.

Neither of these replacements should affect the flavor of your finished product, but they may create a slightly stiffer texture. 

SUMMARY:Mixing 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of gelatin with 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water can replace one egg. You can also mix 1 tablespoon (9 grams) of agar-agar with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of water.

13. Soy Lecithin

Soy lecithin is a byproduct of soybean oil and has binding properties similar to that of eggs.

It’s frequently added to commercially prepared foods because of its ability to mix and hold ingredients together.

It’s also sold in powder form in most health food stores and online.

Adding 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of soy lecithin powder to your recipe can replace one egg.

SUMMARY:1 tablespoon (14 grams) of soy lecithin can be used to replace one whole egg or one egg yolk in most recipes.

What If a Recipe Calls for Egg Whites or Yolks?

The ingredients shared in this article are great substitutes for whole eggs, but some recipes call for just egg whites or egg yolks.

Here are the best replacements for each: 

  • Egg whites: Aquafaba is the best option. Use 3 tablespoons (45 grams) for each egg white you want to replace.
  • Egg yolks: Soy lecithin is a great substitute. You can replace each large egg yolk with 1 tablespoon (14 grams).

SUMMARY:Aquafaba is a great substitute for egg whites, whereas the best substitute for egg yolks is soy lecithin.

The Bottom Line

Eggs contribute to the overall structure, color, flavor and consistency of baked goods.

Unfortunately, some people cannot eat eggs, or simply choose not to. Luckily, plenty of foods can replace eggs in baking, though not all of them act the same way. 

Some egg alternatives are better for heavy, dense products, while others are great for light and fluffy baked goods.

You may need to experiment with various egg alternatives to get the texture and flavor you desire in your recipes.

Clean this!!!

The idea of cleaning every high-touch surface can be overwhelming, though, so we’ve compiled a list of the most essential spots to clean and disinfect, just in case there are any you’ve forgotten. Think about your average day around the house, in your car, and at the office, and clean everything you touch frequently. This list can help you get started.

  • Light switches
  • Doorknobs (on the inside and outside and also the locks on the doors)
  • House keys and car keys
  • Cellphone and landline
  • Earbuds, headphones, and AirPods
  • Refrigerator handle
  • Oven knobs
  • Small kitchen appliances
  • Drawer pulls
  • Sink knobs
  • Bathtub knobs
  • Toilet flusher
  • Toothbrush
  • Hairbrush
  • Makeup and brushes
  • Any bottles of hair care or skin care
  • Desk
  • Computer screen
  • Computer mouse or laptop touchpad
  • Computer keyboard
  • Windows
  • Mirrors
  • TV remote
  • Car door handles
  • Steering wheel of your car
  • Dashboard of your car (including the radio and air vents)
  • Gear shift of your car
  • Rearview mirror of your car

Planting Tips

planting siberian squill

Denis and Yulia Pogostins

Get your garden off to a good start by planting your perennials at the right time and handling them the right way. One guiding philosophy: Perennial plants are all about the roots. Keeping the roots strong and healthy is the number one consideration when planting perennials. It’s those roots that will keep the plants coming up year after year. Here’s what you need to know about planting perennials to give them what they need to grow up and be beautiful.

Fall or Spring?

Knowing when to plant perennials is essential. Spring is generally the best time to plant, for obvious reasons. The soil is warming, the sun is shining, the days are lengthening and the rain if falling. Spring is also a good time to divide existing perennials that have gotten bigger and better and plant the smaller pieces in other locations.  
 
Fall is a good planting time for perennials that bloom in the spring or summer. Fall planting gives them time to grow strong roots to prepare for the big flower show the following year. Another plus to fall planting: Nurseries are cutting prices on perennials at the end of the season, so you can save a lot of money. 

Do not plant in the summer. It’s too hot, the days are too long and rain is unreliable in many climates. There’s too much stress for a new plant to thrive. And winter? No. Just, no. 

How Do I Plant?

New plants come in three forms. Knowing how to plant perennials correctly depends on which form you’re planting.

Container-grown perennial plants are the ones you buy at a nursery or plant center, already growing in a pot. They’re the easiest to transplant successfully. Dig a hole twice as wide as the container but no deeper. Pull the plant out of the pot, gently loosen the roots and place in the hole. Fill the hole with soil mixed with compost and water well. Fertilize a week after planting.

Bare-root perennial plants are less expensive than the container-grown ones, but they’re a little trickier. They are just as billed: a clump of plant roots. They’re not for beginners. Soak them in water before planting them in the ground. Add compost to the soil at time of planting and pamper them till they sprout leaves.

Seeds are the least expensive way to start a garden of perennial plants. Growing from seed takes more skill and patience than transplanting container-grown perennial plants. Perennials are slow growing, so if you sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost you won’t have adult plants till late in the season. Best to start them in the winter, indoors, in small pots and pamper them until they are large enough to transplant outdoors.