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Study Shows This Simple Eating Trick Will Keep You Happy and Healthy

Good food is well known for making us happier inside and out. A study shows how a simple trick can increase this effect.

Basics of the study

Every person has a different way to feel more comfortable. While for some it is relaxation methods such as yoga or meditation, others rely on sports, painting or talking to friends. But it is not uncommon for people to feel completely at ease after a delicious meal.

Based on the assumption that good food makes you happy, Edith Cowan University (ECU) initiated a study to prove that there is a connection between good food and our mental health.

A total of 657 people took part in the study, each of whom underwent a seven-week cooking course focused on preparing healthy food. After completing the cooking course, it was examined to what extent participation in the program affected general, but also mental health and subjective vitality. The term “subjective vitality” includes, among other things, perceived energy, willingness to perform and zest for life.

Cooking yourself: Good food should make you even happier

The results were impressive: The participants not only had a higher self-confidence when it came to cooking in general, but even adopted new and healthy eating habits in everyday life. In all three areas that were examined after the study, positive effects were found in the test persons: in general, but also in mental health and subjective vitality.

Basically, the study shows that there is a connection between health and healthy eating. Significant for an improvement in nutrition is not only healthy cooking, but also cooking at home – which increases the good feeling even more. According to the researchers, such nutritional improvement is also a way to combat mental health problems, obesity and other metabolic health disorders.

How much time is invested in cooking and the quality of the ingredients used is less relevant. It’s more about consciously turning to healthy cooking and doing something good for yourself; for example, just eating more fruit and vegetables can have a big effect.

Conclusion

In summary, it can be said that a healthier diet can be implemented at home and can have a positive effect on your physical and mental health. The question of how food can make you happier can be answered easily: Cooking at home is fresh, healthy and fun.

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Lifestyle

Sport in Winter: That’s Why Training in The Cold is Good – You Have to Keep That in Mind

Sport in winter is not just about skiing or tobogganing. Jogging, walking or cycling can also be fun in winter – of course only if it’s not slippery. Anyone who moves outside in the cold is doing something for their health, because sport in winter strengthens the immune system.

Sports in winter: Wrap up warm and slowly adjust to the temperatures

Unlike heat, the body can prepare itself for cold temperatures. Proper clothing and proper preparation for outdoor training is crucial. But up to what temperatures can you train?

According to the expert, the temperature up to which training outdoors still makes sense depends on the state of fitness and health. The lower the temperature, the harder the sport is for the body. For older and unfit people, Matzarakis recommends avoiding exercise in sub-zero temperatures.

Training in winter: how cold is too cold?

Because the following also applies to physically fit athletes: If the temperature is below minus 20 degrees Celsius, jogging and playing football outside should be a thing of the past.

According to the rules of the International Biathlon Union (IBU), which also apply to other sports, competitions may not be started. If it is colder than minus 15 degrees, wind chill and humidity must be taken into account.

When the air is still, caused by high humidity and fog, pollutants such as dust particles, nitrogen oxides or sulfur can accumulate on the ground. These can lead to additional strain on the respiratory tract. “If you’re not fit, you should leave the sport outside,” continues Matzarakis. This is especially true for asthmatics and people with poor health.

Strong Immune System: Hardening up is good for fitness

Sauna, foot baths or walks in the fresh air: from the point of view of the medical meteorologist, hardening is important for fitness. Sport should be done in the sun during the day if possible in winter. Sport should be avoided when the temperature is too low, the wind is too strong and the humidity is too high.

As long as it’s not snowing excessively or dangerously slippery, exercising in freezing temperatures can strengthen both body and mind. For example, the immune system can be strengthened and physical well-being can also increase.

Especially in times of the corona pandemic, outdoor sports can help to increase physical activity – and also lead to a better mood.

Reduce the risk of catching a cold and improve your mood

Cold viruses have a harder time spreading. Because: The cold air when running moistens the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. In addition, the immune system is stimulated by movement and changing temperatures.

In winter, many people suffer from winter depression or at least a low mood due to the cold and gloomy season. Exercise can play an important role in fighting depression, the Journal of Sports Medicine points out.
The movement creates positive feelings and a better mood.

Prevent venous insufficiency and strengthen bones

Heating air and tight boots can congest blood in the veins in winter, which is why doctors recommend exercise in the fresh air during the cold months. Above all, running is healthy: Sport activates blood flow in the legs and prevents swelling and tingling.

You can also fill up on vitamin D when exercising in daylight. This is especially important in the dark winter months. This can supplement the storage that healthy people have built up in summer with the help of the sun’s UV light. In general, sports like running, where the body supports its own weight, are good for the bones.

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Food

Not Healthy: Keep Your Hands Off This Fruit

Fruit is always healthy, no matter how much? Unfortunately, this is not correct. We’ll tell you which fruit you should stay away from – because it’s not as healthy as it seems.

Is fruit always healthy? no

Daily consumption of fruit is part of every balanced and healthy diet. But you can also do a lot wrong when consuming fruit.

Nutrition organizations recommend eating at least two servings of fruit a day. To put this in perspective, a serving of fruit is roughly equivalent to one banana or two handfuls of berries. The consumer organization Foodwatch is even calling for the VAT on fruit to be abolished so that Germans can eat healthier. But not every fruit is suitable for a healthy diet. We tell you which fruits you should avoid and why.

grapes

Grapes, the millennia-old cultural fruit – not so healthy after all? According to nutritionist Jennifer Hyland of the Cleveland Clinic, the tasty fruit should only be enjoyed in small amounts, otherwise it can be harmful to your health. The reason for this is simple.

According to Hyland, grapes are simultaneously very high in sugar and low in fiber. The fact that the grapes also have such a convenient shape for snacking between meals increases the health risk even further. Due to their bite-sized size and high sugar content, there is a risk of eating a lot of grapes in a short time, which can raise blood sugar levels and thus promote illness.

But you don’t have to give up grapes because there are ways to reduce this risk. For example, instead of putting whole grapes on your plate, portion out the berries so you eat less of them. Nutritionist Hyland gives the following tip: Freeze the berries beforehand for a sweet snack that takes longer to eat.

Important: To prevent grapes from spiking your blood sugar levels, it is always best to combine grapes with a protein source such as nuts. How about a handful of Greek pistachios* with the grapes, for example?

dried fruit

Many athletes promote dried fruit or fruit bars as a healthy alternative to chocolate bars. While that’s true, there’s a catch: Many dried fruits contain unhealthy added sugars, which not only can make dried fruits a real calorie bomb, but also spike your blood sugar levels.

Dried fruits have another problem. Most of the water is removed from them during the drying process. So far, so unsurprising. However, like fiber, water is important for the feeling of satiety. Therefore, dried fruits often tempt to eat too much of them. But: If you pay attention to unsweetened variants and the portion size, there is nothing wrong with dried fruit. In general, fresh fruit is always the better and healthier choice.

Also interesting: It is not only in dried fruit that there is a lot of sugar, also in many other foods of our everyday life there are enormous amounts of calories, without most people knowing it.

fruit juice, smoothies and squeezies

When it comes to drinks, fruit comes in many different forms on our menu. Whether as orange juice for breakfast, as a supposedly healthy smoothie for athletes or as so-called Quetschie, a fruit mush snack popular with children. And these fruit drinks really pack a punch.

According to a well-known TV advertisement, a glass of orange juice covers your daily vitamin C requirement. What many people don’t know is that this glass of orange juice also covers more than half of an adult’s daily sugar requirement. The same goes for store-bought smoothies and squeezies. The sweet fruit drinks are a supposedly good way to cover the daily need for fruit. These and even unsweetened fruit juices can also raise your blood sugar level significantly.

Normally, the fiber contained in fruit ensures that the blood sugar level remains stable, but this is removed in most fruit drinks such as juices, squeezes or smoothies. The following applies here: Making it yourself is not only healthier, it also tastes much better. If you can’t avoid store-bought juice, consider adding a handful of nuts or another source of protein, according to nutritionist Hyland.

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Food

Food Rescue Tips: How Long Does Our Food Keep?

The best before date (MHD) is often understood as an expiry or use-by date. However, this is a big mistake. The Hamburg consumer advice center gives useful tips on how to save food and how long it can generally be eaten.

Risk of confusion between the best-before date and the use-by date

However, food that is actually bad no longer belongs on the plate. Food infections or mold toxins are not to be trifled with. More than 200,000 people fall ill every year, mainly due to poor kitchen hygiene, insufficient heating or insufficient cooling, according to the Hamburg consumer advice center. When stored and at the right temperature, foodstuffs can often still be eaten without significant losses in taste and quality or any health risk. As a rule, the food is still edible after the specified best-before date.

The consumer advice center points out that there are two different information on the expiry date. Specifically, the best-before date (MHD) indicates the point in time up to which the manufacturer can guarantee that the food will retain its properties such as smell, taste and nutritional value. However, this always refers to unopened – i.e. completely airtight packed – and correctly stored goods.

The use-by date, in turn, indicates by what point in time a perishable food such as minced meat must be consumed in any case. Food such as raw meat can pose an immediate health risk after just a short time and is therefore marked with the use-by date.

Shelf life of food: This is how long grain and dairy products, drinks, fruit and vegetables can be kept

When it comes to the shelf life of bread, a distinction must be made between fresh bread from the baker and home-baked and packaged bread from the supermarket. The latter lasts much longer – even beyond the best-before date.

Packaged Bread:
Thanks to the enzymes used in production, they can be kept for up to eight weeks and generally still edible after the best-before date has expired
Tip: store in airtight packaging at room temperature and not in the refrigerator. The cold temperatures spoil the bread faster

Fresh bread:
Wheat bread*: can be kept for up to three days
Mixed wheat breads*: keep for three to five days
Mixed breads: keep for four to six days
Mixed rye breads*: keep for five to seven days
Rye breads: keep for six to ten days
Rye meal/wholemeal breads*: keep for eight to twelve days
Tip: it is best to store the bread in clay or stone containers and wipe them out regularly with vinegar. Place sliced ​​bread cut side down and do not refrigerate

The useful life of grain products

Grain products are generally still edible after the best-before date has passed. However, if the best-before date is a little longer, the products should be checked for appearance, mould, smell and, of course, taste before consumption.

Noodles:
Hard and dry noodles can be kept for a very long time after the best-before date has passed
Fresh pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for between three and four weeks
Egg noodles should no longer be eaten after the best-before date
Tip: Make sure it is stored dry
Rice:
Can be kept for up to two years. The following applies: Because of the lower fat content, white, polished rice has a longer shelf life than brown rice
Tip: store dry and airtight
Flour:
Wholemeal flour and meal: shelf life between three and four weeks
Very fine flour: shelf life between two and three months
Very coarse flour: can be stored for up to more than a year
Tip: always store dry, cool, dark and above all tightly closed
Muesli and cornflakes:
Can be kept for months after the best before date has passed
in the event of mold growth, the entire muesli must be disposed of
Tip: always store dry and tightly closed

The lifespan of beverages

Some drinks, such as wine, can be kept for a very long time after the BBD has expired. In general, these are all drinks, but they should be checked for appearance, smell and appearance before consumption.

Mineral water:
Unopened, the bottles can be kept almost indefinitely
Tip: store in a cool, dark place. Plastic bottles in particular should be protected from direct sunlight
Cola:
Can be kept long after the best-before date has passed
However, cola can eventually lose carbon dioxide in PET bottles
Tip: always store in the dark

Juices:
In glass bottles: up to one year after the expiry date
In boxes: up to eight months after the expiry date
In plastic bottles: can be kept for up to three months after the best-before date
Once opened, it only lasts a few days
Tip: always store in a dark and cool place
Beer:
Generally good for months after the expiry date
Pasteurized, heavily hopped beers with a high alcohol content have a longer shelf life
Tip: store in a dark and cool place, avoid strong temperature fluctuations
Wine:
Shelf life varies greatly depending on alcohol and acid levels or cork
Can be kept between one year for normal quality wines and ten years for Beerenauslese wines
Red wine generally has a longer shelf life than white wine. If the bottles are stored horizontally so that no oxygen can get to the cork, red wine will last for many years (and is said to keep getting better)
Tip: store in a cool place and protect from direct sunlight

Milk and milk products – that’s the shelf life

As long as the milk or milk products are unopened, they can still be kept past the best-before date. But once they’re open, caution is advised.

Milk:
Unopened milk packs: best for approximately three days after the best-before date
Raw milk: two to three days after the best before date
Pasteurized milk: Shelf life approximately six days after the expiry date if refrigerated and unopened. Can be kept two to three days after the expiry date if opened
UHT milk: closed, keeps for around eight weeks after the best-before date, opened for around two to three days
Tip: store in a dark and cool place

Butter:
Stored cool: stable up to three weeks after the expiry date
Tip: It is best to store the butter in a butter compartment in the refrigerator in a porcelain or plastic butter dish
Cheese:
Whole pieces of cheese: can be kept for several weeks after the best-before date
Fresh cheese that has been opened or individual slices: can be kept for up to one week after the best-before date
Shrink-wrapped cheese slices: can be kept for up to three weeks after the best-before date
Cheese with a low water content has a longer shelf life
Tip: store in a dark and cool place and separate from other foods. The packaging should not be airtight
Yoghurt and quark:
Unopened: 10 to 14 days past the best before date
Once opened: 3 to 4 days after expiry of the best before date
Tip: store in a dark and cool place
Cream:
Unopened: Can be kept for about four weeks after the expiry date
Once opened: 3 to 4 days after expiry of the best before date
Tip: store in a dark and cool place

Perishable foods: fruits and vegetables

There is no best-before date for fruit and vegetables as they are among the perishable foods.

Fruit and vegetables generally do not have a particularly long shelf life, as their high water content makes them very susceptible to mould
if mold is severe, you should always discard the entire quantity of affected food – even the pieces where the mold is not obvious are likely to be affected
Tip: keep local varieties in the fridge and tropical fruits at room temperature. Apples and tomatoes should always be stored separately from other fruits and vegetables as they release ethylene. As the Hamburg consumer center explains, the plant hormone would accelerate the ripening process of the other fruits and they spoil faster as a result.

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Lifestyle

Drive Away Martens and Effectively Keep Them Away from the Car

Tricks to get rid of pests in the car and keep them away. Because animals such as mice, martens, and cats can damage your car. But with simple home remedies, you can effectively drive away martens for perfect marten protection in the car.

It is not uncommon that you want to start your car in the morning and the engine goes on strike, even though the vehicle may still be brand new. A very common reason for this is pests such as martens and mice, which can climb into the engine compartment without any problems and gnaw on cables and wires there, among other things, which then leads to vehicle failures.

Pest and marten protection for your car

Martens are small and intelligent predators. These little animals, which are often nocturnal, also often seek shelter in cars or in attics. They can cause damage and cause a lot of excitement. They can damage cables, especially in the engine compartment of your car. And mice and cats can also destroy cables and paintwork. There are simple home remedies to protect your car against these pests. And these work very well without costing a lot of money.

Methods to drive away martens

What housewife tips are there that you can use to protect your car. And what are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Before you start protecting your engine with home remedies, you have to clean it thoroughly. Because the scent trail of the marten or the mouse has to be neutralized first. If you don’t do this, the marten will be difficult to drive away, even with the methods mentioned below. Accordingly, a full wash and engine wash are recommended to completely remove all fragrances. Also, note our tips for car washing and car washing.

1) Wire fence as marten protection

A very good and simple method to drive away the marten is the close-meshed wire fence. So put it under the engine compartment and in the wheel arches. This is how you prevent the pests from getting into the engine compartment. Here, however, there can be problems with the TÜV, or the wheel tears open on the wire and breaks after a while.

2) Repel martens with tea tree oil

Another simple solution that provides long-term protection without much work is scents that deter animals. These can be a wide variety of remedies, we have had a particularly good experience with strong-smelling tea tree oil, but cloves or lemongrass are also said to have a deterrent effect. To do this, you must place the substance in a bag or cloth in the engine compartment. You should swap them out from time to time. The advantage here is that this method does not harm the animal, but it drives away the marten by almost 80 percent. However, not all scents work equally well and the pests could quickly get used to the scent. Also read about clever home remedies for rats.

3) Keep vermin away from the car with vinegar

You can also use the home remedy vinegar to drive away from the marten. On the one hand, the original marten smell can be neutralized with it. And on the other hand, the animals are very sensitive to smells and it is said that they do not like to smell the vinegar. In addition, you can effectively fight ants with vinegar.

4) Dog hair against martens

Some people say dog ​​hair doesn’t help against martens, while others swear by it. We think it’s worth a try. At least if you have a dog at home whose hair you can use. Maybe this is the perfect marten protection for your car. Also, read our article on how to drive safely with a dog in the car.

5) Repel martens with ultrasound

Ultrasound is said to be one of the most effective ways to drive away martens. The ultra-high waves should be uncomfortable for the little animal and thus ward them off.

Why poison does not help against martens

Many people do not know what to do and resort to poisoned baits. But in the rarest of cases, this helps successfully against the marten. For someone else will take the place. Additionally, this type of eviction is not pet friendly and the animal is a protected species. Plus, you could endanger your own pets or other pets. Therefore, poison is not recommended. Also, note our tips for catching and driving away mice.

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Lifestyle

Keep and Store Valuables Safely

Tips on keeping and storing valuables. How do you save your assets and where is the safest place to keep valuables such as watches, jewelry, and money? Since the economic crisis, consumers have been more cautious when it comes to their valuables.

Store valuables properly

According to the Federal Agency for Civic Education, every adult in Germany has an average net worth of 108,500 euros. Of course, the distribution in the Federal Republic is very different. About every fifth adult has no assets, seven percent have more debt than property. Those who have saved some want their wealth to be safe. And special valuables also need a safe place.

Keep valuables at home?

Especially in times of crisis, many people distrust banks. Instead, they prefer to hide their money in their own homes. Valuables such as watches or jewelery are even more likely to be stored at home. In addition to the material value, these often also have an ideal value, for example, because they are heirlooms or gifts. That’s why most people always want to have such things close by. Many do without the safe deposit box. If you too would like to have your dearest and most valuable sanctuaries at home, you should consider a few important things:

Avoid known hiding places

It is often made too easy for burglars. Because money or valuables are hidden in supposedly safe places. But many such hiding places are also known to the thieves. You should therefore avoid the following unsafe hiding places:

  • Under or in the mattress
  • In the coffee can or comparable containers
  • In the closet
  • Between the dirty laundry
  • In the freezer or refrigerator
  • In flower vases

Store valuables safely in the safe at home

The safest way to store your valuables and money is in a safe. Because burglars have to crack it first before they can get to the treasures inside. But here, too, you should follow a few rules. So it would be best if the safe is permanently installed on the floor or wall. Or use furniture safe. This should weigh at least 200 kg. Otherwise, the thieves could simply steal the safe. In addition, it is advisable to opt for a safe with a number code, as this is less easy to crack than a key lock. Also, note valuable tips against pickpockets.

What does the insurance pay?

Your household contents insurance protects you against burglary. They usually pay even if valuables are lying around openly – but not the entire value. With a safe, of course, things are different. It also depends on the security level. A standard model has security level B. This means that amounts of money up to €80,000 are insured, for example. You will rarely have more at home. If you plan to store large amounts of money and valuables at home, you should definitely contact your insurance company to find out exactly how you are protected.

Provide secure burglary protection

The number of burglaries has increased in recent years. According to the national police crime statistics (PCS), burglaries in 2015 increased by 9.9 percent compared to the previous year. A new high was reached with around 167,000 cases. For comparison: in 2005 there were only around 110,000 burglaries. Not only has the number of burglaries increased, but also the average damage to property. Expensive products and valuables can be found in more and more apartments. If you keep these at home, you have to ensure secure burglary protection so that burglars cannot easily take valuables with them. Without burglary protection, valuables are better kept outside of the four walls.

Store precious metals and valuables in a locker

Since the economic crisis, consumers have considered how to keep their savings safe. Money no longer seemed profitable for many, so they invested their retirement provision in various products: stocks, securities, and also precious metals, and jewelry. You can hold the latter in your hands and have full control. But stored at home, the gold is not safe from burglars. There are lockers for that. Here you can store various precious metals and personal valuables such as jewelry, inherited items, important documents, or contracts. The annual fee to be paid is based on the dimensions of the locker. With security level SG6 and basic insurance of several tens of thousands of euros, all precious metals and valuables are safe in a safe deposit box.

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health

Live Longer With These Foods: 10 Treats That Will Keep You Fit Forever

A balanced diet is good for your health and can even reduce your risk of death. We tell you which 10 treats you should eat every day to extend your life by a few years.

10 foods for a long life: Eat a balanced diet

There are a number of particularly valuable foods that you should eat every day because they have a positive effect on your health. This includes, for example, a certain type of chocolate.

1. Green vegetables: detoxification of the body

Green vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. But it also contains sulphur, which has detoxifying properties – harmful substances are thus filtered out of the body.

2. Nuts: Healthy snack

The perfect snack for in between: Nuts contain many important nutrients and healthy fats and thus keep you fit.

3. Flaxseed: Good fiber and antihypertensive

Flax seeds are one of the superfoods. They contain important fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Whole grains: Against cardiovascular problems

Whole grain foods are the healthier alternative to white flour, which regular consumption even increases the risk of heart disease.

5. Green tea: Makes you awake and fit, helps against cancer

Whether for breakfast or in between: green tea wakes you up and keeps you fit.

6. High Quality Oils: Unsaturated Fatty Acids

High-quality oils with unsaturated fatty acids also deserve a place in your kitchen. According to EatSmarter, for example, olive oil can reduce the risk of a heart attack and possibly even protect against cancer. But rapeseed oil also offers you advantages: the formation of anti-inflammatory substances is promoted. Linseed oil, on the other hand, is a good supplier of omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Raspberries: For younger skin

The small snack for in between not only tastes great, but also has important added value: the fruit is considered to be detoxifying and beneficial for digestion. Raspberries also contain antioxidants that can slow down skin aging and reduce the risk of cancer.

8. Oatmeal: Valuable vitamins, minerals and fiber

As a tasty addition to a smoothie, when baking or in muesli: oatmeal is a healthy food for everyday use. They contain roughage, valuable vitamins, minerals and at the same time little fat. The fiber in particular keeps you full for a long time and gets you through the day well. Oatmeal can also help with gastrointestinal problems. Oatmeal cookies are highly recommended as a healthy snack between meals.

9. Apples: Cleanse the body from within

“One apple a day keeps the doctor away” – this is by no means a myth. Apples not only strengthen the immune system, they also have a high proportion of fiber, flavonoids and polyphenols. These cleanse your body of metabolic toxins. The miracle fruit is also said to help with constipation and diarrhea.

10. Dark Chocolate: Antioxidants for Mental Performance

Surprised? You can also eat chocolate every day – but here we mean dark chocolate with no added sugar. The treat is a health booster: cocoa is a source of antioxidants and improves your mental performance. Chocolate is suitable as a snack between meals or as a dessert.

Conclusion: reduce the risk of death – this is possible with the right diet

A fit body doesn’t just need exercise. A balanced diet is also important. This does not mean that you are only allowed to eat fruit and vegetables, but that many different foods with valuable content should end up on your plate.

Also: Apart from a healthy and balanced diet, you should also drink enough water, get enough sleep and do enough exercise. This is the only way to stay fit and healthy.

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Lifestyle

Keep the Advent Wreath Fresh and Safe for Longer

There are still two weeks until the festival, but are the first brown needles already falling from the Advent wreath? You can prevent this with simple means.

Every year you wonder how your advent wreath stays fresh and safe longer? We have tips and tricks for you for a fresh Advent wreath for Christmas.

Why an Advent wreath?

The Advent wreath not only looks beautiful, but it also shortens the waiting time for Christmas. So many people have it at home. But very few know the history of the Advent wreath. This was introduced in 1839 by evangelical theologians to shorten the waiting time for street children in times of industrialization for Christmas. The original symbolism lies in the increase of light. Since this symbolizes the increasing expectation of the birth of Jesus. Even today, the Advent wreath shortens the waiting time until Christmas. But how does it survive the weeks leading up to the festival?

1) Tie the wreath yourself

Tying Christmas wreaths yourself is fun and extends the shelf life. Use high-quality fir branches for this. Nobili fir branches are ideal because they do not needle. However, they don’t smell that nice either. But they are more durable. If you’re making your own wreath, you’ll want to tie it onto a fresh, moistened floral matrix. This will reduce the drying out of the Advent wreath. To avoid water stains on the table, place everything on a large plate or board. You can also cut the branches on the side and put them in a water bath. Then seal with a hot glue gun.

2) Regularly moistening the branches

If you spray the fir trees and the floral foam lightly with water from time to time, the Advent wreath will stay fresh longer. Spraying with water also has the advantage that the risk of fire is not so great. In addition, replace dry branches. If possible, you can give the arrangement a short water bath once a day. The tips for Christmas trees that you should consider are similarly helpful.

3) Avoid heat

If possible, you should avoid dry heating air. Because the branches do not tolerate heat very well. That’s why they dry out even faster when it’s warm. So never place it directly next to a heat source, such as the radiator or the fireplace. You can also prevent drying out by leaving the Advent wreath out on the balcony overnight. So it gets enough moisture. But be careful, you should avoid avoiding humidity in rooms to prevent mold.

4) Hairspray in exceptional cases

A light film of hairspray also protects the needles from drying out too quickly. But the disadvantage here is that the wreath looks a bit artificial. In addition, the pine scent is lost. Alternatively, you can make your own Christmas scents. Also, note that hairspray makes the wreath highly flammable and dangerous. Therefore, the other tips are recommended. Furthermore, use hairspray as a home remedy for removing felt-tip pens.

Important rules for the Advent wreath

In any case, when you buy the fir trees, you should make sure that they are really fresh. And keep them cool until Advent. But you should never take your eyes off the wreath when the candles are burning. In addition, homemade candles must always be firmly attached. So-called candle plates are suitable for this. But please never attach the candles with just wire. Likewise, for extra safety in the household, you should never blow out the candles. This can cause sparks and set the wreath on fire.

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Cooking Tips

Freezing Brussels Sprouts: These Tips Will Keep Them Fresh

Leftover Brussels sprouts can be easily frozen: we will show you how to preserve the green winter vegetables for a long time and what you need to consider when freezing.

Brussels sprouts can be prepared in many ways – the winter vegetable is also very rich in vitamins and nutrients. If you have your own plant in the garden, you will quickly notice how productive it is: A single Brussels sprouts plant can produce up to 40 florets. If you can’t use up the entire harvest at once, it’s worth freezing Brussels sprouts – we’ll explain how to do that here.

Freezing Brussels sprouts: Clean and blanch

Before you freeze the Brussels sprouts, you should prepare them well:
First, the Brussels sprouts must be cleaned thoroughly. To do this, cut off the stalk and remove the withered and outer leaves.
Wash the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl of lukewarm water or rinse them under the faucet.
In the last preparatory step, you blanch the Brussels sprouts: Put them in a pot of boiling salted water for two minutes. Then scare him off with cold water.

Tip: This is how frozen Brussels sprouts don’t stick together

To prevent the florets from freezing together in the freezer, you should snap freeze them. This way you can always take as many florets out of the glass as you need later.

How it works:
Drain the Brussels sprouts or dry them with paper towels.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have a baking sheet at hand, you can also use a board or a large plate.
Arrange the florets on the tray so they don’t touch each other.
Now place the tray in the freezer or freezer for 1.5 to 2 hours. It is best to set your device to a particularly low temperature during this time.
When you take it out again, the Brussels sprouts are flash frozen. You can now freeze it as normal.

Freezing Brussels sprouts: Here’s how

How to freeze Brussels sprouts:
Store the Brussels sprouts in freezer-safe containers. If you haven’t flash frozen it, you should fill the Brussels sprouts in portion sizes – otherwise there will be some left over after defrosting.
Now place the filled containers in your freezer compartment.
The Brussels sprouts can now be kept for at least half a year. Later, thaw it directly in boiling water.

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Cooking Tips

Storing Radishes: These Tips Will Keep Them Crunchy For Longer

Storing radishes properly is not that difficult. In this article you can read how you can keep the healthy and tasty snack crunchy for longer with a few simple tricks.

Storing radishes: general information

Radishes are among the first vegetables to be harvested throughout the year. The delicious vegetable got its name from Latin. “Radix” appropriately means root. It has been part of European cuisine since the 16th century, originating in France. In the decades and hundreds that followed, it was eaten more and more in other countries as well. Whether in salads, quark dips or simply raw – radishes are always a good choice. If you store radishes in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to three days.

You can find out if the radishes are still fresh in the store. They shouldn’t be too soft. Also look at the leaves. The fresher the leaves are, the fresher the radish itself is. Wilted leaves indicate that the radishes have passed their prime.

Storing radishes: storage tips

If you store radishes properly, they stay fresh and crunchy longer:
Cut off leaves and roots with a knife. This prevents the stored water from going into the leaves. This leaves more in the radish itself.
Take a can and put the radishes in it. Alternatively, you can wrap the radishes in damp towels.
Store them in the crisper in the fridge. They stay there for up to three days. A cool basement is an alternative.
Of course you can also freeze radishes. But then they lose their taste, at least partially.
If the radishes have softened, place them in a water bath for a few minutes. This makes them a little crunchier again.

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