Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Apple Cider Vinegar - Nutritious, sure, but Delicious?

Apple Cider Vinegar

You may have heard people the talk about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, but it doesn't sound very appetizing to drink.  Think about it, do you drink pure lemon juice, or do you make lemonade?

Scott's Lemonade

1 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1 Cup Pure Cane Sugar
6 Cups Water
Optional: Serve over Ice

Note: Packages labeled "Sugar" instead of "Pure Cane Sugar", are likely Genetically Modified Beet Sugar, instead of Cane Sugar.

Bragg Organic Vinegar Health Drink

1-2 tsps Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in 8 oz. glass of
purified or distilled water and (optional) to taste 1 to 2 tsps
Organic Honey, 100% Maple Syrup, or 4 drops of herb Stevia.
Delicious, ideal pick-me-up at home, work, sports or gym.
Perfect 3 times daily, upon arising, mid-morning and mid-afternoon

From the bragg.com website:  http://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html


Scott's Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

2 tsp Bragg Organic Apple Cider
2 tsp Organic Honey
8 oz Filtered Water
2 oz Organic Apple Juice (or other fresh fruit juice, or smoothie).

I like to make a pitcher of the Apple Cider Vinegar drink, and add juice to each glass when it is time to serve.

Notes about why organic is important for the ingredients listed in the recipe:

Honey - May contain high levels of pesticides, if it is not organic.
Apple Cider Vinegar - May contain high levels of pesticides, and arsenic, if it is not organic.
Apples and Apple Juice  - May contain high levels of pesticides, and arsenic, if not organic.

Does it Work?

Does it really increase energy, and help with digestion, and weight loss?  Try it for yourself.  You may be surprised at how delicious it is.  Note that most people who tried it enjoyed it, or at least tolerated it, but a very small percentage of people may feel an upset stomach, in which case they may already have enough digestive enzymes and acid.  Some people may notice a boost in energy.

So next time someone tells you to try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, that doesn't mean to pour it in spoon, and put it right in your mouth.  Remember to make it taste good, and you may even discover a new drink that you crave sometimes.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

What to do with Empty Land

Uses for Empty Land

After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, I got to thinking about cash flow.  Some of the books in the series discuss the idea of owning real estate, and making money on rent.

I thought it would be interesting to explore some ideas on what to do with empty land.

Business Ideas that require minimal building.  Possibly just restrooms, and roof or small buildings.  Most ideas probably require water and electricity.

Minimal Construction
  • Camping
  • Car Wash
  • Dog Grooming 
  • Dog Playground / Daycare
  • Party Rental 
  • Flea Market (may need lots of cleanup afterwards)
  • Go carts
  • Bouncing castle entertainment site (children's parties.)
  • Billboard
  • Lemonade Stand
  • Hot Dog / Hamburger, or Taco Stand
  • Coffee Stand
  • Horseback Riding Lessons
  • Community Garden
Some Construction
  • Mini storage
  • Miniature golf
  • Bungalows or cabins
  • Daycare Center 
  • Cell phone tower
More Complete Construction
  • Apartments
  • House(s)
  • Bed and Breakfast
  • Warehouse
  • Factory
  • Shopping Mall
  • Grocery Store
  • Restaurant
  • Bakery


Specific Ideas Based on Location

City Areas
  •  Parking Lot / Car Wash
  • Coffee Stand

Small Suburban Lots
  • Self-Storage

Large Farm Area
  • Farming
  • Solar Panels
  • Wind Turbines
  • Junk Yard

It seems that there are many ideas for land in city and farm areas, but a more challenging type is a small lot in a sparsely populated residential neighborhood.

Of course some ideas can be combined, and some are mutually exclusive.  What else can be done with an empty lot?  Post your ideas in the comments.