Eggs!

Are eggs fattening? And is it true that they're bad for your heart? Mark, London, England

Here's the skinny on eggs: A single large egg has 75 calories, 63% of which comes from the 5 grams of fat that each contains. So, does that mean they're "fattening?" That depends on how many you eat over a given period of time.

The calories alone won't cause you exceed your daily limit, which for most adults falls somewhere between 1600 and 2800 calories, depending on your age, sex, body weight, and level of physical activity. Even a three-egg omelet isn't a huge caloric hit, relatively speaking, even though it's likely to be cooked in butter (more fat). However...

The percentage of fat in eggs is above desirable levels. Current dietary guidelines suggest that you should limit fat calories to about 30% of your total daily intake. That doesn't mean that you should never eat foods with higher percentages of fat, but obviously, the more high-fat foods you eat, the more difficult it will be to hit that 30% target. Still, if you ate just an egg or two per day, the high percentage of fat could be balanced by a generally low-fat diet. However...

Judging by your followup question, you've heard that eating eggs can contribute to heart disease. The facts are these: A single egg contain about 215 milligrams of cholesterol, which is two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance for healthy adults (300mg). High levels of blood cholesterol have been linked to heart disease. And although eating cholesterol (dietary cholesterol) doesn't necessarily lead directly to higher cholesterol production (blood cholesterol), foods rich in cholesterol often contain more fat and, specifically, saturated fat, which have been tagged as culprits in raising cholesterol. So...

The consensus seems to be that 3 or 4 eggs per week is a reasonable amount, with the yolks being the operative factor. If you eat just the egg whites, you can have many more and still stay within sensible dietary limits.
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What's the difference between a "Parfum" and an "Eau de Parfum"?

Most perfumes are complex combinations of natural materials, such as essential oils from plants, and synthetic products that increase the lasting power and heighten the smell. Alcohol is used as a liquid base for perfume, and the ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrates determines what the final concoction is labeled.

From highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are:
  • Perfume, also called extract or extrait perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. This is the purest form of scented product and is the most expensive as a result.

  • Eau de parfum contains about 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally doesn't cost as much as extract perfume.

  • Eau de toilette has around 1-6% perfume concentrates. This makes for a light scent that doesn't linger as long as the more intense versions. It was originally intended to be a refreshing body splash to help people wake up in the morning.

  • Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with the term eau de toilette. However, the concoction began as the name of a light, fresh fragrance mixed with citrus oils and was made popular by Napoleon. Some perfumers today have a version of this called eau fraiche.
While these are the main classes of perfume, other products are frequently scented with perfume concentrates too. Lotions, creams, powders, body splashes, aftershaves, soaps, and other cosmetic products may contain variable (though usually small) amounts of fragrance.

Home Espresso Machine

Espresso coffee is a highly popuar choice of beverage for the large majority of us. This is partly because it contains caffeine which fires up our brain every morning. Many people also make coffee at home as one of the first things they do when they get up.

Consumers into coffee will concur that a coffee espresso machine is a piece of equipment that will make a top quality cup of espresso. However, quite a few of these people don't actually own a home espresso machine which is quite surprising really. There are a number of different fundamental types of espresso machine, ranging from fully automatic right through to manual machines.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machine - A semi automatic espresso machine is ideal for use in the home. It produces a single cup of coffee each time and you choose the level of coffee grounds that go into each cup, so you have control over how strong each cup of coffee you are making is.

Fully Automatic Espresso Machine - If you are making a lot of cups of coffee on a daily basis, you might look to buy something faster. Something like a fully automatic espresso machine will do the job perfectly. Simply pour the espresso coffee beans in and then press a button to produce the cup of coffee as and when required.

Traditional Espresso Stovetop Machine - A traditional way to make espresso coffee is to use a stovetop home machine with a pot that has compartments. You put water into the bottom compartment and coffee into the upper compartment. Once the water reaches boiling point, steam rises up into the coffee.


As you can see, there are a large typpe of home espresso machine on the market. All you need to do is choose the one type that best suits your needs. Also it is worth considering how much space you have available in your kitchen prior to purchase. It's worth taking some time to consider what home espresso machine to buy as it is something you will probably use every day.

Which 2007 Celebrity Hairstyle Is For You?

Searching for the 2007 Celebrity Hairstyle for you? If you decide to go for super star style then make sure you do your research. What looks great on the longish face of Gwyneth Paltrow might not be good for you. When you do your celebrity watch, look for one whose face shape is closest to your own.

Not all hairstyles, however trendy, will suit everyone. Whether a hairstyle looks good really does depend on the structure of the face. Celebrity hairstyles change constantly, don't forget they are likely to have a team of professionals looking after their hair. You may have to live with yours a bit longer so it's essential that you find a style that suits you well.

Look in celebrity and fashion magazines or surf the internet looking for a 2007 celebrity hairstyle that will go with the shape of your face. If your face is long and thin then unfortunately the long and sexy waves favored by Jessica Alba are not for you. However, if long hair is your thing some celebrities are having it cut shorter and wispier at the front and longer at the back. That way you would offset a long face. Or go for a layered medium length style like Heather Locklear. This is extremely versatile because you can wear it up or down, on your face or off.

At the other end of the scale, short hair is back big time, on the catwalks this year. If your face is shaped like Kylie Minogue's then go for short, wispy hair this season. You'll be right up to date as well as sexy and stylish.

Short hair comes and goes, it is never entirely out of date, from Twiggy in the sixties, to Halle Berry the look has been used with great success.

Overall, its very important to consider the size and shape of your face, before you jump into a new 2007 celebrity hairstyle.

Coffee Time

Espresso and cappuccino coffee makers
These are steam-driven machines that produce very strong coffee. Espresso coffee is much richer and more concentrated than filter coffee and is the base for a cappuccino or latte. There are two basic types of machines, with pump machines the more expensive.
Pressure machines
Similar to a radiator in a car, water is boiled in a chamber and this builds pressure and steam. Eventually enough pressure is built up and forces the boiling water through to the coffee. The steam can be used for frothing. The disadvantage is that the water is too hot to make an authentic espresso and often the bar pressure is not enough to make a really good espresso.
Pump machines
More expensive than pressure machines, pump machines have a separate tank and a thermostatically-controlled boiler with a 'Thermoblock' system that heats up the water to between 85-92°C - the optimum temperature for making coffee. The water is then sent through the coffee holder at the correct bar pressure.
Espresso coffee is made by using finely-ground coffee. Some machines also use a pod system and many now use the increasingly popular Nespresso method.
Nespresso
This is also a 'pod' system that produces espresso coffee. The coffee is blended, roasted, grounded, and then hermetically sealed in capsules which stay fresh for up to 9 months. The advantages of this system are that it's an easy way to make coffee, and most major brands of coffee makers have Nespresso systems. There are no messy filter holders to clean, no spillage of coffee granules - and the coffee tastes great! The downside is that you are tied to the supplier's range of coffees, which are at present only available by mail order.
Points to consider when buying an espresso maker
Bar pressure
Good bar pressure is essential for making a good 'crema'. It means that the steam meets the coffee granules at the correct speed. Too slow and it could result in a bitter taste. 15 - 19 bar is the optimum, though some suppliers claim 9-11 bar is enough if the beans have been ground correctly.
Thermoblock
Rather like a shower, the Thermoblock is a type of boiler that heats up the water to about 90°C, via a pump. To achieve an excellent flavour it's important that you don't scald the coffee - unlike tea. Some models have a Thermoblock system for frothing the milk, which needs to be at about 120°C.
Filter holder
This holds the coffee granules and should be kept warm. Basic models have aluminium ones but more expensive models have brass holders that retain the heat for longer.
Valve
Most machines have a mechanical valve to control the water flow. Top-of-the-range machines have solenoid valves that increase the water pressure at the point of delivery and also shut off as soon as you finish the extraction
Wattage
Like kettles, the higher the wattage the faster the water is boiled. High wattage machines are good if you are making several espressos.
Tips on making a perfect espresso or cappuccino
If you want to imitate the 'baristas' of the Italian coffee bars (experts in the art of making an espresso) it is essential you know how to achieve a perfect 'crema'.
Crema is the pure coffee extract you find on the top of an espresso. Resembling the head you'd find on a glass of stout, it's full of rich aroma and leaves a lingering flavour. A test of a good 'crema' is to put a little sugar on the top. If it takes time to fall to the bottom you've succeeded!
Types of coffee
  • Cappuccino: 1/3 espresso, 1/3 hot milk, 1/3 frothy milk
  • Latte: with added hot milk. Normally ratio is 1:6 espresso: hot milk.
  • Macchiato: espresso with a little touch of milk
  • Con Panne: espresso with a dash of cream
  • Mocha: hot chocolate with a dash of espresso
  • Americano: hot water with a dash of espresso
Tampering coffee You'll always spot a barista doing this. After they've filled the filter holder with coffee they'll gently tap the top of it, levelling off the coffee, before locking the holder into the machine. This is to make sure the water filters through evenly. Too much 'tampering' and the water will take too long. Top machines feature an in-built tamper.
Milk
For perfect frothing you can use any type of milk - full cream, semi-skimmed or skimmed is fine - as long as it's fresh. It's the protein that makes the froth, and this diminishes after about 4 days. Always use a stainless-steel jug (it conducts heat better) and fill it to just under half full with cold milk. When it's too hot to touch at the base the froth is ready. Give it a couple of taps to get rid of any bubbles, and then gently spoon the froth onto your espresso for that perfect cappuccino!
The Coffee Machine Guide
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Etiquette

The rules of proper etiquette and protocol have been around for years, but they are far more important in this day and age than ever before. Implementing proper etiquette and protocol skills into everyday life should be habit for everyone – including children. After all, a person who displays proper etiquette not only feels good about himself, he also makes those around him feel important and respected.

Did you know that an impression is made within the first seven seconds of meeting someone? Seven seconds is an extremely small amount of time, so you must rely on your etiquette skills and social graces to ace that first impression. Are you up-to-date with these skills? Well, it is never too early, or too late, to start.

Having social grace means that you can maneuver through any situation with ease; whether you are in an interview or on a dinner date you will have confidence and put your companion at ease. For instance, at a dinner table, you will know which fork to use, how to eat bread, and where to place your napkin. A great example of how it feels not to know proper etiquette is in the movie Pretty Woman. Remember when Julia Roberts wasn’t sure how to use her appetizer utensil? She was visibly unsure of herself, and she had to look around at the other diners to figure out what to do. You can save yourself this embarrassment by becoming well versed in social etiquette.

Obviously, proper etiquette is important in a social setting, but it is crucial in a business setting. In order to achieve business success, you must be able to adapt to ever-changing situations and act with confidence. Displaying proper etiquette will get you noticed and, obviously, being noticed is great for business! For example – There are two people being interviewed for a top position at a large company. One is late and not dressed appropriately. What is more, he makes the mistake of not making eye contact when speaking to the interviewer. But the other prospect is early for the appointment and dressed in a suit. He also makes the effort to be assertive and eager during the interview. Who do you think will be chosen for the top position? The person who displays proper business etiquette will always have the edge in such situations!

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