Instacart Grocery Delivery app was a heaven sent convenient way for me to deliver nutritious food instead of pizza to the kids through their sitter while I was out of town
About 5-years ago, my sisters were babysitting my kids when the doorbell rang and there was a pizza delivery man on the other end!
Wow! One told the other, Jeneba delivered pizza to us all the way from Miami!
My husband and I were vacationing and called in the order. It wasn’t really anything special but back then, I suppose, the idea of remote ordering was foreign.
It was nothing like it is today. Since those days, a lot of apps and services have launched that allows parents, caregivers and others who are away to have all sorts of things delivered to their kids at home.
Last Summer, while my mom was watching the kids while the hubby and I were across country, we tried grocery delivery service Instacart for the first time.
After downloading the app, I got to check out several of the dozens of area stores, grocers and shops and after picking one, go virtual grocery shopping.
Within two to three clicks, groceries were ordered! It was super fast, surprisingly easy and quick!
Once our order was placed, an Instacart associate received our list, then traveled down to my local market close to home, shopped and dropped off the groceries to my waiting and hungry brood!
It was so much more cost effective and healthier than ordering pizza and wings for dinner!
My husband and I were quite pleased. There is a small and very nominal service charge and monthly fee but it is totally worth it.
Since then, I have become a fan and ardent user of Instacart and other grocery delivery services.
So you want to look put together, but you don’t want to look like you’re ready for a night on the town.
Achieving a natural makeup look isn’t as easy as it seems, but here are six tips to help you look radiant and polished without looking like a clown:
Customize Your Base
Depending on your skin type and how
confident you are about exposing your natural face, you can do a number of
things with regards to your foundation or primer base.
If you simply need some overall
coverage, you can make your base makeup look lighter and more natural by mixing
it with moisturizer. This will give you a more dewy and refreshed appearance
that looks less thick and caked on than without moisturizer, so it’s a great way
of making your makeup look more natural without having to sacrifice the
coverage you get.
For those of you with naturally good
skin who only use foundation as part of a complete makeup look, skip the base
altogether and opt for a shimmery moisturizer instead.
Brows
Getting your brows in order is a
great way of making your makeup look
natural because a striking brow can really frame your
face, meaning you won’t have to worry so much about spending a long time on
your makeup.
There are so many different options
for brows nowadays, and plenty of tutorials online on how to achieve the perfect
brows.
So, if you really want to make an
impression without caking on layers of makeup, try your hand at eyebrow
grooming and shading before even reaching for your other items of makeup.
Nude
Lip
If you want to avoid looking like you have too much makeup on, one of the best ways to begin is to start with a nude
lip. You simply cannot achieve a natural makeup look if you want to have red or
purple lips.
Nude colors are tones of pink, blush,
or might have slight brown undertones. Nude lips and eyes are the general
palette you’re going to be working with if you want to look natural.
There are one or two exceptions, but
eyeliner and natural makeup looks do not go together very well. This is because
eyeliner is a dramatic highlighter of the eyes, essentially, and is best
reserved for high drama looks.
The most popular choice for eyeliner
is still black, and it’s almost impossible to wear it in a manner that looks
natural. The only exception to this is if you have an incredibly steady hand
and can put a subtle line on the outer eye, at the corners.
This should follow the natural line
of the eye and not extend into a wing or cat’s tail, of course. Still, this
look is pretty difficult to achieve, so it’s best to avoid eyeliner completely
when you want to look natural.
Accentuate
The key to a natural makeup look is
to accentuate your natural features, not try to exaggerate
them or create new features entirely.
For example, a cat’s eye eyeliner
look might be fun and dramatic, but it’s giving you features you don’t have
naturally, so it’s never going to look natural. If you want to be a pro at
creating a natural makeup look, simply study your face and figure out what you
like most about it. Do you have striking eyes? Then your natural makeup should highlight your
eyes.
Maybe you don’t like your eyes, but
you love your sharp cheekbones? Then you will highlight your cheekbones and
avoid accentuating the eyes. A natural makeup look is all about accentuating,
not creating.
Emphasize
Another excellent tip for achieving a natural look is to emphasize. Similar to
accentuate, emphasizing is all about emphasizing one feature only. When you
emphasize more than one feature, you will always end up with a heavy makeup
look.
For instance, if you choose to accentuate your
eyes with smoky eyeliner on the top and bottom, and then also highlight your
lips in a berry red, you are going to end up with a heavy makeup look. It might
look stunning, but it certainly won’t look natural.
As we’ve seen, you should avoid eyeliner altogether for natural makeup looks, generally
speaking. Berry lips, even if they’re coupled with a nude eye, are never going
to look natural either. Thus, the key to emphasizing when you’re trying to
achieve a natural makeup look is to only go a few shades darker or lighter than
your natural one.
Just a public service sharing of some new information from St. Jude for parents about caring for their children’s skin this upcoming Memorial Day pool-opening season through Summer and beyond:
With the official start of summer this Memorial Day weekend, pediatric skin cancer specialists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are urging parents to take the necessary steps to protect their children when they are out in the sun this holiday weekend, including poolside or at the beach.
“During the Memorial Day weekend, parents should take simple steps to protect their children from extreme sun exposure, including avoiding going out when sun rays are strong and keeping infants out of the sun entirely,” said Alberto Pappo, M.D., director of the Solid Tumor Division at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Don’t assume children cannot get skin cancer because of their age. Unlike other cancers, the conventional melanoma that we see mostly in adolescents behaves the same as it does in adults.”
Research shows that sun damage contributes to melanoma in children and adolescents as well as adults. The research underscores the need for precautionary measures to avoid extreme sun exposure for children, including the implementation of routine prevention measures.
“While rare, melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer in younger patients and affects mostly teenagers. Children are not immune from extreme sun damage and parents should start sun protection early and make it a habit for life,” Pappo said.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leader in pediatric melanoma research and treatment.St. Jude provides treatment and second opinions for patients with pediatric melanoma around the country and beyond. Each year, the St. Jude Pediatric and Adolescent Melanoma Referral Clinic brings patients and families to St. Jude for two days of expert consultation, as well as medical examinations by leading specialists, educational seminars and an introduction to melanoma-related resources.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer because it often spreads to other parts of the body. Melanoma gets its name from melanocytes—skin cells that produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its color.
About 76,700 new cases of melanoma in children and adults are diagnosed in the United States each year.
About 7 percent of cancers in children 15 to 19 years of age are melanomas.
Melanoma is most common in people of Caucasian descent, occurring five times more often than in Hispanics and 20 times more often than in African Americans.
Childhood melanoma may not fit into the same routine diagnosis symptoms as adults. Instead, parents should look for the following:
A mole that changes, grows or doesn’t go away
An odd-shaped or large mole
A pale-colored or red bump
A mole or bump that itches or bleed
Be safe this Summer and Vigilant parents and caregivers!
Celebrating the anniversary of your child’s birth is a momentous occasion, but it’s also one that can quickly become prohibitively expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can cut corners to save money while still ensuring that your child and his friends fully enjoy their soirée.
Clip Coupons – Clipping coupons is not only a trendy hobby in the face of recession chic, but also an effective method of netting valuable savings on the things that you purchase every day. Party supplies are no exception, so check both online and print resources for coupons in your area that will allow you to score the things you need at a fraction of retail price.
DIY Invitations – Rather than sending out the same store-bought invitations that everyone else in your child’s class used, why not make something original? Not only will you be taking a more unique tack to announcing his birthday party, but you’ll also be saving a bit of money in the process.
Email Over Snail Mail – If you’re really in a financial pinch, skip the paper invitations and work solely with email and social networking invites. In a social climate that demands eco-conscious behavior, you’ll be earning points with the adults by saving paper while you’re also saving money on supplies and postage.
Skip the Location Rental – It may be the height of fashion to rent out a kid-friendly venue for birthday parties, but it’s smart to keep your child’s age and developmental abilities in mind. A toddler will not only have difficulty remembering his party later, but may also not be quite big enough for a day at the bouncy castle with all of his pint-sized pals. Save the money you’d spend on a high-end location rental and invest some of it into fun, inexpensive games your guests can play at your house.
Keep Decorations Simple – Miles of streamers, truckloads of balloons and a ton of confetti simply aren’t necessary for a small child’s birthday party. Keeping the decorations understated will not only save you money, but will also keep the dreaded “tacky” label at bay.
Do Your Own Baking – You may not be the next Ace of Cakes, but popping a few trays of cupcakes into the oven is nowhere near as challenging as baking, assembling and decorating an extravagant cake. It’s also significantly cheaper.
Cut the Catering – There is absolutely no reason to spring for extravagant party catering for a group of finicky children. Put out a decent spread of kid-friendly, affordable snacks instead.
Don’t Provide a Full Meal – Strategically scheduling your child’s party in the afternoon, between lunch and dinner time, will allow you to skip out on providing a full meal for a group of hungry kids.
Keep the Guest List Manageable – It’s tempting to invite every child you know to your little one’s party, but larger guest lists mean higher costs. Trim the list wherever possible to save money.
Consider Plain Plates and Napkins – Branded party merchandise splattered with the most popular cartoon characters can be gaudy, and they’re almost always more expensive than the plain variety. Choose a few branded accent items, then spring for cups and plates in plain, coordinating colors.
Forgo Goodie Bags – In an era of food sensitivities and eco-responsibility, providing goodie bags full of potentially problematic candy and disposable toys is more likely to be met with scorn than accepted eagerly.
Forget the Entertainer – It may be tradition to hire a magician or a clown, but birthday party performers can be very expensive. If you feel confident in your ability to keep a group of children happily occupied, there’s no reason to shell out that kind of money for a painted man who makes balloon animals.
Plan Early – The earlier you start planning for a party, the easier it is to wait for big sales and specials that will allow you save money on essentials. It may feel strange to start planning six months out, but it can pay off in spades in the long run.
Join Forces – If your child has a friend whose birthday is near his, it’s more cost-effective and easier to team up with his parents than to compete with one another for the Best Birthday award. Splitting expenses helps your two families give your little ones the party they want, without sacrificing their chances of going to college.
Rent a Helium Tank – Purchasing and transporting helium balloons that are pre-filled can be both a hassle and quite pricey. Check with party rental services in your area regarding the price of a helium tank; you may be surprised at how much cheaper it is to fill balloons yourself.
Hit Discount Stores – Discount stores are your best friend when it comes to party planning, because most stock items of reasonable quality for a fraction of the price at larger department stores.
Bulk Buying – Fans of buying in bulk can score big on party snacks and supplies if they apply their purchasing power to party planning.
Be Realistic About Your Skills – Saving money by doing things yourself is a great idea, provided that you’re actually able to pull them off. Spending money on supplies only to be forced to turn around and buy a pre-made replacement product at the last minute is wasteful, so carefully consider what projects you can take on confidently and which ones are beyond your skill level.
Choose Themes Wisely – The theme of your child’s party can be inherently expensive, or naturally cost-effective. A Princess theme culminating in a trip to Disneyland will naturally cost far more than one that allows you to decorate minimally and stay on your own property.
Think About Who You’re Trying to Impress – At a young age, kids aren’t really concerned with how much money a party costs. They just want to have fun, and they don’t have to go to an amusement park at the end of the party to do it. If you’re spending money extravagantly on birthday parties because you want the parents of your child’s friends to be impressed, you may want to re-evaluate your priorities.
If you are a first-time dad-to-be waiting for baby this Father’s Day, here are some Tips to prep you for baby.
1) Take a childbirth education class with your partner. The benefits of a good childbirth education class can often be overlooked. A class can help dads, and other support people, learn about the different options and interventions, and get the tools and knowledge to push for the best care during pregnancy, labor and birth. It can also spark the conversation between and among couples, so you can learn from one another and interact with other expectant parents in your shoes.
2) Work with mom to plan. Talk things through with one another and with your care provider. Chances are greater for a positive birth outcome if support begins early on in pregnancy. Discuss the different options for a safe and healthy birth, and map a pathway to get there. Labor and birth can be a dynamic process so it’s vital to work with mom to create Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. 3) Learn how to be an advocate for mom. Birth is an intense process, emotionally and physically. It’s important for dads to be informed and know how to advocate for her wishes. She may come under pressure from family members or healthcare providers and the father’s voice is important in pushing for the safest, healthiest care. 4) Find out about techniques to help minimize the pain. There are many natural ways, such as relaxation, to find greater comfort in childbirth and help labor progress. Every woman is unique and has her own ways of feeling safe, comfortable and relaxed. Whether she uses a hot shower or bath, hip squeezes and pressure points, or birth ball exercises, dads can help mom identify the pain-relief tools that are best suited for her individual needs. 5) Be prepared to welcome baby into the world (and help mom recover). Birth can be exhausting for both mom and baby, and dad can help to support both after birth. He can help mom by managing visitor times, rocking baby to sleep after feeding, and making sure mom is fed and gets enough rest.
Despite the many disaster stories we hear about people’s businesses
crashing or people losing their jobs because of social media posts, many people
still have not taken the time to clean up their act.
You might think you have a good reputation and you have done nothing
wrong, but it’s not always about the mistakes you’ve made. An angry customer (or scorned interviewee) with a lot of hurtful things to say can
destroy your reputation.
With all theexciting changes happening in digital
marketing, this is a
good year for tech-savvy marketers. However, growing your online presence while
struggling with a poor reputation would be company suicide.
Before you end up in a position many companies have found themselves in, here are six things you need to prioritize.
1. Do a Google search for yourself
The question you need to ask, and often, is, “What are people saying
about us?” No brand can rise above its perceived attributes and sadly in this
case, possession is nine-tenths of the law. Whatever people are saying about
you is what others will believe to be true.
To find out what is going on and to plug up any leaks, do a thorough
search of your business online. Find out everything meaningful on Google
regarding the names of partners/owners, managers, branches, customer service
and every other important facet of the company.
You also need to find out what your associates are doing. Just think of every major fashion label that has been linked to a sweatshop!
2. Cross-check your social media posts
Social media has arguably done more harm than good, or that’s what many
of its victims think. Even the most decent, thoughtful company could end up in
hot water over posts made years ago, before they were considered politically
incorrect.
Do you have any old posts that could pass off as culturally insensitive,
sexist, derogatory? You will never know unless you do a deep dive. For many
companies, the less cumbersome route would be to delete the entire history and start on a new note.
In case you were wondering if data protection guidelines affect your old or deleted social media posts, think again. Old Tweets, pictures, and comments made by you or by someone that tagged you should be scrutinised systematically.
3. Manage your reviews
So many companies ignore review sites, but this is where most of the
damage to a good reputation is done. Angry customers use every means possible
to vent their frustration. The first point of call is social media – Twitter in
particular.
Reviews could come off as rants, neutral feedback, or questions. Sadly,
many companies still take too long (more than a couple of hours) to respond, and
that could be customer service suicide.
Beyond social media, however, you also have actual review sites with
which to contend. Your search should naturally begin with Google. That is the
first-place people post comments in the form of reviews, before they move on to
industry-specific websites. Make a list of all the important ones and inspect
each one methodically.
As much as you can’t delete a negative review, you can find ways to
convert the disgruntled client to, if not a raving fan, at least a more
satisfied customer. You can start by apologising individually and offering some
sort of compensation.
4. Verify your Google listing and other profiles
Do you have a Google My Business (GMB) profile? Of course you do, but
you may not be the one controlling it. If you are not aware, Google
automatically creates a profile for every brick and mortar store and gives you
the chance to claim or verify the listing and gain control of the account.
Unfortunately, this means someone else could claim the account and use
it to wreak havoc on your business. It could be something as subtle as the
wrong phone number, altered opening times or posts that could damage your
reputation forever. Let’s face it – how many people would believe someone
hacked your account?
If you find yourself in this terrible situation, a simple phone call to
GMB support can fix it. Other profiles to take control of are, first of all,
your website and social media pages. Ensure these carry your name with an
originality tag.
5. Publish content regularly
Once you are done cleaning up any messes and mishaps, the next step is
to go on the offensive. What this means is you need to actively build-up your
reputation. Post content regularly on your website and social media pages.
Customers, visitors, and followers should be able to identify your
brand, what you stand for and how you communicate. This will protect you
against false allegations. Building a loyal following is critical to business
success for financial reasons and also to safeguard your reputation.
6. Actively monitor your online presence
Performing a Google search, monitoring social mentions and responding to
reviews immediately is not a once-off task. You need systems in place to ensure
this is done regularly and that henceforth your company stays on top of it.
You never know when an influential blogger or media personality posts
something damning about you intentionally or mistakenly. Get someone in your
team to be responsible for your online reputation, and you’ll be glad you did.
Becoming a mom is one of those life-changing moments.
Your world changes in an instant, and the love you feel for that little bundle of joy isn beyond belief. But, some moms love their career, or at least like the idea of working.
So it could be that after a while you head back into the workplace.
But could being a mom make you the ideal candidate for completely different job role? Here are some of the ones to consider if you like the idea of changing your working role.
As a mom, you are now the chief investigator in the family. Everyone turns to you to solve a problem. You are the finder of odd socks, the one who can solve who’s at fault and who isn’t. The calm in a sibling brawl. So it shouldn’t be a surprise to you that investigating and working in law enforcement could be a viable career option for you.
You can multitask, you can think outside of the box, and you can come up with solutions. Working in law enforcement could be anything from a patrolling police officer, to considering studying and working within the law as a professional. The options are endless but it may be time to start considering putting your mom skills to good use.
The perfect alcohol beverage taster
Some mom’s consider that gin and tonic at the end of the day or that cold glass of wine as a reward. So why wouldn’t you want to consider becoming the next wine connoisseur or gin enthusiast? The perfect role could be to simple taste the new flavour combinations or to check on the wine. There are roles out there, and it could be the perfect choice for you.
Working in social care or with children
Let’s face it, working with children could be the ideal option for you now that you are a mom. You tend to learn new skills and become more empathetic while still being able to manage children and adults alike. Social care can be a good remit to get into, and you can easily study an online degree in social work if you think this could be a viable job choice to consider.
Working with children in a childcare environment could also be something to consider. It not only enables you to earn a living, but you can utilise the childcare options at the same time. Socialising your children as well.
Becoming a teacher
Finally, you may want to think about becoming a teacher. This is often a job option that many moms consider going into as it gives you the chance to have similar time off as your own children once they hit school age. As a mom, you also have the skills when it comes to being able t handle children in that sort of environment. It may be that you need to study and gain certain qualifications, but it could be a great move to make to help you advance your career in a different area.
Let’s hope that this has inspired you to consider some of the job roles that are ideal for you.
If you’re like me, you’re still knee deep in Spring cleaning. This week, I’m focusing on landscaping and getting my floors in shape so I’m sharing some of the research I’ve done about getting the dirt and grim out:
Your hard floors see a lot of action. No matter what type of flooring is installed in your home, domestic life takes its toll. They are streaked with mud, strewn with grass clippings and sprinkled with water on a regular basis. You may find yourself spending an upsetting amount of time trying to wipe, scrub and sweep the evidence away. Luckily, products designed for these situations hit the market regularly, so your options are expanding from the traditional to the innovative.
Mops
There are a few very popular brands of convenient mopping solutions in stores. If the convenience of a disposable moistened pad suits your needs, there are varieties that are specialized for different levels of cleaning and specific hard floor types. You simply need to choose the right formula and product for your floor. For example, there are some products that are made for pet owners who want to reduce the obvious results of shedding and odors that come with pet ownership. Cleaning is as simple as attaching the pad to the end of the mop and disposing of it when finished.
If you prefer the results achieved with a more traditional mop but hate to wring them out with your hands, spin mops are a good alternative. The mop itself looks similar to other mops, but it is equipped with a bucket that contains a basket-like attachment. The basket spins and wrings water from the mop when you place your foot on the bucket’s pedal. No more bending over and getting your hands wet.
Sweepers
From the basic to the elaborate, sweepers have come a long way since their invention. The cumbersome, loud contraptions of the past have given way to lighter and more versatile machines. There are many attachments that come with a lot of popular brands, and some even offer steam and dry sweeping in one model. You are not only able to clear debris from your floor, but you can also remove stains and germs from them with the same sweeper. These multi-tasking products are particularly efficient for people who lack the time and space for multiple cleaning tools.
A more recent development in the world of household cleaning products is the availability of robotic sweepers. These ultra-modern devices are programmable and automatic, so your floors will be spotless with virtually no effort. You tell the machine how long it should run, and it does the rest. Hours of floor cleaning is one less thing on your list of chores.
Summer camp is a long-standing American institution; for decades, kids have packed up their bathing suits and bug repellent for a few weeks of warm-weather fun. Trying to decide which camp is best for your child’s needs, however, can be a bit of a troublesome task.
Here are ten ways to choose the perfect camp for your kids.
Find Out Where Their Friends Are Going – It’s a good idea to start your journey by finding out where your child’s friends will be camping – and don’t send them there. In addition to depriving your child of a valuable opportunity to make new friends and learn to socialize with a new peer group, you’ll also be ensuring that the same cliques and social hierarchies follow them. Though kids might protest initially, they’ll quickly come to appreciate the clean slate.
Look Into Club-Sponsored Camps – For kids who are active in scouting programs or clubs, it might be a good idea to check into summer camps sponsored by those programs. The tenets and aims of the camp will be familiar to kids who participate in the same activities at home, giving them the chance to meet new people while still retaining that sense of familiarity.
Take Special Interests Into Account – Budding thespians might get more enjoyment out of a theater camp, while aspiring athletes are much more likely to have the time of their life at a sports camp. Tailoring the summer camp experience to your child’s interests is one of the best ways to ensure that they have a great vacation.
Research Special Needs Camps – Kids with learning disabilities or special needs are not automatically excluded from the sleep away camp experience. There are many summer camps created solely for special needs kids; with a bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your special kid.
Decide if Religion is a Factor – For families that strongly emphasize religion, summer camps with a similar emphasis might be the best fit. Speaking with a clergy member can help you find great religious camps, as can a bit of online research.
Location, Location, Location – One of the most important things to consider when looking at summer camps is the location of your favorites. Families on a budget might have a hard time making parents’ weekends after incurring travel expenses to accompany their child to and from camp.
Make Visits For Next Year – If possible, start scouting summer camps the year before your child will be attending. Visiting while the camp is in session is a great way to get an idea of how things will be the following year, whereas an off-season tour will only showcase facilities.
Consider the Financial Implications – Private camps can run well into the thousands for an eight week session, while non-profits like YMCA camps and others of their ilk are considerably cheaper. Don’t be fooled by a hefty price tag, either; some of the highest-rated camps in the country are lower cost non-profits. In the case of summer camps, it’s not always a “get what you pay for” situation.
Examine First Aid and Infirmary Facilities – Kids get hurt. From daredevil stunts to simple carelessness, bumps and bruises are just part of the territory. Because of this fact, you’ll want to make sure that there are adequate first aid and infirmary facilities on-site, and that medical help can be quickly secured in the event of an emergency.
Let Your Child Play a Part in the Decision-Making Process – Having a conversation with your child about their wants and needs from a summer camp experience is an important part of the process, as well. Listen to and consider each of your child’s points before choosing a place for him or her to spend the majority of their summer vacation.
There are so many things to consider when choosing a summer camp that the task can be overwhelming for many parents. Taking the process one step at a time, looking at each camp from every angle is the best way to be sure about your decision. Because it can be quite time-consuming, it’s also a good idea to begin your search far in advance to avoid last-minute snap decisions made out of desperation.
The American Camp Association accredits summer camps and is a great place to begin your summer camp search.
If you are grilling for Memorial Day next week and need some grilling tips, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 10 of our fave tips we spotted from various sources and around the web and assembled into top 15 tips:
1. Gas vs. Charcoal? – The age-old debate over which grilling method is “better” involves multiple variables, from flavor to cost to convenience. While no studies prove that either is healthier, gas does burn cleaner. Charcoal grills emit more carbon monoxide, particulate matter and soot into the atmosphere, contributing to increased pollution and higher concentrations of ground-level ozone. From a taste perspective, on the other hand, many people prefer the smokier, richer taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill. 2. Get It Hot!– Preheat your grill 15 to 25 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature (and to kill any bacteria). Your grill should be 400-450°F for high, 350-400°F for medium-high, 300-350°F for medium and 250-300°F for low heat. A properly heated grill sears foods on contact, keeps the insides moist and helps prevent sticking. While searing doesn’t “seal in” the juices (contrary to popular belief ), it does create improved flavors through caramelization. 3. Brush It Off – It’s easier to remove debris when the grill is hot, so after preheating, use a long-handled wire grill brush on your grill rack to clean off charred debris from prior meals. Scrape again immediately after use. 4. Oil It Up– Even on a clean grill, lean foods may stick when placed directly on the rack. Reduce sticking by oiling your hot grill rack with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel: hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.) 5. Marinate Your Meat -Marinating does more than infuse food with flavor; it also inhibits the formation of potentially carcinogenic HCAs (heterocyclic amines), which form when grilling “muscle meats” like poultry, red meat and fish. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), marinating can reduce HCA formation by as much as 92 to 99 percent. 6. Is It Done?The best way to know if protein is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. 7. The Hand Test- To gauge the temperature of a grill without a thermometer, place your open palm about 5 inches above the grill rack; the fire is high if you have to move your hand in 2 seconds, medium if you have to move your hand in 5 seconds and low if you have to move your hand in 10 seconds. 8. Tame The Flames- Flare-ups happen when fat drips onto the heat source and catches fire. This causes carcinogenic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) to form and accumulate on your food. Meat licked by flames also tastes “off” and flames may char the outside of food before the inside has thoroughly cooked. To reduce flare-ups, select lean cuts of meat, trim excess fat and remove poultry skin. And, keep a squirt bottle of water near the grill to quickly douse any unexpected flare-ups. 9. Give It A Rest – Let finished meats rest on a clean platter, tented with foil, for about 10 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute evenly. 10. Veggies Lift – Keep the lid up for Veggies so they don’t become too limp and are crisp not soggy 11. Fishy Fish – For fish, slice lemon and make a bed of them and lay the fish on top to grill. 12. Ribs Boil – Boil ribs for 10 to 15 minutes before grilling to make sure you kill all bacteria from them.
13. Get Saucy – Add the sauce during the last 15 minutes of grilling.
14. Keep it Juicy – Don’t flatten your burgers and cause all the succulent juice to run out. Instead poke them with a fork.
15. Portion control – To avoid overcooking or undercooking, grill smaller pieces of meat at a time.
