Holiday Baking: Time-saving Tips And More

There is nothing better than the sweet smell and delicious flavor of fresh homemade pies, cakes, and cookies...especially during the holidays.

Baking for the holidays should be both rewarding and fun. Get your kids involved. Have them go with you when purchasing the ingredients...make a day out of it and go for lunch. It will make the day more meaningful and also will get your children interested in actually helping to prepare your family favorite treats. 

 You can always take the easy way out and purchase Mrs. Smith or Sara Lee ready-made desserts. But of course, it's just not the same as made from scratch and certainly not as much fun. If you're like me...you want everything festive, special, and homemade. The aroma of homemade delights baking in the house gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

There are a lot of helpful tips to sweeten your holiday baking experience. And with the added tasks of gift buying, decorating, and planning your holiday events, some useful tips will come in handy...especially if it saves you some time in the kitchen.

Below are a few time-saving baking tips

Unfrosted cakes can be frozen for up to 4 months, but no longer. To freeze layered cakes, place the cooled layers on baking sheets, and then freeze until firm. Transport the layers to large freezer bags and then seal them in freezer wrap.

Angel food and chiffon cakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. The fragile sponge-texture may crumble and deteriorate if stored in freezer longer. Loosen wrap and thaw cakes at room temperature for 3 hours before frosting and serving.

Homemade fruit pies can be frozen for up to 4 months. For baked pies...let them cool completely. Store them in freezer bags and then seal them in freezer wrap. Thaw them at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

For unbaked pies...it is best not to cut slits in the crust tops or brush with egg white until thawing. Before assembling pies, treat light-color fruit with ascorbic acid color-keeper. Assemble pies in metal pans. Store in large freezing bag and then seal them in freezer wrap.

To bake a frozen pie...unwrap, and cover with foil. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 375 and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Cookie dough can also freeze well for 4 to 5 weeks. For sugar and butter cookies...divide dough into small sections and form into logs. Double wrap the logs with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake the cookies, slice the dough log in 1/4 inch slices with a sharp knife. An electric knife works really well for this.

For drop cookie dough...here is a great idea. And remember, you can do this 4 to 5 weeks ahead of time. Roll spoonfuls of the dough into balls and place on cookie sheets lined with waxed paper and put the sheets in the freezer for about an hour. Then place the dough balls into a large resealable freezer bag. When ready to use, you can then bake the frozen dough balls at the normal temperature without thawing. Just make for sure you add just a few minutes to the baking time.

Important Note: Always make for sure you label everything before storing in the freezer.

Some helpful reminder baking tips

Frozen Desserts: To make serving frozen desserts easier, dip knife in warm water before slicing

Cookie Tip: Allow cookie sheets to cool slightly between baking each batch to preven cookies from flattening and not hold shape.

Glass Baking Pans: For best results, when using glass baking pans, always reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees.

Golden Crust: Give partially baked pies a golden crust by brushing the edges with a lightly beaten egg white.

Pumpkin Pie Tip: For real homemade pumpkin pies, picking the right sized pumpkin is important. A 6 pound pumpkin makes about 2 cups pulp. A 15-ounce can of pumpkin equals approximately 1 and 3/4 cups pulp.

Crust Tip: Too much flour or water will make a crust tough, while too much shortening will make it too crumbly.

Cinnamon Sticks: They just have a pleasant aroma and can also infuse festive holiday treats with appealing taste. For a spiced drink, simmer with cider. A cinnamon stick can also be used as a stirrer for hot cocoa, coffee...or any of your favorite drinks.

Just a few simple tips such as these can ease the stress a bit from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Toronto Travel Agency–make Your Vacation Unforgettable

Whenever you plan for a vacation, you end up in a state of confusion because of numerous choices. Toronto is one of the most popular destinations to make your vacation memorable. There are millions of tourists around the globe who prefer to come to Toronto to enjoy its diverse culture, attractions and its natural beauty. If you are planning to visit Toronto, then you can consider hiring the services of travel agency Toronto.

Toronto travel agent can benefit you in many ways. First and foremost, they provide you with the complete information and travel tips so that you can plan your holidays accordingly. These travel agencies handle your every need from bookings in hotels to family package deals, and also arrange all the reservations in flights, cruises etc. These agencies give you step by step guidance so that you can make your holiday just perfect.

When you hire Toronto travel agency services, you just required to give them your desired schedule and budget. This agency will take care of your every need and will provide you with the best services. From booking the airline tickets to hotel reservation, all these tedious jobs are done by them, which will probably save your time as well as eliminate the stress of planning a holiday.

Apart from the bookings, they will also offer you the package of discount vacations Toronto. There are several people who cannot afford to go for a long trip but these discount packages will give them the opportunity to travel and experience such beautiful places. Canada has a prosperous economy and the recent development has made it worth visiting. To visit this amazing place is like rejuvenating your soul.

Once you hire this Toronto travel agency, you will be able to take their advantages anytime. When you are on your way for long holidays and face some uncertain circumstances, you can immediately contact them and they will get all the solutions for your problems. For example, if your flight is delayed or canceled, these agencies will get your booking done in the hotel wherever you are stranded and also provide you with the cab to pick up you from airport to hotel. These agents help you in every possible way and give you the best services.

Nowadays, there is immense competition among these travel agencies. You will be able to choose the best service that is affordable. There are lots of websites cropping up every day giving you the various discounts on groups packages, vacation packages etc. But before you hire any services be sure that you are checking the authenticity of the site. This will help you in making your trip stress free and you will certainly enjoy the tranquil climate of Toronto with your loved and dear ones. So why wait and waste your precious time. Hire one of the reliable services of these agencies and make your trip unforgettable. 

Ask Your Travel Agent These Questions

When you schedule a vacation, you have two main options - booking everything yourself or working with a travel agent. Although many think that they can save money if they do the work solo, you can often get special deals if you work with a travel agent. However, keep in mind that your vacation can be much improved if you ask the right questions. Here are the top questions you should ask your travel agent while making vacation arrangements:

Question #1: Can I get a better deal if I travel on different dates?

If your vacation time is somewhat flexible, you might be able to get a better deal. Originally, your travel agent will put together a package based on the exact departure and return dates your give him or her. However, if that total price still seems a bit high to you, inquire about changing your dates of travel, even if it is only by a day or two. You can usually get a better deal on flights, for example, if you travel on off-peak days, which are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Hotels may have similar mid-week rates, and some tourist attractions even have different rates for weekdays rather than weekends. Before you cut your vacation short, ask about moving the entire schedule by a day or two - you might be pleasantly surprised at the recalculated price.

Question #2: Are the tickets refundable?

When you work with a travel agent, you will probably be booking your vacation months in advance. In that time, circumstances in your life can change. But often your tickets are not refundable if you choose to cancel the trip, nor can they be exchanged if you want to alter some details of your vacation plans. Sometimes, even if the airlines, hotels, etc. allow you to change or cancel, your travel agent requires a cancellation fee for the time she put into planning your vacation. Make sure you discuss these potential charges before you begin working together. Also, if reservations can be exchanged, note whether deadlines are from the date of ticket issue or the date of travel. Policies vary from company to company.

Question #3: How much is your fee?

It is not impolite to ask about the surcharges. While you may feel weird asking upfront about money, this is the best way to find a travel agent who will stick to your budget while still getting you a great vacation. If Travel Agent A charges 10% while Travel Agent B charges just 5%, you will get a much nicer $5,000 vacation with the second agent because less of your total budget is being paid for fees. Also, it is important to review pricing policies before you start working together so that you are both clear on your overall budget. If you do not specify that your total budget amount includes the travel agent s fee, you could find hundreds of dollars tacked onto the end when it is all said and done.

Question #4: Where can I find more information about my destination?

Travel agents will usually give you some brochures and other information about your vacation location. However, if you want to do even more research, ask your travel agent where you can get started. He or she might have some excellent books you can borrow or know other great websites chock full of travel information for people unfamiliar with a particular destination.

Question #5: Do I need a passport or visa?

Laws regarding travel documents are changing all of the time. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the United States, even if it is just through international waters, make sure that you understand what documents or permissions you need to travel legally. Although many travel agents will give you the information you need when you first begin working together, some assume that you are taking care of this yourself. What do I need to travel to my destination? should be one of the first questions out of your mouth when booking a vacation and it is a good idea to continuously double check this information, as laws may change. Remember, you should apply for travel documentation at least three months before leaving - and in some cases, even earlier. If you do not have the proper documentation, you will be stuck in the United States, and you likely will not be refunded for the vacation you missed.

Your travel agent should be willing to answer all of the above-listed questions and more. That is their job - making your vacation go as smoothly as possible. When choosing a travel agent, make sure that you find one who is friendly, knowledgeable, and able to answer whatever questions you might have about your vacation and travel plans.

Travel Agency Software –how Sweet It Is?

Travel, especially leisure travel can be a fickle business. Your travel agency software is only as good as your clients last booking and the way the feel about their trip. The better the travel agent software, the more time and patience your travel agents have to listen to their customers, understand their needs and close the sale!

Tried and Tested Solutions - Travel Agency Software 

Can you afford a melt down in your travel agency software? Of course not. So why take a bet on an unproven t travel agent software or custom designed packages? There are cost effective travel agency software providers that offer highly stable and totally reliable, travel agency systems – a safe, proven route for conservative, busy travel agencies.

Product Flexibility - Travel Agency Software

A stand alone travel agency package is just that – STAND ALONE! The meaning is when you have a problem, you stand alone opposite your travel agency software provider and seek customer support. How much time goes by before your problem is solved? An few minutes, an hour, 4 hours? The advantage of being a travel agency software subscriber is the safety in numbers factor. It’s not just your problems, it’s everyone of the network’s problem and will be fixed quickly.

System Flexibility - Travel Agency Software

Travel is a fast-changing industry and frequent travel agency software updates keep leading travel agencies just one step ahead of the pack. A well known, respected travel agency software developer has the resources and personnel to keep a travel agency fouces on selling travel packages that seamlessly interface with its flexible and adaptable tour operator system.

Keep It Simple - Travel Agency Software

A single travel agency software network that provides an end-to-end solution is a proven strategy for travel agency success. While your agents learn new products, your travel agency software provider upgrades the network without interruptions to your staff with software updates. This means your travel agency can seize new opportunities and change your system needs without having to migrate to a new travel agency software network system. All your agents have to do is Just ask for the order!

Six Tips For Enjoying The Holidays Stress Free

Life in and of itself can prove to be very stressful at times,however, more often than not the holiday season can stir up quite a lot of stress. For most of us, the holidays includes too much time fighting traffic, spending way too much on our credit cards, entertaining relatives and pretending to be thrilled when we receive yet another George Foreman grill. It's no wonder that in an effort to pull off the perfect Disney holiday you might find yourself facing an overwhelming array of chores, shopping, baking, cleaning, etc. and you have to manage to get it all done either on your days off or after work. This year, you can make it a point to enjoy the holidays more by simplifying some of the work, while maintaining what makes the holidays special: The Love and fellowship with friends and loved ones. Here are some tips to help you cope with, or even avoid holiday stress:

ASK HELP FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS Putting up a Christmas tree and other decorations can be exhausting. Asking family and friends to help is one of the best ways to save energy and have a beautifully decorated home for the holidays. If everybody in your family gets along, consider yourself blessed. But if your family is full of friction, the holidays can become very unpleasant. You can clear the atmosphere by involving everyone in the planning and decision making. Make it a party. Serve food and refreshments and have fun. 

GO EASY ON ALCOHOL A stiff glass of eggnog can be a good way to toast the holiday, but don't go overboard. Too much alcohol will only add to your stress.
KNOW YOUR SPENDING LIMIT Much of the stress of the holiday season comes from feeling pressured to buy bigger and better gifts for those we love, even if this puts us in debt. If you are a Grandparent like I am, this can be an especially challenging temptation. Expensive gifts won't gaurantee a happy holiday. Even children will be grateful for moderately priced gifts that are chosen with care.

START YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT SHOPPING EARLY People sometimes postpone holiday shopping until the last minute, but shopping early you can avoid the stress of dealing with crowded stores and parking lots, traffic jams,cold, snowy weather,etc.

DO YOUR SHOPPING ONLINE Shopping for gifts online is an ideal way to buy gifts for friends and family. You can check your list and see how many gifts you can purchase at the same online gift store, and try to get all of your shopping done at once. Many gift store websites offer great sales and discounts, especially during the holiday season. Don't stress yourself out wondering what gift to get for someone who has everything. You can purchase Gift Cards in different denominations, place them in a Christmas greeting card and you have the perfect gift for people of all ages.Save money, save on gas, and shop from the comfort of your home.

KEEP MOVING Exercise is always a great stress reliever. Instead of watching It's a Wonderful Life for the 100th time, grab your favorite cousin and go for a brisk walk.It will improve your heart health and it's a great way to shed those extra calories from eating too much of Aunt Mary's German chocolate cake.

I hope this holiday season finds you happy, healthy, calm and peaceful. Give these tips a try, and I guarantee you'll have less stress and more fun!!
Happy Holidays!! 

Tips For Planning A Diving Holiday Efficiently

Exploring aquatic wildlife is one of the most sought after pursuits of adventure lovers. Scuba diving is a good means to explore the subaqueous environment. It has evolved a lot lately and with better security and safety and modern equipments, scuba diving is an adventure that anyone can immerse into. There are abundant diving clubs all over the world where one can learn diving from the trainers. You can take your whole family on a diving holiday to the fascinating dive sites in Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil or New Zealand and inspect the subaquatic life at a point blank range. If you are contriving on a diving vacation, here are some tips that may come in handy.

Carry proper apparels before setting off on your diving vacation. On the beaches, you won’t shake with cold, so it isn’t necessary to carry a trunk load of warm clothes. Pack ample shorts and T shirts. You’ll need sandals and other footgear that would be well suited to wear at a seaside. Also carry enough undergarments as you will need to change them frequently. Do not forget to carry courtly clothes for the nights out or when seeing historical and religious places. 

Besides basic article of clothing, you’ll need other outfits that you might require while diving. Carry your bathing suits and swimming trunks and carry at least 3 or 4 of them. Also carry water resistant jacket and life vest for you never know when you may land in an emergency situation. And most of all, carry right dive gear. You may also get one at the dive site but if you are planning on taking your own diving equipment, be sure it is in correct working order. Better get it maintained and checked properly. Or you can also purchase a new one if your old scuba gear is already in ruinations.

Decide where you will be going for your diving holiday. If you don’t have many days at hand for a holiday, plan a trip to dive sites that aren’t very far away from your urban center or your country. If you have enough time, you can go miles and across the continents to dive sites in the most exotic destinations. The amount you can splurge on a holiday also pays a key role in the choice of a diving club. Diving Clubs in the European countries are much expensive than the ones in Asia. If you are on a tight budget, make a trip to Kingdom of Thailand or Bali where you can find enough diving clubs that are much low priced. Look on the internet and find out the diving clubs at a certain dive site, their charges and services etc. Learn about the diving experts at a diving clubs, the lessons they give, the safety measures they adopt etc.. There are lots of travel forums on the web where you may fortunately stumble upon the thread on the dive site you’re planning to go to. Read what others say about it and make a proper decision. Find the salient features of the dive site you’ll be visiting. Find out about sharks and dolphins that dwell in the area, the coral reefs, bottom dwellers etc. Again, rely on the internet to look for such data.

Some beaches are home to lots of worms. Mosquitoes and other parasites are common in many coastal areas; therefore it is better to carry insect repellents. Also carry a first aid kit and a small toolkit with the basic instruments. Don’t forget your Cam and binocular back home; you’ll regret big time not having them at the dive site. Along with that, you can also carry your mini netbook computer for surfing the net savoring the cool seaside breeze.
 

Travel Agents: Why Use A Travel Agent To Plan Your Holiday

With the convenience of Internet search and the cheap holiday deals that can be found online, you might be thinking, “why should I use a travel agent to plan my holiday?”

It’s a good question when you consider all that the Internet has to offer in terms of the wealth of information and the range of choices that are available. However, for many people, sifting through all of this can be an overwhelming task. For instance, where do you begin? How reliable is the information you find? And do you even have the time to explore each option thoroughly? 

This is where the expertise of a travel agent can be invaluable to you.

By asking a number of questions up front, an experienced travel agent can provide you with a manageable number of options that are tailored specifically to your needs; saving you from the pain of having to sort through all of those irrelevant and sometimes unsuitable deals that you might find on the Internet. A travel agent can also give you access to discounted package deals, hotel upgrades or other special promotions that would otherwise have not been available had you booked directly.

As well as being able to provide you with advice about such things as available dates, quality of locations and standard of facilities, a travel agent can also give you the benefit of their knowledge on a range of more complicated issues. For example, cancellation policies, visa requirements and other legal matters.

Possibly one of the biggest advantages of using a travel agent to help plan your holiday is if something should go wrong. Imagine you have booked your holiday online, only to find that when you arrive at your hotel there is no record of your reservation. Or perhaps your flight has been cancelled and the airline cannot find you a seat on another scheduled flight. What would you do?

Of course, scenarios like these occur quite rarely, but by using the services of a reliable travel agent, you would have the reassurance of a knowledgeable professional on hand to provide you with valuable assistance should you find yourself in a similar situation.

On the whole, there are advantages to using the Internet to plan your holiday and you can get some great deals if you are prepared to spend some time investigating the wealth of options that are available to you. However, the right travel agent can save you time, money and give you peace of mind; allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday the way you would want to.

If you do feel confident enough to book your holiday by yourself online, remember, you can always speak with your local travel agent first just to get a professional opinion and some useful advice – and it won’t cost you anything!