Articles written by Elyse Grau

What is Helium

About me - Elyse Grau

I am an herbalist, a master gardener, an animal lover. I love to bake, and to experiment with recipes. I am an avid reader, and have been writing for about three years.

I live on five acres outside of a small (but growing) town in Oregon. I grow most of my

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Food & Drink > Cooking Fruits & Vegetables How and why to blanch vegetables: 1 of 12
Blanching vegetables is submitting them briefly to boiling water or steam. This destroys enzymes, changes the texture and sets the color. There are a number of reasons one might want to do this.For extended storage, particularly freezing, destroying the enzymes improves the keeping quality of the vegetables. The enzyme that c... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health How to treat canine diabetes: 1 of 6
Diabetes mellitus is a deficiency of the hormone insulin. It is thought to be an immune disorder. In animals it is usually the acquired, or Type II form, and is most commonly seen in older animals.Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps get sugar from the blood to the cells, where it is used as energy. When t... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Rescue & Adoption Tips on adopting your first cat: 2 of 10
If you are considering adopting a new kitten, I hope you will consider the local shelters and rescue groups as your first source. Your local shelters are probably bursting at the seams with cats and kittens, especially at certain times of the year.If you are looking for a specific breed, chances are there is a rescue group th... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Unique Gifts Gift basket supplies and ideas for that special gift: 1 of 5
If you are looking for a unique gift for the holidays, a birthday, housewarming or any other occasion, gift baskets can fit the bill. With a little bit of know-how and some imagination, anyone can put together a gift basket to thrill the recipient.The best place to start when building a gift "basket", is with a theme. The the... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Summer car travel with dogs: 3 of 13
Travel with dogs can be a challenge, but it can also be fun. And car travel in the summer carries extra risks due to the heat.Stopping at that quaint antique store or interesting sounding museum along the way is out of the question if it means leaving the pets in the car. Eating out will be limited to fast food takeout or pla... More..
Pets & Animals > Cat Care & Health What to feed your cat: 3 of 12
Feeding your cat the best diet you can will add years to your pet's life and reduce its chances of developing many common health problems. This article will help you identify and choose the best diet for your feline companions.How do you know which cat food is best? Many cat owners prefer a homemade diet.Making your own cat f... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Tips for buying basic pet supplies for your new pet: 1 of 4
There are some basic supplies that you will need before getting a new pet. You plan to provide your dog or cat with love, food, and shelter but you will need some supplies to aid those goals. Being prepared before the pet comes into your home will make everything go smoother. The following will help you make your shopping lis... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Tips for introducing cats to dogs, and dogs to cats: 6 of 21
I have had both cats and dogs for many years now, and as new animals have come along we have had to introduce young to old and adult to adult in many different variations. Depending on the animals themselves this can be easy or difficult, fast or slow.It is always best to be cautious and start slowly. Prepare for the event ah... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Care & Health Dog food choices: The homemade alternative: 4 of 12
Feeding a high quality dog food will add years to your pet's life and reduce its chances of developing many common health problems. This article will help you identify and choose the best diet for your furry companion.How do you know which dog food is best for your dog? For many the choice is a homemade diet. This is usually ... More..
Pets & Animals > Vets & Pet Health Keeping pets safe in cold weather: 5 of 10
When winter hits, the surest way to keep your pets warm is to keep them inside, especially at night.Older animals, puppies and kittens, and pets with certain diseases such as diabetes, heart and kidney problems should definitely not be kept outside.Some dogs tolerate cold weather better than others. Dogs bred in cold climates... More..