Why Finger Foods are a Party Essential You Must Perfect

At any gathering, whether it is a formal or casual one, the one thing guests always remember about it is the food that was served. They especially remember the appetizers because let’s face it, if it took you a while to serve the main course, they would’ve had ample time to digest and dissect every bit of those hors d'oeuvres. Finger foods are considered a god-send by party hosts for a lot of reasons, but the main ones would be first, it keeps the guests occupied while they prepare the entrees or main course. It also a kind of insurance in case the main meal doesn’t turn out quite the way you planned to. In any case, finger foods these days are just as important as the main meal and if your finger foods aren’t perfect to begin with, it can dampen what would have otherwise a perfect party. From as far back as the 18th century, finger foods have been referred to by the French as canapés, which was the original term for sofa. Finger foods used to be just thin slices of bread that were toasted or fried and spread with various savory toppings. It is because of the way they were served that canapés earned their nickname, because the topping just sat on top of the bread, very much like how people sit on sofas. Check Iconeventcatering.com.au for examples of the most popular canapés served at parties these days. When the Prohibition came around, bars and taverns were closed down but at the same time, small watering holes known as speakeasies came into being, mostly in the basements and homes of people who were a little more adventurous. To make sure the guests didn’t leave too inebriated and attracted attention to the secret saloons, they were served finger foods along with their drinks and these small bites proved to be the solution as they can be conveniently carried on one hand while the guests drank and socialized. As time wore on, the popularity of canapés grew so much that there wasn’t a cocktail party that didn’t serve them. Cookbooks published back then started to include sections on canapés and recipes for the now famous Lobster sandwiches a La Boulevard, Sardine Canapés and Cheese Wafers. More recently, however, the term canapés are reserved for more formal and fancier gatherings while finger foods became associated with more casual occasions like small parties, buffets, potluck and events like the Super Bowl. View IconEventCatering website to get an idea of the finger food menus you can serve for your own small gatherings. Finger foods used to be something you served if you were pressed for time but these days, it has become party essential that you must perfect since it sets the tone for what guests can expect as far as party food goes. There are various types of finger foods that you can serve depending on the occasion from casual cocktails to the most formal occasions like weddings. In addition to being fuss-free and convenient to eat, there’s just something fun about eating with your hands that makes the food seem even more delicious than usual. It seems to put most guests at ease, ensuring a good flow of party conversation. Check out some finger foods catering in Iconeventcatering.com.au to get an idea of what kind of finger foods are best served at parties today. Also, unless you’re a reincarnation of Julia Childs, you need to be able to whip up some really good finger food for your parties, just to give your guests something to be excited about and look forward to the main course. However, most people have no idea that crostini served with dollops of peanut butter on top do not count as finger foods and even if you have your closest and unless you have your closest and dearest friends and family as your guests, you may just find your party ending earlier than usual. So before you go ahead and decide to do the finger foods yourself, remember that variety is the name of the game. Try to serve at least four to six selections of meat, seafood and vegetarian finger foods to make sure you’ve got every kind of guest covered. While chicken wings and subs are a surefire hit, changing it up to similar but newer versions may just be the thing you need to liven up the party. But if you truly have no idea what to serve, you can always opt to find finger food caterers here for example and consult with experts on the best and most delicious finger food menus you can try. If you do decide to go for hiring professional caterers, there are three things you must consider: price, your guests’ preferences and time. Make sure you know how many people you are going to invite as catering companies usually price per head count. Consider the possibility of extra guests and even some party crashers coming in so it is important that you get an estimate from your potential caterers so as not to break the bank. Your guests’ preferences as well should be something you take into consideration. Make sure you know all their dietary restrictions and any possible food allergies so that you can pass on this information to your caterers. Nothing dampens a party more than a guest that suddenly breaks out in rashes or bloats due to eating lobsters or shrimps by mistake. And lastly, don’t forget to make your bookings in ample time, especially if you have special requirements that need time to prepare. Remember that while your schedule is important, the caterers’ schedule is equally important as they should also be able to give you what you pay for and it won’t do to have them turn you down especially if you are pressed for time just because they can’t accommodate your preferred date. When you go for catering finger food at IconEventCatering make sure you do it all in good time to have the best party everyone will be talking about for a long, long time.

Begin Your Career Search With The Finest In Resume Help Services

Determination for job searching and using a resume gets you into the job you want. No one can begin to enter the job-hunting field unless they have a great resume. But, the best way to begin is with a sample job resume. This resume will give you the chance to put down your skills and see if you’re qualified. Don’t be nervous to try out a new resume, that’s the only way you’ll know if you’re qualified for a specific job. Here are some examples of different sample job resumes. Administrative Resume Administrative resumes highlight the administrative details for an applicant. This type of sample job resume begins with the applicant’s name and contact information centered at the top. Below that and left aligned is the experience they’ve had. List your information with the most recent job you had. Make sure to highlight the notable duties below each job listed. At the bottom of your sample job resume, list your education for your administrative position. Management Customer Service Resume This type of resume requires a little more work. Your name and contact information is listed at the top and centered. However, listed next are your qualifications. This information will detail everything you can do that makes you qualified to be a customer service manager. Most sample job resumes will tell you to list your best qualifications and if you’re willing to travel or relocate. After this, list your prior work history with dates and detailed information regarding your responsibilities. Finally, list your education and any certificates or awards you may have received. Information Technology Resume Information technology is a big field that many people aspire to succeed. The opportunities in IT are virtually endless. To begin your IT sample job resume, start with your information at the top and make sure it’s centered. List your qualifications and reason why you are fit for the potential job. Below that, list your technical skills in a bulleted format. Highlight your best skills first, then add additional below those. List your work history as professional experience, and make short, detailed notes about what you did in your previous jobs. Freelance Writer Resume This type of resume is different from your typical sample job resume. This resume requires a bit of character since you are working as a freelancer. You’ll want to enter an objective below your contact information. Then, list your professional experience and highlight everything that you are capable of writing. Below that, list clients you’ve worked for and pieces that you’ve completed for them. The next thing is to list your portfolio and provide a URL so that your potential employer can view your past work. Having a URL branded with your professional writer’s name looks great on you. Find different sample job resumes and compare which one works best for you. Some formats of resumes work for one individual, but not all resumes fit one person. Try out a few for yourself before finalizing any and sending it to an employer.

Miss America 2013: Mallory Hagan’s boyfriend Charmel Maynard is a broker-dealer

Charmel Maynard might be the most hated guy or the luckiest man on the entire United States as his beautiful girlfriend Mallory Hagan was crowned Miss America 2013 last Saturday night. The 23-year-old beauty scored highly in the talent competition with a tap dance to James Brown's “Get Up Offa That Thing” and wowed judges with an unadorned, off-the-shoulder white evening gown. Miss New York also deftly dealt with a question about guns, and raised the issue of child sexual abuse in her contestant platform to beat Miss South Carolina Ali Rogers, who took second, and Miss Oklahoma Alicia Clifton, who finished third. At the time of the blonde’s victory, she was supported by her boyfriend, Charmel Maynard. Mr. Maynard is currently a financial professional at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and a broker-dealer with over 7,650 registered representatives nationwide. Mallory Hagan and Charmel Maynard have been dating for a couple of years and they seem really happy. Mallory Hagan's 28-year-old boyfriend said he thinks that pageants are dismissed by some, but Maynard hopes Hagan's willingness to take on the sexual abuse issue will lend legitimacy to her new role. Mallory Hagan from Brooklyn, New York, wins the title of Miss America 2013 - beating out 13,000 other contestants including the pageant’s first autistic contestant and a woman with Tourettes. Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan has an impressive answer to the question about whether armed guards belong in grade schools by saying we should not fight violence with violence. She is supported by her boyfriend Charmel Maynard at her time of her victory. Mallory Hagan’s boyfriend Charmel Maynard comes from a Trinidad and Tobago family. He is currently a financial professional and a broker-dealer. The new Miss America’s beau has held an industry securities registration for 2 years and is subject to FINRA oversight JP Morgan. The adorable couple has been dating for 2 years and now they seem really happy in love. Video: Charmel Maynard girlfriend

Top 20 Superfoods For Weight Loss

We all know the foundations for successful weight loss are having a healthy diet and doing exercises frequently. Many people fail to lose weight, despite their long and hard efforts in the gym. Therefore, if you want to boost your weight loss speed, check out these 20 secret-weapon foods which are shown to be useful for obese people. 1. Apples Apples are known as a natural weight-loss food. They contain fiber, minerals and lots of vitamins. Especially, this fruit type is low in calories, low in fat as well as sodium. Thus, apples can help you lose weight in different ways. The fiber helps expand in your stomach; therefore, you will need less food to satisfy your hunger. Apples are a low-sodium food that helps prevent excess water weight or retention. Lastly, your health and vitality are increased significantly thanks to vitamins found in apples. 2. Kiwis Kiwis carry a lot of nutrition in a small package. They are low in calories and also packed with plenty of fiber. Nutritionists show that foods, which contain a great deal of fiber, can reduce high cholesterol levels. Consequently, these food types including Kiwis may reduce the risk of heart attack and heart disease. Fiber is also good for filling you up and suppressing your appetite- a great advantage for those wanting to lose weight. 3. Blueberries Blueberries are a magical food helping people control their weight effectively. The reason is that they are low in sugar; have no fat and are free with cholesterol. In addition, they are high in fiber which will help to fill you up, while not providing you a lot of calories. To eat 100 calories worth of blueberries you would need to have 1 ¼ cup of blueberries. 4. Pomegranates Pomegranates are extremely nutritious and their high fiber content can help control blood-sugar levels. One cup of pomegranate contains about 150 calories. This type of fruit is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and folate. However, dietitians suggest that you should not just drink the juice; eat them for their biggest weight-loss benefits. In addition to doing exercises frequently and having a healthy diet, adding pomegranate to your diet will surely help you lose the pounds easier as it is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, all of which help you burn fat and boost your metabolism. 5. Pears Pears are the great source of fiber, which can help regulate your digestive system. This type of fruit is a magic food for weight loss since their pectin promotes fullness, helps control your cravings. At only about 100 calories per pear, this juicy, sweet fruit is great as a stand-alone snack, with a meal, or pureed into dessert. 6. Quinces Related to apples and pears, quinces are a golden yellow, broad pome fruit loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fiber, copper, and pectin, which helps control the digestion and improving your blood sugar level. Quinces have a sour flavor; thus, you won’t want to eat these right off the tree. Try them in jams and jellies, or dice half of one into a homemade apple pie to enhance its flavor. 7. Bok Choys One cup of cooked bok choy provides only 20 calories. According to nutritionists, it's loaded with fiber and rich in vitamin A, potassium, calcium and beta-carotene. It has a particularly large water content, which can help you feel full and lose even more weight. 8. Runner Beans These protein-rich beans are low in fat and high in fiber. One of the disadvantages of low-calorie diets is that it makes you feel constantly hungry. When we eat protein-rich foods like beans, we'll feel fuller; therefore, smaller portions are likely to be taken. An important note needs to be mentioned here is that runner beans should not be eaten raw because they contain a chemical called lectin phytohemagglutinin, a toxin that has bad effects on the red cells in your blood. Be sure to cook them thoroughly before eating. 9. Pumpkins Pumpkin is not only a super healthy treat, but it’s also one of the greatest weight-loss foods around. It is not high in calorie level, but full of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Pumpkin is also an excellent source of the important antioxidant beta-carotene. Enjoy it fresh or canned—you’ll still get the same nutritional benefits. 10.Yams Yams are packed with antioxidants (like carotenoids), vitamins and minerals. They are quite low on the glycemic scale, meaning you’ll digest them slower and stay full longer. Moreover, nutritionally-dense yams in your diet can trigger the satiety center in the brain quickly, make you feel full faster. If you want to lose some pounds, yams should be included in your diet. 11. Kales Kale along with broccoli, it is one of the nutrition stand-outs among vegetables. For a green, kale is unusually high in fiber. This helps create the bulk you need to fill you up and to keep you full for a good amount of time. Kale is also an excellent source of nutrients, especially vitamin A and calcium. With a combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, kale is a dieter's dream food. 12. Lentils Lentils are full with fiber, which is crucial to satisfying your hunger and reducing your appetite. This food is rich in soluble fiber, which also lowers blood cholesterol. Not only that, but because they boast a bevy of nutrients, lentils are finally gaining the recognition they deserve as a great source of low-fat protein, making them the perfect substitute for meat. 13. Parsnips Like other types of vegetables, cooked parsnips contain approximately 3 grams of fiber per half cup to help you stay full and satisfied. Parsnips are considered as starchy vegetables, so it is recommended to be eaten in place of rice, bread or other starchy foods. 14. Cauliflowers Cauliflower is fat free, rich in vitamin C and can pass for a low-carb version of mashed potatoes with ease. Its strong flavor allows it to stand alone without any consumption of meat or other fatty foods. And if you're really hungry, raw cauliflower will serve you as a wonderful snack. Because it's extra crunchy, cauliflower takes longer to chew, giving your body time to realize you're really full. 15. Oats Like other food types, oats are a superfood to help lose weight, as they are a great source of fiber. Oatmeal is one of the greatest foods for breakfast because it boosts your energy and has lots of fiber to give you feelings of being full and satisfied. Oatmeal breaks down slowly in the stomach, giving you long-lasting energy. It is also full of water-soluble fibers, which play a crucial role in making you feel full over a longer period of time. Studies have shown that oatmeal lowers cholesterol level, stabilizes blood sugar level and fights against heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity. 16. Buckwheat Buckwheat lowers the risk of high blood pressure. This food is high in phytochemicals which protect against diseases by acting as antioxidants. Eating foods high in fiber, such as buckwheat, can also fill you up faster and suppress your appetite, a great tool for weight loss. 17. Garlic Garlic is rich in the compound allicin, which has anti-bacterial effects and helps remove unhealthy fats and cholesterol. This food acts as a natural appetite suppressant in several ways. Garlic has a strong odor which stimulates the satiety center in the brain. Thus, you feel less hungry and automatically eat at smaller amount of foods. Besides, its odor helps increase the brain's sensitivity to leptin (a hormone that helps regulate appetite). 18. Eggs Eggs are a good source of vitamins, proteins and minerals. As said by nutrition experts, eggs are not only a great source of nutrition, but also very useful to help lose weight. When combining eggs with other dishes you will limit the consumption of complex carbohydrates in the body. Your hunger and food cravings will occur less frequent. Egg itself is sufficient in helping in weight loss. It is strongly recommended to consume eggs for breakfast as it provides maximum advantages for weight loss. The more eggs that are consumed during breakfast time, the more lean muscle mass that is maintained. This is important for long term weight loss and its maintenance. 19. Wild Salmons Wild salmon is full with omega-3 fatty acids. Some dieters try to avoid any type of fat and believe that it will make them gain weight. This is completely wrong. By contrast, one particular type of fat, omega-3 fatty acid, is very good for your health. Omega-3 fatty acids actually promote weight loss in several ways. They help stabilize the insulin in your body and decrease insulin resistance. They improve blood sugar control, which helps reduce food cravings and overeating. Omega-3s help your body to burn off calories before they get stored as fat. 20. Sardines Sardines are a wonderful food for anyone wanting to lose weight. Firstly, sardines are packed with protein, which helps control blood sugar at stable level, makes you feel full and helps stimulate metabolism. Second, they're also a great source of omega-3s, which not only support the cardiovascular system but also are helpful in boosting mood. (When people are in a good mood, they have the tendency to crave less junk food.)

20 Foods That Reduce Stress And Depression

Your mood can be directly related to what you eat. When you are too busy and tired, you feel stressed out; it is tempting to grab refined carbohydrates and eat them in uncontrollable quantities. Instead of reaching a candy bar or dishing out a big bowl of ice cream to make yourself "feel" better, try some of these foods we've mentioned below. These particular comfort foods provide the vitamins and minerals for our bodies. Here's a list of the top 20 magical foods for stress relief. 1. Oranges Oranges are very rich in vitamin C and have the added benefit of being totally portable. Stress makes our body release even more free radicals than when we are in good mood. Interestingly, vitamin C helps to keep the free radicals in control, and repairs the body. Basically, it helps protect the body from the cumulative effects of stress. 2. Bananas Bananas are filled with potassium, the mineral essential to regulation of blood pressure (which can soar when you’re stressed). Bananas are also great in pacifying and soothing the mind since they are rich in tryptophan known as an amino acid which boosts the formation of serotonin hormone (makes you feel good) and melatonin hormone (makes you sleep well). 3. Spinach and broccoli Spinach Nutrition experts advise us to take enough magnesium in our daily meals to avoid migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs for magnesium. Broccoli Broccoli contains lots of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times under pressure. This stress relieving food is the same as spinach which is a great source of magnesium. It is also rich in vitamin B, especially folic acid which helps relieve anxiety, panic and even depression. 4. Avocados The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas). Moreover, it is also rich in glutathione, a substance that specifically blocks intestinal absorption of certain fats that cause oxidative damage. Avocados are claimed to contain lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and more folate than any other fruit. A single serving (about one-quarter of an avocado) has plenty of B vitamins, too. 5. Blueberries Blueberries are crammed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which are potent stress busters. Antioxidants fight free radicals that damage your cells and also help to repair and protect your body from the effects of stress. As an added bonus, they're low in calories, so they won't make you blimp-like .Blueberries are also a good source of fiber, which can help relieve the cramps and constipation that can occur in times of tension. Mix the little suckers with some cottage cheese or eat them on their own as a snack or dessert. 6. Chamomile tea This is probably one of the most recommended bedtime soothers. A new study from the University of Pennsylvania tested chamomile supplements on 57 participants with generalized anxiety disorder for 8 weeks, and found out that it led to a significant drop in anxiety symptoms. According to the University Of Maryland Medical Center, there is some evidence that, in addition to calming nerves, chamomile promotes sleep. Just pour a cup of boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping tablespoons of the dried flowers (you can buy chamomile either loose or in tea bags at health food stores) and steep for 10 minutes. You will be really relaxed when enjoying this special drink. 7. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that are powerful anti-oxidants that stimulate availability dopamine (dopamine is important for creating positive mood status). Sipping a warm cup of tea is a soothing activity that will help you prepare for the day ahead and feel nurtured. 8. Milk and yogurt Milk and yoghurt are very high in calcium and B vitamins, which help to build your bones and are essential for nerve health. They also contain the mood stabilizer tryptophan, which helps to calm your mind, and explains why some people like to drink a glass of milk before bed. 9. Ginger tea Taking a whiff of ginger tea can help improve your mood and give you a sunny disposition. It leaves you feeling refreshed and calm, and if you’re having a bad day, all those negative vibes will dissipate. Ginger tea is a remarkable stress reliever because of its comforting and relaxing scent. 10. Oatmeal Oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical. Not only does serotonin have antioxidant properties, it also brings a comfortable feeling that helps reduce stress. Oatmeal is an energy food that provides plenty of folic acid. If eaten on a daily basis, oatmeal can also help reduce your risk for heart disease. Studies have shown that kids who eat oatmeal for breakfast stay sharper throughout the morning. And beta-glucan, the type of soluble fiber found in oatmeal, has been shown to promote greater satiety scores than other whole grains. 11. Brown rice Complex carbohydrates are great for maintaining high energy levels in stressful situations. Brown rice and whole wheat pasta are complex carbohydrates that give you a sustained amount of energy throughout the day. 12. Salmon Salmon, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, helps brain cells to function more efficiently. As shown by a study from Diabetes & Metabolism, omega-3s help reduce levels of stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. 13. Tuna This kind of fish, like milk, is high in B6 and B12 which are a prime source in fighting against stress. Tuna is also a good low-fat protein food so we can eat it at least 3 times a week to get the ultimate stress fighting benefits. However, there is a caution that we should avoid eating too much mayonnaise in our tuna to reduce unhealthy fats. 14. Oysters Oysters are loaded with zinc. A six oyster serving, which is what you'd typically be served in a restaurant as an appetizer, has more than half the RDA for this important mineral. It is suggested that they're best served on ice with nothing but a lemon wedge. 15. Beef (Grass-fed beef is better) Beef is a great dinner option for a stressed-out family since it contains high levels of zinc, B vitamins and iron, which are also known to help stabilize your mood. A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that healthy volunteers who ate grass-fed meat increased their blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and decreased their levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. These changes have been linked with a lower risk of a host of disorders, including depression, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disease. 16. Chocolate Despite the fact that chocolate usually has caffeine, it's also one of the best foods to eat if you are engaging in a stress relief diet. Actually, most doctors have not figured out why chocolate makes us feel so good while some think it might be the antioxidants contained in chocolate. Because chocolate is high in calories so remember not to eat it too much. Obviously, when you gain 10 lbs, you'll feel even more stressed than before you tried to relieve your stress with chocolate. 17. Cashews Cashews are an especially good source of zinc. Nutritionists show that low levels of zinc have been linked to both anxiety as well as depression. In fact, our bodies have no way of storing zinc, it's vital to get some every day. However, for those going on a diet, they should use a proper serving size, as cashews are high in calories. 18. Garlic Garlic is rich in antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals (particles that have bad effects in our cells, encourage aging and cause diseases). Allicin, which is one of the compounds in garlic, has been linked to fending off cancer, heart disease, and even the common cold. Because stress weakens our immune system, it is necessary for us to eat garlic, which can toughen it back up. As long as you saute it in broth, not oil, you can add it liberally to all the meals on the plan. 19. Walnuts Walnuts contain fiber, antioxidants, and unsaturated fatty acids, particularly alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. These compounds could be responsible for the beneficial effects on blood pressure. Other polyphenols loaded in walnuts have been shown to help prevent memory loss. Now, nutrition experts have discovered that these tasty nuts can help battle stress and may also help reduce C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation. 20. Almonds These crunchy little dudes are great stress relievers: they're packed with vitamin B2 (riboflavin), zinc, magnesium and vitamin E. B vitamins and magnesium are involved in the production of serotonin, which helps relieve stress and regulate mood. Zinc has also been shown to fight some of the negative effects of stress, while vitamin E is an antioxidant that destroys the free radicals related to stress and heart disease. However, you should only eat a small handful at a time since almonds are high in fat. Although it is mostly healthy fat of the unsaturated variety, it could still make you pack on the pounds.