We all know how painful kidney stones can be or so we’ve heard. If you haven’t ever experienced a kidney stone, feel lucky. Some say it’s worse than giving birth. The biggest problem with kidney stones is most people don’t know what to do in order to dissolve them or even prevent them from happening.

Actual cause of kidney stones –

Most stones are formed when calcium in the blood is unable to dissolve into solution. This causes the undissolved calcium to form crystals which then pass through the kidney’s and eventually into the urinary track. When the stones are large enough and get stuck, this is when the excruciating pain sets in.

How to dissolve and prevent kidney stones –

There is a cheap and easy way to prevent kidney stones from ever happening. Juice- particularly citrus juice- has been shown to be an effective way to prevent kidney stones from ever forming. While preventing kidney stones seem to be an enigma to medical science that doesn’t understand the connection with diet, there is really an easy explanation as to why this works. Juices are usually acidic, and citrus juices have an acid called citric acid that allows the calcium to dissolve in the blood, be absorbed into the digestive tract and therefore able to prevent most stones.

What types of citric juices work best –

Lemon juice and orange juice, with their high content of citric acid, seem to be the most effective, while grapefruit juice and cranberry juice have shown mixed results and have caused higher rates of calcium stones in some studies. Apple juice, which contains malic acid, seems to work well. But make sure that your juice is 100% juice and does not contain high fructose corn syrup, as that has been shown to be a cause of calcium stones and could make your problem worse.

Healthy Salad Recipes are a work of art. The thing that I like about this artsy model of eating is that salads can be made with many different things in them, they can have or not have meat in them, they can be whipped up in no time, and generally speaking; they consist of healthy foods.

The only time that a person may run into trouble is at Salad Bars. Many offer a wide variety of greens,fresh vegetables, fruits; certainly, consumer may create his own salad, BUT, the problem arises when the temptation of too many foods offered to eat; foods are often over-exposed to flies and other disease carrying pests; and there is a risk of food poisoning from salad items allowed to stand at room temperatures for more than an hour or two. I say stay away from salad bars. The dressings are high in calories and one tends to use much to much dressing. What is our option? Eat a home-made healthy salad recipe.

Home made healthy salad recipes are so much better; we can choose to buy organic lettuces, and salad ingredients. If we use eggs, once again, range free organic eggs. Fresh fruit salads, once again do your best in purchasing local healthily grown organic fruits. A person will find they use less dressing than usual if the salad tastes good! And we can make our own dressings, vinaigrette’s, using fresh herbs and spices and a good extra-virgin olive oil.

The healthiest salad is likely one with dark green lettuce leaves, well washed and patted dry and place in the refrigerator until ready to make the actual salad, as this little secret will give you crispy lettuce. Break into smaller chunks when ready to use. Add remainder of ingredients. Just before serving,

pour your dressing (vinaigrette) onto the salad and toss gently until lettuce leaves and salad is covered. Serve your salad . Always use an attractive salad bowl, as it makes the food more appetizing.

Should you want your healthy salad recipe to be the main course, then there are a multitude of healthy additions you can add to the salad. Nuts, grains, almonds slices, sunflower seeds unsalted, artichoke, avocados,parsley, In some healthy salad recipes, deli meat is added, cut into small pieces, or even chicken pieces – the healthy salad recipe is at your fingertips!

Most independent high street and local shops rely on their location and ‘footfall’ to generate their sales. In good times this is often an adequate way to earn a decent income. But now ‘footfall’ is falling fast, independent shops wanting to survive need to use some new strategies. Here are 3 ways independent shop owners can take positive action to beat falling ‘footfall’.

In conclusion, while High Street footfall is falling, independent shop owners have two simple choices. Either get very, very busy finding new ways to generate business or ‘roll over’ and ‘give up’.  ‘Giving up’ should not be an option…

I don’t know about the weather where you are but it sure is hot here in Texas!  We had record breaking temperatures in May indicating we will really have a hot summer.  And what is better on a hot summer day than a good salad?  For diabetics especially, it is important to have plenty of protein in or with said salad.  I have pulled together some cool, refreshing, delicious salads you might want to try.  These salad recipes should fit right in with your diabetic diet.  Pick one and enjoy a cool, refreshing, lite meal today.

Here is a great salad recipe you could take to a picnic as it contains no dairy products.  Or add some sliced roast pork tenderloin and you have a lite meal.  The pork will supply the needed protein.

ORANGE-ALMOND SALAD

3 cups assorted salad greens

2 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned

1/2 celery, thinly sliced

2 tbsp chopped green onion

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/4 cup SPLENDA or Equal Sugar-Lite

2 tbsp canola or olive oil

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

In a large salad bowl, combine greens, oranges, celery and onion.  Set aside.  Blend vinegar, SPLENDA or EQUAL and oil in a small mixing bowl.  Using a wire whisk, whisk until smooth.  Drizzle dressing over greens .  Toss gently to coat.  Put into individual salad bowls and sprinkle with almonds.

This Chinese Chicken Salad is a great salad for for luncheons or dinner guests as it makes several servings.  It is a good choice for diabetics because it incorporates protein in the salad.

CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce

1 medium head of cabbage, shredded

6 chopped green onions

2 pkgs chicken flavored Ramen noodles

1/2 cup plain almonds, sliced

1/4 cup sesame seeds

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup sesame oil

1/4 cup rice or white vinegar

1 of the seasoning packets from the Ramen noodles

1 tbsp Splenda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place chicken breasts on foil and pour soy sauce evenly over chicken.  Wrap in foil to make a packet.  Bake for 35 minutes or until chicken is done.  Remove from oven, cool enough to handle and cut into bite-size pieces.  Toast noodles and almonds in a non-stick skillet, stirring so as not to burn.  Add sesame seeds at last minute and brown lightly.  Mix together oil, vinegar, seasoning packet and Splenda.  Put cabbage, onion and chicken pieces into a large bowl.  Pour oil mixture over top of ingredients in bowl and mix well.  Add toasted noodles, almonds and sesame seeds.  Mix again.  Ready to serve. 

The following bean salad is another great picnic item as it contains no mayonnaise.  It is perfect for diabetics since it features kidney beans and also contains egg.  Kidney beans should be a part of the diabetics’ diet.

NO MAYO BEAN SALAD

2 cans kidney beans, drained

1/2 cup diced onion

3/4 cup pickle relish

3 hard-boiled eggs, diced

2 tbsp cider vinegar

2 tbsp Splenda

In a medium mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.  Mix well.  Keep refrigerated.

No list of salads would be complete without potato salad.  Diabetics have to be cautious about potatoes but this recipe does add eggs and sour cream which do add some protein.  Just be sure you have a small steak, skinless chicken breast, chop or other desired meat with this salad.

RED POTATO SALAD

3/4 cup low-fat sour cream

1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise

2 tbsp cider vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp celery seed

2 lbs red potatoes, cooked and cubed

3/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes

1/4 cup chopped celery

3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

In a small mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and celery seed; set aside.  In a large mixing bowl, gently combine potatoes, onions, radishes, celery and eggs.  Pour dressing over potato mixture and toss lightly to coat.  Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

I hope you will enjoy preparing and serving these salads.  I don’t know about you but for me the less I have to have the stove or oven on in the summer, the better I like it.  ENJOY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gifts, Souvenirs, Boutique Clothes & JeweleryIt can be fun to wonder along Surin Beach road  to discover the small souvenir shops and boutiques clothing stores.  As you walk down Surin beach road there is a small gallery where you can buy paintings, and a lovely boutique clothes shop Dharma bum.  You could also visit Twinpalms Hotel, and the ‘Island Shop’,  on the ground floor near to the juice bar, selling beautiful bikinis, necklaces and bags, and Palm Spa sells interesting teas, essential oils, and candles. At Palm Spa you could treat yourself to a fantastic steam and massage, you will emerge feeling a million dollars!  As you continue walk towards the end of the road there is a fascinatingly shop – Soul of Asia, which is great for browsing.If you are visiting Royal Phuket Marina you may want to purchase some home-made chocolates and pasteries to die for. Royal Phuket Marina has a lovely furniture store with various items you could take home with you and spa.Surin Plaza, and Canal Village are also great places to explore.  For example, Ginger (ground floor, Surin Plaza) has some interesting trinkets, jewelery, and gift items.Within Canal Village you can find Jim Thompson Thailand’s famous producer of silk products including cushion covers, purses and other luxury items.  There is also a good coffee shop, clinic, travel agent, and souvenir shops.  It has an ATM and parking.Local Thai MarketsThe best local Thai markets is the Sunday market in Cherntalay, at the intersection by the Police station, every Sunday afternoon.  If you want to purchase everyday Thai style clothing, shoes and food this is the place to shop, beware buying toys for small children as the Thai products do not adhere to international safety standards.Western Style Super MarketsTesco Lotus is open from 9am to 10pm everyday, it has an ATM and parking, and it is located about 10 minutes from Club Lersuang.  Tesco Lotus is the nearest western style Super Market, it sells most grocery items including fresh milk, drinking water, fruit, vegetables, suncream, music, books, and newspapers; as well as a bakery and pharmacy.  Carrefour in (Jungceylon mall) Patong is much larger Super Market and it’s about 20 minutes away.  Other Super Markets such as Big C, and Tops can be found in the center of Phuket Island.  Local shops, grocery stores and Seven-Eleven convenience stores are on every main road.Shopping MallsThere are two main shopping malls, Central Festival and Jungceylon.  Jungceylon in Patong is the nearest mall, and it has a large variety of shops, including Robinson’s department store, sports shops, a diving shop, food center, cinema, nail and beauty salons.  You can park underground but you may need to pay a small fee depending on how long you stay (show your shopping receipts).  It also has an excellent indoor market called That’s Siam, perfect for souvenirs such as Thai Silks, Pearls, Shells and local items.  Central Festival is located in the center of the island and is about a 30 minute drive, it has some designer brands like Guess, and everyday shops as well.  Its a great place to buy good quality items, ask for a 5% tourist discount card.ATMs can be found at all shopping malls and large super markets, the nearest ATM’s are at Tesco Lotus and Surin beach road, near to the Tuk Tuk stand.

For more information on shopping, restaurants and things to do in Phuket, Thailand see our websites:Phuket Vacation Apartments and Royal Phuket Marina Apartments

Searching for information on Lemon Juice Detox Cleanse?  You can receive a free colon cleanse trial here.Been feeling depressed or lethargic lately?  Do you feel expanded more often?  A colon cleanse may be able to solve your problems.  The thing is that not very many people know how beneficial a colon cleanse is to our bodies and how an unclean colon can affect our health.  Things such as cramps, acne, and gas can all be caused by an unclean colon.  There are plenty of ways to cleanse your colon and you can try various over the counter colon cleansers.You need to have more fiber in your diet so make sure to include those foods that have high fiber content.  This also means that you would have to set aside the unhealthy foods that you eat which includes processed foods, fast food and junk foods.  This doesn’t sound very fun because it will make eating more a chore than anything else, but trust me because when you see the great results in your body you will be thankful you did.  However, if you have them in moderation you can still enjoy yourself once in a while.  Click here to get a free month’s supply of colon cleanse.To help your colon cleanse along, you will need to include foods in your diet such as healthy and organic food and wholesome foods.  Making healthier decisions is more expensive, but since you will save on junk food you can use that money to buy the healtheir foods.  Your diet should include beef, vegetables, turkey, legumes, and fish and maybe Lemon Juice Detox Cleanse.  Whole grain foods are healthy, they help your colon, and they will not make you gain any weight, so be sure to include them in your diet.  Ever heard that you should drink 8 glasses of water per day?  Make sure to follow this advice because it works.  Make your water more tasty and enjoyable by squeezing some lemon or citrus.  You can start off right every morning if you will drink a glass of warm lemon water.  This drink will make your body start it’s natural colon cleanse process.Also take in fiber supplements.  These will help cleanse the colon and eliminate any waste.  Visit this site to get a free month’s supply of colon cleanse and learn more about Lemon Juice Detox Cleanse.

There are many ways to treat acne. But the natural methods are very popular and many people prefer these natural acne treatment methods over other methods. The other methods include the use of medicines and the laser acne treatments. The laser treatment method is very costly but treats acne in very short period of time. The use of medicines is a good method and not much costly but it takes much time for full cure. These methods also have many side effects associated with their use. The natural acne treatment methods are usually very simple, easy, cheaper and effective. These have usually no side effects. These are the reasons that why people prefer natural remedies to cure acne and consider them as the best acne treatment methods.

Lemon juice is very effective in the treatment of acne. The lemon juice when mixed with cinnamon powder produces better results. To make this home remedy, just mix the lemon juice with cinnamon powder and make a homogeneous mixture. Wash your skin before applying this medicine. After washing your skin apply this mixture on your pimples. Leave the paste on the pimples for 30 minutes. After that, wash your skin, again, with warm water. Use this method daily for some days. You will see the improvement in your acne condition.

This treatment is very safe. But you feel irritation due to acidic nature of lemon juice. If you feel any irritation or any other problem by using this remedy then stop this treatment and consult your physician for proper medication and treatment.

1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy. It is a healthy cyclical movement that depends on where we make our purchases to stay healthy.2. Local independent shops invest more in our communities.Local businesses are usually more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial impact on our community. 3. Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices.Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and services available. Don’t get brainwashed by the big-box advertising, not everything is cheaper at the chain stores, especially when you think of the down-stream affects of the purchase.4. Shopping local supports entrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship fuels our local economic innovation and prosperity, and serves as a key means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.5. Shopping local retains our communities.People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. We have the power, every purchase is a vote for the company or companies that we want to have around tommorow.6. Shopping Local retains our distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.7. Shopping local saves the environment.Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long truck journeys thus having a smaller carbon footprint. Many local shops have P2, recycling and product life-cycle programs in place. Ask about what your favorite local shop is doing to be green, and make sure and reinforce it with a thumbs up and a thank you!8. Local shops are for everyone.Most people can get to their local shops easily on foot, bike or bus and this is especially important for the elderly and young people and those without transportation.9. Local shops value you more.These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business which means you get a higher standard of service. You can build a relationship at a local shop. Isn’t it nice to be greeted by name by the owner and be told, “oh, I just got something in that your spouse will just love, let me show it to you!” 10. Shopping local saves services.Private and public services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, cleaning services, and restaurants, etc. The very life-blood of our community is the network of local services that depend on our patronage to local shops for their survival. Next shopping trip, remember a dollar spent locally has a return on investment to you and your children’s heritage many times what one Washington would do at a big-box store. Go local; Go sustainable!

Healthy Herbal Salads

Healthy Herbal Salads can be made in as many ways as you can imagine. You will be limited only in what you can buy in the store or grow in your own garden.

 I read somewhere that a head of iceberg lettuce loses 50% of it’s nutritional value within 24 hours of being harvested. I wonder how long it took after the lettuce was harvested to deliver it to the warehouse? How long did it sit there before it made it to the backroom of the grocery store? How long before it was put on the shelf for you to buy?

I like to make my healthy herbal salads from produce that went right from my garden directly to my refrigerator and then to my table. Then I know they’re fresh and nutritious. I also like to know that no  chemical pesticides or fertilizers were used on my food. It can be a lot of  work raising my own garden but I  like to think my family is healthier because of it.

Gardening can also be very relaxing. When I’m feeling stressed out, anxious and sometimes a little angry I get lost in my garden and before I know it I’ve forgotten all about the stress, strain and anger.

As the seasons change you’ll probably find yourself making different kinds of salads. In the spring you’ll be using the tender young leaves as they first emerge from the ground. This is when dandelion greens are tastiest. In summer and autumn you’ll be using more mature plants and those that aren’t available in the spring.

 Your healthy herbal salads will taste much fresher and better if you leave the bottled salad dressings at the store and make your own. They are simple, inexpensive and quickly made.  You will find some basic recipes in this article which you can customize to your own liking.

 For a healthy herbal salad use at least one or more of these  greens as the base for your salad. Spinach Iceberg lettuce Dandelion greens, they must be harvested in early spring or late fall  or the leaves will be very bitter. Romaine lettuce  Radicchio lettuce Boston lettuce Bibb lettuce Leaf lettuce Cabbage, red or green

Here is a good combination to get your healthy herbal salad started. ½ head of romaine lettuce A small handful of fresh young dandelion leaves 1 small handful of young spinach leaves

Then, add one or more of the following to give your healthy herbal salad color, flavor and texture. Green or red peppers, thinly sliced Red onions, thinly sliced Tomatoes, in bite sized pieces Radishes, thinly sliced Carrots, grated Cucumbers, thinly sliced Olives Grilled chicken or turkey strips Cheese, thinly sliced in strips Deli beef or ham in thin strips Cauliflower in bite size pieces Peas, cooked, chilled and drained Cooked and chilled asparagus Boiled eggs, chilled and sliced Artichoke hearts, canned or cooked fresh and sliced Smoked oysters Shrimp Crabmeat Then add one or more of the following herbs to add subtle flavor to your healthy herbal salad. 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, fresh 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves, fresh 3 cloves thinly sliced garlic 3 chopped green onions 1 tablespoon oregano leaves, fresh 3 medium mushrooms, sliced Fennel bulbs, raw and thinly sliced Rose petals, violets, calendula petals. These are edible and will add  color as well as flavor. Sunflower seeds Pine nuts

Healthy herbal salad dressing ¼ cup oil 2 tablespoons vinegar (apple cider, red wine, etc) Juice of 1 lemon or orange or apple juice ½ teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon basil, oregano, chives, parsley or mint leaves Salt and pepper to taste Red pepper, optional

Mix the healthy herbal salad dressing in a jar or bottle and store in the refrigerator until needed. Shake before using.

Mix the ingredients for your healthy herbal salad in a large bowl, pour dressing over all and mix and serve.

You can change the flavor of your dressing by adding different herbs. If you are using fresh herbs they can be mixed directly into the salad if you prefer. Dry herbs are much stronger than fresh ones so use only about half as much as you would the fresh herbs. Dry herbs should be added to your healthy herbal salad dressing and stored in the refrigerator for an hour or so before using.

Cole Slaw

1 head green cabbage, grated or chopped¼ head red cabbage, grated or chopped1 apple, grated or chopped

Dressing

¾ cup milk¼ cup vinegar¼ cup mayonnaise1 teaspoon oregano or herbs of your choice.1 serving size package of stevia ( a very sweet herb with little or no calories) or you can use 2 teaspoons sugarSalt and pepper to taste.

Mix the ingredients for the dressing. If you used dried herbs you will need to let the dressing stand in the refrigerator for one half to one hour before serving.

To serve the cole slaw toss all ingredients, including dressing in a large bowl and serve cold.

Herbed Tomato and Cucumber Salad

3 large tomatoes cut in bite size pieces2 small to medium cucumbers, thinly sliced½ teaspoon fresh basil or oregano salt and pepper to tasteMayonnaise

Stir all ingredients together and serve cold.

Herbed Potato Salad

4 or 5 large potatoes, cooked, peeled and chopped4 or 5 eggs, chopped (optional)1 cup cheese, cut in ½ inch squares1 medium onion, chopped2 stalks celery, thinly sliced1 can olives, drained and sliced1 or 2 tablespoons thyme, oregano, parsley or other herbs of your choice2 or 3 heaping tablespoons pickle relish2 tablespoons mustardSalt and pepper to taste1 cup mayonnaise (you may add more if necessary)

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Let stand in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 hours for the flavors to blend. Serve cold.

Herbed Tuna Salad

2 cans white, chunk tuna1 stalk celery, finely chopped2 green onions, finely chopped½ can black olives, chopped2 boiled eggs, chopped2 radishes, chopped1 teaspoon fresh basil, oregano, rosemary or herbs of your choice2 tablespoons tartar sauce½ to ¾ cup mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients and serve cold on a bed of lettuce.

Herbed Chicken Salad

2 cans chicken1 stalk celery2 green onions, finely chopped½ can black olives, chopped2 boiled eggs, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, chopped½ cup chopped nuts½ to ¾ cup mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with paprika and store in the refrigerator. Serve cold.

Herbed Macaroni Salad

3 cups cooked macaroni4 or 5 hard boiled eggs, chopped (optional)1 cup ham, cut in ½ inch squares1 medium onion, chopped2 stalks celery, finely chopped1 can olives, drained and sliced2 or 3 heaping tablespoons pickle relish½ cup peas, lightly cooked, chilled and drained1 tablespoon thyme, oregano, parsley or other herbs of your choiceSalt and pepper to taste¾ to 1 cup mayonnaise (adjust the amount to your taste)1 tablespoon fresh calendula petals

Mix all ingredients except calendula petals in medium bowl. Sprinkle the calendula petals over the salad. Calendula petals have a light, peppery taste.

Heavens I’m hungry! I love to cook and I love to share my recipes but typing all of these recipes sure makes me hungry. I’ll send more recipes out again but now I gotta eat. See ya.

To find out more about herbs and how to use them visit www.healthyherbalplants.com./

 

 

Whenever it’s already salad time, people will begin to ready the key ingredients to complete the meal. Every recipe for salad includes lettuce and other vegetables, cheese, bacon bits and croutons. And to top it all off, the final recipe to flavor-up the salad – the dressing. Nowadays though, there are just so many salad dressings to choose from, so let us tackle some of them to help you decide on what to use for your salad.
No salad is complete without the dressing and frankly, I don’t know anyone who’ll eat a salad without it. In fact, when it comes to applying dressing, people mostly go into extremes. This is perfectly fine if you’re not overly concerned with health or weight, but if you want to trim down on those fats, you need to be choosy on what you put on your salad.
There’s no need to worry though since the choice for salad dressings is vast. Just take a look at any salad section of a grocery store and you’ll find lots of them adorned with their brands. Each brand will span into different flavors too and it’s quite confusing on what to choose to perfectly complement your meal. It’s easy to say that the sky is the limit, unless if you’re planning to prepare a specific type of salad, because sometimes a certain salad type can only go with a specific flavor of dressing too.
For instance, if you’re going for some Caesar salad, you wouldn’t think of any other dressing than the Caesar style. That’s quite obvious, just like partnering a Cobb salad with some tasty Green Goddess dressing. Bottom line is that sometimes, in order for you to recreate that fancy restaurant taste for your salad, you just have to follow the norm of using its partner salad dressing because most of the time, it’s better that way.
I can’t blame you for being creative too and in fact, I highly suggest experimenting with your dressing decisions. With all the salad dressing choices in the grocery, you just have to trust your gut and your taste buds on what you think will do the trick. You may make mistakes in choosing, but the rewards are definitely greater when you find a combination that you’ll always enjoy.
Salads are originally meant to be a healthy alternative meal. When we’re talking about dressings though, most of the time, health is compromised. You have to admit, you’ll rather want to smother your whole salad with some tasty dressing than just putting in a small amount. It’s still a fact that in eating, we would mind the taste more than the health factor.
Read the label – this same rule applies when choosing a healthy dressing. Your recipe for salad should consist of correct measurements too if you want to monitor calorie intake. About 2 tablespoons of dressing will do, really. That’s already 11 grams of fat, but it can be worse off if you don’t measure.
You can also search for healthier salad dressings in the grocery like those low fat or low calorie ones aligned with the regular ones on the same isle. These alternatives are very famous for health conscious individuals. The taste of these products is nearly the same and the price doesn’t really vary much, making them worth the difference for your health and weight efforts.
Of course, for the ultimate experiment, why not try making your own version of your favorite dressing at home? Olive or canola oil can be the building block of a wonderful home-made dressing. Put in some vinegar, add some lemon, pepper and other spices to taste, and amaze yourself with your own salad dressing creation.