There are different types of knives on the market and, for many, it is a real madness to face the shopping cart and decide which knife you should buy, which are the essential ones that should not be missing in your case, what each one is for or what you have? What to consider when buying them.

This post is intended as a quick guide to precisely explain the features and functions of the main kitchen knives.

Types of Knives in the Kitchen: Uses and Characteristics

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It is a knife with a large blade that, due to its dimensions, is not usually included in chefs’ knife cases. In professional kitchens there is usually a couple and this set of knife available on our knife stores. It is used to cut bones, fillet large pieces of meat or for butchering large animals.

Chef Or Onion Knife

This is one of the essentials for any cook. It is used to cut, clean and chop meat or vegetables. It is the most used together with the lace. The length of the blade must be chosen according to the use that we are going to give it. A versatile measure is 18 -20 cm.

Lace

The utility of this knife is to peel, turn and clean products. It is a small knife, less than 10 cm and easy to use. It is another of the essentials in the case. It is not necessary that the lace that we acquire is of excellent quality as in other knives. This will be our battle tool; we will be constantly sharpening it so better choose a basic range.

Pestle Knife

The blade of this knife is elastic and has a fine point to allow it to reach the bones and tendons. They usually have a slit to be able to scrape the meat from the bones and separate them.

Fish Fillet Knife

Its blade is uniform and pointed. This knife has the most flexible blade of all, designed to be able to access the skeleton of the fish. It is important to determine the size of the sheet. Always choose a blade long enough to avoid passing the blade of the knife several times through the same piece of fish and thus end up mistreating the product.

Bread Knife

It is a serrated knife that does not allow us to crush the piece of bread when cutting it.

Ham Knife

It is a long thin knife. It is specifically used for hand cutting cured ham. It is not usual but it can come in handy on occasions to cut dough and obtain clean cuts.

Chaira

It is an essential tool in any chef’s knife case and the best knife sets. It is used to seat the knife edge. It is important to clarify that it does not sharpen.

Increasingly, in professional kitchens we find more frequently different types of Japanese knives. Asian cuisine is one of the most chosen to fuse other cultures even to be the basis of certain restaurants and it is normal for Japanese tools to be used by chefs. Among the most common, we highlight two:

Santoku

Let’s say it is equivalent to a chef’s knife. It is the most versatile knife in Asian cuisine. It has a wide blade and has two bevels as in western cooking. One of its characteristics is that it has some slits so that the food, when cutting it, does not stick to the blade. It is very common in professional kitchens and its uses include cutting vegetables, meat and fish.

Sashimi Knife

The blade of the sashimi knife is of high hardness. It has an edge on only one side and therefore requires constant maintenance and grinding by the cook. They are not very flexible and quite long (about 30 cm approx.) Why do they have these characteristics? Well, because this type of Japanese knife is designed to be able to obtain impeccable pieces of fish made in a single cut.

I hope that we have solved several of your doubts and that you are very clear about what you need. In any case, if you have any questions, we will be here on the other side to answer you as soon as possible.

If you have never been for a massage before, you may be wondering if there are any major rules to follow, but fortunately it is very straightforward. Usually, people focus on worrying if they need to shave their legs, but smaller details like this are not an issue and your massage therapist will not judge the appearance of your body. There are a few things to be aware of, but they are related to health and wellbeing. To make the most out of the massage, consider these contributing factors.

Stay Hydrated

When getting a massage, your circulation is increased and so is your blood flow – this can be naturally dehydrating. You should drink a lot of water both before and after a massage to help flush out the toxins that are released during the massage. Avoid alcoholic beverages too close to your massage appointments for best results.

Suitable Clothing

To be prepared for a massage, you will want to find suitable clothing to wear. If you are getting a back, neck and shoulders massage, you will want to wear something that can reveal those areas. However, you do not need to reveal more than you are comfortable with and do not need to be fully nude for the massage (though you will always be covered with a towel).

Check Your Skin

If your skin is too sensitive and irritated, the massage therapist may refuse to begin the massage – in your best interest. It is best to postpone your sunbathing plans until after getting a massage. To save complications when you arrive, be sure to notify them in advance if you have any open wounds or even severe sunburn so that they can avoid the area.

Plan Your Route

The last thing you want to do is struggle to make it to your appointment and arrive feeling stressed. This can close you off from being able to unwind during the massage. Plan how you will get to and from your massage therapist and always make sure to schedule the appointment conveniently so that you are not in a rush.

Tip: Avoid booking a massage that will require a long commute – if you are in Oxford for instance, search for “massage Oxford” to be met with relevant results and avoid your appointment feeling like a chore rather than a treat.

Shower Early

Both showering and getting a massage will increase blood circulation, so you want to avoid a hot rinse too close to the time of your appointment. Instead, leave a gap of a few hours to avoid sweating through your massage.

Wait to Workout

Working out will not only increase your blood flow and heart rate, but also work your muscles. This can interfere with the massage and you might not see as many benefits. Skip the gym the day of your massage; your body will thank you.

Ask Your Massage Therapist

Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to your massage therapist to clarify anything that you are unsure on ahead of the massage. They are the experts and will be happy to advise you, based on their own process.

 

You work out to look good and feel good. But while working out can leave you looking sweaty, flushed, and out of breath, you still want to look your best while you’re doing it. Fortunately, the greater focus on athleisure and the innovation that has spurred a wide variety of new outfits, workout technology, and other accessories has made it so that you can do exactly that. If you want to look great when you leave the house to exercise, here are a few tips on how to step out for your morning jog in style.

Get yourself a great pair of shoes and inserts for comfort and aesthetic.

There are a ton of great workout items that look great and help you enhance safety and performance. Take, for example, shoes. The shoes that you choose play a critical role in how your outfit looks and how well your morning jog goes. There are a ton of stellar brands out there, and you might even be able to find a pair that you can sync to a mobile app on your phone for more effective run mapping. With that in mind, you should focus on comfort, too. Let’s imagine that you regularly struggle with foot pain, knee pain, or back pain. Rather than simply settling, you could invest in a nice pair of orthopedic arch support inserts that keep your bones aligned and prevent pain during exercises like running. These will keep you comfortable no matter which sneakers you decide to put on. With high-impact exercises like jogging and running, you need to focus on safety and style!

Create a wardrobe that’s comfortable and stunning.
Everyone has their preferences when it comes to workout clothing and how it works with their body shape. For example, if you’re more of a casual jogger who likes to walk more than run, you might be able to rock a pair of jeggings with a comfortable tee. There are a lot of great denim pull-on jeggings out there to choose from for your morning jog. Of course, those who have a more vigorous activity planned alongside their jog may prefer spandex with a training bra that offers more support. Take some time to consider what type of exercise you’re going to schedule in your week. Then, create a wardrobe that’s both stylish and best suited for your level of activity. This will guarantee that you’re not feeling discomfort when it comes time to exercise.

Look for accessories that enhance your morning jog.

There’s no shortage of accessories that are designed to support you throughout your workout without looking bad or pulling attention away from your outfit. Many of these items are functional and necessary for your exercise session. One excellent example is water bottles. There’s a massive selection of handheld water bottles for running that will make it easy to keep water on hand when you need to hydrate. Of course, there are other more obvious examples of things you’re going to need during your morning jog, like a pair of classy running headphones that will help you listen to your favorite jams and effortlessly answer calls via Bluetooth when you need to. No matter what it is that keeps your runs looking and feeling great, make sure you have these things with you.

There’s a lot more that goes into exercise than just the motion. If you want to make sure that you look great when you step out for your morning jog or other exercises, use the guide above to create a fun wardrobe so that you look and feel your best.

Gifting is highly personal, and while some people agonise over what to choose, others seem to know right away what to get. It is always important to remember that giving a gift is all about the person who receives it. What matters most is that the recipient of the gift feels loved. What better way to show someone you care than to be interested in their life story?

Some people like to get practical gifts that they can use at home or work. Others will enjoy a gift that will make them giggle. Sentimental gifts, on the other hand, are a thoughtful way to show your best friend, mother, father, significant other, sibling, or someone else in your life how much you care.

Support Their Cause

Giving to a cause that is dear to someone’s heart is such a thoughtful and meaningful gift. It demonstrates to the gift recipient that you care about them and their interests. These could be anything from donating to a soup kitchen in their name, to an animal shelter, or supporting the local Hospice charity. Alternatively, you could even choose to volunteer your time. Make a voucher that you can present as a gift stating the number of hours you plan to “donate” to support their chosen cause.

Check out any organisation you’re considering donating to as this will ensure your money is going to the right place. Other organisations sell products where a percentage goes to certain charities or conservation trusts. These can also be perfect as gifts that mean a little more.

Jewellery with Meaning

The concept of meaningful jewellery, like that which relies on personalisation with regards to name, anniversary dates, symbols, birthstones, and zodiac signs are very popular gifts. At fullmoondesigns.co.uk you will find handcrafted jewellery that is inspired by colours in nature. No two items in the store are the same. The focus is on crystals that can be mounted in rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, or purchased separately, allowing your gift recipient to carry the tremendous healing qualities of crystals with them wherever they go.

Crystals are more than just gleaming rocks. These minerals can bring a variety of benefits to their owner. Some crystals are good for improving relationships, while others give crystal-bearers inner tranquillity. There are different crystals for different people. The perfect crystal can provide exceptional physical, mental, and spiritual health to its owner. To reap these benefits, however, crystal owners must keep an open mind. Otherwise, these stones could just be used as paperweights.

It’s more vital than anything else to think about and ponder on the person you’re giving the crystal to. All presents should be given with thought, but crystals should be given with even more thought, from picking the crystal to wrapping it and delivering it to the recipient. Because they reflect your relationship with the person you’re presenting them to, crystals and stones may be very intimate and powerful gifts.

Books and Art

Even for non-readers, books may be a terrific and meaningful gift if chosen with care. Knowing what interests the person who will get the book and understanding how that person learns are the keys to success. Some people learn through stories, while others learn through cold hard facts and pictures (not all books require a lot of reading!).

Giving art as a gift might be difficult since you may not be sure what kind of art the recipient appreciates. But if you know the person’s taste and style well, fine art that offers a personal narrative can become a highly appreciated and prized gift.

Random acts of kindness can be the best gifts to give, such as putting a meaningful note on a co-worker’s desk, mailing a book to a long-distance friend, or showing up with flowers for no reason other than they were lovely and you wanted to share that beauty with someone else. The benefit of these gestures is almost always greater than the work required to make them. Gift-giving is a unique language of love that everyone can learn.

 

Many people dream of one day hosting that perfect dinner party – the one where people never want to leave and speak about for months (or even years!) to come. Think back to the dinner parties you’ve attended, and there is likely one or two that stands out. It’s hard to figure out why they do, though, as many components make up an unforgettable time.

If you’re planning a dinner party and want to ensure everyone who attends has the best time ever, read on.

Send Physical Invitations

It’s easy to invite people to events these days, thanks to social media. Getting an invite over Facebook isn’t as special as a physical invitation, though. By sending a beautiful invitation in the post, people will feel far more excited about the event.

Serve Interesting Food

Do you want to serve your guests something they’ve eaten countless times or food they potentially haven’t had before and are excited by? By serving a meal a little out of the ordinary, you are sure to make an impression. For a long dinner party, canapes always go down a treat! If you’re wondering how many canapes do I need, be sure to do your food research in advance.

Hire a Band

A great playlist can lift the entire mood of the party, but a band does a little more. It’s a touch that doesn’t go unnoticed; live music provides that energetic ambiance that brings any party to life. Choose your genre carefully – for a classy event; you might want to go with a jazz band; if you want a little more dancing, a pop/rock band will work well!

Choose a Theme

Themes always add a little extra excitement to a party, so consider putting the theme on the invitations. There are plenty of ideas to choose from, from the simple but classic black and white event to a movie character theme.

Offer a Great Selection of Drinks

The best dinner parties keep the drinks flowing, so offer a great selection to your guests. Some people might want cocktails, others wine, whereas some might prefer only soft drinks all evening. By providing a mixture, the glasses are sure to never be empty.

Be Mindful of Lighting

You don’t want to ruin the evening by blinding your guests with too-bright lights or so much dimness that no one can see each other, so try out different lighting before guests arrive. Usually, some layered lighting with candles works best for dinner parties.

Focus on the Little Touches

It’s not always the big gestures that stick in people’s minds. Often, it’s the little touches that make the greatest impressions. Pretty napkins, fresh cuts of flowers, and other small decorations show that you’ve really thought about everything.

Hand Out Gift Bags

A great way to end the evening is to send people off with gift bags. Don’t worry, as they don’t have to include toys as they did at kid’s parties; there are plenty of adult items you can put in there, like coasters, mini cocktail bottles, and face masks.

Hosting an unforgettable dinner party takes some work, but the reactions you get will make it all more than worth it.