Without a doubt, buying property (vacant land) was the best investment I've ever made. When it became clear I'd never build the dream house on it (in that great Someday), I sold the land. I sold the heck out of it, in fact: that puppy went for almost three times what I'd paid for it three years before. Goodbye, student loans!
Staying close to healthy foods such as avocados, nuts, vegetables that are cooked or dressed with olive oil seasoned with sea salt. I stay away from any hormone induced items such as cow milk, using alternatives such as almond milk for coffee if needed. I take alot of nutrients because we don't get enough minerals from all our ingested foods, I love that we have Nutiva natural products that provide our necessary nutrients from chia and hemp seeds. Vitamins and detox vitamins such as activated charcoal and chorella pills helps me to regain vigor when stress and outside foods drag me down. I am healthy and haven't induced any medically crippling illness since eating and watching what I put in my mouth; it is the wisest investment: I must have saved thousands a year following such a healthy and nutrient-rich regimen.
Okay, so I distilled my first batch....and i'm too chicken to try it out. Maybe you can re-assure me? I did about 10 gallons of wort, which included probably 30 pounds of sugar. To distill, I used an aluminum (I know, I know) pot and lid with brass fitting and 10' of copper tubing. The first 10 ounces that I collected (overkill in terms of "heads" I would guess) really smells strong....sort of like acetone mixed with something else. This will be used as lighter fluid. From there, I distilled out about another 1.5 liters. Now, in addition to the aluminum pot, I also didn't keep track of the temps. I'm sure it way above 173. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the water was boiling too. However, even at the end, a teaspoon of sample would flame right up with a blue flame.
My first question is regarding the too hot issue. Other than adding some water to the mix, is there anything else to worry about? The second question is regarding methanol- I've also read many, many times that very little methanol is produced with fermented sugar. If I dumped the first 10 ounces of a 1.5 liter run.....is there ANY chance of methanol being in there? Finally, regarding the aluminum, yes I'll change the setup to 100% stainless and copper.....but really, I do not understand how any aluminum could get into the distillation steam and thus into the rum. Sounds like a good story....but chemically, I do not see it. Still, I'll make a proper distiller, with SS.
Along with education, my smartest investment has been maintaining a loving relationship. Numerous studies have found benefits to close personal relationships (see for example WebMD.com's article "Sex Better Than Money for Happiness").
I think I've made a few "smart investments", but one that I think is attainable for many is my purchase of a bike. My mountain bike cost a few hundred dollars -- so, not high-end, but not cheap either -- but it paid off for itself after a year of my biking to and from work every single day, rain or shine. Not only it's paid off in terms of gas money, but I'm in great shape from the mandatory daily exercises! It's also great for our environment :-)
The smartest investment I made was for my personal training certification. Now that I have been certified I have made back what I had spent for the certification and then some. Definitely worth the hours studying and money spent.
My greatest investment is my relationship with my spouse. My husband and I have a wonderful relationship which is the result of a concerted effort on both our parts to work out our problems and be better people for each other. Thanks to our strong relationship, I will never have to pay for a divorce, worry about my partner spending behind my back, waste effort on fighting over our goals in life and finances, or worry about keeping things "fair". We have saved enough money to have a 6 month emergency fund, pay cash for a car, and put a down payment on a house in a couple years by living together to save on expenses, spending nights at home in each other's company, and focusing on improving our future together. I will always be thankful that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this man, and I know we will both continue to develop our relationship and our family.
believe it or, the best investment i ever made was free, and it's my library card. that card has saved me a ton of money and led me to reading so many books. instead of a netflix subscription, i request DVDs from the library and their hold system allows me to constantly request new book titles.
My s,artest investmemt was buying a smartphone. It's intimate devies that is helping ,e tremendously to get organized and consume content on the go. Famtastic time saver and life changer.
The smartest investment I ever made was getting married to the right person. Life's joys are twice as sweet and the sorrows are half as bitter. We've supported each other through grad school, buying a home, and adopting our beloved dog. Because we're both financial tightwads, our money has tripled during our five years of marriage. But more importantly, we're rich in love.
The smartest investment I've made is investing in myself - especially my health. I started taking zumba classes which I love. It helps me stay in shape and I've made friends too which is an added bonus :)
My best investment has actually been my used F150 pickup. With a new home purchase and remodel, it has been great to avoid crazy delivery charges and paid for itself.
The smartest (and finest) investment I have made is learning a foreign language--especially that of Japanese. It opened up jobs here at home and overseas for me, a Japanese community I could integrate into and allowed me to educate others about my culture as well as share my knowledge about Japan with those interested in my experiences there. And travel, too!
I have been able to provide consultation and mentor-ship concerning living and working in Japan. Through English as a Second Language courses I have helped Japanese students further understand the English language while studying in the US and have been a kind of bridge, an ambassador if you will, between American and Japanese culture. Many doors of communication appeared because I gave my time and efforts over to understanding the language and the culture behind it. I love it and continue to reap the benefits of further language study, international connections, understanding of Japanese society and internationalization.
The best investment I ever made was my health. I checked out of the traditional Western medicine system a couple years ago and started seeing a naturopath. My health is great, and having to pay out of pocket on everything is worth it!
Best investment I made was starting a Roth IRA. I was filing my taxes in April 2009 when I realized that I should probably start saving for retirement (I was 24 at the time), so I got into one of those target date funds. This was back when the Dow was close to the bottom, around 8,000. We'll see how it ends up 40 years from now, but in the meanwhile, it's giving me peace of mind.
The smartest investment I have made was my mac laptop. It's speed is amazing, and since I use it every day the amount of time it has saved me alone is priceless.
The smartest investment I have made was buying a memory foam topper for my mattress. I haven't had backaches in years because of it, and my new husband has also discovered the joy of a backache-free life. No pain during the day means more productivity, better health, and mental clarity. I love it!
The smartest investment I ever made was getting a college degree. Although I couldn't find a job as a teacher with my degree, it helped me get into a training program where I became a computer programmer, working for twenty-five years in the lucrative software world.
My degree in Library and Information Science was my best investment. Not only was I exposed to a whole new breadth and depth to the word of information, the ways of examining information problems has led me to look at the internet, information and learning in a much more critical way. It led to a great career where I enjoy my work, and it has encouraged me to pursue other, long term, goals. After all, if I cam make it through a degree while working full time (thanks to the powers of computers and distance education) I can work to better my families financial future.
The smartest investment I ever made was marrying my husband 11 years ago. He is in commercial real estate sales and his positive energy is bringing prosperity into our home during one of the worst real estate markets ever. He only started as a realtor in 2007 after losing his corporate job in the recession. Working for himself is definitely one of the best decisions he's made, and marrying him was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made!
My best "investment" has been to forgo potentially higher salaries to remain at a major private university. The university has a tuition benefit that pays 70% of college tuition for my children. My children have begun to benefit from this "investment" and the total could reach $300,000.
Our best investment is a 10kw solar array. After a lot of research and indecision, we decided to take the plunge...with a company with most excellent references. They walked us through the process of selection, installation, processing our government rebates, cashing in on solar energy credits and hooking up to the grid. We are on our way to recoup our initial investment in about 6 years, and after that, it is all gravy. Best investment for ourselves, our home and Mother Earth.
Without a doubt, buying property (vacant land) was the best investment I've ever made. When it became clear I'd never build the dream house on it (in that great Someday), I sold the land. I sold the heck out of it, in fact: that puppy went for almost three times what I'd paid for it three years before. Goodbye, student loans!
My best investment was my college education (IT Degree). I came out of college with a good paying job right away and have weathered the depression.
The smartest investment we ever made was in our kids' education. Both of them ended up with really good jobs - education is what it's about!
Smartest investment I've made is starting a Roth IRA. At least I know I'll have some retirement money available, even if it's not a lot yet!
Staying close to healthy foods such as avocados, nuts, vegetables that are cooked or dressed with olive oil seasoned with sea salt. I stay away from any hormone induced items such as cow milk, using alternatives such as almond milk for coffee if needed. I take alot of nutrients because we don't get enough minerals from all our ingested foods, I love that we have Nutiva natural products that provide our necessary nutrients from chia and hemp seeds. Vitamins and detox vitamins such as activated charcoal and chorella pills helps me to regain vigor when stress and outside foods drag me down. I am healthy and haven't induced any medically crippling illness since eating and watching what I put in my mouth; it is the wisest investment: I must have saved thousands a year following such a healthy and nutrient-rich regimen.
Okay, so I distilled my first batch....and i'm too chicken to try it out. Maybe you can re-assure me? I did about 10 gallons of wort, which included probably 30 pounds of sugar. To distill, I used an aluminum (I know, I know) pot and lid with brass fitting and 10' of copper tubing. The first 10 ounces that I collected (overkill in terms of "heads" I would guess) really smells strong....sort of like acetone mixed with something else. This will be used as lighter fluid. From there, I distilled out about another 1.5 liters. Now, in addition to the aluminum pot, I also didn't keep track of the temps. I'm sure it way above 173. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if the water was boiling too. However, even at the end, a teaspoon of sample would flame right up with a blue flame.
My first question is regarding the too hot issue. Other than adding some water to the mix, is there anything else to worry about? The second question is regarding methanol- I've also read many, many times that very little methanol is produced with fermented sugar. If I dumped the first 10 ounces of a 1.5 liter run.....is there ANY chance of methanol being in there? Finally, regarding the aluminum, yes I'll change the setup to 100% stainless and copper.....but really, I do not understand how any aluminum could get into the distillation steam and thus into the rum. Sounds like a good story....but chemically, I do not see it. Still, I'll make a proper distiller, with SS.
Great site!
Along with education, my smartest investment has been maintaining a loving relationship. Numerous studies have found benefits to close personal relationships (see for example WebMD.com's article "Sex Better Than Money for Happiness").
I think I've made a few "smart investments", but one that I think is attainable for many is my purchase of a bike. My mountain bike cost a few hundred dollars -- so, not high-end, but not cheap either -- but it paid off for itself after a year of my biking to and from work every single day, rain or shine. Not only it's paid off in terms of gas money, but I'm in great shape from the mandatory daily exercises! It's also great for our environment :-)
The smartest investment I made was for my personal training certification. Now that I have been certified I have made back what I had spent for the certification and then some. Definitely worth the hours studying and money spent.
My greatest investment is my relationship with my spouse. My husband and I have a wonderful relationship which is the result of a concerted effort on both our parts to work out our problems and be better people for each other. Thanks to our strong relationship, I will never have to pay for a divorce, worry about my partner spending behind my back, waste effort on fighting over our goals in life and finances, or worry about keeping things "fair". We have saved enough money to have a 6 month emergency fund, pay cash for a car, and put a down payment on a house in a couple years by living together to save on expenses, spending nights at home in each other's company, and focusing on improving our future together. I will always be thankful that I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this man, and I know we will both continue to develop our relationship and our family.
believe it or, the best investment i ever made was free, and it's my library card. that card has saved me a ton of money and led me to reading so many books. instead of a netflix subscription, i request DVDs from the library and their hold system allows me to constantly request new book titles.
My s,artest investmemt was buying a smartphone. It's intimate devies that is helping ,e tremendously to get organized and consume content on the go. Famtastic time saver and life changer.
The smartest investment I ever made was getting married to the right person. Life's joys are twice as sweet and the sorrows are half as bitter. We've supported each other through grad school, buying a home, and adopting our beloved dog. Because we're both financial tightwads, our money has tripled during our five years of marriage. But more importantly, we're rich in love.
The smartest investment I've made is investing in myself - especially my health. I started taking zumba classes which I love. It helps me stay in shape and I've made friends too which is an added bonus :)
My best investment has actually been my used F150 pickup. With a new home purchase and remodel, it has been great to avoid crazy delivery charges and paid for itself.
The smartest (and finest) investment I have made is learning a foreign language--especially that of Japanese. It opened up jobs here at home and overseas for me, a Japanese community I could integrate into and allowed me to educate others about my culture as well as share my knowledge about Japan with those interested in my experiences there. And travel, too!
I have been able to provide consultation and mentor-ship concerning living and working in Japan. Through English as a Second Language courses I have helped Japanese students further understand the English language while studying in the US and have been a kind of bridge, an ambassador if you will, between American and Japanese culture. Many doors of communication appeared because I gave my time and efforts over to understanding the language and the culture behind it. I love it and continue to reap the benefits of further language study, international connections, understanding of Japanese society and internationalization.
The best investment I ever made was my health. I checked out of the traditional Western medicine system a couple years ago and started seeing a naturopath. My health is great, and having to pay out of pocket on everything is worth it!
Best investment I made was starting a Roth IRA. I was filing my taxes in April 2009 when I realized that I should probably start saving for retirement (I was 24 at the time), so I got into one of those target date funds. This was back when the Dow was close to the bottom, around 8,000. We'll see how it ends up 40 years from now, but in the meanwhile, it's giving me peace of mind.
The smartest investment I have made was my mac laptop. It's speed is amazing, and since I use it every day the amount of time it has saved me alone is priceless.
The smartest investment I have made was buying a memory foam topper for my mattress. I haven't had backaches in years because of it, and my new husband has also discovered the joy of a backache-free life. No pain during the day means more productivity, better health, and mental clarity. I love it!
The smartest investment I ever made was getting a college degree. Although I couldn't find a job as a teacher with my degree, it helped me get into a training program where I became a computer programmer, working for twenty-five years in the lucrative software world.
My degree in Library and Information Science was my best investment. Not only was I exposed to a whole new breadth and depth to the word of information, the ways of examining information problems has led me to look at the internet, information and learning in a much more critical way. It led to a great career where I enjoy my work, and it has encouraged me to pursue other, long term, goals. After all, if I cam make it through a degree while working full time (thanks to the powers of computers and distance education) I can work to better my families financial future.
The smartest investment I ever made was marrying my husband 11 years ago. He is in commercial real estate sales and his positive energy is bringing prosperity into our home during one of the worst real estate markets ever. He only started as a realtor in 2007 after losing his corporate job in the recession. Working for himself is definitely one of the best decisions he's made, and marrying him was one of the smartest decisions I've ever made!
My best "investment" has been to forgo potentially higher salaries to remain at a major private university. The university has a tuition benefit that pays 70% of college tuition for my children. My children have begun to benefit from this "investment" and the total could reach $300,000.
Our best investment is a 10kw solar array. After a lot of research and indecision, we decided to take the plunge...with a company with most excellent references. They walked us through the process of selection, installation, processing our government rebates, cashing in on solar energy credits and hooking up to the grid. We are on our way to recoup our initial investment in about 6 years, and after that, it is all gravy. Best investment for ourselves, our home and Mother Earth.