Idiot's Guides – serie

Enjoying locally grown fruits and vegetables year round is a pleasure that appeals to a large and growing audience worldwide. Many people, however, are intimidated by the idea of getting started with this traditional skill. Using full-color photos of techniques and tools, and step-by-step instructions, Idiot's Guides®: Canning and Preserving helps readers learn quickly and easily how to store fruits and vegetables for later using various methods. Dozens of basic canning recipes, with variations to make truly unique flavors, are also included. Additional coverage:- Freezing, which is easier and works well for many kinds of foods- The water-bath canning method for jams, pickles, salsas, and other high-acid foods- Pressure-cooking for low-acid foods such as green beans, corn, and potatoes- Picking for cucumbers and a variety of other vegetables- Root-cellaring for apples, carrots, potatoes, and more

Environmental science is an integrated, interdisciplinary field that combines the study of ecology, physics, chemistry, biology, soil science, geology, atmospheric science, and geography. It is among the top 10 most popular Advanced Placement examinations taken by high school seniors in an effort to receive postsecondary college credit. Idiot's Guide® to Environmental Science provides a step-by-step review of the disciplines that comprise environmental science, helping students grasp the basic concepts, internalize the information, and prepare for exams. Features include:- The basics and history of the human relationship with the natural environment- The ways species grow, change, and interact- A detailed description of the earth's ecosystems, including deserts, grasslands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems- The effects of economics and agriculture on the environment- The various types of energy humans use, as well as how its production impacts the earth's ecosystems, with a focus on renewable energy sources- The ill effects of a growing population, including pollution, toxins, bacteria, waste, and global warming/climate change

The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Speed Math provides easy-to-understand methods, tips, and tricks to do math in one's head, on paper, and on a calculator at a faster rate and with more accuracy for anyone who is intimidated by math and for whom such calculations would otherwise require paper or calculator.

Quantum physics explores the behavior of matter and energy at the molecular, atomic, nuclear, and even smaller levels. Idiot's Guides: Quantum Physics makes this very complex topic easy to understand. It skips the complicated math and dives right into all the concepts, paradoxes, thought experiments, and implications that make quantum mechacs so fascinating to armchair science buffs. Topics covered include:- Quantum vs. classical physics- A look at the smallest known particles- How the tiniest particles behave both as particles and waves- The famous double-slit experiment- Quantum wave function- The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle- How particles can be in multiple places at once- Quantum entanglement- The Schrodinger's cat thought experiment- Competing interpretations of quantum physics- The Copenhagen interpretation and need for an observer- The role of consciousness in quantum theory- The Many Worlds interpretation and parallel universes- Building a quantum computer- Quantum gravity and the search for a theory of everything

Knitting is one of the most popular crafts among people all ages, but if you've never picked up a set of needles before, it's hard to know where to begin. Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides®: Knitting teaches the basics of knitting in a series of lessons using full-color, step-by-step photo-rich instructions that enable the reader to clearly see how each stitch, finger movement, and yarn movement is executed. Lessons are accompanied by practice projects, allowing the reader to try out their newly learned skill. As the lessons become more advanced, so do the projects, so the knitter not only gets instant gratification, they also become more proficient as they learn and have the motivation to keep going. In addition, the book includes numerous fun and fresh patterns along with galleries of stitch patterns for beginner and intermediate-level knitters. This completely illustrated guide is an essential tool for every new knitter. Features include:- Tailored to the absolute beginner who has never picked up a pair of needles before, with clear, easy-to-understand illustrated instructions. - Clear, comprehensive, color step-by-step instructions for all of the basic techniques of knitting--casting on, binding off, knit and purl stitches, and so much more. - Stitch galleries with nearly two dozen patterns for decorative stitches such as cable, seed, and lace.- Practice projects throughout help the reader learn and practice techniques.- Handy guides teach how to decipher a chart, read a pattern, increase and decrease rows, buy the right yarn for your project, and more.

Whether you want to make a quilt, reupholster a chair seat, or fix a hem, sewing is one of the most essential and useful skills you can master. But if you've never even turned on a sewing machine before, learning to sew can seem like a daunting task. Not anymore! Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides®: Sewing teaches the basics of sewing in a series of lessons using full-color, step-by-step illustrated instructions that enable the reader to clearly see how every technique is executed, from threading a sewing machine to creating a buttonhole and reading a pattern. The lessons are accompanied by practice projects, allowing the reader to try out their newly learned skill. As the lessons become more advanced, so do the projects, giving the reader instant gratification as they become more proficient as they learn and have the motivation to keep going. In addition, Idiot's Guides®: Sewing includes over a dozen unique projects for beginner and intermediate-level sewers. This completely illustrated guide is an essential tool for any person who wants to learn to sew. Features include:- Tailored to the beginner who has never used a sewing machine before, with clear, easy-to-understand instructions. - Comprehensive, step-by-step, color instructions teach all the basic techniques of sewing, from threading a machine to various stitches and construction. - Practice projects throughout help the reader learn and practice techniques.- Handy guides teach how to read a pattern, choose and prepare fabrics, create seams and finishes, and more.

This highly visual hands-on guide teaches readers how to make skincare, makeup, and many more personal-care products using natural ingredients. Step-by-step color photos guide readers through base recipes, followed by more than 200 color and blend variations. Readers with sensitive skin, as well as those who want to save money and avoid harmful chemicals, will find everything they need to get started making their own luxurious beauty products:- 200 recipes and formulas for facial and body-care products, fully illustrated in color.- Step-by-step guidance through the foundational recipes, showing tools, ingredients, and techniques.- Shopping lists and suppliers for natural ingredients, including essential oils, butters, clays, minerals, colors, and fragrances.- Basics and recipes for creating mineral foundations, color correctors, and concealers.- Formulas for skin-healing balms, creams, and oils.- Products for men, including shaving products, powders, moisturizers, facial care, foot care, and massage oil.

Idiot's Guides®: Digital Photography is not a book on using Photoshop to fix bad photos, nor is it a book loaded down with technical data telling readers which camera to buy. Instead, it's the simplest guide to becoming a better photographer and taking better pictures with any DSLR. Instead of focusing on complicated and quickly outdated discussions of things like gear or retouching software, readers learn the timeless principles of good photography, the essentials of every camera and lens, and how to use all that knowledge to take the shots they previously thought were only achievable by professional photographers. Readers learn how to set up every shot, avoid common mistakes, and do more with their pictures through unique and creative photography projects. Focused on making people better photographers, this full-color guide finally simplifies the process of taking great pictures by focusing on what people really need to know to take better pictures.

This full-color book opens with an introduction to wine--including what it is, how it's made, and the various types of grapes and wines available--and then clearly shows the reader how to read a wine label and how to taste wine. The author guides the reader through a wine list and how order wine in a restaurant and explains how to buy wine, serve wine at home, and perfectly pair it with different types of food. From there, the reader is taken on a tour of the world's wines, region by region, from Europe, to the southern hemisphere, to North and South America.

Learning to play the guitar has never been easier! This book begins with an introduction to different types of guitars and their parts, followed by helpful information on how to choose a guitar. You'll learn how to tune the guitar, how to correctly hold it, how to read tablature, and about basic rhythm. Much of the remainder of the book gives you easy-to-follow instructions on learning chords, and each lesson is followed by a fun practice session and a simple song with which to practice the newly learned chords. In addition to over-the-shoulder color photos showing fingering positions and accompanying two-color chord charts that show exactly what to do, the reader can hear the tuning techniques, chords, exercises, and songs performed with tappable, embedded audio.

Nothing is more exciting than bringing home a new puppy or dog. But without some basic training, a dog can turn life upside down. Idiot's Guides®: Dog Training helps readers lay a solid, positive behavioral foundation for dogs of all ages and levels of prior training. Filled with full-color, step-by-step photos of the processes for housetraining, obedience, behavior modification, and more, this book is the fastest, easiest way to help a dog grow into a happy, well-behaved member of the family. And when the dog has mastered the basics, this book also shows readers some fun tricks to help owners and dogs enjoy their time together even more.The book includes the perfect balance between textual instruction and visual illustration to teach the essentials of dog training:- Buying and using the right tools and gear- Establishing rapport and understanding with the dog- Housetraining easily and humanely- Learning the foundations of good behavior: come, sit, down, stay, leave it, walking on a leash, and more.- Correcting bad behavior in a positive way and learning to behave well in special situations and with other dogs- Practicing some fun tricks to help the owner bond with their pet- An introduction to beginning AKC behavioral and competitive training

Perfect for the beginner weight trainer, this easy-to-use guide uses color photographs to show exactly where to start and finish each exercise, along with the steps in between, so the reader learns the proper form and steps needed to strengthen and train every muscle group like a professional. Covering the 100 best exercises for beginners, this book shows readers how exercises build on preceding exercises. Each exercise covers one spread, or pair of pages, so readers can get all the information they need at a glance without having to stop the exercise and turn the page. Weight training has never been clearer or easier to learn!

For a person who has never attempted yoga before, it can seem downright daunting. Not anymore! Geared toward the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides®: Yoga teaches dozens of basic yoga poses using a series of full-color, step-by-step illustrations that allow the reader to clearly see how every aspect of a pose is executed. Realizing that most people who are new to yoga won't be the most flexible or coordinated, Idiot's Guides®: Yoga eases the beginner into poses with sidebars demonstrating how to modify the poses for the less flexible and warnings to correct improper postures. The poses are also grouped in small sections, with a practice sequence at the end to show how to connect the poses into a routine. Idiot's Guides®: Yoga also grows with the reader: when they've mastered the basic poses and become more flexible, they can move on to more advanced techniques section for more challenging modifications to the basic poses. Best of all, the reader also learns how to string together poses into full routines that target particular issues such as stress and flexibility. Features include:- Clear, comprehensive color step-by-step instructions for dozens of basic yoga poses- Handy "Keeping It Easy" sidebars show ways to modify the poses for the less flexible - Advanced techniques show the reader how to go further into poses after they have mastered them- Sequences illustrate routines found in yoga classes, each targeting a particular area (stress relief, flexibility, meditation, etc.)

Proper stretching can lead to better health; greater range of motion; and a longer, healthier life. However, if done improperly, it can lead to unnecessary pain and injury. Idiot's Guides®: Stretching is a simple and clear guide to safe, healthy stretching for people of all ages and with all ranges of health. Each stretch is introduced in a simple, highly visual format that encourages readers to stretch the right way. Along the way, readers benefit from easier as well as more advanced modifications, and learn how to avoid incorrect techniques that can lead to the injuries that can result due to improper instruction. Readers also benefit from prescriptive routines designed around everyday movements to help ease many of the most common issues associated with chronic pain and limited range of motion.

Gluten-free eating has turned into a far-reaching phenomenon in the past few years as many others who have not been diagnosed with celiac disease have turned to the diet to lose weight and improve their overall health and wellness. As a result, countless options for gluten-free packaged foods and restaurant meals have emerged. Sorting through those, as well as the various health issues surrounding the gluten-free trend, has become the new challenge. This book helps by giving the reader the following:An explanation of the varying degrees of gluten intolerance.Lists of which foods contain gluten, including those with "hidden gluten," plus a thorough guide to foods that are naturally gluten free.A shopping guide for choosing among the plethora of packaged gluten-free offerings to find the healthiest, best-tasting, and best-value options.Help for avoiding gluten while traveling and dining out.Information devoted to helping kids, who are notorious picky eaters, avoid the gluten that is prevalent in the foods that they like most.More than 50 recipes for staples, meals, baked goods, and more.A two-week gluten-free meal plan.

In today's harried, ultra-connected, technology-laden society, it's easy to become overwhelmed. The term "zen" is used freely by those seeking to calm and simplify their lives. But to truly reap the benefits of Zen, one must understand what it is and how to change his or her thinking and actions to achieve it. Zen monk and sensei Domyo Burk shows readers how to get started on the path to enlightenment and peace, regardless of cultural or religious affiliations. In this book, readers get:- An introduction to what Zen is-and what it isn't.- A foundation for how to get started in Zen practice.- Explanations of the essential teachings of Zen and how they can free readers from the dissatisfaction that is inherent in modern life and improve mental and physical health.- Step-by-step instructions for engaging in Zazen meditation.- Guidance on increasing mindfulness, seeking clarity and enlightenment, and living by the Zen moral code.- Tips for maintaining daily Zen practice, using it to deal with difficult and painful situations, and mastering the art of living.

Idiot's Guides: Numerology is a simple-to-use guide for beginners that shows readers how to use their names and birthdates to calculate a variety of personal numbers. These numbers are then used to delve into a wide range of personal areas to learn more about themselves and make predictions for their futures--and those of others around them. In this book, readers get:An explanation of the various systems of numerology, including Chaldean, Pythagorean, Kabbalah, Chinese, and others.Step-by-step instructions for calculating and interpreting the various types of numbers, including the Destiny, Soul, Personality, and Life Path numbers, as well as Pinnacles and Challenges.Tips for calculating and working with various personal numbers, such as Personal Year, Personal Month, Personal Day, and Triads.A succinct but detailed worksheet for calculating and capturing all of your numbers in one place.Advice for selecting the best numbers when choosing a business name, phone number, street address, email address, and more, as well as considering numerology when naming a child.

The body's healing response to injury or infection is localized inflammation and it is normal. However, when inflammation moves beyond the local, it becomes abnormal. New research is showing that abnormal inflammation may be linked to a variety of diseases and conditions, including heart disease, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and arthritis among others. Researchers are suggesting that diet can reverse this inflammation and the conditions and diseases caused by it.New to this edition:- New testing including C-Reactive Protein (CRP)- Results of new research studies, including information against omega 3- New healthy eating plans and foods- New recipes- Stress reduction to reduce inflammation

On the surface, being a landlord seems pretty simple-you buy property, find renters, and the money rolls in. However, as all too many people have found out, it takes an incredible amount of know-how and hard work in order to be successful at it. Idiot's Guides: Making Money with Rental Properties is written by experts who have made the mistakes, learned the lessons, and have become highly successful at spotting properties with high rental potential, buying them at the right price and time, and finding tenants who pay on time and stay for the long haul. Readers will learn not only how to spot the right neighborhood and property, but how to buy it, when not to buy it, how to find the right tenants, how to manage the money flow, and more. In addition, readers will learn what to do when things go wrong, what legal protections they (as well as the tenants) have, and how to do it all without going broke and losing their minds in the process.

No one is ever completely prepared for the arrival of a baby, whether it be for the first time or the fifth, but most men will agree that the first can be the most terrifying and confusing. Author and parenting expert Joe Kelly is a dad and granddad, and helps any new dad get through the myriad changes that come with the arrival of a new child. Many new dads are confused and confounded by this life-changing experience, but in Idiot's Guides: Pregnancy for Dads, Joe helps new dads understand what their partners are going through, how to help them through it, what they should (and should not) do to help, what their new miracle is going through inside mommy's belly, and so much more, starting with conception and going all the way up to the big day when baby enters this world, (and dad's arms). Along the way, Joe helps calm fears, dispel myths, and empower new dads with the knowledge they need in order to enjoy and embrace the pregnancy, from start to finish.

Writing and speaking with correct grammar and style is the key to getting ahead in business and life. For many, however, mastering the details of grammar is a slow and painful process. The Idiot's Guide®: Grammar and Style makes learning and using proper grammar clear and easy. In this book, readers get:Clear, no-nonsense explanations and examples that make learning the finer points of English grammar easy.An easy way to remember the parts of speech-including nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections-and how to assemble them into clear clauses, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs.Help with the mechanics of writing, including proper punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.Tips on avoiding and fixing the most common errors.Plentiful in-book exercises to reinforce learning for each topic.A review of the various references and style guides available and how and when to use them.A thorough guide to writing with clarity and conciseness, which gives more impact to letters, emails, and other documents.

Chia isn't just for pets anymore! Chia is an edible seed that is high in protein, fiber, antioxidants, and Omega-3 and is gluten free. People are discovering its many benefits, including lowering blood pressure, helping with weight loss, improving heart and brain function, and reducing glucose levels. In Idiot's Guide®: The Chia Seed Diet, readers get:150 recipes for making delicious chia teas, smoothies, breads, desserts, sauces, and more.Tips on adding chia to just about any meal in a way that harmonizes tastes and textures.The optimal amount of chia to incorporate into the diet to maximize benefits and avoid possible side-effects.A two-week sample meal plan showing how easy and delicious it can be to incorporate chia seeds into the diet.Advice on buying chia locally and online, or growing it oneself, plus a guide to prepackaged chia foods.

Successful project management requires organization, skill, and a systematic approach to ensure that projects are delivered on time, and on budget. Idiot's Guides: Project Management, 6th Edition is updated to reflect all of the latest project management methodologies for anyone who is looking to avoid the chaos that can ensue if project leaders don't possess the necessary understanding of the right principles and practices. Readers of this new edition will benefit newly added sample PMP prep exam questions at the end of each chapter, as well as newly organized, updated content that aligns with the knowledge areas as the PMI (Project Management Institute) defines them.The book covers the 5th Edition of the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge).

Beginning with cautionary advice and enabling the reader to be sure divorce is the right answer, the book moves right to the steps one should take before confronting one's spouse with the decision. The book then moves on to cover the following along with many other topics:- 21 strategic steps to planning for divorce.- The things one needs to do when the decision to divorce is made.- How to divorce in the least expensive and most expeditious way.- What to look for in and what to ask of one's legal representative.- How to avoid all-out warfare.- Breaking the news to one's children.- Custody and visitation.- Single parenting.- Dealing with emotions.

Beginning with the pre-Socratics and Eastern philosophers, including religious philosophy, all major philosophers and schools are covered, right up to present day. The new edition includes more visual illustrations and pictures to further explain and enhance the subject of philosophy. Included are:- The pre-Socratics- Eastern philosophers and philosophies- Renaissance humanism- Enlightenment philosophers- Idealism- Modern philosophers and philosophy- Existentialism- Post-Structuralism and post-modernism

The Mediterranean Diet is considered one of the the healthiest diets in the world, and is considered acceptable for people with serious health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. However, it can also be high in fat and in calories if the cooking isn't done the right way. Idiot's Guides: Mediterranean Diet Cookbook is co-authored by a chef and registered dietitian who together have assembled over 200 recipes that are both compliant with the Mediterranean Diet guidelines and delicious. From hearty, heart-healthy breakfasts to delicious desserts, the recipes in this book will help bring good health to anyone who is looking for a better way of eating that doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.

Golf is one of the most popular hobby sports among men and women of all ages, but if you've never picked up a club before, it's hard to know where to begin. Geared for the absolute beginner, Idiot's Guides: Golf teaches the basics of the sport in a series of "lessons" using full-color, step-by-step illustrations. Photographed in a film-strip style, the instructions allow the reader to clearly see how each swing is executed. Every lesson is accompanied by helpful pro advice on common flaws and how to avoid them, other considerations during your swing (grass, aim, etc.), "Picture This!" images to remind players of alignment and technique, and dozens of practice drills to help perfect your swing. In addition, Idiot's Guides: Golf features detailed information on golf lingo, etiquette, and the rules of the game, plus a "tour" of the course, which takes the new golfer through every element of the course, from the bag drop to the 19th hole. This completely illustrated tome is an essential tool for every beginning golfer.

Microsoft Excel can be an overwhelming and intimidating product to use, but armed with the right knowledge, anyone can master the basics of this versatile software. Packed full of color screen shots and illustrations, Idiot's Guides: Microsoft Excel 2013 will teach any novice how to perform all of the most essential functions, including how to create a spreadsheet from scratch, build and edit basic formulas and functions, manage and edit data cleanly and efficiently, manage and edit spreadsheets for maximum readability and maneuverability, create and insert graphics, work with tables, analyze data, and much more. Along the way, Idiot's Guides: Microsoft Excel 2013's easy navigation will teach readers the tips and tricks that make difficult tasks easy, and help anyone new to the software develop the skills they need to leverage the power of Excel 2013.

Triathlons are growing in popularity with both people accustomed to running races and complete novices to the competition realm. From choosing the right equipment to signing up for the right race, from techniques and exercises to training schedules, and including hazard and injury avoidance, this four-color book visually covers all aspects of sprint and intermediate (standard) triathlon training. Packed with expert advice from a professional triathlon trainer, this easy-to-follow beginner's guide shows how to maximize one's strength and energy for the best performance.