Q: Agar expands in your stomach, which tricks you into thinking you are full. It's know as the "kanten diet" in Japan and is used by many to try and prevent them from eating too much. People with type 2 Diabetes who supplemented their diet with Agar lost a significant amount of weight and improved their metabolism. It may also help stabilize blood sugar levels.  Make sure you check with your doctor before embarking on this diet. Make snacks using Agar to stay full throughout the day, or mix it into your meals so you stop eating sooner than you normally would. Be aware that Agar can also stimulate your intestines and make you need to use the bathroom.  Make sure you take Agar with at least 8 oz. of water, otherwise the Agar can swell and possibly block your esophagus or intestines. Agar is 80% fiber, so it can be helpful if you need to relieve constipation. It should never, however, be used when you have a bowel obstruction (a kink or blockage in your intestines that prevents you from passing gas or having a bowel movement), as this can make the obstruction much worse.  If you have sudden, severe pain in your abdomen, swelling in your abdomen, and vomit or become nauseous, do not take Agar. Call your doctor instead, as you may have a bowel obstruction.  Make sure you take Agar with enough water, at least 8oz, for it to work as a laxative.
A: Use Agar as an appetite suppressant. Use Agar pills to stimulate bowel movements and act as a laxative.

Q: Depending on where you live, summer may be the only time of year with warm weather. Don’t waste it! Even if you’re more of a homebody, try to get outside and catch some fresh air at least a few times this summer. You don’t need to go for a run or play a sport. Sometimes just sitting outside or taking a short walk can do wonders! Nothing beats an ice cream cone or popsicle on a hot summer day. Try to end a busy summer day with a nice cold confection. Whether it’s chasing down the ice cream truck or hitting up your local smoothie shop, you can’t go wrong with a little sweet treat. Grab a sleeping bag and some bug spray and fall asleep under the stars! You don’t need to plan a whole camping trip; sometimes even just sleeping in your own backyard is a great change of pace. Summer is one of the few times of the year you’ll be able to spend an afternoon at the movie theater. It’s also usually when movie studios release some of their biggest hits. Get a group of friends together or even try going alone to a big summer blockbuster. If you go during the day, chances are they’ll have special matinee pricing as well! First and foremost, summer vacation is a time for relaxation. If going to the pool isn’t your thing, don’t be afraid to take some days to yourself just hanging out at home.
A: Go outside and enjoy the weather. Eat a frozen treat. Sleep outside. Go to the movies. Don’t fret about not being active enough.

Q: Momos are usually served with a spicy tomato sauce.  If you’d like to enjoy your momos the traditional way, wash and/or peel your fresh ingredients. This can be done by either putting them over an open flame or by cutting them in half and putting them under a broiler until the skin blackens and splits.  If using your broiler, make sure the top rack of your oven is about three to four inches away from the heat source.  Set your oven to broil and on the highest setting.  Place the vegetables on a non-stick surface, in either a flat baking dish or on a cookie sheet. Once in the oven, watch them closely as they broil.  If you don’t cut them half, you’ll have to turn them as the skin blackens.  Once the skin blackens and splits on all sides, they’re done. Take them out of the oven carefully.  Let them cool a bit, and then peel away the blackened skin. It should turn into the consistency of a paste.  If the sauce is too thick, add water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Pour the finished sauce into a bowl or container, and let sit in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve your momos.
A: Prep your ingredients. Roast the tomatoes, bell pepper and chilies. Place all the sauce ingredients in a blender until they are smooth. Refrigerate the sauce until your momos are ready to be served.

Q: When shopping for vintage jewelry, there are two main categories: fine and costume jewelry. Before setting out to shop, you should determine whether or not you are looking for a fine piece of designer jewelry made using precious metals and gemstones, or a more reasonably priced piece of costume jewelry likely made from different types of glass, plastic, stones, and wood. For example, if you are looking for a vintage engagement ring, you will likely want to stay away from costume jewelry.  Keep in mind that fine vintage jewelry is much more expensive than costume jewelry, so your budget may dictate which type of jewelry to shop for. That being said, vintage costume jewelry is often made from better quality material than modern costume jewelry and as a result these pieces last a long time. Some are even dipped in gold making them less likely to turn green or tarnish over time. The label “vintage jewelry” covers all jewelry that is over 20 years old. As a result, this is a massive category that incorporates a lot of very different styles, fashions, and time periods. Before you begin shopping, you may want to narrow down your search to a particular era or type of jewelry. This way you can focus your research and shopping on a smaller subset of vintage jewelry.  For example, you may be interested in the geometric shapes associated with the Art Deco period, alternatively you may like the intricate etchings of the early Victorian era, or the nature-inspired jewelry of the Georgian era. Research online to find out some of the common characteristics of jewelry made during the time period you are interested in. When researching into vintage jewelry a great place to check is reputable jewelry associations. For example, the National Association for the Study of Jewelry and the Related Arts can provide you with a number of resources on the history of jewelry and how to identify vintage pieces from different historical eras. The association also provides dates and locations of vintage jewelry exhibitions, which can help to put you in contact with jewelry collectors, appraisers, and enthusiasts.
A:
Determine if you want to buy fine or costume vintage jewelry. Research a particular era of jewelry. Check with reputable jewelry associations.