How to Light a Cigar

March 24, 2010 by Rebecca  
Filed under Recreation & Fun

light a cigarThe tough-guy image of a man smoking a cigar can be lost quickly if you stumble about trying to get a cigar lit. Knowing how to light a cigar properly is a bit more than holding a lit match to the end of the rolled tobacco – it can be an art form.

Cigar Reviews – Might as Well Find the Best

Almost every premium cigar has a tip that will need to be removed before you can enjoy smoking the cigar. If you’re not sure if your cigars are considered premium, start with cigar reviews to find the best brands or options for you. After all, what’s the run of going through the process of smoking a something with low cigar ratings? Get a good one and be ready to enjoy the process thoroughly.


Cutting Your Cigar

The ends of cigars are likely closed and to enjoy the cigar, you’re going to have to cut the end of the cigar open. There are all of the old fashioned dramatic ways to do this including biting off the tip and spitting it out before lighting up, but to get the smooth opening needed for smoking without damaging the cigar, you’ll likely want a cutting tool. When cutting the cigar, you can create a smooth cut about two millimeters from the end or a wedge cut in the end of the cigar. The wedge cut is best for those who don’t chew the cigars as it can collapse or draw too hot at times. You cut the tip of the cigar off using one of the following:

  • Your teeth – not very precise and not very sharp, your teeth can be effective in a pinch
  • Knives – needing a steady hand, knives can get the job done, but can be easy to slip up while cutting.
  • Piercers – Otherwise known as lances, can be hard to use and can create the wrong draw if used improperly.
  • Cutters – scissors or desk-top devices cut cleanly and are considered the best options.


Making the Cut

When cutting the cigar, place the cigar into the correct cutting position against the blades before actually cutting to keep it in place during the cut and to be sure you’re positioned correctly. Cut the cigar quickly and confidently to prevent tearing.

Lighting a Cigar

A cigar is not like a cigarette – you don’t hold the end of the cigar directly in the flame. Hold the flame just under the cigar, but don’t let them touch. Rotate the cigar so that all parts of it are heated equally over the flame. Once the end of the cigar is glowing steadily, your cigar is lit properly and is ready for action. Take the first puff and blow it out through the cigar to avoid any unsavory elements from the lighting process before puffing the cigar correctly.

Easy Step By Step Instructions for Lighting a Cigar
  • Select a fine, hand-rolled cigar for the best light and enjoyment
  • Cut the cigar using a specialized cutting tool to get the best possible cut and draw
  • Light the cigar using a method similar to roasting a marshmallow
  • Enjoy your cigar!
Warnings, Advice, and Suggestions When Lighting a Cigar

If your cigar goes out, it’s far better to relight it while it is warm than wait and relight it later. Saving part of a cigar for later can lead to harsh flavors.

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How to Light Your Yard

July 21, 2008 by admin  
Filed under Home & Garden

how to install yard lightsAs night falls, your backyard can take on a certain gloom that may be too inviting to unwelcome guests. By lighting your yard, you can have the peace of mind that your property is protected, and with the right kind of lighting, you can also enjoy additional decorative elements.

Select The Yard Lights

There are many kinds of lighting options available. A flood light may make sense by a garage, but it might also be too harsh for nearby neighbors. If you do invest in a floodlight, hang it so that the glare is only directly visible on your property and the light isn’t shining into any windows.

If a floodlight is too much, or you’d rather have more decorative lighting, consider lights along pathways or in the landscaping. Path lights and accent lights give off a bit less light than a full spot light or flood light, but they will illuminate your yard enough to see while you walk outside after dark or if you’re curious about a noise.

You can install electric lights which may be less expensive, but more complicated to install. You can also install solar lights which derive power from solar energy and automatically light up after dark. These are simple to install and often require nothing more than placing them in the ground where you wish the accent lights to be, or mounting the light to the wall if you’re installing a solar flood light or spot light.

Install Lights

If you’ve selected solar lights, you have little to do but decide where to actually place the light. If you’ve selected electrical lights, you have a bit more work ahead. Turn off the power before working to install the lights. Carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer. If at all unsure, consult with an electrician or have your lights professionally installed. This will keep you safe and ensure your lights are installed properly.

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How to Decorate a Guest Room

July 17, 2008 by admin  
Filed under Home & Garden

how to decorate a guest roomGuests should be welcomed into a warm and inviting space, and your decoration in a guest room can help make guests feel welcome or more like an intrusion. When you decorate a guest room, be sure to think of as many small touches as you can to ensure your guests know you are delighted to have them – even if that’s stretching the truth a bit.

Accommodations

When decorating your guest room start first with furniture that is accommodating for your guests. If most of your guests will be young single friends or young couples, a futon and blankets may suffice. But if your elderly grandmother is coming to stay, consider a raised daybed or full sized bed to ensure her comfort (and safety.) Two twin beds are also more accommodating than a full size or queen size bed. A couple can easily stay in a full bed, but two brothers may be more comfortable in separate beds.

Welcoming Décor

The décor in the room should be tasteful and welcoming. You don’t want to overwhelm your guests with bright colors and odd lighting. Stick with the most traditional welcoming accents when you use pineapple décor – the pineapple was a sign of a home friendly to visitors historically, or use something more exotic but try to keep colors and accessories tame.

Thoughtful Touches

Be sure to include as many thoughtful touches as you can. For example, put black out curtains under the drapes in the room to keep it dark should your visitors be battling jet lag or fatigue from a long journey. If you have a coordinating bathroom, leave plenty of towels and washcloths out for guests to use. Also prepare a guest basket of travel sized soaps, shampoos and lotions you can leave in the bathroom cabinet until needed.

Be sure to offer guests a place to put their luggage. Keep an inexpensive luggage rack in the closet or clear a dresser or desk and cover it with a towel so that guests don’t have to dig into their bags on the floor which may be challenging for that elderly granny. Finally, be sure you provide an alarm clock in the room along with a bottle or two of water so that guests don’t have to feel their way around your kitchen or bathroom at night when they are ready for a drink.

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