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Easy Thanksgiving Decor Crafts the Whole Family Can Make

November 19, 2015 by

Between prepping your home at 2411 Washington for out-of-town guests and ensuring the turkey is properly basted, you're likely going to be stressed a little thin on Thanksgiving Day! Luckily, these Turkey Day crafts can help keep your little ones entertained, requiring just a little assistance from you along the way.

Mod Mayflower [Parenting]
Task the kids with making these adorable masted ships out of paper. White construction paper is affixed to popsicle sticks to create the ships' sails, while a paper beverage sleeve helps the mini Mayflowers to stay upright. Use the ships to add flair to your Thanksgiving Day decor, or write each guest's name onto the sails and use the ships as place cards.

Turkey Headband Craft for Kids [abccreativelearning.com]
Create a custom turkey headband for your favorite little pilgrims with this quick and easy craft. Simply cut a length of brown construction paper to wrap around your child's head, then instruct your pint-sized dinner guests to trace their hand shape onto multiple colors of construction paper. The hand shapes will become the turkey's "feathers," while a googly-eyed turkey face decorates the front of the funky, seasonal accessory.

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The Best Foods to Eat When Dieting

November 5, 2015 by

Starting a new diet is never easy, but it can be enjoyable if you have a list of tasty foods that you can eat. Instead of eating salads for every meal, try incorporating these nutritious and low-fat foods into your daily meal plan.

  • Almonds. Almonds make a great alternative to other, more fattening crunchy snacks. They’re high in healthy fats that will leave you feeling full, and they’re easy to take with you for a midday snack.
  • Leafy greens. While vegetables might not seem like the most exciting food, by preparing them in a variety of different ways, they can be quite delicious. Try sauteing dark, leafy greens like kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and collard greens with herbs and spices.
  • Black beans. Black beans are packed with protein and add a boost of flavor and fiber to salads, stir fries, and rice bowls.
  • Salmon. Protein-packed salmon helps to boost muscle growth, promotes weight loss, and does it all with less fat than red meat.
  • Grapefruit. Eating half a grapefruit before each meal is proven to help you lose up to one pound each week, mainly because it contains a compound that can lower insulin.
  • Pears. Pears contain 15 percent of your recommended daily fiber in their skin alone, and they are proven to help you lose weight.

8 Secret-Weapon Foods for Weight Loss [Eating Well]
Best Superfoods for Weight Loss [Health]
Healthy Eating [HelpGuide.org]

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How to Add Mid-Century Modern Flair to Your Apartment at 2411 Washington

October 22, 2015 by

Mid-century modern furniture is having a major resurgence, with everyone from your best friend to your local coffee shop getting in on the trend. If you love the teak woods, clean lines, and hairpin legs that mid-century design is known for, these simple tips will show you a few easy—and affordable—ways to incorporate it into your own apartment.

  1. Think of wood first. While it may be tempting to buy that imitation wood table at your local discount furniture store, to create a true mid-century look, you’ll want to use as much real wood as possible. Teak, walnut, and oak are some of the most popular styles from this era. If you’re on a tight budget, even replacing one or two pieces with a real wood piece will make a big difference.
  2. Go for geometric patterns. In terms of textiles, think bold, geometric patterns combined with subtle tweeds and pops of mustard, rust and teal.
  3. Update the lights. Go for a dramatic arc floor lamp or a shiny bronze desk lamp, or even switch out your kitchen’s light fixture with an oval-shaped hanging pendant.
  4. Switch your sofa. If you can afford it, invest in a low-profile sofa with clean lines and slim legs. This is a surefire way to create a mid-century look with one statement piece.
  5. Add art. Finally, add abstract art with bold colors as the finishing touch.

10 Easy Ways to Add a Mid-Century Modern Style to Your Home [Freshome]
Mid-Century Modern Style Decorating [Wayfair]
Add Midcentury Modern Style to Your Home [HGTV]

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How to Help Ensure Your Growing Teen Is Getting the Proper Nutrition

September 17, 2015 by

Teenagers may seem like they don’t need your help with anything, but as a parent, you know that this simply isn’t true. When it comes to proper nutrition, your growing teen needs you more than ever. Here are a few smart tips to help ensure that your teenager is eating the right foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

  1. Have regular meals together. Eating together doesn’t just bring you closer as a family, it also ensures that your son or daughter eats a well-balanced dinner every evening. Prepare meals with lots of whole grains, lean meats and fish, and fresh vegetables.
  2. Prepare more food. As your child becomes a teenager, his or her appetite will begin to increase dramatically. Keep teens energized by serving larger portions at mealtime and keeping lots of healthy snacks on hand.
  3. Limit saturated fats and sugars. Even if your teen loves to snack on potato chips and chocolate candies, these things can contribute to certain diseases later in life. Try to limit the foods that contain saturated fats, sugars, and sodium in your household.
  4. Increase calcium intake. Because teenagers typically go through growth spurts, they require much more calcium than children and adults. Serve low fat milks, yogurt, or even calcium supplements. Ask your child's doctor for advice.

Nutrition for Children and Teens [HelpGuide.org]
A Teenager’s Nutritional Needs [HealthyChildren.org]
Do Teens Have Different Nutritional Needs Than Adults? [SF Gate]

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Counting Calories? Here’s How to Stick to a Diet When Dining Out

August 20, 2015 by

It can be difficult to eat healthy while dining out, but that doesn’t mean you have to sabotage your diet. Here are a few smart tips for finding healthy, low-calorie meals at any restaurant.

  • Look up the menu online. Most restaurants today upload their menus to an online site, which means that you can research the healthiest options and even check the nutritional content before you leave the house.
  • Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask your server what type of oil a meal is cooked in, which sides it comes with, and if it’s topped with any decadent sauces. Then, feel free to make modifications as you see fit.
  • Steer clear of the appetizers. If you’re out with a group of friends, don’t fall victim to snacking on nachos before the meal. This can add hundreds of extra calories to your meal.
  • Know some key words. Stay away from dishes with descriptions like “pan-fried,” “cream-based,” “au gratin,” or even “sautéed.” Instead, opt for dishes that are grilled or baked.
  • Moderate your alcohol intake. Enjoy 5 ounces of red wine or 12 ounces of light beer instead of cocktail to add only 150 calories to your meal.

13 Rules for Dining Out On a Diet [Today Health]
How to eat out while sticking to your diet! [Vedonis]
How to eat at a restaurant on a diet – How to survive without blowing your diet! [What’s Cooking America]

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Where to Shop Quirky-Cute Kids’ Lighting Online

July 23, 2015 by

You don’t want your little ones to feel afraid of the dark every night at bedtime, which is why every child’s room should contain a fun and functional light that chases away the monsters that live under the bed. Here are three great places to shop for quirky-cute kids’ lighting online.

The Land of Nod
This mega-popular kids’ online retailer offers modern furniture and home decor items that will make your kids’ rooms look a whole lot more stylish. Their selection of kid-friendly lighting sources includes lamps in the shapes of clouds, nightlights with cute faces, and colorful floor lamps that channel classic mid-century designs.

ModCloth
If you’re looking for lights that even quirkier, ModCloth is your online go-to for all things sweet and silly. Check out updated versions of the usual light socket nightlights and retro-inspired wall lights, as well as twinkling string lights that add a festive flair.

HearthSong
From plasma ball lights that produce bolts of electricity wherever you place your fingers to funky, miniature chandeliers and machines that create shooting stars indoors, this unique online retailer offers one of the most creative selections of quirky kids’ lighting.

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Cool Ways to Organize Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers

June 18, 2015 by

Kitchen cabinets and drawers can be difficult to keep neat and organized. If you’re tired of your messy cabinets and drawers, use these simple tips for keeping them more organized.

  • Clean out your cabinets. Empty your kitchen cabinets and drawers completely, tossing out outdated or unused foods and consolidating anything that you have multiples of. You might also want to give the bottoms a good wipe-down.
  • Put spices in jars. Instead of having dozens of spices in various sized jars, take the time to put all spices in matching glass jars that you can easily organize.
  • Add a Lazy Susan. Add a rotating Lazy Susan to your kitchen cabinet to corral small food items and keep them easily within reach.
  • Group similar items together. Store all of your baking supplies on one shelf, all of your dried foods on another, all of your plastic containers on another, and so on. This makes it much easier to locate items later on.
  • Add drawer dividers. Your silverware drawer isn’t the only one that could use dividers. Invest in cheap plastic dividers to keep all of your drawers neatly separated.

24 Smart Organizing Ideas for Your Kitchen [Real Simple]
10 Steps to an Orderly Kitchen [HGTV]
6 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas Anyone Can Use [Houzz]
10 Clever Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Organized [DIY Network]

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Ever Think to Decorate With Citrus Fruit? Here Are Some Ideas!

May 21, 2015 by

You often see patterns featuring lemons and limes on kitchen linens and even on clothing, but you’ve likely never thought to decorate with the real thing. Here are a few crafty and creative ways to incorporate juicy citrus fruits into your home’s decor.

DIY Citrus Centerpieces [homedit.com]
Fill large, vintage apothecary jars with lemons, limes, or smaller types of oranges, then use the clear vessels as a centerpiece on your dining table. Choose a set of two or three in varying sizes to create depth and a stylish tiered effect.

Sliced Lime Flower Arrangements [ehow.com]
This unique flower arrangement uses fresh, sliced limes and springtime flowers. Line the inside of a clear vase with thinly sliced limes, then fill the rest of the vase with whole limes behind them. Finish by adding long-stemmed flowers in soft shades of white and green.

DIY Natural Room Scents [theyummylife.com]
Perhaps the best-smelling way to use citrus fruits in your home’s decor is by creating all-natural scent jars. Mix combinations of citruses, fresh herbs, essential oils, and spices (such as orange, cinnamon and clove with a pinch of anise) to a small mason jar, then let the wonderful scent fill the room.

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Easy DIY Home Decor Projects You Can Complete in a Day

April 16, 2015 by

If you want to give your home a quick makeover, you’ll be happy to know that there are a number of ways to make a big impact in just a few hours. Here are just a few simple DIY projects that you can do in one day.

  • Make over your drapes. By simply switching out your window treatments, you can let more light into your home and make the room feel more elegant. Choose bamboo blinds, floor-length sheers, or panels in a light color scheme.
  • Create a foyer. If your home doesn’t have a designated foyer, you can create one yourself by simply adding some sort of seating, a mirror, and a console table to your doorway.
  • Hang mirrors. To create the illusion of more space in a room, add a mirror in a strategic spot. Hang one at the end of a hallway or directly across from a window.
  • Create a coffee table vignette. To make your living room feel more polished, add a stack of books, a bright green plant, and an elegant candle to your coffee table.
  • Build a bar cart. Everyone loves a classic bar cart, so create your own by re-doing a vintage find from your local thrift store. Then top it with pretty glasses and your favorite spirits.

11 Foolproof Decorating Tips [This Old House]
10 Simple Rules for Foolproof Decorating [Real Simple]
Foolproof Formulas for Home Decorating [Southern Living]

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Three Surprising Sources of Lactose

March 19, 2015 by

Millions of Americans suffer from lactose intolerance, a sensitivity to foods that contain the natural sugar lactose. Most often, lactose is found in dairy products such as milk and cheese, but there are some foods that contain it that you might not know about. Here are three surprising sources of lactose you should look out for:

  1. Lunch meats. Cold cut meats are great for having on hand for a quick sandwich, but they're often made with processed ingredients that include lactose. Even a small amount could be harmful to those with sensitivities. So the lactose intolerant sure to purchase farm-fresh deli meat when possible.
  2. Nougat. This creamy sweet filling in candy bars contains lactose. There are many other candies that contain lactase as well, so do your research before you indulge.
  3. "Non-dairy" creamer. This tricky label might seem like a safe choice for lactose intolerant individuals, but many brands of this milk-derived substitute still contain trace amounts of lactose. Avoid it altogether and use soy- or almond-based creamers.

8 surprising sources of lactose [Best Health Mag]
Lactose Intolerance [National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse]
Learn to Detect Hidden Lactose [Cornell Women’s Health]
What is Hidden Lactose [Lactaid]

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