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These Pro Tips Can Help You Plan Your Dream Vacation

March 5, 2015 by

Planning a vacation on a budget? These expert tips will show you where to save, where to splurge, and exactly how to turn that dream vacation into a reality — one step at a time.

  1. Choose a location (rationally). Think of the top five places that you would visit in the world, then narrow it down to just one place by considering what’s most important to you. For example, if you’re looking for adventure, a sleepy coastal village may not be the best choice.
  2. Determine your budget. You’ve likely already saved up some money to put toward your vacation, but ask yourself honestly how much you’re comfortable spending. Factor in airline costs, lodging, and day-to-day expenses.
  3. Choose when to go. Now that you have a budget and a location, do some research about when that destination is the most affordable. Be cautious, however; while you don’t want to go at the peak of tourist season, you also don’t want to go too far into the off-season when many local businesses are closed.
  4. Find affordable airline tickets. Because this is usually the most expensive part of any international trip, you want to be very smart about your plane tickets. Check travel comparison several times throughout the week to find the best rates, and don’t forget to look into smaller carriers.
  5. Book lodging. Save this for last, as there are usually a wide variety of places from budget hostels to luxury resorts where you can rest your head.

How to Plan a Vacation [WikiHow]
How to Plan Your Dream Vacation [USA Today]
How to Plan Your Next Vacation in One Breezy Sitting [Mashable]

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Your Kids Can Hone Their Math Skills on These Fun, Free Websites

February 19, 2015 by

It can be difficult to help a child who is struggling with math, whether they’re learning basic elementary addition or complex algebraic equations. If your son or daughter needs a bit of extra practice outside of the classroom, these fun and free math websites can help improve their skills and make them excited about learning.

Knowledge Adventure’s Math Games
Knowledge Adventure is a colorful website that enables users to tailor math games to their child’s specific grade level. Each game features adorable cartoon characters, exciting graphics, and fun levels that are so silly, your little one may not even know that they’re also educational.

Math Playground
This rainbow-hued collection of games spans math-related topics like addition, multiplication, fractions, and pre-algebra. Kids can navigate the site’s easy-to-use features entirely on their own, or you can browse by grade level to find games related to the specific areas where your child is struggling.

Fun Brain
Fun Brain is an educational website that offers fun games in a variety of different schools subjects, and its Math Arcade section includes five games perfect for elementary students. Choose between games like Space Slingshot and Math Baseball to make learning arithmetic fun for your child.

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How to Choose the Right Throw Pillows for Your Home’s Decor

January 22, 2015 by

Incorporating throw pillows into your bedroom or living room is a cheap and easy way to update a home’s decor, but with the overwhelming number of options, it may be intimidating to choose the perfect ones. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best throw pillows for your space.

  1. Consider the size. Are you purchasing throw pillows for a standard-sized couch or your king-sized bed? The size of the space makes a big difference when choosing the perfect pillows, so be sure to consider sizes before purchasing. Eighteen-inch square pillows are best suited for a bed or sofa, while oversized pillows of 24 inches or larger create a more lounge-style feel in a living room.
  2. Choose a color scheme. Black and white throw pillows create a mod effect, while bright shades of pink, green, or blue liven up a drab space. Even if you plan on purchasing patterned pillows, stick with one singular color scheme for a designer-worthy look.
  3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Get creative by mixing and matching different sizes, shapes, and patterns. If you stick to your chosen color scheme, it’s easy to pull off a more eclectic look.
  4. Add pillows in unexpected places. Toss some large, cushion-style pillows on the floor, add some in a window nook, or place one on a desk chair for a cozy feel.

Decorating With Throw Pillows [Real Simple]
Tips On Choosing Throw Pillows [Décor Love]
How to Choose Decorative Pillows for the Living Room [Overstock]

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Laundry and Clothing Care Basics Everyone Should Know

December 18, 2014 by

Doing the laundry is a necessary annoyance, but modern amenities have done a lot to make this weekly chore a less daunting. Here are the basic rules for properly washing and caring for your most essential articles of clothing.

  1. Sort by color. You’ve likely heard that you need to separate your lights from your darks, but this step is especially important when washing denim or new clothes that have yet to be washed.
  2. Use the right water temperature. As a general rule, wash delicate clothing that could shrink or bleed in cold water. For heavily soiled items, whites, and towels, use hot water instead.
  3. Use the proper detergent. Not all detergents are created equal, so choose a type specially formulated for cold water, hot water, or even a brand made with color-safe bleach to remove stains from colored clothing. As a bonus, using the right type of detergent can even extend the lifespan of your clothes.
  4. Secure buttons. Dab a bit of clear nail polish in the center of shirt buttons to help prevent them from loosening. Even better, learn how to replace one yourself if you frequently wear button-down shirts.
  5. Keep zippers smooth. Rub zippers with wax every few weeks to keep them from catching or sticking.

Laundry Basics – Sorting it Out [For Better Living]
How to Care for Your Clothes [How Stuff Works]
Keep Your Clothes Clean and Bright [She Knows]
4 Clothing Care Skills Millennials Probably Don’t Know (But Need to Learn) [Real Simple]

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Add These Two Fiber-Rich Foods to Your Diet

December 4, 2014 by

One of the most effective ways to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is by adding more fiber to your diet. Men under the age of 50 should eat 38 grams of fiber each day and women should eat 25 grams, according to current dietary recommendations. If you’re not sure which foods to choose to meet this daily need, here are two surprising sources of fiber to incorporate into your diet.

  1. Apples. This old-school snack is a remarkably good source of fiber, with 4 grams per medium-sized apple. Any food that contains more than 3 grams per serving is considered a good source, so adding one to your day actually might keep the doctor away.
  2. Avocados. This creamy fruit is a super source of fiber. One medium avocado contains 14 grams, along with vitamins B, E and K. While they are high in fat, only 4 grams are saturated so you’re actually boosting your healthy fat intake.

The 16 Most Surprising High-Fiber Foods [Greatist]
High Fiber Foods: 7 Surprising Sources [ Huffington Post]
The Most Surprising High Fiber Foods [Health]

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Bring the Fall Season Indoors With These Home Decor Projects

November 20, 2014 by

The change in seasons from summer to fall is one of the most dramatic, from the colorful leaves filling the trees to the acorns strewn across the ground. Bring the beauty of autumn into your home with a fun and creative DIY project that you can customize to your own liking.

Pumpkin Basket How-To [Martha Stewart]
If you usually decorate your home with plump pumpkins, get a bit more creative this year by turning one of those pumpkins into a basket to hold fresh flowers, pine cones, or other decorative accessories. Use a keyhole saw to hollow out the pumpkin and create a handle across the top that looks just like a real basket.

Fall in a Jar [Midwest Living]
Natural terrariums are some of this year’s most popular DIY projects, so make one that’s filled with fall by using these simple instructions. Fill a glass terrarium with bright green moss, then top it with miniature pumpkins and cut leaves for a perfectly autumnal look.

Botanical Leaf Pages [Real Simple]
You’ve likely seen vintage-inspired framed botanical prints lining the walls of chic homes, so create your own just in time for fall by using a few fallen leaves and some wax paper. Using a standard iron on low heat, press rows of leaves together between two sheets of wax paper and get creative with the arrangement.

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How to Adapt Your Fitness Routine to the Fall Season

October 16, 2014 by

Once the weather gets chilly and you don’t have the luxury of slipping on your running shorts and going for a morning jog, it can be difficult to stay active. That doesn’t mean that your workout routine should grind to a halt, however. Here are a few smart ways to switch up your exercise routine for autumn weather.

  1. Work around changing schedules. Not only does the weather change in the fall season, so does your schedule. If you have to transport the kids to and from school, arrange to work out in the afternoons when you can expect to have some time to yourself.
  2. Keep indoor workouts on hand. Although the fall provides beautiful backdrops for running outdoors, its unpredictable weather can also bring cold temperatures or even rainfall. Be sure to research a few indoor workouts so that your routine stays on track.
  3. Prepare for the weather. If you live in an area that gets very cold come fall, stock up on thermal leggings, long-sleeve shirts, and even gloves to wear while running. It’s also smart to wear reflectors on your clothing if you like to work out outside, since the sun goes down earlier during the autumn season.

Adapting Your Outdoor Exercise Routine for the Fall Season [Fitness Together]
Adapt Your Workout for Cooler Weather [F&W News]
Fall Fitness: Stay Healthy This Autumn With These Health Tips [YMCA]

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Check Out These Popular Social Media Apps for Android

September 18, 2014 by

Using your Android phone is a great way to stay connected with friends, whether it’s through a convenient message or by checking out their latest photos. There are a number of Android apps that bring social media to your fingertips, and these are just two of the best.

Instagram
Instagram is one of the most widely-used social media apps because of its beautiful interface and creative possibilities. The app allows users to upload and share their favorite images of friends, places and even particularly tasty foods. Users can edit their images to brighten or sharpen their quality, and there are also a variety of modern or vintage-inspired filters to choose from. Double tap a photo to “like” it, or write a comment to tell a friend what you think.

Timehop
If you’re a longtime social media user, you’ve likely amassed a history of photos, status updates and tweets over the past few years. Timehop is an app that shows you what you were doing one, two, or even five years ago based on your social media history. The app’s daily updates pull from your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Foursquare, and its silly dinosaur cartoon mascot always has a witty quip to accompany each post.

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Hosting a Summer Cookout? Read These Food Safety Tips!

August 21, 2014 by

Barbecues and cookouts are very popular in the summertime, but the warmer temperature can be dangerous when it comes to keeping food fresh. Here are a few tips that will help you safely handle food at your next outdoor gathering.

  1. Wash your hands. This may go without saying, but many people don’t wash their hands as often as they should when it comes to handling food. Be sure to wash up before preparing food, after handling raw meat, and any time you’re serving guests.
  2. Beware of cross-contamination. Raw meat, eggs, and other bacteria-prone food items are the most common culprits of cross-contamination. Prevent the spread of bacteria by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables.
  3. Cook meat thoroughly. Even if you’re cooking over the open flame of a barbecue, it’s important to make sure that the meat cooks entirely through. Hamburgers should reach at least 160°F, while poultry should be 180°F or higher.
  4. Keep foods cold. If you’re serving potato salad or other dishes with dairy in them, make sure that they stay cold all day long. This means packing them in ice, using a well-insulated cooler, and even keeping them in the air conditioned car during transportation.

Seasonal Food Safety – Selections for Spring and Summer [USDA]
Food Safety for Summertime [MDH]
Picnic Eating and Outdoor Dining [Home Food Safety]

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Oil Pulling 101: What You Need to Know About Oil Pulling

July 24, 2014 by

Have you heard of oil pulling? This new holistic health craze, which is actually an ancient Ayurvedic detoxification remedy, is said to boost overall health simply by swishing oil around the mouth once daily. The oil emulsifies with saliva in the mouth, becoming a cleansing agent that removes harmful bacteria, toxins, and plaque from the teeth and gums. The practice is also said to ease sinus congestion. But does oil pulling actually work? That's for you to decide—after checking in with your doctor or dentist first, of course.

If you'd like to give oil pulling a test spin, here's a handy guide to get you started.

1. Choose your oil.
The oils recommended for oil pulling are coconut, sesame, olive, and sunflower. You'll only need one tablespoon per pulling. If you choose coconut oil, let it liquefy before beginning your session.

2. Swish—and then swish some more.
Swish the oil around your mouth, just as you would with mouthwash. "Pull" the oil through your teeth. Your goal is to swish the oil until it becomes viscous and white. It usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to achieve this consistency, although beginner pullers can work their way up to that time.

3. Spit and rinse.
Once you've reached your allotted time, spit the oil into a trash can—not the toilet or sink, as the oil can clog pipes. (Don't swallow the oil!) Rinse your mouth with warm water, then brush your teeth. How often you practice oil pulling is up to you, although optimal benefits are said to achieved when oil pulling is performed several times per week.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil to Transform Your Dental Health [Authority Nutrition]
Oil Pulling: The Habit That Can Transform Your Health [Food Matters]
Oil Pulling for Oral Health [Wellness Mama]
What is Oil Pulling? [Coconut Oil Pulling]

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