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Did You Know These Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

January 7, 2016 by

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

  • Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
  • Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
  • Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
  • Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
  • Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
  • Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
  • Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
  • Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
  • Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

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Ray’s Pizzeria: A Slice Is Nice in Universal City

December 23, 2015 by

The next time you’re craving pizza in the Universal City area, skip the big-name chains and go local at Ray’s Pizzeria. This popular area favorite serves a reliable selection of homemade pies made with your choice of toppings, and while it’s fun to create something wild and flavorful, you really can’t go wrong with the classic pepperoni. Order from the extensive menu of pizzas, calzones, wings and pastas, or pair your meal with a fresh salad to add a bit of green.

The restaurant itself is tucked away in a fairly nondescript strip mall area, but once inside, you’ll find a spacious dining room complete with red leather booths, wooden dining tables, and flatscreen televisions that are always tuned to the big game.

With large portions at very reasonable prices, it’s easy to feed the whole family when you go to Ray’s Pizzeria!

Ray’s Pizzeria
12000 E Loop N
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-5000
www.rayspizzaria.com

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How to Make Hot Cocoa at Home at Avana Grove

December 17, 2015 by

Instead of simply tearing open a pre-packaged version of hot chocolate this winter, make things more fun (and festive!) by making it yourself at home. Here are three great takes on everyone’s favorite sippable dessert.

Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Chocolate [diynatural.com]
If you want to make your own hot chocolate in order to avoid the extra additives and unnatural sweeteners found in many store-bought varieties, this recipe will show you how. By using real cocoa powder, pure maple syrup for sweetening, and just a dash of sea salt and cinnamon, you can create a truly decadent treat that’s still really good for you.

Homemade Hot Chocolate [marthastewart.com]
If you’re craving the classic version of hot chocolate at home, this recipe will teach you how to make it using only four common ingredients. Whole milk adds a rich, creamy consistency that is accented by the sugar and cocoa, and you have the option of preparing it in the microwave or on the stovetop for added versatility.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate [bonappetit.com]
For something with a bit more gourmet flavor, try this elegant peppermint version. Adding peppermint extract creates a festive flavor that’s really delicious when combined with bittersweet chocolate, and topping this drink with homemade whipped cream and candy canes makes it perfect for your holiday parties.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Spend a Day Under the Sun at Universal City Municipal Park

December 10, 2015 by

Whether you’re looking for exercise, outdoor fun or simply a relaxing day in the sun, you can do it all at Universal City Municipal Park This well-maintained public park is a popular outdoor attraction for many area residents, as it contains lots of grassy knolls, walking trails, and playgrounds for the little ones.

There is a challenging disc golf course that makes a fun way to engage in some friendly competition, or if you want to start up your own game of catch, you’ll find ample space in the park’s many open areas. Kids will enjoy swinging, sliding and climbing on the safe, secure play equipment, while adults will feel good about the many relaxing benches that make it easy to keep an eye on playing children.

Universal City Municipal Park
1100 North Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 658-5364
www.yelp.com/biz/universal-city-municipal-park-universal-city

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

How to Select the Perfect Holiday Tree

December 3, 2015 by

So you’ve committed to purchasing a live tree this holiday season, but now you’re not quite sure what to look for at the retail lot. Don’t fret, because these smart tips for choosing the perfect evergreen will ensure that you purchase the perfect one for your space.

  1. Measure the space. Be sure to decide where you’ll place your tree before you leave the house, and then measure both the ceiling height and the width of the area to make sure that the tree fits (and doesn’t look too small).
  2. Give the tree a good shake. To check if a holiday tree is in good health, give a branch a good shake. If only a few of the needles fall off that means that the tree will retain its lush color and lovely fragrance.
  3. Measure the tree’s base. Before you even measure the tree itself, measure the base. It should be as straight as possible and at least 6-inches-long in order to fit into a tree stand.
  4. Compare the tree to your space. Once you find a tree that you love, use a tape measure to measure its height and circumference. The tree should be a few inches smaller than the area that you measured in your home.

Selecting Your Tree [National Christmas Tree Association]
Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree [Reader’s Digest]
Christmas Tree Glossary [Martha Stewart]
How to Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree [This Old House]

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Dine Like Royalty at Four Kings in Universal City

November 27, 2015 by

If you’re the type of person who takes their lunchtime sandwiches very seriously, give Four Kings a try. This local sandwich shop is located in the heart of Universal City, which makes it a convenient lunch option for many of the businesses nearby, but it’s also a great choice if you’re out and about in the city on the weekend.

In addition to Four Kings’ long list of completely custom sandwiches served on fresh-baked breads, you’ll find a number of healthy salads and homemade soups that change from day to day. For dessert, Four Kings offers a pastry case filled to the brim with handmade English toffee, cookies, cookie bars, and cheesecake available by the slice or in bulk for your next party or gathering.

Four Kings is open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The restaurant is closed Sundays.

Four Kings
2047 Universal City Boulevard
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 687-6649
www.facebook.com/FourKingsCafe

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How to Make Memorable Mashed Potatoes This Thanksgiving

November 19, 2015 by

It's easily lost in the shadow of the turkey and stuffing, but that doesn't mean the mashed potato isn't deserving of its place on the Thanksgiving table. This year, help ensure your mashed potatoes receive the recognition they deserve with these essential cooking tips.

1) Start with the right spud.
Yukon gold potatoes will impart a slightly buttery flavor, while your standard Russet will help deliver mashed potatoes with a fluffy texture.

2) Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water with a whole clove or two of garlic.
Some sources advise cutting the potatoes into quarters, while others advise plopping the potatoes into the water whole. Either way, remove the potatoes from the water when they're easily pierced by a fork—after about 15 or 20 minutes. The trick is to remove the potatoes from the water before they begin to fall apart in the pot and absorb too much water.

3) Drain and dry.
Drain the water from the potatoes, pat the spuds dry, then return them to the pot. Depending on whether you prefer smooth or lumpy taters, you can use a potato ricer or a simple whisk to mash your potatoes. Don't use an electric mixer; this will over-develop the starches in the potatoes, making them gluey and sticky.

4) Warm your add-ins.
Warm any add-ins (butter, milk, cream, sour cream, cream cheese) before adding them to your potatoes. This will help retain the texture of your potatoes. Remember: The more fat you add to the potatoes, the creamier they'll be. Salt to taste.

How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes [About.com]
10 Tips for Perfectly Creamy and Fluffy Classic Mashed Potatoes [katefromscratch.com]
Our Best Tips & Advice for Great Mashed Potatoes [The Kitchn]

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Build Your Comic Book Collection at Heroes & Fantasies

November 12, 2015 by

If you’re a fan of comic books, Heroes & Fantasies will quickly become one of your favorite hangout spots in all of Universal City. This popular comic book store and hobby shop has a wide selection of items that will impress even the most serious collector, but it also has a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes in beginning comic book readers.

You’ll find all of the classics, from Superman to Batman, as well as graphic novels and newer comics that you might enjoy. In addition to the comics, Heroes & Fantasies sells toys and memorabilia from your favorite series, action figures and statues, and variant covers designed especially in collaboration with H&F. If you’re into table games like Magic the Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, there even game nights and meet-ups where you can compete against other local players!

Heroes & Fantasies
914 Pat Booker Road
Universal City, TX 78148
(210) 945-4376
www.heroesandfantasies.com

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: , ,

New Facebook Sweepstakes! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

November 9, 2015 by

To enter the Sweepstakes, visit our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends December 31st, 2015. We suggest you like our page to keep informed about future sweepstakes and community happenings.

For mobile users, click here to enter.

Filed Under: Life at Avana Grove Apartments Tagged With: ,

How to Help Your Child Prep for Her First Sleepover Party

November 5, 2015 by

If your child was just invited to his or her first sleepover, there’s likely a whole list of concerns that will run through your head beforehand. Sleepovers are a rite of passage for little ones, and it’s important to make your little one feel comfortable and confident before the big day. Here are some simple ways to prepare your child for his or her first slumber party—or just a night away from home.

  1. Consider how important routine is. If your child usually eats the same things for dinner and goes to bed at the same time, be sure that you check with the slumber party host beforehand to see if their routine is drastically different. If it is, mention a few foods that your child particularly dislikes, or politely request that kids are in bed before a certain time.
  2. Send a piece of home off with your child. It’s important for kids to learn how other people do things, but you can always tuck a favorite snack or a trusty blanket into his or her duffel bag just in case a bout of homesickness should strike.
  3. Prepare for the worst. If your child does get too scared to spend the night, he or she might give you a call in the middle of the night. In this case, don’t ask too many questions. Come by quickly to offer a ride home, and encourage him or her to try it again in a few months.

7 Steps to Prepare Your Child for a First Sleepover [Parents.com]
Preparing Your Child for a First Sleepover [Carolina Parent]
How to Prepare Your Kid (and Yourself) For Her First Sleepover [Today’s Parent]
How can I prepare my child for her first sleepover? [Fisher-Price.com]
7 Ways to Prepare for Your Kid’s First Sleepover [Education.com]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
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