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Where to Shop Handmade Jewelry from Indie Artists Online

November 20, 2014 by

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or simply looking for something sparkly to add to your own jewelry collection, pieces from indie designers exude a unique quality that sets them apart from the rest. These handcrafted jewelry items are often made in more environmentally friendly ways, and they usually cost much less than name-brand jewelry. Here are three great online sources for indie bling.

Catbird
Since it first opened the doors of its Brooklyn brick and mortar store almost 10 years ago, Catbird has been one of New York City’s most popular destinations for unique, affordable jewelry from independent designers. Now the shop also offers an expansive online store that allows web surfers to shop its signature dainty gold necklaces, stackable rings, and engagement rings at all price points.

Etsy
Etsy is democratizing the way that jewelry is sold by enabling independent designers to set up their own shops through the site’s online marketplace. Whether you’re searching for woven friendship bracelets or hammered gold rings, you’ll find it all via the simple search tools.

Bario Neal
Although many jewelry companies obtain their diamonds through the diamond trade, Bario Neal uses only ethically sourced stones and reclaimed precious metals that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. This Philadelphia-based jewelry boutique and studio sells engagement rings, pendant necklaces, enamel bracelets, and much more.

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Have Some Spare Time? Check Out These Popular Shows on HGTV

October 16, 2014 by

If the phrases “hardwood floors” and “granite countertops” get your heart racing, you’re sure to love HGTV’s endless list of incredibly entertaining home design programs. Here are two of the network’s most beloved shows that make for hours of weekend binge watching.

House Hunters International
Have you always wondered what it would be like it live in a villa in Barcelona or a centuries-old apartment in Paris? House Hunters International follows equally adventurous house hunters as they give into their wanderlust and move thousands of miles away from home. The show explores all corners of the world and gives you a taste of the local culture, as well as the local real estate market.

Love It or List It, Too
This remake of the popular Love It or List It features the same competitive edge with a duo of newer, younger hosts. Love It or List It, Too follows a family who is tired of their current home as they decide whether to renovate what they already have or move somewhere entirely new. Realtor Todd competes with designer Jillian as he attempts to find the couple a new house, and Jillian attempts to re-work their current one.

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Resources for Entrepreneurs from the Small Business Administration

October 2, 2014 by

You’ve always dreamed of owning your own business, but becoming an entrepreneur is a huge undertaking! These helpful articles from the U.S. Small Business Administration can help you figure out whether and how to start your own business.

Is Entrepreneurship for You?
This SBA article discusses both the benefits and pitfalls of becoming your own boss, and it paints a realistic picture of what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. Read the list of character traits necessary to become a successful entrepreneur, like independence, risk taking and creativity, to determine whether or not you would make a good business owner.

20 Questions Before Starting
These 20 questions will help you decide if you have all of the necessary tools to get your new enterprise up and running. On topics ranging from market research and customer service to sales, pricing, and financing strategies, this list of questions can help you think about the realities of running a business.

10 Steps to Starting a Business
A great deal of planning goes into starting a successful business, and the Small Business Association offers these 10 important steps to take to get your new company off the ground. Including everything from choosing a location to writing a business plan, these informative steps will help you become more prepared.

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Today’s Imponderable: Why Does Popcorn Pop?

September 18, 2014 by

Popcorn is a tasty snack to make while having a movie night at home, and its noisy popping sounds make it especially fun for the little ones. By now you’re probably used to the popping noise of popcorn, but have you ever wondered how this happens? What is it that makes popcorn pop, while corn on the cob simply cooks?

On the inside, popcorn kernels are filled with oil, water, and starch, and the outside is covered with a protective shell. Heating popcorn—say, in the microwave—causes the liquids inside to expand into steam. Because the hard outer coating leaves nowhere for the steam to go, it simply gets hotter and hotter inside of the kernel until it eventually reaches 365 degrees, which is hot enough to burst through the shell! The action of the starch and oil expanding so quickly and with so much heat transforms the mixture into the familiar foam-like puff that we eat as popcorn.

The next time you make a bag of popcorn at home, examine the kernels and think of the science behind your favorite movie snack!

What Makes Popcorn Pop? [Popcorn.org]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Tell Me Why Facts]
Why Does Popcorn Pop? [Mental Floss]
How Popcorn Pops [About.com]

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5 Household Uses for Borax

August 21, 2014 by

Are spray bottles filled with various cleaning solutions stealing your valuable cabinet space? Consider streamlining your cleaning routine by using borax, a naturally occurring white mineral more aptly known as sodium tetraborate. This eco-friendly powder can be used in many applications throughout the home, from cleaning and deodorizing to DIY bouncy balls for the kids. Here are a few uses for borax:

1. Laundry Booster
Add one-half cup of borax to your washing machine to help boost the effectiveness of your regular detergent.

2. All-Purpose Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons borax and two of cups hot water. Use the solution to clean countertops, kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware.

3. Bathroom Cleaner
Remove soap scum and hard water deposits by combining one cup borax and 1/4 cup lemon juice to create a paste. Apply the paste to your sink and tub using a damp sponge, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. To apply borax in dry form, you can store it in an empty parmesan cheese shaker for easy sprinkling.

4. DIY Dish Detergent
Save money by making your own powder dishwasher detergent. Simply combine one tablespoon borax and one tablespoon baking soda.

5. Make Your Own Bouncy Balls
Here's a fun, educational activity for the kids: Combine borax, glue, cornstarch, food coloring, and water to make your own bouncy balls. (Find the complete instructions here.) While borax is an all-natural product, you still need to remind your kids that it's not for eating. Be sure to keep your box of borax out of the reach of children.

Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]
25 Household Uses For Borax [Homesessive]
Uses of 20 Mule Team® Borax [Mule Team Borax]
30 Little Known Uses for Borax [One Good Thing]
How to Make a Borax Bouncy Ball [Creative Bug]
Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]

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Three Interior Design Rules Everyone Should Know

July 24, 2014 by

While you may not be an interior designer yourself, there’s no reason why your home shouldn’t look like you are. Even if you live in a rental, there are a few simple things you can do that will completely transform the look of your home. Here are three interior design rules that everyone should know.

  1. Move slowly. It’s very tempting to buy furniture all at once when you move into a new space, but that’s actually one of the most common interior design mistakes. Be thoughtful about the things that you incorporate into your home to ensure that you like them a few months (or years) down the line. Even if this means living with a bare living room for a while, it’s almost always worth it.
  2. Avoid buying sets or furniture all in one place. If you purchase furniture in a set or buy an entire room’s decor from one store, it’s always very easy to tell. To avoid creating a monochromatic room that looks like a child’s bedroom, mix and match materials, colors, and textures from a few different sources.
  3. Don’t fight against the quirks. Many spaces, especially rentals, have built-in architectural details that you simply can’t change. Rather than trying to hide them or “fix” them, purchase furniture that works with your home’s little quirks. For example, add a window seat against a bay window to maximize the views rather than covering it with a large sofa.

6 Basic Interior Design Rules [Suite]
The 3 Principles of Interior Design [HGTV]
The 7 Rules of Interior Design [Zillow Blog]
5 Rookie Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again [Apartment Therapy]

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Clever Cooking With Fresh Oregano

June 19, 2014 by

Outside of Italian fare, many home cooks are at a loss when it comes to cooking with oregano. This warm, aromatic herb is actually much more versatile than you might think, however, and it can be added to dishes ranging from meats to pastas and even to sweet desserts. Check out these creative recipes for ideas that will have you craving oregano.

Blackberry-Oregano Pie
You’ve tasted sweet blackberries and you’ve likely used oregano, but you’ve probably never had the two seemingly opposite ingredients together in one dish. This sweet and flavorful pie combines fresh blackberries and tart lemon juice with finely chopped fresh oregano to create a traditional berry pie with just the right amount of savory flavor. Add an intricate pattern in the crust and this sweet treat makes an impressive dessert for your next gathering!

Charcoal-Grilled Pork Shoulder with Fresh Herbs and Roasted Garlic
Grilling juicy, tender pork shoulder over hot charcoal gives the meat a perfectly crispy exterior that’s well worth the extra effort. The addition of a thoughtful blend of herbs, including oregano, bay leaves and parsley, makes a perfect seasoning that really completes this main course. Because the recipe calls for both a brine and a garlic herb rub, you can feel confident that this pork shoulder will be full of flavor.

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5 Fascinating Facts About the Grand Canyon

May 14, 2014 by

Even if you’ve seen the majestic peaks of the Grand Canyon before, there are always new things to learn about this incredible natural landmark. It’s hard to imagine that a place like this actually exists, but we’re fortunate enough to call our country its home. Here are a few fascinating facts about the majestic Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon is over 270 miles long.
Its valleys are up to one mile deep in certain areas, and it is 18 miles wide at its widest points.

Humans have used it for more than just a tourist attraction.
There are signs of human interaction within the Grand Canyon for millennia, and scientists have discovered ruins and other artifacts from as many as 12,000 years ago.

It took some 6 million years to form.
After millions of years of erosion by the Colorado River, the earth’s upraised crust eventually formed what is now the Grand Canyon.

There are over 100 known rapids in the Grand Canyon.
It’s not just rock – the canyon also includes a number of large waterfalls, rapids, and tributaries throughout.

Close to 5 million people visit the canyon per year.
Vacationers from all around the world travel to Arizona to peer over its many lookout points and explore Grand Canyon National Park.

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Must-Read Tips for a Perfectly Packed Suitcase

April 17, 2014 by

More often than not, you have to limit the amount of things you pack in your suitcase on a vacation or work trip. This often involves packing and unpacking items, and maybe even sitting on top of your suitcase to force it to zip! These helpful tips will help you pack a perfect suitcase and even save room for that last minute item.

  • Try a roll up. Instead of a normal fold, which can waste space and often result in messy wrinkles, roll your clothing into tight tube shapes.
  • Utilize shrink-wrap. If the rolled fold still doesn’t give you enough space, vacuum-sealed plastic bags will surely do the trick. This is especially good for winter coats, towels, or other bulky items.
  • Check the weather. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve all forgotten a bathing suit, umbrella, or a warm jacket for chilly nights out when traveling in different climates.
  • Properly pack toiletries. Avoid leaks by only filling soap and shampoo bottles halfway, then squeeze the excess air out and cap them tightly.
  • Protect your shoes. If you have to pack expensive heels or leather loafers, stuff them with tissue paper and then place them in a cloth bag to prevent scuffing or crushing.
  • Check your list. After you finish packing, cross-reference your suitcase with your checklist. You’ll thank yourself later if you realize you forgot deodorant on your beach vacation!

How to Pack a Suitcase [Travel + Leisure]
How to Pack a Suitcase Efficiently and Perfectly [LifeHack]
Packing a Suitcase [Martha Stewart]
How to Pack a Suitcase for Airline Travel [USA Today]
How to Pack a Suitcase [Instructables]

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Hey Residents, Read All About It!

March 8, 2014 by

Check back for helpful information about pop culture, recipes, health and fitness, and much more! Thanks!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous
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