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Spring Forward: How Start Your Warm Weather Workouts on the Right Foot

March 17, 2016 by

Whether you want to tone up before bathing suit season or you're striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, the spring season is a good time to begin an exercise routine. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to begin your spring workouts, these tips can help.

  • Put it on paper. If you write down your fitness goals and a loose schedule, it will help you to remain accountable and stay on track.
  • Start slow. Remember to keep your schedule light at first and work up to more difficult workouts. Begin with 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise three or four times per week, and be sure to switch up your workouts to keep things interesting.
  • Enlist a partner. If you’re still feeling sluggish, ask a close friend to work out with you and help to keep each other motivated.
  • Invest in new workout gear. If your sneakers from last season have seen better days, invest in a brand-new pair that will get you excited to exercise.
  • Get outdoors. Now that the cold weather is over and the days are longer, you likely want to get outside as much as you can. Schedule early morning runs before work, go for weekend bike rides, or even sign up for yoga in the park.

Spring-Clean Your Exercise Routine [Health]
20 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine [Shape]
Spring Clean Your Workout Routine: 21 Bad Habits To Toss Today [LiveStrong]

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How to Prep Your Home for Fall

September 17, 2015 by

Spring cleaning may get all of the glory, but there’s certainly something to be said about deep cleaning your home before the fall season hits. Here are some of the best things to do to prepare your living space for the chill of fall.

  1. Thoroughly wash windows. Prepare your windows for fall by cleaning each one thoroughly with a steak-free cleaner.
  2. Deep-clean any carpets. Whether you own a carpet shampooer or you decide to pay for a professional, it’s important to deep-clean the summer’s worth of dirt out from inside of your carpets.
  3. Organize your closets. Donate any unworn clothing, pack away summer items, and organize your colder weather clothes throughout your closet.

Fall Homekeeping Tips [Martha Stewart]
Fall Cleaning Checklist [Real Simple]
5 Tips for Cleaning for Fall [How Stuff Works]

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Quick and Easy Potluck Recipes

July 23, 2015 by

So you were invited to your first of many summer potlucks this summer, and you’re totally stumped on what to bring. If you’re searching for the perfect recipe for a group, you’ll want something that’s easy to make and easy to serve, but still really delicious. Here are three unique summertime recipes that are also potluck-friendly.

Key Lime Bars [myrecipes.com]
If you’re in charge of bringing the dessert, these key lime bars are the perfect addition to any potluck. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart, and although they’re made entirely from scratch from crust to filling, they’re still simple to prepare.

Salsa for a Crowd [tasteofhome.com]
While salsa is a dish that feeds a lot of people at once, it’s still a really easy dish to throw together. This unique, summery salsa recipe combines corn and black beans with the usual tomatoes and spices to create the perfect topping for tortilla chips, pita wedges, or even tacos.

Sunny Broccoli Salad [midwestliving.com]
Bring a side dish that’s both delicious and healthy when you prepare this broccoli salad. It takes just 20 minutes to make, and unexpected ingredients like low-fat mayonnaise, bacon, and sweet raisins create a punch of flavor that will have all of the other guests asking for your recipe.

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Just Add Candlelight: Romantic Valentine’s Dinner Ideas for Two

January 22, 2015 by

Whether you’re on a budget or you simply want to plan a more personalized Valentine’s Day date than dinner at a crowded restaurant, making a home-cooked meal for that special someone is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday. Here are three romantic dinner ideas that are made for two—just be sure not to forget the candlelight!

Surf-and-Turf for Two [coastalliving.com]
This is normally one of the priciest dishes on the menu at an upscale restaurant, so preparing it at home is a more affordable way to enjoy an indulgent Valentine’s Day meal. With tender, juicy steak and plump scallops cooked in a champagne-butter sauce, this meal will surely elicit a thank-you kiss.

Creamy Tomato Soup [myrecipes.com]
Valentine’s Day falls at the tail end of the winter in most parts of the country, so snuggle up with your better half over a bowl of steaming hot tomato soup. Gain a few extra romance points by pairing it with grilled cheese sandwiches cut into festive heart shapes.

Mini Heart Pizzas [thenerdswife.com]
Pizza is the fastest route to just about anyone’s heart, as you’ll quickly learn when you present your special someone with these adorable (and delicious) mini pizzas. They’re baked in the shape of hearts for a more festive flair, and they’re so easy to make that even the most novice home chef can prepare them with ease.

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These Halloween Dessert Recipes Are All Treats, No Tricks

October 16, 2014 by

Everyone knows that candy is the best part about Halloween, but there's still something to be said about seasonal sweets that don't require a wrapper. If you're hosting a Halloween party this year, these Halloween recipes are all treats and no tricks!

Marshmallow Witches [myfabulousrecipesbackup.blogspot.com]
The kids will love to help make these not-so-wicked witch treats! Large marshmallows are decorated with chocolate chips, candy pieces, and cookies to create a coven of seriously sweet witches. These treats don't requiring any prepping or cooking, which leaves more time for the fun part: the decorating!

Pumpkin Cookies [Food and Wine]
Catering to more refined palates, these pumpkin cookies boast a cake-like texture that's complemented by tiny pieces of candied ginger. Pumpkin spice imparts an autumn flavor, while a sugary glaze tantalizes the taste buds.

Spider Cookies [Delish]
A spider shaped cookie cutter transforms basic sugar cookie dough into a tempting dessert that might just make your skin crawl. Each arachnid is dipped into black sanding sugar for a sparkly-sweet finish, then arranged on cookie cooling rack that resembles a web.

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