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Learn About Old Faithful From These 5 Facts

August 21, 2015 by

Many tourists around the United States and the world visit Old Faithful every year. If you’ve never been to this incredible natural landmark, these five facts will show you just how special it truly is.

1. Old Faithful is the largest regularly erupting geyser in Yellowstone.
It erupts for 1.5 to 5 minutes every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting a burst of hot, steaming water up to 184 feet into the air.

2. It is one of the most studied geysers in the park.
Because scientists study it so closely, Old Faithful’s eruption times can be predicted very accurately, making it the easiest one to see when visiting the park.

3. The amount of time between eruptions lengthened in the past few decades.
Due to the earthquakes in Hebgen Lake in 1959 and Borah Park in 1983, OId Faithful’s eruptions have grown a bit further apart in recent decades.

4. Old Faithful is incredibly hot.
Sure, you probably knew that a geyser is hot, but did you know that Old Faithful ranges from 204 degrees Fahrenheit? The steam can even reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit!

5. Thousands of gallons of water are expelled with each eruption.
Old Faithful’s water eruption contains anywhere from 3,700 gallons in a 1.5-minute burst to 8,400 gallons in a 4.5-minute burst.

Old Faithful [Yellowstone Net]
Frequently Asked Questions at Old Faithful [National Park Service]
Old Faithful [The Geyser Observation and Study Association]

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Watching Your Weight? Don’t Make These Dieting Mistakes!

August 20, 2015 by

You might think that you’re on a fairly healthy diet that will eventually lead to your goal weight, but some of your eating habits might actually do more harm than good when it comes to weight loss. Check out these common dieting mistakes to make sure that they’re not a part of your daily routine

  • Eating too fast. By rushing through every meal, you don’t give your body enough time to actually feel full. If you eat slower, you’re more likely to stop eating when you’ve actually had enough.
  • Forgoing meals. Instead of making you lose weight faster, skipping meals actually leads to consuming more calories later in the day. Even if you’re not feeling hungry at meal time, try eating a small snack to keep your appetite regulated.
  • Consuming liquid calories. Many dieters don’t realize just how many calories there are in many common beverages. Drinks like wine, beer, coffee, and even juices can add hundreds of unnecessary calories throughout the day.
  • Eating too-large portions. It’s always smart to measure the portion size of your food before eating it, as it is very difficult to judge the amount of calories simply by looking at a food. You can do this by using a food scale or carrying plastic containers in the recommended sizes.

Diet Mistakes: 6 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight [WebMD]
14 Diet Foods To Avoid [Prevention]
13 Healthy Foods to Avoid For Weight Loss! [Active Beat]
Jillian Michaels: Weight-Loss Tips That Work [Health]

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How to Clean and Disinfect Wooden Cutting Boards

August 14, 2015 by

A wooden cutting board is an essential tool in any kitchen, but it's also one of the most confounding items when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. Can you use water? Should you wash with regular dish soap? The list of questions is never-ending, but these tried-and-true methods will show you how it's done!

  1. The lemon and salt method. If you’re partial to using all-natural cleaning techniques in your kitchen, this may be the cutting board method for you. Simply sprinkle the cutting board with coarse salt, then use half of a lemon to scrape away deep-set stains and bacteria.
  2. The bleach method. Create a solution of 2 tablespoons of bleach per 1 gallon of water, then wipe your cutting board using quick, swift motions to avoid waterlog. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before using.
  3. The vinegar method. Another great all-natural way to clean your cutting board is by using simple white vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda all over the cutting board and spray it with a spray bottle of vinegar, as the vinegar has natural disinfecting properties. Allow the paste to bubble, then wipe it away with a cold, wet cloth.
  4. The hydrogen peroxide method. First, wipe your cutting board with a paper towel soaked in white vinegar, then finish the job with a second paper towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide to kill germs.

How to Clean a Cutting Board: 7 Effective Treatments [Reader’s Digest]
How To Clean a Wooden Cutting Board with Lemon and Salt [The Kitchn]
How to Clean a Cutting Board [Clorox]

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Voda Spa & Wellness Studio: Refresh in Herndon

August 13, 2015 by

Just about everyone feels a bit run down at times, but Voda Spa & Wellness Studio is here for when life starts to take a toll on your body. This wellness studio provides completely customized wellness services to people of all ages, and the resulting experience is much more personal than your usual spa experience. The spa uses only all-natural products, and the owner, Heather, is a licensed master aesthetician and certified massage therapist.

Voda provides services such as face and body waxing, facials customized to age and skin type, and aromatherapy massages to stimulate circulation and relaxation. There are also lesser-known services such as organic air brush tanning and eye lash tinting to make customers feel their very best.

Voda Spa & Wellness Studio is located in a quiet, residential area inside of charming white farmhouse. The interior is natural comfortable to provide a relaxing, spa-like feel. To book an appointment, visit the Voda website.

Voda Spa & Wellness Studio
800 Third Street
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 651-6906
www,vodaspaandwellness.com
www.yelp.com/biz/voda-spa-and-wellness-studio-herndon

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5 Essential Tools Every Kitchen Should Have

August 7, 2015 by

Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

  1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
  2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
  3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
  4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
  5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

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Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers: Cheeseburgers and More in Leesburg

August 6, 2015 by

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers fulfills their “gourmet” moniker with an emphasis on culinary quality and crafting the perfect burger, your way, fresh and to-order. Juicy, char-grilled 100% all-natural Angus beef patties towering with your choice of cheese and toppings, fresh in-house baked buns and locally sourced ingredients create an elevated burger experience and the laid-back atmosphere makes Melt a popular destination for an office get-together, date night or family dinner.

Melt’s menu features unusual selections such as a sushi-grade ahi tuna burger and a garlicky bison burger. Specials rotate regularly, including the burger, milkshake and mac & cheese of the month. Crisp salads, abundant sides and a zesty black bean and corn veggie burger are available for herbivore consumption. A menu for children 10 and under features choices for the little ones.

Visit the Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers website to learn more!

Melt Gourmet Cheeseburgers
525 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 443-2105
www.meltgourmetcheeseburgers.com
www.yelp.com/biz/melt-gourmet-cheeseburgers-leesburg

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Mikaku: Enjoy Japanese Fare in Herndon

July 30, 2015 by

The master chefs of Mikaku fulfill the eatery’s motto by creating “a true sense of taste” in every bite through the use of fresh ingredients expertly crafted into authentic Japanese dishes. Groups may choose to share a literal wooden boatload of sushi, running over with dozens of pieces hand-rolled maki.

In addition to standard sushi and rolls, Mikaku puts a unique spin on Japanese dining by offering small plate specialties akin to Spanish tapas. Small bites for sharing include steamed shumai dumplings and sake-steamed clams. Their comprehensive sake menu features over twenty varieties of premium sake, as well as more accessible varieties, available cold by the glass or heated in a traditional tokkuri flask.

With traditional artwork lining the walls and otherwise minimal décor, Mikaku’s atmosphere is quietly serene. A private dining area featuring a “zashiki” arrangement, complete with traditional tatami flooring, a low-standing table and comfortable floor mat seating may be reserved, too.

Mikaku
3065-J Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 467-0220
www.mikakurestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/mikaku-herndon

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Vintage 50: A Leesburg Destination for Craft Brews and Pub Grub

July 24, 2015 by

Boasting an on-site brewery and a full-time brewmaster on staff, it comes as no surprise that Vintage 50 is a premier Leesburg destination for specialty craft beers and pub grub. V50’s dine-in menu is a collaborative effort between the chef and brew master, designed to complement the range of beers being served. For a more casual atmosphere, diners may choose to sit at the bar or in the brew lounge and munch on snacks like pretzel twists with sausage pate and beer cheese or V50’s signature beer-poached wings. The elegantly appointed dining room is available for a more formal dining experience, where you may enjoy entrees such as a beer-brined pork porterhouse or a classic New York strip steak.

Original V50 brews are crafted seasonally and drafts change weekly, keeping the interests of local beer connoisseurs piqued. A sampler flight of four of V50’s beers is available or, if volume trumps variety for you, refillable growlers may be purchased and taken to go.

Vintage 50
50 Catoctin Circle NE, Suite 100
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 777-2169
http://www.vintage50.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vintage-50-leesburg

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Where to Shop Industrial-Style Furniture and Decor Online

July 23, 2015 by

Want to get in on the industrial-chic trend? You can inject the cool, hip home decor style into your space at BLVD l Loudoun Station with help from these popular retailers. A bit of distressed metal here, a dash of reclaimed wood there, and your cozy rental will take on the big-city loft vibe that you’ve always wanted!

Dot & Bo
Although this popular online home goods retailer is best known for its affordable selection of mid-century modern furnishings, it’s also a great resource for finding industrial furniture pieces that look like they came straight from a converted warehouse. Browse metal pendant lights, concrete planters, and even Parsons desks with perfectly weathered wood tops.

World Market
This affordable, eclectic housewares store offers an impressive selection of industrial-inspired furniture items that includes wooden beds, coffee tables on rolling casters, and metal bar carts perfect for entertaining.

Industrial Home
The name says it all at this popular online retailer. Industrial Home carries what it describes as “a vintage twist on modern industrial living,” which includes a great selection of antique-inspired light fixtures, warm leather sofas and rugged, wooden dining tables that offer that signature loft feel.

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Uses for a French Press — Beyond Coffee!

July 17, 2015 by

Many people are jumping in on the French press trend because it makes barista-quality coffee quickly and easily right at home. If you own a French press, however, you might be surprised to find that you can use it for much more than just brewing your morning cup of joe. Here are a few unique uses for your French press.

  • Making tea. This one may be fairly obvious, but many people don’t realize that they can also use a French press for tea. Simply fill the bottom with tea bags or loose leaf tea, then brew as usual.
  • Frothing milk. If you consider frothed milk a luxury of the coffee shop, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that you can froth your own milk by simply adding it to the French press and pumping it up and down a few times.
  • As a strainer. Use your French press to strain just about anything, even pesky quinoa that usually slips through the cracks. Just add things like spinach, fresh fruit, or even shrimp and dispense the water. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the press afterward!
  • Infusing oils. Mix herbs and spices with olive oil and heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to the French press and strain out the herbs.

5 More Uses For Your French Press! [The Kitchn]
14 {Other} Ways to Use a French Coffee Press [Preparedness Mama]
Use Your French Press to Make Whipped Cream [LifeHacker]

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