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Steer Clear of These 4 Foods Before Boarding a Plane

December 19, 2014 by

Pre-flight jitters can be exacerbated by eating the wrong foods before take-off. However, there are ways that you can calm your stomach before your flight. Avoid these four foods before flying to keep your digestive tract in good spirits.

  1. Alcohol. Although many travelers use alcohol to soothe their nerves before a flight, if you have a sensitive stomach this is not the best idea. Alcohol also becomes more intense at higher altitudes, which can cause you to feel much tipsier in the air than you did on the ground.
  2. Greasy foods. If you’re in a rush to eat lunch before running to the terminal, avoid that greasy burger and fries. Many studies prove that your body has a much harder time digesting sodium and saturated fats at higher altitudes, which means that your supersized meal will start to feel even more supersized in the air.
  3. Beans. Avoid foods that are known to make you gassy, such as beans, cabbage, or broccoli, as bloating will cause even more discomfort at high altitudes.
  4. Carbonated drinks. Sodas and energy drinks cause dehydration, which is already problematic during air travel. Opt for hydrating water instead.

Five Foods to Avoid Before Flying [Independent Traveler]
10 Foods to Avoid Before Boarding a Plane [AARP]
What Not to Eat Before Flying! [NerdWallet]
8 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Flying [Yahoo! Travel]

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How to Create a Cheese Plate Your Party Guests Will Love

December 18, 2014 by

Ah, cheese. From mild cheddar to zesty Brie, there are a wide variety of reasons why people all over the world love this flavorful food. If you want to make the perfect cheese platter for an upcoming party, these foolproof tips will help you to turn your love of cheese into a perfect hors d’oeuvres for entertaining.

  1. Choose the right amount for your guests. As a general rule, it’s smart to allot at least two ounces of cheese per guest. Calculate the number of guests you’ll have beforehand and do some simple math to ensure that everyone gets their fair share.
  2. Mix soft and hard cheeses. A well-blended cheese plate includes a perfectly balanced blend of soft cheeses, like goat cheese, and hard cheeses, like aged gouda.
  3. Mix mild and intense flavors. You also want to blend mild cheeses with more flavorful options on your board. Think mild options such as fresh mozzarella combined with an intense cheese like a firm Gruyère.
  4. Serve the cheese properly. Organize the cheeses on a wooden platter, and be sure to leave enough space between cheeses. Set out a different knife for each type, and give each of your guests his or her own plate. Also, set out some neutral crackers or dry breads as palette cleansers.

Creating the Perfect Cheese Plate [Food + Wine]
How to Set Up a Cheese Platter [Food Network]
The Perfect Cheese Platter [Real Simple]

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These Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipes Are Better Than Storebought

December 12, 2014 by

While making hot chocolate from a package is fast and easy, there’s just nothing that compares to the real deal on a cold winter afternoon. Here are three authentic hot cocoa recipes that take a bit longer to make, but are more than worth it once you take the first sip.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate [Bon Appetit]
There aren’t many ways to improve already-delicious hot chocolate, but incorporating peppermint is definitely one of them. This sweet and minty concoction uses bittersweet chocolate and peppermint extract to achieve its complex flavor, and it is topped with homemade whipped cream that will impress your holiday guests.

Homemade Hot Chocolate [Martha Stewart]
If you want to improve on the classic hot chocolate recipe, this all-natural recipe is the one to use. It calls for only four simple ingredients, and ordinary table salt acts as a secret ingredient that really makes all of the other flavors shine.

Naturally Sweetened Homemade Hot Chocolate [DIY Natural]
Cut down on the artificial sweeteners in your hot chocolate with this all-natural recipe that’s just as warm and delicious. It’s sweetened with pure maple syrup and pure vanilla extract for a rich flavor, and it doesn’t contain any of the harmful additives that store-bought hot chocolates might have.

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Newly Betrothed? Don’t Miss These Wedding Boards on Pinterest!

December 5, 2014 by

You can't stop admiring that brand-new ring on your finger, but now it’s time for the real fun to begin. Even if you’ve been dreaming of that fairy tale wedding since before you can remember, things can get a bit overwhelming once it comes time for the actual planning. Here are three Pinterest boards that offer hours of wedding inspiration, while also helping to keep you on schedule—and on budget!

Wedding Ideas
Are you planning a shabby chic wedding, or is your style more glitz and glamor? Whatever type of nuptials you have in mind, this Pinterest board is filled with ideas to help plan your dream wedding. Creative honeymoon funds, fun wedding favors, and simple, handmade decorations will make your big day even more special.

Weddings
Browse Pinterest’s main wedding board by categories like wedding photography, flowers, and invitation inspiration to find tips and tricks for every aspect of planning a wedding. There are even printable checklists and calendars to help you stay organized along the way.

Romantic Weddings
Whether you’re actually planning a wedding or if you just love looking at ideas for that day far off in your future, the Romantic Weddings board is an endless source of dreamy inspiration. Best of all, this board is filled with photos from real weddings to offer a sneak peek of real life couples’ special days.

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Where to Design Your Own Holiday Cards Online

December 4, 2014 by

Instead of sending out impersonal, store-bought holiday greeting cards this year, get creative by designing your own cards online. Whether you want to create a silly photo card or a card adorned with artistic typography, these three sites have everything that you need to make your holiday correspondence dreams a reality.

Shutterfly
This hip printing site enables you to upload one or more photos to add to its wide selection of holiday cards in all styles and sizes. The card templates range from rustic and traditional to chic and trendy, and many of them feature hand lettering, calligraphy and other popular design elements. Include a personalized message to make your cards even more unique.

Snapfish
if you’re searching for a simple card creation site that is entirely customizable, Snapfish is one of the best online options. First, the site asks you to choose the size of your cards, from traditional folding squares to more modern long, rectangular shapes. Next, the site offers a number of colorful pre-made templates that feature spaces for your family photos, and they’re worlds away from the traditional sentiments from years past.

Tinyprints
If you prefer a more minimal greeting card, Tinyprints offers a number of sleek and stylish options to choose from. The site also enables you to create a customized holiday newsletter that updates loved ones about your family’s past year.

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Learn about the Economy with These Economics Podcasts

November 28, 2014 by

You don't have to go back to school to get a degree in economics to understand more about how our economy works. These three podcasts offer interesting insights on business, the economy, and the world of finance:

Bloomberg Surveillance Podcast
Bloomberg Surveillance has its finger on the pulse of the national economy. Podcast hosts Tom Keene and Michael McKee discuss topics like financial repression, the job market in various fields, spending patterns, and the patterns within the ever-changing stock market.

Marketplace
American Public Media’s Marketplace is a podcast devoted to the latest business news within the United States and around the world. It focuses on the global economy and events that impact the financial markets, and it aims to provide timely, accessible coverage of both economics and personal finance. Marketplace is a great podcast if you prefer to hear about interesting, true stories rather than just the numbers.

Planet Money
Distributed by NPR, Planet Money is a twice-weekly podcast that explains the economy to people who might have no prior knowledge of how it works. It’s fun and enjoyable, and it covers topics like how popular iPhone apps affect the national economy.

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Squash 101: How to Prep and Bake Acorn Squash

November 21, 2014 by

Acorn squash is a fairly unusual ingredient, but it is certainly worth checking out. If you know the right techniques, you’ll likely find that preparing this sweet, nutritious squash is much easier than you would think. Here are the basic steps for prepping and baking acorn squash.

  1. Slice the squash in half using a very sharp knife. It shouldn’t require too much pressure from you, as forcing a dull knife through the squash could result in injury.
  2. All squash contain seeds and stringy particles inside, so be sure to scoop those out using a metal spoon. It doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, just enough so that you don’t end up with a mouth full of seeds.
  3. Place the squash halves face down on a foil-lined baking sheet, then add enough water so that it slightly covers the bottom of the squash. This will ensure that the squash gets moist and soft.
  4. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes, checking the acorn squash periodically to gauge its softness.
  5. Remove from the oven and add a bit of butter to the center of each half. Place the squash under the broiler for 5 minutes, until the butter melts and the squash turns a lovely brown color. You can also add a teaspoon of brown sugar or a sprinkle of salt for added flavor.

How to Prepare/Bake Acorn Squash [Chef In You]
How To: Cook Acorn Squash [The Kitchen Magpie]
Acorn Squash Basics [Martha Stewart]

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These Pumpkin Pie Recipes Will Have You Reaching for Seconds

November 20, 2014 by

Warm soups are great and Thanksgiving turkey is tasty, but when it comes to favorite fall foods, pumpkin pie is typically at the top of the list. There’s just nothing better than this rich, flavorful pie come autumn, whether you prefer to top it with whipped cream or to eat it warm out of the oven. Here are three of our favorite recipes for pumpkin pie.

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie [verybestbaking.com]
Since it requires only 15 minutes of prep time, this pie will be emitting a delicious scent from the oven with plenty of time to spare before the arrival of your last-minute guests. Canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, and a pre-made pie crust make this one of the easiest pumpkin pie recipes you’ll find.

The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie [epicurious.com]
This elaborate recipe from Epicurious is ideal for the experienced baker who wants to add a bit more spice to the usual pumpkin pie. Whipping cream and sour cream make it extra thick and creamy, while the generous helpings of spices add major flavor in every bite.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie [pickyourown.org]
Pick Your Own’s homemade pumpkin pie uses real pumpkin instead of canned to offer the freshest taste possible in your seasonal dessert. Although it may seem intimidating, the results are more than worth it.

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Heading to the Market? Read These Healthy Grocery Shopping Tips!

November 14, 2014 by

You’re committed to a healthy eating plan, and your first stop is the local supermarket. Here are a few simple, smart tips to help steer you away from the sweets aisle and toward the fruit and vegetables.

  1. Make a list. It may seem obvious, but making a list and sticking to it can work wonders when you actually come face-to-face with your favorite brand of cookies. Include things like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and head for the checkout once every item is checked off.
  2. Check the nutrition labels. Even if something is labeled “low-fat” or “all natural,” you should still check the nutrition labels on pre-packaged food items to make sure that there aren’t any unwelcome or unnatural surprises.
  3. Purchase at least half whole grains. Replacing only half of your bread or cereal intake with whole grain alternatives can make a big difference in your health. Make sure that these products say “100% whole grain” on the label.
  4. Choose healthier dairy products. Switch out your usual full fat milk, yogurt, and cheese with non-fat or low-fat options.
  5. Shop for lean meats. Instead of purchasing hamburgers or sausages, go for lean meats like turkey, fresh fish, and skinless chicken breast.
  6. Snack smarter. If you love to have snacks on hand, grab a bag of unsalted nuts or some dried fruit for a quick boost.

Try These Tips for Heart-Healthy Grocery Shopping [American Heart Association]
27 Foods to Ban From Your Shopping Cart [Reader’s Digest]
Build a Healthy Diet with Smart Shopping [Nutrition.gov]
Healthy Grocery Shopping [Medline Plus]

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Score Big With These Fantasy Football Tips

November 7, 2014 by

While watching football is top on the list of favorite fall activities, participating in fantasy football leagues is quickly catching up. If you spend hours re-working your fantasy football draft and managing your team, these tips will help you to maximize your chance of success—and maybe even win a bit of money along the way.

  1. Take advantage of online resources. Although some people may get a bit picky about using online cheat sheets, there’s no set rule against doing your research before the draft. Sites like ESPN.com are filled with incredibly beneficial resources to help stack the deck in your favor.
  2. Become familiar with your league’s rules. This tip is especially important for first-time participants, since making a blunder like drafting someone who has already been picked will hold up the rest of the league (and certainly annoy your opponents).
  3. Research injury reports. You make sure to pay attention to which players are doing best this season, but it’s just as important to know who’s limping a bit in practice.
  4. Get risky. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on a so-called “sleeper” player or two as the draft progresses. You’ll likely already have your first choice players by this point, and choosing a risky player could lead to a big payoff in the long run.

11 Tips and Tricks to Win Your Fantasy Football League [ESPN W]
Fantasy Football Dos and Don'ts [About Sports]
10 Tips for New Fantasy Football Owners [Fantasy]

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