Miscellaneous

Three of the Country’s Most Unique Museums

November 29, 2013 by riverstone

Who says you have to leave the country to find a truly fascinating, unique museum? These impressive American museums offer plenty of wonder, and you won’t even have to dig out your passport to visit them.

Mutter Museum
One of the country’s only museums devoted entirely to medical history, the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia is a great choice for anyone interested in anatomy or the history of the healthcare field. This cabinet-style museum features preserved anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments so that viewers might ponder the human body’s mysteries and the wonders of medical treatment.

Museum of Osteology
Oklahoma City’s Museum of Osteology is a sprawling 7,000 square foot museum showcasing skeletons from creatures all over the world. A unique educational experience that aims to show visitors the form and function of each unique creature, this museum also features exhibits with themes like locomotion, diversity and adaptation.

Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
Full of over 900 pieces of Pez memorabilia, this California museum is dedicated to the fun, whimsical novelty behind the popular candy. If you’re a collector yourself, the museum also has a gift shop full of new, vintage and imported Pez dispensers to add to your own collection.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Museum of Osteology, Museums, Mutter Museum, Pez Museum

Follow Football All Week Long with These Great Sites

November 25, 2013 by riverstone

Sure, you can watch the big games on Saturdays and Sundays. But devoted football fans also have a growing number of ways to keep up with their favorite sport online throughout the rest of the week. Here are three websites where you can read in-depth articles, watch videos, and see stats as a lead up to the next big game!

NFLNation
Hosted by the beloved television sports network, ESPN’s NFLNation is a great online source for following pro football. This site is jam packed with articles and discussions written by football experts, the latest league news, a constantly updated scoreboard and weekly player stats that you won’t find anywhere else. Fans can even search NFLNation to see stuff about their favorite team.

Football Outsiders
Written by thinking fans for thinking fans Football Outsiders is an in-depth website that takes an entirely new approach to analyzing the sport of football. The site’s statistics-centric writers provide brand new stats that attempt to make a more effective analysis of each game, as well as long-form articles that might change your perspective on the game.

Dr. Saturday
Yahoo! Sports’ Dr. Saturday is a college football blog that discusses the players, teams and coaches within the world of college football. With a laid-back, conversational voice and expert analysis, this is the ideal follow-up reading after watching your alma mater’s latest game.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Blogs, Football, Sports, Technology

Learn to Cook Right from Your Phone with These 3 Apps

November 22, 2013 by riverstone

When you’re making something in the kitchen you need your recipe to be easily accessible, and there’s nothing more convenient than your smartphone. These helpful cooking apps will give you recipes, cooking techniques, and other necessary information right from your mobile device:

How to Cook Everything: Cooking Basics
This app, developed by New York Times cooking columnist Mark Bittman, includes an assortment of recipes and high-quality photos, video and audio to make your time in the kitchen easier and more hands-on. The recipes are simple and straightforward, and if you come across a technique that you don’t understand it even includes links to video tutorials to help you learn as you go.

Epicurious
The popular cooking website now has a helpful app for iPhone, iPad, Android, Nook, Windows and Kindle. The Epicurious app provides users with numerous recipes, and it has a printing feature that allows you to print your favorite recipes from anywhere. The shopping list feature even creates lists of ingredients that you can easily access at the grocery store.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking: Selected Recipes
The famous Julia Child book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" is now available from your mobile device with this innovative app. With real photos straight from the book, Child’s most beloved quotes, and even video tutorials for mastering some of her more complex dishes, this app is ideal for anyone who wants to learn the art of French cooking.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apps, Cooking, Recipes, Smartphones

Find a Delicious Recipe Using Ingredients You Have at Home

November 19, 2013 by riverstone

You know the feeling: it’s dinner time, you’re rummaging through your kitchen cabinets trying to find something to make, and you come up empty handed. These helpful websites are made for days when you just don’t have time to get to the grocery store. They’ll help you to combine the things you already have to make a tasty and filling meal, and you might even find a new favorite recipe along the way:

Super Cook
Super Cook offers a simple layout and easy-to-use search bar that allows you to type in the ingredients you have and browse recipes using only those ingredients. The site searches other places around the web to give you a variety of recipes to choose from, and it even allows you to save the ones you’ve tried and loved or plan on trying in the future. Super Cook also has search filters for dietary restrictions, omitting things like dairy, gluten, meat or shellfish.

Recipe Matcher
Another great website for combining mismatched ingredients into delicious, wholesome meals, Recipe Matcher operates off of user-submitted recipes that are constantly updated. If you have a recipe that you’d like to share, Recipe Matcher also has a submissions page to allow you to help others become less wasteful and save a bit of grocery money along the way.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Cooking, Food, Nutrition, Recipes

Find Local Food in Season Near You

November 15, 2013 by riverstone

Finding fresh, healthy foods nearby can extend beyond the produce counter at your neighborhood grocery store. If you want find food grown in your region, these three websites can help guide you:

Local Harvest
The CSA page of the Local Harvest website gives you complete information about signing up for a CSA, and where to find one in your area. CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”, and it generally operates like a subscription to your local farmers market. If you want a constant supply of fresh, local produce, Local Harvest is worth a read.

FarmersMarket.com
FarmersMarket.com is an entire website devoted to, you guessed it, farmer’s markets. Type in your zip code and you’ll instantly receive information about all of the farmer’s markets in your area, giving you quick and easy access to information about local and organic products. FarmersMarket.com also has an informative blog with tips and recipes for using your market purchases in healthy and delicious ways.

Epicurious
This self-described website “for people who love to eat” features information about farm-to-table meats and produce and where to find them in your area, including an interactive ingredient map. Epicurious also employs healthy, seasonal recipes, a tight-knit online community, and articles from chefs and other experts to keep you informed about local foods.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Cooking, Food, Nutrition, Recipes

Become a Mobile Artist With These 5 Apps

November 8, 2013 by riverstone

Interested in getting more involved in art or something creative? While you may not have time to sit down at an easel and paint a masterpiece, chances are you have five or ten minutes to draw something on your smartphone or tablet. Next time you're waiting for your dining companion, on the train, or taking a small break, check out these five great apps.

ASKetch
Draw a black and white portrait or cartoon with the touch of your finger. The app has a minimal interface, so you can focus on your drawing. Pick a place on the screen and start drawing. You can switch back and forth between different types of pencils for different looks. Available for iPhone and iPad.

How to Draw
New to drawing but interested in learning? This great app, available for iPhone and Android, will teach you how to draw. Learn to draw over 200 different objects with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions. Lessons range from beginner to more advanced.

Comic & Meme Creator
Sometime the best way to tell a joke is through a drawing or comic. If you aren't the best drawer, this app is for you. Create a comic or meme with pre-drawn characters and backgrounds. Just add the words! Once your comic is done, you can send it to friends on Facebook and Twitter. Available for iPhone and Android.

Paper
This free app for iPad lets you create beautiful images right on the screen. Add on additional tools, like brushes and color mixers, for a small fee. Create beautiful images, landscapes, and even presentation tools. Each work of art is stored in a notebook within the app.

Auryn Ink
Paint a watercolor picture right on your phone with this great app. Choose your canvas, brush size, color wheel, and more. You can allow your watercolor picture to air dry or dry it instantly. It's just like painting a real picture but without the mess. Available for iPhone and Android.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Apps, Art, Smart Phones, Technology

Trip Idea: Frankfort, Kentucky

October 25, 2013 by riverstone

If you are a history lover, take a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky. The capitol city of Kentucky was settled in 1786. Since then the city has been through a lot, leaving it filled with tons of historic sites. Make sure you check out these great attractions during your trip!

Buffalo Trace Distillery
Visitors say Buffalo Trace makes fantastic bourbon. You can tour Buffalo Trace for free or just head over to the gift shop where they offer free tastings of the bourbons like Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and Eagle Rare. The tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. You'll learn about history as well as bourbon on these tours.

Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
See beautifully preserved prairie land in Frankfort. This excellent center has several hiking trails, clean bathrooms, a pond, and a small nature center. Watch birds in the scenic bird blind room. For a scenic view and beautiful walking trail, the $4 admission is worth it.

Rick's White Light Diner
Delicious Cajun cuisine is on the menu at Rick's. Stop in for a delicious lunch of New Orleans’s Muffaletta, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Crawfish Etouffee on a Bed of Grits, and Fried Catfish. Make sure you save room for a slice of fresh baked Bourbon Pie! All the meals are made with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Open Tuesday through Saturday.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Things to Do in Frankfort, Travel, Trip Idea, Vacation

Traveling? Avoid These 4 Travel ‘Don’ts’

October 22, 2013 by riverstone

Traveling can be a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life, but it can also cause its own set of problems. Avoid being stressed on vacation by following these great tips.

1. Don't leave things to chance. Unexpected problems are bound to arise, even if you're heading to paradise! Factor how much time you'll need for each task, like driving to the airport, and then give yourself some extra time. This way, you won't be scrambling at the last minute.

2. Don't over/under pack.
Don't pack too much or too little. Plan for inclement weather by bringing a rain jacket and an extra pair, and throw in a scarf. Some locations in other countries require certain dress, like shawls covering a woman's shoulders.

3. Don't leave tasks to the last minute.
It will really ruin your vacation if you pull out your passport the day before you're set to leave and realize it's expired. Make sure all the documents you need, like a passport and travel insurance, are all ready to go well before you leave. Also, be sure to notify your bank if you'll be using credit and debit cards outside of the U.S.

4. Don't become a victim of low blood sugar.
Unexpected delays and impromptu museum visits can cause meal times to be pushed back. Don't let yourself get cranky because you haven't eaten. Always travel with some water and a small snack you can pull out when you feel hunger taking over.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Air Travel, Travel, Trips, Vacation

Trip Idea: Augusta, Maine

October 18, 2013 by riverstone

See moose, eat lobster, and explore lighthouses with a trip to Augusta, Maine. The capital of Maine is filled with culture, history, and nature. It has all the makings of a great vacation! Make sure you visit these top attractions during your visit.

Maine State Museum
Learn about the history of Maine from the ice age to the 1960s with four floors of exhibits highlighting the nature, history, and industry of Maine. Kids and adults with leave knowing just about anything you could want to know about Maine. The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is just $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Old Fort Western
This living history museum is also New England's oldest wooden fort, built in the 18th century. The many exhibits, both inside and outside, give you an idea of what life was like during the American Revolution. There's even a little store full of dry goods commonly used. Many of the exhibits are interactive so kids will have a great time learning some history about Maine. Hours are limited so check the website before you visit.

Red Barn Drive-In
When visiting Maine you need to indulge in some authentic Maine seafood. The fish at Red Barn is as fresh as can be. Start with a bowl of Laura's Famous Seafood Stew before digging into your Fresh Maine Lobster Roll. Visitors say the lobster roll might be one of the best in the area.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Things to Do in Augusta, Travel, Trip Ideas

5 Attractions to See During Your Vacation to Italy

October 16, 2013 by riverstone

Pizza, pasta, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Rome, Venice, Florence… The list of things to see in Italy can go on and on. When planning a vacation to Italy, you'll want to travel to a least a couple of cities during your trip. Make sure you put these top five attractions on your itinerary.

Amalfi Coast
If you're looking for a place with beautiful scenery, go no further than Amalfi Coast. The 30-mile coastline is filled with resorts, small villas, cliffs, and lemon tree gardens. Head into one of the villages for restaurants, shops, and historic architecture. The coast is easily accessed by a ferry ride from Naples.

Canals of Venice
Venice is called the "City of Water" for good reason. Travel via gondola along one of the 150 canals that connect the city together, and marvel at the beautiful architecture. It's the quintessential romantic experience.

Statue of David
In Florence, you'll find this famous statue designed by Michelangelo. If you're a fan of art, make sure you take a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia to see this famous piece of art in person.

Naples
Craving some authentic Italian food? There is no better place to indulge than in the home town pizza, spaghetti, and parmigiana. Made with classic recipes and fresh ingredients, you won't get Italian cuisine better than this.

The Colosseum of Rome
History fans will love seeing all the ancient ruins in Rome, the most popular being the Colosseum. This huge theater was once the sight of gladiator fights seen by more than 50,000 people. Keep an eye out for actors walking around dressed like gladiators.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: Europe, Italy, Travel, Vacation