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Have You Heard of These Bizarre Laws From Around the Globe?

March 19, 2015 by

If an international vacation is in your future, you'd be well advised to read on. Here, we've compiled six zany, wacky laws from countries all across the globe.

1. In France, 70% of radio music played between 8 a.m. and 8 a.m. must be by French composers. Another weird French law? You must carry a portable Breathalyzer in your car at all times — or risk having to pay a fine. (Yes, this law applies to tourists, too!)

2. Better bring a cover-up if you're headed to the beaches of Barcelona: It's illegal to wear swimsuits off the beaches of this Spanish city.

3. If you're a woman traveling in Saudi Arabia, make note: You must be escorted by a male relative or guardian at all times, and you're not allowed behind the wheel.

4. Don't empty your piggy bag to pay a public debt in Canada. Any debt exceeding 25 cents may not be paid in pennies.

5. In Australia, performing psychic or tarot card readings is considered witchcraft, and engaging in either activity is illegal.

6. Don't bring your cigarettes and chewing gum to Singapore. Here, smoking in public places is punishable by a hefty fine, and chewing gum while riding this Asian country's public transit is also against the law.

Strange Laws From Around the World [Nat Geo]
13 Funny International Laws You’d Never Know Were Real [Reader's Digest]
International Weird Laws [Law Guru]

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Food Canning 101: 5 Basics

February 19, 2015 by

Your grandmother may have been on to something with all of those canned fruits and vegetables. Canning is a great way to preserve the lifespan of fresh produce, and it creates a number of unique new ways to eat your favorite veggies. If you want to start canning in your own home, here are 5 things that you need to know.

  1. Do not use overripe produce. Although canning helps you to extend the lifespan of produce, it won’t reverse the ripening process if it has already happened. Be sure to use only crisp, fresh fruits and vegetables.
  2. Sterilize cans before starting. Because your produce will be sealed tightly inside of the glass jars, you want to make sure that there is no bacteria inside of there as well. Wash each jar with hot, soapy water and soak them in a boiling water bath for at least 10 minutes before you begin.
  3. Research acid additions. Many types of fruits and vegetables require ascorbic acid or citric acid to prevent browning or maintain pH levels, so do your research before canning.
  4. Do not fill the jars completely. Your produce will expand during the boiling process, so be sure leave an inch or so of space at the top of each jar.

More Canning Tips and Do's/Don'ts [Pick Your Own]
Canning 101: The Basics [Simple Bites]
USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, 2009 revision [NCHFP]

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Learn More About Vegetables From These Facts

January 22, 2015 by

You know that vegetables are important for your health and well being, but there are a number of facts that many people don’t know about getting your daily greens. These helpful facts from the USDA will give you some insight into the world of vegetables.

Vegetables are organized into five subgroups.
Based on their nutritional content, vegetables are categorized as either dark green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas, and other vegetables.

You can get your daily veggies from a variety of sources.
Fresh vegetables are the most obvious choice, but cooked, frozen, canned, dried/dehydrated, and 100% vegetable juices are also valid sources.

Eating the proper amount of vegetables can prevent certain diseases.
Getting enough vegetables can help to prevent heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and may decrease kidney stones and bone loss.

Half of your plate should be made up of veggies.
While the exact recommended daily intake varies from person to person, filling half of your plate with vegetables is a good general rule.

Vegetables that are easy to prepare will help you eat them more often.
Things like microwavable frozen veggies or bags of pre-made salad greens are good examples.

Tips to Help You Eat Vegetables [USDA]

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Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Pack Lighter and More Efficiently!

January 8, 2015 by

You want to be prepared for everything from a fancy dinner to an afternoon of snorkeling on your upcoming vacation, but so many different activities on your itinerary may make packing your suitcase seem very daunting. Here are four simple ways to pack your suitcase a bit lighter on your next big trip.

  1. Become familiar with the laundry service. Sure, no one wants to do laundry on a vacation, but it’s much more enjoyable than breaking your back from lugging around an impossibly heavy suitcase or backpack. Look up your hotel or hostel’s laundry amenities beforehand, and if there are none, check for the closest laundromat.
  2. Take full advantage of the carry-on. Many travelers are intimidated by the carry-on because of airlines’ strict weight limits, but this smaller bag is a very underutilized space for extra clothes. Just weigh your bag as you pack to avoid paying extra baggage fees.
  3. Mix and match. By packing clothes in neutral shades that can easily coordinate with one another, you cut down on the need to pack separate outfits for each day.
  4. Cut down on shoes. Shoes obviously take up the most space in your suitcase, so be sure to only pack ones that you really need. After all, do you really need stiletto heels on a backpacking trip?

Packing Smart and Traveling Light [Rick Steves]
The Carry-On Challenge: How to Pack Light Every Time [Independent Traveler]
How to Pack Light: 9 Tips to Lighten Your Load [Huffington Post]

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Think Beyond Citrus With These Surprising Sources of Vitamin C

December 18, 2014 by

You probably remember your parents telling you to drink orange juice as a child because it provided you with Vitamin C, but do you really understand the benefits of this miracle vitamin? Vitamin C boosts your immune system to prevent you from getting sick, and it provides beneficial antioxidants that keep you looking and feeling your best. Here are a few lesser-known sources of Vitamin C.

  1. Red bell peppers. One small red bell pepper actually provides even more Vitamin C than a cup of orange juice, and it contains only four grams of the carbohydrates that many citrus fruits are high in. In fact, a juicy bell pepper actually provides 203% of your recommended daily value of Vitamin C.
  2. Strawberries. If you want to extend your Vitamin C search to fruits outside of the citrus family, strawberries are a great option. One cup contains 97.6 milligrams of Vitamin C, which is about 130% of your daily value. Even more conveniently, the same amount of frozen strawberries offers 105.6 milligrams of beneficial C vitamins.

10 Surprising Sources of Vitamin C [Doctor Oz]
Surprising Sources of Vitamin C [d Life]

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Speed Through Laundry Day With These 4 Organization Tips

December 4, 2014 by

You love the fresh, clean feeling of having all of your laundry done, but getting there is a whole different story. Laundry day may be time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are a few tips to help you organize your laundry and get it done in half the time.

  1. Sort laundry without even trying. It takes a lot of time to sort through your mountain of dirty clothes and separate the lights from the darks. Invest in a three-compartment hamper to do the sorting for you.
  2. Bleach more effectively. Bleaching seems like a fool-proof way to remove stains from white clothing, but it doesn’t always work as effectively as you’d like. The proper way to bleach clothes is by first letting the clothing soak in a pool of water. Add one cup of bleach and one cup of dishwashing detergent and let it soak for about half an hour. Finally, dump the whole thing into the washing machine and wash as you normally would.
  3. Prevent damage. To reduce fading, turn dark colored items inside out before washing. Use the cold water setting to prevent clothes from shrinking, and then hang them to dry instead of using the dryer. Also, only wash delicates, like bras and underwear, in a lingerie bag on the delicate cycle.
  4. Invest in a drying rack. Rather than tossing delicate items over the shower curtain rod or rigging some other kind of makeshift drying rack, invest in the real deal. They're usually inexpensive, and they fold into a flat shape to tuck away when not in use.

10 Tips and Tricks for Easier Laundry Days [Yahoo!]
Easy Laundry Tips [The Nest]
How to Do Laundry More Effectively [Babble]
13 Ways to Make Laundry Day Easier [BHG]

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Did You Know That You Can Safely Wash These Dry-Clean Items at Home?

November 20, 2014 by

That pesky “Dry Clean Only” label on your new favorite sweater or dress may seem ominous, and it might even make you less likely to wear these hard-to-clean pieces. However, there are a number of smart ways to cheat the system and wash fabrics like washable silk, solid-colored cotton, wool and linen at home. These tips will show you how.

  1. Check the label. The best way to tell if you can wash a garment at home is to read the label. If it recommends dry cleaning, it’s safe to proceed at home. If it says the dreaded “Dry Clean Only,” however, it’s probably smarter to take it to the pros.
  2. Gently wash. Once you’ve decided that your item is safe to wash at home, fill the sink with lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle detergent. Gingerly swish the item around for around 5 minutes, and be sure to avoid scrubbing or rubbing together.
  3. Rinse (equally gently). Next, rinse the garment completely with more lukewarm water, making sure to get all of the detergent out. Squeeze the water out before drying, but avoid harshly wringing the fabric.
  4. Dry with a towel. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, then roll it up and squeeze out the extra moisture. Spread it out again on another clean towel and let it sit until completely dry.

Do I Really Have to Dry Clean This? [Real Simple]
Do You Need to Dry Clean? [Reader’s Digest]
What You Should (And Shouldn’t) Dry Clean [Care2]

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Determine Your Risk for Heart Attack with This Online Tool from the NIH

October 16, 2014 by

A heart attack is a particularly frightening condition that affects both men and women, but there are a number of factors that make certain people more likely to have one. If you’re worried that you might be at risk for having a life-threatening heart condition, this helpful risk assessment tool from the NIH will help you pinpoint your risk factors.

The tool determines a person’s risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years by asking a few simple lifestyle questions. It is designed for adults aged 20 and older. Things like age and gender are easy to answer, but other questions may be a bit trickier. Most of us don’t know our total cholesterol or systolic blood pressure off the top of our heads, but this guide makes it easy to figure them out. Click on the link to a question you don’t understand, and the guide explains how to determine these important numbers.

Once you receive your results, you can begin to take charge of your health!

Risk Assessment Tool for Estimating Your 10-Year Risk of Having a Heart Attack [National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute]

Public Domain/Public Domain
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4 Tips for Serving a Safe Food Buffet

September 18, 2014 by

If you’re hosting a large party, you’re likely concerned with serving tasty foods, but your goal should also be to keep those foods safe for your guests. Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your food buffet just as healthy as it is delicious.

  1. Wash your hands. The first thing you should do when preparing a food buffet is wash your hands. This prevents you from spreading germs to your guests, but it also helps to keep you safe from food borne illnesses caused by raw meat, eggs, and other ingredients. Be sure to wash your hands each time you refill the buffet, as well.
  2. Cook foods completely. It’s safe to keep foods out on a buffet, provided that they’re cooked properly beforehand. Meats like beef and pork chops should be cooked to at least 145º F, while chicken and poultry should reach at least 165º F.
  3. Use the proper serving tools. If you’re serving hot foods, be sure to store them in a chafing dish, slow cooker, or warming tray to keep them from changing temperature. Cold dishes can be served in nesting bowls over bowls of ice, and they must stay at 40°F or lower in order to stop the growth of bacteria.
  4. Abide by the two-hour rule. Finally, never let foods sit on a buffet for more than two hours. Tossing food that’s been at room temperature for too long will ensure a safe and healthy party.

Serving Up Safe Buffets [FDA]
Serving Prepared Foods Safely [Whole Foods]
Holiday or Party Buffets [USDA]
Buffet Safety [NSF]

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Plan a Visit to These Must-See Parks Near Houston, Texas

August 21, 2014 by

There's more to Houston that just bright lights and a little Western flair. In fact, you'll find that many of Houston's attractions lie just outside the city. Case in point: These two must-visit parks near Houston. One park lies on the river, while the other is known for its vast biological diversity. Either way, both make for a memorable getaway.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is located about two hours outside of Houston. Here, you can find species from very different habitats living among each other in a relatively small area. Take a hike on a variety of different trails, ranging from a brisk boardwalk stroll to an extreme 15 mile trek. The preserve is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as approximately 185 migratory bird species make Big Thicket their home between March and early May. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts travel to Big Thicket year-round to cruise the Neches River and Village Creek.

Stephen F. Austin State Park
You'll find Stephen F. Austin State Park just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, so it makes a quick day trip for anyone looking to get outdoors. This scenic retreat offers traditional camping activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as the more modern geocaching. If you'd like to keep it simple, go fishing for catfish along the Brazos River. There are wide variety of campsites to accommodate your camping needs, whether they be a place to hook up your RV, a cabin for shelter, or just a little spot to put your tent.

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