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Game-Day Eats Any Football Fan Will Love to Try

September 15, 2016 by

If there’s one thing all football fans can agree on, it’s that you have to have the perfect snacks to get you through the big game. The next time you have your friends over to Firewheel to watch some football, make these game-day eats that everyone will love.

Super Quick Chili [myrecipes.com]
While cooking chili may seem like an all-day affair, it doesn’t have to be when you have a recipe like this one. In just under 30 minutes you can create a perfectly spicy, flavorful chili and serve it in miniature bread bowls made out of store-bought dinner rolls.

Asiago-Artichoke Dip [bhg.com]
Make your usual cheese dip a bit more sophisticated with this unique but equally simple recipe. The addition of prosciutto and green onions gives the cheesy concoction a big burst of flavor, and you can serve it with your choice of bagel chips, toasted bread slices, or gourmet crackers for easy dipping.

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings [bonappetit.com]
If you want to make classic chicken wings a bit healthier, this baked recipe is a great option. Instead of frying the wings in a deep fryer, this recipe involves baking them in the oven with a complex ginger-soy glaze that’s still spicy enough to satisfy your hot wing cravings.

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Job Hunting? These Tips Can Help You Nail That Interview

August 18, 2016 by

Going to a job interview can be stressful, but adequate preparation can help relieve some of your anxiety. The more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be during your interview. Here are some tips to help you nail your next interview.

  • Practice answering typical interview questions and take time to think of examples to use that will highlight your skills.
  • Lay out your interview attire the day before your interview. Make sure it is neat and clean and appropriate for the company you are applying for.
  • Bring a portfolio and several copies of your resume to hand out in case there is more than one person interviewing you.
  • Take some time beforehand to drive past your interview location so you know exactly how long it will take to get there and where you will park.
  • During the interview, remain calm and relaxed. Your body language says a lot about you and you want to appear confident.
  • Always follow up an interview with a thank-you that reiterates your interest in the position.

7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job [About]
12 Surprising Job Interview Tips [Forbes]
16 Job Interview Tips and Hacks That Are Genius! [The Interview Guys]

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How to Speed Through Household Cleaning Tasks

August 4, 2016 by

Whether you’re pressed for time before dinner guests arrive or simply overwhelmed with the amount of items on your to-do list, just about everyone could use some help when it comes to cleaning. Here are a few smart ways to help you speed through household cleaning tasks.

  • Work in a circle. Instead of attacking things in each room at random, make a plan to work in a circle. In the kitchen, that might mean wiping down the refrigerator and tossing out expired foods, giving the stove a good scrub, wiping down counter and tabletops, then loading the dishwasher last.
  • Start with the worst first. If you dread cleaning the bathroom or tidying up the bedroom, start with that room first. By getting the hardest part out of the way when you have the most energy, you’ll speed through the rest of your chores.
  • Take inventory while cleaning. If you notice that something doesn’t need to be cleaned, such as the already-spotless windows, then eliminate it from the list to save time. Unless it’s something requiring sanitization, like the toilet, there’s no shame in leaving it be.
  • Do a final sweep. Once you’re done with the major cleaning tasks, give your home a final sweep, putting everything in its right place and creating an organized look.

Speed Cleaning [The Inspired Room]
30 Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips [Woman’s Day]
9 Tips For Speed Cleaning [About Home]
Clean Your Home in Less than 20 Minutes [SheKnows]

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Tell Mosquitoes to Buzz Off With These Household Recipes for Bug Repellent

July 21, 2016 by

We all know that a bite from a mosquito can cause redness, swelling, and an uncomfortable amount of itching. Thankfully, there are many different ways to keep mosquitoes away using all natural ingredients. Follow these simple tips and natural repellent recipes to keep the mosquitoes away this summer.

  • You can easily make your own citronella candles to place around your outdoor space. Citronella essential oil is known to be one of the most effective ways to repel mosquitoes.
  • Mosquitoes hate lavender. To keep them out of your home, add a few drops of lavender oil onto a ribbon and place the ribbon around open windows. This is sure to keep them from entering.
  • Make your own repellent spray using oils such as citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus to spray on your skin before you go outside.
  • You can also make your repellent spray out of geranium, tea tree, and peppermint.
  • You can also easily make your own repellent lotion using coconut oil, peppermint, lavender, or clove essential oil.

13 Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes Away [Natural Living Ideas]
All-Natural Homemade Bug Spray Recipes That Work! [Wellness Mama]
DIY: Homemade Insect Repellent Sprays and Lotions [Inhabitat]

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Stay Cool (and in Shape!) With These Summer Fitness Tips

July 14, 2016 by

Taking your workout outdoors this summer? Staying hydrated and maintaining your body’s electrolytes and salts is crucial, especially during hot weather. Keep these tips in mind before breaking a sweat this season!

  • Running at the right hour of the day is important. You want to avoid exercising outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. because the sun is strongest then.
  • Wear light colors to reflect the sun and opt for cotton or other lighweight, sweat-wicking fabrics. Also be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF.
  • You want to drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 15 minutes, even when you’re not thirsty. Continue to drink water before and after your workout.
  • Refrain from drinking hot coffee before your workout. It can leave you dehydrated and can prevent your body from cooling down effectively.
  • Eat a snack with protein and carbohydrates 30 minutes after your workout.

5 Ways to Exercise Safely in the Heat [U.S. News]
8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active]
Essential Tips for Outdoor Exercise [Arm & Hammer]

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Chef-Approved Tips for Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet

July 7, 2016 by

The trusty cast iron skillet is a mainstay in any home chef’s kitchen, but it’s also one of the most confusing items when it comes to its care. Should you wash it with water? Try a salt scrub? These chef-approved tips will show you exactly how to clean your cast iron skillet properly — and tell you which techniques you should never use!

  • Never use soap. No matter what you do, never soak your skillet in soapy water. This removes the natural, nonstick coating that comes from frequent use and oil absorption.
  • Clean it while still warm. This makes it much easier to remove food particles.
  • Use a stiff brush. Using a stiff brush made of natural materials that won’t melt, run the skillet under hot water and give it a good scrubbing. This will remove food without stripping it of its natural oils and seasonings.
  • Sprinkle on salt. To remove particularly built-up food particles, sprinkle coarse Kosher salt on the surface of the pan. Scrub it dry, and then run water over the surface to remove the salt.
  • Dry. Dry your pan using a clean towel or by letting it sit on the stove on low heat.
  • Season. Finally, apply a light coating of oil or shortening to lock in that lovely seasoning.

How To Clean and Season an Old, Rusty Cast Iron Skillet [Apartment Therapy]
Cleaning and Seasoning a Cast-Iron Skillet [Real Simple]
How To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet [The Kitchn]

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How to Use Borax Around the Home

June 16, 2016 by

If you haven’t yet experimented with the wonders of borax, you’re missing out on a versatile household cleaner that could help to consolidate many of your chores. This unique, all-natural substance consists of sodium borate, and it makes a powerful cleanser, drain cleaner, and much more. Here are a few ways to use it.

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of borax with two cups of hot water to create an all-purpose cleaner for around the house.
  • Clear a blocked drain by mixing 1/2 cup of borax with two cups of boiling water. Pour the solution down the drain and let it sit for 15 minutes before running water to flush it away.
  • Get stains out of your sink by making a paste of one cup of borax and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Scrub the paste into the stain with a sponge and rinse with hot water.
  • Clean carpets naturally by using 1/2 cup of borax per gallon of water in the steam cleaner.
  • Clean pots, pans, and porcelain cookware by sprinkling borax on their surfaces and rubbing with a slightly damp cloth.

Borax Changed My Life! [Stacy Makes Cents]
30 Little-Known Uses for Household Borax [One Good Thing]
Borax and 25 Ways to Use It [Apartment Therapy]

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Business and Economics Lesson Plans for Teachers

June 2, 2016 by

Teachers often hear the question, “When am I ever going to use this?” when teaching things like fractions, chemistry or other subjects. Learning about economics and money management, however, is obviously important for the world outside school. These online guides will help educators to develop lesson plans that will keep students interested in business, taxes, and economics:

Understanding Taxes for Teachers
Teaching students about taxes may seem intimidating to anyone who isn’t an accountant, but this helpful guide from the IRS presents it in an easily intelligible form. Here you’ll find a custom resource list, lesson plans, educational standards and even downloads and PowerPoint presentations describing the basic components of filing taxes.

Federal Reserve Education
The educational division of the Federal Reserve’s website offers classroom resources for students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. You can browse the website by lesson plans, activities or publications, and even search by topics on everything from financial fundamentals to monetary policy.

Investor.gov’s Classroom Resources
Investor.gov states that the best time for kids to learn about money is when they’re young, and that teaching children about managing their finances can help them be wise with money in the future. This website provides key topics and suggested activities for teaching kids about credit, savings and investments to help them make smart money decisions as adults.

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Did You Know These Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

May 19, 2016 by

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

  • Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
  • Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
  • Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
  • Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
  • Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
  • Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
  • Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
  • Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
  • Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

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How to Host a Swap Party

May 5, 2016 by

While you may have heard of the clothing swap and the book swap, who says that you can’t swap everything that you frequently use? Swap parties are great ways to de-clutter your home while also recycling your unused items, and they’re mutually beneficial for everyone who attends. Now, how about a snack swap?

  1. Decide what to swap. Consider things that you and your friends all use, such as clothing, shoes, books, kids' toys, and music.
  2. Let your guests know what to make. If you don’t want to swap pre-used goods, host a food swap with items like soup or cookies. Just make sure to let your guests know well in advance so that they can get to cooking or baking.
  3. Pick the right amount of people. Depending on the size of your home, you might want to narrow your invite list down to only a few people (just make sure that you invite at least five, or it won’t be much of a swap!).
  4. Send an e-vite. In order to detail the instructions clearly, send all of your guests an email at least two weeks in advance.
  5. Set up a swapping area. Clear out the swap room so that you have ample space to browse, and then make displays for the swappable items, such as tables or clothing racks.
  6. Swap! Go around the room taking turns, or let your guests loose in a free-for-all swapping excursion.

How to Host a Swap Party [Real Simple]
How to Host a Clothing Swap Party – Rules & Ideas [Money Crashers]
Soup Swap Party [Soup Swap Party]

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