You Might Be Surprised That These Common Foods Are High in Sugar

Some foods are obviously high in sugar, such as cakes, sodas, and ice cream. But did you know that there are sneaky high-sugar foods that may be sabotaging your diet without you even knowing it? Here are a few foods that are surprisingly high in sugar.

  1. Fat-free yogurts. Sure, fat-free yogurts don’t contain fat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re low in sugar, too! In fact, the majority of low-fat and fat-free yogurts overcompensate by adding quite a bit of sugar to sweeten up the taste. Be sure to check the label on your favorite sweet side, because some 0% yogurts can contain as many as 20 grams of sugar.
  2. Marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is often viewed as a healthy alternative to creamy Alfredo sauces, but this savory pasta topping can be packed full of sugars. Beware of store bought cans and jars especially, as they’re the most common culprits.
  3. Bread. Even supposedly healthy breads, like whole grain and wheat, can contain about three grams of sugar per slice. Processed breads are usually much higher in sugars than freshly baked options, so opt for a loaf from the bakery or a sprouted wheat bread from the health food store.

6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Eating Well]
6 Hidden Sugar Mines in Your Diet [Next Avenue]
Sugar: Five Foods Surprisingly High in Sugar [BBC]

Where to Read About Tech and Gadgets Online

If you love all things technology, you’re likely always on the hunt for the latest products and most recent gadget news. The Internet is filled with sites dedicated entirely to fueling your technology addiction, but these three are some of the very best.

Gizmodo
Although its name sounds silly, Gizmodo is a website for serious technology aficionados (or those looking to learn more about it). You’ll find journalistic articles describing the latest trends and advancements in the area of electronics, incredible life hacks and technology news from around the world—and even from outer space.

TechCrunch
With a number of different product reviews and gift guides, this is the site to surf when you’re choosing between smartphones or looking to purchase a new computer. TechCrunch also posts fascinating articles from the world of technology and high-quality TCTV online shows that are both funny and informative.

Engadget
On Engadget, you’ll find photos, videos, must-read news stories and a wide variety of different types of media all entirely dedicated to technology. The site also offers the Engadget Daily, a roundup post of quick snippets of the most recent tech news, which makes a fun read first thing in the morning.

Where to Shop Monogrammed Gifts Online

Whether you're shopping for yourself or a friend, a monogram instantly transforms an ordinary gift into a keepsake. Here are a few places to shop monogrammed items online.

1) Mark and Graham
Chic and classic personalized gifts are the focus of this online-only retailer, a sibling brand to Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, and Pottery Barn. Shop initial pendants and wristlets for her, monogrammed tech cases and pocket squares for him—even customizable leashes and collars for Fido. Note that Mark and Graham's sibling brands also offer personalized gift items.

2) C. Wonder
Marking the spot where preppy meets playful, C. Wonder specializes in initial monograms. Cutting boards, jewelry boxes, bangle cuffs, stationery, and trinket dishes can be emblazoned from A to Z.

3) 2PreppyGirls.com
The web presence of this online retailer is rooted in "Southern charm and a love of all things pink and green." If your style skews preppy, you'll be delighted to peruse everything from monogrammed flip flops, aprons, and belt buckles to beach towels, car decals, and coasters.

4 Tips for Speed Cleaning the Bathroom

Let's face it: Cleaning the bathroom is a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it! These simple tips will help you to speed clean your bathroom quickly and effectively, even if you only have a few minutes.

  1. Invest in the right tools. Things like sponges and buckets are much more trouble than they’re worth when it comes to speed cleaning the bathroom. Stock up on pre-soaked cleaning wipes to clean surfaces, and then toss them out when you’re done. Microfiber cloths clean glass mirrors without forming streaks, and a sturdy toilet brush is always a great investment.
  2. Start with the toilet. The toilet is likely the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, so tackle it first. Pour one cup of bleach inside, brush the sides with a toilet brush, and then let it sit while you move on to the next task. At the conclusion of your cleaning routine, flush the bleach down the toilet and you’re good to go!
  3. Clean surfaces. Using a separate cleansing wipe, wipe your sink, faucets, and bathtub or shower. Separate wipes help to avoid cross-contamination between surfaces.
  4. Tidy up. If you don’t have time to wash all of your damp bath towels, simply straighten them on their racks. Be sure to replace the hand towel, however, as this is used much more frequently.

Speed Cleaning: Tips to De-Scum Your Bathroom [Good Housekeeping]
How to Speed Clean Your Bathroom [CNN]
Simplify the Season: Speed Clean Your Bathroom [Clean Mama]
Speed Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners [Organized Home]

Keep Up With Your Favorite Football Teams With These Websites

Football is one of the most popular sports in the country, and for many people it’s a Sunday afternoon staple. If you want maximum football coverage even when there’s not a game on, these entertaining websites are great resources.

NFL
It might seem obvious, but the NFL’s official website is home to some of the most detailed football coverage available online. You’ll find news headlines from both college football and around the NFL, plus transactions, playoff coverage, and injury reports to keep you more informed than all of your football fanatic friends. The NFL website also features crystal clear video footage, league schedules, stats, and scores for every team from the Broncos to the Bills.

ESPN
The reliable television sports network also offers its extensive football coverage online, with in-depth analyses and articles that you won’t find anywhere else. ESPN offers weekly projections, rankings, and scoring leaders from all of the most popular teams as well as fantasy football resources that will help to make you the top team in your league.

Simple DIY Centerpieces and Decorations for Your Next Party

Planning a party can be expensive, but all it takes is a bit of time and creativity to make DIY decorations that hardly cost a thing. Here are some festive centerpieces and décor ideas that will spice up your next party on a budget.

Romantic Table Runner [Pinterest]
This vintage-inspired table runner is ideal for casual weddings, anniversary parties and any other time that you want to add a look of romance to a celebration. By simply attaching antique lace doilies in a haphazard row, you can create a truly custom table runner.

Pennant Bunting [Pinterest]
Long strings of retro pennants are some of this year’s most popular décor crazes because they’re so simple to make. Collect some scrap fabric or bunting in colors that match your party’s theme, and then cut them into pennant shapes for a designer-inspired decoration without spending a dime.

Metallic Flower Vases [Real Simple]
Turn some old coffee canisters into luxurious centerpieces with the addition of a bit of metallic spray paint. Simply spray the canisters in alternating shades of gold, silver or bronze and fill them with your favorite flowers.

Floating Balloon Vases [Real Simple]
For a truly festive birthday party centerpiece, try filling a clear glass vase with colorful mini balloons. Best of all, there’s absolutely no helium required.

Tips for Healthy Snacking

Your little ones love sugary cookies, while you just can’t resist a savory snack every now and then. If you’re looking for healthier snacks for the whole family that still tasty and satisfying, these tips from the NIH can help you find them.

  • Create healthier versions of your favorite snacks. Instead of your usual cheese and crackers, substitute low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers. Instead of buttery, salty movie theater popcorn, make some fat-free or low-fat popcorn.
  • Make healthier dessert choices. Instead of your usual homemade milkshake, blend a banana, ice and low-fat chocolate milk for a chocolate smoothie that’s still delicious.
  • Choose smarter condiments. Sauces and other toppings can add fat and empty calories to an otherwise healthy snack. Instead of cheese, choose salsa, and instead of regular ranch dressing opt for a fat-free variety.

For more healthy snacking tips, visit the NIH website.

How to Strike the Ideal Work-Life Balance

Between housework, errands, family obligations, and professional duties, maintaining a healthy balance between work and home life is nothing short of a juggling act. If you feel as though you're being pulled in a thousand directions, read these tips to help refocus your priorities and help shed some stress.

1) Ask for help.
As they say, "It takes a village." Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors for help on days when you're stretched especially thin. For instance, you might trade off carpooling or babysitting duties with a neighbor, or assign chores and errands to family members.

2) Just say no.
Establish clear boundaries. Train yourself to ignore unimportant work emails when you're off the clock. Similarly, do your best not to bring personal issues into the workplace. If you're overloaded with work, tactfully relay the fact to your employer, and ask for more time if handed additional assignments.

3) Make yourself a priority.
When you're responsible for the welfare of others, it's easy to put your own needs and ambitions on the back burner. However, you'll likely find that a little "me time" will go a long way in helping you deal with everyday obligations. Be sure to schedule time for your own hobbies and interests every week.

The Top 10 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life [Mom MD]
14 Steps to Achieving Work-Life Balance [Salary.com]
6 Strategies for Work-Life Balance [Oprah]
Get a good balance between work and life [Action for Happiness]

Three Fun Halloween Decor Projects

Who said that Halloween is just for kids? From spooky cocktail parties to elegantly scary decorations, there are a number of ways to celebrate the year’s scariest season in a truly grown-up manner. Here are three Halloween decor projects that even the adults will love.

Cocktail Clip-Art Labels [Martha Stewart]
If you’re having a Halloween party for your of-age friends, they’ll certainly get a kick out of these cocktail labels. Sure, you know that your drinks are perfectly safe for human consumption, but with labels like Toxic Tonic, they might give your guests a bit of a fright.

Illuminated Pumpkin Topiary [DIY Network]
For something a bit more elegant than the usual stringy faux cobwebs, this pumpkin topiary makes a festive centerpiece on the kitchen table or mantle. Cover a few carving pumpkins with chic metallic spray paint, then drape them with beaded strands and white twinkling lights for a beautiful look that’s still a bit haunting.

Spooky Terrariums [Country Living]
Instead of filling a terrarium with plants and moss, place some spiders, dead branches, and even a creepy crow figurine inside. Place the terrariums on a shelf and you'll have a spooky decoration for a party.

How to Upcycle Common Household Items

You may recycle your paper and plastic, but when it comes to all of that junk that piles up in your closets, most people are at a loss. If you want to reuse those perfectly good items that you simply don’t have use for anymore, these tips can help.

  1. Picture frames. Instead of letting that slightly broken picture frame go to waste, get a bit creative about how to use it. Place a piece of colorful paper inside and lay the frame on its back to use as an eclectic, decorative jewelry tray or as a place to set candles.
  2. Colander. That beat up old colander may still have a bit more life in it. Place the bottom inside of a small bucket and fill the colander with ice at your next party. The water will run into the bucket as the ice melts so your guests won’t have to fish for ice.
  3. Old newspaper. Line drawers or shelves with old newspaper using wallpaper paste and craft sealant for an authentically vintage look.

New Uses for Old Things [Country Living]
25 New Ways to Use Your Old Stuff [HGTV]
50 All-Time Favorite New Uses for Old Things [Real Simple]

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