You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Check Out These Spooky-Fun Facts About Halloween

October 17, 2014 by

Although many people think that Halloween is simply a children’s holiday filled with spooky fun, others believe that October 31 stems from something more sinister. So what is the real truth about Halloween? Here are a few facts that you may not know about the year’s scariest (and sweetest!) holiday.

  1. Halloween’s origins can be traced back as far as 2,000 years. The holiday stems from a Gaelic festival called Samhain, which translates into “summer’s end,” an apt name for this favorite fall celebration. Samhain was a time for the community to gather resources for the coming winter months.
  2. Halloween was far from sinister. Although Halloween and its predecessor Samhain held a few supernatural and pagan aspects, it was overall a very peaceful and community-oriented holiday.
  3. Halloween costumes derived from All Saint’s Day. While we wear costumes for Halloween these days, the costume aspect actually derived from All Saint’s Day, not Samhain. Druid leaders wore traditional costumes made of animal skins to celebrate All Saint’s Day, and because the two holidays fall so close together, they merged with one another over the years.
  4. The tricks led to the treats. In the 1920s and 1930s, American youth turned Halloween into rowdy block parties filled with acts of vandalism. In an effort to make the holiday more wholesome, community leaders attempted to ply children with sweets given out by neighbors, which eventually led to what we know as trick-or-treating.

Twenty Interesting Things About… Halloween [The Pioneer Woman]
13 Facts You Never Knew About Halloween [Business Insider]
History of Halloween [Live Science]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How Much Oil Should You Consume?

October 10, 2014 by

Oil has a reputation for being bad for the waistline, but select oils are very beneficial when consumed in moderation. This helpful guide from the USDA provides simple, accessible descriptions of the main types of oils, then helps you to make informed decisions about which to use. Here are the highlights:

What are oils?
Oils are fats that become liquid at room temperature. Things like canola oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil are common, as well as the oils found in foods like nuts, olives, avocados, and some fish.

How are oils different from solid fats?
Solid fats contain more saturated fats and/or trans fats, while oils contain more monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Saturated fats and trans fats raise the “bad” cholesterol in your body, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Why are oils important?
It is important to consume oils because they provide essential nutrients. Oils are the major source of essential fatty acids, which are necessary for your health, and they are also provide the majority of your body’s Vitamin E.

How much oil should I consume?
The average American adult needs anywhere from five to seven teaspoons of oil per day, depending on factors like your gender, age, and level of physical activity.

What Are “Oils”? [USDA]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Boarding a Plane? Eat These Wholesome Foods Before Takeoff!

October 7, 2014 by

Even the most seasoned air travelers can experience some stomach discomfort during flight, which results in a not-so-pleasant flying experience. These wholesome foods are proven to keep you feeling your best while flying, especially if your flight is more than a few hours long.

  1. Protein-rich foods. Foods that are high in protein help to keep you feeling fuller for longer, so you won’t disrupt your fellow passengers when your stomach starts to rumble. Trying lean meats, nuts, or peanut butter spread on a few high-protein crackers.
  2. Smoothies. Drinking a smoothie in the car to the airport or at the terminal will ensure a smooth, comfortable flight. These healthy drinks are an easy way to get the vitamins and nutrients from lots of different fruits all in one gulp.
  3. Oranges. Oranges are full of Vitamin C, which helps to ward off illness and makes you feel energized and rejuvenated.
  4. Water with lemon. If you’re going on a long flight where jet lag seems unavoidable, try drinking water with freshly squeezed lemon before and during your flight. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to avoid fatigue, and the lemon offers antibacterial properties that benefit every traveler.

7 Foods You Should Eat Before Traveling [All Women Stalk]
Seven Foods You Should Eat Before Flying [Smarter Travel]
Eating on Long Flights [USA Today]
Eat, Drink and Be Airborne [The Travel Doctor]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Put These Three Family Activities on Your Autumn Agenda

October 3, 2014 by

With the colorful leaves on the ground and the refreshing chill in the air, people of all ages can’t help but want to play outside once fall finally comes back around. These fun activities will show you how to get outside and have fun with the whole family this autumn season.

Make Leaf Rubbings [singleparents.about.com]
If your kids are still very young, they’ll love this simple art project that uses beautiful fall leaves. Start by taking your children outside to collect as many leaves as they can. Next, press the leaves underneath a piece of paper and rub with a crayon to create an artistic imprint of each unique shape.

Paint Fall Garden Pots [parents.com]
Once it comes time to switch out your summer flowers with something heartier for the fall, encourage your kids to help by letting them decorate the pots. Lay out some newspaper, provide them with colorful paints, and encourage them to get creative with simple terra cotta pots.

Visit a Maze [coca-colacompany.com]
Most areas have an old-fashioned corn maze somewhere nearby, and your kids will love getting lost in its twists and turns. Simply do a quick Internet search to find the closest one to you (bonus points if the maze is located at a colorful apple orchard!).

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

What Is 3D Printing? Get the Facts Here!

September 26, 2014 by

You've likely heard some buzz about 3D printing, a new form of technology that's anticipated to have a major influence on our world. These printers are not just putting ink to paper; instead, they are building an object by layering material, like plastic, and then fine-tuning the design with lasers. The result is a three-dimensional, fully functional object! Read on to find more facts about 3D printers.

1) Add and subtract. 3D printers are classified as additive manufacturing because, quite simply, successive layers of material create the finished product. Conversely, manufacturing techniques such as sawing and milling are known as subtractive manufacturing.

2) The possibilities are endless. From mugs, models, and jewelry to machine parts and toys, many things can be created through 3D printing. In fact, the health care industry has already embraced this technology to create replacement jawbones and hips. Resin, metal, and plaster represent some of the materials used in 3D printing.

3) Pros and cons. 3D printing begins to raise the question of intellectual property. Since you can print whatever you want, what is stopping someone from recreating something that's already on the market? In the future, if printers are made more widely available, this might become an issue. A less pressing drawback of 3D printing is that it takes time: Even small items can take up to two hours to print!

What is 3D printing? [3DPrinting.com]
What is 3D printing? [ExtremeTech]

Public Domain/Public Domain
Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

Dig a Spoon Into These Hearty Chili Recipes

September 19, 2014 by

Few things taste better on a chilly fall day than a warm bowl of hearty chili, but your staple recipe may start to get a bit tired after a few seasons. Here are three tasty new chili recipes that are equally as comforting but a bit more creative.

All-American Chili [myrecipes.com]
Whether you use it to top grilled hot dogs or to eat right from the bowl on a cold afternoon, it doesn’t get more all-American than this chili recipe. Ground sirloin and hot Italian turkey sausage give this a flavorful, meaty taste, while a hefty splash of merlot makes a delicious secret ingredient that your guests are sure to ask about.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup [allrecipes.com]
Add a Mexican flair to your usual chili with this hearty chicken taco soup made entirely in the slow cooker. Serve it topped with sour cream, green chilies, tortilla strips, or healthy avocado for even more flavor.

Turkey and White Bean Chili [marthastewart.com]
If you prefer a chili that’s a bit lighter than most, this recipe is the perfect choice. Lean turkey and mild white beans are the base ingredients, but jalapenos and ground cumin give it that slight kick that you love about spicy chili.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Host Your Own At-Home Wine Tasting

September 12, 2014 by

Few things are more enjoyable than sipping a glass of wine with your closest friends. Hosting a wine tasting is a unique way that you can do just that, and it enables you and your fellow wine lovers to sample some wines that you may have never tried before. Here are a three tips for pulling off a successful at-home wine tasting.

  1. Choose a theme. Choose a theme for each tasting in order to cover all of the different types of wines, such as a Chardonnay night or an afternoon of Pinot Noirs. Tell each of your guests to bring a bottle from a different part of the world, a different year, or a different brand.
  2. Prepare the glasses properly. You don’t need to invest in expensive wine glasses, but be sure to provide one glass for each person. Fill the glass an inch below its equator. After tasting one type of wine, rinse the glass with the type of wine you’ll be tasting next in order to rid the glass of traces of the previous wine.
  3. Serve snacks. Provide small snacks like cheese, crackers, or delicate cookies to help guests cleanse their palates in between wines and provide some sustenance throughout the evening.

How To Have The Perfect Wine Tasting At Home [HuffPost Taste]
How to Host a Wine Tasting Party [Real Simple]
How to Host a Wine Tasting [Food & Wine]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Essentials for Your at-Home Wet Bar or Bar Cart

September 5, 2014 by

Adding a bar cart to your home enables you to make fancy cocktails for your guests and adds a bit of vintage charm to any room. If you have the bar cart but don’t have the supplies to go on it, this list of home bar essentials can help.

  • Cocktail shaker. Invest in a high quality cocktail shaker made of a durable material like stainless steel. This will help you to mix drinks thoroughly and to pour them without spills.
  • Bottle opener and corkscrew. If you or your guests prefer wine and beer to a complex cocktail, these basic tools will come in handy.
  • Wine glasses, martini glasses, highballs, and tumblers. These are the necessary glasses for just about any drink you’ll make.
  • Blender. It’s not possible to make an icy margarita without a high quality blender, so be sure to keep one stored under your bar cart.
  • Cocktail strainer. These tools strain out pulp, ice, and other solids from cocktails while letting your booze pass easily into a glass.
  • Cutting board and knives. If you frequently garnish drinks with lemons, limes, and other fruits, keep an arsenal of sharp knives and a reliable cutting board on hand.
  • Coasters. You’ll never worry about guests ruining your wooden furniture when you have a supply of coasters in your bar cart.

The Guide to A Well-Stocked Wet Bar [Esquire]
25 Essentials for a Legit Home Bar [Complex]
10 Things You Should Have in Your Home Bar [Buzzle]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Plan a Visit to These Unique Museums in Austin, Texas

September 3, 2014 by

A cutting edge city like Austin has much to offer to its visitors, and it even boasts the unofficial slogan, "Keep Austin Weird." Visit these thought-provoking attractions and see how Austin even takes a unique approach to something as basic as a day at the museum!

Bullock Texas State History Museum
Discover the tale of Texas at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Located a few blocks from the Texas State Capitol building, this museum showcases the pride and history of the Lone Star State. You'll be captivated from the moment you're greeted by the 35-foot-tall bronze star sculpture that sits at the entrance to the museum. The cutting-edge Texas Spirit IMAX Theater will keep you on the edge of your seat, as it shows educational films that showcase state-of-the-art special effects. Be sure to check the museum's calendar for upcoming special events, which are sure to excite and amaze.

Museum of the Weird
Austin is openly proud to be unique, and this is very apparent at the Museum of the Weird. The museum is located right on Sixth Street in the heart of the city, and visitors can see strange and unusual items on a tour through some of the oddest pieces of recent history. Creep through twisted hallways, passing wax statues and giant movie monsters. You never know what will pop up next, and this museum will have your mouth on the ground and your brain in a tizzy. After your tour is over, be sure to stop by the gift shop and pick up a souvenir to commemorate this truly weird trip.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Are You Washing Your Hands Correctly? Find Out Here!

August 22, 2014 by

Washing your hands thoroughly can help to prevent you from contacting diseases, reduce the risk of food borne illness, and can even stop you from spreading germs if you’re already sick. Here are a few tips that will show you the correct way to wash your hands.

  1. Apply soap and water. First, completely soak your hands with warm water. Apply as much soap as you need in order to cover both hands—remember, the more the better.
  2. Rub palms together. Vigorously rub your palms together in a circular motion to clean germs from the center of your hands.
  3. Clean between fingers. Clean the hard-to-reach places between your fingers by placing one hand on top of the other as if you were holding hands with another person. Rub the fingertips from one hand between the fingers of the other hand, and then vice versa.
  4. Clean fingernails. Rub the fingernails of one hand across the palm of the other hand to remove dirt and germs. Clasp the hands together with the backs of your fingers to the opposite palm, and then rub the hands back and forth.
  5. Rinse and dry. Rinse hands completely with water, and then dry them with a single-use paper towel. Don’t forget to use the towel to turn off the faucet in order to prevent contacting more germs, and then toss it away.

When & How to Wash Your Hands [CDC]
How to Wash Your Hands Properly by Mary Calvagna, MS [BIDMC]
Clean hands protect against infection [World Health Organization]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest