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Chill Out With These Recipes for Lemonade

June 20, 2014 by

Lemonade is a summertime favorite that you’ve loved since you were a kid, but it may be time to update the cool beverage to suit your adult tastes. If you’re searching for new recipes for your old favorite lemonade, these three might do the trick!

Honey Basil Lemonade [Serious Eats]
The warm, sweet taste of honey is offset by flavorful basil in this unique lemonade recipe. The base is made from the juice of 12 fresh lemons, and a pinch of salt really helps to bring out the flavor of each individual ingredient. Garnish with more basil leaves to create a drink that’s just as attractive as it is delicious.

Vodka Lavender Thyme Lemonade [Saveur]
Turn your favorite childhood drink into your new favorite cocktail with this lemonade recipe that’s all grown up. Dried lavender gives it a fragrant, floral taste that really complements the tart lemon, while vodka and earthy thyme add an extra kick of flavor.

Thyme Lemonade [Martha Stewart]
If you haven’t yet experienced the wonderful combination of thyme and lemon, this lemonade will make you a believer. All it takes is a few sprigs of the simple herb to create a fresh, pretty drink that’s perfect for dinner under the stars.

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The Sugar Content in These Common Foods Might Surprise You

June 13, 2014 by

No matter how diligently you count calories, it’s also very important to monitor your sugar intake when you’re attempting to shed a few pounds. Foods like cookies, ice cream, and sweet soft drinks are obviously off limits, but there are also a number of other sugary foods that might surprise you. Here are two common sources of sugar that might be flying under your radar.

  1. Fat-free salad dressings. Seeking out fat-free foods in the grocery store may seem like a simple way to stay on track with your diet, but many of these products attempt to maintain the same bold flavor by loading on the sugar. Salad dressings in both creamy and oil-based forms are loaded with sugar from sources like honey and concentrated fruit juice. Be sure to check the nutrition information before you buy.
  2. Multigrain cereals. Don’t just assume that all grains are automatically healthy. Multigrain cereals offer important fiber and whole grains that your body needs for energy, but unfortunately, many leading brands also include as many as six grams of sugar per cup. Many dietitians suggest opting for the plainest version of your favorite cereal and adding fresh fruit or a teaspoon of sugar instead.

15 Surprising Sources of Added Sugar [SparkPeople]
6 Surprising Sources of Sugar [Huffington Post]

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Try These Tasty Alternatives to Cow’s Milk

June 6, 2014 by

There are a number of reasons to give up regular dairy milk, from food allergies to personal diet choices. If you’ve decided to take the plunge into dairy-free milk substitutes, these simple and tasty alternatives to cow’s milk will make the transition easy.

  1. Soy milk. This is one of the most popular milk alternatives, and it’s been around for quite some time. Soy milk is made with filtered water, whole soy beans, and thickeners that give it the same thick, creamy consistency as regular milk, and they also make it easy to bake with. Most brands of soy milk even contain the same amount of protein, Vitamin D, and calcium as cow’s milk.
  2. Almond milk. If you want to cut out milk in order to reduce your calorie intake, almond milk is a great alternative choice. This nutty mix of filtered water and ground almonds has only around 60 calories per cup, but it offers the same thickness and consistency as dairy milk.
  3. Rice milk. Rice milk has a more neutral flavor than many other milk substitutes, and it’s a bit thinner. However, it contains the same amount of calcium and Vitamin D as cow’s milk, and it offers a light, sweet flavor that’s mild and pleasant.

Meet the Milk Substitutes [Cooking Light]
Non-Dairy Alternatives to Cow’s Milk [SparkPeople]
5 Delicious Milk Substitutes [FitSugar]

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How to Inject a Serious Style Into Your Living Space

June 3, 2014 by

There’s no denying that modern furniture is having a major comeback, but the expensive price tags that often accompany those shell chairs or teak credenzas are often too much for the average shopper. If you want to furnish your home with mid-century modern inspired furniture for an affordable cost, these three websites can help.

CB2
CB2, a smaller division of the pricey furniture store Crate & Barrel, carries equally high quality furniture and decor pieces with more modern styles and lower price points. Here you’ll find the low, rectangular sofas that modern furniture enthusiasts love, as well as other sleek furniture pieces, industrial-style lamps, and rugs, bedding, and textiles with geometric prints and patterns.

Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach carries all of the beloved modern furniture classics that you can’t find anywhere else, without the exclusivity of many private sellers. From Eames chairs to Herman Miller sofas, these are pieces that normally require extensive waitlists or knowing someone “in the business” in order to acquire them. This furniture selection is the real deal.

BluDot
If you prefer a minimalistic style with modern flair, BluDot is the place to shop online. These sofas, accent chairs, beds, and dining sets are all inspired by mid-century classics, but they’re readily available and much more affordable even to budget shoppers.

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2 Shopping Apps for Bargain Hunters

May 23, 2014 by

Ever met someone who didn't like getting a great deal on a new purchase? We didn't think so. Bargain hunting has its rewards, but not everyone has the time for comparison shopping. These free apps do the grunt work for you, ensuring that you're getting the best possible deal on whatever it is you're currently in the market for.

RetailMeNot
Available for Android devices, this app scours its database to find you coupons and promo codes for countless stores and restaurants across the country. You have the option for either printing the coupons out or presenting them to the cashier right from your phone. Email alerts about promos at stores near you keep you in the loop about the best sales.

Barcode Scanner
This handy app lets you comparison shop at the press of a button. Or in this case, the read of a barcode! While in a store, simply use your phone to scan a product's barcode or QR code and see if another retailer is offering the product at a lower price. This app is available for Android devices.

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Here Are 4 Uses for Mayonnaise Beyond the Sandwich

May 16, 2014 by

Whether you like the taste of mayonnaise or not, you should add a jar to your cart the next time you’re at the grocery store. This basic condiment is incredibly useful on things other than sandwiches, from your face to your furniture and everywhere in between. If you want to learn how mayonnaise can help you save time and money around the house, check out these creative tips.

  1. Give yourself an at-home manicure. To get salon-quality soft hands right from your own bathroom, soak your fingers in a bowl of mayonnaise before painting your nails. It will soften cuticles and make them easier to trim.
  2. Create a DIY facial mask. It may not smell as pleasant as your typical facial mask, but mayonnaise works wonders on the skin on your face. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes to soften dry patches and encourage healthy, glowing skin.
  3. Remove water stains from wood. If you have pesky rings on your coffee table from cold drink glasses, remove them in just a few minutes with some mayonnaise. Simply rub the mayo over the water-stained area and wipe it away with a clean towel.
  4. Fix a squeaky door. Use some mayonnaise to fix a door that sticks or squeaks. Rub just a bit on the door’s hinge and it will instantly remove the squeaking noise.

20 Uses for Mayonnaise [All You]

11 Home and Beauty Uses for Mayonnaise [Reader's Digest]
9 Surprising Non-Cooking Uses for Mayonnaise [Every Day]

10 Unexpected Home Uses for Mayonnaise [Wise Bread]

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6 Easy Ways to Deal With Difficult Coworkers

May 9, 2014 by

When you’re around the same people for eight hours every day, sometimes personalities can clash. Getting along with difficult coworkers may seem impossible, but these reliable tips will help you work together in harmony.

1. Choose your words wisely. By removing direct pronouns like “you” from your discussions, your coworker will feel less accused or targeted. Make your directions and criticisms about the project, not the person.
2. Talk face-to-face whenever possible. It’s easy to sound brash in an email, and speaking on the phone or in person can eliminate that worry (and your coworker’s resulting anger).
3. Minimize contact. If you frequently chat with a whiny or sullen coworker simply to be polite, start keeping things short and sweet. A simple "good morning" works in place of your usual "how are you," which often leads to unwanted conversation.
4. Be tactful about complaints. If you have to bring a problem to your boss, plan what you’ll say beforehand to avoid sounding angry or accusatory.
5. Avoid gossip. Respond with uninviting phrases like "Oh really?" when you’re faced with office gossip. If you act disinterested, gossip will likely start to pass you by in the future.
6. Just breathe. Take a deep breath when you feel yourself start to get angry and you may avoid a nasty altercation.

Tips on Managing Difficult People [Harvard Business Review]
20 Ways to Deal with Difficult Coworkers [iVillage]
Ten Tips for Dealing with Difficult Coworkers [All Business]
How to Deal with Difficult Coworkers [Forbes]

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5 Delicious Recipes for Chicken Pot Pie

May 6, 2014 by

While chicken pot pie is typically considered a winter dish, the simplicity of this comfort food makes it a go-to meal for all seasons. If you're deciding what to put on the dinner table tonight, here are five chicken pot pie recipes to consider, one of which can be ready to bake in as little as 30 minutes!

Chicken Pot Pie IX [Allrecipes]
The votes from over 6,000 reviewers have earned this pot pie recipe a five-star rating.

Chicken Pot Pie [Food Network]
From Barefoot Contessa's Ina Garten, this recipe yields four individual pot pies.

Pot Pie [The Pioneer Woman]
Step-by-step photos make this recipe appear especially appetizing.

Classic Chicken Potpie [Martha Stewart]
A decorative edge on the pie crust makes Ms. Stewart's recipe shine.

Easy Chicken Pot Pie [Campbell's Kitchen]
This easy recipe relies on a can of cream of chicken soup for its base.

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5 Beautiful Houseplants That Are Easy to Care For

May 2, 2014 by

Is your thumb a bit more black than green? Are you known for killing houseplants as quickly as you get them? Many houseplants are finicky, and just a bit too much water or sunlight can cause them to unexpectedly croak. Here’s a list of five houseplants that are resilient but still just as decorative.

  1. Geranium. The leafy geranium has a dark, rich color and uniquely shaped leaves, but it’s also one of the sturdiest houseplants. It flowers all year round with bright, colorful blooms if you place it by sunlight, and it won’t mind if you miss a watering or two.
  2. Cactus. Cacti are commonly known for their resistance to drought, surviving naturally in the desert without much water for weeks at a time. The same is true for store-bought cacti, which only need watering about once every month.
  3. Peace Lilies. If you live in a cave-like apartment or a home without much direct sunlight, the Peace Lily is the plant for you. This leafy green plant with white flowers can survive in dim lighting at temperatures below 55 degrees.
  4. Palms. Create a tropical paradise in your home by placing a few hardy palms in bare corners. These incredible plants purify the air and don’t require much from their owners in return.
  5. Aloe. This plant is often very large and attractive, and you can even use its soothing interior on burns or cuts. It prefers bright light, so place it on a windowsill and water only sparingly.

Houseplants for the Forgetful Gardener [BHG]
7 Indoor Plants that Purify the Air Around You [Inhabitat]

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Easy DIY Beauty Treatments You Can Do at Home

April 25, 2014 by

Creating a spa experience at home is easier than you think. Here are three easy, inexpensive beauty treatments that you can perform at home using items you probably already have in your kitchen.

1. Ease puffy eyes with tea bags.
You're probably already familiar with this one: Chill wet tea bags in the fridge, then place them on your closed eyes for ten to twenty minutes. The caffeine in the tea will help de-puff the delicate eye area, while the tea's antioxidants aid in reducing inflammation. Sliced, cooled cucumbers or potatoes can also be used here.

2. Exfoliate with brown sugar.
This sugar scrub will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth (and smelling sweet!): Simply combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, two tablespoons olive oil, two teaspoons instant oats, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to form a paste. Gently rub the scrub into your skin, then rinse.

3. Banish dry patches using lemons.
If you're sporting scaly skin on your heels, elbows, or knees, try this trick: Grab a lemon from your fridge, cut it in half, then rub the flesh of the lemon over the dry patches. The acid of the citrus fruit aids in removing dead skin cells.

Our Favorite All-Natural Home Beauty Treatments [Fitness]
6 Cool Homemade Beauty Treatments [Cosmopolitan]
6 All-Natural Beauty Fixes [Woman's Day]

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