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Get New Books Every Month With These Subscription Sites

December 27, 2013 by

Give the book lover in your life a gift that will last all year long with a book subscription. These fun and surprising websites give members the chance to read books from authors they may have never encountered otherwise, and receiving a new book every month makes members feel like they’re a part of one big, digital book club.

Oyster
Oyster is an affordable membership site that allows members to download unlimited books from over 100,000 titles. The service works with iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and it features an easy-to-navigate library and simple layout that makes mobile reading easy and convenient. Oyster costs less than 10 dollars each month, but the site offers a one-month free trial for new members to try out the service without spending a penny.

Open Letter
This nonprofit literary translation press affiliated with the University of Rochester publishes ten translated titles every year from all over the world, giving English speakers access to books from a number of different countries. Open Letter's subscription service delivers one of their new releases to members’ homes every month, as well as a thoughtful letter from the publisher about the book and how it was published. Open Letter offers either a 6-month or 12-month subscription.

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Java-Fueled Sites for Coffee Aficionados

December 20, 2013 by

It’s the first thing you think of in the morning, what gets you through your mid-day slump, and sometimes even the way you unwind after a long day at work. Coffee is a relaxing, delicious pick-me-up for many people, and these great websites understand your love for that daily cup of joe.

Coffee Geek
Full of consumer reviews, how-tos, informative guides and discussions with other enthusiasts, Coffee Geek is your online source for all things coffee. The site tests out everything from elaborate, at home espresso machines to basic, efficient coffee makers and provides helpful tips to its caffeine-fueled members. It also features articles and columns by coffee experts, baristas and farmers on the state of coffee today. If you’re a coffee lover who always wants to have the latest brewing and serving products, Coffee Geek is the site for you.

Coffee Research
Unlike sites that discuss mainly taste and preparation, Coffee Research is dedicated to coffee education and the agriculture, science, and economics behind the coffee industry. Here you’ll find the history of coffee consumption, information about harvesting, grinding, and roasting, and social issues like fair trade and organic beans. By educating its visitors, the Coffee Research team hopes to improve the quality of coffee on the market today.

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DIY Christmas Idea!

December 16, 2013 by

Looking for a fun, INEXPENSIVE idea for Christmas presents this holiday season? This could be just the thing for you.

You can decorate Pringles containers will all of your favorite Christmas decorations, fill the containers with tasty cookies, and then pass them out to all of your friends!!

If you have any great ideas for DIY Christmas gifts, please comment below!

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Get Your Morning Coffee Delivered With These Monthly Coffee Subscriptions

December 13, 2013 by

What could be better than that daily cup of fresh, hot coffee? How about knowing that you’ll have delicious coffee beans delivered straight to your doorstep? With fun and exciting coffee of the month clubs popping up all over the place, you (and your loved ones) will never run out of coffee again.

Craft Coffee
Craft Coffee is an easy-to-navigate website that offers three unique options for monthly coffee subscriptions. The site’s delicious coffees are all premium beans from top artisan roasters, and they are hand picked by a blind taste-test conducted by industry experts. When you subscribe to either the annual, six-month, or month-to-month Craft Coffee delivery, you’ll receive three four-ounce packages of different type of coffees in the mail every single month.

MistoBox
MistoBox is another monthly coffee subscription service that gives customers the opportunity to sample a variety of different coffees every month. The company’s tight-knit team hunts down the most talented roasters in the country and samples their best blends, and then ships four unique roasts straight to your door in fun packages every month.  If you taste a coffee that you particularly love, MistoBox also features an online store that allows you to purchase larger sizes of any coffees featured in the monthly subscriptions.

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3 Stops to Make During Your Barcelona Vacation

December 6, 2013 by

Filled with shopping, vibrant culture, history, and fantastic dining, Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist spots in Spain. When planning your trip to Barcelona, include these three great attractions on your itinerary. 

La Rambla
La Rambla may just be one of the most famous streets in the world. It's a must-see during your stay in Barcelona. As you walk down the boulevard, you'll see all sorts of people from street artists to vendors to human statues. You may even be able to hear a free show by one of the local musicians. When you need a break, head to one of the street side cafes to take it all in over a delicious coffee or snack.

Parc Güell
Architect Antoni Gaudí designed Parc Güell in the early 1900s. It's now one of the most famous man-made landscapes in the world. The park looks like something out of a fairy tale, with a gatehouse, mosaic lizard, and beautiful views of the city. Plenty of walking trails wrap through the park. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the amazing architecture and sculptures. 

Barri Gòtic
After taking in the culture of Barcelona, explore history at Barri Gòtic, also known as the Gothic Quarter. This neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city. Some of the most oldest and most beautiful architecture is in this part of town, like the La Seu Cathedral. Many of the buildings are from the medieval era. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and even street performers to keep you entertained for hours. 

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Three Unique Ways to Make a Great Cup of Coffee

November 29, 2013 by

Good coffee's almost everywhere these days, with cafes dotting every corner and even fast food restaurants offering espresso drinks. Of course, many coffee aficonados still prefer to make coffee at home, using gourmet beans to create their perfect cup.

Drip coffeemakers might remain the most popular way to make coffee at home. But for those willing to experiment, there are a few other simple ways to make a great cup of coffee. Here are three you can try at home at Marquis at Barton Trails:

Pour Over
Like drip coffeemakers, pour over brewers run hot water through ground beans. Made by Melitta and other companies, pour over brewers offer a bit more control over the taste: you'll wait to grind the beans immediately before brewing, you'll pour the water over the grounds evenly, and you'll only make as much coffee as you'd like to drink. Click here to read a guide from Stumptown Coffee Roasters on pour over coffee.

Aeropress
The aeropress follows the same principle, combining hot water with coffee grounds. However, the press speeds up the process: the grounds soak for just 20 seconds, and then you'll press out the coffee into a cup. The result is coffee that's smoother and much less acidic. Click here to learn more about the Aeropress.

Cold Brewed
An increasingly popular way to make coffee, cold brewing dispenses with the hot water entirely and instead involves soaking ground coffee beans for up to 12 hours in cold water, then filtering out the grounds. The result is a very strong coffee concentrate. Mix one part concentrate with three parts water (or milk) and you'll have a very smooth cup of coffee that's very flavorful without much bitterness. Toddy, a company that makes a handy brewing container, offers some more detailed instructions on its website.

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Prepare for the Weather with These Weather Websites

November 22, 2013 by

In whatever season, staying up-to-date about the current weather in your area can save you a lot of trouble. These accurate, convenient weather websites can be completely tailored to your specific area, and they can help you plan for the day ahead:

Weather Underground
Weather Underground is a site full of weather information, from the most basic to the most analytical. By entering your location, you’ll receive a current overview for your surrounding areas on the main page of the site. If you want even more weather news, Weather Underground also offers maps and radar, sever weather advisories, and photos and videos for the entire country.

The Weather Channel
The popular television weather channel also has a website with even more weather news and interactive features.  The Weather Channel’s website features everything from video coverage of extreme weather around the world to the most basic weather advisories for your hometown. You can even watch shows and news stories for free on this site!

Weather Spark
Full of in-depth maps and complex charts, Weather Spark will truly delight any meteorology devotee. The site’s main dashboard is an interactive map with the current conditions from thousands of locations around the world, so you’ll never miss a second of worldwide weather coverage.

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Find Places to Hike in Your Area, Online

November 15, 2013 by

Hiking is a great way to get exercise outdoors, spend time with friends, and a scenic pastime in just about any season. If you’re looking for the best places to hike in your area, do some research online before heading out onto the trail. Here are some sites to visit:

AllTrails
AllTrails is a website devoted to providing comprehensive information about recreational activities and destinations to outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll find lists of hiking trails based on your specific area, park and trail reviews from other AllTrails members, local events, and even a log to keep track of the hikes you’ve completed.

Every Trail
This outdoor website features a large, interactive map marking the nearby hiking trails in your area, as well as locations of other outdoor activities. Map out a hike or an entire trip using Every Trail before you depart, and even download the Every Trail app to make sure you’re staying on course.

Local Hikes
Local Hikes is another website that provides information about trails in your area, with a large list of both large and small cities to choose from. The trails on Local Hikes are all submitted by volunteer reporters, and each one features helpful and informative reviews from hikers just like you. You’ll also find information on the scenery, trail condition and proper equipment to bring on each hike.

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Avoid Common Food Allergies By Checking the Label

November 8, 2013 by

If you suffer from food allergies, you know the importance of reading labels. Thankfully, over the past few years, food labels have made it a littler easier to spot common allergens, like milk, egg, nuts, wheat, soy, and peanuts. Follow these tips to avoid eating common food allergens:

  • Some allergens, like the ones we've listed above, are considered common food allergens. If you have a common food allergy, it has to be listed on the label at least once.
  • Keep a look out for items made from common allergens. The ingredient list could say milk, non-fat milk, whey, or casein. All those ingredients are derived from milk and could cause a reaction if you have a milk allergy.
  • The packaging could say "may contain." In that case, the food may have come in contact with a certain allergen but was not necessarily made with said allergen. Putting "may contain" on the label is voluntary, so it's still important to check the ingredient list.
  • Sometimes manufacturers change the ingredients used in a product. It's very important to actively check the packaging if your allergy is severe. 

· Have Food Allergies? Read the Label [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]

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Plan a Getaway to These Top 5 Beaches

October 25, 2013 by

Daydreaming about a tropical beach getaway ? If you find your mind wandering to some sandy, sunny resort, stop dreaming and start planning! Your next trip could be to one of the top five beaches in the world. 

Rabbit Beach
Italy may be known for museums, pasta, and pizza, but have you ever thought about the beaches? In Lampedusa, Italy, you'll find one of the world's most beautiful beaches. You'll never want to leave after seeing the crystal clear water and sparkling sand of this secluded beach.

Grace Bay
It's easy to see why the Turks and Caicos Islands are such a popular resort location. The beaches do get crowded, but that's because they are some of the best in the world. Relax in the sand, float on the gentle waves, or explore the sea with snorkeling gear. The waters are crystal clear, so you can see all the wonderful sea life at the bottom. 

Matira Beach
You may be shocked by the beauty of this amazing tropical location, but don't let that stop you from participating in all the great activities. Watch a sunset on the beach or explore on one of the scenic hiking trails. Several boutiques and eateries are nearby. 

Hanalei Bay
You don't even have to leave the United States to enjoy a tropical location, thanks to the beautiful beaches in Hawaii. Hanalei Bay is one of the best on the island. Surfers and paddle boarders will love the ocean. If you're looking to just relax on the beach, the picturesque mountains in the background are sure to please. 

Playa Paraiso Beach
This natural beach in Cayo Largo Cuba is free of any hotels or resorts. It's named "paradise beach" for a reason. The shallow waters are great for long walks on the beach with the waves lapping at your feet. Get to the beach early to secure a seat and umbrella.

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