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5 Must-See Documentaries That Will Leave You In Awe

July 25, 2013 by

Though it's fun to escape into the fictional world of Hollywood movies, sometimes it's equally exciting to explore the real life tales that are the subjects of intriguing documentaries. Here are five destined to dazzle viewers:

Six O'Clock News
Filmmaker Ross McElwee explores the stories behind the headlines in this understated yet powerful film. Throughout it, McElwee interweaves events from his own life with closer looks into stories he's seen on the evening news.

Grey Gardens
This film is a quirky portrait of two of Jackie O’s distant relatives that are living in Hamptons squalor. The Maysles Brothers, who produced this documentary, are legends of their craft.

Man On Wire
This film chronicles the world’s greatest tightrope artist, Phillipe Petit, and his death-defying stunts. Petit is an unforgettable protagonist who will enthrall you every step of the way.

Gates Of Heaven
Director Errol Morris has long been known for this portrayals of interesting characters. In this documentary, the focuses his lens on the somewhat eccentric operators of a pet cemetery.

Hands On A Hard Body
S.R. Bindler’s amazing film about an endurance contest in rural Texas, where ordinary folks stand touching a truck until they pass out in hopes of winning the prize.

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Creative Crafts: DIY Notebooks

June 20, 2013 by

If you enjoy crafting, check out these awesome DIY notebook projects. These lovely, handmade notebooks make great gifts, or are simply a beautiful place to record your thoughts and memories. Plus, you can fashion a handmade notebook or memo pad out of just about anything — from paint chips to wrapping paper to leather! Apartment Therapy recently collected a guide to 10 of the best DIY notebook tutorials across the web, including possibilities like:

Click here to read more about these, plus seven other DIY notebook projects.

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Want To Be More Eco-Conscious? Shop “Green”!

June 6, 2013 by

If you're striving to be more green, then you'll love the new site that Amazon recently launched. Vine.com offers all things eco-friendly, and shoppers get to select from thousands of green products, from organic cleaners to sustainable furnishings.

Vine.com also highlights boutiques that are committed to Local, Fair Trade, Cruelty-Free, B Corporation, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified products. Plus, there is even a Shop Local section that features products made within 100 miles of your city.

Vine.com works to combine the convenience of shopping at a large online store with the benefits of shopping at locally owned businesses. Visit and see if it works.

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Outdoor Games to Enjoy With Your Kids

May 23, 2013 by

Warm weather is here, and that means spending more time outdoors with your children. If you’re looking for some new games to add into your outdoor play repertoire, look no further. Below are some fun, simple games to take outside with you this season.

Pick-Pocket Tag
Put a ribbon, bandana, or piece of cloth in each participant’s back pocket. Once the game begins, the objective is to try to grab each other's cloth without having your own stolen. The individual with the most ribbons at the end wins.

Clown Foot Relay
Give each player 2 shoe boxes, have them tape the lids onto the boxes, and then cut a narrow opening in each box top. Have the participants slip their feet into the boxes and then race.

Blind-Fold Walk
Build an obstacle path from one end of the play area to the other. Have the players line up, and allow them to have a good look at the path. Then, one at a time, blindfold the players, and have them navigate the path without looking. Record each participant’s time to see who does it the fastest.

Body Drag
Split up into 2 teams, and give each team an old sheet or blanket. Have one participant from each team lie down on the blanket, and then the teams must pull the person on the blanket from one end of the yard to the other. Whichever team crosses the finish line first, wins the game.

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Stick to Your Exercise Resolutions Throughout the Year!

May 16, 2013 by

We're well into 2013, a time when many people begin faltering on your New Year's Resolutions. If your goals are fitness-related, keep the momentum going and follow these simple steps for sticking with an exercise program.

Be realistic about your limits
Look at your schedule, your interests, and your current fitness level when selecting an exercise program. Be honest with yourself – taking on more than you can handle will only be discouraging. Make your goal something manageable and remember, small steps can have big results!

Try a few different workouts
Take your time finding an exercise style that appeals to you. The more you like it, the more likely you'll be to stick with it. Be open-minded and ask your friends and family for their favorite workout ideas – you never know what might work for you until you try it.

Set goals for yourself
Pick something that is challenging but within reach. Once you’ve met your goal, set a new one. Do something to reward yourself every time you meet a goal to keep your motivation at its peak.

Make exercise part of your daily routine
Try walking or biking all or part of your commute to and from work. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, every day. Work out while you’re watching TV. Build exercise into your routine and soon you won't know how to live without it!

Work out with friends
Set up a weekly walk, run or gym date with friends. You’ll have more fun, and you will serve as each other’s motivation. Also, it's a great way to hang out and visit with one another without going out to eat or for drinks.

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Blissful Buckwheat: 5 Great Ways To Prepare This Healthy Grain

May 13, 2013 by

Sure, you've heard of buckwheat pancakes, but buckwheat's not just for breakfast. Ok, so this healthful crop isn't actually a grain — it's more like a fruit, and it can be enjoyed in some pretty interesting and tasty ways.

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Have You Seen These Three Cult Classic Movies?

May 2, 2013 by
If you’re looking for a classic film to enjoy, why not go for an out-of-the-ordinary choice rather than one of the traditional classics you've seen a hundred times? Below are three unusual film choices certain to satisfy your appetite for novelty:
 
Bottle Rocket
This charming film from 1996 by Wes Anderson, features Owen and Luke Wilson as aspiring criminals planning a complicated book-store robbery scheme. Their plan leads them down a path of unexpected twists and turns. The movie features a host of quirky and unforgettable characters and dramatic situations that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Big Clock
This unique film noir classic, directed in 1948 by James Farrow, tells the story of a crime-magazine editor sent on a mission to obtain the identity of a murderer. The film features stunning cinematography and masterfully combines a number of different tones, ranging from serious to mystical to funny. 

Brazil
This Terry Gilliam film from 1985 has Orwellian undertones in its exploration of a British dystopia. The movie follows the story of a civil servant who falls in the love with a mysterious and elusive girl, while all around him the world is run by impossibly complicated government systems that enmesh even the most basic human activities in bureaucratic tangles. 
 
 
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Baking Tip: How To Tell If Your Baking Soda Has Expired

April 26, 2013 by

Baking soda and baking powder both have quite a long shelf life. But they won't last forever, and The Kitchn has helpfully offered some simple hacks to figure out whether your baking soda and baking powder are still good:

Baking Powder
Stir 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder into 1/2 cup of very hot water. The soda will immediately start to bubble if it's still good.

Baking Soda
Use the same method, but add 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar to the water before adding the soda. As before, if it bubbles up, your baking soda is still good to use.

Don't see any bubbles? You'll need to buy more. A bit of fizz means there's still some life left in them. Learn more over at The Kitchn.

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Make These Easy Pasta Salad Recipes Tonight!

April 22, 2013 by

If the words "pasta salad" conjure up images of mayonnaise and barbecues, you're not alone. But, there are actually a variety of ways to make delicious, savory pasta dishes that won't make you feel like you're picnicking. Below are five pasta salad ideas that break from tradition to provide outstanding flavor!

Caprese Salad
Draw inspiration from the Italian caprese salad, and season your pasta, such as hearty rigatoni, with fresh basil, good olive oil, vine-ripened tomatoes, and chunks of mozzarella. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste, and you're all set!

Greek Pasta
Taking your cue from Greek Salad, add a mix of cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and robust olives to the pasta. Try using mostaccioli, the small, curved pasta named after the mustache, as the base of the salad so all the elements are comparable in size. Complete it a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Soba Noodles
Prepare a pasta salad an Asian cuisine feel by using soba noodles, which are made from earthy buckwheat flour. Season the noodles with soy sauce and sesame oil, and top it with slivers of carrots and diced scallions for a delicious, simple dish that offers take-notice flavors.

Mediterranean Side
For an alternative to pasta salad, make tabbouleh instead. This side makes use of kernels of bulgur wheat instead of pasta, and seasons them with a combo of finely-diced mint and parsley. It’s a wonderful option if you're tired of noodles!

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Foot Care Tips for an Active Lifestyle

April 12, 2013 by

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, and you subject them to a lot of abuse every single day. Foot pain can be seriously debilitating, whether it be from strains, blisters or other issues. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your feet in good shape.

The most important thing you can do for your feet is wearing the right kind of shoe. Not only should they fit snugly, but they should also be appropriate for the kind of activity you are doing. Different kinds of shoes are designed for different things, so make sure your shoe offers the ideal combination of support and comfort.

Good sock selection is also very important. It’s important to wear socks that will wick moisture away from your feet as you exercise. Excess moisture left on the skin can result in blisters, fungal infections and more.

Toenail care is essential for healthy feet. You should always trim your toenails in straight lines perpendicular to your toes. This prevents ingrown nails and other issues. Make sure not to trim down the side of the nail.

If you feel anything unusual with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist immediately. Left undiagnosed, foot problems can lead to very significant health issues that can impact you greatly.

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