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Unusual Crafts To Enjoy on a Rainy Day

January 25, 2013 by
If you're tired of traditional crafts and hobbies likes knitting, doing puzzles, and collecting coins or stamps, consider trying a new project. Below are a few suggestions for unique craft-making projects you can attempt right at home at Marquis at Barton Trails.
 
Papercutting
Papercutting is an absorbing art that involves cutting paper into intricate designs. Cultures all around the world have engaged in different forms of papercutting throughout history, and it is often associate with Chinese culture. You can start out simply and then progress to more complicated designs as your skills improve. This is a useful skill to hone when it comes time for  making cards for friends and family members. 
 
Quilling
This craft is yet another paper-based art, and it’s a fabulous option if you’re looking to immerse yourself in an extremely detailed and intricate activity that requires all of your attention. Quilling involves the use of paper strips that are rolled, shaped, and glued together to create attractive designs. As an art form, quilling dates back to the Renaissance, when monks used quilling to adorn the covers of sacred books. Today, ithas become an increasingly popular because of the low cost of materials. 
 
Kumihimo
Kumihimo is the skill of braid-making, and it has it's roots in Japan. It involves a complex and satisfying process of finger-loop braiding in which you interlace strands in order to make cords and ribbons out of fine strands. Practitioners of Kumihimo use a foam disk to help them as they braid the strands together — these disks are available in a variety of sizes and styles so that you can make whatever kind of braid you wish, ranging from flat to circular to four-sided to hollow. 
 
Temari
This is another craft worth checking out if you enjoy intricacy and complexity while working with your hands. Temari is a Japanese art where craftspeople create beautiful and vividly colored decorative balls made of thread. This is an especially good option if you have experience with stitching-based crafts, and an added benefit is that Temari balls make lovely gifts. 
 
Tablet Weaving
This fun project, also known as card weaving, involves a weaving approach in which tablets or cards are used to create the shed through which the weft passes. This is an ideal form of weaving for narrow arenas of work such as thin straps, belts, or the trim on various garments. The materials and tools are relatively inexpensive, and once you get over the initial learning curve, you’re sure to find this an absorbing and rewarding activity. 
 
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Wonderful Remakes of Classic Films

January 18, 2013 by

It seems that more and more Hollywood turns to classic movies to create the latest blockbuster. The films are reworked for modern audiences, sometimes compromising the integrity of the original film. But, once in a while, a remake is a true success — below are a few movie remakes that got it right.

The Departed
A few years back, Martin Scorsese won an Oscar for his remake of the thriller Infernal Affairs, now set, not in New York City, but Boston. The Departed's group of thieves, agents, and double-crossers was played by top-notch actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Sheen.

The Magnificent Seven
A wonderfully effective remake of the Japanese film, Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven takes the traditional samurai flick's plot and sets it in the old west for a new and interesting twist.

The Thing
Did you know that John Carpenter’s classic 1982 film The Thing was actually a remake of a not-so-well-done 1950s movie?  Situated in a remote arctic research base, this nail-biter is a masterpiece of suspense and paranoia.
    
Casino Royale
A more humanizing look at the debonair James Bond, Casino Royale recalls the agent’s start in the field as well as his early heartbreak. Events in the film are anchored by Daniel Craig’s rugged yet sensitive portrayal of Bond. This film is actually the second silver screen adaptation of Fleming's classic Bond book, the later Casino Royale dispenses with the earlier film's comedic elements for a more dramatic tale.
 
Ocean’s Eleven
Steven Soderbergh livens up the story of the original Vegas caper by packing the film full of Hollywood stars, dry wit, and stylish flourishes to create a funny look at a high-stakes heist.  In this version, we get to enjoy George Clooney and Brad Pitt instead of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
 
 
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Cool Clock Apps

January 10, 2013 by

With all the devices that populate our lives, often a standard wrist watch is not one of them. But, we still need to know the time! If you're looking for a cool, cutting edge way to keep track of the hours, check out one of these cool clock apps today. They're from an Apartment Therapy list of great clock and weather apps:

Chameleon Clock
This clock app uses the iPhone's built-in camera to make your phone or tablet appear like it's blending in with your surrounding environment. This app is a fun, creative way to while away the hours while you keep track of time.

Time in Words
This app displays the time in a bit of an experimental way: by presenting it in words, the way you'd tell somebody what time it was. In other words, it says "it's half past three," or "five to two." What it loses in accuracy it makes up for in charm.

You can find both on the iTunes Store.

 

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Start Your Day Right: Healthy Breakfast Ideas

January 3, 2013 by

I'm sure you've heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gets your metabolism going, and gets you going for the day. Unfortunately, though many Americans don't eat breakfast, or if they do, it's not a healthy, balanced mea. Instead of scarfing down a sugary donut or a fattening Egg McMuffin, start your day with a well-balanced meal.Try one of these healthy breakfasts, to enjoy an energized start to your day!

One traditional, healthy breakfast option is oatmeal. It’s packed with complex carbohydrates that break down slowly, giving you ample energy that will carry you easily until lunch. Top your bowl with nuts for protein, mix in a little milk for calcium, sprinkle with some berries to get extra antioxidants, and drizzle on some local honey for sweetness. And, voila, you have a well-balanced, nutritious meal!

Yogurt is also a fantastic breakfast staple. Not only is it high in protein and calcium, but the probiotic bacteria that live in yogurt can aid stomach function and digestion for the entire day. Sprinkle it with healthy granola and berries, and you’ll be satisfied, happy, and ready to go.

Scrambled tofu may seem a little foreign for some, but, believe it or not, in consistency it’s very close to scrambled eggs! Plus, it has far more protein and less fat. Mix-in veggies like tomatoes, onions, or spinach for taste, and top with a little cheese for a great morning scramble!

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Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

December 28, 2012 by

Cover letters give you an opportunity to expand upon your resume’s bullet points, so take advantage of the chance to show off your abilities along with displaying your stellar writing skills. A good cover letter can truly set you apart from the competition.

Get specific
Your resume probably catalogues your work experience, but you should use your cover letter to specify and amplify. Without making it overly long, spend some time in your cover letter expanding on the tasks you performed in specific jobs and highlight skills relevant to the posted position. And whenever possible, quantify the specific contributions you made!

Get personal
You should personalize every cover letter you send out. Companies like to feel that you’re interested in working with them and only them. Include specifics about the company and the position; let them know you took the time to thoroughly read the job posting and visit their website. Express why this particular company and job interest you, and what skills and training you have for the listed job that makes you the right fit for the job.

Copy and paste with discretion
Since you’re sending out more than one cover letter, you can save some time and energy by copying certain details such as education background from one to the next.  Also, you can possibly begin with a few templates like “Non-profit Cover Letter” or “Business Cover Letter” and change accordingly for specific companies.

Re-read!
Little mistakes, such as typos, can cost you an interview, so re-read and edit carefully. Get someone else to read over your letter – fresh eyes will often catch errors you overlooked, and they can also offer feedback.

 

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What Is Instagram?

December 21, 2012 by

Instagram is one of the most popular apps available for both iPhones and Androids today. This photography app is essentially a photo-sharing network that enables users to share their photos with friends, and also browse the pictures of everyone they "follow".

This free app was recently purchased by Facebook for an astounding one billion dollar price tag! The app also allows you to easily share your pictures on other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, so that you can share them all over the web!

Perhaps the most unique thing about the app, however, is all the unique filters and treatments you can apply to your photos to enhance them, and even give them a vintage look. Plus, you can always recognize an Instagram photo by its iconic square layout.

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Party Time: Host a Wine Tasting

December 13, 2012 by

Do you think that wine-tasting parties are just for foodies and oenophiles? Think again, wine tastings are a fun way to enjoy time with friends while also refining your palate. And today, with so many great, inexpensive wines available, this party need not break the bank! Below are some tips to help you plan your wine tasting extravaganza!

Consult the experts. If you’re new to the world of wine, check the Internet for ideas, ask your local wine store for suggestions, or pick up a copy of a recent wine review magazine. If you like, you could even ask a customer service rep at your favorite gourmet food store for suggestions about cheese and food pairings.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if you’re a Chardonnay drinker, give yourself permission to try something new — you never know what you'll wind up liking! Plus, the more variety you have, the more fun you'll have trying them!

Brown-bag it. If your attendees have some wine-tasting experience, turn your tasting party into a competitive event by covering the labels and asking guests to try to identify each varietal. Reveal the labels at the end, and the winner gets — you guessed it — a bottle of wine!

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How Do You Brew? Coffee Comparisons

December 7, 2012 by

If you're trying to save a few bucks by avoiding your daily coffee house latte, brewing at home is a great option. But with so many ways to brew, you might not know which is ideal for your taste preferences and lifestyle. Below is a rundown of some of the more popular brewing techniques.

Automatic drip coffee makers are one of the most popular appliances in kitchens today. Their biggest benefit is consistency – their consistent heat and drip settings always brew a quality pot every time. Keep in mind, however, that many have a warming plate under the pot that can make coffee taste bad if left heating for too long.

Today, there's a new trend in brewing — the single-serve “coffee pods”. A few of the more popular brands are K-cups and Nestle’s Dolce Gusto, and the benefit of these machines is that they brew only as much coffee as you want, so it's fresh every single time. But, this is not the "greenest" option, since you throw the single-serve pod out after one use.

The classic French press is a great option for brewing, especially if you don't have a power outlet nearby. This simple process requires roughly ground coffee, which is poured into a glass carafe, and then covered with hot (but not boiling) water. After a few minutes, you hand-press the wire mesh screen down, which separates out the grounds and leaves behind the rich, dark coffee. The French press's one drawback is that is takes a bit of finesse — there's a learning curve to get the ideal brew.

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Foot Care Tips For Runners

November 30, 2012 by
Whether you’re a serious runner, occasional jogger, or complete beginner, you need to take good care of you feet so that they hold up when you hit the track, road, or trail. Here are some tips to help you keep your feet as healthy and pain-free as possible so that you can enjoy every stride along the way:
 
Wear the Proper Shoes
If you’re going to run on any sort of regular basis, it’s important to invest in a good pair of running shoes. Don’t throw on a pair of casual non-running-specific sneakers and hope for the best. Do some online research to learn about running shoes that might be particularly well-suited to your needs. Then go to a store that specializes in athletic and running gear and work with a salesperson that will be able to help you find the right shoe for you. Don’t be afraid to try on several pairs, run around the store a bit while wearing them, and take your time deciding. A salesperson knowledgeable about running shoes will be able to identify your gait (whether your roll your feet inward or outward) and guide you toward the best running shoes for your particular feet.
 
Protect Against Blisters 
Painful blisters and feet sore from strain will put a major damper in your running plans. There are a variety socks on the market that are designed especially for the purpose of wicking away moisture and keeping blisters at bay, so invest in at least a few pairs of those. You can also rub some anti-chaffing balm on blister-prone areas, with “Bodyglide” being a particularly popular and effective productive for that purpose. If you do start to develop a blister, make sure you have some padded blister-specific bandages at hand to put on the sore spots when you’re running and also when you’re walking around in normal shoes. In addition, make sure that you air your bare feet out as much possible when you’re not running or walking around because exposing the blister-prone areas to fresh air will help them dry out and heal faster. 
 
Know When To Stop
One of the biggest causes of chronic foot problems in runners is that people don’t always listen sufficiently to their bodies. If you have a mildly painful issue with your foot (such as a mild case of sesamoiditis, a common runners’ condition), it’s not always a good idea to push through it. Foot issues will often get worse and go from small to significant if you don’t give your feet a rest. So it’s important to make sure you temper your running schedule to allow for foot issues to heal before they go from minor to worse to potentially chronic. While you’re taking a break from running, you can find other lower-impact, more foot-friendly ways of getting a workout that will benefit your cardiovascular system (such as the elliptical machine, spin bike, recumbent bike, or regular road bike). 
 
Consider Shoe Inserts
If you want an extremely comfortable and form-fitting shoe that will specifically accommodate your unique feet, consider investing in orthotic inserts. You can get orthotics over the counter or have them prescribed and specially made for you by a podiatrist. Orthotics are often used to treat many forms of running-related injury, including heel pain, shin splints, and chronic blisters. They work by balancing and reducing the amount of stress that your feet experience upon impact. They are also effective at correcting imbalances in your gait, such as a tendency toward overpronation or underpronation – essentially, they help your foot achieve proper alignment, which can be a major preventative measure when it comes to a variety of running-related foot issues. 
 
Avoid Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is one of the most common foot issues that occur for a runner. It is a fungal condition of the feet and toes that can flare up as a result of running in sweaty socks and shoes. Luckily, though Athlete’s Foot can be pretty uncomfortable, it’s also one of the least chronic and most easily treatable foot issues that a runner can face. Since the fungus thrives and grows in wet conditions, some preventative measures you can take include washing and drying your feet soon after a run and alternating running shoes and socks so the accumulated sweat has time to dry out.  If you do develop a case of athlete’s foot, there are several over-the-counter antifungal creams that can help and your doctor can also prescribe oral antifungal medications if the condition doesn’t clear up within a few weeks. 
 
 
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Prepping For The Holidays: Dishes To Make Now And Freeze

November 23, 2012 by

The holidays are a time meant to be enjoyed with loved ones, but often times, more time is spent in the kitchen than in the family room enjoying your guests. In order to make holiday entertaining easier, why not prep parts of your holiday meal in advance. That way, you can still boast about your homemade meal, without slaving all day in the kitchen! The Kitchn offered a list of holiday food you can make in advance, freeze, and reheat just in time for holiday celebrations. Here's a list of dishes that store well in the freezer:

  • Breads
  • Stuffing
  • Gravy
  • Casseroles
  • Cookies

Want to learn more? Visit The Kitchn.

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