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How to Overcome a Fear of Flying

February 20, 2015 by

Having a fear of flying is very common, but this phobia can be quite a hindrance when it comes to traveling for work or taking a cross-country trip. If you’re afraid of airplanes and can’t seem to calm your nerves, these tips will help you to overcome your fear.

  1. Become familiar with the plane. Many people are afraid of plane crashes, but crashes are uncommon. Learning how an airplane works will help you to feel more secure once you’re on board. Research facts about your specific type of airplane, and even ask to meet the pilot before boarding.
  2. Allow yourself plenty of time. Airports are known for being hectic and stressful, and this will only intensify your fear. Be sure to arrive at the airport a few hours early so that you have time to get to your terminal and relax before it’s time to board.
  3. Choose an aisle seat. If you’re afraid of flying you probably don’t want to look down at the ground from the plane’s window. Choosing an aisle seat will eliminate this stressor, and you can even wear an eye mask to close off your view entirely.
  4. Avoid caffeine. Stimulants like caffeine will only make your anxiety worse. Avoid drinking your morning latte the day of a flight, and be sure to stay hydrated to keep yourself from feeling fatigued.

Fear of Flying [Independent Traveler]
How to Overcome Your Worst Fears [Lifehacker]
10 Tips for the Fearful Flyer [NBC News]
How Can I Overcome My Fear of Flying? [ADAA]

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Have Some Spare Time? Check Out These Popular Shows on HGTV

February 13, 2015 by

If the phrases “hardwood floors” and “granite countertops” get your heart racing, you’re sure to love HGTV’s endless list of entertaining home design programs. Here are two of the network’s most beloved shows that make for hours of weekend binge watching.

House Hunters International
Have you always wondered what it would be like it live in a villa in Barcelona or a centuries-old apartment in Paris? House Hunters International follows equally adventurous house hunters as they give into their wanderlust and move thousands of miles away from home. The show explores all corners of the world and gives you a taste of the local culture, as well as the local real estate market.

Love It or List It, Too
This remake of the popular Love It or List It features the same competitive edge with a duo of new hosts. Love It or List It, Too follows a family who is tired of their current home as they decide whether to renovate what they already have or move somewhere entirely new. Realtor Todd competes with designer Jillian as he attempts to find the couple a new house, and Jillian attempts to re-work their current one.

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What Are Your Tips for Cooking the Perfect Omelet?

February 6, 2015 by

Omelets are seemingly simple breakfast foods that are deceptively difficult to make. If you’re all too accustomed to overcooked, broken omelets, these seven expert tips will help show you how to flip one like a pro. And if you have your own omelet cooking tips, be sure to share them!

  1. Use the proper tools. For best results, use a skillet that’s 8 or 9 inches in diameter, plus a heatproof spatula and an egg whisk.
  2. Assemble the ingredients. A standard omelet uses two or three eggs per person, as well as whichever veggies, meats, or cheeses that you prefer. Be sure to chop and prepare your toppings in advance!
  3. Add a splash of water to your eggs. Before adding the other ingredients, whisk a splash of water into the eggs. This will help ensure a light, fluffy omelet.
  4. Heat the skillet. Heat your skillet to medium-high heat and coat the bottom with unsalted butter.
  5. Add the eggs. Add just the eggs to the pan first and let the edges set for about 10 seconds. Pull the now-set edges in toward the center and rotate the pan to disperse the raw egg.
  6. Add toppings. Gently sprinkle the toppings on the surface of the eggs.
  7. Fold. Fold only one side of the omelet in toward the center. Once it’s done cooking, fold the other side by tilting the skillet. Flip the whole thing face down onto your plate to complete the perfect omelet.

How to Make the Perfect Omelet [Food Network]
How to Make the 'Perfect' French Omelet [Instructables]
How to Make an Omelet [Organic Valley]

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How to Eat Healthy When Dining Out

February 3, 2015 by

You really never know how a meal is prepared when you’re eating out, and even the healthiest seeming salad can be packed with fattening cheeses, heavy oils, and excessive amounts of sodium. Instead of boycotting restaurants, use these smart tips for eating healthy while eating out.

  1. Know the lingo. When navigating the menu, recognize that words like “crispy,” “au gratin,” “creamed,” or “battered” are just as bad as “deep-fried.” Instead, look for dishes that are “grilled,” “poached,” or “roasted.”
  2. Choose restaurants with healthy or light menus. If you want to make navigating the menu even easier, research which restaurant chains offer separate menus of healthier dishes.
  3. Avoid appetizers. Instead of ordering extra food before your meal even arrives, eat your healthy entree and then reevaluate to see if you’re still hungry.
  4. Ask for sauces on the side. If you order a salad with dressing or a sandwich with a creamy sauce, ask for it on the side and only use as much as you need.
  5. Ask for a to-go box with your order. If your biggest challenge is overindulging, there’s no shame in packaging a portion of your meal up before you begin eating. This will ensure that you don’t go overboard.
  6. Don’t skip dessert. No, you don’t have to pass on dessert; just opt for healthier treats like fresh fruit, sherbet, or flourless cakes.

Deciphering the Menu [American Heart Association]
Ordering Your Meal [American Heart Association]
Tips for Eating Healthy When Eating Out [USDA]
It's About Eating Right [Eat Right]

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Three Tasty Veggie Burger Recipes

January 30, 2015 by

Whether you’re a vegetarian or you simply enjoy the health benefits of meat-free meals, veggie burgers are a delicious alternative to your regular greasy beef patty. These simple, nutritious veggie burger recipes offer a variety of different takes on the classic vegetarian dish.

Open-Faced Falafel Burgers [MyRecipes]
Middle Eastern falafel is normally stuffed inside of a pita, but this recipe adds an American spin by preparing it like a burger. The falafel patties are filled with nutritious veggies and spices like cumin and coriander. Top the patties with a light, refreshing tahini sauce for a unique dish that will excite your taste buds.

Best-Ever Veggie Burger [The Kitchn]
Most veggie burgers lack the protein-fueled umami taste stimulated by meat burgers, but not in this particular recipe. Even vegetarians can enjoy the hearty, savory flavor that meat provides with this complex veggie burger, created by roasting the ingredients and using the perfect blend of smoky spices.

Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burger [AllRecipes]
Add a taste of the Southwest to your burger night with this flavorful black bean version. It takes just a few common ingredients and 35 minutes to create these healthy, delicious veggie burgers right in your own kitchen. You can even toss them on the outdoor grill for a traditional summer barbecue taste without the usual meat.

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Resume Writing Tips for Job Seekers

January 23, 2015 by

Making a good first impression plays a huge role in landing your dream job, and, for most people, that first impression begins with a resume. Here are a few simple tips to help you write a resume that’s equal parts smart, savvy, and interesting.

  1. Make it easy to read. While you want your resume to look aesthetically pleasing (even more so if you’re in a creative profession), it should first and foremost be easy to read. Choose a simple font, place the most important points at the top, and limit your resume to just one page.
  2. Include up-to-date contact information. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important parts of the whole resume. Be sure to include your cell phone number, home phone number, email address, and physical address.
  3. Add an objective. Before listing your experience, state an objective that clearly defines your career goals.
  4. Include popular keywords. Consider the increasingly digital state of the job market and treat your resume like any other online content. Include keywords related to your chosen field so that you’ll increase the chance of employers finding it online.
  5. Take it to the streets. Once your resume is complete, don’t be shy about handing out physical copies anywhere and everywhere you go—you never know where your big break will come from.

Top 10 Resume Writing Tips [About Careers]
6 Tips for Writing an Effective Resume [ASME]
Resume Writing Tips [Yale University]

Public Domain/Public Domain
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Travel Etiquette Tips Every Jetsetter Should Know

January 16, 2015 by

When you’re planning a big trip, you likely think about what to pack, what travel arrangements to make, and which sights to see once you arrive at your destination. But do you ever think about travel etiquette? Proper etiquette on airplanes or buses is something that most people don’t think about until they’re faced with an awkward situation. Avoid uncomfortable run-ins with fellow passengers with these smart tips:

  1. Start in the gate area. At the airport, try to take up as little space as possible in the gate area. Don’t leave bags or other luggage on empty seats, as these places often get very crowded.
  2. Stick with your zone. Although it might be tempting to board your plane early, boarding zones are created for a reason: to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.
  3. Recline kindly. Before you jolt your seat backward and hit another passenger’s knees or jostle his or her computer, simply turn around and ask if it’s okay.
  4. Don’t rush off the plane or bus. Even if you’re in a hurry, it’s important to let the seats ahead of you exit the plane first.
  5. Navigate the airport or subway station like a highway. This means always stay to the right while walking. If you’re on a moving walkway, walkers should stay to the left, standers on the right.

Travel Etiquette Dos and Don'ts [Travel + Leisure]
10 Travel Etiquette Tips [TripIt]
Whose Feet Are Those? Negotiating Air-Travel Etiquette [The New York Times]

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Oil Pulling 101: What You Need to Know About Oil Pulling

January 9, 2015 by

Have you heard of oil pulling? This new holistic health trend, which is actually an ancient detoxification remedy, is said to boost overall health simply by swishing oil around the mouth once daily. The oil emulsifies with saliva in the mouth, becoming a cleansing agent that removes harmful bacteria, toxins, and plaque from the teeth and gums. The practice is also said to ease sinus congestion. But does oil pulling actually work? That's for you to decide—after checking in with your doctor or dentist first, of course.

If you'd like to give oil pulling a test spin, here's a handy guide to get you started.

1. Choose your oil.
The oils recommended for oil pulling are coconut, sesame, olive, and sunflower. You'll only need one tablespoon per pulling. If you choose coconut oil, let it liquefy before beginning your session.

2. Swish—and then swish some more.
Swish the oil around your mouth, just as you would with mouthwash. "Pull" the oil through your teeth. Your goal is to swish the oil until it becomes viscous and white. It usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to achieve this consistency, although beginner pullers can work their way up to that time.

3. Spit and rinse.
Once you've reached your allotted time, spit the oil into a trash can—not the toilet or sink, as the oil can clog pipes. (Don't swallow the oil!) Rinse your mouth with warm water, then brush your teeth. How often you practice oil pulling is up to you, although optimal benefits are said to achieved when oil pulling is performed several times per week.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil to Transform Your Dental Health [Authority Nutrition]
Oil Pulling: The Habit That Can Transform Your Health [Food Matters]
Oil Pulling for Oral Health [Wellness Mama]
What is Oil Pulling? [Coconut Oil Pulling]

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Spice Up Your Diet With These DASH Recipes

January 6, 2015 by

Any dieter will agree that healthy foods aren’t always the most exciting. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (or DASH) eating plan aims to incorporate convenient, tasty meals into your healthy diet, using only accessible ingredients that you likely have around the house. This NIH website offers a number of DASH-friendly recipes for every day of the week.

Here are three recipes you'll find there:

Chicken Salad
Just like the summer picnic favorite, this zesty chicken salad can be spread on sandwiches or placed on a bed of lettuce. Unlike its fattening counterpart, DASH’s chicken salad recipe contains less than 200 calories.

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
Whether you follow a meat-free diet or not, this delicious spaghetti sauce tastes great over pastas or on other Italian dishes. It also contains only 479 mg of sodium per serving, significantly less than other sauces.

Chicken and Spanish Rice
A traditional dish with a zesty kick of flavor, this Spanish rice recipe contains much less sodium than other versions. By substituting brown rice for regular white rice and adding a variety of vitamin-rich vegetables, this fast and easy recipe can help you stay on track with healthy eating as well.

To find the full week’s worth of DASH recipes, visit the NIH website here.

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Three Fashion Websites for the Chic and Stylish

January 2, 2015 by

If you’re a real life fashionista who treats every sidewalk like a runway, you’re probably always looking for new outfit ideas. Luckily, fashion blogs provide endless inspiration that is a bit more accessible than that of more traditional fashion magazines. Here are three must-follow fashion blogs to bookmark on your browser:

Refinery 29
While it partially consists of witty pop culture stories and accessible world news, Refinery 29 is also packed full of shopping guides and celebrity outfit photos targeted toward the young stylista. Think of this smart and stylish website as your go-to for your morning dose of news and fashion.

WhoWhatWear
This mega popular fashion-blog-turned-online-magazine is a resource for many of the stylish regular girls just like yourself. Learn how to style a jumpsuit, where to find the best online sales and how to take better outfit photos in order to post your best creations to Instagram.

Fashionista
The name says it all at this sleek and stylish site, which takes a more thoughtful approach to the world of fashion. You’ll find news from behind the scenes at your favorite fashion magazines and news from around the world, all on one beautiful, image-heavy website.

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