You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Helpful Tips for Cleaning Leather and Suede

December 23, 2014 by

Suede leather items like shoes, bags, and wallets are beautiful and last a very long time, but they’re also quite expensive. Because these items are so valuable, it’s important to take great care when cleaning them. Here are a few tips to help you properly clean suede.

Take precautions. One of the best ways to protect your suede leather belongings from staining is by treating them before you even use them. Stains and waterproofing sprays for suede can be purchased from your local shoe store. By carefully applying them to your purse or shoes before wearing, you can shield them from rain, food stains, and even stains from your own hands.

Brush away scuffs. Instead of attempting to remove scuffs with wet or damp cloths, use a dry, soft brush meant for suede. Gently yet firmly brush back and forth to remove dried mud, scuffs, and other debris.

Properly remove stains. If your suede items do become stained with oil (and they likely will), don’t panic. Simply sprinkle the stain with baby powder or cornstarch and wipe it away gently once it becomes oily. For wet, non-oily stains, blot away the moisture with a clean cloth, then use a suede brush to restore the texture.

Save Your Shoes & Purses! How to Clean Suede and Leather [iVillage]
How to Clean Suede [HowToCleanStuff.net]
How do I Remove Stains from Suede Leather? [AboutHome]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Get Into a Running Routine With These Websites

November 25, 2014 by

If the last time you ran a mile was back in grade school, it can be difficult to get back into a running routine. For many people, the key is to dedicate yourself to your running goals and vow to stick with it. These inspiring websites will help you to develop a running plan, and they might even make you look forward to your morning jog.

The 8-Week Beginner’s Program
Runner’s World magazine developed this detailed program to help aspiring runners to get on track. It is designed to get you to a place where you can comfortably run nonstop for 30 minutes, which is approximately 2 miles. With precise time frames and workouts for each week, this is a no-brainer for anyone looking to begin a more active lifestyle.

Running 101: A Beginner’s Guide
Fitness Magazine’s beginner runner’s guide answers any questions you might have about getting started running, and it even recommends foods to eat to boost your energy. This guide will also help you decide if running on the treadmill or running outside is better for you.

6 Tips for New Runners
These tips, created by SheKnows, are targeted toward women who want to begin running. They provide inspiring advice and informational tips to get you running and then keep you going.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Check Out These Interesting Facts About Chocolate

October 28, 2014 by

You know that you love the way that chocolate tastes, but aside from that there’s probably not much else that you know about this sweet treat. Here are two interesting chocolate facts that every chocolate lover should know.

  1. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate differ because of their amount of cacoa, or the beans that chocolate is made from. Dark chocolate also doesn’t have as much milk or sugar, which makes it much healthier but also gives its signature bitter bite.
  2. Some chocolate is actually good for you. Very dark chocolates contain a large number of antioxidants that reduce blood pressure and improve your entire cardiovascular system. They also widen your arteries, promote healthy blood flow, and prevent the buildup of plaque that can block the arteries.

11 Facts about Chocolate [Do Something]
10 Interesting Chocolate Facts You May Not Know [Lindt]
10 Fascinating Facts About the World of Chocolate [Listverse]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Prepare Asparagus Like a Trained Chef

September 30, 2014 by

Asparagus likely isn’t at the top of your list of favorite food indulgences, but if prepared correctly this nutrient-rich vegetable can be quite tasty. Here are 4 simple tips for cooking asparagus that will make you excited to eat your veggies.

  1. Peel thick asparagus before cooking. Thin asparagus can be prepared as-is, but thick asparagus contains hard, wood-like areas on the exterior that must first be peeled off. Use a standard vegetable peeler and start from about 2 inches from the bottom of the stem.
  2. Cut off the hard base. If you’ve ever bitten into the hard, sour base of the asparagus, you understand why this step is so important. Before cooking, take a sharp knife and chop off an inch or so of the bottom of each piece.
  3. Choose a cooking style. Roasting asparagus with olive oil creates a crunchy exterior and tender interior, while steaming it or simmering it creates a softer texture that’s also a bit lower in fat. No matter which cooking technique you choose, be sure to add simple herbs and spices for added flavor.
  4. Add a topping or sauce. If you prefer even more flavor on your asparagus, there are a number of different sauces or toppings for every type of meal. A sweet chili sauce perfectly complements the earthy taste of the asparagus, while a creamy Hollandaise is ideal with fish, chicken or even your morning eggs.

How to Cook Asparagus [Better Homes and Gardens]
Asparagus [BBC Good Food]
How to Cook Asparagus [Asparagus-Lover.com]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

3 Tips for a Perfectly Packed Suitcase

August 26, 2014 by

We’ve all been there before: You go to pack for an upcoming trip and quickly realize that your belongings far exceed the space in your suitcase. Whether you’re trying to conserve space in the car or you don’t want to pay the outrageous airport baggage fees, there are a number of benefits to using a smaller suitcase. Here are a few tips to help you pack like a pro.

  1. Roll it up. By folding each article of clothing in half and then tightly rolling it like a burrito, you can dramatically save space in that overcrowded suitcase. Even better, the rolling technique ensures that your clothes will stay wrinkle-free until you unpack them at your destination.
  2. Check the weather. Don’t fill your suitcase with bulky sweaters if you don’t have to. Checking the weather at your destination ensures that you’re prepared for anything, and it means that you won’t pack unnecessary things that you don’t wear. If possible, wear your bulkier clothing items on the plane.
  3. When in doubt, shrink wrap. If you’re going on a long trip where you simply can’t afford to leave things out, investing in space bags that vacuum your clothes together is a great option. These bags are available at most home goods stores, and many cost less than $20.

How to Pack a Suitcase [Travel and Leisure]
5 Ways to Pack Your Suitcase Way More Efficiently [Gizmodo]
Pack Your Suitcase as Efficiently as a Flight Attendant [Lifehacker]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Three Tasty Veggie Burger Recipes

July 29, 2014 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.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

There’s No Need to Knead With These 4 Bread Recipes

June 24, 2014 by

Baking bread at home seems difficult, but no-knead recipes make it much easier than ever before. You’ll impress your family and your guests with the scent of freshly baked bread coming from the oven, and you’ll be the only one who knows just how easy it was to prepare.

No-Knead Bread [Steamy Kitchen]
This recipe creates a rustic, gourmet-looking loaf of bread, and it’s so simple that a four year old can make it— and one has! The New York Times made this no-knead recipe famous, but its reliability is what makes it so popular.

No-Knead Bread [Smitten Kitchen]
Using instant yeast to create a fluffy, dense center and a crispy outer crust, this incredible bread recipe is the perfect addition to any sandwich or evening meal.

No-Knead Crusty White Bread [King Arthur Flour]
If you want to make a large amount of bread for a gathering or holiday party, this is the recipe to use. It makes use of the same simple no-knead technique, but this recipe yields four full-sized loaves.

How to Make No-Knead Bread [The Kitchn]
This online tutorial will show you the most important steps for making no-knead bread, with detailed pictures along the way. It also includes video tutorials for certain techniques, such as shaping the dough into a perfect ball.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Combat Jet Lag With These 3 Simple Tips

May 27, 2014 by

An unfortunate side effect of travel, jet lag can easily suck the fun out of the first few days in a new time zone. Whether you're planning on traveling to a new city for business or pleasure, these three tips will help expedite your acclimation.

1. Ease your body into the time zone of the city you'll be visiting.
Take a week or so before your departure to incrementally shift your sleep schedule so that upon arriving in your destination, your circadian rhythm is already in sync. Go to bed earlier for an eastward trip, later for a westward trip. If you'll be traversing multiple time zones, you may want to consider breaking up your travel into smaller flights.

2. Get outdoors.
Staying inside only worsens jet lag. Being exposed to sunlight will help stimulate a correction of your biological clock. Try taking a short walk to clear your head.

3. Stay hydrated.
Once you're in the air, drink eight ounces of water per hour. This will help curtail the dehydrating effects of cabin air. You may be tempted to reach for a cocktail, but be forewarned that alcohol worses jet lag. Avoid caffeine, as well, as it acts as a stimulant and may prevent restful sleep.

Jet Lag [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
Jet Lag and Sleep [National Sleep Foundation]
Avoid Jet Lag with our Top 10 Tips [Fodors]

Public Domain/Public Domain
Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

The Sandwich Goes Sweet in These 5 Dessert Panini Recipes

April 22, 2014 by

Sure, it might sound strange, but the dessert panini is having a moment in the culinary world. Whether you choose to try one for lunch or for dessert, these creative grilled sandwiches will certainly be the sweet spot of your whole day.

Sweet Dessert Paninis [Food Network]
Filled with the sugary, buttery goodness that's signature to celebrity chef Paula Deen, this hazelnut panini is truly decadent.

Nutella S’Mores Panini [Panini Happy]
This sandwich combines chocolate and marshmallow, just like a grown-up s’more.

Strawberry-Nutella Panini [Recipe Boy]
The Nutella is sweet, but strawberries make this recipe a healthier alternative that you can even eat for lunch.

Blueberry, White Chocolate and Marshmallow Panini [Always Order Dessert]
A pinch of salt brings out the sweet, gooey flavors in this unique panini recipe.

Plum and Brie Dessert Panini Recipe [McCormick]
When you’re feeling a bit fancy, this sweet panini offers just the right amount of gourmet taste.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Two Websites to Help You Find Your Next Book

March 25, 2014 by

With the seemingly endless number of books available today, choosing your next read often feels overwhelming. If you want great book recommendations from knowledgeable sources, these websites offer reviews, news, and author interviews from the worlds of fiction and nonfiction.

Book TV
C-SPAN’s Book TV is a weekly television program that interviews modern authors about their upcoming books. Book TV features 48 full hours of nonfiction books from Saturday at 8 a.m. to Sunday at 8 a.m on the C-SPAN network. The program’s website includes a program schedule, links to purchase books featured on the show, a video library of past content, and podcasts discussing current works of nonfiction.

NPR Books
National Public Radio’s Books is a radio program that discusses recent news from the literary world, and the show’s corresponding website offers even more than that. The NPR Books website enables you to browse by genre to find book reviews for works you might be interested in, and it also features a New in Paperback section of upcoming releases. The author interviews include in-depth discussions with some of the country’s most renowned authors, and you just might find your new favorite after hearing his or her point of view. The NPR Books website also features a front page of news headlines from the publishing world, from the staggering revenue from the romance novel industry to books related to current events in the world today.

Public Domain/Freeimagescollection
Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest