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Boo! Read About the History of the Jack-o’-Lantern

October 3, 2014 by

Carving pumpkins is a beloved tradition in most households, but this history of the jack-o’-lantern dates back much farther than just your own family’s Halloween festivities. Here are a few interesting points about the history of the spooky, silly jack-o’-lantern.

  • The name “jack-o’-lantern” is derived from a 17th century British term that described a man carrying a lantern, usually a night watchman. Townspeople began to call the mysterious lights that they often saw over the wetlands "jack-o’-lanterns" because they thought that they were ghosts or spirits.
  • Irish tradition also uses the term jack-o’-lantern in a story about Stingy Jack, a man who was forced to wander the earth for all eternity with only the light from a dull ember.
  • In some parts of Great Britain, it became customary for children to carry jack-o’-lanterns door-to-door on All Saints Day to represent the souls of deceased relatives.
  • Irish immigrants brought the tradition of the jack-o’-lantern with them to the United States, and they soon began to use the more readily available pumpkin instead of the turnip.
  • Pumpkin carving and the jack-o’-lantern didn’t become a part of Halloween tradition until the late 19th century, almost 200 years after it was initially invented.

History of the Jack-O’-Lantern [History Channel]
What’s the Origin of Jack-O’-Lanterns? [Mental Floss]
Why Do We Carve Pumpkins on Halloween? [About News]

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Plan a Visit to These Must-See Parks Near Houston, Texas

October 2, 2014 by

There's more to Houston that just bright lights and a little Western flair. In fact, you'll find that many of Houston's attractions lie just outside the city. Case in point: These two must-visit parks near Houston. One park lies on the river, while the other is known for its vast biological diversity. Either way, both make for a memorable getaway.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is located about two hours outside of Houston. Here, you can find species from very different habitats living among each other in a relatively small area. Take a hike on a variety of different trails, ranging from a brisk boardwalk stroll to an extreme 15 mile trek. The preserve is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as approximately 185 migratory bird species make Big Thicket their home between March and early May. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts travel to Big Thicket year-round to cruise the Neches River and Village Creek.

Stephen F. Austin State Park
You'll find Stephen F. Austin State Park just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, so it makes a quick day trip for anyone looking to get outdoors. This scenic retreat offers traditional camping activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as the more modern geocaching. If you'd like to keep it simple, go fishing for catfish along the Brazos River. There are wide variety of campsites to accommodate your camping needs, whether they be a place to hook up your RV, a cabin for shelter, or just a little spot to put your tent.

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What Is 3D Printing? Get the Facts Here!

September 26, 2014 by

You've likely heard some buzz about 3D printing, a new form of technology that's anticipated to have a major influence on our world. These printers are not just putting ink to paper; instead, they are building an object by layering material, like plastic, and then fine-tuning the design with lasers. The result is a three-dimensional, fully functional object! Read on to find more facts about 3D printers.

1) Add and subtract. 3D printers are classified as additive manufacturing because, quite simply, successive layers of material create the finished product. Conversely, manufacturing techniques such as sawing and milling are known as subtractive manufacturing.

2) The possibilities are endless. From mugs, models, and jewelry to machine parts and toys, many things can be created through 3D printing. In fact, the health care industry has already embraced this technology to create replacement jawbones and hips. Resin, metal, and plaster represent some of the materials used in 3D printing.

3) Pros and cons. 3D printing begins to raise the question of intellectual property. Since you can print whatever you want, what is stopping someone from recreating something that's already on the market? In the future, if printers are made more widely available, this might become an issue. A less pressing drawback of 3D printing is that it takes time: Even small items can take up to two hours to print!

What is 3D printing? [3DPrinting.com]
What is 3D printing? [ExtremeTech]

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Please Picky Eaters With These Healthy Fast Food-Inspired Recipes

September 19, 2014 by

You love the burger and fries at your favorite fast food restaurant, but you also know that too much grab-and-go food can take a toll on your health—and your waistline! If you’re dealing with a brood of picky eaters, these recipes will satisfy those fast food cravings, without all of the saturated fat.

Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders with Five Spice Barbecue Sauce [Good Housekeeping]
While regular fast food chicken tenders are deep fried and served with sugary sauces, this oven-baked alternative is just as tasty, but a whole lot healthier. Use Panko bread crumbs, sesame seeds, and a Chinese five-spice powder to create a crispy, Asian-inspired breading for the chicken, and then serve them with your own homemade barbecue sauce that’s free of unnecessary fat and calories.

Healthy Chocolate Banana Shake [abeautifulmess.com]
A thick, creamy milkshake from the local drive-through is a truly delicious indulgence, but it certainly isn’t the best thing for your waistline. This fruit-filled alternative is made with a whole banana, but it still packs that chocolatey punch that you love about traditional shakes.

Spicy Barbecue Chickpea Burgers [ohsheglows.com]
Instead of grabbing an artery-clogging burger, try this flavorful veggie burger. Hearty, protein-rich chickpeas hold the whole thing together, but the spicy barbecue sauce gives it a boost of flavor that's so good, you won’t even miss the meat.

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Check Out These Surprising Health Benefits of Autumn’s Favorite Crop, Apples!

September 18, 2014 by

Apples are some of the most delicious types of fall produce, but they’re also packed with vitamins and nutrients that do your body some good. If you needed another reason to justify that second (or third) piece of apple pie, you’ll love this list of the many health benefits of apples.

  1. Cardiovascular health. The beneficial phytonutrients found in apples function as antioxidants and decrease the oxidation of cell membranes in the cardiovascular system. Quercetin, which is found mainly in the apple’s skin, is its main phytonutrient, but apples also contain chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and myricetin.
  2. Blood sugar regulation. The polyphenols in apples are also thought to help regulate blood sugar because they influence digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, reduce glucose absorption and stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin.
  3. Cancer prevention. Amazingly, apples have also been shown to prevent several types of cancers. They are even the only fruit or vegetable that’s been shown to prevent lung cancer.
  4. Asthma treatment. If you suffer from asthma, you may want to reach for an apple before your inhaler from now on. Apples contain a number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that work wonders on human lungs and have even been shown to decrease asthma symptoms.

What's New and Beneficial About Apples [The World’s Healthiest Foods]
5 Health Benefits of an Apple [Eating Well]
10 Reasons to Eat an Apple a Day [Care2]

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How to Keep Raw Meat Fresh Longer in the Fridge

September 12, 2014 by

Meat is an important part of most people’s diets, and it can take up quite a large chunk of your grocery budget. Unfortunately, meat is also difficult to store and has a shorter shelf life than other groceries. Here are a few tips that will help you to store meat properly and make it last longer!

  1. Keep your refrigerator at the proper temperature. In order to store meat in your refrigerator, it should be kept at or below 40 degrees. If you plan on freezing meat, the freezer should be kept at or below 0 degrees.
  2. Timing is everything. In order to safely store cooked meat, you must refrigerate it within two hours of eating. If you’re storing it raw, be sure to refrigerate or freeze it immediately.
  3. Store it in the proper containers. Be sure to refrigerate or freeze meat in a shallow container that is barely bigger than the meat itself. This will ensure that it becomes cold as quickly as possible and isn’t exposed to any air.
  4. Be cautious about freezing. Freezing meat is a great way to make your meat last longer, but you need to be cautious about freezer burn. Be sure to wrap meat thoroughly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or wax paper before storing the meat in the freezer.

Storage Times for the Refrigerator and Freezer [Foodsafety.gov]
Meat in the Refrigerator: How Long Does It Last? [Foodsafety.gov]
How to Store Food Properly in the Freezer and Fridge [Lifehacker]
Food Storage 101: Where and How Long to Keep Your Favorite Foods [Lifehacker]

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Make Your Own Jewelry With These Easy Tutorials

September 5, 2014 by

Making jewelry is a stylish, creative craft beloved by people of all ages. Crafters love that they can customize each piece to their exact preferences, and it also saves you money if you’re a bit of a jewelry addict. Here are three helpful tutorials that will show you how to start making your own jewelry right in your own home.

Suede and Chain Woven Bracelet [yesmissy.com]
This DIY jewelry project is worlds away from the braided friendship bracelets from your youth. With a bit of glitz from the metal chain and a touch of neutral color from the suede rope, these bracelets rival the ones that you would buy at a pricey jewelry boutique.

Bobby Pin Earrings [themetricchild.blogspot.com]
You may not have ever considered using bobby pins as jewelry, but once you see this adorably edgy jewelry DIY you’ll wish that you had thought of it sooner. Painting the pins with nail polish also enables you to add a bit of color to coordinate with the rest of your wardrobe.

Polymer Clay Bead Necklace [delightedmomma.com]
Polymer clay necklaces have been floating around the blogs for quite some time now, but this completely customizable version is one of the best. You can mold the clay beads into exactly the sizes that you want, and you can also choose paint colors to create your favorite palette.

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Are You Brushing Your Teeth Correctly? Find Out Here!

August 22, 2014 by

You’ve brushed your teeth for as long as you can remember, but how can you be sure that you’re doing it correctly? Check out these simple steps for proper tooth brushing to find out.

  1. Twice a day is only the beginning. Although many people are taught to brush their teeth in the morning and the evening, that’s actually only the minimum amount. Brushing your teeth after a large meal or any time you drink a potentially staining beverage is always a good idea.
  2. Brush in a circular motion. Dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion up toward the gums rather than the usual back and forth motion across the teeth. This technique removes bacteria without causing gum pain.
  3. Stop the final rinse. While many people rinse their mouths out with a bit of water after brushing, this is harmful because it removes the beneficial film delivered from the toothpaste. If you feel the need to rinse, only put a small amount of water in your mouth and swish it across your tongue rather than around your teeth and gums.
  4. Don’t skimp on flossing. Flossing is just as important as brushing, and it should be done almost as often. Bonus points if you floss before brushing, as that enables the toothpaste to coat those hard-to-reach places between the teeth.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [Lifehacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

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Brush Up on Your Dental Care Technique With These 5 Tips

August 21, 2014 by

Though you brush your teeth every single day, it can be difficult to tell if you’re really getting them as clean as they should be. Here are a few tips to learn how to brush your teeth properly.

  1. Brush for the right amount of time. In order to thoroughly clean all of your teeth, adults should brush for at least two minutes. Use a stopwatch if you aren't sure.
  2. Pay more attention to sensitive areas. Places like the gumline, fillings, crowns, and hard-to-reach back teeth require more brushing than the rest of your teeth, so give those areas special attention.
  3. Don’t forget the tongue. Brushing your tongue can make all the difference when it comes to having fresh breath, so give it a few quick swipes right before you rinse.
  4. Use the proper motion. Brush in short, gentle strokes and keep the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to contact both the teeth and gums at once.
  5. Take care of your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for germs, so dentists recommend replacing it once every three to four months. This prevents cold and flu viruses, cold sores, and even some common infections.

How to Brush [Colgate]
Proper Brushing [ADHA]
Am I Brushing My Teeth Correctly? [LifeHacker]
How to Brush Your Teeth [Crest]

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Make a Color Splash With These Home Decorating Tips

August 15, 2014 by

If you want to incorporate bright, bold colors into your home’s design scheme without going overboard, there are a number of creative ways to do it. Check out these simple decorating tips that require little effort and won't compromise your security deposit.

  1. Choose a main color and an accent color. Instead of running wild with one bright color that you really love, use it as an accent color. This will ensure that your space looks clean and professional, and it makes your favorite shade the center of attention rather than an all-over eyesore.
  2. Update boring bookcases. If you have a plain old bookcase that’s a bit of an eyesore, remove the shelves and paint the back of it in your favorite color. Once you slide the shelves back in, you’ll have a subtle burst of color peeking out from behind your books.
  3. Toss in some throw pillows. Purchase sofa or bed throw pillows in your favorite colors to add an accent to neutral furniture. Best of all, pillows look stylish and eclectic when mixed and matched, so feel free to go a little crazy.
  4. Create a colorful gallery wall. One of the most affordable ways to add colorful art to your walls is by framing things like old wallpaper, scrapbook paper, and even bright fabrics.

Add Color Without Paint [Better Homes and Gardens]
Top 10 Tips for Adding Color to Your Space [HGTV]
10 Surprising Ways to Add Color to Your Home [House Beautiful]

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