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Trip Idea: Phoenix, Arizona

October 11, 2013 by

One of the country's fastest growing cities, Phoenix features warm-weather year round along with a huge variety of things to see and do. Majestically situated in the desert with a breathtaking mountain backdrop, it's won over more than a few visitors over the years. If you're planning a visit, here are some things worth making time to see:

Camelback Mountain
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, make sure you take a trip to Camelback Mountain. This is a great spot for hiking and getting some exercise. See beautiful views while enjoying a wonderful outdoor adventure. The hike may not be easy, but it's definitely rewarding! Visit the website for more information. 

Phoenix Art Museum
See well curated collections of wonderful exhibits during your trip. More than 17,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design are on display at the museum. Independent films and lecture series are also regularly held at the museum. Check out the website for hours and details. 

Tacos Atoyac
No trip to Phoenix would be complete without trying some delicious Mexican food. And one of the city's most popular spots among diners-in-the-know is Tacos Atoyac. This place offers street-food-style tacos filled with al pastor, fish, carne asada, and chorizo. It's affordable, too, so you can feel good trying them all!

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Farm-To-Table: Understanding Community Supported Agriculture

October 3, 2013 by

The movement towards locally grown food means only good things for the American table. The shorter the distance a food item has to travel to your plate, the more nutrients and favor it retains. Many people now buy much of their produce at the local farm stand or market, which supports the community as well. But if you prefer convenience or don't have the time to get to the farm market, why not have the harvest shipped right to your door?

CSA, which stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” is a great way to support local farmers while still getting a fabulous deal on your grocery items. The idea is simple: you, the consumer, pay a fee to the farmer at the start of the season, and in exchange, you get a delivery of fresh produce every week for the entirety of the season. If you look into it, keep in mind that most CSAs offer both summer and fall seasons.

The benefits of signing up for a CSA are great, for both farmers and consumers alike. First off, the prices are extremely reasonable, and the convenience of having the food delivered can be a real time saver. For the farmer, getting the money up-front allows them to invest in their business, which helps them to grow, and it also makes for easier bookkeeping.

The one and only disadvantage is that you do not get to choose what veggies and fruit you get each week — but for foodies, this can be a fun challenge.

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5 Granola Recipes That’ll Kick Start Your Morning

September 27, 2013 by

A nutritious breakfast basic or on-the-go snack, granola is simple to make — and occasionally pricey! Stretch your dollars by trying these five recipes at home.

Alton Brown's Granola Recipe [Food Network]

Megan's Granola [Allrecipes]

Basic Granola Recipe [Chow]

A Better Granola [Bon Appetit]

Homemade Granola Recipe [Joy of Baking]

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The Facts About MSG

September 19, 2013 by

We've probably all heard something about MSG, but do you really know what it is? Is it safe for us to eat? There are labels that proudly boast no MSG but is that necessary?

Here are some facts about MSG from the Food and Drug Administration:

  • MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It is the salt of a common amino acid called glutamic acid. Basically it's a flavor enhancer for foods to add a savory flavor. 
  • MSG can be found naturally occurring in nature in foods such as tomatoes and cheeses. Added MSG today is made from the fermentation of starch, sugar cane, molasses, or sugar beets. 
  • Is MSG safe to eat? The FDA says yes. While scientists have hypothesized that some people may have a sensitivity or allergy to MSG, it is rare. Reactions to MSG may include headache and nausea. 
  • If you would like to stay away from MSG just look for it on the label. The FDA requires any food with MSG to be listed as monosodium glutamate. Be aware that some foods naturally contain MSG like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts, and protein isolate. 

For more information on MSG, visit the FDA website. 

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5 Ways to Help Cut Flowers Last Longer

September 16, 2013 by

A fresh flower arrangement can put some pep in your step and add a pop of color to your living and work spaces. But as beauty is fleeting, the brightness flowers bring can sometimes seem to disappear in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re the recipient of a fresh flower arrangement (lucky you!) or simply enjoy treating yourself to a fragrant bouquet, here are five ways to get the most life out of your cut flowers.

1. Start with a hearty flower. While you won’t have a say in the matter if your flowers are a gift, if splurging for yourself, opt for a heartier flower variety. Roses, hydrangeas, and Stargazer lilies typically outlive more delicate flowers. Ask your florist for a recommendation, and steer clear of any flowers with bruised or browned petals.

2. Add Aspirin to the water. Not just an old wives’ tale, this tip actually works! Simply add one crushed Aspirin tablet to the vase water. Salicylic acid in the Aspirin helps to keep bacteria at bay. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of bleach to your water (about 1/4 tsp. per quart of water).

3. Snip the stems. Before you plop your flowers into a clean vase, use sharp, clean garden clippers or a florist’s knife to cut 1-2 inches from the bottom of each stem. Cut at a 45 degree angle to allow for more surface area for water to be absorbed.

4. Remove any foliage below the water line. Don’t forget to strip each stem of errant foliage. Any leaves below the vase’s water line will decay, adding flower-killing bacteria to the water.

5. Change the water daily. It's crucial that the flowers receive fresh, clean water every day. Swap out the water daily, and recut the flowers’ stems if you have a moment.

· Living Well: 10 Secrets for Extending the Life of Fresh Flowers [Design Mom]
· 4 Simple and Natural Ways to Help Cut Flowers Last Longer [Apartment Therapy]
· Keep Fresh Flowers Lasting Longer with Crushed Aspirin [Lifehacker]

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Suspense Films That Will Keep You Up At Night

August 29, 2013 by

One of the most-loved, and most-enduring film genres is suspense. People are drawn to the twisty, dark mysteries that leave you guessing and gasping until the very end. From masters like Alfred Hitchcock to modern marvels, here are a few suspense movies you need to see on a dark and stormy night.

1.     Psycho. Hitchcock’s most well-known film, tells the tale of a disturbed motel owner. This psychological horror has one of the most iconic murder scenes of all time, and the unexpected twist at the end is well-worth the wait.

2.     The Silence Of The Lambs. Young FBI Agent Clarice Starling works with the startling Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter to hunt down a serial killer who is on the loose. This movie is one of the few films to win all five major Oscars.

3.     Cape Fear. The original version of this is great too, but Martin Scorsese's remake very well may exceed it. Robert De Niro stars as a revenge-motivated psycho out to ruin Nick Nolte and his family.

4.     Blow-Up. This twisted British suspense film is a true modern classic. It follows a photographer who accidentally captures a murder on film, and then discovers that even in pictures, nothing is really what it seems.

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Trip Idea: Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

August 22, 2013 by

Yellowstone National Park is a great spot to bring the whole family. Where else can you see bison, elk, wolves, and even bears in the wild? Just remember not to get too close! To get the most out of your trip make sure you check out these great attractions. 

Yellowstone National Park Tours
The best way to get acquainted with the area is to take a guided tour. Learn all about the landscape, wildlife, and the geothermal activity. In the summer months tours are by bus and in the winter months you have the option of snowmobiles or snow coaches. Private tours are available for larger groups.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
See breathtaking views at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. From the canyon you can view two astounding waterfalls, the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The 20 mile long canyon is the perfect spot to take panoramic pictures. 

Old Faithful Geyser
Prepare yourself for one of the most famous geysers in the world. It doesn't take long to see the water erupt from the ground. About every 90 minutes the geysers erupts shooting water over 100 feet into the area. It is truly a site to see.

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Best Sparkling Wines for Under $20

August 15, 2013 by

Want to put some fizz into the party, but can’t spend top dollar?  These scrumptious sparkling wines taste a lot glitzier than their price tags, and they’re available in most large liquor stores:

Louis Bouillot Perle de Vigne, France
$19

With a name meaning "Pearl of the Vine," this Crémant de Burgundy lives up to the hype with its delicate yet rich finish of sharp Granny Smith apples.

Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, Australia
$18

This Aussie gem tastes twice as expensive as its price. It has a frothy head; fine bubbles; notes of complex citrus, red berry, yellow stone fruit, and biscuit; and a silky smooth richness. The Pinot Noir grape dominates the blend.

Trapiche Extra Brut, Argentina
$15

Hand-crafted in the Andean foothills, this lively sparkler shows typical Chardonnay aromas of apples and pineapples with a toasted bread note. Added regional varietals Semillon and Malbec help to create a full, crisp character.

Mondoro Sparkling Asti, Italy
$15

Produced from white muscat grapes grown in the Asti region of Northern Italy, this sweet wine has a delicate, refreshing character that pairs well with desserts or soft fruits.

Verichon & Clerc Privilège Blanc de Blancs, France
$12

Blending Chardonnay, Chenin, Ugni Blanc, and Colombard grapes in the méthode traditionnelle, this Brut blanc de blancs has a rich fragrance of hazelnut and toasted grain, with hints of poached pears and buttered toast that linger over a long-lasting finish.

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Great Historical Documentaries

August 8, 2013 by

We live in a sort of boom time for interesting documentaries, and some of the best capture the past in ways only film can do. Here are four illuminating historical documentaries:

Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks
We all have heard of Rosa Parks. In this short documentary we see how one person can change the fate of the nation. Just by refusing to give up her seat on the bus Rosa Parks helped fight the battle against segregation and make our country what it is today. 

The Fog of War
Learn about the life and times of U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Start at the beginning with his birth during World War I to his time working during World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Through interviews with McNamara we hear about his outlook on modern warfare. 

Liberty! The American Revolution
It may be long but if you want to learn the ins and outs of the American Revolution this six hour PBS documentary is for you. From the very beginning to the last shot fired you can see a thorough explanation of how our nation became what we know and love. 

Once in a Lifetime
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, a 1970s-era club in the defunct North American Soccer League who counted Pele among their players.
 

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3 Easy Diet Swaps

July 25, 2013 by

Dieting doesn't mean cutting out your favorite foods — just switch them for healthier, low-calorie versions. Check out these tips:

Dip
Don't fear dips anymore. Switch out high calorie dips with Greek yogurt-based dips. It has way less calories and more protein. Trying dipping veggies!

Popcorn
Craving something salty? Instead of reaching for that bag of chips, pop some popcorn. You'll get the same satisfying salty flavor for less calories, just watch your toppings!

Pizza
You can still have pizza while dieting! Instead of ordering a deep dish pizza with all the toppings go for a flatbread pizza with veggies. Or even better, make your own pizza. For a snack size use an English muffin with a little bit of tomato sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese.

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