You are here: Home / Archives for Miscellaneous

Job Hunting? These Tips Can Help You Nail That Interview

September 15, 2016 by

Going to a job interview can be stressful, but adequate preparation can help relieve some of your anxiety. The more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be during your interview. Here are some tips to help you nail your next interview.

  • Practice answering typical interview questions and take time to think of examples to use that will highlight your skills.
  • Lay out your interview attire the day before your interview. Make sure it is neat and clean and appropriate for the company you are applying for.
  • Bring a portfolio and several copies of your resume to hand out in case there is more than one person interviewing you.
  • Take some time beforehand to drive past your interview location so you know exactly how long it will take to get there and where you will park.
  • During the interview, remain calm and relaxed. Your body language says a lot about you and you want to appear confident.
  • Always follow up an interview with a thank-you that reiterates your interest in the position.

7 Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job [About]
12 Surprising Job Interview Tips [Forbes]
16 Job Interview Tips and Hacks That Are Genius! [The Interview Guys]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Get Your Home at Sendera Barton Creek Ready for Houseguests

August 18, 2016 by

The next time you host guests in your home, prepare in advance by setting a game plan well ahead of time. These smart and stress-free tips will show you exactly how to get your home ready for houseguests, even if you don’t exactly have a separate guest wing to work with.

  1. Create a designated space. Everyone likes to have a feeling of privacy and a place to decompress, which you can easily create for your guests even if you don’t have a closed-off guestroom. Simply give them free run of a living room or den, or create your own guest quarters by investing in a room divider.
  2. Test out the bed. Since you don’t normally sleep in the guest bed (or air mattress, or sofa…), it’s always smart to test it out first to ensure its comfort. If it’s not up to snuff, add a foam mattress topper, more blankets, or other affordable improvements.
  3. Create an overnight kit. Stock a small caddy with shower supplies, water bottles, pain relievers, and snack bars, as well as anything else that your guests might ask for.
  4. Change the linens. Be sure to put clean, fresh-smelling sheets on the bed and provide enough clean towels for all of your guests.
  5. Feel out their schedules. Once they arrive, work around their schedules to prevent stepping on any toes.

Make Your Overnight Guests Feel at Home [Southern Living]
Hosting Overnight Guests [Life Your Way]
Real Life Advice: Hosting Guests Without a Guestroom [Apartment Therapy]
Getting Ready for Overnight Guests [Real Simple]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Quick and Easy Marinades for That Upcoming Barbecue

July 21, 2016 by

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Turn Your Home at Sendera Barton Creek Into a Workout Studio With These Simple Tips

June 16, 2016 by

Want to break a sweat without hitting up the gym? These simple workout ideas will show you how to create a space for exercise in your own apartment at Sendera Barton Creek.

  1. Do yoga. With so many online yoga classes and free tutorials, you can get in a complete yoga class right at home. Clear away clutter and extra furniture, dim the lights, and even light a few candles to create that yoga studio atmosphere (even if you’re just in your living room).
  2. Sweat it out with cardio. Start by clearing the furniture out from the center of your living space, and then pop in an instructional workout DVD. If you’re worried about the sound disturbing your neighbors downstairs, do your workout on a thick area rug or a non-slip exercise mat.
  3. Do some strength training. Invest in small-scale strength training equipment to build muscle even without pumping iron. Things like exercise bands, hand weights, and kettlebells are perfect for toning your biceps even in your apartment.
  4. Create a circuit. Many trainers agree that circuit training is one of the most effective types of exercise. Create your own at-home circuit by working with your apartment’s furniture, including step-ups onto a chair, crunches with your feet under the sofa, and sprints up and down stairs.

How to Build a Home Gym Anywhere [Men's Fitness]
Fitness Pros Weigh In: Essentials of a "No Frills" Home Gym [Apartment Therapy]
10 Small-Space Home Gym Hacks for Your Tiny Apartment [Brit + Co]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Let the Sunshine In: DIY Spring Home Decor Projects

May 19, 2016 by

After your spring cleaning is complete, you may start to feel like your home could use a bit of a decorating revamp, as well. No matter your budget, you can easily give your home a springtime makeover with DIY home decor projects. Here are just a few of the best spring-themed decorating projects for every room in your home.

Colorful Egg Window Dressing [familycircle.com]
Set to work crafting colorful paper eggs that will dress up those newly cleaned windows. This simple tutorial only requires multicolored construction paper and some scissors to complete, and it’s easy enough that even the kids can help out.

Heart-Shaped Sachets [countryliving.com]
Freshen up your drawers and closets with these adorable DIY sachets. Simply take some scrap fabric in a pattern that you like, cut out two heart shapes, and sew them together around the edges. Fill them with potpourri just before you sew them closed, then seal them shut and enjoy the scent.

Daffodil Flower Care [marthastewart.com]
One of the best ways to spruce up your home for the springtime is by adding fresh flowers wherever you can. Freshly cut daffodils are the picture of spring, but they can often be difficult to care for. This tutorial will show you how to properly cut daffodils and arrange them in a vase in a way that even a florist would admire.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Watching Your Waistline? Check Out These Weight Loss Tips for Women

May 5, 2016 by

Just about every website and magazine today claims to offer miracle diet tips, but the only real way to lose weight is by exercising regularly and watching what you eat. These smart (and realistic!) tips can help keep women on track to shedding those extra pounds.

  1. Determine your individual calorie intake. Sure, counting calories is important for everyone, but not every woman’s body requires the same amount of calories each day. Work with a doctor to determine your recommended daily amount based on your weight loss goals.
  2. Practice portion control. Even if your diet already consists of mainly lean meats, fruits, and veggies, many people go overboard when it comes to portion control. Measure out your portions beforehand to stay on track.
  3. Forgo diet treats. Every American supermarket is filled with “diet” versions of unhealthy treats, but in most cases, you’re better off opting for a smaller serving size of the real deal. That way, you won’t be tempted to overindulge.
  4. Balance cardio and strength workouts. Most people prefer one or the other when it comes to their gym habits, but it’s important to balance both types of exercise if you really want to lose weight.
  5. Amp up your workouts. Practice short bursts of intense activity, which burn far more calories and help you to lose weight faster.

Our 75 Best Tips for Losing Weight [Women’s Day]
7 Weight Loss Mistakes Even Healthy Women Make [Prevention]
7 Weight Loss Challenges and Tips for Women [ShareCare]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Calling All Teachers: These Pinterest Boards Are Head of the Class!

April 21, 2016 by

Being teacher is an incredibly fulfilling job, and Pinterest is one of the most beneficial tools on the Internet to help make the most out of your classroom. From funny quotes to creative lesson ideas, the Pinterest teaching community offers something for all types of educators. Here are three of the best teaching boards on Pinterest.

Classroom Management
Teaching a class isn’t all fun and games, and this helpful board offers a number of tips and tricks for organizing your classroom and keeping everything running smoothly. Here, you’ll find creative ways to motivate your students, plus fun decorations that double as educational resources and printable worksheets to bolster your lesson plans.

Classroom Organization
Any teacher will tell you that staying organized is the key to a happy classroom, and this board is filled with ideas to help you do just that. Creative sign-out sheets will help you to keep track of all of your students, while bins and cubbies make great spaces for organizing all of your classroom supplies. There are even printable labels, worksheets, and calendars that all teachers will love.

Teacher Quotes
At the end of the day, teaching is all about maintaining a sense of humor. These inspiring and often hilarious quotes are filled with inside jokes that only fellow teachers will understand.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Did You Know These Foods Are Rich in Antioxidants?

March 17, 2016 by

You’ve likely heard about the health benefits of antioxidants, but do you know where they come from? If you’re one of the many people who would say that they aren’t entirely sure how to get that daily dose of antioxidants, these antioxidant-rich foods are great places to start.

  • Raisins. Dried fruits, like raisins, contain well over 2,000 total antioxidants per serving.
  • Blueberries. These sweet, plump berries have more antioxidants than a whopping 40 other types of fruits.
  • Strawberries. One of the next best berries is the delicious strawberry, which helps to protect your body’s cells.
  • Plums. Plums contain more than 4,800 antioxidants per serving, and dried versions offer even more.
  • Oranges. Oranges are rich in the antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin. It helps to lower your risk for arthritis.
  • Spinach. That’s right—some veggies contain antioxidants, too. Spinach is packed with the types that promote healthy eyes and prevent blindness.
  • Brussels sprouts. This tasty vegetable is becoming increasingly popular, which is a great thing because it is packed with isothiocyanates antioxidants that help to prevent cancer.
  • Beets. Pink beets not only look pretty on top of a salad, they also deliver a hearty dose of antioxidants.
  • Eggplant. Eat eggplant to take in the antioxidants that protect against plaque buildup in the arteries and prevent cancer.

20 Common Foods With the Most Antioxidants [WebMD]
Which Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Should You Be Eating? [Reader’s Digest]
8 Foods Rich in Antioxidants [FitDay]
10 Antioxidant-Rich Foods [Food Network]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Simple Ways to Cut Costs in the Home — and Out

February 18, 2016 by

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs on everyday items around the home and in your day-to-day life, these simple tips can help you get started.

  1. Lower your thermostat. When you leave for work for the day, turn down your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees (or switch off the air conditioner in the summer). This could lower your bill up to 15% throughout the year. Also, consider applying inexpensive shrink film to your windows during the winter for added insulation.
  2. Stop speeding. To save money on gas, drive the speed limit instead of over it. This can raise your fuel efficiency by up to 17%!
  3. Make coffee at home. This also goes for eating out, grabbing a snack, or going out for happy hour after work—limit these outings to once or twice a week instead of every day.
  4. Check the thrift store. Before you buy something new, such as an air conditioner or a winter coat, visit the thrift store or consignment shop first. You could save a great deal of money on something that’s in perfect condition!

5 big bills you can cut fast [Bankrate]
Lower Your Monthly Bills Checklist [Real Simple]
30 Ways To Cut Your Monthly Expenses [Lifehack]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Help Your Child Learn to Ride a Bicycle

January 21, 2016 by

If your child is bored with training wheels and wants to learn to ride an adult bike, you likely have a number of concerns. However, as long as you keep safety and comfort in mind, teaching your kid to ride a bicycle can be a quick, painless process. Follow these helpful tips to best instruct your child how to push off, pedal, and cruise on his or her new "big kid" bike.

  1. Safety first. Before you do anything else, get your child properly fitted for the right bicycle helmet. Even if he or she already has a helmet, it’s very important to have one that fits properly and provides the adequate amount of protection for learning to ride a bike. You can do this at just about any bicycle supply shop or sporting goods store.
  2. Scout locations. When it comes to riding a bike for the first time, location is key. You want to find a flat, paved street or parking lot with no traffic or a low, gently sloping, grassy hill, depending on your child’s preference. Show him or her both areas and see which feels more comfortable.
  3. Prepare the bike. You can’t just remove your child’s training wheels and expect him or her to speed away. Take off the training wheels and then begin by removing the pedals and lower the seat. Begin by showing your child how to balance, brake, and turn on the bike with no pedals, and then put the pedals back on. This is the final stage, so get the camera ready!

How To: Ride a Bike [Real Simple]
How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike [REI]
How to Lean to Ride a Bike in 15 Minutes [Better Homes & Gardens]
Teaching a Kid (and Adult) to Ride a Bicycle [iBike]
Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike [Disney Family]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,
Next Page »

Pin It on Pinterest