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How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea

April 2, 2015 by

If you’ve ever made a cup of tea that was too weak or too strong, you know how difficult it can be to create the perfect cuppa. Follow these five expert steps to properly brew tea at home, whether you prefer relaxing oolong or stimulating black tea.

  1. Using a teapot, bring very cold tap water to a boil. It’s important to bring your water to a boil before adding a tea bag to ensure that it brews fully. Add one tea bag per one cup of water.
  2. If you’re brewing black tea, pour boiling water directly on top of the tea bag and let it steep for three to five minutes.
  3. For green teas, remove the pot from the stove and let it cool for 10 minutes. Next, pour the water over the tea bag and let it steep for just one minute.
  4. For delicate oolong teas or white teas, heat your water only to 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour it over the tea, letting oolong steep for five to seven minutes and white teas for only three to four minutes.
  5. If you want to make iced tea, simply brew your tea as instructed and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, just pour over ice and enjoy.

Make a Perfect Brew [UK Tea & Infusions Association]
The Tea Experience: Home Brewing for the Best [The Tea Association of the U.S.A.]
Brew a Perfect Cup in 3 Easy Steps [Teavana]
How to Brew Hot Tea [The Republic of Tea]

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Three Cooking Substitutes for When You’re in a Pinch

March 19, 2015 by

Any seasoned cook knows that sometimes you have to get creative when sticking to a recipe, especially if you're short on some of the ingredients. The good news is that with a few easy swaps, you can make any recipe, even if you don't have the traditional ingredients on-hand. Here are three cooking substitutes for when you’re in a pinch:

  1. If you're missing brown sugar: Your craving for homemade cookies won't wait until you can get to the store for all the ingredients. If you’re short on one cup of brown sugar, you can substitute it one cup of white sugar combined with 1/4 cup of molasses.
  2. If you're missing butter: While no kitchen should ever be without this important ingredient, it tends to happen if you cook a lot. You can replace one cup of butter with one cup of margarine or vegetable shortening. If the recipe calls for melted butter, you can use the same amount of oil.
  3. If you're missing half and half: If your carton is empty, you can easily recreate this essential ingredient with 1/2 a cup of partly skimmed milk and 1/2 a cup of heavy whipping cream.

Top 3 Ingredient Substitutions [All Recipes]
Ingredient Substitutions [University of Nebraska]
Baking Ingredient Substitution Table [Joys of Baking]

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Where to Shop Quirky Gifts and Novelties in Austin, Texas

March 5, 2015 by

Austin is one of the quirkiest cities in the country, so it only makes sense that it would be filled with lots of shops selling strange curiosities. Whether you want to decorate your home or find something unique to wear, you’ll find it all from Austin’s weird and wonderful purveyors. Here are two of the city’s must-see shopping destinations.

Parts & Labour
If you prefer your quirky trinkets with a cute flair, you’ll want just about everything in Parts & Labour. This local boutique sells things that you wouldn’t imagine in even your most adorable daydreams, from stuffed animal taxidermy and colorful t-shirts to geeky greeting cards. The shop is open and airy and perfect for browsing, which you’ll likely want to do for the better part of an afternoon.
1117 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 326-1648

Uncommon Objects
Just like its name suggests, Uncommon Objects is Austin’s go-to spot for everything creepy, eclectic, and just plain strange. The shop itself is an organized mess of antiques and oddities, including wall mounted armadillos, authentic Texan belt buckles, and more costume jewelry than you’ll have time to root through. Ideal for the antique lover who loves a good hunt, you truly never know what you’ll find at this artistic shop.
1512 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704; (512) 442-4000

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Overslept? Try These Five Easy On-the-Go Breakfast Ideas

February 19, 2015 by

When you sleep past your alarm and don’t even have time to shower, it can be tempting to skip breakfast. Even if you don’t have time for your usual eggs and toast, these quick, healthy breakfast ideas will help you get a nutritious morning meal that you can eat while running out the door.

  1. Yogurt Parfait. Though it sounds complicated, all it takes to create a nutritious yogurt parfait is an individual-sized plain yogurt and a few toppings. Sprinkle fresh fruit, nuts, or granola on top for a quick breakfast that you can eat with just a spoon.
  2. Breakfast Smoothie. Fruit smoothies are very healthy, but they’re not as filling as your usual breakfast. Make your smoothie as hearty as a meal by adding oats or nuts to the mix.
  3. Homemade Granola Bars. If you’re always running late in the morning, bake your own homemade granola bars and keep them on hand to eat on your commute.
  4. Tortilla Wrap. When you have just enough time to toss something together for breakfast, a tortilla wrap is an easy, handheld option. Simply put scrambled eggs, grilled peppers, and a sprinkle of cheese inside of a whole wheat tortilla shell.
  5. Avocado on Toast. If you love avocado with lunch and dinner, try it out for breakfast by eating it on toast. Just mash half of an avocado and spread it on a piece of toast, then add a bit of salt and pepper to taste. For an extra boost of nutrients, top with tomato slices, too.

9 Fast, Healthy Breakfast Ideas [Real Simple]
23 On-the-Go Breakfasts [Buzzfeed]
15 On-the-Go Breakfast Recipes [Parenting]

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Today’s Imponderable: What Causes Freezer Burn?

February 5, 2015 by

Freezing delicate foods like fresh fruits or meats is a great way to preserve these items for a longer time than the refrigerator can provide. Unfortunately, if not frozen properly, the chill of the freezer can inflict freezer burn on your poor groceries. You may have noticed dull, grey color patches on food kept in the freezer, but what exactly is freezer burn?

Freezer burn occurs when the thin layer of moisture on the outer layer of most foods evaporates into the freezer, causing the food to dry out in those stripped areas. The result is a white or brownish spot on the surface of the food, which, though not harmful to eat, certainly looks unappealing. Freezer burn can also affect the texture of the food and make it taste bland and flavorless.

Lucky for fans of the freezer, preventing freezer burn is very simple: You must keep all parts of the food completely shielded from the dry, cold air, which you can do by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil!

Freezer Burn [Wikipedia]
What is “freezer burn?” [Everyday Mysteries]
What Is Freezer Burn – Causes & How to Prevent It When Freezing Food [Money Crashers]
Food Science: What is Freezer Burn and How to Prevent It [The Kitchn]

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Newly Betrothed? Don’t Miss These Wedding Boards on Pinterest!

January 22, 2015 by

You can't stop admiring that brand-new ring on your finger, but now it’s time for the real fun to begin. Even if you’ve been dreaming of that fairy tale wedding since before you can remember, things can get a bit overwhelming once it comes time for the actual planning. Here are three Pinterest boards that offer hours of wedding inspiration, while also helping to keep you on schedule—and on budget!

Wedding Ideas
Are you planning a shabby chic wedding, or is your style more glitz and glamor? Whatever type of nuptials you have in mind, this Pinterest board is filled with ideas to help plan your dream wedding. Creative honeymoon funds, fun wedding favors, and simple, handmade decorations will make your big day even more special.

Weddings
Browse Pinterest’s main wedding board by categories like wedding photography, flowers, and invitation inspiration to find tips and tricks for every aspect of planning a wedding. There are even printable checklists and calendars to help you stay organized along the way.

Romantic Weddings
Whether you’re actually planning a wedding or if you just love looking at ideas for that day far off in your future, the Romantic Weddings board is an endless source of dreamy inspiration. Best of all, this board is filled with photos from real weddings to offer a sneak peek of real life couples’ special days.

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How to Take the Stress Out of Home Entertaining

December 18, 2014 by

Even the best party planners get stressed out when it comes time for a large get-together, but there are some simple tips that help to take the pressure out of entertaining. Here are a few smart ideas that will make your upcoming holiday party or gathering effortless and worry-free.

  1. Make a to-do list. Any expert entertainer will tell you that the easiest way to stay organized is by making a to-do list. Detail everything that you need to do to prepare and keep things separated by days. If you start the planning a week or so in advance, everything will come together on party day.
  2. Keep things relaxed. It doesn’t take fine china to set a beautiful table. Keep things low-key by using attractive paper tablecloths and napkins, and make sure that all of your flatware matches so that you can mix and match pieces depending on the type of food that you’re serving.
  3. Create a lively atmosphere. Do whatever it takes to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable, from creating a fun playlist to drawing up seating place cards that best match guests who don’t know one another. This ensures that the conversation will flow all night long.
  4. If all else fails, make enough food. If your guests love the food, you can almost guarantee a good party.

10 Tips To Help You Throw a Great Party Without Losing Your Mind (Or Blowing Your Budget) [The Kitchn]
12 Secrets to Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Party [HGTV]
The Stress Less Dinner Party [Real Simple]

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4 Tips for Speed Cleaning the Bathroom

December 4, 2014 by

Let's face it: Cleaning the bathroom is a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it! These simple tips will help you to speed clean your bathroom quickly and effectively, even if you only have a few minutes.

  1. Invest in the right tools. Things like sponges and buckets are much more trouble than they’re worth when it comes to speed cleaning the bathroom. Stock up on pre-soaked cleaning wipes to clean surfaces, and then toss them out when you’re done. Microfiber cloths clean glass mirrors without forming streaks, and a sturdy toilet brush is always a great investment.
  2. Start with the toilet. The toilet is likely the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, so tackle it first. Pour one cup of bleach inside, brush the sides with a toilet brush, and then let it sit while you move on to the next task. At the conclusion of your cleaning routine, flush the bleach down the toilet and you’re good to go!
  3. Clean surfaces. Using a separate cleansing wipe, wipe your sink, faucets, and bathtub or shower. Separate wipes help to avoid cross-contamination between surfaces.
  4. Tidy up. If you don’t have time to wash all of your damp bath towels, simply straighten them on their racks. Be sure to replace the hand towel, however, as this is used much more frequently.

Speed Cleaning: Tips to De-Scum Your Bathroom [Good Housekeeping]
How to Speed Clean Your Bathroom [CNN]
Simplify the Season: Speed Clean Your Bathroom [Clean Mama]
Speed Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners [Organized Home]

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Memorize This Must-Know Kitchen Terminlogy

November 20, 2014 by

If you’ve ever encountered a cooking term that you didn’t understand in a new recipe, you know how confusing it can be. From julienne to mince, there’s a whole slew of complicated terminology that seems foreign to the amateur chef. Here are a few simple definitions that will help you with your next adventure in the kitchen.

  1. Braise. Braising involves browning meat or vegetables in a bit of hot fat before cooking them slowly in a shallow pool of liquid. This is a great technique to soften less tender cuts of meat or veggies.
  2. Devil. To devil something, such as an egg, you simply coat it with a hot seasoning like hot sauce or mustard.
  3. Dredge. Dredging means to coat something like meat or vegetables with flour, breadcrumbs, or cornmeal.
  4. Flambe. This term is usually found in more gourmet recipes. It involves sprinkling a food with a liqueur and lighting it on fire before serving.

Glossary of Basic Cooking Terms [Les Petites Gourmettes]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [UMN]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes & Gardens]
Culinary Terms [About.com]

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How to Get More Vitamin A in Your Diet

October 16, 2014 by

Vitamin A provides a number of wonderful eye health benefits, from minimizing dry eyes to helping to absorb light in the retinal receptors. In addition to improving your eye health, it also supports cell growth and improves the health of the kidneys, heart, and other essential organs. Here are just a few surprising food sources for beneficial Vitamin A.

  1. Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are some of the best sources of Vitamin A out of any food, offering a staggering 561% of the recommended daily amount in just one whole potato. Better yet, the delicious sweet potato offers all of its priceless nutrients while adding only 103 calories to your diet. Simply bake one in the oven for a healthy side dish that’s absolutely packed full of A vitamins.
  2. Carrots. This other favorite orange food is equally as rich with Vitamin A. The carrot has been known for its eye health benefits for quite some time, though many people don’t realize that it’s because of the numerous A vitamins inside. One medium carrot offers a full 200% of the recommended daily intake, and it’s a great source of the Vitamins C, K, and B that your body also needs.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin A [Healthaliciousness]
Vitamin A [NIH]
26 Foods High in Vitamin A for Healthy Eyes [Bembu]

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