Remembering the courage and vision of past and present leaders, we honor and share the spirit of Presidents' Day together as a nation.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2014 by
Wishing everyone a day filled with fun and happy memories!
Find Healthy Recipe Guides on this NIH Website
January 22, 2014 by
Grilled chicken and steamed vegetables are great, but eating the same meal every day can get boring pretty quickly. If you want to eat healthy meals without constantly making the same few dishes, these creative recipe guides from the NIH might just give you some new ideas:
Fun Family Recipes
Download convenient recipe cards to make planning healthy meals for the whole family easier than ever before. These fun recipes include things like Oatmeal Pecan Waffles and a Quinoa and Black Bean Salad that will keep even your pickiest eaters feeling full and energized.
Keep the Beat Deliciously Healthy Family Meals
This colorful online cookbook contains healthy family breakfasts, lunches and dinners that are simple and delicious. It even includes high-quality photos to help you get a better idea of what each dish should look like.
Visit the NIH website to discover even more healthy recipes!
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Learn to Make Handcrafted Cocktails With These Helpful Sites
December 18, 2013 by
We’ve seen a recent upswing of high-quality cocktails and creative mixology in the past few years. If you’re an at-home mixologist who wants to learn to make the perfect Manhattan or attempt to imitate that whiskey cocktail from your favorite bar, these helpful websites will show you how.
TheBar.com
This beautifully designed, easy-to-navigate website allows visitors to search for cocktails by name, event, flavors, spirits or brands to plan the perfect drink menu for any occasion. If you’re unsure of the exact drink you’d like to make, TheBar.com also allows you to browse by category to find drinks that you and your guests will love.
Cocktail Builder
Perfect for the nights when you have a few half-empty bottles in your bar and no idea of what to do with them, Cocktail Builder is an innovative website that allows you to type in the types of alcohol you have and find drink recipes based on those items. The site also features a large database of cocktail ideas if you’d rather browse on your own, from classic favorites like the Whiskey Sour to new combinations like the creamy, tropical White Dream of the Sky.
The World’s Five Must-See Museums
November 20, 2013 by
If you're a fan of art, culture, history, and everything in-between, make sure you put these five museums on your bucket list. You'll definitely want to check them out during your travels!
The Museum of Modern Art
Start your journey right here in the United States at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The MoMa, as some call it, was the first museum dedicated solely to modern art. Today, it houses the largest collection of 19th and 20th century art.
Museo Nacional De Antropologia
Learn about the history of Mexico at the Museo Nacional De Antropologia in Mexico City, Mexico. See Mexican folk art, pre-Columbian Mexico artifacts, beautifully landscaped gardens, and Sun Stone from the Aztec era.
The Louvre
This must-see museum located in Paris, France, is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, like the Mona Lisa. The Louvre was once a palace and a fortress but is now one of the most visited museums in the world. The collection is so huge, it can take days to see all there is in the museum.
British Museum
Not only are artifacts from British history housed at the British Museum in London, England, but the seven million object collection features artifacts from cultures all over the world. Visit the free museum to learn about human history from the beginning.
State Hermitage Museum
One of the oldest museums in the world is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The State Hermitage Museum was built during the reign of Catherine the Great. The works of famous artists are on display, like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. Over three million pieces make up the museums collection, but only a small portion can be on display at any given time.
5 of the Country’s Top Wine Regions
November 6, 2013 by
While many of us assume California's Napa Valley is the country's top destination for wine and vineyards, fabulous wineries exist all over the country. Next time you're planning a trip, consider a wine tour or tasting at any of these five wine regions.
Finger Lakes, New York
Just north of New York City, you'll find some of the best wineries in America. Finger Lakes is known for beautiful state parks and award-winning sparkling wines. Take the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and check some of the 30 wineries around Seneca Lake.
Temecula, California
Napa Valley isn't the only wine destination in California. The West Coast is filled with tons of great wine towns, including Temecula. Grapes grow in abundance in the town, thanks to a climate similar to Spain's. Over 30 wineries call the city home. Festivals are always taking place, creating a lively environment.
Walla Walla, Washington
Travel a little further up the West Coast to hit Walla Walla, Washington. Walla Walla has recently become a popular wine destination with plenty of wineries and beautiful scenery of the Blue Mountains. Stop by Walla Walla Vintners on Fridays and Saturdays for free wine tastings of the renowned red wines. This winery was one of the first to open in Washington.
Long Island, New York
You might not think of vineyards when you think of Long Island, but this New York town is home to plenty of small vineyards producing excellent wines. Most of the wines are unique to the area and can't be found in the grocery store. If you're looking for a rare vintage, check out the wineries on Long Island, like Sparkling Pointe.
Palisade, Colorado
Many of the wineries here use local fruits in the wine for a light and delicate taste. Take a trip in the warmer months to enjoy a delicious glass of wine in Palisade. Make sure you stop by Plum Creek Winery. This winery has been dedicated to only using Colorado grown grapes for over 20 years.
3 Simple Tips for Improving Your Gas Mileage
October 24, 2013 by
Since gas prices keep going up and up, it's important we get the most out of each tank of gas. Keeping your car in tip-top shape can greatly improve your gas mileage. Check out these 3 tips for getting the most out of your gas:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If tires are not filled, it can greatly affect your car's gas mileage over the course of a year.
- Use the correct oil for your car. Putting in oil that is a different grade for your car can lower your car's gas mileage, even if you're putting in a higher grade of oil. Your car needs the recommended oil to perform efficiently.
- Regularly replace your air filters. A clogged air filter can affect your acceleration and fuel efficiencies for older cars. On more modern cars it won't affect the fuel economy, but it still will affect acceleration, so make sure you keep your air filters in good condition. For more information visit the website.
Keeping Your Car in Shape [U.S. Department of Energy]
Two Day Trips From Austin, Texas
August 7, 2013 by
Austin is full of enough culture to keep you quite busy, but if you're interested in venturing outside of the city, there are a few places worth visiting just a short distance away. Take a break from the hustle and bustle with one of these great day trips. Have a little fun, and explore all that Texas has to offer.
Splish-and-Splash
Cool off with a visit to Schlitterbahn Water Park. Kids and adults can enjoy the numerous rides like water slides and raft rides. There is even a pool with a swim up bar for grown-ups. From April to September take a fun filled day trip to this amusement park located in New Braunfels.
Enjoy Great BBQ
Treat your stomach to something delicious, and visit the barbeque capital of Texas in nearby Lockhart. Stop by each of the four famous BBQ joints for a taste test, and see which is your favorite. Digest your food as you stroll through the nearby park, or play golf on the 9-hole course. Come during wildflower season to enjoy your food with beautiful scenery.
Blissful Buckwheat: 5 Great Ways To Prepare This Healthy Grain
March 26, 2013 by
Sure, you've heard of buckwheat pancakes, but buckwheat's not just for breakfast. Ok, so this healthful crop isn't actually a grain — it's more like a fruit, and it can be enjoyed in some pretty interesting and tasty ways.
- Buckwheat Tabouli from the Food Network
- Lentil and Buckwheat Salad from AllRecipes
- Buckwheat Harvest Tart at Epicurious
- Buckwheat 'risotto' from Wholesome-Cook.com
- Chocolate Buckwheat Snacks from SparkRecipes
Foot Care Tips for an Active Lifestyle
January 23, 2013 by
Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, and you subject them to a lot of abuse every single day. Foot pain can be seriously debilitating, whether it be from strains, blisters or other issues. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your feet in good shape.
The most important thing you can do for your feet is wearing the right kind of shoe. Not only should they fit snugly, but they should also be appropriate for the kind of activity you are doing. Different kinds of shoes are designed for different things, so make sure your shoe offers the ideal combination of support and comfort.
Good sock selection is also very important. It’s important to wear socks that will wick moisture away from your feet as you exercise. Excess moisture left on the skin can result in blisters, fungal infections and more.
Toenail care is essential for healthy feet. You should always trim your toenails in straight lines perpendicular to your toes. This prevents ingrown nails and other issues. Make sure not to trim down the side of the nail.
If you feel anything unusual with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist immediately. Left undiagnosed, foot problems can lead to very significant health issues that can impact you greatly.
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