You are here: Home / Archives for Lifestyle

You’re Sure to Love These Marvelously Minty Recipes

August 4, 2015 by

Mint adds a special flavor to anything that you add it to, whether you muddle a bit in your favorite cocktail or use it to bring a bit of cool zest to marinated vegetables. Mint is also a very easy herb to raise in an herb garden, so it’s convenient to always have on hand. Here are just a few unique mint recipes that you’re sure to love.

Cucumber Lime Mint Agua Fresca [Simply Recipes]
This traditional Mexican fruit drink blends the cool, refreshing flavors of cucumber, lime, and mint into a juicy beverage that’s ideal for a hot summer day. Though the combination may seem strange, you’ll become a believer as soon as you take the first sip of this flavorful drink.

Zucchini, Mint and Yogurt Spread [The Kitchn]
Middle Eastern dips, like hummus and baba ganoush, taste wonderful on warm pita bread, but they can be a bit hearty for a simple snack. This zucchini and yogurt spread offers a much lighter texture, but the addition of mint and lemon brings out an intense flavor that’s just as delicious.

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls [AllRecipes]
Instead of ordering in the usual fried spring rolls from your local takeout spot, try these Vietnamese spring rolls for a healthier take on your favorite side dish. Thin rice wrappers hold the fresh veggies together, while Thai basil and mint leaves provide a bold, complex taste.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Want to Shape Up? Read These Tips When Starting a Fitness Routine

July 7, 2015 by

You’re motivated to start a workout routine, but you’re not exactly sure where to begin. Becoming dedicated to your fitness is the first step toward losing weight and becoming healthier, and these beginner-friendly tips will help you to get started.

  • Consider your goals. Do you want to lose weight? Run a marathon? Gain muscle? Before beginning any fitness routine, consider your end goals to help make the rest of your plan more productive.
  • Create a routine. Work with a trainer to design a workout routine that works with your specific goals, or simply research online to find a pre-made exercise regimen.
  • Start slow. In the long run, it’s more beneficial to start with much less than what you can actually do. This will help you to build up your routine and pace yourself for the long haul.
  • Mix it up. Instead of doing the same exercise every day, mix things up to avoid getting bored or hitting a workout plateau.
  • Write it down. Throughout your exercise plan, be sure to write down all of your workouts, your measurements, your weight loss, and any other details that might contribute to your end goals.
  • Find a friend. If you’re feeling really unmotivated, work out with a friend so that you can hold each other accountable.

14 Tips for Starting and Sticking with a Workout Routine [Spark People]
Fitness Program: 5 Steps To Get Started [Mayo Clinic]
Fitness 101: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Exercise [WebMD]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Spring Forward: How Start Your Warm Weather Workouts on the Right Foot

June 2, 2015 by

Whether you want to tone up before bathing suit season or you're striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, the spring season is a good time to begin an exercise routine. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to begin your spring workouts, these tips can help.

  • Put it on paper. If you write down your fitness goals and a loose schedule, it will help you to remain accountable and stay on track.
  • Start slow. Remember to keep your schedule light at first and work up to more difficult workouts. Begin with 30 minutes of moderate cardio exercise three or four times per week, and be sure to switch up your workouts to keep things interesting.
  • Enlist a partner. If you’re still feeling sluggish, ask a close friend to work out with you and help to keep each other motivated.
  • Invest in new workout gear. If your sneakers from last season have seen better days, invest in a brand-new pair that will get you excited to exercise.
  • Get outdoors. Now that the cold weather is over and the days are longer, you likely want to get outside as much as you can. Schedule early morning runs before work, go for weekend bike rides, or even sign up for yoga in the park.

Spring-Clean Your Exercise Routine [Health]
20 Ways to Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine [Shape]
Spring Clean Your Workout Routine: 21 Bad Habits To Toss Today [LiveStrong]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

3 Steps Toward Perfectly Prepared Broccoli Rabe

April 7, 2015 by

You’ve likely made broccoli as a healthy side dish for an evening meal, but have you ever prepared broccoli rabe? This green vegetable is often under-utilized by many home chefs, but its high nutritional content and leafy, slightly bitter taste make it a unique addition to many dishes. Here are three steps that will help you to perfectly prepare broccoli rabe.

  1. Trim the stems. Like many leafy greens, broccoli rabe contains hard, stiff stems that aren’t so pleasant to eat. Trim the stems off just below the leaves by using a sharp knife against a wooden or plastic cutting board.
  2. Rinse and dry. To remove any pesticides or stray dirt, rinse your broccoli rabe under lukewarm running water. Next, pat dry with a sturdy paper towel or clean cloth.
  3. Cook until wilted. Add a bit of olive oil to a skillet and let it sit over medium heat for a few moments. Add the broccoli rabe and toss for 15 to 20 minutes until the whole thing is very wilted, lessening its bitter flavor and tough consistency. Add crushed red pepper, garlic, salt and pepper, or whichever herbs and spices that you prefer.

How to Cook Broccoli Rabe Perfectly… Italian Style [Clean Cuisine]
Don’t Be Bitter, Just Cook Rapini Better [Zester Daily]
Broccoli Rabe [Real Simple]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

Where to Read About Tech and Gadgets Online

March 3, 2015 by

If you love all things technology, you’re likely always on the hunt for the latest products and most recent gadget news. The Internet is filled with sites dedicated entirely to fueling your technology addiction, but these three are some of the very best.

Gizmodo
Although its name sounds silly, Gizmodo is a website for serious technology aficionados (or those looking to learn more about it). You’ll find journalistic articles describing the latest trends and advancements in the area of electronics, incredible life hacks and technology news from around the world—and even from outer space.

TechCrunch
With a number of different product reviews and gift guides, this is the site to surf when you’re choosing between smartphones or looking to purchase a new computer. TechCrunch also posts fascinating articles from the world of technology and high-quality TCTV online shows that are both funny and informative.

Engadget
On Engadget, you’ll find photos, videos, must-read news stories and a wide variety of different types of media all entirely dedicated to technology. The site also offers the Engadget Daily, a roundup post of quick snippets of the most recent tech news, which makes a fun read first thing in the morning.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , ,

How to Choose the Right Houseplant for Your Home or Office

February 3, 2015 by

Whether you have a green thumb or you just can’t seem to keep a plant alive, there is truly an indoor houseplant for just about everyone. Here is a list of the best houseplants for the home or office, and some of them require almost no care at all.

  1. Geranium. This green flowering plant features long stems with lush leaves at the end, and it will thrive all year round if placed near a sunny window. Best of all, the sturdy geranium won’t suffer much if you miss a watering, so it’s a good fit for forgetful plant owners.
  2. Golden barrel cactus. Cacti are especially great plants for those who don’t want to water their plants daily, as they only need watered about once per month. This particular type of cactus is especially large and unique looking, though it only grows to about 1 foot tall.
  3. Jade plant. Jade plants are some of the most popular houseplants because they grow to be quite tall and impressive-looking when placed in bright sunlight. Because they are succulents, they also store a great deal of water in their leaves and require watering very infrequently.
  4. Aloe. With its numerous healing properties and its long, spiky appearance, it’s easy to see why people love aloe plants. With bright light, an aloe plant can grow to 3 feet tall.

Houseplants for the Forgetful Gardener [Better Homes and Gardens]
How To Choose the Right Houseplant [Bayer Advanced]
Houseplants for People Who Can't Grow Houseplants [This Old House]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Delicious Egg Recipes to Jazz Up Your Breakfast

January 6, 2015 by

Eating simple scrambled eggs in the morning is fine, but there are so many other options for preparing eggs. Poached eggs, quiches, frittatas, and even burritos are all equally nutritious and much more delicious options, and they’re much easier to prepare than you might think. Check out these websites to get some breakfast inspiration:

All Recipes
The All Recipes website is packed full of recipes for every meal of the day, but their egg section is truly something special. Super scrambles full of crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and nutritious greens are healthy ways to start off your morning, and quick quiches are fast and easy alternatives to the delicious French dish. You’ll also find creative recipes for breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, and wraps that feature eggs as the main ingredient.

Real Simple
Real Simple’s "10 Easy Egg Recipes" round-up provides great inspiration for even your busiest mornings. In just a few minutes, you can prepare these flavorful, protein-packed egg dishes that will keep you full all the way until lunch. A curried egg salad sandwich is a welcome alternative to your usual bowl of cereal, and though an omelet with spinach, feta, and sundried tomatoes may seem difficult, you can actually prepare this impressive dish in under 10 minutes.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Unique Museums in Houston, Texas: Don’t Miss ‘Em!

December 2, 2014 by

Houston is a modern American city, filled with forward thinkers and groundbreaking artists. Take advantage of the modern amenities with a visit to two of the most unique museums the city has to offer. One will have you shooting through space, while the other will have you cruising down the highway in a shoe-shaped car!

Space Center Houston
Blast off with an interactive tour at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center at Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. This cutting-edge facility will have your imagination running at the speed of light by immersing you in the wonders of space technology. Hands-on exhibits put you right inside of a replica of the International Space Station, and you can even make reservations to have lunch with an actual astronaut, prepared by an award winning catering staff. After lunch, feast your eyes on a full-scale replica of an authentic space shuttle. This innovative museum is every kid's dream!

Art Car Museum
Houston's Art Car Museum, also known as the "Garage Mahal," is a unique art museum dedicated to car-related contemporary art. Here, you'll find sculptures that include a car shaped like a high heel, covered bumper to bumper in delicately placed seashells. There are no limits to the ways in which each car has been transformed into artistic masterpieces. Check the calendar for special events, or stop by during gallery hours for this modern display of art on wheels.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

5 of the Best Uses for Day-Old Bread

November 4, 2014 by

Eating bread before it gets stale can be tricky. If you’ve got a surplus of hard, days-old remains on your hands, here are a few ways to ensure your bread doesn't go to waste:

  1. Make a crostini. One way to maximize your stale bread is to act like you wanted it to be hard and crispy in the first place. Toss the bread in the oven on 325°, then top with your favorite bruschetta, cheeses, meats, or spreads.
  2. Top your French onion soup. French onion soup just wouldn’t be the same without the crunchy croutons smothered in gooey cheese. Roughly chop your stale bread and add a few pieces on top of the soup before you melt the cheese topping.
  3. Try out a bread salad. No, this isn’t a ploy to make salad more delicious (and less healthy). Bread salad, also known as “panzanella,” can be topped with sliced tomatoes, artichokes, grilled chicken, and your favorite Italian dressing to create a rustic, hearty meal.
  4. Make a grilled cheese. It may seem counter-intuitive to attempt to use your day-old bread for a sandwich, but lucky for you, grilled cheese and panini are supposed to be crispy anyway.
  5. Give it to the birds. If all else fails, break the bread up into bird-sized crumbs and you’ll make the avian community in your neighborhood very happy campers.

What to Do With Stale Bread [Real Simple]
17 Uses for Stale Bread [Wise Bread]
The 10 Best Things to Do With Stale Bread [First We Feast]
Recipes for Stale Bread [Saveur]

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , ,

Short on Time? Here’s How to Clean Your Home in 20 Minutes

October 7, 2014 by

Whether you have guests coming over or you’re simply exhausted after a long day at work, sometimes a deep apartment cleaning just isn’t in the cards. Don’t fret, because it is entirely possible to clean your living space without spending a lot of time doing it. Here are a few tips to help you clean your apartment in 20 minutes or less.

  1. Remove clutter. The easiest way to create the illusion of a clean apartment is by removing all of the unnecessary clutter. Hang up the clothes that are lying on the floor (or at least toss them in the closet), and gather up all of the food or magazines scattered around the living room.
  2. Empty the sink. A sink full of dishes is a sure sign of an unclean apartment. Even if you don’t have time for much else, wash the dishes!
  3. Take out the trash. Nothing will blow your clean apartment cover faster than a smelly garbage can. Empty the trash in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and the kitchen.
  4. Freshen up. Spray couches and chairs with a neutral scented fabric refresher, and place some candles throughout the most high-traffic rooms. Even if you didn’t clean every nook and cranny, this will make things feel fresh.

Clean your home in less than 20 minutes [She Knows]
9 Tips For Speed Cleaning [About Home]
30 Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips [Woman’s Day]
Speed Cleaning: Tips For Fast & Efficient Housekeeping [The Inspired Room]

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

Pin It on Pinterest