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Pro Tips for Keeping Your Bedroom Neat and Organized

December 2, 2015 by

​Even if you’re not a particularly neat person by nature, it’s important to keep your bedroom organized in order to promote a better night’s sleep and help you to get ready faster in the mornings. Here are a few smart tips from the pros that will show you how to make your bedroom look neat and tidy by bedtime tonight.

  1. Clear out anything that isn’t meant to be there. Many people fall into a habit of dragging unused belongings into the bedroom (or the bedroom closet), and putting them in their rightful places will leave you with a blank slate.
  2. Take a peek into your closet and consider the storage options. Add additional shelving, drawers or storage bins to make your closet work better for you—and your wardrobe.
  3. Invest in a hamper. If you don’t already have a designated space for your dirty laundry that you can easily reach for, get one. In fact, get two hampers so that you can separate your lights and darks as soon as you take off your dirty clothes.
  4. Minimize furniture. Most people have far too much furniture in their bedrooms, so get rid of anything that you don’t actually need. You’ll be amazed at how much extra space you have!
  5. Make the bed. This is one of the quickest and simplest things that you can do to create the illusion of an organized bedroom.

7 Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clean and Organized [Eversave]
Achieve Better Sleep: 7 Tips for a Cleaner and Healthier Bedroom [HuffPost Healthy Living]
Tips for an Organized Bedroom [One Good Thing]

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Unique Museums in Dallas, Texas: Explore Science and History

November 3, 2015 by

Dallas, Texas, isn't just home to some of the best barbecue in the country; it's the location of some of the most interesting museums as well! These two in particular capture both Texas's unique contributions to American history and the history of the world around us.

Perot Museum
The Perot Museum is a museum of natural history inside one of the most unique buildings in the city. Open your eyes to the world of science around you in one of the Perot's 11 permanent exhibits. Geek out in the Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall, or grow your mind in the Expanding Universe Hall. Kids will love the Moody Family Children's Museum, which is tailored specifically to curious young minds. There's something for everyone at the Perot Museum, so be sure to check the calendar for upcoming fun and educational events before planning a visit.

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is located right in downtown Dallas and is dedicated to the life and times of President John F. Kennedy. The museum's impressive multimedia exhibits will give you a great sense of the beloved president's life, from beginning to end. Take a guided tour of this unique museum to get a feel for this iconic time in American history.

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4 Health Benefits of Cranberries

October 6, 2015 by

You love to add tart cranberries to all of your holiday breads, sauces, and even cocktails, but did you know that there are actually hidden health benefits in all of those seasonal treats? Cranberries are packed full of vitamins and antioxidants, and they just might make you feel a bit less guilty about eating that extra dessert. Here are a few of the most common health benefits of cranberries.

  1. Cranberries contain a great deal of phytonutrients, or plant chemicals filled with disease-preventing compounds that turn into antioxidants in the body. These tiny phytonutrients are involved with inhibiting cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
  2. Cranberries decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing the body’s levels of “bad” cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol. This lowers blood pressures, inhibits blood clots, and can even prevents coronary artery disease.
  3. Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber, all of which are essential daily nutrients.

What's New and Beneficial About Cranberries [The World’s Healthiest Foods]
Health Benefits of Cranberries [Dairy Council of California]
What are the health benefits of cranberries? [MNT]

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How to Eat More Fruit and Veggies Every Day

September 9, 2015 by

If we’re being honest, most people would say that they would much rather have a bowl of ice cream than a bowl of vegetables. If you still struggle with eating your recommended daily amount of fresh fruit and veggies, these simple tips will help make it a bit easier.

  1. Make a smoothie. To jump-start your fruit and veggie intake first thing in the morning, blend them into a smoothie to start your day. Add any fruit that you have around the house, and even toss in some spinach or cucumber for a boost of veggies that you likely won’t even notice.
  2. Keep frozen veggies on hand. If you’re unsure of how to prepare vegetables with your meal, keep a few bags of frozen vegetables in the freezer. That way, you can simply pop them into the microwave come mealtime.
  3. Think more veggies than protein. If you don’t like to weigh and measure everything that you eat, keep in mind that your vegetables should always be the largest portion on your plate.
  4. Have fruit for dessert. If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, switch out your usual chocolate for a plate of fresh fruit. It packs the same sweet punch, and by making this healthy switch, you won’t have to skip dessert entirely when you’re on a diet.

6 Easy Ways to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables [Live Science]
22 Easy Ways to Eat Fruits and Veggies Every Single Day [Organic Life]
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables [American Heart Association]

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Go Meat-Free at These Vegetarian Eateries in Houston

August 11, 2015 by

Though the great state of Texas is known for its barbecue, Houston’s vegetarians enjoy a number of meat-free restaurants that would rival any steakhouse in depth of flavor. Check out these tasty vegetarian eateries that serve much more than just tofu!

Pepper Tree Veggie Cuisine
This casual, healthy restaurant is the ideal place to pop in for a quick lunch. All of the food items are 100% vegan, and absolutely no MSG is used while cooking. The colorful salad bar offers a wide variety of unique items, and the lunch buffet includes almost 20 different foods ranging from hot soups to egg rolls. The dinner menu also offers a number of Asian-cuisine-inspired dishes, including a vegan General Tso’s Chicken that regulars insist you’ll crave for days afterward.

Field of Greens
Field of Greens uses a macrobiotic approach to eating that revolves mainly around whole grains and fresh vegetables. While this may seem restrictive, the upscale restaurant’s meat-free dishes are bright, diverse, and always flavorful. The eatery’s interior is airy and full of plants, and the cozy cafe-style tables are ideal for an intimate dinner. The expansive menu includes vegetarian salads, pastas, and a wide variety of meat-free sandwiches. The vegan daily soup includes split pea and tomato basil, and the dessert menu offers chocolate tofu pie, vegan carrot cake, and even vegan cupcakes in a number of flavors.

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What’s Your Favorite Breakfast Casserole Recipe?

August 4, 2015 by

If you’re having friends or family over for brunch this weekend, it helps to prepare large, family-style dishes in advance. You can pop them into the oven just before guests arrive, and they’ll leave you with one less thing to do the morning of. These three breakfast casseroles are perfect ideas:

One-Dish Blackberry French Toast
Instead of making French toast one by one for every person at the table, create an entire pan of French toast-inspired casserole. This one is made with French bread cut into cubes and a blueberry cream cheese mixture that adds a sweet, creamy flavor.

Paula Deen’s Breakfast Casserole
The beloved cook shows you how to make a breakfast casserole that’s hearty, filling and large enough for the whole family. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, and it’s made with classic breakfast ingredients that everyone is sure to love.

Brunch Egg Bake
This quick and easy egg casserole features layers of eggs, cheese and flavorful ham. There are even a few hidden veggies to keep things healthy without the little ones noticing. It takes 40 minutes to bake in advance, but a few minutes in the oven before guests arrive will bring it back to life.

What's your favorite breakfast casserole recipe? Please share!

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How to Care for Your Kitchen Knives

July 7, 2015 by

You use your kitchen knives almost every day, from slicing your morning banana to chopping vegetables for dinner at night. Because good knives can be expensive, you likely want to keep them in top working condition. Here are a few simple tips for properly caring for those important cooking knives.

  • Don’t let them soak. It may be tempting to simply toss your knives in with the rest of your soaking dishes, but avoid doing so. This can cause the knife to bend or get scratched, and it can also be dangerous if someone reaches their hand under the water.
  • Don’t run them through the dishwasher. Likewise, the dishwasher can also dent or ding your knives. Instead, wash them thoroughly by hand after every use.
  • Don’t store them in a silverware drawer. This is especially important for renters who might not have much extra space in the kitchen. Instead, invest in a small wooden knife block that you can keep on the counter, or at least use a knife sheath to keep the blade safe.
  • Keep them sharp. In order to get the best results from your knives, you need to sharpen them frequently. Use a honing steel or a knife stone if you’re comfortable doing it yourself, or if you’re not, you can always send them out to be sharpened by a professional.

Caring for Kitchen Knives: Dos and Don'ts [About Food]
How to Take Care of Your Knives [David Lebovitz]
How To Care For Kitchen Knives: 6 Common Mistakes [Huffpost Taste]

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How to Incorporate Antiques Into Modern Decor

June 2, 2015 by

You love the look of antiques, but you don’t want your home to look stuffy or stodgy. It can be difficult to create a balance between new and old items in your decor, but these simple tips from the pros will show you exactly how to incorporate antiques into an otherwise modern space.

  • Pick the right items. Instead of buying something at an antique store just because you like it, consider whether or not you can actually use it in your home. A large antique bicycle is probably not the best choice in an apartment, but an antique mirror certainly is.
  • Don’t spend too much. Browse thrift stores and yard sales to find low prices on hidden gems instead of making an impulse purchase at an overpriced antique store. That way, you’ll feel good about saving money on something that you really need.
  • Choose furniture. Antique furniture is a great investment because it’s often higher quality than modern pieces from big box stores. Things like dressers, credenzas, and desks are all great options that will stand the test of time.
  • Be sure to contrast. If you’re worried about your antiques making your home look dated, spread them out and use modern elements in between as contrast. Place a vintage coffee table near a modern sofa, or hang an antique frame in an updated bathroom.

Add Antique Accents To Your Modern Home Décor [The Accent Wall]
How To Mix and Match Antique Furniture In Modern Spaces [Build Direct]
Can You Mix Antique Furniture with Modern Furniture? [Savvy Examiner]

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How to Add Organic Touch to Your Home’s Decor

May 5, 2015 by

Going organic doesn’t end at the grocery store. In fact, there are a number of different ways that you can incorporate organic elements throughout your entire home. Here are just a few great ways to add a natural touch to the decor in your living space.

  • Create a nature-inspired vignette. If you admire something beautiful on your morning walk, such as a unique branch or a particularly interesting stone, add it to a stack of books on a tabletop to create a flawless vignette.
  • Create stone hot pads. Glue smooth, flat stones to the surface of simple kitchen hot pads to keep your countertops protected from hot pots and pans.
  • Choose natural rugs. Soft, organic materials like jute and hemp look beautiful when woven into a rug, and they’re much friendlier on the environment than synthetic versions.
  • Create organic centerpieces. The next time you host a dinner party, fill a ceramic vase with foraged tree branches or add pine cones to a clear bowl for a unique centerpiece inspired by the outdoors.
  • Change up your drapes. One of the simplest ways to bring the outdoors in is by allowing as much natural light as possible into your home. Switch out heavy drapes with soft, sheer panels to maximize the light.

Decorating with Natural Elements [Better Homes & Gardens]
10 Simple Ways to Bring the Outdoors Inside [Freshome]
Decorating with Natural Elements from Natural Kitchen and Home [Pinterest]

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Fine Dining Awaits at These Upscale Eateries in Houston

April 7, 2015 by

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a great new restaurant, Houston is home to a number of luxurious, decadent, and even innovative fine dining restaurants. Here are two popular eateries.

1) Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
You can’t cross the street in Texas without running into a steakhouse, but Pappas Bros. Steakhouse truly stands out in the crowd. This family-owned fine dining restaurant has been in the Pappas family since 1976, and each dish is prepared with the utmost attention to detail just like it was back then. All of the meat is cut, dry-aged, and seasoned in-house to create a crave-worthy steak every time. Pappas Bros. also serves exceptional seafood, a variety of desserts, and a wine list filled with perfect pairings.
Locations in Houston and Dallas; see website for contact information

2) Uchi Houston
For diners with a more adventurous flair for food, Uchi Houston offers fresh, new takes on traditional Japanese dishes and cooking techniques. The restaurant itself is located in one of the most unique buildings you’ll ever dine in, with a large, round stone tower in the front and contemporary decor throughout. Browse sashimi tastings, creative sushi rolls, eclectic desserts and, of course, an expansive sake list to create a meal that appeals to each of your senses.
904 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77006; (713) 522-4808

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