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Bagged Lunch Ideas That Are Anything but Boring

March 10, 2015 by

Make your kids’ lunchtime the highlight of their day with these fun, creative bagged lunch ideas that are a world away from the usual peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

  1. Hard-boiled eggs. Most kids love eating scrambled eggs and “dippy” eggs for breakfast, but this protein-packed food is also a great portable idea for lunch. Store hard-boiled eggs in a plastic container or at the top of a lunch bag.
  2. Pizza wrap sandwiches. If your child loves pizza, grill some cheese, sauce, and pepperoni inside of a whole wheat tortilla to create a lunch food that’s a bit more portable than the usual slice.
  3. Tomato soup and grilled cheese. This kid-friendly combination doesn’t seem like it would be easy to take in a lunch box, but it can be with the right supplies. Invest in an insulated plastic soup container and a sturdy sandwich container and surprise your child with his or her favorite dinner – for lunch!
  4. Snack lunch. Turn a sack lunch into a “snack” lunch in a healthy way. Add wheat crackers, low fat cheeses, lean lunchmeat, and protein-packed peanut butter, and then let your child top the crackers however he or she likes.

How to Make a Brown-Bag Lunch You'll Actually Want to Eat [WebMD]
26 Brown Bag Lunch Ideas for Kids [About Food]
Sack Lunch Ideas [Pinterest]

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These Low-Impact Workouts Are Easy on the Joints

February 10, 2015 by

Those who suffer from joint pain or arthritis have a much more difficult time working out, as many common exercises put a great deal of strain on the joint areas. This list of low-impact workouts includes only exercises that will trim and tone without putting added stress on your joints.

Walking
It may be simple, but walking is a very effective workout for anyone who wants to lose weight and improve their cardiovascular health. It’s also fairly stress-free and gentle on the joints.

Elliptical
If you suffer from frequent knee pain, the elliptical at your gym may be your best bet for a cardiovascular workout. It puts much less strain on your legs than running on the pavement outdoors, and it’s even gentler than the treadmill.

Zumba
Although Zumba is fast paced and can get a bit complicated, it’s a fun and incredibly effective workout that’s surprisingly easy on the joints.

Cycling
Whether you do it indoors or outside on the trail, the revolving motion of cycling is comfortable even for people with knee problems.

Rowing Machine
If you want to build strength without putting too much strain on your joints, the rowing machine is a full-body toner that many people overlook. This somewhat strange looking machine is straightforward and easy to use, and it even improves your posture after extended use.

21 Low-Impact Workouts That Are More Effective Than You Think [Greatist]
8 Low-Impact Workouts That Torch Calories [Prevention]
Getting a Good Workout with Low Impact Exercise [About Health]

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How to Care for Fresh-Cut Flowers

January 13, 2015 by

You just received a colorful bouquet from a sweet admirer, and you want to make the beautiful flowers last for as long as you can. There are a few tips for caring for fresh-cut flowers that will help you to keep that bouquet looking fresh for as long as possible, and they’re actually surprisingly simple.

  1. Place them in water quickly. This one may seem like a no brainer, but every second counts when it comes to preserving the life of your fresh-cut flowers. Be sure to place the flowers in a vase as soon as possible.
  2. Cut flowers under water. It is fairly common knowledge that cutting the lower portion of the flower’s stem will help it to absorb water, but many experts agree that cutting the stem while it is submerged will help it even more by ensuring that no air enters.
  3. Always use a preservative. If your fresh flowers come with a small sachet of powder preservatives, be sure to add the powder to the water before placing the flowers in the vase. Alkaline-heavy water can reduce the lifespan of flowers, but preservatives help neutralize the water.
  4. Store flowers in a cool spot. Although you likely want to keep your flowers on display when you are at home, place them in the refrigerator when you leave the house in order to lengthen their lifespan.

Cut-Flower Care—How to Make Your Fresh-Cut Flowers Last [Brooklyn Botanic Garden]
Keeping cut flowers and flowering plants [University of Minnesota]

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Simple DIY Centerpieces and Decorations for Your Next Party

December 9, 2014 by

Planning a party can be expensive, but all it takes is a bit of time and creativity to make DIY decorations that hardly cost a thing. Here are some festive centerpieces and décor ideas that will spice up your next party on a budget.

Romantic Table Runner [Pinterest]
This vintage-inspired table runner is ideal for casual weddings, anniversary parties and any other time that you want to add a look of romance to a celebration. By simply attaching antique lace doilies in a haphazard row, you can create a truly custom table runner.

Pennant Bunting [Pinterest]
Long strings of retro pennants are some of this year’s most popular décor crazes because they’re so simple to make. Collect some scrap fabric or bunting in colors that match your party’s theme, and then cut them into pennant shapes for a designer-inspired decoration without spending a dime.

Metallic Flower Vases [Real Simple]
Turn some old coffee canisters into luxurious centerpieces with the addition of a bit of metallic spray paint. Simply spray the canisters in alternating shades of gold, silver or bronze and fill them with your favorite flowers.

Floating Balloon Vases [Real Simple]
For a truly festive birthday party centerpiece, try filling a clear glass vase with colorful mini balloons. Best of all, there’s absolutely no helium required.

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4 Party Dips Your Guests Will Love to Scoop

November 11, 2014 by

Dips make the perfect party snack because they’re easy to make, easy to serve and easy to eat. From fresh, spicy salsas to creamy guacamoles, there are a number of different types of dips that just about any guest will love. Here are four tasty party recipes that pair perfectly with chips, crackers and more.

Feta, Honey and Date Spread
If you’re tired of the usual dips and you’re looking for something with a more unique flavor, this Mediterranean-inspired dip is sure to impress. It takes just 20 minutes to make and is best served with warm pita chips.

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
You simply can’t go wrong with a gooey, cheesy spinach artichoke dip. A mix of Parmesan and pepper jack cheeses combine to make this one extra flavorful.

Cheesesteak Dip
Ideal for football games or for those looking for to bring a taste of Philadelphia to a party, this recipe turns the meaty flavor of a classic cheesesteak into dip form.

Creamy Cobb Salad Dip
Bring this one to a summer barbecue or picnic and you’ll be met with compliments all day long. Bleu cheese, avocado and bacon incorporate the traditional salad’s flavors, while chopped tomatoes on top add a fresh taste that’s tasty on crackers, toast points and much more.

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Two Helpful Healthy Eating Apps

October 14, 2014 by

Eating healthy, whole foods gives you more energy, keeps your waistline in check, and it can make you feel better all around. If you want to learn to incorporate more healthy foods into your diet, these smart and simple apps can help.

Weight Loss Diet Plan
Forego the fad diets in favor of a sustainable healthy eating plan with the Weight Loss Diet Plan app. This app provides a complete meal plan, healthy recipes, and weight loss tips complete with beautiful photos that will actually make you excited about eating fruits and veggies. With meals like buffalo burgers and breakfast burritos, you might even forget that you’re on a diet.

Calorie Counter and Food Diary
Counting calories at each meal can make eating stressful, so the Calorie Counter and Food Diary does it for you. Simply keep a log of the foods you eat each day, and the app will provide you with a complete daily analysis to help you stay on track with your nutrition goals. You can even record the calories you burned from exercising and share your results with your fitness-minded friends.

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Refuel and Replenish by Eating These Foods After a Workout

September 16, 2014 by

The foods that you eat before your workout help to increase your energy level, but it’s the food that you eat afterward that’s really important. What you eat after exercising helps to repair muscle tissue and to replenish glycogen, which is an important aspect of building the lean, toned body that you strive for. Here are some of the best foods to refuel with after a workout.

  1. Bananas. Bananas are high-glycemic carbohydrates, which provide you with an instant boost to replenish your energy quickly. Try slicing one up and eating it with peanut butter on top of a rice cake.
  2. Greek yogurt with berries. Greek yogurt is packed with protein, which is very important in building muscle. Your muscles are depleted of their usual amino acids after lifting weights or performing an intense cardio workout, and this healthy snack helps to build them back up.
  3. Tuna sandwich. The combination of healthy carbs and proteins is one of the very best things to eat after working out. Spread some tuna on whole wheat bread to refuel after that gym class.
  4. Water. Replenishing your body’s fluids is just as important as replenishing its food supply. Be sure to drink plenty of water after working out to avoid becoming dehydrated.

6 Smart Snacks to Eat After Your Workout [Fitness Magazine]
What to Eat After You Work Out [Spark People]
Food as Fuel – Before, During and After Workouts [American Heart Association]

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Three Interior Design Rules Everyone Should Know

August 12, 2014 by

While you may not be an interior designer yourself, there’s no reason why your home shouldn’t look like you are. Even if you live in a rental, there are a few simple things you can do that will completely transform the look of your home. Here are three interior design rules that everyone should know.

  1. Move slowly. It’s very tempting to buy furniture all at once when you move into a new space, but that’s actually one of the most common interior design mistakes. Be thoughtful about the things that you incorporate into your home to ensure that you like them a few months (or years) down the line. Even if this means living with a bare living room for a while, it’s almost always worth it.
  2. Avoid buying sets or furniture all in one place. If you purchase furniture in a set or buy an entire room’s decor from one store, it’s always very easy to tell. To avoid creating a monochromatic room that looks like a child’s bedroom, mix and match materials, colors, and textures from a few different sources.
  3. Don’t fight against the quirks. Many spaces, especially rentals, have built-in architectural details that you simply can’t change. Rather than trying to hide them or “fix” them, purchase furniture that works with your home’s little quirks. For example, add a window seat against a bay window to maximize the views rather than covering it with a large sofa.

6 Basic Interior Design Rules [Suite]
The 3 Principles of Interior Design [HGTV]
The 7 Rules of Interior Design [Zillow Blog]
5 Rookie Mistakes You’ll Never Make Again [Apartment Therapy]

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Three Ways to Make the Most Out of Fresh Mint

July 15, 2014 by

Many windowsill herb gardens include zesty, sweet-smelling mint because it’s one of the easiest plants to grow. Once your planters are overflowing with the leafy green plants, however, it can be difficult to find use for all of that fresh mint. Here are three smart ways to make the most out of mint in and around your home.

  1. Boost your beverages. Mint makes a fresh, tasty addition to beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Simply add a few leaves of mint to a large pitcher of cold iced tea, or muddle some in a tall glass of water after your next outdoor workout. If you want to spice up a batch of cocktails, mint is a necessary addition to mojitos or elegant juleps!
  2. Make your own cleaners. While many store-bought cleaners give off a faint chemical smell, making your own all-natural home cleaners will leave each room smelling refreshed. To clean floors or countertops, dilute one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water, then add a few drops of mint essential oil for its sweet smell.
  3. Cure an upset stomach. Whether you or your little ones have a tummy ache, mint is a wonderful at-home remedy for anyone in the family. Steep some mint or peppermint in hot water to alleviate an upset stomach or nausea.

15 Uses for Mint [Mother Earth Living]
15 Uses for Mint [Apartment Therapy]
26 Uses for Mint [Fluster Buster]

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Hey Residents, Read All About It!

May 8, 2014 by

Check back for helpful information about pop culture, recipes, health and fitness, and much more! Thanks!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous
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