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Tap Into Your Creative Side: Starting a New Hobby

January 31, 2013 by

Tapping into your inner creativity can offer rewards to both your personal and professional life. If you've been wanting to pursue an artistic hobby at home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge, these tips can help you get started.

First, gather the materials you will need. There is nothing more challenging than getting your creative juices flowing only to discover that you are lacking a necessary tool or piece of equipment. That said, don’t pressure yourself to purchase the most expensive or fanciest supplies — you just need something to get started with.

Next, set aside some time where you won’t be interrupted — this is key. In order to learn a new skill you need both time and undivided attention. We all know it can be difficult to schedule the time, but be realistic. If you can only set aside fifteen minutes, then make those fifteen minutes count.

Sometimes, it's helpful to set aside time to get creative with your friends. Finding people at a similar level of skill can provide an environment where you can all learn together, and also support each other as you learn. Whether you’re crocheting, scrapbooking or whatever, a group can’t do anything but help you improve, and make the process more fun!

If you're finding your new talent a challenge, seek out some professional instruction. You don’t have to commit to an overwhelming schedule of lessons, but having a few pointers can be really helpful as you get started, and make the whole process more pleasureable.

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Famous Speeches in American History

January 25, 2013 by

Oratory's one of the oldest arts, practiced by statesmen and other leaders from even before the days of Cicero. It's not surprising that some of our country's most effective leaders have also been master rhetoricians, capable of moving and inspiring their audiences with the power of words. Here are five of the most famous speeches in American history:

The Gettysburg Address
Perhaps the most quoted speech in American history, Abraham Lincoln's powerful speech is incredible in not only its eloquence, but also its brevity. In just over two minutes, he spoke of human equality at the roots of the American experience, and the Union's struggle in the Civil War as one to preserve and renew freedom.

Lou Gehrig Farewell
Incredible Yankee's first baseman Lou Gehrig had his career cut short when at 36 he was diagnosed with the disease now bearing his name. Celebrating all that he was grateful for, Gehrig used his farewell address to proclaim himself as "the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

"I Have a Dream"
Calling for an end to racial inequality and racial discrimination, Martin Luthur King Jr's words have inspired countless millions. This charismatic message of love voiced the hopes of civil rights, and in giving it King shared his dream with a nation.

Kennedy's Inaugural Address
When John F. Kennedy took the oath of office on January 20, 1961, he was helping to inspire America into a new era. In this stirring speech, Kennedy famously implored his fellow Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country."

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death"
Before America was America, Patrick Henry spoke forcefully to the Virginia House of Burgesses. The Revolutionary War had begun, and Henry wanted to organize a militia in Virginia in an effort to join the war. His famous words still ring out as some of the most impassioned words spoken on behalf of America.

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U.S. Travel Spots That You Must See

January 18, 2013 by

Often when we think about vacationing, we envision far off locales, exotic beaches, and swaying palms. But, travel such as that can be expensive and time consuming. Instead of forgoing travel altogether, why not opt for a destination a little closer to home?!

– Grand Canyon (Arizona). The Grand Canyon is definitely a must-see! Here, you can behold the chasm that was carved by the Colorado River. This natural wonder is visited by five million visitors each and every year.

– New York City. Times Square, Central Park, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty – enjoy some quintessential American culture in the city that never sleeps!

– Washington, DC. As the seat of the federal government, D.C. houses fabulous cultural riches that will delight visitors of all ages.

– Disney World (Florida). If you have young children, Disney World is a great choice! Offering attractions for kids of all ages, this place offers the ultimate theme-park experience.

– Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho). This park spans three states and offers nearly 3,500 square miles of bucolic landscapes and untouched wilderness.

Enjoy a stateside getaway this year, and revel in all our great country has to offer. 

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Stress-Free Entertaining Tips

January 10, 2013 by

Opening your home to family and friends is one of life’s true joys, but unfortunately it’s often accompanied by a great deal of stress. If you’re tired of letting the pressure of entertaining get to you, rely on these tips that will have you entertaining like a pro in no time. Try them next time you host a gathering at home at The Marquis at Canyon Ridge.

Plan a potluck
Instead of making everything yourself, ask your guests to bring something. Often guests will offer anyway, so why not take them up on it?! If you’re concerned that the menu won’t be cohesive, offer them a suggestion or provide them with a recipe.

Don’t cook a full meal
Making a full dinner can take a lot of time, energy, and money. Why not have an appetizer party where each guest brings their favorite small plate? Or have a dessert party and make just a few of your best baked goods. I guarantee that your guests will not miss dinner one bit!

Plan ahead
If you are preparing a complete spread with appetizer, dinner, and dessert, prep as much as you can in advance. Check your recipes a week ahead of time, and compile a detailed shopping list of everything you need. Once you’ve completed your shopping trip, prepare everything that can be made in advance. That way you’ll significantly reduce your work the day of the party.

Ask for help
If you’re like a lot of hosts out there, you like the satisfaction of handling things yourself – until that satisfaction turns to stress. Make sure your spouse is on board to help you prep for the party or recruit a close friend or family member to arrive a few hours early to make sure the party goes off without a hitch.

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Get Cooking: Fabulous Recipe Websites

January 3, 2013 by

The next time you’re not sure what to make for dinner or your next party, check out these super helpful recipe websites that will spark your culinary creativity. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, scrumptious entrée, or decadent dessert, these sites have you covered!

All Recipes – All Recipes offers a huge number of recipes — somewhere near 50,000! They're all printable, and many come with videos to help you get the preparation just right. There are other features too, like user ratings, guides to healthful meals, and recipe pairings for complete meals.

Epicurious – Epicurious collects recipes and more from some of the top food magazines around. Think Bon Apetit and Gourmet. The site's chock full of recipes from past issues, along with e-cookbooks, and guides to entertaining, healthy cooking, and even travel.

Food Network – The Food Network's website offers fabulous recipes from some of your favorite cooking show stars. You can search for lunch, breakfast, or dinner, and even look for dishes organized by what vegetables are in season!

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Who Are The Greatest Ever NASCAR Drivers?

December 21, 2012 by

People who aren’t NASCAR fans don’t understand what the big deal is about driving around in a circle for a few hours, but the difference between a good driver and a great one is staggering. If you’d like to learn more, look into the careers of these five drivers:

Bill Elliott
The first NASCAR driver to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, Elliott was one of the most dominant wheelmen of the 1980s, being named the group’s Most Popular Driver a staggering 16 times and winning two Daytona 500 races and a NASCAR championship.

Darrell Waltrip
When you’re named after the scariest shark to ever hit the silver screen, you’d better have aggression in spades. Waltrip was one of the most outspoken drivers in the 1980s, helping create storylines that drew new fans into the racetrack. He also excelled behind the wheel, bringing home 84 wins throughout his career.

Jeff Gordon
One of the faces of the second generation of NASCAR drivers, Gordon’s good looks and confident personality helped make him a breakthrough star in the tail end of the 1990s. His four Brickyard 400 victories put him a class apart from every other driver in the sport today.

Richard Petty
With a total of over 200 wins in his NASCAR career, “The King” is by far the most successful driver to ever get behind the wheel. Seven NASCAR championships, an equal number of Daytona 500 victories, and both a father and a son in the business earn him a spot.

Dale Earnhardt Sr.
“The Intimidator” was exactly that – behind the wheel of his car, nobody would stand in his way. Starting his career in 1979, Earnhardt became one of the sport’s most notorious figures, and his passing in 2001 was a tearful moment for all race fans.

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Why Shop Local?

December 13, 2012 by

You’ve probably noticed the big push toward buying local, especially when it comes to your food. If you’re wondering why “local” is so popular, or are interested in joining this movement, check out this list of reasons why local is truly great for all involved:

It supports the community – Buying locally grown and locally produced goods is a great way to support the economy in your town or community.

You know where it comes from – When you purchase your food in a grocery store, you have no connection to its roots. When you buy local, you get to know the farmer, bee keeper, or baker who is responsible for your edibles.

It’s “green” – Purchasing your food locally cuts down on transportation. Often, food travels thousands of miles to the grocery store, which means tons of pollution. Buying local eliminates that because you go straight to the source.

It’s more nutritious – Studies show that the fresher your food, the more nutrients it contains. Instead of eating week-old (or weeks-old) produce from the grocery store, get fresh picked delights at the local market – it’s better for your health!

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Five of the Most Beautiful Beaches in America

December 7, 2012 by
Do you love soaking up warm rays while listening to water lap the shore? If you’re like most people, you relish spending time on a gorgeous beach in the summer sun. The next time you’re daydreaming about a beach vacation, consider heading to one of these fabulous destinations:
 
The Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks are a breathtakingly lovely chain of barrier islands off of the coast of North Carolina. They have long been one of the most popular East Coast beach destinations. The Outer Banks are known for their calm surf and great swimming conditions, as well as for the variety of great activities offered – horseback riding on the beach, hang gliding, and a variety of water sports. You can also tour shipwrecks, visit the famous Currituck Beach Lighthouse, or make a fascinating trek to the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hill.
 
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is popular with people from all walks of life – well-moneyed vacationers, the 20-something party crowd, families with kids, and folks just looking for a low-key and relaxed getaway. The white sand beaches are stunning and the warm Atlantic water offers wonderful opportunities for recreation, including kayaking and surfing. There are excellent restaurants, shops, and spas in the area, as well as more serious cultural offerings like the Bass Museum and the Holocaust Memorial.
 
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle beach is located just a short drive from gorgeous Charleston, SC. It’s a favorite East Coast hotspot for beachgoers of all stripes. The area offers large resorts at reasonable prices, as well as opportunities for boating, myriad watersports, and snorkeling and scuba diving. Myrtle Beach is also a great choice for you if you’re looking to include some golfing in your vacation getaway, since the area boasts over a hundred high-quality golf courses. If you’ll be traveling with kids, make sure to visit the area’s hugely popular Family Kingdom Amusement Park. 
 
San Diego, California
San Diego is a destination that lets you relish the surf and sand while also enjoying a variety of urban attractions just nearby. The area is famous for its glorious weather, ever-sunny skies, vividly blue ocean water, and bright white-sand beaches. The opportunities for watersports (particularly surfing) are endless. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, you can head out to great cultural and recreational offerings like the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla and SeaWorld San Diego. In addition, the area offers wonderful hiking, walking, and running trails, like the hugely popular trails at the Torrey Pines State Reserve.
 
U.S Virgin Islands
This Caribbean hotspot offers you a wonderful combination of remote peacefulness and bustling entertainment. You’ll enjoy relaxing on the quiet and expansive beaches, as well as engaging in fun watersports like parasailing, snorkeling, and jet skiing. The area also offers wonderful restaurants and shopping venues. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy learning about the colonial past of the U.S Virgin Islands, since there are ample opportunities for exploring the historical background of the area. There are three islands you can visit, each with its own unique flair – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Why not visit all of them while you’re there? 
 
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Five of History’s Most Eccentric Artists

November 30, 2012 by
A high degree of creativity has frequently been known to bring with it an ample dose of eccentricity. History is full of artists and other extremely innovative thinkers whose behavior fell outside the realm of the status quo. Read on to learn about some of the most idiosyncratic artistic figures that ever existed: 
 
Vincent Van Gogh, 1853 – 1890
Van Gogh was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter whose originality and brilliance made a huge impact on the visual arts. His eccentricities displayed themselves from an early age. He was unable to hold a job due to his wild emotional swerves and unusual behavior, and his personal life was a roller coaster as well – at one point, he stuck his hand in a flaming lamp in order to get the attention of a woman who had rejected his marriage proposal. His most iconic and famous act of eccentricity is an incident in which he cut off part of his ear.
 
Andy Warhol, 1928 – 1987
Andy Warhol was a major figure in the American pop art movement, creating works that explored the interactions between advertisement, capitalism, celebrity culture, and artistic expression. His public persona was noted for its unpredictability and eccentricity, and this way of acting (behavior focused on challenging social norms) added to his cache as an artist. 
 
Salvador Dali, 1904 – 1989
Salvador Dali was a Spanish surrealist painter whose highly innovative, imaginative, and vivid work continues to yield a huge impact on the visual arts today. He was famous for living entirely on his own terms, never concerned about fitting into the norms of mainstream society. He wore a dramatic fake mustache, kept an exotic ocelot as a pet, donned elaborate capes and walking ticks, and referred to himself in the third person during interviews, among many other eccentric tendencies. 
 
Henry Darger, 1892 – 1973
Henry Darger was an American writer and artist who became famous after death when his 15, 145 page manuscript was found, along with hundreds of drawings and paintings illustrating the book. He has become celebrated as a symbol of the “Outsider Artist” in American culture – that is, an artist who has not been formally trained and does not have any involvement with the art world. Darger lived a reclusive and eccentric existence as a menial worker at a hospital, befriending very few people and spending his spare time compulsively collecting bits of trash. 
 
Michelangelo
Michelangelo was a celebrated Italian painter and sculptor during the Renaissance period. His stunningly ingenious works and polymathic mind made him a major artistic figure of his time and long afterwards. He was also well known for his personality quirks and unusual tics – for example, there are many stories of him having temper flare-ups and screaming at statues. Michelangelo also distributed lifestyle eccentricities, living in squalor like a pauper despite his financial successes as an artist. His assistants claimed that he often slept with his shoes up and rarely changed his clothes. 
 
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Want To Improve Your Posture? Take These Steps

November 27, 2012 by

When you have good posture, you look thinner, feel better, and people will be pulled in by your confident stance. If you have a habit of slouching, it's important to know the effects it's having on your body. Poor posture can result in your inability to breathe fully, back pain, lost  sleep, or even illness. Check out these helpful tips that will keep your posture straight as an arrow:

Check your reflection. As you move through your day, try to catch your reflection, and notice your posture. If you’re hunched over, gently engage your stomach muscles to support your low back and lift your chin. Breathe in fully, and feel your spine growing taller.

Sit up straight. If you're work keeps you at a desk, try to sit with your back against the chair, with both feet flat on the floor, and with your knees in line with your hips. Keep your head held high, with your ears over your shoulders. If you're working on a computer, be sure the screen is high enough that you only have to gaze slightly downward to do your work.

Invest in good shoes. Our shoes do a number on our posture — high heels, ballet flats, flip flops, and sandals don’t give you the support you need to stand tall. Instead, invest in a comfortable, supportive, cushioned shoe that offers arch support, wide toe boxes, and no more than one-inch heels.

Exercise. Yoga, tai chi, and lesser-known disciplines such as Feldenkrais are all great for improving your posture. Attend a few classes, and see what works best for you! If you still have trouble, consider seeing a physical therapist.

Don’t take shortcuts. The only true way to improve posture is with dedication and consistent practice. So, don’t fall prey to commercials for braces or other “posture aids”. In truth, they could immobilize essentials muscles needed for a straight spine, and just make your posture worse!

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