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How to Pour Wine Like a Pro Sommelier

February 20, 2015 by

You don’t have to splurge on a $100 aged Cabernet Sauvignon in order to seem like a real wine expert; all it takes are a few smart tips and some essential wine-serving tools. Follow these simple steps to impress your guests the next time you serve them a glass of red.

  1. Maintain the proper temperature. A surefire way to come across as a newbie wine drinker is by serving your bottle at the wrong temperature. Light or sparkling white wines should be served at 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain their fresh flavor, while fuller whites and lighter reds should be 50 to 60 degrees. For full-bodied reds, stick to a warmer 60 degrees.
  2. Stock up on enough wine. It could be embarrassing to run out of wine before everyone has their fill, so as a general rule, imagine that each bottle serves approximately five glasses.
  3. Invest in good wine glasses. They don’t have to be expensive, but having real wine glasses does add to the experience. Also, be sure to wash the glasses by hand and dry them with a clean linen towel to ensure that they don’t affect the flavor of the wine.
  4. Fill the proper amount. As a general rule, fill the glass to just below its widest point. This will make you look like a true sommelier and make your guests feel like wine aficionados themselves.

How to Serve Wine 101: Tips on the Perfect Serving Temperature [Wine Spectator]
Frey Organic Wine Serving Tips [Frey Vineyards]
25 Tips on How to Serve Wine [Bauduc Blog]

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Soothing Home Remedies for Sore Throats

February 13, 2015 by

When the cold weather takes a toll on your household in the form of sore throats and stuffy noses, you’re likely searching for any way to find a bit of relief. Here are a few home remedies that might just soothe your sore throat without the use of over-the-counter medications—just remember to check with your doctor first!

  1. Gargle with salt water. Sore throats are caused when the cells in the mucous membranes become swollen and inflamed, and gargling with salt water helps reduce this swelling. By warming the saltwater solution, you can also wash away the excess mucous and clear your nasal passages.
  2. Make an apple cider vinegar drink. Apple cider vinegar is filled with healthy properties, and its high levels of acidity help to kill bacteria that cause illness. Make a drink using one tablespoon of ACV, one tablespoon of honey and one cup of hot water, then sip it slowly and feel the relief.
  3. Try marshmallow root. This strange root named after the sugary candy helps to coat the throat and relieve pain. Steep one tablespoon of the dried root in boiling water for 30 to 60 minutes, then strain and drink.
  4. Chew on cloves. For fast and easy relief, try the natural painkiller eugenol found in cloves. Simply suck on a whole clove until it becomes soft enough to chew like gum, then spit it out when finished.

10 Ways to Soothe a Sore Throat [Health]
22 Natural Sore Throat Remedies to Help Soothe the Pain [Everyday Roots]
Sore Throat Remedies: 16 Natural Gargles [Reader’s Digest]

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The Internet’s Best DIY Photo Album Sites

February 6, 2015 by

Nothing can give a space a personal touch quite like framed photos of friends and family. Whether you're looking to spruce up your home or give a personalized gift to that special someone, these two photo service websites are for you.

Shutterfly
Arguably the internet's most popular photo service site, Shutterfly makes it easy to create custom photo albums, collages, stationery, calendars, and much more. Simply upload your favorite photos from your computer and start designing. The gift portion of the site allows you to design mugs, canvas prints, totes, tees, smart phone cases, magnets, mousepads—even blankets!—using your favorite photos. Better still, the website's prices are affordable, and frequent online coupon codes promise even more bang for you buck.

Snapfish
Whatever the occasion, Snapfish likely has a commemorative gift with which to remember it by. Create a wedding photo album, design graduation announcements, or put a personal touch on greeting cards and stationery. Like Shutterfly, Snapfish also offers a wide variety of photo gifts, from mugs and calendars to blankets and jewelry. Or you can just keep it simple and order standard prints!

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How to Put an End to Procrastination

February 3, 2015 by

Whether you put off your homework, daily tasks at your job, or even the cleaning around your rental home, procrastination is a struggle that affects just about everyone. Here are a few smart and savvy tricks that can help you banish the urge to procrastinate once and for all.

  1. Change your attitude. Instead of treating your task like a job, treat it like something that will advance your career or provide you with fulfillment. If you feel like you want to do a task rather than feeling like you have to do it, it will make you less likely to procrastinate.
  2. Give yourself a deadline. Even if your specific task doesn’t have to be done at a certain time, you’ll become more productive if you feel like it does. Set a deadline for yourself and you’ll start to work to meet it.
  3. Rein in your emotions. If you’re nervous to begin a task or afraid of failing, it’s likely that you won’t start at all. Do whatever you need to pump yourself up and stop setting yourself up for failure.
  4. Make yourself accountable. If all else fails, tell friends and family in order to keep yourself accountable for your goals. Tell everyone that you’re training for a marathon and you’ll be more likely to go out on that morning run.

How to Stop Procrastinating [Scientific American]
Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination [The McGraw Center]
Why You Procrastinate, and How to Stop It. Now. [Forbes]

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Two Great Websites for Muffin Recipes

January 30, 2015 by

If you’re growing tired of the usual blueberry muffin recipe, it might be time to switch things up in the kitchen. Put your baking skills to the test with these wonderful muffin recipes from two of the best recipe sites from around the web..

Cooking Light
Cooking Light’s list of Healthy Muffin Recipes is the perfect resource for the health-conscious baker. Muffins don’t need to be packed with calories in order to taste great, and there are a number of simple ingredient substitutions that can help to make your muffins a bit more nutritious. The Tuscan Lemon Muffins are made with olive oil and fresh lemon juice instead of sugary sweeteners or phony flavors, and even the seemingly indulgent Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins are a bit healthier than the store-bought kind.

Martha Stewart
For truly creative muffin recipes, Martha Stewart’s website is one of the best resources. Beautiful photos provide endless inspiration, while the easy-to-follow recipes are simple enough for even the amateur home baker. Try the easy Applesauce Muffins with light, fluffy icing, or bake some Pumpkin Doughnut Muffins for a thicker consistency and sweet, spicy flavor. Whether you prefer something dessert-like or a muffin that’s a bit more savory, Martha Stewart has a muffin recipe for everyone.

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How to Care for Fresh-Cut Flowers

January 23, 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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How to Tackle Stubborn Coffee, Wine and Ink Stains

January 16, 2015 by

Your morning cup of coffee is a beautiful sight for weary eyes—but not when it's spilled down the front of your go-to work shirt. Keep these stain-fighting tips handy so you can meet common household stains with a plan of attack.

To remove coffee and tea stains:
Coffee and tea are categorized as "tannin" stains. These types of stains should be treated with detergent as opposed to soap. If the fabric is washable, you'll want to pre-treat the stain with a stain remover, then toss the garment into the wash with an enzyme detergent on the hottest water temperature permissible for the fabric. If you prefer, you can pre-treat the stain with a solution of one part white vinegar and two parts water, then wash.

To remove wine stains:
Also a tannin stain, wine stains are easier to remove when fresh. First, blot the stain using a lint-free towel to remove as much of the wine as possible. Before the stain can dry and "set" into the fabric, soak the garment in a solution of water and oxygen-based laundry booster. Afterwards, wash the garment in a regular laundry cycle of hot water.

To remove ink stains:
Place a towel underneath the stain, then blot the ink with another lint-free towel that's dampened with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol will transfer the ink to the towel that's underneath the shirt, so don't use your favorite bath towel for this method!

17 Easy Stain Removal Tips [Lifescript]
Stain Removal Tricks and Shortcuts [Real Simple]
Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal [Ohio State University]
6 Easy Recipes for Removing Nasty Stains [Wonder HowTo]

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Where to Shop Apartment-Friendly Home Decor Online

January 9, 2015 by

Not all home furnishings are created equal, something apartment dwellers know all too well. Finding furniture and accessories that have dual functions and won’t take up too much space can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. There are a few great retailers who specialize in just this type of decor, so you can buy with confidence. Here are three websites to shop for apartment-friendly home decor items.

1) Muji
Find simplistic yet functional items at Muji. This home decor website offers something for every detail of decorating, from furniture to cleaning tools.

2) West Elm
This catalog of home furnishings draws inspiration from the mid-century modern aesthetic, giving you stylish options for any sized space.

3) Urban Outfitters
The apartment living section of this hip, youthful retailer has a great selection of home decor items for renters. Find colorful tapestries, rugs, and wall art that will make your apartment feel unique and chic.

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Simple Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills

January 6, 2015 by

Communication skills are just as important as talent in the workplace, because without them you would never be able to express your ideas to others or work together with a team. No matter how shy or quick-tempered you are, these tips will help you to improve your communication skills and speak more eloquently at work.

  1. Speak face-to-face. Although e-mail and phone conversations are the norm in this digital age, nothing has as much impact as speaking to someone in person. If you want to ask for a raise or pitch a great idea, do it face-to-face, not through a device.
  2. Plan ahead. There’s nothing wrong with planning what to say ahead of time; in fact, most bosses prefer this method. Planning ahead will help you get to the point faster, making what you’re saying all the more effective.
  3. Put a positive spin on things. There will always be occasions where you need to criticize a coworker, but instead of putting them down or ratting them out, attempt to speak positively. Say things like “Your idea was great, but…” or “I know you put a lot of work into this, but…”
  4. Take a breather. If you’re prone to saying things you regret in moments of anger, tell yourself to take a minute to consider if what you’re saying is helpful or just plain hurtful.

How You Can be a Better Communicator [LifeHack]
6 Ways to Become a Better Communicator [TIME]
10 Simple Secrets of Great Communicators [About Money]
Becoming a Better Communicator [Berkeley HR]

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Feeling Under the Weather? Try These All-Natural Cold and Flu Remedies

January 2, 2015 by

If you get a cold or the flu every winter like clockwork, you’re likely always on the hunt for natural ways to treat your illness at home. Before you drag yourself out of bed to go to the doctor, try these all-natural home remedies to help banish your sore throat, soothe that runny nose, and make your aching muscles feel as good as new. (But consult your doctor for professional medical advice first!)

  1. Drink as many fluids as possible. When you’re feeling all stuffed up and congested, one of the best ways to rid your nasal cavity of mucus is by drinking plenty of fluids. Aim for eight to ten glasses of water per day, and supplement them with herbal teas, sports drinks, and even broth-based soups.
  2. Inhale steam. Another way to clear your stuffy nose is by leaning over a pot of boiling water, placing a towel over your head, and breathing deeply through your nose—just be careful not to breathe too deeply and burn yourself.
  3. Adjust your diet. By incorporating things like lemons, garlic, and honey into your diet, you can absorb their vitamins and antimicrobial properties. Green tea or peppermint tea also help to rid your body of cold or flu symptoms.
  4. Gargle with salt water. If a sore throat is keeping you up at night, this old wives’ tale can help to decrease the swelling in the throat’s mucous membranes and ease your pain.

Home Remedies for Colds [WebMD]
Cold and Flu Home Remedies [Doctor Oz]
22 Natural Sore Throat Remedies to Help Soothe the Pain [Everyday Roots]

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