We've probably all heard something about MSG, but do you really know what it is? Is it safe for us to eat? There are labels that proudly boast no MSG but is that necessary?

Here are some facts about MSG from the Food and Drug Administration:

• MSG stands for monosodium glutamate. It is the salt of a common amino acid called glutamic acid. Basically it's a flavor enhancer for foods to add a savory flavor. 
• MSG can be found naturally occurring in nature in foods such as tomatoes and cheeses. Added MSG today is made from the fermentation of starch, sugar cane, molasses, or sugar beets. 
• Is MSG safe to eat? The FDA says yes. While scientists have hypothesized that some people may have a sensitivity or allergy to MSG, it is rare. Reactions to MSG may include headache and nausea. 
• If you would like to stay away from MSG just look for it on the label. The FDA requires any food with MSG to be listed as monosodium glutamate. Be aware that some foods naturally contain MSG like hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts, and protein isolate. 

For more information on MSG, visit the FDA website. 

There’s nothing nicer to cap off one of Houston’s punishingly hot days than heading to Chinatown for a meal in the blessed air conditioning, and then cooling off with shaved ice from Juice Box. This fast food style space serves up refreshing, light desserts made with shaved ice, a bounty of fresh fruits, flan, and plenty of condensed milk. The end result is a cooling concoction with a great balance between tart fruit and sweet, creamy milk. Juice Box also has drinks, including fresh fruit smoothies and iced teas laced with chunks of fruit. Be forewarned, this is a cash-only establishment and can get very crowded at peak times. You might want to pick up a dessert or drink to go and take a stroll through Chinatown if there aren’t any tables available.

Juice Box
9889 Bellaire Boulevard
Houston TX 77036
(713) 484-8085

A fresh flower arrangement can put some pep in your step and add a pop of color to your living and work spaces. But as beauty is fleeting, the brightness flowers bring can sometimes seem to disappear in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re the recipient of a fresh flower arrangement (lucky you!) or simply enjoy treating yourself to a fragrant bouquet, here are five ways to get the most life out of your cut flowers.

1. Start with a hearty flower. While you won’t have a say in the matter if your flowers are a gift, if splurging for yourself, opt for a heartier flower variety. Roses, hydrangeas, and Stargazer lilies typically outlive more delicate flowers. Ask your florist for a recommendation, and steer clear of any flowers with bruised or browned petals.

2. Add Aspirin to the water. Not just an old wives’ tale, this tip actually works! Simply add one crushed Aspirin tablet to the vase water. Salicylic acid in the Aspirin helps to keep bacteria at bay. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of bleach to your water (about 1/4 tsp. per quart of water).

3. Snip the stems. Before you plop your flowers into a clean vase, use sharp, clean garden clippers or a florist’s knife to cut 1-2 inches from the bottom of each stem. Cut at a 45 degree angle to allow for more surface area for water to be absorbed.

4. Remove any foliage below the water line. Don’t forget to strip each stem of errant foliage. Any leaves below the vase’s water line will decay, adding flower-killing bacteria to the water.

5. Change the water daily. It's crucial that the flowers receive fresh, clean water every day. Swap out the water daily, and recut the flowers’ stems if you have a moment.

· Living Well: 10 Secrets for Extending the Life of Fresh Flowers [Design Mom]
· 4 Simple and Natural Ways to Help Cut Flowers Last Longer [Apartment Therapy]
· Keep Fresh Flowers Lasting Longer with Crushed Aspirin [Lifehacker]