Archive for month: May, 2017

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10 Laundry Hacks Every Mom Needs to Know

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Everything from stain removal tips to how to make laundry more manageable

Lipstick Stain

We’ve all gotten lipstick on our clothing, pillows or napkins at some point, but did you know that bread can blot it out? Take a piece of white bread and remove the crust. Then roll the piece of bread into a ball and blot at the stain. You should see the color lift off of the garment and then launder shirt the way you normally would.

Tip source: Huffington Post

Image via: DIY Maniac

Ink Stains

We have all at some point had a pen explode on us or had a pen/marker draw on our clothing, but did you know that alcohol is your best bet to get rid of the ink? All you need is a bottle of rubbing alcohol, purell, or hairspray to remove these stubborn stains. Simply spray or squirt the affected areas, wait about 10 minutes, blot with a paper towel and then wash normally!

Laundry tip via: One Good Thing

Image via: Wiki How

Grease stains

Grease stains are pretty inevitable and can often seem like a death sentence for our clothes, but thankfully there is a very simple remedy! White chalk. Yup, white chalk works wonders to remove grease stains. Simply rub the chalk on and around the stain and watch the grease lift off! However time is of the essence so be sure to keep a package of white chalk in the house to keep the stain from setting in!

Note baby powder also works well to remove those tough grease stains!

Tip via: Wiki How

Image via: Home Hacks

Yellow sweat stains

Shirts tend to develope those yellow pit stains but have no fear, there are plenty of ways to get rid of them! We found this very helpful chart from: TheSecretYumiverse.wonderhowto.com. You are welcome!

Add Tinfoil to the Dryer

Okay this is one of our best money saving tips; simply replace dryer sheets with a ball of rolled up tinfoil! The best part is, you can use the same ball for up to 6 months, so definitely don’t discard after each use! If you also like the dryer-sheet scent, then douse a hand towel in fabric softener, let it dry, then toss in the dryer with each load!

Aluminum tip: Budget Savvy Diva

Dryer sheet tip: Mattern Family

Image via: PopSugar

Add Vinegar

Adding plain white vinegar to your washing machine does wonders for your towels workout clothes, and rather stinky laundry. Vinegar acts as a natural antibacterial agent and kills mold, bacteria, and germs! It also acts as a natural fabric softener by removing soap and residue! Simply add 1/2-1 cup of vinegar to your wash cycle at the beginning and then your laundry won’t have the vinegar smell, but it will be really clean, soft, and odor free!

Image via: Green Idea Reviews

Decrease wrinkles

Wrinkly clothing gives off a dirty appearance so it’s best to keep our clothes as neat looking as possible. There are many tips to help avoid or reduce the odds of wrinkles forming while doing laundry in order to save time later with the ironing! 1. Use the permanent press cycle on your washing and drying machines. This cycle was created to reduce creasing of clothes and other garments. 2. Don’t jam pack your machines because they need room to spin and properly get cleaned. Jamming in your clothes is a sure way to increase creasing to your clothes. 3. Separate your clothing by the fabric. Heavy clothes like denim should not be washed with light clothes like silk and thin cotton. 4. Fold and put away/hang up your clothes as soon as the dryer is done. The less time clothes remain in a tangled up mess, the less time they have to develop wrinkles! 5. Invest in a garment steamer, they will effectively remove any wrinkles in a quarter of the time ironing will.

Tips via: Wiki How

Image via: Huffington Post

Unshrink Clothes

Everyone has at some point tossed a shirt or pair of jeans into the dryer on high and now they are a size or two smaller! While it’s not really possible to “unshrink” your clothes, there are a few ways to relax the fibers enough to stretch them back into shape! Here are 3 methods to try out: 1. Baby shampoo or conditioner soak 2. Vinegar soak for wool or cashmere 3. Plain water and gravity for heavy clothes like jeans!  Click here for exact steps!

Image via: Todd and Erwin

Whiten Whites

Our white clothes never seem to stay that bright shade of white for too long. But now you can restore your beige-ing white clothes with this great recipe:

  • HOT HOT HOT water
  • 1 cup of laundry detergent
  • 1 cup powdered dish washer detergent
  • 1 cup bleach
  • 1/2 cup borax

The important things to know about this treatment process is to get really hot water (add a pot of boiling water to your already hot wash), keep the load size small because we are going for concentrated cleaning power, and let the clothing soak for as long as possible in the solution. Find out more about this tip by clicking here!

Remove coffee stains

If you are a regular coffee drinker then you will inevitably spill it on your clothes, bedding, or tablecloth at some point.  Coffee stains can be very stubborn and hard to remove but if you follow these steps will help get the stain out of a fresh coffee spill:

What You Will Need

  • Absorbent white paper towels
  • Powdered laundry detergent
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Cold water
  • Small cup or dish
  • Toothbrush or small nail brush
  • Liquid laundry detergent with color-safe bleach

Steps to Remove the Coffee Stain:

  1. Click here

Image via: Food Network

 

9 Super Summer Chilled Soups

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A super healthy supper or a lovely light lunch: take a chill!
Soup is for summer too!

A steaming bowl of soup can be a big turn-off when the temperature starts to climb, but chilled soups are a different story altogether. Cool, refreshing, colorful, and loaded with seasonal fruits and veggies, they’re a perfect way to beat the heat.

Cold Thai-Style Mango Coconut Soup with Mango Relish

Mango and coconut are a match made in heaven; when combined with Thai red curry paste, the flavors in this soup are to die for.

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) Thai red curry paste
  • 2 large mangoes, peeled and quartered
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) grated ginger
  • ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 mL) unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1¼ (300 mL) cups water
  • ½ cup (125 mL) plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Mango Relish:
  • 1 large mango, diced
  • 2 tbsp (25 mL) light brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp (45 mL) chopped fresh basil

Directions
1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add curry paste and sauté for 1 minute.
2. In a food processor or blender, pureé onion mixture, mangos, brown sugar, ginger and salt until smooth. Add coconut milk, water, yogurt and lime juice; process to combine. Transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until cold, about 3 hours, or overnight. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, if necessary.
3. Prepare the relish: In a small bowl, combine mango, brown sugar and basil. Let stand for 15 minutes.
4. Ladle soup into chilled bowls and top each with a dollop of mango relish.

Via Cookstr.com

Carrot Ginger Soup

Freshly grated ginger gives this sweet carrot puree a hint of heat and flavor. For some crunch, add a garnish of toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
  • 1 pound carrots, coarsely chopped
  • 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sliced fresh chives

Method: 

  • Heat 1/2 cup broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and garlic and cook until tender, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in ginger, carrots, potato and remaining broth and heat to a boil.
  • Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • In batches, carefully puree in a blender.
  • Add water or broth if needed to thin to desired consistency.
  • Reheat soup if necessary. Let cool.
  • Stir in lemon juice and garnish with chives.

via:Whole Foods Market

Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon Gazpacho is a sweet-savory summer refreshment in a bowl: chunks of seedless melon and fresh tomato are stirred together with cucumber, red and yellow bell pepper, scallions, shallots and cilantro. A little salt and lime juice cut the sweetness of the melon.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups seedless watermelon, pulsed in a food processor until soupy
  • 1 cup seedless watermelon, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup yellow bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 small jalapeno, finely minced (optional)
  • Bottled hot sauce to taste (optional)

Directions: 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon (both pureed and chopped), tomato, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, cilantro, green onions, shallot, salt, lime juice, and jalapeno if desired. Stir well and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or optional hot sauce to taste.

Chill at least two hours. Taste again for seasoning. Ladle into individual soup bowls and serve. (Note: This may be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. If you plan to chill for longer than two hours, stir in the cilantro shortly before serving.)

via: accessatlanta.com

Chilled Avocado Soup

This chilled avocado soup recipe from the Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, California, is as easy as 1-2-3. Only three basic, easy-to-find ingredients are needed to create this satisfying, wholesome soup that’s perfect for a hot summer’s night. Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit

Ingredients:

  • ½ large ripe avocado
  • ¾ cup nonfat chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp sherry or orange juice concentrate

Instructions:

  1. Slice avocado in half, leaving the pit. Store half with the pit in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a salad the next day.
  2. Peel the other half and cut into ½-inch pieces.
  3. Put the chicken broth, avocado and ½ cup water in a blender and process until very smooth and creamy. Stir in the sherry (or orange juice).
  4. Taste for seasoning and chill well.

Serving ideas: Serve to your most sophisticated guest in chilled bowls, or eat it all yourself with a fruit salad. Save a slice of avocado to float on top or add a dollop of yogurt or sour cream. Crunchy whole-grain crackers are a must.

via:spafinder.com

Tiered Tomato Soup

This eye-popping chilled soup floats a red stratum of tomato soup on a green layer of avocado soup. Clear straight-sided glasses or wineglasses to show off the soup’s layers.

Yield: Makes 6 to 8 first-course servings
Total time: 30 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • 2 firm-ripe avocados (8 oz. each)
  • 3/4 cup fat-skimmed chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 cucumber (12 oz.)
  • 3 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh tarragon

Directions:

1. Rinse and core tomatoes; cut into chunks. Whirl in a blender or food processor until smooth, then rub through a fine strainer into a bowl; you should have about 3 cups. Discard residue. Season purée to taste with 2 to 3 tablespoons vinegar and salt. Cover and chill until cold, at least 1 hour.

2. Peel and pit avocados; cut into chunks. In a blender or food processor, whirl avocados, broth, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth. Add salt to taste. Cover surface with plastic wrap and chill until cold, at least 1 hour.

3. Peel cucumber; cut in half lengthwise and scoop out and discard seeds. Dice cucumber into 1/8-inch pieces; you should have about 1 cup. In a small bowl, mix cucumber, shallots, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and minced tarragon. Cover and chill until cold, at least 30 minutes.

4. To serve, stir avocado mixture to blend and pour equal portions into glasses (12 to 16 oz. each). Whisk tomato mixture to blend and gently pour over avocado. Top with diced-cucumber mixture. Clear, straight-sided glasses or wineglasses show off the layers of color best, but large martini glasses also work. You can also use soup bowls and keep the layers a surprise.

via: sunset.com

Chilled Yellow Tomato Soup

This quick tomato soup requires just a bowl and a blender and can be kept in the fridge for no-fuss light lunches all week long. No stove to clean and minimal dishes? We #Love that!

Ingredients:

  • 6 large, ripe yellow tomatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • salt & pepper

Directions:

  1. Quarter tomatoes and toss in a bowl with sugar and vinegar. Cover and marinade 1-3 hours.
  2. Puree in a blender and pass through a fine sieve. Season well with salt and pepper. Serve chilled with your choice of garnish.

via:SimpleBites

Cucumber and Yogurt Soup with Spiced Herbs

Not only is recipe light and fresh but it has healthy ingredients as well. And it is as good for a backyard picnic as it is for a fancy dinner party. Just change the bowls! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 2 T. minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 c. light coconut milk
  • 1 seedless cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 24 oz. plain non-fat yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 T. lemon juice
  • 1/4 c. chopped cilantro
  • 2 T. finely chopped green onion
  • 1 T. finely chopped mint
  • 1/2 Serrano chile, minced
  • 4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • Curried chicken breast, cold and diced

Directions:

  1. In a blender, process ginger, garlic, and coconut milk until the garlic and ginger are finely ground.
  2. Add cucumber, yogurt, salt, and lemon juice. Process until smooth. Hold in refrigerator until needed.
  3. In the meantime, mix together cilantro, green onion, mint, and chile.
  4. To serve, ladle soup into chilled bowls. Sprinkle with spicy herb mixture. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top of each bowl.

Curried Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tsp. hot curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. olive oil

Directions:

  1. Season chicken breast with curry powder and salt.
  2. Saute chicken in non-stick sauté pan in olive oil until cooked through.

via:livewellnetwork.com

Fresh Fruit Soup

Fresh Fruit Soup is a gorgeous recipe to cool you down on a hot summer night. Your guest will want to take a selfie eating this!

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Bing cherries, pitted OR 1 (15-ounce) can dark cherries, drained
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 cups fresh raspberries
  • 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 2 cups white grape juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

  1. In blender or food processor, combine cherries, orange juice, sugar, and raspberries and blend or process until smooth.
  2. Pour into large glass pitcher and stir in remaining ingredients; stir with wire whisk until blended. Serve immediately, or cover and chill for 2-4 hours before serving.

Chilled Strawberry Soup

So do you serve this soup for dessert? You could! Or as a palate cleansing middle course! Either way your guests will think you hired a top chef. But you have this simple recipe to make it look like you went to culinary school!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste

Preperation:

Puree strawberries, milk, cream and sour cream in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in sugar to taste. Chill 8 hours or overnight in refrigerator before serving.

 

16 Insanely Clever Ways to Organize your Family Home

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Get you and your family organized with these great tips!

Time to Clean Up

We know that life with kids is often chaotic and slightly messy too. That is why we compiled 16 clever and easy ways to get your family and life just a little more organized.  You will be shocked to see how much of difference these quick, cheap tips will make in getting your life just a little more organized!  Let the organizing begin!

Bins in your fridge

Use pull out, clear baskets to help keep food organized. You can even add labels to the bins if you want, and this is a really easy and cheap way to keep your refrigerator looking clean and organized.  These are durable and come in various sizes to customize and organize the fridge or pantry to your specifications.

Image via: Crate & Barrel

Tension curtain rods as dividers

Tension curtain rods are cheap and easy to buy, and work really well to divide items in cupboards. Store serving trays, platters, and cutting boards with tension curtain rods. Measure the vertical distance between two cupboard shelves. Position appropriate-size rods between the shelves, as shown. Twist rods to tighten, so their inner springs will keep them upright. Use two rods on both sides of each item, spacing them according to the dimensions of individual pieces.

Image and tip via: Martha Stewart 

Shower curtain rods to store lids

Shower curtain rods or magazine racks are great and cheap ways to organize all your pot lids! This is also a great place to store your pot holders too! This quick tip is sure to keep your cupboards looking nice and clean, just the way you like it!

Image via: Kitchenisms

Have a list pad

Having a list-pad somewhere in your kitchen is a great way to keep you and your family organized. Installing one near the fridge in a low hanging area will make it everyone’s responsibility to write down and keep track of the items that are running out or are already gone! The Merry Thought has a great tutorial on how to make the list pad shown in this picture. Click here for instructions.

De-clutter your counter

De-clutter your counter by moving storage to your walls! This is a really great way to both organize and style your life in one! More kitchen storage is something that we’ve probably all wished for one time or another. This is especially true if your home has a small counter-top where space is at a premium (or if you just like to have your counter-top as uncluttered as possible). We love the idea of using blank wall space to create a vertical organization system in a kitchen, so we decided to make our own to keep our new studio kitchen neat and tidy. Click here to see A Beautiful Mess’ tutorial for this tip.

Organize your DVDs and CD with plastic sleeves

Ditch the DVD boxes and organize your movies alphabetically with plastic sleeves and small containers! Those DVD boxes and CD cases just take up so much space. Samantha over at Simply Organized shared this great tutorial on how to reduce your DVD collection to 2 small bins! Click here!

Use binders for important documents

Use this creative binder system to keep all those important documents organized! This system is perfect for bills, tax returns, manuals, notes, mortgage info, and pretty much everything you may need to look at and can’t risk losing. This tip was found on A Bowl Full of Lemons.

Hang shoes using crown molding

Use inexpensive crown molding to store your heels in your closet. We know how precious closet space is and you will be happy to see the floors again! This tip was found on Lovelyish.

Store matching sheets inside of their pillowcases

Our linen closets can often become a jumbled up mess of mismatching sheets! Don’t let your matching sheets get lost in the linen closet. Use this simple trick: Tuck the sheet set inside one of its pillowcases, and then stack according to size (twin, full, queen, king) or by the room you use the sheets in (master bedroom, guest room.) This tip comes from Martha Stewart.

De-clutter your bathroom

Bathroom counter space is really valuable real-estate! Now you won’t have to waste an inch of it with this great tip, put a shelf over your bathroom door for the stuff you don’t need regular access to. If you have the high ceilings in your bathroom this tip is a much try. Make space for supplies over the bathroom door so that they’ll be accessible when they need to be replenished. Use wood screws to secure a pair of wooden shelf brackets to either side of the door frame; screw shelf to brackets. The shelf should rest on top of the door molding, which will help support the weight. Keep small bottled items and toilet paper in handled boxes. Bars of soap can be stored, unwrapped, in an airtight glass container. Found on Martha Stewart.

Picture frames to make wipe boards

Use picture frames to make these wipe boards that’ll keep you organized AND they will look good hanging on your wall too.  The Chic Site has these free printable templates to add to a 8×10 picture frame. Hang them by the door so everyone can check the lists before heading out.

Wrapping paper contained in a garment bag

Wrapping paper is one of those things that’s annoying to store and often get bent or ripped just sitting at the bottom of a closet.  Hanging them in a garment bag will prevent them from getting damaged and keep your closet more organized too. This great tip and picture was found on The Chic Site.

Attach under-shelves in a cabinet

Attach under shelves in cabinet to take advantage of all vertical space. This will help keep your cabinets more organized while utilizing all the extra space! Tip found on Kim Flower.

Hanging shoe rack to store cleaning supplies

Hanging over the door shoe racks are great way to store and organize cleaning supplies. All you have to do is place your cleaners, sponges and air fresheners into each little pocket and put the rack in the most convenient place in your kitchen. You can also put it in the bathroom and store extra shampoos and soaps. It’s also a good way to keep harmful products out the way of children, if they are placed high enough. Tip found on Huffington Post.

Put cleaning supplies in transportable toolbox

Putting your commonly used cleaning supplies into a carry box will make cleaning easier and more organized. The under sink area is often cluttered with so many cleaning supplies and this is a great way to declutter that area. Plus, once you are motivated to take on the under-sink area and get it organized, it will help you to tackle the much bigger messes needed elsewhere! Tip and image found on The Social Home.

Weekly menu planner

Putting together a weekly menu planner might seem like unnecessary work, but it will actually really help you save time during the week and will better organize your life. Here are just a few menu planning tips you should employ to gain all of these benefits:

  • To save money: Pick one day to in advance to plan your meals. Create your menu and shopping list at the same time by browsing the sales ad’s as well as your cupboard.
  • To save time: a menu plan gives you the opportunity to prepare entire meals or parts of a meal in advance, use a crock pot whenever you can. Do double duty by choosing meals that have a common ingredient and prepare (pre-cut, pre-soak, pre-wash, pre-cook, etc.) that ingredient all at one time for both dishes
  • To save your health:Try a new dish and a new seasoning every couple weeks. Keep the food pyramid in mind when menu planning, and include more fresh fruits and vegetables. If you need to, prepare your vegetables, and salads the week in advanced…you’ll be more motivated to eat what has already been prepared.
  • To diversify: Try a new dish and a new seasoning every couple weeks. Glean inspiration from Pinterest Pins, or go online to a recipe directory such as allrecipes.com

To learn more information about this tip visit Home Made by Carmona.

10 Clever Kitchen Gadgets you will Want and Need!

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These items will make you wonder how you ever lived without them!

Bag re-sealer

The Bag Re-Sealer™ quickly re-seals unfinished chip and snack bags, creating an airtight seal that helps keep food fresh longer. Simply slide the Re-Sealer along the top of your unfinished bag and the built-in heating element automatically and instantly seals the opening back together! Plus, the Re-Sealer is sleek and colorful and has a magnetic base that easily sticks to the refrigerator! Click here to buy on Brookestone.

Spice holders that automatically measure out 1/4 teaspoon

That’s right, there are spice holders that automatically measure out 1/4 teaspoon per click for you. Plus you can open it up at the top to pour out more on a need basis! Click here to find out more information and to buy the Satin Auto Measure Spice Carousel!

Colander turn serving bowl

This is a dream come true, a colander and serving bowl in one! Ventu is a multi-purpose bowl that allows you to prep, strain, serve, and store—all in one elegant solution. Use it as a colander to remove excess water from pasta, salad greens, fruit, and more. To switch from its straining function to serving is easy: just pop its silicon-sealed base onto the bottom, and save yourself from washing extra dishes. Click here to find out more and where to buy!

Home-made microwavable popcorn

Prepare healthy and home-made popcorn in just 2-3 minutes with kernels in the microwave and add whatever flavors you like! It’s easy to use, simply add the corn kernels, heat in the microwave and enjoy! Watch over 90% of the corn kernels pop. And as an added bonus, it is collapsable so it won’t take up much space in your cabinet and will make it easy to store! Click here to find out more and where to buy!

Self-eject garlic press

The Garject is one powerful garlic press: it easily and completely presses multiple garlic cloves at once, without the need to peel first. Plus Garject automatically scrapes off any excess garlic and cleans itself as your open the handle. Simply push the ‘peel eject’ button to shoot the peel into the bin, rinse under water and Garject is perfectly clean. This clever design ensures all of the pressed garlic gets into your meal and never on your fingers. Click here to buy the Garject!

Herb scissors

Cut and slice your herbs 5 times more quickly than with a knife! This tool is practical with it’s 5 stainless steel blades speeding up the cutting process to make meal preparation much faster.  Plus this herb scissor comes with a cleaning tool that helps get all herbs between blades and to better clean scissors. Click here to find out more and where to buy!

Pineapple slicer and wedger

Have ready to use pineapple rings in seconds. This ingenious pineapple tool quickly and easily peels, cores, and slices for delicious serving size pieces every time.  The Pineapple Corer, Slicer, and Wedger works like a cork screw, removing the flesh in perfectly formed rings while leaving the core in the shell. Turn once for one slice or slice it all. Plus, the pineapple shell remains intact so you can use it for serving a dessert or fruit salad. Click here to find out more or to buy from Bed Bath & Beyond.

Measuring pasta box top

Measure a perfect portion of pasta every time The spill proof Pasta Top directly fits on any 1 lb box of pasta. Simply swing open the locking tab for a perfectly measured, 2 oz serving of pasta every time, assisting with portion control. Prevents spills during storage and allows the box to store upright or on its side. Dishwasher safe. Plastic. Come with a set of two. Click here to find out more or to buy!

Corn kerneler

Enjoy fresh corn without the mess of eating from the cob. With our Corn Kerneler, you can easily remove corn kernels from the cob in one quick motion. Just place the Kerneler at the narrow end of the cob and push straight down. Stainless steel blades quickly and easily remove the kernels, which then collect neatly in the basin of the Kerneler. Just pour the kernels out and start again—easy! Click here to find out more and where to buy!

Chef’n Kale & Greens Stripper

Count on this handy tool to quickly remove the tough stems from your favorite greens and herbs, leaving the tender leaves ready for smoothies, salads or cooking. Eight holes in graduated sizes fit everything from large kale leaves to slender sprigs of oregano. To separate the leaves, simply pull the stem through the correctly sized hole. Click here to find out more and where to buy!

15 Natural Immunity Boosters & Health Tips

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Stay healthy all year long with these natural tips!

There are many simple and natural ways to boost your immune system. Some are common sense, like getting a good night’s sleep. Others are things you can incorporate in your diet to help keep you healthy and feeling great. All year round! Even though our world is full of infectious microorganisms, most of the time, you’re reasonable healthy, right? Thank your immune system, which defends you from disease-causing microbes. Now, step beyond gratitude with these simple ways to boost your immune system!

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil can help you improve your gut health and boost your immune system.

It acts kind of like a weed killer by helping to eliminate some of bad bacteria that may be dominating your digestive system.

Steven Foster, expert on medicinal plants and herbs, and author of numerous books on the subject credits Oil of Oregano in the treatment of indigestion, diarrhea, nervous tension, insect bites, toothache, earache, rheumatism, coughs and bronchitis in his book entitled Herbal Renaissance (Gibbs Smith Publisher, 1993, originally printed under the titleHerbal Bounty in 1984).

Difference between Oil of Oregano and Oregano Essential Oil:

Note that there is a product called Oil of Oregano (which has already been diluted in a carrier oil) and there is Oregano Essential Oil, which can be used for aromatherapy treatments as well as diluted in a carrier oil for using in the ways Oil of Oregano is used.

Eat Mushrooms to Build Immunity

Whatever variety you choose – enoki, shitake or oyster – Japanese mushrooms are a great immunity booster. They are also loaded with ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant, that does not get destroyed during the cooking process.

Medicinal mushrooms are potent immune boosters. The Shiitake, Reishi, and Maitake mushroom stimulate the immune system, build up resistance to viruses, and block tumor formation. The ABM mushroom (Agaricus Blazel Murill) is one of the strongest cancer-fighting and immune-boosting mushroom available.

See better with Black Currants!

A wonderful supplement for promoting healthy vision, black currants contain compound anthocyanosides, which may be helpful for promoting night vision. They are also rich in vitamin C – they contain 5 times the amount in an orange – making them a powerful immunity booster!

 Black Currant Health Benefits

  • Since they are rich in vitamin C, they are a good antioxidant.
  • It is very rich in proteins, which makes it rich for potassium, even more thwan bananas.
  • The syrups that are made from this fruit are good for the treatment of sore throats.
  • Leaves of black currant are used for diuretic purpose. Black currant tea is often used as a treatment against bleeding gums and diarrhea.
  • Anthocyanin is present in the berries, which helps in the inhibition of certain enzymes such as Cyclo-oxygenas, which helps in the reduction of inflammation of certain organs of the body and the harmful effects of arthritis in the legs.
  • Black currants have an alkalizing property, due to which it is suitable for the treatment of uric acid and stone treatment.
  • Black currant juice is rich in proanthocyanididins and anthocyanins, which are very effective against the treatment of tumor cells in the body.

via: onlyfoods.net

Breath easy with Ginger

Ginger, a tropical plant related to turmeric and cardamom, produces a pungent, sweet-tasting root. Herbal tea aficionados steep freshly grated ginger in hot water to make tea, and various cuisines incorporate fresh or dried ginger into both sweet and savory recipes. Herbalists recommend ginger root as a natural treatment for a wide range of health conditions.

According to Ayurvedic traditions, ginger warms the body and helps to break down the accumulation of toxins in the organs, particularly in the lungs and sinuses. Ayurveda also believes that ginger helps to cleanse the lymphatic system, which is our body’s sewage system. By helping keep your airways and lymphatics open, ginger may help prevent the accumulation of the toxins that may increase your risk of infection.

Chicken Soup… it couldn’t hurt!

Your grandmother knew what she was talking about! Nothing works for boosting your immune system or spirit more than a homemade bowl of chicken soup. There is a reason why this is a go-to for cold and flu season, the chicken provides cysteine and amino acid that breaks up congestion, while the hot soup can strengthen the movement of white blood cells and the broth is ultra hydrating. Any combination of bone in chicken and broth slow cooked with celery, onion, carrot, and herbs is all it takes!

Go to Sleep!

Mother knows best — at least it appears that way when it comes to lack of sleep. It turns out that lack of sleep really may make us more prone to catching colds and the flu. Researchers have learned that circadian rhythms—the 24-hour cycles known as your internal body clock—are involved in everything from sleep to weight gain, mood disorders, and a variety of diseases.

“It is an old wives’ tale that if you don’t sleep well, you will get sick, and there is some experimental data that shows this is true,” says Diwakar Balachandran, MD, director of the Sleep Center at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

via: webmd.com

Boost your antioxidants with Tumeric

Turmeric is a cancer cell destroyer and works on nearly every type of cancer. Its active compound, curcumin, has the ability to simultaneously kill and promote healthy cellular growth.Turmeric is a super-spice that has a high antioxidant value and boosts the immune system. It is a powerful anti-inflamatory and is popular among those with arthritis and joint problems for this reason.

Turmeric is antiseptic and kills yeast and parasites when used internally. It is a member of the ginger family and it is what gives many Indian Foods their yellow color. It is used in curries and in mustard. There is some evidence that it supports brain health and can help avoid Alzheimer’s Disease.

via: wellnessmama.com

Think Zinc!

While a plant-based diet reduces inflammation and creates an alkaline environment, your body needs ZINC for immune support. If you’re deficient, animal products are better sources than plant, think only organic grass-fed beef, chicken, shellfish, or lamb. Zinc builds immunity and is actually very anti-inflammatory. Vegetarians, be sure to intake good amounts of legumes and nuts to maintain your intake.

Zinc is an important mineral required for countless reactions and functions in the body, including proper growth and immune function, DNA synthesis, cell division and cellular metabolism. The highest concentrations of zinc in the body are found in the liver, pancreas, kidney, bone, muscles and eyes.

Garlic will help you crush

Roman soldiers used to gobble down chunks of garlic before battle. They believed the pungent plant infused them with courage and heroic strength. While chomping on raw garlic cloves won’t give you superhuman powers, it may help your immune system defeat bacterial, viral and even fungal infections.

Garlic contains allicin, ajoene and thiosulfinates — three powerful compounds that help the body prevent and fight infections. The compounds are so strong that consuming raw garlic juice is nearly as effective as Neosporin is for disinfecting minor wounds.

When applied to the skin, garlic beats topical creams like Tinactin and other antifungal agents in fighting athlete’s foot. Evidence has been documented suggesting that people who consume large quantities of garlic on the onset of a cold will reduce the amount of time it takes them to heal.

For thousands of years, people all over the world have hailed garlic as an elixir of health. Its cloves are said to help treat the common cold, keep the plague at bay, and even ward off vampires. Despite its notorious odor, this veggie is the bulb of a plant in the sweet-smelling lily family. Ancient writings show that garlic was used as an aphrodisiac in India and as currency in Egypt.

Today, at just 4 calories per clove, it’s a low-cal immunity-boosting superstar. One clove contains 5 mg of calcium, 12 mg of potassium, and more than 100 sulfuric compounds — powerful enough to wipe out bacteria and infection (it was used to prevent gangrene in both world wars). Raw garlic, not cooked or dried, is most beneficial for health, since heat and water inactivate sulfur enzymes, which can diminish garlic’s antibiotic effects. Inclinical trials, the toxin-fighting staple seems to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and kill parasites in the body.

Keep your gut healthy with Probiotics!

Although the word has been plastered on food labels and bandied about in magazines across the nation, most people still don a confused look when the topic of probiotics comes up! So, what is it about this mystery topic that has people so enamored and confused?

What are probiotics? Simply put, probiotics are natural, healthy bacteria that help produce strong levels of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Your body contains ten times more bacteria than cells. Friendly bacteria not only attack pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but they also trigger appropriate white cell reactions to invaders. Surprisingly, one of the main functions of friendly bacteria is to stimulate your immune system. By eating probiotic-rich foods and maintaining good intestinal flora, a person can also maintain a healthy immune system.

Calm a cough with Sage!

Sage extract works as an expectorant, which helps your body move mucus out of your respiratory tract and helps to calm your cough. As a good alternative to an over-the-counter expectorant, try a drop of sage extract in tea or hot water.

The ancients used aromatic sage to bring the virtues of wisdom, strength and clear thinking. Modern day researchers in Great Britain found that sage inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine, and so helps to preserve the compound used to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s.

An EGGcellent way to treat your hair!

Containing iron, biotin and vitamin B12, eggs can help strengthen hair. The iron also helps combat anemia, a reduction of red blood cells that may also cause hair loss in women. Eggs are an effective natural treatment for various hair and skin problems. Learn how to use eggs in your daily beauty routine. Here are a few common beauty benefits of eggs:

Oily Hair: Before washing your hair, make it a point to apply egg white thoroughly onto your hair. Leave it on for 20 minutes, and then shampoo your hair as usual. Finish off with a lemon rinse. To make the lemon rinse, take a juice of one lemon and mix it with a little amount of water. Put this lemon rinse on your hair and then simply wash off with lukewarm water.

Dry Hair: To treat dry hair, take half a cup of Fullers’ Earth and mix it with two tablespoons of oil and with the yolk of an egg. Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth paste. Apply this mix all over your scalp. Leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes and then shampoo as usual.

Add body to your hair and get natural shine: Beat one whole egg with the juice of one lemon thoroughly. Apply on your hair all over and leave it on for at least half an hour. Then shampoo as usual and you will be amazed to see instant results. The protein in the egg coats each hair streak adding body and thickness to your hair. Most of all your hair will become soft and will get an instant natural shine.

via: beauty.knoji.com

Can graviola fight cancer?

As a natural immunity booster, graviola has been traditionally used to kill parasites, ameliorate liver problems, reduce fevers, and help treat colds and the flu. Scientists have studied graviola since the 1940s and most research has been centered around annonaceous acetogenins, a group of natural compounds that appear to have some anti-tumor properties – meaning they may help fight various types of cancer cells and thus help boost immune function.

While the remarkable possible cancer-killing properties of Graviola have been disputed, there is much evidence that the popular Amazon super-food offers a wide variety of benefits to help protect and boost your health.

Those Graviola health benefits may include:

  • Highly active antioxidant compounds, offering protection against aging
  • Help in stimulating blood circulation within your system
  • Assistance in draining the lympathic system
  • Support for your entire immune system

The FDA has approved Graviola as an immune booster, but has not done the same in terms of its anti-cancer effects.

Read more: althealthworks.com

Can Pumpkin Seeds reduce the risk of heart attacks?

Pumpkin seeds, which are rich in magnesium, may help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart attacks or stroke. If you’re in the mood for a chewy snack that doubles as a phenomenal health food, look no further than pumpkin seeds.

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function. And because pumpkin seeds are highly portable and require no refrigeration, they make an excellent snack to keep with you whenever you’re on the run, or they can be used as a quick anytime snack at home, too.

Advocate Avocados for Your Adrenals

Adding avocados to your diet is an simple way to support adrenal function and health and keep your immune system happy. Avocados contain essential amino acids, antioxidants and some healthy fats to help balance hormone production. Avocado is a nutritious fruit with a creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Avocados can be sliced and added to your salad or sandwich, used to make guacamole, spread on a bagel or scrambled with eggs. Though avocados are high in fat, the type of fat in avocados is beneficial to your health when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy balanced diet. Incorporating avocado into your diet can strengthen your immune system, lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and help manage your weight.

13 Laundry Hacks for Summer Stains

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Get rid of all those summer stains like sunscreen, BBQ sauce, sweat & more!

Summer Stains

The summer is perfect for spending time outdoors, barbecuing with the family, and working out. However there are so many messy stains that come with the summer. From sunscreen to bug spray, wine to ice-cream, grass to blood, the summer stains are pretty much endless, but we have created this handy list of laundry hacks to help you get out all those nasty-stubborn summer stains.

1. BBQ Sauce

Removing A Barbecue Stain From Fabric– Tip via: Stain-Removal 101

  1. Scrape off any excess barbecue sauce from the fabric.
  2. Run the fabric under cold running water (not warmer water), letting the water run over the back of the stain so it does not spread it further.
  3. Pretreat the spot with liquid laundry detergent, barely rubbing it in, but more like just coating the stain, and then let it sit for several minutes.
  4. Rinse well.
  5. Use a white cloth to sponge white vinegar onto the BBQ stain, and then rinse thoroughly.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 until you have removed as much of the spot as possible.

Image via: St Croix Cleaners

2. Sweat stains

How to remove sweat stains from shirt- Tip via: Pop Sugar

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

Directions:

  1. Most think sweat stains are caused by sweat, but they are actually the result of a reaction between aluminum-based antiperspirants and your body. To attack the discoloration, soak the shirt in a bowl filled with the vinegar and two cups warm water. Soak for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Mix together the baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide until it forms a paste. Remove the shirt from the vinegar water and gently squeeze until the shirt is just damp. Lay flat on a towel-covered work surface and coat the stains with the mixture. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitening agent, and baking soda and salt work together to lift the stain. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Toss the shirt in the laundry with a load of whites and wash. Voilà! Now you can take off your jacket and raise your arms proudly without worrying about flashing nasty stains.

Image via: Cleanipedia

3. Salt Water

Don’t let the ocean water stain your car seats or furnature. Salt water removal tip via: E-How

Instructions–

  1. Vacuum the stained area well to remove any salt residue.
  2. Re-saturate the stained area with warm water. Use a towel to soak up the water. Repeat until the area is mostly dry.
  3. Inspect the stained area for traces of the saltwater stain. If you can still see the white salt residue, repeat Step 1.
  4. Pour equal parts vinegar and warm water into the spray bottle. Spray the stain generously and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Use a clean towel to blot up the vinegar-and-water solution

 

Image via: Buzzfeed

4. Suntan Lotion

How to remove sunscreen stains– Tip via: Kid Spot

The oils, colours and active ingredients in sunscreen cause stains in clothing – many of which don’t appear until after a garment is washed. Ideally, you should apply sunscreen and let it dry completely before getting dressed. If you do get it on clothing, here’s what to do.

  1. First of all, remove any excess with a spatula, blunt knife or a spoon.
  2. If any liquid remains, blot it with a dry cloth.
  3. Sprinkle the stain with bi-carb soda or cornflour to absorb any excess oils and leave for 30 minutes.
  4. Brush off any excess powder, then rub the stain with a colour-free dishwashing liquid. Leave this to absorb for five minutes.
  5. Soak in a mix of dishwashing liquid and water that’s as hot as the fabric allows for 30 minutes.
  6. Rinse the stain well with hot water.
  7. Launder as usual.
  8. For old or stubborn stains, combine bi-carb soda and water, leave to dry, then brush off and launder as usual.

Image via: Img Soup

5. Iced Tea

Tea Stain Removal From Clothing And Other Washable Fabric- Tip via: Stain-Removal 101

  1. Presoak the clothing in a solution of liquid laundry detergentand cool water (approximately 2 tablespoons of detergent to one gallon of water) for at least thirty minutes (if the tea stain is very old it may need to sit overnight).
  2. Pretreat the stain with a laundry prewash stain remover.
  3. Launder in the hottest water the fabric will allow to get out the tea stain, and eitherchlorine bleach if the fabric will allow it, or color safe bleach if not.
  4. Hint: Make sure the stain is gone after washing, but before you place it in the dryer or you may set the stain. Repeat if necessary.

Image via: My Fox Chicago

6. Foundation

How to remove foundation from clothing– Tip Via: Pop Sugar

Clean it up:

  1. Add shaving cream to the stain.
  2. Let sit for 20–30 minutes.
  3. Wash as usual.

Image via: Style Caster

7. Grass stains

Follow these 3 easy steps to remove grass stains– Tip via: Real Simple

  1. Pre-treat the grass stain- Apply a pre-wash stain removal treatment to the stain and let sit for about 15 minutes. For a more natural approach, use a solution made of one part white vinegar to two parts water.
  2. Lightly scrub your stain- Use a toothbrush (or a rag or nailbrush) to work liquid into the area.
  3. Launder with like fabrics- Finish with a wash using an enzyme detergent (most standard laundry soaps are enzyme-based), which will break down proteins and lift the stain from your garment.

Image via: Treasured Garment Restoration

8. Fruit Juice and Kool-Aid

How to remove fruit juice from fabric– Tip via: Good Housekeeping

  1. Pretreat with a heavy-duty laundry detergent.
  2. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
  3. If the stain is still present, soak in a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach (use chlorine bleach, if safe for the fabric) and one gallon of cool water.
  4. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Launder

Image via: How to Clean Stuff

9. Rosé and Red Wine

How to remove red wine from your clothes– Tip via: Real Simple

  1. Blot the stain- Drape the stained fabric over an empty bowl, centering the stain within the rim. Using a clean, dry cloth, dab at the stain to absorb excess liquid. Don’t rub, which can set the stain.
  2. Pour cool water on stain- Be sure you cover the entire stain with water.
  3. Cover with salt- Saturate the stain with a generous amount of salt and let sit until the salt begins to absorb the stain (it will start to turn pink). The sooner salt is applied, the easier it will be to lift the stain.
  4. Boil water and pour- Slowly—and carefully—pour boiling water onto the stain from a height of about six to eight inches. Let sit until the stain lifts.
  5. Soak in vinegar mix and wash- If the stain doesn’t come out after following the steps above, soak the cloth in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Once the stain lightens, launder the item as usual.  Avoid putting the cloth in the dryer until the stain is completely removed. The heat will cause the stain to set.

Image via: Everyday Life

10. Ice Cream

Here’s how to remove ice cream stains- Tip via: Housekeeping 

  1. Treat ice cream stains as soon as possible for the best results. Put the stained fabric into cold water for 5-10 minutes or longer if the stain is dried. Avoid hot water which will set a protein stain.
  2. If you can still see any remains of the stain, rub detergent into the stained area and soak in room temperature water for 1/2 an hour. Rub the stain gently every 3-5 minutes.
  3. After rinsing the clothing, add a stain remover stick, gel, or spray to the stained area. Allow it to sit for 7-10 minutes.
  4. Repeat the soaking and stain remover steps until no ice cream is left in the clothing. You want to be sure, because once the fabric is dried it will be nearly impossible to remove the stain. Wash the clothing according to the fabric directions.
  5. For Dried Stains: Remove as much of the stain as possible using a spoon or dull knife. There is no need to have any extra ice cream to remove above what is soaked into the fabric.
  6. Rub liquid laundry detergent into the stained area, and allow the stain to soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
  7. In order to allow the liquid detergent to fully penetrate the stain, gently rub the stained area between your fingers every 3-5 minutes.
  8. Now that you’ve gone above and beyond for a dried stain, repeat the steps listed above for fresh stains.

Image via: Mega Sennik

11. Dirt and mud

How to remove dirt and mud stains– Tip via: How to Clean Stuff

What You Will Need-

  • Plastic knife or plastic spoon
  • Small nail brush or toothbrush
  • Liquid dish soap (such as Dawn or Ajax), or laundry pre-treatment product (such as Shout or OxiClean)
  • Washer
  • Laundry detergent
  • Bleach (optional, depending on whether the soiled clothes can tolerate bleach)

Steps-

  1. If the stain is wet mud (as opposed to dried dirt), allow the mud to dry completely. DO NOT attempt to wipe away mud that is wet or damp as this will spread the stain and possibly grind it into the fabric fibers.
  2. When the mud is dry, gently scrape off the excess with the plastic knife or spoon, being careful not to grind the dirt into the fabric.
  3. Gently brush at the dirt/dried mud with small brush or toothbrush.
  4. Put a few drops of liquid dish soap onto the stain, and rub it into the stain with your thumb and forefinger.
  5. Add a drop or two of water to the detergent/stain spot and briskly rub with brush or toothbrush on BOTH sides of the fabric, using circular motions.
  6. You may need to repeat these steps several times before the stain is completely gone.
  7. In the alternative, treat the stain with laundry pre-treatment product of your choice, as per the directions on the package.
  8. Wash the garment following all care guidelines on the tag.
  9. When cycle is completely finished, check the clothes carefully for any sign of the stain. If the stain remains, repeat steps 4-8. NEVER dry clothes in a dryer if a stain remains as this will set the stain, which will then be nearly impossible to remove.

Image via: The Gemini Geek

12. Blood

How to remove blood stains from clothes– Tip via: Real Simple

  1. Wet the stain with cold water- If the stain is fresh and still wet, soak fabric in cold water immediately.
  2. Rub with soap- Rub the stain well with a bar of soap, lathering gently. For light-colored fabrics, dab with a hydrogen peroxide, which acts as bleach.
  3. Re-soak the stain with a pre-treatment stain remover- If the stain has already dried, spray with stain-removal solution. Let it soak in.
  4. Dab on diluted ammonia- Apply a small amount of diluted ammonia to the area with a cotton swab.
  5. Launder fabric- Machine-wash the fabric using an enzyme detergent (most standard laundry soaps are enzyme-based), which breaks down protein stains. Make sure the blood has lifted before putting fabric in the dryer, as the heat will set the stain.

Image via: Wiki How

13. Grease

How To Remove Grease Stains– Tip via: The Kitchn

What You Need–

  • Petroleum-based liquid dish detergent
  • Washing machine

Instructions-

  1. Cut the grease: Apply the dish detergent directly to the grease stain.
  2. Rub in: Rub the detergent in to saturate affected area, and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Wash: Wash the garment as instructed on garment label.
  4. Enjoy new, revived duds: Rejoice in victory over grease stains and enjoy wearing your clothes stain-free once again.

Image via: Mom Venture

10 Boozy Icy Drinks to Beat the Heat

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These drinks will keep everyone cool and feeling great!

Mellow Melon Margarita

This Mellow Melon Margarita recipe is from The Food Network

Ingredients

  • 1 -1/2 oz. Patron Silver tequila
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 oz. orange juice
  • 1 Tbs. agave nectar
  • 5 watermelon cubes
  • 1 small watermelon wedge

Directions
Muddle the watermelon cubes in the bottom of a shaker glass. Add ice, Patron, lime juice, orange juice and agave syrup. Give it a good shake for approximately 10 seconds. Strain and pour into large rocks glass. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

Frozen Irish Banana

This recipe for the Frozen Irish Banan is from Just a Pinch.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz baileys irish cream
  • 1 1/2 oz bacardi light rum
  • 2 oz coco lopez
  • 1/2 c half-and-half
  • 1 banana (diced and frozen if possible)
  • 1/2 c ice
  • nutmeg for garnish
  • 1 strawberry halved for garnish
  • shaved coconut to rim glass

Directions

  1. In advance, rim the end of a chilled goblet with shaved coconut
  2. Blend all the ingredients, except the garnishes, until the mixture is smooth
  3. Pour into a goblet.
  4. Sprinkle the top with nutmeg, and garnish with half a strawberry

Boozy Strawberry Lemonade Slushies

This recipe is from Kitchen Treaty!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water + 2 cups water
  • 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulls removed
  • 3/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (from 6-8 large lemons)
  • 3/4 cup vodka
  • 1/3 cup Cointreau liqueur
  • Additional strawberries and lemon slices for garnish, if desired

Directions

  1. Add sugar and 1 cup water to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and add remaining 2 cups water. Add to the pitcher of a blender along with strawberries, lemon juice, vodka, and Cointreau. Puree until completely smooth.
  2. Pour into a large freezer-safe container and seal with lid or plastic wrap. Carefully transfer to freezer. Freeze until solid, 4-6 hours.
  3. Remove from freezer. Scrape with a fork to loosen ice; stir with a spoon to mix ice and the rest of the ingredients back together if necessary. Spoon into glasses, decorate the glass with a strawberry and a lemon slice if desired, and serve with a straw and a spoon.

Drunken Barney

This recipe is from Tipsy Bartender!

1. Green Layer:

  • 2 oz (60 ml)Coconut Rum
  • 3 oz (90 ml)Orange Juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curacao
  • Ice
  • Blend

2. Purple Layer:

  • 2 oz (60 ml) Vodka
  • 1 oz (30 ml) Peach Schnapps
  • 3 oz (90 ml) Cranberry Juice
  • Ice
  • Blend

3. Splash Blue Curacao, garnish with mint leaves

Peach and Rosé Slushie

This recipe is via The Soho

Ingredients

  • 2 ripened peaches
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup of rosé, chilled
  • 1 1/2 cups ice

Directions

  1. To make peach purée, slice 2 ripe peaches and combine in a blender with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Blend until smooth and then strain with a sieve, discarding the solid pieces. Rinse blender and combine 1/2 cup of the strained peach purée (you’ll probably have extra) with 1 cup of cold rosé and 1 1/2 cups of ice. Blend for a few seconds until combined. Mixture should still have a slushy consistency. Serves 2

Frozen Texas Twister

This recipe was found on HGTV

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 to 3 oz. high-quality tequila
  • 1-1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
  • 1-1/2 to 2 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 pint frozen limeade
  • Splash of Corona (or your favorite Mexican beer)
  • Splash of your favorite red wine such as Zinfandel
  • 2 cups crushed ice

Directions

  1. Blend all ingredients with ice in blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge. Yield: Two drinks

Frozen Hurricane

This recipe was found on HGTV

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. white rum
  • 1 oz. Jamaican dark rum
  • 1 oz. Bacardi 151
  • 3 oz. orange juice
  • 3 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
  • 1/2oz. grenadine
  • 2-1/2 cups ice

Directions

Put all the ingredients into blender. Add ice and blend until slushy. Pour into a tall high-ball or large margarita glass. Enjoy!

Kahlua Mudslide Milkshake

This recipe was found on Fab Fatale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate powder
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1.5 ounces coffee liquor (I used Kahlua)
  • 1.5 ounces Irish cream (I used Baileys)
  • 1.5 ounces vodka

Directions

  1. Dip the rim of each glass into chocolate sauce, and then chocolate shavings or chocolate powder. You can use hot chocolate, or blend semi-sweet chocolate chips or Baker’s chocolate. Next, lean your glass sideways, and pour chocolate sauce from the bottom inside of the glass, to the top inside, while rotating the glass so that you are creating an upward spiral of sauce.
  2. Next, blend all remaining ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Peach Pineapple Slushies

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups diced peaches (freeze before blending)
  • 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple (freeze before blending)
  • 2 shots Malibu Rum
  • 2 shots pineapple vodka (regular vodka or your favorite flavored vodka may be substituted)
  • 2 shots peach schnapps
  • grenadine for drizzling, optional
  • maraschino cherries for garnishing, optional

For directions head to Averie Cooks!

Pomegranate Margarita Slushies

This recipe was found on Atypical Type A

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 2 cups pomegranate juice (I used POM Wonderful from the supermarket)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup tequila
  • Lime slices and pomegranate seeds to serve

Directions

  1. Place the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to the boil for 1 minute. Remove from the heat. Add the pomegranate juice, lime juice and tequila and stir to combine. Pour into a shallow 1.5L baking dish. Freeze for 3 hours. Break up any ice crystals with a fork. Freeze for a further 3 hours or overnight, until frozen. Scrape mixture into a blender and blend quickly until slushy. Pour into glasses and top with lime slices and pomegranate seeds to serve. Makes 6

15 Delicious & Filling Meals under 500 Calories

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Plus many of these meals are ready in 30 minutes or less!

1. Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir Fry

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste

Nutritious info: Servings: 4 • Size: 1 1/4 cups •  Calories: 268 • Fat: 7 g • Carb: 10 g • Fiber: 3 g • Protein: 41 g • Sugar: 0  g Sodium: 437 mg

Ingredients-

  • 1 1/2 pounds skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium shoyu or soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tbsp canola or grapeseed oil, divided
  • 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • fresh black pepper, to taste

2. Skinny Chicken Pesto Bake

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste

Nutritious info: Servings: 4 • Size: 1 piece • Calories: 236 • Fat: 11.5 g • Carbs: 2.5 g • Fiber: 0.5 g • Protein: 28.5 g • Sugar: 0 g Sodium: 491 mg

Ingredients:

  • 2 (16 oz total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 4 tsp Skinny Basil Pesto
  • 1 medium tomatoes, sliced thin
  • 6 tbsp (1.5 oz) shredded reduced fat mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tsp grated parmesan cheese

3. Crock Pot Cauliflower Chicken Chili

This recipe was found on Cook Eat Paleo

Nutritious info: 432 calories • 46.6 g protein • 18.3 g fat (4.5 g saturated) • 22.6 g carbohydrates (7.5 g fiber, 9.5 g sugar) • 575 mg sodium
Chili–

  • ½ head of cauliflower, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 poblano pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 28-ounce can organic tomato puree
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • ¼ – ½ teaspoon chipotle chile flakes, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in large chunks

Toppings–

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 lime
  • fresh cilantro

4. Lentil Pasta With Arugula Pesto

This recipe was found on A Nutritionist Eats

Nutrition info- Calories: 397 • Fat: 20 grams • Carbohydrates: 38 grams • Sugar: 1 gram • Fiber: 3 grams • Protein: 19 grams

Ingredients–

  • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 2 cups arugula
  • juice and zest from 1 lemon
  • ½ cup pine nuts
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan
  • salt & pepper
  • 12 oz Uddo’s lentil pasta
  • shredded parmesan and red pepper flakes for serving

5. Sweet Potato Burger With Creamy Avocado

This recipe was found on Pop Sugar

Nutrition info: 367 calories • 12.6 g protein • 13.9 g fat (2.1 g saturated) • 54.4 g carbohydrates (11.5 g fiber, 7 g sugar) • 574 mg sodium

Ingredients–

  • For the burgers:
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup dry millet
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 whole wheat hamburger buns

For the cream sauce-

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 3 ounces nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Roma tomato, diced

6. Sweet Potato Pizza

This recipe was found on PopSugar

Nutrition info– Serving- Half a pizza • Calories 351 •  Fat 16 g •  Protien 13.9 g •  Sodium 1122 Mg •  Carbs 40.04 g

Ingredients–

  • 2-3 medium sweet potatoes (enough to yield 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes)
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • Toppings of your choice (grape tomatoes and basil, pictured)

7. Protein-Rich Mexican Chicken

This recipe was found on PopSugar

Nutrition info– Calories 381 • Fat 16.3 g • Sodium 409 mg • Carbs 5.8 g • Protien 50.2 g

Ingredients-

  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 red onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups chopped cilantro leaves and some stems, plus finely chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest, plus grated lemon zest, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 3 pounds skinless bone-in chicken thighs, about 12 thighs
  • 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, minced
  • Finely chopped green onion, for garnish
  • Salsa, optional

8. Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste

Nutrition info- Servings: 4 • Serving Size: 1/4th of nuggets • Calories: 164.9 • Fat: 4.6 g • Protein: 22.1 g • Carb: 7.7 g • Fiber: 0.9 g • Sugar: 0.1 g

Ingredients- 

  • 16 oz (2 large) skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into even bit sized pieces
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp panko
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • olive oil spray

9. Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste

Nutrition info- Servings: 8 • Size: 1 zucchini boat •  Calories: 116 • Fat: 3.5 g • Protein: 12 g • Carb: 11 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 4.5 g • Sodium: 410 mg
For the enchilada sauce:

  • olive oil spray  (I used my Misto )
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 or 2 tbsp chipotle chile in adobo sauce, more if you like it spicy
  • 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2/3 cup fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
  • kosher salt and fresh pepper to taste

For the zucchini boats:

  • 4 (about 32 oz total) medium zucchini
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 8 oz cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 3 tbsp water or fat free chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 3/4 cup reduced fat shredded sharp cheddar
  • chopped scallions and cilantro for garnish

10. Pan-Seared Smoky Steak and Eggs

This recipe was found on Colorful Eats

Nutrition info- 404 calories • 26.7 g fat (12.7 g saturated) • 38.2 g protein • 1.4 g carbohydrates • 1,265 mg sodium

Ingredients–

  • 2 filet mignon steaks
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp smoked sea salt flakes, + additional for garnish
  • 1/4 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs, poached

11. Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste.

Nutrition info: Serving Size: 2 cupcakes • Calories: 240.7 • Fat: 8.5 g • Protein: 18.1 g • Carb: 24.5 g • Fiber: 2.5 g • Sugar: 4.2 g • Sodium: 560.1 mg
For the Meatloaf Cupcakes:

  • 1.3 lb 93% lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup grated zucchini, all moisture squeezed dry with paper towel
  • 2 tbsp onion, minced
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Skinny Mashed Potato “Frosting”:

  • 1 lb (about 2 medium) Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved
  • 2 tbsp fat free sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fat free chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp skim milk
  • 1/2 tbsp light butter
  • kosher salt to taste
  • dash of fresh ground pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme

12. Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste.

Nutrition info: Servings: 4 • Serving Size: divide between 4 • Calories: 169 • Fat: 5.5 g • Protein: 22.8 g • Carb: 4.9 g • Fiber: 1.2 g • Sugar: 1.7 g

Ingredients-

  • 8 chicken tenderloins, 16 oz total
  • 2 tsp butter
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1/3 cup fat free chicken broth
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

13. Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste.

Nutrition info: Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 cup • Calories: 314.9 • Fat: 9.8 g • Protein: 17.7 g • Carb: 44.3 g • Fiber: 6.3 g • Sugar: 4 g • Sodium: 215.7

Ingredients-

  • 12 oz high fiber elbows like Ronzoni Smart Taste
  • 1 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 1 cup fat free chicken broth (vegetarians use vegetable broth)
  • 8 oz (2 cups) reduced-fat sharp cheddar (Cabot 50%)
  • salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • 12 oz fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan
  • 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • cooking spray

14. Garlic Lemon Shrimp and Cauliflower Grits

This recipe was found on PopSugar.

Nutrition info- Calories- 269 Fat 12.0 g Carbs 8.09 g Sodium 770 mg Protien 29.8 g Sugars 3.7 g

Ingredients–

  • 1 small head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 tablespoon ghee
  • 1/2 large onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoon ghee
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley, to garnish

15. Baked Chicken Parmesan

This recipe was found on Skinny Taste.

Nutrition info: Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 piece • Calories: 251 • Fat: 9.5 g • Protein: 31.5 g • Carb: 14 g • Fiber: 1.5 g • Sugar: 0 • Cholestr: 14 mg

Ingredients:

  • 4 (about 8 oz each) chicken breast, fat trimmed, sliced in half to make 8
  • 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (I used whole wheat)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted (or olive oil)
  • 3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese (I used Polly-o)
  • 1 cup marinara or Filetto di Pomodoro
  • cooking spray

8 Foods that Never Expire

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These 8 foods will never expire as long as they are stored properly!

1. Rice

“Even if it develops a frighteningly thick layer of dust on the bag or box, the rice inside is just as good as the day you bought it. This is true for white, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice. You healthy eaters out there who prefer brown rice don’t have the same good fortune; its higher oil content makes it turn faster. Just be sure to store in an airtight container to keep out any bugs.” –Huffington Post

2. Honey

“From the dusty depths of King Tut’s tomb, to a fallen Viking’s knapsack, to an Oklahoma supermarket nobody has shopped at since the 1950s, honey, wherever you find it, does not spoil. It might crystallize over time, but just run the jar under some hot water and it’ll magically go back to that sticky golden syrup. If ancient cave paintings are to be believed, humans have been hunting honey for as many as 10,000 years.” –Miami New Times

3. Soy Sauce

Very few people actually knows this but unopened soy sauce does not expire! Next time you look at a bottle notice that the lables often read  “Since 1645”, or someother really old year. That’s because soy sauce has been around for ever. “We guarantee you that somewhere in the remote Japanese countryside, there is the skeleton of an ancient warrior with a sword in one hand and a glass container of soy sauce in the other, and you could dunk your dumpling in there and it’d still be good.” –Miami New Times

4. Pure Vanilla Extract

“Yes, it’s more expensive than its imitation counterpart. But pure vanilla extract keeps forever, so you’ll never have to waste a drop. Inorder to have it last forever and to keep it fresh: Store in cool, dark cupboard and keep tightly closed when not in use.” –Still Tasty

5. Sugar

“White, brown or powdered — sugar never spoils because it doesn’t support bacterial growth. The real challenge is to prevent it from becoming rock-hard.  Keep it fresh: Keep sugar in a cool, dry area. To prevent sugar from hardening after opening, place it in an airtight container or cover the original package in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal tightly.” –Still Tasty

6. Hard Liquor

“No need to hurry and finish that magnum bottle of rum, hard liquor will keep in a cool dark place for longer than necessary. Your liquor cabinet could itself be an inheritable item, passed down from generation to generation. The liquor may lose its aroma slightly, but not enough for it to be noticeable” –Huffington Post

7. Distilled White Vinegar & Apple Cider Vinegar

You can buy the bulk size of white vinegar & apple cider vinegar without having to worry about it going to waste. It never will since it keeps fresh forever. So stock up, that way you always have something to turn to when in need for dressings, marinades or even household cleaning. –Huffington Post

8. Corn Starch

As long as you store cornstarch well, it will keep forever! “To keep cornstarch indefinitely, keep it dry, tightly sealed and in a cool place. And since you probably don’t go through a tub of cornstarch that quickly, it’s good to know that you don’t need to refresh your stash — ever.” –Huffington Post

7 Get Gorgeous Foods for Better Hair, Skin, & Nails

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We all want to eat healthier, look sexier, and feel better over all! Well, eating more of these 7 foods will help you to accomplish all three wants, easily! These beauty enhancing foods will help to strengthen you hair, skin, and nails, while making them look better too! Start looking and feeling better now with these 7 Get-Gorgeous foods!
Eating these 7 foods will give you prettier hair, skin and nails!

1. Salmon

“Salmon contains Omega-3s which contributes to a healthy scalp and keeps the skin lubricated. The protein helps fight against a protein deficiency, which can change your hair color, make your nails brittle, and your skin dull. Whip up some poached salmon with curried yogurt sauce to get your fix.” –Popsugar

2. Avocado

“Rich, creamy, and packed with good-for-you monounsaturated fats, avocados are the ultimate get-gorgeous food. Key for healthy hair, skin, and nails, monounsaturated fatty acids or “good fats” can aid in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while improving HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Avocados also contain antioxidants, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate; and one avocado is packed with more potassium than a medium banana—almost 900 grams! Additionally, studies show that avocados are “nutrient boosters,” meaning they aid the body in absorption of nutrients from other foods.” –Shape

3. Berries

“Berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins that help protect you from premature aging. The antioxidants in berries help minimize the damage of free radicals, which can accelerate wrinkle formation and cause disease. Additionally, berries are packed with vitamin C, which helps produce skin that’s firm and strong. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a nutrient that’s essential to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels.” –Shape

4. Almonds

“Not only are almonds a good source of protein, they’re loaded with magnesium, which helps maintain healthy hair and nails. “Magnesium is Mother Nature’s anti-stress mineral, and stress is a major factor in hair loss,” explains Ashley Koff, RD. “Vertical ridges in your nails may be a sign of inadequatemagnesium,” adds Palinski.” –Health.com

5. Beer

“Beer is one of the richest sources of silicon in the average diet, says research from the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. “Silicon is a trace mineral thought to increase circulation to the scalp, which is good news for hair growth,” says Rebecca Kazin, MD, dermatologist at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. That explains why a daily 10 milligram silicon supplement was shown to reduce hair and nail brittleness after 20 weeks, according to the Archives of Dermatological Research. No need to go overboard, though: Most single servings of beer contain more than 10 milligrams of silicon. Experts recommend that having no more than one drink a day if you’re a woman, and two if you’re a man.” –MSN

6. Dark Leafy Greens

“Dark leafy greens: Kale, collard greens, and chard are just a few sources high in vitamin A and C, which your body needs in order to produce sebum, the oil that’s secreted in your hair follicles. In addition, eating greens at every meal helps your body store more iron, which is essential for healthy hair and giving your skin a healthy glow.” –Popsugar

7. Sweet Potatoes

“Sweet potatoes can help boost immunity and promote glowing, gorgeous skin. Full of beta-carotene, sweet potatoes can help maintain bright, healthy eyes and protect your beautiful skin from UV exposure. Sweet potatoes are bursting with Vitamins A, C, and E, which can help improve the look of your hair and skin. Enjoy these nutritious spuds steamed, baked, sautéed, or roasted into sweet potato fries (my favorite!). Serve with organic ketchup and you’ll be on your way to gorgeous.” –Shape

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