Cream Of The Crop: Essential Farmers’ Market Eats

Farmer’s markets are cropping up all over the country, as people become more and more interested in getting food from local sources. Producers are bringing fresh food at great prices. Here are five foods you should certainly try from the farmer’s market next time you go:

Eggs are one of the best things to get fresh. The difference in consistency and flavor between a store-bought egg and one fresh from the hen is jarring. The yolk is brighter, firmer, and much tastier. If your farmer offers duck eggs, try those too – they fluff up amazingly and are great for baking.

Potatoes might seem like a funny thing to buy from a farmer’s market, but they are amazing. Usually much smaller than store-bought spuds, fresh potatoes are deeply flavorful and complex. Slice them thinly and roast them with onions.

Seasonal tomatoes are some of the best things to buy at the farmer’s market. In the late summer and early fall, when they’re coming fresh off the vine, you can get enormous heirloom tomatoes that are great for sandwiches or just eating with a little salt and pepper.

One of the best things to do with farmer’s market produce is teach yourself about pickling and canning. If you’ve never made pickled beets, they’re a delicious treat – sweet, tangy, salty, and savory all at once.

Local cheeses can be delectable as well. Many dairies produce artisanal cheeses that are robust with flavor. They also often provide samples to try before you buy.

Tech Devices That Will Help You Enjoy Your Commute

If you live in city or commute to work, you probably have had your fair share of traffic headaches. Well, some new technology is out there that is designed to take the edge off of your commute. Check out these cool new devices below:

ExoMount. If you like to use your smartphone to navigate, you know that you need a great smartphone mount so that you don't have to constantly glance down at your cupholder for directions. As you may know, there aren't too many smartphone mounts look stylish, but the ExoMount is well-designed and sleek, and it allows you to maneuver the phone, so you can prop it at different angles. It comes in black, gray, or white. 

SuperTooth HDWhen you use the SuperTooth HD, you get the luxury of having your car equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. This device connects wirelessly to your smartphone, and can stream your music, and phone calls handsfree. All you have to do is clip it onto your sun visor, and that's it! It also adjusts automatically with ambient light, so that it's easy on your eyes while driving.

Griffin iTrip. The iTrip is an awesome FM transmitter that enables you to play songs from your iPhone or iPod on any FM radio. The system is easy to use with intuitive buttons that allow you to skip, pause, and play your music.

Love Your Planet!

Love Your Planet Week!

Love Your Planet!

Earth Day Monday, April 22nd, 2013

Arbor Day Friday, April 26th, 2013

Come to the office to pick up your Arbor Day plant!

Thursday, April 25th, 2013
11:00am- 6:00pm

Do You Suffer From Dry Skin? Below Are Some Great Tips

If you suffer from dry, flaky skin, it can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you're looking for some remedies for your dry skin, try these helpful tips below.

Eat Well
Did you know that hydrating your skin begins with your diet? Antioxidants and essential fatty acids are two essential things your skin needs to stay hydrated. So, to help your skin, fill up with foods such as spinach, broccoli, salmon, beans, and nuts.

Hit the Gym
Exercise promotes circulation and increases blood flow, and that results in healthy, rejuvenated skin. And, believe it or not, all that sweat is a natural moisturizer!

Hydrate
Drink a minimum of six glasses of water daily. If your home's air system contributes to your dry skin, invest in a humidifier to put some moisture back in the air.

Stay Dry
Shower just once a day, or even every other day. Water washes away your skin’s natural oils that keep your skin moisturized.

Prepare
After you shower, dry off well using an absorbent towel. After you're completely dry, use an alcohol-free moisturizer.

What Were Your Favorite Popular Country Songs of 2012?

If you love the heart-breaking lyrics of a good ‘ole country tune, then you’re in luck. Below are 10 great country songs that climbed the 2012 charts. So, if you’re ready to fill your iPod with some twangy melodies, read on:

Zac Brown Band, "Keep Me In Mind"

Jason Aldean, "Tattoos On This Town"

Lady Antebellum, "We Owned The Night"

Rascal Flatts, "Easy"

David Nail, "Let It Rain"

Miranda Lambert, "Baggage Claim"

Eric Church, "Drink In My Hand"

Luke Bryan, "I Don’t Want This Night To End"

Thompson Square, "I Got You"

Chris Young, "You"

Make Your Fast Food Meal Healthier

Though fast food is certainly not the healthiest choice, it’s sometimes the only option. If you’re wondering how to lighten your caloric load when eating on the go, check out the tips below.

Don’t drink your calories
If you’re craving carbonation, order a diet soda. Or, better yet, opt for water! Don't waste your precious calories on your beverage.

Avoid the “meal deal”
Though the meal deals can be tempting (and reasonably priced), they are no friend to your waist line. Decide what you’re in the mood for, and order just that, don’t munch on extra fat and calories just because they’re “included”.

Order a kids’ meal
If you want the full meal experience, order a kids’ size meal. That way you can have your cake – or should we say fries and burger – and eat it too.

Watch the condiments
We often think of salad as our best option, but if you top it with a fatty dressing like blue cheese or creamy ranch, you’re no better off. Opt for low-cal, low-fat dressings or vinaigrettes instead. If you’re ordering a sandwich that is topped with mayo or cheese, request it that it be topped with something else like mustard or extra veggies.

Keep it small
If you’re dying to have fries, don’t get the gargantuan size. Instead, get a small, and savor every single bite!

Best Kids Movies With Animals

Kids love the animal kingdom – there’s just something about the sheer bounty of nature that captivates young minds. Hollywood knows this, so they’ve made a number of movies that feature animals for all ages. Here are five of our favorites.

The Adventures of Milo & Otis
This Japanese production tells a charming, bucolic story of a cat and dog pair that ramble through the countryside, encountering all kinds of flora and fauna. It’s beautifully shot and often quite funny.

Free Willy
Shot in the beautiful San Juan Islands, this classic about a stranded Orca whale who befriends a boy before being released into the open ocean captivates a new generation of viewers every time it’s shown.

Babe
The tale of a farm pig who wants to be a sheepdog is cute and incredibly inspiring at the same time, teaching kids that dreams can come true if you’re willing to work hard at them. The sequel, Babe: Pig In The City is also great.

March Of The Penguins
The only documentary on this list, this incredible chronicle of survival in the frozen tundra is an incredible illustration of the love that a parent can have for a child despite all odds.

Black Beauty
Fans of horses love this incredible saga of a dusky stallion who grows up on a farm, is bought to pull a taxicab in London, and retires has an amazing message about man’s responsibility to his animal companions.

Spring Ahead!

Don't forget to Spring ahead this Sunday, March 10th!

5 Great Healthy Cooking Blogs

Looking for healthy recipes that will still keep your family happy? Look no further than one of these great, healthy cooking blogs. Whether you're looking for revamped comfort food with fewer calories, or awesome vegan meals for individuals who don't eat meat, these blogs have you covered!

Civilized Caveman Cooking Creations

Happy Herbivore

Straight Up Food

Fat Free Vegan

Oh She Glows 

Five Fabulous Theme Parks Around The World

Are you looking for a get-away that packs as much excitement as it does relaxation? If so, a great option is to head off to a theme park for your next vacation adventure. Here are five of the most exciting theme parks around the world, certain to entertain you whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, with a sweetheart, or with your entire family:
 
Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia
This famous and hugely popular park brings together the quaint charm of a European hamlet with the cutting-edge thrill of today’s most amped up rides and roller coasters. The coasters here (particularly the celebrated Griffon coaster) are certain to satisfy any and all cravings for extreme fun. There is also a Busch Gardens park located in Tampa, FL.
 
Everland, Yongin, South Korea
This theme park has several dazzling features, including a zoo, water park, global fair, racetrack, and aquatic center. There are live shows and festivals offered all year long and several options for delicious international fare. Whether you’re a lover of traditional theme park rides or someone who loves to try rides that offer unusual variations, you’ll find plenty at Everland to keep you busy and happy.
 
Discovery Cove, Orlando, Florida
This unique theme park is centered around aquatic life, immersing visitors in a world of lagoons, rivers, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. People of all ages love the interaction with animals that can take place at Discovery Cove, whether than means swimming with dolphins or coasting past stunning oceanic creatures while snorkeling. An especially nice feature of Discovery Cove is that it has been designed to only admit a small number of people at a time, so that there are never any lines for the various attractions.
 
PortAventura, Salou, Spain
This thrilling place is one of the most visited theme parks in Europe, particularly during the summer months when the popular FiestAvenutura is happening, an elaborate water show with floats and fireworks. PortAventura offers a variety of water park attractions, wild rides, and uniquely themed roller coasters – the Dragon Khan is one of Europe’s don’t-miss roller coaster, the first coaster in history to offer eight inversions and a former world-record-holder for having possessed the tallest vertical drop in roller coaster history. PortAventura also emphasizes the importance of celebrating the diversity of different cultures, containing several sections built around cultural themes from different parts of the world.
 
Pleasure Beach Blackpool, Blackpool, England
This hugely popular UK theme park parks massive fun for people at all stages of life. Thrill-seekers flock for the “Big One,” the tallest roller coaster in the UK, and the “Infusion,” a suspended looping coaster that is the first coaster to have ever been constructed entirely over water. If you love water rides, you’ll relish “Valhalla,” a massive multi-level Viking themed water ride. If you’re traveling with small kids, make sure to spend time in Nickeolodeon Land, which offers numerous attractions geared especially toward the park’s youngest visitors.