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Best Foods to Nourish a Healthy Lifestyle

May 18, 2012 By
You’ve likely heard the maxim “you are what you eat.” Research shows that this notion applies not just to the internal health of your body but also to your outward appearance. Here are five foods proven to nourish your healthy lifestyle, inside and out:
 
Blueberries
Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants, which help combat aging and sickness by keeping your body’s level inflammation in check. Studies have also shown that antioxidants boost the production of collagen, which is a natural protein in your skin that gives your dermis resiliency, texture, and a youthful appearance. Other varieties of dark fruit offer the same benefits as blueberries  - for example, cherries, blackberries, and pomegranates.
 
Almond Milk
This is an especially great option if you need to avoid dairy products because of lactose intolerance or other reasons. Almond milk has high amounts of magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin E, and calcium. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fats acids to keep the mind at its peak and give your skin a healthy glow. In addition, the high-quality protein in almond milk can give your hair a lush and radiant shine.
 
Salmon
Salmon is bursting with omega-2 fatty acids, which enhance blood flow and contribute to healthy skin. This delicious lunch and dinner option also possesses an anti-aging carotenoid that protects cell membranes, as well as containing nutrients that improve facial muscle tone and help keep wrinkles at bay.
 
Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables like kelp, arame, wakame, dulse, and spirulina are packed with minerals and phytochemicals that aid in detoxifying the body and rebuilding damaged cells. Their health-giving properties counteract the unhealthy foods, polluted environmental factors, and high levels of stress that cause our cells to age prematurely in the contemporary world. 
 
Mustard Greens
Dense green foods like mustard greens have many benefits for your general health and appearance. They help keep the liver cleansed of heavy metals and toxins, which aids the body in functioning more efficiently, and they also yield beauty benefits like brighter eyes and tighter skin. Other green foods will similar anti-aging qualities are turnips, dandelion greens, spinach, and broccoli. 
 
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Foot Care Tips For Runners

May 11, 2012 By
Whether you’re a serious runner, occasional jogger, or complete beginner, you need to take good care of you feet so that they hold up when you hit the track, road, or trail. Here are some tips to help you keep your feet as healthy and pain-free as possible so that you can enjoy every stride along the way:
 
Wear the Proper Shoes
If you’re going to run on any sort of regular basis, it’s important to invest in a good pair of running shoes. Don’t throw on a pair of casual non-running-specific sneakers and hope for the best. Do some online research to learn about running shoes that might be particularly well-suited to your needs. Then go to a store that specializes in athletic and running gear and work with a salesperson that will be able to help you find the right shoe for you. Don’t be afraid to try on several pairs, run around the store a bit while wearing them, and take your time deciding. A salesperson knowledgeable about running shoes will be able to identify your gait (whether your roll your feet inward or outward) and guide you toward the best running shoes for your particular feet.
 
Protect Against Blisters 
Painful blisters and feet sore from strain will put a major damper in your running plans. There are a variety socks on the market that are designed especially for the purpose of wicking away moisture and keeping blisters at bay, so invest in at least a few pairs of those. You can also rub some anti-chaffing balm on blister-prone areas, with “Bodyglide” being a particularly popular and effective productive for that purpose. If you do start to develop a blister, make sure you have some padded blister-specific bandages at hand to put on the sore spots when you’re running and also when you’re walking around in normal shoes. In addition, make sure that you air your bare feet out as much possible when you’re not running or walking around because exposing the blister-prone areas to fresh air will help them dry out and heal faster. 
 
Know When To Stop
One of the biggest causes of chronic foot problems in runners is that people don’t always listen sufficiently to their bodies. If you have a mildly painful issue with your foot (such as a mild case of sesamoiditis, a common runners’ condition), it’s not always a good idea to push through it. Foot issues will often get worse and go from small to significant if you don’t give your feet a rest. So it’s important to make sure you temper your running schedule to allow for foot issues to heal before they go from minor to worse to potentially chronic. While you’re taking a break from running, you can find other lower-impact, more foot-friendly ways of getting a workout that will benefit your cardiovascular system (such as the elliptical machine, spin bike, recumbent bike, or regular road bike). 
 
Consider Shoe Inserts
If you want an extremely comfortable and form-fitting shoe that will specifically accommodate your unique feet, consider investing in orthotic inserts. You can get orthotics over the counter or have them prescribed and specially made for you by a podiatrist. Orthotics are often used to treat many forms of running-related injury, including heel pain, shin splints, and chronic blisters. They work by balancing and reducing the amount of stress that your feet experience upon impact. They are also effective at correcting imbalances in your gait, such as a tendency toward overpronation or underpronation – essentially, they help your foot achieve proper alignment, which can be a major preventative measure when it comes to a variety of running-related foot issues. 
 
Avoid Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s Foot is one of the most common foot issues that occur for a runner. It is a fungal condition of the feet and toes that can flare up as a result of running in sweaty socks and shoes. Luckily, though Athlete’s Foot can be pretty uncomfortable, it’s also one of the least chronic and most easily treatable foot issues that a runner can face. Since the fungus thrives and grows in wet conditions, some preventative measures you can take include washing and drying your feet soon after a run and alternating running shoes and socks so the accumulated sweat has time to dry out.  If you do develop a case of athlete’s foot, there are several over-the-counter antifungal creams that can help and your doctor can also prescribe oral antifungal medications if the condition doesn’t clear up within a few weeks. 
 
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Great Travel Writing

May 8, 2012 By

An incredible piece of travel writing is not just about destinations and locations, it’s also about the traveller's experience. A meditation on travel reveals more than a locale’s beauty and culture, instead illuminating how the journey changes people in powerful ways.

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
With his trademark wit, Bill Bryson scales the Appalachian Trail between Georgia and Maine. Along with sharing general history and ecology of the area, Bryson waxes poetic on his personal journey of mountains, hikers, and bears.

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux
Now a well-known travel writer, Theroux cut his teeth early on with this 1975 account of traveling through Asia by train. He meets many memorable characters and encounters uncommon destinations along the way.

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
Attempting to establish new norms of travel writing, Chatwin weaves a strange tale documenting the interesting characters he meets while living in a barren, disjointed region of South America. A healthy dose of the region's unique history only adds to the weirdness.

A Week at the Airport by Alain de Botton
This short book takes the adage "the journey is the destination" to an extreme. Written over a week de Botton spent at London's Heathrow Airport, A Week at the Airport considers how the airport concentrates beginnings and endings in a starkly visible way.

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Best TV Shows About Food

May 4, 2012 By

We love to eat, but of course we can't do it all the time! Thankfully, a number of awesome TV shows exist about food that you can enjoy even with a full stomach. From cooking shows to eating documentaries, here are five must-see TV shows about food.

Chopped
One of our favorite cooking competitions, this show pits a quartet of chefs against each other, tasking them to make meals from mystery ingredients that range from the delicious to the ridiculous. This is a real pressure cooker of a show, and it’s amazing to see what  they come up with.

Kitchen Nightmares
Gordon Ramsay is the most foul-mouthed chef in the business, and his insanely addictive show has him visiting struggling restaurants and working to turn them around before they go out of business. An incredibly addictive look at what happens behind the scenes in kitchens.

Good Eats
Alton Brown’s enthusiasm for food translates perfectly to the screen in his long-running show that explores the ins and outs of food from myriad perspectives – chef, diner, even scientist. You’re guaranteed to learn something every week.

Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Notorious food writer Zimmern stakes out territory on the very edge of edibility, traveling the globe to consume things that make our stomachs turn. If you’re an adventurous eater, this is the show for you.

Top Chef
The granddaddy of cooking competitions, Bravo’s long-running show gets the best and the brightest of the food world together and lets them shine with some truly incredible food.

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Beach Fashion Trends for 2012

April 27, 2012 By

Every year, with the approach of summer weather, new trends hit the runway to inspire your beach fashion. If you’re looking for a way to look fresh and stylish on the beach this summer, try out these new trends that will be hitting the shoreline this summer!

Bold Animal Prints
If you’re looking for a way to add some pizzazz to your beach wear, opt for a bold animal print. Whether you opt for a golden leopard print or a striking zebra stripe, you’ll be sure to turn some heads!

Printed Sheer Beach Cover-ups
Whether you wear it like a sarong around your waist, or secure it around your neck like a toga, sheer cover-ups are a must have item when you’re lounging on the beach or going for a walk along the water’s edge.

One-Piece Beachwear & Matching Bags
Ladies, rejoice! The bikini is not your only stylish bathing suit option this year. If you’re looking for a bit more coverage, go with a simple one-piece bathing suit with a matching beach bag for an extra style punch!  

High-Waisted Bikini
This look has a vintage 1950s feel.  You still have the same sexy top, but the waist of the bottom piece sits just below the belly button. Pair this bikini with some vintage-looking oversized shades, and you’ll look like a beach pin-up.

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Tips For Better Work-Life Balance

April 24, 2012 By

As the economy gets tighter and tighter, many people are having a hard time balancing the demands of home and work. This can create an ever-increasing vortex of stress that can ruin your life. Here are some tips for keeping your life and work in harmony.

Making time for exercise can be difficult when your schedule is already packed, but experts agree that paying attention to your body can bear serious dividends. Exercise increases the production of endorphins and helps your body work at a higher efficiency.

Plan ahead for relaxation time. It’s tempting to multi-task at all times, but you need to set aside at least an hour each day for pure relaxation. Put down the iPhone and pick up a book, go for a walk, or do something else that doesn’t relate to work. Your brain needs leisure time too.

If you have household tasks or errands that consume too much time, consider outsourcing them. While hiring a housecleaner seems like a luxury to some, think about what you’re paying against the cost. Your hourly rate is probably a lot higher than a cleaner’s, and they’ll do a better job.

Don’t be afraid to say no to social engagements. It can be really difficult, but you need to make time for yourself before you make time for anybody else. Make sure that parties, nights out and the like are actually meaningful for you.

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The Best Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

April 19, 2012 By

If you’re in the market for some new sunglasses, it’s worthwhile to think about the frame style that will best suit your face and features. If you’re wondering what sunglass frames will work best for you, check out the tips below!

Oval Face – Skinny frames make narrow face shapes seem harsh. To foster a softer look, choose frames that reach beyond your temples – the additional width will help round out a slender visage.

Round Face – Square or angular frames, like aviators, will thin out and add the illusion of length to a rounder face. Go with a thin bridge to widen your eyes, and always avoid round frames.

Square Face – Go with curved frames to soften and lengthen the angles of your face. You can add additional length to your face by choosing glasses that are wider than they are deep.

High Forehead – A high forehead can sometimes look severe, especially if you are wearing your hair pulled back. Try sunglasses that sit high up on your face and cover the majority of your eyebrows. Frames like these will help narrow the distance between your eyes and your hair.

Create Cheekbones – Did you know that metal or plastic rims in bright, bold colors give the illusion of cheek bones? Try butterfly, rectangular, or almond upward-sweeping frames that will highlight the natural curves of your cheeks.

 

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Film Buzz: Movies with the Best Special Effects

April 13, 2012 By
Sure, everyone loves a film with a good plot and compelling characters – but sometimes a movie’s visual splendor is reason enough to relish it. Here are five movies with some of the best special effects in film history, certain to wow serious techno-heads as well as the average viewer:
 
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, 1977
This film remains a classic example of special effects wizardry on the big screen. George Lucas’s depiction of outer space was groundbreaking at the time, particularly his rendering of the battle scenes and the lunar combat tools like the famous lightsaber and ray blaster gun. Lucas actually founded a visual effects company named “Industrial Light and Magic” that orchestrated the film’s special effects, most of which were done with an innovative use of motion control photography.
 
Avatar, 2009
This science fiction visual extravaganza written and directed by James Cameron brought a number of technological innovations to the big screen. The movie featured photorealistic computer-generated characters using new motion-capture animation technologies developed by Cameron. The film’s blending of human actors with an impeccably detailed computer generated world called for the creation of a breakthrough Digital Asset Management System named Gaia. 
 
Inception, 2010
This Christopher Nolan sci fi film is notable for its stunning, gravity-defying special effects that create a dreamscape on the screen. The movie uses innovative combinations of live action, work with miniatures, and digital animation to create realities in which startling things occur – for example, a street in Parish folding over and a character creating architecture out of thin air. The overall wonder of this film’s visual impact is that it combines realism with a dreamy tenor that makes you feel as if you have truly entered the human subconscious. 
 
The Abyss, 1989
This is another visually compelling sci fi film directed by James Cameron. Much of the film takes place underwater, which required the construction of the largest underwater filming set ever built. The movie’s production crew developed several innovative and groundbreaking approaches to underwater filmmaking. The film is known to have had one of the most difficult production processes in history, with all kinds of problems arising from the complicated nature of the visual effects – but, in the end, all of the sweat was worth it because The Abyss truly delivers a compelling and unforgettable underwater world.
 
Blade Runner, 1982
This Ridley Scott sci fi classic featured groundbreaking special effects work for its time period, and the movie’s visual features and technological innovations influenced many films that followed. Blade Runner was made before digital effects and computer-generated imagery had taken over the film industry, which makes its startling visual features all the more remarkable. The film masterfully uses a lot of miniatures and models as key components of its special effects. Blade Runner also utilizes an innovative technique known as “motion-control camera” which creates a layered visual texture that gives the film’s cityscapes an unforgettable and haunting quality. 
 
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Five Great Mystery Writers

April 6, 2012 By

The mystery novel has an incredible tradition of thrilling readers with countless twists and turns. Here are some authors that have excelled at raising readers' pulses over the years.

Raymond Chandler
After humble beginnings writing stories for crime magazines, Chandler has achieved legendary status with the creation of his detective, Philip Marlowe. This tough but noble gumshoe is a noir icon who can't be missed.

John LeCarre
With numerous classics of cold war espionage under his belt, John LeCarre is a living legend in the mystery genre. These works are full of double agents, moles, and secrets, drawing from the author's thrilling time spent in British intelligence.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Doyle's Sherlock Holmes is one of the great literary characters of the modern day, and his savvy sleuthing is as entertaining as ever. With multiple novels and dozens of stories, the detective's cases are a delight to lose yourself in.

John Grisham
The master of the legal thriller, John Grisham has written numerous tales of corruption and intrigue in the justice system. Many of these tales have gone on to become blockbuster films, but you'll want to pick up one of his novels to appreciate fully his suspenseful creations.

Patricia Cornwall
With gruesomely realistic forensic investigations, Patricia Cornwall's Dr. Kay Scarpetta novels are full of nail-biting twists and page-turning plots.

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Birthday Party Ideas for Spring

March 30, 2012 By

Spring is a season bursting with inspiration and possibilities. Those of us with birthdays in spring know that while the symbolism of spring is quite lovely, the weather isn’t always predictable, so plans for outside parties always require a plan B. Here are some spring party themes that work inside or out:

  1. Decorate with flowers, both real and homemade. Concentrate on seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms and daffodils. Serve cake or punch garnished with edible flowers. Extend the floral theme to invitations and party favors.
  2. Center your party around one or more of spring’s many holidays – green food and drink for St. Patrick’s Day, candy, eggs, and bunnies for Easter, nature-centered activities for Earth Day, pranks and surprises for April Fool’s Day. The possibilities are almost endless. Many beautiful and interesting insects emerge in the spring. Decorate with cut out butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, or grasshoppers. For younger guests, provide wearable wings.
  3. The spring is one of the best times to visit local farms, when baby animals abound. Many farms have facilities available for party rentals. Send guests home with a small stuffed toy representing one of the animals they met that day.
  4. Inside or out, a gardening party can be great fun. Have guests pot their own flowers to take home and serve a menu that revolves around fresh vegetables and spring greens.

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