Category: General

Here comes Peter Cottontail. Let’s start thinking about a dinner side. Our amazing client, Kate from She’s Cookin’ in Brooklyn sent me this delcious green bean recipe. Beautiful, vibrant green beans aren’t hard to make! BLANCH them and you’ll have an easy, healthy side dish when you sit down with your family this Easter.

Blanching is a technique that quickly heats and then very quickly cools your food. It also ensures your food, keeps its crisp, texture, and fresh color for as long as possible.

For green beans, the process is very simple. Heat a large pot of boiling water, and add a healthy pinch of salt to the water.

Once the water has come to a rolling boil, drop the green beans into the water and let them cook for about 30 seconds or until you’re happy with the brightness of their color.

Using a strainer or large, slotted kitchen spoon, transfer the green beans to an ice bath (large bowl of water with a few scoops of ice).

Let them rest for a couple of minutes and then remove them from the ice bath and reserve them in a large bowl.

At this time, you can season them of you as you like. My favorite is with a little extra salt sometimes some butter and always a little lemon juice for freshness. You can top it with toasted slivered almonds and some zested lemon too. Bon Appetit

The world of fitness has never been more inclusive. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a workout routine and style of clothing to suit you. 

In the past, workout clothing has been quite one-dimensional. However, with the rise of athleisure and more people working out at home, there is now a huge range of workout clothing to choose from.

The most important thing when it comes to finding the right workout clothes is to make sure they are comfortable. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to enjoy your workout and you’re not going to be as motivated to keep going. 

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There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to workout clothes, so it’s important to find something that suits your unique body type and workout routine. We will help you find the best yoga sets, with our tips on how to find workout clothes that are perfect for your unique routine!

You have to start by choosing the right fabric. The fabric of your workout clothes is hugely important and can have a big impact on your performance and comfort. If you’re doing high-intensity activities, you need a fabric that can keep up. 

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Look for fabrics with moisture-wicking and breathable properties.  As this will help keep you cool and comfortable throughout your workout. Cotton may be a popular choice for many people, but it tends to absorb sweat, so it’s best avoided if you’re doing high-intensity activities. 

Your routine may need a little more freedom of movement, such as yoga or Pilates. It’s best to choose fabrics with a bit of stretch in them. These will allow you to move freely without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. Similarly, if you’re planning an outdoor workout.  you’ll want high waist leggings that offer protection from the element.

Then it is important to choose clothes that fit. Finding clothes that fit well is one of the most important things to consider when choosing workout clothes. No matter how good the fabric is, the clothes won’t be comfortable or beneficial if they’re too loose or too tight. 

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It’s worth taking the time to measure yourself or try on a few different sizes and styles of workout clothes until you find the perfect fit. Not all brands size the same way, so it’s always worth checking the size charts and doing your research to make sure you’re ordering the right size for you. 

If you’re not sure, you can always email the brand for more information or ask for advice from the community. The last thing you want is to go through the hassle of finding the perfect clothes only to find that they don’t fit.

Finally, make sure you opt for clothing that allows you to move comfortably. If the clothes are too tight, you won’t be able to perform at your best and you’ll be constantly pulling and tugging at them. 

The same goes for clothes that are too loose – you’ll find yourself tripping over and constantly adjusting them. When in doubt, opt for something that fits snugly but still allows you freedom of movement.

Besides that, it is important to have in mind the type of workout that you are going to be practicing. Sometimes some pieces and workout clothes will work better for some sports or workouts than for others. Sometimes leggings will be better than shorts and sometimes shorts will be more beneficial for you than leggings. 

The same applies to the tops, sometimes long-sleeve tops are great options, while some other sports bra and shorts set will be the right choice. Everything will depend on how good and comfortable you feel, how much movement they allow you, and of course how they make you look. 

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Cooking is an art form. It takes time and practice to perfect your culinary skills. While some people may have a natural talent for cooking, others may need some guidance to improve their abilities. 

Taking a cooking class is one way to learn new techniques, refine your skills, and gain more confidence in the kitchen. However, before you sign up for a class, there are some things to consider to determine whether or not it’s the right choice for you.

Let’s take a look!

Assess Your Current Skill Level

It is essential to assess your current skill level before you begin. If you’re an amateur cook, then taking a basic cooking class will be beneficial to you. However, if you’re already experienced in the kitchen and have a good grasp of culinary techniques, then an advanced course may be more appropriate. 

Taking a class that is too easy or too challenging can be discouraging and unproductive.

Consider Your Goals

What do you want to achieve by taking a cooking class? Do you want to learn how to cook a particular cuisine or dish? Are you hoping to improve your overall cooking skills? Understanding your goals will help you choose classes that focus on your areas of interest and provide the skills you actually want to acquire.

Take into Account Your Schedule

Cooking classes can be time-consuming, so you need to consider your schedule before signing up for a class. Make sure you have enough time to attend classes and complete any homework or assignments given. You may consider taking an online cooking workshop or finding a class with flexible scheduling.

Think about Your Budget

Cooking classes can range from affordable to expensive, depending on the type of class and the instructor. Make sure you set a budget and look for classes that fit within your price range. Do not be afraid to look around and see what is available. 

Assess Your Learning Style

Everyone has a different learning style, and it’s important to consider yours. Do you prefer hands-on learning, where you can practice the techniques yourself, or do you learn better by watching demonstrations? 

Find a class, perhaps locally with our sponsor, She’s Cookin’ Brooklyn that aligns with your learning style to ensure you get the most out of the experience, and then have fun honing your culinary skills and discovering how to make food preparation into a carefully curated art form. 

Today’s Book Club choice is The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post: A Novel by Allison Pataki.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER “Marvelous . . . I just had to be there with the Post cereal heiress through every twist and turn.”—Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls

“New-money heiress Marjorie Post isn’t content to remain a society bride as she remakes herself into a savvy entrepreneur, a visionary philanthropist, a presidential hostess, and much more.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

Mrs. Post, the President, and First Lady are here to see you. . . . So begins another average evening for Marjorie Merriweather Post. Presidents have come and gone, but she has hosted them all. Growing up in the modest farmlands of Battle Creek, Michigan, Marjorie was inspired by a few simple rules: always think for yourself, never take success for granted, and work hard—even when deemed American royalty, even while covered in imperial diamonds. Marjorie had an insatiable drive to live and love and to give more than she got. From crawling through Moscow warehouses to rescue the Tsar’s treasures to outrunning the Nazis in London, from serving the homeless of the Great Depression to entertaining Roosevelts, Kennedys, and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Marjorie Merriweather Post lived an epic life few could imagine.

Marjorie’s journey began with gluing cereal boxes in her father’s barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. W. Post’s Cereal Company would grow into the General Foods empire and reshape the American way of life, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Not content to stay in her prescribed roles of high-society wife, mother, and hostess, Marjorie dared to demand more, making history in the process. Before turning thirty she amassed millions, becoming the wealthiest woman in the United States. But it was her life force, advocacy, passion, and adventurous spirit that led to her stunning legacy.

And yet Marjorie’s story, though full of beauty and grandeur, set in the palatial homes she built such as Mar-a-Lago, was equally marked by challenge and tumult. A wife four times over, Marjorie sought her happily-ever-after with the blue-blooded party boy who could not outrun his demons, the charismatic financier whose charm turned to betrayal, the international diplomat with a dark side, and the bon vivant whose shocking secrets would shake Marjorie and all of society. Marjorie did everything on a grand scale, especially when it came to love.

Bestselling and acclaimed author Allison Pataki has crafted an intimate portrait of a larger-than-life woman, a powerful story of one woman falling in love with her own voice and embracing her own power while shaping history in the process. – Amazon.com

To purchase this book or for more information, click HERE!

The plumbing system in every commercial or residential property plays an important role, especially in providing fresh water for bathing, washing and other purposes while grey and brown water is also taken away from the property using the plumbing system. Indeed, if you have ever experienced a problem with the plumbing system in your property, then you will know it can be a headache while several minor plumbing problems can be fixed by a plunger or a bit of elbow grease. However, several other plumbing situations may occur, meaning you should contact a plumbing company in a particular area of New South Wales. There are several situations in which you will have to call on the services of a plumber in a particular area of Australia to solve several issues with your plumbing system, especially problems with blocked drains, burst pipes or issues with the hot water system in your property.

Blocked drains

One of the most common situations in which you will need to call on the services of a plumber is if you are experiencing a blocked drain. Indeed, blocked drains are a common problem that can affect different types of properties which can result in slow drainage, bad smells or even flooding. As a consequence, you should think about calling on a company providing Sydney-wide plumbing services to solve the issues in your property. A specialist plumber will be able to identify the cause of the blockage as well as use the appropriate tools to remove it and provide you with advice about how to prevent blockages in the future.

Burst pipe

The second most common situation in which you may need to call on the services of a plumber in Australia is if your property is experiencing a burst pipe. Indeed, a burst pipe can often be a serious problem which can cause extensive water damage to the property while it could potentially put your health and safety at risk. Burst pipes can be caused by several factors, including weather conditions, corrosion and freezing temperatures. Moreover, if you think you have a burst pipe in your property, then you must call on the services of a plumbing company in an area of Sydney as quickly as you can.

Hot water problems

Finally, if you are experiencing a problem with your hot water system, then you must call on the services of a qualified and experienced plumber. A hot water system is essential if you require washing dishes or other household tasks to be completed, while the failure of a hot water system can be a major inconvenience, especially during the winter.

In concluding, plumbing issues can cause major inconvenience while calling on the services of a qualified plumber in certain situations could save a considerable amount of time and stress, while you should think about calling on the services of a plumber if you have a blocked drain or burst pipe in your property while you must call a qualified plumber if you are experiencing problems with your hot water system.