Geocaching Real World Treasure Hunting for Kids & Adults Alike
Do you like searching for hidden treasures? Do you like spending time outdoors? Do you have access to a global positioning system (GPS)? If you answered yes to these questions, you may want to give geocaching a try. If you aren’t sure what geocaching is, keep reading to learn more.
The word “geocaching
Cherry Fritters
1/2 cup rolled oats (not instant)
1/2 cup shelled walnuts, chopped fine
1/2 cup flour (all-purpose)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
Vegetable oil, as needed
In a medium bowl, mix together the oats and nuts until they are just blended. Next, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir well. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed. Beat the eggs for about three minutes or until fluffy. Add the milk to the dry mixture and then fold in the eggs and sugar mixture. Finally, add the melted butter and sliced cherries to the mixture and stir.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add about one tablespoon of oil. When the oil gets hot, drop a tablespoon of batter into the pan. Allow the fritter to cook on one side until it is golden crusty. Flip it to cook the second side. You should be able to fit three or four fritters in the skillet at the same time. You will want to add more oil as needed.
Serve the fritters while they are warm. You may want to serve them with sour cream, maple syrup or your favorite syrup.
Easy No-Bake Energy Bars Kids Can Make
Holidays, weekend sleep-overs or family night, kitchens are often the place to congregate, especially for kids. Not only do they come to eat, many want to help with whatever you are doing.
Cooking with children may be a little messier and might possibly slow the process down somewhat but it can be a wonderful learning experience for everyone. It’s a perfect time for them to learn about nutrition, build math and reading skills as they measure and read directions and explore new foods. It is also a great time for you to bond with your child.
The next time your children want to help in the kitchen consider having them make energy bars. They are a nutritious treat that children can make with little to no adult help, depending upon the age of the child.
While there are countless recipes online for energy boosting granola bars, if you purchase pre-toasted nuts, there’s simply no reason to turn on the oven. This no-bake recipe is perfect for children, especially those with short attention spans, since there’s no heat involved and it can be prepared quickly.
No-Bake Energy Boosting Granola Bars
* 2 ½ cups of rolled oats (standard or gluten-free)
* 1 ½ cups of pre-toasted nuts (your family favorites)
* 1/4 cup of shredded coconut
* ½ cup of raisins
* 6 tablespoons of salted butter
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon
* 6 tablespoons of honey
* 2 tablespoon of molasses
* 7 x 11 inch pan
* Parchment paper
* Plastic wrap
In a large bowl, add the nuts, coconut and raisins.
In a microwave safe bowl, bring the butter, sugar, cinnamon, honey and molasses to a boil. Immediately pour it over the oats, nuts and raisins. Carefully stir until everything is evenly coated. Allow the mixture to cool until you can handle it.
Line a 7 x 11 inch pan with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture onto the pan. Granola bars are compact so using your fingers, firmly press the mixture to make an even layer across the pan. Cover the pan lightly with plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour or until completely cooled.
Once cooled, remove from the refrigerator and cut into 16 bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or place them in an air-tight container. Store them at room temperature.
If more than one child is helping, you can assign each child a particular task. For instance one can read the directions while another one measures. If you plan ahead, you can even have them help create your custom recipe, shop for the ingredients as well as prepare it, giving them the opportunity to brag about doing it all on their own from start to finish.
This no-bake recipe is a great project to do when hosting a sleep-over. It will give the children something to focus their attention on so they aren’t hollering that they are bored and they will have healthy treat to snack during their stay.
Double it, triple it, make as much as you want. Easy No-Bake Energy Boosting Granola Bars is a perfect way to let your kids help in the kitchen.
Do You Overreact? How to Tell and What You Can Do about It
Everyone has a “moment” now and then – we raise our voices, or respond to someone or something more angrily than we’d like. It happens to just about all of us from time to time.
But if you find that more often than not, your response to situations is over the top, and friends are frequently telling you that you’re overreacting, maybe it’s time to take a look at your outlook on life and see if you need to make a change. Sometimes, overreacting can even indicate a mental or emotional problem, such as bipolar disorder or depression.
Here are some tips and suggestions to see if you overreact, and what you can do about it.
Are You Overreacting?
1. You are consumed with self-negating thoughts
If a difficult situation arises and you are filled with thoughts of self-blame and anger toward yourself, it may a sign of overreacting. Here are what some of these self-berating thoughts may sound like:
“I am so stupid!”
“Why can’t I ever handle things like this?”
“I am such an awful person.”
“I am one messed up individual. It’s hopeless.”
The fact is, you’re just human; give yourself some forgiveness and move forward with a plan to do better next time.
2. Feeling out of control
Overreacting can become a problem if you feel totally out of control. You may hate the way you’re responding to a person or situation, but you just can’t stop yourself. It’s like the angry reaction takes over. This is a sign that something may be wrong.
3. Panicky feelings
Do you feel panicky and helpless when you are reacting to something difficult? If your overreactions are indicative of a problem, then you may feel desperate to avoid yet another scenario that you just know is going to play out like all the ones before it.
What Can You Do about It?
Naturally, people who have this issue want to overcome it. Here are some tips:
1. Stop
Just stop. Take a moment and breathe, remove yourself from the situation for a few moments, and look at things from a third-person point of view. Walk away if you need to and say something simple like, “I need to think about this.”
2. Assess
How does your body feel? Tense? Hot? Are you sweating? Is your heart racing? This means you’re reacting strongly – perhaps too strongly – to what’s going on.
3. Cool off
Let your emotions subside a bit. Let it go; think about the big picture. Remember how destructive it is to have an angry confrontation or raise your voice. Your body will literally cool off, and your blood pressure will probably go down.
4. Take action
Now you can take productive action and talk about the situation more clearly and rationally.
By all means, if you feel like you need help, get it. Therapy and counseling can be really beneficial.
Seven Common Items with Crazy Uses
You might want to take another look at some common items in your home – they may have a crazy or unusual use that you’ve never thought of before!
Here are seven common items with uses that may surprise you!
1. Lemons
* Deodorizing: Rubbing half a lemon or a lemon slice under your arms is said to kill bacteria that causes body odor. And if you toss the used peel into the disposal, it will refresh your disposal and eliminate sink odors.
* Spider repellent: Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice onto a cloth or the brush attachment of your vacuum, and then dust cobwebs with it. Spiders dislike the lemony scent and should shun the corners, decreasing your cobweb problem.
2. Coca-Cola
* Defroster: Pour Coca-Cola over an ice-covered windshield to de-ice.
* Rust remover: If a bolt, screw or nail is too rusty to turn or remove, pour Coke over it and allow it to soak for a few minutes and try again.
* Stain remover: You can remove blood and/or grease stains from clothing by pouring on some Coke.
* Grease and oil remover: Pour Coca-Cola over oil stains on concrete; soak for a few minutes and clean with a hose.
3. Chalk
* Stain remover: Get rid of oily stains by rubbing with chalk prior to washing. Chalk absorbs the oil.
* Ant repellent: Draw a line of chalk across and around the places where the ants are getting into your house. They won’t cross the chalk line because it dries them up.
* Moisture absorber: Drop a piece of chalk in with your silver items, and it will absorb the moisture and prevent tarnish.
4. Salt
* Frost prevention: Rub your windows on the inside with salt water. Allow to dry to prevent frost.
* Keep down the fizz and foam: Sprinkle salt over the fizzy foam on top of a soft drink to bring it down.
* Water spot removal: Sprinkle a little salt on water spots on wood, and rub with a little olive or almond oil.
* Scrubber: Use salt and baking soda to scrub out porcelain or metal sinks.
5. Plastic Cups
* Seed starter: Use a nail to poke holes in the bottom of plastic cups, fill with dirt, and plant seeds.
* Sifter: use a small nail to poke holes in the bottom of the cup, and use to sift fine sugar or cocoa powder over desserts.
6. Coffee Filters
* Flowerpot liner: Put a coffee filter on the bottom of a flowerpot to cover the hole and prevent dirt from falling out.
* Window shiner: Use a coffee filter to polish the inside of your car windows to remove smudges and streaks. Use on mirrors, too.
* Porcelain protector: Place a coffee filter between plates and bowls in your cupboard to prevent scratches and nicks.
7. Cornstarch
* Body powder: Use cornstarch on your feet or other sweaty areas to cool and prevent chafing.
* Lubricant: Use cornstarch inside rubber boots and gloves to facilitate removal.
* Detangler: Sprinkle cornstarch on knotted rope or string to help get the knots out.
Who knew you had so many useful items around your home!
Broccoli Bacon Salad
2 (24-ounce) bags frozen broccoli florets
16 ounces thick-cut bacon (You may also substitute turkey or beef bacon if you prefer)
1 red or yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups red grapes or 1 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup sugar
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Add water to a large pot and bring it to a boil. Add the frozen broccoli florets. Bring the water back the a boil and then immediately remove the broccoli. Put it directly into a bowl with ice water to shock it and then place it on paper towels to drain.
Cook the bacon until it is very crisp. Drain it on paper towels and then crumble it into small pieces. Drain the fat from the pan but do not wipe it out. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook it for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Combine the broccoli, bacon, onion and garlic in a large bowl. Stir well. Add the grapes and sliced almonds. Toss this gently.
Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well with a wire whisk. Pour this over the broccoli salad and stir gently to coat. Cover the bowl with the broccoli bacon salad for 3 to 4 hours prior to serving.
Clean Water Facts
Water is something that every person needs but it is not always available. You would think that with the majority of the earth
Make Each Day a Celebration by Being Thankful
Why let thankfulness and celebration only come at holidays and special occasions? Why not make every day a celebration by being thankful? Here are some ideas on how to do that.
1. Get the Right State of Mind
To start, you’ll need to relieve tension and anxiety. It’s just really hard to feel grateful when you are upset, nervous, or otherwise tense. Prayer, meditation, exercise, deep breathing or whatever works for you can be employed here. Take some time to relax and get the right mindset. And the good news is, as you concentrate on things to be thankful for, you won’t have as much time to think about worrisome things!
2. Celebrate the Moment
When you think about it, right now is the only time when you can act! Don’t wallow in the past or worry about the future. Stop and think about where you are, right now, and be grateful for what you see and feel.
3. Show Gratitude to Your Family
If there’s any group who’s with you every day, it’s your family. And if there’s any group that’s easy to overlook and take for granted, it’s your family! Take a moment to celebrate your family and be grateful for them. Show your appreciation each day by acknowledging a family member’s individual contribution and personality. Each day, you can think of which family member you’re going to thank, and how.
4. Remember Your Friends
Friends are also easy to take for granted, especially in this day and age of hundreds and hundreds of online friends on social networking sites. Instead of amassing more and more, take a moment and celebrate something special about a friend today. Maybe a note, phone call, text, or some other personal communication would make his or her day. Share a memory! Go out for lunch! Have your friend over for tea! Find a way to show your gratitude for those people who are your friends.
5. Go Outdoors
There is nothing like spending time in nature to celebrate your day. Even if it’s cool and rainy, there are some lovely things you can experience outdoors. Put on rain boots and just go for a walk – be thankful it’s raining, which is so good for the plants and streams. Getting out in the sunshine and eating lunch outdoors is another great way to celebrate today – just because it’s today!
The real key to celebrating each day by being thankful is to look for ways to do so. It’s a state of mind. Always be on the lookout for something to be grateful for, no matter how small.
Bottled Water – How Pure Is It Really?
Pure is such a buzz word especially when it comes to water. Since bottled water popped on the scene in the 90s, people have wondered about the water that flows through the tap in their home. Is bottled water better? With all the claims that are made by these companies about their waters, are they really as pure as they say?
Bottled Water Regulation
Tap water flows from community water systems. These are regulated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and required to submit testing reports annually to the government.
Bottled water is a bit different. It is regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) like any other food product. Bottlers are required to regularly test their source water as well as perform quality control on their bottled products for safety and contaminant levels. They must also bottle water using sanitary practices and monitor the source for any contamination.
Purity
Pure depends on your standards. Read the label on your water bottle and see where the source water comes from. If it is a municipal supply then it is filtered or distilled tap water you are paying for. And, since you already pay for water, you are paying twice for the same thing.
It is true that the tap water must be further purified in some way for bottlers to label it such, but you don
Black Bean and Tomato Quinoa Salad
2 teaspoons grated lime zest
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon maple syrup
1 cup quinoa
2 cups black beans or 1 (19-ounce) can, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
In a large bowl, whisk together lime zest and juice, oil, maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Wash the quinoa three times in cold water, changing the water in between washes. Drain it in a sieve each time to remove as much water as possible.
Add the rinsed quinoa to a medium pot of boiling salted water and cook uncovered until it is almost tender, about 10 minutes. Drain the quinoa in sieve and then place sieve in same pot with 1 inch of simmering water (Do not allow water to touch bottom of sieve). Cover the quinoa with a folded kitchen towel and then place the lid on top of that. It doesn’t matter if the lid doesn’t fit tightly. Steam the quinoa over medium heat until it is tender, fluffy, and dry, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and remove lid. Leave the towel on the pot and allow it to stand for an additional 5 minutes.
Add the quinoa to the pre-made dressing and toss it until the dressing is absorbed. Add the remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste and stir well.
Bottled versus Tap Water
This is the big question. With the
5 Things You Can Do on a Hike
It is important to exercise and walking is a great way to do that. However, simply walking can be boring. Here are five things you can do on a hike that will make it more enjoyable and interesting.
Bird watching
Check out a book from the library that has pictures of birds in your region or look online to see which birds can be found in your area. If you have a smart phone, you can also find bird watching apps that will let you not only see what the bird looks like but has audio of them singing. Decide how many different birds you would like to find on your hike and keep track of them. The next time you decide go hiking, take your list and see if you can find new birds that are in near your home.
Fishing
It is not uncommon for fathers to take their children fishing. Why not combine hiking and fishing for more time in nature and with one another? Instead of heading for the local lake, get out a map of your area. Check to see if there are any out-of-the-way public lands with lakes, ponds, streams or rivers. If you can find one that is off-the-beaten path, you can make a picnic lunch, hike out to the location and then enjoy an afternoon of fishing with the children.
Camping
Take time to do some research about the route you plan to take on your hike. There may be camping sites along the route if you care to look for them. You can also plan to do primitive camping. Remember, however, if you choose to camp in a primitive setting to be to take your garbage out with you and be sure any campfires are thoroughly put out before leaving.
Swimming
Another option to consider while hiking is to plan to go swimming. There is nothing like splashing around in streams, rivers or lakes. Of course, you will want to verify swimming is allowed in the waters, as well as be sure the water current is not too strong for younger hikers or there are not dangerous fish in the water.
Scavenger hunts
Make a list of items you would like your party to find while hiking – bird’s nest, mushrooms, particular trees, wildlife, etc. Take along a camera so you can take pictures of the items once you find them rather than removing them from nature. Having the scavenger hunt will give you and those with you something to focus on during the trip rather than simply walking to get to a destination.
Remember, when you go hiking to follow normal safety practices:
1. Let others know when you are going, where you are going, who is with you on the trip and when you expect to return.
2. Take along a first aid kit, plenty of water and food for the expected length of the trip.
3. Be sure to carry a change of clothing and a set of clothes for cooler weather just in case the weather changes dramatically before you return.
Eight Things Your Fingernails Are Trying to Tell You
Did you know that you can tell a lot about your health from the appearance of your fingernails? It doesn’t take the place of a qualified health professional’s opinion, of course, but it’s a good way to see indications of potential health problems that may require a doctor visit.
So what are your fingernails trying to tell you? Here are eight fingernail anomalies to look for and what they could mean.
1. Brittle Fingernails
Brittle fingernails split and beak easily, and usually they are pale in color. They may flake and chip, too. Here are some health issues that brittle nails may be trying to tell you.
* Osteoporosis or low bone density may show up as brittle fingernails. This is because your nails need calcium – a mineral that is lacking in osteoporosis patients – to be strong. A bone density test can clarify things.
* Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: low Vitamin D can cause brittle nails, and so can low levels of calcium, iron, and zinc.
2. White Lines
White lines on the fingernails can be vertical or horizontal.
Vertical white lines may be caused by calcium deficiency, and possible deficiencies of other vitamins and minerals.
Horizontal white lines are considered more alarming health signals.
* Thyroid problems may cause white horizontal lines.
* Respiratory disease can be indicated by horizontal white lines on the nails.
* Heart disease is another possible underlying cause.
* Malnutrition and arthritis may cause these lines.
3. “Spoon” Nails
This refers to fingernails that look scooped or concave.
* Fingernails that curve down or inward can indicate thyroid deficiency, or hypothyroidism.
* Spoon nails can mean you are absorbing too much iron, but they can also indicate iron deficiency.
* Heart disease is another possibility.
4. Pitted Nails
Fingernails with multiple small pits can indicate several things.
* Psoriasis can cause pitted nails.
* Connective tissue disorders (such as Reiter’s syndrome) can be indicated by small pits in the nails.
5. Lifted Fingernails or Nail Separation
Also known as “Plummer’s nail,” lifted fingernails literally lift from the nail bed. They may indicate:
* Diabetes
* Lupus
* Pellagra (Vitamin B3 deficiency)
* Hypothyroidism
* An allergy to a fingernail product (such as an adhesive) or drug
6. Yellow Fingernails
Long before other symptoms become apparent, yellow fingernails may be a sign of the following:
* Liver disorders
* Respiratory disease or disorders, such as chronic bronchitis
* Problems with the lymphatic system
* Diabetes
7. Terry’s Nails
With this condition, the tip of the fingernails has a dark band across it. This can mean:
* Liver disease
* Congestive heart failure
* Diabetes
* Sometimes it is simply a sign of aging.
8. Beau’s Lines
These lines are like long indentations that occur in the middle of the nail, usually one line per nail. Here’s what Beau’s lines could mean:
* Diabetes that is not controlled
* Cardiovascular disease
* Past severe illness such as scarlet fever or pneumonia
* Zinc deficiency
These lists are certainly not meant to scare you! But hopefully, you’ll take a good look at your nails when you’re trimming or filing them, and see what they might be telling you.
Salmon with Blueberry Grape Salad
1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup grapes
1-1/2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup raspberries
1/4 cup raspberry vinaigrette
4 salmon fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Put blueberries, grapes, raspberries and spinach in a medium sized bowl. Drizzle the raspberry vinaigrette over the fruits and toss gently. Set the bowl aside.
Line a baking pan with parchment paper and place the salmon onto the paper. Sprinkle the salmon with olive oil and lemon juice. Bake the salmon for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is flaky. Remove the salmon from the baking pan and place it onto a serving plate. Top the salmon with the salad and serve it immediately.
Giving Back: Six Ways You Can Help Others
Giving back by helping others is one of those gifts where the giver receives something, too. It’s very fulfilling to reach out and find a way to help other people. And in our modern culture that promotes isolation, reaching out is getting more rare…and more necessary.
If you’re looking for ways to give back and reach out, here are six ways you can do that.
1. Pay a Compliment
Does that seem too small? You’d be surprised. Paying someone a compliment can absolutely lift their spirits and make their day. There’s almost always something you can compliment about a person – fingernail design/color, a piece of jewelry, an article of clothing, or a hairstyle.
Take this a bit further and pay a compliment to someone that is not superficial. Compliment their good attitude, for example, or point out their calm under pressure. Just simple compliment can mean so much.
2. Volunteer
While it may not seem personal at first, volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your community while making individual people feel supported and cared about. Here are some ideas of where you can volunteer.
* Your local house of worship is a good place to start. There is almost always a charity program going on or coming up, and volunteers are always needed.
* Homeless shelters and soup kitchens always need a helping hand. You’ll help the hard-working coordinators who run the shelter or kitchen, and you’ll also help those in need who come there.
* Nursing homes are another great possibility for volunteering. Residents may appreciate a visit, and the staff might have you help decorate or clean up for an event.
3. Be Friendly
Just being nice and smiling at people can give them a lift for the day. Say hello and give folks a smile, and you may be a more positive influence than you know.
4. Donate
Whether you give your used stuff to someone personally or to your local second-hand shop, the effect is the same: you get to give something to someone that they might otherwise not be able to afford. You can also donate money to a charity that you believe in and want to see flourish.
5. Show Someone How to Do Something
Does your mother not understand the computer? Does your dad have technical problems with watching videos online? Maybe your child is struggling with math or some other subject at school, or your niece needs someone to show her how to play soccer. It may not be a relative; but most of us know someone who needs help learning a skill. Step up and teach!
6. Do a Chore for Someone
Whether it’s taking out the garbage for the elderly person down the road or mowing someone’s lawn, stepping up to do a much-needed chore can be a tremendous help.
There are so many ways you can help others. Just use a little creativity and be willing to help wherever it’s needed.