Thursday, January 31, 2019

Cozy Day Recipes (Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Green Chile Stew) by Rachel Talbott

Cozy Day Recipes (Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Green Chile Stew)
Hey guys! Here are a few recipes I've been loving.. I hope you enjoy this video.. Thanks for stopping by =) xo You can add more or less of what you like/don't like.. I usually eyeball this recipe. 6 Anaheim or Hatch Chiles (roasted) 3 Potatoes 1 - 1 1/2 Cup White Beans (pre-soaked) 1 Can Chopped Tomatoes 1-2 Can/Box Veggie Broth Vanilla Bean Paste: https://amzn.to/2DJWKUs Banana Bread Recipe: https://bit.ly/2RtRUhV ♥MY WEBSITE: http://www.racheltalbott.com ♥MY SHOP: http://www.PacificThyme.com/ ♥TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/racheltalbott ♥INSTAGRAM: http://followgram.me/racheltalbott ♥MY PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/racheltalbott/ ♥MUSIC CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/SingingProudAndLoud ♥VLOG CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/RachelTalbott ♥HUBBYS COOKING CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/ByronTalbott ♥FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/rachel.talbott ♥MAILING ADDRESS: 18653 Ventura Blvd., #655, Tarzana, CA 91356 * DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed are true &my own. I link affiliate links to make it easier for you to find the exact products I mention.....and... I LOVE YOU!!!! =) Thank you for supporting what I do!! ♥♥♥ THIS IS NOT A SPONSORED VIDEO


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Old House Love: The William Lee House For Sale in Charlotte

When I saw this ly old house in North Carolina, I had to know about it. I learned that it’s known as the William Lee House and is one of the oldest designated historic homes in Charlotte, believed to have been built circa 1780. It has been restored and expanded significantly since then, and […]

The post Old House Love: The William Lee House For Sale in Charlotte appeared first on Hooked on Houses.


by hookedonhouses via Home And Garden

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Cable Vs Rope Winch- 4x4 offroading in a frozen swamp & Installing Warn bumpers by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

Cable Vs Rope Winch- 4x4 offroading in a frozen swamp & Installing Warn bumpers
First we install warn front & rear bumpers for the Jeep JKU- then try to break them. Does a rope winch work as good as a cable winch? To find out go offroading in a frozen swamp. I mean what better way to test it? Heres the best prices on Some of my favorite Amazon tools: Dewalt concrete saw: https://amzn.to/2FsxsNE Fiskars axe: https://amzn.to/2DIsieP Gear wrench Speaker: https://amzn.to/2Lbhl6l Makita Power shaft Multitool: https://amzn.to/2DroIowShock strap: https://amzn.to/2KoEAth Milwaukee heated coat: https://amzn.to/2r164fr Buy 12 blades get a free concrete saw here: https://bladesdirect.net/dirtmonkey/ 10% off Kujo shoes here: http://www.kujoyardwear.com/?promo=10dirtmonkey Diablo Metal cutting blade: https://amzn.to/2Kan8bE ISO tunes http://ISOtunesAudio.com?rfsn=1826204.613aa5 Milwaukee tools Air Compressor https://amzn.to/2EfYCoP Winter equipment-Best cutting edge ever: http://winterequipment.com/shop/contractor/v-plow-system?referral=dm Igloo trailmate: https://amzn.to/2UBVYPW Ego snow blower: https://amzn.to/2C62ya4 Crescent wrench pass through socket set: https://amzn.to/2EjfLh8 Milwaukee packout: https://amzn.to/2EfXhy8 Striker trilight: https://amzn.to/2Pxehln Bosch impact set: https://amzn.to/2LdNb28 3m work tunes: https://amzn.to/2Ee9t2w Makita Chainsaw: https://amzn.to/2PyDEmU Dewalt mitre saw: https://amzn.to/2QMndrU DirtMonkey thermals https://shopdirtmonkeyu.secure-decoration.com/shop/view_product/WAFFLE-THERMAL?n=10620117 DirtMonkey hats https://www.dirtmonkeyu.com/p/Gear


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See Ya Later Cellulite! – Amazing Toning Cream for Every Body Type

*We are ecstatic to partner with Avon and tell you about their new #NAKEDPROOF line of body firming products. It’s like they’ve read our minds!

One of the most important things I learned in college is that our bodies are miracles. As a Physical Education minor, I took a lot of classes involving the human body and each new insight left me in awe at the design and performance of our bodies. No matter what size, shape, or color your body is, it is incredible!

Our bodies can run, jump, grow babies inside them, push babies outside of them, and carry us throughout our lives. Your body is amazing and you should thank it every day for everything it does! That being said, we all like to look and feel confident in our own skin, and when it comes to feeling smooth in your own skin, here is some exciting news!

New NakedProof Body Firming Cream from Avon

When I first heard about Avon’s brand new line #NAKEDPROOF, I turned to my four year old and said, “Ezra, Avon just gets women!” 

NakedProof comes in three different products:

Smooth Moves Anti-Cellulite Cooling Gel

Affirm Yourself Firming Body Cream, and

End of the Line Stretch Mark Minimizing Lotion

All three are insanely affordable (one thing I LOVE about Avon), dermatologist-tested, and clinically proven to reduce the look of cellulite and give you visibly firmer skin in as little as four weeks.

Because I’m heading on a trip to Hawaii soon, I’m tripling up with all three #NAKEDPROOF products. Smooth Moves Anti-Cellulite Cooling Gel is for those tricky spots like the backs of your buttocks and legs. It feels amazing after a bath and it’s cooling effect feels like a spa treatment.

I like to apply Affirm Yourself Firming Body Cream as an all-over body lotion both morning and night. It stimulates natural collagen production to visibly firm skin and it’s even suitable for sensitive skin.

No one comes away from having four kids unscathed. I use #NAKEDPROOF End of the Line Stretch Mark Minimizing Lotion on my tummy, back, and rear. It’s got a shea butter and pomegranate extract formula that stimulates the body’s natural elastin production. You can start seeing results in two weeks.

Perfect for Summer and Upcoming Vacations

Basically I will be using Avon #NAKEDPROOF year round, but it’s also great for upcoming vacations and to help you gear up for summer. Get in on the #NAKEDPROOF bundle deal that is too good to miss!

And if you’re looking for a few more of my personal Avon faves, check out their Anew line— luxury skin care products at amazing deals.

I also love Avon’s Anew lash-growing serum that helps your natural lashes grow to gorgeous lengths.

Actually, just have fun shopping around because Avon has all kinds of fun stuff that I’ve discovered and love. (Let’s just say it’s really easy for me to get free shipping!)

Love your body, love you.

Model: Makenna Ashley

Photography: Shelley Coates

The post See Ya Later Cellulite! – Amazing Toning Cream for Every Body Type appeared first on How Does She.


by Nicolette via Home And Garden

How We Did the Perfect Italy Trip in 9 Days

Going to Italy was a dream I’ve had for so long that deep down, I thought it would never come true. I have two uncles who both lived in Italy for a time and I grew up on their enchanting tales of cobblestone streets, rolling countryside, rustic Italian cooking, and tales of the most incredible cities in the world. Then, one banal morning in April, as I was loading the dishwasher, everything changed.

How We Did the Perfect Italy Trip in 9 Days

My phone buzzed with a text from my sister-in-law that simply said: “Found flights to Italy for $500 round trip. Who’s coming with me?”

After an intense 30 minutes, my husband and I booked tickets to Italy, a country we’ve never been to, on what seemed like a whim. There was a definite freak-out moment as we wondered, What did we just do?

Six months later, it turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. We did an entire Italy trip in nine days, in under $1,300 per person, including flights! The country is absolutely stunning with ancient history and romance at every piazza and spaghetterria. Since coming home, I’ve had so many people ask for details and recommendations of our trip that I decided to lay them out here.

Before You Go:

  • Get passports in order.
  • Book lodging in each city. We did Airbnb and it was fantastic. I was a bit worried booking an Airbnb internationally, but every accommodation went smoothly. Each host communicated via email several times before our trip and met us at the apartment. They even gave us their best local tips and maps of the city.
  • Book train tickets to each city. It’s important to coordinate each termini location with your lodging. We usually walked about a mile from the termini location to our apartment.
  • Buy important tickets in advance. Depending on where you are going, you’ll want to book as many landmark locations in advance to avoid incredibly long lines. Places like the Vatican Museum (where you’ll see the Sistine Chapel) in Rome and The Accademia Gallery Museum (where you’ll see Michelangelo’s David) in Florence.
  • Learn some Italian. This was incredibly helpful. I printed out several lists of conversational Italian and even took a 3-month Rosetta Stone course in Italian. I was amazed at how much it helped me interact with locals, read signs, and order in restaurants.

Day 1: A Boat-load of flying

Day 2: Milan

Since day one was purely flying, Day 2 in Italy was our arrival to Milan, a global fashion capitol. Our inexpensive plane tickets were to Milan, so we spent a short time here before spending the bulk of our time in Rome, Florence, and Venice.

What we enjoyed in Milan:

  • Duomo di Milano: It’s no wonder this breathtaking church is the backdrop to endless selfies—it is absolutely stunning. The Duomo also houses Michelangelo’s The Last Supper and the Crypt of Saint Charles. You’ll want to buy tickets in advance if you want to see them.
  • The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Center: This historic landmark and high fashion mall is right across from the Duomo di Milano and a must-see, if only for the window-shopping and people-watching. Here you’ll find Prada, Versace, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, along with other elite fashions.

Day 3-4: Rome

Until my dying day, I will not forget my swift and unexpected love affair with Rome. The grandeur and wonder of this city is as large-scaled as its ancient architecture. To walk the same paths as Roman soldiers, to be in the same room as Michelangelo once was, and to witness with your own eyes his ethereal Sistine Chapel—it was life-changing.

When in Rome, do as much as you can, see as much as you can, and eat as much as you can. I wish we could have spent at least two more days here. We did a lot, and our pace was fast, but I know there was still much we missed.

Getting around Rome:

Rome is a large and expansive city that requires some mode of transportation. We solely used the metro system and then walked to our destinations. Once you get the hang of the metro in Rome, it is really a very quick and convenient way to traverse the city.

What we did:

  • The Collosseum and Palatine Hill: Absolutely astounding. A must-do. You can buy a Roma Pass that allows you to skip the lines at several Roma sites.

  • Vatican City, The Vatican Museum (home of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel), Saint Peter’s Basilica: Although there were wall-to-wall people there as we worked our way through the Vatican Museum, it was still breathtaking. Your walk through the museum culminates with the Sistine Chapel and is a true grand finale. I was unprepared for the reverence and awe this masterpiece commands.

  • The Trevi Fountain: Absolutely beautiful and another awe-inspiring moment. There are also many great restaurants, gelaterias, and cafes around here.

  • The Roman Pantheon: built in 113 AD and is one of the most impressive structures I have ever seen. It’s free to go inside and you simply have to see the incredible skylight that was so perfectly constructed in those ancient times.

Day 5-6: Florence

Florence is a charming and unexpected city full of beauty, art, and exploration. I suggest approaching Florence as a choose-your-own-adventure in the fact that my favorite part was just wandering around, getting lost in the labyrinth of the city.

Even if you’re not big on art, you simply must visit the Accademia Gallery Museum in Florence where Michelangelo’s statue of David calls home. It is an astounding experience to be in the same room as this magnificent sculpture.

Getting around in Florence:

Aside from taking the train to get there, we mainly walked all over Florence. The streets are quite narrow and renting a Vespa would be fun, but we stuck to walking and found that we were able to get pretty much everywhere we wanted, plus walk off all of that pizza, pasta, and gelato we were steadily consuming.

What we did:

  • Walk across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge. There are lots of shops along your way here that are fun to peruse.

  • Stop and listen to street musicians. One of the most charming and unpublicized things about this city.
  • See the statue of David at the Accademia Gallery. For me, simply astounding and an absolute must. It’s such a hallowed experience that I don’t want to post pictures. It’s something you really need to see for yourself. Buy tickets in advance.

  • Visit the Uffizi Gallery. I’m not a huge art fan, and so I was surprised at how much I loved the Uffizi. Seeing such masterful paintings by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and more was both moving and fascinating.

  • Climb the Piazale Michelangelo for an incredible view of the city. You’ll get gorgeous pictures here.

  • Go to the San Lorenzo Market. I’m still lamenting over the Italian leather jacket I didn’t get here. When I go back, I will definitely snag one.

But I did get lots of delicious Italian candies for the kids and we ate some delicious Italian food here. They will even dry-pack your cheese so you can travel with it.

  • See the Florence DuomoWe waited in line for about an hour and a half to enter this beautiful cathedral. It was free to enter, but you can buy tickets in advance to visit the baptistry and climb the dome, which would be amazing.

  • Eat anything and everything. We had the best cannoli of our lives here in Florence.

Day 7-8: Venice

From Florence, we took the train to Venice, where immediately upon exiting the termini, we were met with the unforgettable view of the Grand Canal. Venice immediately enchants you with its waterways and reason-defying architecture. Huge buildings are literally built on underwater wooden foundations that have been preserved for centuries.

In lieu of streets, you get winding waterways that weave in and out of the city, gondolas gliding through narrow passageways, and charming bridges connecting you to restaurants and shops.

We splurged on accommodations in Venice and stayed in a room with a view of the Grand Canal and it was worth it. Waking up to the lapping of water outside our big, open windows and eating croissants as we watched the boats below was heaven.

What we did in Venice:  

  • Took the water taxi. The easiest way to get around the city.
  • Went to Doge’s Palace and wandered the restaurants and shops there.

  • Had a gondola ride. A bit touristy, but something you just have to do in Venice.
  • Walked over the Rialto Bridge. There are lots of shops and restaurants here.

  • Wandered through the narrow city streets.
  • Bought an Italian suit. Italy is known for their suits, and my husband bought a very handsome one for a good price.
  • Ate authentic Italian. I ate the creamiest risotto and the most simple and delicious pizza here in Venice.

Best way to get around in Venice:

The majority of travel is by water, specifically the water taxi, which is literally the public transportation system in Venice. You can buy a 24-hour or 72-hour pass which allows you to get on and off the water taxi as many times as you want. Other than that, just wandering the streets on your own two feet is the best way to go. 

Day 9: Return flight home

Our nine-day trip to Italy was fast and furious, packed with art, culture, food (so much incredible food!), history, and surprise. Italy was everything I dreamed of and more, because now it is mine. Those cobblestone streets are my experience and I left a piece of myself in each city.

My Bottom Line Recommendations for your Italy Trip:

#1: Just go. Book a flight and the rest will fall into place.

#2: Eat everything. Friends have asked about where to eat in Italy, and my response is, think more in terms of whatto eat. Rather than a list of restaurants to visit, make a list of foods you want to eat. Risotto, gnocchi, ravioli, pizza, lasagna, tiramisu, gelato…then use Yelp to look for restaurants as you are in different sections of the city. We never had a bad meal in Italy.

#3: See everything you can: We didn’t get to everything. I think we made a good dent, but there are so many things I still have on my list for next time. Oh yeah, we’re already planning next time and you’ll want to too.

Italy is a country you can’t help falling head over heels for. Arrivederci!

The post How We Did the Perfect Italy Trip in 9 Days appeared first on How Does She.


by Nicolette via Home And Garden

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

9 Surprising Ways You Can Boost Your Child’s IQ

We all want our kid to be the smarty pants in class. Heck, we’re even crossing our fingers for that academic, full-ride scholarship down the line. But did you know there are things you can do to boost your child’s IQ? It’s true.

Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, is a measurement of human intelligence given in the form of a score (or number) via several standardized tests. First established in 1912, many critics question if the IQ test is a valid measure of intelligence. Some parenting experts have begun introducing a new definition of IQ as “Imagination Quotient,” aka the “other IQ.” Both imagination and intelligence are an important part of child development and if you want to boost your kiddo’s IQ (both intelligence and imagination), here’s a good place to start!

9 Surprising Ways You Can Boost Your Child’s IQ

1. Avoid battery-operated toys.

High tech toys aren’t necessarily better for brain development. The University of Washington conducted a study in Seattle that found playing with blocks may help with childhood cognitive development.

A lot of high-tech, electronic toys market themselves as intelligence boosters, but these toys are all game-directed and don’t allow for creative thinking. A game that beeps when a kid pushes the correct button might be fun, but it directs the child rather than allowing the child to direct the game.

Dr. Wendy Masi, PhD says in this Parents article, “You want your child to be an original thinker, to understand that there isn’t always one right answer to every situation.”

2. Simple, old fashioned toys are actually better.

So which toys are best for developing a deep and well-rounded intelligence? Experts say that the simple, old fashioned toys like blocks and board games are actually the best. Look for toys that allow your child to build, create, or direct play.

The above University of Washington study found that children ages 18 months to 24 months who played with plain old blocks actually had better language development than those who didn’t play with blocks. Some of the best toys aren’t even toys at all, like empty cardboard boxes, milk containers, and old socks. A child’s creativity can turn them into forts, robots, and puppets!

3. Add “bored time” to your schedule.

Today’s kids are so over-scheduled that there is barely enough time for them to be bored in a day. Newsflash: boredom is great for kids! (Read the 6 perfect responses to the phrase “I’m bored.”)

An article by Dr. Gwen Dewar, PhD reported that free play promotes better learning, memory, and growth of the cerebral cortex. Kids who engage in non-structured, imaginative play develop language, spacial intelligence, reasoning, and mathematical skills.

Not only should parents allow kids to be bored, but they should plan for it. Stock the playroom with dress-up clothes and some basic props that will allow children to come up with their own games.

4. Read!

Reading does for the mind what barbells do for the muscles. The mind needs to read every day reports the Reader’s Digest and children as young as six months old who regularly read books with mom or dad show stronger literacy skills and score higher on intelligence tests as little as four years later! It’s safe to say that reading boosts our IQ as we attain new vocabulary and increase comprehension.

5. Be adventurous.

If you want your child to be a creative thinker and problem solver, then be an adventurous family. Expose your children to different activities, places, and cultures to show them that a diverse view of the world. Attend a multicultural event or cook up a new food once a week. Instead of visiting the same park, try out new ones in your town. Plan different vacations instead of the same spot every year. Don’t shoot down your child’s curiosity—if they discover a new path, walk down it with them.

6. Ask them what they think.

Kids ask a lot of questions and instead of just answering them, try responding with the question: What do you think? Give your child a chance to think about the question and hypothesize an answer. It may take longer to get there, but guiding your child through the question-to-answer process will help them become an independent thinker.

7. Get crafty.

Set aside the tablet for some more creative play. Too much screen time or battery-operated play turns your child into an observer. Instead, give him or her a chance to lead the show and direct play time. Crafts are a great way to do this! Get out the Play-Doh and a few kitchen tools like a blunt plastic knife for cutting, and an old cookie sheet for laying out their creations. Have finger paints and water colors handy or create musical instruments out of items in your recycling bin. Kids won’t even recognize they are learning!

8. Don’t be a lawnmower parent.

A lawnmower parent is the mom or dad who goes before the child, mowing a nice, easy path for them to follow. Lawnmower parents do the hard things so their children don’t have to. A lawnmower parent gives her child the $5 she needs to buy a toy instead of earning the money herself. Do your child a huge favor by allowing him or her to do hard things. There’s a great Ann Landers quote that says, “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves, that will make them successful human beings.”

9. Use humor.

Finally, intelligence isn’t just about book smarts. Many psychologists and sociologists recognize emotional and social intelligence, or the ability to read people and situations and in turn respond to them intelligently. In fact, there is a big correlation between intelligence and humor. In 2010, the University of New Mexico studied 400 university students and found that high scores on intelligence tests correlated with the ability to recognize and produce humor.

You can practice humor at home by not taking life too seriously and responding to unexpected situations by laughing. Humor teaches a type of emotional resilience that can’t be learned from a text book.

 

Human intelligence isn’t measured solely from a standardized test. You can boost your child’s IQ (Intelligence Quotient and Imagination Quotient) by introducing them to a variety of experiences, allowing them to work through problems, and using a little humor to lighten the mood.

The post 9 Surprising Ways You Can Boost Your Child’s IQ appeared first on How Does She.


by Nicolette via Home And Garden

UTV plowing deep snow by Stanley "Dirt Monkey" Genadek

UTV plowing deep snow How much snow can a UTV push? Let's see if it can plow 8" of heavy wet snow on long runs over a gravel drive...