Community Blog

Is it just me, or does this baby frown everytime his dad starts singing?  Maybe he’s Simon Cowell in the making!

That was too funny!

One thing I look forward to during March is the “madness” it brings–get it?

With that said, I think I will dabble in a little bit of bracket playing this year. And if I’m lucky enough, I might even get a chance at winning the $100K Hoopla Perfect Bracket Contest. If my predictions get me that far, I would have to pinch myself continuously for me to even believe it.

So if you’re interested, brackets will be available from March 14-18 for you to fill out. You can fill it out on the Hoopla web site, or in Facebook; if you play through Facebook, you can play against your friends. All you have to do is look for the March College Basketball Tourney and have at it!

In order to avoid becoming competitive and possibly losing a friend or two(who wouldn’t get competitive for $100K?) along the way, I think I’ll just stick to registering on the Hoopla site.

Good luck!!!

If someone handed you $250 bucks to update your bedroom, what would you do? The first thing I would do is get rid of the clutter; that way, I’ll have a better view of what I need to do. Then, I’d work on getting a new bedroom comforter. Since bedding can be expensive sometimes, I think I would try buying two good quality flat sheets one size bigger than my mattress and sew them together to make a duvet cover. Cool idea right?

The next thing I would do is buy a couple of throw pillows to match my new bed cover. I could also buy a comfy little chair (if the money allows) to put in a corner close to my TV stand.

Lastly, I would buy a small area rug from online sites, you know, where I’d be sure to get a good discount.

By that time, I’m sure my money will be slim. If anything is left, I would by some storage units/ organizers.

What would you do with your money?

Have you heard?  There’s a new dance called the Smarty Pants dance.  Evidently when you get an answer right, you can do this dance.  Watch this smart toddler get her dance on after answering geographical questions:

Have you been able to answer trivia questions today?  Then do the Smarty Pants dance!

Are you still looking for neat decorative ideas for your place? One thing I’d like to explore with you guys today are curtains. When buying curtains, it’s great to get input from others. Here’s a few tips to remember when shopping for curtains:

Natural or White?
When deciding on natural or white curtains, it’s sort of what your personal preference is. If you like brighter colors that reflect more light, then I would stick with the white curtains. If you’d like warmer, softer look, go with natural. It can more easily blend with the other colors in your room, too.

Light Control
Light control depends on the type of material you get. Sheer and lace fabrics filter and natural or white cotton blends soften light. Woven material tends to block out light more.

Choosing Your Curtain Style!
What do you like? Do you prefer tailored, country, or a more contemporary look? Tab curtains will create a variety of looks, from country to modern-looking. Tailored curtains can create country, traditional, and formal looks. And if you want to mix it up, combine different styles to please your likes!

When we think of recycling, we normally tend to think of the basics, you know, soda cans, plastic bottles, and paper-but what about other items? Here are some items that are game for recycling that we normally don’t think about:

Phone books- be sure to remove the magnetic inserts and other non-paper elements before tossing them.

Aluminum foil- not accepted by all programs, so check and make sure they are accepted by all programs

Aerosol cans- just make sure that they are empty

Labels- you can leave them on the plastic bottles

Metal clothes hangers- you can either drop them in you curbside bins or take them to the local dry cleaners so they can reuse.

But before you gather these items to start collecting, first check with the city to make sure that you can take these items to your nearest recycling center.
What are some other items that you recycle in your area?

The Oscars is almost here!  Which actress do you think should win the category for best in a leading role?  Take our poll!

Looking for some ways to accessorize your bathroom? Try using the tips below to create a fun and jazzy space for you!

Tip #1: Colors! Colors!
If your walls and fixtures are already plain colors (like white and crème), add some color to the bathroom by using bold and vibrant accent towels. Solid and Printed towels will work for any look you’re going for. And to change it up, you could purchase a set of towels for seasonal use.

Tip #2 – Dramatic Curtains
What better way to give off a dramatic impression other than with a dramatic shower curtain? A shower curtain is one of the most dramatic pieces in your bathroom and can instantly change how the area looks. Just like towels, look for something bold and vibrant.

Tip #3 – Don’t forget the Ensemble
Other ways you can jazz up your bathroom is with a cool looking waste can, a fancy tissue holder, toothbrush holder, soap dish, and soap dispenser. You don’t have to get all of these items- consider how much space you have a you decide what’s necessary.

Any other tips? We’d like to know?

That’s right, I said it. Enough with the “keep carbs out of your diet talk.” The truth is, you can still enjoy carbs and lose weight. You just have to know when to stop.

Moderation is the key. Although it is highly recommended that you eat more whole-grain, whole-wheat carbohydrates, just like regular white carbs, you have to eat them in moderation. Opt for two whole grain waffles, not three. And if you’re eating those regular buttermilk ones, eat one and substitute a second with a fruit or something. And lucky for you, whole-grain foods have more fiber, which makes you feel fuller faster ( I experimented with granola Special K, and this is so true because I was full after the first serving!).

Other whole-wheat things you could try are whole grain rice, pasta, and yeast. So if you go to Subway for lunch, why not get that Subway melt on whole grain bread?

You can also try spacing your car intake out. For example, if you ate bagels for breakfast, try a hearty salad or soup for lunch, minus the roll.

These are some key things be aware of when indulging in carbs. As long as you eat in moderation, and be mindful of what you’ll eating, you’ll be okay.

There’s a list of amazing grains that you can try on Self.com, too.

I know they say that sweets are bad for you, but I promise this one is healthy, sweet, and high in fiber.  Add these low-fat muffins to your diet!  Here is what you’ll need:  

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c.flour (I used 1/2 c. whole wheat.)
2 teasp.baking soda
1 teasp. cinnamon( or a bit more)
1/2 teasp. salt
1 1/4 c granulated sugar
3 large eggs
8 tabelspoons butter ( one stick), melted & cooled
1 tsp. vanilla
1- 8 oz.can crushed pineapple,drained.
1/2 c. sweetened, shredded coconut
1/2 c. raisins ( I used “golden”)
1 c. chopped walnuts
4 med. carrots, peeled & grated finely = 2 cups.

 Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.       Â
Grease muffin tins or use liners.                                                                                                              Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt. 

In another bowl, whisk sugar eggs, butter, and vanilla until smooth.  Fold sugar mixture into flour mixture until well combined.  Fold in carrots, pineapples, coconut, raisins, and walnuts.                                                                   

Bake 25-30 mins. or until golden in color.
COOL, EAT AND ENJOY!

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