Eating a healthy, balanced diet is often easier said than done – it takes thought, time and effort to prepare fresh and nutritious food, when less healthy options are often much easier and more convenient!
More Herbs, Less Salt Day encourages you to take a simple step to re-align this balance, through the use of herbs in home-cooked dishes in place of salt. It doesn’t take much room or effort to grow a variety of fresh herbs, and a little rosemary, thyme, mint or other herbs can do just as much to enrich a dish as a heavy dose of salt.
Word of the Day
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| Definition: | (noun) A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication. | ||
| Synonyms: | mineral jelly, petroleum jelly | ||
| Usage: | While her friends bought expensive designer lip balms, she stuck with her grandmother's remedy, a big jar of petrolatum. | ||
History
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 | The father of the US Supreme Court justice of the same name, Holmes was an American physician, poet, and humorist. After beginning his medical career as a general practitioner, he shifted to the academic field and became dean of the Harvard medical school. However, he is perhaps best known for the poem that won him national acclaim—"Old Ironsides," a protest against the scrapping of the USS Constitution, which helped save the ship | ||
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 | The Mobile-Phone Throwing World Championship takes place in August in Savonlinna, Finland. The light-hearted event offers several categories for men, women, and teams: original, which is based on distance; freestyle, based on distance, style, aesthetics, and creativity; and juniors, which is limited to children 12 years old and under. First-place winners get a new mobile phone. Since the inaugural competition in 2000, several European countries—including Norway, Switzerland, and Germany—have introduced their own national championships. | ||
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 | More than 150 archeological excavations have taken place in Greece so far this year, but two recent digs may have just made history of their own. They may have discovered the lost palace of Sparta. | ||
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1886 - In New York City, Chinese Ambassador Li Hung-chang's chef invented chop suey.
1949 - At the University of Illinois, a nuclear device was used for the first time to treat cancer patients
1958 - George Harrison joined the band Quarrymen. John Lennon and Paul McCartney were also members.
1967 - The final episode of "The Fugitive" aired.
1971 - Hank Aaron became the first baseball player in the National League to hit 100 or more runs in each of 11 seasons.
1983 - The anchor of the USS Monitor, from the U.S. Civil War, was retrieved by divers.
1986 - The former "American Bandstand" studio was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The studio is in Philadelphia, PA.
DAILY SQU-EEK
If You Were Born Today, August 29
You are passionate and ardent, and you work hard towards success in life. A natural leader, your charisma attracts others. You are success-oriented, but your warmth keeps you from becoming hardened or overly practical. You are seeking emotional fulfillment in life, and you enjoy starting new projects that you may not always follow through to completion. Optimistic and straightforward, you don't readily beat around the bush, and others usually find your manner charming rather than abrupt. You are typically very willing to work for reforms that better people's quality of living and open people's minds to progress. You stand by your convictions and humanitarian ideals. Bringing inspiration and uniqueness to whatever work you do, you enjoy making people see things in new ways. You are attracted to busy, hard-working people like yourself. It is relatively easy for you to mix business and pleasure, and you are more than willing to work on relationships. You tend to thrive in partnerships. Famous people born today: Michael Jackson, Ingrid Bergman, Elliott Gould, Lea Michele, Carla Gugino, Liam Payne, Rebecca De Mornay.
| Picture of the day | |
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A female impala (Aepyceros melampus) photographed at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. These medium-sized African antelopes inhabit savanna grasslands and woodlands close to water sources, feeding on grasses, forbs, monocots,dicots and foliage. They are fast runners and known for their leaping ability, reaching heights up to 3 m (10 ft).
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Painted Pink
Photograph by Grant Glendinning, National Geographic
Sunset surrounds the late 19th-century Rattray Head lighthouse in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Grant Glendinning captured the dusk’s changing light with a long exposure and a neutral density and polarizing filter attached to a wide-angle lens.
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knit (for all those plastic bags)
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Lacy Recyclibag pattern by Gina House
Although I’m sure most of us try our best to forgo plastic bags at stores, there always seems to be a small stash of them hanging around the house, am I righ...
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Country Quilt Baby Blanket - Patterns | Yarnspirations
This charming baby blanket is reminiscent of your favorite quilt, with an updated look and feel! Knit in Caron Simply Soft.
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knit, vintage
Cable Anklets Pattern #607
Sizes 8½ to 11
REQUIREMENTS:
YARN: 3-ounces of Sock Yarn or Nylon.
NEEDLES: 1-pr. No. 2 single pointed.
Two stitch holders.
YARN: 3-ounces of Sock Yarn or Nylon.
NEEDLES: 1-pr. No. 2 single pointed.
Two stitch holders.
GAUGE: 10 sts to an inch
STARTING AT THE CUFF: Cast on 60 sts for sizes 8½ to 9; 64 sts for sizes 9½ to 10; 68 sts for sizes 10½ to 11. Work in ribbing of k 1, p 1, for 3 inches. On the last row increase to 76 sts for all sizes.
PATTERN: 1st row: P 1, * k 4, p 3, repeat from * across row ending with k 4, p 1. 2nd row: K 1, * p 4, k 3, repeat from * across row, ending with p 4, k 1. 3rd row: Repeat 1st row. 4th row: Repeat 2nd row. 5th row: Repeat 1st row. 6th row:Repeat 2nd row. 7th row: P 1, * slip next 2 sts onto a dble pt needle and hold in back of work, knit the next 2 sts, knit the 2 sts off the dble pt needle, p 3, repeat from * across row ending with p 1. 8th row: K 1, * p 4, k 3, repeat from * across row ending with k 1. Work in the pattern until the piece measures 5½ inches in all, ending with 2nd row of pattern.
HEEL: * Knit 2, k 2 tog, repeat from * 3 times more, k 3, (15 sts) leave these sts on the needle; place next 38 sts onto a st holder; remaining 19 sts onto a 2nd st holder. Working on the 15 sts, work in stockinette stitch always slipping the first st on a purl row, make 27 rows ending with a purl row.
SHAPING OF HEEL:
K 2, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 3, turn;
K 3, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 4, turn;
K 4, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 5, turn;
K 5, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 6, turn;
K 6, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 7, turn;
K 7, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, (9 sts).
With the same needle, pick up and knit 14 sts along side of heel, in pattern work off 38 sts off st holder, now place all these sts back onto a free st holder. Work the last 19 sts as follows: K 3, * k 2 sts together, k 2, repeat from * 3 times more, (15 sts). Work in stockinette stitch on these 15 sts for 28 rows, always slipping the first st on a knit row, ending with a knit row.
K 2, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 3, turn;
K 3, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 4, turn;
K 4, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 5, turn;
K 5, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 6, turn;
K 6, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, turn; sl 1, p 7, turn;
K 7, slip 1, k 1, psso, k 1, (9 sts).
With the same needle, pick up and knit 14 sts along side of heel, in pattern work off 38 sts off st holder, now place all these sts back onto a free st holder. Work the last 19 sts as follows: K 3, * k 2 sts together, k 2, repeat from * 3 times more, (15 sts). Work in stockinette stitch on these 15 sts for 28 rows, always slipping the first st on a knit row, ending with a knit row.
SHAPING 2ND HALF OF HEEL:
P 2, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 3, turn;
P 3, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 4, turn;
P 4, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 5, turn;
P 5, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 6, turn;
P 6, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 7, turn;
P 7, p 2 tog, p 1, (9 sts).
With the same needle, pick up and purl 14 sts along side of heel, work the sts off the stitch holder as they are. Purling and knitting when needed.
P 2, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 3, turn;
P 3, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 4, turn;
P 4, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 5, turn;
P 5, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 6, turn;
P 6, p 2 tog, p 1, turn; sl 1, k 7, turn;
P 7, p 2 tog, p 1, (9 sts).
With the same needle, pick up and purl 14 sts along side of heel, work the sts off the stitch holder as they are. Purling and knitting when needed.
GUSSET DECREASES: 1st dec: K 21 sts, k 2 tog, place a marker, work across 38 sts in the pattern; place a marker, sl 1, k 1, psso, k 21 sts. Next row: Purl 22 sts, slip marker, pattern across 38 sts, slip marker, purl 22 sts. 2nd dec: Knit to within 2 sts of first marker, k 2 tog, slip marker, pattern 38 sts, slip marker, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. Next row: Purl to first marker, slip marker, pattern 38 sts, slip marker, purl to end of row. Repeat these last 2 rows until 68 sts remain on the needle. Drop off markers. Work until the sock measures the number of inches required for your size: (6½ inches for sizes 8½ to 9); 7½ inches for sizes 9½ to 10; 8½ inches for sizes 10½ to 11. With the right side of the work facing you work as follows: K 5 sts, * k 2 tog, k 6, repeat from * 6 times more, k 2 tog, k 5. Next row: Purl 15 sts, place a marker on needle; purl 30 sts, place a marker, purl 15 sts.
TOE DECREASES: Knit to within 3 sts of first marker, k 2 tog, k 1, slip marker, k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to within 3 sts of 2nd marker, k 2 tog, k 1, slip marker, k 1, sl 1, k 1, psso, knit to end of row. 2nd row: Purl across row keeping markers in place. Repeat these last 2 rows until 24 sts remain. Bind off and sew across toe, having decreases at the sides. Sew sole and back seams. Make the other sock the same way.
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Simple Pencil Pouch Crochet Pattern
This post was originally shared by Persia Lou on Craftaholics Anonymous.
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Crochet Ballet Slippers pattern by Tamara Kelly
These cozy crochet slippers make a great gift for a friend (or for your own two feet)!
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DIY Tie Dye S'mores | Studio DIY®
Make colorful tie dye s'mores with homemade rainbow marshmallows!
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CROCKPOT RECIPE
stephanie o'dea
CrockPot Haggis Recipe
Haggis is pretty much a Scottish meatloaf, which is traditionally cooked in a sheep's stomach, or pluck, to keep it all together. The pluck isn't eaten--it's just used as a casing.
I figured if I was going to make a Haggis, I was going to MAKE A HAGGIS. So I ordered a pluck from our friendly neighborhood fancy-pants butcher place. The guy on the phone said he'd get me one, and when I asked how much he thought it would be he answered, "It can't be much ma'am. That's the throw-away part."When I picked it up (it was $13 by the way...not exactly cheap) it was in a cardboard box with the label: NOT FOR HUMAN
CONSUMPTION. I probably should have taken that as a sign, but instead I got giddy about trying to make this work.I had read as much as I could find about proper Haggising, and decided to follow what was outlined in the Detailed Haggis Recipe.
But. I couldn't figure out what was what in the cardboard box. The butcher had given me all the innards. I had the wind pipe, the heart, lungs, and stomach. Everything was still attached. I began cutting with my poultry scissors and separated the organs. I got to work on what I thought was the stomach, but it ended up being a lung. And then I realized that what was probably the stomach was this green slimy pouch that I had already thrown away. And I got weirded out. I wrapped everything in a bunch of plastic and threw it away in the outdoor bin. And Cometed the sink. Twice. So! This the Americanized version of Haggis. Everyone who tasted it at mom's party enjoyed it. I did, too.
The Ingredients.
--1/2 pound ground beef
--1/2 pound ground lamb
--1 chopped red onion (doesn't need to be diced, largish chunks are okay)
--1 cup oats
--pinch each of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon
--1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
--1/2 tsp black pepper
--1 tsp kosher salt
--1 egg
--1/2 cup of broth or stock (I used chicken broth)
The Directions.
In a large mixing bowl, mix all of the ingredients, minus the broth, the same way you'd make a meatloaf.
Plop it into your crockpot. I used a 4qt round crock for this. I didn't spray with cooking spray, but it might be a good idea.
Shape with your hands into a round blob.
Pour in your broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for about 4. This is cooked fully when it has browned on the edges and is beginning to brown on top. Don't overcook and risk drying out.
I cooked ours on low for 5 hours, and then on high for another hour.
Using large spatulas, carefully remove and set on a cutting board. Let rest for a full 30 minutes before slicing.
The Verdict.
I'd make this again! I loved the flavors of the clove and nutmeg, and liked the kick of the cayenne. It was salty, but not too salty, and it reminded me of the Haggis I ate in Scotland when I was twelve. I don't think I'd bother with tracking down a pluck again--after speaking with Michael and Kate and learning that no one eats that part anyway, it just seems like an added step. I was pleased with the moistness and tenderness of the meat after it was crockpotted.
CRAFT
Paper Clip Puppets
joel
A few days ago I made these little puppets with paper clips and cardboard. The kids were really coming up with some entertaining stories for them. If you want to try it out, they're very simple to make. First, bend the middle of a paper clip so it stands up. Then cut out the puppets, making sure the corrugated cardboard holes are vertical. Paint or color the puppets. Now slide the paper clip through the holes of the cardboard puppet. (Just push it firmly into the cardboard. It holds very nicely.) Now play! I'd like to make some cars and trucks like this too!
CHILDREN'S CORNER ... craft
Cardboard Tube Bird Feeders
freekidscrafts
Warm or cold weather is the time for us to take better care of our feathered friends with things like these Cardboard Tube Bird Feeders. They are inexpensive and easy to make so have the kids make a lot of them and watch the birds flock to your yard.
Supplies
Bird Seed
Cardboard Tubes
Suet, Almond Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter or other edible material
Instructions
Slather the Almond Butter or other material on the cardboard tubes.
Roll the tube in the birdseed.
Slip on the shrubs or tree branches and watch the birds flock to your yard.
PUZZLE
QUOTE
Artist Gives Old Apple iMacs New Lease on Life by Turning Them into Aquariums
By Sumitra
Jake Harms converts old Apple iMac computers into beautiful aquariums. He spends hours locked up in his basement workshop, giving these old computers a new lease of life. So far, he’s sold over 1,000 aquariums to customers all over the world.
Jake said that he specifically uses 2000-era Apple iMac G3 computers, because of their distinct shape and bright color schemes. The opaque computer frames allow light to shine through them, so that the fish are visible from various angles. He uses iMacs because they’re a lot better looking than the beige and grey models of other brands.
“No one’s ever asked me to make an aquarium out of a Dell,” he jokingly says.
"Good Morning" in Zulu (Southern Africa) - Umhlala gahle
CLEVER
Did not know that...
EYE OPENER
Tricky Photos That Will Make You Look Twice
earth porm
It might appear like this boat is about to float away into outer space, but look again, as carefully as you can. The shadow is actually next to the boat instead of beneath the boat. Yet the way the picture comes together with water flowing seamlessly throughout, it truly looks like the ship is floating slightly above the water. What’s weird is that there is no air showing beneath the boat, and yet the boat still appears to be flying.
Some artists spend their entire lifetime trying to come up with the perfect optical illusion, but every once in a while the world (paired with the power of a camera) gives us one for free. We have collected some of the trickiest photos you have ever seen, in fact if it weren’t for the disclaimer you might be really confused what you are looking at. I have to admit, even with the knowledge these photos are all accidental optical illusions, I’m still a little perplexed about a few of them…
Case and point, the photo below– is this a Harry Potter character or a perfectly timed photo of a HUGE bird about to attack a darling deer? 
They say the woman in pink can be a bit of a pervert, but no one thought she was going to take it this far…
Colors are a huge part of optical illusions, when the same colors overlap in a photo an optical illusion is likely to surface.
The world’s longest dog?
On the next episode of The Haunted, one family deals with a floating head in all of their family pictures, even on Christmas.
They call her the horse woman for more reasons than one. Some can’t help but wonder if she sleeps in a barn or a bed…
If spiders looked like people…But seriously, where are all of those hands coming from?
A distant tree meets with the head of a doe, making what appears to be the grandest antlers in all of the forest…
Who needs legs when you can levitate?
“Oh come on and get that head out of your a$#!”
These two long-necks are very close! You don’t see a two-headed giraffe everyday, not even in a National Geographic magazine.
World’s biggest bug or world’s smallest flying helicopter?
Something about that girl looks so familiar… Could it be her legs?
Floating on the top of the water like it’s no big deal!
Talk about coordinating outfits, these girls do it best! So much so, you can’t even tell who is holding up whom in the photo below! I’ve already changed my mind two times…
Felines that cuddle together, stay together. Where does one cat begin and the other end?
After having kids the couple below probably felt like they had created a perfect combination of themselves. And then they saw this family photo and realized they had not truly morphed into one person until this moment.
Talk about a photo bomb on this mom and cute baby! The guy stealing the show just loves wearing his flower bikini bottoms to the beach during the summer, who cares if all the people stare? Skipper knows he looks great.
Um, wow. What is going on here?!
It looks like someone is sneaking a feel of Kate’s lady parts….
Such weird pics today. Hope the helicopter ant rescue was a success.
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