Tips To Make Evening Meals At Home More Delicious

 Bored of the same meals being consumed every evening at home? We can often get ourselves stuck in a rut of having the same dishes over and over again. Not to mention that often enough, this food comes pre-packaged and pre-made for easy consumption.

It’s important to make food fresh where possible and to use a variety of ingredients and flavors to keep these dishes interesting. How can evening meals at home be more delicious? Here are some top tips to help!

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Read the ingredient instructions carefully

When cooking, always check the ingredients. If it’s an ingredient that hasn’t been used before or that is typically cooked in a way that’s been taught by others, have a look at what the packaging states.

It may be that there are new and improved ways of cooking with the ingredients to help bring out the flavor or to try it a different way from the usual.

With unfamiliar ingredients, the instructions are a great way to grasp what it is that’s required in order to cook with it properly.

Experiment with recipes online

There are lots of great recipes online that are worth looking at when it comes to experimenting with food. For example, this sous vide chicken thighs is a helpful recipe for those who don’t know how to properly season their meat and to work with chicken, a meat that puts people off for fear of under or overcooking it.

We’ve got the world of food at our fingertips when it comes to the internet, so take advantage of what others have put out there to help improve evening meals at home.

Fill the plate with more color

For more variety and dishes that are packed with nutrients and good stuff for the body, fill the plate with more color. There are going to be some that simply cook with the same colors every week and for many that can often be beige. 

However, as much as it’s easy to cook with these types of foods, it’s always good to incorporate more food types, especially in the fruit and veg department.

Try new food cuisines

The world is full of different food cuisines from different parts of the world that have likely gone unexplored by many households. Many of us may be used to typical American, British, Italian, and Spanish food for example. However, what about food cuisines that are Greek, Lebanese, Russian or MalaysianMalaysian? 

There’s plenty to try and that can unlock a variety of ingredients with it that have never been used before.

Don’t be shy with the herbs

When it comes to herbs, don’t be shy. A pinch of herbs is going to do very little to the dish but a teaspoon or two will certainly transform a dish for the better. Don’t be shy when it comes to herbs. Experiment with different herbs and spices when it comes to evening meals.

Making evening meals more delicious can help better the relationship with food and make it feel like you’re dining out instead of eating in.es to adding a little extra spice or herb to the meal.

Making evening dishes can be delicious with a few changes to how food is prepared and what ingredients are selected.

Creepy Halloween Cocktails

 Halloween is near, and that means it is time to start planning some parties, setting the scene with ghoulish decorations, and of course, mixing up some festive drinks! This collection has some completely creepy cocktails that you might want to make this year.

From blood bags that are ghastly, to an oozing green tonic that is sure to set your senses to spook. This round up has so many fun ideas. These are meant for grown ups, so please, if you want to make these and share them, do so responsibly!  Click through the links below for the full recipes.

My easy Pretzel Mummy Snack Idea pairs well with cocktail hour too!

Blood Bag Punch by Gastronom

Camp Crystal Lake Punch by Cheese Curd in Paradise

Halloween Green Sangria by Slow the cook Down

Halloween Sangria by The Forked Spoon

Shimmering Witches Brew by Tikido

Bloody Eyeball Cocktail by Ann’s Entitled Life

Ghostini by Tonya Staab

Halloween Sangria by Basil and Bubbly

Demon Juice Cocktails by Crayons and Cravings 

Halloween Tonic by Ottawa Mommy Club

I have so many fun Halloween ideas on site. If you are looking for more ways to get into the spirit, you might like 25 Deliciously Scary Snacks. Why Not Make a Halloween Tree and let your guests decorate it at the party?

Handy Hacks for Your Home

 

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If you’re a nerdy homeowner, you’re going to love these handy hacks to make your life easier and dodge some common issues; whether it’s peeling an orange or clementine with ease or a handy trick to avoid looking foolish at the fuel pump, we have you covered; read on for more.   

Peeling Oranges 

Winter is an excellent time to eat oranges, that’s because there is far less sunlight in the winter and, therefore, less vitamin D. We need vitamin D in our bodies to maintain the health of our bones, teeth, and muscles. There’s good news; oranges are easier to peel than first thought. 

To peel an orange, the easy way set it down on a chopping board and select a sharp knife; next, cut slices from the top and bottom of the orange along with a cut down the side of the fruit. This method allows you to unroll the orange in a strip and choose the segments instead of peeling it.   

Washing Blender 

Another useful item to have in your home over the winter is a blender; people mostly make use of their blenders in the summer when there are more fruits in season, but don’t pack them away in the autumn; again, winter is a time when you need to increase nutrient and mineral intakes. 

If you have some trouble washing a blender and it ends up congealing in the kitchen sink, there is an easy solution, fill the jug with soapy water and put it back on the hub, then hit the button and blend the soapy water to wash the jug. It’s recommended by Highland Park Housekeeping. 

Fabric Scraps

When you buy new items of clothing, you might notice small fabric scraps on the inside seams and wonder what they are for; if you’re like most people, you might assume they are for making minor repairs, but actually, they are used for testing the fabric with different laundry detergents. 

If you want to avoid stains and blemishes on your new clothing, test the laundry detergent and washing style on the fabric scrap first before committing your clothing to the wash. That said, some clothing comes with repair patches as well, but these are usually bigger than the scraps. 

Wooden Hangers 

Wooden hangers are better to hang clothing in the wardrobe and not only for aesthetic purposes. Naturally, wooden hangers look nicer in your wardrobe and hang your clothing better, but there are actually designed intelligently to protect your clothing from moths and pests. 

The last thing you want is to take one of your favorite clothing items from the wardrobe only to find that it has a large hole in it from a moth. Wooden hangers are made from a particular type of wood that repels moths and pests; they are also shaped better to protect your clothing.  

Fuel Gauge  

Have you ever parked your vehicle at the gas station and got out only to find you are at the wrong side for the pump? If so, there is an easy solution, look at the fuel gauge on your dashboard; whatever side the dial points to empty is the side you need to fill up your vehicle at.  

6 Ways To Keep Your Cat Happy And Healthy Indoors

 Sometimes, it might be too cold outside to let your cat explore the outdoors, so they need to stay in. Keeping your cat happy and healthy indoors does not need to be complicated. With enough attention, toys and entertainment, the kitty will be able to stay busy and get all the exercise they need. Here are our top ways to keep your cat happy and healthy indoors. 

Make Sure They Have A Balanced Diet

To make sure that your cat stays happy and healthy, you should pay attention to the pet’s diet. Cats should not eat too much dry food, and their diet needs to be meat-based. Companies such as Reveal offer food made of a variety of different meats. Choosing the right food for your pet can only help you to improve their health and overall quality of life.

Let Your Cat Watch The Birds From The Window

Even domesticated cats can be a danger to your local wildlife and birds, even if they are well fed. However, you can let your cat enjoy the beauty of wildlife even from the comfort of your home. Try making them a perch by the window where you have a bird feeder. From there, they can watch birds safely without being able to attack them, and it might entertain them for hours.

Allow Them To Climb

It is only natural for cats to climb. Therefore, you should allow them to do so even indoors, where they cannot climb up the trees. Instead, install a cat tree that will allow them to exercise their muscles, have fun and rest. You can find cat trees in many pet stores. But if you are good at DIY, you can try to build a cat tree from scratch.

Look For The Right Vet

Most vet clinics are busy with dogs. To keep your cat relaxed and happy, try to find a vet who has a clinic that is cat-friendly. Ideally, they should have separate areas for cats and dogs. That way, your kitty will not be scared or need to worry about other animals, especially if you expect to be in a waiting room for an extended period of time. 

Accept Their Affection

Some people might say that cats are mean. However, they are only pets that need to be loved, and with enough attention, they return the affection. The ways cats show affection might differ, but some of the most common is when they bring you their favourite toy or follow you around. And if the cat falls asleep in your lap, it is a great display of trust and love.

Ensure They Feel Loved

Unlike wild cats, domesticated cats need your attention to stay happy. Therefore, you should make sure that you have time to play and snuggle with your cat every single day. As long as you pay attention to your pet, the kitty will stay healthy and happy. Even with a few moments of attention, you will be able to make a significant difference to their well-being and happiness.

Haunting Halloween Cocktails

 

If you are planning for a party, or maybe just want to treat yourself to something extra this Halloween, then you are in the perfect place to be inspired! I have gathered 10 of my favorite festive cocktails for the Halloween season to share with you. You can find a bonus of a few of my favorite cocktail recipes below too.

Hocus Pocus Cocktail by Easy Party Cocktails

Black Widow Martini by Burrata and Bubbles

Monkey Brain Shots by Aleka’s Get Together

Devil Margaritas by Sula and Spice

Witches Brew by Sugar and Charm

Wicked Things Cocktail by Like MK Library

Halloween Sangria by The Forked Spoon

Bloody Cosmos by By Andrea Jansen 

Lychee Gin Cocktail by Emily Fabulous

Green Appletini by The Art of Natural Living

Which of these sounds best to you? Those witches brew drinks look fun!

You might also want to try this sour apple margarita recipe

The Night King Cocktail is always a favorite!

5 Types of Seafood You Don't Know You Love

 

Red lobster on a white ceramic plate - Image Courtesy of Pexels

The ocean offers many minutes when it comes to food. But shockingly, over 80% of Americans don't eat seafood. So here is some seafood you don't know you love until you try it. 

Crabs Aren't Just Funny to Watch

There are many different types of crab, each with its own distinct flavors. There's king crab, snow crab, and blue crab. And if you've never had crab before, you must give it a go. The sight of crab and how you eat it can be off-putting for some people. But you can get more traditional-looking dishes such as deep-fried crab claws that might be more like what you are used to. Crab is a great first step on the road to sampling all the ocean has to offer. 

Seaweed is a Great Salt Alternative

Seaweed is full of vitamins and minerals like iodine, and it's high in antioxidants that help keep your gut healthy. If you go to the beach, you'll find a lot of different kinds of seaweed. While they all need different ways to cook and prepare, it's easy to get enough snacks for a year in just one afternoon. It's deliciously mixed into stir fry, just like you would with cabbage. Or you can even dry it out for a stronger taste that you can use to enhance a dish instead of using salt.

Expensive Seafood You Don't Know You Love

A lot of seafood is more expensive than meat because of the work that goes into catching and producing it. And if you want to treat yourself now and then, here are some of the best to try:

• Caviar is a delight that comes in many varieties, and some are affordable.

• Maine lobster is among the finest because of its softer shell and more meat.

• Swordfish steaks are a meaty delight and something a little different if you love beef.

Caviar is cheaper than it once was, making it available for all of us these days. While lobster is sold by the pound, you can try smaller ones. And swordfish is available at most fishmongers.

Bouillabaisse is a Classic for a Reason

Most of the time, "bouillabaisse" just means "fish soup," and it can be terrible. Even in some parts of France, bouillabaisse isn't as traditional as it used to be and can be a challenge to find. But you can find authentic bouillabaisse in coastal towns, made from four essential ingredients that include rockfish, fresh tomatoes, a dash of olive oil, and aniseed fennel. And there are spices you need, such as turmeric for color and saffron, the latter of which is rather expensive.

You Have to Try Gravlax before You Die

Gravlax is a great alternative with a familiar taste. It's just a fancy name for salmon that has been cured, but it's not cold-smoked. So ordering gravlax is like getting a strange yet familiar version of smoked salmon. But buying a salmon filet and curing it yourself with salt, sugar, and a mix of spices is a great way to sample it. If you try it once, you will never look back. And you might start making your own as a new foodie hobby since it's seriously addictive.

Summary

Expertly-prepared crab dishes, expensive delights like caviar, and the strange but equally familiar gravlax. These are seafood dishes you don't know you love until you try them.

Strawberry Ghosts

Trying to eat a little healthier this fall? You are in luck! With this simple recipe you can make a serving of candy coated fruit to satisfy your cravings.

I am always trying to make fruits and veggies more appealing to my kids. This recipe is a sure way to get kids excited about strawberries, while giving them a little of the candy they desire.

Supplies:

Strawberries

White candy melts

Candy eyes

Parchment or wax paper

Directions:

Wash the berries and dry them on a paper towel.

It is very important that you remove all the exterior moisture before you dip into the chocolate.

If there is still water/moisture on the berries when you dip into the chocolate; it will clump up fast.

When the berries are dry melt the white chocolate/almond bark according to the directions on the packaging.

Dip the berries into the melted chocolate, working fast.

Place the berries on the wax paper.

Before the chocolate has a chance to harden, drop 2 candy eyes on each berry.

When all of the berries have eyes, you can place them in the fridge to help the chocolate harden.

You can enjoy these within 15 minutes or so.

These are perfect for sharing at a Halloween party! What a sweet little spooky ghost!

I bet you can't eat just one!

These are delicious, easy to make, and while they do have a candy coating, they are so much healthier than some of the options Halloween is best known for!

Make a batch and stop by to share a little BOO! with a friend or neighbor!

Or maybe just eat them all by yourself! 

 You can find all of my Halloween ideas here

Reader favorites include:

DIY Halloween Tree

Pumpkin Face Window Clings

Play Doh Ghost Ornaments

Mummy Pretzel Snacks

Paper Plate Spiders

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Reclaimed Wood Black Cats

Hillbilly Cider Cocktails

This recipe for hillbilly apple cider is the best easy cocktail for fall. This easy 2 ingredient recipe adds the perfect amount of apple pie moonshine to fresh apple cider for a smooth sipping drink that will really give you a kick in the pants! I love this cocktail for evenings when I don’t want to make a lot of effort for a cocktail because it is ready in about a minute.

Ingredients:

Apple Pie Moonshine

Fresh Pressed Apple Cider

Ice

Optional:

Cinnamon 

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice.

Add 1 ½ ounces of apple pie moonshine to your glass

Top off with 5 ounces of apple cider.

Give everything a good stir.

If you like you can garnish with cinnamon.

Find other favorite cocktail recipes here:

Blueberry Gin Fizzers

Sour Apple Margarita

4 Ways to Find the Right Caretaker for Your Kid

 One of the most important decisions you will ever make is choosing a caretaker for your child. It is not only an emotional decision but also a financial one. You have to consider the cost of hiring a nanny or caretaker and the benefits they can provide your child. Even if it’s just a babysitter for the night, this is going to be a big deal. So, how can you find someone reliable? While there are services like Berry Family Services, are there ways to find individual caretakers for children? Here is everything you need to know!

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1. Ask family and friends for recommendations for a caretaker

There are many ways to find a caretaker for your loved one but the most common way is to ask family and friends for recommendations. Plus, the people that you know, like family and friends, are the best source of referrals for caretakers. But when you need a specific type of caretaker, it can be difficult to find the right person. You can even ask them questions like:

- What is your experience with this person?

- What kind of care do they provide?

- How much does their service cost?

2. Check the qualifications of caretaker agencies

Daycare centers are great places for children to spend their day. It is important that the center you choose is a quality one. There are some things to look for in a quality daycare center, such as cleanliness and safety, staff-child ratio, and activities offered. You could also just read up on Google reviews to see what the reviews say there too. You can’t always have good caring capabilities, especially if you have a job or a lot going on your plate. So that’s why it’s so important to find a good caretaker.

When going to a daycare or a similar facility, asking questions is important. Some of these questions can include:

1) What are your qualifications?

2) What is your experience in childcare?

3) What do you expect from me as a daycare provider?

4) How can I help you, and what are my expectations of me as a daycare provider?

5) How can I be helpful to you as a daycare provider?

3. Ask for referrals from other parents

One of the best ways to get a referral is going to be through asking other parents. Are there any parents that are in a similar situation as you? Whether they have a child that’s special needs or one that requires just some extra attention, then this is going to be very important.

4. Check out the websites

There are plenty of websites out there, such as Care.com, that you could take a look at. However, try to use these websites with a grain of salt, as the legitimacy could be blurred.

Overall, while it can be challenging to find the right caretaker for your little one, it’s all going to come down to research. You may need to ask around or even ask for help. But in general, your little one deserves the best care in the world!

3 Family-friendly Things to Do in Utah

 

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For many families, summer vacation means hitting the road and exploring somewhere new, and Utah is a great place to plan your next getaway. There are many great things to do in Utah for families with children of all ages. From outdoor experiences to indoor relaxation, there are plenty of things the entire family can enjoy in Utah.

These kid-friendly activities will not only keep your children entertained, but they'll also introduce them to new experiences and educational opportunities. If you're planning a trip to Utah, read on for more information about three family-friendly things to do during your visit.

Go Hiking at Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a great place to hike, get fresh air, and exercise. There are lots of trails that are suitable for all ages and abilities. If you're traveling with very young children, you can find very short and easy trails that will be suitable for them. Zion also has lots of family-friendly activities that are worth checking out. Some of these things are free or low-cost, and they're a great way to spend time together as a family at Zion.

Visit SeaQuest Utah

SeaQuest is a great place to visit with young children. It's an interactive exhibit that teaches kids about the ocean, its inhabitants, and how they are all connected. The best part is that it is a great place to interact with animals in Utah, as your children can get hands-on with the exhibits and touch some wildlife species. The exhibit is fun for all ages, and it's a great place to learn about the ocean and creatures you may not be able to see in the wild. SeaQuest has a small admission fee, but it's worth it for an interactive experience you and your family will love.

Go Camping

Utah is a great place to go camping since there are lots of beautiful parks that have camping areas. You can choose a park based on what activities you have in mind or what parks are near where you are traveling from. Camping is a fun and affordable option for families who want to spend time together outside. Camping allows you to spend time as a family while also giving everyone a break from their daily routines and allowing your family to connect with nature and learn more about the world around them. This is also an excellent opportunity to teach your children necessary survival and safety skills that they may not be able to learn at home.

Conclusion

If you're looking for family-friendly things to do in Utah, all you have to do is look around, and you'll find tons of great options. There are so many places to visit, explore, and learn. When you're traveling with children, it's important to keep their interests in mind when choosing what to do. These activities are fun for all ages, great for families, and will surely be a hit with the kids. Enjoy your time together by exploring Utah by visiting any of these wonderful places that your entire family is sure to love.

Baked Cracker Crumb Chicken Nuggets

Chicken nuggets are always nice, but this easy as 1,2,3 recipe gives a classic dinner time offering a wonderful texture and the perfect crisp. This is sure to be a new favorite for your family.  

I love easy dinners, and I love to serve chicken. I often buy breasts in large packages and freeze them for later. This is one of my kids favorite ways to have a hearty, yet healthier meal on a busy night. I never complain about making these for them either because they are so easy to make, and create very little mess!

Ingredients:

1 pound of chicken breast

1 sleeve of your favorite crackers

Directions:

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly spraying with cooking spray.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cut the chicken into 2” cubes.

Crush the crackers into a fine dust and pour them into a bowl.

Rinse the chicken lightly, just enough to get the chicken wet.

Now place the chicken into the cracker crumbs and roll until the chicken is completely coated.

Place the chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.

Enjoy!

We like to serve these cracker crumb nuggets with fries, or fruit salad.

These are a great way to get kids excited about nuggets that didn't come from a drive thru!

You can find more chicken recipes here.

Reader favorites include:

Chicken Salad Recipes to Cluck For

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos