(BPT) – Your house is spotless, your children are well behaved, and every night there’s a beautiful home-cooked meal on the table. Just how do you do it?The answer: You don’t. From 1960s how-to guides portraying the perfect mother to today’s Pinterest-…
(BPT) – Your house is spotless, your children are well behaved, and every night there’s a beautiful home-cooked meal on the table. Just how do you do it?
The answer: You don’t. From 1960s how-to guides portraying the perfect mother to today’s Pinterest-crazed super moms, there’s always been pressure on women to do it all. But in reality, it’s unrealistic, and moms today are saying: “That’s OK.”
“Being a mom, you quickly learn to let go of trying to perfect every aspect of your life,” says actress and mom Busy Philipps. “So rather than trying to perfect things, I rely on tools to simplify those chaotic moments, which allows me to enjoy what matters — time with my kids … and my sanity.”
With that mantra in mind, Philipps is sharing some of her favorite life hacks. Here are a few secrets for moms — both beginners and seasoned — for getting things done and enjoying life’s good moments:
Make me-time and them-time: “It’s so important to master me-time!” says Philipps. “Nothing beats getting up early for a good workout before starting the day. Want to really maximize a workout? Plug in your headphones, stream your favorite show, and get your heartbeat pumping while catching up on those episodes you missed! Another secret? Include your kids in ‘me-time’ once in a while for a ‘them-time’ session. Manis and pedis with my girls is always a fun outing where we can spend quality time together.”
Minimize laundry time: “Never-ending laundry is a never-ending headache. I love my LG SideKick washing machine, which is a pedestal washer attached to my main washer,” says Philipps. “It’s perfect for washing those small laundry loads that are a big deal and can’t wait — from a soccer uniform to delicates and activewear. You can also wash two loads at the same time when you need to: large loads in the main front-load washer and delicates — like my favorite workout clothes — in the LG SideKick, which is a huge time saver.”
Cut cooking chaos: “Forget the foodie frenzy,” Philipps stresses. “If you can pull together a simple and nutritious meal for the family, you are a superstar. This doesn’t require slaving away for hours in the kitchen. Internet search one-pan recipes. When time is really crunched, there’s no shame in takeout. Trust me, everyone does it.”
And her healthy eating tip? “I get my kids to eat healthy by hiding nutritious food — like broccoli pureed into spaghetti sauce — so they don’t even know they are eating it. A page from a book I swear by: Jessica Seinfeld’s popular cookbook, ‘Deceptively Delicious.'”
Create a healthy competition: In a perfect world, your kids would enjoy helping with all the household chores. In the real world this can feel like fighting a losing battle. Philipps’ solution: Try using a little trick psychology. “Think of ways to transform cleaning into a competition,” she says. “Who can toss the dirtiest clothes into the baskets? Who can make their bed faster? Who can match more pairs of clean socks from the laundry in 60 seconds or less? Kids will race to win, all while helping you get those chores done.”
“Being a parent can get messy, but obviously we wouldn’t want it any other way,” says Philipps. “Tricks like these help me accept that life’s not perfect, which is okay because life’s good. And good is great!”
(BPT) – Your backyard garden was a huge success this year — you grew a ton of fresh food, which not only saved you money at the grocery store but also ensured your family ate nutritious, great-tasting fruits and vegetables with every meal. But now that the growing season is coming to a close, you might be wondering how to make the abundance of ripe produce in your fridge last.
Canning is the sensible next step for anyone who loves to garden and wants to continue enjoying the many benefits of the hobby throughout the winter months.
Simply put, canning is a method that stops the natural spoilage of food. To help you get started, the experts at Tractor Supply Company have compiled a list of pointers that will allow you to hold on to the flavor and nutritional value of your homegrown harvest.
Getting started
The initial cost for home canning is minimal and the supplies you do need, like Ball jars, lids and seasonings can be purchased at an affordable cost from Tractor Supply.
To begin water bath canning, you will need some basic equipment:
* Ball jars with lids and bands
* Large stock pot with jar rack
* Rubber-tipped tongs for gripping the jars in hot water
* Wide mouth funnel for filling jars with foods to be preserved
Tips for beginners
For your first home canning project consider starting with something simple, like a marinara sauce made from leftover tomatoes or berry jams and jellies made from strawberries, blueberries or even apples. When selecting your produce, try to pick ones that don’t show signs of bruising.
One of the most common canning mistakes among beginners is not getting jars to seal properly, which is often the result of a jar that’s either not clean enough or overfilled. To ensure your jar is sealed, wait at least 12 hours and then simply press your finger into the center of the screwed-on lid—a properly sealed lid will not spring up when you remove your finger. If a lid does not seal within 24 hours, the contents can either be reprocessed or refrigerated.
Water bath canning
Water bath canning is a shorter, lower-temperature canning process that works best for foods with high acidity, such as apples, berries, cherries, pears and peaches. Water bath canning works to kill the bacteria that causes food to spoil in the first place, but also creates airtight seals that prevent mold and bacteria from contaminating food down the road.
When it comes to water bath canning, the process is simple. Start by cooking then blanching the desired canning contents. This will help maintain your food’s nutritional value and texture. Next, submerge your jars and lids in water and bring to a simmer. Set bands aside. Once removed from the water, use a funnel to fill the jars with the food you’d like preserved before placing the lids back on and putting the jars back into the water. Allow the jars to process in the boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove the jars and allow to completely cool for 12 to 24 hours.
Alternative methods
If you’re interested in preserving your harvest but are looking for a less involved process, you may want to consider storing, freezing or drying your fruits and vegetables.
* Storing — Certain fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, winter squash, garlic, onions, carrots and cabbage can be stored for months in a basement or root cellar. You simply need to know the storage requirements of each. For example, root crops such as beets and carrots like cool, moist conditions and can be stored in perforated plastic bags in the basement. Potatoes like cold, moist conditions and can be stored in perforated bags in the refrigerator.
* Freezing — Freezing your produce is often the easiest method. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes, can be cut up into chunks and frozen in freezer bags. Most vegetables, though, need to be blanched before freezing. To blanch vegetables, dip them in boiling water for a few minutes and then allow them to cool.
* Drying — Individuals that live in hot, dry climates like the Southwest have the option of drying fruits and vegetables (even herbs) outdoors on drying racks. However, most home gardeners need to use an oven or a dehydrator to dry produce. Dehydrators are specially constructed to maintain the right temperature and air movement necessary for proper drying. If you don’t want to invest in a dehydrator, you can use an oven. Simply set the oven temperature on low and leave the oven door ajar to allow for air movement. And remember to be patient — it may take all day to properly dry some vegetables and fruits.
Tractor Supply carries all of the supplies needed for canning, storing, freezing and drying fruits and vegetables. During the month of October, the rural lifestyle retailer will be hosting a fall Farmers Market where customers can shop crafts, produce and other local goods. To browse canning recipes, visit Tractor Supply’s Pinterest page.
(BPT) – Your backyard garden was a huge success this year — you grew a ton of fresh food, which not only saved you money at the grocery store but also ensured your family ate nutritious, great-tasting fruits and vegetables with every meal. But now that the growing season is coming to a close, you might be wondering how to make the abundance of ripe produce in your fridge last.
Canning is the sensible next step for anyone who loves to garden and wants to continue enjoying the many benefits of the hobby throughout the winter months.
Simply put, canning is a method that stops the natural spoilage of food. To help you get started, the experts at Tractor Supply Company have compiled a list of pointers that will allow you to hold on to the flavor and nutritional value of your homegrown harvest.
Getting started
The initial cost for home canning is minimal and the supplies you do need, like Ball jars, lids and seasonings can be purchased at an affordable cost from Tractor Supply.
To begin water bath canning, you will need some basic equipment:
* Ball jars with lids and bands
* Large stock pot with jar rack
* Rubber-tipped tongs for gripping the jars in hot water
* Wide mouth funnel for filling jars with foods to be preserved
Tips for beginners
For your first home canning project consider starting with something simple, like a marinara sauce made from leftover tomatoes or berry jams and jellies made from strawberries, blueberries or even apples. When selecting your produce, try to pick ones that don’t show signs of bruising.
One of the most common canning mistakes among beginners is not getting jars to seal properly, which is often the result of a jar that’s either not clean enough or overfilled. To ensure your jar is sealed, wait at least 12 hours and then simply press your finger into the center of the screwed-on lid—a properly sealed lid will not spring up when you remove your finger. If a lid does not seal within 24 hours, the contents can either be reprocessed or refrigerated.
Water bath canning
Water bath canning is a shorter, lower-temperature canning process that works best for foods with high acidity, such as apples, berries, cherries, pears and peaches. Water bath canning works to kill the bacteria that causes food to spoil in the first place, but also creates airtight seals that prevent mold and bacteria from contaminating food down the road.
When it comes to water bath canning, the process is simple. Start by cooking then blanching the desired canning contents. This will help maintain your food’s nutritional value and texture. Next, submerge your jars and lids in water and bring to a simmer. Set bands aside. Once removed from the water, use a funnel to fill the jars with the food you’d like preserved before placing the lids back on and putting the jars back into the water. Allow the jars to process in the boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, adjusting for altitude. Remove the jars and allow to completely cool for 12 to 24 hours.
Alternative methods
If you’re interested in preserving your harvest but are looking for a less involved process, you may want to consider storing, freezing or drying your fruits and vegetables.
* Storing — Certain fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, winter squash, garlic, onions, carrots and cabbage can be stored for months in a basement or root cellar. You simply need to know the storage requirements of each. For example, root crops such as beets and carrots like cool, moist conditions and can be stored in perforated plastic bags in the basement. Potatoes like cold, moist conditions and can be stored in perforated bags in the refrigerator.
* Freezing — Freezing your produce is often the easiest method. Some vegetables, such as tomatoes, can be cut up into chunks and frozen in freezer bags. Most vegetables, though, need to be blanched before freezing. To blanch vegetables, dip them in boiling water for a few minutes and then allow them to cool.
* Drying — Individuals that live in hot, dry climates like the Southwest have the option of drying fruits and vegetables (even herbs) outdoors on drying racks. However, most home gardeners need to use an oven or a dehydrator to dry produce. Dehydrators are specially constructed to maintain the right temperature and air movement necessary for proper drying. If you don’t want to invest in a dehydrator, you can use an oven. Simply set the oven temperature on low and leave the oven door ajar to allow for air movement. And remember to be patient — it may take all day to properly dry some vegetables and fruits.
Tractor Supply carries all of the supplies needed for canning, storing, freezing and drying fruits and vegetables. During the month of October, the rural lifestyle retailer will be hosting a fall Farmers Market where customers can shop crafts, produce and other local goods. To browse canning recipes, visit Tractor Supply’s Pinterest page.
(BPT) – Driverless-car technology is advancing rapidly and the potential benefits are vast. Experts predict self-driving cars will save millions of lives by reducing accidents. Other benefits will include reduced rush-hour congestion and improved mobility for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The challenge is people are leery that a car can safely and effectively drive itself.
According to a recent AAA report, “Despite the prospect that autonomous vehicles will be safer, more efficient and more convenient than their human-driven counterparts, three-quarters of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a self-driving car, and only 10 percent report that they’d actually feel safer sharing the roads with driverless vehicles.”
It appears the key to turning the vision of self-driving cars into a reality depends on humans being able to trust them. Industry experts can make the perfect driverless technology, but if no one wants to use it, it won’t matter.
“The idea of autonomous vehicles is as much a human and social challenge as it is a technological challenge,” says Matt Yurdana, Creative Director for Intel’s Internet of Things Experiences Group.
One aspect of driverless-car design that has the potential to build trust is the human-machine interface (HMI) — essentially the focus is on the way humans interact with machines to ensure a high level of comfort.
To explore HMI, Yurdana and his team conducted a Trust Interaction Study with people who have never been in an autonomous car before. Conducted on a closed circuit at Intel’s Advanced Vehicle Lab in Chandler, Arizona, the study found several points that will be important to address in order to build people’s trust for driverless technologies.
Machine judgment: Although participants were skeptical that driverless technology could handle unexpected situations like jaywalkers, they also believe self-driving vehicles are safer because they eliminate human error.
Personal, private time: The idea of having free time while riding in a self-driving vehicle inspired many to imagine how they might use their ride time, while a few others were apprehensive about lack of interaction with a human driver.
Vehicle redesign: For some, riding in the back seat where there were no vehicle controls makes them feel uneasy. Even the autonomous movement of the steering wheel caused some anxiety. Participants discussed removing legacy design features from cars to alleviate this nervousness.
Seeing is believing: People need to understand the technology, but seeing and experiencing the vehicle as it sensed and responded to what was happening around them — proving it works — helped participants gain confidence.
Human-like interactions: Participants expressed a desire to use their own voice to communicate with the car. Being able to converse and exchange information as they would with a driver was seen as a positive.
Although limited in scope, the study’s results were unanimous. Every single participant had more confidence in driverless cars after experiencing the technology for themselves, even those who were initially apprehensive.
“Trust equals safety,” says Yurdana. “It equals confidence and comfort that’s not only physical but psychological.”
Ultimately it’s a shift in how humans trust technology, not just another human being. People trust strangers all the time. For example, we don’t think twice about taxi drivers, airline pilots, train conductors, etc. However autonomous cars require people to build this same level of trust, not with humans, but with technology.
For some, this idea is nerve-wracking. But this study gives technology experts guidance on what to focus on to grow consumer acceptance — and therefore adoption — in the future.
To learn more about self-driving cars and autonomous driving, visit www.intel.com/automotive.
(BPT) – Driverless-car technology is advancing rapidly and the potential benefits are vast. Experts predict self-driving cars will save millions of lives by reducing accidents. Other benefits will include reduced rush-hour congestion and improved mobility for the elderly and people with disabilities.
The challenge is people are leery that a car can safely and effectively drive itself.
According to a recent AAA report, “Despite the prospect that autonomous vehicles will be safer, more efficient and more convenient than their human-driven counterparts, three-quarters of U.S. drivers report feeling afraid to ride in a self-driving car, and only 10 percent report that they’d actually feel safer sharing the roads with driverless vehicles.”
It appears the key to turning the vision of self-driving cars into a reality depends on humans being able to trust them. Industry experts can make the perfect driverless technology, but if no one wants to use it, it won’t matter.
“The idea of autonomous vehicles is as much a human and social challenge as it is a technological challenge,” says Matt Yurdana, Creative Director for Intel’s Internet of Things Experiences Group.
One aspect of driverless-car design that has the potential to build trust is the human-machine interface (HMI) — essentially the focus is on the way humans interact with machines to ensure a high level of comfort.
To explore HMI, Yurdana and his team conducted a Trust Interaction Study with people who have never been in an autonomous car before. Conducted on a closed circuit at Intel’s Advanced Vehicle Lab in Chandler, Arizona, the study found several points that will be important to address in order to build people’s trust for driverless technologies.
Machine judgment: Although participants were skeptical that driverless technology could handle unexpected situations like jaywalkers, they also believe self-driving vehicles are safer because they eliminate human error.
Personal, private time: The idea of having free time while riding in a self-driving vehicle inspired many to imagine how they might use their ride time, while a few others were apprehensive about lack of interaction with a human driver.
Vehicle redesign: For some, riding in the back seat where there were no vehicle controls makes them feel uneasy. Even the autonomous movement of the steering wheel caused some anxiety. Participants discussed removing legacy design features from cars to alleviate this nervousness.
Seeing is believing: People need to understand the technology, but seeing and experiencing the vehicle as it sensed and responded to what was happening around them — proving it works — helped participants gain confidence.
Human-like interactions: Participants expressed a desire to use their own voice to communicate with the car. Being able to converse and exchange information as they would with a driver was seen as a positive.
Although limited in scope, the study’s results were unanimous. Every single participant had more confidence in driverless cars after experiencing the technology for themselves, even those who were initially apprehensive.
“Trust equals safety,” says Yurdana. “It equals confidence and comfort that’s not only physical but psychological.”
Ultimately it’s a shift in how humans trust technology, not just another human being. People trust strangers all the time. For example, we don’t think twice about taxi drivers, airline pilots, train conductors, etc. However autonomous cars require people to build this same level of trust, not with humans, but with technology.
For some, this idea is nerve-wracking. But this study gives technology experts guidance on what to focus on to grow consumer acceptance — and therefore adoption — in the future.
To learn more about self-driving cars and autonomous driving, visit www.intel.com/automotive.
(BPT) – The telltale signs are all there. Maybe it’s football season, the changing color of the trees right outside your door, or the crisp morning air that’s suddenly taken on a chill. Yes, there’s no denying it, fall is here and winter is quickly fol…
(BPT) – The telltale signs are all there. Maybe it’s football season, the changing color of the trees right outside your door, or the crisp morning air that’s suddenly taken on a chill. Yes, there’s no denying it, fall is here and winter is quickly fol…
(BPT) – For many people, fall is their favorite season – mild temperatures, fall clothes and fall leaves creating colorful yards. But the season involves more than cool breezes and fall colors. From New England to California, Florida to the Great Lakes, the final few months of the year usually bring with them a greater frequency and intensity of storms.
With the recent weather events, and the possibility of more to come, homeowners will need to be prepared for broken branches, fallen trees and debris.
Even for those who are experienced with storm cleanup, safety is always a priority. Whether you’re a suburban homeowner or part of a local rescue organization such as a fire station or police department, take the time to review the following safety precautions so you’ll be ready if a storm hits in your hometown.
* Prepare before the storm hits. Before you see any weather alerts on your phone or the local news tells you to take cover, prepare to tackle the aftermath by having your equipment in tip-top shape. Make sure everything is working properly and refresh your memory by reviewing the owner’s manuals and all safety precautions.
* Listen to local authorities. You may see the direct damage in your yard, but make sure you know the full extent of the damage in your community before you go out. Local authorities will let you know if the storm has passed, along with what precautions to take and what parts of your community are unsafe for traveling.
* Always check for downed power lines. With any big storm, the chance of power outages is high. Before you start any kind of cleanup, make sure the storm didn’t take down any power lines in your area. One of the most common dangers during storm cleanup is using power tools on branches and other debris entangled by power lines. All it takes is a few seconds to look, and this precaution could save your life or your neighbor’s life.
* Wear protective gear. Always use protective clothing while using power tools. There’s no sure way to know the full extent of the damage from a storm, making it even harder to know what might also be underneath the tree limbs and branches you are clearing. If you’re not sure if you have the right clothing, check out Husqvarna’s full line of essential gear, including chaps, boots, gloves, eye and ear protection and more.
* Always be aware of your surroundings. While clearing debris, be aware of others who might be around you and cut away from them to avoid personal injury or further home damage from kickbacks. Also, be extra cautious of animals that you may not typically deal with in your yard, such as snakes, fire ants and even alligators that might have come in with the storm.
* Leave the big jobs to the pros. If you have the equipment and the know-how, you can be a significant help to your neighbors and community in a time of great need. However, it’s important to recognize what jobs need to be handled by the professionals, such as clearing uprooted trees or massive overturned portions of homes or cars. If you feel you might do more harm than good, it’s best to get your local fire station and police department involved, as well as any rescue organizations that are in town to help with cleanup.
Along with taking the proper safety precautions, having the right equipment is an essential way to prepare for the worst storms nature can hurl at you this season.
(BPT) – For many people, fall is their favorite season – mild temperatures, fall clothes and fall leaves creating colorful yards. But the season involves more than cool breezes and fall colors. From New England to California, Florida to the Great Lakes, the final few months of the year usually bring with them a greater frequency and intensity of storms.
With the recent weather events, and the possibility of more to come, homeowners will need to be prepared for broken branches, fallen trees and debris.
Even for those who are experienced with storm cleanup, safety is always a priority. Whether you’re a suburban homeowner or part of a local rescue organization such as a fire station or police department, take the time to review the following safety precautions so you’ll be ready if a storm hits in your hometown.
* Prepare before the storm hits. Before you see any weather alerts on your phone or the local news tells you to take cover, prepare to tackle the aftermath by having your equipment in tip-top shape. Make sure everything is working properly and refresh your memory by reviewing the owner’s manuals and all safety precautions.
* Listen to local authorities. You may see the direct damage in your yard, but make sure you know the full extent of the damage in your community before you go out. Local authorities will let you know if the storm has passed, along with what precautions to take and what parts of your community are unsafe for traveling.
* Always check for downed power lines. With any big storm, the chance of power outages is high. Before you start any kind of cleanup, make sure the storm didn’t take down any power lines in your area. One of the most common dangers during storm cleanup is using power tools on branches and other debris entangled by power lines. All it takes is a few seconds to look, and this precaution could save your life or your neighbor’s life.
* Wear protective gear. Always use protective clothing while using power tools. There’s no sure way to know the full extent of the damage from a storm, making it even harder to know what might also be underneath the tree limbs and branches you are clearing. If you’re not sure if you have the right clothing, check out Husqvarna’s full line of essential gear, including chaps, boots, gloves, eye and ear protection and more.
* Always be aware of your surroundings. While clearing debris, be aware of others who might be around you and cut away from them to avoid personal injury or further home damage from kickbacks. Also, be extra cautious of animals that you may not typically deal with in your yard, such as snakes, fire ants and even alligators that might have come in with the storm.
* Leave the big jobs to the pros. If you have the equipment and the know-how, you can be a significant help to your neighbors and community in a time of great need. However, it’s important to recognize what jobs need to be handled by the professionals, such as clearing uprooted trees or massive overturned portions of homes or cars. If you feel you might do more harm than good, it’s best to get your local fire station and police department involved, as well as any rescue organizations that are in town to help with cleanup.
Along with taking the proper safety precautions, having the right equipment is an essential way to prepare for the worst storms nature can hurl at you this season.