New Summer Poll

We have a brand new poll up and we want to know what you think!

If you haven’t already planned your Summer vacation it’s time to start! If you could pick any place to visit this Summer, where would you go? We’ve listed some of the top picks for awesome getaways, but if we don’t have your favorite listed, comment back on this post with your dream vacation spot!

7 Mistakes Green-ies Make

I’m a pretty avid “green-ie”. Meaning I like all things green and do whatever I can to keep this world healthy and beautiful. But, I am human, and often make vital “green” mistakes, as I’m sure many eco-friendly folks do. The worst part is, most people never realize it!

Earth911 has created a list of the 7 most common mistakes people make when attempting to keep their lives green. I can say, as I hang my head in shame, that I am guilty of some of them. The key to being green is to do your research. Don’t think that because you label yourself eco-friendly and you don’t litter that you probably aren’t making plenty of “eco-no-no’s”.

In Durham, At Duke, The Modern Comes Home

If you don’t already know, the 2010 Music in The Gardens Series is in full swing so of course it’s time to see some wonderful performance.

This is a fun-filled set of events that highlight the musical and performing arts of Durham. They have a full schedule of shows running all the way through August. If something doesn’t spark your interest today, you can find something the following week! I loves attending performances last year and have even managed to get to a few this year, amidst a very busy schedule. If I can make it, so can you!

Check out the Music in the Gardens website for information on venues and performers! Pick the most interesting looking performance and get your tickets!

Buy The Best Meat For Your Buck

By the first day of Spring I am only thinking one thing… time to start grilling out. I think the desire comes from all the fond childhood memories of summer that were always accompanied by the smell of someone grilling nearby. Now that I have a family and home of my own,  it’s my turn to provide that sweet smell.  I only wish that, as it was back then, I wasn’t having to foot the bill for the ingredients.  I’m no good at buying meat so I usually leave it to my husband, but he tends to get the really good stuff that makes my eyes about pop out of my head when I see the receipt. I’ll admit the taste is amazing but there has to be a cheaper solution to my NEED for grilling .

I guess that someone heard my cry because Shine from Yahoo has given me a solution! Check out this article on how to buy the best meat for your buck. With this information, I can go to the store with my husband and reign him in when he goes steak-happy. Thanks Yahoo!

Diet Destroyers To Avoid

I can’t believe it is bathing suit season already. I don’t know about you but I’m a little nervous about dusting off my swim suit. Let’s face it, it’s been a stressful year and so many of us are not be in the shape that we would like.  We have dieted, cut back on sweets, and started exercising regularly. But still there are moments of weakness and we run off the diet track. TV’s Dr Oz has a remedy for falling off the diet track… beware the diet destroyers!

In his Ultimate Summer Slim Down, Dr. Oz presents us with some very important secrets to help us stay on the diet path. There are temptations all around us that would like nothing more than deter us from staying on the right path. I couldn’t believe when I read the list that these things are actually powerful diet destroyers.

1. Transparent Bowls – Studies have shown that people eat more when they can see inside containers. Choosing ceramic over clear plastic will offer less temptation and keep you from following the voice of your tummy.
2. Warm Colors -  surrounding yourself with warm colors can destroy your diet! Strange I know but believe it or not, cool colors like blue are natural appetite suppressants. Paint party anyone?
3. Dim Light – People eat more when they can’t see their food as well.  So turn on the lights and keep away from those dim restaurant booths. Sneaky sneaky.
4. Floral Centerpieces – Smelling fruit actually causes people to eat LESS. So, ditch the flowers and go for a fruit centerpiece instead.

By steering clear of these diet destroyers you and I both can get bathing suit ready in no time!

Attention Events Junkie

Hey everyone. If you are constantly looking for new events and fun things to do in Durham, then bookmark Eventful.com.

Eventful has up-to-date concerts, shows, comedians and more. Every week they filter through and you get a whole new set of events, right here in Durham. We’ll keep you updated here on the blog as often as we can, but if you are just ACHING for something to do, hop on over!

What NOT To Feed Your Pets

It’s pretty common knowledge that you shouldn’t feed your pets chocolate. There’s something about it that just doesn’t set right with them, but what exactly. Speaking of which, what are some other things that you should avoid feeding your pets? Sometimes they get into the grossest things and eat garbage or grass and seem to be okay, so are there really that many things that you shouldn’t feed them? YES! A lot more than you would think actually!

Thanks to RealSimple.com, you have a full list of the basic things you should avoid feeding your pets! Some of them I already knew or assumed, but others I never would have thought of.  I’ve even fed my pets some of these things without realizing it wasn’t good for them!

For example, I never knew that feeding a dog macadamia nuts could actually cause muscle and nervous-system problems.  Or that giving a grape to your cat could severely damage their kidneys.  I would have never thought that those things could be harmful. Shows how much I know!

Take a look at the list and see how many things are actually very problematic for your pets. We love our furry friends, so remember what things are big NO-NO’s for them!

Innovation… In Furniture?

My entire bedroom can be transported in a box that is less than 3 feet by 4 feet. Seriously, bed, desk, dresser, shelves, chair, night stands, the works. Don’t believe me? Understandable. My arm chair is also a sofa and a lounger. What do you think about that? I’m sure you are looking at your own furniture right now trying to picture how it’s even possible. Well, believe me, it is!

Transforming furniture is the latest in innovative creations that can quickly simplify your life. There are fewer materials for more uses, sustainable, and what’s better than owning things that can easily change form. It’s like being a kid again! Take a look at the link above to see some of what I’m talking about. Some of them are a bit impractical, but others are beyond useful and just plain cool!

What types of transforming furniture would you put in your home?

41st Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival

It’s almost here! The 41st Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival is right around the corner. May 22 is the day and CCB Plaza in downtown Durham is the place! From 12:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. come enjoy eclectic music and dance celebrating African American culture and traditions. You can also enjoy visual art, merchandise and food vendors all themed in Bimbé custom. Watch performances by Special Ed and Click Rick, check out some amazing model cars sponsored by Triangle Thunder Cruisers. Bring the kiddies along and let them play video games and other fun electronics provided by Green Frog.

With all these amazing things I have listed, how can you miss out? Go to Durham City’s website for schedules and event lists.

Indie Love

I love music. Period. And I like to listen to all types of music no matter what labels are thrown across it. But, In my opinion, the best music out there is music that isn’t mainstream. We all know the world loves the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa, but it seems like there just isn’t enough HEART in the “popular” music. That’s why I go searching for underground or indie music. You can feel the heart in the songs far more than anything on MTV. And yes, it is true that some of these bands turn “pop” when they start making the big bucks, but there’s nothing you can do about. A great example is The Black Eyed Peas. There was a time before Fergie joined the group where they were strictly hip-hop and each member was featured in the songs, not just Will.I.Am. Of course we all know they added Fergie and hit gold but what are you gonna do?

Now, there are bands like Passion Pit, Phoenix and Manchester Orchestra that are the labeled indie bands. Passion Pit actually gained their following after the lead singer “accidentally” formed a band. He made a CD for his then college girlfriend that spread like wildfire and the rest is history. Phoenix isn’t necessarily an indie band per se because they’ve been around for a decade, but are from France and haven’t had a chance at the American market until now. Manchester Orchestra is a small band from Georgia that got their start in high school and have progressed to radio status. All I’m saying is, if you want to get some real music, find the indie groups and look for the heart.

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