10 Best OC Trails for the Entire Family to Enjoy
If you happen to be a hiking enthusiast in Orange County, then first off— well done for being able to hike in this heat, especially during the year round summer temperatures! However, if you are “crazy” enough to brave any more hikes through these California temperatures, there are ten excellent trails that hikers of all skill levels have found beautiful and rewarding. Wherever you live in OC, and whatever your budget (and whatever your capacity for critter encounters), there is at least one trail, and probably many more, that will make you want to return again and again. Here are ten of the best hiking locations in the OC area: 1. Crystal Cove State Park Source: Parker Knight/Flickr Location: Laguna Beach Parking: $15 On the plus side: “Crystal Cove is perfect for beachgoers, hikers, and just about any outdoor enthusiast! You can also surf, boogie board, scuba dive, and mountain bike.” Yelp On the down side: I’m not a cheap person, but… If I paid to park here, I’d be broke, because when I’m in the area, I’m here every day. Yelp Description: If you are willing to pay the somewhat steep price for parking, then you could be in for a beautiful day trip where you can relax on the three miles of coastline after you work up a sweat hiking on trails that many describe as fairly intense. In fact, the price tag helps eliminate the crowds of people there, which makes the location even more valuable because you don’t have to fight your way through crowds of people. While you are doing any of those activities, however,...
Tips & Tricks to Keeping Food Fresh
No one likes letting food go to waste, but finding time to plan meals or go to the store every day isn’t always an option. These tips and tricks will help keep your food fresh so it lasts longer. Prevent Spoilage Start with your refrigerator and learn which compartments are ideal for various foods. Store meats and fish in the lower shelves of the refrigerator where it is typically the coolest. Don’t overcrowd your fridge because cool air needs room to circulate. Keep your fridge temperature below 5 degrees Celsius or 41 degrees Fahrenheit. To monitor your fridge’s temperature, install a thermometer and be sure to check it often. During the summer and warmer months, adjust your fridge’s temperature to cope with the changing external environment. It’s also important to keep in mind that opening the refrigerator frequently during warmer months also let’s cool air escape; this can make it difficult to keep fridge contents at a proper temperature. Always store perishables in the fridge as well as fresh items such as fruit, veggies, and meat that you know you won’t use right away. The best way to prevent spoilage is to buy only what you’ll need, and throw away the food that is already spoiling. Store Foods in the Right Place To keep your food fresh, it is important to know which foods to store where. Apples should be kept away from other produce since they emit natural ethylene gas at a faster rate than most other produce, and thus can increase the ripening process of other produce. Because bananas also release gas to ripen themselves, a...
The Importance of Saving Water
For the past couple of years, California has been experiencing a significant amount of drought. Unfortunately, there is no clear timeframe of when this drought will be over, and some scientists believe that it may become the ‘new normal’. In addition to California, a lot of the western US is also suffering from a shortage of rainfall, and the states are slowly learning how to reduce their water usage. Central California in particular, is short on water due to fast urbanization and a higher demand for water since the average American uses 150-250 gallons of water per day. With the threat of no water in the future, now more than ever is the time to understand the importance of saving water and how to use it wisely. The Importance of Saving Water Two-thirds of the earth is covered in water, and about 75 percent of the human body is made up of water. Therefore, water is vital to life on earth, so it is pertinent to be aware of how much water we are using, and the importance of saving water. You may not even be aware of it, but water is tied to almost every source of life in some form or another. Here are a few ways that you use drinkable, non-salted water on a daily basis: Drinking Cooking Washing and cleaning Making electricity Irrigation Everyone everywhere needs water, but California’s intense drought has serious consequences on the entire world’s economy since the state produces a significant amount of America’s food, which increases water usage. California Food Production In the U.S., California produces 99% of the...
Grill Safety Tips: Do’s & Don’ts for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Grilling As Memorial Day approaches, you’re sure to be making plans to spend the holiday weekend with friends and family. Typically, the warm weather this time of year makes Memorial Day the perfect time to break out the grill and fire up some delicious food. However, every year, plenty of individuals find themselves injured or their homes damaged due to subpar grill safety. Though grills are relatively safe and simple to use, they need proper maintenance in order to stay user-friendly, so that there are lower chances for fires and, at worst, explosions. Understanding how to handle your grill can help you ensure a safe and fun Memorial Day Weekend without any dangerous mishaps. Grill Safety: The DO’s DO Grill Outside For both propane and charcoal powered grills, the number one rule to follow is that both types should be used and only used outdoors. Even if your home has a covered patio or similar setup, it is safest to set up the grill in an open area away from the home, guests, and most valuables. For how to use both grill types, the National Fire Protection Association has some tips. DO Check for Leaks When using a gas grill, you should always check connections for leaks before beginning use. It is best to use a soapy water solution to check, as the bubbles act as easy to read indicators. If you notice expanding bubbles forming at a cylinder connection, you have a leak on your hands. Be sure to check each time you grill out and after you replace a cylinder. DO Follow Proper Lighting...
15 Gadgets & Upgrades Every Kitchen Remodel Needs
It’s no secret that the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house. It’s where meals are prepared, memories are made, and where most family members and friends spend a good amount of time. When a kitchen is looking a little worse for wear, however, it can damper this all-important part of your home. Many people think a kitchen remodel will cost lots of money, but the truth is that a few simple upgrades and gadgets can transform your kitchen into a bright, stylish, yet functional room your family will love without breaking the bank. The following 15 gadgets and upgrades will make your kitchen one of the most inviting, and functional, rooms in your home. Gadgets & Upgrades for Your Kitchen Remodel KitchenAid 17 Piece Red Tool Set: This stylish set of necessary kitchen tools and essentials will increase the efficiency of your kitchen by at 80%. This set includes everything from a whisk, tongs, and cheese grater, to a can opener, measuring cups, a vegetable peeler. The signature red finishmakes it easy to keep these tools together at all times, and you’ll love how effective they are whether baking, frying, broiling, or chopping. Find it here. Home Basics Chrome Dish Rack: This piece is perfect for giving your kitchen a polished look. The chrome finish makes the rack, which costs less than $30, look expensive and high end, while giving a great place to store and dry your dishes. The chrome foundation provides a space for water to run off and easy clean up, and it stores a whole kitchen set of plates, cups,...Add a Testimonial
Add a Photo?
