12 Foods That Should Always Be Organic

By Jessica Boscarini 

 

Everywhere we turn there is another article, or story, or movie about the effects that pesticides can have on our health and why certain foods Should Be Organic. The detrimental side effects of pesticides and weed killers, which are sprayed across our produce and contaminate the soil, are astonishing. That is why it’s vital to know the 12 foods you should never cheap-out on. Yes, Organic foods are often a great deal more expensive than those which aren’t. However, certain foods, fruits and vegetables in particular, are especially susceptible to the chemicals companies use to help protect and/or preserve them from the elements, and therefore are always worth the extra dough.

1. Apples

Apples are one of the most commonly eaten fruits in the Unites States. They are also one of the fruits with the most amounts of pesticides on them in order to keep bugs away. Because the skins of apples are so thin, the chemicals don’t rinse off, but rather seep into the flesh. And then we ingest them!

2. Celery

Celery is grown on the ground and routinely gets doused with various chemicals to prevent both weeds and bugs from taking it over. But all these elements get soaked up inside celery and therefore, end up inside of you! Don’t cheap-out on celery, the extra $.99 you’ll spend on Organic is definitely worth it.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are a food that should always be organic. These delicate little fruits, with a rich, sweet smell and bright, thin-flesh. However, it’s not just us humans who love to nibble on them. Pests do too. Farmers obviously don’t want these bugs ruining their crops and so spray loads of pesticides on them, which inevitably ends up in our bodies when we eat them.

4. Peaches

Peaches are another thin-skinned sweet treat that is great to eat, especially during summer time. But bugs love these fruits too, which makes the pesticide use on them come in at very high levels. It’s definitely worth spending a few extra cents for the Organic version to avoid these toxins in your body.

5. Spinach

Spinach, and most leafy-greens for that matter should always be organic. The fact that they are grown on the ground, and not only susceptible to lots of bugs, and the pesticides that are sprayed to keep them away, they are also prone to weed-killers and lots of other chemicals due to the nature of how they are grown.

6. Nectarines (Imported)

Just like peaches, nectarines are thin-skinned and sweet, attracting pests, and therefore farmer’s pesticides. However, imported nectarines are the ones that truly cause concern since foreign regulations on chemical-use are often much more lax than here in the US, meaning that we really don’t know what it is that is being sprayed all over our food. For this reason, buying organic is a must, especially for imported, thin-skinned and delicate produce.

7. Grapes (Imported)

Grapes are another imported fruit that should always be organic. Again, the regulations in other countries are often not as strict as in the US, allowing unapproved substances to be sprayed on our produce that would not otherwise be allowed. Grapes are especially proned to this, due to sweetness of their fruit and the bugs that enjoy it as much as we do.

8. Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers and their thin, delicate skin is extremely prone to pesticide residues and unfortunately doesn’t just hangout on the outside of the skin, but seeps into the flesh of the peppers as well. For this reason, it’s worth spending the extra dough and getting peppers that you know are free from toxins. Plus, they taste much better as well!

9. Potatoes

Grown in the ground, and susceptible to all of the chemicals that are not only sprayed on top of the soil, but that seap into it as well, potatoes are another food that should always be Organic. And while many people peel their potatoes, the fact that the toxins are packed into the soil means that the entire makeup of the potato has such residues built into it. However, sweet potatoes are less prone to such chemcials, although I personally rather play it safe and still buy sweet potatoes that are Organic as well

 

10. Blueberries (Domestic)

Blueberries are another extremely delicate fruit that are often doused in pesticides to keep away those annoying bugs. And while rinsing will help remove some of the residues, it doesn’t get rid of it completely, and it certainly doesn’t get rid of the toxins that seep into the flesh. For this reason, blueberries, and all other berries for that matter, should really be one of those foods that you don’t cheap-out on and buy Organic.

11. Lettuce

Just like Spinach, lettuce is another type of produce that should always be organic. Since the whole plant is eaten, there is no getting away from the chemicals that are sprayed on it, even if you do rinse it thoroughly. Thankfully, finding Organic lettuce isn’t too hard to come by and isn’t usually that much more expensive than the traditional stuff.

12. Kale

Known as a superfood, Kale is another leafy-green that should always be organic. All of the pesticides and weed-killers that are used on around this vegetable are toxic and not worth the chance. Why even take the chance of ingesting all those toxins, especially when you are obviously going that extra mile to eat something that’s really good for you?

The fruits and vegetables included on this list of produce that should always be Organic are all thin-skinned and therefore, actually suck up the chemicals that are sprayed onto them, creating a grotesque residue. And while some of these can be peeled in order to get rid of the pesticides, the majority of the vitamins and antioxidants that your body craves is in the skin, and therefore shouldn’t be disposed of anyway. For this reason, it is better to spend an extra dollar or two to ensure that you are not filling your body with a plethora of unknown chemicals and substances, and instead doing the best for your body that you possibly can. I mean, who doesn’t want to live a more healthier lifestyle? Especially if it’s as easy as buying a couple of organic fruits and vegetables every now and again!

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7 Romantic Dates That Don’t Cost a Dime

By Jenny O'Hara 

 

With the economy the way it is, you may think that you can’t afford to surprise your sweetie with well planned dates as they can be quite costly, but trust me, you can plan fantastic romantic dates that cost nothing. You can use things you already have and places you can go for free to create an affectionate atmosphere that will bring you two closer. If you’re trying to keep more money in your wallet, but still want to plan out special dates for that special someone, check out these romantic dates that cost nothing.

1. Photo Tour

Romantic dates that cost nothing don’t have to be boring or mean that you have to stay home. Take a walk with your partner around the area where you live. Find all of the interesting or beautiful settings in your locale and hold an impromptu photo shoot in each location. You can take turns taking pictures of each other or snag a stranger and ask them to snap a few shots of the two of you. Make your pictures adorable and sweet or cute and silly, but above all, have fun!

2. Living Room Picnic

You can always have a picnic in a park, but if the weather is uncooperative or you want to have a romantic picnic dinner, the best place to do it is your living room floor. Lay a nice, comfy blanket in the center of your living room, or the corner if you both want to be able to lean against a wall. To add a romantic atmosphere, set lit tea lights or votives around the room (using caution and common sense, of course). Cook something you know how to make well and use fancy plates as place settings. Play some light music in the background. If you have white Christmas lights handy, they also add to the ambiance.

3. Rooftop Stargazing

If you have easy access to a portion of your roof, it makes the perfect intimate setting for a romantic stargazing date. Spread out a few blankets on the roof. Allow the conversation to flow freely as you and your love cuddle on the rooftop looking up at the twinkling night sky. If you don’t have safe roof access, you can use your lawn or deck, or drive somewhere secluded and lay on the hood of your car. Stargazing is surprisingly romantic, so snuggle up close and enjoy!

4. Release Your Inner Child

No matter where you are there is most likely a park or elementary school playground nearby. Most schools allow the public to use the playground between the end of the school day and dusk. Have fun running around, sliding down the slide and pushing each other on the swing set. No matter how old you may be, this is sure to elicit giggles and raise your spirits!

5. Brewery Or Winery Tour

I live in a very small town, but there are still four wineries and two breweries within an hours drive from me, so I’d bet there are at least one or two near you as well. Most breweries and quite a few wineries offer free tours which include free beer or wine tastings. Attending one of these gets you out of the house, provides free entertainment and best of all, alcohol! Check online for locations in your area and contact them to see if they offer free tours, it’s well worth the minimal amount of time it will take you to find out.

6. Amateur Entertainment

Most high schools have plays and concerts several times throughout the year. A lot of them are open to the public and don’t charge any fee (some charge a minimal fee, so you’ll have to check). Open-Mic nights at local bars or even amateur night at coffee houses are other great ways to take advantage of the amateur entertainment available. If you’re looking to go totally free, make sure you eat before you go so you’re not tempted!

7. Game Night

No matter what your age is, digging out a bunch of games and playing the night away is fun! If you don’t have any games in your home, create your own! Take index cards (or cut up squares of paper) and write questions on them such as “What do you admire most about your partner?” After you have lots and lots of cards made up, mix them in a pile and ask each other the questions. Keep the questions positive, this isn’t an opportunity to find out what your partner dislikes about you, it should bring you closer. If you need help thinking up questions feel free to use google – I do!
All of these ideas for romantic dates that cost nothing will help you and your sweetheart spend quality time together without breaking the bank. At no cost, you can use one of these ideas each day of the week! What free dates have you planned or gone on?

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10 Quotes to Help Heal a Broken Heart

By Naomi Louise 

 

If you are going through a breakup, or your heart feels like it is breaking due to unrequited or lost love, then here are some quotes to heal a broken heart that may provide you with some comfort. If you feel as though your world is ending, know at least that the majority of women out there know how you feel, as we all have had our hearts broken at one time or another. Read these quotes to heal a broken heart and let yours start to mend…

1. ”There Will Come a Time You’ll See with No More Tears, And Love Will Not Break Your Heart, but Dismiss Your Fears…”

“… get over your hill and see what you find there, with grace in your heart and flowers in your hair.” – Mumford & Sons. Although it doesn’t feel like it right now, there are better things to come for you. The love that you truly deserve is waiting, and far from make you cry, it will fill your heart with fearlessness and joy. This is one of the most hopeful of the quotes to help heal a broken heart.

2. ”Giving up Doesn’t Always Mean You Are Weak…”

“… sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go.” – Author Unknown. As much as it hurts and you feel like you will never be the same again, inside of you there is a really strong person who knows, that they did what was best. One day you’ll look back on some of your saddest days and know that it was all for good reason.

3. ”If Your Love Does Not Work with That Person…”

” … it just means that someone else loves you more.” – Author Unknown. This is one of the quotes to heal a broken heart that you should truly hold onto when in doubt. If love let you go, or you had to let love go, then it’s because there is more love out there for you with someone else. Have faith, and know that everything happens for a reason.

4. ”You’re Going to Fall in Love Some Many Times before You Find The One You Will Be with Forever…”

“So think of it this way. You’re just one broken heart closer to Happily Ever After.” – Author Unknown. What a silver lining this quote is! Instead of looking at your situation as the end of the world, what if you saw it as one step further in the direction to what you truly deserve?

5. Wise Words

”Because sometimes there is no easy way out. You just have to grin and bear it. Sometimes the only escape route is to go straight through the flames, just brace yourself and bite your lip. Sometimes you have to sever the ties clean off. Because in every relationship there comes a point when the damage is too much and no matter how good it once was, the memories can’t sustain you. You have to save yourself knowing all the while it will hurt like hell. Because you can’t keep giving someone everything if you get nothing in return.” – Author Unknown. Need I say more?

6. ”There Were Reasons We Met, Reasons for The Good Times And Reasons for The Bad Times, And Most Importantly a Reason to End…”

“We have more to learn, more to experience, and more loving to do in this lifetime.” – Author Unknown. Life is far too short to spend crying over what could have been, be thankful for all you had and be optimistic that there is so much more to come for you.

7. “When Love Is Lost, Do Not Bow Your Head in Sadness…”

“… Instead keep your head up high and gaze into Heaven, for that is where your broken heart has been sent to heal.” – Author Unknown. Now this quote is just plain gorgeous. It’s okay to be sad, but try to keep your head high as you never know when they’ll send your healed heart back down to you… love it.

8. “There Is No Remedy for Love but to Love More.” – Henry David Thoreau

After all the tears, the anger and the sadness has passed, the best and the only thing you can do is continue to give and receive love like you have never lost love before. It’s the only way to heal a broken heart; by feeding it with more love.

9. “Don’t Worry about Losing…”

“If it is right, it happens – the main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.” John Steinbeck. If it is meant to be, it will be. Don’t spend your time chasing someone who doesn’t want to be caught. If they are right for you, they won’t need chasing.

10. ”Lots of People Want to Ride with You in The Limo…”

“… but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey. This may seem a little out of place alongside the other quotes to heal a broken heart, but at the end of the day the message is clear. You want someone who will be there rain or shine, and if it’s raining for you right now and they are not around – then are they really worth it?

We all know that heartache can’t be cured by the flick of a switch or an insightful quote, but it is important to do what we can in order to one day feel better again. Cry your heart out, listen to sad music, watch The Notebook until your face falls off; whatever you feel like. I’ll finish on an old proverb that always sees me through tough times ‘This too shall pass’ … and you can be certain it will.

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7 Tips for Finding Your Signature Scent

By Megan Correia 

 

The hunt for the perfect perfume ends here with these tips for finding your signature scent. Creating your signature scent and finding one to call your own can be a tough, sensory overload experience that can often leave you more confused than certain, and worse off, empty handed. To seek out your personalized fragrance, follow these 7 tips for finding your signature scent and get spritzing!

1. Know What You like

Beginning your journey to finding your signature scent begins with knowing what you like and what you don’t like. The best way to do this is to compile a list of all the fragrances you like and the ones you don’t. Next to each fragrance jot down what you like or dislike about them all to help give you a starting point when looking for your favorite and perfect scent.

2. Consider Your Personality

Understanding your personality will help in finding your signature scent as these two are closely linked together. The goal in finding your signature scent is to pick a fragrance that immediately registers in someone else’s mind as your smell. You want people to register a specific perfume with you and the best way to do this is to look to your personality. Although there are several fragrance personality quizzes you can take online to determine your signature scent, the simplest way is to be honest with yourself. If you are a shy, reserved person chances are your scent is not going to be strong, overbearing or powerful. Be true to who you are and pick a scent that relates to your personality.

3. Skin Test

When trying and sampling different scents in department stores, it’s best to test it on your own skin. Most perfumes come alive on your skin and react with your body’s natural chemistry so a scent that smells absolutely amazing in the bottle can smell awful on your skin and vice versa, which is why it’s so important to test before buying. Try different perfumes on your wrist and inner arm to sample the scent on various areas of your body.

4. Sleep with It on

After trying a handful of different perfumes you may feel overwhelmed or caught up in the moment, which is why this next tip gives you a moment to stop and sleep on it – literally! Going to sleep with a fragrance on is a good way to determine how much you actually like the scent away from pushy salespeople and over scented department stores. When you wake up in the morning and you still like and want to wear it, it’s a good indication that the scent suits you and can become your signature fragrance.

5. Find Your Favorite Fragrance Formula

When it comes down to it, perfume is a science, and fragrances come in many forms… but the most popular formulas are parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette. Parfums are generally the most concentrated scents, with less alcohol content… and they are usually the more expensive, high-end perfumes on the market. An eau de parfum is still a concentrated scent, with more alcohol content, while an eau de toilette contains the most amount of alcohol. Eau de parum and eau de toilette are usually everyday fragrances that can be spritzed all over the body without an overpowering smell. Finding your favorite fragrance formula will help to create a simple process of elimination when determining your signature scent.

6. Know Your Notes

Fragrances can cover seven different categories, Cyprus, floral, wooded, leather, musk, oriental or hesperidia. Knowing each of these categories and notes will help you decide which scents you like the most and use most commonly in lotions, powders and soaps. The Cyprus category, named after the island, has woody-mossy mixes with hints of citrus and patchouli. Floral notes are the most popular of perfumes with rose scents and other flower fragrances. Wooded scents are earthy fragrances that contain traces of nutty and spicy smells with some hints of cinnamon or tobacco. Leather scents have a dry, smoky fragrance usually mixed with lighter topnotes to create balance and fragrance symmetry. Musks are strong, sexy scents and are commonly associated with sharp male scents. Oriental notes are rich and warm with vanilla blended with sweet spices and exotic flowers. Hesperidia is the category that falls into crisp, fresh citrus scents.

7. Stick to Three Scents

When you’ve finally picked out the scents you want to sample and test, remember to stick to no more than three scents per trial. Testing a variety of fragrances leaves your sense of smell confused and after awhile everything begins blending together and smelling the same. Sniffing coffee beans between samples will help to clear your nose, but testing any more than three fragrances at a time can be overwhelming, so sticking to this general rule of thumb will not only help you find your signature scent, but it’ll also help you avoid any over scented headaches.

The perfect perfume has the ability to capture the essence of the person wearing it, so before heading out and shopping your fragrances remember these tips for finding your signature scent and you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable scent that defines you! What’s your signature scent and what are some of your shopping tips for picking out perfume?

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7 Planning Tips for your Next Road Trip

By Aprille 

 

Road trips are supposed to be exciting. They can turn into a real nightmare if you aren’t well-prepared. The following list includes 7 planning tips for your next road trip that might help eliminate some of the stress people feel when traveling. See what you think of these 7 suggestions and feel free to include some of your own in the comment section.

7. Check fluid levels in the car before departing

It’s a horrible feeling to be in an unknown area without a way to get back home. This is the main reason I double check the fluid levels of my vehicle before heading out on a trip. You can take your car to any service station and have this procedure done. It might be a good idea to have the tread on your tires and your brakes checked out as well.

6. Bring a great selection of music

Scanning through fuzzy radio station is a pain in the rear. I always have plenty of CDs in the car to choose from. This saves me time from being distracted while attempting to get a clear radio signal in. When I travel with another person, whoever is in the passenger seat is the DJ. I find this is a much safer option when it comes to choosing music while on the road. As long as you both agree on the music, there shouldn’t be any arguments over which CD is played.

5. Lower food costs by taking your own

There’s a big red cooler in the back of my car, no matter what time of year it is. This is an excellent way to store items from the grocery store and to keep me from making stops at fast food restaurants while traveling. A selection of crackers, trail mixes, granola bars, and juice boxes keeps me from getting hungry while driving. Any of these items are easy to eat while on the road. It never hurts to have a jar of peanut butter, a container of jam, and a big loaf of bread either.

4. Take emergency numbers with you

Not only should you make sure to have all important numbers with you when traveling, but it’s also wise to leave contact information with close friends and family. Choose someone you trust and let that person know you are taking a trip. If you simply disappear on the road and don’t tell anyone, how will you be contacted if there’s an emergency? You never know when something might happen to a family member, your home, a beloved pet, or who knows what. If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged at all times.

3. Have a general idea where you are going

In the states, I find it difficult to get lost what with all the well-marked road signs and such. However, if you are completely new to traveling or aren’t familiar with the city you are attempting to explore on your own, it might be helpful to do a little research before you leave the house. It might be exhilarating for some to simply hop in the car and take off in a direction determined by the flip of a coin, but this can also be dangerous. Be smart.

2. Overestimate the cost of fuel

Plenty of handy traveling devices enable drivers to check the price of gas along their route. It’s beneficial to you and your wallet to decide on a route in advance and determine how much the trip will cost. Fluctuating fuel costs can eat into your travel fund rather quickly. I always round up when figuring the total fuel cost for a trip. This saves me from being surprised by an empty wallet before I make it back home. You want to have cash for fun things along the way, right?

1. Buy and up-to-date atlas

The price of a new road atlas is mere peanuts nowadays. I buy a new one every couple of years, due to the ever-changing roadways and such. I place the new atlas in the car and the older one comes into the house to be used as a reference guide. I make envelopes out of the old pages of ones I’m going to throw away. This keeps most of the atlas out of the landfill and my friends and family enjoy getting letters wrapped in old maps.

I wish you happy travels on your next trip and hope you can use these tips. Out of these 7 planning tips for your next road trip, which one would you consider to be the most important?

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8 Ways to Deal with a Workaholic Boyfriend

By Heather Jensen 

 

Learning the ins and outs of how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend without seeming clingy is difficult – even in the best cases. With everybody trying to move forward in their careers and to make as much money as possible, learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend now is going to be important. I’m a workaholic girlfriend and my partner had to learn how to deal with me. It’s hard, girls, but possible. So, you ready to learn how you can handle your boyfriend if he is a workaholic?

1. Is It Worth Fighting for?

When you’re first learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend, you’ve got to ask yourself: is it worth it? I know it’s a hard question to ask yourself, but truthfully, picking your battles is the key to any relationship. Is his workaholic nature actually affecting your relationship? Is he not as attentive as he once was? Does he not pay attention to you?

2. Discuss Your Feelings with Him

Have you ever talked to your boyfriend about your feelings? Have you ever discussed exactly what you want from him? This could be one of the ways to get through to him, girls! Who knows, maybe he has absolutely no idea how you feel about how much he works!

3. Give Him Time to Weigh His Options

I know that it’s hard to give your partner time to actually change, but you’ve got to. You can’t make it all or nothing when it comes to his job, girls, especially if he is really trying to make something of himself. A man’s job is typically his pride and you’ve got to give him time to weigh his options between his relationship and his job.

4. Try to Be Understanding

While you might feel that you should be the most important thing in the world, you’ve got to make sure that you are trying to understand his point of view. Put yourself in his shoes, girls. How would you feel if he was bringing up all of these points in reference to your career? You’ve got to think about that!

5. Sketch Out a Schedule for The Two of You

If you are really trying to make sure that your needs and your boyfriend’s needs are met, why not come up with a schedule? That way you both know what days you are going to be together and what days he may have to work late or can allow himself to work late. Sometimes just making sure you have time to spend together helps.

6. Work/Life Balance

When you’re dealing with a workaholic boyfriend, you’ve got to remember – he doesn’t know what work/life balance is. This is what you’re going to have to teach him. A lot of guys don’t think that date nights and little outings are important, so you’ve got to make sure that you let him know that you care about those things!

7. Apply a Few Ground Rules

Always, when you are learning how to deal with a workaholic boyfriend, lay down some ground rules. Designate a day a week for a date night, make sure that you both always have dinner together, allow for him to work late sometimes . It’s all about compromise, girls.

8. Accept It

Finally, sometimes, you’ve got to just accept that he is a workaholic and that you won’t be able to change him. That doesn’t mean that you should allow him to treat you any differently or that he should get away with anything, but you’ve go to accept that his career is very important to him.

So all you workaholic-boyfriend lovers, do you have any other tips that will help someone that is not use to their workaholic boyfriend? Anything I didn’t cover? Share your stories and experiences!

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8 Tips on How to Find The Right Partner for You

By Alison Bryant 

Every single person wonders how to find the right partner. Certainly, it’s not an easy process – if it were, we’d already have found them! However, there are many ways in which you can help improve your chances of finding someone who is right for you. Here are some tips on how to find the right partner for you …

1. Identify Your Values

The first step in knowing how to find the right partner is in identifying what values matter most to you. If you are going to have a good relationship with someone, it’s essential that they share your outlook and attitude. Some things can be compromised on, but not our core values.

2. Be Open

Keep an open mind, and don’t dismiss someone just because they’re not what you normally go for. The right partner may be someone that you have not even considered as relationship material! Sometimes we have very fixed ideas about what we are looking for, and that can lead us to overlook a really great guy.

3. Don’t Rush

Sometimes it seems as though everyone but us is in a relationship, and that they are really happy. Wanting to have the same thing can lead us to rush into getting involved, and also to progress the relationship too quickly. As a result, we end up with the wrong guy or mess up with the right one. Always take your time.

4. What Do You Have to Offer?

Relationships are a two-way street; you need to have something to give to your partner. So, to find the right person for you, you must be someone worth being with. Otherwise you are not likely to end up with a good relationship. But what is certain is that you do have positive qualities.

5. Instincts

Use your instincts when you meet someone – if you trust that inner voice, it will rarely let you down. Sometimes we meet a guy and ignore that niggling suspicion that there is something not quite right about him. Then events prove that our instincts were correct. Equally, using this inner voice can help us detect a good guy when we meet him.

6. Consider Character Traits

It can also be helpful to consider what character traits you look for in a partner. If you are a shy person, you may want someone who is more outgoing to balance you out. Or you may feel more comfortable with someone who is equally introverted. Also consider which traits would be a good match for your own.

7. Positive Person

Look for a guy who has a positive outlook on life, who cares about other people, and who wants to get on in life. That doesn’t mean that he has to be extremely ambitious, just that he should have goals. Watch out for guys with serious issues, though. Don’t try to save someone, or waste your time on a person who doesn’t want to be helped.

8. Know What You Don’t Want

Just as important as knowing what you want, is knowing what you don’t want. If you are certain that you don’t want a family, then there is no point hooking up with a guy who’s desperate to be a dad. Identifying factors that you don’t want in a relationship means that you won’t waste time with the wrong person.

Just as with most things in life, we do have to make mistakes in relationships in order to learn from them. As they say, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince! Remember that there is no such thing as Mr Right – there are a lot of guys that could be great for each of us. You just have to find them! If you have a really great guy, what helped you find him?

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