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Things you never knew about the Fourth of July

cincylink — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:37:22 +0000

Things you never knew about the Fourth of July

For starters, we probably shouldn't be celebrating on the fourth

Everyone knows the Fourth of July is the day Americans celebrate our independence with food, fun and fireworks. But even though America has had quite a few birthdays, there are still some things about the holiday you might find surprising.1. John Adams refused to celebrate it. According to him, America's liberation should have been celebrated on July 2, when Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. He even wrote to his wife about it: "The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary festival."2. Several presidents died on July 4. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both signed the declaration, died within hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of Independence Day. If that isn't eerie enough, James Monroe died on the same date five years later.3. America isn't the only country that observes it.Denmark parties hard on the Fourth of July. The country celebrates because thousands of Danes emigrated to the U.S. in 1912. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were keynote speakers at past celebrations. 4. There's an official Fourth of July City.Seriously, in 1979 an act of Congress dubbed Seward, Nebraska, "America's Official Fourth of July City — Small Town USA." Even though only about 7,000 people live there, over 40,000 come to the town's celebration, which is largely run by high school students.

1. John Adams refused to celebrate it.

According to him, America's liberation should have been celebrated on July 2, when Congress voted to approve the Declaration of Independence. He even wrote to his wife about it: "The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary festival."

2. Several presidents died on July 4.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who both signed the declaration, died within hours of each other on the 50th anniversary of Independence Day. If that isn't eerie enough, James Monroe died on the same date five years later.

3. America isn't the only country that observes it.

Denmark parties hard on the Fourth of July. The country celebrates because thousands of Danes emigrated to the U.S. in 1912. Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush were keynote speakers at past celebrations.

4. There's an official Fourth of July City.

Seriously, in 1979 an act of Congress dubbed Seward, Nebraska, "America's Official Fourth of July City — Small Town USA." Even though only about 7,000 people live there, over 40,000 come to the town's celebration, which is largely run by high school students.

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This is why we celebrate Presidents Day in February

cincylink — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 11:57:34 +0000

If you've got the day off for president's day, maybe you should take the day to learn a new skill. Looking for a little inspiration? Here are some talents are past presidents had besides politics, Barack Obama can carry a tune and once even sang a little. Al Green is president. You probably know Bill Clinton played the saxophone most famously on the campaign trail on The Arsenio Hall show, but you might not know that Clinton is also a master crossword puzzle player. Ronald Reagan, of course, was a famous Hollywood actor before he got into politics, and FDR was the only president to be credited as a screenwriter for a 1936 movie called The President's Mystery. Richard Nixon was known for playing the piano, and he could also play the saxophone, clarinet, accordion and violin. Harry Truman loved to play the piano to and always dreamed of being a musician. Unfortunately, even he had to admit he was never very good. And since leaving office, George W. Bush has taken up painting, a talent he shares with Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter. It just goes to show that it's never too late to learn a new skill, even if you're the president. Happy Presidents Day

This is why we celebrate Presidents Day in February

Presidents Day may seem like a chance to shop for some sales and enjoy a long weekend, but when the holiday first started, it had a much deeper meaning. The first incarnation of Presidents Day actually began with George Washington. After his death in 1799, citizens unofficially remembered him on his actual birthday, Feb. 22. According to History, that date became a federal holiday in 1879 for the District of Columbia, and in 1885, the holiday was expanded to the whole country. Things got a little confusing, though, when Congress suggested the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in the late 1960s. This change would move the day of celebration from Feb. 22 to a Monday, in order to create more three-day weekends and hopefully amp up retail sales. The date change also meant that the country could honor Abraham Lincoln on the same day, so both men could be recognized together. Though the government never officially changed its name to Presidents Day, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act forever altered what had formerly been a nod to Washington into a celebration for the presidency in general. Since the law took effect in 1971, nearly half of the states have changed the name to Presidents Day, but some places, like Virginia, Illinois, Iowa and New York, still recognize it as George Washington Day, or something similar, MountVernon.org reports. If you’re still a little confused on some of the ins and outs, here are a few fast facts for you to keep on hand: When is Presidents Day? It's the third Monday in February. This year, it falls on Monday, Feb. 21.Why do we celebrate it? Though it began as a way to honor our first president, George Washington, it later was changed into a holiday that paid homage to the office as a whole. Is Presidents Day a federal holiday? Yes, it is a federal holiday.

Presidents Day may seem like a chance to shop for some sales and enjoy a long weekend, but when the holiday first started, it had a much deeper meaning.

The first incarnation of Presidents Day actually began with George Washington. After his death in 1799, citizens unofficially remembered him on his actual birthday, Feb. 22. According to History, that date became a federal holiday in 1879 for the District of Columbia, and in 1885, the holiday was expanded to the whole country.

Things got a little confusing, though, when Congress suggested the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in the late 1960s. This change would move the day of celebration from Feb. 22 to a Monday, in order to create more three-day weekends and hopefully amp up retail sales.

The date change also meant that the country could honor Abraham Lincoln on the same day, so both men could be recognized together. Though the government never officially changed its name to Presidents Day, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act forever altered what had formerly been a nod to Washington into a celebration for the presidency in general.

Since the law took effect in 1971, nearly half of the states have changed the name to Presidents Day, but some places, like Virginia, Illinois, Iowa and New York, still recognize it as George Washington Day, or something similar, MountVernon.org reports.

If you’re still a little confused on some of the ins and outs, here are a few fast facts for you to keep on hand:

When is Presidents Day?

It's the third Monday in February. This year, it falls on Monday, Feb. 21.

Why do we celebrate it?

Though it began as a way to honor our first president, George Washington, it later was changed into a holiday that paid homage to the office as a whole.

Is Presidents Day a federal holiday?

Yes, it is a federal holiday.

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5 things you probably didn’t know about Groundhog Day

cincylink — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 12:07:08 +0000

5 things you probably didn't know about Groundhog Day

Fun facts about rodents' favorite holiday

In the grand scheme of holidays, Groundhog Day gets kind of a bad rap. It's not one that gets you a day off work, or presents or anything that great. In fact, it's a 50/50 chance of something not great (a seemingly endless winter). Yet, people love celebrating it anyway, and the quirky little holiday has legs much longer than the rodent at its core.Groundhog Day has origins in Germany, where hedgehogs were first used as the season-predicting mammals, according to Groundhog.org. Since hedgehogs aren't native to the United States, another hibernating animal was chosen in their stead: the groundhog.The year 1886 marked the first time Groundhog Day appeared in the local newspaper in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The tradition continued to grow and is now celebrated all over the world.Since the entire holiday hinges on a pudgy rodent's weather predictions, it's natural to question how often Punxsutawney Phil is actually correct. In one study done by the Washington Post, over a 30-year span, the groundhog (and his descendants) were technically correct more years than not, but it really depended on which part of the country was being examined. Overall, the Post says, "Much like how you won your last coin toss, Phil is 'right' in these regions because of chance."While the exact calculations are disputed, IFC's Simon Gallagher estimates Bill Murray's character in the classic film "Groundhog Day" relived the day 12,403 days — that’s 33 years and 358 days!During the Prohibition era, Punxsutawney Phil "threatened" to impose 60 more weeks of winter if he wasn't allowed a stiff drink. But luckily, even he wasn't a fan of an endless winter.

Groundhog Day has origins in Germany, where hedgehogs were first used as the season-predicting mammals, according to Groundhog.org. Since hedgehogs aren't native to the United States, another hibernating animal was chosen in their stead: the groundhog.

The year 1886 marked the first time Groundhog Day appeared in the local newspaper in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The tradition continued to grow and is now celebrated all over the world.

Since the entire holiday hinges on a pudgy rodent's weather predictions, it's natural to question how often Punxsutawney Phil is actually correct. In one study done by the Washington Post, over a 30-year span, the groundhog (and his descendants) were technically correct more years than not, but it really depended on which part of the country was being examined. Overall, the Post says, "Much like how you won your last coin toss, Phil is 'right' in these regions because of chance."

While the exact calculations are disputed, IFC's Simon Gallagher estimates Bill Murray's character in the classic film "Groundhog Day" relived the day 12,403 days — that’s 33 years and 358 days!

During the Prohibition era, Punxsutawney Phil "threatened" to impose 60 more weeks of winter if he wasn't allowed a stiff drink. But luckily, even he wasn't a fan of an endless winter.

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Snow ice cream is the best use for snow

cincylink — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 15:47:21 +0000

Snow ice cream is the best use for snow

Updated: 10:33 AM EST Feb 1, 2022

Use snow at your own risk — shaved ice works just as well! Yields: 4 servingsPrep Time: 5 minutesTotal Time: 5 minutesIngredients1 cup (8 ounces) sweetened condensed milk1/3 cup sugar1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract4 cups snowSprinkles, for garnish if desiredDirectionsIn a medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.In a large bowl, pour condensed milk mixture over snow. Stir to combine. Freeze 30 minutes to one hour or until almost solid. Scoop into bowls and serve. Garnish with sprinkles if desired.

Use snow at your own risk — shaved ice works just as well!

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup (8 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 cups snow

Sprinkles, for garnish if desired

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.

In a large bowl, pour condensed milk mixture over snow. Stir to combine. Freeze 30 minutes to one hour or until almost solid. Scoop into bowls and serve. Garnish with sprinkles if desired.

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These peanut butter-stuffed cookies are gooey perfection

cincylink — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:07:20 +0000

These peanut butter-stuffed cookies are gooey perfection

Happy National Peanut Butter Day!

Updated: 5:57 AM EST Jan 24, 2022

When it comes to a peanut butter cookie, getting the dough right is important -- but stuffing it with this delicious spread makes it all the more delectable.In order to get the perfect gooey center, mix peanut butter with powdered sugar, roll mixture into balls, then freeze them. This will prevent a peanut butter baking explosion.Check out the full recipe here.

When it comes to a peanut butter cookie, getting the dough right is important -- but stuffing it with this delicious spread makes it all the more delectable.

In order to get the perfect gooey center, mix peanut butter with powdered sugar, roll mixture into balls, then freeze them. This will prevent a peanut butter baking explosion.

Check out the full recipe here.

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Should you really roast your turkey upside down?

cincylink — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 12:47:08 +0000

There's nothing worse than a dry, tasteless turkey. That's why some people swear by flipping their turkey upside down. It's actually quite a simple idea: For a juicier bird, roast your turkey breast-side down for the first 30 to 45 minutes of cooking and then flip it back over.While this hack does seem like it makes for a flavor-packed roast, the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen says that it's too good to be true. In fact, it's not even the best way to make a turkey. Here's why:1. Flipping a piping hot turkey is tricky (to say the least)."It's pretty unwieldy to turn the bird in the middle of roasting it," says Good Housekeeping's culinary director Susan Westmoreland. "And we found that our easy tenting method works just as well for keeping the meat moist."For the first hour of roasting or up to two hours for larger birds, prop an aluminum foil tent over the turkey. After you remove the tent, the skin will still have enough time to get brown and crisp. It's a much easier move than precariously flipping your 20-pounder in the roasting rack — the folks at the Good Housekeeping Institute says they learned the hard way.2. Brining is the real winning idea.It's the most foolproof-method for making sure your turkey won't dry out as you roast it. When it comes to brining, you have two options: Rub the bird all over with kosher salt a couple of days ahead or add it to a salt-concentrated liquid brine. 3. It could take away from your turkey's unveiling. The members of the Good Housekeeping Institute found the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks on the turkey's breast if you cook it upside down. Or worse, you might tear the skin when you flip it. If you live for that once-a-year, glamour-shot carving moment, stick to roasting right-side up.

There's nothing worse than a dry, tasteless turkey. That's why some people swear by flipping their turkey upside down. It's actually quite a simple idea: For a juicier bird, roast your turkey breast-side down for the first 30 to 45 minutes of cooking and then flip it back over.

While this hack does seem like it makes for a flavor-packed roast, the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen says that it's too good to be true. In fact, it's not even the best way to make a turkey. Here's why:

1. Flipping a piping hot turkey is tricky (to say the least).

"It's pretty unwieldy to turn the bird in the middle of roasting it," says Good Housekeeping's culinary director Susan Westmoreland. "And we found that our easy tenting method works just as well for keeping the meat moist."

For the first hour of roasting or up to two hours for larger birds, prop an aluminum foil tent over the turkey. After you remove the tent, the skin will still have enough time to get brown and crisp. It's a much easier move than precariously flipping your 20-pounder in the roasting rack — the folks at the Good Housekeeping Institute says they learned the hard way.

2. Brining is the real winning idea.

It's the most foolproof-method for making sure your turkey won't dry out as you roast it. When it comes to brining, you have two options: Rub the bird all over with kosher salt a couple of days ahead or add it to a salt-concentrated liquid brine.

3. It could take away from your turkey's unveiling.

The members of the Good Housekeeping Institute found the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks on the turkey's breast if you cook it upside down. Or worse, you might tear the skin when you flip it. If you live for that once-a-year, glamour-shot carving moment, stick to roasting right-side up.

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What to do with all that leftover Halloween candy

cincylink — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:49:31 +0000

What to do with all that leftover Halloween candy

Because you totally have some left, right?

Updated: 6:27 AM EDT Nov 1, 2021

Whether you bought too much and are now left with unopened bags of candy or you're one of those parents that likes to split up their kid's haul and take some for yourself save some for later, you may have some leftover candy from Halloween. Here are some ideas on what exactly to do with all of the leftover treats, besides devouring, of course:1. Make another delicious treat out of itThere are so many incredible recipes you can make with leftover Halloween candy. From Reese's stuffed pie to "Trash Bark" there is so much delicious repurposing ahead. 2. Freeze it and save it for laterLike a modern day harvest for winter, save some candy for later and break out in case of (chocolate) emergencies. One mom we spoke to said she likes to add it to her kid's Christmas gifts as "new". Hey, what they don't know won't hurt them. 3. Donate it There are multiple organizations that will accept unopened candy. 4. Add it to giftsWith the holidays right around the corner, a few fun-size bars of chocolate are the perfect addition to any gift. You may have gotten someone you hardly know for your office's Secret Santa and purchased a safe, generic candle or soap, but add chocolate and Susan-from-accounting will be thrilled.5. Bring it into the officeYour coworkers will love and hate you for this one. Yes, they may moan that you're the reason their diet is hard to stick to, but you can't complain with a mouth full of nougat. 6. There is no leftover candyYou may be thinking "What leftover candy?" and we couldn't agree more.

Unless you're one of the most heavily trafficked houses on the block, you probably have a decent amount of extra Halloween candy just sitting there begging to be eaten. Rather than give in to temptation, here are some great ideas for how to repurpose the leftover treats!

1

Donate it to charity

There are multiple organizations that will accept unopened candy. There are at least two programs where you can donate your candy to troops serving abroad: Treats for Troops and Operation Gratitude.

You can also contact local charities and food banks to see if they accept unopened candy as well.

Be sure to read each organization's guidelines in terms of donation.

2

Use it to make *another* delicious treat

There are so many incredible recipes you can make with leftover Halloween candy. From Reese's stuffed pie to "Trash Bark," why eat a lame old candy bar when you can turn it into a delicious baked good? Check out the related video above for even more yummy ideas.

3

Freeze it and save it for later

Like a modern day harvest for winter, save some candy for later and break out in case of (chocolate) emergencies.

4

Add it to gifts

With the holidays right around the corner, a few fun-size bars of chocolate are the perfect addition to any gift. You may have gotten someone you hardly know for your office's Secret Santa, but add some bite-sized chocolates to any generic soap or candle gift and "Susan from accounting" will be thrilled!

5

Bring it into the office

Your coworkers will love and hate you for this one. Yes, they may moan that you're the reason their holiday season diet is hard to stick to, but you can't complain with a mouth full of nougat.

6

There is no leftover candy

Maybe you stopped to read this mid-candy binge. If the idea of leftover candy is just too impossible to imagine, just simply enjoy.

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This is where germs hide in your house

cincylink — Sun, 12 Sep 2021 04:57:22 +0000

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Kitchen Sponge

The very sponge you use to clean your dishes may actually be home to a bevy of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella.

PHOTO: PhotoAlto/Laurence Mouton

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Towels

If your towel isn't fresh out of the dryer after a nice, thorough wash, it's likely loaded with all sorts of bacteria. Make sure to hang that towel back up after using it, because a damp towel is a dirty towel.

PHOTO: Emilija Manevska

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Remote Control

Unfortunately, there's no off button for bacteria. Remote controls are one of the most germ-covered things in a home. Now that you know, no marathon of shows should be enough to distract you from that.

PHOTO: Jose Luis Stephens / EyeEm

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Pet Bed

The next time your pet gives you that look when you tell them to get off your bed, stay strong. In addition to ticks and fleas, your four-legged friend could be carrying MRSA, rabies or all sorts of worms. That means their personal sleeping spot needs to be washed regularly.

PHOTO: gollykim

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Microwave

When it comes to cleaning, it seems that many people have a "what happens in the microwave, stays in the microwave" philosophy. Well, that kind of attitude could be making you sick. It's important to sanitize your microwave unless you want your leftovers served with a side of E. coli.

PHOTO: EasyBuy4u

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Carpet

Allergens like pollen, dust and dust mites are all around your carpet, but it can also be home to bacteria — and every time you step foot on it, you're bringing them closer to the surface.

PHOTO: Mike Kemp

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Light Switches

Don't be left in the dark: light switches, like any other surfaces frequently touched by others, can be a launchpad for colds and viruses.

PHOTO: Khairul Fitri Mohamad / EyeEm

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Computer Keyboard

Your keyboard is covered in bacteria, especially if you're not the only one tapping away at it, so don't forget to delete those germs with a good cleaning.

PHOTO: Johner Images

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Kitchen Sink

E. coli and salmonella in your kitchen sink? What about the faucet? Remember that contaminated foods and the aforementioned bacteria hotbed, your kitchen sponge, can leave their mark wherever they go. Cleaning the surface of the sink simply isn't enough either, as many of the offenders become trapped in the drain.

PHOTO: Tatiana Dyuvbanova / EyeEm

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Toothbrush

It probably comes as no surprise that an unbrushed mouth can be home to hundreds of bacteria, but the thing you use to clean it, too? Yep! Toothbrushes can carry E. coli, staphylococcus and even fecal matter.

PHOTO: Nicole Lienemann / EyeEm

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Cutting Board

Your cutting board is a popular rest stop for food-born illness-causing bacteria, whether its wood or plastic. Always clean it thoroughly, especially after cutting raw meat and vegetables.

PHOTO: Enrique Díaz / 7cero

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Coffeemaker

Feeling awake yet? Well, staphylococcus, streptococcus and bacillus cereus are just some of the bacteria that can be living in the reservoir of your coffeemaker.

PHOTO: Dziggyfoto

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Refrigerator

Though typically thought of as something that protects our food from bacteria, a refrigerator can contain E. coli, salmonella and listeria, among others. This is especially true of the salad drawer and door handles. If it housed a food that was subject to a recall, it's extremely important to clean your entire refrigerator.

PHOTO: Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury

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Stove Knobs

Where there's food, there's the chance that the nearby surfaces are chock-full of bacteria. Even the stove knobs are susceptible to lingering germs.

PHOTO: Tetra Images

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Coffee Table

A popular destination for our remotes, phones and other bacteria-covered items, often including your feet — our coffee tables are coated with germs.

PHOTO: Cavan Images

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Salt and Pepper Shakers

Instead of seasoning your meal, you might actually be sprinkling it with rhinoviruses and influenza. So spilling the salt is the least of your worries.

PHOTO: Image by Marie LaFauci

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Water Bottles

Whether it's back from the gym, school or the office, your water bottle is teeming with enough bacteria to make you do a spit take. Throw it in the dishwasher after each use.

PHOTO: Valeriia Sviridova / EyeEm

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Pet Bowls

It's up to you whether you should let your pet lick your face— that said, you should know that the place where they eat and drink is teeming with bacteria.

PHOTO: eclipse_images

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Mattress

Having a tough time sleeping? Then definitely don't think about how your mattress is likely a frenzy of fungi, mold, dust mites and bacteria from your sweat as well as its surroundings.

PHOTO: baytunc

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Makeup Bag

You're going to need to add some color to your face after finding out what's present in your makeup bag. Typically dark, damp and with plenty to feed on, the makeup bag is a haven for harmful bacteria.

PHOTO: JuliaK

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Closets

Home to the coats, hats and gloves you use to keep yourself warm while you're out and about, your closet is the closest thing in your home to a public place. Bacteria from your travels thrive alongside those jackets you've been meaning to donate.

PHOTO: Burak Karademir

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Lunch Box

Contaminated foods and contact with dirty surfaces at school make your child's lunch box a real feeding ground for bacteria.

PHOTO: Sally Anscombe

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Washing Machine

Even when it's full of detergent, there are germs galore inside your washing machine. Children's clothes and, embarrassingly enough, all of our undergarments, fill it with all sorts of bacteria.

PHOTO: Daniel Kaesler / EyeEm

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Dishwasher

No, your dishwasher isn't safe from bacteria either. With an abundance of food particles and moisture, this is another place where germs are more than happy to gather.

PHOTO: Sally Anscombe

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Bathroom Faucet Handles

You wash your hands after using the bathroom, right? That's great! Too bad the handles you have to touch before and after your sanitizing act are covered in bacteria.

PHOTO: Tawan Boonnak / EyeEm

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Pillows

Like our mattresses, pillows take on the bacteria in the air and on our skin to make a fluffy and fertile breeding ground for germs. Sweet dreams!

PHOTO: Azri Suratmin

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Cute and cozy ways to decorate your porch this fall

cincylink — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:38:23 +0000

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Pretty and Pink

Try this unexpected — but super cute — color scheme for fall. This blogger incorporated hot pink and bright orange in her wreath, pumpkins and lanterns.

See more at Dimples and Tangles.

PHOTO: Dimples and Tangles

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Pumpkins Galore

The owners of this Alabama dogtrot home kept it simple with mums and plenty of pumpkins.

PHOTO: Lincoln Barbour

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Pretty Up The Porch

No need to break the bank for this simple look — you probably already own most of these materials.

If you have a wooden ladder: Display a cozy blanket on each rung.

If you have a grapevine wreath: Dress it (or a pair) up by nesting nuts and apples in the lower half, then hang with 3-inch-wide burlap ribbon.

If you have a bushel basket: Repurpose it as a rustic planter, or use it to corral outdoor items.

PHOTO: Christopher Shane

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Create a Defined Color Palette

A neutral color palette doesn't have to be boring! Use spray paint to coat pumpkins in white or metallic gold for a modern but simple scheme.

See more at Taryn Whiteaker.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Taryn Whiteaker

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Skip Out on Carving Pumpkins

Instead of spending hours carving or painting pumpkins, add some flair by tying patterned ribbon around them.

See more at Fynes Designs.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Fynes Designs

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Choose Unexpected Door Decorations

When it comes to curb appeal, your front door is prime real estate. Create an eye-catching display by forgoing a classic wreath for a creative seasonal display, like an apple basket.

See more at Savvy Southern Style.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Savvy Southern Style

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Plant Seasonal Blooms in Rustic Planters

The summer days of tending to your garden may be dwindling, but garden lovers rejoice: Thanks to their late growing season, mums are the perfect floral for fall. Flank your door with olive buckets stuffed with these bright flowers.

See more at On Sutton Place.

PHOTO: Courtesy of On Sutton Place

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Make the Most of a Small Space

This blogger didn't let her farmhouse's lack of a full porch stop her from decorating for fall. Instead, she made good use of the space she does have by lining her steps with bundles of mums and pumpkins.

See more at Serendipity Refined.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Serendipity Refined

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Spell It Out

Reclaimed wood or shipping pallets are the perfect base for an oversized sign with a distressed finish to adorn your porch.

See more at Love Grows Wild.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Love Grows Wild

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Turn Pumpkins into a House Number Display

From the burlap sack door decoration to its use of symmetry, there's a lot we love about this pretty porch. But the fall-ready pumpkin topiary is the real eye-catcher.

See more at At The Picket Fence.

PHOTO: Courtesy of At The Picket Fence

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Decorate With Corn Stalks

Large corn stalks are definitely eye-catching as visitors approach this porch. A closer look also reveals endless beautiful details, such as hanging lanterns and a "boo" ladder, that are all cohesive thanks to their light and clean color palate.

See more at Our Vintage Home Love.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Our Vintage Home Love

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Welcome the Season with a Chalkboard Sign

This porch is cute, of course, but thanks to its chalkboard sign (which can be updated for Halloween or Thanksgiving) its decorations are also versatile throughout the season.

See more at Cottage in the Oaks.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Cottage in the Oaks

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Repurpose a Little Red Wagon

Create a cute fall-ready display using a repurposed little red wagon with room for tons of pumpkins, gourds and antique finds.

See more at Newly Woodwards.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Newly Woodwards

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Flank The Door

Seeing as the vines on this porch already frame the home's front door, it only makes sense that any decorations should do the same. Wicker baskets and barrels of fall treats add extra dimension.

See more at Cottage in the Oaks.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Cottage in the Oaks

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Display Thrift Shop Finds

This blogger describes her porch as "farm fresh and vintage with a hint of glam." Thrifty finds such as a metal pumpkin candle holder and shabby chic frames blend in with seasonal touches in this harvest display.

See more at Chic California.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Chic California

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Welcome Guests

A rustic sign will add plenty of country charm while setting an inviting atmosphere for your guests.

See more at The Wood Grain Cottage.

PHOTO: Courtesy of The Wood Grain Cottage

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Use a Light Color Palette

Add a touch of sophistication to your porch by forgoing the classic reds, oranges and yellows for decorations in light blues and whites.

See more at Home Stories A to Z.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Home Stories A to Z

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Repurpose a Ladder

While this blogger used a ladder to decorate her garden, we think the seasonal display would be well suited for a porch, too.

See more at My Painted Garden.

PHOTO: My Painted Garden

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Create Symmetry

Load your porch with an abundance of seasonal flair. Make sure your decor is symmetrical on either side of the door to keep the space from becoming too busy.

See more at Between Naps On The Porch.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Between Naps On The Porch

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Paint a Pumpkin Crate

After your trip to the pumpkin patch, try adding some DIY flair to more than just your gourds.

See more at Anderson + Grant.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Anderson + Grant

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Put It In Lights

These cheerful pumpkins were made to be in the spotlight. Spell out "fall" using marquee light letters on pumpkins displayed near your front door.

See more at Kara's Party Ideas.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Kara's Party Ideas

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Alternate Flowers and Gourds

Line your steps using pumpkins and mums — a classic fall combination.

See more at Shabby Grace.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Shabby Grace

23 of 27

Coordinate Colors

Nothing says autumn like burnt orange and burgundy hues. A cohesive color scheme is the best way to tie all your decorations together.

See more at On Sutton Place.

PHOTO: Courtesy of On Sutton Place

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Add Pillows to Keep Things Cozy

Add warmth to a basic bench with an oversized burlap pillow and plaid blankets.

See more at Opulent Cottage.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Opulent Cottage

25 of 27

When in Doubt, Add More Gourds

Stack pumpkins of different shapes and sizes on top of each other to make the most out of a small space.

See more at Craftberry Bush.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Craftberry Bush

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Inspire Passersby

Remind guests what the season is really about with a cute chalkboard sign.

See more at Dear Lillie.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Dear Lillie

27 of 27

Attach Faux Leaves to Your Door

According to Jeanette of Country Design Style, all you need is hot glue to attach leaves to a glass door. After fall passes, she just peels the glue off.

See more at Country Design Style.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Country Design Style

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This is why your selfie always comes out terrible

cincylink — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 04:48:29 +0000

If you’ve ever wondered why your face looks gorgeous in real life, and then not-so-great in the selfie you just took, you’re not alone. A few scientists apparently also got so fed up with their lack of decent-looking profile pics, they decided to invest time into figuring out exactly what causes some selfies to look like so bad. According to a research letter published in the JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery journal in 2018, the reason your pic looks less than stellar is because of the position of your arm — namely, that your arm would need to be 5 feet long in order to take a selfie that doesn't distort your facial features.The study found that selfies taken at just 12 inches away (the average distance between your extended arm and your face) forced a "funhouse mirror" perspective that makes your nose look up to 30% wider than it is in real life. Great! “For years, I've heard patients and family members say, ‘Oh, look at my nose, it looks so big,’ when they show me a selfie," Dr. Boris Paskhover, study co-author and plastic surgeon, said in an interview with Live Science. “I was always telling my patients, 'That's not how you really look.' I knew that selfies distort how your nose looks. And I wanted to prove it." Rather than just looking at a bunch of bad selfies and saying, “Yup, definitely looks weird,” Paskhover and his team of scientist buddies at Rutgers Medical School and Stanford University devised a mathematical model that compared the distortive effects different camera angles can have on male and female faces.The results? A photo taken from 5 feet away, “a standard portrait distance,” resulted in no distortion, but a photo taken from 12 inches away resulted in a 30% nose increase in men and a 29% increase in women. Luckily, you can combat the distortion by either giving up selfies altogether or, perhaps give the camera to a friend for that "perfect" shot.For tips on how to get a better picture, watch the related video above.

If you’ve ever wondered why your face looks gorgeous in real life, and then not-so-great in the selfie you just took, you’re not alone. A few scientists apparently also got so fed up with their lack of decent-looking profile pics, they decided to invest time into figuring out exactly what causes some selfies to look like so bad.

According to a research letter published in the JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery journal in 2018, the reason your pic looks less than stellar is because of the position of your arm — namely, that your arm would need to be 5 feet long in order to take a selfie that doesn't distort your facial features.

The study found that selfies taken at just 12 inches away (the average distance between your extended arm and your face) forced a "funhouse mirror" perspective that makes your nose look up to 30% wider than it is in real life. Great!

“For years, I've heard patients and family members say, ‘Oh, look at my nose, it looks so big,’ when they show me a selfie," Dr. Boris Paskhover, study co-author and plastic surgeon, said in an interview with Live Science. “I was always telling my patients, 'That's not how you really look.' I knew that selfies distort how your nose looks. And I wanted to prove it."

Rather than just looking at a bunch of bad selfies and saying, “Yup, definitely looks weird,” Paskhover and his team of scientist buddies at Rutgers Medical School and Stanford University devised a mathematical model that compared the distortive effects different camera angles can have on male and female faces.

The results? A photo taken from 5 feet away, “a standard portrait distance,” resulted in no distortion, but a photo taken from 12 inches away resulted in a 30% nose increase in men and a 29% increase in women.

Luckily, you can combat the distortion by either giving up selfies altogether or, perhaps give the camera to a friend for that "perfect" shot.

For tips on how to get a better picture, watch the related video above.

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12 things you should never let your kid do at the pool

cincylink — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 04:07:54 +0000

There's only one place kids want to spend their summer: The pool. And even though this almost always guarantees a fun day in the sun, there are also some dangers. Keep these warnings — which go far beyond reminding your children not to run — in mind during your next visit.

For even more summer safety tips, check out the related video above.

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This watermelon-slicing hack makes cutting fruit easier than flossing

cincylink — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 04:28:08 +0000

In a life hack we never saw coming, Facebook user Kelly Rose Sarno demonstrates quite possibly the easiest way to cut a watermelon. Using just a long piece of dental floss, she pulls the string tightly under the already-halved fruit and makes a clean cut. Then, she raises the piece of floss and "cuts" the rest in triangles, no knife required. Watch for yourself: There's a reason this hack has been going viral since it was posted in 2018: It can be super helpful for teaching children how to cut without actually using a knife, which in turn is great for if you're picnicking and want to travel light or just those times you don't feel like washing the dishes. Here's hoping Sarno will come up with an easy hack to core pineapples next.Check out 10 fruit and veggie-slicing devices you never knew you needed in the related video above.

In a life hack we never saw coming, Facebook user Kelly Rose Sarno demonstrates quite possibly the easiest way to cut a watermelon.

Using just a long piece of dental floss, she pulls the string tightly under the already-halved fruit and makes a clean cut. Then, she raises the piece of floss and "cuts" the rest in triangles, no knife required.

Watch for yourself:

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You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

There's a reason this hack has been going viral since it was posted in 2018: It can be super helpful for teaching children how to cut without actually using a knife, which in turn is great for if you're picnicking and want to travel light or just those times you don't feel like washing the dishes.

Here's hoping Sarno will come up with an easy hack to core pineapples next.

Check out 10 fruit and veggie-slicing devices you never knew you needed in the related video above.

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7 popcorn hacks that will seriously upgrade movie night

cincylink — Sat, 22 May 2021 04:28:39 +0000

Birthday cake popcorn is just the beginning.

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What time you shower at night could affect your quality of sleep

cincylink — Mon, 17 May 2021 04:18:32 +0000

What time you shower at night could affect your quality of sleep

Temperature, timing aid in sleep

Updated: 11:49 AM EDT May 16, 2021

Video above: Daily habits of people who always sleep wellThese days, we're all itching to get a better night's sleep — we pour our money into weighted blankets, blackout curtains and even state-of-the-art sound machines to (hopefully) lull us into REM each night. But research suggests there's a totally free way to improve your chances of catching some Zzz's.According to a 2019 study at the University at Texas Austin, your nighttime shower or bath could be the key. In collaboration with the UT Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Southern California, UT researchers reviewed 5,322 studies to confirm that bathing in warm to hot water just one to two hours before bed can help you fall asleep 10 minutes faster than usual.The study aimed to see how passive body heating from a water source can affect a number of sleep-related conditions "the length of time it takes to accomplish the transition from full wakefulness to sleep, total sleep time, the amount of time spent asleep relative to the total amount of time spent in bed intended for sleep, and subjective sleep quality."The perfect time to shower is exactly 90 minutes before you go to bed, and the shower temperature would ideally be set at 104 degrees to 109 degrees. Why, you may ask? According to the study, "Warm baths and showers stimulate the body’s thermoregulatory system, causing a marked increase in the circulation of blood from the internal core of the body to the peripheral sites of the hands and feet, resulting in efficient removal of body heat and decline in body temperature."Basically, taking a hot shower during this time aids the natural circadian process we have for falling asleep, resulting in not only falling asleep faster, but a better night's sleep overall. So if you've got some trouble in the sleep department, try taking a warm shower or bath an hour and a half before you go to sleep.

Video above: Daily habits of people who always sleep well

These days, we're all itching to get a better night's sleep — we pour our money into weighted blankets, blackout curtains and even state-of-the-art sound machines to (hopefully) lull us into REM each night. But research suggests there's a totally free way to improve your chances of catching some Zzz's.

According to a 2019 study at the University at Texas Austin, your nighttime shower or bath could be the key. In collaboration with the UT Health Science Center at Houston and the University of Southern California, UT researchers reviewed 5,322 studies to confirm that bathing in warm to hot water just one to two hours before bed can help you fall asleep 10 minutes faster than usual.

The study aimed to see how passive body heating from a water source can affect a number of sleep-related conditions "the length of time it takes to accomplish the transition from full wakefulness to sleep, total sleep time, the amount of time spent asleep relative to the total amount of time spent in bed intended for sleep, and subjective sleep quality."

The perfect time to shower is exactly 90 minutes before you go to bed, and the shower temperature would ideally be set at 104 degrees to 109 degrees. Why, you may ask? According to the study, "Warm baths and showers stimulate the body’s thermoregulatory system, causing a marked increase in the circulation of blood from the internal core of the body to the peripheral sites of the hands and feet, resulting in efficient removal of body heat and decline in body temperature."

Basically, taking a hot shower during this time aids the natural circadian process we have for falling asleep, resulting in not only falling asleep faster, but a better night's sleep overall. So if you've got some trouble in the sleep department, try taking a warm shower or bath an hour and a half before you go to sleep.

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