Kitchen gadgets can make your life easy in the kitchen. Say nothing but “No sweat!” when using these unique tools to organize and prepare your ingredients easily. No need to hurry, you just have to relax and be cool with your awesome gadgets.

Electric Salt, Pepper & Spice Mills

Easily flavor what you are cooking with salt, pepper, and other spices with this gadget. This equipment enables you to grind these ingredients effortlessly for that last-minute seasoning.

Pineapple Slicer

If you want beautifully sliced pineapple rings for food decoration that can be used for special occasions, have a pineapple slicer at home. This gadget only needs light pressure so you can preserve its juiciness for your dishes.

Pitter

Don’t mess up with your peaches, cherry, plums, or olives. Use this gadget to easily remove pits from your stone fruit ingredients.

Garlic Press

Chefs usually has this gadget in their kitchen for its convenience. Just press your unpeeled garlic with this and create a great texture for it. You can avoid touching the raw garlic with this as well .

Corn Stripper

Don’t stress yourself out when removing kernels from corn cobs with your hands. Use a corn stripper and feel like a professional chef.

Enjoy cooking and make your life easier. Make your food look effortlessly amazing stress-free using these unique and awesome gadgets.

Aside from being a prominent kitchen condiment, vinegar has a truckload of uses. The high acidity level of vinegar can be used as a cleaning solution as well as a natural remedy for different common illnesses. Read on to know how this household item can offer you smart solutions in various ways.

Vegetable Freshener

When vegetables become soggy and unappealing, soak them in two cups of cold water with a tablespoon of vinegar for 10 minutes. The cold water and vinegar mixture will help restore the vegetables crispness, making it more pleasing to ingest.

Carpet Stain Remover

To remove the stains and blotches on your carpet, just apply or spray vinegar directly to the carpet stain and scrub it until they disappear. The scent of vinegar will fade away as the carpet dries. Aside from the stains on rugs and carpet, vinegar is also helpful in removing cloth stains caused by coffee, soda, alcohol, deodorant, and pet waste.

Sinks and Bathtubs Cleaner

To polish porcelain sinks and tubs, scrub it using vinegar and rinse with cold water. For removing stains on tubs, fill it with water and a little amount of vinegar and leave it for four hours. The vinegar and water solution will soften the stain, allowing you to easily scrub them off. You can also use vinegar to disinfect your toilet bowls.

Sore Throat Reliever

If you’re suffering from sore throat, just mix a small amount of vinegar to a glass of water. Gargle the mixture for about 10 seconds then swallow it. You can repeat the procedure a few times. The vinegar kills the bacteria and thus eases the pain caused by a sore throat.

Dandruff Remover

To get rid of dandruff, combine vinegar with water then pour it onto your hair after shampooing. Leave it for a minute and rinse with clean water. The acidity of vinegar can remove unwanted flakes on your scalp. However, people with sensitive skin should consult first with a doctor before using the solution.

Aside from these, you can also use vinegar to polish your car, remove warts, or deodorize containers. Always keep this condiment in your house and you’ll surely save more money in buying cleaning and chemical-based products.

One of the best childhood memories I have was the time I ate tomatoes almost everyday. I love tomatoes and up until now, I eat tomatoes, especially when they are raw and fresh. As for its benefits, all I knew was that it can keep our skin healthy.

Let me just share more information about tomato. Solanum lycopersicum is its scientific name. It is a botanical fruit and at the same time a vegetable for culinary. It has seven color varieties - red, pink, orange, yellow, white, green, and purple/black. Though, no matter what color it has, the outstanding amount of lycopene is still the same.

What Makes It Lovable?

This “superfood” is known for its excellent amount of disease-fighting antioxidant contents. It has been proven to prevent cancer, heart diseases, and lower high cholesterol. Researchers also found that its antioxidant properties has significant effects on the bone health. Inclusion of tomato in your diet may also increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other studies have found that tomato can inhibit the development of various kinds of cancer cells such as endometrial and breast cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and prostate carcinoma cells and also the growth of cataract.

Significant Nutritional Facts (in 180.00 grams raw tomato)

Vitamin A - 29.9% Good for the eyes and skin.

Vitamin K - 17.7% Helps the blood to clot.

Potassium - 12.1% Necessary for our body organs to perform well.

Fiber - 8.6% Good for diet.

Vitamin B6 - 7% To maintain a healthy brain.

Folate - 6.7% Helps to produce cells and keep them to work properly.

 
Warning

Excessive intake of tomato especially tomato juice can make your skin and liver colored orange-yellow. It is a skin discoloration which is called lycopenodermia. However, this skin condition is harmless.

I love tomato now more than ever. Especially now that I know more about its benefits. Indeed, it is extremely lovable like no other.

Herbs are among the most important ingredients in cooking that your kitchen should always have. These staples are remarkable as they don’t just add flavor to the food you cook, they also add nutrients to every dish.

Here are some facts about the herbs you commonly have at home.

Oregano

Oregano is also known as the “pizza herb” since it is ordinarily used in pizza recipes. It helps lower blood cholesterol levels and is proven as a super “functional food” because of various nutritional facts. Oregano is one of the healthy Mediterranean diet foundation bases.

Below are nutrient facts you can get from a 100 g of oregano herb:

Dietary fiber - 107%

Folates - 69%

Pyridoxine - 93%

Vitamin C - 83%

Vitamin A - 230%

Vitamin K - 518%

Iron - 550%

Manganese - 203%

Carotene-ß - 4112 mcg.

Basil

Basil provides better tasting and smelling food. It’s oil have antibacterial essential features, thus making it a great aid for fighting flu, colds, and herpes viruses. Its leaves can also be used for wounds to reduce infections.

Below are nutrient facts you can get from a 100 g of basil herb:

Vitamin A - 175%

Vitamin K - 345%

Vitamin C - 30%

Copper - 43%

Iron - 40%

Magnesium - 16%

Manganese - 57%

With the summer heat becoming more intense, it is always better to protect your eyes against UV rays using sunglasses. Sunglasses, depending on their shapes or features protect your eyes and serve as accessories to your peepers. Here are a few tips you can consider when buying your next pair of shades.

UV Protection

UV rays can damage the eyes so it is always better to choose sunglasses with at least 90% to 100% UV protection. Look for stickers on the lenses to know the amount of UV protection included in the sunglasses. This amount of UV protection can block out the sun rays and gives the ultimate protection for your eyes.

Size

When buying a new pair of shades, make sure you buy one that can cover your eye area right up to the brows. The skin of the eyelids are vulnerable to UV damage so it’s important to select frames that prevent the bright light from entering your eye area. You can consider wraparound lenses or close-fitting glasses with wide lenses.

Color

Although the color of the lenses doesn’t necessarily help in blocking UV rays, they make a difference on how you see the environment. The most advisable lense is gray as it provides the least color distortion. However, you can also opt for green tinted lenses as they reduce glare and provide good contrast between objects.

Quality

When purchasing sunglasses, buy only at optical or department stores to get the full protection you need. Imitations or knock-offs offer no UV protection and can even cause damage to your eyes.

Choosing the right pair of sunglasses this summer will protect your eyes against the harmful consequences of sunlight. Just follow these tips and spend the summer with confidence and style.

Wise spending is eating the right food that makes you feel good. So if you’re living in California or just passing through, do not hesitate to visit these commendable restaurants for a yummy and healthy food experience.

Sno:La Yogurt

This eco-friendly yogurt shop serves gourmet frozen yogurt in six yummy flavors. To make your order completely delicious, choose from the five types of tasty toppings they offer, such as chocolate, sauces, nuts, and seasonal fruits. Sno:La also serves verrines and they regularly feature new items on their menu. Check more items here.

Mixt Greens

If you are on a diet, Mixt Greens’ menu can keep you filled without depriving yourself of good and delectable eats. Order freshly made salads listed on their menu or design your own according to your preferences. Their sandwiches are also made from fresh, delicious, and healthy ingredients. In fact, almost all of their ingredients are grilled or roasted. Calculate here the nutrition facts of your choice salad before purchasing.

Oliver Cafe | Lounge

Last but not the least in this list is Oliver Cafe | Lounge, a restaurant that offers spa cuisine. Spa cuisine is the kind of food preparation that uses all-natural ingredients and methods. They have a resident registered dietitian who endorses the recipes they make. Grab the opportunity to taste their offered Asian to Italian cuisines during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Have delightfully healthy salads from Mixt Greens, eat an incredible breakfast at Oliver Cafe | Lounge, and don’t forget to enjoy a yummy froyo for dessert from Sno:La. Now, we’re talking healthy!

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and moisture, resulting to lines and wrinkles. While we can’t entirely control the aging process, we can still do something to fight ungraceful skin aging.

One of the best ways to do it is eating vegetables. Vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote glowing and radiant skin. Here are a few vegetables you can use or eat to achieve healthier skin.

Cucumber
Cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential in strong cell growth and repair. Aside from eating cucumbers, you can also apply its extract on your face, let it dry, and wash it off with lukewarm water to get younger looking skin. You can also put cucumber slices on your face for skin hydration.

Carrot
The carrot is another vegetable that adds glow to your skin. They contain cartenoids, an antioxidant that helps to combat free radicals in your skin. Drinking carrot juice is one of the best ways to keep your skin hydrated. You can also apply carrot extract and pulp on your skin for a radiant effect.

Potato
Potatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals excellent in cleaning and softening your skin. If you have oily skin, gently rub potatoes on your skin and have the potato starch remain there for 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off with lukewarm water. You can also use grated potatoes as a solution for dark circles under the eyes.

Leafy Greens
Having healthy skin requires a strong and steady blood flow and green leafy vegetables have the vitamins and minerals that promote optimal blood circulation. They are also rich in Vitamin A which is important for skin elasticity. And their high fiber content helps the body eliminate toxins and possible carcinogens for a healthy and clear skin. Making a green smoothie is an excellent way to unlock all the nutrients of the vegetables that will benefit your skin and body.

Making these veggies a part of your daily diet and/or beauty regimen can contribute to fair and glowing skin. Just always remember to exercise daily and include fruits in your meals for a much healthier skin and stronger body.

Finding the right jeans doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With the right knowledge about your body type and some simple techniques, you’ll surely find the best jeans that will flatter your figure. Here's a simple guide to help you find the right jeans for your body type.

●        Hourglass (Bodies with well defined waist and well-balanced hips and shoulders)

If you have an hourglass body, choose jeans that have a wide-legs or a trouser cut with a mid-rise or flat front. A straight cut jeans is also a good option. These type of jeans will help you look slim while showing off your curves. Avoid baggy or tight jeans as it can make you look shapeless or unflattering.

●        Petite (Bodies with leaner and smaller figure)

If you’re slim or petite, a pair of skinny or slim-cut jeans is the best choice as it adds a sleek appearance. It is also a good option for short women, as it adds height to the body. This type of jeans is best worn with a pair of high heels and a casual top. Avoid wearing cuffed style jeans because it can make you look shorter.

●        Pear-Shaped (Bodies with smaller top than on bottom)

For pear-shaped women, a flared or boot cut with a low-rise is the best option. This type of jeans gives your body a straight look while keeping your hips slim. You can also choose jeans with larger pockets at the back to make your butt look a bit smaller. Just try to avoid high rise jeans as it makes you look chubby and larger.

●        Boy-Shaped (Bodies that look straight with undefined waist and narrower hips)

For a boy-shaped body, try mid-rise flared jeans to create some curve to your figure. You can also opt for bright skinnies to accentuate your natural silhouette. To add more volume and shape, you can wear tapered or flared jeans. Avoid baggy jeans at all cost because they can make you look masculine.

●        Plus-Sized (Bodies with a lot of weight around the tummy)

The best jeans for plus-sized women are straight-legged or bootcut in a darker rinse. These jeans create a slimmer look. You can also choose jeans with diagonal or slash pockets to minimize your hip area. Avoid tapered-cuts, skinny, and cargo pants because they can give you a much fuller figure.

Finding the right jeans for your figure will make you look fabulous and dashing. Just follow these tips today and wear your best jeans with confidence.

Dad is leaving the country soon for a business trip so I’m now in a hurry to find the ideal gift to give him this Father’s Day. I am thinking of something he can bring on his trip - something that he can always use.

I found a deal on LivingSocial that is perfect for my dad. This deal from MugOnMug.com features two personalized 11-ounce photo mugs for only $14, giving me $17 in savings. However, this deal exceeds my budget.

With this in mind, I still need to look for a more affordable deal from my other favorite deal sites like Waka Network and Groupon. As comparison shopping is the best way to save more money, they may have more inexpensive deals that I can use for my father’s gift.

I came across a sandwich deal on Groupon featuring a 50% discount on sandwiches at Mr. Pickle’s Sandwich Shop in San Francisco.

At Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop, I ordered “The Bear” sandwich, a hot sandwich with roast beef, BBQ sauce, and melted cheddar cheese. The smell of the roast beef and BBQ sauce triggered my hunger in an instant.

I took my first bite and savored the flavor of my sandwich. The beef was tender and the BBQ sauce was just the right combination of sweet and spicy. The cheddar cheese added balance to the strong flavor of the sauce. In less than 30 minutes, I finished the whole sandwich very satisfied.

I ordered another sandwich to go before I left the shop. This time, I ordered the “Mercy Me” sandwich consisting of chicken breast, marinara sauce, and provolone cheese. The “Mercy Me” sandwich was a gastronomic blessing; the combination of the chicken and marinara sauce was impeccable. However, “The Bear” is still my favorite. I plan on going back to Mr. Pickle’s again soon.