Weekend Fun http://bestneighborsever.com Wed, 15 Aug 2018 08:00:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Indoor Fitness, Exercise, Weekend fun! http://bestneighborsever.com/indoor-fitness-exercise-weekend-fun/ Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:00:24 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=270 The post Indoor Fitness, Exercise, Weekend fun! appeared first on .

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How to Maintain Your Outside Exercise Routine for Fall

Though Fall in Houston isn’t usually very cold, it’s still cold enough for Houstonites to prefer to stay inside with a cup of hot cocoa! To keep up your exercise routine during our city’s mild chill, make sure to follow these helpful tips.

*Before you go outside, dress in layers. Even if it’s not extremely cold, the layers will warm up your muscles as you work out.

*Cover your hands with gloves and your ears with ear muffs. Stay away from heavy fabrics like wool that will only feel too hot for Houston weather.

*Even though it feels cold, your body has to stay hydrated to function properly during exercise. Drink your usual 8 glasses of water, and increase the number to 10 on days when you work out.

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Pumpkin Patch, Weekend fun! http://bestneighborsever.com/pumpkin-patch-weekend-fun/ Wed, 16 Oct 2013 10:00:11 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=262 The post Pumpkin Patch, Weekend fun! appeared first on .

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When the wind gets cooler and you’re wearing your favorite fall sweater, it’s time to hunt for the perfect pumpkin! Bring the whole family along and have everyone choose a pumpkin of their own.

To select the perfect pumpkin, feel the pumpkin in your hand. If it feels heavy, firm, and has consistent coloring, it’s ripe for the carving! Make sure the pumpkin is free of wrinkles, cuts, mold or soft spots that give under the pressure of your thumb. Those are signs that the pumpkin may already be spoiled. Look for a sturdy, well attached stem. The greener it is, the fresher your pumpkin will be. Lastly, place your pumpkin on a flattened area to make sure that it will stand upright after it has been carved.

Pumpkin Patch, Weekend fun

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Savory Salad Greens! http://bestneighborsever.com/savory-salad-greens/ Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:38:56 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=256 The post Savory Salad Greens! appeared first on .

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savory salad greens

Have you heard about the outstanding veggie power of greens like kale and Swiss chard? Those incredible leafy greens can give an incredible kick to an ordinary salad or meat entrée.

Sautee kale with extra virgin olive oil, freshly chopped garlic, vegetable stock and red wine vinegar for a delicious side dish that is best paired with grilled salmon or lemon pepper chicken. Add Swiss chard to your favorite field greens and you will immediately taste the difference in flavor.  Is it time for a family snack? Roast pieces of kale and add sea salt to try a fun, healthy alternative to chips.

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Roasted Cauliflower http://bestneighborsever.com/roasted-cauliflower/ Mon, 14 Oct 2013 21:45:44 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=247 The post Roasted Cauliflower appeared first on .

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Cauliflower is the perfect seasonal addition to any dinner meal, especially when roasted to perfection with the right combination of spices.

To make this savory side dish, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into florets and evenly distribute them on the cookie sheet. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and add a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If you love spice, consider adding paprika or a dash of cayenne. Preheat the oven at 400° F and roast in the oven for 25-35 minutes. Serve with pork, fish, or beef. Dinner is served!

blog 1 10.14.2013 roasted cauliflower

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Roasted Chickpeas http://bestneighborsever.com/roasted-chickpeas/ Wed, 21 Aug 2013 18:00:57 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=140 Looking for a great substitute to salty, buttery popcorn? Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, savory, and healthy substitute that everyone will enjoy. Crunch on this: all you’ll need is a can of chickpeas, some extra-virgin olive oil, your favorite spices, a dash of lemon and salt. First, drain the chickpeas and set them in a…

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Roasted ChickpeasLooking for a great substitute to salty, buttery popcorn? Roasted chickpeas are a crunchy, savory, and healthy substitute that everyone will enjoy.

Crunch on this: all you’ll need is a can of chickpeas, some extra-virgin olive oil, your favorite spices, a dash of lemon and salt. First, drain the chickpeas and set them in a skillet. Add olive oil and a couple of pinches of whatever spices you like. Add a teaspoon of lemon and a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor of the chickpeas. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Then, lay the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes. After your chickpeas have cooled off, transfer them to a popcorn bowl and add basil and feta, or a dash of paprika or cayenne if you’re feeling daring. Snack time!

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Turkey Pinwheels http://bestneighborsever.com/turkey-pinwheels/ Sat, 17 Aug 2013 17:30:43 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=135 Turkey Pinwheels are the perfect snack for a family on-the-go. Packed with protein, this snack is easy to make at the beginning of the week and save in Ziplock baggies for your next afternoon snack. First, choose any type of tortilla. Whole-wheat is best, but spinach or tomato tortillas are also excellent options. Lay out…

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turkey pinwheelsTurkey Pinwheels are the perfect snack for a family on-the-go. Packed with protein, this snack is easy to make at the beginning of the week and save in Ziplock baggies for your next afternoon snack.

First, choose any type of tortilla. Whole-wheat is best, but spinach or tomato tortillas are also excellent options. Lay out each tortilla and add a thin layer of cream cheese with chives. Add very thin slices of turkey or ham. If you like, add spinach or arugula to the pinwheel for added nutrients that will give you a kick of energy throughout the day. Roll up the tortilla and cut it into half-inch pieces. Store the pinwheels in the fridge to set them together. Take them out when you’re ready for a protein-packed snack attack!

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Whole Wheat Waffles with Nutella and Sliced Bananas http://bestneighborsever.com/whole-wheat-waffles-with-nutella-and-sliced-bananas/ Wed, 14 Aug 2013 17:00:01 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=130 Waking up late on a Saturday morning is one of the greatest feelings. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to make a satisfying breakfast that the whole family can enjoy. You may not always feel like putting in a lot of extra effort to make your Saturday breakfast amazing, so we’ve come up with a few…

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whole wheat wafflesWaking up late on a Saturday morning is one of the greatest feelings. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to make a satisfying breakfast that the whole family can enjoy. You may not always feel like putting in a lot of extra effort to make your Saturday breakfast amazing, so we’ve come up with a few short cuts to making a fabulous breakfast in very little time.

Cut down on time with this recipe by keeping frozen whole wheat waffles in your freezer. When Saturday comes around, all you’ll have to do is pop them in the toaster, add a spoonful of Nutella, and slice up some bananas to put on top. When you add the spoonful of Nutella to your waffles, the Nutella will melt down to a syrupy consistency. It’s the perfect substitute to butter and syrup because it’s sweet, but consists of natural as opposed to chemical sugars. Enjoy!

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Summer Workout Tips http://bestneighborsever.com/summer-workout-tips/ Tue, 13 Aug 2013 17:00:30 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=99 It’s not easy to get in a great workout when it’s hot and muggy outside. For Houstonites, summer feels like the perfect opportunity to stay indoors and watch a movie. While we at Neighbors Emergency Center love movies, it’s also important to keep up your energy at all times of the year. During Houston’s hottest…

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summer workout tips - best neighbors everIt’s not easy to get in a great workout when it’s hot and muggy outside. For Houstonites, summer feels like the perfect opportunity to stay indoors and watch a movie. While we at Neighbors Emergency Center love movies, it’s also important to keep up your energy at all times of the year.

During Houston’s hottest months, hydrate even when you don’t feel thirsty. If you feel thirsty, it means your body is already dehydrated! Work out early in the morning or in the evening as the sun is going down. Never work out at mid-day or you’ll run the risk of getting heat stroke. If you enjoy exercising outside, make sure your gym bag is packed with a couple of bottles of water, bug spray, and a sunscreen with a high SPF.

If you have kids, you may already be working out more than you realize. Soccer, the trampoline, and swimming are all kid-friendly activities that can help you get the exercise you need without feeling obligated to take time out of your busy schedule. If you really can’t stand the heat, take the kids inside and try having a spontaneous dance session or teaching them how to do yoga with an at-home DVD. As long as you’re moving, you’re getting the right kind of workout for summer.

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The Fastest, Fiercest After-School Snack: Sweet Potato Fries http://bestneighborsever.com/the-fastest-fiercest-after-school-snack-sweet-potato-fries/ Sat, 10 Aug 2013 16:30:43 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=126 Kids love French fries, but fast food French fries are loaded with grease and very little potato. Here’s a sweet solution—sweet potato fries! Crispy and loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin B, these fries are sure to become a family favorite. Pair them with organic ketchup or sriracha dipping sauce. This recipe is…

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school snacksKids love French fries, but fast food French fries are loaded with grease and very little potato. Here’s a sweet solution—sweet potato fries! Crispy and loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin B, these fries are sure to become a family favorite. Pair them with organic ketchup or sriracha dipping sauce. This recipe is a cinch!

All you’ll need is extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and enough sweet potatoes (1 or 2 potatoes) to fill an entire baking sheet. First, preheat the oven to 425° F. While the oven preheats, cut the potatoes in half and then into slices. Cut the slices into strips. In a bowl, coat the slices in olive oil and toss. Add kosher salt and toss. Arrange the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between the strips so that the potatoes get nice and crispy. After 15 minutes in the oven, take the potatoes out and flip them. Set them back in the oven for another 10 or 15 minutes, and you’re all done!

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Summer Project: The Vegetable Garden http://bestneighborsever.com/summer-project-the-vegetable-garden/ Wed, 07 Aug 2013 16:00:09 +0000 http://bestneighborsever.com/?p=120 The scene is beautiful: You and your family are picking fresh tomatoes from the garden to add to your salad for dinner. The evening is breezy, and birds are singing softly on the branches of your favorite tree. You may think planting a vegetable garden takes too much work, but if you treat your garden…

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vegtable gardenThe scene is beautiful: You and your family are picking fresh tomatoes from the garden to add to your salad for dinner. The evening is breezy, and birds are singing softly on the branches of your favorite tree. You may think planting a vegetable garden takes too much work, but if you treat your garden like a family project, you can get it done in no time with the whole family’s help.

Keep your garden small at first by planting only a few of your family’s favorite veggies so nothing will go to waste. Find an area of the lawn that gets plenty of sunlight. Moisten the soil with compost or peat moss that you can purchase at your local garden center. Before you plant, gather the family together for a family meeting and decide when you’re going to tend to the garden. Just an hour every week can make the difference between a mediocre garden and a garden that’s full of delicious veggies.

If you have an apartment or a smaller house, you might not be able to plant your own vegetable garden. Try planting an herb garden on your windowsill instead. You can use repurposed tins or traditional pots to hold useful kitchen herbs like basil, oregano and mint. Make sure that the area gets plenty of sunlight, and water your herbs regularly. They’ll be ready when you start cooking up something incredible!

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