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The Most Empowering Self-Help Books

December 27, 2012 By

Sometimes we all need a little push to get elevated to the next step of life, and a good self-help book can provide that push!  Yet, the market is so full of tomes that promise results that it can be hard to pick the right one for you. Below, we’ll share five titles that truly deliver results. You might want to add one or some to your home library at Fort Hamilton Homes.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is one of the most successful self-help books of all time — thanks to Oprah's endorsement. With an easy-to-understand message of positive thinking paired with productive action, it’s a great read to get you motivated to start a new phase.

Tom Rath’s StrengthsFinder is a scientifically organized self-help book that can help you discover the strength of your inner power. Through a system of thought-provoking questionnaires and thought experiments, this book isolates your strengths and helps you convert them into purpose-driven results.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff by Richard Carlson is a terrific book to have in your self-help library — especially when daily life is getting you down. This little book is full of great advice to maintain your focus on the things that really matter in life.

Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is an all-time best-seller in the self-help field. It has offered generations of readers workable tips in following the power of your inner spirit through positive mental attitudes. Although it was published all the way back in 1937, it’s still relevant today.

Eckhart Tolle’s The Power Of Now is probably the best introduction to the many works of this prolific spiritual self-help author. This read works as a useful guidebook to the ins and outs of human consciousness.

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Fabulous Food Writers

December 13, 2012 By

If you love food and also love to read, then these are the books for you! Read through this list of yummy works by great food writers:

James Beard
Lending his name to the well-known culinary award, James Beard has left a hearty legacy in food writing. With his boisterous personality and large stature, Beard put American food on the map through his writing including Beard on Bread as well as his renowned cooking schools. He also popularized French cuisine among the middle and upper-class during the 1950s.

Anthony Bourdain
Known as the cynical host of Travel Channel’s No Reservations, Bourdain began his staggering career as a humble chef and food writer. His writing career grew from a racy tell-all article in the New Yorker that spawned a playful but just as scandalous book called Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. Along with his TV show, Bourdain continues to sprinkle his dark humor throughout essays, cook books, and foodie memoirs that continue to delight readers looking for an all-too-honest portrayal of food and eating.

Michael Pollan
Not your average food writer, Pollan is known more so as a food journalist, though his work is rooted, no doubt, in a deep love of food. His books about American food culture, including Omnivore’s Dilemma and The Botany of Desire, advocate a locally-based way of eating that harken back to simpler times.

Ruth Reichl
Now the editor of Gourmet magazine, Reichl has made a name for herself on the food writing scene with writing that is both personal and universal. Entertaining as well as provocative, her books include Tender at the Bone and Garlic and Sapphires, about being an undercover food critic.

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Instagram: Vintage Pictures

November 29, 2012 By

Are you interested in trying out the popular new photo sharing program Instagram, but are not sure of how to proceed? Below, you'll learn more about the creative elements of this awesome photo app:

Overview of Instagram
Instagram is a free photo sharing program that allows you to take photos, apply a treatment to them, and then share them on social networking sites and apps like Facebook. In addition, you can share your pics on Instagram’s own social networking site. Instagram is user friendly, and can be used with your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android camera phone. Also, it can be accessed via the iTunes App Stores as well as Google Play. Since its recent launch in 2010, Instagram has grown rapidly in international popularity and now has over 30 million registered users. It was recently purchased by Facebook — another testament to its popularity.
 
Main Features of Instagram
Instagram provides cool features that enhance your photos, including a variety of treatments, instant tilt shift options, high-resolution offerings, single-click rotation abilities, and optional frames and borders. A beloved and distinctive feature of Instagram is that it processes photos in a square shape, which harkens back to vintage Polaroid images and Kodak Instamatic photos.
 
Background and History of Instagram
Instagram was developed in San Francisco by Kevin Systrom and Michel Krieger, and the product launched in Apple’s App Store back in the fall of 2010. Since then, an array of improvements were made, such as the addition of hashtags to help users find photos and better connect with one another. The Android version of Instagram was launched in spring 2012 and, not long after that, Facebook acquired Instagram for a reported one billion dollar price! As you may have guessed, Instagram has won many awards, and its creators have earned countless accolades. Back in 2011, co-founders Systrom and Krieger were honored with recognition on Inc Magazine’s “30 Under 30” list, and Fast Company Magazine listed CEO Kevin Systrom as one of “The 100 Most Creative People in Business.”
 
Benefits of Instagram
One of the main benefits of the Instagram app is that it is entirely free! It's available for no charge in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. As far as its picture-taking benefits, Instagram offers a variety of features that make it superior to the photo-taking capacities of typical mobile devices. Its awesome filters and treatments allow you to transform your photos into professional-looking images with the touch of a finger. Also, it saves you the step of uploading photos, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process. Users love that you can easily share your Instagram photos on multiple social media platforms, such as Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, and Flickr, all at the same time, instantly, with just the simple press of a button. 
 
More About What Makes Instagram Unique
Of course, Instagram is not the first photo-sharing app on the iPhone, but what makes it so popular is the sheer ease of use, and the fact that there aren't a lot of unnecessary elements that clutter the process. It keeps it simple, and doesn’t offer options like a timeline, related pictures category, or tag-friends feature, which are common elements of other photo-sharing apps.  Instead, Instagram relies on helping users produce professional-quality images and aiding them in the process of sharing those images in a variety of forums. 
 

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Foods that Promote Physical and Mental Wellness!

November 21, 2012 By

What we eat doesn’t just affect our bodies – good nutrition is essential to mental health as well. Here are some easy ways to feed both your body and your mind. Consider keeping some of these foods in your pantry at Fort Hamilton Homes.

Whole wheat toast
While many people try to avoid carbs, they do have their benefits. They can trigger the release of serotonin in the brain, which improves mood. This is especially true in women. So, if you're looking for the best, healthy option, stick with healthy whole grains, and you have a great mood-enhancing bite.

Dark chocolate
There’s truth to the cliché – dark chocolate is an emotionally and physically satisfying snack. The cocoa in dark chocolate contains significant amounts of the antioxidant flavanol, which improves blood flow to the brain.

Seafood
Seafood contains the mineral selenium, which helps sharpen mental faculties and fight depression. You only need a tiny amount of selenium per day, but failing to consume enough can lead to a decline in mood and brain power. In addition, seafood contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, another safeguard against depression.

Beans, greens and lean proteins
Combine foods rich in folic acid (such as beans and greens) with foods rich in B12 (meat, poultry, fish and dairy) for a 1-2 punch of nutrition that fights mood and nerve disorders. Try a simple spinach salad with grilled salmon for starters.

Vitamin D fortified foods
Vitamin D naturally occurs in only a few foods, but it is essential to a positive mood and good nutrition. Luckily there are many products fortified with vitamin D like juices, cereal, and milk. For the best benefits, try to incorporate some of these items into your diet daily.

 

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Cupcake Ideas for Your Next Party

November 15, 2012 By

There's no doubt that cupcakes are trendy right now, with charming little bakeries opening up from coast to coast serving the bite-sized cakes with decadent frosting. If you want to make cupcakes at home at Fort Hamilton Homes for your next party, here are five great ideas for recipes that will go beyond the traditional chocolate and vanilla and will leave your guests satisfied and impressed.

-          Lemon cake is a great choice for cupcakes, and its intense tart flavor works well in contrast with the sweet icing. Use fresh lemon zest in your batter and top with a vanilla or lemon icing. Lastly, crush lemon drop candies or candied lemon peel in a food processor and sprinkle lightly on top.

-          Salted caramel is a popular flavor among eaters – the salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel making for a delightful and decadent combo. For the body of the cupcake, use dark chocolate cake to add complexity, then top with icing made with salt and caramel. For garnish, sprinkle with a few large grains of sea salt.

-          Red velvet cupcakes are popular because of their dramatic coloration and rich flavor. A true red velvet cake uses vinegar and buttermilk to release the red coloration in cocoa, but it’s fine to use food coloring as well. Top with a white buttercream icing. The balance of the tangy cake with the creamy icing is sure to please any palate!

-          Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are a great way to make a dense, satisfying dessert. A favorite combination of adults and kids alike, the peanut butter in the chocolate batter makes the cupcakes a little heavier than normal, and topping them with a whipped peanut butter icing adds a different texture.

-          For a truly unique taste sensation, try making maple bacon cupcakes. Using maple sugar in the batter and icing adds an earthy sweetness, and topping the iced cupcake with candied bacon adds crunch, salt, and fat.  Though this cupcake may not be for all, it will certainly be memorable!

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Stress-Free Entertaining Tips

November 8, 2012 By

Opening your home to family and friends is one of life’s true joys, but unfortunately it’s often accompanied by a great deal of stress. If you’re tired of letting the pressure of entertaining get to you, rely on these tips that will have you entertaining like a pro in no time. Try them next time you host a gathering at home at Fort Hamilton Homes.

Plan a potluck
Instead of making everything yourself, ask your guests to bring something. Often guests will offer anyway, so why not take them up on it?! If you’re concerned that the menu won’t be cohesive, offer them a suggestion or provide them with a recipe.

Don’t cook a full meal
Making a full dinner can take a lot of time, energy, and money. Why not have an appetizer party where each guest brings their favorite small plate? Or have a dessert party and make just a few of your best baked goods. I guarantee that your guests will not miss dinner one bit!

Plan ahead
If you are preparing a complete spread with appetizer, dinner, and dessert, prep as much as you can in advance. Check your recipes a week ahead of time, and compile a detailed shopping list of everything you need. Once you’ve completed your shopping trip, prepare everything that can be made in advance. That way you’ll significantly reduce your work the day of the party.

Ask for help
If you’re like a lot of hosts out there, you like the satisfaction of handling things yourself – until that satisfaction turns to stress. Make sure your spouse is on board to help you prep for the party or recruit a close friend or family member to arrive a few hours early to make sure the party goes off without a hitch.

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Make Your Own Wrapping Paper

October 25, 2012 By

With birthdays and holidays smattering the calendar all year long, it’s quite common to find yourself without wrapping paper when you need it. Luckily, it’s simply to improvise some great do-it-yourself wrapping paper at home at Fort Hamilton Homes if the need arises and you find yourself with decorative paper. Below are some favorite ideas:

Plain, old brown paper bags are great for wrapping all kinds of gifts. First, turn them inside-out so the printing doesn’t show, and then use hand-cut potato stamps and poster paint to cover them with fun designs. Or just wrap with a beautiful ribbon or bow.

Another easy way to make custom wrapping paper is to use spray paint and a cut-out stencil on thin fabric. By repeating a pattern in multiple colors, you can make wrapping material that people won’t want to throw away, and can use again and again. Plus it's 'green'!

If you have a printer, you can use your own photographs to make custom wrapping paper that will charm anybody who receives it. Adorn the paper with family pictures, or vacation shots — recipients may love the paper more than the gift.

Another way to make wrapping paper is by using an ordinary rubber stamp. Paint a thin layer of colorful acrylic paint onto the face of the stamp, you can make permanent marks on just about any paper. Brown kraft paper is particularly great to use, as it is inexpensive and holds up well.

If you have some time, it can be fun to make totally unique wrapping paper by writing or drawing on large sheets of butcher paper and cutting it up. If you have children, get them in on the fun and have them draw and decorate the paper.

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How to Make Broccoli You’ll Love

October 18, 2012 By

Broccoli gets a bad rap from kids and adults alike as the archetypal "yucky" vegetable. If you want to stop avoiding this super nutritious veggie and learn to appreciate it's flavor, check out the following ideas you can cook up right in your kitchen at Fort Hamilton Homes:

1.     Everything gets better when you roast it, and broccoli is no exception. Toss broccoli spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast 20-25 minutes in a 375 degree oven, until they start to brown. Add lemon juice and parmesan cheese, mix well, and enjoy.

2.     Once you’re hooked on roasted broccoli, try coating the spears with olive oil, one part chili powder, and one part hot or sweet paprika before roasting. This spicy alternative is sure to please!

3.     Grate broccoli stems into your favorite slaw recipe for intriguing color, flavor, and texture. You can even completely replace the cabbage with broccoli if it suits you. Introducing the veggie in small doses will allow your palate to assimilate to its flavor.

4.     Try broccoli Sicilian style and sauté florets with cauliflower, onion, and fresh parsley, then add chopped anchovies, provolone cheese cubes, and Greek olives, dry red wine to cover, and simmer covered for 45 minutes. No need to add salt as the olives, cheese and anchovies add plenty. This recipe might not be the best for kids, but makes for a wonderful "grown-up" side dish.

5.     Make broccoli kid-friendly by steaming it, chopping into small florets, and mixing it into homemade or store bought mac & cheese. Adding a little bit of broccoli to foods kids already love is an easy way to slowly introduce them to healthier foods.

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Great Places to Fish in the United States

October 4, 2012 By

We are so very lucky to live in a country that is home to some of the best fishing spots in the world! If you're a fishing fanatic at Fort Hamilton Homes, these fishing spots might just be the right destination for your next fishing vacation.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone’s stocked streams offer some of the best trout fishing in the United States. Or, try fishing for stunning catch and release wild trout in the rivers of Yellowstone.

Key West, Florida
Fish in the footsteps of Hemingway, and enjoy some of the best deep sea and flats fishing in the world for gag grouper, king mackerel, tarpon and bonefish. You'll enjoy not only great fishing, but great weather too!

Montauk Point, New York
Thought by many naturalists to be the most densely populated waters on the planet during migration season, the sea below Montauk lighthouse is a prime surfcasting spot and is home to schools of striped bass, tuna, mackerel, cod, and even some great white sharks.

Outer Banks, North Carolina
Another migratory hotspot, the Outer Banks offers plentiful fishing from sand spits just offshore. For a different experience, charter a boat and head out to the Gulf Stream for giant trophy species like tuna and billfish.

Ozark Mountains, Missouri
The Ozarks are the prime place to spend a relaxing day fishing for smallmouth bass, and whether you’re fishing from the shore or a canoe, the bites will be plentiful and the backdrop beautiful.

 

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Fitness Craze: Bodypump

September 27, 2012 By
Have you been hearing the buzz lately about a popular new exercise trend called Bodypump? If so, you’re probably a little curious to know what exactly it entails. Below, learn about the essentials of Bodypump so that you can decide whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
 
Overview of Bodypump
Invented by Les Mills, Bodypump is a barbell-based class that emphasizes a combination of cardio work and weight lifting. It's designed to sculpt, tone, and strengthen your entire body. Les Mills promotes Bodypump as one of the fastest ways to get in shape because it challenges all of your major muscle groups through movements like presses, squats, and lifts, and many gyms offer the class with certified Bodypump instructors. In a short time, it has become a wildly popular fitness trend all over the nation. 
 
"The Rep Effect"
One of the noteworthy elements of Bodypump is what Les Mills calls “The Rep Effect.” The Rep Effect is a method of resistance training that places a focus on low weight loads and high repetition movements — this type of rep is designed to maximize an exerciser’s success with burning fat, gaining strength, and rapidly building lean muscle mass. Since lean muscle mass burns calories, proponents of Bodypump rave about its ability to transform your body into a lean, fat-burning machine by helping to replace your body fat with calorie-burning muscle. 
 
Bodypump Classes
A true Bodypump class features an instructor specifically trained in the Bodypump methods, and he/she leads the class through a series of specific exercises and choreographed movements all designed to hit all the parts of the body in a highly effective sequence. To keep you moving, the class is accompanied by a playlist of chart-topping music that is kept constantly fresh based on what’s hot and new on the air waves. The classes are generally large but not overwhelmingly so — they are a great option for you if derive motivation, inspiration, and energy from working out with a group of people. In a typical Bodypump class, you’ll perform 70-100 reps per body part for a total of up to 800 reps in one workout session — feel the burn!
 
Additional Benefits of Bodypump
If you’re uncertain about building bulk through weight lifting, Bodypump is a great option because the low-weight-high-rep approach will help you tone without adding visible mass — you'll just appear toned and lean. It is also a good choice for you if you’re looking for a low-impact form of exercise that will not put too much pressure on your joints. Bodypump has been designed to protect your bones and joints from injury, and the class emphasizes proper form and posture so that you don’t tax your knees, shoulders, or other vulnerable areas. 
 

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