Trivia Answer and Happy Fourth of July!

We hope everyone at Aspira has a safe and happy Fourth of July!  Did you answer the trivia question correctly?  Your answer is below.

Answer: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, in 1872.

The Secret Summer Sauce

Are you looking for something new to put onto your summer salads?  There is a secret summer sauce that only has three ingredients.  This easy recipe can be used for anything from vegetables to the steak you are cooking on the grill.   This is easy sauce, and it has zero cooking required.  All you need to do is mix it up and drizzle away. You can learn more at The Kitchn.

A perfect meal, this time of summer, is one that seems to fly out of the refrigerator and onto your plate, with nothing but a brief stop at the grill (or grill pan). A seared steak, crusted with pepper, or a smoky hunk of eggplant straight from the garden with a salad to keep them company. This is easy living, people.

But what if you want just a touch more to your meal? Get fancy — how about a sauce? I stumbled accidentally onto the easiest and punchiest sauce recently — a magic blend of three ingredients that spices up everything from the grill — steak, chicken, burgers, a pile of vegetables. Zero cooking required. Just mix and drizzle. Want to see what’s in my magic sauce?

With just three ingredients, this falls firmly in the tongue-in-cheek category of "recipes." The magic three? Yogurt, Dijon mustard, and Sriracha. The yogurt gives creaminess and a little tang; the mustard adds depth and some bitterness (I prefer a mustard that also has a touch of sweetness); Sriracha for spice, of course. You really could use any hot sauce.

I stumbled across this when making a steak for myself and my husband. I whipped together these three things and voilà — it was delicious. Super punchy, a little creamy, cold and spicy. I use this all the time as a last-minute dip or sauce for grilled or fresh vegetables, and to spice up a simple chicken breast.

From me to you, magic sauce. Don't make cooking this summer any harder than it needs to be.

Magic Summer Sauce

Makes about 1 cup

1 cup plain yogurt
2 to 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce

Mix and taste. Adjust ingredients to taste. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week.

More Energy

Are you dragging in the morning?  Everyone is looking for that boost of energy.  Instead of looking for an energy drink or energy shot, did you think of looking in your own apartment.  Apartment Therapy explains these nifty tips in the blog below.

Your home can give you the boost of energy you need in the morning.  This includes more than a better nights sleep. There are a few simple steps that you can do to give yourself the energy boost you need in the morning.



1. Get better sleep
It sounds simple, but even if you make more time for it (seven to eight hours is what you should be aiming for), you still might not grab that many hours of shut-eye unless you take some time to outfit your bedroom into your perfect sleep palace. Some ideas:
Top 6 Do's: Things to Try for a Good Night’s Sleep
Steal These Habits For A Good Night's Sleep
5 Things to Avoid for a Good Night's Sleep
How To Sleep Better: 9 Fixes For Common Reasons Why Your Bedroom's Not Working

2. Make it easier to access fuel
Make your caffeine station in your home prominent and easy to access so you don't have to think or work too hard to get at that magic liquid. But don't just keep it to coffee — studies have shown that tea (white, black, green — whatever you love) can give you a boost, as well as certain snacks like oatmeal, dark chocolate or high-protein breakfast options. And keep lots of water on hand too — staying hydrated is important for keeping your energy up. Inspiration: Wake Up to a Well-Styled Coffee Station (the above pictured from A Beautiful Mess.)

3. Make it easier to exercise
Organize your dresser or your closet and include a special area that makes your workout clothes and your shoes really easy to access. Perhaps even leave them out before going to bed so you don't even have to search for them. Consider buying or DIYing a heavy bench or low table that can pull double duty as a workout zone for box jumps, tricep dips and more. If you don't like the look of exercise equipment don't get rid of it, just get creative with your organization so that you hide it.

4. Cultivate a sunny spot
If you've got a window that lets in great light, throw some floor cushions on the ground to give yourself a spot to soak up the sun. Or even better, work on your outdoor area so that it's a place you can lounge in and get some fresh air. Getting out in nature and absorbing the sun and breeze is a great way to get energized.

5. Do something nice for your spouse or roommate
We're not sure how solid the science is on this, but we know that when we do something helpful for someone else, we get a heavy dose of happiness and energy. It might work for you.

6. Tackle something off your master list
What's your master list? It's that list (better still if it's a physical list written or posted up somewhere) that has all the little things that are bothering you that you haven't gotten around to doing. Could be calling for a dental appointment. Might be changing your air filter. You don't have to fix or schedule your entire world, but tackle even just one task and you'll notice a zing of motivation.

7. Cheer yourself up with physical stay-positive reminders
Some find it hokey, but we think it works. Whatever quotes or sayings inspire you, post them around your home for constant visual reminders. Here are some ideas:Purposeful Prints: 10 Visual Reminders For All Year Long.

Fun Creative Recipes for Every Summer Occasion

The weather has been pretty nice this spring so far and summer is quickly approaching!  Do you have any fun recipes that you like to make for cookouts and picnics?  We have five different summer party themes and perfect recipes to go with them!

Apartment Therapy is always the place to go for unique DIY crafts and unique recipes.  There are recipes for a cocktail to a brunch for you to explore below.  Keep reading to learn more!

1. Chill Cocktail Social
The attention here will really be on chill cocktails and cool conversations, so don't sweat it and just provide a light spread of snacks to nibble on. We like:

10 Light & Fresh Dips for Spring Snacking
Spiced Cucumber Sticks with Chaat Masala
Kale Chips
15 More Ways to Flavor Roasted Chickpeas
A Snack-Heavy Gathering: 10 Simple, Satisfying Recipes




2. Sweet Sunday Brunch
Spend time celebrating your friends as they arrive, not slave over the stove! This compact collection of our favorite brunch items are easy-to-make, colorful and totally make-ahead-able:
Potato Breakfast Gratin with Red Peppers & Parmesan
Citrus Salad with Honey & Bitters Dressing
Sticky Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
Strawberry-Sour Cream Scones with Brown Sugar Crumble




3. Family-Friendly Barbecue Picnic
Nothing's better than firing the grill up and smelling cooked scents wafting on a summer breeze. Even if you don't have a backyard big enough to house a huge barbecue pit, you can still find room with these small space grills.
Ultimate Beef & Bacon Burgers
Grilled Smoked Sausage Skewers with Three Zesty Sauces
Grilled Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Miso Glaze
Grilled Guacamole
Grilled Zucchini and Grape Tomato Salad
Grilled Cabbage Wedges with Spicy Lime Dressing
(Can't forget about potato salad) How To Make Potato Salad
(Don't forget dessert!) How To Make Ice Cream Sandwiches At Home






4. Stellar Sci-Fi Movie Night Under the Stars
What do you serve at an outdoor movie night under the stars? Obviously delicious homemade snacks! We love these ideas:
10 Make-At-Home Snacks
Dark Chocolate & Nutella Puppy Chow
Homemade Potato Chips with Rosemary
Homemade Popcorn with Olive Oil

What snacks and main dishes have you made at past parties that were huge hits? Share your favorite recipes that you know always knock it out of the park when celebrating with guests!

Top Father's Day Gift Ideas

Father's Day is one week away. Have you picked out a gift yet? Is your Dad a tech guy or would he rather work with his hands. We have searched and come up with some great ideas on what to get the special guy in your life.

You still have time this weekend to get some of these gifts for your Father. There is something for the cook, the outdoors man, and the technology guy. Keep reading and you can find more gifts on AskMen.


Father’s Day undoubtedly brings up fond memories. Whether it’s the time dad taught you how to play catch or that first weekend fishing trip with just the two of you, you really owe the guy something for all he's done.

Buying gifts can be incredibly hard, and, sure, it’s always simple to take the easy way out with a tie or coffee mug, but why not do something really special for the old man this year? We’ve put together this handy guide ofgreat Father’s Day gifts that includes the perfect gift ideas for every type of dad, from the avid outdoorsman to the obsessed film aficionado.

We're sure your dad will be appreciative of whatever you get for him on Father’s Day, and while a heartfelt card and hug are nice, they probably can’t compare to a cutting-edge tablet.
Timex Expedition Chronograph

For the Classic Dad
Simple, yet sturdy, this stainless steel number from Timex is a great everyday watch for dad with its black and white dial and silver link strap.
$56.50 at Amazon
Carnivore Cookbook

For the Classic Dad
Great for the dad who likes to cook both simple and elaborate meat-based meals, Michael Symon’s cookbook is an offer featuring 120 recipes for carnivores. The book is a great blend of traditional dishes, like pork pie and smoked lamb ribs, with a touch of contemporary.
$20.34 at Walmart
Amazon Fire TV

For the Tech Dad
If your dad likes watching what he wants, when he wants, Amazon Fire TV will let him do just that. This small, easy, and well-designed set-top box is a great way for him to stream everything from the latest blockbuster to his favorite TV series and games. It’s also an Android-friendly device so he can access the system from his smartphone.
$99.00 at Amazon
Craftsman Evolv Cordless Drill/Driver

For the Handy Dad
This high-torque 18 Volt drill will help your dad with all of his spontaneous reno initiatives around the house. It features a keyless chuck, 24 tension selection clutch and an integrated electric brake so that dad never spins out of control. Plus, it's now 20% off the retail price.
$39.99 at KMart.com
Baxter Of California Kit

For the Dapper Dad
Because the desire to have good skin doesn't come to an end with post-pubescence, this set from Baxter of California is great gift for the dapper dad. Designed to achieve and maintain healthy facial skin, the Herbal Mint Toner also happens to smell really good.
$48.00 at FrankandOak.com
Panasonic Wet/Dry Shaver

For the Classic Dad
He might have taught you how to shave, but that doesn't mean you can't give him a tool to perfect the job now. For a quick yet precise shave, and easy clean-up, Panasonic has some fine electric razors that are good for dad. Plus, they're equipped with waterproof technology for use in wet or dry conditions.
Starting at $49.79 at Panasonic.com
Chillsner

For the Handy Dad
Love of beer is practically synonymous with dads, and now there is a way to ensure that his lager or IPA is perfectly chilled every time. Designed like an icicle, or a “corksicle,” the Chillsner fits into a bottle’s neck so that his drink cool off almost instantly, down to the last drop.
C$31.95 at Amazon
MeUndies

For the Dapper Dad
Made from Lenzing modal (a fabric known for being super soft and ecological), it’s no surprise that MeUndies have been dubbed the “world’s most comfortable” underwear. Beyond comfort, this line of premium undies comes in a variety of colors and prints that will keep dad feeling funky and fresh, day in and day out. Plus, using the code FDAM25 at checkout gets you an additional 25% off your first purchase.
$16.00 at MeUndies.com
Frank&Oak Cuff Links

For the Dapper Dad
True, not every man has a wardrobe to accommodate cuff links, but if you have a dad of the truly stylish variety, than this antique silver pair will take his usual get-up from fine to refined.
$28.00 at FrankandOak.com
Basis Carbon Steel Health Tracker


For the Tech Dad
The Basis activity tracker combines advanced technology and wear-worthy esthetic, but let’s focus on what makes this piece of wearable tech different from the others we’ve seen before. The band is riddled with sensors that capture heart rate, motion, activity trends, sleep patterns, as well as perspiration and skin temperature. But beyond regurgitating information, Basis analyzes tendencies and habits to suggest ways of optimizing daily potential — truly great for the active dad.
$199.00 at MyBasis.com
Hershel Weekender Bag

For the Dapper Dad
From one of the top bag-makers, the Herschel Weekender is a good pick for the dad that likes to spend weekends out of town. It’s built big enough to fit an overnight change of clothes, the essentials, and extra pair of shoes in the underneath storage pocket, and it’s small enough to be used day-to-day.
$79.99 at Amazon
Target Gift Card

For the Classic Dad
If you’re not quite sure what to get your dad this Father’s Day — or he’s really picky — save yourself a potential headache and get him a Target GiftCard. He can turn any physical or digital card he receives into a Target Mobile GiftCard just by storing the barcode into his account and presenting it when he makes a purchase. He can even merge or share all the cards he receives from others just by logging into the website or using the app. With a $1,000 limit ($200 on an e or mobile card), he can get exactly what he wants minus all the fuss.

Summer Time Food

Do you ever wonder what beer to have with your favorite cookout food? You do not need to look any further. We have the best beer and summer food pairings for all of your summer activities. Keep reading to learn about what drink you should have with your next meal. You can learn more here.

food and beer pairing issues:

Complementary or contrasting flavors?

Some chefs and sommeliers attempt to find commonalities, pairing, say, a spicy Thai dish with a spicy pale ale (could also be a fruit-fruit or chocolate-chocolate synchronization, etc.). The idea is that there is a pleasant echo. Notes in one sip evoke flavors in past or future bites. The opposite approach suggests that contrasting flavors are pleasing in a ying-yang sort of way: A dry, bitter stout classically pairs with oysters, perhaps "cutting through" the sweetness of the shellfish. Sweet and salty always work wonders. Remember that dominant food flavors can come from the protein (like beef), the sauce (such as a cream sauce), or the method of preparation (grilling, for example).



Comparing beer to wine

Some people say lager is like white wine and ale is like red. A corollary of that concept: that beer hops (as in a nice bitter IPA) function like wine acids (found in, say, a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chianti) in food pairings. Both cut through fattiness and oiliness, and even saltiness. Imagine them both as providing the lemon in, or acid counterpoint to, a fish dish. These are oversimplifications, but there are a few fundamental differences between lager and ale (the two main types of beer) worth contemplating: Ales tend to be fruity and robust, while lagers are crisp and comparatively delicate. In terms of body, there are three types of beer (like wine): light, medium, and heavy. Generally you can pair light dishes with light beer and heavy dishes with heavy beer.

Examples:

Light Body
Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Pinot Grigio
Beers: Lager, Pilsner, Wheat

Medium Body
Wines: Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah
Beers: Ale, IPA, Bock

Heavy Body
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Oaky Chardonnay
Beers: Stout, Porter, Barleywine



Texture, temperature, and timing

Bubbles cut through fried and fatty foods, so opt for more carbonization when eating richer foods. Pizza, for example, is a greasy match made in heaven and requires something that will stand up to the acids in the tomato and cut through the fatty cheese but not overwhelm the dish. Stouts and porters are too heavy. Wheat beers might be a little light or fruity. Ales, pilsners, and lagers are your best bet: Hops stand up to the cheese, while bubbles cleanse the palate. Note that beer can taste syrupy if it's too warm. It's best served between 40°F and 50°F. (Note: some fridges get even colder than 40°F, so you might consider leaving a beer out for 15 minutes before serving.). Finally, timing really is everything. If you're pairing a whole meal with different beers, course by course, dish by dish, make sure to start with a light beer and work your way toward darker beers. If you don't, you may overwhelm your palate early on and miss some of the subtler notes and aromas of delicate beers.



Beware of simply matching the region


Many people think if you're having Mexican food, it's a safe bet that a Mexican beer will pair well. The truth is: Most restaurants offer only a small selection of beers and mostly because that's what people are used to seeing on a menu. Mexican Tecate, Thai Singha, Indian Kingfisher, and Chinese Tsingtao are all great European pilsner-style beers, but they're not universal pairing solutions for all dishes from their respective countries. (Some of these brands are actually brewed in the U.S. or Canada anyway.) Beer experts advocate stronger and fruitier flavors when dining on spicy fare: ales, Hefeweizens, and wheat beers in particular. No matter what type of beer you choose, the coldness will feel good against hot food.



Drink what you like

If you love pale ale, you'll probably like it with anything you eat. And you know what? There's nothing wrong with that. Experiment: There are no wrong answers.

Bust It Out

(Image courtesy of bark)

We all have those little projects around the house that we can’t wait to get finished. Starting them is a breeze, but then...another project comes our way and all the progress that we’ve made seems to fall to the wayside.

If project ADD is striking down your efforts every turn there is a simple solution. Rather than getting bogged down in a project try one of these simple tricks, courtesy of apartmenttherapy.com. You’ll be relaxing and enjoying the rewards of your hard work in no time!

1. Identify exactly what it is

This might sound a little too simple, but when you've got so many things swirling around in your head — from work stuff to family stuff to trying to remember to pick up almond milk on the way home — it can help to quite clearly identify what it is you actually want to get done. Don't have a sort of vague "make the closet look nicer" idea; tell yourself you want to organize your closet, completely making sure everything has its own place. It's the same with setting intentions; get specific.

2. Break it down into its absolute smallest parts

Don't just write "organize pantry" on your to-do-list and expect to get that done. You've got to narrow it down into all the tiny actions that are required to complete the task. And I mean tiny. From buying the necessary organization tools, to throwing away old or expired items to dividing the space to adding labels, give each task its own line on a to-do-list. Then, put it in the order that it has to be done, making a special note for things that have to happen before you can begin (like gathering tools or supplies). This will make sure that you don't keep putting off your project because you forget you've got to grab some supplies before you can actually start it.

3. Prioritize and do less

After you break a project or task down to its absolute smallest parts, now's a great time to really consider what actually needs to be done, and to choose the priorities. Decide what needs to be done and start on the vital tasks, first. But also consider not doing as much stuff. Do you really need to polish all your shoes before you organize them? It's admirable to want to try, but not at the risk of not doing any of it because you get burnt out.

4. Post it

I'm a big fan of large white boards scribbled with goals on it. It's hard to run from the truth when it's staring you in the face. This can be especially nice if the thing you want to do has a lot of tasks that need to be completed to finish it. It can just be on a sheet of paper, but the point is to get it out of your head and in front of your eyes so your brain can wrap itself around the project at hand.

5. Set a real day and time for it

Don't just set a goal and then not set a deadline — it may continue to stay undone for awhile. Find a day and time you can dedicate to tackling the project. And then keep the appointment as if it were a work appointment (or perhaps, like it were a spa appointment). And the best time to actually schedule getting started? Right now! (Starting ASAP prevents procrastination.)

6. Chip away at it regularly

If this isn't the sort of project that can be tackled in one afternoon or weekend, make sure it gets done (and doesn't end up in half-way finished land) by chipping away at it regularly. Set a weekly appointment to work on it, tiny task-by-tiny-task, until it's finally completed. Use an app or an alarm on your phone to keep you on track.

7. Talk yourself into — and through — it

Don't doubt the power of persuasion — especially when it comes from you! Talk yourself into the project by visualizing how great it will feel to finish. Talk yourself through it by countering all your excuses about giving up like you would if it were a friend saying these things aloud. Be your own annoyingly optimistic cheerleader.