TRAVEL TIME
throws for when it gets cool will all make this alfresco spot the best on the block.
Space Needle
MEAL TICKET
R
emember when planning meals meant running to the grocery store and spending hours measuring, chopping, and cooking in the kitchen? While some of us may still love to cook, today’s home chefs have a load of new options available to them when it comes to turning out meals for themselves or for a hungry family. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just one or two, check out these meal-kit delivery services that may just make your life easier than ever.
It’s hard to take Seattle for granted when you see it from 520 feet on our Observation Deck. Trace the outlines of the Cascades against the misty horizon. Instagram Mt. Rainier. Track ferries and boats as they cruise through Elliott Bay. Listen to the distant hum of people, cars, trains, buses, and bikers bustling around Downtown Seattle. It’s all up here, ready and waiting to be seen. Source: SpaceNeedle.com
Home Chef, Freshly, HelloFresh, Plated, Blue Apron … there are so many mealkit delivery services to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? First off, these services generally fall into two groups: Pre-cooked meals for those who just want to reheat and eat, and cook-it-yourself meal-kits using fresh ingredients and recipes for those who want to prepare and cook the meals themselves. Let’s start with precooked meals. Home Chef, HelloFresh, Plated, and Blue Apron all provide quality pre-measured ingredients and recipes, allowing you to easily prepare fresh meals, which you choose from their website. The upside: You don’t have to worry about tracking down healthy recipes, going to the grocery store, or measuring out ingredients. You just choose from recipes offered online and the items are delivered to your doorstep in insulated packs. The only downside could be limited menu options for specific diets and wasteful packaging. On a special diet? Green Chef may be your best bet. This meal-kit service works similar to the ones above, but they offer organic ingredients as well as specific vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, and keto-friendly plans. For those looking to have the cooking done for them, there’s Freshly and Prepped, two meal delivery services offering chef-prepared healthy meals delivered to your door. These options are perfect for those who want to eat healthy but don’t have the time or interest in cooking themselves. It’s like eating restaurant meals in the comfort of your own home. You just reheat and eat. (Freshly proudly lists 85 ingredients they have banned from their meals, so you know they take ingredients seriously!) And if any of these services still sound like too much work (hello, singles!), there’s always Uber Eats and Grubhub that can deliver your favorite restaurant meals right to your door. As in, no heating required. Is there anything you can’t order up from your phone and have delivered these days? Bon appétit!
S
ummer is almost here … why not make the most of it by building the backyard of your dreams? From firepits and full outdoor kitchens to putting greens and gorgeous water features, the sky is the limit for today’s hottest homes. Maybe you’ve heard the term “transterior,” referring to a seamless transition from interior to exterior living. It’s a trend that began in sunny California and has been making its way across the country. As we all long to spend more time under the sun and stars, the patio has become more of an extension of our indoor living space. To get the look, add some super comfy chairs and sofas, now better than ever when made from today’s durable outdoor fabrics. (Hint: Try matching the look of your indoor space with this “outdoor room” for a cohesive look.) For those with a covered space to lounge in, consider outdoor lighting that mimics your indoor chandeliers. Weather-resistant curtains, LED lanterns, exterior wall art, and cozy
FLAVORFUL
Seattle, WA
Of course, one of the best parts about warmer weather is outdoor grilling and dining alfresco. Today, however, homeowners are looking for more than a basic grill. Instead, many hope to install a full-blown outdoor kitchen complete with a fridge, wine chiller, grill, television, and other high-end add-ons. Some are including dishwashers, pizza ovens, and keg taps for truly over-the-top spots. Sure beats hauling the dishes back into the house every night at cleanup time. Built-in bars are also popular as people invite friends and neighbors over to enjoy an afternoon or evening outside together. After dinner, move over to the firepit for s’mores and warmth, the perfect spot for an after-dinner drink. Make these moments even more magical with music and lighting now easily controlled with your phone. Another new trend? For golf lovers, add your own private putting green to your backyard. A perfect place to practice and spend time … no watering or maintenance required! Last but not least, consider adding a water element. If you’re lucky enough, enjoy the sound and look of water spilling over your pool or spa. If not, consider a small water fountain as a centerpiece to your garden to bring the calming effect of trickling water to your outdoor oasis. We promise, you won’t want to leave your backyard until the temps really start to dip.
Fresh Fruit Salad INGREDIENTS 6c
3 tbl 2 tsp
assorted fresh fruit (grapes, cubed mango, sliced strawberries, sliced pineapple, sliced kiwi, sliced nectarines, blueberries and raspberries) apple juice finely chopped mint juice from 1 lime
DIRECTIONS Combine fruit in large bowl. Add lime juice, apple juice and mint; toss gently to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
LIFEWISE
GoodNes.com
LOCAL VENUE
P U P P Y
a deep
Laguna Beach Laguna Beach, CA
I
dive E
ver wanted to learn to scuba dive but don’t live anywhere near the ocean? No matter where you call home, you can still learn to scuba dive so you’ll be ready to do a deep dive next time you’re on vacation. All the while, you’ll learn about ocean conservation and sea life like never before. So what are you waiting for?
Laguna Beach has a long-standing history as the vacation destination for Los Angeles and Orange County residents alike. Source: VisitLagunaBeach.com
First things first. What exactly is scuba certification? It consists of three phases: The first is knowledge development, when you read and study the basics of scuba diving either online, in a classroom, or independently. Next, you get in the water, but not just any water. This second phase involves confined-water dives, which basically take place in any pool, lake, or shallow, calm, clear water. At this instructor-led class you’ll learn the basics: how to put on and use your equipment, basic hand signals, how to get in and out of the water, and how to clear your equipment of water in an emergency. Just the basics. Next, you jump to the real deal: The third and final phase is an open-water “checkout” dive. Here’s where you take your first scuba dive in the actual ocean. Wow, so exciting! Now is when you have to show your instructor that you’ve mastered your scuba skills. To get certification, you have to take four open-water dives (usually spread over two days). You can do this near your home if you live near the ocean or while you’re on vacation. Once you’ve demonstrated certain skills and techniques your instructor will submit paperwork for you to get your dive card, known as a “C-card.” It never expires, though you may be required to take refresher courses if you haven’t been on a dive in more than a year. It’s advised that vacationers get the first two phases done prior to vacation and then find a dive shop on site to finish their open-water certification. Once you have your C-card, the sky is the limit and as you log more scuba hours, the more challenging your dives can be. Dive shops offer amazing day and some nighttime scuba tours around spectacular islands and coastlines, from Hawaii and Mexico to the Galapagos Islands and Australia. Imagine a manta night dive when you can swim alongside manta rays. Or hang alongside majestic sea turtles or tiny anemone fish, just like Nemo. The more you dive, the better a steward you become for our oceans and protecting them for all that call it home.
LIFEWISE
In case you need another reason to adopt a dog in need of a forever home, there’s this news to consider: Dogs are good for your health. That’s the latest headline from a Swedish study that says that living with a dog is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and even death! Sound too good to be true? Read on for all the doggy details.
you take Fido for a quick stroll around the block. And then there’s your blood pressure. Just looking at or petting your pooch releases oxytocin, the love hormone, which makes you feel happy and relaxed (read: your blood pressure goes down, down, down). And that’s another good thing for your health, since stress may be one of the biggest risk factors for heart health.
The study, found in the journal Scientific Reports, found that for singles living alone, owning a dog decreases your risk of death by a whopping 33 percent! And dog ownership helped to shrink cardiovascular death specifically for those living alone by 36 percent! (The benefits were not as great for families who owned a dog, though it was still beneficial.) But why? Having a pup in the house may simply be good for your heart because you have to take your pooch for daily walks and get them outside for exercise, come rain, snow, or sunshine. And that daily exercise—even if it’s just a little bit—is good for your ticker.
But it’s not just dogs that do a body good. All pets have been shown to have positive impacts on their owners. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pet owners have decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels; they feel less lonely; and they have increased chances for exercise and socialization. And all that is a win-win!
Walking or running with your pup may also help ease pain because endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers—are released during exercise. So that aching back or neck may actually get some relief when
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of owning a dog is the companionship. They don’t call dogs “(wo)man’s best friend” for no reason. Studies have shown that dogs can help decrease depression especially because people can focus their attention on their furry friend rather than dwelling on less positive aspects of their life. We think it’s time to welcome a new fluffy friend into the family, don’t you?
Av o c a d o H u m m u s FLAVORFUL
Laguna Beach is Southern California’s premier coastal destination, nestled between seven miles of hidden coves and majestic canyons. A year round retreat for art lovers, outdoor adventurers, beachgoers, families and romantics.
L O V E
INGREDIENTS 1 can 2 3 tbsp 3 tbsp 1 tbsp 1 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp 1/4 tsp
chickpeas, rinsed and drained, divided medium avocados, pitted and peeled fresh lime juice +2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil, divided tahini paste large garlic clove, peeled salt ground black pepper toasted sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS Set aside 2 tablespoons chickpeas for garnish. Place remaining chickpeas, avocados, lime juice, 3 tablespoons oil, tahini paste, garlic, salt and pepper in food processor or blender; cover. Process until smooth. If too thick to blend, add a little water. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl. Garnish with reserved whole chickpeas, sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. Drizzle with remaining 2 teaspoons of oil. Serve with naan bread, pita chips or veggies.
Goodnes.com
TexasHomeowner
JARA
Vol. 5 Issue 7
A Dog’s Purpose
Take the Plunge! Become a Diving Diva
Catch A Wave Laguna Beach, CA
Avocado Hummus GoodNes If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
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