Category Archives: BALANCE

Day it Forward – January 2020

We believe that every individual has the ability to make a difference in our world, and we want to give our readers a chance to bring attention to a cause important to them.

Every month, readers are encouraged to submit the charity of his/her choice by sharing a charity on one of our social media posts (or Sylvia’s)!

Your submissions will be reviewed by bestselling author Sylvia Day and she will select one or more to personally contribute to for the month. The selected charity will be featured in the next month’s Day it Forward to bring more awareness to its cause and allow for readers of Beyond Words to learn about and possibly donate to help its cause, too.

The charities Sylvia has chosen for the month of January 2020 are WWF-Australia’s Koala Crisis Fund and the Australian Red Cross.

WWF

WWF-Australia is one of Australia’s most trusted conservation organizations. WWF works in Australia and throughout Asia-Pacific to protect endangered species and habitats, meet the challenge of climate change, and build a world where people live in harmony with nature.

Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross supports and empowers people and communities in times of vulnerability. Their purpose is to reduce suffering across Australia and internationally through mobilizing the power of humanity.

Sylvia donated $750 USD ($1032 AUD) to each charity, and you can, too, here (WWF-Australia) and here (Australian Red Cross).

If you would like to submit a charity to Day it Forward for the month of February, please comment on our Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter #DayItForward post(s) or Sylvia’s Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter #DayItForward post(s). We appreciate and consider all submissions!

A Trip to Basque Country Without Leaving the Kitchen

In a country famous for epic cuisine, one Spanish region reigns supreme: Basque Country. Nestled in the Pyrenees along the French border, the Basque region, which for centuries tried to establish itself as an independent nation, has a culture and personality uniquely its own. This is especially evident in its culinary traditions, which are distinct from other styles of Spanish cooking.

Bordered to the east by the Bay of Biscay, a gulf of the Atlantic, Basque Country is heavily influenced by the sea. Fresh seafood is a quintessential part of the cuisine, often flavored with a rich hodgepodge of Spanish and French ingredients. Unlike other coastal areas, however, the Basque region is also fertile ground for livestock, vegetables and legumes. Grilled meats and rich stews are also staples of the Basque diet. It’s truly surf and turf at its finest!

With access to such diverse, high quality ingredients, it’s not surprising that the Basque people take food very seriously. In fact, though it spans just over 8,000 square miles, the Basque region is home to 38 Michelin-starred restaurants, including four with the coveted three-star rating.

If you’re a gourmand who hates to share, you’ll feel at home here. Order up some pintxos, small tapas-style plates built for one. They’re a fixture on virtually every bar menu, and are also enjoyed as street food and midday snacks.

Ready for a bite of Basque Country? Try these simple, traditional recipes for Basque food at home any night of the week.

 


 

Gildas

This classic pintxo makes a great appetizer or snack to enjoy with a cold pint.

Gildas recipe

Directions:

  1. Lightly dust tomato chunks with paprika.
  2. Place five whole parsley leaves on each anchovy, then loop the fish over to form a horseshoe shape.
  3. Skewer a pepper onto one end of a toothpick. Follow with the anchovy, a piece of tomato and finish with a stuffed olive. Repeat with remaining toothpicks and ingredients.
  4. Drizzle finished gildas with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked salt.

 


 

 

Sopa de ajo (Garlic Soup)

Great restaurant dining doesn’t come at the expense of home cooking in Basque country. This earthy garlic soup is perfect for chilly nights or when you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Piment d’espelette is a seasoning made from dried espelette peppers, native to the Basque region. Look for it in specialty stores or online.

Garlic_Soup recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, warm oil over medium heat. Add half of the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add potatoes, cayenne, water and remaining garlic; stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce to simmer, covered.
  3. Continue to cook until potatoes are falling apart, about 45 minutes. Using a potato masher, gently mash potatoes until just a few small chunks remain.
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley and cook for 5 more minutes.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls and serve garnished with piment d’espelette, if desired.

 


 

 

Basque Chicken with Chorizo

Adapted from Chef Daniel Boulud, this chicken dish is a one-pan wonder showcasing bold Basque flavors.

Chicken_Chorizo recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large skillet, cook chorizo over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer chorizo to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  2. Add olive oil to any rendered fat in the skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and cook over medium high heat until well browned on both sides, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to plate with chorizo.
  3. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic and thyme to the skillet and cook over moderate heat until barely softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, sherry, paprika and crushed red pepper and cook for another minute, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
  4. Return chicken and chorizo to the skillet. Cover and simmer over medium low heat, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
  5. Raise heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  6. Transfer chicken to a platter. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve garnished with basil.

 


 

 

Salt Cod Biscayne Style

Salt cod, or bacalao, is a staple of the Basque diet. Follow the 24-hour soaking method below to prep the pantry-friendly standby for virtually any recipe.

Salt_Cod

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, submerge cod completely in cold water. Allow to soak for 24 hours, changing the water every 6 hours (changing the water ensures the fish won’t be too salty). Once soaked, shred fish into small pieces, removing any bones or cartilage.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat oil. Add onion, sauté for 3 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Add the cod and tomatoes; stir and cover. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add olives, capers, cloves, cayenne and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then add parsley and boiled potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
  4. Serve in a shallow bowl with a chunk of crusty baguette on the side.

 


 

 

Basque Lamb Stew

This hearty dish is a great weekend recipe. It makes enough for lunch and/or dinner all week, plus it freezes beautifully.

Lamb_stew recipe

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine rosemary, white wine and half of the garlic. Add lamb and marinate for 2 to 3 hours, ensuring meat is completely submerged.
  2. Drain lamb and pat dry with paper towels. Discard marinade.
  3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Working in batches, brown lamb on all sides and season with salt and pepper, adding oil as needed. Set aside.
  4. To the same pan, add remaining olive oil and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and sauté an additional minute.
  5. Return the meat to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir in paprika, roasted peppers, tomatoes, parsley, bay leaf and red wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the liquids to reduce slightly.
  6. Add the chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  7. Ladle into bowls and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

 

 

How to Make a Gourmet, Eco-Friendly Feast

By this point in history, you’ve probably learned how to make a nutritious, healthy dinner. Start off with some local, healthy, fresh greens, feature a small portion of organic, locally produced, lean meat, and then stuff an enormous pizza in your freezer for later when you’re sad and starving. Or maybe just—make those greens taste great.

You might know how to make joyless vitamins taste like high-class fat, but making a meal that’s actually good for the environment is a whole other feat altogether. One of the biggest polluters in America isn’t your local coal plant or highway factory—it’s your neighborhood farm, pumping out more greenhouse gases than any other industry in the country. And most of those gases come from processing meat: close to eight tons, or 22 percent of total emissions, originate in meat alone. Eating one burger is environmentally equivalent to driving a 3,000 pound car 10 miles. Fantastic.

Want to make a meal that not only tastes delicious, but is actually healthy both for you and the world around you? Here’s what we recommend.

 

Shop at the right places.

Shopping organically doesn’t matter as much as shopping locally. Ideally, you’d be able to satisfy both needs, but organic foods sometimes come from tens of thousands of miles away: exacting a huge price in terms of gas emissions. Check your local farmer’s market, consider joining a CSA, (Community Supported Agriculture), and if you only have access to a large-scale supermarket, take a look and see where your produce is coming from. Don’t be afraid to place pressure on your local grocery—consumers have huge voting power.

 

farmers_market_shutterstock_224947675

 

Unless it came from down the block, nix your meats.

As discussed above, it’s next to impossible, given the size and scale of our factory farms, to produce meat that’s not only free of disease, but free of externalities. Grass-fed beef produces the least amount of greenhouse gas, but that meat often travels from afar.  Your safest best is to probably skip the meats in favor of some green, or even carbohydrate-y, deliciousness.

 

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Buy in season.

It’s January, you live in New York, and you feel a big hankering for kiwi. Chances are that kiwi probably travelled tens of thousands of miles in a gas-guzzling airplane just to get to your mostly indifferent stomach. Find fruits and vegetables that match the season and the salad and maybe the dishware.

 

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Go raw.

Energy that would have otherwise been spent on cooking carrots can now be spent on eating them. Everybody wins. Except for the carrot.

 

carrots_shutterstock_137051636

 

Make a lot of it.

Over 40 percent, or, approximately $165 billion dollars worth of food in America is never eaten, at an outrageously huge cost to the environment. Simplest solution? Double the amount you make and then—using all of your inner strength—eat it.

 

stir_fry_shutterstock_145551190

 

Grow it in your backyard.

The closest grocery store might be miles away, but the closest farm could be your grassy backyard. Cut down on travel time and eat shockingly local, all within striking distance of your bed. Or, if you live in a metropolitan area and have more of a “fire escape” backyard, consider joining your local community garden (or nagging a community garden friend).

 

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The best trick of all? Make something you won’t hate.

If there’s one thing we can learn from barely verbal toddlers, it’s that if our bodies don’t like something—they will reject it. The more food we waste by not eating (or by putting it in the freezer in cute little bags and “pretending to eat later”), the greater the cost to our environment. Sometimes, the secret to eating right is summoning all your strength, mustering all your courage, and just eating what you like.

 

cheers_shutterstock_285854987

Meet the Most Badass Moms of America

Say the word “mom” and you’ll probably—depending how much terrible television you grew up with—think one of the following: khaki pants, roomy jeans, school lunches, air conditioned cars, supermarket u-hauls, coupon collections. Of course, these are all miserable stereotypes, but they exert real influence, conscious and unconscious, on the American imagination. The media has mothered our vision of mothering.

That’s why it’s important to highlight the moms of this world that aren’t just challenging exhausted stereotypes, but doing real, hardcore, social justice work in their communities and families. Activism typically (in our cultural imagination) belongs to boys and their fathers—yet it’s often women who serve on the frontlines.

Here’s a look at some of the most badass moms in America doing some of the hardest work in America—compassion, with a vengeance.

 

1. The Mothers Against Senseless Killings

Every summer, hundreds of young kids in Chicago die due to gun violence. While the problem has lessened somewhat in recent years, it’s a brutal reality for many of the youth living in the Englewood neighborhood. So a group of moms known as MASK (Mothers Against Senseless Killings) recently decided to start patrolling the Chicago city streets, hoping to keep their kids safe from violence. Founded by Englewood resident Tamar Manasseh, moms hit the streets every day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m, checking in with neighborhood kids, cooking hot dogs and hamburgers, and looking for potential trouble. The police alone have been unable to keep the neighborhood safe, so these moms stepped in. “I’m a mom who hasn’t lost her kids, and I don’t want to,” Manasseh told ABC7.

 

2. Michelle Obama

First lady, supermom, and outrageously instrumental in the (now successful) fight against American obesity. Is there anything Michelle Obama can, or has done, wrong? Short answer: no.

 

3. Tina Fey

Not only is she seen as one the “funniest women alive in America,” Tina Fey is also a proud mom of kids she’s not too private to make fun of. She’s making huge inroads for women in public life and women in comedy, and continues to be jaw-droppingly successful.

 

4. Shonda Rhimes

Producer, director, writer, and badass mom Shonda Rhimes was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s “100 People Who Shaped The World” in 2014. Not only does Shonda successfully manage multiple jobs, multiple programs (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice) and three daughters, she was the mastermind behind Scandal, rated the most “highly addictive show on television” by pretty much everyone who saw it.

 

5. Vanessa Howard

Vanessa Howard is a mom, and a formerly homeless woman. For her, taking control of her fashion and body was critical to moving out of homelessness. That’s why she decided to subsidize a free spa day for other mothers and their children, hoping that the free makeovers will give women confidence. “I was once not having a place to stay with children and having no hope and having no dignity and so that’s what’s inspired me,” Howard said.

 

6. Jenny Morretter

Jenny Morretter’s daughter, Mackenzie, struggles with Sotos syndrome, a disorder that makes it difficult for her to build relationships. When Morretter recently decided to throw her daughter a 10th birthday party, no one responded to her invite. Morretter was heartbroken, but instead of falling into despair, she decided to take action. She went on Facebook and shared Mackenzie’s story with a few select groups, hoping to get more responses. After posting her stories, hundreds of people not only replied, but showed up to Mackenzie’s party, rewarding a 10-year-girl with a brand-new community of friends.

 

7. Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America

31 Americans die every day at the hands of a gun, and 55 kill themselves with a firearm. Over one in three Americans know someone who has been shot. To help stop the epidemic of violence, a group of mothers got together to organize against gun violence by hitting the phones and slamming the streets. Some like to say that “these women are the NRA’s worst nightmare.”

 

8. Alice Dreger

By now, it’s clear that for many teenagers, abstinence-only education simply doesn’t work. That’s why Alice Dreger, mother of a son in an abstinence-only sex class, decided to take action. Dreger sat in on her son’s class and chose to live-tweet it, posting such juicy nuggets as, “You’ll find a good girl. If you find one that says “No,” that’s the one you want. HE ACTUALLY JUST SAID THAT.”

Dreger, a writer already, obviously, and deservedly, went viral.

 

Pros and Cons of Going Paleo

It’s the diet craze du jour for celebrities and serious nutritionistas alike, but what does the Paleolithic diet, a.k.a. “going paleo,” actually entail? Broadly, it means eating only what our primitive ancestors did: meat and fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruit. Strictly off-limits foods include dairy, grain products and anything processed. Sounds like it could be healthy…but how difficult is it to eat like a caveman in 2015?

Let’s start with the facts. The modern paleo diet was introduced in the 1970’s by a nutritionist and exercise physiologist named Dr. Loren Cordain. He contends that advances in food production and processing have changed food more rapidly than our digestive systems have evolved to process it. We cannot adequately digest many modern-day processed foods, he says, resulting in increased risk for a host of chronic diseases.

Cordain’s theory remains a topic of debate among nutritionists, but that hasn’t stopped the paleo diet’s boom in popularity. Dozens of variations exist, each with its own slightly tweaked set of rules and promises of unique health benefits. Among the most widely followed is the version espoused by Dr. Mark Hyman, who famously counseled the Clintons after Bill’s quadruple bypass surgery in 2004, which emphasizes diet as a means to detoxify the body and cure disease.

In spite of its popularity, however, the paleo diet recently placed dead last in U.S. News & World Report’s 2015 Best Diet rankings. Evaluated by a panel of dieticians and health experts, paleo came in at number 35 of 35 trending diet plans, based on a variety of factors including nutrition, safety and probability of weight loss.

If you’re thinking of going paleo, first weigh the pros and cons:

Pro: You’ll Eat Only Unprocessed, Whole Foods

While there’s much debate among nutritionists about the “ideal” diet, virtually all agree that there are major health advantages to eating fewer processed foods, especially those high in sugar.

Con: It’s Highly Restrictive

The list of forbidden foods for paleo dieters is lengthy, which could make it difficult to stick to long term. Beans and legumes are not allowed, a definite downer for non-meat eaters.

 

paleo diet

Pro: It’s a Nutrient-Rich Diet

Unlike cleanses and other hyper-restrictive weight loss plans, the paleo diet packs plenty of nutrients. Protein is definitely not in short supply and with proper meal planning you’ll also get loads of vitamins, fiber and even calcium (coconut and dark, leafy greens are good, paleo-friendly sources).

Con: Eating More Meat is Costly for You and the Environment

According to Cordain, over 50% of the paleo dieter’s calories should come from animal protein. That can add up to a hefty grocery bill. There’s also the steep environmental cost, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water pollution.

 

paleo diet juice

Pro: You’ll Probably Cook A Lot More

The paleo diet’s numerous restrictions, including butter and vegetable oil, make take-out and restaurant dining a challenge.

Con: You Might Gain Weight

One of the diet’s major pitfalls is that it can be very high in saturated fat, which can quickly add up to extra pounds. If you’re considering the Paleolithic diet for weight loss, be sure to moderate your red meat intake.

 

paleo diet steak_edited

Bottom Line:

The paleo diet can be a useful tool to kickstart healthier eating habits, but it requires some planning and make-ahead meal prep. Load up on nutrient-rich veggies and lean protein, like poultry and fish, to keep saturated fat low and the odds of slimming down high.

Dinner, Delivered with a Side of DIY

City dwellers have always enjoyed the perks of delivery, an unspoken quid pro quo of eschewing the conveniences of Suburbia. While the novelty of 3 AM egg rolls at your door may have faded with age, a new generation of meal delivery services is aiming to take its place. The concept is simple, but genius: Deliver all of the nutrition and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal in a format that’s as easy as ordering take-out.

In recent years, a slew of new companies has started offering meal kit delivery, each promising freedom from the tyranny of meal planning and grocery shopping. A typical kit includes one recipe and everything you need to make it, down to that single tablespoon of vinegar (everything arrives pre-measured) or pinch of saffron. In addition to convenience, these services claim to be a waist-watchers best friend, thanks to fresh ingredients and strictly controlled portion size.

For the busy gourmet or the bloated Seamless addict, it sounds like it could be a dream come true. But how do these services stack up? And is it really worth saying “sayonara” to your grocery store forever? Before you make your decision, check out this review of five major players in the meal kit delivery game.

 

Blue Apron

Blue Apron

A pioneer in the field, Blue Apron has quickly grown a following of loyal customers around the country. It offers two meal plans, one for couples (or friends or roommates) and one for families, designed to feed four to six people. After choosing your menu type — either “meat and fish” or “vegetarian” — Blue Apron selects recipes for you, which you have the option to change. If you’re new to the whole “cooking” thing, don’t sweat it. Blue Apron’s recipes are virtually foolproof, thanks to easy step-by-step instructions and accompanying photos. Bite for bite, Blue Apron runs average to slightly less expensive than its competitors. The two-person plan costs $9.99 per serving with a minimum commitment of six meals or $60 per week; the family plan is $8.99 per serving with a minimum of two meals or $71.92 per week.

 


 

Plated

Plated
Plated

If you’re chefing to impress, Plated could be the service for you. Though pricier than other options — $12 per person for regular meals — Plated offers diners the ease of delivery combined with the flare of a special occasion. With menu choices like “Indonesian Beef Rendang” and “Roasted White Sweet Potatoes with Chinese Broccoli and Flowering Chives”, Plated is a sure-fire escape from the weeknight recipe rut.

 

 

 


 

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh
Hello Fresh

With the meal kit delivery market reaching saturation, Hello Fresh sets itself apart by promising the very freshest ingredients possible. A recent informal survey of friends (who had used the service — and who also happen to be restaurant chefs) confirmed it lives up to the hype. All ingredients were top quality (they exclusively use premium brand Murray’s chicken, for example) and arrived looking and smelling just-off-the-farm. Hello Fresh has another distinguishing factor, for better or worse: the absence of calorie restrictions. While most delivered kit meals fall between 500 and 600 calories per plate, Hello Fresh averages around 900 calories, though the recipes are created by an in-house dietician and not lacking in nutrients. Hello Chef costs roughly the same as most of its competitors, around $10 per meal, but vegetarians take note: while omnivores can enjoy a range of meal choices, meat-free offerings are limited.

 

 


 

Green Blender

Box-and-ingredients_green blender
Green Blender

No time to cook, even if it’s kit-style? No problem. A service called Green Blender invites you to sip your nutrients instead. Created by a fitness blogger fed up with “glorified milkshakes” parading around as health food, Green Blender offers a rotating lineup of smoothie recipes with pre-portioned, seasonal produce and “superfoods”, like chia and flaxseeds. Each delivery includes five pouches to make five different smoothies. With flavors like Tropical Mojito and Sacha Inchi Orange Creamsicle, Green Blender offers a taste of the exotic delivered to your door. At $10 per serving, Green Blender costs about the same as other meal delivery services. Unlike those competitors, however, Green Blender does expect you to own a knife and a cutting board for basic prep like chopping.

 


 

Home Chef

Home Chef

More of a newcomer to the DIY dinner scene, Home Chef is gaining popularity with high-end foodies. That’s because the recipes, 10 different options per week, come from restaurant chefs. The instructions are definitely geared toward the home cook, however. This service also boasts the advantage of allowing diners to prioritize low carb or low-calorie menu choices, and to register any allergies or dietary restrictions, like gluten. Starting at $7.99 per serving, Home Chef is priced in line with the competition, but, sorry, California friends; it’s currently only available in 30 states across the East Coast and Midwest.

 

8 Wildlife Rescues on Instagram You Want to Follow [Like Now]

Get a daily dose of adorable when you follow this list of wildlife rescues. And then share them on your social media to bring awareness to the amazing work these organizations do to help animals.

 


 

1. Black Jaguar White Tiger Rescue

Promoting animal rights to an audience of over 2.4 million followers, add these guys to your feed for a steady stream of spectacular big cat adventures.

Instagram: @blackjaguarwhitetiger | www.blackjaguarwhitetiger.org


 

2. Greenwood Wildlife Rescue

Few things are as adorable as tiny woodland creatures needing a helping hand. Greenwood Wildlife is an animal rescue site caring for roughly 2,300 critters a year, across 135 furry, fuzzy, cuddly species. Instagram: @GreenwoodWildlife | www.greenwoodwildlife.org  

 


 

3. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is considered the most successful elephant and rehabilitation rescue in East Africa. Unfortunately, these majestic creatures are still widely poached, along with their not-too-distant-cousin the Black Rhino, endangering both species. This rescue’s “Orphan’s Project” works to reintegrate orphans back into the wild in Tsavo.

Instagram: @DSWT | www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

 


 

4. BatsQLD Flying Foxes & Microbats Inc.

Bats fall under the category of “so ugly, they’re cute.” And a few minutes on this feed will have you convinced. A self-funded volunteer group, its members are dedicated to educating the public on bats and flying foxes. They work diligently on habitat conservation projects, and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, ill and orphaned bats up until release back into the wild. Instagram: @BatsQLD | www.batsqld.org.au  

In the name of everyone at BatsQLD, Pantaloons says thank you and gives a big hug to everyone who has made a donation. With the help of all our followers who were donating, liking and sharing our pictures and spreading the word, we raised an incredible amount of $5407 during the month of May! We were really overwhelmed by this positive response. You guys are fantastic! Those vital funds will cover the cost of food for our furry friends for the entire year and takes a heavy weight off our carer’s shoulders who cover all expenses out of their own pocket. Over the last year, we did more than 400 rescues and had 300 animals in crèche at the end of baby season. Every furry patient needs approximately 300g of fruit per day and will usually be in care for a couple of weeks – which means a lot of fruit chopping and a big expense. Thanks to you, financially, we are now all set up for the next year and the upcoming baby bat season. We will keep you posted on our work, with more pictures and stories about our furry friends. A photo posted by BatsQLD (@batsqld) on

 


 

5. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

A lima bean – that is the size of a baby Joey when born. The Kangaroo Sanctuary is 90 acres of bushland home to 25 kangaroos. All lovingly cared for by Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, the star of Kangaroo Dundee by AGB films. He hopes to build the first wildlife hospital in Central Australia on the grounds of this sanctuary.

Instagram: @TheKangarooSanctuary | www.kangaroosanctuary.com

 

Love my morning milk! #kangaroodundee #NTaustralia #RedCentreNT #SeeAustralia #

A photo posted by Home of Kangaroo Dundee (@thekangaroosanctuary) on

 


 

6. International Animal Rescue

Literally meaning “person of the forest,” orangutans are rapidly losing their rainforest habitat to make way for community growth, farming, and industrial modernization. The International Animal Rescue (IAR) aims to rescue and rehabilitate orangutans stolen from their mothers, locked in captivity, or otherwise displaced. Instagram: @IARorangutanRescue | http://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/  

 


 

7. Zoological Wildlife Foundation

Looking through this gorgeous feed run by an accredited wildlife expert is definitely the next best thing to going there. Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF) in Miami offers its followers an array of stunning imagery and video footage of the diverse animals living there.

Instagram: @zwfmiami | http://zoologicalwildlifefoundation.com/

 

 


 

8. Humane Society New York

We know, we know…we said “wildlife” rescue, but without fail these dogs and kittens are wild at heart! For over a century, the Humane Society in New York has been housing, caring, and re-homing dogs and cats to loving families. In fact, they are responsible for helping a staggering 38,000 dogs and cats every year. Instagram: @HumaneSocietyNY | http://www.humanesocietyny.org/  

Kitten adventures! #adopt #rescuecat #catsofnyc #catsofinstagram #blackcat #kitten #hsny #model #hearst A photo posted by Humane Society of New York (@humanesocietyny) on

5 Recipes for Your Next Hawaiian Luau

Need weekend inspiration that doesn’t break the bank? Almost any budget can enjoy a backyard tropical vacation without any reservations or TSA hassles.

Pin up some pictures of Hawaii to your vision board. Then, take a look at these simple recipes of Hawaiian food and BBQ specialties that’ll bring a little lei-sure time to your next weekend.

 

Main Dishes

Hoisin Honey Glazed Pork

Read full recipe at Delish.com

 

Hawaiian Ahi Poke

Read full recipe at A Spicy Perspective

 

Side Dishes

Lomi Lomi Salmon

Read full recipe at Hawaii for Visitors

 

Skinny Hawaiian Slaw

Read full recipe at The Skinny Fork

 

Dessert

Guava Cake

Read full recipe at Valerie Kukahiko of Kuki’s Kookbook

 

Places to Find Volunteer Opportunities Near and Dear to Your Heart

What never goes out of style? Sporting kindness and generosity. One of the many ways to humbly don goodwill is through volunteering for causes that matter to you.

Here’s a list to get you inspired:

Volunteer with Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity has one mission: build homes for people who need homes. Teams of Habitat volunteers all over the world are building homes right now so you can easily donate some sweat equity abroad or close to home. Every person deserves a place to rest and feel protected. You can be a part of the effort that gets them there.

 

Connect with Your Dream Cause

Do you dream of making the world a better place? Idealist.org connects you with the resources, organizations that can make that dream a reality. Launched in 1985, this global network has some been doing volunteer matchmaking for decades.

 

Help the National Park Service

Do you love nature and working outdoors? The National Park Service is always looking for volunteers. Park Service opportunities include collecting and gathering scientific data, and helping track wildlife, birds and plants for research projects. If you’re passionate about art, you can apply to be an artist-in-residence.

Give Back to Our Disabled Veterans

The Stephen Siller Foundation raises funds to build smart homes for severely disabled veterans. Smart homes feature voice-activation, automated doors and lights, specially designed showers, custom cabinets and counters, and other modifications needed by many returning veterans. The foundation hosts many 5Ks to build awareness and they always need volunteers.

 

Guy Talk: What He’s Actually Saying

Whether you’ve been talking to a guy for two weeks, or have been happily together for twenty years, one of the most common struggles in any relationship is communication. As men, we’ve developed a reputation for ourselves—and perhaps rightfully so. It’s not that we’re uncommunicative. It’s just that, sometimes, we aren’t the best at articulating ourselves. And often, we like to assume that a simple yes or no, or cryptic text message solves the problem (it doesn’t). Ladies, no need to freak out. We’re not that hard to understand. To help, below we’ll decode some of our common sayings (AKA guy talk).

 

What he’s saying:  “I’m sorry.”

What he’s actually saying: “I’m sick of arguing, can we have make-up sex now?”

Commonly heard after a fight or argument, men often use this seemingly honest statement to cover up what we really mean. Yeah, we’re probably sorry, but we’re also ready to go.

What he’s saying: “I’m good.”

What he’s actually saying: “I like the things the way they are right this second and I’m literally not looking to add or change anything.”

When we say we’re good, it’s best to believe us. Sure, it’s a pithy reply. But it’s an honest one.

What he’s saying: “I promise.”

What he’s actually saying: “I kind of promise.”

If we consistently promise to do things and don’t show up or call, use your best judgment and put stock in our actions. Not all men are the same. And when real men make promises, we follow through with them.
man smirk

What he’s saying: “You’re not fat.”

What he’s actually saying: “Seriously, you’re not fat.”

Commonly uttered when you’re naked, we generally mean it. You’re seriously not fat. And you going on and on about body issues is getting tedious.

What he’s saying: “I’m not ready for a relationship right now.”

What he’s actually saying:” I’m not interested in a relationship with you.”

If we’re afraid of committing, it’s probably not circumstantial. It’s probably you. However, if you’d like to become friends with benefits, let us know!
Married couple having an argument sitting up n their bed facing off in opposite directions as they ignore one another

What he’s saying: “I’ll call you.”

What he’s actually saying: “I won’t call you…but I don’t know how to say it nicely.”

Usually heard at the end of a date, this phrase is our go-to when we don’t know what else to say. What we really mean is that we don’t ever want to see you again, but we’re not sure how to put it bluntly.
man waving goodbye

What he’s saying: “She’s just a friend.”

What he’s actually saying: “I’d like her to be more than a friend but I also don’t want to cheat on you.”

Oh baby you, you got what I need. And I swear she’s just a friend…
man and woman working

What he’s saying: “You look better without makeup.”

What he’s actually saying: “Hurry up, I’m damn hungry.”

Commonly heard before a dinner date, he’s probably being honest. However, he’s also hangry and could care less what you put on your face.

What he’s saying: “It’s a boys night.”

What he’s actually saying: “I just need a night to drink beers and talk about stuff that bores the hell out of you.”

Seriously, the game is on and I’m in the mood to pound beers and get in touch with my primal side. I may look at other girls, but I’m not going to cheat.

What he’s saying: “I’m busy.”

What he’s actually saying: “I have plenty of time…I’d just rather not spend it with you.”

Unfortunately, we’ve decided to not put you on the list of important things to make time for. There are 24 hours in a day—there’s no way we’re busy every single one of them.

What he’s saying: “Let’s try something different.”

What he’s actually saying: “I’m starting to get bored.”

We mean it. Let’s try something new, whether it’s in the bedroom or in the kitchen. Keeping things fresh and exciting isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Sexy man holding handcuffs, sit on sofa, black and white, bdsm

What he’s saying: “I like chilling at my place.”

What he’s actually saying: “I’m really only interested in seeing you behind closed doors.”

AKA I’m really just into having sex at the moment. Take it with a grain of salt.
Top view of sexy muscular young man looking at camera with sensual smile while lying in bed

What he’s saying: “I need more space.”

What he’s actually saying: “I need some time alone to think things over.”

We’ve probably just had a fight. And I probably need some time to save my ass.