When you think of date nights, the first thing that comes to the mind is a quiet dinner with your significant other, or a picnic with the cane hamper, sandwiches, wine and cheese, or at the most, a walk along the sandy beach with the waves washing your feet. But over the years, these date night ideas have all cliched and overdone. There are a lot more interesting ways to turn your special date night into an exceptional experience for you and your someone special. Here are a few ideas which will make your date night a memorable one. No matter what you and your partner agree to do, what really matters is that you spend some quality time together, happily.
You could take your partner to a game/sporting activity of his/her liking: to a swimming pool or the beach even to skinny dip, to the local football, basketball or hockey matches, or you could take them to a bowling rink, or to a golf course. You could try fantasy football on the computer too, and let them place bets on their favorite players. A visit to archery or shooting range or a fishing trip or biking on some local trails, or ice skating together too will be a great choice if your partner is a physically active person. If adventure sports are your choice, then you can opt for sky diving, white water rafting, rappelling, snowboarding, or register yourselves for a marathon or a triathlon race to test your physical and mental stamina and strength. Basically, any activity that deals with outdoor sports and exercises their muscles, while at the same time giving them a chance to win or lead, would earn you brownie points.
A visit to the latest movie that is screened in theaters close to you, or to a play or concert of your partner’s favorite artist, to a live stand up comedy show, to painting or piano lessons if your partner is the artsy kind, to a museum or an art exhibition also might be exciting depending on the preferences of your partner. A drive to an organic farm, or a food festival to savor new foods from across the world, or strawberry plucking in summer and pumpkin harvesting in the Halloween season, to a game of laser tag or a fun paintball session in the park with the grass under your feet, a trip to the ghost house in the neighborhood mall, pitching a tent in a quiet place of your choice and cooking and sleeping under the stars, would all bring back the fun and romance in your life. All these date night ideas would definitely impress your loved one.
There are a zillion and more ideas to have fun on a date night. Try them all right away, what are you waiting for?
What exactly is a superfood? So many so called “super” foods have been featured in the news. From almonds to coconut oil, the superfood label is slapped on foods that are proven so rich in nutrients that they are not only beneficial for health and well-being, but also aid the prevention of certain conditions and diseases.
The following list features only the best when it comes to superfoods that fight disease fighting and safeguard overall health:
1. Sweet potatoes
If you’ve ever had a grilled or baked sweet potato, you know they’re far superior to their starchy white counterparts. These slightly sweet and delicious orange tadders have been linked to preventing several types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and digestive diseases thanks to the assortment of goodness within. With just one sweet tuber you get plenty of iron, copper, calcium, beta-carotene; vitamins E and C and E, folate, copper, potassium, and fiber. That’s reason to substitute sweet for white potatoes whenever you can.
2. Dark leafy greens
What’s growing in your garden? If you like to grow lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale, swiss chard, bok choy, or another leafy green, you’re in luck. Harvard research indicates that dark leafy green veggies contain the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron, folate, iron, magnesium, and phytochemicals needed to ward off type 2 diabetes. And don’t worry, if you don’t grow your own, visit a farmer’s market for assorted leafy green goodness. In addition, the soluble fiber delivered in leafy vegetables has been linked to preventing constipation for IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) sufferers. Try and get roughly 12 grams of soluble fiber per day from fruits and vegetables.
3. Beans
Beans, beans are good for your heart…the more you eat, the lower your cholesterol and the more stable your blood sugar! Beans and their sisters, legumes (i.e., red, green, yellow and brown lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, runner beans, fava beans, kidney beans, lima beans cannellini beans, pinto beans, etc.) are not only appetite satisfying and low in fat (for healthy weight), they are filled with fiber, iron, plant based protein, magnesium, calcium, and folic acid. Beans are most linked to keeping cholesterol in check by lowering triglyceride levels, which protect heart health. Better yet, beans are among a group of foods known as pulses, reputed for their ability to keep uric acid levels low, and prevent gout flare ups.
4. Coconuts and coconut oil
Coconut oil is perhaps the most popular “superfood” on the planet. And this fleshy fruit has definitely earned it’s rep thanks to being rich in heart-healthy saturated fats, which benefit triglyceride levels and keep HDL (good) cholesterol in check to lower risk of heart disease. However, coconut and coconut oil also fuels the body and brain with much-needed energy to reduce the risk of epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer’s diseases, and aid liver function by transforming into ketone energy. In addition, although it’s not a magic cure, coconut oil has been shown effectively reduce eczema symptoms (i.e., dryness, irritation, and lowering risk of infection).
5. Eggs
Eggs really are a wonder food. There is so much goodness contained in a single egg that research credits the egg for maintaining good blood cholesterol, warding off macular degeneration (eye health), and preventing cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attack).
Get cracking to get a daily dose of protein, lutein, choline (if you’re pregnant), xeanthin, and healthy fats.
6. Dark berries
Strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and cranberries, oh my! There’s a lot of research to convince you to incorporate berries into your diet stat! And you can do so by using them as a salad, cereal, and yogurt topper, or in baked goods or smoothies. Studies published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture find that berries are rich in antioxidants, which protect our cells from free radical damage that can lead to heart disease, urinary tract infections, and several types of cancer.
7. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and Brazil nuts have much in common. Not only are these nutty snacks jam packed with fiber, vitamins E and A, protein, and selenium, a mere handful will boost your energy levels and satiate a hungry tummy. But perhaps the most convincing reason to go nuts for nuts is they promote heart health because of the healthy mono- and polyunsaturated fats within, which work to keep cholesterol at a healthy level. Not only that, but studies suggest nuts rich in vitamin E and selenium may help ease psoriasis symptoms.
8. Oats
Mom was right, a bowl of oatmeal a day keeps the doctor away. In fact, oats contain a plethora of whole grain goodness thanks to folic acid, vitamin Bs, selenium, and soluble fiber, which works to keep appetite and blood sugars balanced while reducing high cholesterol. To get your fill of beneficial whole grain goodness, nosh on 21-38 grams daily of brown or wild rice, quinoa, oats, barley, millet, or rye as recommended by the American Dietetic Association. This is particularly good news for patients with fibromyalgia, as certain foods, especially oats, can boost energy, slow down absorption, and keep you energized throughout the day.
9. Tomatoes
The juicy red fruit that thinks it’s a veggie is a “hot house” of nutrients. Namely, tomatoes are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, as well as potassium, and vitamins C and A, which together help ward off the risk of several types of cancer. Plus, tomatoes are versatile and can be eaten raw in salads, sliced on sandwiches, diced in sauces, and chopped in fresh dips and salsas.
10. Fatty fish
When it comes to the good vs. bad fat debate, you can almost always guarantee that fish tops the healthy list (when it’s not deep fried). So get some omega-3 fatty acid goodness on your hook (aka: plate) with some mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. Research from the American Heart Association indicates that just 2 servings of fatty fish per week, significantly lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke, as well as inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the abundance of vitamin D in fatty fish (i.e., salmon) is linked to reducing the frequency of asthma attacks in young children.
There’s just something about a classic pick up truck. As far as stature and power, the following trucks led the way as far as impressive styling, engine power, hauling and off road capabilities that, no doubt, inspired the design of many pickups on the road today.
Here’s our list of the six most tried and true pickup trucks in history:
When I was a kid, all the cool teens had a Ford Bronco, but those with a limited edition Baja Bronco were king of the road. Why? As far as off-roading capabilities, the Baja offered a powerful 302-cid V8 paired with a C4 automatic, plus drivers got a impressive boost due to the high cut rear wheel wells and flares, which left ample room for huge tires. The Baja screamed daring adventure roll cage and special enhancements made to offer heavy-duty suspension.
Ford longed to take their classic F150 off-road, but it took until 2009 for them to create the Raptor, a pick up that offered smooth driving and handling and four-wheeling on even the most extreme desert terrain. Not to mention, this truck could haul an 8000-pound trailer. No problem! Offered in a SuperCrew cab and SuperCab configuration, the Raptor also featured a 4WD system based on the standard F-150, plus urethane bump stops and internal-bypass Fox Racing shocks, which allowed for smooth-riding suspension over the roughest roads and highest jumps.
More of a conversion kit than a model truck, Napco (otherwise known as the Northwest Auto Parts Company) made up for the fact that 1950s pickups didn’t come in 4WD (opposed from Dodge). So Napco designed a 4WD offered a conversion kit that let Chevy, Fords, and GMC owners get the 4WD power they longed for. By the year 1957, pick up manufacturers finally caught on and began installing Napco Power-Pak 4WD conversions on their assembly line pick ups.
While GM and Ford enthusiasts may have issue with this truck, one can hardly match the ruggedness of the Dodge Ram of the early 90’s with it’s Cummins diesel engine. In fact, you can still witness the impact of this redesigned Ram on many GM and Ford trucks to this day, with it’s “big rig” styling.
Prior to the Ford F-150, the Highboy was king of the Ford pick up empire. A tough-as-nails truck renowned for it’s ultra-rugged driving capabilities on any terrain, the Highboy was named for its sky-high frame and 35-inch tall tires that was inches taller than any Jeep, Dodge, or GM on the market. After 1977, the Highboy was considered a “Lowboy” as it was constructed at least 2-inches lower, which is why the original pre-1977 model is now considered a collector’s item.
When a celebrity race car driver pairs up with an auto manufacturer, sometimes the results can be disappointing, which was sort of the case when Rod Hall collaborated with Chrysler to birth the Rod Hall Signature Edition Dodge pick up truck. Only 33 of these beauties were made, and despite the Dodge Ram 150 base design, bed-mount light bar and driving lights, and slick pre-runner front and rear bumpers, for some reason Dodge plopped in a whimpy 318-cid V8 with only 170 hp. Despite the fact, this truck continues to be a collector’s item among pick up truck buffs.
The pickup truck is synonymous with America. It’s tough. It works hard. And it has no problem getting dirty to get the job done. This is likely why the pickup truck continues to be among the best selling vehicle in North America. Regardless of if you’re part of team Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, you know that owning a truck offers a truly unique driving experience compared to any sedan, small compact, or even an SUV.
Here are our top reasons to super-size your driving experience to a pickup truck:
If it’s room you desire, ignore any desires to buy a sleek, compact car and turn to a pickup instead. Seriously, a recent Chevy Silverado offers ample legroom and cargo space for a comfortable daily commute or road trip because who wants a leg cramp to start the work day. Passengers can literally stretch their legs out in a roomy four full pickup truck with ample room for tools and everything you need.
Perhaps power and hauling capabilities are your biggest concern when thinking about pickup truck ownership. However, believe it or not safety is a huge benefit of pickup truck ownership. positive! Think about the safety features built in to most full-size trucks—you get a caged cab, vehicle stability, safety seatbelt systems, side impact protection, and even trailer sway control already built into your vehicle.
Sure, if you own a pickup truck you kind of open yourself up to helping every single person you know move house. However, when it comes to hauling your own stuff, you can’t go wrong with a pickup truck. Take a truck like the Chevy Silverado for example, you can suddenly haul up to 12,000 pounds no problem thanks to the impressive torque and horsepower. Suddenly your vehicle can easily transition from work truck to off road camping vehicle of your dreams.
If it’s a boost you want, a pickup is your best bet when it comes to the best visibility on the road. The height of a standard pickup truck cabin permits a view over most other vehicles on the highway. Is that a traffic jam 6 blocks ahead? Luckily, you’ll be able to see it and take a quick detour if you drive a pickup. Not to mention, the cab of a pick up offers the driver and all passengers all-round visibility, front, back and side thanks to huge rear and side-view mirrors.
Leading us into the next reason why trucks are such great vehicles.
Putting aside all jokes about overcompensating, there is little doubt that many individuals choose to drive a pickup for the sheer power it offers. While Ford, Chevy, and GM differ as far as horses under the hood, most current trucks offer between 350- to 440-horsepower (hp) if you consider a Ford F-250 or a Dodge Ram.
Pickup trucks represent the American dream. And while car buyers have vered from SUV to sports coupe over the past few years, pickup truck buffs tend to harken to the past when it comes to sticking with their love of the classic pickup truck. Many of the following classic trucks in good condition sell for a pretty steep price among collectors.
Here are four of the most coveted collectible pickup trucks:
Considered neither a car nor a truck, the Bronco was unique as far a broaching the needs of both a car and a truck driver, which explains it’s motto “the best of both worlds”. This cube shaped truck debuted for 1966 in rudimentary form for a mere $2400 (base model). However, it was the impressively wide (at 92-inches) wheelbase that offered serious off roading, smooth highway driving, and extreme towing capabilities in a single vehicle. Touted literally as a sports car with 4-wheel drive, the Bronco was mounted on coil springs and outfitted with a V8 engine that could literally take drivers from camping to off roading while offering the style and comfort of a family wagon. Today, this year range of Ford Bronco retails for $25k plus.
Behold the inaugural Ford F-series pickup. Think of it as the crown of America’s trucking obsession. Considering this Ford series has ranked in the best-selling for decades, many pickup truck owners are still firmly planted in the Ford camp thanks to this very vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to find a 1948 Ford F1 for sale, you can expect to pay upwards of $30K depending on condition and customizations.
Looking at this truck, there’s little wonder that it was originally designed in the early 1940’s for military purposes. However, the Dodge Power Wagon caught on in the mainstream market due to its ability to travel virtually anywhere. The impressive 4×4 capabilities of this truck was so good that it there were no revisions until it was discontinued in 1968. If you spot one, expect to pay $45k or more!
It was called the “Super” for good reason. This high-option, everyday use pickup truck boosted unique interior design with a/c, tach dash, power brakes and steering, headliners, and tilt columns. Plus, the exterior could be costoumize with special paint and trim. Find one and expect to pay up to $30k for a model in good condition with lots of options.
