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The Hottest Hair Style Trends

December 27, 2012 by

Tired of the same old ponytail? Check out these fun, trendy ways to give your locks a new look. Chances are you might just see some of these styles worn around Fort Detrick Homes.

French Twist
Classic style is all over 2012 fashion, so why not match it with a classic hairstyle? Wear the twist tight or loose depending on the occasion, and then match the beautiful look with your favorite accessory to keep this updo in its proper place.

Side Part
Whatever your hair length, the side part is a great look for 2012. Compatible with all of the year's fashion trends and wonderfully simple, the side part is an easy go-to for those times when you want to look great but don't have a ton of time to burn on a more complicated look.

Looped Under Ponytails
Fold and loop a ponytail under for this fun, easy, and casual look. It's a great look for women with long hair that's on the straighter end of the spectrum, and is a great match to almost any of your outfits this season.

Wet Hair
The low-maintenance glistening look is killer. Not only can it have a wonderfully innocent, youthful look about it, but that just-washed look can look incredibly sophisticated when paired with the write wardrobe and make-up.

Big Blowouts
For some extra volume and drama go for this bouncy, full look. It's extremely elegant and easy to create – for gorgeous richness, all you have to do is apply a hefty dollop of mousse to your hair, put it into pin curls, and then tousle it all out afterwards.

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Perfect Paper: Five DIY Stationery Ideas

December 13, 2012 by

Personalized stationery is a great way to add a little fun to a letter or note, and there are some things you just can’t do over e-mail. If you’re the crafty type, it’s easy and fun to make your own stationery. Here are five great ideas to get you started at home at Fort Detrick Homes.

For a really unique stationery presentation, take heavy, colored paper and embroider designs and shapes on them. Use bright, colorful thread and create a captivating design for a special note. Or just stitch a decorative border along one side of the paper.

Rubber stamps are also a great way to give a little visual interest to stationery. You can use a variety of ink or paints, but one really attractive method is using embossing powder and a hard surface to give your project a classy look.

One nice way to kick plain note cards up a notch is by using vintage fabric or wallpaper on the outside. Use Wonder-Under or another sheet glue to attach them, then add decorative stitching around the outside.

One clever way to add a little visual style to stationery is by making a pinhole pattern in the paper. Print out a template and then punch out holes every few centimeters – not enough to rip the paper, but just enough to communicate your design.

Block printing is a great way to add a decorative border or backing to stationery. You can use several different patterns for a more complex look, or just stick with simple geometric designs.

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Awesome Free Apps!

November 29, 2012 by

We all love how fun and useful phone apps are, but all those $2.99 charges can really add up! Below we’ve compiled a list of the best free apps so that you can stock-up your phone without emptying your wallet.

The Weather Channel
A weather app is a must-have on any phone. It provides you with the most relevant, up-to-date and timely weather info around!

Facebook
This social media platform has become our lifeline – connecting us with family and friends. Enjoy all the features of Facebook on-the-go with their awesome app. Also, they update it frequently, so you’re always getting a slew of new features.

Stanza
Are you a book lover? Then this app is for you. This free app enables you to download titles from various sources – many of which are free as well!

Dropbox 
Have all of your documents at your fingertips. Though there are a lot of content management systems out there, Dropbox is free and super easy to use. Just download the free software and “drop” items into it that you wish to share across your devices.

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Four Crafts to Get Crafting!

November 21, 2012 by

Crafting is having quite a resurgence, and many are forgoing TV time to work on homespun projects. If you’re looking for a new hobby, check out this list of crafts that offer productive and fun ways to spend your leisure time.

-        Knitting is one of the most popular craft hobbies today. The supplies are inexpensive and very portable – you can easily carry your yarn and needles in your purse and take them out whenever you have time. You can also work on projects in short periods of time, like during a commute or while in a waiting room.

-        Origami is an ancient and lovely crafting choice. The Japanese art of folded paper can make some awesome shapes if you keep at it. An inexpensive hobby, all you really need are square sheets and instructions. 

-        Quilting has become increasingly recent years, as people are recognizing the artistic expression possible in these traditional blankets. Though it's not portable, the end product can be spectacular and very useful.

-        Screen printing is now easier than ever to do at home. You can purchase a one-piece kit at a craft store that lets you expose an image, burn a screen, and print on paper, fabric, or other materials quickly and easily. This simple method is loads of fun and makes great gifts for family and friends.

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Best TV Shows on DVD

November 15, 2012 by

With all the programming options available on TV, it's sometimes hard to keep up. Luckily, many TV series now have complete seasons on DVDs so you can enjoy them at your leisure at home at Fort Detrick Homes. Here are some of the best shows from the last decade that you might have missed:

Veronica Mars
On the surface, this show can seem silly as a teenage girl tackles mysteries as an unlicensed private detective. But, the show far exceeded its somewhat corny premise to become a dark and complex examination of high school life.

Lost
One of the biggest hits of recent years, this ABC series had people all over the world speculating about the mysteries of its strange island. Some say that last season was a bit disappointing, but despite that, this series found countless fans.

The Shield
This gritty police drama originally aired on FX. Vic Mackey and his “strike team” of corrupt cops try to work both sides of the law in Los Angeles, making for incredibly gripping television. Be warned, this show is not for the squeamish.

Mad Men
This AMC show is still on the air, but there’s no time like the present to catch up with it. Chronicling the trials and tribulations of an advertising agency, the show has won legions of fans and several awards with impressive acting and smart scripts that truly capture the tumultuous 1960s. 

Arrested Development
Despite its chronically low-ratings, this Fox sitcom was hailed to be one of the smartest shows on TV. If offers great performances from stars Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, and David Cross.

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How to Cook Tilapia

November 8, 2012 by

Fish is low in fat, high in essential nutrients and goes well with a variety of ingredients. It's truly one of the best protein sources out there, but the one drawback is that it can be pricey. Luckily, there are some fish options that can be substituted in if you're working with a budget. When you shop, look for tilapia. It's an inexpensive freshwater fish that can be used in a number of delicious, simple recipes. Here are some great ways to prepare it, right in your kitchen at Fort Detrick Homes.

-          Pan-frying tilapia is a great way to cook the fish since its durable flesh stands up well to high heat. Coat the exterior with a crust of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper and cook it quickly in oil over high heat so it cooks through while creating a crispy coating.

-          Tilapia blackens extremely well and is a staple in Southern cooking. To blacken the fish, coat it in butter and Cajun seasoning. Cook in a cast iron skillet until the outside darkens. When it's done, serve with a spicy mayonnaise on French bread for a great sandwich.

-          Tilapia is also excellent for a fresh ceviche. Squeeze citrus, such as limes, into a large bowl and completely submerge the fish in the juice, then refrigerate. The citric acid will essentially “cook” the fish, bringing out amazing flavors. Serve with a salsa fresca comprised of chopped tomatoes, onions, and peppers.

-          This fish also works well for fish tacos. Cook the filets quickly in a nonstick skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper until the flesh becomes flaky. Serve with soft tortillas and pair with avocado, mango, and green onions. Use a pico de gallo salsa for dipping.

-          Since it's a hearty fish, tilapia also holds up exceptionally well on the grill. Season it with lemon butter and capers and serve over rice pilaf, couscous, or pasta.

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Enjoy These Seasonal Fruits And Veggies!

October 25, 2012 by

As spring arrives, gardens are alive with new shoots, and, believe it or not, it's never too early to begin the harvest. The spring fruit and vegetable season adds tons of exciting new options to your cooking. Below are some of the best fresh fruits and vegetables to consider cooking at home at Fort Detrick Homes.

Asparagus is one of the most eagerly anticipated new crops every spring. When picked fresh, it’s fragrant and extremely delicious, and cooking it is incredibly simple. You can steam it, roast it, saute it, or even grill it. All it needs is a little salt, pepper and olive oil for its natural flavor to truly shine.

Garlic shoots are an unusual but remarkable spring harvest. Before the white garlic bulb that you are familiar with develops, the plant grows a large, green shoot, also called a “scape.” This has a flavor similar to the bulb but much milder, and it’s great for spring soups.

Spring is also the best time to harvest new potatoes. Although potatoes can stay in the ground through the summer and well into the late fall, harvesting them early keeps the skin from thickening, making for sweet, tender spuds that cook quickly and burst with fresh flavor.

In terms of fruit, one of the best bounties every spring is the cherry harvest. Cherries start growing in the middle of the season, and are best if eaten quickly after harvesting for the optimal flavor.

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Four Great Fashion Websites

October 18, 2012 by

The web's a great resource for fashion ideas of all kinds, and these four sites offer frequent snapshots of what's hot in the world of fashion:

Pinterest – A virtual bulletin board, Pinterest allows you to “pin,” group and share any image found on the web. This wonderful resource covers a lot more than fashion, but there is a large community on the site that centers around just that. Best of all, you can browse other people’s pinboards for style inspiration.

The Sartorialist – This active blog features up to the minute photos of designer collections, street fashion, and vintage fashion photos. While it also features women’s fashion, it also has a strong emphasis on designs for men.

Polyvore – This site features a large user-created database of hot looks from around the web. Users can combine these items into outfits and then share them however they choose. Best of all – if you see something you like, want, or need, you can click on it to purchase.

Frugal Fashionista – This site’s intrepid staff searches out the thriftiest ways to recreate celebrity looks, breaking them down piece by piece and then finding low-cost versions at popular retailers. Get ready to shop!

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Great Styling Tools For Your Hair

October 4, 2012 by

If you're looking for ways to revamp your hair style, these beauty tools are a must-have. Check out our list, and see what new items you might want to have at home at Fort Detrick Homes to include in your beauty routine.

Elastic Helpers
Nobody wants to have a bad hair day, but they inevitably come around for everyone. When they do, be prepared with some nice elastics that won't damage your hair as you're getting it out of the way.

The Shower Cap
Shower caps are one of the most under-rated "tools" out there. For those days when you aren't shampooing, the shower cap is invaluable to protect your hair. By finding a cap with a good fit, you'll be protecting yourself from the shower's humidity and doing a lot to maintain your hair's health.

A Good Brush
Since you probably use a brush or comb almost every day, you should be sure to get a good one. A high quality brush can go a long way in maintaining your hair health. By investing in a better one, you'll be doing a lot to prevent hair breakage and hair loss.

Flat Iron
Increasingly popular in the past few years, flat irons are great for women sick of muscling their way to straight hair with a brush and a dryer. Straighten your hair with less effort by picking up a flat iron, and make your hair and arm muscles both a little happier.

Ceramic Heating
Whether you're using a curling wand or rollers, ceramic heating works great while minimizing the abuse that your hair undergoes. Your hair will dry quickly, and you'll be helping to fight frizz and heat damage at the same time.

Incorporate these tools into your routine, and you're locks will look fabulous in no-time-flat!

 

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Famous Cartoon Characters

September 27, 2012 by

Throughout the long history of animation, there have been countless fun and charming characters, but to make the short list of the very best is a challenge. Here are some of the most famous and influential cartoon characters:

Mickey Mouse
This one's a no-brainer. Walt Disney had explored the world of animated shorts several times before he made Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse's first appearance, and once he drew those iconic ears, he saw that he had something truly special.

Bugs Bunny
Bugs was first created by Tex Avery and the other animators at Warner Brothers. Compared to Disney's characters, Bugs was a sassy, fast-paced alternative. His much-loved shorts defined the feel and look of American animation for years.

Fred Flintstone
This Hanna-Barbera classic opened the door for animation during prime time. The Flinstones took inspiration from The Honeymooners, and transported the themes back to prehistoric times.

Bart Simpson
The Simpsons, Matt Groening’s long-running prime time cartoon, has become one of the world’s universal cultural touchstones. And, the wise-cracking Bart fits perfectly in the lineage of characters we’ve established here.

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