Blog Posts

How to Organize Your Fridge for Food Safety

Having an organized refrigerator not only makes you feel great every time you open the door, it saves time when you're trying to get a meal put together, can help you eliminate food waste, and ensures you’re storing your food safely. Follow these tips to have an organized fridge and make sure you’re storing your food properly. Use Your Crisper Drawers Correctly There's a reason your refrigerator has separate drawers! While many of us tend to just throw whatever we want in the different drawers, using them properly helps to keep your produce fresh for longer. Designate one of your crisper drawers for the low-humidity setting. Store produce that tends to rot in this drawer. This includes fruits and veggies that emit an ethylene gas, like apples and pears, because the open window on a low-humidity drawer gives those gases a chance to escape ! The second drawer should be designated as the high-humidity drawer. Store your leafy greens, like arugula, spinach, and herbs in this drawer. By having the window closed, water vapor is held in the drawer and the moisture keeps the greens crisper and fresher longer. Fill Your Fridge to the Right Capacity Your fridge runs most efficiently and keeps food the freshest when it's between 60 percent and 70 percent full. If it's too full, not only will everything not receive proper airflow, but your refrigerator must also work extra hard to keep things cold. If a fridge is too empty, it has only air to keep cool, and air doesn't retain the cold as well as actual food and drink items. If your refrigerator has too much inside, it's time for a purge ! If you need to fill it up, just add a few jugs of water to help retain the cool temperature until your next grocery store trip. Put Non-Perishables in the Door The door is the warmest part of your fridge and the spot in which the temperature can fluctuate the most, so it's best to keep non-perishables on the shelves in the door. Things like condiments won’t go bad quickly, so they're perfect for the door. Something that’s not meant for the fridge door? Eggs! Store them in the main body instead . Place Perishables Near the Front You know that saying, "Out of sight, out of mind"? It's way too easy to forget about perishables when they’re hidden in the back of your fridge. Instead, put the things you want to eat first front and center where everyone can see them. This will remind your family to use the perishables first and help prevent unnecessary food waste. Store Meats and Seafoods on the Bottom To reduce the risk of meats contaminating other foods in your fridge, store them at the bottom in case of leaks. Make sure to only store uncooked meat in the fridge for one or two days before cooking or freezing. Know When to Dispose of Leftovers Knowing when to dispose of certain foods is crucial to keeping your household safe from foodborne illnesses. Use this chart to help decide whether to keep or toss your leftovers. Following these simple rules and tips will help ensure that your fridge stays neat and organized all year round and ensure food safety, and eliminate food waste!

How to Have the Best Baltimore Staycation | Summer 2021

Desperately need a vacation, but don’t have the time or budget to get away? Or maybe you’re just not ready to travel? Enter the staycation! What’s a staycation? Staycation comes from the combination of two words, “stay” and “vacation,” literally staying at home and participating in leisure activities without leaving your house, or at least without traveling too far. If you’re into the idea of a staycation this year but aren’t sure what to do, we’ve created a list with a few staycation ideas that will help you make the best of your time. But, before we get started, many people think that staying close to home or staying at home cannot consider a holiday, but this is not true at all! Staycations are a type of holiday and are extremely useful when one has a tight budget, or when travel restrictions are in place. Considered your staycation like a proper vacation: disconnect your phone, don’t set up your alarm clock, don’t bother reading office news. And make sure you treat yourself to experiences you would gladly make also if you were abroad. Now that that’s out of the way, here are some of our best tips for creating a truly fun, relaxing, and memorable staycation: Play the Role of a B-more Tourist Photo: Audrey's Art for the Ages Baltimore is home to over 200 neighborhoods , each with their own personality and experience. If there’s one you haven’t spent enough time exploring, go check it out! Try one of the many authentic Italian cafes and eateries in Little Italy , take a cake decorating class at Charm City Cakes in Remington, or enjoy the green spaces and architecture of Roland Park. Baltimore also has some of the best museums in the country, but when was the last time you actually got to visit one of them? Check out the largest Henri Matisse collection in the world at the Baltimore Museum of Art , challenge the notion of what it means to be an artist at the American Visionary Art Museum , or celebrate the soul of African American history and culture at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum . Go on a Local Hike Photo: sonna-like-donna no Alltrails.com Within just a few miles of Baltimore, outdoor lovers can find forests, lakes, canyons, and more! Hiking near Baltimore is a wonderful way to experience nature and get your blood flowing without traveling too far from home. Some of our favorite nearby trails include the Merryman’s Mill Trail at Loch Raven Reservoir, the Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls , and Ellicott City’s Trolley Trail . Book a Spa Day Photo: @FourSeasonsHotelBaltimore on Facebook If you’re looking for something luxurious and pampering, book a sol-to-go treatment at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. Your moment of relaxation will begin with a 60-minute Swedish massage, then you can indulge yourself poolside with a complimentary 3-hour pass at the hotel’s outdoor rooftop infinity pool. If you’re looking for a bit of pampering that’s a bit more budget-friendly, About Faces offers an incredible range of services and has multiple locations throughout Baltimore! Have a Picnic in the Park Photo: @CharmCityPicnic.co on Facebook Services like Charm City Picnic will do the heavy work of planning your picnic for you! You just pick your location, package and add-ons and they will take care of the rest so all you have to do is show up. Of course, you can always go the old-school, money-saving route and do it yourself. There are tons of great picnic spots in Baltimore . Spend a Night in a Hotel Photo: @ivyhotelbaltimore on Facebook Let’s face it: part of the fun of a vacation is staying in a hotel. Just because you’re not leaving your hometown for your staycation doesn’t mean you can’t book a hotel room for a night or two. Whether you’re looking for luxury amenities like an infinity hot tub, limo service, or a rooftop bar, these Baltimore hotels are sure to deliver. Visit an Amusement Park Photo: @SixFlagsAmerica on Facebook There are several great amusement parks , like Six Flags and Adventure Park USA in MD or very nearby. There are also great water parks to help you beat the heat while enjoying water slides, private cabana rentals, lazy rivers and more. Hit the Beach Photo: @OceanCity on Facebook One of the many perks of living in Maryland is easy access to the beach. And even if you don’t want to make a week of it, a day trip to Ocean City, Maryland is totally doable for Baltimore residents! Do some fishing , treat yourself to some Boardwalk Fries and salt water taffy, or hit a few balls at one of OC’s many mini golf courses . Of course, you can always pack your own snacks and umbrella and just enjoy the day sunbathing, building castles and splashing in the waves. There are also many great smaller, more local beaches new Baltimore so you can still enjoy the sun and sand while avoiding the travel, crowds, and costs of OC. Hit the Pool If you’re looking for some water fun, you obviously don’t have to travel all the way to the beach or water park! Lucky for you, you can always enjoy a day at The Fox Building 's community pool! Host a Movie Night Photo: @grandrotunda on Facebook Have a movie marathon at home , whether it’s just for yourself or open to friends and family. Make sure to complete your movie night is with snacks, of course! You can also catch classic films and family favorites on the big screen at these outdoor movie spots in Baltimore . Treat Yourself Photo: @PrigelFamilyCreamery on Facebook Did you know there’s such a thing as an Ice Cream Trail? The 2021 Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail features 10 on-farm creameries across the state that produce and sell their ice cream directly to consumers. The trail stretches more than 290 miles from Washington County in the west to Worcester County in the east. The purpose of the trail is to increase the public’s understanding of dairy farming and to highlight the important contributions of Maryland’s 325 dairy farms. We hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for your own Baltimore staycation. Remember: just because you’re not traveling abroad or maybe even leaving the house doesn’t mean you’re not on vacation! Remember to unplug, relax, and indulge the same way you would during a traditional vacation.

15 Tips for Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are everywhere: the straw in our iced coffee, the plastic bags we use to carry our takeout home, the shampoo bottle on our shower rack. What’s more, they’re so ubiquitous—and so quickly thrown out—that they hardly register in our minds. But what is the actual cost of this prioritization of convenience over durability? The answer is pretty scary. Each year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic waste – with 8 million tons ending up in our oceans . Beyond that, microplastics in farm soils is a growing concern and is an overall threat to global human health . Not to mention, they are a contributing factor to climate change . With all that we know about the dangerous implications of our single-use plastic habit, many people are making more environmentally-conscious choices when it comes to our consumer habits. If you want to join in the fight against single-use plastic pollution, here are some tips to get started! Stop using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If a straw is a must, purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass straw . Use a reusable produce bag. A single plastic bag can take 1,000 years to degrade . Purchase or make your own reusable produce bag and be sure to wash them often! Give up gum. Did you know chewing gum creates more than 100,00 tons of plastic pollution each year. Purchase food, like cereal, pasta, and rice from bulk bins and fill a reusable bag or container. You save money and unnecessary packaging. Reuse containers for storing leftovers or shopping in bulk. Use a reusable bottle or mug for your beverages, even when ordering from a to-go shop. Some of them even offer a bring-your-own-cup discount ! Use matches instead of disposable plastic lighters or invest in a refillable metal lighter. Avoid buying frozen foods because their packaging is mostly plastic. Even those that appear to be cardboard are coated in a thin layer of plastic. Plus you'll be eating fewer processed foods! Don't use plasticware at home and be sure to request restaurants do not pack them in your take-out box. Use cloth diapers to reduce your baby's carbon footprint and save money . Make fresh squeezed juice or eat fruit instead of buying juice in plastic bottles. It's healthier and better for the environment. Make your own cleaning products that will be less toxic and eliminate the need for multiple plastic bottles of cleaner. Pack your lunch in reusable containers and bags. Also, opt for fresh fruits and veggies and bulk items instead of products that come in single serving cups. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a disposable razor. Skip the receipt. Thermal paper used for things like store receipts, movie tickets, and boarding passes are coated with measurable levels of BPA. We’ve a long way to go before plastic-free living becomes commonplace, but by making these simple switches in our daily life and refusing single use plastic where we can, we can each do our part to get one step closer. What switches have you made to eliminate single-use plastics from your life? Let us know in the comments!

Tips for Keeping Your Pet Safe During Summer

For many of us, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. With events returning , restrictions being lifted and many of us feeling ready and eager to start getting back to some semblance of our pre-COVID-19 life, travel is rebounding this year and people are looking forward to all the fun in the sun that summer brings. But while the warm weather may feel especially great this year, it is important to remember that our furry friends feel temperatures differently than we do and remember to take special care to keep them safe in the summer heat. By following the simple pet safety tips below, you will ensure that your pet keeps cool and safe in the summer months ahead: Never Leave a Pet in a Parked Vehicle The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. That means, even on a 70-degree day, a pet that has been inside a vehicle for an hour is being exposed to 110ºF heat. Animals left in vehicles are at serious risks of discomfort, illness and even death . Responsible animal lovers can do their part to help pets in danger : if you see a distressed dog inside a parked car on a warm day, immediately call your local animal control or law enforcement for help. Avoid Midday Outdoor Activities You may want to adjust your pet’s activities to avoid midday sweltering temps during the summer. Instead, take your pet outdoors during the early morning or late evening, which tend to be a bit cooler, to avoid overheating. Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. If it is too hot for you to go barefoot, it is too hot for your pet. Be Aware of the Signs of Heat Stroke Even if taking every precaution, know the signs of heat stroke, which can include excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, lethargy, stumbling, and vomiting. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat stroke, you should seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible. You can provide some immediate treatment by moving the pet to a cool spot, submerging them in a tub of cool (but not icy) water and allowing them to take small drinks of cool water. Even after your pet has cooled and is no longer showing signs of heat stroke, it is still important to seek veterinary care immediately. Pets’ organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and the brain, are all affected by extreme body temperature elevation. It is best to have a veterinarian examine your pet to assess potential health complications and ensure that other risks are not overlooked. Keep Your Pet Well-Groomed A matted coat traps in heat , so keep up with your pet’s grooming schedule during the summer. Also resist the temptation to shave off your pet’s hair to keep him cool. Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned . Keep Your Dog Away from Fireworks The summer holidays also mean lots of fireworks displays. However, all dog owners will already know that the noise, smell, flashes of light and unpredictability of fireworks leaves our pets anxious and scared . Never bring a dog to a firework show, and make sure they are indoors during scheduled displays. Before any local fireworks show, set up an area in a quiet space away from windows so that your pet can’t hear or see the fireworks. Use a crate if that is where your dog feels safe, and make sure to provide your pup with familiar toys and treats. Make Sure Your Pet Has Proper ID More pets go missing during the Independence Day holiday than during any other time of the year. If you can’t be home with your pet during fireworks displays, it’s especially important to make sure their ID is up-to-date , and know what to do if your microchipped pet goes missing . The summer months are filled with fun times for you and your furry friends, but keep in mind their safety. With these precautions, you will ensure your pet keeps cool (and safe) all summer long!

Our Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes

It seems every home chef is talking about their air fryer or Instant Pot these days, but we’re still in love with our life-saving slow cookers! Slow cookers are great for so many reasons: they use less electricity than your oven, they fill your home with the wonderful aroma of whatever you are cooking, they bring out flavors beautifully and they are huge time savers! For these reasons and more, we turn to our slow cookers regularly. Here are some of our favorite tried-and-true recipes! Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken & Veggies This recipe ticks all the boxes – it is flavorful, super easy to make, budget-friendly and family-friendly. When you’ve got a busy day ahead of you, throw the ingredients in your slow cooker, cook on low and come home to an amazing meal. Get the recipe here . Balsamic & Honey Pot Roast This slow cooker recipe is made using chuck roast, which when cooked low and slow, becomes so tender and flavorful. Another set-it-and-forget-it recipe, this pot roast is also a great make-ahead meal. When you are doing your meal planning and prep, throw the ingredients into a freezer bag together, then pull them out when you are ready to cook! Get the recipe here . Crockpot Chicken Fajitas No need to fire up the oven or the grill; the slow cooker does all the work for this chicken fajita recipe! We love serving the fajitas in a flour tortilla with white rice, but you can also use it for quesadilla, nachos, salad, or burrito. Get the recipe here . Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup What is it about chicken noodle soup that we find so comforting? Maybe it’s the warm broth, the serotonin-boosting tryptophan , or the nostalgia of being served the good-for-the-soul concoction as children. Whatever it is, chicken noodle soup tastes even better when its homemade, and this crockpot recipe makes the already simple recipe even easier. Get the recipe here . Crockpot Swedish Meatballs We will say it – these crockpot Swedish meatballs are better than Ikea’s! Served over egg noodles and with a side of green beans, this is the ultimate comfort meal. The recipe is made using frozen meatballs, so it is easy to make. It is also a terrific crowd-pleaser. Even your pickiest eaters will love these meatballs. Get the recipe here . Crockpot Apple Dump Cake What would a list of favorite recipes be without dessert? This crockpot apple dump cake recipe is per- fection. Whether served hot or cold, topped or plain, this dessert will become your new favorite. The apple and cinnamon flavors make it great for fall, but you will love it all year round. Do you love your slow cooker as much as we do? What is your favorite slow cooker recipe? Let us know in the comments!

6 Easy Ways to Meet Your Step Goal

Whether it is a smartphone, smart watch, or pedometer, it seems everyone has at least one device that tracks their activity these days. If you’re the owner of one of these step-counting devices, you’ve probably been told that you should be taking 10,000 steps a day . You’ve probably also realized that a daily step goal isn’t one-size fits all , and (hopefully with the help of a physician), set a step goal that is more tailored to you and your lifestyle. Regardless of how many steps you aim to take each day, The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week . Spread out over a week, that equals out to about 30-40 minutes per day. The benefits of this regular movement include a lower risk of heart disease, better bone health, less chronic health conditions, better sleep and so much more! Walking is the easiest way to accomplish the minimum standard of exercise that the AHA has set for the average adult, so here are 6 ways to meet your daily step goal – whatever it may be! Hop on the Treadmill The easiest and most convenient way to get a bunch of steps completed is by using a treadmill, which you’ll find in The Fox Building's 24-hour fitness center! If walking in one place sounds extremely dull, try listening to a podcast or audiobook , calling a friend, or watching tv to pass the time! Park further away When you venture out to the store, office, or any other destination, pick a parking spot that is a little further away from the entrance. Go on a hike Outdoor activities have become a popular pastime during the coronavirus pandemic , and for good reason. Hiking does wonders for your body and your mind , and it is a fun way to get your exercise in while spending time with friends, family, or your pet! Thankfully, gorgeous hikes near Baltimore abound, and many of them are dog-friendly ! Take breaks Breaks from work are beyond important . If you sit at a desk all day, make sure to spend a few minutes each hour to walking around the parking lot, climbing a flight of stairs, or strolling around the block. Not only will these short breaks make your body feel less stressed, less tense, and more flexible, but your mind will benefit from these short breaks and you will come back refreshed and ready to go. Walk while you binge The next time you binge-watch The Queen’s Gambit or Bridgerton, use that time wisely and get some steps in ! Be Less Efficient When tackling daily or weekly chores, it’s tempting to be as efficient as possible to get it over with sooner. If you’re trying to meet a step goal; however, chores are the perfect way to sneak in a few extra steps. When you are loading the washing machine, bring a few armfuls at a time so that you must walk back and forth several times. If you have kids or pets and you need to clean up their toys, grab one at a time and put it back where it belongs before going back for the next one. We hope these tips and hacks give you some inspiration and help you towards achieving your daily fitness goals! However you choose to get your American Heart Association recommended 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity each week, remember to have fun while doing it!