Ideas & Tips — Ideas & Tips

A new study conducted by German and Danish scientists raises further questions about the possible effects of certain chemicals on human reproductive health. The researchers found that some endocrine disruptors, chemicals commonly found in everyday plastics, can undermine fertility in men. Experts have been questioning the health effects of one endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA), for years.  The researchers discovered no concrete connection between BPA and fertility. However, an earlier study found a link between BPA and miscarriages, according to a 2010 CNN report. It also stated that chemicals known as phthalates were linked to a 20 percent decline in male...

Whether it's a full-on centerpiece or a mason jar full of flowers from your garden, a flower arrangement brings a breath of fresh air into your living space, especially in the colder months when you're less likely to see flowers outside. Before you buy an expensive bouquet, consider choosing and arranging the flowers yourself. It's a relaxing creative activity that lets you match or play off of your existing decor while saving money. Here are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens and blogger Mateja Holter: First, create a grid in the opening of your vase with scotch tape, or...

Nothing is more fun than going out to eat sushi at a local restaurant, but what if you could also make your favorite sushi rolls right in the comfort of your own home? It may prove less expensive than dining out and it's also a fun activity with which to wow your friends and family members! Here are some tips to keep in mind:  Buy sushi-grade fish: It's very important that you only use sushi-grade fish when making your own rolls, which means it is safe to eat raw. Sushi enthusiast Monnie Nilsson writes in The Denver Post that you should...

We all know that a person's diet can have a dramatic effect on their longevity, but which foods are the most effective for extending the human lifespan? Nutritionists have studied the longest-lived ethnic groups in the world, including residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa (average lifespan of 81 years) and Seventh Day Adventists in the US, who outlive other Americans by an average of four years through a combination of alcohol abstinence and vegetarianism. These are some of the foods that these groups emphasize in their diets:  Fish. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, eating fish helps to prevent dangerous inflammation...

The mortar and pestle is a versatile and useful kitchen implement, but few of us actually grew up using one, so it can be a bit difficult to get into the swing of using it for cooking. Here are a few tips to help you take proper advantage of your mortar and pestle: It's not just for dry spices. Garlic, basil and other "wet" spices can also be ground into pastes or muddled in the mortar and pestle, making it a great tool for creating rubs and seasonings for meat dishes. Use it to make pesto. According to numerous cooks, the difference...