Apart from the presents, the next best thing about Christmas is the food. Everyone has their own special Christmas recipes they like to put out on the table for friends and family during the festive season. To add an interesting twist to a traditional holiday meal, here are a few unique Christmas recipes to try out. Salmon with spinach and white beans This simple Christmas recipe makes a healthy addition to any holiday meal. For this recipe you need 4 salmon fillets (each of 4 oz.), 2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon olive oil (divided), 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning, 1 garlic clove (minced), 1 can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 8 oz. fresh spinach, and lemon wedges. Preheat a boiler. Rub 2 teaspoons of olive oil on the fillets and sprinkle seafood seasoning over these. Place the fillets on a greased rack of broiler pan. Keep the rack 5 to 6 inches from heat and broil for 6-8 minutes. While the fish is broiling, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 15 to 30 seconds. Add the beans, pepper, and salt. Stir the beans until completely coated with oil. Add the spinach to this mixture and stir until wilted. Serve the broiled salmon with spinach and lemon wedges on the side. Warm Christmas punch Made from cinnamon-flavored candies, this drink is perfect for a Christmas brunch. To make this punch, you will require 1 bottle cranberry juice, 5 cans unsweetened pineapple juice, 1/3 cup Red Hots (or cinnamon-flavored candies), 1 cinnamon stick, and sugared cranberries (if needed). In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine cranberry juice, pineapple juice, cinnamon sticks, and the candies. Cover the cooker and cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours, until the candies dissolve completely. Before serving, remove the cinnamon stick. Add additional cinnamon sticks or candies if needed. Caramelized onion tarts with apples These tarts make for delightful appetizers for a Christmas party dinner. It goes well with a perfectly mixed green salad as well. The ingredients required for this include 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 medium onions (sliced), 2 red apples (cut into small pieces), kosher salt, black pepper, 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry (thawed), and ½ cup sour cream or crème fraîche. Preheat the oven to 330℉. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook the onions in the skillet until they are golden brown. Add the apples, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Place each pastry sheet on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a fork, prick the pastry sheets all over. Spread the sour cream. Put the onion-apples mixture on top and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how one feels, thinks, and behaves. Patients experience a drop in concentration levels, reduce social interactions, and may even have hallucinations. Thankfully, several treatment options help control the symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. However, those with schizophrenia must also follow a healthy nutrition plan and choose foods wisely. Here are a few foods to avoid with this mental health condition. Foods containing gluten Studies have shown a link between gluten consumption and schizophrenia. Those who have celiac disease (gluten sensitivity) in their childhood have a greater risk of developing this mental condition. And those who already have the disorder might experience an aggravation of symptoms after eating gluten-based foods. They may also suffer from poor absorption of iron and gut issues. So, it is best to keep this ingredient out of the menu by avoiding foods like bulgur wheat, bread, pasta, cereals, cakes, cookies, and crackers. The symptoms of schizophrenia are said to reduce when these are eliminated from the meal plan. Patients with gut and gastrointestinal problems also show signs of improvement. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners are commonly used in soft drinks, candy, and canned foods. Since it is an alternative to sugar, many people use it to maintain good health. But while these sweeteners are considered low in sugar, they are problematic for those with mental disorders. They can lead to headaches, seizures, anxiety, depression, learning problems, and worsen other symptoms. Therefore, patients must read food labels to determine the presence of sweeteners and choose foods accordingly. Foods with MSG Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt obtained from glutamic acid. Although the FDA has classified it as a safe ingredient, it is a type of neurotoxin that has been linked to adverse effects on cognitive functioning. It is known to over-stimulate neuron receptors, making them more active than usual. When this process is prolonged, it can weaken the neurons, leading to their destruction. This changes the levels of chemical activities in the brain, resulting in temper outbursts, panic attacks, confusion, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Since such symptoms are also usually associated with schizophrenia, patients must steer clear of MSG by avoiding potato chips, seasoning, sauces, frozen foods, and processed meats. These can affect the brain and worsen the disorder. Refined carbohydrates Who does not like pastries, pasta, and crackers? These are the go-to foods for many people to satisfy their taste buds. However, they are sources of refined carbohydrates that are not just linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiac conditions but also cognitive problems. Carbs lead to a rise and fall in insulin levels, which can worsen schizophrenia symptoms. People with mental health issues tend to crave carbohydrates, making it hard to avoid items like pasta. But such foods must be kept away as far as possible. Fruits and vegetables with pesticides While fruits and vegetables are critical to good health, one must purchase them from trustworthy sources. Farm-grown foods can be laden with pesticides, which increase the chances of developing cognitive problems over time. It may lead to anxiety, agitation, and nausea, which are also symptoms of schizophrenia. Other complications include memory impairment and difficulties in concentration. While most conventionally-grown fruits and veggies may have high pesticide content, certain items are low in pesticides. These include avocado, cabbage, pineapple, papaya, frozen sweet peas, and mangoes. Eliminating these foods from the nutrition plan helps control the symptoms of mental disorders and also improves overall health. Further, it helps reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases, the risk of which is particularly high in people with schizophrenia.

English is a language that is easy to learn and can also be convoluted at times. Learning English opens up new vistas for a person. Being one of the most-spoken languages globally, English is the medium through which a majority of the world today communicates. Businesses across the collaborate and communicate through English. It is not only useful to learn the basics of the language; a person has to know the intricacies of the English language to communicate effectively. Whether you are preparing for the IELTS test or want to enhance your English language skills, you can take up English classes from your mobile device, a smart phone, or a tablet. There are many apps available that offer English classes to learners who want to master the language on-the-go. Here are 5 popular apps that provide English classes: Duolingo: Available for Android, iOS, as well as Windows, this language learning app has a game-like platform that makes it quite interesting to learn English. The app has vocabulary, written lessons, as well as dictations that can be practiced as and when you want to. HiNative: This is a more of a communication platform than an English class app. Based on a question-answer format, this app connects non-native speakers with native speakers. It is a community through which you can communicate with other users and get your language and cultural queries answered. Memrise: Based on a flash card format, this app lets you customize your courses. It also has a feature that lets users compete with their friends to make learning English more fun and interesting. Babbel: This app is similar to Duolingo. This app has features that help to understand, speak, and write English well. The app lets users set goals as their learning progresses. Babbel uses a combination of repetitive phrases and asks learners to complete phrases as part of the learning process. Rosetta Stone: Available for iOS, Android, and Windows, this free app teaches a new language in the new language. With exercises that help to learn basic words, phrases, and sentences, this app has an immersive method that teaches English quite effectively.

Not everyone thinks it is safe to buy electronics online, and there are others who feel popular, member-based warehouse stores like Costco offer the best deals. Costco is popular for its bulk food items; however, they do house a gigantic electronics department too. This zone is well stocked with gadgets that range from your favorite video game consoles and activity trackers to televisions, headphones, and even laptops! The low-hanging price tags are another factor that makes shopping for gadgets tempting. However, is purchasing Costco laptops a good idea? Let’s review a few of the pros and cons involved when shopping for a laptop at this major retailer. A limited selection Do you know how Costco keeps their prices so low? They limit the number of items they sell. In doing this, they gain larger bulk discounts from manufacturers of all those Costco laptops you love. Shopping at Costco’s online store offers you a wider selection—five times that of walk-in stores. The funny part is, many items sitting on the shelves of the physical stores cannot be purchased online! So check in both places before picking your Costco laptops. Variable pricing Most consumers automatically assume that since it’s Costco, it’ll be cheaper. While it is true for the most part, this may not always be the case. It all depends on the product category you’re looking for. For instance, an entry-level tablet at Costco may cost the same or less elsewhere. Desktops models showcased on Costco’s online store are priced the same as that of the manufacturer’s. Budget items like low-cost Costco laptops have a very thin margin, which makes it difficult for the manufacturer to offer much of a discount to Costco and subsequently their members. Just make sure you do your research before purchasing a laptop from Costco. Amazing return policy Costco follows a very lenient return policy. All electronics, including laptops, may be returned within 90 days of purchase for a full refund that includes shipping charges. This applies to online orders that are returned to retail stores. This is one of the primary reasons why people purchase gadgets from Costco. This policy allows you to test out your notebook, check whether it works for you, and return it if it doesn’t. You should take base your decision to buy a laptop from Costco in the category it falls in. The best thing about buying from this retailer is the extended warranty, free tech support, and return policy. If shopping for gadgets is not your strong point, go to Costco. If you’re a gadget freak, try other retailers.

We as modern age humans crave for accessibility and ease of comfort more than any other commodity. In the arena of home decor and furnishing, there was a time when classic was the best-chosen factor and aspect for shopping for one's furniture. However, as the years have progressed, so has the evolution process and mind frame of the consumers. The revolution that has been a constant companion of the human race, played a fruitful role when one reviews the furniture business over the last couple of decades. Yes, the demand of the market has changed with drastic steps and yes, the steps have been more than a leap towards new designs and a new brand. However, the opportunities that have been laid out with the advent of new generation machinery and wide-view design labs, meeting the expectations of the business and doing more than that is a possibility. Lift chairs, one such commodity which has endured evolution with grace, is a prime item in the line of products showcased by today's brands. From having the age-old design of a one motor structure to having multiple motors running behind the mechanism, lift chairs have sure passed the hurdle of impressing the market and the nitpicky customers with its presence. Having known that lift chairs are defined by the movable parts in the structure that are known to increase comfort, the categories of lift chairs are dictated by the number of parts that can be altered for comfort. In terms of terminology, categories are defined as two position, three position, and infinite positions. As the respective names suggest, it depends on how many different ways the structure of the lift chair can be altered that gives the category a name. While the 2-position lift chairs can go into 15-degree recline, sitting and the up position, the 3-position lift chairs can go into the 15 and 45 degrees reclining position, as well as the up and the sitting positions. The infinite position lift chairs are the most flexible and can go from any position between the sitting position and a full recline, where the chair lies flat. With this wide array of choices on the table for the would-be customers, lift chairs have for sure made an impact on the market. From having a simple lever system to a complicated yet sleek button map for the various functions, the array of options give a choice of characteristics and by default choices of budgets to pick from.

Most of the gyms are closed due to the ongoing pandemic. Hence, it is a great idea to set up a home gym with the required equipment to maintain your fitness regime. Regardless of your living situation or budget, some fitness equipment can still be accommodated in the house.   Here is a list of some fitness equipment that you can invest in. Peloton Bike+ This is the newest bike from the brand and comes with an array of additional features from its predecessor. It comes with a large screen, which rotates 360-degree. So, it is convenient for you to follow other workouts off the bike. Further, the Bike+ also allows complete integration with the Apple Watch, and its auto resistance adjustments make it easy for you to keep in sync with the instructor’s program. Xterra Fitness TR200 Folding Treadmill In addition to an exercise bike, you also need a treadmill if you intend to start your home gym. Even though treadmills are not the most affordable fitness equipment, you can conveniently look for a reliable, affordable, and good treadmill that will cost you less than $300. However, the Xterra Fitness TR200 Folding Treadmill is pocket-friendly. It comes with a 50 X 16-inch running path, which works for people, regardless of their shapes and sizes. The cushioned deck technology accentuates impact absorption. Its speed goes from 0.5-10 mph. You can keep a tab on the distance, speed, time, and calories burnt from the LCD screen. In addition, its handlebar will track your heart rate. The treadmill comes with twelve preset programs.   Yoga Accessories Non-Slip Exercise Mat Even though it is called a yoga mat, a yoga mat is used not just for yoga. A yoga mat can ensure that the bodyweight exercises, such as core work and stretching, are comfortable. It is also an excellent surface to carry out your strength training workout. Typically, a yoga mat is affordable, and regardless of the brand you shop for, you can conveniently find one that fits your budget.   Everlast Adjustable Speed Rope If you are trying to lose weight and have limited space available, you can try one of the best forms of cardio, which is jumping rope. A skipping rope also helps better your hand-eye coordination and adds agility to the body. The one mentioned here is a product by Everlast. It has a flexible format and comes with removable handle weights if you need to add more challenges to your workout.