eco-friendly kitchen tools

eco-friendly kitchen tools

Students of the IUAV Design Faculty in Venice, Italy have been re-thinking kitchen tools. They’ve come up with some interesting concepts that, if we are lucky, will see the light of day as a manufactured product. Here are a few examples:

MISSBRICIOLA by Elisa Davi, an alternative to the household food processor that can crush grains or nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts…) and is hand-powered. Simply fill the semi-transparent silicon pouch with grain, insert the stainless steel sphere and begin pressing and rolling the pouch. The semi-transparency makes it possible to see the progress. When suitably crushed empty the grain from the pouch.

HANDMIXER by Martina Facci, another hand-powered appliance. This one replaces the electric mixer, based on the same principle as salad spinners, where a little effort yields a lot of spinning/mixing. HANDMIXER would be made of renewable and biodegradable polymer material and would in no way require electric power.

W.O.K. TO WALK by Isabella Loddo is eco-sustainable packaging for fast food. Created for street food bought and consumed outside the home, it could also be used at home in a pinch. “The product has a very intuitive shape and is designed around the keywords dynamic, economy, eco-sustainability and ergonomics.” As are all of these products.

Source: h2ovisions

how to handle office gossip

how to handle office gossip

You have already approached this person in the past about their negative comments, but they just don’t seem to understand that you don’t appreciate what they are saying about you. Depending on who this person is and where it is taking place, you may want to be very careful how you deal with the situation so that you will not look like the temperamental, angry, crazy one.
Most likely if you heard about the gossip it came from someone who doesn’t really care for this person either. Determine how significant this gossip is to your reputation by observing how other people have handled the gossip in the past. Some people may have ignored him or her, stop inviting them to events, decided to leave them out of gift exchanges, didn’t bother to acknowledge them during holidays, and conveniently left them out of news about family and friends. You have a choice of how you will handle this negative person in the future.

Some gossip may be big enough to start a firestorm of other gossip and eventually get someone fired. If you are experiencing this, here is what you need to do. Go to your boss and tell them what you have heard them say about you. Share your truth with your boss so that he or she will not assume anything about you. Remind your boss of past issues you have had with this person. If you have a Human Resources office at your workplace, write up a report and have them stick it in your file. You may want to get a mediator involved if the gossip has worsened and confront he or she spreading it.

Once you have discussed the matter with the boss, notified Human Resources, and possibly shared your truth with others, if you haven’t already, journal what has happened on which days and include a time if you can. Later, if anything else should come up about the gossip, you will appear to know what you are doing and have a solid case to stand on in front of a board. If you can get others to talk to you about their experiences with this negative person, then note what they have told you as well. They may or may not deny ever having a conversation with you later, but it will be hard for them to argue against a specific time, date and location when you both talked.

When it comes to addressing matters of gossip with family members it is better to discuss it when no one but the offender is present. You want to be respectful but firm. Always open your discussion with a statement then followed with a question. “I am aware that you have been making XYZ statement about me and would like to know why?” He or she will most likely deny ever saying anything. Allow them to speak, and then tell them, “I would appreciate it if you and anyone else in the family would come to me with a problem and not go around talking about me behind my back. If you or anyone else can’t do that, then it’s best we don’t associate with one another.” He or she may not want you to become distant, because they may be relying on you for something or they may not want to be the one talked about later for driving you away. When you approach the offender, you always have the upper hand to make things work in your favor. You may have an even better approach, but remember your goal is to come away as the bigger person.

Read more: socyberty

The Best and Worst Outfits for the Royal Wedding

The Best and Worst Outfits for the Royal Wedding

Turmoil and madness around the royal wedding is finally over. After months of trying to guess at what will be the royal bride Kate Middleton brought a solemn vow in the dress from Alexander McQueen. We suggest you look at the best and worst outfits for the royal wedding! Elegant ensemble of Victoria Beckham and her dress Philippa Middleton of the Alexander McQueen - you see them, and much more!

1. Kate Middleton
the Duchess of Cambridge. Titles it now much, but we'll give her another one: "Its absolutely wonderful majesty! His vow new Duchess of Cambridge brought in a white satin gown and lace veil from Sarah Barton out of the house Alexander McQueen. In addition, it was owned by the queen tiara from Cartier, made in 1930.

2. David and Victoria Beckham
Perhaps it was their appearance at the royal wedding was the most anticipated - except the very bride. Victoria was in a luxurious dress of his own design - dark blue, successfully hides the waist and very elegantly combined with the cap from Philip Treacy. David was more elaborate than usual, in a tailcoat and top hat.

3. Pippa Middleton
Of course, the star of the day was Kate, but her younger sister, Philippa Middleton has also become important centers of attention. She looked simply magnificent in a cream dress with V-shaped notch from Alexander McQueen. From its sun lit figures just could not take his eyes!

4. Prince William
Duke of Cambridge. Kate was wonderful, but let's not forget about her husband! Prince was in a bright scarlet form, so do not notice it was difficult. This form - the colonel's uniform, the Irish Guards, one of the honorary titles of William. Belt, epaulettes and medals - here's a majestic appearance.

5. Princess Beatrice
Very difficult to describe the construction on the head of Princess Beatrice. Because we are better to avoid the refrain. Of course, do not notice it was difficult - in a strange hat and a dress by Valentino.

6. Charlene Uittstok
Olympic swimming champion and a future princess of Monaco was luxurious and reminiscent of another celebrity of Monaco - very Grace Kelly. Charlene arrived at the royal wedding on the arm of her fiance Prince Albert, in a pale gray coat with a round collar, hat with wide brim and varnish boats.

7. Chelsea Davy
Prince Harry's girlfriend, was greenish-blue dress and jacket by Alberta Ferretti, as well as in the cap of Victoria Grant. Unfortunately, the girl seems to have forgotten to have a clock - and had no time to comb your hair.

8. Carol Middleton
Carole Middleton is quite consistent with the main requirement for any bride's mother: Do not overshadow his daughter. She arrived at Westminster Abbey in a pale blue ensemble, dress and a jacket decorated with sequins at the waist modest, charming hat, suede and boats with matching color purse.

9. Samantha Cameron
Samantha Cameron, wife of Prime Minister David Cameron, visited Westminster Abbey in a turquoise dress with short sleeves from Burberry. It is done without the cap, preferring it to a set of hairpins and necklaces by Erickson Beamon. Sandals completed the outfit for 60 dollars from Aldo.

10. Zara Phillips
The eldest granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and style icon Zara Phillips looked as usual luxury in a silver coat from Akris. None of the royal wedding is not complete without a luxurious hats, and Zara is also complemented the ensemble with leopard patterned handbag and shoes from Mary Jane.

11. Spanish Princess Letizia
Princess Letizia is always good! At the royal wedding, she wore a single color dress with lace and floral embroidery, satin pumps, and a hat with feathers and veil.

12. Princess Eugenia
While most guests were dressed with restraint, Princess Eugenie, apparently decided all cheer her appearance. She appeared in a jacket with a colorful pattern and a lush blue skirt. The fact that the royal wedding is vital to the hat, we have already mentioned. So, Princess Eugenia decided to supplement costume headdress, a la Peter Pan with pretentious rose and feather.

13. Queen Elizabeth II
All hoped that Her Majesty will be in blue, like the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana. But the Queen appeared at Westminster Abbey in a golden gown by Angela Kelly from wool crepe, suitable for the color coats, boats and a handbag.

14. Tara Palmer-Tompkinson
Tara Palmer-Tompkinson was in blue. Very blue. Very, very blue. Dress, hat, bag, gloves and shoes were the same color. Or she specifically asked the designers and the whole outfit manufactured to order, or is it long and hard to buy each item separate toilet.

15. Prince Harry
Ladies, do not worry, we have in store one more bachelor prince. And very cute! Harry was in the uniform of Captain of the Royal Horse Guards, a bright blue uniform with gold belt, cross straps and knots.

16. Princess Victoria
Swedish Princess Victoria was from head to toe in an ensemble of peach-colored - a jersey dress and a broad hat.

17. Elton John
Elton John appeared on the day a significant event is quite usual in its traditional coat, morning coat, though this time it was still a canary-colored waistcoat and bright purple tie.

How famous couples met

How famous couples met

How famous couples met. From royal weddings to stolen smooches to crossword puzzle proposals, romance is in the air. To celebrate, we're taking a look at the blissful beginnings -- some passionate, some controversial -- of several famous couples.

Barack and Michelle Obama
The president pursued the future FLOTUS after she mentored him at a law firm

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith
The Hollywood superstars met when Jada auditioned to play Will's girlfriend on his 1990s sitcom

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes
Katie and Tom began their romance in a very Hollywood way. What did she say about her future husband when she first saw the movie that helped launch his career.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi
The talk-show host left a big impression on the TV star when they first met. The two married in 2008.

Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom
The reality-show star and her NBA-playing husband met at a party, and their romance has continued on-screen ever since.

George and Laura Bush
The former president and his wife met at a cookout in Laura's hometown and went on to raise twin daughters together.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
The college sweethearts got engaged last year. See the family heirloom he gave her.

Peter Orszag and Bianna Golodryga
The media power couple met at an annual gala and got married last year. What surprising news was revealed during their engagement?

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
The parents of six, superstars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt bonded on the set of this action flick but didn't become a couple until later.

Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly
Ever since they were first spotted taking in some NCAA football action and then began dating, engagement rumors have swirled around the actress and her MLB squeeze.

David and Victoria Beckham
Fittingly, the soccer superstar met his future wife at a charity football match in their home country.

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
Country music stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw met backstage and have been on the road together ever since.

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
The Latin-music singer told the "American Idol" judge she would be his wife years before they got hitched in a surprise ceremony. They had previously briefly dated and were longtime friends.

Bill and Melinda Gates
The Microsoft founder and his wife met in 1987, shortly after she joined his company.

Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett
The reality-show stars met at a golf tournament put on by the former Playmate's much older boyfriend.

James Carville and Mary Matalin
The political odd couple -- watch them square off -- have been an item since the 1992 presidential campaign.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher
The Hollywood bombshell and her younger man met at a play in 2003 and got married in a secret ceremony two years later.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen
The star quarterback was dating this actress when he met the Brazilian supermodel.

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez
The Disney actress shared with David Letterman the story of how she met herteen-pop-sensation boyfriend.

Most Visited National Parks

Most Visited National Parks

 Most Visited National Parks
In 2010, more than 281 million people visited America's 58 national parks, according to the National Park Service. To celebrate National Park Week, scroll through our slideshow highlighting the natural beauty preserved within the 10 most visited parks -- as well as the hidden gems that draw the fewest visitors.

Acadia National Park

On the North Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park spans more than 47,000 acres, which includes the sixth largest island in the continental U.S.A wealthy philanthropist demonstrated his fondness for the park by creating numerous carriage trails.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: State | Nearest city | Other city


Situated between two urban areas, Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves nearly 33,000 acres . The park has an emphasis on rural living along an important river that became infamous for an environmental disaster

Grand Canyon National Park

Location: State | Nearest town

Most visitors observe Grand Canyon National Park from its South Rim entrance. At more than 1.2 million acres , the park's main attraction -- the Grand Canyon -- is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

Grand Teton National Park

Location: State | Nearest town


Named for the tallest peak in the mountain range, Grand Teton National Parkcovers more than 309,000 acres . A famous family donated its long-owned dude ranch for a park preserve

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Location: State 1 | State 2 | Nearest city

An isolated valley and hiking are the main attractions at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans two states. The park, which is part of an impressive mountain range, covers more than 520,000 acres

Olympic National Park
No. 6 most visited: 2.84 million people | Formed: June 29, 1938
Location: State | Nearest city

With mountains, rain forests and coastlines, Olympic National Park contains more than 922,000 acres . The park shelters old-growth forests

Rocky Mountain National Park

Location: State | Nearest city

Spanning more than 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park shelters some of the most impressive mountain views in the nation . The park also contains the Continental Divide

Yellowstone National Park

Location: State 1 | State 2 | State 3 | Nearest town

Spanning three states, Yellowstone National Park is more than 2.2 million acres and has one of the highest-altitude lakes in North America. The oldest national park, it shelters a famous geyser and a native herd

Yosemite National Park
No. 3 most visited: 3.9 million people | Formed: Oct. 1, 1890
Location: State | Nearest town

Roughly the size of this mid-Atlantic state, Yosemite National Park covers more than 761,000 acres. The park is famous for its mountain range, giant Sequoia groves and lava waterfalls

Zion National Park
No. 8 most visited: 2.666 million people | Formed: Nov. 19, 1919
Location: State | Nearest town

Situated at the junction of a major plateau, watershed and desert, Zion National Park spans more than 146,000 acres .Among the park's natural wonders is Zion Canyon, including a major hiking destination