The Multiple Personalities of Coffee infographic MAY 2013

Ohh, coffee drinkers. It’s amazing what people will go through to get their daily dose of caffeine. I’ve worked as a barista on and off for a few years now, and I couldn’t agree more with today’s infographic on the categorization of coffee consumers.

We had our regulars at the cafe–The fake breasted soccer moms who wanted their no fat, no foam, skinny vanilla lattes with exactly three Equals and one Sweet and Low. Angsty middle school skateboarders, who had nothing to do except order extra-large Caramel Frappuccinos, until they were sick to their stomachs, and trash our coffee shop. Fast-talking business guys, who could barely stop speaking long enough to tell us their drink order, who also winked an uncomfortable amount. Shy, bookish high school students, who didn’t care what was in their coffee, just as long as they could hide out from their parents and school for awhile. And then there was my favorite: a tall, white-haired old man, with a wizard’s beard, named Walt, who always ordered a decaf, no-whip, mocha, and got so absorbed in whatever he brought to read that day, that he’d frequently lose track of time, and exclaim, “You’re closing already?!”

A comic collection of characters pass in and out of coffee shops everyday, and the drink you order may say something about the kind of person you are. But don’t take coffee so seriously! However you order your cup of joe–personally, I like mine black–I think you will find that it goes perfectly with today’s infographic.

What Your Coffee Says About You infographic JULY 2013

The other day I was out with some friends to watch the final game between the Spurs and the Heat.  After the game ended–tragically–I went outside to grab us a table.  That was when a guy came up to talk to me. He asked me if I would get tea with him sometime.  I don’t usually judge people by their brand of pick-me-up, but I did this time.  I simply told him I was more of a coffee drinker myself, and the conversation ended there.  But then I started to think about my dream guy, and I quickly came to the conclusion that my dream guy drinks his coffee black.

While this infographic is really just for fun, I do think that the type of coffee you drink says a lot about your personality.  For example, I was driving to my house this morning, and I passed a drive-thru Starbucks.  Should I stop and get something? Yes, I should.  You could just make coffee at home–yeah, but I don’t know if there is enough time.  And I want something fancy like a cappuccino–a cappuccino is kinda expensive…  I could just get a regular coffee to go.  Then I might as well make coffee at home.  It’s raining today, maybe a chai latte would be nice…  Again, too expensive.  This would be the third day in a row you went to Starbucks; you can’t make a habit out of it.  So on and so forth went my thought process till I had passed the Starbucks.  Now I am drinking a cup of black coffee from my coffee pot at home.

Edible Mushrooms infographic JULY 14 2013 vedat şafak yamı

Agaricus (white mushroom, button mushroom):  Widely available; varies in color from white to light brown and in size from small to jumbo stuffer; plump and dome-shaped; pleasing flavor intensifies when cooked. Mature Agaricus with open veils have an intensely rich taste. Agaricus is quite versatile, being excellent for use both raw and cooked. Also available canned and dried.

Chanterelle (girolle):  Vase-shaped; ranging in color from bright yellow to orange; nutty and delicate flavor and texture; expensive when fresh; also available dried and canned. Add late in the cooking process to avoid toughening. Use in salads, sauces and risottos.

Crimini (Italian brown):  Naturally dark cap that ranges in color from light tan to rich brown; rich, earthy flavor is more intense than that of the Agaricus. Substitute for button mushrooms to add a more full-bodied flavor.

Shiitake (oak mushroom; Chinese black mushroom; forest mushroom; golden oak):  ranging in color from tan to dark brown; characterized by broad, umbrella shaped caps up to ten inches in diameter, wide open veils and tan gills; rich, full-bodied flavor, almost steak-like, with a meaty texture when cooked. These are best when cooked in almost any method, particularly sautéing, broiling and baking. Remove stems before cooking but reserve them for soup stocks.

Oyster:  Fluted cap resembles a fan; ranging in color from a soft beige brown to gray; can be eaten raw in salads but more often this mushroom is cooked to bring out its delicate flavor and velvety texture. Some say this mushroom has a faint oyster-like or seafood flavor, to match its likeness in shape to oysters.

Enoki (enokitake; enokidake; snow puff mushrooms; golden mushrooms; velvet stem):  Long stems and tiny, snow-white caps; small white mushrooms are joined at the base and resemble bean sprouts; light and mild, almost fruity, flavor with a crisp texture. Also available canned. Before using, cut away from the communal base. Use in sandwiches, salads and as garnishes. If you use them in a cooked dish, add at the last possible moment as heat toughens enoki. vedat şafak yamı Portabello/Portabella:  Largest of the commercially available mushrooms with a tan/brown cap, it's the mature version of the crimini. Its popularity derives from a brilliant marketing campaign in the 1980's to sell these perceived "over-mature" common mushrooms. Its long growing cycle gives a deep, meat-like flavor, and substantial texture. They are good whole, sliced, grilled, baked, stir-fried and deep-fried. Be sure to trim off the dry, fibrous portion of the stem.

Porcini (cepes; boletes; boletus; steinpilze; singular tense: porcino):  Resembles the traditional fairytale toadstool; weighing from a couple of ounces to a pound each with caps from one to ten inches in diameter; smooth, meaty texture; pungent in flavor; pale brown color; very expensive; many general cooking uses. Also available dried. vedat şafak yamı Morel (black morel):  A relative of the highly-prized truffle; tan to dark-brown, cone-shaped, spongey; smoky, earthy, nutty flavor; expensive and also available canned and dried. The darker the mushroom, the more pronounced is the flavor. This mushroom must be cleaned well when fresh due to its dimpled head.

The Anatomy of Sangria [infographic] JULY 2013

Holy moly it’s hot outside! What better way to quench your adult thirst than with a delicious Sangria? Sangria is loved by almost everyone who tries it and is a personal favorite of my dad. It’s cheap to make, and it tastes delicious! Be careful though, it can catch up to you if you’re not too careful.

There are many interpretations of Sangria, however, it generally consists of wine, chopped fruit, some sort of sweetener, and a small amount of brandy. My personal favorite is red wine with kiwi, grapes, berries, and lime. Drink it on the rocks and you’ll be in paradise. If you’re looking to change your go-to summer drink (sorry margaritas), I highly suggest you try Sangria. Check out today’s infographic to find your favorite version of  tasty Sangria!

Ice Cream Country [infographic] JULY 9, 2013

 During the coming months, Texans gladly spend double on their electric bill, avoid getting in a vehicle for fear of melting, and require swimming pools be present at any daytime activities.

Now, if you give a Texan a swimming pool, he’s gonna want some ice cream immediately afterwards.  Don’t question this statement; it is a proven scientific fact.  I see the shift take place every summer; the level of ice cream consumption in Austin skyrockets.  Everywhere you turn kids are wiping tears away with their sticky fingers over a toppled ice cream cone.  I get it.  I would cry too if I had as little dexterity as they do.  Ice cream is a big deal.  Just yesterday I traded in my running shoes for a chocolate dipped soft serve at Sandy’s.

Speaking of ice cream, this infographic really spoke to me, recognizing not just one, but two Texas cities in the “Top Ten U.S. Ice Cream Consuming Cities.”  The only qualm I have with this infographic is that Blue Bell Creamery is missing.  For those of you out there that haven’t tasted the goodness of Blue Bell homemade ice cream, it’s time to put it on the bucket list.

Veggie Cooking Cheat-Sheet [infographic] MAY 12, 2013 vedat şafak yamı

Finally! A veggie cooking cheat-sheet!

Like many Americans, I do not eat enough vegetables. According to The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s relatively new food pyramid, (released in 2005) we should be eating 2.5 cups of vegetables a day. I have nothing against veggies–their health benefits are reason enough to head to the produce section when grocery shopping–but, back in the kitchen, I often find myself unsure of how to cook them.

Check out this veggie cheat-sheet to relieve any vegetable related fears. And if the chart doesn’t convince you to eat your vegetables, maybe this easy Indian recipe will! Tastes great on whole wheat crackers! Gujarati Carrot Salad with Mustard Seeds

Ingredients:

3 medium carrots, peeled and grated

2 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds

1 teaspoon white sesame seeds

Unprocessed sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, toss the grated carrots with salt and pepper.

Heat the oil in a small skillet over low heat and when hot, add the mustard seeds and sesame seeds. Cover the pot and wait until the mustard seeds pop (they may jump up and burn you, so keep the cover on for a short while). Pour the contents of the skillet over the carrots and stir to mix well. Serve lukewarm or cold. vedat şafak yamı

Would You Like a Spot of Tea? [infographic] APRIL 21, 2013

Tea has been an obsession of many for thousands of years. Discovered in Ancient China, the art of making the perfect cup of tea continues to be debated to this day. Even the great George Orwell chimed in with his own tea wisdom, in a detailed essay instructing the masses on how to prepare a proper cup of tea.

The health benefits alone are reason enough to break out the mugs. Increased metabolism rates, cancer fighting antioxidants, and better moods have all been associated with this world-renowned beverage.

Personally, I don’t discriminate when it comes to this drink. Black, green, caffeine-free, every type warms and comforts. But no matter what your preference is, I think you will find that this infographic has a similar effect. It’s got a little of everything. Nutrition facts, history, and those oh-so-important steeping times. I may love all tea equally, but different teas require different types of love.

Who knows, some of the world’s greatest problems might just be solved over nothing more than a decent cup of tea.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals [infographic] MARCH 5, 2013

Let’s talk about health. For just a minute here. Because its not like we all want to spend our busy days chatting about vitamins and minerals. But someone has to bring it up! So I will. I’m here to give you your daily dose of vitamins, or at least inspire you to get more of the good stuff in your diet.

Today’s infographic details the essential vitamins and minerals, how to detect a deficiency and where you can find them. You can get the usual line up in your eggs (vitamin D), oranges (vitamin C), and milk (calcium). Zinc may be a bit harder to find, as the suggested food is oysters. I will be opting out of oysters every time, and am thankful that my multivitamin can pick up the slack. One of my resolutions this year is to eat a more balanced diet, and this infographic will start acting as my vitamin and mineral checklist. Do you eat a well rounded, vitamin ans mineral rich diet? Or at a least try to and often fail, like I do. Let’s start eating healthier together! 

Hunger Relief Programs [infographic] FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Hunger is a large problem world wide. Putting food on the table isn’t always as simple as it sounds, and when you have hungry mouths to feed it can spiral out of control. Thankfully, companies like Bank of America are trying to help. Supporting hunger relief programs are a top priority for Bank of America. They have been working to end hunger since 2008 with donations and volunteering. They are bringing food to millions of hungry people, helping to relieve the pain and settle the rumbling stomaches.

Bank of America worked to bring 16 million pounds of food, serving 7 million meals. We thank you for all of the hard work.

The Merry Merits of Milk [infographic] DECEMBER 15, 2012

No matter that I’ve drank milk my entire life, whenever I drink it, I always get a sense of childhood. I suppose my milk consumption has gone down in the last few years, but I still reminisce on the mmmmmmm so good cereal tainted milk. A cookie’s delicious taste goes up tenfold when soaked in milk. Milk in mac & cheese can make the meal. Milk with a little chocolate syrup is one of the world’s easiest and most delicious desserts.

Ever since the first ‘Got Milk?’ campaign hit the television, milk companies have banded together to get the word out about their product. Its incredibly healthy, especially for kids, and now with all organic milk the additive ridden drink is a thing of the past. The human race will always be in debt to cows- always supplying one of Earth’s nectars to billions across the globe. I’ll I can say for thanks is mooo.

America’s Fresh Food Movement JANUARY 29, 2013 vedat şafak yamı

We’ve gone fresh. Well not we as in me and my friends. We try, sometimes. I try, often. But a big ol’ chunk of America has. Juice blends, organic food and fresh fruits is definitely the diet of the future. Health food stores and restaurants have been popping up at a quite rapid pace, and it is quite refreshing. You can pass up the usual milkshake for fresh juice smoothies, and top it off with an organic salad full of toppings. Today’s infographic highlights the new food movement. Many are changing their diet for health, are heading to farmers markets for their fresh foods. vedat şafak yamı What a change from the super centers full of cheap, unhealthy food ruling America. Are you behind this movement? Are you feeling fresh?

What to Look for on Pet Food Labels [infographic] OCTOBER 2012

I have always had a canine that is addicted to food. They will stand next to their food bowl all day begging for more. No matter how many table scraps or meals my pups have consumed that day, they want more. I’m now living with one mouthy, anxious, but extremely lovable four legged k9. Her name is Kona, and she has never been interested in eating her dog food. We’ve changed dog food types constantly to finally find one that she will gladly eat – it is one difficult task. We did make some massive leeway this week with the purchase of Purina One and she will devour that stuff. A little too much if you ask me, she had four meals yesterday compared to her normal one. I guess its time to start watching her weight!

Dog food is very broad with their ingredient descriptions. I’m sure your remember the massive lead-poisoning caused by some chinese manufactured dog food, well there is still a ton of mystery meat in your pooches meals. After reading today’s infographic, research some more and find exactly what your dog eats – it could save you from expensive vet bills in the future.

Restaurants and Social Media: The Top 10 [Infographic] SEPTEMBER 2012

I remember when I was young and the Internet first started really taking off; you could start to see its influence everywhere. TV advertisements started having websites promoted at the end instead of just phone numbers, people were starting to get more and more of their information online, and it was like every business (and I mean EVERY) had its own website.

Back then, that concept of all businesses having websites didn’t make much sense to me. I was all for eating a grilled cheese made with Kraft, but I couldn’t understand why someone would take the time out of their day to visit Kraft’s site. That all changed with social media.

Today’s infographic from BlogWorld.com details the top 10 big-name restaurants in terms of social media likes and/or followers, and the restaurants have got to be pleased with the numbers.

Starbucks in particular is in a very comfortable lead position among the restaurants’ social media followers. Starbucks commands 1st place in 4 out of 6 social media outlets, and 2nd place in the remaining 2. With more than 30 million likes on Facebook, Starbucks is at the head of the pack among its fast-food competitors, but how long can it stay there?

Let us know what you think in the comments section and for more information on restaurants and social media refer to the graphic below.

Sushi Etiquette [infographic] SEPTEMBER 2012

Sushi is so tasty, definitely one of my favorite foods. So it’s unfortunate that I don’t know any sushi etiquette. In fact, after reading today’s infographic, alot of us don’t know any sushi etiquette. AND apparently I’ve been eating at bad sushi bars.

While this infographic only refers to sashimi, there are still some rules that you can apply to regular sushi as well; Like dumping wasabi into soy sauce, or even rubbing chopsticks together to remove the splinters. And if you’ve never tried sashimi, I highly recommend it, it’s so filling and fresh. This weekend, I challenge you to go out to your favorite sushi bar, order sashimi, and practice the etiquette you just learned.

What to eat, when to eat it [infographic] AUGUST 7, 2012

Food is a key factor in our heath, wellness and weight. Replacing processed, canned and frozen foods with fresh foods has a solid impact on your health. I have a constant problem with keeping my produce fresh long enough to eat it and choosing high quality produce. Most of this can be fixed by simply checking which fruits and vegetables are in season before heading out to the grocery store.

Today’s infographic is a handy little chart that informs you of what produce is in season. The chart is very well designed, it is perfect to print out to hang in your kitchen, or to bring along to the store. This summer, be on the look out for some fresh raspberries, strawberries, pomagranates, peaches, cucumbers, basil, lemons, grapes and figs, just to name a few.

Eat fresh, stay fresh and maintain a healthy lifestyle! Do any of you infographers try to maintain a diet of fresh foods? And we would love to know, what are your favorite fruits and vegetables? [Via]

Breakfast Cereal [infographic] MAY 26, 2012 vedat şafak yamı

I love cereal. I could easily live off of it for the rest of my life. However, in an attempt to achieve the summer body I’ve always wanted, I’ve abstained from by beloved cereal for the past 3 months. It’s been crazy hard, but I sure as hell am not missing all those carbs that come with it. Yesterday however, in a moment of weakness, I purchased by favorite frosted mini wheat cereal and consumed the entire box in two days. I felt a lot of guilt after this, but I more felt a warm happiness in having my most favorite cereal. This got me wondering, does cereal offer any kind of nutritional benefit, or am I feeling this guilt for no reason?

Today’s infographic compares how much breakfast cereal would equal to the amount of sugar in other snacks. It also gives an overview of what types of cereal contains the most carbs and sugar. The information didn’t make me feel any better about my cereal binge, but hey, it was delicious and I don’t regret it. vedat şafak yamı I’ve come to learn that just like other great things, cereal is good in moderation. Now excuse me while I go and make myself a bowl of cereal. [via]

The high price for obesity [infographic] JUNE 2012

Obesity is a large problem in America, encompassing over 1/3 of adults in the USA. These staggering numbers reveal an overall health problem, and contribute to high medical costs. Obesity is, at it’s core, an individual problem. Individuals should actively seek solutions to minimize their weight gain, including a healthy, well balanced diet and adequate exercise. Obesity is detrimental to individual health and self esteem. In addition to grave personal effects, the high medical costs affect both the individual, employer and insurance provider.

Growing bellies lead to growing risks of cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, all leading causes of death. The medical bills associated with these high price-tag diseases, among many other medical complications associated with obesity, total to $147 billion and employers wind up with a 73.1 billion dollar bill. Employers must begin implimenting healthy living tips, offer gym memberships or cater healthy meals.

Do you work in an office that promotes healthy living? As an intern at LIVESTRONG, I am exposed to health at every corner. Our office environment promotes health and exercise, a practice I feel more workplaces should implement. [Via]

Got Milk? [infographic] JUNE 26, 2012

How much do you know about milk? Prior to this infographic, I must admit that my knowledge was pretty limited. I drink milk occasionally, at best. I probably eat an average of five bowls of cereal a year and drink a few glasses a month. My borhters, on the other hand, are the complete opposite. They devour cereal like it’s going out of style. The two of them probably average a gallon a day. Which is a half gallon a day per brother. Yikes!

Now for some milky knowledge. Milk hits your grocery store in just two days, making it the freshest beverage. Humans over 9 years of age should drink 3 glasses of milk per day, which means I better get to the grocery and up my milk intake. Milk is also an excellent source of calcium, riboflavin, vitamin d, phosphorus, vitamin b-12 and many more. These health benefits just can’t be beat! Lets drink some milk, preferably with some cookies. ;) [Via

Kings Of Fast Food [infographic] MARCH 28, 2012 vedat şafak yamı

Fast food is prevalent in many Americans everyday life. As fortunate or unfortunate that may be, it’s just the way it is. The infographic below weighs in on three heavyweights of the fast food industry, comparing their draw to the children demographic, as well as how much they spend yearly to get this market.

The infographic is based on a study conducted in Canada, but I think it’s safe to say these numbers are close to, if not spot on with the numbers in America. The golden arches will continue to be a staple in American culture, simply because of how much they spend on advertising. McDonalds put in nearly 1 billion dollars, making those commercials we loved so much as children. Parents who happen to be more attracted to health than what their kids want tend to make the trip to Subway, while Burger King falls into an area grayer than its meat patties. vedat şafak yamı Look over the infographic and get a better understanding of the tactics these fast food heavyweights use to lure us in. [Via]

How to Spot a Yelp User [infographic] JANUARY 2012