Spider Man (2000)

Swing through the streets of New York City as Spiderman as you fight to stop Doctor Oc from taking over the city. This is a level-by-level game where you get to square off against other villains such as Rhino, Lizard and even Carnage! Being the first 3D game of the series, this was so much fun to play and was the start for superhero games to come.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Modeled after the first book and movie that came out around the same time, the game was better than most had anticipated. You’re able to roam around Hogwarts at Harry Potter completing quests and solving fun puzzles from the beginning of the traditional story until the very end. Of course, they added some parts of it to be more interactive, but all in all, this was a great game to play, especially for children at the time.

Mega Man X4 (1997)

Mega Man X4 was one of the earlier games to be released for the original PlayStation and became a pretty tough act to follow. You can play the story mode as either Mega Man X or Zero (this is an X, after all), where you take part in the war against the hunters. Level by level, this game was filled with action and even though it was a platformer, they always found a way to keep the gameplay fresh and never repetitive.

Ape Escape (1999)

Ape Escape is about a monkey (Specter) that lives in a family fun amusement park who is given a helmet designed by a crazy scientist that gives him super monkey powers. As cool as the powers are, the helmet also turns him evil. So you, Spike, must rally all the other monkeys to stop Specter from rewriting history. It sounds wild, but Ape Escape was one of the best family-friendly games of its time, introducing a fun plot, dynamic gameplay and excellent graphics for its time.

Tomb Raider (1996)

The start of an era, you can start your adventure as Lara Croft in what were the best graphics at the time. Explore caves, tombs and crypts to find a special artifact in the mountains of Peru. This game was successful enough to sell over 7 MILLION copies, which was crazy at the time.

Crash Bandicoot (1996)

Naughty Dog’s first hit was none other than Crash Bandicoot where you must get through each level to stop the evil Doctor Neo Cortex from taking over the world. With the help of Aku Aku, a floating magic mask who sometimes takes damage for you, you must get through each stage, collecting apples and defeating enemies in the process. As much fun as this game was, it was equally (if not more) frustrating. Beware of the boulders.

Spyro the Dragon (1998)

One of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises started here. Play as Spyro, the small, yet powerful dragon who learns more abilities as you go to defeat Gnasty Gnorc and rescue all the other dragons and dragonflies from his reign of terror. The game consists of multiple worlds where you meet friends, collect valuables and are tested in many different facets.

Metal Gear Solid (1998)

The ultimate game for 3D stealth missions and combat-related tasks was, of course, Metal Gear Solid and it all started here. You play as Solid Snake as you navigate through a nuclear weapons facility to neutralize the threat of war… nuclear war.

Spyro the Dragon: Year of the Dragon (2000)

The best of the entire series (in our opinion), Year of the Dragon takes Spyro to a whole new level. Actually, there are 37 in which you have to collect dragon eggs that have been stolen by a thief. Among the many fun adventures involving ‘out there’ themes like gliding, swimming and even skateboarding, you also meet a lot of recurring characters like Hunter and Sheila the Kangaroo to help you with your quest. This is especially fun for kids!

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997)

Considered to be the best Castlevania game, you play as Alucard (Dracula’s son) to fight through Dracula’s castle in an attempt to defeat the possessed Richter Belmont. While still 2-dimensional, this game offered a lot to explore, so many monsters to fight, surprising adventures within the initial quest and so much more for it’s time to the point that it’s still considered to be one of the best PlayStation games, period, not just from the original.

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Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000)

The first full 3D adventure in the Kirby franchise was a total hit. The side-scrolling 3D platformer has players fighting through Dreamland as none other than Kirby in an act to retrieve the sacred crystal shards to defeat Dark Matter. This was the first game where Kirby actually teams up with King Dedede. Between the unconventional teamwork and the tons of challenging levels, this game was amazing.

Bomberman 64 (1997)

We’ll be totally honest with this one. Bomberman 64 was a pain in the you know what because of all the fun puzzles and (sometimes) time restraints. As annoying as these parts were, it was all the more rewarding as you work through each level and defeat dangerous space pirates every step of the way.

Yoshi’s Story (1997)

This was the first N64 game that focused on Yoshi, who was previously known as basically Mario’s horse. The graphics of this game weren’t the best of its time, but the gameplay more than made up for it. The side-scrolling platformer was a classic as you fought to protect the fruit-bearing super happy tree from the likes of the super jealous Baby Bowser.

Star Fox 64 (1997)

The source of the infamous “do a barrel roll” meme, Starfox 64 was ahead of its time in a dogfight-style aerial battle. The only game of it’s time that even compares was Star Wars: Rogue Squadron. There were countless levels as you played as Fox McCloud and his team of fighter pilots.

Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (2000)

The second Zelda installment for the N64, Majora’s Mask picks up after Ocarina of Time. You play as Link in an alternate reality from that of the Ocarina where you have to save the moon from complete destruction. The graphics were totally ahead of its time, which was surprising considering it only took Nintendo 2 years to make and develop it.

Rayman 2: The Great Escape (1999)

Rayman 2 was so much fun! The plot begins when you find yourself (Rayman) and a couple of allies in a prison aboard a giant ship. Shocker, you eventually escape from your cell and retreat deep into the forest to reconnect with Globox, Rayman’s trusted guide. From dashing through swamps to swinging on vines, this action-packed game was arguably the best of the series.

Donkey Kong 64 (1999)

If there is one lesson to take away from Donkey Kong 64, it’s not to mess with a monkey’s bananas. You play mostly as Donkey Kong on Donkey Kong island where you fight the likes of King K Rool to retrieve your stache of delicious bananas and free Diddy Kong from captivity. This game was full of fun puzzles and mini-games that really spiced things up and made for an excellent sequel to Donkey Kong Country.

Banjo-Kazooie (1998)

We’re not going to lie, Banjo-Kazooie is tough, even for adults. There are 9 worlds in total where you have to complete (sometimes annoying) puzzles to collect musical notes and advance to the next world. Like Super Mario and Donkey Kong 64, it was the closest thing to being ‘open-world’ at the time, meaning you could go back and try old missions, meaning not everything had to be completed in linear order. The uniqueness of the story and gameplay made this game a major hit.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Considered one of the highest-rated games of all time, Ocarina of Time is a staple in the Zelda franchise. You play as both young and adult link as you move throughout time to help Zelda defeat the sinister Gannondorf. This game allowed for a lot of flexibility for its time, like playing special songs to give you unique power upgrades to help you advance through the story.

Super Mario 64

The game that everybody (and we mean everybody) had was Super Mario 64. The entire game takes place in the Mushroom Kingdom (mostly within Peach’s castle) where Mario must collect stars to advance throughout the castle and defeat bowser. Getting to explore the castle and play levels ranging from haunted houses to lava fields, ice worlds, and carpets in the clouds – it really felt like this game had no limits. This game set the standard for not only Super Mario, but all other 3D adventure games to come.

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Inspire Yourself Using Different Platforms

First and foremost, you have to educate yourself with the latest wall craze to know what’s trending these days. For that, you can shift your focus to social media applications, like Pinterest and Instagram. The images uploaded by users on these social platforms can inspire you. You might not even have to turn elsewhere for any further guidance to know which colors should be on your interior walls.

Use the Color Theory to Your Advantage

You should also be aware of the interior designer’s no-fail color theory before opting for any wall paint. The idea of a color wheel is relatively simple. To select the different hues in one color for your room, you must look for shades assembled into one category. For example, when it comes to green, you will see lime, olive, emerald, teal, and hunter green in the same attribute. Implementing these different hues in one room will create a tranquilizing effect, especially in bedrooms. However, if you’re searching for contrasting colors that complement each other, you might want to look on the opposite ends of the color wheel. For instance, a shade of violet will look phenomenal with a shade of amber when you want a pop of colors in any given room.

Use One Statement Piece to Bring Everything Together

We wouldn’t tell you to choose all your furniture and decor items before assessing your wall paint options, since that might be going a bit over the top. However, we would still recommend you opt for one statement piece before thinking about painting any room so that you have a sound starting point. For example, several interior designers use large wall arts, mostly abstract, to inspire themselves. Others focus upon major upholsteries, such as central rugs. Once they have an item with a range of colors to choose from, they can select the warm and cool hues accordingly to set up the rest of the room, including painting the interior walls.

Understand the Whites

Whites also have an astounding range, from stark white with no undertone to warm whites with undertones of yellow, brown, and pink or cool whites with gray, blue, purple, and green.
You need to realize which white to opt for in different settings. For example, if your sole purpose is to make a room look airy and spacious, choosing a stark white for the interior paint color will be your best bet. Cool whites can also help make a room feel more open if you don’t have a lot of natural light filtering inside the room. Contrarily, if you want your space to envelop you in coziness, it’s best to opt for the warmer whites.

Make Your Small Rooms Feel Cozy

In spite of what many people assume, you don’t always have to make your small rooms look airy and spacious with white paint and mirrors. Instead, you can achieve a more sensual effect by opting to paint one of the walls with a warm color, like amber, adding a much-needed oomph into the room. The remaining walls can either be a shade of light gray or a hue of white. You can implement this idea when you have a small room like a library, study, office, or a foyer in your house that needs a major aesthetic do-over.

Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint

Many people make the mistake of choosing one paint and doing their whole room with that. Instead, as we advised in the last point, you can always single out one wall to add a touch of intimacy in a room. Plus, you can even opt for patterned wall paint to create a modest expression. Either way, that particular wall can be astoundingly optimized by adding eccentric family photo collage frames or hanging metal or wooden plaques exhibiting paintings or inspirational quotes.

Note: It’s best not to paint all walls in one room with different colors, since that only creates an unnecessarily uncanny look that you wouldn’t appreciate later.

Treat the Ceiling as the Fourth Wall

Moreover, you must not forget to treat your ceiling like a wall as well. For example, if you’re choosing to paint the four walls with a particular color, say blue, you can paint the ceiling with a stark white to pronounce the wall colors. On the other hand, suppose you’re shading your interior walls with any shade of white. In that case, you can integrate some personality into your room by coloring your ceiling with a warm shade, using surrounding paintings or upholstery as an inspiration.

Add Consistency to All Rooms

Consistency is of crucial importance when choosing interior paint colors for your walls. Let’s suppose you opt for the technique mentioned in point number six (Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint). By opting to paint one wall in each room with a different shade, you can give each room a distinct aura. However, to ensure consistency in your house and bring everything together, you must keep the color utilized on the remaining three walls similar for all rooms.

Consistency is of crucial importance when choosing interior paint colors for your walls. Let’s suppose you opt for the technique mentioned in point number six (Don’t Stick to Painting All Walls with One Paint). By opting to paint one wall in each room with a different shade, you can give each room a distinct aura. However, to ensure consistency in your house and bring everything together, you must keep the color utilized on the remaining three walls similar for all rooms.

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Ask Yourself “Why” First

No, we don’t want to deter you from getting a robot vacuum cleaner. But there are new advancements with manual vacuum cleaners to consider. Checking out the best vacuum cleaners in your area is a solid place to start! After weighing all of your options, you’ll want to consider what features will have the most impact on your robotic cleaning experience.

Ask Yourself “Why” First

You’ll want to invest in a vacuum cleaner that’s fit for the job you need. With that said, there are models made specifically for small/big spaces, so it’s important to get what works for your space. The most important things to consider here are overall strength and battery life. To get a good idea, consider getting an estimated square footage of your home (or at least the areas you’ll want vacuumed) and compare that with the respective battery lives.

What Kind of Flooring Do You Have?

Just as with power and battery life, some vacuum cleaners are made specifically for select flooring, such as carpeting, hardwood, tile, or laminate, etc. It’s not necessarily the case that getting a carpet cleaner (won’t) get the job done, it’s more about efficiency and preserving the lifespan of your investment. While there are a plethora of vacuum cleaners made to handle multiple surfaces, many are optimized for a specific one. Aside from a noticeable difference in overall performance, investing in something specifically made for the job you need will decrease the chances of you needing a vacuum repair company. So with that said, know what goes on in your house and don’t settle. Get something built for what you need.. and maybe even a notch or two above just to be safe.

Do You Have Pets (How Many)?

If you have any cats, dogs, ferrets, birds… whatever… you know that pet hair and dander can be a real pain. Not only does it sit around, but it can clog up vacuum cleaners, depreciating their value over time. That’s why select robot vacuum cleaners are made specifically for pet owners – ideal for picking up shedded hair in the summer months, dander, even strands from broken-down toys. We probably don’t have to tell you how frustrating (and downright nasty) doing this is, so avoid having to use a vacuum cleaning guide and just avoid the issue altogether. From here, you’ll just want to consider how many pets you have, as the quantity of hair and dander will determine the level of power and capacity you’ll want to invest in.

Check out our other “How To” or “Shopping” articles.

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New Flooring

Believe it or not, having new flooring can be very impactful. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean going all out on something super-pricey. But it might mean pulling up that old carpet and finding a deal on something new. A clean, fresh-feeling flooring can be the start of a new office space.

How About A New Paint Job?

On one front, yes this goes hand-and-hand with getting your floors redone because if you’re going to do one, why not go all out? But really, new wall paint is a lot more than just a pretty new look. In fact, it’s been scientifically proven that different wall colors will alter your mood, which as you may suspect can be a huge contributing factor in your productivity levels. For example, colors like off-white, simple red, light brown and light green are known to be calming without distracting. As far as colors are concerned, it’s something of a case-by-case scenario, so you’ll want to shop around before finding what’s right for you.

Invest In Artwork That Speaks To You

While it might sound a little silly at first, there’s certainly something to be said about decorating your workspace the way you want to. When it comes down to it, being surrounded by things that allow you to express yourself tends to make you more comfortable, therefore able to focus. And they don’t need to be expensive art pieces either, just things you feel represent and maybe even motivate you. Though we do recommend getting some professional framing to really bring the message together.

Look Into Getting A Snack Counter

Employees enjoy a quick snack in the breakroom. It makes them feel appreciated (plus, they see it as a perk) and at a very low cost. It also encourages a few minutes of chatting between employees in a break room, which is a great way to encourage team building. Best of all, the right snacks will energize them and can boost productivity.

Games, Anyone?

No, we’re not talking about turning your office space into an arcade. But getting one or two games in the office can really show your employees that you trust them and care about them. It says “you work hard, so you should enjoy yourself”. Not to mention that they’ll be more inclined to want to spend time in the office. Here are some relatively low-cost ideas:

• Pool Table
• Air Hockey Table
• Ping Pong Table
• Pinball Machine

Even having a small selection of board games can really boost employee morale!

Upgrade Your Desks

With so many options today, choosing a desk is no longer as simple as picking something to throw your papers on. For instance, the standing desk has become something of a phenomenon in today’s modern workspace. I mean, let’s face it – most of us live overly sedentary lifestyles and a standing desk works to combat that while increasing productivity.

Oh, and don’t worry – most of these adjust so you can sit and stand.

Everyone Loves Comfortable Chairs

Bottom line – when your employees are more comfortable, they can get more done. So why not invest in their productivity? A set of new office chairs can make a big difference in supporting their backs and your goals.

Refreshments Are A Big One

As with snacks, having a place like a water cooler or Keurig are nice little spots for employees to take 5 and get to know each other. Besides, the caffeine from a cup of coffee or tea will be a direct contributing factor in productivity alone. Plus, your employees will appreciate the sentiment.

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Tomb Raider: Raider Chronicles (2000)

Embark on another adventure as players could fight through temples and jungles as none other than Lara Croft. While this was considered to be one of the weaker games from the Tomb Raider series, it was still strong enough to make the list and was known for giving Lara many of the tools in her arsenal that made the series iconic, including her ability to walk the tightropes and swing on horizontal bars.

Shenmue (1999)

Shenmue was one of the first games to merge 1v1 platform fighting games with gut-wrenching adventures, making it a storied franchise in Japanese gaming. You play as a teenage martial artist seeking revenge for his dojo, as you investigate and fight through the streets of Hong Kong. The game featured a great balance of action, story and adventure that kept it from getting stale.

Nightmare Creatures 2 (2000)

One of the first successful horror adventure/survival games was the Nightmare Creatures series, with the second installment being considered one of the best. Here you play to stop an occult from taking over the world. The overall style was so unique and fun for the time that we just had to add it to the list. It almost gives you the feel of exploring a fun haunted house.

Stupid Invaders (2001)

Fun for the entire family, Stupid Invaders is something of a cartoon parody that adds a level of comedy to your adventure. The plot involves you and your alien friends literally just trying to get back into space, but of course, you run into problems along the way. It’s a fun, almost-spoofy kind of game that has aged fairly well.

Shadow Man (1999)

Play as the “Shadow Man” where you possess the voodoo magic that originally spawned in the 1880’s with Jack the Ripper. The protagonist is Michael LeRoi, who is set to protect the living from the monsters and demons that walk the earth in an attempt to cause harm to the innocent.

Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver (1999)

The Legacy of Kain was riveting at the time, acting as a dungeon crawler meets RPG at a time where this was brand new. You act as a sort-of nephalem and fight through vampires, werewolves and all other kinds of monsters to progress through Nosgoth and defeat Kain to save the world. The graphics and gameplay were innovative, making this a great addition to our list.

The Nomad Soul (2000)

Taking place sometime in the future, in The Nomad Soul, you play as an ex-police officer to combat the “The Awakened”, a governmental group of religious zealots. You fight through the streets of Omikron, fighting everything from gangsters to demons to strip the power from the group of power-hungry monsters looking to take over the world. In addition to battling, there are also other fun things to do in the city. The 3rd-person perspective was perfect because it gave players the energy of an adventure with the plot of a fantasy.

Fun fact – David Bowie created and put the soundtrack together!

Sonic Adventure 2 (2001)

The Sonic Adventure series took the franchise to a whole new level! The 3D effects were amazing, as you speed through cities with multiple playable characters. The story is split into two parts, Eggman and Shadow. There are 3 unique game modes, including fast-paced plat forming, multi-directional shooting and our personal favorite, action-exploration.

Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (1999)

Arguably the best Tomb Raider game of all time, The Last Revelation featured the best of its core specialty – exploring. The caves, temples and ruins were so cool for the time and the combat portion was so unique. There’s a reason why so many are skeptical as to why it hasn’t been remastered yet.

Sonic Adventure (1998)

A lot of us remember Sonic Adventure for it’s introduction to Shadow, probably still the coolest character of the franchise 20+ years later. But it’s also the first real 3D adventures that totally reimagined the series entirely. It was also the first to incorporate the slight RPG elements, making the game fun for longer.

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What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy refers to the form of energy derived or extracted from the earth’s natural resources. Unlike traditional energy, it’s not exhaustible or finite. For example, wind, sunlight, and water are natural alternatives that don’t rely on fossil fuels. Also, renewable energy is considered the interconnecting link to the green future we strive for since it’s significantly less detrimental to our already struggling environment.

6 Links to A Green Future

There are six renewable energy resources, including wind, solar, ocean, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. While a few of these resources are re-shaping the energy sector gradually, others are making a comparatively extinguishing and quick stand. Not to mention, although some of these resources’ significance isn’t yet widely realized or understood, they’re still making progress and surfacing despite the current limitations.

To put things into further context, let’s understand the benefits and limitations of these six types of renewable energy resources in brief detail:

1. Wind

Turbines and wind-powered machinery situated on open green fields capture the energy retrieved from wind flow and convert it into electricity. Nowadays, we can see several energy sector businesses planting single-wind turbines and other commercial systems using this particular type of renewable energy to boost a positive attitude among competitors.
The wind is a clean energy source that does not release carbon dioxide or other harmful toxins that pollute the air in any way. Moreover, making investments in wind-powered technology opens up new career opportunities, jobs, and avenues since the equipment installed on wind farms must be maintained and serviced with proficiency to keep them running.

Current Limitations
Considering that most wind farms are planted in remote areas, they aren’t much help for the bustling cities where electricity is needed the most. The reason behind this is that while wind turbines produce close to no pollution, they generate noise and dominate skylines, which is unsuitable for the local wildlife like birds in the area.

2. Solar

Solar energy captured from the sunlight turns into heat, electricity, and even hot water. The Photovoltaic (PV) systems we usually see on rooftops or wide-open fields convert direct sunlight into electricity through solar cells. The best long-term benefit of this renewable energy is that it is an endless supply of a natural resource that could eventually make our reliance upon fossil fuels obsolete.

Current Limitations
While installing solar panels is not that much of a limitation for industrial sectors, personal households can’t usually find spaces with ample sunlight to use this energy appropriately. The upfront maintenance costs can also be an unrealistic expense for them.

3. Ocean

The ocean is a source of renewable energy that offers us thermal and mechanical power. While thermal energy production depends upon the ocean’s warm water going through different systems, mechanical energy relies on the tide’s ebbs and flow generated by the earth’s rotation. Ocean energy, also referred to as wave energy, is an abundant natural resource for cities near oceans and harbors. Moreover, it’s an untapped natural resource that can potentially produce power for around 93,850 homes in the U.S. alone with just 1 TWh/yr of wave energy!

Current Limitations
Individuals living in landlocked areas can’t reap benefits from this particular energy resource. Moreover, the plantation of ocean energy machinery can disrupt the ocean floor and sea life habitat to some extent.

4. Hydroelectric

Hydroelectric power is associated with the energy produced from dam turbines to turn into electricity, also referred to as pumped-storage hydropower. We can see this as an excellent alternative to ocean energy for the landlocked areas that store water in large reservoirs for public consumption. In general, hydroelectric is one of the best types of renewable energy due to its versatility since we can incorporate it at both large and small-scale projects on dams, rivers, and streams.

Current Limitations
The animals living in the waterways where the hydroelectric equipment is placed may suffer due to changing water levels and currents. This type of energy source is also impacted by droughts. Changes in water levels impact energy production. Plus, most hydropower facilities haven’t yet found a way to develop more energy than they use for production.

5. Geothermal

Geothermal energy is the heat trapped under the earth’s crust which often escapes naturally, resulting in disruptive volcanic occurrences. We can produce renewable energy from the heat rising to the earth’s surfaces, saving our earth from natural disasters in the process. While this natural energy is not as common as other renewable energy resources, it still packs plenty of potential for extensive energy supply. Since this system can be built underground, there’s significantly less footprint on the land.

Current Limitations
While cost and infrastructure planning is the major limitation of producing this renewable energy with geothermal plants costing between 2.5 to 5 million to build. Construction of these plants can also cause instability in the land and trigger earthquakes.

6. Biomass

Lastly, we can produce a significant amount of bioenergy from biomass, which is an organic matter extracted from previously living plants and organisms. A few examples of this inaugural renewable energy include harnessing methane gas and burning biomass produced by the natural decomposition of organic materials found in landfills and waterways. Simply put, bioenergy production creates a balanced atmosphere that we can benefit from if our ultimate goal is to see a greener tomorrow.

Current Limitations
We currently don’t have the technology required for replacing fossil fuel consumption with bioenergy production. It can also lead to deforestation because of the vast amounts of wood that is needed to produce enough renewable energy.

As consumers, we have several opportunities to improve our environment by opting for greener energy solutions. We can elevate our standard of living with safer, eco-friendly products that don’t rely upon resources that harm our ecosystem. The day we all begin to strive for the same purpose together as a community, leaving a carbon footprint would become a thing of the past!

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Having your own ice cream maker at home can be a great way to make healthier ice cream desserts and also allow you to tailor your ingredients for allergies. In either case, you can always tweak the ice cream recipes to your liking when pulling everything together in an ice cream maker to give yourself a treat.

However, choosing an ice cream maker can indeed be a troubling task when you’ve never used such accessories at home. Therefore, to make things easier for you, we’ve pulled together this 7-step guide on how to choose the best ice cream maker!

Step 1 – Choose the Right Type of Ice Cream Maker

There are several ice cream maker variants available in the market these days. You can refer to the following section to ensure you get one that matches your preferences:

Traditional “Ice and Salt” Ice Cream Makers
The traditional ice cream maker has an ice and salt mechanism to maintain a constant cold temperature in the bucket. These machines allow you to do a hands-on job by engaging in the process from the start to the end. This is especially fun when you have kids around since it may push them to participate in the summer as a family. However, it’s best to remember that it takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes of constant cranking to produce a fresh batch of ice cream through these ice and salt machines.

Gel Canister Ice Cream Makers
These machines have gel containers that you need to pre-freeze for about twenty-four hours. The containers consist of a cooling substance that helps make the ice cream-making process faster and easier. However, it’s only suitable for occasional use since you would have to refreeze the gel container for making a second batch of fresh ice cream.

Frozen Bowl Ice Cream Makers
Like a gel canister, you have to pre-freeze a bowl in this type of ice cream maker as well. However, the difference is that you can accomplish that task in around eight to twenty-four hours, which gives you some wiggle room because of the comparatively quick freezing process. Since most of these machines come with an extra freezing container, you can put that in the freezer at all times to ensure you can cook up some ice cream without waiting for the bowl to freeze at the eleventh hour.

Compressor Ice Cream Makers
Compressor ice cream makers are equipped with a built-in electric refrigerator so you don’t require any prepping time before assembling all the ice cream ingredients to make continuous batches. In short, the inclusion of a refrigerator eliminates the delay you experience with frozen bowl or gel canister ice cream makers. However, these machines are also more expensive than any other ice cream maker.

Ice Cream Balls
Ice cream balls are an ideal option for you if you’re looking for a fun way to make ice creams on your camping trips or picnics. These are small globe-like devices with a screw top on both ends. You can put all your ingredients together in the ball and roll it continuously in a “passing ball” match until the ice cream forms. Simply put, it’s a less messy and more fun way to enjoy your frozen desserts outside.

Step 2 – Consider Materials

For the most part, opting for a plastic body ice cream maker is not a wise decision since it can easily break and deteriorate as time passes. On the contrary, aluminum is usually a good material because it keeps the ice cream cold throughout the composition. Moreover, it holds moisture better.

Plus, it’s best to choose an ice cream maker with a glass lid so you can see what’s happening inside at all times, knowing the precise time when your ice cream is ready.

Step 3 – Give a Thought to Frequency of Use

If you’re getting an ice cream maker for rare occasions, you may opt for any model, even investing in one that doesn’t operate on an extra powerful machine. However, if it’s the other way around, you should get an accessory that can prepare large batches of ice cream without any mechanical hassle throughout the summers. Not to mention, some ice cream makers can be put in the dishwasher safely after disassembling. Therefore, you don’t have to wash the machine every other day yourself.

Step 4 – Think About Production Capacity

On average, most ice cream makers can produce around a liter and a half of ice cream in a single batch. However, you can explore your options to see each model’s production capacity when you’re looking for something more small or large-scale.

Step 5 – Realize Your Budget When Pondering the Freezing Attributes

We would all love to choose an ice cream maker with a self-freezing attribute at a price that falls within your budget. That’s because non-freezing models are way more inexpensive than self-freezing ones in addition to being less bulky. Not to mention, self-freezing models also cost more because of their greater electricity consumption.

Step 6 – Pay Attention to Available Storage Space

Some ice cream makers are as compact as the size of a kettle. On the other hand, some models can be as space-consuming as a food processor. Therefore, you shouldn’t forget to ensure you have enough space on your counter or in a cupboard before choosing a model. This way, you don’t have to struggle with storage afterward.

Step 7 – Don’t Forget the Noise Factor

Lastly, while we all love making homemade ice cream, the processing noise can be an annoying factor. Therefore, irrespective of the ice cream maker type you opt for, don’t agree upon a model that exceeds sixty-five to seventy dB noise level. Ultimately, it’s always a wise decision to read as many reviews as you can online before opting for any accessory. We hope this 7-step guide helps you choose the best ice cream maker for your household!

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St. Lucia Day

December 13th marks the day that Swedes honor a saint from the third century. She was Italian and a martyr. But on this day, young Swedish ladies don long white robes, the bravest a crown of candles, and wake their relatives bearing a tray of pastries. There is even a special bun made with saffron called Lucia Cats just for this celebration. It is believed that St. Lucia represents light in the darkness, and well, in Scandinavia, winters are long and it often appears that the sun is visiting the other side of the planet.

St. Nicolas Day

This saint’s birthday is marked on December 6th. He was the role model for the non-religious jolly old elf and was known for giving all his possessions and even his food to help others. Something to think about as we tear into our presents, and feast on multi-courses of rich food and drink.

Christmas

In many European countries, this holiday is considered sacred and/or a time to give thanks for nature’s bounty. In the Ukraine, for example, Christmas Eve is marked with the ‘Holy Supper’. Instead of stockings, houses are decked with sheaves of wheat. The holiday commences when the first star in the sky is sighted.

Kwanzaa

This holiday was created in the 1960s by a California college professor to honor centuries of African traditions and to bring African-Americans together as a community. Celebrated largely in the United States, the name means “First Fruits” and honors the ideals at the core of life- family and unity. Again, light plays a dominant role in the celebration as a candle holder known as a ‘kinara’.

Mardi Gras

In many countries, this day as well as New Year’s Eve, mark time to reflect and ask departed ancestors for guidance and assistance. For the Japanese, it is the most important holiday of the year. At midnight shrines and temples are visited. Many homes strike a ceremonial bell 108 times to represent the negative behaviors believed to be at the root of all evil and misery.

In Ecuador, a straw effigy representing the old year is burned along with his ‘will’ drawn up by each family. The will lists their faults and weaknesses. As the figure burns, it is hoped that their negative behaviors will be destroyed as well.

Mardi Gras

The date varies by year, is celebrated with new clothes, and a lantern parade headed by a silk dragon who represents strength. Firecrackers are thrown at the dragon to keep him from falling asleep. Sounds like fun!

Other Asian traditions include praying to departed loved ones asking them for guidance and wish-fulfillment. Intentions are placed inside a paper horse which is burned so its smoke will convey each message to the intended relative.

Mardi Gras

Marks the day in January that Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar AKA the ‘three wise men’ first saw the infant Jesus. The French celebrate with King Cake, Puerto Rican children awake expecting to find a treat under their beds, and in Spain, it is the day their Christmas is celebrated. The only question this author has is how, in the first century BC, did travelers from India, Arabia, and Persia learn about the coming birth and decide to make a pilgrimage?

Mardi Gras

Revelry’s last hurrah before the solemn Lenten season is celebrated in diverse ways around the globe. The American tradition in New Orleans that includes floats decked with celebrants throwing bead necklaces in celebration of Fat Tuesday, a Lenten precursor. Brazil’s Carnivale is an explosion of bright costumes, parades, and loud music. Then there’s England, where some villages note this event by holding a race where the women of the town run a distance while continuously flipping a pancake. No butter. No maple syrup. For real.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of how other global citizens celebrate the same holidays we do. Why not incorporate some ideas and cross-generate some new traditions into your family’s holiday gathering? It could be as simple as adding saffron to your stuffing recipe or in lieu of greeting cards sending a list of customized well-wishes or the coming year to everyone on your list. Whatever you decide, make sure you and yours have as joyous a time as possible, each and every winter season!

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Consider The Mileage

This might go without saying – of course the mileage will affect the car’s value. But in some cases, the mileage can be just a number. For instance, you’ll want to consider how often you intend to drive this car. Lower mileage is always better, but 100K might be more feasible than you’d think if you don’t have a long daily commute.

Next, look into the make and model of the vehicle. Some cars tend to last longer than others, with multiple variables ranging from its engine, to computer systems and many other factors. You’ll never be able to fully anticipate all potential risks, but researching the most common issues for said make and model might narrow down some of your risks.

Review Its Fuel Economy

As with the mileage, the fuel economy will be vastly more important, depending on how often you intend to drive your car. While it might sound extreme at first, the price you’re paying for fuel on a monthly basis can really add up, especially if the car lasts you for 3-5 years. Just think about an extra $20 per month in expenses for 3 years – that’s a whopping $720! Consider whether you’ll be driving more on highways or residential areas, too as this is significant for certain types of cars.

Compare The Engine Type With Your Lifestyle

Naturally, the stronger your engine, the more your car will be able to handle. But as expected, you’ll be paying a premium for better, stronger engines. So just as with the other factors, you’ll have to weigh the cost of the investment vs what you’ll really need. We’re sure you know this, but just in case… if you’re planning on towing anything, don’t skimp on the engine.

Amenities

If you think this is entirely trivial because you just want something that gets you from point a to point b, you can skip this. But having even just a few bells and whistles can really change the experience you have with your car, especially if you drive often.Think to yourself “is this something I will enjoy (or at least appreciate) for up to a few years”?

Review The Car’s History

Even the best looking cars aren’t what they appear to be. Especially if the price seems ‘too good to be true’. So before potentially making a huge money-burning mistake, take a few days and spend $39.99 on a single Carfax report.

Carfax will outline major points in the vehicle’s history, like:

• past accidents
• major mechanical work, like engine and transmission replacements
• amount of past owners
• maintenance dates and records

Consider The Style

Again, if you’re just a “point a to point b” kind of person, this shouldn’t concern you much. But for the rest of us, the kind of car we drive kind of defines us. It’s not that we won’t drive a car that’s not to our liking, but more than we’d rather not if we can spare the extra few dollars. So really think to yourself – is this a car I’ll be somewhat happy and proud to drive for the next 3-5 years?

Weigh Its Safety Features

Safety is important and while some of the highest levels of safety features found on vehicles like Volvo, you might be surprised what more economically-priced cars have to offer beyond seat belts and airbags.

Check The Car’s Insides

Did the past owner(s) upkeep the car’s interior? This is really important, especially if you’re going to be driving this car for a while. Factors like:

• maintaining leather seats
• maintaining leather seats
• maintaining leather seats
• the reception on the radio
• are all things that, at the very least impact the value and potential joy you can get out of your used car

Finally: Weigh The Total Pros and Cons

With all of these factors considered, simply weigh the potential risks and rewards. Keep in mind there’s never a guarantee when buying a used car. It keeps some people up at night, while others find it to be part of the fun!

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