You can learn a lot about your lineage from your last name. Smith is a common name in many countries, for instance, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Smiths are of English, Irish, and Scottish descent. Today, let's take a look at the Smith family name, where it originated from, what it means, interesting facts about its ancestors, and more.

Origin and Meaning

If you go all the way back to the Anglo-Saxon era, which is 410-1066 AD, the Smith family name is derived from those who had the Smith occupation. In old English, it would have been “Smid.” This word means to strike or hit. This was used to describe blacksmiths or people who worked with metal.

Surname Variations

There are many variations of the name Smith. Although the ones listed below are mostly spelling variations, there are variations that deal directly with the occupation. Often, the variations reflect what kind of metal the person worked with. Blacksmiths would have worked with iron. Redsmiths and Brownsmiths worked with copper. Others who worked with copper could have also been Coppersmiths or even Greensmiths, which represents when iron turns green after oxidizing. Whitesmiths would have worked with tin, also known as Tinsmiths. Goldsmith and Silversmith would have worked with gold and silver.

There are also variations that reflect what kind of tools people made. For example, Bladesmith, Hammersmith, Arrowsmith, Shoesmith, and Wheelsmith. Outside of the trade variations, here are the different spelling variations you might find.

• Smyth
• Smythe
• Simth
• Smijth
• Smither
• Smithers
• Smyther
• Smithman
• Smithson
• Smithfield

Interesting Facts

Your ancestors in the United States were most likely laborers or maids in the 1940s. Ancestors from Canada in the 1920s would have most likely been farmers or stenographers. Ancestors from England in the 1930s would have been laborers or doing unpaid domestic duty jobs.

Famous People Named Smith

• Matt Smtih — English actor
• Will Smith — American actor and rapper
• Maggie Smith — English Actress
• Sam Smith — English singer and songwriter
• Anna Nicole Smith — American model and actress
• Willow Smith — American singer and actress

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Knott's Berry Farm PR.

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Learning about your family name can teach you a lot about your lineage, where your ancestors came from, what they experienced, and how you ended up where you are today. Let's take a look at the Davis family name, history, origin, meaning, interesting facts, and more. The Davis family name is English and Welsh. It is also known to be Irish and Scottish.

Origin and Meaning

The Davis surname is believed to be of mostly English and Welsh descent. The English surname was used as a reference to King David in the Old Testament. The Welsh surname is believed to be a reference to Irish colonists who came and lived in Southwest Wales during the third century. No matter the lineage, Davis is believed to have derived from the Hebrew name David, which means son of God or beloved.

In England, Davis makes the top 50 most common names at 45th most common. In Wales, it is the 68th most common. It is the 311th most common name in the world and is currently the most popular in the United States. But, the highest density location of the Davis name is in Saint Martin, where one in every 74 people is a Davis.

Surname Variations

Davis is believed to be a patronymic surname, a name created from the given name of a father or an ancestor. For whatever reason necessary at the time, they would change prefixes or suffixes. Common surname variations of Davis are listed below:

• Davids
• Davies
• David
• Lavis
• Davi
• Danis
• Days
• Davie
• Dabbs
• Bavis

Interesting Facts

In the late 1930s, Davis's ancestors living in England were most likely Laborers or unpaid domestic duty employees. Ancestors living in the United States in the 1940s were most likely Laborers or maids. Another common occupation was truck driving.

Many Davis's were already living in the United States in 1840. But 40 years later, they migrated all over the country and could be found in every state.

Famous People Named Davis

Here are some famous people and their occupations with the last name Davis.

• Miles Davis — Musician
• Bette Davis — Actress and Musician
• Geena Davis — Actress
• Matthew Davis — Actor
• Mackenzie Davis — Actress
• Charles Michael Davis — Actor

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If you want to know where you come from, it is a good idea to start with your family history. Whether you just want to know the general history of your family or you want to do a full deep dive into your ancestry, this is a good place to start. Today, we're going to learn about the Crimo family name, its history, interesting facts, and more.

Origin

The Crimo surname is uncommon. Current data shows that there are less than 100 people named Crimo currently living in the United States! This name is most popular in the U.S. as well as France. In France, there are under 50 people with the last name Crimo.

The first person who was tracked with the last name Crimo was Erick Crimo, who was born in 1873 in Sweden. Erick later moved to America in 1890, where he worked as a laborer in Minnesota. This information was reported by the Swedish America Heritage Group.

It is believed that Crimo could have French origins as it is a variation of the French name Crimont. Often, throughout time, names change spelling or are even shortened to make them easier to pronounce or remember. Crimo is believed to be the Americanized version of Crimont. Here are some of the other surname variations of Crimo.

Surname Variations

• Crimi
• Cimo
• Crim
• Primo
• Climo
• Crimm

Interesting Facts

Similar to the first Crimo who appeared in America in the 1800s, many Crimos who followed him also worked as laborers. When the census was taken in 1940, it showed that all Crimo men were working as laborers.

Finding Out More

The data and information on the Crimo family are currently very limited. If your last name is Crimo, and you want to know more about your family history, utilizing DNA organizations can be helpful. Some popular choices include 23andMe and Ancestry.com.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tetiana Yablokova/Shutterstock.com.

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People can feel a sense of connection and meaning by knowing about their family's heritage. There is so much that history can tell us if you look back at your ancestors and where they came from. Today, we are going to take a deeper look at the Moreno family and learn their origin, the name's meaning, history, and other interesting facts.

Origin and Meaning

The Moreno name originates from Spain. Originally, Spanish people were only referred to by a single name. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that surnames came into existence, and two names were used to identify people better. The meaning of this name is the direct translation of the word. In Spanish, Portuguese, and Jewish culture, this name or word was used to describe the complexion of someone's skin; “brown,” “dark-skinned,” and “dark-haired.”

Surname Variations

Just like in the Middle Ages when people decided to use two names instead of just a surname, surnames also evolved. Moreno is likely a variation of a surname that came before it. Here are some variations of the surname Moreno.

• Mareno
• Morena
• Morenito
• Morenita
• Morera

Interesting Facts

Mexico, Spain, and Argentina have the highest population of Moreno's in the world. There are approximately 161,000 people named Moreno in Mexico, 65,000 in Spain, and 17,000 in Argentina. But, there are approximately 10,662,040 people named Moreno in the world.

We can also take a look back at what the Moreno ancestors did for work. In the United States, around 1940, about 36% of Morenos were labor workers, six percent were farm laborers, five percent were farmers, and three percent were salesmen. In Canada during the 1920s, approximately 50% of Morenos were farmers, and the other 50% were musicians.

Famous People Named Moreno

Are you wondering if there are people who share your last name who are famous? Here's a list of some Moreno's who have experienced stardom.

• Pedro Moreno — Cuban model and actor
• Angela Moreno — American actress
• Kristel Moreno — Filipino dancer and actress
• Alma Moreno — Filipino politician and actress
• Chino Moreno — American musician, singer, and songwriter
• Keidy Moreno — Venezuelan fashion model
• Belita Moreno — American actress
• Isko Moreno — Filipino actor
• Mavrick Moreno — American actor
• Muriel Moreno — French singer

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kittyfly/Shutterstock.com.

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Knowing more about your family name is important, is it can tell you a lot about your family history and who you are. Today, we are going to take a deeper look into the family name Valaries, which is a derivative of the family name Valerie. There is little information about the Valaries derivative, but we can see some history through Valerie.

Origin and Meaning

Valerie originates from the Italian and French family names Valeri and Valery. These names were derived from the Latin family name Valeria. This name means strong, valiant, healthy, and brave. Today, Valerie is a masculine surname most common in Europe, specifically in France and Russia, as well as in francophone countries (countries that speak French) like Senegal, Guinea, Burundi, and Mali.

The family name crest includes images of a lion and armor, featuring bright royal blue and grey silver as its colors. This crest symbolizes the meaning of the name well: strength, valor, and health.

Surname Variations

Every name has a history and variation of some kind. Over many years, names change shape and mold to new forms. Just as Valaries is a variation of Valerie, Valerie itself has other variations.

• Valer
• Valier
• Valerini
• Valeriani
• Valerio
• Valeri
• Valente
• Valery
• Vallie
• Alarie
• Valera
• Valero

Interesting Facts

Some of the first Valeries migrated to North America in the 1500s. This included Antioni Valera, who arrived in 1519, and then later Francisco Valera, who arrived in 1565.

From 1880 to 1920, those with the family name Valerie were found in Scotland, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the United States, most of the Valeries were found in Louisiana.

During the 1940s in America, your Valerie ancestors were most likely laborers or houseworkers. 50% of men were laborers, and the remainder were made up of miners and gardeners. During this time, all of the women were houseworkers.

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A family name can tell you all the history of previous generations. You can learn so much about yourself and your family from your last name. For instance, if your last name is Williams, your family likely originated in Great Britain. Today, we're going to take a look at the Williams family name, its meaning, history, and more fun facts for you to learn about your lineage.

Origin

Although it is believed to have several origins, because the name ends with an “s,” it is believed to originate from Wales, which adds “s” to surnames to indicate the meaning “son of.” The Williams family began their journey out of England and Wales in the 17th century. Between 1840 and 1920, the Williams family name was found in Scotland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. In the U.S., the Williams Family was found mostly in the Midwest and the East Coast in 1840. Just 40 years later, they had spread all the way across the country.

There are many of the Williams family today who live in New Zealand, Wales, Australia, and the United States. This surname is the second most common in New Zealand, third most common in the United States and Wales, and fourth most common in Australia.

Meaning

The name Williams means to protect. This is derived from breaking it down and looking at its origins and their meaning. The first part of the name, “Will,” means desire, and the second part, “helm,” means to shield or protect. So, the Williams name is a very strong name!

Interesting Facts

In the United States during the 1940s, your Williams ancestors were most likely a maid or a laborer. These two occupations were the most common among the family names. In Canada during the 1920s, your Williams ancestors were most likely farmers or housekeepers. In England, in the 1930s, your Williams ancestors were most likely general laborers or unpaid domestic duty workers.

Famous People With The Name Williams

• Robin Williams – American actor and comedian
• John Williams – Oscar-winning American composer
• Venus Williams – Professional tennis player, American children's writer
• Serena Williams – Professional tennis player
• Maisie Williams – English actress and dancer
• Michelle Williams – American Actress
• Paul Williams – American singer, composer, songwriter, actor

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com.

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Your BMI is a great indication to know if you're currently healthy. BMI is an acronym for body mass index. Body mass index is calculated by taking your weight and dividing it by your height. There are four BMI categories: healthy weight, underweight, overweight, and obese.

Although your BMI will not directly measure your body fat, often it can closely predict the percentage of body fat, helping to understand your metabolism or the possibility of disease. BMIs are often used as screening tools but not as tools to diagnose the overall health of an individual. For example, someone who has low fat but lots of muscle can have a swayed BMI. Their BMI might say they are overweight or obese when really their weight is made up of muscle instead of fat.

Health professionals often use BMI to determine if further health assessments are required. If a BMI seems to show risks, your doctor may do assessments. These assessments can be diet evaluation, skinfold measurements, a look at family history, underweighting, or bioelectrical impedance.

Based on the chart below, you can calculate your BMI to see if it indicates you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. If you score below 18.5, then your BMI is underweight. A healthy weight is between 18.5 and 24.9. 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Anything over 30 is obese. Once you know your BMI score, read below to find out what you need to know about your BMI.

Underweight

Although most people think health risks only come with being overweight or obese, this is also true for being underweight. If you're underweight, your doctor will likely help you come up with a plan to gain weight. Health risks from being underweight include osteoporosis, anemia, weakened immune system, fatigue, and irregular periods.

Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is best for you. It allows your body to function as needed. Staying a healthy weight can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. To maintain a weight in this category, make sure to continue eating the right amount of calories and get regular exercise.

Overweight

If your BMI is in the overweight category, then you should consider what needs to be done for you to get into the healthy weight category instead of increasing your BMI to the obese category. Reducing your daily caloric intake and incorporating some exercise into your routine will be pivotal to reducing your BMI.

Obese

If your BMI is 30 or above, it is considered to be in the obese category. If, after testing, it is true that you are obese, your doctor will likely speak with you about a plan to lose weight. Being obese is known to increase health risks and diseases. Some of these include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, cancer, body pain, and mental illness.

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Brisket and pulled pork are famous barbeque meats, that are super flavorful, smokey, and the perfect main dish for your delicious meal. But, there are some major differences between these two meats. Their biggest difference is that they come from different animals. Brisket is beef from a cow, and pulled pork is from a cow. But they have many other differences. Today, we are going to look at brisket vs. pulled pork, what they are, their nutritional content, cost, taste, and more.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: What Are They?

A brisket is a cut of beef that typically comes from the lower chest or breast. Usually, this cut of meat is going to be tough as this is an area of the cow that gets a lot of use and exercise. But the way it's prepared makes it super tender and flavorful. This cut of meat is often very large and, on average, can weigh between 10 and 14 pounds. Typically, this cut is made up of two muscles, the flat and the point. The flat is the first cut, which is thinner, and the point is the second cut, which is thicker and fattier.

Pulled pork is meat from a pig. It's usually meat that has come from a large cut around the leg or shoulder. It is smoked and cooked low and slow for hours to make it tender and full of flavor. If you're looking to make pulled pork at home, when you're at the store, look for pork shoulder. Pork shoulder is also called pork butt or Boston butt.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: Nutritional Content

It's important to know that although one of these meats might be healthier than the other, that does not make either of these meats a healthy food. But, if you're comparing the two, beef brisket is often looked at as the healthier option over pulled pork. Brisket is a leaner meat, so it's usually lower in fat and calories. It also has a higher content of iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins compared to pulled pork. To clearly see their nutritional differences, take a look at the table below.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: Cost

Brisket and pulled pork are very different in this category. Beef brisket is always more expensive than pulled pork. Often, in grocery stores, you'll find that beef brisket is three, sometimes even four times more expensive than a cut for pulled pork.

For brisket, you'll typically find that it costs $5 to $15 per pound. This wide range is due to the grade and cut of the meat. So, if you're planning to feed a large family or group of friends, brisket is not your cheapest option. Pork, on the other hand, can typically be found for around one dollar per pound. Pork is a meat you can buy in higher quantities for a much lower price.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: Taste

Each of these meats has its own distinct and unique flavor, but they are both delicious. Brisket is known for its beefy richness that gives a bold and darker flavor. A brisket pairs well with a tangy barbecue sauce or a savory dry rub. On the other hand, pulled pork offers a sweeter and smokier flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, this meat is often paired with any of your favorite barbecue sauces, whether tangy, sweet, or spicy.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: Texture

When it comes to texture, these two meats are also very different. When cooked right, brisket should be super tender and full of flavor. It can give you the melt-in-your-mouth experience even though it's a leaner piece of meat. Even with its tenderness, brisket can be a chewier meat compared to pork. With pulled pork, this meat should be effortlessly tender, pulling apart into strands with just a fork. Pulled pork is soft and moist, which makes it great for a pulled pork sandwich.

Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: How To Cook

The best way to cook brisket is to get that delicious flavor and tenderness by smoking it. Seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic, smoking it on low for hours will melt away the fat and make the meat tender and juicy. There are also many ways to serve brisket. If you're serving brisket in a barbeque spread, make all the delicious and classic barbeque sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and more. Brisket is also used for the St. Patrick's Day corned beef and cabbage tradition. It's also eaten during Rosh Hashanah and Passover in Jewish cuisine.

The best way to cook pulled pork is to season the pork butt or shoulder with spices and then cook it in a slow cooker on low heat for hours until it's as tender as you like it. You can check its tenderness by using a pair of forks or tongs to try and pull it apart. Pulled pork is a great protein option for sandwiches, salads, or even tacos. It's a very versatile meat and can be used in many ways.

Beef Brisket Recipe

Beef Brisket with Onion Sauce

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 4 pounds beef brisket
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 whole black peppercorns
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Cover meat with boiling water.
2. Add vegetables and seasonings.
3. Simmer until tender, about 3 hours.
4. Remove meat from liquid, place in shallow baking dish.
5. Reserve 2 cups of the beef-onion stock. Add the chopped tomato and stir.
6. Spread egg over meat; sprinkle with dry bread crumbs.
7. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes or until brown.
8. Make an onion sauce with reserved beef-onion stock and serve with meat.
9. Serve over steak fries if desired.

If you're ready to take on making beef brisket at home, here is our favorite recipe. If you don't have a smoker, there are many other ways you can cook brisket, like in the oven, in a slow cooker, on a grill, and even boiled. This recipe calls for making an onion sauce as well that pairs deliciously with the brisket.

For this recipe, you will need four pounds of beef brisket, one carrot, one tomato, one egg, one onion, salt, pepper, fresh garlic, and bread crumbs. To cook the brisket, you're going to start by boiling it. Then add in the vegetables and seasonings and simmer it for three hours. Remove the meat and place it in a baking dish. The liquid you boiled the meat and vegetables in is now a beef stock. Remove and save two cups of the stock to make the onion sauce later. Cover your brisket with the egg and bread crumbs, then bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Pulled Pork Recipe

This pulled pork recipe is great if you're looking to feed people for a party or if you're just cooking dinner for your family. It will make plenty of food at a really decent cost! It can be used in so many ways, but most commonly, pulled pork is used to make a pulled pork sandwich. Placed on a freshly toasted bun with your favorite barbeque sauce, this pulled pork recipe will become a favorite. If you have leftovers but don't want pulled pork sandwiches, you can use this meat in salads or even use it to make pulled pork tacos. Some delicious toppings for pulled pork tacos include pickled onions, avocado, and pineapple.

This recipe calls for three pounds of pork shoulder, water, butter, red and green bell peppers, onions, and barbeque sauce. To cook the pork, bring a pot of water to a boil and place the pork in to simmer for two and a half hours. You can cook it longer if you feel like the pork is not tender enough. Once ready, start cooking your onions and peppers on the stovetop and add in the barbeque sauce to simmer together. Then, add the shredded pork to the barbeque mixture and cook for about five minutes until it all combines together. While that comes together, place your buns in the oven or toaster to get them warm and ready for serving.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 3 pounds of Pork Shoulder
• 2 tbsp of Salt
• 2 tbsp of Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp of Paprika
• 1 tbsp of Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp of Onion Powder
• 1 tbsp of Brown Sugar
• 1 cup of Barbecue Sauce

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar to create a dry rub.
2. Rub the mixture all over the pork shoulder, covering it completely.
3. Place the pork shoulder in a slow cooker and pour the barbecue sauce over it.
4. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
6. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce.
7. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the pulled pork on buns with your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 8-10 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

The post Brisket vs. Pulled Pork: 5 Major Differences and How To Cook Them appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Tofu is known for being a good food replacement for animal protein. Tofu is high in protein, low in calories, and has a healthy fat content. Although is is often eaten by vegetarians, it's not only for vegetarians! Tofu is loved by many and can be cooked and eaten in a variety of ways. Thankfully, as tofu is often used as a protein substitute, it is a healthy ingredient to incorporate into your diet. Let's take a deeper look into what tofu is, its nutritional information, and possible health benefits and risks.

What Is Tofu?

Tofu is a food that originates from China and is made of condensed soy milk. This is then similarly pressed into blocks to how cheese is pressed. The tofu blocks are held together by an ingredient called nigari, a coagulant rich in minerals that is extracted from seawater.

Nutritional Facts

Tofu is a nutrient-dense food that is high in protein, and it has all the amino acids that our bodies need! It's also a great source of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. In a serving of tofu that is three and a half ounces, you'll get 144 calories, 17 grams of protein, three grams of carbs, two grams of fiber, and nine grams of fat. It also has over 50% of the daily value needed for calcium and manganese. Other important vitamins and minerals you'll get include copper, selenium, vitamin A, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Health Benefits

Because of its soy protein content and a plant compound called isoflavone, tofu is believed to help reduce the risk of cancers, heart disease, and diabetes while also promoting strong bones, improved brain function, reduced menopause symptoms, and even offering antidepressant symptoms.

Cancer

Tofu is made from soybeans, so it has something called isoflavones. This compound works to activate estrogen receptors. Studies have shown that isoflavones can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Some studies show adding tofu to your diet can decrease your risk of breast, colon, endometrial, prostate, and stomach cancer. In 2019, a study showed women who had breast cancer with a diet rich in soy were 16% less likely to die after their diagnoses than those who consumed little soy. Similarly, a study of postmenopausal women who had a diet rich in soy before and after their cancer diagnoses were 28% less likely for their cancer to return after remission. Overall, studies show that all women, no matter the age, who had diets high in soy were 27% less likely to get cancer at all.

Separate studies show that people with diets high in soy are 10% less likely to die from cancer. This includes cancers like lung, stomach, and intestinal cancer. They also show that it can reduce the risk of getting cancers like gut, colon, or colorectal between 7% and 12%.

Heart Disease

Tofu can also reduce the risk of heart disease because of its soy protein content. Foods high in soy are known for their ability to lower cholesterol. When studied, it was shown that soy protein reduced bad cholesterol (LDL) by three to four percent. At the same time, it reduced overall cholesterol levels as well. But there is something special about tofu that makes it stand out from a soy supplement. It is believed that the combination of isoflavones, protein, and fiber is what gives such good heart health benefits.

Diabetes

Studies have also shown that tofu can help reduce the risk of diabetes. In 2020, studies concluded that those who regularly included tofu in their diet had a reduced risk of diabetes. Not only can it help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, but it also helps blood sugar levels for those who already have diabetes. A study showed that diabetics who had a rich soy diet for 6 weeks had lower insulin and blood sugar levels than those who didn't have a soy-rich diet.

Health Risks

If you're concerned about GMOs, you may want to avoid tofu. Tofu is made of soybeans, and most of the world's soybeans are genetically modified (GMO). If you are concerned about GMOs but still want to enjoy tofu, look for organic and GMO-free tofu at the store.

Although tofu can reduce the risk of death and recurring cancer, it is sometimes recommended to be avoided for women with breast cancer. If their cancer is estrogen-sensitive, then avoiding tofu that can activate estrogen is important.

It is also recommended to avoid tofu if you have thyroid issues. Tofu has goitrogen, a compound that can affect the production of thyroid hormones and increase the growth of thyroid tissue.

Conclusion

Overall, tofu is a nutrient-dense food that is good to incorporate into your diet. It has been shown to reduce the risk of cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. It should be avoided in certain circumstances like thyroid disease or estrogen-sensitive breast cancer. But, it offers many health benefits that most people can experience when adding it to their routine.

Recipe Card

Cashew Crunch Tofu

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Ingredients

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• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 4 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 carrots peeled, julienned
• 4 cups broccoli
• 1 package (14 ounces) extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 teaspoons bottled minced ginger
• 1/2 of 13.25-ounces package whole wheat rotini
• 1 cup roasted cashew nut

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Instructions

1. Bring 5 cups water mixed with 1 tablespoon salt to boil in a large stockpot. Pour in dry rotini and cook until pasta is al dente.
2. Meanwhile, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, water, and sugar in a small bowl.
3. Heat 4 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet. Stir-fry carrots and broccoli for 2 minutes. Add cubed tofu; stir-fry for 4 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add sauce mixture. Stir to coat.
4. Divide mixture in half. Place first half over noodles and stir to coat. Top with cashews just before serving. Place second half in 1 one-gallon freezer bag and freeze.
5. When ready to serve, defrost in refrigerator and reheat in microwave. Top with roasted cashews, serve warm.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©YuliiaHolovchenko/Shutterstock.com.

The post Is Tofu Healthy, Actually? What Science Says appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The flavor and taste of meat is influenced by the cut of the meat. Today, we're going to cover the differences between pork loin vs. pork shoulder. The major difference between these two types of meat is where they come from. Pork loin comes from the midsection of the pig between the back fat and the ribs, and pork shoulder comes from the top part of the pig's front leg. But, there are other differences between these two cuts of meat that set them apart. Whether you're looking to make a roast or a hearty stew, understanding the differences between these cuts will enhance your skills in the kitchen. Let's learn more about these meats, their nutritional content, taste, cost, and more.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: What Are They

A cut of pork loin is a tender and lean cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig. It usually comes from the shoulder blade to the hip bone. This cut is known to be the most tender part of the pig since it is the least used, which means it has a limited amount of connective tissue. Connective tissue is what makes a cut of meat tough. Pork loin is often cooked as a whole roast or cut into smaller pieces like pork chops or pork medallions.

The pork shoulder is the cut of meat that comes from the front of the pig and the top of the legs. It can be divided into two areas, the upper part is called a Boston or pork butt, and the lower part is called the picnic or shoulder roast. This cut of meat is known to have a higher fat content as well as being tougher. This part of the pig is used more often, so it has more connective tissue than pork loin. Because of this, pork shoulder will typically require a longer cooking time. Pork shoulder is often used to make pulled pork.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: Nutritional Content

When it comes to the nutritional content of these cuts, they are going to be similar because they are coming from the same animal. But the differences you will see are the calorie and fat counts. Because pork loin is a leaner meat, it is going to have less fat and calories than pork shoulder. This ultimately will make the pork loin a healthier option. But, it's important to recognize that only the meat on its own can be considered healthier. How you decide to cook and serve this meat will determine its final nutrition count.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: Cost

Although both of these options are budget-friendly, one is cheaper than the other. Typically, a pork shoulder cut is going to be more expensive. A pound of pork shoulder can range from four to five dollars, whereas a pound of pork loin can range from three to five dollars per pound. Either way, both of them are an affordable protein option, especially if you're looking to feed a larger group of people.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: Taste and Texture

There is quite a difference between these two meats when it comes to taste and texture. Pork loin is a leaner meat with less fat and less connective tissue. This gives the pork loin a mild taste, making it a good canvas! Pork loin can often be dressed up with any kind of sauce and side dish. The texture is also very tender since it has less connective tissue, so you can enjoy an easy chew when you eat pork loin.

Pork shoulder, on the other hand, has a denser, deeper, and richer flavor as well as a tougher texture. The pork shoulder tends to have more flavor because of its higher fat content that melts and infuses into the meat as it cooks. It is also a tougher cut of meat because it has more connective tissue. But there is no reason to fret. Cooking this cut of meat low and slow does everything it needs to become a tender and juicy meat.

Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: Cooking Methods

These two meats do call for different cooking methods. Cooking a pork loin is going to be quicker because it doesn't require a low and slow cook. You can grill, pan-roast, or oven-roast your pork loin. Of course, the exact cut of meat that you're cooking will determine which of these options is best for you. But, overall, a pork loin can be cooked in a variety of ways.

A pork shoulder, on the other hand, does require a longer cooking time. This cut of meat needs time to cook low for the fat to melt and the connective tissue to fall apart. Typically, a pork shoulder is braised, roasted, or smoked. In the oven and in a slow cooker, it can take up to six hours to cook. In a smoker, it can take up to eight hours to cook. This cut of meat is either something you cook over the weekend or in the morning in a slow cooker, so it can cook during the day while you are doing other things.

Our Favorite Pork Loin Recipe

As mentioned previously, a pork loin is a mild cut of meat, which makes it a great canvas to add any kind of flavor. This recipe is an apple butter pork loin. The sweet and spiced apple butter makes a delicious glaze for the pork and is served best with either a side of sweet potatoes or baked beans.

This recipe calls for two pounds of pork, seasoned salt, apple juice, apple butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season the pork with seasoned salt and place it in a baking dish or roasting pan. Then, pour the apple juice over top of the pork and cover either with aluminum foil or a lid. Place it in the oven and bake for one hour. While that is cooking, you can make the apple butter.

To make the apple butter mixture, combine the apple butter, water, cinnamon, brown sugar, and cloves. Then, once the pork is done, remove it from the oven and cover it in the apple butter mixture. Place it back in the oven and cook for two more hours until it's tender. If you have any extra apple butter mixture that you want to turn into whipped apple butter, use a Kitchen Aid or hand mixer to whip it until it has a texture of your liking, and use it when you serve the pork.

Our Favorite Pork Shoulder Recipe

BBQ Pork Shoulder Steaks

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Tablespoons Hungarian paprika
• 1 Tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 Tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (zest from 1 lemon)
• 1 Tablespoon dried marjoram
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 boneless pork shoulder steaks, cut 3/4-inch thick

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine paprika, coriander, lemon zest, marjoram, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cumin, caraway seeds, and cinnamon.
2. Rub herb mixture on both sides of steaks, pressing into surface. Place steaks in center of cooking grate.
3. Grill 10 minutes for medium (160 degrees F) or 12 to 14 minutes for well-done (170 degrees F), turning once halfway through grilling time.

Pork shoulder can be served in a handful of different ways. Two of the most common ways include pulled pork and pork shoulder steak. This pork shoulder steak recipe is going to have you in love with pork shoulder. They are well-seasoned and barbeque-flavored, making them great for a Summer barbeque spread. Just add potato salad, mac and cheese, and sweet tea, and you've got everything you need for a good barbecue.

This recipe requires pork shoulder steaks, cinnamon, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic powder, coriander, paprika, and lemon zest. Start by mixing all the seasonings together to create a dry rub mixture. Then, rub the mixture into the steaks and place the steaks on the grill, cooking them for about 10-12 minutes or until done, starting with five minutes on each side. They are done cooking once they reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

The post Pork Loin vs. Pork Shoulder: 4 Major Differences and How To Cook Them appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Turkey bacon is considered the “healthier bacon” compared to pork. It is believed to be healthier since it has fewer calories and fat. However, it is important to note that turkey bacon is still a processed meat, which can make it a health hazard. Whether you're choosing turkey bacon for reduced calories, a different flavor, or because you need or want to avoid pork, you should be mindful of how much turkey bacon you consume. Today, let's take a look at what turkey bacon is, its nutritional information, and its health benefits and risks.

What Is Turkey Bacon?

Turkey bacon is made from turkey instead of pork, which is considered traditional. Turkey bacon is made by using ground turkey meat, adding seasonings, and shaping them into bacon strips. Because it is a processed meat, preservatives are also added into the mix. Although the makeup of this bacon is different than pork, it is still cooked similarly. Turkey bacon can be cooked in the oven, microwaved, or pan-fried.

Nutritional Information

Turkey bacon is known for having less calories and fat than pork bacon. One strip of turkey bacon has approximately 30 calories and 2.1 grams of fat, whereas pork bacon has 43 calories and 3.1 grams of fat. Another important thing to note is that turkey bacon has about one gram less protein than pork bacon. Otherwise, a lot of the other measured vitamins and minerals are similar for turkey and bacon pork. Some of these include zinc, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, and sodium levels.

Health Benefits

Turkey bacon is a great option for anyone with dietary needs who needs to avoid consuming pork bacon. It's a “healthier” option in the sense that it has fewer calories and fat than pork bacon. If you want to consume fewer calories and fat, turkey bacon can help you accomplish this.

Turkey bacon is a great alternative for those who don't or can't consume pork, whether it's for religious, health, or allergy reasons. Although the flavor is not exactly the same, turkey bacon still has a good flavor from the seasonings added to it. It is salty, smoky, and meaty, just like regular bacon.

Health Risks

Because it is a processed meat, turkey bacon has more health risks than it has health benefits. Some of these include having less protein, being high in sodium, and containing preservatives.

Too Much Sugar and Less Protein

It is important to note that although turkey bacon has fewer calories than pork bacon, that doesn't mean that it is a low-calorie food. It is still relatively high in calories at 30 calories a slice. Turkey bacon also has less protein than pork bacon. In addition, more sugar is added to turkey bacon to improve its texture and taste. This leads to having more carbohydrates than pork bacon. If you need to be aware of your sugar consumption, there are turkey bacon options that have no added sugars.

High Sodium Content

Turkey bacon also has a higher sodium count than pork bacon because salt is a natural preservative as well as a flavor enhancer. Two strips of turkey bacon can have approximately 328 milligrams of sodium. And if we're being honest, it's hard to eat only two pieces of bacon! We often go back for more, which can be dangerous as the sodium will add up quickly. A diet high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure and even be harmful to the brain and kidneys.

Harmful Preservatives

Preservatives are another thing to keep in mind when consuming turkey bacon. Nitrates and nitrites (preservatives) are added to extend the shelf life of turkey bacon. However, it has been studied and shown that these preservatives can increase the risk of cancer like colon, throat, breast, lung, and stomach cancer. This happens because these preservatives are believed to produce something called nitrosamines, which are cancer-causing compounds. Because of this, turkey bacon must be eaten in moderation. There have been studies that show regular consumption of processed foods can increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Conclusion

Overall, the answer to “Is turkey bacon healthy?” is no. Although it's considered to be a healthier version of pork bacon, that does not make it a healthy food. Turkey bacon is a healthier option if you're looking to consume fewer calories and fat, but it should not be considered healthy. It is higher in sodium, which can cause blood pressure issues as well as damage to the brain and kidneys. It also contains preservatives, which are known to cause cancer as well as increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. But, even with all this, it doesn't mean that you can't eat turkey bacon. It is just important that you understand it is best consumed in moderation.

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Turkey Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices turkey bacon
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup low-fat feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket for stuffing.
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix on both sides of each chicken breast.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with two slices of turkey bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
6. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides until the turkey bacon is golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Remove toothpicks before serving.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com.

The post Is Turkey Bacon Healthy, Actually? What Science Says appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you have an air fryer at home, here are some air fryer hacks that you need to know! Oftentimes, most people see an air fryer as a way to warm up or cook their favorite meals quickly. But what many people aren't aware of is you can actually be really creative with how you use your air fryer. Today, we're going to cover some basic hacks you need to know when cooking with an air fryer as well as the best ways to utilize your air fryer. We'll also cover some fun food items that you can make using your air fryer. There are so many cool things you can do and make with your air fryer that the possibilities are endless. So, with that being said, let's get into it!

Preheating

Although preheating isn't a requirement, preheating your air fryer can be an important part of the process. Just like you would preheat your regular oven, you can preheat your air fryer. This will allow the air fryer to be hot and ready for your food to cook quicker once you put it in.

Use Limited Oil

Although the name says fryer, you're not going to use a lot of oil to fry your food. Although this seems like an odd concept, that's what people love about their air fryers most. Reducing the oil is a healthier way to cook your food. If anything, you'll only use a little bit of oil to keep foods from sticking.

Shake The Basket

Shaking the basket a few times is great to make sure your food gets evenly cooked. Just like you would flip or turn your food in a regular oven, this accomplishes a similar result. But it's quicker and easier. Get the best results by shaking the basket twice throughout the cooking process.

Use Special Parchment Paper

Although many foods do not require a covering over the bin, if you're cooking anything with a sticky ingredient like cheese, you'll want to protect your air fryer. But you can't cover your bin all the way. You still need to make sure that air can flow through the cooker. So make sure to get the parchment paper for air fryers with holes, or make sure you add holes to the parchment paper you have.

Use Aluminum Carefully

Similar to using parchment paper, using aluminum foil can help keep your air fryer clean. However, it may not be safe to use aluminum in every air fryer. First, make sure to check your manufacturer's instructions. When using foil, make sure it's secure so it doesn't get blown around. If it hits the heating element, it could cause a fire.

Roast Coffee

A fun thing you can do in your air fryer is roast coffee! If you've never roasted coffee at home, it's surprisingly easy and delicious. Buy unroasted beans, place them in a single layer in the air fryer bin, and cook them for 40 minutes. Then, you'll have freshly roasted coffee ready once it is ground. You can use a hand grinder or an electric grinder.

Toast Bagels and Bread

Using your air fryer to toast your bagels or bread is great if they're too big for your toaster. If you've ever gotten a thick bagel, you know that sometimes the toaster is not an option. Although some air fryers have a specific toast setting, without it, you only need to cook your bagel for a few minutes.

Hardboil Eggs

Cooking hardboiled eggs can sometimes feel like a hassle, and you can often under or overcook your yolk. Well, making your hardboiled eggs in the air fryer is easy and consistent. Place your air fryer at 250 and cook for approximately 17 minutes. If you prefer soft-boiled, cook for 13 minutes or 15 minutes for medium-boiled.

Fry Peaches

Frying peaches is a delicious Summer treat. Whether you're using fresh peaches or canned peaches, you can make a delicious “grilled” peach or a cobbler. For fresh peaches, cook at 350 degrees for five minutes. For canned peaches, cook for 15-30 minutes depending on how you prepare it.

Thaw Frozen Veggies

Instead of cooking your frozen veggies in the microwave, opt to cook them in the air fryer. But, if you do this, you should first thaw your veggies. If cooked unthawed, they can become soggy. To avoid this, just pull your veggies out ahead of time, and do a quick dry off before cooking in air fryer.

Use To Bake Cookies

If you didn't know already, you can make baked goods in the air fryer. Opting to do this can be helpful if you want to cook and bake at the same time and your oven is occupied with other food. It's also helpful in the Summer to keep the temperature down in your house by not using the oven. Just know that cookies will bake quicker in an air fryer, so don't overcook them.

Make Donuts

Making donuts is one of the best-kept secrets about an air fryer. In just 10 minutes, you can make homemade donuts using biscuits. Cut out the middle of the biscuit and cook in the air fryer for five minutes. Then, remove them, cover them in melted butter, and sprinkle with a cinnamon and sugar blend.

Bake A Cake

To continue the idea of baking, you can also bake a cake in your air fryer. Although you may need to change your settings depending on your air fryer, it's still a good way to make a cake. Air fryers are known for “frying” because they pull out the moisture. This is something to be aware of when making a cake since most people like a moist cake. Halfway through cooking your cake, if it looks too brown or dark, cover it with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture.

Dehydrate Veggies and Fruits

If you have extra produce lying around or if you prefer to make your own snacks at home, using your air fryer to dehydrate veggies and fruits is a great way to do so. Some common dehydrated fruits and veggies that people like to snack on include strawberries, peaches, kiwi, edamame, and zucchini. To dehydrate, cook these low and slow. Typically, recipes call for 175 degrees for a few hours, but this will vary depending on what you're cooking.

Fix Stale Tortilla Chips

Have you ever had to throw away a bag of tortilla chips because the bag wasn't properly closed? Well, pitch no more! You can bring your stale tortilla chips back to life using your air fryer. Place the chips in the basket and cook for just a few minutes, shaking the basket every 30 seconds so the chips don't burn.

Don't Use Cooking Spray

Although using cooking spray like Pam seems like the best way to quickly and easily grease your air fryer basket, this should be avoided. Cooking sprays are made with additives to extend the shelf life of the product. These additives, sadly, can damage the coating on the basket of your air fryer. Instead of using a cooking spray, you can use a brush to cover your basket lightly with regular cooking oil.

Use Accessories

You can widely expand the things you make if you have a good stock of air fryer accessories. There are accessories like silicone liners, skewer racks, special tongs, oven mitts, etc. Of these, some of the most popular are the silicone liners. These allow you to make egg bites, mini casseroles, and other small hand-held finger foods.

Use Wet Rubs

When cooking meat in the air fryer, it is actually better to use a wet rub rather than a dry rub when it comes to seasonings and marinating. Air fryers work by moving around hot air to cook the food, so if dry seasoning is just lying on top of your food, it could blow off. Also, air fryers work by drying foods out, so having a wet rub can help your meats keep some moisture.

Hand Wash

Hand washing your air fryer will help extend its lifespan. Although placing your air fryer trays and basket into the dishwasher may be easier, taking a few extra minutes to do it by hand will help you in the long run. Often, in the manufacturer's instructions, you'll find they say you can use the dishwasher, but even they recommend washing by hand. Hand washing can help reduce damage to the nonstick coating.

Use A Thermometer

Having a cooking thermometer is a great tool in your kitchen. Although most recipes offer the right amount of time to cook your food, it is always best practice to ensure your meat is cooked to the degree it needs to be. Each meat requires to be cooked to a different temperature. Poultry requires 165 degrees, and beef, pork, and lamb should reach 145 degrees.

Cook Frozen Meat

One of the best features of having an air fryer is its ability to cook frozen meat. There's nothing worse than forgetting to pull out your frozen meat so it can thaw throughout the day. Well, that concern can be thrown out the window with an air fryer. To cook your frozen meat in the air fryer, just increase the amount of time you cook it and use your thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature of the meat.

Add Water For Greasy Food

If you've ever cooked greasy food in your air fryer, you might have noticed some smoke on occasion. This can often happen if food is stuck in the basket and gets further cooked and burnt, or the grease starts to burn. To avoid this from happening, you can actually add some water to your air fryer. It doesn't require a lot of water. Adding just one cup of water to the base of the air fryer can keep this from happening.

Don't Stack Food

Although this may seem obvious since directions always say to place food in a single layer, it is often tempting to stack food so you can make more at once. But, this can directly impact how well and even your food will cook. Stacking food can keep the airflow from moving the way that it needs to. This is especially important when it comes to meat because although the edges might be cooked, the middle could be undercooked. This can lead to illness and food poisoning if not careful.

Proof Dough

The ability to proof dough is a really fun air fryer trick! Depending on the type of air fryer you have, some models have a setting that uses warm air to create the perfect rising conditions for a bread dough. And then, once your dough is fully proofed, you can even use your air fryer to make your bread loaf.

Clean Regularly

Although it's really easy to just dump your food out and close the air fryer basket, it's best to take a few extra minutes to clean out your air fryer. When you don't regularly clean your air fryer, grease can build up and food can get stuck to the trays. To keep your air fryer working correctly and as intended, just quickly rinse down with soap and water, and this will do wonders.

Cook Corn On The Cob

Skip the grill! Although grilling is fun on a beautiful day, if you want to make your dinner easier, you can opt to use the air fryer for corn on the cob. It's a great way to cook your corn during the cold months as well. Brush the corn with oil and seasonings, then cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

Reheat Left Overs

Sometimes, using the microwave to reheat your leftovers just doesn't cut it. When you have crispy food, reheating it in the microwave makes it soft and soggy. So, don't ruin your leftovers. Instead, reheat them in the air fryer. The air fryer removes moisture to keep or make your food crispy. Great foods to reheat in the air fryer include fried chicken, pizza, seafood, roasted veggies, nachos, and more.

Cook Seafood

The air fryer is a great option when you're cooking seafood. Whether you don't want to grill or use the stovetop or if you're worried about stinking up the oven, this is where the air fryer can be handy. An air fryer will help make your seafood crispy, giving it a delicious flavor and even replicating restaurant quality. It's also significantly easier to clean than your oven. Altogether, this makes it a great option for seafood.

Use Skewers For Small Food

Since the bottom of an air fryer basket has holes or if you're using a cooking tray, often, small foods can fall through and cause you trouble. If you're cooking small foods, a famous trick is to use skewer sticks! Skewering your food together will keep them close so that they can't fall through.

Pick the Right Cooking Oil

Choosing the right oil for what you're cooking is important. Each type of oil has a different smoke point. So, if you need to cook over 400 degrees, you wouldn't want to choose olive oil because it has a smoke point of 375 degrees. Here are the smoke points for common household cooking oils. Avocado oil has a 400-degree smoke point. Grape seed oil has a 390-degree smoke point. Peanut oil has a 450-degree smoke point. Vegetable oil has a range of 400-450 degrees for a smoke point. Similarly, sesame oil ranges from 350 to 410 degrees.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Hazal Ak/Shutterstock.com.

The post 30 Air Fryer Hacks You’ll Want To Try appeared first on Moms Who Think.

I don't know what it is about Panera's marketing, but I've always thought they were among the healthier options when it comes to fast casual food. Although you can get some items with reasonable calorie counts, I was shocked to see how many of my favorite sandwiches had an insane amount of calories. After taking a deeper look at the items that Panera offers, today we are covering the Panera items with the highest calories broken down by category: bakery items, main food entrees, and drinks. Here are the foods you should be aware of and might want to avoid.

Bakery

Cinnamon Roll

One of Panera's famous sweet treats from their bakery is the cinnamon roll. But be careful before you indulge! These treats have 520 calories per roll. These freshly baked rolls are made with Panera's signature sweet dough. Then, they get filled with cinnamon and sugar filling and slathered in icing. Of the 520 calories, about 160 calories come from fat. The cinnamon roll has 18 grams of fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 400 milligrams of sodium, and 84 grams of carbohydrates.

Cranberry Orange Muffin

A common breakfast choice, Panera's cranberry orange muffin has 530 calories. This muffin is made with whole cranberries and orange peel and topped with turbinado sugar. Of the 530 calories this muffin has, about 180 are from fat. It has 20 grams of fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 340 grams of sodium, and 82 grams of carbohydrates.

Orange Scone

The orange scone is a delicious citrus treat, but it does have 550 calories. This cream-based scone has citrus in it and is topped with orange icing. Of the 550 calories, 190 are from fat. The orange scone has 21 grams of fat, 80 milligrams of cholesterol, 860 milligrams of sodium, and 77 carbohydrates.

Pumpkin Muffin

Another popular breakfast item, especially in the Fall, is the pumpkin muffin, which has 570 calories. This muffin uses real pumpkin in the batter and is topped with powdered sugar and streusel. Of the 570 calories, 220 calories come from fat. The pumpkin muffin has 24 grams of fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 430 milligrams of sodium, and 78n grams of carbohydrates.

Kitchen Sink Cookie

Although the kitchen sink cookie is delicious, it is one of the highest-calorie items in the bakery, with 820 calories. It's made with chocolate, caramel, and pretzels and then finished with salt flakes. Of its 820 calories, 400 come from fat. The kitchen sink cookie has 44 grams of fat, 95 milligrams of cholesterol, 760 milligrams of sodium, and 99 grams of carbohydrates.

Entrees

This section is quite shocking, so get ready. It's important to note that the calories stated below are before you add on a side and a drink! So, the calories are just for the “entree” items. This means you could be looking at 1,500+ calories a meal if you're not careful. Here are the high-calorie entree items you need to be aware of.

Bacon Turkey Bravo

Shockingly, the bacon turkey bravo sandwich is 1,000 calories. It's made with tomato basil bread, bacon, turkey, gouda, mixed greens, tomatoes, sauce, and salt and pepper. Of these 1,000 calories, 370 calories come from fat. The bacon turkey bravo has 41 grams of fat, 135 milligrams of cholesterol, 2,660 milligrams of sodium, 104 grams of carbohydrates, and 54 grams of protein.

Pepperoni Mozzarella Melt

The pepperoni mozzarella melt has 1,000 calories. It's made with a French baguette, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese blend, and tomato sauce. Of its 1,000 calories, 350 of these calories are from fat. The pepperoni mozzarella melt has 39 grams of fat, 105 milligrams of cholesterol, 2,600 milligrams of sodium, 115 grams of carbohydrates, and 48 grams of protein.

Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza

Similar to the pepperoni mozzarella melt, the pepperoni flatbread pizza is also high in calories. It is 1,060 calories. It is essentially a thick slice of pepperoni pizza and is made with mozzarella and fontina cheese, tomato bell pepper sauce, and flatbread. Of the 1,060 calories, 500 calories are from fat. The pepperoni flatbread pizza has 55 grams of fat, 115 milligrams of cholesterol, 2580 milligrams of sodium, 95 grams of carbohydrates, and 43 grams of protein.

Mac and Cheese (in a Bread Bowl)

The mac and cheese is 960 calories, but if you like it in a bread bowl, it is 1,150 calories with the bread. Made with shell pasta and a blend of cheeses, the mac and cheese is finished off with white cheddar cheese sauce. Of the 960 calories (without a bread bowl), 580 are from fat. The mac and cheese has 64 grams of fat, 165 milligrams of cholesterol, 2,3000 milligrams of sodium, 67 grams of carbohydrates, and 32 grams of protein.

Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt

The chipotle chicken avocado melt is 930 calories. It is made with smoked pulled chicken, smoked gouda, cilantro, avocado, peppers, focaccia, and chipotle sauce. Of the 930 calories, 440 calories are from fat. The chipotle chicken avocado melt has 48 milligrams of fat, 130 milligrams of cholesterol, 2,400 milligrams of sodium, 80 grams of carbohydrates, and 46 grams of protein.

Toasted Steak & White Cheddar Sandwich

The toasted steak and white cheddar sandwich is 950 calories. It has marinated tender steak, white cheddar, horseradish sauce, pickled red onions, and ciabatta bread. Of the 950 calories, 420 calories are from fat. The sandwich has 47 grams of fat, 125 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,550 milligrams of sodium, 87 grams of carbohydrates, and 44 grams of protein.

Drinks

Mango Yuzu Citrus Charged Lemonade

The mango yuzu citrus-charged lemonade is one of the highest-calorie drinks at Panera. It has 220-330 calories, depending on the size you order. The medium size has 220 calories, and the large has 330 calories. This naturally flavored and plant-based drink has caffeine, which has made it popular. However, it does have risks for pregnant or nursing women, children, and anyone sensitive to caffeine. It has 10 milligrams of sodium, 54 grams of carbohydrates, and 156 milligrams of caffeine.

Hot Chocolate

The Panera hot chocolate is 430 calories. They use bittersweet chocolate-flavored syrup. The hot chocolate is made with steamed milk, caramel syrup, and whipped cream. 100 of the 430 calories are calories from fat. The hot chocolate has 11 grams of fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 230 milligrams, and 73 grams of carbohydrates.

Frozen Chocolate/Caramel Cold Brew

The frozen chocolate and caramel cold brews are very popular in the summer. The calories slightly differ, with 450 calories for the chocolate cold brew and 490 for the caramel cold brew. These drinks have cold brew over ice with chocolate or caramel syrup, and they're topped with whipped cream. The chocolate cold brew has 13 grams of fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 130 milligrams of sodium, and 79 grams of carbohydrates. The caramel cold brew has 17 grams of fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 230 milligrams, and 80 grams of carbohydrates. They both have around 145 milligrams.

Caramel Latte (Hot and Iced)

The caramel latte is another beverage high in calories, both in the hot and cold versions. The hot caramel latte is 410 calories, and the iced caramel latte is 440 calories. Around 120 calories of these drinks are from fat. These lattes have 13 grams of fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 290 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, and 145 milligrams of caffeine.

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Now that you know the items from Panera that you may want to limit, you might be interested to try a healthified version of one of their most popular dishes: Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Enjoy!

Copycat Healthier Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large carrots, grated
• 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the whole wheat flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the low-fat milk and vegetable broth until smooth.
5. Add the broccoli florets and grated carrots to the pot. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Using an immersion blender or transferring to a blender in batches, blend the soup until smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pot if necessary and stir in the shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve the healthier copycat Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese if desired.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©BearFotos/Shutterstock.com.

The post These 15 Panera Items Have the Most Calories appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Cooking a casserole is one of the best and easiest ways to feed a lot of mouths quickly. Especially when you're mid-week and in the midst of all the sports and activities, casseroles can become a lifesaver. Not only are they great when they're fresh, but they also make for great leftovers. Today, we're going to cover some of the best casserole dishes you need to try. These recipes include chicken, beef, and veggie options. Some are even low-carb and keto if you're looking to reduce carb count. Whether you're cooking one casserole or multiple to last you a few days, here are the recipes you need to try.

Mexican Casserole

This Mexican Casserole is a great and easy recipe for Mexican night. The recipe calls for ground turkey, ground beef, or shredded chicken. You can pick your preferred protein. It also requires a can of tomatoes, shredded Mexican cheese blend, and tortilla chips. First, crush the chips. After preparing your preferred meat, add in tomatoes and cheese, and sprinkle the crushed chips on top. Bake for 40 minutes, and then it's ready to serve.

Overnight Cheeseburger Casserole

If you've never heard of an overnight casserole, let me be the first to tell you! This type of casserole isn't that popular yet, but it's worth it (who has been keeping this secret?!). But, the name may fool you. It doesn't cook overnight. Rather, it requires refrigeration for 24 hours before getting cooked. This recipe calls for ground beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, tomato paste, sugar, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, canned tomatoes, flour, milk, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, penne noodles, and parsley.

Chicken Divan

If you have little ones who struggle to eat their broccoli, this chicken divan is a great way to get them their protein and veggies. A creamy and cheesy bake, this chicken divan is delicious. This recipe requires chicken breast, onion, celery, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, ritz crackers, and butter. This recipe is easy and is ready in 45 minutes.

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's Pie is a delicious and easy comfort food in the form of a casserole. Although the traditional Irish recipe would call for ground lamb, Shepehrd's Pies are often made with ground beef. This recipe calls for ground beef or lamb, onion, mixed peas and carrots, frozen corn, russet potatoes, rosemary, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, half and half, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

If you love fajitas, make a fajita dinner easy and delicious with this casserole recipe. With only eight ingredients, it's simple and ready in no time. Cooking in just 45 minutes, this recipe calls for chicken thighs or breasts, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning mix (or taco seasoning), sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, avocado, and salsa. First, cook the chicken, then add all ingredients together to bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

This stuffed pepper casserole is everything you love about stuffed peppers, but it is simplified and without hassle. This no-fuss recipe calls for ground beef, onions, bell peppers, jalapeno, fresh garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, basil, rice (wild, brown, or white), shredded cheese, and parsley. First, cook the veggies and then add the meat. Stir in remaining ingredients, top with cheese, and cook for 20 minutes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This chicken cordon bleu casserole is a creamy and savory recipe that your family loves. The recipe calls for shredded rotisserie chicken, black forest ham, swiss cheese, flour, milk, butter, dijon mustard, lemon juice, smoked paprika, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. In a dish, layer chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. Make the sauce with butter, flour, and milk in a pot. Pour the sauce in and top with the crumbly top, baking in the oven for 45 minutes.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole

This beef stroganoff casserole is another great example of taking a classic dish and turning it into a casserole to make an easy dinner. This recipe calls for egg noodles, ground beef, onion, garlic, mushrooms, flour, tomato sauce, red wine, beef broth, sour cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, bread crumbs, butter, and parsley. First, cook the noodles. Then, cook the veggies and ground beef. Add in flour, red wine, broth, and seasonings. Mix in the dairy, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

Cheesy Caprese Chicken & Quinoa Casserole

This cheesy caprese chicken and quinoa casserole is a fun and unique meal. This recipe calls for chicken, quinoa, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, half and half, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, grape tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. First, cook the quinoa in the broth. Then, make the sauce using the tomato ingredients, balsamic vinegar, half and half, and seasonings. Mix all together with the chicken and cheese, and cook in the oven for 15 minutes.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Who doesn't love sloppy Joe's? This sloppy joe casserole recipe is the matured version of the classic sloppy joe. The recipe calls for crescent roll dough, ground beef, sloppy joe sauce, cheddar cheese, and parsley. First, cook the ground beef, drain, and then mix in the sloppy joe sauce. Line your pan with crescent roll dough, add in meat, and then cover in grated cheese. Bake for 20 minutes and then serve.

Baked Zucchini, Spinach, and Feta Casserole

This baked zucchini, spinach, and feta cheese casserole is a great vegetarian option. Although many casseroles are known to be high-calorie comfort food, this recipe does not fit in that category. This recipe includes spinach, zucchini, yellow squash, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg whites, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. First, cook the veggies. Remove the excess liquid and mix in the remaining ingredients. Bake all together for 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This chicken enchilada casserole has layers of enchilada goodness. It's savory, filling, and a family favorite. This recipe calls for shredded chicken, green chiles, black beans, corn, corn tortillas, Mexican cheese blend, onions, cumin, chili powder, flour, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and garlic. First, make the enchilada sauce. Then, mix together the chicken, vegetables, and sauce. Split this mixture in half, and layer your pan with tortillas. Layer the first half of the mix, then another layer of enchiladas, then the second layer of mix. Cover with cheese and cook for 25 minutes.

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This chicken and wild rice casserole is rich and flavorful. The recipe calls for wild rice, chicken breast or thigh, paprika, salt, pepper, butter, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, chicken broth, flour, milk, chicken bouillon, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. First, cook the chicken and vegetables separately. Make the cream sauce, then combine all the ingredients. Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for 35 minutes.

Quinoa Pesto Casserole

This quinoa pesto casserole is a dump-and-bake recipe. It only takes a few minutes of preparation and is a quick meal when you're on the go. This vegetarian recipe calls for vegetable broth, quinoa, chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pesto, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, spinach, shredded mozzarella, and lemon.

Southwestern Chicken Bake Casserole

This southwestern chicken bake casserole is a comforting recipe. It calls for chicken, onions, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chicken broth, scallions, cilantro, Mexican cheese blend, and salt and pepper.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©thesomegirl/ via Getty Images.

The post The 15 Best Casserole Dishes to Try in March appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you're like me, soup is the way to my heart! And you'll love these soup recipes for you and your family. Soups are great when you're looking to use some of the veggies in the fridge, during cold months when you want to warm up, or if you are trying to make food to feed many mouths without spending a fortune. Soups can even give you an immune boost (depending on the soup), which is why they are great for fall, winter, and spring. As we approach spring, you might be wondering what some of the best soups are that you can make for your next dinner party. Here are 15 recipes that you will love this season.

Hearty Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable soup is a great way to use up the vegetables you might have in the fridge and make a yummy meal. This recipe calls for chicken broth, tomatoes, onions, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, carrots, zucchini, potatoes, basil, salt, pepper, and parsley. This recipe is super easy and just requires prepping the veggies and simmering them in the broth for one and a half to two hours. With lots of vegetables, this soup is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Creamy Chicken Spinach Soup

This Creamy Chicken Spinach soup is a delicious and filling soup that's perfect for a cold day. It's super easy to prepare and only takes 45 minutes. This recipe calls for a package of cheese tortellini, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, spinach, chicken breast, milk, and thyme. Many of these ingredients call for the fat-free or reduced-fat version, so it's also health-conscious! Often, creamy dishes can have a lot of calories. But this recipe keeps that in mind.

Tuscan Chickpea Soup

This Tuscan Chickpea Soup is a great option if you're looking for a meat-free recipe but still has protein. This recipe calls for onions, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, chickpeas, vegetable broth, sundried tomatoes, fresh lemon juice, coconut milk, spinach, basil, salt, and pepper. First, you'll cook the onions and garlic with seasonings to make them fragrant. Then add the chickpeas and tomato paste, and finish off with the broth and boil/simmer until cooked and ready to blend. This will make the soup creamy and smooth.

French Spring Soup

This French Spring soup is full of seasonal vegetables and is a delicious tangy and creamy soup filled with minerals and vitamins. This recipe calls for leeks, carrots, shitake mushrooms, garlic, potatoes, asparagus, barley, spinach, lemon juice, heavy cream, parsley, dill weed, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. First, you'll cook the veggies in a pan until fragrant, and then add in the seasonings, potatoes, and vegetable stock and cook until ready. You will cook the barley separately and add it together in the end.

Wild Mushroom, Onion, and Kale Soup

This wild mushroom, onion, and kale soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is a great comfort food. This recipe calls for sweet onion, fresh garlic, shitake mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, vegetable or chicken broth, kale, coconut milk, and salt and pepper. Another meatless recipe, this soup is also a paleo-friendly option. First, saute the onions, then add the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Once cooked, add in the broth and bring to a boil. Add in kale and cook until ready. Finish off with the creamy coconut milk.

Potato Leek Soup

This potato and leek soup has a great herby flavor with an amazing creamy texture that your guests are sure to love. Even though it's creamy, it's actually dairy-free if you're preparing for anyone with a dairy sensitivity. This soup is very simple, with only a few ingredients, and even so, it has a yummy and dynamic flavor. The recipe calls for leeks, fresh garlic, vegetable broth, Yukon gold potatoes, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, and chives.

Polish Dill Soup

If you've never had a Polish dill soup, then you have to try this recipe. A unique and delicious recipe, this is definitely a one-of-a-kind. This soup calls for simple ingredients but has amazing flavor. You'll need onions, carrots, potatoes, butter, vegetable stock, heavy cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to make it. If you like, you can also top the soup off with a cheese garnish using parmesan flakes. Prepare the vegetables, throw them all together in the pot, and simmer until the potatoes are soft (around 20 minutes).

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Loved by parents and kids alike, this creamy chicken gnocchi soup is delicious and filling. This recipe calls for chicken breast, onion, carrots, zucchini, gnocchi, chicken broth, fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. First, brown the chicken. Then cook the vegetables, add in the broth, chicken, and gnocchi, and cook for 12 minutes. Finish off with cream and serve.

Lemon White Bean and Spinach Soup

This Lemon White Bean and Spinach soup is packed with protein and is filled with orzo as a noodle choice. This recipe calls for carrots, onions, fresh garlic, vegetable broth, butter, orzo, baby spinach, cannellini beans, fresh lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. First, cook the vegetables and add in the garlic until fragrant. Then, add in the broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add orzo and simmer for eight minutes. Lastly, add in beans, spinach, and remaining ingredients.

Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Veggies

This Creamy White Lasagna Soup is packed with veggies, is super creamy, and has delicious curly pasta. The recipe calls for sweet onions, yellow squash, zucchini, carrots, sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable or chicken stock, a parmesan rind, lasagna noodles or mafalda corta pasta, spinach, heavy cream, and pesto. With a handful of yummy ingredients, this soup is flavorful, dynamic, and a fun way to use lasagna noodles.

Roasted Carrot Soup

This roasted carrot soup recipe is great if you have a bag of extra carrots hanging around in your fridge. The ingredients are simple, and it's super easy to make. The recipe calls for carrots, onions, garlic, fresh ginger, vegetable broth, coconut milk, lime juice, and scallions.

Italian Wedding Soup

If you loved Italian Wedding soup from the can or jar growing up, then you have to make it homemade. This soup is flavorful and filled with meatballs, pasta, and noodles. It calls for ground beef and pork, an egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, onions, carrots, celery, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, spinach, pasta, salt, and pepper.

Sopa de Conchitas (Mexican Shell Soup)

You don't always have to revert to tacos for Mexican night! This sopa de conchas recipe is a delicious Mexican shell soup that is creamy and delicious. It calls for shell pasta, vegetable broth, canned tomato, onion, cilantro, and a garlic pasta sauce. Cook all the ingredients together for 15 minutes, season to taste, and garnish with cilantro and onion.

Sundried Tomato Tortellini Soup

This sundried tomato tortellini soup is a fan favorite. The recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh garlic, onion, carrot, vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, cheese tortellini, heavy cream, spinach, parmesan, parsley sugar, salt, and pepper.

Spicy Italian Pesto Noodle Soup

Not only is this soup good to warm the soul, but the spice will warm up your body. This Spicy Italian Pesto Noodle Soup is great for all the spice lovers out there. This soup only takes 45 minutes to cook and calls for spicy Italian chicken sausage, shallots, carrots, fresh sage, fresh thyme, chicken broth, basil pesto, parmesan rind, fresh lemon juice, kale, pasta, and provolone cheese.

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Creamy Taco Soup

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 32 oz carton chicken broth
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1 (15.8 oz) can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.25 oz) can yellow hominy, drained
• 1 (15.25 oz) can white hominy, drained
• 1 (1.25 oz) pkg. taco seasoning mix
• 1 (1 oz) pkg ranch salad dressing mix

Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream, optional
• Tortilla chips, optional

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Instructions

1. In a large non-stick skillet cook turkey until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain. Add to slow cooker.
2. Add remaining ingredients, except toppings to slow cooker; combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
3. To serve, top with shredded cheese and sour cream (if desired), and serve with tortilla chips.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

The post The 15 Best Soup Recipes to Dazzle Guests in March appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Each year, the top names in the country and by state are released. But we can also look regionally at the most popular names! The top baby names for Jacksonville in 2023 have been released. The top 10 names for girls are Ella, Emma, Madelyn, Sophia, Kennedy, Grace, Everly, Charlotte, Aurora, and Amelia. For boys, the top 10 names are Oliver, Jackson, Hudson, Henry, Elliot, Asher, Carson, Atticus, and Atlas. Today, we will cover these names' meanings, origins, and popularity.

Top 10 Baby Girl Names

Amelia

The name Amelia has Hebrew and Latin origins. It is a derivative of the Hebrew word Amal. This word means “work,” “striving,” and “industrious.” It is also derived from a Roman patrician family, Aemilia gens. Amelia has been a popular name for many years, often used in royal families. The royals that gave this name its initial increase in popularity were Kings George the Second and Third, who both named their daughters Amelia in the 1800s.

Since 1880, the name Amelia was on a slow decline until 1968, when it began to rise again and is still continuing to rise. Amelia is currently seeing the most attention it's ever seen and is in the top 10 names in the country. It has been in the top 100 names since 2011. It broke into the top 50 in 2014 and then into the top 10 in 2020. Approximately 231,000 people have been named Amelia in the United States since 1880.

Aurora

The name Aurora has Roman and Latin origins. It means “dawn” in Latin. This name is also known in Roman mythology, where the goddess of sunrise was named Aurora. Aurora had a brother and a sister. Her brother, Helios, was the god of the sun, and her sister was the moon goddess. Before Helios would ride across the sky in the mornings, Aurora would ride and bring dew to the land. Aurora was also used to name the northern and southern lights, Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis.

Aurora has been steadily on the rise in popularity. It made its way into the top 1,000 names in 1998 and has been rising ever since. In 2010, it broke into the top 500 names. Then, it made its way into the top 100 names in the country in 2020. This name has been believed to have gained popularity in recent years as it is a cottage-core and celestial name. Since 1880, approximately 73,000 people have been named Aurora in the United States.

Charlotte

The name Charlotte has Roman and French origins. It was originated from the French name Charles and is its feminine variation. Charles means “free man.” Charlotte is another name that has been popular for many years as it was used by royals. The most popular was Queen Charlotte of England. Queen Charlotte was married to King George the Third. Charlotte is also connected to Charles the Great, founder of the Holy Roman Empire during the Medieval Renaissance.

Charlotte has been in the top 500 names for as long as the Social Security Administration has been tracking names. The name's popularity started declining in 1944 and stayed in that steady decline until 2000 when it suddenly surged in popularity. In 2009, it broke into the top 200 names, and just two years later, it was in the top 100 names. 2020 was the year it broke through into the top 10 names in the country. Since 1880, approximately 402,000 people in the United States have been named Charlotte.

Everly

The name Everly has British origin. It is a variation of the English name Everleigh, which translates to “woodland clearing.” Everleigh is the name of an English village that lives between cities and the British countryside. This village is known for its history, charm, and sense of wonder.

Everly had a surge in popularity from 2012 to 2016 when it went from the 907th most popular name to the 107th most popular name. It broke into the top 100 names in the country in 2017 at 87th most popular. Since then, it has been slowly and steadily rising and has gone in and out of the top 50 names ever since. In the United States, approximately 31,000 people have been named Everly since 1880.

Grace

The name Grace has Latin origin. It is derived from the word “gratia,” which means “blessing” and “favor.” Grace is a virtuous name that was often used by the Puritans in the 16th century. This name was used to signify the love of god and his divine grace. Grace is also used in Greek Mythology, where there were Three Graces. The Three Graces were the goddesses of nature.

Grace was very popular in the late 1800s but started declining in popularity in the early 1900s. It started rising again and has been on a steady incline since 1977. In 1983, it broke into the top 500 names and then into the top 100 names in 1999. Since 2002, it has steadily been in the top 50 names. Approximately 516,000 people have been named Grace in the United States since 1880.

Kennedy

The name Kennedy has Irish origins. It can be dated back to the 10th century with the Irish spelling Cinneidigh. This name means “helmet-headed.” After many years, Cinneidigh was given its English spelling, which we now know as Kennedy. Kennedy is a gender-neutral name. For a long time, Kennedy was mostly used as a surname, but recently, it has shifted into a popular girl's first name.

in 1994, Kennedy made it into the top 1,000 names for girls. Then, just a year later, it was in the top 500 names. Since then, it has been steadily rising, although it has yet to make it into the top 100 names in the country just yet. Approximately 89,000 people have been named Kennedy in the United States since 1880.

Sophia

The name Sophia has Greek origin. It is a Greek name that means wisdom and has been connected to the Greek Orthodox Church through Saint Sophia. This made the name popular during the Middle Ages. It also was often used by European royals. This name is known for its elegance and sophistication.

Sophia was popular in the late 1800s and started declining in the early 1900s. In 1945, it went back and forth, increasing and declining in popularity until it started steadily rising again in 1956. Although it has seen a few drop-offs in the 1970s and 1980s, it has been steadily rising since 1990, when it made it into the top 500 names. Since 1880, approximately 390,000 people in the United States have been named Sophia.

Madelyn

The name Madelyn has French, Greek, and Hebrew origins. It is a variation of the spelling Madeline, which was created as a modern version of the Greek name Magdelene. It is also a variation of the French spelling Madeleine. Madelyn is derived from the word Migdal, a Hebrew word meaning “high tower.”

Madelyn has been in and out of the charts for years. But it started seeing a steady increase in popularity in 1984. It broke into the top 1,000 names in the United States in 1996 and then into the top 500 names just two years later in 1998. It hasn't made its way into the top 100 names just yet but has been working its way up. In the U.S., approximately 102,000 people have been named Madelyn since 1880.

Emma

The name Emma has English and German origins. It is derived from the old German word “ermen,” which means “universal” and “whole.” Emma first gained popularity because of Emma of Normandy. She was married to two English kings, Aethelred the Second and Cnut the Great. Emma was also used as the name for the main character in Jane Austen's novel “Emma,” which was released in 1816.

This name has been on the top charts for over a century. It did have a decline in popularity in the mid-1900s but then soared back up in the 1980s. It made its way back into the top 100 in 1997 and has been in the top 10 names since 2008. Since 1880, approximately 723,000 people in the United States have been named Emma.

Ella

The name Ella has German, Hebrew, and English origins. This name means “fairy maiden” and “goddess.” It is a derivative of the word alias, which is German and means “all.” The goddess meaning comes from the Hebrew translation of the name. Ella was created as a variation of the names Elizabeth, Gabriella, Eleanor, and Isabella.

Ella has been steadily rising in popularity since 1987. In 1997, it made its way into the top 1,000 names and then into the top 500 names in 2001. Just three years later, it was in the top 100 names and has been on that list ever since. Approximately 328,000 people have been named Ella in the United States since 1880.

Top 10 Baby Boy Names

Atlas

The name Atlas has a Greek origin. Although it is a gender-neutral name, Atlas is often used more as a boy's name. This name means “to endure” and is tied to Greek mythology from the Titan Atlas. Atlas held the weight of the world on his shoulders, which is where the meaning of this name comes from.

Although it's more commonly used for boys, the name has trended similarly for girls as well. Since the late 1800s, the name Atlas has been on a slow decline. In 2005, Atlas started consistently growing as a popular name for boys. This increase didn't happen for girls until 2013. In 2019, Atlas made its way into the top 500 names for boys in the country. Since 1880, approximately 13,000 people have been named Atlas in the United States.

Atticus

The name Atticus has Latin origin. It was common in ancient Rome, and it translates to “rugged coast” or “from Attica.” This name comes from the golden age of Athens. It is often recognized by Titus Pomponius Atticus, who was a friend of Cicero, the famous philosopher. These two were close friends, and Cicero dedicated one of his pieces of work to Atticus.

Although this name has been around for a long time, it has only seen popularity in recent years. It had a growth spike in 1971 and has been rising in popularity since 1998 when it wasn't even close to hitting the charts. It broke into the top 1,000 names in 2011 and has continued to grow since. Since 1880, approximately 13,000 have been named Atticus in the United States.

Carson

The name Carson has Irish and Scottish origins. Originally a surname, this name means “son of Carr” or “son of marsh-dwellers.” Since then, this surname has turned into a first name, giving it a chance to become popular. This name has been attributed to Kit Carson, the American frontiersman. Although Carson is commonly used as a boy's name, it has also been used for girls.

Carson's popularity has stayed extremely consistent over the last 140 years and has only since risen in popularity in the last 30 years. Since 1880, Carson has been among the top 2,000 names. It broke into the top 1,000 names in 1990 and has been steadily increasing ever since. In 1998, it was in the top 500, but it has yet to break into the top 100, although it's very close. Approximately 128,000 people have been named Carson in the United States since 1880.

Asher

The name Asher has Hebrew origin. It is derived from the word osher, a Hebrew word that means happy and blessed. This name also has some biblical ties to the Old Testament. Although more commonly used as a boy's name, Asher is now seen as a gender-neutral name and is used for girls as well.

Although Asher has been around for a while, it didn't start seeing a spike in popularity until 1983, when it made its way into the top 1,000 names. It slowly and steadily gained traction, and in 2014, it made it into the top 100 names. Then, five years later, it was in the top 50 and has continued growing since. It is believed that the shows “Gossip Girl” and “How to Get Away with Murder” played a part in growing the name's popularity as both had characters named Asher. Since 1880, approximately 80,000 people have been named Asher in the United States.

Elliott

The name Elliott has Hebrew origin. The Hebrew translation is “The Lord is my God.” Elliott is a Bible name that is a derivative of Elijah. Although Elliott is a religious name, it's popular for secular and religious families alike. Elliott has a handful of spelling variations. These include Eliot, Elliot, and Elyot. Eli is a common nickname for those named Elliott.

Although it is most commonly used as a boy's name, it has also been used for girls in recent years. For boys, Elliott has stayed popular throughout the years, ranking in and out of the top 1,000 names in the U.S. since 1880. In 2004, it was in the top 1,000 at 971st most popular name and has continued to rise since. In 2013, it made its way into the top 500 names and is close to breaking into the top 200. Approximately 55,000 people have been named Elliott in the United States since 1880.

Henry

The name Henry has French and German origins. It is a variation of Henri, a common French name. Henri is believed to be derived from the name Heimeric, which is a German name. This name means “house ruler.” Henry is not only a popular first name but also a common surname in France and Ireland. This name has female variations, including Henrietta and Harriet.

Henry has been very popular for many years and has been in the top 500 names since the Social Security Administration started tracking names in 1880. Although it saw a decrease in use during the early 1900s, it rose in the 1990s. In 1994, it was the 265th most popular name and has risen to the top 20 since. Approximately 727,000 people have been naming Henry in the United States since 1880.

Hudson

The name Hudson has British origin. It translates to “son of Hudd.” Hudson was used as a surname in Medieval England to identify people and who they were related to. Hudson was also used as a nickname for people named Richard and Hugh. It wasn't until recently that Hudson has been used as a first name.

Hudson started rising in popularity in 1974. Although it took a while, it made it into the top 1,000 names in 2003 at 804th most popular. Then, in 2015, it was in the top 100 names, and then it was in the top 50 names in 2021. Since 1880, approximately 83,000 people have been named Hudson in the United States.

Jack

The name Jack has British, Hebrew, French, Celtic, and Latin origins. It is a variation of the French name Jacques. It was a common name in Medieval England and was a variation of the name John. This name means “supplanter,” “God is gracious,” and “holder of the heel.” The Celtic origin is a derivative of “Yakkios” and “iach,” which mean healthy and strong.

Jack is another popular name that has consistently stayed in the top 500 names. It has been on the rise since the 1990s and has secured a spot in the top 100 names since 1999. It has been in the top 50 names since 2017. Approximately 725,000 people have been named Jack in the United States since 1880.

Jackson

The name Jackson has British and Hebrew origin. It is an old English name and translates to “son of Jack.” It was most commonly used as a surname but has shifted into being used as a first name. Jackson is also a derivative of the Hebrew name Yochanon, which means “God is gracious.”

Jackson decreased in popularity in the mid-1900s but began to rise again in the late 1980s when it hit the top 1,000 names. Since then, it has continued to rise and hit the top 500 names in 1991. In 2001, it made its way into the top 100 names and then the top 50 in 2008. Since 1880, approximately 269,000 people in the United States have been named Jackson.

Oliver

The name Oliver has German and French origins. It is a derivative of the name Aleifr, which was an old Norse name that means “ancestor's descendant. It is also a derivative of the French word Olivier, which translates to olive tree. Oliver was a popular name in Medieval England.

Oliver has stayed consistently popular throughout the years, but it has been on the rise since 1995. It was in the top 500 names in 2004 and then made it into the top 100 names in 2013. Just three years later, it was in the top 20, where it has stayed since. Approximately 210,000 people have been named Oliver in the United States since 1880.

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If you've never had a cordless vacuum, now might be the time to give one a try. Cordless vacuums offer you the ability to clean without the hassle of a tangled cord and limited range, making cleaning much more convenient and efficient, especially if you're regularly pulling out your vacuum to clean up messes. It also makes it easier to clean stairs and move from room to room. Cordless vacuums are also most often lightweight, so it doesn't feel like you're lugging around a heavy piece of equipment around the house.

Today, we're going to take a look at the best cordless vacuums that you can find for under $300. Not only is their price point great, but we're going to take a deeper look at how well they clean, how they work on different surfaces, how maneuverable they are, how loud they are, and more.

Tineco Pure One S11 Vacuum

The Tineco Pure One S11 is an outstanding cordless vacuum that you can get on Amazon for $299. It is a stick vacuum that performs well, picking up cereal, popcorn, and hair all together in one pass. There's honestly nothing more satisfying than a vacuum that can do it all at once instead of having to do multiple passes to pick up all the junk. This vacuum also has an LED light feature so that you can see all the stuff on the ground that needs to be cleaned up.

This vacuum does well on carpets as well as hardwoods. With this vacuum, you don't have to change the settings when you switch from hard floors to carpet. Also, not only is this a stick vacuum, but it can also become a handheld vacuum if you ever need to clean the walls or ceilings.

Since this is a cordless vacuum, if you are worried about battery life, there's not much to worry about. This vacuum can run for 40 minutes at a time. It can be used over months before it even requires another charge. Make sure to use the wall mount station so you can store and charge your vacuum simultaneously.

Wowgo S108 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

The Wowgo S108 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is another great option, coming in at only $100 on Amazon. Even with such a low price tag for a vacuum, the Wowgo holds up against its competitors. It offers a great performance, picking up small coarse items like coffee grounds with no problem, and is easy to navigate furniture. Although it may take a pass or two to pick up all the dust and grime, it still offers good suction power.

This vacuum can last you years as long as you give it regular maintenance. By this, I mean make sure to clean out the dustbin and any blockages from hair. Without this maintenance, the vacuum can end up spitting stuff back out. You can also experience a decrease in suction power if the dustbin is too full. But this can all be avoided if you look after it well.

The Wowgo also has a 40-minute lifespan, which is comparable to the Tineco Pure One. It has great navigating ability while also being super lightweight. The swivel head is extremely flexible, which sometimes may feel harder to control, but this allows it to get into hard-to-reach areas.

Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum

The Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum is another vacuum you can get at a great price, for $100 or less. This vacuum is not like the others we've talked about so far, as it has a wet and dry feature. So, this vacuum is best if your home has hardwood or solid floors like laminate or tile. Not only can you vacuum your floors, but with this vacuum, you can mop at the same time. If you have any pets or children that regularly bring in mud or spill stuff on the ground, this vacuum could be a great option for you.

To use this vacuum, you'll first use the dry feature, and once everything is up off the ground, using the button on the handle, you'll spray the solution and go over it one more time to mop. The mop pads are disposable and can be tossed after use. I would suggest ordering these and the cleaning solutions to have your cleaning closet stocked with them at all times. Although this vacuum is only $100, keep in mind you will need to re-order cleaning supplies if you intend to use all its features.

This vacuum is extremely lightweight. A lightweight vacuum usually weighs 10 pounds or less, and the Shark Vacmop weighs under four pounds. The only downfall with this vacuum is that it requires you to hold the button to power it during use. This is a bit frustrating as you can't change your hand placement to be comfortable during vacuuming. This can definitely tire out the hand if you're vacuuming for longer periods of time.

Tineco A11 Pet

The Tineco A11 Pet is a great cordless vacuum with good value. You can usually find this vacuum for $290 or less. And if you have pets at home, you know how important it is to get a vacuum that can pick up every last hair when you're cleaning. The Tineco A11 Pet is a great contender and works well on hardwood floors. It can pick up 98% of larger items like rice in one pass. It is efficient for vacuuming carpets as well but becomes less effective for picking up smaller things like fine dirt or sand. Overall, this vacuum actually outperforms similar models that cost an arm and a leg more.

This vacuum does have a little bit of a shorter lifespan with about 35 minutes of battery runtime. But this lifespan is still long enough to get you through a good house cleaning. A cool feature this vacuum includes is the HEPA anti-allergy filter. This is great in case you have anyone at home with allergies or friends and family who visit who have allergies.

Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum

The Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum is another great option that you can find for $180 or less. This vacuum picks up dirt, grime, and debris very well, is good for getting underneath furniture, and is quiet. It's also very lightweight. A lightweight vacuum is usually 10 pounds or less, and the Kenmore Elite vacuum is only six pounds, making it easy to hold and maneuver.

A cool feature of this vacuum is its maneuverability and how well it can get under furniture. The wand on the vacuum can bend, which allows it to get into those hard-to-reach places without having to rearrange your furniture. This is a major plus when you're trying to clean quickly and don't have time to play the musical chairs game when cleaning.

This vacuum is better for more of a lightweight clean rather than a deep clean, although you can use the max mode for better suction. But keep in mind, if you use max mode, it will drain the battery quicker. This vacuum has the typical lifespan of other cordless vacuums, which is 40 minutes unless you are using the max mode, which will deplete it faster.

Roidmi S2

The Roidmi S2 is another great cordless vacuum option, coming in at $299. This vacuum has great maneuverability as well as suction and does a good job picking up all the dirt and grime. It has three levels of suction that can be switched by using the button on the handle. Although it is a stick vacuum, it can be broken down into a handheld vacuum. It is important to note that this vacuum does become a bit noisy when used as a handheld.

This vacuum is small and lightweight, which makes it great for storage. But, with small vacuums come small dustbins. So just prepare to empty the dustbin on a regular basis for the best performance. But, if you have pets that shed a lot of hair, the small dustbin might be an inconvenience as you might have to empty the dustbin during a full house vacuum.

The Roidmi has become a popular choice for people who want an esthetic-looking vacuum. Offering a white matte exterior, this vacuum differs from its competitors, which are either black, grey, or a bright color with a shiny plastic look. This vacuum gives you the best of both worlds with looks and efficiency as long as you're not looking to use it as a deep cleaning tool.

Since this vacuum features multiple levels of suction, the battery time has some variability. The Roidmi can run for up to 60 minutes at a time, which is longer than the average for a cordless vacuum. It is able to do this if it is used on the lower suction level. But like other vacuums, if you use it on a higher level, it can use up the battery life quicker.

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a great vacuum and costs anywhere from $230 to $300, depending on where you buy it. Although this vacuum does a great job on hard floors, it performs fantastically on rugs or carpets. It does a great job of agitating the carpet fiber to be able to pull up hair, dirt, and grime. This vacuum is a great option if you have a lot of hair shedding going on in your home. It also has great maneuverability to work around furniture. It is important to note that the head of the vacuum is bulky rather than tapered, which may feel funny and take a bit of time to get used to.

The Levoit VortexIQ 40 has an average battery lifespan of 40 minutes. But this vacuum is so efficient that you spend less time vacuuming, meaning its 40-minute battery life can last longer than other vacuums. Since this vacuum is so efficient, especially with hair, the dust bin might need to be emptied more frequently. I'm not sure I really see this as an inconvenience, though, since it actually means it is doing its job well.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Cordless Pet with Dual-Roller Bar

The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Cordless Pet vacuum is a great vacuum for families with animals. This vacuum has outstanding performance and is made specifically for homes with a lot of hair. It features a large 27-ounce dustbin, which is around double most of the other vacuums. It works well on both carpets/rugs and hard floors and has useful attachments like a motorized brush for pet hair as well as a micro tool for getting into small spaces.

The Ryobi does have a little bit of a shorter battery life span, running for approximately 35 minutes. But it charges quickly, in just two hours, which is good compared to some other options. Another great feature of this vacuum is that it stands on its own. Most cordless and stick vacuums do not have the ability to do this, which means you need to find a place for your vacuum to rest when you need to take a break. But the Ryobi vacuum can be set up straight with its ability to stand.

This vacuum is sold exclusively at Home Depot. It is a popular choice and is often sold out. So, if you're interested in trying it, make sure you're on the waitlist and getting notifications for when it's back in stock.

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum

This Shark Wandvac Cordless Handheld Vacuum is in a bit of a separate category from the others since this is a handheld vacuum only, whereas the other vacuums are stick vacuums. But this vacuum still deserves a spot on this list as a great cordless vacuum under $300, coming in at $130. This vacuum has very strong suction and is great at picking up dirt and grime; it's best for picking up small debris rather than large debris.

But, since this is a handheld vacuum, it's going to be smaller and have fewer features. Since it is a small vacuum, it is going to have a small dustbin, so it will require a lot of emptying. It also has a shorter battery life since it has a smaller battery. When I say a short battery life, I really do mean short. The vacuum lasts for a whole eight minutes. So, with that being said, although this vacuum can perform well, it's really only good for a touch-up here and there or if you need a small vacuum due to a lack of storage space.

Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum

The Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum is another great cordless vacuum that you can get for $270. Another lightweight stick vacuum that can become handheld, this is a great Dyson product with good maneuverability. It's important to note that this vacuum is specifically made for hard floors and not carpets and rugs. It does a great job of picking up finer debris like dust, dirt, and hair. But it is less effective for larger debris.

Coming in under five pounds, this vacuum is very lightweight and easy to move around. But it does have a shorter battery life than all the other cordless stick vacuums. It only has a 28-minute life span, and it takes about two and a half hours to fully charge. This can work plenty fine if you have a smaller home! But if you do have a larger home and are doing a full clean, you'll have to work quickly to get it all done in time.

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Each year, the list of most popular names is released for the country and each state. Most of the top names in each state are also a top name in the country! But today, we will take another look at popular regional names for Los Angeles. Let's cover Los Angeles' top baby names for girls and boys, and learn more about their meaning and origin.

Top Girl Names

Maeve

The name Maeve has Irish origin and has started gaining popularity over the last few years. It is believed to come from the name Medb, an Old Irish name that means “she who rules” or “the intoxicating one.” This name also appears in Irish mythology. The Queen of Connacht was named Maeve, and she was the queen of fairies.

Maeve started rising in popularity around the late 1990s. Each year, it has continued to climb. In 2013, it broke into the top 500 names, then the top 300 in 2019. 2023 was the first year that the name Maeve broke into the top 100 in America. Since 1880, approximately 18,000 people have been named Maeve in the United States.

Luxury

Luxury, most often used as a girl's name, means “opulence” and “extravagance.” Although mostly used for girls, this is a unisex name and is also used for boys. It is believed to have a Latin origin. This name is often used as a full name to use the nickname Luxe. Luxury started making its way onto the popularity charts in 2022 and has continued to grow ever since.

Aurelia

The name Aurelia is Latin and means “the golden one.” It is the female variation of the names Aurelian and Arelius. Arelius can be traced back to ancient Rome when it was used as a surname. It is commonly known and connected to Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor. With a rich history, the name Aurelia represents enduring ideals, intellect, knowledge, and reason.

In 2002, Aurelia had just broken into the top 1,000 names at 980. In 2023, it worked its way up to the top 500 at 427th most popular name. Since 1880, approximately 15,000 people have been named Aurelia in the United States.

Isla

The name Isla is believed to have Scottish origin as it is the name of one of the Scottish islands. The island Islay is also known as the”Queen of Hebrides.” There are legends and folklore stories surrounding Islay. It is believed that a Danish Princess who was traveling had an apron full of stones. During her journey, some of the stones fell out and formed the islands of Ireland and Scotland. The islands were then named by the princess.

Isla is the female variation of the male names Ilay and Islay. These names were not as popular, but Isla gained a lot of popularity not only in America but Scotland, Wales, England, New Zealand, and Australia. It was in the top 1,000 names in 1905 but didn't really hit the top charts until the 2010s. It was in the top 500 in 2010 and then the top 200 in 2013. In 2018, it was in the top 100 names in the United States, and then in the top 50 in 2020. Since 1880, approximately 36,000 people have been named Isla in the U.S.

Aurora

The name Aurora has Latin origins. It is a romantic and mystical name meaning “dawn.” This name also refers to the Aurora Borealis, the light display in the North Pole. Aurora is the name of the Roman goddess of the dawn. She was sister to Helios and Selene, the sun god and the moon goddess. Aurora was known to ride across the sky each morning to sprinkle dew before her brother Helios rode with the sun.

Aurora has continued to rise in popularity since the early 2000s. In 2015 it broke into the top 100 names and then later into the top 50 in 2018. This name will likely continue to rise as it is a celestial/cottagecore name, which is very popular right now.

Top Boy Names

Soren

The name Soren is of Danish origin. Soren means “strict,” “stern,” and “severe.” This name is derived from the word Severus, which is Latin and means stern. Although this name is mostly used as a boy's name, it does have a female variation, Sorine. This name is commonly known from Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher known for his work in the philosophy of existentialism.

Although this name is popular in Los Angeles, in the U.S., it has yet to break into the 1,000 names. Since 1992, it has been steadily rising from the 6,427th spot. Since then, it was recorded to be the 1,027th name in 2022. So, needless to say, this name will likely keep growing and be seen in the top charts soon. Since 1880, approximately 9,000 people have been named Soren in the U.S.

Atticus

The name Atticus has Latin origin. This name translates literally to “from Attica” but also means “rugged coast.” This name is commonly connected to Titus Pompanius Atticus. Titus was a friend of the philosopher Cicero. Cicero and Titus were very close. Cicero dedicated his work “Treatises on Friendship” to Titus.

Atticus started gaining popularity in the 2010s. It broke into the top 1,000 names in 2011 at 964th most popular name. Each year, it has continued to move up in the ranks and has come close to breaking into the top 500 in 2021 and 2022. In the United States, approximately 13,000 people have been named Atticus since 1880.

Silas

The name Silas is a spelling variation of the name Silus. It has Latin origin and means “God or man of the forest.” This name is derived from the Latin name Silvanus, which means “forest” or “wood.” Silvanus was the name of the Roman God in charge of the countryside. Before Silvanus became a God, he was the protector of land that was uncultivated. He loved it when trees grew wild in abandon.

Silas has recently become more popular. Often, names become popular when famous people carry them. There is Silas Roberston and Silas Mitchell who are both TV actors. Also, Justin Timberlake and his wife named their son Silas Timberlake. Silas hit the top 500 in 2010 and has continued to rise. It is not far off from breaking into the top 100. Since 1880, approximately 59,000 people have been named Silas in the United States.

Felix

The name Felix has a Latin origin. This name means “fortunate” and “happy.” It has been dated back to the first century B.C. It's also connected to several popes and the New Testament. Felix has been a popular name for centuries, most commonly in Africa and North and South America. This name was used for the famous cartoon Felix the Cat in the 1950s.

Felix started seeing a steady rise in popularity starting in 2006 when it was in the top 1,000 at 813th most popular name. Since then, it rose and broke into the top 500 in 2016. It is currently the 351st most popular name in the country. Since 1880, approximately 76,000 people have been named Felix in the United States.

Theodore

The name Theodore has Greek origin. It comes from the Greek word Theos, which means “gift, “God-given,” and “a gift from God.” Because of its favorable and divine meaning, this name was very common during the Middle Ages. Before the Bible and Jesus, many philosophers, inventors, rulers, and mathematicians were named Theodore.

Theodore has been in the top charts for years. It has regularly been in and out of the top 500 and top 100 names. In the last ten years, it has stayed popular in the top 100 and was even the 23rd most popular name in 2020. Just two years later, it broke into the top 20 names. Since 1880, 271,000 people have been named Theodore in the United States.

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As one of America's biggest Italian restaurant chains, Olive Garden is often a family favorite! But, many of their meals are very high in calories. This doesn't mean you have to avoid Olive Garden altogether, but if you're trying to be more calorie-conscious, you may want to be more mindful of what you're ordering and how often you eat it.

It should also be mentioned that aside from the high calories in the delicious entrees you'll most likely consume at Olive Garden, you should also be mindful of how many of their delicious breadsticks you consume. As most know, these are addicting, and they will add a ton of calories to your meal before you even eat your entree. So, to help make healthier decisions, here are ten high-calorie meals to avoid at Olive Garden.

Chicken Alfredo

The Chicken Alfredo meal has a whopping 1,570 calories. It comes with fettuccine noodles, creamy alfredo sauce, and sliced grilled chicken. Their cream alfredo sauce is made with cream, parmesan cheese, butter, and garlic. Anything made with cream and butter is going to have a lot of fat. This translates to calories, so you need to be careful if you're looking to eat healthy.

Sausage Stuffed Giant Rigatoni

The sausage-stuffed giant rigatoni meal has 1,020 calories. Just like stuffed pasta or shells at other restaurants, this meal is usually high in calories due to the cream and cheese used to fill the pasta.

Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara

The chicken and shrimp carbonara is another meal known for having a lot of calories. It has spaghetti noodles, shrimp, and sauteed chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with roasted red peppers and bacon. This dish is very high in fat from the cream, cheese, and bacon and has around 1,370 calories.

Tour of Italy

The tour of Italy is one of the highest-calorie meals on the Olive Garden menu. It has three of their high-calorie meals in one: lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and fettuccine alfredo. All of these are either made with cream sauce or filled/topped with a lot of cheese, which has a lot of fat. This meal has 1,550 calories.

Chicken Scampi

The chicken scampi is another high-calorie meal to be aware of, with 1,050 calories. It is made with angel hair pasta, sauteed chicken, red and green bell peppers, red onions, and a creamy scampi sauce. A lot of the calories in this dish come from the creamy scampi sauce.

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

The chicken tortelloni alfredo dish has the highest amount of calories on this list. With tortellini full of cheese and grilled chicken tossed in cream sauce, this meal has everything you need to add up the calories to 1,980 quickly.

Lasagna Fritta

The lasagna fritta is 1,130 calories. This meal is a fried lasagna. It has a parmesan-breaded crust that is topped with meat sauce, creamy alfredo sauce, and topped with cheese. Although it's not a lot of food, the breading, as well as being deep-fried, is what makes this meal have a higher amount of calories, as well as the cream sauce.

Chicken Parmigiana

The chicken parmigiana is also on the list of high-calorie meals. It has two fried chicken breasts with a parmesan-breaded crust and is topped with marinara sauce and cheese. The chicken is served with a side of spaghetti. This meal comes in at 1,020.

Shrimp Alfredo

Similar to the chicken alfredo, this dish is very high in calories from the creamy alfredo sauce. Made with cream, parmesan, butter, and garlic, this cream sauce is tossed in with fettuccine pasta and sauteed shrimp. The shrimp alfredo has 1,470 calories.

Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo

The steak gorgonzola alfredo has 1,380 calries. Because it's an alfredo made with Olive Gardens creamy alfredo sauce, this dish is high in calories. It is made with steak medallions, fettucini noodles, gorgonzola cheese, and spinach.

Ravioli Carbonara

Similar to the chicken tortellini alfredo, the ravioli carbonara is high in calories because it is filled with cheese and covered in cream sauce. These ravioli are also topped with bacon, which adds more fat and calories to the meal, as well as sprinkling it with a blend of cheeses. It has 1,390 calories.

Five Cheese Ziti al Forno

This five-cheese ziti al forno is high in calories because of its cheese content. It has 1,170 calories. Not only is it covered in cheese and then baked so the cheese is melted, but it's also made with a five-cheese marinara. At 1,170 calories, this dish does not even have protein yet. You do have the option to add any protein like meatballs, Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or sauteed shrimp, which will only add more calories.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Just like the chicken parmigiana, the eggplant parmigiana is also high in calories. This is essentially the same meal as the chicken parmigiana. It's just substituted with eggplant instead of chicken. The eggplant gets breaded in the same breading and topped with cheese, which makes it 1,070 calories.

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If you're planning to travel to Hawaii, you might have a lot of questions. Hawaii has multiple islands, each of them offering different experiences. The Hawaiian islands include Hawaii (the big island), Maui, O'ahu, Molokai, Kauai, Lanai, and Niihau. It's good to do some research on each island to see which might fit you best. Today, we're going to help you take a look at Lahaina and Honolulu. These areas are on different islands. Lahaina is located on Maui, and Honolulu is located on O'ahu.

We're going to cover all the things you might need to know about each of these islands and cities to help you decide what might be a better fit. We'll go over their locations, landscape, how much it costs to stay, the weather, the food and culture, and some of the fun activities you can do in each area. Here is your Hawaii Travel Guide for Lahaina vs. Honolulu.

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Location

Lahaina is located in the west part of Maui. This area is one of the more popular resort areas on the island, located near Kanapali, Kapalua, and Wailea. This part of the island is very beautiful, with lush greenery and tropical/mountainous scenery. It's also a very developed area of the island, so you'll be able to experience great dining and shopping, beautiful golf courses, resort spas, amazing beaches, and more.

Honolulu is located on the island of O'ahu. It is a very large and popular area of the island on the south shore. Honolulu is actually the capital of Hawaii. It is very developed and home to many businesses, which brings in a lot of travel, approximately 4.7 million people per year. Honolulu is known for its great nightlife, shopping, and dining. It's also a commonly visited place because it is home to the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial.

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Landscape

Lahaina, which is on Maui, offers a beautiful tropical landscape. Maui is actually nicknamed “Heaven on Earth” and is believed to be the most beautiful of the Hawaiian islands. In Lahaina, you'll see palm trees, tropical flowers, and even beautiful mountain scenery all around. Maui is the second largest island, so although Lahaina is tropical, the island also has rainforest and desert areas.

The island of O'ahu and, specifically, Honolulu give big-city vibes. Although the Honolulu area is lined with beaches, it is also a very busy area for business, finance, hospitality, and the military. Because of this, it's very developed, so it feels like you're in a tropical city. This area has a mixture of many cultures, including Asian, Pacific, and Western cultures, so it is diverse. In Honolulu, you can see mountainous scenery but also travel around the island to see more of a rainforest landscape.

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Cost

Because the west side of Maui is a sought-after vacation spot, the demand is high, which will ultimately lead to higher costs. The average cost for a hotel per night in Lahaina is $524. The median price for a hotel room is $458. Most of the three-star hotels will be approximately $315 per night, whereas four-star hotels will jump up in price to $615. With this average, a one-week stay in Lahaina would cost approximately $3,667 for a hotel.

Honolulu, on the other hand, is actually much more reasonably priced when you compare it to other areas in Hawaii to travel to. The average cost per night at hotels in Honolulu is approximately $365. You can find mid-range hotels for $275, low-budget hotels for $200, or even luxury hotels for $500. Because this area of O'ahu is traveled to so much, it has the infrastructure to take on more travelers, providing more options, meaning there is a little bit less demand that affects the cost.

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Weather

Lahaina has great weather year-round. From January to December, temperatures range from 82 degrees to 88 degrees for highs and 64 degrees to 71 degrees for lows. It also only averages around 12 inches of rain a year, which is vastly different from the 400 inches of rain the west Maui mountains get. May through September often have no days of rain all month long. January is historically the wettest month, with rain for three days. February, March, November, and December average two days. Lastly, April and October only have one day a month.

Honolulu, on the other hand, receives more rain than Lahaina. The climate in Honolulu is much more humid, and it averages about four and a half days of rain each month. This rain results in a luscious greenery landscape you can see throughout the city. This area receives the least amount of rain during the summer months. But, if you travel in the Spring, Winter, or Fall, don't worry too much about the rain as it usually comes and goes quickly. Similar to Lahaina, Honolulu temperatures are stable throughout the year in the mid-80s.

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Food

Although each of the seven different islands might have some cultural variation when it comes to food, each island of Hawaii has Hawaiian staples that you have to try. Many of these include malasadas, spam, locomoco, and roast pork. Of course, make sure to take advantage of the delicious fresh seafood. If you're looking for some of the best restaurants in Lahaina, check out these restaurants:

• Gazebo Restaurant at Napili Shores
• 808 Grindz Cafe
• Miso Phat
• Honu Oceanside
• Mala Ocean Tavern
• Japengo
• Leilani's On The Beach
• Monkeypod
• Soup Nutz & Java Jazz
• Castaway Cafe

If you decide to visit Honolulu, make sure you try all the Hawaiian classics here as well: spam, roast pork, loco moco, and malasadas. To try some of the best malasadas (fried doughnuts), check out Leonard's Bakery. They have been making and perfecting malasadas since 1952. If you're looking for some of the best restaurants in Honolulu, check these out:

• Marukame Udon Waikiki
• Momosan Waikiki
• Deck
• La Mer
• Lucky Belly
• Poke Bar
• STRIPSTEAK Waikiki
• Sweet E's Cafe
• Ramen Akatsuki
• Tempura Kiki

Lahaina vs. Honolulu: Activities

Lahaina

If you're visiting Lahaina, you'll likely be planning to spend a lot of team at the beach, in the water, and dining and shopping. But, here in this area, here are some things you have to do and see.

First is the check out of the Lahaina Banya Tree. Located at Banyan Tree Park, you can see this Indian species tree that was planted in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Lahaina Protestant mission. This tree is 60 feet tall and has 16 huge trunks that stretch out over the park.

If you're into surfing, make sure to check out the surf break wall. Located at the Lahaina boat harbor, the wall breaks the surf, making it a safe place for surfers, even beginners.

Lastly, if you're in Maui, you can't miss out on seeing the Road to Hana. The Road to Hana is an amazing driving tour on Maui that takes you through beautiful rainforests, ocean vistas, and a handful of natural pools and waterfalls.

Honolulu

If you're visiting Honolulu, there are many things to do. Make sure to check these things out.

One of the most popular things to do when visiting Honolulu is to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. With an award-winning audio guide, learn the history of everything that happened on December 7, 1941.

If you're looking for great snorkeling, although you can schedule a tour, you can also plan a visit to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This is a family-friendly area known to be one of the best places to snorkel on the island with exotic marine life.

If you have a car, make sure to take a trip to the Dole Plantation. If you love pineapple, then this is a must. Take the Pineapple Express Train, which is narrated to tell you about the area. You can also take a walk through the plantation garden, adventure into the Pineapple Maze, and try their delicious homemade pineapple ice cream.

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If you live in Minnesota or are planning to move to the area, then you might want to avoid these four schools. From elementary school to college, we're going to cover some of the worst schools in Minnesota.

Each category of school is going to be measured differently to determine why they are the worst. For college, two of the biggest factors include graduation rate and salary earned by students after graduation. For high school, graduation rates and test scores will show you if a school is successful. Middle school and elementary school success can be seen from test scores.

Today, we are going to take a look at the White Earth Tribal and Community College, Minnesota Internship Center – Unity Campus, Scitech Academy Middle School, and Skyline Match and Science Academy.

White Earth Tribal and Community College

The number one thing to look at to see if a college is successful is its graduation rate. According to CollegeSimply, White Earth Tribal and Community College has a graduation rate of 9.3%. Located in Mahnomen, Minnesota, White Earth Tribal is a small private two-year college with undergraduate-level studies. Founded in 1997, this school was created to serve the White Earth Reservation, offering certificate programs, associate degree programs, and continued education opportunities.

White Earth Tribal has an open admissions policy, which means students with a high school degree or GED will be accepted. The annual tuition to attend is approximately $3,750. This does not include the cost of books and supplies, which is typically around $2,000.

The largest and most common majors they offer are Liberal Arts and Humanities. After graduation, students go on to earn between $11,000 and $18,000 annually.

Minnesota Internship Center – Unity Campus

The Minnesota Internship Center – Unity Campus is a high school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On Niche.com, they received an overall grade of D-. This grade comes from the grading of subcategories that include academics, teachers, clubs and activities, sports, facilities, diversity, college preparation, food, and administration. Although clubs, activities, and sports were not graded, they received a D+ in academics, a D in administration, a C+ in teachers and college preparation, and a C+ in diversity and facilities.

This school serves approximately 105 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 26 to 1. Also, approximately 40% of their teachers are in their first or second year, which might be what plays into the C- grade they received in that category.

The graduation rate for this school is very low at 29%. The state average for Minnesota is 83%. Their ACT participation rate is also low at 33%. The state average for Minnesota is 79%.

Scitech Academy Middle School

Scitech Academy Middle School also received a D- on Niche.com. Located in Richfield, Minnesota, they are a public charter school for sixth to eighth-grade students. Although there are missing scores for some of the graded categories, they received a D+ in academics and a C- in diversity.

Scitech is a small school that serves approximately 65 students and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 22 to 1. The students' scores are very low at Scitech, not even coming close to the state average. Approximately 3% of their students are proficient in math, while the state average is 45%. For reading, approximately 5% of students are proficient, whereas the state average is 51%. In science, they don't even hit the charts and come in at less than 1% of students being proficient when the state average is 41%.

On GreatSchools.org, Scitech is rated a 2/10. This means that the students who attend Scietech are making significantly less academic progress than they were in the previous year, as well as compared to students their age in the state.

Skyline Math and Science Academy

On Niche.com, Skyline Math and Science Academy received a D-. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, they have students from kindergarten through sixth grade. They serve approximately 230 students and have a student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. Although there are missing scores for some of the graded categories, their C- in academics and diversity, as well as low test scores, give them their overall grade of D-.

On GreatSchools.org, Skyline received a 3/10 rating. Their students are currently making average progress in academics compared to where they were last year. But they still have low test scores. This means that despite their test scores, they are keeping up with their peers regarding progress, just starting at a lower point.

Their test scores in math, reading, and science are low across the board. Approximately 8% of Skyline students are proficient in math, whereas the state average is 45%. In reading, 25% of students are proficient, while the state average is 51%. Lastly, approximately 12% of students are proficient in science, whereas the state average is 41%.

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If you have a Costco membership and are looking for some delicious meals you can get to feed your family around or under $20, then you're in the right place. We're going to cover items you can buy for your family that they will love at an amazing price.

Costco is known for being able to buy more for less, so it's a great place to shop if you're looking to feed a whole family. Their Kirkland Signature pre-made meals have become extremely popular in recent years. Not only are these pre-made meals a go-to for Costco lovers, but Costco also carries brands that make great frozen meals that are big enough for the whole family as well.

If you're planning your next trip to Costco soon, check out these 20 meals you can get at Costco for $20.

Pizza-Making Kit

Not only is this pizza kit a great price to feed your family, but it's also a fun task to do together that the little ones will love. Made by Molinaro's Fine Italian Foods, each pizza-making kit is $10 and comes with four pizza crusts and pizza sauce. This leaves you $10 to purchase any additional toppings you like, such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and more.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

This delicious chicken tortilla soup made by Costco is the perfect choice for a Fall or Winter dinner. Found in the refrigerated section, this Kirkland Signature soup comes in a pack of two for $9. Depending on the size of your family, you can get two of these for $18, or you can purchase one of Costco's premade salads for a soup and salad night. Either way, this soup is a cheap and easy meal that only requires to be heated up before it is ready to serve.

Gyro Kit

If your family loves Greek cuisine, then you have to try this Gyro kit. Priced at $6.46 per pound, most of the kits are $20 and some change. This kit included six pitas, seasoned gyro meat, pre-cut vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce. After launching this gyro kit, many loyal Costco go-ers swore by it. This kit makes meal prep easy and only requires the gyro meat to be heated up before everyone can make their own gyro.

Rotisserie Chicken and Spinach Salad

One of the many things that Costco is known for is its rotisserie chicken. For only $4.99, you can get a delicious and seasoned Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken. Paired perfectly with the Kirkland Signature Spinach Salad, which is $15, you've got your full, well-rounded meal for $20. The Kirkland Spinach Salad has tomatoes, onions, eggs, mozzarella cheese, black beans, and poppyseed dressing. Whether you're eating the chicken and salad separately or putting your chicken in the salad, this combination is perfect.

Yakisoba Stir Fry

The Kirkland Signature Yakisoba Stir Fry is an Asian noodle meal that your family will love. Priced at $5.99 per pound, most of their prepacked Yakisoba meals are $20 and some change. Although this meal does require a little bit more effort than some of the others, it's often a fan favorite. It comes with cooked seasoned chicken, noodles, vegetables like broccoli, peppers, onions, carrots, and stir-fry sauce. All you have to do is stir fry the vegetables and then throw in the chicken, noodles, and sauce to get warmed up together, and this meal is ready to go.

St. Louis Style Dry Rub Ribs

If it's summertime and you're ready for some delicious ribs, then opt to try the Kirkland Signature St. Louis Style Dry Rub Ribs. Priced at $7.99 per pound, most of the pre-packaged ribs are about $20. These ribs are the perfect main piece for your summer barbeque. Since these are $20 just for the ribs, they're a great option if you already have some side dishes at home, like salad, frozen vegetables, mac and cheese, or other delicious barbeque side staples.

Ravioli Lasagna with Beef and Pork Bolognese

The Kirkland Signature Ravioli Lasagna is a delicious and ready-made meal with a fun twist on the classic lasagna. Instead of using lasagna noodles like a traditional lasagna would, this meal uses cheese ravioli and has a beef and pork bolognese sauce. All this meal requires is some time in the oven, and it is ready to go. The Kirkland ravioli lasagna is usually $4.99 per pound, making each lasagna around $20. If you've ever made bolognese, you know that it is a labor of love, so this lasagna is delicious and available at great value.

Chicken Pot Pie

Nothing screams a homemade meal like a fresh chicken pot pie, and the Kirkland Signature Chicken Pot Pie is an easy Costco pick-up. If you're a Costco regular, then it's possible you've been around when they're handing out free samples of their famous chicken pot pie. This is another great meal that requires no prep and just needs to be warmed up in the oven. Made with rotisserie chicken and vegetables, this pot pie is bound to be a family favorite. These pies are $4.99 a pound, and depending on the size you buy, you can usually find one for $20. The larger pies can go for between $25 and $30.

Chicken Street Tacos

The Kirkland Signature Chicken Street Tacos are another ready-made meal made by Costco that is known to be a fan favorite. These street tacos are $5.49 a pound, so the packaged meals come out to be $15 to $20, depending on the size that you buy. These meal kits come with 12 tortillas, cooked chicken, cheese, veggies, lime, salsa, and cilantro lime crema. These tacos can also be considered a low-calorie dinner since each taco comes out to only 190 calories each.

Enchilada Chicken Bake

This Kirkland Signature Enchilada Bake is made with Costco's famous rotisserie chicken. These delicious enchiladas are priced at $5.49 a pound and total out to approximately $20 per bake. They are made with shredded chicken, pinto beans, rice, corn, lots of cheddar cheese, and red enchilada sauce to tie it all together. There's no longer a need to buy a rotisserie chicken to make enchiladas on your own. Now, Costco will do all the work for you.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef

The Kirkland Signature Stuffed Bell Peppers are amazing. Although some people might think this meal is old school, it's worth the try. It's full of flavor, and you can get it for a great price. These peppers go for $4.99 a pound, and the packages sell for $15-$20 based on weight. All these peppers need a little time in the oven to heat, and they are ready to be served.

Chicken Sandwiches

These chicken sandwiches take a step away from the Kirkland Signature pre-made meals but are still just as delicious. In the frozen section, you'll find a bag of chicken breast filets by the company Just Bare. With these chicken filets and the brioche buns, you can find in the bread section, you'll be able to make a killer chicken sandwich. The chicken is $16 for a three-pound bag, and then you can get a bag of buns for $3-$5, depending on which you buy.

Tagliolini Grilled White Chicken & Creamy Lemon Sauce

This pasta is also not a Kirkland Signature, but you can find it pre-made in the frozen aisle. Made by Giovanni Rana, you'll find this meal in a two-pound bag. It is a pasta dish that has asparagus, tomatoes, zucchini, grilled chicken, and a creamy lemon sauce. This meal can be quick and easy if you're in a rush. It only needs eight minutes in the microwave before it's ready to serve. This meal is $12.99 and is great when accompanied by a side dish for a full meal.

Chicken Alfredo

This Kirkland Signature is another Costco fan favorite. Made with pulled chicken, alfredo sauce, penne pasta, parmesan cheese, and parsley, this pre-made meal melts into gooey goodness once cooked in the oven. This meal is priced at $4.49 per pound, and you'll find most of the packages are selling for $18.

Orange Chicken

This orange chicken meal is an easy and great way to feed the family. In the Costco freezer section, you'll find the Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken. For $20, this will get you four pounds of battered chicken breast with mandarin orange sauce. This meal is perfect if you have a bag of rice at home to accompany it. The sauce also comes on the side (great for any family with picky eaters).

Mac and Cheese

If you have mac and cheese lovers in your home, then you have to try this Kirkland Signature Mac and Cheese. Priced at $3.49 a pound, packages usually sell for $13. Upgrade your boxed mac and cheese meal for this amazing mac and cheese. This meal is cheesy, buttery, and garlicky, making it the perfect comfort food.

Party Wing Tray

Making homemade chicken wings can be a bit of a hassle, so Costco has got you covered. Try the Kirkland Signature Garlic Seasoned Party wing tray. These chicken wing trays are priced at $5.99 a pound and usually sell for $16-$20. Whether you're just feeding your family or you need to bring a dish to a party, these garlic wings with ranch are the perfect choice.

Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

This is another great comfort food option. The Kirkland Signature meatloaf and mashed potatoes are an easy dinner option that only needs to be warmed up. Made with Yukon gold potatoes, the mashed potatoes are tasty and buttery, perfectly paired with the meatloaf. The meatloaf is prepared traditionally with a tomato-based sauce. This meal is priced at $3.99 a pound, and most trays sell for $16-$20, depending on the size.

Shepherd's Pie

Priced at $3.79 per pound, these massive Kirkland Signature Shepherds Pies sell for $18-$20. Full of vegetables, made with ground beef, and topped with Yukon gold mashed potatoes, this Shepherd's Pie is delightful. This pie doesn't require any preparations and just needs some time in the oven to warm up before being served.

Chicken Asian Wrap

These Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Asian Wrapes are good for either a family dinner or lunch on the go. Priced at $6.49 a pound, the trays normally sell for $14-$16. Made with spinach green tortilla wraps, rotisserie chicken, veggie slaw, crunchy noodles, and a citrus sesame dressing, these wraps are very yummy, but it is best to eat them right after they're bought. Although they can last, after a day or two in the fridge, they can get a bit soggy. So, the sooner, the better!

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Refrigerators are not cheap, which is why it's important that you invest in something that will last. We use our fridges every day, and they are an essential part of our kitchen, so making an informed decision to help you pick out the right fridge is crucial. The U.S. Department of Energy states that the average lifespan of a fridge is approximately 12 years. So, when you're picking a fridge, you're entering into a long-term relationship with this device. You'll want to make sure you get the best option with high performance.

If you've ever had a problem with an appliance, you know how difficult it can be to fix it. Whether it's out of warranty, the parts aren't made anymore, or having to hire a specialist to fix your problem, it can be a nightmare when something goes wrong with your appliance. This is where picking a reliable fridge brand can make a huge impact. Based on customer experience, product history, energy efficiency, and value, here are six refrigerator brands to avoid, followed by some reputable brands to consider.

Samsung

A huge name in the world of technology, Samsung is one of the most popular and well-known brands for technology and household items. If you have anything Samsung in your home, it's likely a TV or phone, or when it comes to appliances, it could be your washer and dryer. Well, don't let the brand's popularity fool you while you're buying your new fridge. Samsung fridges are known for being unreliable, so it's best to beware.

Many customers who have experienced a Samsung fridge have shared feedback that they like the design and the features offered. But, they've also shared that parts have broken down that required replacement, and those parts are often unavailable. This happens so often that many professionals warn users against Samsung fridges because they need to be serviced often. The most common problems with Samsung fridges are leaky/faulty parts and temperature control. It's also known that fridges with French doors and ice makers tend to have more problems. Although Samsung makes a cool tech-savvy fridge, just be prepared for pricey repairs and unavailable parts.

LG

LG is another largely known brand. With a wide range of appliances, LG offers cool tech features and a sleek design that appeals to the customer. But, like Samsung, they often need repairs that end up being pricey after time. Not only are their fridges known to be unreliable, but customers have shared that they also have poor customer service, which only makes situations worse.

LG was in quite a bit of trouble when a line of products had faulty linear compressors. And although they worked to reconcile these issues, LG is still a brand that many professionals say to avoid. Their refrigerators have a high failure rate as well as part replacement availability issues. LG has been open about communicating its effort to show they are working to better its products, and it has shown that numbers in repairs have decreased over the years. But that doesn't make it a reputable enough brand for a 12-year long-term fridge commitment. Actually, one of the common complaints about LG fridges is that they have a short life span, so if you do purchase an LG fridge, you may not even have it for as long as you should.

Frigidaire

The creator of the first electric fridge has to be a reliable company to get your fridge from, right? Well, I would think again. Even with all of the years of experience that Frigidaire has over other companies, they still have quite a few issues to work out with their products. Frigidaire fridges often appeal to the customer for their storage space, fingerprint-free materials, as well as affordable prices. You can buy a reliable fridge from Frigidaire, depending on the model. But there are certain things to avoid if you choose to purchase from Frigidaire.

Most professionals will tell you to avoid any frigidaire fridges if they have an ice maker or other features that will later require service. When it comes to Frigidaire, choosing a simple model without any extra features is the safest way to go. Problems that are most commonly reported with Frigidaire fridges include ice machine repair, leaking water, broken tech features, and temperature control.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid is another brand that is often known to be avoided when it comes to fridges. As another company that mainly focuses on making kitchen appliances, you'd think that KitchenAid was more reputable, but it is not.

There are a handful of odd problems that users have shared. The most common issues with KitchenAid fridges include loud noises, water leaks, misaligned doors, rusted-out parts, and faulty water dispensers. Although it hasn't been reported that parts are difficult to find, over time, repairs can become expensive. So, if you want to avoid a hassle, it's probably best to avoid KitchenAid refrigerators.

BlueStar

If you're looking for a good and reliable fridge, BlueStar is another brand you might want to avoid. A report from Yale Appliance revealed that approximately 64% of BlueStar fridges required repair work. That percentage is way too high for anyone's peace of mind. For each repair needed on BlueStar fridges, customers reported that it cost around $250 per repair.

When it comes to BlueStar fridges, there are two main problems that continually arise. The first is a noisy device. If you've ever had a noisy machine, whether it be a fridge or another appliance, you know how annoying and frustrating it can be when you just want some peace and quiet. And having to pay to experience something that should just be standard is obviously not ideal. The second most common issue with BlueStar fridges is temperature. Funny, when an appliance's main job is to stay cool, you'd think this function would work. Although there are some manual fixes available for this malfunction, it often requires repair.

Maytag

Don't let the price tag on Maytag fridges seduce you! Although Maytag offers really great prices, this is one of those situations where you get what you pay for. In this case, it's better to invest more in a quality product. Although having a higher upfront cost can be more inconvenient or difficult, spending hundreds of dollars over time on repairs will not only have you spending the same amount of money you could have if you just bought a more expensive fridge, but it will also make you angry about the inconvenience.

Similar to BlueStar, Maytag fridges are known for being unnecessarily loud. Many people have also shared that they struggle with dampness. This is often caused by faulty door seals. Another common problem with Maytag is their icemakers (which sadly seems to be a problem for so many brands). The Maytag icemakers are often breaking, either requiring repair or replacement. Maytag fridges are also known for having a short lifespan.

Reliable Brands

With some of the big-name brands on this list of brands to avoid, you might be wondering what the best options are if you're in the market for a new fridge. The top two best brands for a fridge are GE and Whirlpool.

GE appeals to many because of its affordable prices and reliable products. With a wide range of products, you can find a fridge for under $700, or if you're looking for something more luxurious, you can find price points around $3,000-$4,000. Although some GE appliances may require repairs, GE is a large company with locations in 46 states, making replacement parts easily accessible. GE has also proven to have great customer service.

Whiprool is another reliable company. Whirlpool is often seen as one of the most reliable companies for all appliances, not even just fridges. Similar to GE, they have a wide range of models with different price points so that everyone can find something they need. A big selling point for Whirlpool fridges is their adjustable inside storage so that you can use your fridge to the best capacity.

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Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a leader in finance, business, technology, culture, and entertainment. It has been a hub for immigrants all over the world, which has led it to be multicultural and have the largest population in the country. This has resulted in some very large schools in the area. Today, we're going to take a deeper look at the four largest schools in Toronto.

Sometimes, having more students in schools can affect how they perform. Whether positive or negative, there are certain things you can look at to find out the success of the school. Schools are ranked by how well they perform in testing, graduation rates, and other factors that vary depending on the type of school it is. Let's take a look at the University of Toronto, Earl Haigh Secondary School, Valley Park Middle School, and TDSB Thorncliffe Park Public School.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is the largest college not only in Toronto but all of Canada with over 97,500 students. Offering over 700 undergraduate programs and more than 200 graduate programs, this school is a highly populated choice for a handful of reasons.

The University of Toronto is a well-known school that is thought to be compared to Harvard University. Although this isn't necessarily a fair comparison because Harvard is a private university in the United States and the University of Toronto is a public university in Canada, both of these schools have ranked in the top 50 universities in the world.

This university has a 43% acceptance rate. They require a high school degree, a 3.6 GP or higher as well as a SAT score between 1330 and 1500. Their ACT score requirements are 29 to 34. Of those accepted into the University of Toronto, approximately 80% of students graduate.

The average annual tuition at the University of Toronto is approximately 6,100 Canadian dollars. This translates to approximately $4,500 U.S. dollars. This cost does not include any additional fees like housing, meal plans, books and supplies, etc. Some of these additional fees will be different to customize each student's specific needs.

Another important way you can measure the success of a college is by looking at the average salary of students 10 years after they have graduated. A report from 2020 shows the salaries made by students from the University of Toronto. Approximately 13% of students make $80k and over. Around 10% make between $70k and $80. Around 21% of students make between $60k and $70, and 20% of students make between $50k and $60. 15% make between $40k and $50. About 13% make between $30k and $40k, and 2% make between $20k and $20. Approximately 7% of students preferred not to disclose their salaries.

Earl Haig Secondary School

Earl Haig Secondary School is a public high school with approximately 2,100 students. It is well known for its academic focus, commitment to the arts, and school enthusiasm. They offer two programs, the Collegiate Program and the Claude Watson Arts Program. The Collegiate Program focuses on academics, whereas the Claude Watson Arts Program has a focus on dance, music, drama, film, and visual arts. Earl Haig is in the top five high schools in Toronto.

It has been ranked in the top five best high schools due to its test scores. Overall, it received an 8.6/10 rating. Their average level for math is consistently above 3.0 when the provincial average is 2.9. They also have an average of 98% of their students passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, while the provincial average is 78%

Valley Park Middle School

Valley Park Middle School is the largest middle school in the Toronto area. Serving approximately 1,100 students. This school is known for not only having a focus on academics but also on emotional, social, attitudinal, and physical needs. Valley Park is very clear with their motto and code of behavior, which is “Respect for All.” They heavily focus on creating well-rounded students and encourage student leadership in the wide variety of programs they offer.

Although the schools stands for a lot of great things, they do struggle a little bit in the academics department. Looking specifically at sixth-grade test scores, approximately 60% of their students were proficient in reading, while the provincial average is 75%. Regarding writing, approximately 67% of Valley Park students were proficient when the provincial average was 74%. For math, approximately 47% of the students at Valley Park were proficient, while the provincial average is 58%.

TDSB Thorncliffe Park Public School

TDSB Thorncliffe Park Public School is the largest elementary school in the Toronto area, with 1,278 students. Their goals as a school are to improve literacy and numeracy, work with parents to build a partnership, and provide a caring school environment.

Looking at third-grade test results, this school scores below the provincial average. In reading, approximately 52% of students were proficient, whereas the provincial average is 66%. For writing, 70% of students were proficient when the provincial average was 76%. For math, 62% of students were proficient, while the provincial average was 76%.

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One of the most important things that families look for when they move is if the schools are good. Sadly for Idaho, it is ranked in 38th place for schools in the country. This is calculated by WalletHub and looks at the quality and safety of schools. Idaho is ranked 37th for quality and 41st for safety, which is what resulted in its 38th spot in the United States.

Today, we're going to take a look at the worst schools in Idaho, from college to elementary school. Each type of school will have slightly different things to examine. For example, for college, the graduation rate is what most heavily impacts the ranking of schools. For elementary school, test scores are the main measurement of a successful school. Let's take a look at these schools and break down why they are listed as the worst schools in Idaho by looking at their graduation rates, performance, test scores, and more.

University of Phoenix Idaho Campus

The University of Phoenix Idaho Campus is located in Meridian, Idaho. It is considered the worst college in the state due to its low graduation rate of 12.4%. Also, approximately nine percent of students graduate with their bachelor's degree within 6 years. This school is considered a small school and is a private four-year college. The University has both undergraduate and graduate programs and has open admission, which means anyone with a GED or high school degree can be admitted.

The annual tuition is approximately $10,000. Another way to measure a college's success is the average salary for students 10 years after they graduate. Graduate students from the University of Phoenix Idaho Campus have an average salary of $55,800. Many of their students go into business after graduation, approximately 79% of students. Eight percent of graduate students go into law enforcement, firefighting, or homeland security. Seven percent become health professionals, five percent go into information and computer sciences, and one percent into education.

Magic Valley High School

When it comes to measuring the success of a high school, we can look at the school's graduation rate, grade, as well as test scores. Magic Valley High School is considered one of the worst high schools in the state. Located in Twin Falls, they serve approximately 160 students and have a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1.

Magic Valley High School is graded a D, and this comes from looking at and grading categories like academics, teachers, activities, sports, facilities, college preparation, diversity, administration, and food. Although Magic Valley was unable to be graded in the activities, sports, and food categories, they were in the others. Magic Valley received a D+ in academics, D+ in administration, C- in teachers, C in college preparation, B- in facilities, and A- in Diversity. These all together average out to the school receiving a D.

The proficiency scores are low at Magic Valley, with only 25% of students proficient in reading and 10% of students proficient in math. The school has an average graduation rate of 42% when the state average is 82%. Also, 14% of their graduate students pursue college post-graduation, and only 17% of those students return to college for a second year.

Wilder Middle School

Located in Wilder, Idaho, Wilder Middle School is one of the worst schools in the state. They were only graded in three categories, including academics, diversity, and teachers. But, the average of these scores led to an overall score of C-. Wilder received a C- in academics and teachers and a B+ in diversity. They serve approximately 115 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 14:1.

When it comes to proficiency scores, the students at this school are not proficient in math, reading, English, or science. Approximately 27% of students are proficient in reading, and 12% are proficient in math. In English, only 33% of students are proficient, and the state average is 55%. Lastly, approximately 18% of their students are proficient in science when the state average is 41%.

Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy

Chief Tahgee Elementary Academy is located in Fort Hall, Idaho. They serve approximately 120 students and have a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. Their overall grade is D- and they score C- in the majority of the graded categories. They have low proficiency scores, with 25% of students being proficient in reading and 15% proficient in math. In English, 28% of students are proficient when the state average is 54%. This school also has high averages of suspensions and absences. Approximately 14% of students get suspended, while the state average is two percent. Lastly, approximately 6% of students are chronically absent, while the state average is three percent.

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If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, you might be asking yourself a lot of questions. Some of these might include what island you should visit, where on the island you should stay, what things you have to do and see, when are the best times to travel, etc. Today, we are going to take a look at Wailea and Honolulu. This will help you understand what each area has to offer and which might be a better fit for you.

There are seven Hawaiian islands. Wailea is on Maui, and Honolulu is on O'ahu. We'll be taking a deeper look into not only what these areas have to offer but also what the islands themselves have to offer. Here is what you need to know about Wailea and Honolulu in this Hawaii travel guide.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Location

Wailea

On the Southwestern shore of the island Maui, you'll find Wailea. Wailea is one of the top three resort areas on the island. The other two are Kanapali and Kapalua. In all of these areas, you'll be able to experience fine dining, amazing shopping, beautiful views and beaches, luxurious spas, golfing, and more. Maui is known to be one of the most beautiful Hawaiian islands and has been nicknamed “Heaven on Earth.”

Honolulu

Honolulu is a large area on the island of O'ahu. Situated on the South shore of the island, Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii. O'ahu is the most traveled island of all the Hawaiian islands, with approximately 4.7 million travelers per year. It is a famous location to visit Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Its main area for shopping, activities, nightlife, and dining is in Waikiki, which is the eastern part of Honolulu.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Landscape

Wailea

In Maui, you'll be able to experience a handful of different landscapes and environments. Maui has mountainous climates, rainforests, and deserts. In Wailea, you will experience more of a desert climate where it is hot, dry, and sunny, perfect for the sunbathers! Wailea is known for its beautiful crescent-shaped beaches, five to be exact, that create a beautiful and serene environment.

Honolulu

Although Honolulu is lined with beaches, this area of O'ahu has a big city feeling. Honolulu is a major hub for military, business, finance, and hospitality. It has a mixture of Western, Asian, and Pacific cultures, making it a very diverse area. Besides the cityscape, Honolulu is known for its lush green landscape. It can be more humid and experience more rainfall, which leads to its lush green areas.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Cost

Wailea

Because Wailea is a very popular area to stay, the demand is very high, which leads to expensive hotel stays. The average cost of a hotel room per night is $719. The price of your hotel will vary and be affected by the area, amenities, and dates. The median price for a hotel room in the area is $536. If you're looking for a budget hotel, you can find hotels that average around $365 per night.

The top five rated hotels in Wailea include Hotel Wailea, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui, Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, and Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort.

Honolulu

Compared to other places in Hawaii, Honolulu is a more reasonable place to stay when it comes to cost. The average cost for a hotel per night is approximately $365. You can find budget hotels for closer to $200 per night, mid-range hotels for $275, and luxury hotels for closer to $500 per night. Since Honolulu is traveled to more often and is much larger than Wailea, there are a lot more options, which makes the demand less and the hotels cheaper.

The top five rated hotels in Honolulu include Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Prince Waikiki, Halekulani Hotel, Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, and Vive Hotel Waikiki.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Weather

Wailea

Since Wailea is more of a desert climate, most of the year it is hot, dry, and sunny. May through October, Wailea usually won't even see a single day of rain. Most of its rain will come on the front end of the year, January through April. January averages five days of rain per month, February averages four, March averages three, and April averages two.

The temperature in Wailea is also very stable throughout the year, averaging in the mid-80s January through December. Even when it does rain, it is usually quick to come and go, so visiting this area of Maui should ensure good weather no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

Honolulu

Honolulu receives more rain and has a more humid climate than Wailea. This rain results in the green, luscious landscape that you can enjoy in this area. Throughout the year, Honolulu averages about four and a half days of rain per month, with the least amount of rain in the Summer. So, traveling during June, July, and August are the best months to visit here if you're looking to avoid the rain.

The temperature in Honolulu is very similar to Wailea and stays in the mid-80s throughout the year. So, if you're looking to avoid the Summer crowds, then you'll still get high temperatures during off-seasons. Other months that are good to visit Honolulu include May, September, and October.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Food

Wailea

When visiting Hawaii, there are some fun and delicious traditional and local foods that you definitely should try. Today's Hawaiian cuisine is diverse and consists of a mixture of Portuguese, Phillippine, and Japanese cuisine, as many immigrants from these areas settled in Hawaii. Some things you have to try while visiting include spam, loco moco, poke, malasadas, roast pork, and Hawaiian shaved ice. Although many of these items are not unique to Maui but to Hawaii in general, there are some famous places to check out on Maui.

If you're looking for a fun dessert, make sure to stop by Leoda's Pie Shop. At Leoda's, you can find all different kinds of homemade pies that include flavors and sizes. Although Leoda's isn't in Wailea, it's worth the trip to drive and explore. In Wailea, some of the top-rated places you have to try are the Kinaole Grill Food Truck, Kula Bistro, and Nalu's South Shore Grill.

Honolulu

Similar to Wailea, you need to try all the traditional Hawaiian cuisine picks: spam, loco moco, poco, malasadas, roast pork, and Hawaiian shaved ice. One of the most famous places in Honolulu to get malasada is Leonard's Bakery. Serving the area since 1952, Leonard's has perfected these delicious fried donuts.

If you're looking for restaurants, some of the best and top-rated restaurants that you have to try out include Ramen Akatsuki, Tempura Kiki, Sweet E's Cafe, Stripsteak Waikiki, Over Easy, Poke Bar, La Mer, Lucky Belly, Le Crepe Cafe Kailua, and Deck.

Wailea vs. Honolulu: Activities

Wailea

Water and Beaches

One of the most popular things you can do when staying in Wailea is visit and snorkel Molokini. Molokini is a volcanic crater shaped like a horseshoe that you can see from the southern coastline of Maui. This area is a fish sanctuary, making it the perfect place to see hundreds of beautiful fish up close. If you book a tour to go to Molokini, often tours also include a visit to Turtle Town, which is close by.

Although all of Hawaii's beaches are beautiful, one of Maui's most known and iconic beaches you should visit is Big Beach. This beach also goes by the name of Oneloa Beach or Makena Beach. Over half a mile long, this is a wide beach for you to enjoy the sand and water but still have some privacy from your beach neighbors.

To participate in water sports, paddle boarding is a great option in Wailea, as the waves are usually not large or rough. Rent a board, take a class, or even sign up for a paddle board tour.

Adventure and Explore

If you love to golf, Wailea is home to three amazingly beautiful golf courses: Wailea Emerald, Wailea Gold, and Wailea Blue. When at Wailea Blue, make sure to stop by one of the best Irish bars on the island, Mulligans. When golfing on the Gold course, enjoy an awesome happy hour at Gannon's Restaurant.

One of the best places you can go for some great views is to visit and walk the Wailea coastal trail. The Wailea Oceanfront Boardwalk is a paved walkway for you to enjoy and see all the beautiful beaches of Wailea. The walkway is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, and it's also a great place to see whales from November through May.

While in Maui, one of the most famous things you can do is the road to Hana. The road to Hana is an incredible drive through one of the most beautiful areas in Maui. You'll see rainforests, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and more. Doing the road to Hana is a full day of adventure, so make sure you give it the time it deserves.

Honolulu

Water and Beaches

One of the most popular and well-known beaches in Hawaii is Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. With high-end shopping, great food and drinks, high-rise hotels, and, of course, a beautiful beach, there is so much to experience here. This is a great place to visit if you have any interest in surfing or learning how to surf.

If you're interested in other water sports besides surfing, visit Sans Souci Beach Park, which is great for paddle boarding and kayaking. The waters at this beach don't have strong currents and they are shallow, making it a safe area for these activities.

Adventure and Explore

While in Honolulu, if you want to see one of the most famous volcanic craters not just in the U.S. but in the world, visit Mt. Leahi, which is also known as Diamond Head. Traveling up 760 feet, you'll be able to see amazing views of Waikiki and O'ahu's south shore. This hike has moderate to hard difficulty, so keep that in mind as you plan.

If you're a history buff, make sure to stop by the Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona memorial. As one of the top U.S. landmarks, experience the award-winning audio tour and learn about the details of what happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

If you're traveling with little ones, a trip to the Honolulu Zoo is a great trip to make. With 42 acres, this zoo is home to over 1,200 animals. What originally started as the Hawaiian King's personal bird collection is now the amazing zoo it is today.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Drone Northwest/Shutterstock.com.

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Do you live in or near Vancouver, Washington, and want to know some of the schools you might want to avoid? Today, we're going to take a deeper look at four of the worst schools in Vancouver, including one school from each category: college, high school, middle school, and elementary school. For each category, there are different ways to measure a school's success. These schools are considered the worst because of their overall ranking, test scores, graduation rates, and more. Here are the four worst schools in Vancouver and why.

Clark College

Clark College, located in Vancouver, is a mid-size college that is considered the worst in the area due to its low graduation rate compared to other colleges, with a 42% graduation rate. Founded in 1933, Clark College is a public community college that offers two-year degrees and certificates. There are a wide variety of academic programs, but they emphasize health sciences, business administration, STEM programs, and early childhood education.

This college has an open admission policy, which means anyone with a GED or high school degree will be enrolled. They typically have around 3,500 students each year enrolled full-time and 3,200 in part-time schedules. For in-state students, annual tuition is approximately $2,000, and out-of-state tuition is $9,800.

Besides graduation rates, another important way you can tell the success of a college is by the average student salary after 10 years. The average student salary for Clark College students is approximately $38,700. Most of these students went on to work in liberal arts and humanities, health professions, precision production trades, business, and culinary services.

Fort Vancouver High School

Fort Vancouver High School is considered one of Vancouver's worst high schools due to its ranking. On GreatSchools.org, it received a two out of ten, and on Niche.com it was given an overall grade of C+. This grade is an average of their ratings in categories like academics, teachers, clubs and activities, sports, facilities, diversity, college preparation, administration, and food. Fort Vancouver received Cs and Bs in all these categories except for diversity, where they received an A.

Serving 1,568 students, this school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1. They have a 41% reading proficiency rate and a 15% math proficiency rate. 78% of their students go on to graduate high school, and the state average is 82%. The state SAT average score is 1067, and Fort Vancouver's average score is 890. However, they excel past the state average when it comes to AP course participation. Fort Vancouver has 26% of their students participate in AP, whereas the state average is 20%.

Clark College is actually one of the top choices for Fort Vancouver graduates. Sadly, only 33% of students returned to college for a second year; the state average for this is 84%. Approximately 26% of students end up needing remediation in a two-year college.

Cascade Middle School

Cascade Middle School is considered to be one of the worst middle schools in the area. On GreatSchools.org it is rated one out of ten, and on Niche.com it received an overall grade of C. Although there is some missing data in the categories used to grade schools through Niche.com, it did receive a C in academics and a C- in teachers.

Serving approximately 877 students, they have a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1. Cascade has a 31% math proficiency and 37% reading proficiency. Test scores are also low for English and Science. Around 30% of students test sufficiently in English, whereas the state average is 53%. 34% of students test sufficient in Science, whereas the state average is 49%.

Cascade also has a higher average for suspension rates. Approximately 9% of all students are suspended. The state average is 4%. Then, approximately 19% of students with disabilities are suspended. The state average for this category is 10%. In both of these categories, the school averages are about double the state average. Students with disabilities are also scoring significantly less than the state average. Only eight percent of students with disabilities are proficient in English when the state average is 20%. Only four percent of students with disabilities are proficient in math, while the state average is 15%.

Orchards Elementary School

Orchards Elementary School is considered one of the worst schools in Vancouver. It was rated a one out of 10 on GreatSchools.org and received an overall grade of C on Niche.com. This school also has missing data in certain categories but was graded a C in both the academics and teacher categories.

Serving 450 students, this school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. Their test scores are well below the state average in English, Math, and Science. The state average for English is 53%, and Orchards is at 29%. For Math, the state average is 40%, and Orchards is at 12%. The state average for Science is 49%, and Orchards scores at 22%.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aquir/Shutterstock.com.

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Planning to travel to Hawaii but can't decide where you want to go? Today, we are going to take a look at Kapa'a and Kailua-Kona so you know what you can expect and what you can plan to do.

When it comes to traveling to Hawaii, there are a lot of options, as Hawaii consists of seven different islands. These Islands include Ni'ihau, Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Kaho'olawe, Maui, and Hawai'i. Each of these islands is unique to itself and offers different environments, vibes, and activities.

Kapa'a and Kailua-Kona are located on Kauai Island and Hawai'i, otherwise known as “the big island.” Here is everything you need to know about Kapa'a and Kailua-Kona in this Hawaii travel guide.

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Location

Kapa'a

Located on the east side of the island of Kauai, Kapa'a is a beautiful place to stay. The island of Kauai is known for its beaches, water sports, scuba diving, and snorkeling. It is actually the oldest of all the Hawaiian islands. If you love to visit state parks, there are nine on this island to explore. The closest state parks to Kapa'a are Wailua River State Park and Ahukini State Recreational Pier.

Kailua-Kona

If you're staying in Kailua-Kona, you will be located on the west side of the big island. There are many things to experience and adventure on this island, including 14 state parks. The closest parks to Kailua-Kona are Kekaha Kai State Beach, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, and Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Landscape

Kapa'a

Located on Kauai, this island offers a beautiful landscape of forests, mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. It is actually home to Poipu Beach, which has been named the best beach in the United States. Poipu Beach is only a 45-minute drive from Kapa'a. But there are plenty of beautiful beaches near Kapa'a if you're looking for a shorter travel distance. You can visit Fujii Beach, Waipouli Beach, or Kapa'a Beach.

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona, otherwise just known as Kona to the locals, is located on the big island of Hawai'i. This island landscape is a little different from Kauai and has rugged ocean cliffs, lava deserts, bamboo forests, black sand beaches, and even snow-capped mountains. Kona is often a choice for tourists because you can see a volcano, a black-sand beach, and a 420-foot waterfall. This island is known as “Hawaii's Island of Adventure.”

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Cost

Kapa'a

Because of the island's popularity and high demand as a vacation destination, pricing for accommodations has risen. To stay in Kapa'a, the average cost of a hotel room is approximately $460 per night. But, the days and location of where you stay can impact the cost. Historically, room prices in Kapa'a are lowest on Tuesdays and highest on Sundays.

The top five rated hotels for the best value in Kapa'a include the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort, the Kauai Shores Hotel, Aston Islander On The Beach, Fern Grotto Inn, and the Waipouli Beach Resorts & Spa.

Kailua-Kona

Kailua-Kona has a cheaper average hotel cost than Kapa'a. The average cost per night for a hotel room in Kailua-Kona is $374. Depending on where you stay, it can be cheaper to stay on the big island because it is bigger, so there are more options, which can create less demand at times. Also, most of the coast is going to be rocky beaches rather than sandy, although there are beautiful sandy areas in Kailua-Kona to visit. This is due to the Big Island being the youngest island of the Hawaiian islands.

The top five rated hotels for the best value in Kailua-Kona include the Royal Kona Resort, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, PACIFIC 19 Kona, Shell Vacations Club Kona Coast Resort, and Club Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort.

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Weather

Kapa'a

If you're planning a trip to Kapa'a, the best times of the year to visit are October, April, May, August, and September. Although some of these months are considered off-season, there are perks you can experience during these times. But, as far as the weather goes, Kapa'a's weather stays pretty stable all year round. In the winter, you'll experience the mid-70s, and in the summer, around the mid-80s.

This island does get more rain than any other island, averaging 7-10 days per month. But this leads to the lush forests that give this island its nickname “Garden Isle.” Don't worry though, usually the rain showers come and go, and you'll soon again be basking in the sun.

Kailua-Kona

If you decide to visit Kailua-Kona, the best months to travel are the same as Kapa'a: October, April, May, August, and September. The temperature is similar, ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. But, if you travel to higher altitudes you will experience colder weather. If you're planning to visit Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, or Hualalai, you can experience very cold temperatures, so don't forget to pack a few sweaters.

The wettest month of the year in Kona is September, but that doesn't mean you need to avoid travel during this time. Rain typically comes through in the late afternoon and early evening and quickly brushes through. The average day per month for rain is also very low at one to two days a month. But you will find that April, May, and June have the most overcast. January and December are the sunniest months in Kailua-Kona.

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Food

Kapa'a

If you decide to visit Kapa'a, here are some dishes that you need to try: poke, lomi lomi, poi, loco moco, fish tacos, coconut shrimp, and spam musubi. These foods are full of history from Hawaii as well as other traditional dishes from those who have made Kauai their home and brought flavors from their homeland.

Kailua-Kona

While visiting the big island, there are some foods you need to try. Some are similar to Kapa'a, but there are a few differences. While in Kailua-Kona, try the shaved ice, poke bowls, spam musubi, mochi, malasadas, loco moco, and the local coffee.

Kona coffee is known to have fruity and sweet profiles with hints of nuttiness and spice. The coffee is famous here because it is grown at higher altitudes and in almost perfect conditions on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. Because the coffee is rare, it is the world's most expensive coffee. But it's important to note some people market their coffee as Kona when it is not. Check the percentages on the bag, if it's 100% Kona coffee that is true Kona coffee. Some companies will only put 10% Kona coffee and the rest cheaper coffee from other places.

Kapa'a vs. Kailua-Kona: Activities

Kapa'a

Since Kapa'a is known for its water sports, this is a great place to go for snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, surfing, and more. Kapa'a is also known as one of the great places to shop on the island. You'll be able to find small business shops as well as retail malls. The Kinipopo Shopping Village and Kapa'a Town are great places to find a variety of different shops as well as places to eat. Also, since Kauali's landscape has mountains and forests, you can enjoy hiking tours, biking, horseback riding, and zip lining.

Kailua-Kona

Because of the island's landscape, it has some different things to offer. Of course, you'll be able to do all the fun water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Due to visibility, Kona has some of the best snorkeling on the big island of Hawai'i. There are also many access points for snorkeling in Kailua-Kona. You should definitely make it a point to see the Kilauea volcano and the Volcano National Park. If you prefer, you can adventure on your own or go on a volcano tour. You can even take a helicopter ride to fly over the volcano and get a closer look.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com.

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Wondering what the worst schools in Colorado are? Well, Colorado has some pretty decent schools and holds the 30th spot in the country, according to Wallet Hub. These rankings are gathered by rating the school's quality and safety. Colorado ranks 23rd in quality and 48th in safety, making it the 30th state in the United States. But, even with Colorado being in the top 25 schools for quality, that doesn't mean that there aren't some bad apples.

There are a handful of things that impact how a school functions and how well-educated the students are. Today, we're going to take a look at the worst schools in Colorado by category: college, high school, middle school, and elementary school. These schools have been determined as the worst schools in the state based on ratings, test scores, graduation rates, and other important factors that can affect the success of a school, depending on what type of school it is. The four worst schools in Colorado are the Community College of Denver, New America School, Deer Trail Junior/Senior High School, and Centennial School District R-1.

Community College of Denver

The Community College of Denver is the lowest-performing college, with a graduation rate of only 11.6%. It is a public two-year undergraduate college in Colorado's largest city. With approximately 7,000 students enrolled, it is considered a small college. Their admission policy permits any student with a GED or high school degree.

In-state tuition costs approximately $3,680 and $15,102 for out-of-state students. This makes tuition affordable for in-state students but not as much for out-of-state students, especially since the average salary for people who attend this school after 10 years is $35,000.

Unfortunately, there isn't any data on CollegeSimply that shows how many students went on to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. But, 43% of class graduates go on to be health professionals, 32% in liberal arts and humanities, 5% in business and education, and 4% legal professionals.

New America School

New America School is a public high school located in Lakewood, Colorado. It has an overall rating of D- with only Cs and Ds in the graded categories. Categories that contribute to this overall rating include academics, teachers, clubs and activities, diversity, college preparation, and administration. New America School received Cs in teachers, clubs and activities, diversity, and college preparation and Ds in academics and administration.

New America School is a small school with approximately 113 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. Approximately 20% of their teachers are in their first or second year of teaching. Looking at state test scores, only 10% of students are proficient in reading and math, and they have a 12% graduation rate. Students who do graduate from New America School often attend the Community College of Denver, Colorado State University, or the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Deer Trail Junior/Senior High School

Deer Tail Junior/Senior High School is a middle and high school combined serving students from 6th to 12th grade. Located in Deer Trail, Colorado, they have an overall rating of C-. They received a D+ in academics, a C+ in teachers and college preparation, a C in clubs and activities, a B- in administration, and an A- in diversity. They are currently on the top 100 list of most diverse schools in the state and the 132nd most diverse public middle school.

Deer Trail has approximately 122 students enrolled and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. At this school, the majority of their teachers are experienced because 0% of their teachers are in their first or second year. Their state test scores also show severely low proficiencies. Only 8% of students are proficient in reading, and 5% are proficient in math.

Centennial School District R-1

Centennial School District R-1 is the lowest-rated school for the elementary category. Located in San Luis, Colorado, it received an overall rating of D. They received a D in academics, a D+ in college preparation, a C- in teachers, a C in administration, a C+ in clubs and activities, and a B- in diversity.

Centennial has approximately 203 enrolled students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1. Approximately 36% of teachers at this school are in their first or second year. This is another school with low state test scores. Only 10% of students are proficient in reading and math.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Doubletree Studio/Shutterstock.com.

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Are you wondering if your baby's name is one of the most popular in Pennsylvania? Today, we're going to take a look at the top baby names for boys and girls, as well as learn their meanings, origins, and more about their popularity. Here are Pennsylvania's top baby names for 2023.

Top 10 Baby Boy Names

Noah

Noah is the number one baby boy name in Pennsylvania. It's also one of the most popular names in the United States. It has consistently held a place on the list of top names since the Social Security Administration started tracking names. Since 2009, it has been among the top 10 names and even holds the number one spot currently. This name is popular because of its biblical and historical significance. Since 1880, approximately 453,000 people in the United States have been named Noah.

Noah means “comfort” and “rest.” These meanings come from the name of Hebrew origin, Noach. Noah has historically been a boy's name, but in 1931, it started trending for baby girls as well. It is now often used as a gender-neutral name, and for girls, it is coming close to breaking into the top 1,000 names.

Liam

The name Liam became popular in the United States in the 1850s when there was a large migration of the Irish population. During these years, there was a potato famine that led many people to leave Ireland for a better life and to escape starvation. After this, the name quickly became popular, and in 2013, Liam made it all the way to be among the top five names in the country. In 2017, it was the number one name. Approximately 275,000 people in the United States have named Liam since 1880.

Liam has Irish origins. The Irish name was originally Uliiam, which was later changed to William. And then, William was shortened to Liam. The name Liam means “guardian.”

Oliver

Oliver has been on the radar of many for a while. In 1900, it was the 95th most popular name in the country. But, after this, it fell off into the top 1,000 names and didn't largely reappear until 2015, when it became the 32nd most popular name and landed itself in the top 50 names. Since then, it has only continued to rise and was among the top five names in 2020. Approximately 210,000 people in the United States have been named Liam

Oliver has French, English, and Latin origins. Oliver is connected to the French word Oliver, which translates to “olive tree.” It's connected to England through the Normans, who brought the Norse name Aelifer, which means “ancestor's descendent.” Lastly, it is traced to the Latin word oliva, which translates to olive.

Owen

The name Owen started gaining traction in 2000 when it was the 145th most popular name in the country. Just two years later, it was able to break into the top 100 and stayed on the list ever since while it continued to rise. It made its way into the top 50 in 2016 and has steadily risen every year since. Since 1880, approximately 215,000 people in the United States have been named Owen.

Owen has Celtic and Welsh origins. It is a derivative of the Welsh name Owain and the Irish name Eoghan. This name has been traced all the way back to the Renaissance era when it was mostly used as a Welsh surname. Owen is also connected to St. Owen, a religious monk who was a follower of St. Chad.

Benjamin

The name Benjamin has held popularity for many years. Since 1968, it's been in the top 100 names list in the United States. Not long after that, it had broken its way into the top 50 names and hasn't stopped climbing since. In 2009, Benjamin was among the top 20 names, and then the top 10 in 2016. Approximately 788,000 people have been named Benjamin in the United States since 1880.

Benjamin has Hebrew origins and is connected Biblically to the family of Jacob. Benjamin was the youngest of Jacob's 12 sons. That is where the reference “the Benjamin of the family” comes from, referring to the youngest child. This name means “son of the right hand.”

James

James is another name that has been popular over the years and has found itself among the top 20 names for more than 100 years. It has appealed to many families as it is a traditional name. The name is so popular that approximately 5.2 million people have been named James in the United States, making it the most popular name on this list.

The name James is Hebrew oring. It is a variation of the name Yaakov. Jacob is the translation of Yaakov, and the English version of Jacob is James. This name means “supplanter” or “one who takes by the heel.” This meaning is from the Bible story where Jacob was holding on to his twin brother's foot during birth.

Theodore

Theodore's popularity started gaining traction in the 20th century. It was among the top 100 names for 45 years and then later went quiet. But, in 2020, it saw a surge in popularity and was among the top 100 names and the top 50 at 23rd most popular names. Since 1880, approximately 271,000 people have been named Theodore in the United States.

Theodore has Greek origins. It is a shortened version of the Greek name Theodoors. This name means “divine gift” or “gift of god.” It does hold some religious meaning, although it technically isn't a bible name, and for this reason, Theodore was a popular name during the Middle Ages.

Henry

For a long time, Henry has been a popular name in Europe and the United States. It was among the top 100 names in multiple countries in 2007, including Australia, England, Wales, and America. In 2020, it had worked its way up to the top 10 names in the United States. Approximately 727,000 people in the U.S. have been named Henry.

Henry has German and French origins. It was originally derived from the German name Heimeric. The French name for Heimeric was Henri, and the English version of Henri was Henry. The name Henry means “house ruler,” so it is a strong name. It also has feminine variations, Harriet and Henrietta.

Lucas

The name Lucas has been on the charts for a while. In the 1990s, it had made its way onto the top 100 names list in the United States. Since then, it has continually risen in popularity, and near the end of the 2010s, it was in the top 20 at 17th most popular. Approximately 288,000 people have been named Lucas in the United States since 1880.

Lucas has Latin and Greek originals. It is a variation of the name Loukas. This name translates to “man from Luciana.” Luciana is a part of Southern Italy, and Luciana means “light.” In Latin, the name Lucas also translates to a similar meaning, which is “bringer of light.”

Jack

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Jack has been among the top 50 names in America. Not only is it popular in the U.S. but also New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, and England. It made its way into the top 10 most popular names in the country in 2020. Approximately 725,000 people in the United States have been named Jack.

Jack has English origins and can be traced back to medieval times. Oddly enough, it is a derivative of the name John, although the name had to go through many variations to become what it is now. Jack also has some Celtic origin, where the name's meaning is “full of vitality, health, and strength.”

Top 10 Baby Girl Names

Charlotte

Charlotte's popularity in Pennsylvania also reflects its popularity throughout the country. In the early 1900s, it was on the top 100 list and held its ground there for about 40 years. It then fell off that list but hovered closely and made it back into the top 100 in 2007. It quickly rose in popularity and, just seven years later, was among the top 10 names and soon after the top five. Since 1880, approximately 402,000 people in the United States have been named Charlotte.

Charlotte has French, German, and English origins. It was originally founded in the masculine variation, Charles. The name Charles comes from the old English word “ceorl.” Ceorl means free man. The French version of the name Charles is Carl, which is a German name. Charlot became a nickname for Charles, and thus, the feminine variation of this name was born into Charlotte.

Olivia

Olivia is not only popular in Pennsylvania but has gained large popularity in America and other countries in the last 30 years. It's also popular in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It has regularly stayed among the top 100 most popular names and experienced a surge in popularity when it was in the top five names in 2014. A show called Scandal premiered in 2014 and featured a main character whose name was Olivia. This is what is believed to have caused this jump in popularity. Not long after, in 2019, Olivia made it to the number-one name in the country. Approximately 507,000 people have been named Olivia in the United States since 1880.

The name Olivia has Latin and English roots. It is a feminine variation of the name Oliver. Oliver in Latin means olive tree. It is believed that the Shakespeare play, The Twelfth Night, is what put the name Olivia on the map and dates it all the way back to the 13th century.

Emma

Emma is another name that has consistently stayed popular once it hit the top charts. It was among the top 100 names in the United States for just over 20 years. Although it fell out of this list for a while into the top 1,000, it made its way back up in the 1990s. Since then, it has continued to grow, making it into the top 50, the top 20, and then finally landing in the top five. This surge happened when the show Friends used the name Emma for Ross and Rachel's daughter. Approximately 723,000 people have been named Emma in the United States since 1880.

The name Emma has German and English origins. It originally came from an Old German word “erman.” Erman means “whole” or “universe.” Emma was a popular name in England because of Queen Emma, who was married to two different Kings, Althelred and Cnut. Emma was also popularized by the Jane Austen novel Emma, which came out in 1816.

Sophia

Sophia is a popular name that has stayed among the top 10 names in the country since 2006. In 2011, it even held the number one spot and stayed there for three years. Even after losing the top spot, Sophia stayed among the top five names. This name is believed to have gained and sustained popularity because it is a vintage classic name. Many families have leaned toward this kind of aesthetic for names in recent years. Approximately 390,000 people have been named Sophia in the United States since 1880.

The name Sophia comes from Greek origins. This name portrays sophistication and elegance and means “wisdom.” It is believed to have been popularised by St. Sophia, a saint recognized by the Greek Orthodox Church. It was also a royal name in Europe, which has played a role in keeping it around for so many years.

Ava

Ava is a newer name on the popular name lists and started becoming popular in the 1950s due to a movie star named Ava Gardner, who was becoming popular at that time. But it wasn't until 40 years later, in the 1990s, that Ava really began to take off. Ava had made its way up in the charts due to a couple of famous actresses naming their daughters Ava. About 20 years later, in 2016, Ava had climbed into the top five names. Approximately 307,000 people have been named Ava in the United States since 1880.

Ava is believed to have a few different origins, including German, Latin, and Hebrew. Ava is derived from the German word aval, the Latin word avis, and the Hebrew names Eva and Eve. Because of this, it has a few different meanings, including “lively,” bidlike,” and “guarantee.”

Amelia

Amelia has been around for a long time, and its popularity can be traced back to the 18th century. It was a royal name, with both King George the Second and Third naming their daughter Amelia. Typically, a royal name will hold its popularity for a long time. But, recently, Amelia has risen in popularity and secured a spot in the top 10 names in America in 2020.

The name Amelia has a Latin origin. It is a derivative of amal, a Latin word that means “work.” The work that this word refers to actually means fertility and industriousness rather than physical labor. Amelia is known to be a variation of the names Emery, Emil, and Emmet.

Harper

Harper is another newer name that has recently seen popularity. It first made it into the top 1,000 names in the country in 2004 and has continued to rise. By 2020, it had made its way up to the top 10 names. It is believed that Harper gained its popularity in the mid-2010s due to shows like Lost, Wizards of Waverly Place, Girl Meet World, and Gossip Girl, all of which had characters named Harper. Approximately 115,000 people have been named Harper in the United States since 1880.

The name Harper has English origins. For most of its existence, Harper was a surname, but in the last 20 years, it has morphed into being used as a first name. This name is derived from the word harp, being used as a name to indicate someone's vocation. Harper means “someone who plays the harp.” Even though Harper is mainly used as a girl's name, it has been used for boys in past years.

Evelyn

Evelyn has held some popularity over the last century. It was among the top 20 names in the United States starting in 1907 until 1930. Despite this, it stopped being used as much and fell off the list of top names until 2011, when it popped back into the top 100. Since then, it continued to rise, and just two years later, it made its way up to the top 20 names and then to the top 10 names in 2020. Since 1880, approximately 605,000 people in the United States have been named Evelyn.

Evelyn has English roots. Similar to Harper, it was originally used as a surname. It is a variation of the Norman French name Aveline. This name means life and desire. Although now used as a girl's name, Evelyn was often used for boys and girls. It is believed to be now used almost exclusively as a girl's name due to it being made up of two girls' names, Eve and Lynne.

Isabella

Although Isabella has been around for a long time, this name rose in popularity around the 1990s. In 1998, it was in the top 100 names in the United States, and then in 2004, it rose to the top 10 names. It is believed that its popularity was due to the release of the popular Twilight movie series. The main character of these movies is Bella Swan, Bella being short for Isabella. In 2009, Isabella became the most popular name in the country and has stayed in the top 10 names ever since. Since 1880, approximately 373,000 people in the United States have been named Isabella.

The name Isabella has Spanish, Italian, and Hebrew origin. It is a variation of Elizabeth, a derivative of the Hebrew name Elisheba. This name means “God is my oath.” Both Isabella and Elizabeth have been around for a long. Isabella is also the feminine variation of the name Isa, meaning “salvation of God.”

Mia

The name Mia started gaining popularity in the United States in the 1960s, but it wasn't until the 1990s that it made its way onto the top charts. In 2002, Mia made it among the top 100 names, and then in 2005, it jumped into the top 50. Just four years later, it had risen to the top 10 names, and it has stayed there consistently. Since 1880, approximately 260,000 people in the United States have been named Mia.

Mia has a handful of origins, including Hebrew, Egyptian, Italian, and Slavic. It is a derivative and variation of the name Miryan, which is Hebrew. It's also a derivative of “Mr,” and the Egyptian word meaning beloved. Mia is an Italian word that means mine. Lastly, the word “Mila” is a Slavic word that means dear or darling.

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