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The most expensive apartment ever sold in downtown Manhattan is back on the market

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terrace

If you're looking to invest in a penthouse apartment in downtown Manhattan, now is your chance.

For a mere $70 million, you could be the next owner of Walker Tower's Penthouse One, located at 212 West 18th Street in Chelsea.

With views of the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, and all of Manhattan, this penthouse is the ultimate accessory to a jet-setting billionaire lifestyle.  

The current owner, Hakkasan CEO Neil Moffitt, bought the penthouse in early 2014 for $50.9 million. It only took him five minutes to decide he wanted the place.

 



Sotheby's International has the 5,955-square-foot, 24th floor listing and describes it as "the crown jewel of Chelsea's most important address."

 

 



The apartment has a total of eight rooms: 5 bedrooms, a laundry room, a living room, and a dining room.



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The Scrabble Dictionary just got a very 21st-century update

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OnePiece Onesie Jumpsuit 2

With the newest additions to the official Scrabble word list, even a total newb can lol their way to a win. 

Earlier today, the BBC reported that Collins Dictionary revealed 6,500 new words that will now be permitted for gameplay.

The list, which includes words from multiple English speaking countries, features a number of popular-culture terms and internet slang. 

The updated list adds words that have become commonplace in modern vernacular.

For example, Apple's video-chat application "Facetime" will now earn players 15 Scrabble points. 

Here's a few of the other new additions and their Scrabble points worth: 

Emoji— icon used for digital communication (14 points)

Hacktivist— a person who hacks computers for political activism purposes (22 points)

Geocache — a GPS based treasure hunt (16 points)

Lolz—to laugh out loud at others or at oneself (13 points)

Onesie— a one piece article of clothing (6 points)

Vape— to smoke using an electronic device (9 points)

Tweep— a person who uses Twitter (10 points)

Sexting— sending explicit sexual text messages (15 points)

Newb— someone who is new at something (9 points)

Obvs— slang term for obviously (9 points)

Be forewarned, the official Collins online Scrabble checker will not be updated until September 2015, so twerking (which will earn a respectable 15 points) is still technically off-limits for now. 

You can check out even more new words here. 

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NOW WATCH: A YouTuber created this incredible animation using a string of yarn








I ran a Spartan race, jumped over fire, and got covered in mud

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Spartan

A few things to know about me: I like to wear dresses, get manicures, and do Spartan Races that leave me covered in bruises.   

Why do I do them? Because they make me feel like I can conquer the world (like this guy on the right).

There are three types of Spartan Races: 

The Spartan Sprint: 3+ miles, 20+ obstacles 

The Spartan Super: 8+ miles, 25+ obstacles

The Beast: 13+ miles, 30+ obstacles

Complete all three in the span of one year and it's a trifecta — talk to me in November and I'll let you know how that feels.

Participating in a Spartan race is a cultural experience. Spartans are a group of people who go beyond their comfort zones and challenge themselves both mentally and physically to achieve greatness. They speak a certain language, participate in pre-race rituals, and have built a strong community across the nation and in Europe

This past weekend, my family and I reunited in Burnet, Texas (near Austin) and ran a Spartan Super, a 9.5 mile course with 27 obstacles.

On race day we woke up to thunder, lightening, and sheets of rain. But like true Spartans, we drove (and hydroplaned) to the course. Interpreting the rain as a bad omen, a sliver of me hoped the race would be canceled. It wasn't.

Shoes

The rain eventually stopped, and by 9:00 a.m. I found myself surrounded by men and women of all ages and athletic abilities at the race's base. 

There were teams dressed in custom T-shirts; family and friends supporting racers; a DJ blasting today's hits, booths set up with water, food, and Spartan gear; and of course, a huge medical tent. 

Minutes before our start time, my family and I downed three shots of complimentary pre-workout supplements, jumped over a four-foot wall into what can only be described as a holding pen, and waited anxiously to start the race. I looked at my mom and knew we were thinking the same thing, What on earth had we signed up for?

Before every race, an announcer conducts pre-race chants to fuel the energy. When asked what our profession is, we shout, "We are Spartans! AROO AROO!"

After chanting, high-fiving, and mentally preparing, we were set free and took off running on a trail resembling melted fudge. (Mother Nature's morning storm had made for an extra muddy pathway.)

Within 30 seconds, all my nerves escaped through laughter and I was excited to attack the obstacles.  

Cargo net

I hoisted myself over eight-foot walls (using my mom as a step stool, and vice versa). I flipped giant tires. I shimmied across a horizontal rope suspended over the ground. I crawled in the dirt and stones under barbed wire. I carried a bag of wet sand through a river. I hiked up hills and rocks. I climbed cargo nets. And for every failed obstacle, I did the required 30 burpees that left me sopping in mud. 

Water stations were set up every few miles between obstacles, and about halfway through we refueled with a handful of energy chews. 

Three and a half hours after starting the race, I could finally see the end. 

Coated in dirt, caked-on mud, and sweat, I jumped over fire, landed in a pool of murky water, and crossed the finish line. With sediment nestled in every crevice of my body and a Spartan medal hanging from my neck, a feeling of accomplishment surged through me. I survived.

And though I was left covered in bruises, bug bites, and scrapes, I would do it all over again tomorrow. 

In fact, my family and I are training to take on the Dallas Beast Spartan Race on October 31st. Until then, you'll find me in a gym lifting and outside running.

I may be a girly-girl, but I'm not afraid to get dirt under my manicured nails. 

SEE ALSO: This obstacle race is the ultimate test of mental and physical strength, and it involves lots of mud and jumping over a fire pit

SEE ALSO: 16 insane photos from the 'toughest race in the world'

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NOW WATCH: This killer circuit workout is the key to burning fat fast








No one wants to buy this gorgeous, $30-million Manhattan penthouse specially designed to 'improve wellness'

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11th Street Penthouse1

A unique penthouse in Manhattan's Greenwich Village is having some trouble finding a buyer.

The apartment was first listed for $50 million when it went on the market 2 years ago, only to have its price cut to $39.8 million last fall.

It's now on the market for just $30.5 million, according to Curbed.

The 7,700 square foot apartment occupies the top 3 floors of a former dress factory. Its four bedrooms and four and a half baths offer a huge amount of livable space for its location in the middle of Lower Manhattan.

But not even the promise of becoming neighbors with the likes of Deepak Chopra and Leonardo DiCaprio can move the needle

The building has been renovated in accordance with Delos Building Wellness' WELL Building Standard, which Chopra serves on the board of. All six of the apartments in the building include anti-microbial countertops, nightlights that won't mess with your circadian rhythms, and showers infused with vitamin C to balance chlorine.

Dolly Lenz has the listing.

The penthouse is located on the top floors of this gorgeous, newly renovated former dress factory located at 66 E. 11th Street. In the heart of Lower Manhattan, the apartment is walking distance to the East and West villages, SoHo, the Meatpacking District, Union Square and Washington Square Park.



When you enter the apartment, you are greeted by a huge living area on the lowest floor, which features a signature light fixture. The floor boards are specially designed to improve posture, according to Delos Building Wellness' Well Building Standard, which all the apartments in the building abide by.



A curved staircase takes you between the floors. Nighttime lighting throughout the stairs and the apartment can be set to your sleep schedule and is designed specifically to not mess with your body's circadian rhythms.



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How to speak with a proper British accent

Meet the multimillionaire Instagrammer who claims he can turn your 'pennies into millions'

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timothy sykes instagram

Ever wondered what "Wolf of Wall Street" Jordan Belfort's Instagram posts would look like?

Look no further than the feed of Timothy Sykes, a multimillionaire who, just like Belfort, made a fortune trading penny stocks in his early twenties. Also similar to Belfort, he has a side career teaching people how to be as successful as he is. 

And most importantly, Instagram photos of his enviable lifestyle seem like they're ripped from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie based on Belfort's life.

But that's where the similarities end. Unlike the real-life "Wolf," Sykes has never been convicted of any crimes related to his exploits (although he did once receive a cease-and-desist letter from Shaquille O'Neal).

In fact, he recently defended the legality of penny stock trading in Forbes.

“There’s a whole nasty stigma around penny-stock traders,” he said. “To this day, I still get emails from financial websites that say what I do is illegal. It’s based on misinformation.”

Okay, all that said, let's get to the good stuff: Sykes's totally over-the-top Instagram feed.

Sykes insists that he doesn't have any extraordinary skills, besides wanting a better life for his loved ones and being able to make it happen.

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He captioned this photo, "I don't post pictures like this to rub in what I have vs what you don't have, it's to inspire you & help you realize I'm not special...if I can make millions of dollars in the stock market, you can too!" [sic]

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Most people's vacation #tbts aren't as luxe as this photo of Sykes's shot of the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto pool.

Instagram Embed:
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7 fruits and vegetables to throw on your Memorial Day barbecue grill

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grilled peaches

Memorial Day weekend is the opening ceremony to one of our favorite times of year: grilling season.  

This weekend, as you load your grill with juicy steaks and burgers, don't forget to save room for fruits and vegetables. 

Not only are they a great way to throw the vegetarians at your party a, um ... bone, they taste great, add color to your table, and pair beautifully with summer wines and ales. 

Here, seven farmers market finds to toss on the grill. 

Peaches

The great thing about grilled peaches is that when you pick up a bite with some chicken or steak, you get an almost chutney-like effect. You can also serve them for a dessert, as Bobby Flay suggests with his Grilled Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar Butter recipe. 

Avocados

When life gives you avocados, grill them. Food52's Grilled Avocado with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs recipe adds char marks to avocados and lemons (yes, you can grill lemons, too), earning you the grill-master title.

grilled watermelon

Watermelon

Sweet, refreshing, and adored by many, watermelon is a weekend-barbecue staple. The heat of the grill intensifies the sweetness of the juicy fruit, which can be served straight off the grill or in a salad.  

Pineapple

Pineapples belong on grills just as much as they belong in blenders. Simply cut the fruit into rings, toss them on the grill, and ready a serving plate. You can also add vanilla ice cream and rum sauce à la this recipe.

Zucchini and Squash

These two veggies go together like Batman and Robin. Try them kebab-style or simply grilled with a little flaky salt and a drizzle of good olive oil. And every chef loves a side dish that cooks up in minutes. 

grilled mushrooms

Portobello Mushrooms

It's time for portobello mushroom burgers to get the respect they deserve. Their meaty texture makes them a perfect substitute for hamburgers, and their flavor is enjoyed by both carnivores and herbivores. For an extra kick, try balsamic marinated portobello mushrooms.        

SEE ALSO: Unleash your inner BBQ master with these 10 grilling accessories

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NOW WATCH: Top Chef Explains How To Grill The Perfect Steak








Men are snatching up gray hair dye like crazy to look like George Clooney

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George Clooney and Amal

The salt-and-pepper George Clooney look is super hot right now. And who wouldn't want to look like George Clooney?

According to The Telegraph, gray hair dye is flying off the shelves — and into the hands of a younger crowd hungry to give off a more refined air.

On Amazon alone, sales of gray dye have risen 80%. One of the more popular options, Renbow Hair Color Cream, is up over 200%.

Is it clear that men are doing most of the buying? Not really, but it's not unreasonable to guess that guys are trying to emulate a man as suave as Clooney.

“No longer something to hide, grey hair has emerged as the latest beauty trend,” Amazon’s vice president of retail Xavier Garambois told Telegraph.

This is just the latest development in the unisex "granny hair" trend, which has been trending on social media and spotted on the heads of everyone from musicians to style icons.

One day soon, someone might even believe you if you say your graying hair is a choice.

SEE ALSO: These are the 6 trendiest hairstyles for guys right now

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NOW WATCH: Here's what happens when you get bitten by a black widow









This incredible map that lets New Yorkers see vintage photos of their street corners

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Old photos have an uncanny way of connecting us to our past and creating a window to see back in time. And fortunately for a city like New York, with such a rich history, there are a lot of vintage photographs that capture days gone by.

But never before have they been visualized like this. 

The New York Public Library, along with some history buff developers, recently launched OldNYC.org, which features an interactive map that plots thousands of photos to the location they depict. Each location is marked by a red dot. As you can see below, there's a lot of photos — one or more for nearly every street corner.

oldnyc

Once you click on a red dot, you're presented with one or more photos of that street and specific street corner. The photos come from the New York Public Library's Milstein Collection and date from the 1870s to the 1970s, with a many of them taken during the 1920s to the 1940s by photographer Percy Loomis Sperr.

oldnyc2Especially for someone familiar with New York City, it's the type of website you can spend hours on. I immediately began looking up places where I've lived and worked. The church next to my old apartment on East 11th St. still looks the same!

11th st

SEE ALSO: These vintage photos of New York City in blizzards are wonderful

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NOW WATCH: Here's what New York City looked like in 1905








Here are the 10 best airports in Europe

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Frankfurt Airport

With demand for air travel in Europe growing at an impressive rate, the need for world class airports is at an all time high. Leading aviation reviewer Skytrax recently released the results of its annual World Airport Awards, which includes a list of the best in Europe.

The Skytrax annual rankings are based on the impressions of over 13 million flyers from 112 countries. More than 550 airports were included in the survey, which covers 39 service and performance parameters, including facility comfort, location of bathrooms, and the language skills of the airport staff. 

10. London City Airport (LCY)

Yearly passengers: 3.4 million

Previous rank: 9

Why it's awesome: Located in the heart of English capital, City airport offers travelers direct access to London's booming central business district. 

British Airways offers a special business-class-only flight to New York's JFK International Airport. 

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figure is for 2013, provided by London City Airport.



9. Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD)

Yearly passengers: 39.7 million

Previous rank: N/A

Why it's awesome: Madrid-Barajas is one of the busiest airports in Europe and serves as a hub for Iberia Airlines as well as Air Europa. 

Skytrax reviewers loved the stylish architecture but complained about the lack of dining options.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figure is for 2013, provided by Airports Council International.



8. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)

Yearly passengers: 9.1 million

Previous rank: 8

Why it's awesome: Located just 15 km southeast of Cologne, Germany, CGN is a major hub for budget carrier Germanwings. 

Skytrax reviewers praised the airport for its modern architecture, as well as its clean and efficient terminal buildings.

Source: Skytrax World Airport Awards. Yearly passenger figure is for 2013, provided by Cologne Bonn Airport.



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We gave kids an old cassette player and here's what they did next

Walt Disney's original plan for the place George Clooney's 'Tomorrowland' is based on was a creepy futuristic dystopia

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walt disney

Disney's next big film, "Tomorrowland," starring George Clooney is in theaters Friday.

If you've seen the trailers, it's kind of difficult to decipher what the film is all about. 

A young girl (Britt Robertson) is transported to a mysterious, futuristic world called Tomorrowland, at the touch of a magic pin.

In actuality, the film, named after the futuristic section of the Disneyland theme park, was inspired by Walt Disney's original vision for Epcot.

Check out Disney's original plan for Disney World and Epcot > 

After Disneyland was built in California, Walt had an idea for another Disney project in Florida; however, he passed away in December 1966 before he could see it come to fruition. Before he died, he filmed a video two months earlier expressing these plans in detail. Bits and pieces of it can be seen in trailers and features promoting "Tomorrowland."

Disney produced the nearly half-hour video, found on YouTube, for Florida Legislators to get permission and rights for his project. In it, Disney laid out his big ideas for his massive Florida project. 

epcot projectCalled "Project X," Walt's Florida expansion wasn't about Disney World, though it was a small part of the picture.

Rather, Disney's plan consisted of building his own perfect Utopian city: the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow—Epcot.

While Disney's film brings this vision to life a la Tomorrowland — a place full of hopes and dreams — Disney's original video for Epcot sounded like a scene straight out of Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," which envisioned a similar world back in 1932.

Located partly in Orange and Osceola Counties, Disney picked the center of the state for his Florida project on purpose, reasoning it would be easy for tourists and residents to arrive by car.



The land was located between Orlando and Kissimmee, a few miles from the crossing point of Interstate 4 and the Sunshine State Parkway (this was before I95 was finished).



The theme park and all the other tourist facilities—hotels, motels and recreational activities—were meant to fill one small part of Disney's Florida project. This part alone is five times the size of California's Disneyland.



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64 things you can do with a simple mason jar that will transform your daily life

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When it comes to Pinterest crafts, the mason jar reigns supreme.

That’s probably because there’s just so much you can do with it, from making beautiful wedding centerpieces to prepping to-go salads in a jar.

Plus, most of the crafts we discovered are simple to do too, since they only require a few tweaks to the lid of the mason jar.

Keep reading to see the 64 things you can do with a mason jar.

LIGHTING

mason jar DIY lights

Pendant light: Punch a hole in the top of the mason jar lid and cut it wide enough to fit a pendant light kit. Secure the lightbulb connector and the bulb on the inside of the mason jar lid, and then screw it back onto the jar. Remember to add ventilation holes, too. Here are some good step-by-step instructions.

DIY CandleMason jars make a crafty receptacle for a do-it yourself candle. All it takes is wax flakes, wax colorant, a wick, chopsticks or something to help hold the wick upright, and the candle-making oil scent of your choice. Check out the easy instructions here.

Lamp base: This craft is similar to the pendant light, but with the bulb facing away from the jar. Drill a hole in your mason jar lid that's big enough to slide the base of a light socket through it and secure. Here’s a good tutorial so you can see how to do it.

Chandelier sconces: Instead of the boring sconces that normally come standard on chandeliers, replace them with mason jars. Just make sure that the jars have the right opening size to fit your lightbulb base. 

Solar light: Using a few paper clips, suspend a tiny solar light inside the mason jar. Cut a big enough hole in the lid to make sure sunlight can reach the solar light before screwing the top back on, and then place in a sunny spot. These are great for lining driveways if you attach them to an iron rod.

Candle holder: Place your candle inside the mason jar, and fill the base with sand, rocks, salt, or pebbles to keep the candle in place. Easy.

Votive candles: Fill the mason jar with water, and place floating tea lights inside for a pretty, effortless centerpiece.

Oil lampDecorate your outdoor party with self-burning mason jar oil lamps. All you need to do is punch a hole in the top of the mason jar, fill the lamp with oil and a cotton wick, and then pull the wick through the top of the mason jar and secure. Wait a few hours before lighting so the oil can permeate the wick.

“Fairy lights” lantern: Placing a string of twinkle lights inside your mason jar can have a beautiful effect for wedding decor or children’s rooms. You can hide the battery pack with a bit of burlap or fabric at the top. Here’s an easy DIY.

Lumineers with vintage book pages or pictures: Find a page of your favorite book and mod-podge glue it onto a jar. You can then light a tealight inside and watch the pages glow.

Holiday lanterns: Whether it’s Christmas, Valentine’s Day or Halloween, you can decorate your mason jar exterior and then simply light a candle inside to illuminate your design. We especially love these spooky mason jar lanterns for Halloween.

Monogram light: This is a cool DIY that looks like an old 1920s sign. You simply paint the letter of your choice onto plywood, drill holes where you want the bulbs to go, and then drill the tops of the mason jars into the wood. String the light bulbs through the holes and then reattached mason jars to the lids. Plug it in and you’re done! See the final product here.

STORAGE

mason jars storage

Dry goods storage: Mason jars are perfect for storing rice, flour, nuts, and pasta — whatever you can think of — in your pantry by sealing off the air. Plus they come in a range of sizes to fit your needs.

Makeup brush holder: Create a cute makeup brush holder by spray painting the exterior of your mason jar and then inserting brushes. You can also add beads, pearls, or stones to the interior if you don’t want to spray paint but still want your jar to look cute.

Under-shelf hanging storage: Attach mason jar lids with screws to the bottom of your shelf. Then you can simply twist the mason jar onto the lid and the jar and it's contents will hang from the shelf. This is great in the kitchen with things like pasta, rice, or lentils, or even in a workshop for keeping nails, nuts, and bolts in order.

Wall organizer: Take hose clamps, a piece of wood, mason jars, and picture hanging kits to create a row of mason jars you can hang on your wall for storing your small objects. This is especially good in the bathroom for cotton swabs, makeup brushes, or toothbrushes. 

Leftover paint containers: If you're stuck with leftover paint, pour the remainder into mason jars to store. Since the mason jars are glass, you’ll see what the paint looks like and the lids will seal off any excess air. Bonus points if you add labels with the brand, sheen, color, and room to the top.

Travel toiletry kit: Keep all of your travel toiletries in one place with a mason jar. You can add moisturizer, scrubs, and travel-sized versions of your favorite products so it’s always ready to go. Click here for more ideas on how to pack it.

Chalk-labeled jars: While you’re placing all of your knick-knacks in mason jars, you could add chalk labels to keep everything organized. The best part about these is that it’s super easy to make and you can keep changing the label if need be.

WEDDING 

mason jar aisle runners

Aisle runners: Mason jars can make beautiful aisle runners, whether they are placed on the ground, hung from the side of chairs, or dangle from a decorative iron rod. Place flowers inside the jars and decorate with some lace or ribbon for a beautiful DIY vibe. See some more inspiration on Pinterest.

Wedding escort cards: Wedding website The Knot suggests combining cocktail hour and escort cards with individualized mason jars. The guests get to keep the mason jars and a helpful tag will show them to their table. You could alternatively place utensils or party favors in the mason jars, too.

Vase: If your mason jar is large, fill it with water and then add your flowers, or a single flower if the jar is on the smaller side. If you want to get really fancy, you can make a metal grid to keep the flowers in place.

HOME

mason jar soap dispenser

Soap dispenser: Instead of buying new soap dispensers every month or refilling your cheap version over and over again, make a cute mason jar soap dispenser. All you need is an old plastic soap dispenser, hot glue gun, a drill, and spray paint. See an easy DIY here

Air freshener: You can make an air freshener out of a mason jar, a cup of baking soda, and 25 drops of your favorite essential oils. Spray paint the jar so that it looks more decorative and punch holes in the top of the lid so the scent can escape. Click here for a cool how-to.

Sewing organizer kit: Not only can a mason jar hold all of your sewing necessities like needles, a thimble, and measuring tape, but the top can easily be adapted to be its own pincushion with the help of a glue gun, stuffing, and the fabric of your choice. See easy instructions here.

Twine dispenser: Twine is a handy thing to have for the garden or for crafts, so keep it organized with a nifty twine dispenser. Place your twine in the jar and loop it through a small hole that you punch in the top of the lid.

Wind chimes: If you’re feeling crafty you can turn your boring mason jar into an interesting DIY wind chime. It is a little difficult, however, requiring a few drills and bottle cutter. For full instructions, click here.

Hanging herb garden: If you live in a small space or a city apartment, having a fresh herb garden might seem out of your reach. Luckily, a mason jar can be transformed into a hanging herb garden with a little bit of wiring, some hooks, soil, and the herbs of your choice. Just make sure to hang them in a spot that gets a lot of sunlight.

Succulent planter: Succulents look amazing when planted inside mason jars. Add an inch of gravel or pebbles, potting soil, and crushed charcoal to the jar before planting your succulent.

Photo frames: An original way to display your photographs is to paste them inside a group of mason jars. Use different sized jars to keep the effect from looking too monotonous.

Toothpick dispenser: A mason jar with holes punched into the top makes a genius way to easily access toothpicks. Plus it’s simple to make.

Match holder and dispenser: The best way to store matches is in a mason jar, not only because the matches come out super easily through a hole in the top, but you can add sandpaper to the bottom or the top for easy striking. See a good instruction here.

Book ends: Spray paint your mason jars and weigh them down for handy book ends that are easy to make. See some great Pinterest examples here.

BEVERAGES

mason jar cups with lids

To-go cup: Everyone loves drinking out of mason jars, but you can make it even easier by DIYing a to-go cup by fitting a clean Parmesan cheese container lid to the top of the jar. Dip in a straw and enjoy, and close once you're done for zero spills.

Drinking cup: You could simply drink out of your clean mason jar — no crafting required — or you could add a hole in the top of the lid and add a rubber grommet from a home improvement store for easy straw access.

Cocktail shaker: Create a cocktail shaker in under 10 minutes by drilling holes into the top of the mason jar lid. Shake up your cocktail with a regular, closed mason jar lid on top and then replace with the lid with holes to pour out the drink. See more detailed instructions here.

Chalice: If you add a cheap glass candle stick from the dollar store to the bottom of your mason jar, suddenly you have a chalice. All you need to do is glue the candle stick to the base and wait for it to dry. Wipe off excess glue with acetone.

FOOD

mason jar salad

Salad in a jar: Follow The Kitchn’s guide to packing the ingredients so nothing gets soggy. Start with dressing on the bottom, then add your heavier ingredients, and finally place the lettuce on top.

Pies in a jar: Mason jars make the perfect receptacle for single-serving pies in a jar. It’s really easy, too — place the pie crust in the interior first and then top with your pie filling, a small pat of butter, and leftover dough on top. See some recipe ideas here.

Recipe in a jar: This is a lovely hostess or housewarming gift idea. Place the ingredients for an easy recipe into a mason jar. Wrap it with a ribbon or twine with the recipe card attached. From beverage mixes like hot chocolate to delicious cookie recipes, click here to see some cool ideas.

Salt and pepper shakers: Paint the mason jars to your desired specifications and then punch holes in the top of the jar lids. This also works for a variety of spices and herbs if you want a whole set. If you have smaller mason jars, these can make super cute wedding favors.

Lettuce holder: Keeping your lettuce sealed up in a mason jar will help it last as long as a week, which is significantly longer than traditional storing methods.

Individual chicken pot pie: For single-sized servings of pot pies that you can freeze, use a mason jar. Place the crust inside the jar, add your filling, and then place crust on top. The serving size is for one person, and you can freeze another one for a later dinner or to bring to work.

Breakfast parfait in a jar: You can make your yogurt parfaits to eat in the morning ahead of time and store in mason jars for an easy breakfast on the go. Think layers as you build it with yogurt and fruit mixed evenly.

Peel garlic, fast: A video on Diply's YouTube channel shows a fast way to peel an entire head of garlic in a few seconds: Grab an empty mason jar, stick in the head of garlic, and shake. Pour the contents out and you'll be left with perfectly peeled garlic.

Lasagna in a jar: Lasagna can be prepared and cooked in mason jars. The best part of these mini meals is that you can freeze them and reheat when you’re ready to eat. See a good recipe here.

Storing homemade jams and salsas: Mason jars are effective food storage systems, especially if you’re making your own jam or salsa. You can learn more about canning methods here.

Perfectly poached eggs: Grease your mason jar with butter and then crack an egg inside. Bring a pot to boil and then drop in the mason jar with a paper towel on the bottom — you can decide if you want the lid on or off, it makes no difference to taste. After around eight minutes of cooking, your eggs will be perfectly poached.

KIDS

mason jar snowglobes

Snow globe: Glue a trinket like a tiny Christmas tree or any toy of your choice to the inside of your jar lid. Fill the jar with water, add a few drops of glycerin, and then add however much glitter you desire. Fully submerge the toy into the water and then glue the lid on tightly. Shake and enjoy.

Decorative “glow jars”: Whether for your kid's room or an outdoor party, you can DIY a cool “glow jar” that glows in the dark and lasts for five hours. All you need is a mason jar, glow sticks, scissors, and rubber gloves. See detailed instructions here.

Aquarium: Whether it’s a pico aquarium with plants or an aquarium with plastic fish, mason jars are perfect.

“Calming glitter jar”: A few moms invented these so-called “calming glitter jars” that they give to kids to look at on a time out. The swirling glitter will distract them and keep their attention, and all you need are a few types of glitter, water, and glitter glue.

LEGO man cups: For a kid’s party, mason jars look a lot like LEGO heads once they're painted yellow. They’re also easy to make — spray paint the cup yellow and add the LEGO character face of your choice with Sharpie or paint.

Pencil sharpener: All you need to do is create a hole big enough for your pencil sharpener and match the hole to the opening of the pencil sharpener before securing with glue. Then sharpen away!

Seashell holder: Pour sand into the jar and then arrange seashells on top. This is really cool for any beach mementos you have from a family trip and is a great project for kids.

Sippy cupFor any parents who want their toddler to look like a hipster, make a mason jar sippy cup with the head from the “Take n Toss” sippy cups. Cut them to fit the top of your mason jar, and secure.  

MISCELLANEOUS

mason jar terrarium

Terrarium: No need to buy an expensive terrarium — make an easy and cute one on your own in a mason jar. Prep your jar, add your rocks, soil, and greenery, and then decorate with any rocks, shells, or plastic toys you may have lying around the house.

Speakers: MIT media lab invented speakers you can embed into mason jars that are powered by three AAA batteries and are compatible with an audio jack. You’ll have to be pretty savvy with electronics to make this, but if you want a cool project that looks amazing, check out their open source instructions here.

Gift card holder: Instead of simply giving a gift card, make the gift feel more personal with a themed jar. All you need are some embellishments, ribbon, and a hot glue gun. After everything dries, you can add glitter and glycerin to the water to make a snow globe effect. See instructions and pictures here.

Beekeeping: If you’re not afraid of bees, you can grow your own beehive in mason jars. All you need are 12 jars, some plywood, and the proper tools. Click here to see how it’s done.

Sugar scrub gift: Make your own sugar scrub to give to a friend as a gift. Put It In A Jar has a lot of cool recipes to try, and after you make the scrub you can decorate the jar with some ribbon and maybe a spoon to scoop out the scrub. 

Bird feeder: By attaching a mason jar to a small chicken feeder, you can make a rustic-looking bird feeder. Hang it to a tree with twine and watch all the birds come flocking.

Piggy bank: By adding a coin slot to the top of your mason jar, you can make an easy-to-use, DIY piggy bank. The best part about it is you can decorate the jar however you like, whether it’s money-themed or a little more original. Get some inspiration here.

SEE ALSO: 37 things you didn’t know you could do with vodka

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A brief history of the 'original American whiskey' and the cocktail that brought it back from the dead

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manhattan cocktail

Whiskey is experiencing a huge comeback in America.

Walk into any trendy New York City bar today and you'll almost certainly find a variety of bourbons and Scotches on the shelf and a handful of whiskey-fueled cocktails on the menu.

But it was not until recently that the one type of whiskey that industry buffs consider the "original American whiskey" began to see its own resurgence.

That whiskey is rye, and Matt Eisenman, a brand ambassador for the Vermont rye company WhistlePig, explained to us how one cocktail made it happen.

It starts with George Washington.

The story begins back in the late 1700s, when George Washington began distilling rye whiskey at his Mount Vernon plantation. (Today, Mount Vernon Distilleries has recreated a rye whiskey based on what it believes was Washington's original recipe).

Rye was a cold-weather grain, Eisenman said, that flourished in the Northeast.

The English brought barley with them when they originally came to America, but that didn't grow well in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic where they first landed, he said.

George Washington Rye Whiskey

The Dutch, however, brought rye, which flourished. (Rum, brought by the English from the West Indies, was a more popular drink at first, but it was no longer an option after independence.)

As people migrated south, they found that corn grew best in places like Kentucky and Tennessee, which led to bourbon's emergence in those places. But elsewhere, rye was the name of the game.

Then came the cocktails.

In the late 1800s, the cocktail scene began to take off in America.

Central to all the original cocktail recipes — the Manhattan, the Old Fashioned, and later, the Sazerac – was rye whiskey. (The Sazerac was originally made with brandy but switched to rye in the 1870s, Eisenman said).

Sazerac

It's important to note that bartending was deemed a very honorable profession at that time, and most people spent a lot of their time in bars. In Eisenman's words:

They had sermons in the bar; you could have town-hall meetings in the bar. The bar in the 1700 and 1800s was a place where people from out of town would stay ... It was the hub of all information, so the bartender was the gatekeeper of all information.

It was not until the mid- to late-20th century that bartending began to lose its prestige as a profession and became something people did between jobs or to make money on the side, Eisenman said.

A blow to rye.

During World War I and World War II, the US government subsidized corn. That, for obvious reasons, dealt a major blow to the rye whiskey industry.

Then after World War II and through the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, vodka and gin began taking over the US liquor market.

Eisenman credits this to James Bond movies and the double-agent character's affinity for gin martinis. 

james bond martini

The "three martini lunch" became such a popular trend among American business executives that presidents Kennedy and Carter had to crack down on the phenomenon.

So splashy vodka cocktails became commonplace in bars — think Long Island Iced Tea and Sex on the Beach – and for the older drinkers, blended Scotches started making their way into American bars.

Needless to say, few people were drinking rye whiskey at the time.

Craft distillers and master mixologists.

In the 1990s, craft-beer brewing started to take root — followed shortly by craft whiskey distilling.

Craft distillers were able to experiment more because they were distilling on a much smaller scale and aging their spirits for shorter periods of time.

Around that time, bartending started to become more popular as a profession once again, and the bar scene, more broadly, began to stage a comeback.

Armed with social media and the power to brand themselves and their bars, career bartenders today are considered almost the same as celebrities.

mixologist

"Bartenders get flown around the world to set up bars; they get flown around the globe to teach about cocktails," Eisenman said.

In New York, bars like Milk & Honey, Death & Co., Attaboy, and Employees Only opened up, with "mixologists" for bartenders, at the forefront of the "cocktail revolution."

The juices of the 1990s were replaced with bitters and natural ingredients in cocktails. And bartenders started to re-create all the original recipes.

Rye's comeback.

One cocktail — the Manhattan — epitomized that revolution, and at the heart of its recipe was rye whiskey.

Rye had been "pretty much on its deathbed in 2006," Eisenman notes. So the surge in popularity for rye-based cocktails in the past five to 10 years has been huge for the industry.

WhistlePig master distiller Dave Pickerell saw the potential, and he left Maker's Mark to get into rye.

manhattan cocktail

Now, Eisenman says, "it's cool to go to the bar and order a Manhattan or order an Old Fashioned instead of ordering a Jack and Coke or a Sex on the Beach."

"People want to drink awesome cocktails that were created for a reason," he said.

And because rye is such a strong, flavorful grain, good for enhancing cocktails or being sipped on its own, Pickerell and Eisenman think it will continue to grow in popularity.

"As long as people are experimenting more and more, rye whiskey is only going to become bigger," Eisenman said.

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The 50 best burger joints in America, ranked

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Hopdoddy Burger BarIn honor of National Burger Month, we decided to find the best, juiciest burgers in the country. 

Our friends at Foursquare dug through their troves of user data to compile the list. Because the site now allows users to save and favorite venues they love, Foursquare was able to track down which burgers diners are raving about most across America. 

From New York's classic burger joint, The Corner Bistro, to an Austin spot that serves a burger that's topped with chili and Fritos, here's the best of the best in the US.

50. Bill's Bar & Burger — New York, New York

16 West 51st Street

"Classic American comfort food, beers, and milkshakes are a recipe to ensure your solo dining adventure is one that will probably lull you into a lovely food coma," The Village Voice wrote in a review on Foursquare.



49. Burger Bar — Las Vegas, Nevada

3930 Las Vegas Boulevard South

The restaurant bills itself as the "ultimate burger experience and more." Besides an extensive build your own burger menu, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of chef's burgers, such as the Hubert Keller burger (pictured here), which comes on ciabatta with blue cheese, caramelized onions, and and baby spinach.



48. The Counter — New York, New York

1451 Broadway

Reviewers rave about the options for customizing your own burger at The Counter. It's great for both picky eaters and vegetarians.



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Business Insider is hiring a paid graphic design intern

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Office Worker 3x4 illustrationBusiness Insider is looking for a Graphic Design Intern to join the newsroom's Graphics team.

Projects would range from basic Photoshop requests to more creative assignments such as maps, charts and infographics — like these.

As an intern here, you'll gain valuable experience collaborating with journalists and designers in a fast-paced and fun work environment.

Other perks at BI include free snacks, ping pong, and never having to fetch coffee.

Qualifications

The ideal intern will be a super creative team player with amazing attention to detail. Other desired skills include:

  • Expert knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Mac proficiency
  • Experience with photo editing, illustration, typography, GIFs, layout design, and infographics.
  • Social media savvy -- you know what our audience wants to see and share.

To see the type of graphics work we do, check out our Twitter account and our Instagram.

Please note: This internship requires that you work in our Manhattan office a minimum of three days a week, preferably full-time at 40 hours a week. 

Apply here with a résumé and cover letter if this sounds like your dream job, and specify why you're interested in working on our graphics team. 

SEE ALSO:  Business Insider Just Moved To An Awesome New Office — Come On In And Meet The Team!

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The best-selling beers in the world aren't what you think

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Most Americans have never tried the two best-selling beers in the world.

Snow, a Chinese beer, has grown sales 573% over the past decade to become the world's top seller, according to BloombergDespite its popularity in China, Snow is available only at specialty US retailers.

Another Chinese beer, Tsingtao, is the runner-up behind Snow. The brands have benefitted from the emerging middle class in China.

The popular American brew Bud Light comes in third place. 

Best selling beers in the world chart

SEE ALSO: A Shake Shack restaurant is worth a ridiculous amount of money

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Here's how your sex life changes as you get older

18 everyday items that are dirtier than your toilet seat

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cutting chopping board knives knife

Science has already declared men’s beards are dirtier than a toilet seat.

But did you know your chopping board or light switch could be just as filthy?

That’s according to a new infographic from Plumb World Blog showing 18 everyday objects that have more germs than many of us feel comfortable thinking about.

Turns out, your handbag could have three times more germs than a toilet seat, your money might be coated in up to 200,000 bacteria, and an elevator button could be 40 times dirtier than a toilet seat.

Perhaps even more troubling are the details surrounding things we use to clean ourselves — faucet handles, toothbrushes, towels, and even laundry machines are all on this list.

Of course, just because something has bacteria doesn’t mean it will make you sick — it's possible to clean everything on this list.

Keep scrolling to see the full infographic, courtesy of Plumb World Blog.

Everyday Items Dirtier Than A Toilet Seat

SEE ALSO: 64 things you can do with a simple mason jar that will transform your daily life

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25 of the weirdest houses from around the world

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shark weird houseThere's no place like home. Particularly when home is built upside-down, made of shipping containers, or erected in the likeness of the Pyramids.

Some dwellings are more unique than others. From domes to caves, treehouses to igloos, people across the globe live in unconventional houses.

Here are some of the strangest.

(An earlier version of this story was written by Christian Storm. Captions by Business Insider and Reuters.)

This house in Abuja, Nigeria, is partially built in the shape of an airplane. The house was built by Said Jammal for his wife, Liza, to commemorate her love for travel.

Source: Washington Post



Not to be outdone, this house in Miziara, northern Lebanon, resembles an Airbus A380 to a T.



The village of Miziara prides itself on building residential homes in odd shapes. This house under construction imitates an ancient Greek temple like the one in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






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