Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with lifestyle

Breakfast: My best friend. My worst enemy.

Vorteks — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:31:35 -0800

What low-GI, high-protein, portable food can I cook on Sunday night and then reheat for breakfast Mon-Fri? To improve my health and diet, I need to be better about eating a good breakfast regularly. Lots of diet/exercise books and blogs recommend things like steel-cut oats, scrambled eggs, etc. The problem is... I hate getting up early, and will basically not do anything that adds any time to my morning routine, even 5 minutes. Even finding the time to eat a bowl of cheerios is difficult because I invariably wait until the last second that I could possibly get up and still get to work on time, then leap out of bed, get ready as fast as I can, and run out the door.

So, to combat this, what I thought would be nice is to create something ahead of time (the night before, or ideally Sunday night for the whole week), then refrigerate and brown-bag it. That way I could get up, grab my brown bag from the fridge as I run out the door, and then reheat (or whatever) the food at work and eat at my desk. I feel that if I could do this, I would be able to stick to a good breakfast routine.

So, finally getting to the point, what can I make ahead of time to eat for breakfast each day? I'm looking for recipes with step-by-step instructions. The ideal recipe will have the following traits:

Can be made at least 1 day, and ideally up to 5 days in advance
Can be prepared in roughly an hour or less
Involves no additional preparation on the day that it's eaten (other than microwaving or other simple things that can be done in an office)
Has a low glycemic index (GI)
Has at least 20% calories from protein (roughly 5g of protein per 100 calories)
Doesn't taste awful
Contains no artificial sweeteners

Does anyone have a good recipe that meets these criteria? I'm hoping to get at least 3-4 so I can make them in a weekly rotation. I have no food allergies, and I enjoy a wide variety of flavors. Other breakfast habit tips are also appreciated. Thanks in advance.

what changes in everyday life where there's no solstice?

5Q7 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:13:45 -0800

Latitude Filter: So, today is the Solstice (shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere; longest in the Southern), with all its cultural significance, which got me thinking about what's it's like living near the equator, where the days are all (more or less) the same length throughout the year? After reading this piece:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/12/091221-winter-solstice-2009-first-day-winter-shortest-day-year.html

which details some of the long-standing cultural associations in places, mostly Europe and North America, where the Solstice occurs, I started thinking about the ways that the seasons and their changes affect my daily routines and attitudes.

But, recently, I learned/realized that in the Tropics the days would be of equal length all year round. (Wikipedia claims that in Singapore, near the Equator, the days stay within a few seconds of 12 hours consistently.) Living in the northern USA, I suppose I always associated nice warm weather, as in summer time, with *long* days, but then, I'm realizing in the parts of world that have the most summer-like weather, the nights are consistently "longer" than what we'd have during summer in Temperate climate. And before anyone jumps in, I know, the totals for day and night add up to the same wherever you are - in the Polar region weeks and months of near total darkness followed later by long periods of day light add up to same totals as in the Tropics, where each day is divided evenly between 12 hours of light and dark - still, the effect on human perception and culture is obviously different, which leads to my questions:

- In what ways does having nights and days of pretty much equal length influence the culture and lifestyle of communities near the equator?

- How are everyday routines different for people living in places that don't experience the Solstices?

The image I keep having is of people in the Tropics sitting around the camp fire at night for long periods and thus inventing/telling stories to pass the time. Also, with 12 hours of night, the role of spirits, ghosts, and other mysteries that defy the "light of day" would seem to be accentuated. But these are just the examples that came to mind.

Anyway, I know this is an odd topic, but I find myself fascinated to realize that what for me is a common pattern of life/culture, the shifting length of day/night throughout the year, doesn't happen in large areas of the world near the equator.

Christmas gifts for under $20 dollah

HeyAllie — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:12:54 -0800

What $10-$20 item improved your lifestyle? Due to the financial situations of some of my family members, we are limiting Christmas gifts to no more than $10-$20 US per person.

No more useless ties for dad, candles for mom, picture frames for the sister. We really want to think about gifts that would help a person live better, do something faster, make life simpler. Please suggest an item you have that has become indispensible at home, in the kitchen, for your pet, at the office, etc.

Thanks!

Seeking new Church

dmbfan93 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:52:04 -0800

Need Church Recommendation in NOVA/DC area with active 20/30/40 single congregation Looking for a church in the NOVA/DC area, and specifically am looking for a Christian faith based church that is less focused/caters to families or equally caters to the single population and folks with lifestyles alternative to the family unit. Tired of feeling like an alien because I don't have a spouse and four children trailing me as I walk down the church aisle to my pew. If you know of any vibrant church congregations that have an active 20/30/40 something crowd composed of more than the usual married families but include an active single people population, please share the names of those churches and location. Thanks.

Changing Lifestyles

wsp — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:05:35 -0800

The year is 1900, and I earn $2550 annually. What is my life like? I was watching a movie set at the turn of the last century, and a question popped into my mind: If I lived in 1900 and made the equivalent of 65k 2009 dollars per year (~$2550), what would my life be like? I am a single, white male living in a city. I realize that many of the expenses I have now I wouldn't then - the cable bill being one example - but what expenses would I have then that I don't now? What socioeconomic class would I fall under? What is a job that would earn me this much?

Google was disappointing, so I decided to turn to AskMe for help. Any books, websites or TV shows/movies (fiction or non-fiction) you can recommend on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Life in a Northern Town? Tell Me about Calais ME. and the surround areas...

MeetCleaverTheatre — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:27:01 -0800

Can anyone fill me in on Calais, Maine (or the surrounding towns)? I was recently offered an opportunity to interview in Calais, Maine. Before I head up to check it out in person, I was wondering if any AskMeFi regulars are from there or round about Calais and could shed some light on your impression of the town. Bonus points for any info on weather, things to do, nice places to stay (apartments etc.).

My google-fu turns up basic info, but mainly tourist-style stuff. Just curious what life is like in super northern Maine.

Thanks!

Chasing down some hot European sex

Anonymous — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:39:31 -0800

American male/female swinger couple stranded in London next month. Where's the best fun? We're a mid-twenties married couple seeking straight and queer-friendly sexy fun while in London on business. He is bi-curious and to even suggest that in most swing clubs will get you beaten up or kicked out (male homophobic behavior and chauvinism abounds). As much as they proclaim otherwise, most swing clubs are all about being thin and fake-looking and fucking like a porn star for the benefit of the men present.

Lifestyle and kinky folks, where can we find the hottest and least prudish sexual shenanigans in London? Ideas for anything from sex shops (there's so many; where to start?) to burlesque joints to sex clubs are welcome.

Throwaway e-mail: londonhumping@gmail.com

How do I maintain a visionary/inspired mindset to get where I want to be in life?

logicalsequence — Mon, 04 May 2009 07:11:47 -0800

I find when I'm travelling/on holiday I'm easily able to envisage what lifestyle I want and how I can reach my desired lifestyle. As soon as I return to my day-to-day life my mind goes blank and what was previously clear to me suddenly becomes cloudy. It's not that I lack to skills to implement the lifestyle I want, it's that I can't keep a clear image of what it is that I want. How do you maintain the visionary/inspired mindset everyday to get the life you want?

Passive income stream which covers your mortgage

lilyflower — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:23:43 -0800

What would you do if you had a passive income stream which covered your mortgage? I would like people to consider the following situation and give us their opinions on what they would do. We would like to hear how MeFi's out there would respond to having a similar financial position to the one I am going to describe below. This is one that my husband and I are currently entering and although we have our own ideas on how we would like to proceed, we were wondering how different people would approach the same circumstance.

My husband has developed a passive income stream which has consistently brought in enough money to cover our mortgage (approximately $2200 per month). We both work and prior to this passive income stream we still had enough money to cover all of our monthly expenses and save. We have an idea of how we would like our life to pan out, but we are really interested to know how other people might behave given our situation.

Would people turbo charge their pensions, pay off their mortgage faster, rent out their house while they move to different countries and work while they travel, have a child and one spouse no longer works, go part time and earn enough to cover the remaining bills?

I would like to clarify that this question does not concern the long term viability of the passive income stream. I will be happy to clarify my question further but please remember this is more about what you would do with your life given this income stream.

How can two Seattle residents best go about looking for jobs in London?

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:46:37 -0800

How can two Seattle residents best go about looking for jobs in London? My wife and I have been talking about moving to London for a while. Ideally, we'd like to both find jobs in London, live there for 2-3 years, then move back to the U.S.

We would like to have jobs and be living in London 1 year from today. We love Seattle... we just want an adventure before we have a baby.

- What has been your experience with finding (or not finding) a job in London?
- What should we expect with regard to potential time lines, snags, red tape, and pitfalls?
- What tools to job searching/networking have you found useful?
- What government agencies/government connections did you use in your quest? (i.e. if your Senator/Congressman was a good friend, could he/she help speed things along, side-step hang-up, and/or
- We want to live in London... not a 1-hour Tube ride from Central London.
- What have I not asked that I need to know?

Our employment backgrounds:
She is 26, I am 28. My background is business (primarily sales & marketing) and I've been fairly successful, despite my age. Her background is architecture, though she's looking to switch her focus to humanitarian efforts. Potentially working with organizations as a project manager for different efforts.

Our current combined income: $105,000/year (pre-tax)

Jelly belly bye bye

dogsbody — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:32:26 -0800

Looking for ideas for post-natal exercise. Bubba is approaching 4 months and, whilst I've tried to keep active, there's still some weight to be shed (particularly round the tummy). I'm breastfeeding so I don't want to do anything drastic with diet or exercise but am looking for some ideas for simple things to include into my lifestyle to help shed some pounds and build some muscle.

I'd prefer things that are free/cheap/money-saving (especially as we're down to a single income at the moment). Activities that can either take place in the home (brrrr, it's cold out) would also be good, or at least ones you can tote the babe around with (swimming is out for that reason, as she'd too young for creche - and you have to pay, double negative). For example, these are the things I've been doing so far:

- 20 minutes vigorous housework a day (a proper job with bending and stretching, not just waving a duster around)

- a home-cooked evening meal, requiring a brisk daily walk to the shops and carrying the groceries home.

- where practical, carrying bubba in a sling, rather than use the buggy.

I was thinking about using one of those exercise DVDs (Davina McCall, maybe?) but have never really been into exercise for exercise's sake and would much prefer something that serves a double purpose (i.e does something useful and keeps me fit). Bonus points for things which include bubba in some meaningful way.

Any ideas?

Fresh Ideas For Living Well In a Recession?

toomuchkatherine — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:14:28 -0800

Who has interesting ideas about how to live, travel, dress, and eat frugally during a recession? I've become quite obsessed lately with the recession and the things people are doing to weather it. I'm working freelance and, for now, close to my own subsistence level, so it's timely that the rest of the country is starting to wonder how to live well on less, too.

The other day, I began looking around for blogs that are specifically dedicated to cooking for the recession/new-great-depression/financial downturn we're in, and was surprised not to find much.

I *know* there have to be people and websites out there that have innovative lifestyle ideas for these troubled times. But what are they?

Lordy, lordy, I'm hittin' 40!

adverb — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:56:42 -0800

So I just turned 40. Rather than treating it like a midlife crisis, I'm viewing this as a new opportunity to get my second wind - to kill old habits that have left me sedentary and overweight, and to start new habits that will help me live a healthy and enriching life. I'm going to start with the basics - more water, sleep, exercise, etc. - but over the next year I'd like to incorporate other things to help use my time more wisely and just get more done (less TV, more time with kids, clean house).

What other things can I do to live a better life? I know this is wide open, but I'd like to hear a wide variety of things - habits that will help me, my family, friends, even the world around me. I got some good ideas from this post.

I just can't rock the mainstream and be anywhere near happy- please advise!

Rocket26 — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 20:55:43 -0800

Are there any artists/back to the landers/punk rockers/non-traditional folks out there that bridged their work with the "real world", made enough money while also doing their own work, and/or had satisfying careers? (I just left my grad school program & I'm going through a lot of big changes and soul searching!) Ok, so I recently left my Masters program for many different reasons. The biggest reason was that I was unhappy with the program I was in and very unsure whether or not I even wanted to go into my chosen field of study. I was also going through a depressive episode (which I’m seeking treatment for).

It was a very tough decision, but all in all, it was the right choice to leave, even though I have mixed feelings about it.

Now, I’d like to start looking ahead into other career choices/possibilities. But the thing is, I’m really not a traditional person, and sometimes I just don't know if there are any "careers" out there that wouldn't make me miserable.

I’m currently renovating an old barn (for under $20,000) with my S/O to live in for awhile, and we are pretty committed to living a kind of lifestyle rather than just chasing careers- i.e., quality of life is more important to us than making a lot of money, although we’d like to also have satisfying work. We’re very do-it-yourself types, although it’s not like we’re moving back to the land forever and swearing off the mainstream (although if we could make it work, who knows?)

My background is in creative writing, social work/helping professions, and I’ve done enough odd jobs in the past 5 years to write a novel about (which I may do at some point). The problem is, I just don’t know how to turn all my interests into a work that I enjoy. I have a really hard time going to the same job day after day, but I do find a lot of joy in working with people, writing, coming up with ideas, editing, organizing, brainstorming, and helping other people get their work done. I've never had a problem finding work and generally am liked in work situations. I just get soooo ancy I usually move on within a year. I have to set my own schedule or I usually end up *miserable*.

I just don’t know how I can turn all my different strengths into a career. (Or if I even need to?)

I’ve done so many different kinds of work that I feel kind of scattered. I can’t see myself on an traditional career path, but I don’t just necessarily want to odd job my whole life.

Hmm… any thoughts? Are there any artists out there, or non-traditional folks that have found out a way to bridge their interests with “the real world”?

What is the Norwegian Dream?

parmanparman — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:54:06 -0800

Rather than go into the American Dream or the New American Dream, I would like to find out about the real or philosophical "...Dream" of other countries, like what is the New Dutch Dream and the Chinese Dream? Note: don't tell me about sagas! dreams only, please.

Interviewing Risk-Takers, What To Ask?

ISeemToBeAVerb — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:29:48 -0800

If you had the task of conducting interviews with people meeting one or more of the criteria listed below, what kind of questions would you ask them? - People who have dropped their 9 to 5 or a high pay/high stress job in order to follow their passion. - People who have started their own unique small business. I'm thinking along the lines of something progressive and sustainable. - People who live unique lifestyles or combine their lifestyle with their job. For example, a person who turns a hobby into a profession. - People who have beaten the odds to achieve something extraordinary. - People who have taken risks in order to achieve their ideal lifestyle. Thanks!

What is "living life to the fullest"?

mintchip — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:12:00 -0800

What is "living life to the fullest"? How to do it? Sometimes I get bored by my life. I am not in the habit of doing a lot of activities outside the home (partly because of a limited budget). Also, it's easy to get stuck in a routine and get too busy with life's responsibilities. I am always thinking about future goals and often forget to enjoy the moment. This seems to be in large part a symptom of modern life. Sometimes, too, I feel pressured to make the "responsible" choice rather than the enjoyable one. For example, I probably could do a more traveling, but that would mean I might not get to save enough for retirement.

Recently I was wondering what I would do if I knew I only had one year left to live. The only thing I could really think of was traveling! Probably I would also watch less TV since I don't think it really enriches my life.

This is a two part question:

1. What is YOUR definition of living life to the fullest? What activities would you be sure to add to your life? What would you change?

2. How can someone get out of a routine/rut and discover new, fun and interesting things to do?

How did you change your life?

elisabethjw — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:21:13 -0800

How did you change your life? What small-ish changes have you made that greatly impacted your life? I'm 19 years old, a freshman in college, and I feel entirely blasé about everything. Adjusting to college life was fantastic -- everything was new and things were changing. The novelty has worn off, college life is now normal, and it's time for me to take more small steps on the road to bettering myself.

My biggest problem is dedication -- I like the idea of something but then fall off the wagon pretty quickly. I like learning languages, moderate exercise, projects (especially ones that involve a video camera and editing software), waking up early, etc. -- I just don't have the dedication to put the time into them I should, so they often end up not happening or stagnating and I'm back to square one.

So, for you: what little changes have you made in your life that made a big difference, and what tricks did you use to dedicate yourself to your new task? Any experience with any of my aforementioned interests is welcome, particularly how you forced yourself to hanker down and pursue the interest past procrastination and boredom.

But I'm also interested in your changes (vegetarianism? charity? saving money? etc.). Why did they help you and how did you go about pursuing them?

My cup runneth over

Fupped Duck — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:17:31 -0800

I am a web developer, and was working for 9 mos for a large corporation as an outside contractor paid through an agency. Good company, great job and better still, they hired me a month ago as a full time employee, with benefits, corner office--all the trimmings. The Employee handbook says new hires get to fill a cup with their urine since its a "drug free workplace" but rehires don't. After that an existing employee can only be (re)tested for just cause. In short: I was given a job offer and I accepted. I went through orientation a leisurely 3 weeks and 1.5 paychecks later, but its now been a month and they still haven't asked me to fill the cup. My urine would be clean as of today. When can I safely assume the time to appropriately ask me to fill the cup has expired? I really miss burning the rope...

Welcome to the new you!

parmanparman — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:51:36 -0800

Ten days ago I learned I have a celiac disorder. I have lost almost 15 pounds and my eating patterns have drastically changed. Help me fill the void... My doctor confirmed the week before last that I have a celiac disorder, and to cut out gluten, barley, and spelt.

The first week of this was spent mostly at work. Which consisted playing the game of "Can I Eat This...I Can't Eat This". By last Saturday, I had gone from the 221 pounds I weighed at the doctor's to 209.5 on the scale in my house.

My diet is now extremely restricted. But, I am very worried about replacing the carbohydrates that I can't eat with meat protein because I don't want to see a jump in cholesterol. I also feel like some of defenses have gone: on Sunday I ate out to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a very bad reaction to an omelet. It was bad enough that I had to call in sick. I am now down to 207 pounds and I feel very weak and my clothes are not fitting very well.

I already cannot eat a lot of spicy food and I feel like I am doomed to a bland diet. I can't eat tomatoes, eggplant, cheese, beer, whiskey, chocolate, many things.

However, my acid reflux has totally gone away, so this is working and I am going to stick to it.

Any advice or help dealing with this Big New Reality would be helpful. Also, salad dressing recipes...

Let's play master and servant... all day long.

Anonymous — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:03:39 -0800

Someone close to me has a D/s lifestyle. Are there readings/websites I can check out to give me a better understanding of these things and help me come to terms with my worries? Specifically: I don't have any issues with incorporating D/s stuff during sex and privately; it's the "lifestyle" aspects that worry me.

Things like enacting extreme versions of patriarchal gender roles round-the-clock, and out in public. Things like the fact that even simple home interactions like watching TV together incorporate D/s (she will be kneeling at his feet) makes it seem to me almost like an obsession or an addiction. Knowing their life is comprised of this kind of immersion also makes me feel like I am part of their sex play every time I am present with them, no matter how neutral the setting. Also, this couple plans to have children in the next year, and I really really don't understand how that would work out without harming the kids.

[Private answers can go to twasmelody11 at g mail.]

Is Monaco as stuffy as one would think?

Mutant — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:18:14 -0800

Monaco: can anyone currently living there or who has lived there shed some light? Because of changes to the UK tax legislation, specifically applying to "non domiciled" ex-pats and covered in my previous AskMeFi, the lovely Mrs Mutant and myself may be leaving the London sometime in 2008.

As I work in banking these changes have impacted many of my friends and colleagues, with what seems to be a global diaspora of long term American ex-pats in the making.

While some have moved back to the US (New York real estate is indeed cheap at present if you're not funding in dollars) or as far afield as Shaghai or Hong Kong, I'm considering taking a position in Monaco.

I've done a fair amount of googling and now would like to find out firsthand

What there is to do
What folks get up to there in their spare time
Where do they go for holidays
How convenient is Monaco for travel (very important to us as we're used to hopping on a jet here in London and just going and we'd like to come back to The Netherlands once a month)
Food - markets & restaurants
University - I currently teach Finance part time and it would be nice to keep this alternative career option open

I've already got professionals engaged regarding issues of taxation and residence / working permits.

Our backgrounds are rather diverse - my wife is Dutch and comes from Amsterdam. I'm from New York but have spent over a third of my adult life living outside the United States. In London we enjoy the restaurants, street markets, Tate Modern, smaller galleries and generally walking about this old city. We spend about a week a month in Amsterdam as well (where we keep a second flat), and enjoy people watching and walking about there.

While I'm capable of appearing very corporate and typically operate at the CXO level in banking, I'm heavily tattooed, spend lots of time pursuing art all over Europe and really only work in Investment Banking for the money. To be honest, I've got some concerns about fitting in a place with Monaco's reputation.

How much free time do you get each day??

katala — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:32:11 -0800

How much free time do you get each day?? Please help out a curious bunny :) I'm currently re-organising my daily schedule and want to work out how much free time other people have each day (on average) to help me with my own schedule. If you're interested please post here and tell me:

How much free time YOU personally get each day, measured in hours
"Free time" = the kind of time that's entirely yours to curl up with a good book, work on a hobby, spend time with your family, read your favorite websites, etc. Things you have to, or should, do (work / exercise / cooking / cleaning / organising) don't count.

Please also post a little about your current situation such as:

- How many hours a week you work on average
- Whether you freelance / work from home, or work in an office
- Whether you have children or not
- Whether you outsource things like housework / cooking, or if you do this yourself
- Anything else you think might be relevant or interesting

A very big THANK YOU in advance :)! And I will be checking this thread so please let me know if you have any questions.

How much money would I need to live in the U.S. without having to work for the rest of my life?

dcrocha — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:15:04 -0800

How much money would I need to live in the U.S. without having to work for the rest of my life? I would like to live in an average-living-cost city (not NYC or LA for example), have a decent middle class life, with a fully paid house, switching cars every 3 or 4 years, and my monthly income would come from investments. How much money would I need to amass before beginning to have such lifestyle?

Important info: I'm 30 years old now, so let's say I have such money by my 40s so I would live some 25 to 30 years as a retired man living from interests. In the 70s, I think one million dollars would be enough, but I'm well aware that this is not enough money in 2007.

O! hive mind, guide me on how to retire early!

Where can I find affordable trendy/modern furniture in the UK?

Sevenupcan — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 14:49:24 -0800

Where can I find affordable trendy/modern furniture in the UK? For ages I've looked for furniture that's innovative, fresh, trendy and simply affordable, but I really struggle to find an alternative to Habitat and Ikea within the UK.

I really like...

Design Within Reach
Design Public
2modern

but unfortunately all these sites only deliver to the US and Canada, and trying to ship some of their stuff over to the UK I can imagine would cost a lot!