Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts

This is a wonderful holiday appetizer that everyone goes nuts for! In just a little over an hour, you’ll have a snack that’ll be a house favorite. Be sure to hang onto the recipe too, your family will be requesting it every holiday season to come.

Click to download printable recipe ›

Mrs. Leona Burnett’s Chip + Cherry Cake

This recipe by Mrs. Leona Burnett was passed onto her family and now to us.  

“Mrs. Burnett was a sweet and gracious woman, and was always very welcoming to all of us (seven kids in my family),” recalls a staff member at Readers.com™.

We’re happily keeping her legacy alive this holiday season. Try this recipe and you’ll discover one of many reasons Mrs. Burnett always had a full house.

Click to download printable recipe ›

Cherry Cheesecake

One Readers.com™ team member contributed her mom’s recipe that instantly became a family requirement at every holiday gathering. Try this delicious recipe for a new rendition of a holiday dessert classic!

Click to download printable recipe ›

Sugared Pecans

Our COO contributed this recipe that makes for the perfect quick snack while your family is anxiously anticipating the rest of the holiday feast finishing in the oven.

Click to download printable recipe ›

Lime Pear Salad

This is a cool and refreshing treat that’ll keep your family cheering for more. We’re not sure how Jell-O became a holiday staple of so many of our favorite dishes, but we’re thrilled it did, and you will be too!

Click to download printable recipe ›

Spinach Dip

A bread and dip combo in one (with fewer dishes to clean),  this easy recipe is one that is loved year-round!

Click to download printable recipe ›

As you’re considering what’s on the menu this holiday season, we hope these recipes come in handy for you. If some of the recipes become blurry after a while, consider keeping a pair of reading glasses handy in the kitchen. If you’re in need of new readers, we’ve got you covered with a variety of affordable and stylish pairs.

However you spend your holidays, may your bellies be full and your hearts be light.

We’ve created a collection of reading glasses perfect for The Entertainer. Here you’ll find styles inspired in shape and name by some of our favorite actors, musicians, movies, and shows.

How charming! A half frame reader like The Charm has a high bridge and is commonly worn further down your nose to keep your distance vision unobstructed while providing you with the magnification you need for reading. 

Don’t miss the action!  Looking for a pair of readers that you can keep on while reading and watching a show? We recommend a pair of bifocal readers like The Actor Bifocal. Not to mention — a classic round frame never goes out of style! 

Bifocal readers have unmagnified lenses which also contain inserts with the magnification of your choice in the lower portion of the lenses.

If retro is your style, we recommend a style like The Draper with fully magnified lenses and a retro square frame.

Heading to the drive-in or projecting a movie outside? Choose a pair of reading sunglasses like The Geller Reading Sunglasses with the magnification of your choice throughout the lens.

Shop the entire Entertainer Collection to find the perfect pair for your entertaining needs!

Disclaimer: All references to “bifocals” herein refer to readers having unmagnified lenses containing a “bifocal style” single powered reading glass insert located in the lower portion of the lenses.

As you look back on the summers of your childhood, you’ve likely attended a fair or two. Fairs often signal the end of summer and the impending new school year. While there are thousands of fairs across the United States every year, these 10 states continue to have the largest attendance numbers. From mind-blowing food to livestock education, here’s a quick breakdown of the top ten biggest state fairs* in America.

1. State Fair of Texas (2.25 million visitors)

The old saying “everything is bigger in Texas” is especially true of its fairs. The State Fair of Texas runs for an impressive 24-day span, and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. Big Tex, the official icon of the State Fair of Texas, greets visitors as the enter the gates and begin their adventure at the largest state fair in America.

Held in Dallas at Fair Park, a registered National Historic Landmark, this fair is more than just food and rides. Attendees can expect to learn about the Lone Star State’s rich history and traditions through educational exhibits on agriculture and livestock, as well as art, culture, and science museums.

As with any state fair, you’ll find loads of midway rides, attractions, live music, events, and all the fried food you could ever want. Throughout the duration of the fair, you can also attend the Texas Auto Show, and football fans can attend several collegiate football games at Cotton Bowl Stadium, located inside Fair Park.

2. Minnesota State Fair (2 million visitors)

Commonly referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” The Minnesota State Fair is the second largest fair in America. Since the first official fair in 1859, Minnesotans and other Midwesterners visit the Minnesota State Fairgrounds each year to celebrate the history of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Most famous for Sweet Martha’s Cookies, Tom Thumb’s mini donuts, deep fried cheese curds, The Pronto Pup corn dog, and turkey legs, the Minnesota State Fair has 300+ concession booths offering 500+ food options. Keep an eye out for the official mascot of the fair: Fairchild the gopher.

3. The Big E (1.5 million visitors)

Also known as the Eastern States Exposition, The Big E includes all 6 New England States: Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. The fair is held in Massachusetts and hosts “state days” that allow each state to showcase their individual history and traditions. The Big E has fried just about any food imaginable, and has all the traditional fair food staples. Don’t forget to end your meal with a Big E Cream Puff, the fair’s signature dessert!

4. The Great New York State Fair (1.2 million visitors)

In 1841, the United States held its first state fair in Syracuse, and that fair evolved into the Great New York State Fair in 1967. Multiple music stages make for some of the best summer lineups with performances by both new and seasoned artists!

Visitors will be happy to know that the Taste NY Marketplace will once again be back! Attendees will sample food and beverage products made right in New York State. The fair kicks off in late August and will conclude in early September.

5. Tulsa State Fair (1.15 million visitors)

You may be thinking that Tulsa isn’t a state… and you’d be right. Oklahoma has two state fairs each year, the Tulsa State Fair and its smaller rival, the Oklahoma State Fair. What began as the Tulsa County Free Fair has evolved into Oklahoma’s biggest family event of the year! The Tulsa State Fair runs for eleven days and hosts educational experiences, along with good ol’ fashioned family fun! To kick off the fair, Disney on Ice will perform in the Pavillion!

6. Arizona State Fair (1.14 million visitors)

The Arizona State Fair was established in 1905 with the intent of being a gathering place for the community. Growing to over one million attendees annually, people from all corners of the state come together during this three-week fair.  With numerous concerts, live entertainment, festival rides, fair food, and educational exhibitions, this southwest state fair takes place in Phoenix at the beginning of October.

7. Iowa State Fair (1.13 million visitors)

The Iowa State Fair is the largest event in the entire state and celebrates Iowa’s agriculture,  industry, entertainment, and achievement. This fair is even claimed to be the inspiration for a novel and three movies! Rated as one of the best state fairs in the nation, the Iowa State Fairgrounds gates welcome more than a million local, regional, and international visitors annually.

On top of free entertainment and attractions, the Iowa State Fair offers a wide variety good eats, including their 50+ “mobile food on a stick” options!

Fun fact: Iowa’s State Fair is home to the world-famous Butter Cow, weighing about 600 pounds and standing 5.5 feet tall, a tradition started in 1911 that has been carried on by only five sculptors over the years.

8. Wisconsin State Fair (1.03 million visitors)

The Wisconsin State Fair occurs for eleven days each year at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Take a ride on the Wonderfair Wheel (North America’s largest traveling Ferris Wheel), browse art exhibits, wander through Exploratory Park, or visit the House of Moo to learn more about Wisconsin’s dairy industry.

If you find yourself heading to the fair this August, be sure to try their famous cream puffs! According to the Wisconsin State Fair website, the puffs have been sold since 1924, and an average of 350,000 are consumed annually. The Sporkies, the Wisconsin State Fair annual food competition, tests out some of the newest foods featured at the fair. Looking to try something new? The Crazy Grazin’ days allow you to sample smaller portions of food at 50+ vendors.

9. North Carolina State Fair (1.01 million visitors)

Hosted in Raleigh, North Carolina, The North Carolina State Fair highlights the state’s agriculture through both educational and interactive exhibits. The fair features rides, numerous competitions ranging from graphic design to horse shows, and flaunts entertainment events, including their Folk Festival. There’s 100+ free things to do at the fair, as well as new food options, and is a perfect fall activity for the whole family!

10. Washington State Fair (1 million visitors)

The Washington State Fair has just over one million attendees annually, and has grown significantly since the very first fair in 1900. Originally the Valley Fair, later the Puyallup Fair, and eventually the Washington State Fair, this fair may have held several names, but its mission has not changed: providing an experience centered on animals, agriculture, and education.

As fair-goers “do the Puyallup” they can participate in farming simulations; watch rodeos, parades, and stunt shows; listen to free music and a knockout concert series; and view firework shows on Friday nights! If you’re lucky enough, you might get to meet Big Washington, the fair’s elusive bigfoot mascot!

*Please note that we only included state fairs, and did not include county fairs, etc.

The right tools are essential for completing any household project. Speaking of DIY, our team has rounded up a list of items you probably have around your house that will save you a trip to Lowe’s, and assist you in getting the measurements you need to get your project started.

Sidenote: Taking the proper measurements to complete your projects can be near impossible when you’re squinting. If you find you are straining your eyes with those fine details it is time to make reading glasses an essential part of your took kit. We’ve made it easy to find which reading glasses best fit your face with our printable mm ruler. 

Here are 5 steps for creating a beautiful flower arrangement:

1. Create a grid out of tape

If you’re using florals with top heavy blooms, then creating a grid out of clear tape is a  great and effective way to support your flowers. If you’re using flowers with longer stems, you’ll want to be sure to cut the stems down before placing your flowers in the grid openings.

2. Incorporate branches

Adding branches to your flower arrangement not only adds texture, but they also help to support more delicate stems that you might have in your arrangement. Using branches is a great way to incorporate foliage that you already have in your own backyard.

3.  Use complimentary colors

When it comes to creating a flower arrangement, color is the most important factor. Consider colors that complement each other, such as yellows and purples, pinks and blues. White florals and baby’s breath are great for adding a touch of softness to your arrangement.

4. Layer your flowers

Once you are ready to place your flowers in your arrangement, you should begin by placing your larger and more dominant flowers in your vessel first. Next, you should use a second variety of flowers to create an inner circle. As you continue this process, try to create a domed effect by leaving the stems slightly longer on the inner flowers.

5. Add berries or other greenery last

Once you have your flowers arranged to your liking, it is now time to add berries and other greenery. These elements are optional, but they help to add texture and visual interest to your arrangement. An added bonus of using these elements is that they add fullness to your arrangement, giving an extravagant look without an extravagant price.

Spring has arrived which has most of us itching to head for the beach. Unfortunately our busy schedules don’t always allow us to spring for those beach vacations. However, you don’t need to travel far and wide for a great spring vacation. Instead, try a staycation without all the hassle. Here is a five day itinerary for a relaxing, budget-friendly spring staycation.

Day 1 | Morning: Breakfast in bed.
Destination: Go out for lunch at a restaurant or cafe.
Activity: Explore a local state or national park.
Eventing: Invite a few friends/neighbors over for a pitch-in dinner.

Day 2 | Morning: Begin your day with an easy yoga workout. These can be found on Youtube.
Destination: Treat yourself to a spa day by finding a place that offers   
packages on facials, massages, and access to a steam room.
Activity: Go antiquing at a local thrift/antique shop.
Evening: Host a game night.

Day 3 | Morning: Fix yourself a fancy cup of coffee and begin reading a new book or magazine.
Destination: Visit a local museum or art gallery.
Activity: Go out for a mani/pedi.
Evening: Attend a Wine and Canvas in your city.

Day 4 | Morning: Begin journaling.
Destination: Catch the matinee showing of a movie you’ve been wanting to see.
Activity: Flower shopping at a local nursery.
Evening: Invite friends over for a craft night.

Day 5 | Morning: Visit your local farmers market.
Destination: Browse a local bookstore.
Activity: Indulge in your favorite dessert.
Evening: Attend a play in your city or a city nearby.

Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day – don’t forget that an option for your date night could involve a romantic movie. Filled with many tears, laughter, and a lot of love – here are a few options that we recommend for your special day.

#1. Starring the dynamic duo of Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, “50 First Dates” mixes laughter, heartbreak, and dedicated to the ones that you love. If you’re looking for a film that is lighthearted, we suggest turning this on!

#2. In 1997, “Titanic” hit the big screens and it’s forever etched in our hearts as the ultimate love story. The film features the lives of two individuals from two extremely different walks of life – yet they find each other and experience a passionate love. Based off of a real historic event, this fictional love story is for anyone that loves a good tale.

#3. If you haven’t seen “The Notebook,” then this needs to be on your Valentine’s Day list. Narrated by an older gentleman to his wife, one will hear of their love story from the time they met to their present lives together. Known to be a tear-jerker, “The Notebook” is a telling tale of how true love is everlasting.

#4. Who would have thought that a wealthy businessman would fall in love with the escort that he hired? Taking a step back to the 90’s, “Pretty Woman” If you’ve given up on relationships – take heart of this film and be encouraged that your path could cross with someone else in a matter of time.

#5. As a film that was said to define American cinema, “Gone With The Wind,” is a love story that makes individuals question if the grass is actually greener on the other side. Looking for a love story that makes you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what characters will do? We suggest this popular tale.

#6. If you’re looking for a movie that showcases a lot of comedy, we highly suggest, “Think Like A Man.” Starring the hilarious, Kevin hart, “Think Like A Man” follows multiple couples dealing with different situations in their relationship. As the women take over the relationships – the men quickly realize and try to regain control. Be prepared to laugh your head off.

#7. In 2011 “Fifty Shades of Grey” was first released in print and the storyline hit the world by storm. Come four years later, “Fifty Shades of Grey” made its debut in theaters and was a hit. Following the love story of a young college woman and millionaire with an interesting obsession, individuals will be wide-eyed and shocked. Looking for an edgy pick? We suggest sitting down and watching this!

#8. Receiving nominations for Oscars, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards – “Ghost” is an all time classic romantic movie starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Featuring a psychic, a ghost, and a grieving woman – “Ghost” is a thriller that will leave you wondering what will happen next.

#9. If you are looking for a movie with action, romance, heartbreak, and timeless fashion, “Casablanca,” is the film for you. This classic movie is one that withstands the test of time as it tells the story of two lovers who find each other, yet are forced apart due to certain circumstances outside of their control.

Have a favorite film that didn’t make the list! Comment below to let us know!

1. Mint

It can be confusing and even frustrating finding an app that keeps your spending and personal budgets on track. One of the best apps we found and love is the Mint.com app. This app acts as a financial conscience helping you budget, track expenses, create and manage goals, and also monitor your credit score. Stay on top of your financial spending by receiving alerts about late fees, bill reminders, and also weekly spending summaries so you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment, going over budget, or spending too much dough on coffee.  

2. Gogobot

Awarded the go-to app for travelers, this app is the all in one travel guide you’ll ever need. Not only does this app offer excellent suggestions for food, hotels, and attractions based on your personal preferences, but it also connects you socially with your friends and other travelers so you can share your itinerary, receive recommendations, and keep up to date on new attractions and events going on near you.  

3. WebMD Symptom Checker

A source for trusted health advice. From answering health questions to looking up symptoms, this app answers any medical questions you might have. For those who want to go a step further, this app is a source of healthy tips that help you sustain a daily healthy lifestyle.

4. Google Maps

The best GPS you can ever ask for, Google Maps is reliable, secure, and far more efficient than the competitors. This app gets you where you need to go, providing you with turn-by-turn directions, and traffic updates to ensure you have the shortest commute possible. What makes this app stand out is its ability to provide you with effective directions whether you are driving, walking, cycling, or taking public transit. Never worry about getting lost ever again.

5. Dinner Spinner 

With a collection of over forty thousand recipes, dinner spinner is the app you need whenever you are putting on that apron to cook up something special. With its extremely user-friendly interface, you can find a dinner recipe that works perfectly for any setting. Whether you are hosting a family dinner or are looking for a healthy dinner for two, this app makes cooking not only easier but a lot more fun. Download on:  Android / Apple

6. Bakodo

For those of you always looking for the best deals, this is the app for you. Scan or search any product and find the best prices and deals to help you save. Always make the best decision with product information right in the app itself. If their product is in another store, no need to worry — you can buy the product right within the app using Apple pay.

7. Heads Up

We all need that one game to have for those relaxing nights with friends and family. Heads up is that game that never fails to excite everyone in the room. Choose from a variety of categories and try and guess the word on the card using clues from your teammates before the time runs out. A game that brings out the laughter in all of us, no matter the age. Family game night is back! Download on: Android/ Apple 

8. Grubhub

Have you ever come home from a long day to a house with no food? Tired of ordering pizza delivery? Well, this app makes your life a lot easier. Grubhub offers a variety of restaurants that deliver right to you. As you commute home, simply access the menu from the app, choose exactly which meal you want, decide the method of payment, and boom, your food arrives just as you get home. Gone are the late night Chinese delivery meals. An excellent meal minus the hassle.

9. Etsy

If you are ever looking for some crafty, handmade, vintage goods, then download the Etsy app. An essential app for online shoppers, Etsy makes shopping for unique products easy and fun. Concerned about the products, have any questions, or want to personalize a product, this app connects you directly to the shop owners.

10. Over

The final app we recommend is an app that turns anyone into a designer. The Over app gives you a platform to break out your creative side. Whether you want to make a greeting card, design a picture, express your feelings, this app provides you with endless opportunities to see what you can do. Create your custom design for your next Christmas card and show all your friends and family the designer in you.

In your 30s: Protect your eyes from the sun.

By the time you’re 30, you likely know all about protecting your skin from the sun by regularly wearing and reapplying SPF. Do you make that same commitment to your eyes? Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays is important, too! Overexposure to the sun can cause early onset cataracts and other harmful eye conditions. When you’re outside or driving, always wear a pair of sunglasses or reading sunglasses that protect you from all ultraviolet light (for example, all of our reading sunglasses are UV protected). According to All About Vision, you should be sure that these factors are present in your sunglasses:  

• Lenses that block at least 99% of both UVA and UVB rays, also called UV 400 Protection
• Lenses that meet ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z80.3 requirements
• Lenses made from Impact resistant materials such as plastic or polycarbonate

In your 40’s: Get enough rest.

Your 40s are the age when presbyopia might begin to affect your vision. Presbyopia is the condition in which your eyes have trouble focusing on up-close words or objects. The most common solution? Reading glasses! Now might be the time to invest (or stock up) on readers so that you don’t overstrain your eyes.

In addition to dealing with presbyopia, getting enough rest in your 40s is another important health tip. Your 40s are a busy time, likely filled with work, family, and other extracurricular commitments. Make a commitment to yourself to try and get the recommended eight hours of sleep every day. Don’t forget your eyes need rest, too! If you work in front of a computer all day, and then go home and read on a tablet, phone, or other digital device, you’re putting a lot of strain on your eyes. Wearing computer glasses can help give your eyes the break they need throughout the day. You can read more about computer glasses and Digital Eye Strain here.

In your 50’s: Prevention is key.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that damages the part of our retinas needed for sharp, clear vision. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss among adults age 50 and older. Early detection of this condition is crucial in prevention and treatment (you can read more on that here). Similarly, the American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that glaucoma is very common in those 60 and older, but is often preventable with early detection.

In your 50s, it’s important to prioritize regular check-ups with your eye doctor to stay on top of your overall eye health. If you do not wear glasses or contacts and have no health or vision problems, seeing your eye doctor every other year is a good idea. If you do have glasses, wear contacts, or have eye or other health issues, your visits should be more frequently. Check with your own eye doctor for their recommendation.

In Your 60s: Eat a healthy diet.

At this stage in life, it’s harder to prevent age-related eye disease, but by continuing to keep your body and mind healthy, you can help your eyes. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and getting plenty of exercise becomes more important the older you get.

You’ve likely heard that carrots are a superfood for maintaining your vision and keeping your eyes healthy. While this is true, there are a lot of other foods you can also eat to maintain healthy eyes! When you’re planning your grocery list, look for leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fatty fish. The antioxidants and vitamins in these foods are an instant eye-health boost.
Staying active can help maintain or improve your blood pressure, which can help in preventing or slowing the onset of glaucoma and Age-related Macular Degeneration. By including both strength and cardio into your workouts, you can help your entire body stay healthy!

We hope you learned something from our age-related eye health tips. For more information, read our complete Eye Health Guide. What will you do to help improve your eye health?