Blog Posts

How to Clean Your Oven Using Baking Soda-image

No one looks forward to cleaning their oven. Of all our household chores, oven cleaning is one of the dirtiest, most tedious, and time-consuming. What’s more, commercial oven cleaners are often unpleasant to work with, containing a laundry list of chemicals which can cause burns or irritation of any exposed tissue, whether that is the mouth, skin, eyes, or airway . If you are understandably concerned about using these chemicals around your family and pets or in the appliance in which you cook your food, make a DIY oven cleaner using baking soda instead! Baking soda is non-toxic, inexpensive, easy-to-use, and remarkably effective at cleaning oven grease. Baking soda, which is alkaline, works by neutralizing acids and breaking down the grease, allowing you to wipe it up without a lot of scrubbing or effort. It’s also a mild abrasive, so it works well at removing dried, stuck-on foods. Plus, in most cases, baking soda works its magic in just 15 minutes and you can use it immediately after cleaning! To get started, combine ½ cup baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water to make a paste roughly the consistency of pancake batter. Next, remove the racks from the oven. Using a rubber spatula or a gloved hand, smear the paste over the dirty parts, making sure to avoid the heating elements. Let the paste sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping up the paste and loosened dirt and grease with wet paper towels. Finally, wipe the oven’s interior with a wet paper towel, using water or a 3:1 mixture of water and distilled vinegar. Repeat if necessary for tougher stains! Without harsh fumes that can make you dizzy, caustic chemicals, or unpleasant odors, you can have a clean oven in as little as 15 minutes. Let baking soda break down your food stains for you, and all you must do is wipe it away!

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10 Baltimore Businesses to Support During Black Business Month-image

Black Business Month is here, and it's time to celebrate our local entrepreneurs. Celebrated annually in August, Black Business Month was established in 2004 to acknowledge and appreciate Black-owned businesses and their contributions to our economy. Here are 10 Black-owned businesses in Baltimore you can support this month, and all year long! Fishnet Located in Mount Vernon Marketplace, Fishnet’s menu features items such as fish & chips, crab dip, and Baja fish wraps. At Fishnet, the quality of every plate served starts with the quality of its fresh fish, which is responsibly and sustainably source from regional waters whenever possible. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fishnet (@eatfishnet) Cheezy Mike’s Food Emporium Also located in Mount Vernon Marketplace, Cheezy Mike’s serves up warm and gooey elevated comfort food with a cheese focus! Cheezy Mike's celebrates the place where food and entertainment intersect, and memories are created. The restaurant also offers vegan options! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace) Taharka Brothers Ice Cream Well known for serving up classic flavors along with a constantly evolving roster of delightful, small-batch flavors beloved in Baltimore, Taharka Brothers’ award-winning ice cream lineup includes favorites like Honey Graham, Mintflix & Chillz, Key Lime Pie, and Caramel Crunch. Taharka Brothers is focused on creating an impactful, profitable business managed and operated by young adults from some of Baltimore’s most troubled neighborhoods. The menu features rotating seasonal and one-time flavors inspired by local happenings and a handful of “collaborations” with other local small businesses throughout the year! View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAHARKA Bros. Ice Cream (@taharkabros) The Doll House Boutique Since 2003, The Doll House Boutique has been committed to providing fashion that ranges from couture to simple and stylish staples and providing local designers with a platform to showcase their collections. The Doll House is in the heart of Mount Vernon, in a cozy boutique, where the infamous display window gets all the glory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Doll House Boutique (@dollhousemtvernon) Pandora’s Box Boutique Pandora's box boutique is a mod, vibrant, ever-evolving privately-owned lifestyle store located in Federal Hill. Much like the city of Baltimore, the customers at Pandora's Box come from various backgrounds and have different stories, but they still have so much in common. The brands featured at Pandora’s Box support local designers, jewelry makers and artisans, and promote social change, individuality, support for women and overall happiness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pandora's Box Boutique (@shoppandorasboxboutique) Drama MaMa Bookshop Drama MaMa bookshop is a “journal lovers paradise” featuring locally made journals and accessories. Through the workshops offered by the bookshop, you can also learn to create your own “book box” wooden bullet journals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Drama Mama Bookshop 🤓📒 (@dramamamabookshop) Art of Balance Wellness Spa Art of Balance offers an unprecedented experience where guests can truly learn to balance it all. A destination within a destination, where the importance of discovering the best version of yourself is at your fingertips. The spa’s holistic approach to treating the entire person is about embracing who you are and exploring how the balance of mind, body and spirit is integral to bringing forth the best of you.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Art Of Balance Wellness Spa (@artofbalancespa)   The Urban Oyster The Urban Oyster is both the first female and black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. The restaurant is “sort of a movement” for those who prefer quality food in a relaxed atmosphere! The menu features oysters in the raw, soups, steam pots and more! View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Urban Oyster (@theurbanoyster)   Bar One Bar ONE is a dining experience curated for you. It’s about good people coming together in a space to be ONE…ONE vibration, ONE energy, ONE good time, ONE bar… Bar ONE. The menu features items including Jamaican oxtail dumpling stew, king crab legs, curry chicken and more! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bar ONE Baltimore (@baronebaltimore) Off The Rox Wine & Beer Off the Rox is a wine and beer boutique, conveniently located in Highlandtown. The store offers an appreciable selection of wines and craft beers, all handpicked and carefully selected. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Off The Rox (@offtherox)       Black Business Month gives us an opportunity to focus on a community that is too often underrepresented when it comes to access to capital and opportunities to build wealth. Join us in celebrating the Baltimore Black-owned businesses and their important contributions to our economy.  

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5 Mount Vernon Spots to Try During Baltimore Restaurant Week-image

Baltimore Restaurant Week is back and we’ve got the scoop on the best deals to score from Mount Vernon restaurants! Don’t’ miss your chance to enjoy brunch and lunch deals starting at just $10 and multi-course, pre-fixe dinner deals starting at $25!   Fishnet At Fishnet, the quality of every plate starts with the quality of the fish, which is responsibly and sustainably sourced from regional waters whenever possible. At Fishnet, they use every part of the fish in their scratch kitchen and keep the menu small and focused. Fishnet is driven by the goal of making high-grade fish and seafood as accessible, and as approachable, as possible. Plus, Fishnet is found just a hop, skip and a jump away at Mount Vernon Marketplace! Stop by and check them out! Topside Take it easy at Topside, Baltimore’s favorite rooftop overlooking our beautiful and historic neighborhood, Mount Vernon. During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course meal from T opside’s seafood-centric menu for just $45! Café Fili Plan-forward foodies will enjoy a two-course Mediterranean lunch from Café Fili for just $15 during Restaurant Week! The restaurant offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian options! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek) The Owl Bar Located in the Historic Belvedere, Owl Bar offers a rich history and delicious food and drink! During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course dinner for just $38! Did you know The Owl Bar’s famous patrons have included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Will Rogers, Prince and more? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek)   Tio Pepe Tio Pepe offers authentic, homemade Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list. Restaurante Tio Pepe is an excellent choice for date night, family celebrations or anytime you want something other than the standard fare. During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course dinner for just $45!   With almost 100 restaurants participating in Baltimore Restaurant Week, your choices are nearly endless! Whichever local Bmore spot you choose to support, you’re sure to have a delicious and memorable meal!

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7 Tips for Staying Hydrated This Summer-image

Water is one of most crucial elements for all living things. Every organ, cell, and tissue in our bodies use it to function properly, which is why drinking enough water every day is important. It can help control calories, keep your skin looking healthy, maintain normal bowel function, maintains the balance of body fluids and more . Not drinking enough water leads to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, thirst, lightheadedness, kidney stones and more . Because more water is lost through sweat during summer, it’s especially important to remember to stay hydrated in the warmer months. In recognition of National Hydration Day, here are 7 tips for staying hydrated this summer: Make Water Your Drink of Choice According to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the adequate daily fluid intake for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate is about 15.5 cups a day for men and about 11.5 cups a day for women. To prevent dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. It's a good idea to drink a glass of water with each meal and between meals, before, during and after exercise and if you feel thirsty. Know the Signs of Dehydration Dehydration may be categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. Signs of mild or moderate dehydration include thirst, dry or sticky mouth, dark urine, headache, and muscle cramps. Anyone can get dehydrated, but the odds are higher for some people, including babies and young children, older adults, those who are ill, those who are breastfeeding, and people with chronic disease. If you think your symptoms of dehydration are severe, don’t hesitate to seek help! Dehydration can contribute to  kidney stones ,  kidney failure  and  heatstroke , all life-threatening illnesses. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have symptoms of severe dehydration . Eat Foods with High Water Content While drinking water itself is especially important for staying hydrated, you can also increase your water intake with the foods you eat. There are many healthy foods that can contribute a large amount of water to your diet, including watermelon, peaches, skim milk, celery, cottage cheese, and more ! Replenish When You Sweat The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking 7 to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise. Remember to always carry a water bottle with you when exercising. This will allow you to take quick and easy sips of water during your workout. Limit Your Soda and Coffee Be careful about consuming too much caffeine or soda. Both caffeine and soda contain diuretic properties and too much can contribute to dehydration. Carry Around Water Always keep a bottle of water with you. Keep an easy-to-grab water bottle with you throughout your day and make sure that it's filled with plenty of water. Make Water More Appealing If you’re not a big water drinker and can’t seem to meet your recommended daily intake, try doing something to make your water more appealing to you. Add slices of fruit like lemon, lime, or orange. Infuse your water with fresh berries, Enhance your water with fresh mint. Jazz up that water so you make a healthier drink choice that still tastes good, looks appealing and quenches your thirst. Whatever the season, drinking water and staying hydrated should be part of your daily routine. Stay safe, cool, and hydrated this summer!

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5 Reasons to Visit Mount Vernon Marketplace This Summer-image

One of the biggest perks of living at 520 Park has got to be having access to Mount Vernon Marketplace right downstairs! Mount Vernon Marketplace offers the finest, freshly prepared artisanal foods right here in Baltimore's historic Mount Vernon district. With purveyors offering everything from fresh local oysters to Korean style bibimbap to artisan pizza, there is something for every food connoisseur at MVM. If you haven’t been to the Marketplace lately, here are 5 reasons why you should go right now! Let Someone Else Do the Cooking At Mount Vernon Marketplace, there’s no need to worry about meal prep, kitchen clean-up, or deciding on a menu that satisfies everyone. The wide variety of vendors offers delicious menu items sure to accommodate everyone in the family, even your pickiest eaters.   Did you know you can host an event for up to 200 people at MVM? To learn more or to book your event, visit mtvernonmarketplace.com! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace) Escape the Heat and Cool Off   Beat the heat of a Baltimore summer by grabbing a refreshing and nutritious smoothie from Fresh Monday's Inc.! Made with local produce and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, it’s just what you need to refresh and refuel.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace)   It Pays to Be Loyal Join Fishnet’s "Sailors Club" and start earning delicious rewards! Get a 25 point welcome bonus and unlock $5 OFF for 50 points.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fishnet (@eatfishnet)   Conquer the Colossal Crab If you haven’t tried to Colossal Crab sandwich yet, really…what are you waiting for? The viral Local Oyster and Baltimore Foodie creation is so good it was featured on Netflix’s Fresh Fried & Crispy ! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chyno: The Blue Bearded Foodie (@thebaltimorefoodie) Enjoy Happy Hour at The Brand-New Centre Bar Baltimore's newest destination for craft cocktails is now open! Offering a full bar service in the center of Mount Vernon Marketplace, Centre Bar is the perfect place to enjoy happy hour this summer.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Centre Bar (@centrebarmvm)         Come home to 520 Park! Located in the historic Baltimore neighborhood of Mount Vernon, 520 Park offers an upscale, urban living environment in the heart of downtown Baltimore. Once the main warehouse for the Hochschild Kohn department store chain, 520 Park is now 171 unique apartment homes featuring a mix of historic character and modern design. Let us help you find your new home!

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Baltimore's Summer Event Lineup-image

With Memorial Day Weekend coming to a close, summer is - unofficially - here! There’s tons of fun in the sun to be had in Baltimore this summer. So lather up that sunscreen; we’ve rounded up 12 can’t-miss events happening near us! AFRAM View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore AFRAM (@baltimore_afram) The AFRAM Festival is a celebration of African American life, music and culture in Druid Hill Park this Juneteenth. Among the AFRAM’s headlining acts , The O’Jays will perform one of their last shows before heading into retirement . AFRAM Restaurant Week will also return June 12-19 . Some of Baltimore’s favorite, Black-owned eateries will create special dishes for everyone to enjoy! Baltimore Pride View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚 ❤️ 🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride) One of the oldest Pride celebrations in the country, Baltimore Pride 2022 promises to host one of the most epic celebrations yet . Pride 2022 will feature events all month-long , including the official Pride kickoff and ribbon cutting ceremony on June 20 th ! Summer Restaurant Week View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek) Presented by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore,  Baltimore Restaurant Week  returns starting July 22 nd for 10 days of affordable and exclusive tastes of the city’s vibrant culinary scene! Baltimore Restaurant Week features approximately 100 of the best dining establishments in central Maryland. Restaurants participating in Restaurant week will offer dining deals with including multi-course prix-fixe lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Bromo Art Walk View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bromo Arts District (@bromoartsdistrict) Experience the Bromo Arts District during a night of artistic performances, exhibits, and open studios this June 23 rd . Curate your own tour and visit the 20+ participating creative groups , including Baltimore Jazz Alliance, Everyman Theater, Lexington Market and more! B&O Farmers Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by B&O Railroad Museum (@borailroad) The B&O Farmers Market has returned for its third year this summer. Located in the front parking lot of the B&O Railroad Museum, the farmers market will be open from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursdays through September 29. The market plans to serve as a one-stop shop for fresh local produce, flowers, crafts and a variety of food and desserts. Baltimore By Baltimore View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waterfront Partnership (@waterfrontpartnership) Baltimore by Baltimore (BxB) is a music and makers festival series hosted every first Saturday of the month through October at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. This free celebration of the music, makers, and munchies that make Baltimore truly special features rotating selection of emerging Baltimore producers. BMORE LIT: A Baltimore Summer Series View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Together (@baltimoretogether) Bmore Lit features events in and around Baltimore just for teens ! While the rest of the events are currently TBD, the series kicked off May 30 th with an event at Rash Field, which featured a live DJ, photo booth, gaming station and more! Baltimore 4th of July Celebration View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOPA (@promoandarts) 4th of July festivities are returning to the Harbor this summer! Enjoy an Independence Day filled with fun events like American Visionary Arts Museums’ Pet Parade, an Orioles vs. Ranges baseball game, live music performances, and of course, the fireworks! Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherry Hill Fest Baltimore (@cherryhillfest.baltimore) Returning for its 6 th year, this free festival will feature musical performances, food trucks, exhibits, vendors and a fireworks show overlooking the Patapsco River! The festival is being held at Middle Branch Park on the 4 th of July. Moonrise Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moonrise Festival (@moonrisefest) Moonrise is back for the 2022 edition at Pimlico Race Course. This 2-day festival music festival will feature multiple stages and a lineup that will feature acts such as AC Slater, Lost Kings, Zedd and more. Made in Maryland Festival Kurtz’s Beach annual Made in Maryland Festival celebrates our great state with a festival be packed full of live music, live jousting, children’s activities, food, drink and local vendors and makers! Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore (@mdfleetweek) Maryland Fleet Week is coming back to Baltimore’s port September 7-13. The Maryland Fleet Week celebrates the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay with visiting Navy and local ships as well as  a variety of vessels.   What's your favorite Bmore summer event? Let us know in the comments!

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