Malta Development Blog

Are you a fan of science, robots, and rivalries? If you are, you'll be delighted to hear that New York's Tech Valley region once again will proudly host the premier FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) at the state-of-the-art East Campus Athletic Village Arena at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. New York's Tech Valley is a site for innovative technology companies making it the perfect place to host this world-renowned engineering challenge. The competition puts teams of high school students and volunteer mentors together to conceptualize and build a robot. FIRST combines the excitement of live sports with the complexities of science and technology. Read on for some background on the program and what you can expect from this year's event.

Everyone has different ways to make themselves happy. Some people curl up with a good book. Others spend an hour or two at the stables. But did you know that there are things inside your home that could affect your mood? Scientific data shines some light on how certain home features can make you happy.

You may think of a bench as merely a seating area, but it can be so much more than that. Imagine a functional, sometimes upholstered seat that not only heightens the aesthetics of any room but also doubles as storage space. Add decorative pillows to give it a cozier feeling. You won't want to leave your new furniture addition. Here are some ideas on how you can incorporate multifunctional benches into your home.
 
Store Important Documents: Let's face it, filing cabinets aren't exactly the most aesthetically appealing pieces of furniture in a home. Although they work well in an office setting, the industrial, steel (or metal) look doesn't make one feel warm and cozy. If you want a more attractive and inviting storage space, why not make a storage bench specifically designed to hold files? Personalize it with a cushion on top in any pattern of your choice.
 
Put Toys Away: If you look close enough, a bookcase can also become a versatile bench-and-bin combination. A bookcase's large openings can make excellent cubbyholes to fit toy-filled bins. Choose from canvas bins, plastic bins, or even woven baskets-- anything to match your playroom decor. Once your children outgrow their playroom bins, recycle and use them for storage in the garage, laundry room, or bedroom.
 
Stash Serving Trays: For those who love to entertain and throw fancy dinner parties, storage can quickly become a problem. Where to put all the serving trays, plates, placemats, and tablecloths, when the guests have left? A banquette bench with drawers underneath can be the perfect solution to your storage issues. Not only do banquette benches act as comfortable nooks on which to perch while you eat, but they also function as a secret repository for your dinner party supplies.
 
Enhance Your Mudroom: Mudrooms are a gateway from the outside world into your warm and comfortable home.Improving your mudroom can start with a versatile DIY shoe bench addition. Build a shoe bench with larger compartments for boots and smaller ones for more compact footwear. Now, the next time you walk through the door, you can leisurely sit down and stash your shoes.
 
Stash Bedroom Knick-Knacks: There's nothing better than coming home after a long day at the office and relaxing on a sturdy and comfy reading bench. It is a dedicated relaxing space, whether you use it as a reading nook or a window seat. What would make it better? Add cubbyholes underneath to store your books, shoes, clothes, or anything you don't need readily available.
 
These practical furniture additions just go to show how a bench can transform into just about anything you want. Whether you want it for storage, relaxation, or aesthetics, the bench has it all. Now all you have to do is decide how many you want in your home.

Most home buyers aren't very well-versed with real estate jargon. For example, there's a lot of confusion out there about what differentiates a "luxury home" from a "mansion." While there is no clear-cut distinction between each, there are a few telltale signs that can help you tell them apart.
 

Super Bowl Sunday may be behind us, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy our share of the delectable buffalo wing flavor. Ever since the inception of Buffalo wings in 1964, the wing craze has spawned a sort of fandom. These spicy appetizers have inspired similarly-flavored products like buffalo flavored chips, popcorn, rolled tacos, and the list goes on. But if you're looking for a less casual variation of the traditional buffalo wing, why not try this spicy Buffalo-style stuffed chicken breast? It has the same great flavor with half the mess.
 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
 
Cook Time: 20 minutes
 
Serving Size: 4
 

Join your fellow community members on March 12 to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the Children's Museum at Saratoga. Dedicated to inspiring curiosity and sparking imagination in children, the museum is an indispensable part of Saratoga Springs and the neighboring communities. To support their programs and daily operations, the Children's Museum organizes a fundraiser on their anniversary.
 
Since 1990, the Children's Museum at Saratoga has dedicated itself to providing local communities and beyond with programs and exhibits for children that foster creativity, curiosity, and discovery. Founded by a group of community parents and educators, the non-profit museum has relied on the donations from local community members to add new exhibits and renovations. In fact, their annual birthday bash is their primary fundraising event.
 
Every year, the museum's birthday bash is inspired by a favorite children's book and this year is no different. Support your local museum as they organize a bash inspired by The Tale of Peter Rabbit, a children's book about a mischievous rabbit. Are you interested in attending? Here's what you can expect at the fundraising event.
 

If you're a passionate home cook, having an extensive array of spices on hand is a must. The last thing you want to do is disrupt your cooking flow while you shuffle around in the pantry looking for the turmeric. Finding unique ways to store your items can make cooking a lot more efficient and fun. Read below for ideas on how you can make your very own magnetic spice rack in no time.
 

Even though you may think that these luxury features add value to your home, think again. These amenities may seem like they'll fulfill your wildest fantasies but in reality, they don't quite deliver enough impact for the price tag. Read on to find out which amenities you could do without.
 
High-end Stove: Unless you have aspirations of becoming the next Gordon Ramsay, you don't need a gourmet kitchen stocked with the latest and greatest chef equipment, especially a high-end stove. Top-of-the-line stoves can go for as high as $20,000. These professional-grade models are designed for heavy usage, far beyond the needs of the average household. Industrial stoves often include additional ranges and multiple ovens, which take up space and add to your electric bill.
 
Pot Filler: The only reason to ever buy a pot filler is to eliminate the need to carry a large pot of water from the kitchen sink to the stove. And even then, when it comes time to dump the water, you're going to have to lug the pot to the sink. A pot filler's swiveling faucet is conveniently placed right next to the stove so you don't break your back carrying your pot across your kitchen, but is it worth it? Probably not.

Who would've thought that a pinch of minuscule black seeds would be so rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants? Chia seeds are a superfood that help prevent cell damage, ease digestion, and fill you up. In fact, just one tablespoon of chia seeds is equivalent to 19 percent of your recommended intake of daily fiber and 7 to 9 percent of the recommended daily value of calcium, iron, and magnesium. That's a great way to start any morning. Chia is a versatile ingredient that you can add to anything from smoothies to puddings and pancakes.
 
Here are three effortless ways to get your chia on.
 

The Home and Lifestyle Show is coming back in full force to the Saratoga Springs City Center, February 26-28. Whether you live close by or far away, this year is set to be the best one yet. Presented by the local Rotary Club, the event will feature booths ranging from garden care to decor to restoration, just in time for Spring home improvements.
 
Traditionally, the event only featured home-related exhibitors but has diversified over the years to include lifestyle booths such as family recreation & pets, media & entertainment, food & wellness, green living and more. Read on to find out what you can expect for 2016's Saratoga Springs Home and Lifestyle Show.