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Free Shipping Day December 17th

It is Luke Knowles’ vision for Free Shipping Day to become a household name in holiday shopping vernacular. With the response generated by retailers for the third annual Free Shipping Day – which is slated for Friday, December 17, 2010 – it appears that vision is taking shape. More than 240 merchants have signed up to participate, which is ahead of schedule compared to last year. Knowles projects that more than 1,000 retailers will be involved with the one-day shopping event when participating stores offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.
Free Shipping Day was created to extend the online holiday shopping season for merchants and give procrastinating consumers one final chance to surf the Internet for holiday deals. Merchants like the event because it extends the online holiday shopping season to almost a week before Christmas. Consumers relish the day because it allows them to procrastinate and still get the ideal gift to its intended destination on time. “This summer, we sent out an e-mail to merchants who were involved with Free Shipping Day last year and they were quick to sign up again,” Knowles said. “Since this will be our third year, there is more recognition and familiarity among retailers. They have seen a favorable response from being involved in the previous two events.
Knowles - who created the popular shopping web site FreeShipping.org with his wife, Maisie, in 2007 - hatched the idea for Free Shipping Day just two weeks before the event in December 2008. In an abrupt brainstorm, he thought that retailers would relish the opportunity to extend the online holiday shopping season, which typically peaks in early December because consumers are concerned about their gift orders arriving to their intended destination in time for Christmas.
Among the merchants who have signed up for this year’s Free Shipping Day include Dell, Nine West, Macy's, Cabela's, Overstock.com, Neiman Marcus, Disney Store, Crate & Barrel, DSW and Sierra Trading Post.
“Free Shipping Day encourages people to continue buying items online later into the month of December,” Knowles said. “It is a money-saving measure for consumers and a way to extend the online holiday shopping season for retailers, so everyone benefits.”

Yummy Fall Drinks

Chocolate Smores Martini

2 oz. Three-O Chocolate vodka
2 oz. White Chocolate liqueur
Drizzle of Chocolate Syrup
Marshmallow Creme

Drizzle chocolate syrup in martini glass. Shake vodka and liqueur over ice and pour into glass.
Rub marshmallow creme around the rim of the martini glass and coat with crushed graham crackers. Place marshmallow on skewer and place in cocktail.


Pumpkin Pie-tini

1 oz. Milk
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 ½ oz. Three-O Vanilla vodka
1 ½ oz. Crème de Cacao

Using a small amount of honey, rim martini glass with graham cracker crumbs.
Shake milk and pumpkin puree over ice to combine. Pour in remaining ingredients and shake well. Strain into the martini glass.


CranCider

2 oz. Apple Cider
1 oz. Cranberry Juice
1. oz. Three-O Naked vodka
½ oz. Gran Marnier

Heat apple cider and cranberry juice, add Three-O, Gran Marnier and stir. Garnish with an orange slice.

Einkorn Pasta from Ancient Wheat!

When scientists unearthed the body of Ötzi, the Bronze Age man found perfectly preserved in a glacier in the Italian Alps in 1991, they discovered he had eaten an ancient species of wheat called einkorn for his last meal. A group of Italian researchers became curious about the grain and started what would be more than a decade of discovery. Their findings so intrigued the founders of Jovial™ that they began to work closely together to bring the supply of seeds and grain back to life.
Jovial proudly presents First Ever™ Whole Grain Einkorn Pasta, made from the world’s most ancient wheat, first cultivated 12,000 years ago at the birth of agriculture. The resulting products are wholesome, nutritious and surprisingly delicious. Einkorn was lost in time when new varieties of wheat with much higher yields were created by natural and commercial hybridization. In developing the Jovial™ brand, the company’s founders decided it was time to go beyond organic and take a closer look to find the purest of plant varieties.
“Jovial had its official start in 2010, but was idealized for many years,” said Carla Bartolucci, co-founder of Jovial. “It is our dream to change the future of agriculture by creating consumer demand for the purest, most ancient varieties of food. Our sustainable economic model focuses on farming first and then considers the entire process all the way through to the shelf. We believe the purest food we are all seeking can only come from the purest seed.”
Jovial Whole Grain Einkorn Pasta is available in five varieties: Rigatoni, Penne Rigate, Fusilli, Spaghetti and Linguine. The pastas range from $3.39-3.69 per 12 oz box and are available at Whole Foods nationwide.
Ancient grains are inherently more nutritious than modern varieties. Einkorn is the most ancient wheat. It is more nutritious on many levels than modern organic wheat, and even outperforms other “superfoods” including the blueberry in its nutritional value.  Although Einkorn is a healthy source of dietary fiber, it does not have a grainy or gritty texture. Packed with protein, B vitamins and minerals, a meal with Einkorn pasta is very sustaining.
Einkorn Nutritional Highlights High in Thiamin, essential dietary and trace minerals.
Good source of protein, dietary fiber and a number of B Vitamins.
Higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC-antioxidant capacities) twice that of durum and bread wheat.
Higher content of tocotrienols than other species of wheat, a potent form of Vitamin E.
Lower percentage of nutrient loss during processing
One 2oz. serving contains as much of the antioxidant Lutein as a whole egg (which provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin).
Jovial Einkorn Pasta is masterly crafted in Italy by expert pasta artisans, who work to enhance the inherent goodness of this most ancient wheat. Einkorn’s starch is so different from modern durum wheat, it does not crush during milling and does not absorb as much water during mixing, resulting in a superior finished pasta. Jovial uses traditional bronze dies to press pasta shapes, resulting in a coarse surface that better absorbs sauce. The pasta is slowly dried at low temperatures to maintain Einkorn’s exceptional flavor.
Einkorn is innately rustic, with a hardy root system that overpowers weeds, eliminating the need for herbicides. It grows well without fertilization, making it ideally suitable to small-scale, organic agriculture.  Jovial works with a growing network of organic farmers in rural areas of Italy and other parts of Europe to grow 100% certified organic einkorn.
The First Ever™ trademark on Jovial products is the company’s guarantee of the purest Einkorn product and the purity commitment extends from “Seed to Shelf.”  Jovial Einkorn Pasta is packaged in a carton made from 80% recycled cardboard and is 100% recyclable. The window is certified 100% compostable, made from FSC certified wood pulp.
“We believe that the future of our food is a thing of the past,” said Bartolucci. “We were so excited to discover that a food from ancient history was preserved in time and could still be grown today.”

Go Green for the Holidays!

In the United States alone, an additional 5 million (an equivalent to 25% more garbage) tons of waste is generated during the winter holidays, according to the Clean Air Council.  Four million tons of this waste is attributed to wrapping paper, shopping and gift bags.  In an effort to minimize these astonishing statistics are two emerging leaders, BOBO Wrap and Lyziwraps.

The Stanford University Recycling Center adds, "if every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover nearly 50k football fields."  With that in mind, greener alternatives on how consumers can be gentler to the environment are crucial, particularly with the holiday season around the corner.
Dedicated to the production of top-quality merchandise that will encourage consumers to reduce unnecessary waste and be more environmentally conscious, both Lyziwraps and BOBO Wrap offer elegant reusable alternatives to paper and plastic.

Lyziwraps’ tubular fabric wrap is a wonderful alternative to wrapping paper. These adjustable wraps are easy to use and easy to pack. Like Christmas stockings they can be used over and over, every year. In fact these durable, washable wraps can be used all year long for any occasion. The company also repurposes obsolete marketing banners to create fashionable eco-friendly one-of-a-kind totes – a unique gift in itself.

BOBO Wraps, on the other hand, provide a different - but equally green - kind of solution for wrapping and carrying, inspired by the ancient tradition of “bojagi” (pronounced “BOH-jah-ghee).  Based on an idea that originated centuries ago in Korea and Japan as a way to wrap and transport items before the widespread use of paper and plastic, BOBO Wraps have developed into a multi-functional personal accessory that is an alternative to traditional gift wrap, but can also be used as a purse, wine carrier, home décor and so much more. Echoing the spirit of the original bojagis, which were often made from leftover fabric, BOBO’s are made in the U.S.A. from carefully selected fabrics that already exist in the world.

Passionate about reducing nonessential waste in their own lives, and motivated by the astonishing statistics about the environment, entrepreneurs Jocelyn Childs (Lyziwraps) and Patricia Lee (BOBO Wrap) founded the companies with an intent to go green – to minimize waste, while maximizing design, functionality, reusability and sustainability.

“Lyziwraps is one answer to our quest to save time, energy and money while reducing our impact on the earth,” said Jocelyn Childs, Founder and CEO, Lyziwraps. “One-use-only paper gift-wrap and gift bags are a habit of the past.”

“When the mountains of holiday waste finally became intolerable for me, I began my quest to evangelize the ancient tradition of wrapping with fabric,” said Patricia Lee, Founder and Creative Director, BOBO Wrap. “This beautiful, simple and eco-friendly alternative to wasteful gift wrap has existed for hundreds of years - it just needed to be rediscovered.”

Being sustainable and environmentally-friendly, BOBO Wrap and Lyziwraps are leading the trend of replacing paper and plastic with solutions that are eco-friendly, multi-functional, user-friendly and convenient.

For more information on this trend and the eco-friendly options available today, please visit http://www.bobowrap.com/ and http://www.lyziwraps.com/.

Fresh Out of the Oven: The Cravory (Formerly 410 Degrees) Debuts with a New Name and New Look

The Cravory, formerly 410 Degrees, introduces a new name and design with a guarantee of the same taste bud shocking signature flavors and perfect texture. If you can imagine it, they can create it – whether it’s Savory Rosemary Balsamic, Pancakes and Bacon, Red Velvet, or Chocolate Chip. The Cravory Cookies are the ultimate cookie experience with a soft cookie center and perfectly baked surface that melts in your mouth.
“As our company continues to grow, we wanted to develop branding that truly reflects the quality of our cookie creations,” said Nate Ransom, co-owner of The Cravory. “We have a lot of exciting things planned for the future and we will be sure to unravel them along with hundreds of new flavor creations.”
The Cravory was co-founded by three young entrepreneurs Adam Koven, Nate Ransom, and Derek Jaeger who are extremely passionate about food and absolutely addicted to cookies. Over the cupcake craze and all about texture, they set out to fulfill their dream of creating a cookie company that would allow customers to dream up their favorite flavors and transform them into a cookie. Cookie Chef Jaeger has meticulously perfected his skill of finding the cookie flavor equivalent to make almost any cookie creation. In fact, many argue that his Red Velvet cookie tastes better than any red velvet cake out there.
Crafted from only the finest local ingredients and gourmet flavor combinations, The Cravory has taken cookies to a totally new level introducing the perfect cookies for wine pairings like our Pinot Noir Cookie with goat cheese, toasted almonds and salted caramel. Additionally, they still have their signature flavors like Savory Rosemary Balsamic (the first cookie creation), Birthday Cake, Banana Crème Pie, Pancakes and Bacon, Lemon Cherry Basil, Oreo Milkshake, and more.
Now The Cravory will give its customers the opportunity to join the experience of changing the traditional cookie by creating cookies that are customized exactly to their wildest imaginations. Join The Cravory in its obsession to continually discover new cookie creations by visiting their website at http://www.thecravory.com/.

Jah, Mon!

JAMAICAN GRILLERS SET TO TAKE SPOTLIGHT AT THE WORLD’S LARGEST BARBECUE COMPETITION
Jamaica is preparing to spice up Kansas City’s American Royal Barbecue – the world’s largest barbecue contest with more than 70,000 attendees – with island flair and succulent cuisine. Team Jamaica HogAholics is one of the more than 500 teams firing up the grill to compete in culinary contests from Friday, October 1 to Sunday, October 3. The team will participate in the Open and Invitational categories at the event. 

“As a destination celebrated for unique culinary techniques and delectable cuisine, it makes sense to have a strong Jamaican presence at the world’s largest barbecue contest,” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are excited to showcase our local culinary products that add flavor to our dishes, as well as introduce Kansas City to our tasty Jamaican cuisine. We are very confident that the team will make Jamaica proud.”

The five-member Team Jamaica HogAholics earned its invitation to participate in the esteemed competition after winning the 2010 Appleton Estate All Jamaica Grill Off in Kingston – one of the island’s premier culinary competitions – in June. Jamaica is world-renowned for a similar style of food preparation, known as jerk, done with exquisite herbs and spices, and cooked over a slow, open fire from the aromatic pimento (allspice) branches. The team comprises head chef Christopher Hamilton, of Hamilton's, a popular smokehouse in Kingston; Chris Nakash, Zein Issa-Nakash, Dale Delisser and Richard Harrison.

Attendees who stop by Jamaica’s expo booth will be offered samples of a selection of rich sauces and spices from Jamaican brands such as Pickapeppa, Busha Browne’s and GraceKennedy, along with complementary beverages provided by Appleton and Red Stripe. While the members of Team Jamaica HogAholics are busily preparing dishes for the competition, the Jamaica Tourist Board will be on hand to speak to attendees about the traditional use of the spices, seasonings and sauces used in the creation of jerk dishes, as well as their application in American cuisine. This traditional style of cooking will be incorporated in the team’s chicken, pork ribs, beef brisket, and pork shoulder recipes for the competition.

The American Royal Barbecue will be open to the public on Friday, October 1, with the Barbecue Expo running from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Judging will then take place on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, followed by the open awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

For more information on the American Royal Barbecue visit http://www.arbbq.com/. To learn more about Jamaica’s culinary culture go to http://www.visitjamaica.com/. 

About the Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) from 2006 to 2009, while Jamaica earned the WTA’s vote as the World’s Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination and the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination, for the third consecutive year.
           
JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam and Tokyo. 

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Web site at www.visitjamaica.com, or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422). Follow the JTB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitjamaica, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitjamaicanow or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/aboutjamaicajtb.

Better Made Italian Chicken

I made the BEST chicken using potato chips! It's true! Here is the recipe - my whole family loved it!

Better Made Italian Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 cups Salvatore's Parmesan & Garlic Flavored Krinkles, finely crushed 
• 1 1/2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce, divided
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spread 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x11 pan.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken with melted butter, then dredge in crushed Salvatore's Parmesan & Garlic Flavored Krinkles
4. Bake chicken for 30 minutes, until done (depending on thickeness)
5. Place 1/4 cup of spaghetti sauce on each breast. Place 1/4 cup cheese on top of the sauce.
6. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

YUM!

Classes & Events

Classes & Events

Nourish Your Inner Goddess

Now with more fruit and packed with two times the protein of the leading yogurt, Yoplait Greek® yogurt is one delicious way women can nourish their inner goddess. Hollywood’s own Greek goddess, actress and TV host Maria Menounos, has teamed up with Yoplait Greek to share her tips on how to look and feel red-carpet ready, every day. Together, Menounos and Yoplait Greek will celebrate today’s modern goddess, through the exclusive Yoplait Greek Nourish Your Inner Goddess Retreat at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills.


Hosted by Menounos, the Yoplait Greek Nourish Your Inner Goddess Retreat will provide a day of relaxation for the high-profile guests invited; which include Stephanie Pratt, Shay Mitchell and Kara Taitz, among many others. Guests will enjoy delicious Yoplait Greek recipes, manicures/pedicures, massages and fashion, beauty and health-related giveaways; all things dedicated to helping women feel great, look good and live well.



“I’m a firm believer that the key to looking great—is feeling great,” explains Menounos. “When I’m on the go I always find ways to stay active, but also take time to relax and choose nutritious foods like Yoplait Greek yogurt. With a delicious taste and two times the protein of the leading yogurt, Yoplait Greek really helps me get through my day.”



Yoplait Greek is available in four tasty flavors: Honey Vanilla and Plain, and now Strawberry and Blueberry with more fruit. The yogurt has a unique thick and creamy texture, and each 6 oz. cup contains at least 11 grams of protein and zero grams of fat, making it a perfect choice for an anytime treat. In addition, Yoplait is the only yogurt with vitamins A and D in every cup.



Delectable Dishes, Now with Real Fruit

Yoplait Greek yogurt can also add something special to dishes and snacks – from smoothies, to dinners and desserts. Sweet and savory, protein-packed recipes made with Yoplait Greek include an easy strawberry-banana smoothie, white chicken chili and dark chocolate mousse. All of these tasty recipes take fewer than 20 minutes from start to finish, and can be found at http://yoplaitgreek.com/recipes.aspx.



“We’re delighted to offer new Yoplait Greek yogurt, now with more fruit,” said Betsy Storey, associate marketing manager for Yoplait Greek. “Whether for a snack or used in a recipe at mealtime, the delicious goodness and creamy texture found in every cup of Yoplait Greek helps women feel like a goddess inside and out.”



Yoplait Greek is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1.19 per 6 oz. cup. This September and October, the yogurt lids will turn pink as part of Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives campaign in support of the fight against breast cancer. For every pink lid saved and sent in by December 31, 2010, Yoplait with donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, up to $1.6 million with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. During the past 12 years, Yoplait has donated more than $25 million to the breast cancer cause.



Like all other Yoplait products, Yoplait Greek is made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. For more information on Yoplait Greek and upcoming tips from Maria Menounos, visit www.yoplaitgreek.com and www.facebook.com/yoplait.

Be The Santa!

This holiday season, Sears is giving consumers the chance to “Be the Santa You Want to Be,” as the retailer conducts a national search to find five very unique Santas, each with their own special approach to Christmas. So whether you’re an aspiring actor, the leader of a local theatre group, or just passionate about the way you like to shop, Sears is inviting consumers nationwide to enter for their chance to be cast as one of five different Santa personalities which will be featured in the retailer’s holiday campaign through Dec. 31.



Sears is hosting a casting call to find five Santas to represent the different types of holiday shoppers this season ranging from a Savvysanta to a Procrastisanta. Aspiring Santas are invited to go online at www.sears.com/bethesanta through Sept. 14 and upload a one-minute video explaining why they should be cast as a Sears Santa. The retailer will review all submissions and announce the 2010 cast of Santas on Oct. 8. Ultimately the five Santas chosen will each earn $50,000 and be featured in the Sears holiday ad campaign through Dec. 31.



“Everyone has a different style when it comes to shopping for the holidays,” said Robert Raible, vice president, Integrated Marketing Communications, Sears Holdings. “We want to celebrate those differences and allow all of our customers to be the Santa they want to be this year. But, before the shopping season begins, we need to find the right Santas to represent our brand and our customers. So, whether consumers shop early in the season with Layaway, scour for great deals, utilize our ShopYourWay offerings, or wait to shop until Christmas Eve with last minute gifts, Sears will have a Santa they can relate to.



Sears is looking to cast the following Santa personalities:



Savvysanta: Always organized and always ahead of the game, everyone knows one of these Santas. Before you’ve even got your decorations up, they’re already done shopping. They know all the secret online discount codes and group deals. They earn points and rewards like no one’s business. Plus they can buy online, pick up in store and get back before the neighborhood cookie exchange.





Santamazing: There’s one of these in every family, the dad, aunt or cousin who lives to give and make this Christmas the best ever. Their mission is to blow people away with the biggest, most jaw-dropping gifts around. So they find out what everyone’s wishing for most then somehow find a way to get it under the tree.



Powersanta: Not even Turkey Day tryptophan slows this Santa down. For the Powersanta, shopping is a sport. Frequently spotted with an equally powerful companion, they’re always up at 2 a.m. for doorbusters and first in the queue for Cyber Monday because these Santas are locked into one thing only – finding the most amazing deals on the most sought after gifts.



Santabulous: Also known as the diva of Christmas, these Santas look fabulous and give fabulous. Always inspired by the hottest styles of the season, they make sure everyone on their list looks great. While they’re shopping for others, they’re never afraid to pick up a few must-haves for themselves because if you must be dashing through the holidays, you might as well look good doing it.





Procrastisanta: We all have 365 days to prepare for Christmas but this Santa is typically too busy for the first 363 of them. Don’t get them wrong, they love Christmas but they just have a way of waiting for the last minute to actually start shopping for it. Plus, why start early when you’ve perfected the art of cramming months and months of thoughtfulness into 48 hours?



“The Sears casting call is our modern day twist on an iconic figure and celebrates all the different types of gift givers and shoppers out there,” added Raible.



All submission videos will be posted online so users can view entries and root for their favorites until the cast is announced. For more information, or to apply online, visit www.sears.com/bethesanta.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

This Labor Day, remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. Getting behind the wheel after even just one too many drinks can lead to disaster. How can you support this cause? "Like" it on Facebook. Take the pledge not to drive buzzed.  Most importantly:  JUST DON'T DO IT!

Painting a Room? Save Time and Money

HOW TO REPAINT A ROOM IN A WEEKEND:


10 TIPS TO SAVE YOU TIME (AND MONEY)



Recent surveys reveal that consumers will be doing a lot of remodeling this year. But with the sluggish economy, many are opting for do-it-yourself projects to squeeze the most out of their budgets. One of the most common undertakings: interior painting.



“Nearly everyone agrees that some jobs – like reroofing or electrical work – are best left to the pros, but most people think they can do their own painting,” says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute. “And, generally speaking, they’re right.”



According to Zimmer, many people regard painting as a weekend project. As such, they want to see the fruits of their labor by Sunday night. “That’s a realistic goal, but to achieve it, you have to plan out the job and be well-organized,” she says.



If your organizational skills leave something to be desired, Zimmer offers some suggestions:



1. Get all of your furniture out of the way by moving it to the center of the room, using plastic sliders on heavy items so you don’t have to lift them. Cover everything with plastic, blankets, or old sheets. Then, put down drop-cloths to protect your floors from stray droplets of paint.



2. Scrub all the surfaces you’ll be painting with a sponge and mild household detergent solution before going to the paint store. That will give them time to dry while you’re out shopping.



3. Making multiple trips to the paint store can consume gobs of time, so try to do all of your shopping in just one visit. Before leaving your home, see what painting tools and accessories you have on hand, then create a shopping list. . . or save even more time by going to www.paintquality.com to download a helpful checklist.



4. Buy technologically-advanced top quality 100% acrylic latex interior paint. These durable paints, some of which serve double-duty as both primer and paint, are better at hiding the color that’s underneath. As a result, you may need to apply just a single coat – saving you not only time and effort, but money as well.



5. Tape the edges of the surfaces you’ll be painting to enable you to apply the paint faster. You’ll quickly recover the time spent doing this. And taping will make your finished paint job look a lot neater.



6. Work “top down”: paint the ceiling; then the walls; next, the windows and trim; and, lastly, the baseboards. Following this sequence will help keep just-painted surfaces free of paint spatter or drip marks and cut down time spent on touch-up work.



7. When painting a ceiling or wall, start by “cutting in” a corner section with a paintbrush, applying a 3” band of paint around the edge. This will enable you to quickly fill in the area with a paint roller. Repeat this process in 3-foot increments.



8. Apply the paint liberally. Trying to “stretch” your paint by applying a thin coat is false economy: You might end up needing a second coat to completely hide the original color.



9. Assuming that you purchased top quality 100% acrylic latex paint, your cleanup will be a snap. Being water-based, these paints can be quickly and easily cleaned off of brushes and rollers with plain soap and water.



10. The last time-saver when using top quality latex paint? Not having to wait for the “paint smell” to go away. Eco-friendly latex paints have very little odor, so you can put a freshly-painted room back into service right away.

For more tips on saving time and money when doing interior painting, Zimmer suggests that you invest a few minutes checking out the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com.


About the Paint Quality Institute (SM). The Paint Quality Institute (SM) was


formed by Rohm and Haas Company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The


Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”)) in 1989 to educate people on the advantages


of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality


Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as


color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including


television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional


literature. Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at


www.paintquality.com.

College Football Bargains

1. September and October are great months to catch a game in the Northeast in cities such as Boston. With Boston College and UMASS nearby, take some time to take in the autumnal display of foliage.


2. If you’ve never experienced college football in the South, I encourage you to find a weekend and immerse yourself in the tradition and celebration that is (predominantly) the SEC. Consider Oxford, MS. (Ole Miss), Athens, GA. (UGA), Baton Rouge, LA. (LSU) and Huntsville, AL. (the University of Alabama is ranked #1 pre-season).

Expert tip: Airlines will typically have NCAA fares in and out of cities near to top football towns. Sign-up for the deal emails and act quickly when you see the flight you want. Seats and fares are limited.

3. The crispness of fall is a bit more tolerable out west in places such as Tempe, Arizona. Consider Sun Devil Stadium to watch Arizona State where you can still wear shorts instead of that snowsuit you’ve been eyeing.

4. If you want to join 103,000 fans in the world’s largest sing-along then head to Knoxville, TN for a few hundred rounds of Rocky Top in the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium located on the banks of the Tennessee River. Gatlinburg is another nearby city and worth a night’s stay for a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

5. Home of the College Football Hall of Fame, South Bend, Indiana is a great spot to pay homage to the legends of NCAA football and where a walk around the Notre Dame campus is a lesson in football history itself.

Expert tip: Chicago is an easy drive from South Bend so consider accommodations there and drive over for the game.

6. The Cotton Bowl is home to the annual Red River Shootout rivalary game played between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. Played on neutral territory in Dallas, TX, it also coincides with the largest state fair in the U.S., the State Fair of Texas. And take it from someone who has been there; they can fry just about anything so get ready for some fun fair food and entertainment!

Labor Day Party Recipes

Summer Sunset


1 oz. Three-O Pomegranate Vodka

1 oz. Three-O Mango Vodka

½ oz. coconut rum

1 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. cranberry juice

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass

Garnish with a pineapple slice.



September Sunrise

2 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila

4 oz. orange juice

¾ oz. grenadine

Combine tequila and juice into a cocktail shaker. Shake with ice and strain into rocks glass with ice.

Pour grenadine into the glass, it will naturally sink to the bottom.



The Working-man’s Margarita

1.5 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila

¼ oz. pear puree

¼ oz. fresh lime juice

½ oz. triple sec

Combine ingredients and blend with ice, or shake ingredients with ice and serve on the rocks



White After Labor Day

1 oz. Three-O Triple Shot Espresso

1 oz. white chocolate liqueur

1 oz. half and half


Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass

Garnish with espresso beans.

Back to School Automotive Safety Tips

MAKING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CAR SAFE: TOP FIVE DIY CHECKLIST


Running through this checklist with a son/daughter should help encourage vigilance about vehicle maintenance when parents are not around. For more in-depth information and How-Tos, click here (http://www.automd.com/About-AutoMD/Press/8-17-2010). In all cases, if you are not sure the car is safe to drive, you should have it inspected by your trusted local repair shop before your son/daughter hits the road.

1. Check the tires

· Check tire pressure, tread depth and wear pattern.

· Inspect the tires for tread separation, bulges, and weather cracking.

· Make sure that the vehicle has a usable spare tire.

How to check tire pressure: http://www.automd.com/15/how-to-check-tire-pressure/

How to change a flat tire: http://www.automd.com/186/how-to-replace-a-flat-tire/

2. Check the Brakes

· If the brake rotor is visible through the wheels, inspect the rotor surface for excessive wear and discoloration.

· Check for a firm brake pedal.

· Start the car and check for any brake warning lights on the dash.

· Road test the car and apply the brakes. Make sure the car stops straight and smooth, and there are no squealing or grinding sounds.

3. Check the Lights

· Check the headlights (high and low beams) and taillights.

· Check the brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.

· Check the interior, dome, trunk and hood lights.

How to replace a headlight: http://www.automd.com/585/how-to-replace-a-headlight/

How to adjust the headlights: http://www.automd.com/24/how-to-adjust-a-headlight/

4. Check Under the Hood

· Check drive belts for damage and proper tension.

· Check hoses for cracks, leaks and deterioration.

· Check the date code on the battery, and inspect the battery cables for corrosion.

· Check for a clogged air filter.

· Inspect the fluid levels and check for leaks: Engine oil, transmission fluid (engine must be started and warm), power steering fluid, brake fluid, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Add fluid or change the fluid if necessary.

How to replace a serpentine belt: http://www.automd.com/46/how-to-replace-a-serpentine-belt/

How to replace a radiator hose: http://www.automd.com/149/how-to-replace-an-upper-radiator-hose/

How to replace an air filter: http://www.automd.com/11/how-to-replace-an-air-filter/

How to replace a battery: http://www.automd.com/6/how-to-replace-a-battery/

How to change your oil and filter: http://www.automd.com/101/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter/

5. Check the Glove Compartment

· Owner’s manual with maintenance records

· Current registration and insurance

· Roadside assistance information and Emergency phone numbers

· Flashlight/Maps/portable GPS system.

Vehicle Knowledge and Safe Driving Check

Once the vehicle has been checked out, AutoMD.com recommends that you go for a drive with your son/daughter to make sure he/she understand any quirks the vehicle might have -- and how everything operates, from car alarm to cruise control to hazard lights to GPS system. Run through the different warning lights, what each indicates and how to respond (i.e., check oil, overheating, etc.). This is also a great time to review basic safe driving and traffic rules and to reinforce the dangers and consequence of speeding, and drinking/texting/cell phoning and/or surfing while driving. Run through a safety and ‘what to do’ protocol for a breakdown or accident – and in the event he/she is pulled over by the police. Make sure the vehicle has some form of roadside assistance and is equipped with a toolkit, emergency kit, and flares, etc. And, if you can, teach your son/daughter how to change a tire (for guidance, check AutoMD.com’s How-to change a tire: http://www.automd.com/186/how-to-replace-a-flat-tire/).

“Sending kids off to school in their own car is an important rite of passage… but one that can lead to sleepless nights for parents,” said AutoMD.com President Shane Evangelist. “At AutoMD.com, we believe that information is not only power, but it is security. By providing a checklist that encourages kids to really know and understand their vehicle, as well as a wealth of easily accessible maintenance and repair information online, we hope to help parents feel a little less anxious as that son or daughter drives off to school for the first time.”

For more in-depth information and How-Tos, click here (http://www.automd.com/About-AutoMD/Press/8-17-2010) and/or go to www.automd.com

AutoMD.com™ (www.automd.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq:PRTS), is the most comprehensive and unbiased free online auto repair resource designed to empower car owners with the best way to repair their vehicles. Backed by a team of automotive data specialists and certified auto mechanics who are advocates for the car owner, AutoMD.com allows both car owners and DIYers to 1. Diagnose car problems, 2. Know how much auto repairs should cost, 3. Understand the steps needed and the time it should take with How-to Auto Repair guides, and 4. Find the right local auto repair shop at the right price for their issue and 5. Get your auto repair questions answered by the AutoMD.com community. AutoMD.com was named Best Automotive Website in the 8th annual American Business Awards, also known as the as the Stevie® Awards.


Unlike other repair sites, AutoMD.com does not rely on revenue from repair shops or dealerships, so car owners can rest assured that AutoMD.com repair shop listings are completely unbiased and designed to help car owners choose the best, most affordable shop for their vehicle issue.


1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/teen_drivers/teendrivers_factsheet.html


2 AAA Press Release http://www.aaanewsroom.net/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=7&ArticleID=310

Celebrate Labor Day in Luxury

Tequila embodies the spirit of summer with tasty margaritas and refreshing tequila sunrises. Now, Labor Day is around the corner so it’s time say goodbye to summer in style with some indulgences. If you looking for simple ways to take your party to the next level, here are 4 tips to help celebrate this Labor Day in luxury:


Grab a lobster by the tail: Burgers are an everyday food so upgrade your meal to feature the tastiest crustaceans in the sea. Just have the butter ready.

Spoon a little caviar: Generally reserved for the elite, eating this delicacy will have you feeling like royalty.

Sip on luxury tequila: An individually numbered bottle of Maestro DOBEL Diamond Tequila will provide the perfect compliment to your newfound lifestyle, after all DOBEL is “indisputably the world’s best tequila.”

Finish it off with dessert: Strawberries and fresh whip cream are a nice light finish to a decadent meal.

Elegant Living

Formal living rooms will always hold their own against family rooms as one of the most essential elements of a home, both for entertaining purposes and simply for decoration. Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for window fashions leader Hunter Douglas and the design expert featured on “Ask Sally & Jen” at www.hunterdouglas.com, offers the following advice on how to adorn a formal living room in homes today:


Traditional versus Contemporary: Just because this room is deemed “formal” does not automatically mean it must have a traditional setting. This room is a reflection of the tastes and styles of the homeowner, both in attitude and furnishings, and should be decorated to suit them.

If you tend towards contemporary looks you will gravitate towards statement pieces; one picture on the wall, for example, versus the eight you might find in a traditional interior. And, in traditional décor, shapes are more ornate and finishes are mellow – they look as if they have been aged at least a decade.

Floorcoverings: Luxurious decorations take precedence in the formal living room with the floor serving as the launching pad. For a more traditional feel, use Oriental rugs in common shades of red, orange, yellow and blue. For a more contemporary flare, rugs with geometric patterns or exotic animal prints such as black-and-white zebra stripes add a zesty element.

Window Treatments: Elegance at the window is key, particularly as this room typically resides at the front of the home, giving the first impression of the style of the rest of what’s inside. Luminette® Modern Draperies from Hunter Douglas feature beautiful woven fabrics that offer the look and function of traditional draperies, while making a consistent, clean, modern statement. Unlike traditional draperies, they also offer quick delivery, easy motorization options and the Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee. They’re modern, but with a softness that can work in any design style.

Luminette Modern Draperies also offer a very popular Dual Panel design where the drapery is combined with sheer fabrics on one headrail. This allows for the best of both worlds, the rotating fabric vanes of the sheer providing light and privacy control and the drapery providing elegance.

Walls: Fill this area with decorative items such as gilded mirrors and wall sconces that make the eye wander around the room. Paint hues should be simple so they do not compete with the furnishings and other decorative elements. Colors such as taupe, beige or even a light gold work best. Again, for a more contemporary feel pare down the number of items.

Final Touches: Finish off the look with important accessories including lamps, antique clocks and decorative books, or even a whimsical chandelier. Remember quality over quantity, whatever your style, as you want the room to emit elegance, not clutter.

Using these tips, your living room will be fit to entertain in no time.

Hunter Douglas Inc. is a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered in Upper Saddle River N.J., the company is the leading manufacturer of custom window fashions in North America. For more information, visit www.hunterdouglas.com or call 1-800-274-2985.

Save Money - Travel In The Off Season!

Here is a great way to save money when you're traveling.  You can still go where you want; just change the dates to make it much more affordable! Here's a great post about the best deals from Hotels.com.

Enjoy!

SPRING


1. Denver (April-May)

2. Egypt

3. Hawaii (March – May)

SUMMER

1. Australia (their winter/early spring)

2. Brazil

3. Florida

4. Las Vegas (July and August)

5. Phoenix

6. Ski towns (Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Whistler)

FALL

1. Bahamas

2. Central America (September)

3. Hawaii (August – October)

4. Italy (late September – November)

5. New England (September until early October – before foliage season)

6. Orlando (October until mid-November)

WINTER

1. California

2. Greece

3. New York City

4. South Africa

5. South Padre Island (TX)

6. Wine Country (Napa Valley and Sonoma, CA)

Tequila Lime Chicken

1800 Tequila Lime Chicken


1/4 cup 1800 Silver Tequila

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1 fresh squeezed orange

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chilies

1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

6 boneless chicken breast halves with skin



Mix lime juice, tequila, orange juice, cilantro, jalapeños, chili powder,

salt and pepper in bowl. Coat chicken in marinade and cover to chill overnight.

Grill chicken over medium heat until cooked through, turning occasionally, for approximately 18 minutes. Serves six.

Great Tuna Recipes!

Canned tuna has long been a pantry staple, and is a powerhouse food that’s easy to cook with. Canned tuna fuels our bodies with important vitamins and minerals that help keep us in the best possible health at all life stages, from birth through old age. Most health experts agree that the vast majority of Americans would benefit from eating 8-12 ounces of seafood – including tuna – weekly for optimal health.




By just about any measure, tuna is one of the healthiest foods on earth. For millions of American families, tuna is a delicious, inexpensive and nutritious food rich in essential nutrients including protein, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.



Below are some healthy recipes courtesy of HealthyTuna.com, the website of the National Fisheries Institute – Tuna Council, that take tuna from canned to crave-able!



Albacore artichoke sandwiches (serves two)

1 can (6 oz.) Albacore Tuna

1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts

2 crusty sandwich rolls, split

4 large tomato slices



Drain Albacore tuna, set aside. Drain artichokes, reserving marinade. Cut artichokes into quarters and place over bottom half of each roll. Top with tomato and albacore. Drizzle with reserved artichoke marinade. Top with roll.



Tuna Spinach Salad (serves four)

12 cups pre-washed fresh trimmed spinach

2 cans (6 oz.) drained Albacore Tuna

1 cup medium onions, thinly sliced into wedges or rings

1 cup crumble blue cheese

1/4 to 1/2 cup candied pecans or favorite candied nuts

Desired amount balsamic vinaigrette OR any cream based dressing desired amount



For each serving, place 3 cups fresh spinach on plate. Gently flake 1/2 cup Chicken of the Sea® Premium Albacore Tuna over spinach. Top with 1/4 cup each of onions and crumbled blue cheese. Sprinkle salad with 1 to 2 tablespoons candied pecans. Server with desired amount of dressing



Tuna Italiano Pizza (serves one)

1 (6-oz.) pre-baked individual pizza crust 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup diced Roma tomatoes

1 teaspoon minced shallots

1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar

2 teaspoons fresh-chopped basil

1/4 teaspoon fresh-crushed garlic

1 can (6 oz.) Tuna in Olive Oil



Preheat oven to 350º F. Place pizza crust on pizza pan. Sprinkle cheese over crust; bake until cheese is melted (about 7 minutes). Meanwhile in bowl, combine tomatoes, shallots, red wine vinegar and garlic; set aside. Remove pizza and flake Tuna evenly over pizza. Mix. Spoon tomato mixture over tuna; sprinkle basil over pizza. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer.



According to Registered Dietician Jennifer McGuire, “Fish in all forms, as long as it is prepared in a healthy way, counts toward the 2-3 servings per week goal.” McGuire says that there is no better time to include canned tuna in your diet than now. “As women learn more about the health risks of a traditional low-seafood, high meat American diet, they are looking for healthy proteins to prepare. Fish, from fresh filets to convenient canned tuna, is making a making a real resurgence as a smart-eating staple

Do You Have Renophobia: the Fear of Renovation?

The word “Renophobia” is not in Webster’s Dictionary, yet millions of homeowners suffer from it. It is the irrational fear of renovating your home.


That’s why Bath Fitter (www.bathfitter.com), a leading bathroom remodeling company, invented the word – “renophobia” - and then showcased it in a series of ads reassuring would-be renovators that it won’t break the bank or take forever to remodel – something akin to “renotherapy” or renovation therapy.

All jokes aside, the #1 reason people say they put off remodeling is cost, followed by the inconveniece and the mess of doing without a bathroom for several weeks in the remodeling process, according to a survey sponsored by Bath Fitter and conducted by Harris Interactive.

After all, before Bath Fitter, its founder Brian Cotton caused “renophobia” within his own family when he’d had enough with his struggle to remove the old bathtub in his home, which traditional renovation requires. He ended up attaching one end of a chain to the back of his car and the other end to the tub. With his wife gunning the motor, he removed the bathtub - along with most of a wall - that left him with a big view of his yard… and a big mess.

Cotton knew there had to be a better way and he found it. In the past 25 years, Bath Fitter has helped remodel more than one million bathrooms, helping to ease the “renophobia” plague throughout North America.

Following are some tips to help others overcome their “renophobia”:

Tip #1: Determine a renovation budget. Establish priorities and determine where to best spend money. How much are you willing to spend? How much are you willing to borrow? Check with your local realtor to see if a remodeling investment can pay off in the long run.

Tip #2: Decide which room to start with. The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house and a beautiful bathroom can be a luxurious sanctuary in which to relax and unwind. According to the Harris study, more than four in five U.S. adults (82%) say they love the feeling of taking a long, relaxing shower or bath, and nearly one in three (31%) say their bathroom is their sanctuary. Meaning: the bathroom could be a good place to start.

Tip #3: Risk doing it yourself – or hire an expert? No wonder people contract “renophobia”! Everyone has heard from someone about a DIY remodel gone awry. Tile work is one of the jobs often botched from putting new tile over old tile - without removing the old tile first. It’s important to work with licensed and trained professionals to ensure getting the desired outcome.

Tip #4: Remodel vs. redecorate. Redecorating with new towels, fixtures and paint helps the bathroom cosmetically, but when the grout on a shower or tub is peeling and old tile is cracked and discolored, the job likely requires a renovation instead.

Tip #5: Decide the scope of the project – and take action! A traditional bathroom remodel can take upwards of $15,000 and weeks of work. Companies like Bath Fitter (www.bathfitter.com) can get the job done in just one day and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional remodel

Bath Fitter is a leader in the bathroom remodeling industry. Since it’s founding in 1984, Bath Fitter has remodeled and refinished bathrooms in more than one million homes, apartment buildings, hotels, and other multi-unit properties through a network of franchised and company-owned locations across North America. Bath Fitter manufactures its own product: top-quality acrylic tubs, shower bases, and one-piece wall systems. Using a state-of-the-art thermo molding process, Bath Fitter’s tubs and showers are custom molded to fit right over the existing unit. For more information, please visit www.bathfitter.com or call 1-800-892-2847. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bathfitter or our Twitter personality, Beth Fitter at www.twitter.com/BethFitter.

Did Someone Say MARGARITA?

Virgin Margarita – Love margaritas, but the taste of tequila makes you cringe? Try 1800 Tequila Ultimate Margaritas in Tetra Paks. These on-the-go, alcohol-free margarita flavored mixes can be poured straight out of the package and enjoyed in three great flavors, Pomegranate Margarita, Ultimate Margarita and Ultimate Mojito. An added bonus, the packing is eco-friendly!

Ready to Drink Margarita – Making margaritas have never been easier with 1800 Ultimate Pomegranate Ready-to-Drink Margarita. 1800 Silver Tequila is blended with the flavor of pomegranate to make the perfect ready to pour margarita, taking away the hassle of measuring and mixing.

Do It Yourself Margarita – Whether you want to show off your mixology skills or perfect your margarita recipe. Try this recipe:


Ultimate Margarita

1 1/2 oz 1800 Tequila

1/2 triple sec

1 oz lime juice

Run the rim of a cocktail glass with lime juice, and dip in salt.

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, and serve.

Be the Master of Your Master Bedroom!

While smaller homes are becoming more popular, large-scale master bedrooms continue remain on-trend as they offer an escape from the real world. Sally Morse, Director of Creative Services for window fashions leader Hunter Douglas and the design expert featured on “Ask Sally & Jen” at www.hunterdouglas.com provides the following tips on how to create the perfect retreat in your bedroom:

Atmosphere: Leave the world, and the items that remind you of it, outside where they belong. Your master bedroom should be tidy and clutter-free, offering a place to de-stress and find solace. Replace cell phones and computers better suited for a home office with candles and photos of loved ones.


Furniture: Keeping with the streamlined look, furnish the room with essential elements only. An oversized bed with lots of pillows offers a comfortable escape and focal point. Additional furnishings such as “his and hers” bedside tables provide a place for personal items and an armoire can host a television, decorative books and photographs.

Window Treatments: The right window treatments can soften harsh light and provide privacy and noise control for a restful environment and maybe even a touch of romance. Products such as Silhouette® window shadings from Hunter Douglas diffuse light through two fabric layers for a warm glow and calming effect. The shadings’ rotating fabric vanes have the added benefit of allowing one to manage the amount of incoming light and close when complete privacy and light control are needed. Silhouette shadings also absorb up to 30 percent of reflected sound.

Decorative Accents: Inviting, yet soothing colors such as soft yellows and warm blues invoke a sense of calm and happiness. A fresh coat of paint in these colors can dramatically alter the look of a room. Add an inspirational element using paintings from places around the world where you have traveled or hope to.

Bath: Luxury still resonates with the master bath. “His and hers” vanities remain popular as do relaxing soaking tubs. Scented candles and oversized, fluffy towels add both a functional element and serene setting.

With these tips, you will be dreaming in your bedroom both night and day.

Hunter Douglas Inc. is a national sponsor of Habitat for Humanity, covering windows in every Habitat home built in the U.S. and Canada. Headquartered in Upper Saddle River N.J., the company is the leading manufacturer of custom window fashions in North America. For more information, visit www.hunterdouglas.com or call 1-800-274-2985.

Vacation Villas!