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.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
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!
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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)
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
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
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
Monday, August 23, 2010
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.
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?
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)