Satori LifeStyle Magazine

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SATORILifeStyle Magazine

Wounded Warriors as Charity Cases

Realistic and Livable Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Satori LifeStyle Magazine Volume IX -- Fall Edition 2012

FallEdition

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From The Editor

Bernice Carter McNeilEditor & PublisherSatori LifeStyle Magazine

Recently, I was watching the Trisha Show and the day’s guests were people addicted to eating strange

things. There were several ladies who on a daily basis ingested anything from dirt to pencil erasers. One lady had horses on her property and she would dig for dirt in areas that had the least amount of droppings.

Yes, that’s what I said, the least amount of droppings. She would fill up her container and then take a deep pleasurable whiff of the dirt before taking it inside for consumption. Another lady not only ate dirt, she included sheet rock and plaster in her diet with a side dish of baby powder.

As the revelation unfolded the studio audience began to frown and utter sounds of disgust and disapproval. Like a flash it hit me that I was experiencing the same reaction and it started me wondering what it was about this story that we found so disgusting and why anyone would eat dirt at any time, let alone as a daily snack. Such eating habits were alien to the audience and I could see no method to the madness; consequently, we had no understanding of the whys of such aberrant behavior but that did not stop our judgment.

It is interesting to say the least, how we can immediately reach a faulty conclusion on the skimpiest of evidence and from that sum up a person’s worth.

Maybe, there are psychological reasons that drive people habitually to eat substances that have no apparent nutritional value. Or, it could stem from folklore and hand me down home made remedies of the past, or it actually may be beneficial in some unknown way.

Things We Just Don’t Understand

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is peren-nial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfold-ing as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”

Source: Max Ehrmann c.1920 -- allpoetry.com

One of the women had just recently lost two family members, one being her mother. I believe she said “this is when I started eating dirt.” Although, there may be other pressing events in her life that contributed to her current behavior we will never know. The same applies to the other guests who shared this way of coping with life’s challenges.

Those of us who do not share such aberrant behavior have no understanding of those who do and only the ignorant and prejudice judge without understanding.

For Times When We Just Don’t Understand

Desiderata Words For Life

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ISSN ONLINE 2157-6890 ISSN PRINT 2157-6882

Home Advisor8 Freshen Up Your Home, Naturally?8 Clean House Naturally Avoid Toxic Cleansers9 Home Maintenance 101: Purchasing a Hot Water Heater0 Pest Prevention Basics Painting Kids’ Rooms Tips and Tricks to Get it Right5 Simple Switches to Spruce Up Any Home 6 Take the Guesswork Out of Finding a Job 6 Seven Tips for Job Search Success7 A Beauty Routine for Your Furniture Cleaning Made Simple

Fitness and Health6 Feel Your Best at Any Age 6 Grab Life by the Handlebars with Expert Cycling Tips7 Realistic and Livable Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle8 Take Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle

LifeStyle Science Can Be Fun8 Happy Holiday Entertaining

CONTENTS

From the Editor Things We Just Don’t Understand Desiderata - Words For Life

Beauty Tips0 Itch Relief Basics


Cover Page

Photo Courtesy Monkey Business Images

Making Cents of It All9 Wounded Warriors as Charity Cases

Food5 Mixing It Up with Jenny -Surprise Lunch Box Treats0 Craving Comfort Speedy Suppers6 Drive Top Food Truck Recipes Into Your Kitchen




Satori LifeStyle Magazine Volume IX -- Fall Edition 2012

FallEdition

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Summer break vanished in the blink of an eye, like it seems to every year, and it’s school time again. Although

the kids may really be ready to return to a regular routine, chances are you might sense a bit of reluctance to leave the ease of summer behind.

So sweeten the trip back to school with a special lunchbox treat.

Making lunch time something your kids look forward to is something you can do every day of the school year. You can bet they won’t be swapping lunches when theirs is so special every day!

Try some of these tips that make the lunch break special:

Pack their favorite sandwich •filling—if they love PBJ or cheese everyday, that’s okay!—but cut sandwiches in halves or quarters, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.Use small self-sealing bags to pack •bite-size servings of fruits and vegetables, such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, grapes and orange segments.Make a snack mix of dried •cereal, raisins, nuts and mini marshmallows.Decorate the lunch bag with •special stickers, or include a note with a special greeting for lunchtime.

It’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets.

Surprise Lunch Box Treats

Make kitchen time with your kids •so they can share the fun in baking treats to tote to school or enjoy for after school with their friends.Wrap up a home-baked treat—•cookies, bars, muffins or these fun and fabulous Surprise Prize Cupcakes.

These frosted cupcakes will be prized. Each holds a surprise of chocolate chip cookie dough baked inside chocolate cupcake batter, so each bite is a delight. Since the recipe makes two dozen, there are plenty to share and enjoy after school, too.

When you’re planning special treats for the lunch box, or want to bake with the kids after school, take a sweet trip through the creative ideas at www.VeryBestBaking.com.

Surprise Prize CupcakesMakes 24 cupcakes

1 package (18.25 ounces) plain chocolate cake mix1 1/3 cups water3 large eggs1/3 cup vegetable oil1 package (16.5 ounces) Nestlé Toll

House Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Dough

1 container (16 ounces) prepared chocolate frosting

Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Mini Morsels

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Paper-line 24 muffin cups.

BEAT cake mix, water, eggs and oil in large mixer bowl on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth. Spoon about 1/4 cup batter into each cup, filling about 2/3 full.

CUT cookie dough into 24 pieces; roll each into a ball. Place one ball of dough in each muffin cup, pressing it to the bottom.

BAKE for 19 to 22 minutes or until top springs back when gently touched. Let stand for 15 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Spread with frosting and sprinkle with morsels.

Food

Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com.

Photo courtesy of Nestlé

Nutrition Information per serving: 310 calories; 140 calories from fat; 16 g total fat; 5 g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 35 mg cholesterol; 300 mg sodium; 43 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 29 g sugars; 3 g protein; 0% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 4% DV calcium; 8% DV iron

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Age is just a number, according to the old adage. Whether you are turning 20 or 60, it is your inner age and

how young you feel that really counts. This is even more true when you create everyday healthy habits that help you feel younger.

“Living a healthy life starts from the inside,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, registered dietitian and national CocoaVia supplement spokesperson. “We don’t often think about it, but the health of your circulatory system is essential for a healthy life – it should be important to everyone and taken care of as you would any other part of your body. This is key to healthy aging.”

Your circulatory system impacts many facets of your health and the way you look and feel. In fact, explains Taub-Dix, heart, brain and eye health – even exercise performance – depend on a healthy circulatory system. But as you age, your blood vessels may become less flexible and less able to expand when needed to keep circulation running smoothly. “Cocoa flavanols are scientifically proven to help support healthy circulation by helping your blood vessels stay flexible and expand as needed, even as you age,” says Taub-Dix. “With daily intake, cocoa flavanols – such as the 250 mg found in the CocoaVia Cocoa Extract Supplement – help oxygen and nutrients reach your organs and tissues, so you look and feel your best today and every day.” To help keep your circulatory system healthy, Taub-Dix has found a number of ways to help you be your inner best, including:

Start your day on a healthy note. When you wake in the morning, set a healthy tone for the rest of your day and begin with a wholesome breakfast, such as almond butter mixed in oatmeal with a fruit smoothie or a yogurt parfait to make sure you’re nourishing your body with exactly what it needs. Add even more health benefits by stirring a package of 30-calorie unsweetened

When the weather is warm, bikers everywhere hear the trails calling their name. Well-known

endurance sports coach Chris Carmichael and award winning professional cyclist George Hincapie share nine tips to help you gear up for your ride. Whether you’re hitting the pavement, dirt trails or rugged terrain, these two cycling superstars promise to help you cycle further, longer and safer this summer.

Build Strength: In between rides, build strength in your legs, arms and back. Bulking up these muscle groups will prevent injury and increase endurance every time you get back on your ride.

Go The Distance: Perseverance is half the battle when it comes to cycling, so with every ride, tell yourself you’ll go a little farther. Every extra mile will add up to give you much-needed endurance, which will come in handy whether you’re exploring a new trail or taking on your first triathlon.

Get Loose: Relax your arms and keep your elbows unlocked. Keeping your body loose while riding helps you better absorb the shock from bumps in the road.

Feel Your Best at Any Age Grab Life

by the Handlebars with Expert Cycling Tips

or sweetened Dark Chocolate flavored CocoaVia supplement in the oatmeal, smoothie, yogurt, or even your glass of milk or cup of coffee. With 250 mg of cocoa flavanols, it’s an easy way to have a delicious breakfast and support your cardiovascular health by supporting healthy circulation.

Fit exercise into your day. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking daily walks is a great way to get your blood flowing, but speak with your doctor about the level of activity best suited for you. When possible, avoid sitting for long periods of time. If you work in an office, make sure to fit in small walks throughout the day – even if that means taking a short 15 to 20 minute walk during your lunch break. Try to get up and move around every half hour or so.

Stay hydrated. Hydration is important for many reasons, but if you’re looking to stick to your goal of exercising daily, you want to make sure your body is properly hydrated. If you’re a soda drinker, consider switching to flavorful options that offer health benefits. For example, add a 20-calorie fruit-flavored CocoaVia packet to your water bottle or iced tea. With two refreshing flavor choices – Summer Citrus and Cran-Raspberry – it’s a flavorful way to stay hydrated while helping support healthy circulation.

To learn more, follow CocoaVia on Twitter at @CocoaVia, like CocoaVia on Facebook or visit www.CocoaVia.com for more information. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Health & Fitness

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Gear Up: When it comes to tracking your goals, today’s technology offers a variety of ways to measure your progress, making it easier than ever to reach your peak and go beyond it. Our personal favorite is Motorola’s MOTOACTV, the all-in-one GPS touch screen cycling computer and smart MP3 player, helping you to stay focused and motivated on any ride.

Stay Seated: Trying to scale an incline? It’ll be harder if you’re standing up. When biking uphill, resist the urge to stand and pedal, and instead shift your gears down and conserve energy by staying in your seat.

Hydrate: The more you cycle the more your body craves fluids in order to replace what you lose in sweat. During the summer, it’s particularly important to stay hydrated throughout the duration of your ride.

Release the Power of Your Playlist: Your playlist is more than just songs to workout to; they’re songs that push you to work – up a hill, during that last mile, on a sweltering day. Before hitting the trail, create your ultimate get-moving playlist to ensure you stay pedaling hard your whole ride.

Switch It Up: Change up your body position while riding to avoid cramps and stressing specific muscles.

Remember, while it’s great to test your boundaries and achieve your goals, be sure to put your health and safety first. Armed with the right mentality and tips, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Visit www.MOTOACTV.com for more cycling advice from the experts and to learn more about MOTOACTV.

(Riding into sunset photo)Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Grab Life by the Handlebars with Expert Cycling Tips

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the past 20 years, the diets of most Americans have

changed, consuming too many calories and too few nutrients. This type of diet leads to weight gain – 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese – and 9 out of 10 Americans fall short of many essential nutrients in their diets. With on-the-go lifestyles, many people find it difficult to eat right, exercise regularly and keep their diet in check. Dr. Melina Jampolis, author of “The Calendar Diet: A Month by Month Guide to Losing Weight While Living Your Life,” knows that even small, consistent steps can lead to big changes over time. “Eating a well balanced diet, keeping to a fitness routine and maintaining one’s weight are all tactics to support a healthy lifestyle. As a doctor specializing in nutrition and weight loss, I’ve been helping people navigate life’s challenges using a motivational and simple, year-long approach.” The “Calendar Diet,” shows you how to maintain a healthy lifestyle month-by-month, allowing you to cut calories without depriving yourself. Dr. Melina shares the following recommendations:

Eat wholesome foods “A menu filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables will give you a big nutritional boost,” suggests Dr. Melina. Vegetables, she explains, are packed with fiber and water, and are low in fat, so they decrease the calorie density of your diet, while boosting overall nutrition. Opt for lean protein in your diet as well, which helps control hunger, stabilize blood sugar levels, support your metabolism, as well as build and protect muscle. Add moderate amounts of “good” fats – found


in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil – to keep calories under control and support the absorption of fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Supplement your diet “When you reduce calories, you reduce nutrient intake. I recommend dietary supplements to my patients who are restricting calories and who want to achieve optimal health,” says Dr. Melina. “When choosing supplements, it is important to go with a reputable brand such as Nature Made,” says Dr. Melina, “which has rigorous quality control standards in place to ensure what is on the label is in the bottle.” Dr. Melina also recommends looking for products carrying the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified Dietary Supplement mark, as a way to ensure the product has met stringent quality criteria for purity and potency. Nature Made was the first company to obtain the USP Verified Dietary Supplement mark for many of its products.For most of her patients, especially those who are overweight or obese, live in northern latitudes, or are at an age greater than 65, Dr. Melina recommends taking a vitamin D supplement as this key nutrient plays a supporting role in bone, heart and immune health. “To determine if you have low vitamin D levels, speak with your doctor about having your blood levels of vitamin D checked,” says Dr. Melina, who recommends adults take 1000 to 2000 International Units (IU) of Vitamin D3 daily to fulfill their vitamin D requirement. Up your activity Always speak with your doctor before beginning a new workout regimen. Make sure you get the recommended amount of activity into your week. “The key is to gradually increase your activity levels,” says Dr. Melina. “By switching up your routine every month, you can continually challenge yourself, improve fitness levels and work major muscle groups in different ways to prevent plateaus.”For more information about vitamin D supplements, visit www.naturemade.com, and to order “The Calendar Diet,” visit www.drmelina.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Health & Fitness


For many, taking the first step toward healthy living can seem overwhelming. But eating more fruits

and vegetables, taking walks, washing your hands, and improving the well-being of your community are all easy ways to become a bit healthier. In fact, according to the American Public Health Association (APHA), nearly 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that can be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle. Each April, APHA celebrates National Public Health Week (NPHW) to spread the word about good health, encouraging both communities and individuals to take an active approach toward healthier living. This year, APHA invites you to “Join the Movement” to improve your health and the health of your community, by providing these tips to make simple changes today for a healthier tomorrow. Live active, eat healthy Small swaps – and steps – can lead to big changes:

Check out the MyPlate recommenda-•tions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at www.choos-emyplate.org to help plan your meals with proper proportions

Look to fill half your plate with fruits •and vegetables when preparing meals

Choose more fish and low-fat meat •cuts

Cook food at proper temperatures•

Talk with elected leaders about in-•cluding sidewalks, bike lanes, and farmers markets in your community

Get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate •to vigorous exercise each week

Encourage children to get 1 hour of •active play each day

Prevent tobacco, drug, and alcohol abuse Education goes a long way in preventing substance abuse:

Talk with your employer about im-•plementing a substance management and tobacco-cessation program for employees

Advocate for smoke-free policies in •your community and workplace

Follow prescription medication in-•structions thoroughly

Do not use illicit drugs•

Do not drive if you are under the •influence

Avoid the spread of communicable disease Communicable diseases can’t be avoided completely, but you can better protect your family:

Wash your hands frequently•

Cover your mouth when you cough •and sneeze

Immunize your family•

Disinfect surfaces in your home and •workspace

Talk with your employer about pro-•viding paid sick days to prevent the spread of communicable diseases

Support local legislation aimed at •lessening the impacts of some of the most serious communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, and tuberculosis

Support reproductive and sexual health Advocacy and education can help encourage safe sex practices and reproductive health:

Practice safe sex•

Use contraceptives •

Visit your doctor for regular screen-•ings

Promote access to quality health •care to reduce HIV/AIDS, gonor-rhea, and other sexually transmitted diseases

Advocate to get comprehensive re-•productive and sexual health educa-tion in your communities

Eat healthy, remain active, quit the •use of tobacco and alcohol, and visit your doctor regularly, especially when pregnant

Promote mental and emotional well-being It is important to advocate for mental health education in your community:

Advocate for mental health aware-•ness and programs within your com-munity’s schools, businesses, and community centers

Talk with your employer about •providing a comprehensive mental health services program as part of the organization’s healthcare plan

Learn to recognize the symptoms of •mental health issues, such as depres-sion

Support local nonprofits aimed at •educating community members about mental illness

Seek out treatment for mental health •issues

To learn more about NPHW, ways you can join the movement, and to read more healthy living tips from APHA, visit www.nphw.org.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Take Steps Toward a Healthier Lifestyle

Health & Fitness

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It never ceases to amaze how quick new cottage industries spring up to take advantage of any money making

opportunity. It’s become painfully obvious that our troops are the latest group to be targeted for exploitation.

Its seems that new groups spring up daily with the stated purpose of caring for and or providing aid and service to veterans of military conflicts, especially those of Iraq and Afghanistan.

By it’s very nature war always leave a significant number of veterans severely damaged and scarred, but in spite of this fact, there has never been an adequate governmental response with the necessary support programs needed for the myriad of ills stemming from military combat. Instead the military and congress have waffled over the need for satisfactory veteran support, debated ad nauseam high profile problems such as Agent Orange, and dithered while the most important military medical facilities such as Walter Reed Hospital were reduced to rat infested way stations for our most seriously wounded.

There has never been an adequate effort from the national leadership, instead we patch up the wounded, discharge them, and then use every excuse imaginable to disown any further responsibility for their well being. How long did it take for the national leadership to acknowledge that Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and Agent Orange were indeed serious and on going problems?

Veterans in need, as with most groups in need, are a constituent with virtually no voice; consequently, their place in the national budget is determined by perceived budgetary constraints and has little to do with actual needs. For this reason many veterans are left dependent on the vagaries of charity; consequently, a host of charitable sounding groups have sprung up to fill the void.

Many of these are unquestionably legitimate and provide a much needed service; however, wounded warriors should not be forced to become charity cases. If you break it you own it! This should be particularly true with our wounded warriors who by all rights are a ward of the government. The military inducts young healthy bodies and

if they sustain combat damage, fundamental decency dictates that they be made whole again before being discharged.

Charities are many and diverse and not all live up to their billing. According to a December 13, 2007 Washington Post article by Philip Rucker: source www.veteranstoday.com:

“Americans gave millions of dollars in the past year to veterans charities designed to help troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, but several of the groups spent relatively little money on the wounded, according to a leading watchdog organization and federal tax filings.

Eight veterans charities, including some of the nation’s largest, gave less than a third of the money raised to the causes they champion, far below the recommended standard, the American Institute of Philanthropy says in a report.One group [American Veterans Relief Foundation] passed along 1 cent for every

dollar raised, the report says.

Another [Help Hospitalized Veterans/Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes] paid its founder and his wife a combined $540,000 in compensation and benefits last year, a Washington Post analysis of tax filings showed.

There are no laws regulating the amount of money charities spend on overhead, fund raising or giving. But the institute’s report suggests that 20 of the 29 military charities studied were managing their resources poorly, paying high overhead costs and direct-mail fundraising fees and, in some cases, providing their leaders with six-figure salaries.”

To ensure that our veterans get the care and attention they need we must pressure the congress and the military to do more and watch carefully where our charity dollars go.

Making Cents of It All


By N. Ronimus

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Overnight Breakfast CasseroleServes: 12 2 packages (12 ounces each) Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage Links 6 English muffins, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded 1 cup (4 ounces) mozzarella cheese, shredded 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup red pepper, chopped 12 large eggs 2 cups milk 1/4 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste 1/4 cup bacon bits Cook sausage according to package directions. Cool slightly; cut into 1/4-inch pieces.

In greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish, layer half the English muffin cubes and half the cooked sausage.

Don’t save all the great food for one holiday meal — make holiday mornings

special with some simple, hearty and flavorful break fast recipes the whole family will want to wake up to.

n Make Overnight Breakfast Casserole the night before, then just heat it up in the morning.

n Set out some Amazing Breakfast Muffin Cups — they’re perfect for people who like to graze throughout the morning.

n Breakfast Pizzas with sausage are quick, fun and delicious — and loved by everyone, from the picky kids, to the uncle who’s never satisfied.

n Sweet & Savory Bruschetta will become your new go-to recipe that makes you proud when you’re asked to bring an appetizer or a brunch dish to share.

Get more satisfying ways to wake up your holiday breakfasts at www.johnsonville.com.

for 45 to 50 minutes, or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.

Let stand 5 minutes.

Sweet & Savory BruschettaMakes: 16 piecesServes: 6 to 8 2 ripe tomatoes, diced 1/2 cup diced sweet pineapple 4 ripe strawberries, stemmed and diced 1/4 cup julienned fresh basil leaves, (about 4 large leaves) 1/4 cup julienned fresh mint

Repeat layers. Drizzle with butter and top

with cheese, onion and red pepper.

In large bowl, combine eggs, milk, salt and pepper. Pour over casserole. Sprinkle with bacon. Cover and refrig-erate overnight.

Remove from refrigerator 30 min utes before baking. Uncover and bake at 350°F

leaves, (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup 1 12-ounce package Johnsonville Original Breakfast Sausage Patties 1 thin baguette, sliced 1/3 cup olive oil 8 slices fresh mozzarella, cut in halfMake bruschetta topping: In bowl, mix together tomatoes, pineapple, straw-berries, basil, mint and maple syrup. Stir to combine. Cover and set aside.

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Divide each of the 8 sausage patties in two and pinch edges to shape into smaller patties. Cook according to pack age directions, set aside. Cover to keep warm.

Place oven rack in top-third section of oven and set oven to broil.

Slice baguette into 16 slices (about 1/2-inch thick) and brush one side with olive oil.

Place baguette slices, oiled side down, on a cookie sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden. Watch care fully — they can go from not-quite-golden, to burned, in 15 seconds.

Using tongs, flip slices over so oiled sides are up. Add 1 slice of mozzarella to each slice; broil 1 minute longer until cheese is melted and edges of baguette slices are beginning to look toasted.

Transfer to a serving platter or indivi-dual plates. Top each with 1 small sausage patty. Spoon bruschetta topping over each, allowing some to spill over.

Serve immediately.

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast PizzaMakes: 12 to 16 piecesServes: 6 to 8 1 package (12 ounces) Johnsonville Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage Links 1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls 1 cup refrigerated or frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded 4 large eggs 1/4 cup milk 1/4 teaspoon dried basil 1 dash cayenne pepper 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, gratedIn bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of 12 greased muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage among muffin cups.

Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Spoon over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set. Option: This recipe can be doubled to make Jumbo Breakfast Muffin Cups. Press hash brown mixture into 12 greased jumbo muffin cups. Bake crust for 12 minutes. Fill cups and bake 22 to 24 minutes or until set.

Place sausage on a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink, turning once; drain and slice into 1/2-inch coins.

Unroll crescent roll dough; separate into eight triangles. Arrange on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan, placing points to the center. Press seams together and press over the bottom and up the sides of pan to form a crust.

Top with hash browns, sausage and cheddar cheese.

Combine eggs, milk and spices; pour over cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean

Amazing Breakfast Muffin CupsMakes: 12 muffin cupsServes: 12 3 cups hash browns, thawed 3 tablespoons melted butter 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 12 links Johnsonville Original breakfast sausage 6 eggs 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded 4-cheese Mexican blend cheese 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper Fresh chives or green onions, choppedIn bowl, combine hash browns, butter, salt and pepper. Press mixture onto bottom and up sides of 12 greased muffin cups. Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, cook sausage according to package directions; cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Divide sausage among muffin cups.

Combine eggs, cheese and bell pepper. Spoon over sausage. Sprinkle with chives. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until set. Option: This recipe can be doubled to make Jumbo Breakfast Muffin Cups. Press hash brown mixture into 12 greased jumbo muffin cups. Bake crust for 12 minutes. Fill cups and bake 22 to 24 minutes or until set.

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Comfort food is different for every body, but the deep satis faction each mouthful brings is the same. To warm the body and the soul on a chilly day, give your favorite comfort foods a delicious makeover with recipes that use Wisconsin-made Grand Cru Gruyere cheese. Gruyere is a great melting cheese with lots of

flavor, which means you get more flavor in every bite.n Instead of Swiss, try Grand Cru Original — Cured over four months; smooth, mellow,

light floral notes; melts easily. Try in fondue, ham and turkey Panini, and classic onion soup.

n Instead of cheddar, try Grand Cru Gruyere Reserve — Cured six to nine months; nutty undertones and hints of fruitiness. Try in omelets, quiche, and lobster mac and cheese.

n Instead of Parmesan, try Grand Cru Gruyere Surchoix — Cured at least nine months; firm texture, complex flavors of caramel, fruit and mushroom. Grate onto risotto or pasta carbonara.

To satisfy your comfort food cravings with more recipes like these, visit www.rothcheese.com.

Swiss SlidersYield: 4 sliders 1 pound ground beefSalt and pepper to taste 6 ounces Roth Grand Cru Gruyere, thinly sliced 4 slices bacon, cooked and cut in half 4 small hamburger buns, lightly toasted Lettuce, tomato, roasted red peppers and onions (optional)Preheat grill.

Season beef with salt and pepper, and form into 8 small, thin patties.

Evenly place 3 ounces cheese in the center of 4 patties. Top with remaining patties, and firmly press edges to seal.

Place sliders on grill. Just before sliders reach desired internal temperature, top with remaining sliced cheese and cook for 1 to 2 additional minutes, or until cheese begins to melt.

Layer garnishes and bacon on bottom buns; transfer sliders to buns and serve.

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Bacon Mac & Cheese

Recipe by Chef Michael Symon Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1 quart (4 cups) heavy cream 4 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped Salt and cracked black pepper to taste 1/2 pound bacon, diced, fried crisp and drained 1 pound elbow macaroni or short hollow pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained, reserving 3 teaspoons pasta water 8 ounces Roth Grand Cru Gruyere, grated Chopped chives for garnishPlace cream in large saucepan with rosemary. Add salt and pepper. Bring to boil and keep at boil until reduced by half (be patient, this takes some time). Stir in bacon and pasta and simmer until hot; add the cheese and reserved pasta water. Stir until cheese is melted. Garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately.

Roast Beef BaguetteYield: 2 servings 1 tablespoon butter 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup Port or Madeira 1 medium baguette (approximately 12 to 14 inches) 4 ounces Roth Grand Cru Gruyere, sliced 8 ounces deli roast beef, shaved or thinly sliced 1 cup au jus or dark beef brothPreheat oven to 375°F.

Over medium heat, sauté onions in butter until soft, lightly browned and caramelized. Turn heat to medium-high, add Port or Madeira, and cook until liquid has almost evaporated. Set aside until serving.

Split baguette down the center, leaving loaf intact.

Place cheese in bottom of baguette. Top with roast beef and caramelized onions. Wrap baguette in aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot.

To serve, remove foil and slice baguette in half. Serve each portion with a small cup of hot au jus or beef broth for dipping.

Savory QuicheYield: 6 to 8 servings 1 9-inch store bought or homemade pie crust, pre-baked 1/4 pound bacon, chopped 1/2 pound oyster and shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 small leeks, cleaned, trimmed and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped Salt and pepper to taste 6 eggs 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup whole milk 8 ounces Roth Grand Cru Gruyere, grated

Preheat oven to 425°F.Sauté bacon in skillet. When fully

cooked, remove bacon and reserve half the drippings in skillet.

Add mushrooms and cook for 3 to 5 min-utes, until tender. Add leeks and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Return bacon to skillet. Season mixture with thyme, nutmeg, chives, salt and pepper; remove from heat.

In large bowl, vigorously beat eggs; beat in cream and milk.

Layer cheese and bacon mixture onto crust. Pour egg mixture over top.

Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temper ature to 350°F and bake for an additional 30 to 40 min utes, or until egg mixture is set.

Remove from oven and allow to cool at least one hour before serving.

Savory Quiche

Food

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Basil Rice and Tomato Soup

Serves: 4 (1 1/4 cups each) 1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup fresh basil, choppedPrepare rice according to package directions.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine pasta sauce, cream and basil. Cover loosely

and microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in prepared rice.

Tips: n If a thinner soup is desired, add

1 cup heated chicken broth. n Serve with cheese crostini and

olive tapenade.n Top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Don’t think you have time to make a delicious meal for your busy family? Think again; with these handy tips and easy recipes — which

call for just four ingredients — you can get a satisfying supper on the table in no time. Make it even easier by including Minute® Steamers into your family’s favorite meals, for wholesome, hearty, time-saving dishes everyone will love.

Use these tips to make meal prep easier during busy nights:

STOCk UP — Always keep some basic ingredients on hand to make last-minute cooking a lot easier.n Frozen vegetables — Can be served

as a side or added to soups and rice dishes.

n Broth — Beef, chicken and vegetable broths can be used to make soups and sauces, and to add flavor when cooking vegetables and rice.

n Add-ins — Nuts, sesame seeds, parsley, dried fruit and cheese can be added to main dishes, sides and salads to make them even more flavorful and nutritious.

TIME SAVERS — Take advantage of grocery items that do some of the work for you. n Frozen rice — For a tasty side

or a starter for a full meal, try Minute® Steamers — exceptional-quality, flavorful rice that heats in the microwave in a self-ventilating steamable bag. It only takes four minutes to have one of six varieties on your dinner table.

n Pre-cut vegetables — Save some prep time by using pre-cut vegetables. Give them a quick wash and they’re ready to use.

n Pre-seasoned ingredients — Look for canned, diced tomatoes with garlic and onions, cheese made with jalapeño, or marinated chicken or pork cuts. These are all ways to add flavor without adding time.

Food

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PLAN AHEAD — If you have more time on the weekend, you can do some prep work to cut down on your weeknight cooking time.n Prep ingredients — Chop vegetables

and shred cheese, and keep them in storage containers or resealable bags in the fridge. You can also brown ground beef and cut any meats into recipe-ready pieces.

n Herb cubes — Put a tablespoon of chopped herbs in each well of an ice cube tray. Fill with either water or olive oil, then freeze. Once frozen, pop them out and store in a freezer bag — you’ll have fresh herb flavor in a flash.

n Cook once, eat twice — Double up on a recipe, then freeze one half for later. Or, plan a second meal around leftovers. For example, use Monday night’s taco meat for Tuesday night’s taco salad.

For more delicious ways to get a speedy supper on the table for your family, visit www.4ingredientmeals.com.

Simple, Time-Saving Solutions to Spruce up RiceDon’t get caught in a dinner-as-usual rut — here are some quick and easy ways you can add a little flair to the family meal, without spending hours preparing dinner:

n Citrus Rice — To hot cooked white rice, add grated orange, lemon or lime zest for a fresh, lively taste.

n Nutty Rice — To hot cooked brown rice, add peanuts, cashews, pine nuts or sunflower seeds; stir in dried cranberries or cherries for added flavor, texture and color.

n Portobello Mushroom Rice — To hot cooked brown rice, add sautéed chopped portobello mushrooms and toasted chopped pecans. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

South of the Border Turkey DinnerServes: 4 1 bag Minute® Steamers Brown Rice 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and crumbled 1 can (11 ounces) southwestern corn blend 1 cup prepared salsaPrepare rice according to package directions.

In medium microwave-safe bowl, combine turkey, corn and salsa. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes. Stir in rice.

Tips: n Add 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack

cheese.n Use as filling in tortillas and top

with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.

n Roll into burrito-sized tortillas and serve with sour cream.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Cheese CasseroleServes: 4 1 bag Minute® Steamers Broccoli and Cheese Rice 1 can (10 3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup 6 ounces (about 1 cup) cooked, diced chicken 1/2 cup milkPrepare rice according to package directions.

In medium microwave-safe dish, combine soup, chicken and milk. Microwave on HIGH for 2 min utes. Stir in rice.

Easy Arroz con PolloServes: 4 1 bag Minute® Steamers Spanish Rice 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed 1 small tomato, diced 6 ounces (about 1 cup) cooked, diced chicken 1/4 cup sliced Spanish olives, sliced 1 green onion, slicedPrepare rice according to package directions.

In medium microwave-safe dish combine rice, peas and carrots, tomato and chicken. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.

Add olives.Tip: n Garnish with green onions.

Speedy SuppersFood


No other trend has parked itself at the forefront of the culinary world quite like food trucks, but these

aren’t the stale doughnut and questionable hotdog stands of yore. From coast to coast, a new generation of chefs has been putting unique cuisines on four wheels. But if you’re not in an urban setting, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on these delectable dishes.

To celebrate the phenomenon, CanolaInfo partnered with four food truck chefs/owners repre sen ting different U.S. regions to create the Street Eats Recipe Collection, allowing home cooks everywhere to recreate delicious food truck fare.

“The economic downturn has driven the street food trend in recent years along with Americans’ love of all things fast and con-venient,” says Josh Henderson, owner of Skillet Street Food in Seattle, Wash. “There are all of these wonderful chefs looking for a way to bring their creations to the masses, and now with mobile kitchens, it’s easier than ever. This recipe collection provides yet another way of sharing our love of flavorful foods.”

Because of its versatility, canola oil is used in each Street Eats recipe. At 468°F, the smoke point (heat threshold) of canola oil is among the highest of all cooking oils, which means it’s perfect for sautéing and baking.

“I use canola oil in my food truck because it can take the heat and has a light texture and neutral flavor,” says Henderson. “From my skillet dishes to my gravy, it is very adaptable, letting other ingredient flavors shine without weighing them down.”

Canola oil can also help kick saturated fat to the curb when used in place of solid fat or other oils in recipes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized a qualified health claim on canola oil’s potential to reduce the risk of heart disease when used in place of saturated fat.

Raspberry Cream Cupcakes with Cream Cheese FrostingBy Frankie FrancolloYield: 24 cupcakes Serving size: 1 cupcake with frostingCupcakes 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 cups granulated sugar 4 eggs 1 cup milk 3/4 cup canola oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen Cream Cheese Frosting 2 packages of cream cheese (8 ounces) at room temperature 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with 24 cupcake liners.

DRIVE TOP FOOD TRUCK RECIPES

In small bowl, combine flour and baking powder. In medium bowl, combine sugar and eggs. Using electric mixer, combine until mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Add milk, canola oil and vanilla. Continue to mix. Slowly add flour mixture until fully combined, scraping sides of bowl with spatula to get out all lumps. Remove bowl from mixer.

Add 1 cup raspberries. Gently mix in raspberries by hand. Spoon mixture into muffin cups until about two-thirds full.

Bake for 20 minutes or until cupcakes spring back to touch. Remove from oven and cool cupcakes completely.

To prepare frosting: In medium bowl, mix cream cheese on medium speed until lump free. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined. Spoon cream cheese frosting into pastry bag with medium round tip and pipe on top of cooled cupcakes. Top each cupcake with a rasp berry. Serve right away or refrigerate until serving.

Food

Into Your kitchen

For the complete Street Eats Recipe collection and list of food truck chefs, visit www.CanolaInfo.org or www.Facebook.com/CanolaInfo.

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Cheddar-Parmesan Poutine with GravyYield: 4 servingsServing size: 1 1/2 cups poutine 4 Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into uniform sticks 5 cups canola oil 2 cups poutine gravy (see recipe) 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese, grated 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley 3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepperSoak cut potatoes in cold water over-night. Before deep-frying, remove potatoes from water and pat dry.

Using deep-fryer, heat canola oil to 375°F. Deep-fry for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove fries from deep-fryer and drain on paper towels.

If necessary, in saucepan, reheat 2 cups poutine gravy and set aside.

Return fries to deep-fryer and fry for additional 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from deep-fryer to stainless steel bowl. Add gravy, cheese and herbs. Stir gently to com bine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Poutine Gravy Yield: 5 cupsServing size: 1/2 cup 3/4 cup diced yellow onion 2 tablespoons diced carrot 2 tablespoons diced celery 2/3 cup canola oil 1 tablespoon chopped sage 1/2 teaspoon tomato paste 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups beef stock 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon chopped garlic 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper In large saucepan, sweat onion, carrot and celery in canola oil over medium heat until slightly caramelized. Stir frequently. Add sage and tomato paste and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.

Sprinkle vegetable mixture with flour and combine to form roux. Heat for about 30 seconds. Add stock, Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Simmer for 35 minutes.

Season with rosemary, salt and pepper. Simmer for additional 10 minutes. Using immersion blender, purée gravy. Leftover gravy can be frozen for future use.

Yield: 4 servingsServing size: Just over 1 cup saladKale Salad 4 cups chopped kale 2 tablespoons chopped, toasted hazelnuts 2 tablespoons dried cranberries 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, whole leaf

Hazelnut-Balsamic Vinaigrette 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 shallot, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup crushed, toasted hazelnuts 1/2 cup canola oil

In large bowl, combine kale, hazelnuts, cranberries, blue cheese and parsley. Set aside.

To prepare vinaigrette: In medium bowl, combine all ingredients except canola oil using immersion blender. Then slowly blend in canola oil until emulsion forms.

Add Hazelnut-Balsamic Vinaigrette to Kale Salad, toss and serve.

kale Salad with Hazelnut-Balsamic Vinaigrette

DRIVE TOP FOOD TRUCK RECIPES

Into Your Kitchen

Food


Homes trap all kinds of smells — last night’s salmon dinner, dirty gym clothes in the laundry basket, the

cat’s litter box and more. When it comes to ensuring the home looks, feels and smells clean, 64 percent of homeowners have even gone to extreme measures to rid their homes of pungent odors, such as replacing a rug or carpet (34 percent), purchasing a new trash can (26 percent) or replacing a couch or another piece of furniture (17 percent), according to a survey commissioned by Filtrete Filters from 3M.

But if you’ve become accustomed to the scents of your own home, how can you really know if it’s odor free? Healthy living expert, Building Biologist and author Lisa Beres shares these simple solutions to naturally create and maintain a fresh home:

kitchen refrigerator: Remove foul odors and stains from leftovers in the fridge by cleaning the drawers and shelves with a homemade cleaning solution. Simply add a few drops of natural dish soap to a bowl of baking soda and stir until it creates a thick paste. Also, store an open box of baking soda inside the fridge to help eliminate odors before they start. Replace it with a fresh box at least every three months.

Candles and air fresheners: Store-bought air fresheners can contain synthetic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can irritate eyes, skin and throats, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Instead, create your own air freshener by combining 10 drops of an essential oil — such as lavender or eucalyptus — with two cups of water.

Pests and repellants: Pesky ants and other insects can make their way into your kitchen pantry when they’re on a mission to find food, but dousing them and your kitchen’s surfaces in toxic repellent isn’t a healthy solution for the home or the family. Instead, set a line of coffee grounds, lemon juice, cinnamon or cayenne pepper around doors and windows to create an effective barrier they won’t cross.

Cooking: Help prevent unappealing cooking odors, such as fish, from spreading and lingering throughout the home by upgrading to the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter. It helps remove odors and gases from the air passing through the filter and helps keep the home fresh for families and houseguests. Synthetic air fresheners, candles and incense only provide temporary relief from odors by masking them in one particular room but will do nothing to remove the odors from the entire home.

Damp towels: Wet towels from a shower, a trip to the gym or a day at the pool can be a breeding ground for mildew to develop if they sit too long without drying. To rid towels of the mildew smell, first wash them once in hot water with a cup or two of white vinegar. Then wash them again with a natural or eco-friendly laundry detergent. Finally, dry the towels in the dryer on high heat. To avoid mildew and associated smells in the future, hang towels up right away to ensure they dry thoroughly. For more healthy living tips, visit www.Filtrete.com.

Photo caption: Photos courtesy of Filtrete

Freshen Up Your Home, Naturally

It’s time to tackle the annual home cleaning. But just because you’re thoroughly washing, scrubbing and

disinfecting your home, doesn’t mean you need to turn to cleansers with harsh ingredients and chemicals. In fact, you can easily clean using inexpensive products already in your kitchen, such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice. Use these tips to clean your home naturally.

Start seeing clearly: After months of winter weather, windows are often coated with a layer of grime. A solution of 2 teaspoons of white vinegar and 1 liter of warm water can be used to gently remove dust or dirt from all glass surfaces including windows and mirrors.

Freshen up the fridge: In addition to food spills, your refrigerator takes on odors from all the different foods stored throughout the year. Discard old items and be sure you are regularly cleaning out the fridge. Help reduce odors year-round by keeping a box of ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda in the fridge at all times, replacing it every 30 days for best results.

Reawaken your wardrobe: Start the season feeling good in clothes that smell fresh. Even when carefully stored, clothing can still be exposed to dust, and may require a good washing before wearing. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your next wash to naturally boost the power of your detergent. The combination will help balance PH levels to leave clothing cleaner and fresher. You can also freshen non-washable items like gym shoes, bags and sports equipment by sprinkling baking soda inside.

Renew the everyday rooms: Avoid the fumes of harsh kitchen and bathroom cleaners by naturally cleaning surfaces with baking soda. A sprinkle of baking soda on a damp sponge will clean counters, stainless steel sinks, microwaves, ovens and much more without scratching. For tough grease, mix vinegar and lemon juice to leave your surfaces like new.

Clean House Naturally Avoid Toxic Cleansers

Home Advisor

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The water heater is the second biggest energy drain in the home behind the heating, ventilation and

air conditioning system – also known as HVAC. Yet when it comes to understanding the requirements and specifications for water heaters, most homeowners don’t know the basics.

According to GE, almost 80 percent of consumers purchase a water heater only when their current unit breaks or leaks and they are forced to look for a quick replacement. But it’s important to know the facts about water heaters and consider different options before making such an important purchase. Use these tips to help you choose the best model for your home:

Look to energy guides and rebates Pay attention to how much energy each water heating unit uses and pay special attention to those models that are Energy Star-qualified. By selecting an Energy Star-qualified appliance, you’ll not only gain the best energy savings, but these water heaters may also qualify for utility rebates, which can lead to a savings between $100 and $1,000 depending on your region. This savings often means replacing your water heater can be relatively inexpensive, allowing you to invest in a more energy-efficient model that will help with continued savings down the road. Check the rebate finder at www.EnergyStar.gov for a list of rebates in your area.

Don’t purchase based on price alone If you’re looking to save money, a moderately priced unit may seem appealing. But the truth of the matter is that water heating systems aren’t all created with efficiency in mind, and a cheaper unit up front may end up costing you more over time. For example, the GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater from GE is 62 percent more efficient than the standard electric water heater. This energy savings can mean homeowners save up to $320 over the

Home Maintenance 101: Purchasing a Hot Water Heater

Bet on a BBQ: After the inside of your home is looking spic and span, prepare for warmer weather and outdoor entertaining. Get your grill ready to prevent bad tasting hot dogs and hamburgers from ruining your next BBQ. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp brush, then scrub away any residue and rinse clean. For really difficult stains, make a paste with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part warm water and use a wire-bristled brush to work away at grime and grease stains.

Find more non-toxic cleaning solutions to get your home warm weather ready at www.armandhammer.com.



course of a year. Though the unit may cost a little more up front, the efficiency of the water heater can mean a difference of up to $3,000 in savings over 10 years.

Study fuel source and size Before purchasing your replacement water heater, make sure to study the size and fuel source of your previous heater. You don’t want to downgrade to a smaller system, and you want to make sure you have plenty of space for your new appliance. In addition, make sure to replace an electric water heater with an electric model, and a gas heater with a gas model. Also, look for models with a heat pump, which helps with efficiency.

When in doubt, call the plumber While some models boast of do-it-yourself capabilities, others require a plumber’s expertise. Plumbers can also provide recommendations for purchasing water heaters and can help ensure you choose a model with the proper connections.

For more tips on purchasing an efficient water heater and to learn about the GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater, visit www.geappliances.com/geospring.

Home Maintenance 101:

Home Advisor



Nobody likes a pest, especially the creepy, crawly kind. But they exist, and, unfortunately, too many of us

make it easy for pests to take up residence right alongside the family.

To help you remember the most effective way to deal with pests, use this acronym — INSPECT. It stands for:

Investigate. Take a serious, strategic approach to discovering potential pest problems in and around your home.

Study. After identifying potential problems, study the potential cause or consequence of these problems.

Prepare. Plan how to most effectively solve your problem. Changing habits to include covering your dryer vent, and only eating in the kitchen can help prevent pests from taking up residence.

Eliminate. Eliminate pest entryways into your home by caulking cracks and trimming trees and shrubs.

Clean. Maintaining your home and lawn are essential for discouraging pests from calling your home theirs. Eliminate opportunities for pests to find food, water, and nesting and hiding places.

Treat. To protect your home and family, properly treat pest problems with the appro-priate pesticide product to effectively manage the problem.

Room by RoomWhile pests can be in any part of your home, here are some of the more common rooms you’ll find them in, and what you can do to keep them out.

BedroomCommon Pests: Bed bugs, dust mitesBed bugs can live anywhere in any home. They tend to concentrate in mattresses, box springs and bed frames, but they can also be in curtains, inside furniture drawers, and in cracks in the wallpaper. They can even hitch a ride on clothing or in a back pack and be carried to and from school.

Bed bugs can live for a year or more without feeding, and can withstand temperatures that range from nearly freezing to almost 113°F. Managing a bed bug infestation is difficult and requires profes sional help, which can include close inspection and monitoring, and possibly removal of all infested materials.Tips:n Check mattresses, headboards and

box springs for signs of beg bug droppings, eggs or live nymphs.

n Regularly inspect backpacks for signs of bed bugs.

n If you suspect a bed bug infestation, contact a licensed pest management professional for an immediate inspection.

Dust mites thrive in warm, humid conditions. They are found in mattresses, furniture, toys, curtains, carpets and rugs. They can trigger asthma, cause dermatitis, and transmit disease.

Tips:n Cover mattresses and pillows with

dust-proof, zippered covers tested and rated for dust mites.

n Frequently change bed linens. Wash bedding and stuffed animals once a week.

n Vacuum areas frequently.n Ask a pest management professional

for help treating for dust mites.

What you need to know to keep pests out of your home

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BathroomCommon Pests: Spiders, silverfish

Spiders like to lurk in corners, cabinets and drawers, as well as clothing and behind curtains. If you have a persistent spider problem, it’s most likely that you also have other pests that are serving as a steady food source for spiders.Tips:n Remove webs with a broom

or vacuum. Destroy any egg sacs you find. Check around windows, in corners or other out of the way spots.

n Check for leaking water lines under the sink and in the shower/tub area.

n Clean faucets and shower heads. n Supplement cleaning with

proper insecticide treatment. Treat around baseboards, in

kitchen Common pests: Ants, roaches, rodents

Insects and rodents look for food anywhere they can find it — cabinets, pantries, floorboards, areas where pet food is stored. These pests contaminate food and carry disease.Tips:n Maintain clean, clutter-free spaces. n Wipe up spills and pick up crumbs

immediately.

Pests at SchoolCommon pests: Bed bugs, cock roaches, spiders and yellow jackets

Tips:n Clean out your child’s backpack

and other bags every day to avoid transporting pests to and from school.

n Encourage your kids to learn to identify potentially harmful pests like stinging insects so they know when to tell an adult and how to avoid being stung.

n Talk to your school about monitor-ing for pests like cockroaches, which are known allergens and can trigger asthma attacks.

n Keep an eye out for pests like flies or mice that can spread diseases or contaminate food in the cafeteria.

School can be a playground for pests. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that schools use integrated pest management (IPM) to deal with pest problems. School IPM programs use common sense strategies that reduce sources of food, water and shelter for pests. They also use pesti cides judiciously and carefully when necessary to eliminate and manage potentially harmful pest infestations.

cracks and crevices and other likely hiding places.

Silverfish like to chew on anything with starch or polysaccrides — paper, photos, hair, wallpaper, carpet, clothing and even dandruff. Tips:n Eliminate sources of water. Fix leaky

faucets, and don’t let water stand in the tub or sink.

n Replace or repair moldy or wet wood in the bathroom.

n Reduce humidity in the bathroom by running a fan or opening a window while you shower.

n Keep stove vents and drip pans clean.

n Store food in air-tight and pest-proof containers, or in the refrigerator or freezer.

n Don’t leave your pet’s food and water dishes out overnight.

n Check for water leaks under the sink and refrigerator.

n Keep trash and recycling areas clean, and rinse out food containers and beverage cans before disposing of them.

n Baits, sprays and traps are effective ways to manage kitchen pests.

To learn more about IPM and preventing pest problems in your home, visit www.debugthemyths.com.

Room by Room

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

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Kids are naturally curious and are full of questions about the world around them. Parents and teachers can help keep that curiosity

alive by finding ways to make learning about science fun and engaging. Here are a few ideas that you can use to help your kids love learning about science.

Fun ExperimentsHands-on experiences help kids of all ages grasp concepts and retain information. There are online resources available to give you the tools you need to make hands-on learning a reality.

For example, MyBotanicPlanet.com is a free website with lesson plans and interactive games for students in grades K–5 to explore basic botany and water conservation. Based on the classroom

experience offered through the Memphis Botanic Garden, and created by TruGreen, MyBotanicPlanet.com features lesson plans by professional curriculum developers to meet National Education Standards. Students can personalize their own avatar and explore the educational site’s inter-active games and activities.

The activity and quiz here are part of the new Water Ways curriculum, which inspires kids to be water’s guar dians. The Water Ways environment features an interactive water filtration game with various difficulty levels and an educational character named Watershed Fred, who helps students learn more about where water comes from and what happens to it when it’s out of sight. Learn more about it at www.MyBotanicPlanet.com.

Fun Field TripsGet some fresh air and a fresh look at nature by going outside. And don’t restrict your field trips to sunny days only. You and your kids will be amazed at how different things appear when it’s been raining or snowing. Where should you go to start digging into natural science?

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Water QuizQuiz courtesy of www.MyBotanicPlanet.com.

See how much you and your family know about water.

1. Which is more — a cup of liquid water or a cup of frozen water? A. Cup of liquid water B. Cup of frozen water C. They are the same amount

2. What happens to rain that falls on a parking lot, other hard surface, or even hard compacted soil? A. It runs off without being absorbed B. May pick up pollution C. May cause erosion D. All of these answers are correct

3. How much of Earth’s available water is drinkable freshwater?

A. 50 percent B. 3 percent C. 100 percent

4. Lawns should be watered when the surface feels dry.

A. True B. False

5. How much of the water we use is used outside?

A. Half B. 75 percent C. 25 percent

6. What does water need in order to change into steam, vapor or humidity? A. Cold B. Wind C. Heat

7. It is possible to pollute a small stream inside a water shed without polluting the rest of the watershed. A. True B. False

8. How does nature make water clean? A. By filtration B. By the water cycle C. Both answers are correct

9. In the water cycle, what comes after evaporation? A. Condensation B. Collection C. Precipitation

10. Can one person, one family, one school or one community make a real difference in the quality of water in one watershed? A. No B. Yes

Water Quiz ANSWERS 1. C. They are the same amount 2. D. All of these answers are correct 3. B. 3 percent 4. B. False. Only when roots

need water. 5. A. Half 6. C. Heat 7. B. False 8. C. Both answers are correct 9. A. Condensation 10. B. Yes

ACTIvITy Window on the Watershed

Activity courtesy of www.MyBotanicPlanet.com.What you needn A sheet of waxed papern A sheet of white papern Spray bottle filled with blue-tinted

watern Shallow pan or trayn Colored markers or felt-tip pens

Roughly crumple the waxed paper. Unfold, and with some pushing and pulling, create a “landscape” with mountains and valleys. Set the waxed paper in the tray.

Let your student spray the tinted water over the landscape to simulate rain. Ask questions like:n Where do raindrops land first?n Why do they go where they go?n Do you see waterways merge as the

rain increases?With rapid spraying, students can create a flood. Show them how “rivers” carry the blue water off the land and into the tray beneath — the “ocean.”

Repeat the activity with a sheet of white paper. Have them draw different colored spots of “pollution” on the hillsides with the colored markers. The rain will blend the colors together, showing how pollution affects the entire watershed.

SCORINg 9–10 points: Congratulations — you’re a watershed wizard. 6–8 points: Good job — you’re a watershed watchdog. 3–5 points: Room for improve ment, but you’re not a water shed wrongdoer. 1–2 points: You might need a watershed wake-up call.

Your backyardn Collect leaf samples to identify, then

use them to make a collage.n Use a magnifying glass to do some

ground-level research. Examine insects, plant stems, tree bark, spider webs and interesting rocks. Have your child give an explorer’s report on what he or she finds.

Your neighborhoodn Make a game out of identifying the

different trees and bushes in the park. Take pictures and leaf samples to help you figure them out.

n Go on a scavenger hunt to a stream or pond. Make a list of items to find: animal tracks, water insects, birds fishing or taking a drink, frogs and toads, even snakes.

Your communityn Visit the zoo. Before you go, have your

child check out some library books about one or two of their favorite animals. They can learn some facts about those animals, then be in charge of teaching you about them when you see them at the zoo.

n Natural history and science museums can be a fun way to learn about the world around you. Take advantage of tours, special exhibits and activities geared for children.


Visit TruGreen’s www.MyBotanicPlanet.com with your student for more lessons and activities that demonstrate the importance of water in our environment.

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Whether you need to set up a nursery for a new baby or update a room for a growing

child, painting is an easy and cost-effective way to create just the right atmosphere. But knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming. These tips will help you choose the best type and color of paint, while keeping the process quick and stress-free.

Sheen SavvySheen determines how shiny your paint looks when it’s dry. Choosing the right sheen adds the perfect finishing touch on a room, and it can make a big difference when it comes to cleaning up.

Semi-Gloss – Brings a soft shine to the room without being overpowering. It’s good for kids’ rooms because it’s durable and easy to clean. You can wipe off crayon and pencil marks with common non-abrasive cleaners.

Eggshell/Satin – Has a smooth finish with a subtle sheen, and is washable and scrubbable.

Flat – A beautiful matte coating with no shine. It is ideal for low-traffic areas and hides minor dents or nicks best.

Choosing ColorsFor many DIYers, choosing paint colors can be a tricky and time-intensive process. There are so many options and many people worry about making a big color mistake.

Get inspired – Look through magazines, websites such as Pinterest®, an online pinboard, and even at friends’ homes to get some ideas. You can also take some inspiration from these color collections by Glidden® paint – available on their website.

Top 10 Baby ColorsCelery Sticks•

Bubblegum Pink•

Iced Purple•

Spring Bluebell•

Early Morning Sun•

Sweet Baby Boy•

Sweet Baby Girl•

Walnut Bark•

Mint Shake•

Rich Navy•

Top 10 Growing Up ColorsTrue Turquoise•

Blue Marina•

Rich Navy•

Sunbaked Orange•

Spring Green•

Refreshing Mimosa•

Blooming Fuchsia•

Fresh Pink Lemonade•

Lilac Bouquet•

Sunbeam•

Try them out – Once you’ve narrowed down your color choices, try out your top picks to see how they will look in the room with your specific lighting conditions. For example, Glidden paint testers come in a variety of colors from the Glidden® Brilliance Collection® paint, which is available only at Walmart stores. The testers have a built-in brush and hold enough paint to cover three square feet so you can experiment with several colors before making a final decision.

Painting kids’ Rooms

Tips and Tricks to Get it Right

Painting TipsConsider using a combination paint •and primer – it can save you time and money by eliminating the need to use two painting products.Work from the ceiling down to the •baseboards. Do one entire wall or area at a time.Use wide masking tape to mask off •areas you don’t want to paint, such as window panes or trim.Use a roller to paint in blocks of •roughly 4 x 4 feet. Paint adjacent blocks before each previous block dries to help blend the edges.Paint molding and woodwork with •a brush, in the direction of the wood grain. Use short strokes to coat the surface, then use longer, smoother strokes for an even and finished surface.Make sure the room is well •ventilated as you paint. Pick a paint that dries quickly and •has low odor, so your child can move into the newly painted space sooner.

To get more inspiration and helpful painting tips, visit www.Glidden.com. You can also try a virtual room painter or calculate how much paint you’ll need for your next project.

Glidden & Brilliance Collection are trademarks of the AkzoNobel group of companies and Pinterest is a service mark of Pinterest, Inc.

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Want to give your home a fresh look, but don’t have the time or energy for a complete

makeover? Ditch the daunting DIY projects. Think small projects to make a big impact according, to design bloggers from VeccoStudio.com, an online resource for simple, customizable DIY design projects.

“I like to think that small changes create a mighty wow factor in homes,” says Jamie Wood, design expert and VeccoStudio.com blogger. “Simple switches like fabrics and displaying seasonal collections in an interesting way elevate a space from common to highly creative.”

Wood is big on swapping out to celebrate seasonality. The transformations happening outside often inspire her décor on the inside.

Wood’s Seasonal Swap OutsArt• : Switch out art in frames with nature-inspired, seasonal illustrations. For example, leaves for fall or flow-ers for spring.

Furniture displays• : Create a “cabi-net of natural curiosities” by putting seasonal elements from nature on display. Birds’ nests, seashells, moss and acorns take on a sculptural qual-ity when displayed in groups.

Rugs: • Change up area rugs according to season using natural fibers such as jute in the summer and shaggier ma-terials in cooler months. Better yet, create your own custom rugs with kits like those from Vecco, which allow you to paint rugs using stencils to cre-ate patterns inspired by the season for a truly unique look.

Bring the Outdoors In with Moon CanyonSpeaking of the outdoors, the hottest trend is bringing nature in, according to Amy Lipnis and her partner Kristen Caissie, designers at Moon Canyon Designs and

resident VeccoStudio.com bloggers. Both say that using real flora and fauna brings a room to life.

As floral designers, Lipnis and Caissie say plants stir the senses with scents, sights and even taste.

Flowers: • If your home receives natu-ral sunlight, try growing plants inside. Bright flowers in pretty and unique pots can bring great pops of color in your design.

Herbs: • Growing herbs in a kitchen window isn’t just pretty, but it also spices up a room with great scents, and of course makes dinner taste bet-ter.

Creative Entertaining with Olsen

Don’t stop the refresh at just the décor; en-tertain the idea of changing up how you host your next soiree.

“Unique and quirky elements will stand out,” said Brita Olsen, VeccoStudio.com blogger and design and event planner for Brita Olsen Creative. “An easy way to give life to a party is putting an unexpected twist

on normally expected items, like a super stylish serving platter or antique rose-col-ored water pitcher.”

Glassware:• Forget the matched set of glassware. Quirky or vintage mix and match glassware makes a unique statement and makes it easier for guests to remember which drink is theirs.

Menus:• Use inexpensive chalkboard paper instead of a traditional tablecloth to transform your table into an interactive writing surface. Or as an alternative, grab candles and write menu items directly on them with a gold paint marker – a menu that melts away as the night wears on.

To stay up to date on the latest in DIY design trends, check out social websites like Pinterest or the Vecco Studio blog at www.veccostudio.com. Both sites are designed to inspire and let you pick up great year-round DIY ideas for making simple switches in your home.

Simple Switches to Spruce Up Any Home

Home Advisor


Searching for a job can be a daunting task—something too many Americans know all too well. Job

seekers need to find creative ways to renew and document their skills to stand out from the crowd.

Gone are the days when refreshing a resume and customizing a cover letter would give prospective employees a shot at landing an interview. Now, employers are looking for a fool-proof way to know the people they hire will be a wise investment.

“Identifying and training the right em-ployee costs time and money to already strapped employers,” said Martin Scaglione, President of the Workforce Development Division at ACT. “Job seekers who can document their skill levels to prospective employers before the interview process help increase their chance of success.”

The process begins with preparation and planning. The following steps can help:

Plan – Before applying for a job, find out what skill set the job requires. ACT, best known for its college entrance exam, has one of the largest, most robust databases of occupational skills available, with more than 18,000 job titles. ACT-authorized job profilers have analyzed the tasks required to perform each job, and identified the essen-tial skills required for these tasks, allowing job seekers to easily match their skill levels to profiled jobs.

Search – Applying for dozens of positions online likely leads to disappointment for most job seekers as their inboxes fill with spam rather than interview invitations. Instead, start by searching top job sites, lo-cal job sites and sites that focus on specific career fields to begin the search. Then, use online tools, job boards and networking to help narrow the choices and lessen the chances of applying for jobs that already have too many applicants.

Take the Guesswork Out of Finding a Job Apply – Most employers get hundreds of

online resumes every day to fill a limited number of positions. Some common tips may help increase your chance of success in the resume screening process:

Follow the online application direc-•tions precisely. The quickest way to be eliminated is to ignore the employer’s specific application process.

Place your computer/software skills •together in a list under one heading, and all other skills under a separate heading.

Include acronyms with spelled out ver-•sions to make sure both are caught in the screening process.

Proofread, proofread, proofread. Then •ask someone you trust to proofread again before you submit your paper-work.

Prove – Employers want to make sure ap-plicants are a sure bet before they are even hired. One of the most efficient ways to demonstrate skills is to earn a widely re-spected, evidence-based skills certification before applying for a job. ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is made up of three assessments measuring essential workplace skills in math, reading and locating information. You may list your Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum NCRC on your resume and a prospective employer can log on to an ACT website to verify your accomplishment.

Job seekers can further their chances for success by taking the NCRC Plus; which measures work-related behaviors beyond cognitive skills and ranks individuals in four “soft skill” categories important to em-ployers.

To learn more about the NCRC, and to find a testing center near you, visit www.act.org/certificate.


Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, the job search process

can be overwhelming. The job search can be particularly challenging for first-time job seekers who may not know where to start. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that candidates can differentiate themselves and improve their chances for success.

Seven Tips for Job Search Success

When looking for positions and potential careers, one tip is to look for successful companies that offer a breadth of career opportunities. For example, while Target has retail leadership opportunities in stores and distribution centers, the company also offers a wide range of careers, including opportunities in technology, fashion, pharmacy and merchandising. Casting a wide net and looking outside traditional or expected careers may open up new areas of opportunity.

Here are seven career search and interview tips from Target to make your job search successful and rewarding:

Organize your search.• Create a plan of attack—this can include developing a preparation timeline, creating or updating your resume, and compiling a list of potential employers as well as the kind of positions you seek.Maximize your reach. • Websites like LinkedIn allow job seekers to stay in touch with previous classmates, internship advisors, colleagues and acquaintances, as well as find new networking opportunities. The site also offers a Learning Center with helpful videos for “Building your brand” and “Growing your network.”Make the most of your time. • Instead of sending out dozens of applications at

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once, take the time to personalize your resume and cover letter for a few jobs you are really interested in and have a chance of landing. The extra time and effort will help you stand out from the crowd of competitors.Ensure your application is top notch. •Think of your resume and cover letter as a way to build a bridge between you and the available position. Through your application, demonstrate your ability to do the job and highlight the experiences that make it clear that you are the best fit.Prepare for each interview.• Complete an assessment of your experience, leadership roles, strengths and weaknesses before the interview, and be prepared to speak about each with the hiring manager. Research potential employers.• In advance of your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and compile a list of at least five questions to ask. Show that you know the company’s business by asking insightful questions about their work and history.Remember to be yourself. • During the interview, try to relax and let your personality shine through. Establishing a personal connection with the hiring manager makes your interview that much more memorable.

For more information on careers at Target, along with helpful interview and resume writing tips, visit www.target.com/careers. You can also visit the Target Pulse Blog to learn more about what it’s like to work at Target, and follow @TargetCareers on Twitter for the latest news on available positions.

Seven Tips for Job Search Success

You nurture, protect and care for the things you love. And, your furniture should be no exception. Whether it’s

a family heirloom or a brand new piece, everyone has furniture they love that should be cared for in the same way as they would personally care for themselves. Caring for home furnishings is more than dusting or giving an occasional polish; rather, it’s about nourishing, revitalizing and bringing out furniture’s inner beauty.

In a recent survey conducted by TheNest.com, nine out of 10 women say they have either a basic or no understanding of how to care for their furniture. And nearly half (44.7 percent) of respondents think about cleaning only when it’s time to entertain – which means most furnishings are not properly taken care of on a regular basis.

To help educate people and get them to rethink traditional furniture cleaning, Guardsman, a furniture care pioneer for nearly 100 years, and TV design star Tracy Hutson, have teamed up to introduce furniture’s new beauty routine. This new furniture therapy mirrors beauty care regimes like sunscreen and concealers, and includes cleansing, polishing and, of course, covering those tiny imperfections.

“You wouldn’t just clean your face only when you have company coming over, or skip applying your anti-aging creams because you don’t see a wrinkle on your face,” said Hutson. An easy-to-follow furniture beauty routine will help revitalize, protect and restore your furniture:

Wood Care

Dust – Use a non-scratch cloth to lightly •remove dust once a week. Always wipe the cloth in the same direction of the wood grain.

Clean – Use a for-wood-only cleanser once •a month. If it’s a frequently used piece that tends to attract spills, such as a kitchen table, clean weekly. Spray the cleanser onto a cotton cloth to help prevent spotting. Wipe in the direction of the wood grain.

Polish – Enhance and maintain wood’s• natural luster by polishing it twice a month. Use a no-wax, no-silicone product to restore natural radiance, free from greasy film and fingerprints.

Additional Special Care for WoodMoisturize – Oiled wood furniture needs •to be moisturized weekly to protect from water stains, replenish lost oils and prevent cracking and fading from sun damage. Hut-son recommends Guardsman Revitalizing Lemon Oil.

Repair Damage – Always keep touch-up •products handy to cover up scratches and minor blemishes.

Fabric Upholstery CareProactively Protect – Spray fabric with •a fabric protector that repels moisture and helps prevent food and beverage stains from bonding permanently to fibers. For the best protection, spray fabric after any professional cleaning, and reapply after any spills are cleaned and dried.Fight Stains – Stain fighting products, •such as the Guardsman Fabric First Aid Stain Remover Kit, can help rescue upholstered furniture from the toughest, dried spills. Always start from the edges to prevent the stain from spreading. Blot spills as soon as they occur, but don’t rub aggressively.

Leather CareDust – Weekly dusting with a •nonabrasive cloth prevents dull build up and maintains luster. Clean – Once a month, use a cleaner to •remove invisible oils, dirt and grime.Protect – Guard leather against •moisture, body oils and stains with a leather protecting product, such as Guardsman Leather Protector.

Hutson says, “Beyond just cleaning, we need to protect and care for our furniture in the same way we take care of ourselves, so that our furniture can look its best and last for years.” Learn more about caring for your furniture at www.guardsman.com.


A Beauty Routine for Your Furniture

Home Advisor


Host a holiday party that’s simple and festive with a combination of pre-made and homemade delights from

the celebration experts at Wilton. For starters, a cookie pan does double duty for holiday-shaped homemade Crispy Cheese Crackers. Serve these aromatic rosemary treats, made into Christmas trees, snowmen and stockings, alongside a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables and made-from-scratch fire-roasted jalapeño dip.

“Guests will think you spent hours baking in the kitchen when you wow them with a seasonal selection of hand-decorated gingerbreads,” says Nancy Siler, vice president of consumer affairs at Wilton.

Easy to assemble with all the trimmings included, there’s a ready-to-decorate gingerbread kit to fit any yuletide gathering.

Complete with pre-baked ginger bread, each kit contains decorating accessories like candies and icings to per sonalize your own mini village, Christmas tree, gingerpop cookies and more.

For another fun twist on a traditional gingerbread house, Siler recommends getting the kids involved. They’ll love the marshmallow-y Holiday House Treat made of cinnamon toasted oats cereal. Once the house is built, watch the kids decorate their yummy creation with a variety of gumdrops, licorice, icings and candies.

To cater to a more sophisticated palate, Siler suggests Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups. A lavish blend of vanilla pudding, crisp-cooked bacon and whipped cream is flavored with caramel ice cream topping and piped into edible, dark cocoa

Candy Melt cordial cups. They’re bite-sized holiday bliss.

Don’t forget eggnog. This year, give your favorite prepared eggnog a chocolate kick and serve Eggnog Hot Chocolate garnished with peppermint Candy Curls.

For more holiday recipe project and decorating ideas, or to purchase ginger-bread kits, visit www.wilton.com.

Follow instructions on package of each kit:n Deluxe Gingerbread Kitn Gingerbread Tree Kitn Gingerbread Boy Cookie Decorating Kitn Gingerpops Cookie Kit n Gingerbread Mini Village Kit

Holiday House Treat, Crispy Cheese Crackers, Eggnog Hot Chocolate, Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups, Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip, Gingerpops Cookie Kit

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Holiday House TreatMakes about 12 servings 6 cups cinnamon-flavored toasted oats cereal 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter 1 bag (10 ounces) mini marshmallows 1-1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Assorted Tube Icing, Decorating Gel, Sprinkles, Colored Sugars, Icing Decorations and other favorite candyPrepare Wilton Stand-Up House Pan with vegetable pan spray.

Place cereal in large bowl. In large saucepan, melt butter; add marshmallows, ginger and cinnamon. Cook and stir con-stantly until melted. Pour over cereal and mix well. Spread cereal mixture into prepared pan. When cool to touch, remove from pan; secure to foil-wrapped cake board with icing. Deco rate as desired with icing, sprinkles, sugars, icing decorations and candy.

Crispy Cheese CrackersMakes 16 to 20 crackers 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup (about 2 ounces) finely grated Asiago cheese 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) toasted pine nuts, finely chopped 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flourPreheat oven to 350°F. Prepare Holiday Cookie Pan with vegetable pan spray.

In medium bowl, beat butter, cheese, pine nuts, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper with electric mixer until creamy and well combined. Add flour; beat until mixture looks sandy and holds together when squeezed in your hand. Press into prepared pan, filling cavities 1/2 full.

Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool in pan 5 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Eggnog Hot Chocolate Makes about 4 servings 2 cups milk 2 cups prepared eggnog 1 cup Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Whipped cream Candy CurlsIn large saucepan, cook milk and eggnog on medium heat until the mixture is hot; turn off heat. Whisk in Candy Melts candy and vanilla extract. Continue whisking until candy is melted and mixture is smooth.

Pour into mugs; garnish with Candy Curls.

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Onion Dip Makes about 1-3/4 cups dip 4 jalapeño peppers 1 package (5.7 ounces) onion soup mix 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaisePreheat broiler.

Place peppers on non-stick cookie pan; broil, turning at least once, 6 to 7 minutes or until blackened. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove stem and seeds; coarsely chop.

In large bowl, stir together onion soup mix, sour cream and mayonnaise. Fold in peppers. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Serve with cucumber and zucchini slices, celery, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers and other favorite vegetables.Note: For spicier dip, include seeds from peppers.

Salted Caramel Bacon Cordial Cups Makes about 24 filled cordial cups 1-1/2 cups Dark Cocoa Candy Melts Candy 3 containers (3.2 ounces each) vanilla prepared pudding 1/2 cup finely chopped crisp-cooked bacon 1 tablespoon caramel ice cream topping plus additional for drizzling 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped Sea salt Fill cordial cup candy mold 1/3 full with melted candy. Using a decorator brush, paint the candy up the sides of each mold to the top edge. Coat mold so that no light can be seen through the shell. Refrigerate until firm, about 5 minutes. Repeat if needed. Carefully remove shells from mold.

In medium bowl, combine pudding, bacon and 1 table spoon ice cream topping; mix until thoroughly combined. Fold in whipped cream. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Using tip #33, pipe filling into candy cordial cups. Drizzle with additional ice cream topping and sprinkle with sea salt.

Deluxe Gingerbread Kit, Gingerbread Tree Kit, Gingerbread Boy Cookie Decorating Kit, Gingerbread Mini Village Kit, Gingerpops Cookie Kit

LifeStyle


From bug bites and dry skin to poison ivy and chronic skin conditions, itch ing makes life very uncomfortable. And it’s an annoyance that gets under just

about everyone’s skin. Sixty-five percent of U.S. adults have

suffered from some kind of itch in the past 12 months; and for 26 percent of those polled, the itch was bad enough to see a healthcare professional, according to a recent poll conducted online by Harris Interactive for TriCalm, a new anti-itch gel.

You know it when you feel it, but what exactly is an itch, and is there anything you can do about it?

Anatomy of an Itch

The skin is your largest organ, and the average body is covered by about 20 square feet of it. Because it’s so large and exposed, it comes in contact with a lot of potential irritants. Itching, known as pruritus, is a built-in defense mecha nism against those irritants.

Sometimes the body’s immune system over reacts to an illness, producing an itchy rash. (See sidebar story, “When is an Itch More than Just an Itch?”) But for most non-illness related itching, here’s how it works:

n Stimuli — such as dust, pollen, bug venom or plant oils — land on your skin.

n When the irritant gets past the surface layer, skin receptors get irritated.

n The receptors send a signal to your brain.

n You start to itch.

The natural response to an itch is to remove the irritant — so the scratching begins. The scratching sensation interrupts the itching sensation because it tells your brain that the irritant is gone. While this may give some initial, immediate relief, scratching ends up irritating the nerve endings in that spot even more — and can open up the skin, exposing it to more irritants. And more itching.

Itch Treatments

It’s important to make sure you know the cause of the itching so you can take appropriate measures to stop it. There are some things you can do to help reduce itching and soothe irritated skin:

n Avoid scratching — Cover the area with bandages or dressings if you can’t stop scratching. If needed, trim your fingernails and wear gloves to bed.

n Apply cool, wet compresses.

n Apply a topical anti-itch cream or lotion to the affected area.

n Moisturize your skin with a high-quality cream at least twice a day.

“Some anti-itch creams work by reducing inflammation, but that’s not always enough,” says Dr. Vishakha Gigler, a San Diego based dermatologist. “TriCalm, a steroid-free anti-itch gel, binds to a subset of nerves called Type C fibers. These are the nerve cells that send the signals of itching, stinging or burning to the brain. By binding to these nerve cells, TriCalm works to inhibit the transmission of those signals. This results in a rapid reduction in itching, stinging and burning.” Learn more, and request a free sample, at www.tricalm.com.

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Photos courtesy of Getty Images

When is an itch more than just an itch?It’s obvious when an itch is caused by a bug bite or poison ivy. But what if you’re not sure what’s causing the itch?

n Dry Skin — Itching that doesn’t come with obvious skin changes, like a rash, is most often due to dry skin, also known as xerosis. Dry skin usually results from environmental factors like hot or cold weather with low humidity, and washing or bathing too much.

n Skin Conditions — Eczema, psoriasis, scabies, hives, and chickenpox can cause itchy skin. The itching is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as bumps, blisters, and red, irritated skin.

n Internal Diseases — These include liver disease, kidney failure, thyroid problems, celiac disease and some cancers. Typically the itching affects the whole body, not just one area.

n Allergic Reactions and Irritations — An irritation can come from wearing wool, or coming in contact with soaps, chemicals or other substances. Sometimes the substance can cause an allergic reaction, such as poison ivy or some food allergens.

n Nerve Disorders — Multiple sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, pinched nerves and shingles are conditions that affect the nervous system, and thus can cause itching.

n Drugs — Some antibiotics, antifungal drugs or nar cotic pain medications can cause rashes and itching.

It’s important to understand and treat the cause of itchy skin, so always seek medical advice before choosing a treatment.

kids Get Itchy, TooThe TriCalm poll found that itches make kids — and their parents — feel pretty bad.

n 81 percent of parents are miserable when their kids are miserable from itch symptoms.

n 62 percent said itching keeps their children up at night.

n 68 percent indicated they’ve used creams to treat itch symptoms.

n 75 percent said they worry about using steroid treatments on their children to treat itch.

To learn more about a steroid-free treatment that is safe for kids over the age of two, visit www.tricalm.com.

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Giving your home a good cleaning doesn’t have to be a big chore. You can make the whole house

look and feel fresher by focusing on a few key areas

kitchenTake care of those areas that might not get daily attention.

n Empty the refrigerator and toss anything out of date or that looks like a science experiment. Remove the shelves and bins, giving them a good cleaning with a solution of 1/4 cup multi-surface cleaner and one gallon of warm water. Rinse and dry thoroughly before putting them back.

FurnitureIn order to keep your furniture looking its best, you need to do more than simply dust now and then.

n For upholstered furniture — Vacuum upholstery and spot clean as needed. For leather pieces, you can get rid of old marks and stains with a specially formulated remover. Use oil-free leather cleaner and protector to keep the original look and feel of the leather.

n For wood furniture — To remove grime and other residues, use a purifying wood cleaner, then follow up with a revitalizing furniture wood polish. It will help enhance and preserve the wood’s natural beauty.

Home Advisor

n Clean and sanitize surfaces that come into contact with food. To sanitize washable hard, nonporous surfaces such as granite, without damaging them, spray DuPont Sanitizer for Sealed Natural Stone. Spray until thoroughly wet and leave it for one minute. Wipe with a clean cloth or let air dry — do not rinse. Learn more tips to care for natural stone at www.dupont.com/jbtips.

n Use a duster with a long handle to clean in higher areas, such as the tops of cabinets, ceiling corners, vents and recessed lighting fixtures.

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BathroomFreshen up the bathroom with these simple cleaning tricks.

n Take care of the tub by scrubbing with baking soda on a clean, damp sponge. Rinse, then wipe dry. You can clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by giving it the same baking soda treatment.

n If you have stone, granite or marble surfaces, use a cleaner made specifically for those materials, such as DuPont™ Soap Scum Remover or DuPont Mold and Mildew Stain Remover for natural stone. Some general purpose cleaners may contain acids, bleach or ammonia that could break down the sealer on natural stone, making the surface more likely to stain.

n Brighten up the bathroom by cleaning the window, mirrors, light fixtures and even the light bulbs with multipurpose surface wipes.

AppliancesThey take up a lot of real estate in the home — make sure they’re clean, too.

n Washing machines can build up a sticky residue inside. If your machine does not have a specific washer cleaning cycle, add liquid chlorine bleach to the dis penser and run a normal cycle with hot water.

n Check the drain area of your dishwasher and remove any bits of food or small items. Place a bowl, right side up, in the top rack and fill it with one cup of white vinegar. With nothing else inside, run the dish washer on its shortest cycle to remove soap scum and hard water buildup.

n Don’t forget the outside of your appliances. For light cleaning, dilute 1/4 cup multi-purpose cleaner in a gallon of warm water. Wipe your washer, dryer and refrigerator clean. For tougher cleaning, use some full-strength multi-purpose cleaner directly on a sponge. Rinse surfaces thoroughly with plain water afterwards. Regular cleaners can leave residue on stainless steel surfaces, however, so use a product such as DuPont Stainless Steel Cleaner that will clean now and resist fingerprints and grease later on.

Home Advisor

ClutterConquering clutter will make your home look better right away.

n Divide and conquer — Sort items into piles for storing, donating or throwing away. When you’ve tossed the junk and donated desig nated items, it’s time to start storing.

n Give everything a home — Instead of putting things into whatever container you might have, look for storage containers to fit your particu lar needs. You can find flexible containers to slide under beds or fit into closet corners; clear totes to hold toys or larger items; divided drawer inserts to organize desk and “junk” drawers; and even attractive baskets and boxes that can store what you need while adding color and design to the room.

FloorsEven if you vacuum regularly, floors and carpets could use a deep down cleaning now and then.

n For carpeted areas — Start by vacuuming as usual, to pick up surface debris. Move as much furniture out of the room as possible. (If you can’t move it, put some plastic under it to protect the legs.) If you don’t want to rent a carpet cleaner, you can use a handheld electric spot scrubber to remove stains.

n For hardwood or vinyl tile areas — Vacuum as usual. Remove as much furniture as possible. Use a steam mop to clean and sanitize the floor. Many models have triangular pads to help you get into corners and around furniture more easily.

n For other tiled areas — If your tile is natural stone, treat stains based on type. If the stain is calcium based, from grout buildup, mineral deposits or hard water, use a pH balanced cleaner for stone.

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Satori LifeStyle Magazine www.satorimagazine.com


Satori Magazine is a quarterly online and print publication intended for international distribu-tion. Satori Magazine’s coverage will include fashion, art, entertainment news, fitness, health, politics, national policy and human-interest stories.

To ensure consistent coverage of critical areas of wide spread interest Satori Magazine will be anchored by 6 permanent columns:

Opinion - Making Cents of It All -- By N. Ronimus will provide wide ranging cover-age of national policy that directly affect your daily household budget.

Health and Fitness - By Diona Lynn Austin will provide factual information on health and fitness with the intent of promoting better health through fitness.

LifeStyle - A potpourri on entertaining articles featuring established and new works.

From The Editor - Insights from Bernice

Home Advisor - Will feature factual articles that run the gamut from how to make home repairs to how to care for a sick child.

Food – Sumptuous and delicious recipes for every season

Visit Satorimagazine.com regularly to keep ahead of the information game

ISSN ONLINE 2157-6890 ISSN PRINT 2157-6882

Contributors

Family Features Bonnie Taub-Dix, Registered DieticianChris Carmichael, Sports CoachJenny Harper George Hincapie, Professional CyclistDr. Melina JampolisDiona Lynn Austin Chef Michael SymonJosh HendersonMonkey Business ImagesLisa BeresGetty Images Amy LipnisN. RonimusKristen CassieBrita OlsenArm & HammerMartin ScaglioneTracy HutsonNancy SilverDr. Vishakaha GiglerDr. Elizabeth Hale, PhdCanolainfo.orgVecco StudiosNestlé

Satori LifeStyle Magazine is printed in the United States and distributed Internation-ally. Satori LifeStyle Magazine is operated and published by Bernice Carter-McNeil Entertainment. No part of this magazine may be printed or reproduced in any way with-out the permission of Bernice Carter-McNeil Entertainment. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010-2012.

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