October 6th, 2012 Published by: Old Fashioned Homemaking

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Old Fashioned Homemaking DigestVolume 2

This is the weekly digest of articles from http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com. They are datedOctober 1 through October 5, 2012.

5 Ways to Prepare for theChristmas Season in October5 Ways to Prepare for the Christmas Season in October is apost from: Old Fashioned Homemaking

Even though we go through it every year, preparing for theholidays can still be a daunting task – especially for whoevertakes most responsibility for running the household. There arelots of things that need doing, and it can sometimes be difficultto remember what these are, let alone what action is required.This short list gives you a few pointers that should set youon your way to a smooth and comparatively relaxing holidayseason!

1. Set Your Budget

First and foremost, if you haven’t already, you need to figureout what your budget for holiday expenses is. If you don’tthink your budget is big enough, don’t fret, there are still a fewmonths for you to save a few more bucks.

2. Make An Action Plan

Give some thought to the things you need to do (some of whichare included below). Once you’ve figured out the essentials,make a rough timetable that gives deadlines for each task. Youcan mark this onto a household calendar to serve as a reminderand help you to keep on top of preparation tasks.

3. Start Getting Presents Now

For most, holidays are a time of giving, and this usually comesin the form of presents. Don’t waste any time – if you’re goingto get presents for family and friends, start buying them rightnow! If you’re short on ideas, then ask your kids, friends, andfamily to give you some suggestions. The key is not to leavepresent-buying right up until the last minute. This saves all thestressful and unnecessary rush, and also helps to ensure youcan get the gifts you really want for your children.

4. Write Your Christmas Cards

If you like sending Christmas cards out to your friends andfamily, then don’t wait until the last few weeks before gettingthem ready. As soon as you see cards in the shops, buy somethat you like and start writing them out. You can have them allsigned and ready to go well before send-out time, leaving youwith less on your mind as the season approaches.

5. Stock Up On Ingredients

If you like making special treats for holidays such as cakes andother baked goodies, then buy up the ingredients you neednow. As holidays approach, the things you want are going to bemore in demand and may not be as easy to find. Once you’vegot the ingredients you need, start baking early. Some cakesneed a couple of months to mature before they’re ready to eat,so make sure you get these ready well ahead of time.

Gingerfolk graphic by Trina Clark of http://www.digiscrapkits.com

Get Your Kitchen HolidayReadyGet Your Kitchen Holiday Ready is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(Family Features) Millions of Americans will be taking tothe road this holiday season and odds are some of them arecoming to your home. All of those extra houseguests meanadded kitchen clutter and a sink filled with a plethora of pots,pans and plates. Since the kitchen is the heart of the home,you’ll want to make sure the space remains warm, invitingand sparkling clean during the holiday season. Here are somequick tips to help you get your kitchen ready for friends andfamily:

Countertops – Keep countertops clutter free by doing a quickclearing off. Grab a laundry basket and fill it with those piledup papers and magazines, school projects, and miscellaneousitems that are taking up precious counter space. After thehubbub of the holiday season has died down, you can sortthrough the basket and determine where all the items shouldbe stored.

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Once the counters have been cleared, it’s time to wipeeverything down. And don’t forget about those usually unseenspots – move appliances, cookbooks and displays so you canclean underneath them, rather than just around them. Keep inmind that if you have granite countertops, you need to use apH-neutral stone cleaner. Soap, abrasive cleaners or cleanerswith citrus can damage granite.

Sink – A kitchen may look spic and span, but one stinky spongecan easily mask all your hard work. The new “Dirty DishesDilemma” survey by Palmolive® reveals that close to nineout of ten households (86 percent) have encountered a badsmelling sponge, and almost everyone surveyed (94 percent)said they felt this particular odor impacts their kitchen’scleanliness most.

Help keep guests’ noses from crinkling by ensuring bad smellsare kept at bay. One way you can do that is with the dual-actionformula of Ultra Palmolive® Dish and Sponge FreshTM DishLiquid, which washes away odor-causing residue on spongeswhile its cleaning action helps remove stuck-on food. Dishesare left sparkling clean and sponges are left smelling fresh.

Another way to help keep your sponge smelling fresh?Properly clean your sponges by removing remaining foodparticles and thoroughly rinsing your sponge after using thedish liquid.

Shiny surfaces also enhance a kitchen’s atmosphere. Splotchesand stains are a common sink surface menace even withdaily cleaning. Use an eraser-type sponge and an all-purposecleanser to remove them. You can also try cleaning stains withbaking soda.

Refrigerator - Entertaining during the holiday seasoninevitably leads to lots of leftovers. Make sure shelves aren’tfilled with any food that is past their prime by looking throughyour refrigerator every few days. Don’t forget to clean the binsand door shelves, too. Another way to keep the fridge smellingfresh is by opening a box of baking soda and storing it on ashelf – this will help absorb any lingering odors.

Keep the outside of the refrigerator as sparkling as the insideby wiping down exposed surfaces. Door handles and edges canget grimy so pay attention to those areas.

Creating a warm and inviting kitchen space for the upcomingseason doesn’t have to be time consuming. A little bit ofelbow grease now will get your kitchen ready for the frenzy offestivities ahead.

Learn more about all of the Ultra Palmolive® dish liquidofferings at www.palmolive.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty ImagesSOURCE:Palmolive

Button Up Your Home forWinterButton Up Your Home for Winter is a post from: OldFashioned Homemaking

Contractors’ slow season makes fall a great time to embarkon home improvement projects.

(ARA) – As the leaves turn and fall to the ground, it’s timeto start thinking about “buttoning up” your home for winterto keep you and your family healthy and comfortable, yourbelongings safe and high energy costs at bay.

Heating accounts for 34 percent of all annual utility usage,according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).One of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energyefficiency and comfort of your home is to seal and insulate the“envelope” – outer walls, windows, doors and roof. By doingso, ENERGY STAR estimates that a homeowner can save upto 20 percent on heating and cooling costs, the equivalent tolowering up to 10 percent of total energy costs for the year.

Here are a few ways to keep you and your family healthy, yourbelongings safe and help lower your heating bill:

Preventing the draft

Old, drafty windows and doors can account for home energyloss of up to 30 percent, according to the EPA, whichmeans paying more in the winter to heat your home. Byreplacing non-performing windows and doors, homeownerscan drastically reduce heating costs. A typical home thatreplaces its single-paned, clear glass windows with energy-efficient windows can realize up to $501 in annual savings,according to the EPA.

“Windows are a great source of natural light, and a greatway to admire the picturesque snow-covered trees and lawnswhile avoiding the brisk winter air; however, they can also bethe site of the biggest energy efficiency offender,” says DavidHarrison, chief marketing officer of Champion Windows, oneof the nation’s leading home improvement companies. “Byinstalling our Comfort 365 Windows, homeowners can watchtheir heating bills drop and rid their homes of cold drafts.”

Additionally, old or improperly installed siding can also be thecause of drafts. However, by installing new, energy-efficientvinyl siding and underlayment, homeowners can increase ahomes’ R-Value, a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heattraveling through it.

“Installing energy-efficient siding can help insulate your homeagainst the cold, reduce the amount of air flow into yourhouse, and make it easier to keep warm air in the winter,” saysHarrison.

However, even the best windows, doors and siding can bedrafty, if they are poorly installed. So it’s important to makesure your home improvement is completed by a qualitycontractor who has a long history of being in the business soyou can be sure they will be around if you have any issues downthe road.

Prevent moisture

Water leakage from snow, ice and rain can cause damageto the exterior and interior of your home. This can result

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in costly damage to framing, structure and insulation, moreimportantly it can cause issues – like mold – that can beharmful to the health of your family.

The roof is often the site of leaks in homes; however, byinstalling a new roof and taking the proper precautions, leakswon’t be a problem, especially with Champion’s Comfort 365Roof System, which uses a flexible, self-healing barrier in allleak vulnerable areas and is guaranteed with a limited lifetimewarranty.

“Your home will settle and shift over time and extreme weathercan be an issue,” says Harrison. “It is important to havebarriers to provide protection against leaks caused by roofsetting and extreme weather. Unlike many companies whoonly use this on the north side of a home or treat it asan upgrade, Champion uses a flexible, self-healing barrieranywhere your home’s roof joins and at all attachment points.”

Other ways to improve the seal of your home to preventmoisture damage, drafts and improve energy efficiencyinclude:

• Sealing leaks

• Adding insulation

• Sealing ducts

“Now is the perfect time to make these improvements,” saysHarrison. “Since it’s the offseason, homeowners can find greatdeals and attractive financing to ‘button up’ your home forwinter.”

For more energy saving window, door, siding and rooftips, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s website orChampion Window’s site www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com.

Celebrate Autumn with TheseFun Activities for the WholeFamilyCelebrate Autumn with These Fun Activities for the WholeFamily is a post from: Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – Fall is often considered the coziest of seasons. Nottoo hot, but not too cold, there is something about the vibrantcolors of leaves and crisp air that make you want to pull on asweater and take in all this season has to offer.

Celebrate all the scents and sounds of the fall with a few tipsto make the most of this beautiful season:

• Reread a classic. Cozy up with a classic book. A few of themost anticipated upcoming feature films are adaptations

of classic novels. Take some time away from your busyschedule to revisit some of these books before they hitthe big screen. Throw a few logs into the fireplace, puton your warmest sweater and relax with a good story,whether you’re reading it for the first or 20th time.

• Take a walk. There’s no better way to take in the sights,smells and sounds of fall than being surrounded by theseason. Enjoy the vibrant colors of leaves changing, thefamiliar smell of smoky bonfires and children jumpinginto massive leaf piles. It is the perfect time for longwalks because temperatures aren’t overbearingly hotand the humidity levels are much more tolerable. Dressappropriately for the cooler weather and see what funyou can have outside.

• Help others. Fall is an excellent time to direct yourenergies and donations toward nonprofit organizations.For example, October is Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth, and you can participate in a fundraiser for anybreast cancer organization or donate funds during thisspecial month. Old London is helping to find a cure bydonating 75 cents to breast cancer research for each proofof purchase from any of its products received throughFeb. 6, 2013. Enter the UPC at oldlondonfoods.com.

• Harvest fall fun. Visit a local apple orchard or pumpkinpatch. Apple trees are heavily laden with crisp anddelicious apples this time of year. Head out to an orchardto pluck the perfectly grown fruits off trees bearingyour favorite variety of apples. Or take children on aride at a pumpkin farm. Let them run through thepatch, inspecting every pumpkin for their perfect carvingcreation.

• Feed your autumnal appetite. All of fall’s excitingactivities will leave members of your family feelingvoracious. Warm them up – and create a delicious smellin your house – with a bowl of homemade soup. Thissimple recipe for Chicken Soup and Crackers is destinedto become a fall staple.

Chicken Soup and Crackers

Ingredients:

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or homemade chicken stock

1 (3-pound) chicken, cooked and de-boned, then skinned andpulled

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into large chunks

2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 box of frozen okra

1 box Melba Snacks Spicy 3 Pepper

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Directions:

Place broth in a 3 quart sauce pan. Add the onion, carrots,celery, bay leaf, thyme, turmeric, salt, and pepper and simmeruntil vegetables are very tender.

Add chicken pieces and frozen okra, and boil for 5 minutes.

To serve, place Melba Snacks Spicy 3 Pepper into bowls andcover them with soup. Garnish with parsley.

The fall months are a perfect time to enjoy spending time withfamily and getting outside to enjoy the final warm days of theyear. For additional recipes, visit Old London on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/OldLondonFoods.

Boomers – Shifting HouseholdNeeds Create Home DesignOpportunitiesBoomers – Shifting Household Needs Create Home DesignOpportunities is a post from: Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – Boomers expect to stay in their homes and liveindependently into their later years, but in the midst of changethat is occurring in their households, it’s easy for them to losefocus on planning for their own future housing needs.

New research by The Hartford shows that 40 percent ofboomers have experienced or anticipate experiencing familymember changes in and out of the home, mostly related totheir children. However, 70 percent of boomers have not madedesign changes to their living space, perhaps due to the factthat they don’t know if their children will move back home,notes Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist at The Hartford. Changesthat increase your home’s livability allow you to stay in yourhome longer and make living easy for people of all ages, sizesand abilities.

“Most of us want to stay in our homes as we age, whichoften requires making the design choices to help us do that,”says Olshevski. Moving, remodeling or simply redecorating,all present opportunities to incorporate design factors thatmake your home comfortable and safe for everyone youcare about, from small children to older individuals. Whilea life transition might cause you to halt your plans forimprovements, Olshevski recommends taking the oppositeapproach and using it as an opportunity to incorporate moreaccessible design into the home.

By following the principles of universal design – what’s goodfor people of all ages, sizes and abilities – you can make sureyour home is more livable across your lifetime, and can standup to any life changes that come your way.

Olshevski recommends concentrating on three designelements in order to accommodate changing needs over alifetime:

• Adaptability. Is your home flexible and functional forfamily and friends now and in the future? For example,if you’re installing a new bathroom sink, you mightconsider storage space in the cabinet underneath. Youmay also want to make sure the cabinet opening is atleast 36 inches wide, which allows a wheel chair to slidein between the doors when open and makes the sinkaccessible to all. Or, if you’re installing new kitchencountertops, think about choosing a design with multipleheights to increase flexibility and comfort for things suchas standing for food preparation or sitting to check forrecipes on the computer.

• Ease. Any components you add to your home should beeasy to use. For example, improvements like pull-outdrawers for easy access in kitchens and bathrooms canhelp make reaching for items easier. If you’re replacingdoor handles or faucets, opt for lever style handles thatare easier to turn.

• Openness. Open floor plans are becoming more thetrend, but it’s not just for style reasons. More openspace means additional room to maneuver, eliminatingobstacles for those who have mobility challenges.Improvements like rounding edges on countertops canalso help eliminate sharp objects that could cause injury.

Recognizing both that people are living longer and wish toremain in their homes, and seeing the types of transitionsthat families have gone through over the past few years, TheHartford has dedicated a section of its website to helpingpeople make their homes more livable across a lifetime,meeting the needs of every age and everyone. More resourcesfor getting your home ready for the rest of your life can befound at www.thehartford.com/lifetime.

Should You Winterize YourPet?Should You Winterize Your Pet? is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(ARA) – The arrival of autumn signals many changes in thehousehold, from switching from salads to soups to pullingsweaters out of storage to changing furnace filters. With pets,however, you may need to think as much about what you don’tchange as what you do.

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Chicago veterinarian Dr. Shelly Rubin is well acquainted withthe dramatic temperature swings that accompany the changeof seasons, as well as how to help pets and owners cope withthem. Following is his list of fall do’s and don’ts for pet owners.

• Don’t “fall” off the exercise wagon. With days gettingshorter – and cooler – it can be tempting to skip yourearly morning or evening walk. But with more than halfof all pets in the U.S. being overweight or obese, exerciseis vital. A daily walk, or several shorter walks, can revthe metabolism of both two- and four-legged walkers forhours.

• Do ensure your pet is outfitted for cooler weather. Small,light-bodied breeds, dogs with very short hair and olderdogs with weakened immune systems are likely to needa sweater when venturing outside. And once cold andsnowy weather sets in, dogs may require protectivefootwear to keep their paw pads from freezing.

• Don’t assume that cooler weather eliminates the threatof diseases like heartworm, which are spread by infectedmosquitoes. Mosquitoes have been known to survive wellinto the winter months, thanks to indoor havens andprotected microclimates existing within larger, coolerclimate zones. For this reason, the American HeartwormSociety recommends year-round heartworm protectionfor both dogs and cats.

• Do ensure your senior pet has a warm, draft-free placeto sleep. Many older dogs and cats suffer from arthritis.Just as sore joints in people tend to feel worse in coldweather, so it is with pets. A warm cozy bed can makenights – and mornings – more comfortable.

• Do be sensitive to your pets’ feelings if fall bringschanges to your household. Just like people, pets can getdepressed. And if you’re missing a son or daughter whohas moved away to start college or a job, chances are yourfamily pet is also feeling the loss. Spending time withyour pet and giving him an extra measure of cuddling andaffection will help both of you feel better.

Crockpot Bread and EasyHomemade NoodlesCrockpot Bread and Easy Homemade Noodles is a post from:Old Fashioned Homemaking

I couldn’t sleep last night, so my mind turned to food! I decidedthat today I would search the internet to see if you couldmake bread in a crock pot. The first place I found was http://busymomsmenuplan.blogspot.com. I found three wonderfulrecipes on her site that I had to share with you.

Simple Bread Dough

Source: busymomsmenuplan.blogspot.com via Old Fashionedon Pinterest

Crockpot Bread

Source: busymomsmenuplan.blogspot.com via Old Fashionedon Pinterest

Homemade Pasta Without a Pasta Maker

Source: busymomsmenuplan.blogspot.com via Old Fashionedon Pinterest

I plan to try these as soon as I get the ingredients. I may evenhave everything already on hand. Hope you enjoy these!

October 6th, 2012 Published by: Old Fashioned Homemaking

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Rebates 101: Five Steps ToFinding Free MoneyRebates 101: Five Steps To Finding Free Money is a post from:Old Fashioned Homemaking

(NAPSI)–Good news for homeowners looking to upgrade theirhouse without seriously downgrading their finances: Productrebates are available for many kinds of energy-efficient homeappliances.

Why? The government and utilities both want consumers touse less energy, and one way they hope to influence peopleis by offering incentives to purchase more energy-efficientmodels. For a homeowner, that means saving more on theinitial purchase and on monthly utility bills.

How? Try these tips:

1. Check with your utility company. Electric companiesoften offer rebates on energy-efficient products. Visit theirwebsite and search for a listing of available rebates byappliance category, along with the qualification, incentiveand application. If you can’t find information online, call thecustomer service number listed on your last bill.

2. Research government rebates. Government programs suchas the ENERGY STAR rebate locator let you enter your zip codeand type of appliance at www.energystar.gov to find specialoffers.

3. Search the Database of State Incentives for Renewables &Efficiency (DSIRE) website, www.dsireusa.org, for residentialrebates and incentives in your state.

4. Look for in-store signage. Signs and brochures next toappliance displays often outline available offers and somestore personnel are trained to relay available rebates.

5. Visit manufacturer websites. Some appliancemanufacturers make it even easier to locate rebates througheasy-to-use online search functions. For example, GEAppliances’ Rebate Finder lets you enter your zip codeand the appliance you’re shopping for to view a list ofrebates and immediately download rebate applications. Visitwww.geappliances.com/rebates_promotions to learn more,including how you might be able to earn money for recyclingyour old model. To make rebate and appliance research as easyas possible, a rebate finder is located on every appliance modelpage.

Rebates can help you save a considerable amount of moneywhen it comes to appliance purchases. By making research a

part of your appliance shopping, you won’t miss out on greatsavings.

Cheesy Potato BallsCheesy Potato Balls is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

A very unusual starter, but a bit of a difference is alwaysgood. This starter will please anyone. The soft potato texturecombines perfectly with the melting cheese. This dish shouldbe served warm.

Ingredients

2 potatoes1 cup cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups oil to fry

1/2 tsp. paprika

Directions

1. Boil some water and add the potatoes in it.

2. When the potatoes are boiled, mash them and add salt,pepper, and paprika.

3. Mash well.

4. Take a lump on your hand and make it into a shape of a ball,now press the edges so it becomes flat.

5. Shape it into a well shape so you can fill it in with the cheese.

6. When your shape is right, add the grated cheese into it andcover the ball so the cheese does not show.

7. Heat the oil on medium heat and add the balls into the oil.

8. Fry them until they are a nice golden brown color.

Year-Round Backyard SafetyTips for FamiliesYear-Round Backyard Safety Tips for Families is a post from:Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – Your backyard is a space where you enjoy quality timewith your family – from running around with your kids in thefall leaves to playing catch with your furry friend in the snow.

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It’s a place to escape, but remember accidents can happenanywhere at any time, and just like you childproof your house,you need to ensure your backyard is safe as well.

Keeping your backyard safe begins with your fence. A yardwithout a fence is a little like a house without walls. Fenceshelp protect children from danger, keeping toddlers out ofswimming pools, hot tubs and ponds or keeping them in theyard, away from busy traffic or strangers. Fences can alsohelp keep your own pets in your yard, and other animalsout. They can reduce your liability by preventing injuries touninvited guests on your property, or damage or injury causedby escaped pets.

“A good weekend winterizing project is making sure yourfences and gates are functioning properly and are protectedfrom rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardwareuseless or dangerous,” says Jim Paterson, senior vice presidentof D&D Technologies, which manufactures gate latches andhinges made of ultra-strong engineering polymers. “In ourresearch, we found that when homeowners consider theirfencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longerfunctions properly or becomes a threat to children wastheir top concern. Rust-free and adjustable gate hardware isavailable.”

Seasonal weather, ground settling and other factors can causea gate to become misaligned over time and not functionproperly. It’s important to have gate hardware that can beeasily adjusted to overcome this. TruClose self-closing, tensionadjustable hinges are an ideal solution. Some models arevertically and horizontally adjustable as well. Combined withD&D adjustable, locking gate latches will ensure your gate willalways function properly.

Additional precautions to take when childproofing yourbackyard:

• Tighten and cover any protruding bolts on swing setsand do not attach ropes or cords, which could becomestrangulation hazards.

• Remove old tree stumps and rocks, level concretefootings to avoid tripping.

• Seal wooded items such as decks, swing sets and picnictables before inclement weather sets in.

• Completely fence pool and spa areas with adjustableself-closing hinges like TruClose and self-latching gates,ensuring latches are out of the reach of children such asthe Magnalatch Safety Gate Latch. Both products carry alifetime warranty and are adjustable both vertically andhorizontally for quick and easy adjustments.

• Eliminate access to lawn equipment and chemicals. Putthese items completely out of the reach of children.

• Keep a first aid kit and a rescue kit for those backyardswith water features easily accessible.

Your backyard can be one of the most exciting places for yourchildren through the entire year. A little prevention along theway will keep it safe and provide wonderful memories for yourfamily.

Look for D&D Technologies rust free gate hardware and childsafety latches at www.ddtechglobal.com or under the StanleyHardware brand through Lowe’s.

Outsmart Hunger with 3 EasyTipsOutsmart Hunger with 3 Easy Tips is a post from: OldFashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, it canbe tempting to indulge in delicious food favorites and hidethose few extra pounds under a thick wool sweater. But youshouldn’t have to choose between sticking with your weightmanagement plan and enjoying satisfying and delicious foods.There are some easy and tasty tricks to having your cake andeating it too.

“For those looking to manage their weight, protein and fiberfilled foods are helpful to feeling full longer. Typical proteinoptions like Greek yogurt and eggs are not good sources offiber. One option, Kellogg’s Special K Protein Plus cereal, has10 grams of protein and also three grams of fiber. Special Kalso offers tasty meal bars and shakes to take with you on thego to help avoid those tempting cupcakes at the office,” saysregistered dietitian Sylvia Melendez-Klinger.

Melendez-Klinger shares her tips on ways to outsmart hunger:

• Get those greens. Filling up on low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetables are a great way to incorporate vitaminsand minerals into your diet – and help fill you up at thesame time. Not a salad lover? Integrating veggies intoyour diet can be as easy as topping your sandwich withspinach and peppers or baking chicken with carrots andonions.

• Protein packs a punch. Choosing foods with protein willhelp you feel full longer. “I love options like Special KProtein cereal, bars and shakes, which provide a winningcombination of 10 grams of protein and up to five gramsof fiber to help you satisfy hunger longer,” commentsMelendez-Klinger.

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• Pump up the produce. Adding seasonal produce to eachmeal is another flavorful and delicious way watch thescale. While summer may be best known for bringingfresh produce options to the table, fall ushers in a newgroup of colorful and nutrient-dense varieties of its own,like apples, yams, beets, pumpkins and carrots. Burnsome extra calories by walking to your local farmer’smarket to buy fresh, local options.

Special K Protein products can be found now in the snack,cereal and sports nutrition aisles of grocery, convenienceand drug stores nationwide. For more information abouthow Special K can help you outsmart hunger, visitwww.SpecialK.com/ProteinEffect.

Revamp Your Pantry to SaveMoney and Avoid WasteRevamp Your Pantry to Save Money and Avoid Waste is a postfrom: Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – For a basic green living project with benefits to yourwallet and the environment, consider revamping the kitchenpantry. The cupboard is the starting point for most kitchenactivity and is more than just a storage space. Develop goodbuying habits and build a strong foundation and you can avoidthe waste of food and money. Here’s how to tackle the task atonce or little by little.

Assess

When you are not in a rush to whip up a family meal or putaway loads of groceries, take some time to really look at theitems in your pantry. What is in front? What is hidden in theback? What’s used most frequently? What is expired?

“Be more aware of your consumption habits,” suggests CorySchreiber, a chef instructor at The International CulinarySchool at The Art Institute of Portland. This awareness is asimple step to greener living. “Avoid impulse purchases bybeing more mindful of the emotions that can be involved infood shopping,” he adds. “Not only do you avoid waste thisway, but conscious consumption is more cost effective too.”

Utilize

Another cost-effective method that Joshua Joe, storeroommanager at The International Culinary School at TheArt Institute of California – Los Angeles, a campus ofArgosy University, recommends is a common inventory andaccounting process used by schools, hotels and other foodservice providers. “Practicing a first-in, first-out method ofconsuming your pantry goods is a true way to save moneyand prevent food waste,” says Joe, who purchases the school’sfood supplies. With approximately 500 culinary arts students

regularly coming through the school’s dry storage area, Joeencourages the students to use the earliest bought, or oldest,goods first. “The tendency is to go for the freshest or A+product when the A grade item will do,” he says. “You don’twant to let perfectly usable goods go to waste.”

Stock up

Once you have a handle on what you are buying and how youare consuming it, it is time to stock up.

Schreiber proposes buying high-quality essentials andpurchasing goods in bulk. “Buy the highest quality staples youcan afford,” recommends Schreiber. For example, six poundsof a good butter can last you a solid five months. Other itemswhere quality counts and the products can endure include oils,vinegars, salts, dried herbs and spices. “When possible, buydry goods in bulk too,” he adds. Grains, rice, legumes andpastas are all good products to shop for in a food store’s bulkdepartment.

To store the loose pasta or grains, look for containers witha lower environmental footprint. “Using glass, metal andceramics is the easiest solution,” says Chris Stanley, anIndustrial Design instructor at The Art Institute of Seattle.Stanley, who has taught courses on the history of industrialdesign and in materials and manufacturing, adds “choosesomething classic in design so you won’t be tempted to throwit out in two years. Or, you can re-use glass jars and that fruitcake tin your aunt sends you each year.”

Not only is buying in bulk less expensive, but less packagingmeans less energy used to create the materials and lessgarbage to throw away – all of which are more friendly to theenvironment.

How to Decode Pet FoodLabelsHow to Decode Pet Food Labels is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(Family Features) Pet owners want the very best for theiranimals, but it can be hard to choose the right food. Withhundreds of pet food products available, how do you decidewhat’s best for your pet? It’s smart to start with the label –but labels can be confusing if you don’t know what to look for.Here’s what you need to know.

What you need to know to make the rightfood choices for your pets

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Pet Food NamesSo what’s in a product name? More than you might think.According to the manual produced by The Association ofAmerican Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), if a pet food namesays:

• Chicken, beef, seafood, lamb - it must contain 95 percentof that ingredient.

• A combination of ingredients (Chicken and Liver) –the two named ingredients together must make up 95percent of the total weight. The first ingredient should bethe predominant one. This only applies to animal-basedingredients.

• Dinner, entrée, platter, formula, etc. (Beef Dinner;Seafood Platter) – it must contain 25 percent of the listedingredient. If more than one ingredient is included inthe name, the combination of ingredients must total 25percent of the product.

• With (Lamb with Rice) – it must contain 3 percent of theprimary ingredient.

• Flavor (Chicken Flavored) – no minimum requirements,but the pet should be able to detect the taste.

Ingredient ListThe primary goal of pet food is to deliver key nutrients to yourpet. The higher the ingredient quality is, the easier it is foryour pet to absorb and use the nutrients they contain. Here’s acloser look at pet food ingredients, the primary nutrients theydeliver and the health benefits they offer to pets.

• Fresh meat, chicken, poultry by-product meal, meat by-products, soybean meal and egg - High quality proteinfor muscle tone and development and healthy skin.

• Animal fat, fish oil and vegetable oil - Fats and essentialfatty acids for energy, improved taste and healthy skinand coat.

• Corn, rice, barley, sorghum – Carbohydrates for energyand other nutrients for healthy skin and coat.

• Cellulose, soybean mill run and beet pulp - Fiber sourcesthat promote intestinal tract health; some are helpful inweight control.

Chemical names in the ingredient list are most often vitaminsor minerals added for complete nutrition.

What about by-products? A by-product is a secondary fooditem that is made from a primary ingredient productionstream. A by-product like “chicken by-product meal” cancontain organ meat that has a high nutritional value. In fact,it’s a more concentrated protein source than raw chicken aloneand contains high quality, highly digestible protein.

Not all by-products are created equal. For example, a high-quality pet food often recommended by veterinarians, suchas Hill’s (makers of Science Diet and Prescription Diet), onlyaccept high quality by-product ingredients. However, bargainbrands may use inferior ingredients that include feathers orother lower-nutritional parts of the animal.

Guaranteed AnalysesBy law, pet food packaging must show the minimumpercentages of crude protein and fat, as well as the maximumpercentages of crude fiber and moisture in the product. This isnot an indication of the actual nutrient content or a guaranteeof nutritional quality.

• The minimum amount guarantee shows the lowestamount of nutrient in the food. For example, a productmay have a minimum fat guarantee of 8 percent, butactually contain 15 percent of fat.

• The maximum amount guarantee may be 5 percent fiber,but the product may only have 1 percent fiber.

Remember, if the actual nutritional content is not clear on thepackaging, you can always contact the manufacturer directlyvia their product information toll-free number on the package.

Nutritional Adequacy StatementThe Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)sets the nutritional guidelines for pet foods sold in the UnitedStates. The nutritional adequacy is determined by one of twomethods – formulation and feeding trials.

• Feeding trial method - This requires the manufacturerto utilize an AAFCO-protocol feeding trial using the foodas the sole source of nutrition. The pets’ performanceis documented when fed the food. A sample labelstatement might read, “Animal feeding tests usingAAFCO procedures indicate this food provides completeand balanced nutrition for maintenance of adult dogs.”

• Formulation method - This requires the manufacturerto formulate the food to meet AAFCO nutrient profilesfor dogs and cats. Because it is a calculation of nutrientlevels, and AAFCO feeding trials with pets are notrequired, this is a faster, less-expensive method. Astatement on a product using this method might read,“Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established byAAFCO Cat Food Profiles for maintenance of adult cats.”

Ages and StagesThe AAFCO guidelines only govern food for three pet lifestages: growth and reproduction, maintenance, and all lifestages. Foods formulated for all life stages must meet the mostnutritionally demanding life stage – growth and reproduction.So while getting an all life stages food to feed several petsof different ages might sound good, in reality, this food isdesigned for pets under a year old, or for nursing animals –and may not be a good choice for the nutritional needs of petsin other life stages.

More information about pet food labels can be found onlineat www.fda.gov/animalveterinary under “Resources for You,”and you can learn more about pet nutrition and choosing theperfect food for your pet at www.feedingisbelieving.com.

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What Does “Natural” Mean?

AAFCO has developed some guidelines for natural claims forpet foods.

• In general, the term “Natural” is applied to products thatare free of artificial flavors, artificial colors and artificialpreservatives.

• While preservatives are needed to prevent food fromgoing rancid, natural products use natural sourcepreservatives instead of artificial ones.

• “Holistic” has no legal definition and can be usedhowever the manufacturer chooses.

• The word “Organic” refers to how the source plants weregrown or animals were raised. Currently, USDA and stateregulators allow the usage of “organic” on pet food labelsif human guidelines are met.

Organic terminology includes the following:

• 100 percent organic. Everything in the bag or can isorganic.

• Organic – at least 95 percent of the content is organic.

• Made with organic – at least 70 percent is organic(however, the USDA “Organic Seal” may not be used onthe label).

• Any product with less than 70 percent organicingredients cannot be called organic, but may list organicingredients in the product’s ingredient list as organic(e.g. organic chicken).

SOURCE:Hill’s

Fire-Proof Your Home ThisSeasonFire-Proof Your Home This Season is a post from: OldFashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – ‘Tis the season for at-home entertaining – food,friends, family, fun and yes, even fires. Fire fighters respondto calls of nearly 400,000 home fires each year, according tothe National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many firesoccur in cold weather months as more people bring warmthinto their homes with things like traditional candles or holidaylighting. These fires result in more than 15,000 civilian deathsor injuries annually.

Fire-proof the holiday season with these tips that safeguardyour family and your home:

Go Flameless

Reduce your risk of fire by using flameless candles. Thoughthey look and smell like real candles, they don’t pose the samesafety risks. Scentsy Wickless Candles provide the light andambiance of traditional candles without the smoke, soot or anopen flame. With more than 80 fragrances to choose from and100 styles of warmers available, there’s a fit for every fragrancepersonality and home decor style.

Avoid Outlet Overload

Don’t overload electrical outlets and extension cords withholiday lights or other electronics. Plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as electric blankets, irons, toastersor coffee makers, into a receptacle outlet at a time. Consideravoiding outlet overload by choosing battery-powered optionswhen they’re available.

Cook with Care

Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fireinjuries, according to the NFPA. Don’t stray too far from thekitchen if you’re frying, grilling or broiling food. If you’reboiling, baking, or roasting, be sure to check it regularly anduse a timer to remind you when it’s finished. Plug microwaveovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet.Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it canoverload the circuit and cause a fire.

Be Prepared

Establish a fire-safe home by installing fire extinguishers andsmoke alarms. Use a portable fire extinguisher to save livesand property by putting out or containing small fires. Storeextinguishers where they can be quickly accessed in areas withgreat fire risk, such as in the kitchen or near the garage door.Smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the home,except for the kitchen, and should be tested once each month.

Have a Plan

Establish a fire escape plan with the members of yourhousehold, and practice it often. You should always havetwo ways to exit each room, typically a door and a window.Practicing in a casual environment will help children feelconfident in executing your plan in an emergency. Choose alandmark outside, such as a tree in the neighbor’s yard or themailbox, as a meeting location for your family.

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Following these fire safety tips will help ensure your memoriesof this fall and winter season are full of friends and family, notflames.

Holiday Appetizers with aTwistHoliday Appetizers with a Twist is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(Family Features) Surprise and delight your guests thisholiday season with unexpected morsels of indulgence on thehors d’oeuvres tray. Elegant, savory, flavorful…potatoes.

Mini Scalloped Potato CupsParmesan Panko Potato Balls

Parmesan Panko Potato Balls and Mini Scalloped Potato Cupsare petite-sized twists on traditional potato dishes that willhave your crowd clamoring for more. You’ll appreciate themagic of the season even more when you discover thesesophisticated appetizers don’t require any fancy footwork inthe kitchen.

Consider entertaining with these inspired dishes your personalgift of well-being, because potatoes are packed with nutrition.Just a single, skin-on medium-sized potato (5.3 ounces) hasjust 110 calories, more potassium than a banana, and almosthalf your daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), with zero fat,sodium or cholesterol.

For more holiday potato meals, visitwww.potatogoodness.com to search the comprehensive potatorecipe database.

Mini Scalloped Potato Cups

Ingredients

• 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1 cup chicken stock

• 1 cup fat-free half and half

• 1 cup shredded Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese

• 1/4 cup each: sharp cheddar and smoked Gruyere cheese

• 1/2 cup 1/4-inch diced red bell pepper

• 1/4 cup real bacon bits or pieces

• 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill

• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 12 small ramekins withnonstick cooking spray.

2. Place potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl; cover andmicrowave on HIGH for 6 minutes, or until potatoes aretender.

3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan overmedium heat. Stir in flour; cook for 1 minute more.Slowly stir in half and half, cooking until mixture issmooth. Add cheeses, a little at a time, then stir inremaining ingredients.

4. Spoon into prepared ramekins; bake for 30 minutes, oruntil lightly browned and bubbly.

ServesMakes 12 appetizer servings

Preparation Time:20 minutes

Cook Time:45 minutes total

Parmesan Panko Potato Balls

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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• 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning

• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt

• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1/2 cup flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 1/2 pounds very small yellow potatoes

• Olive oil cooking spray

• Warm marinara sauce or pesto

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with foil.

2. Stir together bread crumbs, cheese, herbs, garlic salt andcrushed red pepper in small bowl. Place flour and eggs in2 additional small bowls.

3. Place potatoes on prepared baking sheet; spray liberallywith olive oil spray. Roll each in flour, then egg, thenbread crumb mixture, making sure to coat potatoes wellwith each step.

4. Place back on baking sheet; spray again with olive oilspray. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until potatoes arelightly browned and tender when pierced with a fork,coating with olive oil spray twice during cooking.

ServesMakes 8 appetizer servings

Preparation Time:30 minutes

Cook Time:35 to 40 minutes

SOURCE:US Potato Board

Grill-Roasted Turkey: A TastyTwist On TraditionGrill-Roasted Turkey: A Tasty Twist On Tradition is a postfrom: Old Fashioned Homemaking

(NAPSI)—If you want a traditional, perfectly carved,Thanksgiving turkey but would like to bring a delicious twistto the meal, then look to chef, cookbook author and JamesBeard-award nominee Kathy Gunst. She has discovered a wayto bring the tradition of the Thanksgiving turkey to the holidaytable in an unconventional way.

Every Thanksgiving, Kathy Gunst roasts a turkey in the oven,but one year she had a larger crowd than usual and neededto cook two turkeys. “So, on a colder-than-normal Novemberday, I decided to grill-roast a second turkey,” says Gunst. “Therecipe, it turns out, couldn’t be simpler.” Grilling the birdresulted in a picture-perfect glazed turkey with juicy meatand a subtle smokey flavor. “This recipe is nothing short of arevelation. You will not believe how a plain old turkey, simplyseasoned with salt and pepper, placed on a hot grill, can havethis much flavor with so little fuss,” says Gunst.

Grilled Turkey

1 10-12 pound turkey

Cleaned and dried. Salt and freshly ground black pepper,seasoned to taste.

Heat a fire in the grill (charcoal or gas) and cook a small (10to 12 pound) whole turkey over indirect heat with a minimumof seasoning. Be sure to place a shallow pan underneath thebird atop the charcoal or burner covers to catch the drippingsand reduce flare-ups. Grill for approximately 2 hours (usethermometer to check for doneness).

Stuff the bird and/or add an array of vegetables to the grill, likestuffed squash, corn on the cob, or turnips and potatoes fora complete meal. Add your vegetables to the grill 30 minutesor so before the turkey is done. Once the meat is cooked andcooled the bird is ready for carving. “I can’t overestimate howimportant it is to have a good, sharp knife for carving the bird.It should be very tender and carve easily, but a well-sharpenedfavorite carving knife will make things that much easier,” saysGunst.

Chef’sChoice® Turkey Carving Tips: Three Easy Steps

If you want the turkey you serve “gobbled up” this holiday,avoid hacking the bird by trying these simple carving tips fromChef’sChoice®:

• Step 1

Be sure to use a good, sharp knife. Sharp knives are notonly safer, they will help you to smoothly cut thin, evenslices without shredding the meat. Fortunately, you don’t haveto be an expert to put a razor sharp edge on your knife.Chef’sChoice M130 sharpener professionally sharpens steelsand strops all brands and types of knives. Precision guideseliminate guesswork for sharp, durable edges. For help findinga sharpener that’s right for you, call (800) 342-3255 or visitwww.chefschoice.com.

• Step 2

After the turkey is cooked (meat thermometer should read180° F when inserted in the thickest part of the turkey thigh)cool the bird for 15 minutes. Cooling makes the meat firmerand easier to slice. Remove and set aside the turkey legs andthe last joint of each wing. Make a long, deep (to the bone)horizontal “base cut” into the breast just above the wing.

• Step 3

Slice down vertically through the breast until you meet theoriginal base cut. This will release perfect, even slices.

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Following these preparation and carving tips can help makeyour Thanksgiving a meal to remember.

Savory Fall Dishes Enhancedwith GrapesSavory Fall Dishes Enhanced with Grapes is a post from: OldFashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – Beautiful fall vegetables are in season now and makefor wonderful dishes that will have your family memberssaying “yum.”

In addition to the traditional fall flavors of produce likesquash and cauliflower, California grapes are also in season,having one of the longest, “just-picked” seasons among NorthAmerican fruits, from May to January. Always the perfectsnack, grapes possess a flavor balance of sweetness and acidity,making them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savorypreparations.

When it comes to fall produce, cauliflower is often passedover in the produce aisles in favor of its much-toutedcousin broccoli. But roasting cauliflower brings out a hintof surprising sweetness in this robust veggie. Add to thatroasted grapes, with their juicy burst of tangy flavor, alongwith a good sprinkling of ground cumin, and you’ll be reachingfor cauliflower more often just to prepare this simple anddelightful dish.

Butternut squash takes on a whole new dimension when bakedwith grapes and rosemary and seasoned with a gratin topping. The crunch of the topping adds another texture componentto the “pop” of juice coming from the grapes and the brownededges of the comforting squash. Rosemary offers a hint ofaromatics that fits perfectly into the mix.

Roasting grapes is a big trend in finer restaurants, but veryeasy to do. Roasted grapes can also be turned into a simplesauce, by adding a ladleful of water or broth and reducing themixture over heat to thicken to a syrupy consistency. Drizzleover pork tenderloins or sauteed chicken breasts, and you’llwonder why you’ve never done it before.

Both featured recipes have an added bonus: They combinefruit and vegetables, which are foods that health experts saywe need to eat more of, more often.

Roasted Cauliflower and Grapes

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (3 pounds), cut into 1 1/2-inch florets2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

3/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups red, green or black seedless California grapes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Toss cauliflower, 1 1/2 tablespoonsoil, salt, cumin and pepper together in a large bowl and spreadin one layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast 20 minutesand stir the cauliflower. Toss the grapes and remaining oliveoil together and add to the baking sheet. Roast 5 to 10 minuteslonger and serve. Serves six.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 116; Protein 3.3 g;Carbohydrate 17 g; Fat 5.2 g; 37 percent Calories from Fat;Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 287 mg; Fiber 3.6 g.

Butternut Squash, Rosemary and Grape Bake

Ingredients

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided2 medium butternut squash (about 4 pounds), peeled and cutinto 1-inch chunks or 3 1/2 pounds pre-cut butternut squashchunks (11 cups)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 large red onion, cut into thin slices

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1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried

3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups red or black seedless California grapes, stemmed andrinsed

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs

1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-highheat. Add half the squash and season liberally with salt andpepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to7 minutes, then transfer to the baking dish. Repeat browningof remaining squash with another tablespoon of olive oil andmore salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish.

Heat another tablespoon of the oil in the skillet and add theonion and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and cookuntil softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the broth and scrapeup any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer andpour into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until squash isvery tender, about 40 minutes.

Raise the oven temperature to 450 F. Remove the dish fromthe oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle the grapes over the top.In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesanand remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt andpepper. Sprinkle over the squash. Bake until top is brownedand bubbling, or about 10 to 15 minutes longer.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 259; Protein 6.6 g;Carbohydrate 36 g; Fat 12 g; 38 percent Calories from Fat;Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 266 mg; Fiber 4.7 g. Serves eight.

Visit our Homemaking Ebooks page for more recipe resources.

Nail Colors for This SeasonNail Colors for This Season is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(NAPSI)—Dark, bold colors are in this season-especially whenit comes to nails. Inspired by the City of Light, Estée Lauderintroduces two enchanting minishade statements, Pure ColorNail Lacquer Beyond Black and Metal Mania. Created toevoke the seduction, beauty and fantasy of Paris at night, thisdramatic palette of intriguing shades, textures and finishesexpresses confident style and attitude with unprecedentedcolor and impact.

“When creating this collection,” explained Estée LauderCreative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux, “I wanted to capturethe intensity and naughty side of Paris when it truly comesalive…at night!”

The collections include smoldering and amplified hues thatcapture the raw energy and sexiness of life under a darkParisian sky. New Pure Color Nail Lacquer Beyond Black isdefined by five deep shades that saturate nails in rich anddramatic color, capturing the allure of the Parisian femmefatale. Metal Mania dresses nails in glam glitters for a modernmetallic finish, enticing women to experiment, with daringeffect.

Expert Advice

Popular beauty and fashion blogger Emily Schuman ofCupcakes and Cashmere has found that they’re terrific forcreating the ultrachic “Gilded Fade” manicure.

“With nail art designs getting crazier by the minute, I’membracing a more subtle design,” she says. “The Gilded Fademanicure makes an impact without being over the top. It’s theperfect accessory for my hands.”

Polishing Pointers

Here’s how to get the Gilded Fade manicure with two ofEmily’s favorite new shades from Estée Lauder:

1. Apply two coats of Pure Color Nail Lacquer in NouveauRiche.

2. Paint a small sponge with Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Viper.

3. Dab sponge on nail tip fading upwards.

The collections are now available at Estée Lauder Countersnationwide and www.esteelauder.com.

For further fashion and beauty advice fromSchuman, go to www.esteelauder.com/guestblogger/emilyofcupcakescashmere/index.tmpl.

Four DIY Projects That CanMake Your Home More SecureFour DIY Projects That Can Make Your Home More Secure isa post from: Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – If spring makes our thoughts turn to love, the coolertemperatures of fall make many of us think about nesting –and, often, how much more we would love our home if weimproved it a little. A sense of security is one of the mostcomforting aspects of home, so this autumn, why not focus onhome improvements that can make your home more secure?

October 6th, 2012 Published by: Old Fashioned Homemaking

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Improving the safety of your home doesn’t have to be anexpensive or time-consuming proposition. Here are foursimple DIY projects that can help make your house safer:

1. De-clutter, inside and out.

Most home improvement projects are either about creatingspace or improving the usability of existing spaces. De-cluttering inside your home can open up rooms and offer moreflexibility in how you use and decorate the space. De-clutteringthe documents you store in your home can help improve itssecurity. Getting rid of sensitive documents you no longer needcan reduce your overall exposure to identity theft. Be sure toshred all documents before discarding them. On the outsideof your home, de-clutter around access points. Shrubs, treesand debris that obscure your windows and doors not only lookbad, they can provide cover for burglars who might try to enteryour home.

2. Upgrade your appliances.

While a new dishwasher or clothes dryer may make yourlife easier, when it comes to improving security, thinkabout appliances like your paper shredder or home securitysystem. Bizarre as it may sound, identity thieves have beenknown to pick through trash and reassemble poorly shreddeddocuments. Fall is a great time to invest in a cross-cut shredderthat will make such an identity theft tactic virtually impossible.

3. Lock it up

The dog sitter, babysitter, house cleaner, house sitter – howmany people have had access to a key to your home in thepast year? It’s prudent to switch out the locks in your homeevery now and then – especially if you have reason to believeyour security might have been compromised. It’s even easierto “lock up” sensitive personal information. Invest in a lockingfile cabinet or fireproof lock box to store important documents.Lock up your technology by changing passwords and creatingstrong new ones that can help deter hackers, phishers andother scammers. Keep your computer security software up-to-date.

4. Enlist assistance

If you were building an addition onto your house, you wouldask for help if you needed it. Sometimes you need help withsecurity as well, especially identity theft prevention. Despiteall the safeguards you’ve already taken to make your homemore secure, identity protection is a round-the-clock job, andmost of us could use some help with it. A comprehensiveidentity theft detection, protection and resolution product like

ProtectMyID can help prevent the damages caused by identitytheft.

Home improvements aimed at boosting your security don’thave to be big and expensive. Simple, cost-effective steps canhelp improve your home’s security. They key is to be proactiveand focus on preventing a problem, rather than just repairingdamage after it occurs.

Easy, Enjoyable MeatballMealsEasy, Enjoyable Meatball Meals is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

(NAPSI)—For the family looking for a hectic-free dinner,meatballs may be the ideal solution. With school in sessionand busy activities scheduled, dinnertime doesn’t have to bea major production. Hearty and delicious meatballs makestress-free meals easy and delicious.

Frozen meatballs are a filling and flavorful answer to thequestion “What’s for dinner?” Many of these meaty morselsare found packaged in the grocery store fully cooked, ensuringfast preparation and a perfectly rounded-out mid-week meal.

Great brands, such as Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs, are madewith high-quality beef combined with wholesome ingredientsand seasonings for an authentic Italian flavor. The meatballsare seared and steamed in the traditional way, ready to bestirred into any delicious dish and put on your table foreveryone to enjoy. They can be tossed into pasta, served on topof salads, baked into pizza or eaten on their own as a quicksnack. Meatballs are a versatile family favorite that can pleasethe crowd.

Perhaps the best part is that they can be prepared in morethan just the oven. Meatballs can be warmed in a slow cookeror microwave, too. Casa Di Bertacchi, available at Sam’s Clubnationwide, makes it easy for families to feast on the bountyof flavor. Try Easy Meatball Pizza for a new twist on a classicfamily favorite.

Easy Meatball Pizza

13 (½ lb) frozen Casa Di Bertacchi fully cooked meatballs

1 (12-inch) premade pizza crust

1 jar (14 oz.) pizza sauce

1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Preheat oven to 400° F. Lay pizza crust on a pizza pan.Spread 1 cup pizza sauce over crust. Sprinkle ¾ cup cheese

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over sauce. Place meatballs and 2 teaspoons of water in amicrowave-safe bowl. Microwave frozen meatballs on high for3 minutes. Drain any excess liquid. Cut each meatball in half.Toss meatballs with remaining sauce. Spoon meatballs overcheese layer, ensuring that the cut side of meatball is down.Layer remaining cheese over the top of the meatballs. SprinkleItalian seasoning evenly over pizza. Bake for 12-15 minutesuntil cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

For more delicious meatball recipes, visitwww.casameatballs.com.

Use Your Best Liked QuiltPatterns To Make Easy QuiltsFor That Favorite DollyUse Your Best Liked Quilt Patterns To Make Easy QuiltsFor That Favorite Dolly is a post from: Old FashionedHomemaking

By JoAnn Gagnon

Anyone can buy patterns for doll quilts in various sizes varyingin complexity from easy to highly skilled. Children and grownups all adore their dolls. All good dolls are worthy of a specialmade quilt. You can create it to sell at a craft show, or makefor your child, or yourself. They’re really sought-after thingsfor every age.

Source: bunkhousesewing.com via Old Fashioned on Pinterest

Quilters have fun creating easy quilts for dolls regardless oftheir experience because they are able to practice variousmethods without using a big investment in materials or time.Many people find the time and energy taken is profitable.

Because the final size is little, you may be able to use fabricremnants. Uncomplicated fabric designs work best. The bigprints don’t usually work well with making quilts.

One of the simplest patterns is the log cabin. The logcabin design works well with fabric scraps, because differentpatterns and colors add to its appearance. The various designsand colors do not diminish from it. The center square of the logcabin design could be any dimension, but most seamstressesuse a 3 1/2″ by 3 1/2″ square. The square is surrounded byrectangles which are 2 inches wide and of longer lengths as youapproach the edge of the block.

Depending on the size of the doll, you may be able to use onetwelve inch by twelve inch log cabin block. Add the edge to the

pieced block and you have a completed quilt top. This is thesame size that numerous quilters use to form pillow tops.

Source: bunkhousesewing.com via Old Fashioned on Pinterest

Some other easy quilts include the 4 patch and the 9 patch.Numerous new quilters like the four-patch. You simply cut 4squares of the same size and join them together to create ablock. How many blocks you will need to make depends onthe dimensions one wishes to make your quilt and that will bedetermined by the doll’s size.

You can use a pillow case or an old sheet to have an idea of theright measurements. You might learn that the pillowcase’s sizeis just right. You can sew together your pieced quilt squares tomake either a rectangle or one big square.

One can use any machine to sew these little, easy quilts. Thespecial quilting machines were made to create larger queenor king sizes. They are generally unnecessary for doll-sizedcreations.

Some of the harder techniques use the biscuit or puff designs.For these patterns the squares are filled to create fluffy and softsquares. After quilters do some basic designs, they might wantone that is a little more difficult. The puff pattern is certainlymore challenging.

Source: bunkhousesewing.com via Old Fashioned on Pinterest

The final creation may turn out to be an heirloom. You will seethat your creation is unique, no matter what patterns for dollquilts you pick to use because they’re created with love.

JoAnn is a sewing enthusiast who enjoys sharing her passionfor sewing with all ages. Author of nine books and multiple e-books that explore many sewing applications, JoAnn seeks toencourage you on your sewing journey and instill in you a lovefor sewing. Visit her at http://www.bunkhousesewing.com/doll-quilt-patterns

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JoAnn_Gagnon

Keeping Breakfast Part of theMorning RoutineKeeping Breakfast Part of the Morning Routine is a post from:Old Fashioned Homemaking

(ARA) – Fitting breakfast into your kids’ morning routinecan be a struggle, especially during the school week. Betweennagging them to get out of bed and preparing their book bagsfor school, breakfast is often put at the bottom of the morningto-do list. In fact, up to 30 percent of middle and high schoolstudents skip breakfast, missing important nutrients that areunlikely to be made up later in the day.

That means more than a quarter of students are going to schoolon an empty stomach and lack the nutrition they need to starttheir day right. Furthermore, research has shown that kidsand adolescents who eat breakfast tend to have better dietaryhabits and make healthier eating choices throughout the day.

The breakfast struggle is something even actress and motherof four, Holly Robinson Peete can relate to. “One of my biggestchallenges as a mom is to make sure my kids get breakfast.With busy mornings, it is essential that my kids get thenutrition they need,” says Robinson Peete. “I want to set mykids up for success, especially during the school year. Knowingthere are easy, nutritious options such as Carnation BreakfastEssentials puts my mind at ease that I am making good choicesfor my kids.”

But even the most dedicated breakfast lovers have morningsthat are just too crazy to find time to eat. Robinson Peeteunderstands how busy schedules can make it difficult to keepup good habits. “I like to describe my mornings as ‘controlledmadness’ – on a good day I have less than an hour to get mykids out of bed, showered and dressed, teeth brushed, fed andout the door to school,” she says. That’s why she gives her kidsCarnation Breakfast Essential, a nutritious and convenientdrink which can fit in a backpack and be enjoyed during themorning commute.

One way to help minimize stress in the morning is to preparethings like lunches and backpacks the evening before. If that’snot possible, designating a spot in the house for backpacksand school items to remain can help reduce the amount oforganizing that is needed in the morning. Another simple tipis to wake up 10 minutes earlier. Just a few extra minutes atthe start of the day can leave time for a quick breakfast.

Physicians agree that a good breakfast is important. Eachserving of Carnation Breakfast Essentials provides a richsource of protein and 21 vitamins and minerals, including

twice the protein of an egg, twice the calcium of a 6-ounce cupof yogurt, twice the vitamin D of an 8-ounce glass of milk andtwice the vitamin C of a 4-ounce cup of orange juice.

To find information and helpful tips on nutrition, to accesshundreds of delicious recipes and to download a coupon,visit www.carnationbreakfastessentials.com or the CarnationBreakfast Essentials Facebook page.