Three Cheers for the New Year!

Here are some practical things to do to make it a smooth-sailing 2012

Now that a brand new year just about here, it is time to get your resolutions in gear! If you haven’t thought about your resolution, here are a few good suggestions to make life a little better in 2012!

1. Take care of your wheels

Your mode of transportation is extremely important. Make sure you have your oil changed regularly and schedule preventative maintenance on your automobile. Need tools for the job? www.mechanicsdiscount.com has a ton!

2. Improve your lighting

Save money and your eyes with natural lighting. As of Jan, 2012, the new energy efficiency law goes into effect and older light bulbs will start to be phased out. Get yourself into the ‘green’ spirit and visit www.thelitesource.com for some great energy-saving bulbs!

25 Watt HD Compact Fluorescent Bulb

3. Be a fashionista

Get your glamour on and let you style shine through! Add a little extra zing to your wardrobe with a fabulous pair of TAG Heuer sunglasses! Check out some of the sleek and chic styles at www.sunglassesavantgarde.com!

Lady TAG Heuer 9100-204

4. Enjoy the great outdoors

Need a break from the same old rigmarole? Take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the serenity of an outdoor adventure. Being one with nature can definitely be therapeutic. If you need supplies, www.survivalistsoutfitter.com has a ton of gear!

5. Embrace your inner geek

Do you love electronics? Update your gadgets for optimum enjoyment. Technology is booming and new toys can be a boatload of fun! Get some new gear this year at www.imagineshopping.com!

IIC-ME100 Imagine Portable Multimedia Player

Have any other suggestions for a New Year’s Resolution? We’d love to hear it!

Best wishes for a fabulous 2012!

~Charlene Marie

Green Holiday Tips for 2011

 Give a gift to our planet this holiday season

After choosing gifts for your friends and family this holiday season, why not give a little something back to nature? Since it is the season of giving, we’ve put together a list of things you can do to help make our Earth a happier and healthier place this year.  After all our planet puts up with, it could probably use a little pampering once in a while!

Even if it’s snowing, you can let the green shine through with these tips:

•          Skip wrapping paper and present your gift in a reusable item such as a basket or tin
•          Put your light strings on a timer and save money as well as energy
•          Upgrade your holiday lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs
•          Recycle your live tree or wreaths
•          Use china or glassware when entertaining
•          Use wooden or biodegradable ornaments such as real pinecones or pine branches
•          If you’re in a colder climate, build a snowman for that extra holiday yard décor
•          Instead using a holiday aerosol freshener, boil cinnamon sticks, orange essence oil and nutmeg in  water
•          Instead staying indoors and using electricity, enjoy a natural holiday adventure such as going skiing, sledding or ice skating.
•          Send e-cards instead of paper ones

Want to spread some green cheer with your friends and family? Help the environment with eco-friendly gifts such as:

•          Bird feeders
•          Live trees or plants
•          Personalized reusable shopping bags
•          Steel water bottles
•          Solar charger for electronics
•          Wireless solar keyboards
•          GreenWash balls for detergent-free laundry
•          Mountain bikes
•          Solar light caps
•          Organic herb garden kits

A healthier planet keeps us happy too; so help share the green this holiday season!

Have any other green ideas? Let us know!

~ Charlene Marie

Lookout for Holiday Bacteria

If you are cooking for a holiday gathering or are offered leftover treats, take food safety into consideration.

 

A holiday celebration without food just isn’t as jolly. After planning the menu for your festive feast, considering food safety while prepping and storing is imperative. Below are a few tips to help keep your holidays happy, healthy and bacteria-free.

When prepping your meals, here are a few things to keep in mind:

· Always wash hands before handling food

· Wash and sanitize all food prep surface areas

· Wash all fruits and vegetables

· When cooking, make sure most meats reach up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit

· Use separate cutting boards for meat and produce

· Do not thaw or marinate food at room temperature

· Only store fresh meats up to 2 days in the refrigerator

Not sure how long to cook your creation? Check out the cooking chart below:

Category	Food	Temperature (°F)	Rest Time
Ground Meat & Meat Mixtures	Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb	160	None
	Turkey, Chicken	165	None
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb	Steaks, roasts, chops	145	3 minutes
Poultry	Chicken & Turkey, whole	165	None
	Poultry breasts, roasts	165	None
	Poultry thighs, legs, wings	165	None
	Duck & Goose	165	None
	Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird)	165	None
Pork and Ham	Fresh pork	145	3 minutes
	Fresh ham (raw)	145	3 minutes
	Precooked ham (to reheat)	140	None
Eggs & Egg Dishes	Eggs	Cook until yolk and white are firm	None
	Egg dishes	160	None
Leftovers & Casseroles	Leftovers	165	None
	Casseroles	165	None
Seafood	Fin Fish	145 or cook until flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork.	None
	Shrimp, lobster, and crabs	Cook until flesh is pearly and opaque.	None
	Clams, oysters, and mussels	Cook until shells open during cooking.	None
	Scallops	Cook until flesh is milky white or opaque and firm. Chart courtesy of foodsafety.gov	None

When serving food, be aware of these facts:

· Try not to leave food out for no more than 2 hours

· Keep cold foods such as a macaroni salad by nesting serving dishes in ice

· Keep hot foods hot by using chafing dishes or slow cookers.

· Replace empty used platters or wash thoroughly before adding fresh food

Do you have leftovers? Here’s a great chart that shows how long food can be stored:

Category	Food	Refrigerator (40 °F or below)	Freezer (0 °F or below)
Salads	Egg, chicken, ham, tuna & macaroni salads	3 to 5 days	Does not freeze well
Hot dogs	opened package	1 week	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Luncheon meat	opened package or deli sliced	3 to 5 days	1 to 2 months
	unopened package	2 weeks	1 to 2 months
Bacon & Sausage	Bacon	7 days	1 month
	Sausage, raw — from chicken, turkey, pork, beef	1 to 2 days	1 to 2 months
Hamburger & Other Ground Meats	Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, & mixtures of them	1 to 2 days	3 to 4 months
Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb & Pork	Steaks	3 to 5 days	6 to 12 months
	Chops	3 to 5 days	4 to 6 months
	Roasts	3 to 5 days	4 to 12 months
Fresh Poultry	Chicken or turkey, whole	1 to 2 days	1 year
	Chicken or turkey, pieces	1 to 2 days	9 months
Soups & Stews	Vegetable or meat added	3 to 4 days	2 to 3 months
Leftovers	Cooked meat or poultry	3 to 4 days	2 to 6 months
	Chicken nuggets or patties	3 to 4 days	1 to 3 months
	Pizza	3 to 4 days	1 to 2 months

Chart courtesy of foodsaftey.gov

Do you have any other comments or suggestions on this blog? Let us know!

Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season!

~ Charlene Marie