QUESTION:
Dear Debra,
I am quite excited as I am going to be a grandmother for the first time. My daughter lives in California, and her sister wants to host a baby shower for her in May. They have decided not to learn the sex of the child. Guests will include a very eclectic group, mostly women, ranging in age from 82 to 5. What suggestions could you give us on decorations and food? Dorothy
Are you hosting a bridal shower for a friend or family member? Of course you want it to be fun, fabulous and memorable! Here are a few tips to get you started.
(ARA) - This holiday season, don't just "decorate" with some evergreen and mistletoe - "techorate" using today's hottest home technology, including your flat-screen TV.
Although the kitchen is the traditional setting for a holiday get-together, this year the party is moving to the family room. Whether it's enjoying a bowl game, holiday parade or a classic holiday movie, many family gatherings will take place around the flat-screen - the hearth of the 21st century home. "Technology is now playing an integral role in holiday entertaining, just as it is in all other aspects of our lives," says Doug Wilson, noted interior designer from TLC's "Trading Spaces" and "Moving Up."
"The concept of 'techorating' merges technology and interior design so that a techorated room works together as one, unified space," says Wilson, who is also the resident Techorator for LG Electronics. "The TV has really become the new hearth of the home, and having a harmonious hearth and home is never more important than during the holidays."
Wilson offers a few tips for techorating your home this holiday season:
Tip One: Less is more - a lot more
"Technology doesn't have to stick out in an unattractive way," Wilson says. Streamline your technology and declutter to make it blend more easily with your overall holiday decor. For example, use covers painted to match the wall color to hide wires and connections between your flat screen and audio-visual components. Or use wireless technology to eliminate wire clutter altogether.
For another way to create a really sleek look, upgrade your flat screen to a new ultra-thin model like LG's SL90 series. These high-definition TVs are available in 42- and 47-inch sizes and look nearly as thin as the sheet of glass in their single-layer design for stunning sets that blend beautifully into any decor.
Tip Two: Create a focal point
"Nothing brings the family together better than a good holiday movie so it makes sense to use the television as the focal point for your living room decor," Wilson says. "Wall-mounting your flat screen will improve its visibility from all angles, making it easier to enjoy watching holiday classics with your family."
Flat screens afford you more design flexibility than older TVs, and companies like LG offer a variety of options that combine simple, sleek designs with the latest in high-definition technology to meet your entertainment and decorating needs, Wilson explains.
"Don't be afraid to put the TV above the mantle," he adds. "But do keep in mind that competing design elements like fireplaces, large mirrors and picture windows can make the space look too cluttered."
Tip Three: It's OK to rearrange.
Plenty of people rearrange furniture before the holidays to accommodate the Christmas tree or the gathering of family and friends. If you're planning a holiday gathering based around your favorite bowl game think about rearranging furniture to provide maximum seating and the best possible view of the TV.
The size of your TV screen will help determine where you place your furniture. To locate the perfect spot for your sofa or seating, multiply the size of your screen in inches by 1.5. The result should be the optimal distance (in inches) that you allow for between the TV and sofa.
"These tips will help you 'tech the halls' this holiday season and ensure your technology enhances the holidays for everyone who visits your home," Wilson says. For more techorating tips, visit www.lgusa.com/techorate. of ARAcontent
Courtesy
(ARA) - If you haven't yet joined the "grow your own vegetables" craze, it's not too late to join in. You can produce a bounty of vitamin-rich veggies from plot (or pot) to plate this fall, plus you'll save a bundle by growing them yourself.
You may be surprised to find that with just a little attention and effort, growing fall vegetables in the backyard garden and in planters is even more enjoyable than planting a vegetable garden during the spring and summer seasons. Why? Cooler autumn temperatures make it a delight to spend time outside in the garden and also provide an advantage when it's time to harvest your crops.
You'll spend less time caring for your fall crops because of the favorable cool weather growing conditions. Plants will grow rapidly at first and gradually slow as the days become shorter and colder. Destructive insects won't be as numerous in autumn as they are in summer months. Weeds germinate less frequently and grow slower than they do during the warmer seasons. Compared to hot and dry summers, fall usually brings an increase in the amount of precipitation, eliminating another time-consuming chore - watering.
What you need to know:
1. Let the sunshine in. Most vegetables need full sun - at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also require a steady supply of moisture and nutrients from the soil. You can help ensure your plants get both by mixing a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil (bagged compost is available at garden centers). Or spread a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, according to labeled instructions. Plants will need an inch of moisture per week, either through rain or supplemental watering.
2. Start with transplants. Transplants buy you lots of time. Plants are six weeks or older when you put them into the ground, so you will begin harvesting much sooner than if you start from seed. Bonnie Plants transplants in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots make planting easy and spare the use of much plastic. Just cut off the bottom of the pot, water and plant ... pot and all. Garden centers typically supply optimum fall varieties for your geographic region.
3. Don't fear frost. When frost threatens, cover plants with a floating row cover, cold frame or a cloche. Or, you can grow fall veggies in a container and move the pot to a protected location on frosty nights.
Essential, preliminary planning tips for fall vegetable gardens include:
* Before planting any new plant make sure that you clear the area of summer and spring crops planted previously, as they may decay and encourage bacterial infection.
* Spread a few inches of mulch or compost over the area. Make sure that you turn up the soil's top layer and water well. Allow the soil to rest for a day before planting new fall plants.
* During the fall season most areas experience rain and even frost, so make sure that your soil is well drained and doesn't get soggy.
Vegetables best suited for fall gardens:
After following the essential preliminary steps for fall vegetable gardening, it's time to select vegetables for planting. Here's a list of fast-growing, cold-hardy crops that are ideal for fall vegetable gardening:
Winterbor Kale - This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily, even in very cold climates. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants about 12 inches apart
Georgia Collards - Another leafy green similar to kale, collards offer a larger, stronger, sweet cabbage-like flavor. Leaves taste best when young. Space transplants 36 inches apart.
Romaine Lettuce - Romaine packs more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients than other popular types of lettuce. Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, romaine is an especially good vegetable for heart health. Space transplants 18 inches apart.
Early Dividend Broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Set transplants 18 inches apart
Mustard Greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable. Mustard greens always taste sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart
Bonnie Hybrid Cabbage - Bonnie's best cabbage. Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.
Arugula - These fast-growing leafy greens are great for salads or gourmet recipes. This peppery-tasting green is a super food for your bones. The leaves are "nutrient dense" and low in calories. They are especially high in vitamins A, C, and K.
If you put these practices into place this fall, you'll get your garden off to the right start and set it up for a fruitful season. Preparation is key, but the reward is a healthier, more productive garden - and fresh food that tastes better than anything you can buy at the store.
To learn more about vegetable and herb varieties as well as gardening tips, visit www.bonnieplants.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Smaller homes are making a comeback. More families are hanging onto their existing homes and improving these smaller properties, instead of trading up.
Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects - finishing attics and basements - readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.
Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet "changing preferences and lifestyles," such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.
For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.
Install an up toilet
Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, "and that's on the low side," he says.
Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. "I couldn't be happier," he says of the half bath he added to the family home. "In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you're going to be."
Saving money is key
Cost-saving projects like these are among the ways homeowners will most likely focus their future remodeling dollars, according to the 2009 Remodeling Market in Transition report prepared by the Joint Center.
"I believe that the struggling economy has actually helped the smaller profile repair/remodel market," says Steve Norton, president of M & N Plumbing Supply in Denver. "People are staying the course, and macerating plumbing offers a lower-cost option to breaking up cement."
If you're staying put in your smaller home, but want to improve its livability and long-term value, consider adding a bathroom with macerating plumbing.
Tips for a better bath
Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it's a small one:
* Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.
* Plan your new bath so the door won't bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions.
* Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
* Install grab bars to prevent falls. They're not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
* No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
* Don't forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.
Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom and grey water pumping systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - 'Tis the season to be shopping. And, as holiday shopping lists continue to grow with family, friends, co-workers and even teachers to buy gifts for, it's important to be a smart shopper and not only stretch your dollars but also find quality gifts for everyone on your list.
Mom expert Stacy DeBroff of MomCentral.com has mastered how to shop for the holidays stress-free while still managing to get thoughtful gifts everyone will appreciate. "This holiday season, you have to get creative when it comes to shopping for many people on a limited budget," says Debroff. "Even if you have just $5 or $10 dollars to spend on a person, there are great options out there; you just have to be wise about your purchasing decisions."
DeBroff's No.1 holiday shopping strategy is to be prepared and get organized for the hustle and bustle the season brings. She also suggests:
* Start early and stock up. Nothing's worse than rushing into the mall, fighting traffic and crowds for last-minute gifts. When you find a gift you really like, consider giving that same gift to more than one person. Buy several, wrap them right away, and store them until the time of gift giving comes around.
* Call ahead. If there's a particular hot gift you're looking to buy, like the latest kids' toys, call the store first and make sure it's in stock. Also, call ahead to verify store shopping hours. Often during the holidays retailers will extend their store hours to accommodate shopper's busy schedules.
* Chip in together for big ticket items. Group gifting has become one of the latest shopping trends. In fact, 83 percent of women and 75 percent of men say they've participated in group gifting and plan to do so again this holiday season. Sears offers Givetogether a great online tool so you can gather together with friends and family to share in the cost of a great gift. From home electronics and appliances to jewelry, housewares and apparel, you will find the best selection and gift options for everyone on your list.
"For me, Givetogether is a better way to shop and makes it easier for families and friends to pool their money together to give a great gift with lots of thought behind it," says DeBroff. "This online shopping tool really taps the social power of the Internet to allow a group to give a more significant gift than they could manage individually."
Lastly, remember to spread the holiday cheer with acts of kindness as you shop. After all, that could be the greatest gift you give this season.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
(ARA) - Family and friends gathered 'round the dinner table, with a sumptuous feast (prepared by you) set before them - does anything say "holidays" more than that? What guests often don't realize are the hours of prep and, perhaps, stress the host endured to achieve this festive celebration. You, however, don't have to be one of those crazed hosts.
With the holidays quickly approaching, you can make a stress-free holiday meal with some handy tips from celebrity chef and expert entertainer Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef on Food Network's Iron Chef America.
"When it comes to holiday entertaining, planning ahead and having the right tools and equipment help prevent poor performance and high stress levels," Cora says. Here are her tips for stress-free holiday entertaining:
* Start out with the best tools and equipment you can afford. If you've been thinking about replacing your old, energy inefficient refrigerator with something better, more convenient and worthy of your skills, the holiday season is a great time to do so.
"A good refrigerator, with the right features, can make meal organization and prep much easier," Cora says. For example, refrigerators like LG's four-door model offer lots of storage room with nearly 28 cubic feet of capacity, including double freezer drawers - the top drawer for items you access the most and bottom drawer for larger items or longer-term storage. The freezer drawers automatically open and close at the touch of a button, so it's like having an extra hand in the kitchen.
* Take advantage of the convenience of the microwave, some of which now feature a warming lamp, to help keep dishes hot until mealtime.
* Shop early and stock up on perishables weeks before your holiday event. Chop veggies and prepare hors d'oeuvres a day before, and take advantage of the great fresh desserts available at your local grocery store or bakery.
* Clean as you go - it makes a big difference and you can enjoy your meal even more knowing a sink full of dishes doesn't await you when you're done. New dishwashers with steam technology now offer cycles that allow you to thoroughly yet gently clean fragile items such as fine china and stemware.
* Enlist friends to come over an hour or two before the party to help set up the drinks, appetizers and a children's table complete with crayons, puzzles and games.
* You don't have to bust your budget in order to host a memorable event. If a full-blown four course dinner is beyond your budget, consider a single-course affair such as a cheese tasting, dessert party or appetizer buffet.
* Mix up serving pieces. Instead of the traditional bowls and plates, try unusual presentations like serving dessert in a martini glass, appetizers in a shot glass or serve the meat course on a cutting board.
* Edible & functional garnishes are a great way to add color and verve to any dish. Items like orange or lemon wedges, radish roses, slivers of carrot, toasted nuts or grated chocolate work well as quick, attractive garnishes.
* "Never forget to be original," Cora says. "While we all love traditional holiday fare, get creative with a couple special dishes that will add flare to your dinner party."
Try this creative recipe from Kristine Snyder, of Maui, Hawaii, chosen as "America's Top Amateur Chef" at LG's "Taste of Something Better" cooking competition judged by Cora. Snyder will represent the United States in LG's 2009 Global "Life Tastes Good" championship in Bangkok, Thailand, in November.
Soy-Glazed Mahi Mahi with Cilantro Butter Shrimp (Serves four)
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 tablespoons minced fresh ginger, divided
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons minced garlic, divided
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, divided
4 6-ounce Mahi Mahi fillets (or other mild white fish), about 1 inch thick
3 ounces spicy Portuguese sausage (linguica), thinly sliced and quartered
3/4 cup clam juice
1/4 cup low salt chicken broth
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce
3/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
6 tablespoons cold butter
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lime zest
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on
2 cups chopped watercress
12 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions:
Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, two tablespoons ginger, one tablespoon
garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a 1-gallon, sealable plastic bag. Add fish and sausage to marinade, turning to coat, and refrigerate for one half hour.
Combine clam juice, broth, vinegar and sweet chili sauce in a small saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Puree cilantro, butter, remaining two tablespoons ginger, remaining two teaspoons garlic, lime juice, zest and remaining 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a food processor. Reserve two tablespoons for shrimp and set remainder aside.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Remove fish and sausage from marinade, scraping off excess, and place in a spray-coated baking dish. Bake eight to 10 minutes until just cooked through.
Meanwhile, to finish sauce, reheat broth mixture over medium heat and gradually whisk in cilantro butter until blended and slightly thickened. Melt reserved cilantro butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and saute shrimp until opaque, about one and a half minutes per side. To serve, divide watercress onto four warmed plates and top with fish. Drizzle sauce over the fish and top with shrimp. Garnish with tomatoes.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Includes recipe.
