Tuesday, December 27, 2011

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!


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!
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!


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

Best wishes for a fabulous 2012!

~Charlene Marie

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Classic Holiday Movies

Light up the room with a perfect form of holiday entertainment
 
Are you looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? Look no further than your trusty television! The big networks are playing plenty of great flicks that can turn a frown into a happy holiday smile. Check out what movies made this year’s top ten list courtesy of myfoxny.com! These movies are in no particular order:

                                       1.       Elf 
                                       2.       National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 
                                       3.       A Christmas Story
 Photo courtesy of stefannholm.com
                                        4.       Home Alone 
                                        5.       The Holiday 
                                        6.       White Christmas
                                        7.       It’s a Wonderful Life 
                                        8.       Miracle on 34th Street 
 Photo courtesy of setsailmotivation.com
                                         9.    White Christmas
                                        10.   Bad Santa

What’s your favorite?

If you don’t see what you’re looking for on your local TV guide, check out your provider’s On Demand list. Most cable and satellite will have a special category for holiday films for you to view for free. Some providers even offer holiday music and a channel with a burning yule log for your enjoyment!

Relax, have fun and enjoy a great classic film this holiday season!

~Charlene Marie

   

Monday, December 19, 2011

Pair This with That: Lights

There are some gift ideas out there that can complement each other; let us show you how.


Ever wonder what to get for the person who has everything? You’re not the only one! Just when you feel that there is nothing more that you could possibly get, think about what you can do to enhance or make use of what that special someone already has. For instance, if your recipient has a swanky, new coffee maker, why not get them some gourmet coffee to brighten their morning?  Below are some great ideas that can make more use of what may be taken for granted: lighting!
Here are a few gifts that can be paired with OttLite bulbs or lamps:
Do you know someone with a green thumb? An indoor herb garden can flourish under natural lighting such as an OttLite! Pair an herb garden with an OttLite 20W Edison Swirl Bulb.

Photo courtesy of tastefulgarden.com
Avid readers need the aid of a light to see at night. Couple an OttLite bulb or lamp along with a bookstore gift card!

For the crafty crafter, try an OttLite bulb or lamp with a new craft design book!
Delve into your recipient’s interests and see what he or she enjoys.  A practical, yet personalized gift can go a long way!
Have any questions or comments on today’s blog? Let us know!
Happy shopping!
~Charlene Marie

Friday, December 16, 2011

Inspired by Winter: Lights

There are certain products that were inspired by specific reasons and events.

Winter can be wonderful for some and a pain for others. Regardless of personal feelings, the season of chilly weather and snow for most, can bring out some of the best products and designs. Below is some great merchandise that can help you get through Old Man Winter’s fury!
All of our lights have winter in mind. The natural lighting that illuminates the room helps keep ailments like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) away. Here are a couple of great lamp designs below:

Here’s to enjoying the winter season at its best!
Have any questions or comments about our blog? Let us know!
~Charlene Marie


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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

Friday, December 9, 2011

Holiday Fire: A True Story

A fire and the heroic deeds of a concerned neighbor


Since the weekend is hours away, I was planning on writing a more upbeat blog; however, due to the fact this can happen to anyone, I figured I’d share a true story that could save a home or possibly even a life.
Since the weather has been becoming quite chilly, the homeowners felt that there’s nothing better than warm, relaxing fire to wrap up the evening. After the logs were in place and the fire was set, the couple went about their business.
About an hour later, a loud, hard banging noise at the door alarmed the homeowners. Bam, bam bam! “What in the world?” the lady of the house thought to herself, as she sprung up from her computer. As she scurried down the stairs, she saw that her husband was nowhere in sight. Bewildered by the situation, she decided to investigate and went outside to find her significant other. What she saw next, was a shocking sight.
Flames were shooting out of the side of her house, while her husband and neighbor were dousing the flames with a garden hose and fire extinguisher! “Holy cow,” she exclaimed as she ran back in the house to check on the fireplace. On the inside, the fire was still burning as it normally would. The only thing she noticed was that one of the logs seemed to be touching the back wall of the fireplace.
Seconds later, the flames were out, due to the handy work of the neighbor and a trusty fire extinguisher. Armed with a few pot holders and a shovel, he quickly loaded the burnt logs and fireplace grate into a wheelbarrow and dumped them out into the driveway to cool. After dousing the inside of the hot mantel with water, the fire department arrived and tore what was left to the wooden siding off the damaged area of the house.
Actual photo of the damage
Apparently, the fire in the fireplace heated up the blocks so much, that it cracked the cement sealant and started a fire on the outside of the house. At least that is what is understood. After the house is inspected, the couple will know for sure.
As for the lady of the house, that was me.
I wanted to share this story to make my readers more aware what can happen when you least expect it. I’ve also compiled a few fire safety tips to help keep you and your own family safe. One can never be too careful when it comes to fire.

Fire safety tips:


· Have your chimney swept and cleaned once a year
· Have heating equipment inspected once per year
· Clean all ducts including clothes dryer ducts every year
· Test some detectors once a month
· Change batteries in a smoke detector once a year
· Avoid overloading electrical outlets
· Discard holiday light strings with frayed wires, cracked sockets or loose connections
· Keep decor, curtains and furniture at least three feet from any sources of heat
· Do not leave candles burning without being watched
· Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
· Use clothes dryers ONLY while someone is home or awake
· Never leave the room while cooking
· Keep fire extinguishers around the house in case of emergency
· Do not purchase a dry or brittle Christmas tree
· Turn off space heaters and extinguish fireplaces while sleeping or when leaving home
· Make sure halogen lights are away from anything flammable
· Have a fire escape route and meeting place mapped out
· Do not smoke in bed or while sleepy
· Stop, drop and roll, if clothing catches fire
· Always stay low to the ground, if escaping a fire

Hopefully this situation doesn’t happen to you.
Thanks for taking the time to read my story as well as these fire safety tips. I also would like to thank my company for allowing me to share my story and most of all, a huge thank you to my neighbor for his kindness, concern, quick thinking and action. If it wasn’t for him and his son, I might not be writing this article today! I don’t think I can say thanks enough!
Please feel free to pass my story along and keep these fire safety tips in mind.
Stay safe!
~Charlene Marie

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Food Safety During the Holidays

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.

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

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