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ATORI LifeStyle Magazine
JUST FED UP
12 Health Tips for 2012
Fire Safety Room to Room
satorimagazine.com Satori LifeStyle Magazine Winter Edition 2012
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From The Editor
Something New Something You
By Bernice Carter-McNeil
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tepping into the New Year usually means resolutions and self promises of some sort to make lifestyle changes. Making the resolution is the easy part; getting started seems to be the hardest. This issue is dedicated to helping us get through the rough spots when it comes to fitness and health. A lot of resolutions include weight loss but if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail; consequently, for all of your hard work and effort, the results may be disappointing. We have added many self-help tips to get you going on this exciting journey to fitness and good health.
may think. Almost before you lay down to sleep its morning and time to get up and do it all over again. Life can be very stressful if you do not slow down and take a moment for yourself. Stress can easily upset what would normally be a good life. Start slowly and take at least 5 to 10 minutes a day just for you! Just relax and breathe. Shopping is always a good way to release stress and just squander a few minutes. Buy yourself a scarf or a new pair of shoes. This always makes me feel better. If you love to cook, learn a new recipe for your loved ones to try. They can even join in the fun and help prepare this new creation. Check out the food section at www.satorimagazine.com for some mouth-watering scrumptious recipes for your palette. This issue is full of health conscious menus for all occasions.
Diona Lynn Austin, our fitness and health enthusiast, always has new and stimulating fitness routines to get us on the right track. She is very health conscious, fit, and constantly learning about new ways to create a healthy lifestyle for families. Every issue is filled with helpful hints and encouragements to improve our daily fitness Need to get out of the house and not sure what routine and to keep us motivated. to do. Consider volunteering your time or how about just taking a daily walk near your home. Maybe, weight control is not your resolution. Perhaps you have decided to make time for Lifestyle changes are not always easy and can yourself this year. If you always find yourself take a lot of hard work and determination. Most looking out for others and can never find a moof all, it is going to take dedication and fortitude ment for you, it is time to make a change. As to stay true to your cause. precious as time is, it’s the one gem in life that No matter what your New Year’s resolutions we seem to take for granite. Taking a moment are, it is all about “Something New, Something to regroup can be as refreshing as an ice cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day. A busy You.” lifestyle may include a full time job, a spouse, We at Satori LifeStyle Magazine wish you the children and friends; consequently, finding a best in all your endeavors this New Year. moment to breathe may not be as easy as some satorimagazine.com
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ATORI LifeStyle Magazine
CONTENTS Fitness and Health
From the Editor 3
Something New Something You
20 22 25
Food 6 8 10 12 14
Mixing It Up with Jenny Favorites Reinvented with Flavorful Surprises Mixing Up Holiday Cheer Smart Snacking Tips
Know Your Vitamin ABC’s
12 Health Tips for 2012
The Top Three Flu-Fighting Tips for 2012
Home Advisor 28 28 30 32 33
Simplifying Home Design with Technology Fire Safety Room to Room The Clean You Need a Fraction of the Cost DIY Home Projects Help You Save A Plan to Prevent Home Problems
Beauty Tips 22 24
Taking Care of Your Smile Holiday Tips for Less
Cover Page Angry Dieter
LifeStyle 25
Put Kids on the Right Path with Money
By Karen Foley Photography
SATORI
LifeStyle Magazine
Just Fed Up
12 Health Tips for 2012
Fire Safety Room to Room
Satori LifeStyle Magazine Winter Edition 2012
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ATORI LifeStyle Magazine Contributors Family Features Chef Candice Kumai Weight Watchers Jenny Harper Motorola Diona Lynn Austin Lipton Tea Everything Home Larry Tong Getty Images Dreamstime N. Ronimus ZOCDOC DEXCON Arm & Hammer Lilliana Vasquez Lauren Fallieras VITA Karen Foley
Satori Magazine is a quarterly online and print publication intended for international distribution. Satori Magazine’s coverage will include fashion, art, entertainment news, fitness, health, politics, national policy and human-interest stories. To ensure consistent coverage of critical areas of wide spread interest Satori Magazine will be anchored by 6 permanent columns: Opinion - Making Cents of It All -- By N. Ronimus will provide wide ranging coverage of national policy that directly affect your daily household budget. Health and Fitness - By Diona Lynn Austin will provide factual information on health and fitness with the intent of promoting better health through fitness. LifeStyle - A potpourri on entertaining articles featuring established and new works. From The Editor - Insights from Bernice Home Advisor - Will feature factual articles that run the gamut from how to make home repairs to how to care for a sick child.
Satori LifeStyle Magazine is printed in the United States and distributed Internationally. Satori LifeStyle Magazine is operated and published by Bernice Carter-McNeil Entertainment. No part of this magazine may be printed or reproduced in any way without the permission of Bernice Carter-McNeil Entertainment. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010-2012.
Food – Sumptuous and delicious recipes for every season Visit Satorimagazine.com regularly to keep ahead of the information game
bernice@satorimagazine.com ISSN ONLINE 2157-6890 ISSN PRINT 2157-6882
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F o o d
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t’s true – the kitchen is the heart of the home. Ever notice how people always gather there? Whether baking treats, making dinner or spending time with family and friends, the kitchen is my favorite place to be. Since my day job is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens, you can bet I love to stir things up. This column lets me pass along to you some of my best recipes, tips and baking secrets. A Celebration Showpiece Tis the season of celebration! Bridal, baby and good-luck showers, graduations and family gatherings demand dishes that delight a crowd. If you’re like me, you plan menus to wow your guests, securing your reputation as an inspired hostess. Whoever you’re “toasting” with your shower or party will appreciate your making the occasion extra-special. Some of my best tips for help with planning: • Confer with your guest of honor to make sure you’ve got a complete invitation list. Ask for replies so you know how many guests to plan for. • Coordinate the colors of your table with flowers prettily placed on the serving table. This time of year offers a wealth of fresh flowers. • Plan a buffet, and for an elegant feel, use real tablecloths, napkins, plates, glassware and cutlery. • Don’t forget the camera! Or put disposable cameras on the table, collect cameras after the party and create memory book for guest of honor. Whatever the occasion, this stunning, colorful dessert makes a beautiful presentation. And beyond the ‘oohs’ and
1 1/2 1 1/2
package (3 ounces) lemon-flavored gelatin cup crushed pineapple, drained package (3 ounces) strawberry- flavored gelatin cup frozen strawberries(about 8) thawed, drained
COAT 9 x 5-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
‘aahs’ of appreciation, your guests will savor the light and airy texture of this creamy, fruit-filled centerpiece dish. It owes its dreamy texture to evaporated milk. No mystery why I call evaporated milk my “cooking essential” as it adds creaminess and rich flavor to my recipes. Evaporated milk also improves moistness in my baked goods, and whips up easily for a creamy, light and airy texture in desserts like mousses and this Rainbow Fruit Delight. Count on evaporated milk for a full, rich mouth-feel and always-delicious taste. For other light and refreshing Shower menu ideas like Key Lime Mousse or Mini Custard Fruit Tarts, check out the inspired ideas at www.VeryBestBaking.com
FOR MANDARIN ORANGE LAYER: DISSOLVE orange gelatin in 1/2 cup boiling water in small bowl. Let stand for 10 minutes. Place dissolved gelatin, mandarin oranges and 1 cup evaporated milk in blender; cover. Puree for 10 seconds or until well blended. Pour into loaf pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. FOR PINEAPPLE LEMON LAYER: FOLLOW process for Mandarin Orange Layer substituting lemon gelatin and crushed pineapple. Pour mixture over Mandarin Orange Layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. FOR STRAWBERRY LAYER: FOLLOW process for Mandarin Orange Layer substituting strawberry gelatin and strawberries. Pour mixture over Pineapple Lemon Layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. TO UNMOLD: Run point of knife around top of pan. Dip pan into a large pan of warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. Lift from water. Place serving platter on top of pan. Invert mold and platter together, shake slightly to loosen. Gently remove mold. Cut into slices and serve.
Rainbow Fruit Delight
Nutrition Information per serving: 250 calories; 60 calories from fat; 6g total fat; 4.5g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 30mg cholesterol; 230 mg sodium; 40g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 39g sugars; 9g protein; 4% DV vitamin A; 20% DV vitamin C; 25% DV calcium; 2% DV iron
Makes 8 servings 1 1 1/2 1/2 2
Nonstick cooking spray package (3 ounces) orange- flavored gelatin cups boiling water, divided cup mandarin oranges, drained cans (12 ounces each) Carnation Evaporated Milk, chilled, divided satorimagazine.com
Sweet and Simple Brownies One of the first things I learned to bake was a pan of brownies. Since they’re easier to make, I still rely on brownies when I need to quickly bake something sweet.
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This fudgy treat is a rich reward for everyday occasions—and a great beginners’ baking project. Moist, chewy brownies are suitable for potlucks, brown bag lunches, or for that “I forgot I was supposed to bring cookies!” occasion—anytime something sweet is called for. Rich and Chewy Chocolate Brownies made with dark chocolate mix together quickly, and Rocky Road Squares are even easier with a fudge brownie mix. Make either in disposable pans for easy transport and cleanup. Turn everyday chocolate recipes into indulgent desserts with more baking ideas for every occasion at www.VeryBestBaking. com.
Rich and Chewy Chocolate Brownies
PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
MICROWAVE sugar, butter and water in large, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) power for 3 minutes until mixture boils, stirring once. Add chocolate; stir until melted. Stir in eggs one at a time until incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract. Add flour, baking soda and salt; stir well. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared baking pan.
1 1/2 2 1/2 1 2 1
BAKE for 16 to 20 minutes until wooden pick inserted in center comes out still slightly sticky. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. SAUCE PAN METHOD: HEAT sugar, butter and water in medium saucepan just to boiling, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Proceed as above.
Nutrition Information per serving: 130 calories; 70 calories from fat; 8 g total fat; 4.5 g saturated fat; 0 mg trans fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 70 mg sodium; 15 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 10 g sugars; 2 g protein; 2% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 0% DV Calcium; 2% DV Iron
Rocky Road Squares
Make 24 servings package (19.5 to 21 ounces) fudge brownie mix cup vegetable oil, per package directions large eggs, per package directions cup Nestlé Carnation Evaporated Milk cup (6 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels cups miniature marshmallows cup coarsely chopped walnuts
PREHEAT oven according to package directions. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan. PREPARE brownie mix according to package directions, using vegetable oil and egg(s) and substituting evaporated milk for water. Spread into prepared baking pan. BAKE according to package directions; do not over bake. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny. Spread evenly. Top with marshmallows and walnuts. BAKE for 3 to 5 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to melt. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 to 30 minutes. Cut into squares using a knife dipped in hot water.
Nutrition Information per serving: 230 calories; 120 calories from fat; 13g total fat; 3g saturated fat; 0g trans fat; 20mg cholesterol; 80mg sodium; 27g carbohydrate; 1g fiber; 18g sugars; 3g protein; 0% DV vitamin A; 0% DV vitamin C; 2% DV calcium; 4% DV iron
Makes 2 dozen brownies 3/4 1/2 2 2 2 2 1 1/4 1/4 1/2
cup granulated sugar cup (1 stick) butter or margarine tablespoons water bars (8 ounces) Nestlé Toll House Dark Chocolate Baking Bar, broken into small pieces large eggs teaspoons vanilla extract cup all-purpose flour teaspoon baking soda teaspoon salt cup chopped nuts (optional)
Rocky Road Squares
Jenny Harper is Consumer Test Kitchen Project Manager for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com. Photo courtesy of Nestlé satorimagazine.com
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ith spice consumption at an all-time high across America, it’s an exciting time for flavor. According to the McCormick Flavor Forecast 2011, different tastes, textures and colors are mixed and matched to deliver fun and excitement to eating. “We’re seeing a more adventuresome spirit in the kitchen — playful takes on America’s favorites that bring both the comfort of familiarity and the energy of the unexpected,” says Larry Tong, McCormick chef. “For example, a contemporary combination of mustard seed and vermouth sparks a martiniinspired steak kabob, complete with onion and olive garnishes.” Tong sees this lighthearted approach showing up in every course of the meal — right through to dessert. Taking a cue from the report’s Herbes de Provence & Popcorn pairing, a deliciously creamy, no-bake cheesecake has a crust of playful and crunchy crushed popcorn accented with savory Herbes de Provence. For more recipes and featured flavors, visit www.FlavorForecast.com. ®
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Dirty Martini Steak Kabobs Makes 8 servings ( 2 kabobs and 1 cup salad each) Prep Time: 20 minutes Refrigerate Time: 2 hours Cook Time: 15 minutes 3 tablespoons McCormick Gourmet Collection Yellow Mustard Seed 3/4 cup dry vermouth 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons honey 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel 2 tablespoons juice from green olives
Mixed Greens with Mustard Vinaigrette Mix 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, reserved 1 table spoon crushed toasted McCormick Gourmet Collection Yellow Mustard Seed, 1 teaspoon dry vermouth, 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Ground Mustard and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt in medium bowl with wire whisk until well blended. Set aside. Toss 8 cups mixed greens, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, and 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese in large bowl. Serve with vinaigrette. 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Collection Sicilian Sea Salt 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet Collection Coarse Grind Black Pepper 2 pounds boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes 16 small cippolini onions 16 large pimiento-stuffed satorimagazine.com
green olives Mixed Greens with Mustard Vinaigrette (recipe sidebar) 1. Heat large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add mustard seed; cook and stir 1 minute or until fragrant. Immediately pour out of hot pan to avoid overtoasting. Coarsely crush seeds using a rolling pin or a mortar and pestle. Reserve 1 tablespoon for the Mustard Vinaigrette (recipe sidebar).
F o o d Dirty Martini Steak Kabobs 2. Mix remaining mustard seed, vermouth, oil, lemon juice, honey, olive juice, lemon peel, sea salt, garlic and pepper in large bowl until well blended. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for brushing. Place remaining marinade in large reseal able plastic bag or glass dish. Add steak; turn to coat well. Refrigerate 2 hours or longer for extra flavor. 3. Meanwhile, bring water to boil in small saucepan. Add onions; cook 5 minutes. Drain well. Cool onions slightly. Cut off top and bottom ends, then peel onions. Remove steak from marinade. Discard remaining marinade. Alternately thread steak, onions and olives onto 16 skewers.
4. Grill kabobs over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until steak is desired doneness, turning occasionally and brushing with reserved marinade. Serve kabobs with Mixed Greens with Mustard Vinaigrette. Nutritional information per serving: 418 Calories, Fat 24g, Protein 28g, Carbohydrates 19g, Cholesterol 62mg, Sodium 713mg, Fiber 3g
Cheesecake Tart with Popcorn Crust and Berries Makes 8 servings Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Refrigerate Time: 2 hours Popcorn Crust: 3 cups unsalted popped popcorn 1/3 cup sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted 2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet Collection Herbes de Provence Cheesecake Tart with Berries: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup mascarpone cheese 1 1/2 tablespoons honey 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet
Cheesecake Tart with Popcorn Crust and Berries
Collection Herbes de Provence 1/3 cup water 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 cup blueberries 2 cups mixed berries, such as blackberries, raspberries and strawberries 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. For the crust, place popcorn, about 1 cup at a time, in bowl of food processor or blender; cover. Process until finely ground. Mix ground popcorn, 1/3 cup sugar, butter and 2 teaspoons Herbes de Provence in medium bowl until well blended. Press mixture firmly onto bottom of foil-lined 9-inch tart pan. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on wire rack. 2. For the tart, mix cream cheese, mascarpone cheese and honey in satorimagazine.com
medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared crust. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. 3. Mix 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch and 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence in medium saucepan. Stir in water and lemon juice until well blended. Stir in blueberries. Stirring constantly, bring to boil on medium heat and boil 1 minute. Pour into medium bowl to cool slightly. Add remaining berries; toss gently to coat well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove tart from foil-lined pan. Cut into slices to serve. Top with berry mixture. Nutritional information per serving: 406 Calories, Fat 30g, Protein 5g, Carbohydrates 29g, Cholesterol 98mg, Sodium 182mg, Fiber 3g
Have a Berry Merry Cosmo Blend the naughtiness of tart with the niceness of sweet for the ultimate pink drink — Cosmopolitans. With pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry juice, it’s a sassy, classic way to cheer the holiday season.
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alling all holiday party planners: You can hear those sleigh bells ringing, can’t you? Like the most earnest of elves, you’re likely doing your spirited best to balance tradition with the unexpected. This holiday, invite a surprising guest to stir up your seasonal soiree — iced
tea. Alongside the wintertime warm-ups like hot chocolate and eggnog, more hosts are adding a non-traditional, yet oh-socelebration-worthy sip to their gatherings. “Until now, this beverage’s ability to liven up a festive fete has been a well-kept secret by iced tea-lovers,” says Stacy Taffet, Lipton brand. “But this beloved summertime cooler is fast becoming a popular pour at holiday get-togethers, thanks to a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg or apple cider.” So, wow with what’s now, by serving up a new recipe featur ing 100% Natural Lipton® Iced Tea mixed with traditional tastemaking spices. They’re perfect for holiday partygoers of all ages. A Fruity Take on a Holiday Favorite Move over, fruit cake! There’s a new take on festive fruity flavors. This savory and sweet recipe mixes together simple ingredients (which you most likely have on hand) with the delicious taste of pomegranate and blueberry.
Winter Berry Hot White Chocolate Tea 4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 8 minutes 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 cup light cream or half-and- half* 1 bottle 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Pomegranate Blueberry 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until chips
Festivi-Tea Cosmopolitan 3 servings Prep time: 5 minutes 1 bottle 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Pomegranate Blueberry 3 tablespoons 100% cranberry juice 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon lime juice Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into chilled martini glasses. Tip: For an adult version, use 2 tablespoons vodka and 2 tablespoons orange liqueur instead of orange juice.
are completely melted, about 8 minutes (do not boil). Serve immediately. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and an additional sprinkle of nutmeg. Tip: For an adult version, use 1/4 cup vodka or cherry brandy instead of 1/4 cup of light cream. *Use fat-free half-and-half to make this dessert drink lower in saturated fat and calories.
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Winter Berry Hot White Chocolate Tea
Cinnamon, Spice and Iced Tea This recipe offers a tasty twist on a long-standing holiday drink tradition: grog. Spice up each cup by bringing together sweetscented cinnamon and crisp apple cider.
Tea-Spiced Grog
Tea-Spiced Grog 6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Stand time: 20 minutes 2 bottles 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Lemon 1 cup apple cider or apple juice 5 whole cloves 1 cinnamon stick Bring all ingredients to a boil over high heat in a 2-quart saucepan. Remove from heat and let stand 20 minutes. Strain out spices and serve warm. If desired, garnish with sliced apples. Tip: For spiked grog, add 1/4 cup light rum or brandy.
A Sangria Recipe for All Seasons This sangria recipe is a great go-to for get-togethers because you can mix it hours in advance, leaving you more time to mix with what matters — your guests.
Black Tea Sangria 6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Chill time: 2 hours 2 bottles 100% Natural Lipton Iced Tea with Lemon 1 cup unsweetened grape juice 1/4 cup orange juice 1 small orange, sliced 1 Gala apple, cored and sliced 1 lime, sliced Combine all ingredients in large pitcher. Chill at least 2 hours or until ready to serve. Tip: For an adult version of this sangria, use dry red wine instead of grape juice.
For more holiday recipe ideas, visit www.facebook. com/LiptonIcedTea. Black Tea Sangria
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f you want to lose weight or maintain weight loss this winter, choose smart snacks that will satisfy your taste buds without sabotaging your goals. Low-fat dairy is one great option recommended by the USDA. It’s a good source of protein that can help keep you fuller longer while providing calcium and important nutrients. Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita Toasts
For tasty snack ideas, try these recipes: Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Pita Toasts Serves: 6 (1/2 cup dip plus 6 pita chips per serving) Weight Watchers PointsPlus value: 5 per serving Prep time: 18 minutes Cook time: 33 minutes Pita Toasts: 6 4-inch whole wheat pita pockets, cut into sixths Non-stick olive oil cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Spinach and Artichoke Dip: 9 Weight Watchers Parmesan Peppercorn Wedges, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 cup non-fat sour cream 2 ounces Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Cream Cheese Spread, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 package (10-ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained 1 can (14-ounces) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped into 1/8-inch pieces Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange pita slices on baking sheet 1/4 inch apart. Spray both sides with cooking spray. Sprinkle tops with kosher salt, pepper. Bake 7-8 minutes until golden. Remove from oven; set aside. Lower oven heat to 350°F. Spray 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, combine Parmesan peppercorn wedges, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper with electric mixer on low until well-blended. Stir in spinach, artichoke hearts with large spoon. Mix until thoroughly combined. Pour into pan; bake 25 minutes, until bubbling, lightly browned. Remove from oven. Serve warm or at room temperature with pita toasts.
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Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
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Serves: 4 (1 skewer plus 1 tablespoon pesto) Weight Watchers PointsPlus value: 3 per serving Prep time: 17 minutes 20 grape tomatoes 4 pieces Weight Watchers Light String Cheese (or Weight Watchers Natural Light Smoked Mozzarella String Cheese), cut into quarters 1 cup fresh basil plus 4 basil leaves, cut into quarters 1/2 clove garlic 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon pine nuts 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 8-inch skewers Thread tomato onto skewer. Follow with 1 piece of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 piece basil. Repeat pattern until skewer is full, ending with a tomato. Once 4 skewers have been prepared, set aside. Chop garlic in food processor until minced, about 15 seconds. Add basil, olive oil, chicken broth, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped, about 30 seconds. Serve each skewer with 1 tablespoon pesto.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Spicy Tomato Dipping Sauce Serves: 4 (2 mozzarella sticks plus 1/2 cup sauce per serving) Weight Watchers PointsPlus value: 3 per serving Prep time: 12 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Olive oil cooking spray 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 6 tablespoons unseasoned panko or breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheesecake Lollipops Serves: 28 (1 lollipop or square, 1/28th of a 9-inch cake) Weight Watchers PointsPlus value: 5 per serving Prep time: 1 hour plus 3 hours refrigeration time and 2 hours freezing time Cook time: 45 minutes Cheesecake: 24 ounces Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Cream Cheese Spread, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon lemon zest Ganache: 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup half-and-half Equipment: 28 lollipop or Popsicle sticks Preheat oven to 350°F. In large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until light, fluffy. Add flour, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest. Beat until completely smooth.
Pour mixture into 9-inch square baking pan; spread evenly. Bake 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the cheesecake comes out clean. Remove from oven; cool completely, approximately 1 hour. Once cool, cover pan tightly with foil. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Line baking sheet with wax paper. Remove cheesecake from refrigerator. Scoop out 28 balls (roughly 2 tablespoons in size) with measuring spoon or small ice cream scoop. Place balls on baking sheet, approximately 1 inch apart. Insert stick firmly in middle of each ball. Freeze 2 hours or overnight. Just before serving, make ganache. In double boiler or Pyrex bowl placed over pan of steaming, not yet simmering water, heat chocolate chips, half-and-half over low heat, whisking continuously until mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Dip lollipops into ganache until 3/4 of each lollipop is covered. Return to baking sheet. Allow to harden. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to serve. For more tips and recipes, visit www.WeightWatchers.com. The brand of ingredients used in the nutrition calculation software to calculate the PointsPlus value for these recipes may differ from what is available on the WeightWatchers. com Recipe Builder. This may impact the PointsPlus value.
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Inspiring Recipes by Chef Candice Kumai
ear after year, saving money and eating healthier rank high on the list of New Year’s resolutions, but as many know all too well, busy schedules can make it hard to keep these resolutions up. “Pretty Delicious” author and “Top Chef” alum Candice Kumai has partnered with The Glad Products Company to create delicious recipes that help bring healthy food out of the kitchen, and in turn, help to save you both the cost and calories associated with eating lunch out. Chef Kumai’s recipes are inspired by Glad To Go reusable lunch and snack containers, which feature a detachable 1.5-ounce “To Go” cup that snaps into the lid — allowing you to confidently transport foods that you haven’t been able to before. Just imagine — no more dressing leak disasters when bringing a salad to work. “Now there’s no excuse for us to break our New Year’s resolutions,” says Kumai. “My recipes are not only healthy, delicious, convenient meal time options, but they fit into our everyday lives while helping to save money, time and calories and reduce waste.” For additional recipes, lunchtime tips, coupon offerings and more, visit Facebook.com/Glad. Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 For the shrimp 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Pinch red pepper flakes 1 pound medium shrimp, deveined 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila Salt, to taste 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Salad For the salad 4 cups dark, leafy mixed greens 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced thin 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed 1 avocado, sliced thin For the dressing 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila 1 tablespoon grated lime zest 1 teaspoon hot sauce 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Pinch of sea salt to taste satorimagazine.com
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add cumin and red pepper flakes, and let flavors blend together. Add shrimp and toss. Carefully add tequila and cook until alcohol burns off. Season with salt, and add dried chipotle powder. Once shrimp are cooked, add chopped cilantro, toss and put aside on a plate. Toss mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add in roasted red peppers and black beans. In medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and alter to desired taste by adding additional hot sauce and salt. Top with avocado slices and sautéed shrimp.
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Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 For the figs 2 cups fresh black mission figs, sliced in half 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 teaspoon sea salt For the salad 1/2 cup blue cheese, cut into elegant wedges or thin slices 6 cups mixed salad greens with arugula 1/2 cup candied walnuts Sea salt to taste For the dressing 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon sea salt To roast figs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove stems off end of each fig, then slice fig in half. Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until a bit golden brown. Remove and cool slightly. In small mixing bowl, mix 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, olive oil and honey. Add figs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk honey, mustard, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and sea salt together to create dressing. Place greens in large salad bowl; toss in candied walnuts. Serve with two fig halves on top of each salad with a blue cheese wedge.
Spinach Salad with Walnuts, Strawberries and Goat Cheese Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 For the salad 1/2 cup walnuts 4 cups fresh spinach, stems trimmed 8 large strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese For the dressing 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 1/4 teaspoon sea salt Heat the oven to 375°F. Place walnuts on rimmed baking sheet and bake until fragrant and toasted, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool. Toss spinach with strawberries in a large bowl. In small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, vinegar and salt. Sprinkle walnuts on top of spinach and strawberries mix. Serve sprinkled with goat cheese, with remaining dressing on the side.
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Fitness & Health
Staying Fit and Healthy with Diona By Diona Lynn Austin
ith the turkey, turkey dressing and all the trimmings behind us, it’s that time again. It’s the time when people decide on and set New Year’s resolutions. This will vary according to personal preference; however, one of the most common resolutions people make is to live a healthier lifestyle. Many people find it difficult to stay focused and motivated; consequently, this new found desire, often times, does not play out long term. By following these 12 simple tips you will discover how easy it can be to eat healthy, stay focused and to incorporate positive long-term lifestyle changes into your life.
12 Health Tips for 2012
Tip 1 Gradually make lifestyle changes -- Trying to incorporate too many changes at one time can be difficult to achieve. Instead, slowly make any transitions in order to allow your body the opportunity to adjust both physically and mentally. Tip 2 Avoid fad diets -- Fad diets commonly claim a person can loose weight rapidly without much exercise involved. Most of these fad diets don’t deliver on their diet claims and many of them can be damaging to your health. Tip 3 Eat more meals at home avoid junk food -- Brown bag your meals and snacks for school, work etc. This makes it convenient to take something healthy along allowing you to avoid restaurants, fast food and vending machines. Tip 4 Incorporate good fats into your diet -Good dietary fats which include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in your blood when consumed in moderation. Therefore, where possible, one should choose food items that contain the good dietary fats and avoid foods that contain Trans fats and saturated fats which raise bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Tip 5 Drink plenty of water -- Swap out the sodas, energy drinks and alcohol for more water as this will help reduce your sugar intake and potential weight
gain. For some added flavor to your water try fresh lemons, cucumbers or strawberries. Tip 6 Don’t forget the carbohydrates -- Despite what many believe, carbohydrates do not cause weight gain. Weight gain is caused by excess calories and fat. Carbohydrates actually contributed to energy which makes them a vital part of any meal plan. As a matter of information: fat contains 9 calories per gram of fat while carbohydrates only contain 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate. Tip 7 Exercise for better fitness -- Find a physical activity that you enjoy (after checking with your doctor) and try to include it in your schedule at least three to four times a week. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can strengthen your heart, promote relaxation and elevate your mood. A good exercise regime can promote healthier blood pressure levels, reduction in mental stress and better sleep habits. Tip 8 Dark Chocolate a day keeps the Doctor away -- Eaten in moderation chocolate is considered good for your health. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, the same substances found in green tea and red wine. Flavonoids keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and slow down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries.
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Fitness & Health
12 Health Tips for 2012 Tip 9 Eat cholesterol lowering food -- The body makes all the cholesterol it needs so it is not necessary to receive any additional cholesterol from food intake. A diet heavy with cholesterol lowering foods such as oats, oat bran, and high fiber foods such as beans, fruits, fish and nuts can help maintain cholesterol at healthy levels and promote a healthy heart. Tip 10 Stop smoking tobacco -- Not only is nicotine harmful and extremely addictive; it is a very expensive habit. The American Cancer society reported that the average economic cost of smoking is estimated at $3,391 per smoker per year. And for this princely sum you stand a good chance of being one of the 430,000 American fatalities per annum. Fifty people will die from tobacco in the next hour; some reward. Tip 11 Love who you are -- Everybody is different but beautiful in their own way. It’s about getting to know your body better and what it needs to be a healthier you. Set realistic goals for yourself because with the bar set too high, more often than not, attainment is too difficult and failure is imminent. Tip 12 Reward yourself with a cheat day -- Take one day out of the week to enjoy the foods you love. Indulging for the one day per week will help to keep you balanced and without that feeling of deprivation. Satisfy your cravings for that day then return to your normal routine. This is a great way to have your cake and eat it too. Seriously consider making positive lifestyle changes in 2012. Start with a list of the changes you would like to make. Then determine their level of difficulty and begin with the easiest then move on to the more difficult. Soon you will be living a healthier lifestyle and benefiting from all it’s worth. Remember that it’s not about totally cutting out all those pleasures from life, but about moderation. Happy New Year!
“A New Year’s resolution is someting that goes in one year and out the other.”-- Author Unknown
Don’t Let this be you!
The Top Three Flu-Fighting Tips for 2012
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very year, Americans stock up on lemon tea, vitamin C, and herbal remedies to brace for another long flu season. But what really works? Protecting yourself (and your friends, family, and community) from influenza is as easy as taking these three simple steps, courtesy of ZocDoc – a free service (currently available in select cities) which lets patients book doctor appointments online instantly:
1. Get a flu shot. Two-thirds of Americans plan to get the flu vaccine this year, but following through on this pledge can be difficult. Simply visit www.ZocDoc.com, find a nearby doctor, choose your own appointment time, and schedule an appointment with just a few clicks. 2. Stop the spread of germs. Common-sense germ precautions are one of the most powerful steps you can take to stop the flu in its tracks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this means washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; avoiding close contact with sick people; and limiting contact with healthy people if you fall ill. 3. Seek help if you are under the weather. If you do become sick, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Although many people think of the flu as just a nuisance illness, it can be very serious – especially for the very young, the elderly, and anyone with a weak immune system. Every year, the flu is responsible for hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and countless hours of lost work. Currently, ZocDoc is available in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. There are more than 5.5 million available appointments with medical professionals nationwide. For more information, visit www.ZocDoc.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Turn Up the Volume – “Music is key for most of my clients. When they’re running out of steam, the right song can help put them on track to meet their fitness goals,” says Peña. Creating playlists of different music that keeps you motivated for different types of activities can really help keep you going. Remember to refresh playlists, as you can quickly tire of the same music.
Fitness & Health
Stay Motivated All Year with These Easy Fitness Tips
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n 2012, millions of people will make a vow to lose weight or start a fitness plan, but many will lose the motivation it takes to sustain a fit and active lifestyle within just a few weeks. With the right tools and support though, finding motivation to stay fit can be a snap. Father, New York Times Best-Selling Author, and “Extra” TV host Mario Lopez finds his motivation to stay fit using the techniques of his personal trainer, Jimmy Peña. Now, Peña wants to help people keep their fitness vows using the same techniques by offering these simple tips to maintain motivation all year long: Start Small – If you haven’t been active in a long time, don’t stress your muscles by doing too much too fast. Start slowly by taking the stairs or squeezing in a 20-minute jog on your lunch break. Build Up Endurance – Track your progress and continue to build upon your exercise activities – whether you’re running or jogging a route, walking a path, biking, swimming or weight training – to push yourself a little farther each week. Grab a Partner – “You can improve exercise performance by having a partner who pushes you to your limits. But if you prefer to workout solo, the built-in audio trainer in the new MOTOACTV from Motorola can provide motivation. It’s like having a personal trainer right in your ear,” says Peña. The new device tracks fitness stats including time, distance, heart rate and even calories burned. Then, upload your workout to www.motoactv.com to analyze the performance data tracked by the device – and challenge your friends to beat your latest stats. “A little competition can be a big motivator,” explains Peña. Mix it Up – It’s important to make a fitness schedule and stick to it, but that
doesn’t mean doing the same routine over and over. To stay motivated, try changing your workout. From walking to running to cycling, you can always find a new activity to challenge yourself – and you can bring MOTOACTV with you. Sweat-proof and rain-resistant, this device also features a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass display. You can wear it on your wrist, clip it to your shirt, or purchase a mount to attach it to your bike during an outdoor ride, making it easy to change up your activities to keep you interested (sold separately). Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
“MOTOACTV is a personal trainer and a DJ all at the same time,” says Lopez. “It tracks all the data I need – from pace, heart rate, distance, miles logged, and it plays all my favorite music. It even knows the music I perform to best, which I have never seen before.” In addition, users can stay tangle-free, since the device allows you to enjoy a completely wireless workout via stereo Bluetooth enabled headphones, sold separately. For more information on the new MOTOACTV from Motorola, visit www. motoactv.com.
Avoiding a Deadly Danger for Diabetics New technology gives people with diabetes peace of mind
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iabetes affects millions of Americans, and for many, it can cause devastating effects. One of the biggest risks of diabetes is a sudden and unexpected drop in blood sugar (glucose), called hypoglycemia. It is responsible for a spate of unnecessary hospital visits, auto accidents and deaths nationwide. “Every day, people are dying
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unnecessarily, simply because they could not predict or detect a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) event,” said Steve Edelman, M.D., founder and director of Taking Control of Your Diabetes, a notfor-profit educational organization. “That’s a tragic outcome, especially because there is modern technology available right now that can prevent it.”
Fitness & Health
A New Way to Monitor Glucose Levels Traditionally, the standard-of-care for diabetes is to measure blood sugar with regular finger sticks. There are some limitations to that method, however: •
Finger sticks capture only a static snapshot of blood sugar.
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There is no way to know if blood sugar levels are heading up or down, or how fast.
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There are no real-time alarms that alert when blood sugar is headed to the danger zone.
New technology from Dexcom called Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), identifies potentially life-threatening drops in blood sugar while driving, sleeping and other critical times. It shows not only total blood sugar, but also the speed and direction in which it is moving, and immediately alerts the user to dangerous changes so action can be taken. CGM is considered one of the mostsignificant breakthroughs in diabetes management in the last 40 years. People with diabetes are not always aware that their glucose levels are dropping. Studies show that one in four people with Type I diabetes experience hypoglycemic unawareness, a complication of diabetes in which the patient is unaware of a deep drop in blood sugar because it fails to trigger the characteristic symptoms. Drops in blood sugar cause a progressive loss of mental function and cognitive motor skills, which can make operating a motor vehicle dangerous, or result in ‘dead in bed’ syndrome, a tragic outcome of hypoglycemia occurring during sleep. “People with Type I diabetes who solely depend on finger sticks or home glucose monitoring do not know what direction their blood sugar is going and could be at risk for a serious hypoglycemic event,”
said Dr. Edelman. “For many individuals with diabetes who take insulin, glucose levels can crash quickly and unpredictably, putting them at risk of passing out or having a seizure while driving or caring for a child, for example. Low blood sugar can and does lead to death, especially in people who do not feel the symptoms of low glucose.”
The Dexcom CGM device consists of three parts: a sensor, transmitter and monitor. • The sensor—about the width of two human hairs—is applied by the user to the abdomen, and is attached to a tiny transmitter. • The tiny transmitter sends data wirelessly to a mini display monitor, about the size of a small cell phone, which fits easily in a purse or pocket. • Dexcom’s CGM is equipped with special alerts and alarms, letting users know when their blood sugars spike or drop, so that they can intervene to prevent potential problems. • Dexcom has the only CGM sensor that the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration has approved for up to seven days of continuous wear.
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“For too many people with type I diabetes, life and death is what happens between finger sticks,” said Terry Gregg, CEO of Dexcom. “From diabetics living alone, to business travelers on the road, to moms too busy to take breaks – CGM gives them peace of mind to live life uninterrupted.” Proper diabetes management is a vital part of improving health and quality of life. Continuous glucose monitoring has been recognized in the diabetes community as an effective tool for helping patients achieve their diabetes goals, and it can help save lives. Learn more at www. dexcom.com. (woman holding syringe) Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman holding meter) Photo courtesy of DexCom
Fitness & Health
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walk down the vitamin aisle at your local pharmacy or grocery store can be overwhelming. There are so many options that it can be hard to know where to begin. Pharmacist Lauren Fallieras says it’s important to understand how and why your body uses certain nutrients in order to decide which supplements are right for your needs. “Vitamins play a key role in building a healthy body from the inside out,” she says. “It is important to get these nutrients from a well-balanced diet, but it’s not uncommon to fall short on select vitamins and minerals without even knowing it.” Fallieras recommends not only understanding what nutrients your body may need more of, but when you are looking at supplements, to ensure you know the ABC’s of what to look for on the vitamin bottle. Here’s what you need to know about some of the “letter” vitamins — A, B, C, D and E — that will help you make the right choices to support personal health and wellness.
Vitamin A — An important developmental building block, vitamin A plays a key role in vision, white blood cell production, tissue maintenance and more. Good food sources include yellow and green leafy vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes and squash, as well as yellow fruits such as peaches and cantaloupe. The B Vitamins — There are actually quite a few B vitamins. Here are just some of them: n Vitamin B-6: Involved in over 100 cellular reactions throughout the body, vitamin B-6 is instrumental in keeping various bodily functions operating at their best. B-6 is needed to metabolize amino acids and glycogen and is also necessary for normal nervous system, hormone and red blood cell function. Vitamin B6 is fairly abundant in the diet and can be found in foods such as meat,
poultry, bananas, fish, fortified cereal grains and cooked spinach. n Vitamin B-12: Is needed for the synthesis of DNA, for red blood cell formation and for healthy nervous system function. It also helps maintain healthy red blood cells which deliver oxygen to the body and support normal energy levels. Vegetarians need to be sure they get enough B-12 because this vitamin is found mainly in animal products like chicken, beef, seafood, milk and eggs. n Riboflavin: Also known as vitamin B-2, riboflavin is a basic building block for normal growth and development. It is needed for normal/regular energy production and also supports antioxidant activity throughout the body. Commonly found in a variety of foods such as fortified cereals, milk, eggs, cooked salmon, beef, spinach and broccoli. n Folic Acid: While it is true that folic acid is very important for women of child-bearing age, all people should ensure adequate folic acid intake through the diet. satorimagazine.com
It is essential in the development of DNA and amino acid synthesis. Fortified foods such as breads and cereals are good dietary sources of folic acid. Other good sources are dark green leafy vegetables such as asparagus and spinach, as well as, liver, orange juice, beets, dates and avocados. Fallieras says, “If you are not able to get your daily dose of these important B vitamins through food consumption alone, I’d recommend a supplement, like Nature Made’s Super B-Complex with Folic Acid and Vitamin C. As a pharmacist, I know that getting the nutrients you need means taking the highest quality vitamins available in the right dosage. I like Nature Made because they have been the leading choice of pharmacists in many of the key vitamin and supplement segments since 2006, according to a ranking by Pharmacy Times.” Vitamin C — As the body’s main water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C has been found to fight against free radicals and guard the healthy cells of the body. It is active throughout the
Fitness & Health body, and is especially effective when taken in conjunction with vitamin E. Additionally, vitamin C is a building block for collagen (connective tissue), supports healthy immune function, and is essential for synthesizing compounds involved in the energyproducing pathways of the body. Vitamin D — It plays a key role in the proper absorption of calcium for strong bones and teeth, and some research suggests vitamin D may support colon, breast, prostate, ovarian, heart and colorectal health. It’s needed to help muscles move, help support healthy nerve function and supports a healthy immune system.
For most people, sunlight is the most common source of vitamin D because they eat few foods that naturally contain it, such as cod liver oil, oily fish (salmon, herring, and sardines in oil), egg yolks and fortified milk. However, where you live may affect the amount of sunshine you receive, especially in winter, and therefore, sun exposure alone is not adequate. The current recommendation for vitamin D is 600 IU a day. Some scientists and vitamin D researchers are now recommending having your blood level checked and possibly increasing daily consumption to 1,000 IU or more per day. In addition to fortified foods, such as yogurt, cereals, milk and orange juice, and exposure to sunlight, supplements are an effective way of improving levels of vitamin D.
Vitamin E — This is a fat-soluble nutrient that helps protect the heart and helps protect body tissues from free radical attack. Vitamin E and vitamin C work as a strong antioxidant team, and taking them together enhances their effectiveness. It’s found naturally in nuts and vegetable oils. Before taking any dietary supplement, read the label instructions. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions, particularly about the best dosage for you to take. If you experience any side effects that concern you, stop taking it, and contact your health care provider. Learn more about vitamins and your health at www.naturemade. com.
Choosing Supplements
When choosing a supplement, it’s important that you keep these things in mind: n Talk to your physician or pharmacist. Talk to a health care professional about supplements,
including dosage values for your individual needs. n Look for the USP Verified Dietary Supplement mark. Seek brands that participate in third-party
verification programs with organizations such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). n Think twice about chasing the latest headline. Sound health advice is generally based on
research over time, not a single study. Consider vitamins and minerals for overall health, and be wary of results claiming a quick fix or one study suggesting a certain result. n Do your research. There are a number of resources available. Visit FamilyDoctor.org for credible,
physician-reviewed information on health and wellness topics, including the role vitamins and supplements can play in a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle. n Read the label and follow dosage instructions carefully. Follow the dosage instructions on the
label. Look for any warning statements such as combining certain supplements with prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines. Be wary of claims that seem too good to be true.
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Beauty Tips
TAKE CARE OF
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Your Smile
here’s a lot more that goes into a great smile than just keeping the pearly whites, well, white. Protecting tooth enamel plays an important role in having a beautiful and healthy smile. What is tooth enamel? Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth. It’s the hardest tissue in the human body and it helps protect teeth from the wear and tear that comes with chewing, biting and grinding. It also helps insulate teeth from hot and cold, making it possible to enjoy ice cream or hot coffee. While enamel is hard, it can chip or crack. Once the enamel layer is lost, it cannot regenerate. What causes enamel erosion? Enamel erosion happens when acids wear away the enamel on teeth, which can lead to the loss of tooth structure. The calcium that’s in saliva will usually help strengthen teeth after you have a small amount of acid, but too much acid prevents that from happening. Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of things: n Excessive consumption of carbonated drinks — sodas and other carbonated drinks contain high levels of phosphoric and citric acids, which can dissolve the enamel on your teeth quickly. The more you drink, or the longer you hold the drink in your mouth, the more damage is done. n Fruit drinks (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid) n Dry mouth or low salivary flow n Diet (high in sugar and starches) n Acid reflux disease n Gastrointestinal problems
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
n Medications (aspirin, antihistamines)
n Genetics (inherited conditions) n Environmental factors (friction, wear and tear, stress and corrosion)
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See a dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning. Not only will it help keep your teeth cleaner, but also your dentist can detect problems before you can — which means a small problem can be taken care of before it becomes a big one.
Beauty Tips TAKE CARE OF
Drink sodas in moderation. Your Smile
Protecting Tooth Enamel There are some simple things that you can do to help take care of your enamel and keep your teeth healthy:
Brush and floss daily. Mom and the dentist are right. Keeping your teeth clean prevents enamel-damaging elements from building up. Be sure to brush for two minutes at least twice a day.
Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is a tooth strengthener, so it should be a part of your twice-daily brushing routine. For fluoride toothpaste with enamel care built in, consider ARM & HAMMER® Complete Care™ Enamel Strengthening toothpaste. It’s the only toothpaste with fluoride and Liquid Calcium®, which strengthens enamel while gently removing plaque and whitening teeth. Learn more at www. ahcompletecare.com.
Sodas can be 10 times more corrosive than fruit juices in the first three minutes of drinking, according to a study published in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) journal “General Dentistry.” The acids in the beverages damage your enamel, which then allows bad bacteria to get to the tooth. If you’re not going to avoid sodas or fruit juices, rinsing after enjoying these types of drinks can help.
Be careful about other beverages, too. Another study by the AGD found that the damage caused by non-cola and sports beverages was three to 11 times greater than cola-based drinks, with energy drinks and bottled lemonades causing the most harm to tooth enamel. Sports beverages contain additives and organic acids that can advance dental erosion. These organic acids break down calcium, which is needed to strengthen teeth and prevent gum disease.
Sip with a straw. Drink sodas and fruit juices with a straw, which helps acids to bypass the teeth.
Brushing Basics What’s the big deal about brushing? The Academy of General Dentistry says that: n Toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove the sticky, harmful film of bacteria, called plaque, that grows on your teeth and causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. n Toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. n Special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. One of those special ingredients is baking soda. As a cleaning agent, baking soda is less abrasive than virtually any other cleaning agent used in toothpastes. Less abrasion means less tooth wear, which helps keep your teeth healthier, longer. And when it comes to cleaning, recent studies indicate that baking soda in high concentrations, like those found in most ARM & HAMMER toothpastes, breaks down into tiny particles that are able to penetrate enamel crevices and remove food particles and deep stain embedded there.
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Be mindful of snacking. Eating foods which are high in sugar and starches increases the amount of acid in your mouth. If you can’t avoid snacking, brush your teeth afterward or at least give it a good rinsing. Snacking on celery, carrots or apples helps clear away loose food and debris.
Chew sugar-free gum.
It increases saliva production, and saliva has minerals that helps strengthen teeth. Choose a sugar-free gum that has xylitol, which can reduce acids.
Wait one hour to brush your teeth. Because acid weakens enamel, brushing immediately after consuming highly acidic food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits and soft drinks, runs the risk of wearing away the enamel in its weakened state. Taking good care of your teeth lets you show off a great smile — and a healthy mouth — for a long time.
Beauty Tips
Holiday Ideas For Less
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he holidays are filled with occasions to see loved ones, relatives and old friends. With plenty of holiday parties and photo opportunities, you want to look your best even if you don’t have hours to spend at the salon. Style expert Lilliana Vazquez of CheapChicas.com offers some helpful tips on how to look sensational without breaking the budget: Keep skin moisturized. With the dry winter air, make sure to keep your skin moisturized, especially when you’re showing more skin in cocktail dresses. One of Lilliana’s favorite inexpensive tricks that works wonders is coconut oil. It absorbs quickly into skin and smells amazing. You can also use it in your hair as a leave-in conditioner. Add a splash of berry. There have been tons of berry tones on the runways, and one easy way to work them into your wardrobe is on your lips. A raspberry or burgundy shade is the perfect way to boost your holiday look. Make sure to keep lips moisturized before you apply. Try a sugar scrub or rich balm to keep your pout kissable. Stay Smooth. One thing you want to avoid before you step under the mistletoe is unwanted facial hair. Make sure your face is smooth and photo-ready by using a depilatory or wax. “I love Nair products because they’re effective and easy on the wallet,” said Vazquez. “Try the Nair Precision Face & Upper Lip Kit that comes with a special rebalancing moisturizer so it’s gentle on your skin.” Learn more at www. NairLikeNeverBefore.com.
Show off your face. Don’t worry if you don’t have time for a blowout hairstyle. One of the chicest holiday looks is a chignon, which pairs perfectly with metallic-shaded eyes and strong lips that are hot this season. Try a low bun off to one side for a look that keeps the emphasis on you. There you have it – some easy ways to look your holiday best without spending a lot of time or money. Now, that’s something to be merry about. Photo Courtesy Getty Images
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LifeStyle
Put Kids on the Right Path with Money
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rom the time children drop their first few coins into a piggy bank, they are ready to learn about setting savings goals and making smart spending decisions. While kids may struggle with giving up a candy bar today in order to save for a video game purchase next month, the lesson of saving becomes directly applicable to them.
then parents can begin to place daily spending decisions in a context their child will understand,” says Stuart Ritter, CFP, a family financial expert with T. Rowe Price, and father of three. “Teaching children to set savings goals and make decisions about money that align with those goals is much easier when the discussion is concrete rather than abstract.”
But the bite of inflation? The wisdom of diversifying savings? Can a third grader understand these concepts?
Inflation and diversification may be more difficult for children to grasp. In fact, some adults may have trouble defining these concepts. Simple explanations may work, such as explaining that college will cost a lot more several years from today, which means saving and investing differently for that goal than one would for a smaller item, such as a skateboard to be purchased in six months.
The experts say yes, and the sooner parents start imparting these lessons, the more effective they will be in helping children grow into financially responsible young adults. The trick is to take advantage of teachable “money moments” that happen every day – such as when you go to the bank or the grocery store – to help children understand complex concepts in kid-friendly terms. When a son questions his mother’s refusal to buy a toy she says the family cannot afford, the mother has the perfect opportunity to teach the son a money lesson about making choices. She can explain that purchasing that specific toy means there is less money to be used for future purchases, such as buying a bicycle or a video game the son has on his wish list. Another example would be if a daughter asks her father why the family can’t fly instead of driving a great distance for the family vacation. This question presents an opportunity to explain spending tradeoffs the daughter can understand. For example, the amount required for airline tickets may mean the vacation budget can’t allow for swimming with dolphins or a visit to the amusement park. “If children are included in family financial discussions, such as planning for a fun vacation or purchasing a high-cost toy,
A complementary approach is to introduce children to games that teach basic money lessons. One example is the game “The Great Piggy Bank Adventure” at www. GreatPiggyBankAdventure.com. T. Rowe Price collaborated with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online to produce this free online board game, which conveys basic financial concepts in a way that is fun and easy for kids to understand. To extend the lessons from the game, parents can also download a free “Journey to Your Dream Goal” activity book from www. FamilyFinancialHub.com. Puzzles, games, and tricky challenges help guide kids through the process of making smart financial decisions. To get your child started with saving and money lessons, visit www.FamilyFinancialHub.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images
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LifeStyle
W
ho isn’t looking to save a little money these days? Here are some easy ways you can save money on preparing your taxes, as well as ways you might be able to pay out a little less.
IRS Free File: More Savings, Less Taxing Looking for a fast, easy and free option to do your taxes? IRS Free File allows everyone to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns for free. And, the step-by-step, brand-name software offered by IRS’ commercial partners helps you find the tax breaks you are due. Each of the approximately 20 private-sector partners tailor their offerings based on criteria such as income, age or state residency. If you need help finding a Free File match, just select the “get help finding a Free File company” as your option. Simply enter a little information about yourself and the matches will appear. Some also offer state returns for free or for a fee.
Tips for Saving Money on Taxes
— While all the companies have different criteria, if you made $57,000 or less in 2011 — and that’s 70 percent of us — you will be eligible for at least one free tax software program. — If your income was higher than $57,000, you can still prepare and e-file your return for free by using Free File Fillable Forms. This is the electronic version of IRS paper forms. It’s more basic and is probably best for people comfortable preparing their own paper tax returns. It does not support state tax returns. Just go to www.irs.gov/freefile to get started.
Did You Know? n Because of a holiday, the 2012 tax deadline is April 17. n Everyone can do their taxes for free with IRS Free File. n Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is for working families, yet 20 percent overlook it. n Eighty percent of taxpayers get a refund. n IRS2GO is a new smartphone app that lets you track your refund. n No phone? Visit “Where’s My Refund?” at www.irs.gov. n The official website, www.irs.gov, has a new look, and the latest info.
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Organize Records The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents for three years, in case of an audit. Keeping track of income-related documents can help you take full advantage of deductions available to you. If you don’t have the information, you might be losing out on money. What should you have handy when it’s time to fill out this year’s returns? Records such as: — A copy of last year’s tax return — Valid Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse and children — All income statements, i.e. W-2 forms, from all employers — Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099 forms — Form 1099-G showing any state refunds — Unemployment compensation amount — Social Security benefits — Expense receipts for deductions — Day care provider’s identifying number
LifeStyle
Tips for Saving Money on Taxes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance If you need personal assistance to prepare your tax return, there are 12,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites nationwide. These sites offer free help to those earning around $50,000 or less. To locate the nearest VITA site, search for “VITA” on IRS.gov. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), which is supported by AARP, offers free tax help to people who are age 60 and older. To locate the nearest AARP Tax-Aide site, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org.
Find Out if You are Eligible for the EITC No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than EITC. Yet, one out of every five eligible taxpayers fails to claim it, according to the IRS. Because of the economy, even more people may be eligible if they have had changes in their earned income. Here are a few things to keep in mind: — The amount of qualifying income depends on your situation. For example, married workers, who earned $49,078 or less from wages, self-employment or farm income last year, are filing jointly, and have two qualifying children, could be eligible. The maximum credit for 2011 tax returns is $5,751 for workers with three or more qualifying children. — Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number of factors including earnings, filing status and eligible children. Workers without qualifying children may be eligible for a smaller credit amount. — You must file a tax return, even if you do not have a filing requirement, and specifically claim the credit. Those who typically fail to claim the EITC include rural workers and their families; non-traditional families, such as grandparents or foster parents raising children; taxpayers without qualifying children; individuals with limited English proficiency; and taxpayers with disabilities.
— If you claim EITC, it can be complex so try to avoid the common errors such as mistakes on income amounts, filing head of household when you should file as married, or claiming children who have not lived with you for more than half the year. — If you use a paid tax return preparer, make sure to seek out a reputable one. Tax professionals must sign returns they prepare and use their Preparer Tax Identification Numbers. To learn more about EITC, go to www.irs.gov/eitc and use the EITC Assistant, or ask your tax professional. All EITC claimants are eligible for free tax help from the 12,000 volunteer sites nationwide or to use Free File at www. irs.gov/freefile. EITC Rules: Are You Eligible? Rules for Everyone — Your adjusted gross income cannot be more than the limit. — You must have a valid Social Security number. — Your filing status cannot be “Married filing separately.” — You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year. — You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ. — Your investment income must be $3,150 or less. — You must have earned income.
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Home Advisor Simplifying Home Design with Technology
W
ith 425,000 items in Apple’s App Store, it seems like there’s an app for everything now. Looking for a pig-latin translator? Need to find the closest restroom? Well, you know the saying.
As the number of apps continues to increase, developers are taking the technology beyond fun and games. Today, users can find apps that help organize, simplify and enrich areas of their daily lives. One of these areas is home design. “Home design and renovation can feel like a daunting task at the beginning of any project. Whether creating floor plans or choosing colors and fabrics, there is a lot to think about,” said Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. “Luckily we’re living in a digital age, and there are apps and online resources to help homeowners with everything from budgeting to hanging a picture frame.”
H
ome fires may seem like the kind of event that happens to someone else, but the reality is, it could easily happen to you. Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Take action now to make sure your home is safer, and that your family knows what to do in case a fire does break out. And don’t stop there — share some positivity in your community by reminding family and friends to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this fall. Make a Plan
Here’s a list of some popular home design apps: KraftMyStyle: With this app from KraftMaid Cabinetry, you can capture images and create photo collages of items that inspire you, like colors, unique spaces, fabrics and art. Style Boards can be shared with family, friends and in the online gallery. When you’re working with a designer, this app is a great way to share ideas and inspiration for your home’s design. Available for free for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
and Twitter. Available for free for Android, iPhone and iPad.
iHandy Level: Say goodbye to crooked frames. This app turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a level. Available for free for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.
Paint ‘N’ Wash: With this app, you can paint works of art—with your fingers— then wash it away with the Delta faucet. Great for getting those creative juices flowing. Available for free for BlackBerry, iPhone and iPad.
ColorSmart: If you’re planning on refreshing your home’s walls, this app from Behr paint is a must-have. The app makes it easy to try out different styles and paint colors in your rooms without picking up a roller. Once you’ve found your favorite colors, share them on Facebook
Fire Safety Room by Room
When a home fire occurs, you have very little time to get out. Having an escape plan that everyone is familiar with is a critical part of saving lives. Yet only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely.
Remodelista: This design sourcebook brings you the latest content from Remodelista, such as DIY projects, 10 Easy Pieces product roundups, and Steal This Look. Photo galleries organized by room bring daily design inspiration. The app costs $2.99 and is available for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
For more design advice, tools and tips, visit www.KraftMaidByDesign.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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—Draw a floor plan of your home and find two ways out of every room. Sketch the exit routes clearly on the floor plan. —If an upstairs window is one of the escape options, make sure you have a fire escape ladder long enough to reach the ground. Make sure every adult knows how to use it. Adults should be responsible for helping younger children.
Home Advisor Fire Safety Room by Room
—Assign an outside meeting place, so that if the family escapes from different routes, you can quickly locate each other.
—Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in each room, including the living room.
Kitchen
Room by Room
Bedrooms The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when most families are asleep. —Do not trap electrical cords against walls. Heat can build up, posing a fire hazard. —Use only lab-approved electric blankets and warmers. Make sure cords are not worn or coming apart. Do not leave electric blankets switched on all night unless they are marked “suitable for all night use.” —Keep bedding, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters. —Never smoke in bed. —Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. By law, mattresses made since then are required to be safer. —Have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Living Room —Do not overload electrical outlets. —Never run electrical cords under carpets. —Check all electrical cords for fraying or other signs of damage. —Only light decorative candles when adults are in the room. Use stable candle holders that will not catch fire. Blow candles out when you leave. —During a power failure, do not use candles or oil lamps for light. Keep battery operated flashlights and lanterns in easily accessible places. Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power cause onethird of fatal home candle fires.
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. —Never use extension cords to plug in cooking appliances. They can overload the circuit and start a fire. —Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. —Keep anything that can catch fire away from the cooktop. This includes potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels and curtains. —Keep the cooktop, burners and oven clean. —Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, closefitting clothing or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Garage —Store all combustible materials away from regular sources of heat, such as water heaters, space heaters, boilers and furnaces. —Keep wood finishes, spray paint, paint thinners and other flammable products in a dedicated storage container with a closed door. —Store all combustible materials in their proper containers and be sure they are clearly marked. —Keeping the garage tidy can also help keep it safe. Get rid of stacked boxes, newspapers, recycling and trash. They can be instant fuel for a fire.
Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery® Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 and marks the 24th anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, created by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This program reminds people to check and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors during the fall time change. Installing smoke alarms on every level of the home can give your family precious minutes to get out and get to safety. —Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. —Once a month, check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. —Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low. —Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. —Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Information sourced from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, The Home Safety Council, and the U.S. Fire Administration. Illustration courtesy of Getty Images
For more tips, visit www.Energizer.com. satorimagazine.com
Home Advisor
The Clean You Need, at a Fraction of the Cost
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ccording to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the average consumer spends about $630 each year on household supplies. In fact, a recent study reveals that many Americans are letting their money go down the drain – literally – by spending too much on items like laundry detergent. In these tough economic times, families are looking for smart, new ways to save money without sacrificing quality, and the laundry room is a great place to start. Finding the right detergent is the first step toward clean, bright laundry. Look for a brand that provides the clean you need, at a fraction of the cost. The Arm & Hammer family of detergents has something for everyone – from liquid or powder to scented or free of perfume – at a price point that is significantly less than other high end options.
A simple mix of baking soda and water creates a useful all-purpose cleaner; lemon juice cuts through grease; and an old toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing hardto-reach places. Stock Up on Essentials Everyone should have one go-to product that addresses a multitude of messy situations at home. For instance, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda has countless cleaning and deodorizing uses, and costs less than one dollar a box. Baking soda freshens carpets, cleans tiles and walls, polishes silver, deodorizes diaper pails, boosts laundry, and much more. For more information about getting the clean you need on a budget, visit www.armandhammer.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Know Your Monthly Wireless Bill
mericans love their wireless devices. For Here are more ways to keep clothes, the first time, there are floors and household surfaces in tip-top more devices (327.6 million) shape, without breaking the bank. than Americans (315.5 million), Keep it Cool according to CTIA-The Wireless Save on energy costs by using cold water Association’s survey. People continue to use more voice whenever possible. Most detergents are powerful enough to get a deep-down minutes, text messages and data clean regardless of the water temperature. than ever before, too. As with any Whether running the dish washer or loadbill, but especially since wireless ing the laundry machine, turn the dial to devices are used more than ever, cold for savings. consumers should always review their monthly wireless statement to Use, Wash, Repeat ensure the charges are correct. Laundry rooms are often dubbed mud rooms. When cleaning these floors and surfaces, use reusable products like cloth towels whenever possible. In addition to being a green option, you’ll save money by not going through rolls and rolls of pricey paper towels. Turn to Homemade Solutions Forego costly cleaners and reduce cupboard clutter by making your own products with common household ingredients.
To help wireless consumers better manage their usage and prevent unexpected overage charges, CTIA and many of its provider members, along with the Federal Communications Commission, announced free alerts. More than 300 million U.S. wireless customers will be protected against potential billing surprises due to the satorimagazine.com
industry’s efforts. As part of CTIA’s “Consumer Code for Wireless Service,” wireless providers will send postpaid customers alerts on voice, data, messaging and international roaming. Two out of the four alerts will be available by October 17, 2012 and all of the alerts will be available by April 17, 2013. Currently, many wireless providers already offer a number of free tools for customers to check on their usage. Here are some tips from CTIA and its members to help you stay in control of your monthly wireless bill. Monitor Your Usage All of the major wireless providers offer tools so you can keep track of your usage and know exactly how many minutes, data or text messages you’ve used. In addition to contacting your carrier via phone
Home Advisor
Know Your MonthlyWireless Bill • Mobile apps to track international use in realtime.
or websites, many offer shortcuts on your wireless device. For example:
To see rates and availability, contact your wireless provider via phone or website.
AT&T • *BAL# (*225#) and “Send” = Check your balance. • *MIN# (*646#) and “Send” = Check your minutes. • *DATA# (*3282#) and “Send” = Check remaining data usage (including text, pictures/ videos and Internet).
Stay On Top of Your Family Plan Keeping track of your family’s Photo courtesy of Getty Images wireless use can help prevent accidental overages. Many wireless For additional wireless carriers, carriers provide plan monitoring please visit their websites for their tools that let subscribers: Sprint Nextel device-specific shortcuts to help • Set limits on allotted • *2 and “Send” = Check your you manage your usage. minutes, messages and usage, balance and to find downloads each month. your nearest Sprint store. Check International Rates Before • Set voice and messaging • *4 and “Send” = Check your You Leave the Country minutes. allowances. Many carriers will alert you to • Receive free text alerts local rates or prompt you to call T-Mobile when a family member customer service when you arrive • #MSG# (#674#) and “Send” nears or reaches their limits. in a foreign country. The “Wireless = Check how many text • Create a list of blocked Consumer Usage Notification messages sent and received numbers to prevent and how many remaining. Guidelines” require participating unwanted calls and • #MIN# (#646#) and “Send” CTIA providers to inform messages. = Check your minutes used consumers of international roaming • Set specific times of day and when your billing period charges when traveling abroad. when a family member ends. can’t call, message or use Regardless, it’s a good idea to U.S. Cellular data on their mobile devices understand your plan when it • #BAL (#225) and “Send” (but calls to other account/ comes to calls, texts and data/ = Check unbilled minutes, family members and Internet usage. Most providers mobile to mobile minutes Emergency 911 are always offer: and text messages. allowed). • Information on where to Verizon Wireless get the best international Spending a little time reviewing • #BAL and “Send” = Check voice and data rates and your service provider’s website and your balance. tips and tutorials for what using their tools, tips and plans can • #MIN and “Send” = Check you can expect when using save you and your family money your minutes. your mobile devices while on your monthly wireless bill. • #DATA and “Send” = Check traveling. text and picture count and • Temporarily shut-off data usage. For more information visit http:// of your data services to blog.ctia.org/?p=2718. prevent international data roaming. satorimagazine.com
Home Advisor
Do-It-Yourself Home Projects Help You Save
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his year, everyone is looking to save on their household budget. But just because you’re scaling back, doesn’t mean you can’t make some improvements around the house. Use these DIY home improvement and cleanup tips from the experts at Grime Boss to help revamp your home, without spending a fortune: Repaint the walls One great way to update your home without having to replace carpeting or furniture is to refresh walls with a fresh coat of paint. Determine the amount of paint needed by using an online calculator, such as the one provided at www.homedepot.com. To save even more, simply update the paint on doors, cabinets and crown molding, rather than the walls. Likewise, you can paint an accent wall along a hallway, or within your kitchen or living room, rather than the entire space. Replace hardware If you’d love to renovate, but it’s simply not in the budget for this year; make small updates now that you can incorporate into later construction projects. One small trick is to replace the hardware in highly trafficked areas, such as the kitchen or the bathroom. Replace cabinet handles or knobs and drawer pulls. While replacing hardware, make sure to give your door hinges and drawer tracks a good oiling to prevent squeaking.
Give your car a tune-up When it comes to saving, learning how to maintain your vehicle can go a long way in terms of managing your household budget. Remember, you should change the oil in your car every 3,000 miles or 3 months. Check out www.ehow. com for videos on how to check, fill or change your oil and other auto maintenance tips. For quick cleanup post tune-up, use Grime Boss wipes to remove oil and grime from your car, your surfaces, and even your hands.
racks to cabinets and overhead ceiling-mounted shelving – at retail stores such as www.walmart.com. Update flooring To cover existing flooring, use floating laminate pieces. Installing wood laminate in your bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, or living room is easy with snap-together pieces. Check out www.diynetwork.com for step-by-step instructions. Make cleanup a breeze
Whether you’re changing the oil in Install shelving in the garage your car or cleaning up latex paint, save yourself time and hassle with Who couldn’t use extra storage Grime Boss Heavy Duty Hand space? For many, additional storage Cleaning Wipes, which are tough may mean looking beyond the on big messes, but gentle enough to house to the garage. Find a variety use on your face and hands. of storage solutions that fit within Learn more about the versatility your budget – from finishing rod of these wipes at www.grimeboss. com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Home Advisor
I
t’s an unfortunate part of homeownership – things break down. Heating and cooling systems have limited lifespans and can cost thousands to replace. Home appliances go on the fritz or the plumbing system shuts down, and before you know it, you’ve had hundreds of dollars worth of unexpected repairs to deal with. One thing that can help with unexpected costly repairs is preventive maintenance. In fact, think of it as giving new meaning to the phrase “home health.” Just like your annual physical, preventative maintenance can play a critical role in keeping your home’s systems and appliances running smoothly and efficiently. Most homeowners are aware of the basics, like regularly changing the air filters on their heating and cooling systems, checking for leaky faucets, and so on. However, the to-do list of preventative maintenance tasks can get long, and not everyone has the time or experience to do it all themselves. Unfortunately, without a professional preventative maintenance program, most home systems and appliances never get a thorough check-up, leaving them vulnerable to costly – and often avoidable – problems. A professional preventative maintenance program can be a homeowner’s most important ally when it comes to the upkeep of
A Plan to Prevent Home Problems their heating and cooling system, plumbing, electrical system, and most major appliances. Quality service providers take a comprehensive approach to preventative maintenance, and are trained to look for early signs of wear and tear, perform recommended maintenance, and record the condition of your appliances and home systems so any repairs and/or replacements can be made before they lead to an unexpected breakdown. Along with the convenience and confidence of regularly scheduled check-ups, homeowners can also realize other benefits, too, such as reduced energy costs, improved system reliability and lower repair costs over the life of their covered items. American Home Shield, a unit of the ServiceMaster Company and the nation’s leading home warranty company, has a network of more than 11,000 independent contractors. With more than 40 years of experience in helping protect homeowners from many of the costs and frustrations that occur when covered home systems and appliances break down, the company is a strong advocate for preventative maintenance. “Preventative maintenance is an investment in the health and well-being of your home’s systems and appliances,” said Matt Wendl, director of American Home Shield’s new preventative satorimagazine.com
maintenance service, which the company recently launched in 45 markets across the nation. “Early detection of problems can help eliminate the need for more costly repairs.” Wendl offered the following tips for homeowners considering a preventative maintenance plan: • Get a detailed, written list of all items to be inspected, and how frequently they will be inspected. • Be sure they are doing a visual inspection, as well as testing how key components of your systems or appliances operate. • Confirm costs up front for any needed repairs. Some providers offer discounts off their regular rates for repairs. • Contactors should be licensed, bonded and pass a criminal background check. To learn more about preventive maintenance and taking care of your home, visit www.AHSpm. com. Costs Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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