Just for Fun: Bunny Handshadow

Just for Fun: Deer Handshadow

5 Keys to Affordable Road Trips

(NewsUSA) - Whether traveling for business or pleasure, most people will take at least one road trip this year, and when they do, they'll be looking for value. To help get the most out of your next trip, here are five insider secrets from travel expert and life-long hotelier Rajiv Bhatia, head of roadside hotel chain Knights Inn. 1. Book Your Hotel Direct. Shopping around is always a good idea, and it seems like new websites pop up every day to help travelers do just that. That's great for comparing offerings, but when you've made your choice, book directly with the hotel or brand. More often than not, you'll be offered a lower price as well as a best-rate guarantee. 2. Pass on Car Rental Insurance. Rather than paying the insurance that car rental companies provide for a fee, check your personal policy. Often, your plan will include a travel clause that you may not be aware of, saving you as much as $30 a day. To save even more, don't worry about the size of the rental car you are reserving, and go with the smallest size offered. The most compact cars usually get overbooked and sell out fast, often leading to a free upgrade. 3. Don't Pay for What's Free. Spend your money on fun, not on hotel Internet fees and expensive breakfasts. Stick with hotels that offer these amenities at no cost. 4. Slow Down on the Highway. Savor the journey to your destination; it doesn't pay to rush. Driving in excess of 60 miles per hour will waste gas and money. For every five miles over, your car can lose as much as 23 percent fuel efficiency. 5. Brand Loyalty Pays. Hotel loyalty programs let travelers earn points for their stays, points that can be redeemed for gift cards, free nights and more. When you stay with competing brands, it's likely you won't earn enough points for rewards. Stay with only one brand or its affiliates, and watch your point balance grow. Like having choices when you travel? Try Wyndham Rewards -- it's the largest hotel loyalty program in the world, with 14 brands and over 7,000 hotels.

White Bean Chili Recipe Will Warm the Heart

White Bean Chili Recipe Will Warm the Heart (302) (NewsUSA) - Hearty stews and belly-warming soups are coming out of the kitchens; frost is sparkling, and winter jackets are coming out of hiding. Families are craving slow-cooked, savory meals that yield health benefits and leftovers. Delicious, savory winter-recipe ingredients that will surely satisfy are white beans and Oso Sweet Onions, an onion grown at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Onions are not only believed to be a cancer preventative, their low-salt, low-fat health benefits are the proactive equivalent to superhero powers. Onions have 25 compounds that lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent thrombosis, inhibit strokes and battle heart disease, says the American Heart Association. Plus, the antioxidants and flavonoids found in onions don't lose their potency once cooked. This makes them ideal for slow-cooked recipes. They add a punch of flavor and a whopping serving size, making them an affordable luxury during the chilly winter months. Use the following recipe for a tasty detour from your typical red chili. Oso White Bean Chili 1 bag dried white beans 2 Oso Sweet Onions 1/2 cup Garlic (chopped) 1 pound ground chicken or turkey 1 cup celery (chopped) 1 tsp Oregano 1/4 cup Olive oil 2 each large green mild chili (deseeded) 2 quarts chicken stock or water (to cover) 2 tsp Cumin Saute onions, garlic, celery, chilies, chicken/turkey for 10 minutes on medium heat. Add half of the chicken stock. Then add salt, pepper, oregano and cumin and simmer for 45 minutes. Then adjust with the remaining chicken stock. Combine all ingredients in crock pot or large heavy-bottomed pot, bring to a boil and then simmer overnight, or 8 hours. Puree 1 cup beans for a thicker chili and serve. Garnish with shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, tarragon or basil, chopped Tabasco peppers, raw chopped Oso Sweet onions or hot sauce. For info about sweet onions, visit www.ososweetonions.com.

Every Car Needs a Little TLC ? How to Maximize Vehicle Life

Every Car Needs a Little TLC ? How to Maximize Vehicle Life (NewsUSA) - During the winter months, cold weather gives way to the warm, fuzzy feelings brought on by the presence of that certain special someone. But it's not just your significant other that deserves attention -- your hard-working vehicle needs some extra TLC as well. Tires Plus offers a few tips to keep your vehicle running strong: * Listen to each other. Keep your engine properly tuned. A vehicle that has a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can decrease gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. A single misfiring spark plug can cut fuel economy by up to 4 percent. * Keep your vehicle refreshed. Change the engine oil. Use the recommended grade of motor oil for your vehicle, and change it according to your vehicle owner's manual, which usually says every three months or 3,000 miles. Prolonged driving without an oil change may cause severe engine damage. Regularly check your vehicle's fluid levels, including transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant. * Keep in constant contact. Maintain your tires. Check inflation pressure monthly, and make sure your tires are properly balanced. Don't forget to rotate your tires according to the maintenance schedule and have the alignment checked at least once a year. * Be considerate. Use good driving habits. Accelerating quickly and stopping abruptly can prematurely wear your vehicle's engine, transmission, tires and brakes. Aggressive driving also wastes gas. * Protect it from the elements. Keep the exterior washed and waxed to preserve the paint finish and protect your vehicle from the environment. Salt, water, sand and even de-icing chemicals on the road can cause rust or other damage to a vehicle. Every relationship takes work, even the one you have with your car. Never underestimate how far a little tender loving care toward your vehicle can go!

Just for Fun: Make a Camel Handshadow

Award-Winning Sweet Cornbread Shrimp Cakes With Mango Salsa

(NewsUSA) - Cornbread gets a tropical twist from a home cook in Knoxville, Tenn. Melanie M. is the grand prize winner of the 2012 Martha White®/Lodge® Cast Iron National Cornbread Cook-Off for her original main dish recipe, Sweet Cornbread Shrimp Cakes with Mango Salsa. Visit www.MarthaWhite.com for more award-winning recipes. Sweet Cornbread Shrimp Cakes with Mango Salsa Cornbread 1 (7 oz.) package Martha White® Sweet Yellow Cornbread and Muffin Mix 1/2 cup milk 1 egg, beaten Mango Salsa 3 cups peeled and chopped mango (about 2 to 3) 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion Juice of 1 large lime Pinch salt 1 jalapeño or Serrano pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Shrimp Cakes 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled, deveined and coarsely chopped 3 teaspoons seafood seasoning 2 large eggs, beaten 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup chopped cilantro Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste Butter for cooking shrimp cakes Lemon wedges and parsley for garnish 1. Bake cornbread mix according to package directions, using milk and 1 egg. Cool and crumble. 2. Stir together salsa ingredients. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. 3. Heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in 12-inch Lodge® cast iron skillet. Cook celery and 1/2 cup chopped red onion until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer celery and onion to large bowl. Stir in shrimp, seafood seasoning, 2 eggs, mayonnaise, 1/3 cup cilantro, salt and pepper. Stir in crumbled cornbread until well blended. Using about 1/3 cup, form mixture into 12 shrimp cakes about 2 1/2-inches in diameter. Place on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. 4. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons butter in skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp cakes until lightly browned and shrimp turn pink, about 4 minutes on each side. Cook remaining shrimp cakes, adding additional butter as needed. Place cakes on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve with mango salsa. Makes 6 servings Tip: Fresh peaches or pineapple may be substituted for mango in the salsa.

Winter Roof Maintenance: Your Attic's Hidden Secrets

(NewsUSA) - What homeowner wants to brave the winter elements to check on the health of his roof? And yet, given the crucial role roofs play in determining a house's efficiency -- yes, that means utility bills -- most people think they have no choice but to go mano a mano with all that snow and ice. Turns out most people are wrong. You could just check your attic instead. "Roofs create an insulated barrier that helps trap heat inside," says Jason Joplin, program manager of the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which is championed by GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer. "And since most attic spaces are located right below them, it's a convenient spot to see potential problem areas and damage without being subjected to falls and injury." Here are some tips on what to look for: * Animal damage. The telltale signs that birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons have found refuge in your attic should set off alarm bells, given the havoc they can wreak. So if you do spot anything suspicious -- including nests, droppings and gnawed wood, wires or insulation -- call a pest professional immediately. * Leaks. As sure as the TSA will keep hassling grandmothers, it will soon storm. And when it does, shine a flashlight up in the attic in search of not just dripping water and condensation, but also water stains on the ceiling, walls and floor. Those are sure indications that H2O is unfortunately finding its way under your roof's shingles or behind its flashings. * Ventilation. "The attic is like the lungs of the house," says Joplin. "It must be able to breathe in order to function properly." Ergo, if your vents are stuffed with debris, they need to be cleared. * Structure. Now that you're in the attic, take a look up. Are sections of the roof sagging? If so, that signals potential structural weakness requiring professional repair. Of course, for those who insist on venturing outside in the cold, here's a final tip to file under the category of Why Didn't I Think Of That Myself?: You can still check for structural deformities without climbing any treacherous ladders by using binoculars to zoom in -- from the safety of the ground -- on everything from loose shingles to broken gutters. And if you're truly interested in prolonging your roof's life, experts say it pays to consult a professional roof contractor who's insured and uses quality materials like GAF's Timberline American Harvest shingles. A free service that makes it easy to find a factory-certified contractor in your area can be found at www.gaf.com.

Getting Your Budget Back on Track

(NewsUSA) - If you often look at your bank statement in puzzlement, trying to figure out where your money has gone, you're not alone. Many Americans struggle to keep their personal finances under control. But creating and sticking to a budget might be easier than you think. Here are some tips from The Neat Company (www.neatco.com), a developer of scanning software solutions that helps its customers save, track and manage information, including budgets: - Save your receipts. You need to know where your money goes before you can budget. Save the receipts from every purchase that you make over the next month. Some companies will help you track your receipts in digital format on your computer. For example, with a product called NeatReceipts, you can scan your receipts into a computer, then create lists and digital folders that track your expenses. - Organize and store your bills and documents in one central location. Bills, financial statements and other important documents often end up in various drawers or cabinets, making finding them a challenge. Store all of your documentation in one place, either by using a software-based planning system or creating a filing system at home. - Break down your spending. At the end of the month, review your receipts to see where your money went. You'll likely be surprised when you see how you spent it. NeatReceipts offers several reports to identify where you spend your money -; food, utilities, household expenses and more. - Take control of your spending. Once you see where you spend your money, you can determine where to cut expenses. For example, if you overspend on food, you might cut costs by eating out less, clipping coupons or eating a vegetarian meal once weekly. If you're spending too much money on utilities, consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights when you leave a room and waiting to do your laundry until you have full loads of dirty clothes.

Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel

(NewsUSA) - Man-made and natural disruptions to air travel are all-too-often the norm. Not only can weather delay take-offs and landings, but new airline rules can also keep planes grounded. For example, if a plane is sitting on the tarmac for more than three hours, it has to return to the gate. On the upside, there are ways to cope with the unexpected. Here are a few simple tips to prepare for delays before leaving home: * Print copies of itineraries with the 800 numbers for your airline, and others that fly the same route, just in case you have to rebook from the airport. The paper-free option? E-mail those numbers or enter them manually into your smartphone. * Check airline Web sites for delay postings. New rules mandate that airlines have this information online. Alternatively, you can go to www.flightstats.com. * Make sure you can access your office and home computers in the event you are stuck while traveling. Free and inexpensive programs like LogMeIn (www.LogMeIn.com) make it quick, easy and secure to access files, calendars and applications from any computer, smartphone, netbook or iPad with an Internet connection. * Enlist a friend or family member who knows their way around online travel sites, and keep them on your mobile phone speed dial. If you have to make alternative plans, they can probably do it faster than anyone. * Remember travel insurance. A few extra dollars tacked onto the price of your trip can provide peace of mind if you have to change plans for unforeseen reasons. Check what your airline, travel agent, booking site and credit cards offer to make sure that you're covered. * Have fun. Many airports are adding luxuries like spas, high-end restaurants and even showers to keep passengers happy. Find out what your airport, and the ones that you will visit, offer before you go, so you're able to enjoy them to the fullest. While there is no surefire guarantee for disruption-free air travel, a little advanced planning can go a long way -- even all the way to your destination.

Preventing Senior Falls Starts in the Bathroom

Preventing Senior Falls Starts in the Bathroom  (NewsUSA) - More than one in three seniors over age 65 fall each year, and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says 80 percent of these falls are in the bathroom. Due to the multitude of unforgiving and slippery surfaces, bathrooms are very hazardous for the home. Knowing how to get in and out of tubs and showers properly and equipping homes with necessary safety precautions can reduce senior falls, keep them out of the emergency room and possibly extend their life. According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.6 million older adults seek emergency care each year for fall-related injuries, fractures or head trauma. In addition to potentially losing their independence, seniors 65 years old and up have a 25 percent chance of dying within six months to a year if they fall and break a hip. Seniors are vulnerable to falls for many reasons -- eyesight and reflexes aren't as razor-sharp as they used to be, not to mention the balance issues posed by diabetes, heart disease, thyroid conditions and various medications. One of the most effective ways to preserve balance is to stay active with an exercise regimen. Ask your doctor about exercises designed to improve balance, stability and overall mobility, such as moderate yoga. But, another preventative method recommended by physicians is installing a shower or tub built around the unique needs of elderly adults. For example, Safe Step Tub Walk-In Tub Company's new walk-in shower has a foldable chair, flexible shower wand, grab bars, ultra-low step up and other senior-friendly features. And since the cost of retirement is high for many seniors, installation is included in the price. To find out more about these showers and walk-in tubs or to request a free brochure and DVD, visit www.safesteptub.com/news Besides a customized shower or bath, NIA and the American Geriatrics Society advise the following bathroom safety precautions for seniors: * Non-slip rubber mats in front of sink, toilet and shower/bath. * Grab bars inside and outside of shower/bath and on either side of the toilet (these are much stronger than towel racks, which aren't meant to support weight). * Bright lights that are easily accessible.