SWAP Meat to Transform Traditional Meals

June 26, 2017

Now more than ever, food choices matter. People want healthy, environmentally friendly foods without sacrificing flavor. Substituting the traditional protein in your favorite dishes with seafood is one deliciously smart way to satisfy these demands.

Seafood offers numerous health benefits. In fact, because seafood is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals, but low in saturated fat and calories, several health organizations recommend two servings per week.

Changing up traditional meals to incorporate the goodness of seafood is easier than you may think. Just pick a non-seafood protein dish that you regularly enjoy and replace the protein with one of Alaska’s many species of seafood. For example, replace veal in veal parmesan with delicious Alaska cod or the chicken in chicken Marsala with flavorful Alaska salmon.

Find more easy, meatless recipes and inspiration at wildalaskaseafood.com/recipe-listing/swap-meat.

Salmon Marsala

Ingredients

4 Alaska salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each)
salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups flour
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup Marsala wine
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons cold butter
4 fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Preparation

Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, to taste. On plate, season flour with salt and pepper, to taste. Dredge both sides of each salmon fillet in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
Heat large saute pan and add olive oil then place each piece of salmon in pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes, turn fillets over and cook until almost done. Remove fillets from pan; set aside.
Off heat, add wine to pan, scraping bits off the bottom. Return pan to heat and add mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for 1 minute. Add stock and thyme, and let liquid reduce by half.
Return salmon fillets to pan. Cook, while basting fish, until fillets are heated through. Remove fillets to 4 serving plates.
Return pan to heat, add cold butter and swirl until incorporated and sauce slightly thickens. Remove from heat and divide sauce evenly over salmon fillets. Garnish each plate with 1 thyme sprig, if desired.

Serves

Smothered Cod or Pollock

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red onion
2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
salt and pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup tomato, seeded and chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme
4 wild Alaska cod or pollock fillets (4-6 ounces each)
2 cups mashed potatoes, warmed
4 fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Preparation

In hot saute pan, cook olive oil, onion and garlic for 1 minute. Add both peppers and salt and pepper, and saute 2 minutes. Add flour and stir until flour turns light brown. Add chicken stock and stir until liquid smooths and starts to thicken. Add tomato and thyme.
Season fish with salt and pepper, to taste, and place into simmering sauce and cover. Cook 3-4 minutes, carefully turn, cover and continue to cook until done, 3-4 minutes.
To serve, place 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes on 4 serving plates. Carefully remove each piece of fish and place on top of mashed potatoes. Evenly divide sauce over each piece of fish. Garnish each plate with 1 sprig of fresh thyme, if desired.

Serves

A Fresh Catch

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Alaska Sockeye Salmon with Herbs and Garlic

Coastal cuisine on the grill

Enjoy the fun of al fresco entertaining with the enticing flavors of the sea. Hosting an outdoor gathering is the perfect opportunity to venture outside of normal grilled fare. Low in fat and sodium, and high in heart-healthy omega-3s, Alaska seafood takes on a whole new appeal when prepared over an open flame. Grilling Alaska seafood is easy with simple preparations that let the flavor of quality seafood stand front and center.

Serve a smarter entree option
Families who want to feel good about what they eat can feel confident when they serve Alaska sockeye salmon, a versatile protein that is sustainably harvested. From one of the most bountiful fishing regions in the world, Alaska salmon have never been listed as endangered or threatened. In fact, sustainable seafood practices are so essential to Alaska, it’s written into the state’s constitution.

As a flavor-packed source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein and other nutrients, such as selenium, phosphorus and potassium, wild Alaska sockeye salmon makes a great mealtime addition. At only 220 calories per 3.5-ounce serving, it’s a delicious, low-calorie entree.

For more guest-worthy recipes, visit www.wildalaskaseafood.com.

Alaska Sockeye Salmon with Herbs and Garlic

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds Alaska sockeye salmon, fresh or thawed
Cooking spray
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons melted butter or extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs

Preparation

Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Heat grill to 375°F.
Cut 2 pieces of wide, heavy-duty aluminum foil about 6 inches longer than salmon side. Stack foil pieces (shiny side down) on baking sheet and spray generously with cooking spray. Place salmon, skin side down, in middle of foil. Fold foil sides and ends up (1–2 inches) to make shallow pan around salmon, leaving at least a 1-inch margin around fish. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
In small bowl, mix together wine, butter, garlic and herbs. Spoon mixture over top of salmon, drizzling with any remaining liquid.
Carefully transfer foil pan to center of preheated grill. Do not cover salmon with foil or close foil over salmon. Close grill cover and cook 10–13 minutes, cooking just until fish is lightly translucent in center — it will finish cooking from retained heat. Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Serves

4 – 6

Notes, Tips & Suggestions

Cook’s tip: Check salmon for doneness at 10 minutes.

Sweet Tips for Sweet Treats

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

You might have a favorite cookie or brownie recipe – but did you know you could make it even better by adding a simple, familiar ingredient? With a few expert tips from Buddy Valastro, author and star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” you can take your sweet treats from good to great in no time.

Start with Quality Ingredients – When you start with better ingredients, you end up with a better cookie or brownie. Use real butter, high-quality vanilla and great tasting chocolate. Here, Buddy shares some of his favorite recipes that use M&M’S candies to add an extra special touch to family favorites – making them even better.
Chill the Dough – Leaving cookie dough in the refrigerator gives it more body and results in a fuller and better tasting cookie. Plan ahead so you can refrigerate your dough at least one hour – or, even better, overnight.
Keep It Uniform – Use a small ice cream scoop to keep your cookies the same size. This not only helps them look professional, but bake up evenly and consistently.
Pans Matter – Bake cookies on light-colored, non-insulated cookie sheets without sides. Metal pans will cook brownies faster than glass pans, which means cooking times will vary. Start checking your brownies early to test if they’re ready and prevent over baking.

You can find more sweet baking tips and recipes at www.facebook.com/mms.

Amazing M&M’S Cookies

Description

Bake Amazing M&M’S Cookies with butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups M&M’S Milk Chocolate Candies

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until well blended. Add egg and vanilla extract, and mix to combine.
In separate bowl, sift flour, baking soda and salt together. Slowly add dry ingredients into butter mixture and stir until combined.
Fold in candies and chill dough for 1 hour or overnight.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto lightly greased tray, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 12 to 14 minutes for crispy cookies.

Serves

Yield 24 to 30 cookies

Simply Sweet Cannoli

Ingredients

1 cup Snickers Bars, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups part skim milk ricotta
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1 resealable plastic bag
24 mini cannoli shells, unfilled
1/2 cup M&M’S Chocolate Candies

Preparation

Combine chopped candy bars with ricotta, sugar and orange zest.
Spoon mixture into resealable bag and snip off a 1/2-inch corner. Fill cannoli shells by squeezing in filling from each end.
Decorate both ends with chocolate candies.

Serves

Yield 24

Milk Chocolate Minis Cookies

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups M&M’S Milk Chocolate Minis Candies
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix to combine.
In separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture, and stir until combined.
Fold in candies and walnuts, if desired. Chill dough 1 hour, or overnight.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto lightly greased tray, about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes for chewy cookies, or 10 to 12 minutes for crispy cookies.

Serves

Yield 24 to 30 cookies

Ultimate Peanut Butter Brownies

Ingredients

4 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup canola or vegetable oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups M&M’S Peanut Butter Candies, divided

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a rectangular 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan
In 3-quart saucepan, gently combine the semisweet chocolate and oil over very low heat until melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
In separate bowl, combine sugar, eggs and vanilla extract until blended. Add in chocolate mixture. Slowly sift in remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Fold in 1 1/2 cups candies.
Spread batter into pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup candies and press lightly.
Bake until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Serves

Yield 32 brownies

SOURCE:
M & Ms

The Bath Tub

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

A multi-sensorial playground to nurture baby’s development — Baby playing in bathtub

From bath time to bedtime, there are a number of rituals parents participate in with their children that bring them closer together. These small acts provide a sense of security to little ones and serve as family bonding time. However, many parents do not realize these everyday moments can be more impactful than they seem.

A recent JOHNSON’S Global Bath Time Report, found that 84 percent of parents say bath time is some of the best quality time they get with their child, yet many parents underestimate its power and benefits. In fact, more than half of parents (58 percent) say bath time is not extremely important to their child’s brain development. Yet, emerging and foundational science reveals multi-sensorial experiences such as bath time can be critical to baby’s happy, healthy development.

During the first three years of life, 85 percent of baby’s brain is formed. Researchers have found that during the formative first years of life – every interaction – every moment – is an opportunity to help shape baby’s developing brain.

Bath time is more than cleansing; it’s a ritual that allows parents to unlock the full power of baby’s senses with opportunities to use smell, touch, sight and sound. Make bath time mean more with these fun ideas:

Don’t leave out the bubbles:Playing with bubbles can help babies develop hand-eye coordination and discover objects exist even when they can’t be seen.
Be a rock star for the night: Play music and sing songs during bath time, which can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory. Did you know that playing certain types of music stimulates parts of the brain responsible for visual imagery?
Give a language lesson in the tub: Talk back and forth with baby during this time. It can help with language development.
Link smell with happy memories:Pleasant smells, like those from a fragranced bath product, can create long lasting memories for baby when paired with the loving interaction of a parent.

Another big part of the after-bath routine is routine massage, and research shows that babies who receive routine touch and massage are more likely to make eye contact and have an overall positive expression. According to the JOHNSON’S Global Bath Time Report, only 19 percent of parents in the U.S. understand that baby massages are extremely important to their child’s brain development with nearly three in 10 (28 percent) saying it’s not at all important. Yet, this skin-on-skin contact through routine massage can lead to improved cognitive development and increased alertness and attentiveness for children.

Remember to think of the bath time routine as more than a simple task – it fosters development and a sense of well-being for baby and parents, alike. For more ideas and inspiration to create meaningful moments with your family, visit www.johnsonsbaby.com/so-much-more.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Johnson’s Baby

Spacious Upgrades

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Ideas to Easily Enhance the Master Closet

So, you’ve decided to make some updates to your home? Whether you plan on building a home from the ground up, purchasing new construction or adding value to your current residence, there are many opportunities for upgrades.

You may be wondering what projects are worthwhile, and which are not? In a recent study commissioned by ClosetMaid®, 45 percent of existing home buyers noted that they have made changes to their master bedroom closet since moving in. In addition, 61 percent of new home buyers said they are considering renovating or upgrading their master closet within 18 months. When considering where to make investments in your home, don’t close the door on the closet! You can create the closet of your dreams with a few simple tips.

Add paint and update the lighting.
Bring the bedroom paint into the closet. This makes the space feel like a true extension of your bedroom, not a forgotten area that belongs behind closed doors. Great lighting is also important in a closet – it helps you to see everything clearly. Why settle for a standard light fixture when you can add a statement piece that not only provides proper light, but proper style.

Utilize more space.
Most master bedroom closets come standard with only a single shelf and rod. Since most closets have little need for so much long hanging space, professional organizer Lorie Marrero, author of “The Clutter Diet,” suggests improving your closet with the addition of double hang space.

“Don’t be shy about adding shelving up as high as you can to accommodate seasonal items and long-term storage boxes – utilize every space you can,” said Marrero. A good rule of thumb for double hang space is 84 inches for the top shelf and 42 inches for the lower shelf.

By adding additional shelves, your storage space goes from standard to functional. Adjustable systems such as ClosetMaid® ShelfTrack® create a perfect upgrade for your closet. The wire shelving and brackets can be reconfigured as needs change.

Consider accessories.
If you plan to update your closet with a wire system, there are a multitude of perfect accessories to include such as a tie and belt rack or shoe shelves. You may also consider installing a laminate or wood system. These products can provide drawers, doors, decorative molding and more and can transform your closet into a personal haven.

“Adding drawers into your closet system can centralize your clothing into one space,” said Marrero. “The more storage, the better.”

Investing in a functional closet organizing system can help you save time now by reducing the stress of finding items when you need them, and benefit you in the future by adding extra value to your home. After all, “standard” just doesn’t work for today’s closet.

For more information about how to get organized visit ClosetMaid.com, StorganizationBlog.com or call 1-800-874-0008.

SOURCE:
ClosetMaid

Five Reasons to Love Milk

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Did you know milk is one of the most nutrient-rich beverages you can find? And that there are thousands of studies that have documented the benefits of drinking milk? That’s why nutrition experts recommend adults drink 3 servings of milk and milk products a day. Yet, most Americans fall short of the USDA’s recommended daily servings. So, before you think about skipping your milk, here are five reasons to grab a glass.

1. It’s a Nutrient Powerhouse. No matter your age, it’s hard to get the nutrients you need without milk in your diet. Milk is the top food source for three out of four “nutrients of concern” – nutrients Americans are most lacking – including calcium, vitamin D and potassium. All milk – fat free, lowfat or organic – has 9 essential nutrients, including B vitamins for energy, vitamin A for a healthy immune system plus several bone-building nutrients.

1. It Ups the Protein Ante in the Morning. While many experts now recommend 25-30 grams of protein at each meal, the average breakfast plate only contains 13 grams. One way to help close the gap is to add an 8-ounce glass of milk to your eggs or Greek yogurt – that adds an extra 8 grams of high-quality protein!

1. Protein Power for Your Dollar. Milk is one of the best protein bargains for your dollar. For about 25 cents per glass, milk packs 8 grams of protein in every 8-ounce glass. This calculates to around 32 grams of high-quality protein per dollar! That’s a big protein bang for your buck.

1. It is Not Easily Replaced. It’s hard to get the nutrients you need without real dairy milk in your diet. The truth is, not all non-dairy milks have the same nutrients as real milk so it’s important to know what you are getting in each glass. For instance, dairy milk has 8 times the protein of almond milk and rice milks, which can contain a long list of ingredients, including added sugar, salt and thickeners.

It’s Wholesome, Real and Local. Milk is one of the original farm-to-table foods. Did you know 97 percent of dairy farms are still family-owned and operated? Little handling is done from farm to fridge – and that’s why you can trust the milk you buy at the store is safe and wholesome.

This quinoa oatmeal serves up 13 grams of protein. Pair with an 8-ounce glass of milk to get 21 grams of protein power to start your day! Visit MilkLife.com for more recipes.

Nutty Blueberry Quinoa Oatmeal

Ingredients

2/3 cup lowfat milk
1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup cooked quinoa
1/4 cup blueberries
1 teaspoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice
2 tablespoons pecan pieces
2-3 dashes cinnamon

Preparation

Combine milk and oats and cook according to package instructions to desired creaminess.
Stir in quinoa, blueberries, maple syrup, pecans and cinnamon and serve hot.

Serves

SOURCE:
MilkPEP

Protein-Packed Meals and Snacks

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Protein is an incredibly important part of our diets.

Not only is it associated with muscle and tissue health, research finds that protein plays an important role in energy levels, weight management and satiety (feeling full). In fact, a recent survey found that nine in 10 Americans believe that protein helps them feel fuller and satisfied longer.

With canned food staples like chicken, tuna, beans, beef and salmon in your pantry, a convenient source of protein-rich ingredients is always at your fingertips. That makes it easy to prepare nutritious homemade meals and snacks that will provide long lasting energy to get you through the day.

Canned proteins are often preferable to their fresh counterparts because they require little to no preparation and are more accessible. They also contribute two important forms of under-consumed protein sources – legumes and fish.

Because cans seal in foods’ nutrients, freshness and natural goodness, you can feel great about incorporating canned proteins into your favorite salads, casseroles, sandwiches and dishes like Greek Pizza and Tuna Apple Melt. With a well-stocked pantry – or “Cantry” – wholesome, protein-packed meals and snacks the whole family will love are just a can or two away.

For more nutritious and flavorful recipes featuring canned proteins, and to learn how you can get cooking with canned foods, visit www.CansGetYouCooking.com.

Greek Pizza

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pound prepared pizza dough
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
1 (10-ounce) can chicken breast, drained and flaked
1 (4-ounce ) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (3.8-ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Preparation

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat, and cook onion until just softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Divide dough into 2 equal balls. On well-floured surface, use floured rolling pin to roll each ball into a 10-inch circle. Place on large cookie sheets or pizza pans. Brush each crust with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Preheat oven 425°F.
Spread pizza dough with pesto sauce to within 1 inch of edge. Top with red onion, artichoke hearts, chicken, mushrooms, olives and feta cheese. Bake 15 minutes or until crust is golden.

Serves

Serves 12

Tuna Apple Melt

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) can solid white tuna in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 red apple, cored and diced
1 celery stalk, diced
2 tablespoons canned whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon butter, softened
4 1/2-inch thick slices sourdough bread
4 slices provolone or Muenster cheese
Celery sticks, optional

Preparation

In large bowl combine tuna, mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until well blended; stir in apple, celery and cranberry sauce.
Spread one side of bread with butter. Place bread slices, butter-side down, in 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Top each with a slice of cheese. Cover and cook over medium heat 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and bottom of bread is golden.
Remove bread to plate; top each piece with some tuna mixture.
Serve warm, with celery sticks if desired.

Serves

Servings: 4

SOURCE:
CMI

Cost-Conscious Home Upgrades for Fall

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Cost-Conscious Home Upgrades for Fall — Saving Money with Fall Home Upgrades is Easy

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home but don’t have the budget for a full-scale renovation, look at upgrades that add instant value with a smaller investment.

Projects that enhance existing features or add new functions to the home are smart ways to spruce up the aesthetics and improve livability without breaking the bank. In between extreme weather seasons is the perfect time to tackle home improvement projects, so this fall consider some small-scale projects that can make a big impact on your home.

Revitalize worn woodwork. Nothing ages a home’s appearance faster than tired, weathered woodwork on the front porch or back deck. These structures are typically major focal points of a home’s exterior, so sprucing them up can go a long way toward transforming the overall aesthetic. A fresh coat of stain or paint is a minimal investment to bring fresh life back into your entryway or backyard living space.

Pull out a new kitchen look. If changing out the cabinets isn’t an option, you can still create a new look with a minimal investment. Wipe down cabinets thoroughly and apply a coat of paint to make them look their very best, then look for subtle changes that bring a wow factor, such as new hardware. Simply changing out dated pulls for a more contemporary look in a new color can bring a new mood to the room. Clear away clutter and add some fresh accessories for a whole new look.

Punch up the power. Adding function can be as valuable as aesthetics when it comes to enjoying your home to the fullest. When bad weather or other factors interrupt your power supply, a standby generator lets you run appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, clothes washers/dryers, lights and electronics, minimizing the inconvenience of a power outage. For extended outages, a generator can even save money, preventing unexpected costs from spoiled food or hotel stays. Hooked up to a home’s existing propane or natural gas line, a standby generator system, oftentimes called a home generator, switches on by itself when power fails. Models such as Briggs & Stratton’s newly redesigned 12 kilowatt standby generator provide whole-house power in a small footprint that maintains curb appeal. Plus, the price point of standby generator systems is continuing to drop because power management systems like Symphony® II continue to get smarter. Symphony II power management, which can be included with all Briggs & Stratton generators, automatically balances the power needs of a home’s electrical loads — including high-wattage items. Therefore families get uninterrupted, whole-house power with a smaller — and, thus, more affordable — standby generator.

Look at new lighting. The lighting in a room has a significant impact on its overall feel: a bright, airy room exudes energy while a dimmer, soft illumination evokes a cozy impression. Changing up the lighting can completely transform a space. Use window treatments such as drapes and blinds to control natural light and lend a stylish addition to the room. Floor and table lamps are ideal for more subtle task lighting, while overhead fixtures can make a stronger statement.

Explore a new floor. Over time, the rich pile of new carpeting loses its inviting spring, and once-sharp grout lines fade and crumble. If a thorough cleaning still leaves your flooring looking drab, it may be time to explore alternatives. Replacing heavily worn carpet in high traffic areas with a more durable option such as wood or tile may not only improve the look, but also prove a smart investment as it wears better in the future. If you still enjoy the look of your tile, consider removing and replacing the grout, then sealing it to protect the finish. Don’t feel beholden to the original color; a new shade can introduce a whole new color dimension to the room.

Making updates to your home is a natural part of ownership and a good way to protect and grow your investment. Fortunately, making a big difference doesn’t always have to come with a big price tag attached.

Plan Ahead to Save
Before embarking on a home improvement project, there are several steps a homeowner can take to manage the time and expense while making the effort run more smoothly:

Regardless of the type of project you’re planning, research the possibilities before you get started. From comparing prices to evaluating styles and features, knowing all your available options will help ensure you make right choices for your needs.
When evaluating appliances or equipment, pay attention to variables that may affect the overall project cost. For example, installing a generator with a power management system like Symphony® II from Briggs & Stratton, can help meet your home’s backup power requirements with a smaller, more affordable generator. This can potentially knock hundreds if not thousands of dollars off a generator purchase with a little research ahead of time to find the right-size generator needed for a home. An online calculator tool at www.powernow.com can help match homeowners with the best generator for their individual needs.
Determine a budget, and stick to it. Be realistic and remember that a little more investment upfront may buy quality that will save money on repairs and replacements down the road. Another good rule of thumb: add at least 10 percent buffer to help cover unexpected expenses.
Assess whether the project is something you can tackle on your own, and whether time or ability may impede your progress. If you need to enlist help, gather estimates and check references for at least three contractors.
Set expectations for yourself and your family about how long the project will take. If you’re working with a contractor, get a time projection in writing, as well as a written agreement about what happens if the project runs past deadline.

For more information about the entire line of Briggs & Stratton standby generator systems, visit www.powernow.com.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (kitchen and living room)

SOURCE:
Briggs & Stratton

Gain Control with Protein Power

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

It’s a common scenario: no time for breakfast, so you’re snacking on something sweet in the break room at 9 a.m. Two hours later you hit the vending machine for something salty.

The good news is there is an easy, healthy alternative to taking control of your appetite: protein. In fact, a growing body of research shows that spreading protein intake over the course of a day may be the solution to mindless snacking.

Protein helps you avoid feeling hungry, giving you more control over the foods you choose. Eating the right amount of protein at each meal also helps achieve weight loss goals by keeping you fuller longer, building muscles after a workout and protecting the lean muscle you already have.

The 30 Day Protein Challenge, created by the Beef Checkoff, is a fun, step-by-step plan to help you get a balanced amount of protein at each meal. The challenge helps you keep track of your food, hunger and moods to see how simple diet changes can make a difference in your overall health and wellness for 30 days and beyond.

Recipes that take less than 30 minutes, such as Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry and Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing, can make balancing protein simple.

Visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com to find everything you need to get started with the Protein Challenge, including tools and daily tips. Share your progress and engage with other participants online using #ProteinChallenge.

Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry
Servings: 4
Total time: 15 minutes

1 package (10 ounces) fresh vegetable stir-fry blend
3 tablespoons water
2 beef ranch steaks (about 8 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup prepared sesame-ginger stir-fry sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups hot cooked rice or brown rice, prepared without butter or salt
1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts

In large, nonstick skillet, combine vegetables and water; cover and cook over medium-high heat 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Remove and drain vegetables. Set aside.
Meanwhile, cut beef steaks into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Heat same skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add half of beef and half of garlic; stir-fry 1-2 minutes, or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove from skillet; keep warm.
Repeat with remaining beef and garlic.
Return all beef and vegetables to skillet. Add stir-fry sauce and red pepper; cook and stir 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Spoon over rice. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Nutrition information per serving: 393 calories; 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 5 g monounsaturated fat); 65 mg cholesterol; 969 mg sodium; 41 g carbohydrate; 3.9 g fiber; 28 g protein; 7.3 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 4.2 mcg vitamin B12; 3.0 mg iron; 45.8 mcg selenium; 6.9 mg zinc; 99.3 mg choline.

Tenderloin, Cranberry and Pear Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
Servings: 4
Total time: 25 minutes

4 beef tenderloin steaks (4 ounces each), cut 3/4-inch thick
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 package (5 ounces) mixed baby salad greens
1 medium red or green pear, cored, cut into 16 wedges
1/4 cup dried cranberries
salt, to taste
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Honey Mustard Dressing

1/2 cup prepared honey mustard
2-3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt

Season beef steaks with pepper. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place steaks in skillet; cook 7-10 minutes for medium rare (145° F) to medium (160° F) doneness, turning occasionally.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, whisk Honey Mustard Dressing ingredients until well blended. Set aside.
Divide greens evenly among four plates. Top evenly with pear wedges and dried cranberries.
Carve steaks into thin slices; season with salt, as desired. Divide steak slices evenly over salads. Top each salad evenly with dressing, pecans and goat cheese, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 332 calories; 12 g fat (3 g saturated fat; 6 g monounsaturated fat); 79 mg cholesterol; 256 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrate; 3.4 g fiber; 27 g protein; 5.5 mg niacin; 0.7 mg vitamin B6; 3.9 mcg vitamin B12; 3.7 mg iron; 24.2 mcg selenium; 4.4 mg zinc; 75.4 mg choline.

SOURCE:
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Maximizing Your Assets in Retirement

Family Life Tips Magazine

June 26, 2017

Maximizing Your Assets in Retirement — How-to Properly Maximize Your Assets in Retirement

No matter how diligent you may have been about saving for retirement, unexpected life changes and economic realities can negatively impact your retirement budget. Sustained low interest rates have suppressed yields on income from bonds and rising health care expenses have affected retirees of all ages.

Many retirees are surprised to learn that one of the most valuable assets in their portfolios may be a life insurance policy that they no longer need.

It’s not uncommon for people to outlive their need for life insurance, and if you no longer need the policy or can no longer afford the premiums, you could consider selling the policy through a life settlement. This is a financial transaction in which a policy owner works with a company, such as Coventry Direct, to determine if they qualify to sell their life insurance policy. The policy seller receives an immediate cash payment while the buyer assumes all future premium payments. Most life insurance policy types qualify, even convertible term life policies.

Consider this story about a financial advisor who recently retired from a long, successful career. He decided the money he was spending on the rising premiums for his $799,975 life insurance policy could be used to help fund his retirement. After some research, he called Coventry Direct and was happy to learn he had an option other than just letting the policy lapse. He sold his policy through a life settlement for $25,000, which was more than four times the value he would have received if he surrendered the policy back to the insurance company.

If you don’t own a life insurance policy or still need your coverage, you may want to evaluate the real estate you own. Think about downsizing to a smaller home or selling other property you no longer need. Many retirees discover that they have significant equity tied up in real estate – equity that could be used to help fund expenses.

Another useful exercise is reviewing your investments. If your retirement income is failing to produce the amount needed to maintain your lifestyle, you may need to rebalance your portfolio in order to meet your changing needs.

If you find your retirement income is insufficient, there are options available to maximize your assets. For many retirees, an existing life insurance policy may be a hidden asset that can be utilized to generate cash. To learn more about life settlements, visit coventrydirect.com/lifesettlements or call 888-858-9344.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
Coventry Direct

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