Save Some Green ~ Use Green Products

Being green is a multi-faceted discipline. You might be concerned about conservation, alternative fuels, organic foods, recycling or all of the above. You understand the logic behind being environmentally responsible, but do you know if you are really making better green choices?

According to the USDA standards, organic products are not 100 percent organic unless it is stated so. Labels with “organic” mean that 95 percent of the ingredients must be organically grown — that is, grown without chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones — the remaining 5 percent come from non-organic ingredients.

Understanding green labels is important if you want to shop wisely, but there are easier and foolproof ways to be smart, green consumers.

Here are a few examples that can actually save you money too:

Use reusable water bottles, glasses and mugs

Did you know that many cities charge well under $3 for 750 gallons of water? You probably are paying the same amount for just a couple gallons of bottled water in grocery stores. Businesses also can save money by using reusable glasses and city water instead of bottled water in meetings or luncheons. This also will save transportation of the bottles to the stores and landfills.

Mix your own cleaners at home

Homemade cleaners –using baking soda, white vinegars or lemon juice –usually are less toxic and less expensive.

Here are a few recipes:

Homemade Spray Cleaner – Mix in a spray bottle: 1 cup white vinegar, and 1 cup of water.

Uses: Kitchen – clean countertops, lightly soiled range surfaces and backsplash areas. Bathroom – clean countertops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.

Homemade Glass Cleaner - Mix in a spray bottle: 1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar.

Uses: clean windows, mirrors, chrome fixtures and for a shiny finish on hard-surface ceramic tiles.

Strong All-Purpose Cleaner - Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 TBSP. clear, non-sudsing ammonia, 1 TBSP. clear laundry detergent, 2 cups water.

Furniture Polish – Mix in a sprayer bottle: 1 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice.

Uses: apply a small amount to a flannel cleaning rag or cleaning cloth. Spread evenly over furniture surface. Turn cloth to a dry side and polish dry.

Walk or cycle to local restaurants and grocery stores

Walking and cycling save gasoline and also give you a good workout. Increased physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer. Less driving also means less noise and air pollution.

Reuse the back of used envelopes

Used or junk mail envelopes are great for taking notes and grocery shopping lists before you recycle them. You save on buying papers and notebooks. The trees also will thank you.

If you wish to eliminate a lot of unwanted mail. There is a lot you can do to reduce the cost to the environment and your own time:

There is a lot you can do to reduce the cost to the environment and your own time:

• First class mail: Cross out the address and bar code, circle the first class postage and write “refused: return to sender”. Drop in any mail box, it will be returned to the sender.

• Bulk mail: The post office throws away bulk mail it can’t deliver, so returning it does no good. Bulk mail is the hardest to deal with because the USPS actively provides addresses, support and encouragement to mailers. However, if “address correction requested” is written on the label: circle “address correction requested” and treat like first class mail.

• Sexually Oriented Advertising (SOA):The only help you’ll get from the Post Office in controlling junk mail is for explicit stuff. Fill out USPS forms 1500 if you wish this type of mail to stop. You define what you find to be explicit — if that’s an automobile parts catalog the post office won’t disagree with you.

• Credit offers: The major credit agencies all sell aggregate credit information any bidder. Direct mail and credit companies generate mail based on demographics including zip code, income band and credit payment patterns. Stopping this is easy, you just need your address, former address within two years, and social security number. One call does it all for agencies Equifax, Trans Union, Experian and Innovis. Dial 1-888-5 OPT OUT (or 1-888-567-8688) 24 hours a day.

• Catalogs: Call the company’s 800 number and have the label handy. Write your instructions on the mailing label and fax it to the company. Mark “ATTN: customer service”. Tear off the label, write your instructions on it, and enclose in the postage-paid ordering envelope. Mark envelope “ATTN: customer service”. This method is the least effective.

• AOL (America On-Line): You could pave the nation with the free discs these people send out, call 1-800-605-4297 (24 hours a day) to get off the list. Tell them your first name is “current”, last name “resident”.

• Publisher’s Clearinghouse Sweepstakes: You can get the Clearinghouse to stop clogging your mailbox by contacting customer service at 1-800-645-9242 (8:30 am to 8:30 EST), sending a fax to 1-800-453-0272, mailing to 101 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050, or you can send email to pch@ant.net. PCH will remove any number of names from a specific address, but you have to list each name exactly and insist nicely.

• American Family Sweepstakes: Ed McMahon and Dick Clark will stop telling you “You have definitely won 11 million dollars (maybe) ” if you call them at 1-800-237-2400. AFP is a division of Time-Warner.

• Local business & supermarket fliers: All mailings must be identified, by postal regulations. Each lose-leaf bundle of fliers, by postal regulations, must be delivered at the same time as an address card. Locate this address card; the cards usually have an advertisement and a photograph of a missing child. You may need to call directory assistance to get the phone number of the sender.

Specific senders are:

ADVO (Mail comes with pictures of missing children). Call 1-860-285-6100 to get off the list. You may have to send a postcard to “ADVO Consumer Assistance, POB 249, Windsor CT 06095-4176″.

Val-Pak Coupons: click the link and copy your mailing label.

Carol Wright Call 1-800-67-TARGET to get off the list.

Most senders are professional companies which will handle your request politely. “ADVO Mailbox Values” and “Harte Hanks Potpourri” are the most common of these mailers. Your local supermarket’s monthly coupon books may be handled by these companies, so be sure to specify if you want to continue to receive those. Your letter carrier is accustomed to giving each house a bundle, so you may also need to inform him or her of your action separately. The post office is prohibited by law from delivering unaddressed mail, so you should have little trouble convincing the carrier.

Too much junk to deal with individually: Start by sending a postcard or letter to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643 Include your complete name, address, zip code and a request to “activate the preference service”. For up to five years, this will stop mail from all member organizations that you have not specifically ordered products from.

The Direct Marketing Association estimates that listing with their mail preference service will stop 75% of all national mailings. They process 50,000 requests a month and requests are kept active for five years. If you fill out the post office change of address form, the DMA will track the new address (you’ll get a few months of mailings to the new address before they catch up to you). It can take up to six months for your request to be fully processed. You can also opt-out online, but they charge $5. The best way is to fill out their online form, then mail them a printout.

Consider energy-efficient products for federal tax credits

If you buy energy-efficient products — such as windows, insulation, water heaters — for your home, you could be eligible for a federal tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, up to $1,500. You also might qualify for a 30 percent tax credit, with no cap, for geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines or solar energy systems in your existing homes and new construction. While reducing your energy bills, you also can save money by going green.

Being green is not against spending. It is about spending wisely, such as investing in a durable stainless steel water bottle, a comfortable pair of walking shoes or some energy-efficient appliances. We can do many simple things to have a better life that also will contribute to a greener world.

Getting Fit ~ One Step At A Time

I can’t tell you how many times people have said to me “You’re so lucky to be fit” or “You look so good for your age”. Fit happens, for sure, but luck has nothing to do with it. It’s all about smart choices. And it’s not just one choice, one day, but a myriad of choices that get you there.

I’m reminded of the phrase, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.” This is important to keep in mind. The journey to fitness is definitely a life long one. The way to get there is one step at a time.

Let’s look over a few of those steps to get you going:

Begin with the end in mind

It starts with a vision, the big choice, if you will. Heck, it’s January, so let’s call it your New Year’s resolution.

This will be the year you get fit and healthy. Envision what that looks like for you. Eating better? What kinds of foods do you enjoy that are smart, healthy choices? Exercising? When will it be best for you to work out? Morning, evening, weekends? What kinds of exercise might you enjoy? How will you look?

More importantly, how will you feel? Was there a time you were fit and felt great? If you have a picture that will motivate you toward your goal, find it. Hang it on the fridge.

Redefine what you “deserve”

Too often we think of what we deserve as eating dessert, having one more drink, plopping down on the couch. Instead, I say you deserve to feel great and to look great. And dessert, drinks and sitting on the couch won’t get you there.

Get started with one small choice

Think back to my phrase about the journey. To think about depriving yourself of dessert forever or about going to the gym every day is enough to send anyone straight to the couch or back to bed, for that matter. It seems overwhelming. So to start small, with one choice, maybe yogurt for breakfast instead of a pastry. Maybe a quick walk in the neighborhood before you sit on the couch. Just one small healthy choice.

Build Momentum ~ The spiral of good choices

With that first smart choice, you’ll feel great. You can do it! The next small choice will be that much easier to make. Sign up for a yoga class or order your salad dressing on the side. Wow! What next?

The point is that healthy choices beget healthy choices and so on. You’ve heard people talk about a “downward spiral” that gets them into trouble. Well, the opposite is also true. Get yourself on a positive upward spiral and each little choice makes the next healthy choice that much easier.

Reap the Rewards

Take one choice at a time, one day at a time and before you know it, your friends and family will be coming up to you saying “You’re so lucky to be fit.” You’ll just smile because you finally made it.

So this year, instead of wishing friends “Best of luck in 2010″, offer the greeting, “Best of choices in 2010″

I wish the same for you too.

5 Things Women Should Know ~ How to get your financial life in order

Organizing your financial life does not have to be complicated. I know from time to time I have felt overburdened when trying to comprehend or organize my paperwork. Especially when preparing to do those dreaded tax forms. Ugh! Well now you don’t have to.

Below are some tips to get you started in getting your financial life back in order:

Credit is the Key ~

Credit scores and credit history are more important today than ever. The better your score, the better your rates and fees. To build credit, make a point of keeping an active account — such as a car loan or credit card you’ve had for a while — with a lot of history. Of course, always make payments on time. If you have little or no credit to work with, start with a store credit card, which sometimes can be easier to obtain. Pay your bill on time every month and you will gain a credit history that will help you get that larger credit later on.

Be an informed Shopper ~

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and shop for better rates and prices. A mortgage loan , for example, usually is the largest financial transaction you’ll make in your lifetime; therefore, it pays to do some research. You might spend an hour grocery shopping to purchase $100 – $200 worth of groceries. Looking for the best deals for your money. And maybe even sorting through a stack of coupons that can really give you great savings at the register. You should spend at least that amount of time shopping for your mortgage. It could save you thousands of dollars every year in the long run.

Cash is King ~

When faced with the decision about whether to pay with cash or credit card as opposed to credit, go with cash or debit. A lot of creditors are changing rates and limits on credit cards. Especially now that the government has given banks stricter rules to follow. When faced with that, being able to pay with cash or a debit card or check is better. Don’t drown yourself in credit card debt.

Plan your Savings ~

A successful plan is one with terms that will work for you. Research the sundry options for plans that will fit your savings goals. The internet is a great place to start for more information and comparison shopping.

Balance your Checkbook ~

With online banking, this isn’t necessarily as much to keep track of your balance, but to see how you’re spending your money. You should balance your checkbook so you know exactly where your money’s going. It’s really more that you’re paying attention to what you’re spending. It’s how to determine what areas you can spend more or save more. And to see what could actually be eliminated altogether. There are months when it seems we spend way too much on eating out. Those are unnecessary expenses. So, we work to make sure that there are foods in the home, especially foods that can be thrown together quickly because there are times that we get too busy to cook.

Renting movies to watch at home is a much cheaper option than going to a movie theater. And it saves quite a bit since we can eat whatever snacks we want without draining our bank account. Theater concessions are so expensive!

Recent Recalls You Have To See

Recent Toy Recalls

About 204,000 ”Big Rex and Friends” cloth books were recalled because they present a lead hazard. A red plastic dot sewn in the book contains high levels of lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

This recall involves “Big Rex and Friends” cloth books. The book has a black and white striped border with a red dinosaur on the cover. The words “Big Rex and Friends” are printed on the cover. ISBN 031249260X or 9780312492601 is printed on the back of the book. These books were sold at Barnes & Noble, Toys “R” Us, Amazon, Borders and other bookstores and retailers nationwide from May 2004 through October 2009 for about $9.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled book away from children and contact St. Martin’s Press for instructions on returning the book for a full refund.

For additional information, contact St. Martin’s Press at (800) 347-9411 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.priddybooks.com/recall.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10105.html.

Recent Baby Recalls

About 1.5 Million Graco’s Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems were recalled today due to fingertip amputation and laceration hazards. The hinges on the stroller’s canopy pose a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is opening or closing the canopy.

Graco has received seven reports of children placing their fingers in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanism while the canopy was being opened or closed, resulting in five fingertip amputations and two fingertip lacerations.

The recall involves Graco Passage™, Alano™ and Spree™ Strollers and Travel Systems with the following model numbers and specific hinge mechanisms:

Model Numbers 6303MYC, 6303MYC3, 7240DNB, 7240DNB2, 7240MKL2, 7240MKL3, 7F02GLM3, 6320IVY, 6320LAU, 7241DDH2, 7241DHO3, 7F04TAY3, 6330CAP, 6330THR, 6330THR3, 7255CLP, 7255CLP2, 7255CRA2, 7255CRA3, 7255CSA3, 7255GPK3,7255GRN, 7255GRN2, 7255JJB3, 7255ORC2, 7255WLO2, 7255WLO3, 7F07EMA3, 6F00QIN3, 6F00RRY3, 7256CLO2, 7256SPM2, 7256SPM3, 7F08DSW3, 7F08LAN3, 6F03GLN3, 7260BAN, 7260BAN2, 7260BAN3, 7260MRA2, 7260MRA3, 7260PKR, 7260PKR2, 7G00DLS3, 7G00DLS4, 6G10CSE3, 7270BIA, 7270BIA2, 7G01CRL3, 7235GGA, 7235GGA2, 7E01JON2, 7E01JON3, 7G04KRA3, 7236CDR2, 7F00LPE3, 7F00RSH3, 7G05GPR3, 7G06WSR3, 7237HOL2, 7237HOL3, 7F01FOR3, 7G07ABB3, 7G07BAT3

Graco manufactured two different styles of hinge mechanisms for these stroller models. Only strollers or travel systems with a plastic, jointed hinge mechanism that has indented canopy positioning notches are included in this recall.

The recalled strollers were manufactured between October 2004 and February 2008. The model number and manufacture date are located on the lower inside portion of the rear frame, just above the rear wheels.

The recalled strollers were sold at AAFES, Burlington Coat Factory, Babies “R”Us, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Fred Meyer, Meijers, Navy Exchange, Sears, Target, Walmart and other retailers nationwide from October 2004 and December 2009 for between $80 and $90 for the strollers and between $150 and $200 for the travel systems.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Graco to receive a free protective cover repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Graco at (800) 345-4109 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10115.html.

~ ALSO: ~

The death of an infant prompted a recall of about 635,000 Dorel Asia cribs. The drop side hardware can fail causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches it creates a space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle. In addition, the recalled cribs can pose a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard when a slat is damaged. This can occur while the crib is in use, in storage, being put together, taken apart or reassembled; or during shipping and handling.

CPSC and Dorel Asia SRL received a report of the death of 6-month old child who became entrapped and strangled in a crib after the drop side hardware broke. The crib continued to be used after the parents tried to repair the drop side themselves. CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 31 drop side incidents. In six of those incidents, children were entrapped between the drop side and crib mattress. Three children suffered from bruises as a result of the entrapment. In addition, CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 36 incidents of slat breakage, including seven reports of bruises and scratches to children and two reports of entrapment that resulted in no injury.

The following Dorel Asia cribs are involved in the recall:

• Model Number (Front Rail): Description
• WM1633 (Drop side): 3-1 Sleigh Crib – Cherry
• WM1633-0 (Drop side): 3-1 Sleigh Crib – Cherry (no castors)
• WM1676BC (Fixed): 4-1 Bethany James Crib – Walnut
• WM1676BCR-DC (Fixed): 2-1 Crib -Walnut
• WM2163 (Fixed): 4-1 Crib – Manhattan Walnut
• WM2163DC (Fixed): 4-1 Crib – Manhattan Walnut
• WM1633-0-DC (Fixed): 3-1 Sleigh Crib (no castors)
• GP004B3EGR (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible – Espresso
• GP004B3WGR (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible – White
• GP006BCEGR (Drop side): Single – Espresso
• GP006BCWGR (Drop side: Single – White
• DA1615B3 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible Crib – Natural
• DAKM5132 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible Crib – White
• DASE5005 (Drop side): Cottage Hill Single Crib – White
• DASE5009 (Drop side): Vintage Estate 3-1 Sleigh Crib – Cherry
• DA0504KMC-1N (Drop side): 3-1 Heritage Crib – Natural
• DA0504KMC-1W (Drop side): 3-1 Heritage Crib – White
• DA1614B3 (Drop side): 3-1 Lexington Crib – Cherry
• DAKM5152 (Drop side): Single Jenny Lind Crib – Walnut
• DASE5015 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible – Toffee

The recalled cribs were sold at K-Mart, Sears and Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2005 through December 2009 for between $120 and $700.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find an alternative safe sleeping environment for your child, and contact Dorel Asia to receive a free replacement kit. Consumers should log on to www.dorel-asia.com to order the free replacement kit to prevent child entrapment in these cribs. The repair kits will be provided to owners within the next several weeks.

Consumer Contact: Call Dorel Asia toll-free at (866) 762-2304 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dorel-asia.com.

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken, or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with duct tape, wire or rope.

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10114.html.

Recent Toyota Recalls

Toyota has announced a recall of about 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota models. This action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.

Toyota’s accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

• 2009-2010 RAV4
• 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action.  Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids.

The condition is rare, but can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Read Toyota’s full press release on the accelerator pedal recall here.

Read Toyota’s full press release on the floor mat entrapment recall here.

Are You Cyberbully Savvy? 10 tips for parents

Are you Cyberbully Savvy?

Cyberbullying is becoming more and more common among school-age children. Unfortunately it happens between adults as well but there has been a lot more media exposure involving children. Not sure if your child has been a victim?

There are some signs you should look for and things you should do to protect your child and yourself from this new means of harassment.

Here’s 10 tips parents need to know:

1.) Check with the School. Make sure your school has an Internet safety program in place. This should not cover solely the threat of sexual predators, but also how to prevent and respond to online harassment.

2.) Encourage Two-Way Conversations. Maintain an open line of communication with your children as soon as they start to use a computer and cell phone, so that they’re willing to talk with you when problems arise. Bullying victims and bystanders need to know that adults who they tell will intervene rationally and not make a situation worse.

3.) Teach Accountability. Discuss social networking. Make it clear to your children that anything posted online is public and they are responsible for what they write. At least 25 percent of colleges regularly check online as part of the admissions process.

4.) Cite the Law. Stress to your child that cyberbullying may be a criminal offense. Electronically-communicated threats are a crime in the same way that a face-to-face or written threat can generate a criminal charge.

5.) Set Rules. Review cell phone rules with your child. Also cover how to react to abusive or scary messages – save and report them, but do not respond. Consider in advance what the consequences will be if rules are broken.

6.) Respect Privacy. Teach your child to never give out passwords or screen names, even to friends.

7.) Make a Plan. Talk with your child about what he should do if he is the victim of cyberbullying. Ask him to tell you immediately and know what steps to take (See Tip No. 8).

8.) Report Incidents. If your child is the victim of cyberbullying by school peers, report the bullying to your child’s school and ask the school to address the behavior. If you believe that your child’s safety is in danger, immediately contact your local police department.

9.) Watch for Warning Signs. If your child becomes withdrawn, doesn’t want to go to school or his or her Internet use becomes obsessive, it could be a sign that he or she is either a victim or perpetrator of cyberbullying.

10.) Discuss your Values. Explain that electronic communications count, and it’s not acceptable to claim later that, “I was only joking.” If you can’t say it out loud to someone’s face, then you can’t e-mail it. Make sure that your child understands that you expect him or her to treat others with kindness at all times – both online and off.

Sources: Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center, Cyberbulling Research Center and the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.

On The Web

Cyberbullying Research Center – This center’s Web site offers a blog, videos and advice for teens, parents and educators.

Girl Scouts USA – This Girl Scouts Web page offers technology tips for parents and is written by a teen editorial board. Parents can sign up for a free newsletter.

The Basics of Baking

“I’m not a cook, but I love to bake.” How many times do you hear that? Why are practitioners of the baking arts so fond of their subject?

Maybe it’s the alchemy factor. In all branches of cooking, the application of heat changes one thing into another.

In baking, this mystery is even more pronounced. You make a dough or a batter, put a wet, sticky thing into the oven and eventually remove a mouthwatering solid object that smells so good people will think Betty Crocker has been incarnated in your kitchen.

Baking is basic, but it can be tricky. It’s one of the more advanced kitchen arts, but you can learn it. Be forewarned right now: Baking can be addicting. I know. I’m a bread junkie. Baking is awesome. And it can be easier, once you learn the basics.

In baking, there is One Big Rule. You can’t fudge on it. Unlike other types of cooking, you can’t just add a little bit here or substitute a little bit there, until you are pretty advanced.

The One Big Rule is you must measure.

This is probably another factor bakers love. They are kitchen chemists, more than any other kinds of cooks, using measuring spoons and cups instead of test tubes and beakers.

You must measure accurately and have the right tools, for it all to work. You need different measuring cups for liquids and dry ingredients. Flat-topped measuring cups are made to be filled to the top with dry stuff. Liquid measures are usually glass, with more space at the top to eliminate spills, and a pour spout.

A 2-cup Pyrex liquid measure is more useful than the 1-cup; a 4-cup measure is handy because it can also be used as a small mixing bowl.

Add liquids to the cup, set it on the counter, and look at it sideways, on its own level. If you hold it up in front of your face, the liquid sloshes around and is hard to read accurately.

One cup of flour weighs four ounces. You can buy a kitchen scale and weigh it, or you can properly measure flour: Stir the flour in a bag. Gently spoon flour into the measuring cup that you hold over a sheet of waxed paper or the flour canister. Do not tap it or shake it to level the flour. Let the flour heap up. When the flour is over the top, use the flat side of a knife or spatula to level off the top of the cup.

If you tamp flour into the cup it could weigh as much as six ounces. See the problem here? The only dry ingredient you pack into a cup is brown sugar. Solid shortening is packed, too, unless you purchase the stick form pre-marked in measured amounts.

Do you need to sift? Only if the recipe recommends doing so, because today’s all-purpose flour is pre-sifted. If you do have to sift and you don’t have a sifter, use a sieve or strainer.

After you get your fix of measuring, you will arrive at the crux of baking magic. The alchemy all depends on leavening, the agents that make dough rise. Leavenings can be yeast, eggs, baking powder, baking soda combined with an acid such as vinegar, or other more arcane things, such as sourdoughs and the artisan baker’s “old dough” saved from previous loaves.

Yeast can be a tricky beast, so for today’s Cooking 101, we concentrate on the quicker, easier baked goods made with baking powder. Yes, there is every kind of mix these days, but you should know how to make basic muffins, biscuits, cornbread, brownies and a loaf of banana bread. See how much better homemade can be. Next week, we’ll focus on cakes and pies.

PREHEATING

Why do recipes for baked goods always start out “preheat oven to . . .?” It’s because of “oven spring,” which is the initial leap that leavenings make when put into a hot oven. If your oven’s not hot when you put the pans in, the mixture won’t rise like it’s supposed to. Most ovens will preheat in 10 to 20 minutes.

You should also prepare baking pans according to the recipe. Cookies with a high fat content may not need to go on a greased surface. You can use a paper towel to smear shortening or butter into pans, and remember to coat those pesky corners well, or you can spray with PAM, one of the greatest inventions of the modern world. Reminder: Some non-stick pans can be ruined if you apply non-stick sprays.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Adventurous souls: Now read this. Where many beginners go wrong in baking is trying to substitute one ingredient for another. I want to make this more healthful, they think, so I’ll just put in whole-wheat flour instead of white flour. Then they wonder why they have baked a brick. Adobe would be easier to eat.

Whole wheat is heavier. You can substitute half of the flour amount in an all-white-flour recipe with whole-wheat flour, but, more than that, and you’re risking your teeth.

One of the most frequent baking mistakes is the use of breakfast spread instead of butter or margarine. This is a guaranteed way to wind up throwing your results in the trash can.

“Spreads” that are less than 60 percent fat have a lot of water included and will make cookies spread too thin or otherwise mess up recipes. If the first ingredient on the label is water, don’t use it for baking.

Stick margarine that is at least 80 percent fat can be substituted for butter. For best results, use butter if the recipe calls for butter. Eat smaller pieces.

Baking powder cannot be substituted for baking soda. They are not the same thing.

Bottom line: Don’t mess with the basic ingredients, the flour, liquid, salt, fat, leavening.

In one area you may unleash your creativity. It’s in the add-ons. Nuts and dried fruits can be substituted freely. Out of almonds? Use pecans. Or use dried red cherries instead of apricots in a scone. Coconut counts as a dried fruit.

However, substitute dry for dry. Fresh fruit cannot be used in place of dried fruit because the extra moisture in the fruit will change the finished product.

Spices and extracts can often substitute for each other, too. Try nutmeg for a change instead of cinnamon, or use almond extract instead of vanilla. Remember, however, that too much of any spice will overwhelm instead of complement. Go for subtlety.

In general, don’t make more than one substitution per baked recipe.

Of course, you can put chocolate chips in anything. Subtract or add. They’re a health food, aren’t they? Chocolate chips are one of the four food groups.

When To Teach Your Kids Adult Life Skills

Even if your kids are far from adulthood, it’s a good idea to teach them at an early age the staples they’ll need when they’re all grown up and on their own. Otherwise, you could wind up with a panicked phone call from your adult child later on when they are clueless on how to perform even simple tasks such as drawing money out of the bank. Teaching life lessons now will lead to functioning adults later on.

Here are some tips and at what age it’s best to teach:

How To Ask For Help

When to teach: age 12 or younger
Key teaching: Open, honest, ongoing communication

Lesson Plan:

• Provide phone numbers and access to their doctors, dentists, religious leader, etc.
• Make sure they know the school nurse, counselor or other appropriate health professionals

Children need to know how to communicate with these important people and how to ask questions when necessary.

How To Keep House

When to teach: ages 5-7
Key teaching : Basic chores

Lesson Plan:

• Establish 2 specific daily chores. For example: at age 5, kids can put toys away or help set the table.

Lesson Plan for ages 8-10:

• Let them watch and help you. Then let them complete tasks on their own. Praise a good job well done. If a chore is done incorrectly, suggest they try a trick that will help correct the problem for the next time.
• Set up a reward system. Award a star for each weeks worth of successfully completed  chores. Then let them redeem their stars for money, privileges or other rewards. Apply previously agreed upon consequences if chores are not done.

How To Manage Money

When to teach: ages 5-10
Lesson Plan:

• Choose between a chore based no-strings attached allowance, or one that combines a base amount plus bonuses for chores.
• Let your child know the conditions for getting an allowance.
• Set the amount for each. One rule of thumb: 50-cents to a dollar per year of age.
• Define spending guidelines. Otherwise, they’ll go on a spending frenzy.
• Establish an amount to be saved. Offer a piggy bank so they can keep track.
• Be consistent. Give the allowance on the same day each week, such as Friday.

Lesson Plan for ages 11-13:

• Set up a meeting with your child and a bank manager to discuss the difference between a checking and a savings account, monthly charges, fines, and interest rates.

Lesson Plan for ages 14 and up:

• Have them open a checking account
• Agree on how their pay should be used. Will some be saved for a car or college?
• Discuss taxes and show how FICA and income taxes are deducted.
• Introduce the “paying yourself first” concept. Encourage them to deposit some of their money into a savings account before spending any of it.
• If you want to allow it, let your child sit with you as you manage your check book to give them an insight as to what amounts go where, how to keep track of money deposited and deducted, etc.

How To Manage Healthcare

When to teach: ages 16-17 or sooner
Lesson Plan:

• Arrange for them to talk with your family doctor in private.
• Teach them how to get a prescription filled. How to drop off a paper prescription and how to call in a refill.
• Explain how to use health insurance.

How To Avoid Risky Behavior

When to teach: ages 10-17
Lesson Plan:

• Help your child think of options for getting themselves out of a sticky situation safely. Don’t stop until you’re satisfied that your child knows what to do, and work in some brush-up skills on occasion. Have then act out different scenarios.
• If they are being bullied in school, teach then what they should do.
• If they’re at a party and one of their friends are getting drunk or doing drugs. What do they do if someone were to start to take advantage of them?
• If they are in the back seat of a car and the driver acts impaired and the car is weaving in and out of traffic. What should they do?

How To Care For A Car

What age to teach: ages 14-15
Lesson Plan:

• Even before a child learns, let them look over the owners manual of your car. Point out where the maintenance information is located.
• Teach them your cars maintenance schedule and invite them to tag along when you take your car for a routine visit. Make sure they know when fluids need to be filled or changed and tires get rotated.
• Create fun quizzes to test their already learned knowledge so you know where they need more help.
• Have them create a plan for what to do if their car were to break down.

Lesson Plan for ages 15-16:

• Teach them how to change and properly inflate a tire, check oil level and windshield washer fluid. Your owners manual lists the proper tire pressure. If you can not locate your owners manual, check the inside of the drivers side car door for proper air pressure.

Pediped® shoe review & giveaway

I was so thrilled & honored to be offered a pair of Pediped® shoes for my little one. Pediped® offers some really beautiful and trendy shoes for kids. They use the latest technology, plus the highest quality materials and craftsmanship to create shoes for children that are designed to care for their feet from crawling, to those amazing first steps and into the toddler years.

The philosophy of Pediped^® has always been Comfort, Quality and Style, which is why Pediped^® was one of the first children’s shoe companies the American Podiatric Medical Association awarded their Seal of Acceptance for promoting healthy foot development.

Pediped® has 2 lines of shoes – the Originals™ and the Flex™. The shoes I tested were the Pediped® Isabella Flex™. If you are not familiar with the new Flex™ line you are missing out on some great children’s shoes. They have the same great quality as the Originals™ but they offer rubber soles that are still soft yet flexible, providing for healthy foot development.

The Originals™ line for pre-walkers was designed to most closely mimic barefoot walking and the natural foot shape of a child. The leather insoles are slip resistant and protect babies feet indoors and out. The Flex™ line combines everything you want – a rubber soled shoe; high quality, fine leather and a soft flexible rubber sole.

One great feature of the Pedipeds is that they come with an extra set of insoles to help your child’s shoes last much longer and provide a better custom fit. The insides of shoes wear out so quickly and Pediped® has offered a solution to that. Each insole is 2 mm in thickness and can easily be removed to extend the length of time your child can wear their shoes.

The flexibility of these shoes support the natural motion of the feet. The heels have a shock absorbing cushion, beneficial arch support, ultra pliable flex zone and flexible, skid resistant rubber soles. I love that the shoes have a velcro strap rather than shoestrings to tie or sharp fasteners to jab babies feet.

As soft & comfortable looking as these shoes are, I couldn’t help but almost wish they made them in my size. Too bad they weren’t around when I was a little girl. I remember getting lots of blisters as a child from uncomfortable, poorly fitting shoes. I was very active, a tomboy actually, so I was very hard on shoes. If I had grown up wearing Pedipeds, I know my feet would have thanked me. Pediped® does have some classic styles such as the Isabella. Anyone remember Mary Janes? I’m sure you do. They look cute with any clothing style; dresses, skirts, dress pants, jeans, capris, shorts, you name it.

Sizes for the Originals range from 0-6 (0-24 months). And sizes for the Flex shoes range from size 5-12 (12 months – 5 years). Prices start at $17. These high quality shoes are well worth the cost.

Want to try them on your little one? Pediped® has offered a pair of their Originals™ to one lucky winner.

Winner chosen at random is #215 Debbie G. ~ Congrats Debbie!

Win It!!!

1 Winner will be chosen at random at the end of the entry period 03/06/10. Prize consists of one pair of Pediped® Originals™.

** MANDATORY entry: Go to Pediped and tell me what other style not shown here that you would love to have.**

Extra Entries!

You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

** PLEASE make sure if you are following my blog that you specify by which means and what your username is there so I can verify you are following. If I can’t verify it the entry will not count. ** Please do not tell me you are following if you are not. I do verify the information. Thanks!

1.) Follow me via Twitter @MyBellaMia

2.) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect. (currently only viewable via Google Chrome)

3.) Follow my blog via NetworkedBlogs.

4.) Become a fan on  Facebook (please leave me your facebook username in a comment)

5.) Place my button on your blog. Please comment below with your blog URL so I can verify button placement.

6.) Tweet about this giveaway. You can now only tweet 5 times for extra entries every day but you must copy your status update URL and paste it in a comment below! You can copy & paste:

Win a pair of Pediped® Originals from Bella So Savvy. http://www.bellasavvy.net/archives/1064 ~ Ends 03/06/10.
*The retweet can be reworded but must include the url link to the giveaway & must spell out that the prize is a pair of Pediped Originals!

7.) Blog about my giveaway (post a link to the direct page of your blog post)

Contest ends at 9pm. EST on March 6th when I will draw the winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond! If winner do not respond an alternate winner will be chosen at random out of the remaining entries.

Open to the US only.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one pair of Pediped® Flex shoes to test.

Baked Rigatoni w/ Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina Cheeses ~ recipe

Baked Rigatoni w/ Spinach, Ricotta & Fontina Cheeses

This is an easy variation of spinach & ricotta cannelloni. The filling is simply tossed with cooked rigatoni that’s then topped with fontina and baked to a golden brown.

Cook time: 15 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound rigatoni
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 10-ounce pkg. frozen spinach, thawed
• 2 cups (about 1 pound) ricotta cheese
• 5 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
• 6 ounces fontina cheese, grated, (about 1 1/2 cups)

Directions

Heat the oven to 450-degrees F. Oil a 9″ x 13″ baking dish.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the rigatoni until almost done, about 12 minutes.  Drain. Put the pasta in the prepared baking dish and toss with 1 tbsp. of the oil.

Meanwhile, squeeze as much of the water as possible from the spinach. Put the spinach in a food processor and puree with the ricotta, 3 tbsp. of the Parmesan, the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir in half the fontina.

Stir the spinach mixture into the pasta. Top with the remaining fontina and parmesan. Drizzle the remaining 2 tbsp. oil over the top. Bake the pasta until the top is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

Variation: Substitute other chunky pasta such as penne, penne rigata, ziti, or fusilli. Boil all of these one or two minutes less.

Frigidaire Spin & Win

Frigidaire Spin & Win

Frigidaire announced a new Spin & Win game that gives you the opportunity to win gift cards AND  a brand new Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer! Other prizes include:

* $200 gift card to play dress up
* $100 gift card to take in some family flicks
* $100 gift card to build a birdhouse or go camping
* $75 gift card to curl up with new books
* $75 gift card to get out and play
* $50 gift card to start a craft project

Drawing for prizes will be held every day between now and April 25, 2010. That’s nearly 100 chances to win when you ’spin’ each day! Limit of one entry per person and per email address per day.

Grand Prize drawings for the Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer will be held at the end of each month during the promotion with at total of 4 Grand Prize winners. Participants are automatically entered into the month’s Grand Prize drawing when they Spin and Win.

Best of all, every time you play, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children, as part of their $250,000 commitment to support Save the Children’s CHANGE (Creating Healthy, Active & Nurturing Grown Up Environments) program, dedicated to providing nutritious snacks and promoting healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty in the United States.

SPIN NOW!

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