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Friday, August 26, 2011

High Efficiency Furnace

Sometimes we take the simplest things for granted. For instance, being able to feel comfortable in our own homes with warm heat in the winter and being able to easily cool down in the summer and clean ambiance in our dwelling does not just happen. You need to choose a high efficiency furnace that will do that. And it is also can provide an economical solution since a high efficiency furnace will utilize most of the fuel you pay for efficiently. Just think of all the money you are throwing out the window by not having a high efficiency furnace. It's that time again to insure that you will have a comfortable fall and winter season that you can enjoy in your own abode by upgrading to a high efficiency furnace.

Victoria Hotels

One of my favorite things about Victoria Hotels is that they include a complimentary breakfast in the morning. It is so convenient to be able to wake up in the morning and grab your breakfast without having to think about where to eat. You can spend time during a leisurely breakfast to plan out the sights to see and things to do during your day, since the Victoria Hotels are in convenient locations. For those that love to cook and try out local foods themselves, they even have kitchen studios . The only difficult part will be deciding on which of the spectacular sites to see or things to do while in British Columbia since Victoria Hotels provides everything else- spectacular accomadations, delicious breakfast, gated parking and convenient location.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Eating Healthy on The Road

Guest blogger: Karissa Martin

Summer’s coming to a close, so it’s time to go on that vacation you promised yourself you would take. It’s time to get bronzed and fit on your trip and come back ready to face the fall. There’s only one problem: healthy eating isn’t always on the menu on vacation―it seems like the perfect time to take a break from your usual healthy eating habits. To prevent yourself from gaining those extra pounds while having fun in the sun, try some of the following tips to return home feeling refreshed and thin!



Be aware of what you are eating! This is very important because sometimes foods have a lot more calories than you think. Go for vegetables and fish and skip fried or greasy foods. If you want to count your calories, there are a lot of websites that have the calories of various restaurants and their foods. Websites such as CalorieKing, DietFacts, and Calorie Count can be useful, and there are applications for smartphones to help you keep track of your calories. Some restaurants even have the nutritional values of their foods available on their menus.



Don’t be afraid to share your food. Share a meal with a friend or family member, or share an appetizer and get a side salad. Some meals are available in half or lunch-sized portions. If you want to get your own meal, you don’t have to finish it. If you have a refrigerator in your hotel room or wherever you’re staying, take the leftovers and eat them the next day. If you are drooling over the desserts, it’s okay to splurge a little, but eat a light meal. Go for a side salad, soup, or an appetizer instead of a heavy, large entrĂ©e. You can always share the dessert with your fellow vacationers or get a children’s sized or smaller dessert if they’re available.



Check out the local grocery store and get a picnic lunch to enjoy a low calorie meal on vacation without going out to eat. Whether you’re on the beach, on a boat, or in a park, a picnic lunch is the perfect way to share a healthy meal with your family and friends without breaking the bank―or packing on the pounds.


For healthy recipes get your copy of The Basic Art of Italian Cooking and/or The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Holidays & Special Occasions-2nd edition





Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Shopping at Become.com

Everyone knows that one of my 'hobbies' is shopping for my kitchen, but with a busy work and travel schedule there is not always enough time, however, today I found a great solution to my dilemma. Shopping for kitchen sink mats ,a much needed item, was quick and effortless today with my online shopping find

Now that I know I can easily shop online for my newly acquired kitchen, the next badly needed item was a rustic wine rack complete the rustic look of the kitchen and of ocurse to store all those beautiful wine bottles.

I do get carried away and sometimes shop for things that I don't really need, but I must admit today I was able to comparison shop for things that I really do need. And what a diverse selection of things I found. The lat item that has been on my wishlist has been a coffee mug rack

I was able to find a great deal on one that stylishly fit into the kitchen and best of all, I found it from the comfort of my own computer,relaxed while shopping effortlessly online.

Monday, August 1, 2011

A Bit of Carpaccio in Tuscany

Guest Blogger: Lisa Zatulovsky

It is no wonder that the beautiful scenery of Tuscany’s lush greenery and regal mountains inspired Italy’s rebirth. From the Renaissance birthplace of Florence, to the rolling meadows of Siena, the region of Tuscany is a bustling center of architecture, arts, and cuisine. Producing some of the finest foods and wines of Italy, while housing some of the world’s most incredible artists and sculptures like Michelangelo’s David, Tuscany is arguably one of Europe’s most thriving regions.
Art tours, cooking classes, and wine tours are only a few of the incredible experiences offered in Tuscany, allowing you to get a feel for the flourishing region. Wine Tours in Tuscany provide a magical setting among grandiose Medieval Castles and aromatic vineyards. Tuscany offers exciting tours including an opportunity to see where and how their famous red wine Chianti is produced. Between Florence and Siena the picturesque vineyards, wine cellars, and ancient castles weave fascinating history with delicious wine, unique to the region ranging from lunch wine tasting tours with an opportunity to go horseback riding, to romantic evening wine dinners with savory antipasti like regional cheeses and prosciutto.
For a Tuscany inspired antipasto, pair Tuscany’s rich Chianti with Carpaccio, an elegant dish of thinly sliced meats. Chianti and Carpaccio is a wonderfully flavorful appetizer that romances the palette. Chianti is a fuller bodied red wine characterized by a velvety burgundy color. The skins of the grapes remain when undergoing fermentation, producing a bitter strong taste with cherry and floral notes. Chianti red wine pairs well with a red meat antipasto. Essentially a meat and cheese platter, Carpaccio has countless variations. Named after Renaissance painter, Vittore Carpaccio, the antipasto is reminiscent of his red-hued paintings. Enhanced by a rich Chianti, the meat platter is made with paper thin slices of meat like beef tenderloin or prosciutto, drizzled with olive oil, lemon juice and garnished with parmigiano reggiano shavings and capers. Experience the delight of a Tuscany wine tasting in your own home with Chianti and Carpaccio, perfect for an outdoor meal with a dreamy warm summer breeze.