2009 Festival of Trees
October 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Leominster News
Attached please find the participation form and information for the 2009 Festival of Trees (FOT). Fax (978-534-7575) or mail the attached form by November 12. All contact info is listed on form as well.
We are looking for volunteers to help with FOT set up and to cover viewing/silent auction weekend hours. If you are interested in volunteering for this civic event please contact me to discuss further.
HERE IS THE PDF PARTICIPATION FORM
Sandie Chacon
Business Development Coordinator
City of Leominster
978-534-7525 x 260
Special Announcement-
October 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Member News
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
LIST or BUY your home with me as your local REALTOR any time during the months of November and December 2009 and receive a Gift Certificate to any shop local Leominster business member of your choice in the amount of $300.00!* Just give me a call, text or e-mail to set up our initial appointment!
*Special terms & conditions apply. Contact me for further details!
©2009 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Housing Opportunity (EHO logo). Owned and operated by NRT, LLC
Central Flag & Gift
Company Name: Central Flag & Gift
Street Address:
41 Main Street
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website:www.cdflag.com
Company Phone:978-534-5090
Company Fax:978-537-7217
Primary Contact: Dean Mazzarella
Company Email:centralflag@comcast.net
Hours of operation:
Closed Monday
Tuesday-Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
About:
From flags to flagpoles, we offer hundreds of different kinds at unbeatable prices. We are pleased that we are for the first time able to offer you nearly eighty pages from our 2008 product line however we offer many more items so please call or email us if you are unable to locate a particular product, need advice, or have a question.
Peanut Butter Recipes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
1/2 c Butter
1/3 c peanut butter
1 1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
3sq unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 c flour
2 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1 2/3 c milk
Lightly grease a 13X9 baking pan. Preheat the ove to 350′
In a mixing bowl beat sugar, butter and peanut butter. Add eggs, beat more. add melted chocolate and vanilla, blend.
Next add some of the milk, beat in well. Add the baking powder to the flour. Add some flour to the mixing bowl, beat in well in betweeneach addition. Alternate milk and flour until mixed through and all ingredients have been added.
Pour batter into baking dish. bake in 350′ oven for 30-35 minutes. Let cool, top with Peanut Butter Icing and drizzle. ( see below)
Peanut Butter Icing
1 1/4 c sifter confectioners’ sugar
1/4 c peanut butter
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Cream ingredients together. Add additional confectioners’ sugar or milk to get to the proper consistency. Frost the cake.
Melt 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate pieces with 1T butter. Drizzel over the frosting. Enjoy
Submitted by:
Rituals Salon & Spa
7 Central St
Leominster, MA 01453
978-537-9394
www.ritualsspa.com
Golden Rule Honey LLC
October 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Retail, Specialty Food
Company Name:Golden Rule Honey LLC
Street Address:
511 Lancaster street
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website:www.BeeUntoOthers.com
Company Phone:978-407-3934
Primary Contacts:Laurie Herboldsheimer / Dean Stiglitz,co-owners
Company Email:info@BeeUntoOthers.com
Hours of operation:
By appointment
About:
We are Leominster beekeepers specializing in bees kept without any chemical treatments, medications or artificial feeds. Some of our bees live permanently at the Stillman’s Farm in New Braintree where they pollinate the crops.
In 2008 we started packing and selling treatment free honey at farmer’s markets and health food stores. We are currently featuring Dee Lusby’s Arizona Rangeland Honey from remote desert rangeland in southern Arizona and Kirk Webster’s Vermont Honey from the Champlain Valley of Vermont. We also make The Queen of Chocolate, a sugar-free/dairy-free chocolate sweetened with honey.
We moved to Leominster in 1999 and fell in love with the factory buildings at the Union Products complex on Lancaster Street. We’re very excited that our new retail/manufacturing space is now there, where the pink lawn flamingo was born!
We are available for retail sales by appointment. Our honeys may also be found at Roots in Leominster.
This past summer (2009) Golden Rule Honey hosted the first Northeast Treatment Free Beekeeping Conference at the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster. We are planning another conference for 2010 at the same venue. Anyone interested in keeping bees without treatments is welcome to attend. Visit our website BeeUntoOthers.com for more information and videos.
Bridges Training Institute
Company Name:Bridges Training Institute
Street Address:
P.O. Box 1524
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website:www.bridgeslanguage.com
Company Phone:978-549-8224
Primary Contact:Steven St. Laurent,Founder & Principal
Company Email:ss1@bridgeslanguage.com
Hours of operation:
We train on-site, online or via video conferencing during all three shifts, Mon. – Sat.
About:
Steven J. St. Laurent, Founder & Principal
Bridges Training Institute
1.) Company history, how long you have been in business, how did you get started?
In June ’05 after five years of working as a Mechanical Engineer doing field and safety work throughout Mexico, New Mexico, New England and Sicily; Steven St. Laurent with the support and help of his then fiancée, Catherine took a loan and lauched Bridges Language Institute. A few years later after obtaining four national certifications (three of which were for safety training: OSHA, First Aid, CPR, AED and Bloodbourne Pathogens) they opened another division called Bridges Safety Institute. Currently, they have combined their training and consulting company into one under the new name of Bridges Training Institute.
Steve is the principal trainer and has worked internationally and in 6 states throughout the U.S. Since he started his training institute. His references are many and reputation is growing throughout New England. He wants to better establish his company and get it well-known in North Central Mass.
2.) What products do you sell or what services do you offer?
Bridges Training Institute has provided custom training and focuses on training for the following industries:
- CONSTRUCTION
- DENTISTRY
- CHILD CARE
- MANUFACTURING
- HEALTHCARE
- PUBLIC SAFETY
- EDUCATION
- FINANCIAL
- HOSPITALITY
We offer continuing education credit & certifications through our Safety and Spanish-language Training for all these industries! We have worked or are currently providing training and consulting services for:
- Workers Credit Union
- North Star Construction
- Mt. Wachusetts Community College
- Hudson Color Concentrates
- Weetabix
- Nypro
- Dr. William O’Brien
- Dr. Joseph Yamin
- Little Stars Gymnastics Center
- il Ricordi Restaurant
3.) What is your specialty?
SAFETY:
- OSHA 10 & 30 Outreach Training
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- Bloodborne & Airborne Pathogens
LANGUAGE:
- English
- Cultural Seminars
- Spanish for the Job
4.) What makes you different?
Dynamic Training workers look forward to in Spanish, English or Portuguese!
5.) Why did you choose Leominster for your business?
Leominster is Steve’s home town! He loves Leominster and wants to build it and the surrounding towns into something great! Steve was President of his Junior & Senior class at Leominster high and voted most school spirit! (He was on the field dressed in the blue of Leominster’s mascot on that fated day his senior year when -sadly- Fitchburg triumphed on Thanksgiving day!) He went on to UMass Amherst to study earn his degree in Mechanical Engineering and Spanish. Then after two years of living and working in Mexico (one year through the Fulbright Scholarship), he looked forward to coming home to dig in his professional roots into the community & people that formed him and helped him dream!
Dry Scalp tips from Rituals Salon & Spa
October 29, 2009 by admin
Filed under Member News
Dry Scalp tips from Rituals Salon & Spa
This is the time of year we are asked a LOT of questions about dry
scalp. Dry scalp has many causes. If it is seasonal it may be simply
the dry air in your home or work. Humidifiers are a great help. They
will help all your skin, not just your scalp. Also, avoid hot showers.
Cooler temperatures are best.
Treating a dry scalp is easy with good products. Make this part of
your routine. Treat your scalp regularly as you would your hands or
face.
There are several treatments you can try:
1. Apply a good moisturizer. Use a moisturizer, not a lotion. Lotions
may create a barrier to your skin giving it a false sense of moisture,
causing the skin to think it doesn’t need to produce its own natural
moisture. This can actually make the skin dryer. Use a good
moisturizer that is proven to penetrate and treat the skin. Such as
Aveda’s Hydrating Lotion. Apply a small amount of moisture at night
before going to bed, letting is stay on the scalp overnight. Use a
good moisturizing shampoo in the morning. A regular routine of this
should help.
2.Aveda has Scalp Remedy. This leave-on treatment reduces flaking in
one week. Spritz the product on daily. It is not gooey and you can
style your hair as normal. Scalp Remedy uses a soothing blend of
essential oils and herbs to soothe while the salicylic acid gently
exfoliates the scalp. This is great for dandruff or dry scalp.
3. Rituals offers scalp treatments for dry, oily or sensitive scalp.
Add a scalp treatment to your haircut or blow dry for an additional
$10. During the scalp treatment we massage in a oil that will work
with your skin type. It is relaxing experience. We also offer our Hair
and Scalp Renewal which is like a facial for the hair. This is a one
hour treatment to revive both scalp and hair
Marketing a Bad Word?
October 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Member News
Marketing…
To some in business this is on their list of “bad words”. Mainly because the word itself conjures up images of dollar signs flowing OUT of their budgets, instead of flowing IN.
Marketing, especially in a small town like Leominster tends to get overlooked by most due to the above reason…cost. Newspapers charge an arm and a leg to run ads, and we all know that a one-time ad is about useless; forcing you to want to run ads for weeks, months, even years at a time.
With profit margins and sales in general shrinking, the ability to set aside a certain percentage of profits to dedicate to advertising is a lesson in futility. So what is a business owner to do?
We all want more sales! And most of us don’t have the cash on hand to afford what we believe to be an effective print advertising campaign. Heck, who even reads the papers anymore, and the ones that do are so conditioned to NOT look at ads, chances have it yours won’t get seen!
So what are we supposed to do???? Give up? Let nature take its course and let whatever happens…just happen?
No! In tough times we need to be flexible and open to new ideas. Someone once said the definition of “crazy” is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. So do something different. Remember, this is YOUR business we are talking about. You have put countless hours of blood, sweat and even tears into building this. You have sacrificed family time, missed out on many “fun” opportunities! I have one word for you….F I G H T.
Fight for your business! If what was working no longer is cutting it, try something else. Marketing is the answer, regardless of whether you want to hear it or not. Marketing does not have to cost you a fortune, and there are so many ways to market…only limited by your imagination!
Of course I am a fan of web marketing, so naturally I would choose to maximize my web efforts first and foremost. The cost for a website is so affordable now that not having one makes no sense whatsoever. It can be used to inform and educate your current and potential customers, as well as recruit and qualify new leads for you. The cost is minimal in comparison to the lifetime value of a customer. If your competitors have a website, they are stealing your customers, whether you know it or not!
Adamant that the web is not for you and your business? Ok, how about in-store promotions? Email campaigns? Thought about changing your signage? How about sponsoring a local event?
Have a highly visible store-front? How about doing something remarkable and eye catching with a display? Something that jumps out and grabs attention?
Leominster’s Annual Winter Stroll is coming up, thought about setting up a booth? Where else will you get thousands of LOCAL residents walking into your “store”??? Talk about word-of-mouth!!!
My point here is to think outside of the box. Hell, take the box, stomp it into the dirt, then toss it in the recycle bin. Promoting yourself does not have to cost gobs of cash!! Use your imagination and come up with something that will make you stand out and help spread the word. No one knows your business or has as much passion as you do for it, so get out of your current mindset and go promote yourself!!
Keith Boisvert-Vero Concepts
The Monument Grill
October 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Restaurant
Company Name:The Monument Grill
Street Address:
14 Monument Square
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website: www.themonumentgrill.com/
Company Phone:978-537-4466
Primary Contact:Donna Baletta,owner
Company Email: info@themonumentgrill.com
Hours of operation:
Monday, Tue, Wed 11:30a- 9p
Thurs & Fr 11:30-10
sat noon to 10p
About:
Fresh, contemporary American cuisine in a historic tavern setting. Featuring three distinctive dining rooms plus a flower filled outdoor terrace, and outstanding service.
The Monument Grill is a local favorite, setting a new standard for dining. Rate 5 stars in food, ambience, service and value by Worcester Magazine August of 2009.
$10 – $27 Dinner Entree
All Major Credit Cards Accepted
Additional Info:
- Outdoor Dining with Daily specials and bar service
- Live entertainment Friday and Saturday 8-11pm
- Lunch and kids menus
- Take out
- Sunday brunch from 10am-2pm
- Group and private rooms available
Norwood Fine Cabinetry
October 28, 2009 by admin
Filed under Home & Garden
Company Name:Norwood Fine Cabinetry
Street Address:
2 Monument Sq
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website: www.norwoodfinecabinetrey.com
Company Phone:978 534 0800
Company Fax:978 534 0881
Primary Contact:Vicky Marien/Jeff Carpenter
Primary Contact’s Title:President/Vicky Marien
Company Email:victoria.marien@norwoodfinecabinetry.com
Hours of operation:
Tuesday thru Friday 10am to 4pm
Saturday 10am to 4pm
Evening appointments available
Leominster Curves Making Strides
October 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Member News
Leominster Curves joins 40,000 walkers in Boston for the Making Strides Walk on Oct. 4, 2009.
Leominster Curves members, friends and families have raised $2,721.00. If anyone would like to make a donation please bring it to Curves at 448 Lancaster St. Leominster, MA before the end of this month.
Thanks to all who made donations for this great cause and participated in the Making Strides walk.
Peak Staffing
Company Name:Peak Staffing
Street Address:
106 Carter Street
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website:www.peakstaffingma.com
Company Phone:978-537-1721
Company Fax:978-537-5771
Primary Contact:Barbara Mazzaferro,President
Company Email:ahaddad@peakstaffingma.com
Hours of operation:
Monday – Friday 8:30-5:00
About:
Peak Staffing is a boutique staffing firm specializing in the placement of light industrial and administrative professionals. We have been in business since 2005 providing temporary, contract and permanent placements to companies in the Leominster area. Our goal is to provide you with the PEAK of perfection in staffing.
“Peak Staffing – takes you to the top!”
Interstate Appliance Service Co Inc.
October 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Professional Service
Company Name:Interstate Appliance Service Co Inc.
Street Address:
106 Carter Street
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Website:www.jareds-appliance.com
Company Phone:978-401-4477
Company Fax:978-401-4478
Primary Contact:Jared,President
Company Email:jared@jareds-appliance.com
Hours of operation:
Monday – Friday 9-5
About:
Area’s Only Factory Authorized Service Company
All Brands
In Warranty
Out of Warranty
Extended Warranty
978-401-4477
Recycle Caps with Rituals
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tips and Tricks
RECYCLE CAPS WITH RITUALS SALON & SPA and AVEDA
Bring plastic caps as described below to RITUALS SALON & SPA, 7 Central St, Leominster, MA 01453. If you are a school, please see below to register your school or group.
Aveda found that a majority of plastic bottle caps do not get recycled today.
Often these caps end up as litter or trash and migrate into our rivers and oceans. Birds and other marine creatures mistake them for food with tragic results.
Your school can be part of the solution by joining recycle Caps with Aveda.*
Join Aveda’s caps recycling initiative that helps extend the current boundaries of recycling and elicits participation from all corners of our community. With the help of our network of salons and stores, in partnership with community schools, we have created a recycling program for plastic bottle caps. Caps are collected enrolled schools and then sent by Aveda to our recycler where the material is recycled into new caps and containers. Rituals will collect caps fro indiviuals and send them to the recycler. Aveda has been able to work closely with our suppliers to develop ways to make new caps from the recycled caps and we plan to incorporate these caps into future Aveda products.
What type of caps do we collect?
The program accepts caps that are rigid polypropylene plastic, sometimes noted with a 5 in the chasing arrows recycling symbol. This includes caps that twist on with a threaded neck such as caps on shampoo, water, soda, milk and other beverage bottles, flip top caps on tubes and food product bottles (such as ketchup and mayonnaise), laundry detergents and some jar lids such as peanut butter.
Excluded from collection are pharmaceutical lids and non rigid lids such as yogurt lids, tub lids (margarine, cottage cheese), and screw on lids that are not rigid. Please do not include any metal lids or plastic pumps or sprayers. Unfortunately, too much of the wrong types of materials can contaminate the recycling process. We appreciate your efforts in keeping it clean! Please help Aveda in our mission to encourage local recyclers to accept plastic bottle caps.
Want to know how your school can get involved?
Click to learn more: Parents | Teachers. Remember to contact capcollection@aveda.com when you are ready to enroll your school.
For more information on how to enroll your school contact capcollection@aveda.com or call 1-877-Aveda09.
Quality Dry Cleaners
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Laundry & Cleaners
Company Name:Quality Dry Cleaners
Street Address:
285 Central St.
Leominster, MA 01453
Company Phone:(978) 840-6680
Primary Contact:Bob or Mae LeClair,Owners/operators
Company Email:qualitybob1@verizon.net
Hours of operation:
Monday and Thursday 7:00 A.M. 2:00 P.M.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00AM 6:00PM
Saturday 7:30 A.M. 1:00 P.M.
About:
We are a full service Dry Cleaner. All of our work is done on the premises by the family owners/operators. We also take great pride in our excellant shirt service.
In addition we do any kind of alteration/tailoring you may need,again on site at VERY COMPETATIVE rates.
When do do business with us you do business with someone totally involved.
Bread and More
Bread
Parmesan Toast
4 slices sourdough bread, sliced, cut into quarters (triangles)
1/4 grated parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
Lightly toast the bread. VERY lightly
Mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Spread mixture onto bread triangles. put on a pan and place into the toaster oven and toast, or bake on a sheet pan 375′ oven until cheese is melted.
variation: add 1 artichoke. (non marinated) finely chopped to the topping.
Salads & Vegetables
Rice Salad
4 Cups Water
1 Chicken Bouillon Cube
2 T Butter or Margarine
1 Med. Onion, diced
2 Med. Red Peppers, diced
3 Med. Green Peppers, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 tsp Tumeric
1 tsp Salt
2 Cups Regular Rice
1/4 cup Salad Oil
1/2 lb. Mushrooms , sliced
2 T. Lemon Juice
In saucepan heat water, butter, bouillon, tumeric , and 1/2 tsp salt to boiling; add rice. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Place rice in large bowl. Meanwhile in large skillet over medium heat, cook onion in oil until tender. Stir in peppers, mushrooms and 1/2tsp salt; cook until all vegetables are just tender. Spoon into bowl of rice. Add lemon juice. Gently toss to blend. Chill for at least one hour.
Asparagus Parmesan
30 Stalks Cooked Asparagus (2 pkgs frozen)
1/3 cup Dry Seasoned Bread crumbs
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper
2 T. Melted Butter
Drain cooked asparagus and place in greased shallow baking casserole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Combine crumbs with butter. Sprinkle over asparagus. Top with cheese. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.
Spinach Puff
2pkgs. Frozen Spinach , 2 10 oz pkgs, thawed
1/4 cup Butter
2 T. Onion, grated
3/4 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
25 Keebler Town House Crackers, crumbled
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
Drain excess liquid from the thawed spinach. Mix all ingredients together in food processor. Put casserole pan. Bake at 350 for 30 mins. or microwave 3 minutes, stirring once.
Variation: use 2 10oz packages frozen broccoli, thawed. It is also possible to use fresh, simply cook the fresh broccoli or spinach till soft. We also like to do a mix of spinach and broccoli. Either is great served with a steak and baked potato.
Broccoli Marinade
1 bunch broccoli (raw), seperated using flowerettes only
1 tsp. Dill Seed
1/3 tsp Salt
1/3 tsp. Garlic Salt
1/3 cup White Vinegar
1/2 cup Oil
1 tsp. Sugar
1 tsp. MSG
1/3 tsp Pepper
Mix marinade ingredients together and pour over broccoli floweret’s; refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
Parmesan Artichokes
1 pound frozen artichokes
1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan
This is so simple and tasty. Spray a baking sheet with spray oil. Arrange the artichoke’s on the baking sheet. (We use frozen artichokes because they are not marinated. Using fresh artichoke is a lot to prepare, so we just use frozen.) Sprinkle/ top the artichoke tops with the grated cheese.
Bake in 350 oven 15 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Ratatouille
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 Clove Garlic, crushed
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 Small Eggplant cut into 1″ cubes
2 Zucchini, sliced
2 Large Tomatoes, diced
1 Large Green Pepper, cut in pieces
1 Large Onion, chopped
1 tsp. Salt
Basil
Oregano
1 T. Minced Parsley
Put garlic, salt and olive oil in bottom of heavy 3-quart saucepan. Put vegetables in layers sprinkling salt, oregano, basil, and parsley between layers. Cover, cook until tender and sauce is rich and thick. Take cover off last 5 minutes.
Baked Beans
1 pound bacon, cooked and drained
1 c water
1 medium onion, chopped
1c brown sugar
1 (16 oz) can EACH butter beans, lima beans, kidney beans Drain each can
I can ( 16 ounces) Pork and Beans
Cook bacon in frying pan. drain, crumble.
In a medium saucepan boil the water and onion 5 minutes. Add bacon and the water, boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat. Add the beans and combine. pour into casserole. bake 325′ 75 minutes till bubbly.
Creole Eggplant
1 Eggplant
3 T chopped onion
2 c canned tomatoes
1/4 c diced cook bacon
1/4c chopped green pepper
1/4 t paprika
1/3 c grated parmesan cheese
Skin eggplant. Cut eggplant into 1 inch cubes.
Cook bacon in frying pan. Add eggplant , onion peppers and stir until onion is soft. Add the tomatoes, paprika. Cook slowly 25 minutes or until mixture thickens. Stir frequently. Just before serving, toss in the parmesan and give it a good stir. Serve over rice or macaroni.
Quotes -Oct 26
‘Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is
impossible to be silent.’ ~Victor Hugo
__________________________
The artist finds a greater pleasure in painting than in having a
completed picture.
~ Seneca
__________________________
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
……Abraham Lincoln
__________________________
My father worshipped dogs, hunting, fishing, the state of Maine, and the complete works of Shakepeare, in that order.
Susan Conant, True Confessions, 1995
__________________________
Dogs are…wonderful. Truly. To know them and be with them is an experience that transcends- a way to understand the joyfulness of living and devotioin.
Gary Paulsen
Winterdance 1994
__________________________
An animal is, properly speaking, a soul; I do not say an imortal soul. And yet, when I come to consider the positions this poor little beast and I myself occupy in the scheme of things, I recognize in both exactly the same right to mortality.
Anatole France
The coming or Riquet (1844-1924)
__________________________
“He who jumps into the void
owes no explanation to those
who stand and watch.”
~Jean Luc Godard
__________________________
5 things each of us can do to reduce our carbon foot print
October 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tips and Tricks
5 things each of us can do to reduce our carbon foot print.
1. Buy local- support the farmers markets. Use your local merchants.
This reduces your gas consumption and helps to employ local residents.
2. Drive a clean, fuel efficient car- Check emissions on a new car
before you buy. Try to conserve trips by planning errands. It has been
said that UPS achieved substantial gas savings by redesigning their
routes to have only right turns. Empty the extras from the car. Extra
weight in the car causes the car to burn more fuel. Keep your tires to
proper inflation for better fuel economy.
3. Reduce, reuse, recycle- think before you make purchases, paying
attention to excess packaging. Learn proper recycling methods for your
town. Before you toss an unwanted item, is there another use for it in
your home? Would it be useful to someone else? Join Freecycle. Recycle
your soda bottle caps by bringing them to Rituals.
4. Purchase Energy Star products- Your house can cause twice as much
pollution as your car. Appliances and electronics are just some of
the items Energy star evaluates. go to www.energystar.gov for
information. Your flat screen TV can add $120 a year to your electric
bill during the time it is NOT being used. Unplug as many electric
items as you can.
5.Evaluate your energy options- Sign up for renewable energy if
available through your energy supplier. Ask for an energy audit of
your home. Your electric supplier usually performs this service for
free. It is a basement to attic inspection of your home
submitted by Rituals Spa
PlasticCity Electric-Winter Tips
October 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Tips and Tricks
As we start to prepare ourselves and our homes for the long winter months ahead, there are some things we can do to save energy and make our lives a little safer.
Some tips for saving energy and increasing safety:
-
Install foam insulating sheets behind receptacle and switch plates to seal out cold drafts.
-
Insulate your hot water heater with a water heater insulating blanket. They are very inexpensive, easy to install and will pay for themselves in savings.
-
Install a digital programmable thermostat. You will save money on your heating bill by setting programs to turn the temperature down while at work or sleeping.
-
Install motion and photo activated outside lights. They will not come on during the day and will turn on when people approach. This will save energy while insuring that the lights will be on when needed for safety.
-
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Fresh batteries will make sure the alarms will still work during power outages.
-
Install a whole house generator. These generators will automatically start during a power failure and switch back to the utility when the power returns.
-
Replace filters on hot air heating systems. Installing hepa filters will also help to keep your home cleaner and healthier.
-
Close curtains and shades at night and during periods of extreme cold to save on heat.
-
Keep the dryer vent pipe, hoses, and dampers clean. Built up lint can overheat and ignite.
-
Insulate that bulkhead door with rigid foam insulating board. This will help keep the wind out of the cellar causing heat loss and blowing out pilots on gas appliances.
-
Install hard wired electric radiant heaters in those hard to heat or cold rooms. They are energy efficient and supply quick, safe heat when you need it. They can also supplement your heating system.
-
Seal up any cracks in the foundation. This will prevent drafts and moisture from coming into the basement
-
Install compact fluorescent bulbs in place of incandescent.
submitted by: PlasticCity Electric
Portuguese Pork and Clam Stew
Portuguese Pork and Clam Stew
one onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic.
6 ounces Linguici (Portuguese sausage)
1 1/2 lbs pork loin, diced
1/4c flour
1/4c cornstarch
3 medium sized potatoes
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 Tablespoon parsley
2 cans chopped clams ( or fresh clams with shells scrubbed)
1 bottle 6 ounces clam juice
water
2 cubes beef bullion
1/4 c brandy
3 t flour
Saute onion and garlic in a little olive oil.
Slice the linguici in thin slices and toss in pot.
While you are stirring and browning that…
cube the pork. Dredge in 1/4c flour and 1/4 corstarch mixture and add
to pot. Brown all.
While that is browning… peel , rinse and cube potatoes. Toss those
in the pot once pork is browned. Stir it up. (maybe some diced carrots
would be nice too?) toss in about 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Open 2 cans of clams, drain juice into pot, reserving the clams for
the moment. add the bottle of clam juice to the pot, 2 beef bouillon
cubes and just enough water to cover the potatoes.(if using fresh
clams add them later, just add the liquids now) Cover and let simmer
for about 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are softened.
Once potatoes are cooked add reserved clams, fresh parsley.
Thicken broth with 3T flour shaken in a container with 1/4 cup
brandy.(shake the flour and brandy until there are no lumps) Stir
this flour mixture into the pot until bubbly.
Serve with great bread.
