Archive for November, 2008
One tradition we always have at my home, is waking up and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with my family while eating several slices of pie. If you happen to be in the NYC area then Traveling Mamas has tips for viewing the parade in person:
Tips for Best Viewing Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City
1. First of all, the parade starts at 77th St., and heads south along Central Park West. When the parade reaches Columbus Circle, it follows the circle to Broadway, then continues south. The parade ends at 34th St and 7th Ave, just after passing Macy’s at Herald Square.
2. Get there early. I mean it, people really start lining up at the crack of dawn. Bring a coat or blanket to stay warm, or wait in shifts. (I’ve tried the “waiting in shifts” approach, and while it works, you might temporarily annoy some other people when your family and friends crowd in.) The actual Thanksgiving Day Parade starts at 9:00 AM.
3. If this Thanksgiving vacation includes young children, and you don’t get a front view viewing spot, you’ll probably have to carry them on your shoulders to see the parade. Either that, or they’ll have to be content with mostly just seeing the big balloons. Another tip: People are usually in pretty festive moods once the parade starts, and won’t necessarily mind if your little kid scoots in front of them. Then, the trick for you is to keep an eye on them during the parade. I never did this; we preferred the “shoulder ride” approach.
4. My favorite viewing area is along Central Park West, between 66th and 77th Streets. Yes, it’s completely crowded, but it’ll be crowded everywhere along the route. At least here - at the beginning of the route - the members of the parade (balloon handlers, marchers, etc) are at the height of their excitement and energy level. Since Central Park is right there, once the parade has passed, you and your family can enjoy an Autumn stroll. Another tip: If you’re traveling with young children, there is a fun playground right across the park entrance from Tavern on the Green.
5. If you move, you lose your spot! New Yorkers aren’t THAT forgiving. So, try not to drink too much coffee or tea - while they warm you up, they also work their way through your system quickly. Last I saw, there are no public toilets along the Thanksgiving Parade route, and restaurant managers get irritated with the constant flow (excuse the pun) or parade-viewers needing to use the facilities.
6. One final tip for the best viewing of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is to, at least in my opinion, avoid the terminus of the parade at all costs. As I mentioned earlier, the Thanksgiving Day Parade ends at 34th and 7th. It’s beyond crowded here: This part of NYC has a Penn Station train hub and a PATH (New Jersey transit) hub, as well as one of the city’s most busy subway stops. The latecomers to the parade in from Jersey are here, people trying to get around the city are here, the tired balloon handlers are happy to be done here…it’s just too much. Anchovies have more personal space.
What other traditions do you all have for Thanksgiving?? Watch mean_queen share her Dancing Turkey Thanksgiving Tradition at the Thanksgiving Expo:
November 24th, 2008
The Daily Green.com recently released some great tips on change to make to your laundry room to make it more green.
* When you have several loads to wash, do them back-to-back so you can use the residual heat in the dryer.
* Run the washing machine only when you have a full load.
* Wash with cold water to save 80 to 90 percent of the energy costs of washing.
* To prevent static cling, add one cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle, using your washing machine’s dispenser. Static cling, by the way, is caused by using synthetic fabrics, so you could also switch to cotton. The vinegar also kills bacteria and prevents the buildup of detergent residue. Remove the laundry before it’s overdried.
* Clean out the dryer’s lint trap after every load to improve circulation and reduce energy use.
* Air dry whenever possible using indoor racks or an outdoor line. This conserves energy—and your clothes. They will not wear out or fade as quickly. (You’ll also save about seven hundred pounds of carbon dioxide over six months of warm weather.)
* Remove clothing from the dryer before the cycle ends and line dry to finish. This conserves energy and increases the life span of the clothing.
* Avoid using dryer sheets to soften fabrics. They often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin. Soften fabric with baking soda in the wash cycle. Try a commercial green fabric softener like Natural Choices Home Safe Products’ Safe ’n Soft, Ecover’s Natural Fabric Softener, or Sun & Earth’s Ultra Fabric Softener.
Another way to consume less energy (and save the environment!) is to look for Energy Star Washers and dryers. For a list of current washers and dryers that are Energy Star approved check out EnergyStar.gov
For reviews of energy efficient washers as well as eco-friendly laundry detergents head over to the Eco Expo
which features reviews of expo members and their favorite Green products like this review of her Whirlpool WFW8300SW by Minnie6
November 19th, 2008
Saving money is always a good thing and with the rising cost of food, every penny counts. For this Thanksgiving, there are a few steps to take to save some cash (for spending the next day on Black Friday!
Doing a little research before you begin shopping for your holiday meal by searching your local paper for any local deals might help you save some money and make the best decision about where to go for your groceries.
Researching what is on sale and then building your menu around these items can also help you save money.
You can also search online for coupons directly from your favorite brands. For example, Cool Savings features coupons on items like CountryCrock Side dishes or Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Consider “pot luck” if you haven’t done so before…having guests contribute to the meal will increase the variety of foods offered and make it easier on your wallet.
Shop for items in season which are often cheaper.
Go store brand. The difference in taste is often in the perception of the product (oh marketing!) and your guests will never know.
It might take a little effort, but if your goal is to save money this Thanksgiving, these small steps can help you make a difference.
For help with your Turkey preparation check out this video “Turkey Check List” by Expo:
Also, check out the Thanksgiving Expo for more Tips and Tricks for the big day!
Like this recipe for Pilgrim Hat Cookies:
-Froso
November 19th, 2008
Looking for an alternative to the usual roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving? Whether it be to save money or the desire for a more creative Thanksgiving meal, there are many different options for you to try:
One popular option is a Honey Ham like the ones sold by the Honey Baked Ham store, While there is always the option of cooking it yourself this store also offers the purchase of your own ready made Ham or you could send one as a gift to a friend or family member.
Rack of Lamb could also be another elegant Turkey substitution for you and your guests. For a recipe, check out Seriouseats.com
While Chicken and Duck may be other popular pheasants for an elegant family gathering, why not be even more adventurous and give Turducken a try. Turducken is: A CHICKEN IN A DUCK IN A TURKEY.
Cajun Grocer can deliver a gourmet Turducken to your home or you could make one yourself with recipes found at About.com
To satisfy the vegan in your household, there is TofuTurkey
There are many great cookbooks out there with wonderful meals that can be recreated for your Thanksgiving celebration. Check out Lovemyboys review of the cook book: Taste of Home Annual Recipes
-Froso
November 17th, 2008
Thanksgiving is a time for thanks. Some people look forward to the family time, while others just gorge on the delicious feast (that would be me.) Either way, you can also take steps to make this Thanksgiving a little more Greener and Eco friendly than last year’s festivities. After reflecting on all the thing you are thankful for this year you might just want to keep the Earth beautiful a bit longer with these tips:
Go organic. Go local This goes for everything from the décor to the turkey itself. Be creative with your decorations such as little pots of organic herbs or plants.
Look into locally crafted wines and beers, or those made organically. Serve tap water instead of bottled water; make it more elegant with lemon or lime wedges. Choose larger containers to minimize waste. Cook with locally-produced ingredients whenever possible. You can find them at farmers markets, farm stands, dairies, and health food stores. Wines from nearby wineries are often excellent choices—and try to buy those made from organic grapes.
Go with an organic free-range turkey or no turkey at all. An organic free range turkey is suppose to be turkey that is not in cages and is allowed to move about the yard. You’ll find they have more flavor than the big name brand birds anyway. Yes turkeys are traditional but if you aren’t scared to break tradition, you can always opt for a more eco friendly dinner choice.
Combine cooking. Plan your cooking to use the oven all at once, rather than heating and cooling the oven many times over the days ahead of the meal. Heat up contributed dishes in an already-hot oven after you remove the turkey instead of firing up the microwave. Try cooking side dishes in a toaster oven instead of in the large oven.
Think recycled. If you need additional plates and bowls, try to buy ones made with sustainable or recycled materials—bamboo or acacia wood are good choices. Or consider buying vintage pieces from flea markets and antique shops, or borrowing from a friend or neighbor.
Be biodegradable Especially at cleanup time. Use reusable cloths or recycled paper towels. Recycle those empty bottles, cans and paper.
Make connections. Help your guests minimize vehicle pollution by carpooling. Connect guests who live near each other and suggest that they share a ride to Thanksgiving dinner.
Hope these suggestions help make you Thanksgiving a bit Greener!
Thanks
-Froso
November 14th, 2008
According to GeorgeForemancooking.com:
The Lean Mean™ Fryer features our new, patented Smart Spin™ technology that knocks out up to 55% of fat absorbed in the frying process. During a special SPIN cycle that follows cooking, your Lean Mean™ Fryer uses centrifugal force to literally spin the added fat and oil off your food.
* Knocks out up to 55% of the fat absorbed during frying!*
* Patented Smart Spin™ Technology lets you spin out the fat for up to 2 minutes with low or high speed setting
* Immersed heating element promotes fast, uniform heating and provides faster temperature recovery time once food is added for delicious, crispy results
* Variable thermostat dial adjusts up to 375°F to provide the optimal frying conditions for any food
* Unique basket design to ensure food keeps its shape and doesn’t crumble during the spin cycle
* Fryer assembly separates quickly and easily for effortless maintenance and cleaning, with dishwasher-safe parts
* Cooks up to 1.4 lbs of food, 2.6L oil Capacity
* Viewing window lets you view food without letting heat out
* Timer with audible signal for precise frying
* Safety Features: Cool-touch handle; detachable, magnetic safety plug
* Temperature ready light indicates when oil is hot
* Includes more than 5 delicious recipes
I’m interested in seeing the reviews on this one once it comes out. Will it taste as good as delicious “normal” fried food? and will it REALLY knock out the fat ??
Check out Expo for reviews of current fryers like this one by Momof2disneyboys:
-Froso
November 13th, 2008
What are you doing to go Green in your home?
If you are just starting out and don’t know where to begin here are some tips for making your home a bit more Green friendly:
1. RECYCLE - It may seem basic but it’s and easy way to start helping the environment. It can be as small as recycling your grocery bags, cans, and water bottles. Those items can really stack up in the trash! Most neighborhoods now have a separate recycling pick up that make it even easier for you.
2.Turn Off Electricity When Not In Use - Not only does it save the environment by not wasting fuel resources but it saves you money.
3.Use Energy Efficient Lighting - Change out the light bulbs and fluorescent lights in your home with more eco friendly bulbs that conserver energy like this Greenlight SoftWhite Mini light bulb or Energy Saver Flood Light Bulb
These are 3 simple tips to starting to go Green in your home. You can find many more tip at the Eco Expo
Michelle0284 discusses the bulbs and night lights she uses in her home to go green:
-Froso
November 10th, 2008
The Steals and Deals section on our newly launched Consumer Boards plus the excitement of Election Day has made me very aware of all the Election Day Deals and “gifts” being offered to celebrate Democracy.
Starbucks is giving away cups of coffee! “After you vote Tuesday (11/4), head to your local US Starbucks and we’ll give you a FREE tall (12 oz) cup of brewed coffee at no charge (limit one per customer). If you live in an area without voting proof, then we’ll use the honor system.”
>
At Ben & Jerry’s you can get a free scoop of ice cream.
On Election Day, Nov. 4, 2008, participating Krispy Kreme stores will offer one free star-shaped doughnut with red, white and blue sprinkles to each customer wearing an “I Voted” sticker.
Rock the Vote is offering free song downloads to anyone who pledges to vote
Other Election Day Steals and Deals:
Chick-fil-A: “Several hundred” of 1,400 Chick-fil-A restaurants are handing out chicken sandwiches (the kind normally $2.70) to adults with proof of voting.
Books-A-Million: Free cup of coffee after showing your “I voted”
Vote & Vax: National project by non-profits to offer free flu vaccinations on election day. (locate)sticker.
Shane’s Rib Shack: A free “Celebrate America Meal”—3-piece chicken tenders, fries, and 20-ounce drink—to the first 300 customers at participating locations, according to their press release.
California Tortilla: Free taco for showing “I voted” sticker.
Babeland: an adult sex toy store in New York, Los Angeles and Seattle, is giving away, um, some free toys to anyone who says that they’re voting.
-Froso
November 4th, 2008
RSS Feeds