Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Fall Organizational Tips

Fall is here which means it is time to reorganize your house for the next season.  These are some great tips on how organize your apartment for fall, and get rid of that clutter that has gathered from summer.

Tip #1 Since the floor plan may seem small, the best way to add storage as well as décor to your apartment is through wall shelving. By adding shelves, you're able to make use of wall space by storing CD's, books, videos or any other collections on the shelves and off the floor. Wall shelves are also a great way to display framed photographs or other knick-knacks.
 
Tip #2 As an avid shoe collector, I know that small closet space can be a problem in most apartments. A great way to get shoes off the floor and allow space for other items is to purchase a shoe organizer. They can be found just about anywhere, and are a great low cost alternative to closet clutter. The best ones hang right over your closet door, allowing easy access to your favorite pair of shoes. By organizing your shoes, it also cuts down on time spent looking for them, especially when you're in a hurry!
 
Tip #3 Another great way to make the most of limited closet space is to buy adding an additional closet rod. This apparatus is simply hung from both sides of your original rod by 'hangers', allowing for a second row of clothing to be added below the first. A great space-saver, this item can be found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for a low price.
 
Tip #4 Depending on available floor space, a common storage unit can come from the form of a trunk, or chest. These are good for putting away seasonal items or even extra towels for the guests. They're also a great additive to room décor, and can also provide additional seating in a bedroom or be used as a table for pictures or flowers.
 
Tip #5 In the living room, store books or games in storage furniture like Ottomans or coffee tables with drawers and shelves. Ottomans are essential for living rooms in that they provide a leg rest instead of the coffee table, and they can store things away from sight. You can also use them to store everyday items like the remote controls, or a TV Guide to reduce clutter in the living space.
 
Tip #6 Another good space for storing items is under the bed. While most people do hide things under the bed, most often they're not stored properly and items can get dusty and sometimes damaged. Plastic bins are an easy way to store winter sweaters, extra bedding or items you just don't know what to do with. There are specially sized plastic bins that are made thin enough to fit right under the bed, allowing for easy accessibility and freshness when particular items are needed.
 
Tip #7 If you have extra space on your closet floor, adding plastic drawers can organize and reduce clutter from other areas of the house. Organize belts, scarves, ties or anything else in the plastic drawers to make room in your regular drawers for clothing or undergarments. You can also use these drawers to hold gym clothing, extra shoes or slippers, or laundry supplies to keep with the laundry pile. These drawers, as with any size or type of plastic bin, can be found at discount retailers like Target or Wal-Mart for a low price.
 
Tip #8 Cut down on clutter by adding hanging hooks to the living room, kitchen or bathrooms. These inexpensive items allow for usable wall space to be turned into a storage area for day-to-day items like your cell phone, keys or hats. Use hooks in the bathroom to hang bathrobes or wet towels, or even decorative towels can be used for both display and practicality. In the kitchen, hang dishtowels or spare keys for easy accessibility or organization.
 
Tip #9 An easy way to store a lot of items is to have a TV entertainment center with lots of drawers and shelves. Since they are usually large, make the most of the space it takes up by storing DVDs, CDs, books or video games. Try to find enough shelves to fit the electronics, and when you're all finished setting everything up, clip together the electrical cords to make it look more neat and clean. By clipping all the cords together, it's also easier to vacuum and reduce the amount of dust buildup behind the furniture.
 
Tip #10 The last tip is to shop around for furniture that has multiple uses. You have a limited amount of space to work with, so make the most of it. Most bedroom sets offer beds with drawers, so this is a great way to attain additional storage. Ikea is a great store to shop for storage solutions for affordable apartment settings. Coffee tables, end tables, and even miniature bars all have shelves or storage space, so use it wisely!

For more information see yahoo.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Taste of Fall

When anybody thinks of the taste of fall, pumpkin food and treats are what first comes to mind.  However, pumpkin can not only be used for pumpkin pie, but for delicious other treats that you can make at home


Pumpkin-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Makes: 24 to 36 servings
Yield: 24 to 36 bars
 
Prep: 25 mins  
Bake: 325°F 55 mins 
 Cool: 30 mins  
Chill: 3 Hours
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ingredients
  • 1 1/4
    cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4
    cup sugar
  • 1/3
    cup butter, melted
  • 2
    8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 3/4
    cups sugar
  • 3
    eggs
  • 1
    cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2
    teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2
    teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4
    teaspoon salt
  • 6
    ounces semisweet chocolate, cut up, or 1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces
  • 2
    tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/4
    cups sour cream
  • 1/4
    cup sugar
  • Grated fresh nutmeg
  • Milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate curls

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir in the 1/3 cup melted butter. Press mixture evenly into bottom of the prepared baking pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and the 1-3/4 cups sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Beat in pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt on low speed just until combined. Remove 1-1/4 cups of the mixture.
3. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the 6 ounces chocolate and the 2 tablespoons butter. Cook and stir over low heat until melted. Whisk chocolate mixture into the 1-1/4 cups pumpkin mixture. Pour over crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin mixture over baked chocolate layer, spreading evenly. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes more or until filling is puffed and center is set. Cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and 1/4 cup sugar. Gently spread over cookies. Cool completely. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours. Cut into bars.* Before serving, sprinkle with nutmeg and/or chocolate curls. Makes 24 to 36 bars.
From the Test Kitchen
  • Make Ahead Tip Bake and chill cookies as directed; cut into bars. Place in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.
  • Tip *Test Kitchen Tip:To make triangle-shape bars, cut the cookies crosswise into four strips. Then cut each strip into five triangles (you'll end up with two half-triangles from the ends of each strip).For more information see Better Homes and Gardens.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Old Town is Getting Spicy with a Fiesta

Get your taste buds ready for the Old Town Salsa Fiesta this Saturday.  There is a salsa making contest, a dip competition, and entertainment for the whole family.  Make sure to come down on Saturday to vote for your favorite salsa, while you taste test tons of different recipes. 

8th Annual Old Town Salsa Fiesta - Saturday, September 15


Join in on this celebration of all things salsa. You can even vote or participate in the salsa making contest!

The annual event features salsa bands and dancers on the gazebo and throughout Old Town, kids’ activities and crafts, and the Best Homemade Salsa contest. Competitors make their salsa on the spot in front of everyone, and attendees get to taste and cast their votes for the winners. 
 
Dip Competition
 
A Salsa Fiesta in New Mexico wouldn't be complete without a salsa dip cooking competition. This contest showcases the best salsa recipes from non-professional cooks in the region.

Some Old Town restaurants will also have specials on the menu and pairings with New Mexico wines.

Sandia Green Chile Festival - Sunday, September 16

The Albuquerque Balloon Museum is proud to host the first Sandia Green Chile Festival! Celebrate locally grown chile with O'Hare Serna Farms.

Enjoy an artisan’s market, local brewery arena, green chile roast-off, food-tasting & cooking demonstrations, and other green chile fun!
 
Entertainment
  • Le Chat Lunatique
  • The Squash Blossom Boys
  • The Buckarettes
  • Jeez la Weez
  • Felix y los Gatos
  • Racine Kreyol
For more information see Its A Trip.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Recipe for Families

 Do you have a lot of family coming in for an event?  Cooking for a large amount of people is hard, but here is a great and easy recipe for families.  They recipe will make a lot of food, for a little amount of money.

Chicken pasta bake

Chicken pasta bake with pesto
Simply mix all the ingredients together, put into an oven-proof dish and sprinkle with the grated cheese.  Cook for about 30 minutes at 180 C/Gas 4.
Easy and delicious!


Variations

  • Use any other leftover cooked meat if preferred.
  • Use frozen mixed veg instead of the peas & sweetcorn
For more recipes see Netnums.

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