COLDER WINTER PREDICTED. HERE ARE SOME HEATING TIPS.

Dear Readers:

Came across this article and wanted to share because my husband and I replaced our roof (from shingles to metal) and windows (thermal) and noticed a big difference in our power bills, both in the summer and winter.

Heat Your Home for Less Money this Winter

by Andrea Murad     Published December 21, 2012       FOXBusiness

With many professionals forecasting this winter to be colder than last year, homeowners are going to be feeling the heat on their utility bills.

When the reading on the thermometer drops outside, many dwellers rush to increase the temperature in their homes, which can push energy bills to budget-busting levels. But there are certain home maintenance steps that can help you stay warm and toasty during the cold winter months without pushing up your heating costs.

“There’s a lot of little things you can do to increase the heating efficiency [of your house],” says home improvement expert Bob Vila. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself home improvement project or upgrading appliances, here are expert tips to keep your heating bills low and your home warm and safe.

Heating Tip No.1: Home Improvement Projects

Upgrades to make your home more energy efficient, like installing insulation or replacing exterior windows, doors roofs, water heaters or furnaces, can be expensive, but some are eligible for tax breaks and will save more money in the long term.

Heating Tip No.2: Check Your Furnace

“Energy companies will give you free home audits to give you an indication of your problem areas—whether you’ve heat losses, an inefficient furnace, or are burning too much gas or fuel to get to 70 degrees,” says Vila.

A furnace that’s dirty, not working properly or has leaks in the ductwork or distribution system will blow hot air in the floors and attic instead of the house. “You can repair it easily with duct tape and duct mastic,” says home improvement expert Danny Lipford.

Depending on the condition and age of your unit, replacing it may lower heating bills by 30%, according to Lipford, but it’ll take many years to realize the return on your investment. He suggests only replacing a unit at the end of its life expectancy, which can be 12 to 14 years. When it’s time to replace a unit, he recommends buying one with the highest S.E.E.R. (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating that you can afford.

Heating Tip No.3: Insulate Your Attic

Adding insulation is an easy do-it-yourself project that can save money by preventing warm air from escaping, according to Vila. Experts recommend having at least 12 inches of insulation in your attic.

Rolling unfaced insulation without paper is the best money you can spend—you’ll get your money back pretty quick, adds Lipford. “During the summer, it keeps hot air from influencing the cold air and in the winter, prevents hot air from escaping.”

Heating Tip No.4: Install Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat helps to regulate your home’s temperature by setting it according to a schedule to provide heat only when necessary. “When the house is empty, you program the thermostat to go down to 60 degrees when everyone’s at work,” says Vila.

Heating Tip No.5: Make Windows More Efficient

If your windows are obsolete, a window insulator kit that’s made of plastic and double stick tape can help seal them, says Lipford. “This is good for old wood windows or single panes.”

Cheaper Alternatives to Heat Your Home

Burning a fire or using a space or quartz heater can help to lower your heating bill, but maintenance and home safety is paramount. If you use a supplemental heating source, Ken Katz, technical director at Travelers Risk Control, suggests keeping papers, drapes, bedding and anything that has the potential to ignite at least three feet away from the heater or fireplace. “Even if it’s fire retardant, it doesn’t mean that it won’t burn, just that it’s harder to ignite,” says Katz.

To keep the air in your home safe, “a carbon monoxide detector should be a must in your home if you’re using any supplemental heating devices,” says Katz.

Use your fireplace. Many cities and ordinances restrict the use of fireplaces because of air pollution concerns and Lipford claims the vast majority of fireplaces are inefficient since a lot of the heat goes right out the chimney. “Manufacturers are creating fireplace systems that are far more efficient but they’re still not the best way to heat a home especially if you’re paying for wood.”

If you choose to use your fireplace, only burn seasoned wood that’s been cut and dried for eight months, says Lipford and avoid burning softwoods like pine that burns quickly and creates heat that’s too intense, as well as treated wood because of the pollution. Stack firewood away from your house since it can trap moisture and is a breeding ground for insects and rodents.

If you use synthetic logs, “read the instructions, don’t break it apart and burn only one log at a time,” cautions Katz. He also doesn’t recommend using lighter fluid to start a fire or burning wrapping paper or excessive amounts of paper. Overbuilding a fire could ignite the creosote in the chimney, says Katz.

When the fire’s burning, close the glass door or metal mesh screen so embers stay inside the fireplace and keep the flue open so the smoke doesn’t back up into the house. “After using the fireplace, make sure ashes are completely cool and dispose them in a metal container,” says Welther.

Fireplaces require maintenance, before and after the heating season. “Have your chimney professionally inspected at a minimum every two years,” says Bob Welther, assistant vice president of risk consulting at ACE Private Risk Service. Inspectors look for a build up of creosote, as well as cracks in the chimney itself that allows heat to escape and get into places it’s not supposed to.

Only heat certain rooms. “If you’re only in a few rooms, you may want to turn the heat off and heat those few rooms,” says Lipford. You can save money by turning the heat down to 60 or 65 degrees and using a good quality space or quartz heater in the areas you’re occupying.

Space heaters are much safer now because of the required feature of automatically turning off if knocked over. Experts recommend thoroughly researching all your space heater options before one that is approved by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and has strong reviews. If you’re unsure whether to replace your unit, call the manufacturer to ask if there are any updates, says Katz.

Always keep a heater on ceramic tile rather than carpet and don’t put heaters on tables, says Katz. “Keep kids and pets away and avoid wet or damp locations like a bathroom.” Experts suggest turning heaters off when you leave a room or your house and to never to sleep with a space heater that is still on.

Katz suggests plugging heaters directly into a wall outlet and if you use an extension cord, use one that’s the same size or a larger diameter than the appliance’s cord.

Small things make a warm difference. On a sunny day, open the curtains on your windows and take advantage of heat gain from the sun, says Lipford.

He also suggests reversing ceiling fans and running them on low to recirculate the warmer air at the top of the room.

When you’re having trouble keeping an old house warm and toasty, “turtlenecks and sweaters should be standard,” suggests Vila.

Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/12/21/heat-your-home-for-less-money-this-winter/#ixzz2GaaOtV3P

BEER GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Dear Readers:

I am not an advocate for beer, but I thought this was an interesting article:

  

Surprising health benefits of beer

By Dr. Manny Alvarez  Dr Manny's Notes   

Published December 28, 2012  FoxNews.com

As a doctor, I get a lot of questions from patients in my practice and in my email inbox. Here’s one that was sent to me recently by a viewer:

Dr. Manny, are there any health benefits to drinking beer? Which beers are the ‘healthiest’? - Brian

Well, Brian, this is what I have to say: If you've got a New Year's Eve party coming up, don’t be afraid to knock back a cold one. Beer has several surprising health benefits.

Despite beer’s bad reputation, it actually has a number of natural antioxidants and vitamins that can help prevent heart disease and even rebuild muscle. It also has one of the highest energy contents of any food or drink. Of course, this means you need to set limits – one beer gets you going, four makes you fat.

If you’re worried about dehydration, keep in mind that beer is 93 percent water. Also, according to a Spanish study, beer may actually provide better hydration than H2O alone when you’re sweating it out under the sun.

So with all of this in mind, which kind of beer should you reach for? Calorie-wise, you may be tempted to grab a light lager, but for health benefits, a dark beer is the better choice.

Dark beers tend to have the most antioxidants, which help reverse cellular damage that occurs naturally in the body. A recent study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture has also found that dark beer has higher iron content compared to lighter beers. Remember, iron is an essential mineral that our bodies need. Iron is a part of all cells and does many jobs including carrying oxygen from our lungs throughout the rest of our bodies.

Another good choice is microbrews, which are healthier than mass-produced cans, because they have more hops. Hops contain polyphenols, which help lower cholesterol, fight cancer and kill viruses.

Just remember the golden rule: Everything in moderation. You don’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your friends by drinking too much, and you certainly don’t want to put yourself at risk for any long-term health effects like liver problems, kidney diseases and heart disease.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/10/what-are-health-benefits-beer/?intcmp=HPBucket#ixzz2GPlkycwE

A DRAMATIC SURPRISE ON A QUIET SQUARE!

Dear Readers:

Need a little drama in your life?  Click on the link below and enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316AzLYfAzw&list=PLSTz8jpJdr5pkXfNu3IQAOYIQjjTY0DMj&index=6

RECIPE FOR THE WEEK - (EGG) CUP CUSTARD

Dear Readers:

Continuing my Traditional Foods for the holidays, I am republishing a recipe that I did about two years ago.  I have, however, made some changes to make a richer version of Cup Custard.  Mixtures of milk and eggs thickened by heat have long been part of European cuisine. Custards baked in pastry were very popular in the Middle Ages, and are the origin of the English word 'custard'.

This will be my last recipe post for 2012.  Next week being Christmas, I plan to enjoy being with my family.  I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  My next recipe posting will be January 3, 2013.   

  

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE     
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Coupon Network.com - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (4).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!
Helen

BEST AND WORST FOODS FOR PAIN

Dear Readers:

As I have mentioned before, I am becoming more aware of how much the food that we eat impacts our heath.  Not just from the weight issue, which is the big talking point in all the media these days, but also from food allergy/reaction issues.  I am an advocate of preparing from scratch when possible.  I believe that so much of the so called "boxed" food with it many additives is not good for our long term well being.  The other day I came across the article below that I would like to share with you about food and pain. 

Best and worst foods for pain

By Amanda Gardner  Published December 13, 2012   Health.com

What you eat is crucial for so many conditions, such as diabetes, it would be great if the right food could also help ease chronic pain. Unfortunately, the link between food and pain is not as clear.

However, inflammation is a key cause of pain in many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. And there is some evidence to suggest that certain foods might help ease inflammation. Medication is proven to help RA symptoms, but some people do feel that food affects how they feel and function.

Here are some foods that could be potentially harmful or helpful when it comes to pain; use trial and error to see if they work for you. 

Best: Salmon  

Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and these same compounds may also help reduce pain-promoting inflammation. That makes it a win-win for people with rheumatoid arthritis, who have greater risk of heart trouble than people without RA. 

     Studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may protect against developing rheumatoid arthritis and could mitigate the severity of the disease. "If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it would not hurt to consume these,” says Dr. Hyon Choi, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. Tuna, mackerel and sardines are also excellent sources of omega-3.

Best: Olive oil  

Olive oil works much the same way as omega-3s do—by potentially reducing painful joint inflammation, says Choi.
    It's also a staple of the famed Mediterranean diet, which was shown in a 2003 study not only to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but also to enhance physical function and vitality. A compound called oleocanthal, which gives olive oil its taste, may have the same effect in the body as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Keep in mind, though, that olive oil has as many calories as other types of fat so don't overdo it. 

Best: Turmeric  

This spice, used liberally in India and other parts of Asia to add taste and also a creamy yellow color to foods, may also have some anti-inflammatory properties, although those effects are likely to be "very, very mild," says Dr. Eric L. Matteson, chair of rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. The magic ingredient may be curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. 

Best (and worst): Milk  

Some research suggests dairy products are good for rheumatoid arthritis while others seem to indicate that they’re bad. People who are allergic to the protein casein found in milk will develop joint swelling if they drink milk, says Matteson. This is true even if they don’t have rheumatoid arthritis.

     On the other hand, a study of almost 30,000 women in Iowa found that those who consumed high levels of vitamin D via various milk products had a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. 

Best: Onions 

Onions contain tons of phytochemicals that may reduce inflammation. One study identified quercetin, a compound found in this vegetable, as a possible mediator for this effect. Onions have also shown some anti-cancer effects. And let's not forget they add taste, with virtually no calories. 

Best: Garlic  

A clove of garlic may be able to fight off not only vampires, but arthritis as well. Like onions, this flavorful little bulb may have properties that may keep your joints from aching.

     "Garlic has phytochemicals that have been shown in mouse and rat studies as well as in test-tube studies to shut off the inflammatory pathways, similar to ibuprofen," says Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. 

Best (and worst): Alcohol  

Several studies have shown that people who drink in moderation have a lower risk of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, and if they do have RA, moderate drinkers seem to have less severe symptoms, including pain, than non drinkers.

     But beware of alcohol if you're taking medications for RA, cautions Sandon. "Drugs can interact with alcohol," she says. 

Best: Raspberries, Strawberries and Blackberries   
These berries contain phytochemicals known as anthocyanins, which may offer a benefit. "Anthocyanins stop inflammatory compounds in their tracks," says Sandon.

     In one study, animals treated with red-raspberry extract were less likely to develop arthritis and less likely to have severe arthritis if they did develop the condition. There was also a protective effect on cartilage. Anthocyanins are responsible for the vibrant blue, red and purple colors seen in a variety of berries. 

Worst: Bacon, butter and cream  

The saturated fats in bacon and other animal products contain arachidonic acid, which may worsen inflammation and related pain and swelling.

     So skip the prime rib, a cut of meat that is particularly high in fat and calories, and select lean proteins instead, says Sandon. 

Best: Broccoli and other veggies  

And it's not just broccoli—a vegetable-rich diet in general may be helpful. One study found that people who regularly ate cooked vegetables had a 61 percent decreased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who didn't.

     Other research has found that vegetarian diets may help with swollen joints and joint pain. "Vegetables in general have been associated with a protective effect on the development of rheumatoid arthritis," says Choi. 

Best: Cherries  

But not just any cherry. "There's some evidence that tart cherries can affect the sensation of pain," says Sandon. And studies have shown decreases in blood levels of a number of different inflammatory markers associated with consuming this tree fruit. Cherries have a reputation for relieving gout, another form of arthritis that involves repeat episodes of pain.

     In fact, a study conducted by Choi found that people who ate cherries over a period of two days had a 35 percent lower risk of gout attacks than those who didn't. 

Worst: Red meat  

High in saturated fat, studies suggest people who eat a diet that contains a lot of red meat are at greater risk of inflammatory arthritis.

     Why? It's not clear, but meat fats or corrosive free radicals from iron may promote inflammation. Either way, limit your consumption of red meat, not only for pain, but also for your heart. 

Best (and worst): Eggplant  

Eggplant is a "nightshade vegetable," in the same category as tomatoes and potatoes. Evidence is mixed on the benefit—or harm—of these items.

     "There are people who claim nightshades are helpful and others who claim they're aggravating or not helpful," says Dr. Matteson. There's no evidence that support claims one way or the other. And cutting out nighshades may cut you off from other helpful compounds, such as capsaicin in red peppers, which can dampen inflammation. 

Worst: Gluten  

People with celiac disease, which is a severe gluten intolerance, can develop arthritis, so some people with rheumatoid arthritis steer clear of this ingredient.

     Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley, and many grain products including breads, pasta, and cereal. Some medicines, vitamins, and lip balms may contain gluten too. You can choose legumes, nuts, quinoa, and rice instead.

     But keep in mind that eating a completely gluten-free diet can be a challenge (and expensive), so no need to do so if gluten doesn't seem to be a problem. 

Worst: Sugary drinks  

There's really no clear evidence that sugary drinks are good or bad for chronic pain. However, they tend to be low in nutrients and relatively high in calories, and may be a contributor to the obesity epidemic.

     In general, being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 24%, according to a recent study authored by Matteson. Carrying around extra weight also puts unnecessary stress on already beleaguered joints. So it might be best to avoid them as part of your healthy-eating plan. 

Best: Yogurt  

Some types of yogurt contain probiotics—or beneficial microorganisms—and some researchers now believe there may be a connection between rheumatoid arthritis and the gut.

     If that's the case, the more good bugs the better. "There's a theory that a healthy gut may control some of the inflammation . . . if you have good bacteria fighting for you," says Sandon. 

     Like other dairy products, yogurt may be fortified with beneficial vitamin D (check the label), but best to avoid it if you have an allergy. 

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/12/12/best-and-worst-foods-for-pain/?intcmp=features#ixzz2EwLCQ0Gn 

This article originally appeared on Health.com.

RECIPE FOR THE WEEK - WASSAIL

Dear Readers:

We are continuing with our Traditional Foods theme this week.  The recipe for the week is Wassail.  It can be made with or without the brandy or rum depending on who is coming for company.  It is easy to prepare in the crockpot, but does take time to "cook".  As the Old English would say, "be you healthy".   

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE     
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Coupon Network.com - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (4).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!
Helen

SIX HEATHY TYPES OF TEAS

Dear Readers:

I am an advid tea drinker, primarily black tea and oolong tea.  Today I came across this article about the benefits of tea and wanted to share.

6 HEALTHY TYPES OF TEA
Published December 12, 2012 from Real Simple (realsimple.com) 

It’s the world’s most popular drink, next to water—and it’s steeped in health benefits. Here, what six top brews can do for you. 

Black Tea 
The scoop: 

Black tea is the most common variety and accounts for about 75 percent of global tea consumption. Like many of the teas here, it’s made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are typically rolled and fermented, then dried and crushed. Black tea has a slightly bitter flavor and contains the most caffeine—about 40 milligrams per cup. (A cup of coffee has 50 to 100.) 

Health benefits: 

Black tea has high concentrations of the antioxidant compounds known as theaflavins and thearubigins, which have been linked to lower levels of cholesterol, says Rebecca Baer, a registered dietitian in New York City. Research has shown that people who drink three or more cups of black tea daily may cut their risk of stroke by 21 percent. 

Green Tea 
The scoop: 

Green tea has a more delicate flavor than black. The leaves are dried and heat-treated soon after they’re picked, which stops the fermentation process. It contains about 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup. 

Health benefits: 

Green tea is full of antioxidants called catechins; a subgroup known as EGCG may ward off everything from cancer to heart disease, says Karen Collins, a registered dietitian and a nutrition adviser at the American Institute for Cancer Research, in Washington, D.C. One study found that each daily cup of green tea consumed may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent. 

Oolong Tea 
The scoop: 

Oolong is similar to black tea, but it’s fermented for a shorter time, which gives it a richer taste. It contains about 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup. 

Health benefits: 

It may aid in weight loss. “Oolong activates an enzyme responsible for dissolving triglycerides, the form of dietary fat that’s stored in fat cells,” says Baer. One study showed that women who drank oolong tea burned slightly more calories over a two-hour period than those who drank only water.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/26/6-healthy-types-tea/?intcmp=features#ixzz2Erqhmr98 

White Tea 
The scoop: 

These leaves are picked when they’re very young, so white tea has a much milder flavor than any other variety, not to mention less caffeine—about 15 milligrams per cup. Loose tea may also contain more antioxidants than tea in bags, because the leaves are less processed. 

Health benefits: 

White tea is another health multitasker. It offers the same potential cardiovascular and cancer-fighting benefits as other teas, says Joe Simrany, president of the Tea Association of the USA, in New York City. And some research suggests that it may offer benefits to people with diabetes. An animal study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that consuming white tea resulted in improved glucose tolerance and a reduction in LDL cholesterol. Some experts believe that this may eventually have implications for humans. 

Flavored Tea 

The scoop: In this category, aromatic extras, such as cinnamon, orange peel, and lavender, are paired with black, green, or white tea leaves. 

Health benefits: 

Flavored teas have the same levels of antioxidants and the same health benefits as unflavored ones. Those flavored with superfruits, such as blueberries, may contain even more antioxidants, says Lisa Boalt Richardson, an Atlanta-based tea expert and the author of The World in Your Teacup. But skip the sweetened varieties in bottles: You’re better off without that extra sugar, says Baer, who also cautions that flavored tea drinks are often watered down. “Some have such a low amount of antioxidants that you would have to drink 20 bottles to get the amount you would in a single brewed cup,” she says. One good antioxidant-rich, low-sugar bottled brand: Honest Tea (honesttea.com). 

Herbal Tea 
The scoop: 

Technically, herbal teas are not teas at all—they’re usually some combination of dried fruits, flowers, and herbs. Herbal varieties contain no caffeine. Avoid herbal weight-loss teas, which may contain dangerous laxatives. 

Health benefits: 

There has been less research on herbal blends than on traditional teas, but one study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that drinking three cups of hibiscus tea daily could help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. And evidence suggests that chamomile tea may promote sleep and that peppermint tea may calm the stomach.  

Recipe for the Week - Figgy Pudding

Dear Readers:  

You all are familiar with the Christmas song, We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  Have you ever wondered what was the figgy pudding that was mentioned in the song?  Did you question that it even existed or it was really something you could eat?  Well, as the M and M guys say when they see Santa Claus..."He really does exist!"  So does Figgy Pudding, which is this week's recipe.   

Don't forget to check out the coupon web pages posted this week on my web page to see if there is any that can be used for the  ingredients.

• For Coupons.com - Click - HERE     
• For RedPlum - Click HERE 
• For Coupon Network.com - Click HERE
• For CellFire - Click HERE
• For SavingStar eGrocery Coupons - Click HERE

For those new to my web, this recipe page can be found by clicking on the words 'Current Recipes' in the upper left hand corner of the page.  To find older recipes, click on the  'Archived Recipes' pages (4).  

If you would like to receive a weekly email from me when I post a recipe, notify me at hjcouponlady30@gmail.com and I will place you on my list.  As stated in my privacy policy, I do not share email information with other parties.

Enjoy!
Helen

AN AMAZING STORY

Amazing story! Soldiers in Belarus found a little squirrel and brought it to the Warrant officer. The squirrel was very weak and about to die, so the officer took care of it, fed like a baby every 4 hours.
 

Three months ago the guy left the army and now works as a taxi driver - and the squirrel is always in his pocket no matter where he goes! 

"Rescuing one animal may not change the world, but for that animal, their world is changed forever!" - Unknown

IF YOU LIKE DOGS, YOU WILL LOVE THIS STORY.

Lily is a Great Dane that went blind due to a bizarre medical condition.  She became disheartened until she met Madison.  They have been together for 5 years and Madison guides Lily by the leash and touches her to make sure she doesn’t stumble over anything.   

Don't we all need someone like that at times in our lives.  Something to think about as the Christmas Season nears.  It's not presents that ultimately makes us happy, but the giving of our hearts and hands.