(NewsUSA) – Faced with increasing demand for low-income housing, public housing authorities are finding that investing in green building solutions can make their homes more affordable and more livable.
Seattle Housing Authority, one of the nation’s largest public housing agencies, has found a way to cut fuel consumption by 37 percent at a 120-acre redevelopment in West Seattle. Named High Point, the new pedestrian-friendly community features a mix of 1,700 low-income and market-rate properties, plus ample park space, a seniors’ village, a neighborhood center, a new medical and dental clinic and a public library.
Tom Phillips, Seattle Housing Authority’s senior development manager, says High Point has set a new standard in sustainable green building for housing authorities. “Our design team includes firms that are among the region’s leaders in sustainable development, and who share Seattle Housing’s passion for building a greener, more affordable and more livable community.”
The community features an innovative natural drainage system and a host of energy-efficient and water conservation solutions, such as a Baxi Luna combination heating and domestic hot water wall-hung boiler in rental homes.
“Baxi Luna is an elegant, all-in-one, backpack-sized boiler with tankless hot water capabilities,” says Matt Sullivan, the project manager of Mithum, a leader in reduced energy use. “It generates fuel-use savings while helping us to make the most of space limitations. It allows us to fit a stackable washer and dryer in the same closet as the combination central heating and domestic hot water boiler.”
An independent study showed that High Point homes with Baxi units recorded total fuel savings of 37 percent. The report also noted that the inclusion of conservation technology, including the Baxi hydronic heating system, makes housing even more affordable as utility rates increase and public utilities and government agencies add new financial incentives for conservation.
Seattle Housing Authority also installed its first Baxi solar water heating system at High Point this spring and expects it will generate additional fuel and cost savings. The renewable energy system is backed up by the Baxi Luna 3 Comfort combination heating and domestic hot water boiler, which is capable of accepting pre-heated water from the solar storage tank.
Visit www.wallhungboilers.com to learn more about proven Baxi energy-efficient, eco-friendly heating solutions.
Tips for Inexpensive Outdoor Entertaining
(NewsUSA) – Celebrate the warmer days by hosting an outdoor summertime party or barbecue. It’s easy to add pizzazz to an outdoor party and stay on budget, with accessories and color.
Here are some inexpensive ways to add character to your outdoor get-togethers:
1. Make it colorful. For a fast way to give your party a sense of style, color-coordinate your bowls, plates and cups in attention-grabbing colors. Dollar General stores (www.dollargeneral.com) sell plastic tableware in bright colors and patterns. These items are inexpensive enough to buy in multiples, so if you plan on hosting several parties, you can use one color per occasion, then invite guests to your “pink party” or “orange party.”
2. Pep up your decor with peppers. Add a memorable touch by serving condiments or finger foods in hollowed-out green, red and yellow peppers. Simply cut the stems, and fill the peppers with ketchup, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce or any other condiment. Depending on the peppers’ colors, you may be able to coordinate them with the rest of your tableware.
3. Create a field of dreams. Silk flowers can create a beautiful centerpiece or be used in smaller arrangements around the table. Add a whimsical touch by purchasing a variety of silk flowers and planting them upright in the ground. Use them to mark paths through the yard or to the food tables and seating areas. Silk flowers are inexpensive at stores like Dollar General and are economical enough to buy in large quantities. They’re also more durable than real flowers and can be used again and again.
4. Find unique ways to deter bugs. Certain herbs and flowers repel insects. For instance, sprigs of parsley or tansy may help keep ants at bay, while lavender or mint could drive flies away. Set up decorative bowls of herbs in various spots near the guests’ seating. A larger bowl can be the striking centerpiece of a table. Keep your food safe from unwanted company with mesh food covers.
Add Effortless Class to Your Dinner Table
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/EasySalad.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – The best thing about summer is more family time. With impromptu trips to the beach, picnics outside and grilling in the backyard, summer …/div/div
Add Effortless Class to Your Dinner Table
(NewsUSA) – The best thing about summer is more family time. With impromptu trips to the beach, picnics outside and grilling in the backyard, summer entertaining can be challenging if you’re a busy mom. Luckily, Libby’s fruits and vegetables, with it’s mission of helping families get back to the table, is here to help.
You can put a delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen or spending too much money. Here is a light and simple recipe for a fruit salad with a twist that adds some serious class to your dinner table. With a salad that both kids and adults can enjoy, your dinner table can look as effortlessly graceful as you!
Get a Healthy Dinner on the Table in Minutes
Chances are, you’ve heard words and phrases like “omega-3s,” “lean protein” and “heart health” associated with fish. And yet, when you come home from work, cooking fish just sounds like too much effort. But U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish can change that thought.
Catfish is actually one of the quickest meals you can prepare. The following recipe, for example, only involves nine minutes of active cooking time. For the same amount of time it takes to mix up a box of mac ’n’cheese, you can eat a nutritious dinner that looks and tastes like it took great skill to prepare.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, which are sustainably raised, are low in saturated fat, high in protein and a moderate source of omega-3 fatty acids. Combining the fish with almonds makes for an especially beneficial meal, as almonds contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. And the almonds in Catfish Almondine offer loads of additional protein.
Tips to Arrange a Romantic Dinner for Two
Between work and family obligations, many couples struggle to find time together. But finding time to enjoy your partner’s company is important, so why not have fun with it? Planning a romantic dinner might be easier than you think.
Here are some tips for couples looking to plan a special dinner with their partner:
1. Arrange “alone” time. If you have kids, see if they can spend the night at a friend’s or relative’s home. If not, hire a sitter to entertain your children outside of the home.
2. If the dinner’s a surprise, make sure that your partner isn’t going to be busy with other plans. If you want to let your partner know about your plans, leave an invitation on his or her pillow.
3. Set the scene. Make sure that your home looks romantic when your partner arrives. Candles and roses let your partner know that you have arranged something special. Set the table with china, lovely stemware and your favorite linens.
4. Choose a delicious wine. Conversation over a wonderful wine is one of life’s simplest pleasures, so indulge in something light and refreshing. The 2007 Clos du Bois Rosé (closdubois.com) is a delicate, floral wine with hints of wild strawberries and ripe watermelon. It’s bright acidity and rosy color make it a wonderful choice for romantic nights in. Better yet, dry rosés work with most food pairings, whether you’re planning an all-chocolate menu, ethnic food or your partner’s favorite dish.
5. When it comes to food, play it safe. If you’ve never rolled your own gnocchi before, now is not the time to give pasta-making a try. Choose a recipe that you know well, or order carry-out from a favorite restaurant. If you do order food, transfer it to attractive dishes before serving. Don’t forget appetizers. Go to a local cheese shop for help putting together an elegant cheese plate that pairs with your wine.
6. Dress up. A cous cous with spicy vegetables looks much less elegant if you’re wearing a ratty T-shirt and worn jeans. You don’t need to make yourself uncomfortable, but do put some effort into your appearance.
A festive bottle of wine, a pretty table and a few hours alone together can make any simple dinner romantic.
Patty Duke Family Reunites for Dinner: Medicare on the Menu
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/PattyDuke.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – Patty Duke is back -; and this time she’s brought the entire family. The cast of the Patty Duke Show reunited for dinner and to create a series of …/div/div
Six Tips to Prepare Your Kitchen for Entertaining
Nothing brings people together like a dinner party, potluck or barbecue – but entertaining can put strain on the kitchen as well as the host.
As you clean your home, consider giving your appliances tune-ups to keep them running more efficiently. The home economists at Whirlpool Corporation offer several quick tips and tricks to prepare the kitchen for entertaining:
1. Change the water filter. Be sure to change the refrigerator water filter every six months to keep water fresh and free of contaminants.
2. Use the dishwasher. According to ENERGY STAR, the U.S. government program that certifies energy-efficient appliances, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than using a dishwasher. Using an ENERGY STAR-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing will save 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs and 230 hours of your time each year.
3. Stop pre-rinsing dishes. When you pre-rinse dishes, the detergent doesn’t have any grease or grime to stick to. As a result, the detergent will attack dishes, making them appear cloudy, scratched or etched.
4. Get rid of dust bunnies. Use a slender vacuum attachment or hosiery wrapped around a yardstick to clear out dust and debris from behind and underneath the refrigerator. Dusting will help the fridge run more efficiently.
5. Switch to electric. Electric cooktops are about twice as energy-efficient as gas. Electric elements have high-efficiency insulation surrounding the element, and the close proximity to the pot or pan allows efficient heat transfer.
6. Do a clean sweep. Cleaning appliances on a regular basis can keep unwanted odors at bay, since it has the tendency to exist anywhere moisture is present in a closed environment. Dishwashers and garbage disposals fit the bill — clean them every 30 days to prevent odors from leftover food particles and residue.
To help make this chore a little easier, Whirlpool Corporation developed affresh Dishwasher and Disposal Cleaner, the only two-in-one product on the market that removes unwanted odors in dishwashers and garbage disposals. Recommended for monthly use, consumers simply drop the tablets into the dishwasher and disposal for a convenient and affordable solution to unpleasant odors.
For additional information and product availability, please visit www.affresh.com.
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Liven Up Dip
 NewsUSA) – Spinach and artichoke dip has become a staple of social gatherings. And while its tastiness can’t be denied, it’s too common to truly impress guests. Wouldn’t it be fun to liven up the party with more unique offerings?
Incorporating catfish can be a welcome variation to party foods. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish possesses a light, mild flavor that lends itself to any kind of dish, ranging from spicy curries to Southern fish frys to, you guessed it, spinach and artichoke dip. Not only does catfish provide an interesting new twist on that old standby, it also adds a sustainable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. For your next gathering of friends or family, try Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Catfish. Spinach and Artichoke Dip With Catfish Serves Four Ingredients: 3 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Fillets, baked and flaked 1 pound frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and drained 1 8.5 ounce can artichokes, drained 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and divided 1/2 cup green onions, diced 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon hot sauce Salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Squeeze excess moisture out of spinach and artichokes. 3. Combine 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and all remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Transfer the mixture to a glass baking dish and top it with the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. 4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the dip is hot in the middle and looks golden brown. 5. Serve warm with your favorite crackers. For more information and recipes, visit www.UScatfish.com. |
Tips to Plan a Fun Family Reunion
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/Reunion.jpg” alt=”Five words or less” width=”180″ //divdiv class=”category-listcontent”div class=”category-body” id=”ArticleBody” style=”display: block” (a href=”http://www.newsusa.com”NewsUSA/a) – As extended families spread out throughout the country, it becomes more difficult to get everyone together. Holding a family reunion, then, gives …/div/div
