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(NewsUSA) – It may be vacation time for kids, but most adults work through the summer months. Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends some commuting tips for everyone who is spending the summer driving to work instead of heading out on vacation:
* Keep Your Vehicle in Tip-Top Condition. It is important to keep your vehicle properly maintained. For example, check your tires regularly since they are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road. You can check your tires’ tread depth with the “penny test.” Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. If you are not certain, have it checked by a tire professional. You should also have your automotive technician make sure that your tires are properly inflated and rotated. In addition, have them check under the hood to evaluate your vehicle’s other major systems. * Commute Comfortably. Wear shoes that are comfortable and safe to drive in — flat shoes with some grip on the soles are ideal. Make any adjustments to your seat or mirrors before you start on your way. * Don’t Be Distracted. Stay focused and do not multitask. Make your daily commute your “quiet time” for the day by turning off your cell phone. Even if your local laws do not require it, if you must talk on your phone invest in a headset so you can focus on the road. Make sure that you can still hear honking horns and sirens while using your headset. * Keep Calm. Consider leaving earlier or researching an alternative route to miss rush hour traffic, holiday traffic or bad weather. If you know that you’re going to be late, accept the delay. Slow down and keep your distance in heavy traffic. Unsafe driving habits such as changing lanes right before or after an intersection or in a school zone, not signaling before a turn, making illegal U-turns and other activities can put you and others at risk. If you are still facing the daily grind this summer, take the time to make your commute a safe and pleasant part of your day. |
Next Best Thing to Vacation: A Stress-Free Commute
Chicago Takes on Maine Lobster
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(NewsUSA) – Lobster history in America dates back to the pre-colonial era when Native Americans found the crustacean in abundance all across beaches of the area that came to be known as New England. The state of Maine took hold of the market in the 19th century, and today, lobster is considered a top seafood delicacy.
While Maine is generally known as the land of the lobster, chefs all across the country have taken this claw-snapping creature and added a variety of flair and pizzazz to make it even more mouth-watering. The culinary experts at UNO have taken the traditional lobster roll and added the taste of fresh tarragon and crispy bacon to create a dish that is truly special. With summer coming, this is a great lobster dish that’s quick and easy to make, and will be a big hit at your next party or family dinner. UNO Lobster Roll with Tarragon Mayonnaise and Bacon Serves Four 4 New England-style hot dog buns (top split) 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened Lobster salad (recipe follows) 1/2 cup tarragon mayonnaise (recipe follows) 8 strips fully-cooked bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces 4 green leaf lettuce leaves, washed, dried, and shredded 4 dill pickle spears French fries or potato chips 1. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Spread each of the hot dog buns with 1 tablespoon butter (1/2 on each side). Place the buttered buns into the hot, dry frying pan and toast without moving until golden brown on one side, about 30 seconds. Turn and cook the other side, about 30 seconds more. Remove from heat. 2. Evenly distribute the shredded lettuce inside each bun. 3. Evenly distribute the bacon pieces on top of the lettuce. 4. Spoon the lobster salad evenly between the buns. Serve with pickles and French fries or potato chips on the side. Tarragon Mayonnaise 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon Kosher salt, to taste Fresh ground pepper, to taste Place all ingredients into a stainless steel mixing bowl and mix. Set aside. Lobster Salad 1 1/4 pounds fully cooked lobster meat 1/2 cup tarragon mayonnaise Combine the lobster and tarragon mayonnaise in a stainless steel mixing bowl, and lightly mix. If not using immediately, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator. |
Chicago Takes on Maine Lobster
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/Lobster.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) – Lobster history in America dates back to the pre-colonial era when Native Americans found the crustacean in abundance all across beaches of the …/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! Butter Lettuce and Fruit Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Serves Four 2 heads butter lettuce 1 15-ounce can Libby’s Sliced Peaches in Pear Juice Concentrate 1 15-ounce can Libby’s Sliced Pears in Pear Juice Concentrate 1 6-ounce container lowfat lemon yogurt 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 cup toasted pecan halves 2 tablespoons snipped chives Remove the large outer leaves from the lettuce. Cut each head in half through the stem end. Dip the halved heads in cold water to rinse them. Shake the lettuce to remove excess water. Gently cut out the lettuce core. Place the leaves in a large mixing bowl. Drain the peaches and pears, reserving one-fourth cup of their juice, and add the fruit to bowl. Whisk the reserved juice into the yogurt, salt and pepper. Pour the yogurt mixture over the lettuce and fruit, and toss gently. Mound the lettuce in a large salad bowl or on four salad plates and arrange the fruit on top. Garnish the salad with pecans and chives. For more recipes and information, visit www.getbacktothetable.com. |
Kids of All Ages Look to Shake Up Summer
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/Milkshakes.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) – Nothing induces summertime nostalgia like a milkshake, and no wonder — milkshakes have a venerable and tasty history.
Milkshakes were …/div/div
Three Tips That Will Get Your Pool Ready for Summer
As much as you look forward to enjoying your pool this summer, you don’t enjoy contemplating its upkeep. But spring is the perfect time to upgrade pool equipment to save money and energy during pool season.
Hayward Pool Products, a company that makes reliable, energy-efficient products designed to enhance the pool and backyard experience, offers the following tips:
Ensure a Good Start to Pool Season
 NewsUSA) – As much as you look forward to enjoying your pool this summer, you don’t enjoy contemplating its upkeep. But spring is the perfect time to upgrade pool equipment to save money and energy during pool season.
Hayward Pool Products, a company that makes reliable, energy-efficient products designed to enhance the pool and backyard experience, offers the following tips: * Get an energy audit and upgrade equipment accordingly. During spring inspection, schedule an energy audit to determine whether procedural changes or equipment upgrades can help you save money and energy in the upcoming months. For example, switching to a variable-speed pump can save up to 75 percent on your pool’s energy costs, and switching to a robotic automatic pool cleaner can save up to 94 percent of the energy used by a pressure cleaner, while adding a heat pump will maintain constant comfort while saving up to 80 percent in energy costs versus gas heaters. Also, some areas offer rebates or incentives to those who switch to energy-efficient equipment. * Make sure your pool equipment is working correctly. Pool-inspection procedures should always include maintenance checks like visually inspecting the pump, filter, heater, lights, automation equipment and chlorinator, and checking the operating pressure on the filter. Hayward always recommends that pool owners consult a professional. Paying for a pool inspection will cost less than trying to fix a major problem later in the season. Plus, professionals will be able to spot safety problems like missing or loose drain covers or electrical or gas issues, which an untrained eye might miss. * Switch to salt. Salt chlorination produces water that is softer on the skin and gentler on the eyes than factory-produced chlorine. As chemical prices are on the rise, installing a salt chlorine generator, like Hayward’s Aqua Rite Pro, will save you money in the long run. Salt-chlorinated pools regulate themselves, so you won’t need to test your water as often or buy as many products to maintain the water. For more information, visit www.haywardnet.com. |
Ensure a Good Start to Pool Season
div img class=”category-img” src=”http://ftper.newsusa.com/Thumbnail/LooktoSummer.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 much as you look forward to enjoying your pool this summer, you don’t enjoy contemplating its upkeep. But spring is the perfect time to upgrade …/div/div
A Little TLC for Stressed-Out Feet
 NewsUSA) – Economic woes have left bodies stressed and fatigued. Carrying us everywhere we want to go, feet have taken the brunt of the force. A typical day of walking is equivalent to several hundred tons of pressure put on your feet.
One of the best ways to refresh weary feet is a pedicure. Although it may be difficult to pamper yourself on a limited budget, it’s not impossible. Giving yourself an at-home pedicure is a relaxing way to treat yourself while still saving money. “In-home pedicure pampering is a great way to reduce stress,” says Carol J. Buck, CEO of the natural foot-care products distributor Xenna Corporation. “It also rewards you later with sandal-perfect feet.” Buck offers the following tips to give a little TLC to your stressed-out feet: - Give yourself a foot bath. Find a container that can hold both of your feet, then fill it with warm water and a drop or two of your favorite essential oil. Rosemary and peppermint can invigorate — choose rose or lavender to help you relax. Soak your feet for five to 10 minutes. You can bathe your feet daily or weekly, whatever your schedule allows. - Exfoliate and moisturize. Once your foot bath has softened your skin, exfoliate to remove dead skin from your toes and heels. For a treatment less work-intensive than scraping, try CalleX Ointment, an acid-free treatment that uses natural enzymes to leave heels and soles baby-soft. CalleX Ointment is available in the footcare section at Walgreens and Rite Aid. - Trim nails carefully. Gently remove any dirt from underneath your nails with a brush or orange stick. It’s much easier to cut nails after moisturizing. Use a straightedge toenail clipper. Cut toenails straight across, and file the nails in one direction. Never share pedicure equipment with others. For yellow or discolored nails, apply NonyX Gel, which is available in the footcare section at drug stores and mass retailers. Diabetic-friendly, NonyX breaks down and removes keratin debris — the substance that makes nails appear yellow or dark. - Use nail polish sparingly. Toe nails need a chance to breathe, so don’t always keep them painted. Fresh air and sunshine can benefit feet — just make sure to slather on the sunscreen. For additional information about CalleX Ointment and NonyX Gel, or to print out mail-in rebates, visit www.xenna.com/xenna_coupons.html. |
Fun in the Sun: Bright Ideas for Child Safety
 NewsUSA) – When the sun shines bright, heading for fun outside may be high on your list of priorities. But too much fun in the sun can be risky — especially for children.
Being exposed to ultraviolet rays for too long can cause serious health problems, including increased risk of skin cancer. Children’s skin in particular should be protected from the sun at all times. According to the National Children’s Cancer Society, childhood is the critical period during which UV radiation can do the most damage. It takes only a few minutes for a child’s skin to burn, and the damage is permanent and cumulative. Children receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer often experience increased sensitivity to the sun. Adequate skin protection can reduce the risks of developing health problems later in life by up to 78 percent, according to medical researchers. The National Children’s Cancer Society offers these tips to parents looking to limit their children’s sun exposure: - Apply sunscreen properly. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen in a thick layer — use a full palmful to cover your hands, legs, face and neck — 15 minutes before sun exposure. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming. - Limit sun exposure when sun rays are at their strongest. If possible, keep children indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Have your child wear a hat. Hats can shield the face from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose a hat with a two- to three-inch brim. Shade hats, which look like baseball caps but with fabric draping down the sides and back, prove ideal. - Prevent eye damage with UV-protective sunglasses. Check the label to make sure that the glasses block 99 to 100 percent radiation. - When appropriate, dress your child in lightweight, long-sleeve shirts and pants. A few clothing manufacturers even make sun-protective clothing. - Set a good example. Practice safety in the sun so your child will, too. For more information, visit www.children-cancer.org. |
