Experimenting with Bacon

Sundays are usually are “big meal” of the week, but today I really hadn’t planned anything and not a lot of options to work with: bok choy, mushrooms and steak-seasoned thick-cut bacon. Clearly, a little experimentation was in order.

I’d had grilled boc choy before and it was amazing! And of course everything tastes better with bacon, right? So I combined the two, wrapping a bacon strip around a piece of bok choy and pinned it with a toothpick. Simple.

For the mushrooms, I dug around in the freezer and came up with ½ pound of ground beef. I’d packaged it to use in spaghetti sauce, but we hadn’t eaten spaghetti in months, and being on a low carb diet, we had no plans to start. I combined the ground
beef with a can of Italian style diced tomatoes, a ½ tub of tomato and basil flavored Philadelphia Cooking Cream. I pulled the stems out of the mushrooms and scrubbed down the heads. Once the meat was brown, I drained the excess liquid, turned off the burner and stirred in the cooking cream. I mixed the ingredients together and spooned the mixture into the mushroom caps. And then I wrapped them in bacon as well.

John was out showing, so grilling was out. I opted for broiling instead. I broiled on high, turning every few minutes until the bacon was thorough cooked – and crisp. (John doesn’t like soggy bacon.)

The results were… mixed. The mushroom caps were amazing. Rich and flavorful! But because they were so rich, we couldn’t eat but a couple. This would make a great appetizer. I might try it again with Italian sausage.

The boc choy... that was a miss. The bacon overpowered the delicate taste of the Chinese cabbage. The grease from the bacon also made the bok choy soggy and tough to chew. In theory it sounded really good. I’m wondering if the results would have been different had they been grilled.

If you try out either one of these ideas, let me know your results.

From Trash to Flash

I hate throwing out glass jars and bottles. There’s always a way to repurpose and keep them out of a landfill. When I finish with a jar, I clean it up and then add it to my craft stash. I may night have an idea for right then, But I never know when inspiration might strike… Like it did a few days ago.

Digging through my craft stash looking for something to do, I came up with this idea for some quick Fourth of July decorations you can use year after year. For this projected, I used empty candle jars, but really, you could do this any kind of empty glass jar.

I used this project as an opportunity to see what kind of paint works best on glass – brush on acrylic craft paint or enamel spray paint. I matched the base colors to some scrapbook cut out decorations that I had. One set was rustic, muted reds and blues and the other was vivid, glittery sparkly red and blue.I don’t do scrapebooks, but I find that the cutouts come in handy for other projects – like this one, so I pick up them up when I find them on clearance.

I spray painted two jars a light tan and brush painted two a bright white. I put about three coats on all four of the jars. After they were dry, about four hours, I applied the scrapbook decorations to each of the jars using white craft glue.

The glittery pieces went on quickly and easily. Soft and rubbery, they were easy to work with on the curved surface. I accented the pieces with dots of red and blue paint. It took me less than 30 minutes to complete both jars. I set them aside to dry.

Next I worked with the rustic pieces. They were more difficult to work with because they were stuff and did not want to follow the curves and adhere to the surface. I ended up gluing down the middle first, allowing that to dry and then gluing down the sides. I took about three or four attempts to get them securely glued down.

After they were dry, I sealed all the surfaces by brushing them with white craft glue.

Three of the jars didn’t have lids, but they looked a little odd uncovered. I solved that problem by cutting squares of fabric twice the width of the jar opening. I edge the fabric with serrated scissors. Once the jars were completely dry, I secured the fabric to the jar with a rubber band and then tying a ribbon over it.

Keep Summer Pests at Bay

ATLANTA -- The first day of summer brings warmer temperatures and more time outdoors; unfortunately, that also means you are more likely to get stung by fire ants, bees and wasps and bitten by mosquitoes. As you barbecue with friends or work in your garden, watch out for the following insects that can spoil your outdoor fun.

Mosquitoes

“While fire ants, bees and wasps are dangerous because of their stings, the number one pest to look out for this summer is the mosquito," said Jim Warneke, Orkin's Southeast division technical services manager. "They can carry serious diseases, some of which are fatal."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus, malaria, dengue fever and the virus that causes encephalitis, or swelling of the brain.

"The CDC reported 712 cases of West Nile virus in 2011, and dengue fever rarely occurs in the United States," said Warneke. "Prime mosquito-biting times are dusk and dawn, so be sure to take the proper precautions and spray an EPA-approved insect repellent on exposed skin, and wear long sleeves and socks if possible."

Mosquitoes only need a few ounces of water to breed and survive, making them very hard to control, so Warneke suggests removing any standing water from gutters, birdbaths or flower pots.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are reddish-brown and bite and sting when they are disturbed or feel threatened. They attach themselves with their mandibles to people or animals and inject venom through their stingers. Fire ant stings and bites are very painful and can be fatal, but most victims experience painful red bumps.

Fire ants prefer warm and dry, sunny weather and avoid shady areas. Mounds can grow up to 24 inches in diameter and 18 inches high. They are most common throughout the southern U.S. but have been found as far west as California and as far north as Maryland.

Bees, Wasps, Hornets and Yellow Jackets Flying, stinging insects like bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets are found all across the country, and they like to build their nests in inconspicuous places.

"Yellow jackets tend to build their nests in the ground, and paper wasps are notorious for building their nests under a building's eaves and soffits," said Warneke. "They also tend to build nests in ornamental plants and hedges. Bees, on the other hand, will build their nests in many different locations, from inverted, unused flower pots and barbecue grills to inside the walls of homes and buildings. They spend their time around flowering plants, so be careful when you are pruning your roses or other annual flowers."

Bee, wasp, hornet and yellow jacket stings are painful and can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, fever and fatigue to vomiting and convulsions. Stings can also be deadly to those who are allergic to their venom. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, bee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket and fire ant stings are the cause of about 500,000 allergy-related emergency room visits each year and at least 40 deaths in the U.S. from anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction.

Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, are typical throughout the southeastern U.S., but can be found throughout the country. They, too, are opportunistic when it comes to building nests and will make their home just about anywhere, warns Warneke.

"It is best to stay away from all bees because they are difficult to identify," said Warneke. "All honey bees have a pheromone in their stingers that will attract other honey bees, and that could lead to additional stings."

Warneke recommends the following tips to help prevent flying, stinging insects from being attracted to your home:

Remove all unnecessary food and water sources.

Seal cracks and crevices around doors and windows.

Clean up spilled food and drinks immediately, and keep drinks covered.

Keep gutters clear, and direct water from downspouts away from your home.

Thin vegetation, and do not pile mulch or allow soil to accumulate against your home's siding. This could provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and access for ants to enter your home.

Source: Orkin via PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1eSMQ)

Summer Sunscreen Reminder

In case you’ve forgotten everything your mom taught you about sunscreen, here’s a dermatologist to remind you about the basics.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- With outdoor activities in full-swing this summer, it's important to remember to protect your skin. However, with all the sunscreen products on the market, it can be hard to know how to pick the right one. A new survey also shows that the public is confused about how to apply sunscreen correctly. Tips from a board-certified dermatologist can help clear up the confusion.

"Consumers can be overwhelmed by the large number of sunscreen products available and because of that they avoid using sunscreen all together, resulting in sunburn and overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation," said board-certified dermatologist Henry W. Lim, M.D., FAAD. "Dermatologists can provide the public with the information they need to make smart choices when it comes to sun protection, which can help reduce their risk for skin cancer, and keep their skin looking healthy and youthful."

When looking for a sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that consumers:

Read the label on sunscreen products. Use only sunscreen that offers:

Broad-spectrum coverage (label may say "broad spectrum," "protects against UVA/UVB" or "UVA/UVB protection").

SPF 30 or higher.

Water resistance.

Dermatologists also recommend that consumers:

Re-apply the sunscreen every two hours when outdoors.

Seek shade whenever your shadow appears to be shorter than you are.

Wear protective clothing, which includes long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

A new online survey of adults nationwide by the Academy found that confusion still exists about SPF numbers and how to use sunscreens correctly. Less than one in five respondents (18 percent) knew that a sunscreen with SPF 30 does not provide twice the protection as an SPF 15.

Among respondents who 'Sometimes' or 'Always' wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun, only 28 percent reapplied sunscreen at least every two hours.

Dr. Lim emphasized that UV protection does not increase proportionately with a designated SPF number. For example, an SPF 30 screens 97 percent of UV rays, while an SPF 15 screens 93 percent of UV rays and an SPF 2 screens out 50 percent of UV rays. However, not applying enough sunscreen or not covering all exposed areas may result in a lower SPF than the product contains

"For adequate protection, sunscreens are best applied 15 minutes prior to going outside, and re-applied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating," said Dr. Lim. "Research demonstrates that most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, which is one ounce for the entire body or enough to fill a shot glass. The relationship between SPF and amount applied is not a linear one. For example, if only half the proper amount of SPF 15 is applied, the actual in-use SPF would be approximately 5, which is then inadequate protection."

To make it easier for consumers to make informed decisions about choosing sunscreens, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) new sunscreen rules will take effect in December. Manufacturers will be required to follow specific testing and labeling rules. Specifically, labels will detail whether the sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVB and UVA rays); reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging in addition to helping prevent sunburn, or just protects against sunburn alone; and is water-resistant up to 40 or 80 minutes.
"While the new labels are not required until the end of the year, it's still important for consumers to select and use sunscreen this summer to protect their skin from UV exposure," said Dr. Lim. "Making sun protection a habit – like brushing your teeth or buckling your seatbelt – can ultimately reduce early signs of aging and your risk for skin cancer."

SKIN CANCER FACTS:

More than 3.5 million skin cancer cases affecting 2 million people are diagnosed annually.
It is estimated that there will be about 131,810 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in 2012 – 55,560 noninvasive (in situ) and 76,250 invasive (44,250 men and 32,000 women).
The major risk factor for melanoma of the skin is exposure to ultraviolet light.
In 2010, new research found that daily sunscreen use cut the incidence of melanoma in half.
In an effort to increase the public's understanding of skin cancer and motivate people to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer, the Academy recently launched the SPOT Skin Cancer™ public awareness initiative. Visit the SPOT Skin Cancer™ website – www.SpotSkinCancer.org – to learn how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes on your skin, and find free skin cancer screenings in your area. Those affected by skin cancer also can share their story via the website and download free materials to educate others in their community.

One thing to remember is that if you wear sunscreen religiously, you might be setting yourself up for vitamin D deficiency. And that can cause another set of problems. For more on vitamin D deficiency, read here.

Source: American Academy of Demotolgy via PRNewswire

Recovering from the Family Vacation

How many times have you dragged into work on the Monday morning after a family vacation – and you’re glad you’re there? Apparently it’s a common feeling.

Cambria Suites has shed light on family vacation plans in a recent survey, including the good, the bad and the slightly irritating. Among all survey respondents who have ever taken a family summer vacation (49 percent), nearly one quarter of adults (24 percent) report that they usually need a vacation when they return from a family trip. Among adults living with children under the age of 18, the number increases to 29 percent. Seven percent of respondents even look forward to a "solo" business trip as a way to recover from a family vacation.

Research shows that kids ask their parents "Are we there yet?" an average of nine times during a week-long (seven day) family vacation, according to survey respondents who have been on a family vacation and have at least one child under the age of 18 living in their household. Parents with children six years old and younger can expect to be asked "Are we there yet?" about 13 times during a week-long trip.

Experiences of summer family vacations are overall very positive, as revealed by the Cambria Suites research. More than half (65 percent) of Americans with family vacation experience find them relaxing and admit that there is "nothing better" than a great family vacation.

"Industry data shows that consumers are regaining confidence in the economy and more families are taking a vacation this year compared to last year," said Michael Murphy, senior vice president of Cambria Suites. "It's safe to say that the great tradition of the summer family vacation is on its way back."

Source: Choice Hotels via PR Newswire

A Sweet Detour off of the Beaten Path

If you happen to be traveling through Ohio this summer, take a detour to Bryan and the Spangler Candy Store and Museum. Bryan is a little off the beaten path, just south of I-80/90 between South Bend, Ind. and Toledo. Spangler is famous for Dum Dums® pops.

When you get there, you can enjoy a ride on the Dum Dums Trolley and learn how they make Dum Dums®, Saf-T-Pops®, Spangler® Circus Peanuts, and Spangler® Candy Canes!

The trolley takes visitors on a tour through the warehouse and packing areas. Visitors will be amazed by the amount of candy produced at the factory; 10 million Dum Dums per day, 1.5 million Candy Canes per day, and over 500,000 Saf-T-Pops per day!

The museum features historical information in a timeline fashion, along with samples of products and other artifacts from years past. A video history of the company runs continuously in the museum. Through the museum experience visitors will learn how the company grew from one man and some baking powder to the world-class hard candy company it is today.

The store offers Spangler products including single flavored Dum Dums containers, bulk Dum Dums and Saf-T-Pops, and Candy Canes and Circus Peanuts. Also featured are new Dum Dums t-shirt designs, Dum Dums flip flops, and other cool new Dum Dums accessories. Visitors are welcome to taste test never-before-seen flavors from the lab.

Summer hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m through August. Fall, winter and spring hours are Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Spangler Candy Store & Museum is located at 400 N. Portland St., Bryan, OH 43506.

Source: Spangler Candy Company via PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dap1)

Trash to Treasure

When my parents moved from the old homestead some years ago, I found myself rummaging around in their barn. Barns are great places to find amazing treasures. Slated for the dumpster was an old Eight O’clock Coffee tin. There’s no telling how old the tin is, but it’s price, still marked on the bottom was 99 cents. Eight O'Clock Coffee is the brand name of the light roast of coffee introduced by the American supermarket chain A&P in 1859. I’m guessing that it came from paternal grandparents homestead since A&P was the only grocery store near Sulphur Springs for years. The brand still exists, but it’s no longer sold in a tin, nor is anywhere near 99 cents. However, the tin itself is worth what I pound of Eight O'Clock Coffee sells for today – about $25.


I also found a vintage wooden canister set with two red, yellow and green roosters on the front. I seem to recall my dad telling that it they were dug up on a job site somewhere in America years ago. At any rate they were dirty, but otherwise in good shape. After reaching the find, I discovered that they three canister set was made in Japan circa 1950. The complete four piece set – which I have – is worth about $50.

Not one to let such treasures hide away, I used them as pots to create greenery arrangements: Silk greenery with red, white and blue flowers, garnished with a few seasonal picks. Every year, I trot them out as part of my summer decorating scheme. This year, they’re going on my free standing wine rack.

Yup, somebody else’s trash is my treasure.