Disaster Relief Network Promotes Pet Safety Tips for Emergencies

 In recognition of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day on May 9, 2015, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is encouraging pet parents to plan ahead by creating a pet emergency go-kit and following several easy tips to ensure the safety of their pets during a crisis.

“The best thing a family can do in the case of an emergency is be prepared, and that includes having a plan in place for your pets,” said Kostas Kontopanos, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition North America. “We hope that families take into account some simple steps that will help them feel ready to respond should disaster strike.”

Hill’s recommends building a Pet Emergency Go-Kit in order to cut down on time in the event of a crisis, allowing families to focus solely on getting to safety as quickly as possible.

“Just knowing that a kit is packed and ready to go should eliminate some of the stress during an emergency,” said Dr. Ellen Lowery, Director of U.S. Veterinary and Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “It will put a family at ease, knowing that everyone, including their beloved pets, will be taken care of.”

The Pet Emergency Go-Kit should include the following:

• Basic first aid supplies
• A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
• Safety harness and leash
• Waste clean-up supplies
• Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
• List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
• List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
• Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

Hill’s Pet Nutrition recommends the following additional Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

1. Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
2. Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
3. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
4. Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
5. Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
6. If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

Grilling with Grains

If your outdoor grilling menu calls for easy, gluten-free dishes to accompany your favorite flame-kissed foods, sorghum may be your secret to success.

Sorghum, an ancient cereal grain, is a highly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of preparations, such as leavened and unleavened breads, fermented and unfermented beverages, and a host of flour-based foods such as pizza dough, pastas and cereals. It can also be consumed in place of whole grain in countless recipes and as a syrup.

Because it is naturally gluten free, sorghum is a terrific option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who don't want to sacrifice the texture and taste of grain-based foods. What's more, the nutrient-rich grain is a good source of iron, calcium, potassium as well as polycosinol, which research has shown to lower serum cholesterol and may improve heart health.

For those who monitor glycemic index, sorghum also offers good news. Research indicates sorghum offers slow digestibility and a lower glycemic index. Foods with a lower glycemic index are believed to increase satiety, which means you feel fuller longer, aiding with weight management.

Enjoy grilled fare with a new twist. From sweet, savory marinades to crisp, crunchy salads to refreshingly tangy beverages, sorghum is the ingredient that makes these recipes shine.

For more recipes and tips for cooking with sorghum, visit www.HealthySorghum.com.

Spicy Sorghum Chicken Breasts
Contributed by Joy Gray
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes

4	chicken breasts
1/2	cup canola oil
2	tablespoons sorghum syrup
3	cloves garlic, minced
2	jalapeno peppers, minced
	Juice of 1 lemon
	Salt
	Pepper

Put chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper and gently pound to about 1/2-inch thickness. Pierce both sides several times with fork and set aside.

In large resealable bag, combine canola oil, sorghum syrup, garlic, jalapenos and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chicken breasts to bag, seal and refrigerate 2–10 hours.

Heat grill to high. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and cook for 6 minutes. Turn to other side and cook for another 6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Grilled Sorghum Tabbouleh Salad
Contributed by Brady Shadid
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour

1	cup sorghum grain
3	cups water
1	yellow bell pepper, cored and quartered
1	red bell pepper, cored and quartered
1	white onion, cut into wedges
1/4	cup olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon
3	bunches parsley, chopped
1/4	cup fresh mint, chopped
1/3	cup lemon juice
	Salt
	Pepper

Add sorghum to water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce to a simmer for 50 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set aside and let cool. Sorghum can be prepared in advance and refrigerated overnight.

Brush bell peppers and onion with 1 tablespoon olive oil and grill over medium heat for 4 minutes. Turn to other side and grill for another 4 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Chop grilled peppers and onion and add to cooled sorghum. Add parsley, mint, lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil to sorghum and toss lightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Southern Sweet Sorghum Tea
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes

6	cups water
4	black tea bags
3/4	cup sorghum syrup
1/4	cup sugar
1/4	cup bourbon (optional)
	Juice of 1 orange
1	orange, washed and sliced
	Mint to garnish

Boil water. Remove from heat, add tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in sorghum syrup and sugar. Pour into pitcher and refrigerate until cold.
Stir in bourbon and orange juice. Add sliced oranges to pitcher. Serve over ice with mint to garnish.

Home Field Advantage - Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs

Home Field Advantage - Denard Span, Washington Nationals outfielder

10 Tips for Selling a Home that Cooks

Some small steps like having the closets half empty and changing to higher wattage bulbs can have a big impact when selling a home.

As a self-proclaimed foodie, she also included more than 100 pages of recipes and cooking tips in her book along with advice on buying and selling a home.

Here are just 10 of her tips from her book on selling a home:

1. Don't attend your open house. Think back to when you were shopping for a house—would you have felt comfortable to speak your mind with the owner hovering? Give serious buyers room to have an honest conversation with each other and their agent without feeling the need to edit themselves.

2. Don't pretend to be a buyer at your open house. This will likely backfire and you will drive away real potential buyers with this crazy behavior. If you feel like you need feedback, ask your agent to tell you the useful comments from the open house.

3. Provide attractions not distractions. You want to showcase your home and appeal to buyers, but go too far and you could detract. There is nothing wrong with providing cool drinks on a hot day to make buyers more comfortable—it could motivate them to stay longer and see more of the house.

4. Consider seasonal preferences. While preparing your property and taking steps to market it to potential buyers, consider what seasonal aspects will be appealing while you are selling it. A roaring fire in winter or beautiful spring blooms may help you get a better offer.

5. Provide full access to the property. You want to be sure buyers can view your whole property when they visit. Unless there is a safety issue, you should not make any rooms, closets, or areas off limits. It is called an open house, after all.

6. Hold your open house during common times. If at all possible, schedule your open house at the same time as others in the area. Potential buyers often spend a few hours on Sundays and want to maximize their time and see multiple properties while they are out. Though it may be more convenient for you to do it another time, you may limit the number of people that can attend.

7. Don't neglect the neighbors. Your neighbors are good assets—they may know people who want to live in the neighborhood and can tell their friends about your property. Invite them to your open houses and offer flyers they can pass along.

8. Price it right. How do you know what to set for the price? Have it evaluated by an appraiser for its value, then lower that number by 15 to 20 percent. This may sound counterintuitive, but this will likely cause a bidding war between potential buyers that may drive the price up even higher than it's worth.

9. Make sure your closets are half-empty. You know that buyers like to look in every door, so you must always keep closets and cabinets clean and organized. But a great tip is to take half of your things out of the closets and make what is left extremely neat.

10. Maximize the light in your home. A bright and cheery house is more sellable. Do whatever you can to increase the light, including removing drapes, cleaning windows, and changing to higher wattage light bulbs.

Southerland is a member of the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, the Missouri Real Estate Commission, and the Kansas Real Estate Commission.

Houston Chefs Offer Tips for Grilling Your Favorite Fresh Potatoes This Summer

As Houstonians prepare for the summer backyard grilling season, four prominent Houstonchefs are sharing their tips for enjoying fresh potatoes right off the grill, ready to eat in minutes precisely once a steak, chop, chicken or burger is grilled to perfection.

Their secret?  Start fresh potatoes in the microwave before placing them on the grill.

When grilling with MountainKing Steakhouse Roasters, Brennan's of Houston Executive Chef Danny Trace suggests lightly coating the slender-shaped potatoes with oil, then microwaving them for two minutes (for two potatoes) or three minutes (for up to six potatoes).

Next, wrap them in a foil bundle and place them on the grill as you start to cook the meat.  The Steakhouse Roasters will be ready when the meat is done.  Perfect with burgers, the Steakhouse Roasters from Houston-based MountainKing offer the flavor and appearance of steakhouse-quality wedge fries without the fat, sodium and calories of frozen French Fries.

When grilling with MountainKing's hand-selected Steak House Bakers, David Cordua of Houston's Cordua Restaurant Group recommends microwaving the Russet-sized potatoes for eight minutes. Next, wrap them in foil and place them on the hot grill as you start to cook your favorite meat. The Steak House Bakers will be ready when the meat is done – ideal with steaks, chicken, chops and fish.

These and other grilling tips from Mark Holley, executive chef of Holley's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and Rick Cruz, executive chef at Grotto Ristorante are available at www.MountainKing.com. Plus, those who visit the website can download a .55 cent off coupon.

Two of MountainKing's most popular varieties, the Steak House Bakers and Steakhouse Roasters, are available at participatingHouston-area grocers.  The Steak House Bakers are sold in four-count packages while the Steakhouse Roasters are available in 1.5-pound bags offering 6-8 servings.

MountainKing Potatoes is one of the world's largest growers of high-flavor potato varieties. Currently, about one million U.S. households enjoy MountainKing products every week.

For other great-tasting summer recipes, cooking demonstration videos and more, go to www.MountainKing.com.  Also, "like" MountainKing Potatoes at www.Facebook.com/MountainKing-Potatoes and "follow" on Twitter @MKPotatoes.

Petco Teams Up with Animal Planet's Dan Schachner to Provide Safe Summer Travel Tips for Pet Parents

With summer just around the corner, families are planning their vacations and considering taking their pets along for the trip. To help pet parents prepare for summer travel adventures, Petco has partnered with Animal Planet host and Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner, to share pet-friendly travel tips.

"As we head into the busy summer travel season, pet parents, like myself, are increasingly looking for ways to travel with their pets," said Schachner. "Do your research ahead of time. Many hotels and even restaurants are catering to animals now, so knowing where to go and what to do before you leave can make your trip extra special for the whole family."

Get packing! Your packing checklist should include essentials like a leash and collar, a supply of sealed pet food and treats, your pet's favorite toys, disposable pet waste bags for picking up after your pet, and food and water bowls. Collapsible travel bowls are a popular option because they're easy to clean and store flat for packing. Last, but not least, don't forget to pack a picture of your pet and their current vaccination records in case you become separated or have a medical emergency.

Identification is a must. Ensure proper identification is securely fastened to your pet's collar or harness and crate at all times while traveling. ID tags should list your pet's name, your name, and your home address and mobile phone number. Be sure to discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian before you make the trip and bring the required vaccination and health documentation. This is especially important for air travel.

Pet proof the car. If you're hitting the road, make sure you protect your car's interior. Seat covers protects car seats from scratches and pet hair. And don't forget that "buckle up!" applies to the entire family, dog included. Choose a dog-specific travel harness or seatbelt adapter like the Good2Go Safe & Hound Easy Click Seatbelt Adapter, which clicks onto your pet's harness and connects to your car's seatbelt.

Keep pets comfortable and secure. Whether you're traveling by plane or car, keeping pets calm, comfortable and secure is key to a pleasant trip for the whole family. Invest in a quality, well-constructed carrier or crate. Both of these items provide protection during travel, as well as a safe place of retreat for your pet while at your destination.

"If you plan to travel by air with your pet, know the airline's pet policies, including size requirements for the passenger and cargo areas," said Schachner. "When I travel with my dog Cali, I love using the Sherpa To Go Pet Carrier, which is approved for in-cabin use by most major airlines."

Travel of any kind can be stressful for a pet. Products like the Thundershirt Anxiety Solution for dogs or cats and calming chews can help reduce anxiety and help pets feel at ease while traveling.

For more information on traveling with your pet this summer visit: https://community.petco.com/t5/petco-scoop/bg-p/PetNews.

Walkable Urban Places are the Future of Real Estate Development

Realtors® from across the country gathered today to learn about the importance and benefits of walkable urban communities in real estate development during a panel organized by the REALTOR® University Richard J. Rosenthal Center for Real Estate Studies during the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo.

"Creating walkability with restaurants and stores can help transition an edgy part of town into one that is hip and hopping with pedestrians," said National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. "This type of real estate development transforms the community for the better."  

Residential walkable communities generate four times the tax revenue compared to regional and business malls, bringing more value to the area, according to panelists.  

"Walkable urban regions in the U.S. have a 41percent higher Gross Domestic Product over non-walkable regions," said Christopher Leinberger, professor at George Washington University School of Business and president of Locus, a national coalition of real estate developers and investors who advocate for sustainable, walkable urban development in metropolitan areas. "That's the difference between countries like Germany and Romania."

Walkable areas provide financial benefits not only to the community but also to the individuals living there. Despite the rising prices commonly frequently seen in walkable areas, those communities are inherently more affordable since individuals living in walkable areas usually spend about 43 percent of their income on housing and transportation, as opposed to those living in non-walkable areas, who spend about 48 percent.

"If a family can get rid of one car, they can increase their mortgage capacity by as much as $150,000," said Leinberger.

The panelists also discussed the importance of looking at current zoning regulations in major cities and how those regulations could be slowing down the development of walkable places. The panelists all agreed that the lack of development could be holding back economic growth.

"We've been bumping along at 2 percent GDP growth, and we should be at 3.5 percent, and obsolete zoning is what is holding us back," said Leinberger. "Less than 10 percent of land would need to be rezoned, and that is where 80 percent of the development is going to go."

The National Association of Realtors®, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The Richard J. Rosenthal Center for Real Estate Studies is a think tank/real estate research laboratory designed to provide timely hands-on and results oriented real estate data and analysis relevant to industry trends and policy issues from a practical standpoint and provides high quality practical research that raises the credibility and profile of Realtors®.                  

Quinoa Chicken Vegetable Salad & Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Don't let the stress of a hectic schedule interfere with your desire to prepare a wholesome, satisfying meal for your family. A pantry stocked with canned foods is all you need to ensure mealtime success, any day of the week.

"With a well-stocked pantry full of canned ingredients, I know I always have the makings of a nutritious and flavorful meal," said Kelsey Nixon, host of "Kelsey's Essentials" on Cooking Channel and Food Network.

Bring to life your family's favorite recipes with pantry staples such as canned chicken, tomatoes, green beans and broth. Like the home canning process, cans seal in foods' nutrition, freshness and flavor, making naturally delicious, homemade dishes achievable and easy.

For more information about the canning process, delicious recipes and to learn how you can get cooking with canned foods, visit www.CansGetYouCooking.com.

Quinoa Chicken Vegetable SaladPrep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6

1	(14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
1	cup quinoa
1	(14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
1	(10-ounce) can chicken breast, drained and flaked
1	(8-ounce) can cut green beans, drained
1	(8.75-ounce) can corn, drained
3	tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2	tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2	tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
1/4	teaspoon ground black pepper

In medium saucepan over high heat, heat chicken broth and quinoa to boiling. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, diced tomatoes, chicken breast, green beans, corn, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and pepper; toss to mix well.

Pasta e Fagioli SoupRecipe created by Kelsey Nixon 
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

2	tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4	ounces chopped pancetta (about 1/2 cup)
1	medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3	cloves garlic, minced
2	teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/2	teaspoon kosher salt
1/2	teaspoon cracked black pepper
2	(15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1	(14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
3	(14.5-ounce) cans chicken broth
1 1/2	cups ditalini pasta (short tubular pasta)
1/4	cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

In large heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown pancetta bits just until they start to crisp, then add onion, garlic and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and saute until fragrant and golden brown.

Add canned beans, tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring soup to rapid boil before adding pasta. Reduce to simmer and cook soup covered, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.

Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and serve with crusty bread.

Home Field Advantage - Lorenzo Cain, Kansas City Royals

Strawberries are the Superfruit Missing from Your Daily Diet

The California Strawberry Commission (CSC) today announced the results of a consumer survey exploring what, how and why Americans choose the fruit they eat for their day-to-day nutrition. According to the survey, most Americans have misconceptions about strawberries that may cause them to miss out on the benefits of strawberries in their daily diet. When asked for their preference between five common fruits (oranges, apples, bananas, grapes and strawberries), more than a third (36 percent) of respondents chose strawberries as their favorite. However, when asked which they consume the most, only 12 percent of respondents indicated strawberries as their most consumed fruit.

Probing further, the CSC survey uncovered that misnomers about certain fruits may be steering people away from strawberries as a daily go-to fruit.

 
 
 

Strawberries are one of the healthiest foods to eat

"When it comes to fruit, Americans tend to follow a routine," says registered dietitian Mitzi Dulan. "Grab a banana when on the run, reach for an orange when sick and have an apple a day to keep the doctor away. All fruits are healthy snack choices, but greater variety is important to get a bigger nutrition boost any time of the day. Strawberries are packed with essential vitamins, dietary fiber, potassium, antioxidants and are a great option to change things up with a favorite fruit."

Myth Busting Strawberries

Part of making healthier decisions starts with debunking misconceptions. The survey indicates that respondents believe other fruit (apples, oranges, bananas and grapes) are better sources of nutrients like vitamin C and fiber and more beneficial overall for weight management and prevention of some chronic diseases. 

• Belief: Strawberries have more sugar than other fruits. Only, 18 percent of respondents believed strawberries to be the lowest sugar fruit when compared to apples, oranges, bananas and grapes.
• Fact: Strawberries have the lowest amount of sugar (7 grams) per one-cup serving compared to these other popular fruits.

With only 45 calories per serving, they are an excellent choice for diabetes-friendly meal plans. In fact, the American Diabetes Association identifies berries, including strawberries, as one of the top ten superfoods for a diabetes meal plan because they are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber.1

• Belief: Oranges have more vitamin C per serving than strawberries. Eighty-six percent of respondents thought oranges had the most Vitamin C per serving.
• Fact: A one-cup serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect the body from oxidative stress.

For Your Kids

The survey also revealed that we aren't just neglecting this favorite superfruit for ourselves. The majority of respondents indicated they are most likely to pack fruit other than strawberries in school lunches – only nine percent indicated strawberries as their preferred lunchbox option. The vitamin C, folate, fiber, potassium and associated benefits make strawberries a great choice for keeping kids healthy. Get tips for simple lunchbox recipes here.

For Everyday

So why don't people eat strawberries more often? The survey indicates that most people maintain the belief that strawberries are a dessert-only treat. When respondents were asked when they are most likely to eat strawberries, the majority (37 percent) said "as a dessert," whereas only 14 percent said "as part of a meal." As few as three percent said that they're most likely to grab strawberries while on the move versus other fruits.

Registered dietitian Mitzi Dulan notes, "We're saving strawberries for dessert, but we're not taking advantage of the year-round availability of California strawberries and all the great health benefits they offer during the rest of the day. Strawberries are incredibly versatile and can be cooked, frozen, and blended for use in all kinds of dishes from breakfast through dinner."

Here are some helpful hints for ways to add a serving of California strawberries to your diet:

A strawberry can act like a tomato.Consider a Caprese salad made with fresh mozzarella and strawberries. Transform a grilled cheese-and-tomato sandwich into a panino with strawberries and a savory cheese like Provolone.

Strawberries are salad friendly.Add sliced strawberries to your favorite leafy greens. To create fresh twists on classic dressings, use puréed strawberries to stand in for some or all of the vinegar. They'll add tangy sweetness, body and aromatic appeal.

Strawberries pair perfectly with proteins.Top grilled chicken or fish with a fresh fruit salsa.

Frozen strawberries can be super ice cubes.Add frozen strawberries, instead of ice, directly to blender drinks.