Seafood Adds Spring Flavor to Every Meal

Spring is finally here and it is a great time to celebrate warmer weather and sunnier days by hosting get-togethers with friends and family. And if you're looking to impress with a dish ripe for spring, surimi is a flavorful ingredient to add to salads, sandwiches, pastas, dips and more.

Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch, celebrating Easter or heading outside for a picnic, Louis Kemp Crab Delights are a delicious and economical way to add spring flavor and the nutritional benefits of seafood to any dish. The surimi seafood is a good source of protein, low in calories and cholesterol and a guilt-free way to wow your guests.

Made from premium wild Alaskan Pollock and real snow crab, surimi seafood is fully cooked and can be served hot or cold, on-the-go and straight from the package to add extra protein and delicious crab flavor to any meal or snack. An alternative to crab meat and other shellfish, Crab Delights can liven up your spring entertaining with recipes such as Surimi Quiche and Seafood and Cherry Tomato Pasta.

Find more delicious, spring-inspired seafood recipes at louiskemp.com.

Surimi Quiche
Prep time: 30 minutes
2	deep dish pie crusts (9 inches)
1	package (8 ounces) Louis Kemp Crab Delights, flake or chunk style
1/2	pound frozen spinach, defrosted and drained (4 ounces drained)
1/8	cup fresh dill, chopped
2	cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated
6	large eggs
1 1/2	cups half-and-half
1/2	teaspoon black pepper

Place oven rack in bottom third of oven and heat to 425 F.

Line pie crust with aluminum foil or parchment paper and fill with pastry weights. Bake until pastry is golden at edges, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and remove aluminum foil and pastry weights. Return pastry to oven and bake until bottom is golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Move oven rack to middle and lower temperature to 350 F.

Add surimi seafood, spinach, dill and cheese to prebaked pie shells. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half and pepper. Pour mixture over ingredients in pie shells. Bake until filling puffs and is no longer wobbly in center when quiche is gently shaken, 40-50 minutes. Cool in pie plate for at least 15 minutes. Divide each quiche into 6 wedges and serve.

Seafood and Cherry Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 25 minutes
1	pound cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3	cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4	cup lemon juice
11/2	tablespoons lemon zest
1	small garlic clove, minced
	large pinch of red pepper flakes
12	ounces rotini or other pasta, cooked and drained
1	package (8 ounces) Louis Kemp Crab Delights, flake or chunk style
1/2	cup fresh basil leaves, torn
	crumbled feta cheese (optional)
	salt
	pepper

In large serving bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic and red pepper flakes. Add pasta, surimi seafood, basil and feta to mixture. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature.

More Consumers Positive On Housing, But Not Quite Ready to Leave the Sidelines

Results from Fannie Mae's April 2015 National Housing Survey™ show some improvement in housing sentiment, but likely not enough to trigger any breakout improvements in housing market activity this year. Among those surveyed, the share saying they would prefer to buy a home if they were to move increased to 63 percent in April, following a drop of six percentage points in February and March. In addition, average home price growth expectations continued their steady climb from late last year, with respondents now saying home prices will increase by 2.8 percent during the next 12 months. However, the share who believe this is a good time to buy a home decreased by four percentage points as consumer concerns regarding high home prices surged for a second consecutive month, matching renewed concerns regarding the state of the economy. These data points as a whole mirror Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index (expected to be released this summer), which has remained largely flat since last fall, further suggesting that housing growth may remain subdued in 2015.

"The spring and summer home buying season has gotten off to a stronger start, reflected in some of the improvement in consumer housing sentiment," said Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. "The share of consumers who intend to own rather than rent their next home rebounded after a two-month slide. Meanwhile, home price growth expectations strengthened to the strongest pace since last October. Nevertheless, consumers continue to express concerns about the recent weakening economic conditions and high home prices. These combine to depress the share of consumers believing it is a good time to buy a home. When we consider both the continued caution of consumers and the positive start to the year, we believe that these results support our expectation that 2015 will be a year of modest growth in housing activity."

SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS

Homeownership and Renting

• The average 12-month home price change expectation rose to 2.8 percent.
• The share of respondents who say home prices will go up in the next 12 months fell to 46 percent. The share who say home prices will go down fell to 7 percent.
• The share of respondents who say mortgage rates will go up in the next 12 months stayed constant at 52 percent.
• Those who say it is a good time to buy a house fell to 63 percent, while those who say it is a good time to sell remained at 46 percent – tying last month's survey high.
• The average 12-month rental price change expectation rose to 4.1 percent.
• The percentage of respondents who expect home rental prices to go up rose to 54 percent.
• Those who think it would be easy to get a home mortgage increased by 2 percentage points to 52 percent, while those who think it would be difficult remained at 46 percent.
• The share who say they would buy if they were going to move rose 3 percentage points to 63 percent, while the share who would rent fell to 32 percent.

The Economy and Household Finances

• The share of respondents who say the economy is on the right track decreased by 1 percentage point to 42 percent, while those who say the economy is on the wrong track rose by 1 percentage point to 49 percent.
• The percentage of respondents who expect their personal financial situation to get worse over the next 12 months fell to 10 percent – matching the survey low.
• The share of respondents who say their household income is significantly higher than it was 12 months ago rose 2 percentage points to 24 percent.
• A new survey low, 29 percent of respondents say their household expenses are significantly higher than they were 12 months ago. A survey high, 60 percent say their expenses are the same.

The most detailed consumer attitudinal survey of its kind, Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey™ polled 1,000 Americans via live telephone interview to assess their attitudes toward owning and renting a home, home and rental price changes, homeownership distress, the economy, household finances, and overall consumer confidence. Homeowners and renters are asked more than 100 questions used to track attitudinal shifts (findings are compared to the same survey conducted monthly beginning June 2010). To reflect the growing share of households with a cell phone but no landline, the National Housing Survey has increased its cell phone dialing rate to 60 percent as of October 2014. For more information, please see the Technical Notes. Fannie Mae conducts this survey and shares monthly and quarterly results so that we may help industry partners and market participants target our collective efforts to stabilize the housing market in the near-term, and provide support in the future.

Live The Magic of Spring - Plant a Lollipop Garden with Your Child

Spring is a magical time. The world is being reborn, the snow is melting away, the Earth is beginning to warm. There is a natural tendency to want to throw open the windows and head outside for your own rebirth.

What better time to establish or build upon a family tradition! Traditions are the habits – large and small – that bring family members together, teach meaningful lessons and build a bond that will last a lifetime – or longer. Outdoor activities are often popular springtime traditions because it's an opportunity to shake off the "cabin fever" of being cooped up indoors through the winter. Spring cleaning, opening day, outdoor exercise and gardening bring families out of their homes, and can be the impetus for the start of new traditions.

A popular new trend is the "planting" of a Dum Dums® Lollipop Garden, often taking place in conjunction with egg hunts and other Easter-related activities. Children plant jellybeans under the watchful supervision of their parents, and in the morning, voila! A Dum Dums Lollipop Garden has grown up in that space. In addition to building a grand new tradition, parents have the opportunity to teach their children the joys of gardening.

"What begins as a fun activity becomes a special moment between parents and their children," said Evan Brock, director of marketing at Spangler Candy Company, the makers of Dum Dums Lollipops. "Planting a Dum Dums Garden is a magical experience, and will be the kind of tradition that will last for generations. In addition, the magic of a Dum Dums Garden can be translated to an appreciation of gardening as a whole. It can be an opportunity for learning about plants and the environment, and the start of a lifelong tradition of gardening."

Kids typically view the garden as a magical place where you can get dirty and watch things grow. Sharing that experience with their parents and other family members can enhance the emotional connection they have – to the tradition as well as to the garden. "The earliest exposure to the garden – whether it's in helping parents to garden or in planting their first Dum Dums Garden – can help them develop a love for helping things to grow," said Brock. "This improves exponentially when kids participate in other gardening activities as they grow up."

Spangler Candy Company is celebrating the Dum Dums Garden this spring, with a full range of opportunities to highlight the efforts of Dum Dums "gardeners." "We are showcasing many of the creative and unique Dum Dums Gardens we have seen through Pinterest and other real-time channels," said Brock. "In addition, we'll be offering tips and guidance to parents, crafters and teachers who want to create their own gardens." Photos, videos, directions for building a unique Dum Dums Garden and all types of gardening tips will be available online; visit http://www.dumdumpops.com/media for more information.

"We want to share the experience of family Dum Dums Gardens," he said. "It's a magical way to welcome spring, an opportunity to build a family tradition, and a way to build a lifelong appreciation of the beauty of gardening."

Entertaining's a Breeze with Spring Holiday Recipes

CALISTOGA, Calif. -- As spring arrives across the country, winter-weary wine lovers turn their thoughts and menus to fresh, seasonal flavors and celebrating spring holidays. Olema Wines are here to help you set the table with recipes and pairings that are great for Easter, Mother's Day or simply embracing the welcome change in the air.

Olema Wines co-owner Celia Shepard invited California Chef John Adamson to create recipes that would make hosting a spring gathering  a breeze—and be a perfect match for Olema's bright, food-friendly wines. Olema Wines was founded by the owners of Amici Cellars in Napa Valley, who were looking to highlight the excellence of Sonoma County's vineyards with wines that offer both serious winemaking and serious value. 

Lovely for Easter or a celebratory spring dinner is Roasted Spring Leg of Lamb with Farro Tabbouleh. The bright red fruit flavors in Olema Pinot Noir nicely balance the lamb's earthy notes and the deep roasted flavors of the farro tabbouleh in this elegant spring pairing. "Lamb is an Easter favorite and I love this dish," says Celia.  "It's great for entertaining because the lamb is so simple, you just marinate it overnight and roast it in the oven for an hour." And because the tabbouleh is served at room temperature, it can be made ahead—so instead of last-minute prepping in the kitchen, you can enjoy spending time with your guests.

Inspired by Mother's Day or a leisurely spring brunch, Chef Adamson created Poached Chicken Salad with Apples, Brie, Pistachios and Spring Greens.  Olema Chardonnay's honeysuckle and creamy lemon custard flavors make it the perfect partner.  "This sophisticated take on chicken salad is great for entertaining family and friends for lunch or brunch on a sunny weekend day," says Celia. "I love the tangy apple and lemon zest notes balanced by the brie's creaminess, and the textural crunch from the pistachios and crostini. And best of all, it can be made ahead so there's plenty of time to hang out with your guests and enjoy the day."

Download both recipes and learn more about Olema Wines here.  Happy Spring!

April is National Car Care Month: Turn to Spring Car Care After Rough Winter

BETHESDA, Md. -- Many vehicles were neglected during the recent brutal winter months, and could use a little extra care by now. The Car Care Council recommends setting aside a little time during National Car Care Month in April to get your vehicle ready for the spring and summer driving season.

"Your car has gotten you through one of the worst winters in recent memory, working overtime in harsh conditions, but the extreme cold, potholes and road salt have taken a toll," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Since most Americans rely on their vehicles nearly every day to get to work, school and everywhere in between, taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run."

The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists follow three simple steps during National Car Care Month in April.

• Keep your vehicle clean. Regular car washes and waxes protect the paint and body of your car from corrosive debris. In parts of the country where salt is used on the roads, regularly washing is especially important.
• Keep your car on schedule. Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Whether you choose to do your own maintenance or patronize a local repair shop, following a routine service schedule is essential to keeping your car in safe and dependable working order.
• Keep an eye on the little things. Your windshield wipers aren't cleaning as well as they should? Your gas tank is missing its cap? There's a warning light on your dashboard?  When you see your car needs attention, don't delay. Repairing small things now can help avoid more costly problems down the road, and add years of useful vehicle life.

The Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be car care aware, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Ten Common Myths About Lawn Care Dispelled

HERNDON, Va. -- April is National Lawn Care Month, and the time of year when homeowners turn to the care and upkeep of their lawns with the goal of seeing their yard and landscape flourish. It's also the time of year when landscape professionals must address some common misconceptions about when and how to tend to the lawn for maximum success.

"Our job as landscape professionals is to help advise and emphasize ways to save time and money on lawn care and, oftentimes, that means we need to dispel some fairly persistent myths," said Glenn Jacobsen, Landscape Industry Certified, president of PLANET. 

PLANET, the national landscape industry association, asked its professional landscape members to name the 10 most common lawn care myths:

1. Myth: The best time to replace the lawn is in the spring, as plants get ready to bloom.  Reality: Sowing seed in the spring sets one up for potential problems, as heat sets in during the summer months and weeds compete for space. The best time to sow seed is in the fall when the temperatures are more consistent and highly competitive weeds, like crabgrass, have gone dormant.
2. Myth: Water new plants every day to prevent them from drying out.Reality: Overwatering kills as many plants as lack of water. It is better to make sure you are wetting the entire root system of your new plant and then allow the soil to dry to the point that it is only moist. 
3. Myth: To have a healthy lawn, dethatch in the spring.Reality: Thatch is a layer of living and dead plant material, including the crown, roots and stems of the turfgrass plant. The brown on the surface at the beginning of the spring will slowly recede into the background all by itself as new leaves emerge. While dethatching is a common and sometimes necessary practice, it should be done only when thatch is excessive.  
4. Myth: It's a good idea to remove clippings after mowing.Reality: There is a misconception that grass clippings contribute significantly to thatch. Grass clippings are mostly water and decompose rapidly, returning significant amounts of fertilizer to the lawn. Research shows that up to one-third of applied fertilizer can be recycled by simply returning clippings.
5. Myth: Golf courses cut their grass short, so it's a good idea to do the same.Reality: Golf courses use incredibly sophisticated and expensive mowers to achieve a short height of cut. Check the appropriate mowing height for your species of grass, but in general, never cut more than one-third of the grass leaf at a time.
6. Myth: Lawns are not "organic."Reality: Sometimes, lawns are thought of as areas that don't provide environmental benefits. However, they are actually highly complex and dynamic organic systems that not only contain turfgrasses, but also earthworms, fungi, soil microbes and other life forms that coexist and make possible the lawns we all enjoy for recreation, sports and aesthetics.
7. Myth: The best time to fertilize your lawn is in early spring.Reality: Different varieties of grass like nutrients at different times of the year. You need to use the right fertilizer source, at theright rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, are usually given nutrients in fall and early spring when it is cooler. Warm-season grasses, like Bermuda grass, usually like nutrients in late spring and early fall when it is warmer.
8. Myth: The products lawn care companies use are dangerous and more powerful than what a homeowner can use.Reality: Most of the products professionals use can be purchased at the garden center, but the difference is that professionals are regulated and, by law, have to use the proper amounts, apply them correctly and dispose of them properly.  
9. Myth: While digging in my lawn, I saw a grub worm. I should apply a grub control application every year.  Reality: Most of the time, grubs don't attack fescue lawns because of their deeper root zone. Grubs in small numbers are not harmful to a lawn; in fact, they are beneficial, as they aerate the soil. It's having too many that can be harmful. Call a professionalto evaluate your lawn.
10. Myth: Watering the lawn with the garden hose saves more money than installing an irrigation system.Reality: Consider installing an irrigation system that uses smart controllers which have sensors that only allow for watering when conditions require it. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of approximately 15–20 percent on water bills. Convert irrigation spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles which spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace which makes them more targeted and effective.

For more tips on taking care of your lawn or to hire a landscape professional, visit www.loveyourlandscape.com

Forecast for Easter: Eclectic Eggs and DIY Design

HGTV Design Couple Share Top Household Trends for Easter

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- Known for their daring design pairings of high-end modern and flea market finds, HGTV design couple and parents of seven, Robert and Cortney Novogratz, are sharing big and bold trends that will define Easter this year from the latest egg decorating ideas to brightest spring decor.

DIY Egg Decorating"This year, we predict more people are going to be rolling up their sleeves and moving beyond the egg dyeing kit to more eclectic DIY egg designs," says Robert. "We're living in an age where people are constantly looking online to Pinterest and Instagram for new inspiration. It's time to flip the switch, so toss those boring plastic eggs and come up with a unique egg decorating style that suits your Easter taste."

Designer hard-boiled eggs are easy to make, great for displaying and tasty to eat, making them a staple for Easter celebrations. Pick up an extra dozen eggs for hard-boiling and then give these new ideas from the Novogratz a try:  

• Family Portraits: Tape tissue paper onto regular printer paper and print individual family photos or portraits onto it. Cut the photos out and apply them to the outside of eggs using decoupage glue (Modge Podge) or craft glue. Put them in individual egg holders on plates for instant place cards!
  
• That's A Wrap: Thinly coat a piece of bubble packaging with acrylic paint, then roll the egg over the paint. Let the paint dry then repeat with another color, if desired.
  
• Egg Scramble: Create your own egg word scramble by placing number or letter stickers on eggs before dipping then into egg dye. Remove eggs from dye once desired color is achieved, gently removing the stickers from the outside of the egg.

Bring the Outside, In"It has been a long winter, and for a lot of us, it seems like there's no end in sight," says Cortney. "By Easter, we anticipate folks will be ready to bring spring inside their homes by using bright colors, fresh flowers and other well-known symbols of the season like nests and eggs." 

Stay on-trend by using your decorated eggs as inspiration. Blow out some of your egg designs, grab a bare tree branch from outside, place it in a vase and hang your eggs from them. You can also give your table or mantle the pop of color it needs by using your egg designs for virtually no cost. Place them around a quiche plate, use them as individual place cards or layer them in a vase or bowl for added color in the middle of your brunch table.

Make Your Designs Work Harder For You"These days, people want variety, without the expense," says Robert. "Make sure you're getting the most out of your eggs. Don't toss those beautiful eggs you've decorated. If you're not using them as decor, peel your hard-boiled eggs and use them as a blank canvas to create recipes."

Try decorating eggs with pretzels, carrots and cucumbers to make egg dippers, or even kick up a classic egg salad by adding sriracha or curry powder. For more Easter tips, tricks and recipes from the Novogratz, visit us at IncredibleEgg.org and check us out onFacebook page, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

About the American Egg Board (AEB)AEB connects America's egg farmers with consumers, communicates the value of the incredible edible egg™ and receives funding from a national legislative checkoff on all egg production from companies with more than 75,000 hens in the continental United States. The board consists of 18 members and 18 alternates from all regions of the country who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The AEB staff carries out the programs under the board's direction. AEB is located in Park Ridge, Ill. Visit www.IncredibleEgg.org for more information.

Make Lawn Mower Engine Tune-ups a Rite of Spring

MILWAUKEE,- The engine experts at Briggs & Stratton (NYSE: BGG) are making it easier than ever to get your lawn mower ready for spring. From a tune-up kit to an oil evacuation kit to free oil recycling, an engine tune-up for your push lawn mower engine takes only 30 minutes or less. Riding mower engines may require an oil filter or fuel filter, which could add five to 10 minutes to the job.

While many homeowners perform annual tune-ups on their lawn mower engines, there are still many across the country that don't perform this important basic small engine maintenance, putting their equipment at risk.

"Homeowners simply want their lawn mower to start when they need it for that first cut of spring and a simple tune-up can make the difference between a hassle-free start and frustrating trips for service," said Synoilva Shaw, with the Briggs & Stratton marketing department. "While the source of most starting problems is old gasoline, which goes stale in about 30 days, a tune-up can help extend the life of the mower engine and keep it running at peak performance."

Lawn Mower Tune-Up in 4 Easy Steps

Briggs & Stratton research shows that tuning up a push mower engine can reduce engine emissions by as much as 30 percent and involves just four easy steps:

1. Changing the mower oil
2. Replacing the air filter
3. Replacing the spark plug
4. Adding fuel preservative to the gasoline

Step-by-step video instructions are available online at http://www.briggsandstratton.com/us/en/support/videos.

Small Engine Tune-up Kit

A basic push mower engine tune-up kit costs under $12.99 and includes an air filter, spark plug, bottle of oil and a pouch of fuel treatment and stabilizer. A lawn tractor tune-up kit includes the same as a push mower kit with the addition of a fuel and/or oil filter and costs under $39.99. Briggs & Stratton tune-up kits are available for purchase online or at authorized Briggs & Stratton dealers and home improvement stores. 

Oil Evacuation Kits for Lawn Mowers

Two options are available for oil evacuation kits – one that removes oil only and another that removes both oil and fuel. These kits help eliminate the need for consumers to tip the mower to drain the oil during a tune-up, making it easier to change the oil and reducing the possibility of an oil spill in the garage or driveway. Oil evacuation kits costs between $23 and $31 and are available for purchase online at www.briggsandstratton.com or at authorized Briggs & Stratton dealers and home improvement stores. 

Disposing of Used Engine Oil

Participating Briggs & Stratton dealers nationwide make recycling oil easy and have recycled more than 200,000 gallons of used engine oil to date. Simply drop off your used oil in a closed container and let your dealer take care of the rest.

Look Before You Pump

Certain gasoline blends should never be used in lawn mower engines and other small gas engines. Fuel blends containing more than 10 percent ethanol, like E15 or E85 gasoline, or gasoline containing other alcohol blends can damage small gas engines. Repairs required because of the use of these unapproved gasoline blends are not covered under the Briggs & Stratton engine warranty. Look for the "Look Before You Pump" warning logo on new models or find more information from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute atwww.opei.org.

New Candle Fragrances for Spring 2013

Fragrance does so much to set the mood, especially candles. I change my home scents to match the season and my mood. Through the end of winter, I'll burn scents reminiscent of a snowy mountaintop - fir, evergreen and smokey wood scents. Come March, I'll be ready for something new and fresh.

When I'm ready to change for a new seasons, I look to Yankee Candle for the latest trends in home fragrence. This year, the company has announced 11 eleven new scents, five new Yankee Candle fragrances and six new fragrances in its contemporary Pure Radiance line for the spring. Inspired by memories of vacations in paradise, these candles deliver fresh beach scents and exotic fruits to create a tranquil experience.

NEW YANKEE CANDLE® SPRING FRAGRANCES

Golden Sands™ – Your private beach awaits, where time pauses in soft breezes of soothing sandalwood, luminous orange flower and warm tonka beans.

Turquoise Sky™ – Calm, salty air with hints of sea grass and musk, float gently on ocean waves…off on an adventure beneath a bright blue sky.

Black Coconut – Sunset in paradise… rich coconut, cedarwood and island blossoms promise an evening of luxurious tranquility.

Waikiki Melon™ – Aloha! Wake up to the sunny, sweet glow of exotic, juicy melons with a touch of sweet orange oil.

Paradise Spice™ – An exotic island treasure… perfectly ripe banana and creamy vanilla, unexpectedly spiced with prized cinnamon and cloves.

NEW SPRING PURE RADIANCE™ FRAGRANCES

Sugar Flower – An irresistibly rich and artful combination of powdered sugar, pink cream and vanilla.

Stargaze™ – Warm cedar, amber and musk create a fragrant glow against a clear night sky.

Seaglass™ – Treasure the calming notes of white tea and sandalwood misted with cool salt air.

Guava – A refreshing burst of sunny tropical guava with hints of citrus zest.

Mandarin – Sweet orange is spiced with a touch of cayenne for a uniquely stimulating experience.

Promise – Soft, dewy petals of white tuberose and gardenia offer a hopeful promise of things to come.