Checklists to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

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I’ve been making checklists since I heard that Hurricane Irene was going to hit New York City. Supplies lists, grocery shopping lists, emergency contact lists (because who can remember anyone’s phone number these days!), etc.

I usually don’t panic for storms and blizzards because working in the news business has conditioned me to handle tough situations.

It’s much different being in an apartment than in a house during a hurricane. This is my first experience in an apartment. Jay is working Saturday night — because the news business doesn’t stop in emergency situations. You can listen to his sports updates on 1010WINS if you happen to be listening to the radio. But once he’s home on Sunday we’ll have plenty of snacks, water, non-perishable foods, candles, batteries and wine — all thanks to my planning and list making. Read more

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Wine Collecting List

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I’ve said it before — I only drink water, tea and wine. I still haven’t thrown my wine tasting party but I plan on doing it in the fall when all the summer craziness dies down. Jay and I belong to a wine club, which helps us out when we want to try something new.

Speaking of wine — I’ve had Gary Vaynerchuck guest post before — he’s a wacky wine guru and social media ninja.  If you want to know anything about either of those topics — Gary is your man. I have to confess that Pinot Grigio is still my go-to wine. I know, I know — Gary is going to yell at me again. But what can I say — I’m a creature of habit!

I’ve never thought about collecting wine as a hobby simply because I drink it too quickly to collect it. But it sounds cool enough. Here’s Gary’s list for collecting vintage wines.

  • Wine collecting is one of the most profitable ways to invest. If you buy at the right time, there’s some serious return if you hold on to some of the most highly collectible wines out there.
  • If you’re keeping wine for the long term, it’s absolutely imperative to keep the wines in a cellar environment (55 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% humidity). When you’re reselling wine, the location where it was stored makes or breaks the value.
  • What makes a wine collectible? Pedigree of winery/vineyards, score, and vintage.
  • If you’re cellaring for yourself instead of pure investment, know what you like! It’s the most crucial point to enjoying wine, just like food. Don’t be ashamed if you like sweeter wines or only like whites. There are a ton of great and age worthy wines in other categories than reds.
  • It’s always a good idea to include ‘cellar defenders’, that is nice wines that can be drunk on the shorter term and will also save some of the most prized bottles in your collection if you have guests over. No need to open up that bottle of ’82 Lafite when you can have a drink now Bordeaux!

Gary Vaynerchuk is the New York Times bestselling author of “Thank You Economy” and “Crush It.” He’s also the founder of DailyGrape.com where he tastes several wines a day and tells you exactly what he thinks! He also recently launched a DailyGrape app.

List of Healthy No-Cook Lunches

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I take my lunch to work on most days for two reasons:

1. It’s cheaper

2. It’s healthier

Whether it’s leftovers from dinner or a sandwich or salad — sometimes I’m bored with whatever I’ve brought for lunch. So in an effort to spice up my options and be less stressed I reached out to nutritionist Patricia Bannan, author of “Eat Right When Time is Tight” for some inspiration.

21 Healthy and Delicious No-Cook Lunches

By

Patricia Bannan, MS, RD

No time to cook? Whether you’re brown bagging it, busy at home or dining out, try one of these healthy lunch ideas from my new book “Eat Right When Time is Tight: 150 Slim-Down Strategies and No-Cook Food Fixes.” Nutritious and delicious, they all have 400 calories or less and provide protein and fiber for sustained energy.

BROWN BAG IT

Here are seven lunch options to brown bag and carry with you:

• Tuna hummus dip. Mix together 1/2 cup of canned, drained water-packed albacore tuna with 2 tablespoons of hummus and a splash of lemon juice; eat with slices of celery or cucumber or a few baked pita chips.

• Italian bean salad. Toss 1 can of drained white beans with 1 teaspoon each of balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and add fresh herbs (e.g, parsley, basil and/or oregano) to taste. Read more

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

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Photo Courtesy: Marnely Rodriguez

Socializing with family and friends around the BBQ is an all-American pastime, and it will soon be time to get the grills out once again. If you’re lacking in the cooking department, have a look for the Best george foreman grill, as one of these babies could be a life saver with 4th of July around the corner. This 4th of July you should know what you’re doing around the grill. I’ll be in Miami soaking up the sun — but if you’re “manning” the grill — here’s some tips from grilling expert JoAnn Witherell of Allen Brothers Steaks.

Checklist for Perfect Grilling

by Joann Witherell

There’s No “Right” Grilling Equipment

Some love gas grills for their convenience, while others swear by the unique flavor charcoal provides. But you can grill a great steak on both types of grills – it all comes down to personal preference. Either way sear the meat on high with the lid off, then turning down the temperature and closing the lid to finish cooking. Cooking techniques like this are useful and you can learn different techniques by reading cooking books or watching videos on Youtube. Depending on what you are cooking on, will depend on what cooking techniques to use, you can check out this Grill Types Guide to see different grill types. Once you have chosen the right grill type for you, you can then read about cooking on your grill, and cook the perfect meal for you and your loved ones.

Start with a Clean Slate

Start your grill on high (or over very hot coals if you’re using charcoal) to burn off any residue from previous grilling sessions – you don’t want charred bits of last week’s burgers contaminating your dinner. This simple rule keeps your food clean and also prolongs the life of your grill. Read more

The Ultimate Magazine List

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I love reading magazines. It’s my guilty little pleasure and has become a borderline obsession. My husband makes fun of me because our coffee table is always overflowing with the last few months of my favorites. But I have to have them all and reference them to take notes. Eventually I give them to my mother-in-law because she also has this magazine addiction.

As a self-proclaimed magazine connoisseur – here is my list of favorites that you must try:

1. Health Magazine: It has the perfect mix of mind, body and soul – and recipes too! They have great contests and events for their readers. One of my favorite features is the “To-Don’t List,” which highlights tasks overwhelmed women don’t have the worry about. Perfect! I also like the “What the Yuck” column by Dr. Roshini Rajapaksa – I worked with her briefly when we were both at WPIX in New York City. Read more