10 Ways to Create Free Time Out of Thin Air

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Everyone I talk to complains about not having enough time for everything they want to do. What would you do with that time? Get more work done, write a blog, take a wine-tasting class, staring at the sky, sleep?

Whatever you decide to do with your new-found time…my guest blogger Dr. Shannon Reece says it’s possible! Dr. Reece trains women entrepreneurs to use their strengths to create successful businesses.

Creating Free Time Out of Thin Air

by Dr. Shannon Reece

Our lives are busy! You may be thinking that’s the understatement of the decade, as you try to read this post, while attending to three other things at the same time. But part of the reason our lives have become overwhelmingly full is because we have lost sight of the things that matter the most. Easy to do, amidst the noise and clutter you have to filter each day.

If you stop for a moment to think Read more

Save Money on Halloween Decorations

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Halloween is just days away and I still don’t know what I’m going to be! I have a party to go to but no idea about what costume I’ll wear. In the meantime — here’s some ideas on ways to save on Halloween decorations if you’re hosting a party. They come from Teri Gault of TheGroceryGame.com — she’s shared some tips on ways to save on your grocery bills in the past.

List of Ways to Save on Halloween Decorations

by Teri Gault

As CEO of www.TheGroceryGame.com, you don’t have to spend a lot of time using creativity to save money at Halloween. Fortunately it’s a time when almost anything goes. So make sure it’s not your money that goes out the window. Please, don’t pay full price for anything!

1. Make Dollar stores your first stop for decorations – Stop and take a look to see if there’s anything you like for decorations, then move on to more expensive stores for what they don’t have. But steer clear of paper plates and cups, as they can be flimsy and leak. Read more

List of Vegan Alternatives

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Courtesy: D Sharon Pruitt

One of the most popular guest blogs on ListProducer.com has been George Nickle’s “Checklist for Going Vegan.” He was kind enough to write it for Jay and I when we were thinking of “going vegan.” It’s been a tremendous hit and George has included some great information and even some recipes in the comments section when readers asked for more from him. Appreciate all his knowledge and willingness to share.

In light of the vegan post’s popularity — I’ve decided to feature another blog on this subject. This one is by a lovely chef from California. Chloe Coscarelli has a cookbook coming out and was the winner of Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.” I’m actually doing a segment with her where we will try to turn our meat-loving anchor into a vegan convert! She has been a vegan for much of her life and has given me this list of popular swap outs for non-vegan foods. Vegan food is as popular as it’s ever been, even some non-vegans choose to have a vegan day, perhaps a ‘meat-free Monday!’

Top 10 Vegan Alternatives

bu Chloe Coscarelli

I’m dispelling the myth that animal-free cooking is bland, visually unappetizing and full of sprouts! By using my favorite vegan ingredients; you’ll never miss the meat, eggs, butter, or cream.

1. Vinegar

Vinegar is a great egg replacement especially for cakes. When combined with baking soda, vinegar acts as a binding agent and creates a moist texture.

2. Cashews

Blending raw cashews with water is a perfect cream alternative for savory dishes like fettuccine alfredo. Read more

Must-Have Tools for Home Cooks

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Chicken Picatta is my signature dish. I got the recipe from Giada De Laurentiis and it’s my go-to dinner. I can whip it up in no time and it’s always delish. Good thing Jay likes it because he’ll be eating it for the rest of his life. haha! I’ve been trying to expand my menu and try new things in the kitchen though — but the tools you have are just as important as the foods you cook.

I reached out to Chef Lisa Schroeder from Mother’s Bistro in Portland, Oregon to get the 411 on what tools home cooks need to have to be successful. Here’s her list:

Home Cooks Essential Kitchenware

by Lisa Schroeder

With the right equipment cooking is easier and faster. Cook like a pro with these basic but essential items every home cook should have. Whether you are buying for yourself, or for a bride, you simply can’t go wrong with these classic items.

1. Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, preferably the “Professional” (they have all kinds of grades with varying levels of horsepower… this model is the heaviest duty)

2. Set of good knives like Global, Wusthof, Shun (Most important knives: an 8-10 inch chef’s knife, paring knife, and a bread knife. Read more

10 Most Common Decorating Mistakes

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I’ve said it before — I’m not good at home decorating yet. I just haven’t found my stride with it. So in the meantime my bedroom looks like a college dorm. We didn’t win the “Angie’s List Worst Bedroom Makeover” contest. But the good news is that I’m totally fine with not being the worst at anything! There will be other opportunities to transform my space — like this list right here. Expert designer Lauri Ward gave me a list of the most common decorating mistakes and how to fix them. Are you guilty of making these?

10 Most Common Decorating Mistakes

by Lauri Ward

Everyone makes the same errors when it comes to decorating, no matter the style of their furniture, the size of their home or their budget. An example of these errors is using questionable traders. When you are decorating your home you want it to look as beautiful as it possibly can. This makes using a reputable trader essential when deciding who to use. Read more