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Food Recipes
Top 5 hot food trends for 2013
(BPT) - Grab your fork and knife. Amateur and professional foodies alike highly anticipate the newest food trends, and 2013 will not disappoint. Throughout the country, restaurants and home cooks are utilizing their creativity to make food that satisfies the palate and leaves a lasting impression. Indulge your passion ...
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Simple steps to effortless entertaining
(BPT) - Whether you’re a hosting aficionado or a novice entertainer, planning a party at home can carry a certain level of stress. Sometimes, despite all the cleaning, cooking and decorating we do to prepare, it’s the easily overlooked little things that can cause the biggest unwelcome surprises. The No. 1 disaster exp...
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Six tips to keep your new year's resolution to lose weight
(BPT) - It’s probably the most commonly made new year’s resolution: lose weight and get into shape. In early January, the gyms are full, the sports stores run out of equipment, and the streets are teeming with new joggers. Many of us promise ourselves to lose weight to start the new year, and usually, within a month or ...
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Eating a nutritious breakfast is as easy as 1-2-3
(BPT) - Despite good intentions to prepare a nutritious breakfast, it’s often tempting to grab something on the run, only to fall flat when it comes to nutrition and energy. Yet making a nutritious breakfast is as easy as 1-2-3, according to Chef Devin Alexander, a health and wellness expert and best-selling author. “W...
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Dining out drives U.S. job growth
(BPT) - Did you know that when you and your family dine out, you are helping your community’s economy and the economy at large? That’s because restaurants employ millions of Americans nationwide. Overall, unemployment remains high as the nation slowly makes its way out of recession. One bright spot in the jobs picture ...
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Seventies style is stayin' alive: tips to keep up with the trend
(BPT) - From home decor to fashion and food, the styles and trends of the 1970s have slowly been creeping back into the mainstream, and this year they’re out in full force. Don’t be alarmed when you see the vibrant colors, bold patterns and relaxed entertaining of the decade taking over in today’s world. There are many ...
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The busy person's guide for entertaining on short notice
(BPT) - Ideally, you’ll have a few days notice to get everything in order when you’re hosting guests. But everyone knows that’s not always the case. Drop-ins happen and you can make a choice between panicking or embracing the spontaneity of a last-minute get-together with your friends and family. The key to being an unf...
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How to use cinnamon sticks [Infographic]
Ever wonder what to do with a cinnamon stick? You know how to use and experiment with cinnamon in powdered form - just sprinkle it into whatever needs that warm, spicy flavor we all love. Cinnamon sticks are a different story. Technically, cinnamon sticks are pieces of hardened tree bark. In fact, they’re difficult to grate or grind unless you have something really tough, like a nutmeg grinder. But within each cinnamon stick you’ll find the freshest, most intense cinnamon flavor and aroma y...
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'Tis the sweetest season [Infographic]
The holidays wouldn’t be complete without candy. From gifting to stocking stuffers to baking and decor – candy is a key component to celebrating the holiday season. The Hershey Company recently distributed a survey to determine just how large of a role candy plays in holiday festivities. Some quick facts: Candy is the No. 1 stocking stuffer item during the holiday season – nearly 70 percent of people will receive candy in their stocking this year. Consumers love candy dressed at its holiday...
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Turkey is tops for easy, everyday meals
(BPT) - At this busy time of year, it’s often difficult to get a meal on the table, especially if you’re multitasking between other priorities around the home. Consider including turkey burgers in your dinner menus - it’s a great way to add protein and create a delicious and convenient meal without having to be tied to ...
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Mrs. Claus shares tips for fun holiday activities
(BPT) - If you think you’re busy this time of year, imagine how busy the first lady of holiday cheer can be. Not only does she help the big guy get ready for Christmas, but she makes sure everyone in the North Pole has a memorable holiday season. From hosting parties to keeping the elves happy and healthy, this joyful t...
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Saving money during the holiday season can be easier than you think
(BPT) - If you are like most Americans, you will likely spend an average of $764 on gifts alone this holiday season, according to a Gallup survey. When totaling up the cost of gifts with extra trips to the grocery store, dinners out to toast the season and travel costs to visit loved ones, you’re looking at quite a holi...
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By Andy Sullivan and Kim Dixon WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The outgoing head of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service angered Republican lawmakers on Friday by resisting their demands that he identify who at the tax-collection agency had inappropriately targeted conservative groups for extra scrutiny. But during the first hearing into a growing IRS scandal that could preoccupy Washington for months, Republicans did learn that a top official in President Barack Obama's administration knew that the IRS was looking into targeting by the tax agency nearly a year ago. ...
By Joanne von Alroth SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois Senate on Friday voted to approve the use of marijuana for medical purposes, which if signed into law would make it the second-most-populous state in the nation after California to allow the drug's use for medical purposes. The bill, approved by the Illinois House in April, now moves to Governor Pat Quinn's desk to await his signature. Quinn has indicated he is sympathetic to the bill, especially as it would benefit injured veterans. "We fully expect Gov. ...
By Michelle McLoughlin FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (Reuters) - A commuter train traveling eastbound from New York City derailed near the Connecticut suburb of Fairfield during the evening rush hour on Friday and collided with a westbound commuter train, injuring up to 60 people, three critically, officials said. The collision of the two Metro North trains forced Amtrak to shut down service indefinitely between New York and Boston, the national railroad said. Three people were critically injured and 60 people were transported to area hospitals, police said. ...