Ingredients
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Hot water
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.
Source:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/hot-cocoa-recipe/index.html
Accessed November 12, 2009 @ 10:41 a.m.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tax Credit Update
Click on the link below for the latest on the tax credit updates including both extension and expansion:
https://owa.newenglandmoves.com/exchange/Becky.Bonafilia/Inbox/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf.EML/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf/C58EA28C-18C0-4a97-9AF2-036E93DDAFB3/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf?attach=1
I am only a phone call away if you need any clarification on the tax credit.
https://owa.newenglandmoves.com/exchange/Becky.Bonafilia/Inbox/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf.EML/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf/C58EA28C-18C0-4a97-9AF2-036E93DDAFB3/TaxCreditExtensionNE%2011-09.pdf?attach=1
I am only a phone call away if you need any clarification on the tax credit.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Mortgage rates more attractive than ever
Mortgages under 5% are back in bloom
With one of the key measures below the benchmark for the second week in a row, would-be home buyers face the best rates since the spring.
feed://rss.cnn.com/rss/money_realestate.rss...
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The possibility of securing a mortgage rate below 5% has greatly improved in recent weeks, in a positive sign for would-be home buyers.
Home mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week, according to two key measures, with one of them pointing to a sub-5% rate for the 30-year fixed loan for the second week in a row.
Freddie Mac's (FRE, Fortune 500) weekly report said the 30-year rate slipped to 4.87% for the week ended Thursday, the lowest since May. According to the mortgage backer, last week's rates stood at 4.94%.
Mortgage tracker Bankrate.com said the average 30-year fixed loan slipped to 5.22% from 5.25% the previous week. The 15-year fixed rate also fell, Bankrate said, to 4.6% from 4.64% the week before.
The 30-year rate is influenced by the benchmark 10-year note's yield, which moves in the opposite direction of its price. Treasury prices have risen over the past week as $78 billion worth of auctions received above-average demand.
"Another disappointing employment report had investors questioning the strength and sustainability of the economic rebound," the Bankrate report said. "The resulting uncertainty drove investors into the safety of government and mortgage-backed bonds." ...
Rates are returning to levels not seen since the spring when, in an effort to cap mortgage rates, the Federal Reserve began a campaign to buy back $300 billion in Treasurys...
Mortgage rates fell as refinancings abounded. But those benefits seemed to wear off, as rates started on a tear in the summer. By June, the benchmark 10-year bond's yield had increased steadily to hover around 4%....
On Wednesday, reports said Democratic congressional leaders were working to extend a $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers past the Nov. 30 expiration date and could even make it available to current homeowners who buy a new house.
Homeowners have received a boost from both the tax credit and the lower rates -- last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.2%, according to Bankrate.
To translate the difference in mortgage rate into dollars, consider a $200,000 loan. At last year's rate of 6.2%, the monthly payment would be $1,224.94, or $124 higher than the monthly payment at the current rate...
First Published: October 8, 2009: 12:32 PM ET
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htm?postversion=2009100813 accessed Oct. 18, 2009 9:25 a.m.
With one of the key measures below the benchmark for the second week in a row, would-be home buyers face the best rates since the spring.
feed://rss.cnn.com/rss/money_realestate.rss...
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The possibility of securing a mortgage rate below 5% has greatly improved in recent weeks, in a positive sign for would-be home buyers.
Home mortgage rates fell for the sixth straight week, according to two key measures, with one of them pointing to a sub-5% rate for the 30-year fixed loan for the second week in a row.
Freddie Mac's (FRE, Fortune 500) weekly report said the 30-year rate slipped to 4.87% for the week ended Thursday, the lowest since May. According to the mortgage backer, last week's rates stood at 4.94%.
Mortgage tracker Bankrate.com said the average 30-year fixed loan slipped to 5.22% from 5.25% the previous week. The 15-year fixed rate also fell, Bankrate said, to 4.6% from 4.64% the week before.
The 30-year rate is influenced by the benchmark 10-year note's yield, which moves in the opposite direction of its price. Treasury prices have risen over the past week as $78 billion worth of auctions received above-average demand.
"Another disappointing employment report had investors questioning the strength and sustainability of the economic rebound," the Bankrate report said. "The resulting uncertainty drove investors into the safety of government and mortgage-backed bonds." ...
Rates are returning to levels not seen since the spring when, in an effort to cap mortgage rates, the Federal Reserve began a campaign to buy back $300 billion in Treasurys...
Mortgage rates fell as refinancings abounded. But those benefits seemed to wear off, as rates started on a tear in the summer. By June, the benchmark 10-year bond's yield had increased steadily to hover around 4%....
On Wednesday, reports said Democratic congressional leaders were working to extend a $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers past the Nov. 30 expiration date and could even make it available to current homeowners who buy a new house.
Homeowners have received a boost from both the tax credit and the lower rates -- last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.2%, according to Bankrate.
To translate the difference in mortgage rate into dollars, consider a $200,000 loan. At last year's rate of 6.2%, the monthly payment would be $1,224.94, or $124 higher than the monthly payment at the current rate...
First Published: October 8, 2009: 12:32 PM ET
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/08/real_estate/mortgage_rates/index.htm?postversion=2009100813 accessed Oct. 18, 2009 9:25 a.m.
Warm Apple Crisp anyone?
Becky's Suggestion: Added a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream to this one for a great fall treat!
Apple Crisp IV
SUBMITTED BY: rhonda
Original recipe yield 1 - 9x13 inch pan
SERVING...
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
2 quarts peeled, cored and sliced apples
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly.
Take half of the mixture and pat it into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cover crumb mixture with apple slices, then sprinkle apple slices with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender.
Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Crisp-IV/Detail.aspx accessed October 18, 2009 @ 9:08 a.m.
Apple Crisp IV
SUBMITTED BY: rhonda
Original recipe yield 1 - 9x13 inch pan
SERVING...
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
2 quarts peeled, cored and sliced apples
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Cut butter into mixture until crumbly.
Take half of the mixture and pat it into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cover crumb mixture with apple slices, then sprinkle apple slices with remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until apples are tender.
Source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Apple-Crisp-IV/Detail.aspx accessed October 18, 2009 @ 9:08 a.m.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Keep Swine Flu at Bay- some tips
Infection
Swine flu: Home care tips
During an infectious disease outbreak or pandemic, hospitals can quickly become overwhelmed with patients, many of whom could probably be cared for in their home...
Like other types of flu, swine influenza (or influenza A (H1N1)) spreads from person to person via droplets of fluid that become airborne when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus may also fall on surfaces - doorknobs, cupboard handles, keyboards - and live for a period of time (some viruses and bacteria can live more than 2 hours), possibly infecting others who touch them and then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes. That is why it is vital (to)... understand and follow hygiene and safety guidelines.
If someone in your home becomes ill, they will need to stay home for at least 7 days after onset of illness and after fever has gone down. Choose one person to be the primary caregiver to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.
As a caregiver, you will need to consider these home-care basics:
Get a doctor's advice. If someone shows flu symptoms, it's important for them to stay at home. But you will also need to ask a doctor a few home-care questions: Will this person need an antiviral medication? Will I and my other family members need to take any medication?... Are there medications that children can or cannot take?
Become a hygiene expert. The simple act of hand-washing significantly cuts the risk of viral transmission. All members of the household should wash their hands often using soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Use paper towels to dry hands, or else assign everyone their own towel. Within the home, too, you will need to be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting areas in which the sick person stays. Take caution when handling laundry, and tumble-dry clothing and linens in a hot dryer. Wash your hands immediately after.
Give a sick person their space. Keep the sick person in a room of their own... and keep the door closed. A separate bathroom would be best, too...
Be medication smart. Follow any instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. Read medication labels carefully...
Take care of yourself. When caring for a sick person, wear a properly-fitted, government-approved face mask or respirator. Avoid face-to-face contact with the person as much as possible. If caring for a small child, hold them as little as possible...
Use masks safely...Masks should be fitted to the nose and mouth without gapping. Do not reuse disposable facemasks. Launder and tumble-dry reusable masks. Whenever you remove a facemask or respirator, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Remind the sick person of hygienic habits... As a care-giver...give gentle reminders:
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash hands thoroughly in soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Throw used tissues away into a trash can lined with a disposable plastic bag.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear fluids to prevent dehydration...
Amy Toffelmire
Source: http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=5048&channel_id=1020&relation_id=22513 accessed September 19, 2009 9:46a.m.
Swine flu: Home care tips
During an infectious disease outbreak or pandemic, hospitals can quickly become overwhelmed with patients, many of whom could probably be cared for in their home...
Like other types of flu, swine influenza (or influenza A (H1N1)) spreads from person to person via droplets of fluid that become airborne when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus may also fall on surfaces - doorknobs, cupboard handles, keyboards - and live for a period of time (some viruses and bacteria can live more than 2 hours), possibly infecting others who touch them and then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes. That is why it is vital (to)... understand and follow hygiene and safety guidelines.
If someone in your home becomes ill, they will need to stay home for at least 7 days after onset of illness and after fever has gone down. Choose one person to be the primary caregiver to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.
As a caregiver, you will need to consider these home-care basics:
Get a doctor's advice. If someone shows flu symptoms, it's important for them to stay at home. But you will also need to ask a doctor a few home-care questions: Will this person need an antiviral medication? Will I and my other family members need to take any medication?... Are there medications that children can or cannot take?
Become a hygiene expert. The simple act of hand-washing significantly cuts the risk of viral transmission. All members of the household should wash their hands often using soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used. Use paper towels to dry hands, or else assign everyone their own towel. Within the home, too, you will need to be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting areas in which the sick person stays. Take caution when handling laundry, and tumble-dry clothing and linens in a hot dryer. Wash your hands immediately after.
Give a sick person their space. Keep the sick person in a room of their own... and keep the door closed. A separate bathroom would be best, too...
Be medication smart. Follow any instructions from your doctor or pharmacist. Read medication labels carefully...
Take care of yourself. When caring for a sick person, wear a properly-fitted, government-approved face mask or respirator. Avoid face-to-face contact with the person as much as possible. If caring for a small child, hold them as little as possible...
Use masks safely...Masks should be fitted to the nose and mouth without gapping. Do not reuse disposable facemasks. Launder and tumble-dry reusable masks. Whenever you remove a facemask or respirator, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Remind the sick person of hygienic habits... As a care-giver...give gentle reminders:
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Wash hands thoroughly in soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Throw used tissues away into a trash can lined with a disposable plastic bag.
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear fluids to prevent dehydration...
Amy Toffelmire
Source: http://health.lifestyle.yahoo.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=5048&channel_id=1020&relation_id=22513 accessed September 19, 2009 9:46a.m.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Central Air efficiency
Increase The Efficiency Of Your Air Conditioner
By Jackie Kent
If you have ever spent the summer in Wichita Falls, Texas, or just the month of August in Sacramento, you appreciate your central air conditioner. Summer in any part of the world can be brutal, save the poles, without some kind of cooling system. There are easy tricks you can employ that will increase the efficiency of your central air conditioning system, increase the cooling factor, decrease the temperature within your home and lower your power usage, which will in turn lower your electric bill. First and foremost, just using common sense will save you a ton of money. If the temperature cools off in the evening, turn your air conditioner off and open windows. Letting the cool air in will work to cool your home in two ways. Thermal mass such as furniture and the structure of your house itself holds heat in and will release it into the air. Cooling the large structures by utilizing the outdoor temperatures will decrease the time the air conditioner needs to run and when it is on... Before the temperature begins to rise and when the sun shines, closing the windows and covering them, will keep the cool temperatures comfortable longer. Using the air conditioner only when the temperatures begin to rise inside the home will save money. Utilizing ceiling fans in each room used in your home will make the air feel cooler and decrease the need for lower temperatures to be obtained by the air conditioner... Close the air conditioner vents in the rooms not used in your homes. If your dining room is rarely used, or you have spare bedrooms, close those vents... Make sure your home is well insulated; drafts are just as uneconomical in the summer as they are in the winter. Use insulated drapes, especially on southern facing windows. Keep them closed during the day. These simple tips will keep your home cooler and use less energy, equaling lower energy bills...
source: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/jk.air.htm accessed August 4, 2009 9:42p.m.
By Jackie Kent
If you have ever spent the summer in Wichita Falls, Texas, or just the month of August in Sacramento, you appreciate your central air conditioner. Summer in any part of the world can be brutal, save the poles, without some kind of cooling system. There are easy tricks you can employ that will increase the efficiency of your central air conditioning system, increase the cooling factor, decrease the temperature within your home and lower your power usage, which will in turn lower your electric bill. First and foremost, just using common sense will save you a ton of money. If the temperature cools off in the evening, turn your air conditioner off and open windows. Letting the cool air in will work to cool your home in two ways. Thermal mass such as furniture and the structure of your house itself holds heat in and will release it into the air. Cooling the large structures by utilizing the outdoor temperatures will decrease the time the air conditioner needs to run and when it is on... Before the temperature begins to rise and when the sun shines, closing the windows and covering them, will keep the cool temperatures comfortable longer. Using the air conditioner only when the temperatures begin to rise inside the home will save money. Utilizing ceiling fans in each room used in your home will make the air feel cooler and decrease the need for lower temperatures to be obtained by the air conditioner... Close the air conditioner vents in the rooms not used in your homes. If your dining room is rarely used, or you have spare bedrooms, close those vents... Make sure your home is well insulated; drafts are just as uneconomical in the summer as they are in the winter. Use insulated drapes, especially on southern facing windows. Keep them closed during the day. These simple tips will keep your home cooler and use less energy, equaling lower energy bills...
source: http://www.allthingsfrugal.com/jk.air.htm accessed August 4, 2009 9:42p.m.
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