Lazy Gourmet

November 29, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

While recently planning for upcoming classes and events primarily focused on Holiday Appetizers, it occurred to me how truly lazy I am. I have looked through hundreds of recipes and picked the brains of professionals and friends looking for what I was thinking were the best recipes, but suddenly realized, I was actually looking for the easiest! I think in my defense, though, that throughout the years, I’ve always been able to impress people with my easy food. In other words, it really doesn’t have to take all day and all kinds of ingredients to make finger foods taste good. In fact, I can’t think of too many fancy “canapés” etc. that I was ever that impressed w ith. If it looks too pretty, I can almost bet that I’m going to be disappointed in the taste. But, isn’t that what it’s all about? Taste is a good thing.One thing I’ve been making a lot of lately are stuffed mushrooms. I just brown a pound of Italian sausage, stir in 8 oz. of cream cheese until mixed well. Spoon that into the mushroom caps and bake for about 25 minutes at 375. Everyone loves them!

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RESIDENTS ALERTED TO NATIONWIDE SCAM

November 21, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

West Chester Township wants residents to be aware of a mail scam that may reference the popular Publisher’s Clearing House name or other legitimate sweepstakes company. This is a national scam being investigated by a number of agencies.
Residents may receive a letter from “Publisher’s Clearing House” or other company with a check that announces the recipient is a sweepstakes winner. The mailing includes a check which the letter indicates is to cover outstanding fees. The cashier’s check appears real and may even fool your bank. Read more

3 Simple Steps to Optimizing Health, Losing Weight and Increasing Energy Holistically

November 19, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

Being healthy has to be who you are, not what you do. When you have integrated health into your lifestyle, positive physical and mental benefits are a natural by-product of your commitment to long term personal care. In developing a lifestyle of health, it is essential to create a clear road map to guide your actions. Here are three simple concepts to help you get started on this journey:

  1. Power Breathing: Pinch one side of your nose shut, and then inhale through the open nostril. Complete the breath by exhaling through the mouth. Do four single nostril breathes per side. A study conducted by Richard Brown, MD and Patricia Gerbarg, MD revealed that yogic deep-breathing techniques were extremely effective in handling depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Not bad results for something that can so effortlessly be performed and incorporated into our lives.
  2. Break a Sweat: Power walk, jog, jump rope, etc…choose a physical activity that will stimulate your heart rate and make the sweat pour. Work a minimum of 10 minutes per day performing rigorous activity that will induce sweat; don’t start the clock until you have those simmering beads flowing. Sweating exfoliates the skin reducing acne, eliminates surface toxin and of course regulates body temperature allowing the system to maintain homeostasis. Build a clean eternal environment by staying fit and active.
  3. Water, Water, Water: Focus on consuming 80 to 96oz. of water per day. This breaks down to 5 or 6 sixteen ounce bottles of water. Good clean h20 is unquestionably the greatest natural diuretic helping to keep the digestive track clean and flush toxic residue left by foods that have passed through the intestines. Remember water retention is not caused by too much water; it is caused by too little…so if you are feeling bloated, drink up!
Zak Nordyke, CEO & Founder

Zak Home Fitness LLC

“We Make it Easy to Live Healthy”

Mobile: 513-623-8422

WINTER MARKET KEEPS THINGS FRESH AT THE SQUARE

November 17, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

The West Chester Farmers’ Market will continue during the winter months so you won’t have to “be without” organic meats and locally made products. The popular market will return to The Square @ Union Centre once each month during the winter season.

The market will resume this Saturday, Nov. 22 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at The Square on Centre Pointe Drive in West Chester. Parking is available off West Chester Road at The First Financial Clock Tower or on Centre Pointe Drive.

Other winter market dates are:

  • December 20th, 2 to 4:30 p.m.
    January 31st, 2 to 4 p.m.
    February 28th, 2 to 4 p.m.

Dates and times for March and April will be announced later.
Locally produced items also make great gifts during the holiday season. For specific information about participating vendors, visit http://www.blogger.com/www.westchestersfarmersmarket.com.

Cleaning a Flat-screen TV

November 17, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

(ARA) By now, your new flat-screen TV has probably gotten pretty dirty. But don’t be tempted to use the same methods you would to clean your tube TV. Flat-screen television sets require more specialized care. Here are a few “Dos” and “Don’ts” to keep in mind:

- Don’t reach for strong chemical cleaners like alcohol, ammonia-based cleaners or window cleaners. They can damage the screen’s special coating.
- Don’t spray a liquid cleaner on the screen, as it can leak into the TV casing and damage the circuitry.
- Never use paper towels or newspapers to wipe of the screen either. These are wood products and will scratch the screen.

What you should do instead is look for a solution that is specially labeled “safe for laptop screens” or “LCD and plasma screens.” Cleaners are available at thousands of retail locations nationwide. Once you have your cleaner on hand, disconnect the power to your TV, and use either lukewarm water or your screen care solution to clean your TV.

John Cordell Owner and Certified Inspector ASHI, NACHI, PAHI licensed in Ohio and Northern Kentucky 513-793-3552 Office 513-793-5981

Behind the Chair

November 13, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

I have been in the beauty industry since 1980 and have been a practicing hair stylist for 27 years. I love my job, but the best part is when I can totally change someone’s hair style and color taking years off their appearance. There is nothing more exhilarating for me as a designer than to send someone on their way that feels totally confident and fabulous..

I have seen many changes over the last 27 years. Classic styles, fad styles. Perm, straight, big curls, tight curls, reds, blondes, brunettes, pinks and purple. With that said the one thing in the beauty Iindustry that remains the same throughout time is “woman, as they age, want to remain attractive”..

As we age our skin, hair and nails change. It seems we loose the shine and the thickness to our hair and skin and it gives us a aged dullness. Although we cannot change everything back to the way it once was, we can obtain a youthful appearance as we age. My hopes in future blogs are that I can address issues that trouble us as we move through our lives. I hope to give you information about How to obtain shine, why we loose hair density, Hair colors that flatter our skin and much more. Please feel free to ask questions and I will do my best to answer them for you.

My tip for today:

When spraying hairspray on your hair try to keep a distance of 12″ from your head.

This allows the spray to fall gently on the hair. Spraying the hair too close or overlapping to many layers of spray causes the hair to look and feel dull and causes hairspray buildup.

Until next time, you will find me Behind the Chair.

Elaine Osborne

Beaux Monde Salon

7132 Cincinnati-Dayton RoadSuite 500

West Chester, Ohio 45069

513-755-2555

What to do this weekend: Nov 15 2008

November 11, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

The Ultimate in Chic Shopping

Sat November 15, 2008
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Savannah Center at Chappell Crossing

5533 Chappell Crossing Blv
West Chester, OH 45069

local celebrity fashion show begins at 2:00 p.m.

One day upscale shopping experience featuring a variety fo artists, designers and specialty boutique owners from al over, offering their wares in one location!

For more information visit: http://www.DesignsByPaolo.com/

At the same time in the same location …

The Gentlemen’s Lounge

Welcome to Our “Man Cave”

The Ultimate Shopping Alternative

Saturday, November 15th

10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

www.DesignsByPaolo.com/events

TOUR AND PRESENTATION OF MILL CREEK restoration site – The Mill Creek Restoration Council and OKI partnered with West Chester to create a stream-side wetland project that benefits water quality, habitat, water quantity and responds to issues related to development. It is a unique site in terms of its scope and mechanisms used to make a positive environmental impact. This project is part of West Chester’s Conservation Corridor Project which has been funded almost exclusively with grant funds. The site is located adjacent to the Township’s Safety Services building on Beckett Road. The group will meet a little after 12 and all key partners will be represented. Could be a little muddy!

Location: (Follow link below for map)
West Chester Service Center is located on the West side of Beckett Road, near intersection of West Chester Rd.
Building sits in a large parking area.

Enter through Main Entrance and follow signs.
West Chester Service Center
9577 Beckett Rd.
West Chester, OH 45069

OLDE WEST CHESTER CHRISTMAS WALK – Saturday, Nov. 15th

The Merchants of Olde West Chester will host the Christmas Walk along Cincinnati-Dayton Road between Union Elementary School and West Chester Road. There will be a variety of entertainment and activity along the street throughout the day, followed by the Christmas Walk Parade at 7 p.m. and the West Chester Community Tree Lighting, immediately following the parade.

Personal Property

November 11, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 


When you purchase a property, it usually includes the land and everything attached to it, such as buildings, trees, shrubs, etc. Most buyers are only interested in purchasing the real estate, not the owner’s personal property. What happens when personal property has become a part of the real estate? Is it actually a “fixture” which will now convey to the buyer with the real estate?

There are three tests which usually need to be satisfied. Has the personal property been permanently annexed to the real estate? Is it intended to become part of the real estate? What is the local custom? Fixtures may include shades, heaters, ranges, screens, storm windows, lighting fixtures, etc. To save misunderstanding at the closing–and perhaps the sale–it is important that the seller spell out specifically in the sales agreement what will go to the buyer as part of the property.
Read this online and get more information: Personal Property

Scott Baker, ABR e-Pro
Coldwell Banker West Shell
Realtor®
Phone:
Fax:
WebSite: www.eHomeReports.com
e-mail: Scott.Baker@cbws.com
please don’t keep me a secret; tell friends, relatives, co-workers, etc…

Review: Iron Horse Inn

November 8, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

The Iron Horse Inn recently reopened under new management, with a remodel of both the interior and the menu. It is owned by Robin Thomas, and the executive chef is Stefan Marcus, who is a good friend of my buddy Drew, so we had a pretty spectacular time when Terry and I joined the Happy Mouth crew at Iron Horse Inn last week.

The interior is done in warm peaches and creams, and feels very upscale without being modern. Anyone who takes over the Horse’s place needs to keep in mind the place’s history– this isn’t the place for clean lines and minimalism, it’s a place that was made to be just a little opulent.

We were a party of twelve, and their service for twelve was spot on. The caveat? We were the only people there. Word has spread slowly that Iron Horse has reopened, so we were the only party of the evening. Some places might still drop the ball on this– I’ve been there before– but the service was superb, not too attentive, but not aloof either.

The rest of the meal is after the jump…


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Julie Niesen is a blogger and freelance writer from Cincinnati, Ohio. She currently writes for the Cincinnati Blog, Conveyor, Cincy Chic and her own blog, wine me, dine me (in Cincinnati), the premiere food and restaurant blog in the Cincinnati area.

With a background in publishing, food and beauty writing, she has also produced web content for businesses around the country. She loves anything food-related, is a sucker for beauty products, and loves politics, Web 2.0, history, theater, film, and literature and is an Over-the-Rhine evangelist.

Gas Lighter Bars and Gas Log Maintenance

November 7, 2008 · Filed Under Feature · Comment 

Those handy gas starter pipes start a fire quickly, but they deteriorate over time and need to be replaced (as do their gas mixing valves). Look for excessive rust scaling, cracks, stripped threads on the joints or blocked gas outlet holes. Many fireplace/heating supply stores carry them or can order them for you. Be sure to get the proper natural gas or propane mixing valve. Gas logs should be serviced annually (we suggest your dealer) to help assure proper performance. Over time, the materials that help create the realistic gas flame will become worn and dirty, and replacing the embers and sand/vermiculite will help your log set perform and look like new. Consult your Owners Manual to determine the correct type of material to use and how it should be applied. Do not substitute materials or attempt to make alterations to your gas log set; doing so may cause dangerous conditions. Some helpful items to renew the realism of your fireplace include soot remover spray, replacement “glowing ember” lava rocks and rock wool mixture to replace the original material that came with your gas log set.

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