Key tax law changes that could impact your return Pg 26
Five savings resolutions for the new year pg 20
Tips to achieve wholesome health in 2014 Pg 22
January 2014 everythinglake.com
Lens Around Lake County Ruth House 5K Pg 16-17
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE JANUARY 2014 7 Tips to turn your home into your own beauty salon 8 -9 Help nurture kids’ love of nature with easy, basic, backyard birdfeeding tips 10 -11 Learn how you can support a friend who is being abused 12 - 13 Miley Cyrus, notorious trials and Obamacare top online searches for 2013 14 Community Spotlight Jim Pugh
16-17 Lens Around Lake County Ruth House 5 K
18-19 Pastores Downtown Pizzeria
20 -21 Five savings resolutions for the new year
22 -23 Tips to achieve wholesome health in 2014
24 - 25 One mac and cheese recipe served 3 ways makes for ultimate comfort food 4 everythinglake.com
5-10 pm
from the publisher’s desk Al Asghar Happy New Year Everybody! This month’s issue gets us up and running for the New Year. Our cover this month features new beginnings and annual resolutions. We have covered a wide array of stories in this month’s issue. Enjoy them and I look forward to your feedback.
staff Publisher & Managing Editor
Al Asghar al@everythinglake.com
Design & Layout
Joe Ramirez
Photography
Jennifer Moseley Elizabeth Betsy Reed Dakota Davis
Contributing Writers
Ajay P Al Asghar
Advertising Sales
Al Asghar Matt Roderick
I also want to thank all of you for making our radio show, Everything Lake Magazine Hour, a huge success. Keep listening to our great guest. Also, keep your feedback coming in for that is what makes us better. We also have few new features that we are working on that will keep you entertained and well informed about what is happening in our county. So, keep an eye on our Facebook page, Everything Lake, for the new Medias that we will be updating and adding. I look forward to all the great feedback from you. Keep it coming in for that is what makes us better. Thank you. Al Asghar Everything Lake Magazine www.everythinglake.com www.facebook.com/everythinglake 407-697-7933
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The goals of the writers at EverythingLake Magazine is to provide great stories that are true and accurate from beginning to end. Please be forgiving if we make a mistake. We will make it right. EverythingLake is a monthly publication and can be located in various Schools, Chamber of Commerce, Businesses, Restaurants, etc. Any comments can be sent to EverythingLake Magazine at al@everythinglake.com or call 407-697-7933. 2273 Jennah Circle, Eustis, Florida 32726 EverythingLake Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by their advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to EverythingLake Magazine become property of EverythingLake Magazine and maybe reproduced at any time. All views expressed in our magazine are those of the writers and may not be of EverythingLake Magazine. Use of the material in our magazine is prohibited unless written approval is given by EverythingLake Magazine
Tips to turn your home into your own beauty salon
(BPT) - Giving yourself a professional-looking beauty makeover can be as simple as looking around your house. Whether it’s in your bathroom or your laundry room, all sorts of products already in your home can be re-purposed to easily and quickly help you create this season’s on-trend looks from head to toe. Here are some tips to get you started. * Starting from the top ... no time for a shower? Grab a dryer sheet from your laundry room and rub it on your head to tame fly-aways while giving your hair a fresh scent. A dime-sized amount of hand or body lotion will also do the trick if you rub it lightly onto problem spots. * Q-tips cotton swabs can be used for creating a variety of on-trend beauty looks and are an easy and hygienic alternative to expensive makeup brushes. For special occasions, opt for metallic bronzy, gold tones on top of dark smoky eyes and bold lips. After applying your eye shadow and lipstick, use the cotton swab to dab loose pigment in a bronzy shade onto the inner corners of your eyes and in the center of your lips.- The subtle hints of gold will balance each other while giving you an immediate glammed up look. * Give those cotton swabs double duty for a manicure worth showing off. First, rub toothpaste on your nails to remove stains and add shine before using remover on the nail plate. Whether it’s applying a bold, seasonal color or a nail art design, the next step is up to you. Celebrity nail technician Kimmie Kyees, whose clients include today’s hottest pop stars and actresses, has a variety of tips for creating unique, DIY nail art, starting with having the right tools on hand. “Not all cotton swabs are created equal so I always make sure I have plenty of Q-tips Precision Tips,” says Kyees. “They are the best quality with 100 percent cotton and the pointed ends are perfect for precise application. I use one end to apply or create a
cool design and the other for cuticle clean-up, they are genius!” One of the easiest and most current trends is negative space. Apply a coat of bold, stylish nail polish such as oxblood to your nails. While nails are still semiwet and tacky, dip the pointed end of your cotton swab in remover and precisely remove a section of the polish to create empty, negative space on the nail plate. A favorite is the “inverted V-shaped mani” with empty space in the shape of a “V” at the bottom of the nail, or you can come up with your own design, such as horizontal lines or a moon. Make sure to apply a thin layer of a clear top coat to seal the manicure in place. * Keep your perfect pout in place. Hold a tissue over your lips and lightly dust translucent powder over the tissue. This will help the color last from day to night. * Lipstick can equal blush.- When you’re in a bind, rub some lipstick between your fingers to warm it up, then lightly smooth onto your cheeks in an upward motion. Voila, rosy cheeks that perfectly complement your lips. Make sure you don’t apply the color too low or under the cheekbones. Place the color just a bit higher than you might think so it runs across the tops of your cheekbones and fades into your skin about an inch from your hairline. .
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Help nurture kids’ love of nature with easy, basic, backyard bird-feeding tips (BPT) - Parents and children enjoy spending quality time together, but it’s not always easy to find shared interests. The backyard, however, can provide the perfect place for generations to meet when parents help kids learn the delights of birdwatching and bird-feeding. Interacting with backyard birds benefits children on many levels, including teaching them the responsibility of caring for other living things to nurturing their appreciation of nature. Fall and winter are the perfect times to introduce kids to backyard bird care; as food sources dwindle in their natural habitat, birds will frequent a backyard where feeders serve up seed and suet daily. The wild bird experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products offer some guidance for families launching bird feeding lessons: Feeder facts: Different bird species like different types of feeders, but some styles, such as tube feeders, will attract a large variety of birds. Basic bird feeder styles include: * Tube - Best for serving seed, tube feeders keep the contents clean and dry, providing birds with access to the food through feeding ports. They’re great all-purpose feeders and will attract the most variety of songbirds. It’s important to clean tube feeders regularly, so choose a model that’s easy to clean. Cole’s high-quality tubular feeders are made with state-of-the-art materials to prevent warping, discoloration, and they feature Quick Clean removable bases that make cleaning fast and simple. Feeder bottoms pop off with the push of a button. * Bowl feeders - If separating seeds into different feeders gets too complicated, bowl feeders can be an all-in, easy solution. Options like Cole’s Bountiful Bowl Feeder can accommodate a variety of feed types, from seed and suet to mealworms, fruits and nuts. Bowl 8 everythinglake.com
feeders are especially good starter feeders for children since they are easy to fill and clean. * Suet feeders - During cold winter months, suet is an essential source of energy for birds. Suet feeders can range from a simple mesh onion bag to a wire or plastic mesh box that affixes to a tree, or post. Woodpeckers, warblers, nuthatches, titmice, jays and chickadees love suet. Whatever styles of feeder you choose - and a mix is ideal - be sure to select feeders that are sturdy enough to withstand winter weather and unwanted visitors, like squirrels. They should be tight enough to keep seeds dry, and easy to disassemble for cleaning. Most importantly, keep them maintained and stocked - if you neglect to feed them, birds will go elsewhere. Food fun:
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Help nurture kids’ love of nature with easy, basic, backyard bird-feeding tips In order to attract birds, it’s important to serve high-quality food. Seed blends with too much cheap seed, known as fill, won’t satisfy birds, and you’ll end up with a mound of discarded fill under feeders and few feathered friends in your backyard. Here are some basic foods birds look for in winter: * Suet - Long gone are the days when serving suet was a messy proposition. Kids can serve suet without messing up their little hands when you choose convenient suet cakes, kibbles, nuts and pearls. Many of these suet options are mixed with other treats birds love, such as nuts, grains and berries. You can even find options with habanero pepper infused in the fat to dissuade squirrels from dining on the suet. Nutberry Suet Blend, by Cole’s, mixes human-grade cherries, apples and blueberry-flavored cranberries, preferred nuts, nutritious insect suet kibbles and whole kernel sunflower meats into an energy-packed, powerhouse feed. * Seed - Many songbirds favor seeds, and in
winter it can be difficult for birds to find seeds in nature. From black oil sunflower seeds and Niger to seed mixes, it’s important to serve a variety of high-quality seeds. Choose mixes with large proportions of sunflower seeds and avoid ones with fillers like wheat, milo and corn; birds will pick out the appealing seeds and kick out the filler. You can learn more about seed mixes at www.coleswildbird.com. * Dried mealworms - Although the name might imply an “ick factor” that appeals to kids, serving dried mealworms is easy and messfree. High in protein, mealworms are favored by bluebirds, flickers, woodpeckers, siskins and nuthatches. Plus you don’t have to feed them or keep them in the fridge like with live mealworms! Introducing kids to backyard bird-feeding is an enjoyable - and easy - way to connect families with nature - and to each other. All you’ll need is a feeder, bird feed and some time. The birds will come, kids will surely enjoy the experience, and you’ll all have some good family fun.
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Learn how you can support a friend who is being abused
(BPT) - When someone you love is being emotionally or physically abused by her partner, it can be difficult to know the best way to show support without appearing judgmental or invasive. But statistics show that violence typically continues and escalates if no one takes action to stop it. Here are some simple tips and resources to help you start a conversation that could lead to positive changes. * Say something and lend a listening ear. Make sure that you are in a private location where you won’t be distracted or interrupted. Explain what led to your concerns. Don’t force the issue but allow your friend to confide in you at her own pace. Avoid placing blame on your friend and let her know you want to help. * Understand that things are complicated. You might wonder why your friend still cares for her abuser and finds it hard to leave. Often, abusers show remorse for violence after it happens and promise to change. Your friend may hope that things will improve. Abusive relationships can involve some good times along with the bad, which makes it more difficult to leave. * Offer specific ways to help. Little things can make a big difference. Perhaps you can provide transportation when needed or help with childcare. Volunteer to store copies of important paperwork or even an extra set of clothes at your place in case your friend needs to leave quickly.
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* Create a safety plan. Together, discuss a place to go in case of emergency and prepare an escape kit which can be easily hidden. This may include a train or bus pass, prepaid cellphone with minutes, gift cards for grocery stores, etc. * Support your friend in the healing process. Your friend has probably been told by her abuser that she’s a bad person in one way or another. Help boost her self-confidence by discussing skills and strengths. To help with physical healing, encourage her to look
into free resources like Give Back A Smile (GBAS), a unique program which enables volunteer dentists and laboratory technicians throughout the United States to restore broken and damaged teeth of survivors of intimate partner violence. Established by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1999, the Give Back a Smile program celebrates its 15th anniversary of restoring smiles for domestic abuse survivors throughout the nation. In recognition of abuse victims and to spread the word about this program to prospective patients, the AACD Charitable Foundation has commissioned a love story about new beginnings written by popular Harlequin romance author Isabel Sharpe. The e-novella entitled “For One of Your Smiles” tells the story of a young woman who escapes her abuser and learns to overcome insecurities and fear to love again. Details about the Give Back a Smile program are featured at the end of the book, providing an easy way to share program
information with a friend in need. This e-book is available for 99 cents downloadable via Amazon Kindle and at www.AACD.com. Book proceeds go to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s Give Back a Smile program. * Guide your friend to community resources. Gather information on local women’s and family shelters and domestic violence hotlines. If your friend asks for advice on what she should do, let her know that she’s not alone and that there are people available to help. Encourage her to seek the confidential assistance of dating/domestic violence victim advocates. There are no simple or quick solutions for helping a loved one who is involved in an abusive relationship. But offering meaningful support whether by listening, sharing resources, or opening your home as a safe haven, may provide the encouragement she needs to escape a violent situation and start a new chapter in her life.
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Miley Cyrus, notorious trials and Obamacare top online searches for 2013 (BPT) - While election politicking dominated the top 10 searches of 2012, this year people were a little starry-eyed when it comes to online searching. Miley Cyrus (No. 1) came into our lives like a wrecking ball and dethroned Kim Kardashian (No. 2) to become Yahoo’s most searched person in 2013. Top searches on Yahoo in 2013: 1. Miley Cyrus 2. Kim Kardashian 3. Kate Upton 4. Minecraft 5. Selena Gomez 6. Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) 7. Amanda Bynes 8. Jodi Arias 9. iphone 5 10. Justin Bieber “In past years, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton dominated our lists,” says Vera Chan, Yahoo Web trends analyst and senior editor who oversees the Yahoo Year in Review. “They started off as the girl next door and the It Girl, before the trains wrecked. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Kim Kardashian have taken up their slots, but they’re savvier in controlling their image and making sure we sit up and take notice.” The twerk — which helped land the term into Yahoo’s obsessions list — wasn’t Cyrus’ only move. Right after the VMAs, she poked fun at her own image on “Saturday Night Live” to show she was in on her own joke.
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Kardashian’s pregnancy, divorce, and engagement guaranteed the reality star a continued place in the Top 10 (she’s been a regular since 2009), although even giving birth to Kanye West’s daughter North wasn’t enough to keep her top pole
position. Information, released by Yahoo, noted an exception to the star-domminated list was Obamacare. “Ironically, the government shutdown, which had been designed to defund Obamacare, may have been its biggest publicity stunt,” says Chan. Searches averaged their highest during the 16-day shutdown, which also coincided with the website’s launch. The notoriety surrounding the murder trial of Jodi Arias thrust the defendant into the Top 10. The iPhone 5, which ranked second in 2012 despite not even being out yet, ironically fell to the ninth slot when the real thing finally emerged. Online gaming phenomenon Minecraft comes in at fourth. Top 10 news stories A quick scan of the news stories reveals a wide breadth of domestic and international issues: Obamacare (second), the Boston Marathon bombings (third), the birth of Great Britain’s -royal baby (fourth), Syria civil war (sixth), North Korea missile threats (seventh) and the papal transition (ninth) made the list. Surprisingly, despite the dialogue about race relations, crime, and gun control that the George Zimmerman murder trial engendered, it was the Jodi Arias trial that took the No. 1 spot.
Miley Cyrus, notorious trials and Obamacare top online searches for 2013 What didn’t quite make the Top 10s may also be equally intriguing. The government shutdown lasted 16 days in October, but a civic paralysis commanded the national conversation. “It was much ado about doing nothing,” Chan observes. Besides checking the status of the “government shutdown,” people also looked up furloughs, sequestration, fiscal cliffs, the players involved, and of course what was open. Had the shutdown lasted longer than 16 days the phrase would’ve cracked the Top 10. Obsessions Twerking makes the list of America’s web obsessions, but unlike Gangnam Style, people just wanted to know what the heck it was. Television shows like “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead” and “Duck Dynasty” (which tops the list) dominated. “The mass audiences of broadcast days are gone, but a lot of people think we’re in a golden age,” Chan says. “And they’ve long been on cable networks and now, of course, on outlets like Netflix and Amazon. We hosted a dating show parody ‘Burning Love,’ which got nominated for an Emmy.”
The “Fifty Shades of Gray” obsession extended to casting this year, which saw at least one star drop out because of fan outcry, although he attributed that to scheduling. Other obsessions included apps like Snapchat and Bitstrips, the Rainbow Loom toy that takes the Silly Bandz craze into craft mode, and the selfie. Other takeaways of 2013, identified in the Yahoo Year in Review, which launched Dec. 3, include gay milestones, the year’s biggest trials, viral photos, science discoveries and hoaxes, and what Yahoo’s calling the WTH moments, with no less than Dennis Rodman leading the diplomatic charge..
Keep up with more stories Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ everythinglake
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Jim Pugh Community Spotlight Photo & story by Jennifer Moseley
When did you get the idea for the J.C. Road Dogs? The idea came in November of 2007 when I went to Church for the first time in 20 years. I went dressed as a biker. After the service the Pastor and I talked for an hour about motorcycles. The Pastor said that one Sunday a month he’d like to see the people who ride go on rides one Sunday a month after the service. I told him, “Let’s not talk about it, let’s do it.” And so it began... What triggered the event you have coming up? The free Thanksgiving dinner is for anyone who might not be able to have a Thanksgiving Dinner or needs a place and a family to have Thanksgiving dinner with. We invite them to have dinner with the J.C. Road Dogs. We will be there family, come as you are. You have a love for the community and a willingness to help. How big do you see the Thanksgiving dinner getting? This year we are looking to serve 400 people. It is in God’s hands on how big it gets in the future. Who else is involved with the Dinner? There are four Churches involved in bringing and serving the meal: Bridges Covenant Church in Tavares, The Church at Whistling Pines in Umatilla, Victory Christian Center in Umatilla and the SNL Church in Eustis. The Veterans Organization of Resource and Recovery for the Homeless is also involved in this dinner.
What are your future plans with the J.C. Road Dogs? Our mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to any and everyone we can. To get churches to interact with each other. To show the world we are united together under the one and only living God. To serve our community and to help anyone in need.
What are the J.C. Road Dogs all about? The J.C. Road Dogs belong to God not us. This is his ministry. We are vessels for him. We want everyone to know that Jesus Christ loves them for who they are and that he died on the cross for everyone. We have a meeting/Bible Study every first Thursday of the month at Bridges Covenant Church in Tavares at 7pm.. We have two rides a month: One on a Sunday and one on a Saturday. The Saturday rides are usually longer and we usually ride to one coast or the other, go to lunch and ride back home. Our Sunday rides are more local after Church. We call these rides a “Lunch Plus Benefit Ride.” On these rides we choose an organization or a family in need in our community and raise money for them. We sell $5 raffle tickets and when we get to the restaurant we pick one ticket and the ticket winner gets their lunch free. 100% of the proceeds raised go toward who we are riding for. There are no obligations on the benefit. We also want others to know that you do not have to have a motorcycle to join us. Everyone is welcome! Alpha Dog- Jim Pugh
Ruth House 5K Photos by Jennifer Moseley.
Ruth House 5K
Pastores Downtown Pizzeria 124 S Joanna Ave, Tavares FL 352-508-1111 Review by Al Asghar
My culinary taste buds took me to one of my favorite’s food, pizza. Locate in the heart of Tavares is this gem of a restaurant.
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As I walked in I noticed the great view that they have of Lake Dora. Once inside, the restaurant is really well decorated.
Pastores Downtown Pizzeria 124 S Joanna Ave, Tavares FL 352-508-1111
I was greeted by owner Steve Pastore. “We opened in March of 2013. We wanted to bring an authentic New York style pizzeria to the Tavares area. All our recipes are from my family in New Jersey. They are made fresh in house and daily. This would make my restaurant here a third generation restaurant” explained Steve. The pizzeria offers a vast selection of pizzas and calzones. The menu also offers a wide range of other items. They offer appetizers, chicken wings in your choice of sauces, hot subs, cold subs and a nice selection of fresh salads. I wanted to try a little bit of everything on their menu. I started with their famous Garlic Knots. They were good. The Philly steak and cheese was next. It was delicious. I have not had a Philly steak like that since I was up north. The Greek Salad followed. Just delicious. Then what they are really famous for, the pizza. The crust was on point and the sauce was one of the best sauces I every had. I was stuffed and in a food coma by now.
It had dawned on me that not only was the food delicious their portions were huge. I was completely satisfied with the meal I had just had. Then I noticed Steve bring in a tray of Italian ices. They were all kinds of flavors and delicious. Pastores has a good selection of beers and wine they are open Monday to Thursday 11am – 8pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. “ You are not going to find pizza like this in Central Florida” stated Steve. I agree. The pizza was delicious and the rest of the menu was not that far behind. I am looking forward to my next visit there.
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Five savings resolutions for the new year (BPT) - Is saving on your New Year’s resolution list this year? The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Ready. Save.Grow. campaign offers five saving strategies that will have you moving toward your long-term savings goals and toasting along the way. “A new calendar year invigorates people to start with a clean slate, so it’s a great time to begin building or refreshing your savings goals,” says Jerry Kelly, national director of the Treasury Department’s Ready.Save.Grow. campaign. “Since saving for the future can be challenging, we’ve developed a resolution check list to help people celebrate small savings victories one at a time.” Resolve to accomplish these five savings goals in 2014: *Grow your tax refund - Rather than spend your refund, put the lump sum to work this tax season. Use IRS Form 8888 to direct all or a portion of your tax refund into your TreasuryDirect account. If you don’t have an account, you can open one at www. treasurydirect.gov. Tax season is also the only time taxpayers are able to buy paper Series I Savings Bonds, in amounts ranging from $50 to $5,000, using tax refund dollars. * Plan for the future with digital savings bonds - Savings bonds are an affordable, safe and convenient way for people to accumulate 20 everythinglake.com
money for the future. A savings bond can be bought for just $25 and can earn interest for up to 30 years. Savings bonds may be used to achieve long-term goals such as retirement, college or a new home. If you need your money sooner, a savings bond can be cashed any time after 12 months. * Set up payroll direct deposit - You don’t need a lot of money to start saving and there are simple ways to accumulate funds. By using direct deposit to contribute to a TreasuryDirect account every payday, you’ll build your savings over time. The amount you set is automatically deposited into your account, so you won’t be tempted to spend it. * Diversify with marketable securities The Treasury Department offers an array of marketable securities with terms ranging from 4 weeks to 30 years. These securities can be bought for as little as $100 and held in TreasuryDirect until their term ends.
Five savings resolutions for the new year Along the way you earn interest. For shorter term (one year or less) marketable securities, interest is paid at the end of the term. For longer term (more than one year) securities, interest is paid every six months. If you need your money before a security reaches its term, you can transfer it to a broker to sell. Marketable securities offer long-term savers the opportunity to diversify their savings and take control of their future. * Start your child on the path to savings The earlier the better when it comes to saving. The Treasury Department has resources to help families start saving for their children’s future. Parents can set up a special account for their children within their own TreasuryDirect account so that savings bonds can be bought as gifts for their children. Bonds are held in this account until the child turns 18. In addition, the Treasury Department has a child-friendly website, TreasuryDirect KIDS (www.treasurydirect.gov/kids/kids.htm),
with games, quizzes and videos that teach students from fifth to seventh grade in a fun and engaging way about the history and role of debt in America, and the basics of how Treasury securities work. Ready.Save.Grow. helps people take control of their future by providing information and resources about the safe, affordable and convenient savings options offered by the Treasury Department. Visit the website (www. treasurydirect.gov/readysavegrow), to learn more. You can also find Ready.Save.Grow. on Facebook and Twitter@ReadySaveGrow. The preceding information was provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Bureau of the Fiscal Service. Ready.Save.Grow. is a service mark of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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Tips to achieve wholesome health in 2014 (BPT) - You’re all too familiar with that one, dreaded moment when the festivities end. It hits you every year like a bad hangover. You promise yourself that once the last sip of eggnog has been guzzled and the cookie jar has been emptied, you’ll get healthy. But what does healthy mean? We’re bombarded with visions of steel abdominal muscles and gazelle-like limbs. For most people, however, achieving health can’t be reduced to a lower health club membership deal or a dieting pill. Rather, the road to health is a lifelong journey encompassing mind, body and spirit. That said, there are manageable steps you can take in your daily life to experience and sustain a healthier, balanced lifestyle. Popcorn, low in calories and high in fiber, whole grains and antioxidants, can help. One of the oldest and most beloved snacks for any age, popcorn is also a treat to lift the spirit. “Popcorn is a classic American symbol of families joining together,” says Garrett Smith, president of Jolly Time Pop Corn. “We’ve been a family owned business for nearly 100 years, and as dieting trends go in and out, we’ve remained true to our wholesome values and wishing our consumers the entire equation: family, fun and moderation.” Earlier this year, Jolly Time Pop Corn conducted a campaign asking fans for advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle in celebration of its new popcorn made with the Smart Balance blend of oils, which contains zero grams of trans fat naturally and no hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Here are the most popular tips submitted: * Everything in moderation - Rather than swing between extremes, try to get into an easy routine and listen to your body. Be active, but also know when to rest. Eat healthy foods, but allow yourself the occasional indulgence. 22 everythinglake.com
* Walk daily Walking burns calories without putting strain on joints. A nice long walk also allows for some quiet time to process your emotions and events of the day. * Floss your teeth - Flossing your teeth prevents plague, which creates a toxin that your body has to work hard to fight, ultimately freeing up your immune system to fight other ailments. * Eat a variety of fruits and veggies - Fruits and veggies provide essential vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients to keep people healthy. Studies have also linked eating more produce with improved mood. * Drink water - You should drink eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated,
Tips to achieve wholesome health in 2014 keeping the gears of your body detoxified and in motion. * Whole grains - Dietary fiber from whole grains or other foods may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. And whole grain foods such as popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and cereals help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. “While it’s very important to eat well and exercise, being healthy doesn’t have to mean pushing ourselves to physical extremes,” says Amy Fischl, a registered dietitian at the University of Chicago Kovler Diabetes Center. “There are simple, moderate things we can do to engage our mind, body and spirit, and improve overall health.” Start your day with this balanced wholegrain toasted berry granola recipe from Jolly Time Pop Corn that is good for both your body and your soul. Whole-grain Toasted Berry Granola Makes about 11 cups Ingredients: 10 cups popped JOLLY TIME Butter Light Microwave Pop Corn made with the Smart Balance unique blend of oils 2 cups barley flakes
1/4 cup oat bran 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup honey 3 tablespoons light olive oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup dried blueberries 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Directions: Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a large-rimmed baking sheet with foil. Mix popcorn (remove any unpopped kernels), barley flakes, oat bran and wheat germ in a large bowl. Mix honey, oil, spices, vanilla and salt in a glass measuring cup until well blended. Pour over popcorn mixture; toss to coat. Pour mixture onto baking sheet in an even layer. Bake about 40 minutes or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in blueberries and cranberries. Cool completely; store in airtight container. To learn more about healthy, satisfying snacking with popcorn during the holidays, and to access exclusive recipes and features, visit www.jollytime.com.
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One mac and cheese recipe served 3 ways makes for ultimate comfort food (BPT) - The chill of the season heralds many changes, including your appetite for heartier foods. This is the perfect time to break out the casserole dishes and whip up your family’s favorite comfort foods. Americans seem to agree that when it comes to comfort classics, macaroni and cheese is what they crave. In fact, according to mymacaroniandcheese.info, in any given 12-week period, approximately one-third of the population of the United States will eat macaroni and cheese at least once, that’s almost 105 million people. Mac and cheese is always in style and has inspired countless websites, books and even a song or two. The beauty of this menu standard is how easy it is to dress up or down - depending on your culinary preference (or ingredients you have handy). In fact, Laura Werlin, cheese expert and James Beard award-winning author, offers up 50 ways to customize mac and cheese in her new cookbook, “Mac & Cheese, Please!” “Throughout the years, macaroni and cheese has been a staple at dinner tables,” says Werlin. “Being from California, I love that California’s cow’s milk cheesemakers make over 250 styles of California cheeses. This variety leads to endless possibilities and opportunities for creating unique, memorable and delicious renditions.”
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All you need to make your own memorable rendition is the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB) recipe for “Mac and Cheese Three-Ways” - one recipe that can be made into a main dish for dinner, appetizers for a party or soup for a warm lunch. With California sharp Cheddar cheese and smoked Mozzarella along with sun-dried tomatoes and crunchy panko bread crumbs, this recipe is a triple-play to add to your recipe repertoire. Add in chopped cooked bacon or grilled chicken for a heartier version. Make sure to look for the Real California Milk and Cheese seals to guarantee you’re getting products made with 100 percent California milk from California’s more than 1,500 dairy families. For more recipes and entertaining ideas, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like RCM at Facebook.com/RealCalifMilk or follow at Twitter. com/RealCalifMilk, Pinterest at Pinterest.com/ RealCalifMilk and Instagram at Instagram.com/ RealCalifMilk.
One mac and cheese recipe served 3 ways makes for ultimate comfort food California Smokey Mac And Cheese Three Ways Smoked Mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes take macaroni and cheese to a whole new level. Serve as is, or turn this recipe into soup or a bite-sized appetizer. 3 1/2 tablespoons California butter, divided 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/3 cups California milk 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp California Cheddar cheese, divided 3/4 cup shredded smoked California Mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup white or wheat small elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions and well drained 1/4 cup minced smoked sun-dried tomatoes Freshly ground pepper to taste 3 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
Directions: Preheat oven to 400 F and lightly butter four individual baking dishes with 1/2 tablespoon butter. Melt remaining butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add flour and cook for two minutes stirring constantly. Whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently; stir in mustard, salt and basil. Add one cup Cheddar cheese and the Mozzarella cheese a little at a time, cooking and stirring until melted; stir in cooked macaroni and tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes more. Pour into prepared dishes. Stir together bread crumbs and remaining cheese and sprinkle over top. Cook for 10 minutes or lightly browned and bubbly on top. Makes four servings Small Bite Appetizer Mac and Cheese Cup Variation: Press 24 wonton wrappers into 24 lightly greased mini muffin cups, pressing firmly so that the cups are flat on the bottom. Spoon macaroni mixture into wonton cups. Sprinkle with breadcrumb mixture and bake for 10 minutes, tenting with foil after five minutes. Makes eight appetizer servings Mac and Cheese Soup Variation: Melt one tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup each: 1/4-inch diced onion, celery and carrots and cook for 10 minutes. Add two cups vegetable or chicken broth and cook for 10 minutes more. Stir into prepared macaroni and cheese and cook until very hot. Sprinkle each serving with breadcrumb mixture, if desired. Makes four servings
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Key tax law changes that could impact your return (BPT) - The majority of this year’s key tax law changes were the result of two acts - the Affordable Care Act of 2010, also known as-Obamacare, and the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. The easiest way-to navigate all the tax law changes-and determine if you qualify for hundreds of tax benefits, is to use an-online or mobile tax preparation solution. The programs ask easy questions, covering all-available-credits and deductions to help minimize your tax liability and maximize your refund. Leading solutions such as-TaxACT also provide guidance for the implications of the Affordable Care Act on your taxes and health insurance situation. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is under $200,000 ($250,000 if filing jointly), you may benefit from several tax breaks that have been extended or made permanent. * The standard deduction for married taxpayers filing jointly is now permanently increased and expands the 15 percent tax bracket. * The child tax credit is $1,000 for each child under age 17 on Dec. 31. The amount decreases at higher income levels. A portion of the credit also remains refundable through 2017. In addition, the maximum amount of expenses for the Child and Dependent Care Credit has been made permanent at $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more children. 26 everythinglake.com
* The American Opportunity Credit,tuition deduction, student loan interest deduction, and$2,000 annual contribution limit to Coverdell Education Savings Accounts are still available for 2013. * Elementary and secondary educators can again deduct up to $250 in related job expenses, even if you don’t itemize deductions. Unlike most employee expenses, educator expenses are not reduced by 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.
Key tax law changes that could impact your return * If you pay mortgage insurance premiums, also known as private mortgage insurance (PMI), you may be able to deduct premiums as mortgage interest. * The Alternative Minimum Tax was created to ensure wealthy taxpayers receiving large tax benefits pay some tax. It will now be adjusted for inflation each year so fewer taxpayers are subject to the tax. The exemption amount rises in 2013 to $51,900 ($80,800 for married couples filing jointly). For married individuals filing separately, the exemption is $40,400. * You may qualify for a credit equal to up to $12,970 of your adoption expenses including fees, court costs, attorney fees, traveling expense and other expenses directly related to and for the principal purpose of the legal adoption of an eligible child. If your employer provides adoption benefits, you may also be able to exclude up to the same amount from your income. Both a credit and exclusion may be claimed for the same adoption, but not for the same expense. * For 2013, you can still deduct state and local sales taxes. You can take this deduction or a deduction for state income tax but not both.
* One change affecting taxpayers of all income levels is the increased floor for deducting medical expenses. Taxpayers under the age of 65 can now only deduct unreimbursed medical and dental expenses that exceed 10 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). The floor remains at 7.5 percent if you’re 65 or older. Learn more about these tax law changes in Publication 17 at www.irs.gov-or visit www. taxact.com/taxinfo. To file your simple or complicated federal taxes free with-TaxACTFree Edition, go to-www.taxact.com.
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* Qualified dividends will be taxed at preferential capital gains rates rather than those used for ordinary income. * If your MAGI-is more than $200,000 ($250,000 if filing jointly), you may pay an additional Medicare surtax on earned income, as well as higher taxes on net investment income, long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. The amount of your personal exemptions and itemized deductions is also less starting this year. The marginal income tax rate for incomes above $400,000 ($450,000 if filing jointly) also increases from 35 percent to 39.6 percent for 2013.
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Diesel rides in demand for 2014 (BPT) - Not that long ago, finding a diesel car or truck - a truck with fewer than 18 wheels, anyway - on an American highway was about as rare as an icy road in July. Not so today. The era of dirty, smelly and noisy diesel vehicles has gone the way of the 8-track tape player, clearing a path for high-profile and increasingly popular diesel sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
Responding to demand
Fueling great mileage
For example, Chevrolet has introduced its 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, a compact car that boasts 46 mpg on the highway; and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel claims to drive up to 730 miles on one tank of gas. Other companies, including Volkswagen, Audi, MercedesBenz and Porsche all offer diesel varieties that carmakers hope consumers will warm to. Trucks are not left out of the equation, with diesel pickups available from Chevrolet/GMC, Ford and Ram.
One of the main advantages of diesel vehicles is their excellent fuel economy. Diesel fuel costs about 7 percent more than gasoline at the pump but it can take a car or truck much further down the road. On average, a vehicle running on diesel fuel gains 30 to 35 percent in fuel efficiency over a vehicle running on traditional gasoline. Diesel fuel has a greater amount of energy per gallon than gasoline, says Neil Hoff of CHS, a company that produces diesel fuel for fleet operations across the country. This is why a diesel car can average closer to 50 miles per gallon on the highway. Similar to traditional gasoline, consumers can upgrade at the pump to a premium diesel for added performance. “Using a premium diesel fuel, such as Cenex Roadmaster premium diesel, can increase fuel efficiency and power by another 5 percent,” says Hoff. “The premium diesel packages are also ultra-low sulfur, which is cleaner-burning than a standard diesel. Drivers appreciate the combination of added power with fewer emissions.” 28 everythinglake.com
Though long popular in Europe, diesel vehicles have not yet enjoyed widespread popularity in the United States. However, American automakers are taking a cue from consumers who desire an alternative to gasoline-fueled cars.
Laura Anderson of Minneapolis has owned a diesel-powered Volkswagen Passat for more than a year. “I do a lot of highway driving,” says Anderson, “so the great fuel economy and the power of the diesel engine are what sold me on giving diesel a try. I’m very glad I made that decision. I love my car, and I love saving so much money on gas.”
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