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Tips for Moving in Cold Weather

By
Grace Baldwin
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As the weather gets chillier and Christmas approaches, conditions on the road, in the yard, and in the house are changing. Many people will be moving during the next few months as leases expire and the next college semester begins. It is important, especially for Texans who forget that cold weather exists sometimes, to remember that cold weather conditions change the things a mover needs to consider.

Ross Sapir, CEO and founder of Roadway Moving, has lots of experience training his team and moving in harsh weather conditions. Here are a few tips he gives for moving in cold weather:

  • Make sure your electric is turned on early.
    Before you move in, be sure that all utilities have been turned on so you can comfortably enjoy heat and light for your first couple nights.
  • Avoid any falls.
    Clear the driveways and walkways of snow and make sure you salt the icy areas so you and your movers are safe walking to and from the trucks.
  • Have a back-up plan.
    If a winter storm is threatening your move, make sure you’ve already spoken to your moving company to see if they have a policy in place for any unexpected date changes.
  • Protect your home.
    Going in and out of your home during the move will drag salt and dirt all over your floors. Avoid this by laying down plastic or cardboard boxes for protection.
  • Dress in layers.
    Moving boxes in and out will work up a sweat so make sure you have the proper clothing on that you can either add layers when you go outside or take off layers once you get inside.

Good luck to your moving efforts this fall and winter!

The Origin of Pumpkin Spice

By
Grace Baldwin
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A longtime fall favorite, pumpkin spice, has dominated retailers and the food industry every September through December. But where did the flavor come from? It had to have an origin, and I set out to find it.

Many sources, including the Washington Post, attribute the fame of the flavor to Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year. The PSL is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal beverage, and Forbes estimated it earned Starbucks more than 100 million in revenue last fall. Forbes believes Starbucks to be the cause of the rising trend in pumpkin-flavored food as they found a correlation between the rise in the PSL and the pumpkin-flavored food.

Other sources, like the Chicagoist, attribute the fame to an older and darker past. The very first mention of something akin to pumpkin spice showed up in American Cookery by Amelia Simmons, an American orphan. Her flavor was originally called “pompkin” and involved molasses, allspice, and ginger. One of the earliest mentions of pumpkin spice by its name is a recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cakes in an article in the Washington Post in 1936. It was called “Spice Cake of Pumpkin Newest Dish: Delicacy Tempting to All Appetites and Easy to Prepare. Ideal Dessert for Family Dinner, Healthful for Children.”

The first pumpkin spice to not contain pumpkin was from McCormick in the 1950s. It was a mixture of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and sulfiting agents.

Today’s pumpkin spice is a combo of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and occasionally actual pumpkin. Food stores sell anything from pumpkin spice flavored vodka to straight pumpkin spice for the cook who wants to experiment with the fall flavor his or herself.

However popular Starbucks’ latte might be, the true cause for a rise in popularity and value probably must be attributed to the limited time offers most stores place on it. By placing a time limit on when a consumer can buy pumpkin spice, stores have driven up its value by the thousands. Limited time offers are a tool used by many marketers.

New Charity Lets Givers Support Causes With Socks

By
Grace Baldwin
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A new charity called Conscious Step has begun a “fun and fashionable way to give back to the charity of your choice.”

By buying a box of socks, each design gives money to a certain charity. There are two new Conscious Collection boxes which support six charities: Water.org, UNAIDS, Action Against Hunger, Room to Read, Trees for the Future, and Global Citizen. By purchasing the box of socks, a person can provide either 18 months of safe water, two schoolbooks for children in their native languages, and raise awareness through Global Citizen, or provide seven days of HIV therapy for an expectant mother, six lifesaving therapeutic food packs, and plant 20 trees.

lifestyle-582_zpssveen7hgThe socks at Conscious Step fits men’s US shoe size 8-12 and women’s size 9-13, and the organization is Fair Trade certified which ensures the working conditions and wages for employees are fair. The socks are 168 needle thread count with reinforced heels and toes for durability without seems. They are sourced from organic cotton and dyed with non-toxic dyes.

Conscious Step works closely with Global Citizen, a social action platform dedicated to solving the world’s biggest challenges.

“Conscious Step is thankful for our friends at Global Citizen,” said the company’s co-founder and CEO, Prashant Mehta. “We’ve been working very closely with the organization for several months to provide as much relief and awareness for the crisis as possible.”

Those interested can buy the Conscious Collection boxes for $44.95 or single pairs for $14.95 on ConsciousStep.com, Ten Thousand Villages Kinnucan’s, and in independently owned boutiques across the United States, Australia, and Canada.

How to Pay for a Wedding

By
Grace Baldwin
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Weddings are one of those wondrous dreams that can quickly become a nightmare if done incorrectly. Money, parents, in-laws, prep, and more have historically caused many a bride a big headache. So, how does one deal with possibly the biggest of setbacks to a wedding ever: money?

There are many ways to approach paying for a wedding. But there is only one that is right for you and your future husband.

father-and-grown-up-son-talking_bfe2patriThe first step you should take is to go with your fiancé to talk with both of your parents. You need to know how much they can help you with, if any. Working together with your family will make a wedding so much better. Once that is established, you know how much you will need to make up for.

Secondly, you need to assess how much both you and your fiancé can plausibly contribute. Be willing to set your expectations low so that you are ready for whatever comes. It is the marriage that matters more than the wedding, and personally I would prefer to enjoy a better honeymoon then a bigger wedding. However, some would like to throw a bigger party, and that is perfectly fine.

Buy cheap. Scour Pinterest and Etsy and take ideas from the greats. Sometimes that beautiful arrangement that you see in the store can be done in two minutes with a hot glue gun and a savvy pair of hands.vvv-0216-img_0049-551

If the wedding is far, off and you have time consider saving now rather than later. For those without a proposal but a hint of one, even just $20 per paycheck is more than you would have had before. For those with a set date in mind, estimate your costs and divide by the number of months it will take. For example

Buy Local. You can often go through local stores like antique or dress shops in town find beautiful additions for your wedding. You don’t have to go to a store that is specifically marked for weddings to find the right items. You might even find a beautiful and elegant dress from a local shop if you look.

Go non-traditional. If you and your hubby are people who like to set trends or go against them or just have no particular desire to have a traditional wedding, you could opt for a non-traditional wedding that doesn’t have as many elements as a traditional one. Have your ceremony outside instead of at an expensive venue. Do a reception with snacks rather than a meal.

s3x-0730-246Think of creative ways to make money. Do you like taking photographs? Consider selling some to a stock photo agency. Do you like to make things? Consider making an Etsy profile. Do you have time in the evenings or on weekends? Try babysitting or dog walking/sitting.

Whatever happens, try to enjoy the process of planning a wedding. It is supposed to be full of anticipation and excitement. Let you and your fiancé have some room to breathe and learn to love the budget you have.

October is Financial Planning Month: Easy Tips to Stick to a Budget

By
Megan Whitworth
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It can be easy to let your finances fall by the wayside when juggling work, family, school and other priorities.

October is Financial Planning Month and a perfect time to make sure you are prepared for the future. To help, the discount experts at Dollar General are offering some useful tips to assist you in staying on budget and avoiding financial stress.

money
It may feel like work now, but feeling financially secure will offer you peace of mind.

Pack Your Own Lunch
To help stick to your budget, skip pricey restaurants. Instead, save money and spend the evening cooking with your family. For affordable and simple ideas for cooking favorite dishes, consult resources like Dollar General Easy Meal recipes at dollargeneral.com/easymeals.

Remember to Treat Yourself
Just because you’re sticking to a financial plan doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. Budget time and money to indulge in your favorite activities like a night at the movies, seeing your favorite sports team in action, or going bowling.

Take Advantage of Coupons
Coupons are a great way to save money and stretch your budget. Retailers like Dollar General offer online digital coupons that can be downloaded on a desktop computer or by using a smartphone. You can sign up by visiting dollargeneral.com/coupons and can receive additional savings during seasonal “Fast Way to Save” promotions, where exclusive coupons are available only to Dollar General digital coupon subscribers.

Stay Positive
Don’t get bogged down by the stress of financial planning. Instead, focus on positive steps you can take to achieve your goals. Spend more time with your family cooking. Work toward your next job promotion. Ace your next exam.

Even if you’re busy, make the time for planning a budget. It may feel like work now, but feeling financially secure will offer you peace of mind.

(StatePoint)

Home Cooked Cuisine: Chicken Paillards With Clementine Salsa

By
Kevin Wilson
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“Sweet with a little heat” is the best way to describe the combination of flavors this vibrant and healthy dish brings to you, your family, and guests as you gather around the dinner table for an evening meal. Kevin gives it two thumbs up, and he is most proud that it is filled with many essential nutrients such as protein and Vitamins A, B, C, and K. The inspiration for this recipe comes from “Bon Appétit,” December 2009 edition.

May your time around the dinner table be filled with grace, thanksgiving, and joy as you invest in the life of one another over a good meal and a hearty conversation.

Blessings for a delicious, healthy, and wonderful week,
Kevin & Mom at Home Cooked Cuisine

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A photo of Clementine salsa that goes over the Chicken Paillards.

Chicken Paillards with Clementine Salsa

4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
4 clementines, peeled, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
½ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup fresh clementine juice (from about 6 clementines)

Mix clementines and next 7 ingredients in medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let stand at room temperature. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until cooked through on each side. Transfer chicken to platter. Add clementine juice to skillet; boil until reduced to ¼ cup, stirring often. Drizzle sauce over chicken. Spoon salsa over chicken. Serve over a bed of spaghetti squash, rice, or spaghetti noodles. Enjoy!

My Favorite Healthy Snacks

By
Susan Domingue Bell
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I don’t know about you, but this girl likes her snacks.

Snacks keep me happy and satisfied between meals, so I don’t turn into a crazed, hangry lunatic! Snacking can be tricky though. The wrong snacks can wreck your healthy eating plan. Some people do great with eating healthy meals but go off the rails with their snacks. When I was growing up, snacking wasn’t considered a healthy habit. Eating three square meals was what was preached and snacks were frowned upon. We know so much more now and snacking the right way can make eating healthy down right easy. I’ve tried just about everything when it comes to snacks and below is a list of my very favorites and what I snack on week in and week out.

Processed with VSCOcam with f2 presetProtein/Snack Bars
I’m often snacking on the run, and bars are definitely the easiest, most convenient way to fill my belly. Be careful though. Some bars are loaded with sugar, calories and all kinds of chemicals that I don’t want in my body. Finding a bar that tastes good and isn’t full of junk isn’t easy, but these three have done it. These are my three favorite bars that I always keep in my gym bag.

Quest Bars
Who doesn’t love Quest bars? They are delicious, high protein, and full of natural ingredients. I like to heat mine in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Yummy! My favorite flavor is S’mores, but I haven’t found a flavor I didn’t like.

Lara Bars
While these bars aren’t as high in protein, they only have a few ingredients and taste great. I don’t find them as decadent as the others, but they make for a good, healthy snack. My favorite flavors are Peanut Butter Cookie, Cashew Cookie, and Pecan Pie.

Grab the Gold BarsProcessed with VSCOcam with m5 preset
Oh man! I love these bars. They taste like a cookie and I’m just in a good mood when I eat them. They are gluten and dairy free and made with natural ingredients. Word of warning: You won’t want to stop after eating one. I only allow myself one at a time because I could easily pack back two of these lovelies. I order mine online from the Grab the Gold website. Word of warning #2: Find a good hiding place or else your family will plow through a case in two days.

Chocolate Milk
You’ve probably heard by now that chocolate milk is an ideal post workout snack because of it’s blend of protein and carbs with the added bonus of calcium. You can also find convenient single serve bottles for easy portability and portion control. Of course, kids love it, too, which is one of the reasons it doesn’t last long in our household.

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 presetApple with Nut Butter
I find an apple and some nut butter to be a very satiating snack. The apple is a good carb that has filling fiber while the nut butter has that satisfying good fat. My favorite nut butter is cashew butter, but I also love peanut butter and almond butter. Don’t go overboard on the nut butter because it is very calorie dense.

Greek Yogurt with Fresh Berries
Oh yum! This is probably my favorite of all my snacks. I love to put a scoop of plain Greek yogurt in a bowl, add a little sweetener (stevia or honey), and throw in some raspberries, blackberries and/or blueberries. Heaven on earth, I tell you. My favorite brands of yogurt are Fage and Greek Gods. Those are particularly rich and creamy. I usually have two big containers in my fridge at all times. One container is 0 percent fat and the other is the full fat variety. I use the full fat if I need a particularly hearty snack, but I’m careful to exercise portion control.

Snacks are meant to be enjoyed and can help you in your quest to eat healthy. Hopefully, you can find something new to try from my list. I hear some Greek yogurt calling my name, so off I go! Happy, healthy snacking!

“Fabulous” MERCURY Chamber Orchestra at the Temple Theater Oct. 25

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Replacing the Fort Worth Symphony currently involved in a strike – The Show Must Go On!

LUFKIN, TX. When the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s musicians’ association went on strike and announced concert cancellations which included the October 25th performance at the Temple Theater in Lufkin the Angelina Arts Alliance staff and board went into action, with a clear mission: to seek out a high quality orchestra able to check off all the boxes of the FWSO performance so as not to disappoint their subscribers and East Texas audience. Arts Alliance staffer, Ginger Trotter explained, “We needed an exceptional orchestra, with the finest musicians and a stellar reputation, willing to create a program that would accommodate our vocalist, Lufkin’s own Hannah Grace Roberts, and if at all possible, able to perform on the evening of October 25th. We are thrilled to announce that the award-winning MERCURY Chamber Orchestra is a perfect match for our criteria and will perform at the Temple Theater on Tuesday October 25th at 7:30 pm.” Tickets are on sale now and range from $30-$45 (Premium/Box $50). All tickets purchased by subscribers and single ticket buyers for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be honored at the theater the night of the performance. Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to present MERCURY Chamber Orchestra, along with show sponsor Angelina Radiation Oncology Associates. 2016-2017 Season Sponsors are Georgia – Pacific and CHI St. Luke’s Health Memorial.

Founded in Houston in 2000, MERCURY Chamber Orchestra has a mission to serve the community by celebrating the power of music, Baroque and beyond, teaching, sharing and performing with passion, intimacy and excellence. The orchestra offers performances of a broad repertoire of music on period instruments and has garnered critical acclaim around the world through innovative and accessible performances, domestic and international tours, and groundbreaking music education programs. MERCURY strives to make each performance memorable and unique. Understanding each venue has its own distinct vibe, each show is started with a passionate speech by Antoine Plante, Artistic Director and Conductor, and each musician performs at a world-class level to an international audience, night after night.

Lufkin’s own Hannah Grace Roberts will be singing two Mozart arias to close out the first half of the program.

Hannah, a classically trained soprano, was one of the first Lufkin-area students to receive the Jane Ainsworth Scholarship from the Angelina Arts Alliance. It has been a goal of the Angelina Arts Alliance to have a scholarship recipient come back and perform, and with this symphony performance, October 25th became the perfect opportunity. Hannah went to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh for her undergraduate degree in vocal performance, then to Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York for her Master degree, also in Voice Performance.

To learn more about Mercury Chamber Orchestra visit www.MercuryHouston.org

To learn more about Hannah Grace Roberts visit www.HannahRobertssoprano.com

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Temple Theater Box Office on the Angelina College Lufkin campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm or call (936) 633-5454, or go online at www.angelinaarts.org . Details and video clips from the entire season are on the Arts Alliance website. Follow Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for late-breaking news, photos, videos and ticket giveaways.

Three Ways to Smooth Up Your Fall

By
Megan Whitworth
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Fall can be full of stress between social engagements, work outings, and the frenzy of the school year. Here are some ways to navigate the season with confidence and style.

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Seventy-two percent of millennial men asked agree that “being well-groomed” is an important part of being a gentleman.

Smooth Style

Combat those final warm days by adding linen to your life, which will help you look cool and stay cool. It’s perfect for work or an outdoor wedding. When shopping, don’t forget it’s a very rigid fabric — you might need to try on one size-up.

“Linen is a key and underrated fabric for both men and women — it’s not just for the beach,” says Sabir Peele, creator and editor of men’s fashion blog “Men’s Style Pro,” who is partnering with BIC Razors to share his perspective on confidence and style. “For women, solid color linen pants can make other elements of your outfit pop. For guys, try out a linen shirt next time you have to wear a suit jacket. It’ll help you stay cool at formal outdoor events like work parties or weddings.”

Guys, remember, fashion and style is for the face, too. According to a recent national “Modern Manners” survey from BIC Razors conducted by Survata, 72 percent of millennial men asked agree that “being well-groomed” is an important part of being a gentleman. Whether it’s clean-shaven, a beard, moustache or goatee, Peele suggests trying out the BIC Flex 5 razor to create or maintain your signature look. Its precision edging blade is useful for shaping your unique facial hair style. For more information and style tips, visit BICFlexRazors.com.

fall
Even in the age of millennials tied to their smartphones, the importance of human contact is undeniable.

Smooth Dating Moves

Dating creates occasions for both smooth — and unsmooth moves. One of the most telling moments during a relationship can be how you ask someone out on that first date. Even in the age of millennials tied to their smartphones, the importance of human contact is undeniable. When millennial men were surveyed and asked about the politest way to ask someone out on a date, 92 percent indicated they preferred a face-to-face conversation, listing dating apps as one of the least polite ways.

This season, take the classic dinner date in a different, but thoughtful, direction. Prepare food in advance and go on a picnic, which is a great opportunity for one-on-one conversation and showcasing your cooking skills. “Set the scene with music by packing your smartphone, Bluetooth or speakers. Although you’re in your neighborhood park, some Spanish tunes can whisk you both away to a ‘Piazza of Seville,’” Peele suggests.

If those cooking skills or time are lacking, don’t worry — grab prepared dishes from a local fresh market. And if you’re feeling exceptionally smooth, bringing your date to a movie or music in the park will lead to a few bonus points in your favor.

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Many runners take a break from mundane indoor gyms to hit the streets in the fall.

Create a Smooth Workout

In fall, many runners take a break from mundane indoor gyms to hit the streets. Pounding the pavement can exaggerate stress on muscles and joints. Don’t be sidelined with an injury. Try different outdoor workouts like running and hiking grassy hills, or biking a trail. Peele recommends moving your workout off land for a swim or kayaking adventure. With these smooth moves, you can enjoy the fall season with confidence.

(Statepoint)

Traffic Light on Main Street, Mound To Be Changed

By
Misty Boggs
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TxDOT will be changing their signal light at Main Street and Mound Street to flashing red for the next few weeks.

At the request of the City, TxDOT has recently performed an updated Warrant Study for the existing traffic signal located at this intersection. The study indicated that this signal no longer meets warrants and could be removed.

We have asked TxDOT to set the signal controller to “Red Flash” for all directions, for several weeks to see how the intersection would operate if the signal was removed and became only a 4-way stop. If stop signs appear to be a feasible alternative, Engineering staff will bring a proposal to the City Council to petition TxDOT to remove the traffic light.

The removal of the signal would reduce maintenance costs for TxDOT and should help slow speeds of vehicles entering the downtown area where a lot of pedestrians frequently cross the streets. Recent traffic studies found speeds as high as 45 mph near the square.

City Engineering staff will continue to monitor for the duration of this exercise.

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