Make the resolution for a greener New Year

(NC)-With the New Year, many Canadians are making resolutions to help better their lives. This year, why not pledge to better your life and the lives of all Canadians by resolving to reduce your environmental impact. Challenge yourself to change some of your regular habits and make this next year your most environmentally friendly year yet – it’s easier than you think.
 

“The start of the new year is the perfect time to start fresh and vow to make more eco-friendly choices. These choices will provide an example for future generations and teach them environmental responsibility,” says Mary Desjardins, the executive director of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF). “For a greener tomorrow, we should all stick to our resolutions not only in January, but throughout the year.”
 

TD FEF is a national organization, dedicated to protecting the environment through the funding of local initiatives, and recommends the following tips to make this next year your greenest year yet.
 

• Rethink your transportation needs: Reduce fossil fuel consumption by taking public transit, carpooling or walking instead of driving. If driving is your only option, be sure to check your tire pressure – properly inflated tires not only help increase gas efficiency, but make your tires last longer and enhance vehicle handling.
 

• Look for local: It’s possible to eat locally, even during the winter. Look for local meat and dairy products to add into your diet, as opposed to alternatives that are transported in.
 

• Go paperless: Many companies – including TD Bank Group – offer electronic billing solutions, so look to have bills sent via email to reduce paper consumption. And instead of printing them out, keep a separate file in your email for your bills to keep them easily organized.
 

Share your resolutions for this new year with us by visiting http://www.Facebook.com/TDFEF

How to make your holiday event stand out

When you open your home to family and friends this holiday season, you want to give your guests the best impression possible. But, it’s likely that you might not have everything that you need to accommodate your visitors.

Hosting a large gathering is not something you do every day, so many of the necessary items are not things you’ll have sitting in your kitchen cabinets, garage or basement ready for use. Fortunately, you won’t need to break the bank buying everything you need. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in your home, your local rental store will be able to help.

Here are a few things you can do to make your holiday event one to remember:

* Not enough seating? Consider renting some tables and chairs. It’s better than having to haul the card table up from the basement and offering your guests a cold folding chair.

* Set your table with the latest styles of linens, china and silver. If these aren’t items that you, or another family member, has at their disposal, find them at  your local rental store.

* Don’t forget that elegant lighting and centerpieces will go a long way to creating the perfect look and feel for your special holiday event. Small things like this can make a huge difference in the ambiance of your gathering.

* Add some extra flair to your event and have a champagne fountain or margarita machine on hand. These types of fun rental party items make for a special surprise for your guests.

* The outside of your home is the first impression. Make sure that your outdoor decorations are just as elegant and beautiful as the ones inside.

* If you’re hosting a particularly large group, it may be difficult to keep food hot when it comes time to dine. Renting food preparation items, chafing dishes or other warmers will ensure every one of your guests enjoys a delicious dining experience.

To get a better idea of what types of items you can rent for parties and to locate a store near you, visit http://www.rentalhq.com. Think it sounds out of your budget to create a perfect event? Not necessarily. Your local rental store has everything you need and can offer service and advice to help eliminate stress. You’ll also save money on items you will be using only once.

Courtesy of BPT

Enjoy special holiday meals that have great nutrition

(BPT) – The most wonderful time of the year always means great tasting food! From family gatherings to holiday parties, sweet treats and delicious meals are everywhere during the holidays, but that shouldn’t prevent you from eating healthy. Whether it is a side dish, gingerbread cookies or turkey, you can still enjoy the best holiday meals while keeping your health in mind.

This holiday season, impress family and friends with flavorful dishes made with high-quality, fresh ingredients.

“Enjoy those hearty meals and sweet desserts, but in moderation. Create healthful meal options with fresh and nutrient-rich ingredients,” says Registered Dietitian Elizabeth Ward. “I like to include Eggland’s Best eggs in my baking and holiday meals because they contain 10 times more vitamin E, three times more vitamin B12 and double the omega-3s when compared to ordinary eggs, which can all help boost immunity during the winter season.”

Take a healthier spin on turkey and sweet potatoes during the holidays by infusing them into a frittata using Eggland’s Best eggs, which have 25 percent less saturated fat and four times more vitamin D than ordinary eggs. Salads are another great way to incorporate nutrition into holiday meals, with healthy ingredients such as spinach and walnuts.

Find great recipes for holiday meals, including this Eggland’s Best Sweet Potato and Turkey Frittata, at http://www.egglandsbest.com or http://www.pinterest.com/egglandsbest.

Eggland’s Best Sweet Potato and Turkey Frittata

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients:

* 6 Eggland’s Best eggs (large)

* 1/4 cup skim milk

* 1 cup sweet potatoes, mashed or cubed, already cooked

* 1 cup turkey breast, shredded

* 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, part skim

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon pepper

* Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

In a medium bowl, blend the eggs, salt, pepper, and skim milk and beat until eggs are fluffy. Stir in cheese and set aside. Spray a large, oven-proof skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and turkey in the skillet, stirring until just warm. Pour eggs over potato and turkey mixture, stirring until eggs just begin to set on the bottom, but are slightly uncooked on top. Turn on oven broiler, and place pan in oven. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until eggs are completely set and top of frittata is lightly golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Includes recipe.

Get toasty with this delicious sandwich

(NC)-Canadian winters often make us want to curl up with a plate of our favourite comfort food. This filling, easy-to-make meal will allow you to satisfy that craving for a filling and delicious spread while sticking to your healthy-eating goals.

Like fruits and vegetables, bread has naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of nutrients that can help Canadians manage their weight. An excellent source of Manganese, which helps your body metabolize carbohydrates, this sandwich is a perfect way to satisfy your hunger in a healthy, delicious way.

Veggie Hummus Crunch

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

4 Slices Dempster’s WholeGrains Wheat & Oats with Honey Bread, toasted

1/3 cup (80 mL) Hummus

2 Slices light Havarti cheese

1 Tomato, sliced

2 tbsp (30 mL) Diced red onion

½ Cucumber, sliced

1 Package alfalfa sprouts

Directions:

Spread hummus evenly on one side of each slice of toast.

Top 2 slices of toast with cheese, tomato, red onion, cucumber, a handful of alfalfa sprouts and remaining slices of toast to form sandwiches.

Cut in half and serve.

For more delicious recipes, please visit NaturallyDempsters.ca

Courtesy of Newscanada

New Weekly Article – A Kitchen for Entertaining || Your Home and Lifestyle

A Kitchen for Entertaining || Your Home and Lifestyle.