Dude Ranches: A Green Vacation Choice for Your Family

Dude Ranches: A Green Vacation Choice for Your Family



As more people are becoming aware of environmental issues, vacationing green is a growing travel trend. Families are seeking vacation options that offer activities that respect the earth, and experiences that create cherished memories and a renewed connection to nature.

“Dude Ranches in our association are environmentally kind and a great way to bring your family closer on your next vacation,” says Colleen Hodson of The Dude Ranch Association, an organization that represents over 100 ranches in the western United States and Canada. “People come to enjoy the outdoors, have an adventure and relax in nature. After they leave, they often have a renewed appreciation for the environment.”


So what is it like to vacation on a dude ranch? Imagine cool, fresh mountain air, riding a trail on your trusted horse, participating in a cattle drive during a beautiful sunset, and hearing the dinner bell call you to a delicious meal. And this is just a start; many ranches offer spas, rafting, fishing, hunting, and special adult and children’s programs.


If this sounds like a vacation you might be interested in, there are options for every budget. Plus, many ranches participate in activities that help preserve the environment that they rely on so you can feel good about your trip.


For example, Rocking Z Ranch in Montana uses a stationary diesel motor that is powered by recycled vegetable oil to pump water for irrigation. This worked so well, the ranch took the idea one step further by using the vegetable oil to make biodiesel after taking out the fatty acids. They use this to run the tractors, loaders, an excavator, dozer and diesel pickup during the summer months.


Coffee Creek Ranch in California respects the environment by not spraying their fruit trees with any chemical pesticides. And like many hotels and travel establishments, you have the option to get fresh towels every day or hang them up and reuse them as a way to conserve water.


Recycling is another aspect that dude ranches are embracing. Keep in mind, with some ranches being far from major cities where a recycling program might exist, it’s a bit harder than simply putting items in a bin and putting it at the end of the driveway every week. Wilderness Trails Ranch in Colorado collects bottles, cans, plastic and paper from the approximately 38 guests and 30 staff that stay at the ranch each week and loads a large trailer to take into town 30 miles away.

“Successful ranching depends on a positive relationship with the earth, therefore ranchers know that they need to treat it with care. This relationship influences a visitor’s experience at a dude ranch and often brings them a deeper appreciation for the environment in which they live,” adds Hodson.


A ranch offers activities for the whole family. Maybe your daughter loves horses and has always dreamed of lopping across a grassy meadow, or your son wants to learn how to rope a steer. While your wife enjoys some time in the spa, why not try some fly fishing? Then you better rest up so you can all go whitewater rafting the next day.


So if you are looking for a vacation that will leave your family with memories to last a lifetime and a closer relationship with Mother Nature then a vacation at Wilderness Trails Ranch, Coffee Creek Ranch or The Rocking Z Ranch are the destinations you are looking for. For more information about vacations where your family can embrace the great outdoors visit www.guestranch.com.    


Courtesy of ARA content

Resolve to be “Green” in the New Year

Resolve to be “Green” in the New Year


- New Year’s is a time to make a fresh start for the year ahead. Not sure what your resolution will be? Why not resolve to be more “green” in the New Year?



With the trend focusing on being more eco-friendly, these tips will not only make a difference for the environment and add some green in your wallet, but also make you feel good about yourself for keeping your resolution throughout the New Year.



Light Years Ahead

Time to drag out your ladder and replace those hard-to-reach light bulbs? Not anymore. It’s time to shed some light on the subject and make a change. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) not only last ten times longer than incandescents, but also use 75 percent less energy. Their cost of approximately $7 each may seem steep at first, but you will be light years ahead and save up to $60 in electricity per light over their lifetime.



Control the Flow

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program, an average of 100 gallons of water is consumed by Americans each day. This number would fill 1,600 drinking glasses! By installing a water saving aerator in your bath faucet, such as Moen’s Water Saving Aerator, you can reduce water flow from the standard 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) to 1.5 gpm -- reducing overall consumption by 30 percent.



Here Comes the Sun

During cooler months, keep your blinds or drapes open throughout the day to let in natural solar heat. This simple trick can reduce your heating bills by 10 percent. Blocking out sunlight with exterior blinds or shutters during the summer can also cut your utilities by up to 33 percent.



Indulge in a Shower

By switching from a bath to a shower, you not only save time, but also money. A typical ten minute bath requires 30 to 70 gallons of water versus 25 gallons under a 2.5 gpm showerhead.



Want to conserve even more resources? Install Moen’s new Water Saving Showerhead.  Unlike some low-flow showerheads that simply restrict the water flow, Moen’s Water Saving showerhead features optimized spray formers that increase the velocity of the water streams hitting the body, treating you to a full, enveloping spray. Plus, with a flow of 1.75 gpm (compared to the industry-standard 2.5 gpm), you’ll feel good knowing that you’re using 30 percent less water and also reducing energy costs, as less hot water is used without sacrificing the shower’s performance.  



Feel the Heat

Have your furnace checked yearly to make sure it’s running properly and efficiently; and tuned every two years. Not only will you save 10 percent on your heating bills, but you’ll also save approximately 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



Dish Duty

Although bottled water and disposable plates and cups may be enticing for easy use and clean-up, they aren't so earth-friendly -- heading straight from your trash into landfills. In fact, one billion plastic water bottles end up in landfills every year. Instead, enjoy your food and beverages on washable serving wear. It'll only take moments to load them into the dishwasher. Plus, running a full load in an Energy Star-rated dishwasher only uses 4 gallons of water.



Take It Down a Degree

According to the Alliance to Save Energy (www.ase.org), you can subtract 5 percent from your utility bill for every degree you lower your home’s temperature. Be sure to add layers of clothing or put on a sweater during the cooler months!



Follow these tips and you’ll be on the right track for a “green” New Year! For more information on the new Water Saving Showerheads and Aerators, visit www.moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tailgating? Menu Ideas that are Fun and Healthy

Tailgating? Menu Ideas that are Fun and Healthy


Food, fans and fun all go together during the big game. When you get together with your favorite sports enthusiasts, it’s likely you’ll be surrounded by traditional tailgating fare which is often unhealthy. Whether its hot dogs, nachos or fried appetizers, fan foods tend to be high in calories and fat content.



Tailgating and sports parties are great times to get together with friends and try some new recipes. Instead of surrounding yourself with junk food, try some alternatives that are equally delicious and better for your body. You might be surprised by how much everyone enjoys the variety of foods. Here are some tips to help the host and guests eat healthier during game time:



For the Host:

Sometimes during the big game the coach needs to change plays because it is the best line of attack. This is also true for the host of the party. With easy cooking strategies you can please the team without all the extra calories.



* Huddle Around the Barbeque: Skip the deep fried items and grill. Grilling foods is a heart healthy way to prepare meats and vegetables that tastes great. Create a barbecue using skinned turkey or chicken breasts and a bottle of low-fat barbecue sauce. Perhaps even offer veggie hot dogs and veggie burgers.



* Sacking the Chips: Instead of typical fried potato chips, make your own with Weight Watchers Whole Wheat pitas. Slice eight triangles and spread on a cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil, salt and bake 15 minutes or until toasted. To get the crunch of chips without the calories, try using vegetables. Fresh bell pepper, celery and carrots satisfy the crunch sports fans desire. Make dips with low-fat Weight Watchers Vanilla Yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise.



* One Hot Play: Make a healthier chili using the leanest ground beef or ground turkey available. Include a variety of beans, corn and chopped tomatoes. Not only will it add color and flavor to your chili, but nutrients as well.



* Sweet Attack: Look for low calorie sweets at your local grocery store. One example is the new portion-controlled Weight Watchers Caramel Snack Cakes that are just 90 calories, have 3 grams of dietary fiber and just 3 total grams of fat. They are a sensible food option and help satisfy the need for a “sweet treat” without sacrificing taste. Serve either wrapped in a basket or unwrapped on a tray.  



* Skewer the Opponent: Try making Hawaiian-style kabobs with fresh fruit. Simply slice your favorite fruits such as pineapple, oranges and strawberries and skewer. Fruits are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, but remember canned fruits lose nutrients. The whole team will enjoy this fun presentation.



For the Guest:

You’re a team player, but with all the traditional game foods, it’s hard to stick to your own personal health strategy. Here are some tips for guests so they can enjoy the food and fun without worry.



* Team Prep: Not sure what’s in those mushrooms? The ingredients can be the difference of hundreds of calories. A polite, “That looks great, what’s in it?” will get you the information you need to make wise food choices.



* A Good Defense: Take a step back from the food offerings and look at everything before digging in. If you can’t resist potato skins, have them, but don’t waste calories on foods that you don’t absolutely love. If you want many different foods, consider taking smaller portions of each and cutting items like burgers and brats in half.



* Game Time: At half time or before the game even starts, initiate a game of touch football or another backyard game. You’ll have fun and burn off some extra calories.  



* Proper Hydration for the Win: Drinking too much can make you susceptible to overeating. So keep your intake to one or two drinks and keep it light by alternating alcoholic beverages with diet soda or water. When you do drink, choose something like a wine, a champagne spritzer or light beer.



* Be a Team Player: Offer to make some healthy snacks. That way you know you always have something good to eat and your host will appreciate your contribution.  



Courtesy of ARAcontent


SIDEBAR:

Sweet and Savory Snack Mix

Hands-on Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Yields: 5 cups
Serves: 4

3 cups popped corn (plain air-popped corn or plain microwave popcorn)
2 cups Weight Watchers Vanilla Puffed Wheat
1 cup mini salted pretzels
1/4 cup raw pecans
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste (optional)

1) Preheat oven to 300 F. Coat a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2) Combine popcorn, Weight Watchers Vanilla Puffed Wheat, pretzels, and pecans in a large bowl. Mix well and spread mixture evenly across the baking pan. In a separate small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder and oregano. Mix well and sprinkle spices across popcorn mixture.
3) Generously spray nonstick cooking spray over seasoned snack mixture, making sure all pieces are covered. Using a wooden spoon or your fingers, carefully toss to coat. Make sure seasonings are evenly distributed. Bake for 10 minutes. Transfer snack mix back to large bowl. Toss and serve immediately.

Put an extra kick into this snack mix by adding a few pinches of cayenne pepper, paprika, or 1/8 teaspoon of dried crushed red pepper flakes.

Per serving: 150 Cal, 6 g Fat, 1 g Sat Fat, 0 g Trans Fat, 0 mg Chol, 135 mg Sod, 22 g Carb, 4 g Fib, 4 g Prot, 19 mg Calc. POINTS value: 3.

Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Gardening Gift Ideas Brighten the Holidays

Dreaming of a Green Christmas? Gardening Gift Ideas Brighten the Holidays



As the holidays approach, many of us dream of a white Christmas. But indoors, it’s likely that you have several plants to brighten your home. Whether a small herb garden or a collection of outdoor plants you brought inside to nurture through the cold weather, greenery makes the holidays and the entire year brighter. Gardening gifts are perfect for the person who has everything because it encourages the enjoyment of plant life and flowers all year long.

According to the National Gardening Association, more than 75 percent of Americans enjoy gardening, making it one of the most popular pastimes in the country. This holiday season, don’t forget your favorite garden enthusiast. Just because the weather outside is chilly, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great gardening ideas that can be used now and all year round. Here are some gift ideas for those dreaming of a green Christmas:


1) Oxygenized Water

Plants need water, sun and nutrients to survive, but recent studies have shown oxygen is another key element for successful plant growth. The Enki watering system takes this knowledge and puts it right in the hands of gardeners. The enhanced watering pitcher oxygenates water by up to 150 percent, far surpassing the oxygen levels in tap water or even that of rain water.

This new pitcher provides oxygen in the water to help encourage better root systems.

Tests conducted by a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Horticulture reveal the system’s substantial benefits. Super oxygenated water helps to achieve earlier flowering with more vibrant colors, and increased numbers of flowers and vegetables.

Enki is the eco-friendly way to enhance plants by stimulating the roots. This unique gift idea can be used right away because it benefits both indoor and outdoor plants with visible results.


2) Books

Books are a great way to keep your favorite gardener educated. With the wide variety available, choose one that suits their interests. From flowers to herbs to vegetables, there are essays and informational books to encourage successful gardening. If you’re not sure, pick a book about plants local to the region. General how-to books are also great because they can be a good reference throughout the year.

3) Classes

Gardening classes are conducted year round at gardening centers and nurseries, schools and community education centers. Why not give the gift of knowledge for the holidays? Whether for your mother, the family gardener, or your cousin who just moved into a new home, a gardening or landscape class can benefit them now. They might meet some new people that share their interest or can help answer their questions.

4) Indoor Plants and Accessories

According to the National Gardener’s Survey, 43 million Americans participate in some type of indoor gardening. This holiday, get that special someone something they can enjoy today. An indoor herb garden is a simple gift that is easy to care for and provides fresh herbs for cooking. Seasonal plants are great too, and poinsettias are particularly popular for the holidays. Pair one with the Enki watering pitcher and you have the perfect gift that keeps giving as the plant flourishes. Special indoor gardening tools make great gifts because they are created particularly for indoor use and are helpful for successful indoor gardening.

For more information on great gardening gift ideas, visit www.MyEnki.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dreaming of a “Green” Christmas? Try Mini Christmas Trees This Season

Dreaming of a “Green” Christmas? Try Mini Christmas Trees This Season




(ARA) - Think green is just the traditional color of the holidays? Think again. This season it’s more than a color. It’s the hippest way to decorate while giving back to both your family and Mother Earth.


And the easiest, most festive way to be an earth friendly elf is to decorate with a living Norfolk Island Pine. No live trees to cut down, no dead needles to clean up and no discarded tree to drag to the curb and overload the landfills.


“These living Christmas trees are inexpensive and eco-chic, all wrapped in one decorated package,” says Jose Smith, CEO of Costa Farms, one of the nation’s leading nurseries.



And since Christmas trees are one of the most popular traditions of the season, these miniature living trees present a variety of decorating and gift-giving options along with many green benefits.



But think small. According to Lynn Long from Southern Living, large living trees are “high-maintenance affairs, but these miniature versions are fun to decorate and have some definite advantages over their big, tall look-alikes.”



Easy to grow, Norfolk Island Pines make cheerful centerpieces during your holiday feast and add eco-flair to your home’s décor. A native of the South Pacific, the soft, compact needles and naturally symmetrical shape of the tree provides a charming backdrop for all your seasonal celebrations.



Small enough for a tabletop display in the kitchen or hall or large enough to be the focal point of any room, they tuck nicely into tight spaces in apartments, dorm rooms, patios or cozy corners. After the holidays, untrim your mini tree and place it in a pretty pot and use as a house plant. With just a little care, your Norfolk Island Pine will reward you for many Christmases to come.



Decorating and Gift Giving Tips with Mini Trees

For a green Christmas this year, check out these fun tips:



* “Why not have a living tree in every room?” suggests Southern Living’s Long. “You can get creative and have some fun using your special collections of ornaments on different trees, either in one location or scattered throughout the house.”



* Long suggests choosing a theme for each room, adding petite cooking utensils for the kitchen, candy canes in the den and lovely gold or silver ribbons entwined with flowers in the living room, all in colors that complement the room’s décor.



* For a dramatic look, decorate three to five “themed” trees and set them on your dining table or mantel.



* And don’t forget the children’s own little tree for their rooms. “Think of all the fun and memories you and your kids will have decorating the tree with handmade paper decorations, candies, popcorn and small miniature lights,” says Long.



* Norfolk Island Pines are perfect gifts for college students or apartment dwellers who want a touch of Christmas but don’t have space for a large tree.



* Don’t know what to give your child’s teacher, your boss or hostess? Pick up either the 14- or 22-inch Norfolk Island Pine fully decorated with a gift tag.



Care Tips

Place the Norfolk Island Pine in an open, bright location such as on countertops, tabletops or in an office, but not in full sun. They prefer to be near a window but away from direct heat. Keep the soil moist but don’t let it dry out or stand in water. Feed with a complete balanced fertilizer every month.



As a house plant, the Norfolk Island Pine naturally filters the air and adds much needed moisture to a room, especially needed during the winter. It also absorbs and breaks down harmful pollutants, giving you and your family an extra Christmas gift -- a healthier and greener environment.



If you live where the temperature stays above 60 degrees, such as Zones 9 and 10, your Norfolk Island Pine tree can be planted in the landscape and loved for many years.



Available at neighborhood retailers, 14- or 22-inch Norfolk Island Pines come fully decorated and ready for the party, or select the larger 44-inch tree and custom decorate it with your favorite ornaments.



This year go “green” with a living Norfolk Island Pine and create lasting memories for you and your family. For more information or to find a retailer near you, visit www.costafarms.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Passive Light Gaining Ground in Green Building

Passive Light Gaining Ground in Green Building



Passive light is defined as light without the heat emitted by electrical sources. It’s a form of natural light, but in this age of green building it has acquired an upscale name. No matter what it’s called, it’s still one of the best lighting methods available. It’s free. It’s effective. It’s efficient.  

And it’s easy to bring into homes through tubular skylights without flipping an electrical switch, especially to smaller interior areas that don’t normally get a lot of natural light, including hallways, laundry rooms, closets, or windowless bathrooms.

According to Tim Johnson, product manager with VELUX America, Sun Tunnel skylights can bring passive natural light to areas where traditional skylights aren’t needed or won’t fit, while admitting very little of the heat that windows and other light sources produce. They capture light very efficiently through a clear, weatherproof dome on the roof. The light travels into the home through highly reflective tubing, ending at a diffuser in the ceiling that looks like a traditional in-ceiling light fixture. The units offer a choice of highly reflective rigid tubing between the roof and ceiling or flexible tubing to easily bypass HVAC equipment or other obstructions in the attic. They are less expensive than many traditional skylights and easier to install.  


The easy-to-install skylights are available in a variety of models in 10”, 14” and 22” diameters for different spaces and lighting needs. “The installation process is very straight-forward,” Johnson says, “with many components pre-assembled right out of the box so a handy homeowner can handle the installation in two to three hours if a professional installation is not preferred.”


The skylights are available at big box stores, building supply dealers, and specialty retail outlets. Optional light kits are available that install inside the
And now is a particularly good time to consider upgrading existing skylights or adding new units to qualify for a tax credit of up to $200 under the Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. Details are available at www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm.



For information on skylight selection and the benefits of natural light call (800) 283-2831 or visit www.veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

Sweeten the Holidays Naturally

Sweeten the Holidays Naturally



From rich chocolate fudge to creamy caramels and sweet lollipops -- candy is always a crowd-pleaser. This season, serve up a few of your favorite confections, sweetened the natural way, using pure honey.



Using honey in a candy recipe not only provides a mild, naturally sweet flavor, it also dissolves and blends well and delivers a smoother candy texture. Candy making can be tricky, so keep the following tips in mind:



* For a candy making surface that can take the heat, use a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil.  Cool the candy at room temperature and then gently remove from the foil.



* Use pure honey, which is already in a liquid form, to help avoid the hassle that comes with large sugar crystals forming during the candy-making process.  



* Bringing the candy mixture to the correct temperature is essential  A candy thermometer is the most accurate and efficient way of testing the temperature.



* Only use real butter in candy making.  



The following candy recipes are easy to make and feature scrumptious, seasonal ingredients such as cinnamon, walnuts, vanilla, almonds and of course, chocolate. Friends and family will be delighted to savor these tasty treats at holiday parties, as hostess gifts, or even as stocking stuffers.



Visit www.honey.com for more delicious holiday candy recipes.



Chocolate Walnut Fudge



Makes 25 squares.



Ingredients:

1/2 cup pure honey

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped

1 cup (4 ounces) coarsely chopped walnuts



Directions:

Line an 8-inch by 8-inch pan with foil; butter and set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, sweetened condensed milk and salt. Mix well. Bring mixture just to a boil, stirring frequently. Lower heat to a simmer. Add chocolate chips and bittersweet chocolate, stirring constantly, until chocolate melts completely and mixture is smooth. Stir in walnuts. Pour immediately into pan and smooth top. Let cool, then refrigerate until cold. Cut into 25 pieces.



Honey Pops



Makes 15 to 20 lollipops.



Ingredients:



1 cup sugar

1/2 cup pure honey

1/4 cup water

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon candy flavoring (or 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

red paste food coloring, optional



Directions:



In a heavy pan, combine sugar, honey, and water. Over high heat, bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-high and continue to boil until honey mixture reaches 300F on candy thermometer (hard-crack stage), about five to six minutes, stirring frequently. Add flavoring and color. Mix well. Pour into prepared lollipop molds (greased with lollipop sticks inserted), following manufacturer’s directions. Cool completely. Remove from molds and wrap in plastic wrap. Store in a cool, dry place.



Cinnamon candy flavoring is an oil-based flavoring, which can be found where candy-making supplies are sold. You may substitute 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, if desired.



Tip: Candy may be molded in buttered, wax-coated paper drinking cups.



Holiday Honey Caramels



Makes 30 caramels.



Ingredients:



2 cups pure honey

2 cups whipping cream

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

finely chopped almonds, optional

1 cup butter (no substitutions)



Directions:



Line bottom and sides of 9-inch square pan with plastic wrap and set it aside. Melt butter in medium-sized heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add honey, cream and brown sugar. Mix well. Cook over medium-high heat until mixture comes to boil, stirring frequently. Continue boiling, stirring frequently, until candy thermometer registers 250 F, about 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan.



Let cool completely in refrigerator before cutting into individual caramels with very sharp knife. Roll in chopped nuts or coconut, if desired, and wrap each individually in clear plastic wrap. Store tightly wrapped in refrigerator up to one month. Caramels will be soft at room temperature and firm if kept chilled.



Serving Suggestions:



Drop one into a cup of hot coffee or tea or enjoy this delicious treat on its own.



Courtesy of ARAcontent