Live Better Newsletter: December 2007 Archives

Welcome to the 2007 Holiday Newsletter. Happy Holidays!!!

Log-In: Resident / Rental Owner / Employees

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Cooking With Chris - Virtual Cookie Exchange

Cookies Pic It wouldn’t be the Holiday Season without a spectacular selection of festive cookies to munch on. Host your own Cookie Exchange this year and save your time and energy for what really matters, reconnecting with friends and family. It’s a merry and practical way to ensure you have cookie tins loaded with fabulous homemade treats to share with loved ones.

Evolve Property Management is delighted to provide some handy resources to help you organize what is sure to become a favorite holiday tradition. My good friend, David, who lives in Minnesotta forwarded an e-mail with links to all sorts of wonderful cookie recipes. For your convenience I have converted each recipe into a link below. While I can't say that I've personally tested each of these recipes, I CAN assure that I'm well on my way. If you find a terrific recipe you think we're missing be sure to share it by sending your recipe to newsletter@evolveLLC.com.

We hope you agree, this is a terrific resource this holiday season. Just click on the name of the cookie and bam the recipe is there. Good to keep handy. Enjoy!

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 10:21 AM | Permalink

Drinkin' With Jeff: Crimson Sippers

Crimson Sippers Pic Ingredients:

2 Pints Pomegranate Juice

1 1/2 Cups Sugar

12 Fresh Sage Leaves, lighly crushed

2 2x1/2-inch strips of lemon peel

1 Cup Lemon Juice

1 750-ml. bottle dry (brut) sparkling wine or club soda, chilled

Preparation:

1.) In a saucepan heat juice, sugar, sage leves, and lemon peel to boiling; stir to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. Transfer to glass container; cover and refrigerate 4 hours or up to 1 week.

2.) To serve, discard sage and lemon peel. Fill 6-ounce glasses with ice, halfway with juice, then add 1/4 cup wine. Stir, and add fresh sage leaves.

Makes 12 (6-ounce) servings.

Each Serving: 205 cal, 0g fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 7 mg sodium, 41 g carbohydrates, 0 g figer, 0 g protein.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 10:20 AM | Permalink

Going Green: Ways To Save This Winter

As much as half the energy bill in a typical single-family home goes toward heating Thermostat Pic and cooling expenses, the biggest chunk by far. Here are some TERRIFIC suggestions to help you stay warm this winter while also cutting energy costs and doing your part to help save the planet!

1.) Programmable Thermostats

If your apartment is equipped with a programable thermostat learn how to use it. Send the make and model number of your thermostat to newsletter@evolveLLC.com and we'll help you locate the appropriate user manual for your device. The Energy Star experts say that when used properly, a programmable thermostate can save about $150 per year on utility bills.

2.) Power of the Sun

Take advantage of the sun's warmth in winter. Open south-facing window shades and drapes on sunny days and close them at night.

3.) Furnace Filters

Check the furnace filter each month and wash or replace it at least every three months. A dirty filter increases your energy bill and shortens the life of your heating and cooling system.

4.) Stop Air Leaks

Stop air leaks. Energy Star reports savings of up to 20 percent from effective home sealing and insulation. Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk and weather stripping. Close the fireplace damper when it's not being used. Check your dryer vent cap to make sure it closes tightly.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 05:27 AM | Permalink

Fitness Works: Navigate The Snack Platter

If you have parties to attend over the holiday period, you know how easy it can be to fill up on cheese puffs and chips and dip. It's also easy, and healthier, to be a bit more discriminating in your food choices. Here are several examples of 500-calorie mini-meals from the snack platter. See how much more of the good stuff you can have if you choose your combos wisely.

10 Shrimp = 35 calories

2 Tbsp. cocktail sauce = 50 calories

2 small chicken skewers = 90 calories

1 cup raw veggies or crudite's = 40 calories

2 Tbsp hummus = 50 calories

3 small slices smoked salmon = 95 calories

3 crackers = 75 calories

3 large olives = 60 calories

TOTAL: 495 calories

4 mini quiches = 280 calories

6 Swedish meatballs = 260 calories

Total 540 calories

6 garlic-stuffed olives = 90 calories

1/2 honeydew melon = 65 calories

2 small baguette slices = 120 calories

2 Tbsp. bruschetta topping = 30 calories

2 chicken satays = 140 calories

2 bacon-wrapped scallops = 120 calories

Total 565 calories

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 04:50 AM | Permalink

There's NO Place Like Home

can help you find a GREAT apartment in Washington, DC. just three easy clicks and you’re home:

Click 1: Check Vacancies Click 2: Submit An Application Click 3: Move-In

There’s NO place like home.

Posted by Christopher Swanson at 02:23 AM | Permalink

Live Better Newsletter

Exclusively for Evolve Residents, Rental Owners & Employees

December 01, 2007