Ingredients

• 4-5 Apples
• 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 4 cups Unsweetened Apple Juice
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Sugar (optional)

Directions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees
• Pour unsweetened apple juice into a large pot
• Add cinnamon sticks and bring to a boil
• While water is heating, cut off the top and bottom portion of each apple (these will not be used). You can peel the apples and remove the core, but it is not a necessary step
• Using a sharp knife, slice into 1/4-inch chips
• Add apples to boiling apple juice. Return to boil and cook for 5 minutes.  Make sure to stir occassionally to prevent sticking.
• Using a large slotted spoon, lift apple slices out of apple juice and put on paper towels to drain.  Pat dry to remove moisture
• Spread slices in a single layer on wire cooling racks.
• Place in oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove when slices are golden brown.
• Let apples cool on the serving rack until crisp
• Store in airtight container

Tips

• Use different types of apples, ie: sour, sweet, tart
• Don’t cut your slices too large.  If you do, they will not crisp
• Add cinnamon and sugar (or sugar substitute like splenda) to the apples before you bake them
• Brush honey on apples before baking
• Crumble up apple chips as a topping for yogurt or ice cream

As you can see, Apple Chips are super simple to make and they are a great snack for at the office or at home!  For more apple recipes, please visit the Food & Drink section of our website.

Womens Construction Worker Costume

What you need:

• Short skirt or shorts
• Tight fitting Flannel Shirt
• Tool belt
• Hard hat
• Work boots
• Gloves
• Tools

Directions:

• Cut sleeves out of shirt, button only a few middle buttons and tie the rest of the shirt at the waist
• Strap the tool belt around the waist of the shorts or skirt – add a hammer, tape measure, etc
• Add the work boots and hard hat
• Wear some sexy black gloves

**If you don’t want to go super sexy, wear tight jeans and white tshirt instead.  Layer the flannel shirt over the tshirt like a vest.  Still a very cute costume!

Mens Construction Worker Costume

What you need:

• Jeans
• Flannel Shirt
• White tshirt
• Tool belt
• Hard hat
• Work boots
• Gloves
• Tools

Directions:

• Cut sleeves out of flannel shirt and layer over white tshirt
• Strap the tool belt on and add a hammer, tape measure, etc
• Add the work boots, hard hat and work gloves

As you can see, its super simple to create your own Construction Worker costume and a lot of the items you may have lying around your home.  For more costume ideas, visit the Arts & Crafts section of our website.

Roof Inspection Tools and Supplies

• Extension Ladder in Good Working Condition and Properly Sized for your Roof Height!
• Tool Belt with Hammer and Screwdrivers
• Bottle of Drinking Water
• Cell Phone, See the Safety Suggestions
• Digital Camera, In Case you Need Pictures for Second Opinions!

DIY Roof Inspection

After you climb onto your roof, you are going to want to look for obvious signs of trouble.

1. Check all Peaks and Valleys for signs of shingles turned up, or missing ridge vents, or flashing that may be damaged.
2. Check around Fireplaces for flashing failures or cracks that are a sign it needs to be sealed.
3. If you have a Fireplace, check that the fireplace cap is securely fastened, and tighten if needed.
4. Check around all pipes and pipe boots for dry and cracked sealer.
5. Check around ANY other objects that are fastened to your roof area, these include Satellite dishes, attic vent fans, etc. Tighten screws or set nails as needed.

Along with the obvious areas you would find leaking, you should also take the time to clear off any fallen debris from trees off your roof! As you walk around cleaning the roof, inspect the granular surface of the shingles for signs of age. These could include bare spots, or the gutters filled with the pebbles.

After you are satisfied the roofing materials are in good shape, take a few minutes to look through the gutters of the home as well. If you can do so, have your helper hand you the hose to your roof and rinse all debris from your gutters.

DIY Roof Repair Costs

The cost of repairing certain things on your roof can vary by the item and the amount of time it takes to repair. If you are a DIY’er, time is your friend and the only costs you will incur are those for materials.

• $20 less per gallon, Roofing Tar
• $10 or less each, Pipe Jack Boots or Flashing Kits
• $25-$200, Chimney Cap
• $45-$100, Attic Ventilator kits
• $25, 10′x20″ roll of sheet metal for flashing
• $15, 10′ Section of Ridge Vent Cap
• $20-$40, Bundle of 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Roof Replacement Costs

Most general roofing repairs can be done by yourself or a handyman for very affordable costs! Replacement of the entire roof is another story all together, and is generally better left to the pros!

Depending on your own roof, the age of your existing roof, the condition of the sub roof plywood and the complexity of the ridges and valleys, the cost to replace your roof can vary widely.

In general a roof will last 25-40 years and when its time to replace it, your best bet is to call out a qualified and insured roofing company, so you know you will get another 30 years out of the replacement roof!

Ingredients

• 4-5 lbs of apples – best kind are a combination of sweet and tart, like Granny Smith and Red Delicious
• 4 cups of white sugar
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg

Directions

• You can use the apples peeled or unpeeled, but I prefer peeled apples
• Wash and quarter the apples and place in crock pot
• Add sugar and stir well to coat all the apples
• Pour the apple cider over the apples
• Add the spices and mix well
• Cook on high for 2 1/2 – 3 hours.  Then cook on low for 9 hours
• Check the apples about 1/2 way through the cooking process and make sure there is a lot of juice!
• Fill a blender with some of the mixer and process until very smooth.  Repeat this with the remainder of apples
• Pour the mixture back into the slow cooker and cook uncovered on high about 1-3 hours
• Place the hot butter in jars.  Allow to cool throughly and place in freezer

You can also go through the canning procedures at this point if you prefer to put them up in storage. We have canning procedures for pickles which can be followed for most any food. Regardless, you MUST either freeze or can this butter to keep it from spoiling.

Tips & Resources

While the apple butter is perfect on its own, you can also add some extra items to make it a little different:

• Add molasses or syrup to the mixture
• Add ginger or ground cloves along with the cinnamon.
• Add powered drink mix like Kool Aid in the first few hours of cooking.  This adds a taste that kids will enjoy a lot!
• Add orange juice in the first few hours of cooking

For other cooking tips, check out the Food & Drink section of our website.

Baby Shower Basket

Every new mom loves to have all those neat little items for the new baby, but creating a basket that contains items they will actually use will help them more than you know!

What you will need:

• Baby tub
• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Oil
• Powder
• Rattle
• Bibs
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Baby product coupons

Fill baby tub with all the items – I usually take the diapers out of the package and line the tub around the edges or use them in between other items.  Place an envelope in the basket filled with baby product coupons.  I don’t wrap these in anything, but if you are doing this basket a couple of weeks in advance, you will want to wrap the entire tub in cellophane to prevent dust and dirts from forming on the items.

New House Gift Basket

This one is primarily for those people who are moving into their first home and could be singles or couples.  The dollar store comes in handy for this one as well.

What you need:

• Laundry basket, large mixing bowl or bucket
• Food containers
• Cooking utensils
• Kitchen towels
• Pot holders
• Scented candles
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer Sheets
• Hangers
• Snacks

There are so many things you can add to this basket, so consider other items if you come across them.  I like to do this one in a large laundry basket because you can fit a lot in there – but mixing bowls are super cool as well. Place all the items in the container and make sure to pop in a few snacks likes pretzels, crackers and chips for them to snack on while they are unpacking.  It would also be cool to include a gift card for pizza or chinese delivery so they don’t have to leave the house to pick something up!

Graduation Gift Basket

There is so much expense involved with going to college, so anything you can offer up is great!  If you want to forego a gift of money, then how about making a basket filled with tons of stuff they will need?!

What you need:

• Laundry basket
• Detergent
• Laudry bag
• Dryer Sheets
• Soap
• Towels and washclothes
• Shower kit
• Toothpaste
• Snacks and other goodies
• Cleaning supplies
• First aid kit
• Sewing kit
• Small tool set

In addition, if you know what college they are attending, try to find a few cheap little items that have their college logo on it. Again, place everything in the laundry basket and wrap in cellophane if the event is more than a couple weeks away.

Wine & Cheese Gift Basket

This basket is perfect for a birthday or anniversary gift!

What you need:

• Picnic Basket or Ice bucket
• Wine glasses
• Box of crackers
• Cheese
• Pepperoni or salami
• Cheese slicer
• Small throw blanket
• Small paper plates
• Wine
• Votive candles

I like to find a nice picnic basket for this, but you can also use any type of basket or even an ice bucket!  Place everything in the basket and they have a ready made kit to go out for a romantic drive in the mountains, the beach or even their own back porch!

There are endless ideas for creating your own gift basket.  These types of gifts let the recipient know you took the time to create something special just for them and everyone love personalized gifts!

For more tips, visit the Arts & Crafts section of our website, or check out some of the awesome places below!

The Custom Basket

Wisegeek

Pioneer Thinking

Directions for making Applesauce

• Peel and seed the apples; chop into quarters or eighths.
• Put the apples and cider or water in a saucepan and set on low to medium-low heat. Cover.
• After 20 minutes, remove the cover and mash the apples. They should practically disintegrate into sauce, with maybe a few lumps for texture
• Add the sugar and cinnamon

Tips and Variations on Applesauce

While Applesauce is yummy on its own, why not try some unique and different ways to cook with or serve it? Below are just a few for you to try out, but experiment and you are bound to come up with your own family favorite.

• Add more sugar if it’s not sweet enough for you.  If you are using more sour apples, chances are you will need to ramp up the applesauce a bit
• Cook pork chops until almost done – baste with applesauce for the last 5 minutes.  It adds a sweetness to chops and makes them crisp up on the edges.  Find a great recipe at the Food Network
• Instead of using syrup on your pancakes, use applesauce – they go great together!
• Top off the applesauce with raisins or pecans for added flavor
• Use applesauce instead of oil in baking
• Freeze applesauce in small cups for about an hour.  You will then have a slushy!
• Add applesauce to pancakes or french toast before cooking
• Now this is a new one on me!  Make Cinnamon Applesauce ornaments for your tree. 

As you can see, making Applesauce is super simple and there are many variations that can be used to change up your family favorites.  For more recipe tips, check out our Food & Drink section.

Barter or Trade Services for HVAC Savings

I promise, you won’t get a free HVAC system out of it, but if you have a business or specialty of your own that may benefit the owner or the company, mention it and ASK if there is any way you can trade your own skills or services, for a partial savings on the labor of the installation!

HVAC company’s need everything from office cleaning to sales & marketing flyers, to evening time cold-call appointment setters, van and equipment maintenance, washes, etc! The company owners, need everything that you need for your own home! From driveways to roofing, and everything in between… you will never know if you don’t ask!

List of things that may interest an HVAC company:

• Internet and Computer Services
• Phone Services
• Vehicle Maintenance, Painting and Lettering
• Advertising of ANY Kind!
• Office Cleaning and/or Management (Free labor)
• Social Network Marketing, Referrals, etc
• If you live on a main road with heavy traffic, offer to let them park an old van for 45-60 days, in your driveway!

The bottom line… ask, you may be surprised!

Cash Speaks Volumes!

Don’t underestimate the power of cash! When the HVAC contractor hands you an estimate for $6000, ask him if he will take $4000, if you pay cash, immediately. When we say cash, we mean crisp bills, not a check or any other form of traceable income!

Listen.. I know this sounds drastic, but cash is easily buried in a service company like a heating and cooling business and the owners look at cash as free bonus money for themselves and the employees.

Cash walks 10 miles farther than any other method of payment in small to mid-size companies, and the warranty and protection is the same as any other method of payment! Get your invoice and you are covered.

Hire Cheaper Labor to Install HVAC

If all else fails you just cannot afford the high price installation of a reputable company, you may be able to find someone willing to install a system you purchase on eBay or another heating and equipment website online.

Cheap labor might make a 25-40% difference in cost, but it does come with risk.

Like everything in life, taking the cheap way out usually means sacrifice and your HVAC is no exception! In most cases, you get what you pay for…  and nothing more! That includes…

• Cheap Labor usually means no labor warranty, if it breaks, its yours! You will have a hard time getting two-guys-and-a-van back to your home in the future, if you can find them!
• Buying the equipment online usually means the manufacturer warranty will be voided as well, unless the installers are factory approved and licensed.

If using cheap labor to install your system is the only choice, check on Craigslist for your hometown, you will easily find a handyman who is willing to install your system for you!

State and Federal Energy Rebates

The state of Florida just announced a $1500 HVAC rebate on high efficiency equipment as long as you choose a qualified system and use a qualified installer! (Find a qualified installer at QualitySmith) These types of rebates exist in almost all 50 states and you just need to to find them!

You may end up paying a bit more for a higher efficiency HVAC system, but the rebates may save you thousands over the lower efficiency unit! Look at these common state and federal energy rebates:

• Up to $1500 from many states
• Up to $3000 from the federal Gov’t (Federal energy tax credits 2010)
• Federal Stimulus weatherization program funding up to $1500 (search bing or google for more info, just replace ours, for your own state)

Utility & Energy Company Rebates

Surprisingly, not many people talk about contacting your local utility company and asking for rebate information, but almost all of them offer energy saving rebates for high efficiency or energy star appliances.

Gas furnace, air conditioners and heat pumps are very much included in that mix!

• Call your local Utility company and ask if they offer rebates!
• Ask them for any special requirements.
• Ask them for information on submitting the rebate forms.
• Have a qualified contractor install your system and file the paperwork for you!!

Most local gas or electric companies are going to require that you follow the letter of the law if you want to take advantage of their rebates. Make sure you use only a qualified contractor, pull all the right permits and get all the right inspections, otherwise you may not qualify!

Manufacturer Rebates and Incentives

Manufacturers like Trane, Carrier, Lennox and several others often offer seasonal incentives to both dealers and buyers, in order to prompt buyers to move to their brand, or buy now!

The pages below lead right to the manufacturers promotions pages.

• Carrier Promotions
• Trane Promotions
• Lennox Special Offers

Many other brands offer special promotions that are available to there dealers, make sure you ask your own dealer if they offer any special incentives at the time of your quote.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
3. Make the topping by mixing together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup white sugar, chopped walnuts and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
4. In large bowl, mix together 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Make a well in the center, and pour in the oil, eggs and sour milk. Beat until smooth
5. Fold in chopped apples.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan
7. Sprinkle with topping mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Freeze in individual slices:

• Let the cake cool completely
• Cut the cake into individual portions
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place in a ziploc sandwich bag
• For added freshness, fill a larger ziploc bag with the individually wrapped pieces.

Freeze a whole cake:

• Let the cake cool completely
• Place whole cake (unwrapped) on a cookie sheet or tray and place in the freezer
• After cake is frozen, remove from freezer and wrap in plasic wrap. 
• Then either wrap with tin foil or place in ziploc freezer bag

Freezing a whole cake in this way will help it not stick to the outer wrapping

For more recipes, check out our Food & Drink Section

Do you have any good Apple Cake recipes?

Effective canning means having all the right equipment!  If you aren’t prepared, you risk not having what you need and wasting a good canning session!

Lid Lifter

Used to lift the lids out of boiling water with a magnet

Jar Grabber

Similar to tongs, but specific to jars and used to pick up hot jars

Jar Funnel

You can use a regular funnel, but they make specific funnels just for canning.  They are a bit larger and work much better than traditional ones

Canning Pot

There are specific pots made just for sanitizing your jars after you fill them. This will probably be your biggest expense.  Buy a nice one and it is sure to last for years and years

Laddles and Large Spoons

Pretty self explanatory, but I would purchase some that you use specifically for canning.  Stainless steel (with rubber handles) are the best because they will not hold flavors in them.

Canning Jars

You won’t get far canning if you don’t have jars.  Ball or Kerr are the most popular kind and can be found fairly inexpensive at places like Walmart, Target of Big Lots.  You will want to buy the wide mouth so it is easier to fill them.

Lids and Rings

Used to top off the jars and can be purchased in the same area as the canning jars.

Ingredients will vary with the type of pickle you are making, but these directions are specifically for Quick Pack Pickles

Cucumbers

Only fresh, crisp cucumbers will do – don’t try to use using them if they are soft.  About 3 or 4 cucumbers will fill 1 pint jar, so plan accordingly

Quick Process Pickling Mix

These can be purchased at any grocery or big box store in packets.  Each packet will make about 12 jars

Vinegar

At least 4 cups of 5% vinegar or apple cider vinegar.  Brand doesn’t matter, so pick it up at the dollar store if need be!

After getting all your items together, make sure you have cleared your kitchen counters so you have plenty of room to work.  Now is the fun part!

Wash & Cut Cucumbers

Wash your cucumbers well in cold water only, then cut about 1/4 inch off both ends.  If you want pickle spears, slice them lengthwise or you can also cut them cross wise for bread and butter pickles

Sanitize the Jars & Lids

This can easily be done in your dishwasher.  If you can’t use the dishwasher, fill a large stock pot with water and bring it to a boil.  Turn off the heat and let them sit for about 10 minutes then remove from water

Heat up the Canner & Water for the Lids

Fill the canner about 1/2 full of water and turn the heat on.  In a small pot, fill with water and bring to a boil.  Place the lids in the boiling for about 3 minutes and remove.

Make Your Pickling Mixture

Prepare packaged pickling mixture as directed and heat to almost boiling, but still simmering.  Do not use a metal pot for this procedure because this will make the solution cloudy

Fill Jars & Prepare for Canning

Pack each jar tightly with raw cucumbers.  Pour simmering pickle mixture over them and fill within 1/4 inch of the top.  Place a lid and ring on each jar after filling and tighten securely

Boil the Jars

Place jars in the canner and make sure they are covered with at least 1 inch of water. Keep the water at a rolling boil for 10 minutes.

Last Step

Lift the jars out of the water and allow to cool out of any drafts.  These will need to cool overnight.  Once the jars are cool, you need to check for proper sealing by pressing the center of the lid gently.  If it pops up and down, it is not sealed properly.  If this is the case, you can refrigerate them immediately and use them withing 2 weeks.

Eat them!

Most pickles can be eaten within 24 hours of canning, but if you want the seasoning to be absorbed completely, wait at least 2 weeks before eating!

As you can see, pickling can be quite simple and after you have done it once, it will be second nature.  For more cooking tips, visit the Food and Drink section of our website

You can also visit some of these websites for additional information:

Food Network

National Center for Home Food Preservation

Food Reference

In order to pull off the teen heart-throb costume you need to have a few things down pat!

• Practice your Dance Moves
• Learn How to Give the Peace Sign and Smile to Everyone
• Practice Shaping your hands and Fingers into a Heart and Smiling to All the Girls You See!
• Walk Around with your Hands in Your Pockets
• Carry a Sharpie and Sign a Big JB on Everyone’s Shirt (Or other creative areas they will let you sign)
• Constantly Shake your Hair Out of Your Eyes!

Use the pictures below to put your look together! After you are done, snap a shot and send it into us, we would love to show it off for other readers!