Blog Posts by dawn

Brown long grain rice is much healthier than white rice.
Brown rice is rice that is less processed than white rice. Brown rice is the result when the outermost layer, also known as the "husk" is removed. White rice has the outer husk removed, as well as the bran layer and germ layer. The white portion is the end sperm of the grain, and this is the starchy component. Because brown rice is less processed the nutritive value is superior to white rice. While both have the same number of carbohydrates and calories, a single cup of cooked brown rice has 84 grams of magnesium.
For complete and easy instructions see: How to cook brown rice

This stir fry is easy and budget friendly.
What is Carne Picada? Well simply put it is shredded beef. What makes it easy to cook with is it is relatively low in fat, thinly sliced and can be used in a wide variety of different recipes. It is also budget friendly and convenient. You will see Carne Picada used in sandwiches, tacos, beef burritos, soups, and in this case, as a stir fry.
Get the recipe and a slide show here: Carne Picada with brown and wild rice

Retro is a design commitment.

Retro design is a popular and personal design. Nothing quite brings one back to their roots, their childhood memories of grandma's kitchen like retro design can. However, like with most design decisions, going retro in a room requires a lot of research. You don't want to" leap before you look" as you stand the risk of having the end result look like an indoor garage sale and not the warm nostalgic space you envisioned.

Continue reading: Going retro and getting it right

This is a lovely example of a vintage oven.

If you are wondering what the new trends in home interiors are going to be for the new year, well here's a look. We'll see a glimpse of the past with vintage accents and decor in some rooms, while neutrals expand on the success of Gray wall color last year. Lighting will also go in a few directions depending on what part of the home you are working with. Functionality in lighting takes a back seat to style and artistic expression as more designer options become available.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Hot interior decorating trends for 2012

photo by Asterio Tecson

While it may take weeks for the results of toxicology tests to come in, one can already determine that songstress Whitney Houston was still struggling with addiction. While those closest to the singer may downplay the fact that the singer was using various prescribed medications, and seen drinking on more than one occasion, the fact is, an addict can never do these things again once in recovery.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Whitney Houston another life lost

This easy dish is tasty and budget friendly.
Coming up with dishes that are tasty, economical and easy is a challenge for a family on a budget. If you are looking for a great recipe on a chilly day this one fills the bill. This recipe is a great dish not only to serve to your family but also to take to potluck dinners, etc. This is a complete meal once done so you only use two pans in the completion of this dish. Here's the recipe: Creamed chicken with biscuits

Large spaces in a home can be a difficult project to tackle.

As hard as it is to decorate and create space in a small area, it is equally difficult to take a large space and make it feel cozy. Add to that, the frustration of how to best utilize and define a large space and suddenly you see the challenge. Many people become overwhelmed with large spaces and after trying to paint and find ways to fill it give up. The key in pulling a large space together is to give the room a true identity or two. Yes, or two. Sometimes the best way to deal with large spaces it to make them multi-functional. The real problem emerges when you have a room serving so many functions how to pull it together in a cohesive way so that it looks less like a catch all room and more like a well planned and comfortable space to share. Read here for more information on how to get started: How to define and design large spaces.

Baked potato peels are a tasty snack.
We all know that potatoes are a real treat baked in the oven. However, as we move towards a healthier lifestyle, potatoes have to be limited, especially if you are a low carber. However limited doesn't mean eliminated and these baked potato peels make hit the spot and be a better alternative that roasted potatoes would be. Great to serve for parties and game day. The addition of the sauces give these potatoes a little extra flavor. For the easy directions, and a video with another version, see: Baked Potato Skins