SuzyQ's profile

Instant coffee granules have been around since just after the turn of the century ... the turn of the last century, that is. These little miracle granules appeared around 1910, but didn't really take off in popularity since the 1940s and the World War II era. Its most popular time was in the 1950s and 1960s, when saving time in the kitchen was of paramount importance. Instant coffee is ... read more »

Have you ever been to New Orleans and eaten gumbo, that delicious stew-like bowl of flavors that can contain anything and everything from seafood to sausages? Chances are that the gumbo was made with a roux. What is a roux? A roux is a thickening agent made from flour and fat. The fat can be butter, margarine, bacon grease or oil. How is roux used? Developed by the French more than 300 ... read more »

This is the time of year, in many parts of the country, when deer are very prevalent. It's mating season and it's hunting season, so drivers have to be especially vigilant, especially when driving in heavily wooded areas where deer may congregate. An accidental encounter with a deer can do more than serious damage to your vehicle. It can kill you. In order to protect yourself a... read more »

Bento boxes are used in Japan to pack creative and nutritious lunches and the custom is starting to become popular in the United States with American mothers who are making lunches for their children to take to school. A bento box is nothing more than a small container that has several smaller containers or compartments hidden inside. A lunch made for a bento box (according to Japanese traditio... read more »

Although the threat of swine flu may be very real for some individuals, protecting yourself from the H1N1 virus may be as simple as eating the right foods and doing moderate exercise. Researchers across the globe are offering advice on what foods to eat to help build up your immune system, which is the best way to ward off swine flu and other illnesses. So what foods should you be eating? Her... read more »

Let's make it perfectly clear that you don't have to be retired or even remotely close to retired to become a member of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons. As the world's largest membership organization that also boasts having the world's largest circulation magazine (AARP, The Magazine), AARP is primarily known as a lobbying group that represents the needs of ... read more »

Consignment store shopping isn't what it used to be. Years ago, people going into consignment stores (or thrift store or second-hand shops) often didn't want others to see their faces because they were embarrassed that they were forced to shop there. These stores used to carry used and sometimes well-worn merchandise at very low prices. Buying from a second-hand store was a stigma th... read more »

With today's easy-to-use desktop publishing software and the included professional looking templates, it is easy to develop classy looking marketing materials and newsletters on a shoestring budget. And because it is so simple and convenient to disseminate electronic information via e-mail, there is no excuse not to develop and distribute a newsletter to promote your small business. Even ... read more »

From advocacy to networking to continuing education opportunities, professional membership associations should be an essential component of everyone's career toolbox. Whether you're an accountant or a zoologist, a baker or an x-ray technician, there is an industry association that represents your particular industry or interests. Being part of a likeminded group of individuals can b... read more »

Most Americans seek to get rid of their mortgage and own their home outright. From the time they sign on the dotted line, taking on an extraordinary amount of debt in order to own the American dream of a home, they look forward to thirty-years down the road when they no longer have to shell out a mortgage payment. But as good as it may feel to own your home free and clear, it does not always ma... read more »