Category Archives: Life Enrichment
How to Save Money on Energy
How To Save Money On Energy
With ever-rising energy costs and increasing awareness of the effects of global warming, now might be a good time to take closer look at ways to cut our energy consumption. The following tips will help you save money and save the world!
Don’t let the heat escape! Have drafty doors? Correct the problem with inexpensive weather-stripping kits. Check the walls for gaps and cracks, paying special attention to areas around windows, pipes, wires and vents. Caulk any openings you find. Put on a sweater, and set your thermostat just two degrees lower. You will save about 24 kilowatt hours per month. It may not seem like much, but it adds up over time.
Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat. Set it to automatically lower the heat during the hours when you are at work, to automatically raise it a half hour before you return home, and then lower it a bit at night when you have warm blankets keeping you comfortable.
Help your furnace do its job easier.
Clean or replace the air filter regularly. This enables the furnace to “breathe” more easily and cuts down on the amount of energy it uses. Experts recommend that this should be done at least once a month during the cold season. Give your heating system an annual checkup. Sure, a visit from a heating contractor is not free, but an annual tune up will make your system run more efficiently, and it will pay for itself through lower energy consumption.
Don’t forget the “low-tech” ways of controlling the warmth in your home. During the day, open curtains and blinds of windows facing sun and let the natural warmth in. At night, pull down the blinds and if you have heavy drapes, those too. It will add just a little more insulation to your home.
Hot water heaters can be huge energy wasters. Is yours hot to the touch? That means too much heat escapes through its walls, so it has to work harder. Insulate it with a blanket or insulation bought from an appliance store. Also, consider lowering its temperature to 120° F. Your hot water heater will consume less energy while the water will still be sufficiently hot for showering, washing and other household needs.
Cooking also consumes a lot of energy. Baking something small?
Use a toaster oven instead of the regular one – it uses up to 75% less power. Microwave ovens also require less energy than conventional ovens, so for warming up leftovers they are perfect. When cooking something on the stove make sure to match the burners with the properly sized pots and pans. Using cookware that is smaller or bigger than the burner wastes energy.
We are Specialist in Real Estate for the Washington, DC metro area which includes Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring and Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland as well as Ft Washington and Bowie in Prince Georges County, Maryland: Northern Virginia, Arlington, Alexandria, & McLean.
For more infomation on cost saving tips, please visist our webite at www.dcrealestatehomes.com
Through this real estate website, you have the ability to search for homes in all of these areas and more. In addition to accessing available properties, we provide a wealth of information that will help guide you in making the right buying or selling decision. Have a great day
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
1. Get at least three written estimates
2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.
3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce of Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses and insurance.
7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within 3 business days of signing it.
8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.
9. Get the contractor to indemnity you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
10. Be sure that the contractor to indemnity you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.
12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down
If you have been keeping up with us for the past few days we have been counting down to Thanksgiving sharing recipes from the AL Grant Realty Group from our tables to yours. To celebrate our 7th day we would like for you to consider helping families in the Washington DC area enjoy Thanksgiving by making a donation to a local charity or food bank.
AL Grant Realty Group Recommendation:
https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/donate/
(The largest, nonprofit hunger and nutrition education resource in the Washington Metropolitan area. Since that time, we have made tremendous strides to expand our services and annually distribute 23 million pounds of food to more than 383,000 people.)
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down – World’s Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day. 8 More Days unitl Thanksgiving!
World’s Simplest Thanksgiving Turkey
Cook Time:3 hr 0 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 1 turkey
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Pull the neck and giblets out of the cavity; ditch the liver and save the rest of the giblets for gravy. Dry the turkey with paper towels, then season inside and out with salt and pepper. Fill the turkey with aromatics like chopped onions, carrots, apples and herbs, then place breast-side up in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter. Tent with foil and roast for 2 hours (for a 10- to 12-pound turkey; add an extra 15 minutes per pound for larger birds). Remove the foil, baste with more melted butter and crank the oven to 425 degrees F. Roast for another hour or until the meat at the thigh registers 165 degrees F. Let rest while you make the gravy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down – Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day.
…. 9 days until Thanksgiving
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
Topping:
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it’s free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.
Remember to save leftovers for fried Macaroni and Cheese
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day.
We are getting close…. 10 days to Turkey Day!
Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Cook Time:1 hr 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Cornbread, recipe follows
7 slices oven-dried white bread
1 sleeve saltine crackers
8 tablespoons butter
2 cups celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sage (optional)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
5 eggs, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Reserve 2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture for the giblet gravy. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Serve with turkey as a side dish.
Cornbread:
1 cup self-rising cornmeal
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
To serve, cut into desired squares and serve with butter.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
Scrumptious Apple Pie and Delightful Pumpkin Pie – Courtesy of the AL Grant Realty Group
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day.
Day 11 – Apple Pie
Cook Time:1 hr 35 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling:
3 pounds mixed apples (such as Golden Delicious, McIntosh and Pink Lady)
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
For the Dough:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 large eggs
Directions
Prepare the filling: Peel, halve and core the apples. Cut each half into 6 wedges and toss with the sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apple mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the firmer apples begin to soften but still hold their shape, 8 to 9 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg and toss until the juices begin to thicken, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and cool completely. (The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
Make the dough: Pulse the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor until combined. Add the shortening and pulse until it disappears, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-size bits of butter. Beat 1 egg with 1/4 cup ice water in a bowl, then add to the processor and pulse once or twice. (Stop before the dough gathers into a ball.) Lay out 2 sheets of plastic wrap; divide the dough between the sheets and pat each into a disk. Wrap the disks tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
Roll 1 disk of dough into a 12-inch round on a floured surface (or between 2 pieces of floured parchment paper). Ease into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish glass pie plate. Add the filling, mounding it slightly, and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Chill the pie while you roll the remaining dough into a 12-inch round.
Lay the dough over the filling and press the 2 crusts together around the edges. Fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp with your fingers. Beat the remaining egg in a bowl and brush over the top crust; sprinkle with sugar. Pierce the top with a knife a few times to let steam escape. Chill 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the pie on a baking sheet; bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly, 55 to 60 minutes. (Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.) Transfer to a rack and cool until set, 2 hours.
Day 12 – Pumpkin Pie
Cook Time:1 hr 30 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
11/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons beaten egg (about 1/2 large egg)
For the Filling:
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Whipped cream, for serving
Directions
Make the dough: Pulse the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a food processor. Add the shortening; pulse until it disappears, about 30 seconds. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse meal with pea-size bits of butter. Beat 2 tablespoons ice water and the egg in a bowl, then add to the processor and pulse once or twice. (Stop before the dough gathers into a ball.) Turn out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and pat into a disk. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll the dough into a 13-inch round on a lightly floured surface (or between 2 pieces of floured parchment paper). Ease into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish glass pie plate. Fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp the edges with your fingers. Pierce the bottom all over with a fork and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
Line the crust with foil, then fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges are golden, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and continue baking until the crust is golden all over, 10 to 15 more minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Make the filling: Whisk the pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, half-and-half, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and cloves in a bowl. Pour into the crust; bake until the edges are set but the center quivers, 1 hour to 1 hour, 15 minutes. (Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too quickly.) Cool completely on a rack. Serve with whipped cream.
Happy Thanksgiving!AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
13 days to Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day.
Sorry about the mouth watering delay… I have my New commercial listing in NE DC this weekend…HUB ZONE! Here’s Yesterday’s day 13…. (stay tuned later on tonite for day 12)
Now who said Thanksgiving was all about Dinner… you still have hungry family/guest to feed in the morning. So to avoid them picking in your pots and pans sneaking small servings heres a little quick and easy treat for everyone!
Crescent Bacon-Cheese Tartlets
INGREDIENTS
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
¼ cup chopped cooked bacon
1 tablespoon chopped green onion (1 medium)
1 egg
3 tablespoons whipping cream
DIRECTIONS
• Heat oven to 375°F.
• If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough into 1 large rectangle on work surface. Press into 12×9-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough on work surface. Press into 12×9-inch rectangle.
• Cut dough into 12 squares. Gently press squares into 12 ungreased mini muffin cups, shaping edges to form rims 1/4 inch high. Spoon cheese evenly into dough-lined cups. Top each with bacon and onion. In small bowl, beat egg and whipping cream with wire whisk or fork until blended. Spoon slightly less than 1 tablespoon mixture into each cup.
• Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and filling is set. Cool 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups.
TIPS – Keep refrigerated dough in the fridge until you’re ready to use it; cold dough is much easier to work with. Have all the other ingredients ready to use.
**Grease Muffin Pan**
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
14 days to Thanksgiving Recipe Count Down
Every day the AL Grant Realty Group will be sharing with you some of our Favorite Holiday Recipes from our kitchen to yours we will be wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving up until the big day.
Kicking day 14 off with a little Kick… Enjoy!
‘Ol No. 7 Yams
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:1 hr 45 minLevel:
EasyServes:
4 servings.
Ingredients
•4 large sweet potatoes
•3 cups water
•1 1/2 cups brown sugar
•4 tablespoons butter
•1 (3 to 4-inch) cinnamon stick
•1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
•1/3 cup bourbon (recommended: No. 7 Jack Daniels)
•1 long strip orange peel
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Wash and dry sweet potatoes and bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly then remove skin from potatoes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. While the potatoes are baking, combine remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened. Slice the potatoes 1/2-inch thick into a medium casserole dish. Pour syrup over them and return to the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
***Side Note from AL Grant Realty Group: I like to add a little bit of everything to my yams… I even suggest throwing in some pinapples and for the kid in you… top it off with some Marshmallows 
***
Happy Thanksgiving!
AL GRANT
AL GRANT REALTY GROUP
REMAX ALLEGIANCE: 202-256-8592
MY WEBSITE: WWW.ALGRANT.SELL4.COM
WWW.ALGRANTSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM
