OK, so the Valley really isn’t that small. But there’s nothing more refreshing, in my humble opinion, than witnessing a group of people band together for one particular cause.

Maybe you’ve seen the commercial for Pepsi Refresh Everything. It’s pretty neat. Well, I’ve several times written about the Bethlehem Skateplaza Project here and here (in case you want to catch up), but I have an update.

The Skateplaza is one of the hundreds of ideas in the running to win grant money. On Monday, March 1 voting began for the huge $250,000 award and the Skateplaza Project went from the 100s, to the teens, to the single digits and is now currently ranked in 6^th place. This grant money will ensure that Phase 1 is completed by July 2010 and will also help put a dent into the costs for Phase 2.

The best part about this is you can help! It’s simple and takes less than one minute to vote. Click this link and log in using your Facebook account or an e-mail address. Hit “Vote” and you’re finished! You can vote once every single day for the entire month. Additionally, if there are other ideas that you would like to support, you can do that, too. You have up to 10 votes to vote for 10 different causes.

Spread the link to all of your family and friends. Who knows, maybe if you have an idea you can submit an application of your own!

Service Dogs

Service dogs undergo training to aid their owners in everyday physical tasks and are most commonly used by the blind, the hearing impaired, and those with physical, psychological, or emotional disabilities.

Service dogs may pull wheelchairs, open doors, turn on light switches, retrieve items by command, or respond to medical crises.

The Seeing Eye is a trademark of The Seeing Eye and may only refer to dogs trained and certified in the non-profit organizations in the Morristown, New Jersey facility. There are more than 700 The Seeing Eye puppy raisers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and portions of Maryland.

The Seeing Eye uses German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Labrador/Golden Retriever mixed breeds. Dogs typically range in weight from 55 to just under 100 pounds.

Assistance dogs cannot be refused entry to public buildings such as movie theaters, restaurants, or airplanes under U.S. federal law as defined by the American Disability Act.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are dogs that are trained to emotionally uplift or cheer up those confined to hospitals, rest homes, or assisted living facilities. These dogs also undergo training and pass specific eligibility requirements.

Therapy dogs can be any breed but are most often smaller dogs because larger dogs may cause anxiety or fear in the elderly or those who are ill.

Some therapy dogs go through training with the Therapy Dog International Canine Good Citizenship and Temperament Evaluation organization, of which the Greater Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs Group is a participating member.

 

For additional information contact these organizations:

The Seeing Eye Inc. at P.O. Box 375, Morristown, New Jersey, 07963. The Seeing Eye Inc. can be reached via e-mail at info@seeingeye.org or by phone at 973.539.4425. For additional information, visit the Web site at seeingeye.org.

Marx’s Lehigh Valley Dog Training center offers service, guide, therapy, and basic obedience training programs. For additional information visit the Web site at lehighvalleydog.com or phone 610.395.6166.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs Group, a member of Therapy Dogs International. Visit their Web site at therapydogsgltd.org.

Best Friends Animal Society offers outreach, networking, and adoption services for shelters and pet owners around the nation. Visit bestfriends.org for more information.

By Amanda Hurd

Add a New Look to Your Home with an Old Standard

If windows are the eyes of the room, then moulding (also spelled molding) is the makeup. Installing moulding in an ordinary room instantly transforms it from modest to magnificent.

“Crown, cove, cornice, panel, frieze, chair rail… there is no limit to the possible options,” says Anna of Castle Remodeling in Bethlehem, “Combining different pieces gives homeowners the opportunity to really customize their room.” Traditional moulding is made of wood, but moulding also comes in a range of synthetic alternatives. Wood moulding can be stained or painted to match any particular taste. Within the broad category of wood moulding, there are different types of wood species, hard or soft wood, and a range of different appearances and costs. When choosing what kind of moulding to purchase, consider whether you want to stain or paint your moulding. Wood, MDF (medium density fiberboard), and plastic can be painted. Newly constructed homes often come with basic moulding around windows and baseboards. The best way to make your new home distinctive is to add some custom trim. Even ol der homes with existing trim can benefit from a moulding refurbishment.

Inspired by European castles, the pros at Castle Remodeling strive to bring sophistication into homes in the Lehigh Valley. They offer free in-home consultations to ensure a specialized look that’s simultaneously unique and personal. Planning is essential for a successful moulding project. “In our line of work, the details are everything,” says Anna. Designing new moulding for your home makes an excellent spring renovation project. One of the latest trends is to paint your moulding a dark, saturated color rather than to choose a traditional white or wood stain.

Moulding can be used in some unlikely places, too. “Mouldings aren’t only for stately libraries, grand foyers, and dining rooms. The right moulding can create ambiance in any room, even a kitchen or bathroom,” says Anna. Moulding creates architectural interest and transforms a boring box of a room into a stylish living space. Additionally, adding moulding increases the value of your home by making it distinctive.

Sometimes moulding can even be functional. It can solve construction problems such as covering unsightly cracks or disguising joists between the wall and ceiling. Picture mouldings can be used to display artwork. There is no “typical” moulding project since each individual home, and homeowner, is different.

If you are brave enough to attempt moulding installation yourself, we suggest that you do your homework. Research all the types of materials and styles available and choose one that’s appropriate for the size and style of your home. And if all else fails, consult a professional.

“Your home is your castle,” Anna reminds homeowners, “everyone should live like a king.”

Last month we took a look at what are anticipated to be the Top 10 Trends in Food for 2010. In Part 2, of this Top 10 Food Series we’ll see what The Food Channel® editorial staff has to say about the last decade in food, as they provide their perspective on the top flavors, biggest foods, food influences, and top food stories from the last 10 years.

“Our chefs and editorial staff have seen a lot of changes in the last ten years,” says Kay Logsdon, Managing Editor of The Food Channel. “Food has become a story like never before, and it’s interesting to look back at how its growth has impacted our society. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to visit restaurant after restaurant, attend the biggest food shows, and try new products, giving our editors a first-hand look at what’s been happening with food.”

According to foodchannel.com editors, the biggest trends of the last decade (2000-2009) include:

TOP 10 TRENDS OVERALL

• Sushi
• Bacon
• Cupcakes
• Sliders
• Gourmet burgers made with Kobe or Angus beef
• Super-fruits such as Acai, pomegranate, and blueberry
• Oils, such as olive oils and truffle oils
• Whole grains, such as Kashi, polenta, risotto
• Artisan foods, particularly in breads, cheeses and dark chocolates
• Coffees, teas

DECADE’S TOP FLAVORS

• Pomegranate
• Wasabi
• Cranberry
• Ginger
• Blueberry
• Hibiscus
• Bacon
• Green tea
• Dark Chocolate
• Mint

TOP TEN FOOD INFLUENCERS OF THE DECADE

• Organic foods, along with Locavore and Community Supported Agriculture
• International Cuisines
• Food TV and Internet
• Food Safety
• The Economy and subsequent shift to home cooking
• Fast casual restaurant concepts
• Fair trade and Artisan concepts in bread, chocolates, cheeses
• Mobility/Social Media/Twitter notifications/Underground dining
• Mixology
• Culinary education

TOP FOOD PEOPLE OF THE DECADE

• Food bloggers
• The local farmer
• Celebrity Chefs in general: Rick Bayless, Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Gordon Ramsey, Giada De Laurentiis, Mario Batali, Alton Brown, Tyler Florence, Jaime Oliver, Ina Garten
• Julia Child/Julie Powell
• The home cook
• Grant Achatz
• Alice Waters
• Thomas Keller
• Martha Stewart
• The local restaurant chef

TOP TEN GENERAL NEWS TOPICS OF THE DECADE IMPACTING FOOD

• Food Safety (tomatoes, green onions, H1N1)
• Food Prices
• Slow Food
• Sustainability
• Consumer generated advertising (Dorito’s Super Bowl ad)
• The demise of traditional publishing (Gourmet magazine)
• Organic
• Private branding
• Carl’s, Jr.’s edgy advertising
• McDonald’s innovation

DECADE’S TOP RECIPES

• Macaroni and Cheese
• Bread Pudding
• Risotto
• Biscotti
• Ceviche
• Deep Fried Turkey
• Crème Brulee
• Bruschetta
• Tilapia
• Guacamole

TOP RESTAURANT TRENDS OF THE DECADE

• Fast casual concept
• Tapas and shareables
• Gastropub
• Molecular gastronomy
• Taco trucks
• Underground dining
• Fusion
• DIY
• Catering
• Upscaling of bar food

Take off those gloves, ladies, because winter is almost over! If your hands are looking less than fabulous, fear not. We have compiled the best tricks to transform your hands from dry and damaged to smooth and sleek before springs arrives.

In the age of saving money, do it yourself manicures have skyrocketed in popularity. The daunting reality, however, is that manicure tool kits are often as complicated as surgical instrument trays. The good news is that you only need a few essential items for a professional quality at home manicure.

• Nail clipper – This no frills, staple item is the best way to trim and prepare nails for their pampering. Check out any beauty supply or drugstore for a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Pink leopard print could make this routine process a bit more appealing.
• Nail file – Traditionally, nail files come in the form of emery boards, which need to be replaced frequently. Metal files are more durable and therefore have a longer life span. Some new nail file trends include glass, ceramic, porcelain, or even crystal files. How glamorous!• Buffers – These come in all shapes and sizes and are essential for smooth polish application.
• Cuticle oil – True professionals know that the secret to a great manicure starts with the cuticles. Cuticle scissors come with most manicure kits, but we recommend that you leave the scissors wielding to a pro and use a cuticle oil, such as Sephora Brand Healing Eucalyptus Cuticle Oil ($12). Once softened, cuticles can be pushed back easily with a cuticle pusher. Try Studio 35 Beauty Cuticle Pusher ($2.99), available at Walgreens.
• Nail polish remover – Be sure to remove old polish completely before applying a new color.

And while we’re on the subject of nail polish remover, what is the difference between acetone and non-acetone? Quite simply, acetone is faster. Acetone, an organic substance that can also be found in paint thinner, removes polish efficiently, but may also dry out nail beds and strip them of essential oils. Non-acetone remover will take a bit longer to work with, but since it’s a diluted substance, it’s gentler on your nails.

Style mavens will be sporting nude and natural nails for spring. “The new OPI collection has a lot of lilacs, light pinks, and neutrals” says Dana of Prizms Salon and Day Spa in Bethlehem, “but you can never go wrong with the classic French manicure.” Going natural demands well moisturized hands and nails. Try keeping a mini hand moisturizer in your bag or on your desk for periodical applications throughout the day. We love Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream ($18). On a budget? Try Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Lotion ($4.79). Dana also recommends using OPI Papaya Pineapple Scrub ($14) for some serious softening. “This scrub leaves hands incredibly smooth,” she raves.

Now your nail polish is off, your hands are softened, and you’re ready to start. But wait! Winter’s dark nail polish hues have left your nails yucky yellow! First, to avoid this problem in the future, always apply a basecoat prior to applying any dark polish. If the damage is done, there are several remedies for this situation. We have seen tips that range from soaking nails in anything from lemon juice to dissolved denture tablets. The best at home remedy, however, can be made from some things you may already have in the cupboard:

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with 2 ½ tablespoons of baking soda (these items combined will form a paste)
2. Apply to nails for 3 to 4 minutes
3. Rinse with warm water

If you don’t feel like playing chemist, try Sally Hansen InstaBrite Nail Whitener ($5.95), available at your local drugstore.

At last, it’s time for the polish. For the perfect spring neutral, try Revlon Nail Enamel in Sheer Nude ($5). Complete your flawless manicure with the following easy steps:

1. Remove old polish.
2. File nails to desired shape. The trend for spring is short, slightly squared nails that are flat across the top with rounded corners.
3. Buff nails with buffer.
4. Soak in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles.
5. Apply cuticle oil and push back cuticles
6. Moisturize.
7. Wipe excess lotion from nails.
8. Apply a base coat. Let dry for one minute.
9. Apply two coats of polish. Be sure to apply polish by starting on the side of the nail, covering the entire nail in three easy strokes.
10. Apply a topcoat.

Are your nails brittle or prone to breaking? Vitamin supplements are all the rage for a variety of purposes, and nail improvement is no exception. While a range of options is available, we advise you to stick with a classic – Biotin, the “hair, skin, and nail” pill. It can be easily found at any drug store and dramatically improves the strength and length of your nails.

And finally, if you have no time for a full manicure, Sephora sells an awesome Nail Whitening Pencil ($4). Simply sweep this little tool under your nail tips for instant brightening. The pencil cap is slanted to use as a cuticle pusher on the go. Brilliant!