Top 10 Recipes you shouldn’t be without this Super Bowl Sunday

January 27th, 2014
By: Sarah Boha

Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos. One thing is certain, everyone needs snacks to nibble on in between

plays during the Super Bowl. Being an avid cook myself, I have compiled a list of my top 10 must have

snacks for Super Bowl Sunday. These recipes have all been tested by my friends and family; they have

been deemed certified crowd pleasers!

10.) Buffalo Wings

This recipe from the Food Network for Buffalo Wings has a wonderful spicy flavor and buttery texture.

By steaming the wings before roasting them, the result is a deliciously tender chicken with a crispy

flavorful skin. A healthy and flavorful alternative to fried chicken wings.

For the full recipe visit - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/buffalo-wings-recipe.html

9.) Brown Sugar Smokies

This recipe is simple to make and everyone loves them! Sweet, salty and on a toothpick, you can’t go

wrong.

For the full recipe visit - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Brown-Sugar-Smokies/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

8.) French Onion Dip

What’s a Super Bowl party without a good dip? Taking the extra time to caramelize the onions really

enhances the flavor, more so than a canned dip. Serve with your favorite chips or vegetables.

For the full recipe visit - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/french-onion-dip-recipe2.html

7.) Loaded Baked Potato Skins

These are a great finger food to nosh on while you’re enjoying the musical styling of Bruno Mars at this

year’s half time show.

For the full recipe visit - http://pocketchangegourmet.ziplist.com/souschef?

url=http%3A%2F%2Fpocketchangegourmet.com%2Floaded-baked-potato-skins%2F

6.) Skinny Mozzarella Sticks

If you’re looking for a ‘skinny’ option for the big game day, this recipe is for you. Full of flavor, this

lighter calorie option for hot, cheesy mozzarella sticks are baked instead of fried. A great finger for

adults and a favorite among children too!

For the full recipe visit - http://www.ziplist.com/souschef?

url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.skinnytaste.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fskinny-baked-mozzarella-sticks.html

5.) Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is by far my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and no super bowl party is complete without a

dessert. Be prepared for friends and family to ask you to bake this ‘cakey’ variation on the chocolate

chip cookie after the super bowl is over!

For the full recipe visit - http://www.marthastewart.com/354939/cakey-chocolate-chip-cookies

4.) Roasted Buffalo Shrimp

This buffalo shrimp recipe is a great seafood option for a football get together. The recipe also gives you

instructions for a tangy dip that pairs well with the seasoning of buffalo seasoning of the shrimp.

For the full recipe visit - http://www.marthastewart.com/875389/roasted-buffalo-shrimp

3.) Triple Pork Sliders

These sliders are always a crowd pleaser simply for their size and their amazing taste! You can also vary

the recipe to your liking and top the sliders with toppings of your liking.

For the full recipe visit - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/triple-pork-
sliders-recipe.html

2.) Green Bean Fries

As a vegetarian myself, I couldn’t leave out a great option for my non carnivore readers! These green

bean fries are so good that even the meat eaters that I cook for are wowed.

For the full recipe visit - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/almost-famous-
green-bean-fries-recipe.html

1.) Buffalo Chicken Dip

This recipe is so versatile and probably the easiest to make out of everything on the list. It takes well

warm out of the slow cooker or cooled down. Serve it with vegetables and crackers and it won’t last

long!

For the full recipe visit - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/buffalo-chicken-
dip-recipe.html

No matter which team you're rooting for; whether you're a meat lover or vegetarian, take this Super Bowl Sunday, February 2nd to enjoy time with your friends and family.  What are your favorite recipes to make game day?

“A long, long way to go…” Then and Now, Penn State History and MLK Day

January 20th, 2014

By: Sarah Boha

“My basic theme for the evening, is that we have come a long, long way in the struggle for racial justice, but, we have a long, long way to go before the problem is solved.”  On January 21^st, 1965, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood before 8,000 people at Recreation Hall on the Penn State University Campus and laid out the theme of his address.  Dr. King’s visit to the university and speech were an effort to draw national attention to voting rights reforms to prevent discrimination against African Americans.  On August 6^th of the same year, 1965, his campaigning and life’s work attributed to Lyndon B. Johnson signing the Voter’s Rights Act of 1965. 

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking to a crowd at Penn State’s Rec Hall, January 21^st, 1965.

On a personal note, I’m ashamed to say, as an Alumni and resident of State College since 2005, that I wasn’t aware that Dr. Martin Luther King made a historical visit to the university until recently.  I was present and a matriculating student in 2008 when Barack Obama made his historic visit to the Penn State University Park Campus and I got to shake hands with Chelsea Clinton when she made her stop at PSU during that same campaign year.  Bill Clinton, Martha Stewart, even Coretta Scott King herself enjoyed ice cream at the Penn State Creamery -- All landmark visits that I was familiar with thanks to a tour of the university with the Penn State Lion Ambassadors prior to the commencement of my studies.  They never mentioned Dr. King’s speech at the Rec Hall in 1965.   

Perhaps, I was too engrossed in the writings that flourished in the Harlem Renaissance or the works of the metaphysical poets of the 17^th century to notice the historical marker the Penn State Alumni Association placed in front of the Rec Hall in 2006 commemorating the Reverend Doctor’s visit.  Regardless of the reason for not knowing this remarkable moment in Penn State history, I recently had a “better late than never” epiphany and delved into learning everything I could about MLK’s speech to the university. 

Historical marker located outside of Penn State’s Rec Hall, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech in 1965.

In my search I found great resources in Penn State affiliated websites, one completely dedicated to an annual commemoration of MLK day at the university and another which has the entire speech for anyone to read over.  If you’re local to the area, I would recommend visiting, http://mlk.psu.edu/, for events going on this week on Penn State’s campus.  On Wednesday, January 22^nd, at Schwab Auditorium, Penn State will hold its annual key note address commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King.  This year, 2014, Penn State will welcome Angela Davis, Social Equality Activist and Author, in an address titled, “Reflect on yesterday.  Experience today.  Transform tomorrow.”  For more information about the keynote speaker and reserving tickets to the 29^th Annual Commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. at Penn State, visit,  http://mlk.psu.edu/2014-keynote-speaker/.  Penn State will also have many events occurring the week of MLK Day, including a chance to hear an audio broadcast of Martin Luther King’s speech at Rec Hall on MLK Day at the Paterno Library (see http://mlk.psu.edu/schedule-of-events/, for a full list of events, their dates, times and locations). 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech at Penn State, upon reading its entirety, is representative of standing up for change in the midst of adversity and differing opinions.  The speech canonizes the American spirit and parallels Penn State University’s revolutionary approach to research in every field of study.  If you live in the area, are a Penn State football fan or are an Alumni of the university and you haven’t read Dr. King’s speech at Penn State in 1965, take a few moments this Martin Luther King Day and read a speech that is relevant to American history and local history as well. 

To read Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech at Penn State University on January 21^st, 1965 please visit,  http://www.psu.edu/ur/extra/2003/mlk/.  

Retiring in Happy Valley

January 13th, 2014 By: Sarah Boha

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Retiring?  Who wouldn’t want to enjoy their golden years in a town lovingly known as “Happy Valley”?  More retirees are moving to college towns like State College, Pennsylvania.  With a youthful spirit during football weekends, cultural events year round and the latest advances in medicine happening at the top research university next door; living in vicinity to the Penn State University campus in State College has its perks for the 55+ population.   January 13th, 2014 By: Sarah Boha

State College offers several low maintenance condo communities, some of which are specifically tailored to tenants 55 and up.  These condos offer many opportunities for retirees to live a settled down, yet active, social and stimulating lifestyle.  One condo community in the area has a program for their 55+ tenants to attend classes at Penn State.  Another condo boasts resort style amenities, aerobics classes and a movie theatre.  A retiree may also opt to downsize to a smaller single family home in the area and employ one of many local lawn care and yard maintenance companies to maintain the lawn and snow removal in the winter.  

Whether a retired resident chooses an active adult condo community or a single family property, they will be within walking distance or a short drive to a variety of shopping and restaurants.  North Atherton Street, one of the main streets through State College, is seeing a business boom.  In the last year, stores like Trader Joe’s, Ulta and Pier 1 are just the beginning with more stores such as the Gap, Old Navy and more to come to the area.   

Once settled into their perfect home and enjoying what the vibrant college town has to offer, retired Pennsylvania residents will enjoy tax benefits unique to the state.  Social security benefits are not taxed in PA and income earned during retirement will not be taxed after the age of 59 ½, if the person has reached retirement by age and years of service.  For more information on the tax benefits older Pennsylvanians are entitled to, visit http://www.kiplinger.com/tool/retirement/T055-S001-state-by-state-guide-to-taxes-on-retirees/index.php?map=&state_id=39&state=Pennsylvania#jo4FsWdWb3fiqGCb.03.

Among the chants at Beaver Stadium during a Penn State vs. Ohio State game in the cool of autumn, the unique artwork from around the world featured at Arts Fest in the summer and the cultural events held all year by the university, there is no lack of amenities, recreation and fun for a retiree in State College.  If you’re ready to retire, I invite you to put on your Penn State sweatshirt and get ready to feel forever young in the town known as “Happy Valley”.   

If you would like to know more about the condo communities for the 55+ in State College or have any questions about the area, call our team of specialists to learn more.  

New Year, New Home – Tips and Advice for Making a New Year’s Resolution for Your Home

By: Sarah Boha

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With the ushering in of the New Year comes a time to reflect, start fresh and achieve your goals – A.K.A. the New Year’s Resolution.  Eating healthier, losing weight and helping others are among the most popular resolutions, but what about a resolution for your home?  I asked Miki Benner, professional interior designer, stager and owner of 23interiors, for tips, advice and trends to expect in 2014 that will help homeowners looking to sell their home in the New Year to residents seeking a change in their current scenery.

SB:  In your experience, why do you think it would be beneficial for a homeowner, selling their home, to use a stager?

Miki Benner: If you are trying to sell your home, presentation can make all the difference. You always hear about location being the most important thing but no matter where your house is, if it’s messy, cluttered or if you have your kitchen set up as a home office, it will limit its appeal.  Professional Home Staging is an integral part of selling.  Practical home sellers realize that creating a show home environment will entice buyers.  Most people imagine they can look past ugly decor or empty rooms and see potential, but in reality that is not usually the case.  

SB: Are there any new trends we will be seeing specifically in 2014 with regard to interior design or staging homes?

Miki Benner: There are so many different trends and styles out there and available to anyone.  Pantone, the leader in color trend forecasting, have chosen ‘Radiant Orchid’ (http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21129) as the color of the year for 2014.  I would imagine that you will be seeing a lot of home décor items in this mix of fuchsia, purple and pink color becoming very popular. 

I believe that graphic patterns and bold colors will continue to be a current and wonderful trend and when used well are a great way to modernize and bring warmth your home.

NSB: What would your advice be to anyone who wants a fresh new look for their home in the New Year?  Where should they start?

Miki Benner: Clearing clutter and rearranging existing furniture to maximize space is a good place to start.  Other items that make a huge difference are cleaning the house thoroughly, painting rooms and replacing carpets or floors if necessary.  Make any necessary repairs and updates.  It is amazing how small projects that need to be completed, very quickly become just an oversight.  I am just as guilty as the next person – living with a room with no baseboards or a patch of drywall that needs to be sanded and painted over.  Make it a priority to finish everything and have a clean slate.  It is great to have a home that you can be proud of and enjoy coming home to!

  

SB: Anything else that you think is important that the readers of the blog should know with regard to staging and real estate?

Miki Benner: Staging your home for sale helps a seller appeal to a wider audience so buyers are willing to pay the highest possible price.  Professional Home Stagers generally work with what the homeowner already owns in order to reduce overall spending. This process usually involves depersonalizing the space by removing as many personal effects as possible, inside and outside the house is very important when you are hoping to receive top dollar for your home. 

Professional Home Stagers can evaluate a room at a glance and see things that a homeowner might miss.  They may be able to transform a room with just a few quick changes by moving furniture, clearing away clutter and rearranging pictures on the walls.  In other cases, they may recommend neutral paint, new furniture or accent pieces which could be loaned, rented, or purchased.  Usually just moving and rearranging furniture from other rooms of the house will do the trick! 

By making a resolution for an improved living space in the New Year, you’re giving yourself a better chance of achieving your personal goals, such as spending more time with loved ones.  Whether you’re looking to sell your home or change up your current dwelling, employing a professional home stager/interior designer, taking steps to remove clutter and making simple repairs can help in tackling a New Year’s resolution for your home.  At the very least, you’ll be proud to spend more time with loved ones in your newly staged space! -

Miki Benner is a professional interior designer, stager and owner of 23interiors.  Miki serves homes in the Central Pennsylvania area and a sampling of her services include, interior design and decorating, Re-design and home staging services.  If you would like more information Miki and her interior design and home staging services, please visit,

http://23interiors.com/

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