Less pricing change at Apple

According to an April 2013 presentation filed to a U.S. court, executives had debated plans for Apple's 2014 fiscal year and concluded that consumers wanted what it wasn't offering: cheaper phones - for less than $300 - and bigger screens.
It's unclear how representative that presentation is of Apple's mindset. Nor are there signs that Apple, which thrives on its premium positioning and plays down suggestions that it go mass-market, intends to deviate from its path.Apple did not respond to requests for ment.An 'economy' model may wedge Apple more firmly in emerging markets - a segment still seeing strong growth. Apple now relies on discounted older generation phones to reach cost-conscious buyers, but buyers in markets like Brazil and China increasingly want the latest gadget.

IPhone shipments grew just 8 percent in Apple's 2013 fiscal third quarter, a far cry from five years ago when shipments more than doubled."They are foregoing incremental revenue opportunities by not having a product that addresses that market," said BTIG analyst Walter Piecyk, adding that the main hope of investors now is that Apple produce a new product - a wearable device, say - to galvanize revenue growth.The shipboard chef says one major problem that he frequently encounters is rough seasThe iPhone 5C, a colorful plastic model priced just $100 cheaper than its premium cousin, was aimed at emerging markets and marked a departure from Apple's focus on premium phones last year. But it's not been a spectacular success. Some analysts theorize that an unwillingness to sacrifice profitability meant the device wasn't priced cheaply enough.

Apple's iPhone margins have crept south as the pany packs more features into its gadgets, trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded field. As its market share dwindles, the pany enjoys less leverage to squeeze suppliers. And margins may fall further if Apple introduces bigger screens as expected.
Bernstein Research analyst Toni Sacconaghi estimates that making the screen just 30 percent larger could wipe 4-5 percentage points off gross margins. IPhone margins are now in the mid-40 percent range, down from 50-60 percent a few years ago, analysts estimate."With the iPhone 6, Apple is likely to stick to premium pricing as it's widely expected to e with a bigger screen and some innovative design tweaks," said Doh Hyun-woo, an analyst at Mirae Asset Securities.

The shipboard chef says one major problem that he frequently encounters is rough seas

Philip Garcia, a native of Newport, R.I., and now a resident of Westerly, has served as the cook for 11 years aboard the F/V Mariette, a clam boat that fishes in the shoals south of Nantucket for most of the year.Garcia also serves as the New Bedford-based fishing boat's first mate and engineer. His father, Azores native Joe Garcia, now 70, is a longtime cook and captain who has worked in New Bedford's fishing industry for decades.Another seagoing cook, longtime fisherman Tom Wicherski, works in the spacious and well-equipped kitchen aboard the scalloper F/V Alaska.Garcia got the job as cook on the Mariette when his predecessor decided to throw in the kitchen towel after admitting that cooking was not his forte.

Garcia, on the other hand, knows his way around the galley and likes to cook. He enjoys preparing a variety of curries and satisfying entrees such as pasta carbonara, spaghetti with homemade red clam sauce, paella, boiled dinners and beef Wellington, which he creates by wrapping a beef tenderloin with pastry made from rolled-out canned biscuits."I have some dishes that I really wow them with," Garcia says of his hungry crewmates. "I make a mean French onion soup."While lunches are usually quick pick-ups such as Hot Pockets or pizza slices, Garcia prepares hearty breakfasts that might include an omelet stuffed with smoked turkey, blue cheese and blackberries.Garcia admits that he's not a baker, but he keeps the freezer well-stocked with ice cream.The shipboard chef says one major problem that he frequently encounters is rough seas. Racks attached to the top of the stove keep pots and pans in place and prevent food from spilling to the deck if the boat encounters a wave or is steaming in stormy weather.

"I've had my share of accidents," he quips, noting that once a meatloaf that was cooling on the counter went sliding off onto the floor when a sea tipped the boat."I've also had some stinkers things that I just wouldn't serve," Garcia admits, adding that when a kitchen disaster occurs, he has to think quickly to see what he can whip up from what's in the fridge.
Garcia says planning meals and having adequate supplies on hand can sometimes be difficult, especially when the demand for clams requires the Mariette to make a quick turnaround and head back to sea.

China has been the leading production base and exporter of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware in the world

Currently, China has been the leading production base and exporter of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware in the world. During 2006-2009, China-made low-end stainless steel tableware and kitchenware products were gradually eliminated in the market, with its export volume showing a downward tendency. In 2010, the governments of all countries launched stimulus policies successively, an engine for demand growth, and which helped China's export volume of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware be up 25.4% year-on-year.Since 2011, the governments of all countries has rolled out stricter regulations on food safety and put forward higher safety norms for stainless steel tableware and kitchenware; and the driving force of economic stimulation has faded away, which caused China's export volume of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware products to fall again in 2011 and 2012.

The high-end stainless steel tableware and kitchenware market in China is almost dominated by well-known transnational brands such as SEB, ZWILLING and WMF at present, while local brands hold small market shares.Lifetime Brands has a strong culture of innovation The medium-end market is held by a few domestic brands like Supor and ASD, and they enjoy certain market scale; while the low-end market is full of less known and inferior brands whose sales channels e to supermarkets and low-end retail shops.Shupua look like regular glasses they have a nice shiny gloss and a heavy base but they are far from ordinary drinking vessels. The second you touch one, you'll realize that the fragility is an illusion. Shupua are made of a soft silicone material that is being touted as "unbreakable." Drop one and it definitely won't smash. In fact, if you squeeze it, you'll find it bends.This makes them ideal for taking out on spring picnics and perfect for kids.

Shupua cups are ￥1,890 each, while a "glass" is ￥2,310. The cups e in a wide range of bold colors, and the glasses are available with tints of blue and green or pletely clear. They can all be bought online from H Concept.If you want to open a restaurant, the Kappabashi district in Tokyo's Taito Ward is the place to go because it has everything you need, and more.Situated between the popular Ueno and Asakusa districts, Kappabashi boasts more than 180 shops selling tableware and kitchen equipment for business use and store fixtures.

Lifetime Brands has a strong culture of innovation

Lifetime Brands has a strong culture of innovation. It generated two-thirds of its revenues from new products launched in the past three years. It launched 3,500 new or redesigned products in 2013, and its 2014 target is more than 4,000 such new innovations. Examples include Savora, a premium line of food preparation tools and gadgets, and a Guy Fieri-branded line of kitchenware. Guy Fieri is a star chef on Food Network's shows and his celebrity status will drive the sales of the new product line.Helen of Troy NASDAQ: HELE , a distributor of housewares and personal care products, is similarly mitted to product innovation. Helen of Troy's housewares brand OXO has always designed products with customer ease of use in mind. For example, its OXO measuring cup es with a capacity-adjustment knob mechanism and a built-in plunger to ensure easy and correct measurements of ingredients.

Helen of Troy's product pipeline remains healthy, with 300 new innovations expected to be launched in 2014, pared with 293 in 2013. The focus of 2014 will be water bottles, baking and food storage, and toddler and infant products in the housewares segment.Most panies are either monopolies in low or zero growth markets or operate in high-growth markets with intense petition. Lifetime Brands seems to enjoy the best of both worlds, owning leading market positions in its domestic market with potential for market-share expansion and growth from new markets and new products.Boost your 2014 returns with The Motley Fool's top stock There's a huge difference between a good stock and a stock that can make you rich. The Motley Fool's chief investment officer has selected his No. 1 stock for 2014, and it's one of those stocks that could make you rich. You can find out which stock it is in the special free report "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2014." Just click here to access the report and find out the name of this under-the-radar pany.The Next Industry to Crumble...
Imagine owning Amazon  up over an insane 4,000% since 2001 when Internet sales rendered big-box retailers obsolete... Now an industry 99% of us use daily is set to implode... And 3 established panies are perfectly positioned to take advantage of this game-changing economic shift. Enter your email address below to find out how YOU can take advantage!

End of an era as Leeds kitchenware retailer closes after 130 years

Peter Maturi, the kitchenwares retailer, was established in 1880 and had a store at Vicar Lane, Leeds, as well as in Harrogate and Manchester.A statement released on Twitter on Saturday, March 22, said: "Peter Maturi & Sons has ceased trading. Due to pressures of internet shopping and excessive business rates and rent, the shops are unsustainable."
It added: "We would like to thank all our customers for their loyal support throughout the years and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."Peter Maturi senior was born in Pinzolo, Italy, in 1880.He was one of 25 children and, came to England with four of his other brothers, and set up the Leeds store in 1899, on George Street.

At first, Mr Maturi served other local businesses, and with only a bicycle and a barrow he sharpened knives and scissors in hotels, restaurants and tailoring factories across Leeds.
In 1911 he exchanged his barrow for a motorcar and in 1943, he moved the business to larger premises at Ludgate Hill.In 1955, the business moved again to Vicar Lane where he also built a new mobile workshop.According to a study conducted by Technopak Along with his two sons, Alfred and Peter, and wife Esther, the services expanded and the pany's blue van became a familiar sight around the city.At the age of 76, Peter Maturi senior passed away, but his family continued with the business.In 1961, it relocated to a new development at Eastgate before moving back to Vicar Lane in 1996.

The business, which was best known for its cookware ranges, kitchen gadgets, pans, utensils, coffee machines, bakeware and cutlery. celebrated its centenary in 1999, when it played host to well known television chefs, including Anthony Worrall Thompson, Brian Turner, James Martin and Nick Nairn. Currently, China has been the leading production base and exporter of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware in the world. During 2006-2009, China-made low-end stainless steel tableware and kitchenware products were gradually eliminated in the market, with its export volume showing a downward tendency. In 2010, the governments of all countries launched stimulus policies successively, an engine for demand growth, and which helped China's export volume of stainless steel tableware and kitchenware be up 25.4% year-on-year.

According to a study conducted by Technopak

The reason that customers are flocking to online products of small vendors is awareness.Dinesh Chopra can testify to that.
A puter parts operator and owner of the pany Softek Surya, Chopra's office is based in Nehru Place, one he had to deal with for more than 25 years."People just could not find my office because it is located in a congested area," he admits.But that all changed three years ago with the arrival of online portals such as Ebay, Traders, snapdeal and Flipkart that reached out to small businessmen like him.
E-boost: Dinesh Chopra left have revamped their businesses by taking it online "Before the Internet, I had to depend on retailers who would enter my shop. Today, I am attracting clients whom I have never seen."

One of the reasons for Chopra and Kapila's satisfaction with the online sphere is the number of things that it takes care off.A 24-hour customer sales team takes the order, relays it to them the next day and then once the product is ready, takes care of the shipping charges often a big headache for small retailers in India.Coming to the other side, why do big online portals bother with small businesses?Aasheesh Mediratta, CEO of Fashionandyou , says, "We work on a fixed margin model so if the vendor sells more we stand to gain. We have found that certain categories of goods which were manufactured in tier II and tier-III cities were not available in metros."He adds, "Today we have around 30 vendors working specifically in bed linen and kitchenware categories. The other area is ethnic-wear. Around 40 vendors work in this area and contribute close to 20 per cent of the ethnic-wear business."

According to a study conducted by Technopak, e-tailing in India will grow from $0.6 billion in 2012 to an estimated 76 billion in 2021, providing employment to 1.45 million people.
"Through increasing orders, e-tailing has allowed me to increase my workforce. From 10- 11 employees I now employ 41. A number of these employees are women, who work from home taking orders," Chopra says.'Best option' But is e-tailing just a passing trend? Arvind Singhal, chairman and managing director of Technopak, says, "Unlike the West, the Indian retail market is primarily made up of small Indian retailers; for whom e-tailing is the best option for several reasons.
First, logistics and inventory are almost made risk-free and second, you have a growing population unafraid to use the Internet.

Some things in life are generally unknowable

 Some things in life are generally unknowable. These range from the meaningless and mundane to the truly deep, philosophical questions of our time. For example, nobody really knows if the refrigerator light turns off when the door is closed. Our greatest minds have joined together on the quest to discover the truth, but usually these meetings disintegrate into someone opening and closing the door really, really fast. To date, nobody can confirm or deny the existence of the elusive refrigerator gnome.All that opening and closing of the refrigerator door is sure to drive up one's thirst, which leads us to another great question concerning modern life: how many drinks have I had? This time, however, there is an answer.

The Bevometer is a drink-counting beer can koozie. Capable of keeping track of all-time consumption as well as on a per-round basis,Anecdotally, we are seeing some outstanding high-end market growth numbers the simple device adds a new dimension to enjoying a cold one. Usage is automatic: every time a beverage works with water and soda, too is inserted into the cooler, the "lifetime" and "this time" counters increase by one. All of this, of course, brings up another one of life's great questions: do you really want your'panions to know how many drinks you've had?Apparently, yes. The Kickstarter project created by Justin and Jenny Richmond is well on its way to reaching its goal. Cheers and cheers again.

As you busily prepare for your walk down the aisle and make countless decisions regarding every flawless detail, one task on your to-do list will help you see beyond your wedding day and into your future life together the wedding registry. And though few things could be more enjoyable than a day of shopping with your beloved, there's also a bit of strategy that goes into building a'plete registry.When making registry selections, be sure you've listed a variety of items at different price points – high and low. This way, guests can purchase gifts they can afford but they also have room to exercise some creativity. According to theknot', you should aim to have at least twice as many items on your wish lists as attendees at your wedding.

Anecdotally, we are seeing some outstanding high-end market growth numbers

 Lynx has been keeping busy manufacturing hand-assembled grills and outdoor kitchens for cooks with lots of cash. The'pany has been making outdoor grills for 18 years, but lately has been on fire, reaching nearly $50 million in revenue last year."We had a record year for sales in 2013," Buch said, "and we're already heading to be 25 percent ahead of that in 2014. We're really in acceleration mode right now."The outdoor cooking industry hasn't fared nearly as well.In 2013, 13.9 million barbecue grills and smoking cookers were shipped in North America, the worst showing in 15 years, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.But the affluent customer is fueling what industry watchers think is a'eback.

"Anecdotally, we are seeing some outstanding high-end market growth numbers," said Don Johnson, director of market research for the association. "And Lynx is a very high-end grill."The consumer with money to burn is Lynx's focus, with grills that cost from $1,750 to $7,700 for the most accessorized of outdoor kitchens."Our professional series grills are for people who are putting together a custom outdoor kitchen, where the outside has been transformed into an extension of the indoor living space," Buch said. "This would typically be a household i'e north of $250,000."
Daniel and Lisa Levin bought a Lynx grill for the 4,000 square foot dream house they built 11 years ago in Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Within the past year, the Levins added an outdoor fountain, outdoor refrigerator and fire pit. To go with it, they bought a Lynx grill that starts without extras around $5,100, with a 36-inch cooking surface."I love my Lynx," said Daniel Levin, 49, who works in talent management and licensing for the entertainment industry. Lisa Levin is a real estate agent who considers the grill a good investment.Lynx began 30 years ago as the Bar Equipment Corp. of America, making'mercial restaurant and bar equipment, Buch said. The'pany was renamed Lynx in 1996, after it made its first outdoor grill for residential use and began to phase out'mercial equipment.

Simply beat the eggs lightly and quickly blend in a little hot mixture

Simply beat the eggs lightly and quickly blend in a little hot mixture, about half a cup is the norm then return to the pan or pot and stir briskly.To rescue curdled egg mixtures strain through a fine sieve or double thickness of cheese cloth. If the mixture is thin re-thicken with additional egg taking every precaution.While some folks down Irish brews on St. Patrick's Day, a plate of dark chocolate macarons with white chocolate peppermint ganache colored green, of course is a delicious way to show your Emerald Isle pride.Yes, we said it correctly:The Surrey could not be more we"ingMacarons. A traditional French pastry, they're elegant, dainty and downright cute, but don't let that intimidate you from trying them at home.

With a few basic ingredients, the main three being powdered sugar, egg whites and almond meal, putting these treats together doesn't take long. And if you have kids around to help, piping in the green centers is almost as fun as trying to say "macarons" and "ganache" 10 times, fast.Chocolate Macarons with White Chocolate Peppermint Ganache Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Fit a large pastry bag with a ?" round tip. Set aside.
Place powdered sugar, almond meal, cocoa powder and salt in a food processor. Pulse a few times, then process until fine, about 30 seconds. Sift into a large bowl. Place egg whites in bowl of a stand mixer with whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until foamy and opaque. Add cream of tartar, increase speed to medium high, and beat until egg whites are white. Continuing to beat, slowly add sugar until"bined and egg whites form stiff peaks.

 Using a rubber spatula, fold dry mixture into egg whites in two batches until just"bined. Be careful not to over mix; the mixture should look like cake batter.Transfer batter to pastry bag and pipe onto parchment paper in 1-inch rounds, about 1 inch apart. Bang baking sheets against countertop 3 or 4 times and let sit for 30 minutes.Heat oven to 350°F and bake, 1 sheet at a time, for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, then remove from parchment paper silicone mats.To make the ganache, heat cream in a pot until just boiling.

The Surrey could not be more we"ing

 But in the Big Apple, where taxis are the everyday mode of transportation, winters aren't so bad. In fact, there's so much to do in New York City in the summertime, winter allows visitors to partake in a new set of options, both inside and out. Think ice-skating at Rockefeller Plaza or a brisk walk along Central Park. Or, if you're like me, spend all your time indoors indulging in spa treatments, museum visits and the culinary pleasures that surround. If you opt for the indoors, break into your slush fund to stay in a luxurious hotel, preferably one that opened in the late 1920s as a residence that housed celebrities such as Bette Davis and John F. Kennedy, and one with a king-size bed priced at $10,000.

    The Surrey could not be more we"ing. Before I arrive at this Upper East Side boutique hotel in the elusive section of New York City, I am sent a questionnaire in regard to my favorite snacks and reading material. My three-hour ride on the Amtrak train from Boston brought me to Penn Station, where a car sent by The Surrey picked me up. Once checked in, I open my door to a Chanel inspired interior design of Lauren Rottet, as well as a table of goodies that includes a bowl filled with my favorite black licorice, a box of Parisian dark chocolate thin squares and Vogue, Vanity Fair and Town & Country magazines wrapped up in black ribbons with The Surrey logo. My peek over the orchid arrangement to gaze out the window is of rooftop gardens on Madison Avenue buildings. As I soak in the view, I imagine these rooftops as popular hangout spots in the summer, and even in winter, shoppers stroll the luxury retail laden streets below. I later discover The Surrey has its own rooftop haven that I'll be sure to visit"e summertime.

    For now, I order a taxi and take a ride to Eataly for a quick lunch of Neapolitan pizza and Italian wine, stock up on kitchenware and homemade pasta and other Italian delicacies, head down to the Bar Pleiades. This isn't your everyday bar, but one designed in the fashion of a Chanel"pact, right down to the puffed triangular stitching on the walls. I almost faint from the thrill of walking in to this design, but I"pose myself to save face within the trendy bar scene. A sip on The Last Caress, a snow-cone consistency made with gin and topped with this libation's base: juniper berries, served in a champagne coupe, sets me at ease.

Their most affordable service is cabinet refinishing

Rena Ware's "use and care" videos were developed jointly by Brandmotif Creative Agency and VMG studio520, the same partnership that produced Rena Ware's two 34th Annual Telly Award winning videos in the Non-Broadcast Productions category:  "Rena Ware – a Family Tradition" and "Rena Ware, Join the Family" – Unlimited Opportunity".  Customers and others interested in learning about the products may watch the videos online "Customer Service", then "Product Support".  Links to the full video, as well as to the video's individual chapters, are shown on the Use & Care webpage for each of the products.

About Rena Ware: Founded in 1941, Rena Ware is a privately owned family"pany with branch offices in countries around the world, including the United States, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Thailand, El Salvador, and Chile.  The"pany's product line features top quality stainless steel cookware, fine cutlery, kitchen accessories, water and air filters, and other products for the home environment.  Rena Ware's international headquarters are located adjacent to software giant Microsoft's Redmond campus in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.They are easy to apply, and even easier to remove. Buy them individually or in a collection. Stopper Toppers are available individually for $2.99New this year is the ability to apply online for home loans or in a collection for $13.95, including free shipping. Discover Stopper Toppers, the stylish new bathroom décor item, in Booth 2131.

If your kitchen needs an update, consider altering the look of your cabinets. Cabinet Solutions offers a solution for any budget — refacing, replacing or refinishing. Most cabinetry can be refaced. They offer a full line of solid wood full-overlay replacement doors, drawer fronts and trim in a variety of styles, wood types and finishes including stains, paints and glazes. If you need all new cabinets, Cabinet Solutions offers several lines of American-made solid wood cabinetry in a range of styles, wood types and finishes. Their most affordable service is cabinet refinishing, which restores older cabinetry to its original beauty and luster.

New this year is the ability to apply online for home loans

The bank's real estate loan experts will be glad to work one-on-one to help determine which financing program suits your needs.New this year is the ability to apply online for home loans. Borrowers can also check rates and terms and apply at their own convenience.Now may be an excellent time to consider refinancing. Apply online or stop in to see one of the home loan experts for more information.First Citizens National Bank is an Equal Housing Lender, and is Member FDIC insured.
Hanson's Countertops and Flooring owner Kurt Hanson has been in the countertop business for seven years.After building laminate countertops for three years, people started asking him about concrete resurfacing of existing countertops. Hanson became a certified Granicrete installer four years ago and started his own business.

In the tri-state area he has provided many kitchen and bathroom countertops along with resurfacing home and garage floors. The weight of Granicrete countertops is"parable to laminate, which is much lighter than real marble and granite.Customers achieve an elegant look at an affordable cost for interior and exterior remodeling or updating. Flooring, driveways, sidewalks, pool decks, patios and garage floors can look like tile, wood, slate, travertine or flagstone. Showers and baths look like tile, travertine or stone.

All countertops are custom made and the decorative color and texture are one of a kind. There are more than 60 colors and multiple edge designs to choose from for your home or business project, and colors can be mixed to meet special project needs. They can also be made to glow in the dark for safety.Countertops are resurfaced with a 1/8-inch concrete overlay and epoxy. They are bacteria resistant, take indirect heat up to 500 degrees F, are seamless, do not need to be sealed and are stain-resistant. The color will never fade and they are Radon-free.Home Lumber & Builders Inc., a family owned business started by Ken Bothwell in 1965, is still going strong today. Ken passed ownership onto his two sons, Scott and Steve Bothwell, who ran the business for 20 years. Cousins Carl Bothwell and Matt Anderson are now third-generation owners and have had ownership since 2007.

Iowa Wall Sawing has been in business for more than 30 years, with more than 100 years"bined work experience.Johnson Heating & Air Conditioning LLC invites you to the North Iowa Home Show to see what it can do about high L.P. and utilities costs.The"pany handles everything from 97 percent gas furnaces, air-to-air heat pumps and or geothermal heat pumps.
Johnson also installs boilers,standard tank style water heaters, tankless water heaters and infloor heating for new homes or remodeling.Maybe your home has some indoor air quality needs like a simple upgraded air filtration, UV light or a humidifier to keep your home feeling warmer and"fortable.

Don't forget that warm weather is just around the corner. If you have any questions on air conditioning go see them at Booth A72 & A73.Established in 1989 in Clear Lake, Kramer Ace Hardware is a family-owned and operated business.Kramer Ace Hardware will be featuring Snapper and Country Clipper mowers. Weber grills and accessories will also be on display.Hot new styles of outdoor living furniture will also be featured. For the ultimate in relaxation,"e and check out the all-new Banana Swing!Kramer Ace Hardware is a full-service hardware store with locations in Clear Lake at 580 Highway 18 E, in Garner at 150 Highway 18 W and in Mason City at 440 S. Illinois Ave.

Marquart Concrete Products, 1714 Fourth Ave. S. Clear Lake, manufactures both solid and blended colors of Rock Face Block units for"mercial and residential use. Marquart Concrete also manufactures solid and blended colors of landscaping products for retaining walls, court yards, patios and edging.Lighting is an exciting addition to your outdoor projects, accenting the features of your home, trees, bushes, landscaping and water features with amazing effects.Homeowners are invited to visit the booth and build ideas for outdoor living space and also obtain ideas for the facing of your new home or addition with brick, natural stone or manufactured stone for both interior and exterior use.Mason City Roofing is third-generation family owned since 1933. Ernie Edmond, Minon Hank, Derrick Marina,  give you inspiration to try a new recipe.

Springfield Fire Department urges caution after multiple kitchen fires

"After a great deal of thought, it has'e time to distance myself from the Freddy's Steakhouse brand," she said. "I must maintain the u'promising values that'e with me to each and every kitchen that I step into; as well as with each dish that leaves it, to be placed before my guests."Flathers has been fielding job offers from four star and five star restaurants from around the country, her spokesman Joshua Queen said. She also plans to start a consulting business where she would travel around and modernize the menus of restaurants across the country. The Colorado native may set up her firm in Chicago, Las Vegas or some other city, but is still in the early stages of planning.

"She's still putting those plans together because she want to ensure it's done right," Queen said. "She wants to make sure it's the best possible business."Even after Flathers's departure, Freddy's still plans to revamp its lunch and dinner menus, Kamradt said. The steakhouse will shorten the number of menu items, and put a new emphasis on fresh ingredients.Popular entrees, such as ribeyes and chops, will remain."I have to keep that the same because people would kill me," Kamradt said.Beverly Steffel measures a'plishments by the number of "wows" each task receives: One wow is great; two are fantastic; three are out of this world.The Chesapeake woman reached stratospheric success last year when she surprised her son, Jeremy Steffel, with a do-it-yourself kitchen makeover at his Virginia Beach condo.Jeremy had fallen in love with the 1,200-square-foot unit when he saw it on New Year's Eve 2012, just hours after it was put on the market as a foreclosure.

He made an offer that night.The Woodbridge location, a condominium'munity that backs to Honey Bee Golf Course, was ideal, as were the unit's features - a loft and spiral staircase, soaring ceilings and two bedrooms.But what the condo lacked in style - the previous owner had selected a ho-hum palette of browns and peaches with accents of blue and a distinct country vibe - it made up for with good "bones," Beverly said.Jeremy said he knew to look past something as changeable as color and moved in in February 2013.Meanwhile, the close-knit Steffel family members - dad, John; sister, Amy; and mom, Beverly - knew that with teamwork they could make Jeremy's first place the home he envisioned. And because the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, they started there.

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Add the onion and chilies and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken and taco seasoning mix.In a bowl, mix together the enchilada sauce, sour cream and soup. Set aside 1? cups of the sauce. Stir 1 cup of the remaining sauce mixture and 1 cup of the cheese into the chicken mixture.In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spread some of the remaining sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer 2 tortillas in the bottom of the dish overlapping one another and extending over the sides. Drizzle with some sauce and spread half of the chicken mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of 2 tortillas and chicken. Top with a final layer of tortillas, tucking it under the overlapping edges of the other tortillas as you would when adding a top crust on a pie. Spread the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and the dish is heated through. Remove from the oven and let stand 30 minutes before slicing —Besides the chicken quesadillas it will still be warm. Serve topped with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions, if desired.Easily assembled recipes can be a cook's best friend. Most don't call for a laundry-list of ingredients, can feed a crowd and are kid-friendly. This Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe fits that bill. With a few pantry ingredients onion, taco seasoning, condensed soup and leftover chicken breast think rotisserie chicken, folks, it'es together easily. Instead of making individual enchiladas in corn, this recipe calls for layering flour tortillas. Serve squares of this garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onions. A side salad of crisp iceberg will round out the meal.

Danielle Ruiz-Wiley refused to let her newborn daughter pay for her hang-ups.Alas, this full-time, dedicated wife and mother had to face foodie facts: Her self-proclaimed "kitchen phobia" was impacting her young family."When I step into the kitchen, my nerves take over and I quickly b'e frustrated," says Ruiz-Wiley, who moved to Heartland Village four years ago with her hubby, John.The result? A freezer stocked full of prepared meals, a penchant for overusing traditional Puerto Rican spices Sazon and Adobo -- and local restaurants who know her family's order by heart."As a result, my husband has gained weight, and with a 14-month-old baby and living expenses, we couldn't afford to eat out as much as we used to," she says. "I was afraid if I didn't learn to cook I would pass my bad habits to my daughter."

Besides the chicken quesadillas

The series has b'e so popular that even after adding a few extra spots, there is still a waiting list, Duckworth said. In the past, the city has only offered the series once or twice a year, but she said she hopes to make it a more regular feature."This will be my first Junior Chef series," Duckworth said. "I've done the Petite Chef series twice before now."The Petite Chef series has been hosted by the city for several years, giving children ages 5 to 10 a chance to enjoy some age-appropriate cooking and food preparation experiences.Duckworth said the slightly older age group will allow for menu items that are a bit more'plicated."It's such a fun class. We are able to work on kitchen safety and learn different terminology, such as the difference between slicing and dicing," Duckworth said."With our pasta salad, we'll make vinaigrette, which will allow us to explore why oil and vinegar don't stay mixed, and emulsions."

Besides the chicken quesadillas and the pasta salad with vinaigrette, the junior chefs also will have the opportunity to bake cupcakes from scratch -It consists of three basic sizes that include full- and along the way, learn more about the precise measurements necessary for successful baking."I really hope these sorts of experiences take the kids beyond their standard chicken nugget or peanut butter and jelly meals, making them open to try other things," Duckworth said."If nothing else, I hope they learn not to be afraid to try new foods and to know that they can make something delicious."If you feel like wandering tonight, you might like to follow the sound of gypsy jazz to Tender Bar + Kitchen in Lawrenceville.

It's the Ortner-Marcinizyn Duo playing a mix of songs that will stir your blood like the swizzle stick stirs your cocktail."I think there is a growing appeal to this music," said guitarist John Marcinizyn, who has been performing with Susanne Ortner-Roberts for almost a year. "Gypsy jazz is one of these styles that is kind of old, but it has a freshness about it as well. It's very exciting. You'll even hear it being used in movies as background.""Gypsy jazz is music that got its name from the great guitar rituals of Django Reinhardt," said Ms. Ortner. "It really'bines elements of gypsy music and jazz. It's very much a string-based jazz approach.

It consists of three basic sizes that include full

 So, as you can see, churning butter is probably not something I am preconditioned to be able to do. Fortunately I have a good stand mixer so no churning was involved and I used COLD dairy products which did NOT taste like grass or clover or anything else green.I may be experiencing a twinge of guilt including a homemade butter recipe with a dairy free bread recipe but not guilty enough not to do it! This warm gluten free pumpernickel bread spread with homemade butter was a little slice of heaven! For my dairy free readers, it is pretty amazing with some dairy free cream cheese and smoked salmon. It is also pretty darn good all by its lonesome.Since pumpernickel is supposed to be a dense, substantial bread, I went to my brother's party later that day  I used a combination of superfine brown rice flour from Authentic Foods and sorghum flour along with some tapioca starch. I also added a super-secret pantry item I keep well hidden way, way in the back of the pantry - gluten free instant mashed potato buds. In my own defense, I would never, EVER make mashed potatoes with them but I do keep it on hand as a gluten free flour substitute for making potato pancakes and for breading fish. If you don't keep a secret stash of potato buds in your pantry, just boil up a potato or two, mash it up and use that instead. I added some rich and robust organic molasses from Wholesome Sweeteners, unsweetened cocoa powder, caraway seeds and a few more pantry items.

This recipe makes 2 loaves of bread which is good because it takes no more time to make two than it does to make one and the bread keeps well and can even be frozen.Your kitchen is likely to be a center place in your house. How many hostesses have welcomed their company, chatted in the entryway for a bit and then passed up the living room with its couches and recliners to say, "let's go into the kitchen, it's more comfortable in there!"?Your kitchen will also be the center for your food and dining needs. If you are on a budget but you want your kitchen to have the same effect as the kitchens you see on TV programs, you will need to have some tricks up your apron sleeves.One way that you can get the kitchen you really desire is to focus on the products. This isn't in reference to the kitchen appliances, the kitchen mixers, the blenders and the professional knife sets, but rather the food and the memories that your kitchen really has the potential to produce.After all, if you are more interested in owning the pots and the pans and the fine china than you are the people that you will be serving food too and enjoying the time in your kitchen with then there really isn't a budget big enough for your kitchen fantasies. However, if you are genuinely trying to help everyone who walks into your kitchen feel at home, you can accomplish this on even the most modest budget.

I went to my brother's party later that day

The 37-year-old emptied the contents of the bag into his deep fat fryer, not realising the deceased rodent had been frozen alongside the battered langoustine tails.He has now reported the grisly find to Tesco and environmental health officials who are investigating.Mr Ali bought the 3 packet from Tesco in Bathgate on Wednesday and later that day decided to fry them up for an afternoon snack.He said: "I stuck my hand in the bag and put it in, I was in a hurry."But he noticed something was amiss when he checked the pan two minutes later.He said: "I saw something black was inside it. I thought 'what the hell is that?'"I fished it out and it was a mouse. I was shocked, upset and angry. I was looking forward to scampi. I love scampi."After the incident he contacted the supermarket chain and West Lothian Council's trading standards department.He said the experience has left him unable to eat anything, adding: "I've only been drinking juice, I'm starving."And he described how he has been taunted over the incident by some members of his family.He said: "I went to my brother's party later that day and as soon as I got in my brother was going, 'squeak, squeak!'

"A West Lothian Council spokesman said: "We have been contacted by a local resident regarding the alleged find of a mouse in a locally bought food product. Our environmental health officers are investigating."A Tesco spokeswoman said: "We set ourselves very high standards for the safety and quality of our food. Swansea needs to recycle an extra 7,000 tonnes a year if the council is to meet a Wales-wide target of 58% by 2016.It currently recycles 52% of what is thrown out and from 2016 will be fined 200 for every tonne under the target.The council's cabinet will decide on the limit on Tuesday and could introduce it in April."The result of limiting black bags and increasing recycling will helps the council avoid any unnecessary fines, lower waste disposal costs and improve our local environment," said cabinet member June Burtonshaw."We have a wide range of popular recycling services available for residents and the latest research shows that almost three quarters of people now put out two or less black bags."We now want to go a step further by encouraging more people to reduce their black bag waste by limiting the amount of black bags that we'll collect."However, we'll be working with residents to introduce these changes over time and we'll also take account of people's circumstances such as the size of their family and any obstacles to recycling."

Kitchen fire leaves family homeless

He also liked a double kitchen island with a stone top from Williams-Sonoma, because it had so much storage. "It's cool that those boxes pull out and you have drawers," he said. He has a lot of stuff, "so hiding clutter is key."For a "simple, sturdy and utilitarian" option, he chose Restoration Hardware's salvaged-wood kitchen island. Whereas the Conrad kitchen island from Pottery Barn, he said, "is higher up, so you can sit around it," if that's what you're looking for.But Joe Colombo's Mini Kitchen, designed in 1963, was his favorite – despite the price."If I had 26 grand to spend on an island, this is the one I'd get," he said. "It's beautiful, it's functional. It's not cheap, but if you can swing it, it's 26 grand of mod and groovy."

Firefighters pulled a 44-year-old woman from the floor of her smoky bedroom shortly after Midnight, when the kitchen of her apartment at 1120 St. James Ave. burned.Dennis Leger, executive aide to Springfield Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said the woman was transported to the Baystate Medical Center where she was treated for smoke inhalation. There is no current word on her condition.The 12:15 a.m. blaze damaged the kitchen of the first floor apartment "A" Unit of the Springfield Housing Authority apartment complex, but also forced families in adjoining units out as their apartments filled with smoke. Neighbors could be seen airing their apartments out as firefighters worked in the downstairs unit.

Leger said the fire started in, and was contained to the kitchen, where he estimated some $15,000 in damage was caused by the fire. A Lincoln family is searching for a new place to live after a kitchen fire causes major damage to their apartment.It happened just after 5 p.m. Officials said the fire started from a pan of grease left unattended on the stove. The grease ignited and spread onto the walls and the cabinets.Residents of Havelock Apartments were evacuated, but were allowed back in after 20 minutes. Unfortunately, the family of the apartment won't be able to stay."They won't be able to stay here because of the fire damages, they'll have to be relocated and Red Cross is here to help them with that," City fire investigator Chuck Schweitzer.

Kitchenware with flare will make your cook smile

I can't live without this. I made fortune cookies for the wedding of some friends a couple of years ago and I can safely say there would have been no success without my Silpat. Made of fiberglass coated in silicone, it can line your baking sheet or sit directly on your oven rack. Nothing will stick to it. Nothing. It replaces parchment or wax paper for any sticky project, evenly distributes heat for even baking, wipes down easily with mild soap and water and rolls up or lays flat for easy storage.Of all the items on this list, I have to dub this one the crown jewel. It has been one of my secret ingredients for years since I discovered it at The Spice House in Evanston,The Best Kitchen Upgrades Money Can Buy Ill. Tomato powder is created through a process of spray-drying the ripest, sweetest tomatoes of the crop. That canned tomato paste comes in that ridiculous little can that you never know what to do with once it's opened ...

Tin foil? Plastic wrap? You'll never need tomato paste again? Tomato powder re-hydrates magically into paste or sauce and keeps in your fridge, tightly sealed in its jar, indefinitely. Patty Erd of The Spice House says that she heard her husband tell a customer that it was a great way to "summer up a winter tomato," which I know we are all craving right now. Go for the 2-cup jar for $14. Anything smaller is just a tease.The leader in non-stick kitchenware brand Nirlep today announced the launch of its new ecommerce online store Nirlep is the first company in India to launch the non-stick brand in kitchenware and has been a market leader since 1968. The addition of a new online distribution channel by Nirlep will give an edge to reach out to the new potential and new-gen market.

The online store of Nirlep is hosted on the state-of-the-art service based retail technology platform BuildaBazaar. Today Buildabazaar hosts more than 17,000 brand stores and has enabled them to gain economy of scale and deeper market penetration.Nirlep, enjoys great brand recognition in providing the innovation-led multi-kitchen solutions brand with a wide range of technologically innovative products that enable healthy cooking and has been a leader in the non-stick segment for over five decades. The company has served its customer with the highest quality of cookware and kitchen products. Customers can now check out the wide range of Nirlep kitchen solutions and order online the selected product with efficient home delivery service.

The Best Kitchen Upgrades Money Can Buy

"It's both halves here. It's talking one-on-one with senators here and bringing more people into the conversation — more students, more seniors, more scientists, all of us who care about the future of this country," she said.U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has garnered the kind of fevered attention during her freshman year that would make most political figures drool — with supporters even calling on her to consider a 2016 presidential bid, a notion she's dismissed.As she enters her second year in Congress, the Massachusetts Democrat said her focus is instead on improving the economic fortunes of ordinary Americans, a theme that is dovetailing with a renewed emphasis in her party on economic justice and with President Barack Obama's own stated goal of addressing income inequality.

For Warren, stabilizing the ordinary American family's finances rests on a number of pillars — from reining in student debt to easing what she calls the nation's retirement crisis to doubling funding for federal research programs.Warren has also positioned herself as a passionate defender of Social Security, even bucking Obama on changes she said would weaken a key protection for millions of older Americans."Let me put it this way: I disagree with anyone who talks about cutting Social Security benefits," Warren said in a recent interview with The Associated Press. "This is a time when we need to talk about the hard decisions we have to make to make sure the Social Security system is stable and will pay benefits forever into the future."

Warren said while adjustments to the program may be needed, calls from some Republicans to privatize Social Security or cut benefits are misguided. She said Americans are hitting their retirement years with more debt, less savings and fewer pension benefits than a generation ago.Given that, she said, this is the "absolute worst time" to talk about reeling in benefits.Another issue Warren is fired up about is soaring student loans, which she said is leaving new graduates with suffocating debts that can stifle their futures.Warren has filed what she calls a "skin-in-the-game bill" that tries to pressure colleges to keep costs down for students and ensure they get a meaningful diploma when they graduate.

Daughter and father move to a healthier diet

Watching a movie changed Stacy Finney's way of thinking about food. But there were even more changes to come.Finney, a nurse at Clark Memorial Hospital, routinely prepared meat/starch/vegetable trios for husband Mike, teenage daughter Emma and herself in their Jeffersonville home."I was pretty much OK with that," she said. After watching "Food Inc.," a documentary about factory farming, the treatment of animals and antibiotic resistance, the family continued to eat meat but purchased it from Preferred Meats, a butcher in Sellersburg."When you switch to grass-fed beef that has no chemicals and hormones, the difference in flavor is unbelievable," she said.

Last year, after her father, Tony Herron, who lives in Charlestown, was diagnosed with cancer and a girlfriend was being treated for cancer, Finney became seriously committed to studying the relationship between food and health, recognizing that the subject is full of controversy.She and her father watched "Forks Over Knives" and read "The Engine 2 Diet," both of which advocate non-animal based diets and the elimination of processed foods in diets. Finney and her father dramatically revamped their diets, traded recipes and provided mutual support."We all have our bodies out of whack. When you change the way you eat,If you're thinking about remodeling your Chicago kitchen you have to give it a week or two to let your tastebuds adjust. Then the foods begin to come alive to you," Herron said.

In three or four months, he lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol, lost 50 pounds, gained energy and was able to stop taking medications."I began to read more books than I had in my whole life, and began educating myself about diet and juicing," Herron said. He's a major juicer, drinking 32 ounces a day of a mix of carrot, celery, apple, asparagus and ginger juice.Finney no longer cooks with oil, butter or animal products. Her all-vegan, mostly all-organic recipes concentrate on rice, beans, legumes and vegetables.Herron is a fan of using Boca Veggie Crumbles for chili and tacos, and his daughter will sometimes make chicken Parmesan with fake chicken patties. However, she considers both of those products processed foods and tries to limit them in her cooking.