Like fine wine, life gets better with age: Life lessons learned from a master winemaker

(BPT) - The things you pick up from past generations go well beyond how to catch a baseball and grill the perfect burger - even though those things are important. Traditions and lessons learned from fathers, grandfathers and even friends can be the most important in your life - they'll shape who you are and how you live, as long as you live. And if you haven't had the opportunity to ask your elders what they would choose to impart, there's no time like the present.



The family behind the Louis M. Martini winery knows quite a bit about inherited wisdom. They have been crafting wines for 80 years and three generations - and that's plenty of time to live and learn. They have learned not just how to pursue their trade, but to become masters - and the lessons they've learned over that time apply outside the wine world, too.



Mike Martini, now the third-generation master winemaker of the Louis M. Martini Winery, shares eight lessons from his family's expertise - which you might just learn from, too.



1. Great creations reflect the personality and strengths of the person who created it. Your strengths shine through when you're passionate about something. Whether it's your secret-recipe barbecue sauce or the way you play a favorite song on a guitar, your own style will make something not just great - but uniquely your own.



2. There are many different paths to the same goal. Not everyone approaches their work the same way - and that's OK. As long as the goal is the same, keep an open mind about how to reach those goals, particularly when working with others.



3. You've got to learn to make your own mistakes. While you can learn from others' mistakes, sometimes the knowledge that comes from making your own mistakes can be just as valuable. Don't be afraid of mistakes; instead, see them as an opportunity to improve.



4. The most fundamental skill is patience. With winemaking, you get one shot a year at harvest, and just about any good wine is worth waiting for. Develop your patience as you would any other necessary skill and in the end, you'll be happier with the result.



5. If our neighbors succeed, we all succeed. There's a saying that you're as only as strong as your weakest link, but if you flip that, you can also be as strong as your strongest link. Over time, the success of any one of us brings all of us up.



6. Perseverance pays off. There will be times in life when giving up seems like the best option - but really, it's only the easiest option. Stick to your plan through the difficult times and you'll be rewarded in the end.



7. To master anything, you need to learn everything that goes into it. When times do get tough, you need to rely on more than just surface-level information. A deep understanding will make it easier for you to think creatively, find solutions and excel.



8. If you're passionate about what you do, the clock doesn't matter. How many golfers check the clock while they're on the course? How many surfers abandon the waves to go see what time it is? Not many. If you have a passion for something, it's no longer work but a pursuit of doing what you love. If your job is something that you enjoy as much as a hobby, putting in the time and effort won't ever feel like a burden.



Life is what you make of it - you can ignore the wisdom of the years and past generations, or learn and grow from it. Keep these tips from a master in mind - or learn from him in person when classic cabernet meets classic rock in the Louis M. Martini and Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Napa Valley "Wine, Wisdom and Rock Experience" this August. Join Mike Martini, multiple Grammy Award-nominee Joe Satriani and other rock legends as they explore firsthand the wisdom passed down and lessons learned from making great wine and great rock. For more information, visit www.rockcamp.com/napa-valley.php or Louis Martini Winery on Facebook.

Basic maintenance can keep your lawn equipment running longer

Spring is just around the corner, so it's not too soon to begin thinking about getting your lawn equipment ready. From lawn mowers to hedge and weed trimmers, you want to make sure those items are in good working order before you are ready to tackle the lawn for the first time. Taking the time for seasonal maintenance will mean more reliable equipment and a safer experience for you. Here are some great tips to make sure you're ready to go for the season.



Use fresh gasoline: Most likely at the end of the season you drained the gasoline out of your lawnmower. Gasoline can become stale and when left in the lawn mower fuel system it will break down and can cause starting or running issues, or in some cases, damage to the fuel system. While there are some treatments available to stabilize the gasoline through the winter months, gas should not be left in the mower for more than 90 days of inactivity. The carburetor needs a "fresh" start every time, so using fresh gas is always optimal.



Change the oil: If your lawn equipment uses engine oil, changing the oil is an important step in the reliability and life of the motor. Using high-performance synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple SAE licensed and HPS engine oil will provide better wear protection and superior corrosion protection.



Check the cables: Be sure to check all cables and levers for wear and proper functioning. Depending on use, some cables may need adjustment. You will also want to check the belts for wear and replace them as needed.



Sharpen the blades as needed: Using lawn equipment that has a dull blade is equivalent to tearing off the ends of each blade of grass. Rough cuts like these can leave the grass vulnerable to sun damage and disease. Take a look at your grass after you've cut it, if the ends look ragged you need to sharpen your blade. Blades should be sharpened once or twice a year depending on the use of the equipment. You can either sharpen the blade yourself with the right tools or take it to a dealer who offers blade sharpening services.



Clean and lubricate: Clean all of the debris from the motor and deck and lubricate gears and other moving joints. Royal Purple's Maxfilm is a multipurpose spray ideal for the lubrication of power tools, hinges, chains, open gears and lawn equipment. Formulated with Royal Purple's proprietary Synerlec additive technology, Maxfilm can make equipment run smoother, cooler, quieter, longer and more efficiently.



Taking regular care of your lawn equipment will extend its life and keep your lawn looking healthier. With the right approach, you'll enjoy your lawn all summer lawn without having to worry about major repairs.

No Keys, No Access, No Offers

'Summer-ize' your home to look and smell wonderful in warmer weather

(BPT) - The three R's aren't just reading, 'riting and 'rithmatic. In the summer, they refer to "reorganizing," "restyling" and "reviving" your home. It's the perfect time to bring a summery, comfortable feeling to your home's interior. Luckily, you don't need to redo every room or throw out all your furniture to get a wonderful seasonal change. Spend a weekend giving your living spaces a lighter, fresher feel. At the end, you might even think you're on a summer vacation.



Home and lifestyle expert Evette Rios has some simple suggestions that can make powerful impressions throughout your house.



Reorganize



Boost the excitement and va-va-voom in your rooms by moving just a few things around. You'll be amazed at the new looks you can create. Something as simple as changing the angle of your couch and voila - new room! Try this scuff-proof method for moving heavy pieces: Fold two clean towels (dirty ones can scratch floors), place one under each end of the furniture piece, and then slide it across the floor. This might also be the time to incorporate a few white wicker pieces, which will add a summery touch.



Take some time to sort through your linen closet and remove unwanted items. Put old or unused linens into a "giveaway" bag. Store bed linen sets inside one of the pillowcases, and you'll never have to hunt through piles looking for a match. All you'll have to do is grab and go. Want a closet full of freshness? Place a few Gain dryer sheets in with your folded sheets to keep them smelling great.



Restyle



Fresh new accessories can help to brighten up each room in your home. Turn plain lampshades into fabulous ones by adding bright or printed linings that come to life when you flip the switch. You might even want to swap out the art on your walls, adding more colorful pieces that are floral or botanical. If you're feeling really ambitious, consider painting a few walls to add a clean, fresh look to your rooms. Try bold colors you've never had before to really change up the look.



Want to get the kids involved? Turn some drab kitchen aprons into fun "cleaning armor." Give each child his or her own apron to decorate with markers or stickers to wear, and send the kids on their mission to dust, clean windows, organize, etc. They'll love wearing something they decorated themselves. Don't forget to ask their opinions on the changes you're making - you might be surprised at their great suggestions.



Revive



If you're packing away heavy clothes or quilts for the season, ensure they maintain a fresh scent by using new Gain Original Fireworks In-Wash Scent Booster in the wash before you store them. It's safe for use on all colors and fabrics and the freshness lasts up to 12 weeks in storage (just in time to take them out for the fall).



Make your laundry room a place you're not afraid to enter. De-clutter the room by installing a tension rod to hang spray bottles, cleaning supplies and more. You can also decorate the room with your kids' artwork to make it a fun space.



Your summer home makeover doesn't need to be expensive or time-consuming. Ambitious projects might take a little longer, but you'll be pleased at how simple it is to transform some of your rooms from drab to wonderfully fresh. Just don't wait too long - summer doesn't last forever! For more inspiration, visit ILoveGain.com or facebook.com/gain.

The grilled cheese: A new spin on an American classic

Double Delicious Grilled Cheese



Create a sandwich to satisfy any adult's taste buds with this recipe. Replace the traditional white bread with your choice of thickly sliced artisan bread and upgrade your cheese selection with any of Great Midwest's flavored Cheddars or Monterey Jacks. Add some spice to your sandwich by selecting Mango Fire Cheddar or infuse it with the savory taste of Morel & Leek Jack. If fruit is more your thing, try Blueberry Cobbler or Cranberry Cheddar. This recipe allows you to build four sandwiches so try them all.



To make these sandwiches, you will need:



* 3 to 4 tablespoons butter, melted



* 8 slices artisan bread, thickly sliced



* 7 to 8 ounces Great Midwest Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sliced



Instructions:



Using a pastry brush, butter each slice of bread on one side and place four slices, buttered side down, on a work surface. Place a portion of Great Midwest flavored Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on each slice. Top with the remaining four slices, butter side up.



Lightly butter and heat a griddle, heavy skillet or Panini press until hot. Place two sandwiches in the skillet. Brown slowly on one side for two to three minutes before turning with a spatula and grilling the other side until brown and the cheese melts. It may be necessary to add a bit of butter to the skillet.



Repeat with remaining two sandwiches and serve immediately.



Serving suggestions:



Spread mayonnaise or mustard - if you prefer - on the unbuttered side of the bread.



Add vertical slices of dill pickle, thinly sliced ripe, medium-sized tomatoes or red onion rings for an extra punch of flavor.



Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Peach Apricot Preserves



Tantalize your palate with the wide array of flavors in this delicious sandwich. Paprika, garlic, peach apricot preserves and flavor-infused Cheddar cheese all come together for one sumptuous offering. Interested in shaking it up? Swap out the peach-apricot preserve for another of your choice. Satiate your taste buds with a little extra pop of flavor by adding Great Midwest's Apple Cinnamon Cheddar to your sandwich. Or, if you want a little spice, try Chipotle Cheddar.



To make this sandwich you will need:



* Two slices of your favorite artisan bread



* 2 tablespoons butter, melted



* 2 ounces Great Midwest Cheddar cheese, sliced



* 1 ounce of peach apricot preserves



* 2 thick slices of tomatoes



* Arugula



* 2 tablespoons mayonnaise



* 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced



* Lemon juice



* Paprika



Instructions:



In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice and a dash of paprika. Set aside.



Using a pastry brush, butter each slice of bread on one side, and place the slices, buttered side down, on the work surface. Top each of these slices with Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, arugula, the mayonnaise mixture and preserves. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.



Lightly butter and heat a griddle, heavy skillet or Panini press until hot. Place the sandwich in the skillet. Brown slowly on one side for two to three minutes before turning with a spatula and grilling the other side until brown and the cheese melts. It may be necessary to add a bit of butter to the skillet. Serve immediately.



Across the nation adults are recognizing the versatility of this American classic and making their own unique grilled cheese sandwiches. What is yours? If you think you have a great idea for a grilled-cheese sandwich, visit greatmidwestcheese.com and enter the I Love Grilled Cheese contest. You could win a weekend getaway to the "Great Midwest" or other prizes that will help you reinvent the grilled cheese over and over again to the delight of your taste buds.

Driveway Gates: An ideal way to finish off your drive

When it comes to your home, you want it to be as unique as you are, and first impressions are very important. It makes sense to start with the part of your house that everyone will see first – your gates and railing. Wrought iron driveway gates are an ideal way to finish off your drive and give your home that wow factor.



Driveway gates and fences will enhance the beauty, privacy and security of your home. A driveway gate extends your home security to the boundaries of your property, and in a time where people are increasingly worried about their security, adding an iron gate at the driveway entrance has become popular. Having a secure fence and gate can be a great comfort, particularly if your house lies in an area of heavy traffic. In addition to the security benefits, adding a gate also contains animals, clearly marks property lines and makes a huge aesthetic improvement to your home.



When you choose an iron driveway gate for your home, you can be confident in the knowledge that they are known for their strength and endurance. This makes them less likely to break or bend. With today's power coating options, wrought iron gates can become just as rust resistant as aluminum. Iron gates can be matched with existing fences, pedestrian gates and access control systems.



It can be very frustrating to finish a long commute only to have to get out of the car, open a gate, drive through it, get out of the car again and close the gate. With this in mind another trendy feature for your iron driveway gates is to install an automatic gate opener. Electric gates provide indispensable convenience, allowing a gate to be opened without ever having to leave your car and therefore eliminating all those cumbersome steps.



When purchasing electric gates you need to consider a few options. The most obvious is deciding whether you want your driveway gate to open by sliding or swinging outwards. Swing gates are more aesthetically pleasing but you must take into account the opening radius depending on the length of the gate. Sliding gates will eliminate this issue as they retract rather than swing out.



You will also need to consider how much power is required to open and close your driveway gate. The amount of power is dependent on the size of your gate, how it opens and how many times it will need to be opened each day.



Finally, how will your gate be accessed, and by how many users? Electric gates are operated by a controller which sends a signal to the opening mechanism.



There are several options for your controller:



•Wireless



•Wired keypads



•Keypads with intercoms



•Key card operated controllers



•Controllers operated by remotes or telephones



Each of these features will affect the price and your final decision should be based on your budget and personal preference. Once you have taken all these points into consideration you can narrow down your options and choose the best Driveway Gates for your specific needs.



by: Mehboob Talukdar



Article Source:

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7350.shtml



#houston #realestate #TXRECO

Driveway Gates: An ideal way to finish off your drive

When it comes to your home, you want it to be as unique as you are, and first impressions are very important. It makes sense to start with the part of your house that everyone will see first - your gates and railing. Wrought iron driveway gates are an ideal way to finish off your drive and give your home that wow factor.



Driveway gates and fences will enhance the beauty, privacy and security of your home. A driveway gate extends your home security to the boundaries of your property, and in a time where people are increasingly worried about their security, adding an iron gate at the driveway entrance has become popular. Having a secure fence and gate can be a great comfort, particularly if your house lies in an area of heavy traffic. In addition to the security benefits, adding a gate also contains animals, clearly marks property lines and makes a huge aesthetic improvement to your home.



When you choose an iron driveway gate for your home, you can be confident in the knowledge that they are known for their strength and endurance. This makes them less likely to break or bend. With today's power coating options, wrought iron gates can become just as rust resistant as aluminum. Iron gates can be matched with existing fences, pedestrian gates and access control systems.



It can be very frustrating to finish a long commute only to have to get out of the car, open a gate, drive through it, get out of the car again and close the gate. With this in mind another trendy feature for your iron driveway gates is to install an automatic gate opener. Electric gates provide indispensable convenience, allowing a gate to be opened without ever having to leave your car and therefore eliminating all those cumbersome steps.



When purchasing electric gates you need to consider a few options. The most obvious is deciding whether you want your driveway gate to open by sliding or swinging outwards. Swing gates are more aesthetically pleasing but you must take into account the opening radius depending on the length of the gate. Sliding gates will eliminate this issue as they retract rather than swing out.



You will also need to consider how much power is required to open and close your driveway gate. The amount of power is dependent on the size of your gate, how it opens and how many times it will need to be opened each day.



Finally, how will your gate be accessed, and by how many users? Electric gates are operated by a controller which sends a signal to the opening mechanism.



There are several options for your controller:



•Wireless



•Wired keypads



•Keypads with intercoms



•Key card operated controllers



•Controllers operated by remotes or telephones



Each of these features will affect the price and your final decision should be based on your budget and personal preference. Once you have taken all these points into consideration you can narrow down your options and choose the best Driveway Gates for your specific needs.



by: Mehboob Talukdar



Article Source:

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7350.shtml

Smart solutions for managing hectic family schedules during the school year

The increased demands of school time are even more complex for members of the sandwich generation - people who care for their own children while also caring for their aging parents. If you care for your kids and other loved ones, it's easy to quickly become overwhelmed and confused.



No one knows this better than Julie Gilbert Newrai. Just weeks after she gave birth, her husband had a sudden stroke that required brain surgery. As she tried to juggle a career, parenthood, newborn day care and her husband's rehabilitation, she became frustrated. After struggling to keep track of important information and getting put on hold when calling day care and medical centers, she created a solution.



She decided to look for ways technology would better help her manage her hectic life and founded PreciouStatus. The award-winning mobile technology used by day cares, hospitals and care centers allows loved ones to receive in-the-moment news via email. Users immediately know when children eat or how long they nap. For family members receiving medical care, users receive information when therapies are completed or medicine is received. Users even get photos, so Mom and Dad can get visual updates about little Jack's field trip or Grandpa's physical therapy progress.



Gilbert Newrai offers these tips for managing hectic schedules during the busy school year to ensure kids and families thrive.



1. Build a life infrastructure



Parents try to do it all, particularly women. That's why it's important to find a balanced approach to managing your work and home life. Map out what needs to be done each day and then make deals with your partner. Split the necessary to-do's, but don't be afraid to ask for help. It takes a village to raise a modern child, so help from friends and relatives is a necessity. Don't beat yourself up over asking your friend to stop for milk on the way to your house or hiring a housecleaner once a month. You'll be a better parent and better executive.



2. Create a cooking schedule



School means early breakfasts and bag lunches. Numerous studies show good nutrition supports healthy brains and bodies while also boosting the immune system, so be sure both you and your children eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits and vegetables. Try choosing time during the weekend when life is a little less busy for a chop-and-cook session. Cut up veggies ahead of time and pop into individual containers for easy packing and snacking throughout the week. You can also use this time to prep weekday dinners so that when you get home from work, the basics are done and you just need to heat and garnish.



3. Utilize technology



Technology can help keep busy parents organized and sane. Use sharable online calendars to manage work and family schedules and never miss a deadline or start of a soccer game again. Make sure to synch your calendar to your spouse's so you both stay in the loop. Ask day cares, schools and eldercare centers about PreciouStatus so you can better manage your loved ones' days, even when you can't be there. Pet parents enjoy PreciousPetStatus used at kennels, pet day cares and veterinary centers for mobile updates on their furry family members.



4. Bond with teachers and caregivers



It's important to really know who is caring for your children and loved ones. Introduce yourself to your child's teacher and your family's nurses and other caregivers. Put a face with names and open the doors of conversation. Be positive and proactive by letting them know you want to hear from them, including both good and bad updates. Engaging with caregivers helps you be a better parent/family member and in return helps them feel valued. And don't be afraid to recognize caregivers for a job well-done - good teachers and nurses deserve a pat on the back for going above and beyond.

Singled out: 3 financial tips for Americans going solo

More and more people are choosing to live solo. While there are plenty of resources for home improvement, a new survey shows singles could use some help getting their financial house in order.

Many single workers lack an adequate financial safety net that would protect their income if they were unable to work due to an illness or off-the-job injury, according to The Hartford Benefits For Tomorrow Study, a national survey of 1,000 full-time workers ages 18 to 64.

The annual poll showed only 44 percent of single Americans have disability insurance. This is despite the fact that singles would be hard hit by an unexpected health issue. In fact, 87 percent of single survey participants said they would need to make lifestyle changes to meet expenses if they lost income for three to six months.

"Fifty-nine percent of workers who don't have disability insurance said they'd rely on their savings or retirement account if they could not work for more than six weeks," says Mike Fish, vice president of voluntary benefits for The Hartford. "That means singles without paycheck protection are not only putting their current finances - and independence - at risk, but their golden years, too."

Here are three benefits tips for single Americans:

1. Educate yourself. Many Americans don't completely understand disability insurance. "May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month. It's a good time to get up to speed on paycheck protection," Fish says.

2. Know your risks. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled during their career. "You might think that you don't need paycheck protection because you won't have an accident or you don't engage in unsafe activities," Fish says. "But, you still could be at risk. Approximately 95 percent of disabilities are caused by illnesses rather than accidents, according to the Council of Disability Awareness."

3. Get a price check. In The Hartford's survey, 45 percent of survey participants overestimated the cost of short-term disability insurance by hundreds of dollars; and another 45 percent said they had "no idea" how much the coverage costs. "It pays for you to check on whether you can get disability insurance at work," Fish says. "Group disability insurance costs about a dollar a day on average. So, it can be more affordable than depleting your savings."

Going solo doesn't mean going it alone when it comes to your finances.



You can find more information about disability insurance at The Hartford's MyTomorrow website www.thehartford.com/mytomorrow

'Come meet your planet' and discover the secrets of the natural world

If you answered "yes," you'll be excited to know that one of the world's top travel companies is partnering with the world's leading producer of award-winning natural history documentaries to make those wishes a reality.



Tauck, the world-leader in guided, premium-quality land journeys and cruises, has entered into an exclusive, multi-year partnership with BBC Earth to bring the expertise and perspectives of BBC wildlife filmmakers to Tauck's itineraries exploring the natural world. -The BBC is the world's leading producer of highly acclaimed, award-winning natural history documentaries, such as Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Life and The Blue Planet. Those series and other BBC productions have reached more than 500 million people in over 180 countries worldwide to date



The new Earth Journeys collaboration will launch, and initial components of the partnership are being phased into several existing Tauck itineraries over the course of the coming year. Natural history enthusiasts can choose between two African safaris (the 12-day "Botswana, South Africa & Zambia" itinerary and the 13-day "Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari"), Tauck's 13-day "Antarctica" cruise expedition, and the company's six-day "Manitoba: Polar Bear Adventure" in Canada. Each of these special travel experiences offers travelers a unique, in-depth and enriching opportunity to, in the words of Tauck and BBC Earth, "come meet your planet."



Here are just some of the details of the new Earth Journey's partnership:



* Tauck will work with BBC Earth to use the same cutting-edge technologies employed by its filmmakers to bring Tauck guests into more intimate contact with the destinations they're visiting. Specific technologies will vary by itinerary, and may include motion-activated camera traps, infrared night-vision cameras, long-range directional microphones, underwater cameras, and small fiber-optic endoscopic cameras.



* BBC Earth will create a series of original, exclusive films that Tauck guests will view on location. These brief (approximately 10 to 20 minutes) vignettes will utilize BBC Earth's incredible resources, including the world's largest collection of nature film footage plus insights and voiceovers from BBC Earth experts. The resulting films will provide context and add fresh perspective to the animal life and natural wonders that Tauck guests are experiencing during their travels.



* Tauck will also work directly with BBC Earth filmmakers and naturalists, leveraging their passion and experience to add additional original content to the portfolio of Earth Journeys itineraries.



* Going forward, BBC Earth will also work with Tauck to co-create entirely new Earth Journeys itineraries for launch and beyond.



For more information on the new collection of Earth Journeys, visit www.tauck.com/bbcearth.