Here is a very easy and quick chicken noodle soup recipe for those who are time poor but still want something that tastes good. It should take you around 10-15 mins to prepare and will serve approximately 5-7 people depending how much you each want.

Personally I prefer richer cooked from scratch chicken noodle soup recipes to this one, but this recipe as I said is a quick, hence we have to use precooked chicken and packaged or pre made chicken stock, still it tastes good though.

Ingredients:

2- 2/1/2 Cups of cooked chicken pieces.

1350ml (45 fl oz) of chicken stock ( broth)

2 Medium sized celery stalks

3 medium carrots

1 medium to large onion

Noodles - preferably choose a short smallish egg noodle shape enough to serve around 5-7 cups of soup

pinch of salt

pinch of pepper

Instructions:

You’ll need precooked chicken to make this recipe fast, but you could cook your own from scratch, and for this chicken noodle soup recipe it really doesn’t matter how the chicken was cooked. You can sliced up your chicken into little bite sized pieces or pull it apart roughly if you prefer. Its always nice to use chicken breast when you are making chicken noodle soup, but again it’s up to you.

Chop up your celery carrots and onions into small pieces.

In a large saucepan add your chicken stock ( broth) a pinch of salt and pepper as well your chopped up vegetables and your chicken pieces. Bring this up to a boil on a high heat then reduce the heat down to a medium temperature and cook it until the vegetables are done properly. It should take around 15 minutes.

While you are cooking this you should cook your noodles in a separate pot of boiling water. I find it best to not fully cook the noodles in the boiling water, instead before they are fully cooked, drain them and add them into the chicken soup and allow them to cook fully through with the rest of the ingredients. This will insure the noodles absorb some of the chicken stock for better flavor. When everything is done after the 15 minutes or so, taste it to see if it needs more salt or pepper, then its ready to serve.

If you need another chicken noodle soup recipe or more secrets to cooking better chicken meals go to the chicken recipe specialists chicken recipes now

A beautiful baby clothing and gifts boutique for the holidays. Zoe & Friends offers the best gently worn children’s clothing and apparel. (Designer Brands & Maternity)

Here is a short list of the items available:

• Clothing preemie to size 6x
• Fashionable and trendy maternity clothing
• Children’s toys
• Strollers
• Children’s books
• Security blankets
• Bids and more

Located in Hendersonville TN at 110 Sander’s Ferry Road, Suite 21

Monday thru Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday Closed

Call 615-264-6722 or go online at www.zoeandfriends.net

This offer expires soon but for expecting mothers it is a must see.

Tues/Thurs Special! thru Dec. 31st $139

• 10 minute 3D/4D ultrasound
• VHS cassette set to music
• Foud 3D black and white images
• Gender Determination

Take a look at the gift you will love forever.

Focused Imaging

Do you have kids in school? K-12? I found a website that caters to parents with kids in public schools.

Do you want to find out how your school ranks among other local schools in your area?

Check out schoolmatters.com and do a side by side comparison of test scores, academic proficiency and more.

If you get a moment write a review of your child’s school.

This is a free service. SchoolMatters.com

Insomnia is a condition many people suffer with. People with insomnia lack the ability to get a sufficient amount of sleep.  People with insomnia either can not fall asleep easily, have a hard time remaining asleep, or awakening too early.

Causes of insomnia may be linked to anxiety, overeating, too much caffeine, or constipation to name a few.

Here are some home remedies found to possibly help people with insomnia.

• Drink a glass of milk sweetened with honey each night at bedtime.
• Eat lettuce or prepare a drink by boiling lettuce seeds in water.
• Take about two teaspoons of honey with a large glass of water.

The most expensive child care facility is not always the best. 

So you have little ones and you have decided to find the best child care facility…

Here are a few helpful tips to remember when choosing the right childcare facility for you little loved ones.

• Make sure the child care facility is licensed or registered in your state.
• Check the caregiver to child ratios. How many kids per staff member…
• Ask for references from current and past parents of children attending the facility.
• Be sure to visit the facility during operating hours before you enroll your children. Make sure you can make unannounced visits after enrollment too.
• Check out the indoor and outdoor play areas. (no sharp objects, pinch points, ditches)
• Read the written policys: discipline and sick child related.
• Non-smoking facility?
• Make sure the staff is trained and qualified. (Child Development, CPR, First Aid Certification)
• Talking about the staff, ask about the turnover rate. How long do caregivers usually stay at the facility?
• Health and Safety concerns: age appropriate toys, diaper changing station with sink within reach, infants supervised while eating, adult supervised outdoor and indoor play areas.

This list is a good starting point. Be sure to do your own homework when choosing the right child care facility for your little loved ones.

For more resources about child care facilities in your local area, see Child Care Aware online at www.childcareaware.org or by phone at 800.424.2246

Dec. 11, 1931

 Canada granted legislative independence from Britain.

It is said the best time to start teaching you baby sign language is around the age of 6-8 months.

Babies who learn sign language receive many benefits.

Peace of mind from being able to communicate a few basic needs and emotions. Eat, Sleep, Happy, etc. Baby communication can lead to a reduction in tantrums.

Babies who sign increase the development of the brain which can result in a higher IQ.

Babies who sign have been shown to have a larger speaking vocabulary.

Best of all, signing and learning to sign with your baby increases the bond between you and your baby.

 For more information about getting started with Baby Sign Language go to www.BabySigns.com. Learn to sign with your baby.

I thought since the temperature is starting to go down and gas prices are on the rise this would be a excellent topic to address.

To lower your water heating bills, try one or more of these energy-saving strategies:

• Reduce your hot water use
• Lower your water heating temperature
• Insulate your water heater tank
• Insulate hot water pipes
• Install heat traps on a water heater tank
• Install a timer and use off-peak power for an electric water heater
• Install a drain-water heat recovery system

Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

You can lower your water heating costs by using and wasting less hot water in your home. To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, and purchase an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

Fix Leaks

You can significantly reduce hot water use by simply repairing leaks in fixtures—faucets and showerheads—or pipes. A leak of one drip per second can cost $1 per month.

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Federal regulations mandate that new showerhead flow rates can’t exceed more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) at a water pressure of 80 pounds per square inch (psi). New faucet flow rates can’t exceed 2.5 gpm at 80 psi or 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. You can purchase some quality, low-flow fixtures for around $10 to $20 a piece and achieve water savings of 25–60%.

Showerheads

For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm. There are two basic types of low-flow showerheads: aerating and laminar-flow. Aerating showerheads mix air with water, forming a misty spray. Laminar-flow showerheads form individual streams of water. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to use a laminar-flow showerhead because it won’t create as much steam and moisture as an aerating one.

Before 1992, some showerheads had flow rates of 5.5 gpm. Therefore, if you have fixtures that pre-date 1992, you might want to replace them if you’re not sure of their flow rates. Here’s a quick test to determine whether you should replace a showerhead:

1. Place a bucket—marked in gallon increments—under your shower head.
2. Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
3. Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon (3.8 liter) mark.

If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow shower head.

Faucets

The aerator—the screw-on tip of the faucet—ultimately determines the maximum flow rate of a faucet. Typically, new kitchen faucets come equipped with aerators that restrict flow rates to 2.2 gpm, while new bathroom faucets have ones that restrict flow rates from 1.5 to 0.5 gpm.

Aerators are inexpensive to replace and they can be one of the most cost-effective water conservation measures. For maximum water efficiency, purchase aerators that have flow rates of no more than 1.0 gpm. Some aerators even come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature. When replacing an aerator, bring the one you’re replacing to the store with you to ensure a proper fit.

Purchase Energy-Efficient Dishwashers and Clothes Washers

The biggest cost of washing dishes and clothes comes from the energy required to heat the water. You’ll significantly reduce your energy costs if you purchase and use an energy-efficient dishwasher and clothes washer.

Dishwashers

It’s commonly assumed that washing dishes by hand saves hot water. However, washing dishes by hand several time a day can be more expensive than operating an energy-efficient dishwasher. You can consume less energy with an energy-efficient dishwasher when properly used and when only operating it with full loads.

When purchasing a new dishwasher, check the EnergyGuide label to see how much energy it uses. Dishwashers fall into one of two categories: compact capacity and standard capacity. Although compact-capacity dishwashers may appear to be more energy efficient on the EnergyGuide Label, they hold fewer dishes, which may force you to use it more frequently. In this case, your energy costs could be higher than with a standard-capacity dishwasher.

One feature that makes a dishwasher more energy efficient is a booster heater. A booster heater increases the temperature of the water entering the dishwasher to the 140ºF recommended for cleaning. Some dishwashers have built-in boosters, while others require manual selection before the wash cycle begins. Some also only activate the booster during the heavy-duty cycle. Dishwashers with booster heaters typically cost more, but they pay for themselves with energy savings in about 1 year if you also lower the water temperature on your water heater.

Another dishwasher feature that reduces hot water use is the availability of cycle selections. Shorter cycles require less water, thereby reducing energy cost.

If you want to ensure that your new dishwasher is energy efficient, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR label.

Clothes Washers

Unlike dishwashers, clothes washers don’t require a minimum temperature for optimum cleaning. Therefore, to reduce energy costs, you can use either cold or warm water for most laundry loads. Cold water is always sufficient for rinsing.

Inefficient clothes washers can cost three times as much to operate than energy-efficient ones. Select a new machine that allows you to adjust the water temperature and levels for different loads. Efficient clothes washers spin-dry your clothes more effectively too, saving energy when drying as well. Also, front-loading machines use less water and, consequently, less energy than top loaders.

Small-capacity clothes washers often have better EnergyGuide label ratings. However, a reduced capacity might increase the number of loads you need to run, which could increase your energy costs.

If you want to ensure that your new clothes washer is energy efficient, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR label.

Lower Water Heating Temperature for Energy Savings

You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%–5% in energy costs.

Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them set at 120ºF or even 115ºF. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding. However, if you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, it may require a water temperature within a range of 130ºF to 140ºF for optimum cleaning.

Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.

Consult your water heater owner’s manual for instructions on how to operate the thermostat. You can find a thermostat dial for a gas storage water heater near the bottom of the tank on the gas valve. Electric water heaters, on the other hand, may have thermostats positioned behind screw-on plates or panels. As a safety precaution, shut off the electricity to the water heater before removing/opening the panels. Keep in mind that an electric water heater may have two thermostats—one each for the upper and lower heating elements.

Mark the beginning temperature and the adjusted temperature on the thermostat dial for future reference. After turning it down, check the water temperature with a thermometer at the tap farthest from the water heater. Thermostat dials are often inaccurate. Several adjustments may be necessary before you get the right temperature.

If you plan to be away from home for at least 3 days, turn the thermostat down to the lowest setting or completely turn off the water heater. To turn off an electric water heater, switch off the circuit breaker to it. For a gas water heater, make sure you know how to safely relight the pilot light before turning it off.

Insulate Your Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings

Unless your water heater’s storage tank already has a high R-value of insulation (at least R-24), adding insulation to it can reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45%. This will save you around 4%–9% in water heating costs.

If you don’t know your water heater tank’s R-value, touch it. A tank that’s warm to the touch needs additional insulation.

Insulating your storage water heater tank is fairly simple and inexpensive, and it will pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available from around $10–$20. Choose one with an insulating value of at least R-8. Some utilities sell them at low prices, offer rebates, and even install them at a low or no cost.

Insulating an Electric Water Heater Tank

You can probably install an insulating pre-cut jacket or blanket on your electric water heater tank yourself. Read and follow the directions carefully. Leave the thermostat access panel(s) uncovered. Don’t set the thermostat above 130ºF on electric water heater with an insulating jacket or blanket—the wiring may overheat.

You also might consider placing a piece of rigid insulation—a bottom board— under the tank of your electric water heater. This will help prevent heat loss into the floor, saving another 4%–9% of water heating energy. It’s best done when installing a new water heater.

Insulating a Gas Water Heater Tank

The installation of insulating blankets or jackets on gas and oil-fired water heater tanks is more difficult than those for electric water heater tanks. It’s best to have a qualified plumbing and heating contractor add the insulation. If you want to install it yourself, read and follow the directions very carefully. Keep the jacket or blanket away from the drain at the bottom and the flue at the top. Make sure the airflow to the burner isn’t obstructed. Leave the thermostat uncovered, and don’t insulate the top of a gas water heater tank—the insulation is combustible and can interfere with the draft diverter.

Insulate Hot Water Pipes for Energy Savings

Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2ºF–4ºF hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing for a lower water temperature setting. You also won’t have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.

Insulate all accessible hot water pipes, especially within 3 feet of the water heater. It’s also a good idea to insulate the cold water inlet pipes for the first 3 feet.

Use quality pipe insulation wrap, or neatly tape strips of fiberglass insulation around the pipes. Pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam are the most commonly used insulation. Match the pipe sleeve’s inside diameter to the pipe’s outside diameter for a snug fit. Place the pipe sleeve so the seam will be face down on the pipe. Tape, wire, or clamp (with a cable tie ) it every foot or two to secure it to the pipe. If you use tape, some recommend using acrylic tape instead of duct tape.

On gas water heaters, keep insulation at least 6 inches from the flue. If pipes are within 8 inches of the flue, your safest choice is to use fiberglass pipe-wrap (at least 1-inch thick) without a facing. You can use either wire or aluminum foil tape to secure it to the pipe.

Install Heat Traps on a Water Heater Tank for Energy Savings

If your storage water heater doesn’t have heat traps, you can save energy by adding them to your water heating system. They can save you around $15–$30 on your water heating bill by preventing convective heat losses through the inlet and outlet pipes.

Heat traps—valves or loops of pipe—allow water to flow into the water heater tank but prevent unwanted hot-water flow out of the tank. The valves have balls inside that either float or sink into a seat, which stops convection. These specially designed valves come in pairs. The valves are designed differently for use in either the hot or cold water line.

A pair of heat traps costs only around $30. However, unless you can properly solder a pipe joint, heat traps require professional installation by a qualified plumbing and heating contractor. Therefore, heat traps are most cost effective if they’re installed at the same time as the water heater. Today, many new storage water heaters have factory-installed heat traps or have them available as an option.

Install a Timer and Use Off-Peak Power for Electric Water Heaters

If you have an electric water heater, you can save an additional 5%–12% of energy by installing a timer that turns it off at night when you don’t use hot water and/or during your utility’s peak demand times.

You can install a timer yourself. They can cost $60 or more, but they can pay for themselves in about 1 year. Timers are most cost effective if you don’t want to install a heat trap and insulate your water heater tank and pipes. Timers aren’t as cost effective or useful on gas water heaters because of their pilot lights.

Contact your utility to see if it offers a demand management program. Some utilities offer “time of use” electricity rates that vary according to the demand on their system. They charge higher rates during “on-peak”< times and lower rates during “off-peak” times. Some even offer incentives to customers who allow them to install control devices that shut off electric water heaters during peak demand periods. These control devices may use radio signals that allow a utility to shut off a water heater remotely anytime demand is high. Shut-off periods are generally brief so customers experience no reduction in service.

Drain-Water Heat Recovery

Any hot water that goes down the drain carries away energy with it. That’s typically 80–90% of the energy used to heat water in a home. Drain-water (or greywater) heat recovery systems capture this energy to preheat cold water entering the water heater or going to other water fixtures.

How It Works

Drain-water heat recovery technology works well with all types of water heaters, especially with demand and solar water heaters. Also, drain-water heat exchangers can recover heat from the hot water used in showers, bathtubs, sinks, dishwashers, and clothes washers. They generally have the ability to store recovered heat for later use. You’ll need a unit with storage capacity for use with a dishwasher or clothes washer. Without storage capacity, you’ll only have useful energy during the simultaneous flow of cold water and heated drain water, like while showering.

Some storage-type systems have tanks containing a reservoir of clean water. Drain water flows through a spiral tube at the bottom of the heat storage tank. This warms the tank water, which rises to the top. Water heater intake water is preheated by circulation through a coil at the top of the tank.

Non-storage systems usually have a copper heat exchanger that replaces a vertical section of a main waste drain. As warm water flows down the waste drain, incoming cold water flows through a spiral copper tube wrapped tightly around the copper section of the waste drain. This preheats the incoming cold water that goes to the water heater or a fixture, such as a shower.

By preheating cold water, drain-water heat recovery systems help increase water heating capacity. This increased capacity really helps if you have an undersized water heater. You can also lower your water heating temperature without affecting the capacity.

Cost and Installation

Prices for drain-water heat recovery systems range from $300 to $500. You’ll need a qualified plumbing and heating contractor to install the system. Installation will usually be less expensive in new home construction. Paybacks range from 2.5 to 7 years, depending on how often the system is used.

source: Dot Gov

Get ready, get set…GO!!!

Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving Day Sale has become the most popular day for finding the Biggest Best Deals.

So you can plan out your plan of attack, here is a short list of popular stores and links to help find the best deals on Black Friday.

BestBuy

Walmart

Amazon

HomeDepot

Kmart

Office Depot

Toysrus

JC Penney

Kohl’s

Costco

Circuit City

Target

KB Toys

Sears

This list is far from complete and not all links go directly to the Black Friday sales. The links should help to make it a bit quicker to see the deals when they are posted. If you know of a link to a Black Friday sale please share it in the comments below.

Don’t forget, Monday is “Cyber Monday”. So make sure you look for some excellent online shopping deals this coming Monday after the Thanksgiving Day Weekend.

Happy Shopping