New Year, New Home

January 18th, 2012

Kitchen Safety

By Lillyan Baker

New year, new opportunities indicates weekly trips to the gym, carrots instead of candy and an opportunity to break bad habits. How about a resolution that goes beyond 2012 and keeps your children and home safe for years to come? This year, make it a priority to childproof your kitchen and clean beyond the countertops to keep your family happy and healthy all year long.

“Your kitchen never gets a day off,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance Corp. “Between hot appliances and sharp cooking utensils, kids can often be in danger of hurting themselves. Fortunately, homeowners can prevent most accidents by making a few simple adjustments and educating their children about kitchen safety.”

Follow these resolution tips from Mr. Appliance to keep your kitchen clean and your kids safe:

Refrigerator

  • Keep items not safe for kids on higher shelves. Place juice boxes, apple slices and cheese sticks on the lower shelves for a healthy snack within your child’s reach.
  • Soak refrigerator removable parts in the sink with warm, soapy water to remove stains from food spills to keep new produce as fresh as possible.
  • Position refrigerator shelves to make it difficult for children to climb inside and close the door leaving your kitchen with a dangerous hide-and-seek spot.

Stove and Oven

  • Turn pot and pan handles in and away from the edge of the stove so curious hands can’t pull them down.
  • Remove oven racks and wash them by hand with warm water and soap to remove caked on food that can burn in your oven.
  • Establish a “safety zone” marked by a small rug or area of the kitchen to keep kids several feet away from the oven while it’s hot.

Microwave Oven

  • Wipe interior microwave surfaces with a mixture of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart water to remove food stains and keep your microwave clean for future use.
  • Encourage children to use an oven mitt when removing a hot plate or bowl.
  • Heat a microwave-safe bowl of vanilla extract for three minutes to give your kitchen a fresh scent.

Dishwasher

  • Keep the dishwasher closed when you’re not loading or unloading. Sharp utensils inside can be dangerous to children.
  • Create a “safety zone” when opening the door to a steam-heavy dishwasher to avoid burns from the hot steam. Teach children to wait for dishes to cool down before unloading.
  • Give your dishwasher a fresh start to thoroughly clean your dishes. Remove food residue by running an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar.

Most of these resolution tips can be accomplished in a matter of minutes and keep your home safe and energy efficient, too!  If you find a problem that you can’t handle, contact an appliance repair professional to help.

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How Long Will It Last?

January 9th, 2012

By Lillyan Baker

Pg. 50-51

From your microwave to your dryer, you never know how long they are going to last. That’s why we helped The Nest Magazine put together appliance tips for every appliance homeowner to know when it’s time to start Saturday appliance shopping.

Here is a sneak peak on a helpful tip for your microwave:

Try the Dollar Bill Test

Open your microwave door, place a dollar bill over the edge and close. If you can pull the dollar out, you need a new appliance.

Want more tips? Then check out The Nest Magazine’s Winter 2011 issue pg. 50-53 for information on when to replace, what to look for and how to make it last.

Always happy to give expert appliance advice to new nesters, empty nesters and everyone in between!

Pg. 52-53

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Appliance Technician Saves Home & the Day

January 5th, 2012

Charlie Goff, Owner of Mr. Appliance of Central Texas

By Ilianna Garcia, Mr. Appliance Corp. Intern

Local Hewitt, Texas resident escaped from her home unharmed when her dryer caught fire unexpectedly. Praise and recognition goes to Joe Dickson, a service professional of Mr. Appliance® of Central Texas. Thanks to him no one was hurt, and the home was miraculously not damaged.

Linda Gonzalez, the lucky-lady who escaped injury-free was cleaning her running dryer when it began to spark and create smoke. Within seconds the bottom of the dryer engulfed in flames, and Linda went running for the door. Coincidently a Mr. Appliance of Central Texas truck was across the street. Dickson ran into the home and threw the flaming dryer outside with his bare hands.

“He was so courteous,” said Linda Gonzalez. “I was so scared.”

Mr. Appliance of Central Texas urges homeowners to pay attention to their appliances, in particular to their dryers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission along with the United States Fire Administration (USFA) estimates that more than 15,000 fires break out each year because of lint buildup in dryers and dryer duct systems, taking the lives of almost two dozen people along with millions of dollars in property damage.

“I’m a service professional. Repairing appliances is what I do,” said Joe Dickson, service technician of Mr. Appliance of Central Texas. “Next time, call Mr. Appliance of Central Texas, to prevent a dryer fire.”

“Dryer fires are preventable with periodic maintenance to remove lint buildup inside the unit and the venting hose.,” said Charlie Goff, Owner of Mr. Appliance of Central Texas. “Following these tips and staying proactive will help prevent fires and potentially protect homes and save lives.”

Gonzalez, who has been living without a dryer for months, now was pleased to learn that Charlie Goff is donating a dryer on behalf of Mr. Appliance of Central Texas.

“I can’t thank Mr. Dickson and Mr. Goff enough.” said Linda Gonzalez.” It is because of them that I still have my home and my life.”

Follow these easy tips from Mr. Appliance to keep your dryer working properly:

  • Keep the dryer lint-free by cleaning the lint screen or filter before or after each load of clothes.
  • Hire a licensed appliance professional to clean the interior of the dryer chassis and inspect the rollers, belt, motor and heating system every year.
  • Keep the exhaust duct in good condition by disconnecting, cleaning and inspecting the duct on a regular basis.
  • Use semi-rigid or flexible aluminum ducting behind the dryer and smooth rigid metallic ducting through the wall to the outside vent.
  • Ensure that the exhaust only vent to the outside of the house and never to the attic or crawlspace.
  • The vents should be straight, with all excess venting trimmed off. Twisting or crushing exhaust piping restricts the airflow.
  • Try not to use screws to put your vent pipe together, because the screw shafts inside the piping collect lint and cause additional friction.

Make these tips part of your cleaning routine to prevent a dryer fire in your home. Gonzalez said, “I would tell everyone to call a professional to clean their dryer vent.”
For recipes, appliance and energy tips, follow us on Twitter @MRACentralTexasand @MrApplianceCorp and like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MrApplianceCentralTexas.

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Live, Laugh & Learn with Lillyan: Twist Up Your Holiday Desserts

December 28th, 2011

By Lillyan Baker

Candy Cane Confection

Different party, different people, but it’s always the same holiday food. Fruitcake, red sparkle cookies and toasted trail mix are the usually culprits for making a great party with friends the same as your Sunday school soiree. Why not spruce up your holiday recipe bank and give your guests the tastes of the season with a twist, a peppermint twist that is! For our company holiday party I whipped, baked & froze a perfect palette peppermint pie that even made the white divinity blush with flavorless embarrassment. So unwrap your electric mixer Santa left you under the tree and get to baking. It’s time to start 2012 off on the right slice of cheesecake.

Layered Peppermint Cheesecake

Peppermint Cheesecake Layers:

3 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 c sugar
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c sour cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
2/3 c crushed hard peppermint candies

Sour Cream Cake Layers:

1 (18.25-oz.) package white cake mix
2 large eggs
1 (8-oz.) container sour cream
1/3 c vegetable oil

White Chocolate Mousse Frosting:

2/3 c sugar
1 c white chocolate morsels
2 c whipping cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Garnishes: White chocolate curls, peppermint candies

1. Prepare Peppermint Cheesecake Layers: Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides; lightly grease foil. Beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 Tbsp. butter at medium speed with an electric mixer 1 to 2 minutes or until creamy and smooth. Add 3 eggs, l at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Add flour and next 3 ingredients, beating until blended. Fold in candies. Pour batter into prepared pans. Place cake pans in a large pan; add water to pan to depth of 1 inch.

2. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until set. Remove from oven to wire racks; cool completely in pans (about 1 hour). Cover cheesecakes (do not remove from pans), and freeze 4 to 6 hours or until frozen solid. Lift frozen cheesecakes from pans, using foil sides as handles. Gently remove foil from cheesecakes. Wrap in plastic wrap, and return to freezer until ready to assemble cake.

3. Prepare Sour Cream Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°. Beat cake mix, next 3 ingredients, and 1/2 cup water at low speed with an electric mixer 30 seconds or just until moistened; beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured 8-inch round cake pans.

4. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

No need for frosting in between layers.

5. Prepare White Chocolate Mousse Frosting: Cook 2/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Add morsels; cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), whisking occasionally.

6. Beat cream and 2 tsp. vanilla at high speed with an electric mixer 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form. Gradually fold white chocolate mixture into whipped cream mixture, folding until mixture reaches spreading consistency.

7. Assemble Cake: Place 1 cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Top with 1 frozen cheesecake layer. Top with second cake layer and remaining cheesecake layer. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread top and sides of cake with frosting. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish, if desired

Recipe from MyRecipes.com.

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12 Tips of Christmas

December 23rd, 2011

Don't Worry! One Service Call Can Fix it All!

The tree’s up and decorations are out …but what about those holiday preparation and cleanup tips that aren’t on your to-do list?

It’s a busy time of year for Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric® and Mr. Rooter® Plumbing. In celebration of the holiday season, they came up with their version of the 12 Days of Christmas.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my service professional fixed for me:

  • Twelve tangled lights
  • Eleven frozen pipes
  • Ten dishwashers spraying
  • Nine power cords fraying
  • Eight drips a leaking
  • Seven ovens overheating
  • Six breakers blowing
  • Five toilets overflowing
  • Four fridges not cooling
  • Three light bulbs bursting
  • Two drains clogging
  • And one service call to fix it all.

    • To keep the oven, garbage disposal and kitchen sink drain in good working condition this holiday season, cooks need to take some precautions before and after the holiday celebration.

    “Oven problems usually go unnoticed until the big meal is already inside the oven,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance® Corp. “A few minutes spent checking your kitchen appliances could save your holiday season.”

    The same goes for your decorating your home for the holidays. “The holidays can be a joyous time, but we also need to be aware of the potential for electrical accidents and keep our families safe,” said Mr. Electric Corporation President Jeff Meyers.

    Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric and Mr. Rooter have the Top 5 Holiday Tips You Haven’t Thought Of:

    1. Avoid running the self-cleaning cycle before a big holiday dinner.
    2. Replace gaskets at the first sign of a leak or if moisture appears on outside of oven.
    3. Avoid pouring grease down the drain.
    4. Throw leftovers in the trash or compost pile instead of putting down the garbage disposal.
    5. Ensure there is enough space around appliances to allow heat to escape.

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    Dash Away Reindeer Cupcakes

    December 23rd, 2011

    By Lillyan Baker

    Don't Forget Rudolph!

    Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town thanks to Mr. Appliance of San Antonio! Without Santa’s reindeer leading the way, he could never get to all of the houses in time! Just in time for Christmas, Mr. Appliance of San Antonio has provided their holiday recipe to put the Christmas magic in Santa’s reindeer.

    “The most important tip for making these magical reindeer cupcakes come to life on Christmas Eve is to just have fun,” said Amanda Berry, daughter of Paul Berry, director of  operations for Mr. Appliance of San Antonio.

    Now, Dasher!
    Now, Dancer!
    Now, Prancer and Vixen!
    On, Comet!
    On Cupid!
    On, Donder and Blitzen!
    To the top of the porch!
    To the top of the wall!
    Now dash away! Dash away!
    Dash away all!

    Dash Away Reindeer Cupcakes

    9 unfrosted cupcakes
    Brown buttercream frosting
    9 vanilla wafers
    18 green M&Ms
    1 red M&M
    8 brown M&Ms
    18 Pretzels

    1. Frost cupcakes with brown buttercream frosting, leaving ¼ cup for decorations.

    2. Place a vanilla wafer at the bottom of each cupcake.

    3. Add two green M&Ms with the “M” facing down above the wafer for eyes.

    4. Place the two pretzels above the eyes for antlers.

    5. Using a knife, dab a small amount of leftover buttercream frosting in the center of the wafer and place the “M” side of the red or brown M&Ms in the center.

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    Bonnie’s Butter Pecan Bars

    December 22nd, 2011

    By Lillyan Baker

    The holiday season is finally here, so celebrate with cookie-filled cheer! Thanks to Bonnie Smith,Mr. Appliance Corp. franchise consultant, for sharing her childhood recipe of buttery goodness pecan bars!

    “I have been making this great cookie recipe since I was in third grade,” said Bonnie. “They are very rich and of course, no calories!”

    So give Santa more than chocolate chip cookies this year and try this unique Butter Pecan Bar recipe.

    Butter Pecan Bars

    2 eggs
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1 cup of brown sugar
    1 cup of sugar
    1/2 cup of butter (do not use substitute)
    1 1/4 cup of flour
    1 cup pecans, finely chopped

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 13X9 pan.
    2. Beat eggs about 1 minute. Add brown sugar and mix together. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well. Add butter and blend in flour and chopped pecans. Mix well and pour into pan.
    3. Bake 25-30 minutes. Cookies will be gooey.

    4. Cool about 20 minutes and cut into 1 X 1 cookies and remove from pan.
    Happy Holidays!

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    Kind Acts of Service

    December 14th, 2011

    Mr. Appliance of the Tri-Cities

    Ronald McDonald House Charities®(RMHC®) of Johnson City is passionate about lending a hand, a meal and a warm bed to families in need. They strive to change the lives of the children, families and the community through the help of volunteers and local businesses.

    When Mr. Appliance® of The Tri-cities, heard that they could help RMHC families feel more at home by cooking a meal, they decided to pitch in. Thanks to Mr. Applianceof The Tri-cities, the families of RMHC of Johnson City enjoyed a home cooked meal to make the stay away from home a bit more comfortable while at the Ronald McDonald House®.

    Anthony Arroyo, owner of Mr. Applianceof The Tri-cities, makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Arroyo says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.

    Arroyo believes that Mr. Applianceof The Tri-cities commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

    “The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said Arroyo. “Mr. Applianceof The Tri-cities considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

    Mr. Applianceof The Tri-cities hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to join in warming the hearts of those in need. Any act of service can make a difference. Whether it’s fixing a dryer, replacing a sink or providing a meal, hearts will be touched.

    “The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

    Follow us on Twitter @MRATriCities and @MrApplianceCorp Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MrApplianceCorp.

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    Season of Giving

    December 13th, 2011

    Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Milwaukee is passionate about lending a hand, a meal and a warm bed to families in need. They strive to change the lives of the children, families and the community through the help of volunteers and local businesses.

    When Mr. Appliance® of Jackson heard that broken appliances were keeping the RMHC of Milwaukee from keeping up with the everyday chores, they decided to pitch in. Thanks to Mr. Applianceof Jackson, RMHC of Milwaukee can continue to provide  a “home-away-from-home” for families in need through their Ronald McDonald House® program.

    Mr. Appliance of Jackson believes in RMHC’s mission, and has consistently donated their time and efforts to make a difference in their communities through RMHC. Over the past year, they have donated one new dishwasher, fixed a broken freezer, dryer, refrigerator and two stoves. Not to mention a total of more than 12 hours of their time.

    Andy and Kathy Minster, owners of Mr. Appliance of Jackson, make it their goal to build relationships not only with their customers, but also with the community. Kathy Minster says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.

    Andy Minster believes that Mr. Appliance of Jackson’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

    “The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance partnership with RMHC,” said Minster. “Mr. Appliance of Jackson considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

    Mr. Appliance of Jackson hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to join in warming the hearts of those in need. Any act of service can make a difference. Whether it’s fixing a dryer, replacing a sink or providing a meal, hearts will be touched.

    “The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

    Follow us on Twitter @JacksonMRA and @MrApplianceCorp Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/MrApplianceCorp.

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    A Little Goes A Long Way

    December 7th, 2011

    Proud to Support RMHC Central Valley!

    Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of The Central Valley is all about providing stability and vital resources to families so they can get and keep their child healthy and happy. They rely on the members of the community to create a “home-away-from-home” for families that have to travel long distances looking for the best medical care for their seriously ill child.

    Thanks to Mr. Appliance® of The Central Valley, RMHC of The Central Valley can continue to provide families the comfort of a home.

    Dylan Conner, owner of Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley in Fresno, Calif. donated parts, labor and most importantly, his time to replace a broken dishwasher and repair a leaky refrigerator.

    Conner says that Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.

    “The first code of value is to treat others as we would like to be treated, and that value is the foundation of our Mr. Appliance relationship with RMHC,” said Conner. “Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley considers it a privilege to join forces with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”

    Mr. Appliance of The Central Valley hopes to encourage other companies and organizations to give back to the community as well.

    “The Ronald McDonald House® program provides a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost to families,” said Jennifer Smith, senior director of Communications and Special Programs, RMHC. “Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child- not where they can afford to stay or where they will get their next meal.”

    Mr. Appliance of Central Valley serves Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

    Follow us on Twitter @MRACValley and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MrApplianceCentralValley.

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