Click to Watch How to Video
Forget the stick. Enjoy summer’s best dessert sans the sticky mallow mess and burn ban smoke. All three classic ingredients are still used, just without the old school method. It’s easy to say “Kumbaya” with a mouthful of gram cracker summer.
Andy & Kathy Minster
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Milwaukee is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.
When Mr. Appliance® of Jackson heard that they could help RMHC by repairing broken washers, dryers, ovens and icemakers, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Appliance of Jackson, RMHC of Milwaukee can spend less time worrying about their appliances and more time with the families.
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. The Minsters say that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.
The Minsters believe 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 the Minsters. “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 refrigerator, 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.”
Hanging Out with Ronald McDonald
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of the Bluegrass is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.
When Mr. Appliance® at Lakes Edge heard that they could help RMHC by donating their time to provide a meal, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Appliance at Lakes Edge, RMHC of the Bluegrass can spend less time worrying about preparing meals and more time with the families.
Stephen Hughes, owner of Mr. Appliance at Lakes Edge, makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Hughes says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.
Hughes believes that Mr. Appliance at Lakes Edge’s commitment to RMHC comes from Mr. Appliance’s code of values, where respect, integrity and customer satisfaction are the priorities.
Serving Up Hope
“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 Hughes. “Mr. Appliance at Lakes Edge considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”
Mr. Appliance at Lakes Edge 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 refrigerator, 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.”
Click to Watch How to Make Mason Jar Lemonade!
Party in a jar. Be hostess with the mostess by never refilling guest drink glasses. Take in the trend that is all over Pinterest by investing in a few dozen mason jars. Create that perfect summer lemonade, drop in some frozen lemon wedges and screw the lid on for an easy summer drink guests can grab right out of the cooler.
Summer is here and it is time to fire up your grill and move the party from inside to out. Whether you are a grillin’ guru or a seasonal sizzler, it’s important to make sure your grill is summer ready for outdoor living. Impress your guests by keeping that seasoned flavor on your grill’s grates while also having a clean workspace that is food-residue free. Reward yourself for all of your hard work by testing out these great summer grilling recipes to kick off the summer on the right flavor.
Safety first. Inspect for any wear and tear of winter weather by looking for crackling or holes on the hose between the tank and the grill. If damage appears, replace immediately to make sure your outdoor living room is safe for your family and friends.
Seasoned to perfection. Just like a chef has a seasoned cast-iron skillet, a grill master has seasoned grates. Remember to avoid using soap or a strong chemical cleaning product on the grates. Not only could your next steak taste like the cleaning closet, but you could also wash away all those flavorful years of grilling.
Nice catch. When food falls between the grates it usually lands in a large drip pan. Make sure to dump dropped food housed in the large pan and to check for grease overflow in the smaller one below it. Slide out and replace the grease drip pan when it is half full.
Dry run. Now that the soap bowls are put away and the steak knifes are out and sharpen, it’s time to do a dry run to make sure your grill is up to grilling standards. Make sure it is lighting correctly by checking the ignition switch connection. If the flame is burning evenly, you’re good to grill.
Fire it up! Burn off leftovers by turning the burners on high, closing the lid and letting the grill run for 30 to 45 minutes. Once complete, brush those burned leftovers away to start fresh for the season.
Five second rule. Think beyond the grill and wipe down the surface area and countertops with warm, soapy water and rinse away. Just in case a grilled shrimp drops from a kabob, you know your workspace is clean.
It takes two. To keep your grill in tip-top shape all summer long, clean the grates once before you grill and once after. By turning the burners on for 10 minutes and then gently scrubbing with a brass-bristled brush you will ensure a summer ready grill all season long.
Mama Baker’s Grilled Pork Loin Chops with Green Chili Sauce
Yield: 2 servings1. Prepare grill to medium high heat.
2. Season both sides of pork loin chops with salt and pepper to taste and grill for 2 minutes each side.
3. Combine remaining ingredients and serve on top of chops.
Lillyan’s Grilled Summer Vegetables
Yield: 2 servings1. Prepare grill to medium high heat.
2. Combine squash, zucchini, onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper and garlic on large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Fold foil to create a pouch for vegetables to be able to cook on grill.
3. Grill until tender and light brown, turning frequently.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over grilled vegetables and serve immediately.
The Cottage and Ruby
When My Home Life Magazine asked to take a tour of my home, I said, “Only if my dog, Ruby can be in it!” Of course, Ruby the model dog that she is, handled all of the right poses and became the star of my home shoot. MHL followed Ruby and I through my 100 year old downtown apartment from my ray lit sunroom or the outer boundaries of my community raised bed garden. See why I love the original hardwood floors, crystal knobs and high ceilings for more than just the beauty of the past. It is the home heirlooms from my grandparents, childhood possessions from my mom and local antique finds that allow me to carry on the stories from before to help create memories of my own.
Click for The Cottage Tour
Check out the MHL blog for a photo tour and enjoy reading my own take of what makes my house a living history with an elegant, vintage touch.
Andrew Wayt is Proud to Support RMHC
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Central Ohio is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.
When Mr. Appliance® of Southeast Columbus heard that they could help RMHC by donating their time to clean dryer vents, they decided to step in and help. Thanks to Mr. Applianceof Southeast Columbus, RMHC of Central Ohio can spend less time worrying about dryer vent dangers and more time with the families.
Andrew Wayt, owner of Mr. Applianceof Southeast Columbus, makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Wayt says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.
Wayt believes that Mr. Applianceof Southeast Columbus’ 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 Wayt. “Mr. Applianceof Southeast Columbus considers it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”
Mr. Applianceof Southeast Columbus 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 refrigerator, 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.”
Click to Watch the Today's Working Woman Segment
Tanna Marino, a former Mr. Appliance® technician turned Mr. Appliance franchise consultant with Mr. Appliance’s parent organization, The Dwyer Group®, was featured on NBC™s The Today Show on Wednesday, July 4, in a segment about helping more women break into predominantly male-dominated service and trade businesses.
In the segment, Mr. Appliance was introduced as a brand finding success with women on the front lines of service. Marino is shown carrying her equipment to the job site, showcasing her talents by working on a few appliances, and even provided a long list of appliances she is well-equipped and experienced to fix. She was a visible example of a woman finding opportunity during this economy by working with her hands and providing a much-needed service to homeowners.
“In this economy, every woman needs to know what employment opportunities are available to them, even those in predominantly male-dominated service and trade businesses,” saidMarino. “Most women don’t know the great success and personal fulfillment they can experience working as technicians in trade businesses or even that opening a franchise business specializing in a trade, can be viable, respectable profession.”
Marino, age 32, had always been handy growing up, whether hunting and fishing with her father or learning to lay tile by her mother. After high school, she moved to Houston looking for work and laid tile for a living for several years. In 2008, she joined Mr. Appliance of North Harris and Montgomery Counties in Conroe, Texas as a service professional. In October 2011, Marino was awarded Mr. Appliance’s Service Professional of the Year Award, a national award selected from Mr. Appliance’s over 150 franchises. In 2012, due to her hard work, dedication and unique perspective having been a successful woman working in the trades, Marino took a position at The Dwyer Group corporate office, responsible for growing the franchise organization’s brands by educating and targeting women and other underrepresented groups.
The Dwyer Group opened its doors in 1981 with only one brand and has grown to become the holding company of seven service-based franchise organizations: Aire Serv®, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter®, Rainbow International® and The Grounds Guys®.
“It is my personal charge to educate more women about the trade opportunities and change how they view these industries,” added Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO of The Dwyer Group, who is now working with a group called Helping Hands to create a scholarship for Women in Trades she will personally fund with the initial capital. “With opportunities available all across the country, the time is now for women displaced by the economy or those looking at their next business investment, to seek out career paths within the service industries.”
Together, The Dwyer Group brands provide a diverse array of specialty services through more than 1,300 franchises in the United States and Canada, while the company’s international master licensees service almost 300 franchise locations in seven other countries. The franchise family makes some 2 million residential and commercial service calls each year and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011.
4th of July Sparkler
What better way to celebrate red, white and blue than with the fresh patriotic fruits of the summer? This 4th of July breakfast sparkler has everything but the kitchen sink with enough sugar and spice to satisfy all family and friends. Filled with cream cheese, walnuts and a dash of orange zest, this simple recipe is perfect as a morning brunch or afternoon snack for Independence Day weekend.
4th of July Breakfast Sparkler
1 c sugar
Cream cheese filled biscuit rolls
1. Combine sugar, pecans and orange zest in small bowl.
2. Cut each biscuit in half, place a cream cheese square and roll together.
3. Dip biscuit in melted butter and then in sugar mixture.
4. Place each biscuit around the outside of the bundt pan.
5. Drizzle remaining butter and sugar mixture over biscuits and bake at 350 for 30-35 min.
6. Mix together orange juice and powdered sugar for orange glaze to drizzle on top. Finish with sliced bananas, sliced strawberries and cherries.
Color of Hope
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®) of Central Valley is passionate about helping families of the community who are in need. Their organization is committed to changing lives. They believe change starts with the members of the community.
Dylan Connor, owner of Mr. Appliance® of The Central Valley, is familiar with RMHC of Central Valley and decided to create an activity book for the children of families RMHC helps. Thanks to Mr. Applianceof The Central Valley, RMHC of Central Valley can now provide more activities and entertainment for the children.
Conner makes it his goal to build relationships not only with his customers, but also with the community. Conner says that its opportunities like these where relationships are formed and lives are touched.
Conner believes that his 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 Conner. “I consider it a privilege to partner with an organization like RMHC that gives so much to families in need.”
Mr. Applianceof The Central Valley 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 refrigerator, replacing a sink, providing a meal or making an activity book, 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.”
