5 Amazing Vegetarian Stuffing Recipes

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

5 Amazing Vegetarian Stuffing Recipes - Party Planners - Seva Call Blog

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, cooks everywhere are turning to their trusted cookbooks and perusing online sites for stuffing or dressing recipes, whichever you prefer. There is no shortage of recipes and we all have our favorites. Most stuffing recipes have some form of meat in them, like bacon or sausage or a meat broth. However, the thoughtful cook will be mindful of vegetarian friends by preparing a vegetarian stuffing recipe. Following are five amazing vegetarian stuffing recipes.

Chestnut Stuffing
Serves 16

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chestnuts
  • 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • 1-1/2 cups margarine
  • 2 loaves day-old bread cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Slit surface of chestnuts with sharp knife. Cover with water in medium saucepan and boil 25 minutes or until tender. Drain, peel, and chop.
3. Melt margarine. Stir in chestnuts, onion, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to baking dish. Add bread cubes and toss.
4. Beat eggs and milk, pour over bread mixture and toss again.
5. Bake 30 to 45 minutes until crisp and golden brown.

Herb Stuffing
Serves 12

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 loaves cubed bread
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 medium celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-1/2 cups vegetable broth

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Grease shallow baking dish.
3. Arrange bread on two, large ungreased cookie sheets; toast 15 minutes or until golden. Turn once during baking.
4. Sauté vegetables in oil until tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in seasoning.
6. Reset temperature to 325 degrees.
7. Place bread in large bowl. Add broth and vegetable mixture. Toss until moistened.
8. Spoon into baking dish, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes or until golden.

Cranberry Stuffing
Serves 12

Ingredients: 

  • 14 slices bread, cubed and lightly toasted
  • 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries
  • 2-1/2 cups apple juice
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons vegan margarine
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon sage
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In large bowl toss bread, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, juice, and seasonings.
3. Spoon into greased baking dish.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Cornbread, Leek, Pecan Stuffing
Serves 12

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups pecans
  • 16 cups coarsely broken cornbread
  • 3 tablespoons vegan margarine
  • 4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 leeks chopped (white and pale-green parts)
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 2-1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Toast pecans for 7 minutes. Chop and combine with cornbread in large bowl.
3. Add sautéed vegetables, broth, herbs, and beaten eggs with cornbread mixture. Toss.
4. Transfer to baking dish. Bake 30 minutes until golden.

Mushroom Stuffing
Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons vegan margarine
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 6 stalks celery cut in thin slices
  • salt and pepper
  • 1-1/2 lbs. assorted mushrooms, halved
  • 1 can vegetable broth
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 eggs, beaten

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Sauté vegetables, add mushrooms, cook covered 7 minutes. Cook uncovered 15 minutes. Add to large bowl.
3. Add bread, broth, seasonings, and beaten eggs.
4. Place in greased dish.
5. Bake 25 minutes, covered. Bake 20 more minutes uncovered.

So here’s hoping you have a great, inclusive, and happy Thanksgiving! If you need to contact professional party planners, or have questions, contact TalkLocal. It is quick and easy.

Engine Oil Capacity Chart for All Vehicles

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Engine Oil Capacity Chart for All Vehicles Auto Repair

Knowing the engine oil capacity of your vehicle is important for maintenance. There are many types of engine oils out there. You can find the top rated engine oil on Amazon and have it shipped overnight starting at $17.47. You can easily verify the oil capacity of your engine through a few resources. First, the owner’s manual contains all the specifications of the vehicle. In the index, look for “oil” and it should direct you to the page that contains the specs about the car’s engine oil capacity. Second, the manufacturer’s website has all the information you need about your vehicle’s model and everything that comes with it. Navigate the manufacturer site to discover your engine’s capacity. Third, Autozone specializes in cars, and you will be able to find the engine oil capacity chart for all vehicles. Follow these steps to learn how to find your engine’s oil capacity:

1)   Go to Autozone’s website (linked above).

2)   Click “Repair Help.”

3)   Click “Specifications” on the left hand panel.

4)   Choose the year, make, model and engine of your vehicle.

5)   Click “Specifications” from the list that appears underneath your vehicle.

6)   Click “Engine Oil Type/Weight/Capacity.”

7)   The information about your engine oil capacity should be displayed.

If you want to figure out your oil level without the help of a computer, you can use the old-fashioned method that just requires a dipstick. First, make sure your engine has been turned off for at least five minutes. Then, remove the dipstick. Your manual can help you locate it. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag and reinsert it all the way. Pull it out once more and see where the oil level reaches on dipstick. Based on how much of the dipstick is covered, you can gauge how much oil is in your vehicle and how much of the full capacity it is occupying. Once you know the type of engine oil you need, you can find that type on Amazon and have it shipped overnight.

If you are having difficulties with your vehicle, you should consider taking it to a mechanic. TalkLocal can help connect you with the best local mechanic at your convenience.

The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com.

What Color Paint goes with Cherry Wood Cabinets?

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

What Color Paint goes with Cherry Wood Cabinets? Painters

Thinking about painting your kitchen, but want to make sure the color is consistent with the theme you already have? In this situation, is important to correctly accent the color of your wood cabinets. If you’re wondering what color paint goes with cherry wood cabinets, consider the following tips.

Dark Colors

The natural color of cherry wood makes it stand out against dark colors. Dark reds or browns will allow the wood to blend in perfectly. Using dark colors is good for rooms such as a library, dining room or study for a cozy feel.

Earth Colors

Earth colors work as well because they compliment the cherry wood natural color. Colors such as olive green, celery green or sand give you a nice subtle and neutral color. Earth tones give cherry wood cabinets a modern twist.

Warm Colors

Warm colors will complement the cherry wood’s warmth. Go with oranges, reds or yellows to give the room a cozier feel. Warms colors are also good in the kitchen because of their airy and vibrant feel.

Light Colors

Use the light colors to make the small room feel bigger, more inviting and appealing. Light blue mixes with the reddish wood and breaks the color up. This makes the cabinet pops up.

Tips on Picking a Color

1.      Use paint chips to experiment with different colors in a room.

2.      Avoid certain reds. They can clash with cherry cabinet’s natural red.

3.      Look at the style of the room and find out what its need. Does the room need to be more comforting, airy or calm?

If you’d like to hire a professional painter to help you choose a color or do the job for you, consider using TalkLocal. TalkLocal will connect you to up to three professional painters in your area within minutes.

Roof Shingles Lifting Up

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

Roof Shingles Lifting Up Roofers

Shingles that lift up are usually a problem with homeowners who have recently installed a new roof within the past six months. There are several possible reasons, but the most common one is that the shingle adhesive hasn’t had enough heat to fully seal yet, which causes the shingles to lift up. Lifting shingles usually occurs on the north side of the house, as that side gets less sun. If you think that this is the case, wait a bit longer for the adhesive to seal and the shingles will naturally fix themselves. Glue works best when the temperature is above 50 degrees F. Roofs installed just before the cold months might take until the next summer to lay completely flat.

Wind can also cause roof shingles to lift up. If you want to fix this yourself, you will need: a caulking gun, roof sealant, and a utility knife. Follow these steps to fix your roof shingles lifting up.

1. Cut the opening of the roof sealant at a 45 degree angle.

2. Load it into the caulking gun.

3. Take off the shingle with the utility knife.

4. Apply a generous amount of roof sealant.

5. Press the shingle back in place.

6. Weight it down with a heavy object, such as a brick, for at least 24 hours.

Defective shingles may also be a problem, as some are not as resilient to temperature and moisture changes and are more prone to becoming bent out of shape. If you think this may be the case, call the shingle manufacturer.

Roof shingles could lift up due to a variety of reasons, and in order to get the best idea why, you should find a reliable inspector to examine your roof. It’s also not a good idea to fix a problem that affects a large area on your own. Use the free service TalkLocal to find a reliable and highly rated roofing company to help you with your lifting shingles!

How Much Do Moving Companies Charge?

Wednesday, November 21st, 2012

How Much do Moving Companies Charge? Moving and Storage

Figuring out how much money a move is going to cost you is a crucial step in the moving process.  It can be very confusing to make an estimate on how much a move will cost because of all the different factors that moving companies use to determine how much they charge. How much do moving companies charge? You can use this guide to give you an idea of these factors and how moving companies use them in different moving situations to come up with their prices.

There are two main categories of moves: local moves and long distance moves, which are each priced in different ways.  Local moves are traditionally charged by the hour.  This means paying an hourly wage for the workers as well as the truck they are driving.  Depending on your specific location, the average hourly rate for two workers and a truck should be between $90 and $120.  Remember that this hourly rate does not include packing materials or any extra fees that your specific company might charge.  Long distance moves are priced very differently, generally by weight, cubic foot, or a combination of both.  Determining a price estimate for a long distance move is much trickier and will depend on your specific needs, but a rough estimate based on a 200-mile move costs about $0.50 per lb.  If you want to get a more precise estimate on your move you can use this calculator; just plug in all of your details and location and it will work out an estimate based on your information.

Once you have an idea of what you should expect to be paying for your move, you need to find moving companies and get some quotes on the job from them.  There is no easier way to do this than with TalkLocal, which you can use to get in contact with a reliable local moving service within minutes.  Just enter a description of your needs, availability, and location and TalkLocal will connect you directly to someone who can help.

Outlook 2007 Cannot Send Email with Attachment

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Microsoft Outlook 2007 users: Are you experiencing frequent problems with email? If so, you’re fortunately not alone. Many users have reported problems with various aspects of Outlook 2007—one in particular being sending email attachments. While there is not one proven solution to the problem, many people have tried the following to successfully send email attachments without trouble:

– Try using a smaller image—while Outlook does not restrict the size of emails or email attachments, most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) do. If the total size of the email—including all attachments and actual message content—is over the limit of your particular ISP, this could be your problem. Try reducing the size of your file or image, and then re-attaching.

– If you receive the “Microsoft Office Outlook is synchronizing folder” message, try clicking on Tools > Folder options > Offline folders. Once you are here, you have the option to “disable offline folders.” After you’ve disabled offline folders, reboot and try again. This could solve your “synchronizing” problem.

– Back-up and uninstall—if neither of these suggestions solve your problem, try simply backing up your files, uninstalling Microsoft Office 2007, and reinstalling.

Many users experience a variety of other problems in addition to sending email attachments. If this is the case for you, there are some suggestions that are useful for solving general problems as well. For example, try reducing the size of your users’ mailboxes. While this can be inconvenient for all, it may help solve your problem. You may also want to try using Outlook in Regular Online Mode as opposed to Cached Mode. To do so, go to Tools > Account settings > Exchange. Then click Change > More Settings. In the “Advanced” tab, click on Offline Folder Settings > Compact Now.

While these solutions may not solve every issue you’re experiencing with Outlook, they can help to increase performance and make the process somewhat less aggravating. If you feel you’ve exhausted all at-home repair options, you can contact customer service or have a trained professional investigate the problems. For a no-hassle matchup with a local business eager to help, fill out a service request on TalkLocal’s website and talk to someone within minutes.

Car Will Not Start Clicking Noise

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Car Will Not Start Clicking Noise Auto Repair

When your car does not start, it can be one of the most aggravating problems.  There are many reasons that can prevent a car from starting.  If you start hearing a clicking noise, there could be major issues.  The usual problem is with the car battery. There are some simple tests and solutions a person can try before the contacting a car mechanic.

Battery Check

When a car makes a clicking noise but does not start, it is usually the sign of a dead battery. To check if the battery is completely dead, check the headlights and to see if they turn on. If the battery is immobile, then you can jump-start the car. To jump-start a car:

1.      Make sure both cars are turned off.

2.      Connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal of the stalled (bad) battery.

3.      Then connect the other red cable clamp to the positive terminal of the charged (good) battery.

4.      Connect one end of the black jumper cable to the negative terminal of the stalled  battery.

5.      Then connect the other black cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the stalled car’s hood. IMPORTANT: Do not connect the negative cable to the negative terminal of the stalled battery.

6.      Start the mobile car and run it for about two to three minutes before starting the immobile car.

7.      Remove cables in reverse order.

8.      Keep the previously immobile car running for at least 30 minutes to let the battery recharge.

Battery Connectors

If the car is silent when turning the key in the ignition, this may be from dirty or corroded connections on the battery’s terminals. Check under the hood. If the connection is corroded badly, push in the tip of a screwdriver between the connector and the terminal post and twist it to make it stay firmly in place. This is only a temporary solution; these connectors need to be cleaned or replaced eventually.

There are many causes for a car to not start, but some are as simple to fix as the car battery. More challenging problem will require a car mechanic. TalkLocal can connect you with one of the best car mechanics in your area for free.

Keep, Toss or Store: 8 Secrets to Making Downsizing a Breeze

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Keep, Toss or Store: 8 Secrets to Making Downsizing a Breeze - - Seva Call Blog

Downsizing can mean less housework, minimal home maintenance and lower electric bills. Moving can mean stress, change and excitement. Here are 8 secrets in combining the two and making downsizing a breeze.

Decide What Stays and What Goes

Even if you only have a month to pack, decide what stays and what goes before you move into your new place. Too often people pack everything up with the intention of sorting possessions when they unpack. You are more likely to find a place for something you don’t need when you are unpacking. Don’t do it. Throw away, donate or recycle items now. Grab a bag and get rid of everything that no longer has a function or value.

Stow or Throw

If you decide there are some things you just can’t part with — like Mother’s Day cards from your son or camping gear you use once a year — use self storage units to stow these items until you find a place for them. If you are afraid your new place is too small for anything but everyday items, invest in dual-function furniture to serve as somewhere to sit and somewhere to stow.

Weed Out Your Wardrobe

Sort through your closet and if you find articles of clothing that haven’t been worn in the last year it is time to say goodbye. Donate old or never worn clothes to someone who will get more out of them then you.

Have a Yard Sale

Sell bulky furniture or appliances you won’t need to earn a little cash and downsize what you won’t have room for. Items you don’t sell can be donated, recycled or even given to friends or neighbors as a parting gift.

Cull the Library

It’s possible you’ve spent years adding to your library and feel proud of what you accomplished. Unless you plan to have shelves instead of walls, cull your library. Find the books you won’t read again or haven’t read in a while and donate them to a school, public library, charity or thrift shop. If some novels or story books seem too sentimental to part with, give them to your friends or children.

Clean Out the Kitchen

Most people don’t need 10 mixing bowls and won’t lose sleep over parting with an extra spatula or two. Analyze your kitchen and decide what you do and don’t need. Determine if you will be hosting many parties in your new, smaller place. If not, consider passing your china or fine silverware onto family or friends who could use it more.

Let Things Go

If you are on the fence about an item, let it go. Chances are you won’t even realize it is missing, let alone miss it when you move into your new home. Even if a craft project or 15-year-old ottoman doesn’t have an expiration tag on it, these items do have expiration dates. Weed out projects that you never got to — and still won’t get to, don’t fool yourself.

Get Excited

Not only are you moving, but you are downsizing. It can be stressful; we get that. But take time to relive the memories, photograph the stories and comfortably close that chapter in your life — smiling. You have a new, smaller space waiting for you. Get excited about decorating it.

Lastly, remember, you don’t have to do everything by yourself! When you need help, call moving and storage professionals at TalkLocal!

Filing Tax Return Late Penalties

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Everyone hates thinking about April 15th–but not as much as they hate forgetting about it. If you missed the deadline for filing a tax return and are getting a refund, there is no penalty, given you file within three years. If you file after that, you will not receive your tax refund.

If you do owe additional taxes, you need to e-file as soon as possible. The penalty for late filing (5% of your owed taxes for every month it is late) is worse than the penalty for late payment (.5% of your owed taxes for every month it is late). The maximum charges accumulated for both penalties is capped at 25%. So suppose you file a late tax return in April and make your payment of $1,000. The late filing charge would be $50 whereas the late payment charge would only be $5.

There are certain situations that are exempt from penalties and given a two month extension. This includes:

1. Being out of the country (the U.S. or Puerto Rico) for your main place of work or military or naval service. You can receive and additional four months by filing an extension and paying taxes you owe.

2. Not receiving your Form W-2.

3. Receiving a Form W-2 you believe is incorrect.

4. Being self-employed.

Not Filing a Tax Return At All

If you fail to file a tax return, the IRS will send you a reminder to do so. If three years have past since the deadline, you forfeit your tax refund. The IRS will eventually help you file a substitute return based on other sources; it will not include exemptions or expenses you may be entitled to. Continued non-compliance can lead to other penalties and even criminal prosecution.

TalkLocal can connect you with local tax preparation services to help you file your taxes as soon as possible. With TalkLocal, you don’t have to flip through the yellow pages and call unresponsive businesses. TalkLocal matches you with up to three companies in minutes because time is money–especially during tax season.

How to Get Rid of Wasps

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

How to get rid of wasps Pest Control

If you’ve ever been stung by a wasp, you know that having a wasp’s nest in your yard is a big problem. Wasp removal can be tricky, but knowing the correct strategy for the right type of wasp will help you successfully remove these pests. Learn how to get rid of wasps with the tips we’ve provided for you below.

It is important to distinguish the two types of wasps: solitary and social. The solitary wasp is usually very docile with a very long, thin body and waist. These wasps are not territorial and rarely sting. They are actually considered beneficial in the gardening sense because they prey on garden pests such as aphids and beetles. To remove solitary wasps, simply fill a spray bottle with citrus oil extract. A quick spray will kill these pesky solitary wasps on contact.

Social Wasps

The United States has three common types of social wasps: paper wasps, bald-faced hornets and yellow jackets. Social wasps have nests and are usually the kind of wasp that people want controlled.

– Paper Wasps: These are the most docile of the social wasps and are usually only considered pests in high traffic areas. They build intricate nests, much like the honeycomb, without an outer shell like most bee and wasp nests. To remove paper wasps, purchase a can of pressurized wasp killer and spray the nest in a sweeping motion during the night.

– Bald-Faced Hornets: Hornets are fearsome looking, but are usually not looking for trouble. They live in aerial nests and tend to be less aggressive than yellow jackets. To get rid of hornets, you should also use a can of pressurized wasp killer to spray the nest from a distance during the evening. Bring a flashlight, too, if you’re not certain where the entrance to the nest is.

– Yellow Jackets: Yellow Jacket wasps are extremely territorial and aggressive. Their thick waists and bright yellow patterns easily identify them. The best way to get rid of yellow jackets is to identify the nest and then pump enough poison into the nest to kill all of the wasps in one shot. Obviously, this is easier said than done. To find the nest, you should wait until dusk when all the yellow jackets will be returning to the nest. You can pick out the high amount of flying insect traffic in the evening sun. Once the nest is identified, use a can of non-projectile wasp killer to spray the nest later at night. Spraying the nest at night means there is less of a chance that the wasps will come out to fight.

Before spraying any nests it is a good idea to wear gloves and multiple layers of clothing to avoid stings. Move slowly around the nest because sudden movements can attract attention.

Nest Removal

Once you are sure all the wasps have been killed, you can safely remove the nest. For underground nests, it is probably safe to fill the nest with dirt and gravel. You can knock down the nest if it is aerial. This should end your wasp problem until the next migration cycle.

If you’re consistently experiencing problems with wasps, you should consider hiring a trained professional to eliminate the problem. TalkLocal can connect you to several highly rated pest control professionals in your area within minutes. Simply give us a brief description of your service needs along with your contact information and times available, and TalkLocal will do the rest.