Friday, November 22, 2013

Thanksgiving History: Meal-Time Taditions

While Thanksgiving may have started out as a religious celebration, over the years it has lost most of its religious significance in American households. Instead of being a day devoted to religious warship it has become a day centered around family, friends, cooking and celebration. While the holiday has evolved over the years, the one tradition that remains the same is eating a bountiful meal and one food staple that has become synonymous with the holiday is Turkey. With over 91% of Americans consuming this flightless bird, it has become the one Thanksgiving tradition almost all Americans share. While other traditional foods, like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are common in many households, non are consumed as much as Turkey.


Thursday, November 14, 2013

World's Most Dangerou's Roads: Trollstigen Road in Norway



In Norway there is a road alongside a 1050-foot Stigfossen waterfall that contains 11 hairpin turns at grades of up to 9 percent. If this wasn't enough to deter the lucid driver, each turn takes you higher and high up the mountain pass until you reach 2,790-feet. Also known as the "Troll's Way" by locals, this dangerous stretch of serpentine road is not one I suggest trying with.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Three Fall Car Care Tips

Don't let your vehicle be ill prepared for the fall and winter weather. Check out the tips below to make sure your vehicle stays in proper working order until spring.

1. While it is rare that your vehicles cabin will fill with deadly exhaust fumes, it is also good to have your vehicles exhaust system checked for any problems or leaks. Also, be sure a mechanic checks the vehicles floor boards and trunk for any small holes that could fuel the fumes. 

2.  A major item that can be left unchecked until disaster strikes is your vehicles transmission. Before going off on a long winter road trip, be sure your vehicle has had routine checks and fluid changes at the correct times to prevent any costly damage.  

3. During the fall and winter months, driving along icy roads and in snow can get extremely dangerous. In order to prevent yourself from getting stuck in a tough spot be sure your vehicle is always equipped with an emergency kit which includes: gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, extra batteries, a cell phone, and an extra car charger. Also it's a good idea to keep a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Five Ways to Use Leftover Pumpkins After Halloween



While pumpkins tend to only serve one purpose on Halloween, that doesn't mean on the day after they have to be thrown away. This year don't trash your pumpkin leftovers; instead make something with them. Here are a few ideas of how to re-purpose your left over jack-o'-lantern after the 31st.


1. Make pumpkin puree:

Pumpkin puree is one of the most common uses for the fleshy insides of your left-over pumpkin, and it’s super easy to make! Start by cutting your pumpkin down the middle and scooping out the seeds and guts in a big bowl; set aside. Place your pumpkin, cut-side down on a baking dish with about a cup of water, and bake for about 90 minutes or until the flesh is tender. Then, simply scoop out the flesh and puree in a food processor.

2.  Make a pumpkin planter:

This idea is perfect of any left over jack-o'-lantern needing to be relocated from the front porch or door to the yard. If you pumpkin is uncarved, just cut the top off the pumpkin and remove all the seeds, flesh and guts from the inside. Once finished, head down to your local nursery and pick up some soil and annuals.  It will be a festive decoration for a few days, and then you can plant the whole thing right in the backyard. The pumpkin will naturally compost and provide fertilizer for your plant. If your pumpkin isn't carved, cut off the top and remove the seeds, guts and flesh from the inside. Simply pack some potting soil into your pumpkin until it is about one-third full. Then, place your plant into the pumpkin, and fill it out with more potting soil.You can dig a small hole and plant the whole thing right away, or leave it on the porch for a few days for decoration.The great thing about using a pumpkin, is the pumpkin will naturally compost and provide fertilizer for your plant when it begins to deteriorate.

3. Use the Pumpkin Guts:

While pumpkin guts may seem unappetizing and unappealing, they are actually a great for making pumpkin stock. Place the stringy pumpkin guts, minus the seeds, into a pot filled with boiling water. To add more flavor, add vegetable pieces, such as celery tips or carrot tops. Boil for about 30 minutes, or until the water begins to change color. Strain your pumpkin stock, reserving the broth and throwing your guts and vegetable pieces away. Pumpkin stock is perfect for adding flavor to soups or casseroles, and you can freeze any extra for later use.

4. Make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:
This fall favorite will have everyone snuggled up by the fire. To make roasted pumpkin seeds, you first have to separate the seeds from the guts and rinse them off, thoroughly. Once finished rinsing, place them in a single layer on an oiled baking sheet and stir them around to coat them with oil.
To make classic roasted pumpkin seeds, add a little salt or for a sweeter treat use some cinnamon and brown sugar.

5. Make Pumpkin Serving Bowls:
Instead of letting your pumpkin shells hit the trash when your through, let them impress your guests at a dinner party. Turning your pumpkin shells into a festive serving bowl is simple and looks great for any fall occasion. Simply place your hollowed-out pumpkin on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and brush the insides and the tops with a little vegetable oil, and season as desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, and serve with your favorite soups or dips for an elegant autumn twist.

Friday, October 18, 2013

How to Make Frankentreats for Halloween


These monstrous treats are sure to get your heart pounding and your blood pumping. Perfect for ghoulish fun, these bit-sized treats are so delicious, it's scary! Be careful, they have the tendency to shock the taste buds.


 Ingredients:
  • 1 package of Rice Krispie Treats
  • 1 cup of white-chocolate chips
  • 1 tbs shortening
  • green or neon food coloring
  • 1 large bag of M&M's
  • 1 large bag of gummy worms
  • 1 large bag of jujubes
  • black decorating icing
  • Wooden Skewers

 Directions: 
  1.  Start with the packaged Rice Krispie Treats, and push each one onto a wooden skewer; set aside.
  2. Melt 1 cup white-chocolate chips and 1 Tbs shortening in microwave for 60 seconds.  Stir in green or neon food coloring.
  3. Spoon melted chocolate over all sides of the Rice Krispie Treats and then place on wax-paper-lined cookie sheet.
  4. Before the chocolate hardens, use the M&M's to create eyes and ears, a piece of gummy worm for the mouth, and Jujubes for the neck bolts. 
  5. Refrigerate until the chocolate has hardened, then remove from skewers. Draw on hair and dot eyes with black decorating icing. 

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Five DIY Car Maintenance Tips for Fall

As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, it's time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for the change in season. While some seasonal car maintenance will require the assistance of a service technician, we have compiled a list of five simple do-it-yourself car maintenance projects that will better prepare your Honda for the autumn days ahead.

1. Wiper Blade Replacement: Wiper blades should be replaced every fall since they tend to take more abuse from road grime and windshield-washer solution due to the harsh weather conditions the fall and winter months can create. Since wiper blades are relatively simple to replace and cost around $10-$20.

2. Check Your Spare: Fall is the perfect time to check your vehicles spare tire to ensure that it is properly inflated. Since a tire pressure gauge is relatively inexpensive, $7 to $20, and requires little experience to use, the process should be easy and painless. Unfortunately, for every 10-degree drop in temperature the tire pressure drops one PSI, or pound per square inch according to the AAA.

3. Top Off Fluids: Autumn is the perfect time to make sure your vehicles fluids are full and ready for the impending cold weather. Windshield-washer fluid should be replaced before fall hits with a solution that is suited for colder weather. Another important fluid to check is your Honda's antifreeze level. The last fluid you should top off is the brake-fluid. If the level is low, just add the appropriate type of brake fluid as your vehicle's brake fluid will typically go down as your brakes wear.

4. Change Air Filter: As your vehicles air filter gets corroded with debris it causes a pressure drop that can restrict airflow. This restriction can affect your Honda's performance, fuel economy, and cause your car's emissions to deteriorate. All of which will not go away until the filter is replaced. 

5.  Check Lights and Battery Terminals: As your vehicle's battery gets corroded it can start to cause electrical issues and ignition problems. If you notice any corrosion on the cable connectors or posts, you can use a brush to clean it. Also, don't forget to make sure your vehicles lights are all working properly. Since fall's nights are longer and darker, it is important to make sure your everything is in proper working order. If any of your vehicles lights seem dim or low, you can replace them easily, without tools and for a low cost.


If your vehicle needs seasonal maintenance that requires a service technician, you can always schedule an appointment with us by phone or online at: http://bit.ly/18DMqGi

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Certified used cars in Los Angeles- A Popular choice amongst Buyers

Cars are no longer treated as a luxury, today, they are more of a necessity than a need. Certified used cars in Los Angeles have always been a popular choice amongst the buyers. Honda is a brand that needs no introduction, a name that stands synonymous for quality, performance and style. Every Honda comes with a promise to perform beyond perfection and deliver beyond expectations. Honda has today become a symbol of a class that is well aware of the people's choices and preferences.

There are a number of well known used car dealers in Los Angeles. They offer a huge choice of second hand or used cars to their customers. However, one must be very cautious when buying used cars as if not brought from the right source ,may be more of a liability than an asset. When you buy a car from a certified car dealer you can be rest assured that you re buying a profitable preposition. Goudy Honda is a family run enterprise that deal with used and new Honda cars. They offer certified used cars in Los Angeles that come with the Goudy Guarantee.



At Goudy Honda, you as a customer enjoy a huge variety of Honda cars, thanks to the huge car inventory that they maintain. Being a certified used car dealer in Los Angeles, they are in a position to offer best sales and after sales services, not to forget the peace of mind knowing that you are getting the best deal possible. Goudy Honda offers complete assistance to their customers right from picking the right car, to helping with the financing and the after sale services. This one stop shop caters to all your needs and concerns of buying a car for oneself. Trust only them to get the best deal on your favorite Honda model.