Five tips for greening your ride and your wallet for the summer drive

(ARA) - The peak driving season is upon us, and warm weather typically means the windows are rolled down, the radio is turned up and there's nothing ahead but the open road. High fuel costs and the extra mileage on your vehicle, however, can hit your wallet - and the environment - harder than you'd like. But a day trip to the beach or a back road cruise doesn't have to break the bank or pollute the earth. "Once the weather warms up, people start to hit the roads more frequently and for longer periods of time," says Rob Stravitz, vice president of marketing for Valvoline Instant Oil Change. "Visiting a quick-lube location like Valvoline Instant Oil Change before hitting the road can increase your miles per gallon and decrease your vehicle's overall environmental impact." Stravitz advises travelers to start with small steps like parking in the shade and keeping a regular oil change schedule. "Increasing your vehicle's fuel economy can be as simple as finding a garage instead of parking in the hot sun," Stravitz says. "You can also save up to $140 a year on fuel by simply getting a full service oil change regularly. It's small steps like this that can pay large dividends to your wallet in the long run." Here are five tips and tricks to keep top-of-mind before embarking on your next summer cruise. Take control of your cruise and don't idle Utilizing cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed, which in most cases improves your fuel economy. It also requires less gas to turn a vehicle back on than to let it idle when you stop for a quick break. Change your oil regularly and use the right grade Regular oil changes can increase your fuel efficiency. Couple regular changes with the proper grade motor oil and you can increase your fuel economy by 2 percent or more while keeping your vehicle running smoothly. While you're at it, choose a motor oil that's better for the environment. Valvoline's new NextGen motor oil provides 100 percent Valvoline protection in a product made with 50 percent recycled motor oil. Recycling to make new oil takes fewer resources, which makes NextGen great for your engine and better for the environment. Inflate and rotate Accurately inflated tires are safer and can increase gas mileage by more than 3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Proper air pressure coupled with regularly rotating the tires also improves handling and extends the life of your tires by maximizing tread wear. Clean your fuel system Your entire fuel system can get dirty with deposits over time. A couple of ways to know if your fuel system is unclean are if your engine hesitates during acceleration or idles roughly. Valvoline Instant Oil Change offers a multi-step fuel cleaning service that helps to restore fuel efficiency, which can yield fuel savings of 2 percent or more. Go for the shade ... or the garage The sun zaps fuel from your gas tank. Parking in the shade or garage will lessen the amount of evaporative emissions with the added benefit of adding a little change to your pocket. As the weather continues to improve and more drivers find respite on the road, it's essential to ensure your vehicle is in top shape from motor oil to muffler.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Home improvement, simplified: Even small projects have a big impact

(ARA) - When budgeting demands cut back on life's little extravagances, it's a disappointing but acceptable change. Cutting things out of the budget, like home improvement projects, might seem reasonable in the short term, but it's a bad decision in the long run. Taking on those projects might seem like an expensive proposition, but with smart solutions, like renting tools, taking proper care of your home is well within your budget. Protect your most important investment Your home is your largest investment and no matter how the housing market fluctuates, you don't want to neglect maintenance and upkeep around the house. Taking the time to do projects will not only ensure the safety of your family, but it will also ensure your financial security for years to come. Investing energy and money into fixing little problems, like a crack in your home's foundation, will prevent larger problems down the road. Simple projects to refresh the look of your home, like a fresh coat of paint or a little landscaping work, will not only make your home feel more warm and inviting, but it will also yield a large return on investment when it comes to resale value. The "green" movement might offer ideas for other projects. By making your home more energy efficient, you can reduce bills and add value for the future, should you want to put your home on the market. Improve your house without increasing your bills Although many home improvement projects can be simple, they often require tools that most people don't commonly have. This is when it makes sense to visit your local rental store. Since you will most likely only need the tools or equipment once, renting is a more cost-effective solution than buying new or hiring a handyman. Stocked with pressure washers to clean off your siding or deck, jackhammers to tear out an uneven front walk and concrete polishers to give your garage floor a new finish, your nearby rental store is like the ultimate workshop - filled with professional grade tools. Your local rental professionals will make sure you get the right tools for your job, and they will teach you how to properly use the equipment you need. Find your local rental resource Avoid spending time and money running all over town to find the tools you need - make one stop at your local rental store. To make finding the location nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world's largest and most comprehensive rental store locator. You'll find the nearest rental store, read how-to tips and get ideas and inspiration for your project. Don't let your biggest investment become your biggest burden - maximize your investment while cutting your costs with rental.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Enhance pride in your house with these curb appeal projects

(ARA) - As warmer weather approaches, it's a great time to take a look out your windows and see what the view of your home is offering your neighbors. Are there any areas of your landscaping or home's exterior that could use a bit of an upgrade to help boost your home's curb appeal? Whether you intend to live in your home for several years, or have plans to list your house on the real estate market soon, enhancing your home's curb appeal can boost your enjoyment of the property and attract potential buyers. Plenty of projects can improve the look of your home without requiring you to spend a fortune on remodeling, changing the siding or landscaping the entire front yard. Here are a few ideas you can try on your house: * Upgrade the mailbox. Mailboxes over time can start to look dingy and rusted from being out in the elements. Building a permanent brick or stone structure to hold a mailbox can add appeal to your yard, and also help protect the metal mailbox from additional rusting. * Add or update the lights by your front door or along the driveway. A beautiful glow in the evenings welcomes visitors (and buyers) to your home, at the same time providing you with additional security. Many wall, overhead, post and hanging lights styles are designed to work outdoors to add panache to your home and landscaping. * Brighten up your landscaping and decorate your house with flowers and maybe even some new shrubbery. If you can, add window boxes of vine plants mixed in with colorful blooms. Decorate along the driveway or around the mailbox with small green bushes. If you have a walkway through the front yard, consider lining it with a small and attractive fence. Or add a few pots of pretty flowers next to the garage doors to splash around a little color. * Replace your old, worn-out windows with new replacement windows. According to Remodeling magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value report, installing low-maintenance replacement windows is ranked as one of the best home improvement projects for your money. They can help reduce energy bills and add instant appeal to your home. Plus, windows that meet ENERGY STAR performance criteria qualify for the 2011 tax credit, adding to the overall value of replacement windows. Paul Delahunt, president of Renewal by Andersen, says of all the improvement projects a homeowner can start, window replacement is one that actually takes very little effort on the homeowner's part, but can make your house more beautiful and energy efficient - two benefits you can enjoy for many years to come. "Our experts help homeowners every step of the way," says Delahunt. "By selecting a professional company that can handle their entire replacement project start-to-finish, homeowners can sit back, relax and let us do all the work." Delahunt adds that new windows can also help with those dreaded spring cleaning projects. Since Renewal by Andersen windows are made with Fibrex framing material, for example, they do not require upkeep such as ongoing scraping and painting. He suggests visiting renewalbyandersen.com to see how new, beautiful windows can elevate the look of your home. Updating and enhancing the look of your house can do a lot for the pride you have in your home and for drawing prospective buyers if you decide to put your house on the market. Tackling some of these projects can go a long way in making your curb appeal stronger.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Susan Lucci and husband encourage AFib patients and loved ones to pledge to get serious about stroke

(ARA) - More than 2 million Americans are living with a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib), including the husband of award-winning actress Susan Lucci. People living with AFib have a nearly five times greater risk of stroke than those without the condition. Lucci and her husband, Helmut Huber, are now working to educate America about the condition through a national program called Facing AFib, Get Serious About Stroke(TM). The couple is encouraging others to join them in taking the Facing AFib Pledge to learn more about AFib, understand how the condition affects their health or the health of a loved one and discuss ways to reduce AFib-related stroke with a doctor. Since Huber was diagnosed with AFib more than a decade ago, the couple has been working with his doctor as a team to manage his condition and reduce his risk of stroke. "When I found out that the leading man in my life had AFib, I made a pledge to learn everything I could to understand the condition and to work with his doctor to manage it," says Lucci. "We're encouraging those touched by AFib to take steps to reduce the risk of stroke by consulting their doctors and visiting FacingAFib.com. We hope others will join us by taking the Facing AFib Pledge and getting serious about stroke today." Atrial fibrillation is a potentially serious condition where the heart beats abnormally, which can result in the formation of blood clots. These blood clots can travel from the heart to the brain, where they can lead to a stroke. Strokes associated with AFib can be about twice as likely to be fatal or severely disabling as other types of stroke. But, the good news is this risk can be significantly reduced. "It's important for AFib patients and loved ones to work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan that's right for them," says Dr. David Willis, Ocala West Family Medicine PA, Ocala, Fla. "I encourage anyone with AFib to speak with their doctor about their personal risk of stroke and ways to reduce that risk." Patients and their loved ones can visit FacingAFib.com to take the pledge and join the AFib community to get serious about stroke. A state-by-state Facing AFib Pledge Map also allows visitors to see where others like them have taken the pledge. The website has helpful information, such as a stroke risk assessment tool and personalized doctor discussion guide. Facing AFib is a program to educate Americans about AFib. The program was introduced in September 2010 to facilitate improved communication between patients and healthcare providers. Facing AFib is supported by founding sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., along with partnering organizations, National Stroke Association and StopAfib.org.

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.

Create new taste traditions for spring holidays

Traditional dishes that are enjoyed year after year are part of every holiday celebration. While some foods will never be voted off the table, there is always room to expand upon your menu without the added stress in the kitchen. One easy way to shake up your menu is by serving dishes prepared with fresh supersweet corn. Spring crops of corn are at their peak and are guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in the bunch. An easy way to enjoy fresh sweet corn is to add a platter of corn on the cob to the table for everyone to grab. There also are many creative ways to enjoy fresh corn, abundant in your local supermarket, that not only taste delicious, but are easy to prepare. This means less time in the kitchen and more fun with loved ones. For starters, begin the meal with a fresh corn and vegetable salad made with avocado, radishes and tomatoes. The flavors and textures offer a new twist to the traditional green salad. Supersweet corn and couscous packets provide a versatile option to satisfy vegetarian guests, or an alternative side to scalloped potatoes. Fresh corn can be oven-steamed in foil packets with other vegetables and spices for a light, yet flavorful dish. If you're contributing dessert, add sweet corn pudding to the holiday table. It can be baked ahead of time and heated before serving. Topped with fresh macerated strawberries, it delivers an unexpected sweet, creamy finish. It doesn't stop there. Supersweet corn will freshen up leftovers in a hearty corn chowder made with ham and potatoes. What better way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday a little longer without the added hassle of preparing a meal from scratch? As a bonus, corn is a good source of vitamin C, thiamin and folic acid. It also contains the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. The spring corn crop from Florida, the leading grower of fresh sweet corn, is in season through Memorial Day. To preserve its freshness, make sure you put it in the refrigerator as soon as you get it home. The corn will retain its crispness and sweet taste for up to one week. For more information and a bounty of sweet corn recipes and serving ideas for any occasion, visit www.sweetfreshcorn.com. Fresh Corn and Vegetable Salad 2 ears fresh supersweet corn 1 cup radishes cut in wedges 1 medium tomato, diced 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced 1/2 cup bottled Italian dressing Cut kernels from cobs (makes about 1-1/2 cups); place in a bowl with radishes, tomato, avocado and salad dressing; toss gently. Serve on a bed of lettuce, if desired. YIELD: 4 cups Supersweet Corn and Couscous Packets 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided 1-1/3 cups dry unflavored couscous 1 teaspoon ground cumin 4 ears fresh supersweet corn, cut through the cob in 1-inch pieces 4 cups sliced mushrooms (about 1 pound) 1 red bell pepper cut in 1-inch squares 1 small onion, thinly sliced onion 1/2 cup chopped pitted black olives (optional) Preheat oven to 450 F. From a roll of heavy duty foil, tear off four 14 x 18-inch sheets; set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups water, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous; cover and let stand for 5 minutes; fluff with a fork. In a medium bowl, toss the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon salt, the cumin with the corn, mushrooms, bell pepper, onion and olives. On each of the foil sheets, place a quarter of the corn mixture in the center, top each with couscous. Draw together longer edges of foil and crimp, leaving room for steam to circulate; seal foil ends. Place packets in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand 5 minutes then open carefully to avoid steam. YIELD: 4 portions Fresh Sweet Corn Dessert Pudding 6 ears fresh supersweet corn 4 large eggs 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup sugar 4 tablespoons melted butter 3 tablespoons flour 3 tablespoons mascarpone or sour cream 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon salt Macerated Strawberries Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Cut kernels from cobs to make about 4 cups; set aside 1 cup. In a large food processor container combine 3 cups of the corn kernels, eggs, cream, sugar, butter, flour, mascarpone, baking powder and salt. Whirl until smooth. Stir in remaining 1 cup corn kernels. Pour into a buttered baking dish. Bake until top turns golden brown, 45 to 50 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes. Serve warm, topped with Macerated Strawberries. YIELD: 10 to 12 portions Macerated Strawberries: Slice 1 pound of strawberries and place in a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar; cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Refrigerate up to 1 day. Hearty Sweet Fresh Corn Chowder 4 ears fresh supersweet corn 4 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, minced 5 whole potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 cups milk (soy or whole milk) 1 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 cups cooked ham, chopped 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook till tender. Stir in the potatoes, cook for 5 minutes. Add the milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer covered until the potatoes are tender. Cut kernels from cob to make about 2 cups. Stir in corn and ham. Whisk the cornstarch into the corn liquid, and add to the soup. Simmer covered until soup is thickened. YIELD: 8 portions

Content provided courtesy of ARAcontent® with permission.