By Gen Jean, Mom to James and Lily Making your own microwave popcorn is easy, less expensive, more nutritious and you can even re-use or recycle the bags it’s made in. Plus, with numerous topping combinations, the potential to satisfy your inner gourmet is endless. Cost savings: Natural and organic microwave popcorn runs about $1…
By June LaCombe, Guest Columnist Sculptors have been drawn to this region for its inspiration and its materials. Sculpture is best seen outdoors where it can interact with the light, wind, weather and people. Exhibitions can be found in nature centers, botanical gardens and on college campuses. I have been curating exhibitions in these venues…
“You’ll definitely be able to wear it again,” are the famous last words of brides everywhere. If you have an old bridesmaid dress in your closet (or any type of dress you no longer wear), it’s time to free up space. Make room for the clothes you really will wear again and see that bridesmaid…
By Robin Tannenbaum, Guest Columnist For the past three years, I have commuted by bus between my house in Westbrook, to my office and then over to my son’s daycare place in downtown Portland. My husband and I are a one-car family and using public transportation is the key to making this possible. We live within easy walking distance from the bus…
Heather Chandler January 3, 2013 This morning, the furniture store came to pick up my new, super sexy, contemporary, sectional sofa, leaving me with an empty living room. The couch arrived less than three weeks ago, wrapped in a lovely, pewter-colored, velvety fabric with a cool rounded “bump out” feature on one end that took…
If you’re concerned about fluctuating energy prices and want to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient, here are some resources to help you finance the improvements. Home Energy Loans Efficiency Maine offers low interest loans up to $25,000 for up to 20 years through its Maine PACE and Powersaver programs (with no closing…
Ryan Link is the Director of Utility Partnerships for the eastern region with 3Degrees. 3Degrees provides green power and carbon offset products and services, including Maine’s new ‘Maine Green Power’ program that allows Mainers to support renewable energy generated right here in Maine. Ryan talks about this new program and how Mainers can participate in…
The recent “Fiscal Cliff” agreement included a “non-business energy property tax credit,” that offers homeowners up to a $500 credit for residential efforts for energy efficiency. In essence, this is a renewal of the energy efficiency tax credits for homeowners that were in place in 2011. The American Taxpayer Relief Act extended the tax credit through…
By Andrew Lindberg, Fermentation enthusiast Quick pickles are a fun and easy way to brighten up your favorite sandwiches, salads, sides, or main dishes. Quick pickles only take 10 minutes to make, and can be enjoyed for several days, with an ever evolving flavor. Try adding sweet cucumbers and pickled carrots to a cold-cut sandwich…
If you’re reading this article, it may be because you recently caught the “I want to make really cool things with my hands!” bug. If you find yourself coming down with this common affliction, have no fear – Maine provides a wealth of treatments. Whether you’re a complete novice, an experienced artist, or a crafter…