Stephens Design

Check your Password

2011-12-22T16:37:00.002-05:00

Just how strong are the passwords you are using? Before you choose passwords you might want to test their security with the Password Meter.

A Must Have for android phones

2011-12-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

Go to the Android Market and search for Quick Settings.

This is a great program that makes changing your phone settings quick and all in one place. Did I mention it makes your phone a mobile hotspot? Don't abuse it though because your wireless carrier may crack down on you. But it's great to use in a pinch.

Finally a FREE Bluetooth sync for your Android phone!

2011-11-16T13:41:00.002-05:00

I have been searching everywhere for a way to sync my MS Outlook Contacts and Calendar with my Android phone.

I had a program that was working, but apparently they aren't in business anymore!

Today I installed http://www.bluesyncroid.com/.

With a quick PC install and a download from the Android Market I am syncing using a Bluetooth connection between my Laptop and Android phone. This is great because most programs will require a USB cable or they will send your files over the internet where they could be viewed/intercepted from undesirables. While the PC program is FREE, the phone pp is $4.99. Small price to pay for the convenience this program gives you.

Do you know Kaspersky?

2011-11-16T11:49:00.000-05:00

If you don't, you should!

I have recommended this program to many people over the years. If you suspect a virus is lurking on your computer ... do yourself a favor and run the Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.

http://www.kaspersky.com/virus-removal-tools

Life in Ruins?

2011-02-22T15:54:00.000-05:00

Not totally. But I just survived a move from Michigan to Pennsylvania. Finally have no cardboard boxes surrounding me, although there are several in the basement that will eventually need to be opened. I can actually see my desk and can use my keyboard.

To make life more interesting ... the stomach flu had to take me out of commission for 3 days. As if I didn't have enough to do. Worked as a weight loss program, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I am planning on posting more regularly within the next week. I have several topics I'd like to touch on. It's just been absolutely crazy starting with Thanksgiving. Then Christmas. Now add planning and executing a move while keeping clients happy. It hasn't allowed for much free time.

Need Cables?

2010-12-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

Are you buying some nifty new electronics this time of year? You just saved some cash on those items, now here is a way to save cash on the new cables and anything else you might need.

Go to Monoprice and do some shopping. For instance, you could buy a new 6' HDMI cable at some national chain for anywhere from $20 to $45. But why? A HDMI cable is an HDMI cable. Don't buy into all the hype on the packaging. Monoprice has that same 6' gold plated cable for around $3.00. That's right, I said $3.00.

They have a wide variety of items besides HDMI cables. If it's technology or A/V related. It's very likely they have it.

Technology developments and trends

2010-12-05T10:22:00.000-05:00

The Future Proof Enterpreneur

This article, featured in the November 2010 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine shows you 25 technology developments and trends. Use this article to develop your business' relationship with technology and forecast where it is going.

Find products in stock near you

2010-11-16T16:01:00.001-05:00

http://www.milo.com/

This is a very useful shopping tool and most of you may find this useful during the holiday shopping season. Are you looking for something in particular? Search for it on Milo and see where you can go pick it up.

Useful Smartphone apps

2010-11-16T15:58:00.001-05:00

The Smartphone Gets Smarter, Entrepreneur Magazine November 2010

Breaks down the most useful smartphone apps to keep you productive while mobile.

Developing a Business Plan

2010-11-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

This is a great article featuring useful resources for writing or editing your business plan.

"A simple plan" August 2010, Entrepreneur Magazine

Going to the Cloud

2010-11-16T14:59:00.000-05:00

Cloud based computing is the future. Here are two cloud based apps you might find useful.

Rhino Accounting: FREE alternative to QuickBooks. They back up data dailry, weekly and monthly and provide 256-bit SSL encryption (bank level) to guarantee data security.

Batchbook Social CRM: All you facebook and twitter people take note. This is a web-based CRM that tracks leads, organizes contacts and let's you view your customer's social networking activities.

My favorite chili recipe

2010-11-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

This a great hearty Chili with Southwest flavor

What you'll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 bell pepper chopped (I use 1/2 red and 1/2 green pepper)
1 pound ground beef
1 can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans black beans
chili powder
1/2 cup frozen corn (thawed)
grated Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
sliced scallions

You may also want

Ground red pepper and/or Chili pepper flakes
Ortega Medium or Hot Taco Seasoning

Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion and peppers and cook, stirring, for approximately 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with spoon until it is no longer pink.

Add 2 tablespoons tomatoe paste (keep the rest handy) and cook until it becomes slightly darkened. Now add beans, chili powder, diced tomatoes, around 3 cups of water and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat until vegetables are tender. Now add the corn. If your corn wasn't thawed ... simmer it a bit to thaw the corn.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese and scallions. Serve with tortilla chips or cheese quesadillas.

Depending on your tastes, you may want to add ground red pepper and/or Chili pepper flakes. I add both because we like it to have some "heat". We also sometimes add some Ortega Taco Seasoning (in a bottle) to add to the flavor.

How and when to use Freelancers

2010-11-07T16:21:00.001-05:00

Click here to read Freelance Nation

Great article featured in the September 2010 issue of Entrepreneur Magazine about how and when to hire freelance workers.

Need an Office Manager?

2010-11-07T16:14:00.001-05:00

How about a Virtual One? Meet Milton and he'll only cost your $15/month single user or $60/month for three users, you also have the option to add additional users if needed for $20/month.

Here are some of things Milton can do for you:

prepare estimates
track outstanding proposals
track time and expenses
manages contacts
prioritizes leads
client billing

The IRS is watching ... How to use independent contractors

2010-09-01T10:40:00.001-04:00

Guidelines about using Independent Contractors to keep you out of hot water with IRS

The IRS is Watching by Kate Lister (Entrepreneur Magazine, September 2010)

Hate dropped calls?

2010-09-01T10:33:00.001-04:00

Does your cell phone work everywhere but in your home? Or everywhere but in your office?

You might want to consider a femtocell. A what? You Ask.
They plug into your broadband internet connection and commands your cell phone incoming and outgoing calls eliminating the "dead zone".

AT&T, Sprint, Verizon all have them. Some are by a monthly fee, others have a one-time equipment fee but then all calls are covered.

Attention Local Businesses

2010-08-30T18:56:00.001-04:00

Another place to hang your shingle

Local businesses ... learn how Google Places provides valuable services.

Off-The Shelf vs. Custom

2010-08-30T18:47:00.001-04:00

The Cost of Quality

Well written article giving you a comparison between the DIY CMS website systems and hiring a web designer.

You may be able to find a designer that will work with you within the CMS system to add items that make your site appear a bit more custom. Stephens Design is open to this ... check with your designer.

More Tweets

2010-08-30T18:39:00.001-04:00

@anildash Tech & Media Issues

@pkedrosky Finance & Economy

@the99percent Inspirational quotes & ways to increase your creativity

Looking for jobs?

2010-08-30T17:14:00.001-04:00

Check out the following websites.

usajobs.gov (Federal jobs you can filter by agency, occupation or location)

LinkUp.com (Gathers jobs posted on corporate sites and posts the in one location)

RealMatch.com (Set up a profile and when your skills match an open position you and the employer receive an email)

jobnob.com (Find networking happy hours and video job fairs)

Consider Outsourcing

2010-08-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

In today's tough economy you may want to consider outsourcing some of your business functions. Following is a quick read featured in Entrepreneur Magazine you may find useful.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/july/207170.html

Rewarding referrals

2010-08-03T15:31:00.001-04:00

Here is another good article from Entrepreneur Magazine. You may already be rewarding customers, but you may find another manner in which to reward them by reading this article.

Put your customers to work for you

Who says you can't wave a Magic Wand?

2010-08-03T15:18:00.001-04:00

This is truly a pocket scanner that lets you capture a high quality scan of anything up to 8.5" wide. Images are stored on a 32GB microSD card. Transfer your images to your computer via a USB port. This could be a great tool for a mobile professional.

The Magic Wand by VuPoint Solutions http://www.vupointsolutions.com/DEMO_MW.asp

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken on Ciabatta

2010-07-29T08:51:00.000-04:00

This was a really tasty sandwich.

Cut a loaf of Ciabatta bread lengthwise. Chop off a couple sections to create "buns" for your sandwiches. Toast those slabs with some olive oil butter and a little garlic.

In a small food processor (or chop by hand) add sun dried tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, basil and garlic. Pulse to your desired consistancy. Spread this mixture on one slab of the toasted Ciabatta bread.

Grill chicken breast and melt provolone on top. Place on bread and enjoy!

iPhone coming to Verizon in January 2011

2010-07-20T14:00:00.001-04:00

In light of recent issues with the iPhone and the response by Apple, I am losing my interest in the iPhone. Seriously why would you tell people who just purchased your phone to hold it a different way to fix the reception problem. So now they are offering a "fix" but will it "fix" the bad PR?

Verizon has several smartphones available now and a couple being released shortly that are deserving of an in-depth look. In particular check out the Motorola Droid X and the Samsung Fascinate. Both are running Google's Android software and the Android market has a lot of apps to offer you. In addition both phones offer a good balance between personal, business and media use. Let's face it we use our phones for a lot more than just making calls.

Motorola Droid X Press Release
Motorola Droid X Website

Samsung Fascinate Press Release
Samsung Galaxy S (Fascinate) Website)

To Flash or Not to Flash on your Website

2010-07-06T14:15:00.001-04:00

Here's a good article discussing why you may want to avoid using Flash on your website. Talks about cost, speed and accessibility along with 4 other valid reasons.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/may/206118.html

Would you like a custom radio station?

2010-07-06T14:15:00.000-04:00

Check out Pandora. Tell them your favorite artist or song and they'll create a radio station featuring similiar music. You can create up to 100 of "your own" stations for FREE.

http://www.pandora.com/corporate/

Travel Tweets

2010-07-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a list of a few Tweets that you may find helpful with summer travel ...

@BookingBuddy (deals from several websites regarding cruises, hotels, airlines, etc.)

@FareCompare (provides alerts when fares drop from your preferred departure city)

@TripAdvisor (find things to do and receive hotel suggestions)

Attention Notebook Warriors

2010-07-01T19:56:00.000-04:00

If you are using a notebook as your primary computer and you do not already own a docking station I highly recommend the Logitech Alto 4-port Notebook Stand. This stand provides several key functions in one device.

The elevated design allows more air flow around the laptop providing cooling. Heat is the number one battery killer for laptops.
It has a 4-port USB hub built in so plug in a USB printer, extra hard drive, wireless mouse/keyboard, ipod, etc., and not use the USB ports on your laptop. This way you don't have to disconnect these peripherals and reconnect them, just leave them plugged into the notebook stand.
It willl also work with most laptops. The one you have now and the one you might own in the future so you won't have to buy another hub.

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/notebook_products/stands/devices/3074

Don't worry about the price advertised on their site, with a little online research you can find them for around $30.00. I bought mine on http://www.buy.com/.

Get your GMAIL from within MS Outlook

2010-06-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

Surprise ... you can use Outlook to send/receive gmail. I'm always surprised by how many people do not know they can do this.

If you are using MS Outlook 2007
http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=77689

If you are using MS Outlook 2003
http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=77661

Have you heard about Groupon?

2010-06-22T13:39:00.001-04:00

Groupon is an interesting shopping site. Check it out here: http://www.groupon.com/learn

See what is being said about Groupon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupon
http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2010/march/205042.html

Tweets to help

2010-06-22T13:32:00.001-04:00

Are you confused about Twitter and how it may help your business?
Seeing how others are using Twitter can give you ideas of how to make it work for you.

@DunkinDonuts

@NakedPizza

@google

@TheEconomist

Ways to be safer on the internet

2010-06-22T13:13:00.001-04:00

Web/URL Filters: Blocks users from infected sites.
Antivirus: Preferably one that works based on reputation rather than just flags known threats.
Patches/Configuration: Automate software updates so you always have the latest versions eliminating threats from outside sources.
Disk Encryption: Keep prying eyes from viewing lost laptops and devices.
Web Firewalls: Helps to filter attacks.
Cloud Based Computing: Rather than maintaining an on-site computer, utilize cloud-based systems to minimize maintainance and vulnerabilities.

Temporary Break

2010-05-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

Last week my parents came in for a visit so we had 4 adults, 3 large dogs and a cat occupying our home. Although I enjoyed having everyone here, I feel like I am recovering this week. You know ... I just feel a bit out of sorts from my normal schedule being in chaos.

I have several topics I want to post, but I think this week is dedicated to catching up on work. Look for our new posts next week!

Are you maximizing Google?

2010-04-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

Free apps ... Are you aware of all the benefits of having a Google account? Not just the GMAIL, but the access to blogging, picasa, etc. I'll be discussing a couple of the newest Google apps in upcoming posts. Right now I am going to suggest GMAIL and Picasa.

You can create a "Google" account without having to sign up for a GMAIL email address. This gives you access to their free applications like Picasa, Blogger and many more. So how do you find them? Go to Google.com. I'm sure you've been there many times before, but have you clicked on MORE from the top of the screen. Want to see MORE ... than click on EVEN MORE and you get a list of everything.

I would however highly suggest using a Google GMAIL so you have a backup email address should your primary email experience technical difficulties or perhaps your primary email address goes away from a change in job, or change in internet service provider. Your Google GMAIL account doesn't go away unless you cancel it and doesn't cost you anything.

If you don't know about Picasa, you should. It's a great place to upload photos for friends and family to view and it doesn't require them to have a Google login and password. You can organize your photos into albums, arrange them and add captions to each photo as well as a description of the album. What a great way to preserve and share these photos.

Why the recipes?

2010-04-24T20:50:00.000-04:00

I know you can understand why I am providing advice on computer maintenance and the latest electronic gadgets ... but why recipes?

Last summer my husband and I made a pledge to eat healthier. We were tired of feeling tired all the time and carrying around some extra pounds. We had read "You On A Diet" and realized that it's not a diet at all, but really a change in your lifestyle and how you view food. So utilizing information from that book and scouring many resources for recipes for healthier meals we have made a great change in our diets, our weights, and our energy level.

I am very aware of how challenging it can be to come up with menus for daily lunches and dinners, then add the stress of chosing items that are healthy and taste good. So why not share the recipes we have found making it easier for you to make good menu choices.

Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Wrap

2010-04-24T20:31:00.000-04:00

Torn Romaine Lettuce
Grilled Chicken Breasts (sliced into strips)
Chopped tomatoe
Frozen Corn, cooked
Black Beans drained
Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese
Ranch Dressing
Wheat Tortillas
*optional packet of Taco Seasoning

Once your chicken is prepared, place all ingredients onto a warmed tortilla.

Another way to prepare the chicken is to use a 1/2 packet of taco seasoning with 1/2 the required water and simmer the chicken strips for extra flavor.

I grill several (4-6) chicken breasts ahead of time, slice them into strips and place in individual packages in the freezer. This is great for adding chicken to salads or using in wraps for a quick dinner. This is also less expensive than buying prepared chicken strips.

It's a Picnik (Yeah I know it's spelled wrong)

2010-04-23T07:55:00.000-04:00

Seriously this is a cool website! http://www.picnik.com/ is for the artist in all of us. Without specialized skills or software, you can apply special effects to your pictures, add frames, correct bad exposure, whiten teeth, etc ... then save to your computer for email or printing.

You can also use picnik for great gift ideas. Personalize photos then get them printed on canvas, mugs, greeting cards, etc.

Do you want to know why you should try them? There is NO software to download, you can peform creative effects with the FREE version. If you are left craving more options, then upgrade for as little as $2.08 per month.

Are You Addicted to Your Cellphone?

2010-04-19T19:28:00.001-04:00

If you are then you have to check out Callpod. http://www.callpod.com/

Are you running out of outlets in your home to plug in device chargers? Then you might be interested in their "Chargepod'. It allows you to charge up to 6 devices at one time using only one outlet. They have some really great power/charging options.

While you are there ... check out their Bluetooth items as well. You won't regret.

Worth Checking Out Just for the Cool Graphics

2010-04-19T19:24:00.001-04:00

Just one of many cool new apps allowing smartphone users to take a picture of the barcode on an item they are interested in and it will search for a competitive price or a review to help you decide whether or not to make the purchase.

Big In Japan's ShopSavvy is one of those such apps and you can find it here. http://www.biggu.com/apps/ Their graphics make me want to rent a Godzilla movie!

There are several other similar apps if this one is not for you, so search for "barcode scanning application" to see more.

Roasted Vegetables & Pork Tenderloin

2010-04-13T12:04:00.000-04:00

Pork ... the other white meat. :) This is a great one dish recipe.

Place pork tenderloin in a shallow roasting pan coated with non-stick cooking spray.
Add quartered red potatoes, carrots cut into 2" pieces & wedged onions (adjust the amount of vegetables and the size of the tenderloin to the number of people you are feeding)
Drizzle tenderloin and vegetables with olive or canola oil
Sprinkle with dried rosemary and rubbed sage, salt & pepper
Bake uncovered at 450º for 40-50 minutes (meat thermometer should reach 170º) Stir vegetables once during baking.

We serve with applesauce.

What else can I do?

2010-03-31T10:02:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple other things you can keep an eye on to improve your computer's performance.

How much hard drive you are using? If you are at 90%. Clean off some files! Give it room to breath. That leftover 10% isn't enough space to let it function at it's best.
If there are no files you can bear to part with ... then buy an external USB hard drive. Put files on there that you need but don't use as often. I just upgraded to a 1TB, but my 250GB is going to find a nice home from someone looking on ebay. Keep in mind that I am backing up business files, so I needed room for expansion ... thus the 1TB hard drive.
From the start menu find Accessories>System Tools>Disk Cleanup. Run this on occasion to remove files that are not needed.
Disk Defragmenter is also found in the System Tools menu. This program reorganizes your hard drive so related files are located in relative locations making them easier to work together.
Delete your temporary internet files on occasion. I'm not talking once a year either ... once a month if you don't surf an extreme amount. From within Internet Explorer choose Tools>Internet Options>Delete Browsing History and choose what items you want to clean out.

Are you running a bit SLOW?

2010-03-30T16:39:00.000-04:00

Does your computer seem slower than it used to be? Is it your imagination? Probably not.

Over time changes in your computer can affect how your computer performs. Previously I recommended utilizing Microsoft's Free Safety Scanner to assist with regular maintenance. I still suggest running the Free Safety Scanner every 6 weeks or so. You can find it here: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?redir=true. I would like to suggest some other items for you to utilize which will help keep your computer healthy and your maintenance bills low.

Anti-Virus. We all have a program ... we all BETTER have a program. I say this because I was once horrified when someone asked me to help them with their computer and I soon discovered that they didn't feel the need to protect their computer. I then soon also discovered over 200 viruses, 2000+ spyware, thousands of temporary files, and a variety of other issues. ... and they wondered why it wasn't working like it used to.

My recommendation is to not get too comfortable with one program. It's nice that you probably have one installed on your computer for which you pay a subscription. However, I highly recommend running another anti-virus on occasion just to make sure your program is catching everything. A great one is AGV. They offer a free version. It's easy to download and run. It will often find issues your other program did not. http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage.

Registry Cleaner. As you add and remove programs, install updates, etc., your registry files are altered. During these changes some items get let in the registry that shouldn't, or get placed somewhere they shouldn't. A registry cleaner will go through and remove all the errors and this helps to improve your computer's performance. I am currently using Advanced Registry Optimizer (recommended by CNET). The free program will not fix all of your issues, but it will identify them letting you to decide whether or not you should purchase the program. You can find it here http://www.registryoptimizer.com/. There are other free ones out there, just be careful what you use.

Spyware. It's best to remove and prohibit all the spyware you can. Lavasoft offers a free spyware scanner and I like to use it as a backup for the spyware scanner that was included with my anti-virus. You can find the spyware scanner here http://www.lavasoft.com/.

Waiting for a Great Smartphone

2010-03-25T16:27:00.001-04:00

OK all you AT&T subscribers ... you have my sympathy and my envy. Sympathy because your service doesn't work very well in a lot of places (unless you are in a major city), but envy because so far you still have the best phone (iphone).

However there is hope for us Verizon customers. The Motorola Droid is showing promise and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the Google Nexus phone this Spring. What makes me hesitant about the android based phones are their ability to sync with my MS Outlook contacts and calendar. I haven't been able to find someone who says ... "We have an APP for that", at least not yet but trust me I am searching and researching.

I know as a business user, I should probably be using a Blackberry. My husband is certainly addicted to his ... although it's a standard company issue so he didn't choose it, he's just forced to use it. However the Blackberry phones have never really evoked my inner gadget geek. I've heard really good things about the Palm Pre Plus, but Palm uses their own software so without Windows Mobile ... same question, just how well does it sync with MS Outlook?

There has been a wild rumor about Apple releasing the iphone through Verizon Wireless this summer (2010) ... this is still just a rumor, but it may be worth waiting a couple extra months to find out! So in the meantime I am still considering which phone to purchase and keeping my fingers crossed that my old smartphone hangs in long enough so I have more phones from which to choose.

Get the most out of your laptop battery

2010-03-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

I do not like buying laptop batteries anymore than you. Like you, I too have also been given lots of advice on how to extend the life of lithium ion batteries and that advice hasn't been very helpful.

For instance I've always been told to let the batteries drain to almost nothing, then recharge. Well I've been experiencing diminishing battery performance and decided to search for answers. Here is what I found:

Do not fully discharge your laptop battery. Full discharges put additional strain on the battery.
Partially discharging and frequently recharging is better for lithium-ion than one deep discharge. Recharging a partially charged lithium-ion does not cause harm because there is no memory.
Battery life is mainly determined by heat rather than charge / discharge patterns. So seriously consider a chill mat and avoid hot cars, etc.
Did you know that you may be able to recalibrate your battery? Batteries with "Life Indicators" can be recalibrated by performing a deliberate full discharge (literally let it run until the battery dies). Once it is fully discharged recharge to 100%. Remember to turn off your screen saver and sleep modes so it can fully discharge.
Most experts recommend performing a full discharge once a month or every 30 starts. I am guilty of not sticking strictly to this regime, but the full discharge/full charge has seemed to help my battery performance.
Consider removing the battery from a laptop when running on fixed power.
For prolonged storage, keep the battery at a 40% charge level and consider storing it in the refrigerator. DO NOT freeze.
When purchaing a new battery check out the manufacturing date. Do not buy an old stock battery no matter how good the sale price is ... you will get what you pay for.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Buffalo Sauce

2010-02-28T19:18:00.002-05:00

THIS IS A HUGE HIT IN OUR HOUSE.

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
4 boneless chicken breasts
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons milk
1 large egg
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided
6 tablespoons finely chopped drained bottled roasted red bell peppers
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (Frank's)

Preheat oven to 350º
Combine blue cheese, sour cream, lemon juice and pepper in small bowl
But horizontal slit through tickest protion of each chicken breast to form a pocket.
Stuff cheese mixture into pockets in chicken.
Place flour in shallow dish
Combine egg and milk and place in another shallow dish
Place breadcrumbs in shallow dish
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast into the flour, then the egg, and lastly the breadcrums
Place in skiller over medium-high heat
Add 1 tablespoon butter
Cook approximately 4 minutes until chicked is browned on both sides
Place in ovenproof dish and bake at 350º for 30 minutes or until done.

While chicken bakes...
Combine remaining butter, bell peppers, water, worcestershire and garlic in small saucepan on medium heat.
Bring to simmer until butter melts.
Remove from heat and stir in hot sauce. Serve sauce in small bowls with chicken.

We usually need to add more hot sauce for our taste ... so experiment until you get the sauce as hot as you like it. Or leave the bottle of Frank's on the table and let each person spice up their own sauce.

Are you a PC running Windows? This is a MUST for you!

2010-02-24T12:36:00.000-05:00

Microsoft has a great tool that you can run to help improve your computer's performance. I highly recommend running the FULL SCAN on your PC at least once every 4-6 weeks. Everything is performed from the web so there is nothing to install on your computer.

What it provides are scans for Protection, Clean Up, and Tune Up. Even if you already have an antivirus program installed on your computer ... just like the doctor ... it doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. It also reviews your registry files to make sure nothing is out of order and it evaluates your hard drive to determine ways to boost your computers performance.

http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm?redir=true

Keeping them in the yard

2010-02-23T20:17:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love animals. My husband and I rescued two siberian huskies a couple years ago from a shelter in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both had a less than perfect start and suffered abuse from some stupid people, but both now enjoy a very comfortable life. I say this as both are sleeping on my new sofa. (lol) They've had a hard day of playing in the snow and a two mile walk this morning before the road defrosted and became muddy.

Lately we have seen an increase in strays running through the neighborhood and an increase in people posting fliers looking for their lost pets. We have always had siberian huskies, notorious for escaping and running away, and have always used a cable system to contain them to our yard. With the adoption of two young dogs, we were looking for a way that they could run free in our yard without us worrying about them running away.

Our solution was a wireless fence. You probably have heard of the "Invisible Fence" which consists of transmitter collars and a buried underground cable which defines the containment area. The same people who invented the "Invisible Fence" make a wireless fence. So what is the difference? A wireless fence has nothing to install in the ground and consists of a transmitter unit which is placed in your house and a collar with a wireless receiver. So what are the benefits? The wireless fence can be moved to different locations if you relocate and you can add any number of wireless collars to accommodate multiple pets.

Here is a link to the manufacturer's website, however you can find them online at more reasonable prices. We purchased ours on ebay. http://www.petsafe.net/Products/Fencing/Wireless-Fences

White Bean Soup

2010-02-19T20:18:00.000-05:00

2 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced
1 cup EACH chopped onion, celery and carot
2 tablespoons canola oil (or olive oil)
3 cans vegetable broth (14½ ounce cans) you can use chicken broth if you prefer
2 cans beans (15 ounce) rinsed and drained 1 great northern bean and 1 white kidney or cannellini beans
2 cans petite diced tomatoes (14½ ounce)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon pepper

In a large saucepan saute the zucchini, onion, celery and carrot in oil for 5-7 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and summer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Online Music Source

2010-02-18T18:48:00.006-05:00

Are you a music lover?
Are you constantly looking for new music for your MP3 player or iPod?

Go ahead ... click on any artist to take you to the website.
They have a huge selection of artists from all genres and eras.

Doing your part ...

2010-02-18T13:50:00.000-05:00

Do you really need to print that page, email or document? Could you read it on the screen instead?

Can you save that piece of paper that's been printed on one side then print something else on the other side? If not, can you cut the used paper in 1/2 and it use for notes?

It might seem silly, but some serious money can be saved by maximizing office resources. By reducing the use of paper you are also reducing the demand for ink. By using scrap paper for notes you reduce the amount of notepads or tablets you purchase.

It all adds up. The larger the business the more the savings. Next time you are in the market for a printer please consider a double-sided printer to help reduce paper use.

Are you shredding used paper? Did you know it makes great stuffing for shipping or storing fragile items. Save those packing peanuts to fill space in flower pots. If you are a crafty person you might find it fun to use for paper mache. It can also be used to make your own paper. There are many creative uses for shredded paper. Just check Google!

Cilantro-Lime Chicken & Avocado Salsa

2010-02-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

Prepare a marinade for the chicken breasts.

2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro (dried works fine too)
2½ tablespoons fresh lime juice
1½ tablespoons olive oil

Toss prepared marinade with 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves. Let marinade for 3 minutes, remove chicken and discard marinade. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Cook chicken on grill pan indoors or pick a warmer day and fire up the grill!

Prepare salsa.

1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 teaspoons lime juice
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 peeled and chopped avocado

Spoon salsa mixture over grilled chicken. Serve with a rice dish.

OR Slice chicken into strips and place on a wheat tortilla with a dollup of sour cream and a couple spoonfuls of the avocado salsa.

New Website for Lapeer Real Estate Brokerage

2010-02-11T19:19:00.002-05:00

Stephens Design and Team One Town and Country Real Estate worked together to launch Team One's updated website this week. Located at 786 Main Street in Lapeer, Michigan, Team One Town and Country Real Estate is committed to serving its buyers and the local community.

Team One Town and Country wanted to take advantage of the newest technologies and syndication available to REALTORS® through Point2Agent and Realcomp. Their updated website will assist them in providing their clients with the best possible experience when buying or selling a home.

Visit their website

Search Engine Optimization

2010-02-11T11:04:00.001-05:00

Search Engine Optimization is often portrayed as a mythical creature that only some have the ability to see. Truth is anyone can increase their search results or at least provide help to their web designer to elevate their results.

We recently subscribed to Entrepreneur Magazine and have been enjoying our issues. The February 2010 issue featured an excellent article that I feel explains the SEO process so anyone can understand how to utilize their suggestions. Read Article Here

Virtual Faxing

2010-02-08T15:36:00.000-05:00

Many of my clients have been curious about our virtual fax system. So here's the deal.

A little over a year ago we got rid of our dedicated fax line and signed up for a virtual fax. There are many virtual fax companies out there, but after many hours of research we decided to go with MyFax. We should have done this sooner. It's a great service. You can send and receive faxes using your email. Allowing you to read faxes anywhere. The added benefit is now the faxed document has become an electronic document for you to store on your hard drive for as long as you need.

It is so easy to send and receive faxes through the virtual fax and we now have a toll free fax number which is beneficial to our clients and it doesn't cost us anything extra to have the toll free number.

So you ask ... how does this work? If you have a document that is located on your computer or network that you want to send it can be as easy as sending an email. If you have a paper document that you want to fax, not a problem ... just scan it and save the file. If you don't have access to your email, then it's as simple as going to the myfax website and send the fax from there. You can also view received faxes as well as a history of sent and received faxes.

Besides the obvious benefit of not paying for a dedicated phone line for a fax machine, it has reduced other costs as well. Use of paper and ink for example have been reduced because not all faxes are printed. When your dedicated fax machine breaks, if you already have a multi-funtion printer with a scanner you now have a replacement for your fax machine. Now you only have to buy ink/toner for one machine.

The other benefit is that you can send/receive faxes from anywhere you can get your email. So if you have multiple locations your faxes follow you rather than you traveling between locations to receive them or worse having multiple fax lines for each office.

So if you would like to "cut the cord" on the dedicated fax line you should check out myfax.

Practice what you preach

2010-02-05T21:44:00.000-05:00

For awhile now I have been advising Stephens Design clients to utilize more technology offerings to benefit their businesses. This advice included adding a blog to help communicate with their current and perspective clients, as well as using Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In to network with others.

Well today I've started practicing what I preach. This is the first of many posts to come. I plan to cover topics that will effect my clients in both their business and personal lives. Since I am a major gadget geek you will find posts regarding the newest toys out there and where to find useful information.

So I hope you'll stay tuned ...