USA Travel Magazine

Chef Richard Ruskell, Food Network’s ‘Last Cake Standing’ Winner – Where Is Richard Today?

Chef Richard Ruskell is the Food Network’s ‘Last Cake Standing’ champ, whose citrus and chocolate cake has a starring role on the menu as St. Vincent Meals on Wheels celebrated the FRUGAL FOODIE series kick-off reception recently held at the SVMOW Kitchen in downtown Los Angeles.

Richard Ruskell also offers tips in his FRUGAL FOOD TIP video that showcases his tip on using citrus peel and as well as left-over chocolate cake for a uniquely delectable dessert he calls Earth Cake, finished with a decorative citrus “dust”created by dehydrating the zest.

For Foodies, they can learn new recipes and cooking advice via the FRUGAL FOODIE mobile-friendly web series that features a wide range of chefs’ tips on creating recession-proof, gourmet meals. Upcoming series will include Evan Kleiman, Mark Gold, Suzanne Tracht, Onil Chibas, Richard Ruskell, Joe Miller, Sherry Yard, Ashley Reed, Mirko Paderno, with a different video debuting every other week.

Chef Ruskell will also be featured on the Food Network’s special seasonal series, HALLOWEEN WARS, which premieres a brand-new season in Early October.

One of the great things about Richard’s victory is it benefits St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and The Frugal Foodie Fund.

Where Is Richard Today?

According to his Food Network Bio, he cheer’s on the Bruins at UCLA, where he is currently the executive pastry chef. He also share’s his talent by teaching cake decorating, pastry and chocolate. We look forward to his future culinary delights!

Find delicious recipes and more at the Food Network by visiting their website.

Enjoy Winter Recreation and More At The Shanty Creek Resorts

Shanty Creek Resorts offer travelers a 4,500-acre recreational complex perched above the village of Bellaire, which makes it the perfect winter destination for recreation and adventure. For more than 25 years, Ohio businessman Steve Light has been bringing his family and friends north each winter to ski at Shanty Creek Resorts near Traverse City. “There are higher mountains, and there are places with more runs, but the overall atmosphere of that area makes it a great place to get away to,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve brought up there, and they all have the same reaction. The overall experience is just hard to beat.”

Steve is a member of the dedicated cadre of downhill enthusiasts who love the gentle glacier-carved terrain of northwestern Michigan, which prides itself on the diversity of its winter experiences, the physical beauty of its surroundings, and its growing reputation as a culinary and cultural hotspot. And in recent years, its relatively moderate winter price structure has made the area around Traverse City even more attractive as a ski destination.

Sprawling across an undulating plateau in Michigan’s Chain of Lakes region, you’ll discover that the Shanty Creek is actually a complex of three interlocking “villages” — Summit, Cedar River, and Schuss. These villages are connected by trail systems and serviced by a reliable shuttle system. Its ski areas feature a 450-foot vertical with 53 runs for every ability level.

In recent years the resort has developed an impressive reputation as one of the region’s premiere snowboarding destinations, with four terrain parks and a tubing park, and it is continuing to hone that image with a major renovation and expansion of its Schuss Mountain terrain parks with more than 150 feet of new equipment, including a battleship box, an S-rail, a C-rail and a rainbow rail.

Best of all? The resort offers what it calls “Michigan’s most affordable lift ticket,” the Summit Only package. At just $15 a day, it’s considered one of the best ski values in America, and includes a ski/snowboard rental option for an additional $20 a day.

“People like that option because it’s so affordable,” says Shanty spokeswoman Lindsey Southwell. “A family of four can ski and get rental equipment for less than $150.” Known as the region’s leading full-service winter resort for skiing, tubing and snowboarding, the Shanty Creek Resort is defiantly a winter paradise worth visiting!

Plan Your Visit To Shanty Creek Resort

To check out the ski packages available, and plan your winter adventure at the Shanty Creek Resorts call 1-800-678-4111 or check their website at www.shantycreek.com.

Explore more about recreation and adventures to experience in the Traverse City area, and options for with lodging, dining and other year-round fun by calling the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-TRAVERSE or visit their Web site at www.traversecity.com.

Sit Comfortably Anywhere With The BackJoy

Like many travelers, we like to drive to our destinations so we can enjoy the sights along the way. Whether flying in to your destination or taking a road trip driving for long periods of time can take toll on your back, yet with BackJoy and BackJoy Posture + we find relief from the strain and pains.

We discovered how helpful the BackJoy is while driving South through Indiana, and found the it made a big difference compared to our previous trip without it. The key is BackJoy’s ability to help you sit with a natural and balanced spine. I’ve taken the BackJoy on our trips, used it while watching TV on the couch, and while sitting at my desk working. BackJoy will also be ideal for the long flight we plan to take later this year! I love the fact that it a light weight and we can take it anywhere.

The key to using the BackJoy or the BackJoy Posture + is to follow the sitting instructions so you experience the most relief for your back pain. You can also watch the how to sit video that is helpful. There is also a version of BackJoy that utilizes Memory Foam, which shapes itself to the contours of your body. This version is especially helpful for those who suffer from pressure points, and for those who sit for long periods of time.

BackJoy offers relief from back strain and painWorking behind a desk all day often adds to my back pain. And, with the BackJoy it not only helps improve my posture, it also takes the pressure off my diaphragm so I can breathe easier. Just sit in it and use the handle area to pull it into place, and you can fell the raise back rest tucking up next to your back, and almost instantly feel comfortable.

Many people with back pain have discovered relief quickly; it all depends on your current conditions and how often you use the BackJoy and BackJoy Posture +. The BackJoy is also helpful for conditions that include Arthritis, Herniated Discs, Compressed or Degenerated Discs, Hip Injuries, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, and other back or spinal pains.

The BackJoy can be used on couches, chairs, cushions, and mobile chairs as well. I’ve never been able to sit for very long due to a accident, yet because BackJoy helps me sit properly it feels like I’m cradled in comfort, and find relief for my back pain. And, before using the BackJoy it was difficult to sit on the floor comfortably so I could play with our kittens. Now, with this BackOrthotic, I can enjoy these moments without discomfort.

For those seeking comfort on the go you can now pack the BackJoy Posture +, and be comfortable while traveling. The BackJoy Posture + is the latest addition to the collection, and is available in blue, and pink. When it comes to comfort it does not matter what color your BackJoy is as long as it relieves your pain.

We’ve enjoyed to relief from our BackJoy so much we’ve shared it with our family and friends. It’s always nice when you can help someone, and this is what this BackOrthotic was designed to do; offer relief. I’ve found it most comfortable using the BackJoy Posture + while I’m reading. It allows me to sit comfortably and finally get through more than one chapter.

Another great use for the BackJoy Posture + it watching a movie at a Drive-In. since it’s just as portable, we can take it with us in our backpack or tote. The BackJoy Posture + is cushioned and soft, adding additional comfort we you need it most. Our friends have even taken their BackJoy Posture + to a football game.

Learn More and Order Your Backjoy

Whether taking a road trip, watching a movie with family and friends, or enjoying a great book; the BackJoy and BackJoy Posture + offer relief from back pain! Visit their website for current news and product information about ordering your Backjoy!

Find Local Saving & More On The Warren County CVB Website

We use our phone to discover new places to visit while on the road. More folks are using their devices to explore travel destinations, and for Warren County vacation planning, just visit the Warren County CVB website, where you’ll find guides and information for your trip. Their site offers news on attractions, entertainment, plus, great packages to help you plan your trip to Warren County.

You’ll discover a variety of features that connect you to local resources so you can spend less time finding where to go, and more time enjoying your trip. The click-to-call functionality for all phone numbers makes it easy to contact a hotel, restaurant or attractions you want to visit.

We like the layout of their site, and how easy it is to find places to like restaurants. When you’re hungry, the thing you want to do is go hunting for the restaurant. The planning tools on the site are ideal for finding accommodations like the cozy Kirkwood Inn to the Great Wolf Lodge, and other area hotels. Then there are the attractions like Kings Island, The Beach Waterpark, Ozone Ziplines, and many more to enjoy on your trip. You can search for attractions by the area you want to visit or type a name. There’s also a great list of calendar of events that features local festivals and activities to join.

We travel often, and the best part of checking in with the area resources are the local discount and coupons available. If there is a special available in the region the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau is one of the first place to know about it. They list it, and you can take advantage of the saving on the spot with no need to hunt around the area for coupons.

Plan Your Trip To Warren County, Ohio

There’s so much to experience in Warren County that one visit is not enough! Check out Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau website and start planning your adventure today!

Photo Credits: Ben O Bro

Eco-Friendly Cooking With La Chamba Clay Cookware

Cooking allows us to come up with creative recipes to enjoy with our family and friends. Over the years we’ve collected a combination of cook ware for almost every need. One addition to our collection is the part of the La Chamba Clay Cookware that is a eco-friendly alternative for cooking.

Whether cooking a roast or a pot of chili, the La Chamba Clay Cookware cooks evenly and is easy to clean afterwards. The all-natural pottery comes from the village La Chamba Colombian, and has been hand crafted by the artisans there for generations.

We’ve used ours for cooking beef stew and it is great to cabbage and corned beef as well. And, there are no glazes used on the La Chamba Clay Cookware. Each piece is amazing burnished with smooth stones.

We seasoned our according to the directions, and have used it in the microwave for heating up quick dishes, and on the stove top. – Do remember to get a heat diffuser if you have a electric stove. It is great for everything from mash potatoes to macaroni and cheese, and it is easy to create a delicious roast because the LaChamba Clay Cookware can be used in the oven as well.

When looking for some fresh ideas for a meal be sure to visit the Toque Blanche web site at the link below that has cooking tools and savory recipes. Our favorite is the Flavors of Morocco section: The Moroccan Salad Sampler.

For this Orange Olive Salad you gather 4 Naval oranges and cut them into supremes, and then cut the sections into 3pieces.

Add it a 1/8 cup of pitted black olives that have been coarsely pitted and chopped. (Dry cured black olives work best)

Then add in a ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion rings that have been sliced into quarters.

Place the orange pieces on a plate, and top with onions and olives, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Now you have a delightful and refreshing salad for any occasion. This is just one of the great recipes you’ll find on the Toque Blanche web site!

There are 40 different styles of cookware, dinnerware, and servingware available in the collection, which make a great gift for friends and family as well.

Learn More About The La Chamba Clay Cookware

To view the entire collection of La ChambaClay Cookware visit www.MyToque.com.

Get Your Game Spirit On With The Top 10 NFL Pre-Game Destinations for Tailgaters!

It’s finally Football Season, and if you’re ready to get in the game, Cheapflights.com, the online leader in publishing travel deals, has put together a list of Top 10 NFL Pre-Game Destinations for Tailgaters. Millions of sports fans across the country catch Sunday football on the television during the season. Then again, why not step up your game spirit and participate in the ultimate football experience; the tailgate party.

As fans know, each tailgate party is unique and here are 5 of the Destinations on Cheapflights.com’s Top 10 Tailgate Parties:

Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.: Patriots fans take tailgating serious and are known for cooking up some great food. And, what’s on the menu? Well, you can forget plain burgers and fries; they’re cooking up stick-to-your-ribs clam chowder, fresh lobsters and juicy steaks. Fans travel from all over New England to Foxborough, situated between Boston and Providence, and partake in the tailgating experience every Sunday morning of the season. While it’s common knowledge that New England fans are boisterous no matter which sport is playing, if you’re looking for a quiet place before a Pats game, you probably won’t find it at Gillette Stadium. Search and compare cheap flights to Boston.

Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, Ohio: Team Spirit rules the parking lots of Paul Brown Stadium as orange and black cover everything from old RVs to painted bare bellies. Cincinnati Bengals fans love to chow down their beloved Cincinnati chili made up of cheese, spaghetti and the occasional addition of oyster crackers.

Cleveland Browns Stadium – Cleveland, Ohio: In Cleveland, fans love to pull out all the stops and secretly compete for the legendary status as tailgater at Cleveland’s Dawg Pound. Cleveland Browns fans get the party started at 7am, and, within no time, the smell of grilled brats fills the air and beer cans get passed around. A Brown’s tailgating classic is Beer-can chicken. Yes, they literally stuff a chicken with a full can of beer.

Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.: Kansas City Chiefs’ fans light up the smokers a day early and camp out overnight to ensure they are raring to go Sunday morning. It’s rare for many NFL stadiums to reach the sort of status of college tailgating, but Arrowhead attendees do it weekly. Part of their secret to success is a mastery of a tailgating menu, and Chief’s fans have mastered their barbecue.

Invesco Field at Mile High – Denver, Colorado: The Mile High City is home to some of the nation’s wildest fans. The Denver Broncos tailgating experience at the Invesco Field, previously the Sports Authority Field, is filled with local microbrews and tasty Mexican fare. Don’t forget to chant “IN-COM-PLETE” when the visiting quarterback incompletes a pass. Also, be sure to check out the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, located right at Gate 1, dedicated to the state’s most prized athletes. Plus, around the stadium are plenty of top-rated restaurants to hit up after the tailgating festivities.

Also on the top ten list of tailgating destinations worth checking out are: Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa Lambeau Field – Green Bay, Wis. Sun Life Stadium – Miami Gardens, Fla Reliant Stadium – Houston, Texas

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Honors Students Making A Difference

The Top 10 Youth Volunteers In America - Making A Difference

Today’s youth may seem wilder than we were back in the day, yet they’re making big moves and changing the world for the better by volunteering.

Each year, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honors middle and high school students whose service has made a positive difference in communities across America and around the world.

The program has recognized nearly 100,000 young heroes since its start 16 years ago.People who are looking for a way to help their communities may consider looking into an online social work degree.

Learn more about the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards band how to apply visiting their website.

Inspiring Healthy Eating With Community Programs

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one out of every eight U.S. households experiences food insecurity. Access to healthy food is an important factor in your health, and for millions of Americans, it remains elusive. “Access to healthy food remains elusive for many Americans. But there are ways to find good nutrition even with lesser means.

“An inability to access healthy food, and the important nutrients they contain, can cause both immediate and long-term health problems, especially for children. For many Americans of lesser means, this problem can stem from a lack of healthy food sources in their neighborhood and means of transportation to access sources in other communities,” said Dr.

Andrea Gelzer, senior vice president of medical affairs for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need. “As a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO), we are placing an increasing emphasis on helping our members find and access sources of fresh produce, grains and other nutritious foods.” Resources that Americans most in need can turn to for finding and obtaining healthy food include:

Grocery Store Programs

An increasing number of grocery stores have nutritionists on staff. They meet with customers, explain how to make their diets healthier, and even teach them how to find healthy foods. Some grocery stores also offer cooking demonstrations. Some supermarket companies specialize in offering products, programs and services that better meet the needs of people with limited financial resources. At the very least, large grocery stores offer a much wider variety of fresh produce, whole grains and other healthy foods than are often available in small neighborhood stores.

Many low-income communities lack such grocery stores, and people without their own transportation may have difficulty accessing healthy food sources. Medicaid enrollees who are eligible for home and community-based services (HCBS) can get transportation for nonmedical services such as grocery shopping. Senior citizens may also be able to access paratransit services. Medicaid enrollees who are covered by a managed care plan but don’t qualify for HCBS or senior citizen services can check with their health plan to see what resources might be available.

Organizations in the Community

If your challenge is less about finding sources of healthy food than getting to them, there are options that can help you shop for groceries, or even do it completely on your behalf. There are also food banks, some of which have off-site distributions, even in rural areas. If you are a senior citizen, you can find out about them by contacting your area agency on aging.

Look for Faith-Based Groups

Religious institutions of all faiths generally have it in their mission to provide aid to those in need. Some organize food drives or even prepare meals for the neediest. They may also help find other organizations that provide such services. AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need.

Learn more AmeriHealth Caritas by following the link provided.

We thank our Guest Contributor for sharing this PSA information. Using the link above to learn more about this discussion.

Gennett Walk of Fame Music Festival Brings Together A Battle of the Blues Contest

If you have a band, then you could be Starr-Gennett’s official Blues Band of the Year and win 8 hours of studio time.

The Starr-Gennett Foundation is looking for the best regional blues bands to battle for the title at this year’s ‘Mo’ Blues Festival.

Enter your band today by sending an email with either a link to your band’s demos or just send a few mp3’s.

The battle will be held on September 10 at 2:00 p.m. and the top two bands will play off for the title just before the featured evening concert.

First place wins the title and plaque for 2011, studio time to record, and Gennett Blues t-shirts for each band member.

The Submission deadline is June 30. So get your Band registered!

Send submissions, including your contact name, band name, and music links/demos, to:Terri Hardy at thardy@starrgennett.org or call (765) 962-2860 for more information.

Pets Celebrate The Season At The Hotel Allegro’s Santa Paws Event

The Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro in Chicago is inviting neighborhood pets and hotel guests’ companions to join the festivities as they celebrate the Holiday Season with their Annual Santa Paws event. This is a wonderful time to enjoy time with your furry friends for holiday treats and photos with Santa. This year’s event takes place from on Saturday and Sunday in Mid December.

During the Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro’s festivities Santa will pose for professional snapshots with all the pooches, critters and even creepy crawlers. Don’t forget to bring along your camera or snap photos with your smart phones of your pets to share with friends and family. And, it’s a wonderful times to help support Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society by giving a optional donation. during Santa Paws the Anti-Cruelty Society will have several shelter dogs joining the fun, and perhaps, their holiday wish will come true – finding a new owner! All shelter dogs will be available for adoption, so if you’re looking to find a new friend you wish may come true too!

President and COO, Niki Leondakis invites everyone to join the festive event, “Whether you’re a guest staying in our hotels or a neighborhood friend popping into our restaurants, there’s always an element of fun and a sense of playfulness around. Our annual Santa Paws event is a feel-good gathering. We think it adds an unexpected element of holiday cheer to see so many beloved family pets all groomed and excited and ready for their picture with Santa.”

While Santa Paws is mostly enjoyed by dogs and their owners, the Kimpton Hotel Allegro is an inclusive and diverse company that welcomes all pets. And, if you’re pets can fit through the door, they’re welcome to see Santa for holiday pictures. So, you never know what animals you see at the Hotel Allegro, but it’s certain to be a exciting weekend for everyone!

Plan Your Trip To The Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro

To discover more about the Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro Santa Paws event, and specials available, or to book your reservation visit www.AllegroChicago.com or www.Facebook.com/HotelAllegro.