Brewing these delicious drinks is easy: Fill your cup (avoid using glass) to the very top with ice. Then, pop your favorite K-cup into the machine and set it to brew either 6 or 8 ounces. This will give you a potent shot of flavor that will melt some of the ice and give you the perfect flavor-to-liquid ratio. Stir it up and you’re all set to climb into the hammock and enjoy a nice sunny day.

We have several K-cups perfect for icing, including sweet lemon iced tea, sweet raspberry iced tea, and half and half iced tea and lemonade. If you don’t already have a Keurig, what are you waiting for? We have these popular single-serve coffee brewers right here.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a warm day? Share it with us in the comments!

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Once you click “get started,” you’re taken into the online store with category and price filters on the left-hand side. You can also search for specific products or sort by relevance, price and popularity. This is a great Facebook tool that we hope you’ll take advantage of!

You can visit the new Facebook store here. Happy shopping!

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Pre-Storm Prep

For a list of preparations to take before a winter storm and/or extreme cold, see the FEMA website.

Prevent Broken Gas Pipes and Fires

Before a snow storm occurs:

• In areas where heavy snows are expected, cover the regulator, relief valves, and fill valves with a protective cap or “dome.” This dome will keep out snow, ice, or rain which might clog the regulator if it freezes. In systems using more than one regulator, or where the cover is not in place, make certain the exposed regulator vent is in the downward position to keep out moisture.
• Prior to heavy snow storms, mark the location of the propane tank and other equipment with snow stakes which should extend well above the maximum anticipated snow depth. Consumers whose tanks and piping are not presently marked should mark them now.

During and after the storm:

• Use a broom instead of a shovel when clearing snow off the tank or around the exposed piping, regulator, gauges, or tubing.
• When clearing the roof, avoid shoveling snow onto exposed piping around the propane regulator near the building or onto the propane tank and piping, as well as any meters or other piping that may be in use.
• Check regulator vents on the propane system to be sure they are free of snow, ice or water that could freeze. (A two-stage system has a regulator on the tank and at the entrance of the propane piping to the building; a single regulator is on the tank.) If a regulator vent is clogged with ice or snow, contact your propane supplier immediately.
• Check all gas appliance exhaust and combustion air vents, such as dryer or furnace vents, to be sure they are kept clear of snow and ice.

- Safety Tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

When Operating a Snow Thrower

• Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower.
• Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
• Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
• Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine; don’t add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gasoline can capped, and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.
• If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.

- Safety Tips from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

When Shoveling

• If you have previously suffered a heart attack, have a history of heart disease or lower back problems, have suffered from a shoulder or nee injury, smoke, have high blood pressure/cholesterol levels or lead a generally sedentary lifestyle, please shovel snow with extreme caution. Talk to your doctor before you begin to shovel.
• Avoid caffeine or nicotine before beginning to reduce extra stress on the heart.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stretch and warm your muscles to help prevent injury.
• Dress in several layers and remove some if necessary as you shovel.
• Pick a shovel that’s right for you. A smaller blade picks up less snow, but puts less strain on your back.
• Shovel slowly and take breaks as needed.
• Lift the snow correctly: stand with your feet a hip’s width apart and keep the shovel close to your body. Bend from the knees and tighten your muscles as you life. Do not twist; turn toward the direction you will be moving the snow. Maintain a neutral spine and avoid holding your breath.
• If there is significant accumulation, lift and move snow in layers instead of trying to lift an entire section at once.
• Listen to your body. Stop if you feel any pain.

For Even More Tips

If you’re looking to even better prepare yourself for this oncoming storm, here are some great blizzard safety resources:

• Chiff.com: Top Ten Blizzard Tips – What to Do, How to Prepare
• KidsHealth: Cold, Ice and Snow Safety
• Edmunds.com: 10 Safety Tips for Driving on Snow & Ice

What have you been doing to prepare for tonight’s storm? Sound off in the comments!

Blizzard Image Source: Jason Persse on Flickr

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General Safety

• Wash hands with soap and water before handling food or eating. If you touch raw meat or poultry it is especially important to wash your hands before handing anything else.
• Do not cross-contaminate cutting boards, bowls or other surfaces. Keep raw meat and poultry separate from produce and have specific surfaces for each.
• Wash and sanitize food contact surfaces often.

Turkey Safety

• Thaw turkey in a refrigerator at or below 40°F. Do not thaw on a counter as thawing at room temperature increases bacteria growth on the surface.
• Use a food thermometer. Every part of the turkey should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to check the innermost part of the thighs and wings and the thickest part of the breast to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked. You cannot tell is a turkey is cooked simply by sight.
• Let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before carving it to allow the juices to set.
• Stuffing is an excellent environment for bacteria growth, so keeping the turkey and stuffing separate is recommended. If you must stuff your bird, please see this USDA article for safety tips.
• Carve the turkey with a clean knife and fork; not with a utensil that may have touched it when it was raw.

When Serving

• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Use clean serving utensils for each dish.
• If a loved one is running late and you’re waiting to serve, make sure the food is handled “just right.” Do not let cooked food, meat or poultry remain between 40° and 140°F for longer than 2 hours. Cover dishes or wrap them with tin foil to prevent dryness. See this USDA article for more on what you should do with food if guests are running late.

When Storing

• Do not leave perishable food for longer than 2 hours after cooking is complete.
• Use shallow storage containers and store in smaller portions so the food cools down faster.
• If you plan on eating leftovers within 3 days, store in the refrigerator. Otherwise, label and date your food and place it in the freezer.
• Use gravy within 1 to 2 days.
• If you are unsure if a leftover is safe to eat, “when in doubt, throw it out.”

Minimum Temperatures

• Turkey: 165°F
• Dishes containing eggs: 160°F
• Pork, beef, lamb, and veal: 160°F
• Seafood: 145°F
• Stuffing: 165°F

From the P.C. Richard & Son family to yours, have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Our stores will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving, so see you on Friday!

Photo courtesy of D Sharon Pruitt on Flickr

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1. Digital Photography School

Whether you are simply a casual point-and-shoot camera user or professional photographer, the Digital Photography School website has something for you. They are a strong community of photographers from all levels of experience and share photography, equipment and post production tips. You can also share your own photographs, participate in the reader poll, submit your entry for their photo assignments, participate in their forums, and more.

2. DPhoto Journal

DPhoto Journal is also a community of photographers and, as of this writing, feature almost 270 digital photography tips on their blog. These tips range from video how-tos, to how to sell your photos online, to creating special effects and more. This site also specializes in equipment reviews. Make sure to check all of their blog categories on the left-hand side of the page!

3. Digital Photo Tutorials from Cambridge in Colour

For step-by-step tutorials on camera and imaging basics, photo tools, color management, and advanced topics like specialty camera equipment and macro photography, head over to Cambridge in Colour. They have excellent visuals and spelled-out instructions to make you a photo pro in no time flat. Be sure to also see their list of photography techniques for more on image composition, how to shoot subjects or environments, and lens differences. For similar tutorials, you should also see this free digital photography tutorial site.

4. Digital Photo Magazine

Digital Photo Magazine is available both online and in print. They have an impressive collection of high-quality how-tos on their website that include step-by-step instructions and screenshots on how to achieve professional-looking photographs for even the “beginner shutterbug.” Some of my favorites are ten tips for photographing kids and 10 tips for better travel photos.

5. YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/

You may be thinking, “Really? YouTube?” Yes, really, YouTube! What can’t you learn on YouTube these days? There are some great channels and videos for nothing but digital photography tips, including those from DigitalPhotoGuy, WhatDigitalCamera, MomPhotographer, photo151, and camerahouse1983. There are thousands of digital photography videos on there, so you’re pretty guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Image credit: kevindooley on Flickr

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• At night, open your windows and turn on any ceiling fans so that they are spinning counter-clockwise to circulate the air. In the morning, close the windows to trap the cooler air inside while it lasts (especially during peak heat times of 10am – 2pm). Closing your blinds and curtains will help the cooler air last longer, espeically on the south or west sides of your home where the sun beats most.
• Avoid caffeine close to bedtime, as it raises body temperature.
• Turn off the computer, stereo, TV, desk lamp or any electronic that generates heat when not in use.
• Wear loose, light-colored cotton or linen clothing to give your skin air to breathe.
• Placing a container of ice in front of a window or fan can act like a mini-A/C and offers surprisingly satisfying relief.
• Take on the town! Get out and peruse your town’s shops, restaurants, or libraries that have air conditioning. Hot afternoons are the perfect time to run errands and go to the supermarket.
• Put mint in a glass of water or use skin care products infused with it to refresh yourself with a nice cooling sensation.
• Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, including leafy lettuces, corn on the cob, cucumbers, watermelon, and summer squash. You can also sweat out the heat with spicy foods like hot peppers, fresh ginger, horseradish, and black pepper.
• Alternatively and surprisingly enough, try to avoid ingesting foods that are lower than your actual body temperature. Ice cream will initially cool you off for 15 minutes or so, but your body will soon increase blood flow to warm you back up.

Here is a recipe that uses two of the cooling foods we’ve listed above that avoids heating up any appliances and will keep your family refreshed:

Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Mint Leaves

Prep time: 20 minutes; Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (5-pound) watermelon
• 1 Vidalia or other sweet onion
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 6 whole mint sprigs

Directions:

Source: Paula Deen & Food Network

How do you keep cool in the summer? Let us know in the comments!

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1. Change the filter often during the cooling season

While your air conditioner is cooling you off, it’s acting as an air purifier as it prevents outside debris from blowing into your home. When was the last time you took a look at your unit’s air filter? Cleaning or changing it will increase efficiency, decrease your energy bill, and can potentially benefit your family’s health. Make a mental note to clean the filter at least once a month in the summer to keep your A/C running like new.

2. Leaks can affect the performance of your air conditioner

Window A/C units are always difficult to seal correctly. To see if you have a leak around your windows, light a stick of incense and hold it where the unit and window frame meet. If the smoke blows around, there’s a leakage. Nothing a little foam, tape or weather seals can’t fix!

3. You can increase efficiency by placing the unit on the north or east side of your house

The sun, the reason why we need air conditioners in the first place, can really affect the output of your units. Try to shield them from the sun as much as possible, as putting them in direct sunlight reduces their efficiency by up to 10%.

4. Shield the unit inside, too

Increase the life of your unit by closing blinds and shades around the unit when you are not in the room. You should also consider running floor or ceiling fans (that are turning counter-clockwise) as well to aid in cooling. The air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard and will therefore last longer. Plus, fans will move the dry air your air conditioner dehumidifies around.

5. Air conditioners have changed considerably from 10 years ago

Cooling technology and federal laws for efficiency have come a long way since the last time you may have purchased a window unit; the investment you make now could very well pay for itself over time. When purchasing a new unit, check the energy efficiency ratio, or EER. Devices with higher numbers will cost less to operate. You can also read our article on how to choose the right air conditioner for you.

Our pre-season air conditioner installation sale is still going strong, so now is the time to purchase a new unit! Ask your P.C. Richard & Son sales associate or click our live chat help on any product page on our website for information on how to keep cool this season.

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Now is a great time to invest in some spring cleaning. Your refrigerator, with its expired condiments, corner grime and dusty condenser coils, should be one of your first candidates for cleaning. Here are some step-by-step instructions on making your fridge look and perform like new, and tips on how to keep it that way year round.

Preparation

You’ll need to block out anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half of your day in order to really clean out your appliance. Scrubbing down your fridge right before you go to the grocery store is the perfect time, as it will have the least amount of contents in it. Because your refrigerator will be open while you are cleaning, you’ll want to power it down and conserve energy. Loosen the bulb in your fridge until it goes out. Then, set the temperature dial to “off” and unplug it.

Take all of the food off the shelves, drawers and from the door and put it in a cooler. Check for any expired or unnecessary items that you can dispose of. If you can’t remember the last time you used an item or can’t read the date on it, throw it out!

Cleaning

Next, fill your sink with warm, soapy water and remove all of the shelves, drawers, and racks from your fridge. If you have any glass or ceramic, make sure it cools down to room temperature before you place it in the water or you will risk cracking it. Once you wash and rinse the shelves, set them aside and let them dry while you clean out the inside of the fridge.

Mix a half quart of hot water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda and wipe down the inside of your fridge with a wet rag or sponge. For tight corners or grime that just won’t come up, try scrubbing with a toothbrush. Don’t forget any of the compartments or the inside of the door! The baking soda mixture will neutralize any odors in the fridge, but if there isn’t any available then soap and water will do. Never use harsh or abrasive cleaners as they can damage the finish and compromise the lining, making it cost more to keep the fridge cool.

After you’ve wiped down the entire inside of your fridge, rinse it with a clean rag or sponge and dry. Place the shelves and drawers back if they are dry and wipe down the rubber molding with warm soapy water. This is a good time to inspect your molding and consider replacing it if necessary, as this will also keep the fridge cooling efficiently. Rubber molding in poor condition will result in temperature fluctuations and will increase energy costs.

Wash the outside of your refrigerator with antibacterial cleaner and remove the drip pan underneath if you have one. Wipe it with the same antibacterial cleaner, rinse and let it dry before placing it back.

You will also find a metal plate near the floor of your fridge, either in the front or the back. Remove it, wash it down, and vacuum the entire area. Use the vacuum hose to remove the dust from the condenser coil as well to optimize efficiency. Once the metal plate is dry, place it back.

That’s it on scrubbing and vacuuming! You can now plug the fridge back in, tighten the light bulb and set the temperature. Let your refrigerator become cool again before placing your food back. Check all of your items for any dirt on the bottom and wipe down any sticky jars or canisters; you wouldn’t want to undo all of the cleaning you just did! You may also want to consider placing an open box of baking soda in your fridge to keep it always smelling fresh.

Future Maintenance and Tips

In the future, check all of your groceries for any unclean items and wipe them down to minimize the frequency you’ll need to clean your entire fridge. Clean any messes that occur immediately to avoid bacteria, mold, mildew, odor, and even food-borne illnesses. On that same note, always store leftovers, open meats, cheeses, perishable items, and strong foods in separate airtight containers. Otherwise, they can absorb odors from and contaminate other foods, such as fruits and vegetables.

Try to clean off the condenser coil regularly to optimize the performance of your refrigerator. Whenever you clean it, try to also clean off at least one of your shelves or drawers inside so you don’t have to wash the whole thing down as frequently.

Do you have any other good tips for cleaning your fridge? Let us know in the comments.

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It happens to the best of us: you stumble across a website or open an e-mail that suddenly unleashes havoc on your computer. Pop-up windows start flying everywhere, you can’t launch a single program, and your machine is rendered useless. You can prevent this from happening or try to fix your problems with the free programs below:

Spybot: Search and Destroy
Spybot is a great free program that detects and removes adware and spyware, which is software that obtains information from a your computer without your consent . Even if you do not see anything wrong with your computer, you should update and run this software weekly to clean out any spyware that’s tracking your surfing behavior or has installed malicious adware. For more information on how to install, scan and clean your computer, head on over to Spybot’s tutorial page.

AdAware
AdAware protects your computer from from viruses, spyware, trojans, rootkits, keyloggers, password stealers, and much more. The free-for-personal-use version is very effective at removing spyware and adware, but anti-virus capabilities are only included in the paid versions starting at $26.95. This is another program that should be run at least once a week if possible. AdAware’s website has a list of video tutorials to help you get to know the program.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition
AVG picks up the viruses that the free versions of Spybot and AdAware don’t. AVG’s free edition will make sure you can’t get or spread a virus, worm, or Trojan horse that can destroy your machine and repairs or throws what it finds into quarantine. This program should be set to scan every night if possible, as viruses are usually what kills your computer over spyware. Like AdAware, AVG has some good video tutorials to walk you through their program.

avast! Free Anti-Virus
avast! is very similar to AVG but with a few differences: while AVG only allows a full system scan, avast! offers quick scans that search for infections only in typical folders on your computer. This is good if you’re being proactive in your anti-virus protection and want to frequently check your computer without spending hours on the scan. It also automatically updates itself, while AVG is manually updated. AVG is more well-known and does tend to update faster and has more stable servers, so whichever you choose is really up to your preference. They have an active support community to help answer any questions you may have.

Knoppix
Knoppix is a small operating system that doesn’t require installation– it boots right from a CD. In the unfortunate event that you get a virus that you simply can’t remove, Knoppix makes it possible to backup all of your important files without loading Windows. Simply download Knoppix for free, burn it onto a CD, pop it in the infected computer and back up your files onto a portable hard drive. For more detailed instructions, check out this guide to Computer First Aid Using Knoppix.

There are many more free software packages to use to help protect yourself from virus and spyware attacks, but these are a few of the more popular choices. What software do you use to protect your computer?

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Did you know that every time you purchase a video game or video game accessory at P.C. Richard & Son, you earn points toward a $50 gift card good for any purchase? Our Video Game Rewards Program is free to join and definitely worth checking out. Why buy video games anywhere else when you can earn free money at P.C. Richard?

Our program is free to join and also gives you access and information to pre-orders and special events. Plus, not only do you get 300 points just for joining, but we’ll send you exclusive points promotions throughout the year to help you get your gift cards faster. You can redeem these cards both in-store and online.

You will receive 1 point for every dollar spent on video games and video game accessories, like controllers. For every 1000 points you earn, you’ll receive a $50 gift card! Basically, for every 20 games you purchase at $50 you’ll receive one $50 game free. Remember, that’s before the additional points you receive at sign up and throughout the year.

The next time you buy a video game in our stores or on pcrichard.com, sign up for the video game rewards program and start reaping the benefits!

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