American Flatbread In Burlington, Vt Creates Food With Heart

If you’re looking for delicious, wholesome pizza in Burlington, look no further than American Flatbread! This restaurant may be famous for all-natural pizza cooked in wood-fired ovens, but they also illustrate a commitment to sustainable living and strong community involvement.

Founded by George Schenk in 1985, American Flatbread now has four restaurants and offers “mobile bakes” for special events. Their dedication to the communities in which they live and work has led them to participate in numerous charitable events to raise funds, provide nutritious meals to hardworking medical staff, and educate children about the value of a well-prepared meal.

American Flatbread’s tasty pizzas start with as many locally-obtained materials as possible, often including the ovens in which they are baked! The Burlington, VT location features a hand-crafted oven constructed of red rock, which is local to the area. Fresh, organic vegetables like summer squash, mushrooms, and tomatoes, as well as seasonings like basil, are the key to creating colorful, flavorful pizzas that sustain the spirit as well as fill empty tummies. Individuals with special dietary needs can enjoy these pizzas too – American Flatbread is happy to “customize” their creations to accommodate a variety of nutritional concerns.

The company’s commitment to quality, fresh pizzas originated with its founder and owner, George Schenk. An author, naturalist, and philosopher, he has focused his work around his beliefs, integrating a vision for a sustainable food supply into every undertaking. American Flatbread has made their flatbread crusts available through an online store on their website for people to enjoy when they aren’t able to visit one of their restaurants. Flatbread pizza crusts come with a variety of toppings, but they all start with 100% organically grown wheat, Vermont water, organic cornmeal, kosher salt, and fresh yeast.

American Flatbread is proud of their history of constructing the proper tools – their ovens – along with their tradition of using the best ingredients, every time, for their pizzas. Their company has evolved over time as they have engaged in partnerships to introduce their product to a wider audience and in doing so, to bring their message of sustainable food, food education, and helping others to their new communities.

Residents and visitors to the Burlington area enjoy eating American Flatbread’s pizzas because they taste great and are good for them, but those who take the time to understand the company’s history and development also appreciate being able to admire and respect its vision and message.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/29/american-flatbread-in-burlington-vt-creates-food-with-heart/

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent

Today we feautre an infographic on the top 10 reasons to hire a real estate agent:

Courtesy of: Park City Real Estate – JensenandCompany.com

via http://benchmark.us/top-10-reasons-to-hire-a-real-estate-agent/

5 High Tech Gadgets to Take Your Home into the Future

Are you buying a new home or updating your current one? Adding a few modern, high-tech gadgets can rocket your home into a positive direction. New home gadgets can help to modernize your home, and also make your home safer and more secure. Below are a few must-have, tech-savvy devices.

Vivint Home Automation

The Vivint Home Automation system is an all-in-one system that allows you to control your home security from anywhere. You can lock and unlock your home door from your smartphone. Have your kids ever left their house keys at school? With the Vivint system you can easily let the kids inside by using your smartphone or other web enabled device. A video surveillance system helps you know exactly what is happening inside your home. This system allows you some control of your home while you are gone.

Canary Home Security Device

Ensuring that your new home is safe is a top priority. The Canary Home Security Device alerts you to emergencies happening inside your home. Even if you are away from home, you can choose how to respond to an emergency easily from your smartphone. You can choose to call the police or text a neighbor. This security device takes high-quality video with a night vision HD camera.

August Smart Lock

The August Smart Lock allows you to choose who enters a room. The door automatically locks after the door shuts. This locking device allows you to feel more secure at home or when you are away. If you have guests coming, they can be invited, and the door will unlock for them.

Nest Thermostat

The Nest Thermostat helps you stay comfortable while you are in your home. It learns your comfort level and adjusts the temperature automatically. It also has an automatic away mode which detects when you leave your house and sets the temperature accordingly. This feature can help you save money on your electricity bill.

Spotter Sensor

The Spotter Sensor is a wonderful tool that can help keep your home in working order. It will automatically alert you of certain types of changes. For example, it can automatically adjust the humidity in a wine cellar or alert you if someone comes into a certain area. It can also automatically turn on a light when you open a door. The Spotter Sensor can be controlled conveniently with your smartphone.

via http://benchmark.us/5-high-tech-gadgets-to-take-your-home-into-the-future/

Some Of The Best Chocolate In The Country Is Here In Burlington, VT

If you’re a chocolate fan, Burlington has a chocolate factory you cannot miss. Lake Champlain Chocolates is a privately owned chocolate manufacturer, founded in 1983 by Jim Lampman. Jim owned a restaurant, and would order chocolates for his staff during the holidays. One day, the pastry chef let him know that he thought he could do better, and Jim took him up on the challenge. And so they say, Lake Champlain Chocolates was born.

Although they started small, Lake Champlain Chocolates now sells chocolate around the nation. You can find their wares in 2000 specialty chocolate stores, and they have three retail stores in Vermont, including the factory itself. They’ve even have started selling chocolate directly to consumers online, so you can order chocolate directly from your own home. Once you have a taste you’ll enjoy the convenience of getting more ordered straight to you!

There’s no better way to try their chocolates than by taking a tour of their factory. Back in 1998 they moved into a 24,000 square foot facility, where they make their chocolate to this day. The tour is free, and happens on the hour Monday through Friday. So you can drop in whenever it’s convenient, and watch chocolates being made right in front of your eyes. And of course, free samples are available as part of the tour. Depending on the season you might also catch a glimpse of some of their bigger creations. A giant easter bunny, perhaps? Or if you’re visiting in the New England Fall, you could catch a glimpse of a chocolate turkey somewhere in the factory.

Their chocolates have won regional and national acclaim, and have they have received accolades from the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and Yankee magazine. They’ve also recently become fair trade certified, meaning that everyone, from the farmers, to the transporters, and to the chocolate makers, are treated and compensated fairly.

Whether you’re visiting or live in the area, Lake Champlain Chocolates is one of Burlington’s highlights, and an attraction that is worth seeing.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/22/some-of-the-best-chocolate-in-the-country-is-here-in-burlington-vt/

The Average First Time Home Buyer [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today we feature an infographic created by the Benchmark Media Team about first time home buyers.

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Preservation Burlington Is Working To Protect Historic Architecture

Designated as one of the prettiest towns in the U.S., Burlington has a proud history. 15 years ago, local residents came together to spearhead efforts toward the preservation of some of the town’s historic buildings. The result was the non-profit group Preservation Burlington, whose mission remains the preservation and protection of such buildings.

Preservation Burlington achieves their goals through both education and advocacy work. Members work through three committees: the Homes Tour, Advocacy and Education committees to show their passionate enthusiasm for historic preservation in the area. The group has been responsible for helping to revitalize historic neighborhoods and for restoring some prominent buildings, including Henry’s Diner and the Captain White House.

In addition to these efforts, Preservation Burlington has been making awards each year, since 2007, to those buildings whose restorations especially deserve recognition. The annual awards are given in three categories: commercial buildings, institutional buildings and residential buildings. For a list of past winners, you can visit their website.

The group sponsors an annual homes tour with each year focusing on a different theme. For instance, in 2011 they highlighted appreciation for homes and public buildings that provided updated designs and uses of space while still maintaining the original historic integrity of the buildings. That year they also hosted a fun history hunt! The focus of their 2010 homes tour was on post World War II building styles and designs. The group also sponsors walking tours of Burlington during the summer months, with special walking tours scheduled at other times. They’ve helped residents and visitors to explore downtown, the waterfront, Old North End and the Pine Street area. They’ve also sponsored cemetery tours.

Educational programs and workshops are among the other offerings of the group, which also has a monthly television show on CCTV Channel 17. You can show your support for Preservation Burlington by becoming a member. They welcome all those who are enthusiastic about the cultural and historic preservation of Burlington. Visit their website to find out more about membership, to purchase an historic marker for your home or to find out about opportunities for volunteering with the group.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/19/preservation-burlington-is-working-to-protect-historic-architecture/

7 Quick Tips for a Smooth Move When Selling Your House

Unless you only have a few things in your house, moving can be overwhelming. However, if you have a plan ahead of time, your move to your new abode can be a lot less stressful than you think. To get you on the right track to a successful move, here are seven smooth moving tips to keep in mind:

Get Organized

Try not to start organizing things the very last minute. The moment you know you’re going to move, it will be time to start gathering boxes, markers and other moving materials. By developing a strategy and sticking to it weeks in advanced, you won’t feel overwhelmed the day the moving truck arrives.

Arrange Transportation

Whether you’re moving across town or the United States, it’s important that you pick out the right transportation. If you’re going to move a short distance, don’t feel bad if you have to keep coming back. However, if you’re moving across state lines, just make sure that moving truck won’t be too small to fit all your possessions.

Get Rid of Clutter

There’s never a better chance to sell things than during the moving process. With every item you pack away, ask yourself if you’re really going to use it. Unnecessary items are going to take up precious cargo space and will just collect dust in your new home. Create a pile and even if you don’t have time to sell, consider donating it to a local charity.

Label Everything

When packing items, make sure that every box is labeled appropriately. When labeling, don’t just label it “kitchen.” Instead, be more specific. So for example, if it has pots, pans and some utensils, write this all down on the box. That way, when you arrive and start unpacking, you will know exactly what’s inside each box.

Keep Your Necessities

If you plan on moving hundreds of miles away, make sure that you set aside the items you will need when you arrive at your new destination. This box should contain toiletries, clothing, snacks and other essentials you may think you will need once you arrive.

Hire a Babysitter

If possible, try to hire a babysitter for your children and pets the day you plan on packing the truck. That way, you don’t have to worry about a pet running away through the open door or a child getting injured.

Treat the Movers

Whether you’re hiring the professionals or some friends, make sure that everyone is taken care of. Order a pizza, have cold drinks nearby and always take breaks. If hiring the professionals, don’t forget to tip.

via http://benchmark.us/7-quick-tips-for-a-smooth-move-when-selling-your-house/

How Curb Appeal Affects Your Home’s “Perceived Value” [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today we feature an infographic about the importance of curb appeal created by Door Emporium:

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Adjustable Rate Mortgages – What Burlington Homeowners Should Know

Buying a new home isn’t a one size all process. What works best for your family and friends doesn’t necessarily work best for you. Though some shoppers find that a fixed rate mortgage is the best choice, others choose an adjustable rate mortgage. Before you meet with your loan officer, think about what an adjustable rate mortgage is and whether it’s the best option when it comes to buying a home in Burlington.

What is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage?

Shopping for a new home in Burlington means that you need to choose between a fixed rate or an adjustable rate mortgage. A fixed rate mortgage essentially means that your interest rate remains the same as long as you owe money on your home loan. An adjustable rate mortgage changes and fluctuates based on the current market conditions. This means that you pay a lower interest rate at the beginning of your loan, but your interest rate will increase or decrease in the future.

Will My Interest Rate Rise Too High?

Many Burlington home buyers worry that an adjustable rate mortgage will spiral too high, making their monthly mortgage payments too high. Capping that interest rate will keep your mortgage affordable. A cap is something that you add to your mortgage terms, which keeps the lender from raising the interest rates too high. For example, you can add a lifetime cap to your mortgage, which says that your interest rate will never rise by more than five percent. If your rate is three percent when you sign the loan documents, the lender can never increase that rate above eight percent.

Aren’t Those Interest Rates Risky?

Adjustable rate mortgages are only risky if you don’t have a cap in place. That cap ensures that your mortgage stays within an affordable range. Some lenders use a payment cap, which guarantees that the lender can only increase your payments by a certain percentage. If you have a payment cap of five percent and pay $1,000 every month, the lender cannot raise your payments above $1,050. Any type of cap placed on your mortgage will keep the rates affordable until you finish paying off your loan.

A home loan gives you the chance to buy the home of your dreams in Burlington even if you don’t have a sizable amount of money upfront. Choosing an adjustable rate mortgage ensures that you have affordable payments on your home now and in the future.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/12/adjustable-rate-mortgages-what-burlington-homeowners-should-know/

5 Ways to Remodel a Kitchen on a Shoestring Budget

When the time comes to make changes to a kitchen, some people may not be aware of all their options. This is especially the case when a homeowner has a small shoestring budget.

Here are a few ways to remodel a kitchen on a shoestring budget:

1. Paint The Cabinets

If a person wishes to make a change to a kitchen without spending a lot of money, it is a good idea to consider painting the cabinets. If your cabinets are decades old; they may cause you to feel frustrated or outdated. A person can add a coat of paint over the cabinets in one weekend. This is really easy to do if the cabinets have never been painted before. However, it may be necessary to provide several coats in order to cover an older color. A person should think about the overall theme of the kitchen when selecting a color.

2. Add Decorative Tiles

It may not be enough to change the color of the cabinets. If this is the case, a person may wish to add some decorative tiles as a backsplash in the kitchen. This is an excellent way to add a touch of color or personality to the room. It may also make it easier to clean the wall after a messy cooking session. There are many tiles to choose from, and a person does not have to look far to find something suitable.

3. Add A Few Accessories

Many people make changes to a kitchen by adding new accessories. This does not take up a lot of time, and a person does not have to spend a lot of money in order to make a dramatic change in the room. For example, a person may choose to add a vase of flowers or a bowl of fruit to the kitchen table. If this is not what a person wants, he or she may wish to add some colorful pictures to the wall. Buying a couple nice accessories will help you keep the space current as your tastes change.

4. Change Drawer Pulls

If you still have brass drawer pulls it me be time to upgrade them to something like stainless steel or brushed aluminum. This is one of the fastest ways to get an updated feeling into the kitchen. Stores like IKEA or Restoration Hardware have tons of different drawer pulls to choose from.

5. Change Out The Appliances

New appliances add a sense of freshness to a kitchen. While this can be one of the pricier ways to update your space, these changes last for years and years. Look for a scratch and dent place near you for some of the best deals.

The information above should give you some ideas on how to remodel a kitchen on a shoestring budget.

via http://benchmark.us/5-ways-to-remodel-a-kitchen-on-a-shoestring-budget/

How Will Latinos Affect the Future Real Estate Market? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today we feature an infographic about how the current Latin population trends could affect the future real estate market.

via http://benchmark.us/how-will-latinos-affect-the-future-real-estate-market-infographic/

Discover These Unique Holidays During November

November is considered a big holiday month because of Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving. Many people also look forward to Black Friday sales that signal the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. What you may not realize is that November is chock full of unique celebratory days.

These amusing, thoughtful and wacky days deserve special attention too:

Book Lovers Day – 11/2Celebrate your bookish ways on this day.

Deviled Egg Day – 11/2

Got a hankering for deviled eggs? This is the day to enjoy as many as you can eat.

Look for Circles Day – 11/2

Anyone looking for circles on this day is sure to find plenty!

Housewife Day – 11/3

Celebrate the housewife, or househusband, that makes coming home worthwhile.

Sandwich Day – 11/3

This is the day to enjoy your most favorite sandwiches.

Saxophone Day – 11/6

Listen to music performed by great jazz saxophone players such as John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Charlie Parker.

Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day – 11/7

As if anyone needs an excuse to indulge in chocolate.

USMC Day – 11/10

This is the day the United States Marine Corps was created back in 1775. Thank a Marine for their service.

Young Readers Day – Second Tuesday

Encourage a child to read a book.

World Kindness Day – 11/13

Take a moment to show kindness to someone.

Operating Room Nurse Day – 11/14

This day recognizes the dedication and contributions of hard working nurses.

Clean Your Refrigerator Day – 11/15

Roll up your sleeves and clear out old food, spills and mold.

America Recycles Day – 11/15

Go green and recycle.

Button Day – 11/16

Proudly wear your message button.

Have a Party with Your Bear Day – 11/16

It’s a great day for a Teddy bear party.

Homemade Bread Day – 11/17

Bake or eat fresh homemade bread.

Take a Hike Day – 11/17

Go for a relaxing hike.

World Peace Day – 11/17

Make the world a better place by promoting peace and harmony.

Beautiful Day – 11/20

Find something beautiful to appreciate.

National Parfait Day – 11/25

Spoil yourself with a delicious ice cream treat.

Make Your Own Head Day – 11/28

Draw, paint or sculpt your head.

Buy Nothing Day – 11/29

Blissfully enjoy not spending money.

via http://benchmark.us/discover-these-unique-holidays-during-november/

Handcrafted Treasures From Burlington Artists Can Be Found At Frog Hollow

Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a recent transplant to the area of a first time visitor just coming to appreciate the region, Frog Hollow can help you celebrate the unique beauties of Vermont.

The first state craft center in the country, Frog Hollow has a more than forty year history in celebrating and sharing the fine arts and crafts of Vermont. One of their tag lines is “Take home a piece of Vermont,” and that’s something you can certainly do when you pay a visit to their gallery in Burlington.

At the gallery, you’ll find a variety of handcrafted items from the whimsical to the lovely. You can enjoy shopping for arts and crafts made from wood, ceramic, fiber, glass, and metal. Paintings, photographs and jewelry are just a few of the gifts you can purchase there. All of the more than 200 Frog Hollow artisans are selected by a jury, which ensures the high artistic quality of the work. Many of the pieces are unique, and because they’re handmade by Vermont residents, you can be sure that many of the pieces celebrate Vermont in a special way.

Their website and gallery are both recently renovated, so you can enjoy exploring their wares on site or from the comfort of your own home. Check out their event calendar to learn more about the workshops, camps and classes they sponsor, or download their colorful holiday catalog to see some of the fine pieces for sale. Whether you’re looking for a painting of a local scene, a unique pair of earrings, a handcrafted wooden cutting board, a ceramic honey pot, a hand blown glass vase or a knit hat, you’re sure to find something to please any Vermonter on your gift list.

The Burlington Gallery is just part of the Frog Hollow experience. As a non-profit organization, one of the chief parts of their mission is to ensure the continued tradition of fine art within the state, and workshops and exhibits in other parts of Vermont help them to fulfill that goal. A rich part of the state’s history, Frog Hollow works with other organizations to encourage an ongoing love and appreciate of artistic craft

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/05/handcrafted-treasures-from-burlington-artists-can-be-found-at-frog-hollow/

Magnolia Bistro In Burlington Is Vermonts First Certified Green Restaurant

Magnolia Bistro is Vermont’s first Certified Green Restaurant. Opened in 2006, the restaurant is part of the Vermont Business Environmental Partnership. They’re committed to the environment and to lessening their impact and environmental footprint by working closely with local farms and food purveyors in order to bring you the freshest and most organic food possible. They also make sure to purchase all organic grains, corn and soy to avoid serving genetically modified products, and over 90% of their waste is recycled or composted.

Magnolia is also a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, a farm and chef partnership that helps develop solutions for marketing more locally grown food and teams up with local farms and restaurants.

Magnolia Bistro features fresh local and organic items on its menu whenever they can. This self-described green restaurant serves breakfast and lunch with a twist and offers a non-traditional take on everyday dishes. Besides the traditional, they also serve new American food, including but not limited to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. The Bistro also has plenty of fare for meat lovers as well.

The banana bread is baked in house and they have a wide variety of omelets and tofu “scrams”, such as the coconut peanut scram, made with bell peppers, broccoli and sugar snap peas tossed with a coconut peanut sauce. Also on the menu are hearty griddle breakfasts like oatmeal pancakes, lemon ricotta pancakes, and cinnamon raisin bread French toast.

If the breakfasts aren’t enough to pique your appetite, sandwiches like the smoky mountain barbeque pork or the apple quinoa burger will. The pork is slowly cooked in house made barbecue sauce, while the burger, a blend of quinoa, organic apples, and walnuts, is topped with cranberry compote.

The restaurant also offers catering and is available for event hosting for parties or gatherings. They feature a cozy patio, perfect for enjoying a light brunch or warm homemade soup. Local draft beer, wine, sangria and sparkling mimosas are also featured on the menu. Walk ins are welcome and they accept all major credit cards and are accessible by public transit.

Magnolia Bistro is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Bistro is located at 1 Lawson Lane in Burlington, VT. For directions or other info, call 802-846-7446.

via http://michaelblanchard.benchmark.us/2013/11/01/magnolia-bistro-in-burlington-is-vermonts-first-certified-green-restaurant/