Antipasti is defined as "before the meal," so you can make a variety of inspired platters, depending on the cuisine you've chosen. The most important thing to remember is to stick to five key flavors and textures: smoky, creamy, salty, crunchy and acid. Here, Sam Talbot explains how to achieve this goal by putting his spin on traditional Italian antipasti.

Filed under: Cooking

Red wine stains can be tough to get out, but if you act quickly, they won't stand a chance. With a few common household products -- soap, hydrogen peroxide, club soda, salt and even white wine -- can help remove red wine from clothing or tablecloths with ease.

Filed under: Home Improvement

The holidays are here, and thanks to Sam Talbot, you'll have the skills to put together a present that's both economical and personal. For the ultimate edible gift, try the chef's recipes for sprinkling sugar or fruit-infused simple syrups. For that extra special someone, put them all together to create a delicious gourmet basket. Don't forget the secret ingredient: love.

Filed under: Cooking

Heres an interesting website we would like to share with you! If you are someone who likes to tackle anything from cooking to home improvements, GMC Trade Secrets website contains videos and links to professionals who teach you tips and tricks for getting all those tasks done! Whether its learning how to bake a delicious recipe or how to decorate your home…. GMC Trade Secrets has something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit http://gmctradesecrets.aol.com/

There are many home improvements you can do yourself, but when it comes to the big projects, hiring a contractor is the way to go. Here, Eric Stromer talks about what you should look for when hiring a contractor in order to get the job done well, on time and on budget.

Filed under: Home Improvement

There are many treasures to be found at garage sales and yard sales. You can breathe new life into old items by repurposing them for modern day uses. For instance, an old watering can may be used as a decorative item or large vase. Add hooks and a good coat of paint to an old window shutter, and you'll have a cool jewelry holder. The possibilities are endless when you look at things from a different perspective.

Filed under: Home Decor

As a frequent traveler, Sam Talbot is always trying to figure out ways to eat healthily on the go. Eating well is actually easier than you think, and with a little preparation, you can make delicious snacks and meals that will keep you fueled up as you head to your next destination.

Filed under: Cooking, Healthy Foods

Paint brushes and rollers can easily be ruined if you don't clean them properly after each project. With the help of some mineral spirits, a wire brush, soap and water, you can clean oil- and water-based paints with ease. Here, Eric Stromer offers tips on how to clean and store brushes to ultimately save yourself time and money.

Filed under: Home Improvement, Paint 101

Filed under: Contests

The grand prize winner of the GMC Let's Trade Secrets Challenge in the home decor category is Lorin Cook. Lorin is a mother of four, so it's hard to get out for a romantic date night with her husband. Instead of venturing out for dinner and a movie, this resourceful mom found a way to bring romance into her basement using DIY decor. With decorative throws, unique pillows, candles and hand-dipped chocolates, she transforms her space in minutes. Watch how she does it below and stay tuned for Lorin's video with Carter Oosterhouse.

 

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Filed under: Contests

The runner-up of the GMC Let's Trade Secrets Challenge in the home decor category is Marinelli Payne. After becoming a homeowner, this Michigan native found a new passion for decorating. Here, she offers her secrets on how to decorate for Halloween on a budget by using low-cost finds and repurposing items.

 

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