July 2008

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Issue Number 10, July 2008

Beginner BBQ Bash

So, you’ve decided to throw your first Barbeque. If you’re a new renter and have just moved into your home you’ll want to show it off a bit and what better way to do that is to have a party, complete with grilled to perfection meats and veggies.

Technically, barbequing is the art of slow cooking meat in a smoker, but that’s the advanced version of what you’ll want to attempt on your first day out. Grilling, or cooking over an open flame, is what you’ll want to do. This can be a daunting task for those of us who have never attempted it.

Actually, it’s a lot easier than you think. Decide what kind of grill to purchase and then what to cook.!

Charcoal vs. Gas: This is an age old question and people usually fall into one camp or the other. Charcoal enthusiasts swear that the taste of meats grilled using gas is inferior to that of meats using charcoal. Gas enthusiasts swear by the easy set-up and quick cleaning that gas provides. In the end, both will grill just fine, but you’ll need to decide what’s more important to you…taste or convenience.

The Food: What you cook at a barbeque will probably depend on what region of the country you’re from, but there are a few staples you can’t go wrong with. Hot dogs, the Fourth of July favorite, are great for kids. Burgers, steaks, and chicken will suffice for adults (check out different recipes for spices and rubs for different flavors). If you’ve got vegetarians in the mix you’ll want to grill some veggies like corn or vegetable shish kabobs. These will also work well as side dishes.

Now, all you need is a few cold drinks and a few friends and you’re on your way!

Got a great sauce or spice recipe? Let us know at comments@rentals.com

Featured Vacation Homes
Featured Vacation Rentals

Summer is the time for family vacations, take your family to one of these great family vacation spots.

Depoe Bay, OR

3 bed / 3 1/2 bath

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Lake Tillery, NC

5 bed / 3 bath

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Cambridge, MD

5 bed / 3 1/2bath

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Search for more great rental homes for your family vacation at Rentals.com

Subleasing Tips and Pitfalls

If you’ve rented for awhile you know that leasing contracts can be extremely rigid. Thish can cause problems if you have to break your lease for one reason or another. Well, instead of selling your first born you may want to consider subletting.

According to Wordnet, to sublet (v.) means to lease from one lessee to another or to lease or rent all or part of (a leased or rented property) to another person.

The first thing you’ll need to do if you’re considering subletting is to contact your landlord. Explain your situation and refer to your contract. Your landlord’s main goal is to keep the space occupied so they may be willing to work with you if a roommate has left or if you need to move early for any reason.

Once you’ve gotten approval you’ll want to advertise your sublet as you would any rental. Make sure you are very clear about what kind of tenant you’re looking for and the amount of space available. If you’ve lost a roommate and you need to replace one, you’ll want to make sure that you’re clear of the gender preference, if there is one. You’ll also want to make sure you’re clear about how many people can be allowed in the space. If you’re true to the golden rule and you treat people as you would like to be treated and you should be find.

Lastly, you’ll want to procure a signed agreement from your lessee. Sites like subleaser.com can offer you examples and tips to help you on your way.

Happy Leasing!

Have a roommate horror story? Tell us at comments@rentals.com

Green Tip

Green Tip

Air conditioning can offer sweet relief during the hot summer months, but be sensitive to excessive use. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees or open your windows at night. You’ll save money and energy.

Have a Tip of your own? Share it with us at Comments@rentals.com

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Recipe Great for the Grill


Balsamic-Basted Steaks with Grilled Vegetables

By Nadine Hensler

 

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. coarse mustard

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper

6 to 8 long, fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Kitchen twine or string

4 (6-oz.) filet mignon steaks, 1-inch thick

4 small red onions (halved)

4 plum tomatoes (halved)

Cooking oil spray

 

Instructions:

Mix together the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a large dish. If desired, wrap a rosemary sprig around the edge of steaks and tie ends securely with kitchen string. Place steaks in marinade and refrigerate 30 minutes or overnight.

Coat grill racks with cooking spray and heat grill to medium-high. Lightly brush onion and tomato halves with oil. Grill vegetables cut side down, 15 minutes for the onion (turning once after 10 minutes) and 4 minutes for the tomatoes. Grill the steaks approximately 4 minutes per side keeping the lid down to contain the heat.

Got a recipe of your own you would like to share? Tell us at comments@rentals.com

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