Category: Lifestyle
10 Steps to Take to Prepare for a Winter Storm
It looks like we have a winter storm heading our way this upcoming weekend! Whenever the forecast calls for snow, it seems people rush to the grocery store to stock up on bread, milk and bottled water. Keep reading to see what we recommend you do to prepare for our first big winter storm.
1. Check heating system to make sure that it is working.
2. Check batteries in smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
3. Have plenty of drinking water on hand.
4. Make sure you know how to turn water off in the event pipes freeze.
5. Charge your cell phone so the battery is full. Especially if you don’t have a landline.
6. Have salt, sand and a shovel on hand.
7. Collect warm coats and blankets and make sure they are in an easily accessible place.
8. Have a working flashlight ready with extra batteries.
9. Stock up on food that does not need to be heated in case of power outage.
10. Make sure all windows, doors and sliders are closing properly to avoid extra cold air getting inside.
10 Indoor Activities to Get You Through the Winter
When the temperatures get low it’s hard to get motivated to brave the cold to spend your spare time. Rather than bundling up to shop or go out to dinner or the movies, try some of these activities this winter!
1. Host a game night at home.
2. Have friends over and setup a hot chocolate bar.
3. Have a Netflix or movie marathon (complete with a cozy blanket and slippers.)
4. Read that book you haven’t had the time to pick up.
5. Host an at home wine tasting.
6. Try some of those Pinterest craft projects you’ve pinned
7. While you’re at it, try cooking some of those recipes too.
8. Have lots of photographs on your phone? Use a printing app to get them printed and arrange them in photo albums.
9. Update your playlists on iTunes and download some new music.
10. When all else fails….do some research on booking a tropical vacation!
5 Ways to Start the New Year off Fresh
2016 is here and it’s a clean slate! Don’t fill it up with any of the clutter from 2015 by following these steps. You’ll be off to a new, fresh year in no time.
1. Take down and organize your holiday decorations in a timely fashion. Don’t wait until February to realize you don’t have the storage space or a place to toss your Christmas tree. Store items in neat, labeled bins. You’ll thank yourself when the holidays roll around again.
2. Start marking important dates, events and appointments on your new 2016 calendar or planner. Always wanted to try yoga? Make time for it this year by scheduling some classes. Don’t forget to also schedule time to relax too!
3. Clean up your work space. Going back to work after the holidays is tough and it’s even tougher if you’re going back to a messy desk with “to-dos” from last year. Organize and make deadlines for yourself to stay on track with projects. Don’t forget to clean up your e-mail while you’re at it!
4. Write any thank you cards that you need to send from the holidays before you forget. Your friends and family will love receiving a hand-written note.
5. Clean out your closet. If you didn’t wear it in 2015 chances are you won’t wear it in 2016. Donate your clothes to a location drop off center. Your closet will be clean and ready for a brand new year.
5 Creative Gift Basket Ideas
The number of shopping days before Christmas are quickly disappearing! If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet it’s time to make a list and get things done. Still unsure what to get those special people on your list? How about a gift basket! Keep reading to find five great themed-basket ideas that will fit anyone on your list.
1. Movie Basket – A few classic DVDs, some candy, popcorn, and a blanket.
2. Wine Basket – A bottle of red, a bottle of white, some wine stoppers, glasses and a book about wine tasting.
3. Italian Food Basket – Fresh pastas, sauces, olive oils, dipping mixes can be wrapped up in a colander.
4. Relaxing Basket -Bath salts, a bathrobe, slippers, an eye mask and a CD of relaxing spa music.
5. Coffee Basket – Fresh ground coffee, mugs, biscotti or cookies, and chocolate stirring spoons.
Creativity Corner Presents….DIY Candy Cane Place Card Holders!
Watch the video below to learn a quick DIY craft for your holiday dinner table!
How to Prepare Your Home for House Guests
With the holidays quickly approaching it means we’ll be welcoming family and friends into our homes for parties and events. Eliminate the stress of last minute cleaning and preparation by getting ready for houseguests early!
1. Clean spare bedrooms or sleeping areas for overnight guests now. Wash bedding and vacuum carpets/floors.
2. Tidy up your entryway. Put away any items that are cluttering the area and leave plenty of room for guests to put their shoes and store their winter coats.
3. Refresh your bathrooms by refilling all toiletries. Wash the floors and clean all surfaces of the bathroom.
4. Guests never show up empty handed. Clear some space in your refrigerator and throw out old items. You’ll want plenty of room to store extra food and leftovers.
5. Check the exterior. Make sure your walkways are cleaned up and clear. Also check your exterior lights and make sure none of the bulbs are burnt out.
6. Stock up on breakfast items. You’ll want to offer coffee and juice to your guests first thing in the morning. Make sure you have all of the essentials so you aren’t running out to the store bright and early.
5 Ways to Prepare for Thanksgiving Now
Thanksgiving is officially less than 2 weeks away! If you are hosting this year you are probably in full-preparation mode already! Save yourself some time on turkey day by getting some things checked off your list now.
1. Order your turkey (if you haven’t already.) It’s risky to assume that you can go to the grocery store and pick up a turkey that’s the proper size for your dinner. Call ahead and order one now.
2. Buy all of the non-perishable items now. Don’t fight the crowds the week of Thanksgiving and spend hours in the grocery store. Shop for items like canned goods, baking supplies and beverages now.
3. Make a list of the items you’ll need to cook. Figure out how long each item will take (and at what temperature.) This will give you a great game plan for what to prepare first on Thanksgiving day.
4. Find your linens and place settings. If you store your fancier items away, pull them out of hiding now and make sure nothing is broken or damaged. Iron your cloth napkins and tablecloths early!
5. Order your centerpieces. If you are planning on having floral arrangements on your tables, go ahead and place the order now. You’ll want to be sure you can pick them up the day before your big event.
7 Ways to Recycle your Halloween Pumpkins
Halloween is behind us and that leaves us all wondering what to do with all of those pumpkins that are hanging around! If you’re not interested in keeping your pumpkins intact, try recycling them one of these ways!
1. Scoop out the seeds and roast them in the over for a delicious snack.
2. Use them as serving bowls. Cut off the tops, remove the insides and place a bowl inside for a seasonal touch to your Thanksgiving.
3. Have enough serving bowls? Cut them and clean them the same way and stick your potted plants in them instead.
4. Cook with them! Make pumpkin butter or pumpkin chutney for your seasonal events.
5. Turn them into turkeys. If they haven’t been carved, glue some feather and eyes on your pumpkins for a fun, Thanksgiving craft.
6. Fill with birdseed for an all natural bird feeder.
7. Compost your pumpkins after cutting them up (make sure there is no paint or artificial objects on them if you do this!)
5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe this Halloween
Last year we wrote a post about staying safe on Halloween. This year we want to make sure your pets are also safe! Whether you’re out trick or treating or handing out candy this Saturday, follow these steps to make sure your pets also have a great holiday!
1. Keep your candy is a safe place. Make sure it’s not left in a bowl that is close to the ground and tempting for your pet. If eaten, your animal could become very sick. To be safe, keep the Halloween treats in a seal-able bowl or on a high surface.
2. Make sure they aren’t in the yard. On Halloween night, make sure to find your pet and keep them inside. You won’t want any young kids playing tricks on your pet or feeding them candy.
3. Have a safe place for them in the house while answering the door. Whether it’s a gated room or a central space that has a door that can be closed, make sure your animal has a place to stay. Some trick or treaters may be afraid of dogs and you wouldn’t want to risk an escape.
4. Keep outdoor cats inside if possible the days leading up to Halloween and even the days after. Cats tend to be victim to Halloween pranks…especially black cats.
5. Make sure all candle-lit pumpkins are out of reach and outdoors. While you are busy answering the door you don’t want your dog or cat to accidentally knock over a candle-lit pumpkin. Stick to LED candles or flashing bulbs.
5 Classic Fall Dessert Recipes
We just heard that today is National Dessert Day! In the spirit of the season (and today’s holiday) we wanted to share some delicious recipes for classic, fall desserts.
Blueberry Cobbler
Pecan Pie
