Author Lauren

You know it’s a good idea to gather the family around the table for a meal, but there’s no need to wait until the food is done. Not only does cooking together give you something fun to do as a family, but it also helps kids develop important life skills and healthy habits, exposes them to new food options and allows them to practice reading and math when they follow recipes. Get everyone in on the prep work with kid-friendly foods such as these flavorful frozen waffles that can be used as the base for simple and delicious recipes. A…

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Cool winter days may have you tempted to burrow under a blanket and wait out the weather, but there are plenty of entertaining and affordable ways to enjoy quality family time together despite chilly temperatures. Kids who are cooped up indoors during the winter often get restless, but you can make the most of that boredom by gathering everyone and discovering new ways to create memories together. Get Your Game On Forget about screen play and instead show the younger generation how much fun it can be to take on family rivals with classic board games or work in teams…

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As January rolls in, so does a golden opportunity to declutter and revitalize your workspace. National Clean Off Your Desk Day on January 8th is the perfect excuse to kick chaos to the curb and welcome in a fresh start for your office or work-from-home haven. The Clutter Conundrum If you find yourself navigating through a sea of papers, pens, and random knick-knacks just to locate your coffee mug, it might be time for a desk intervention. A cluttered desk isn’t just an eyesore; it can wreak havoc on your focus and efficiency. Clearing off the excess stuff can make…

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Without a little prep work and routine maintenance, winter weather can wreak havoc on your home. Following a few simple steps can help you avoid frozen pipes, drafty rooms and slippery sidewalks. 1. Clear Gutters – Melting snow will have nowhere to go if gutters are clogged with leaves and debris. 2. Protect Pipes – Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks so warm air can surround pipes. Drain outside spigots before temperatures drop below freezing. 3. Improve Insulation – Cold air can seep in through openings around windows and doors. Install weather stripping and seal openings with caulk…

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As one season gives way to another, fluctuating temperatures can lead to extreme weather that puts your personal safety and property at risk. Working ahead to anticipate potential problems and put preventive measures in place can give you peace of mind that you’re prepared if disaster strikes. Create Communication Plans Communication is a vital aspect of severe weather planning. If you know a storm is coming, it’s a good idea to charge smartphones so you have access to weather alerts and a direct connection to friends, loved ones and emergency personnel, even if you lose power. You may not have…

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Resolving to commit to better self-care can happen any time of the year, but there’s something about the calendar flipping to a new year that signals a fresh start. It’s the perfect starting point for new habits and a new approach to protecting your overall wellness. Self-care takes many forms. Maintaining a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise are some ways to promote your physical health. So is taking good care of your body’s largest organ: your skin. When it comes to mental health, getting organized is a surprisingly effective way to manage stress and keep your goals on…

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Tis the season for everything gingerbread! Enjoy this delicious coffee recipe from Starbucks! Find more inspiration and other holiday-worthy recipes at athome.starbucks.com. Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee Prep time: 3 minutes Yield: 16 ounces Drink: 1 cup ice 4 tablespoons Starbucks Gingerbread Naturally Flavored Ground Coffee for double strength 6 ounces water 1 ounce Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Flavored Creamer Toppings: whipped cream homemade or store-bought caramel sauce 1 pinch nutmeg Place ice in 16-ounce glass. Brew gingerbread coffee with water and pour into glass. Add caramel creamer. Stir. Top with whipped cream, drizzle of caramel sauce and nutmeg. Enjoy!

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Entertaining friends and loved ones during the holidays offers an opportunity to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and make lasting memories. The key is getting ahead of hosting duties so you can be present with family and friends. Make this season’s holiday hosting effortless and enjoyable with these tips: 1. Stick with a simple menu. There’s no need to create an elaborate menu with complex dishes that take hours to prepare. Instead, build your menu around easy crowd-pleasers. Save the experimenting with new recipes and ingredients for another time when you’re less likely to…

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As the holiday season twinkles around the corner, it’s time to transform the simple act of gift-giving into a festive celebration of joy. Gift wrapping is your magical gateway to spreading holiday cheer, and in this blog post, we’ll unwrap the secrets to creating presents that twinkle and sparkle as brightly as the season itself. Deck the Halls with Wrapping Paper: The first step to crafting the perfect holiday package is choosing the right wrapping paper. Dive into the sea of patterns – from classic snowflakes to playful reindeer – and let the festive spirit guide your selection. Opt for…

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Apple orchards, apple picking and apple desserts all scream fall. Glowing with bright yellows and reds, apples are juicy and more than ready to be used in your favorite fall recipes. If you’re looking for something sweet and full of texture that can turn your taste buds upside down, look no further. (Culinary.net) This scrumptious Spiced Apple Crumble is not only a family favorite but a holiday must-have. It’s the perfect dish to pack up and deliver to your next gathering of loved ones. Kids and adults love the deliciously sweet apple chunks filling the bottom of the pan along…

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