Author Lauren

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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A changing of the seasons may mean adjustments to your routine and updates to your home decor, but it also brings maintenance and upgrade opportunities for homeowners. As temperatures shift and seasonal weather rolls in, weatherizing can help you conserve energy, save money and improve comfort all while protecting the exterior (and interior) of your home from the elements. (Family Features) This checklist from the door experts at Masonite, a global industry leader in interior and exterior doors and door systems, can help you keep the outdoors out. Have Heating and Cooling Systems Inspected Turn to the professionals to have your…

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November 25th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday. American Express helps promote small business shopping around the country, making it a nationwide movement. Businesses around the country sign up to be part of the Shop Small Movement. Supports the Local Community Small Business Saturday encourages people to support local businesses in the community. This helps to drive sales at mom-and-pop stores that might normally struggle to compete with big chain department stores. Did you know that if you shop locally, the tax revenue benefits the entire community? This helps circulate the money spent back into the community, benefitting…

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Once the table is cleared and gifts are put away, it’s often time for one of the favorite moments of holiday gatherings. The taste (and smell) of those divine desserts you may only make once a year is enough to keep guests hungry even after the main course. (Family Features) Put a new staple on holiday menus for years to come with this Cran-Raspberry Quinoa Pudding Trifle that combines fresh raspberries, vibrant cranberry sauce, orange juice and orange zest for a unique dessert. Ready in 30 minutes, it can be an easy way to impress everyone at the table with…

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Grocery shopping can be stressful when there are so many options, especially if you’re making a conscious effort to make high-quality food choices while you shop. Arming yourself with a plan and plenty of information can help you make smarter choices and feel good about the meals you prepare for your family. (Family Features) According to the Food Marketing Institute’s Power of Meat Report, 62% of consumers are looking for better-for-you meat and poultry options. Consider these ways you can pick up higher-quality products on your next trip to the grocery store. Make a list and stick to it. Going…

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Thanksgiving often means an abundance of turkey leftovers. Rather than reheating the same meal repeatedly, let’s jazz things up! Repurposing your turkey leftovers can breathe new life into your post-Thanksgiving meals. Here are some quick and easy recipes that will make you excited about leftovers: 1. Turkey Pot Pie Ingredients: Leftover turkey, shredded Mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh) Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) Chicken or turkey broth Butter, flour, salt, pepper Instructions: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, melt butter, add flour, and cook for a minute. Pour in broth and let it thicken. Add shredded turkey…

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