When the weather begins to get warmer, people are anxious to go outside. Get your home ready for summer by completing some outdoor tasks. Make sure these items are on your spring outdoor “to-do” list. Clean Gutters During the fall and winter months, leaves and twigs collect in the gutters. If the gutter is clogged, it can overflow and cause problems for your home. Incidentally, it’s also a good time to check the drainage around your home. April showers bring May flowers; make sure the gutter and drainpipes are clear. Clean Around the AC Take a look at your air…
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If St. Patrick’s Day inspires feelings of hearth and home rather than leprechauns and green beer, you can celebrate tradition with warm, filling meals that harken back to Irish heritage. Soups and stews are certain to conjure up some nostalgia while soft, delicious cake is a perfect way to honor tradition regardless of your ancestry. This Irish Sláinte Stew offers a warm welcome to guests with your own way of toasting to the holiday – Sláinte is “cheers” in Gaelic. This hearty meal is perfect for a crowd with traditional stew meat slow-cooked in a Dutch oven with beef broth,…
If you’re feeling pressure to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date, it may be time to veer away from tradition. While flowers, chocolates and dinner for two is a classic, thinking outside the box can make for just as romantic of an experience. Consider these simple date ideas to reduce stress and make your day extra special. Take a Dance Class Learning something new together can be a great way to bond with your significant other. Research dance studios in your area and book a lesson for a night out. Many studios offer new or first-time discounts and typically have…
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…
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…
Now that the holiday season is fast approaching, you probably want to trim the tree and start decorating the house. Thanks to the thrifty nature of second-hand items, you can decorate and get ready for Christmas without breaking the bank. Here are some easy ways to save at your local thrift shop. Christmas Trees Have you went shopping for an artificial Christmas tree yet? A quality tree costs a couple hundred dollars at least. If you want a bigger and better tree, it will set you back about $400-$500. However, you can get a tree at a thrift store for…
If spending hours scouring store shelves or browsing countless websites for the perfect gift for everyone on your list seems like a daunting task, opt for a more personalized approach: a handmade gift. (Family Features) DIY mason jar gifts can be easy and affordable solutions when gift lists are running long but time is running short. Plus, crafting something for loved ones this holiday season can show them just how much you care. From canning and crafting to storage, drinkware and even gardening, Ball Honeybee Keepsake Jars can be used in a myriad of ways, including creating simple yet endearing…
The Halloween pumpkin is a permanent fixture for celebrating one of the most charming holidays of the year. Whether selected for use in the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns or just as a decorative fall lantern, the Halloween pumpkin is a great way to embrace the season to the fullest. However, there is often missed opportunity when celebrators fail to recognize the joys of recycling or reusing their Halloween pumpkins. The following tips on how to reuse a Halloween pumpkin can help you make the most out of the season long after October 31st. 1. Host a Pumpkin Feast Eating a…
Drowning is a leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During the summer months, when water activities are more prevalent, drowning is more common, according to the National Safety Council. Extreme heat may increase incidents of cardiac arrest and an average of 33 drownings occur in the U.S. each day, one-third of which are fatal. To protect your loved ones when playing in and around water this summer, keep these tips from the American Heart Association in mind: Never swim alone. Children always need supervision, but even adults should swim…
April 22nd is Earth Day, a day where we recognize Mother Earth for all she has done for us! Here are several ways to celebrate Earth Day and show your support for environmental protection: Reduce, reuse, and recycle: One of the simplest ways to help the environment is to reduce waste by recycling and reusing items. Make sure to properly dispose of hazardous materials such as batteries, light bulbs, and electronics. Conserve energy: Reduce your energy usage by turning off lights and electronics when they are not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Plant trees: Planting trees can…