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Holiday Appreciation for Delivery Carriers
July 30, 2021
With the holiday season in full swing, orders will be placed nonstop. Gifts, decorations, you name it - it’s probably easier to order online to avoid the crowds. It’s also time to send holiday cards to friends and family and receive them as well. With all of this in mind, your mail carrier and delivery people are working around the clock. Why not make them feel special when they stop by your home? Try these ideas to make their day a little more happy and to let them know that they are appreciated. Gifts by the Door When larger packages are dropped off, give the delivery carrier a reason to smile. Leave a small basket on your porch with bottles of water, bags of chips, candy or other treats. Attach a sweet note to the basket to let them know you appreciate their hard work during the busy season. Encourage them to take multiple treats as well to make it through their long shift or to share with coworkers. Personal GiftsIf you know when your mail carrier arrives every day, why not wait outside to give them something special? A baked treat and a warm to-go cup of coffee is sure to make their day in the middle of the holiday rush. You can even leave a small care package inside of the mailbox for them to find when they open it up. A personalized Christmas ornament, a few pieces of candy, and a sweet card or note will do the trick during their nonstop day. Sweets Stand When it’s crunch time for the holidays and packages are arriving nonstop, why not set up a small table in your driveway? Complete with baked treats, sweets, coffee, hot cocoa and water, the delivery people will feel like they are getting a break in a cafe. Create a sign to let them know that they are welcome to stop by and enjoy a nice treat during their long drive. Mail carriers and delivery service drivers are some of the hardest workers, especially during the busy holiday season. Don’t let these holiday months go by without letting them know that you notice and appreciate all of their hard work.
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Thanksgiving vs. Materialism
July 30, 2021
The Thanksgiving holiday was originally intended for families and friends to gather and enjoy time together. It is a time to reflect on the year and express gratitude for everything you have. However, consumers have quickly taken over and Thanksgiving is more of a shopping day than a family holiday. Are we able to create a balance between being grateful for what we already have and catching a great sale for the holidays? Practice Gratitude Year-RoundGratitude journals have greatly increased in popularity over the years. Set aside a few minutes each day to open a notebook and write at least one thing you are grateful for. It can be something as simple as a beautiful sunrise that morning. The small things will add up, and you’ll have a great collection to look back on at the end of the year to see just how much you have to be grateful for. Try encouraging others to bring their gratitude journals to the Thanksgiving table and read excerpts to share with everyone. It is sure to create a special bond between friends and family that emphasizes the purpose of Thanksgiving. Embrace Generosity The original purpose of Black Friday was to find great deals for holiday gifts. However, it quickly became a time to be selfish and snag the pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on and a bunch of other things you probably don’t need. The flashing lights and word “SALE” everywhere are extremely enticing. Why not preserve the shopping time strictly for other people? If you do insist on taking the time away from family to shop, be sure it’s to purchase gifts for them. Be careful not to get lured into buying things for yourself and creating a materialistic mindset. After practicing so much gratitude, try being generous as an overflow of your thankfulness. This is merely a sliver of advice. Remember to think about what you already have and embrace everything to be thankful for before making that trip to the mall or your favorite store. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Embracing a Lifestyle of Minimalism
July 30, 2021
Over the years, the minimalist lifestyle has increased in popularity. Clutter-free homes create a welcoming aesthetic and make room in the budget for more high-quality items to decorate as opposed to loads of small things from a bargain store. If you’ve been thinking about living life as a minimalist but aren’t sure if it is for you, take a look at this post to get started. Get Rid of DuplicatesOne of the most simple ways to begin life as a minimalist is discarding the extra things that you don’t need. Take a box or bin and go through each room in your home to look for things you have multiples of. The kitchen, for example, may have two or three sets of measuring cups. You really only need one set, so toss the extras aside and donate them or throw them away. Did you go crazy during a home sale and purchase too many throw pillows for the living room? Decide which ones are your absolute favorites and put the others in the box to free up some couch space. Maybe your office area has multiple pairs of scissors or staplers. Leave one and take the rest for donation. Less to Dress The closet is typically the hardest area to tackle when becoming a minimalist. Our culture has somehow given us the idea that we always need something new and it’s strange to wear the same thing more than a few times. This is where a minimalist goes against the grain and has a few staple pieces in the closet that are versatile enough to wear over and over again. There are plenty of resources online to help you pick out those timeless items and how to style them differently to create a variety of outfits while keeping a clutter-free closet. Shop Smart at the Grocery Store Avoid eating out unless there is a special occasion or you have designated meals out in the budget. It’s important to buy the necessities at the grocery store when living life as a minimalist. Take some time at the beginning of the week to create a menu to go along with your grocery list. Cook meals that will have leftovers so that you don’t have to stop by a drive-through for lunch the next day. Shopping smart will reduce the chances of wasted food and will push you to be creative with every meal you make. There is a plethora of steps to take towards the minimalist lifestyle, but this is a starting point if you are new to the idea. Just give it a try, you may enjoy it more than you thought! Keeping things to a minimum is extremely rewarding and cultivates a comforting atmosphere in the home.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Tips
July 30, 2021
The meals and memories have been made. Once Thanksgiving has come and gone, there are surely leftovers to deal with. Do you struggle each year with deciding what to do about your leftovers? From storage tips to weekend meals, we have a few ideas to avoid wasting your hard-cooked Thanksgiving food. StorageOn Thanksgiving night when everyone is getting ready to pack leftovers, be sure all of the food has cooled down completely. Pack them into several smaller containers as opposed to one larger one and avoid stacking the containers in the refrigerator as this can trap the heat. While it may seem easier to cover casserole dishes with foil or plastic wrap, take the extra time to place them in small containers to preserve freshness and save refrigerator space. Leftovers can be kept safely in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you plan to store anything in the freezer, you’ll better avoid the growth of bacteria and your food will be safe for at least two months. Just remember to pack items in airtight freezer bags or containers and write the date on everything. UsageThe weekend after Thanksgiving is the ideal time to use those leftovers in other creative recipes for your meals. After trying some of these, your Thanksgiving food may be better the second time around!
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- Liven up a casserole with fresh herbs. Sprinkle parsley or basil on top of a green bean casserole for an extra kick with the next day’s dinner.
- Add a biscuit mix to your leftover meats and vegetables to create a delicious pot pie. This is the perfect Saturday or Sunday lunch.
- A pasta salad mix will pair deliciously with turkey and cranberries. You’ll have a fall dish to share with friends and family with a unique twist.
- Turkey sandwiches are a classic for the day or two after Thanksgiving. Add spices and herbs or a seasoned mustard to a roasted turkey sandwich for an amped-up version of the usual meat and bread.
- Use tomatoes and shredded turkey in a baked pasta using any boxed pasta from your pantry. Melt some cheese on top for the perfect touch to a delicious pasta casserole.
- It may feel easier to order pizza the weekend after Thanksgiving, but try a turkey pizza with what you already have instead! Add shredded turkey, tomato sauce, and other vegetables to bread or pizza dough for a combination that is sure to enlighten your taste buds.
Conserve Energy During the Weather Change
July 30, 2021
It should be safe to say at this point that we are officially in the fall season, and hopefully the heat won’t return for a few months. With every weather change comes a shift in the energy bill, so it is important to know how to be conservative with your energy usage. Utilize the SunlightOne way to conserve energy usage is to embrace the heat from the sun when you have it. Open curtains throughout the house during the day for the sunlight to come in and add extra warmth. This way, you won’t have to set the thermostat as high and you’ll save a little on your utility bill. Remember to close the curtains back at night to seal in the warmth and reduce the chill from cold windows. Seal DraftsFixing drafty windows is another important step to take for energy conservation. If there are gaps or openings in your windows and doors, the heater will have to work harder to keep your home warm. Seal any loose openings and install tight-fitting drapes over the windows. Weatherstripping is a quick solution for doors to prevent cold air (and bugs) from creeping in. Be Smart with the ThermostatDon’t keep the temperature on your thermostat the same nonstop. When you are home, set it as low as you can during the day while staying comfortable. When you are out of the house, drop it by 10 or 15 degrees to save around 10% a year on your average heating and cooling bills. Smart or programmable thermostats make this even easier, if you have access to one. Adjust the Water HeaterTurn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The standard temperature on water heaters is usually higher and contributes to higher water bills. By lowering the temperature, you’ll save money and avoid scalding your hands with water that is too hot. Use the Right Holiday LightsHoliday lighting can get expensive pretty quickly if you’re not careful. When searching for decorations, look for LED bulbs in your lights. Not only will they last longer, but your power bill won’t be as high from excessive light usage. By taking these steps, your home will still be comfortable while saving energy and money. Be prepared for the cold weather by taking care of these things as soon as possible.
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Preparing for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
July 30, 2021
The biggest shopping weekend of the year is upon us. After spending the day being thankful for what we have and enjoying a huge meal, we strap on our boots and wait in line at our favorite stores to shop for the holidays. From clothes to toys to home appliances and everything else under the sun, there will be sales galore and deals you won’t want to miss. Shop smarter this holiday season with these ideas. Black FridayOver the last few years, Black Friday has evolved into Black Thanksgiving and Black November, with some stores running sales all month long. If you are one of the few who still wants to dedicate your shopping to strictly the Friday event, good for you! It’s best to come up with a game plan ahead of time to avoid being stuck in lines for items you don’t really need or want. The benefit of the internet and social media today is that stores use these platforms to amp up their marketing and will usually provide a sneak peek of sales ads to get customers excited. Create a list of the top stores you want to visit and why, and work out a travel plan to get to each destination. If you’re going with family or a group of friends, consider carpooling to avoid additional parking stress. Another option when shopping with a group is to split up with different lists of what to buy so that you can all accomplish your goals more efficiently. Lines are usually long throughout the day, so you’ll cover more bases the more you can split up. Cyber MondayAs with Black Friday, online retailers are leaning more towards month-long sales. However, some of the best deals will still be on Cyber Monday. Currently, Cyber Monday is the largest online shopping day in the United States. It’s the perfect time to sit down at the computer or on your phone with the rest of your Thanksgiving leftovers and shop away. Bookmark your favorite stores’ websites ahead of time to ensure easy access when the deals start rolling in. If you have email notifications, check them frequently throughout the week leading up to Cyber Monday so you can save those pages and hit the site right away to get what’s on your list. Follow retailers on social media as well, since they promote sales and provide easy links for shopping while you scroll. It also provides a good visual since there are typically videos and pictures of the products in action. With a good list and game plan in mind, you’re sure to conquer the holiday shopping weekend like a pro!
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Christmas Light Safety
July 30, 2021
One of the best parts of the holiday season is spending time to decorate. Maybe you are stringing icicle lights along the top of your home or displaying a Christmas figurine in your yard. No matter what your plans are with lights, be sure that you are using and installing them safely. Here are a few tips on using Christmas lights properly:
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- Whether you are stringing lights inside or outside (or both), be sure to check thoroughly for cracked or frayed cords. Make sure there are no loose connections as well.
- If you are using a live Christmas tree, keep it well-watered. Warm lights on a dry tree could be disastrous.
- If you have old strands of lights, it may be time to upgrade to a safer option. Newer versions of lights have fused plugs, which will prevent sparks if a short circuit occurs.
- Use a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet, or GFCI, to plug in outdoor lights. This will reduce the risk of shorts and shocks from water or debris entering the outlets.
- Extension cords are known to overheat, so keep a close eye on them. If the cord becomes too hot, unplug it.
- Avoid tacks, nails or screws when hanging lights. These could pierce the cable, risking electrical shock. Insulated hooks are the safe alternative.
- Securely tape ground-level extension cords to reduce the risk of tripping and falling.
- When using lights outdoors, check to be sure that they are labeled for outdoor use. Indoor lights are usually made with thinner insulation which could cause them to crack when exposed to outside elements.
- Turn all lights off when you leave the house or go to sleep for the night.
Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Vacation
July 30, 2021
Are you visiting friends or family out of town during the holidays? If so, you know how important the safety of your home is while you’re away. It’s also good to have peace of mind knowing that you took the necessary precautions before hitting the road. Keep in mind a few of these best practices to keep your home safe and secure during your vacation. Never Display Your Residence OnlineThis typically goes without saying, but avoid “checking in” to your neighborhood or posting your address anywhere on social media. Try to make sure your house number doesn’t show up in pictures and don’t let the internet know your travel plans. Even if your profiles are set to private, anyone could access the information if they are determined enough. Inform Trusted NeighborsHopefully, your neighbors have become your friends and there are a few that you can trust to watch out for your home while you’re away. Leave a spare key with them in case they need to access the house for any reason and keep open lines of communication while you are gone. Install a Video DoorbellIf you don’t have one already, a doorbell with built-in video camera is well worth the investment for your peace of mind. These doorbells are wi-fi enabled and you can access the footage from your smartphone or other device. Be sure to check the quality of the camera before you buy one, as you’ll want one that produces clear images if any suspicious activity arises. Pause Mail DeliveryIf you plan on being away for an extended amount of time (one week or more), contact your mail carrier to have them place a temporary stop on your mail delivery. This way, your mailbox won’t overflow and give potential burglars the sign that you haven’t been home. Another option is to have your trusted friend/family member check your mail and hold onto it until you return. These are just a few simple tips, but be sure to take every measure possible to secure your home and belongings before your vacation. Then, enjoy the holidays!
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8 Gifts Every New Homeowner Needs
July 30, 2021
Celebrating the first holiday season in a new home is an exciting time for new homeowners. For gift-giving, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to give something to the new buyer that they will actually need and truly enjoy. Think of it as a second housewarming! If you’re stumped on gift ideas, here is a list of 8 that your new homeowner will love. A Cozy Throw BlanketA good blanket is a welcome gift anytime, but would be especially appreciated by the new homeowner. If you have an idea of the color scheme in their living room or bedroom, you have the perfect opportunity to find one that coordinates. Flower-filled VaseLook for a vase that will coordinate with the aesthetic of their living room or kitchen, and add some fresh flowers so it is ready to display. Think about finding something other than the traditional glass vase that they will truly enjoy and use over and over! Fresh SheetsHelp the new homeowner fill up their linen closet! A set of new sheets is always appreciated and necessary. If it’s cold, look for a soft flannel set. Get something high in quality that will last for years. If they have children, add a set for their room as well. Bath TowelsAnother great item to fill up the linen closet with. You can either find a luxury set of bath towels and washcloths, or a decorative pair for display on the towel rack. To make this gift even more personal, you can have the towels monogrammed for the owner. Personalized Welcome MatThere are many online stores that offer personalization on almost any item. A welcome mat will give the owner a reason to think of you every time they come and go! Have it personalized with their name or a silly quote that reminds you of them. Wine GlassesA classic set of wine glasses will be used over and over again. Look for some that are monogrammed or different types of glasses to hold their favorite wines.
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