WSIG BLOG

Quick Wins for Spring: 7 Thinks You'll Thank Yourself for Doing

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:01:09 GMT

Spring has that “new chapter” energy… but none of us are trying to overhaul our entire lives before lunch. So here’s the realistic version: seven small tasks you can knock out in 10–20 minutes each — and they genuinely make the rest of the year smoother.

1) Do the 2-minute unsubscribe sweep
Search your email for “unsubscribe” and be ruthless. Less inbox clutter = less stress.

2) Check auto-renewals
Streaming services, apps, subscriptions you forgot existed… this is the easiest “raise” you’ll ever give yourself.

3) Replace your HVAC filter
Boring, yes — but it’s a quick win for airflow, efficiency, and spring allergies.

4) Confirm your photos are actually backed up
Open your phone and make sure iCloud/Google Photos/Drive is syncing (not just “set up”).

5) Upgrade one important password
Start with email or banking. Bonus points for turning on two-factor authentication.

6) Review your “who gets what” info
If life has changed recently (new home, marriage, divorce, new baby), it’s worth checking beneficiaries and key documents. Not urgent — just smart.

7) Do one small home win
Pick one: clear the junk drawer, start a donate box, clean out your car, replace batteries. Small… but weirdly satisfying.

That’s it. No pressure to do all seven — even one is a win.

Want the easy version? Download the one-page checklist below and pick one box to knock out this week.

Recipe of the Month: Skillet Chicken with Mexican Green Rice & Salsa Macha

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:00:52 GMT

Skillet Chicken With Mexican Green Rice & Salsa Macha

Photo: themodernproper.com

This skillet chicken with Mexican green rice may be your new favorite healthy weeknight dinner—vibrant, bold, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Serves: 6 Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time: 55 min Calories: 664 *Gluten Free *Dairy Free

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
½ medium white onion, quartered
2 whole garlic cloves
4 green onions, white and green parts
1 cup packed cilantro stems and leaves
1 cup packed fresh spinach
¾ cup water
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 smashed garlic cloves
2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear
4 cups chicken stock

Salsa Macha (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup vegetable oil, divided
5 garlic cloves, smashed
10 chile de árbol, stemmed and seeded (see Note 1)
1 to 2 large guajillo peppers, stemmed, seeded, and torn into pieces
⅓ cup raw, shelled, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 teaspoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

For Serving:

Lime wedges
Crema or Mexican crema
Fresh cilantro

Directions:

Make the salsa macha. Heat ½ cup of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the garlic and cook, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Transfer the garlic and oil to a small heat-safe bowl.
Heat the remaining ½ cup of oil in the skillet. Once the oil is glistening, add the chiles and cook, stirring often, until aromatic and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Transfer the chiles and oil to the bowl with the garlic.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the oil, garlic, and chiles. Let cool for about 10 minutes.
Transfer the oil mixture, vinegar, oregano, and salt to the base of a blender. Pulse until mostly smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
Set aside for serving or let cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight jar. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month. The oil will separate, so stir before using.
Add the chicken to a medium bowl, and season all over with 1 teaspoon of the salt.
In the base of a blender, combine the onion, whole garlic cloves, green onions, cilantro, spinach, and ¾ cup of water. Blend until smooth. Transfer about ½ cup of the sauce to the bowl with the chicken and toss to coat. Reserve the remaining sauce in the blender.
Heat ¼ cup of the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 3 smashed garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until golden brown and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes (see note 2). Add the rice and stir to coat. Cook, stirring often, until it turns lightly golden and fragrant, 5 to 7 minutes.
Pour the remaining green sauce over the toasted rice and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is absorbed, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, working in batches if necessary, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Once the rice has cooked for 15 minutes, gently fluff with a fork. Nestle in the chicken, cover, and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. Let cool, covered, for about 5 minutes.
Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Divide among 6 bowls and serve topped with a drizzle of crema, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and a generous spoonful of Salsa Macha.

Notes:

We recommend wearing gloves while handling the chilies. If you don't have gloves, wash your hands and do not touch your face or eyes after handling.
We like to leave the garlic in the pan to add more flavor, but if you don’t want garlic in the finished dish, you can remove it before adding the rice.
Rice: It's important to rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch for fluffy rice.
Green sauce: The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Spice level: The dish is mild; add 1 small, seeded jalapeño to the green sauce for more heat.

SOURCE: themodernproper.com

March 2026: Asking for a Friend

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:37:06 GMT

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

�� Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

�� ASKING FOR A FRIEND Kennton Hoffman, Founder/CEO

March 2026

Q: If my basement floods from heavy rain, is that covered by my homeowners insurance?

A: Great question — and the frustrating answer is: it depends on where the water came from and how it got in. In any water loss, the first thing we look at is the source and path of the water.

Here are the most common scenarios:

1) “Flooding” from heavy rain (outside water rising/entering): usually NO

Traditional homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage. That’s usually something you’d need a separate flood policy for.

2) Water coming in through a door, window, or window well: usually A FLOOD POLICY

If water enters through a man-made opening (like a door or window well), that’s generally considered flood-type damage and is typically handled (if covered) by a flood policy, not a homeowners policy.

3) Sump pump failure or sewer/drain backup: possibly YES (if you added the right coverage)

If water comes up through a floor drain , backs up from the sewer system, or spills from a sump pump well , you may have coverage under your homeowners policy if you’ve selected “Water Backup of Sewage and Drain” coverage. Not everyone has it automatically — it’s usually an add-on.

4) Seepage (water coming in where the wall meets the floor/stem wall): almost always NO

If water seeps in through the foundation area (often where the walls meet the floor), that’s commonly called seepage, and seepage is almost always excluded under standard homeowners policies. Some carriers in other states have started offering limited add-ons, but availability varies a lot by carrier and state — and it’s uncommon in Kansas.

5) Hydrostatic pressure: rare and tricky — SOMETIMES COVERED by certain carriers

This is less common, but it happens. Some carriers may cover it , but many do not. If you’re curious, it’s worth looking up “hydrostatic pressure” for a deeper explanation — it’s a unique cause of basement water issues.

Bottom line: If your basement took on water and you’re not sure how it happened, we can help you figure out what category it falls into. If you want to submit a follow-up with what happened (where the water came in / what you noticed first), I may be able to shed more light on your specific situation.

Pro tip: Before you assume it’s not covered — or file a claim — call or email us. Sometimes a 2-minute conversation saves a lot of frustration.

February 2026: Asking for a Friend

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 22:09:57 GMT

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

�� Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

�� ASKING FOR A FRIEND

JANUARY 2026

Who handles homeowners' insurance when you sell your home?

Selling your home is stressful—we can take some of the stress off with this one...

The question:
If I sell my home, who cancels the homeowners' insurance?

This one is really clear-cut:
The only person who can make cancellations and changes to any kind of policy is the Named Insured .

Therefore, if you sell your home, neither your lender nor your Realtor® can cancel your policy. It must be done by the named insured... most likely, you!

Not sure how to handle this? We’re happy to walk through it with you.

Recipe of the Month: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:55:15 GMT

The easiest 15-minute recipe!

Photo: cookingclassy.com

The easiest 15-minute recipe that requires minimal prep and a few basic ingredients, yet it wows with flavor! A new weeknight dinner staple!

Servings: 6 Prep: 9 min Cook: 6 min

Ingredients

2.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/4-inch pieces
4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
3 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (4 cloves)
4 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley*

Instructions

Heat pan: Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Dry chicken (for a better sear): Dab chicken on all sides dry with paper towels.
Toss chicken with flour and seasonings: Sprinkle over flour and Italian seasoning, and season with desired amount of salt and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat (all flour should stick to chicken and not be left behind on the cutting board; keep tossing if needed).
Heat oil and 1 Tbsp butter in a skillet: Add 1 Tbsp olive oil and 1 Tbsp butter to the skillet; the butter should melt quickly. Tilt the pan to evenly coat.
Sear chicken: Add the chicken in an even layer, leaving some space between pieces so they’ll brown rather than steam. Let cook until nicely golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes, then flip to the opposite side and cook 2 minutes longer, or until nearly cooked through.
Finish with butter, garlic, and parsley: Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter in small pieces, garlic, and parsley. Cook 1 minute longer.

Serve right away.

______________________________________________

Serve with:

Lemon couscous
A lemony pasta or Parmesan pasta pairs well
Take & Bake baguette: Melt in a little extra butter for sopping up with the bread, yum!
Sautéed or steamed vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli)

Can You Use Chicken Thighs?

Yes. If you prefer chicken thighs, those will work here, too. Just go with boneless, skinless, and trim away any visible fat, then cook for 1-2 minutes longer (chicken should be 165 in the center and no longer pink).

Source: cookingclassy.com

Home Inventory in 30 Minutes

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:39:32 GMT

Future You Will Thank Yourself

If you’ve ever thought, “I should probably make a home inventory,” and then immediately chose to do literally anything else… you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need an app, a spreadsheet, or a whole Saturday. You can create a solid home inventory in about 30 minutes using the thing already in your hand: your phone.

Why a home inventory matters:

A home inventory is simply a record of what you own — furniture, electronics, clothing, tools, kitchen stuff, kids’ gear, hobby equipment… all the everyday things you’d hate to replace at once.

If you ever deal with a fire, theft, or major damage, having a quick record helps you remember what you had and speeds up the process of getting life back to normal. (And, it’s useful for moves, too.)

The 30-minute method: “video + hotspots.”

Step 1: Do a quick video walk-through (10–15 minutes).
Start at your front door and slowly walk through your home, recording video. Open closets and cabinets briefly.

Narrate as you go:
“Living room TV… soundbar… laptop… bookshelf… air fryer…”

Step 2: Take “hotspot photos” (10 minutes).
Snap a few still photos of areas where lots of items live:

Closets (especially coats, shoes, and kids’ stuff)
Kitchen cabinets/pantry
Garage and tools
Storage room/basement
Bathroom cabinets
Outdoor equipment (grill, mower, bikes, etc.)

Step 3: Capture the big-ticket items (5 minutes).
Take separate photos of:

TVs / computers/tablets
Appliances
Jewelry or watches
Musical instruments
Cameras, collectibles, specialty tools
> If possible, grab a quick photo of the brand + model/serial number sticker.

Step 4: Save it somewhere safe (2 minutes).
Don’t leave it only on your phone. Upload it to:

Google Drive / iCloud / Dropbox
> Or email it to yourself with the subject line “Home Inventory — February 2026” .

Bonus: The “little list” that helps later

If you want to level it up without much extra effort, make a note in your phone with:

5–10 most expensive items (and where you bought them)
Any recent upgrades (new flooring, roof, remodels, new appliances)
Receipts/warranties you can easily screenshot

Recipe of the Month:Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:51:52 GMT

January 2026

Photo: delish.com

Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1 hour Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 lb. mezze rigatoni, shells or other large pasta
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided,plus more for drizzling
1 lb. sweet Italian sausage
1 lb. broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon(optional)
1 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp. finely sliced fresh basil
3 oz. Pecorino Romano, finely grated(about 1 1/2 c.)
8 oz. burrata, torn into thirds
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, 6 to 8 minutes (it won’t be fully cooked through). Reserve about 2 cups pasta water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Cook sausage, breaking into large chunks, until golden brown andcrispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add broccoli; season with 1 teaspoon salt. Cook, mostly undisturbed, and reduce the heat to medium-low if the pan gets too hot, until one side is caramelized and the florets are tender with a little crunch, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to plate with sausage.

Step 4

In the same skillet over medium-low heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shallot and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until shallot is translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add cream, tarragon (if using), lemonzest, basil, pasta, and 1 cup pasta water; season with 1 teaspoon salt. Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, and cook, tossing and adding more pasta water if needed, until pasta is al dente, 5 to 6 minutes more.

Step 5

Remove from heat and stir in Pecorino Romano, sausage, and broccoli.

Top with burrata. Drizzle with oil; season with pepper.

Source: delish.com

January 2026: Asking for a Friend

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:44:05 GMT

Insurance can be confusing — and most people have questions they feel like they should already know the answer to.

That’s where Asking for a Friend comes in.

This monthly feature tackles real insurance questions we hear all the time — the ones people hesitate to ask because they don’t want to sound uninformed. (Spoiler: you’re not.)

No jargon. No judgment. Just clear, honest answers to help you make sense of how coverage actually works in real life.

Have a question of your own?
You’re probably not the only one wondering.

�� Ask your question here →

We’ll answer one or more questions each month — anonymously — in our newsletter and on the blog.

�� ASKING FOR A FRIEND

JANUARY 2026

Can My College Student’s Belongings Be Covered Under My Insurance?

College comes with enough surprises — insurance coverage shouldn’t be one of them.

The question:
If my college student’s laptop, backpack, or personal belongings are stolen from their car or damaged in an accident, is that covered under auto insurance?

The short answer:
In many cases, no — it’s not auto insurance .
It’s often homeowners insurance.

How That Works

Most homeowners policies include personal property coverage that extends beyond the physical home. That means your student’s belongings may still be covered — even if they’re living in a dorm or apartment and even if the loss happens away from home.

For example:

A laptop stolen from a parked car
Personal items damaged during a covered incident
Belongings lost due to theft while away at school

These situations are often handled under homeowners insurance, not auto insurance.

A Few Important Caveats

Coverage depends on:

The specific policy
Coverage limits
Whether the student qualifies as a dependent
The type of loss and circumstances

There may also be deductibles to consider, and in some cases, additional coverage (like a renter’s policy) makes more sense.

Why This Matters

This is one of those areas where assumptions can lead to frustration — or unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses. A quick conversation before something happens can make a big difference.

If you have a student in college (or heading there soon), it’s worth reviewing how their belongings are protected and whether your current coverage still fits your situation.

Not sure how your policy handles this? We’re happy to walk through it with you.

Apps That Actually Make Adulting Easier

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:12:35 GMT

Life comes with a lot of moving parts — and most of them don't come with instructions.

Between passwords, subscriptions, schedules, documents, and daily responsibilities, it can feel like managing life is a full-time job in itself. The good news? A handful of well-designed apps can take real weight off your plate — not by adding more noise, but by quietly keeping things organized behind the scenes.

Here are a few categories of apps that genuinely make everyday life easier — and why they’re worth a look. (We have also included a list of suggested apps for each category at the end of this article.)

Password & Account Managers

If you’re still reusing the same password everywhere (or keeping them in your Notes app), you’re not alone — but it’s one of the easiest things to improve.

Password managers securely store your logins, create strong passwords for you, and autofill them when you need them. That means fewer lockouts, fewer “forgot password” loops, and much better protection if a site is compromised.

Why it matters:
Strong digital habits reduce the risk of identity theft and make everyday logins far less frustrating.

Subscription & Budget Trackers

Many people are paying for subscriptions they forgot about — streaming services, apps, memberships, or free trials that quietly turned into monthly charges.

Subscription-tracking apps show you exactly where your money is going and help you cancel what you no longer use. Some also categorize spending so you can see patterns at a glance.

Why it matters:
Less money leaking out = less stress. It’s also eye-opening to see how many small charges add up.

Secure Document Storage

Insurance policies, warranties, medical records, receipts, contracts — these are things you don’t think about until you urgently need them.

Secure document apps let you store important files in one protected place, accessible from anywhere. Some even allow you to share access with family members if needed.

Why it matters:
When life throws a curveball, having documents organized saves time, energy, and frustration.

Life & Task Organization

The best task and calendar apps don’t just track to-do lists — they help you see your time more clearly.

From shared family calendars to reminders for renewals, appointments, and deadlines, these tools reduce mental clutter and help you stay one step ahead.

Why it matters:
Less mental load means more space for the things that actually matter.

Final Thought

The goal isn’t to use more apps — it’s to use a few good ones that quietly support your life instead of complicating it.

A little organization goes a long way, especially when it comes to protecting your information, your time, and your peace of mind.

And if you ever wonder whether something in your life should be reviewed, protected, or updated — we’re always happy to talk it through.

Suggested App Lists:

Password Managers (Stop Reusing Passwords)

If you only improve one digital habit, make it this one.

Popular, highly rated options:

1Password – Easy to use, great for families
LastPass – Widely used, good autofill features
Bitwarden – Strong security, budget-friendly option

Why people like them:
They securely store your passwords, create strong ones for you, and save you time every single day.

Subscription & Spending Trackers

These apps help answer the question: “Wait… what am I actually paying for?”

Popular options:

Rocket Money – Great for subscriptions and spending visibility
Mint – Budgeting + spending tracking in one place
YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Best for hands-on budgeters

Why people like them:
They surface forgotten subscriptions and make spending patterns obvious.

Secure Document Storage

Think: insurance policies, warranties, medical info, and important records — all in one place.

Popular options:

Google Drive – Simple, familiar, easy sharing
Dropbox – Strong organization and access controls
Apple iCloud Drive – Seamless for Apple users

Why people like them:
Quick access when you need it most — including from your phone.

Task & Life Organization

These apps reduce mental clutter and help keep everything moving.

Popular options:

Todoist – Clean, simple task management
Notion – Highly customizable (great if you like structure)
Google Calendar – Easy sharing for families and teams

Why people like them:
They replace sticky notes, forgotten deadlines, and mental overload.

Keep this in mind:

The goal isn’t to download every app — it’s to find a few tools that quietly make life easier and help you stay organized when it matters most.

Little Things That Make Winter Better

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:36:35 GMT

Winter has a way of slowing everything down — shorter days, colder mornings, and a calendar that somehow fills up fast.

While we can’t control the weather (or how early it gets dark), there are a few small things that make the season a little more enjoyable.

This time of year is a good reminder that the little things matter — feeling prepared, supported, and taken care of. We’re thankful to be part of your corner and look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead. Wishing you a warm, safe, and peaceful winter.

Here are some simple winter comforts worth leaning into this month:

• A warm drink you actually look forward to
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate — whatever your go-to is, winter is the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy it. Bonus points if you drink it somewhere cozy.

• Letting mornings be a little quieter
Even five extra minutes before the day starts can make cold mornings feel less rushed. No big routine change needed — just a gentler start.

• Comfort food without overthinking it
Soups, chili, casseroles, or whatever feels familiar. Winter is not the season for complicated meals. Simple and warm is the goal.

• Fresh air, even when it’s cold
A quick walk, stepping outside during daylight, or cracking a window on a sunny day can make a bigger difference than you’d expect.

• Giving yourself permission to slow down
Not everything has to happen this month. Winter is a good reminder that rest is productive, too.

As the year winds down, we hope you find a few small moments that make the season feel easier — and maybe even enjoyable. Stay warm, take care, and here’s to finishing the year on a calm note.

Recipe of the Month: Slow Cooker Chicken & Dumplings

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:50:17 GMT

Slow-Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 5 hours

Yield

8 servings

Slow-cooker chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food made easy with shortcut ingredients. This recipe requires minimal effort, so you can enjoy a filling, home-cooked meal anytime!

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup chopped celery
1 garlic clove, minced
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 cans (10 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen or canned peas, drained
1 can (6 ounces) large refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

Place onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in a greased 6- or 8-qt. slow cooker; stir. Place chicken thighs or breasts on top. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper, and marjoram.
In a small bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and broth, then pour over the chicken. Cover; cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred chicken with two forks. Stir in peas. Cut the biscuits into 4 pieces each; arrange them on top of the chicken. Cook on high 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until biscuits are cooked through. If desired, top with chopped parsley and additional pepper.

Source: tasteofhome.com

Recipe of the Month: Chicken Tortellini Soup

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 22:50:04 GMT

It comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez, thepioneerwoman.com

Yields: 6 Servings Prep Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 30 Mins

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 stalks of celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
3 qt. chicken broth
3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Directions

In a medium Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken and tortellini and simmer until the chicken is warmed through and the tortellini is tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the fresh parsley and serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tip:

Add 3 cups of baby spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing addition of vegetables.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com

Cold Weather, Warm Home

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:52:27 GMT

Mid-Season Tips to Keep Your Home Safe All Winter Long

Now that the colder weather has officially settled in—and most of us have already turned the heat on—it’s the perfect time for a quick mid-season home check. Winter can be tough on Kansas homes, but a few simple steps can help keep things running smoothly and prevent the kinds of surprises that often lead to insurance claims.

Here are some deeper, practical ways to protect your home as temperatures continue to drop:

1. Give Your Heating System a Mid-Season Checkup

Even if your furnace has been running for weeks, it’s worth taking another look.

Replace or clean your air filter (most need it monthly during heavy use).
Listen for unusual noises or short cycling.
Make sure vents and returns aren’t blocked by furniture or holiday décor.

If anything feels “off,” a quick tune-up now can prevent a breakdown on the coldest day of the year.

2. Keep an Eye on Indoor Humidity

Dry winter air can cause cracking wood, static shocks, and uncomfortable dryness—but too much humidity can lead to condensation and mold.

Aim for a humidity level between 30–50% .
Wipe condensation off windows; prolonged moisture can damage window frames.
Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed to stay balanced.

3. Double-Check Drafts & Insulation

By now, you’ve probably felt where the cold air sneaks in.

Add temporary weatherstripping around doors or windows that still feel drafty.
Close the fireplace flue when not in use.
Use thermal curtains to help keep warm air indoors.

Small fixes can make a noticeable difference in comfort and heating costs.

4. Inspect High-Risk Areas for Frozen Pipes

Even if you prepped earlier this fall, mid-winter is when pipes are most vulnerable.

Check under sinks along exterior walls for cold drafts.
Consider leaving cabinet doors cracked during cold snaps.
Let faucets drip overnight when temperatures fall into the danger zone.

A little vigilance now is far easier than dealing with water damage later.

5. Do a Roof & Gutter Quick Check After Heavy Leaves (or Early Snow)

Leaf fall is mostly over—but gutters may still be full.

Look for sagging spots or overflowing areas.
Clear debris so melting snow and ice have a place to go.
Check for shingles that appear lifted or damaged after high winds.

These small checks help prevent ice dams and leaks later in the season.

6. Test Your Safety Gear

This one is always worth repeating.

Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Make sure space heaters are used safely and away from blankets or furniture.
Confirm that fire extinguishers are accessible and fully charged.

Safety devices work hardest this time of year—make sure they’re ready.

7. Take a Few Minutes to Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Winter is one of the most common seasons for home claims due to frozen pipes, roof leaks, and storm damage. A quick review of your coverage can help ensure you’re protected. If you’ve made upgrades or changes this year, now is a great time to update your policy.

Our team is always happy to walk through your home coverage and answer any questions—so you can enjoy a warm, comfortable winter with peace of mind.

Recipe of The Month: Chorizo Smash Tacos

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 22:12:11 GMT

A Delicious Taco Night Upgrade!

Haven’t tried smash tacos yet? Consider this your official invite. These crispy little powerhouses are stuffed with sizzling chorizo that cooks up in no time. A blanket of gooey melted cheese takes the edge off the heat, while your favorite toppings pile on the flavor. The result? A Tex-Mex mash-up that feels like a party—even on a Tuesday night. Serve them straight from the skillet alongside buttery corn on the cob (with a squeeze of lime and a dash of chili seasoning if you’re feeling fancy), and you’ve got a dinner that is a fiesta without the fuss!

Yields: 4 - 6 Servings | Prep Time: 40 Min | Total Time: 40 Min

Ingredients

Kosher salt
1 1/2 lb. fresh chorizo, casings removed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 white onion, finely chopped
12 (6-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese (about 6 ounces)
6 ears of corn, shucked
6 Tbsp. salted butter
Chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín), for sprinkling
Juice of 2 limes
Shredded lettuce, sour cream, and pico de gallo, for topping

Directions

1) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the corn. Meanwhile, combine the chorizo, cilantro, and onion in a large bowl and mix with your hands. Divide into 12 portions (about ⅓ cup each).

2) Place a portion of chorizo in the center of each tortilla and spread to cover.

3) Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Working in batches, flip each tortilla upside down into the skillet, and press down on it to sear the sausage. Cook until the meat is golden brown, about 2 minutes, then flip right-side up, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the pepper jack cheese, and cook until the tortillas are crisp, 1 to 2 more minutes.

4) Add the corn to the boiling water and return the water to a boil. Cook until tender but still crunchy, about 4 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.

5) Toss the corn with the butter and sprinkle with chili-lime seasoning; squeeze the lime juice on top. Top the tacos with shredded lettuce, sour cream, and pico de gallo, and serve with the corn.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com

Fueling Success: Fun and Easy School Lunches Your Kids Will Actually Eat!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:44:41 GMT

The school year is in full swing, and with it comes the daily challenge: what to pack for lunch? If you're tired of uneaten sandwiches and sad-looking fruit, you're not alone! Packing engaging and nutritious lunches can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and some smart strategies, you can transform lunchtime from a chore into a highlight of your child's day.

The secret to a successful school lunch lies in a few key areas: making it appealing, keeping it fresh, and ensuring it's easy for kids to eat independently. Think beyond the basic sandwich and consider incorporating a variety of textures, colors, and flavors. Bento-style boxes or compartmentalized containers are fantastic for offering a mix of small, exciting bites.

We've put together some fantastic, kid-approved lunch ideas that are designed to be fun, fast, and fridge-friendly. These options aim to entice even the pickiest eaters and might even spark a little "lunch envy" among their classmates!

Lunchbox Bragging Rights: Fun Lunch Ideas Kids Actually Eat (and Other Kids Might Envy) list for parents:

Mini Pizza Lunchables (but cooler): Empower your child to assemble their own mini pizzas with pita rounds, marinara, cheese, and toppings.
Dino Nugget Charcuterie: A playful take on a classic, featuring warm nuggets, veggies, and dip.
Wafflewich: A sweet and satisfying breakfast-for-lunch option with toaster waffles, nut butter, and fruit.
Snacky Bento Box: A customizable selection of cheese, crackers, fruit, deli meat, and a small treat for a balanced and fun meal.
Deconstructed Taco Day: All the components for a DIY taco, kept separate and ready to assemble.
PB&J Sushi: A fun and easy twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Egg-cellent Protein Pack: A protein-packed option with hard-boiled eggs, hummus, and crunchy dippers.

Lunch Packing Pro Tips to Make Your Life Easier:

Compartmentalize with Color: Use silicone muffin cups to separate items and add a pop of color to the lunchbox. This prevents sogginess and makes the lunch visually appealing.
Freeze for Freshness (and Function!): Freeze yogurt tubes or juice boxes overnight. They'll act as eco-friendly ice packs, keeping food cool until lunchtime, and will be perfectly thawed by the time your child is ready to eat.
Cookie Cutter Fun: Use cookie cutters to transform ordinary sandwiches, cheese slices, or fruit into fun shapes like animals or silly faces. This simple trick makes lunch instantly more exciting!
Add a Personal Touch: Slip in a sweet note, a funny joke, or a small drawing to remind your child you're thinking of them. These little gestures can brighten their day and make lunchtime extra special.

By incorporating these creative ideas and simple tips, you can turn school lunch packing into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your child. You can do them on your own for a daily lunchtime surprise, or let your kids get into the fun with you! Say goodbye to uneaten lunches and hello to happy, fueled-up learners!

August Recipe of the Month: Sheet-Pan Gnocchi and Sausage

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 20:03:10 GMT

This Sheet-Pan Gnocchi and Sausage Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Photo: Serious Eats/Victor Protasio

Prep

10 mins

Cook

40 mins

Total

50 mins

Serves

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce; 340 g) package refrigerated skillet gnocchi (such as Rana brand)
1 medium-size yellow onion (8 ounces; 198 g) , halved and cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices (about 2 cups)
1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, divided; for table salt use half as much by volume
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12-ounces (340 g) mild or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and pinched off into 1-inch pieces
10 ounces (284 g) broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2–inch pieces (about 6 cups)
8 ounces (226 g) cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/3 cups)
4 medium cloves (20 g) garlic, grated on a rasp grater such as a Microplane
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position, and place a rimmed baking sheet on oven rack. Preheat oven to 425°F (220℃). In a large bowl, toss together gnocchi, onion, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt, red pepper, fennel seeds, and black pepper until gnocchi is evenly coated. Remove baking sheet from oven, and spread gnocchi mixture in an even layer on preheated baking sheet. Place sausage pieces directly on baking sheet between gnocchi.
Bake until sausage is cooked through and both sausage and gnocchi are browned and crisp, about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time.
In same large bowl, add broccoli rabe, cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon zest, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons oil; massage oil into broccoli rabe until evenly coated. Spread broccoli rabe mixture over gnocchi mixture. Bake until broccoli rabe and tomatoes are tender, 6 to 10 minutes.
Remove baking sheet from oven, and stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Top with additional Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Special Equipment

Sheet pan, rasp grater such as a Microplane

Make-Ahead and Storage

The cooked dish can be cooled and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Courtesy: seriouseats.com

Try a Digital Micro-Detox Before Fall Hits

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 19:34:14 GMT

Small, screen-free resets for solo adventurers, couples, and families alike.

Before the schedules get packed and the inbox fills back up, August is your window to try something refreshingly simple: a Micro-Detox .

No need to toss your phone into the lake—just make a few small changes that help you log off a little earlier, scroll a little less, and soak up the last of summer in real life.

Here are five easy ways to unplug, unwind, and reconnect (without going off the grid):

1. No Phones After 8
Whether it’s a family game night, a quiet dinner with your partner, or a solo reading session, putting the screens away early can lead to better sleep and more meaningful evenings.

2. Go on a GPS-Free Adventure
Choose a destination and get there the old-fashioned way—printed directions, road signs, or a paper map. It’s part digital break, part fun challenge (and usually good for a laugh or two).

3. Host a Screen-Free Happy Hour
Invite a few friends over and ban the phones for the night. Break out the cards, puzzles, or a fun cocktail/mocktail setup. Great conversation guaranteed.

4. Rediscover Your Solo Joys
Remember hobbies you loved before scrolling took over? Painting, puzzling, journaling, reading, organizing your vinyl—your brain will thank you for revisiting them.

5. Make a Real-Life Summer Scrapbook
Print out photos, paste in ticket stubs or notes from the season, and make a mini memory book. Whether you’re 9 or 90, there’s something grounding about holding your memories in your hands.

Whether you’re a parent, a couple, or a party of one…

A Micro-Detox is your chance to slow down, unplug a little, and savor what’s left of summer— on your terms.

Recipe of The Month: Italian Pasta Salad

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:12:30 GMT

Perfect for a crowd!

This Italian pasta salad is loaded with meat, cheese and vegetables, all tossed together with noodles in a homemade Italian dressing. A quick and easy side dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd!

Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 10 min Total Time: 25 min Servings : 8

Ingredients

For the salad

1 pound rotini pasta
1 cup chopped salami
3/4 cup mini pepperoni
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup red onion finely diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives halved
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
3/4 cup small mozzarella balls halved
1 1/4 cups homemade or store-bought Italian dressing (recipe follows)
salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing

3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons finely minced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons minced dried onion or 1 teaspoon fresh minced onion
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

For the dressing

1. Combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously to combine. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the salad

1. Cook the rotini in salted water according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cool water.

2. Place the pasta in a large bowl and add the salami, pepperoni, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, parsley and mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Salad can be made up to 4 hours in advance.

Notes

Any short pasta will work for this salad.
The homemade dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days.

Nutrition

SOURCE: dinneratthezoo.com

Fun in the Sun: Summer Smarts for the Kansas Heat

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:31:36 GMT

Plus, a list of quirky ways to keep cool!

Summer is here, and Kansas is already bringing the heat—literally. Before you bust out the lawn chairs and fire up the grill, we’ve got a few fun (and surprisingly useful) tips to help you stay cool, safe, and sunburn-free this season.

☀️ Sunscreen is Your Summer Sidekick

We get it—slathering on sunscreen doesn’t scream summer fun, but future you (and your skin) will thank you.

Go for SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
Reapply every two hours—yes, even if you're just “popping outside for a minute.”
Don’t forget sneaky spots like your ears, feet, and the part in your hair!

�� Shade Isn’t Just for Plants

It’s not weak to retreat—it’s wise!

Bring a hat or umbrella to outdoor events.
Plan yard wo rk or walks for early morning or late evening.
If you’re sweating just thinking about it, it’s probably too hot.

�� Hydration = Summer Superpower

Nothing kills the vibe faster than a dehydration headache--or worse!

Keep a refillable water bottle close (bonus points if it’s insulated).
Add fruit slices or mint leaves to your water for a little pizzazz.
Swap one soda or adult beverage for water every now and then—your body will thank you.

�� Keep Cool in Quirky Ways

Get creative when the thermostat rises:

Freeze Aloe Vera Gel in an ice cube tray for instant post-sun relief.
Run Cold Water over your wrists or splash the back of your neck when you overheat.Or keep a cloth in your cooler to chill your pulse points.
Your Fridge is Your Friend! Store your facial mist, lotion, or even pillowcases in the fridge (you’re welcome).
Chill with Cucumbers: Place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes, on your temples, or even on the back of your neck for a spa-style cool down. Bonus: they reduce puffiness and help you pretend you’re on vacation.
Freeze Your Socks (Yes, Really)! Stick a clean pair of cotton socks in a ziplock bag in the freezer. When you're overheated at home, slip them on and thank us later.
Drape a Damp Towel Over a Fan. Instant air conditioner vibes! Just be careful not to block the motor. Add a few drops of essential oil to the towel for a DIY cool mist aromatherapy moment.
DIY Cold Pack Necklace: Pop a few water-soaked sponges in the freezer, then wrap them in a thin scarf or bandana and wear it around your neck. Fashion meets function!
Frozen Fruit Cubes are the Coolest--t oss grapes, chunks of watermelon, or slices of kiwi in the freezer for a refreshing snack that doubles as a personal air conditioner from the inside out.
Cool Down Your Bed Before You Climb In. Slip a gel ice pack or bag of frozen rice between the sheets for a few minutes before bedtime. Remove it before climbing in—ahhh, chill perfection.
Make an “Ice Pack To-Go” Kit. Keep a cooler bag in your car with a cold washcloth or mini ice pack for unexpected heat emergencies—or just when the steering wheel is too hot to touch!

�� Bonus Tip for Pet Parents

Hot sidewalks = hot paws! If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog. Early walks, shady routes, and pet-safe sunscreen are the name of the game.

Kansas summers are beautiful, but they don’t play around. Stay safe, stay smart, and most importantly—enjoy every golden minute. Whether you’re poolside, porch-sitting, or popping open a popsicle, we hope your summer is full of fun (and just the right amount of SPF).

Recipe of the Month: Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbeque

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:46:20 GMT

So easy and so good!

Photo: Creative Side of Me

This pulled chicken crockpot dinner uses a slow cooker to prepare this great twist on basic barbecue chicken. Throw the chicken breasts in frozen, and serve with baked potatoes or shred the cooked chicken and pile it on a bun!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 3 hrs

Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

6 frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (12 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce
½ cup Italian salad dressing
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Directions

Place chicken in the slow cooker.
Mix barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl;
Pour barbecue sauce mixture over chicken.
Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.
Serve with baked potatos (or mashed) or shred and serve as sliders!

Source: allrecipes.com

Pet-Proofing for Summer: Keep Them Cool & Covered

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:29:28 GMT

Because your pets are family, too.

When the Kansas heat hits, our furry friends feel it just as much—if not more—than we do. While you’re reaching for the sunscreen and iced tea, they’re relying on you to keep them safe. Here's how to make sure your pets stay happy, healthy, and protected all summer long:

☀️ Beat the Heat:

Always provide fresh water and plenty of shade—especially for outdoor pets.
Never leave pets in a parked car. Even a few minutes can be dangerous.
Watch for signs of overheating: heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, or vomiting.

�� Mind the Yard:

Keep an eye out for toxic plants, fertilizers, and insecticides.
Check fences and gates for loose spots if your pets like to explore.
Secure pool areas—many pets can’t swim, even if they’re curious!

�� And Don’t Forget:
Pet insurance can be a lifesaver when unexpected vet bills come calling. From heatstroke to bee stings, summer brings a whole new set of risks. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth it, we’d be happy to help you weigh your options.

Want to learn more?
Give us a shout—we’re always happy to help you protect every member of your family, paws and all.

Recipe of the Month: Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:09:06 GMT

A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on Classic Quesadillas!

If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful twist on classic quesadillas, this recipe is a must-try!

Grilled chicken pairs perfectly with sweet, juicy pineapple and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, crispy tortilla. It’s a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal. Serve with your favorite salsa or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor!

Ingredients

8 whole Flour Tortillas
Butter Or Margarine
2 cups Grilled Pineapple, Sliced
3 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Salt And Pepper, to taste
3 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, Grated
1 whole Jalapeno, Sliced
Cilantro
3 Tbsp. Barbecue Sauce

Directions

NOTE: To grill pineapple: cut wedges, stick on skewers, and grill over low heat. Cut into slices. To pound chicken, place inside a Ziploc bag and pound with a mallet or large can to flatten to uniform thickness.

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper and Cajun spice (or cumin/cayenne, etc.)
Drizzle olive oil on a grill pan and grill on both sides until done, brushing with barbecue sauce.
Set aside and slice into very thin slices. Warm griddle over medium heat and put sizzling butter or margarine in the pan.
Slightly warm and toast tortillas on both sides, then remove from griddle and set aside.
To assemble, sprinkle four browned tortillas with grated Monterey Jack. Arrange chicken slices evenly over the surface. Add pineapple slices and jalapeno slices. Sprinkle on cilantro. If desired, drizzle extra barbecue sauce over the top. Add second browned tortilla on top of each one. (You'll have four complete quesadillas at this point.)Add to oven to warm, or back to skillet to warm, until cheese is melted. Cut each quesadilla into six wedges.
Serve with sour cream, pico de gallo, and lime wedges.

Source: thepioneerwoman.com

Spring Cleaning for Your Digital Life

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 22:03:14 GMT

Out with the Old, In with the Organized!

Hello, April! The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and your inbox... well, it’s probably overflowing. Just like your closets and garage, your digital life could use a little sprucing up this season! Here are some quick, satisfying ways to hit refresh on your online world without breaking a sweat.

1. Declutter That Inbox (Finally!)

If your email inbox has more clutter than your junk drawer, you’re not alone. Start by tackling it in small doses:

Unsubscribe from Unwanted Emails: Use tools like Unroll.Me or simply scroll to the bottom of those marketing messages and hit “unsubscribe.”
Create Folders for Important Stuff: Whether it’s receipts, travel plans, or family updates, sorting your messages into folders makes it easier to find what you need later.
Archive Like a Pro: Don’t delete it all—just archive old emails you might want to reference later.

2. Free Up Space on Your Devices

Storage full? Time to ditch the digital dust bunnies!

Clear Out Unused Apps: If you haven’t opened it in months, it’s time to let it go.
Move Photos to the Cloud: Services like Google Photos or iCloud can keep your memories safe while freeing up your phone’s storage.
Empty Your Downloads Folder: Chances are, it’s packed with old PDFs and duplicate files you forgot existed.

3. Tidy Up Your Desktop

If your computer desktop looks like a tornado hit it, here’s how to restore order:

Make Folders Your Friends: Group similar files into folders to clear the clutter.
Use a Simple Background: A clean, minimalist wallpaper makes stray icons stand out (so you’ll feel more motivated to file them away!).
Schedule a Weekly Clean-Up: Set a reminder to delete unnecessary files and organize new ones. Future you will thank you!

4. Passwords: Time for a Refresh

If your go-to password is still “password123” or your pet’s name, it’s time for an upgrade.

Use a Password Manager: Apps like LastPass or 1Password create and store strong, unique passwords for you.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This extra layer of security keeps your accounts safer.
Change Any Weak or Repeated Passwords: It’s annoying, but it’s worth it!

5. Social Media Cleanup

Time to unfollow, unfriend, and update!

Unfriend or Unfollow Inactive Accounts: If you haven’t seen a post from them since 2018, it’s probably safe to let go.
Update Your Privacy Settings: Make sure you know who’s seeing your posts and profile info.
Refresh Your Bio: New season, new you! A little update keeps things current.

Bonus Tip: Feeling extra motivated? Set up a digital maintenance day once a month to keep your tech in tip-top shape. A little upkeep now saves you from digital chaos later!

Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting the shelves—it’s about clearing space in your digital life, too. Happy tidying, and enjoy your newly organized online world!

Recipe of the Month: Tuscan Butter Salmon

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:09:41 GMT

Recipe of the Month: Tuscan Butter Salmon

Yields: 4 serving(s) Prep Time: 10 mins Total Time: 45 mins Cal/Serv: 655

PHOTO: PARKER FEIERBAC

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, patted dry with paper towels
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp. butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup chopped herbs (such as basil and parsley) , plus more for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season salmon all over with salt and pepper. When oil is shimmering but not smoking, add salmon skin side down and cook until deeply golden, about 6 minutes. Flip over and cook 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2

Reduce heat to medium and add butter. When butter has melted, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tomatoes are beginning to burst, then add spinach. Cook until spinach is beginning to wilt.

Step 3

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and herbs and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is slightly reduced, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Return salmon back to skillet and spoon over sauce. Simmer until salmon is cooked through, about 3 minutes more.

Step 5

Garnish with more herbs and squeeze lemon on top before serving.

SOURCE: Delish.com

Spring Forward: The Science and Benefits of Daylight Saving Time

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 00:16:53 GMT

Springing Forward: Love It or Loathe It?

Ah, daylight saving time—it’s that annual event where we all collectively grumble about losing an hour of sleep but secretly love the extra evening sunshine. March rolls in, and suddenly, our days feel longer (even if our mornings feel a little rougher). But why do we even mess with the clocks in the first place? And is this whole time shift actually doing us any favors? Let’s dive into the quirks, perks, and questionable logic behind daylight saving time!

A Brief History of Daylight Saving Time

The idea of daylight saving time isn’t new. It dates back to the early 20th century, when countries like Germany and the United Kingdom implemented it during World War I to conserve fuel. The idea was simple: by shifting the clocks forward in the spring, people would make better use of natural daylight during the evening hours, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

In the U.S., daylight saving time became widespread during World War II and was formalized with the Uniform Time Act of 1966. While the specifics of when and how DST is observed can vary from country to country, the concept remains the same: adjust the clocks to maximize daylight during the warmer months.

The Science Behind the Shift

Daylight saving time operates on a fairly simple principle: moving the clocks forward by one hour in the spring and setting them back in the fall allows us to "gain" more daylight during the evening. This shift is based on the Earth’s tilt and the way it orbits the Sun.

In the spring, the days get longer as we approach the summer solstice, so DST aligns with the natural increase in daylight. It helps ensure that more of that daylight falls during the hours we are awake and active, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities after work or school.

Benefits of Daylight Saving Time

While the initial transition to DST can disrupt our sleep patterns, research suggests that the long-term benefits are significant:

More Daylight for Outdoor Activities The most obvious benefit is the extended daylight hours. After months of shorter days, having more sunlight in the evening can lead to increased physical activity. People tend to spend more time outdoors, walking, biking, or participating in sports, which can boost physical health and mood.
Increased Energy Efficiency By reducing the need for artificial lighting, DST has the potential to reduce energy consumption. Though modern energy consumption patterns have changed, with more people using energy-efficient lighting and digital devices, the shift still has a measurable impact, particularly in regions that rely heavily on electricity for lighting.
Improved Mental Health The added daylight can have a positive effect on our mental health. Exposure to natural light increases serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve mood and overall well-being. Longer evenings mean more time to relax outdoors, which can also help reduce stress levels and enhance happiness.
Boost to the Economy DST can also have a positive effect on the economy. With more daylight in the evening, people are more likely to go out and shop, dine, or participate in recreational activities. This boost in consumer activity can be beneficial for local businesses, especially those in the tourism and retail industries.

The Controversy: The Disruptive Effect of the Time Change

Despite these benefits, the transition to daylight saving time is not without its drawbacks. The change can disrupt our sleep cycles, which may lead to increased fatigue and even a temporary dip in productivity. Some studies have shown that the period immediately after the time change is associated with a slight uptick in heart attacks and traffic accidents, possibly due to the disruption of our circadian rhythms.

This shift also doesn’t work for everyone. For example, people in northern latitudes, where days are already long during the summer, may find little benefit from the extra hour of daylight. In fact, some places, like Arizona and Hawaii, have opted out of daylight saving time entirely due to its perceived inconvenience.

Tips for Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time

If you’re struggling with the time change, here are some tips to help ease the transition:

Start Preparing Early : Gradually adjust your sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up 15 minutes earlier each day in the week leading up to DST. This can help minimize the shock to your system.
Stay Active : Exposure to natural light and physical activity can help reset your internal clock. Try to get outside during daylight hours to ease the adjustment.
Be Mindful of Your Sleep : Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine even during the adjustment period. Avoid caffeine and electronics before bedtime to ensure better sleep quality.

Making the Most of More Sunlight

Sure, daylight saving time has its fair share of haters, but there’s no denying the perks—more time for evening adventures, a boost in outdoor fun, and even a little energy savings. As we roll into March 2025, let’s lean into the longer days! Whether you’re basking in golden hour on an after-dinner walk, tackling those long-overdue outdoor projects, or just soaking up the extra sun, the “spring forward” shift is the perfect excuse to shake off the winter blues and embrace the brighter days ahead!

Recipe of the Month: Brunch Pizza!

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:54:53 GMT

Breakfast, Dinner or Late-Night Snack!

Photo: Mark Derse for Taste of Home

This zippy pizza is a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients

1 tube (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent rolls
1 pound bulk pork sausage
5 large eggs
1/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup frozen shredded hash browns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Separate crescent roll dough into 8 triangles and place on an ungreased 12-in. round pizza pan with points toward center. Press over the bottom and up the side to form a crust; seal perforations. Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes, breaking up sausage into crumbles. Drain and transfer to pizza crust. Wipe out skillet. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour into same skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat until almost set; spoon over sausage.
Sprinkle pizza with hash browns, cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Bake at 375° until crust is golden, 25-30 minutes.

It's that easy!

SOURCE: TasteofHome.com

10 "Must-Have" Apps to Consider in 2025

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:51:29 GMT

As technology continues to evolve, our smartphones and devices are becoming more powerful than ever. With new advancements in AI, security, and productivity, staying ahead means keeping the best apps on your phone. Whether you want to improve efficiency, manage your finances, or stay entertained, these ten apps are worth considering in 2025.

1. ChatGPT Mobile

Platforms: iOS, Android
Download: Available on the App Store and Google Play Store
AI-driven assistance is more advanced than ever, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Mobile app remains an essential tool. From generating ideas and answering questions to helping with emails and coding, this AI-powered assistant is perfect for personal and professional use.

2. Evernote AI

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Download: Available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Evernote website
Note-taking has been revolutionized with AI-powered features. Evernote AI helps users create, organize, and search notes effortlessly using smart tags, voice recognition, and summarization tools, making it a must-have for professionals and students alike.

3. Google Gemini

Platforms: iOS, Android
Download: Available on the Google Play Store and as a built-in feature on Pixel devices
Replacing Google Assistant, Google Gemini is the next evolution in smart personal assistants. It integrates AI-powered voice commands, real-time data updates, and automation to simplify tasks and enhance daily productivity.

4. Revolut

Platforms: iOS, Android
Download: Available on the App Store and Google Play Store
Managing finances is easier with Revolut, a cutting-edge banking app offering budgeting tools, cryptocurrency trading, and global payment solutions with minimal fees. It’s perfect for those who travel frequently or want to optimize their spending.

5. BeReal 2.0

Platforms: iOS, Android
Download: Available on the App Store and Google Play Store
Social media continues to shift toward authenticity, and BeReal 2.0 leads the way. The app encourages users to share unfiltered moments at random times, fostering genuine engagement and breaking away from curated social media feeds.

6. Duolingo Max

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Download: Available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Duolingo website
Learning a new language has never been more engaging. Duolingo Max leverages AI to offer personalized lessons, real-time feedback, and immersive conversational practice, making language learning more effective than ever.

7. Spotify AI DJ

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Download: Available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Spotify website
Music streaming takes a new turn with Spotify AI DJ, which curates personalized playlists using AI-driven recommendations. It adapts to your mood and preferences, ensuring an endless flow of songs suited to your tastes.

8. Otter.ai Pro

Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Download: Available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Otter.ai website
For professionals who need transcription services, Otter.ai Pro is an invaluable tool. With AI-enhanced real-time transcription, meeting summarization, and seamless integration with productivity apps, it streamlines workflow and communication.

9. 1Password X

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Download: Available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and 1Password website
Online security is more critical than ever, and 1Password X offers an advanced password manager with AI-generated passwords, biometric authentication, and secure sharing options to protect personal and professional accounts.

10. Calm AI

Platforms: iOS, Android
Download: Available on the App Store and Google Play Store
Mental wellness remains a priority, and Calm AI takes meditation and relaxation to the next level. The app uses AI-generated sleep stories, guided meditations, and mood tracking to help users manage stress and improve well-being.

Conclusion

With 2025 bringing new advancements in AI, automation, and security, these apps will help you stay ahead in productivity, entertainment, and personal well-being. Downloading and integrating these into your daily life will ensure you get the most out of your technology in the years to come.

Understanding Auto Insurance Rates: Claim Frequency and Severity

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:22:37 GMT

Insurance can often feel like a complex puzzle, with premiums that rise without explanation. However, at its core, insurance is a straightforward equation based on two key factors: claim frequency and claim severity. Understanding how these elements interact can shed light on why rates change and what you can do to manage your premiums.

Claim Frequency: The "How Often"

Claim frequency refers to how often insurance claims are filed. If an insurance company sees an increase in claims across a particular category—for example, a spike in car accidents in a given region—it assumes a higher risk of future claims and adjusts premiums accordingly. Even if the individual claims are minor, a consistent uptick in claim frequency can drive rates upward for everyone in that category.

Claim Severity: The "How Much"

Claim severity, on the other hand, deals with the cost of those claims. A single claim for a high-value incident, such as a total vehicle loss or a major home disaster, can significantly impact rates. For instance, the average cost of parts and labor for a property damage liability claim—an accident that only resulted in damage to the other person’s vehicle, not any bodily injuries—was $1,125.00 in 2000. By 2010, that average had increased to $3,100, and by 2020 it had risen to $5,215.00. When the average cost of claims rises this significantly, insurers must increase premiums to cover these higher payouts.

Real-World Examples

Some vehicles provide clear examples of how claim frequency and severity influence insurance rates. For instance, Kia and Hyundai vehicles often have higher insurance premiums compared to other cars in the same price range. Why? Because certain Kia and Hyundai models are easier to steal, leading to a higher claim frequency for theft. This increased risk makes insuring these vehicles costlier for both the insurer and the policyholder.

Similarly, high-performance vehicles like sports cars often face higher premiums due to the combination of higher claim frequency (more accidents) and higher claim severity (costlier repairs or total losses) even if the sports car costs less than other vehicle options . These factors compound to create a more significant impact on rates.

The Balancing Act

Here's the crux of the matter: when either claim frequency or claim severity increases, it can affect your rates. However, when one factor rises while the other stays flat or decreases, insurers may manage to keep premiums steady. For example, if claim frequency drops but the cost of claims increases, the overall impact might balance out.

But when both claim frequency and severity rise? That’s when the real trouble begins. Premiums can skyrocket, leaving policyholders feeling the pinch.

What Can You Do?

While some factors influencing claim frequency and severity are out of your control (like regional weather patterns or economic trends), there are steps you can take to minimize your own risk:

Get an estimate before you buy: Remember, it’s not just the replacement cost of the vehicle that determines the risk assessment by insurance carriers. A sports car might be valued at half of what an SUV may be valued for example, but the insurance may cost the same or more based on the factors outlined previously.
Drive Safely: Avoid traffic violations and accidents to help keep auto claim frequency low.
Maintain a Good Credit Rating: While you may not be able to improve your credit score immediately, you can enhance it over time to lower your rates..
Consider Higher Deductibles: A higher deductible often leads to lower premiums, as it reduces the insurer’s exposure to smaller claims.
Rely on Wheat State Insurance: As an independent insurance agency, Wheat State Insurance works for you, not the carriers. With access to a robust list of insurance providers, we can compare rates and coverage options to ensure you get the protection you need at the most competitive price.

A Final Thought

As one insurance agent aptly put it: "When one goes up and the other stays flat or goes down, it stays the same. If both go up… you’re screwed." While blunt, this statement highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics behind insurance rates. By being proactive and informed, you can better navigate the world of insurance and protect your financial future.

Recipe of the Month: White Chicken Enchiladas

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:32:49 GMT

The whole family will love these.

Photo: Antonis Achellos, thepioneerwoman.com

YIELDS: 6 servings PREP TIME: 45 mins COOK TIME: 30 mins TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 15 mins

>>>Important: For tips, see the NOTES section below.<<<

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
12 whole corn tortillas
1 large onion, diced
1 whole jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
3 (4-oz.) cans whole green chiles, diced and divided
1 tsp. paprika, divided
2 cups reserved broth from chicken, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup sour cream
2 1/2 cups grated Monterey jack cheese, divided, plus more to top
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cilantro, chopped
Picante sauce/Salsa (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Fry the tortillas for no longer than 20 seconds, just to soften (do not allow to become crisp). Place the tortillas on a large towel or stack of paper towels to drain.

2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of canola oil in separate skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño, and sauté for 1 minute, just to start the cooking process. Add the chicken, half of the green chiles, and 1/2 teaspoon of the paprika. Stir together. Add 1/2 cup of the chicken broth and stir. Add the heavy cream and stir, allowing the mixture to bubble and get hot. Turn off the heat and set aside.

3. In a separate large skillet, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Whisk together and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Pour in the remaining 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Whisk together and cook until it begins to bubble, 1 to2 minutes more. Stir in the remaining half of the chiles. Reduce the heat, then stir in the sour cream. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese and stir to melt. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Check the seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed.

4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

5. To assemble, spoon the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas, one by one. Top with plenty of cheese and roll up. Place seam side down in a13-by-9-inch casserole dish.

6. Pour the cheese mixture all over the top of the tortillas. Top with extra cheese if you'd like, then bake for 30 minutes. Sprinkle generously with chopped cilantro.

7. Serve with picante sauce, if desired.

8. Faint. Repeat as needed.

Notes:

Aren't enchiladas usually made with flour tortillas?

Enchiladas are often made with flour tortillas, but these use corn tortillas that you fry for a few seconds to soften. If you prefer flour tortillas, you can skip the first step.

How do you keep the tortillas from getting mushy?

The key here is to fry the tortillas in oil for just a few seconds before you fill them. You don't want them to get the least bit crispy, this just makes the tortillas soft and pliable and helps create a barrier so the tortillas don't soak up too much sauce and become soggy and mushy. It also adds flavor to the tortillas! You can just nuke 'em in the microwave for a few seconds.

What do you eat with white chicken enchiladas?

Serve these enchiladas with restaurant-style salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips and you have a real feast! They're also scrumptious with black beans and rice or a fresh corn salad.

SOURCE: thepioneerwoman.com

Recipe of the Month: Holiday Brunch Coffee Cake

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 22:53:20 GMT

Prep : 15 Min | Cook: 40 Min | Total : 55 Min | Servings : 15

Ingredients

2 large eggs – room temperature and lightly beaten will help bind them together best with the other ingredients
1 cup vegetable oil – or use an equal amount of applesauce or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil
1¼ cups milk – adds moisture and helps to activate the baking soda
1 tablespoon vanilla extract – rounds out the overall flavor
3 cups all-purpose flour – provides the structure for the cake, measure the flour correctly for the best texture.
1 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and tenderness to the crumb
1 tablespoon baking powder – helps the cake rise to a fluffy texture
½ teaspoon salt – balances out the sweetness of the cake
1¼ cups light brown sugar – adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel to the cinnamon mixture
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – easily adjust the flavor by adding spices like nutmeg, allspice, or Pumpkin Pie Spice to the cinnamon sugar streusel
¼-⅓ cup unsalted butter – adds flavor and moisture and helps bind the cinnamon mixture to the cake

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla together.
In a medium bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Pour half the batter into the prepared baking dish.
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon and mix well.
Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar on top of the batter. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the cinnamon-sugar layer. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture on top.
Drizzle the melted butter over the top, using more or less as desired.
Bake for 35-40 minutes and serve warm.

Notes

Make ahead of time. This cake can be baked several days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

SOURCE: lilluna.com

7 Tips for Balancing Work and Home this Season

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:46:36 GMT

As the holidays draw near, balancing the demands of work with the festive preparations and family commitments at home can feel overwhelming. Between end-of-year deadlines, social events, and family gatherings, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Here are some tips to help you find balance and enjoy a productive, joyful holiday season.

1. Set Clear Boundaries Between Work and Home Life

Create Physical and Mental Boundaries: If you’re working from home, set up a designated workspace, and when work hours end, leave that space and mentally transition to home life. This separation helps you “clock out” mentally and stay present with family.
Limit Work Communications After Hours: Set expectations with your team and clients regarding your availability outside of work hours. Muting notifications or using an out-of-office response during designated family time can help you keep work from encroaching on personal time.

2. Prioritize and Plan Ahead

Use a Planner or Calendar to Stay Organized: Jot down both work and personal commitments, from deadlines and meetings to family gatherings and holiday shopping. Knowing what’s coming up will help you allocate time appropriately and avoid last-minute stress.
Set Realistic Goals: The end of the year is often packed with projects, but it’s essential to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and prioritize those that must be completed before year-end.

3. Communicate with Family and Colleagues

Share Your Schedule with Family Members: Keeping your family in the loop about your work commitments helps them understand your availability. This can prevent misunderstandings and allow them to support you during busier times.
Let Your Team Know Your Availability: If you plan to take time off or have non-negotiable family commitments, let your colleagues know in advance. This transparency allows them to adjust expectations and helps you manage responsibilities without undue stress.

4. Embrace Flexibility, but Stay Focused

Allow for Flexibility in Your Day: Accept that things won’t always go as planned during the holidays. Give yourself grace when interruptions happen, whether that’s a last-minute family obligation or an unexpected work task. Embracing flexibility can reduce frustration and help you adapt to change.
Use Focus Time Blocks: Schedule focused work sessions, even if they’re only 30 minutes at a time, to make the most of your time. During these blocks, limit distractions and work on high-priority tasks. This approach can make a big difference in productivity, even on busy days.

5. Involve Family in Holiday Preparations

Make Holiday Prep a Family Affair: Instead of taking on holiday tasks alone, turn them into family activities. Baking, decorating, and gift-wrapping can be shared experiences that double as quality time. This way, you’ll have less to do, and everyone gets to be part of the holiday spirit.
Set a Schedule for Family Festivities: Plan family activities around your work schedule so you can fully engage without feeling rushed. Having specific times reserved for family fun will help you stay present and enjoy the season to the fullest.

6. Practice Self-Care and Manage Stress

Take Time for Yourself: Between work and home obligations, it’s easy to overlook self-care. Schedule short breaks to recharge, even if it’s just a 5-minute walk, a quick stretch, or a few moments of deep breathing. Regular self-care keeps you feeling balanced and less stressed.
Stay Active and Eat Well: Healthy habits are often the first to go during the holidays, but a little exercise and mindful eating can do wonders for your mood and energy. Whether it’s a quick workout or a nutritious snack, small efforts help you feel your best.

7. Plan for Some Downtime

Carve Out Moments for Relaxation: Balance doesn’t mean doing everything; it’s about being intentional with your time. Plan a few pockets of downtime for rest or reflection to avoid feeling stretched thin. A little relaxation goes a long way in keeping your spirits high and your stress low.
Be Mindful of Screen Time: When you’re off work, try to limit screen time, especially on work-related devices. Unplugging helps you fully unwind and be present with loved ones, enhancing your overall well-being.

In Summary

Balancing work and home during the holiday season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With some planning, clear communication, and a bit of flexibility, you can keep both work and personal life in harmony. Remember to prioritize, embrace the festive spirit with family, and take care of yourself along the way. Here’s to a joyful, balanced holiday season that leaves you feeling fulfilled both at work and at home!

Recipe of The Month: Cacio e Pepe Chicken

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:46:22 GMT

We've Got Dinner Covered!

Cacio e pepe is as fun to say as it is to eat. A popular pasta dish from Rome, the name literally translates to cheese and pepper. We thought that pasta shouldn’t have all the fun, so why not chicken-fy it? This recipe starts like all cacio e pepe recipes do, with pecorino romano and black pepper, but here’s where it deviates: We wanted to create a saucy moment, so we chose to sear and braise succulent bone-in chicken thighs in an aromatic white wine broth until tender. The braising liquid then gets a glow-up with the addition of cream and lemon zest, making this saucy dish worthy of date nights and dinner parties.

Yields: 4 serving(s)

Prep Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Ingredients

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 1/2 lb.)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 c. dry white wine*
1 1/2 c. reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 lemon, zested, cut into wedges
4 Tbsp. finely grated pecorino romano, divided, plus more for serving
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

*We include wine to deglaze the pan and to add another layer of flavor. If you don’t want to use wine or don’t have any on hand, you can still make this recipe. For those martini drinkers out there, dry vermouth is a great 1:1 substitute. Otherwise, you can just sub with an equal amount of broth plus 2 tablespoons of a mild vinegar, like white wine or rice wine.

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken skin side down in a large, cold, ovenproof skillet. Cook over medium heat, undisturbed, until skin is crispy and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
In same skillet over medium-high heat, season onions with 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, scraping up browned bits, until onions are softened, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer.
Return chicken and any accumulated juices to skillet, arranging chicken skin side up. Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered, until cooked through and tender and liquid is slightly reduced, about 30 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate. Covering handle of skillet with a towel or mitt, return skillet to medium-high heat. Add cream and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in lemon zest, 1 tablespoon pecorino, and 1 teaspoon pepper; season with salt. Return chicken to skillet along with any accumulated juices. Top with parsley, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and remaining 3 tablespoons pecorino. Serve with lemon wedges and more pecorino alongside.

Serving:
This chicken pairs well with anything that will soak up the sauce, like roasted or mashed potatoes. You can also go with the obvious and bring it full circle by tossing some pasta in the creamy sauce. For a lighter dinner, serve it with a bright and crunchy salad, and maybe even some crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.

SOURCE: delish.com

Recipe of the Month: Chicken Noodle Casserole

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:53:56 GMT

This is fall-food fabulous!

INGREDIENTS:

12 oz. wide egg noodles

2 (10.5 oz.) cans cream of chicken soup

1 c. whole milk

1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tsp. Ground black pepper

½ tsp. Kosher salt

3 c. cooked, shredded chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)

½ small yellow onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1 (12 oz.) bag frozen peas and carrots, thawed

1 ½ c. coarsely crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz, about 1 cracker sleeve)

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Chopped parsley, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high. Add the egg noodles and cook, stirring occasionally, until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Stir together the cream of chicken soup, milk, cheese, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the chicken, onion, celery, peas, and carrots. Gently fold in the egg noodles. Transfer mixture to a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and spread in an even layer.

3. Stir together the cracker crumbs and butter in a medium bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake until heated through and the topping is lightly browned, 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Original Source: The Pioneer Woman

What Your Resting Heart Rate Says About Your Health

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:52:02 GMT

The Importance of Your Resting Heart Rate

Your resting heart rate might be one of the simplest ways to gauge the health of your heart and overall risk of disease. Measured in beats per minute (BPM) while you’re sitting still, this number offers insight into your cardiovascular health and can even predict long-term outcomes.

What is a Resting Heart Rate?
A resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute while you are completely at rest. For most people, a normal range is between 60 and 100 BPM, though factors like physical activity, caffeine, and stress can temporarily raise it. If your resting heart rate is consistently above 80 BPM, however, research suggests you may be at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.

Why Does a Higher Resting Heart Rate Matter?
According to studies, individuals with a resting heart rate over 80 BPM are 33% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. In extreme cases, resting heart rates above 100 BPM can indicate serious issues such as atrial fibrillation. While elite athletes may have impressively low heart rates due to their rigorous training, for most people, a resting heart rate below 60 BPM can signal low blood pressure or other health concerns.

What Can a High Resting Heart Rate Indicate?
A higher resting heart rate can reflect an imbalance in your nervous system, often triggered by chronic stress, poor diet, or conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Your heart rate is affected by both hormones and the nervous system. Stress, for instance, can activate the "fight or flight" response, which causes your heart to beat faster over time, leading to an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

How to Measure Your Resting Heart Rate
You can easily check your resting heart rate at home. Rest for five to ten minutes, then place two fingers on your wrist and count the beats for 60 seconds. Many smartwatches also track your heart rate automatically, providing a convenient way to monitor your health regularly.

How to Lower Your Resting Heart Rate
A few lifestyle changes can help reduce your resting heart rate. Aerobic exercise, such as swimming or jogging, strengthens your heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently. Eating a balanced diet that includes whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins can also help. Regular physical activity, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy body weight are key to improving heart health.

When to Seek Medical Advice
If your resting heart rate is unusually high or low and you experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, it’s important to consult a doctor. While resting heart rate alone may not prompt a medical consultation, it is an important factor in evaluating your overall cardiovascular health.

Taking the time to monitor and manage your resting heart rate is a simple, effective step toward a healthier heart and a longer life.

Original Source: Telegraph

7 Essential Password Security Tips for 2024

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:03:21 GMT

Simple Steps to Strengthen Your Online Security in 2024

1.Ensure Your Passwords are ACTUALLY Strong

A strong password should be:

At least 12 characters (ideally more)
Random, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid dictionary words and personal details.
Difficult to guess. Experts say that password length is the most crucial factor.

2. Use a Password Manager

Managing dozens (or even hundreds) of unique passwords can be overwhelming. A password manager simplifies this by securely creating and storing strong passwords in an encrypted database, accessible across your devices.

Bonus: Password managers protect against phishing by only entering credentials on verified domains, adding an extra layer of security.

3. Never Reuse Passwords

Reusing passwords across sites is risky. A breach on one platform can ultimately compromise your accounts on others. A good password manager will identify reused passwords and suggest unique replacements.

4. Avoid Password Hints

Password hints often contain easily guessable information, defeating the purpose of having a secure password. Instead, rely on your password manager to store and retrieve your passwords.

Best Hint: “Check your password manager.”

5. Change Default Passwords

Default passwords on devices like routers, security cameras, or smart home gadgets are prime targets for attackers. Always replace default credentials with strong, unique ones.

6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Even the strongest passwords can be compromised. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that no one can access your accounts without providing a second form of verification, such as an authenticator app.

Recommendation: Prioritize MFA for high-value accounts like email, banking, and financial services.

7. Only Change Passwords When Necessary

Regularly changing passwords isn't necessary unless there's a specific reason, such as a suspected breach or a weak password. Constant password changes can lead to weaker, easily guessable passwords. Stick to strong, unique passwords and update them only when required.

Pro Tip: If forced to change a password, let your password manager generate the longest, strongest one possible.

Original Source: ZDNET

Recipe of the Month: Smash Burger Tacos

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:00:41 GMT

Your New Favorite Fusion!

INGREDIENTS:

Burger Sauce:

1/4 c. mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. ketchup
1 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1 tsp. hot sauce

Smash Burger Tacos:

1 lb. ground beef
6 (5") flour tortillas
2 tsp. store-bought or homemade burger seasoning
Kosher salt
6 Tbsp. neutral oil, divided
6 slices American cheese, divided
18 thin bread-and-butter pickle slices
1 c. shredded iceberg lettuce
3 Tbsp. chopped yellow onion
White sesame seeds, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

Burger Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, and hot sauce until combined.

2. Make Ahead: Sauce can be made 3 days ahead. Cover bowl and refrigerate.

Smash Burger Tacos:

Divide beef into 6 portions about 2 1/2 ounces each. Top each tortilla with a portion of beef. Using a fork, flatten beef on top of tortilla into an even layer, leaving a 1/2" border. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon burger seasoning; season with a pinch of salt.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl the pan to coat. Arrange 2 tacos beef side down and press into skillet to flatten with a sturdy spatula or burger press. Cook, undisturbed, until beef is browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip tacos, top each with a slice of cheese, and cook until cheese is slightly melty, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining 4 burger tacos.
Top each taco with burger sauce, pickles, lettuce, onion, and sesame seeds.

Source: Delish

Ways to be Active (Without Realizing It)

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:52:20 GMT

Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to stay active without feeling like you’re exercising. From small changes in your habits to engaging in enjoyable activities, these strategies can help you move more and boost your overall health without much effort. Here are ten simple ways to be active without even realizing it:

1. Fidgeting : Did you know that fidgeting, also known as “small micromovements”, can account for up to 350 additional calories burned per day? According to the National Library of Medicine, lean people tend to fidget more. Simple actions like tapping your feet, drumming your fingers, or shifting in your seat can help you stay active throughout the day.

2. Walking : Incorporate walking into your daily routine. Take a 15-minute brisk walk, opt for walking meetings, or park farther away from your destination. Walking not only helps you stay active but also clears your mind and boosts your mood.

3. Take the Stairs : Choosing the stairs over the elevator is a simple way to increase your activity level. Climbing stairs engages multiple muscle groups and can be a quick workout for your legs and glutes.

4. Stand More, Sit Less : If you have a desk job, try to stand up and move around every hour. Standing desks are a great option to reduce the amount of time spent sitting. Even small changes, like standing while talking on the phone or doing light stretches at your desk, can make a big difference.

5. Household Chores : Household chores can be surprisingly effective at keeping you active. Tasks like vacuuming, gardening, washing the car, or mowing the lawn involve a lot of movement and can burn a significant number of calories.

6. Dancing : Put on your favorite music and dance around your house. Dancing is a fun way to get your body moving, improve your mood, and burn calories.

7. Stretch During TV Time : Instead of sitting passively while watching TV, use this time to do some light stretching or simple exercises like squats or lunges. This way, you can enjoy your favorite shows while keeping your body active.

8. Go for a Walk During Phone Calls : Catch up with an old friend over the phone while pacing around the house or going outside for a walk. You'll be surprised at how many steps you take without even noticing!

9. Build Things : Build Something: Got a project you've been putting off? Now's the time to tackle it and burn some extra calories in the process.

10. Yoga : Build flexibility and strength and relax in the process.

Recipe of the Month: Shakshuka

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 18:52:16 GMT

Wake Up Your Taste Buds!

Shakshuka, a traditional North African and Middle Eastern dish, has become a beloved breakfast (or brunch) staple worldwide. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines poached eggs in a rich, spiced tomato and bell pepper sauce. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also a visually stunning dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a special morning meal.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon chili powder
1 (28-ounce can) whole peeled tomatoes
6 large eggs
salt and pepper, to taste
1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan on medium heat. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion and cook for 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
Add garlic and spices and cook for an additional minute.
Pour the can of tomatoes and juice into the pan and break down the tomatoes using a large spoon. Season with salt and pepper and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Use your large spoon to make small wells in the sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cook the eggs for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the eggs are done to your liking. You can also cover the pan with a lid to expedite the eggs cooking.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley before serving.

Original Source: DownShiftology

Recipe of the Month: Southwest Pasta Salad

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:53:34 GMT

The Perfect Cookout Side Dish!

INGREDIENTS:

-2 ears corn, shucked

-1 (16-oz.) box medium shell pasta

-3/4 cup sour cream

-3/4 cup mayonnaise

-1 (1-oz) packet ranch seasoning mix

-2 to 3 chipotle peppers in adobo, seeded

-1 tsp. lime zest plus 1 tbsp. lime juice

-1/2 tsp. ground cumin

-1 pt. cherry tomatoes, halved

-1 (15-oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

-2 avocados, diced

-1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped

-1/2 medium red onion, chopped

-1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

-1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

DIRECTIONS:

Brind a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the corn until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the corn from the pot with a fine mesh strainer and rinse with cold water to cool.
Add the pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook for 1 minute longer than the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
In a blender, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, 2 chipotle peppers, lime zest, lime juice, and cumin. Blend until smooth. Taste, and blend in a third chipotle pepper, if you'd like.
Cut the corn off the cobs. In a large bowl, combine the corn, cooled pasta, tomatoes, beans, avocado, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and cheese. Fold to combine. Gently fold in the dressing. Serve chilled.

Original Recipe: The Pioneer Woman

Fun and Educational Summer Activities for Kids

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 20:51:59 GMT

Combine Fun and Learning with These Exciting Summer Projects

Science Experiments:

-DIY Volcano: Create a volcanic eruption using baking soda, vinegar, and a small container. Add red food coloring for a realistic lava effect.

-Solar Oven: Build a simple solar oven using a pizza box, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and black construction paper. Use it to cook s’mores or heat up snacks using solar energy.

2. Outdoor Activities:

-Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for kids to find in nature, such as a feather, a pinecone, or specific types of leaves. This activity encourages

-Stargazing: On a clear night, take kids outside to observe the stars and identify constellations.

3. Arts and Crafts:

-DIY Bird Feeders: Make bird feeders using pine cones, peanut butter, birdseed, and string. Hang them outside and observe!

-Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Use fabric dye and rubber bands to create vibrant tie-dye patterns on plain white t-shirts. (This one can get messy, so we recommend doing this outside or in the garage!)

4. Kitchen Science:

-Homemade Ice Cream: Make ice cream using simple ingredients like cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Discuss the science of freezing and the transformation of liquids into solids.

-Baking Soda and Vinegar Reactions: Conduct experiments using baking soda and vinegar to create fizzy reactions that demonstrate chemical reactions and gas formation.

5. Educational Games:

-Math Scavenger Hunt: Create math problems related to items around the house or outdoors. Kids solve these problems to find hidden treasures or clues.

-Word and Letter Games: Play games like Scrabble Junior, Bananagrams, or create your own word puzzles to enhance vocabulary and spelling skills.

6. Creative Writing:

-Summer Journal: Encourage kids to keep a journal of their summer adventures, observations, and experiences. They can write stories, poems, or even create a comic strip.

-Writing Exercises: Encourage kids to unleash their creativity this summer by writing short stories. They can explore new worlds, create unique characters, and craft exciting plots. Writing short stories helps improve language skills and sparks imagination, making it a fun and educational activity for the summer break.

Travel Smarter with Google Maps: Beyond Just Directions

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:58:38 GMT

Unlock the Hidden Features of Google Maps to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Google Maps is packed with features that go beyond basic navigation, offering innovative ways to discover new places, plan your trips, and travel smarter. From creating collaborative lists to exploring landmarks with augmented reality, here are 12 tips to help you with all of your traveling needs!

Collaborative Lists: Create shared lists to gather and share places of interest (restaurants, museums, etc.) with your travel companions. Add emojis and comments for a fun and interactive planning experience.

Walking & Biking Navigation: Get turn-by-turn voice guidance for walking and cycling routes, keeping your phone tucked away and letting you enjoy the scenery.

Live View: Use augmented reality (AR) to see directions overlaid on your real-world view through your phone's camera. Glanceable Directions on your lock screen keeps you on track without opening the app fully.

Lens: This AR feature helps you discover nearby shops, restaurants, and landmarks by simply pointing your phone's camera at the street.

EV Charging Route Planning: Find compatible charging stations along your road trip route, including details on charger types, availability, and compatibility with your car.

Real-time Business Hours: See which restaurants, bars, and shops are open at a glance to avoid detours and wasted time.

Photographic Inspiration: Evaluate hotels, restaurants, and cafes based on user-uploaded photos to get a vibe for the place before you go. Discover hidden gems through the "Discover through photos" feature using keywords like "cherry blossoms" or "swimming holes."

Immersive View: Explore popular landmarks virtually with AI-powered, 360-degree photo collages. See what the traffic or weather might be like at your destination days in advance.

Live Location Sharing: Let your travel companions know your whereabouts in real-time, especially helpful if you're running late or exploring solo.

Offline Maps: Download maps for areas with unreliable internet access to ensure you can always navigate your way around.

Map Overlays: Unlock additional layers of information like public transportation routes, traffic conditions, bike paths, and even air quality data.

Easter Eggs: Have fun exploring for hidden surprises! Drag the little orange Pegman icon (desktop app) to discover costumes and special effects in certain locations.

Original Source: AFAR.com

Recipe of the Month: Berry Pavlova Cake

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:55:36 GMT

Fresh & Fun for the Summer!

INGREDIENTS:

Cake:

6 egg whites, room temperature (*see tip 1 below)

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 tsp cornstarch

1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract

Frosting:

1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Topping:

4-5 cups fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, small strawberries, blackberries..) ** see tip 2 below

1-2 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced

*Tip 1: Pavlova eggs will beat best when they are at room temperature. If you forget this step, place un-cracked eggs in warm water for 15 minutes to bring them to room temp.

**Tip 2: Keep berries dry and chilled prior to use.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cake:

Preheat the Oven to 250˚F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

1.Using the whisk attachment on your stand mixer, beat 6 egg whites and 1 1/2 cups sugar for 6 to 7 minutes on high speed, or until stiff peaks form. The mixture will be smooth and glossy.

2. Add 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract and 2 tsp cornstarch and continue mixing another 15 seconds or until well blended. Transfer immediately to a large sheet of parchment paper and use a spatula to form a 10″ round ring, making a deep indent in the center to accommodate the cream and berries later. The center will rise so make a substantial well in the center.

3. Bake at 250˚F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven and with door closed, let it sit inside the oven another 1 hour until cooled. You can keep it in the oven longer to cool since the oven will be off and you might have dinner plans ;). Remove pavlova from oven and let cool completely to room temp then cover and let stand in a dry, room temp room up to 2 days or assemble and serve right away.

Topping:

1.Beat 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream with 2 Tbsp sugar on high speed 2-3 minutes or until frosting is stiff and spreadable but don’t over beat or it will become buttery. (note: you can make cream ahead of time, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use).

2. Just before serving, spread whipped cream over the pavlova and top with plenty of your favorite berries. Refrigerate leftovers. It’s best served right away.

Original Source: Natashaskitchen.com

Recipe of the Month: Garlic Shrimp Rosé Pasta

Wed, 15 May 2024 18:04:13 GMT

Elevate Your Pasta Night!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound spaghetti

1 pound Argentine Red Shrimp--or any large, raw shrimp, peeled

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoon olive oil plus some for drizzling

3 tablespoons butter divided

4 cloves garlic chopped

1 large shallot finely chopped

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup Rosé wine (something dry and mineral-y)

1 cup fresh basil torn

1 lemon zested and juiced

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook the pasta to package directions. Hold off on starting the shrimp until you start your pasta.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Preheat a large skillet (I like a cast iron skillet for this) over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. When butter melts into oil, add the shrimp. Cook for a few minutes on each side until pink & cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.

Add an additional drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and remaining butter and add the garlic, shallots, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium low and sauté garlic and shallots 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine to the pan and scrape up any pan drippings.

Reduce the wine for 1 minute and add the lemon zest and juice and the shredded parmesan cheese--stirring the mixture until the cheese has melted. Add the cooked pasta and cook for about 30 seconds, just to combine, and let the pasta soak up the sauce. Nestle the shrimp back into the skillet, garnish with basil and serve.

SOURCE: whatsgabycooking.com

15 Ways You Can Use AI in Your Everyday Life

Wed, 15 May 2024 17:54:32 GMT

AI may seem scary... Make it work for you !

Here is a list of tasks that can be streamlined by using AI.

Summarize Long Articles: Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Bing AI to summarize lengthy articles and highlight key points.
Write Professional Emails: AI aids in structuring emails, selecting appropriate language, and ensuring proper grammar and spelling, though personal touch remains crucial.
Create Excel Formulas : Provide data details to AI for generating Excel formulas swiftly.
Edit Resumes or Bios: AI enhances resumes or bios when given as input, potentially improving chances with employers.
Understand Complex Topics Faster: Employ AI to grasp challenging subjects by asking, "Help me understand…"
Practice for Job Interviews or Meetings: Use AI to formulate relevant questions, answers, or statements for important interviews or meetings, personalized input yields better results.
Make Lists: Ask AI to generate various lists, such as packing, grocery, to-do, or task lists, tailored to individual needs.
Ask for Tips: Seek assistance from AI by asking for tips or guidance on improving specific tasks.
Plan Trips: Instruct AI to plan trips based on budget, location preferences, and time frame.
Test Knowledge : Challenge yourself with AI quizzes on diverse topics.
Create Recipes: Provide AI with ingredients on hand to generate recipes accordingly.
Language Translation: AI translation tools and apps facilitate communication across language barriers by instantly translating text, speech, or images into different languages.
Personalized Recommendations: Need help finding a show, movie, or new hobby to try out? Tell AI a little bit about what you like and have it do the hard part for you!
Financial Planning: AI-based financial planning tools and robo-advisors analyze financial data, assess risk tolerance, and recommend investment strategies, helping individuals make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals.
Creative Inspiration: AI can spark creativity by generating story ideas, brainstorming plots, suggesting artistic prompts, and providing feedback on creative projects in various mediums, such as writing, art, music, and design.

As AI continues to advance, we have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its capabilities to our advantage. However, it's crucial to approach its use ethically, refraining from simply taking without considering the broader implications. Remember, details count when it comes to AI... play around with different tone of voice requests and descriptions to get the most of your results!

Odd Laws You Won't Believe Exist

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:49:05 GMT

Did you know that in some parts of the world, it's illegal to wear a suit of armor to Parliament? Or that there are places where it's against the law to walk your pet alligator without a leash? In this article, we'll explore some of the most bizarre and unusual laws from around the globe that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief.

Join us as we take a journey through the weird and wonderful world of strange laws, where the line between legality and absurdity is often blurred. From the downright bizarre to the oddly specific, these legal regulations are sure to entertain and amuse as we uncover the strange and surprising laws that govern our world.

No High Heels Without a Permit (Greece) : In Greece, it's illegal to wear high heels without a permit. This law was introduced to prevent damage to historical sites and monuments, but it's still enforced today, leaving fashion-forward visitors scratching their heads.
No Walking Your Pet Alligator Without a Leash (Florida, USA) : In Florida, it's against the law to walk your pet alligator without a leash. While this law might seem like common sense, it's a humorous reminder of the state's unique wildlife.
No Chewing Gum (Singapore) : In Singapore, chewing gum is banned to maintain cleanliness and prevent vandalism. While exceptions are made for therapeutic gum, the sale and possession of chewing gum are heavily regulated.
No Naming Your Child "Batman" (Mexico) : In Mexico, there's a law prohibiting parents from naming their children "Batman" or any other superhero-inspired name. While it might seem like a fun idea to some, the government takes naming regulations seriously.
No Salmon Suspicion (UK) : In the UK, it's illegal to handle a salmon in suspicious circumstances. This obscure law dates back centuries and is still on the books, though its enforcement is rare.
No Eating Fried Chicken With a Fork (Gainesville, Georgia, USA) : In Gainesville, Georgia, it's illegal to eat fried chicken with anything other than your fingers. This law is a nod to the city's proud Southern heritage and culinary traditions.
No Whistling at Night (Portugal) : In Portugal, it's considered bad luck to whistle at night. This superstition has led to a law prohibiting whistling after dark, with the belief that it can attract evil spirits or bring about misfortune.
No Duck Parades Without a Permit (Tennessee, USA) : In Tennessee, it's illegal to hold a duck parade without a permit. While the origins of this law are unclear, it's a humorous reminder of the state's quirky regulations.
No Wearing a Suit of Armor to Parliament (UK) : In the UK, it's illegal to wear a suit of armor to Parliament. This law dates back to the 1313 Statute Forbidding Bearing of Armor, which aimed to prevent armed noblemen from intimidating lawmakers.
No Selling Gum (Thailand) : In Thailand, it's illegal to sell gum due to concerns about litter and cleanliness. While chewing gum is not prohibited for personal use, the sale and distribution of gum are strictly regulated.

Recipe of the Month: Papas con Rojas

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:49:03 GMT

Elevate your Dinner Experience!

Tender potatoes and silky poblano chiles mingle in a tangy, rich cream sauce in this Mexican favorite, resulting in a substantive one-pan dish that can be served innumerable ways. Tuck the mixture into tortillas for tacos or burritos. Roll it up inside enchiladas topped with a layer of stretchy, melty mozzarella or queso Chihuahua. Or just eat it all on its own with a knife and fork.

Buttery Yukon Gold potatoes retain their shape after simmering, making them the best spud for papas con rajas, but when it comes to the peppers you have some license. In summer this recipe is a great way to showcase in-season chiles, so if you spot Anaheim peppers, New Mexican green chiles, or even really great-looking green bell peppers, feel free to swap them in. For a more traditional take, grill or broil the chiles until the skins are blistered before peeling and cutting them into strips. Mexican crema is increasingly easy to find in grocery stores, usually in the cheese section; if you can’t get some, we’ve provided a substitute. For a fully vegetarian version, swap the chicken bouillon for vegetable or mushroom bouillon.

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 small white onion, thinly sliced

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 large Yukon Gold potato (about 10 oz.), peeled, cut into 2x½" sticks

½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt

2 jalapeños, thinly sliced, divided

4 large poblano chiles, cut into 2x½" strips

1 Tbsp. vegetable or chicken bouillon paste

1¼ cups crema mexicana, divided, or 1 cup heavy cream and ¼ cup sour cream

Toasted small flour or corn tortillas and lime wedges (for serving)

DIRECTIONS:

Melt 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small white onion, thinly sliced, 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, 1 large Yukon Gold potato (about 10 oz.), peeled, cut into 2x½" sticks, ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, and ¼ cup water to pan and cover (use a baking sheet if you don’t have a lid). Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened and translucent and potato is almost fork-tender, 9–12 minutes.
Add 4 large poblano chiles, cut into 2x½" strips, re-cover pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, until chiles are bright green and crisp-tender, 8–10 minutes.
Stir in 1 Tbsp. vegetable or chicken bouillon paste and 1 cup crema mexicana or heavy cream and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until potato is tender and cream (if using) is slightly reduced, 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in remaining ¼ cup crema mexicana or sour cream.
Serve with toasted small flour or corn tortillas, lime wedges, and remaining 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, for building tacos.
Enjoy!

Original Source: BonAppetit.com

Spring DIY Decor: Refresh Your Space

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:30:31 GMT

Transform Your Space with Budget-Friendly DIY Ideas

Get ready to revamp your space with our curated list of DIY home decor projects designed to breathe new life into your living areas. We've compiled a collection of creative ideas that will inspire you to personalize your home for the season ahead. Each project comes with a link to their respective website for easy access to detailed guides! Let's dive in and unleash your inner decorator!

1. Floral Wreath for Your Front Door

Start by creating a beautiful floral wreath to adorn your front door and greet guests with a burst of Spring!

2. Mason Jar Herb Garden

Bring a touch of greenery into your kitchen with a charming mason jar herb garden.

3. Upcycled Planter Boxes

Give new life to old wooden crates or pallets by transforming them into stylish planter boxes for your patio or balcony.

4. Decorative Spring Pillows

Add a pop of color and pattern to your living room or bedroom with handmade decorative pillows.

5. Painted Terra Cotta Plant Pots

Transform your plain terra cotta plant pots into works of art with a little paint and some creativity.

6. Spring-Themed Wall Art

Get creative with spring-themed wall art to bring the essence of Spring indoors!

7. Spring Scented Candles

Ditch the $40 candles and make your own infused with spring-inspired fragrances!

8. Pressed Flower Art

Preserve the beauty of spring blooms by pressing them and creating stunning pressed flower art.

Recipe of the Month: Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:28:42 GMT

A Burst of Freshness in Every Bite

INGREDIENTS:

Blueberry Lemon Bundt Cake

2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon all purpose flour for blueberries
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 cups blueberries
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

Lemon Glaze

2 lemons, juice of
2-3 Cups Icing Sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl, whisk 2 1/2 cups flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl, cream butter, and both sugars on high, until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating until completely combined.
Beat in vanilla.
On low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture with the sour cream.
In a separate bowl, toss blueberries, zest and remaining flour.
Fold into batter.
Grease and flour a 12 cup bundt pan.
Spread batter into pan.
Bake cake on the bottom rack of the oven for 60-70 minutes.
Cool in pan for about 20 minutes, then invert onto a rack. Cool completely.
For the glaze, combine the juice of two lemons with 2-3 cups of icing sugar, until desired consistency has been reached.
Drizzle glaze over cake.
Enjoy!

Source: Food.com

Recipe of the Month: Red Velvet Cake Balls

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 19:22:16 GMT

The Perfect Valentine's Treat!

INGREDIENTS:

Red Velvet cake mix and the ingredients on the box
1 to 1 ⅓ cups cream cheese frosting (store bought or homemade)
24 ounces white chocolate or vanilla almond bark
Sprinkles, chocolate, etc. for decorations

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bake the cake according to the directions on the box. Let it cool completely.
Crumble the cooled cake into a large bowl. Add 1 cup of frosting and mix it up with a wooden spoon or electric mixer.
The mixture may seem dry at first. It will take the cake a bit of time to absorb the moisture of the frosting. It is recommended to allow it to rest for 5 minutes to see if it needs more moisture. If it does, add more frosting a spoonful at a time until the mixture is a smooth consistency. A bit stiff like cookie dough.
Once the mixture can be easily rolled into smooth balls, roll the cake balls into 1 inch balls and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 1 hour.
While the cake balls are freezing, melt the white chocolate slowly over a double boiler. Dip the cake balls in the white chocolate using a toothpick or a fork. Set the cake balls on parchment paper to harden. If you want to add sprinkles, add them right away while the chocolate is still wet.
Otherwise, wait till the white chocolate hardens and drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top. They keep in the fridge for a day or two or several weeks in the freezer.

Original Source: Chocolate with Grace

Smart Strategies to Save Money on Everyday Expenses

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 19:19:11 GMT

How to Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Quality!

Saving money on your day to day expenditures doesn’t always have to require drastic changes. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can trim your expenses without having to worry about sacrificing your quality of life. (Yes, that means you can still get your morning $6 coffee everyday!) Remember, everybody is different so feel free to change these tips up for your own needs!

1. Create a Budget:

This is always the #1 priority when it comes to saving money. I bet you are tired of hearing it… but it works. Understanding where your money is going each month is crucial to starting to save. Make a list of your fixed and variable expenses. Set a goal for yourself on how much you can spend on your variable expenses each month and how much you would like to save, whether you put it in a savings account, an investment account, or an emergency fund.

2. Embrace Meal Planning:

While meal planning does not work for everyone, create a plan that WILL work for you. Don’t force yourself to adhere to a goal you cannot accomplish. For example, only eat out once or twice a week, and try to eat at home for the rest of the time.

3. Explore Generic Brands:

Many generic brands offer the same quality (if not better) as name-brand counterparts. Decide which items you are okay with spending less money on. When it comes to non-food items, such as makeup, toiletries, and appliances, do some research on different brands and compare!

4. Cut Cable and Explore Streaming Services:

Cable bills can be hefty… especially as time goes on. Consider getting rid of cable completely and switching over to a streaming service. Some streaming services also include bundles and go on sale throughout the year.

5. Optimize your Subscriptions:

Review all of your monthly subscriptions. Cancel any subscriptions you aren’t using regularly. This could be magazines, streaming services you signed up for for a free trial, gym memberships, or any other recurring expense.

6. Use Cash-back Apps or Automatic Coupon Apps:

Look into some cash-back apps / websites and utilize them when making purchases. Sites like Honey , Rakuten , and Karma are user-friendly and can save you hundreds of dollars on purchases you were already making.

7. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs:

Some of the places you may already go to regularly have great loyalty programs. Look at your past 6 months of purchases and look up the places you frequent most. You may find that they have amazing loyalty programs! (If you don’t want to be bombarded by their daily emails… simply unsubscribe at the bottom of the email! You will still be a loyalty member!)

8. DIY Whenever Possible:

Embrace a do-it-yourself mindset for tasks like home maintenance, simple repairs, or even beauty treatments. There’s a YouTube video for everything!

9. Negotiate Bills:

Don’t be afraid to negotiate bills with your service providers. They are working for you and will want to keep you as their customer!

10. Buy Second-Hand:

Utilize platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist to make purchases. The free section on Facebook Marketplace has a lot of hidden gems, but remember to always be careful when meeting up with a stranger. Always travel in pairs! There are also many groups on Facebook of local “Buy and Sell” groups.

11. Plan No-Spend Days:

Designate specific days where you commit to not spending any money. With kids, this may be a challenge; if a no-spend day is not possible for you, plan a “minimal-spending day”.

12. Explore Investment Avenues:

Investing can be scary, but these days there are many applications / platforms that will do it for you. There are also many guides and tools online for smart investing!

13. Utilize Amazon Subscribe and Save:

If you are regularly making the same purchase, whether it be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc., utilize Amazon’s subscribe and save. This allows customers to receive a regular shipment of your selected product at a discounted price. You can pause it at any time, cancel it, or move your delivery to a different date.

Recipe of the Month: Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:13:38 GMT

Perfect for gatherings, late nights, or parties!

INGREDIENTS:

- 8 slices bacon

- 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into small pieces

- 8 oz. white cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)

- 2 tbsp. sour cream

- 1 tbsp. ranch seasoning (half of a 1-oz packet)

- 5 scallions, white parts finely chopped and green parts sliced

- Cooking Spray

- Crackers, for serving

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning, until crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Combine the cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, scallion whites and 2 of the bacon slices in a food processor and process until well combined, about 30 seconds.
Chop the remaining 6 slices of bacon and mix with the scallion greens on a plate; spread it out. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plate with a rubber spatula. Coat your hands with cooking spray and shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Roll and press the ball in the bacon-scallion mixture to coat.
Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.

Habit vs. Routine: Navigating the Path to Change

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:13:38 GMT

Your Roadmap to Understanding and Change

Trying to build good habits can often backfire. Here’s why it’s important to know how habits are formed and when it’s better to stick with a routine instead.

Habits are hot. Self-help articles extol the power of habits and books on the topic sell by the millions. Yet, like many pop psychology topics, the conventional wisdom about the effectiveness and application of habits is frequently outdated, misapplied, or flat out wrong. Building habits to change behavior the right way can be a wonderful tool to improve your life. But false notions about what habits are and what they can do can backfire.

The idea of building a habit is very appealing. The popular notion that tasks can be put on autopilot makes habits sound effortless. Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply make a habit out of doing tasks like exercising, journaling, paying bills, or running a side business? Unfortunately, you can’t. Habits don’t work that way.

What are Habits?

According to Dr. Benjamin Gardner, a habit researcher at King’s College London, “habit works by generating an impulse to do a behavior with little or no conscious thought.” Habits are a type of learning. By forming a habit, the brain frees the mind to do other things without deliberation.

As a child, you needed reminding to wash your hands after using the toilet. Children must focus on the task of turning on the water, dispensing the soap, lathering up, and cleaning their hands. As an adult, you do this automatically (hopefully) and you’re able to think about other things as you take the steps to wash your hands.

Only Some Behaviors can Become Habits

By definition, behaviors that require concentration, deliberation, or extended effort, are not habits. 1 This isn’t just semantics. We shouldn’t try to form a habit out of a task that can never become one. If we do, will be sorely disappointed.

When we fail at forming a habit, we tend to blame ourselves, rather than the bad advice we read from someone who doesn’t really understand what can and cannot be a habit.

If behaviors that require conscious thought, like cleaning your apartment or writing in a journal daily, are not habits, then what are they? They are routines. A routine is “a sequence of actions regularly followed.”

To change a behavior you need to understand the difference between a habit and a routine. Otherwise, it’s like using the blunt end of a screwdriver to bash in a nail. It’s possible, but you’re likely to give up or hurt yourself. You should have used a hammer instead.

How do we tell the difference between behaviors that are good candidates to become habits and those best left as routines? To answer that question we need to start with a more fundamental question, “Why do we do anything?”

What is Motivation?

For years, we thought that Sigmund Freud’s “pleasure principle” is the basis of human motivation. He promoted the idea that behavior is driven by the desire to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Behaviorists like B.F. Skinner popularized the notion that reinforcements and punishments drive conditioned behavior.

But, we now know that motivation is not driven by pleasure and pain. Rather, neurologically speaking, motivation is the desire to escape discomfort. All human behavior, even the itch of desire to do something pleasurable, is in fact prompted by pain. It’s called the homeostatic response.

Our brains get our bodies to do what they want through discomfort. When we’re cold, we put on a coat. When we feel hunger pangs, we eat. Does feeling warm again or eating food bring pleasure? Of course. But that good feeling comes after we’re spurred into action by an uncomfortable sensation prompting us to take action.

The same rule applies to psychological discomfort. When we feel lonely, bored, or uncertain, we act to relieve our emotional disquietude. We might see a friend to relieve loneliness, or watch a show on television when we’re bored. We may look up something online to satisfy our uncertainty — all because we seek to escape these uncomfortable sensations.

The Difference Between Habits and Routines

If all behavior is prompted by discomfort, then habits and routines must follow the same rule. How and when we feel the discomfort of doing, or not doing, a behavior is critical to understanding the difference between habits and routines.

Recall that part of the reason people find the idea of building a habit so appealing is the notion that they can put un-fun tasks on autopilot. Tasks like paying bills or doing the laundry annoy us. They hang over our heads until the pain of not doing them gets to be too much. However, if some magic laundry-folding fairy appeared and told you not to worry about the task, you’d happily go about your day. Turns out your brain comes built in with just such a magic pixie, it’s called procrastination.

When we procrastinate, we tell ourselves we’ll avoid the task for later. Doing so is a telltale sign the task is a routine and not a good candidate to become a habit.

Imagine intending to wash your hands and the water suddenly shuts off. If you’re in the habit, not doing the behavior would feel strange, even uncomfortable. Even if the magic habit fairy told you your hands had been cleaned and there was no need to wash them, it would take you several days, if not weeks, to undo this habitual behavior.

A habit feels uncomfortable when we don’t do it, exactly the opposite is true of routines. This is where people get into trouble confusing habits and routines. They expect routines to be as effortless as habits, while the only thing about routines that’s easy, is how easy they are to skip. Not doing an effortful task, like doing the laundry or writing in a journal, is easy to forget because such behaviors are not a habit, they are a routine that requires effort.

How Habits are Formed

Some self-help books claim habits form by simply providing a reward after a cued behavior. In the behaviorist tradition, they base their claims on research showing how a lab animal, like a mouse, can be taught to memorize a path through a maze in search of food. However, while this form of learning, called operant conditioning, works well for a mouse in a maze, the model is often misapplied for humans in the real world.

Operant conditioning can be effective when a scientist in a lab coat sets up the task for test subjects to complete. However, in life, we are thankfully not trapped in cages and mazes, we must moderate our own behavior. Unfortunately, we must be scientists attempting to design our own actions. Offering ourselves extrinsic rewards makes conditioning our own behavior very difficult. It can be exceedingly hard to resist cheating. Setting up arbitrary prizes risks overemphasizing completing a goal for the sake of the reward, instead of learning to enjoy the process.

Start with a Routine.

First we have to accept that only certain kinds of behaviors can become habits, and that certain behaviors will never become habits. Only then can we take the first step to changing our repeated behaviors. For those actions that can turn into habits, we can begin by making them into routines. As long as we know the difference between a habit (a behavior done with little or no thought) and a routine (a series of actions regularly followed) we can plan accordingly and not be disappointed.

Hold the Time.

Since we can’t count on routines to happen automatically the way habits do, we need to make sure to allocate time for them. Many people go through their days with aspirations to accomplish a list of tasks. But without dedicating time on their calendars to do them, they never get everything done.

Setting an “implementation intention,” which is just a fancy way of saying that you will plan what you are going to do and when you are going to do it, has been shown to boost the likelihood of following through. Without a dedicated time reserved for your new routine, chances are it’ll never get done.

Welcome Discomfort.

It’s important to expect that learning and repeatedly doing a new behavior requires effort. Expect discomfort and know that you’ll have to push through it. Along with setting expectations that new routines won’t be effortless, you can learn coping techniques to deal with discomfort in a healthier manner.

For instance, you can learn to re-imagine the difficulty in a positive way by telling yourself a different story. Instead of focusing on how hard writing or exercising every day can be, think of the difficulty as part of the journey. Know that everyone who has ever made a routine out of this behavior has struggled at some point.

If you desire to go to the gym regularly but dislike exercise, find ways to see it differently. Envision every drop of sweat as a sign your body is getting stronger. Learn to see the burn as tiny muscle fibers getting better at doing their job, as your body rises to the challenge. Perception is a matter of perspective, no matter the routine, you can choose to re-imagine your discomfort as a good thing.

Pre-Commit.

Before a behavior can become a habit, it needs to become a regularly performed routine. But given how effortful routines can be, it’s far too easy to skip a difficult task. Thankfully, making a pre-commitment is a fantastic way to ensure you do what you say you will do.

For instance, if writing or exercising daily is a routine you want to adopt, finding someone to hold you accountable will increase your odds of success. Sites like FocusMate , make finding someone to work alongside easy (note: I liked FocusMate so much I decided to invest in the company). You can also pre-commit to a routine by using software like Forest on your phone and Freedom on your computer to prevent distraction and keep you on task.

Do It Right.

By not expecting every aspiration to become an effortless habit, you increase your odds of success. If it’s the right kind of behavior, one that can be done with little or no conscious thought, the routine can become a habit.

It’s important to remember not to try and turn hard-to-do behaviors into habits. Doing so risks frustration and failure. Instead, accept that it’s perfectly fine that some behaviors will remain routines and expect them to never become effortless. By focusing on forming solid routines through the steps outlined above, you’ll have a better chance of sticking to what’s important to you, while increasing the odds that some routines may blossom into habits.

TL;DR:

When people say they want something to become a “habit” they mean they want it to be effortless. Wouldn’t it be great, the thinking goes, if we could do unfun tasks like exercising, eating healthy, or writing daily, on autopilot? Unfortunately we can’t.
To change a behavior you need to understand the difference between a habit and a routine. Otherwise, it’s like using the blunt end of a screwdriver to bash in a nail.
Knowing when to use the right tool for the job can prevent frustration and help you accomplish your goals.
All behavior is prompted by discomfort.
A habit is an impulse to do a behavior with little or no conscious thought. Not doing a habit feels uncomfortable, like not washing your hands after using the toilet or not flossing your teeth before bed.
A routine is a behavior frequently repeated. Unlike a habit, skipping a routine doesn’t feel bad and without proper forethought, can be easily skipped or forgotten.
Some routines can become habits but only if it’s a behavior that can be done with little conscious thought. Trying to turn a behavior that requires a lot of effort (like writing or breaking a physical fitness record) into a habit will backfire if you expect it to become effortless.
Forming a habit requires first sticking to a routine. To do that, make time in your schedule, expect and learn to cope with discomfort, and find ways to pre-commit to the task.

Source: Nirandfar.com

Recipe of the Month: Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 21:02:44 GMT

Capture Winter's Essence!

INGREDIENTS:

Cupcakes:

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
2 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
1 heaping Tablespoon instant coffee *
1/2 cup (41g) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)
3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour * ( spooned & leveled )
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs , at room temperature
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk *

Peppermint Vanilla Frosting:

1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter , softened to room temperature
3–4 cups (360-480g) confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream *
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
salt , to taste
optional for garnish: 4 ounces melted semi-sweet baking chocolate and crushed candy canes

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Melt the butter and chocolate together in the microwave. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between each time. You may also melt the butter and chocolate over low heat on the stovetop. Stir until combined, then mix in the instant coffee. Set aside to slightly cool.
In a medium bowl, toss the cocoa powder, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together until thoroughly combined. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract together until smooth. Add the cooled butter/chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add half of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is added. Stir until *just* combined; do not overmix. The batter will be very thick like pudding.
Divide the batter between 12 liners in your cupcake pan. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: Beat softened butter on medium speed with an electric or stand mixer. Beat for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract with the mixer running. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes (the longer you beat, the creamier the frosting!). Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or more cream if frosting is too thick. Add salt if frosting is too sweet (I add about 1/8 teaspoon).
Decorate the cupcakes: Frost cooled cupcakes. There may be leftover frosting depending how much you use on each cupcake. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Top with crushed candy canes right before serving.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Enjoy!

Original Source: Sally's Baking Addiction

The Best Screen-Time Apps To Get Your Digital Life Under Control

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 20:45:43 GMT

For many of us, our smartphone is an like an additional appendage--attached to us at all times. From paying bills to shopping online, opening your garage door, or watching your "kitty cam", the options are realistically without limit. You can also waste a lot of time. If you've had a nagging feeling (or checked your screen time and read the hard facts) that you are spending too much time surfing or socializing... there's an app for that. In fact, there are several apps for that!

If you need a little help detoxing from your social apps, keep reading. We've compiled a list of apps (sources below) to help you cut down your screen time and focus on the tasks at hand--or at least get a little balance in your life.

Built In Smart Phone Solutions

• Are you an Android user? The in-built screen time tracker and limiter for Android, Digital Wellbeing, is already installed on your Android phone, and as it turns out, it’s a fairly effective and simple way of beating phone addiction and stopping you from scrolling through Facebook every few minutes when you should be working. To access it, just go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing and parental controls and tap App timers under Your Goals. From here, you can click the Egg timer icon to the right of each app to add your own timer. You can also tap on Work time or Me time under Focus mode to set up apps you’re able to use during these times — for example, you might allow yourself to use only Gmail and Microsoft Teams during Work Time. You can also set the duration of your Work Time for a set amount of time or until you turn it off. By tapping Screen time under Your goals, you can see the stats for your usage of various apps — helpful for breaking the addiction cycle.

• For Apple users the in-built screen-time-limiting app, iOS Screen Time, is an excellent way to track your screen time without downloading any other apps. Built into iOS (and iPadOS), you can access it by going to Settings > Screen time. From here, you can set usage limits for all your apps and also schedule Downtime, as well as set which apps you want to allow at all times.

You can also access graphs and stats of your screen time on a daily and weekly basis, so you can see how much more or less time you’ve spent on your phone. Screen Time breaks down your app usage into categories like games, social media, etc., so you can quickly see where your time is going and adjust your usage limits accordingly. Screen Time is linked to your iCloud account, so if you toggle on the Share across devices option in the Screen Time menu, you’ll be able to see how you use apps across all your Apple devices.

Apps for both Apple/iOS and Android

• Freedom (Android and iOS) is used by over two million people worldwide and allows you to create blocklists and schedule time away from the apps that may be most distracting. Whether you want to focus on studying, get your work done, or just break a bad phone habit, the app can help. Just select the websites and apps you want to block to start your session, and Freedom will prevent you from opening them.

There’s a Freedom app for both iOS and Android as well as Mac, Windows, Chromebook, and Linux, so it’s easy to create custom blocklists for all of your devices. While Freedom offers a free trial period, a subscription of $39.99 per year or a monthly rate of $8.99 is required to access all of its features.

• Space ( Android and Apple ) is a little different than many other screen time apps. Space helps you set goals to be more mindful of your screen usage. When you install Space, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your smartphone habits and then select a user type that is your best match. The app then sets goals for screen unlocking and time use, sends notifications as screen time increases, and rewards you with different achievement badges when you meet your daily goals — and you can compare your progress with friends and family, too. There’s even an eight-day Phone/Life Balance course that’s packed with relatable and informative research and recommendations to help you balance your phone use with the rest of your life in a more healthy way — something we could all benefit from.

• Offtime (Android and Apple) allows you to block not only social media but games and even text messages. You can also determine what you can and can’t access for specific times like Family time, Work Time and Me Time.

• The Forest ( download for Android or iOS ) app works by letting you plant a seed and watching it grow into a tree. BUT when you start using social media on your phone, your trees die. The apps is basically a reward system so if you are motivated by virtual rewards, this is a good option.

Just for Android

• If you need a little help managing your time and beating smartphone addiction, Social Fever (for Android) can help. Its simple interface shows you at a glance how much time you’re spending on various apps including social media. You can easily set timers to notify you when you’ve exceeded your limits — and it’s quick and easy to get started with no need to set up an account. Just install Social Fever, then add the apps you want to track.

• AppDetox (Android) allows you to easily create rules to limit access to certain apps. The usual schedule and time-based limitations are available, as well as an option that requires to you walk to earn screen time. AppDetox is one of the few apps that provides a Forever option for apps that cannot be deleted from your phone — and it’s also handy for parents to use to control kids’ screen time.

• For those who truly have a problem staying off their phone, Off the Grid (Android) may be for you. Off the Grid completely blocks your phone for a set length of time that you determine. You can schedule your Off the Grid time — for example, if you want to stop using your phone after 8 p.m. every night. You can even set custom auto-reply messages to let friends and family know why you’re not responding, and choose to allow calls in case somebody needs to reach you urgently. While you’re off the grid, you can still access the camera app, handy in case you need to capture a special moment or snap a selfie.

• AntiSocial (Android) is one of the best-known screen-time-limiting apps available on Android. While it provides many of the standard features like screen-time limits and app blocking, it has an interesting trick up its sleeve: AntiSocial compares your screen usage data to other people in your age and gender group, so you’ll have an idea if you’re using your device more than your peers. It’s totally free to use, and there are no ads.

For your computer

• Cold Turkey (iOS and Windows) If you are one of those people who just need to quit cold turkey, this app is for you! It’s a browser extension that allows you to choose specific time limits to block web pages, the entire internet OR your entire computer. One interesting perk: there is a writer feature that forces you to finish writing your paper before you can do anything else. Which is great for writers, bloggers, and students. (Free or $29 for Pro.)

• FocusMe l ets you block certain websites and apps for a limited time like most other apps. The difference is that you can also block something FOREVER if you really need to. FocusMe will also remind you to take breaks throughout the day and parents can use the app to set a limit of their kids time on games and what sites they are allowed to visit. The app is $7.95/month or $47.95/year and works on Windows and iOS.

Sources: digitaltrends.com, everydayeyecandy.com, pcmag.com

How to Detect and Delete Personal Information from Google

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 22:01:16 GMT

If you Google your name, address or phone number, you might be surprised by the number of results you see with your personal information. There's a hidden feature in Google that will alert you when it finds these results, though, allowing you to remove them.

Google has about 83% of the search market, according to Statista, and is far ahead of competitors such as Microsoft's Bing, Yahoo or DuckDuckGo. That means, if folks are looking for your information, chances are they'll try Google first.

This approach is different than just asking Google to remove private results . Instead, this feature proactively searches for your phone number, email and home address and will alert you when it finds something. Then, you can just tell Google to delete it from search results.

It's really easy to ask Google to alert you if it finds your personal information. You just need to know where to look. Start by making sure you're logged in to Google.

Open your web browser and type myactivity.google.com/results-about-you .

2. Select "Results to review."

3. Choose "Get started" and press "Next," twice.

4. Add your personal info: name, address, phone number, email. You can add multiple entries for each one.

5. Confirm this is all your information.

6. Choose the way that you want to be notified. You can choose email or push notifications, or both.

7. Last, you will get a pop-up that says, "We're taking a look."

8. Now just wait for notifications from Google. When you get one, you can choose to have Google remove it from

Google Search or opt to leave it. That's up to you.

Pro tip: If you made any errors, or want to go back in and edit, just return to the " Results About You" page and make your changes.

That's it!

Note: Google doesn't remove your information from the internet, but it scrubs it from Google Search and makes it harder for people to find.

Source: CNBC

Recipe of the Month: Potatoes Au Gratin

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:34:17 GMT

Potatoes Au Gratin

Makes: 6-8 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

3 pounds russet (Idaho) potatoes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 medium garlic clove, crushed
1 ½ to 2 cups half and half or whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Freshly grated nutmeg to taste
4 tablespoons crème fraîche
⅓ to ½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

Peel and wash the potatoes and slice them into rounds ⅛-inch thick, using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
Butter a 9x12 heavy shallow baking dish, preferably earthenware or cast-enamel, or an oval gratin dish of comparable size. (You could also use a 12-inch cast iron skillet.) Rub the dish with half of the crushed garlic.
In a small saucepan, bring the half-and-half (or whole milk) to a simmer with the remaining garlic and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the potatoes in one overlapping layer on the bottom of the dish. Season the layer with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Arrange two more layers on top, seasoning each layer. Press the layers down and compact them. Pour in enough half-and-half to come up just a little below the top layer of potatoes. Set the baking dish on a larger baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake until the potatoes feel tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour.
Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees F, remove the foil, and bake until the top begins to brown, about 10 minutes. Pour just enough cream to cover the top, dab it with crème fraîche and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. Bake until the top is brown and bubbly, 15-20 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes to absorb the cream.

Original Source: Epicurious.com

Thanksgiving Around the World

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:32:20 GMT

A Global Feast of Gratitude - How We Celebrate

Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrō Kansha no Hi)

In Japan, Labor Thanksgiving Day, known as "Kinrō Kansha no Hi," is celebrated on November 23rd. This holiday originally had Buddhist roots and has evolved to honor workers and their contributions to society. Schools and communities often hold festivals, and it's a time for people to express gratitude for the year's blessings.

Canada: Canadian Thanksgiving

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October, several weeks ahead of the American holiday. Canadian Thanksgiving is similar to the American version, with feasts, family gatherings, and expressions of gratitude for the harvest.

Germany: Erntedankfest

Erntedankfest, or Harvest Festival, is celebrated in Germany on the first Sunday in October. It's a time for Germans to give thanks for the harvest with church services and colorful parades. People often decorate churches with fruits, vegetables, and grain as a symbol of abundance.

Liberia: Thanksgiving in Africa

In Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November. This tradition dates back to the country's history as a settlement for freed American slaves. Liberians celebrate with church services, singing, dancing, and feasts featuring traditional dishes.

South Korea: Chuseok

Chuseok, Korea's equivalent of Thanksgiving, typically falls in late September or early October. It's a time to honor ancestors and celebrate the harvest with ancestral rites, traditional games, and the sharing of delicious rice cakes called "songpyeon."

Grenada: Thanksgiving Day

Grenada, a Caribbean nation, celebrates Thanksgiving on October 25th. This holiday is a blend of the American and Canadian traditions. People attend church services and share meals with family and friends, often featuring local dishes like callaloo soup and sweet potato pudding.

China: The Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhōngqiū Jié)

While not a Thanksgiving celebration in the traditional sense, the Mid-Autumn Festival in China is a time for families to come together and give thanks for the harvest. It's celebrated with mooncakes, lanterns, and gatherings under the full moon.

Embracing Autumn's Delights: A Guide to Fun Fall Activities

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:39:42 GMT

Celebrate the Season's Beauty!

Apple Picking: Visit a local orchard and pick fresh apples. Take the whole family or go with a friend; then treat yourself after by baking up a sweet treat. You can find local orchards here.
Pumpkin Patch: Pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving, painting, or for decoration! Don’t get lost in the corn maze!
Leaf Peeping : Take a scenic drive or walk around town and find all different types of leaves! Try and collect fallen leaves and make a fall scrapbook!
Haunted Houses or Hayrides: Get into the Halloween spirit and visit a haunted house. See who can “survive” the longest! Find one in Kansas here.
Fall Festivals: Check out a local fall festival. Find some tasty treats, explore local crafts, and enjoy some live music! Find Kansas fall festivals here.
Outdoor Movie Night: Find a nice, cool night and set up a sheet and projector in your backyard. Make the night complete with blankets, popcorn, and some Halloween classics.
Fall Arts and Crafts: Engage in some autumn-themed crafts such as creating vibrant wreaths, painting pumpkins, or designing leaf art!
Football Tailgating : Organize a tailgate party with friends and family before a game.
Local Halloween Events: Whether it’s a Trunk or Treat with your kids or a costume contest at your local gathering place, Kansas has tons of Halloween themed events!
Autumn-Inspired Scavenger Hunt: Organize a fun scavenger hunt for your friends or family, featuring items like acorns, pinecones, or specific leaf varieties to discover and collect!

Recipe of the Month: Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:35:12 GMT

Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 Minutes

Makes: 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

2 Cloves Garlic
1 cup apple cider or unfiltered apple juice
1 (2-inch) fresh rosemary sprig
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 pounds bone-in, skin on chicken thighs (4-6)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
INSTRUCTIONS:

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.
Smash 2 garlic cloves and place in a small saucepan. Add 1 cup apple cider, 1 fresh rosemary sprig, and 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Stir and bring to a boil, uncovered, over medium-high heat. Boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, start cooking the chicken.
Pat 2 pounds chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Heat 2 teaspoons vegetable oil in a large frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken skin-side down, and cook undisturbed until the skin is browned and the chicken releases easily from the pan, adjusting the heat if the skin begins to burn, 8 to 10 minutes.
When the glaze is ready, whisk in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until melted, then remove from the heat. When the chicken is ready, transfer it to a plate. Carefully pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan. Return the chicken to the pan skin-side up, and spoon the glaze evenly over it.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Spoon some of the glaze in the pan back over the chicken, then continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes more. Turn the oven on to broil, and broil until the skin is dark golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes.

ENJOY!

Original Source: thekitchn.com

Fall Gardening Tips

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:27:25 GMT

Preparing Your Garden for the Cooler Months

Clean up and Clear Out:

- Begin by removing spent annuals and any diseased or damaged plant material. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. Also, trim pack perennials to around 2-3 inches above the soil level.

2. Amend the Soil:

- Fall is an ideal time to enrich your soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure to your garden beds and work it in. This improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability for plants come spring.

3. Plant Spring-Blooming Bulbs:

- Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Dig holes to the recommended depth and space, place the bulbs, and cover with soil. These bulbs will provide a burst of color when the weather warms up. If you only have a vegetable garden, disregard this tip.

4. Mulch for Insulation:

-Apply a layer of mulch around plants to insulate the soil and help regulate temperatures during winter. This protects plant roots from extreme cold and prevents frost heaving.

5. Keep Watering:

- While plants may not need as much water as in summer, it's important to keep them hydrated until the ground freezes. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

6. Protect Delicate Plants:

- If you have tender plants that aren't cold-hardy in your zone, consider providing them with protective coverings. You can use frost blankets, burlap, or even repurposed containers to shield them from harsh weather.

7. Divide and Transplant:

- If your perennials have become overcrowded, fall is a good time to divide and transplant them. This encourages healthier growth and allows you to propagate your favorite plants.

8. Plan for Spring:

- Take some time to plan and design your garden for the following spring. Research new plants, sketch out layouts, and make a list of improvements you'd like to make.

9. Harvest Late Crops:

- If you have fall vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and late-harvested greens, make sure to harvest them before the first frost to enjoy their fresh flavors.

By taking these steps to care for your garden in the fall, you're setting the foundation for a successful garden next spring!

Recipe of the Month: Cranberry Pecan Baked Brie

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:27:21 GMT

Embrace Fall Flavors with this Baked Brie featuring Cranberry and Pecan.

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 15 Minutes

Yields: 8 Servings

MAIN INGREDIENTS:

1 8-Ounce wheel brie cheese, rind trimmed

2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed

INGREDIENTS FOR MAPLE HONEY DRIZZLE:

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg

Zest of 1 orange

½ cup Fisher Nuts pecan halves, chopped

¼ cup dried cranberries

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Place brie on a rimmed baking sheet or a 5-inch cast iron skillet; sprinkle with brown sugar. Place into the oven and bake until softened, about 12-15 minutes; let cool for around 5 minutes.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until foamy, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in pecans and cranberries.
Serve brie warm topped with pecan mixture; serve with crackers or baguette.

Evoke the spirit of the season with every bite!

Original Source: DamnDelicious.net

Unlock Your Creativity

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:34:59 GMT

Cultivating Creativity: Strategies to Unlock Limitless Inspiration

1. Embrace Playfulness: Sometimes we all have to embrace our inner child and engage in playful activities. Playfulness can free the mind from constraints, allowing for more imaginative thinking. Some playful exercises that may be a fit for you are doodling / coloring, building with Lego blocks, playing with clay, or making a creative collage.

2. Mind Mapping : A mind map is a visual technique where ideas are represented in a non-linear manner, allowing for creative connections between different concepts. Mind maps can be used to brainstorm and explore new ideas, no matter how big or small. (Learn more about mind mapping here. )

3. Creative Journaling: With creative journaling, you can write, draw, or collage your thoughts, dreams, and ideas. This practice allows for a safe space for self-expression and encourages the exploration of your thoughts and emotions.

4. Stimulate Curiosity : Explore new topics, hobbies, or areas of interest. It is important to discover fresh perspectives and insights.

5. Collaborate Creativity : Collaboration and brainstorming with others can foster a supportive environment where ideas can be shared and expanded upon.

6. Take Breaks and Daydream: Taking breaks and allowing the mind to daydream can be fruitful for creativity. When your mind is relaxed, you are allowing it to reach its maximum potential.

7. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity : Failure is a stepping stone to success. Learning from mistakes and embracing challenges can lead to massive breakthroughs.

8. Limitations as Catalysts: Constraints and limitations can actually fuel creativity. When faced with limited resources or tight deadlines, you are often forced to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

9. Engage in Different Art Forms: Explore various forms of art, such as music, visual arts, literature, or dance. Exposure to these different art forms can inspire new ideas.

10. Step Out of Comfort Zones: Try new experiences as often as you can. Novel experiences can stimulate the brain and open up new channels for creativity.

Remember, creativity may look different for everyone. Take these tips and tricks and make them your own!

Recipe of the Month: Mediterranean Pasta Salad

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:30:19 GMT

A Pasta Salad Recipe that takes

you to the Mediterranean Coast!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Makes: 6-8 Servings

Main Ingredients:

12 ounces dry pasta

1 English Cucumber, diced

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2/3 cup sliced Kalamata Olives

4 ounces crumbled feta cheese

Half of a medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette Ingredients:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced

1 teaspoon honey

2 small garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1) Cook the pasta al dente in a large stockpot of salted water.

2) Drain pasta and rinse under cold water for 20-30 seconds. Then, transfer pasta to a mixing bowl.

3) To make the lemon-herb vinaigrette, whisk all the ingredients together until combined.

4) Add cucumber, olives, tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion to the mixing bowl, then drizzle the vinaigrette over the top. Toss until all ingredients are coated with dressing.

ENJOY!

Source: GimmeSomeOven.com

Mastering Time Management

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:14:11 GMT

Unlocking the Key to Success: Strategies for Optimal Productivity.

1. Spend time tracking where all your time currently goes to: Start by understanding how you currently allocate your time. Use time-tracking tools or apps to analyze your daily activities. This awareness will help you identify areas where time is being wasted and make necessary adjustments.

2. Set a very specific time limit for each task , no matter how menial they may seem: Assign a specific duration for every task on your to-do list. This practice instills a sense of urgency and prevents tasks from expanding beyond their necessary time frame.

3. Create to-do lists for every task: Break down your larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. By creating detailed to-do lists, you can stay organized, prioritize effectively, and track your progress more efficiently.

4. Plan ahead: Dedicate time each day or week to plan and schedule your tasks in advance. This proactive approach allows you to anticipate upcoming commitments, deadlines, and priorities, enabling better time allocation.

5. Spend your mornings on the most important tasks: Take advantage of your peak energy levels in the morning by tackling your most significant and challenging tasks first. This ensures that you make progress on crucial objectives when you're at your best.

6. Learn to delegate and outsource tasks: Recognize tasks that can be delegated to others or outsourced. Delegating responsibilities not only frees up your time but also allows you to focus on higher-value tasks that require your expertise.

7. Eliminate half-work: Practice full engagement in each task you undertake. Minimize distractions, multitasking, and interruptions, and commit to giving your undivided attention to the task at hand. This approach leads to greater efficiency and better results.

8. Leave buffer time between tasks: Avoid back-to-back scheduling and allow some buffer time between tasks. This buffer acts as a cushion for unexpected delays or provides an opportunity for a mental break, ensuring a smoother workflow throughout the day.

9. Get organized and single-task: Organize your workspace and digital files to minimize clutter and distractions. Additionally, focus on one task at a time, avoiding the temptation to switch between multiple activities simultaneously, which can reduce efficiency and increase errors.

10. Use an online calendar: Make use of online calendar tools, such as Notion , that offer customizable templates to suit your specific scheduling needs. These tools help you visualize your commitments, set reminders, and maintain a clear overview of your day, week, or month.

11. Instill keystone habits: Identify key habits that have a significant impact on your overall productivity and well-being. Whether it's exercising, meditating, or planning your day ahead, incorporating these keystone habits into your routine can transform your productivity and life as a whole.

12. Telecommute when you can: If your work allows for remote work or telecommuting, take advantage of the flexibility it offers. Working from home can eliminate commute time, reduce distractions, and enhance your ability to manage your time effectively.

13. Batch similar tasks together: Group similar tasks and allocate dedicated blocks of time to complete them in one go. For example, designate specific time slots to reply to emails or handle administrative tasks. This batching technique minimizes context switching and optimizes your workflow.

14. Do less! Remember that you can't be perfect or do everything. Prioritize your tasks, learn to say no to non-essential commitments, and focus on what truly matters to achieve a healthy work-life balance and maximize your productivity.

By implementing these time management strategies, you'll gain greater control over your schedule, enhance productivity, and make significant strides toward accomplishing your goals. Remember, there are always adjustments that can be made to fit your own schedule and day-to-day life.

Original Source: forbes.com

Recipe of the Month: Fresh Mango Salsa

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 22:10:39 GMT

Ignite your Summer with Mango Salsa: Where Sweet Meets Spicy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Yields: 3 Cups (Can make more)

INGREDIENTS:

3 ripe mangoes, diced

1 medium red bell pepper

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and minced

1 large lime, juiced or 1/4 cup lime juice

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) In a serving bowl, combine the prepared mango, bell pepper, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. Drizzle with the juice of one lime.

2) Stir the ingredients together. Season to taste with salt (and whatever else you prefer), and stir again.

If you manage to have some leftovers, store them in your fridge, covered.

Source: CookieAndKate.com

30 Small Ways to Make a Difference

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:53:39 GMT

Make a positive impact on the local community this summer by exploring these effective methods to lend a helping hand.

1. Stream Clean Up - Head to a nearby stream, lake or riverway and spend a few hours picking up trash along the bank. Keeping debris out of water systems encourages healthy plant and animal habitats and protects the water supply. ( The Wichita RiverWalk Cleanup Crew is having a clean-up event on June 10th at 9 AM. https://www.facebook.com/groups/WichitaCleanupCrew/)

2. Plant a Tree - Give the gift of clean air, cool shade and soil stabilization for generations to come when you plant a tree. Watch your sapling grow in your yard, or donate a tree to a park, school or greenspace.

3. Shop Local - From clothing to food, yard care to jewelry- put your money where your community is. Shopping locally reduces trucks on the road and increases employment opportunities for friends and neighbors. (VisitWichita.com has a great list and map of local businesses! You can check it out here. )

4. Donate Blood - Make a plan to donate blood regularly. If you don’t meet the age or health requirements, coordinate a blood drive at your school, church or during a local event.

5. Recycle and Upcycle - Keep your world clean by depositing cans, bottles and other containers in recycling bins. Go a step further and upcycle clothes and other household materials and make old things new again! You can use old t-shirts as towels when working outside, use old food containers for storing nuts and bolts, the list goes on!

6. Clean and Donate - Clean out your closet and donate clothes and shoes you no longer wear to a shelter or Goodwill store. There are numerous donation centers and charities in Wichita to donate to!

7. Run a Race - Choose a walk or run event and join other kindred spirits in supporting a cause close to your heart. racemob.com and runsignup.com are a couple of sites that have lists of runs across Kansas.

8. Donate Your Hair (Yes, really!) - Grow out your lovely locks then donate them to those struggling with cancer or other health challenges. Research specific organizations before you start cutting and note the specific requirements. Go to wigsforkids.com for a list of salons in Kansas that participate in their .

9. Welcome a Neighbor - Be the first to greet a new neighbor with a small gift, baked goods or card. Let them know where to find the best restaurants, playgrounds and grocery stores near you! Get your current neighbors together and make a plan of how you can help your neighborhood! Nextdoor.com is a great resource for getting in touch with your neighbors and helping others out.

10. Write Letters - Don’t underestimate the power of the pen. Write to a family member or friend who might not be able to get out much or make a pen pal with someone who is elderly or incarcerated.

11. Adopt a Family - Ask a local agency how you can help a family in need and give what you can. Donate a weekly meal, clothing or household items to them or offer assistance during the holidays. Union Rescue Mission of Wichita, KS is always in need of volunteers to help with their weekly food box preparation, sorting donations, cleaning, or being a mentor. Kansas Food Bank serves Kansans in 85 counties and also has resource partners that can pick up your donations.

12. Collect Bathroom Items - Put together hygiene bags filled with toothpaste, a toothbrush, shampoo, sanitary items, deodorant and other must haves and give them to a women's or men’s shelter. If you travel often, you can also collect and donate your unused hotel-supplied toiletries. Ask local stores, dentists and other companies to contribute to the cause.

13. Donate to A Food Pantry - Clean out the cupboards and give unexpired canned foods and other nonperishables to your local food bank. Kansas Food Bank serves families across 85 Kansas counties and also has resource partners that can pick up your donations.

14. Babysit for Free - The gift of time can be just as valuable as monetary donations! Offer to babysit for a friend or neighbor who could use a little help with childcare. You can always reach out to neighbors on Nextdoor.com.

15. Foster a Dog or Cat - Even if you aren’t ready to have a furry friend join your family, giving an animal time away from a shelter to decompress and learn how to live in a household is a gift that keeps on giving. Check out the Kansas Humane Society for more information on how to be a volunteer foster parent for an animal in need!

16. Plant a Garden - Grow fruits, veggies and herbs in your backyard, windowsill or container garden. Not only will fresh foods up your cooking game, plants also help clean the air and prevent soil erosion. Share your bounty with friends, neighbors or those who have limited access to fresh foods.

17. Teach a Class - Share your talent with the world! If you can paint, sing, play an instrument, rock a spreadsheet or are a LEGO genius - teach someone who wants to learn.

18. Donate Books - Do you have old books? Organize a neighborhood book drive and give the gift of reading to a school or library in need. Most local libraries are happy to accept book donations. You can also find a daycare center close to home to donate to!

19. Feed the Birds - Help feathered friends stay fed in cooler months by making homemade bird feeders and keeping them filled. Place the feeders near a window with a bird’s eye view of your winged friends. (P.S. for cat owners: your cats will have a new source of entertainment.)

20. Sponsor a Youth Team - Donate equipment, game day snacks or purchase a sponsor package and help a local team have a successful season. Ask your employer if they would consider pitching in! Another idea is creating a new neighborhood youth sports team at your closest park. Get together with other parents and see how you can help the community!

21. Save Your Coins - Collect coins you find in the couch, the car, your pocket, or on the ground and put them in a jar or piggy bank. When your change starts stacking up, decide how you want to spend the money: Donate to charity or give anonymously to someone you know could use it.

22. Link to Schools - Many food stores offer shoppers the opportunity to link frequent shopper numbers to a local school. Don’t pass up this easy way to support education in your community.

23. Birthday Celebration - Celebrate another year around the sun by giving to a favorite cause. Encourage friends and family to make a donation in your name in lieu of gifts. Give each gift giver a personalized thank you card and information about how their donation will be used.

24. Tutor - Giving just a few hours a month to a student who could use extra support can go a long way in setting someone up for a successful future. Let your local education providers know you are available to help! You can also offer your services to neighbors who may need some extra help.

25. Get First Aid Certified - You never know how or when First Aid or CPR training could come in handy or even save a life. Take a class as a family and be prepared for any emergency situation. You can also become First Aid Certified online through the National Health & Safety Association.

26. Write Thank You Notes - Your mom was right! Thank you notes go a long way in making people feel appreciated. Put pen to paper and show your mail carrier, garbage collectors, teachers and anyone else who makes a big impact on your quality of life the appreciation they deserve.

27. Pay it Forward - Pay for the meal or coffee of the next person next in line at your favorite drive through. Not only will it make you happy, but it might also inspire that person to do the same. A chain reaction of people doing good - what a wonderful world!

28. Get to Know You - Make a commitment to getting to know members of your family you might not see as often. Send a weekly email or letter and start making connections. Write down family history and other pertinent information for future generations! Making a family tree is also a great way to get in touch with distant family members. See how far back you can go!

29. Driveway Art - Take the kids and colorful chalk outside and draw pictures or write words of encouragement on the sidewalk or driveway. Walkers, runners, strollers, families and dog parents will appreciate the pick me up! For extra fun, check out ICTChalkTalks , a public chalkboard downtown that teams up with local artists.

30. Dine Out and Support Youth Organizations - Look on social media or neighborhood message boards to see which restaurants are offering a night where a portion of the proceeds for each meal sold is given to a youth group or organization. Easy and delicious!

Original Source: SignupGenius.com

Recipe of the Month: S'mOREOs

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 18:53:35 GMT

Indulge in a delectable variation of the classic S'more this summer! Give it a try and enjoy its scrumptiousness.

S'mOreos Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Everyone loves a good s'more in the summer. If you're planning on camping this summer or just having an old fashioned bonfire with loved ones, try this yummy twist on a s'more. Fun fact: you can easily make s'mores in an air-fryer when you're having that late night craving. Make sure you make one for dad too or you may have a mess on your hands!

Here’s how to make this delicious treat:

Total Time: 15 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 Oreo Cookies

3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

4 whole graham crackers, halved

1 milk chocolate candy bar

4 large marshmallows

Directions:

1.Spread both sides of each Oreo cookie with peanut butter; place each on a graham cracker half. Top with chocolate.

2. Using a long metal skewer or long-handled fork, toast marshmallows 6 in. from medium-hot heat until golden brown, turning occasionally. Place on chocolate; cover with remaining graham crackers. Serve immediately.

Source: Taste of Home

(You can also make your S’mOREOs in the air-fryer. Simply place your graham cracker half, chocolate, Oreo, and marshmallow in the air-fryer. Cook for 7-8 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Recipe of the Month: Coffee Cake

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 May 2023 20:57:58 GMT

Perfect for Mother's Day Brunch

Love Starbucks coffee cake? This version is even better! Tender, buttery cake topped with crunchy crumbles and a cinnamon-sugar ribbon running through the middle. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and dig in!

PREP TIME

25 mins

COOK TIME

55 mins

TOTAL TIME

80 mins

SERVINGS

15 to 18 servings

NOTE: You can halve this recipe and bake it in an 8 x 8-inch pan. Start checking it for doneness after 40 minutes, but it will likely take closer to 50 minutes to bake.

INGREDIENTS

For the streusel topping:

1 cup (180g) brown sugar, packed
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

For the cinnamon layer:

1/4 cup (50g) sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cake batter:

3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (450g) sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (230g) sour cream
1/4 cup whole milk
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350º F and butter or spray a 9 x 13 pan.
Make the streusel layer: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork to mash the butter into the mixture until completely combined and crumbly. Set aside.
Make the cinnamon layer: In another small bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Set side, as well.
Begin making the batter: In the bowl of your mixer, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Using the paddle attachment for your stand mixer, stir on low to combine.
Add the softened butter and beat on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until all of the butter is mixed in, and the mixture resembles moist sand. Combine the wet ingredients and finish the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla until combined. Add the mixture to the dry ingredients. Beat the batter on medium speed until you get a smooth batter. A few small lumps are totally fine.
Prepare the cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar layer over the top of the batter in an even layer.Spread the remaining batter over the top (this does require some patience since the batter likes to lift off the cinnamon-sugarlayer). Top with the crumble mixture.
Bake the cake: Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 1 hour (or until the cake comes to room temperature) before serving.
Store the cake: You can make this cake a day or two in advance. Remove the cake from the pan and cover with plastic wrap. Keep it on the counter at room temperature. To freeze the cake, wrap it in plastic, followed by foil.

SOURCE: Simplyrecipes.com

How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google's Search Results

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 May 2023 19:48:53 GMT

Maybe you don't want your phone number, email, home address and other details out there for the web to see. Here's how to make them vanish.

LAST YEAR, GOOGLE expanded the ways you can submit removal requests for search results containing personal info. Before this change, people had to meet a very high bar to get results with sensitive data wiped. Finding personal details in a Google search, like a home address or phone number, can be quite frightening, but you can take action to protect your privacy.

In addition to the removal of personal information, Google is considering removal requests for images of minors, as well as deepfake pornography and other explicit content. Although getting results scrubbed from Google Search won’t remove web pages from the internet, it will divert one of the biggest drivers of traffic.

There’s no guarantee that unwanted search results will disappear completely, however. As a result of your request, the web page could be removed from all searches on Google, only searches involving your name, or none of the above. For more information about disappearing digitally and services like DeleteMe , check out WIRED’s tips on deleting yourself from the internet .

At the time of the announcement, Michelle Chang, Google’s global policy lead for search, wrote “Open access to information is a key goal of Search, but so is empowering people with the tools they need to protect themselves and keep their sensitive, personally identifiable information private.” The new procedures can protect against malicious doxxing, as well as information leaks that are only implicit threats.

To begin the removal process, visit the topic’s support page , scroll halfway down, and click the blue Start Removal request button. You will initially be asked whether you have reached out to the owners of the website. It is not necessary to do this, so you can just tap No, I prefer not to. When Google asks what you would like removed, select: Personal info, like ID numbers and private documents.

Then you can specify what type of personal information is showing up in Google Search, such as your contact details or driver’s license. These steps are only for removing results from live websites; there’s a separate form to fill out for cached pages. Check the box indicating that the content is live. The next question asks whether the request pertains to doxxing, which Google defines as “contact information being shared with malicious, threatening, or harassing intent.”

After that, Google requests your full name, country of residence, and email. You are only permitted to submit takedown requests for results pertaining to yourself or someone you officially represent.

You can submit up to 1,000 links at once. Google asks for the URL of the offending content or image, and the company wants you to share the search results where it shows up. For more directions on gathering these links, check out Google’s guide to finding content URLs , image URLs , and search results page URLs .

Attach a screenshot to your request showing where on the web page your personal info is appearing. Near the end of the form, you will be asked to share a list of relevant search terms, such as your full name, nickname, and maiden name. You are given the opportunity to share supplemental details before signing and submitting the removal request.

You should get a confirmation email from Google indicating that the removal request was received. It’s not clear how long it will take to review your case, but Google will let you know when it has decided to take action—or do nothing at all. The company promises to include brief explanations with any rejections and allows repeat submissions.

SOURCE: Wired.com

Honey-Lime Chicken and Veggies in Foil

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:45:00 GMT

Dinner doesn’t seem so hard when there’s no cleanup involved. Each portion of this honey-lime chicken and veggies cooks inside a little foil packet that you place directly on the grill. Once everything’s cooked, just throw away the foil.

PREP: 15 min

COOK: 15 min

TOTAL: 30 min

SERVES: 4

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon minced ginger

2 tablespoons honey

Zest of 1 lime

Four 6-ounce chicken breasts

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 bunch asparagus

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 ears corn, halved

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

¼ cup thinly sliced green onion

Directions

1. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, olive oil, garlic, ginger, honey and lime zest.

2. Using 12-inch sheets of foil, build four packets. Place a chicken breast in the center of each. Season it with cumin and paprika. Divide the asparagus among the packets. Brush the chicken and asparagus with the honey-ginger sauce and season with salt and pepper. Fold the foil over the food inside and crimp several times to seal.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the packets until the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

4. About 5 minutes before the chicken is finished, add the corn to the grill and cook until it’s browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.

5. Garnish the chicken with cilantro and green onion before serving.

NUTRITION FACTS

474 CALORIES
29G FAT
24G CARBS
32G PROTEIN
13G SUGARS

Source: purewow.com

30 Activities to Do This Spring

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Spring is the time of year that beckons us to come outside. The cold days are beginning to fade and the warm temperatures give us reason to leave the cozy environment of our homes and to experience the life and beauty that are bursting forth each spring.

Welcome spring by heading outside to soak up warmer weather and longer days. Below are 30 fun activities to help you make the most of every moment during one of the best times of the year. See if you can complete all 30 adventures over the course of a few months or take turns choosing a different activity. Keep this list close by for outdoor entertainment inspiration!

Pack a picnic - Put together an epic food basket with the flavors of the season or grab sandwiches and salads from a local deli for a no-fuss afternoon. Bring your picnic to a scenic spot and enjoy the sunshine with friends!
Play a round of disc golf - This popular, budget-friendly sport is something the whole family can enjoy! All you need is a frisbee disc, a good pair of shoes and a beautiful afternoon with nothing on the to-do list.
Take a nature walk - The best thing about going on a nature walk is you can do it anywhere! Explore the neighborhood or visit a state park and hit the trails. It’s a great way to take in the beauty of spring.
Plant a garden - What could be better than enjoying food grown in your very own garden? Assemble colorful pots for a tasty herb garden or go all out and plant tomatoes, lettuce, radishes, squash, melons, beans and more.
Train for a 5K - Find a local road race benefiting a charity or cause you support then lace up and start training. Use a calendar to figure out how far you need to run or walk each day to be ready for the 3.1-mile challenge or follow a 5K training plan . You got this!
Go fishing - Rod and reel in hand, visit a nearby waterway or lake to see if you can catch the big one. Before you go, review local fishing licensing requirements.
Plan an outdoor movie nigh t - A bedsheet, projector and audience are all you need to make movie night under the stars a huge success. Let each family member have a turn featuring their favorite film. Don’t forget the popcorn, candy and soda!
Go bird watching - Get outdoors and take pictures of all the winged friends you see, then do some research to learn more about each species and their habitat. Add birdhouses and feeders to the backyard and watch them year-round!
Clean a stream - If you live near a creek or stream, dedicate time to keeping it clean and healthy. Assemble volunteers and trash bags and help restore beauty to the local environment.
Go biking - Warmer weather calls for an afternoon ride! Hit the dirt trails for fast thrills or pedal to a local spot for lunch. No matter how you go biking, either way is a great activity that improves your health and mood.
Hang a hammock - Naps under the sky are the best kind! Invest in a camping hammock that you can take to the park, on vacation or to your local nature preserve. You're only two trees away from swinging into sweet dreams.
Take a playground tour - Discover new places to play on a spring playground tour! Visit a new spot each week or meet up with friends on the weekends.
Go to a festival - Select an outdoor event the whole family will love and enjoy spending time together. Pack chairs and a blanket and make a day of it.
Fly a kite - Build a kite from scratch or purchase one from a department, toy or sports store. Find an open field where you can launch your long-tailed creation into the sky and watch it fly.
Splash in puddles - Rainy day? No problem. Break out your rain jacket and favorite pair of waterproof boots and get splashing.
Visit the farmer’s market – if you’ve never been to a farmer’s market you are in for a treat. These markets often have a variety of offerings – from traditional garden vegetables to fruits to fun items such as local honey. Stock up on tasty fruits and veggies with a trip to the local farmer’s market. Bring home all your favorites, then select a recipe for a new dish to try.
Do some cloud watching - An afternoon spent cloud watching is a great way to pass the time. Find a cozy spot on the grass and see if your friends can guess what person, place or thing you see using as few hints as possible.
Play flashlight tag - Warmer nights call for a game of flashlight tag! Break into teams or play as individuals and head out under the stars to find your friends.
Draw or paint pictures – Spring offers so much beauty from budding trees to blossoming flowers. There is so much beauty waiting to be captured. Assemble drawing paper, pencils and paint and set up outdoors. Use nature for inspiration and discover your inner artist.
Go on a scavenger hunt - Divide into teams and make a list of objects for the other group to find or clean up the neighborhood and see who can assemble the most bottles, cans and trash in record time. Or, plan a traditional scavenger hunt with these tips and ideas .
Go geocaching - Geocaching is a cool family activity you can play - no matter where you go. Just download the Geocaching app , and then set your coordinates to track down the cache (object) you want to find.
Build a sandcastle - No beach? No problem. Visit the local hardware store and purchase a few bags of sand. Empty them in the backyard and break out the castle building tools. Pro tip: we’d recommend also purchasing a large tarp so that you can easily move the sand to another area in your yard.
Name the constellations - A clear night is perfect for identifying those sparkly patterns in the sky. Use a book or app and see how many you can find.
Build a boat - Test your construction skills by building a boat with items from around the house. Take it out for a spin in the kiddie pool to see if your idea sinks or swims.
Create a photo collage - Take pictures of all your spring adventures. Print them out or use a computer program to make a collage of all the great ways you welcomed the season.
Do outdoor spring cleaning - Gear up for front porch sitting and lemonade sipping! Remove debris from the yard and wipe down furniture and tables. Trash anything that didn’t make it through the season and add a pop of color with fresh flower pots.
Dine under the stars - Food just tastes better when eaten outside. Go super casual with lawn chairs and take out or set up a table outdoors for an unforgettable and elegant dining experience.
Build an outdoor obstacle course - Set up a zany course filled with twists, turns and funny challenges and see who comes out the winner. Think hopscotch, jump ropes, hula hoops, water balloon races and more!
Camp out - Grab the sleeping bags and tents and pack extra marshmallows - it’s camping season! Travel far as far as your imagination takes you or as close as the backyard.
Take a road trip - New adventures await when you hit the open road. Plot out a day trip and take your time stopping at interesting places along the way. You just might find a new favorite spot!

Happy spring! Enjoy the world in bloom with these ideas and brainstorm more activities with your family!

SOURCE: signupgenius.com

Grilled Chicken Fajitas

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:48:32 GMT

PHOT0: Mark Garten

Take a family dinner favorite outside with juicy, smoky grilled chicken fajitas. It starts with a quick mixture of lime zest, coriander, cumin, cayenne and olive oil, which you can then split in half and use to season chicken and shrimp for an instant two-for-one meal. Thread the protein onto skewers for easy cooking (and eating!), then add skewers of peppers, jalapeños and onions to the grill to complete the meal. Serve with tortillas, limes, sour cream, radishes and cilantro, and you’ve got a fun, build-your-own grilling recipe in just about a half hour. Save room for a refreshing summer dessert!

Grilled chicken fajitas tips

If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them thoroughly before grilling, or they will burn.

Cut the chicken breasts into 1 1/2-inch pieces. It’s important to make the pieces roughly the same size so that they cook evenly.

No need to marinate the chicken or shrimp, just tossing them briefly in the spices is enough to build flavor on the outside of the protein that you’ll taste in every bite. If you’ve got extra time, you can let the proteins marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Keep an eye on the clock, because the chicken, shrimp and veggies will cook at differnt rates. Plan for 8-10 minutes for the chicken, 4-8 minutes for the vegetables and 3-4 minutes for the shrimp.

Yields: 6 serving(s) Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

3 limes
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Pinch of cayenne
4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 lb. large peeled and deveined shrimp, tails discarded
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-in. pieces
1 lb. mixed-color peppers, cut into 1-in. pieces
3 jalapeños, sliced 1/2 in. thick
2 small red onions, cut into 1-in.-thick wedges
Kosher salt and pepper
12 small flour tortillas
Sour cream, sliced radishes and chopped cilantro, for serving

Directions

Step 1 Finely grate the zest of 1 lime into a bowl. Add coriander, cumin, cayenne and 2 tablespoons oil and mix to combine. Transfer half to a medium bowl and toss with shrimp. In a second bowl, toss chicken with remaining mixture.

Step 2 Thread each protein onto its own skewer. Halve all limes.

Step 3 Toss peppers, jalapeños and onions with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Thread jalapeños, peppers and onions onto their own skewers.

Step 4 Heat grill to medium-high. Season chicken and shrimp skewers with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Step 5 Add skewers to grill and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (8 to 10 minutes), vegetables are just tender (4 to 8 minutes) and shrimp is opaque throughout (3 to 4 minutes). Transfer skewers to platter as they finish cooking. Grill limes, cut sides down, and tortillas until lightly charred, about 1 minute.

Step 6 Squeeze 1 grilled lime half over chicken and shrimp. Serve with vegetables, tortillas, remaining limes, sour cream, radishes and cilantro.

SOURCE: goodhousekeeping.com

15 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:38:03 GMT

After a long, dark winter, spring's bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year's flower beds. Follow this checklist to target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly, leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.

1. EXAMINE ROOF SHINGLES

Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter, recommends Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer. Download a spring home maintenance checklist.

2. PROBE THE WOOD TRIM

Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.

3. CHECK THE GUTTERS

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris. Consider installing gutter screens or protectors to help keep debris out of the gutters.

4. USE COMPACTED SOIL

Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

5. EXAMINE THE CHIMNEY

Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

6. CHECK THE ATTIC

C heck your attic for proper ventilation and birds’ nests. Look for obstructions over vents, damaged soffit panels, roof flashing leaks and wet spots on insulation. Keeping a good airflow will save you when it comes to cooling costs. When you’re rooting around, wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from insulation.

7. INSPECT THE CONCRETE

Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

8. EXAMINE BRICKWORK AND STUCCO

Spalling is a chipping or popping away of a brick’s face, leaving the brick’s interior susceptible to moisture and crumbling. Look for this and any deteriorated mortar that typically occurs on older homes. If your brick is plagued with efflorescence, those unsightly white deposits caused by soluble salts left behind during water evaporation, the Brick Industry Association recommends dry brushing in warm, dry weather to remove it. If you discover water penetration in brick, consider sealing the brick with an appropriate sealant.

9. REPLACE ROTTED SIDING OR TRIM

If any of your trim or siding is has begun to rot or crumble, replace and repaint it. Repainting siding or trim is often more than a one-weekend project. For color consistency, you just can’t just touch it up—you need to paint a whole section.

10. MOVE FIREWOOD

Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.

11. CHECK OUTSIDE FAUCETS

Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.

12. RECAULK WINDOWS AND DOORS

Inspect and, if necessary, caulk around your home's windows and doors annually. That will help keep out heat and humidity in the summer and cold drafts in the winter—and save money on your utility bills all year round. Open and close all windows as well. Do they all open easily, yet close tightly? If not, check the weather stripping. There are a number of different types to consider.

13. REPAIR WINDOW SCREENS

To fix a small hole in a window or door screen, dab clear household cement over the hole with a toothpick. If the screens are plastic, test the cement on a scrap to make sure it won't melt the material. Use the same technique to repair screen tears. Pull the two halves of the tear together and hold them in place with masking tape on one side. Apply the household cement to the tear, then smooth with a putty knife. When it's dry, gently remove the tape and apply cement to the other side.

14. SERVICE YOUR AC UNIT

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

15. CHECK POWER EQUIPMENT

Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.

SOURCE: HGTV.COM

Essential Apps for 2023

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 23:54:32 GMT

Make it your best year ever!

It's a new year, and everywhere you look—online, TV, newspapers, magazines—someone is promising ways to create a new you. But we've all been through too much in the past couple of years to give in to such pressure from the outside world (or even from ourselves).

Still, there is something to be said for taking time to recalibrate and practice true self-care. Traditional resolutions can be reframed into things you want to accomplish to lead a calmer, healthier life. To save you the burden of sorting through ways to embark on changes, we're recommending some apps that can help.

If you're looking for one app to rule them all, Fabulous has that covered. The app takes a gentle approach to helping you develop and keep healthy habits, and it offers coaching to help you incorporate self-care into your day.

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR TO-DO LIST

Productivity does not mean taking on stress. But getting a handle on your goals can help you achieve a sense of calm. With Todoist , you can gather all your thoughts and then start breaking them down into easily achievable tasks.

PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH

Therapy is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself. Yet it can also bring up its own issues, such as cost, inconvenience, and worries about the stigma of seeking help. Online therapy apps can help reduce and eliminate some of these concerns. You can visit with a mental health professional within the privacy of your own home or from any other space where you feel safe. If you're hesitant to use any of the apps that have had some privacy issues, you can also see mental health professionals on Doctor on Demand and MDLive .

Meditation is another way to bring more peace to your life. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference, and apps including Headspace, Calm, and other s can help guide you.

Video visits with physicians became a regular thing during the pandemic. Despite the ability to return to physician's offices, there are still times when you'll be thankful for apps that let you see a doctor immediately onscreen or let you schedule an appointment that you can show up for from home. Doctor on Demand and MDLive both fulfill this demand. Both also accept insurance but accommodate the uninsured as well. Prescriptions are sent to a pharmacy near you.

There hasn't been a time in our collective memory in which we've truly absorbed the lesson that health is everything. It can be overwhelmingly difficult to get one clear picture of your medical history, though. FollowMyHealth ( iOS , Android ) is a good place to start for a repository of basic health information, a way to track medical appointments, and a source to share with (and in some cases communicate with) your physicians.

SPEND LESS AND SAVE MORE

Budgets might not be your thing, but having one can give you some peace of mind. Mint lets you plug in basic banking information, make a few decisions about how much you want to spend on what, and then keeps you in line.

If you're trying to find a way to save, but it seems impossible for many reasons, you're far from alone. Give Digit

a try: The app analyzes your spending and sets aside what you can afford into savings accounts geared toward your goals.

Having debt can drag you down mentally. Feel free in the new year with a plan to pay it down with Debt Payoff Planner .

REVAMP YOUR CAREER

Work has fundamentally changed, and because of that, you may have realized that you need a job or even a career change. LinkedIn lets you manage how potential employers see you and puts you in touch with colleagues and employers past, present, and future.

You'll want to make sure that you're going to a company that is a good fit for you, so check out the employee reviews on Glassdoor .

To ensure your resume is in top shape, use Canva ( iOS , Android ) to make it look its best. The app has tons of templates and other features that will give your resume a professional look.

STAY HYDRATED

The benefits of staying hydrated throughout the day are many. But remembering to drink water is one of those things that should be easy but really isn't during a busy day. Apps including Waterllama (iOS) and Waterful (iOS and Android) can help remind you. They both let you set your own goal and choose your favorite drinks, have motivational but not too annoying reminders, and come with cute graphics.

EAT HEALTHIER--AND SMARTER

If you're concerned about the quality of your food, download Fooducate , which gives every food in its database a letter grade for nutrition. To find a healthy alternative to favorite splurges, scan a product's barcode, and the app will offer suggestions. Yuka works similarly and also gives you quick pros and cons of each item (it rates the safety of cosmetics products as well).

If you want to track calories, MyFitnessPal makes it easy, with a database of over 14 million foods. If something's not there, enter it manually or scan a UPC code. But this app's integration with fitness trackers and other apps really makes it a winner, giving you a full picture of calories in, calories out. If you want a more formal program, you'd do well to join the time-tested Weight Watchers (now known as WW ) and use its accompanying app, which includes 24/7 support from a coach.

The only way to know exactly what you're eating is to make it yourself, though. With PlateJoy , you can get customized meal plans, shopping lists, and recipes to meet your lifestyle or nutritional needs.

KEEP EATING DISORDERS IN CHECK

For those with disordered eating, just the thought of food-related resolutions can cause anxiety. Rise Up + Recover and RecoveryRecord can help manage feelings related to food-related issues.

GO PLANT-BASED

Maybe 2023 is the year you adopt a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. The Forks app from Forks Over Knives makes the switch simple, with over 600 step-by-step plant-based recipes, a meal planner, and more.

For when you want to eat out or order in, Happy Cow and Vegan Maps can guide you to the best spots around the world.

Recipe of The Month - Cowboy Casserole

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 22:56:04 GMT

Meet your new favorite "warm up and chill out" meal...

With a creamy beef filling and a cheesy tater tot topping, this skillet dinner is sure to make a regular appearance in your weeknight rotation. Any recipe that starts with crisping bacon then cooking onions in the bacon fat is bound to be delicious. With easy prep and a 30-minute bake, dinner can be on the table in less than an hour. Plus, because there's corn and spinach in the filling, there's no need for any additional sides.

Ingredients

4 strips of bacon (about 3 oz.)
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 lb. ground sirloin
1 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. ground black pepper, divided
3 c. baby spinach, roughly chopped
1 c. frozen corn
8 oz. shredded cheddar or Colby jack cheese
1 32 oz bag of tater tots
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
Chopped chives or scallions, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Remove the tater tots from the freezer to let them thaw slightly while you prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until golden brown and extra crispy, 6-8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate and leave the grease in the skillet. Set all of the bacon aside for topping later.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the ground beef and break into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat until no pink pieces remain, 6-8 minutes. Drain off excess fat or liquid, if you like. Remove skillet from the heat. Stir in the soup, milk, salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper and mix until smooth. Fold in the spinach to wilt slightly, then the corn.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the tater tots on top in a single layer, arranging them in concentric circles (or just toss them on and push them very close together.) Sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese and the additional 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Bake 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden. Remove from the oven and crumble the cooked bacon over top. Let rest 5 minutes. Top with chopped chives or scallions and serve.

SOURCE: thepioneerwoman.com

Recipe of The Month: Candy Cane Coffee Cakes

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:49:58 GMT

As pretty as they are delicious!

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sour cream
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
5-1/4 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) finely chopped dried apricots
1-1/2 cups finely chopped well-drained maraschino cherries
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Icing:

2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

In a saucepan, heat sour cream until lukewarm. Set aside. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sour cream, softened butter, sugar, salt, eggs and 2 cups flour. With an electric mixer, beat until smooth. Stir in just enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.Punch dough down; divide into 3 equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each part into a 15x6-in. rectangle. Place on greased baking sheets.
. With scissors, make 2-in. cuts at 1/2-in. intervals on the long sides of each rectangle. Combine apricots and cherries; spread one-third of the mixture down the center of each rectangle.Crisscross strips over filling. Stretch dough to 22 in. and curve to form canes. Let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 375°. Bake 15-20 minutes. While warm, brush canes with melted butter. Combine icing ingredients and drizzle over tops.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 176 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

SOURCE: tasteofhome.com

Holiday Experience

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:36:50 GMT

This year, consider giving the gift of an experience to those on your list! Most of us have plenty of "stuff", but making memories is a gift that will last a lifetime! Plus there are a variety of experiences that also support local organizations and businesses! Need some "experience" ideas? We've put together a list with a few links--for those without links just get on your favorite search engine and start shopping!

A Spa Day Experience
Axe Throwing
Bowling
Christmas Lights Limo Ride
Cooking Classes
Cosmosphere Space Museum Tickets
Drum Lessons
An Escape Room Adventure
Family Movie Night
Homemade Coupon Book
Ice Skating or Roller Skating Passes
A Massage
Give a Monthly Box of Fun
Wine of the Month Club
Cheese of the Month Club
Kids Subscription Boxes (there are a variety available)
NASCAR Racing Experience
Paint Night
Passes to the Sedgwick County Zoo , Exploration Place or Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Skydiving
Music Theatre Wichita Tickets
Trip to the Arcade (or other "activity" location)
Wichita Thunder Hockey Tickets (or any sporting event)
Yoga Classes

These are just a few to spark your imagination! There are many local and surrounding area organizations and businesses who offer outstanding experience gifts for adults and kids.

Maya Angelou famously stated: “At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” Make those you love feel amazing while making life-long memories thanks to your experience gift! Start those wheels spinning and happy shopping!

Fall Fun

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:58:55 GMT

There is penty to do in our area this Fall! If you're looking for fun activities, we've put together a list for you to help complete your Fall Wish List!

Festivals

With Fall being a gorgeous time of year in Kansas, there are plenty of Festivals to enjoy! Here are just a few thanks to wichitaonthecheap.com!

October 6-9, 2022 Bethel College Fall Festival in Newton including entertainment featuring dance, music, jazz, and martial arts. This event takes place on Bethel College Campus in Newton Ks and entry is FREE (fees for some events).
October 7-9, 2022 Rose Hill Fall Festival Rose Hill’s largest annual celebration including a chili cookoff, 5k run, pancake feed, car show, craft fair, parade/float competition, cornhole tournament, pedal tractor pull and the party at the pond. Entry for most activities is their $2 festival button; kids 12 and younger enter for FREE. Get more details here .
October 8, 2022 Halstead Brick Street Arts & Crafts Festival features traditional fall festival activities like live music, food vendors, and kids activities plus a fine arts and crafts fair on Main Street in Halstead, KS. Admission is FREE!
October 8-9, 2022 ICT Bloktoberfest is a local festival for all beer and fall fans. Wichita’s Union Station is transformed into a Beergarden with live music, food trucks, a haybale maze, wiener dog races, and of course – BEER! Enjoy a huge selection of local, regional, and German beers. Kid and dog friendly with FREE admission to the event.
October 8 & 9, 2022 Great Plains Renaissance Festival . IGo medieval at the ultimate costume party for knights and knaves!. This Scottish Highland weekend takes place at Sedgwick County Park and if you purchase tickets early you receive a major discount and receive a FREE child entry ticket, huzzah!
October 14-16, 2022 Clearwater KS Fall Festival planning is in the works for this annual fall festival in Kansas. In addition to carnival rides and live music, the town has a photo contest, chili feed, parade, and craft show. Visit their Facebook page for live updates.
October 15, 2022 Bel Aire KS Fall Festival is family fun including a car show, vendor booths, live music, fall activities, petting zoo, and more!
October 21-23, 2022 Goddard Fall Festival is an annual event including a carnival, games, vendors, great food, and entertainment for all ages. Click here for more details .
October 21-23, 2022 Haysville Fall Festiva l , Enjoy a parade, booths, food vendors, kids activities, car show, carnival, and a medallion hunt. Festival buttons are usually $3 per person. Extra fees apply for some activities. The festival is in Riggs Park on Sarah Lane. Get details online.
October 26-29, 2022 Arkalalah in Ark City Kansas. This year’s theme of Arktoberfest will be represented by all your favorite fall festival activities such as a carnival, fireworks, sports tournaments, vendors booths, a parade, and a pageant, plus a full day of old-school street games such as an egg toss, 3-legged race, and grape spitting! Click for the schedule of events .
October 29, 2022 Wichita Festival of the Arts Mardi Gras meets Halloween! FREE to shop! This non-profit event includes music, artists’ booths, food trucks, and more, dedicated to helping the art community.

Pumpkin Patches

Of course, Pumpkin Patches provide a variety of family fun! Here's a list of area patches!

Cedar Creek Farm & Pumpkin Patch
Location: 6100 N. 119th St. W., Maize, KS 67101 (316) 295-8718
Dates: through Oct. 30, 2022
Times: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Fridays through Sundays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Walters’ Pumpkin Patch
Location: 10001 NW U.S. Highway 77, Burns, Kansas 66840, (316) 320-4150
Dates: through Oct 30, 2022
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, Sundays 1–7 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Klausmeyer Farms Pumpkin Patch
Location: 8135 S. 119 St. West, Clearwater, KS 67026 (316) 706-5391
Dates: through October 31, 2022
Times: Monday through Sunday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Special Saturday night openings from 7-10 p.m. include activities such as paintball and night maze walks. You must purchase an activity ticket for Saturday night admission.

P and M Pumpkin Ranch
Location: 311 16th Ave, Moundridge, KS 67107, (620) 345-3103
Dates: through November 6th, 2022.
Times: Tuesday through Thursday 4–7 p.m.; Fridays 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Closed Mondays. For weather-related updates check their Facebook page .

Marietta Farm
Location: 1600 E. US-54 Hwy., Andover, KS 67002 (316) 227-1563
Dates: through Oct. 31, 2022
Times: Mondays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays-Sundays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Source: wichitaonthecheap.com

Recipe of The Month: Apple Cider Donuts

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 20:18:12 GMT

These are worth investing in a Donut Pan.

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

YIELD 16 donuts

Ingredients

Donuts

1 and 1/2 cups (360 ml) apple cider
1 and 3/4 cups (245g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
pinch of ground cardamom , optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
1/3 cup (65g) dark or light brown sugar
3 tablespoons (40g) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Topping

6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg , optional

Instructions

Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan, bring apple cider to a gentle boil and let simmer over medium heat until thick and reduced to about 1/3 cup (80 ml), 15-25 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Grease donut pans with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together the egg, granulated sugar and brown sugar, until well combined. Whisk in the melted butter. Add the reduced apple cider, buttermilk and vanilla extract, and mix until combined. Pour the mixture into the flour mixture and whisk just until combined and smooth. Don't overmix the batter.
Divide the mixture between the donut cavities, filling about halfway full. I recommend using a piping bag to pipe the batter, it will be much easier and less messy. Bake for about 10 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack.
Meanwhile, make the topping: In a medium bowl mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Once cool enough to handle, for each donut, dip both sides in melted butter and then generously dip into the sugar mixture.

Donuts are best served immediately. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve them warm or at room temperature.

SOURCE: prettysimplesweet.com

Recipe of The Month: Pumpkin Pancakes

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:16:25 GMT

Start your day with Fall flavor...

Ingredients

1 ½ cups milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
cooking spray

Directions

Step 1
Stir together milk, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vinegar in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2
Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to pumpkin mixture; whisk just until combined.
Step 3
Spray a griddle or frying pan with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat.
Step 4
Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle and flatten batter slightly with a spoon. Cook until small bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 278 calories; protein 7.9g; carbohydrates 45.8g; fat 7.2g; cholesterol 35.9mg; sodium 608.1mg.

SOURCE: allrecipes.com

Get the Best MPG on your Road Trip

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 18:09:59 GMT

Want to Get the Best Gas Mileage out of Your vehicle on your Summer Road Trip? If you want to get the most miles for your $$, you may be surprised what a difference some of these tips will make when it comes to saving gas.

Before You Travel

Try to pump your gas at the coolest time of day. Gas is densest at these times, so you'll get more out of the volume.
Use your manufacturer's recommended type of motor oil to increase your gas mileage up to 2%.
When starting your car, you don't need to run it for more than 45 seconds. After that, you are just wasting fuel.
Regular tune ups can save an average of 4%.
Replacing a dirty air filter can increase gas mileage up to 10%.
Make sure tires are pressurized to the maximum limit provided by the manufacturer.
Traveling on deep tire tread dramatically reduces fuel efficiency. Remove unnecessary devices such as snow tires if they aren't needed.
Remove excess weight from car that can also reduce gas mileage.
Note that smaller cars are more fuel efficient, especially those with manual transmission.

On the Road

Don't start and stop your engine multiple times. Idling for one minute consumes the same amount of gas as starting your engine.
The faster you travel the more gas you consume. If you travel at 55 mph you will save close to 21% more on your gas mileage versus traveling 10–15 miles over.
When you are approaching a hill or incline, make sure to accelerate before you reach the hill to avoid using excess gas to get the same result ON the hill.
Avoid driving on rough roads, they can decrease your gas mileage by 30%.
Did you know that if you travel at the legal speed limit continuously you increase your chances for hitting green lights? The fewer stoplights and less stopping/slowing the better when it comes to saving fuel.
Use cruise control for highway traveling.
Cool down automatic transitions by placing them in neutral at long traffic lights or traffic standstills.
Avoid reverse driving maneuvers.
Having an open sunroof (much like open windows) can increase resistance and use more fuel.
Keep windows closed while traveling at high speeds. Having open windows can reduce your gas mileage up to 10%, which can be the same as air conditioning.
Watch your acceleration! Slow your acceleration time down to 15 seconds (when going from 0–60 mph) and you can save 30% on your gas mileage.

Recipe of the Month: Slow Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 18:08:08 GMT

Slow Cooked Chicken Caesar Wraps

When you don't want to be in the kitchen on a hot Summer day, you can get this one going in the Slow Cooker and go about your day! It's light, tasty, and easy! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
2 cups shredded lettuce
Optional: Salad croutons, cooked crumbled bacon and additional shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Place chicken and broth in a 1-1/2- or 3-qt. slow cooker. Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°. Remove chicken and discard cooking juices. Shred chicken with 2 forks; return to slow cooker.

2. Stir in dressing, Parmesan, parsley and pepper; heat through. Serve in tortillas with lettuce and, if desired, salad croutons, crumbled bacon and additional shredded Parmesan cheese.

SOURCE: Good Housekeeping

Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:30:00 GMT

Whether you choose to apply for a Medicare Advantage plan vs. a Medicare Supplement insurance plan depends on your needs.

Four factors to consider when deciding whether Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement is better for you:

Do you prefer to have all your coverage rolled into one plan? If so, a Medicare Advantage Plan may be the way to go. Many include Part D drug coverage, as well as vision, dental, and hearing, depending on the plan.
Do you want financial protection from unexpected out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance? If yes, Medicare Supplement plans work with Original Medicare and can help cover some of the remaining out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Do you need a plan that provides coverage for disabilities or long term care facilities? If so, Medicare Advantage offers Special Needs Plans that provide this type of coverage.
Do you want the freedom to see any doctors you choose? If so, Medicare Supplement plans have no required network and you can see any doctor that accepts Medicare, even if you’re away from home or traveling. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also allow you to see doctors and hospitals that are not in the plan’s network, giving you additional freedom to choose your doctors.

Can you have a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan?

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement are different types of Medicare coverage. You cannot have both at the same time. Medicare Advantage bundles Part A and B often with Part D and other types of coverage. Medicare Supplement is additional coverage you can buy if you have Original Medicare Part A and B.

Can you change from a Medicare Advantage plan to a Medicare Supplement plan?

During the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, you are free to reconsider your Medicare coverage. If you decide you want to try a Medicare Supplement plan vs. Medicare Advantage plan, you can make that change during this period. ⁴

Considering Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement? One is not better than the other. They provide different types of coverage. Finding the right fit for you depends on what kind of Medicare coverage you’re seeking, as well as your health care needs. Review all details of plans when shopping and be open to considering alternatives when your needs change.

Have more questions or want to discuss your options?

We have an expert. Call WSIG Agent Schlita Pyles at (316) 776-0777 or email her at spyles@wheatstateinsurancegroup.com.

Recipe of the Month: Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 12:05:28 GMT

Grilled Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Skewers marinate in the very best homemade Hawaiian teriyaki sauce! Loaded with peppers, fresh pineapple and red onions, these make an incredible and vibrant meal!

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES. COOK TIME: 10 MINUTES

Ingredients:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1 Tablespoon water
1 red bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 yellow red bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch cubes
1 red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
2 cups fresh pineapple cut into 1 inch cubes
green onions for garnish

Instructions

In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, garlic, pepper, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch. Slowly whisk into the mixture.
Bring to boil and boil about 1-3 minutes until the mixture just starts to thicken. Remove from heat and reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later.
Marinate the chicken in the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Thread the chicken on skewers along with the peppers, red onion, and pineapple.
Grill for 8-10 minutes until the meat is done to desired liking. Remove from the grill and baste with reserved sauce. Garnish with green onions if desired.

SOURCE: https://www.foodiecrush.com/easy-grilling-recipes/

Summer Fun for ALL

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 11 May 2022 05:21:19 GMT

Summer is almost here! It feels like it already is with the hot temps this week. Are you looking for things to do fairly close to home due to high gas prices?

We’ve collected some summer fun ideas for you and many of them are free! Whether it’s family fun or just getting back to nature, we hope the following ideas inspire you to have some amazing adventures this summer!

Walking Trails

Chisholm Creek Park features a paved path that winds through native Kansas grasses, plants, and trees, like you are nowhere near the city. Be sure to bring your water bottle.

The Chisholm Creek Park walking trail is adjacent to the Great Plains Nature Center at 6232 E. 29th Street North in northeast Wichita.

Sedgwick County Park is an adventure in itself! Walk or ride your bike along the paved trail surrounding the park. You’ll find a stream, covered bridge, and water fountains for both you and your dog. There are playgrounds for the kids and you can do some fishing! (A fishing license is required for 16 and older.)

Sedgwick County Park entrances are on 21st Street and 13th Street, just east of Ridge Road near the Sedgwick County Zoo in northwest Wichita at 6501 W 21st St, Wichita, KS 67205.

Pawnee Prairie Park features a 5-mile bridle trail and 8-mile nature trail and is designated as a wild habitat area. There are entrances on the east and south sides of the park. The south entrance boasts a fun play area for the kids.

Pawnee Prairie Park is south of Kellogg between Tyler and Maize roads in southwest Wichita. 2625 S. Tyler, Wichita, KS.

Swanson Park, also in northwest Wichita, is another Wichita Wild Habitat Area within the city. Swanson Park is located at 1011 N. Maize Rd.

Pracht Wetlands Area is a newer park on 29th Street between Maize and Tyler with wildlife viewing areas and paved paths. You’ll also find one of the Keepers there!

Pracht Wetlands Area is at 9926 W 29th St N in west Wichita.

Hermann Hill Park follows a man-made creek from the Water Center to the Arkansas River. Pick up a Trail-guide pamphlet at the trailhead. They offer a disc golf course too.

The WATER Center is at 101 E. Pawnee in south Wichita.

If you’d like to check out the fantastic parks throughout Derby, click here .
You’ll find other great trails at this link .

Berry Picking

Sargeant’s Berry Farm 9836 S. Hydraulic Haysville, KS 316-788-1370

You-pick strawberries, usually May to June and you-pick blackberries, usually later in June and July. Other fruits and vegetables for sale at their store. Get updates on their Facebook page .

Meadowlark Farm 11249 SW 160th St. Rose Hill, KS 67133 (316) 518-8907

Entry is $2 per person for ages 13+. You-pick strawberries should begin in mid-May. Peaches, apples, and pumpkins later in the year. Give them a call or check their Facebook page to find out what is ready to pick when.

Tenth Street Orchard 510 West Washington Ave. Sterling, Kansas 620-381-6702

Pick-your-own strawberries, blackberries and sweet corn in Sterling, KS. Strawberries mid-May into June. Blackberries in July. Sweet corn in late July. Sterling is just about 30 minutes northwest of Hutchinson. Visit Facebook page for updated information.

Sweet Berries & Brambles 309 NE 120 Rd. Harper, KS 620-955-7373

You-pick strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Strawberries usually mid-May to June and blackberries usually mid-June to July. Check with 'em on their Facebook page before you go.

Farm View U-Pick Strawberry Patch 207 8th Ave. Inman, KS 620-655-7776

Late May/early June for you-pick strawberries. Get details about the farm on their Facebook page here .

Downtown Wichita

Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum

Now FREE on Sundays in 2022!

Street parking is also free on weekends!

Already affordable, this historic museum just got even more affordable with free admission Sundays thanks to a gift from the Ruth Spooner Stone Charitable Trust. Located in 1890 City Hall, the historic building houses exhibits with artifacts from our unique local history.

204 S. Main, Wichita, KS 67202

For more information, visit wichitahistory.org or call (316) 265-9314

Regular Museum Hours: Tues. – Fri. 11:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sat. & Sun. 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Regular admission to the Museum is $5 for adults & $2 for children.

Keeper of the Plains

Standing at the confluence of the Little and Big Arkansas Rivers, the Keeper is free and open to the public year-round (closed only between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.).

In the evenings, the fire drums are lit for about 15 minutes – weather and river conditions permitting. The fires are lighted at 9 p.m. in the spring and summer and 7 p.m. in the fall and winter.

Get to the Keeper area a little early so you can look for the Troll, hidden under the sidewalk that goes along the river.

Around the base of the sculpture are plaques with information about the sculpture, which was donated to the city in 1974 by Blackbear Bosin, and the lifestyle of the Plains Indians.

Access the walking bridge from the Mid-America All Indian Center when it’s open, from the small parking lot on West Central Avenue, or from the Exploration Place parking lot on North McClean Boulevard. You can also reach it by walking on the paved paths along the Arkansas River downtown.

Kids Weekly Activities

NATURALLY CRAFTY (TAKE-HOME ACTIVITY) at Great Plains Nature Center

Weekly on Tuesdays through September 1st

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Nourish your creative side and pick up a new nature craft every week at Great Plains Nature Center! Every Tuesday from 10:00a-12:00p in the GPNC Lobby, they’ll have a take-home craft ready to go for your children! Mostly for elementary and younger, but all welcome. FREE. No registration required.

Outdoor Play at Great Plains Nature Center

Weekly on Thursdays through September 1st

10:00 am to 11:00 am

There is no better space for kids to learn than the outdoors and there is no better play resource than nature. To provide some enriching outdoor exploration for your kids, their naturalists are creating FREE come and go activities, available Thursdays from 10 to 11am! They have new activities each week for preschoolers (age 3-5).

Kansas Aviation Museum Little Aviators

Weekly on Fridays

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

The Kansas Aviation Museum has a weekly come-and-go program for kids that includes fun activities and free admission from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids get to play and learn in the Boeing Science, Math, and History Learning Center and the Lattner Hanger at the museum. During school breaks, they also usually offer more days or extended programming. Little Aviations is free for child and accompanying adult. You and your child will have access to the entire museum (including the Boeing: Science, Math, and History Center & Lattner Learning Hanger) as well as the ramp outside! During the summer, they try to have their FedEx 727 opened from 10-noon. Please note the plane opening is weather-dependent as well as docent availability.

The weekly program includes activities like:

Play area with building materials
Get a look at real aircraft cockpits
Fun and informative aviation videos
Explore the museum and ramp
Hands-on learning

And the big one you MUST sign up for...

Sunflower Summer

May 28-August 14

Sunflower Summer is a program of the Kansas State Department of Education and is designed to provide a wide variety of ways for families to get out, to explore something new, and to enjoy time together. Kansas families can visit museums, zoos, historic landmarks and more for free! Social interaction and exposure to a variety of activities supports the healthy development of children of all ages. Sunflower Summer is an experiential approach to learning that can support transition into the fall school term. You'll have access to attractions here at home and across the state! FREE!

We hope the above information has inspired some fun summer activities for you.

Simple Delicious Beet Gazpacho

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 09 May 2022 16:08:22 GMT

Beet Gazpacho

a simple, delicious chilled beet soup with cucumber, avocado, and fresh dill – healthy and low calorie! Vegan and Gluten free! And it's so pretty!

This luscious Beet Gazpacho is simple and easy to make and full of healthy fresh summer ingredients. A chilled beet soup, it’s topped with diced avocado, crunchy cucumber, onion, beet and fresh dill and a very optional drizzle of olive oil or swirl of yogurt... it is exactly what you need on a hot, summer day!

Though it may appear complicated, it is actually a snap to make easily made in 15 minutes if the beets are precooked. The finely diced veggies give it a wonderful texture and delicious fresh flavor. You may find that it is easiest to cook the beets the night before and let them chill overnight in the fridge so they are cold when you go to make the soup the next day. Beets are so silky naturally and they need no additional fat! Give it a try!

INGREDIENTS

¾ lb beets ( 4 medium beets, smaller than a tennis ball, 3 inches in diameter)
¼ cup red or sweet onion, finely diced, divided
1–2 garlic cloves ( 1 large or 2 two small)
3 small cucumbers, divided
½ C fresh dill, divided
2 Tablespoons sherry vinegar , plus more to taste
½ teaspoon salt , more to taste
¼ teaspoon fresh pepper
Garnishes- avocado, diced cucumber, diced beet, finely diced onion, chopped dill, baby nasturtium leaves, olive oil or yogurt or sour cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Place beets in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low and simmer until fork tender all the way through, about 45- 60 minutes. Chill beets and their cooking liquid. (Recommendation to do this night before so they can chill overnight)
Once beets are cold, slip off their skins using your hands. Slice and place 3 of the 4 beets ( saving one) in a blender with 2 Cups of the cold cooking liquid ( or use ice water, or cold veggie stock ). Add the half of the chopped onion( about ⅛ cup) , 2 garlic cloves, 2 sliced turkish cucumbers ( saving one) salt , pepper, vinegar and about ⅔ of the fresh dill ( saving some for garnish). Blend until very smooth. Taste and adjust salt and vinegar. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Prep the garnishes. Finely dice remaining beet, cucumber, avocado and chop the remaining dill. Pour chilled beet soup (the colder it is, the better) into bowls. Top with with the garnishes. Drizzle with a little olive oil or a swirl of yogurt or sour cream if you like. Serve immediately!

Servings: Serves 4 with only 108 calories per serving when served with olive oil & 1 slice avocado

Source: feastingathome.com

Adopting a Shelter Pet

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 02:54:17 GMT

April 30th is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! America’s shelters and rescues are full of dogs and cats who desperately need homes. Wouldn't it be amazing if they all found loving forever homes of their own on April 30th?

Some shelters see an increase in homeless puppies and kittens coming in during spring, so now is a perfect time to adopt. And there are always adult and senior pets looking for homes, too, if you’d rather have a calmer snuggle buddy.

Whatever type of FOREVER friend you’re looking for, National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day is a great opportunity to welcome a pet into your family. And if your home is already full of all the fur it can handle, you can still help out by sharing adoptable animals on social media or making a donation to a shelter or rescue you love!

Why Adopt from a Shelter?

There are lots of ways to get a pet. Adopting from a shelter often means filling out applications, going through background checks, and hoping that you meet a lot of qualifications to be a pet parent. Why go through all that?

There are many reasons that adopting from a shelter or rescue is the best way to find your best buddy while helping other pets in the process.

Shelters need to make sure animals are going to good homes. They want to make sure you’ve prepared for the responsibility of pet parenting so you won’t end up returning an animal to the shelter. They also want to make sure people don't adopt animals for use in dog fighting rings or for other abusive purposes.

When you adopt from a shelter, you’re giving an animal a chance at a forever home when they might have otherwise ended up homeless or euthanized due to overcrowding. Plus, you’ll know that your pet has had medical care and necessary procedures, like spaying and neutering, before you bring them home. As a bonus, you’ll also free up resources at the shelter for the next animal who comes in. That means you’ll save at least two lives when you adopt!

And the best part is you can visit the shelter to find the perfect companion for you. You’ll be able to meet all the available pets and pick the one you connect with the most. Some shelters even let you foster, so you can make sure the pet you pick will love your home and family before you fully commit!

What to expect when you bring your adopted pet home:

When you think about bringing a dog home, you imagine fun walks, lots of cuddles, and unconditional love. That's part of it, but pet parenting comes with a lot of responsibilities, too. Talk with your family and make sure you are ready for the responsibility.

You should prepare yourself financially, physically, and mentally for everything that comes with pet parenting.

A few things to keep in mind when choosing a dog from the shelter:

Puppies require a lot of stimulation and play, and also frequent naps. Their immune systems are not always fully developed, and they may have medical needs that adult dogs don’t have. They may not be potty trained, so be prepared to clean up some accidents.
Adult dogs have exercise needs and require mental stimulation. It is important that you can keep up with them. You may have to hire a dog walker if you leave for most of the day or a pet sitter if you travel.
Senior dogs tend to be more relaxed. While their exercise needs may not be as extreme, they do sometimes come with health issues that must be addressed. You will also have to be prepared for end-of-life care.

Of course, if you can handle the responsibility, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best relationships you'll ever experience. Adoption is the option!

If you are not in a position to adopt, please consider donating to a local rescue organization. You can also help them by sharing their posts on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or other social media.

Here is a list of a few of our local rescues:

Coconut Bunny Butt Cake

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 01:13:17 GMT

A Cottontail that's as cute as it is tasty!

Crushed pineapple in the batter gives this cake a dense pound cake-like texture, which is helpful when anchoring the cupcakes and decorating. The cakes and cupcakes can be made a day ahead and wrapped in plastic wrap. Don't worry if you're frosting job doesn't look perfect -- covering the cake with coconut hides every flaw.

INGREDIENTS

Cake:

2 large eggs plus 4 egg whites, at room temperature
3/4 cup cream of coconut
1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple
2 teaspoons coconut extract
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the bowl (see Cook's Note)
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature, plus more for greasing bowl

Coconut Buttercream:

3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Decoration:

Thin pretzel sticks, for securing the cupcakes
One 10-ounce bag sweetened shredded coconut
8 drops green food coloring
2 large round chocolate candies, such as Candy Melts
6 chocolate chips
Mini candy-coated chocolate eggs, for garnish
5 dried apricots
3 gummy leaf candies

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: You'll need an 8-inch (1 1/2 quart) ovenproof metal bowl, a muffin/cupcake pan and paper cupcake liners.

Prep: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8-inch (1 1/2 quart) ovenproof metal bowl. Line 4 muffin cups with paper liners.
For the cake : Whisk the eggs and egg whites in a large bowl. Whisk in the cream of coconut, pineapple, coconut extract and vanilla extract until combined. Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in another large bowl. Beat in the butter, one piece at a time, with an electric mixer on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add half the egg mixture and beat on high until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in the remaining egg mixture until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fill the muffin cups each 2/3 full, then pour the remaining batter into the prepared bowl. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes for the cupcakes and 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes for the bowl. Remove the cakes to a wire rack and let cool in their pans for 15 minutes, then turn them out and let cool completely.
For the buttercream : Beat the confectioners' sugar and butter together with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined, then beat on high speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in 1 tablespoon of the milk and the vanilla and coconut extracts until light and spreadable, 2 to 3 minutes more, adding up to 1 tablespoon more milk if the frosting is too stiff.
Decoration : With a serrated knife, trim the flat bottom of the bowl-shaped cake so it lies flat on a plate, rounded-side up, and frost with a layer of buttercream. Remove the wrappers from the cupcakes and anchor 2 of them with a pretzel stick each at the base of the cake to make the bunny's feet (leave about 1 1/2 inches between the feet). Cut the third cupcake in half from top to bottom. With pretzel sticks, attach the cupcake halves to the top of the feet, with the cut-side facing down and the rounded ends positioned to be the heels of the feet. Attach the last cupcake with a pretzel stick to the lower half of the top of the cake to make a tail. Frost the cupcakes with the remaining frosting. Wipe away any frosting that has smeared on the cake plate.
Pat about 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut all over the cake. Put the remaining coconut in a large zip-top plastic bag. Mix the green food coloring with 2 teaspoons water and add to the bag. Toss and massage the coconut until it is uniformly green in color. Press the chocolate candies into the bottoms of the bunny feet with the larger candy at the top and the smaller ones underneath so they resemble the pads of the toes. Spread the green coconut all around the cake plate to make grass and decorate with candy eggs. Flatten the apricots with a rolling pin and roll into carrot shapes. Cut the leaves in half crosswise and use scissors to snip them to resemble carrot tops. Insert the carrot tops into the wider end of the apricot carrots and arrange them in the grass around the bunny.

Cook’s Note

When measuring flour, spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)

Source: Food Network

Spring Break (and beyond) Ideas

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:41:39 GMT

Are you looking for some fun, inexpensive ideas to do with the kids while they're out of school for the week? We've compiled a list of possibilities for you! They're not just for kids either! Adults who are looking for some fun "to do" ideas, you'll find options for you too!, Spring Break (and beyond) ideas:

Host a Hula Hoop Contest
Go Swimming (Indoors)
Take a Neighborhood Walk or Nature Adventure
Get Outside for a Bike Ride – there are lots of great trails around town
Try a New Restaurant (do a search for "Kids Eat Free")
Host an At-Home Bake Off
Host Friends for Game Night or hold a Family Game Night
Make Your Own Pizza Night
Learn Something New – Take a Class
Visit Your Local Library
Try Yoga
Get Out for a Game of Frisbee Golf
Go on a Geocache Adventure
Have Your Child Teach You Something
Visit Distant Relatives (if they’re close)
Go fishing – if it’s warm enough!
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Spend Time at the local Playground
Create an obstacle course in your backyard or inside if it’s cold
Visit a Nature Center
Spring Cleaning! …take advantage of those extra helpers for the week!
Host a Picnic in the Park
Go Camping in the Backyard or living room
Take a Day Trip or Weekend Trip
Make a Fort…pillow fort?
Volunteer
Have Family Photos Taken
Play Hide and Seek
Host Spring Break Olympics
Start Your Garden
Host a Lemonade Stand
Deliver Lemonade (or other foods) to Your Neighbors
Plan Your Dream Vacation
Use That to Inspire A Mini-Vacation
Add Some Flowers to Your Front Door Step or Plant a Garden
Paint & hide rocks
Design Your Own Scavenger Hunt
Write a Letter to a Friend
Make up Your Own Game
Open Your Child’s First Bank Account
Paint a picture
Go Bowling
Bake a Cake or Cookies and Deliver to Someone in Need
Visit a Local Retirement Home
Create a Sidewalk Masterpiece with Chalk
Act Out Your Child’s Favorite Book or Movie
Enjoy the Stars

These are just a few thoughts to get your creative juices going! Whatever you do, hope you enjoy a little break as we head into Spring!

Rainbow Pizza

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 20:32:22 GMT

A Colorful Fun Way to get your Veggies

This colorful pie, loaded with every color of the rainbow, takes veggie pizza to a whole new level. It’s a great way to put your farmers market haul to work, and makes firing up the oven totally worth it.

Don’t skimp on the veggies when adding the toppings. As the pizza cooks, the vegetables will spread apart slightly. Piling them on the crust close together will ensure you get a fully loaded rainbow pie with a colorful array of veggies in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound pizza dough
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive oil
1/2 medium red onion, chopped
8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 medium orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup fresh or thawed frozen yellow corn kernels
2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces

INSTRUCTIONS

Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 450°F. Let the pizza dough sit out at room temperature while the oven heats.
Mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, dried basil, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl; set aside.
Lightly grease a rolling pin with olive oil. Roll out the pizza dough to fit a standard 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet, then use your fingers to gently press the dough into the corners of the pan.
Spread the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. Arrange the vegetables in a rainbow pattern on top of the cheese. Drizzle with olive oil, or coat the veggies with a thin layer of cooking spray.
Bake until the edges are golden-brown, 16 to 20 minutes. Let the pizza cool for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting into slices and serving.

Storage: Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Source: thekitchn.com

Heart-Eye Emoji Fruit Salad

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:50:13 GMT

A fun, healthy way to say "I Love You"

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Pineapple and/or Mango
Strawberries and/or Watermelon
Red Apple
Circle cookie cutter(s)
Heart cookie cutters
Sharp knife

STEP 1 – MAKE YOUR BASE

Both Pineapple and Mango are well suited to become the base for these Emojis. For the Pineapple, first cut off the skin and then slice into rounds – if you want to make them perfect circles, use a cookie cutter to trim the edges. For the Mango, peel off the skin, cut vertical slices and then use a smaller-sized circle cutter . Make your base as thick or thin as you’d like – these were about 1/2-1/4”.

STEP 2 – MAKE YOUR HEART EYES

Both Strawberries and Watermelon worked brilliantly for the Emoji’s heart eyes, so simply pick your child’s favorite. For the Strawberries, cut vertical slices on all sides to get that nice dark color, then take a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make them into adorable love motifs. For the watermelon, cut ¼” slices and then stamp out the hearts.

The smallest heart (about 1.5”) from this se t worked well with our larger Pineapple circles, and the tiny heart made the smaller Mango circles.

STEP 3 – MAKE YOUR SMILES

Grab your favorite red apple (these were Red Delicious) and cut off thin slices all the way around. Use a sharp knife to shape your mouths skin-side up.

STEP 4 – ASSEMBLE

Grab a base, add your heart eyes and mouth, and voila! Heart-Eye Emoji Fruit Salad is complete!

whatmomslove.com

Being Heart Healthy

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 03:43:04 GMT

There are no age limits on being heart healthy. Good habits that start when you're young can have significant long term effects. Whether you are 15 or 50, here are 5 things to do every day to keep your heart healthy:

Eat healthy fats, NOT trans fats.
Practice good dental hygiene, especially flossing your teeth daily.
Get enough sleep.
Don't sit for too long at one time.
Avoid secondhand smoke like the plague.

Those are just a few tips from health.gov to keep your heart healthy.

What else can you do? The American Heart Association wants to help you create healthy habits that work best for YOUR life, for the best chance at life.

Stress Management
Music is a universal language that connects, soothes, and inspires. Let's use it to get healthier! Curate and share a playlist that helps us reclaim our rhythm. Be it a soundtrack for rallying or resting, cardio or mediation, we'll look forward to finding your personal medley for well-being on social media
Get Moving
One of the keys to better health and mental well-being is getting back into the rhythm of an active lifestyle. Staying active may lower blood pressure, control weight gain, pump more oxygen into your heart and reduce stress—a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Move today.
Healthy Eating starts at Home
Create a family rhythm by eating meals together for a chance to connect and decompress. Regular meals at home with family reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make the whole family feel connected.

Essentially, mellow out and reduce stress; get Up and move to the groove; and feed Your soul, rock your recipes!

What is National Wear Red Day?

February 4th is National Wear Red Day®️ Heart disease is the No.1 killer of women—killing more than all forms of cancer combined. By wearing red you help in raising awareness and encouraging all women to take charge of their health.

Source: heart.org

Tuna Stuffed Avocado

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:22:24 GMT

A quick, easy & healthy lunch or dinner

This Healthy Tuna Stuffed Avocado is stuffed with a flavorful southwest mixture of tuna, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro. No mayo necessary here! It’s the perfect healthy lunch.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 avocado halved and pitted
1 4.5 oz can tuna, drained
¼ cup diced red bell pepper
1 tablespoons minced jalapeno
1/4 cup cilantro leaves roughly chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Scoop out some of the avocado from the pitted area to widen the "bowl" area. Place the scooped avocado into a medium-size mixing bowl . Mash it with a fork.
Add the tuna, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro to the mixing bowl. Pour lime juice over. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed.
Scoop the tuna into the avocado bowls. Season with salt and pepper.

The Stay At Home Chef

Keep those Resolutions in 2022

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:03:26 GMT

Did you know that most new year’s resolutions don’t last even one month?This coming Friday (the 2nd Friday) in January is the fateful day when most resolutions dissolve giving most goals hardly a two-week shelf life. Today, resolve to ‘recharge’ your 2022 resolutions with these suggestions:

1. Set fewer goals. When you stick with and achieve two goals, it's much more effective than setting five goals that you don't keep! And when you set goals that depend on each other, you are reinforcing success. So let's say you want to losing 15 pounds by working out 3x a week with a friend. That can actuall cover THREE goals: weight loss, physical activing and more time with friends. As you achieve each goal, you'll reap the rewards and be movitated to set and achieve another goal.

2. Create new habits using visual cues. Put your running (walking or whatever workout you choose) shoes in the same place each day so it will signal you to get active. Have a goal to walk your dog more frequently? Hang that leash by the door so you see it and want to achieve it. Habits are efficient, conserve energy, and establish routines. You visual cues can help trigger your motivation.

3. Don’t get down on yourself about an occasional slip up. Believe it or not, a slip here or there can actually strengthen your resolutions and help you achieve them. According to an interview with Dr. John Norcross on NPR, 53 percent of those who kept their New Year’s resolutions for two years experienced at least one slip-up, and the average number of slips was 14. Those who managed to maintain their resolutions didn't succumb to failure. They let that slip encourage them to continue towards their goals and not give up.

4. Have an "Accountability Buddy". Social support can be a game-changer. Whether you have a friend or family member to motivate you and hold you accountable or choose to use your social media as an accountability platform, knowing someone is watching and with you in your journey can be essential for many. You can have different buddies for different aspects too. Maybe you need a healthy lifestyle buddy, a spiritual buddy, a dream buddy... set a goal and share it with an accountability buddy who will help keep you on track.

5. Expect and fight self- sabotage. It's true... many time we are our own worst enemy – and major self-critics! Name your self-critic and talk back to it. If you're symbolic and need a place for your critic, have a box or jar near by where you can take the feed back from your self-critic and throw it in that box or jar and lock it away. Let the positive you take over and know that you can do anything you set your mind to. You got this. Enjoy your 2022... every single day of it!

Christmas Reindeer Brownies

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:46:11 GMT

Recipe courtesy of Food Network

Colorful candy, marshmallows and wafer cookies transform fudgy brownies into a fun Christmas treat. They are easy enough for kids to help make and look festive for your family or office party!

Level: Easy Total time: 2 hr 50 min (includes cooling time)

Yield: 16 brownies

Special equipment: two 8-inch round cake pans

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, plus more for greasing the pans

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 cups regular semisweet chocolate chips (about 12 ounces)

16 small chocolate-flavored candy chews, such as Tootsie Rolls

16 red or brown candy-coated chocolates, such as M&M's

16 mini vanilla wafer cookies

16 mini marshmallows

32 mini semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 teaspoon)

32 mini peppermint candy canes (about 2 1/2 inches long)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Butter the bottom and sides of two 8- inch round cake pans.

Cut two 8-inch circles out of parchment paper and line the bottoms of the cake pans with the parchment.

Stir together the butter, sugar, vanilla and eggs in a medium bowl.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

Stir in 1 cup of the regular chocolate chips and divide the batter between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops.

Bake until a crust begins to form around the edges, the edges pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.

Meanwhile, halve the candy chews lengthwise. Use your fingers to shape each half into a teardrop shape for the reindeer's ears and set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining regular chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl in a microwave in 20 second intervals.

Use a dab of the melted chocolate to stick a red candy-coated chocolate onto each of the vanilla wafers to make noses and set aside.

Cut each mini marshmallow in half crosswise. Insert one mini chocolate chip, pointed-side down, into the flat, cut side of each marshmallow piece to make eyes and set aside.

As soon as the brownies come out of the oven, sprinkle the top of each brownie round evenly with half of the remaining regular chocolate chips (7 tablespoons each) and let stand until the chips melt, about 5 minutes.

Spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the brownies with a spatula.

Let the brownies cool fully in the pans on cooling racks, about 1 hour.

Cut each circle into 8 equal triangles with a knife. Use a small offset spatula or pie server to lift each triangle out of the pan.

To assemble: Arrange the brownies so that the longest, sharpest point faces you and gently press a cookie-nose on that point of each brownie.

To make antlers: Using the tip of a paring knife or a skewer, poke two small holes in the top side of each brownie, about 1/2 inch from the corners, and insert a mini candy cane in each hole.

For the ears, press a piece of candy chew on each corner below the candy cane antlers

Press 2 of the mini marshmallow eyes next to each other in the center of each brownie.

Cook’s Note

When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off the excess.

(Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.)

Food Network Recipe

7 Advantages of Shopping Locally

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 16:34:08 GMT

A reminder to SHOP LOCAL!

What are the advantages of shopping locally? We're so used to ordering online from all over the world now, but using local businesses can be even more convenient. You don't have to wait for goods to arrive, you can inspect before you buy, and there's no chance your purchases will be lost in the post. Here are some of the many other advantages of shopping locally …

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

One of the less obvious advantages of shopping locally is that supporting local businesses benefits everyone. It's no use complaining that a shop is shutting down and you won't be able to buy what they sell locally any more if you order online because it's cheaper. Keeping local businesses open helps keep money in the community and gives everyone easy access to their services.

TIME SAVING

Shopping online is so quick and easy, right? But is it really so much more effort to pop out to a local store? It can actually save you time to buy locally, especially if you need something quickly (who wants the panic of worrying that an urgent gift may not arrive?).

ENVIRONMENT

Buying local produce is really beneficial from an environmental point of view. It's really daft how we buy vegetables from the store that have been flown thousands of miles, when the same items are grown in our own back yard. Help cut down on unnecessary journeys and support your local farmer, butcher, and artisans.

REGULAR CUSTOMER

There's something really nice about realising that a store recognises that you're a regular customer. Smaller local stores like to get to know their customers and what they're looking for. It makes sound business sense. Shop regularly in your local store and they'll get to know your requirements. Some stores will even reserve items that they know a regular client will like.

THRIVING COMMUNITY

A thriving community brings more people and more money into the area. For a community to thrive, it needs shops. And those shops need people to spend in them. Empty stores can attract vandalism and crime and make the area seem neglected. Shop locally so that stores can stay open and offer the services that people need.

CONVENIENT

Shopping in local stores is really convenient, because you can pick up several different things on the same trip. You can also run other errands such as pick up your dry cleaning and pop to the library. Online stores may charge you so much for postage that it's no cheaper than buying locally anyway.

SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE

Finally, local stores are likely to offer a much more personal service than you can get elsewhere. They should have a very good knowledge of the goods they're selling - we've all gone into large stores where the staff know little about what they're selling. Local stores can give you advice and help you choose the correct item for your needs. You won't get that level of service from most online retailers.

Shopping in local stores has so many advantages. You don't need to buy everything via the internet! You'd miss your local stores if they were gone, so shop there and help them stay open.

By Alison

https://lifestyle.allwomenstalk.com/amazing-advantages-of-shopping-locally/

Recipe of the Month: Pecan Pie Cobbler

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:05:27 GMT

Amazing Pecan Pie Cobbler!

Pecan Pie Cobbler

Amazing Pecan Pie Cobbler. Gooey caramel filling forms under a sweet, buttery cobbler topping with crunchy, toasted pecans. The easy version of pecan pie!

PREP: 15 mins

COOK: 30 mins

TOTAL: 1 hr 5 mins

SERVINGS: 8 servings (1 8x8-inch pan)

Ingredients

For the Cobbler Batter:

4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter
½ cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic All Purpose Flour
½ cup Bob’s Red Mill Organic Whole Wheat Flour or additional all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup 2% milk
2 tablespoons dark rum or an additional 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon additional milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

2/3 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
1 cup chopped pecans
1 1/2 cups very hot water

For Serving:

Vanilla ice cream or sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place the butter in an 8x8-inch ceramic baking dish or similar 2-quart baking dish. Pop the dish into the oven until the butter melts, about 5 minutes. Set the dish with melted butter aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, prepare the cobbler batter: add the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. With a fork, stir to combine. Pour in the milk, rum, and vanilla extract, then stir with the same fork, stopping as soon as the flour disappears.
In a small mixing bowl with a clean fork, stir together the topping ingredients: brown sugar and pecans.
With a small spoon, dollop the batter over the melted butter. Use the back of the spoon to gently smoosh it into an even layer. DO NOT STIR. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cobbler batter. It will feel like an excessive amount, but keep going (this is pecan pie cobbler after all!).
Last, slowly and evenly pour hot water over the entire cobbler, covering the whole surface. It will look like a wet mess. Again, DO NOT STIR.
Line a rimmed baking sheet large enough to hold the dish with parchment paper for easy clean up (This will catch any delicious molten caramel that bubbles over). Carefully set the pan on top and slow and gently transfer to the oven, being careful not to splatter. Bake uncovered in the center of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and looks dry on top. Transfer the baking pan to a wire rack and let cool for 20 to 25 minutes (the cobbler will continue to thicken as it cools). Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

TO STORE : Let your cobbler cool completely, then cover it and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
TO REHEAT : Gently reheat your cobbler in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through.
TO FREEZE : Tightly cover your pecan pie cobbler and place in the freezer for up to two months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

SERVING: 1(of 8); without ice cream CALORIES: 365kcal CARBOHYDRATES: 53g PROTEIN: 4g FAT: 16g SATURATED FAT: 5g CHOLESTEROL: 16mg SODIUM: 167mg POTASSIUM: 240mg FIBER: 2g SUGAR: 39g VITAMIN A: 198IU VITAMIN C: 1mg CALCIUM: 98mg IRON: 1mg

10 meaningful and fun family Thanksgiving traditions you can start this year

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 21:00:46 GMT

Here are 10 meaningful and creative ideas the whole family will cherish.

Turkey, football and the Macy’s Day Parade may be Thanksgiving go-tos, but the holiday can have so much more depth when you incorporate some truly unique family Thanksgiving traditions that will stick with people for years to come.

“Thanksgiving should be made up of rituals and customs we all remember forever,” says Jordan Stringfellow, owner of Jordi & CO Events, a Los Angeles-based event planning company that also specializes in seasonal decor and holiday table settings. “Passing on family traditions to our children and sharing them with a table full of blended friends and family is one of the most satisfying things a parent can do.”

Looking to add fun Thanksgiving traditions to your family’s holiday repertoire? Here are 10 meaningful and creative ideas the whole family will cherish.

1. Pass around a journal

A favorite Thanksgiving tradition I learned from a client was ‘pass the journal,’” says Stringfellow. “Simply pass a blank journal around the Thanksgiving table, asking all the guests to write at least one thing that they are thankful for. For kids too young to write, have an adult transcribe. Over the years, fill the book with comments and enjoy reading them aloud at Thanksgiving celebrations to come. It is truly wonderful to read how gratitude reflections change over time.”

2. Volunteer

One of the best Thanksgiving traditions for families? Volunteering together! Thanksgiving is a great time to give back to your community and help those in need — and it’s one of the richest customs you can incorporate into your family’s holiday. How and where you choose to volunteer depends on the age of your children, but there are tons of ways to give back — simply research local volunteer opportunities in your area.

“Whether you work at a local soup kitchen, volunteer to serve a church supper [or even run a Turkey Trot, which typically benefits a local charity], the rewards are great and wide-reaching for labors that are easily performed,” says Stringfellow.

3. Kick off the holiday season

These days, the December holiday season kicks off the second the last bite of pumpkin pie is eaten. Don’t try to fight it. Embrace it.

“Every year, my sister gets matching Christmas pajamas for all the kids and they all get them on Thanksgiving night,” says Jaclyn Santos, of Hazlet, New Jersey. “It’s so much fun. They all take baths and showers together, put on their jammies and usually have a disco-style dance party for the adults.”

4. Personalize the table

Sure, there are a zillion Pinterest images of stunning Thanksgiving tablescapes, but instead of having everything just so on Thanksgiving, aim to mix it up — literally.

“Some of the most beautiful Thanksgiving tables I’ve seen bring family stories to life by mixing and matching dishes, napkins and serving trays,” says Stringfellow. “Instead of reaching for the fancy china set, choose pieces with history — and be sure to tell stories about where you were when you collected it, who gave it to you and why it’s special. Even a chipped china plate can be reused with love and laughter as you share how that chip occurred and why that person, perhaps no longer alive or nearby, brought joy to your lives and hearts.”

Additionally, don’t worry about fancy Etsy-bought place cards. Instead, have the kids put their beloved art skills to good use.

“Making homemade place cards is something everyone can enjoy — and it makes the table that much more special,” says Stringfellow. “Have kids trace and cut out leaves or collect pine cones from the back yard and turn them into place cards. Even the act of collecting items for the table will make a myriad of memories to share!”

5. Have a special breakfast

While, yes, dinner is the meal on Thanksgiving, why not have a special breakfast, too?

“Every Thanksgiving morning, we sit down to a family breakfast of homemade pancakes,” says Denise Mackey, of Rochester, New York. “We didn’t mean for this to turn into a tradition, but over the years, it’s seemed to happen! It sets a nice pace for the day — as opposed to our usual mornings, which are spent running around!”

6. Go for a morning family walk

Sure, a rosy-cheeked morning walk is good for working up an appetite for the much-anticipated smorgasbord, but also… it’s just a nice way to connect to nature and to each other. It’s the perfect beginning to a busy — and often stressful! — day.

7. Give kids an important job they do each year

Serving Thanksgiving dessert? Making coffee? Setting the table? Help kids feel like an important part of the festivities by giving them “their” job each year.

“When I was younger, my mom would always let my brother and I set the table on Thanksgiving,” says Kristen Gallo, of New York. “I’m not sure how great it came out, but I remember feeling so proud when all the grownups would make a fuss over how nice the table looked.”

8. Have a table toast

Let’s not forget what the most important part of Thanksgiving is: being thankful. If passing around a journal feels a little too formal for your family, have a roundtable toast.

“Asking each guest to raise their glass — even if it’s a sippy cup full of milk — and make a toast about what they’re thankful for is a great way to start Thanksgiving dinner,” says Stringfellow. “Also, while it’s touching, don’t be surprised if elicits big time laughs!”

9. Leave room at the table

Whether it’s due to location or strained relationships, fact is, not everyone has a place at a Thanksgiving table. Do your part to change that in whatever small way you can.

“What’s the point of a beautiful Thanksgiving table and delicious food if you can’t share in it?” says Stringfellow. “Extend an invitation to an elderly neighbor whose family can’t visit or a coworker who’s far from home — and if they opt to stay home, take them a plate.”

If doing the latter, though, Stringfellow advises towing a sensitivity line.

“It’s important to be sensitive to the recipient,” Stringfellow says. “You don’t want to insult them or make them feel like they’re the object of charity. Sometimes this is best done by simply leaving the gift at the door and ringing the bell.”

10. Play a thankful game

Turn everyone’s gratitudes into a little friendly competition with a “thankful game.” It’s a family Thanksgiving game, posted on Reddit, that has everyone writing down what they’re thankful for on a piece of paper, putting it in a jar and then having everyone guess whose is whose.

Sure to get everyone cracking up? You bet. Now that’s something to be thankful for.

by Nicole Fabian-Weber

https://www.care.com/c/10-family-thanksgiving-traditions-you-should

Pumpkin Pecan Coffee Cake

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 21:03:24 GMT

Breakfast, Cake or Snack

Prep Tim: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Author: Kristen | Ella Claire & Co.

Ingredients:

Coffee Cake

· 2 cups flour spooned, leveled

· 3/4 cup granulated sugar

· 2 tsp. baking powder

· 1/2 tsp. salt

· 1 T pumpkin pie spice **see below for link to recipe for homemade pumpkin pie spice

· 1 cup pumpkin puree

· 1/2 cup milk

· 1/2 cup oil vegetable or canola

· 1 tsp. vanilla

Topping:

· 1/2 cup brown sugar

· 2 T butter melted

· 2 T flour

· 2 tsp. cinnamon

· 1/2 cup pecans chopped

Instructions:

For Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk together dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Dump in pumpkin puree, milk, oil, and vanilla and then mix until well incorporated.

3. Pour into a lightly greases 9x9 pan.

For Streusel:

1. Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl. Add brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon and mix until incorporated. Mix in chopped pecans.

2. Sprinkle evenly on top of cake batter. Note: You can leave it on the top when cooking, or I prefer to lightly poke it (with a finger- poke, do not stir) into the batter in several places. I like the taste of having the streusel areas within my cake. The texture is so good.

3. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Recipe Notes

**Homemade pumpkin pies spice is super easy to make and better than store-bought! See recipe HERE .

Store covered for 2 days, or refrigerate for longer. Can Freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to a month.

SOURCE: https://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/pumpkin-pecan-coffee-cake/

HAUNTED KANSAS ROAD TRIP: 13 SPOOKY LOCATIONS TO MAKE YOUR BLOOD RUN COLD

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:16:37 GMT

Fill up your gas tank and head out for a creepy adventure.

Fort Leavenworth - Leavenworth, KS

Known as one of the most haunted military forts in the United States, Fort Leavenworth breeds plenty of stories among locals and visitors. There are many claims of strange happenings, including the story of Father Fred, who is thought to roam around the St. Ignatius Chapel. In 1875, the original building was destroyed in a fire and along with it, Father Fred's life. People have seen a priestly apparition from time to time. Others have seen the image of Catherine Sutler, who still searches for her lost children even after her death. Those who stop here can visit the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, monuments, and other interesting buildings that may hold paranormal secrets to be unearthed.

Molly's Hollow - Atchison, KS

In the town of Atchison, KS sits an unassuming place called Jackson Park. However, if you speak to any of the locals of the area, you can uncover the mysteries of Molly's Hollow. While the cause of her death has been lost to time, the legend of her traumatic passing (however it may have occurred) has led residents and ghost hunters alike to believe that her ghost still calls the hollow her home. When exploring the wooded area at night, you can supposedly see the ghost of the girl hanging from a tree and hear her screams. Others describe a suffocating feeling of sadness and fear.

Old Lawrence Community Theatre Building - Lawrence, KS

Located at 1501 New Hampshire Street, the old Lawrence Community Theatre building in Lawrence, KS is the subject of many interesting stories. The building was used as a church before being converted into a performing arts center in 1985. Though it is no longer home to Theatre Lawrence, it still holds its reputation among visitors. People have reported a feeling of being watched as well as poltergeist activity, flickering lights, and cold spots. The location now houses the Vintage Church.

Hollenberg Pony Express Station - Hanover, KS

The Hollenberg Pony Express Station is rooted in a rich history, so make sure to stop by on your journey through the northeastern part of the state. Built in 1857, the station became a popular stop for Pony Express riders traveling to California and Oregon. It also seems to be a hot spot for spirits. Visitors have said to hear horses’ hooves in the distance, to see apparitions, and to hear the disembodied voices of ghostly riders echoing near the museum. The ghost of Gerat Hollenberg is also thought to take up residence here, and stories of him hiding items and rearranging things are common among staff members.

Ellis Railroad Museum - Ellis, KS

Another great museum along the way, the Ellis Railroad Museum is home to interesting displays and artifacts as well as over a thousand unique dolls. It also features a caboose, a depot, and a scaled model of an Aero Streamliner. In addition to being a hub for railroad fanatics, it is rumored to be haunted. Most of the paranormal activity is said to occur within the basement, which was once used as a jail cell. The legend says that, during the 1958 flood of the area, a prisoner drowned in his cell. Odd noises have been heard resonating from its depths, EVPs have been captured, and many people have seen a shadowy figure in the windows.

Red Rock Elementary School - Ulysses, KS

Seemingly innocent Red Rock Elementary School in Ulysses, KS is actually home to a darker story. The halls of this school are said to be frequently visited by the apparition of a young girl. She is said to wander around near the cafeteria, and sometimes balls will bounce and swings will sway on the playground despite a lack of wind or children playing. Some people have even claimed to have photographic evidence of orbs and other phenomena on the grounds.

St. Jacob’s Well - Clark County, KS

Found in the sprawling preservation that is known as Big Basin, St. Jacob’s Well is said to hold some of the most chilling legends in the state. The pond has been the center of much speculation for years and years. Many people think that the water is bottomless and has never dried up, and some even think that it kills anyone who is brave enough to enter its depths. Thousands of years ago, it was used by Native Americans and cowboys as a water source on their journeys. One cowboy in particular is thought to still visit the well. First seen in the 1890s, many people over the years have reported seeing the apparition of a cowboy and his horse. It is thought that several dead bodies float somewhere within the well.

Hutchinson Public Library - Hutchison, KS

Hutchinson Public Library is not only a great place to find the perfect book, but it is also home to a famous haunt. Ida Day Holzapfel served as the head librarian from 1915 to 1925 and from 1947 to 1954. With such a long career with the library, it is no surprise that she is said to still walk among its shelves. Surely looking for those with overdue library books, Ida is known to cause an eerie feeling among the library. Workers claim that she mainly hangs out around the basement and takes the form of a cold spot or startles them with disembodied noises. Some have even reported seeing her glowing form as she skims the collections and phantom footsteps have been heard echoing throughout the otherwise empty library.

Bel Aire Water Tower - Wichita, KS

Located in the city of Wichita, the Bel Aire water tower is said to hold a ghastly secret. The infamous tale follows the untimely demise of a man who decided to climb up into the tower during its construction. He is thought to have slipped over its edge and fell to his death, and instead of removing his dead body from its pit, the construction workers continued on with their work. With the tower now erected over his remains, many people say that, at night, you can hear the sound of his ghost tapping at the bottom of the tower’s walls.

Theorosa’s Bridge - Valley Center, KS

On the edge of Valley Center, KS, Theorosa's Bridge is the center of a famous urban legend. Traveling along the bridge area, a 19th-century wagon is said to have been ambushed by a violent group of Native Americans. During the scuffle, a baby named Theorosa was kidnapped. Her mother’s ghost is said to float around the area searching for her. Another recollection of the events is slightly different and follows the tragic story of a woman who had a child with someone she shouldn’t have. To cover up the scandal, she tossed the baby over the bridge and into the water, drowning it. People have heard the sobs of a baby and a woman, seen odd lights, and felt cold spots. On multiple occasions, cars have stalled unexpectedly on the bridge. Two versions of the bridge have burned down, though the current concrete bridge has stood since 1991. It can be found at 109th Street and Meridian.

Wilbur’s Grocery - Towanda, KS

While traveling through the tiny town of Towanda, KS, stop by the former Wilbur's Grocery building to maybe experience something paranormal. Even though it mostly operated as a grocer, it is said to have once been an orphanage and a shelter for women. Found at 304 Main Street, the abandoned store was once home to some weird occurrences. Employees have smelled coffee brewing when there is none, objects moving on their own, and cold spots. One woman even claims to have been touched by an unseen person. Whatever the case may be, produce and cereal may not have been the only things occupying the aisles at Wilbur's.

Brown Mansion - Coffeyville, KS

At 2109 S Walnut Street in Coffeyville, KS sits a beautiful and elaborate mansion. Known as Brown Mansion, the building was completed in 1906 and is comprised of 16 immaculate rooms and three stories. The Brown family inhabited the home during its prime, and though they were fortunate people, their children weren’t. Out of their five kids, two of them died at birth while one of them died from pneumonia and another, Donald, died from diabetes complications. The surviving child, Violet, inherited the home until her death in 1973. The ghosts that are thought to haunt the home include Donald; Violet; their mother, Nancy; their father, W.P.; and a servant named Charlie. People have also smelled pipe smoke, heard crying noises, and seen the apparitions of Violet, Charlie, and Donald.

Witch’s Grave - Galena, KS

If you have time, head to Oak Hill Cemetery in Galena. The cemetery is said to have a disturbing visitor at the time of 3:33 am. In the darkness of the night, people have seen apparitions, captured EVPs, and heard voices toward the back of the cemetery. Here, it is thought that a witch’s grave is the source of the hauntings. The graveyard can be found on the hilly part of 1501 Columbus Street and is a unique place to visit to learn about history and potentially have an experience for yourself.

With so many interesting haunts to visit in the Sunflower State, a trip to Kansas is the perfect way to get in the spirit of Halloween. So grab a group of your favorite paranormal investigators and head out to explore the unknown.

Submitted by blt - the blog for lifestyle & travel

SOURCE: travelks.com

Combat the Changing Seasons with These Fall Safety Tips

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 01:09:15 GMT

As the summer season fades into fall and long sunny days wane into short chilly nights, it’s time to take several safety measures and apply them to your home. The changing weather poses risks for your health and home so it’s important to be aware of the shifting season and its impact on your surroundings.

Don’t let the changing weather dampen your enjoyment of the season. Here are some important safety tips for a fun and safe fall.

Fall Health and Wellness Tips
From illnesses to injuries, there are several climate changes that happen in the fall that might have a direct impact on your health and wellness. Take some precautions to protect yourself!

Fight the Flu
Short for influenza, the flu is a contagious illness that infects the nose, throat, lungs and a range of complications like sinus and ear infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three actions you can take to fight the flu:

Wash your hands regularly
Avoid close contact with sick people
Wear appropriate clothes outdoors (coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, etc.)

Even though you can possibly get sick after getting a flu shot, a yearly vaccine can provide protection against complications from the flu.

If you do find yourself sick with the flu this fall season, make sure you talk to your doctor about steps you should take in order to get well soon.

Watch Your Back
One of the most beautiful occurrences of the fall season is when the leaves start to turn color then gracefully fall upon lawns or get suddenly swept up on an autumn breeze. A less poetic reality of fall is the fact that someone has to rake those leaves.

This season, watch your back as you tend to your lawn, as back injuries are prone to happen while raking and collecting leaves, by following these safety tips:

Stretch: Make sure your muscles are ready for a workout
Stand up straight: Pull from your arms and legs
Relax: Rake for intervals of 10 – 15 minutes at a time, taking breaks in between

If you opt for a leaf blower over a rake, make sure you are properly dressed in clothing that covers your skin, like a flannel shirt and jeans. Wear appropriate eye protection and work shoes as well, protecting any sensitive parts of your body to prevent injury.

Protect Your Pets
When it comes to your home, you might think your pet is safe, but there are some hidden dangers. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a helpful list of tips to help keep your pet safe from household poisons, cold weather hazards and everything that could pose a possible threat to your pet:

Keep rodenticides (rat poisons) out of reach
In more rural areas, watch out for dangerous wildlife
Keep apple stems, leaves or seeds away from your pet, as ingestion could cause health problems
Watch out for poisonous mushrooms

If your pet ingests something harmful – or is bit or attacked by a wild animal – call your local animal poison control center or ASPCA immediately.

Fall Driving Safety Tips
A combination of fewer hours of daylight with unpredictable weather can result in unsafe driving conditions in the fall. This can result in difficulty seeing and maneuvering on the roads.

Slippery When Wet
A number of weather conditions can contribute to a risky road. Here are a few dangers of fall weather to be aware of when driving:

Rain: Water can pool on top of dust and oil, making the pavement slippery
Leaves: They can litter the roads, making it slippery and obscuring vision of traffic lines, other pavement markings and even potholes
Frost: Temperatures can drop dramatically in the night, making ice spots on areas of the road, such as bridges, overpasses and shaded areas
Fog: It can limit your visibility when driving

There are multiple ways to stay safe on the roads this fall, and they all boil down to watching your speed, especially in areas with rain, frost or leaves, and paying attention to the road and your surroundings.

Don’t Veer for Deer
In Michigan we have a saying – “Don’t veer for deer.” Meaning, don’t swerve if a deer runs in front of your vehicle! You could lose control of the car quickly, especially if you are on a curve or narrow road with little to no shoulder. Instead, brake firmly with both hands on the wheel to come to a controlled stop.

Soak Up the Sun
Believe it or not, fall is a bad time for sun glare on the roads. Sun glare is dangerous because it can impact your sight for a few seconds after exposure, obscuring any vision of pedestrians, oncoming traffic and even the car in front of you.

Class Is Back in Session
Fall is back-to-school season, bringing with it back-to-school traffic in the early mornings and late afternoons. This also signals an increase of school buses and cars on the road. Not to mention, pedestrian traffic at crosswalks as kids and parents walk to and from the school and their bus stop.

Tips for Fall Home Maintenance
From cluttered gutters to fire hazards, protect your home this fall by making sure your it’s ready to combat the changing weather and potential dangers.

Check All Safety Devices
In order to ensure safety inside your home, take a moment and check all of your safety devices, making sure the batteries are charged and that they work properly. For example, test all your smoke alarms inside your home. Make sure the batteries are working properly and are fully charged. In addition, make sure to replace used and expired fire extinguishers.

Fire Up the Furnace
Turn your heater on before the temperatures really plummet so you can ensure it works. Contact a technician to inspect that it’s operating properly if you suspect it needs servicing. Keep all flammable materials away from your furnace. This includes clothing, paint products, toxic materials, cardboard and more.

Inspect the Insulation
When your home allows in cold drafts, it forces your furnace to work harder in order to heat your house, resulting in higher energy bills. Keep the cold air out by improving the insulation in your attic and walls.

Give the Heater Some Space
Make sure you read the instructions to see if your space heater requires venting, and if it does, make sure it’s vented to the outdoors. A good rule of thumb is to keep your space heater away from clothing, bedding, drapery and furniture. Remember to shut them off if you leave the house and don’t leave them unattended if you have children or pets. More importantly, don’t use your space heater as a dryer for hats, gloves and other articles of clothing, as they can catch fire.

Fire Safety
Before you relight your fireplace, check your chimney to confirm it’s free of debris and has proper ventilation. Make sure the bricks, mortar and liner are in good condition. Lastly, use a fireplace screen to keep the sparks from flying all over the place.

Doing laundry? Prevent dryer fires by cleaning filters after each load of wash and removing lint that collects in dryer vents. Like burning candles, never leave a load of laundry in the dryer unattended.

De-clutter the Gutters
Clean your gutters by removing all debris and leaves. Before burning leaves, check your city’s regulations, as it may be illegal where you live. If you burn them, do so away from the house and use proper containers.

Trim the Trees
As plants begin to die in the cold weather, make sure you call a landscaping service to remove any dead branches or decaying limbs on the trees of your property. When weighed down by ice and snow, or blowing in the wind, they can become hazardous and fall on your house or vehicle.

Fall is a time for fun and family. Put these tips into practice today to ensure a safe fall and winter season.

SOURCE: ZING!

Recipe of the Month: Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 01:06:10 GMT

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large

3 tbsp. olive oil, divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

4 small bone-in pork chops (about 2 pounds total)

2 large shallots, finely chopped

1 tbsp. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. dry white wine

1/2 c. chicken stock

2 tbsp. crème fraîche or sour cream

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss together mushrooms and 1 tablespoon oil on a large rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. Push mushrooms to one side and add broccoli to pan. Toss with 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast until vegetables are golden brown and tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season pork with salt and pepper. Cook until internal temperature on an instant-read thermometer reads 140°F, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and tent with foil; reserve skillet.
Add shallots to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine and simmer until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add stock and simmer until thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in crème fraîche, Dijon, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Serve pork topped with pan sauce and roasted vegetables alongside.

SOURCE: CountryLiving.com

Improve Air Quality & Eliminate a Fire Hazard

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:42:42 GMT

HOW IS THE AIR QUALITY IN YOUR HOME?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

As the seasons change, we'll be using less of our A/C units which makes it a prime opportunity have have your ducts cleaned. You change your filters regularly so you see the particles that are floating throughout your ducts. Improve the air quality in your home before you kick on the heater this coming fall.

While they're cleaning the ducts, be sure to have your dryer vent cleaned as well. According to Consumer Reports, "Every year, firefighters across the country respond to around 13,820 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

About 27 percent of these fires is caused by an accumulation of lint, which means that not cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a dangerous situation that’s far more serious than the drop in performance caused by constricting a dryer’s ductwork."

Google "Duct Cleaning near me" to find a pro in your area.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 03:02:33 GMT

" These frozen chocolate covered peanut butter banana bites are the perfect healthy warm weather treat. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy snacking and enjoy two bites for less than 100 calories! "

—Brittany Mullins (recipe author)

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Process: 15 min. chilling

YIELD: 30 bites

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas
1/3 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil

Directions

Peel and slice bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
Line a platter or small baking sheet with parchment paper. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on a banana slice and top with another banana slice to make a little banana peanut butter sandwich. Keep doing this until all banana slices are used and you have about 30 bites. Place bites on two parchment lined platters or plates and place in the freezer to harden for about 1 hour.
Once banana bites have been in the freezer for over an hour, melt your chocolate by adding chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and microwave in additional 30 second increments until chocolate is completely melted. This shouldn't take more than 2 minutes of microwave time.
Once chocolate is melted, remove one platter of your frozen banana bites from the freezer. Dip each frozen banana bite into the melted chocolate so that half of each bite is coated. You can coat the full bite with chocolate, but you'll need more chocolate chips if you want to do this.
Place chocolate covered bites back on the parchment lined platter. Place back in freezer to harden up, grab your second platter and continue until all the bites have been dipped. Let both platters of chocolate covered bites harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
At this point you're ready to enjoy or you can transfer the bites into a freezer safe storage container for later. They should last a least 1-2 months in the freezer.
When you store the banana bites for a longer period of time, they can get pretty hard so you'll want to take them out the freezer and let them thaw for about 5 minutes before eating.

SOURCE: EatingBirdFood

Steps to Keep Your Family Safe in an Emergency

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:09:44 GMT

Most preparations involve thought, time and effort—not money. Keeping connected is key.

At 7:02 p.m. July 8, 2014, a tornado with winds gusting to 135 mph ambushed the town of Smithfield. The storm left four dead—including one infant—and a community stunned.

Smithfield, you see, isn’t in Tornado Alley or even in the Great Plains. It’s in central New York state. “We don’t get tornadoes in New York, right? Anyone will tell you that,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters the next day. “Well, we do now.”

Natural disasters are always traumatic. But climate change, abetted by our own activity, is making the unexpected and the extreme ever more likely. Catastrophic floods happen more often: Three, for instance, hit the St. Louis region between 2015 and 2019. Wildfires have burned an average of 7 million acres per year since 2000, more than double the rate in the 1990s. In February, record cold in Texas set off a cascading crisis of electrical outages, burst pipes, and flooded homes.

“It’s not like we’re seeing new types of disasters, but we’re seeing them in places we’re not used to, and with more intensity,” says Jeff Schlegelmilch, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. “It’s the same concerns, amped up.”

The good news? If calamity touches your family or home, a little preparation can make a huge difference—potentially saving money, treasured possessions, and even lives.

So we asked a few dozen experts and survivors for advice on building disaster resilience. As it happens, most of their tips call for a modest investment of money or time. “You don’t have to be a doomsday prepper,” says Brenda Muhammad, executive director of Focusing Our Resources for Community Enlightenment (FORCE), a Syracuse, N.Y., not-for-profit that teaches emergency skills. “But be your own first responder.”

Have Multiple Modes of Communication

• Enter key contacts into all phones. Give household members paper contact lists, too.

• Tap someone outside your area to be an emergency communication hub.

• When power is out, a backup battery for a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) line can extend its run time and allow for emergency calls; copper landlines generally work in an outage.

• In a crisis, text rather than call. Texts are more likely to connect than calls because they use far less bandwidth. And turn on one device at a time to conserve power.

• Access social networks to tap community resources.

• A ham radio, if available, is another good resource, experts say.

Hone Your Family’s Emergency Plan

• Store “go bags” and emergency kits where they’re easy to grab.

• Save directions to local shelters; check rules for social distancing and pets.

• Run drills at least annually: entering a safe room, evacuating, packing the car, and meeting outside the home when separated. (Scout at least two alternative, easy-to-reach places.) With kids, turn drills into games. Reward pets with treats.

Insure Your Home and Belongings Properly

• Get replacement-cost homeowners insurance, which covers rebuilding your home and replacing its contents. Make sure it covers building-code changes. Consider buying an inflation-guard clause for materials and labor.

• Choose a higher deductible to lower your premium. But then save for that expense in the event of a claim. (

• Store a video inventory of your home’s contents in the cloud, and on a thumb drive to keep with you. Do the same with documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and tax forms—and cherished photos.

Connect With Your Community

• Talk to neighbors about resources, such as firewood and tools, that can easily be shared or swapped.

• Find out who in your neighborhood can perform CPR and first aid. Or, better—or get trained yourself online or in person .

• Get involved with a community emergency response team , or CERT, of residents trained to prepare, aid, and equip neighbors to deal with emergencies.

SOURCE: ConsumerReports.com

Best Ever Vanilla Ice Cream

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 19:09:41 GMT

"This ice cream is technically a custard since it contains eggs. After lots of testing (and tasting), I've found that eggs are the key to making a smooth and creamy ice cream at home that rivals what you can get at a premium ice cream shop."

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. + chilling Process: 25 min./batch + freezing

YIELD: 4.5 cups.

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 cups 2% milk
3/4 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 vanilla bean
6 large egg yolks

Directions

1. In a large heavy saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar and salt. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise. With a sharp knife, scrape seeds into pan; add bean. Heat cream mixture over medium heat until bubbles form around sides of pan, stirring to dissolve sugar.
2. In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook over low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a metal spoon and temperature reaches 180°, stirring constantly. Do not allow to boil. Immediately transfer to a bowl.
3. Place bowl in a pan of ice water. Stir gently and occasionally for 2 minutes; discard vanilla bean. Press waxed paper onto surface of mixture. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.
4. Fill cylinder of ice cream maker two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. (Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Transfer ice cream to a freezer container; freeze until firm, 4-6 hours. Repeat with remaining mixture.

SOURCE: TasteOfHome

Discover the Beauty of Kansas

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:08:17 GMT

KANSAS HAS 28 STATE PARKS WAITING FOR YOU

Did you know we have 28 State Parks in Kansas? Plan some adventures for your family this summer to check out what our great state has to offer! You'll find hundreds of miles of trails, lakes for boating, fishing, swimming, plenty of camping, and you'll discover the scenic beauty of our state!

Have you been to Cedar Bluff? With more than 14,000 acres of water and wildlife area, Cedar Bluff State Park is the perfect destination for campers, hunters, anglers and year-round explorers. Drive to the top of the 150-foot tall, cedar-covered limestone bluffs on the south side of the lake for a stunning view of the area.

Cross Timbers State Park is 1,075 acres located in the gently rolling hills of the Verdigris River Valley and provides many access points to the 2,800-acre Toronto Reservoir. Wildlife watching, nature studyand a multitude of recreational activities like camping, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, picnicking, boating, and fishing are all waiting for you just west of Yates Center.

Tuttle Creek (affectionately known as "Tuttle Puddle" to those who call the Little Apple home) is a beautiful 12,500 acres with 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline, and the second largest body of water in Kansas. Boasting 20 miles of trails, including equestrian, mountain biking, hiking and nature trails, Tuttle Creek also offers a challenging 6-mile long mountain biking/hiking trail at the Fancy Creek Area near Randolph. For the disc golfers, there is an 18-hole disc golf course in the River Pond Area, plus you can rent canoes and kayaks (during appropriate weather times) in the River Pond Area. There is a state-of-the-art Shooting Range open the first and third full weekends of each month and a new archery range is now open at River Pond. Take a trip to Tuttle Creek this summer!

Be on the lookout for Prairie Dog State Park! Experience the shortgrass prairies of western Kansas where you'll find a thriving prairie dog colony and the last remaining adobe house in Kansas. The renovated adobe house was built on the site in the early 1890's. They've also moved a school house from the late 1800s to the park. Fishing, hiking, and exploring await you on the northern shore of Keith Sebelius Reservoir, about 4 miles west of Norton and 1 mile south of US-36 on K-261.

Theses are just a few of the adventures our state have to offer. Want details on all 28 parks? Here is the list with links to each of our Kansas state parks: Cedar Bluff , Cheney , Clinton , Crawford , Cross Timbers , Eisenhower , El Dorado , Elk City , Fall River , Flint Hills Trail , Glen Elder , Hillsdale , Historic Lake Scott , Kanopolis , Kaw River , Little Jerusalem , Lovewell , Meade , Milford , Mushroom Rock , Perry , Pomona , Prairie Dog , Prairie Spirit Trail , Sand Hills , Tuttle Creek , Webster , Wilson .

SOURCE: TravelKS.com

Caprese Zoodles

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:15:38 GMT

June's Recipe of the Month: Caprese Zoodles

Super light dish that packs a punch of flavor!

Prep: 10 mins Cook: 0 mins

Total: 25 mins Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 large zucchini
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 c. mozzarella balls, quartered if large
1/4 c. fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Directions

Using a spiralizer, create zoodles out of zucchini.
Add zoodles to a large bowl, toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let marinate 15 minutes.
Add tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to zoodles and toss until combined.
Drizzle with balsamic and serve.

SOURCE: Delish.com

Authentic Pasta Carbonara

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 05 May 2021 21:48:39 GMT

May's Recipe of the Month: Authentic Pasta Carbonara

Real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy.

Prep:20 mins Cook: 15 mins

Total: 35 mins Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 package (1 pound) spaghetti or linguine
6 bacon strips, chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, optional

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta, reserving pasta water; keep pasta warm. In same pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Add peas; cook until just heated through.
2. Add pasta to pot; toss to combine. Stir in remaining ingredients, adding enough reserved pasta water for sauce to reach desired consistency. If desired, serve with additional cheese.

SOURCE: Taste of Home

5 Steps to Secure Your Home Network

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 05 May 2021 20:15:12 GMT

Home Safety Includes Your Wireless Access

Today’s home network may include a wide range of wireless devices, from computers and phones, to IP Cameras , smart TVs and connected appliances. Taking basic steps to secure your home network will help protect your devices – and your information – from compromise.

1. Understand how a Wireless Network Works

Going wireless generally requires connecting an internet "access point" – like a cable or DSL modem – to a wireless router, which sends a signal through the air, sometimes as far as several hundred feet. Any device within range can pull the signal from the air and access the internet.

Unless you take certain precautions, anyone nearby can use your network. That means your neighbors – or any hacker nearby – could "piggyback" on your network or access information on your device. If an unauthorized person uses your network to commit crime or send spam, the activity could be traced back to your account.

2. Use Encryption on Your Wireless Network

Once you go wireless, you should encrypt the information you send over your wireless network, so that nearby attackers can’t eavesdrop on these communications. Encryption scrambles the information you send into a code so that it’s not accessible to others. Using encryption is the most effective way to secure your network from intruders.

Two main types of encryption are available for this purpose: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption. WPA2 is strongest; use it if you have a choice. It should protect you against most hackers. Some older routers use only WEP encryption, which likely won’t protect you from some common hacking programs. Consider buying a new router with WPA2 capability.

Wireless routers often come with the encryption feature turned off. You must turn it on. The directions that come with your router should explain how. If they don't, check the company’s website.

3. Limit Access to Your Network

Allow only specific devices to access your wireless network. Every device that is able to communicate with a network is assigned a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. Wireless routers usually have a mechanism to allow only devices with particular MAC addresses to access to the network. Some hackers have mimicked MAC addresses, so don't rely on this step alone.

4. Secure Your Router

It’s also important to protect your network from attacks over the internet by keeping your router secure. Your router directs traffic between your local network and the internet. So, it’s your first line of defense for guarding against such attacks. If you don't take steps to secure your router, strangers could gain access to sensitive personal or financial information on your device. Strangers also could seize control of your router to direct you to fraudulent websites.

Change the name of your router from the default. The name of your router (often called the service set identifier or SSID) is likely to be a standard, default ID assigned by the manufacturer. Change the name to something unique that only you know.

Change your router's pre-set password(s). The manufacturer of your wireless router probably assigned it a standard default password that allows you to set up and operate the router, as its “administrator.” Hackers know these default passwords, so change it to something only you know. The same goes for any default “user” passwords. Use long and complex passwords – think at least 12 characters, with a mix of numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters. Visit the company’s website to learn how to change the password.

Turn off any “Remote Management” features. Some routers offer an option to allow remote access to your router’s controls, such as to enable the manufacturer to provide technical support. Never leave this feature enabled. Hackers can use them to get into your home network.

Log out as Administrator: Once you’ve set up your router, log out as administrator, to lessen the risk that someone can piggyback on your session to gain control of your device.

Keep your router up-to-date: To be secure and effective, the software that comes with your router needs occasional updates. Before you set up a new router and periodically thereafter, visit the manufacturer’s website to see if there’s a new version of the software available for download. To make sure you hear about the latest version, register your router with the manufacturer and sign up to get updates.

And when you secure your router, don’t forget to secure your computer too. Use the same basic computer security practices that you would for any computer connected to the internet. For example, use protections like antivirus, antispyware, and a firewall -- and keep these protections up-to-date.

5. Protect Your Network during Mobile Access

Apps now allow you to access your home network from a mobile device. Before you do, be sure that some security features are in place.

Use a strong password on any app that accesses your network. Log out of the app when you’re not using it. That way, no one else can access the app if your phone is lost or stolen.

Password protect your phone or other mobile device. Even if your app has a strong password, it’s best to protect your device with one, too.

SOURCE: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information

Paula Deen's Chicken in Wine Sauce

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:47:33 GMT

Sounds so fancy, tastes so delicious!

Lady and Sons’ Chicken in Wine Sauce

By Paula Deen

Ingredients

4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons melted, plus more for casserole butter
6 oz (about 8 slices) Swiss cheese
1 10 3/4-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup crushed herb-flavored stuffing mix
kosher salt
ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the chicken to a shallow buttered casserole and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Layer the cheese slices on top.

In a medium bowl, add the soup and the wine, season with salt and pepper and pour over the cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and drizzle with melted butter.* Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve.

*Cook’s Note: If desired use more butter.

SOURCE: PaulaDeen.com

12 Tips for Creating a Backyard Oasis

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:41:42 GMT

Sweet summertime is coming! From barbecuing and al fresco dining to outdoor games and poolside parties, upcoming warm temps mean it’s time to get your home’s outside space in order. Want to learn how to create a backyard oasis where you’ll love spending your days (and nights)? Here’s how to set the stage for the ultimate backyard space this summer.

How to Create a Backyard Oasis in 12 Steps

1. Focus on privacy

The secret to a truly relaxing backyard is privacy. From high fences and large planters to green hedges and outdoor screens, there are plenty of ways to add privacy to your backyard or patio. If the only outdoor space you have is a porch, consider adding curtains around the openings for privacy. If you live in an urban environment with a patio, you’ll need to focus on adding large plants, a trellis or a privacy screen to the space.

2. Eliminate (or control) any bug problems

From flying insects to creepy crawlers, bugs can really put a damper on your backyard plans. After all, there’s nothing like annoying mosquitoes and disease-carrying lizards to ruin your time outside. While eliminating bugs completely from a backyard or patio may be impossible, controlling them should be perfectly doable. Adding citronella candles throughout the space will help ward off pests. In addition, eliminating any standing water, which attracts mosquitoes, should prevent bugs from breeding. You can also hire a pest control company to spray the yard for ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs.

3. Create a conversation area

When arranging furniture on a deck or patio, remember to place it in a way that supports a conversation area. You can do this in several ways, including 1) placing four chairs in a circle to create a conversation circle; and 2) placing a sofa and chairs next to or across from one another. Make sure that the furniture is close enough to encourage and support conversation.

4. Build a deck or patio space

Is your backyard nothing but grass? Consider constructing a deck or patio space to plant furniture. A private hardscape area is a great space for grilling, gathering and relaxing outdoors. Adding an outdoor deck to a home is also one of the smartest investments you can make in your home, in terms of adding resale value. In fact, according to Remodeling’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition yields a return of more than 75 percent. According to Money Crashers, constructing a deck will likely cost you anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000.

5. Ground the space with an outdoor rug

If the outdoor space includes a deck or patio, consider adding an outdoor rug to ground the space. Putting an outdoor rug underneath a dining area or a conversation area helps to define the different spaces in your backyard. Outdoor rugs also add a pop of color to a space and infuse warmth and coziness to the backyard.

6. Add a dining table and chairs

During the summertime, you’re going to want to eat outdoors as much as possible. Make sure to add an outdoor, weatherproof dining table and comfortable chairs for the perfect dining al-fresco scenario. For smaller spaces, focus on finding a weatherproof bistro set. For larger patios, you may want an outdoor table that seats at least six and/or includes an extendable leaf. For help finding outdoor dining furniture, check here.

7. Use weather-proof materials

Keep in mind that outdoor furniture will take quite a beating over time. Rain, snow, ice, wind, heat and other weather-related elements are sure to affect outdoor furnishings. To ensure that your furniture holds up as long as possible, invest in items made of weatherproof materials. This includes teak, wicker, aluminum and metal constructed furniture. Make sure to purchase furniture that is specifically made for the outdoors. The same goes for pillows and cushions. Look for fabric that is weatherproof, such as one made from water-proof canvas materials.

8. Add at least one comfortable, loungey piece of furniture

Lounging in the backyard during the lazy days of summer is best done in a hammock, outdoor daybed, outdoor sofa or weatherproof swing. So, don’t be afraid to add a piece of furniture specifically made for lounging to your outdoor space. After all, maximizing the comfort of your backyard is always a good idea.

9. Designate a space for your grill and meal prep

You can’t have an outdoor oasis without a proper grill and meal prep area. Whether it’s a built-in grill or a stand-alone grill, make sure you have a practical outdoor kitchen set-up for entertaining at home. Of course, it also helps to invest in a few key grilling tools, such as a spatula, tongs, thermometer and kabob sticks. With the right accessories, you’ll be barbecuing in no time.

10. Add outdoor lighting

To maximize time spent outdoors, make sure to add the right lights to your patio space. Good outdoor lighting options include string lights along your fence, tiki torches along the perimeter, candles on the table, outdoor sconces attached to your home’s exterior, up-lighting fixtures under trees and solar-powered landscape lighting.

11. Pot seasonable and climate-appropriate plants and herbs

Whether it’s just a few potted plants or several raised garden beds, adding plants and herbs to the backyard oasis is one of the easiest and best ways to personalize your outdoor space. Not only do potted plants add a decorative, aesthetically pleasing touch to a patio, but they also help create privacy and buffer sound made from nearby neighbors. Just make sure that whatever plants you use are climate-appropriate for your locale.

12. Add at least one fun feature

Want to make your backyard space truly enjoyable and comfortable? Be sure to add at least one fun feature to the yard. This could include a hot tub for the adults, a playset for the kids, a hammock for lounging, a game area (with Bocce Ball or Croquet, for example), or a fire pit for roasting S’mores. Adding one of these fun touches to the backyard will make it feel like your own personal backyard oasis.

COURTESY: moving.com

You Probably Need Umbrella Insurance

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:23:24 GMT

Liability insurance protects you and your family’s finances from major disasters, such as a lawsuit against you (even if the charges are groundless). For example, if you crash into someone else, liability car insurance pays for a legal defense and any judgments or settlements. Or if your dog bites someone, homeowners liability insurance covers medical expenses.

But the safety net of liability insurance only stretches as far as the coverage amount you have. If you have significant assets that you could lose in a lawsuit, you need higher levels of liability insurance.

That’s where umbrella insurance policies come in. An umbrella policy is designed to help prevent financial ruin from a catastrophic event that you’re financially responsible for.

What is Umbrella Insurance?

Umbrella insurance provides “excess liability insurance” (meaning additional coverage) beyond the liability insurance already in your auto, homeowners and/or watercraft insurance policies. It’s for expensive situations where medical bills or repairs exceed your “base” auto, home or boat policies. For example:

You cause a serious auto or boating accident. Auto accident bills can amount quickly, especially if you’re responsible for the medical bills of multiple people. Your auto or watercraft insurance policy would pay first, up to its maximum, followed by umbrella insurance.

Your dog bites someone. Dog bites are typically covered by a homeowners insurance policy. But if you’re sued for an amount above your home insurance liability limits (such as medical bills and pain and suffering), your umbrella policy would start paying.

You drive your car into a building. It happens–someone is parked close to a convenience store and they put the car in drive rather than reverse, causing extensive building damage. An auto insurance policy would pay for the property damage first, followed by an umbrella policy.

You accidentally injure someone. If you or a family member accidentally injures someone, umbrella insurance will pay when auto or home insurance is exhausted. For example, say your son accidentally throws a baseball into someone’s face, causing extensive injury. Your homeowners liability insurance will pay first, followed by umbrella insurance.

You’re on a board of directors of a charity and are sued for a board-related issue. An umbrella policy may provide coverage for lawsuits against you related to your work on a board of directors. The coverage may depend on whether the board is a non-profit and whether you’re paid for your service. It’s best to consult your insurance agent to understand whether you’ll be covered.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a $1 million umbrella policy will cost about $150 to $300 per year. Generally, the next million will cost roughly $75 and $50 for every million after that.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

Umbrella insurance kicks in when your “base” liability limits have been reached. Here’s an example: You cause a car accident that results in severe injuries for multiple people. The medical bills are $400,000, which exceeds your $300,000 in liability auto insurance policy limits. Your umbrella insurance can cover the remaining $100,000.

To add to this example, let’s say one of the injured parties is a highly paid professional who cannot perform their job for six months because of the injuries. Because your car insurance liability limits are exhausted, without umbrella insurance your assets such as your house and savings could be at risk with the extra layer of insurance from an umbrella policy.

Umbrella Coverage Beyond the Base Policy

Another advantage of umbrella insurance is that it usually provides coverage that’s not found in the base auto or homeowners policy at all. For example:

Libel, defamation or slander. For example, if you post something defamatory about someone else to a website, you could be used.
False arrest, imprisonment or detention
Malicious prosecution
Wrongful eviction or entry
Invasion of privacy

What Umbrella Insurance Won’t Cover

Umbrella insurance doesn’t cover your own injuries or damage to your own property. For example, your health insurance would typically cover medical expenses for injuries and your homeowners insurance would cover your property from problems like fire or theft. Here are other losses typically not covered by umbrella insurance:

Damage to your personal belongings
Business losses
Intentional criminal acts
Written or oral contracts

While umbrella insurance provides an important safeguard against lawsuit judgments and settlements, examples of situations it generally won’t cover include:

Intentional acts or injury
Damages due to nuclear radiation, war or terrorism
Communicable disease, such as a lawsuit against you for giving someone herpes.

How to Buy Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance is commonly available from insurers that sell auto, home and watercraft insurance.

You’ll need a certain amount of liability insurance in the base policy before you can add umbrella insurance. For example, you might need to have:

Home insurance: $300,000 in liability
Auto insurance: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage, or more
Watercraft insurance: $300,000 in liability

Do You Need Umbrella Insurance?

Wealthy households in particular need umbrella insurance. A wealthy individual or family can be a lawsuit target.

In addition, these circumstances could increase your chances of being sued:

You serve on a charitable board.
You have a swimming pool, pond or trampoline.
You have dogs, horses or other large animals.
You manage a family trust.
You host large parties in your home.
You employ household staff.
You have a high public profile.

How Much Umbrella Coverage Do I Need?

When selecting the right amount of coverage there are a couple things to consider.

Value of your assets: An umbrella policy should cover at least the value of your assets — this is what you stand to lose in a lawsuit.
Potential future income loss: Your current assets and future income could be at risk in a lawsuit. Even if you have a limited income now, consider your potential future income. For instance, if you’re a medical student, you should consider your future earning potential.

A long legal proceeding is stressful and can potentially ruin a reputation, whether or not the lawsuit was baseless. Purchasing an umbrella policy won’t help the stress, but it can save everything you’ve worked so hard to amass.

Umbrella Insurance FAQ

What is covered under an umbrella insurance policy?

Umbrella insurance policies cover a wide range of problems, such as medical bills, a legal defense and other expenses if you hurt someone in an accident. This includes car accidents, guests who are injured while visiting your home or your dog biting someone while you’re taking it for a walk.

Umbrella insurance is an “excess liability insurance,” meaning it kicks in after your other insurance policies are exhausted. For example, if you hurt someone in a car accident, your liability car insurance pays first, up to the policy limits, and then your umbrella insurance kicks in.

Umbrella policies can also cover you for incidents your home and auto insurance cannot, such as being sued for libel, defamation or slander.

How much is a $1 million umbrella policy?

A $1 million umbrella policy typically costs around $150 to $300 per year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. You’ll generally pay about $50 to $75 more per year for every million in coverage after that.

Is it worth having an umbrella policy?

If you have significant assets, it’s worth getting an umbrella policy. Your liability insurance within your auto and homeowners insurance policies might not be sufficient if you get sued for an incident such as dog bite, car accident or accidental injury to someone else.

Ultimately, umbrella insurance protects you from losing everything in a lawsuit.

But umbrella policies aren’t only for people who have amassed wealth. Some volunteer activities could leave you exposed to lawsuits, such as those who serve on a board of directors for charities.

SOURCE: Forbes.com

Honey Sriracha Salmon Recipe

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:36:57 GMT

Source: Delish.com

One of our favorite party tricks? Baking a big piece of salmon and letting our guests serve themselves. That's why we've got baked garlic-butter salmon on heavy rotation. This honey-Sriracha variety does particularly well after a couple minutes under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it, and pull it as soon as the top layer of sauce begins to caramelize to avoid burning or overcooking the fish.

YIELDS:

6 SERVINGS

PREP TIME:

0 HOURS 10 MINS

TOTAL TIME:

0 HOURS 35 MINS

INSINGREDIENTS

Cooking spray

1 large salmon fillet (about 2 1/2 lb.)

Kosher salt

3 tbsp. Sriracha

3 tbsp. melted butter

2 tbsp. honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. freshly grated ginger

1 lime, halved

2 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease with cooking spray. Season salmon on both sides with salt and place in center of prepared tray.
In a medium bowl, whisk to combine Sriracha, butter, honey, garlic, and ginger. Season with salt and brush all over salmon fillet.
Placed lime halves cut side down on baking sheet and bake until salmon is cooked through, about 15 to 18 minutes.
Remove limes from tray and switch oven to broil. Broil for 2 minutes more, or until edges of salmon begin to crisp up.
Squeeze roasted limes over salmon and garnish with cilantro.

Top Homeowners Insurance Tips For 2021

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 16:47:50 GMT

To say it’s been an unpredictable and interesting year for homeowners would be a massive understatement. Western states had some of the worst wildfires in modern history and the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season earned the distinction as the busiest hurricane season on record.

And then, of course, there’s the pandemic.

Despite all that, low mortgage rates and high home prices shattered records and the 2020 housing market outperformed the 2019 market in both price and volume.

It was also a year when many homeowners decided to spruce up their place. About 62% of homeowners said they planned a maintenance or renovation project, according to a 2020 Home Renovation Consumer Survey by Farmers Insurance.

While we won’t be so bold as to dust off our crystal ball and predict any trends in home buying and renovation projects for 2021, what we can do is offer you practical advice to keep your homeowners insurance up to snuff so you’re in good shape for the unexpected.

Keep Track of Your Stuff

One of the most important homeowners insurance coverage types is your personal property coverage. That coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings—your clothes, jewelry, furniture, pots and pans, musical instruments, electronics, books, art, and even the decorations and knick-knacks you keep on your bookshelves.

And let’s face it. You probably have a lot of stuff. So much stuff that you forget some of what you own. If you want to keep track of it, you really need a home inventory. A good home inventory can both speed up an insurance claim and help maximize your claim payment. It’s one of the smartest and easiest things you can do to prepare for unexpected home insurance claims.

Don’t Assume You’re Covered for Natural Disasters

A standard homeowners insurance policy excludes coverage for certain disasters, like floods and earthquakes. If you live in a disaster-prone area, you might need to bolster your home insurance with endorsements or additional policies to make sure you’re fully covered.

For example, a good hurricane insurance policy is often a mix of homeowners and flood insurance. In some parts of the country, such as coastal Texas, you may also need a separate windstorm insurance policy.

If you want coverage for earthquakes, look into getting earthquake insurance.

Before you buy another policy or add an endorsement to your home insurance, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance agent. That’s because policies for natural disasters can have complex limits (such as different limits for categories of property), exclusions and high deductibles.

Buy Coverage That Absorbs a Spike in Home Repair Costs

Your dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by a problem covered by the policy, like a house fire.

Your dwelling coverage amount should be based on what it would cost to rebuild your home based on the local construction and labor costs. But certain situations, like a tornado that flattens entire neighborhoods, can cause a spike in rebuilding costs. Suddenly your dwelling coverage amount could be insufficient.

Fortunately, some home insurance companies offer what’s called “guaranteed replacement cost” or “extended replacement cost” to help absorb a spike in construction costs when they go above your dwelling coverage amount.

It’s a good idea to add this to your policy if your insurer offers it, especially if you live in a disaster-prone area.

Companies that offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage include AIG, Chubb, Cincinnati, Erie, Farmers, Hanover, Lemonade, Nationwide and QBE.

Bump Up Your Liability Coverage

With so much focus on your house and personal belongings, it’s easy to overlook liability coverage within a home insurance policy.

Liability insurance pays for a legal defense, judgments and settlements if someone sues you over injuries or property damage and you’re legally responsible. For example, if someone takes a bad fall at your house, a lawsuit would fall under your homeowners liability coverage.

A good rule of thumb is to buy enough liability coverage to cover your assets, or what you could be taken from you in a lawsuit.

Another option to ensure you have adequate liability coverage is to purchase an umbrella insurance policy.

Understand Your Home Insurance Deductibles

If you haven’t reviewed your policy and some of the finer details, now is a good time to get to know your deductibles. If you wait until you file a claim, you might learn the hard way what your policy actually covers.

The deductible is the amount of money deducted from an insurance claim check. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and $10,000 in damage, you’ll get a $9,000 insurance check.

Special deductibles might be hidden in your policy’s pages. For example, hurricane deductibles can range from 1% to 5% of the insured value of your home, meaning if your house is insured for $200,000 and you have a 5% deductible, your insurance check would be reduced by $10,000.

Did You Know There are Sub-Limits for Some Items?

Another thing to understand are sub-limits, also known as “special limits.”

Sub-limits typically apply to high-value items. For example, your policy might only cover $1,500 for stolen jewelry. So if your $3,000 diamond bracelet gets stolen, your policy will only pay $1,500.

If you have valuable items, you can pay more to “schedule” them so they’re insured for their full value.

Home Insurance Makeovers Should Be Part of Your Renovation Plan

If you have a home project in mind, make sure you understand the home insurance implications before you start swinging the sledgehammer. That’s because certain home renovation projects (like an addition) can increase the amount of home insurance you’ll need.

Shore Up Your Water Damage Coverage

Your home insurance covers water damage and leaks, but not all types of water damage.

A standard home insurance policy excludes water damage caused by earth movement, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, sump pump failure, leaks from a swimming pool and seepage through a foundation.

You can sometimes add coverage to account for these issues. For example, you can typically add water backup and sump pump failure coverage as an endorsement to a home insurance policy.

SOURCE: Forbes.com/Jason Metz, Editor

5 Simple Heart-Healthy Energy Boosters

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 20:59:25 GMT

5 simple ways to boost your energy levels

Want more energy? Who doesn’t? We’d all like to be able to do more and feel better doing it. Fast-fix energy drinks aren’t the answer, despite what TV ads tell you. The key to boosting energy is making healthy, lasting lifestyle changes.

Here’s a quick rundown on ways to keep from feeling run down:

Move more . In the short term, increasing physical activity to increase energy seems counter-intuitive. In the long term, it works. You don’t have to be a marathoner to see benefits. Just start where you are and do more. If you don’t exercise, walk around the block and gradually work up from there. Your goal should be to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week , preferably spread throughout the week. You don’t have to do it all at once. If you try to do too much too fast, you might get hurt, so start slowly and stick with it. Get more tips on getting healthier through physical activity .
Eat smart . Eat a variety of fresh fruit and veggies; the vitamins and minerals they contain are good for your body. If you need a quick snack during the day, keep a serving or two of your favorite fruit or vegetable handy wherever you are. Avoid big meals with too much salt, sugar and saturated fat; high-calorie foods with very little nutrients can leave you feeling groggy. Eating smaller amounts and more frequent nutrient-rich meals will help balance your blood sugar levels over the course of the day, helping you feel more alert and energetic. Whole grain fiber-rich foods are a great filler-upper. Fiber causes food to stay in your stomach longer, so you feel full longer than with quick fixes like coffee, high-calorie energy bars and candy — which rely on caffeine and sugar — and can lead to feelings of energy spikes and crashes. Drink lots of water, too. Dehydration reduces energy levels. Learn how to eat healthy .
Sleep . How much is enough? Each person is different. Most adults need around seven hours, but you may need more. You need quality sleep , too. If you have sleep apnea , a condition that causes you wake up many times during the night, you won’t get the quality sleep you need and may feel sleepy all day. Heavy snoring is a major sign of sleep apnea. If your spouse or partner says you snore or that you periodically stop breathing for brief periods during sleep, tell your doctor. Sleep apnea can put you at risk for stroke.
Lose a few . Carrying around extra pounds saps energy. It creates extra work for your heart and can raise blood pressure, too. Increasing your physical activity and eating a healthier diet to burn more calories than you take in is the way to go. Steer clear of fad diets; they don’t work. Learn our 5 steps to lose weight and keep it off .
Lighten up . Stress is an inevitable part of life. That’s why learning to manage stress is important. Successfully managing stress means keeping a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle, which helps fight energy-sapping depression. To take care of yourself, try taking regular physical activity breaks, meditating, taking time off and doing things you like. Avoid unhealthy ways to manage stress, include smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, overeating and relying on stimulants. Avoid these. Learn to fight stress by developing these healthy habits .

Most people who want to feel more energetic can do it. Following the steps above is a good start. You’ll feel better overall and improve your quality of life. You’ll also reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

SOURCE: American Heart Association

Chicken Stroganoff

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:02:01 GMT

This recipe from Delish.com is...well, DELISH!

We recently discovered our love of the old-school classic beef stroganoff . It's creamy, hearty, and DELICIOUS over a bed of egg noodles. This chicken version is just as good. It's a little lighter than the original, but still super flavorful and extremely comforting.

If you're looking for a healthy alternative to egg noodles, try brown rice or mashed cauliflower! It's best served with a veggie side.

INGREDIENTS

1 (12-oz.) package egg noodles

2 tbsp. butter

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 lb. baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced

1/2 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. fresh rosemary or thyme leaves, chopped

4 c. low-sodium chicken broth

2 tsp. dijon mustard

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. sour cream, plus more for serving

2 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS

Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions and toss with butter while still hot.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil. Add chicken and sear 8 to 10 minutes, until golden on all sides, and season with salt and pepper. Work in batches if needed. Remove chicken and place in a large bowl.
Lower heat to medium and add one tablespoon oil. Add mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and place in bowl with chicken.
Add remaining oil and onion. Cook until softened, 6 minutes. Add garlic and rosemary or thyme cook until fragrant, 2 minutes more. Stir in broth, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk some of the hot broth into your cornstarch. Stir into broth along with reserved chicken and mushrooms and continue to simmer until thickened by about half, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon chicken mixture over prepared egg noodles and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and parsley.

SOURCE: Delish.com

White Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 18:39:48 GMT

Delicious, a little decadent and oh, so comforting!

If you love double-crust white pizza, this sandwich will satisfy your craving without making a whole pizza or ordering out. Great served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping and wonderful with a hearty salad.

This five-star recipe from Allrecipes.com is fast and fabulous!

Recipe serves 6. (Need more sandwiches or less? Visit Allrecipes.com --each recipe has a handy calculator: just enter your desired quantity and press "adjust" to get the right amount of ingredients for your serving total!)

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup butter, softened, divided
1-1/2 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons crushed rosemary
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
12 thick slices Italian bread
1-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices sharp American cheese
6 slices provolone cheese

DIRECTIONS:

• Step 1

Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

• Step 2

Mix remaining butter with the rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spread on one side of each slice of bread.

• Step 3

For each sandwich:

Place 1 slice of bread buttered-side down in the skillet. Top with onion, mozzarella cheese, American cheese, and provolone cheese. Cover with second slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip with a spatula; cook until second side is browned and cheeses are melted, about 3 minutes more.

SOURCE: Allrecipes.com

Why You Need a Home Inventory

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 23:39:17 GMT

Quick! Name everything you own and store in your home.

Yeah. That's not going to happen.

The longer that you live in a home, the more that you tend to accumulate things without realizing what you already have. A home inventory, which can take a few hours up to a full day depending on how thorough you want to be, is a great way to get on top of your belongings, offering helpful benefits that go far beyond just having a basic accounting of what you own.

If you’ve got some time on your hands, put it to use by undertaking an updated and accurate home inventory. This simple process doesn’t require much, and will be a major time-saver later on if catastrophe hits.

So why is a home inventory so important? Below, we’ll cover the purpose behind a comprehensive home inventory, plus tips on doing it right—including home inventory apps that can take all of the guesswork out of creating and itemizing your list.

What Is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is simply a complete list of all the items that you own in your home. This includes valuable items like furniture, electronics, and jewelry, as well as essentials such as clothing and linens. The idea is to have a total breakdown of what you own so that have a quick point of reference when and if it’s needed, particularly when you’re moving or filing a homeowners insurance claim.

There are lots of reasons that you’ll want to have a home inventory, as well as situations where having one is pretty much a necessity. These include:

Moves. When you hire a moving company you’ll need to provide as accurate an inventory of your belongings as possible so that your movers can provide you with a quote and ensure they send over the right size truck and number of employees. While many moving companies will perform a general inventory of their own (either in person or virtually), having a handy home inventory can save a ton of time on both ends.

Insurance claims. Natural disasters like floods, fires, and tornadoes have affected about 70% of U.S. residents, and yet 44% of them don’t have a home inventory list. Home inventories can make all of the difference however when it comes to your homeowners insurance reimbursement claims after a disaster or robbery, giving your provider a full breakdown of what was ruined or taken and the value of those items. Not only will it be easier to document your claims, but you’ll also likely have a much better chance of getting a proper reimbursement.

Home maintenance and organizing. You don’t have to be facing a major upheaval like a move or a natural disaster in order to benefit from a home inventory. Lots of homeowners undertake the process as part of general maintenance and organizing. It’s always good practice to set aside time once a year or so to take an accounting of your possessions and get rid of things that you no longer want or need. A home inventory will help you do this, and will also make it a quicker and more efficient undertaking.

How To Do a Home Inventory

Now to get to work. To do your home inventory, you will need to go room by room in your home and log each item, as well as its general description and estimated value. As you go, gather any receipts, purchase contracts, or other documentation that can help you with your inventory assessments, and store these documents with your home inventory so that you’ve got everything you need in the event you have to file a claim.

Images are beneficial too, so take pictures of your belongings and store them in a designated file that you can easily access later on if need be. In particular, be sure to take pictures of your high value items, since your reimbursement will be based in part on their condition.

We recommend using a template like this one to keep yourself organized as you go through your home, which includes a useful room-by-room spreadsheet for you to fill out. Do be sure however to add on with rooms that aren’t covered, including your basement and garage.

Perhaps your best option however is to utilize a home inventory app . These apps, which range from free to about $40, provide you with a one-stop shop for logging and storing all of your inventory descriptions and images, and because they’re digital, you won’t have to worry about losing your inventory in the event of a catastrophe.

There are quite a few home inventory apps to choose from, so do a bit of research to choose one that has the interface and features that you like best. Some good apps to start your search with:

Nest Egg , free to $3.99
Sortly , free
MyStuff Pro , $19
Encircle , free
Blue Plum , free

Home inventory apps make it super easy to catalog all of your possessions, as well as reference them later on as needed. Find one that meets your needs in terms of utility and function, and update it regularly with any new items of value that you purchase.

Tips For Doing Your Inventory

Even with the right tools or templates a home inventory can be an overwhelming process to get started with—especially if you have lived in the same home for many years. Here are some tips to help you get going.

Start with the big stuff. Starting with bigger items will help you make good progress right from the get-go so that you’re motivated to keep going. And while value isn’t always directly correlated with size (case in point, jewelry, cell phones, and other small but highly valuable possessions), it’s likely that a lot of the big ticket items in your home are also big in stature. So as you go room by room, inventory the big stuff first and then move onto small items in drawers and closets.

Store multiple copies. A home inventory isn’t going to be much use to you if it gets destroyed, lost, or becomes otherwise inaccessible. To cover as many bases as you can, keep multiple copies of your inventory, including both a digital and paper copy. If possible, have at least one copy that is stored outside of your home as well, such as in a safety deposit box. With home inventory apps, you may want to consider exporting the data to an alternate file. As you update your inventory, update your copies as well.

Update and review. We’ve already mentioned that it’s important that you update your home inventory with new items as you obtain them. Additionally, you’ll also want to review your home inventory list to remove any items that you no longer have. If you sell a possession or update it with something new, make sure that it is no longer logged on your inventory.

Don’t forget about documents. Key documents don’t necessarily have a price tag value, but that doesn’t mean you don’t want to log them. List and describe everything from marriage certificates to titles, taking images for reference later on. Be sure to note in the description where these items are stored too in case you’re ever struggling to find something that you need.

Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, and that includes maintaining an accurate home inventory. While it can be quite a bit of work to put together the first time around, if you’re one of the many Americans who faces loss of belongings due to a natural disaster or other unforeseeable event—or even if you’re just trying to plan out a move—you’ll be incredibly glad that you took the time.

SOURCE: moving.com

12 Resolutions for 2021

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 22:53:52 GMT

Let's face it: 2020 was a tough year for everyone. The pandemic hit hard and tested even the most resilient individuals, families and communities. Because of this, you probably just aren't feeling the typical weight loss or self-improvement resolutions—and that's OK.

We're in unprecedented times, which means the same old resolutions may not fit. Consider one of these ideas instead to make 2021 your rebound year and even better than your 2020 self could ever imagine.

Maintain Your Health

We're not talking about not catching COVID (although that's a good goal to have—wear a mask!), but rather maintaining your current health. Staying home and isolated has been tough, and it's natural to have put on a few pounds over the last 10 months. As long as you're happy and healthy, you're doing just fine in our book. If you want to lose weight, that's great! But it's also great if you're doing fine just the way you are.

Do one Thing Each Day That Makes You Happy

It seems simple, but creating little sparks of joy each day can be the difference in making it through the pandemic. Whether it's watching an episode of your favorite TV show, listening to your go-to pump-up song or buying flowers for your bedside table, finding little things to spark joy each and every day will make more of a positive impact on your day-to-day than you might realize.

Stay in Touch With Friends and Family

There's a good chance you haven't seen your family or spent quality time with friends since at least March. Set a goal for 2021 to make an effort to stay connected. Set up a weekly virtual game night with your cousins or watch the latest episode of the Bachelor with your college roommate over FaceTime. Simply find ways to connect and stay connected with the people you love and know you'll be able to see them again in no time.

Try Something New

If you're working from home, you likely have more time to try new things than ever before. Sure, you baked that...unsuccessful loaf of bread back in April, and the scarf you attempted to knit it still sitting half-finished in your living room chair, but new years are a time for new things. Whether you give your 2020 projects a second try or come up with a new current obsession, make a vow to try something completely new in 2021. Who knows? You may just come to love it.

Support Your Local Community

A lot of people struggled through 2020 and are likely going to struggle through 2021 as well. If you have the means, make an effort to support your local businesses, neighbors and community members so we can all make it through the hard times together. Whether that means getting take out from your favorite neighborhood diner once every couple weeks (and tipping well if able!) or offering to pick up groceries for the older couple down the street, think of ways you can help your community get through the pandemic together and stronger than ever.

Leave Your Comfort Zone

Similar to trying new things, vow to do things that make you uncomfortable in 2021. This could be continuing to have tough conversations about race or maybe deciding to train for and run a marathon. The sky's the limit, and only you know what will force you out and help you grow.

Eliminate the Monotony

In 2020, a lot of us did a whole lot of nothing, which for a lot of people was much needed and felt great. However, the days can get monotonous. In 2021, even if you're still stuck at home, think of ways to spice up your day-to-day. Maybe you treat yourself to an online fitness class or order donuts. Maybe you take a road trip to a not-too-far state park to enjoy the great outdoors. Maybe you connect with a neighbor to take socially distanced walks around the block. Whatever you come up with, don't just let the days go by and drag on until life gets back to normal. Because what even is normal anymore anyway?

Focus on the Environment

If you're looking for ways beyond simply recycling or not using plastic water bottles to help the environment, 2021 is the perfect opportunity to make some simple swaps that will have a big impact. You may think environmentally friendly products are expensive and not worth the hassle, but it only takes a little research and a few key changes to make a difference. Switch to reusable grocery bags, implement no meat Mondays or even switch to bamboo toothbrushes and bar soap. The changes are up to you, and you can feel good knowing you're doing your part.

Make a Routine

It may seem counterintuitive to eliminating the monotony, but if you're struggling with being productive while working from home, finding a routine is key. Even if you simply block off time for different tasks or keep an up-to-the minute rundown for your entire to-do list, you'll find yourself staying on track more easily than before.

Volunteer

Thanks to stay-at-home orders, many places that often utilize volunteers are struggling with reduced staff. If you feel comfortable helping out, there are plenty of options to do so. Some volunteer options are even active, such as being a dog walker/runner for your local shelter.

Practice Mindfulness

You may have tried and written off meditation in the past, but that's not exactly what we're talking about here. Mindfulness can be as easy as thinking more positively and more intentionally. Rather than saying you're stuck at home, why not rephrase it to you get to stay home and think of all the benefits of doing so. Be intentional with your actions, only choosing to do things that progress your goals forward rather than set you back.

Get or Stay Active

It's a wonder what exercise can do for our mental health. Simply working out for just 30 minutes a day can make all the difference. Whether you're feeling in a rut thanks to staying home all day every day or are looking for a way to get your mind off of life's stressors, find an active activity that works for you and get after it! You'll be amazed at how fulfilled and energized you feel afterward.

SOURCE: Active.com

Melting Snowman Sugar Cookies

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:59:16 GMT

Transform your favorite sugar cookies into melting snowmen in just a few minutes.

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Make with

Betty Crocker Cookie Mix

Ingredients

1 pouch Betty Crocker™ Sugar Cookie Mix

1 pouch each Betty Crocker™ Cookie Icing in white, red, blue, and green

1 tube Betty Crocker™ black Decorating Gel

1 pouch Betty Crocker™ Candy Shop decors rainbow chips

1 bottle Betty Crocker™ Chocolate Sprinkles

12 marshmallows

Steps

Prevent your screen from going dark while you cook.

Follow baking directions on sugar cookie pouch, dividing dough evenly into 12 round cookies.
On cooled cookies, draw a “snow puddle” with Betty Crocker™ White Cookie Icing. TIP: Draw the outline of the puddle, then go back and fill in the shape.
While the icing is still wet, immediately place a marshmallow to one side of the cookie.
MAKE THE ARMS: Once the icing and marshmallow have set, pipe two “branches” onto each cookie using black gel. Add fingers with chocolate sprinkles.
MAKE THE FACE: Using a small dot of white cookie icing, stick two “coal” eyes and a nose onto the marshmallow with Rainbow Chips. Pipe a small dot for the mouth with black gel.
MAKE THE SCARF AND BUTTONS: Using blue, red, or green cookie icing; carefully draw scarves around the base of the marshmallow. Using a small dot of white cookie icing, stick three “coal” buttons beneath the scarf with Rainbow Chips.
Allow cookies to set for at least one hour before serving.

Gathering Safely: 2020 Christmas

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 00:04:11 GMT

Think of it as a challenge, not an obstacle

The first holiday season of the pandemic brings up many questions about how or whether we can still safely see family and friends over the holidays. With most of the country experiencing an upswing in new cases and infections, and cold weather making outdoor gathering less welcoming, many families are now trying to figure out the best and safest way to gather, if at all.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges caution for holiday celebrations given existing public health guidance. Smaller outdoor or indoor in-person gatherings are still possible, if everyone agrees to maintain a safe distance, refrain from sharing objects and only gather with people from the same local area or community.

Food is the centerpiece for holiday gatherings, and shared meals featuring cherished family recipes are often a favorite part of the season. This year, if you are having a small, local gathering, you can keep tradition alive while making some small changes to keep the celebration safe.

The CDC reports that there is no evidence of food-borne spread of COVID-19. However, general food safety precautions always apply:

Anyone who feels even slightly ill should avoid preparing and handling any food
Avoid cross contamination by thoroughly washing and cleaning any surfaces and utensils involving raw meat, poultry and seafood before using them for raw foods like fruits and vegetables or anything that is cooked and ready to be eaten
Ensure all food is cooked to the proper temperature
Keep cold foods cold (40 F or below) and hot foods hot (165 F for most foods, including leftovers)
Perishable foods kept at room temperature should not be left out more than two hours

Consider individual food portions rather than passing around platters and bowls family-style. Serving food in reusable vessels like ramekins, small plates and bowls offers other food safety advantages; a baking sheet of ramekins with stuffing can be uniformly heated and held at the proper temperature (likewise for cold items like salad, which can be stashed in the fridge). If that isn’t an option, try having one person prepare plates for everyone. Sustainable single use dinnerware not only reduces risk, it also makes cleanup easy.

Follow the lead of our foodservice and hospitality professionals who have been safely taking care of customers throughout the pandemic. Wear a mask and use gloves when handling ready-to-eat food. Latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves can also assist with cross-contamination when handling raw meat, poultry and seafood.

Regardless of how or whether you plan to celebrate with others, getting the flu vaccine is an important first step to protect yourself and those around you, along with wearing a mask in public settings, washing hands frequently and maintaining physical distancing.

For those who are planning to attend in-person gatherings with friends or family outside the household, and especially with visitors who may not be local, a strict no-contact period of 14 days before and after may be recommended to minimize exposure risk. This may not be possible for everyone, but with hospitalizations on the rise and little chance of an effective vaccine on the horizon before next year, the best bet for keeping our loved ones safe may be to keep our distance for the time being.

If this pandemic has proven anything, it is that people are going to creatively find ways to bring joy and connection wherever possible. We have created virtual weddings and birthday car parades, constructed candy chutes for trick-or-treaters during Halloween, and devised ways to share food and love with those around us safely. In more ways than one, this upcoming holiday season will be one for the record books. It’s up to us to make sure it is for our ingenuity of spirit rather than throwing caution to the wind. Let’s keep each other safe this holiday season, even if we can’t be with the ones we love.

5 of the Worst Auto Insurance Claim Mistakes

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 19:03:47 GMT

Don't make them!

When Rex Freiberger thinks of his worst auto insurance claim mistake, he remembers the time someone rear-ended his Honda Accord.

“It was a small accident,” he recalls. “The damage was minimal. At first, I thought it was just body damage, and I reported that a couple of days after the fact, which was already a long time to wait.”

But then he noticed two significant problems: The wiring for the taillights had been affected by the accident, eventually knocking out both lights. The bumper had also sustained internal damage. “And, most distressingly, I was experiencing headaches, nausea and some memory problems,” says Freiberger.

Lesson learned: When it comes to auto insurance claims, don’t wait too long to file—and don’t file an incomplete claim. How long do you have? Ideally you should report a claim as soon as possible. The deadline for filing an official claim will vary by state.

“What I needed to do, according to my agent, was to file a report as soon as possible and get the car evaluated,” he says. “Then, I needed to get a physical evaluation. With that information compiled within the first few days, I could have added to the open claim easily.”

It could have been worse. Some drivers don’t get anything because they mishandle their own claims. But that doesn’t have to be you. Here’s how to avoid some of the worst auto insurance claims mistakes.

Auto Insurance Claim Mistake No. 1: Filing a Claim When You Shouldn’t

If you have collision coverage and you caused minor damage to only your vehicle, you probably want to skip the claim.

For one thing, if the repair cost is less than your deductible amount, you won’t get anything anyway.

If the repair cost is only a bit more than your deductible, it’s probably not worth it either, especially because you could be risking a rate increase at renewal time.

Save your insurance claims for the big problems, like wrapping your car around a tree.

Auto Insurance Claim Mistake No. 2: Not Taking Pictures

“In a perfect world, you should take reams and reams of fresh photographs and video,” says Jordan Peagler, a personal injury lawyer with MKP Law Group in California.

Specifically, did you document the weather conditions? Are there photos recording skid marks and road debris?

“Documenting vehicle damage is always helpful, but a record of the damage before the vehicles have been moved is optimal,” he adds. “How the vehicles were positioned in relation to one another, in relation to traffic signals and how and where the vehicles came to rest, can play a big part in winning insurance claims.” Peagler says these “big picture” images can sometimes mean the difference between having your claim paid and having it denied.

Auto Insurance Mistake No. 3: Not Collecting Evidence

It isn’t just photos, but any kind of evidence.

Dan Bailey remembers his wife’s recent claim involving her totaled car. “The insurance company sent an appraiser to the junkyard to assess the vehicle, but the total claim amount they came back with was laughably below what it should have been,” says Bailey. It turns out the adjuster recorded the body damage, damage to the tires, to the chassis, and a few other parts of the vehicle, but skipped the features and amenities of the car.

The adjuster also failed to take into account the additions he’d made to the vehicle and its condition before the accident. “Later, we found out this car would have been appraised at a $9,000 value, obviously depreciated from where we bought it, but still far more than the $4,000 we got,” he says. Lesson learned: Document everything about your car. Provide written proof of the car’s condition and any details that might help your claim.

Auto Insurance Mistake No. 4: Lying About What Happened

It might cross your mind to lie about the circumstances of an accident if it looks like you were at fault. But ultimately it’s important to be truthful so that your claim isn’t void later due to misrepresentation.

Remember, most major intersections have traffic cameras. And don’t forget witnesses and their social media posts.

Auto Insurance Claim Mistake No. 6: Offering Too Much Information

On the flip side, your willingness to tell the whole story and then some could be a problem. Too much of the wrong kind of information could affect your claim.

“Just answer the questions that the adjuster or insurance company asks without offering a lot of extra commentary,” says Jeff Zander, CEO of Zander Insurance. “Too much elaboration can give a company avenues to pursue when reviewing the claim that could either delay the payment or possibly create a denial.”

Zander and other experts say you should just answer the questions without any elaboration. Just give the facts.

When in question, don't hesitate to call us at Wheat State Insurance Group. We're here to help--and we won't judge, we promise.

Source Update: Jordan Peagler

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 19:03:44 GMT

This easy recipe turns those sad leftover mashed potatoes into something MAGICAL.

YIELDS: 5 SERVINGS
PREP TIME: 15 MINS
TOTAL TIME: 25 MINS

INGREDIENTS
3 c. leftover mashed potatoes
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2/3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. thinly sliced chives
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 egg, beaten
1 1/3 c. panko bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes with cooked bacon, cheddar, chives, and garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are incorporated.
Place eggs and panko in separate shallow bowls. Use a small cookie scoop to scoop 1” to 2” balls of mashed potato mixture. Roll into a ball in your hands, then dredge first in egg and then in panko. Repeat until all mashed potatoes are used.
Heat 3” of oil in a large cast iron skillet until candy thermometer reads 375°. Fry potato balls in batches until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined plate and season immediately with more salt.

SOURCE: DELISH

Thank You For Helping Us Raise $980 for WAGS!

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 19:03:42 GMT

Since June of 2016, the We Are Grateful Sanctuary, or WAGS, has helped hundreds of dogs & cats through adoptions, transport to other rescues, paying for vet services on behalf of owners, or by reuniting lost animals with their owners. WAGS Founder, Jennifer Rouse says, “We have had heartache, tears, and celebratory moments.” The recent donation from WSIG’s third quarter Referral Program drive was definitely a celebratory moment: The 501c3 relies heavily on fundraisers for support and the pandemic has limited the opportunities to connect with the community and host fundraising events.

Katherine Terry, WSIG Office Manager, has been a “Foster” for rescued animals for 10 years and has worked with WAGS extensively. “It’s both hard and rewarding, “ she says, “I fall in love with them and I have to let them go. But it’s so great to see them go to a furever home.” She is thrilled at the number of clients and friends of Wheat State Insurance Group that have sent referrals to the agency during the drive to benefit WAGS. For each referral that the agency receives, they give the referee a $10 gift card and donate $10 to the Charity of the Quarter. Two of the referees opted to donate their gift card funds to WAGS. The final donation to WAGS was $980.

Katherine and WSIG founder, Kennton Hoffman, presented the check to Jennifer Rouse on Thursday, October 29.

If you'd like more information about WAGS, you can find them at Facebook.com/wagsanctuary or contact them at wagsanctuary@gmail.com .

WSIG’s fourth quarter charity is “Kansas Honor Flight”, a 501c3 who provides flights to national memorial monuments to veterans. If you’d like to help, send us a referral by clicking on the link below!

Thank you for #GivingWhereYouLive!

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 22:58:18 GMT

Ingredients

1 ½ cups raw whole pumpkin seeds (rinsed and patted dry with paper towels)
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1 pinch salt

Directions

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Step 2
Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

83.3 calories; protein 3g 6% DV; carbohydrates 8.6g 3% DV; fat 4.5g 7% DV; cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV; sodium 12.5mg 1% DV

Protect Your Pets! WSIG now offers Pet Insurance.

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 22:35:29 GMT

Your Pets are Part of Your Family.

You love your pet, so the decision to take care of him or her is a simple one for you and your family. That's why we've decided to offer customized pet health insurance coverage options at a price that's right for you, so you can be just as carefree as they are.

Coverage for Your Pets

Coverage available for accidents and illness with the option of adding preventive care coverage at an additional cost.

Choose from a range of different annual limits, deductibles, and reimbursement percentages.

You'll have the freedom to choose any veterinarian, specialist, or emergency clinic.

No waiting period for Preventive Care.

Dig Deeper Into the Details

Annual coverage limit options of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000.

Annual deductible options of $100, $250, or $500.

Reimbursement options of 70%, 80%, or 90% of eligible charges.

Discounts are available for multiple pets.

Add Preventive Care coverage to your policy for dental cleanings, wellness exams, heartworm tests, DHLPP vaccines, and more.

Pet Insurance is a small price to pay for unconditional love and your peace of mind. Talk to your Wheat State Insurance Group agent today to get a policy that's right for you or click HERE to get a Pet Insurance Quote. It's FAST and FREE!

7 Common Car Accidents and How To Avoid Them

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 22:35:26 GMT

Let’s face it: accidents happen. And when they do, you might be looking at car repairs and injuries as well as possible increases to your insurance premium. Safe driving can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe and your premium in check. Here are seven common car accidents and tips on how to help avoid them:

Rear-end Collisions
Parked Car Damage
Single-vehicle Accidents
Windshield Damage
Crashes at Intersections
Parked Vehicle Theft
Backing Collisions

1. Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end collisions are a common reason for auto insurance claims. Whether you are the driver who hits a vehicle in front of you, or the driver who gets hit by a vehicle behind you, these accidents can often be avoided. Consider these tips:

Keep your distance. Drive far enough behind the car in front of you so you can stop safely. This is especially true in inclement weather. Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you, and longer if you’re in a heavier vehicle. Extend the timing when weather conditions are bad.
Drive strategically. Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes. If a driver is following you too closely or isn’t paying attention, you might be rear-ended.
Don’t get distracted. Never take your eyes off the road to eat, read a text message or find your phone. If the driver ahead of you stops suddenly, it only takes a second or less of not paying attention to rear-end their vehicle.
Don’t drive when drowsy or under the influence. You’re more likely to make driving errors when you’re sleepy or impaired by drugs or alcohol.

2. Parked Car Damage

Another common cause of auto damage: having a parked vehicle hit by another car. Whether you’re leaving your car in a parking lot or on the road, take steps to help avoid parked car collisions and claims. Here are some suggestions:

Go the distance. Don’t park in the busiest part of a parking lot. Instead, select a space away from heavy traffic. You’ll help reduce your chance of getting hit by another car.
Maximize the space. Always park in the center of a spot. Reposition your vehicle if it’s too close to a parking line. It will help keep your car from being hit by others pulling in to or out of adjacent spots. It can also help prevent dings from swinging doors.
Park in a garage, if you can. The idea is to put your car in a safe place when you’re not driving it.
Park street-smart. Try not to park near busy intersections, tight turns and driveways. Other drivers may not see your vehicle and could side-swipe it when passing by.

3. Single-vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle losses include collisions with road barriers, debris or animals, in addition to rollovers and accidents when driving off-road. It’s not hard to help prevent them.

Drive right for the weather. Even if yours is the only vehicle on the road on a rainy, snowy or icy day, drive at speeds that allow you to maintain control. Learn how to avoid hydroplaning on flooded roads and refresh your winter driving skills before the season begins.
Always pay attention. Just because you’re the only person on the road doesn’t mean it’s okay to text, make hands-on phone calls or eat while driving. You never know when conditions might change.
Don’t drive too fast. Speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades.1 Simply put, speeding is dangerous, even if there is no one else around you.

4. Windshield Damage

Chips and cracks to vehicle windshields are a common auto accident that many drivers don’t realize they can help prevent. Most windshield damage happens when rocks and stones are thrown up in the air by other vehicles. Help prevent this damage by keeping your distance from cars and trucks.

Also, don’t drive behind snow plows when they’re dropping salt or other granular substances. Some pieces are large enough to cause chips and cracks.

5. Crashes at Intersections

Intersections are another place where accidents frequently occur. Distracted drivers may miss traffic signals changing from green to yellow to red. Or they don’t notice vehicles pausing before making turns.

Practice defensive driving to help avoid accidents. Take a moment after the light turns green to make sure no one is coming through the intersection. Look out for drivers speeding to make it through a yellow light on a cross street. When you’re approaching a yellow light, be cautious rather than take chances.

6. Parked Vehicle Theft

No matter where you park your car, there’s always a chance of a break-in. Still, there are things you can do to help prevent potential unnecessary damage to your vehicle. Keep in mind that items stolen from your vehicle could be a loss that you file under your homeowners insurance coverage. Damage that occurs to your vehicle during a break-in would be filed under your auto insurance coverage.

Never leave valuables in a parked car. Having them in view is an invitation to thieves. Take expensive things with you, store them inside your glove compartment or lock them in the trunk.
Never park in dark locations. Instead, find spaces in well-lit areas. Plan ahead if you’re parking prior to sunset.

7. Backing Collisions

Whether you’re backing out of a parking spot or your driveway, accidents can happen.

The best thing you can do to avoid accidents when backing up is to avoid having to back up in the first place. When possible, park in a way where you won’t have to back up into traffic, such as pulling through or backing into a parking spot.

Another helpful tip: drive vehicles that have a backup camera. If your car doesn’t have one, you can have one installed.

If you drive a car that’s not equipped with a backup camera, here are some other suggestions of what you can do:

Before getting into your vehicle, look around to assess your surroundings and traffic patterns.
Back out using the shortest, most direct route possible.
Reverse in a straight line, turning only when clear of parked vehicles or any other obstructions.
Back out slowly while continuing to check traffic around you.
Use your mirrors and brakes until you’re completely out of the spot and integrated into traffic.
Never do anything distracting while backing out.

While there are many things you can do to help prevent collisions, theft, injuries or damage to your vehicle, it’s not always possible to avoid the unexpected. Contact your WSIG agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage to meet your needs.

Does Your Car Insurance Cover Your New Car When You Drive It Off the Lot?

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 13:35:09 GMT

Know what to do if the dealership wants you to buy insurance.

After weeks of searching for just the right used vehicle, you get online on a Saturday morning and discover a great deal on exactly the car you’ve been looking for. A few hours later, exhausted by the financing process, and exhilarated at the thought of driving off the lot in your new-to-you 2019 Camaro, you are told by the dealership finance coordinator that you’ll have to purchase insurance from them since your insurance agency is not open until Monday. You hesitate, eager to get this over with but not feeling great about switching your auto insurance. But now you’re a little unnerved; is the dealership finance coordinator right? Does your current auto insurance cover a car that your agent has no idea that you have?

Yes. Most insurance companies provide automatic coverage for new purchases equal to the broadest coverage you have on your current vehicle(s). In other words, if you already have a car insurance policy in effect and you purchase a new vehicle, that policy will cover you for up to 4 days.

For Example: Let’s use the situation outlined above and say that you currently own a 2008 Honda Civic and you trade it in for the 2018 Camaro.

• If the Civic is the only car listed on your policy, the Camaro will automatically have the same coverage as the Civic for up to 4 days.

o Beware: If you do not have comprehensive and/or collision coverage on the car you are replacing, you will not have this coverage on your new vehicle. The automatic coverage is only as good as the coverage you had before.

• If you have multiple cars listed on your policy, your new vehicle will automatically have the greatest level of coverage of any car listed on your policy. Remember, this is for only 4 days with most companies. You do need to call your Wheat State Insurance Group agent promptly and provide the year, make, model and VIN plus contact information for any lender or leasing company.

If you are purchasing your first car or a new car and you don’t have insurance yet, you will need to get insurance well in advance of driving the car off the lot. Remember, auto insurance is required in Kansas.

Will the dealership notify my insurance company when I buy a new car? No, this is also your responsibility. Do not rely on the dealership to do this for you, even if they say they will!

How much time do I have to add a new car to my existing car insurance policy?

Again, you typically have 4 days to notify your agent of your new vehicle purchase. This is not true of all insurance companies so be sure to contact your agent to know how your insurance works. Whenever possible, it’s best to contact your agent when you begin looking for a vehicle to verify the details of your existing policy.

Have a question you'd like us to answer? Let us know!

8 Fall Chores You Can't Afford to Ignore

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 02:55:56 GMT

Do these maintenance tasks now and reap the rewards

Do these maintenance tasks now and see the benefits later...

Fall is the best time to get your house in order because come winter, small problems can turn into expensive nightmares. Consumer Reports’ money-saving checklist covers many things, including your yard and your furnace. And many of these fall chores cost little more than time and effort.

“A little bit of preventive maintenance now will avoid big hassles in the future,” says John Galeotafiore, who oversees CR’s testing of outdoor power equipment and other home gear. The following tips can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Outdoor Chores With Immediate Payoff

Once the winter freeze-thaw cycle kicks in, a tiny leak in your roof can turn into a crevasse—and a $10,000-plus repair job. Clogged gutters and dribbling spigots can also do a lot of damage, so take advantage of the cooler weather to do home and yard repairs and spruce-ups.

Get Some Leaf Relief

Fallen leaves can kill grass when they’re matted down by snow later in the year.. Leaf piles can also attract rodents. But using leaf bags means work, and waste if they go into a landfill.

What to do: Make use of your lawn mower’s mulching mode. Ground-up leaves feed your lawn and save money. You might need to make a few passes to slice the leaves small enough to decay.

What you save: Along with saving the cost of leaf bags (Americans spend millions of dollars a year on them), you sidestep the back-breaking stooping and bending of raking and bagging.

Check the Roof

Leaks can eventually damage the wood sheathing and rafters below your shingles, leading to thousands of dollars in repairs.

What to do: Use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles safely from the ground. Consider having a roofing pro check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys for leaks, and the rubber boots near vents for cracks that can let moisture seep in.

What you save: At roughly $3 per square foot installed, new sheathing would total $6,900 for a 2,300-square-foot house if you had to replace all of it. Figure on an additional $7,000 to $10,000 to install new shingles, plus added costs if the roof rafters need replacing.

Clear Gutter Clogs

Gutters stuffed with leaves, pine needles, and other debris can let water spill over the side, pool around your home’s foundation, and seep inside. Water that freezes in gutters can force snow and ice into roof shingles, causing damage and leaks.

What to do: Consider a gutter-guard system to keep debris out and water in. Make sure that gutter drains extend 5 feet from the house—and that soil slopes away from the foundation 1 inch per foot for 6 feet or more.

What you save: It costs about $300 per year for a pro to clean gutters in the fall and spring. That might be worth it rather than risking a fall off a ladder if you do the job yourself.

Close Your Hoses

Pipes can burst when water inside expands as it freezes, creating an expensive mess in your home.

What to do: Shut off inside valves that control water flow to hose spigots. Then briefly open the spigots to drain any leftover water in pipes and hoses. Also drain water from supply lines for water sprinklers and pools, and shut off inside valves that control them. And help prevent freezing by insulating pipes in unheated areas.

What you save: Thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and water damage, especially if pipes burst and cause a flood while you’re away.

Inside Jobs That Will Save You Money

If your house is drafty and your furnace needs maintenance, you’ll be paying more to keep warm this winter than you have to. With a little caulk and some elbow grease you can tighten the building envelope of your home. Your furnace is less likely to fail on a cold day if you do some quick maintenance now.

Automate Energy Savings

Simply lowering temperatures by 10° F to 15° F while you’re at work or asleep can trim 15 percent from your heating bill.

What to do: You can lower temperatures manually on any thermostat or install a programmable thermostat (about $40 to $250) to do it for you.

What you save: Setting temperatures back can save you up to $100 per year, based on average heating costs. That’s $500 in your pocket after just five years.

Plug the Leaks

The swiftest savings come from sealing air leaks in your home’s walls, windows, and especially its ductwork.

What to do: Sealing and insulating your home’s air ducts are jobs best left to a professional. But you can use a combination of caulk, foam board, expandable sealant, and weather stripping to plug leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and other openings in your home.

What you save: Plugging leaks could lower your annual heating and cooling bills by $400.

Replace Furnace Filters

A dirty filter reduces heat and airflow, which can lead to expensive repairs.

What to do: Check the air filter in the furnace or heat pump each month. And have a pro check the system annually (about $120), tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and checking drains, controls, and connections for oil and gas systems.

What you save: About $200 to $300 or more for service calls and repairs, plus the discomfort and risk of frozen pipes if your home’s heating system shuts off.

Clean Your Chimney

A wood-burning fireplace or stove may be cozy, but creosote buildup can impede the flow of smoke and cause chimney fires and carbon-monoxide poisoning. And even unused chimneys can develop cracks that weaken the structure.

What to do: If your chimney hasn’t had a recent inspection, now’s the time. Figure on roughly $150 to $300 for an inspection and a sweep. Go to csia.org for industry-certified chimney sweeps and check bbb.org for complaints.

What you save: Up to $5,000 if the chimney flue liner cracks; thousands more if there’s a fire.

SOURCE: Consumer Reports

Pumpkin Gingerbread Recipe

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 02:54:25 GMT

Delicious flavors that say...FALL IS FABULOUS!

PREP: 15 min

COOK: 45 min

TOTAL: 1 hr

YIELD: 2 - 9x5 inch loaves

Ingredients

3 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2/3 cup water

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground cloves

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.

Step 2

In a large mixing, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove.

Step 3

In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour.

Everything You Need to Know About Renters Insurance for your College Student

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 22:59:27 GMT

Info to Know from TheCollegeInvestor.com

College is the first time many students move out of their parents' house — whether to a dorm room or sharing an apartment with friends. It's also the first time that students really start to acquire their own possessions — computers, electronics, furniture, and more. Plus, college students typically don't have a lot of spending cash — mom and dad help out with a lot.

As a result, it's really important for college students to protect the small amount of assets they have. Chances are, if a student gets their laptop stolen, it will cost at least $1,000 or more. And college students typically don't have that kind of cash lying around. In 2011 (the last year statistics are available), there were close to 10,000 burglaries and robberies on university campuses nationwide. And that was only what was reported on campus. That doesn't include the potential losses from near-campus locales — apartments, coffee shops, parks, etc.

With roughly 14 million college students nationwide, the odds of you getting something stolen sometime during your four years of school is 0.3%, or 1-in-300. That's important to keep in mind.

With that in mind, we're sharing a guide for college student renters insurance which hopefully answers any questions you may have.

Why You Need College Student Renters Insurance

The bottom line is that you need college student renters insurance to protect yourself and your stuff. Renters insurance is actually a misnomer — the actual policy is personal property insurance. That means it covers your stuff anywhere.

When you live in a dorm room or have a roommate, your stuff is just less secure. People are always coming and going, and you may not know a lot of them. Then, you probably have to go the library, the computer lab, the quad, the coffee shop, and more. There are so many places that have the potential for someone to take your stuff.

And that's just theft! Renters insurance also covers things like a regular policy: fire damage, vandalism, and more. Many college students think the landlord or university (if you're living in a dorm) will pay for loss if the building burns down or something happens. That's incorrect. Landlord insurance only covers the structure — renters are responsible for their own contents!

Prices to Expect

The amazing thing about renters insurance is that it is extremely cheap! I'm talking incredibly cheap. When I was going to college, I had a renters insurance policy worth $5,000, and I was paying $4 per month for the policy. Plus, I used the same company that did my auto insurance, and I received a “multi-policy discount” of $15 on the car insurance. The bottom line: it was free.

Why did I choose $5,000 for my policy? I really only had a computer and TV that I cared about, but my apartment also had a cheap couch, a bed, and my clothes. I figured in a worst-case scenario, that $5,000 would get me back on my feet.

You can take the $4 per month as a baseline. You can get a policy worth $10,000 for about $10 per month, and a policy worth $20,000 for about $20 per month. The question is, as a college student, do you really need that much insurance?

What Coverage to Look for with Renters Insurance

This is always the tough one, because every company calls their coverage a little something different. Plus, each insurance company typically offers add-ons that may or may not be of value to you.

The biggest benefit you're looking for is property protection. You want to make sure that your stuff is safe. A typical policy would cover:

Fire

Theft — ensure the policy covers theft from your unit and theft anywhere you are, like a coffee shop.

Vandalism

Smoke damage

Lightning damage

Windstorm

Discharge of water — for example, if the fire sprinklers go off accidentally.

Here are some other important coverages:

Loss of use: This helps you pay for another apartment or hotel should you not be able to use your rental for whatever reason.

Liability: This is coverage that insures you if you are sued. Say your dog bites someone, and they sue for the cost of medical bills. Your liability coverage will help you pay for this expense.

Here are some typical terms:

Deductible: This is what you pay if something happens. Many policies offer no deductible, but the average deductible is $500. I would aim for a deductible of $0 for a policy, but get the lower amount you can afford.

ACV vs. replacement cost: This determines whether you will get the actual cash value of the loss or the replacement cost of the loss. Think about it this way: if your two-year-old laptop is stolen, will you get enough money to buy a new laptop, or will they give you the current eBay price for your laptop? I always opt for replacement cost, since I will get a new laptop.

Random coverages (you may not need these, but you could depending on your situation):

Hurricane damage coverage

Flood damage

Identity theft protection

All of these extra random coverages probably have extra charges associated with them. I wouldn't opt for them unless you're very concerned about those issues. Chances are, though, as a college renter, you don't need hurricane or flood protection because you could probably take the small amount of personal property you own with you when you evacuate.

Companies That Offer Renters Insurance

All of the major insurance companies offer renters insurance, and there are many small companies that focus on renters insurance.

What You Need to Apply for Renters Insurance

You don't need much to apply for renters insurance. You typically fill out a form online that includes your name, address (of the unit you're going to be renting), phone number, and possibly your Social Security number.

Depending on the insurance company, you may be asked to answer questions about whether you have pets, whether you have roommates (may increase the cost), and certain characteristics of the unit (fire alarms, smoke detectors, security alarms, etc.).

Whatever you do, don't lie on your insurance application! If you lie, and have to file a claim, your claim will be denied, and you could even be sued for fraud.

Otherwise, the process is painless and will probably take about 15 minutes to get you a policy.

How to File a Renters Insurance Claim

Should something happen and your stuff is stolen or there is a fire, you'll have to file a renters insurance claim. This simply means you contact your insurance company (typically by phone, but many companies are moving to online claim forms), and tell them what happened. Your insurance company will then open an investigation and process your claim.

Important: They may ask for proof of your belongings, such as a laptop. That's why it's so important to keep records of your purchases — either by keeping a copy of the receipt, or saving the transaction online. Also, storing photos of your belongings is a good practice if you don't have receipts.

Have more questions or ready to get a quote? Give your WSIG agent a call today!

SOURCE: Thecollegeinvestor.com

Auto Insurance Basics

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:30:10 GMT

Auto Insurance: Policy Details Explained

The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone or both.

But to make the best decisions about purchasing other types of auto insurance coverage you might need, you’ll want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you’ll also want to consider coverage amounts.

Why? Because state-required minimums may not cover the costs of a serious accident, so it’s worth considering purchasing higher levels of coverage.

Mandatory Auto Coverages Required in Kansas

Kansas law mandates that every automobile insurance policy sold in the state must have these minimum coverages:

Liability coverage
$25,000/person for bodily injury
$50,000/accident for bodily injury
$25,000/accident for property damage
Personal injury protection (PIP or No-Fault)
Minimum amount required by law:
$4,500/person for medical expenses
$900/month for one year for disability/loss of income
$25/day for in-home services
$2,000 for funeral, burial or cremation expense
$4,500 for rehabilitation expense
Survivor Benefits: Disability/loss of income up to $900/month for one year
In-home services up to $25/day for one year
Uninsured/Underinsured
$25,000/person
$50,000/accident

Here’s a rundown of the types of coverage available—some are required; others are optional; all are priced individually (a la carte) to let you customize coverage amounts to suit your exact needs and budget.

Mandatory Coverage:

Bodily Injury Liabilit y — This covers costs associated with injuries and death that you or another driver causes while driving your car.

Property Damage Liability — This coverage will reimburse others for damage that you or another driver operating your car causes to another vehicle or other property, such as a fence, building or utility pole.

Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — Provides reimbursement for medical expenses for injuries to you or your passengers. It will also cover lost wages and other related expenses.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage — Reimburses you when an accident is caused by an uninsured motorist—or in the case of a hit-and-run. You can also purchase underinsured motorist coverage, which will cover costs when another driver lacks adequate coverage to pay the costs of a serious accident.

Optional coverage:

While basic, legally mandated auto insurance covers the cost of damages to other vehicles that you cause while driving, it does not cover damage to your own car. To cover this, you need to purchase the following optional auto insurance coverages:

Collision — This optional coverage reimburses you for damage to your car that occurs as a result of a collision with another vehicle or other object—e.g., a tree or guardrail—when you’re at fault. While collision coverage will not reimburse you for mechanical failure or normal wear-and-tear on your car, it will cover damage from potholes or from rolling your car.

Comprehensive — This provides coverage against theft and damage caused by an incident other than a collision, such as fire, flood, vandalism, hail, falling rocks or trees and other hazards—even getting hit by an asteroid!

Glass Coverage — Windshield damage is common, and some auto policies include no-deductible glass coverage, which also includes side windows, rear windows and glass sunroofs. Or you can buy supplemental glass coverage.

Mind the gap… insurance

If you lease or finance your vehicle, auto dealers or lenders will likely require you to purchase collision and comprehensive. But keep in mind that collision and comprehensive only cover the market value of your car, not what you paid for it—and new cars depreciate quickly. If your car is totaled or stolen, there may be a “gap” between what you owe on the vehicle and your insurance coverage. To cover this, you may want to look into purchasing gap insurance to pay the difference. (Note: For leased vehicles, gap coverage is usually rolled into your lease payments.)

Who is covered—and when?

Your auto policy will cover you and other family members on your policy, whether driving your insured car or someone else’s car with permission. Your policy also provides coverage if someone not on your policy is driving your car with your consent.

Your personal auto policy only covers personal driving, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands or taking a trip. Your personal auto policy, however, will not provide coverage if you use your car for commercial purposes—for instance, if you deliver pizzas or operate a delivery service. Note, too, that personal auto insurance will generally not provide coverage if you use your car to provide transportation to others through a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Some auto insurers, however, are now offering supplemental insurance products (at additional cost) that extend coverage for vehicle owners providing ride-sharing services.

August Recipe: Grilled Corn on The Cob

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 15:14:28 GMT

Tasty BBQ Corn on the Cob

This is corn on the cob cooked on the grill with spices and butter. It makes for a yummy side dish to any meal! Try it with fresh garlic and onion.

prep: 15 mins

cook: 30 mins

total: 45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 teaspoon chili powder

? teaspoon dried oregano

1 pinch onion powder

1 pinch cayenne pepper to taste

1 pinch garlic powder to taste

1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

½ cup butter, softened

6 ears corn, husked and cleaned

Directions

Step 1

Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend in the softened butter. Apply this mixture to each ear of corn, and place each ear onto a piece of aluminum foil big enough to wrap the corn. Wrap like a burrito, and twist the ends to close.

Step 3

Place wrapped corn on the preheated grill, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until tender when poked with a fork. Turn corn occasionally during cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving: 215.8 calories; 3.2 g protein; 17.7 g carbohydrates; 40.7 mg cholesterol; 127.1 mg sodium.

Tips for First Time Life Insurance Buyers

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:33:45 GMT

There's no question that buying life insurance for the first time, like any other new experience, can be more than a bit daunting. Below are important tips that we hope will make the process smoother.

1. Understand what Life Insurance provides.

Life insurance is designed to provide your family with financial security in the event of the death of a spouse or parent. These policies can help pay off mortgages, provide college tuition, help to fund retirement, donate funds to charities, and help in estate planning. In short, if others depend on your income for support, you should strongly consider life insurance.

The unfortunate truth is that the best time to purchase a policy is when you are young--when most of us don't even have retirement on our radar! . The reason: The younger you are, the less expensive life insurance will be. However, life insurance can be purchased at any age--your Wheat State Insurance Group agent can help you learn more about coverage options.

2 . Determine the amount of coverage you need.

The amount of money your family or heirs will receive after your death is called a death benefit. There are a variety of ways to determine the proper amount of life insurance: you'll find a variety of online calculator or you can get a ballpark figure by multiplying your annual income by 8.

A more detailed method is to add up the monthly expenses your family will incur after your death. Remember to include the one-time expenses at death and the ongoing expenses, such as a mortgage or school bills. Take the ongoing expenses and divide by .07. That indicates you'll want a lump sum of money earning approximately 7% each year to pay those ongoing expenses. Add to that amount any money you'll need to cover one-time expenses, and you'll have a rough estimate of the amount of life insurance you need.

As useful as calculators and rough estimates are, there are some things they don't do:

They can't provide you with any final answers. Calculators only allow you to perform "hypotheticals," recalculating and generating new results as you make and input new assumptions. Let your Wheat State Insurance Group agent walk you through the process and get the answers you need to make the best decision.

3. Find the right type of policy.

Once you figure out how much coverage you'll need, you can think about the best kind of policy to meet your needs.

You have two main options: term life, for a more affordable premium, or permanent life, for more comprehensive coverage that can add cash value. But you have a lot of options to explore...we're happy to answer any questions you may have, no strings attached!

4. Learn the lingo.

Life insurance--like all insurance policies--include a lot of different terms and descriptors that you may not be very familiar with. If you are researching on your own, visit our Insurance Defined page to look up the terms that you need clarified.

8 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Car Insurance

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 12 Jun 2020 14:52:37 GMT

Make sure your car coverage reflects your needs and budget

The vehicle you own, your personal priorities and your budget all factor into your unique auto insurance needs. Before comparing policies and insurers, evaluate how you use your car and what risks you face to figure out what options make the best sense for you.

1. How much do you drive?

Do you absolutely need your car every day—for instance, to commute to work or drive the kids to school and activities? Do you drive 100 miles a month or closer to 1,000 or more? Make sure your policy reflects how much you use your car. If you don’t drive a lot, you may want to opt for mileage-based insurance.

2. Will you be using your car for work?

If you use your car not just to get to work, but to perform tasks for which you get paid, commercial auto insurance is a necessity. A personal auto policy will not provide coverage if you transport paying passengers through a ride-share service, deliver pizzas, drive as a courier or use your car for other commercial activities.

3. What type of car do you drive?

Insurers have mountains of data, and they know in precise detail what types of cars, makes and models are more—or less—likely to incur claims. A flashy sports car with a powerful engine may be more likely to be stolen and its bodywork costs will be more than on a mid-sized sedan—and your insurance will be priced accordingly. Some types of cars—such as modified or classic cars—require special insurance. By the same token, you may receive discounts if you have a "safe" car—one with the latest safety features and a good safety record.

4. How much do you love your car?

If you love the way your vehicle looks and take pride in its appearance, you’ll likely want it fixed perfectly—or replaced with the same model—if it gets damaged. That means you'll probably to consider the fullest range of insurance—including collision, comprehensive and glass coverage. On the other hand, if you drive a beater, see cars merely as transportation and want to save on premiums, you might prefer to limit your policy to liability.

5. Where do you live—and park your car?

Where you live will impact your insurance rates—and it may be a factor in what coverage you purchase. For example, cars parked on the street in urban areas face a greater risk for theft or vandalism, so comprehensive coverage might be a good option. You may discover that your premium rates are lower if you move from a city to a suburb.

6. Who else will be driving the car?

Generally, your car insurance will cover other occasional drivers. However, if other drivers live with you and use your car—whether a spouse, a teen driver or a housemate—they should be listed on your policy.

7. What are your legal obligations?

Nearly every state requires that you carry minimum liability coverage for your car. At the very least, you need to make sure your policy complies with Kansas mandates. However, the levels of required coverage are generally pretty low. Keep in mind that, if you are involved in a serious accident, you may be sued for a large sum of money. Depending on your assets and financial risk tolerance, to be safe, you’ll probably want to purchase a higher level of liability coverage.

8. Is your car financed or leased?

If you still owe money on your car or have to return it in good condition when a lease expires, you’ll likely be required to insure the car for its full value—and even for any gap between what you owe and the car’s market value. Collision and comprehensive will cover damage to your car—and supplemental gap insurance will cover the rest.

Keep in mind that your insurance options and costs will also be affected by your age, gender and driving record. Be aware too that your credit score can also impact your insurance rates. Once you’ve looked at your needs and priorities, and understood how insurance options will match them, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about the types and levels of coverage to buy.

SOURCE: Insurance Information Institute (www.iii.org)

College Parenting 101: How To Save Money on Student Auto Insurance

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:25:40 GMT

College Parenting 101: How To Save Money on Student Auto Insurance

What is the most important car insurance coverage available and needed for your college student driver?

It is really a loaded question. Of course, the most important car insurance coverage is the one you need at the time of loss. At Wheat State Insurance Group, we can help you decide what coverages you might need for your student that will give you peace of mind and potentially save you money.

We can help you with a variety of potential discounts designed to help parents curtail the costs of auto insurance. Among the many that are worth exploring to see which suits your family’s needs best include:

1. Student Away from Home Discount: Do you have a student attending college in another city or state? If you do and their vehicle is still at home, you can qualify for a discount. Paying less on the premium you are paying for listing them on your policy while they are not driving as much when at college can be a huge money-saver!

2. Good Student Discount: Many carriers offer a discount for your student’s good grades. Depending on what their GPA is, you can have bragging rights AND save money on your child’s insurance premiums.

3. Safety Course Discount: If your student has successfully completed a safety course, you could qualify for a discount once the certification has been given to us. Those driver’s ed courses can pay off financially for you and your child!

At Wheat State, we want to make sure that you and your student are getting all of the available discounts that you may be eligible for. We want you to be familiar with your auto insurance coverage for you and your student and we believe you shouldn’t have to pay too much for insurance. Give us a call before your student heads to their new learning adventures and see if we can help you save some money!

Covering Your Student's...Assets

jillytopiajill@gmail.com (Jill Rose) — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:25:35 GMT

How to Protect Your College Student's Stuff

We all know the cost of college is invariably steep beyond tuition bills.

According to US News (2017), American students (and/or their parents) drop a large chunk of change on back to school shopping for college students, amounting to an average of $970--which was up almost 10% from the previous year at the time of the survey. Add in the requisite computers, electronics, textbook fees and you have a lot of extra valuable merchandise. When your student is packing for college, he or she may be thinking more about bringing the Xbox One console than about insurance for a potential loss of such items--but as a parent, it's probably in the back of your mind somewhere.

Did you know that most student dorm properties are not fully covered under a parent’s policy, even if the student is listed as a dependent on their parents’ homeowners policy? Additionally, if items are stolen from a vehicle, neither your home nor auto policy will cover the cost of replacement. So what's the solution? Renter's Insurance. And guess what?

Renters insurance policies are relatively cheap and very affordable, amounting to a few extra dollars a month.

Knowing that your and your child's investments are protected with a (we'll just say it) pretty cheap financial safety net is something that no college student or parent should go without.

Take a few minutes today and chat with your Wheat State agent and see what we can do to get your student a policy that best suits their needs with a budget that meets your needs as well!

Give us a call, shoot us an email or pop into your local WSIG location to see what we can do to help you and your student worry about one less thing when transitioning to college.

(Reminder: You can view your current policies or make requests on our website.)