Special Section Tips to help you get organized to for the school year. Back to School What you should know. Housing Market & More by GENEVA HOME A GENEVA FINANCIAL HOME LOANS PUBLICATION Having a summer BBQ? We have you covered. Farewell to Summer
Waking Up Early Economic Slowdown Pros & Cons ConstructionofLoans 6 key benefits to waking up early. What does this mean for the housing market? 08 34 4 9 End of StaycationSummerIdeas Ideas on how to make your staycation feel like a vacation. 6 Key Opportunity for Homebuyers Housing challengesmarket . 12 How to Grill the Best Burgers Tips & Tricks 40 End of GardeningSummerTrends Gardening tips for you 2 Table of Contents 38 Grilled Summer Squash with DressingLemon-Scallion Try this recipe out! 23 Eating Healthy Small swaps that you can do to eat healthier. 36 5 Ways to Grill Corn 20
End of Summer BBQ Recipes
Celebrating The Last Of Summer
Summer is a beautiful season that allows most to soak up the sun, enjoy the outdoors, and implement new habits. If you are looking for an amazing way to close out the season with a bang- we have just what you Throwneed! an epic end of summer BBQ to gather with close friends and enjoy delicious foods. Try implementing our healthy eating swaps and read about the benefits of waking up early that you can carryon into the fall
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Takeseason!alast-minute staycation to reset and refresh before fall begins. Take an even deeper dive into the housing market to see if owning a home is the right decision for you. Learn about what an economic slowdown means for you and your home financing needs. Don’t forget to check out all the delicious recipes we have included that you can try in the upcoming weeks.
Having a BBQ? Try some of these delicious recipes in our end of Summer issue. Back to School
The best way to tackle the new school year is to be organized. Whether you are a parent or a student we have curated some helpful tips.
Happy HomeEditorCMOGenevaJamesreading,PolinoriFinancialByGeneva
Welcome
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Don’t have the time or money for an incredible international getaway? No worries, we’ve got you covered with our top 9 End of Summer Staycation Ideas! How to make a staycation feel like a vacation?
Step 1: Knock out your responsibilities before you start. This is a vacation! Be sure to take this time to relax, don’t spend it deep cleaning.
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Step 4: Treat yourself. Having a budget in mind is important but don’t skimp just because you’re staying local. Now, the fun part. See below for our top staycation ideas perfect for almost any locale.
Step 3: Let people know you’re on vacation. Take time off and ensure your friends, family, and coworkers respect it like they would if you were out of town.
END OF STAYCATIONSUMMERIDEAS
Step 2: Plan it. By planning out what you’re going to do, you can just focus on enjoying yourself and not worrying about what your next move will be.
There is a common misconception that a staycation isn’t an actual vacation, but we’re here to say that is just not true. If planned properly, a good staycation can excite and refresh you without the additional expense. But how to make it feel like a vacation?
More of an outdoorsy person? Planning a campout can be a great way to get a little more fresh air. No good camping spots nearby? A backyard campout can be just as enjoyable. Don’t forget the s’mores!
1. Keep it Natural
A classic summer attraction, the pool is an excellent go-to to stay cool in the summer. It doesn’t have to be a 5-star resort, even your local pool can be a fun getaway. Bring water balloons and squirt guns for a little extra fun!
8. Try Out Progressive Dinners
2. Play Tourist
Whether you just moved in, or you’ve lived there your whole life, playing tourist in your own town can open your eyes to some exciting new things to try locally. It can even introduce you to some new activities that you might want to incorporate into your day-to-day life.
If you’ve lived in a town for a while, chances are you haven’t tried out any of the local hotels or resorts. This can be a fun way to bring new life to familiar places. You should also look into any nearby or in-house spas for some much-needed self-care.
If you are lucky enough to live by any natural attractions like the mountains or the beach or even a state park, these can be excellent options for staying active and outdoors. Find a camping spot or make it a day trip – inviting friends can make it all that much more fun!
6. See the World from Your Living Room
3. Spend a Day at the Pool
7. Campout Close to Home
Still dying for that beautiful European river cruise? Or maybe you’re dreaming of the Tokyo city skyline. Fear not, we’ve got the next best thing. Call up some friends and start putting together a theme night! The right food, music, and entertainment can make you feel like you really are on vacation.
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4. Check in at a Local Hotel
Try out a real-life treasure hunt with Geocaching! All you need are some hiking supplies and a GPS and you’re off, discovering one of the millions of treasure caches hidden across the globe. Don’t worry, chances are you have some right in your own backyard – so to speak.
If you love a diverse dinner program, then this is the staycation for you. Scope out the hottest local restaurants and try a few favorites from each starting with appetizers and ending with dessert.
5. Go Geocaching
The best staycation of all – the lazy day. Kick up your feet, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy a quiet day at home. Try out that show you’ve been meaning to watch or start a new book. This staycation idea is all about rest and relaxation.
9. Enjoy a Well-Deserved Lazy Day
“There has been a pickup in the inventory that we’ve seen recently, but it’s not from a big increase in new listings . . . but rather a slowdown in the pace of sales. And remember that months’ supply measures the inventory of sale relative to the pace of sales. Same inventory, fewer sales, means more months’ supply.”
And when you do, you may be faced with less competition from other buyers too. If you’ve been waiting to jump into the market because the intensity of the bidding wars was intimidating or if you’ve been outbid on several homes, this moderation could help make the home buying process a bit smoother. It’s not that it’ll be easy or that bidding wars are a thing of the past – that’s not the case. But it won’t feel nearly as impossible.
The combination of more homes coming onto the market and a slower pace of home sales means you’ll have more options to choose from as you search for your next home. That’s great news if you’ve been searching for a while with little to no luck. Just remember, there isn’t a sudden surplus of inventory, just more homes to choose from than even a few months ago. So, you’ll still want to be decisive and move fast when you find the right home for you.
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How This Impacts You
There’s no denying the housing market has delivered a fair share of challenges to homebuyers over the past two years. Two of the biggest hurdles homebuyers faced during the pandemic were the limited number of homes for sale and the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. But those two things have reached a turning point. As you may have already heard, the number of homes for sale has increased this year, and even more so this spring.
Rates may seem high, but they are still historically low What’s important to note is although rates are in the 5’s or higher depending on qualification, it still may be a good time to purchase a home. The benefit of working with Geneva is we will work with you for the life of your loan. Second, there is a chance for you to benefit from a rate and term refinance, and to lower your monthly payment we will be in touch. Do not let higher rates scare you. Let’s connect today to help you strategize to achieve your dream of homeownership this season. As the housing market begins its shift back toward pre-pandemic levels, you could have a unique opportunity in front of you. With moderate levels of buyer competition and more homes actively for sale, your home search may have gotten a bit less challenging.
FOR
Basically, the market is shifting away from the frenzy of buyer competition seen during the pandemic, and that’s helping available inventory grow. In their latest forecast, realtor.com also mentions the moderation of demand as a key factor and projects the inventory growth should continue.
Buyer Competition Moderating Helps Inventory Grow Even More Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says inventory growth is happening not just because there’s an increase in the number of listings coming onto the market, but also because buyer demand has moderated some in light of higher mortgage rates and other economic factors:
Homebuyers KEY Opportunity
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- realtor.com
“As rising inflation and mortgage rates bring U.S. housing demand back from the 2021 frenzy, . . . inventory will grow double-digits over 2021 and offer buyers a better-than-expected chance to find a home.”
- Danielle Hale Chief Economist for realtor.com
“New listings–a measure of sellers putting homes up for sale–were up 6% above one year ago. Home sellers in many markets across the country continue to benefit from rising home prices and fast-selling homes. That’s prompted a growing number of homeowners to sell homes this year compared to last, giving home shoppers much needed options.”
This is encouraging news. More homes coming onto the market give you a greater chance of finding one that checks all your boxes.
Another way to get some movement in is working on chores or projects around the house to start your day. Be mindful of those who may still be sleeping but this can be a great way to get ahead on your to-do list. EARLIER
KEY BENEFITS OF WAKING UP
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If you’re one of the millions of people struggling to find a time to get active, we understand. Adding exercise to your morning routine can be a difficult change but it can also keep you distraction-free and help you beat the heat. Working out first thing in the morning is a sure way to get your blood pumping when you’re feeling a sluggish.
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As summer ends, don't forget you still have days ahead of more daylight than usual to use to your advantage. So, what can you do to start better using your early morning hours?
First and foremost, it is important to stick to a schedule and to prepare your body for a healthy transition to earlier mornings. Early to bed, early to rise is more than a cliche catchphrase - it’s a formula that can keep you energized even when you begin to wake up earlier. Be sure you are still getting enough sleep and make any changes in your schedule gradually.
Getting up early often means you’re waking up before the rest of the world. The early morning hours may be just what you need to enjoy a little personal quiet time or even start practicing some meditation. Want to start reading more or pick up a new hobby? Why not add it to your morning routine?
Starting these habits in the summer when the sun is rising earlier can help you solidify them for the rest of the year.
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If you like looking your best for the day, waking up even 30-minutes earlier can give you the time you need to get ready. Picking out an outfit the day before and having a standard selfcare routine is all you need to get started.
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This final benefit may be all you need to be convinced to start waking up earlier. If you’re okay with leaving home earlier than normal, be prepared to miss some of the worst parts of early morning traffic. Stop by the gym, grab a coffee on the way, it may all be worth it to miss the worst traffic on your commute.
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Another way to smooth the transition is to create a bedtime routine to signal your body that it is time for sleep. Showering, reading a book, shutting off electronics, and a regular skincare routine can get you relaxed and ready for bed.
Once you have your bedtime routine set up, it’s time to optimize your morning routine. If you tend to wake up groggy and sluggish, changing things up can help you be more alert and productive first thing in the morning. So, what can an earlier alarm mean for you?
What better way to start your morning off right than with a cup of coffee and a healthy breakfast? Not a meal person in the mornings? Try out A smoothy to pack in the nutrients.
10 recipes to try In this issue we have plenty of summer BBQ recipes for you to try at your next cook out. Check them out! Summer BBQSPECIAL SECTION END OF
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12 How to GRILL the best BURGERS Tips on how to grill the best burger this. Enjoy the end of summer with an outdoor BBQ with family and friends and grill up some burgers for everyone.
When to Toast the Buns
How Long to Grill Burgers
Buy an 80/20 Mix of Ground Beef Be Careful Not to Over-Season
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Don't Forget to Rest Your Burgers
Let the burgers rest for a minute after they come off the grill. This allows time for the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, giving you a more flavorful experience.
Charcoal grills: Longer heat up time than a gas Charcoalgrill. grills are less convenient than There'sgas.a little more cleanup for charcoal grills.
The heat from your hands combined with room-temp ground beef can melt and smear the fat. Keep the meat cold and shape the patties as quickly as possible.
Add cheese about 1 minute before the burger is finished cooking. When to Add the Cheese Whichever buns you prefer, butter the top and bottom of the bun, and then plop them on the back of the grill, out of direct heat, until they are golden. Start toasting the buns when you have a minute left on the patties.
Keep the Meat Cold Aim For the Ideal Thickness Keep Them Level you want to start with a clean grill with oiled grill grates when making dinner on the grill.
To correctly size your patties to fit on your buns, make your burgers about 1-inch thick at the edges, and one inch larger than the bun. While grilling, burgers can start to puff up in the middle and become rounded at the top. A good tip to avoid this is to make a slight indentation in the top of each patty with your thumb or the back of a spoon before they go on the grill.
Cook on a Clean Grill
Don’t Keep Flipping
Gas grills: Generally less flavor than charcoal grills. In general, gas grills take up more Youspace.may unknowingly run out of fuel in the middle of cooking if you don't check your tank before you start.
Pros & Cons Charcoal grills: Typically, charcoal grills reach a higher temperature than gas Charcoalgrills. grills offer great taste and smoke flavor. Charcoal grills are generally less expensive than gas grills. Gas grills: They are better for you and the Convenience,environment. gas grills light up Temperatureimmediately. control, each burner typically has its own control knob. Fairly easy cleanup.
For medium-rare burgers, cook for 5 minutes total (135°F) For medium burgers, cook for 6 to 7 minutes total (145°F)
For well-done burgers, cook for 8 to 9 minutes total (160 °F)
To grill a perfect burger, you want to keep the grill’s temperature at medium-low to medium heat, which is usually between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the Grill at the Right Temperature Be careful not to go crazy with the flipping. You want the burgers to cook evenly and to the proper doneness (160 degrees Fahrenheit according to the USDA). So, the perfect burger will only be flipped once and only when it’s actually ready. Close that grill lid and let them cook. Burgers are ready to flip when you can easily slide the edge of a spatula underneath them and lift the edge gently.
For rare burgers, cook for 4 minutes total (125°F)
Please note that the USDA recommends cooking ground meats to an internal temperature of at least 160°F, which is well done without any pink in the center. Ground beef with an 80/20 mix is the best for grilled burgers—this means a mix 80 percent lean beef and 20 percent fat. You do not want to salt the burgers before you form them into patties. This will dissolve muscle proteins and dry out the meat too much. The best thing is to liberally season the patties with a simple mix of salt and pepper just before going on the grill. Less is more when it comes to mixing the ground beef and forming patties. If you overwork the meat by mixing it too much, you’ll break down the muscle fibers and collagen too much.
Charcoal vs. Gas Grill
Don't Over-Mix the Ground Beef
BBQ Sauce:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce Prepare the grill for direct cooking at high heat (450°F).
Extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt , to taste
Transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth (or use an immersion blender directly in the pan), about 30 seconds. Return to pan and simmer, if necessary, until sauce thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool, and use to baste grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops.
1 tbsp. canola oil
Stir in strawberries and Cabernet Sauvignon. Increase heat to medium-high, and cook until berries soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Add vinegar, sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire, maple syrup, garlic, and jalapeño. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 12 minutes. Let cool slightly.
1/2 medium onion, chopped Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 oz. strawberries, trimmed & quartered (about 3/4 cup)
Repeat on the other side. Cook until the breasts are firm to the touch and opaque all the way through, registering 160°F internal temp (the temp will rise to 165°F as the chicken rests).
3 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 to 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced BBQ Sauce:
Strawberry-Cabernet BBQ Sauce
1/3 c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. sugar 1/4 c. ketchup 2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp. pure maple syrup
1/2 c. Cabernet Sauvignon
BECKY LUIGART-STAYNER www.countryliving.com // www.foodiecrush.com
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes or until they easily release from the grates. Flip the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes Bastelonger.the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, flip and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
Transfer to a plate and cover with a piece of aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with more BBQ sauce if desired.
TheDIRECTIONS:BestBBQ Chicken & MIN25MIN204SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP
Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
Freshly ground black pepper , to taste
Brush the cooking grates clean. Drizzle the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil and rub over the breasts. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Blue Cheese Apple Slaw
1 shallot, thinly sliced 3 tbsp. olive oil 1 1/2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts Hamburger buns, split 1/2 c. ranch dressing
DIRECTIONS: Make the slaw: Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. Set aside. Make the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Combine hot sauce, butter, and ketchup in a bowl; reserve 1/4 cup Addmixture.chicken to remaining mixture and toss to coat. Marinate, 20 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Grill chicken, covered, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Grill buns until lightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread dressing on Servebuns. chicken topped with slaw and drizzled with reserved sauce between buns.
1/2 c. hot sauce (such as Frank's)
15 25 MIN 40 MIN 4 PREP COOKING SERVINGS
BRIAN WOODCOCK www.countryliving.com
1/4 c. unsalted butter, melted 3 tbsp. ketchup
Blue Cheese-Apple Slaw:
1 c. packed shredded savoy cabbage 1 small apple, sliced 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 1/2 oz. crumbled blue cheese (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 c. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
INGREDIENTS:
Transfer to a platter and serve with remaining Cheerwine sauce and spice mixture.
Place ribs on a rimmed baking sheet; wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Bake until tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Remove foil; rest 30 minutes.
Stir together paprika, chili powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, ginger, 4 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper in bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons spice mixture over ribs, dividing evenly.
Combine Cheerwine, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chili-garlic sauce, and 1 tablespoon spice mixture in a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 2 cups, 25 to 30 minutes.
Heat grill to medium. Grill ribs, basting with 1 cup of the Cheerwine sauce and turning frequently, until lightly charred and lacquered, 10 to 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
16 INGREDIENTS: SweetDIRECTIONS:Heat Cheerwine Baby Back Ribs 8to6HRS3MIN30SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 2 tsp. smoked paprika 2 tsp. chili powder 2 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. ground ginger Kosher salt and freshly ground black 2pepper(3-lb.) slabs baby back ribs 1 (12-oz.) bottle Cheerwine soft drink 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce 1/3 c. light brown sugar 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 tsp. chili-garlic sauce
BRIAN WOODCOCK www.countryliving.com
1/41/41/3sugarc.sugarc.honeyc.molasses 2 tsp. prepared mustard 1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire 1/4saucetsp. salt 1/4 tsp. liquid smoke 1/8 tsp. pepper
DIRECTIONS: Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat. Set aside 1 cup barbecue sauce to serve with burgers. Burgers: In a large bowl, combine the egg, oats, 1/4 cup of the remaining barbecue sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 6 patties. Grill, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 160°, 6-8 minutes on each side, basting with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice and reserved barbecue sauce. Sauce: 1 cup ketchup 1/2 c. packed brown
17 25 MIN 15 MIN 6 PREP COOKING SERVINGS Barbecued Burgers
www.tasteofhome.com
INGREDIENTS: 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1/3 c. quick-cooking oats 1/4 tsp. onion salt 1/4 tsp garlic salt 1/4 tsp pepper 1/8 tsp salt 1-1/2 pounds ground beef 6 hamburger buns, split Toppings of your choice
18 INGREDIENTS:
www.tasteofhome.com
2 (90% lean)
In a large bowl, combine beef, steak sauce and seasoned salt, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 16 thin patties.
Grill burgers, uncovered, over medium-high heat or broil 4 in. from heat 5-6 minutes on each side or until a thermometer inserted in meat portion reads 160°. Serve on rolls.
c. chopped sweet red pepper
1/4
1/4
MIN3010MIN8SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 2 bacon strips, finely chopped 2 c. chopped fresh mushrooms
Mushroom-StuffedDIRECTIONS:Cheeseburgers
c. chopped onion
c. chopped green pepper
Top eight of the patties with cheese, folding cheese to fit within 3/4 inch of edge. Spread with mushroom mixture. Top with remaining patties, pressing edges to enclose filling.
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In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir mushrooms, onion and peppers in bacon drippings until tender. Using slotted spoon, remove to a small bowl; cool completely. Stir in bacon.
lbs. lean ground beef
1/3 c. Panko bread crumbs
1 tbsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. cayenne more or less adjust to your taste
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
INGREDIENTS:
1 tbsp. olive oil plus more for cooking
Herbed Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to a mixing bowl and whip with an electric mix until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Stir in the basil, dill, parsley and a pinch of salt + pepper. This can be made a few days in advance and kept in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Pick your favorite toppings
1 lb. wild caught salmon skin removed
1/2 tsp. dried thyme 1/2 tsp. salt + pepper
Inburgers.asmall bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the burgers generously with the seasoning mix. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Cook burgers on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Be gentle when flipping the burgers, as they are Spreaddelicate.the bottom half of your toasted buns with the herbed cream cheese (recipe below). Top each bun with a salmon burger and then add your desired toppings. I highly recommend a slice of grilled pineapple! Add the top half of your bun. EAT! Herbed Cream Cheese: 8 oz. cream cheese softened 1/4 c. fresh basil finely chopped 2 tsp. fresh dill finely chopped 2 tsp. fresh parsley finely chopped salt + pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Add the salmon to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped and similar in size to ground chicken. Alternately, you can chop the salmon very finely with a sharp Addknife. the chopped salmon to a bowl with the Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan and olive oil. Mix with a spoon until just combined. Form into 4 equally sized burgers (or 2 large)
Blackened Salmon Burgers with Herbed Cream Cheese
19 15 MIN 15 MIN 4 PREP COOKING SERVINGS
www.halfbakedharvest.com
2 tbsp. dark brown sugar
4 smaller bagels or brioche burger buns toasted
2 tbsp. fresh grated Parmesan
20 Grill Corn Maple-Mustard Grilled Corn with Bacon 5Ways to Mexican-Style Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese and Lime Zest Classic Herbed Butter Grilled Corn Truffle Oil, Garlic, and Parmesan Grilled Corn GrilledBarbecue-GlazedCorn
In a small bowl, combine 2 garlic cloves, grated; 2 tablespoons olive oil; and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. During the last 15 minutes of grilling, baste corn with garlic-lemon oil. Transfer corn to a platter and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons white truffle oil and 2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano- Reggiano (about 1/2 cup). Serve immediately.
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In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup store-bought smoky barbecue sauce, 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. During the last 3 minutes of grilling, baste corn with sauce. Serve immediately.
12 ear corn Olive oil 1/4 c. maple syrup
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 pinch allspice 6 slice bacon Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and a pinch of allspice. Cook 6 slices of bacon until crisp, about 6 minutes; drain on paper towels. Finely chop bacon and set aside on a platter. During the last 3 minutes of grilling, baste corn with maple-mustard glaze. Roll corn in bacon. Serve immediately.
Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes.
1 1/2 c. sour cream 1 tbsp. grated lime zest 1/2 tsp. cumin 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 1 tablespoon grated lime zest, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Transfer corn to a platter and let cool slightly, about 3 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme; 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage; and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Transfer corn to a platter and brush each ear with about 1 teaspoon herbed butter. Serve immediately.
DIRECTIONS: Mexican-Style Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese and Lime Zest
12 ear corn olive oil
Truffle Oil, Garlic, and Parmesan Grilled Corn
DIRECTIONS:
INGREDIENTS:
12 ear corn Olive oil 1/4 c. smoky BBQ sauce 3 tbsp. finely chopped onion 2 tbsp. Honey 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes.
Classic Herbed Butter Grilled Corn
DIRECTIONS: Barbecue-Glazed Grilled Corn
2 ear corn Olive oil 2 clove garlic 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp. white truffle oil 2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Spread about 2 tablespoons sour cream mixture onto each cob. Sprinkle 3 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese (about 3/4 cup), or pecorino Romano, over corn. Serve immediately.
3 oz. Cotija cheese Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes.
DIRECTION:
12 ear corn olive oil 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh sage 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt Brush 12 husked ears with olive oil. Grill on medium-high until tender, about 20 minutes.
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS:
Maple-Mustard Grilled Corn with Bacon
22 INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS: Slow Cooker Baked Beans 12MIN25HRS10MIN20SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 1 lb. dried navy beans Cooking spray 6 strips uncooked bacon, chopped 1/2 c. packed light brown sugar 1/2 c. ketchup 1/2 c. molasses 2 tbsp. dried mustard 1 tsp. smoked paprika 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1/8 tsp. ground cloves 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 sweet onion, chopped Kosher salt
HECTOR SANCHEZ www.countryliving.com
Soak beans in 3 quarts cold water 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Place beans and half of bacon in prepared slow cooker. Stir together brown sugar, ketchup, molasses, mustard, paprika, pepper, cloves, Worcestershire, onion, and 2 cups water in a bowl. Pour over beans. Top with remaining bacon. Cover and cook on low until beans are tender and liquid has thickened, 8 to 10 hours. Season with salt.
2 scallions, thinly sliced 1/2 c. fresh basil, torn
1/2 small jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp. pure honey
1/2 tsp. lemon zest, plus 1/2 a whole lemon
DIRECTIONS: Set up grill for direct cooking and heat to mediumhigh. Once hot, clean and lightly oil grates with canola oil. Brush zucchini and squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill zucchini, squash, and lemon half, cut sides down, until charred and just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; cut zucchini and squash into 2-inch pieces. Squeeze juice from grilled lemon into a bowl. Add lemon zest, jalapeño, honey, and remaining tablespoon olive oil and whisk to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Add zucchini, squash, scallions, and basil and toss to combine.
23 15 MIN 35 MIN 8 PREP COOKING SERVINGS Grilled Summer Squash with Lemon-Scallion Dressing HECTOR M. SANCHEZ www.countryliving.com INGREDIENTS:
3 small zucchini (about 1 pound), halved 3lengthwisesmallyellow squash (about 1 pound), halved 2lengthwisetbsp.olive oil, divided Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil for grill grates
24 INGREDIENTS:
Tear off eight 18-inch sheets of foil and fold each in half. Toss the potatoes, onion and poblanos in a large bowl with the melted butter, heavy cream, paprika, granulated garlic, parsley, salt and a generous amount of pepper.
Poblano-PotatoDIRECTIONS: Bundles SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP
MIN25MIN158
DAVID MALOSH www.thepioneerwoman.com
Preheat a grill to medium.
2 lbs. russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into chunks 1 large onion, roughly chopped 2 large poblano chile peppers, seeded and thinly sliced 1 stick salted butter, melted 1/2 c. heavy cream 2 tbsp. paprika 2 tsp. granulated garlic 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tsp. kosher salt Black pepper, to taste
Divide the potato mixture among the folded foil sheets, piling it in the center. Bring the edges of the foil together and tightly seal into packets. Grill, moving and turning the packets often to make sure they cook evenly, until the potatoes are tender, about 25 minutes.
INGREDIENTS: Kosher salt, to taste 8 oz. fusilli or rotini 3/4 c. Basic Pesto 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp. white wine vinegar Black pepper, to taste 1 8.5-oz can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered 8 oz. feta cheese, cubed 1 small cucumber, chopped 1 c. grape tomatoes, halved 1/2 c. pitted kalamata olives, halved
DIRECTIONS:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking the pesto with the olive oil, vinegar, a large pinch of salt, and some pepper in a small bowl. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water. Allow it to dry slightly, then toss in a bowl with 4 to 5 tablespoons of the pesto dressing. (Add a bit more if you want the pasta to be more coated.)
Taste and season with salt, if needed. Add the artichoke hearts, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to the pasta. Spoon the remaining dressing all over the top and gently toss again.
25 20 MIN 10 MIN 4 - 6 PREP COOKING SERVINGS Greek Pesto Pasta Salad RYAN DAUSCH www.thepioneerwoman.com
26 INGREDIENTS: WhiteDIRECTIONS:Balsamic Blueberry, Corn and Feta Salad MIN3020MIN10SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 8 medium ears sweet corn 3 tbsp. olive oil 3 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp. minced fresh chives, plus more for 3/4garnishtsp.kosher salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 c. fresh blueberries 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 in. of bottoms; remove silk. Rewrap corn in husks; secure with kitchen string. Place in a stockpot; cover with cold water. Soak 20 minutes; drain. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat about 20 minutes or until tender, turning often. Cut string and peel back husks. Cool slightly. Cut corn from cobs; transfer to a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, chives, salt and pepper. Pour over corn; toss to coat. Gently fold in blueberries and feta. Garnish with additional chives as www.tasteofhome.comdesired.
1/2 tsp. strawberry jam (or jam of choice)
1/4 c. olive oil 1 garlic clove, grated or finely minced 1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS: In a mason jar or small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients. Shake or mix well to combine. Taste and add additional salt/pepper, if necessary. Toast the almonds on the stovetop: Add the almonds to a pan and place over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2-5 minutes until almonds are slightly golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Add spinach to a large bowl, layer on the strawberries, avocado slices, red onion, feta, toasted almonds, and chopped pistachios. Feel free to add dressing now or set it out for individual servings. Top salad bowls with extra toasted almonds and drizzle each bowl with 1/4 of the dressing.
27 20 MIN 2 MIN 4 PREP COOKING SERVINGS Summer Strawberry Spinach Salad with Avocado www.ambitiouskitchen.com INGREDIENTS: 1 package (5 oz.) organic spinach 8 oz. strawberries, halved (about 2 cups halved 1strawberries)largeavocado, sliced 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 c. feta crumbles 1/3 c. raw sliced almonds 1/4 c. chopped shelled roasted pistachios
Balsamic Strawberry Vinaigrette: 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
RainbowDIRECTIONS: Salad SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP
Toss bananas in lemon juice; place in a 4-qt. glass serving bowl. Add remaining fruit in layers. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and the lime juice and zest. Stir in a small amount of whipped cream; mix well. Fold in remaining whipped cream. Spread over fruit. Chill until
serving.www.tasteofhome.com
28 INGREDIENTS:
20MIN200MIN
2 large firm bananas, sliced 2 tbsp. lemon juice 2 c. seeded cubed watermelon 2 c. fresh or canned pineapple chunks 1 pint fresh blueberries 3 kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced 1 pint fresh strawberries, halved 6 ouz cream cheese, softened 1/3 c. confectioners' sugar 2 tbsp. fresh lime juice 1/2 tsp. grated lime zest 1 c. heavy whipping cream, whipped
Fruit
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Canola oil, for grill grates large Honeycrisp apple, cored and cut into twenty-four 1/8-inch slices 2 tbsp. olive oil Kosher salt and ground black pepper oz. thinly sliced prosciutto 1 (3-ounce) log goat cheese, crumbled 1/4 c. chopped salted pistachios 4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme honey, for drizzling
29 30 MIN 10 MIN 6 to 8 PREP COOKING SERVINGS Grilled Apples with Prosciutto and Honey HECTOR M. SANCHEZ www.countryliving.com INGREDIENTS:
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Pure
DIRECTIONS:
Heat grill to medium heat. Once hot, clean and oil grill grates with canola oil. Brush apple slices with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Wrap with prosciutto, dividing evenly. Grill over direct heat, uncovered and turning once, just until grill marks appear, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter and top with goat cheese, pistachios, and thyme. Drizzle with honey.
WILL DICKEY
30 INGREDIENTS: HomemadeDIRECTIONS: Dole Whip MIN30MIN34SERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 3/4 c. pineapple juice 1 c. vanilla ice cream 2 c. frozen pineapple 1 tbsp. lime juice
Pinch of sea salt In a high-powered blender, combine the pineapple juice, vanilla ice cream, frozen pineapple, lime juice and salt. Blend on medium-high speed, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. Scoop and Alternatively,serve.transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine. www.thepioneerwoman.com
DIRECTIONS: Spray a 9×9 baking tin with non-stick baking spray and set aside. In a large heavy bottom pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir to combine. Continue to stir until fully melted, and then add in the pulverized graham crackers and incorporate into the marshmallows. Add the rice krispie cereal and stir to combine. Once combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on Covertop.the top with the additional marshmallows and let set for at least 30 minutes. Using a blow torch, or the broiled in your oven, torch the top of the final marshmallow layer for 15 second increments until the marshmallows are toasted. Cut and serve as needed.
5 c. Rice Krispies
31 20 MIN 10 MIN 8 PREP COOKING SERVINGS S’more Rice Krispies www.whatsgabycooking.com INGREDIENTS: 3 tbsp. butter
cereal
chips
10 ounces mini marshmallows plus an extra 2 cups, divided 1/4 c. pulverized graham crackers
1/3 c. mini chocolate
www.tasteofhome.comset.
Freeze chocolate chips and peanut butter cups until partially frozen, about 15
Meanwhile,minutes. in a large saucepan, combine peanut butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Cook and stir over low heat until blended. Remove from heat; stir in Rice Krispies and pretzels until coated. Let stand 5 minutes; gently fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter cups until just Dropcombined.bytablespoonfuls onto waxed paper; let stand until
32 INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Bites MIN205MIN5DOZENSERVINGSCOOKINGPREP 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips 4 peanut butter cups (3/4 oz. each), chopped 1-1/3 c. creamy peanut butter 1 cup sugar 1 c. light corn syrup 4 c. Rice Krispies 1 c. broken pretzels
Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners then place an Oreo into the bottom of each cup. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth, then beat in powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Add heavy cream and beat until fluffy and stiff peaks form. Spoon cream cheese mixture over Oreos. Using a small spoon, dollop a small amount of blueberry preserves into the center of each cheesecake. Use a toothpick (or a small skewer) to Refrigerateswirl. until firm, about 4 hours.
INGREDIENTS: 12 lemon Oreos 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened 3/4 c. powdered sugar 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. lemon zest 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Pinch of kosher salt 1 1/2 c. heavy cream 1/4 c. blueberry preserves
Lemon-BlueberrySERVINGS Mini Cheesecakes
PARK FEIERBACH www.delish.com
DIRECTIONS:
33 15 MIN 4 HRS 12 PREP COOKING
What Does An Mean For The Housing Market?
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ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN
According to Mortgage Specialists:
As the chart shows, historically, each time the economy slowed down, mortgage rates decreased. Fortune.com helps explain the trend like this:
According to a recent survey, more and more Americans are concerned about a possible recession. Those concerns were validated when the Federal Reserve met and confirmed they were strongly committed to bringing down inflation. And, in order to do so, they’d use their tools and influence to slow down the economy.
All of this brings up many fears and questions around how it might affect our lives, our jobs, and business overall. And one concern many Americans have is: how will this affect the housing market? We know how economic slowdowns have impacted home prices in the past, but how could this next slowdown affect real estate and the cost of financing a home?
“Throughout history, during a recessionary period, interest rates go up at the beginning of the recession. But in order to come out of a recession, interest rates are lowered to stimulate the economy moving forward.”
And in many cases, they continued to fall after the fact as it takes some time to turn things around even when the recession is technically over.”
And while history doesn’t always repeat itself, we can learn from it. While an economic slowdown needs to happen to help taper inflation, it hasn’t always been a bad thing for the housing market. Typically, it has meant that the cost to finance a home has gone down, and that’s a good thing.
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“Over the past five recessions, mortgage rates have fallen an average of 1.8 percentage points from the peak seen during the recession to the trough.
Concerns of a recession are rising. As the economy slows down, history tells us this would likely mean lower mortgage rates for those looking to refinance or buy a home. While no one knows exactly what the future holds, you can make the right decision for yourself by working with a trusted loan originator to get expert advice on what’s happening in the housing market and what that means for your homeownership goals. Bottom Line
Here’s the data to back that up. If you look back at each recession going all the way to the early 1980s, here’s what happened to mortgage rates during those times (see chart below):
Eating healthy can also have positive effects on your mental health.
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Small Swaps to HealthierEat
Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight
Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers Supports healthy pregnancies and breast feeding
May help you live longer Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy Supports muscles Boosts Strengthensimmunitybones
BENEFITS OF EATING HEALTHY ACCORDING TO THE CDC:
Numerous studies have been conducted to show a link between healthy eating and an increase in mental health.
Making easy, small swaps to your diet can lead to a healthier diet, and result in a multitude of benefits.
Helps the digestive system function
EASY FOOD SWAPS FOR YOU:
Eating a well-balanced diet is extremely important to provide your body with the right nutrients. What’s most important is finding a diet that works for you. Don’t restrict yourself, enjoy the foods you like, just try some of these swaps whenever possible. Focus on eating whole foods, and make your dishes with the appropriate ratio of carbs, fats, and protein. Below are a few options of what a balanced plate can look like:
Use olive oil spray for cooking instead of olive Swapoildressing and condiments for light or sugar-free options
Swap Steel Cut Oatmeal for Instant TryOatmealout noodle substitutes such as zucchini, squash, quinoa pasta, and rice
Eat nuts instead of Chips
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Eat breakfast around eggs, not meat. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt
Trypasta.using chickpea flatbread instead of regular dough for pizzas
Photo provided by: Jacked Nutrition
If you struggle with getting in veggies or fruits, try making smoothies packed full of fruit and veggies. You can even add protein to your shakes to get more protein into your diet! The most important thing to remember when trying to eat healthy eating is to simply find a method that is sustainable for you.
TIPS
Eat veggies and hummus before diving into Swapsweetssweet snack mixes for popcorn
Eat smaller portions Eliminate sugary soda with seltzers or flavored water
Energy Efficiency – It comes with the territory that newer means more efficient. Incorporating newer technology, appliances, air conditioning, etc. can help you keep energy costs and environmental impact lower.
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Customizable – In the same way, as your new construction is being built, you have the ability to customize it to your tastes. Older homes are already established and have their own character. Buying a new construction home can give you the option to tie in a little of your own personality.
More Amenities – Having parks, restaurants, gyms, and other luxurious amenities within your neighborhood has become a common theme among newer communities. If you prefer having everything you need within walking distance of your home, you may be better suited to a newer build.
New - It may seem obvious but when it comes to purchasing a new construction home, you are guaranteed to be the first resident, with new amenities, flooring, kitchen appliances, and more all untouched. If you appreciate that new home smell, buying a new construction can give you the clean slate you’re looking for.
PROS: 10 10
Low Maintenance – Newer homes are also built with materials and techniques that are up to today’s code which can lead to lower maintenance costs over the long-term.
Pros and Cons of New Construction Homes
CONS:
Less Room for Negotiation – Don’t expect to be able to haggle with the builder of a new construction home. Their pricing is established and much less open to flexibility.
Less Mature Landscaping – Depending on where you are moving, this may be less of an issue but something to consider with new construction is the landscaping. You may need to wait several years before the greenery is fully mature.
Higher cost – While there are ways to reduce your regular expenses with a new home, there are some things that can make them more expensive. During construction, if you’re interested in making any changes or upgrades, just know that they don’t come cheap. Also keep a lookout for higher property taxes as the value of your home is determined.
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Quality is Variable – Depending on the builder, the quality of your new home could be hit or miss. Just be sure to vet the community and builder you are interested in before making any commitments.
Longer timeline – The first downside of a new construction home is the longer timeline. With an older build, once you’ve found your dream home, it is only a matter of time before you can move in. When it comes to buying a new build, you’ll have to consider the design and construction processes in your moving schedule.
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MUST-TRY END OF
Summer Gardening Trends
If you are excited to reap the rewards of your hard work, you should know edible plants go beyond fruits and veggies. Certain types of clover, bushes, roots, and flowers are edible and can be great additions to your backyard garden, especially if you’re going for biodiversity. Dandelions, for example, are far more than an obnoxious weed. Every part of a dandelion is edible at every stage of life, you can even use it to make teas. Be a conscious consumer of produce and know what you can start growing at home. Don’t forget to do your research on edible plant-safe fertilizer, pesticides, etc., and what you can grow responsibly where you live.
Gardening in small spaces takes creativity and we are stepping up. From creative displays to splashes of color and even multipurpose plants, balcony gardens are an exciting new trend to try out. We are also seeing an increase in recycled materials like tires, old vases, and teapots. Easily incorporate beautiful colors with stunning, summer-proof flowers. Combine them with planters covered with exciting patterns, shades, and textures for a little living art right on your balcony.
OF 2022
EDIBLE GREENS BALCONY GARDENS
Why not choose a beautiful front garden that is not only good for the environment but less work for you? This trend might just be here to stay. Houseplants have been a fan favorite for a few years now, and there is no decline in sight. Houseplants are a sure way to add color, life, and fun to your indoor space, not to mention their other awesome benefits. Typically the easiest house plants to care for according to bloomscape are:
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The traditional green lawn is out and sustainable alternatives are on the rise. Lawns of the past were difficult to maintain, a drain on water and other natural resources, and a pollutant to the environment. Today’s modern twist on lawns involves native plants, flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds, and even creeping ground plants that can imitate traditional lawns.
Green thumbs are back in season! The past few years have seen many of us dusting off our gardening gear to get outdoors and keep active. But what end of summer gardening trends can we expect to bloom in 2022?
SUSTAINABLE LAWN ALTERNATIVES HOUSEPLANTS, HOUSEPLANTS, AND MORE HOUSEPLANTS • Monstera Plants • Sansevieria • ZZ Plant • Spider Plant • Hedgehog Aloe • Aglaonemas
Back To School For most, school is already underway, for others it’s just around the corner! Whatever the case, the best way to tackle the new school year is to be organized. Whether you are a parent or a student we have curated some helpful tips.
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Organization Tips
Having a command station by the door or any area in your home that makes sense is super crucial. This can be a place where kids can hang their coats, backpacks, lunches, keys, shoes, and anything else they may need to grab on the way out.
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Having a family schedule by your command station can be extremely beneficial. This way everyone is in the loop, and no one misses an important practice, ceremony, or exam date. Or you can go digital and sign up for apps such as Cozi, which allows you to sync your calendar with the whole fam!
PACK IT UP HAVE A PROJECT STASH ROLLING STORAGE CART
It may sound odd, but an overthe-door shoe organizer can act as a great storage solution for extra school supplies without taking up much space. Ensure there is an organized clean space to execute homework. With a whirlwind of at-home and virtual school these past few years, most have probably already designated a space to do their schoolwork. Be sure to update this space to adapt to the needs of your students in 2022. This over-the-door hanger is sleek and extremely helpful for organizing important documents.
SHOE ORGANIZER HOMEWORK CENTER OVER THE DOOR ORGANIZER
In the spirit of planning your week, most can save a huge amount of time by pre-planning their meals for the week! Check out this magnetic meal planner that you can stick to your fridge, that includes a space to make your grocery list!
Keep spare school necessities in the car, so that you are always prepared in case of emergencies or in need of forgotten items at home. You can choose cute baggies or car organizers to keep these in. Start a collection of basic project necessities, including but not limited to posterboards, markers, stickers, note cards, glue sticks, etc. This can help avoid any last-minute panic trips to the store to get the right supplies for a project due the next day.
COMMAND STATION PLAN IT OUT MEAL PLANNER FRIDGE MAGNET
If you do gather a project stash, this cart is perfect for storing extra materials, or craft supplies so you can tuck them away nicely!
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