Creating Room To Breathe

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With free in-home or virtual consultations, ClosetsbyDesign will assess your space and create a layout that is a ordable and customized to meet your individual needs. For more information and locations, visit www.closetsbydesign.com or call 704.588.7272. THERE ARE CERTAIN DATES on the calendar that always seem to spur me into action. January 1 prompts me to refocus on healthy eating. February 14 reminds me to make my mammogram appointment. And on April 1, I get the itch to start spring cleaning.

e shift to warmer weather makes April the perfect month to clean out every area of your home. Start with your closet. As your wardrobe transitions to sandals and sun dresses, it’s a great time to assess whether that outdated coat was worn this year, or if those favorite black boots have seen better days. If you haven’t worn it, let it go.

Letting go can be hard for some of us. Some items hold sentimental value, which keeps them hanging unused in our closet. Others feel too good to let go. Who likes to toss a piece of clothing that still has the tags on it?

e way to overcome this emotional resistance is to shift the focus away from the guilt of throwing away and focus more on the gift of giving to the needy. Items that do nothing more than take up space in your closet can change the life of someone less fortunate if you donate them. ere are many tax-deductible outlets for clothing. I always try to think local rst. Two that top my list are Safe Alliance and e Hope House in Huntersville. Dress for Success is another outstanding organization for women. Each Dress for Success client receives a suit when she has a job interview, which she can then return for work clothes when she nds employment. is global organization has a location right here in Charlotte on Clanton Road. If you come across worn bedsheets or towels, you can donate them too. Local animal shelters are in constant need of these items.

Now that you’re on a roll, don’t stop at your closet. As meals transition to lighter fare, it’s prime time to go through your pantry and donate canned goods that you haven’t used this season. Food pantries are always in need of items, particularly canned vegetables and fruits, co ee, rice, baby food and formula, powdered milk, canned meats, peanut butter, and sugar. Some great local sources are e Mooresville/ Lake Norman Christian Mission, Loaves & Fishes, Ada Jenkins Food Pantry, and the Mooresville Soup Kitchen.

Don’t forget your garage! A warm spring day is the perfect time to get outside and clean out that oft-forgotten room. ink about how many times you go in and out of your garage a day. Wouldn’t it be nice to get rid of that old furniture or the pile of toys the kids no longer use so you could pull your car into a clean, organized space? Garages are lled with treasures for charities like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity, which sell them to support their programs, or use them to help give a family their rst furnished home.

An organized space is a great gift to give to yourself and to others as well … and will make next year’s spring cleaning so much easier! w

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We know how busy life can get—kids, work, family, friends … sometimes just getting dinner on the table is a Herculean feat! So in an effort to save our readers some time, effort, and money here are a few tips, tricks, and hacks that might come in handy in your busy world!

FANCY FRENCH TOAST

Use pound cake instead of bread then add rum or bourbon to maple syrup along with some butter and let it reduce on the stove to form a thick syrup for a festive brunch item! NOTE: Use stovetop; it is dangerous to warm alcohol in a microwave!

EGGS-ELLENT!

WHAT CAN’T YOU PUT SALSA ON?

TIPS,

& HACKS

Once you take the pit out of an avocado, it is the perfect place for an egg! Bake in 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes and top with crumbled bacon, cheese, and green onion.

Plenty of folks put salsa on their eggs but try this: Empty some salsa into a medium skillet and bring to a simmer; crack in eggs and cook to desired hardness.

EASTER BRUNCH EDITION!

INDIVIDUAL PORTIONS— SAFE & CUTE!

SAUSAGE-BALL WAFFLES

Start with the simple recipe that combines ground pork sausage with cheddar cheese and Bisquick® (recipe on box) then simply press the balls in your wa e iron. Maple syrup is delicious on them or put an egg between two pieces for an amazing breakfast sandwich. (*NOTE: Shred your own cheese! Do NOT use preshredded cheese in a bag as it is coated with cellulose and does not melt properly.) In today’s environment, individual servings are all the rage and it gives you a chance to get creative in the kitchen … and you can avoid sharing one-pot dishes where germs can spread more readily. Try breakfast casseroles in ramekins, and how cute are these mini-skillet brunch desserts?! (visit www.tasteofhome.com for recipes) w