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Three ways to enjoy the great indoors 3 Weather not so nice today? It can be easy to feel restless when you’re spending the day indoors. But there are plenty of ways to have fun at home. From redecorating to catching up on your favorite book, the discount experts at Dollar General are sharing some time-tested ideas for occupying your time in the “great indoors.” Reorganize and Redecorate Spend an afternoon organizing and adding personal touches to the rooms that your family enjoys the most. It can be a faster and more enjoyable task than you might think, if you are properly prepared. Consider purchasing affordable, decorative baskets to hold papers, toys, books and other items that can clutter your home. Once organized, you can add accent pillows and decorative accessories like lamps, throws and pictures to complete the look.
Movie Day! Instead of making a trip to the movie theater, bring the
movie theater home -- complete with all the trimmings. Gather some of your favorite movies,
snacks and candies for your own little film festival. Consider sticking to a theme, like a favorite ac-
tor, genre or era. This is a great way to spend time indoors with family and friends. Snack smart by looking for money-saving coupons. You can find great deals by downloading Dollar General digital coupons online at dollargeneral.com/ coupons or through the Dollar General mobile app for smartphones. Digital coupons are an easy way to save on favorite items. Catch Up On Reading Spend a relaxing afternoon checking off books on your “must read” list. Set up a quiet, comfortable space for reading and be sure to leave your smartphone in another room, so you won’t be tempted by interruptions. Make it a group activity by creating reading challenges between those in your family or even joining a book club. Whether curled up with a book or hosting friends for a movie extravaganza, never underestimate the fun you can have indoors. -StatePoint
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4 Holiday cooking and gift ideas for foodies Real Estate
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Whether one aspires to culinary greatness or prefers whipping up cozy family meals, all cooks appreciate quality kitchen equipment. Here are some ways you can beef up your kitchen in time to prepare large holiday feasts, and some ideas to help you shop for the chefs and foodies in your life. Cutting Boards The right cutting board should last for decades, neither warping nor splitting. It should also not dull one’s knives. Seek out a cutting board that is stable on your countertop and will respond well to your particular set of knives. Maintain wooden cutting boards by regularly oiling them in order to reduce their porousness. For meats, look for highquality plastic cutting boards, which are easy to sanitize. Just be sure to toss these cutting boards after they are worn out, as they are more prone to harbor bacteria after wear and tear. High-Quality Cookware Go-to staples need to be
high-quality and highly-functional. A fry pan, for instance, should heat evenly, be very responsive to temperature, and ideally be ergonomic. While great cookware such as this usually comes with a premium price tag, you can usually capitalize on good deals at this time of year. For example, Hammer Stahl, an American made kitchenware brand known for quality and performance, is currently offering a two-piece set of stainless steel multi-clad fry pans (8.5-inch and 10.5-inch) with a lifetime warranty at half the regular price, giving holiday shoppers an opportunity to affordably stock up kitchens with premier go-to pans. Great for frying, sautéing, searing and browning, their flat bottoms and curved sides make tossing and flipping food easy. Immersion Blender Space-saving, versatile and affordable, an immersion blender is perfect for any cook, however many people find their kitchens without one. Perfect for cre-
ating smooth purees, soups, and pesto, they also require less clean-up than full-size blenders or food processors, something to keep in mind when prepping a complicated holiday feast, or looking to simplify weeknight dinners. Professional-Quality Cutlery Good knives are the foundation of a well-equipped kitchen. No other tool will improve the joy of cooking quite like a good chef’s knife. A dull, awkward knife is not only a hassle to use, but dangerous too. Both advanced chefs and beginner cooks will benefit from top-quality high-carbon, stainless steel knives, such as the new Hammer Stahl 6-inch chef knife and the 5.5-inch Santoku knife. Made in the tradition of the great German knife makers, the handles are ergonomically designed with a comfortable grip to reduce fatigue. All Hammer Stahl knives are heirloom quality and guaranteed for life. For more information, visit ham-
merstahl.com/holidaygiftguide. “These are not intimidating knives. A shorter blade gives you more control over the knife, and is excellent for most basic tasks like slicing vegetables or chopping fresh herbs,” said Bobby
Griggs, vice president, Hammer Stahl. This holiday season, treat yourself and loved ones to topquality kitchen gear that can pave the way to better cooking. -StatePoint
Fire and fireplace safety tips offered 5 The holiday season is full of family, friendship and good cheer, but it’s important to keep in mind that this time of year can also pose specific safety risks, particularly around the use of candles, fire and heating products. In 2015, one home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle associated with this time of year may mean you are paying less attention to safety precautions. To protect your family and home, check out these tips. Safety Devices Double check all of your home’s safety devices, including carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms for functionality and to ensure batteries are still working. Doing so will offer you greater peace of mind during a time of year with additional fire risks. Fireplaces Nothing beats the charm and warmth of a fireplace, particularly around the holidays when the family is gathered together. Heatilator, a leader in fireplace safety and the number one fireplace brand used by homebuilders, began including safety screens as standard equipment more than a decade before rules required the use of this equipment in new fireplace installations. As a pioneer in the field of fireplace safety, they offer these tips: • Ensure gas fireplaces are outfitted with safety screens. Check out Heatilator, which offers retrofit safety screens. • Never leave children or pets unattended near a lit fireplace or one that was recently turned off. Safety screens are meant to protect against contact with hot glass, but remember that the metal can also heat up, and your heating equipment -- fireplaces, stoves, inserts and their surrounding material -- will remain hot for some time after use. • Ensure gifts, trees, and holiday décor are all placed a safe distance away from the fireplace. • Consider annual maintenance for both wood-burning and gas fireplaces, as recommended by experts.
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• Learn more by visiting heatilator.com for additional fireplace safety tips and to learn about safety screens. Candles Candles can be a feast for the senses, but they are also a major
cause of accidents and house fires, especially when your home is decked out with extra combustible décor. Don’t burn candles near curtains, trees and other flammable objects. Never leave candles unat-
tended. Ensure all flames are extinguished before leaving a room and before going to sleep. If you have pets or children, make sure any open flames are well out of their reach and consider alternatives such as candle
warmers. The greatest holiday gift you can give this season is the gift of safety. While decking the halls, take steps to make your home safer, too. -StatePoint
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Eye exams and clear vision empower students
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Every child deserves the opportunity to excel in the classroom, and clear vision empowers students to perform up to twice as well in school, according to research from the Rural Education Action Program. In fact, experts at The Vision Council confirm that 80 percent of children’s learning occurs through visual processing. Unfortunately, many kids are missing out by not getting proper eye care. Thirty-five percent of children have never seen a vision care professional, according to The Vision Care Institute. And of those that do take and fail a vision screening, a large portion don’t receive follow-up from an eye care professional. “An eye exam should be part of every family’s healthcare check list to help ensure children reach their full
potential in the classroom,” says Lisa Curcuruto, Focus on Sight program manager at OneSight, an independent nonprofit that provides underserved students and communities worldwide with comprehensive eye exams and glasses. “Through the OneSight Focus on Sight program, we are committed to helping students in need and their families have access to vision care and glasses. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to excel.” Parents should periodically check in with children to ask how school is going and if they are having any trouble seeing the board. Many kids don’t share their vision struggles with parents or teachers and lose interest in the classroom. Families can also help all students see better and succeed in school by providing eye care to children in need.
OneSight works with local communities to provide vision care to students during their school day. Consider making a donation to OneSight, which works with school-based health centers to integrate vision care into their healthcare offerings. The OneSight school-based vision centers provide students in need and their families access to comprehensive eye exams, quality glasses and repair of glasses. In addition, the vision centers can provide referrals to ophthalmologists for complicated eye issues and education on the importance of eye health and wellness. To learn more, visit onesight.org/learn. The importance of clear vision can’t be overstated. Help kids make the most of school by ensuring they have the vision care they need to succeed in the classroom. -StatePoint
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Add a unique twist to holiday decor this season
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We all love our holiday traditions, and that includes the way we deck the halls -from special ornaments to favorite festive wreaths. However, you may be looking for ways to revamp the tried-and-true look, especially when entertaining friends and family. Here are some unique ideas for adding a twist to your usual holiday decorating routine. Mix and Match Add dynamism and vitality to your home by infusing older, vintage elements that you’ve had and enjoyed for years with more modern pieces that speak to you today. You can also breathe new life into these items by using them differently this year – for example, moving your favorite
garland from the bannister to the mantel, or hanging a wreath on a wall instead of a door. Think Scent When many people plan their holiday decorations, they start with visuals. Why not try mixing it up by focusing on fragrance first? Scent is closely associated with memory, so adding holiday fragrances to your home allows you to both build new memories for future seasons and reflect on happy times in the past. For inspiration, draw on the vibrant spirit and brisk weather that the holidays bring. Use candles to add a finishing touch to a holiday gathering. They also make for a great host or hostess gift. Check out the new holiday fragrance lineup from Yankee Candle, which offers
both classic favorites, as well as new modern takes on traditional themes. Fragrances include “All is Bright,” a blend of citrus on warm musk, “Bubbly Pomegranate,” a mix of juicy berries, pomegranate and citrus, “Alpine Martini,” a tart concoction spiked with mountain berries and fresh snipped pine, and “Christmas Thyme,” a lemongrass and thyme scent that’s mingled with sandalwood and musk. For holiday inspiration, visit www.YankeeCandle.com. Get Cozy Incorporate wintry throw pillows, quilts and blankets into living areas. Fabrics like table runners and tapestries can also add warmth around the house. Crank up the fireplace. Be sure that all your efforts work to combat the brisk sea-
son with a touch of coziness. Beautiful Tablescapes When hosting guests, don’t just set the table, create an impressive and unforgettable tablescape. One sleek and modern way to do so is to add candles, tumblers, vases, ornamental table toppers, fresh greens and seasonal flowers. Tumbler candles, such as those from Yankee Candle, come in various sizes and designs, so you can stagger the heights for eye-catching appeal. Consider using their Pure Radiance candles that feature a crackling LumiWick, creating a soothing sound that evokes a fireside. This season, add fragrance, beauty, and brightness to your home with unique twists on traditional holiday themes. -StatePoint
Smart nutrition tips for healthy families 9 Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for children, as it is directly linked to all aspects of their growth and development. Childhood obesity affects one in six children and adolescents in the United States. Though associated with elevated risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, bone and joint problems, and sleep apnea, among other health problems, childhood obesity can usually be prevented. “Families should focus on the importance of healthful eating and active lifestyles,” says Kristi King, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson. “Parents can inspire kids to eat healthfully by getting them involved in shopping and preparing your family’s meals.” Before You Head to the Store Create a shopping list together, so your kids feel like they are part of the decision making process.
“Include food items from each of the ‘MyPlate’ food groups from the USDA, which include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy,” says King. Before you head out the door, grab your reusable shopping bag to reduce waste.
Wash your bag regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. At the Store Once you get to the store, shop together and encourage children to pick a few new foods they would like to try.
“Talk about foods’ colors, shapes, flavors and textures as you shop,” says King. “And take time to read the food labels. This not only helps kids understand nutrition concepts, but also gives them a chance to practice reading skills.”
Back at Home When you return home, involve children in putting groceries away -- especially foods that require refrigeration or freezing. Refrigerate perishable food items promptly and properly. “Explain to your kids the importance of refrigerating perishable foods within two hours,” King says. “And remember, the clock starts when you pull an item from the refrigerated case at the store, so head straight home after your shopping trip if you have perishables in the car.” For more healthful eating tips, recipes, videos and more, visit KidsEatRight.org. As role models, parents and caregivers play a vital role in children’s nutrition -- teaching children about healthful foods and making sure kids get enough physical activity each day. “Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area to ensure your family is getting all of the necessary nutrients,” says King. -StatePoint
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10 Tips to transform your home this season Real Estate
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Transition your interior décor when temperatures drop -it’s a great time to tap into your creativity and make a statement. Here are some ideas -- big and small -- to freshen up your home this season. Play with Colors When the weather is cool, think rich colors like plum, navy and amber. Bringing in a unique color palette will inspire you to make other changes as well, from painting a fireplace to adding an accent wall to incorporating a tile backsplash. Make-Over a Room Make your home cozier by installing a soft, but durable carpet. Just remember to consider your household dynamics when making a selection. “Those with pets or children will want to keep in mind that spills and stains can be a common occurrence and select a family-friendly carpet,” says Jennifer Bertrand, Designer for Flooring America and Flooring Canada.
Make life easier with material designed to release pet hair and reduce pet stains. For example, the Stainmaster PetProtect Carpet and Cushion system is designed with pets in mind and is extremely durable to withstand the activity of a busy family with pets. More information on this system can be found at FlooringAmerica.com.
Pillows Have fun turning vintage wool blankets into pillows. Or if you just want to purchase items, seek out plaid patterns or materials that are full of textures and heavier weights. If you have pets, be wary of knit pillows, as animal hair can get stuck in the material. Look for tight weave fabric to fit into your lifestyle.
Capture Some Art Update your framed photos around the house. If you have children, let them get creative and contribute to the overall design. Give them the phone or tablet and let them capture what the season means to them: nature, family, friends or whatever! Paint Together Change your front door color. Have fun with colors like spice
amber, plum, navy, black, or whatever color makes your heart happy. Or paint a piece of furniture with a lacquer paint to add a high sheen and a fun splash of color. Cooler weather means cozier interiors. Take steps to change your décor to suit the changing weather. -StatePoint
Five steps to prep your home for winter weather
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This winter, stay ahead of frost and freezing temperatures by taking some easy steps to get your home ready for the cold months ahead. If you’re not sure where to start, there are some quick step-by-step directions to get you in the DIY spirit. How to seal off drafts: Windows and doors are the biggest culprits of drafts in your home, but there are products that make sealing them simple. While product packaging often provides instruction, online videos may be a better resource. For instance, Duck brand provides a step-by-step tutorial for how to seal window drafts with its RollOn Window Kit and Heavy Duty Weatherstrip Seals, which
provide tight barriers to keep warm air in and cold air out. Or, for drafty doors with thick gaps, the Double Draft Seal easily slides onto the bottom of doors to block unwanted chill. Visit duckbrand.com to learn more. How to prevent freezing pipes: Every winter there are billions of dollars in insured losses due to burst pipes and other winter-related damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To prevent frozen pipes, it’s imperative to drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Plus, have in-ground sprinkler systems winterized, as well. You can review a quick 4-minute video at thisoldhouse.com, where ex-
perts show you how you can do this easily and efficiently. How to clean your gutters: Frozen gutters are another prime source of snow and ice damage. Ice can accumulate on the edge of the roof and prevent melting snow from draining. That’s why it’s important to clean debris from gutters several times a year. Keep the ladder on a level surface with another person as a spotter. Wear gloves and safety goggles to protect yourself, and drop debris onto a tarp or bucket below. Flush the gutter with a hose to check for proper flow, and finally check down spouts for anything that might be lodged. How to insulate your wa-
ter heater: Wrapping your water heater with an insulated blanket reduces heat loss and saves energy. It’s simple: just measure the circumference of your water heater and cut the blanket to size. Products such like Duck brand’s Water Heater Insulation Blanket come with tape for easy installation and it’s made of non-irritating recycled cotton, not fiberglass. How to protect outdoor items: High-wind gusts and cool temperatures can wreak havoc. Be sure to store or protect outdoor furniture and accessories. Smaller items, such as cushions, umbrellas and drained hoses, should be stored in sheds or basements. Protect larger pa-
tio furniture and grills with tarps or custom-fit covers. A roll of strong, all-weather tape, like TRex Tape, can fix any rips or holes you may find along the way. Unlike other tapes, it is designed to withstand harsh temperatures to hold stronger and longer, ensuring your items will be in great shape for spring grilling season. Visit trextape.com for more information. Thanks to a plethora of online resources, weatherizing doesn’t have to seem daunting. By watching a few short videos and following some easy instructions, you can have your home ready for whatever weather winter brings. -StatePoint
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