SUMMER 2016
VOL. 5, NO. 3
SPRING KLEIN •
MAGAZINE
Simple Savings
Congratulations
How homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses
Safety in the Sun
Safety tips for outdoor enthusiasts
GRADUATES
Spring Shutters & Blinds H H H H H H H H H H H H
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Happy Hour Thursdays at MFAH
Recurring weekly on Thursdays Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005 Times: 6 - 8 pm MFAH admission is always free on Thursdays thanks to Shell and from 6 to 8 pm you’ll enjoy happy hour with tunes from a local DJ, light bites from Ladybird Food Truck and a cash bar.
Houston Heights Neighborhood Night Weekly
on Wednesdays 4000 Essex Lane #7114, Houston, 77027 Phone: 832-795-3991 Times: 4pm - 7pm Every Wednesday the chefs whip up unique and delicious Hors D’oeuvres for you to enjoy in the bar while taking advantage of great Happy Hour drink & food specials!
Aunique Ranch Tour
Weekly on Monday – Friday 1954 FM 1375 Rd. #E, Huntsville, TX 77340 Phone: 713-203-0683 Times: 8:00 am and 10:00 am Visit with over 60 of the countries Champion and Well Known Gypsy Cob Horses, Aunique Ranch is now offering two tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Spend two hours on a real working ranch. Ride along in the Kabota and tour the beautiful Aunique Ranch home of the Gypsy Cob Horses.
Gymboree Play & Music’s
Parachute Play Time CITYCENTRE 800 W Sam Houston Parkway North, Suite 200, Houston 77024 Phone: (713) 463-4636 Times: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Admission: Free Gymboree Play & Music takes over the plaza on the third Friday of the month from 10 am – 12 pm, March - October for a morning of toddler-friendly fun. Children’s imaginations are inspired through song, dance, and movement games, including the famous 20-foot parachute.
Bands on the Bayou
Thru May 29, 2016 Recurring weekly on Sunday Brenner’s Steakhouse On The Bayou One Birdsall Street, Houston 77007 Times: 3 - 6 pm Get ready for some Blues and Brews! Guests can cool off every Sunday with a signature cocktail or a Texas craft brew and indulge in chef-crafted small plate appetizers from the delicious Blue Bar menu.
Families and Children presented by Shell Recurring daily at Discovery Green 1500 Mckinney Street, Houston 77010 Times: Varies Young Writers Workshop* Sat., March 5 – June 25, 10:30 – 11:30 am Learn a Language
Sat., April 9 – June 25, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm http://www.discoverygreen.com/
Glass Blowing Experiences
Thru July 30, 2016 Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Three Dimensional Visions - Glass Blowing Houston 17442 FM 2920 Rd., Tomball, TX 77377 Phone: 281-734-0366 Times: Wed 5:30-9:30 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 5:30 pm Every Wednesday night and weekend days you can experience the magic of glass. Take a guided experience with one of our studio gaffers! You choose from our one-on-one experiences: sessions (30 minutes / $40), Make a Vase (75 minutes/$150) or our Jumbo Wavy Bowl Experience (90 minutes/$200).
2016 United States National Snooker Championship
May 27, 2016 - May 30, 2016 Recurring daily 147 Snooker Club 3832 S. Dairy Ashford Road, Houston 77082 Contact: Syed Hassan Times: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Admission: Free The United States National Snooker Championship is the most prestigious snooker event in the United States, bringing together all of the nation’s top snooker players hoping to become the national champion and to represent the United States at this year’s International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championships.
Friday Flicks on the Lawn
Thru July 22, 2016 Recurring every 4 weeks on Friday Greenstreet 1201 Fannin Street, Houston 77002 Phone: (832) 320-1201 Times: 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Admission: Free Enjoy free movies each fourth Friday of the month. The movie will be projected on a large screen on The Lawn. Feel free to bring a blanket or towel. May 27– When Harry Met Sally June 24– Jerry McGuire July 22 – Pitch Perfect 2
Memorial Day Weekend in The Woodlands
May 28 - May 29, 2016 Recurring Daily Town Green Park 2099 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 2812103943 Times: 6:00 to 9:00 pm Admission: Free Two-day festival featuring live music, children’s activities, strolling entertainers and more, pays tribute to all military service men and women who lost their lives while serving the United States through an exciting community-wide celebration.
4 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
Carnival Houston
June 11, 2016 Downtown Houston Phone: 832-614-9337 Times: 12 pm - 8 pm Celebrating carnival from cities around the world like Caribbean, Brazil and New Orleans Mardi Gras, it is an exciting an explosion of music, cuisine, revelry, costume parade and performances.
Comicpalooza
June 17, 2016 - June 19, 2016 George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston 77010 Comics, sci-fi, fantasy, video and table top gaming, anime, music, film and more. With more than 2,000 hours of programming, you’re sure to discover something for everyone in the family.
A Bollywood Night
June 24, 2016 Discovery Green 1500 MCkinney Street, Houston 77010 Times: 8 pm and movie at 9 pm Celebrate the art and culture of India! Learn some dance moves, taste the spice, treasure hunt among the Indian arts and crafts
Houston Fajita Festival
June 4, 2016 Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, TX 77338 Contact: Drew Harris Phone: (713) 325-3395 Times: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Admission: $10 ages 13 and up and $5 for kids 5-12 Come hungry with family and friends to enjoy a day filled with a variety of delicious fajita choices! Texas cookers and grill masters will have everything from beef to seafood.
Kayak Rides and SUP on Kinder Lake Thru June 26, 2016 Recurring Daily Discovery Green 1500 Mckinney Street, Houston 77010 Admission: $5 Kayak, $10 Stand Up Paddleboard Enjoy SUP or a relaxing, guided kayak ride. No reservation required. $5 for Kayak and $10 for SUP. See website for times, camps and classes.
Star Wars & More: A Tribute to John Williams
June 7, 2016 Houston Symphony 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Times: 8 pm
Waterway Nights
June 4 - June 25, 2016 Recurring weekly on Saturday at Waterway Square 31 Waterway Square Place, The Woodlands, TX 77380 Phone: 2812103943 Times: 7:00 to 9:00 pm Admission: Free Waterway Nights has been providing summer fun for children and adults alike. Each night of the series features upbeat live music, children’s activities and an awe-inspiring fireworks display.
To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@SpringKleinMagazine.com
SPRING KLEIN •
MAGAZINE
Summer 2016
Neighborhood Publications LLC 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite #205 Spring, Texas 77379
Recreation &
www.springkleinmagazine.com Editor Leanne Donelson Head Writer Candy Cruz
Leisure SECTION
Assistant Editor Candy Cruz Contributing Writers Candy Cruz, Josh Arcemont
Social Media Editor Madi Wheeler Graphics Photography Mike Reeves Audree Garcia, Kellie Cataldo Publisher Neighborhood Publications
If you would like to advertise or want information about us, please call (281) 401-9143 or email: info@springkleinmagazine.com. Time is a precious commodity, which is why many people try to embrace life and live it to the fullest. But as much as people love to travel, finding more time to do so is not always so easy, even for those people with a sufficient amount of vacation days at their disposal. Oftentimes, finding more time to travel requires some extra and earlier planning. We have a couple of ideas for day trips here in Texas. I don’t know about you, but I want to go to the Cadillac Ranch and graffiti a car. The wonderful thing about our area is we have so many places to go and things to do. So grab the family and make some new memories this summer. Thank You, Leanne Donelson Cover photo: Hunter Mackenzie Kolon DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this publication express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Neighborhood Publications LLC or its employees. Neighborhood Publications LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information website address and cartoons submitted by others. The Publisher Neighborhood Publications also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication and ad warranties, representations and endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding it’s content should be taken up with the advertiser. Neighborhood Publications LLC disclaims and denies any and all liability, therefore The publisher Neighborhood Publications LLC assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and /or misprints in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes. Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish on a timely manner. This is not an official publication of your particular subdivision, (although we print more interesting information and take better photos) and your particular subdivision does not endorse, affiliate or associate itself or its affiliates with this publication. Neighborhood Publications and it’s Associate Publications/Business Interest, whether business or person, do not accept any assumed benefit of the QR Bar Code Readers/Bar Codes, etc. published in any of Neighborhood Publications/Great Local Families Magazine or it’s affiliate publications whether in print or electronic. The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office to deliver the magazine in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the magazine to said delivery point by the contracted date. All articles and photos in this publication are copyrighted. PUBLISHED BY: Neighborhood Publications, 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 205, Spring, Texas 77379.
6 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
7 Helpful hints for vacation rental shoppers 10 Make the most of your ‘staycation’ 13 Explore active vacations 14 Safety tips for outdoor enthusiasts 16 How to safely light & extinguish a campfire
HEALTH SECTION
18 How to create a workout that is right for you 19 Freshen up warmweather cuisine 22 Saving money can reduce stress & improve overall health 25 How to find time for exercise 26 Handy shortcuts to make meal time easier
HOME
SECTION
32 How homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses 34 Time-saving cleaning tricks 36 Simple steps for candle safety 37 How to give a room a new look without breaking the bank 38 Shortcuts to a lush lawn
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Families should consider vacation rentals as an affordable lodging option for their next vacation.
not work if it’s not close enough to local nightlife, entertainment and restaurants. Unless you’re looking for complete seclusion, you will likely grow to dislike driving a long distance before you can reach civilization. Isolated vacation rentals may waste valuable time during your vacation and make you less likely to book activities or go out at night.
Recreation &
Leisure SECTION
Helpful hints for vacation rental shoppers
W
hen booking vacations, many families find vacation rentals to be a more affordable lodging option than hotels. Though it’s still entirely possible to find a great deal at a hotel or resort, vacation rentals have become a popular option for families looking to save some money and spread out a little more. Vacation rentals are often homes located in popular tourist destinations. The rental owner may spend just a few weeks living in the property, then rent it out to vacationers when he or she is not occupying it. Vacation rentals are advantageous for many reasons, but there are still a few things rental shoppers should know before signing on the dotted line. • Know what you’re getting and get it in writing. Vacation rentals often advertise that everything is included, but that is not always what it seems. Unless you want to completely escape from society, you will likely want some Internet access and cable television. If the rental agreement says Internet is included, make sure the home has WiFi and high-speed Internet. You likely won’t want to pack your own wireless router or buy one upon your arrival, so make sure the amenities included in your rental are spelled out in significant
detail. If the agreement says utilities are included, make sure that means regardless of usage. Some might only extend to a certain dollar amount, in which case you might receive a utility bill long after your vacation has ended. • Choose the right destination. Vacation rentals are often most affordable when they’re located in popular destinations where rental owners must compete with one another for tenants. That competition keeps the prices down and makes rentals more feasible for cost-conscious vacationers. Less popular vacation destinations may still boast vacation rentals, but they are likely to cost more because there are fewer of them and the owners will be looking to make as much as possible. • Find a rental with a full kitchen. Another benefit vacation rentals have over traditional hotels or resorts is they typically provide renters the ability to cook their own meals. That can lead to substantial savings over the course of a typical vacation, especially for families. When choosing a vacation rental, look for one with a full kitchen and, if you’re vacationing during the warmer months, inquire about the availability of a barbecue that allows you to spend a few nights enjoying dinner under the stars with your family. • Find a rental that’s accessible to local nightlife and entertainment. Even the most affordable vacation rental might
To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@SpringKleinMagazine.com
• Make sure the rental is safe. Adult vacationers won’t have to focus as much on a vacation rentals safety. But adults traveling with children should examine photos of the property closely to ensure there aren’t any safety hazards that might put kids at risk of injury. The home’s exterior should be safe as well. Avoid cliffside rentals that aren’t fenced in or heavily wooded areas where kids can easily wander off and get lost. If the property has a pool, make sure that pool is fenced in so youngsters can’t fall in when their parents aren’t looking. • Don’t send money before signing a lease. A vacation rental should come with a leasing agreement similar to a traditional apartment rental. Many vacation rentals are handled by reputable real estate agencies that are well equipped to answer any questions you have and make sure everything is being done legally. That said, research the real estate company before signing a lease and sending any money, and ask for references on the property from past tenants. Once you’re satisfied with the rental and the real estate agency and/or landlord, make a copy of the rental agreement for yourself before sending the agreement and payment to the realtor. Vacation rentals are often a great option for vacationing families. By employing a few tricks of the trade, families can find rentals that meet all their needs without breaking the bank.
Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 7
Congratulations Graduates
Allison Lee Graham
Rebekah Hodgins
Allison Lee Graham will be graduating from Klein Oak High School and as a member of National Honor Society. Allison will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall and has been accepted into the College of Biomedical Sciences. Allison was a member of Klein Oak FFA for all four years and served as an officer. She was also a member of the award winning Klein Oak Strutters dance team for two years. Allison is the daughter of Matt and Amanda Graham and along with her brother, Jackson, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and Lola. GIG ‘EM AGGIES!
Rebekah Hodgins is graduating from Klein Oak High School. As a member of the National Honor Society, she is graduating in the top 20% of her class. Rebekah has been a member of the Klein Oak Choir, where she was awarded numerous honors. She has also enjoyed participating in the Klein Oak Theatre musicals. Rebekah will be attending Dallas Baptist University in the fall where she was awarded a Christian Leadership Scholarship. Rebekah will pursue a degree in nursing.
Hunter Mackenzie Kolon
Dipshikha Shaw Hunter Mackenzie Kolon will graduate with Honors, Summa Cum Laude, (# 19, out of her class of 902 students), with an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma from Klein Oak High School. Hunter will be attending SMU this fall, where she is will be a “Hunt Leadership Scholar” and a “Dedman Scholar.” She will be in the Honors program and double major in Pre-Law and Human Rights. At KO, she served as Vice President of Spanish National Honor Society, Parliamentarian of Student Council, Class Officer, a Representative of the Superintendent’s Advisory Board, and member of the National Honor Society and HOSA, where, for the last two years, she has advanced to State Competition. Also, she was a 4 year Cheerleader, participated in Young Life, and was recognized as a Houston Chronicle’s Student of the Week.
8 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
Dipshikha Shaw received her MBA with specialization in Finance and Supply Chain Management, from C.T. Bauer College of Business, at the University of Houston where she achieved a 4.0 GPA. She worked as Vice-President of APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) – is a Supply Chain Management Association Member – a National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) member and a volunteer with the National MS Society. She worked at Academy Sports and Outdoors as Analytics Analyst after her MBA, and recently gave birth to a beautiful daughter name Sanaya. Her spouse’s name is Varun Gupta.
To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@SpringKleinMagazine.com
YOUR SMILE . . . OUR FOCUS!
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Dr. Castleberry, affectionately nicknamed “PAINLESS” by his fellow Marines and Sailors, has a manner that will quickly put you at ease. Dental appointments are often stressful, but at The Castleberry Center, you will enjoy feeling relaxed. The Castleberry Center for Aesthetic Dentistry is an unique Dental Boutique offering Cosmetic and Family dentistry in a pristine atmosphere.
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Dr. Castleberry believes a sparkling smile represents natural beauty, youth and energy. Give our office a call today! Dr. Castleberry and his talented team will help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
We encourage you to experience the difference!
actual, g-Klein are rry. n ri p S f o y ebe famil The Mums py clients of Dr. Castl p a h satisfied,
y Center astleberr ing for 4 tickets to C e th f o w Friends land. to our dra ily photo rk on Galveston Is m fa r u o Submit y erbahn Water Pa in our next ad. s e Schlitt lease-form ily may b Your fam magazine.com/re ngklein http://spri
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Darrick L. Castleberry D.D.S., F.I.C.O.I. 138 Vintage Park Blvd., Suite G Houston, Texas 77070
281-320-9600 Check our website for specials!
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A staycation can still include some family fun at the beach.
Make the most of your ‘staycation’
W
hen the economy took a turn for worse several years ago, many families had to cut costs in order to make ends meet. For many families, that meant leaving vacations on the cutting room floor. While the economy has rebounded, uncertainty surrounding that comeback has prevailed for many families, who remain hesitant to book a traditional vacation for fear of spending money they might be better off saving. The sacrifice of traditional vacations has led many families to embrace the “stayca-tion,” wherein families still take time off to be with one another but do so largely at home rather than heading off to an exotic locale or resort. A staycation is a great way for families to rediscover their own communities and spend quality time together without the hustle and bustle of airports
or inter-states. Families who still find themselves hesitant to commit to a more traditional vacation can heed the following tips to en-sure their staycation is a success. • Go out to dinner. Part of the fun of a family vacation is getting to enjoy some nights out on the town. But even if you’re not straying far from home this year, you can still enjoy the cuisine your community has to offer. Dine out a few nights during your time off, making sure to enjoy a few different restaurants instead of relying on one your family frequents throughout the year. Dining out on a weeknight will create the feel of a more traditional vacation, and you might just find a new restaurant you and your family love and can revisit in the years to come. • Absorb the local culture. The daily grind has a way of making life hectic and chances are you and your family don’t get to enjoy your own community’s culture throughout the year. Take
advantage of the time afforded you by your staycation to soak up all the culture and recreational activities your community has to offer. Visit nearby museums, take in a performance at your local theater or explore a nearby park, be it for a day of hiking or a more laid back picnic in the sun. This can help everyone reacquaint themselves with the reasons you chose to settle down in your community. • Go camping. Just because you’re having a staycation doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Spend a few nights away from home by taking the family on a camping trip. The fee to stay at a nearby campsite is negligible when compared to the cost of hotel rooms for an entire family, and you won’t spend nearly as much on food because you’ll need to bring your own to the campsite. Camp during the week instead of on the weekends and you might have more of the campground to yourself. • Head for the beach. In its National Coastal Population Report examining population trends from 1970 to 2020, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found that 39 percent of the United States population lived in counties directly on the shoreline. North of the United States, Canadians know they are surrounded by three oceans and have access to thousands of additional bodies of water, including the Hudson Bay, Bering Sea and Gulf of St. Lawrence. That means access to the water and the beach is readily available for Americans and Canadians who wish to spend part of their staycation with some sand between their toes and the sound of waves crashing on the shorelines in their ears. Make time to visit the beach on your staycation, and you might be able to recreate the feeling of a more traditional getaway. Staycations have become a staple for families looking to avoid expensive resort vacations. But staying close to home can still be just as fun as traveling abroad.
10 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
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The Layers of Martial Arts Tips from Master Josh Arcemont
When I was a young martial artist, my instructor use to tell the class “a great martial artist must be able to listen in every direction.” At the time, I thought I knew exactly what he meant. Certainly he was teaching about “listening in every direction” so that if an attacker sneaks up on you, then you will be prepared to defend yourself. As the years went by and I matured from a young boy into an adult, my perspective began to change. I had a new interpretation for what he used to say. I was now sure that what he actually meant by “listening in every direction” was that you must be open to learning from everyone around you, the older students and the younger ones, the higher ranking student and the lower ranking students. Now that I’m even older, my understanding is different. I now interpret it to mean that we must have an open mind at all times. We must not be so set in our ways that we are not open to new information or new ideas. We must be able to “listen in every direction.” I now see that my instructor was not only teaching me how to be a great black belt, but he was teaching me how to be a great person. I’m almost certain that in another 20 years from now I will have a new enlightened perspective on my instructor’s teachings. When you dedicate your life to the practice of martial arts it reveals itself to you in layers. The reason you enroll, is not the reason you stay.
(832) 717-4376 6411 FM 2920 Spring, Texas 77379
www.heromaa.com To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@SpringKleinMagazine.com
Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 11
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12 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
American Association of Orthodontists
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Trekking the trails on horseback is one example of an active vacation.
Explore active vacations
I
f the thought of lounging on a beach for a week isn’t exactly your idea of a memorable vacation, then you may enjoy more activity in your recreational pursuits. Many individuals and families brainstorm their getaways well in advance of taking a trip. A jaunt to the coast may have satisfied an urge to wander in years past, but if you’re interested in something that is a bit more physical and demanding, you may want to spend your next days
away from the office on a more active vacation. An active vacation is a trip that is built around physical activity. Instead of keeping the poolside chaise warm, you may be participating in a walking tour or hiking across a national park. Such vacations provide a respite from the daily grind and benefit the mind and body. Estimates from U.S. News and World Report suggest that active travel accounted for $60 billion in vacation spending in 2007. Over the past half decade, the number of people interested in active vacations has continued to grow and, as a result, more destinations are catering to such vacationers. Those ready to embark on an active vacation can choose from a host of options and locales.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Making a trek on horseback is a great way to see the countryside from a new perspective. Many resorts worldwide offer horseback riding in which you can tour mountains, crags, trails, and other adventures. Some resorts pair horseback trekking with camping and other activities for a well-rounded adventure. WATER SPORTS Many vacationers enjoy water sports like kayaking, canoeing, river rafting, riding jet skis, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to work with
a water sports company that offers experienced guides to help you through some of the more challenging parts of the trip. Some vacation providers also may offer training and certification, such as becoming SCUBA certified. BIKING AND HIKING There are thousands of miles of trails just waiting to be explored. Many national parks and wildlife refuges have walking and biking trails, or you can create your own travel itinerary and explore trails less traveled. Biking and walking tours also are possible in urban areas. See the sights and sounds of the city as a pedestrian and mingle with locals as you squeeze in some shopping. MOUNTAIN CLIMBING Boost adrenaline levels by scaling mountains or rocky crags nearby. Many companies offer climbing courses so you can learn before exploring. Rely on experienced climbers to assess your skill level and choose mountain ranges that match up well with your skill level. Novice climbers may be able to rent gear if they’re not yet ready to purchase. VOLUNTEERING Volunteering allows you to marry a vacation with social consciousness. For example, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit with worldwide reach that helps make affordable housing a reality. You may be able to volunteer your time helping to build houses or making improvements anywhere in the world. People who enjoy staying active on vacation have many choices. Whether rafting down a river or touring a national park on horseback, active vacation opportunities abound.
Over 20 Years Experience
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Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 13
children alike. But even though you may associate such activities with your childhood, that does not mean the risk of injury is insignificant. In fact, even seasoned skateboarders and veteran inline skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while skateboarding or skating. Proper attire is essential for skaters and skateboarders hoping to prevent injury, so be sure to wear the following gear the next time you hit the half-pipe or go skating by the boardwalk:
Safety tips
for outdoor enthusiasts Outdoor enthusiasts typically cannot wait to get outside and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to enjoy the great outdoors, men and women can easily overlook safety precautions that protect them from potential hazards. Though it’s easy to get excited about a sunny day, it’s important for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously. No matter your activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. In addition to packing sunscreen and water, outdoor enthusiasts can employ various additional safety methods depending on which activity they choose to enjoy. CYCLING Cyclists must always be on alert for those with whom they are sharing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, there are some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the road. Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists, so it pays to stay as attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or another music player while riding a bike. Such a distraction could prove deadly if it takes your attention away from the road. Alertness is important when cycling, as are the following precautionary measures: • A lways wear a helmet and reflective clothing that makes it easy for motorists to see you. • Obey the traffic laws. • A lways ride with traffic. • Inspect your bicycle and address any mechanical issues before each ride.
• Helmet • K nee pads • Wrist guards • Elbow pads WATER SPORTS
HIKING When the weather permits, few activities combine the benefits of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal of nature as well as hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed trails or trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should have at least a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Always share your route with friends or family members before embarking on a hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost or injured and you need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails: • Compass •F lashlight and extra batteries •W histle and signal mirror •M ap of the park that includes the trails you plan to hike •W aterproof matches •F irst aid kit • Blanket INLINE SKATING AND SKATEBOARDING Inline skating and skateboarding are popular activities for adults and
14 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
Water attracts the sun, so it’s imperative that anyone planning to spend ample time on or around the water take steps to protect their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15. Never take to the water after you have consumed alcohol. Alcohol can dull your senses, making you less likely to recognize a dangerous situation should one present itself. If you plan on entering the water, always enter feet first and do your best to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there to help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other safety personnel should something go awry. If you to plan to fish on a boat, let your loved ones staying behind on land know where you plan to fish so they can share this information with authorities if your boat has problems or you don’t return on time. While on the boat, always wear a flotation device and make sure the boat is not running as you board and dismount. The great outdoors can be enjoyed throughout the year. But outdoor enthusiasts will have a much better time if they take the necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury.
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Create a peaceful and healthy sleeping environment
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate insufficient sleep has become a public health epidemic. An estimated 50 to 70 million American adults report having a sleep or wakefulness disorder, and women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Plus, one in three people suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime, offers the organization Better Sleep for Life.
It is easy to overlook the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Without adequate rest a person can be left feeling irritable, distracted and sluggish. Those who repeatedly do not get enough sleep could be facing other health problems as well. For some, the secret to getting a better sleep is modifying their sleeping environment. In some instances, lack of sleep or too much sleep might be indicative of a medical condition, but it could just be related to poor sleep hygiene and an uncomfortable sleeping environment. Making some changes could make all the difference. • Start with your mattress. You will spend between seven to 10 hours in your bed each and every night. An uncomfortable mattress could be an underlying factor in your sleep problems. If your bed is several years old, it could pay to invest in a new mattress and box spring. If you sleep with your spouse and your bed is too small, upgrading to a larger size could provide the room you need. If you cannot afford a new mattress, buying a mattress topper in memory foam could mask any problems for the time being. • Balance light and dark. In order to trigger sleepiness at the right time, it is essential to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day during the morning or afternoon. In the evening, begin dimming the lights to trigger the body’s natural internal clock and stimulate the production of the natural hormone melatonin, which relaxes the body into
sleep. Keep a dark bedroom — invest in blackout curtains if need be. • Consider white noise. Giving your brain a noise to associate with relaxing sleep can help you drift off more quickly. White noise can also mask other sounds that may distract sleep, such as traffic outside or a partner snoring. White noise can come from a special alarm clock that provides soothing sounds of rain or waves. Many people find running a fan in the bedroom provides the right amount of noise and also helps circulate air throughout the room. • Make the bedroom a cozy retreat. Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Fill it with cozy cushions and pillows. Make sure the room is clean and clutterfree. Relaxing blues and purples can be soothing colors to use in decorating, and the use of lavender essential oil could also add to the relaxing environment. • Avoid distractions. When setting up your bedroom, do not fill it with electronics, such as a computer, tablet and television. These devices could contribute to wakefulness and actually impede your ability to get the rest you need. • Keep cool. A cool bedroom is key to drifting off to sleep. Sweating and overheating can keep you awake, so drop the temperature down at night and dress lightly for bed. You want to feel comfortable and not too hot or cold. If sleeplessness becomes a chronic problem and is not alleviated by changing the sleeping environment, visit a doctor.
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SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 15
for equal burning. Having an ample amount of wood on hand will enable you to feed the fire easily. It’s much easier to keep a fire going than start from scratch once it has burned out, especially in the dark. Be mindful of embers that drift in windy conditions. Also, do not put your face or body directly over a fire. If the wood pops, you could be burned. Children should be carefully supervised when around a campfire.
EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE After building your campfire, completely put it out when you are done. Thousands of acres of wilderness are burnt from carelessness with regard to campfires.
How to safely light & extinguish a campfire
A
roaring campfire is often a staple of the camping experience. A campfire to cook food or keep warm is an asset at any campground, and in the evening hours, a fire can provide a sense of security against inquisitive forest animals. A burning fire can also illuminate a campsite, which makes maneuvering around the site easier. Although there are many benefits to having a campfire, it’s important to note that fires, especially in very dry conditions, can be dangerous. It is essential to check a particular campsite or park’s posting about drought conditions to avoid an accident. In the wrong conditions, a cozy fire for toasting marshmallows can grow into an out-of-control wildfire in a matter of seconds.
STARTING A FIRE When you are ready to start a fire it is important to keep safety in mind. • Pick a safe spot to light the fire. Many campfires have fire rings for campers to use. If you are selecting a fire location on your own, choose an area away from brush or other easily ignitable material. Make a ring with large rocks to keep the fire from spreading. Keep the fire several feet away from your tent. • Gather materials during the day so you will not be scrambling for them after dark. You will need both tinder and kindling to light a fire and keep it roaring. Tinder is any small, highly flammable material that can light and burn quickly. Fibrous plant material,
small twigs and newspaper make good tinder. Kindling is small pieces of wood that will burn long enough to catch larger logs of wood on fire. Finally, you will need a few logs of thicker wood that will sustain the fire. Have plenty of material on hand to be able to continue the fire, or you may find yourself foraging in the darkness when the fire goes out. • Create a teepee or X pattern for a well-burning fire. Layer your tinder as the first level of the fire. Stack a few pieces of kindling on top of the tinder in an X or teepee shape. Ensure there is enough air to move freely through the fire to make ignition easier. Light the tinder from four compass points to get it all to light. Slowly blow air into the fire to allow it to burn hot enough to catch the kindling. Continue to add small pieces of kindling until you have a nicely sized fire. Then you can add larger pieces of dry wood for a big blaze. • Do not use accelerants when starting a fire or keeping it going. Avoid the use of chemicals, including lighter fluid and other accelerants in your campfire. Do not use chemically treated paper or plastic materials in kindling, as they can produce noxious fumes and smoke. Accelerants can cause the fire to burn out of control. Keep the fire contained to what you can manage, and always keep a watchful eye on the fire.
• Put out the fire a half hour to an hour before you plan to leave the campground. There should be mostly ash and few chunks of coal left if you have planned accordingly and started to wind down the fire before extinguishing it. • Use a stick to stir up the wood and ash and distribute the burning coals and embers. This is to extinguish any remaining flames as much as you can. • Pour water over the hot ashes to drown all embers. It’s not just the red embers you have to worry about. Pour water until all the hissing sounds stop. Avoid standing directly above the fire when you pour the water because it will generate a lot of steam and smoke. If you do not have water on hand, mix dirt or sand with the embers to smother the flames. Continue to do so until the material is cool. • Stir the ashes again with a shovel or stick to further ensure the fire is not still burning. • Make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch before you leave the campsite. If the fire area is too hot to the touch, it’s too hot to leave it because a fire may reignite. • Once you feel that everything is cool, you can scoop the coals and ash into a bag and carry it out of the woods for disposal. Knowing how to safely light, maintain and extinguish a fire is an essential component of safe camping.
MAINTAINING THE FIRE You may need to fiddle with the fire from time to time to vent it and allow
16 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
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SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 17
HEALTH
Finding a physical activity you can enjoy, such as dancing, is essential to creating a successful exercise regimen.
SECTION
to start tailoring your workout. However, it’s best to visit your physician before you dive into the specifics of your new exercise regimen. A thorough examination from your physician will reveal if you have any existing conditions that could be exacerbated by certain exercises or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can tell you if any of these conditions are likely to have an adverse impact on your exercise capacity and what you can do to overcome those conditions in an effort to improve your health and quality of life. Setting your goals
Once you have assessed your fitness levels and consulted your physician, it’s time to set your goals. You likely did not decide to workout out of the blue, so you probably have a specific goal, such as losing weight or lowerSECTION ing your cholesterol, in mind. Establish these goals and build a workout that makes reaching them that much easier.
How to
Finding a workout you’ll enjoy
create a workout that is right for you
E
xercise is a great way to improve quality of life and reduce your risk of developing potentially life threatening health conditions and diseases. But men and women are often intimidated when attempting to incorporate exercise into their lives after a long layoff from working out. Tailoring a workout that suits you can be a daunting task, especially if it’s been years since you visited a gym or took a turn on a treadmill. But creating a workout routine that’s right for you should be an exciting experience that marks your first step toward living a healthier, more active lifestyle. Assessing your current situation The process of creating a workout regimen should begin with an honest self-assessment of your current fitness levels. If exercise has not been a part of your regular routine in quite some time, chances are you have little to no idea of how fit you are. You might be in better shape than you think, or you might have more work to do in the months and years ahead than you initially thought. To get an idea of your current fitness
level, measure your pulse after walking one mile and the time it takes you to walk that mile. If your heart is racing after such a brief and stressfree exercise and it took you awhile to walk a mile, then you’ll begin to get an idea of the task that’s ahead of you. To gauge your muscular fitness, perform a simple task like pushups to see how many you can do at one time. The more you’re capable of doing, the more fit your muscles are. Don’t push it when gauging aerobic or muscular fitness, as this initial stage is intended solely to give you a realistic idea of where you are with regard to personal fitness. In addition, it’s important not to overreact during the assessment stage, as you likely know already that you have work to do. You have already taken the most difficult step, and that’s deciding to make a change. Once you honestly assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, you will have a much better idea of your fitness levels. Consulting your physician
A workout regimen is far more likely to be successful if it includes activities you’re liable to enjoy. If you truly dread spending 30 minutes per day on the treadmill, then your workout should include a cardiovascular activity that you’re more likely to embrace. Riding a bicycle can be just as beneficial as an aerobic exercise as jogging on the treadmill. If you love cycling, then make that your daily cardiovascular exercise when the weather permits. When the weather is less cooperative, use a stationary bike indoors. If you love to dance, then you should know how great a workout dancing can be. Join a Zumba® class or another aerobics class that involves dancing, and your workout will seem more like fun than something you have to do. When building a workout regimen, keep in mind it’s going to be most successful if it includes activities you enjoy. Building a workout routine that’s right for you depends on a variety of factors, including your present fitness levels and your preferences in types of exercises. Honestly assessing yourself, setting the right goals and finding activities you enjoy are all essential to building a successful workout routine.
Once you have an idea of your aerobic and muscular fitness, you will be tempted
18 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
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Freshen up warm-weather cuisine
Savory sandwiches Who says sandwiches are only for lunch? When the weather is warm and families are busy hurrying here and there, sandwiches make for fast and portable meals. Grilled vegetables paired with grilled mushrooms can make hearty, satisfying sandwiches that are relatively low in calories. Previously grilled chicken can be shredded and turned into chicken salad when mixed with Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar. Even standard cold cuts can be given a new twist when turned into cold-style reubens by being topped with cole-slaw or chilled sauerkraut on gourmet slices of herbed bread.
Salads are a summertime staple. Freshen them up with different ingredients to expand your culinary horizons.
W
hen the weather is warm, many people are inspired to expand their culinary horizons and look for foods that are light, fresh and satisfying. Although warm-weather cooking may call to mind backyard barbecues, there is much more to seasonal dining than charbroiled frankfurters and beef patties. Taking a fresh approach to cooking can yield a number of new and innovative meals.
Cool down When the temperature is high, few people want to fill their stomachs with heavy, hot foods. Instead of cooking up a batch of stew, reinvent recipes for a warm-weather spin. For example, experiment with chilled
Rather than using heavy dressings that may end up covering the delicate flavors of lettuce leaves and other greens, use vinaigrettes made from citrus fruits to add both sweetness and tartness to dishes.
Pastas and casseroles
soups. Borscht is a beet-based soup of Eastern European origin that is very often served cold. Other vegetables or fruits can be pureed and served as a cold summer soup. Gazpacho, a Spanish tomato-based soup, is the most widely known cold soup. However, cucumber- and avocado-based soups and creamed vegetable soups also can be enjoyed chilled.
Embrace salads While salads may be relegated to side dishes for most of the year, they tend to take center stage when the weather is warm. The addition of fresh berries, grapes or raisins can lend a different flavor to salads. Think about topping salads with grilled fish or chicken to add more substance to salads serving as entire meals.
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Much as warm-weather soups can be served cool, so can pastas and casseroles. Pasta is a versatile food that can be paired with traditional salad ingredients or mixed with vegetables or dressings to make a variety of different dishes. Baked casseroles can be served at room temperature for pot-luck meals in the yard or brought along when visiting friends and family. Chunks of mushrooms, summer squash, eggplant and garlic can be sautĂŠed and baked together to make a hearty and flavorful vegetable casserole.
Seafood Lobster, shrimp and clams can be harvested from the coast and then cooked on the grill or over an open fire. For those who want chilled seafood, opt for shrimp cocktail or head out for a sushi and sashimi meal at a local restaurant. Warm-weather dining means exploring different flavor options to find lighter fare.
Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 19
Viva Las Vegas There are definitely different ways to do Las Vegas, from the extravagant, expensive and outrageous to the equally fun and incredibly cheap way I love to do it. Including gas, food, drinks, lodging and other incidentals, I can do a Vegas trip for cheap pretty easily. Here are some tips I have for enjoying Vegas to the fullest while still saving tons of money. 1. COME MID-WEEK: If your work schedule allows it, come to Vegas mid-week, preferably around Wednesday. The place is still alive and kicking, but you’ll avoid overwhelming crowds and save tons of money on flights, hotels and clubs. For example you can find flights leaving from IAH to LAS for under $130 round trip for a summer trip to Vegas. (Also, check to see if you have any flyer miles . . . I know a lot of us get caught up in the trip, we forget to ask and even use these little gems.) 2. STAY ON THE STRIP: For less than $10 per person per night Think Vegas sounds expensive? Think again. Mid-week, even in the summer, you can easily get a hotel room on the strip, like The Excalibur or even smack dab in the middle at Bally’s, for around $40 a night. Reserve a room for two guests, but comfortably split it between four in two large beds, or bring more if others don’t mind a night on the floor. (Just remember to only have two people check in!) Don’t bother with cheap motels off the strip when you can stay right in the heart of things so inexpensively. 3. EAT OFF THE STRIP: Again, Vegas doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive as it seems. Grab a nice, sit-down dinner off the strip for under $10, or even pick up fast food a few blocks away. The buffets in Las Vegas are a must for many, but save money on your other meals by eating away from the scene. If all else fails and you get the midnight munchies you can get dollar hotdogs up and down the strip. 4. CLOTHING: Bring a sweater, even in the summer (especially?) when it’s 110 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t forget your sweater. Hotels and casinos are air conditioned up the wazoo, so prevent Antarctic frostbite by layering up. Or if you want to go to the Minus5 Ice Bar... and really cool things off. 5. GO SIGHTSEEING: Around the world Vegas, gets a lot of hype for being a fabulous place to party, but I love it for its Disneyland-esque-ness. Spend some time walking from casino to casino, stopping in Paris, Venice, New York, Egypt and more. You can spend days exploring the silly themes of Vegas hotels, all for free.
continued
20 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
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thousands of dollars into slot machines, take a seat at one, act like you’re planning to risk big money, and wait for the cocktail waitresses to come by and take your drink order. Tip them $1, and you’ve got yourself a drink for almost nothing! Also, if you’re a girl? There’s always the option of using your womanly charms to get free drinks from male admirers. Who needs to spend even a penny on drinks in Vegas?
6. PARK FOR FREE: Don’t forget that parking – and even valet – is free at the hotels. Walking from hotel to hotel is great, but, if you’ve come by rented car and want to pay a visit to another casino, hop in your car and park for free, especially when summer temperatures make the place feel like an oven. Remember shuttles to and from the airport to the hotel they are very cheap so take advantage of them!
10. PREGAME WITH YOUR OWN DRINKS: Don’t spend absurd amounts on cocktails and bars and clubs when you can BYOB. Pick up alcohol at a grocery store off the strip (or on the way there if you’re driving), pregame in your hotel room with friends, and carry your drinks as you wander around the strip. But, hey, do treat yourself to one of those crazy obnoxious yard drinks from Fat Tuesday. You deserve it! 11. SKIP THE HEELS: Okay, I get that Las Vegas is supposed to be all about looking hot and your best, but, seriously, consider skipping the heels. Or at least bring comfortable ones. You’ll be walking up and down the strip, and nothing ruins a night out like blistered feet. You can still look cute in flats, really.
7. GO SWIMMING AT ANOTHER HOTEL Swimming and sun tanning are some of the best activities to enjoy in Las Vegas. If you aren’t satisfied with your hotel’s pool, many of the hotels don’t enforce restricting use of their pool to guests, so find one of the nicer hotel pools to spend a day. 8. STICK TO THE FREE SHOWS Las Vegas is famed for its shows, from Cirque du Soleil to Wayne Newton concerts, but these can be incredibly expensive. Unless you’re dying to see a specific show, stick to the free ones, like the Bellagio fountain show or the Treasure Island outdoor pirate show. Actually, the crazies in Vegas provide entertainment enough. 9. GET YOUR FREE DRANK ON: Casinos provide free drinks to gamblers, so, even if you aren’t planning to feed
12. AVOID THE CLUBS: Stay away from absurd cover charges, angry bouncers, and overcrowded sweaty people by skipping the major clubs. Try visiting smaller bars or simply wandering around people watching. If you’re there with great friends, anywhere you go will be a blast. 13. KEEP YOUR TRIP SHORT: If you’re flying from across the country (or overseas), I understand wanting to make your Vegas trip longer, but try to keep it short. Las Vegas is amazing, but it’s exhausting and overwhelming, so get out while you’re ahead. From IAH it is about 2.5 hour flight with out layovers. If you’re flying in and want to stay longer consider spending some of your time in the west visiting other nearby destinations like the Grand Canyon. 14. IT’S ALL ABOUT GOOD COMPANY: Ultimately, your trip will be all about your friends, so bring your favorite people! Go with people who make you the happiest and have the same ideas and expectations about your trip, and there’s no way you won’t have a fabulous time. “A little bit of this town goes a very long way.” HUNTER S. THOMPSON, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
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SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 21
Saving money
easily visible in the refrigerator so that lettuce doesn’t turn brown or you forget about those strawberries that are now covered in fuzz. If you are prone to produce amnesia, simply buying frozen vegetables can help prolong shelf life and save you money.
can reduce stress & improve overall health
F
inancial concerns, including not having enough money to pay bills or worrying that money will run out, are a leading cause of stress. Finding new ways to save money can help reduce these feelings of stress and improve quality of life.
According to the YouGov poll for the Institute of Financial Planning and National Savings and Investments in the United Kingdom, roughly two-thirds of people worry about money. An American Psychological Association poll indicates 80 percent of Americans state the economy is a significant cause of stress, while 83 percent of women and 78 percent of men are stressed about money. Stress can contribute to a variety of health ailments, including anxiety, depression and cardiovascular problems. Stress can also worsen preexisting conditions. Finding ways to reduce stress may lead to a longer, happier life.
One way to reduce stress is to take control of your finances so that money issues do not compound stress. Finding a way to save more money might do the trick. Take inventory of your unused gift cards before your next shopping trip. Gift cards are a financial
windfall for some people and a convenient go-to gift for others. Simply offer a gift card and the recipient can go on a shopping spree of his or her choosing. But unless they are used shortly after they’re received, gift cards easily can be forgotten or lost. Recipients may forget about them after they’ve been stashed in a mail drawer or purse that has been retired to the back of the closet. Before your next shopping excursion, check to see if you have any gift cards that might save you money.
Examine the contents of your storage unit. Storage units can help
people who have to temporarily house items between moves or during home renovations. But storage units can be a waste of money when they’re used as a place to store clutter. Spending $100 or more per month to store seldom used items can quickly add up to a large amount of money. Visit the storage unit to determine if you are storing items you have not used in some time. You may be able to switch to a smaller, less expensive unit, or you may realize you don’t need the unit at all.
Stop wasting food. The National Resources Defense Council says the average American discards as much as $43 worth of food each month. That amounts to more than $500 per year, which is a large portion of the food budget to simply toss in the trash. Store foods so that they are
22 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
Put loose change to good use. While not much can be pur-
chased for under $1 these days, that doesn’t make loose change worthless. Coins can quickly accumulate and add up to big bucks. According to the coin-counting company Coinstar, across the country there may be approximately $10 billion in coins just sitting around unused. Keep a bank or jar by the entryway to your home so you won’t forget to save all of that loose change each day. When the jar is filled, roll it up and bring it to the bank or rely on a coin-counting machine at your bank.
Stop losing receipts. Who hasn’t delegated an ill-fitting item to the back of the closet because of a lost receipt? Missing receipts often deter people from going to a store to return or replace items that do not fit or did not work out. Instead of being stuck with a piece of useless clothing, be mindful of receipts, always opting to have them put into your wallet instead of just leaving them in the bag. New smartphone apps enable you to scan and store receipts if you’re prone to losing them. Also, some retailers track purchases, particularly among loyal customers – those who present a card or key ring bar code to scan – and can easily look up prior purchases without a receipt. Make payments on time. Failure to make certain payments on time, particularly credit card bills, may incur interest charges. Those few dollars in late fees or several hundred dollars in interest can quickly add up. Set up auto payments whenever possible so you can avoid late fees and interest charges.
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How to
find time for exercise
Riding a bicycle to work instead of driving to the office is one way to make time for daily exercise.
M
any men and women cite hectic schedules as the primary reason they fail to get enough exercise. Commitments to work and family may dominate your schedule, but daily exercise can drastically reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and help reduce stress. Because exercise can vastly improve quality of life and even life expectancy, it’s imperative that even the busiest men and women find time to exercise several times per week. The following are a handful of ways to do just that. • Transform your commute. Many men and women find their commutes to be a significant waste of time. But instead of sitting in traffic or napping on public transportation, consider transforming your daily commute into an exercise regimen. If you live close to your office,
ride your bicycle to work each day rather than driving or taking the bus or train. If that’s not an option, avoid working during your commute so you aren’t stressing out on your way into or home from the office. Instead, spend your commute listening to an audiobook in the car or reading a book or watching a movie if you take public transportation. Use your commute as an opportunity to exercise, ease into your day or unwind after a long day rather than extending the workday. • Make the most of your lunch hour. Many working professionals are aware that a big lunch in the middle of the day can drain them of energy and make the afternoon crawl. So instead of indulging in a big lunch, use your lunch hour to squeeze in a workout. If your company has an on-site fitness facility, visit it during your lunch hour. If not, walk around the campus during lunch instead of sitting at your desk. Exercising during your lunch hour is a great way to squeeze in a workout, and chances are your afternoon productivity will benefit from your midday workout. • Get up early. Men and women who workout in the morning often rave about the impact such workouts have on the
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rest of their days. While it might not be easy to rise when it’s still dark out, waking up as little as 30 minutes before you normally would can work wonders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and some musclestrengthening activities that focus on all the major muscle groups on two or more days per week. So setting your alarm 30 minutes earlier and making the most of that dusty fitness equipment in the basement is all that stands between you and a much healthier lifestyle. Once you get used to exercising in the early morning hours, you might realize just how much more energy you have throughout the day and how little you miss that extra sleep in the morning. • Forgo happy hour for workout hour. The days when professionals would finish off a workday with a few drinks at a nearby tavern are largely a thing of the past, but some professionals still like to indulge in one or two alcoholic beverages at the end of the workday. If that’s your modus operandi but you bemoan your lack of time to get to the gym, then say goodbye to happy hour in favor of working out at the gym. Working out after work is a healthier way to relieve stress than having a few drinks, and choosing to work out instead of going out for drinks is a great way to trim your waistline. Daily exercise can drastically improve your quality of life while significantly reducing your risk for potentially deadly diseases. And even the busiest men and women can find time to exercise every day when motivated to do so.
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SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 25
make them sick. But what if you have a demanding schedule with little time for gourmet cooking? Thankfully, a busy schedule does not mean you have to forgo cooking at home. Instead, simply employ a few shortcuts to help prepare delicious meals quickly and easily.
Embrace convenience items
Handy shortcuts to make meal time easier
Simple shortcuts can make cooking a lot easier for home chefs.
T
he benefits of home cooking are well known. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients you use, which often makes
for a more nutritious meal. This also makes it easier forthose with food allergies or dietary restrictions to make healthy meals that won’t
One of the misconceptions about home cooking is that everything has to be made from scratch to qualify as real cooking. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Although picking up a frozen pizza and tossing it in the oven may stretch the definition of cooking, that doesn’t mean you cannot rely on a few convenience items to take some of the work out of meal preparation. For example, if you want to prepare a quiche, you may be off-put by the work involved in preparing a base crust. Using a pre-made pie shell or refrigerated pie dough can cut a continued
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26 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
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lot of time off of your quiche creation but still yield a tasty finished product. A marriage of fresh and convenience ingredients can make it easier to prepare more home-cooked meals.
Plan ahead Nothing can waste more time than running through meal ideas in your head at the last minute or discovering you have to run to the store because you’re missing a key ingredient. Instead of playing the “what are we going to have for dinner” game every night, which often leads to ordering takeout, spend some time planning your weekly menu. This way you can do the bulk of your shopping in one trip and know exactly what to defrost or have available for that day. There are a number of websites and even magazines that offer suggested meal scheduling ideas if you need a little inspiration.
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Double-up recipes If you find you don’t have time to cook every day of the week, create larger meals that can be wrapped up and served again later in the week. Some foods like roasted chicken or pot roast can be turned into completely new meals with a few additional ingredients. Transform leftover chicken into a pot pie and serve extra slices of roast beef “open-face” with gravy and wheat bread for a fast lunch or dinner another day. If you’re spending time cooking, it shouldn’t take much more effort to double or triple a recipe to ensure you have extra available for a night when you might need to pop leftovers in the microwave.
Embrace the slow cooker A slow cooker can be a busy cook’s best asset in the kitchen. Slow cookers cook foods over a very low heat and can be programmed or set to turn on at a specific time and cook while you’re out running errands or at work. Because it draws a small amount of power, there is little risk for an accident when leaving the
9305 Spring Cypress Rd., Suite 106 Spring, TX 77379
281-257-9966
slow cooker unattended. Use it to make soups, stews, casseroles, sauces and even shredded meats for Sloppy Joe’s or pulled-pork sandwiches.
Serve breakfast for dinner On nights when you need a fast meal and may not have too many ingredients in the refrigerator, serving eggs, pancakes or waffles for dinner can make foran easy,
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tasty meal. Eggs can be en-hanced with leftover vegetables for a veggie omelette, while Belgian waffles can be spiced up with bits of sausage and pepper in the batter. Picky eaters who are more inclined to gobble-up pancakes than enjoy a good steak may enjoy breakfast for dinner more than a traditional meal at the end of the day.
Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 27
INSPIRATION
Cadillac Ranch
Hamilton Pool
Crazy Places To Visit In Texas With summer break just around the corner, here are some pit stops to make while road tripping in Texas.
Hamilton Pool
Dripping Springs, Tx, 78620 Just 23 miles west of Austin, Texas, is a breathtaking natural oasis emerging out of the hill country chaparral. Hamilton Pool is a natural spring formed in the limestone bedrock and fed by an underground river, which also feeds the small tributaries and lush flora surrounding the pool. The abundant freshwater has allowed a diverse population of trees and vegetation to emerge surrounding the pool, forming what is now a protected nature preserve.
The Museum of the Weird
412 E 6th St. Austin, Texas, 78701 Created by artist-entrepreneur Steve Busti, the museum lives in the back of his store, the “Lucky Lizard,” and features many of the same types of curios you might have encountered in a turn-of-the-century dime museum, including a feejee mermaid. Among the other items shown are a Cyclops pig, a hand of glory (supposedly the dried and pickled hand of a man who has been hanged), live tarantulas, a two-headed chicken, shrunken heads, and mummies. Among the more recent additions are items from 1960s and 70s camp horror films, such as full-sized figures of Frankenstein and other classic monsters. Though more expensive than a dime, the Museum of the Weird happily continues the tradition of the dime store museum.
Jacob’s Well
221 Wood Acre Drive Wimberley, Texas, 78676 Sitting at the bottom of an enticing pile of large rocks,
28 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
Jacob’s Well welcomes playful swimmers each year in addition to scuba divers who don’t mind taking their lives into their own hands. From the surface, the circular, blue pond reaches down 30 feet deep in a vertical drop, the perfect depth for young rock jumpers, but even further down, the hole becomes a network of dangerous caves perfect for adventure seeking divers. The well is fed by the Trinity Aquifer, which pushes up its water through the well and spills it into nearby Cypress Creek.
Cadillac Ranch
Interstate 40 Amarillo, Texas, 79124 Built in 1974, is the product of eccentric helium millionaire Stanley Marsh. The ranch consists of ten graffiti-covered cars half-buried in a dusty Texas field. The cars are positioned nose-down and face west “at the same angle as the Cheops’ pyramids.” The cars were actually moved two miles further out in 1997 to avoid the expanding city. Visitors are strongly encouraged and Cadillac ranch is open to the public at all hours. Graffiti on the cars is also encouraged and the cars undergo an ever-mutating layer of paint.
Enchanted Rock
16710 Ranch Rd 965 Fredericksburg, Texas, 78624 Enchanted Rock, a pluton, or igneous rock intrusion, is a massive dome comprised of pink granite and rises 425 feet above the ground around it. This ancient monolith has been a part of human history for at least 11,000 years and covers a sprawling 640 acres. The name Enchanted Rock comes from an interpretation of Native American folklore and tradition by early Spanish and Anglo settlers. continued
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Hueco Tanks
Waco Mammoth Site
The Devil’s Sinkhole
Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area Rocksprings, Texas, 78880 A registered National Natural Landmark since 1985, the Sinkhole plunges a remarkable 400 feet and has a 40x60 opening. It is the largest single-chambered cavern and third deepest in the state. This is archeological evidence that the sinkhole was once considered sacred by Native Americans, as locals have found stalactites, arrowheads and other treasures from the area. Today the Sinkhole is a summer home to one to four million Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. At sundown visitors can begin to see a few bats emerge from the sinkhole, until they become a black swirling mass of millions of bats flying into the evening sky.
ing to as early as 6000-3000 BCE. These particular pictographs are in the Early Archaic Style, and are the oldest of the many different styles present on the tanks. There are over 3000 rock drawings on these natural catch-basins, hundreds of which are mask designs reminiscent of the still active Pueblan Katchina Cult, a religious belief in a group of powerful beings often represented by elaborate masks or in doll form. The Hueco Tanks are the only place in North America with such a large concentration of painted-mask designs. Some drawings were made by early agriculturalists known as the Jornada Mogollon, others from Mescalero Apache Plains warriors. There are countless images of hunts and adventures had near the tanks, from up to 8000 years of various Native American cultures.
Stonehenge II
McKittrick Canyon
FM 1340 Ingram, Texas, 78025 This 60% scale replica is built by, and on the farmland of, the late Alfred Shepperd along with the help of his friend and neighbor Doug Hill, and represents what Stonehenge would look like before weather and erosion toppled some of the original. Two years after Stonehenge II was built, a pair of Easter Island moai figures were added to the site.
Waco Mammoth Site
6220 Steinbeck Bend Waco, Texas, 76708 The site is the largest known concentration of Columbian mammoths to have died from one catastrophic event. 16 of the mammoths were removed and are held in storage at Baylor to protect them from deterioration, but a crowd of fossils is still at the site. In a climate-controlled pavilion opened in 2009, visitors can walk above the fossils of the giant-tusked creatures, which are still embedded in the dirt.
Hueco Tanks
Culberson County, Texas, 79847 Nestled in the Guadalupe Mountains and described as the “prettiest spot in Texas,” autumn comes to McKittrick Canyon in late October and early November. A trail leads from the McKittrick Canyon Visitors Center to the Pratt Cabin, and from there to the Grotto, a small cave with some stalagtites and stalagmites. Along the trail, the plants transition from the normal Chihuahuan Desert flora of yucca and prickly pears, to a wide variety of trees, including ponderosa pine, velvet ash, big tooth maple, and the Texas mandrone, along with a wide variety of wildflowers. There is even a small stream in the heart of the canyon, truly making this an oasis. Hikers may also want to keep on the steepening trail past Hunter Cabin to The Notch on McKittrick Ridge.
R
Article provided by: www.atlasobscura.com Photos:
6900 Hueco Tanks Road No 1 El Paso, Texas, 79938 Pictographs from several distinct tribes and peoples can be found all over the Hueco Tanks, some dat-
Hamilton Pool: Trey Perry Cadillac Ranch: Ralf Kiepert Hueco Tanks: Rafael Sustersick Waco Mammoth Site: Larry D. Moore
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Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 29
We Are Growing To Better Serve You! Maybe you have been in to see us or maybe you’ve never heard of us, but it’s time you knew . . . SKIN 101 is growing! Come by and catch up with Brooke our Physician Assistant, Melanie our Registered Nurse and Saraya our Aesthetician/Laser Tech. You can imagine that with the addition of staff, there are some new services at SKIN 101 too. Ever wonder why you are tired or losing hair or can’t maintain muscle? Physcian Assistant Brooke Lucas is here to talk Bio Identical Hormone Therapy options. Thank you to those of you who have already chosen us as your healthcare provider. For those of you who haven’t yet, let us help you do your research to seek out good quality service providers. Feel free to look to us to help you answer some important questions: • How long have you been in business? • What’s your clientele base type? • Do you have strong references? • What services can you provide for me and at what rate or cost with the least invasive treatment option available?
INSURED MEDICAL SERVICES Acne Treatment
At SKIN 101, we provide options from topical skin care products to prescription medications in addition to our in-office procedures. The acne treatments that may be covered by your insurance companies includes acne cleansing, chemical peels, acne surgery, laser therapy, Cryotherapy and day and evening management regimen.
Kenalog Injection Treatment disappear overnight!
Have a pimple or cystic lesion and want it gone fast? Come in for a quick injection and watch it
Actinic Keratosis
Most insurance companies will cover the use of laser therapy and chemical exfoliation for these precancerous lesions and Blue U Levulan therapy for precancerous lesions.
Wart and Lesion Removal
While all warts are skin growths caused by viruses, different warts respond to different treatments and some warts go away on their own.
Full Body Skin Exams
Most insurance companies will pay for one visit per year. A full body skin exam is an invaluable tool and preventive measure in the early detection of skin cancer as well as many other dermatological conditions.
Mole Removal
Moles that are larger than six millimeters, itches or bleeds, rapidly changes in color, size or shape, has multiple colors, is located where it can’t be easily monitored, (such as on the scalp) should be examined by a professional immediately. They will assess, diagnose, monitor and remove if medically necessary.
COSMETIC SERVICES Cosmetic Consult
Cosmetic consults are helpful when considering the use of our skincare products or cosmetic treatments. Your first cosmetic consult is complimentary and cosmetic consult appointments thereafter require a small fee which can be applied to your service should you purchase a tteatment.
Sun Damage
Sun damage is the result of long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Sun damage most commonly occurs on the face, hands and arms, and may lead to sun spots, age spots, rough skin and wrinkles. Schedule a free cosmetic consult for more education on how to prevent sun damage.
Rosacea Treatment
While there is no cure for Rosacea, there are many ways one can treat the symptoms and slow the progression of the skin condition. We offer laser therapy and a variety of topical prescriptions, medical management, laser treatments and/or topicals that can help treat the blood vessels minimizing the flare-ups.
9305 Spring Cypress Rd #104, Spring, TX 77379
(281) 251-2400
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Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 31
HOME SECTION
How Homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses
S
aving money is a priority for many people. But reducing monthly expenses is typically a bigger concern for homeowners, especially new homeowners adjusting to life with a mortgage, higher energy bills than they likely had while renting and other costs associated with owning their own homes. Home ownership is a dream for many people, but the realization of just how expensive owning a home can be is often eye-opening once you get the keys and move in. Once the initial sticker shock has worn off, homeowners should know that the cost of home ownership need not be so steep. In fact, there are several ways homeowners can cut costs without drastically changing their lifestyle. Combine your insurance coverages. Many lenders mandate that borrowers carry homeowners insurance for their homes. The cost of coverage varies from company to company and one of the ways homeowners can reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance is to bundle their homeowners coverage with their auto insurance. Some companies provide discounted premiums as high as 15 percent for policy holders who combine their homeowners and auto insurance coverage. Speak with your current provider to determine if combining your coverage could save you money. If the savings are not sig-
nificant, shop around for an insurance company that can offer you the lower price you desire. Just be sure the company is accessible and reputable. Refinance your mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage is another great way homeowners can save a substantial amount of money. Even if you only recently purchased your home, your lender might be willing to refinance your mortgage with a lower interest rate. Depending on the amount of time and money left on your loan, reducing your interest rate by 2 percent can save you a substantial amount of money on your monthly mortgage payment, which can add up to considerable savings on the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. If you think your interest rate is a tad too high, consult your lender and discuss refinancing at a lower rate. Bundle your services. More and more consumers have decided to bundle their Internet, phone and television packages. Consumer Reports found that bundling just two of those services instead of buying them from separate providers can save consumers between 40 to 60 percent depending on where they live. Rates for bundling packages often come with an expiration date, but a Consumer Reports survey found that even those packages come with
32 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
some wiggle room. In their 2011 Annual Telecom Survey, Consumer Reports found that one-third of survey participants attempted to negotiate a lower rate for their bundled services, and 90 percent of those efforts were successful. When negotiating, discuss lower prices for bundling as well as extending the package beyond the current expiration date. It never hurts to ask, and one study has already shown that it actually helps to ask. Go green. Going green benefits the environment, and it’s almost certain to benefit homeowners’ wallets. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, toilets account for more water usage in the home than any other appliance or fixture. But the EPA also notes that a family of four can save thousands of dollars by switching to a high-efficiency toilet over that toilet’s lifetime. And installing ecofriendly appliances or fixtures around your home might even make you eligible for certain tax breaks while also updating your home, something that will make the home more attractive to prospective buyers when you sell down the road. There are many ways to make a home more environmentally friendly, and nearly all of them can save you money over the long run.
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Just mention this ad and receive 1/2 off enrollment fee when you apply by August 1. Montessori degreed teachers with low child ratios. Full and part time education for children 1 - 6 years of age. Abundant, natural outdoor space to foster creativity. Outdoor gardens maintained by the schoolers. Montessori education developes self-esteem, independence and concentration. Give your child a head start with a quality Montessori education!
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17505 Chaseloch • Spring, Texas 77379
Currently under construction. Anticipated opening – August 2016.
Summer Snack Pack Program is BACK!!!! Summer Snack Pack Program will be back for its 5th year! The Summer Snack Pack food drive began as an effort to help fill the little bellies of the children in our community that depend on the free/reduced lunches that the school provides during the school year. These meals are not available to these children during the summer months, and this means they are at risk of not having enough to eat during this time. They fill drawstring backpacks with foods that are easy for young children to prepare for themselves and distribute them in coordination with some of the stops on the Reading Express route. Their goal was achieved last summer when they were able to provide Snack Packs at every stop of the Reading Express! This year they hope to grow and reach more children. Items needed are: • Canned kid-friendly soups (chicken noodle, tomato, vegetable, etc.) • Canned pasta meals (ravioli, spaghetti o’s, etc) • Raman noodles/cup of soup, small cans of tuna/chicken • Boxed Macaroni and Cheese or easy mac • Fruit cups, applesauce cups or pudding cups • Small boxes of raisins or trail mix • Granola bars/ cereal bars • Fruit snacks/ canned fruit • Individual serving size crackers (animal crackers, graham crackers, goldfish, pretzels, peanut butter crackers, saltine crackers, etc) • Instant oatmeal packages, • Boxed or bagged cereal • Peanut butter and jelly (no glass jars please) • Flavored noodle/ rice pouches • Canned chili • Dry pasta and canned spaghetti sauce. They are teaming up with local schools and food drives to stock the program. Drop off locations for donations are being organized at this time, drop off points are at FINS (spring cypress location), Koenig Dance Studio, Family First Pediatrics and Champion Wood Animal Hospital starting as early as June 1st. If your school or organization would like to participate, please contact Melissa Sanchez at (281) 253-2887 or melissa_sanchez1994@hotmail.com. They would love to have as many schools/churches/organizations to participate this year, so they can fill more bellies this summer. To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@SpringKleinMagazine.com
Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 33
Time-saving cleaning tricks
Saving vacuuming for last means you won’t be cleaning dust that settled while dusting or wiping down items twice. scum in showers and sinks. To further cut down on soap scum, use a small, flexible squeegee to wipe down tile walls and glass doors after each shower.
H
ouse cleaning is a chore few people relish. House cleaning can be monotonous and timeconsuming. But ignoring cleaning tasks may leave you with a much larger mess to tackle. Cleaning does not have to be such a difficult job. There are a number of time-saving strategies to keep the mess to a minimum and keep your weekend afternoons free from all-day cleaning marathons. • Do the dishes after every meal. A sink full of dishes can make the kitchen look like a mess, and letting dishes pile up increases the risk of an insect infestation. Although it may seem like a chore, keeping on top of dishes actually reduces your workload. If you’re lucky enough to have an automatic dishwasher, then load dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of putting dirty items into the sink. • Protect your microwave. The inside of the microwave tends to get dirty rather quickly. Heating up snacks or quick meals may result in spill-overs or splatter. To cut down on cleaning time, stack several paper towels on the turntable. Should a spill occur, simply discard the top paper towel for an easy clean-up. • Switch your soap. Glycerin or liquid soaps do not have traditional binders that are in many bar soaps. Without the binders, which are the primary cause of soap scum, you will have to contend with much less soap
• Work from the top down. Dust and dirt settles at the lowest levels. Avoid messing up what you have just cleaned by beginning any cleaning task high up and moving downward. Therefore, dust shelves and cobwebs from ceiling corners first, then tackle tables and other surfaces before ultimately cleaning the floors.
• Concentrate on one room at a time. Some people suffer from cleaning attention deficit disorder. This means they’ll begin one task and then go into another room for something and start a new task, and so on. Focus on one room at a time to save time. You will do a more thorough job with less frustration. • Establish a drop zone. Foyers tend to accumulate a lot of clutter. Organize the space so you’re less tempted to drop items as soon as you come in. Keep the recycling bin (or shredder) handy for dealing with junk mail. Have a coat rack for hats, coats and umbrellas. Keep a basket available so you can transport items that belong in other rooms in the house. • Do laundry every day. Invest in a hamper that enables you to sort
34 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
clothing into different compartments, including lights, darks and delicates. This way the sorting is already done when it comes time for washing. Then aim to do a load a day so that you’re not faced with 100 pounds of laundry come the weekend.
• Rely on baking soda and vinegar as cleaning products. These kitchen staples are the workhorses of many cleaning projects. A mix of baking soda and vinegar can dislodge a clogged drain and be added to a wash to freshen towels and linens. A paste of baking soda can often scour tough stains, like marker, while vinegar has been known to neutralize pet odors from accidents. • Think outside the box. A can of Coca-Cola can be effective at cleaning the ring in the toilet. An unsweetened package of Kool-Aid brand lemonade can be used to freshen and clean an empty dishwasher. The citric acid will scour the inside and get rid of any scaling or hard water stains. Cleaning is a task that may not be enjoyable, but it is a necessary evil of healthy living. Keeping on top of the mess can save time in the long run.
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Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 35
Simple steps for candle safety
Incidence Reporting System and NFPA’s survey of fire departments. “We are extremely pleased that candle fires are continuing to drop,” said NCA executive vice president Carol Freysinger. “We believe there’s no question that the industry’s safety standards and educational campaign have been pivotal in reducing candle fires.” While candle fires tend to peak during the holiday season, when candles are an integral part of holiday decorating, candles are widely burned throughout the year, including during outdoor gatherings in the summertime. To reduce the risk of fire when using candles, consider these guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
C
andles are one of the easiest and most effective ways to add aroma and ambiance to a home. While many people would like to use scented candles in their homes, they may be weary of the fire risk. However, candlerelated fires appear to be on the decline. Scented candles are just one component of the larger science of aromatherapy, which is an alternative treatment that uses scents to alleviate physical and psychological disorders. Nurses and doctors at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston actually offer classes in aromatherapy to deal with cancer and other ailments. Certain scents can make a person feel more alert, while others may reduce stress and relax a person. It is estimated that candles are used in seven out of 10 American households and that people spend around $2 billion annually on candles, according to the National Candle Association. Candles
can be used for aromatherapy or to make a room feel more cozy. People who are anticipating a weather event that may knock out electrical power also rely on candles as an alternative light source. Although using candles can lead to fires, the NCA reports that candlerelated fires have dropped to their lowest level in roughly 10 years. Data shows candle fires dropped by nearly 50 percent between 2001 and 2010. That’s thanks in part to the industry’s safety standards and consumer education efforts. According to a Home Candles Fires report issued by the National Fire Protection Association, there were approximately 9,600 accidental candle fires in 2010, the latest year for which figures are available, compared to a peak of 18,900 in 2001. The statistics are based on data reported by the federal government’s National Fire
36 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
• T rim the wick to 1 ⁄4 inch each time before burning. Long wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring. • Use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be sturdy and heat-resistant. • Avoid drafts, vents or air currents that can cause rapid or uneven burning and excessive dripping. • Never leave a burning candle unattended. • Do not burn candles by or on anything that might catch fire. • Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use. • Don’t touch or move a burning candle or when wax is liquefied. • Discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains. • A lways keep a candle within sight. • Extinguish all candles before bed or if you feel sleepy. The largest number of candle fires occur in the bedroom. When used safely, candles make a welcome addition to a home.
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How to give a room a new look without breaking the bank
But furniture also can be painted and stained. Many times older furniture is made from quality wood, not the type of composite or pressboard wood of some less expensive furniture options. That means that finishes can be stripped and replaced with new stains. Turn a dated dresser into something that looks brand new with a new stain color or a coat of paint. Think about painting or staining using foam sponges to reduce the appearance of brush lines.
ACCESSORIZE
R
edecorating a room or an entire house can change the entire feel of the space dramatically. But an unpredictable economy has made many consumers a little more particular when it comes to spending on home décor. Changing elements in a room does not have to be expensive. A few updated pieces or accessories can give a room an entirely new look without breaking the bank.
SLIPCOVERS Slipcovers are no longer the amorphous sacks they once were. Slipcovers now come in all different price points. Spending a little more can mean getting a style that is elasticized or form-fitting, which will conform to the contours of a sofa or love seat. This is a simple way to cover up an outdated style of sofa fabric or a chair that has seen better days. Slipcovers also are a good way to protect new couches from damage when there are children or pets in the home. To get the right slipcover, measure the piece of furniture you intend to cover.
Without the correct fit, even a well-crafted slipcover can look awkward and cheap. Pay attention to the material of the slipcover, so you know it will be durable and thick enough to cover an existing sofa fabric pattern.
Swapping out curtains, throw pillows and even wall art can easily and often inexpensively transform the look of a room. Homeowners can purchase accessories with bright colors that add a pop of brightness throughout the room and can provide a pick-me-up for neutral design tones. Older lamps can be given a new look just by replacing lamp shades. There are many affordable options at discount stores and major retailers. Area rugs can also transform a room with little effort. Bring in a new color scheme with a different patterned rug and carry the pattern to stairways with runners.
KNOBS AND PULLS
BARE MINIMUM
Breathe new life into older furniture by changing the knobs, draw pulls and handles. Many times furniture comes with standard brass knobs that can look dated over time. Using sleeker, more streamlined knobs can make traditional furniture look more modern. Changing pulls from metal to wood can make a room look more earthy or country. Home improvement stores and accessory retailers stock a wide variety of handles and knobs that can transform just about any piece of furniture. And what cannot be found in a store can most likely be purchased online.
Sometimes less is more, and this can also pertain to home decorating. Revamping a room can be done by subtraction as well as addition. Homeowners can explore the option of taking out a piece of furniture that may be cumbersome and blocking foot traffic. Removing knickknacks from shelves and thinning out the use of collectibles can make a room more airy and inviting. Before money is spent on changing furniture or accessories, people can look into what they can remove from the room to freshen it up.
PAINT OR STAIN
Giving a room a new look and feel can be done without breaking the bank.
Painting a room’s walls a different color can provide immediate results.
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Summer 2016
SPRING•KLEIN Magazine 37
Shortcuts to a lush lawn
Save some time on lawn maintenance with a few shortcuts.
T
here are one million acres of lawn across the country. Many homeowners aspire to having a lush, green lawn as the showcase of their properties. The front lawn can make a statement and indicate to passersby the property owners’ personalities and design preferences. Lawn care takes some dedication and hard work, but there are certain ways to cut down on the amount of effort required to maintain a landscape. By employing a few different shortcuts, you can have a healthy, lush lawn without spending all of your free time cutting the grass or pruning the trees. • Stop weeds at the start. Weeding is one of the most time-consuming parts of maintaining a lawn. Weeds can proliferate throughout the lawn if not addressed in a timely manner. Once weeds take root they can become a nuisance, so it’s best to treat weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. Apply a preemergent weed control product as soon as possible in the spring and then reapply it about three months later to ensure weeds are eradicated. That equates to much less tedious lawn maintenance during the season.
• Plant a urine-resistant grass. Having a dog and maintaining a lush lawn has always been a particular conundrum for homeowners. Dog urine is high in nitrogen. While nitrogen, when applied in the correct ratio, can be a lawn-growth stimulant, in the large concentration that occurs in pet urine, it causes the grass to dry up and burn, resulting in bare spots. Replanting with urineresistant grasses can help cut down on the level of damage to the lawn from your own pet or pets that happen to make potty stops on your property. The grasses most resistant to urine tend to be perennial ryegrasses and fescues. • Wake up and water. Watering in the early mornings saves time and energy in the long run by fostering a tougher, more drought-resistant lawn. If you water early in the day, less water will be lost to evaporation. Limit watering to a few times per week, and less if you have had adequate rain. Avoid watering at night, which can expose the lawn to bacteria and attract insects. • Mow when the lawn is dry. It’s not adviseable to mow the lawn
38 SPRING•KLEIN Magazine Summer 2016
when it is wet. Slippery conditions can not only make it more dangerous to push a mower, but also slow down the time it can take to tackle the chore. The mower blades can become clogged and coated with wet grass clippings, necessitating stopping and starting the task. Another thing to consider is lawn diseases spread more readily through wet clippings. Stick to mowing when the lawn is completely dry. • Let clippings fly. Mulching mowers, or those that just distribute clippings on the lawn as you go, can be healthier for the grass. They will serve as fertilizer and redistribute nutrients to the lawn as they breakdown into the soil. According to The Organic Lawn Care Manual, leaving clippings on the lawn will fulfill about 25 percent of fertilizer requirements. Plus, you save time bagging up clippings. • Mow less often. Raise the mower’s blade so that the grass is longer in between cuttings. The taller grass will shade the soil and block weeds from germinating. It also helps improve soil’s moisture retention. • Don’t cut corners. Adjusting a landscape design to have arches and curves can reduce the time it takes to mow and edge a property. Hard corners in a landscape will require more time to keep straight and pristine. Caring for a lawn can take less time and effort than you think.
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• Air Conditioning • Heating Residential & Commercial
Servicing All Makes & Models
• True 24-Hour Emergency Service • Family Owned & Operated • 10 Year Parts & Labor Warranty Available • Fast, Courteous Service On All Makes & Models • Never An Overtime Charge • Senior Citizen Discount • Annual Preventive Maintenance Contracts • Real Estate Inspections • Financing W.A.C.
N Smart Sew ys Availabltems e
Licensed • Insured & Bonded LIC# TACLBO14135E
250 OFF OR $100 OFF
$
Purchase & Installation of Any HVAC System
Purchase & Installation of Any HVAC Equipment
Only valid on Residential Jobs. With coupon. Not valid on Sunday, holidays or after hours. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 9-30-16
$
5495
A/C Check Up Additional Units $49.95 Per Unit Only valid on Residential Jobs. With coupon. Not valid on Sunday, holidays or after hours. Not Valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 9-30-16
$
We Support Our Troops!
65 Off
ANY REPAIR OVER $300 Only valid on Residential Jobs. With coupon. Not valid on Sunday, holidays or after hours. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 9-30-16
Up To $2,500 In Rebates Per System Replacement Available Only valid on Residential Jobs. With coupon. Not valid on Sunday, holidays or after hours. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 9-30-16
Book Your Service Anytime! Call or Go Online www.airofhouston.com 281-890-0990 • 281-370-4999 • 281-446-7511 • 281-350-9392
SPRING KLEIN •
Neighborhood Publications LLC 9337 Spring Cypress Road Suite #205 Spring, Texas 77379
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