Home & Family Newsletter June 2019 Edition

Summer is the season of outdoor dining and family picnics at the park, but did you know that June 18th is International Picnic Day? If you haven’t had a chance to sit down and have a meal with family or friends lately, Picnic Day is the perfect opportunity to do so. While you may be starting to picture the traditional checkered blanket and food basket in the park, there are many different ways to enjoy this fun tradition. Here are a few new ones to try:

The Low-Effort Picnic

Let’s face it: picnics involve a lot of planning. From deciding on the perfect meal to prepping and packing, a picnic can end up taking up more of your evening or weekend than you’d prefer. However, it doesn’t have to be this way! Sometimes the perfect date can be picking up a pizza and heading to outdoor setting that is the least-buggy area nearby. Just remember to grab a few napkins.

The Indoor Picnic

Sometimes the weather turns unexpected, or plans get postponed until it’s too dark for the perfect picnic. If the setting isn’t right, don’t cancel your plans – you can still enjoy this holiday indoors. The “indoor picnic” is open to your interpretation, but make sure you stray away from your usual scene. Choose picnic foods and place plants around your dining table for the outdoor experience, or clear your living room furniture and eat your meal seated on a blanket or cushions on the floor.

The Scenic Picnic

June 18th falls on a weekday, and may just be the perfect excuse to take the day off and get away for a bit. Another picnic option is to visit somewhere scenic you haven’t been before - a hike with a mountaintop view, a local boat tour or even a shady spot in your city’s botanical garden.

Summer is here, and to the homeowner, the new season means more than just a week off for vacation time. The arrival of hot weather and high humidity signifies the beginning of “it’s too hot in here” complaints from family members. As you continue to pump air conditioning through your home, you’ll notice energy bills rising – especially if your windows are older.

If your home hasn’t been outfitted with newer dual pane windows, it’s likely that you’re feeling the effects of outside conditions a bit more than you’d like, and paying for it. Thankfully, there are a couple of options when it comes to your windows and improving energy efficiency. Here are a few:

Window Replacement

The easiest way to ensure your windows are helping instead of hurting is to replace them with newer energy efficient options. You can look specifically for ENERGY STAR qualified options, or talk with a professional about what has worked best for their clients.

Small Repairs and Improvements

If you aren’t ready to commit to a full window replacement, there may be smaller changes you can make to improve them. First, check for drafts using a flashlight, candle or infrared thermometer. If you find any air leaks, sealing them can make a big difference. You can also choose to upgrade the frames rather than the entire window. If you just want another layer of insulation, quality window treatments can help with cold glass in the winter and keep rooms cool by blocking UV rays in the summer.

Upgrade Glass

If your home is 100+ years old with original windows, you don’t have to get rid of them! Keeping the original windows on historic homes looks great and in some cities can even be required. One option is to add another pane or insert for extra insulation. Another is to just upgrade and replace the glass panes.

Accidents are never anticipated, and being prepared beforehand is the best way to handle an injury when it happens. For major situations, this means having emergency numbers available, emergency contacts in place and a plan of action ready. For minor injuries like cuts and scrapes, being prepared means having a first aid kit handy for immediate treatment to the injury, speeding up the healing process and often helping keep children calm.

In most drugstores or supermarkets, you can find ready-to-go first aid kits with almost everything you might need for minor injuries. These kits are great options if you’re prone to buying larger packs of bandages that go unused or even for keeping in your vehicle. 

Another option is to build your own first aid kit. If you don’t know what you are looking for, the selection of products in a drugstore can become overwhelming. Take the time to do your research beforehand and shop with a well-thought out list. Keep the needs of your household in mind when browsing the selection – will cartoon-branded band-aids calm your little one for scrapes and bruises? Or what about a simple pair of tweezers specifically for thorns or tick removal after yard work? 

If you already have a first aid kit in your home, look inside and make sure everything is up-to-date. Many ointments, antihistamines and other over-the-counter medications have expiration dates, and may need to be tossed out and replaced.

Remember: first aid kits can’t solve every injury. Know how to use each product currently, and when to consult professional medical assistance.

Recipe Courtesy of: Taste of Home

Ingredients

·  10 small russet potatoes, unpeeled

·  1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

·  1/2 pound fresh green beans, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces

·  1/4 teaspoon pepper

·  2 medium cucumbers, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices

·  1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, halved

·  1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced

·  1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, divided

·  1/2 cup olive oil

·  4 tablespoons cider vinegar

·  3 garlic cloves, minced

Directions

Place potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, until tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain; rinse with cold water. Pat dry.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add beans; cook, uncovered, just until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain; immediately drop into ice water. Drain and pat dry.

Peel and cube potatoes; sprinkle with remaining salt and the pepper. Transfer to a serving bowl. Add beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and 3/4 cup basil leaves. Whisk together oil, vinegar and garlic. Drizzle over vegetables; toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining basil.