Home & Family Newsletter October 2019

The most wonderful time of the year may be just around the corner, but it also means that soon it will be the coldest part of the year. It’s time to pull those sweaters out of storage, put extra blankets on the bed, and prepare your house for colder weather. 

While your home may have made it through the summer with no major issues other than a few higher utility bills, cold weather and even freezing temperatures can cause major damage and even turn your home into an unsafe environment. Here are a few tasks you’ll want to complete before temperatures begin to drop: 

Indoors

·  Change your furnace filters. Whether your home runs on central heat or gas, changing the filter will help keep energy costs low. 

·  Check your pipes and insulation. Did you have issues with freezing pipes last year? Keeping the faucet on during winter storms can help but treating the larger issue will save you from stress. 

·  Check for air leaks. If you noticed a spike in your bills this summer, it could be from your windows and doors. Keep your home warm by fixing seals or replacing windows and doors. 

·  Schedule inspections. If you have a gas fireplace or hearth, schedule your yearly inspection to ensure your system will function properly. 

Outdoors

·  Clean up. If you have landscaping equipment, a pressure washer or other power tools, it’s time to clean them and store them away for the winter to keep them in great shape. 

·  Clear the gutters. To prevent ice dams that can damage your roofing, clear your gutters of debris. 

·  Landscaping. If you have vegetables or flowers that have died off as summer ended, now is a great time to pull them out and weed before the ground freezes. 

It’s one of the most relaxing times of the year - the stress of back to school season is over, the weather is cooling off, and the stress of the holiday season is still distant. Fall is here, and so are all the fun events that come with it. Now is the best time to relax with your family, get outdoors and enjoy all the fun events your community has to offer. 

Support Local Businesses 

There are likely an abundance of free fall events from local businesses around your town this time of year. Keep an eye out for Facebook events, or check the local paper and bulletins for smaller fall events with pumpkin carving, face painting and plenty of food to show your support. 

Plan Your Trip

For bigger events like State or City Fair’s, be sure to plan your trip in advance to avoid long lines and stressful parking situations. You may be able to purchase a ride ticket pass in advance. Remember, the first and last days of festivals are always the busiest times to attend. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s also a good idea to bring cash for funnel cake, candied apples and fun games. Be sure to take a sweater as well - October nights can get chilly quickly! 

Have Your Own Event

If you don’t have any fall events happening close to you, hold your own! Get the neighborhood together to plan a fun block party, and get local businesses involved to have great food and games planned for the whole family. You don’t have to have fair rides for a fun memory - pumpkin painting, cornhole and pie-eating contests are all fun activities that take little time and planning. You can even set up an outdoor projector and host a spooky movie night with popcorn. 

No matter what work you need done, choosing a contractor to trust with your home should be a careful decision. Pricing can be a great indication of quality - but the most expensive companies aren’t always the best, and the cheapest may not be the worst. Online reviews and recommendations can be another place to start, but ultimately it is up to you and the questions you ask that will help you hire a skilled and professional contractor. 

The first questions you should ask will help determine if the contractor is taking the right steps to protect your family and your home, both physically and legally:

1.  Do they have the proper permits, warranties and insurance? Make sure your home will be up to code, protected against damage and avoid fines by asking to see licenses and paperwork, and even request copies. 

2.  Are they local? Do they hire subcontractors? Being able to get in touch with your contractor after the job is done and making sure they have hired dedicated experts means that if the work isn’t done correctly the first time, you’ll be able to easily get ahold of them afterwards to fix any issues. 

Next, ask the questions that will make this contractor the right fit for you:

1.  What is their company process? If the estimate process was long and difficult, you should expect the same when it comes to signing the contract and completing the work.

2.  Will they work with your budget, and are there any hidden fees? Remember: cheaper isn’t always what it seems. The company may choose to cut corners elsewhere to make up for it or hide new fees within the contract. Ask them about different products they offer and what the benefits are to see which options fit within your price range.

Recipe Courtesy of: Delish

Ingredients

·  2 c. flour

·  1 tsp. baking soda

·  1/2 tsp. baking powder

·  1/2 tsp. salt

·  1 tsp. cinnamon

·  3/4 tsp. nutmeg

·  1/2 c. butter, softened

·  1/2 c. sugar

·  1/2 c. brown sugar

·  1 egg

·  2/3 c. pumpkin puree

·  1 tsp. vanilla extract

·  1 c. chocolate chips

·  1 box brownie mix

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.

2.  Prepare brownie batter according to box instructions. Set aside.

3.  Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl until evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, combine butter and sugars. Beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, pumpkin and vanilla and mix until evenly combined. Gradually, add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.

4.  Divide brownie batter between the muffin cups. Each cup should be filled halfway to two-thirds of the way up. Scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls into the centers of a each brownie batter-filled cup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the brownie cup comes out with a few moist crumbs. (Use any extra cookie dough to bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookies!)

5.  Let cool in muffin tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer brookies to a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.