Home & Family Newsletter July 2020

Some home maintenance problems are easy to detect, while others may go unnoticed. Cleaning dryer vents is not the most high profile home maintenance task, but it is a very important one. Dryer vent pipes should be cleaned at least once a year for both safety and efficiency purposes. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, there are several reasons to make cleaning your dryer vent pipes a priority:

Prevent a fire. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 3,000 dryer fires occur each year, most of which are caused by failure to properly clean the dryer. While most people clean the lint filter on the top of the machine regularly, excess lint also accumulates in the vent pipe. Over time, this reduces airflow, which can cause the dryer to overheat. Since lint is highly flammable, the excess heat can start a fire. A thorough vent pipe cleaning removes the potentially dangerous lint and lessens the chance of a dryer fire.

Save time. A dryer vent pipe full of lint and debris will increase the length of time it takes for a load of laundry to be fully dried. If you notice that your dryer seems to be running longer than normal or that you have to put your clothes through more than one cycle for them to completely dry, it’s time to clean your dryer vent pipes.

Save money. When dryer vent pipes are clogged, the dryer needs to run for a longer period of time. This uses more energy than necessary, which can cause an increase in monthly electricity bills. This extra workload can also cause your dryer to stop working before the end of its lifespan, requiring costly repairs or the purchase of a new dryer sooner than expected. What’s more, your clothing may also suffer from extra time in the dryer, as too much heat breaks down fabrics more quickly. 

Staying home is the new norm these days, so why not make it a place where you can truly relax? Warm summer days mean you’ll likely be spending more time outside. Take this opportunity to turn your backyard into your own personal oasis and make staying home an enjoyable experience now and for years to come.

Keep in mind the following elements when planning your perfect backyard retreat.

Comfortable Seating

When choosing seating for your backyard, think about how you will use the space. Will you need enough seating for the entire family gather around or will you only need a small table and chair set to enjoy your morning coffee? While options in traditional seating materials such as cast or wrought iron, aluminum and wood are readily available, newer weather-proof synthetic materials look and feel more like indoor furniture. Machine washable cushions and pillows provide style and comfort.

Privacy

A backyard retreat is a place where you can go to get away, so plan for some privacy. Consider a trellis or large potted plants for smaller spaces and hedges and fences for larger spaces. Gazebos and pergolas are also classic backyard fixtures that provide privacy and serve as decorative features.

Lighting

Enjoy your backyard oasis long into the night with ample lighting. Hang lanterns or strings of light, install in-ground lights or light up some candles. No outlet? No problem; just look for battery operated lights. The end result is a spectacular outdoor ambiance.

Flowers and Plants

A backyard retreat wouldn’t be complete without greenery. Choose flowers and plants in a variety of colors, shapes and textures that are appealing to your eye. Also consider plants that do double-duty, such as provide a pleasant scent or keep away bugs.

Unique Touches

Decorate your backyard to make it your own. Select accent pieces in your favorite color, a sculpture that speaks to you or an outdoor bar set that’s just your style. For even more impact, add a soothing water feature or a built-in fire pit.

Spending time outdoors has been shown to increase your energy, relieve stress, improve your mood and provide numerous other health benefits. With the reopening of our cities parks, pools and playgrounds, now is the time to enjoy these outdoor spaces that are so close to home.

Know before you go. Before you head out, check the website to confirm operating hours, availability of shelters for shade and what public amenities are available (water fountains, restrooms, etc.). Familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations ahead of time, and pack accordingly.

Keep your distance. As with all public activities, be sure to maintain a six foot social distance from other groups of people and alert others of your presence and when you are about to pass them. Avoid participating in organized sports, using playground equipment and touching other shared surface areas to prevent the spread of disease.

Pack and dress accordingly. At a minimum, pack water, snacks, sunscreen and a basic first aid kit when visiting parks. Consider also bringing wet wipes, a compass and bug spray. Depending on your activity and when you plan your visit, you may want to wear a hat, sunglasses, water shoes or a lightweight rain jacket.

Bring your own entertainment. In many recreational areas you can swim, fish, boat or bike. You can also bring lawn games like horseshoes, corn hole or ladder ball toss to play during a picnic. For those with younger children, print out a nature scavenger hunt to keep the kids having fun. Budding photographers can also take advantage of nature’s beauty in their local park.

Remember, if you are sick or have been recently exposed to someone who has COVID-19, please stay home from the parks and other public areas. 

Recipe Courtesy of: Taste of Home

Ingredients:

·  2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)

·  1 tablespoon olive oil

·  1 garlic clove, minced

·  1/4 teaspoon salt

·  1/4 teaspoon pepper

Vinaigrette:

·  1/4 cup olive oil

·  1/4 cup blueberry preserves

·  2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

·  2 tablespoons maple syrup

·  1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

·  1/8 teaspoon salt

·  Dash pepper

Salad:

·  1 package (10 ounces) ready-to-serve salad greens

·  1 cup fresh blueberries

·  1/2 cup canned mandarin oranges

·  1 cup crumbled goat cheese

Directions

Toss chicken with oil, garlic, salt and pepper; refrigerate, covered, 30 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk together vinaigrette ingredients; refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165°, 5-7 minutes per side. Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Place greens on a serving plate; top with chicken, blueberries and mandarin oranges. Whisk vinaigrette again; drizzle over salad. Top with cheese.