Home & Family Newsletter October 2020

Just like with home design, trends in window coverings change over the years in terms of style and function. If your window treatments aren’t meeting your needs for privacy or matching your current style, it’s time for an update! Check out the latest trends and innovations in window coverings to see how you can give your windows a new look.

Shutters

Available in both wood and composite materials, as well as a wide variety of colors, shutters are a popular pick for homeowners. Plantation shutters, which use a louver to open and close the shutters, and café shutters, which are half-height and provide privacy while maintaining outdoor views, are stylish options that add a timeless elegance to a home.

Motorized Blinds

Motorized blinds bring convenience to a whole new level. Operated by a wireless wall switch, a remote or even your virtual assistant, motorized blinds allow you to program set times to raise and lower your blinds, reducing energy costs and protecting your furniture, artwork and flooring from the sun.

Textured Shades

Window shades offer a variety of options to express your sense of style. Woven wood and bamboo shades offer a warm, natural feel, while textured and patterned Roman shades can add a pop of personality. Classic roller shades also have an updated look with linen and grass-like weaves.

Cordless Blinds and Shades

Keeping safety top of mind, cordless window coverings eliminate the potential for children (and pets) to get tangled in cords. Cordless blinds and shades utilize a lift and lock technology which allows you to easily adjust your window covering. The lack of cords also provides a clean, sleek look.

Sheer Shades

Looking for privacy, but still want to let natural light into your house? Sheer shades can get the job done on both fronts. With sheer shades you can opt for a neutral look with light-colored fabrics or go bold with a statement color. These shades can also be layered under other window coverings to create dimension.

Public wireless networks are everywhere these days, from coffee shops to doctors’ offices to recreation areas. While the convenience factor of having free Wi-Fi is great, it’s important to take steps to protect your privacy and your device when using public wireless networks. Follow these tips when using a computer, tablet, or smartphone to stay safe on public Wi-Fi:

·  Use secure public wireless networks (those that require a password) when possible. When connecting, verify that you have the correct wireless network name, as hackers can set up fake accounts that may look like the real thing. Select the option to forget the public network after connecting and turn off setting for automatic internet connections.

·  Limit your website visits to “https” sites. Sites that begin with “https” are secure sites that don’t allow other users on the same network to see what you are doing online. As you click through a website, be sure that all of the webpages have the “https” designation, not just the homepage.

·  Don’t access financial or personal data. When you are on public Wi-Fi, avoid checking your bank account information, filling out forms with personal details or shopping online with your credit card. This also applies to file sharing and AirDrop features. If you need to access this information in public, try using your cell phone as a mobile hotspot instead of using public Wi-Fi.

·  Keep your anti-virus software updated and use a virtual private network (VPN). Prevention is often the best medicine. Ensure that your anti-virus software is current before using a public wireless network. For enhanced security, download a VPN app that will encrypt your information and allow you to use the public Wi-Fi safely.

·  ·Always keep your devices with you. It seems like the most obvious tip, but it’s one worth repeating. Leaving your computer, tablet or smartphone unattended—even if you are just going to the counter to get your coffee—allows an opportunity for someone to steal your device or look at personal information on your screen.  

When the electricity goes out, it can be a major inconvenience—the lights are off, the Wi-Fi is down, and life takes a pause. If you’d prefer to avoid the hassles that come with a power outage, a generator is a must-have. Whether you choose a standby, inverter or portable generator, these backup power sources can help keep things running in your household when the electricity is out. Generators can:

Keep food fresh and safe. When a prolonged power outage occurs (inevitably when you have just stocked the fridge from your latest grocery trip), people are most often concerned with how long their food will last in the refrigerator. Powering your refrigerator with a generator takes the guesswork out of this situation and allows you to safely enjoy your food.

Power electronic medical devices. For many with chronic conditions, a generator is essential for them to receive the medical care they need. This includes CPAP machines, oxygen tanks, power wheelchairs or scooters and at-home dialysis machines, among many others. Medical providers can offer specific guidance on how to best access backup power.

Ensure your sump pump functions. Power is frequently knocked out during heavy storms, which also come with excessive rain. Since sump pumps run on electricity, it’s important that this basement appliance maintains power during a storm to do its job effectively and prevent flooding.

Allow you to work from home. If you have a home business or are working at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a generator provides the power you need to get your work done, even if the power is out. More than just powering computers, printers and wireless routers, a generator also provides a comfortable working environment by keeping the heat or air conditioning running.

Make outdoor living more enjoyable. If you spend a lot of time camping or boating, having access to power can make your experience more pleasant. Portable generators allow you to use electric devices for cooking, lighting and entertainment while in your camper or on the water.

Recipe Courtesy of: Southern Living

Ingredients:

·  24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells

·  1 pound chopped smoked pork

·  1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese (about 10 oz.)

·  3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

·  1 tablespoon minced garlic

·  1 teaspoon kosher salt

·  1/2 teaspoon black pepper

·  1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

·  2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 8 oz.), divided

·  1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

·  1 (24-oz.) jar marinara sauce

·  3/4 cup bottled barbecue sauce

Directions

Step 1

Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain, and transfer to a baking sheet. Cool 15 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, stir together next 7 ingredients, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the parsley in a large bowl. Stir together marinara and barbecue sauce in a bowl. Spread 1 3/4 cups of the marinara mixture in bottom of a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 3

Fill each cooled shell with 2 heaping tablespoons pork mixture and arrange in prepared baking dish. Pour remaining 2 cups marinara mixture over shells. To cook now: Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake until heated through, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley. To freeze for later: Wrap tightly in 2 layers of plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months. To thaw and cook: Thaw in refrigerator 24 hours. Preheat oven to 375°F; place unwrapped dish on counter while oven preheats. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake until heated through, 40 to 45 minutes. Uncover, and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.