Home & Family Newsletter November 2020

• Check out the roof. Look for signs of damage to shingles, such as an accumulation of asphalt granules in the gutters and cracked or curling shingles.
• Fill in the cracks. Adding caulk around the exterior of windows and doors, and anywhere there are gaps or cracks, will help keep the heat in and moisture out.
• Seal up the driveway. Cracks in driveway that have appeared over the last year must be cleaned out, filled, and sealed before winter sets in. If left alone, the cracks will only get worse.
• Winterize your porch and deck. Outdoor furniture won’t last long if left to the elements. Remove and store cushions and patio umbrellas, then cover with a weatherproof covering. And don’t forget to cover your grill!
• Clean and store the lawn mower. Gas left in your lawn mower all winter can break down and cause internal damage, so be sure to use up or drain all fuel before storing mowers and other equipment. If you don’t want to waste the gas, you can add some fuel stabilizer.
• Prune trees. Inspect your trees and prune any branches that are within three feet of your house so they don’t scrape or fall on your roof. If you have young trees, wrap their trunks with wire guards to prevent animals from gnawing on them.
• Disconnect garden hoses. Never leave a garden hose attached to an outdoor faucet over winter. Any water left in a connected garden hose can freeze and back up into the faucet or the pipes, causing them to crack.

Quick Fixes

Making small changes in your kitchen can change the look and feel of the space—with little time and money spent. To update the look of your kitchen, upgrade your faucet, switch up outdated hardware on cabinets and install new lighting. Hang new window coverings and swap out any old kitchen décor to reflect current design trends. Purchase a new floor mat and add a rug to bring warmth to the room.

Mid-Range Renovation

Going a step further, you can obtain an even greater transformation in your kitchen by tackling larger scale projects. If your cabinets are in good shape, paint them a bold color to add a sense of style. Repaint your kitchen walls for a fresh look and add floating shelves. Invest in a new table and chair set or bar stools to make your old kitchen seem new. And if you have room, purchase a freestanding island for more prep space.

Full Remodel

If you want to change the layout of your kitchen or do a full update, it is time for a gut job. With a complete remodel, you will have the opportunity to choose new cabinets, countertops, a backsplash, and flooring. Consider features that will make your life easier—built in organizers, soft-close drawers, wine storage, etc. Take any steps needed to make a “smart” kitchen, like installing outlets with USB ports, purchasing new “smart” appliances, and adding designated shelves for your virtual assistant.

Treat someone to lunch.

Remember when your neighbor helped you clean up after that big storm? Or a teacher went out of his or her way to help your child? Surprise them with a gift card to a local restaurant or a delivery service to show your thanks. Not only will they enjoy a free meal, you will also be supporting a local business.

Send a card or write a note.

Go old school and get out a pen and paper to send a letter to someone for whom you are grateful. You do not have to write a lot; even a small note of thanks can help to brighten a person’s day, especially when they are not expecting it.

Volunteer your time.

Time is the most precious gift we can give. Find a cause that is near to your heart and find a way to volunteer. Many socially distant volunteer opportunities are available, like packing meals for food-insecure families, providing online tutoring and homework assistance, or checking in on senior citizens in your neighborhood.

Shop local and share on social media.

Small businesses took quite a hit this year, yet many rose above and continued to provide services and goods to their communities. Give thanks to the shops in your neighborhood and buy local this holiday season. Even better, share what you love most about them on social media to show your support.

Donate blood.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. This year in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we should never take our health for granted. If you are in good health, show your thanks by paying it forward and donating blood for those in need.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long) bananas, mashed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Directions:

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Lightly grease a 5x9 inch loaf pan.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs; beat well. Stir in peanut butter, bananas, flour, and baking soda until blended. Fold in walnuts. Pour into prepared pan.

Step 3

Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool.