How to Freeze Vegetables for Winter

 Summer is a season that is filled with my favorite things! From working in my small garden, to watching my kids swim in the pool. To auction season where I scout for furniture to refinish and the Farmer's Market! With so many things going on, I am always looking for ways to speed the work parts up to make the fun parts last longer.

A lot of my work time in the summer is spent in my kitchen, where someone has to clean, chop and prep vegetables and fruits for the freezer. From July to late September, I make a daily harvest of peppers, and I buy about 30 pounds of fresh food each week for my freezer. It is always my personal mission to not buy overpriced, out of season produce in the cold months. My kids will groan and tell you about the ice cream our freezer lacks these days, to make room for beautiful vacuum sealed bags of mixed veggies!

This post has been sponsored by Arm & Hammer. Thank you for helping keep my veggies clean and fresh!

Preserving food for the future is a lot of work. Some of my earliest summer memories involve 'garden work' with my grandparents, we shelled beans, shucked corn, peeled tomatoes, and made pickles for weeks. I always loved the experience of hard work and the fruits of my labors later.

I don't can at home, but I am the freezer queen. Let me tell you a few tips and tricks to help you master the art of freezing veggies at home while they are in season and ready for the picking!

While most of the veggies I buy locally and grow are organic, I still find it important to give them all a good cleaning. I trust Arm & Hammer Fruit and Vegetable Wash to help me get my veggies ready. This is the first step to preserving great produce. It is so easy to use and is more effective than water alone at removing wax, dirt and residues from pesticides. Simply spray it on, rub the fruit and rinse. It is so easy!

Next, I start chopping! I use large sheet pan to keep my veggies separated for easy access. Some people prefer to blanche first, but for me, I like everything pre-chopped, so I deal with that and get it out of the way. 

After my veggies are chopped, I start blanching some of them. I simply boil the veggies for about 90 seconds, then pull them out of the water and into a cool bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Next, transfer the veggies to a towel and pat them dry.

Then, you are ready to begin sealing. I like to use a vacuum sealer system to remove the air and avoid freezer burn.

Label your bags of fruits and veggies.

Freeze for later.

Arm & Hammer is made with simple ingredients to provide an effective and safe product that keeps your fruits and veggies fresher. It is perfect for the home gardener, a market shopper, or anyone who wants to make their fresh foods cleaner before consumption.

If you have any tips or tricks for freezing fresh foods, I hope you will leave a comment to share!

Vacation Style Tips- How To Dress To Impress This Summer

The year of the pandemic has been the hardest one, but things are looking up now. After getting your vaccines, you may want to plan a vacation this summer. A long-distance trip to an exotic destination abroad may not be on the cards, but it is easy to travel closer home. You can go ahead with your vacation plans, provided you choose wisely and follow all safety precautions. 

Once you are all set, your attention will be on vacation styling. After a year in your track pants, looking good should be your top agenda as you travel. At the same time, you will want to be comfortable and look like a diva without spending a fortune. Fortunately, it isn’t as much work as it sounds. Just follow your original style, and you can rock the vacation look. Here are some tips you can follow to dress to impress.

Consider your destination

Every vacation is different, so it requires a different wardrobe. You cannot expect to dress up in a breezy bikini in the mountains. Similarly, packing heavy jackets on a beach trip is a bad idea. Consider your destination before checking your wardrobe or creating a shopping list for the trip. Check the weather forecasts on the internet to choose wisely and dress up perfectly for the weather when you are there. You may require special clothing if you plan to participate in adventure sports or activities. Double-check your plans and pack accordingly.

Plan your outfits

You will probably be more excited than ever this summer and it is easy to go over the top with your packing checklist. Avoid that tendency because you may end up tugging heavy luggage over the trip. Plan your outfits according to the number of days and pack a few extra just in case. Stick to comfortable and casual pieces, though you may pack one formal outfit for sudden plans. Carry separates and mix and match smartly to create different ensembles with a few pieces.

Shop your own closet first

Although you may feel tempted to splurge on a vacation wardrobe, this may not be the best time to spend. Even if you need to shop, limit your spending as much as you can. Shopping from your own closet is an excellent idea because you may find some hidden treasures there. Recycle your old jeans to create trendy shorts, combine tees with dresses to design a fresh new look. A little DIY and creativity can save you lots of money. You can spend it on self-care services like a spa and facial instead.

Safety essentials are indispensable

Even as vacation styling will be on top of your mind, you cannot forget to carry the essentials. But if you are serious about fashion goals, there’s much to experiment with. You can pick designer masks to match every outfit you plan to take along. Accessorize with trendy yet functional tote bags that look good and offer ample space to carry your sanitizer supplies. You can explore the trendiest range to ramp up your collection this season. Just pick and pack smartly, and you can look good and be virus-safe throughout the vacation.Follow the online fashion boards

The pandemic fashion is different and keeping pace will be on top of your mind if you are a trendy diva. Follow the online fashion boards to know what’s hot this summer. Check celebrity vacation looks for an extra dose of inspiration. You must surely have a look if you are planning to revamp your holiday wardrobe this year. But make sure you spend judiciously because the trends may swap quickly once the pandemic is over. You will not want to end up with a closet full of stuff never to be used again. 

Shoes are important

When it comes to vacation styling, your footwear must always be on point. Pick ones that are comfortable, light, and good-looking. Shoes are the best option for vacations because you often need to walk a lot and explore places. You may want to have a pair of flip-flops for a beach trip. Prioritize easy fits and airy material that does not make your feet hot and sweaty. As a rule, never take a new pair on a holiday because you may end up with hurting feet. Wear them a few times back home to develop a comfort level.

Vacation styling this summer should focus on looking good, saving money, and being safe, all without compromising your style goals. It may seem like a lot of work, but you need not do much to accomplish the objective. Just follow these rules and stick with your personal statement, and you can look your best! 

Play Doh Sea Snails

 Play doh is always a favorite play time tool at my house. There are just so many ways you can create with it! This play doh snail activity is so easy! Kids of all ages will love to grab a can of doh and a few favorite shells and get creating! 

Summer is near, and we are so glad. We have been virtually learning for about 15 months now and we are ready for a break. While the kids have less work to submit each day as the year dwindles down, we have more idle time than ever. I am NOT the mom who wants to entertain kids all day long (sorry guys!) so I turn to open ended creative ideas like this one a lot. It keeps the kids happy and gives me a chance to get some things done. 

Even my 11 year old had fun with this one. Rolf usually is too tween cool for any of my hands on play anymore, but this one was high interest and he got involved with his sister.

These play doh sea snails are awesome for rainy day play too. You only need 2 colors of play dough and a few shells to make the magic happen!

Supplies:

Sea shells 

2 or more colors of play dough

Instructions:

Invite the kids to roll out a color of doh for the body of the snail. Carefully insert one end of the rolled doh into the shell. Make sure the end is rolled thin, and don't force it too far into the shell.

Form some small antennae and attach to the head of the snail.

Add small details with a different color of play doh.

Repeat with more shells for a bunch of cute little friends!

This is such a fun activity for kids that requires so little in supplies. It is economical and easy, but can create more detailed creatures with a little patience and imagination.

You can find more fun play doh ideas here

Reader favorites 

Play Doh Food Puzzles for Toddlers

Play Doh Pie Counting

Easy Fine Motor Sensory Ball Activity

Preschoolers will love this easy to set up and totally engaging sensory ball activity. It combines fine motor work and sensory play for a boredom buster with benefits. Best of all this activity is super affordable to set up. You can get everything you need at the dollar store.

If you have been reading this blog over the last decade, you might know I am passionate about fine motor and sensory activities. I love creating activities that are fun and benefit development. This is no exception. It is so easy to set up, but it is engaging for kids and helps them build fine motor skills. No fancy equipment required.

All you need to make this fine motor ball is two simple things.

A bumpy ball 

Tiny rubber bands

This is so easy to set up.

Simply stretch the bands over the bumps of the ball

For younger children, use fewer bands

To challenge older children use more bands and make the loops complicated. 

Offer the ball to your child and encourage them to remove the bands. 

Have your child place the bands in a container, storage bag etc as these can be a choking hazard and dangerous to pets. Supervise this activity please!

If you are looking for more sensory and fine motor activities check out these popular posts.

Feather Beading Activity

Dino Rescue 

Rainbow Disc Sensory Bag

Favorite Treats of Your Pets

All caring pet owners want to give their four-legged buddies some goodies from time to time. However, choosing a healthy and tasty alternative for your pet might appear to be not easy. What parameters should you take into account when picking up the best treats for your lovely animal? It’s time to explore this topic a bit deeper. 

Choose a Snack With A Breed In Mind 

There is nothing new that various breeds might have different problems with their health. For example, some dogs have a very sensitive digestive system, while others require special nutrition to maintain joints healthy. It is important to know all the weak points of your pet’s breed and avoid giving it improper goodies. For example, many dogs love grapes. However, this fruit is harmful to their stomach. Therefore, it is better not to treat your four-legged friend with grapes, even if it makes an incredibly sad face. 

Follow the Pet’s Diet 

Each pet is completely unique. When choosing tasty treats for your animal, it is important to consider its age, eating habits, and health condition. Moreover, there is a list of forbidden products for each pet. For example, it is better not to treat your cat with cow milk, chocolate, raisins, avocado, and raw meat regardless of its breed. The same rule works for dogs and some other home animals. Don't just apply this to treats, make sure that you include their every day food in this as well. Being healthy and considerate with their treats but giving them basic dog food that is full of harmful ingredients, is not a good idea. Take a look at beef, lamb, and chicken dog foods to see what their contents are and how you can incorporate that into their diet alongside these treats.

.Read the Reviews of Other Pet Owners 

If you can’t make the right choice in a whopping assortment of pet goodies in the supermarket, it might be a good idea to read the reviews of other pet owners. If you have a cat, feel free to start with exploring the latest young again cat food review. In case you own a dog, it might be interesting for you to read a fresh top rated dog food review. It’s easy to discover what goodies are among the favorites for other pets and offer this food to your buddy. 

Consult the Veterinarian 

According to most scientists, the best thing you can do before giving any type of goodies to your animal is to consult the veterinarian. The pet’s health professional might take some tests and help you choose the best alternative for your four-legged friend. This way, your pet is not likely to have any side effects after trying new products. Moreover, the veterinarian might help you determine whether your home animal has any allergies. 

Pick Up Healthy Options 

When choosing treats for your pet, it is necessary to buy only goodies that were developed for your type of animal. For example, it is better not to treat your dog with cat food even if it really likes it. Don’t forget to make sure all the ingredients in the pet food are healthy. For example, look for treats that contain chicken, rice, fish, and other natural products. Avoid picking up pet food containing preservatives and artificial ingredients since they might cause issues with the digestive system or allergy. Most veterinarians don’t recommend buying pet goods with propylene glycol and BTH. 

Moreover, if your four-legged friend consumes only pet food, it is better to avoid treating it with human food. According to many animal health experts, combining pet and human food might not be good for your buddy. 

Consider Treat Size 

The best option for treating your pet is small-sized goodies or food that can be easily broken into small pieces. This type of treat is convenient for the pet owner and can be easily consumed by your four-legged buddy. Another benefit of offering small treats is that your home animal can consume many pieces at once with little to no risk of having an upset stomach. Anyway, it is better not to give too many tasty treats to your pet during one session. Keep in mind that overfeeding is not good for any pet. 

Don’t Stick to Only One Option 

Pets are like people. They love diversity, too. Therefore, it is better to have several types of goodies and switch between these alternatives from time to time. This simple trick will help you maintain the pet’s interest for longer and boost its motivation to learn. Consequently, you will achieve better results within the shortest terms. 

Let Your Pet Choose 

What if you bought expensive and healthy treats for your animal, but it refuses to eat them? Well, sometimes, it happens. This way, it is better to shop for another option to pick up the best one that suits your buddy. 

Conclusion 

Choosing quality and healthy pet food might be easier than you might think. Pick up treats that don’t contain artificial ingredients and are developed exactly for your pet’s breed. Select treats of small sizes for maximum effect and your pet’s comfort. It might also be good to consult a veterinarian to make the right choice and to eliminate any health risks. 

Popular Summer Drinks With Coffee

 What? Have you ever heard of summer drinks containing coffee? Well, it’s nothing bad if you haven't. You are not the only person who wasn’t aware of them. Actually, even coffee enthusiasts may not know about the variety of cold, refreshing, and saturating summer drinks based on classic espresso or Turkish coffee brewed in a cezve.

That’s why this article should be useful for every enthusiast looking for some new ideas and recipes. Here, we’ll describe four coffee drinks that will be perfect for adding taste and freshness to your regular hot day in spring or summer. You might want to use the best coffee beans to ensure the perfect quality of your new drink.

Freddo Espresso

The first recipe on the list will suit those who prefer coffee without milk. A bit of sourness will be your bonus. Freddo espresso is simple enough to make.

First, take a shaker if you have one. If you don’t – no problem, come up with something suitable to replace it. Then, add 4 to 5 ice cubes, a slice of lemon, an espresso portion, and up to 7 ml of caramel syrup there. You got it, right?

Yes, shake it well for 20 seconds. After that, pour the contents into a 100 ml shot with three new cubes of ice. Make sure the ice and lemon slice from the shaker don’t make it to the shot.

Freddo Espresso is easily customizable and adjustable. You can pick a syrup with another taste, or use another fruit, or experiment with the balance of drink components. The simplicity of a receipt allows making a favorite drink almost anywhere, even if the menu does not include Freddo Espresso.

All in all, it’s a perfect digestive drink able to cheer you up, along with adding some fresh tones to your hot day.

Cold-Brew

The next drink became a part of the menu for the majority of coffee shops throughout the world. Cold-brew is a cold black coffee. The feature of this coffee is actually described in the name of its recipe.

Cold-brew is really brewed at low temperatures for up to 24 hours. Of course, no coffee shop will make clients wait for their order all day long. Usually, they brew it in advance on the evening before to have some stored product and offer it to guests.

On the one hand, cold brew is an easy recipe to keep up with. Get freshly ground high-quality beans, pour the powder with cold water, and put the mix in a fridge. There, it takes eight, fifteen, or twenty-four hours to become perfect.

On the other hand, it is critical to pick a nice grind to guarantee good taste extraction and to balance the portions of coffee and water.

The killer feature of cold brew coffee is that the low-temperature brewing process allows it to avoid being excessively sour. Additionally, it is a pretty universal coffee basis. If you like pure black coffee, just drink it as is. Otherwise, cold brew feels well when you customize it with syrups, spices, or different kinds of milk.

Bumble

A perfect refresher and tonic, this drink made it into the minds and hearts of multiple coffee enthusiasts all over the world quickly enough. Bumble means a combo between espresso, fresh orange juice, and, once again, caramel syrup. If you are a coffee gourmet yourself, you don’t have to be a pro barista to make a cup of bumble at home.

So, you’ll need a glass. Then, place five ice cubes, 10 ml of caramel syrup, 100 ml of fresh juice, and a standard espresso portion. After doing so, you’ll understand why the drink is called bumble. See those colors? Though the image may be amazing and always unique, professionals recommend mixing the drink before taking it.

Iced Latte

No other drink could close up this list of summer coffee recipes better. Meet pure classics of cold coffee drinks, iced latte!

The simplicity of the original latte makes it also stand among the easiest recipes of summer coffee drinks. The balance between milk and coffee is nearly the same in both iced latte and the traditional hot variation.

Additionally, the same simplicity became the reason for the iced latte to become one of the most customizable drinks really open to any experiments. Every coffee shop and the barista can have their featured, unique version of iced latte to offer. And, of course, any coffee enthusiast can try making a portion of an iced latte at home. You’ll only need an espresso portion, cold milk, and some ice.

Place five cubes of ice into a glass, add fresh espresso, and shake it up a bit to let the coffee cool down. Then, fill the glass with milk to make it full. That’s it. Your iced latte is ready. 

Meals to Cook When Hiking

Hiking is a favorite type of activity for many people. Traveling through mountain ranges and forests brings a lot of positive emotions. In addition, you can be alone with nature and enjoy the silence. Considering the length of the hiking trip, you should think about food in advance. You can, of course, buy a couple of MRE packs and a flameless warmer. But what if you want to cook a culinary masterpiece in 20 minutes? Here are meals to cook while hiking.

Chili Mac and Cheese

This smoked macaroni and cheese dish is as simple as possible to prepare. Cook it over an open fire or a charcoal grill. You need to boil water and add some beans. Wait 10 minutes and add noodles. After all the ingredients have boiled for another five minutes, you can add cheese and chili powder. The proportion depends on your culinary preference. The main advantage of this dish is its simplicity. You need to add all the ingredients in turn. It is worth noting that you are best off choosing instant macaroni, so you don't have to wait long.

Jerky Noodles

The second recipe is also fairly simple. You need to boil water and add rice noodles. After fifteen minutes have passed, you can pour out the water and add beef jerky and peanut butter. Whisk all ingredients and add salt or pepper as desired. The butter adds a pleasant astringency, and you can enjoy every bite of beef jerky. But do not forget to take all the ingredients for the hike in advance.

Also, you should pack all your things in a backpack so as not to be left without lunch in the forest or the mountains.

Mediterranean Couscous

The third dish is also very simple and will suit even beginners. All you need to do is add the ingredients one at a time. Boil water, add couscous and wait about 10 minutes. As soon as you see that the groats are ready, you should drain the remaining water, grate the cheese and add the pesto mix. Stir all ingredients and add 5-10 olives.

This dish has a delicate aroma and is very easy to prepare. It will take you no more than 20 minutes to complete all steps. Any student can use this recipe to enjoy a delicious meal somewhere in the woods near the tent.

Chicken and Rice

What could be simpler than this dish? You need to buy pre-cooked chicken cut into small pieces. Boil water and add broccoli. Once five minutes have passed, you can add instant rice and wait 4-6 minutes. Pour the water out of the pot and add chicken, soy sauce, and olive oil. This type of recipe does not require salt or spices, but you can add any ingredient if the dish's taste seems inferior to you. In general, even a child can prepare all the ingredients according to the instructions.

Eggs and Bacon

If your plans do not include a long stop in one place, then you can eat eggs and bacon. Boil water and add powdered eggs. Stir the powder until smooth. Next, you can add bacon bits and mashed potatoes. As you can see, it will take you no more than 10-15 minutes to eat deliciously and not waste time on complicated culinary processes. You can even bring a flameless heater and some water with you if you don't want to stay in one place for a long time.

Trail Mix Butter

Imagine that you wake up in a tent somewhere on the side of a mountain and observe a beautiful coniferous forest. Most likely, you don't want to spend about an hour preparing complicated dishes. Boil water and make coffee. Next, you need trail mix, peanut butter, and honey. All you need to do is take a plate and stir all the ingredients. It will take you no more than a minute to start eating. This breakfast is full of vitamins and minerals. Plus, you get enough energy to continue your hike.

Cereal

Here's another great option for those who love quick breakfasts. Sprinkle powdered milk and add cereal or granola and dried fruits. Pour boiling water over all the ingredients. Wait about five minutes and start eating. Such a simple dish will be a great addition to tea or coffee.

Final Words

When you walk through the woods or climb a mountain, you hardly want to burden yourself with complex culinary recipes during a lunch halt. All the dishes on the list are quite simple to prepare. It will take you 5-20 minutes to start eating. Plus, you will be surprised by the delicate taste and texture. Now hiking will become even more comfortable for you.

6 Summer Decor Crafts and Activities for the Whole Family

 Summer is around the corner and what a relief! With the state of the world right now, your family needs every bright moment it can get to have fun and enjoy more time together. And that’s exactly what the sunny and relaxing summer season brings with it. Of course this summer your family might not jet off to a far off land for a vacation, but who says you can’t have fun in your home?

While summer is the idyllic time to relax and have fun, it can quickly become monotonous if you’re not creative enough. You can only play so many lawn games or visit the beach as a family. What about those sweltering hot or rainy days when you can’t venture outside?

The last thing you want is for your kids to go back to their gizmos and lounge on the couches all day long.

With some creativity, you can get everyone busy with the following summer décor craft ideas. Here are fun activities that suit the whole family and the best part is that you give your house a touch of warm summer décor style while also bonding. So, here you go.

Outdoor Wall Art

Love painting? Well, maybe you don’t have a potential Picasso in your house but who said you can’t have some with colors? Kids love working with paint and you can bring some summer fun to your outdoor walls with colorful art. Homeowners have always welcomed summer with a proud display of art and this is a fun DIY idea for your home.

Get a large DIY wall board and brainstorm what to paint. This is a simple yet exciting idea to bring everyone outside. Let everyone have a go at the brush and create a welcoming message to display on your lawn. When you have a cookout or a get-together, this becomes the highlight of your outdoor space.

Glass Jar Flower Vase Garland

The applications for glass jars in your home are endless. Summer is synonymous with splashes of color and you can bring your house to life with your favorite summertime flowers. Collect glass jars in the house or even buy some and line them up.

Tie the jars together in a garland, put some water in each jar with your favorite flower cutting. Hang these indoors on your windows, dresser, or anywhere else to bring some life to your living space. 

Decorative Leaf Garland for Your Book Stand

If you love books, the bookstand is hallowed ground where you always find yourself when looking for peace. And what better way to appreciate this space than with a simple but decorative leaf garland. You can work on the leaf garland and create any design that your family suggests.

Remember, any décor craft ideas are only fun if everyone chips in. At the end of the DIY project, you’ll bring some rainforest vibe into your living room. This will easily turn into the focal point of your home’s décor.

DIY Summer Wreath

What better way to prepare your home for an exciting summer than with a colorful porch wreath? This is a classic summer craft idea, and it gives your home a touch of beauty and elegance. The best part about a summer wreath is the fact that it requires all hands on deck.

Source the right flowers to bring color to your home décor. This is where your family comes in handy. You also need some simple items from the dollar store to add some fun to the wreath and to personalize it. Whether you want a wire wreath, branch wreath, or any other type, you have all the time to prepare.

Milk Carton Birdhouse/Bird Feeders

If you have a nice garden, chances are you have beautiful guests from nature throughout the summer. Birds also love their summertime out. Why not create some fun activity from this? Birdhouses and bird feeders not only add some beauty to your garden but also attract more birds to your compounds.

You can create some fun activity out of DIY birdhouse or bird feeders using recycled milk cartons. Bring everyone outside for some fun. Design how to build the birdhouses and feeders. Your kids will love the idea and you’ll add some color to your lawn. This DIY project might not be permanent but it sure is fun.

Decorate With Your Kids’ Art

You have to agree that summer brings out the artist in everyone. The kids especially have a go at creating amazing stuff every time they go out. Whether you’re at the beach or in the park, kids are always making stuff.

From seashell crab magnets, ice cream cone key chains, shell people to crayon drawings, you can collect all these pieces and use them to bring your living space to life. Think of a board on the wall where each piece goes. It soon becomes a competition where the best piece of art competes for space on that all-important board. This is one of the fantastic decorative ideas for your home.

The opportunities for summer décor craft projects are limitless. You’ll have so much fun and bring the family together while at it. Whatever idea you have in mind, you can always make it work if you bring all hands on deck. To move from crafts to interior design, visit Home of Cozy for furniture reviews and get started! Go on and add some simple family fun to your summer.

5 Things To Consider When Moving To New House

The apartment or house where you live, well aware of it. But, when moving to the new house, the process involves understanding and managing lots of things. Some details like furniture, fixtures, appliances, or devices are hard to adjust in your new house due to the space issue. There are more details that require different attention such as paint, settings of utilities, changing of locks, etc. Do you know how to deal with each type of detail differently?

Here we come with 5 important things to consider when moving to a new house.

1. Check room sizes: 

The first and foremost important thing is to check room size, it helps you to plan out things and decorate your rooms easily. You can even plan to buy new appliances or devices for your home. For instance, when it’s winter, an electric fireplace is essential to keep your room cozy, check out what size electric fireplace do i need that fits in my new house. Then go with the best option among wall mounted, freestanding, or TV stand fireplace as per budget and space. Similarly, for the other devices too you can choose the best option for your house size or needs.

2. Set Up Utilities

Before shifting to a new house, make a contact with the nearby utilities service provider. Some of the common service providers are electricity, gas, water, internet, and other services providers. By calling them can help you to schedule a meeting with them and conduct necessary changes in your home. If you want to save up a few bucks you can too ask for an activation date, it saves you from paying regular charges on standby meters.

3. Give A Fresh Paint Coat

Paint gives your house a new and refreshing look. Therefore do not forget to give a fresh coat of paint to your home before moving there. It also helps you to plan and settle things easily in a new place. You can choose a color shade to select the perfect color combination for your new home. Keep in mind, do not move into a fresh coated house until it has 24 hours completed or it is dry. Otherwise, there is a high chance of spills on walls. 

4. Change Locks And Keys

You may never know how many keys of your house are floating in your society. There are chances that the past house owner has given keys to neighbors, workmen, relatives, house cleaning services, or other trustworthy persons. But you cannot trust anyone and take a chance for your and your family’s safety. Therefore, it will be essential to change the locks and keys of your house in the first place and before moving there.

5. Prioritize Repairs

If you are going to move into a house that was previously vacant for a long duration, chances are high for its repair. Therefore, before shifting, take a general idea for the key areas that require emergency repair, even look for other areas whose repair can be postponed for some time. Hire a professional service provider that can conduct all repairing tasks. You can also hire a local service provider for a quick visit and local service providers have better ideas for the common issues in a similar locality.

So, Next time when moving to another house, just check out these details to make your daunting task easier.

Tolsby Frame Message Board IKEA Hack

This Ikea Tolsby Project turns old frames into something unique and useful in just a few moments.

I love Ikea. I could spend a few hours there every week, day dreaming up projects and ways to transform my home! I also love the little bargains; the scrub brushes and napkins. The glass bottles, and place mats and all of the deals to be had at under $1. Hello? Awesome Toilet Brushes, handy waste paper baskets and picture frames! Last year before they discontinued the Tolsby frame, I bought a bunch for about 70 cents.  

 

I found a cute way to repurpose them and share info the gool ole fashioned way; with a note. This Tolsby hack only needs some basic supplies like the frame, washi tape, some string and a dry erase board to create something useful and cute.

Supplies:

Tolsby Frame

Washi Tape

Embroidery Thread

Dry Erase Pen

Directions:

Begin by covering the frame with washi tape.

Cover the base, and both sides, using small strips of the washi tape of your choice.

When your frame is covered, tie a 16" section of embroidery thread on to the base and screw it together.

Tie a dry erase pen to the thread.

We use this to leave important info for each other. This is also awesome for writing the wifi password on if you are having guests.

You can find all of my other DIY projects here.

Favorites include:

Dragonfly Bookmarks

iPad Mini Stands

Photo Puzzles

 

Teaching Children Sustainability Through DIY Projects

 Sustainability is important as it promotes a different way of living that doesn’t revolve around consumption, spending, and pollution. However, implementing sustainable principles is not always easy, especially if you have small kids. Simply, teaching them how to be more sustainable individuals can be tricky, because first, they’d need to grasp the concept of sustainability and accept it. 

In case you’re a minimalist parent, or you just wish to go more in that direction, here are some DIY projects and other tricks that are a perfect opportunity to teach your children about a sustainable way of living. 

Start your own garden 

Growing plants is the best chance to teach your kids about nature, plants, and how they grow in reality. If you have a backyard, then you’re already set, so you can use that space to grow some useful vegetables that you’ll use later in cooking. Besides, growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs are also an excellent way to reduce your spending and eat true, organic foods. So asking kids to give you a hand while planting seeds or watering the plants will teach them how nature works, plus they’ll feel proud of themselves. 

Try making DIY laundry detergent 

Laundry detergent can be expensive, plus it’s often full of chemicals that may cause certain health issues, while also harming the environment. But, there is a solution: making your own laundry detergent! There are many recipes online, and usually, you’d need borax, baking soda, and a bar of soap. These ingredients are less processed than the commercial ones, so if you feel crafty, try making your own laundry detergent and teach your kids to do the same. 

Show them how to recycle 

Recycling is a staple in one’s eco-friendly journey. This activity will also show you the importance of using less, while your kids will learn a valuable and noble skill. Also, if you’ve ever wondered how can we reduce plastic waste, then recycling is definitely one of the ways to do it. Basically, almost all commercial products that we use are made of plastic, and recycling and reusing them will definitely reduce plastic waste consumption, and therefore, pollution. 

Clean the garbage

Collecting the garbage to compost is another fun DIY activity that can teach children about sustainability and saving the planet. Unfortunately, in some places, people still throw trash and empty their pockets carelessly, and many parents don’t teach their kids about proper behavior. The trash that we often see outside is also polluting the planet, so if you want to teach your kids about eco-friendliness, then collecting some of the garbage is a definite act of kindness that will also show them how to care for the planet. 

Make homemade art supplies

Most kids love art and anything that goes with it: drawing and painting are some of the most popular ones, that’s for sure. So, you’re probably super tempted to buy them all the amazing art supplies, but did you know that you can make them at home? That’s right, you can make your own paintbrushes, paints, stamps, and even crayons? There are many recipes that will teach you how to do it, plus your kids will definitely enjoy the whole process of creating something fun and new that they’ll be able to use later. 

Final thoughts 

These DIY projects and activities are a perfect way to start teaching your children about sustainability and living a greener lifestyle. They will learn to appreciate the environment while also learning new skills that will boost the environment, lower pollution, and make the world, one truly happy place.