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6 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season

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6 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Holiday Season

 

​The holiday season is upon us! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… provided it does not include an emergency visit to a veterinary clinic for your beloved pet. To keep your holidays merry and bright, and your pup or kitty safe, we’ve come up with a few tips so your pet gets nothing but love, plenty of scritches, and perhaps a new toy from Santa Paws. Here’s our guide with six ways to keep your pet safe this holiday season.

1. FOOD

Food and the holidays go hand in hand. Even if you are not entertaining, you will probably have foods in your home that are new to your pet. The best practice is simple: keep all “people food” out of the reach of your pet. And if your pet is like mine, they can become quite devious in their seek-to-eat escapades. One year I was enjoying a glass of red and a bit of 65% dark chocolate while addressing Christmas cards. When I let the room to get a refill, I tucked the candy into the desk drawer. In the amount of time it took me to top off my wine glass, Ollie had opened the drawer (?!?) and consumed all the chocolate. He was only 10 pounds, the chocolate was dark and gone, so off we went to the emergency animal hospital. I find it so interesting that whenever one of my dogs gets into trouble, it’s always after normal vet office hours. Cha-ching.

So skip the table scrap snacks. If you’re a softie and must treat your pup to human food,

Treat your dog to:

  • Pumpkin puree (out of the can, not from the pie)
  • Unseasoned cooked veggies (sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, green beans, broccoli, carrots)
  • Turkey (unseasoned and without bones)
  • Apples (no core or seeds) and bananas
  • Unsweetened cranberries
  • Safe and special treats on the Santa Paws list might include:
    • Chew toys that are basically indestructible
    • Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods
    • Chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible
    • Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the riskiest toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn, and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery.
    • Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy, or the interactive cat dancer.

Tell Rover “Absolutely Not” to:

  • Bones can easily splinter and can cause serious health problems (even death) for your pet.
  • Candy contains the sweetener xylitol which can actually lead to liver failure, so keep sweets of all kinds away from your pup, cat, or ferret.
  • Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be extremely poisonous when ingested by dogs and may even result in seizures and death.
  • Dairy products like milk, cream, cheese, and butter are bad for dogs. They can cause diarrhea and other digestive disturbances as well as allergic reactions in dogs.
  • The entire onion family including onion flakes, onion powder, chives, and garlic, may be an ingredient in many holiday foods from mashed potatoes to gravy to stuffing. In fresh, cooked, dried, or powdered form, onions can lead to damaged blood cells and anemia.
  • Ham and bacon can cause pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening disease, in dogs.
  • Nutmeg, in significant amounts, can be toxic, causing hallucinations, stomach pain, and possibly even seizures. Other spices can be dangerous, too, so it’s best not to feed dogs treats from your holiday dinner.
  • Nuts have very high fat content and may contain other toxins that can result in stomach upset or other serious health complications. Macadamia nuts, in particular, when fed to your furry family member even in small amounts, can be especially toxic and result in vomiting, tremors, paralysis, rapid heartbeat, and other complications.
  • Citrus and pits. Keep foods containing citric acid away from your pets. Foods such as cherry pits, peach pits, and apple seeds contain essential oils that can cause irritations, blockages and even central nervous system depression if a significant amount if they are ingested.
  • Caffeine from coffee, tea, or chocolate is an ingredient in some desserts or other holiday dishes. Caffeine can actually be fatal to canines.
  • Raisins and grapes consumed even in small quantities may cause rapid kidney failure in some dogs, and fruitcakes are one holiday offering likely to contain them. If you were thinking that you could unload an unwanted fruitcake on your pup, think again.
  • Salt abounds in many holiday dishes, and when consumed by dogs can cause excessive thirst, urination, or worse. It’s especially detrimental to dogs with underlying kidney or cardiovascular conditions.
  • Sugar found in most holiday desserts can fuel cavities, obesity, and even diabetes. It’s also bad for dogs with arthritis.
  • Alcohol has the same effect on dogs’ livers and brains as on humans’, but it doesn’t take as much to cause serious damage and can even lead to respiratory distress, tremors, coma, and death. That rum cake? Off limits for Rover!
  • Eggnog is loaded with fat, sugar, milk, raw eggs, and alcohol, making it a quintuple whammy, none of which is good for Whisker’s health—or yours, for that matter.

 2. DECK THE HALLS

Who doesn’t love a beautifully decorated home for the holidays? Your pets may love your decorations too much. To keep your pet safe, follow these tips:

  • All By Myself. Never leave your pet alone in the room with lit candles, a decorated tree, or potpourri.
  • Boughs of Holly. Avoid mistletoe, lilies, and holly. Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Many varieties of lilies can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.
  • Tinsel Town. Kitties love the sparkly, light-catching tinsel “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration, and possible surgery. It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.
  • Oh, Christmas Tree. Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your dog bumps it or your cat climbs it. A falling tree may injure your pet (not to mention precious ornaments!). A properly secured tree will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. Hanging lemon-scented car air fresheners in the tree may deter your cat from climbing it.
  • Make sure your dogs or cats do not chew on limbs or droppings from the tree. Ingested pine needles could become lodged in the intestinal tract, puncturing the lining, or bunching together and causing an intestinal obstruction.
  • That Holiday Glow. Never leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candleholders, and place them on a stable surface. When you leave the room, put the candle out.
  • An Open Fire. If your dog enjoys chewing, avoid fake and fire starter logs. They contain sawdust and paraffin which can cause an irritated stomach or even intestinal blockage when ingested.
  • All Wired Up. Keep wires, batteries, strings of lights, and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. At the same time, shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.

3. SILENT NIGHT

Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water, a place to snuggle, and a favorite toy or two. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case, kennel, crate, perching place, scratching post shelf, or hiding place or in a separate room away from the hubbub and to escape the excitement (such as a if you’re entertaining guests).

Though the excitement of a party may overwhelm some pets, keep your pets inside during cold weather and provide plenty of toys to keep them busy.

Prepare ahead of your scheduled party time with lots of play and exercise to discourage barking.

As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. And remember that many pets are also scared of fireworks, so be sure to secure them in a safe, escape-proof area as midnight approaches.

4. GUESTS

Inform your visitors ahead of time that you have a pet, as some folks may be afraid of dogs or have allergies to pet dander.

Establish house rules with your guests regarding your animals. These rules should include your food and treat preferences, whether guests can feed from the table, if your pet enjoys being held (or not), and what kind of play is appropriate.  If your guests have small children, be sure you and their parents carefully watch to ensure kids don’t handle your pet too roughly or pay it too much attention.

Ask animal-loving guests if they’d like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party. If they are so inclined, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Safeguard your medications behind secure doors, and tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

5. TRASH

Pets who enjoy selecting their own snacks out of the trash bin (baaaad dog) can accidentally eat foods that are potentially poisonous to them. Keep trash in tightly sealed containers or hidden somewhere your pet can’t access.

6. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Be prepared for the worst-case scenario:

  • Identify your closest 24/7 emergency veterinary clinic before an emergency occurs.
  • Write down or store the number for your veterinarian or pet hospital on your phone.
  • Research, then save your pet hospital or clinic’s holiday hours.
  • Write down or store the number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 on your phone. Note that a consultation fee may apply.

For those of us who love our pets, the holidays wouldn’t be the same without them! Following simple guidelines can make sure your beloved pet stays safe this holiday season. And tell your dog we said hi.

 

 

 

Moving Checklist

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The Ultimate Moving Checklist

So, you’ve visited one of our clean, comfortable, and well-maintained apartment communities, loved it (YAY!), applied, set your move-in date, and are ready to Love The Place You Live. We can’t wait. But now the grim reality of packing up your stuff, hiring a truck, deep cleaning your old place, schlepping your stuff, unpacking, decorating, and maybe even buying some new furniture sets in. It’s never easy, but we’re here to help you plan this next adventure so your move can be as smooth and stress-free as possible with our Moving Checklist.

One To Two Months Before Moving

Give Notice

First on our Moving Checklist is giving notice. The standard notice for most landlords is between 30 to 90 days. But this can vary by state and rental agreement, so be sure to check your lease/rental agreement. Ask your landlord/property manager to schedule a walk-through so you can be sure to do everything that’s expected for a full security deposit refund. An alternative is to photograph your empty place to prove you left it in good condition. Don’t forget to provide your forwarding address so there won’t be a delay in receiving your refund.

Schedule Cancellation of Utilities and Services

Contact each provider and let them know the effective date to terminate or transfer your service. Providers may include:

  • Water and sewer
  • Internet and cable
  • Gas and electric
  • Renters Insurance
  • Gym (if moving too far to continue membership)

Purge

A move is the perfect time to get rid of clothing, furniture, cookware, small appliances, and accessories you don’t use or no longer want. Why pay to move them?  Check our guide to assist you with purging your clothing.

Pick a Moving Company | Reserve a Truck Rental | Enlist a Friend with a Truck

Start now to ensure you have a truck for your planned moving day. If you’re using a moving company, be sure to check their reviews so you hire a reputable firm and get the best price. Large companies will be happy to provide you with an estimate, or you can get a ballpark price on many moving company’s websites. Confirm your moving company is licensed and insured by verifying their Department of Transportation (DOT) number.

Consider purchasing moving insurance to cover any damage. I learned the hard way (and by not reading the fine print), that most moving companies will not cover damages.

Create a Moving Binder or Digital Moving Folder

Key on our moving checklist is to use a three-ring binder or create a moving folder on Google Drive to keep track of everything—all your estimates, receipts, and an inventory of all the items you’re moving. Take photos of each room to assist you with the inventory. Photos and inventory will also come in handy if you need to file a claim for damaged goods.

Organize School Records

If you have kids, be sure to go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

Get Supplies and Start Packing

Having the right supplies will not only ensure you can pack all your stuff but also that it will fit well inside the truck.

Moving supplies are readily available from your selected moving company and truck-rental facilities like U-Haul. In addition to boxes, consider getting tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes. Be sure to label all your boxes with the destination room and contents. Consider color-coding by room. Be sure to mark any boxes containing fragile items as such. Remove light bulbs from all lamps.

  • Walmart has a deal for 36 boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper for $92. Using uniformly sized boxes can help make packing up a truck much more efficient.
  • For items to take in your car, consider inexpensive IKEA bags. And the best news – while you can go to IKEA to get them, they are also available to buy on Amazon. I’ve moved almost too many times to count, and IKEA bags are a dream. They hold a boatload of clothes, towels, and sheets – and you can nestle breakable or large, unwieldy items In between the soft items. But use these only in your vehicle – having sturdy, taped containers for the moving truck is best.

Electronics

  • Take photos of all your electronics so you’ll have a guide for hooking everything back up.
  • Back up your computer.

Change Your Address

Important on any moving checklist is to make a comprehensive list and add it to your moving binder. Make notes of the dates you speak to anyone on the phone and get their name. Also note anything the agent tells you, like if you’ll owe money beyond the termination date.

  • United States Post Office (USPS). Click here to change your address online.
  • Voter Registration
  • Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS
  • Landlord/Property Management Office
  • Physicians, dentists, and veterinarians (be sure to ask that your records be transferred to any new providers).
  • School (for your kids or you if you’re at university)
  • Credit card companies and banks
  • Subscription services
  • Department of Motor Vehicles for your car registration and drivers license
  • Auto Insurance Company
  • Your Employer (for your W2 form)
  • Amazon, Chewy (or any store that delivers to you regularly)
  • Don’t forget your friends and family! To make it really easy, you can send out cute a postcard with your new address or you can send a  digital

Request Time Off from Work

Unless you are super-organized and don’t have too much furniture, you’ll probably need to allow more than just a weekend to move. Add moving dates to your calendar so there are no conflicts.

Eat Everything

Try and consume everything in your fridge, freezer, and pantry so you don’t have to pack your food. You especially don’t want to try and transport perishables. Donate any nonperishable food items to a local food pantry.

Moving Week

  • Confirm your moving date with the movers, rental truck company, or friend-with-a-truck.
  • Warn neighbors so your truck doesn’t block anyone in.
  • Confirm transfer of utilities and services.
  • Clean your old apartment paying special attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Remove all trash. Clean out closets and storage areas.
  • Organize personal items to take in your car like a couple of changes of clothing, toiletries, and medication so you don’t have to hunt through all your belongings to find what you need. You should also keep valuables with you such as jewelry and important documents like birth certificates and passports.
  • If you’re moving with a furry friend, make sure your pet has an ID tag, and arrange for a pet sitter.
  • Line up a sitter for your kids.

The Day Before

  • Remind your neighbors that there will be a truck taking up space the next day; say goodbye to neighbors who have become friends.
  • Get cash for tipping anyone who helps with the move and for the pizza delivery person on your first night. Trust me, pizza or other food delivery will make your first night in your new place much less stressful.
  • Go out to eat the night before your move so you don’t mess up your sparkling-clean kitchen and create more trash to take out.
  • Shop for snacks and drinks to have on hand on a moving day, and pack some paper towels, toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies, trash bags, and maybe even paper plates, cups, and plastic silverware.

Moving Day

  • Inspect your old place to be sure you haven’t left anything behind, including trash, and that the apartment is clean. Turn off all the lights, close the windows, turn the thermostat to 55 degrees, and lock the door behind you.
  • Check your mailbox one last time.
  • Turn in your keys! Many landlords will charge rent against your security deposit until they have possession of the apartment, meaning your keys are in their hands.

Your New Home

  • You’ve done it! Your first order of business should be to inspect your apartment and note anything that you don’t want to get charged for, such as a stain on the carpet, missing switch plates, bent blinds, or torn screen. Document in writing and take photos. Many apartment communities will provide you with an Inspection Form to use.
  • Don’t forget to update your driver’s license.
  • Go grocery shopping.
  • Meet your neighbors. Here’s a how-to guide.
  • Now for the unpacking and decorating. For me, it’s the best part. Opening each box is like Christmas morning. And finding new homes for all my thingy. Maybe I’m weird, but I love it. As you begin, check out our guide for hanging artwork in your new place.

Well done. You’ve survived the move. We hope that our moving checklist checked all your boxes. Welcome home.

 

How To Host Thanksgiving In Your Apartment

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how to host thanksgiving dinner in your apartment

How To Host Thanksgiving In Your Apartment

 

The season of turkey, pumpkin pie, football, friends, family, and food baby is just around the corner. If you have more than a couple folks to celebrate with, but not a lot of space to celebrate in, we’re here to help. Hosting Thanksgiving in your apartment will take a bit of ingenuity and careful planning, but it’s certainly doable. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving, you can keep your event from becoming a stress fest or a hot mess with good advance planning. Preparing a strategy ahead of time will allow you to relax when the big day arrives. Our recent How To Host A Potluck focused mainly on the eats, this How-To host Thanksgiving in your apartment guide will help you optimize seating, refrigerator storage, and more.

Be creative about counter space and storage

In an apartment typically without an abundance of counter space, you’ll have to make every square foot of empty surface space count. One trick is to “recruit” some of your furniture for meal prep. Seriously! You can use your dining table and chairs, coffee table, and the like as surfaces for cooling pots, pies,  and other desserts.

In our Create More Kitchen Storage Space post, we explored many ways to add space-saving solutions for apartment kitchens, such as installing wall hooks to hang pans and cooking utensils. When it’s time to eat, you can set up the food buffet-style in the kitchen or on a piece of furniture away from where you’ll be dining to save space on the table. If that’s not possible, try  using cake stands to elevate some dishes on a crowded table, which will make room for other serve ware underneath.

Ready your fridge

Thoroughly clean your refrigerator before you begin cooking and storing. Throw out any expired food and anything you know you’ll never eat, drink, or use again. Here’s our guide on how to do just that. Ideally, your fridge will be almost empty as you begin to prep your food. This allows for plenty of room to store everything ahead of time. Plus, one of the perks of hosting is that you’ll have leftovers to keep. When it comes to packing your fridge and freezer, don’t forget that you can probably adjust the shelves to make them more efficient. Shift them around to free up space to stack storage containers. Another creative storage solution is to store items in plastic zipper bags. They’re malleable and easy to stack up in a fridge while taking up little space, making them a great way to store things like cranberry sauce, make-ahead gravy, dinner rolls, and pre-prepped veggies.

Prepare food in advance

Allowing yourself plenty of time to prepare is essential when storage and counter space are tight, not to mention when you’re working with only a few kitchen appliances. Start prepping your Thanksgiving menus a full week in advance. A practical solution for making a Thanksgiving meal is to make as much as you can ahead. Figure out what can be put together the day before, and what needs to be made the day of. You can make the pies, gravy, stuffing, and mashed potatoes ahead. Sauces and baked goods can be made the furthest in advance, with most pies and cakes having a shelf life of three to four days. Some sides can be made up to two days out, such as mashed potatoes and make-ahead stuffing.

Then, on Thanksgiving Day, all you need to do is roast the turkey and make the veggies. More prep work in advance means less work and less stress on Thanksgiving Day. This will also minimize bodies in the kitchen, which helps keep your kitchen from feeling cramped and hectic.

Expand your dining table 

Fitting all your guests at a table in your apartment can be tricky as most apartment dining rooms are sized for four people. And maybe this time you’ll decide to invite neighbors to your fete! Try putting several small tables together to create one long one. If possible, make sure they are all the same height and width. Then toss a tablecloth over all of them, and nobody will know the difference! If you don’t have smaller tables on hand, take this opportunity to invest in a few folding tables and chairs that can be easily stored once the holiday is over. If your space is so limited that it doesn’t allow for even a makeshift dining table, no worries. My sister-in-law rents a couple of bar-height tables and puts them in the middle of her living room. No one ever minds standing up to eat, and this dining format really encourages guests to mingle.  Or maybe some people can eat at the table, some on the sofa, maybe even some on the floor. Believe me, where your guests eat is much less important than what they eat and with whom they share the holiday.

Have guests their own (folding) chairs

When I got my first apartment, I moved in with just bedroom furniture. But that didn’t stop me from throwing a Cinco Di Mayo party. The invitation noted that guests should BYOC (bring your own chair.) My friends thought that was a hoot! They each brought a folding chair, lawn chair, or stadium chair, and everyone ate with their plates on their laps. Everyone has a great time despite (or because of?) the untraditional seating.

Rearrange furniture

The dining room isn’t the only space to consider. Even if everyone fits around the table, think about after-dinner relaxation, game-watching, and mingling. Try to balance space for your guests to move with seating to accommodate everyone. This can be accomplished by temporarily removing furniture that won’t be used and shifting couches and chairs to the perimeter of the room. If the day is mild, you can also utilize your patio, deck, or balcony.

 Create a place for coats and bags

Once you have finalized the guest list, decide where your guests’ coats, bags, and boots (if the weather is inclement) will go. Depending on where you live, most people will arrive in coats, and many will have bags. You don’t want these items to take up valuable space in the eating area, and if you’re lucky enough to have an entry closet, it’s probably already pretty full. Your bed can make the perfect place for everyone to lay their coats and bags. Or consider purchasing a coat tree to place by your front door. Spread out an old towel or some brown paper bags to collect any we footwear.

Buffet it

Set food up on one table, buffet style, and let everyone serve themselves. Your buffet can be on the kitchen counter, side table, dining table (if people will be sitting elsewhere), or on a rented folding table. This works especially well if you have a non-traditional seating situation.

Cold beverage storage

Since your fridge will probably be very full, fill your [very clean] bathtub with ice for cold wine, soft drinks, mixers, and beer. Consider adding a big bowl for clean ice service.

 Use disposables

I’m seldom one for recommending single-use anything, but Thanksgiving dinner is an exception – especially if the number of guests exceeds your plate and flatware counts. Using attractive seasonal paper dinnerware, nice paper napkins, and plastic silverware is a very smart option. There will be plenty, even if some guests toss the first plate before going back for seconds, and the cleanup will be significantly easier.  And we do want to make hosting Thanksgiving in your apartment as easy as possible.

Right after COVID, and SO READY to entertain again, I had an usually large crowd (for me) of eight for Thanksgiving. I decided to get some pretty paper and plastic products instead of using my “real” plates and cloth napkins. Everyone loved how coordinated and festive the table looked. I chose dinner, salad, and dessert plates, plus cocktail and dinner napkins. Other than the pots and pans, cleanup was a breeze.

If you prefer to use your own dishes, you can add fall- or Thanksgiving-themed appetizer, salad, and dessert plates with coordinating napkins. If that sounds like overkill, choose pretty Thanksgiving-themed dinner napkins.

Pre-clean

When you host Thanksgiving in your apartment, you will need to clean your place and clean it well. A clean apartment always feels more spacious and inviting than a dirty one. Clea out the fridge, wipe counters and floors, wipe down bathrooms, vacuum, and dust to prepare your home for your Thanksgiving Day guests. You should also guest-proof your home. This may sound paranoid, but even if you know everyone who’s coming well, advance preparations will make you more comfortable in the long run.

  • Help prevent breakage. There’s always the chance some of your things can get broken, especially if children are joining you for dinner. Remove anything valuable or personally important, or that’s low to the ground. Store these things somewhere out of the way to keep them safe.
  • Protect yourself from The Snoop. Some guests like to snoop. Anything you’d like to keep private like medications, mail, or personal items, consider hiding away.

Stock your bathrooms

Keep your bathrooms well-stocked with tissues, toilet paper, personal products, and soap, making sure that extra items are easy to find. Disposable hand towels will prevent one cloth towel from getting overly wet and gross. Be sure your bathroom trash can is in sight. On Thanksgiving Day, set a timer on your phone to remind you to do periodic bathroom checks. Then a quick wipe and swipe will keep your bathroom fresh (because people, as a general rule, are pigs). A thoughtful touch is placing a small bowl of mints on the bathroom counter so your guests can freshen their mouths.

Declutter

Not only is clutter unappealing to the eye, but it takes up precious real estate that could be used for a serving platter, or a few bottles of wine, or an extra chair. One of the simplest Thanksgiving solutions for small spaces is to clear your surfaces of unnecessary items. Leave out just enough décor to keep your apartment feeling cozy and festive and store the rest. You can bring it all back out the next day as you begin to decorate before Christmas. LOL.

 

The most important thing about hosting Thanksgiving is making your guests feel welcome, cared for, and satisfied with the food and the camaraderie.  Any successful party is as much about lively conversation and laughter as it is good food. People gather during the holidays to celebrate family and friends and to enjoy the company of people they love and enjoy.  No matter what size apartment you have, you can make this Thanksgiving one to remember. Just focus on what you do have to work with, and you’ll do an amazing job hosting Thanksgiving in your apartment.

Create More Kitchen Storage in Your Apartment

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When she was in college, I helped my daughter move into her first non-dorm apartment in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was a cute studio apartment with one (albeit huge) window, a living/sleeping area, a bathroom, and a kitchen. But I was shocked to the core by how incredibly small her kitchen was. There was a refrigerator, a single bowl sink, and the tiniest stove I’d ever seen. The entire kitchen is pictured below.

Of course, it never seems we have enough storage no matter how much space we actually have (at least that’s always the case with me. LOL.). So if you’re like me, always needing more storage, here are some ways to create more kitchen storage in your apartment.

Use shelf risers.

Shelf risers can almost double your cabinet and pantry storage space. Bonus: they’re not super expensive. Use them to store extra plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs in your cabinets; and canned goods in your pantry.

Steal space from an adjoining room.

An alcove, nook, or empty wall in an adjacent room or hallway can be a great spot to add some shelves or a storage unit.

Add a utility cart.

A little wheeled utility cart can work wonders to give you a little more space. You can tuck it under a countertop or hide it inside a lesser-used closet when you need the floor space more than the stuff. A narrow shelf or rolling storage cart can be a stylish and practical addition to a small kitchen. Choose a low-profile design that can easily slide against a wall or into a corner. Stock it with dishes, glassware, and other items that will look good on display.

Check out IKEA’s Raskog cart or this narrow cart from Amazon. They are small but still have plenty of room for storage. And because they’re on wheels, they can be pushed into a closet or the corner of a room and pulled out to meet you at your workspace when you need it.

Hang a pegboard.

Think Julia Child’s kitchen. A pegboard creates about as much damage to your wall as hanging a picture. You can use a pegboard to store a myriad of items from utensils to awkwardly large pots and pans with specially designed accessories. You’ll just need to spackle the holes before you move (here’s how). A pegboard is a simple storage solution that can work wonders in a small kitchen. Affix a pegboard with repositionable hooks to a wall or the inside of a tall cabinet door to hang kitchen supplies. As your storage needs change, simply remove and rearrange the hooks to efficiently store cookware, utensils, and so much more.

Hang a curtain rod or pot rack.

Use a small curtain rod to hang your utensils (with S hooks or just hooked on), and slide the lids of your pots and pan behind it. This will free up a surprising amount of space for other things (and there will always be other things).  A pot rack or a sturdy bar can provide handy storage for all types of cookware. Mount it on a wall next to the prep area or directly above the cooktop so pots and pans are easily within reach. A mounted pot rack really helps save cabinet space and makes items easier to access. If you have limited wall space, a helpful small kitchen decor idea is to hang the rack from the ceiling or over a window.

Use adhesive hooks.

Use adhesive wall-mount hooks (like Command Hooks) to hang items that would otherwise take up space on the counter or in a drawer. A set of hooks make a great kitchen catchall adding valuable kitchen storage space. Use them for kitchen towels, cutting boards, and utensils to keep them out of the way but still within arm’s reach.

Screw hooks under cabinets.

Cup hooks screwed into the bottom of cabinets can create a cute way to hang up mugs, utensils, and other smaller items.  Or you can find cup hooks like these that simply slide into place.

Use the sides of your cabinets.

Put the sides of your cabinets to good use in creating more storage in your kitchen. It’s the perfect spot to hang a magnetic knife block or use adhesive hooks to hang smaller pots and kitchen tools.

Use the tops of cabinets.

If you have space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling, you can store less frequently items on the tops of your cabinets without making them look cluttered or messy. This gap between your cabinets and the ceiling can be critical in creating additional storage space. Think of a crockpot, a wine rack, or baskets filled with unattractive but necessary items like light bulbs and batteries. I know what some of you are thinking: “But I’m too short to store stuff this high!” A fold-flat stool you can tuck in between your fridge and cabinets will solve this worry!

Use the side of your fridge.

The side of your fridge can be the perfect spot for knife storage or spice storage, using magnetic racks. It’s an ideal spot to tack up grocery lists, hang keys, or sort mail and papers.

Install open shelving.

Create additional kitchen storage beyond your cabinets by installing open shelves. This simple project can transform a blank stretch of a wall into a stylish storage zone for dishware, cookbooks, pantry ingredients, and more. For extra organizing capacity, add hooks along the bottom of a shelf where you can hang mugs or utensils.

Divide cabinet space.

Encourage organization in smaller kitchens with dividers that break up the space inside cabinets. Use either horizontal or vertical cabinet dividers to store skillets, baking sheets, and narrow pans. You can simply slide each one out of its individual slot instead of having to sort through a haphazard stack.

Rethink spice storage.

Small containers of spices and herbs can easily become a jumbled mess inside a cabinet or pantry. To streamline access, dedicate a small drawer or sliver of cabinet space to spice storage. A drawer organizer that holds canisters in an upright position is an optimal storage solution for easy reading. Read our blog dedicated to storing spices here.

Install a small kitchen island.

Squeeze extra prep and storage space into a small kitchen with an island or kitchen cart that’s just the right size and height for your needs. Add-ons such as hooks and bins will help a small island work even harder. If space is especially tight, go with an island on casters to get the look of a built-in without the bulk. During cleanup or while entertaining, just roll the workspace out of the way.

Select small kitchen appliances.

Small appliances are essential to the kitchen, especially when it comes to entertaining and preparing last-minute meals on busy weeknights. Small appliances that pull double-duty, such as a combination air fryer, toaster, and convection oven, will save kitchen space.

Use wall-mounted bins.

A wall-mounted storage system allows a small kitchen to be the administrative hub that it is without taking up floor space. Choose metal bins that match the kitchen color scheme, and add storage labels to make them more functional. This would be a great place to store cooking magazines, bills (UGH), notepads, and the like.

Use windowsills as storage.

If you’re lucky enough to have a window in your kitchen, think about how you can use the sill as storage. Bring the outdoors in by adding plants – perhaps an herb garden, store cookbooks (if the window is not above the sink), or a dishwashing supply station (if the window is above the sink).

Use your windows as storage.

You might never dream of blocking any of that precious natural light, but you could hang your pots and pans in front of your kitchen window. This would also be an ideal spot for a hanging herb garden.

Use the top of your fridge.

The top of the fridge is a great place to store cookbooks, trays, and platters, or baskets filled with items like light bulbs and batteries, or dishtowels.

Hang a magnetic knife rack.

My fella thinks I’m nuts (because he sees threats everywhere LOL), but I love my wall knife rack. When drawer space is at a premium, every square inch counts (and I honestly see more of a threat storing sharp knives in a drawer). Squeeze out a bit more room by taking your cutlery to the walls with a magnetic knife strip. You can even use it to hang things that aren’t knives, like metal utensils.

Use the inside of cabinet and pantry doors.

A perfect spot to hang pot lids, pot holders, measuring spoons, and kitchen towels.

Turn your stovetop into extra counter space.

During dinner prep, your stovetop is just wasted space. A large cutting board creates bonus counter space while you are prepping dinner.

Hide bulky cookware in the oven.

It sounds simple, but if you’ve got a lot of heavy cookware, this trick can make all the difference. It’s a great place to store cast-iron pans and Dutch ovens (especially in a small kitchen). Just remember to relocate them before you preheat that oven.

Hang sink essentials on the sink.

Sink organizers are a total game-changer for storing soaps, sponges, and brushes where you can easily access them. Place them over your sink, next to them, or even attach them and hang them off the faucet for a space-saving way to keep essentials close.

Roll kitchen towels.

Marie Kondo your kitchen towels by rolling them instead of folding and stacking them into a toppling tower. Roll then lay them horizontally in a shallow drawer, or store them in upright rolls in a basket. They look much tidier this way—and don’t become a nuisance every time you need one.

Store canned foods on risers.

Canned foods often get tucked away in a cupboard, stacked on one another, and pushed way to the back. Instead of losing sight of all those cans, place them on risers so you can actually see what you have. An easy way to gain vertical storage is to add risers to pantries and cabinets. They help you fit more in a small space, plus you can see what you have so you don’t end up with a bunch of duplicates.

Use drawer separators.

There is nothing worse than a utensil or small tool drawer that’s messy with everything scattered about. It makes it harder to find what you’re looking for and easier to poke yourself with one of the tools. Drawer separators keep groupings, like utensils, together and are easy to sort through.

Be sure to evaluate your needs as you install the dividers, edit, and toss the duplicates. Sure it’s awesome to have multiple spatulas and non-stick skillets, but if space is a challenge, push yourself to only have one of each. While that may create a slight inconvenience occasionally, it’s better than having overflowing drawers and cabinets.

By adding dividers, everything has a spot and the drawer is less likely to get stuck on stuffed-in tools.

Under sink storage.

Maximize storage space under the sink by stacking bins or plastic drawers filled with sponges, dishwasher pods, rags, and more. Clear storage assures you won’t forget about what you already have. It’s also a great idea to have a plastic tray to store your cleaning supplies in. That way, if anything gets drippy, you just have to clean the tray and not risk warping the floor of the cabinet.

So there you have it. Who knew there were so many ways to create additional storage in any kitchen – large or small? We’d love to hear if you have any other ways to add storage to your kitchen! Let us know in the comments.

 

Sheet Pan Suppers – Your Weeknight Hero

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Sheet Pan Suppers – Your Weeknight Hero

Once upon a time, I was crazy enough to commute over an hour to work. Leaving home at 7:00 AM and arriving back at 6:30 PM left me little time to get a hot dinner on the table. Then one day, I learned of sheet pan suppers. They were and still are game-changers. Delicious, easy to prepare, easy to cook, and with easy clean up, sheet pan suppers quickly became my weeknight hero. If you have a busy schedule, try them out! I’ll bet they will become your weeknight hero as well.

Sheet Pan Supper Benefits

  • Easy to prepare. Cut the veggies. Toss ingredients in a fat, like healthy olive oil. Preheat the oven. Place all ingredients on your sheet pan. A great way to use up leftovers.
  • Easy to cook. Your oven does all the work. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Roast until done. Usually around 30 minutes.
  • Easy to clean up. One pan to wash.
  • Your favorite ingredients, all in one place.

The Basic Components

The basic components of sheet pan suppers are:

  • a protein (about two pounds)
  • 2 -3 cups of chopped vegetables
  • 1-2 tablespoons oil (usually olive oil)
  • a sauce or flavoring

The Sheet Pan

Use a half-sheet pan (13″ x 18″ with a one-inch lip) made of heavy-gauge metal. It’s sturdy enough to take high oven heat and broiler heat, if you give the meal a final browning under the broiler. The half-sheet pan is large enough to cook a meal for a family of four and allows for ingredients to be spread out so you don’t crowd the pan. (Crowded pans cause ingredients to steam instead of roast, which will make dinner mushy instead of crispy.) Plus, the rim is low enough for heat to move across the ingredients to give them a crisp, brown, caramelized finish. Jellyroll pans may look the same, but they’re generally smaller and flimsier than half-sheet pans. Half-sheet pans are not expensive, readily available in big box stores, and are multi-taskers that you’ll use again and again for a whole lot more than sheet pan suppers. The quarter sheet pan, measuring about 9” x 13”, is terrific for smaller ovens or kitchens as well as for cooking several ingredients in the oven at once without letting the flavors bleed into one another.

PRO TIP: Line the Pan for even easier cleanup.

Line your pan with heavy-duty foil or parchment paper (not waxed paper) to prevent ingredients from sticking to the pan. Kroger has pre-cut parchment paper that’s just the right size to make this process even easier! You will still have to wash the pan, but a well-lined pan cleans up in a jiffy.

The Rack

You’ll bake most sheet pan dinners directly on the pan; that’s how you get those tasty, caramelized surfaces. But if you want to bake breaded chicken or fish along with vegetables, use a wire rack to raise the breaded ingredients above the moisture in the pan. This technique will keep the crisp coating from getting soggy.  You can use this same approach when you’re roasting a cut of beef or pork, so the juices baste the ingredients while the meat gets gloriously browned. It’s a win-win!

The Protein

Use up to 2 pounds of protein per half-sheet pan. At 425°, most proteins cook in 30 minutes or less. All times are approximate. Bone-in meats take the longest. Fish goes fastest. Shrimp takes less than 10 minutes. Know the doneness temps for your protein and check it often. See the guide below.

  • Shrimp – Depending on size, 3-10 minutes
  • Salmon and white fish – Depending on thickness 12-25 minutes
  • Tofu – 20 minutes
  • Lamb chops, 10- 20 minutes, depending on thickness
  • Chicken, bone-in or boneless, 20 -30 minutes
  • All types of whole sausages, about 25 minutes

The Veg

Sturdy vegetables like potatoes and carrots take much longer to cook than softer vegetables like green beans, asparagus, and tomatoes. Depending on what else you’re adding to the pan, you should roast the denser vegetables for 30 minutes or more before adding the other vegetables to the pan. Cut your vegetables about the same size to promote even cooking.

  • Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, 25-30 minutes
  • Cabbage, depending on the cut, 15-30 minutes
  • Cherry tomatoes, 20-25 minutes until bursting
  • Leafy vegetables, like kale, 10-20 minutes
  • Onions, cut into wedges or thick slices, about 15-20 minutes
  • Potatoes (small pieces and wedges), 25-30 minutes
  • Root vegetables, carrots, 30 minutes
  • Squash (soft, summer squash like zucchini or yellow), 15-20 minutes
  • Squash (hard winter squash like butternut, acorn, or delicata ) in pieces, 30 minutes

The Fat

To prevent vegetables from drying out during the cooking process, completely coat them with oil. The best way to do this is to put them into a large bowl and add the oil and any other seasonings from your recipe. Then stir with a spoon or with your hands to cover everything thoroughly. I like to use disposable, latex-free gloves to keep my hands clean, especially when handling the protein. Roast the dense vegetables first and get them started in the oven. Then use the residual oil in the bowl to coat the softer vegetables that will be added to the pan later. Finally, use the same bowl (easy clean up!) to toss your protein with whatever fat or marinade your recipe calls for.

The Flavor Boosters

There are a myriad of ways to add flavor to your sheet pan supper! Try:

If you don’t feel comfortable creating your own sheet pan supper food combinations, there are some outstanding online resources with tested recipes to ensure a successful meal. Here are a few to check out: Pioneer Woman, Food Network, NY Times Cooking (my personal favorite), Southern Living, and Food52 just to name a few!

Now you may have wondered why this post refers to this kind of meal as supper instead of dinner. For me, suppers are cozy, causal meals at home with the folks who are nearest and dearest to my heart. Dinners are at home, but more formal, or in a restaurant. Love both kinds of eating, but sheet pan suppers are my way to bring the ultimate in comfortable, easy, cozy eating to my home and my family every day. I’ll say it again, sheet pan suppers are a weeknight hero.

Puppy Proof Your Apartment

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Puppy Proof Your Apartment

You took the plunge and got yourself a puppy after deciding what breed would work best. After making sure your pup has all the appropriate vaccinations to be around other dogs, you’ve considered where to take your pup to have fun, frolic, and make friends in Dayton, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, or Dallas. And, if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to puppy proof your apartment.

When I got my little guy 10 years ago, he was 2.5 pounds of fluff resembling a Beanie Baby (remember those?). He was 12 weeks old and (supposedly) a purebred Maltese. Turns out he’s part Maltese, part Bichon Frisé, and part rascal. His previous owner trained him on puppy pads, so housebreaking was a nightmare since he thought it was okay to pee inside on the floor. Fortunately, he was not one to chew on anything. There was just one time – the first time I dressed him in a red raincoat with a yellow ducky on the back (adorable!!) – that he took a good chew on my most expensive pair of shoes as revenge for the humiliation. Anyway, I digress (so easy to do when talking about your dog, right?).

When you introduce a new pup to your home, it’s important to prepare your apartment. Puppy proofing serves two important purposes: one, it ensures your puppy stays safe, and two, that the puppy doesn’t damage your furniture, your stuff or the apartment itself. Here are our suggestions for successfully puppy proofing your apartment.

Protect Your Apartment From Your Puppy

  • Tidy up.  Before your puppy enters your home, put away anything you don’t want to wind up in Fido’s mouth. Ollie has a penchant for earbuds. My previous dog likes to eat undies. So think about “chewables” like shoes, remotes, chargers, baskets, decorative items — anything, really!
  • Protect. Buy a lint roller and keep it handy for your clothes and furniture. Here are eight of the best. If you plan on snuggles with Rover on the couch, consider covering it with a washable blanket or throw. If your pup is one who will shed – and most dogs do – think about a partial slipcover for the sofa and chair.
  • Create a puppy space. It doesn’t have to be as elaborate as “Teddy’s House”, but a cozy spot for Fluffy’s bed or crate (if you are crate training), bed, and toys would be ideal. Preferably the puppy space is located in a low-traffic, out-of-the-way area that has easy-to-clean floors in case of accidents. You can also purchase a large heavy-duty plastic sheet or tray to place under the bed or crate.
  • Consider crate training. Whether simple or luxe – Poppy won’t care – a crate gives your pup a safe place to retreat to when she is scared or anxious. Plus, it can help with housebreaking, future travel. It will also make visits to the vet or groomers a lot easier. Of course, you’ll use a carrier for quick trips and/or travelling in public transportation.
  • Easy does it. Bringing Marshmallow into her new space and around new people is going to be exciting and overwhelming for your pup. Taking it slow will help you avoid accidents and anxiety with your new fur baby. Let the puppy get used to your place one room at a time, and use a dog (or baby) gate to block areas you don’t want the puppy in just yet.
  • Get your puppy plenty of exercise. Take your puppy for lots of long walks and spend plenty of time outside to tire them out. This will ensure that they’ll just want to cuddle during your downtime instead of search for mischief to get into.
  • Spoil your puppy. A bored dog is a destructive dog. Provide lots of toys, especially rubber toys they can chew, and squeaky toys they can pounce on. Brush them every day and keep their nails clipped. If you start good daily grooming habits while they’re in the puppy stage, you’ll get them used to the attention and build trust.

Protect Your Puppy From Your Apartment

We’ve looked at ways to puppy-proof your apartment to keep your stuff, your furniture, and your place safe from adorable but curious and mischievous pups, but it’s also important to make sure you keep your pup safe from potentially dangerous things in your home.

  • Toxins. All medicines and supplements, cleaning products, detergents, and even certain plants are dangerous for puppies to ingest. Store these items behind locked doors or out of reach to avoid a visit to the emergency vet. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control has a list of people foods your dogs should not eat and a list of poisonous plants and flowers to help you protect your pet.
  • Trash. The smell of garbage can be irresistible to curious puppies. So much to root through, especially when they’re left alone. Yet trash cans are full of objects that could harm your puppy, including bones, leftover onion or garlic skins from your latest cooking adventure, empty cleaning product containers – even the trash bag represents a suffocation danger. To keep your pup safe, get a good, sturdy trash can with a lid. And consider putting childproof locks on lower cabinets, doors, and drawers.
  • Cords. Use cord protectors to cover household electric cords, cables, and wires.Teething puppies have a hankering to chew and they might see your power cable and charger cords as a chew toy. Protect your puppy from an electrical shock, burn to the mouth, and a visit to the vet by covering and securing those cords.
  • Batteries. Remote controls, electronic toys, key fobs, and any other devices that contain batteries should be picked up and kept well out of reach. Not only can small parts be chewed and swallowed, but a swallowed battery is even more dangerous because it can cause burns to the soft tissue inside your pet’s esophagus on the way down. Disc batteries are especially dangerous!
  • Heights. Puppies are clumsy and have fragile bones, so a seat on the couch or in a standing child’s arms puts them at risk of injury if they fall or try to jump. It’s best to keep your puppy off tall furniture and have young children sit when holding them until your puppy is less fragile and more coordinated.
  • Toilets. Keep toilet lids closed, so the puppy won’t drink out of the toilet or fall in.
  • Doors & windows. Keep doors and windows closed at all times, so Spot can’t escape or fall out, and secure the cords that raise blinds, so they won’t get caught around the puppy’s neck.
  • Your bag. It’s very likely that your purse, backpack, gym bag, or diaper bag contains one, if not many items that pose a threat to your new pup. Xylitol poisoning is becoming more and more common as it creeps into more products, like sugar-free gum, hand creams, etc. Preventative Vet has a list of 700+ products containing xylitol. Unintentional poisoning is one of the most common pet emergencies, so be sure to store bags in a closed closet or on a sturdy hook that is high and out of reach.

 

Now that you and Peanut are in a safe environment, snuggle up and enjoy your new bestie.

 

How to Host a Potluck: A Complete Guide

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A few years back, my boyfriend introduced me to his tiny, lodge-y, weekend getaway at a rural community on a lake. During my first visit, we attended a spur-of-the-moment get-together with some of his neighbors. It was a surprising night for me in two ways. First of all, everyone treated me like they’d known me forever. As a gal with definite introvert tendencies, this was most welcome and a great “note-to-self” for my own future hosting. Secondly, everyone brought their own drinks and a snack to share. Brilliant! Essentially, all the host had to provide was ice and toilet paper. Talk about stress-free entertaining! Piggybacking off this experience, here’s our complete guide on how to host a potluck.

Why Host a Potluck?
Whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a veteran resident, a successful potluck party can help create and solidify friendships and make you feel right at home in your apartment community. It’s a fun way to make memories and create long-lasting friendships. It’s a great way to host without breaking the bank, and it’s a no-brainer because people like to eat. And, hosting a potluck will create a foundation to build upon to eventually host gatherings where you provide everything…and do all the work.

Getting Started
Invite some people: your besties, relatives, coworkers, apartment neighbors – mix and match! Decide how many people your home/dining table can comfortably accommodate and plan your guest list accordingly. Consider how many place settings you have – plates and silverware. Do you have serving spoons? If not, be sure your guests know to bring one for their dish. How much guest parking is available near your apartment? Don’t forget to let your guest know where they should park. If your apartment community is gated, let your visitors know how to get in so there’s no awkwardness upon arrival.

Planning any kind of get-together can be daunting. How much food should there be? What drinks should be served, and how many will be needed? A potluck solves these problems. If everyone brings food to share there will be plenty. When they also bring their own drinks, you have no decisions to make about quantities or types of refreshments to have on hand. Do make sure you have plenty of ice and glassware.

Hosting a potluck that satisfies all appetites is easier if you create a theme. This will help make your meal complete and cohesive. Just make sure your guests advise you what they plan to bring so you can make sure there aren’t duplicates and that all portions of the meal are covered. Here are some creative potluck theme ideas to choose from for your next apartment gathering.

Apartment Potluck Themes

RESTAURANT COPYCAT

Have your guests pick a dish from their favorite restaurant in town to recreate. Who knows what you’ll end up with? Pasta, empanadas, cupcakes, tacos. So many possibilities. It’s a great theme if your guests are foodies as their contributions will assure a variety of interesting dishes that will spark conversation about the best restaurants and best foods in your area.

TEX-MEX

Who doesn’t like Tex-Mex? With simple recipes and affordable ingredients, you can’t go wrong with a Tex-Mex potluck theme. Mexican-American dishes are delicious, filling, and difficult to botch – even for the novice chef. Opt for a Tex-Mex Night and make sure that everyone brings a different dish so you don’t end up with six jars of salsa and bags of chips.

COMFORT FOODS

Everyone has a dish that reminds them of home. My mom used to make a dish she called Surprise Packages. She’d make foil pouches filled with sliced potatoes, a hamburger patty, a slice of onion, sliced carrots and peas. They were awful, but my siblings and I never tire of teasing her about them, and my father loved them. Maybe your friends have better offerings like their mom’s chili, dad’s Sunday gravy, Thanksgiving’s sweet potato casserole, or a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations.  Ask your potluck guests to bring a family favorite and prepare to enjoy a wide range of heartwarming foods along with a night of nostalgic memories!

SOMETHING YELLOW

Theme your potluck with this cheery color and be prepared for a night of mac and cheese, coconut curry with mango, buffalo chicken dip, and cornbread. Once you open your mind to seemingly random themes, the possibilities are endless. Colors, letters, and numbers are all great places to start. Be relatively lax about the “rules” and see what creativity your guests bring to the table. What might seem odd in the beginning could end up being your favorite potluck theme in the end.

FARMERS MARKET FAVES

If you’re looking for a way to make your potluck dishes more cohesive but don’t want to limit your guests to a specific cuisine, consider a theme involving where they shop for their ingredients. A farmer’s market theme is also an excellent way to support local businesses like Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Yankee Street Market in South Dayton, or Dallas Farmer’s Market. With dishes centered around in-season ingredients you’ll end up with similarities throughout your dinner spread — and high-quality ingredients, too!

THE VEGGIE

Have your meat-loving friends step outside of their comfort zones. Challenge everyone to add some type of vegetable to their dish — including the desert! A veggie tray would be a no-brainer, but there are many veggie dishes that are so hearty, no one will miss the meat. Like Alison Roman’s Spiced Chickpea Stew which went viral >> #thestew. And, who doesn’t like carrot cake or banana bread? The options are endless and delicious for a plant-based potluck theme.

HOME STATE ORIGINALS

A classic potluck theme, friends bring an iconic home state dish. In Kentucky, that could be a Kentucky Derby favorite, burgoo. How about a recreation of Cincinnati’s Skyline Chili? Dayton-style square-cut pizza is a fun option, or how about one of these seven classic dishes famous in Dallas? Not only does this potluck theme have the potential to be delicious, but it can also spark some great conversation between guests about their home states.

SALAD BAR

A wonderful theme for spring and summer months, a salad bar is easy, fresh, and tasty. There’s always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables available in season, but don’t forget about other warm-weather staples like pasta or potato salad! A salad bar theme is perfect for a light, refreshing dinner that will require no reheating.

CASSEROLE CREATIONS

Casseroles are great for cooler months. Hot, comforting casseroles are what everyone craves during the fall and winter. And, they tend to be easy to make. How about a gooey mac and cheese or a tater-tot casserole? For dessert, think apple crisp and or blueberry cobbler.

COOKOFF

Another fun idea is to have everyone bring the same dish and see who makes it best. Think a chili cookoff, taco night, or a chocolate chip cookie bakeoff.

So make a guest list, send out invitations, dust and vacuum, stock up on toilet paper, set the table, light some candles, and let the potluck party begin! If you and your guests have as much fun as I think you will have, consider a monthly rotation from one person’s home to another. Eat and drink your way to closer friendships and better neighbors.

 

How To Survive Homework

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Your kids are back in school, and you’ve had a heart-to-heart talk with them about bullying. You’ve established a great family schedule to get them to school and to bed on time, and taught the kids how to get to school safely. Look at you! What’s next? Whether your student is new to school or an experienced learner, now is a great time to help your child hone their study skills and master homework time management. I have a friend whose child receives daily homework in kindergarten, so it’s certainly not too early to work on these skills and turn them into good habits. As a parent, you’ll also need to learn how to survive getting your kids to do their homework. If your kids are like most, it won’t be easy.

Here are some curated ideas to help you get started.

  • For them: create an environment that is homework-friendly starting at a young age. Children need a consistent workspace in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study. Start with a workspace you design together. Including your child in the process help buy in. Perhaps you can share time picking out a desk, organizing homework supplies, and tools to create a quiet, interruption-free zone. For you: establish a routine and rules that keep your kids in this homework zone and allow you to enjoy the evening.
  • For them: schedule ample time for homework. Build this time into choices about participating in after school activities. Help your child weigh what’s important versus what’s fun. For you: a good schedule will help alleviate worry about the work actually getting done.
  • For them: establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time. For you: take advantage of this quiet time to indulge in self-care. A facial? Reading? Meditation? So many possibilities.
  • For them: supervise computer and internet use. For you: establishing ground rules now will help prevent argument later.
  • By high school, it’s not uncommon for teachers to ask students to submit homework electronically and perform other tasks on a computer. If your child doesn’t have access to a computer or the internet at home, work with teachers and school administration to develop appropriate accommodations.
  • For them: be available to answer questions and offer assistance. For you: never do your child’s homework for them. You’ve already done plenty of homework in your life.
  • For them: take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive. For you: kid fatigue avoidance helps prevent meltdowns, because ain’t nobody got time for those.
  • For them: if your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with their teacher for recommendations on how to help your child at home or at school. If you have concerns about your child’s assignments, talk with their teacher. For you: keeping lines of communication with your child and their teachers will benefit everyone in the long run.
  • For them: if your child is having difficulty focusing on or completing homework, speak with your child’s teacher, school counselor, or health care provider to try and determine the underlying cause. For you: sometimes brining in a third party can shed new insights and help to relieve stress or worry you may feel.
  • For them: if general homework problems can’t be resolved with the teacher, consider a tutor. For you: a professional tutor or even an older student can work with your child in subjects you may not feel completely comfortable with or knowledgeable about. New math, hello?
  • For them: some children need extra help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems. For you: (especially if you are an organizer) creating checklists and calendars with your child can be fun and will be easier for your child to follow if they were involved in the creation. Parent/kid projects are always a win/win.
  • For them. If you child needs help remembering their assignments, work with your child and their teacher to develop an appropriate way to keep track of their assignments – such as an assignment notebook, student planner, or a dry erase calendar. For you: you can track assignments without having to nag.
  • For them: set up a homework completion tracker, perhaps with rewards. If you set up a homework calendar, this would be the perfect spot! For you: helping to make your child proud of completing homework on time is something you can be proud of.

For more in depth guidance, check out the US Department of Education’s homework recommendations.

Hopefully these tips will help create a peaceful environment for your child to successfully complete homework on his or her own so you can enjoy quiet time recovering from your busy day with a little self-care … and perhaps an adult beverage.

 

 

 

Bullying

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About Bullying.

Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child repeatedly taunts, teases, intimidates, or torments another child. These actions can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can occur at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones. Being subjected to bullying is a horrible experience for anyone, but especially difficult for a child.

With school back in session in a few short weeks, we thought it might be helpful to bring this important topic front of mind.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS BULLIED

There are several steps you can follow in the event your child is subjected to bullying.

  • Alert school officials and work with them in person toward a solution.
  • Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help, and to be comfortable with doing so. Ask them to identify who they can ask for help.
  • Acknowledge your child’s feelings about being bullied and recognize the serious nature of bullying.

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:

  • Look the bully in the eye.
  • Always stand tall and stay calm despite the difficulty of the situation.
  • Walk away.
  • With your child, practice saying, in a firm voice:
    • “I don’t like what you are doing.”
    • “Please do NOT talk to me like that.”

What you can do as a parent:

  • Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
  • Support outside activities that interest your child.
  • Find an adult who knows about the situation and can watch out for your child’s safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
  • Monitor your child’s social media or texting interactions so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
  • Document everything.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS THE BULLY

This is tough on any parent but cannot be ignored.

  • Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
  • Teach your child to be a buddy, not a bully.
  • Set firm and consistent limits on your child’s aggressive behavior.
  • Ask your child how they would feel if the tables were turned, and they were subject to torment.
  • Teach empathy for other children by asking them to consider how the other child feels.
  • Be a positive role model. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening, or hurting someone.
  • Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
  • Praise your child when their actions are positive, such as helping or being kind to others.
  • Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, school social workers or psychologists, and parents of the children your child has bullied.

WHEN YOUR CHILD IS A BYSTANDER

Witnessing a bully torment a friend or classmate can be frightening for any child. Be sure you and your child talk about bullying so they understand that it may happen, and what to do if they witness it.

  • Practice with your child how to find and tell a trusted adult about what is happening or has happened. Knowing what to say in advance will be helpful when/if the need arises.
  • Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
  • Help your child support other children who have been or may be bullied. Making friends with these kids and including them in activities will make them feel less alone and know they have a friend they can count on.

For more information or assistance, please reach out to these resources:

Let’s work together to keep our kids safe!

 

Back To School Time

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Just when summer is in full swing, you go to Target and their seasonal section is full of Back To School supplies. Yikes. Is it just me, or does it seem wrong to send kids to school while it’s still summer? Growing up, school started after Labor Day, and seeing the hostas in bloom was our sure sign school was just around the corner (although my hostas started  blooming at the end of July; perhaps my mom grew a late-blooming varietal?) Now August is the back-to-school month. Regardless of when kids return to continue their education and whether or not you are a parent, this time of year affects us all.

If you are a parent, you might be jumping for joy to get your children back to a routine. Or you could be worried about transportation hassles, the cost of class supplies, school versus work schedules, or bullying.  Your kids may be excited to see their friends but could have concerns about homework, projects, navigating bus routes, virtual school, or making friends. If you are not a parent, you might experience traffic delays as those big yellow buses and school zones slow things down a bit. Needless to say, back-to-school season is a challenge for everyone involved. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate the season with grace, calm, and organization.

ROUTINE

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful for everyone in the household. Avoid first-day-of-school mayhem by practicing your routine in advance. Return to a regular sleep schedule a few weeks before school starts. Establish regular bedtimes and start gentle wind-down activities such as bath time and reading. Getting enough sleep is an important part of being ready to learn and concentrate.  Did you know that insufficient sleep could lead to lower academic achievement and higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness? The optimal amount of sleep for most younger children is 10-12 hours per night and for adolescents (13-18 years of age) is in the range of 8-10 hours per night.

Now is the perfect opportunity to establish screen time limits. Your whole family can “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime, charge devices overnight in the same spot, and use an alarm clock instead of a cell phone to wake up in the mornings. Rising a bit earlier will allow time for a good breakfast and prevent rushing around headaches.

Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed. Routines help children feel comfortable, and establishing a solid routine will make the first day go much smoother.

PRE-SCHOOL JITTERS

Many children get nervous about new situations, including changing to a new school, classroom, or teacher. This may happen at any age! If your child seems nervous, it can be helpful to rehearse heading into the new situation. Take them to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school. Hopefully, this will help ease their fears. Plus, it will give you a good idea of how they are spending their day.

Remind your child that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about the first day. Teachers know that students are nervous and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible. If your child seems nervous, ask them what they are worried about and help them problem-solve ways to master the new situation.

One of the biggest back-to-school fears is “Will I like my new teacher?” Breaking the ice early on is one of the best ways to calm everyone’s fears. Go to your school’s open house or back-to-school night. Some teachers welcome phone calls or e-mails — another great opportunity to get to know each other before the year begins.

You can also try to locate the teacher’s picture on a school website or in a yearbook, so your child can put a name with a face. If your child’s teacher sends a welcome letter, be sure to read the letter together.

Point out the positive aspects of starting school to help your kids look forward to the first day of class. Talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones, for example.

If you feel it is needed, drive your child (or walk with them) to school and pick them up on the first day. Get there early on the first day to cut down on unnecessary stress.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with your child. Having the right tools will help him feel prepared. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of splurges like a cool notebook or a favorite-colored pen. These simple pleasures make going to their place of higher learning a lot more fun. I always loved shopping for school supplies as a kid, didn’t you? In fact, I still enjoy a trip to Office Depot,  Staples, or Target to indulge myself with new office supplies and almost always find something I didn’t realize I needed!

Supply lists also provide great insight into the schoolwork ahead. Get your child excited about upcoming projects by explaining how new supplies might be used. Let him practice using supplies that he’s not used before — such as colored pencils or a protractor — so he will be comfortable using them in class.

Review the school supply list and shop for as many bargains as possible. Retailers are all jockeying for you to spend money with them. Keep in mind you can often substitute store-brand items for name-brand and get the same quality for less money. Click here for The Spruce’s Top 8 Best Places to Buy School Supplies.

BACKPACKS

Most kids carry books in a backpack and not all are created equal. But they are SO MUCH BETTER than the awful, heavy bookbags of years gone by. Click here for Good Housekeeping’s 12 top-tested backpacks for the 2023 school year. Look for a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Organize your child’s backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child’s body weight. We don’t want them to tip over!  Go through the pack with your child weekly and remove unneeded items to keep it light.

Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles. Adjust the pack so that the bottom sits at your child’s waist.

If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. But keep in mind that rolling backpacks still must be transported up and down stairs, they may be difficult to roll in snow, and they may not fit in some lockers.

TRANSPORTATION

Determine how your child will travel to and from their education venue. Review the basic rules with your student and practice any new routes or modes of transportation:

School bus

  • Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
  • Make sure your child walks where she can see the bus driver.
  • Practice how to cross the street before the first day of school.
  • Encourage your child to use lap/shoulder seat belts if provided.

Bike

  • Practice the bike route to school before the first day of school.
  • Require the use of a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride is. For the 10 best kids’ bike helmets, click here.
  • Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic, and ride in bike lanes if they are present.
  • Practice, then use appropriate hand signals.
  • Obey traffic lights and stop signs.
  • Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.

Walk

  • Most kids are ready to start walking to school at 9 to 11 years of age.
  • Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
  • Find other kids in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school. In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider organizing a “walking school bus,” in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
  • If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them or have another adult walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely. If your child will need to cross a street on the way to school, practice safe street crossing with them before the start of school.
  • Bright-colored clothing or a visibility device, like a vest or armband with reflectors, will make your child more visible to drivers.

FOOD

  • Provide a good breakfast before starting off. Studies show that kids who eat a nutritious breakfast do better in school, and have better concentration and more energy. Click here for 35 quick and easy breakfast ideas from Eating on a Dime.
  • Check out cafeteria menus on the school’s website. With your child, plan on packing or buying lunch.
  • Many children qualify for free or reduced-price food at school, including breakfast. Complete forms for these services at the school office.
  • Does your child’s facility have a plan that allows you to pay for meals through an online account? Kids get a card to “swipe” at the register for a cashless experience.
  • Click here for 50 ideas on packed school lunches from Super Healthy Kids, and for the perfect transportation of a yummy lunch, click here for the New York Times recommendations for the best kids’ lunch boxes.

CELEBRATE

How about a celebration for the first day of school so your kids will see back-to-school as something fun instead of something dreaded? Maybe a back-to-school party the day before school starts? How about pictures in first-day-of-school outfits and pictures in front of the school?

It’s going to be a great year!

 

RESOURCES: HealthyChildren.org, NovakDjokovicFoundation.org, PBS.org, ThePersonal.com

 

 

Where Dogs Are Welcome! Cincinnati/NKY Edition

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They’re like family. We want to make it as easy for you as possible to love and care for your pups without having to spend a lotof time wondering where to take your favorite furry friend for an off-leash run,  a day of monitored play, a sleepover, or to join you someplace pup-friendly for a cold brew. Read on for our list of Where Dogs Are Welcome! locations throughout Cincinnati (by region) and Northern Kentucky. Check out additional locations in the Tour De Cincinnati Dog-Friendly section!

CINCINNATI

West: Price Hill, College Hill, Mt. Healthy, Fairfield, Mt. Airy, Cleves, Hamilton, Colerain

  • Play
    • Airy Forest Dog Park. 3006 Westwood Northern Blvd. The park boasts a large area for dogs to romp around in, as well as doggy pools and agility equipment. There are miles of trails in the beautiful Mt. Airy Forest just behind the park if Fido is seeking a change of pace. Fully Fenced, Free to public, small and large dog sides. Some agility equipment. Lots of shades and some doggy pools. Lots of picnic tables. More info here.
    • Westwoof Dog Park. Montana & Epworth Aves. Artificial turf and concrete areas make this small, fenced park a great place to visit when it’s wet outside.
    • Simmons Family Dog Park. 8715 Hamilton Cleves Pike Rd., Miamitown. A huge, 11-acre park with four separate fields, dog agility equipment, shade trees, and benches. More info here.
    • Doris Day Dog Park. 3006 Westwood Northern Blvd., Mt. Airy. Located in Mount Airy Forest, this fenced-in two-acre dog park has both grassy areas and dirt/woodchip areas for pup play. There’s agility equipment and a water hose for drinks.
    • Hamilton Bark Park. 20 New London Rd., Hamilton. Playspace, room for fetch, and Frisbee. Big and small dogs are welcome. Sculpture. More info here.
    • Diamond Dogs Dog Park. 11405 E. Miami River Rd., Cincinnati. Fido can play off-leash at Diamond Dogs Dog Park, located within the 126-acre, pet-friendly Heritage Park along the Great Miami River in Cincinnati, OH. The fenced dog park offers an entrance for large and small dogs, shade, trees, waste bags, shaded seating, and a seasonally-available water source. More info here.
  • Care
    • Petey’s Pet Stop. 311 Howell Ave. Boarding, Dog Food/Treats, Pet Supplies, Self Service Dog Washing. Linda Sterling and Beth McCarty, both occupational therapists and animal lovers, founded Petey’s Pet Stop.
    • PetSmart. 6068 Glenway Ave. Chain featuring a range of pets, supplies & food (most offer grooming, boarding & other services).
  • Going Out

East: East End, Newtown, Anderson, Batavia

  • Play
    • Deer Hill Apartments. 2551 Spindlehill Dr. A residents-only facility, this fenced-in park features dog activity stations, shade trees, and a poop station. More info here.
    • Otto Armleder Dog Park. 5057 Wooster Pike, Linwood. One of the most popular places in Cincinnati to let your dog roam around off-lease and socialize with other dogs. The park spans 10 acres and offers separate areas for large and small breeds, dog drinking fountains, a canine shower, along with plenty of shade trees and benches.
    • Red Dog Park. 5081 Madison Rd., Cincinnati. A “members-only” park run by Red Dog Resort and Spa. Three acres of fenced grassy and wooded rolling grounds. Separate areas for small and large breeds with play equipment scattered throughout the park. Drinking fountains for pups and humans. Click here for more info and pricing.
    • 3810 Church St., Newtown. A private three-acre park with grassy fields, a lake, and a variety of agility equipment. Lots of seating for humans and a massive TV that plays shows and movies. Daily admission or yearly membership is available. Rates and more info here.
    • Kellogg Park Dog Field. 6701 Kellogg Rd., Anderson. Four-acre, fenced-in park for off-leash fun. Dog-height water fountain. Beautiful mural by ArtWorks. Dawn to dusk year-round; yearly permit required. More info here.
    • David J. Stricker Dog Park. 1359 Clough Pike, Batavia. A one-acre off-leash park that allows dogs to roam off-leash. Fenced-in areas for large and small breeds. Benches, shade trees.
  • Care
  • Sleepovers
  • Going Out

North Central: Norwood, Madisonville, Hyde Park, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge

  • Play
    • Washington Park Dog Park. 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati in Over-the-Rhine. An enclosed 12,000 square-foot area within Washington Park that offers a water creek for dogs to play in, large granite boulders, and a water fountain with fresh water for owners and a spout near the ground for dogs. Benches line the perimeter of the park so visitors can hang out and socialize with other owners as well. Check out the Washington Park website for more details on the park.
    • Fido Field. 630 Eggleston Ave, Cincinnati Central Business District. Located just outside of the Central Business District near the Downtown area, this is a fenced-in, off-leash park managed and maintained completely by volunteers. The park offers play areas for both large and small breeds and there is plenty of free parking next to the park under 471 or on the surface lot on Eggleston Avenue. Currently, the park doesn’t have a permanent water source, so be sure to bring your own when you visit. More info here.
    • Redbird Hollow Trail. 6168 Given Rd. Indian Hill. Not a dog park, but a wonderful secluded 3-mile round trip nature trail with beautiful views of rivers, creek beds, forests, and many plant and bird species to discover. There’s just one entrance at a bend in the road. Dogs must be kept on leash. BYOW (bring your own water).

North: Fairfield, Franklin, Mason

  • Play
    • Wiggly Field Dog Park. 7850 VOA Park Dr. West Chester Twsp, (Mason). Fenced-in areas for small and large breeds. Benches, trees, shading structures, water fountains, and dog water bowls. More info here.
    • Schappacher Dog Park. 4686 Old Irwin Simpson Rd., Mason. Within the 10-acre Schappacher Park, there are 38,000+ square feet of room for dogs to run. This one is not huge but it’s plenty big enough for your dog to stretch his/her legs. It’s mostly mulch and bark and includes a few benches and a picnic table for the accompanying humans. More info here.
    • Furfield Dog Park. 6611 River Rd, Fairfield. The dog park is stretched over more than 6 acres of grassy land and features multiple, fenced-in areas giving room for dogs of all sizes and play levels the opportunity to exercise safely. The park also features a pond. More info here.
    • Pawmyra Dog Park. 3400 Mason Morrow Millgrove Rd, Mason. A four-acre, off-leash area located inside Mason Sports Park in Mason, OH. The dog park has dedicated play areas for smaller and larger dogs and features large entrance gates and concrete pathways for wheelchairs. More info here.
  • Care
  • Sleepovers
  • Going Out

North East: Loveland, Blue Ash

  • Play
    • Nantucket Apartments. 3569 Nantucket Dr., Loveland. A residents-only park featuring shade trees, benches, activity equipment, and a poop station. Open dawn to dusk, furry friends large and small play together. BYOW (bring your own water). More info here.
    •  Summit Park Dog Park. 4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash. Well-maintained and fenced-in park for off-leash fun. Benches for humans; pup-height water fountains. More info here.
    • Matt Haverkamp Foundation Dog Park. 236 Wall St, Loveland. Also known as Loveland Dog Park, is located within Kiwanis Park, and is dedicated to area K9 officers and their handlers. The 2-acre space is fenced and accommodates both small and large dogs in the same area. The site includes shade trees and benches for resting. Please bring your own water. More info here.

Northern Kentucky

  • Play
    • Trails of Saddlebrook Apartments. 646 Meadowlands Trail, Florence. This resident-only dog park is more of a modest doggie run, but it’s open 24 hours and nestled amongst the trees in the back portion of the community. It has a seating bench and small activity area, and a poop station. Large and small pups play side by side. BYOW (bring your own water). More info here.
    • Fort Thomas Dog Park. 199 Mayfield Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075 (Fort Thomas). A dog ark inside Highland Hills Park. Fenced-in areas for both small and large breeds, and grassy areas with trails. Water is available outside the dog park, so you might want to BYOW.
    • Newport Dog Park. 901 E. 6th, Newport, KY. Located behind the Campbell County Library, the park features fenced-in areas for both large and small dogs, water fountains, lots of shade, and seating for humans. More info here.
    • The Bark Park & Patio. 7544 Burlington Pike, Florence, KY, US, 41042. The Bark Park & Patio is a private dog park with an attached taproom in Florence, KY. Fido can play in the 1+ acre fenced space while you enjoy a glass of wine or an ice-cold beer. A liability waiver will need to be signed upon your first visit. Fido must be current on all vaccinations and leased in the taproom and on the patio. Day passes are offered as well as monthly and annual dog memberships. The park is closed on Mondays for private events. Human guests must be at least 21 years of age to enter. More info here.
    • Dog Park at Walton Community Park. 35 Old Stephenson Mill Rd, Walton, KY, 41094. The fenced dog park features separate areas for small and large dogs and an agility course. After your pup expends his energy, reattach his leash and enjoy Walton Community Park which occupies 30 acres and features two large playgrounds, a paved walking trail, picnic facilities, and plenty of open space. More info here.
    • SFC Jason Bishop Memorial Dog Park. 9th St & Philadelphia St, Covington, KY 41011. Features separate areas for small and large dogs and offers seating for humans to relax and watch pups play with their new friends. Water fountains for dogs are available in warmer months. More info here.

  • Care
    • World of Pets. 7199 Turfway Rd. #2, Florence. Pet supplies.
    • PetPeople. 2790 Town Center Blvd., Crestview Hills. Pet supplies.
    • Petco. 575 Clock Tower Way, Crescent Springs. Pet supplies, training, grooming.
    • PetSmart. 1060 Hansel Ave, Florence. Pet supplies, training, grooming.
    • Yelp’s top 10 NKY groomers.
  • Sleepovers
    • Allie’s Walkabout. Voted Best of NKY 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and most recently named the Best Doggy Daycare in all of Kentucky by Pet News Daily. It sits on 4.5 acres, so your pal will romp and play throughout their 9,000 sq. ft. facility with 4 indoor and 4 outdoor play yards full of toys and places to climb.
    • Pet Suites of Erlanger. Boarding, daycare, training, grooming.
  • Going Out
    • Check out Bring Fido’s list of dog-friendly bars and restaurants in NKY here.
    • Find Yelp recommendations
    • Or how about BARk & Patio? Northern Kentucky finally has its very first dog park and bar, The Bark Park & Patio! They have a passion for highlighting everything local, which is why you will only find the best local craft beers and wines on tap. With over an acre of fenced-in grassy space for your four-legged best friend to run around in you will have no problem relaxing while you sip on an ice-cold beer and enjoy the backyard atmosphere we all love.

 

Disclaimer: This list was assembled by the Fath Properties marketing team who have been Googling like crazy on your behalf. We have no personal experience with the vast majority of these businesses – and this list is not all-inclusive – (although we are most definitely dog lovers and have some personal experience with businesses in our various home locations), so do not necessarily endorse them due to our global inexperience. This writer would not mind a fact-finding expedition to experience them all with pup-in-tow, but that would be a story for another day). This list is provided here for you simply to narrow down your search for services and Where Dogs Are Welcome! locations throughout the greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

For Dogs Are Welcome Here locations in the Dallas area, click here; for locations in Dayton, click here.

Have fun taking your furry friends Where Dogs Are Welcome! locations throughout the region. Maybe we’ll see you there. Until then, tell your dog we said, “Hi!”

Be Cool At The Pool

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Be Cool At The Pool illustrated by cool water and pink flamingo floatie

Summertime….and the livin’ is easy…especially if there’s a sparkling pool where you can chill on a hot day. But chillin’ only happens when everyone is mindful of their own behavior and are kind to fellow chillers. So here are some guidelines on how to Be Cool At The Pool.

Running, jumping, diving, pushing, roughhousing, and/or weapons are the epitome of uncool.
Activities that may send you – or someone else – to the ER are off limits and totally uncool.

Be cool about saved chairs.
Sorry, lounge chair monitors. Saving a seat around the pool is just fine – within reason. Respect that a chair with a towel is taken. But chair savers need to be respectful of others too. It’s not cool to save yourself a seat hours ahead of time, save an entire umbrella table for just yourself, or save half a dozen chairs. Only use chair space you need for sitting; your stuff doesn’t need a seat. Looking for a great pool towel that’s beautiful, dries quickly and takes up very little space in your pool tote? Click here.

Shower before getting in the pool.
No one wants a layer of another person’s body grime floating around the pool. Rinse off in the shower before taking a dip, especially if you’ve been running or working outside all day. If you’re sick or have an open wound? You know what to do – stay out of the pool entirely.

Dress appropriately.
Yes, we all noticed you spent all winter working on your beach bod. But, no one wants to see your downstairs outline or extreme cleavage, especially when there are kids around. Be respectful, dress confidently but modestly, and keep the G-string and banana hammock for the beach. Be cool at the pool; save street wear for the street and wear swimwear to swim. Wear pool shoes or flip-flops everywhere in the pool area (except in the water) and in the restrooms.

If it’s breakable, leave it home.
Glass of any kind and other breakable items are strictly prohibited. Folks will be barefoot for heaven’s sake! Choose from one of a boatload of uber cool, environmentally safe non-breakable drinking vessels and beverage carriers instead.

Keep your music to yourself, use your indoor voice, and watch your language.
It’s nice that you love your music and want to share with the world, but the world didn’t ask. Keep the tunes low enough so only you can hear, or wear ear buds. If someone asks you to turn down your music, do it. Some venues do not allow audible music, so check the rules and be sure to bring your headphones (check out waterproof headphones here) or waterproof earbuds.

Follow established pool rules.
All pools will post rules somewhere along the fence or on the gate doors stating what is permitted and prohibited at the pool, safety rules, and pool hours. These rules apply to everyone including you, your family, and your guests.

Clean up after yourself, you animal.
Bringing snacks and refreshments are usually allowed at most apartment pools (no glass of any kind ever). But don’t abuse the privilege by leaving wrappers, food, cans, and trash around your seating area. Be cool at the pool and keep things clean around you by making frequent trips to the garbage/recycling.

Spray with caution.
Many people prefer the spray over lotion sunscreens of easy application. While SPF is a must, spraying everyone around you is not. To contain the contents and mist, spray in your hand and apply where needed. If you must spray, walk to an area away from others to spray. Click here for the best sunscreens of 2023.

Keep the gate key or gate code to yourself.
Your community’s pool is a private pool for you and your neighbors. Inviting friends over for a swim is totally acceptable (provided you follow the guidelines for guests), but giving your access key or pool code out to everyone you know is not – and you may be violating terms of your lease.

Let kids have fun safely.
Splashing and screaming is second nature to children, but you and your kids still have to be courteous and considerate of other pool-goers. If your kids start to get rowdy, run at the pool, or get overzealous with the splashing, have them take a break until they have calmed down.

Don’t take your eyes off your kids because this could allow annoying behavior (everyone wants and deserves a peaceful environment) and potentially be very dangerous.  Know your kids’ swimming ability and be with them at all times. You birthed ‘em; you’re responsible. Here’s a great article about kids and pool safety.

Be nice.
Be cool at the pool; treat others with kindness and courtesy so everyone has a good experience in and around the swimming pool and sun deck.

Now get out there all you cool cats and enjoy some fun in the sun, tanning, swimming, and chillin’ poolside.

 

 

 

Laundry Room Etiquette

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Oh no they didn’t…!

“I want my laundry day to go that ^^^ way!” said no one ever. Laundry is a chore even when you’re fortunate to have a washer and dryer in your home. But doing laundry in a shared laundry facility – whether a public laundromat or apartment community laundry center – adds an additional layer of things that can make this chore even less fun. From the wait for machines, to unkind or rude fellow launderers, to noisy kids, to blatant disrespect for you, your stuff, and the place – whew. It makes you wish we could all just spray on our clothes or be naked all the time, right?

So what can we do to make this task less tedious for everyone? Well, you could always pay someone to wash your clothes for you. But, if like most of us, you’d rather spend your money on a long weekend in Florida, a shopping spree to jump start your spring wardrobe, or just a nice dinner out with adult beverages, let’s establish some Emily Post-ish laundry room etiquette we can all use. Typically, laundry etiquette can be tossed out like an old dryer sheet, especially in a communal setting. Whether you’re an apartment newbie or an experienced renter, sometimes airing your dirty laundry in a public space can leave everyone’s patience stuck in the spin cycle.

Be prepared.  Yes, channel your inner Boy or Girl Scout and be prepared:

  • Sorting your stuff before you leave your apartment.
  • Pre-treat stains in advance so you won’t need to lug an extra product with you.
  • Check your pockets for loose change, that winning lotto ticket, tissues, or anything else that you’ll regret washing.
  • Get enough quarters to wash and dry all your loads.

Be courteous. Hello Emily Post, and Philip Galanes.

  • Don’t play Monopoly with the machines; in other words, don’t hog them all or leave your stuff in them after the cycle is complete.
  • Set a timer on your phone if you go to errands, go for a coffee, or go for a brisk walk. Washing a load of laundry typically takes 30 to 40 minutes, and drying takes 45 minutes to an hour. Time yourself to return before the cycle ends.
  • If someone else’s clothes are sitting in a stopped machine unattended for more than five minutes (10 if you’re exceptionally kind), move them with care. Neatly place the clothes on a clean surface above or near the machine. If rolling carts are available, you could place the clothes in one. Do not place the clothes in a dryer (clothes are easy to ruin, and you don’t want to be responsible for the shrinkage of their merino wool sweater) and certainly don’t place them on the floor (unless you want to be forever known as “that a$$hole).
  • Clean the lint screen after using the dryer. Shared lint = ew.
  • Use the appropriate amounts of detergent, bleach, or fabric softener so as to not leave soap or bleach residue which could affect the next person’s load of laundry. They also might be allergic to your detergent or have a thing for some scents.

Be clean.  I know, your there to clean, but people can be dirty while simultaneously trying to be clean. To wit:

  • Wipe up, rinse, and dry any and all spills.
  • Toss empty detergent, bleach, fabric softener, and stain remover containers in the trash can.
  • Toss used fabric softener sheets in the trash.
  • Toss lint from your dryer in the trash.
  • Don’t bring you cat or dog to keep you company especially if they shed.
  • Don’t throw everyday trash in the laundry room bins especially if that trash is food-related garbage.

Be mindful. Most people don’t enjoy doing laundry, but you can improve the experience for everyone by staying in a good mood and being polite.

  • Offer to help anyone struggling to use the equipment or fold that king-size fitted sheet (here’s how).
  • Resist the urge to gaze deeply at someone else’s underthings.
  • Use headphones or earbuds to enjoy music, a video, or a podcast.
  • Leave the room to take or make a call. No one wants to listen to a one-sided conversation.
  • Make sure there are seat for everyone by not filling seats with your supplies, coat, purse, or backpack.
  • If you bring your kids along, keep them as quiet as possible and seated. Tough, I know!

SUPPLIES YOU’LL NEEED

.When it comes to lugging laundry, smaller is better!

  • Fill a smaller container from your larger detergent or bleach bottle to reduce carrying weight.
  • Take a small laundry basket to leave on or next to your machine. That way, there’s a place for your stuff if someone need to move them after the cycle ends. Did you know that the big blue bag from IKEA makes a great laundry basket? It folds flat for each storage and it’s easy to carry with the dual shoulder straps. The bag is also virtually indestructible and cheap. If you don’t live near an IKEA 1) I’m sorry and 2) you can get one on Amazon!
  • Payment method. Your laundry room may use cards you can pre-load, so make sure you bring that and a payment method along to reload your card if needed. If the machines still take coins, save a trip back to your apartment (or the bank!?!) by bringing double the number you expect to use.

So there you have it. A few simple suggestions about laundry room etiquette that will make this chore less annoying. Now go separate your colors from your whites, grab some detergent and some quarters, and get that pile of dirty clothes washed, dried, folded, and put away. You got this!

 

 

Tools You Can (and will!) Use

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When I was helping my daughter move into her first apartment, we quickly realized that not only was she going to need furniture, cookware, bedding, and towels (and so much more!), but she was also going to need some basic tools she could use. There were pictures to hang, a towel bar to install (unbelievably one was not provided in her bathroom), a shelf to add in her tiny kitchen, a curtain rod to install on the apartments lone, naked window, and hooks to install by her front door since her new home did not include a coat closet.

Yes, as a renter, her landlord would take care of any maintenance issue that arose in her apartment, but extras such as these would be up to us. So off we went to find everything she’s need for these and future DIY projects. I was determined to assemble a collection of tools she could use now that she could build on over time to carry her into future.

I don’t know about you, but I love going to the hardware store. Doesn’t matter if it’s a small, locally owned shop nearby such as my beloved Greive Hardware in Dayton, Ohio, a woman-owned store that employs retired men and teenagers, you could go there and buy two nails if that’s all you need. Or maybe a big box store where – unbelievably – all the employees seem to know the precise location of every item and will even walk you directly to it. So our expedition to find and create and apartment-sized tool kit was an exciting prospect.

In shopping around, we realized we had a few options:

  • Purchase pre-assembled tool kits from IKEA where we were going anyway for furniture. They have a 17-piece toolkit for $13, and a small drill for $28, both in easy-to-store cases, and both available on line. PROS: inexpensive, easy to store, not all-inclusive. CONS: no room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws.

 

  • Purchase Wirecutter’s “best” all-in one kit for $49. PROS: great selection of tools included, easy to store. CONS: no room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws.

  • Purchase everything separately along with a toolbox. PROS: completely customizable. CONS: more time consuming to select individual items, room for additional items, like nails, hangers, and screws, ease of storage will depend on toolbox selected.

If you decide to completely customize the Tools You Can (and will!) Use, below are suggested items to include:

Power Drill. This small, wireless drill is a workhorse around the house! It will help you with small projects like screwing in a cute switch plate cover to large project like assembling furniture.

Screw Driver. Get just one, but make it a screwdriver with multiple bits. Because screws tend to loosen over time, a set of screwdrivers will be very useful around your apartment so you can easily tighten screws into place. Whether it’s a loose screw on a door handle, kitchen cabinet handle or furniture you assembled a while ago, you can easily take care of these issues with screwdrivers.

Hammer.  One basic hammer will see you through.

Duct Tape. Duct tape has So. Many. Uses.

Tape Measure. Invest in a good one and it will last you forever.

Extension Cord. Or two. Helpful when trying to plug in a lamp when the outlet is behind the bed.

Utility Knife. A utility knife is a godsend when trying to open a cardboard box!

Pliers.  You won’t regret this 3-piece set. Pliers are the workhorses of the toolbox: Invest in at least two: 8-inch needle-nose and 10-inch groove-joint pliers. Add locking pliers that allow you to apply more force when needed.

Level. Whether you buy a level for your toolkit or download a level app on your phone, a level keeps everything straight even when the world is a crooked mess. A small one should do you nicely for most apartment needs.

Scissors. Lose your scissors once and you’ll realize how often you use/need them. Keep a pair in your toolbox and another pair in your kitchen junk drawer. C’mon, admit it. Everyone has a junk drawer.

Assortment of fasteners, hooks, nails, and screws. Honestly, just buy them for each specific project. If you buy them in advance, the ones you have will never be the ones you need.

Pencil.  For marking measurements.

Safety goggles. Because you never know when something will go wrong safety goggles are a smart addition to your tool kit.

Toolbox or caddy.  I’ve owned toolboxes and caddies, and prefer something that allows me to see all my stuff at a glance. This one fits that bill and is not too big!

Step Stool. Foldable. Two-step if your ceilings are 8’; three-step if you have tall ceilings.

Now you’ve got the tools you can (and will) use, so go hang that picture, tighten that loose handle on your dresser, and add a light-blocking curtain to your bedroom window. You’ve got the tools; you’ve got the power.

 

 

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Your Local Hero

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Distilled White Vinegar. Your New Local Hero.

Trending: ecofriendly everything.

Are your social media feeds brimming with ads for new products designed to do a better job of cleaning all kinds of specific items with minimal packaging waste? I know mine are. We could all spend a fortune and clutter up our storage spaces with products galore. Seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it?

How about an alternative? It’s nothing new, newfangled, expensive, or “only available on line”. In fact, I’d be willing to bet you have a bottle in your cupboard. Let me reintroduce you to your new local hero: distilled white vinegar.

My admittedly dusty bottle of white vinegar sat in the back of my cabinet unused for ages. Not quite sure why I bought it; it just seemed like one of those must-have pantry staples.  But then when I moved into an old (circa 1896) apartment in the historic district of Newport, KY and my bathtub drain ran super slow, Google taught me that white vinegar would keep my drain running clear. More on that later.  That Google search opened my eyes to the almost magic trickery of distilled white vinegar which, as it turns out, is a workhorse in the kitchen, bathroom, garden, and more! Bonus: it’s cheap.

Here are just a few of the tricks white vinegar has up its sleeves:

All-Purpose Cleaning Solution. In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup of distilled white vinegar with 3 cups of water and use on just about everything. Don’t love the smell of vinegar? Let vinegar sit in a jar with strips of lemon zest and a spring of fresh thyme for a week or two in a sunny spot, then strain. Mix with water as described above. This can be done with any herb or fragrant plant like lavender or eucalyptus, just avoid anything that colors the vinegar if you plan on using it on a white carpet.

IN THE KITCHEN

Stinky Sink Drain. To keep kitchen drains fresh, pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain once a week. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Ahhh, fresh!

Dishwasher. Pour a small amount of white vinegar into the rinse-aid dispenser of your dishwasher. This will help prevent a cloudy residue on your glasses and keep cutlery-free of smears and streaks. And, once a year or so, more often if you have hard water, pour a cup of vinegar into an empty dishwasher and run it on a short cycle to remove lime and soap build-up.

Stainless Steel Cookware. Scrub with a mixture of white vinegar and salt.

Cutting Boards. Undiluted white vinegar cleans and disinfects cutting boards, especially those made of wood.

Microwave. To remove smells or cooked on food, combine ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar and 1 cup of water in a microwave-safe container. A slice of lemon will add a fresh, clean scent. Microwave on high until the mixture comes to a boil and steam forms on the window. Let cool slightly, then wipe away any food residue.

IN THE LAUNDRY

Stain Treatment.  For removing stains like mustard, ketchup, tomato sauce, grass, and underarm deodorants, spray a little white vinegar onto the stain before laundering. Soaking whites in vinegar will help bring back their whiteness.

And just like in your dishwasher, vinegar helps to break down detergent when added to the rinse cycle, making clothes fresher, more colorful—and it gets rid of funky towel mildew. One cup should be plenty; add less when using a front-loading washing machine.

WARNING: Never add vinegar when using chlorine bleach; it will create noxious chlorine gas, a potentially deadly compound.

Laundry Softener. If you’ve run out of fabric softener, simply add about three tablespoons (or a scant ¼ cup) to your washing machine dispenser. Your clothing will be softer, but won’t smell like vinegar because of the limited measurement.

IN THE BATHROOM

Window/Mirror/Shower Door Wash.  Spray the all-purpose solution on the glass surface and wipe it off with a clean, lint-free cloth or a balled-up piece of newspaper (does anyone still read the newspaper?).

Clean Faucets & Showerheads. White vinegar is effective in removing lime scale especially when mixed with hot water. Wrap your showerhead in a plastic bag of warm, white vinegar and secure it with a rubber band. Let it soak for an hour before rinsing it clean. Spray faucets, let sit for a bit, then wipe clean. If your toilet bowl, bathtub, or sink has lime deposits from hard water, soak or spray vinegar onto the grit. It should loosen the deposits enough to remove them easily.

Tile & Grout. Spray full strength white vinegar on mildewed or scummy grout and tile. Wait for about an hour, and scrub with a soft bathroom scrub brush.

Keep Drains Clear. To keep your sink or bathtub drain running clear, use a funnel to pour a half cup of baking soda down the drain followed by one cup of white vinegar. The concoction will foam up like crazy, so this can be a fun “science experiment” with the kids. Let sit until the foaming action stops, then rinse with hot water (this step should be kid-free). Not only will it clear your slow running drain, but it will also destroy any odor-causing bacteria.

IN OTHER PLACES

Pet Potty Accidents. Clean and refresh the soiled area by spraying vinegar. This may also deter your pet from soiling the same area. Read more in our blog post about cleaning carpet stains here.

Remove Stickers. Who hates price tag stickers??  They are a pet peeve of mine. I especially hate it when a price sticker is placed on the glass of a picture frame or in a very conspicuous place on a pretty vase. Dab white vinegar on the spot and let it sit for a minute or two. Afterward, it will be easy for you to scrape away the excess paper and gunk. And much less expensive than Goo Gone.

Relieve Sunburn Pain. No one ever plans a sun burn, so aloe is usually not close at hand. Instead, soak a washcloth in a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water and dab on your sunburn. Reapply as the washcloth warms. Or, add 2 cups to your bathwater.

Fresh Flowers. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to your flower water to make your flowers last longer. When the water gets cloudy, dump it out and repeat.

So there you have it. Well not all of it, because the uses for white vinegar go on and on!

In closing, I’ll mention that vinegar is an acidic liquid originally created from wine gone bad. Wine gone bad is a very, very sad thought until you think of all the easy, effective, and inexpensive things that can be done with it.

Now go buy a gallon. Who doesn’t need a hero right now?

Resources: https://facty.com, www.foodandwine.com, www.thespruce.com

 

 

Travel Checklist for Packing Your Bags

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You’re getting ready for a much-anticipated vacation and have prepared your place, checked off your travel essentials, and are ready to – finally! – pack your bags. The fun part, right? Um, wrong. It’s so, so easy to fall into an overpacking trap without considering the repercussions. Repercussions, you ask? Oh yes; I know from experience that over-packing can ultimately be a real pain. I learned many lessons the hard way, and I hope to save you travel headaches with a travel checklist for packing your bags.

Keep It Light

I was traveling to Paris with my mom and my daughter in the spring of one year. Stupidly, I thought Parisians would care more about how I looked than how I spoke the few words of French I knew with such an awful, American accent. So, the big suitcase it was! Also believing that my place of employment would crumple and fall without access to me (mind you, this was in the olden days when laptops were heavy and power converters for laptops even heavier), I packed my laptop and the ridiculously heavy power converter I’d purchased. (Yes friends, I actually believed I would do so work WHILE IN PARIS). Silly, silly girl. My work fantasies aside, the biggest mistake I made while packing was not researching how to get around while dreamily exploring venues to visit in this bucket-list destination. Imagine my horror when the three of us arrived just across the Seine River from Île Saint-Louis via Metro De Paris and had to climb a long flight of stairs (no elevator or escalator!) with all the huge, heavy luggage. Suddenly looking chic and pretending I would work was not very important. At all.

Tip #1 on the Travel Checklist For Packing Your Bags is Keep It Light. Think over your shoe situation carefully. I have a friend who packed an entire extra suitcase full of shoes for a vacation. Sorry, but that’s crazy. Who wants to drag a bag of shoes around? On my last trip (15 days in the fall), I packed comfy walking shoes for day wear, and pairs of dress flats and dress heels for the evening, and not one single person made fun of me. Note that my walking shoes are seriously cute and I was delighted to wear them daily.

Keep It Simple

Tip #2 on the Travel Checklist For Packing Your Bags is Keep It Simple. Realize how little you REALLY need. On a direct flight from Florence, Italy to Amsterdam, Netherlands, Alitalia managed to lose my luggage. For an entire week. Oh, they sent me updates – your suitcase is in Lisbon! Prague! Vienna! (how annoying that my suitcase was better traveled than I!), but did not actually deliver it to me until the day we left to return to the USA a week later. The day we flew from Florence, I wore capris, a tee, and my trusty Birkenstocks. Fortunately, the airport in Amsterdam had loads of shops and I was able to pick up two extra tees, and a couple of pairs of undies. A day or two later, I bought a skirt, a light sweater, a dressier top, and dressier sandals for the evening, making sure to stick with go-together colors. This meager wardrobe got me through an entire week. Again, no one gave me an eye-roll for my wardrobe. Of course, there was hand washing in the evening, but what a great lesson learned! The next time I traveled, I followed the advice of Rick Steves and packed for a 10-day trip with just a carry-on.  I can’t even tell you how liberating it is to travel light! No waiting at baggage claim. No lost luggage. No lugging around heavy luggage (even with spinning wheels, heavy is heavy).  Rick also has a very helpful packing light packing list.

Keep It Organized

This last year, I tried packing cubes for the first time. Game changer! Not only do the cubes help you get more stuff in your suitcase, but they also help you keep your stuff organized when you arrive at your destination. They are especially helpful if you will be destination hopping on your trip. Check out Travel & Leisure’s list of the best packing cubes here, and The New York Times has an excellent article on packing efficiently if you don’t want to invest in the cubes.

Avoid “Just In Case”

It’s a trap! Don’t fall into it just because you “might need it”. Remember you are going on vacation. If you need something you didn’t pack – just buy it. A great way to feel very foolish is to come home from a trip with clothes you never wore – just lugged around.

Must Haves

Aside from clothing, and important travel-related items we check-listed here, there are essentials no suitcase should be without:

  • A bag for dirty garments. A plastic shopping bag works great for this purpose, and you won’t get that used-clothing funk on whatever clean clothes you have left.
  • One or two zipper-locked plastic bags for wet or damp items, or for corralling smaller items.
  • A well-stocked toiletries case. Check to see if the place where you’re staying will provide shampoo, conditioner, soap, Q-Tips, shaving cream, etc. Big box stores have special sections for travel-sized items, or you can purchase a kit with small jars and bottles to fill with your favorite products.
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss, as while most hotels provide some toiletries, you’re on your own for tooth care.
  • Shoe bag/s to keep your clothes away from whatever gunk gets on the bottom of your shoes as you trek about.

Carry On Must Haves

We’ve got you covered with your carry-on bag, too! Here’s more of our travel checklist for packing your bags:

  • If your checked-in bag gets delayed or you want to freshen up upon arrival, having your cosmetics handy is essential.
  • Medications in their original containers.
  • A small case filled with important electronics items such as chargers, noise-canceling headphones (especially helpful for napping!), or earbuds.
  • A few one-use toothbrushes to freshen up.
  • An eye mask is very helpful if you’d like to nap on the flight. Click here for some of the best ones.
  • An empty insulated water bottle. Fill it at the airport instead of paying the exorbitant prices for bottled water at the gate.
  • They don’t feed you on the plane anymore, so snacks like granola bars or nuts can come in handy.
  • Paper and pen. The pen will be helpful for customs forms, note-taking, or exchanging phone numbers with that cute human in the seat next to you.
  • Something to read.
  • A wrap in case it gets chilly or for snuggling up during your nap.
  • If you’re traveling a long distance, invest in a pair of compression socks. Styles are fun and colorful, so you don’t have to worry about looking like a little old person. Here’s why they make a great travel companion.

Okay, kids – your bags are thoughtfully packed, and your vacation awaits! Safe travels!

 

Spring Cleaning Extravaganza – Bathrooms

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In the wee hours last Monday morning, most folks in the USA grumbled as we lost an hour of sleep during the annual “spring forward” time change reminding me that we’re ever closer to the Spring Equinox on March 20. This Spring Cleaning Extravaganza’s intention was that we would welcome spring with a tidy, spotless, well-organized home and a light heart ready to embrace the season. Thus far our journey has made our windows and blinds sparkling and dust free, dust has been removed from every nook and cranny in our home, and our bedrooms have become beautiful, calm, clean, and relaxing havens. Next, we’ll tackle what is arguably the worst room in the house to clean – the bathroom. Our spring cleaning extravaganza continues with tips, tricks, and a checklist to help you make your bathroom sparkling clean.

Think happy thoughts trying to undermine the gag factor of bathroom cleaning, and assemble the usual suspects – aka cleaning supplies and products.

SUPPLIES 

Click the links to find the best product in each category. You’re welcome.

PROCESS

Clean The Slate

  • Remove everything from the bathroom counter, shelves, ledges, back of the toilet and place in a basket. Place the basket outside the bathroom.
  • Remove any bath mats and/or bath rugs, the shower curtain and its liner, and all towels. Launder as per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Move the trashcan, scale, and anything else that sits on the floor.

Dust Top to Bottom

  • Dust vents with a dry rag, or vacuum cleaner detachment (a compressed air cleaner really gets in there).
  • Wipe off all ledges, windowsills, and shelves with a dry rag.
  • Dust light fixture covers and the shower curtain rod.

Wipe It Down

  • Wipe all bathroom surfaces with a wet, soapy sponge or spray multi-purpose cleaner on the below items, let sit for a minute, and then wipe residue with a clean, wet sponge or paper towel:
    • Vents (careful not to get vent interior wet)
    • Sink bowl and faucets
    • Walls
    • Light switches
    • Countertops (don’t forget the underside of ledges)
    • Showerhead, faucets (don’t forget the aerator – where the water comes out), and handles
    • Shelves
    • Toilet base, back, seat. handle (now is a good time to tighten base and seat bolts if loose)

Scrub The Gunk

  • Use a bleach/water combo (¾ cup bleach to a gallon of water), disinfectant spray, or DIY baking soda solution on your tile and grout shower walls and/or shower floor to scrub away any visible mildew, mold, or discoloration. TIP: remove water from the wall tile and tub with a squeegee after every shower and leave your shower curtain open until the tub area is dry. This will help to prevent the grown of mold and mildew. Move tips for cleaning your shower are here! Detailed tips for keeping grout and tile clean are here.
  • Wipe your porcelain tub with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath. It works great on hard soap scum.
  • Use a wet soapy sponge to wipe down shower curtain rod and rings.
  • Using multi-purpose cleaner or DIY baking soda scrub, thoroughly scrub sink bowl, drain, and faucet.
  • Use your bristle brush with bathroom cleaner to scrub the shower head. Be sure to scrub the aerator where the water sprays out. See tips for descaling below in the Miscellaneous section.
  • Scrub toilet bowl, seat, and area around the bolts with bowl. TIP: to prevent an accumulation of liquid in your brush holder, let the brush hang over the bowl with the seat closed until dry.

Shine

  • Using glass cleaner and paper towels to clean and shine all windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, light fixture covers, cabinet handles, doorknobs, and hinges.
  • Spray inside and outside of shower doors with glass cleaner and wipe clean with a squeegee.

Floor & Baseboards

  • Use a Swiffer dry or a vacuum to collect all loose hair and dust from the floor.
  • Wipe down baseboards (a used dryer sheet works great on this job!)
  • Remove the floor vent and vacuum both sides of the vent along with the airway below.
  • Wipe the doorstop.
  • Wet mop the floor with a Swiffer Wet or mop, then let dry.

Sanitize

  • Spray disinfectant such as Microban 24 Bathroom Cleaner on hard, non-porous surfaces like you countertop, shower stall, bathtub, toilet exterior, sink basin, faucets, handles, and doorknobs.

Miscellaneous

  • Unclog the drains, if necessary. A monthly treatment with white vinegar and baking soda keeps drains clear. Simply sprinkle about 1/2 cup of baking soda in your tub and/or sink drain, then pour a cup or two of white vinegar on the baking soda. This will cause a bubbling reaction (which your kids will love) and will clear a slow drain. Rinse with hot water.
  • Wash the toilet brush and its holder in hot, soapy water.
  • Empty the medicine cabinet (if you’re lucky enough to have one) and discard expired medications and cosmetics.
  • Restock the hand soap.
  • Throw your toothbrush caddy and soap dish in the dishwasher.
  • Clean makeup brushes.
  • Descale the showerhead
    • If your metal showerhead is clogged with scaly mineral deposits, place it in a pot with a solution of one part vinegar to eight parts water, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. If you don’t want to take the shower head down, or if the shower head is plastic, fill a zipper bag with a solution of equal parts vinegar and hot water, tie it around the showerhead and soak.
  • Clean and organize drawers and cabinet under the sink.
    • Toss out expired sunscreen and old cosmetics
    • Vacuum wipe it clean with a damp cloth
    • Treat yourself to inexpensive trays or bins to help keep these spaces tidy.
  • Clean the filter on your hair dryer
  • Apply Rain-X to shower doors
  • Clean your toothbrush holder
    • If dishwasher-safe, just pop it in with a load of your dishes, or hand-wash it with hot soapy water, rinse, and wipe it with a disinfecting wipe.

Whew! We did it!! Now comes the easy part. Put out fresh soap, towels, and rugs; rehang the shower curtain and its liner. Place all your personal grooming tools back in their designated spots, and redecorate the room with the pretty things you love on shelves and counters. Don your sunglasses because the glare of your sparkling clean bathroom will be blinding.  LOL.

 

Stink Bugs, Well, Stink

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We interrupt our Spring Cleaning Extravaganza series to bring you an important announcement: Stink Bug Season has arrived and those pesky critters will be around to annoy us and gross us out through September. And stink bugs? Well, they stink.  In more ways than one. I don’t know about you, but I am seriously weirded out by the brown marmorated stink bugs. They look so…prehistoric, are so…ugly, and they can be so…stinky. Removal of these unwanted visitors is assigned to another person in my household who does not have the same aversion as me. But what to do if you live alone or everyone at your place is equally reluctant to deal with these creatures? We’ve done a bit of homework to help you sort it all out. You’re welcome.

SEARCH AND DESTROY

Indoors the creatures tend to congregate on upper floors and in tight spaces. That’s why they often tuck into drapery folds and walk along the tops of walls. Typically they will gather on warm, west-facing walls and enter buildings via cracks and crevices. Once they find an ideal spot, they release pheromones, chemical signals that beckon more stink bugs to join the party.

So what do you do when you’re just trying to have a nice evening binge-watching Netflix when you spot a stink bug (besides, if you’re like me, scream your fool head off??)? Sadly, chemical pesticides and insecticides are not the answer. Horrifyingly, few actually work to kill these bugs and they often raise from the dead a few days later. And if you do manage to kill them, their bodies may attract other insects to feed on them. So put down your phone, Virginia. Your landlord or local pest control company is not going to be the best solution. Especially since most apartment communities offer visits from pest control companies on a periodic basis, and scheduling pest control is seldom immediate, you’ll want to get rid of these pests now.

Instead, try one of these techniques for fast and easy results. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to insects, I’m all about fast removal.

Natural Pesticide

Fill a spray bottle with a 50-50 concentration of white vinegar and water. Then, add a small squirt of dishwashing liquid and get to work! This mixture is highly effective and safe, though it takes more time to kill the bugs than typical insecticides (requiring 30-45 minutes.)

Essential Oils

Here’s a great method that allows you to kill two birds with one stone. Make your home smell great and banish stink bugs at the same time. If you are following along with our Spring Cleaning Extravaganza, you may already have essential oils on hand. Simply mix 10 drops of mint essential oil with 16 ounces of water and spray at interior entry zones like windows and doors.

Garlic Spray

How about another way to kill two birds with one stone? Get rid of vampires (LOL) and stink bugs in one swell foop! [Good grief, it’s fell swoop. My father used to say swell foop (along with a myriad of other malapropisms we referred to lovingly as “Scoopisms”.] Combine two cups water and four teaspoons of garlic powder or a handful of garlic cloves and spray on indoor windowsills where these creepy crawlies are likely to enter your home.

Paper Towel

Grab a paper towel along with your designated stink bug killer (DSBK). If you don’t have a DSBK, you’ll have to brave this on your own thus becoming my personal hero. Ever so gently pluck the bug (do not squish) from wherever it has landed and flush the bug down the toilet. Do not flush the paper towel or you will have a toilet back up to deal with as well as stink bugs and a human can only take so much. See below section on the importance of not squishing.

Vacuum

You can also use your vacuum if you have a wand attachment, but proceed with caution. This method only works for vacuum cleaners with bags. And you’ll need to throw the bag away immediately to prevent a stink bomb from developing. Maybe use this one only in a dire emergency. (But isn’t any visible insect a dire emergency?!?)

Soapy Water

A stink bug’s natural reaction to any perceived threat is to drop straight down. Clearly, they are not too bright. Fill a wide mouth jar with soapy water (add some vinegar for extra killing power), place it underneath the pest, and most often it will drop right into the suds and drown.

Lint Roller Sheet

Cover a dry sweep mop head with a lint remover sheet (which again you may already have if you’re following along with the Dusting Edition of our Spring Cleaning Extravaganza). Use it as a long-handled stink bug catcher. It’s perfect for grabbing any high-climbing bugs. But be careful not to squish. See below.

Should I Squish A Stink Bug?

Squishing them is not an ideal solution. In fact, it’s the worst. Whether threatened or not, stepping on or swatting a stink bug is likely to release their stinky spray, resulting in a pungent odor that will fill the area where they were killed. Eww.

What Happens if a Stink Bug Releases Its Scent?

While seemingly innocuous, killing a stink bug can have lingering effects. Not only does the chemical produced by stink bugs smell, but it also releases pheromones that attract other stink bugs. With numerous stink bugs roaming through your home, it’s only a matter of time until you’re stuck with a smelly infestation!

PREVENTION

Soapy Water

Combine equal parts hot water and dish soap in a spray bottle and spray on windowsill entry points. Not advisable, however if your windowsills and window frames are wood.

Dryer Sheets

Stink bugs dislike dryer sheet odor, so rub dryer sheets on window screens and windowsills as a preventative measure. If you see holes in your screens and you are a renter, alert your management office for assistance patching or replacing the screen.

Drown By Night

Before bed, fill a wide pan with soapy water and place it in the room with the most stink bugs. Place a small light so it hangs over the dish. Obviously, you do not want the light/lamp to touch the water. Overnight the stink bugs will flock to the light, fall into the suds and drown.

Block Points of Entry

If you see cracked seals around utility entry points, doors and windows, joints where two different materials meet, like wood and concrete block or wood siding and brick, caulk the cracks as needed. Check weather stripping and sweeps on doors and look for gaps. If you are a renter, alert your management office and request assistance. Homeowners, don your tool belts or call your local handyman.

Wishing you days and months of stink-free and bug-free enjoyment of your home – unless of course, you wish to train them so you can make a million dollars on American’s Got Talent, or keep them as pets (pet fees may apply LOL).

 

RESOURCES: The Pest Rangers, Terminix, Orkin

 

Leave No Surface Undusted. Spring Cleaning Extravaganza II

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Spring Cleaning Extravaganza II. Leave No Surface Undusted.

 

In our Spring Cleaning Extravaganza I, the bold announcement was made that over the next couple of months, I will be sharing my spring-cleaning and tidying journey with you. I am ever hopeful that this commitment will keep me on track to achieve my goals before the days are too beautiful to spend inside fussing about with the Swiffer duster and the Vietnam Vets donation bags. I am also hopeful that you will share this journey with me so that you, too, can welcome spring with a tidy, spotless, well-organized home and a light heart ready to embrace the season. Whole house dusting is phase two of our spring cleaning extravaganza! Learn tips and tricks to leave no surface undusted.

Last time, we worked on letting the sunshine in by cleaning windows and blinds. I am  so glad those awful tasks have been marked as completed on my To Do List. And, admittedly, I am feeling quite proud of this accomplishment. #patontheback.

While dusting, buffing, and polishing the windows, I considered how the rest of this ordeal should proceed. Room by room or job by job? I think the way to go is job by job, then once everything is clean and organized, we can spend one day putting a spit shine on the whole place. So this time?

Dusting. It’s phase two of our spring cleaning extravaganza.

Can you really clean and organize anything in your home if there’s a thin (ok, maybe in some places thick, layer of dust. It’s so easy when doing routine dusting to just focus on the flat surfaces – coffee table, night stands, shelves – and overlook the more challenging spots like cold air returns, the leaves on plants (real and/or artificial), baseboards behind large pieces of furniture – you get the idea.

As I mentioned in my last post, I consider myself a fairly tidy person. But working my way through this spring cleaning proved that it’s so easy to overlook so many things! Here are my tips and tricks to leave no surface undusted.

First, let’s get organized.

SUPPLIES

PROCESS

First, and most importantly, do not allow yourself to become distracted by ADCD – Attention Deficit Cleaning Disorder.

I, for one, suffer significantly from this “disorder”, so have first-hand knowledge of this disruption. How many times have I started dusting in the living room, decided to go ahead and put a morning coffee mug left on the coffee table in the dishwasher, and the next thing I know I am mopping the kitchen floor. Geesh.

Okay, back to business. We will leave no surface undusted!

  1. Plan your route. Perhaps start in the bedroom/s, move to the bathroom/s, then hallway, dining room, living room, kitchen.
  2. In each room, start at the top.
    1. With a long handled duster, clean all the dust webs from the space where wall meets ceiling.
    2. Dust cold air returns.
    3. Remove any artwork from the walls and clean not only the art, but also the wall behind it.
    4. Remove all items from flat surfaces. Dust the surface. Polish with wood cleaner or glass cleaner as appropriate.
    5. Dust all items removed from flat surfaces. Polish any glass or shiny surfaces with glass cleaner and paper towels or microfiber cloths.
    6. Pay special attention to lamps. Dust the bulb, the base, and the cord. Use the lint roller to remove dust from the inside and outside of the shade.
    7. Clean live plants. Use warm water and a soft cloth to remove dust from live plants. Alternatively, place your plants in the shower and wash them down being careful not to wash soil down the drain. Dry leaves with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Use damp paper towels to wipe down plant pots.
    8. Clean artificial plants and floral arrangements. This is where those dryer sheets come in handy! Dryer sheets will do a great job removing dust even from those leaves in the back that haven’t been dusted for a while. It’s so quick and easy!

  1. Use glass cleaner on all mirrors and picture frame glass.
  2. Dust all light fixtures and use class cleaner to polish the globes. Don’t forget to dust the light bulbs.
  3. Run the duster over the front and back of all doors, the top of the door, and the door frame.
  4. Be sure to dust the back of any picture frames. The lint roller will come in handy if they have a velvety surface.
  5. If you have candles – real or battery operated – dust the indentation around the wick and the entire candleholder. If your candle is in a lantern, use glass cleaner and paper towels to clean the glass and all surfaces.
  6. Dust bed frames, and legs of all furniture. If your headboard is fabric, clean with the lint roller or hand held vacuum.
  7. Pull furniture away from the walls and using your long handled duster, clean the back of the furniture and the wall and baseboard behind the furniture.
  8. Dust curtain rods.
  9. Use the lint roller to remove dust from curtains. Don’t forget to clean the back of the curtain!
  10. In the bathroom, dust the top of the shower curtain rod, the towel rods, the toilet paper holder, the water lines to the toilet, the sides and front of the cabinets, and the light fixtures.
  11. Be sure to dust all books, CDs, and DVD cases.
  12. Dust the back of all electronics including the TV/s.
  13. Dust all light fixtures and use class cleaner to polish the globes. Don’t forget to dust the light bulbs.
  14. Run the duster over the front and back of all doors, the top of the door, and the door frame.
  15. Dust all baseboards.

Mission accomplished: we leave no surface undusted. End your dusting session by cleaning up and tossing any used paper towels, disposable dusters, lint roller sheets, dryer sheets, and wash any dusting and microfiber cloths.

Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back for a great day’s work! I did.

Next up: bathrooms.

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Saving Tips For Winter

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Winter Energy Savings Tips

Old Man Winter has come a’ knocking on our doors a bit early this year It’s a cold reminder to take steps to keep ourselves warm and cozy without breaking the bank paying for utilities. It’s especially important now, as inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything.

Start by taking a walk around your apartment. I know, I know, you know your apartment like the back of your hand. But this time, instead of admiring your decorating skills or making a checklist of cleaning chores to do, look closely at things that can affect your ability to keep your place comfortable even on the coldest days.

Furniture

Look at the placement of your furniture. Make sure all furnishings are away from heat registers and vents to allow for proper circulation. Check the areas behind your sofa, bed, dresser, and other large pieces to be sure they are not blocking precious warm airflow. A rule of thumb is to allow at least eight inches of space around your registers to ensure good air circulation.

Windows

Double check to make sure all windows are shut tightly. Locking your windows can provide an extra bit of snug fit. Even double paned windows can feel cold when it’s frigid outside. It is normal for windows and the area around them to feel cold to the touch since glass is not a good insulator.

A rolled towel on the windowsill can help the window feel less chilly especially if the window frame is metal.  Keep your blinds open on sunny days to let as much warmth in as possible, but do close them tightly once the sun goes down. Adding an extra layer such as a plastic barrier or a draft blocking curtain can really help. Insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on your apartment’s temperature. This can really help you save on energy expenses this winter.

If, after taking these steps, there are still noticeable drafts around your windows, please call your leasing office and request the maintenance crew come to check them out.

Doors

Check for drafts around any exit doors. If you feel a draft, you may need new weather stripping or a new door sweep. Your maintenance team can help you with that. Even with a good door sweep, you may still feel a bit of chilly air coming in.  A door snake can really make a difference in stopping this cold air from sneaking in.

Outlets

Cold air can also find it’s way into your home through the outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Really! Fortunately, there’s a product for that (of course). You can also check with your utility company as some of them will provide these foam insulators at no charge.

Wall Air Conditioner Unit

If you have a wall AC unit, make sure the vent(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is not air seeping in around the units.

Baseboard Registers

If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.

Thermostat

 If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’. You can also be like my Dad and turn the heat down to 60 degrees at night. Sounds awful at first, but sleeping in a cool room in flannel jammies and under a warm comforter or cozy blanket can provide you with a surprisingly great night’s sleep while saving on your heating expense. Thanks, Dad, for this winter energy-saving tip!

Attire

You’ve heard the saying Dress For Success. In the winter, it becomes Dress For Warmth. Another winter energy-saving tips is to get cozy at home by wearing seasonal attire like wool sweaters, heavy shirts (flannel!), sweatshirts, warm pants, wooly socks, and fluffy slippers. Maybe a Snuggie?? Top this with a furry throw and you’ll be all set. Dress up/thermostat down/save money!

Fido & Fluffy

Let’s not forget our furry friends this winter! Make sure your pup or kitty has a cozy spot to snuggle in on chilly nights. Maybe that spot is your lap, or maybe it’s a cozy bed, a kitty cave, or a warm sweater.

Make my Dad proud, keep warm and cozy, save on your utility bills, and know that spring will come!

 

 

 

Paw-some Pet Friendly Holiday Events Near You!

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Get your furry friend/s in on the holiday festivities this year! We’ve rounded up a few paws-itively pet-friendly holiday events you and your fluffy friend can do together in and around our Cincinnati, Dayton, and Dallas locations. Please be sure your best buddy says “woof!” to Santa Paws for us!

Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky

Red Dog’s Santa Paws at MadTree

  • Saturday, December 10th, Noon – 3:00 PM
  • Catch-a-Fire Pizza Oakley

Santa Paws is coming to town and his first stop will be MadTree to enjoy an ice-cold brew and to pet some pups! Party at this pet friendly event with Red Dog at MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Rd.

A $10 suggested donation gets you a digital photo of your dog with Santa. Donations will benefit the League for Animal Welfare and give you a lasting memory of the holiday! Professional Photos by: Alyssa Jeanine Photography. Get your dog’s photo taken with Santa and they will receive a FREE gift from the big guy! (While supplies last.)

Pet Nights with Santa

  • November 21st – December 5th, 4-7 PM
  • Kenwood Towne Center

A paws-itively good time! Get your furry friends together at this pet friendly event to strike a pose with St. Nick, capturing paw-fect holiday moments to share with family and friends!

Reindog Parade

Voted the “Best Family Event” in Cincinnati!

  • Saturday, December 10. Registration begins at 12:30; the parade starts at 2:00 p.m.
  • The Monastery, Mt. Adams. The parade will be led by Santa himself!
  • Costume categories have historically been Small Dogs (under 25 lbs), Large Dogs (25 lbs and over), Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, and Multiple Dogs (2 or more dogs). Be creative – they’re looking for fun, unique, and festive costumes for each category!

Food and vendors will be available before the parade, so you can join the party ahead of time! It’s the most fun pet friendly event in town!

Dallas, Texas

Paint Your Pet! Christmas Edition!

  • Thursday, December 8th, 6-9 PM
  • 513 E I-30 Rockwall

This is an advanced, custom class. Limited seating is available, and photos of your pet must be submitted prior to the event. Please send photographs of the pet you’re planning to paint back to the email address: Studio155@paintingwithatwist.com

Due to the difficult nature of this painting, the age is set at 15 & Up.
If you have an extraordinary young artist in their teens, they may do fine with this painting, and would be allowed to attend at your discretion.

Adults over 21 are welcome to BYOB.

Light Up Lake-woof!!!

  • Friday, December 2nd, 7-10 PM
  • Lakewood Shopping Center

It’s the 20th annual Light Up Lakewood celebration, which brings live music performances, tree lighting, meetings with Santa Claus, face paintings, balloon artists, and more! Meet our adoptable dogs and cats, leave us a donation or buy a Dogrrr t-shirt or sweatshirt!

The Boho Market Stocking Stroll

  • Saturday, December 17th, Noon – 3 PM CST
  • Main Street Garden Park

Adults, kids, and pets are invited this holiday season for the 4th Annual Downtown Stocking Stroll where you can visit your favorite Downtown merchants for fun holiday stuffers and treats. This event is free, but RSVPs are requested for this pet friendly holiday event.

Main Street Garden will also host a Boho Market with local shops, hot cocoa station, and FREE train rides at the park!

Bring your own stocking or pick one up from Main Street Garden for free (while supplies last), along with the map of all participating businesses.

Family Friendly | Pet Friendly

 

Dayton, Ohio

Pet Photos with Santa

  • Monday, December 5, 5-7 PM
  • Dayton Mall

Bring your pet (dogs and cats only, please) for a photo with Santa! Leave with a picture to cherish for years. Reservations are highly recommended.

Pawsitively Purrfect Holiday Bazaar & Christmas Pawty

  • Sunday, December 11 Noon – Monday, December 12, 5 PM
  • John’s United Church of Christ

Just in time for the holidays! We have vendors from local businesses and privately owned shops, raffles, adoptable cats and dogs, music, and our famous Gift Card Christmas Tree Raffles ready for you!

Friends of SICSA Holiday Bazaar

  • Saturday December 3, 9 AM – 4 PM
  • SICSA Washington Township

Come shop pet beds, blankets, and toys; handmade gifts for you and pet lovers, and much more! Make lasting memories by getting a picture with Santa (Saturday 9am to 3pm). Cost: $10 pictures – All proceeds help our animals.

Wishing you and your best furry friend a paw-some holiday season!

Summer Safety for Furry Friends

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Some areas of the USA are experiencing record-setting high temperatures this summer while others have more rain than they can handle. Me thinks Mother Nature is a wee bit perturbed with the way we treat Mother Earth. That is a story for another day. Today we’ll talk about pet care and safety tips for the summer heat.

The news is loaded with ways to keep us humans safe during a heat wave, but what about our furry friends? We think of them in human terms as well, don’t we? Yes (emphatically), we do. But our fur babies can’t cool off by sweating like we do. Below are some summer safety tips for our furry friends.

Car Rides

“Wanna go for a ride?” is like music to most pup’s ears. But summer rides can be deadly. Watch veterinarian Ernie Ward show how quickly temperatures rise in a parked car. YIKES. Never, ever, EVER leave a pup in a parked car. Not even for a minute! Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

Although Fido may be miffed at being left at home and may munch on your favorite kicks in retribution, do it. He’ll get over it, and you wanted to buy a new pair of shoes anyway. If you’re driving with your dog in the car, bring water and a portable water dish (or this nifty water/bowl combo) and take Gus with you when you leave the car.

Download the Humane Society’s PDF for more information.

Paws

You’ve heard the phrase, “It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk!” Yep, concrete sidewalks, asphalt, and metal can get blisteringly hot. Try to keep Moose off hot surfaces; not only can it burn paws, but it can also increase body temperature and lead to overheating. And please don’t drive around with your dog in the bed of a truck. It does not make you look cool and the hot metal can burn paws quickly. Worse yet, your dog can fall out or be injured or killed in an accident. See? Not cool. Avoid walking pups in the heat of the day and walk them on the grass. If outdoor walking on hot surfaces can’t be helped, consider some stylin’ booties or paw wax to protect those sweet Fritos-scented feets.

Water and Shade

Bring a portable doggie dish and plenty of water available to avoid dehydration. Relax in the shade as much as possible or bring your own.

Pet Sunscreen

Even very furry dogs can also be prone to sunburn if their nose, ears, belly, and other sensitive areas aren’t covered with pet sunscreen. Hairless breeds must be protected when outdoors, as they are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Never use human grade sunscreen on pets as it is toxic. Opt for a sunscreen suitable for pets.

Protective Clothing

Putting Cookie Crumb in a shirt may seem counterintuitive (but adorable!) when it is hot outside. However, some doggie clothes can help keep Ollie cool and shaded. If Rascal has short fur, light colored fur, or is hairless, you can opt for sunscreen clothing for pets. Dogs that are sensitive to the sun’s rays might enjoy doggles, or pet sunglasses.

Haircuts

Should you shave your dog’s fur or hair? WAIT! If you have a double-coated breed like a Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Aussie, Sheltie, Newfoundland or Bernese Mountain Dog, the answer is NOPE. Ready all about it here. For other breeds, read this before giving FiFi a new do.

Cookouts & Picnics

They will beg. They will plead. They will droll. So much. While dining al fresco is loads of fun, the food and drinks offered can be bad for dogs. Keep Lily and Poppy away from alcohol and foods like grapes, onions, and chocolate and other foods Taxi should not consume.

Fireworks

Many dogs are fearful of loud noises, especially fireworks. The dangers are obvious – pets are at risk for fatal injuries and painful burns if they are allowed to run around freely when fireworks are being used. Some fireworks also contain chemicals toxic to pets like potassium nitrate and arsenic. And remember, their hearing is many times better than ours. Don’t believe me? Try whispering, “Chicken?” and see what happens.

Keep Chester indoor with the TV or music playing to lessen the disruption. Your vet can also recommend something that will calm your pup if he’s very, very afraid.

Indoor Fun

Those days when it’s just too dang hot to go anywhere, perhaps a game of the Invisible Food Challenge could be fun?

So while you are enjoying Hot Fun In The Summertime, keep Peanut Chillin’ In The Summertime.

 

Resources: Humane Society, Pet Health Network, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, ASPCA, 5 Points Animal Hospital, Pets WebMD

Home Office 2021 Edition

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Designated Home Office Space

“I get to work from home in my jammies?!? Hurrah!” That’s what you were thinking when your company sent you home to work because of the 2020 Pandemic, right? It’s what we were all thinking. Here we are over a year later and you have to admit – the thrill is gone. While many of us are back to work, many of us are still working remotely full-time or part-time. We miss our co-workers, lunches out, happy hours after work, wearing something other than sweats, and being able to just work without all the distractions working at home bring. And the guilt. You know, “As long as I am home, shouldn’t I prepare a great meal for dinner this evening? Why am I behind on my laundry? Where did all this dust come from?”  We feel you, and hopefully can help.

HAVE A DESIGNATED SPACE

Keeping your “work” space separate from your “living” space really helps when you work from home. If you’re renting a new apartment and know you’ll be working from home, look for one that has one more bedroom, a den, a larger living room or a cozy nook than can become your office. Having a designated space will allow you to feel like you’re at work, while also making it easier to “turn off” at night and maintain a strong work-life balance. Investing in a decent chair will really helps to avoid the inevitable fanny fatigue you’ll suffer from sitting in a dining chair. If a  new chair is out of reach, a chair pad can make all the difference (plus you can take it on road trips!).

TAKE BREAKS

Sitting at a desk all day can drain your energy and motivation. Set up intervals where you can take quick breaks, even if it’s just to get up and stretch your legs or make a coffee. Taking small breaks every 90 minutes or so actually increases productivity, so don’t be afraid to step away from your work to help you focus better and keep your sanity while you’re at your desk.

SCHEDULE YOUR DAY

Working at home means working on your own more often. This cuts down on the distractions that tend to happen in an office environment, but it can also be difficult to keep yourself on track with no one else around. Planning your day and following a solid task list is a great way to hold yourself accountable. While completing a task, try not to take phone calls, answer emails, or shift from that task until it is finished.

KEEP A ROUTINE

Having a regular routine will help you stay productive. This extends outside of your work hours to include a regular bedtime, wake-up time, and work time. Choose a time that you will start work each day, and stick to it. Plan everything else around it, including your meals. Take time to get ready each morning and take a lunch break every day just as you would if you went to an office for work. And wear something nice to work at least once a week. Give your jammies a rest.

 

 

 

Don’t Be Them

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Frowning Mom and Son Sit on Couch with Closed Eyes and Plugged Ears from Upstairs Noise

What’s Going On Up There?!?

As an apartment dweller, you share at least one wall with another resident. And, you probably hear your neighbor from time to time. It’s to be expected. Have you ever seen the video Everyone’s Upstairs Neighbor? Back when it was created, The Washington Post wrote:

            Chances are what’s causing the movements of humans above you to sound like a giant’s conga line is a thin or poorly-insulated ceiling. But when the thumping begins at all the wrong times, you know you can’t help but wonder: are they doing that on purpose?

The experience is universal enough that when comedy writer Matt Moskovciak pretended the answer was yes, it’s on purpose, he created the most successful online video of his career.

Of course the video is hilariously exaggerated, but it does make one wonder: “Is that how I sound to my neighbors?” Yikes.

Keeping that in mind, strive to be the neighbor you wish you would always have.

  • Offer a smile and a wave to your neighbors when you see them.
  • Step outside your apartment and listen to the volume of your music, TV, gaming, etc. If you can hear it, bet your neighbors can, too. Consider using headphones after 10:00 PM and before 9:00 AM if you like to pump up the volume.
  • Planning to throw a party? Let your neighbors know what to expect and for how long – and perhaps extend them an invitation to join in the fun.

These simple steps can go a long way toward shared enjoyment of life in your apartment building and apartment community.

On the other hand, what can you do if it’s your neighbors making too much noise and commotion on their side of the wall? The simplest (though not always easiest) solution is to knock on their door and ask them to keep down any noise that they can control (electronics, a barking dog, etc.). You can explain you need your sleep, that you’re working from home, etc. A heart-to-heart with your neighbor will always be better received than getting management involved. But if you are faint of heart, another option is to contact your management company and ask them to issue a general email to all residents about noise. This keeps you (or your neighbor) from being singled out, but ideally will get the message across. If that fails, you can have your management company contact your neighbor directly, without implicating you. A good set of ear plugs and a white noise machine or app on your phone can also work wonders.

Be a great neighbor and get one in return. Without the bowling balls.

 

Out, Damned Spot; Out I Say!

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illustrates damage from red wine spills

Out Damned Spot

Racked with guilt over her complicity in murder, Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth famously exclaims, “Out, damned spot; out I say!” while wringing her hands to remove a hallucinated bloodstain. You may be tempted to say something similar – or much worse – when you’re suddenly faced with a horrifying spill of red wine on your carpet.

It’s always a sad moment when that delicious glass of red winds up on the floor instead of in your belly. My good friend Stacy never fails to drip, dribble, spill, or splash whenever we get together. I have honestly never met anyone as clumsy with food and drink as she. Fortunately for us both, she is also a wizard at removing stains from everything – including carpet – with products you already have in your home.  Her advice?

  • Blot Up ASAP. Gently blot with paper towels from the outside edge of the spill to the center. Act quickly before the wine’s natural dyes and acids work their way into the carpet fibers.
  • Select a Solution. See four options below:
    • Straight club soda.
    • One tablespoon each of white vinegar and liquid dish soap mixed in two cups warm water.
    • Table salt – enough to cover the spill.
    • Wine removal product such as Wine Away (under $10 from Amazon).
  • Test Solution. Test the solution on a small inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
  • Dab and Blot. Dab your solution of choice in small amounts on the spill with a soft, clean white cloth (an old T-shirt will do nicely!), again working your way from the outside of the spot to the center. Don’t be tempted to dump the mixture all over the stain as it will cause it to spread and may damage the carpet’s backing.
    • NOTE: If using salt, cover the stain, let sit until dry, then vacuum.
  • Rinse. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading or reintroducing the wine to the area.
  • Rest. Let everything sit for five to 10 minutes.
  • Rinse Again. Rinse the area with cold water.
  • Blot and Repeat. Blot with a white towel. Repeat until no more color transfers to the towel.

Theoretically, you can use white wine to remove a red wine stain following the steps above. If wasting any wine on a spill shocks you to your core, consider having vinegar or salt or Wine Away at the ready before you pop the cork.

Cheers!

 

 

Heat

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Want to improve energy savings in the winter? Here are some tips!

Fath Properties’ goal is to provide seventy (70) degree heat to all apartments where we control the heat.  The majority of residents find this to be a comfortable temperature, and it allows us to sensibly manage our costs and do our part to conserve energy.  If your apartment’s temperature is between sixty-nine (69) and seventy-one (71) degrees, your heating system is probably working fine.  Apartment temperatures will vary slightly from unit to unit.  If your apartment is cooler than seventy (70) degrees, and no other problems exist with the system, there are several things you can do to maximize the temperature:

  • Furniture or other items set in front of your heat registers or vents will keep the heat from circulating in the apartment. Please keep all items at least eight (8) inches away from registers or vents. Proper circulation is essential!
  • Make sure all windows and doors are tightly shut. If there are still heavy drafts around windows or gaps in doors, please call your leasing office to have this addressed.
  • Make sure the vent(s) on your wall unit air conditioner(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is not air sweeping in around the units.
  • It is normal for windows and the area around them to feel cold to the touch since glass is not a good insulator. Heavy insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on the apartment temperature.
  • If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.
  • If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’.
  • Finally, please dress for the season, i.e. sweaters, heavy shirts, and slacks. Few people are comfortable in T-shirts or shorts, even inside, in the winter.

If you have further questions or need service for your heat, please contact your community leasing office. We will be happy to send out a maintenance technician.

Garbage Disposals

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Garbage disposals operate virtually trouble-free when used properly.  These helpful procedures and tips will lead to a long life for your disposal and easy operation.

When running your garbage disposal…

  • Turn cold water to maximum flow position.
  • Flip the switch to the “on” position.
  • Push refuse through the splashguard keeping hands away from the inside chamber.
  • Continue to run the disposal until the grinding sound stops, and then flip the switch to the “off” position.
  • Continue to run cold water for two to three minutes to be sure all of the waste particles have been flushed away.

Below are some DO’s and DON’T(s) for disposal usage

 DO:

  • Grind a citrus peel or put baking soda down the drain to keep the disposal odor free.
  • Run plenty of cold water during and after operation.
  • Grind coffee grounds.

 DON’T:

  • Never put your hand down a disposal when it is running.
  • Do not use hot water when operating a disposal.
  • Never try to put too much through a disposal at once.
  • Never put any of the following items into a disposal

Fibrous materials (cornhusks, artichokes, etc.)
Clam, oyster, or nutshells
Fruit/vegetable pits or seeds
Rice
Pasta
Eggshells
Bones
Drain cleaner
Tea bags, potato or banana peels, celery, tomatoes
Grease
Wooden objects
Glass, china, plastic
Metal objects (bottle caps, aluminum foil, tin cans, utensils)
Dishrags

If the motor has stopped due to overloading, turn the disposal off.  Wait three to five minutes, and then push the reset button (located under the sink on the unit itself).  Then follow normal operating procedure.

If the disposal has jammed, turn the power switch to the “off” position before attempting to remove an object.  With tongs, remove any objects that might be obstructing the free movement of the blades.  In many cases, a broom handle can be inserted into the mouth of the disposal and turned in a circular pattern to free the blades.

Once movement has been restored to the blades, push the reset button on the disposal unit.  Then follow normal operating procedure.

Of course, if you ever run into an issue you cannot resolve yourself, our friendly maintenance team will be happy to help. Just call your leasing office and we will schedule a friendly maintenance technician to come to your apartment home.