Patio Heater talk started mid summer. Many readers sent in notes that they were unable to buy patio heaters. All the sites they went on were not going to be able to deliver for many months out. The panic started rushing in. Reader after reader messaged in “What are we going to do when it gets cold and we cannot use our outdoor space? . During this pandemic having a friend over to sit outside or to share a meal outdoors has been many people’s saving grace. DO NOT WORRY!!! I found some patio heaters that you can get within the next week or so in a range of sizes and prices. I love the look of all of them. Any of these will enhance your alfresco time. I am thinking of getting one of the round ones to put on my stone wall. Click the images below for more information or to order. Hurry they are going fast!!!!
The next 3 are labeled for Indoor Use so if you do purchase these, you cannot leave them out all the time, you need to bring them in and store indoors….
I am obsessed with organizing. I love reading articles on how to stay organized, stick to schedules, and save money. Oh if only I was able to put these suggestions into practice every day!!!! The time spent in quarantine really jumped started a massive cleanout, though I have a long way to go. Here are some tips that I found that really helped me get started
1). Think before you buy….I am really trying to follow the rule, one thing in one thing out. This also helps with impulse buying. If you get a new sweater say goodbye to one in your closet that has not seen the light of day for years!!!!!
2) Get rid of unnecessary clutter…..lets this be the year we get rid of the following lying around the house:
- Old Magazines
- Old Shopping Bags
- Old Wrapping paper rolls, especially Christmas!!!! (even if you think there is enough to wrap one last present!!!!)
- Old Tupperware containers…you really only need two or 3 max.
- Lone socks waiting for a mate…I KNOW THIS IS HARD but just let them go!!!!!!!!
- Old towels
- Random Cables and Wires (though I have to do this when my husband is not at home!!!!!!!!!!!!)
- Delete your trash and junk folders on your computer
- Unsubscribe to any unwanted email subscriptions
- Lastly, dispose of any misc. logo mugs. Do you really need that Great Adventure Mug from 10 years ago????
3. Embrace A More Sustainable Lifestyle:
You can easily start saving and reducing the cost of your monthly bills through some clever swaps! For example, energy-efficient replacement windows are beautiful, easy to install, affordable, and highly sustainable – and, they can help you save a little more on your monthly bills!
Deciding to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, it is not only good for the planet! Indeed, sustainable living can help you cut back on disposable and unnecessary items, reduce clutter, and create a healthier, more comfortable, and more beautiful living environment in your home. Start today!
As you know we have readers from all areas and of all ages. In the past week, I have received emails from 2 readers that they had new babies!!! Having a baby is one of the most exciting experiences you will ever have but you may be overwhelmed with the sheer responsibly of caring for your little one. You will be responsible for your baby’s every need so it is easy to get carried away thinking you aren’t doing enough as a parent. Whether you’re overwhelmed with the number of items you think you need to care for your baby properly or you are stressed out by several weeks of sleep deprivation after the baby arrives, here are three truths that can help you prepare for and navigate the newborn stage.
You’ll Need More Clothes Than You Think
A lot of people get carried away while buying baby clothes and end up purchasing way more than they need. Other people try to limit the number of clothes they buy and end up with a full hamper and no clean baby clothing because they haven’t had time to do laundry. If you want to reduce clutter by buying fewer baby clothes, you may make life harder for yourself in the long run. Make sure you have enough clothing of different sizes to change the baby several times a day for at least a week. If you have enough clothes, you won’t get as stressed if you can’t always keep up with laundry. This also gives you an excuse to purchase adorable designs from online boutiques that carry brands such as Little Green Radicals baby clothing.
You Don’t Need a Million Toys
You may think you need a ton of toys to help your baby develop properly, but having so much stuff to put away will only put more stress on you. In reality, babies need very few toys at first. Rattles, books and playmats will likely be all the baby needs for the first couple of months and you can add new toys throughout the year as the baby grows. Introduce teethers and three months and add a set of wooden blocks around six months. Stuffed animals make great toys at any age.
It’s OK To Take a Break
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed for the first few weeks of your baby’s life. You probably won’t get much sleep and your house may not be as clean as it usually is. You may be surviving on fast food and frozen meals instead of cooking healthy foods every night, but you don’t need to feel bad about being in survival mode. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help. It will do you a world of good to step away from parenting responsibilities for an hour or two so you can focus on your mental health.
Parenting is a huge responsibility and you may be overwhelmed by it. Whether you are anxiously awaiting your little one’s arrival or are struggling with all of your responsibilities after the baby is born, keep these three truths in mind to remind yourself that you are doing your best to be a good parent.
Everyone around here loves Chili. I had been searching for a while for a healthier version. I found this Weight Watchers Zero Point Chili (means you can have 2 servings) on Pinterest. I have not tried it yet but the reviews were sooo positive, I decided to share right away. They say it is even better the next day. Since so many of my readers are also Chili lovers I think this might be our go to fall recipe. Bon Appetit!!
adapted from mess for less
Ingredients
- 1 pound 99% fat free ground chicken or turkey
- 1 can of Kidney beans drained (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles 14.5 oz
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Shredded low fat/fat-free Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Cook ground chicken in a pan, breaking it apart to create crumbles.
- Add chicken to a crock pot along with kidney beans, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, chopped onion and spices.
- Stir to combine the ingredients.
- Set crock pot to high and cook for 4 hours.
- Top with cheddar cheese and serve
I have noticed so many of my neighbors and social media “friends” decorating the most beautiful front doors. From cabbage leaves to multi-colored pumpkins, they have it covered. I really do not know how I want to decorate for fall this year. I don’t love mums even though they are a fall staple. They do not last long at all and they are so sad looking when they start to die. My favorite tip is to spray your pumpkins with a clear high gloss spray. This keeps the squirrels away and keeps them looking nice for the entire season. Here are my inspiration pix for my fall outdoors…
I first have to say…BBQ was really never my thing. My husband LOVES it. So I was always along for the ride. A few years ago my friend Todd, really got into using a smoker in his cooking and one night at his house BBQ’d for everyone….Needless to say…it was AMAZING. I have introduced you to his Instagram page Happens At The Bean. If you don’t follow it, you really should..its really great….Last week Todd told me he started cooking with his friend, Leland, a BBQ guru and owner of the Avellino Family Barbecue and who has created a Saturday take out menu with a pick up in Stamford. Each week they email you the menu. You place the order by Thursday and arrange for a Saturday afternoon pick up. You can eat it that night or they will give you reheating instructions so you can buy for the upcoming week!! So far, we have had the Corn Bread, Ribs, Wings with the “Woody” Marinade, and the Brisket. Everyone in our house thought it was the best BBQ we’ve ever had!!!!!! We cannot wait for this weekend!!! To get on the list or to order for Saturday night, click HERE. I might have to try those baked beans!!!!
