Hosting a Springtime Brunch

After a long winter, spring is the perfect time to host a brunch for friends, family or neighbors. Whether you are hosting just for fun, to celebrate a milestone birthday or life event or to host a big holiday, there are three easy ways to make your brunch easy to host and a hit with your guests.

• Buffet - While preparing food is arguably the most stressful part of hosting a big event at your home, there are many ways to help make it a little less intimidating. Consider making it a buffet where you prepare a variety of foods and have warming dishes set up to hold food. This allows your guests lots of choices, and it's easier to accommodate various dietary needs or food preferences. A simple way to do it is to prepare two hot breakfast items like casseroles or quiches, one with meat and one that is vegetarian as your main dish. Add in a fruit salad, buy some pastries Schaumburg, and create a couple of side dishes and you are good to go.
• Host Outside - If possible, plan to host your brunch outside. The springtime air, the blossoming flowers, and the earth coming back to life is enough to put everyone in a good mood. While weather can be poor with rain showers, host under a rented tent or have a back-up plan to move indoors if the weather just will not cooperate.
• Table Setting - Springtime table settings and décor should be bright and floral. Buy a pastel or bold table runner or tablecloth that has flowers within the pattern. Of course, fresh springtime flowers like carnations and roses should be on each tabletop as décor but also give guests an opportunity to create their own small flower arrangement as a fun activity and favor.

As you begin planning your springtime brunch do not forget to keep it simple yet colorful. By creating a beautiful buffet spread of food, utilizing the outdoors as your backdrop and setting a gorgeous table of flowers you will be the “host with the most” in no time.

Of course, with the current situation, your springtime brunch could end up being a summertime brunch - by then we'll all be happy to get outside and spend some time together! In the meantime, try hosting a weekend family brunch via Zoom the way my neighbor did the other day. Everyone fixes their own food (or orders delivery from a local restaurant), sets their own tables, and then just connects online for some good conversation.

Random Acts of Kindness That Make a Big Difference

Random acts of kindness are one of the best ways to spread joy during difficult times. These can be big or small things that you do for people you know or even complete strangers to show them that someone cares. Here are a few ways you can help bring cheer to other people who are going through a hard time.

• Deliver Groceries - It can be especially difficult for some elderly people to get out and get their own groceries. Picking up groceries for them can make a huge difference in their lives. This is also true of new mothers or single parents who are raising multiple kids and have a limited amount of time to do the shopping. Next time you're going to the store, see if one of your neighbors needs anything as well.
• Pay for Someone - A popular random act of kindness is to pay for the person in a drive-thru line behind you. Some coffee shops have even had this go on for hours as each person in line continues the kind act. You can also add kindness cards to this act and pass them along to each person you do this for or as a way to challenge others that you know to do it.
• Write a Note - An act of kindness can be as small as writing a note on a post-it for someone and putting in their locker, car or front door. Leave them a compliment or a few kind words to let them know you care. You should also consider sending cards to distant family members or friends. Receiving a note in the mail doesn't happen often these days, so it's extra special when it does.

Keep in mind that these are only a few suggestions. A random act of kindness doesn't need to take a lot of time or even cost money. It's just a simple, small way to show that there is good going on in the world even during the hard times.

If you missed my last post, go watch the video to see what a difference a little thing can do.

DISTANCE (Official Short Film)

In the midst of all the COVID-19 stuff that is going on right now, remember what's important.


Take care of your families; take care of your friends; take care of your neighbors. Let's all come out on the other side of this as better people. Learn the lessons; use the time; love the people God puts in our path.

Why Your Home or Business Needs a Security System

Whether you have a home filled with valuables, a family to protect, or a business you want to keep an eye on, a security system can put your mind at ease. Here are three reasons why surveillance system installation baton rouge LA is the right choice for your lifestyle.

1. Let the Cameras Be Your Eyes - If you have children that are old enough to stay home alone, security cameras will allow you to check-in and make sure they’re safe. This also allows you to keep an eye on things when you’re away from your home or business for a while. Most modern security systems have a smartphone app that will allow you to flip through the cameras, and even rotate the lights or temperature.
    
2. Track Who is Coming and Going - 
   Installing an alarm in addition to cameras is a great way to keep track of who is entering your property. Some systems allow you to set several different codes that are only active during certain hours, which is perfect for allowing the dog walker or house cleaner access during their scheduled time frame. As a business owner, you can give each employee their own passcode and use this to track who is in the building.
    
3. Collect Data - In the event of a break-in, security cameras that collect and store footage can be helpful in catching the robber. As an employer, you can also use footage to help settle employee disputes. If you suspect that an employee has been stealing or slacking off or that the dog walker is only letting your dog out for a quick potty break instead of going on a long walk, cameras can help prove your case.

Security systems have benefits to both the homeowner and business owner. Protect your family and investments by installing one today.

3 Ways to Make Your Summer Party Amazing

It seems everyone is going stir crazy - either that or they're the 'essential' workers who really wish they could stay home and can't figure out why everyone else is complaining.

As the weather warms up, we're thinking of getting outside and looking forward to the time when we can get back together with our friends and family and have some fun. I wonder if more people will be planning big parties or get-togethers this summer than in past summers.

Here are three ways to make your summer party a success:

1. Canopy Tent - The hot summer temperatures can make it uncomfortable to be outside in the middle of the day. You can beat the summer heat by purchasing or renting a canopy tent for your party. A canopy tent can offer shade during the heat of the day and give attendees relief. It can be a great place to have tables and chairs set out, so you can enjoy a meal and conversation in the comfort of the shade.
    
2. Mobile Restroom - Having a large number of people outside can cause an issue when it comes to using the restroom. There may not be easy access to a public restroom or it may be too far away. Consider renting a mobile restroom. This can offer party-goers access to clean restroom facilities whenever they may need them. Mobile restrooms can have multiple stalls and they can even have a sink area so your guests can wash their hands after using the restroom. (Hopefully, after all this we've all learned the importance of washing our hands; let's just keep that up, shall we?)
    

3. Inflatables - If your party involves children or young adults, consider renting an inflatable or bouncy house. This can offer a fun place for kids to play and enjoy the warm temperatures. Inflatables and bouncy houses can range from small and simple to large enough to accommodate adults. They can have obstacles and slides for added fun for all who want to play.

Don’t let the summer heat keep you indoors next to the air conditioner. By following these tips, you can get outside and have a great time without letting the heat put a damper on your summer party plans.

Harry Potter Themed Digital Escape Room

When we went to Texas in October, one of our friends had planned and put together an Escape Room. She put it together for the teens and young adults, but everyone else wanted to try it too. We formed teams and attempted our escapes. I have friends who really like escape rooms and seem to do them a lot, but this was the first time I'd tried anything like that.

Honestly, I really didn't know what was going on or where to even start, but it gradually began to make sense, and with all of us working, we did manage to escape - with a bit of time to spare. It really was fun, and I know I'd enjoy doing another escape room sometime.

In the last few days, I've noticed several online escape rooms. I'm not sure exactly how they work, but today I saw a link for this Hogwarts Digital Escape Room, and I think I'll start with this one. It can be completed by groups or individuals. Perhaps challenge your friends and see who gets through it first?

Mostly I'm sharing here to I don't lose the link and remember to actually do this one. But who wants to play along?

Tips for Finding the Right Nursing Home

By the year 2060, the senior population will exceed 100 million individuals in the United States. Many of these older Americans will require the care and support provided by a senior living facility. When it is time for them to transition into this type of community, their family has an important decision – which care home is right for their loved one?

While this can be an emotional and difficult decision, there are some tips that can help. Keep reading to learn what to look for when searching for a nursing home. Also, keep in mind that in some cases, a viable option will be elderly home care Massachusetts, which is great for individuals who want to age in place.

• Consider the Location
  One of the first things to think about is the location of the facility. While many family members have the best intentions to visit their loved one in the new home regularly, if it is located far away or out of the normal, day-to-day travel route, the likelihood of regular visits is low. As a result, families should try to find a care home that is located near either their home or work. This will help ensure the individual receives regular visits from family and friends.
• The Amenities
  Modern nursing homes and assisted living facilities offer an array of activities and amenities for residents. It’s a good idea to learn what is offered to see if it is something that sounds appealing and fun.

Before making a decision, be sure to visit a few of the homes being considered. This is the best way to get a feel for what the place is really like and if it is going to be a good fit for the senior loved one in your life. If you don’t like it, there’s a good chance they won’t either, so make sure this is a factor in your decision-making process.

Free Coloring Pages

I really enjoy coloring. When the grandkids are here, I like to get down on the floor with some coloring books and crayons. And when it's just me, I do like pulling out my adult coloring books and colored pencils - and when I find the books at Dollar Tree, it's hard not to grab a bunch of them. So I have quite a few.

What I don't have is a bunch of time to color. I suppose if I got off Facebook in the evenings... (seriously, by the end of the day my brain isn't really doing anything, and I'm just mindlessly scrolling anyway)

I do find that coloring while I'm listening to an online presentation or sermon helps me listen better, so I ought to do it more often.

If you also enjoy coloring and have some extra time on your hands, you can download some free coloring pages right now. They come from the popular coloring books Whatever is Lovely and Everything Beautiful and each one has a lovely image and a scripture.

It sounds like a great way to relax, calm your mind, and focus on God in this uncertain time.

New Activities to Try This Summer

Judging by all the posts I'm seeing on social media, people are going to be overjoyed when summer rolls around and they can get out and try something new. Honestly, they just want to get back to normal life, but here are a few new activities to try out this summer. These all sound like a lot of fun.

• Equestrian - Equestrian combines the natural wonders of outdoor horseback riding with the thrill of competition. Learning to ride a horse is one thing, but then learning to navigate it around an obstacle course is another aspect of the fun challenge of equestrian. The one easy part of this activity? It's easy to find a place to learn it this summer, such as the equestrian center Chester County. The summer will provide the time you need to get this activity down and make some big strides in equestrian. And then, when the Summer Olympics finally roll around next summer 2021, you'll know a lot more about the equestrian events, too. (I am really bummed about the Olympics being postponed)
   
• Surfing - Live near the water? Why not try out surfing? This sport also requires lots of practice and skill, but the refreshing nature of being in the water on hot summer days is a bit of consolation to wiping out on your board before you get the hang of things. There is nothing as cool as mastering a wave and being in complete control of your board. If you have the time, learning to surf can be a memorable summer activity that you'll come back to for life.
   

• Camping - There are lots of activities to get you closer to the great outdoors, however, nothing will immerse you in them more fully than going camping. With the warm weather, the camping season is at its peak in the summer. To try something different this summer, find a favorite park or campsite and pick a place for your tent to enjoy a rustic night outdoors.

Equestrian, surfing and camping are three fun new activities to try out this summer. With the extra time on your hands the summer will provide, why not try something new?

Why Are Professional Plumbing Services Important?

When something goes wrong with your plumbing, it can be a real emergency. You might be tempted to fix things yourself, and if it's something simple there's no reason you shouldn't. However, if you don't have the proper training, knowledge, and tools to get a more complicated job done efficiently and safely, you could end up making the problem much worse. Hiring a plumber may not be your first choice, but that's often the best course of action.


Here are a couple of reasons you need plumbing repairs gastonia nc.

• Safety - Perhaps the most important benefit of hiring a professional plumber is ensuring safety. Many plumbing tasks involve objects that can transmit large volumes of electricity. These objects can cause serious injury to an inexperienced plumber. Plumbing tasks can be risky and take extensive knowledge to complete safely. Qualified and skilled professionals should be tasked with things like changing a water heater or dealing with a water line.
   
• Experience and Knowledge - If you or someone else who isn't right for the job tries to complete plumbing work, you could end up making a lot of mistakes that could make things worse instead of better. For example, you might choose the wrong tool to fix a leak or clear a drain. This could result in more damage to your pipes than there was from the start.
  
  You might also connect plumbing joints and fixtures incorrectly, which could cause leaks soon after installation. However, a professional plumber has extensive experience and knowledge of all plumbing parts and is less likely to make amateur mistakes.

Plumbing takes serious work - work that the average person can't adequately complete without the proper training. If you're worried about the extra cost of hiring a plumber, think about your safety.