Tag: Tips

Tips for Encouraging Exploration and Learning in the Kitchen

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE

MISSION, Kan., July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — (Family Features) Planning, preparing, serving and cleaning up after mealtimes are skills that can be beneficial to everyone. Yet when it comes to meal prep, many families find it easier to tell children to go play rather than bringing them into the kitchen to help create meals.

Photo courtesy of KinderCare

Photo courtesy of KinderCare

“One of the best ways to encourage children to try new foods or simply eat their vegetables is to allow them the opportunity to plan and prepare a meal,” said Emily Hicks, a registered dietitian nutritionist for KinderCare Learning Centers. “Involving children in meal planning, preparation and serving in age-appropriate ways helps give them some autonomy in a world in which they often feel they do not have many choices. This can help reduce stress and food fights at mealtime, creating a more peaceful and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Meal preparation can also bring certain classroom lessons such as counting and fractions to life as children measure ingredients. It can also be an opportunity for an impromptu science lesson about the parts of plants and animals people eat and the nutritional benefits of healthy foods.

Consider these tips to get kids more involved in mealtimes:

  1. Choose mealtimes when the family is typically together and make preparation a team effort. Allow children to pick out vegetables or other items at the grocery store (or from the fridge, freezer or pantry) to prepare. Alternatively, if you have a few meal options planned for the week, children can help decide what to make on which days. The key is to empower children to make choices, thus helping develop a sense of responsibility and encouraging variety in food choices.

  2. Allow children to help wash produce, stir food in mixing bowls, get tools like cutting

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Q&A: The Woodlands interior designer shares home decor tips

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
HOME DECOR
Carla Aston has owned Aston Design Studio LLC in The Woodlands since 2001. Carla Aston’s studio designs residential interiors by creating meaningful and functional spaces. Her blog also includes examples of mood boards and information to help choose a color palette.

How can I choose the best colors to go with my hardwood floors?

The best way to determine the color of your wood floor is to compare it to other wood floors. Go to a flooring store or Home Depot; put your sample up next to a bunch of their options; take some photos of the comparisons; and when you get back home, study it, and the color will become apparent. Once you determine that, you can build a color palette that will work with what you have with more confidence.

Should I pick what colors I want for my walls or furniture first?

Definitely furniture. You always start with the items in a room you have fewer choices for and work out from there. There are a jillion different paint colors, so the paint should always be last if possible. You can get a shade of any color in any type of paint you desire, so to begin the design process with the item featuring the most infinite selection just doesn’t make sense.

How does light affect color?

Light does affect color, especially indoor lighting. Most people have gone with LED lighting these days and have different temperature levels. We usually use 3000K LED lighting to get a nice warm but whitish light. Most designers like 3000K for interiors these days as it renders colors best. Do not go with 5000K as it comes off really blue inside and can distort your colors.

How do I achieve a balanced look throughout my home?

To best achieve balance, it

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8 Tips To Clean Your Patio Like A Pro

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
GARDEN

Removing mold and algae from your patio is not just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a critical step in maintaining a clean and safe outdoor space. Mold and algae thrive in damp, shaded areas, especially in regions with high humidity or frequent rainfall. These organisms can quickly take hold on various surfaces, including concrete, wood, or stone. If left untreated, mold can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues in individuals sensitive to its spores. Algae makes surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Spotting mold and algae problems on your patio can be relatively straightforward. Look out for dark, discolored patches on the surface, particularly in shaded or damp areas. Mold often appears fuzzy or powdery, while algae may manifest as green, brown, or blackish growth.

To clean small patches, you can start by scrubbing the affected areas with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Use a stiff brush or a sponge to thoroughly scrub the surface and remove any visible growth. Rinse the area with clean water afterward. For stubborn or extensive growth, combine 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap into a spray bottle. Let the solution sit on the area for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub it with a brush or sponge, rinsing thoroughly with clean water. You may want to wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask for safety.

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Smart Tips for Picking the Right Kitchen Countertop Material

Posted on By Maria J. Glover
FURNITURE
a kitchen with black cabinets and white subway tile and an island in the middle that has a waterfall style marble countertop

Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas and Materials Annie Schlechter

We demand a lot from our kitchen countertops. We want to them to be pretty, long-lasting, hardworking, stain- and water-resistant, and did we mention pretty? The true workhorse of a farmhouse kitchen, countertops take a beating as we roll dough, cut produce, and put hot pans on them, not to mention the homework and other “life” happening in the kitchen daily.

As you start to pull together farmhouse kitchen ideas for your next renovation, take the task of choosing kitchen countertop materials very seriously. Ask yourself some important questions to find the right countertop material for you and your family. What will my kitchen cabinet colors be? Simpler white kitchens can handle a stone pattern with some movement in the veining, while a more colorful design plan calls for a quieter, more solid countertop. How much do I want to spend? If the answer is less than average, butcher block is a solid option for farmhouse kitchen countertop ideas on a budget. Look into affordable laminate too—the choices have come a long way. If you’re up for splurging and love a classic farmhouse look, go for a handsome marble kitchen countertop. Do I want a kitchen island? If the answer is yes, consider unique kitchen island countertop ideas, like an impressive waterfall edge design, or repurposing an antique to add loads of patina to your space.

Read on for new kitchen countertop ideas, including granite countertops (polished and honed), quartz, soapstone, concrete, and even stainless steel.

Black Polished Granite Kitchen Countertop Idea

For a modern touch among this fully pine kitchen (the walls and cabinetry in the same finish), consider sleek black appliances, faucet fixtures, lighting, and countertops, like this polished granite.

a pine wood kitchen with black appliances and countertops and lighting

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Ornate Backsplash and Sink Bump Out Kitchen

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