Seasonal

Holidays:

It’s no secret that holidays can come with a lot of stress. Here are some suggestions to take with you through New Year’s for how to minimize the headaches:

Plan ahead. If you’re hosting the meal, create your menu and grocery lists early. Get to the grocery store well before the day before (or day of!) to avoid the long lines and jammed parking lots. Check to make sure pantry items are stocked, spices are still fresh, and that you have plenty of butter and eggs for any baking coming up.

If you’re traveling, leave yourself plenty of time, and bring things to keep yourself (and your children) busy while waiting in lines or for flights. Be sure to also pack hand sanitizer, refreshing face wipes, and hand moisturizer—airplanes can be incredibly dehydrating!

Be a gracious host or guest. Being a host and being a guest both come with their fair share of inconveniences and impositions. Try to have patience with each other and make sure you both have some time for independence.

Ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself, even if you are the host. Ask your guests for help and be specific if you have a definite menu or décor look in mind. Most guests like to have somewhat specific guidance when their offer for bringing something is taken up.

Take care of yourself. Now is not the time to skimp on sleep or overindulge in food and alcohol. Not only will it contribute to the “holiday weight gain,” but it will leave you feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck.

Breathe.

Once the guests are gone, why not call up your neighbors for a potluck leftovers party? After a couple of days, you’re probably sick of eating your same food, and chances are, they are too. Remember my grandfather’s waste not, want not, and make a neighborhood thing out of it!

White Vinegar to the rescue:

Take the sting out of a sunburn. Pat sunburned parts with a paper towel that had been soaked in vinegar to help take some of the initial pain away.

Care for collected shells:

I collected a ton of shells while on vacation and am looking forward to different crafts projects with them in the upcoming weeks.  To clean them (and get rid of any fishy smells they may still have), soak shells in a solution of 50% bleach and 50% water.  Any grime should fall off after a few hours.  Rinse with water and let air dry.  Many of the shells I picked up had amazing colors and patterns on them, but once they dried, their "wow-factor" diminished.  To keep them with that just-out-of-the-water shine, rub with baby or mineral oil, or paint with a clear (non-yellowing) nail polish.