Before you fire up that fireplace, it's time to check for chimney chips or cracks, both inside and outside. If you have doors on your wood burner, inspect any gaskets or seals. Don't want to look like a chimney sweep (remember Mary Poppins with Dick Van Dyke)? Call a local professional. Soot buildup will be a thing of the past, and you'll enjoy your fireplace in safety!
With the fall season ramping up, small snafus will try to steal your sanity, your calm, and your serenity. Don't let small snafus become roadblocks to your health and success. Slow down for a moment, have a fresh cup of coffee or tea on the back porch, and breathe in the cool fall air. Refreshing, right? Now decide what to worry about and what to let go. There, you're feeling better already!
Before winter fully hits, have your sprinkler lines blown out to prevent frozen and cracked water lines. If you use a water hose, do the same (or unwind and let drain). It's also a good time to cover your outside hose outlets with a protective bib. Freeze damage banished for the season!
For your kid's fall party, try the Three-Legged Pumpkin Dash. Pair up two kids and secure one leg from each child with a soft scarf. Give each team a small pumpkin to carry, and race to the finish line. To make it more challenging, have them carry a water balloon! The pumpkin or balloon must survive to be counted the winner!
Walking challenges are easy to follow through with during summer, and you can maintain that energy burn even as the season changes. There's the local gym, the nearby high school track, or you can shift to indoor cycling. Perhaps even a portable stepper. Set your iPad in front of you, start a favorite show, and step away! Your "walk" will disappear quick as a wink!