Winter Seasons 2023 - Edition Eight

For 65 years we have been changing the lives of our guests through experiential satisfaction, wholesome homegrown activities, and family-focused traditions. One of our greatest strengths lies in the ability to help guests foster a healthier holistic mindset. We’ve seen it, day after day, as guests check in and then check out, their demeanor is uplifted, their spirits brighter, and their hugs with their kids are a little bit tighter.

“What I discovered at Woodloch is what I want for my own family, and why we keep coming back, it’s that magic of together.”

- Meaghan MurphyAuthor, Editor, Woodloch Ambassador

Winter is here and in full swing. Whether this is your favorite season or you're already dreaming of summer, there are many ways you can make the best of it!

Featured on the front cover is the Fire Island Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses on our Island. Read about its rich history right here in this magazine, and then consider taking a walk to its base. Its captivating beauty is enjoyable year-round.

Additionally, you won’t want to miss other timely editorial pieces found in this publication, such as Unique Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day and The Best Ski Resorts For A Weekend Getaway

We are so thankful for all of our readers and loyal advertisers and we look forward to bringing you many other publications this year.

-The Staff at Long Island Media Group

For advertising information, call 631.226.2636 or email info@longislandmediagroup.com

the right to edit or reject any advertising at its sole discretion.

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Unique Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Wines and Laughs

February 10 • 7:30PM-9:30PM

631.734.6200

This Valentine’s Day themed event is held at Pindar Vineyards in Peconic and will have a focus on “I Love Lucy”. Be a part of a “Know-It-All Tournament”, win a collectable, drink wine and enjoy!

Paint & Sip, Valentine’s Day Style

February 11 • 3PM-5PM

516.401.8846

Choose one of three Valentine’s Day themed glassware designs at Painting With a Twist in Baldwin, then start painting yours while sipping and enjoying a special day out!

Valentine’s Brunch Cruise

February 11, 12 and 14 • 12PM-2PM 917.671.9710

Starting at Pier 36 in NYC, this cruise offers a 3-course brunch menu (childrens menu and full menu available), special drinks, music and skyline views. Great for the whole family!

Valentine’s Day Ice Candles

February 12 • 1PM-3PM 631.581.1005

Head to Connetquot River State Park

Preserve in Oakdale for a fun craft! Decorate your very own candle with a Valentine’s Day theme. Appropriate for ages 8 and up.

Joanne Fanizza,

formerly of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a member of the Florida, New York and District of Columbia Bars, has established

New York office in Melville. Joanne is providing the same

caring service to clients in New York as she has provided to her clients in Florida since 1988.

Sweet Cookies For Your Sweetheart

Valentine’s

Day presents an opportunity to shower loved ones with special gifts, including treats. Dessert is a significant component of Valentine’s Day, as chocolates and cakes are given and consumed in abundance. French macarons are a great sweet for amateur bakers to add to their Valentine’s Day repertoire. Making macarons often is a labor of love, so offering a sweetheart

French Macarons

Makes 20 macarons

100 grams powdered sugar

100 grams superfine almond flour

100 grams egg whites

100 grams granulated sugar

Food coloring, if desired

Vanilla Buttercream Filling

4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Up to 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Food coloring, if desired

Directions:

1. Measure out all ingredients.

2. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.

3. Add 1 cup of water to your sauce pan or to the liner of your Instant Pot.

4. Heat the water over medium heat until steaming.

5. While the water is heating, add the egg and 3 tablespoons of the measured out sugar to the bowl you’ll be using for the double boiler.

6. Once the water is steaming, place the bowl over the steaming water and whisk until the egg whites are foamy and white. When they are foamy and white, remove the bowl from the pan or Instant Pot and set on a hot pad on the counter. Turn off the burner or Instant Pot.

7. Add the remaining sugar to the egg whites and mix using an electric hand mixture until the egg whites are white, glossy and can form stiff peaks.

8. Add the food coloring now if you’d like to color your macarons. Mix until combined.

9. Add the powdered sugar and almond flour to the bowl and mix with your mixer for 8 seconds. After the 8 seconds is up, use a silicone spatula to stir and smear the batter from the outside of the bowl towards the center. Turn the bowl as you do this to make sure all of the batter gets stirred equally.

10. Do this until your batter thins and is able to drizzle a ribbon of batter for a few seconds without it breaking.

a plate of these chewy, meringue-based cookies really shows you care. Vary the filling of choice depending on your beloved’s favorite flavors. Enjoy this recipe for “French Macarons,” which utilizes the Swiss meringue method, courtesy of Karli Bitner and her “Cooking with Karli” blog. Weighing the ingredients produces more reliable results.

11. Transfer the batter to a piping bag equipped with a round piping tip.

12. Pipe equal circles onto a silicone or parchment-lined cookie sheet. Make sure that your piping bag is straight up and down. Apply equal pressure and release pulling straight back up. Repeat with the remaining batter.

13. Bang the pan gently but firmly onto the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

14. Preheat oven to 300 F.

15. Allow the macarons to dry out as the oven preheats, for about 20 to 30 minutes. Your macarons should be dry to the touch before going into the oven.

16. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes at 300 F. The macarons should not turn brown.

17. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the pan.

18. When the macarons are completely cool, make your filling.

19. Make your filling by combining all ingredients using either a stand mixer or your electric hand mixer. Slowly add in the heavy cream (you can substitute milk if you’d like) because you want a thick buttercream so it doesn’t squirt out while eating the macaron.

20. Once the buttercream is mixed together and your desired consistency, gently pipe some frosting onto the bottom side of one cookie and then sandwich the frosting with the bottom side of a second cookie to create your macaron.

21. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas

TheNational Retail Federation indicates Valentine’s Day is the fifth largest spending event in the United States after the winter holidays and Mother’s Day. Each February, people clamber to get gifts for their sweethearts and create romantic memories through fine dining and decadent desserts. According to Finder, a tool used to navigate complex decision-making processes, Americans were expected to spend a combined $50 billion on gifts and activities in 2021, with gifts averaging $187. Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day.

Everyone may be spending more on Valentine’s Day this year due to inflation. In 2021, used cars and trucks, oil, meats and poultry, airline fares, and women’s apparel were just some of the items that increased significantly in price. Finding ways to be frugal may be challenging this February, but these ideas are a start.

DIY Card

While a card may be the smallest purchase on your shopping list, you can still save an average of $3 to $5 on a card by making one yourself or sending a free digital greeting.

Dine In

Restaurants are popular options for couples on Valentine’s Day, but they can be busy and prices may be inflated. Many also offer limited prix fixe menus. By making a meal at home and picking and choosing less-costly ingredients, couples can save a substantial amount of money.

Be Flexible With Jewelry

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make an impression with gifts. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but other stones

are often less costly. Try giving a birthstone as an alternative. If gold is out of your price range, many sterling silver options are just as beautiful. In addition, consider warehouse retailers for jewelry purchases, as they may have lower costs.

Frugal Flowers

The cost of roses definitely goes up near Valentine’s Day, so consider giving another flower. Lilies can be lovely or maybe that special someone has a signature flower. A flowering plant, which will cost less than many bouquets and will last far beyond Valentine’s Day if given care, is another alternative to consider.

Save On Chocolate

Sweet treats are the name of the game, but many popular chocolate boxes can be pricey this time of year. Plan ahead and keep a stockpile of chocolates from Halloween or Christmas. Then use floral wire or pipe cleaners to turn bite-sized packages into a handmade chocolate bouquet. Otherwise, purchase various chocolate bars and package them with hot chocolate, chocolate cookies, and other decadent offerings in a themed gift basket.

Score The Best Deals This Presidents’ Day

Februaryis packed with meaningful events and holidays. From Groundhog Day to Black History Month to Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of significant events on the calendar in the second month of the year.

Presidents’ Day is one such event. Presidents’ Day was initially established to honor the nation’s first president, George Washington. In fact, according to the United States Government, Presidents’ Day is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code governing holidays for federal employees. Washington’s Birthday was celebrated on February 22.

After the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, Washington’s Birthday was combined with the celebration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (February 12) to commemorate these two iconic figures in American history. The day also has become a way to promote retail sales during a historically slow time of year for retailers. As a result, the holiday is now celebrated each year on the third Monday of the month, and is now called Presidents’ Day. It also now pays homage to all American presidents.

Presidents’ Day is an ideal time to get great deals on any number of items, as many key products tend to go on sale this time of year.

• Furniture: Furniture discounts peak in January and during the three-day Presidents’ Day holiday. This is prime time to grab a new sofa, dining set or any other pieces of furniture needed for the home.

• Large appliances: Appliances also are on sale this time of year. Buyers can get discounts on new refrigerators, washing machines or even stoves.

• Home goods: Rounding out the list of deals for home goods, bed linens, towels and kitchenware are often available at steep discounts around Presidents’ Day.

• Winter clothing: Retailers already have started putting out their spring lines and items as they plan ahead for warmer weather. Grab heavily discounted winter gear, especially coats and boots, before it’s all gone.

• Mattresses: Presidents’ Day weekend is an excellent opportunity to try out various mattresses and replace old ones with more comfortable models, according to Consumer Reports.

• Tech: Shoppers may be able to snag discounts on items like televisions, accessories to use with cell phones, computers, and more.

Presidents’ Day is an opportunity to study and celebrate American history, and it also offers a chance to benefit from great deals on many items for the home and more.

The Rich History Of The Fire Island Lighthouse

ManyLong Islanders

love to visit this famed lighthouse no matter the season. Its simple yet captivating design along with its rich history are just some of what makes it such a special destination. The walkway leading to its base makes for an enjoyable stroll, whether you're taking the journey alone, pushing a stroller or going as a group with people of all ages.

The Fire Island Lighthouse was a significant landmark for transatlantic ships coming into New York Harbor at the turn of the last century. For many European immigrants, the Fire Island Light was their first sight of land upon arrival in our country.

The first lighthouse that was built on Fire Island was completed in 1826. It was a 74 foot high, cream-colored, octagonal pyramid made of Connecticut River blue split stone. The tower was built at the end of the island, adjacent to the inlet, but it was not effective due to its lack of height. Eventually it was almost entirely removed and the stone reused to build the terrace for the present lighthouse. Today a circular ring of bricks and stone are all that remain of the original lighthouse.

In 1857, Congress appropriated $40,000 for the construction of a new tower, 168 feet tall. That tower was lit for the first time on November 1, 1858 and was made of red brick, painted a creamy yellow color. In August 1891, the tower was changed to the present day-mark of alternating black and white bands.

The Fire Island Lighthouse was decommissioned as an aid to navigation on December 31, 1973. The new aid to navigation was a "small flash tube optic" installed atop the Robert Moses State Park Water Tower.

This new tower was fitted with a First Order Fresnel Lens, emitting a white flash at one-minute intervals. A Funk Lamp with 5 concentric wicks was used for illumination. Over the years various fuels were used for the lamps, including whale oil, lard oil, mineral oil, and kerosene. Electricity reached the lighthouse on September 20, 1938. On September 21, 1938 a hurricane struck the island, effectively severing all electric power to the island and causing a

delay in the electrification of the Fire Island Light Station.

The United States Coast Guard has been present on Fire Island since its inception in 1915. A Coast Guard Station was established on the Lighthouse tract. Eventually, the United States Lighthouse Service was dissolved. The administration of lighthouses was placed under the jurisdiction of the US Coast Guard in 1939 "in the interest of economy and efficiency" (Presidential Reorganization Act).

The Fire Island Lighthouse was decommissioned as an aid to navigation on December 31, 1973. The new aid to navigation was a "small flash tube optic" installed atop the Robert Moses State Park Water Tower. Later on, the Coast Guard gave the National Park Service a five year permit to use the entire Lighthouse Tract (approximately 82 acres). In 1979, the track had been declared by law to be within the boundaries of the Fire Island National Seashore. With limited funds, the major function of the Park Service at the time was to prevent further deterioration of the buildings through neglect and vandalism. Between 1974 and 1980, private citizens grouped together to try and "save the Fire Island Lighthouse." The strobe light on the Robert Moses Tower only shone seaward and was of no use to boaters that were on the Great South Bay. Public support for the restoration of the Lighthouse was great among the Baymen!

The Lighthouse got restored to its 1939 condition, which is when electricity was first installed and on Memorial Day, May 25, 1986, the Fire Island Lighthouse was relit and reinstated as an official aid to navigation.

Today, the light is lit by two 1000-watt bulbs, which rotate in a counterclockwise direction, giving the appearance of a flash every 7.5 seconds. The light is visible for about 21-24 miles.

The Most Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts

Valentine’s Day sparks one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year. Though it might not inspire the masses quite like Black Friday, Valentine’s Day compels millions of people to find gifts for that special someone in their lives each February. In fact, the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2022 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey found that the average person is expected to devote $175 to Valentine’s Day spending in 2023.

Any heartfelt gift can light up a sweetheart’s smile on Valentine’s Day, but certain items tend to be more popular than others on February 14. Though Valentine’s Day shoppers can always go their own way when shopping for their sweethearts, some of the more traditional gifts remain wildly popular. In its survey, the NRF found that these goto gifts maintained their status as the most popular items for

individuals to show their love for that special someone in 2023:

• Candy: Fifty-six percent of survey respondents indicated they planned to buy candy for

their sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. Though any candy can suffice, chocolates inside a heartshaped box tend to be especially popular in mid-February.

• Greeting cards: Greeting cards will likely never go out of style, as 40 percent of respondents indicated they gave a card in 2022.

• Flowers: The appeal of a bouquet is undeniable, prompting 37 percent of shoppers to give flowers on Valentine’s Day.

• A night out: A romantic night out is perhaps as meaningful as ever in a world still emerging from the pandemic. So it’s no surprise that 31 percent of respondents indicated they planned to take their sweethearts out for a night on the town in 2023.

• Jewelry: Though it might rank below the others on this list, jewelry remains a go-to gift on Valentine’s Day. And with total Valentine’s Day spending on jewelry estimated at more than $6 billion in 2022, this could be where most Valentine’s Day dollars go this February.

Fall In Love With These Romantic Films

Storiesof romance are as old as love itself. That makes Valentine’s Day an ideal time to indulge in a romantic comedy or classic love story. Plenty of films can be enjoyed while snuggled up with a sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. The following can serve as a romantic starting point for couples looking to cozy up with a good film, not to mention one another, this February.

• “Casablanca” (1942): Who hasn’t heard the line “Here’s looking at you, kid”? Set during World War II and starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Paul Henreid, the film focuses on an American expatriate who must choose between love or helping a Czech resistance leader escape to fight the Germans.

• “Roman Holiday” (1953): Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn win audiences over in this romantic classic about a European princess who meets an American reporter one night in Rome. He’s looking for a scoop but ends up getting a much better reward.

• “Ghost” (1990): While a certain dance-heavy Patrick Swayze vehicle is renowned for its romantic elements, “Ghost” shows that love can continue even beyond the grave. And one especially memorable scene

might inspire couples to take up pottery.

• “Love and Basketball” (2000): Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan star in this story of two neighborhood kids who aspire to be basketball stars. As they grow up, their skills develop and their relationship grows. However, when one’s stardom really skyrockets, it puts a strain on their love.

• “Bridget Jones’s Diary” (2001): In this modern telling of “Pride and Prejudice,” Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, who is hopeless at love and falls for Hugh Grant’s lothario Daniel Cleaver. This unfolds as Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy hides his affections for Jones behind seeming indifference.

• “Love Actually” (2003):

Featuring an ensemble cast, this movie tells the tales of eight very different couples who are providing glimpses into their love lives. The tales are loosely

intermingled during the month leading up to Christmas in London.

• “The Fault in Our Stars” (2014): Ansel Elgort and Shailene Woodley star as two youngsters who meet in a cancer support group and fall for one another. A film about true love and heartbreak, this one is sure to require keeping a box of tissues on hand.

• “A Star is Born” (2018): Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga star in this remake of the classic film. Jackson, an alcoholic rock star, falls in love with an aspiring singer, Ally. As her fame begins to eclipse his, Jackson’s demons resurface.

How To Prepare For Winter Storms

Winterarrives with fanfare as Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s Eve all take place within days of the first day of the season. Parties and shopping may distract people from the weather around them, but after resolutions are made and the decorations are packed away, it’s not long before it’s time to confront winter’s wrath. Storms are commonplace in January and February in many parts of the world, and even March storms are not unheard of. Knowing how to prepare for storms can keep people safer and prevent home damage. If a storm is forecasted, follow these guidelines.

• Charge a mobile phone and other electronic devices to full battery in advance of the storm in case power goes out.

• Stock the home with extra batteries for flashlights and battery-powered devices, such as a portable radio.

• Invest in a car charger to charge devices if the power is out for some time.

• Keep a supply of canned or boxed nonperishable items, as well as convenience foods that do not need to be cooked, like granola bars.

• Periodically check to ensure that the first aid kit is stocked with items that have not expired.

• Refill medications so that they are on hand in the event weather

makes it challenging to get to the store.

• Keep emergency supplies of bottled water. If you forget this, fill the bathtub with fresh water. Extra water will be needed for toilet flushing if yours is a septic system.

• Have warm blankets on hand and sleeping bags for each person in the home.

• Unplug all electronic devices if the power goes out to protect against a surge and damage

when the power is restored.

• Exercise caution when burning candles, opting for flashlights and lanterns instead.

• If it’s very cold outside, move refrigerated and frozen items outdoors so they do not spoil in an unpowered refrigerator.

• Do not use gas stoves, charcoal grills, or other openflame heat sources for warmth indoors. Carbon monoxide gas can build up inside and prove deadly.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a backup generator for power.

• Stock up on gasoline for vehicles and power gas-driven generators.

• Use power company websites and apps to report outages and stay apprised of restoration status.

• Be cautious of downed power lines in the area when driving or walking.

How To Help The Homeless This Winter

Theproblem posed by homelessness is considerable.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness says that on any given night in the United States, more than half a million people are experiencing homelessness. And the problem is not exclusive to the U.S., as the Homelessness

Partnering Secretariat (HPS) estimates that between 150,000 and 300,000 individuals experience homelessness in Canada each year.

Many homeless people are single adults who have nowhere else to turn. Veterans make up approximately 9 percent of all homeless singletons.

While homelessness is challenging at any time of the year, winter is especially brutal for homeless individuals. Those who have no indoor places to sleep (shelters fill up quickly in the cold or are avoided for other reasons) typically must confront harsh winter weather, which can increase their risk

for hypothermia. Art from the Streets, a nonprofit organization that strives to help the homeless, says winter weather can prove fatal for homeless communities, which is perhaps one reason why the average age of death for a homeless person is 47.

People who have the comfort of warm clothing and shelter may not realize the plight of the homeless this time of year. But with some generosity and volunteerism, anyone can help the homeless community this winter.

• Alert professionals. Many different charities help place homeless people in temporary shelters or get them warm beds or meals. Do a quick search of homeless organizations in your area and give them a call to find out if they can assist someone you may have spotted on the street.

• Donate coats, scarves, and gloves. In 2017, residents of Bristol, England, tied scarves to the city’s lampposts for the

homeless to use. Similar concepts can be implemented in towns and cities across the globe. In addition, look for organizations that collect warm clothing for the homeless and the needy.

• Volunteer with a soup kitchen. Soup kitchens routinely provide hot meals for homeless visitors, and such facilities are often in need of volunteers.

• Partner up with an organization. The Blessing Bag Brigade is a New Jerseybased nonprofit that is dedicated to providing various items of comfort to homeless individuals. The organization routinely collects toiletries, snack foods, socks, razors, and breakfast bars and packages them up in bags to deliver to the homeless. Learn more at www. blessingbagbrigadenj.org.

• Provide hot meals or beverages to a homeless individual. Many times someone who is homeless may

benefit significantly from a small token of compassion. If you do not want to give cash to panhandlers, then instead buy a hot sandwich and deliver it to someone who is homeless.

Helping homeless individuals and organizations that aim to help the homeless takes on urgency when the winter arrives. It may not require much to provide comfort and safety to someone in need.

The Best Ski Resorts For A Weekend Getaway

Ifyou’re wondering what fun filled activities to do this winter, look no further! This winter season be sure to bundle up and enjoy the weekend at a ski resort. Skiing is a perfect getaway for both friends and families alike. Most ski resorts welcome all ages and interests besides skiing such as, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even snow tubing. Here you’ll find a complete list of potential places to plan your next ski trip right here in New York.

Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain is the largest ski resort in New York. It is found over four peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. It consists of 119 ski trails, a vertical drop of 2,537 feet, totaling 446 acres of skiing. In total the mountain has 14 lifts which includes an eight passenger gondola as well as two high-speed quad chairs. There are definitely options for all levels of skiers’ however 40% of the runs are rated black diamond. Yet there are still beginner trails such as Pete’s Paradise.

.

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain has the largest vertical drop. There are 3,400 feet of vertical terrain. It is more than just a place to come for skiing. Lake Placid is nearby and there you can find plenty of places to dine as well as entertainment options.

Windham Mountain

Windham Mountain is located in the Catskills, making it an easy drive from New York City. This resort has 54 runs and Covers 754 acres in total. At this resort you can find a variety of accommodations for your weekend stay, including a shuttle to take you to and from the slopes.

Hunter Mountain

Hunter Mountain is just under three hours away from New York City, in the Catskills. This resort is spread out over four mountains. Each run is evenly split amongst beginner,

intermediate, and advanced. Snow tubing and guided ice-climbing expeditions are also available. For those that would prefer a more relaxed activity, you can also find the Mountain Club Spa on premise.

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center is a familyfriendly ski resort in the Catskills. It has a vertical drop of more than 1,400 feet with 50 named runs. Aside from skiing, there are also three snowboard parks. There is also first-class ski instruction available at the Snowsports school. Cross-country skiing is also available and free.

Holiday Valley Ski Resort

Holiday Valley Ski Resort is located near Lake Erie. It has an abundance of snow and extensive terrain. For this reason, this resort feels like several ski areas all in one. Here you can find long straight cruisers, steep short black diamonds, or twisty routes through large evergreens. There are three base lodges, a ski school, and additional offmountain adventures such as tubing which makes for a day filled with tons of activities.

Bristol Mountain

Bristol Mountain is located in Upstate New York. They claim the title of greatest vertical, being just over 1,200 feet. They also claim to have the longest run in the area, which is two miles in length. There is truly something for everyone at this resort with a variety of terrain and ability levels. There are good

dining options and even a great ski school that will have you skiing with confidence in no time.

Titus Mountain Family Ski Center

Titus Mountain is located at the north of the Adirondack Mountains near the Canadian border. This resort is smaller but here you will find affordable family fun. They have a vertical drop of 1,200 feet across three mountains and 50 trails. Here they also offer snow tubing, a popular family activity.

Greek Peak Mountain Resort

Greek Peak Mountain Resort is considered to be the biggest ski resort in the Upper New York State area. There are fifty-six trails spread across the hill and they focus on beginner routes. For more advanced ability levels there are four terrain parks to practice on. This is a perfect family option as there is an indoor water park as well at the Greek Peak Resort & Hope Lake Lodge which is near the base of the hill.

Peak’n Peak

Peak’n Peak is located in Southern New York. It has a 400-foot vertical drop, and has 160 acres of terrain. The mountain has five terrain parks. Skiers and boarders have access to 26 named runs.There is also a tubing park as well. There is also a day lodge at the base of the resort where you can enjoy a packed lunch or buy something at the grill.

Help Banish Winter Blues With These Home Improvement Fixes

Preparing your home for cold weather can lower your energy bills; promote a more comfortable, healthier environment; and even help banish winter blues. Here’s what to know:

• Call A Professional: “Waiting until it gets really cold to run your heater is like not stretching before you run,” says Mark Woodruff, senior product manager, Outdoor Products at Trane Residential, who advises running your heater early in the season for a good hour or so to ensure it’s working. “Scheduling a service appointment now is a much better, and often cheaper option than trying to book an emergency appointment in extreme temperatures or well into winter,” he says.

• Change air filters: For better indoor air quality (IAQ) and to extend the life of your HVAC system, change filters every 30-90 days. If you have pets or household members with asthma or allergies, change filters more often.

• Try zoned heating: Zoned HVAC systems let you keep a consistent temperature throughout your home, or heat one zone for individualized comfort that helps you save energy and directs heat where it’s desired.

• Consider an upgrade: Forty-five percent of Americans deal with “shockingly high” energy bills, according to a Trane Residential survey conducted by OnePoll. A heating equipment upgrade, however, can help you enjoy consistent warmth without wasted energy. Consider the XC95m furnace from Trane. Its AFUE rating of up to 97.3% means nearly all of the fuel it uses goes to warming the home. When paired with the energyefficient XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump, you can enjoy the reliability of a hybrid or dual fuel system. To learn more, visit: trane.

com/residential.

• Set your thermostat: Newer technology can help maximize energy savings. With the Trane Home app, for example, you can program your smart thermostat and control your home’s temperature from anywhere. Its geofencing capabilities regulate temperature based on your location.

• Monitor indoor air quality: In the same Trane Residential survey, 57% of respondents said they suffer from indoor stuffiness and lack of fresh air. Improving IAQ can help alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms and reduce the spread of colds and flu.

First, determine what airborne particles may be negatively affecting the air. You can also contact an HVAC dealer who can test your IAQ and offer recommendations to improve it. They may recommend installing a whole-home air cleaner like

the Trane CleanEffects, which is certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and has been documented to remove 99.9% of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. The Awair Element is a great way to monitor your IAQ by measuring temperature, humidity, etc.

• Assess humidity: Maintaining a home humidity level between 35 and 60% is one key to improving IAQ and ensuring comfort in colder weather. Mold, dust mites and other air pollutants tend to thrive outside that range, and the body’s natural immune system can be compromised in dry air. “Monitor humidity with a reliable HVAC thermostat. Then, manage it with a wholehome humidifier or dehumidifier,” advises Woodruff. “These units are installed professionally and tie into your HVAC ductwork system.”

• Check insulation: Poor

insulation is an often-overlooked escape route for heat that forces your heating system to work harder. Homes built in the 1970s or earlier should be checked by an expert, as insulation quality has come a long way since then. Also, foam insulation can settle after a year, so it’s best to inspect insulation annually. Certain insulation jobs can be accomplished by a handy homeowner; however, you may prefer hiring a contractor. The average insulation upgrade costs $2,400, according to the National Association of Realtors, but will save on utility costs in the years ahead.

“For many, wintertime is unpleasant indoors and outside. While we can’t control the weather, there are many things we can do to improve conditions at home to feel cozier and more comfortable,” says Woodroof. (StatePoint)

Spice Up Game Day With These Mouthwatering Recipes

It’s

football season, and there’s only one thing to make game day a bigger win: delicious game day food! Looking to add some kick to kick-off? Take flavor and heat off the bench and put them into the game with these recipes from Frank’s RedHot, America’s number one hot

Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings

If you’re someone who agrees that no tailgate or watch party is complete without wings, you’re in good company. According to Chef Jordan Carfagno of Frank’s RedHot, chicken wings are the brand’s most searched recipe during football season. And it’s no wonder, Frank’s is the original Buffalo wings sauce flavor. Anyone looking to kick their wings up a notch can try this mouthwatering recipe for a classic take on wings, and it can be made in the oven at home, or in an air fryer if you’re tailgating.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup butter, melted

• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

• 2 and 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Mix butter and RedHot Sauce in medium bowl; set aside.

2. Arrange wings on large foil-lined pan. Bake on lowest oven rack for 30 minutes or until crispy, turning once.

3. Toss wings in sauce mixture until well coated. Serve with blue cheese and celery, if desired.

sauce. Whether you’re tailgating or hosting from home, Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce, made with a premium blend of aged cayenne peppers, is a must-have ingredient. (StatePoint)

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chef Carfagno says dip recipes are gaining popularity this year, and this spicy creamy Buffalo chicken dip is the MVP of them all. Make it in the oven at home or plug in an instant pot or slow cooker for on-the-go prep.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cups Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce

• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

• 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon into a shallow 1-quart baking dish.

2. Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir. Sprinkle with green onions, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers and cut up veggies.

This football season, bring your A-game to your tailgate spread by adding the perfect blend of flavor and heat to classic fan favorites.

Game Day Party Ideas

Footballseason has been in full swing for several months and will soon culminate in the game of all games in early February — the Super Bowl. Watching the action on the field is exciting, but game day experiences can be enhanced by sharing the festivities with friends or family.

Football parties can take enjoyment of the game to the next level and be enhanced with each game that occurs on the road to the playoffs. The following are some ways to score touchdowns when hosting game day gatherings.

Create a DIY football field table cover

Head to the nearest party store and purchase green craft paper or a plastic tablecloth. Stretch it over the expanse of the table you need to cover and secure it underneath

with tape or clips. Use white tape or ribbon to mark off the field yard markings and utilize white stick-on numerals to enhance the yard line measurements. Such a festive table can double the perfect playing field for table-top football.

Decorate a drink station

Dress up your cooler with team colors and logos. Make a goalpost out of PVC piping to add a little extra whimsy to the design.

Create game-inspired foods

Football-shaped foods, from mini meatloaf to calzones to cookies to doughnuts, will make the event even more fun. Invest in a football-shaped cookie cutter to cut just about everything, from sliced cheeses to sandwiches, pie crusts, and that pigskin shape.

Set up games of chance

Buying “boxes”

and gambling

on the outcomes of the quarters is a tradition for many people who participate in football parties. However, gambling isn’t for everyone. Party hosts can come up with other clever ideas to give people chances to win prizes. Purchase a few inexpensive gift cards to local coffee shops, sporting goods retailers, or supermarkets. Give out raffle tickets to all in attendance. Each time the team scores, pick a raffle

ticket out of a bag or bucket. The called number gets a prize.

Consider a tailgate theme

Evoke the feelings of a true stadium tailgate by hosting the party outdoors in the neighborhood. Each home can have its own station in the driveway, with party-goers walking from home to home to load up on snacks and talk about the game. Game day is a great time to get together with fellow fans, friends, and family.