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Six Winter Skills
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By Amanda Demster, House and Home Writer
Michiana winters often prove difficult. Extreme temperatures and heavy snowfall can turn even short trips to the store into major headaches, and now, COVID-19 quarantines are keeping many people confined to their homes. This year, why not master a few skills to help make the winter months more bearable.
REMOVE SNOW SAFELY
Snow removal can be dangerous. Having the right snow removal tools, and knowing how to use them properly, can help reduce risks. When using a shovel, a rule of thumb is to push snow off to the side, as lifting and tossing can cause injury. Try to find eco-friendly ice melt products. For larger driveways and walkways, a snowblower is always effective. Kuert Outdoor Living carries snow shovels, ice melt spreaders and sprayers. Experts on staff can help you find just what you need to keep your walk and driveway clear this winter.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR
Having a good set of tires with good treads is important, Kevin Good of Smith Tire, Warsaw, said. Make sure fluids are at their recommended levels and your coolant is resistant to colder temperatures so it does not freeze. Finally, he said, have a professional mechanic check your brakes. Many vehicle owners like to add an antifreeze solution to their gas tanks. This does not hurt, Good said, especially if the vehicle is kept outdoors.
6 | Michiana House and Home | December 2020 |
CREATE A HOT BEVERAGE STATION
On a cold day, few things are more pleasant than a warm beverage. This year, consider turning a corner of the kitchen into a hot beverage station. Ideas include an electric kettle or coffeepot and decorative baskets to hold tea bags, hot chocolate mix or coffee pods. Hooks or shelves on the wall provide a place to display mugs decoratively. Not sure where to begin? Big C Lumber’s cabinet design department can help. On-staff designers offer advice and can help choose the right materials. Modern Kitchen, Elkhart, and Cloud Brothers Inc., South Bend, both offer great ideas for cabinets, countertops and other features to make your beverage station unique.
FESTIVE MIXES
The right syrup combination can add a boost to holiday festivities where coffee lovers gather. Try these combos out: • Gingerbread Man: Gingerbread and Irish cream. • Hot Toddy: Butter rum and cinnamon. • Irish Mocha Mint: Irish cream, peppermint and dark chocolate. • Jack Frost: White chocolate, vanilla bean and peppermint. Source: www.tastefullbeans.com/latte-and-frap-ideas/
