4 minute read
Six Winter Skills to Master
6Six Winter Skills to Master 3CREATE A HOT BEVERAGE STATION On a cold day, few things are more pleasant than a 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. 4
2TAKE 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. warm beverage. This year, consider turning a corner of the kitchen into 1REMOVE 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. 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/ 5
a hot beverage
Six Winter Skills to Master 4PROTECT YOUR PETS Despite sporting built-in fur coats, pets are not immune to cold temperatures. Keep an eye on how long they are outside, and check for ice and snow packed between the pads of their paws. Booties can prevent this. 6VISIT YOUR LOVED ONES FROM HOME Many factors make it difficult to see friends and family during the winBeware ice melt. Crystals can become lodged in pets’ feet, causing tertime. If the weather or social distancing are keeping you apart, do not irritation. Pets can also ingest the crystals when they lick their feet, despair. All you need is a good internet connection and a computer, tablet causing potential illness. or mobile device with a camera. While some breeds enjoy the cold, if temperatures become too Options include Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom, Google Meet and extreme, make sure to bring them indoors or provide a safe, heated place others. Users do not have to be tech savvy to use these programs. An for them to go. Always make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water within internet search will bring up tutorials on how to use video conferencing. easy reach. While nothing beats being together in person, seeing one another’s faces
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KNIT OR CROCHET A CUP COZY
Have you been wanting to learn to knit or crochet, but do not have the time or patience to make a scarf or larger project? Cup cozies are small and easy to make—perfect for beginners. An added bonus is you will have something to show off when you are done.
Yarn shops and craft stores sometimes carry kits, complete with knitting needles or a crochet hook and just the right amount of yarn to finish the project.
TUTORIAL
For fiber artists, no matter your skill level, the internet is your oyster. From free or paid patterns to video tutorials, it has great resources. Here are two mug cozy video tutorials to start with:
http://y2u.be/lAomH0QXj_Q and http://y2u.be/5D94iRZSt6o.
and chatting in real time can go a long way. n
RESOURCES:
Big C Lumber, multiple locations, www.bigclumber.com Cloud Brothers, South Bend, 574-289-0395, www.cloudbrothers.com Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen, 574-312-7557, www.kuertoutdoorliving.com Modern Kitchen, Elkhart, 574-674-9989, www.modernkitchen.net Smith Tire, Warsaw, 574-267-82610
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