Have a wonderful start to summer!
Category: Holiday in the Northwest
The Home Connection ~ December
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pre- Holiday Appliance Check
- How to check oven temperatures: If you are worried about your oven not properly heating, you can quickly check it yourself. Buy an oven thermometer and place it in the oven. Set the oven thermostat to 350 degrees F. The oven should heat to between 325 degrees and 375 degrees. In most cases it is considered acceptable if the actual temperature is within 26 degrees of the set temperature. It is often possible to adjust the thermostat knob or to recalibrate the electronic range control if the oven is not reaching the right temperature.
- Clean filters make for a more efficient Dishwasher: Filters protect the pump and motor seals. Many dishwashers have a filter located under the spray arm, near the bottom of the appliance. The filter can get clogged with sediment from hard water, food residue, or even detergent build-up. It is important to check the condition of the filter to make sure it is intact, has no holes in the screen and if free of debris. If the filter has been damaged you can purchase an inexpensive replacement.
- Say goodbye to a smelly garbage disposal: If your kitchen doesn’t smell its best, check your garbage disposal. Food particles easily collect inside the disposal blades. The fact that you frequently run water through your disposal isn’t enough to prevent this collection of food debris. Freshen up a disposal by grinding half a lemon or lime.
Quick Fixes for Cooking Calamities
- Don’t have buttermilk? Use plain yogurt or thinned sour cream or creme fraiche instead. Or add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup mild and let stand 5 minutes.
- No dry bread crumbs? Just get some bread, tear it up into small chunks, saute in a skillet with a little butter until browned.
- No eggs? If its for baking, substitute 1/4 cup applesauce for 1 egg.
- No sweet potatoes for a casserole, soup or gratin-type dish? Use butternut squash or pumpkin
- No granulated sugar? For every 1 cup needed, use 3/4 cup confectiners’ sugar or 3/4 cup honey.
- No parchment paper? Use brown paper or waxed paper (not over high heat), or just grease and flour the pan.
- No kitchen twine to truss the turkey? Use unwaxed, unflavored dental floss.
Avoid the Plummer! Did you know the day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day for plumbers? You can avoid an emergency call to the plumber by following these DONT’S
- DON’T overload the garbage disposal with large amounts of starchy foods.
- DON’T place heavy foods like pasta, potatoes, rice or coffee grounds in the disposal.
- DON’T place stringy foods such as celery or rhubarb in the disposal; the strings are hard on the disposal blades. Use the garbage can instead! Better yet put them in the compost bin.
- DON’T dump grease directly down drain- it solidifies in the drain! That included poultry skins.
Welcome November and all things Turkey!
Earth Day! GREEN up that project and have some GREEN fun!
Earth Day is here and there are so many ways (big and small) that will “green up” your next project.
- Flooring: Bamboo grows quickly even without pesticides and, when assembled into flooring, is more durable that most hardwoods. This makes it a sustainable choice for you home. Concrete is another alternative and can incorporate recycled materials such as recycled glass to give it unique character.
- Countertops: Recycled- glass products are elegant and stylish and add a modern twist. These products are available in a variety of designs and colors. Concrete is another option.
- Bathtubs/sinks: If your bathtub or sink is in good condition, instead of buying a new one, get the current one refinished. Another alternative to buying new is to look for a replacement at a salvage yard.
- Driveways/walkways: consider installing a permeable driveway or walkway made of pavers, crushed stone or broken (recycled) concrete, which allows rainwater to seep through to the ground.
- Plumbing Fixtures: the latest low-flow fixtures not only look good but save significantly more water than those made even just a generation ago.
All of these improvements add to a homes’ value and livability, while also making it more attractive to buyers looking for earth friendly features in their next home. For more green remodeling ideas, visit www.seattle.gov/environment/buildings-and-energy/green-remodeling-guides
CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN THE GARDEN
Starting your own vegetable garden is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and provide healthy produce for you family. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started this year:
- Now is the time to get serious about planting especially given our mild winter and beginning of spring. Everything can go into the ground by now, except heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, corn and basil.
- Consider growing a little extra for you neighbors in need. Check with your local food bank to plan what to plant. Some food banks have limited refrigeration and need vegetables that keep well, such as carrots, beets, onions, squash and potatoes. They will also tell you when the best time to deliver your fresh contribution.
- Join with a couple of gardening friends or neighbors, and you can combine your efforts to benefit the food bank. You will make a bigger impact, and you can share the delivery job. Be sure to wash and bag the produce before you take it.
- Limited on space? Try container gardening. Most vegetables and herbs should fare well in a container as long as it provides enough room. Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, green beans, carrots and lettuce grow particularly well.
WATT’S UP WITH SOLAR POWER??
The cost of solar power has dropped over the last decade and may be within reach for many middle-class homeowners who previously were priced out. Here are a few things to consider when buying and selling a home with solar.
- Solar electric systems (photo-voltaic) systems perform well even in our region. The Puget Sound actually receives more sunlight than Germany, the world’s leading solar market.
- New research sponsored by the Department of Energy revealed that buyers were consistently willing to pay up to $15,000 more for a home with the average-size solar photo-voltaic system, versus a similar home without one.
- Be sure to check with your homeowners association (if you have one) to see if solar panels are allowed.
- If you’re having a home with solar appraised, make sure that an appraisal included the current value of the solar electric system in the estimate. It’s also a good idea to ask if your appraiser has experience in the “green valuation”
- The life expectancy of the current generation of solar panels in 20-25 years, and they require periodic cleaning to get the maximum output. Ask your solar installation technician for cleaning recommendations.
For more information on solar power, go to energy.gov, and in your community check with your local utilities district.
Go Enjoy this Earth day (week) with a few happenings
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival would be a great way to reflect on the beauty of our earth. Still here till the 30th. www.tulipfestival.org
24th – Arcade Lights Festival. www.pikeplacemarket.org
24-25th – LeMay Wine & Chocolate Affair www.lemaymarymount.org
24-26th – Cherry Blossum Festival www.seattlecenter.com
24-26th – Evergreen State Spring Carnival www.evergreenfair.org
Don’t forget Thursday April 23rd is take your Son’s and Daughters to work day and Friday is Arbor Day.
Enjoy your week whatever you do! 
The Bunny Line-Up around Snohomish County!
April 2, 2015
Each Spring as the tulips bloom millions of people in many countries, begin decorating hard boiled eggs. Not to mention filling plastic eggs with jelly beans, chocolate, marshmellow “peeps” and other candies. Ever wonder how decorated eggs come to be associated with Easter? Take a hop over to this site for the full run down.
And what would Easter be without an Easter Egg Hunt for those little bunnies? Below is a local rundown with links and a brief outline of lots of family fun. ** Note most of these are on Saturday.
The Snohomish Easter Parade, at 11:00 a.m. on First Street in Historic Downtown Snohomish. The only Easter Parade in Washington State!!. Keeping with tradition, the Snohomish County Tribune’s “Easter Bunny” will be leading the parade and welcoming the crowd to Snohomish.
New this year– The Snohomish Aquatic Center will be holding its first-ever underwater Easter egg hunt that afternoon. It will cost $6 per guest. Ages 0-4 will be able to participate at 4:15 p.m., ages 5-7 at 4:45 p.m., and ages 8-10 at 5:15 p.m. The Aquatic Center is located at 516 Maple Ave.
Everett Free Community Easter Egg Hunt – Check out there Facebook page and they are still looking for volunteers to hide eggs.
Arlington Easter Egg Hunt- The city of Arlington’s free annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place at the Arlington Airport Field on April 4 at 11 a.m. The field is next to the Stillaguamish Athletic Club and families should enter from 51st Avenue and 172nd Street.
Marysville Easter Egg Hunt- Marysville’s free Easter egg hunt takes place at Jennings Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 4.
Click here for more information on either of these
The Mill Creek Community Association presents an easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. at Heron Park, 2701 155th St. SE. The event is for MCCA kids 10 and under.
Easter Hop-A-Long Saturday, April 4 2015 at the Park Ridge Community Church 3805 Malty Rd. Bothell. Full family event; 10,000 easter egg hunt, concert, breakfast, lunch vendors and a 5k run to benefit local foster kids.
Monroe- The 18th Annual Monroe Community Easter Egg Hunt – will be held on Saturday, April 4th, 2015 at Lake Tye Park.
Brier- Egg Hunt at Brier Park
The Great Easter Egg Hunt at Edmonds
And depending on if you have time before and after here are some great “hunts” all around the Puget Sound Region and lots of fun ideas, thoughts and information on Easter.
Hope you have the Luck of the Irish today~
Did you know? St. Patrick wasn’t Irish. (His parents were Roman citizens living in either Scotland or Wales.)
- He was kidnapped & sold as a slave at age 16. After escaping six years later, he joined a monastery in England.
- March 17 is the date of St. Patrick’s death, not his birth. He died in 461 A.D.
- The color originally associated with St. Patrick is blue, not green.
- The harp, not the shamrock, is the national symbol of Ireland.
Well this holiday may not be true to history and most likely Americanized but, we still like to have fun and celebrate! If your are you looking to get out on this very green day check out this Snohomish County lineup of food fun and of course beer! All Irish of course.
Be safe, have fun and may the luck of the Irish always be with you!
Countdown to Christmas and spotlight on homes~ December 23rd
Wow can you believe we are here the 23rd of December? I hope you have enjoyed our home/holiday countdown and all the different homes around the cities of Snohomish County. Today is the last 3 cities I will showcase.
Sultan $292,950 Quality new construction! This open concept plan offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large kitchen with tile countertops & full-height backsplash and stainless appliances. Laminate hardwood floors, fireplace, huge master with 5-piece bath. Enjoy covered front AND back porches and so much more! Located in Wildwood Trails, surrounded by lush trees, walking trails, community parks, and beautiful mountain views. Completion early 2015! What I love to see is Sultan is growing. I just sold a town home to a first time home buyer there and she is so excited to have her first Christmas in her own home. Not far from Monroe and still a bit out in the country these new homes are sure to please.
Woodway~ $1,025,000. This desirable Murray-Franklin home welcomes you w/soaring ceilings. The main floor features an open floor plan with formal living room, dining room, den/office, and family room off the gourmet kitchen. The main floor master suite boasts travertine marble in the luxurious bathroom, spacious walk-in closet, and garden views. A dramatic staircase leads to three bedrooms, a large bonus room, and lots of natural light comes in from the skylights and the floor to ceiling gabled windows.
Tulalip~$410,000 Spacious 4 BR rambler on 2+ level acres w/terrific 2400 asf shop! Majestic mountain views, equestrian pasture, RV storage, gazebo & fire pit, 50 year metal roof, wrap around porch & privacy, too, all on a wonderful corner lot. Inside features a beautiful country kitchen w/ss appliances, formal living/dining, warm family rm w/cozy fp, recent luxurious mstr suite addition, A/C, PUD energy pkg w/extra insulation, vaulted ceilings & 2344 sqft. Deeded Land!!
Holidays~In thinking of events and tips to give you on this last full day before Christmas I think you don’t need anymore shopping ideas or things to do. So my tip, and really a thought, is for everyone is just have a wonderful, safe and joyous Christmas. Love each other and spend as much time together as you can. Its not always easy I know but, we just lost our beloved dog last week very suddenly and it hit us how fast life changes so I say~ love and embrace each other and don’t take anything for granted.
www.snohomishcountyhomesinc.com
Countdown to Christmas and spotlight on homes~ December 21st
You know I never thought Index was an actual city in Snohomish County I thought more of a town and was surprised to see in the Snohomish County list of cities. I would have thought I would see Maltby before I saw Index. Well you learn something every day!
INDEX- $79,000-4.3 Acres of beautiful forestry surrounds this outdoorsmens retreat. newer metal roof, carpet and floors. Minutes away-walking distance to Skykomish River waterfalls and close to Stevens pass ski resort. Bring your imagination & make this cabin your own.
Holidays~ Kid friendly Christmas jokes.
A definition of Christmas:
The time when everyone gets “Santa”-mental.
What’s red, white and blue at Christmas time?
A sad candy cane!
What did one Christmas cracker say to the other Christmas cracker?
My POP is bigger than yours!
Knock Knock.
Who’s there?
Donut.
Donut who?
Donut open ’til Christmas!
What do you call an elf who steals gift wrap from the rich and gives it to the poor?
Ribbon Hood!
What comes at the end of Christmas Day?
The letter “Y”!
What do angry mice send to each other in December?
Cross mouse cards!
What’s the difference between the Christmas alphabet and the ordinary alphabet?
The Christmas alphabet has “no EL”!
What did Adam say on the day before Christmas?
It’s Christmas, Eve!
What happens if you eat too many Christmas decorations?
You get “Tinsel”-itis!
“Do you ever buy any Christmas Seals?”
“No, I wouldn’t know how to feed them.”
What is the best key to get at Christmas?
A turkey!
What’s the best thing to give your parents for Christmas?
A list of everything you want!
Why is it so cold at Christmas?
Because it’s in Decembrrrr!
What kind of Christmas tree comes from Hawaii?
“O Tanning Palms”!
What do wild animals sing at Christmastime?
Jungle bells, jungle bells, jungle all the way!
What’s the favourite Christmas Carol of new parents?
Silent Night!
Where do mistletoe go to become famous?
“Holly” wood!
What did one Christmas light say to the other Christmas light?
You light me up!
Countdown to Christmas and spotlight on homes~ December 18th
Darrington- $175,000~Price reduction on this remodeled rambler! This is a move in ready home with 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. Custom cabinets, new counter tops w/glass backsplash. New windows, floor coverings such as tile in the kitchen, new carpet in the bedrooms, beautiful laminate in the living room, dining room, & entry. The bathrooms have new vanities w/granite. Glass slider to large deck which looks out to an unobstructed view of Whitehorse Mt. Yard is fully fenced w/RV parking and alley access. Close to schools.
Holidays~ We love to have fun and enjoy ourselves on the holidays and sometimes that means we over do it. I am in awe of a local tow company and what they are doing to help this Holiday Season if you have a “bit too much” No one has any excuse do drink and drive. If you need them they are there and please pass it around!!
This is from their Facebook page– “Good evening friends, I am sad to report that the last few weekends we have seen a huge up swing in DUI’S, And we here at American towing have a VERY firm stance and on driving impaired, DON’T! Now through the first of the year, on every Friday and Saturday night, as well as Christmas eve, and New Years eve, 8 pm thru 3am, if you have had too much to drink, we will tow your car home FREE OF CHARGE, this is good from Marysville to Lynnwood, please, there is no excuse, DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE, we ask that if you can afford to, tip the driver, as they are donating their time to get people home safe, please feel free to share this! American towing, 425 355 7212.
