Tips on how to Prepare your Fireplace for the Season

Don’t Play With Fire This Winter 

Whether you have a wood burning or gas fireplace it is important to properly prepare them for the fall and winter seasons to ensure both their functionality and your safety.

Napoleon Fireplaces (www.napoleonfireplaces.com) have provided some helpful tips to consider when preparing your fireplace for the season. Most of the simple inspections and cleaning can be done by the average homeowner, however, if you have any doubt at all, contact your local fireplace installer or chimney sweep. 

Wood Burning:

·                     Have the chimney cleaned before starting your wood burning fireplace, stove or insert. The leading cause of fires from wood burning appliances is the result of creosote (unburned fuel) that has accumulated in the chimney. 

·                     Have any gasket material inspected and replaced as required, such as the gasket sealing the door, the door glass and in some cases the ash dump. If an airtight appliance is operated without these gaskets effectively sealing the openings, excess air can leak into the firebox creating an over fire condition, which may permanently damage the appliance.

·                     Clean the blower if your wood burning appliance is equipped with one.  Unlike your furnace blower, these blowers do not have a filtering system to prevent the buildup of dust and hair on the blower. 

·                     Replace any broken or deteriorated brick lining in the wood burning appliance. While cracks in the lining are not a concern, if the brick lining is deteriorated to the point that the steel body is exposed, the heat from the fire can cause permanent damage to the appliance.

  

·                     Replace the batteries and test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors you have in your home to ensure these defense monitors are operating properly.

Gas Burning:

·                     Have the appliance serviced by a qualified technician. A properly maintained fireplace can look as new as the day it was installed and a proper cleaning can help prevent permanent damages from occurring. Even the glass must be cleaned annually to keep it looking clear. Although gas fireplaces appear to be maintenance free, like a car engine, these combustion systems are affected by problems such as dust and insects which will impair performance. The airways of both the pilot and main burners should be regularly cleaned to ensure that they are operating correctly and a general inspection of the entire system including the safety controls is also beneficial. 

·                     Clean the blower if your gas burning appliance is equipped with one. Unlike your furnace blower, these blowers do not have a filtering system to prevent the buildup of dust and hair on the blower. As the dust accumulates on the blower blades, the balance of the blower will change causing premature wearing of the bearings. The dust also insulates the motor; preventing it from being cooled and can eventually cause the motor to cease up.

·                     Replace the batteries in any optional remote transmitters and in some cases, in the receiver as well. Even when not being used the power held in a battery is slowly depleted.

·                     Replace the batteries and test any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors you have in your home to ensure these defense monitors are operating properly.

About Napoleon

 It all began in 1976 when a small steel fabrication business launched by Wolfgang Schroeter started manufacturing steel railings in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. At that time, no one could imagine the incredible future that lay ahead for Wolf Steel Ltd. and eventually Napoleon^® Fireplaces and Napoleon^® Gourmet Grills.

 Since the first wood stove rolled off the production line more than 35 years ago, WolfSteel’s commitment was to be distinctive and successful in everything they do. Napoleon’s commitment to producing quality products combined with honest, reliable service has proven to be successfulframework to ensuring the continued rapid growth of the company. Napoleon^® is an ISO9001 - 2008 registered company and now operates with 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space and employs more than 1,000associates.

 Napoleon^® is North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of quality wood and gas fireplaces (inserts and stoves), gourmet gas and charcoal grills, outdoor living products and a complete line of Heating & Cooling equipment. Napoleon has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies, an annual distinction sponsored by CIBC World Markets, Deloitte, The National Post, Queen’s School of Business and CEO Forum.

Home security tips for after-school safety

With school now in session, many children may be coming home to an empty house and as a parent, there are several precautions you can take to ease your worries while they’re home alone.

Weiser, manufacturers of innovative, high quality and secure door locksets, recommend simple, common sense home security when it comes to keeping your home safe.

“On average, more than 50 percent of home break-ins are through an unlocked door,” said Steve Kolobaric, Marketing Manager, Weiser. “Keeping your door locked is an easy step you can take, whether you’re inside or outside of the house. With a few other proactive steps, you can add an additional layer of security and comfort for you and your children.”

Weiser suggests the following security tips to help keep your home safe this September when your kids are coming home after school: 

Stay in touch - Ask your children to check in as soon as they arrive home or leave the house.  Staying connected, despite the distance, ensures that you know their whereabouts at all times and they know you’re always just a phone call, email or text message away.

Install a keyless door lock - A lockset that doesn’t require a key, which can be easily lost, makes your children’s lives easier. The SmartCode 10 Touchscreen lets you or your children into the house by inputting an easy four to eight digit code, while the Kevo Smart Lock can open the door with a smartphone. If your child doesn’t have a smartphone, you can put a Kevo key fob in his or her backpack, which will allow them to simply touch the keyhole to open the door.

Have a routine - When your child comes home, make sure they turn on the lights and make it look like someone is home. Burglars like unoccupied homes so ifthey see that someone is around they are more likely to move along. It’s also important to talk to your children in advance about what to do when the phone rings or if someone comes to the door. 

Lock up items not friendly for kids - Make sure chemicals, cleaners, tools, razor blades and other items not kid-friendly are not left out in the open or get locked away. Consider using a Smartkey Padlock to lock up these dangerous objects, or tokeep your valuables safe from unwelcomed home visitors. The padlocks are bump proof and pick resistant, protect against pry and hammer attacks as well assawing and cutting so when no one is home, the items will remain safely locked up and secure.

Keep kids connected - Post a list of important numbers by the telephone, including parents’ work and cell phone, the doctor's office and a neighbor or a nearby relative who can comeover to help your children quickly if they need it.

Lock up – Before leaving the house in the morning, make sure all doors and windows, including those on the second floor, are locked. If you have a sliding backdoor, place a rod in the track to keep it securely closed. If you have an alarm system, practice arming and de-arming it with your children. Most burglars are looking for an easy target when the homeowner isn’t home and the best line of defense is simply keeping your home locked up.

To learn more about Weiser, visit www.weiserlock.com, like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @weiserlock.

About Spectrum Brands

HHI is a division of Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPB). Spectrum Brands is a global, diversified consumer products company and a leading supplier of consumer batteries, residential locksets, residential builders’ hardware and faucets, shaving and grooming products, personal care products, small household appliances, specialty pet supplies,lawn and garden and home pest control products, and personal insect repellents. Spectrum Brands had net sales of approximately $4.43 billion in fiscal 2014, employs over 13,500 employees worldwide and sells to the top 25 global retailers with products in more than one million stores.

Hoover Floormate Steamscrub Review

Running a household can be a challenge even for just a couple or small family, when you have a family as wild and crazy as mine with a mini backyard farm things can get very messy. I need products that not only clean but can destroy all the nasty germs that all the small creatures create. The Hoover Floormate Steamscrub does that and much more.

This bad boy does windows, carpets, floors, and every nook and cranny in between. I have done my laminate flooring and it works fantastic and I used it on the grout in my bathroom and it turned out amazing.  

This has to be one of the most versatile and useful products I have ever used in my household cleaning. If your looking for a multi functioning mop that exceeds expectations than this is the product for you. Look for it in your local Walmart, Home Hardware, as well as many other Hoover dealer locations. 
** I received this product free to provide my review, no other compensation was made and all opinions are my own.

Back To School Anxiety Survival Tips

DO YOUR CHILDREN HAVE BACK TO SCHOOL ANXIETY?

 NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST DR. SANAM HAFEEZ PROVIDES TIPS FOR PARENTS TO EASE BACK TO SCHOOL JITTERS

Did you know that anxiety issues are the most common mental health disorders in children? There are an estimated 18 million children and teens who suffer from anxiety. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 25 percent of teenagers have issues of anxiety, and the statistics don't take into account the young people who are undiagnosed or don't reach out for help. (credit sheknows.com)  Because the start of a new school year can trigger or worsen anxiety in stressed-out children and teens, NYC Licensed Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez offers the following tips for parents to help ease back-to-school anxiety for their kids.

Start Early

Over the summer, most families take their cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may be tempting to keep the late-night fun going up until the end, starting your school routine a few weeks early can help ease the transition back to school. Starting two to three weeks before the advent of school, begin going to bed and getting up close to when you need to for school, and try to eat on a more regular schedule as well. This advice isn’t just for little kids -- teens and adults need quality sleep for proper functioning as well, and getting your schedule straight now will help ensure that you all start the school year off more prepared and don’t feel as much anxiety over the advent of that first day.

Give your child a preview

Talk to your child about what they’re going to be doing in the upcoming school year. If your child is starting school for the first time, see if there’s a kindergarten orientation or a way to meet their teacher before school begins. Whether they’re starting a new elementary school or going back to the same one, go explore it with your child. Review where their class will be, visit the cafeteria, the library or the art room. Take them to the playground (with a friend who’ll be going to their school, if possible) to help them get adjusted and feel comfortable at the school. Give your child a “preview” of the new faces and places they’ll be seeing. This can help to “right size” the school in your child’s mind and take the fear and mystery out of it.

Shopping together for school supplies

Shopping together for school supplies, and using the shopping trip as a time to talk about what to expect at school, can be a healthy way to keep a child talking. Parents should also try to connect their child with future classmates. “If a child knows someone who is going to be in the same classroom, that can greatly reduce their apprehension and fear of the unknown,” says Dr. Hafeez.

Facilitate friendships.

Help prepare kids for school-year socializing by arranging a couple of playdates with classmates and reminding them that they’ll be seeing their familiar school friends again soon.

Talk up the positives

Field trips, old friends, new classes, sporting events, after-school activities. There’s plenty to get fired up about! Remind your child and the enthusiasm will be contagious.

Sick of School-Literally

Nervousness over heading back to class can make kids feel sick. They may complain of stomachaches, headaches, nausea and dizziness, especially on Sunday evenings after feeling well all weekend. If you observe potential symptoms of stress as the start of school approaches, Dr. Hafeez  suggests having a candid conversation with your child. “Don’t just accept ‘fine’ if you ask your child, ‘How are you?’ or, ‘How was your day?’ Ask questions that can't be answered ‘yes or no,’ like, ‘How do you feel about going back to school?’ Then, let them talk, and don't try to fix what they say.”

When anxiety about school “masks” something else

Kids of any age who don’t want to go to school, or avoid it, may be doing so because of a specific issue beyond general anxiety, worry or depression, notes Dr. Hafeez.  “Children who are bullied or teased often become anxious about going to school, and if the problem is not addressed, the anxiety will continue along with a host of other problems,” she says. “Similarly, children who are avoiding school may be doing so because school is hard for them — school anxiety many times emerges just before a child is diagnosed with a learning difficulty.”

Sanam Hafeez Psy.D

New York State Licensed Neuropsychologist and School Psychologist 

www.comprehendthemind.com

Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a New York City based Neuro-psychologist and School Psychologist.  She is also the founder and director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C.  She is currently a teaching faculty member at Columbia University.

Dr. Hafeez graduated from Queens College, CUNY with a BA in psychology.  She then went on to earn her Master of Science in Psychology at Hofstra University.  Following that she stayed at Hofstra to receive her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) She later completed her post-doctoral training in Neuropsychology and Developmental Pediatrics at Coney Island Hospital.

Dr. Hafeez’s provides neuropsychological educational and developmental evaluations in her practice.  She also works with children and adults who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, autism, attention and memory problems, trauma and brain injury, abuse, childhood development and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…) In addition, Dr. Hafeez serves as a medical expert and expert witness by providing full evaluations and witness testimony to law firms and courts.

Dr. Hafeez immigrated to the United States from Pakistan when she was twelve years old.  She is fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi (Pakistani and Indian languages.) She resides in Queens, New York with her husband and twin boys.

Norpro Product Review & Delicious Confetti Square Recipe

Anyone who enjoys cooking, baking, or food in general knows that quality products produce exquisite kitchen creations. Baking and cooking can be one of the best ways to bring the family together for quality time and joyful memories, I know my kids and I absolutely love working in the kitchen together. When I'm baking one of the biggest problems I have faced is having my beautiful cookies stick to the pan and get completely destroyed, this problem can be solved by using parchment paper but what a wasteful product it can be, and pricey if you bake a lot. Completely ditch the parchment and check out this awesome product!

Norpro's Silpro baking sheet liner can withstand the high heat of baking and your creations will never stick again. Burning is a thing of the past with this amazing baking sheet, each and every cookie comes out perfect. 

Baking is simply impossible if you don't have the proper measurements. Norpro creates numerous different measuring tools to get the job done precisely and perfectly. These high quality cups will last for years and years, so long in fact that you will probably pass them along the family for generations. Get your baking done with the best tools available to you, find Norpro products on Amazon, as well as numerous brick and mortar stores like Target, Walmart, and much more. If you are looking to wholesale or have any questions regarding the products they carry visit their website here: venturesintl.com

Use your fantastic Norpro products to create these delicious confetti squares!

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup margarine
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 package butterscotch chips
• 3 cups colored mini marshmallows

1. Line your baking pan with a Norpro Silpro baking sheet liner. Add margarine, peanut butter, and butterscotch chips to a large saucepan on medium heat. 

2. Slowly melt the ingredients and then let them cook together stirring constantly for five minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Let the mixture cool for at least 10 mins and then stir in the mini marshmallows. Place the pan of treats in the fridge and let cool for at least 2 hours before enjoying your delicious creation. 

Candide 3 in 1 Multi Relax Nursing Pillow

Staying comfortable while your pregnant can be the ultimate struggle, it seems no matter which position you turn to there is always an ache or a pain that you can't escape. Having 3 kids I know just how terrible the feeling can be, but if you have a high quality pillow to position yourself you can actually achieve a comfort level that you desire. 

Now that I am done having kids my body aches in ways that remind me of being pregnant, just sitting on the couch to watch a movie or prop myself up in bed can be a struggle for any sort of comfort. Thanks to the lush coziness of the Candide 3 in 1 I can now sit or lay down for an entire movie without constantly adjusting positions, it is the best product ever!

If I was to have another baby this pillow would be number one on my wishlist, it is the first convertible maternity/nursing pillow brought to market and it is by far one of the most thoughtful creations I have ever come across. It is perfect for comfort during pregnancy, there is nothing worse then trying to prop up a giant baby bump in a position that doesn't make you have to pee. Its is the most comfortable nursing pillow I have ever felt, soft and velvety and filled with beads similar to a bean bag chair. And last but not least it is the perfect substitute for those crazy bouncy chairs,your baby will fall asleep and stay sleeping surrounded by the comfort of the Candide 3 in 1. 

You can visit them here: http://www.candidebaby.com/our-product-range/comfort/multirelax/ to find out more and you can purchase your own at select Sears Canada stores, also available in other parts of the world.

Get Your Hunting License - Study Online

I grew up with a family of hunters and fishers, we always had game meat around my house and it was a great way to grow up, we saved  ton of money by stocking our freezer with healthy, delicious, game meat. I have a love for wildlife and see hunting and fishing as a way to provide for my family while enjoying a very exciting and fun filled sport. So it comes as no surprise that I just passed my CORE and obtained my hunting license. 

But how do you manage to get your CORE when you have kids at home and have little to no time to take a course? I did a home study program by www.huntercourse.com, it cost $80 and I completed the course with fantastic grades. The beauty of this online course is you can do it at your own pace when you have time, instead of having to go to a class at a specific time. Most parents don't have that luxury. Once you complete your course you will be able to book your exam and get your license.

Huntercourse.com is an excellent way to learn CORE, the program is laid out in simple and easy to understand formats and includes illustrations, videos, and a quiz after each chapter to ensure your learning.  A few tips for your exam, know your bird identification, read or know how to use your hunting and trapping synopsis, for your practical exam you need to know safe handling of firearms and know your ammunition. These are extremely important parts of the test.

Since I am going to be a bow hunter and have a crossbow I am now able to hunt with my license after I buy tags, but if you are looking at hunting with firearms you will also need your PAL (possession and acquisition license). You are required to have your CORE to get a hunting license so if your interested I highly recommend Huntercourse.com. 

I am now a proud PAL owner and have been for about 7 years now, getting your firearms license is super exciting and you can buy new guns regularly to add to your collection. I now have 4 rifles, a shotgun, and a crossbow. You can sign up for the course online and take the test the next day, once you pass you can buy long rifles and ammunition anywhere. You can also get your restricted which allows for handgun purchases but with all the new regulations and restrictions in place and coming out each day there is no point. 
 

Make a Minion Party Craft

My son has chosen to have a Minions birthday party this year. Who wouldn't? They are all the rage right now and I look forward to seeing the movie.

When planning party activities I always like to include a craft of some kind if I can. So this year we are going to make minions.

All you need is big pieces of project paper which can be found at dollar stores or Walmart for .50 to 1.00 each. Then you just cut strips about 3-4 inches wide and then cut those directly in half.

Using a glue gun you can now begin assembling the rolls. Take a yellow and blue strip and place them together with just an inch of yellow poking out above the blue. Glue them together and then roll them to the shape of a toilet paper roll. Glue it together and let dry.

Now you should have little minion colored rolls. All you need to do now is shape their heads, I just took my scissors and rounded the corners to look more like round minion heads.

Get together markers, glue, googly eyes, glitter etc. set up a little craft table and let the kids decorate their own minions. I think its going to be a big hit, kids love creating and taking things home.

Crepes With Strawberry Sauce

Fresh strawberries are growing all around us and if you love them as much as I do you will truly appreciate this recipe.

Crepes

• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs 
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp vanilla

Start by combining milk, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter. Mix with a whisk until well combined. 

Add flour, salt, and sugar and mix until smooth. 

Pour batter onto a heated non stick pan a ladle full at a time. Tilt the frying pan until the batter forms a thin layer all around the bottom of the pan. 

Flip after one minute and continue cooking for another minute. Set crepes aside. 

Strawberry Sauce

• 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and cook on medium with the lid on. Stir occasionally until the strawberries begin to soften. Once the strawberries are soft take them off the heat. 

Mash the berries with a potato masher if u want chunky sauce or with a immersion blender for a smoother sauce. Let cool and enjoy! 

Ketchup Recipe

Ketchup has to be one of the most used condiments in our home. We love it on everything, now that summer is here we can use fresh tomatoes from the garden to make fresh, healthy, ketchup. By making your own ketchup u can save quite a bit.

Ketchup

•  24 large tomatoes peeled, chopped, cored
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seed
• 1 tsp mustard seed
• 1 tsp whole allspice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp paprika

In a large pot combine tomatoes, onion, and pepper and cook on medium heat until soft. Sieve the vegetables into the pot until you have a puree. 

Cook the puree on high until it is thick and reduced by half. 

Cut a 10 cm square of cheesecloth and place the celery seed, mustard seed, allspice, and cinnamon stick in the center of the bag and tie up all four corners to create a tight bag. 

Add the spice bag, brown sugar, and salt into tomato puree. Cook on low for 25 mins. 

Add the cider vinegar and paprika. Continue cooking stirring frequently until the mixture is thick. 

Now u can begin the canning process by pouring your ketchup into jars. Use a hot water bath and ensure a tight seal. Cool, label and store for up to one year. Ketchup will be ready to eat in one week. 

Enjoy the fruits of your labour and save a ton of money by using up all your tomatoes!